bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Duplex Ultrasound in Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer and Localization for Biopsy
Authors: Yazdaninia Iman , Olyaei Abolhassan Shakeri Bavil , Jalili Javad , Rezaei Hasan Mohammad , Zarrintan Armin
Published: December 2018

Background: Prostate cancer is a common malignancy among men and is one of major problem of health care system. Ultrasonography is useful, safe, and available method for evaluation of prostate problem. The aim of present study was to evaluate the role of duplex ultrasound in diagnosis of prostate cancer and localization for biopsy. Methods & Materials: In a descriptive analytical study, 27 patients with increased level of PSA, who were referred to ultrasonography ward of Imam Reza Hospital for prostate biopsy, were included in the study and examined with color doppler and duplex ultrasonography. Biopsy was done for all patients using transrectal guided ultrasonography. Resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), prostate volume, and pathology findings of biopsy, were evaluated. Results: Among 27 patients, 12 patients (44.4%) had prostate cancer and 15 patients (55.6%) had benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In evaluation of RI & PI in prostate arteries, there were no significant differences between patients with malignancy and patients with BPH (P>0.05). Mean volume of prostate in patient with prostate cancer was 36.56±3.13 ml and in patients with BPH was 54.76±5.42 ml. Mean volume of prostate in patients with BPH was significantly more than patients with prostate cancer (P=0.020). Conclusion: Based on the findings of present study; there is no significant correlation between vascular features of prostate arteries and prostate malignancy, and volume of prostate in patients with BPH was significantly higher than patients with prostate cancer.
Nurses Beliefs And Attitudes Towards Visiting Policy In The Intensive Care Units Of Ghanaian Hospitals
Authors: Yakubu Yakubu H. , Esmaeilie Maryam , Navab Elham
Published: December 2018

Background: Research and evidence supporting open and liberalized visiting policy has resulted in many hospitals adopting these policies. But, ICU nurses’ beliefs and attitudes about flexible and open visiting policy vary. Hence open visitation has not always been implemented by nurses who are the ward owners. It is vital to evaluate nurses’ beliefs about and attitudes towards visiting policy. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted in 4 public hospitals in Ghana, with a sample of 140 nurses. Data were collected with a validated scale – BAVIQ to assess the nurses’ beliefs and attitudes toward visitation. Results: Generally, nurses’ preferred restricted visiting policy based on their attitudes however, the beliefs of nurses about visiting policy were skeptical (neither agree nor disagree). The study also showed a meaningful relationship between nurses’ beliefs and their sex (p=0.02), experience (p= 0.00), educational level (p= 0.00), employment status (p=0.00) and executive position (p=0.00). It also indicated a meaningful relationship between nurses’ attitudes and their sex (p=0.00), experience (p=0.00), educational level (p=0.00), and executive position (p=0.00). Chi - square was used to compute the test. Conclusions: Based on the findings, ICU nurses’ beliefs and attitudes toward visitation support the universal concern of restricted visiting policy in Ghana. These are important factors in the implementation of flexible visiting policy in the intensive care units; the beneficial effects of open visiting policy for the nurse, the patient and the family because it enhances patient centered care and optimal health. Therefore the need for drafting a protocol and guidelines for intensive care units visiting policy in Ghana is recommended. A qualitative research in specific areas of visiting policy is recommended.
The Most Accurate Method for Measurement of Mitral Valve Area in Mitral Stenosis by Direct Planimetery Three Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography (3D TEE)
Authors: Toufan Mehrnoush , Aghdam Naser Khezerlouy
Published: December 2018

DEAR EDITOR,Three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a powerful tool for assessment of mitral valve area with multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) or direct planimetery in patients with rheumatic mitral valve stenosis. Two dimensional transthorasic echocardiography (2D TTE) is a well-known conventional method in these patients which is used routinely. This method is less accurate than 3D TEE because mitral valve is saddle shaped and 2D images cannot image this valve correctly [1-7]. Exact method for 3D mitral valve area measurement is not determined yet and MPR was used as an accurate method. Direct planimetery by 3D TEE emerged as a novel method to evaluate mitral valve area with least variability [8].
Emotional Intelligence in Emergency Medicine Residents
Authors: Bagi Hamid Reza Morteza , Gaffarzad Amir , Farahi Golshan
Published: December 2018

