bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The expression of keratan sulfate reveals a unique subset of microglia in the mouse hippocampus after pilocarpine‐induced status epileptics
Authors: Ohgomori Tomohiro , Jinno Shozo
Published: June 2019

Induction of keratan sulfate in microglia has been found in several animal models of neurological disorders. However, the significance of keratan sulfate‐expressing microglia is not fully understood. To address this issue, we analyzed the characteristics of microglia labeled by the 5D4 epitope, a marker of high‐sulfated keratan sulfate, in the mouse hippocampus during the latent period after pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus (SE). Only 5D4‐negative (5D4−) microglia were found in the CA1 region of vehicle‐treated controls and pilocarpine‐treated mice at 1 day after SE onset. A few 5D4+ microglia appeared in the strata oriens and radiatum at 5 days post‐SE, and they were distributed into the stratum pyramidale at 14 days post‐SE. The expressions of genes related to both anti‐ and pro‐inflammatory cytokines were higher in 5D4+ cells than in 5D4− cells at 5 but not 14 days post‐SE. The expressions of genes related to phagocytosis were higher in 5D4+ cells than in 5D4− cells throughout the latent period. The phagocytic activity of microglia, as measured by engulfment of the zymosan bioparticles, was higher in 5D4+ cells than in 5D4− cells. The contact ratios between excitatory synaptic boutons and microglia were also higher in 5D4+ cells than in 5D4− cells at 5 and 14 days post‐SE. The excitatory/inhibitory ratios of synaptic boutons within the microglial domain were lower in 5D4+ cells than in 5D4− cells at 14 days post‐SE. Our findings indicate that 5D4+ microglia may play some role in epileptogenesis via pruning of excitatory synapses during the latent period after SE.
Lung cancer stigma: A concept with consequences for patients
Authors: Maguire Roma , Lewis Liane , Kotronoulas Grigorios , McPhelim John , Milroy Robert , Cataldo Janine
Published: June 2019

Background

Patients with lung cancer (LC) report lower quality of life (QoL) and higher levels of psychological distress compared with other cancer populations. Lung cancer stigma (LCS) may in part explain these findings.

Aim

We investigated the prevalence of patient‐perceived lung cancer stigma (LCS) and its relationships to symptom burden/severity, depression, and deficits in health‐related quality of life (HR‐QoL).

Methods

In this descriptive, observational, and cross‐sectional study, 201 participants were sent questionnaires. These included the Cataldo Lung Cancer Stigma Scale (CLCSS), the Lung Cancer Symptom Scale, the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies‐Depression Scale, and the Quality of Life Inventory.

Results

Participants were on average 69 years old, 52% women, 95% ever smokers, and 18.5% current smokers. The mean total CLCSS score was 53.1 (SD = 14.1; range = 31‐94). LCS was significantly correlated with younger age (P < .001), greater social deprivation (P < .05), being unemployed (P < .001), depression (P < .001), symptom burden (P < .001), and HR‐QoL deficits (P < .001). Symptom burden explained 18% of variance in LCS (P < .001). LCS explained 8.5% and 14.3% of the variance in depression (P < .001) and HR‐QoL (P < .001), respectively.

Conclusion

Patients with lung cancer are vulnerable to LCS. Symptom burden can directly contribute to greater perceived LCS. Greater perceived LCS can be directly related to greater levels of depression and lower HR‐QoL. A tailored approach is required to screen for LCS and implement interventions to enhance the psychosocial well‐being of patients with perceived LCS.
A hybrid swarm intelligence based optimization approach for solving minimum exposure problem in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Aravinth S.S. , Senthilkumar J. , Mohanraj V. , Suresh Y.
Published: June 2019

Minimum Exposure Problem (MEP) has become one of the most important issues in WSN as it affects the coverage quality measurement to a greater extent. Recently, MEP issues have been dealt by Physarum Optimization Algorithm (POA). Nevertheless, this method ends with the less scope in precision faults. Along with these issues, the necessity for computation time and memory requirements gets increases statistically. The major aim of the work is to propose a new optimization algorithm to solve the MEP issue. Thus, Hybrid Genetic Particle Swarm Optimization (H‐GPSO) is formulated to give a desirable solution for MEP issue. In the proposed work, energy usage of the sensor node for MEP identification is measured using Hidden Markov Model (HMM) with the intention of prolonging the lifetime of the sensor node. After accomplishing the energy efficiency, MEP is developed and converted to an optimization issue. H‐GPSO is presented to resolve the optimization problem; hence, it gives a desirable solution to MEP issue. Therefore, the pretended answer proves the proposed H‐GPSO related MEP model is desirable for detecting the minimal exposure problem with high energy ratio. The results of the proposed and existing methods are measured in terms of Energy, Throughput, Delay, and Exposure via NS2.
A 20‐MHz bandwidth, 75‐dB dynamic range, continuous‐time delta‐sigma modulator with reduced nonidealities
Authors: Song Seokjae , Lee Jaeseong , Roh Jeongjin
Published: June 2019

