bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High amplitude and low frequency cyclic mechanical strain promotes degeneration of human nucleus pulposus cells via the NF‐κB p65 pathway
Authors: Wang Shengjie , Li Jie , Tian Jiwei , Yu Zhenghong , Gao Kun , Shao Jia , Li Ang , Xing Shuai , Dong Yonghui , Li Zhiyong , Gao Yanzheng , Wang Liping , Xian Cory J.
Published: March 2018

Disc degeneration alters the structure and function of intervertebral discs and is the basis of spinal degenerative diseases. To establish the molecular mechanism of intervertebral disc degeneration caused by mechanical strain, this study examined the effects of different amplitude (3%, 9%, 19%) cyclic mechanical strain (CMS) at a low frequency (0.01 Hz) on the secretion of cartilage extracellular matrix, expression of inflammatory cytokines and catabolic proteases, and activation of NF‐κB signaling pathway in human nucleus pulposus cells. We also investigated effects of low frequency and high amplitude (19%) CMS on degeneration of human nucleus pulposus cells in the presence or absence of p65 inhibitor, p65 silencing shRNA, or p65 overexpression. While 3% CMS did not significantly decrease aggrecan or type II collagen expression, or increase TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6 expression, 9% and 19% CMS showed the significant effects. Low frequency and high amplitude (19%) CMS was found to promote p65 activation in human nucleus pulposus cells, and IL‐1β was found to promote p65 nuclear translocation though IκB kinase phosphorylation. Furthermore, degeneration process of nucleus pulposus cells was found attenuated in the presence of p65 inhibitor or p65 silencing shRNA, but promoted with p65 overexpression. These data suggest that high amplitude and low frequency CMS could promote degeneration of human nucleus pulposus cells significantly via the NF‐κB p65 pathway. Our findings have uncovered the effect of CMS on human nucleus pulposus cell degeneration and have identified a previously unknown intrinsic underlying mechanism.
Compromised regulation of the collecting duct ENaC activity in mice lacking AT1a receptor
Authors: Mamenko Mykola , Zaika Oleg , Tomilin Viktor , Jensen V.Behrana , Pochynyuk Oleh
Published: March 2018

ENaC‐mediated sodium reabsorption in the collecting duct (CD) is a critical determinant of urinary sodium excretion. Existing evidence suggest direct stimulatory actions of Angiotensin II (Ang II) on ENaC in the CD, independently of the aldosterone‐mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) signaling. Deletion of the major renal AT1 receptor isoform, AT1aR, decreases blood pressure and reduces ENaC abundance despite elevated aldosterone levels. The mechanism of this insufficient compensation is not known. Here, we used patch clamp electrophysiology in freshly isolated split‐opened CDs to investigate how AT1aR dysfunction compromises functional ENaC activity and its regulation by dietary salt intake. Ang II had no effect on ENaC activity in CDs from AT1aR −/− mice suggesting no complementary contribution of AT2 receptors. We next found that AT1aR deficient mice had lower ENaC activity when fed with low (<0.01% Na+) and regular (0.32% Na+) but not with high (∼2% Na+) salt diet, when compared to the respective values obtained in Wild type (WT) animals. Inhibition of AT1R with losartan in wild‐type animals reproduces the effects of genetic ablation of AT1aR on ENaC activity arguing against contribution of developmental factors. Interestingly, manipulation with aldosterone‐MR signaling via deoxycosterone acetate (DOCA) and spironolactone had much reduced influence on ENaC activity upon AT1aR deletion. Consistently, AT1aR −/− mice have a markedly diminished MR abundance in cytosol. Overall, we conclude that AT1aR deficiency elicits a complex inhibitory effect on ENaC activity by attenuating ENaC Po and precluding adequate compensation via aldosterone cascade due to decreased MR availability.
Peptidoglycan induces bradykinin receptor 1 expression through Toll‐like receptor 2 and NF‐κB signaling pathway in human nasal mucosa‐derived fibroblasts of chronic rhinosinusitis patients
Authors: Tsai Yih‐Jeng , Chi Jessie Chao‐Yun , Hao Chung‐Yu , Wu Wen‐Bin
Published: March 2018

Numerous studies have demonstrated that Gram‐positive microbiomes play an important role in the pathogenesis and in the way of treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Kinins are inflammatory mediators and one of their receptors, namely bradykinin receptor 1 (BKR1 or B1R), is believed to be induced and involved in inflammation in pathophysiological conditions. In the present study, we investigated the effect of peptidoglycan (PGN), a major cell wall component of G(+) bacteria, on BKR expression and its signaling pathway in nasal fibroblasts from CRS without nasal polyp (CRSsNP). The PGN induced increases in B1R mRNA and protein production. The induction was abolished by the NF‐κB and protein kinase A inhibitor. In parallel, the PGN treatment directly activated IκB/NF‐κB signaling and CREB phosphorylation. Interestingly, a further analysis suggested no involvement of cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway in this induction. The B1R expression and IκB/NF‐κB signaling pathway could be attenuated by Toll‐like receptor‐2 (TLR2) blocking/neutralizing Ab. In a functional assay, the addition of B1R selective agonist (Des‐Arg10‐kallidin) to the fibroblasts after PGN stimulation led to an increase in CXCL8 release and p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which could be inhibited by the B1R antagonist. Taken together, our results revealed for the first time that PGN can increase B1R expression in human nasal mucosa‐derived fibroblasts through TLR2 activation and NF‐κB signaling pathway. This induction functionally leads to MAPKs activation and CXCL8 release upon B1R stimulation. Our results also suggest that a major component of G(+) bacteria can participate in B1R upregulation in nasal mucosa during CRSsNP progression.
Cyclic AMP and glycogen synthase kinase 3 form a regulatory loop in spermatozoa
Authors: Dey Souvik , Goswami Suranjana , Eisa Alaa , Bhattacharjee Rahul , Brothag Cameron , Kline Douglas , Vijayaraghavan Srinivasan
Published: March 2018

