bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thyrotroph embryonic factor is downregulated in bladder cancer and suppresses proliferation and tumorigenesis via the AKT/FOXOs signalling pathway
Authors: Yang Jianan , Wang Bin , Chen Han , Chen Xuhong , Li Jing , Chen Yanfei , Yuan Daozhang , Zheng Shunsheng
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Thyrotroph embryonic factor (TEF) plays an important role in several different processes in normal human cells; however, its function in malignant cells has not been fully elucidated.

Materials and methods

The mRNA levels of TEF in 408 bladder cancer (BC) samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were analysed in depth. Next, the expression of TEF in 7 BC cell lines was compared to that in normal bladder epithelial cells. The cell count, colony formation and anchorage‐independent growth assays as well as a nude mouse xenograft model were utilized to examine the effects of TEF on proliferation and tumorigenesis. Immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry analysis and treatment with an AKT inhibitor were performed to explore the molecular regulation mechanisms of TEF in BC.

Results

Analysis of TCGA data indicated that TEF mRNA was decreased in BC samples compared to that in normal bladder epithelial cells and correlated with the poor survival of BC patients. Additional experiments verified that the mRNA and protein expression of TEF were significantly decreased in BC cells compared to that in normal bladder epithelial cells. Upregulation of TEF expression significantly retarded BC cell growth by inhibiting the G1/S transition via regulating AKT/FOXOs signalling.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that TEF might play an important role in suppressing BC cells proliferation and tumorigenesis.
Syntrophins entangled in cytoskeletal meshwork: Helping to hold it all together
Authors: Bhat Sahar S. , Ali Roshia , Khanday Firdous A.
Published: December 2018

Syntrophins are a family of 59 kDa peripheral membrane‐associated adapter proteins, containing multiple protein‐protein and protein‐lipid interaction domains. The syntrophin family consists of five isoforms that exhibit specific tissue distribution, distinct sub‐cellular localization and unique expression patterns implying their diverse functional roles. These syntrophin isoforms form multiple functional protein complexes and ensure proper localization of signalling proteins and their binding partners to specific membrane domains and provide appropriate spatiotemporal regulation of signalling pathways. Syntrophins consist of two PH domains, a PDZ domain and a conserved SU domain. The PH1 domain is split by the PDZ domain. The PH2 and the SU domain are involved in the interaction between syntrophin and the dystrophin‐glycoprotein complex (DGC). Syntrophins recruit various signalling proteins to DGC and link extracellular matrix to internal signalling apparatus via DGC. The different domains of the syntrophin isoforms are responsible for modulation of cytoskeleton. Syntrophins associate with cytoskeletal proteins and lead to various cellular responses by modulating the cytoskeleton. Syntrophins are involved in many physiological processes which involve cytoskeletal reorganization like insulin secretion, blood pressure regulation, myogenesis, cell migration, formation and retraction of focal adhesions. Syntrophins have been implicated in various pathologies like Alzheimer’s disease, muscular dystrophy, cancer. Their role in cytoskeletal organization and modulation makes them perfect candidates for further studies in various cancers and other ailments that involve cytoskeletal modulation. The role of syntrophins in cytoskeletal organization and modulation has not yet been comprehensively reviewed till now. This review focuses on syntrophins and highlights their role in cytoskeletal organization, modulation and dynamics via its involvement in different cell signalling networks.
Learning to read facilitates the retrieval of phonological representations in rapid automatized naming: Evidence from unschooled illiterate, ex‐illiterate, and schooled literate adults
Authors: Araújo Susana , Fernandes Tânia , Huettig Falk
Published: December 2018

Rapid automatized naming (RAN) of visual items is a powerful predictor of reading skills. However, the direction and locus of the association between RAN and reading is still largely unclear. Here, we investigated whether literacy acquisition directly bolsters RAN efficiency for objects, adopting a strong methodological design, by testing three groups of adults matched in age and socioeconomic variables, who differed only in literacy/schooling: unschooled illiterate and ex‐illiterate, and schooled literate adults. To investigate in a fine‐grained manner whether and how literacy facilitates lexical retrieval, we orthogonally manipulated the word‐form frequency (high vs. low) and phonological neighborhood density (dense vs. spare) of the objects' names. We observed that literacy experience enhances the automaticity with which visual stimuli (e.g., objects) can be retrieved and named: relative to readers (ex‐illiterate and literate), illiterate adults performed worse on RAN. Crucially, the group difference was exacerbated and significant only for those items that were of low frequency and from sparse neighborhoods. These results thus suggest that, regardless of schooling and age at which literacy was acquired, learning to read facilitates the access to and retrieval of phonological representations, especially of difficult lexical items.
Assessment of right ventricular systolic function in children with repaired tetralogy of Fallot by multiple‐view from single acoustic window with speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Bao Sheng‐Fang , Zhang Yu‐Qi , Chen Li‐Jun , Zhong Yu‐Min , Wang Qian , Zhang Zhi‐Fang
Published: December 2018

Background

Challenges remain in quantitative evaluation of right ventricular (RV) function by echocardiography. Multiple‐view assessment is believed to provide a more comprehensive quantification of RV function than conventional single‐view analysis. Peak systolic longitudinal RV strain (RVLS) measured by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has clinical and prognostic value. No study has investigated RV systolic function in the repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) using a standardized four‐view iRotate model from one apical view. Herein, we examined the feasibility and accuracy of the four‐view analysis from apical window in quantitation of RVLS among children with rTOF.