This letter presents a 4‐bit continuous‐time delta‐sigma modulator (CT‐DSM) fabricated using a 65‐nm CMOS process. The circuit is designed for wide‐bandwidth applications, such as those related to wireless communications. This CT‐DSM has an oversampling ratio of 16 with a 640‐MHz sampling frequency. To reduce the clock jitter sensitivity and excess loop delay effect, the first DAC pulse is a nonreturn‐to‐zero (NRZ)–type pulse, whereas the second DAC pulse is a return‐to‐zero (RZ)–type pulse; this is accomplished using a current‐steering DAC. In order to reduce mismatch without using a data‐weighted averaging circuit, the size and layout of the unit current source in the current‐steering DAC are considered carefully. The CT‐DSM achieves a signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of 67.3 dB, a signal‐to‐noise and distortion ratio (SNDR) of 63.4 dB, and a dynamic range of 75 dB for a 20‐MHz signal bandwidth.
A decision tree‐based NLOS detection method for the UWB indoor location tracking accuracy improvement
Authors: Musa Ardiansyah , Nugraha Gde Dharma , Han Hyojeong , Choi Deokjai , Seo Seongho , Kim Juseok
Published: June 2019

Among existing wireless technologies, ultra‐wideband (UWB) is the most promising solution for indoor location tracking. UWB has a great multipath fading immunity; however, great multipath resolvability alone does not eliminate the effect of non‐line‐of‐sight (NLOS) and multipath propagation. NLOS and multipath propagation in indoor environments can easily produce meters of UWB ranging error. This condition gives an enormous impact on the accuracy of indoor location tracking data. To address this problem, we propose an NLOS detection method using recursive decision tree learning. Using the UWB channel quality indicators information, we develop our model with the Gini index and altered priors splitting criteria. We then validate the constructed model using the 10‐fold cross‐validation method. Our experiment shows that the constructed model has correctly detected 90% of both line‐of‐sight (LOS) and NLOS cases on the seven different indoor environments. The result of this work can be used for the UWB indoor location tracking accuracy improvement.
A new model explaining the origin of different topologies in interaction networks
Authors: Pinheiro Rafael B. P. , Felix Gabriel M. F. , Dormann Carsten F. , Mello Marco A. R.
Published: June 2019

Nestedness and modularity have been recurrently observed in species interaction networks. Some studies argue that those topologies result from selection against unstable networks, and others propose that they likely emerge from processes driving the interactions between pairs of species. Here we present a model that simulates the evolution of consumer species using resource species following simple rules derived from the integrative hypothesis of specialization (IHS). Without any selection on stability, our model reproduced all commonly observed network topologies. Our simulations demonstrate that resource heterogeneity drives network topology. On the one hand, systems containing only homogeneous resources form generalized nested networks, in which generalist consumers have higher performance on each resource than specialists. On the other hand, heterogeneous systems tend to have a compound topology: modular with internally nested modules, in which generalists that divide their interactions between modules have low performance. Our results demonstrate that all real‐world topologies likely emerge through processes driving interactions between pairs of species. Additionally, our simulations suggest that networks containing similar species differ from heterogeneous networks and that modules may not present the topology of entire networks.
Improved detection of rare, endangered and invasive trout in using a new large‐volume sampling method for eDNA capture
Authors: Sepulveda Adam J. , Schabacker Jenna , Smith Seth , Al‐Chokhachy Robert , Luikart Gordon , Amish Stephen J.
Published: June 2019

Environmental DNA (eDNA) detection probability increases with volume of water sampled. Common approaches for collecting eDNA samples often require many samples since these approaches usually use fine filters, which restrict the volume of water that can be sampled. An alternative to collecting many, small volume water samples using fine filters may be to collect fewer, large volume water samples using coarse filters that do not clog as rapidly. We used mesocosm experiments and field evaluations to compare coarse filter‐large water volume samples (hereafter large volume filter samples) versus fine filter‐small water volume samples (hereafter small volume filter samples) for detection and quantification of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) DNA. We found that large volume filter sampling can be an effective approach for detecting DNA of low‐density target taxa. In mesocosm experiments, large‐volume and small‐volume water samples detected similar quantities of rainbow trout DNA. In the field, large volume samples more frequently detected bull trout DNA, had higher bull trout DNA copy number, and higher total DNA concentrations than small volume samples. However, sampling higher water volumes increased the potential for PCR inhibition so the DNA workflow had to be altered for large volume samples. Combining larger water volume samples with other strategies, like increasing PCR sensitivity and the number of PCR replicates, will improve detection of rare species, which is crucial for advancing conservation and ecological understanding.
Effect of Enhanced Electron Withdrawal on the Cohesion of Cr‐Pd Hemichelates
Authors: Werlé Christophe , Karmazin Lydia , Bailly Corinne , Djukic Jean‐Pierre
Published: June 2019

Two new trimetallic Cr‐Pd hemichelates containing a fluorenyl moiety and two trans arene‐bound Cr(CO)3moieties were synthesized and fully characterized. Their molecular structures obtained by X‐ray diffraction analysis do not show major differences – in interatomic bond lengths within the Pd coordination sphere – when compared to previously reported bimetallic analogues. Theoretical investigations were performed using methods of the Density Functional Theory (ZORA‐PBE‐D3(BJ)/all electron TZP level, EDA, ETS‐NOCV and QTAIM‐IQA) to analyse the influence of a second Cr(CO)3moiety in the process of formation of the Cr‐Pd hemichelate. Theory shows that despite the extensive charge delocalization in the anion of trans‐bistricarbonylchromium(fluorene), the formation of a stable hemichelate is still possible albeit requiring a moderate energy payload to funnel charge density towards the formation of the benzylic carbon–palladium bond. IQA analyses of hemichelates show the important role of attractive electrostatic interactions in the dominantly noncovalent Cr(CO)3‐Pd interactions.
The Manifold Structural Chemistry of Alkali Metal Enediamide Complexes
Authors: Duraisamy Ramesh , Liebing Phil , Harmgarth Nicole , Lorenz Volker , Hilfert Liane , Busse Sabine , Engelhardt Felix , Edelmann Frank T.
Published: June 2019