The multifaceted glycogen synthase kinase (GSK3) has an essential role in sperm and male fertility. Since cyclic AMP (cAMP) plays an important role in sperm function, we investigated whether GSK3 and cAMP pathways may be interrelated. We used GSK3 and soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) knockout mice and pharmacological modulators to examine this relationship. Intracellular cAMP levels were found to be significantly lower in sperm lacking GSK3α or GSK3β. A similar outcome was observed when sperm cells were treated with SB216763, a GSK3 inhibitor. This reduction of cAMP levels was not due to an effect on sperm adenylyl cyclase but was caused by elevated phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity. The PDE4 inhibitor RS25344 or the general PDE inhibitor IBMX could restore cAMP levels in sperm lacking GSK3α or β‐isoform. PDE activity assay also showed that hyperactivated PDE4 contributes in lowering of cAMP levels in GSK3α null sperm suggesting that in wild‐type sperm PDE4 activity is kept in check by GSK3. Conversely, PKA being triggered by cAMP, affected GSK3 activity through increasing its phosphorylation. Increased GSK3 phosphorylation also occurred by inhibition of sperm specific protein phosphatase type 1, PP1γ2. The relationship between cAMP, GSK3, and PP1γ2 activities was also confirmed in sperm from sAC null mice. Pull‐down assay using recombinant PP1γ2 indicated that PKA, GSK3, and PP1γ2 could exist as a complex. Pharmacological inhibition of GSK3 in mature spermatozoa resulted in significantly reduced fertilization of eggs in vitro. Our results show that cAMP, PKA, and GSK3 are interrelated in regulation of sperm function.
Altered DNA methyltransferases promoter methylation and mRNA expression are associated with tamoxifen response in breast tumors
Authors: Jahangiri Rosa , Mosaffa Fatemeh , Emami Razavi Amirnader , Teimoori‐Toolabi Ladan , Jamialahmadi Khadijeh
Published: March 2018

Tamoxifen is a standard anti‐hormone treatment in estrogen receptor positive breast carcinoma patients. Unfortunately, about 50% of patients relapse during treatment. Promoter hypermethylation contributes to the epigenetic modulation of tamoxifen resistance‐related genes. To evaluate the contribution of DNMTs expression and their promoter methylation as diagnostic biomarkers in development of breast malignancy and tamoxifen resistance, the present study was designed and 107 breast tumors and normal breast tissues were recruited. Methylation‐specific high‐resolution melt curve analysis and quantitative RT‐PCR were performed to evaluate DNMTs promoter methylation and mRNA expression, respectively. Our results indicated that DNMT3A and DNMT3B promoters were demethylated in breast tumors as compared to control tissues. The mRNA expression levels of all three DNMTs were significantly increased in tumor specimens in comparison to control tissues (p < 0.05). Among tumor tissues, DNMT3A promoter methylation was significantly higher in tamoxifen sensitive patients (p = 0.001). Overexpression of DNMT3A (p = 0.037) and DNMT3B (p < 0.001) mRNA were observed in tamoxifen resistance group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that low methylation status of DNMT3A and overexpression of DNMT3B could be as independent predictors of disease recurrence. Multivariate Cox regression analysis, revealed that high methylation status of DNMT3A could be an independent and favorable predictor for disease free survival (p = 0.002) and overall survival (p = 0.026); high expression of DNMT1 (p = 0.03) remained significant and unfavorable predictive factor for overall survival. In conclusion, our data for the first time indicated that low methylation status of DNMT3A promoter and overexpression of DNMT3B could contribute to disease recurrence in tamoxifen‐treated breast cancer patients.
MicroRNA‐374b inhibits cervical cancer cell proliferation and induces apoptosis through the p38/ERK signaling pathway by binding to JAM‐2
Authors: Li Guang‐Cai , Cao Xiao‐Yun , Li Ying‐Ni , Qiu Yu‐ Yan , Li Ying‐Na , Liu Xing‐Jie , Sun Xiang‐Xiu
Published: March 2018

Cervical cancer (CC) remains a highly prevalent cancer and mortality globally among women globally. The aim of the present study was to assess the ability of miR‐374b to regulate CC cells through JAM‐2, whilst exploring whether the underlying mechanism and its relation to the p38/ERK signaling pathway. During the study, microRNA‐374b (miR‐374b) was observed to have been expressed at a low level among CC tissues. Hence, a series of miR‐374b mimics, miR‐374b inhibitors, siRNA against JAM‐2, SB202190 (an inhibitor for p38), and PD98059 (an inhibitor for ERK) were introduced to treat CC Siha cells and normal cervical Ect1/E6E7 cells. MTT, flow cytometry, scratch test, and transwell assays were applied to determine cell viability, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. The inhibitory role of the p38/ERK signaling pathway was observed in the CC cells treated with miR‐374b mimics or siRNA against JAM‐2. miR‐374b mimic exposure was found to reduce cell viability, migration, and invasion, but induce apoptosis. MiR‐374b inhibitor exposure was observed to have induced effects on the CC cells in a contrary manner to those induced by that of the miR‐374b mimics. The key findings of the study demonstrated that miR‐374b significantly inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through the blockade of the p38/ERK signaling pathway activation, as well as negatively binding to JAM‐2, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for CC.
Collagen‐induced arthritis as an animal model of rheumatoid cachexia
Authors: Alabarse Paulo V.G. , Lora Priscila S. , Silva Jordana M.S. , Santo Rafaela C.E. , Freitas Eduarda C. , de Oliveira Mayara S. , Almeida Andrelise S. , Immig Mônica , Teixeira Vivian O.N. , Filippin Lidiane I. , Xavier Ricardo M.
Published: March 2018

