bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the biological potential of some new cobalt (II) complexes with acrylate and benzimidazole derivatives
Authors: Vlaicu Ioana Dorina , Olar Rodica , Maxim Cătălin , Chifiriuc Mariana Carmen , Bleotu Coralia , Stănică Nicolae , Vasile Scăeţeanu Gina , Dulea Constanţa , Avram Speranța , Badea Mihaela
Published: May 2019

This paper presents the synthesis, physico‐chemical and biological properties of four new coordination compounds with mixed ligands: acrylate ion (acr) and benzimidazole/benzimidazole derivatives with the general formula [Co(L)2(acr)2]·nH2O [(1) L: benzimidazole (HBzIm), n: 0.5; (2) L: 2‐methylbenzimidazole (2‐MeBzIm), n: 0.5; (3) L: 5‐methylbenzimidazole (5‐MeBzIm), n: 0; (4) L: 5,6‐dimethylbenzimidazole (5,6‐Me2BzIm), n: 0]. Their chemical formulae were achieved correlating the chemical analysis with mass spectrometry data, the ligands coordination modes were assigned by Fourier transform‐infrared measurements, and the trigonal bipyramidal geometry of cobalt ion in complexes was assigned by data correlation of UV–Vis‐NIR spectra and magnetic moments measurements. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction reveals a mononuclear structure with a pentacoordinated cobalt (II) ion, connected to two acrylato coordinated in different modes and two unidentate 5,6‐dimethylbenzimidazole ligands for compound (4). The biological tests were performed against several microbial strains, the cytotoxicity was evaluated on HCT8 cellular lines and the cell cycle analysis was performed on HT29 cellular lines. Microbiological assays indicated that Co (II) complexes present a very good to good activity against Candida albicans 1760, Enterococcus faecium E5, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6683 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. Predictive pharmacokinetic (ADME), toxicity and drug‐likeness profiles were evaluated for Co (II) complexes. Our results highlight that Co (II) complexes depicted in the present study are suitable to be used as efficient pharmacological agents.
Tensile, flexure, and compression properties of anisotropic microchannel epoxy foams
Authors: Schmid Eric D. , Robinson Marc J. , Cross William M. , Salem David R.
Published: May 2019

Microvascular architectures with specific channel fractions and channel orientations have been reported for thermal insulation and functional fluid delivery applications. However, the dependence on channel network structure of the inevitable loss in strength and stiffness has not been adequately characterized, especially at moderate‐to‐high channel fractions and in anisotropic systems. In this work, the loss in mechanical performance of a thermosetting epoxy is explored in tensile, flexure, and compression modes over a wide range of microchannel fractions and different microchannel orientations. Whereas microchannel fractions of 0.7 can result in reductions of more than 90% in mechanical properties relative to the nonchanneled material, there is a strong influence in microchannel orientation over the full range of microchannel fractions studied. The data are compared to a power‐law model, which shows a good agreement with the experimental measurements, provided that the power‐law exponent is adjusted to depend on the direction of microchannel alignment. These results demonstrate the opportunity to engineer the mechanical properties of multifunctional microchannel systems for a range of existing and emerging applications, by controlling both the microchannel volume fraction and the microchannel orientation. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47945.
Long‐fragment targeted capture for long‐read sequencing of plastomes
Authors: Bethune Kevin , Mariac Cédric , Couderc Marie , Scarcelli Nora , Santoni Sylvain , Ardisson Morgane , Martin Jean‐François , Montúfar Rommel , Klein Valentin , Sabot François , Vigouroux Yves , Couvreur Thomas L. P.
Published: May 2019

Premise

Third‐generation sequencing methods generate significantly longer reads than those produced using alternative sequencing methods. This provides increased possibilities for the study of biodiversity, phylogeography, and population genetics. We developed a protocol for in‐solution enrichment hybridization capture of long DNA fragments applicable to complete plastid genomes.

Methods and Results

The protocol uses cost‐effective in‐house probes developed via long‐range PCR and was used in six non‐model monocot species (Poaceae: African rice, pearl millet, fonio; and three palm species). DNA was extracted from fresh and silica gel–dried leaves. Our protocol successfully captured long‐read plastome fragments (3151 bp median on average), with an enrichment rate ranging from 15% to 98%. DNA extracted from silica gel–dried leaves led to low‐quality plastome assemblies when compared to DNA extracted from fresh tissue.

Conclusions

Our protocol could also be generalized to capture long sequences from specific nuclear fragments.
Validation of the REVEAL Prognostic Equation and Risk Score Calculator in Incident Systemic Sclerosis–Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Mullin Christopher J. , Khair Rubina M. , Damico Rachel L. , Kolb Todd M. , Hummers Laura K. , Hassoun Paul M. , Steen Virginia D. , Mathai Stephen C. ,   on behalf of the PHAROS Investigators
Published: May 2019

Objective

A prognostic equation and risk score calculator derived from the Registry to Evaluate Early and Long‐term Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Disease Management (REVEAL) are being used to predict 1‐year survival in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but little is known about the performance of these REVEAL survival prediction tools in systemic sclerosis (SSc)–associated PAH (SSc‐PAH).