Background and aims: Education of life skills and control of emotions during stressful periods are one of the essential needs of human being, Social intelligence in emergency medicine assistants in first-line is important to communicate properly with clients to provide health services and proper stress control. Material and Methods: In this study, 35 emergency medicine assistants completed the “Aung Tun Thet” questionnaire in two steps before and after communication skills education workshops, and the results were compared before and after the test. Results: There was statistically significant difference between before and after the workshop on social intelligence assistants. There wasn’t significant difference between the emotional intelligence of female and male. The social intelligence of emergency medicine assistants increased with age, which shows the positive correlation of age with social intelligence. Also, married had higher social intelligence than single people before and after the workshop. Conclusion: The overall result of the study showed that, after holding workshop, the social intelligence and communication skills of emergency medicine assistants increased significantly.
Characterization of a new physical phantom for testing rigid and deformable image registration
Authors: Wu Richard Y. , Liu Amy Y. , Wisdom Paul , Zhu Xiaorong Ronald , Frank Steven J. , Fuller Clifton D. , Gunn Gary Brandon , Palmer Matthew B. , Wages Cody A. , Gillin Michael T. , Yang Jinzhong
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this study was to describe a new user‐friendly, low‐cost phantom that was developed to test the accuracy of rigid and deformable image registration (DIR) systems and to demonstrate the functional efficacy of the new phantom. The phantom was constructed out of acrylic and includes a variety of inserts that simulate different tissue shapes and properties. It can simulate deformations and location changes in patient anatomy by changing the rotations of both the phantom and the inserts. CT scans of this phantom were obtained and used to test the rigid and deformable registration accuracy of the Velocity software. Eight rotation and translation scenarios were used to test the rigid registration accuracy, and 11 deformation scenarios were used to test the DIR accuracy. The mean rotation accuracies in the X‐Y (axial) and X‐Z (coronal) planes were 0.50° and 0.13°, respectively. The mean translation accuracy was 1 mm in both the X and Y direction and was tested in soft tissue and bone. The DIR accuracies for soft tissue and bone were 0.93 (mean Dice similarity coefficient), 8.3 and 4.5 mm (mean Hausdouff distance), 0.95 and 0.79 mm (mean distance), and 1.13 and 1.12 (mean volume ratio) for soft tissue content (DTE oil) and bone, respectively. The new phantom has a simple design and can be constructed at a low cost. This phantom will allow DIR systems to be effectively and efficiently verified to ensure system performance.
The metabolome as a biomarker of mortality risk in the common marmoset
Authors: Hoffman Jessica M. , Ross Corinna , Tran ViLinh , Promislow Daniel E.L. , Tardif Suzette , Jones Dean P.
Published: December 2018

Recently, the common marmoset has been proposed as a non‐human primate model of aging. Their short lifespan coupled with pathologies that are similar to humans make them an ideal model to understand the genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors that influence aging and longevity. However, many of the underlying physiological changes that occur with age in the marmoset are unknown. Here, we attempt to determine if individual metabolites are predictive of future death and to recapitulate past metabolomic results after a change in environment (move across the country) was imposed on a colony of marmosets. We first determined that low levels of tryptophan metabolism metabolites were associated with risk of death in a 2‐year follow‐up in the animals, suggesting these metabolites may be used as future biomarkers of mortality. We also discovered that betaine metabolism and methionine metabolism are associated with aging regardless of environment for the animals, or of metabolomic assay technique. These two metabolic pathways are therefore of particular interest to examine as future targets for health and lifespan extending interventions. Many of the pathways associated with age in our first study of marmoset metabolomics were not found to have significant age effects in our second study, suggesting more work is needed to understand the reproducibility of large scale metabolomic studies in mammalian models. Overall, we were able to show that while several metabolomics markers show promise in understanding health and lifespan relationships with aging, it is possible that choice of technique for assay and reproducibility in these types of studies are still issues that need to be examined further.
Analysis of methyldopa in the presence of phenylephrine using electrocatalytic effect of a ferrocene derivative at a surface of feather like La3+/ZnO nano‐flowers modified carbon paste electrode
Authors: Pourtaheri Ehsan , Taher Mohammad Ali , Beitollahi Hadi , Hosseinzadeh Rahman
Published: December 2018

The purpose of the present study was to introduce a newly designed approach for simultaneous determination of methyldopa and phenylephrine using modified carbon paste electrode with feather like La3+/ZnO nano‐flowers and N‐(ferrocenylmethylidene) fluoren‐2‐amine (La3+/ZnONFMF2ACPE). According to the results from the electrochemical experiments, oxidation current of methyldopa on the modified electrode surface was incremented and its oxidation occurred at a potential about 110 mV less positive than that of an unmodified carbon paste electrode. A linear response was observed for the electrode at different methyldopa concentrations (0.2 to 500.0 μM). The existence of phenylephrine did not induce any change in the modified electrode sensitivity to methyldopa, indicating that they could be measured simultaneously or independently. Real human body samples were used to test our technique efficacy in detecting methyldopa and phenylephrine.
Sonochemical synthesis of a two‐dimensional supramolecular polymer with nanoporous morphology, linear thallophilic and covalent hydrogen‐bonding interactions
Authors: Yusefi Sahar , Akhbari Kamran , White Jonathan , Phuruangrat Anukorn
Published: December 2018

A new thallium‐based supramolecular polymer [Tl(μ3–3‐HClb)(μ3–3‐Clb)]n(1), (3‐HClb = 3‐chloroperbenzoic acid), has been synthesized and structurally characterized by single crystal X‐ray crystallography. It has a two‐dimensional structure with linear thallophilic and covalent hydrogen‐bonding interactions. In order to evaluate the effects of concentration, ultrasonic irradiation and type of solvents on structure, morphology and thermal behavior of1, some experiments were designed, and eight samples of1were synthesized under different conditions. These samples were characterized by IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses, X‐ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.
An Expert Derived Feedforward Histology Module Improves Pattern Recognition Efficiency in Novice Students
Authors: Koury Hannah F. , Leonard Carly J. , Carry Patrick M. , Lee Lisa M. J.
Published: December 2018