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by chronic polyarticular synovitis and presents systemic changes that impact quality of life, such as impaired muscle function, seen in up to 66% of the patients. This can progress to severely debilitating state known as rheumatoid cachexia—without loss of fat mass and body weight—for which there is little consensus in terms of diagnosis or treatment. This study aims to evaluate whether the collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) animal model also develops clinical and functional features characteristic of rheumatoid cachexia.

Methods

Male DBA1/J mice were randomly divided into 2 groups: healthy animals (CO, n = 11) and CIA animals (n = 13). The clinical score and edema size, animal weight and food intake, free exploratory locomotion, grip strength, and endurance exercise performance were tested 0, 18, 35, 45, 55, and 65 days after disease induction. After euthanasia, several organs, visceral and brown fat, and muscles were dissected and weighed. Muscles were used to assess myofiber diameter. Ankle joint was used to assess arthritis severity by histological score. Statistical analysis were performed using one‐way and two‐way analyses of variance followed by Tukey's and Bonferroni's test or t‐test of Pearson and statistical difference were assumed for a P value under 0.05.

Results

The CIA had significantly higher arthritis scores and larger hind paw edema volumes than CO. The CIA had decreased endurance exercise performance total time (fatigue; 23, 22, 24, and 21% at 35, 45, 55, and 65 days, respectively), grip strength (27, 55, 63, 60, and 66% at 25, 35, 45, 55, and 65 days, respectively), free locomotion (43, 57, 59, and 66% at 35, 45, 55, and 65 days, respectively), and tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscle weight (25 and 24%, respectively) compared with CO. Sarcoplasmic ratios were also reduced in CIA (TA: 23 and GA: 22% less sarcoplasmic ratio), confirming the atrophy of skeletal muscle mass in these animals than in CO. Myofiber diameter was also reduced 45% in TA and 41% in GA in CIA when compared with the CO. Visceral and brown fat were lighter in CIA (54 and 39%, respectively) than CO group.

Conclusions

The CIA model is a valid experimental model for rheumatoid cachexia given that the clinical changes observed were similar to those described in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
The habenula as a novel link between the homeostatic and hedonic pathways in cancer‐associated weight loss: a pilot study
Authors: Maldonado Maria , Molfese David L. , Viswanath Humsini , Curtis Kaylah , Jones Ashley , Hayes Teresa G. , Marcelli Marco , Mediwala Sanjay , Baldwin Philip , Garcia Jose M. , Salas Ramiro
Published: March 2018

Background

Little is known about the brain mechanisms underlying cancer‐associated weight loss (C‐WL) in humans despite this condition negatively affecting their quality of life and survival. We tested the hypothesis that patients with C‐WL have abnormal connectivity in homeostatic and hedonic brain pathways together with altered brain activity during food reward.

Methods

In 12 patients with cancer and 12 healthy controls, resting‐state functional connectivity (RSFC, resting brain activity observed through changes in blood flow in the brain which creates a blood oxygen level‐dependent signal that can be measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging) was used to compare three brain regions hypothesized to play a role in C‐WL: the hypothalamus (homeostatic), the nucleus accumbens (hedonic), and the habenula (an important regulator of reward). In addition, the brain reward response to juice was studied.

Participants included 12 patients with histological diagnosis of incurable cancer (solid tumours), a European Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0–2, and a ≥5% involuntary body weight loss from pre‐illness over the previous 6 months and 12 non‐cancer controls matched for age, sex, and race. RSFC between the hypothalamus, nucleus accumbens, and habenula and brain striatum activity as measured by functional MRI during juice reward delivery events were the main outcome measures.

Results

After adjusting for BMI and compared with matched controls, patients with C‐WL were found to have reduced RSFC between the habenula and hypothalamus (P = 0.04) and between the habenula and nucleus accumbens (P = 0.014). Patients with C‐WL also had reduced juice reward responses in the striatum compared with controls.

Conclusions

In patients with C‐WL, reduced connectivity between both homeostatic and hedonic brain regions and the habenula and reduced juice reward were observed. Further research is needed to establish the relevance of the habenula and striatum in C‐WL.
In situ electrokinetic remediation of toxic metal‐contaminated soil driven by solid phase microbial fuel cells with a wheat straw addition
Authors: Song Tian‐Shun , Zhang Jiguang , Hou Shuai , Wang Haoqi , Zhang Dalu , Li Sining , Xie Jingjing
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Toxic metals may accumulate within organisms and inevitably threaten humans and ecosystems, through the food chain. Thus, developing effective and cheap ways to control and remediate toxic metal pollution in soil is a considerable challenge to research and application. This preliminary study illustrates how a solid phase microbial fuel cell (SMFC) can drive the in situ electrokinetic (EK) remediation of toxic metal‐contaminated soil.

