bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of landscape complexity and stand factors on arthropod communities in poplar forests
Authors: Wang Binli , Tian Chengming , Sun Jianlong
Published: June 2019

The arthropod communities are influenced by both local conditions and features of the surrounding landscape. Landscape complexity and stand factors may both influence arthropod communities in poplar forests, but the multiscale effects of these factors on poplar defoliators and natural enemies are still poorly understood. We collected poplar arthropods at 30 sampling sites within five forest landscapes in Xinjiang, China, and assessed whether landscape complexity and stand factors influence species abundance and diversity of poplar arthropods. Landscape complexity was quantified by several independent metrics of landscape composition, configuration, and connectivity at three spatial scales. We also determined the most powerful explanatory variables and the scale effect of each arthropod. Results found that landscape complexity and stand factors had different effects on different poplar arthropod communities. Landscape complexity promoted natural enemies at different spatial scales, but it inhibited the population of poplar defoliators at the scale of 200 m. Specifically, the abundance and diversity of all defoliators decreased with increasing proportion of nonhost plants. Landscape diversity only had a negative effect on defoliator abundance. The shape complexity of habitat patches increased the abundance of carabid beetles but reduced the abundance of green leafhoppers and migratory locusts. The abundance and diversity of predators increased with increasing structural connectivity of forest landscape. Additionally, both the abundance and diversity of all defoliators were positively correlated with the average height of herbaceous plants. Diversity of all defoliators increased with increasing size of host trees. The distance from sampling site to the nearest village positively influenced the abundance and diversity of all predators. Arthropod abundance and diversity in poplar forests were driven by stand factors and landscape complexity. Therefore, maintaining complex shape and structural connectivity of habitat patches and keeping poplar stands away from the village are crucial for management of forest landscape to enhance natural enemies. And in order to reduce the abundance of defoliators in poplar forest, the diversity of surrounding habitat types should be promoted within 200 m radii.
Ecosystem‐scale loss of grazing habitat impacted by abundance of dominant herbivores
Authors: Uher‐Koch Brian D. , Schmutz Joel A. , Wilson Heather M. , Anthony R. Michael , Day Thomas L. , Fondell Thomas F. , Person Brian T. , Sedinger James S.
Published: June 2019

Grazing lawns, patches of grazing‐tolerant plants with high nutrient value, provide important habitat for herbivores, and changes in abundance can impact herbivore populations. Grazing lawns are maintained in quality and quantity by repeated grazing and are a result of a positive feedback since the availability of grazing lawn can increase herbivore populations and increased herbivore populations can result in an increase in grazing lawn extent. We sampled aerial imagery from a long‐term dataset (>20 yr) at an internationally important breeding area for avian herbivores to model changes in grazing lawn abundance over time and identify the possible factors impacting those changes, including numbers of breeding birds, their primary predator, and spring phenology. Our data suggest that avian herbivores and their predators likely exert strong impacts on plant communities and may drive vegetation abundance. Decreases in the number of herbivore nests in our study coincided with an almost complete lack of grazing lawn in the mid‐2000s. Any factors dictating the amount of grazing lawn available for avian herbivores could strongly influence breeding success and the maximum size of these populations. Our results demonstrate the importance of studying complex interactions among predators, herbivores, and plants, and population moderation by both bottom‐up and top‐down processes.
Forest closure and encroachment at the grassland interface: a century‐scale analysis using oblique repeat photography
Authors: Stockdale Christopher A. , Macdonald S. Ellen , Higgs Eric
Published: June 2019

We used repeat oblique photography to quantify and determine the drivers of vegetation change, particularly forest closure and encroachment, in the Rocky Mountains of southern Alberta, Canada, from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present. We classified the landscape into seven distinct vegetation types (closed‐canopy conifer forest, broadleaf deciduous forest, mixedwood forest, open‐canopy woodlands, shrublands, grasslands and meadows, non‐vegetated) and assessed vegetation change between the two time periods. We found that closed‐canopy coniferous forest, broadleaf deciduous forest, and mixedwood forest increased on an area basis by 35%, 45%, and 80%, respectively, over this time period; concomitantly, grasslands and open‐canopy woodlands declined by 25% and 39%, respectively. Overall, 28% of the landscape was in a more advanced successional state in 2008 as compared to the early twentieth century. The Montane and Subalpine Natural Subregions (NSR) experienced the most change (42% and 26%, respectively, in a more advanced successional state). The loss of open‐canopy woodlands was observed across the entire landscape, while grassland and meadow losses were most acute in the Subalpine and Alpine NSRs. The probability of vegetation change to a more advanced successional condition was greater at higher elevations and in areas receiving lower amounts of solar insolation. The changes observed are consistent with what we would expect to see due to lengthening of fire return intervals. Understanding the magnitude of change in vegetation types and the drivers of this change is important for the development of effective contemporary ecosystem management and restoration practices.
Forests in the northern Sierra Nevada of California, USA, store large amounts of carbon in different patterns
Authors: Mattson Kim G. , Zhang Jianwei
Published: June 2019