Histology is a visually oriented, foundational anatomical sciences subject in professional health curricula that has seen a dramatic reduction in educational contact hours and an increase in content migration to a digital platform. While the digital migration of histology laboratories has transformed histology education, few studies have shown the impact of this change on visual literacy development, a critical competency in histology. The objective of this study was to assess whether providing a video clip of an expert’s gaze while completing leukocyte identification tasks would increase the efficiency and performance of novices completing similar identification tasks. In a randomized study, one group of novices (n = 9) was provided with training materials that included expert eye gaze, while the other group (n = 12) was provided training materials with identical content, but without the expert eye gaze. Eye movement parameters including fixation rate and total scan path distance, and performance measures including time‐to‐task‐completion and accuracy, were collected during an identification task assessment. Compared to the control group, the average fixation duration was 13.2% higher (P < 0.02) and scan path distance was 35.0% shorter in the experimental group (P = 0.14). Analysis of task performance measures revealed no significant difference between the groups. These preliminary results suggest a more efficient search performed by the experimental group, indicating the potential efficacy of training using an expert’s gaze to enhance visual literacy development. With further investigation, such feedforward enhanced training methods could be utilized for histology and other visually oriented subjects.
Experimental and Computational Studies of Dissociation Behavior and Structures of [M·pSer]+ (M = Li, Na, Ag, Rb, and Cs) Complexes
Authors: Patel Urmi , Shin Joong‐Won
Published: December 2018

Complexes of metal monocations and phosphoserine (pSer) were generated by electrospray ionization (ESI), and were subjected to collision‐induced dissociation (CID). The primary fragmentation pathways of [Li·pSer]+, [Na·pSer]+, and [Ag·pSer]+ are dephosphorylation, dehydration, and Ser residue loss whereas metal ion loss is dominant for [Rb·pSer]+ and [Cs·pSer]+. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest a correlation between structures, ion‐ligand binding energies, and fragmentation behavior: [Li·pSer]+, [Na·pSer]+, and [Ag·pSer]+, which exhibit a preference for charge‐solvated structures, have high binding energies and dissociate through intramolecular fragmentation of the ligand, whereas [Rb·pSer]+ and [Cs·pSer]+ likely have salt‐bridge structures with low binding energies, making the metal ion loss the dominant dissociation channel. Calculations also suggest that the salt‐bridge structure of [Na·pSer]+ may be present in the current work.
Application of risk factors for venous thromboembolism in patients with multiple myeloma starting chemotherapy, a real‐world evaluation
Authors: Baker Hailey A. , Brown Alexandra R. , Mahnken Jonathan D. , Shireman Theresa I. , Webb Carol E. , Lipe Brea C.
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Within the first year of diagnosis, up to 1 in 3 multiple myeloma (MM) patients will experience a venous thromboembolism (VTE). The International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) has thromboprophylaxis guidelines that stratify patients into low or high risk for thrombosis and subsequently recommend thromboprophylaxis, but it is unknown if these recommendations are being followed or if they are effective. The purpose of this study was to assess efficacy of the IMWG guidelines and investigate other potential VTE risk factors.

Methods

Study participants were treated at the University of Kansas Medical Center between 2007 and 2013, and charts were reviewed to extract data. Cases (MM and VTE) were matched to controls (MM and no VTE) at approximately 1:3 ratio based on gender, age (±5 years), and time of MM diagnosis (±5 years).

Results

A total of 80 cases and 211 controls were matched. Most patients (82%) were considered high risk for experiencing a VTE at the time of their MM diagnosis and 18% were considered low risk. Neither risk category (P = 0.16) nor thromboprophylaxis at baseline (P = 0.37) predicted VTE, though cases were more likely than controls to have an increased risk of thrombosis at the time of clot compared to their baseline risk (P = 0.09).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that IMWG guidelines are not being consistently followed and therefore could not be validated. Additional risk factors were not identified, but risk for VTE may change over time suggesting patients may require ongoing assessment of VTE risk and thromboprophylaxis throughout the disease course.
Symptomatic right coronary anomaly with dynamic systolic intramural obliteration and isolated right ventricular ischemia
Authors: Angelini Paolo , Uribe Carlo
Published: December 2018

A 52‐year‐old man was referred for an anomalous right coronary artery (RCA) originating from the left sinus of Valsalva with an intramural course (R‐ACAOS‐IM), accompanied by progressive angina and dyspnea. He had been initially advised to have surgical treatment. Computerized axial tomographic angiography showed he had an ectopic origin from the left sinus of a small RCA, with a course between the aorta and pulmonary artery. His negative treadmill nuclear stress test was prematurely terminated because of angina and dyspnea. At our institution, intravascular ultrasound imaging indicated an intramural course and critically severe phasically changing proximal stenosis (80%–100%). The stenosis was resolved with stent‐angioplasty of the intramural segment. He had no complications and returned quickly to an asymptomatic state with unrestricted physical activity.
Highly flexible infection programs in a specialized wheat pathogen
Authors: Haueisen Janine , Möller Mareike , Eschenbrenner Christoph J. , Grandaubert Jonathan , Seybold Heike , Adamiak Holger , Stukenbrock Eva H.
Published: December 2018