RESULTS

SMFCs with different concentrations of wheat straw, using several configurations, were tested and compared. SMFCs were used to drive the electromigration of Pb and Zn in contaminated soil, and the removal efficiency of these SMFCs gradually increased with the straw ratio. After operating for 100 days, the removal efficiencies for Pb and Zn were 37.2% and 15.1%, respectively, in the anode region of the SMFC with 3% straw. The Pb and Zn fractions were analyzed after the SMFC treatments using a sequential extraction method. The different distributions of the fractions of Pb and Zn in the soil led to variations in removal efficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with the use of traditional EK remediation, use of SMFC‐driven EK remediation technology in soil could reduce energy input, reuse biomass energy and reduce the risk of toxic metal leaching into groundwater. This study provides a simple, low cost and environment‐friendly method for soil remediation. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
N‐doped TiO2 photocatalysts for bacterial inactivation in water
Authors: Makropoulou Tatiana , Panagiotopoulou Paraskevi , Venieri Danae
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

The elimination of diverse and pathogenic microbial loads in water imposes the exploration of effective disinfection techniques. The current study focused on the synthesis of N‐TiO2 photocatalysts and the investigation of their disinfection potential, in terms of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus cereus inactivation in aqueous samples under artificial sunlight.

RESULTS

N‐TiO2 photocatalysts were synthesized using various nitrogen precursors [urea, triethylamine‐(TEA) and NH3], exhibiting narrow band gaps and improved visible light response. The relative bactericidal activity of the catalysts followed the order N‐TiO2 (UREA) > N‐TiO2 (NH3)∼N‐TiO2 (TEA) > synthesized TiO2 > TiO2‐P25. The Gram‐negative indicators E. coli and P. aeruginosa, were readily inactivated, reaching reduction rates up to 6 log10 within 60 min of treatment at an initial bacterial concentration of 106 CFU mL−1 and a catalyst concentration of 50 mg L−1. The activity discrepancies among the catalysts were more pronounced in the case of B. cereus, which showed higher resistance, thus exhibiting slower inactivation rates. Complete elimination was achieved only with N‐TiO2 (TEA) within 60 min of irradiation at a loading of 100 mg L−1. Increasing the TEA concentration for the preparation of this catalyst from 25 to 89 v/v% did not enhance significantly the process. Operating conditions, including catalyst concentration, nitrogen precursor and, especially, bacterial species defined the disinfection efficiency up to a certain extent.

CONCLUSION

Solar photocatalysis with N‐TiO2 catalysts may be an effective disinfection technology if the operational conditions are established in relation to the microbial content in water, which includes opportunistic pathogens such as P. aeruginosa and B. cereus. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Microwave‐assisted optimized route for the synthesis of CoSe2 nanoflakes: an efficient material for adsorptive removal of Rhodamine B
Authors: Warkhade Swapnil K , Zodape Sangesh P , Pratap Umesh R , Wankhade Atul V
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Ample literature on the use of conventional materials as an adsorbent for detoxification of water emphasizes the proven superiority of the adsorption technique. However, limited literature on the use of inorganic materials as adsorbents has inspired us to use nanomaterials as an adsorbent for the adsorptive removal of organic pollutants from industrial wastewater.

RESULT

Asymmetrical, smooth CoSe2 nanoflakes were synthesized by optimizing the concentration of KOH solution abetted with polyethylene glycol‐400 via an effective microwave‐assisted technique. The adsorption capability of CoSe2 nanoflakes was studied using an aqueous solution of Rhodamine B dye as a model organic pollutant. Adsorption study reveals that the adsorption follows a Langmuir adsorption isotherm, while the adsorption kinetics of CoSe2 nanoflakes follows a pseudo‐second‐order model. Despite their smaller surface area (13.20 m2 g−1), CoSe2 nanoflakes possess significant adsorption capacity (178.59 mg g−1). The synthesized CoSe2 nanoflakes have been successfully reutilized for five adsorption cycles with retention of about 100% adsorption efficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

The CoSe2 nanoflakes synthesized by optimized microwave‐assisted technique possessed high adsorptivity and reusability for the adsorption of Rhodamine B from aqueous solution. Additionally, this optimized synthesis protocol can be used for the synthesis of a variety of transition metal selenides. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Extraction and separation of nonferrous and precious metals from waste of electrical and electronic equipment through ferric sulfate leaching and electrolysis
Authors: Istrate Eliza , Petrescu Mircea I , Iacob Gheorghe , Buzatu Traian , Ghica Valeriu G , Buzatu Mihai , Niculescu Florentina
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

The continuous generation of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) causes serious environmental problems as it is disposed in landfills, because of its hazardous content. In most electronic equipment, there are important components which contain large amounts of nonferrous metals and precious metals.

RESULTS

Separation of silver using sieving proved to be efficient; silver was almost entirely collected in the finer fraction (<0.5 mm size). Separating gold from silver and palladium was achieved through leaching the metallic fraction in a 0.5 mol L–1 aqueous ferric sulfate solution at room temperature. A good yield of metal extraction was obtained after leaching using ferrous sulfate. The composition of the cathode deposits points to an almost complete recovery of silver and copper by electrolysis and a partial recovery of tin. Also, cyclic voltammetry tests in the solution (pH adjusted at 0.5) identified cathode peaks at ∼ −0.3 V Ag−1 ref. ascribable to Cu reduction, at ∼ − 0.783 V Ag−1 ref. ascribable to Ni reduction, as well as a plateau in the range −0.75 ↔ −1.0 V Ag−1 ref. ascribable to a simultaneous reduction of several ionic species.

