bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guideline Implementation: Safe Patient Handling and Movement
Authors: Link Terri
Published: November 2018

Physical stressors that occur with patient and equipment handling in the OR (eg, moving or lifting patients, carrying heavy instrument sets, prolonged standing) can contribute to musculoskeletal disorders for perioperative personnel. In addition to increasing patient safety, safe patient handling and movement (SPHM) programs have been shown to reduce the risk and severity of injuries, workers’ compensation costs, and personnel fatigue and to increase health care workers’ morale and quality of life. The AORN “Guideline for safe patient handling and movement” provides guidance for implementing an SPHM program. This article discusses key takeaways from the guideline, including forming an interdisciplinary team to oversee the SPHM program, selecting safe patient handling technologies and equipment, and assessing the unique needs of each patient to develop an individualized plan for SPHM. Perioperative RNs should review the complete guideline for additional information and for guidance when writing and updating policies and procedures.
Remote Video Auditing to Verify OR Cleaning: A Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Armellino Donna , Dowling Oonagh , Newman Sheldon B. , Schwarz Richard B. , Jacobs Mitchel , Cifu‐Tursellino Kelly , Di Capua John F.
Published: November 2018

There are many sources of contamination in the perioperative environment. Patient experience can be negatively affected by the presence of environmental contamination, especially if it is the cause of a surgical site infection. Perioperative and environmental services staff members and leaders are tasked with ensuring a clean and safe environment for their patients while maintaining an awareness of time and budgetary constraints. In addition, leaders are responsible for the competency of their staff members and must address performance issues when needed. New technological advances designed to streamline monitoring and reporting processes related to OR cleanliness are available for use. This article describes the quality improvement project that one multifacility organization completed related to the use of remote video auditing and the positive effect it had on the organization's environmental contamination.
Tricolor Luminescence Switching by Thermal and Mechanical Stimuli in the Crystal Polymorphs of Pyridyl‐substituted Fluorene
Authors: Guan Jianping , Xu Fan , Tian Chang , Pu Liang , Yuan Mao‐Sen , Wang Jinyi
Published: November 2018

Stimuli‐responsive organic luminescence‐switching materials have attracted much attention for a decade. Most of the reported examples display a reversible two‐color luminescence switching, and multicolor‐switching materials remain extremely rare. Herein, we report a simple organic molecule, 4,4′‐(9,9‐dimethyl‐9H‐fluorene‐2,7‐diyl)dipyridine (MFDP), which exhibits three different crystal polymorphs (V‐MFDP, B‐MFDP and G‐MFDP) with different luminescent colors. Furthermore, the three crystal polymorphs show a reversible tricolor fluorescent switching from violet to blue and to green upon physical stimuli. The single‐crystal structures of the three polymorphs were obtained, and the results indicate that the stimuli‐responsive properties of the three polymorphs come from the different stacking modes induced by intermolecular interactions. The competition between weak π–π stacking and weak hydrogen bonding is the main reason for the the phase transformations among the three crystal polymorphs.
Recursive Bayesian state estimation method for run‐to‐run control in high‐mixed semiconductor manufacturing process
Authors: Tan Fei , Pan Tianhong , Bian Jun , Wang Haiyan , Wang Weiran
Published: November 2018

One of the challenges in semiconductor manufacturing processes is the state estimation of a high‐mix production system. The traditional algorithm consists of constructing a context matrix based on the product fabricating thread. The state of the context matrix is estimated using the Moore‐Penrose pseudo‐inverse method. Although the method works well, the context matrix is often singular. Taking an integrated moving average disturbance into consideration, a novel state estimation method is proposed in a high‐mix manufacturing scenario. Furthermore, the recursive Bayesian estimation is presented to obtain the estimations of states combined with a moving window and an analysis of variance model. As a result, the calculation of the inverse of the context matrix is avoided and the unobservability problem is addressed. Both simulated and industrial cases are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Septal rupture closure: Still a challenge
Authors: Kamioka Norihiko , Block Peter C.
Published: November 2018

Key Points

Review of the Medicare database shows that over the past 16 years the incidence of post‐ myocardial infarction (MI) ventricular septal rupture (VSR) has decreased but mortality for all post‐MI VSR hospitalizations remains unchanged and high

During the study period, the 30‐day VSR repair rate decreased from 49.9% in 1999 to 33.3% in 2014. Unadjusted mortality was lower for patients undergoing repair procedures than for those not undergoing repair both at 30 days and at 1‐year.

Most VSR patients underwent surgical repair (82.9%) and only a minority underwent transcatheter repair (17.1%). Regardless of the approach, outcomes remain unsatisfactory.
Non‐femoral TAVR: Time to stratify alternative vascular approaches
Authors: Guedeney Paul , Mehran Roxana
Published: November 2018

Key Points

Although transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is the gold standard, this approach is not be feasible in approximately 15% of the patients.

Trans‐carotid TAVR may be less invasive than transthoracic routes for TAVR, and has been associated with encouraging results.