Many filamentous plant pathogens exhibit high levels of genomic variability, yet the impact of this variation on host–pathogen interactions is largely unknown. We have addressed host specialization in the wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici. Our study builds on comparative analyses of infection and gene expression phenotypes of three isolates and reveals the extent to which genomic variation translates into phenotypic variation. The isolates exhibit genetic and genomic variation but are similarly virulent. By combining confocal microscopy, disease monitoring, staining of ROS, and comparative transcriptome analyses, we conducted a detailed comparison of the infection processes of these isolates in a susceptible wheat cultivar. We characterized four core infection stages: establishment, biotrophic growth, lifestyle transition, and necrotrophic growth and asexual reproduction that are shared by the three isolates. However, we demonstrate differentiated temporal and spatial infection development and significant differences in the expression profiles of the three isolates during the infection stages. More than 20% of the genes were differentially expressed and these genes were located significantly closer to transposable elements, suggesting an impact of epigenetic regulation. Further, differentially expressed genes were enriched in effector candidates suggesting that isolate‐specific strategies for manipulating host defenses are present in Z. tritici. We demonstrate that individuals of a host‐specialized pathogen have highly differentiated infection programs characterized by flexible infection development and functional redundancy. This illustrates how high genetic diversity in pathogen populations results in highly differentiated infection phenotypes, which fact needs to be acknowledged to understand host–pathogen interactions and pathogen evolution.
Effects of soil nitrogen on diploid advantage in fireweed,Chamerion angustifolium(Onagraceae)
Authors: Bales Alex L. , Hersch‐Green Erika I.
Published: December 2018

In many ecosystems, plant growth and reproduction are nitrogen limited. Current and predicted increases of global reactive nitrogen could alter the ecological and evolutionary trajectories of plant populations. Nitrogen is a major component of nucleic acids and cell structures, and it has been predicted that organisms with larger genomes should require more nitrogen for growth and reproduction and be more negatively affected by nitrogen scarcities than organisms with smaller genomes. In a greenhouse experiment, we tested this hypothesis by examining whether the amount of soil nitrogen supplied differentially influenced the performance (fitness, growth, and resource allocation strategies) of diploid and autotetraploid fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium). We found that soil nitrogen levels differentially impacted cytotype performance, and in general, diploids were favored under low nitrogen conditions, but this diploid advantage disappeared under nitrogen enrichment. Specifically, when nitrogen was scarce, diploids produced more seeds and allocated more biomass toward seed production relative to investment in plant biomass or total plant nitrogen than did tetraploids. As nitrogen supplied increased, such discrepancies between cytotypes disappeared. We also found that cytotype resource allocation strategies were differentially dependent on soil nitrogen, and that whereas diploids adopted resource allocation strategies that favored current season reproduction when nitrogen was limiting and future reproduction when nitrogen was more plentiful, tetraploids adopted resource allocation strategies that favored current season reproduction under nitrogen enrichment. Together these results suggest nitrogen enrichment could differentially affect cytotype performance, which could have implications for cytotypes’ ecological and evolutionary dynamics under a globally changing climate.
The fabrication of poly (polyethylene glycol diacrylate) monolithic porous layer open tubular (mono‐PLOT) columns and applications in hydrophilic interaction chromatography and capillary gas chromatography for small molecules
Authors: Chang Feng , Yue Yunfang , Yang Zihui , Huang Si , Liu Zhihua , Wang Kunmiao , Peng Yan , Chen Yingzhuang , Ma Ming , Chen Bo
Published: December 2018

The easy shrinkage and swelling of polymer monolithic column when exposed to mobile phase with different polarity is a problem that cannot be ignored. To overcome this drawback, a convenient aqueous two‐phase polymerization approach was used to prepare poly (polyethylene glycol diacrylate, PEGDA) monolithic porous layer open tubular (mono‐PLOT) columns (150 μm). The poly(PEGDA) mono‐PLOT column with homogeneous polymer porous layer was synthesized successfully. A maximum plate number of 41,500 plates per meter for allyl thiourea was obtained under a velocity of 1.8 mm/s. Several kinds of polar molecule were separated on the proposed mono‐PLOT column and a typical hydrophilic interaction retention mechanism was observed. High speed separation of benzoic acids was also carried out, baseline separation of five benzoic acids was successfully achieved within 5 min with a 70 cm mono‐PLOT column at 50°C. Furthermore, the resulting PLOT column was also successfully applied to separate standard analytes of three DNA oxidative damage products and RNA‐modified nucleosides and four chlorophenols. At last, the column could separate alcohols, alkanes, and aromatic isomers via GC. It had more than 20,000 plates per meter for butanol – higher than commercial coatings open tubular columns.
Improving the lifetime of multichannel cognitive radio sensor networks via new spectrum sensing method
Authors: Monemian Maryam , Mahdavi Mehdi , Omidi Mohammad Javad
Published: December 2018