CONCLUSION

Leaching from WEEE was carried out by an environmentally friendly procedure using nonpolluting ferric sulfate, and using electrolysis some metals were extracted in good condition. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogel disks for the immobilization of three different microalgal species
Authors: Eroglu Ela , Wijihastuti Risa S , Grenik Elizabeth , Vadiveloo Ashiwin , Moheimani Navid R , Lou Xia
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Algal growth on solid surfaces confers the advantage of combining the algal harvesting and bioprocessing steps at a single stage, in addition to the easier handling of the immobilized cells that occupy a reduced amount of space. The current work employed the application of macroporous poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) hydrogel disks as a water‐insoluble, non‐toxic and recyclable immobilization matrix for different microalgal strains (Nannochloropsis sp., Dunaliella salina, and Botryococcus braunii) that offer value‐added products for various commercial applications.

RESULTS

The study demonstrated the effect of variations in the surface characteristics of the algal strains and hydrogel surfaces on the immobilization efficiencies. Gelatin was further used to modify PHEMA hydrogels to achieve higher bioaffinity and surface hydrophilicity. The results showed that highly salt‐tolerant microalgal cells (Dunaliella salina, Nannochloropsis sp.) had significantly higher tendencies to attach on the gelatin‐modified PHEMA hydrogel compared with the freshwater B. braunii colonies; embedded within an extracellular matrix mainly made of hydrophobic components, which displayed better attachment to the unmodified PHEMA hydrogels.

CONCLUSION

The proposed PHEMA hydrogels are easily‐manufactured and highly durable materials with the hydrogel disks still retaining their integrity after several years when in contact with a liquid. PHEMA disks also have the benefits of having adjustable porosities by changing the composition of the polymerization mixture, and modifiable surface properties by simply binding various synthetic or natural molecules on their surfaces, which can bring several new opportunities for harvesting various microalgal cells with different surface morphologies and chemical compositions. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Omental calcification, necrotizing enterocolitis, and undescended testes after fetal abdomino‐amniotic shunting performed for the management of meconium peritonitis: A case report
Authors: Lim Yun‐Jung , Jo Hyun‐Jin , Chung Mi Lim
Published: March 2018

Prenatal ultrasonography (US) in a 39 year‐old woman revealed massive fetal ascites. A fetal abdomino‐amniotic shunting procedure was performed. Subsequently, plain radiographs demonstrated diffuse gaseous distention of the bowel and multiple punctate calcifications in the left upper abdomen. Postnatal US examination showed multiple echogenic foci in the liver and the left upper abdomen, bowel wall thickening in the right‐sided abdomen, and undescended testes. There was no intra‐abdominal free air or loculated fluid collections. Medical management was instituted secondary to the clinical suspicion of omental calcification, necrotizing enterocolitis, and undescended testes. Follow‐up US examination showed resolution of portal vein gas and bowel wall thickening. The neonate recovered fully.
Prevalence and sonographic features of ectopic thyroidal thymus in children: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Yildiz Adalet Elcin , Elhan Atilla Halil , Fitoz Suat
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To assess the prevalence of ectopic thyroidal thymus tissue detected by sonography (US) in children and to analyze the US features.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed images of 216 children who had undergone a thyroid or neck US examination from February 2015 to June 2015. Lesions within or adjacent to the thyroid gland that showed echopatterns consistent with thymic tissue were diagnosed as ectopic thyroidal thymus tissue. Lesions were reviewed according to their side, location, level, size, shape, echo pattern, internal content, and vascularization.

Results

A total of 216 children (119 girls, 97 boys) with a mean ± SD age of 8.6 ± 5.2 years were enrolled the study.Thirty children (13girls, 17 boys) (13.9%) had 35 lesions compatible with ectopic thyroidal thymus tissue.Nine children had intrathyroidal (4.2%) and 21 children had extrathyroidal (9.7%) ectopic thymus tissue.The mean ± SD ages of the children with and without ectopic thyroidal thymus tissue were 6.0 ± 3.6 years and 9.1 ± 5.2 years, respectively (P = .002). Twenty‐five of the lesions were extrathyroidal and 10 were intrathyroidal. All extrathyroidal and most (8/9) intrathyroidal ectopic thymuses had fusiform shape with well demarcated contours. Ectopic thymuses were located either in the midportion (n = 23) or lower portion of the neck (n = 12). Both extrathyroidal and intrathyroidal ectopic thymuses showed typical hypoechoic (n = 22/25, n = 9/10, respectively) or hyperechoic (n = 3/25, n = 1/10, respectively) echo patterns with internal linear and punctate echoes.

Conclusions

Ectopic thyroidal thymic tissue is common in children. Radiologists should be vigilant about the unique US features of ectopic thyroidal thymus, including a hypo‐ and hyper‐echoic echo pattern with multiple linear and punctate echoes, a fusiform shape, well‐demarcated contours, and middle or low‐lying location to differentiate it from other neck or thyroid lesions.
Doppler Renal Resistance Index for the Prediction of Response to Passive Leg‐Raising Following Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Beaubien‐Souligny William , Huard Gabriel , Bouchard Josée , Lamarche Yoan , Denault André , Albert Martin
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Doppler‐based renal resistance index (RI) can be measured at the bedside of critically ill patients. This study was designed to assess if the RI predicted an increase in cardiac output (CO) following passive leg‐raising (PLR) in patients admitted to the intensive care unit after cardiac surgery.