Methods

Thirty‐seven children with rTOF and 37 age‐ and gender‐matched controls were prospectively enrolled. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity (TDI‐S′) and fractional area change(FAC) were obtained. RVLS of four free‐walls were analyzed by dedicated RV speckle tracking software. Echocardiographic parameters were compared with the right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) measured by the cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in children with rTOF.

Results

Multi‐view RVLS analysis from apical window was feasible in 35 children with rTOF and all the controls. Compared with age‐ and gender‐matched controls, RVLS of the anterior, lateral, inferior‐a, and inferior‐b walls were significantly reduced in children with rTOF (P < 0.001). RVLS of the anterior, lateral, inferior‐a, and inferior‐b walls correlated well with CMR‐RVEF in children with rTOF (r = −0.667, −0.743, −0.808, −0.695, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Multi‐view analysis of RVLS from apical window can be applied to evaluate the RV function in children with rTOF. RVLS of the inferior wall‐a in the aortic view is a novel and accurate indicator of RV function because of its good reproducibility and strong correlation with CMR‐RVEF.
3D‐speckle tracking echocardiography for assessment of coronary artery disease severity in stable angina pectoris
Authors: Dogdus Mustafa , Simsek Evrim , Cinar Cahide Soydas
Published: December 2018

Background and Aim

Stable angina pectoris is a common disease that may cause disability. Some noninvasive new methods can be useful for the detection of early‐stage coronary artery disease. The relationship between coronary artery disease (CAD) severity and resting 3‐dimensional‐speckle tracking echocardiography (3D‐STE) in stable angina pectoris patients was evaluated in this study.

Methods

One hundred and twenty consecutive patients between 18–80 years of age and without a history of CAD to whom elective coronary angiography was planned after positive stress test or myocardial perfusion scintigraphy were enrolled in the study. 3D‐STE was performed and global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global radial strain (GRS), and global area strain (GAS) were measured before coronary angiography. A Gensini score of ≥20 was accepted as critical CAD. Correlation between Gensini scores and 3D‐STE results were evaluated.

Results

Mean age was 60.7 ± 10.01 years, and 55% of the patient population were male. There were not any significant differences between critical CAD and noncritical CAD groups for age, gender, history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction. Mean GLS was −12, GCS was −18.8, GRS was 33.4, GAS was −28.9, and mean Gensini score was 18.8. GLS and all other strain parameters were significantly worse in patients with critical CAD group compared with noncritical CAD group and also positive linear correlation was observed between Gensini score and all measured strain parameters (r = 0.568, P < 0.001 for Gensini score and GLS; r = 0.617, P < 0.001 for Gensini score and GAS). A GLS value of >−10 has 88.9% sensitivity and 92.9% specificity; A GAS value of >−21 has 97.2% sensitivity and 88.1% specificity to detect critical CAD.

Conclusions

3D‐STE is a noninvasive and handy parameter to detect subclinical left ventricular dysfunction and global strain values were significantly correlated with CAD severity. GAS has the sensitivity of 97.2% and specificity of 88.1% to detect critical CAD. Adding 3D strain echocardiography to exercise test or myocardial perfusion scintigraphy might increase sensitivity to detect critical CAD in clinical practice.
Effects of carbon on moisture storage in soils of the Wisconsin Central Sands, USA
Authors: Yost Jenifer L. , Hartemink Alfred E.
Published: December 2018

Quantifying soil water storage is important for plant growth and agricultural production. This is particularly important in sandy soils because they are widely cultivated and prone to drought. We investigated the effect of soil organic carbon (SOC), soil texture and gravel content on soil moisture characteristics in sandy soils. Soil moisture characteristics were analysed using standard soil physical characterization as well as visible–near infrared (vis–NIR) spectroscopy and pedotransfer functions (PTFs). Volumetric water content (−10, −33, −1500 kPa) and available water capacity (AWC) increased by 0.01 to 0.02 m3m−3 with a 2% increase in silt plus clay content. Available water capacity increased by about 0.05 m3m−3 with a 1% increase in SOC. A 5% increase in gravel in the subsoil decreased the volumetric water content of the soil by 0.01 m3m−3. Predictions of volumetric water contents and AWC by vis–NIR were the best when using a random forest model. Pedotransfer functions for AWC predictions performed best when sand, silt, clay, bulk density and SOC were included. Soil moisture storage ranged from 44 to 65 mm in the top 50 cm. At mean evapotranspiration (4.2 mm day−1), irrigation requirements were reduced by 6 days in the sandy soils that have larger SOC and silt contents in the topsoil. These soils are sandy throughout but have subtle differences in particle‐size distribution, SOC concentrations and gravel content. These differences affect soil moisture storage considerably. Soil management practices that increase the SOC contents in these sandy soils favour moisture storage and tend to reduce irrigation requirements.

Highlights

SOC, soil texture and gravel affect soil moisture characteristics in sandy soils.

With vis–NIR and PTFs, soil water storage, water characteristics and AWC in soils with >80% sand can be quantified and predicted.

Available water capacity increased by about 0.05 m3m−3 with a 1% increase in SOC.