Further prospective studies comparing alternative access routes in patients with whom transfemoral TAVR is not feasible are warranted, to propose an evidence‐based algorithm guiding the physician decision.
Using the Terms Experiment, Theory, Model, and Law in Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Authors: Reiners Christiane S. , Großschedl Jörg , Meyer Michael , Schadschneider Andreas , Schäbitz Frank , Struve Horst
Published: November 2018

Naturwissenschaftliche Bildung impliziert ein angemessenes Verständnis zentraler Begrifflichkeiten, die den Weg der Erkenntnisgewinnung in den mathematisch‐naturwissenschaftlichen Fächern kennzeichnen. Im Rahmen der Nature‐of‐Science‐Forschung konnte ein Konsens über wesentliche Merkmale von Begriffen wie „Experiment“, „Theorie“, „Modell“ und „Gesetz“ für den schulischen Bereich erzielt werden. Die fachspezifischen Besonderheiten in der aktuellen mathematisch‐naturwissenschaftlichen Theorie und Praxis bleiben dabei allerdings ausgeblendet. Um diesen näher zu kommen, wurden einerseits innerhalb der einzelnen Disziplinen literaturbasierte Begriffsbestimmungen zusammengestellt, andererseits wurden Interviews mit fachwissenschaftlichen Kollegen durchgeführt. Die Literaturanalyse verweist auf Unterschiede in der Bedeutung der Begriffe in den einzelnen naturwissenschaftlichen Fächern und der Mathematik. Weitaus deutlichere Inkonsistenzen und Widersprüche zeigen sich jedoch im Gebrauch der Begriffe durch die Wissenschaftler in diesen Fächern. Die Ergebnisse werden in diesem Artikel vorgestellt und dienen als Ausgangspunkt für entsprechende Konsequenzen in der Lehrerbildung.
Papillary thyroid carcinoma metastatic to the pancreas: Case report
Authors: Cho Margaret , Acosta‐Gonzalez Gabriel , Brandler Tamar C. , Basu Atreyee , Wei Xiao‐Jun , Simms Anthony
Published: November 2018

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is generally associated with an excellent long‐term outcome. Distant metastasis is rare with only 5‐7% of patients developing distant disease. Metastasis of PTC to the pancreas is an exceedingly rare occurrence. To date, few cases have been reported. We present the case of an 81‐year‐old man with past medical history of PTC status post total thyroidectomy with local recurrence treated with radioactive iodine and selective neck dissection. Ten years after his initial diagnosis, PET‐CT scan revealed a new hypermetabolic 1.1 cm × 0.9 cm left lower lobe lung nodule and hypermetabolism in the proximal body of the pancreas. Follow‐up MRI cholangiogram showed a 1.0 × 0.8 cm T1 hypointense lesion in the proximal body of the pancreas. Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy of the pancreatic mass showed neoplastic epithelial cells arranged in papillary clusters with fibrovascular cores and syncytial sheets with high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio, visible nucleoli, nuclear pallor, focal nuclear grooves, and rare intranuclear pseudoinclusions. Immunohistochemical stains performed on the smears showed positive nuclear expression of TTF‐1 and PAX‐8. The findings were consistent with metastatic PTC. Surgical resection of the lung nodule confirmed metastatic PTC. Pancreatic metastases usually occur after long time intervals with reports of up to 8 years in PTC. This makes the diagnosis more challenging, and metastatic disease should always be in the differential diagnosis in cases presenting with a pancreatic mass, especially in patients with a prior malignancy.
Fine needle aspiration cytology in Mozambique: Report of a 15‐year experience
Authors: Carrilho Carla , Ismail Mamudo , Lorenzoni Cesaltina , Fernandes Fabíola , Alberto Matos , Akrami Kevan , Funzamo Carlos , Lunet Nuno , Schmitt Fernando
Published: November 2018

Background

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is an important diagnostic tool in a range of medical settings. It is fast, quick and a highly accurate diagnostic method and can be used, in settings with minimal laboratory infrastructures.

Methods

In this report, we describe the experience in the use of FNAC since it is introduction in 1996 in the Anatomical Pathology Service of the Maputo Central Hospital (MCH), along with more detailed data referring to 2009‐2010.

Results

The number of FNAC analyses increased gradually from 269 (4.1% of all pathologic tests of the Service) in 1996, when it was introduced in Mozambique, to 3234 (17% of all tests) in 2010. Lymph nodes were the organs most frequently biopsied, followed by breast and soft tissues. Inflammatory conditions, especially tuberculosis, were the most frequent diagnoses (22.2% of the cases), followed by hyperplastic conditions (20.6%), benign tumors (13.4%) and malignant tumors (12.3%).

Conclusion

Our results clearly demonstrate that even in an environment with poor laboratory resources, it is possible to establish a FNAC clinic that can provide a quick and precise diagnosis for clinicians to aid in early treatment interventions, especially in inflammatory diseases which were the majority of our cases.
Freeing the data from cytology databases in order to improve the quality of cytology
Authors: Renshaw Andrew A. , Birdsong George G.
Published: November 2018

Introduction

To review how changes in data storage and analysis can impact quality and quality assessment in cytology.

Methods

Review of the literature.

Results

All quality assessment is dependent on the data available for review and the methods available for evaluation. Current laboratory information systems (LISs) incorporate both a relational or hierarchical database and built in methods to analyze current quality assessment standards. In contrast, most information systems outside of medicine are separating data storage from analysis, allowing increasingly more sophisticated forms of evaluation.

Conclusion

There is an opportunity for improvement in cytology by improving the way data can be extracted and analyzed from the cytology LIS.
Double standards in body evaluation? How identifying with a body stimulus influences ratings in women with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa
Authors: Voges Mona M. , Giabbiconi Claire‐Marie , Schöne Benjamin , Braks Karsten , Huber Thomas J. , Waldorf Manuel , Hartmann Andrea S. , Vocks Silja
Published: November 2018

Objective

Women with eating disorders (ED) evaluate their own body more negatively than do women without ED. However, it is unclear whether this negative rating is due to objective bodily features or different standards for one's own body and others' bodies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine whether women with ED apply double standards when rating bodies by disentangling the objective features of one's own body from the feelings of ownership.