Methods

During this single center prospective study, Doppler assessment of RI and measurements of CO using the thermodilution method were performed, after surgery, in the intensive care unit before and after PLR. A positive response to PLR was defined as a ≥10% increase in CO.

Results

We included 30 patients. The mean RI was higher before (0.694 ±0.069) than after PLR (0.679 ± 0.069) (P = .02) with a median change of −0.012 (IQR: −0.042;0.000). Following PLR, 9 patients (30%) had a >10% increase in CO. In patients with a positive PLR response, the decrease in the RI during PLR was more pronounced than in patients who did not respond to PLR (PLR ± 0.042 (IQR: −0.051; −0.040) vs PLR ± −0.008 (IQR: −0.032; 0.015) (P = .004). There was a significant negative association between RI change in response to PLR and a 10% increase in CO following PLR (OR: 1.63 (CI:1.07–2.47) (P = .02) per −0.01 change).

Conclusion

An increase in CO following PLR was associated with a significant decrease in RI. Variations of RI in response to PLR should be further studied as a tool to predict fluid responsiveness. However, their clinical utility could be limited by the small magnitude of the variations.
Analysis‐aware microscopy video compression
Authors: Shao Chong , Cribb Jeremy , Osborne Lukas D. , O'Brien E. Timothy , Superfine Richard , Mayer‐Patel Ketan , Taylor Russell M.
Published: March 2018

This article introduces an analysis‐aware microscopy video compression method designed for microscopy videos that are consumed by analysis algorithms rather than by the human visual system. We define the quality of a microscopy video based on the level of preservation of analysis results. We evaluated our method with a bead tracking analysis program. For the same error level in the analysis result, our method can achieve 1,000× compression on certain test microscopy videos. Compared with a previous technique that yields exactly the exact same results by analysis algorithms, our method gives more flexibility for a user to control the quality. A modification to the new method also provides faster compression speed.
Gene therapy clinical trials worldwide to 2017: An update
Authors: Ginn Samantha L. , Amaya Anais K. , Alexander Ian E. , Edelstein Michael , Abedi Mohammad R.
Published: March 2018

To date, almost 2600 gene therapy clinical trials have been completed, are ongoing or have been approved worldwide. Our database brings together global information on gene therapy clinical activity from trial databases, official agency sources, published literature, conference presentations and posters kindly provided to us by individual investigators or trial sponsors. This review presents our analysis of clinical trials that, to the best of our knowledge, have been or are being performed worldwide. As of our November 2017 update, we have entries on 2597 trials undertaken in 38 countries. We have analysed the geographical distribution of trials, the disease indications (or other reasons) for trials, the proportions to which different vector types are used, and the genes that have been transferred. Details of the analyses presented, and our searchable database are available via The Journal of Gene Medicine Gene Therapy Clinical Trials Worldwide website at: http://www.wiley.co.uk/genmed/clinical. We also provide an overview of the progress being made in gene therapy clinical trials around the world, and discuss key trends since the previous review, namely the use of chimeric antigen receptor T cells for the treatment of cancer and advancements in genome editing technologies, which have the potential to transform the field moving forward.
Design and Synthesis of Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines with Carboxamide Group Substitution andIn silicoEvaluation of their Interaction with a LuxR‐type Quorum Sensing Receptor
Authors: Reynoso Lara Juan Emmanuel , Salgado‐Zamora Héctor , Bazin Marc‐Antoine , Campos‐Aldrete María Elena , Marchand Pascal
Published: March 2018

Quorum sensing, an important process of bacterial communication, is involved in the development of complex behavior and expression of virulence factors that become important due to its key role in infection process. In this manuscript, docking studies were used as a preliminary screening to identify main interactions between LuxR receptor (CviR) ofChromobacterium violaceumas model andN‐acylL‐homoserine lactones. Thus, following this approach, a library of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines bearing carboxamide and urea moieties was designed, evaluated on thisin silicomodel previously validated, and synthesized to generate new potential quorum sensing inhibitors. The present article summarizes survey to develop these new molecules with potential biological activity, based on interaction analysis ligand‐receptor.
Leaving No One Behind? A New Test of Subnational Aid Targeting
Authors: Briggs Ryan C.
Published: March 2018

The Sustainable Development Goals endeavour to leave no one behind. This note tests whether or not donors have traditionally acted on this rhetoric by examining if aid targets areas of poverty within Nigeria, Senegal, and Uganda. Unlike prior research on aid targeting, the analysis covers aid from nearly all donors and does not aggregate variables into spatial regions. Instead, I measure the distance from geotagged survey data tracking poverty to aid projects started just after each survey wave. I show that projects are placed closer to richer people. This effect holds within countries and within first‐level administrative regions. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Practical guide to dynamic pelvic floor MRI
Authors: Kobi Mariya , Flusberg Milana , Paroder Viktoriya , Chernyak Victoria
Published: March 2018

Pelvic floor dysfunction encompasses a spectrum of functional disorders that result from impairment of the ligaments, fasciae, and muscles supporting the pelvic organs. It is a prevalent disorder that carries a lifetime risk over 10% for undergoing a surgical repair. Pelvic floor weakness presents as a wide range of symptoms, including pain, pelvic pressure or bulging, urinary and fecal incontinence, constipation, and sexual dysfunction. A correct diagnosis by clinical examination alone can be challenging, particularly in cases involving multiple compartments. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows noninvasive, radiation‐free, high soft‐tissue resolution evaluation of all three pelvic compartments, and has proved a reliable technique for accurate diagnosis of pelvic floor dysfunction. MR defecography with steady‐state sequences allows detailed anatomic and functional evaluation of the pelvic floor. This article provides an overview of normal anatomy and function of the pelvic floor and discusses a practical approach to the evaluation of imaging findings of pelvic floor relaxation, pelvic organ prolapse, fecal incontinence, and obstructed defecation.