Subtle differences in particle‐size distribution affect soil moisture storage and reduce irrigation requirements.
Contrasting responses of soil fungal communities and soil respiration to the above‐ and below‐ground plant C inputs in a subtropical forest
Authors: Shi Lingling , Feng Wenting , Jing Xin , Zang Huadong , Mortimer Peter , Zou Xiaoming
Published: December 2018

The roles of soil fungal diversity and community composition in regulating soil respiration when above‐ and below‐ground plant carbon (C) inputs are excluded remain unclear. In the present study, we aimed to examine the following. (a) How does the exclusion of above‐ and below‐ground plant C inputs affect soil respiration and soil fungi singly and in combination? (b) Are changes in soil fungal diversity aligned with changes in soil respiration? A field experiment with manipulation of plant C inputs was established in a subtropical forest in southwest China in 2004 with litter removal and tree stem‐girdling to exclude inputs of the above‐ and below‐ground plant C, respectively. In 2009, we measured the rates of soil respiration with an infrared gas analyser and soil fungal community structure using Illumina sequencing. We found that the rates of soil respiration were reduced significantly by litter removal and girdling, by similar magnitudes. However, they were not decreased further by the combination of these two treatments compared to either treatment alone. In contrast, litter removal increased the diversity of soil fungal communities, whereas girdling decreased the abundance of symbiotrophic fungi but increased the abundance of saptrotrophic and pathotrophic fungi. These changes in soil fungal community might initiate CO2 emission from soil C decomposition, offsetting further decline in soil respiration when plant C inputs are excluded. These results revealed that the exclusion of the above‐ and below‐ground plant C inputs led to contrasting soil fungal communities but similar soil function. Our findings suggest that both above‐ and below‐ground plant C are important in regulating soil respiration in subtropical forests, by limiting substrates for soil fungal growth and altering the diversity and composition of the soil fungal community.

Highlights

Litter removal and girdling decreased soil respiration by similar magnitudes

The combination of litter removal and girdling did not further decrease soil respiration

Litter removal significantly increased species richness of soil fungal communities

Girdling changed the abundance of functional guilds of soil fungal communities
Cannabis‐based products for pediatric epilepsy: A systematic review
Authors: Elliott Jesse , DeJean Deirdre , Clifford Tammy , Coyle Doug , Potter Beth K. , Skidmore Becky , Alexander Christine , Repetski Alexander E. , Shukla Vijay , McCoy Bláthnaid , Wells George A.
Published: December 2018

Objective

To assess the benefits and harms of cannabis‐based products for pediatric epilepsy.

Methods

We identified in this living systematic review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized studies (NRSs) involving children with epilepsy treated with cannabis‐based products. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and gray literature (April 25, 2018). The primary outcome was seizure freedom; secondary outcomes were seizure frequency (total, ≥50% reduction), quality of life, sleep, status epilepticus, death, gastrointestinal adverse events, and visits to the emergency room. Data were pooled by random‐effects meta‐analysis. Risk of bias was assessed for each study, and GRADE was used to assess the quality of evidence for each outcome.

Results

Four RCTs and 19 NRSs were included, primarily involving cannabidiol. All RCTs were at low risk of bias, whereas all NRSs were at high risk. Among RCTs, there was no statistically significant difference between cannabidiol and placebo in seizure freedom (relative risk [RR] = 6.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.36‐128.38; 1 RCT), quality of life (mean difference = 0.6, 95% CI = −2.6 to 3.9; 3 RCTs), sleep disruption (mean difference = −0.3, 95% CI = −0.8 to 0.2; 3 RCTs), or vomiting (RR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.51‐1.96; 4 RCTs). There was a statistically significant reduction in the median frequency of monthly seizures with cannabidiol compared with placebo (−19.8%, 95% CI = −27.0% to −12.6%; 3 RCTs) and an increase in the number of participants with at least a 50% reduction in seizures (RR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.07‐2.88; 1 RCT) and diarrhea (RR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.38‐3.68; 3 RCTs). Death and status epilepticus were infrequently reported.

Significance

Evidence from high‐quality RCTs suggests that cannabidiol probably reduces seizures among children with drug‐resistant epilepsy (moderate certainty). At this time, the evidence base is primarily limited to cannabidiol, and these findings should not be extended to all cannabis‐based products.
Concurrent repair of a displaced rib fracture and splenic capsular tearing using laparoscopic technique in a standing horse with acute haemoperitoneum
Authors: O'Neill H. D. , Ricardi G.
Published: December 2018

Splenic trauma as a sequela to rib fracture is a recognised cause of haemoperitoneum in the horse. Although surgical repair to those areas damaged is advocated as the treatment of choice, information pertaining to the simultaneous repair of such sites is lacking. Additionally, the hypovolaemic case presents a separate anaesthetic challenge. This report is the first published description of a concurrent approach for a displaced rib fracture and an associated splenic capsular tear using laparoscopic technique in a standing sedated horse with acute haemoperitoneum. The rib fracture was reduced and stabilised using polyamide ties, and the splenic capsular tear repaired using intracorporeal suturing with knotless, unidirectional barbed suture. Total surgery time was 90 min and no complications were encountered during the procedure. The mare was discharged 6 days post‐operatively. Organ orientation in the standing case afforded excellent visibility to both the parietal surface of the spleen and fractured rib, and abolished the necessity for general anaesthesia.
Clinical features of Helicobacter pylori antibody‐positive junior high school students in Nagano Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Honma Hitoshi , Nakayama Yoshiko , Kato Sawako , Hidaka Nao , Kusakari Mai , Sado Tomomitsu , Suda Ayako , Lin Yingsong
Published: December 2018

Background

Previously, we conducted an epidemiological study screening for Helicobacter pylori antibody positivity among Japanese junior high school students. In this study, we updated the epidemiological data and assessed the clinical features of H pylori antibody‐positive junior high school students.