Methods

Prospectively gathered data from the Johns Hopkins Pulmonary Hypertension Program and Pulmonary Hypertension Assessment and Recognition of Outcome in Scleroderma Registries were used to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the REVEAL models for predicting the probability of 1‐year survival in patients with SSc‐PAH. Model discrimination was assessed by comparison of the Harrell's C‐index, model fit was assessed using multivariable regression techniques, and model calibration was assessed by comparing predicted to observed survival estimates.

Results

The validation cohort consisted of 292 SSc‐PAH patients with a 1‐year survival rate of 87.4%. The C‐index for predictive accuracy of the REVEAL prognostic equation (0.734, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.652–0.816) and for the risk score (0.743, 95% CI 0.663–0.823) demonstrated good discrimination, comparable to that in the model development cohort. The calibration slope was 0.707 (95% CI 0.400–1.014), indicating that the overall model fit was marginal (P = 0.06). The magnitude of risk assigned to low distance on the 6‐minute walk test (6MWD) and elevated serum levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) was lower in the validation cohort than was originally seen in the REVEAL derivation cohort. Model calibration was poor, particularly for the highest risk groups.

Conclusion

In predicting 1‐year survival in patients newly diagnosed as having SSc‐PAH, the REVEAL prognostic equation and risk score provide very good discrimination but poor calibration. REVEAL prediction scores should be interpreted with caution in newly diagnosed SSc‐PAH patients, particularly those with higher predicted risk of poor 1‐year survival resulting from a low 6MWD or a high BNP serum level.
How Can We Show You, If You Can't See It? Trialing the Use of an Interactive Three‐Dimensional Micro‐CT Model in Medical Education
Authors: O'Rourke Joseph C. , Smyth Lillian , Webb Alexandra L. , Valter Krisztina
Published: May 2019

Teaching internal structures obscured from direct view is a major challenge of anatomy education. High‐fidelity interactive three‐dimensional (3D) micro‐computed tomography (CT) models with virtual dissection present a possible solution. However, their utility for teaching complex internal structures of the human body is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of a realistic 3D micro‐CT interactive visualization computer model to teach paranasal sinus anatomy in a laboratory setting during pre‐clinical medical training. Year 1 (n = 79) and Year 2 (n = 59) medical students undertook self‐directed activities focused on paranasal sinus anatomy in one of two laboratories (traditional laboratory and 3D model). All participants completed pre and posttests before and after the laboratory session. Results of regression analyses predicting post‐laboratory knowledge indicate that, when students were inexperienced with the 3D computer technology, use of the model was detrimental to learning for students with greater prior knowledge of the relevant anatomy (P < 0.05). For participants experienced with the 3D computer technology, however, the use of the model was detrimental for students with less prior knowledge of the relevant anatomy (P < 0.001). These results emphasize that several factors need to be considered in the design and effective implementation of such models in the classroom. Under the right conditions, the 3D model is equal to traditional laboratory resources when used as a learning tool. This paper discusses the importance of preparatory training for students and the technical consideration necessary to successfully integrate such models into medical anatomical curricula.
Both the mirror and the affordance systems might be impaired in adults with high autistic traits. Evidence from EEG mu and beta rhythms
Authors: de Vega Manuel , Padrón Iván , Moreno Iván Z. , García‐Marco Enrique , Domínguez Alberto , Marrero Hipólito , Hernández Sergio
Published: May 2019

The association of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with an altered mirror neuron system is still controversial. At the same time, the processing of object affordances by persons with ASD is a neglected issue. In this electroencephalographic study, adults differing in their autism quotient (AQ) scores were selected. We found anomalous modulation of mu and beta rhythms in high‐AQ, compared to low‐AQ persons, while they watched a set of goal‐directed manual actions. This confirms that observing actions involving implicit intentions most clearly reveals the impairment of the mirror neurons system (MNS). The high‐AQ group also showed anomalous mu and beta modulation when they looked at pictures of manipulable objects, indicating a deficit in processing motor affordances. We conclude that high‐AQ adults have neural impairment of both the MNS and the affordance systems, which could underlie their relational problems with both people and objects. Autism Res 2019, 12: 1032–1042. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Adults with autistic traits (high‐autism quotient [AQ] scores) and matched controls (low‐AQ) observed intentional hand actions, and pictures of manipulable and non‐manipulable objects. The high‐AQ group compared to the control group, showed anomalous modulation of the electroencephalographic motoric rhythms (mu and beta) while observing familiar goal‐directed actions, confirming an impairment of their mirror neuron system. Also, their brain rhythms were anomalous when they watched manipulable objects, which suggest a dysfunction in their relation with objects (affordance system).
Isolation of Single Chain Antibodies Specific to Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptor 1 (LPA1) from a M13 Phage Display Library Using Purified LPA1 Stabilized in Nanodiscs
Authors: Jung Ji Hae , Han Seong‐Gu , Ju Man‐Seok , Jung Sang Taek , Yu Yeon Gyu
Published: May 2019

