bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular cross‐talk of IL‐6 in tumors and new progress in combined therapy
Authors: Song Zuoqing , Ren Dian , Xu Xiaohong , Wang Yuxin
Published: March 2018

IL‐6, a cytokine activated by type I interferons (IFNs), is encoded by the IL‐6 gene, and secreted by T cells and macrophages. It serves many purposes in the human body and is significant to pathological and physiological activities, such as acute inflammatory responses, autoimmune diseases, and tumor formation. The wide range of IL‐6 actions on tumors rely on more than one specific pathway. Advances in modern research have determined that to fulfill its complex physiological functions, IL‐6 must be involved in cross‐talk with a number of other molecular pathways. Therefore, it is important to clarify the comprehensive pathway network associated with IL‐6 activity and to explore the mechanisms to inhibit its pathological activity in order to develop corresponding treatment plans. This study is a simple review of the pathological and physiological actions of IL‐6 on the human body. It explains in detail the molecular pathways involved in cross‐talk between IL‐6 and tumors, summarizing and discussing the latest progress made in IL‐6‐related internal medicine treatments in recent years, including chemotherapies, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies. Our results provide new insight into the treatment of tumors.
Habitat structure modifies microclimate: An approach for mapping fine‐scale thermal refuge
Authors: Milling Charlotte R. , Rachlow Janet L. , Olsoy Peter J. , Chappell Mark A. , Johnson Timothy R. , Forbey Jennifer S. , Shipley Lisa A. , Thornton Daniel H.
Published: March 2018

Contemporary techniques predicting habitat suitability under climate change projections often underestimate availability of thermal refuges. Habitat structure contributes to thermal heterogeneity at a variety of spatial scales, but quantifying microclimates at organism‐relevant resolutions remains a challenge. Landscapes that appear homogeneous at large scales may offer patchily distributed thermal refuges at finer scales.

We quantified the relationship between vegetation structure and the thermal environment at a scale relevant to small, terrestrial animals using a new approach for mapping fine‐scale thermal heterogeneity. We expected that vegetation would create attenuated microclimates and that the influence of vegetation structure would vary seasonally. We measured shrub volume, horizontal cover and operative temperature (Te) in a sagebrush‐steppe habitat in Idaho, USA, at 534 microsites across two study sites of c. 1 km2 each. We modelled relationships between habitat structure and both mean daily maximum temperature () and mean diurnal temperature range () for each study site during summer and winter. Aerial imagery from unmanned aerial systems was used to estimate shrub volume and canopy cover at 1‐m resolution, and we applied the best fit model to map thermal heterogeneity across broader extents.

Increasing shrub volume and cover was associated with lower and , but strengths of the relationships differed between study sites. There was considerable heterogeneity in availability of thermal refuges across sagebrush‐steppe rangelands that have traditionally been considered relatively homogeneous.

This technique can help ecologists and land managers identify critical thermal refuges that large‐scale climate modelling can overlook and thus contribute to an understanding of animal–habitat relationships under changing climates and land uses.
Out‐of‐hours intensive care unit admission and 90‐day mortality: a Danish nationwide cohort study
Authors: Buck D. L. , Christiansen C. F. , Christensen S. , Møller M. H. ,   the Danish Intensive Care Database
Published: March 2018

Background

Mortality rates in critically ill adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) remains high, and numerous patient‐ and disease‐related adverse prognostic factors have been identified. In recent years, studies in a variety of emergency conditions suggested that outcome is dependent on the time of hospital admission. The importance of out‐of‐hours admission to the ICU has been sparsely evaluated and with ambiguous findings. We assessed the association between out‐of‐hours (16:00 to 07:00) and weekend admission to the ICU, respectively, and 90‐day mortality in a nationwide cohort.

Methods

We included all Danish adult patients admitted to the ICU between 1 January 2011 and 30 June 2014, with an ICU stay > 24 h. The crude and adjusted association between out‐of‐hours and weekend admission and 90‐day mortality was assessed (odds ratio (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI)).

Results

A total of 44,797 patients were included, 53.3% were admitted out‐of‐hours, and 22.6% during weekends. Median age was 67 years (interquartile range (IQR) 55–76), and median SAPS II was 42 (IQR 30–54). Patients admitted in‐hours vs. out‐of‐hours displayed a 90‐day mortality rate of 41.0% vs. 44.2%. The adjusted association (OR with 95% CI) between out‐of‐hours admission and 90‐day mortality was 1.07 (1.02–1.11), and the adjusted association (OR with 95% CI) between weekend admission and 90‐day mortality was 1.10 (1.05–1.15).