New alkali metal (M = Li, Na, K) enediamide complexes derived from 1,4‐diaza‐1,3‐dienes (= DADs) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The complexes were prepared by direct metalation of either 1,4‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐1,4‐diaza‐1,3‐butadiene (1, = H2DADDipp) or 1,4‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐2,3‐dimethyl‐1,4‐diaza‐1,3‐butadiene (2, = Me2DADDipp) with an excess of the respective alkali metals in donor solvents such as THF or DME. All new complexes were fully characterized by spectroscopic methods and X‐ray crystallography.
In Situ Investigation of the Thermal Decomposition of Cl4(CH3CN)W(NiPr) During Simulated Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Nolan Michelle M. , Kim Seo Young , Koley Arijit , Anderson Tim , McElwee‐White Lisa
Published: June 2019

Design of precursors for thin film growth by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) can be informed by knowledge of the precursor decomposition mechanism. However, the vast majority of decomposition characterization is done by techniques that do not capture CVD conditions. This work used a custom CVD reactor with in situ Raman spectroscopy capabilities to investigate the gas phase thermal decomposition of the tungsten imido complex Cl4(CH3CN)WNiPr, a known precursor for the aerosol‐assisted (AA)CVD of tungsten carbonitride thin films. In combination with previous computational and ex situ data, we propose a decomposition mechanism for this precursor under CVD conditions, based on observation of gas phase products of N(imido)‐C bond homolysis and σ‐bond metathesis between the precursor W–Cl bond and H2.
The Hancock Alkaloids Angustureine, Cuspareine, Galipinine, and Galipeine: A Review of their Isolation, Synthesis, and Spectroscopic Data
Authors: Davies Stephen G. , Fletcher Ai M. , Roberts Paul M. , Thomson James E.
Published: June 2019

A review of the isolation, reported methods for the synthesis (up to the end of 2018), and spectroscopic data of angustureine, cuspareine, galipinine, and galipeine, members of the Hancock family of alkaloids based upon a 2‐substituted N(1)‐methyl‐1,2–3,4‐tetrahydroisolquinoline scaffold, is presented.
The central sensitization inventory predicts pain‐related disability for musculoskeletal disorders in the primary care setting
Authors: Tanaka Katsuyoshi , Murata Shunsuke , Nishigami Tomohiko , Mibu Akira , Manfuku Masahiro , Shinohara Yoshikazu , Tanabe Akihito , Ono Rei
Published: June 2019

Background

Central sensitization (CS) is found in patients with musculoskeletal disorders and is related to clinical symptoms, including pain‐related disability. The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) has been developed for patients who are at risk of symptoms related to CS, and CSI severity levels are suggested for clinical interpretation of the CSI score. However, the longitudinal relationship between CSI severity and pain‐related disability is unclear in primary care. In this study, we investigated the association between CSI severity levels and the profiles of patients with musculoskeletal disorders as well as the longitudinal relationship between CSI severity levels and pain‐related disability in primary care settings.

Methods

A total of 553 patients were assessed using CSI, EuroQol‐5 dimension (EQ5D), and Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Of the 553 patients, 150 patients were reassessed at the 3‐month follow‐up. Patients were grouped into three severity levels according to baseline CSI score: subclinical, mild, and moderate to higher level.

Results

As the CSI severity levels increased, the clinical symptoms tended to worsen on cross‐sectional analysis (p < 0.05). Pain‐related disability at the 3‐month follow‐up was significantly higher for patients with moderate to high baseline CSI severity levels than for patients with subclinical baseline CSI levels (p < 0.001). Furthermore, pain‐related disability increased according to the CSI severity level, with a medium to large effect size. However, there were no differences in pain duration across the CSI severity levels.

Conclusions

CSI has clinical utility as a prediction tool regardless of pain duration in patients with musculoskeletal disorders in primary care settings.

Significance

Higher CSI severity levels predicted higher pain‐related disability for patients with musculoskeletal disorders in a primary care setting. CSI is a clinically useful prediction tool in patients with musculoskeletal disorders.
The dynamics of mountain erosion: Cirque growth slows as landscapes age
Authors: Barr Iestyn D. , Ely Jeremy C. , Spagnolo Matteo , Evans Ian S. , Tomkins Matt D.
Published: June 2019