Materials and methods

We assessed H pylori antibody‐positive subjects who were identified between 2012 and 2015 at four junior high schools in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. H pylori infection was confirmed by urea breath test (UBT) or endoscopic examination. Endoscopy was performed after obtaining consent from the subject and their guardians. Eradication therapy consisted of triple therapy with proton pump inhibitor (PPI), amoxicillin (AMPC), and clarithromycin (CAM) or metronidazole (MNZ) for seven days. Eradication of H pylori was confirmed by UBT. We reviewed subjects’ characteristics, endoscopic findings, histological findings, eradication regimes, outcomes, and adverse effects.

Results

The overall prevalence of H pylori antibody positivity was 3.2% (42/1298). We assessed thirteen H pylori antibody‐positive subjects. Eight subjects had a family history of H pylori infection. Six subjects had abdominal pain, and two subjects had iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Twelve subjects underwent endoscopy; one subject had duodenal ulcer, eleven subjects had antral nodular gastritis, and six subjects showed grade 2 closed type atrophic border according to the Kimura‐Takemoto classification. All subjects received eradication therapy; CAM was used in five subjects with CAM susceptibility as well as in three subjects with unknown information on CAM susceptibility, and MNZ was used in five subjects with CAM resistance. Eradication was successful in twelve subjects (one unconfirmed). There were three mild adverse effects (abdominal pain or diarrhea).

Conclusions

Helicobacter pylori test for junior high school students represents an opportunity to diagnose the peptic ulcer, iron deficiency anemia, and gastric atrophy.
Shaping Priority Services for UK Victims of Honour‐Based Violence/Abuse, Forced Marriage, and Female Genital Mutilation
Authors: GILL AISHA K. , COX PAMELA , WEIR RUTH
Published: December 2018

Victims of honour‐based violence/abuse (HBV/A), forced marriage (FM), and female genital mutilation (FGM) are now defined as ‘priority groups’ in the UK's Code of Practice for Victims of Crime (commonly known as the Victims’ Code of Practice or VCOP). These groups encompass: those who are affected by the most serious forms of crime; those persistently targeted by crime; those vulnerable by age or physical or mental health; and those classified as intimidated victims. The Code recommends that these victims receive a ‘priority service’ that includes rapid needs assessment and enhanced support. This article draws upon research commissioned by a county police force in southern England which wanted to develop its provision for ‘priority service’ victims. It analyses data gathered from interviews with victims and multi‐agency practitioners and explores four dimensions of victim and practitioner experience: recording and locating victims; initiating a case; modes of protecting victims; and closing a case. It also discusses future directions and challenges for priority victim work in England and elsewhere, and identifies the many challenges experienced by practitioners working to support the victims of HBV/A, FM, and FGM. It argues that the voices of both victims and practitioners must be considered in the co‐creation of future priority services in this field.
Permanent 125I prostate brachytherapy for castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Ding Xue‐Fei , Huang Tian‐Bao , Gao Ying , Lu Sheng‐Ming , Tao Hua‐Zhi , Xu Jia‐Nan , Xu Yao‐Zong , Wang Fei , Zhou Yu‐Quan , Zhou Guang‐Chen , Luan Yang
Published: December 2018

Objective

To evaluate the clinical significance of permanent 125I prostate brachytherapy in patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer.

Methods

A retrospective study of 45 patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer from the Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China was carried out. Patients were divided into two groups according to different treatments: 21 patients received endocrine therapy alone (control group), and 24 patients underwent brachytherapy combined with endocrine therapy (treatment group). Prostate‐specific antigen progression‐free survival, cancer‐specific survival, overall survival and quality of life of the two groups were compared.

Results

The median prostate‐specific antigen progression‐free survival and cancer‐specific survival of the treatment group were 29 months (interquartile range 25–37 months) and 37 months (interquartile range 30–50 months), respectively. These were significantly longer than those of the control group (both P < 0.05). Prostate‐specific antigen (before androgen deprivation therapy and before brachytherapy), prostate volume, Gleason score, clinical stage and brachytherapy were associated with prostate‐specific antigen progression‐free survival and cancer‐specific survival on univariate analysis. For the quality of life after treatment, urinary symptoms/problems at 1 month after brachytherapy compared with the control group had a statistically significant difference and clinically relevant deterioration, but after 6 months there were no statistically significant differences and clinically relevant deterioration. Compared with the control group, the physical functioning, social functioning, global health and general physical discomfort of the treatment group were significantly improved.