Method

We presented n = 34 women with anorexia nervosa, n = 31 women with bulimia nervosa, and n = 114 healthy controls with pictures of thin, average‐weight, overweight, athletic, and hypermuscular bodies. Identity was manipulated by showing each body once with the participant's own face and once with the face of another woman. Participants were instructed to report their emotional state according to valence and arousal and to rate body attractiveness, body fat, and muscle mass.

Results

Women with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa displayed greater self‐deprecating double standards in body fat rating than did women without ED, as quantified by the difference between the ratings of the same body with one's own versus another woman's face. Double standards reflected in valence, arousal and attractiveness ratings were significantly more pronounced in women with anorexia nervosa than in women without ED.

Discussion

The double standards found may be due to an activation of dysfunctional self‐related body schemata, which distort body evaluation depending on identity. Double standards related to body fat were characteristic for women with ED, but not for women without ED.
Recurrent hyponatremia in a young adult woman with anorexia nervosa and the effects of insufficient communication
Authors: Boyd Erin D. , Durant Nefertiti Harmon
Published: November 2018

This is the case of an 18‐year‐old young adult woman with anorexia nervosa (AN) who presented to the emergency department with complications from AN and was found to be hyponatremic. The hyponatremia was prioritized and corrected with fluids on hospital day one. The consulting adolescent medicine team recommended the primary inpatient medical team initiate the malnutrition protocol. Nephrology recommended fluid restriction. Despite initiation of this protocol and emphasis on protocol adherence with the primary team, patient, and family, the hyponatremia recurred. Retrospectively, there were three factors that led to her recurrent hyponatremia: inconsistencies in protocol adherence across medical clinical providers, lack of knowledge regarding the importance of adherence to the malnutrition protocol, and suboptimal communication between medical clinical providers. A multidisciplinary team experienced in the care of patients with AN may enhance inpatient treatment of this condition. A multidisciplinary team experienced in AN will have a better understanding of the complexities of AN, skill in protocol implementation, understand the importance of protocol adherence, and be more likely to clearly communicate the plan of care to the patient/family. These skills can lead to improved care quality, decreased risk of adverse outcomes, and likely decreased medical costs.
Post‐discharge short message service improves short‐term clinical outcome and self‐care behaviour in chronic heart failure
Authors: Chen Chen , Li Xiao , Sun Lisha , Cao Sha , Kang Yu , Hong Liu , Liang Yaodan , You Guiying , Zhang Qing
Published: November 2018

Aims

In addition to giving optimal medical and device therapy, promoting self‐care of chronic heart failure (CHF) patients also plays an important role in comprehensive disease management for better outcomes. The study was aimed to investigate whether short message service (SMS) would help to improve death or readmission‐free survival and self‐care behaviour in CHF patients.

Methods and results

This was a randomized controlled trial. Between December 2011 and September 2015, patients admitted with decompensated CHF in a tertiary referral hospital who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled and randomized to receive SMS, structured telephone support (STS), or usual care after discharge. All patients were followed up to 180 days after discharge by phone call or clinic visit. Primary endpoint was the 180 day composite event, defined as all‐cause mortality or readmission. Secondary endpoints included self‐care behaviour and quality of life. Seven hundred sixty‐seven patients (61 ± 15 years, 56.5% male) were finally randomized to receive SMS (n = 252), STS (n = 255), or usual care (n = 260). Baseline characteristics were similar among the three groups. Five hundred twenty‐five (68.4%) patients were in New York Heart Association Class III or IV, and 472 (61.5%) patients had an ejection fraction of <50%. During a 180 day follow‐up, 76 (9.9%) patients died and 274 (35.7%) patients experienced at least one readmission. In a short‐term follow‐up of 30 days, there was no difference in mortality and the composite endpoint among the three groups (SMS vs. STS vs. usual care: 2.8% vs. 3.1% vs. 3.8% for mortality, P = 0.786; 12.3% vs. 14.5% vs. 15.4% for the composite endpoint, P = 0.588). The 180 day composite event rate was significantly lower in the SMS and STS groups (50.4% vs. 41.3% and 36.5%, both P < 0.05) than in the usual care group, but no difference was observed between the two phone‐based intervention groups (P = 0.268). Although there was no difference between the two groups, better self‐care behaviour was reported in the SMS and STS groups than in the control group (medication compliance, 78.9% vs. 81.4% vs. 69.5%, P = 0.011; water restriction, 70.8% vs. 74.5% vs. 61.5%, P = 0.013). Quality‐of‐life score was similar among the three groups at 180 days (P = 0.526).