Conclusion

This nationwide study suggests that critically ill adult patients admitted to the ICU during weekends and out‐of‐hours, and with an ICU stay > 24 h are at slightly increased risk of mortality.
Are Internet message boards used to facilitate stock price manipulation? Evidence from an emerging market, Thailand
Authors: Laksomya Nattapong , Powell John G. , Tanthanongsakkun Suparatana , Treepongkaruna Sirimon
Published: March 2018

The impact of messages posted on the top three financial discussion boards in Thailand is investigated using an event study approach. Heightened message board posting activity for small firms is associated with a strong pre‐event share price run‐up over many days and a partial post‐event return reversal, consistent with manipulative activity whereby traders sometimes ‘talk up’ small‐firm prospects on message boards and then dump them. Close to 90 percent of the price falls associated with bad discussion board news get reversed within 75 days, consistent with short sellers utilising heightened self‐serving message board activity when targeting companies for short selling.
Madagaphes gen. nov. for Madagascan species misplaced in Stenichnaphes Franz (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)
Authors: Jałoszyński Paweł
Published: March 2018

Examination of Madagascan species placed in Stenichnaphes (Scydmaeninae) revealed remarkable differences in thoracic and male genital structures in relation to the type species of this genus, described from New Zealand. Results of comparative study of similar glandulariine genera (all sharing the submentum laterally demarcated by sutures) strongly support a separate placement of the Madagascan species: Madagaphes gen. nov. is proposed, resulting in Madagaphes madagassicus (Franz) comb. nov. (type species of Madagaphes), Madagaphes sakarahanus (Franz) comb. nov. and Madagaphes similis (Franz) comb. nov. All these species are redescribed to facilitate identifications.
Analysis of sports‐relevant polymorphisms in a large Brazilian cohort of top‐level athletes
Authors: Guilherme João Paulo Limongi França , Bertuzzi Rômulo , Lima‐Silva Adriano Eduardo , Pereira Alexandre da Costa , Lancha Junior Antonio Herbert
Published: March 2018

In recent years, there have been an increasing number of genetic variants associated with athletic phenotypes. Here, we selected a set of sports‐relevant polymorphisms that have been previously suggested as genetic markers for human physical performance, and we examined their association with athletic status in a large cohort of Brazilians. We evaluated a sample of 1,622 individuals, in which 966 were nonathletes, and 656 were athletes: 328 endurance athletes and 328 power athletes. Only theAGTM268T minor allele was nominally associated with the endurance status. Conversely, we found that seven polymorphisms are more frequent in power athletes (MCT1D490E,AGTM268T,PPARGP12A,PGC1AG482S,VEGFR2Q472H,NOS3C/T, andACTN3R577X). For all of these polymorphisms, power athletes were more likely than nonathletes or endurance athletes to carry the major allele or the homozygous genotype for the major allele. In particular,MCT1D490E,AGTM268T,NOS3C/T, andACTN3R577X showed stronger associations. Our findings support a role for these variants in the achievement of power athletic status in Brazilians:MCT1D490E (T allele),AGTM268T (G allele),PPARG(C allele),PGC1AG482S (C allele),VEGFR2Q472H (T allele),NOS3C/T (T allele), andACTN3R577X (R allele).
e‐Screening revolution: A novel approach to developing a delirium screening tool in the intensive care unit
Authors: Eeles Eamonn , Gunn Hayley , Sutt Anna‐Liisa , Pinsker Donna , Flaws Dylan , Jarrett Paul , Lye India , Fraser John F
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Delirium is common in the intensive care unit (ICU), often affecting older patients. A bedside electronic tool has the potential to revolutionise delirium screening. Our group describe a novel approach to the design and development of delirium screening questions for the express purpose of use within an electronic device. Preliminary results are presented.

Methods

Our group designed a series of tests which targeted the clinical criteria for delirium according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fifth Edition (DSM‐5) criteria against predefined requirements, including applicability to older patients.

Results

Candidate questions, including tests of attention and awareness, were devised and then refined by an expert multidisciplinary group, including geriatricians. A scoring scheme was constructed, with testing to failure an indicator of delirium. The device was tested in healthy controls, aged 20–80 years, who were recorded as being without delirium.

Conclusion

e‐Screening for delirium requires a novel approach to instrument design but may revolutionise recognition of delirium in ICU.
Adipose‐derived stem cells improve erectile function partially through the secretion of IGF‐1, bFGF, and VEGF in aged rats
Authors: Yang J. , Zhang Y. , Zang G. , Wang T. , Yu Z. , Wang S. , Tang Z. , Liu J.
Published: March 2018

Adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) have recently been considered as a promising therapy for erectile dysfunction (ED). However, the mechanism of ADSC‐based therapy is unclear. Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secreted by ADSCs were assessed in vitro. Sixteen 24‐month‐old male Sprague–Dawley rats were used for comparative analysis of 2‐week treatment with labeled ADSCs or PBS. Eight additional 5‐month‐old rats were used as a young rat group. At 2 weeks post‐transplantation, all rats were analyzed for erectile function, cavernous IGF‐1, bFGF and VEGF levels, and penile histology. Conditioned medium and co‐culture systems were used in cell experiments to detect how growth factors act on corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) under oxidative stress conditions via crystal violet staining and immunofluorescence staining. We found that ADSCs secreted significantly higher IGF‐1, bFGF, and VEGF levels in culture medium compared with basal medium. Compared with young rats, untreated aged rats had significantly lower Max ICP/MAP and ADSC treatment significantly increased the ratio. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated a small number of labeled ADSCs in the corpus cavernosum. The untreated aged rats showed significantly decreased cavernous IGF‐1, bFGF, and VEGF levels and significantly decreased contents of cavernous smooth muscle and endothelium compared with young rats. ADSC treatment partially normalized these alterations. In cell experiments, the groups receiving growth factor neutralizing antibody separately or combined had significantly decreased numbers of CCSMCs compared with control groups. These results indicated that ADSC treatment may improve aging‐related ED partially through the secretion of IGF‐1, bFGF, and VEGF.
Sertoli cells for cell transplantation: pre‐clinical studies and future perspectives
Authors: Luca G. , Arato I. , Sorci G. , Cameron D. F. , Hansen B. C. , Baroni T. , Donato R. , White D. G. J. , Calafiore R.
Published: March 2018