Level of Evidence: 5

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1155–1170.
Real‐life 3D therapy failure: Analysis of NS5A 93H RAS plus 108 K polymorphism in complex with ombitasvir by molecular modeling
Authors: Marascio Nadia , Pavia Grazia , Romeo Isabella , Talarico Carmine , Di Salvo Sebastiano , Reale Mariaconcetta , Marano Vito , Barreca Giorgio Settimo , Fabiani Fernanda , Perrotti Nicola , De Siena Massimo , Giancotti Francesca , Gravina Tiziana , Alcaro Stefano , Artese Anna , Torti Carlo , Liberto Maria Carla , Focà Alfredo
Published: March 2018

We report a real‐life 3D therapy failure in a patient treated with ombitasvir (OMV)/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir without ribavirin (3D‐R). He had therapy failure at week 12 after the end of treatment. We detected resistance‐associated substitutions (RASs) plus polymorphisms on NS3, NS5A, and NS5B target regions by population sequencing (15% cut‐off) at baseline, at relapse and during follow‐up. About this, NS5A RASs generally persist longer than resistances in the other target genes and may impact treatment outcome. Therefore, to evaluate OMV drug‐resistance mechanism, we studied the acquired RAS plus polymorphisms on NS5A phosphoprotein by computational studies. OMV showed a higher affinity towards baseline and 93H/108 K mutant structure (follow‐up) with respect to 93H/R108 mutant structure (relapse) on phosphoprotein. By Molecular Dynamics simulations (MDs), structural information about the protein stability in presence of OMV were observed. According to our data, molecular modeling approach has proved to be a powerful method to evaluate the impact of these RASs plus specific amino acid (AA) changes on phosphoprotein.
Impact of HIV infection and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on B cell subpopulations in children
Authors: Singh Ravinder , Mukherjee Aparna , Singla Mohit , Vajpayee Madhu , Negi Neema , Kabra Sushil K. , Lodha Rakesh , Das Bimal K.
Published: March 2018

B‐cells play an important role in defending children against various infections. In view of scare data, we undertook this prospective cohort study to describe B cell compartment in HIV infected children (<5 years of age) and the effect of HAART on B cell subpopulations. HIV infected children (<5 years) from Pediatric HIV services of the Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, were recruited (April 2012‐December 2015). The enrolled HIV‐1 infected children (n = 59) were followed up regularly for 12 months; healthy controls (n = 51) included HIV uninfected children with no major illness. Flow cytometry was performed on fresh EDTA‐treated blood samples to characterize B cell subpopulations. In HIV‐infected children, marked depletion of naive (P = 0.003), non‐switched memory (P = 0.02), mature (P = 0.0005), resting memory (P < 0.0001) B cells, and expansion of double negative memory (P < 0.0001), activated memory (P < 0.0001) and tissue like memory (P < 0.0001) B cells were observed as compared to healthy controls. In children started on HAART, at the end of 12 months of therapy, frequencies of non‐switched memory (P = 0.04), switched memory (P = 0.01), and resting memory (P = 0.003) B cells were lower; activated memory (P = 0.04), and tissue‐like memory (P = 0.0001) B cells were still higher than healthy controls. HIV infection resulted in reduced memory B cells in HIV infected children. Following HAART, there was normalization of some B cell subpopulations. The study emphasizes the need of re‐vaccination in HIV infected children to maintain the memory B cell pool and adequate humoral immune response against infections.
Corticosteroid therapy in pneumonia from swine‐origin influenza A (H1N1) in China
Authors: Jia Yanyun , Liao Yifang , Shao Lu , Du Lulu , Wang Bo , Su Dongju
Published: March 2018

The first three cases of confirmed infection with the virus in China were documented between May 10 and May 15, 2009. Although the clinical characteristics of the H1N1 pneumonia were described in clinical reports, the therapy has few been described. Therefore, we report our experiences of 53 cases of the H1N1 pneumonia with treatment. We describe clinical characteristic of 53 patients who were hospitalized for laboratory‐confirmed H1N1 pneumonia at the 2nd Clinical College of Harbin Medical University. In addition, we measure the role of corticosteroid, mechanical ventilation, and non‐corticosteroid antiviral therapy in the management of pneumonia patients with novel H1N1 infection. Real‐time reverse‐transcriptase‐polymerase chain (RT‐PCR) testing was used to confirm infection. The outcome of therapy was compared in scores of PaO2 and CT. The data was statistical analyzed by the Shapiro‐Wilk, anova, Student‐Newman‐Keuls Test, and Kruskal‐Wallis Test. The most common symptoms were dyspnea. In moderate ill patients, the changes in the increased PaO2 were lower in the non‐corticosteroid antiviral therapy group than in the combination of corticosteroid and non‐corticosteroid antiviral therapy after 5 days’ therapy. The therapy protocol of non‐corticosteriod + mechanical ventilation played important role in the recovery of severe ill patients.
Size reduction of ultra‐wideband antennas with efficiency and matching constraints
Authors: Koziel Slawomir , Bekasiewicz Adrian , Leifsson Leifur
Published: March 2018