Conclusions

In CHF patients, post‐discharge SMS, which appeared as efficient as STS, reduced the 180 day composite event and improved self‐care behaviour. SMS intervention could be integrated into CHF management.
Exposures of children to neonicotinoids in pine wilt disease control areas
Authors: Ikenaka Yoshinori , Miyabara Yuichi , Ichise Takahiro , Nakayama Shouta , Nimako Collins , Ishizuka Mayumi , Tohyama Chiharu
Published: November 2018

Neonicotinoid insecticides that have been on the market since 1992 have been used globally including in Japan. Because they are sprayed over forests and agricultural areas, inadvertent toxicity in nontarget insects (especially honey bees) and humans is a matter of public concern. However, information on exposure levels and potential health impacts of neonicotinoids in children living around sprayed areas is scarce. Thus, we determined neonicotinoid exposure levels in children living in communities where thiacloprid was used to control pine wilt disease. A total of 46 children (23 males and 23 females) were recruited for the present study, and informed written consent was obtained from their guardians. Urine specimens were collected before, during, and after insecticide spraying events; and atmospheric particulate matter was also collected. Concentrations of thiacloprid and 6 other neonicotinoid compounds were determined in urine samples and in atmospheric particulate matter specimens using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. In urine specimens, thiacloprid concentrations were <0.13 μg/L and were detectable in approximately 30% of all samples. Concentrations of the other neonicotinoids, N-dm-acetamiprid, thiamethoxam, dinotefuran, and clothianidin, were 18.7, 1.92, 72.3, and 6.02 µg/L, respectively. Estimated daily intakes of these neonicotinoids were then calculated from urinary levels; although the estimated daily intakes of the neonicotinoids were lower than current acceptable daily intake values, the children were found to be exposed to multiple neonicotinoids on a daily basis. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:71–79. © 2018 SETAC
Cancer chromosome breakpoints cluster in gene‐rich genomic regions
Authors: Mitelman Felix , Johansson Bertil , Mertens Fredrik , Schyman Tommy , Mandahl Nils
Published: November 2018

Cancer cells are characterized by chromosome abnormalities, of which some, in particular balanced rearrangements, are associated with distinct tumor entities and/or with specific gene rearrangements that represent important steps in the carcinogenic process. However, the vast majority of cytogenetically detectable structural aberrations in cancer cells have not been characterized at the nucleotide level; hence, their importance and functional consequences are unknown. By ascertaining the chromosomal breakpoints in 22 344 different clonal structural chromosome abnormalities identified in the karyotypes of 49 626 cases of neoplastic disorders we here show that the distribution of breakpoints is strongly associated (P < 0.0001) with gene content within the affected chromosomal bands. This association also remains highly significant in separate analyses of recurrent and nonrecurrent chromosome abnormalities as well as of specific subtypes of cancer (P < 0.0001 for all comparisons). In contrast, the impact of band length was negligible. The breakpoint distribution is thus not stochastic—gene‐rich regions are preferentially affected. Several genomic features relating to transcription, replication, and chromatin organization have been found to enhance chromosome breakage frequencies; this indicates that gene‐rich regions may be more break‐prone. The salient finding in the present study is that a substantial fraction of all structural chromosome abnormalities, not only those specifically associated with certain tumor types, may affect genes that are pathogenetically important. If this interpretation is correct, then the prevailing view that the great majority of cancer chromosome aberrations is cytogenetic noise can be seriously questioned.
Antipsychotic use and related factors among people with dementia aged 75 years or older in Japan: A comprehensive population‐based estimation using medical and long‐term care data
Authors: Kuroda Naoaki , Hamada Shota , Sakata Nobuo , Jeon Boyoung , Iijima Katsuya , Yoshie Satoru , Ishizaki Tatsuro , Jin Xueying , Watanabe Taeko , Tamiya Nanako
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Antipsychotics are used to manage the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), despite their association with greater risks for mortality and cerebrovascular events. Previous studies in Japan have estimated the prevalence of antipsychotics among older adults who took antidementia drugs. Using long‐term care (LTC) data, we aimed to obtain more accurate estimates of the prevalence of antipsychotics and to determine factors related to their use in older adults with dementia.

Methods

Medical and LTC claims data and LTC certification data between April 2012 and September 2013 were obtained from a middle‐sized suburban city. The 1‐year prevalence of antipsychotic use was estimated among individuals with probable dementia aged greater than or equal to 75 years who were prescribed antidementia drugs and/or had dementia based on LTC needs certification data.

Results

Of 25 919 participants, 4865 had probable dementia and 1506 were prescribed antidementia drugs. The prevalence of antipsychotics among participants with probable dementia was 10.7%, which was lower than that in those who were prescribed antidementia drugs (16.4%). Among participants with probable dementia with LTC certification data available (N = 4419), lower cognitive function (vs mild; adjusted odds ratio 2.16, 95% confidence interval 1.63‐2.86), antidementia drug use (2.27, 1.84‐2.81), and institutional LTC services use (2.34, 1.85‐2.97) were associated with greater odds of antipsychotic use, whereas older age (greater than or equal to 92 years) was associated with lower odds (vs less than 77 years; 0.42, 0.27‐0.65).

Conclusions

These findings may be useful for estimating the burden of BPSD and for taking measures to reduce inappropriate antipsychotic prescription.
Exceptional responses to pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and docetaxel in human epidermal growth factor receptor‐2 high expressing salivary duct carcinomas
Authors: Park Jong Chul , Ma T. Martin , Rooper Lisa , Hembrough Todd , Foss Robert D. , Schmitt Nicole C. , Sawhney Rishi , Flanders Aaron , Kang Hyunseok
Published: November 2018

Background

Alterations in the human epidermal growth factor receptor‐2 (HER2) pathway have been identified in a subset of salivary duct carcinomas. Dual HER2 inhibition with trastuzumab and pertuzumab has superior antitumor efficacy to trastuzumab monotherapy in HER2‐positive breast cancer, yet its efficacy in HER2‐positive salivary duct carcinoma is unknown.