Sertoli cells are located in the testes where they control several key functions in spermatogenesis. Over the past 30 years, Sertoli cells have been upgraded from a simple scaffold‐like structural system to a dynamic functional system of intercellular support that delivers potent immunomodulatory and trophic factors. Since the discovery of new Sertoli cell secretory products, these cells have been utilized in experimental cell transplantation and co‐transplantation protocols aimed at treating both chronic inflammatory and degenerative disorders. For these reasons, this work reviews the application of both naked and microencapsulated Sertoli cells used in cell transplantation studies of several chronic or autoimmune diseases such as diabetes mellitus, Laron dwarfism, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy and in studies aimed at the prevention of skin allograft rejection.
A new 2% testosterone gel formulation: a comparison with currently available topical preparations
Authors: Arver S. , Stief C. , de la Rosette J. , Jones T. H. , Neijber A. , Carrara D.
Published: March 2018

Testosterone gel formulations have become a popular testosterone replacement therapy in patients with hypogonadism since their advent in the year 2000. The gel formulations restore testosterone levels to mid‐normal physiological levels (14–17.5 nmol/L) as early as within 24 h, and help alleviate the signs and symptoms of testosterone deficiency, thereby leading to an improved quality of life. Although testosterone gels have a favourable efficacy and safety profile as compared to injectable and patch formulations, risk of secondary exposure poses a challenge. Approved testosterone topical formulations include Tostrex® (Tostran®, Fortesta®), Androgel® (Testogel®), Testim® and Axiron® (solution), which have a favourable efficacy profile and positively impacted patient‐reported outcome(s). Besides, Testavan, which is a 2% testosterone gel, is under registration in Europe and already approved in Australia in May 2017. Testavan uses a novel hydroalcoholic and highly viscous topical formulation. This product comes with a metered dose dispenser and a cap applicator that allows a hands‐free application for precise dispensing and application. The present article provides a comprehensive review of pharmacokinetic, tolerability and safety profile of the testosterone gels available in the market along with the new 2% testosterone gel, Testavan.
Wang's Forceps‐Assisted Percutaneous Insertion and Fixation of Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter
Authors: Wang Huiming , Wang Yujuan , Zhu Jili , Chen Xinghua , Chen Cheng , Xiang Cuizhi , Jia Houjun , Ding Guohua
Published: March 2018

Percutaneous insertion of peritoneal dialysis catheters is theoretically most preferred by nephrologists because of the advantages of bedside performing, surgery independence, and minimal injury over other procedures of catheter placement such as open surgical dissection or laparoscopic operation. However, blindly placing catheters in the percutaneous procedure brings the risk of catheter malposition or bowel perforation; this largely retarded it's implementation. We had previously developed a novel technique termed “Wang's forceps‐assisted catheter insertion and fixation,” which had been successfully applied in the open surgical catheter insertion and displaced catheter reposition in our center. In this study, we further explored the possibility of applying the Wang's forceps in the procedure of percutaneous catheter insertion both in porcine model and patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). A total of three miniature pigs successfully received percutaneous catheter insertion using Seldinger's technique with Wang's forceps assistance. The catheters were all placed in the right position and functioning well in dialysate drainage. This novel method of percutaneous catheter insertion was then performed on 20 ESRD patients. The procedure showed effective time‐saving with the average operating time of 29.2 ± 3.53 min and was well tolerated by patients with minimal pain and injury. During a follow‐up time of 6 months, no complications of catheter displacement, leakage, or blockade occurred. Our preliminary observation demonstrates that utilization of Wang's forceps in a percutaneous procedure conferred benefits of accurately placing and fixing catheters while preserving the merits of minimal invasion and simple performance.
Perspectives on periviability counselling and decision‐making differed between neonatologists in the United States and the Netherlands
Authors: Schrijvers Ninke M. , Geurtzen Rosa , Draaisma Jos M.T. , Halamek Louis P. , Yamada Nicole K. , Hogeveen Marije
Published: March 2018

Aim

American guidelines suggest that neonatal resuscitation be considered at 23 weeks of gestation, one week earlier than in the Netherlands, but how counselling practices differ at the threshold of viability is unknown. This pilot study compared prenatal periviability counselling in the two countries.

Methods

In 2013, a cross‐sectional survey was sent to 121 Dutch neonatologists as part of a nationwide evaluation of prenatal counselling. In this pilot study, the same survey was sent to a convenience sample of 31 American neonatologists in 2014. The results were used to compare the organisation, content and decision‐making processes in prenatal counselling at 24 weeks of gestation between the two countries.