Cognitive Radio Sensor Networks (CRSNs) are wireless sensor networks implemented with cognitive radio capability to provide spectrum resources for sensors in an opportunistic manner. The application of CRSNs can be found in the paradigm of Internet of Things (IoT) where each sensor represents an object in the IoT paradigm. In order to prevent simultaneous transmissions of Primary Users (PUs) and CRSN nodes, sensors should be aware of the presence of PUs. One of the most common methods for making the sensors aware of the presence of PUs is consecutive spectrum sensing. Since the sensors have the duty of both sensing environment and transmitting the results, their battery lives are highly prone to rapid drain. In addition, the lack of effective management of sensor operations for spectrum sensing may lead to short longevity of the network. In this paper, the energy consumption process of sensors in such networks has been analyzed and an energy‐based algorithm is proposed to appropriately select sensors based on their detection probabilities for spectrum sensing. The analytical and numerical results confirm the improved lifetime and performance based on our proposed algorithm in comparison with the conventional ones. Moreover, the computational complexity of the proposed algorithm is significantly lower than that of the existing methods.
On Cute Monkeys and Repulsive Monsters
Authors: Chambers Tod S.
Published: December 2018

When I heard that a laboratory in China had cloned two long‐tailed macaques, I thought of Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein. When academics write about the novel, many point out that the reason the creature becomes a “monster” is not that he has any inherently evil qualities but that Victor Frankenstein, the creature's “mother,” immediately rejects him. All later problems can be traced to the fact that Frankenstein does not take responsibility for his creation. While I do not disagree with this, we need to think beyond (or before) Frankenstein's rejection to the reason he rejects it. I would like to suggest that this reason reveals something about how bioethics judges new biological technologies. I suggest that what causes Frankenstein to feel revulsion toward his creation is its unsettling mix of the beautiful and the ugly.
Medical Aid in Dying: Bioethics as Sideshow
Authors: Campbell Courtney S.
Published: December 2018

Twenty years ago, the passage of the Oregon Death with Dignity Act prompted vigorous debate in my bioethics classrooms; now, the issue barely generates a ripple. Instead, we focus on an issue my students' generation will confront, as illustrated by an amendment to the ODDA introduced in the last Oregon legislative session that would have effectively rescinded two core procedural safeguards: patient decision‐making capacity when requesting life‐ending medication and self‐administration of the medication. Patient requests for medication could be stipulated on an advance directive that appoints an “expressly identified agent” authorized, in the event of loss of decision‐making capacity, “to collect and to administer to the patient the prescribed medication.” The amendment heralds a shift from physician‐assisted death to medical aid in dying and from prescriptions ingested by patients to life‐ending medication administered by a physician or even by the patient's “agent.” This prospect generates a bit more angst amongst my students, but their acculturation in the ethics of individual choice prevails. Our discussion about the ethics of medical aid in dying inescapably turns to a deeper issue: is there a professional ethos independent of autonomy?
Acute tryptophan loading decreases functional connectivity between the default mode network and emotion‐related brain regions
Authors: Deza‐Araujo Yacila I. , Neukam Philipp T. , Marxen Michael , Müller Dirk K. , Henle Thomas , Smolka Michael N.
Published: December 2018

It has been shown that the functional architecture of the default mode network (DMN) can be affected by serotonergic challenges and these effects may provide insights on the neurobiological bases of depressive symptomatology. To deepen our understanding of this possible interplay, we used a double‐blind, randomized, cross‐over design, with a control condition and two interventions to decrease (tryptophan depletion) and increase (tryptophan loading) brain serotonin synthesis. Resting‐state fMRI from 85 healthy subjects was acquired for all conditions 3 hr after the ingestion of an amino acid mixture containing different amounts of tryptophan, the dietary precursor of serotonin. The DMN was derived for each participant and session. Permutation testing was performed to detect connectivity changes within the DMN as well as between the DMN and other brain regions elicited by the interventions. We found that tryptophan loading increased tryptophan plasma levels and decreased DMN connectivity with visual cortices and several brain regions involved in emotion and affect regulation (i.e., putamen, subcallosal cortex, thalamus, and frontal cortex). Tryptophan depletion significantly reduced tryptophan levels but did not affect brain connectivity. Subjective ratings of mood, anxiety, sleepiness, and impulsive choice were not strongly affected by any intervention. Our data indicate that connectivity between the DMN and emotion‐related brain regions might be modulated by changes in the serotonergic system. These results suggest that functional changes in the brain associated with different brain serotonin levels may be relevant to understand the neural bases of depressive symptoms.
Development of Quality Measures in Cirrhosis by the Practice Metrics Committee of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases
Authors: Kanwal Fasiha , Tapper Elliot B. , Ho Chanda , Asrani Sumeet K. , Ovchinsky Nadia , Poterucha John , Flores Avegail , Ankoma‐Sey Victor , Luxon Bruce , Volk Michael
Published: December 2018