Glacial cirques are widely used palaeoenvironmental indicators, and are key to understanding the role of glaciers in shaping mountain topography. However, notable uncertainty persists regarding the rate and timing of cirque erosion. In order to address this uncertainty, we analyse the dimensions of 2208 cirques in Britain and Ireland and model ice accumulation to investigate the degree of coupling between glacier occupation times and cirque growth. Results indicate that during the last ~120 ka, cirques were glacier‐free for an average of 52.0 ± 21.2 ka (43 ± 18%); occupied by small (largely cirque‐confined) glaciers for 16.2 ± 9.9 ka (14 ± 8%); and occupied by large glaciers, including ice sheets, for 51.8 ± 18.6 ka (43 ± 16%). Over the entire Quaternary (i.e. 2.6 Ma), we estimate that cirques were glacier‐free for 1.1 ± 0.5 Ma; occupied by small glaciers for 0.3 ± 0.2 Ma; and occupied by large glaciers for 1.1 ± 0.4 Ma. Comparing occupation times to cirque depths, and calculating required erosion rates, reveals that continuous cirque growth during glacier occupation is unlikely. Instead, we propose that cirques attained much of their size during the first occupation of a non‐glacially sculpted landscape (perhaps during the timeframe of a single glacial cycle). During subsequent glacier occupations, cirque growth may have slowed considerably, with the highest rates of subglacial erosion focused during periods of marginal (small glacier) glaciation. We propose comparatively slow rates of growth following initial cirque development because a ‘least resistance’ shape is formed, and as cirques deepen, sediment becomes trapped subglacially, partly protecting the bedrock from subsequent erosion. In support of the idea of rapid cirque growth, we present evidence from northern British Columbia, where cirques of comparable size to those in Britain and Ireland developed in less than 140 ka. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dual‐frequency ultrasound for ultrasonic‐assisted esterification
Authors: Abedi Elahe , Pourmohammadi Kiana , Abbasi Sahar
Published: June 2019

The optimization of wheat starch esterification (acetylation) with a high degree of substitution was performed through response surface methodology (RSM) via various concentrations of reagents (acetic anhydride), pHs, and temperatures under various ultrasonication frequencies (25, 40, and 25 + 40 kHz). According to RSM methodology, optimized samples were selected by achieving high degrees of substitution at various frequencies, temperatures, and pHs. Solubility, swelling, X‐ray, RVA, DSC, freeze–thaw stability, texture, and SEM analysis of the optimized samples were performed at three frequencies. X‐ray pattern exhibited a more significant reduction in the crystallinity percentage of esterified starch at frequency 25 + 40 kHz compared with 25 kHz, 40 kHz, and native starch. According to DSC analysis, To, Tp, Tc, and enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔH gel) were lower in AC at frequency 25 + 40 kHz compared with AC at frequency 25 and 40 kHz and N starches. According to morphology analysis, in acetylated starches at 25 and 40 kHz, the surfaces and small granules underwent more damage, whereas in 25 + 40 kHz, large granules were more affected than small granules. Upon acetylation, freeze–thaw stability and textural properties of the starch significantly increased and decreased, respectively. The peak and final viscosity of acetylated starch increased (25 + 40 kHz ˃ 25 kHz ˃ 40 kHz ˃ N starch).
An Aging Population of Chronic Hepatitis B With Increasing Comorbidities: A Territory‐Wide Study From 2000 to 2017
Authors: Wong Grace Lai‐Hung , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Yuen Becky Wing‐Yan , Tse Yee‐Kit , Luk Hester Wing‐Sum , Yip Terry Cheuk‐Fung , Hui Vicki Wing‐Ki , Liang Lilian Yan , Lui Grace Chung‐Yan , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen
Published: June 2019

Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are aging because of improved survival under better health care. This has an important implication on the choice of antiviral treatment (AVT), given that long‐term safety would be a concern in the presence of multiple comorbidities. We aimed to determine the prevalence of key comorbidities and concomitant medications in a territory‐wide CHB cohort in Hong Kong in 2000‐2017. CHB patients who have been under the care at primary, secondary, and tertiary medical centers in the public sector were identified through the Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System of the Hospital Authority, Hong Kong. The demographics and prevalence of key comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, osteopenia/osteoporosis based on diagnosis codes, relevant medications, and/or laboratory parameters, were determined according to CHB patients’ first appearance in four time periods: 2000‐2004, 2005‐2009, 2010‐2013, and 2014‐2017. In the final analysis, 135,395 CHB patients were included; the mean age increased with time: 41 ± 15 years in 2000‐2004; 46 ± 17 years in 2005‐2009; 51 ± 16 years in 2010‐2013; and 55 ± 15 years in 2014‐2017. There was a trend of increasing prevalence of several common comorbidities over the four periods: hypertension 25.5%, 23.8%, 27.2%, and 28.6%; diabetes mellitus 10.6%, 12.5%, 16.1%, and 20.1%; cardiovascular disease 12.5%, 16.9%, 20.9%, and 22.2%; and malignancy 7.0%, 13.2%, 17.3%, and 23.6%, respectively (all P < 0.001). Conclusion: CHB patients are getting older with increasing prevalence of common comorbidities. These comorbidities should be taken into account when choosing AVT.
Cross‐cumulative residual entropy‐based medical image registration via hybrid differential search algorithm
Authors: Gui Peng , Ling Wing‐Kuen , Zhang Dengyi , Xiang Yan , Shao Dangguo , Ma Lei
Published: June 2019

Image registration is the process of overlaying images of the same scene taken at different times by different sensors from different viewpoints. The cross‐cumulative residual entropy (CCRE)‐based medical image registration could achieve a high precision and a strong robustness performance. However, the optimization problem formulated by CCRE consists of some local extrema, especially for noise images. In order to address these difficulties, this article proposes a new optimization algorithm named hybrid differential search algorithm (HDSA) to optimize CCRE. As HDSA consists of simple control parameters, it is independent of the initial searching point. In addition, HDSA ameliorated the search method and the iterative conditions. As a result, the optimization process is more stable and efficient. Image registration experiments of HDSA are performed and compared with the conventional differential search algorithm (DSA) and adaptive differential evolution with optional external archive (JADE). The results show that HDSA does not only overcome the difficulties of sticking in the local extrema but also enhances the precision of registration. It is effective, robust, and fast for both the single‐mode rigid medical image registration and the multispectral‐mode rigid medical image registration.
Joint range extension and localization for low‐power wide‐area network
Authors: Mahfoudi Mohamed N. , Sivadoss Gayatri , Korachi Othmane B. , Turletti Thierry , Dabbous Walid
Published: June 2019