Results

The survey was completed by 17 (55%) American and 77 (64%) Dutch neonatologists. American neonatologists preferred to meet with parents more frequently, for longer periods of time, and to discuss more intensive care topics, including long‐term complications, than Dutch neonatologists. Neonatologists from both countries preferred shared decision‐making when deciding whether to initiate intensive care.

Conclusion

Neonatologists in the United States and the Netherlands differed in their approach to prenatal counselling at 24 weeks of gestation. Cross‐cultural differences may play a role.
Accurate and fast neonatal heart rate assessment with a smartphone‐based application – a manikin study
Authors: Myrnerts Höök Susanna , Pejovic Nicolas J. , Marrone Gaetano , Tylleskär Thorkild , Alfvén Tobias
Published: March 2018

Aim

This study determined the accuracy and speed of the NeoTapLifeSupport (NeoTapLS), a free smartphone application that aims to assess a neonate's heart rate.

Methods

We asked 30 participants with a variety of backgrounds to test the NeoTapLS, which was developed by our own nonprofit organisation Tap4Life, to determine a randomly selected heart rate by auscultation or palpation. The study was carried out in 2014 at Sachs’ Children and Youth Hospital, Sweden, using a Laerdal SimNewB manikin that simulates true values. The NeoTapLS calculates the heart rate based on the user's last three taps on the smartphone screen.

Results

A total of 1200 measurements were carried out. A high correlation was found between measured and true values by auscultation (correlation coefficient 0.993) as well as by palpation (correlation coefficient 0.986) with 93.5% of the auscultations and 86.3% of the palpations differing from the true value by five beats or fewer. The mean time to the first estimated heart rate was 14.9 seconds for auscultation and 16.3 seconds for palpation.

Conclusion

Heart rates could be accurately and rapidly assessed using the NeoTapLS on a manikin. A globally accessible mobile health system could offer a low‐cost alternative to expensive medical equipment.
Work‐Family Conflict and Hindrance Stress as Antecedents of Social Undermining: Does Ethical Leadership Matter?
Authors: Eissa Gabi , Wyland Rebecca
Published: March 2018

Drawing upon self‐regulation theory, we propose that work‐family conflict (WFC) induces employee hindrance stress, which subsequently contributes to social undermining. Using a moderated‐mediation model, we also examine ethical leadership as a conditional moderator that affects the strength among the hypothesised relationships. The hypothesised model was tested using multisource field data (N = 156) from various industries. Results show that WFC has a positive indirect effect on social undermining through the mediation mechanism of hindrance stress. Additionally, high levels of ethical leadership alleviated the mediated relationship. Theoretical and practical implications as well as future research directions are also discussed.
Survival benefit of lymph node dissection in surgery for colon cancer in elderly patients: A multicenter propensity score‐matched study in Japan
Authors: Takahashi Makoto , Niitsu Hiroaki , Sakamoto Kazuhiro , Hinoi Takao , Hattori Minoru , Goto Michitoshi , Bando Hiroyuki , Hazama Shoichi , Maeda Kiyoshi , Okita Kenji , Horie Hisanaga , Watanabe Masahiko ,   the Japan Society of Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery
Published: March 2018

Introduction

In surgery for elderly patients with colorectal cancer, it is unclear whether radical lymph node (LN) dissection safely offers a survival benefit. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of the LN yield in elderly patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer.

Methods

The subjects were selected from a surgical database of 2065 patients aged ≥80 years old who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer at 41 hospitals in Japan between 2003 and 2007. The patients were divided into groups according to the number LN harvested: <12 and ≥12. Propensity scores were subsequently matched to balance the baseline characteristics.

Results

Of the 954 patients initially selected, 331 were in the <12 LN and 623 were in the ≥12 LN group. After cases were matched, 293 patients were allocated to each group, and all covariates were balanced. For short‐term outcomes, the time for surgery was longer in the ≥12 LN group, but there was no significant difference in morbidity between the groups. Overall, relapse‐free and cancer‐specific survival rates were higher in the ≥12 LN group (P = 0.004, 0.001, and 0.02).

Conclusions

In patients aged ≥80 years old with stage II–III colon cancer, harvesting ≥12 LN provides a survival benefit, and therefore, limited LN dissection is not recommended in these patients.
Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy in a case of sigmoid colon cancer with situs inversus totalis
Authors: Takeda Takashi , Haraguchi Naotsugu , Yamaguchi Ayumi , Uemura Mamoru , Miyake Masakazu , Miyazaki Michihiko , Ikeda Masataka , Sekimoto Mitsugu
Published: March 2018

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a rare anatomic anomaly in which organs in the chest and abdomen exist in a mirror image reversal of their normal positions. SIT can complicate surgical procedures, and few reports have described laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer in patients with SIT. Here, we report a case of successful laparoscopic surgery in a patient with SIT and sigmoid colon cancer. Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy involved colonic mobilization with high ligation of the inferior mesenteric vessels and complete mesocolic excision. The operating surgeon stood on the patient's left side, opposite the normal location for sigmoidectomy. By placing a 12‐mm trocar in the left iliac fossa and using an automatic endoscopic linear stapler, the operating surgeon was able to perform left‐handed colon resection without having to change position or move the laparoscopic monitor mid‐procedure. An automatic endoscopic linear stapler is useful for laparoscopic left‐side colon surgery in a patient with SIT.
Plasma glutathione suggests oxidative stress is equally present in early‐ and late‐onset bipolar disorder
Authors: Singh Nisha , McMahon Hannah , Bilderbeck Amy , Reed Zoe E , Tunbridge Elizabeth , Brett Daniel , Geddes John R , Churchill Grant C , Goodwin Guy M
Published: March 2018

Objectives

We previously demonstrated oxidative stress in bipolar patients and a relationship between the age of illness onset and total glutathione, a principal antioxidant. In this study, we sought to replicate these findings in a new cohort of patients.