Methods

We report 2 cases of exceptional responses of HER2‐positive salivary duct carcinomas to dual HER2 blockade and docetaxel combination and their molecular characteristics.

Results

A 54‐year‐old man with recurrent metastatic HER2 expressing salivary duct carcinoma of the parotid gland after definitive concurrent chemoradiation achieved a complete response (CR) after 6 cycles of trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and docetaxel (TPH). A 42‐year‐old woman with HER2‐positive salivary duct carcinoma of the parotid gland with bone and liver metastases had CR with TPH and remains in remission on maintenance trastuzumab and pertuzumab.

Conclusion

Dual HER2 blockage resulted in CR in patients with HER expressing salivary duct carcinoma and warrants further evaluation in this patient population.
A Chiral Macrocyclic Oligothiophene with Broken Conjugation – Rapid Racemization through Internal Rotation
Authors: Weiland Kevin J. , Münch Nathalia , Gschwind Wanja , Häussinger Daniel , Mayor Marcel
Published: November 2018

A macrocyclic oligothiophene with an integrated pseudo‐para substituted [2.2]paracyclophane has been achieved. The synthetic sequence relies on alternating steps of halogenation‐ and Suzuki‐coupling conditions. By employing a modified Eglinton reaction under high dilution conditions, the macrocycle is closed and the obtained diacetylene is efficiently transferred to the corresponding thiophene. The molecule is fully characterized and its dynamic racemization is analyzed by variable temperature NMR experiments. The racemization barrier hints with 38 kJ/mol at rapid enantiomerization at room temperature by Mislow’s ‘Euclidian rubber glove’ enantiomerization process. Macrocycle formation results in red‐shifted absorption and emission spectra, hinting at increased conjugation through the oligothiophene versus the trough space conjugation through the [2.2]paracyclophane.
Large scale in vivo micro‐RNA loss of function screen identified miR‐29a, miR‐100 and miR‐155 as modulators of radioresistance and tumor‐stroma communication
Authors: Fahim Golestaneh Azadeh , Lecker Laura S.M. , Schlegel Julian , Nowrouzi Ali , Schwager Christian , Meister Sarah , Weichert Wilko , Debus Jürgen , Abdollahi Amir
Published: November 2018

Micro RNAs (miR) are master regulators of cellular transcriptome. We aimed to investigate the role of miR regulation on tumor radiosensitivity and development of local tumor recurrence by a novel large‐scale in vivo loss of function screen. For stable miR silencing, human A431 tumor cells were transduced with lentiviral constructs against 170 validated human miR (miRzip library). Fractionated radiotherapy (5x6Gy) was applied to A431 miRzip library growing s.c. in NCr nude mice. Enrichment of miRZip and miR expression was assessed using multiplexed qRT‐PCR. The modulatory effect of miR on tumor and tumor microenvironment response to ionizing radiation was further evaluated by clonogenic survival, apoptosis (Caspase 3/7), DNA double‐strand breaks (DSB, nuclear γH2AX foci), tumor microvessel density (MVD), transcriptome and protein analysis. Fractionated irradiation of the A431 miRzip library led to regression of tumors. However, after a latency period, tumors ultimately progressed and formed local recurrences indicating the survival of a subpopulation of miRzip expressing tumor clones. Among the selected miR for subsequent validation studies, loss of miR‐29a, miR‐100 and miR‐155 was found to enhance clonogenic survival, reduce apoptosis and residual γH2AX foci of irradiated tumor cells. Moreover, knockdown of miR increased tumor angiogenesis correlating with elevated VEGF and TGFα expression levels. This phenomenon was most evident after tumor irradiation in vivo suggesting a critical role for tumor‐stroma communication in development of the radioresistant phenotype. Engineering radioresistant tumors in vivo by modulating miR expression may lead to identification of critical targets for conquering local therapy failure.
Modeling the effects of grade retention in high school
Authors: Cockx Bart , Picchio Matteo , Baert Stijn
Published: November 2018

A dynamic discrete‐choice model is set up to estimate the effects of grade retention in high school, both in the short run (end‐of‐year evaluation) and in the long run (drop‐out and delay). In contrast to other evaluation approaches, this model captures essential treatment heterogeneity and controls for grade‐varying unobservable determinants. In addition, forced track downgrading is considered as an alternative remedial measure. Our results indicate that grade retention has a neutral effect on academic achievement in the short run. In the long run, grade retention, just like forced downgrading, has adverse effects on schooling outcomes and, more so, for less able pupils.
Neighborhood bystander intervention in intimate partner abuse: The role of social cohesion
Authors: Lucero Jessica L. , Roark Jennifer , Patton Andrea
Published: November 2018

This study examines the relationships among individual beliefs about intimate partner abuse (IPA), attitudes about IPA reporting, social cohesion, and the intention of intervening in neighborhood IPA. Data for this study come from a larger cross‐sectional, community‐based study in which participants (N = 1,626) were surveyed face to face using stratified random sampling in targeted communities in a Mountain West state (i.e., drop‐off, pick‐up method) and online using social media outreach in targeted communities. Linear regression results indicated that participants were less likely to intervene in IPA situations in their neighborhood if they held beliefs about the private nature of IPA or feared retaliation. Additionally, social cohesion was positively associated with participants’ intention of intervening in IPA situations in their neighborhood. Our findings suggest potential avenues for community intervention that attempt to build communitywide beliefs that IPA is a community‐level concern and one that demands attention from the entire community.
Invasiveness‐triggered state transition in malignant melanoma cells
Authors: Wang Huan , Zhang Yan‐Guo , Ma Jing , Li Jun‐Chang , Zhang Jian , Yu Yao‐Qing
Published: November 2018