To better understand forest carbon (C) storage patterns, C budgets were constructed and contrasted among four stands of different vegetation, elevation, and disturbance histories from the northern Sierra Nevada of California, USA. The True‐fir stand, considered to be undisturbed and at a higher elevation (1820 m), stored substantially more C than the three stands at lower elevation (1360–1430 m) and that had sustained various levels of disturbance. The Mixed Conifer stand was minimally disturbed by thinning 27 yr ago. The Oak stand was moderately disturbed by two fires in the past 17 yr. The Pine Plantation stand was considered the most disturbed having been cleared and subjected to site preparation and windrowing 50 yr ago and thinned again 17 yr ago. Total C mass to a 30 cm soil depth (Mg C/ha) was True‐fir 531, Mixed Conifer 317, Oak 310, and Pine Plantation 253. Adding in soil C to 1 m depth increased total C mass to 595, 349, 404, and 345, respectively. True‐fir had significantly larger C mass than the other three stands in nearly all pools measured. The three low‐elevation stands, while similar to each other in total C, stored C differently in patterns that reflected their disturbance histories. Oak and Pine Plantation were very similar in detrital C stores, whereas Mixed Conifer had at least twice the C mass in both the forest floor and woody debris pools. Mixed Conifer had higher concentrations of soil C but had very low soil C mass due to considerably lower fine‐soil bulk densities and higher rock contents. C pools in the forest floor and soil showed observable patterns over distances of 10–100 m that paralleled the patterns of C in the live vegetation. Total C in True‐fir was equal to the large masses of old‐growth conifer forests of the U.S. Pacific Northwest and likely represents a high‐equilibrium level of C storage for forests of this region. The three low‐elevation stands represent typical forests in various states of recovery from disturbance that are in C accumulating stages.
Electrochemical Sensor Based on Multi‐walled Carbon Nanotube/Gold Nanoparticle Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode for Detection of Estradiol in Environmental Samples
Authors: Masikini Milua , Ghica Mariana Emilia , Baker Priscilla G. L. , Iwuoha Emmanuel I. , Brett Christopher M. A.
Published: June 2019

We report a rapid and simple method for sensing estradiol by electro‐oxidation on a multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and gold nanoparticle (AuNP) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Compared with a bare GCE, AuNP/GCE and MWCNT/GCE, the composite modified GCE shows an enhanced response to estradiol in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution. Experimental parameters, including pH and accumulation time for estradiol determination were optimised at AuNP/MWCNT/GCE. A pH of 7.0 was found to be optimum pH with an accumulation time of 5 minutes. Estradiol was determined by linear sweep voltammetry over a dynamic range up to 20 %mol L−1 and the limit of detection was estimated to be 7.0×10−8 mol L−1. The sensor was successfully applied to estradiol determination in tap water and waste water.
Effect of storage temperature on lipid oxidation and changes in nutrient contents in peanuts
Authors: Liu Kunlun , Liu Ying , Chen Fusheng
Published: June 2019

Peanut, an important oil crop worldwide, is highly susceptible to oxidative damage during storage due to its high level of fats and unsaturated fatty acids which will affects its nutritional value and agricultural importance. Therefore, it is significantly important to research the physicochemical properties changes of peanuts during storage. Peanuts belong to two varieties were stored at various temperatures (15°C, 25°C, and 35°C) for 320 days. Peroxide value (PV), carbonyl value (CV), and malondialdehyde (MDA) content of oil extracted from peanuts were determined every 80 days to evaluate lipid oxidation degree. Proximate composition (fat, protein, total sugar, moisture, and ash), fatty acid, and amino acid compositions were also assessed. All samples exhibited increased CV and MDA contents during storage. The PV of peanuts increased continuously when stored at 15°C and 25°C, but the PV increased firstly and then decreased sharply when stored at 35°C. Storage significantly affected the contents of lipids, proteins, total sugars, and moisture in peanuts but did not influence the ash content. In general, the fatty acid and amino acid compositions changed significantly during storage at different temperatures. High temperatures lead to a high degree of lipid oxidation and nutrient loss. The results above of this study can provide a theoretical basis for the actual storage and preservation of peanuts.
Hydrometeorological measurements in peatland‐dominated, discontinuous permafrost at Scotty Creek, Northwest Territories, Canada
Authors: Haynes Kristine M. , Connon Ryan F. , Quinton William L.
Published: June 2019

The discontinuous permafrost region of northwestern Canada is experiencing rapid warming resulting in dramatic land cover change from forested peatland permafrost terrain to treeless wetlands. Extensive research has been conducted throughout this region to gain insight into how climate‐induced land cover change will impact water resources and ecosystem function. This paper presents a hydrological and micrometeorological dataset collected in the Scotty Creek basin, Northwest Territories, Canada over the period of 01 October 2014 to 30 September 2015, a sample of the intensive and coordinated measurements collected annually at this site. Micrometeorological data collected from four stations, one located in each of the land cover types representative of those comprising the Scotty Creek basin including bog, channel fen, stable peat plateau and peat plateau undergoing rapid permafrost degradation and loss, are presented. Monitored micrometeorological variables include incoming and outgoing shortwave and longwave radiation, air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, precipitation (rain and snow) and snow depth. Deep ground temperatures (~1–10 m below the ground surface) from a channel fen as well as disturbed sites common to the basin including a seismic line and winter road are presented. Water levels were also monitored in the representative land cover types over this period. This dataset is available from the Wilfrid Laurier University Library Research Data Repository (https://doi.org/10.5683/SP/OQDRJG) and can be used in coordination with other hydrological and micrometeorological datasets to examine spatio‐temporal effects of meteorological conditions on local hydrological responses across cold regions.
Abnormalities of hippocampal shape and subfield volumes in medication‐free patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Zhang Lianqing , Hu Xinyu , Lu Lu , Li Bin , Hu Xiaoxiao , Bu Xuan , Li Hailong , Tang Shi , Yang Yanchun , Roberts Neil , Sweeney John A. , Gong Qiyong , Huang Xiaoqi
Published: June 2019