Methods

We recruited bipolar patients from Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK, of similar age and grouped them according to age of onset of illness. The early‐onset group comprised patients with onset at <23 years, and the late group comprised patients with onset at >30 years. A third group, comprising age‐matched healthy volunteers, was also included. Reduced and oxidized glutathione, cysteine, and cystine were determined in plasma, using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Mitochondrial DNA copy number, measured in whole blood, was also compared between patients and healthy controls.

Results

Significant increases in oxidative stress were observed in the patient groups, compared with the control group; however, no differences in glutathione‐related oxidative stress measures were detected between the early‐ and late‐onset bipolar patient groups. No differences were observed in the amount of mitochondrial DNA, and there was no correlation with mood state.

Conclusion

Using a more accurate method to quantify oxidative stress than in our previous study, we show that oxidative stress is a consistent feature of bipolar disorder. Although we did not reproduce our finding correlating age of onset of illness to oxidative stress, we have shown, once again, that oxidative stress is a consistent feature of bipolar disorder.
The shortened Corporate Ethical Virtues scale: Measurement invariance and mean differences across two occupational groups
Authors: Huhtala Mari , Kangas Maiju , Kaptein Muel , Feldt Taru
Published: March 2018

So far, the field of business ethics lacks validated measures for assessing virtues at the organizational level. The aim of this study is to investigate the measurement invariance of a shortened Corporate Ethical Virtues scale. In this manner, we contribute to validating an instrument that is both psychometrically sound and efficient to use. We conducted two survey studies of two independent groups (managers and school psychologists). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the eight‐factor model of the scale, and we found it to be invariant in two different occupational groups. The managers gave higher appraisals of ethical culture than the psychologists did in seven out of the eight dimensions. We found that despite the contextual differences, the shortened scale measures the eight dimensions of organizational ethical virtues, as intended. Thus, the use of this more compact scale can be recommended for future studies, which will hopefully stimulate more research on ethical culture in various work contexts.
Nonparametric Estimation of Transition Probabilities for a General Progressive Multi-State Model Under Cross-Sectional Sampling
Authors: de Uña-Álvarez Jacobo , Mandel Micha
Published: March 2018

Nonparametric estimation of the transition probability matrix of a progressive multi-state model is considered under cross-sectional sampling. Two different estimators adapted to possibly right-censored and left-truncated data are proposed. The estimators require full retrospective information before the truncation time, which, when exploited, increases efficiency. They are obtained as differences between two survival functions constructed for sub-samples of subjects occupying specific states at a certain time point. Both estimators correct the oversampling of relatively large survival times by using the left-truncation times associated with the cross-sectional observation. Asymptotic results are established, and finite sample performance is investigated through simulations. One of the proposed estimators performs better when there is no censoring, while the second one is strongly recommended with censored data. The new estimators are applied to data on patients in intensive care units (ICUs).
Exploring the impact of teacher emotions on their approaches to teaching: A structural equation modelling approach
Authors: Chen Junjun
Published: March 2018

Background

Research into teacher emotion has attracted increasing attention in the last two decades. The relevance of teacher emotion in education has been highlighted. However, evidence of how teacher emotions impact their teaching approaches is rather limited.

Aims

This study investigated the relationship between two self‐report instruments – the Teacher Emotion Inventory and the Approach to Teaching.

Sample

There were 1,830 teachers were approached from 43 primary schools in China and 12 primary schools in Hong Kong.

Methods

Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modelling were utilized in the analysis procedure.

Results

As a result, a five‐factor TEI model was identified with two positive factors (Joy and Love) and three negative factors (Sadness, Anger, and Fear). A ATI model involved was confirmed with three factors (Knowledge Transmission, Student‐Teacher Interaction, and Student Focus). Structural equation modelling demonstrated that more student‐centred approaches are the consequence of positive teacher emotions while a teacher‐centred approach is the consequence of negative teacher emotions although there are two surprising links.