Cancer cells are considered to have high morphological heterogeneity in human melanoma tissue. Here, we report that epithelial cancer cells are dominant in different development stages of human melanoma tissues. The cellular and molecular mechanisms that maintain melanoma cells in the epithelial state are further investigated in the A2058 cell line. We find that micropore (8 µm) transwell invasion, but not superficial migration in the scratch assay, can induce remarkable morphological changes between epithelial and mesenchymal melanoma cells within 4 days. The morphological switch is associated with dynamic changes of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) hallmarks E‐cadherin and vimentin. Further immunoflurencent staining and co‐immunoprecipitation assay showed the uncoupling of the M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) and the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) in epithelial melanoma cells. Specific knockdown of M3 mAChR by small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly abrogates the transition of spindle‐shaped mesenchymal cells to epithelial cells. Collectively, we report a cellular model of invasiveness‐triggered state transition (ITST) in which melanoma cell invasion can induce morphological changes between epithelial and mesenchymal cells. ITST is one of the biological basis for maintaining metastatic melanoma cells in the epithelial state. Furthermore, M3 mAChR receptor‐mediated ITST provides a novel therapeutic strategy to inhibit the development of malignant melanoma.
Aflatoxin G1 induced TNF‐α‐dependent lung inflammation to enhance DNA damage in alveolar epithelial cells
Authors: Shao Peilu , Guo Ningfei , Wang Can , Zhao Mei , Yi Li , Liu Chunping , Kang Lifei , Cao Lei , Lv Ping , Xing Lingxiao , Zhang Xianghong , Shen Haitao
Published: November 2018

Aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), a member of the AF family with cytotoxic and carcinogenic properties, could cause DNA damage in alveolar type II (AT‐II) cells and induce lung adenocarcinoma. Recently, we found AFG1 could induce chronic lung inflammation associated with oxidative stress in the protumor stage. Chronic inflammation plays a critical role in cigarette smoke or benzo[a]pyrene‐induced lung tissues damage. However, it is unclear whether and how AFG1‐induced lung inflammation affects DNA damage in AT‐II cells. In this study, we found increased DNA damage and cytochrome P450 (CYP2A13) expression in AFG1‐induced inflamed lung tissues. Furthermore, we treated the mice with a soluble tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α receptor and AFG1 and found that TNF‐α neutralization inhibited the AFG1‐induced chronic lung inflammation in vivo, and then reversed the CYP2A13 expression and DNA damage in AT‐II cells. The results suggest that AFG1 induces TNF‐α‐dependent lung inflammation to regulate 2A13 expression and enhance DNA damage in AT‐II cells. Then, we treated the primary mice AT‐II cells and human AT‐II like cells (A549) with AFG1 and TNF‐α and found that TNF‐α enhanced the AFG1‐induced DNA damage in mice AT‐II cells as well as A549 cells in vitro. In AFG1‐exposed A549 cells, TNF‐α‐enhanced DNA damage and apoptosis were reversed by CYP2A13 small interfering RNA. Blocking NF‐κB pathway inhibited the TNF‐α‐enhanced CYP2A13 upregulation and DNA damage confirming that the CYP2A13 upregulation by TNF‐α plays an essential role in the activation of AFG1 under inflammatory conditions. Taken together, our findings suggest that AFG1 induces TNF‐α‐dependent lung inflammation, which upregulates CYP2A13 to promote the metabolic activation of AFG1 and enhance oxidative DNA damage in AT‐II cells.
c‐Met inhibition is required for the celecoxib‐attenuated stemness property of human colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Lin Yueh‐Ming , Lu Chien‐Chang , Hsiang Yi‐Ping , Pi Shu‐Chuan , Chen Chih‐I , Cheng Kung‐Chuan , Pan Hsiao‐Lin , Chien Pei‐Hsuan , Chen Yun‐Ju
Published: November 2018

Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) is frequently overexpressed and enhances colorectal cancer (CRC) tumorigenesis, including cancer stem cell (CSC) regulation. Accordingly, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), inhibiting COX‐1/2 activity, are viewed as potential drugs for CRC treatment. Accumulated evidence indicates that celecoxib has the most potency for antitumor growth among NSAIDs and the underlying mechanism is only partly dependent on COX‐2 inhibition. However, the potency of these NSAIDs on CSC inhibition is still not known. In this study, we found that among these NSAIDs, celecoxib has the most potency for CSC inhibition of CRC cells, largely correlating to inhibition of c‐Met, not COX‐2. Further analysis reveals that c‐Met activity was required for basal CSC property. Silence of c‐Met blocked whereas overexpression of c‐Met enhanced the celecoxib‐inhibited CSC property. Collectively, these results not only first elucidate the mechanism underlying celecoxib‐inhibited CSC but also indicate c‐Met as a critical factor for the CSC property of CRC cells.
Knockdown of NEAT1 repressed the malignant progression of glioma through sponging miR‐107 and inhibiting CDK14
Authors: Zhen Yingwei , Nan Yang , Guo Shewei , Zhang Longzhou , Li Ge , Yue Saichao , Liu Xianzhi
Published: November 2018