In this study, we sought to identify alterations of hippocampal shape and subfield volumes in a relatively large sample of medication‐free obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) patients without comorbid depression. 3D T1‐weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans were collected from 81 medication‐free OCD patients and 95 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (HC). Total hippocampal volume and volume of eight bilateral subfields were measured using FreeSurfer software. Subregional shape deformity was examined via FSL software. Volumetric and shape differences between groups and correlations with OCD symptoms were examined. The volume of right hippocampus was significantly reduced in OCD patients (p = .001, η2 = 0.065). Follow‐up analysis of right hemisphere subfields showed reduced volume in right subiculum (p < .001, η2 = 0.081), presubiculum (p < .001, η2 = 0.125), CA2/3 (p = .001, η2 = 0.06), and hippocampal tail (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.105), while the volume of right fimbria was increased (p = .001, η2 = 0.058). Shape analysis revealed a bilateral outward bending in the hippocampal body related to a lateral displacement of hippocampus from the body to the tail. Symptom severity was correlated with volumes of presubiculum (with compulsions, r = −0.25, p = .024) and fimbria (with obsessions, r = −0.28, p = .012), and with the lateral shift of middle and posterior hippocampus (with obsessions). Alterations across hippocampal subfields and overall shape may contribute to the distinctive cognitive and affective abnormalities associated with OCD.
Network spread determines severity of degeneration and disconnection in Huntington's disease
Authors: Poudel Govinda R. , Harding Ian H. , Egan Gary F. , Georgiou‐Karistianis Nellie
Published: June 2019

Trans‐neuronal propagation of mutant huntingtin protein contributes to the organised spread of cortico‐striatal degeneration and disconnection in Huntington's disease (HD). We investigated whether the network diffusion model, which models transneuronal spread as diffusion of pathological proteins via the brain connectome, can determine the severity of neural degeneration and disconnection in HD. We used structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and high‐angular resolution diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) data from symptomatic Huntington's disease (HD) (N = 26) and age‐matched healthy controls (N = 26) to measure neural degeneration and disconnection in HD. The network diffusion model was used to test whether disease spread, via the human brain connectome, is a viable mechanism to explain the distribution of pathology across the brain. We found that an eigenmode identified in the healthy human brain connectome Laplacian matrix, accurately predicts the cortico‐striatal spatial pattern of degeneration in HD. Furthermore, the spread of neural degeneration from sub‐cortical brain regions, including the accumbens and thalamus, generates a spatial pattern which represents the typical neurodegenerative characteristics in HD. The white matter connections connecting the nodes with the highest amount of disease factors, when diffusion based disease spread is initiated from the striatum, were found to be most vulnerable to disconnection in HD. These findings suggest that trans‐neuronal diffusion of mutant huntingtin protein across the human brain connectome may explain the pattern of gray matter degeneration and white matter disconnection that are hallmarks of HD.
CAR T‐cell therapy: Full speed ahead
Authors: Sermer David , Brentjens Renier
Published: June 2019

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy has dramatically shifted the landscape of treatment for lymphoid malignancies, especially diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, there continue to be significant limitations of this therapy, such as incomplete or nonsustained responses and severe toxicities in a subset of patients. Furthermore, expanding the role of CAR T‐cell therapy to new disease types is an important next step. In this review, we will highlight landmark trials for anti‐CD19 CAR T cells and first‐in‐human trials of novel CARs, as well as discuss promising innovative CAR designs that are still undergoing preclinical development. Lastly, we will discuss toxicity and mechanisms of CAR T‐cell resistance and failure, as well as potential future treatment approaches to these common issues.
New drugs for old targets
Authors: Salles Gilles
Published: June 2019

In recent years, many new antibodies, either naked or armed with toxin or radionuclides have been investigated to enhance the field of active agents directed against already identified (“old”) targets. This was particularly the case for the antigens CD19 and CD20 but also some other ones. The success of these developments has been variable and underlines the need to better characterize the mode of action of these molecules. Combinations studies of these new agents with other molecules, in particular those with an immunomodulatory potential, are also currently developed with some promising results.
Development of a facial‐expression database of Chinese Han, Hui and Tibetan people
Authors: Ma Jialin , Yang Bo , Luo Ran , Ding Xiaobin
Published: June 2019