Conclusions

Identifying this pattern of relationships will contribute to understanding the reasons why new teaching strategies are often not adopted despite well‐designed professional programs and educational reform and will provide implications for teaching improvement through teacher emotion.
INDUSTRIAL UPGRADING: RURAL‐URBAN MIGRANT'S TRAINING COSTS AND HETEROGENEOUS LABOR MIGRATION
Authors: Li Xiaochun , Ge Yang , Zhou Jing
Published: March 2018

This article uses H‐T model to analyse economic effects of training costs and heterogeneous labour migration from the prospect of short and long terms. We build a general equilibrium model with three sectors and apply comparatively static methods in discussing economic effects of decreasing training cost for migrants when developing countries are going through industrial upgrading. The main conclusions are: a decrease in training costs reduces rural employment in the short run; there is a threshold in the long term: when rural wage is lower than this value, reducing training cost could increase rural employment, while decrease industrial employment with lower unemployment.
Increased centrosome number in BRCA‐related breast cancer specimens determined by immunofluorescence analysis
Authors: Watanabe Gou , Chiba Natsuko , Nomizu Tadashi , Furuta Akihiko , Sato Kaolu , Miyashita Minoru , Tada Hiroshi , Suzuki Akihiko , Ohuchi Noriaki , Ishida Takanori
Published: March 2018

BRCA‐related breast carcinoma can be prevented through prophylactic surgery and an intensive follow‐up regimen. However, BRCA genetic tests cannot be routinely performed, and some BRCA mutations could not be defined as deleterious mutations or normal variants. Therefore, an easy functional assay of BRCA will be useful to evaluate BRCA status. As it has been reported that BRCA functions in the regulation of centrosome number, we focused on centrosome number in cancer tissues. Here, 70 breast cancer specimens with known BRCA status were analyzed using immunofluorescence of γ‐tubulin (a marker of centrosome) foci. The number of foci per cell was higher in cases with BRCA mutation compared to wild‐type cases, that is, 1.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5‐2.3) vs 0.5 (95% CI, 0.2‐0.8) (P < .001). Specifically, foci numbers per cell in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation cases were 1.2 (95% CI, 0.6‐1.8) and 2.2 (95% CI, 1.7‐2.6), respectively, both higher than those in wild‐type cases (P = .042 and P < .0001, respectively). The predictive value of γ‐tubulin foci as determined by area under the curve (AUC = 0.86) for BRCA status was superior to BRCAPRO (AUC = 0.69), Myriad Table (AUC = 0.61), and KOHBRA BRCA risk calculator (AUC = 0.65) pretest values. The use of γ‐tubulin foci to predict BRCA status had sensitivity = 83% (19/23), specificity = 89% (42/47), and positive predictive value = 77% (20/26). Thus, γ‐tubulin immunofluorescence, a functional assessment of BRCA, can be used as a new prospective test of BRCA status.
PRMT9 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma invasion and metastasis via activating PI3K/Akt/GSK‐3β/Snail signaling
Authors: Jiang Hai , Zhou Zhenyu , Jin Shaowen , Xu Kang , Zhang Heyun , Xu Junyang , Sun Qing , Wang Jie , Xu Junyao
Published: March 2018

Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMT) catalyze protein arginine methylation and play an important role in many biological processes. Aberrant PRMT expression in tumor cells has been documented in several common cancer types; however, its precise contribution to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell invasion and metastasis is not fully understood. In this study, we identified a new oncogene, PRMT9, whose overexpression strongly promotes HCC invasion and metastasis. PRMT9 expression was detected more frequently in HCC tissues than in adjacent noncancerous tissues. PRMT9 overexpression was significantly correlated with hepatitis B virus antigen (HBsAg) status, vascular invasion, poor tumor differentiation and advanced TNM stage. Patients with higher PRMT9 expression had a shorter survival time and higher recurrence rate. PRMT9 expression was an independent and significant risk factor for survival after curative resection. Functional studies demonstrated that PRMT9 increased HCC cell invasion and lung metastasis. Knocking down PRMT9 with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) inhibited HCC cell invasion. Further investigations found that PRMT9 increased cell migration and invasion through epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) by regulating Snail expression via activation of the PI3K/Akt/GSK‐3β/Snail signaling pathway. In clinical HCC samples, PRMT9 expression was positively associated with Snail expression and was negatively associated with E‐cadherin expression. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that PRMT9 is an oncogene that plays an important role in HCC invasion and metastasis through EMT by regulating Snail expression via activation of the PI3K/Akt/GSK‐3β/Snail signaling pathway. Thus, PRMT9 may serve as a candidate prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target.
Critical review of the validity of patient satisfaction questionnaires pertaining to oral health care
Authors: Nair Rahul , Ishaque Sana , Spencer Andrew John , Luzzi Liana , Do Loc Giang
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Review the validation process reported for oral healthcare satisfaction scales that intended to measure general oral health care that is not restricted to specific subspecialties or interventions.

Methods

After preliminary searches, PUBMED and EMBASE were searched using a broad search strategy, followed by a snowball strategy using the references of the publications included from database searches. Title and abstract were screened for assessing inclusion, followed by a full‐text screening of these publications. English language publications on multi‐item questionnaires that report on a scale measuring patient satisfaction for oral health care were included. Publications were excluded when they did not report on any psychometric validation, or the scales were addressing specific treatments or subspecialities in oral health care.

Results

Fourteen instruments were identified from as many publications that report on their initial validation, while five more publications reported on further testing of the validity of these instruments. Number of items (range: 8‐42) and dimension reported (range: 2‐13) were often dissimilar between the assessed measurement instruments. There was also a lack of methodologies to incorporate patient's subjective perspective. Along with a limited reporting of psychometric properties of instruments, cross‐cultural adaptations were limited to translation processes.