Conclusions

Brachytherapy with 125I seed implantation can effectively prolong survival of patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer and, to a certain extent, improve patients’ quality of life.
Explaining Native‐Migrant Differences in Parental Knowledge about the German Educational System
Authors: Kretschmer David
Published: December 2018

To make sound educational decisions, students and their parents have to be informed about the way the educational system works. Such knowledge, however, tends to vary across social groups. This study investigates the differences in education‐related knowledge between native and migrant mothers in the German context. Empirical analyses based on a sample of native German mothers and mothers from Turkey or the former Soviet Union (N = 2076) indicate that migrant mothers know less about the German educational system than their native counterparts. An investigation of the potential sources of these knowledge gaps shows that migrants’ weaker socio‐economic status explains a substantial part of their lower level of knowledge, particularly among families of Turkish origin. Furthermore, migrants’ less profitable social network composition and lower levels of German language skills contribute to their information deficits. Based on these empirical results, the study considers opportunities for improving the knowledge base of migrant parents.
Managing patients with severe asthma in Australia: Current challenges with the existing models of care
Authors: Chung Li Ping , Hew Mark , Bardin Philip , McDonald Vanessa M. , Upham John W.
Published: December 2018

Severe asthma leads to debilitating symptoms for patients and excessive socioeconomic burden for the community. Comprehensive models of care are required to address complex issues, risk factors and comorbidities in patients with severe asthma, and to identify patients most appropriate for specialised treatments. Dedicated severe asthma services improve asthma control, reduce asthma exacerbations and hospital admissions, and improve quality of life. Currently, diverse models of care exist for managing severe asthma across Australia. Most referrals to severe asthma services are from respiratory physicians seeking a second opinion or from primary care for poorly controlled asthma. Despite benefits of specialised severe asthma services, many patients are not referred and resources are limited, often resulting in long waiting times. Patient referral is often unstructured and there are considerable variations in the management of severe asthma with limited access to other health care professionals such as speech pathologists and dieticians, and restricted scope to optimise patient work‐up before referral. Ongoing communication between the specialist and referring clinician is essential for continuity of care but is often lacking. Referral pathways can be optimised by developing referral criteria and guidelines to triage patients with severe asthma and to improve resource efficiency. Additional education and tools for assessing and managing severe asthma are needed, and mechanisms should be developed for involving primary care in the management of stabilised patients. Strategies to increase patient access to multidisciplinary services are recommended.
Underweight, overweight, and obesity as independent risk factors for hospitalization in adults and children from influenza and other respiratory viruses
Authors: Moser Joe‐Ann S. , Galindo‐Fraga Arturo , Ortiz‐Hernández Ana A. , Gu Wenjuan , Hunsberger Sally , Galán‐Herrera Juan‐Francisco , Guerrero María Lourdes , Ruiz‐Palacios Guillermo M. , Beigel John H. ,   The La Red ILI 002 Study Group
Published: December 2018

Background

The relationship between obesity and risk of complications described during the 2009 influenza pandemic is poorly defined for seasonal influenza and other viral causes of influenza‐like illness (ILI).

Methods

An observational cohort of hospitalized and outpatient participants with ILI was conducted in six hospitals in Mexico. Nasopharyngeal swabs were tested for influenza and other common respiratory pathogens.

Results

A total of 4778 participants were enrolled in this study and had complete data. A total of 2053 (43.0%) had severe ILI. Seven hundred and seventy‐eight (16.3%) were positive for influenza, 2636 (55.2%) were positive for other viral respiratory pathogens, and 1364 (28.5%) had no respiratory virus isolated. Adults with influenza were more likely to be hospitalized if they were underweight (OR: 5.20), obese (OR: 3.18), or morbidly obese (OR: 18.40) compared to normal‐weight adults. Obese adults with H1N1 had a sixfold increase in odds of hospitalization over H3N2 and B (obese OR: 8.96 vs 1.35, morbidly obese OR: 35.13 vs 5.58, respectively) compared to normal‐weight adults. In adults with coronavirus, metapneumovirus, parainfluenza, and rhinovirus, participants that were underweight (OR: 4.07) and morbidly obese (OR: 2.78) were more likely to be hospitalized as compared to normal‐weight adults. All‐cause influenza‐like illness had a similar but less pronounced association between underweight or morbidly obesity and hospitalization.

Conclusions

There is an increased risk of being hospitalized in adult participants that are underweight or morbidly obese, regardless of their viral pathogen status. Having influenza, however, significantly increases the odds of hospitalization in those who are underweight or morbidly obese.
Modeling the influence of two terminal electrode contact geometry and sample dimensions in electro‐materials
Authors: Veazey Richard A. , Gandy Amy S. , Sinclair Derek C. , Dean Julian S.
Published: December 2018