Recently, cross‐cultural facial‐expression recognition has become a research hotspot, and a standardised facial‐expression material system can significantly help researchers compare and demonstrate the results of other studies. We developed a facial‐expression database of Chinese Han, Hui and Tibetan ethnicities. In this study, six basic human facial expressions (and one neutral expression) were collected from 200 Han, 220 Hui and 210 Tibetan participants who lived in these regions. Four experts on each ethnicity evaluated the facial‐expression images according to the expressions, and only those achieving inter‐rater agreement were retained. Subsequently, 240 raters evaluated these images according to the seven emotions and rated the intensity of the expressions. Consequently, 2980 images were included in the database, including 930 images of Han individuals, 962 images of Hui individuals and 1088 images of Tibetan individuals. In conclusion, the facial‐expression database of Chinese Han, Hui and Tibetan people was representative and reliable with a recognition rate of over 60%, making it well‐suited for cross‐cultural research on emotions.
Impact of HOTAIR variants on preeclampsia susceptibility based on blood and placenta and in silico analysis
Authors: Mohammadpour‐Gharehbagh Abbas , Jahantigh Danial , Saravani Mohsen , Harati‐Sadegh Mahdiyeh , Maruie‐Milan Rostam , Teimoori Batool , Salimi Saeedeh
Published: June 2019

HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) as a lncRNA involves in epigenetic regulation of various genes. Several studies have been suggested the effects of HOTAIR polymorphisms on different diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of maternal and placental HOTAIR polymorphisms on risk of preeclampsia (PE). The maternal blood of 203 preeclamptic and 202 nonpreeclamptic pregnant women as well as the placentas of 87 of preeclamptic and 95 nonpreeclamptic pregnant women were genotyped for HOTAIR polymorphisms. There was no association between maternal and placental HOTAIR polymorphisms (rs12826786, rs920778, and rs1899663) and PE risk. However, the maternal rs4759314AG and dominant model genotypes were associated with increased risk of PE. The maternal and placental HOTAIR rs10783618 polymorphism was associated with PE risk in recessive and allelic models. Haplotype analysis showed that, the maternal CTGAT and CCTAT and placental CTGAT haplotypes were significantly higher and maternal CTGAC, TCTAT, and TTGAT and placental CTGAC haplotypes were significantly lower in PE women. In silico analysis revealed that HOTAIR rs1899663 had a main effect on the secondary structure of mRNA, however, HOTAIR rs4759314 variant had potential alteration of splicing. In conclusion, the maternal and placental HOTAIR rs10783618 polymorphism might increase PE susceptibility. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 71(9):1367–1381, 2019
Injectable calcium phosphate foams for the delivery of Pitavastatin as osteogenic and angiogenic agent
Authors: Khurana Kanupriya , Guillem‐Marti Jordi , Soldera Flavio , Mücklich Frank , Canal Cristina , Ginebra Maria‐Pau
Published: June 2019

Apatitic bone cements have been used as a clinical bone substitutes and drug delivery vehicles for therapeutic agents in orthopedic applications. This has led to their combination with different drugs with known ability to foster bone formation. Recent studies have evaluated Simvastatin for its role in enhanced bone regeneration, but its lipophilicity hampers incorporation and release to and from the bone graft. In this study, injectable calcium phosphate foams (i‐CPF) based on α‐tricalcium phosphate were loaded for the first time with Pitavastatin. The stability of the drug in different conditions relevant to this study, the effect of the drug on the i‐CPFs properties, the release profile, and the in vitro biological performance with regard to mineralization and vascularization were investigated. Pitavastatin did not cause any changes in neither the micro nor the macro structure of the i‐CPFs, which retained their biomimetic features. PITA‐loaded i‐CPFs showed a dose‐dependent drug release, with early stage release kinetics clearly affected by the evolving microstructure due to the setting of cement. in vitro studies showed dose‐dependent enhancement of mineralization and vascularization. Our findings contribute towards the design of controlled release with low drug dosing bone grafts: i‐CPFs loaded with PITA as osteogenic and angiogenic agent.
The Effect of 1 Year of Romosozumab on the Incidence of Clinical Vertebral Fractures in Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis: Results From the FRAME Study
Authors: Geusens Piet , Oates Mary , Miyauchi Akimitsu , Adachi Jonathan D , Lazaretti‐Castro Marise , Ebeling Peter R , Perez Niño Carlos Augusto , Milmont Cassandra E , Grauer Andreas , Libanati Cesar
Published: June 2019

Radiographic vertebral fractures (VFxs) are the most common fractures in osteoporosis and are associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and costs. A subset of VFxs manifest clinically, usually with a sudden onset of severe back pain. Romosozumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds and inhibits sclerostin, increasing bone formation and decreasing bone resorption, leading to rapid and large increases in bone density and strength and reduction in fracture risk. The FRAME (Fracture Study in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis) study of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis demonstrated a significant reduction in new VFxs with romosozumab versus placebo. Here, we report the effect of romosozumab versus placebo on clinical VFx incidence over 12 months in women reporting back pain suggestive of VFxs. FRAME enrolled 7180 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, mean age 70.9 years (hip T‐score −2.5 to −3.5). In the first year of the study, women received monthly romosozumab 210 mg (n = 3589) or placebo (n = 3591). At regular monthly visits, women reporting back pain suggestive of a clinical VFx had a confirmatory spine X‐ray. Clinical VFx risk in the romosozumab group versus the placebo group was calculated by Cox‐proportional hazards model. Of 119 women in FRAME with back pain suggestive of a clinical VFx over 12 months, 20 were confirmed to have experienced a new/worsening VFx. Three women receiving romosozumab had a clinical VFx (<0.1% of 3589 women) versus 17 (0.5% of 3591 women) receiving placebo resulting in a reduction in clinical VFx risk of 83% in the romosozumab group versus placebo through 12 months (HR 0.17; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.58; p = 0.001). In the three romosozumab‐treated women, clinical VFxs occurred within the first 2 months of the study with no further clinical VFxs throughout the year. Romosozumab treatment for 12 months was associated with rapid and large reductions in clinical VFx risk versus placebo. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Identification of novel therapeutic targets for neuropathic pain based on gene expression patterns
Authors: Zhu Di , Liu Kang , Wan Cheng‐Liang , Lu Jangnin , Zhao Hong‐Xia
Published: June 2019