Health care delivery is increasingly evaluated according to quality measures, yet such measures are underdeveloped for cirrhosis. The Practice Metrics Committee of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases was charged with developing explicit process‐based and outcome‐based measures for adults with cirrhosis. We identified candidate measures from comprehensive reviews of the literature and input from expert clinicians and patient focus groups. We conducted an 11‐member expert clinician panel and used a modified Delphi method to systematically identify a set of quality measures in cirrhosis. Among 119 candidate measures, 46 were identified as important measures to define the quality of cirrhosis care, including 26 process measures, 7 clinical outcome measures, and 13 patient‐reported outcome measures. The final process measures captured care processes for ascites (n = 5), varices/bleeding (n = 7), hepatic encephalopathy (n = 4), hepatocellular cancer (HCC) screening (n = 1), liver transplantation evaluation (n = 2), and other care (n = 7). Clinical outcome measures included survival, variceal bleeding and rebleeding, early‐stage HCC, liver‐related hospitalization, and rehospitalization within 7 and 30 days. Patient‐reported outcome measures covered physical symptoms, physical function, mental health, general function, cognition, social life, and satisfaction with care. The final list of patient‐reported outcomes was validated in 79 patients with cirrhosis from nine institutions in the United States. Conclusion: We developed an explicit set of evidence‐based quality measures for adult patients with cirrhosis. These measures are a tool for providers and institutions to evaluate their care quality, drive quality improvement, and deliver high‐value cirrhosis care. The quality measures are intended to be applicable in any clinical care setting in which care for patients with cirrhosis is provided.
Gallstones and incident colorectal cancer in a large pan‐European cohort study
Authors: Ward Heather A , Murphy Neil , Weiderpass Elisabete , Leitzmann Michael F , Aglago Elom , Gunter Marc J , Freisling Heinz , Jenab Mazda , Boutron‐Ruault Marie‐Christine , Severi Gianluca , Carbonnel Franck , Kühn Tilman , Kaaks Rudolf , Boeing Heiner , Tjønneland Anne , Olsen Anja , Overvad Kim , Merino Susana , Zamora‐Ros Raul , Rodríguez‐Barranco Miguel , Dorronsoro Miren , Chirlaque Maria‐Dolores , Barricarte Aurelio , Perez‐Cornago Aurora , Trichopoulou Antonia , Bamia Christina , Lagiou Pagona , Masala Giovanna , Grioni Sara , Tumino Rosario , Sacerdote Carlotta , Mattiello Amalia , Bueno‐de‐Mesquita Bas , Vermeulen Roel , Van Gils Carla , Nyström Hanna , Rutegård Martin , Aune Dagfinn , Riboli Elio , Cross Amanda J
Published: December 2018

Gallstones, a common gastrointestinal condition, can lead to several digestive complications and can result in inflammation. Risk factors for gallstones include obesity, diabetes, smoking and physical inactivity, all of which are known risk factors for colorectal cancer (CRC), as is inflammation. However, it is unclear whether gallstones are a risk factor for CRC. We examined the association between history of gallstones and CRC in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study, a prospective cohort of over half a million participants from ten European countries. History of gallstones was assessed at baseline using a self‐reported questionnaire. The analytic cohort included 334,986 participants; a history of gallstones was reported by 3,917 men and 19,836 women, and incident CRC was diagnosed among 1,832 men and 2,178 women (mean follow‐up: 13.6 years). Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between gallstones and CRC were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression models, stratified by sex, study centre and age at recruitment. The models were adjusted for body mass index, diabetes, alcohol intake and physical activity. A positive, marginally significant association was detected between gallstones and CRC among women in multivariable analyses (HR = 1.14, 95%CI 0.99–1.31, p = 0.077). The relationship between gallstones and CRC among men was inverse but not significant (HR = 0.81, 95%CI 0.63–1.04, p = 0.10). Additional adjustment for details of reproductive history or waist circumference yielded minimal changes to the observed associations. Further research is required to confirm the nature of the association between gallstones and CRC by sex.
The asymmetric effect of regulatory fit on moral judgments of other‐oriented lies
Authors: Wu Song , Yuan Tinglanxue , Jin Shenghua
Published: December 2018

We examined whether regulatory fit effects are asymmetric—namely, whether they occur only among individuals with a promotion focus or a prevention focus. We adopted a task where individuals make moral judgments of other‐oriented lies and conducted three studies. The results indicated that prevention‐focused individuals judged other‐oriented lies based on a vigilant strategy as more moral than lies based on an eager strategy (Studies 1 and 2). Meanwhile for promotion‐focused individuals, there were no differences between eager and vigilant strategies on moral judgments of other‐oriented lies. Additionally, the results suggested that the feeling of rightness is an underlying mechanism of the regulatory fit effects of prevention focus (Study 3).
Considering the role of early discrimination experiences and the parent–child relationship in the development of disruptive behaviors in adolescence
Authors: Savell Shannon M. , Womack Sean R. , Wilson Melvin N. , Shaw Daniel S. , Dishion Thomas J.
Published: December 2018

Discrimination has been shown to be related to diminished psychological adjustment and greater risk for substance use when personally experienced by adolescents and when their caregivers experience discrimination. Our research considers the impact of primary caregiver experiences of racial‐ and socioeconomic‐based discrimination in early (age 3–5 years) and late childhood (age 9½) on adolescent disruptive behaviors (age 14) with a large sample of diverse caregiver–child dyads (N = 634). In addition, we examine the potential protective effects of parent–child relationship quality in early and late childhood in buffering the effects of caregiver discrimination on adolescent disruptive behaviors. We also explore possible gender differences in children's vulnerability to engage in disruptive behaviors in the context of caregiver experiences of discrimination. The findings from this study indicate that at trend level, early childhood experiences of primary caregiver discrimination (ages 3–5) predicted adolescent disruptive behaviors, accounting for the effects of more recent (age 9½) caregiver discrimination. In addition, parent–child relationship quality at age 9½ years was found to buffer the effects of late childhood (age 9½) primary caregiver discrimination on adolescent disruptive behaviors for both male and female youth. The findings highlight the need for prevention and intervention techniques that foster healthy and positive primary caregiver–child relationships.
An antioxidant stabilized, chemically cross‐linked UHMWPE with superior toughness
Authors: Oral Ebru , Wannomae Keith K. , Bichara David A. , Micheli Brad , Doshi Brinda N. , O'Brien Caitlin , Nielsen G. Petur , Muratoglu Orhun K.
Published: December 2018