Various two terminal electrode geometry configurations are commonly employed to probe the electrical properties of materials with the key consideration being how current flows through the sample. Here, finite element modeling is used to simulate the dc electrical response of an electrically homogeneous sample (based on single crystal SrTiO3) using two terminal electrode geometries based on full surface, top‐bottom macro‐contacts as is commonly used when characterizing bulk ceramics or large single crystals and top‐bottom and top‐top micro‐contacts that are used to characterize thin films and local intra‐ and inter‐granular regions in ceramics. Well‐known equations for macro‐ and micro‐contacts are used to calculate the conductivity of the sample and are compared to the intrinsic values to determine their accuracy. A geometric factor returns accurate bulk conductivity values when there is homogeneous current flow whereas the spreading resistance equation gives the most accurate conductivity values for heterogeneous current flow. When micro‐contacts are used, the response is dominated by a small region of high current density in the vicinity of the contact, providing local electrical properties. Interference can occur when regions of high current density overlap, providing a less resistive route for current flow, thus reducing the applicability of the spreading resistance equation. For top‐top micro‐contacts at small separations, the conductivity is overestimated. The accuracy of the spreading resistance equation increases as the contact separation increases and is within 10% error when they are separated by eight times the micro‐contact radius. Convergence of the error to values lower than 10% becomes increasingly difficult and requires excessively large (and experimentally challenging) separation distances. For example, to obtain a result with an error below 5% requires separations in excess of 28 times the micro‐contact radius. Confinement occurs when the sample size limits the ability of the current to spread out from a micro‐contact, thus increasing the resistance. As the sample shape and dimensions can limit current flow, a geometric factor can sometimes be used to determine accurate conductivity values. In some cases, interference can counter‐balance confinement to yield fortuitously accurate conductivity values.
Phase structure analysis and pyroelectric energy harvesting performance of Ba(HfxTi1‐x)O3 ceramics
Authors: Li Ming‐Ding , Tang Xin‐Gui , Zeng Si‐Ming , Liu Qiu‐Xiang , Jiang Yan‐Ping , Zhang Tian‐Fu , Li Wen‐Hua
Published: December 2018

Ba(Ti1‐xHfx)O3 ceramics were synthesized by a solid‐state reaction process. The evolution of the phase structure was identified by XRD spectrum, dielectric spectroscopy, and temperature‐dependent Raman spectroscopy for the Ba(Ti1‐xHfx)O3 ceramics. In addition, pyroelectric energy harvesting properties based on the Olsen cycle were investigated for the first time. A maximum pyroelectric energy harvesting density value of ND = 491.30 kJ/m3 (ΔT = 120°C, EH = 50 kV/cm) was achieved in the Ba(Hf0.05Ti0.95)O3 ceramic. Compared with those of BT, the values of ND more than doubled in the temperature range from ΔT = 60°C to ΔT = 100°C in the Ba(Hf0.05Ti0.95)O3 ceramic and even increased 3.2 times at ΔT = 80°C near the Curie temperature (TC) of the Ba(Hf0.05Ti0.95)O3 sample. In addition, a larger pyroelectric energy harvesting density value of ND = 367.10 kJ/m3 (ΔT = 120°C, EH = 50 kV/cm) was acquired in the Ba(Hf0.12Ti0.88)O3 ceramic. Values of ND‐BHT5/ND‐BT and ND‐BHT12/ND‐BT were analyzed in the Ba(Ti1‐xHfx)O3 ceramics. The optimal pyroelectric properties can be obtained in the vicinity of the ferroelectric to paraelectric phase‐transition region.
Molten salt synthesis, characterization, and formation mechanism of superfine (HfxZr1‐x)B2 solid‐solution powders
Authors: Liu Da , Wen Tongqi , Ye Beilin , Zhou Xiya , Chu Yanhui
Published: December 2018

High‐purity superfine (HfxZr1‐x)B2 solid‐solution powders with various chemical compositions (x = 0.2, 0.5, and 0.8) were successfully synthesized via molten salt synthesis technique at 1423 K using ZrO2, HfO2, and 20% excessive B as precursors within a KCl/NaCl molten salt for the first time. The results showed that the as‐synthesized solid‐solution powders exhibited the irregular polyhedral morphology with the average particle sizes of 170–185 nm and simultaneously possessed a single‐crystalline hexagonal structure and good compositional uniformity from nanoscale to microscale. In addition, their formation mechanisms were well interpreted by analyzing the thermodynamics of the possible chemical reactions in the molten salt.
Selective ablation of ligament of Marshall inhibits ventricular arrhythmias during acute myocardial infarction: Possible mechanisms
Authors: Yu Xiaomei , He Wenbo , Xie Jing , He Bo , Luo Da , Wang Xiaoying , Jiang Hong , Lu Zhibing
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Our recent study found that selective ablation of the distal part of the ligament of Marshall (LOMLSPV) could suppress ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) during acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study was to investigate the possible underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Dogs were randomly divided into the sham‐operated group (SO; n = 6), AMI group (AMI; n = 8) and the group undergoing LOMLSPV ablation ahead of AMI (LOMD+AMI; n = 8). Incidence of VAs, serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), expression of connexin (Cx43), Bcl‐2, Bax, caspase‐3, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and high mobility group box (HMGB)1 were compared. Anatomic and immunostaining examinations of LOM
LSPV were performed.

Results

Compared with the AMI group, incidence of VAs was reduced in the LOMD+AMI group. Compared with the SO group, Cx43, SOD, and Bcl‐2 were decreased, MDA, Bax, caspase‐3, TNF‐α, IL‐6, and HMGB1 were increased in the MI group, and all the alterations were significantly restrained in the LOMD+AMI group. A visual nerve fiber communication between the left stellate ganglion (LSG) and LOM and abundant sympathetic nerve bundles distribution in LOMLSPV were revealed.