Neuropathic pain (NP) caused by nerve injury or dysfunction is one of the most challenging neurological diseases. In‐depth study of disease signatures contributes to the development of novel target treatment for NP. In this study, we analyzed expression profiles of qualified NP datasets (GSE24982 and GSE63442) deposited at Gene Expression Omnibus database by systematic bioinformatics approaches. We analyzed the differentially expressed genes of high and low pain compared with normal control group, and between spinal nerve ligation (SNL) injury model and sham‐operation group. A total of 1,243 upregulated and 1,533 downregulated genes were identified in GSE24982, 380 upregulated and 355 downregulated genes were identified in GSE63442. By comparing low‐pain samples with the corresponding sham‐operation group, we identified 457 upregulated and 409 downregulated genes. Overlapping genes were screened out and signaling pathway and expression regulation model analyses were performed. SCN10A and SST were identified as biomarkers for NP. In conclusion, our study showed the expression pattern of gene about NP. These identified biomarkers could serve as potential therapeutic targets for treating NP.
Implications of resistin in type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease: Impairing insulin function and inducing pro‐inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Emamalipour Melissa , Seidi Khaled , Jahanban‐Esfahlan Ali , Jahanban‐Esfahlan Rana
Published: June 2019

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic and chronic disorder, which is very common all over the world. Many genetic and nongenetic factors are involved in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Meanwhile, the resistin gene is an important candidate in the pathogenesis of this complex condition. High levels of transcription of the resistin gene are associated with inflammation, insulin resistance, initiation and development of T2DM and atherosclerosis progression through induction of secretion of bioactive materials from adipocytes. Releasing adipose tissue‐derived inflammatory cytokines is associated with inflammatory processes activation, which causes inhibition of insulin action via interference with insulin signaling, such that these disorders can contribute to insulin resistance. With the direct effect of resistin and other inflammatory mediators on vascular endothelial cells and arterial walls, the expression of cell adhesion molecules is increased. This process can lead to atherosclerosis and will result in coronary artery disease (CAD). In this review, we will explore the effects of resistin on inflammation and insulin resistance that may lead to type 2 diabetes and CAD.
Postinfarction exercise training alleviates cardiac dysfunction and adverse remodeling via mitochondrial biogenesis and SIRT1/PGC‐1α/PI3K/Akt signaling
Authors: Jia Dandan , Hou Lu , Lv Yongzhi , Xi Lei , Tian Zhenjun
Published: June 2019

Exercise training mitigates cardiac pathological remodeling and dysfunction caused by myocardial infarction (MI), but its underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Our present study in an in vivo rat model of MI determined the impact of post‐MI exercise training on myocardial fibrosis, mitochondrial biogenesis, antioxidant capacity, and ventricular function. Adult male rats were randomized into: (a) Sedentary control group; (b) 4‐week treadmill exercise training group; (c) Sham surgery group; (d) MI group with permanent ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery and kept sedentary during post‐MI period; and (e) post‐MI 4‐week exercise training group. Results indicated that exercise training significantly improved post‐MI left ventricular function and reduced markers of cardiac fibrosis. Exercise training also significantly attenuated MI‐induced mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress, which were associated with enhanced antioxidant enzyme expression and/or activity and total antioxidant capacity in the heart. Interestingly, the adaptive activation of the SIRT1/PGC‐1α/PI3K/Akt signaling following MI was further enhanced by post‐MI exercise training, which is likely responsible for exercise‐induced cardioprotection and mitochondrial biogenesis. In conclusion, this study has provided novel evidence on the activation of SIRT1/PGC‐1α/PI3K/Akt pathway, which may mediate exercise‐induced cardioprotection through reduction of cardiac fibrosis and oxidative stress, as well as improvement of mitochondrial integrity and biogenesis in post‐MI myocardium.
Evaluation of the Safety of Rapid Parenteral Nutrition Titration
Authors: Curry Dominick , Giancarelli Amanda , Vickers Donald C.
Published: June 2019

Background

Initiation of parenteral nutrition (PN) can cause complications including hyperglycemia (HGL), electrolyte abnormalities, and refeeding syndrome (RFS). These concerns lead many to titrate over several days, but our practice is to titrate PN to goal within 8 hours. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of titrating PN to goal within 8 hours.