Aberrant expressions of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) contribute to carcinogenesis via regulating tumor suppressors or oncogenes. LncRNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) has been recognized as an oncogene to promote tumor progression of many cancers. However, the function of NEAT1 in glioma remains poorly discovered. Currently, we focused on the role of NEAT1 in glioma. Here, we found that NEAT1 was greatly upregulated in glioma cells compared with normal human astrocytes (NHAs). Meanwhile, miR‐107 was significantly downregulated in glioma cell lines. Then, we observed that knockdown of NEAT1 suppressed the growth and invasion of glioma cells including U251 and SW1783 cells. Reversely, overexpression of NEAT1 dramatically induced glioma cell survival, increased cell colony formation, and promoted cell invasion ability. Subsequently, bioinformatics analysis was performed to predict the correlation between NEAT1 and miR‐107. Moreover, it was revealed that NEAT1 could modulate miR‐107 via serving as an endogenous sponge of miR‐107. The direct binding correlation between NEAT1 and miR‐107 was validated in our study. In addition, cyclin dependent kinase 14 (CDK14) was predicted as an messenger RNA target of miR‐107 and the association between them was confirmed in our research. Moreover, we implied that NEAT1 demonstrated its biological functions via regulating miR‐107 and CDK14 in vivo. In summary, our findings indicated that NEAT1/miR‐107/CDK14 axis participated in glioma development. NEAT1 could act as a significant prognostic biomarker in glioma progression.
Comparative study of laparoscopic‐assisted and open total gastrectomy for Siewert Types II and III adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction
Authors: Wang Jianchu , Wang Jin‐Cheng , Song Bin , Dai Xu‐Dong , Zhang Xiao‐Yu
Published: November 2018

Background

The potential advantages of laparoscopic‐assisted total gastrectomy (LATG) compared with open total gastrectomy (OTG) for Siewert Types II and III adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEJ) are not very clear. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the surgical outcomes and potential advantages of LATG for Siewert Types II and III AEJ.

Methods

The clinical data of 75 patients (32 for LATG and 43 for OTG) with Siewert II or III AEJ from August 2009 to February 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were followed up by telephone or out‐patient examination till August 2015.

Results

Two groups of patients were successfully performed with no perioperative death. The mean operation time was 3.23 ± 0.35 hr in LATG group, longer than the OTG group 2.83 ± 0.51 hr. The mean intraoperative bleeding was 122.7 ± 50.6 ml, less than the OTG group 219.2 ± 85.2 ml. The analgesics use was 3.00 ± 0.67 times in the LATG group, less than the OTG group 3.43 ± 1.03 times. The gastrointestinal function recovery time was 2.69 ± 0.46 days in the LATG group, shorter than the OTG group 3.42 ± 0.86 days. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 12.94 + 2.76 days in the LATG group, less than the OTG group 14.57 + 2.35 days (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

LATG and OTG had no significant difference for Siewert II and III AEJ in terms of radical resection and tumor recurrence, but LATG is worthy to be promoted with less bleeding, less postoperative pain, faster recovery of gastrointestinal function, and shorter hospital stay.
A novel multidimensional signature predicts prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Wang Song , Zhang Jian‐Hua , Wang Huan , Yang Lu , Hong Shuai , Yu Bo , Guo Jin‐Cheng , Liu Jing , Zhu Yan‐Bing
Published: November 2018

The abnormal expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) or protein‐coding genes (PCGs) have been found to be associated with the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Using bioinformatics analysis methods including Cox’s proportional hazards regression analysis, the random survival forest algorithm, Kaplan–Meier, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, we mined the gene expression profiles of 469 HCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (n = 379) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE14520;
n = 90) public database. We selected a signature comprising one protein‐coding gene (PCG; DNA polymerase μ) and three miRNAs (hsa‐miR‐149‐5p, hsa‐miR‐424‐5p, hsa‐miR‐579‐5p) with highest accurate prediction (area under the ROC curve [AUC] = 0.72;
n = 189) from the training data set. The signature stratified patients into high‐ and low‐risk groups with significantly different survival (median 27.9 vs. 55.2 months, log‐rank test,
p < 0.001) in the training data set, and its risk stratification ability were validated in the test data set (median 47.4 vs. 84.4 months, log‐rank test,
p = 0.03) and an independent data set (median 31.0 vs. 46.0 months, log‐rank test,
p = 0.01). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that the signature was an independent prognostic factor. And the signature was proved to have a better survival prediction power than tumor–node–metastasis (TNM) stage (AUC
signature = 0.72/0.64/0.62 vs. AUC
TNM = 0.65/0.61/0.61;
p < 0.05). Moreover, we validated the expression of these prognostic genes from the PCG‐miRNA signature in Huh‐7 cell by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. In conclusion, we found a signature that can predict survival of HCC patients and serve as a prognostic marker for HCC.
Convenient Synthesis of Novel Nitrogen Bridgehead Heterocycles Utilizing 3‐Mercapto‐6H‐[1,2,4,5]oxatriazino[3,2‐a]isoindol‐6‐one as a New Synthon
Authors: El Azab Islam H. , Elkanzi Nadia A. A. , Gobouri Adil A. , Altalhi Tariq A.
Published: November 2018