Conclusions

LOMLSPV ablation could suppress VAs during AMI. The possible mechanism may be associated with disconnection of the sympathetic conduit from LSG to the ventricles. Preservation of Cx43, inhibition of cardiac oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation may be involved.
Percutaneous lead extraction and repositioning: An effective and safe therapeutic strategy for early ventricular lead perforation with dislocation both inside and outside the pericardial sac following a cardiac device implantation
Authors: Archontakis Stefanos , Sideris Konstantinos , Aggeli Konstantina , Gatzoulis Konstantinos , Demosthenous Michael , Tolios Panagiotis , Lozos Vasilios , Koumallos Nikolas , Limperiadis Dimitrios , Tousoulis Dimitrios , Kallikazaros Ioannis , Sideris Skevos
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Cardiac perforation of the right ventricle associated with pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) leads’ implantation is uncommon, albeit potentially life‐threatening, complication. The aim of this study is to further identify the optimal therapeutic strategy, especially when lead dislocation has occurred outside the pericardial sac.

Methods and Results

The study population included 10 consecutive patients (six female, mean age: 66.5 years old) diagnosed with early ventricular lead perforation following a pacemaker or ICD implantation, with significant protrusion inside the pericardial sac (n = 2) or migration of the lead at the pleural space (
n = 3), the diaphragm (
n = 1), or the abdominal cavity (
n = 4), during the period 2013‐2017. All patients were symptomatic; however, individuals presenting with hemodynamic instability were excluded. The outcome of the percutaneous therapeutic approach was retrospectively assessed. All patients underwent a successful removal of the perforating lead percutaneously at the electrophysiology lab, by direct traction, and repositioning in another location of the right ventricle. The operation was performed by a multidisciplinary team, under continuous hemodynamic and transesophageal echocardiographic monitoring and cardiac surgical backup. The periprocedural period was uneventful. Subjects were followed up for at least 1 year. Interestingly, all patients developed a type of postcardiac injury syndrome, successfully treated with a 3‐month regimen of ibuprofen and colchicine.

Conclusion

Percutaneous traction and repositioning of the perforating ventricular lead are effective, safe, and less invasive compared with the thoracotomy method in hemodynamically stable patients when dislocation has occurred outside the pericardial sac provided that there is no visceral organs injury.
K2p3.1 protein is expressed as a transmural gradient across the rat left ventricular free wall
Authors: Jones Sandra A. , Walton Richard D. , Morton Michael , Lancaster Matthew K.
Published: December 2018

Introduction

K2p3.1, also known as TASK‐1, is a twin‐pore acid‐sensitive repolarizing K+ channel, responsible for a background potassium current that significantly contributes to setting the resting membrane potential of cardiac myocytes. Inhibition of IK2p3.1 alters cardiac repolarization and is proarrhythmogenic. In this study, we have examined the expression of K2p3.1 and function of this channel in tissue and myocytes from across the left ventricular free wall.

Methods and Results

Using fluorescence immunocytochemistry, the expression of K2p3.1 protein in myocytes from the subendocardial region was found to be twice (205% ± 13.5%) that found in myocytes from the subepicardial region of the left ventricle (100% ± 5.3%). The left ventricular free wall exhibited a marked transmural gradient of K2p3.1 protein expression. Western blot analysis confirmed significantly higher K2p3.1 protein expression in subendocardial tissue (156% ± 2.5%) than subepicardial tissue (100% ± 5.0%). However, there was no difference in K2p3.1 messenger RNA expression. Whole‐cell patch clamp identified IK2p3.1 current density to be significantly greater in myocytes isolated from the subendocardium (7.66 ± 0.53 pA/pF) compared with those from the subepicardium (3.47 ± 0.74 pA/pF).

Conclusions

This is the first study to identify a transmural gradient of K2p3.1 in the left ventricle. This gradient has implications for understanding ventricular arrhythmogenesis under conditions of ischemia but also in response to other modulatory factors, such as adrenergic stimulation and the presence of anesthetics that inhibits or activates this channel.
Myocardial viability as shown by left ventricular lead pacing threshold and improved dyssynchrony by QRS narrowing predicts the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Takenaka Masaki , Inden Yasuya , Yanagisawa Satoshi , Fujii Aya , Ando Monami , Funabiki Junya , Murase Yosuke , Otake Noriaki , Sakamoto Yusuke , Shibata Rei , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Patients with advanced heart failure and dyssynchrony can benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). To predict the response to CRT, myocardial viability and improved dyssynchrony are suggested to be important.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated 93 patients who underwent CRT implantation in Nagoya University Hospital. We assessed QRS narrowing the day after implantation to measure the improvement in dyssynchrony and measured the left ventricular pacing threshold (LVPT) to determine the local myocardial viability in all patients. Responders to CRT were defined as those having a greater than or equal to 15% decrease in left ventricular end‐systolic volume by echocardiography at their 6‐month follow‐up.