Chemical cross‐linking of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) using an organic peroxide followed by high temperature melting results in a large increase in toughness accompanied by a decrease in cross‐link density, which, surprisingly does not compromise the wear resistance. We compared the mechanical properties and wear behavior of a vitamin E blended, chemically cross‐linked and high temperature melted UHMWPE produced by ram extrusion (PRX HTM) to those measured with the clinically available 100‐kGy irradiated and melted UHMWPE (CISM 100). We also assessed the local biocompatibility of PRX‐HTM in rabbit subcutaneous pouch and osteochondral defect models. The ultimate tensile strength and pin‐on‐disc wear rate were similar to CISM 100; whereas the elongation‐at‐break and impact toughness were much higher with PRX‐HTM. The stress intensity factor range at crack inception was also higher with PRX‐HTM. Accelerated aging did not result in any measurable oxidation or changes in mechanical properties. Hip simulator wear rate of acetabular liners made with PRX‐HTM was 0.3 ± 0.4 mg/million‐cycle, similar to that reported for CISM 100 liners. The wear particles were largely spherical with a number‐averaged particle size of 0.95 μm with ~75% of particles below 1 μm. The subcutaneous and osteochondral rabbit implantations showed no histological differences between PRX‐HTM and the control CISM 100. Pre‐clinical wear, mechanical, and biocompatibility testing of PRX HTM showed feasibility for the use of this material as a total joint arthroplasty implant bearing surface. This process has the potential of eliminating the additional step of radiation cross‐linking by combining consolidation and cross‐linking while improving toughness. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1945–1952, 2019.
Nicotine promotes atherosclerosis development in apolipoprotein E‐deficient mice through α1‐nAChR
Authors: Ren Anmin , Wu Hongxian , Liu Liping , Guo Zhenzhen , Cao Qunan , Dai Qiuyan
Published: December 2018

α1 Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α1nAChR) is an important nicotine receptor that is widely distributed in vascular smooth muscle cells, macrophages, and endothelial cells. However, the role of α1nAChR in nicotine‐mediated atherosclerosis remains unclear. The administration of nicotine for 12 weeks increased the area of the atherosclerotic lesion, the number of macrophages infiltrating the plaques, and the circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α, in apolipoprotein E‐deficient (ApoE−/−) mice fed a high‐fat diet. Nicotine also increased α1nAChR, calpain‐1, matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2), and MMP‐9 expression in the aortic tissue. Silencing of α1nAChR with an adenoassociated virus decreased the atherosclerotic size, lesion macrophage content, and circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines and suppressed α1nAChR, calpain‐1, MMP‐2, and MMP‐9 expression in the nicotine group. In vitro, nicotine‐induced α1nAChR, calpain‐1, MMP‐2, and MMP‐9 expression in mouse vascular smooth muscle cells (MOVAS) and macrophages (RAW264.7), and enhanced the migration and proliferation of these cells. The silencing of α1nAChR inhibited these effects of nicotine MOVAS and RAW264.7 cells. Thus, we concluded that nicotine promoted the development of atherosclerosis partially by inducing the migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and macrophages and inducing an inflammatory reaction. The effect of nicotine on atherogenesis may be mediated by α1nAChR‐induced activation of the calpain‐1/MMP‐2/MMP‐9 signaling pathway.
The underlying pathophysiology association between the Type 2‐diabetic and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wei Huamei , Wang Jianchu , Li Wenchuan , Ma Rihai , Xu Zuoming , Luo Zongjiang , Lu Yuan , Zhang Xiaoyu , Long Xidai , Pu Jian , Tang Qianli
Published: December 2018

Type 2‐diabetic (T2D) disease has been reported to increase the incidence of liver cancer, however, the underlying pathophysiology is still not fully understood. Here, we aimed to reveal the underlying pathophysiology association between the T2D and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and, therefore, to find the possible therapeutic targets in the occurrence and development of HCC. The methylation microarray data of T2D and HCC were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas. A total of 504 differentially methylated genes (DMGs) between T2D samples and the controls were identified, whereas 6269 DMGs were identified between HCC samples and the control groups. There were 336 DMGs coexisting in diabetes and HCC, among which 86 genes were comethylated genes. These genes were mostly enriched in pathways as glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis, fatty acid, and metabolic pathway as glycosaminoglycan degradation and thiamine, fructose and mannose. There were 250 DMGs that had differential methylation direction between T2D DMGs and HCC DMGs, and these genes were enriched in the Sphingolipid metabolism pathway and immune pathways through natural killer cell‐mediated cytotoxicity and ak‐STAT signaling pathway. Eight genes were found related to the occurrence and development of diabetes and HCC. Moreover, the result of protein‐protein interaction network showed that CDKN1A gene was related to the prognosis of HCC. In summary, eight genes were found to be associated with the development of HCC and CDKN1A may serve as the potential prognostic gene for HCC.
miR‐29a attenuates cardiac hypertrophy through inhibition of PPARδ expression
Authors: Zhang Si , Yin Zhongnan , Dai Fei‐Fei , Wang Hao , Zhou Meng‐Jiao , Yang Ming‐Hui , Zhang Shu‐Feng , Fu Zhi‐Feng , Mei Ying‐Wu , Zang Ming‐Xi , Xue Lixiang
Published: December 2018