This paper introduces Snipe, a novel system offering joint localization and range extensions for Low‐power wide‐area networks (LPWANs). Although LPWAN systems such as Long Range (LoRa) are designed to achieve high communication range with low energy consumption, they suffer from fading in obstructed environments with dense multipath components, and their localization system is sub‐par in terms of accuracy. In this work, Multiple‐Input Multiple‐Output techniques are leveraged to achieve a higher signal‐to‐noise ratio at both the end device and the gateway while providing an opportunistic accurate radar‐based system for localization with limited additional cost.
Disciplinary Literacy Versus Doing School
Authors: Windschitl Mark
Published: June 2019

Within the context of schooling, conceptions of literacy are increasingly being associated with the capacity for learners to engage in disciplinary meaning making through face‐to‐face deliberation and dialogue. In this commentary, the author explores how a conversational infrastructure—meaning routines for talk, norms, scaffolds, and a repertoire of talk moves—can help teachers foster a discourse community in their classrooms. Such an infrastructure can support students of all backgrounds to explore, through discourse, how claims are made by members of a discipline, what counts as evidence, and the ground rules by which members of a knowledge‐building community can engage one another in justifying certain points of view while acknowledging alternatives. This vision is presented as an alternative to the unspoken rules and rituals that sociologists refer to as doing school, which serve to constrain academically productive talk in many classrooms.
Evaluation of word recognition following typing produced through facilitated communication
Authors: Roane Henry S. , Kadey Heather J. , Sullivan William E.
Published: June 2019

The extant literature on facilitated communication suggests facilitator control rather than independent communication. We used a novel assessment to evaluate a participant's correct identification of words produced during facilitated communication sessions. The participant was unable to recognize common words that she was being facilitated to type, with correct responding varying as a function of the number of distracter stimuli available. These findings are discussed in relation to behavior‐analytic evaluations for alternative medical treatments for autism and related disorders.
Pain at Multiple Sites Is Associated With Prevalent and Incident Fractures in Older Adults
Authors: Pan Feng , Tian Jing , Aitken Dawn , Cicuttini Flavia , Jones Graeme
Published: June 2019

Musculoskeletal pain is common and typically occurs at multiple sites. Pain has been shown to be associated with falls risk; however, whether an increased risk for falls associated with multisite pain (MSP) translates into an increased risk of fractures has not been investigated. This study aimed to examine the association of number of painful sites with prevalent and incident fractures. Data from a longitudinal population-based study of older adults (mean age 63 years) were utilized. Follow-up was performed at 2.6, 5.1, and 10.7 years later, respectively. Presence/absence of pain at the neck, back, hands, shoulders, hips, knees, and feet was assessed by questionnaire at baseline. Participants were classified into three groups according to the total number of painful sites: zero to two, three to four, and five to seven. Fractures were self-reported at each time point. BMD was measured by DXA. Falls risk was calculated based on the Short-Form Physiological Profile Assessment. Log-binomial regression was used for the analyses. There were 450 fractures at baseline and 154 new fractures reported during a mean follow-up period of 10.7 years (range 9.2 to 12.5 years). In multivariable analyses, number of painful sites was associated with prevalent fractures at any and nonvertebral site. Furthermore, participants with five to seven painful sites had an increased risk of incident fractures at any site (RR 1.69; 95% CI, 1.13 to 2.53); major site, including the femur, radius, ulnar, vertebral, rib, and humerus (RR 2.17; 95% CI 1.12 to 4.22); and vertebral site (RR 6.44, 95% CI, 1.64 to 25.33) compared with those with pain at zero to two sites. These associations remained statistically significant after further adjustment for falls risk and BMD. Pain at multiple sites was associated with incident fracture risk in a dose-response manner, suggesting that widespread pain is an independent contributor to fracture risk. The potential for pain management in fracture prevention warrants further exploration. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Silencing FUNDC1 alleviates chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by inhibiting mitochondrial autophagy and bronchial epithelium cell apoptosis under hypoxic environment
Authors: Wen Wen , Yu Guoqing , Liu Wei , Gu Lei , Chu Jiahui , Zhou Xiao , Liu Yuebin , Lai Guoxiang
Published: June 2019