Results

Sixty‐two patients (67%) were classified as responders. The QRS width before CRT implantation, QRS narrowing after implantation, left atrial diameter, septal‐to‐posterior wall motion delay, left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter, radial strain, and LVPT were significantly different between the responder and nonresponder groups. On multivariate analysis, QRS narrowing (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01‐1.05; P = 0.005) and LVPT (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.22‐0.82; P = 0.011) were independent predictors of a response to CRT. We calculated the cutoff values from the receiver operating characteristic curves as 22.5 milliseconds of QRS narrowing and 1.55 V of LVPT. The response rates in patients with both predictive factors (QRS narrowing ≥ 22.5 milliseconds and LVPT ≤ 1.55 V), one factor, and no factors were 91%, 61%, and 25%, respectively (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Both myocardial viability and improved electrical dyssynchrony may be essential to predict a good response to CRT.
Predictors and correlates of systolic blood pressure reduction with liraglutide treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wijkman Magnus O. , Dena Mary , Dahlqvist Sofia , Sofizadeh Sheyda , Hirsch Irl , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Mårtensson Johan , Torffvit Ole , Imberg Henrik , Saeed Aso , Lind Marcus
Published: December 2018

Liraglutide is associated with blood pressure reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, it is not known whether this blood pressure reduction can be predicted prior to treatment initiation, and to what extent it correlates with weight loss and with improved glycemic control during follow‐up. We analyzed data from a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, in which 124 insulin‐treated patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to liraglutide or placebo. We evaluated various baseline variables as potential predictors of systolic blood pressure (SBP) reduction, and evaluated whether changes in SBP correlated with weight loss and with improved glycemic control. A greater reduction in SBP among liraglutide‐treated patients was predicted by higher baseline values of SBP (P < 0.0001) and diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.012), and by lower baseline values of mean glucose measured by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM; P = 0.044), and serum fasting C‐peptide (P = 0.015). The regression coefficients differed significantly between the liraglutide group and the placebo group only for diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.037) and mean CGM (P = 0.021). During the trial period, SBP reduction correlated directly with change in body weight and BMI, but not with change in HbA1c. We conclude that patients with lower mean CGM values at baseline responded to liraglutide with a larger reduction in SBP, and that improved HbA1c during follow‐up was not associated with reductions of SBP. Our data suggest that some patients with type 2 diabetes may benefit from liraglutide in terms of weight and SBP reduction.
Direct assessment of adherence and drug interactions in patients with hypertensive crisis—A cross‐sectional study in the Emergency Department
Authors: Wallbach Manuel , Lach Nadine , Stock Johanna , Hiller Henrik , Mavropoulou Eirini , Chavanon Myra‐Lynn , Neurath Hartmud , Blaschke Sabine , Lowin Elena , Herrmann‐Lingen Christoph , Müller Gerhard A. , Koziolek Michael J.
Published: December 2018

Though drug adherence is supposed to be low in hypertensive crisis (HTN‐C), there are no data available from direct adherence assessments. The aim of the present study was to evaluate adherence to prescribed antihypertensives and potential interactions of concomitant drugs and foods with prescribed antihypertensives in patients with HTN‐C by a direct evaluation via biochemical urine analysis. In the present cross‐sectional study, 100 patients with HTN‐C, admitted to the emergency department (ED), were included. A biochemical urine analysis using gas chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry was performed. Out of 100 patients, 86 received antihypertensives. Urine analyses could be evaluated unambiguously in 62 patients. In 15 of these 62 patients (24%), a nonadherence could be demonstrated, and in 21 patients (34%), a partial nonadherence could be demonstrated. Patients with nonadherence or partial nonadherence showed a longer hypertension history (15[5‐22] vs 10[3‐15] years, P = 0.04) were prescribed more general medication (number 7.1 ± 3.4 vs 3.4 ± 1.8; P < 0.01) as well as antihypertensive drugs (number 2.8 ± 1.1 vs 1.5 ± 0.7, P < 0.01). A potential BP‐raising trigger by medications or food interaction was frequently detectable, predominantly with nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; n = 38), glucocorticoids (n = 8), antidepressants (n = 10), and licorice (n = 10). Nonadherence and partial nonadherence to prescribed antihypertensives might play a crucial role for the occurrence of HTN‐C. However, further case‐controlled studies are needed to confirm the present findings. Ingestion of concurrent over‐the‐counter drugs such as NSAIDs but also prescribed drugs as well as aliments may lead to critical BP elevation. In order to prevent HTN‐C, the present findings emphasize the importance for clinicians to pay attention to the issue of adherence and co‐medication.
LncRNA DUXAP9‐206 directly binds with Cbl‐b to augment EGFR signaling and promotes non‐small cell lung cancer progression
Authors: Zhu Ting , An Shu , Choy Man‐Ting , Zhou Junhao , Wu Shanshan , Liu Shihua , Liu Bangdong , Yao Zhicheng , Zhu Xun , Wu Jueheng , He Zhenjian
Published: December 2018

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the pathology of various tumours, including non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of their specific association with NSCLC have not been fully elucidated. Here, we report that a cytoplasmic lncRNA, DUXAP9‐206 is overexpressed in NSCLC cells and closely related to NSCLC clinical features and poor patient survival. We reveal that DUXAP9‐206 induced NSCLC cell proliferation and metastasis by directly interacting with Cbl‐b, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, and reducing the degradation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and thereby augmenting EGFR signaling in NSCLC. Notably, correlations between DUXAP9‐206 and activated EGFR signaling were also validated in NSCLC patient specimens. Collectively, our findings reveal the novel molecular mechanisms of DUXAP9‐206 in mediating the progression of NSCLC and DUXAP9‐206 may serve as a potential target for NSCLC therapy.