Antenna design is a multifaceted task that involves handling of various performance figures concerning both electrical performance of the structure as well as its geometry. Simultaneous control of several objectives through rigorous optimization is very challenging and virtually impossible through conventional approaches such as parameter sweeping. In this work, we investigate size reduction of ultra‐wideband antenna structures while taking into account the reflection response and total efficiency. Available design trade‐offs concerning the antenna footprint, its wideband matching, and efficiency are identified through numerical optimization. More specifically, the goal is to identify designs that exhibit the minimum possible footprint while maintaining the maximum in‐band reflection and average efficiency within the prescribed thresholds. This is realized by appropriate formulation of the objective function exploiting a penalty function approach. Our methodology is demonstrated using an ultra‐wideband monopole antenna example. As an extension, a 3‐objective Pareto set is further generated using surrogate modeling and multi‐objective evolutionary algorithm. A set of designs generated this way provides a designer with a comprehensive knowledge about the capabilities of a given antenna structure and facilitates a decision‐making process driven by a particular application and performance requirements.
Let's get this meeting started: Meeting lateness and actual meeting outcomes
Authors: Allen Joseph A. , Lehmann‐Willenbrock Nale , Rogelberg Steven G.
Published: March 2018

Meeting lateness is pervasive and potentially highly consequential for individuals, groups, and organizations. In Study 1, we first examined base rates of lateness to meetings in an employee sample and found that meeting lateness is negatively related to both meeting satisfaction and effectiveness. We then conducted 2 lab studies to better understand the nature of this negative relationship between meeting lateness and meeting outcomes. In Study 2, we manipulated meeting lateness using a confederate and showed that participants' anticipated meeting satisfaction and effectiveness were significantly lower when meetings started late. In Study 3, participants holding actual group meetings were randomly and blindly assigned to either a 10 min late, 5 min late, or a control condition (n = 16 groups in each condition). We found significant differences concerning participants' perceived meeting satisfaction and meeting effectiveness, as well as objective group performance outcomes (number, quality, and feasibility of ideas produced in the meeting). We also identified differences in negative socioemotional group interaction behaviors depending on meeting lateness. In concert, our findings establish meeting lateness as an important organizational phenomenon and provide important conceptual and empirical implications for meeting research and practice.
Extratropical cyclones over the southwestern South Atlantic Ocean: HadGEM2‐ES and RegCM4 projections
Authors: Reboita Michelle S. , da Rocha Rosmeri P. , de Souza Marcelo R. , Llopart Marta
Published: March 2018

The value added from dynamic downscaling in climate projections of extratropical cyclones over the southwestern South Atlantic Ocean (SAO) is evaluated. For this purpose, the Regional Climate Model version 4 (RegCM4) is nested in the Hadley Global Environment Model 2 ‐ Earth System (HadGEM2‐ES) global climate model under the RCP8.5 scenario. The analyses focus on three time slices: the present (1979–2005), near future (NF: 2020–2050) and far future (FF: 2070–2098) climates. The cyclone tracking used an algorithm that searches for minima of relative vorticity at 925 hPa. Simulations of the present climate are compared to data from an ensemble of five reanalyses (ERA‐40, ERA‐Interim, NCEP‐NCAR, NCEP‐DOE and CFSR). For present climate, there is good agreement among reanalyses and models in associating austral winter and summer with higher and lower cyclone frequency, respectively. In addition, the simulations present the mean features of the cyclones (lifetime, distance travelled and mean velocity) as similar to those of the reanalysis. Moreover, RegCM4 outperforms the HadGEM2‐ES by simulating more realistically the spatial pattern of the cyclogenesis density over the SAO, which indicates value added from the RegCM4 downscaling. For the future climates, a decrease is projected for the annual frequency of cyclones, which reaches −6.5% (−3.6%) in RegCM4 (HadGEM2‐ES) in the NF and −11.4% (−10.4%) in the FF. Future projections do not indicate changes in the mean intensity of the cyclones. The negative trend of the cyclone frequency affects the precipitation. For FF, a decrease of approximately 15% in the precipitation associated with cyclones is projected.
Relationship between South China Sea summer monsoon onset and landfalling tropical cyclone frequency in China
Authors: Wang Lei , Chen Guanghua
Published: March 2018

Between 1979 and 2015, the anticorrelation between the frequency of landfalling tropical cyclones (LTCs) in mainland China from June to October and the South China Sea summer monsoon (SCSSM) onset date can be attributed to variations in the western North Pacific subtropical high (WNPSH) and monsoon trough (MT) that correspond to the SCSSM onset. When the SCSSM onset is early, the WNPSH shrinks northeastwards and the MT becomes increasingly strong and exhibits a northwards shift. These features lead to anomalous lower‐level cyclonic circulation around Luzon Island and a mid‐tropospheric easterly anomaly over the Chinese coastal regions, which favour the generation of TCs in the western part of the North Pacific that makes landfall on the southeastern coast of China. In contrast, the circulation anomaly prohibits landfalling TCs in mainland China when the SCSSM onset is delayed. The SCSSM onset has the potential to be an indicator of TC landfall frequency in mainland China.