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major global epidemic with increasing incidence worldwide. The pathogenesis of COPD is involved with mitochondrial autophagy. Recently, it has been reported that FUN14 domain containing 1 (FUNDC1) is a mediator of mitochondrial autophagy. Therefore, we hypothesized that FUNDC1 was involved in cigarette smoke (CS)‐induced COPD progression by regulating mitochondrial autophagy. In vitro cigarette smoke extract (CSE)‐treated human bronchial epithelial cell (hBEC) Beas‐2B cell line and in vivo CS‐induced COPD mouse models were developed, in which FUNDC1 expression was measured. Next, whether FUNDC1 interacted with dynamin‐related protein 1 (DRP1) in COPD was investigated. The functional mechanism of FUNDC1 in COPD was evaluated through gain‐ or loss‐of‐function studies. Then, pulmonary function, mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MTP) and mucociliary clearance (MCC) were examined. Levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and expression of autophagy‐specific markers (light chain 3 [LC3] II, LC3 I, and Tom20) were measured. Finally, apoptosis and mitochondrial autophagy were assessed. FUNDC1 was highly expressed in CSE‐treated hBECs and COPD mice. Meanwhile, FUNDC1 was proved to interact with DRP1 in CSE‐treated cells. Moreover, in CSE‐treated hBECs, silencing FUNDC1 was observed to reduce levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐α, and MTP but increase MCC, and inhibit CSE‐induced mitochondrial autophagy and Beas‐2B cell apoptosis, which was consistent with the trend in COPD mouse models. In addition, pulmonary function of COPD mouse models was increased in response to FUNDC1 silencing. Finally, silencing of DRP1 also inhibited mitochondrial autophagy and Beas‐2B cell apoptosis. Collectively, FUNDC1 silencing could suppress the progression of COPD by inhibiting mitochondrial autophagy and hBEC apoptosis through interaction with DRP1, highlighting a potential therapeutic target for COPD treatment.
The association between interleukin‐21 (rs2055979G/T) gene polymorphism and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and metastasis in patients with hepatitis C virus
Authors: Bakr Noha M. , Awad Ashraf , Moustafa Emad A. , El‐Gebaly Ahmed M.
Published: June 2019

Cancer prevalence is critically increasing worldwide; accordingly, improved prediction and therapeutic tools are necessary. Interleukin (IL)‐21 is a potent antitumor cytokine, and the relationship between its gene variations and cancer risk is well established. Nevertheless, so far no study has investigated its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and metastasis in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected people. Therefore, the present investigation was led on 267 Egyptian participants, involving 177 patients with HCV of which 90 patients had HCC (HCC group), 87 patients without HCC (non‐HCC group), and 90 unrelated healthy controls. The association between rs2221903A/G and rs2055979G/T of the IL‐21 gene and the risk of HCC and metastasis, as well as the clinico‐pathological features, were analyzed. While rs2221903A/G polymorphism was not polymorphic in our cohort, patients carrying the genotype TT and allele T of the rs2055979G/T polymorphism had a significantly lower risk of HCC when comparing with HCC group and healthy controls. Also, participants carrying the aforementioned genotype and allele had a significantly lower risk of metastasis when comparing metastatic group with both nonmetastatic group and control group. The rs2055979G/T polymorphism was not significantly associated with clinico‐pathological features of HCC. This is the first study to report a relationship between an intronic polymorphism in IL‐21 gene and HCC and metastasis risk in the Egyptian people, in addition to identifying a potential new marker for the early detection and treatment of HCC.
Retracted: miR‐942 promotes tumor migration, invasion, and angiogenesis by regulating EMT via BARX2 in non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Yang Fengming , Shao Chuchu , Wei Ke , Jing Xinming , Qin Zhiqiang , Shi Yuenian , Shu Yongqian , Shen Hua
Published: June 2019

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) has an important function in cancer. Recently, microRNAs have been reported to be involved in EMT by regulating target genes. miR‐942 is considered a novel oncogene in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. However, its role in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been investigated. In this study, the expression of miR‐942 in NSCLC patients tumor and paired adjacent tissues were assessed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization. Transwell, wound healing, tube formation, and tail vein xenograft assays were conducted to assess miR‐942′s function in NSCLC. Potential miR‐942 targets were confirmed using dual‐luciferase reporter assays, immunohistochemistry, immunoblot, and rescue experiments. The results showed miR‐942 is relatively highly expressed in human NSCLC tissues and cells. In vitro assays demonstrated that overexpression of miR‐942 promoted cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. Tail vein xenograft assays suggested that miR‐942 contributed to NSCLC metastasis in vivo. Three bioinformatics software was searched, and BARX2 was predicted as a downstream target of miR‐942. Direct interaction between them was validated by dual‐luciferase assays. Rescue experiments further confirmed that BARX2 overexpression could reverse functional changes caused by miR‐942. Moreover, miR‐942 increased EMT‐associated proteins N‐cadherin and vimentin by inhibiting BARX2, while E‐cadherin expression is reduced. In summary, this study reveals that miR‐942 induces EMT‐related metastasis by directly targeting BARX2, which may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for NSCLC.
Systematic review: Pelvic floor muscle training for functional bowel symptoms in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Khera Angela J , Chase Janet W , Salzberg Michael , Thompson Alexander J V , Kamm Michael A
Published: June 2019

Background and Aim

Large bowel functional symptoms are common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who are in disease remission. The efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training for symptoms of evacuation difficulty or fecal incontinence is well established in patients without organic bowel disease but is unknown in these patients. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the published evidence in this group of patients.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted of articles evaluating pelvic floor muscle training, with or without biofeedback, to improve bowel function in patients with quiescent IBD, including those with an ileoanal pouch. The outcome of interest was improved bowel function measured by bowel diary, patient report, or validated questionnaire in randomized controlled studies, cohort studies, or case series.

Results

Two randomized controlled trials, four retrospective case series, and one prospective study met eligibility criteria. Pelvic floor muscle training for patients with quiescent IBD improved symptoms in 51 of 76 (68%) patients with evacuation difficulty and 20 of 25 (80%) patients with fecal incontinence. Pelvic floor muscle training for patients with an ileoanal pouch, prior to stoma closure, did not appear to reduce the risk or severity of fecal incontinence following stoma closure. Studies were limited by small numbers, study design, methodological quality, and lack of long‐term follow‐up.