Conclusions

The extent of validity and reliability of the included instruments was largely unassessed, and appropriate instruments for populations outside of those belonging to general adult populations were not present.
Investigation of factors influencing the immunogenicity of hCG as a potential cancer vaccine
Authors: Kvirkvelia N , Chikadze N , Makinde J , McBride J D , Porakishvili N , Hills F A , Martensen P M , Justesen J , Delves P J , Lund T , Roitt I M
Published: March 2018

Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and its β-subunit (hCGβ) are tumour autocrine growth factors whose presence in the serum of cancer patients has been linked to poorer prognosis. Previous studies have shown that vaccines which target these molecules and/or the 37 amino acid C-terminal hCGβ peptide (hCGβCTP) induce antibody responses in a majority of human recipients. Here we explored whether the immunogenicity of vaccines containing an hCGβ mutant (hCGβR68E, designed to eliminate cross-reactivity with luteinizing hormone) or hCGβCTP could be enhanced by coupling the immunogen to different carriers [keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) or heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70)] using different cross-linkers [1-ethyl-3(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carboiimide (EDC) or glutaraldehyde (GAD)] and formulated with different adjuvants (RIBI or Montanide ISA720). While there was little to choose between KLH and Hsp70 as carriers, their influence on the effectiveness of a vaccine containing the BAChCGβR68E mutant was less marked, presumably because, being a foreign species, this mutant protein itself might provide T helper epitopes. The mutant provided a significantly better vaccine than the hCGβCTP peptide irrespective of the carrier used, how it was cross-linked to the carrier or which adjuvant was used when hCG was the target. Nonetheless, for use in humans where hCG is a tolerated self-protein, the need for a carrier is of fundamental importance. Highest antibody titres were obtained by linking the BAChCGβR68E to Hsp70 as a carrier by GAD and using RIBI as the adjuvant, which also resulted in antibodies with significantly higher affinity than those elicited by hCGβCTP peptide vaccine. This makes this mutant vaccine a promising candidate for therapeutic studies in hCGβ-positive cancer patients.
Clinical implication of FMR1 intermediate alleles in a Spanish population
Authors: Alvarez‐Mora M.I. , Madrigal I. , Martinez F. , Tejada M.‐I. , Izquierdo‐Alvarez S. , Sanchez‐Villar de Saz P. , Caro‐Llopis A. , Villate O. , Rodríguez‐Santiago B. , Pérez Jurado L.A. , Rodriguez‐Revenga L. , Milà M.
Published: March 2018

FMR1 premutation carriers (55‐200 CGGs) are at risk of developing Fragile X‐associated primary ovarian insufficiency as well as Fragile X‐associated tremor/ataxia syndrome. FMR1 premutation alleles are also associated with a variety of disorders, including psychiatric, developmental, and neurological problems. However, there is a major concern regarding clinical implications of smaller CGG expansions known as intermediate alleles (IA) or gray zone alleles (45‐54 CGG). Although several studies have hypothesized that IA may be involved in the etiology of FMR1 premutation associated phenotypes, this association still remains unclear. The aim of this study was to provide new data on the clinical implications of IA. We reviewed a total of 17 011 individuals: 1142 with primary ovarian insufficiency, 478 with movement disorders, 14 006 with neurodevelopmental disorders and 1385 controls. Similar IA frequencies were detected in all the cases and controls (cases 1.20% vs controls 1.39%, P = .427). When comparing the allelic frequencies of IA ≥ 50CGGs, a greater, albeit not statistically significant, number of alleles were detected in all the cohorts of patients. Therefore, IA below 50 CGGs should not be considered as risk factors for FMR1 premutation‐associated phenotypes, at least in our population. However, the clinical implication of IA ≥ 50CGGs remains to be further elucidated.
Re‐Weighting Firefly Samples for Improved Finite‐Sample Monte Carlo Estimates
Authors: Zirr Tobias , Hanika Johannes , Dachsbacher Carsten
Published: March 2018

Samples with high contribution but low probability density, often called fireflies, occur in all practical Monte Carlo estimators and are part of computing unbiased estimates. For finite‐sample estimates, however, they can lead to excessive variance. Rejecting all samples classified as outliers, as suggested in previous work, leads to estimates that are too low and can cause undesirable artefacts. In this paper, we show how samples can be re‐weighted depending on their contribution and sampling frequency such that the finite‐sample estimate gets closer to the correct expected value and the variance can be controlled. For this, we first derive a theory for how samples should ideally be re‐weighted and that this would require the probability density function of the optimal sampling strategy. As this probability density function is generally unknown, we show how the discrepancy between the optimal and the actual sampling strategy can be estimated and used for re‐weighting in practice. We describe an efficient algorithm that allows for the necessary analysis of per‐pixel sample distributions in the context of Monte Carlo rendering without storing any individual samples, with only minimal changes to the rendering algorithm. It causes negligible runtime overhead, works in constant memory and is well suited for parallel and progressive rendering. The re‐weighting runs as a fast post‐process, can be controlled interactively and our approach is non‐destructive in that the unbiased result can be reconstructed at any time.
VisFM: Visual Analysis of Image Feature Matchings
Authors: Li Chenhui , Baciu George
Published: March 2018