Methods

This was a single‐center, retrospective study of adult patients initiated on continuous PN with titration to goal rate in <8 hours. The primary composite outcome included the incidence of HGL, hypomagnesemia, hypophosphatemia, or hypokalemia within 24 hours of PN initiation. Secondary outcomes included analyses of patients with risk factors for HGL and RFS, critically ill patients, and individual components of the composite outcome.

Results

Three hundred forty‐two patients were included, with a primary outcome incidence of 24.6% (HGL 17.4%; hypokalemia 1.8%; hypomagnesemia 0.6%; hypophosphatemia 8.5%). The primary outcome was more common in the HGL group (34.3% vs 14.7%, P < 0.01) and in the ICU group (40.9% vs 20.7%, P < 0.01). Mean 24‐hour blood glucose > 180 mg/dL occurred more in the HGL group (27.9% vs 7.6%, P < 0.01) and in the ICU group (34.8% vs 13.8%, P < 0.01). In patients with no risk factors, the primary outcome was 11.9%.

Conclusion

Rapid PN titration was likely safe in patients without risk factors for HGL or RFS. Further evaluation of protocolized HGL management is needed to determine the risk of HGL in patients with HGL risk factors.
Histological subtype remains a prognostic factor for survival in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients
Authors: Pan Xing‐Xi , Liu Ya‐Jie , Yang Wen , Chen Yong‐Fa , Tang Wu‐Bing , Li Chu‐Rong
Published: June 2019

Objectives

There is currently no consensus on the prognostic significance of the histological subtype of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The aim of the current study was to evaluate the impact of histological subtype on survival in NPC patients based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program.

Methods

Patients with NPC were identified within the SEER database (2004–2015). The effects of histological subtype on cause‐specific survival (CSS) in NPC patients were evaluated using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Subgroup analysis according to histological subtype in NPC patients was carried out by 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM).

Results

A total of 4085 NPC patients were selected from the SEER database, including 1929 with keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma (KSCC), 2203 with nonkeratinizing carcinoma (NKC), and 53 with basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC). The 3‐year and 5‐year CSS rates were 61.76% and 55.07% for KSCC patients, 79.57% and 72.09% for NKC patients, and 77.55% and 74.03% for BSCC patients, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified sex, age, marital status, race, T stage, N stage, M stage, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and histological subtype as significant prognostic factors for CSS in NPC patients. KSCC was found to be associated with worse CSS than NKC on Kaplan‐Meier analysis and subgroup analysis after 1:1 PSM.

Conclusions

Histological subtype determines the long‐term survival outcomes of patients with NPC. Moreover, the NKC subtype has the best prognosis, while the KSCC subtype has the worst prognosis.

Level of Evidence

NA

Laryngoscope, 130:E83–E88, 2020
PTEN Is Associated With Worse Local Control in Early Stage Supraglottic Laryngeal Cancer Treated With Radiotherapy
Authors: Bruine de Bruin Leonie , Wachters Jan E. , Schrijvers Michiel L. , Slagter‐Menkema Lorian , Mastik Mirjam F. , Langendijk Johannes A. , van der Wal Jacqueline E. , Schuuring Ed , van der Laan Bernard F. A. M.
Published: June 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to establish the prognostic value of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) expression on local control in patients with early stage supraglottic laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) treated with radiotherapy only.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining for EGFR and PTEN was performed on pretreatment biopsies of a selected well‐defined homogeneous group of 52 patients with T1–T2 supraglottic LSCC treated with radiotherapy between 1990 and 2008. Kaplan–Meier analysis and univariate and multivariate Cox Regression analyses were performed to correlate clinical data and expression levels of EGFR and PTEN with local control.

Results

Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox Regression analysis showed a significant association between PTEN expression and local control (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14–9.33, P = .027) and between lymph node status and local control (HR = 3.60, 95% CI = 1.26–10.31, P = .017). Both were independent prognostic factors in a multivariate analysis (HR = 3.28, 95% CI = 1.14–9.39, P = .027 and HR = 3.62, 95% CI = 1.26–10.37, P = .017, respectively). There was no significant association between EGFR expression and local control (HR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.17–10.14, P = .79).

Conclusion

This study showed an association between both high PTEN expression and the presence of lymph node metastasis and deteriorated local control in early stage supraglottic LSCC treated with radiotherapy.

Level of Evidence

NA
Experimental Design and Statistical Analysis of AGET ATRP of MMA in Emulsion Polymer Reactor
Authors: Upadhayay Regmi Kishor N. , Mehrvar Mehrab , Dhib Ramdhane
Published: June 2019

This study investigates atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) using activators generated by electron transfer (AGET) as the initiation technique in an emulsion well‐mixed 2L stirred tank reactor. The performance of the AGET ATRP of MMA is analyzed for five key independent variables, namely temperature, catalyst complex (CuBr2/dNbpy), initiator (EBiB), reducing agent (ascorbic acid), and surfactant (Brij 98). The reaction is carried out based on a two‐step polymerization procedure. A resolution 5 fractional factorial design technique is employed to assess the influence of the five independent variables on the monomer conversion, polymer average molecular weights, and polydispersity index (PDI). An input–output model is constructed from the data of 21 designed experimental tests. A statistical analysis of the results shows that the temperature is the most influential variable for the three output process responses. The initiator strongly affects the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) molecular weights. It is the least important key variable affecting MMA conversion and PDI, and the surfactant is the least one affecting PMMA Mn. On assessing the independent interactions effect, the interactions of temperature‐surfactant on conversion, and temperature‐initiator for PMMA Mn are considered. Process simulation in 3D mapping has demonstrated that model predictions agree well with experimental data.
Behavioral therapy for urinary symptoms in Parkinson's disease: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Vaughan Camille P. , Burgio Kathryn. L. , Goode Patricia S. , Juncos Jorge L. , McGwin Gerald , Muirhead Lisa , Markland Alayne D. , Johnson Theodore M.
Published: June 2019

Aim

Determine the efficacy of behavioral therapy for urinary symptoms in Parkinson's disease.