Conclusion

Pelvic floor muscle training appears to be of therapeutic value in some patients with quiescent IBD and evacuation difficulty or fecal incontinence. The effectiveness of this approach warrants further investigation.
Delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 for therapeutic genome editing
Authors: Xu Xiaojie , Wan Tao , Xin Huhu , Li Da , Pan Hongming , Wu Jun , Ping Yuan
Published: June 2019

The clustered, regularly‐interspaced, short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)‐associated nuclease 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) is emerging as a promising genome‐editing tool for treating diseases in a precise way, and has been applied to a wide range of research in the areas of biology, genetics, and medicine. Delivery of therapeutic genome‐editing agents provides a promising platform for the treatment of genetic disorders. Although viral vectors are widely used to deliver CRISPR/Cas9 elements with high efficiency, they suffer from several drawbacks, such as mutagenesis, immunogenicity, and off‐target effects. Recently, non‐viral vectors have emerged as another class of delivery carriers in terms of their safety, simplicity, and flexibility. In this review, we discuss the modes of CRISPR/Cas9 delivery, the barriers to the delivery process and the application of CRISPR/Cas9 system for the treatment of genetic disorders. We also highlight several representative types of non‐viral vectors, including polymers, liposomes, cell‐penetrating peptides, and other synthetic vectors, for the therapeutic delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 system. The applications of CRISPR/Cas9 in treating genetic disorders mediated by the non‐viral vectors are also discussed.
Interfacial Dilational Rheology of Sodium Lauryl Glycine and Mixtures with Conventional Surfactants
Authors: Chen Zhenghong , Zhang Pingping , Sun Yimeng , Wang Ce , Xu Baocai
Published: June 2019

Amino acid‐based surfactants are environmentally friendly surfactants, which have aroused increasing interest. In the application of amino acid‐based surfactants, they are often compounded with other kinds of surfactants to obtain formulations that meet certain requirements. Herein, sodium lauroyl glycinate (C12‐Gly‐Na) was selected as a representative amino acid‐based surfactant to compound with an anionic surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate [SDS]), a cationic surfactant (dodecyl trimethyl ammonium Bromide), and a nonionic surfactant (Triton X‐100: p‐octyl polyethylene glycol phenyl ether). Surface tension measurements and interfacial dilational rheological experiments were performed to study the interfacial behaviors of C12‐Gly‐Na and its mixtures. The results show that mixture systems have better interfacial activity than individual C12‐Gly‐Na and there is an obvious synergy between C12‐Gly‐Na and C12TAB under strong electrostatic attraction. Thus, the C12‐Gly‐Na/C12TAB mixture shows lower critical micelle concentration (CMC) and
γCMC and higher dilational modulus than the individual surfactants. Besides, the film formed by the C12‐Gly‐Na/C12TAB mixture has higher viscoelasticity than single C12‐Gly‐Na and its mixtures with SDS and TX‐100. With the increase of bulk concentration, the dilational moduli of C12‐Gly‐Na, C12‐Gly‐Na/SDS, and C12‐Gly‐Na/TX‐100 run through two maxima, while, due to stronger electrostatic attraction, only one maximum appears in the C12‐Gly‐Na/C12TAB system. The study of the interfacial properties of amino acid surfactant and its mixtures with other surfactants provides a theoretical foundation for potential applications in cosmetic, food processing, and daily chemical industries.
Financial toxicity risk among adult patients undergoing cancer surgery in the United States: An analysis of the National Inpatient Sample
Authors: Farooq Ayesha , Merath Katiuscha , Hyer J. Madison , Paredes Anghela Z. , Tsilimigras Diamantis I. , Sahara Kota , Mehta Rittal , Wu Lu , Cloyd Jordan M. , Ejaz Aslam , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: June 2019

Background and Objective

Financial hardship occurring as a result of cancer treatment has been termed financial toxicity and is an established side effect of the cancer treatment. We investigated the risk of financial toxicity among patients undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal cancers.

Methods

All uninsured and privately insured patients who underwent surgery for a gastrointestinal cancer were identified from the National Inpatient Sample. Publicly available government data were used estimate income, food expenditure, and average maximum out‐of‐pocket expenditure. Risk of financial toxicity was defined as health expenditure ≥ 40% of postsubsistence income.

Results

Among the 78 545 patients in the analytic cohort, 73 305 individuals had private insurance while 5240 patients were uninsured. Overall median hospital charges were $58 651 (IQR: $37 912‐$95 379). Approximately 90% of uninsured and 10% of privately insured patients were at risk of financial toxicity. At the subpopulation level, patients in the lowest income quartile, undergoing emergency surgery, black or hispanic individuals, and those undergoing surgery for esophageal or colon cancer were more likely to experience catastrophic costs following surgery (P < .001).

Conclusion

Approximately 9 in 10 uninsured and 1 in 10 privately insured patients with cancer were at risk of financial toxicity after the surgery. Targeted interventions are needed to provide financial protection to patients undergoing the cancer treatment.
The Size of Internal Auditory Canal Diverticula Is Unrelated to Degree of Hearing Loss
Authors: Muelleman Thomas J. , Pippin Kaley , Shew Matthew , Villwock Mark , Lin James , Quesnel Alicia M. , Ledbetter Luke , Staecker Hinrich
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To explore the relationship between hearing loss and the internal auditory canal (IAC) diverticula. To determine whether diverticula exist within or medial to the otic capsule and the prevalence in a control population.