Although cardiac hypertrophy is widely recognized as a risk factor that leads to cardiac dysfunction and, ultimately, heart failure, the complex mechanisms underlying cardiac hypertrophy remain incompletely characterized. The nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor δ (PPARδ) is involved in the regulation of cardiac lipid metabolism. Here, we describe a novel PPARδ‐dependent molecular cascade involving microRNA‐29a (miR‐29a) and atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), which is reactivated in cardiac hypertrophy. In addition, we identify a novel role of miR‐29a, in which it has a cardioprotective function in isoproterenol hydrochloride‐induced cardiac hypertrophy by targeting PPARδ and downregulating ANF. Finally, we provide evidence that miR‐29a reduces the isoproterenol hydrochloride‐induced cardiac hypertrophy response, thereby underlining the potential clinical relevance of miR‐29a in which it may serve as a potent therapeutic target for heart hypertrophy treatment.
Purple sweet potato color attenuated NLRP3 inflammasome by inducing autophagy to delay endothelial senescence
Authors: Sun Chunhui , Diao Qiaoqiao , Lu Jun , Zhang Zifeng , Wu Dongmei , Wang Xingqi , Xie Jun , Zheng Guihong , Shan Qun , Fan Shaohua , Hu Bin , Zheng Yuanlin
Published: December 2018

Autophagy is a vital negative factor regulating cellular senescence. Purple sweet potato color (PSPC), one type of flavonoid, has been demonstrated to suppress endothelial senescence and restore endothelial function in diabetic mice by inhibiting the nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain, leucine rich repeat and pyrin domain containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. However, the roles of autophagy in the inflammatory response during endothelial senescence are unknown. Here, we found that PSPC augmented autophagy to restrict high‐glucose‐induced premature endothelial senescence. In addition, PSPC administration impaired endothelium aging in diabetic mice by increasing autophagy. Inhibition of autophagy accelerated endothelial senescence, while enhancement of autophagy delayed senescence. Moreover, deactivation of the NLRP3 inflammasome triggered by PSPC was autophagy‐dependent. Autophagy receptor microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3 and p62 interacted with the inflammasome component NLRP3, suggesting that autophagosomes target the NLRP3 inflammasome and deliver it to the lysosome for degradation. Altogether, PSPC amplified cellular autophagy, subsequently attenuated NLRP3 inflammasome activity and finally delayed endothelial senescence to ameliorate cardiovascular complication. These results suggest a potential therapeutic target in senescence‐related cardiovascular diseases.
Copper‐Catalyzed Synthesis of 13‐Aminoisoquinolino[2,1‐a]perimidine‐12‐carboxylates via α‐Arylation with a High Chemoselectivity
Authors: Huang Meng‐Qiao , Liu Jian‐Quan , Wang Xiang‐Shan
Published: December 2018

The α‐arylation between cyanoacetate and 2‐(2‐bromophenyl)‐1H‐perimidine took place first catalyzed by CuI/L‐proline in the presence of NaHCO3, and then the amino on perimidine chemoselectively attacked the cyano group to undergo a nucleophilic addition, giving a series of 13‐aminoisoquinolino[2,1‐a]perimidine‐12‐carboxylate derivatives in good yields.
Prevention of tracheal stenosis with pirfenidone after tracheotomy: An experimental study
Authors: Türkmen Emre , Pata Yavuz Selim
Published: December 2018

Objectives

In this study, pirfenidone's role about reducing tracheal stenosis by suppressing fibrosis and inflammation was examined.

Methods

Tracheotomy was performed on 14 rats, and their cannulas were fixed to tracheotomy area by stoma suture. Two working groups were established. Rats in the first group were given 15 mg/kg/day (1 mL pirfenidone solution) pirfenidone intraperitoneally for 10 days. In the second group as a control group, 1 mL saline solution was applied intraperitoneally. Ten days later, rats were decanulated and kept alive for 3 more weeks.

Anesthetized rats were sacrificed on day 30. All rat tracheas were resected between the first and seventh rings. Epithelial damage, inflammation, and fibrosis were determined histopathologically; diameters of intratracheal lumen and their mucosal thickness parameters were determined histomorphometrically; and TGFβ‐1 (the growth factor beta), TNFα (tumor necrosis factor alpha), and IL‐1β (Interleukin‐1 beta) values were determined immunohistochemically.

Results

According to the parameters of the control group, fibrosis; diameters of intratracheal lumen; and values of TGFβ‐1, TNFα, and IL‐1β were found to be statistically significant.

Conclusion

In our study, it was found that pirfenidone reduces fibrosis and narrowing of intratracheal lumen diameter significantly.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 129:E178–E186, 2019