Feature matching is the most basic and pervasive problem in computer vision and it has become a primary component in big data analytics. Many tools have been developed for extracting and matching features in video streams and image frames. However, one of the most basic tools, that is, a tool for simply visualizing matched features for the comparison and evaluation of computer vision algorithms is not generally available, especially when dealing with a large number of matching lines. We introduce VisFM, an integrated visual analysis system for comprehending and exploring image feature matchings. VisFM presents a matching view with an intuitive line bundling to provide useful insights regarding the quality of matched features. VisFM is capable of showing a summarization of the features and matchings through group view to assist domain experts in observing the feature matching patterns from multiple perspectives. VisFM incorporates a series of interactions for exploring the feature data. We demonstrate the visual efficacy of VisFM by applying it to three scenarios. An informal expert feedback, conducted by our collaborator in computer vision, demonstrates how VisFM can be used for comparing and analysing feature matchings when the goal is to improve an image retrieval algorithm.
Can the epoxides of cinnamyl alcohol and cinnamal show new cases of contact allergy?
Authors: Hagvall Lina , Niklasson Ida B. , Luthman Kristina , Karlberg Ann‐Therese
Published: March 2018

Background

Cinnamyl alcohol is considered to be a prohapten and prehapten with cinnamal as the main metabolite. However, many individuals who are allergic to cinnamyl alcohol do not react to cinnamal. Sensitizing epoxides of cinnamyl alcohol and cinnamal have been identified as metabolites and autoxidation products of cinnamyl alcohol.

Objective

To investigate the clinical relevance of contact allergy to epoxycinnamyl alcohol and epoxycinnamal.

Methods

Irritative effects of the epoxides were investigated in 12 dermatitis patients. Epoxycinnamyl alcohol and epoxycinnamal were patch tested in 393 and 390 consecutive patients, respectively. In parallel, cinnamyl alcohol and cinnamal were patch tested in 607 and 616 patients, respectively.

Results

Both epoxides were irritants, but no more positive reactions were detected than when testing was performed with cinnamyl alcohol and cinnamal. Late allergic reactions to epoxycinnamyl alcohol were observed. In general, patients with late reactions showed doubtful or positive reactions to cinnamal and fragrance mix I at regular patch testing.

Conclusion

The investigated epoxides are not important haptens in contact allergy to cinnamon fragrance. The high frequency of fragrance allergy among patients included in the irritancy study showed the difficulty of suspecting fragrance allergy on the basis of history; patch testing broadly with fragrance compounds is therefore important.
Optimal low‐density lipoprotein concentration for cardiac allograft vasculopathy prevention
Authors: Harris Justin , Teuteberg Jeffery , Shullo Michael
Published: March 2018

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a major risk factor influencing graft loss and patient survival following orthotopic heart transplant. Allograft vasculopathy is a multifactorial process, which includes both immunologic and non‐immunologic mechanisms. Given the non‐immunological risk factors for vasculopathy, particularly hyperlipidemia, it is intuitive that reducing a patient's LDL would help attenuate the disease process. Multiple studies have shown benefits with the use of statin therapy. However, current heart transplant guidelines do not give a specific recommendation as to what LDL goal should be achieved in this patient population. This study is a retrospective cohort analysis designed to determine the relative risk of developing cardiac allograft vasculopathy with respect to different LDL goals. Median LDL level of <100 mg/dL was shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing cardiac allograft vasculopathy. Twelve of 37 patients with an LDL ≥100 mg/dL (32.4%) developed CAV vs 25 of 157 patients (15.9%) with an LDL <100 mg/dL (P = .021). Furthermore, a delay in to time to cardiac allograft vasculopathy was seen when a median LDL concentration of <100 mg/dL was achieved. This benefit was not extended when a goal concentration of <70 mg/dL was targeted.
Recalcitrant psoriasiform dermatosis of the face: Is it related to pityriasis rubra pilaris?
Authors: Gan Emily Yiping , Ng See Ket , Goh Chee Leok , Lee Siong See Joyce
Published: March 2018

Background

There are patients with recalcitrant psoriasiform plaques that do not fit into conventional categories of facial dermatoses. Our study aims to describe the clinicopathological characteristics of several patients with a unique presentation of persistent psoriasiform facial rashes.

Methods

This retrospective cross‐sectional study analyzed clinical and histological data of known cases of recalcitrant psoriasiform dermatosis of the face diagnosed at National Skin Centre, Singapore, over 10 years.

Results

There were 8 Chinese patients with mean age at onset of 29 years. Majority had pink to pink‐orange well‐defined plaques with dry scale (n = 6, 75%), distributed mostly on the cheeks (100%) and chin (n = 7, 88%). Hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, preserved granular layer and psoriasiform hyperplasia were showed in all biopsies. Other common findings included subtle subcorneal acantholysis, “checkerboard” alternating ortho‐/parakeratosis, vacuolated keratinocytes and follicular plugging. All patients showed little treatment response. One patient eventually developed features of type II pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP). Our study was limited by its small sample size and lack of a pre‐existing diagnostic code.

Conclusions

This recalcitrant psoriasiform facial dermatosis seems to be a distinct entity, with consistent and reproducible clinical features and a PRP‐like histology, bearing some resemblance to the recently described condition—facial discoid dermatosis.