Methods

Retrospective review of adult patients with radiologic evidence of an IAC diverticulum, no evidence of otosclerosis, and audiometric testing. Analyzed degree of hearing loss and width, length, height, and volume of diverticulum. Hounsfield unit (HU) measurements lateral and medial to the diverticulum.

Results

Pure tone average (PTA), air‐bone gap, and WRS (word recognition score) did not correlate with length, width, height, and volume of the diverticula. In patients with a unilateral diverticulum, there was no difference in mean PTA or WRS when comparing the diverticulum and nondiverticulum sides. Mean HU lateral to the diverticulum (2104 HU) was found to be significantly higher than medial to the diverticulum (1818 HU). There is a 5.6% prevalence of IAC diverticula in patients who underwent high‐resolution computed tomography (CT) scans for chronic sinusitis (control group).

Conclusion

These data support the notion that hearing loss in this population is a product of sampling bias. The size of IAC diverticula does not correlate with the degree of hearing loss, and there is no statistically significant association between sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and the presence of an IAC diverticulum. IAC diverticula may exist medial to, rather than within, the otic capsule given the significant difference in mean HUs medial and lateral to the diverticula.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:1011–1015, 2020
Measuring the impact of oceanographic indices on species distribution shifts: The spatially varying effect of cold‐pool extent in the eastern Bering Sea
Authors: Thorson James T.
Published: June 2019

Oceanographers have spent decades developing annual indices that summarize physical conditions in marine ecosystems. Examples include the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, summarizing annual variation in the location of warm waters in the North Pacific, and cold‐pool extent (CPE), summarizing the area with cold near‐bottom waters in the eastern Bering Sea. However, these indices are rarely included in the species distribution models that are used to identify and forecast distribution shifts under future climate scenarios. I therefore review three interpretations of spatially varying coefficient models, explain how they can be used to estimate spatial patterns of population density associated with oceanographic indices, and add this option to the multivariate spatiotemporal model VAST. I then use a case study involving bottom trawl data for 17 fish and decapod species in the eastern Bering Sea 1982–2017 to answer: does a spatially varying coefficient model for CPE explain variation in spatial distribution for species in this region? And (2) does a spatially varying effect of CPE remain substantial even when local temperature is also included as a covariate? Results show that CPE and local bottom temperature are both identified as parsimonious by Akaike Information Criterion for 13 of 17 species, jointly explain nearly 9%–14% of spatiotemporal variation on average, and CPE does explain variation in excess of local temperature alone. I therefore conclude that spatially varying coefficient models are a useful way to assimilate oceanographic indices within species distribution models, and hypothesize that these will be useful to account for decadal‐scale variability within multidecadal forecasts of distribution shift.
Image‐Guided Ablation of Dental Calculus From Root Surfaces Using a DPSS Er:YAG Laser
Authors: Fried William A. , Chan Kenneth H. , Darling Cynthia L. , Curtis Donald A. , Fried Daniel
Published: June 2019

Background and Objectives

Recent studies have demonstrated that near‐infrared (IR) imaging can be used to acquire high‐contrast images of root caries and calculus on the root surfaces of extracted teeth at wavelengths longer than 1450 nm. The purpose of this study was to determine if image‐guided laser ablation can be used to selectively remove calculus from tooth surfaces with minimal damage to the underlying sound cementum and dentin.

Materials and Methods

In this study, sequential near‐IR images at 1500–1700 nm were used to guide a diode‐pumped (DPSS) Er:YAG laser for the removal of calculus from the root surfaces of 10 extracted teeth. The selectivity of removal was assessed using digital microscopy, optical coherence tomography, and surface profilometry.

Results

Calculus was removed rapidly with minimal damage to the underlying sound cementum and dentin. Image‐guided ablation achieved high‐selectivity, the mean volume of calculus removal was more than 27 times higher than the mean loss of cementum.

Conclusions

We have demonstrated that near‐IR image‐guided laser ablation can be used for the selective removal of calculus from root surfaces ex vivo. Additionally, we have demonstrated that a diode‐pumped solid‐state Er:YAG laser is well suited for selective removal. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of Gelatin‐Alginate Hydrogels for Burn Wound Treatment
Authors: Stubbe Birgit , Mignon Arn , Declercq Heidi , Van Vlierberghe Sandra , Dubruel Peter
Published: June 2019

Hydrogels are interesting as wound dressing for burn wounds to maintain a moist environment. Especially gelatin and alginate based wound dressings show strong potential. Both polymers are modified by introducing photocrosslinkable functionalities and combined to hydrogel films (gel‐MA/alg‐MA). In one protocol gel‐MA films are incubated in alg‐MA solutions and crosslinked afterward into double networks. Another protocol involves blending both and subsequent photocrosslinking. The introduction of alginate into the gelatin matrix results in phase separation with polysaccharide microdomains in a protein matrix. Addition of alg(‐MA) to gel‐MA leads to an increased swelling compared to 100% gelatin and similar to the commercial Aquacel Ag dressing. In vitro tests show better cell adhesion for films which have a lower alginate content and also have superior mechanical properties. The hydrogel dressings exhibit good biocompatibility with adaptable cell attachment properties. An adequate gelatin‐alginate ratio should allow application of the materials as wound dressings for several days without tissue ingrowth.