Methods

Randomized trial of behavioral therapy compared with control condition among adults (aged 54‐85 years, 74% male, 10% Black/ 83% White) with Parkinson's and greater than or equal to 4 incontinence episodes weekly. Behavioral therapy included pelvic floor muscle exercises, bladder training, fluid and constipation management. Both groups completed bladder diary self‐monitoring. Outcomes included diary‐derived incontinence and ICIQ‐overactive bladder (OAB) score (range, 0‐16) with bother and quality of life questionnaires (higher scores = worse outcomes).

Results

Fifty‐three participants randomized and 47 reported 8‐week outcomes including 26 behavioral therapy and 21 control. Behavioral vs control participants were similar with respect to age (71.0 ± 6.1 vs 69.7 ± 8.2 years), sex (70% vs 78% male), motor score, cognition, mean weekly incontinence episodes (13.9 ± 9.6 vs 15.1 ± 11.1) and OAB symptoms (8.9 ± 2.4 vs 8.3 ± 2.2). Weekly incontinence reduction was similar between behavioral (−6.2 ± 8.7) and control participants (−6.5 ± 13.8) (P = 0.89). After multiple imputation analysis, behavioral therapy participants reported statistically similar reduction in OAB symptoms compared to control (−3.1 ± 2.8 vs −1.9 ± 2.2, P = 0.19); however quality of life (−22.6 ± 19.1 vs −7.0 ± 18.4, P = 0.048) and bother (−12.6 ± 17.2 vs − 6.7 ± 8.8, P = 0.037) improved significantly more with behavioral therapy.

Conclusion

Self‐monitoring resulted in fewer urinary symptoms; however, only multicomponent behavioral therapy was associated with reduced bother and improved quality of life. Providers should consider behavioral therapy as initial treatment for urinary symptoms in Parkinson's disease.
Effect of a care process programme on frail older people’s life satisfaction
Authors: Berglund Helene , Gustafsson Susanne , Ottenvall Hammar Isabelle , Faronbi Joel , Dahlin‐Ivanoff Synneve
Published: June 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of a full‐scale implementation of a care process programme on life satisfaction among frail older people, as compared with those receiving usual care.

Design

The study includes participants from a full‐scale care process programme (N = 77) and participants from a historical control group (N = 66). The care process programme establishes a comprehensive continuum of care through components including case management, interprofessional teamwork and care‐planning meetings in the older people's own homes.

Methods

Questionnaires were used and data were collected at baseline, with follow‐ups at three, six and 12 months.

Results

The implementation of the full‐scale care process programme had a positive effect on life satisfaction among frail older people. From 6‐month–12‐month follow‐ups, a higher proportion of participants in the care process programme had positive life satisfaction outcomes, as compared with the historical control group.
Wishes and needs of older persons who have experienced a fall: A qualitative study
Authors: Bertelsen Ann Sophia , Ryg Jesper , Masud Tahir , Nielsen Dorthe S.
Published: June 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the needs and wishes in everyday life of older persons who have experienced a fall.

Design

A hermeneutic‐phenomenological design with semi‐structured interviews.

Method

Interviews were analysed using systematic text condensation.

Results

Nine patients (5 women, 4 men) were included. The participants were between 67–95 years old. Seven of the nine participants had suffered from recurrent falls. The analysis revealed four themes: “To maintain meaningfulness in everyday life after experiencing a fall”, “Contact with professionals can be a prerequisite for feeling well and motivated after a fall”, “A need for assistive technology and aids in everyday life” and “Asking for help can be a challenge”. Our findings highlight that older‐person‐centred care and treatment are essential to address the complex variations in needs and wishes of older persons who have experienced a fall.
Oncogenic mutations in histologically normal endometrium: the new normal?
Authors: Lac Vivian , Nazeran Tayyebeh M , Tessier‐Cloutier Basile , Aguirre‐Hernandez Rosalia , Albert Arianne , Lum Amy , Khattra Jaswinder , Praetorius Teresa , Mason Madeline , Chiu Derek , Köbel Martin , Yong Paul J , Gilks Blake C , Anglesio Michael S , Huntsman David G
Published: June 2019