Considering oxatriazino[a]isoindole as a wealthy structure for developing molecules of impressive therapeutic potentials, some new oxatriazino[3,2‐a]isoindoles analogs were synthesized. Thus, 3‐mercapto‐6H‐[1,2,4,5]oxatriazino[3,2‐a]isoindol‐6‐one (5), was prepared as one‐pot three‐components product and subjected to a series of manipulations including cycloaddition reactions to annulate a series of pharmacophoric motif conjugates. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were elucidated based on their correct elemental and spectroscopic data.
Design and Synthesis of Antimicrobial Active (E)‐(3‐(Substituted‐styryl)‐7H‐furo[2,3‐f]chromen‐2‐yl)(phenyl)methanone Derivatives and Their In Silico Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Boddupally Srinivas , Jyothi Prashanth , Rao Mandava Venkata Basaveswara , Rao Koya Prabhakara
Published: November 2018

Nine new (E)‐(3‐(substituted‐styryl)‐7H‐furo[2,3‐f]chromen‐2‐yl)(phenyl)methanone derivatives, 7(a–i), with an efficient microwave‐assisted synthetic method was achieved by reacting with (E)‐3‐(aryl)‐1‐(5‐hydroxy‐2H‐chromen‐6‐yl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐ones and 2‐bromo‐1‐(4‐bromophenyl)ethanone. The microwave irradiation method was found to be best with high yields and with shorter reaction times compared with the conventional method. All the new products structural assignments were confirmed by spectral data like FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, ESI MS, and analytical data. Moreover, these newly synthesized compounds were tested in vitro for their antimicrobial activity against various bacterial and fungal strains. Some of these new chromen derivatives like 7b, 7c, and 7d exhibits good antibacterial and antifungal activities. Furthermore, these biological evolution results were a good correlation with molecular docking studies performed based on their computational DFT minimized structures exhibited high binding energies.
Testicular structure and spermatogenesis of the oviparous goodeids Crenichthys baileyi (Gilbert, 1893) and Empetrichthys latos Miller, 1948 (Teleostei, Cyprinodontiformes)
Authors: Uribe Mari Carmen , Grier Harry J. , Parenti Lynne R.
Published: November 2018

The cyprinodontiform family Goodeidae comprises some 51 species, including subspecies, of freshwater fishes all of which are at risk or are extinct in the wild. It is classified in two allopatric subfamilies: the Goodeinae, endemic to the Mexican Plateau, and the Empetrichthyinae, known only from relict taxa in Nevada and southern California. The 41 species of goodeins are all viviparous and share a set of well‐documented reproductive characters. In contrast, the recent species or subspecies of empetrichthyins are all oviparous and relatively poorly known, yet of critical interest in understanding the evolution of livebearing in the family. We previously described ovarian structure and oogenesis in empetrichthyins using archival museum specimens of females and here extend that study to males. Testicular characters of two species of empetrichthyins, Crenichthys baileyi, and Empetrichthys latos, are studied and compared directly with those of one species of viviparous goodeid, Ataeniobius toweri. The testis is a restricted spermatogonial type in both the Empetrichthyinae and the Goodeinae: spermatogonia are found solely at the distal termini of lobules, a diagnostic character of atherinomorph fishes. Morphology of the differentiation of germinal cells during spermatogenesis is similar in both subfamilies. In the oviparous C. baileyi and E. latos spermatozoa are free in the deferent ducts. In contrast, the spermatozoa of viviparous goodeids are organized into numerous bundles called spermatozeugmata, a characteristic of most fishes that practice internal fertilization. Differences between the goodeid subfamilies are interpreted relative to the oviparous versus viviparous modes of reproduction. Archival museum specimens are a reliable source of data on reproductive morphology, including histology, and may be the only specimens available of rare or extinct taxa.
Morphology of the mandibles and the first maxillae in the family Lithobiidae (Myriapoda, Chilopoda), with remarks on their phylogenetic significance
Authors: Ganske Anne‐Sarah , Edgecombe Gregory D. , Akkari Nesrine
Published: November 2018

The mandibles and the first maxillae of 37 species of the family Lithobiidae (Myriapoda, Chilopoda) were investigated and compared to provide a structural overview and evaluate their significance for the systematics of the family. The species sampling focused on the genus Lithobius, examining 33 species of four subgenera (Lithobius, Monotarsobius, Sigibius, Ezembius), as this genus represents about half of the known diversity of Lithobiidae, including more than 500 assigned species and subspecies. The microstructures on the mandibular gnathal edge and the first maxillary telopodites and coxal projections were studied using scanning electron microscopy.

Although having a similar structural pattern, we demonstrate that the microstructures are variable within and between species of adult specimens and commonly show intergradation. To check for intraspecific variability of microstructures and character stability, specimen sampling was extended for the two common Austrian species Lithobius dentatus and Lithobius validus, for which seven specimens depicted no major differences in the mandibular gnathal edge and the first maxillae. Our data suggest the presence of three characters in the mandibular gnathal edge and the first maxillae useful for lithobiid phylogeny. These characters were tested in a phylogenetic analysis together with previously described and novel morphological characters. Subgenera of Lithobius are mostly non‐monophyletic, and several other genera of Lithobiinae as well as other subfamilies group with particular species or clades of Lithobius. The results corroborate a close relationship between Disphaerobius loricatus and Lithobius (Ezembius) giganteus, strengthening the hypothesis that Pterygoterginae is nested within Lithobiinae and specifically within Lithobius, allied to L. (Ezembius) and Hessebius.