The advent of next generation sequencing has vastly improved the resolution of mutation detection, thereby both increasing the resolution of the analysis of cancer tissues and shining light on the existence of somatic driver mutations in normal tissues, even in the absence of cancer. Studies have described somatic driver mutations in normal skin, blood, peritoneal washings, and esophageal epithelium. Such findings prompt speculation on whether such mutations exist in other tissues, such as the eutopic endometrium in particular, due to the highly regenerative nature of the endometrium and the recent observation of recurrent somatic driver mutations in deep infiltrating and iatrogenic endometriosis (tissues believed to be derived from the eutopic endometrium) by our group and others. In the current study we investigated the presence of somatic driver mutations in histologically normal endometrium from women lacking evidence of gynecologic malignancy or endometrial hyperplasia. Twenty‐five women who underwent hysterectomies and 85 women who underwent endometrial biopsies were included in this study. Formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue specimens were analyzed by means of targeted sequencing followed by orthogonal validation with droplet digital PCR. PTEN and ARID1A immunohistochemistry (IHC) was also performed as surrogates for inactivating mutations in the respective genes. Overall, we observed somatic driver‐like events in over 50% of normal endometrial samples analyzed, including hotspot mutations in KRAS, PIK3CA, and FGFR2 as well as PTEN‐loss by IHC. Analysis of anterior and posterior samplings collected from women who underwent hysterectomies was consistent with the presence of somatic driver mutations within clonal pockets spread throughout the uterus. The prevalence of such oncogenic mutations also increased with age (OR: 1.05 [95% CI: 1.00–1.10], p = 0.035). These findings have implications on our understanding of aging and so‐called ‘normal tissues’, thereby necessitating caution in the utilization of mutation‐based early detection tools for endometrial or other cancers. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A lightweight, strength and electromagnetic shielding polymer composite structure for infant carrier strollers
Authors: Dogan Sonay , Kayacan Ozan , Goren Aytac
Published: June 2019

Electromagnetic (EM) shielding is a protection about reducing the EM fields in a space by blocking the waves with barriers including conductive materials. EM shielding has become an important concept in recent years as a result of increased EM environment pollution. Its long‐term effects are still being investigated in terms of public health. Because of gaining more and more importance in daily life, there are a large number of research subjects including not only raw materials but also end‐products in the literature. In this study, EM shielding characteristics and strength analysis of a diverse range of polymer composites were evaluated and compared for use in an infant carrier stroller body. This type of strollers is not only used for carrying infants, but also some parts of them are used as baby car seats which should be light and strength. Since, the strollers are commonly used in public areas which the infant is exposed to EM radiation and it is strongly recommended to protect infants from EM radiation, sample polymer composite plates have been produced and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMSE) measurements in an anechoic chamber were performed. According to EMSE performances of the plates in frequency range of 700 MHz to 3 GHz, two of the nine different (carbon, aramid, hybrid, glass fiber) textiles were selected to be used in two infant carrier prototypes. After production of prototypes, samples from these prototypes were taken, tensile and impact tests were performed to determine if the molded structures were strength and light enough.
Influence of vacuum on the porosity and mechanical properties in rotational molding
Authors: Vetter Lukas , Werner Jannik , Wolf Michael , Hertle Sebastian , Drummer Dietmar
Published: June 2019

Rotational molding allows the production of seamless, hollow parts with a high degree of design flexibility. Nevertheless, the process has limitations such as long cycle times as long holding times are necessary to produce components free of air inclusions. Within the scope of this article, an experimental setup was developed to evaluate the possibility and resulting effects of using vacuum in the rotational molding process. For this purpose, trials with different vacuum pressure levels and holding times were carried out and the resulting porosity and surface quality as well as the mechanical properties of the specimens were determined. The investigations showed that the use of vacuum allows a significant reduction in porosity even at low holding times, which can considerably reduce the cycle time of the process. However, the extent of possible time saving is limited by the requirement of a good surface quality, on which the vacuum application shows no effect. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the parts could be slightly improved by using vacuum. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1544–1551 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Stability of Dihydroxylammonium 5,5’‐Bistetrazole‐1,1’‐Diolate (TKX‐50) in Solvents
Authors: Jia Jianhui , Xu Jinjiang , Cao Xiong , Li Shichun , Huang Shiliang , Liu Yu , Li Jinshan
Published: June 2019

The stability of solid TKX‐50 has attracted considerable attention. However, the stability of TKX‐50 in solvents has not been investigated sufficiently yet. Herein, the stability of TKX‐50 in various solvents, including N, N‐dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), acetone, deionized water, ethyl acetate, acetonitrile, methanol, ethanol, petroleum ether, hexane, DMF/acetone (mixture of DMF and acetone) and DMF/DMSO (mixture of DMF and DMSO), has been studied. The results show that TKX‐50 remains stable in DMSO, deionized water, ethyl acetate, acetonitrile, methanol, ethanol, petroleum ether and hexane. It is remarkable that TKX‐50 can react with DMF in different ways under different conditions, such as a wide temperature range from 25 °C to 150 °C. The products in reactions between TKX‐50 and DMF were dimethylammonium 5, 5’‐bistetrazole‐1‐hydroxy‐1’‐oxygen (DMA‐BTO), dimethylamine 5, 5’‐bistetrazole‐1, 1’‐diolate (2DMA‐BTO) and diammonium 5,5’‐bistetrazole‐1,1’‐diolate (ABTOX), which were confirmed by single crystal diffraction, respectively. Moreover, the thermal stability of the products and the interconversion pathways between TKX‐50 and products were determined. Subsequently, the reaction mechanism of TKX‐50 in DMF solvent has been inferred.