G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) comprise the largest membrane protein family and are involved in various kinds of physiological phenomena. LPA1 belongs to the rhodopsin‐type GPCR family and mediates various biological functions, such as cell proliferation, platelet aggregation, smooth muscle contraction, and tumor cell invasion. Hence, LPA1‐specific antibodies have the potential to be used as therapeutic agents against cancer or ophthalmic disease. In this study, we identified single‐chain antibodies specific to LPA1 using a purified LPA1 in nanodiscs and a library of M13 phages displaying human naïve single‐chain variable fragment (scFv) sequences. The purified P9‐LPA1 was stabilized in native conformation in nanodiscs and attached to immobilized Gαi3 protein, and then M13 phages specific to LPA1 were isolated after several rounds of biopanning. Two clones which specifically interacted with the immobilized LPA1 were isolated, and single‐chain antibody fragments (scAbs) that contained the isolated scFv fragment and a human kappa light chain constant domain were constructed and expressed in E. coli. The two purified scAbs (B8 and D4) showed specific binding to LPA1 with KD values of 300–400 nM. When LPA1‐overexpressing HT29 cells were treated with a scAb (D4) and lysophosphatidic acid, an increase in the cytosolic calcium level was observed relative to cells treated only with lysophosphatidic acid, indicating that the isolated single chain antibody (D4) acts as a functional LPA1 agonist.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation in anxiety and trauma‐related disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cirillo Patricia , Gold Alexandra K. , Nardi Antonio E. , Ornelas Ana C. , Nierenberg Andrew A. , Camprodon Joan , Kinrys Gustavo
Published: May 2019

Background

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been evaluated as an effective treatment option for patients with major depressive disorder. However, there are limited studies that have evaluated the efficacy of TMS for other neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety and trauma‐related disorders. We reviewed the literature that has evaluated TMS as a treatment for anxiety and trauma‐related disorders.

Methods

We searched for articles published up to December 2017 in Embase, Medline, and ISI Web of Science databases, following the Preferred Items for Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Articles (n = 520) evaluating TMS in anxiety and trauma‐related disorders were screened and a small subset of these that met the eligibility criteria (n = 17) were included in the systematic review, of which nine evaluated TMS in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), four in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), two in specific phobia (SP), and two in panic disorder (PD). The meta‐analysis was performed with PTSD and GAD since PD and SP had an insufficient number of studies and sample sizes.

Results

Among anxiety and trauma‐related disorders, TMS has been most widely studied as a treatment for PTSD. TMS demonstrated large overall treatment effect for both PTSD (ES = −0.88, 95% CI: −1.42, −0.34) and GAD (ES = −2.06, 95% CI: −2.64, −1.48), including applying high frequency over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Since few studies have evaluated TMS for SP and PD, few conclusions can be drawn.

Conclusions

Our meta‐analysis suggests that TMS may be an effective treatment for GAD and PTSD.
Changes in functional outcome over five years after stroke
Authors: Rejnö Åsa , Nasic Salmir , Bjälkefur Kerstin , Bertholds Eric , Jood Katarina
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Data on the long‐term time course of poststroke functional outcome is limited. We investigated changes in functional outcome over 5 years after stroke in a hospital based cohort.

Materials and Methods

Consecutive patients who were independent in activities of daily living (ADL) and admitted to a Stroke Unit at Skaraborg Hospital, Sweden for a first acute stroke from 2007 to 2009 (n = 1,421) were followed‐up after 3 months and thereafter annually over 5 years using a postal questionnaire. Clinical variables at acute stroke and 3 months post stroke were obtained from the Swedish Stroke Register. ADL dependency was defined as dependence in dressing, toileting or indoor mobility.

Results

The proportions of survivors who reported ADL dependency remained stable throughout follow‐up (19%–22%). However, among survivors who were ADL independent at 3 months, about 3% deteriorated to dependency each year. Deterioration was predicted by age (HR 1.11; 95% CI 1.08–1.13), diabetes (HR 1.65; 95% CI 1.12–2.44), NIHSS score (HR 1.07; 95% CI 1.04–1.10), and self‐perceived unmet care needs one year post stroke (HR 2.01; 95% CI 1.44–2.81). Transitions from ADL dependency to independence occurred mainly during the first year post stroke. Improvement was negatively predicted by living alone before stroke (HR 0.41 95% CI 0.19–0.91), NIHSS score (HR 0.90; 95% CI 0.86–0.95) and ischemic stroke (vs. hemorrhagic stroke), HR 0.39; 95% CI 0.17–0.89.

Conclusion

Transitions between ADL independence and dependency occur up to 5 years after stroke. Some of the factors predicting these transitions are potentially modifiable.
Knockdown XIST alleviates LPS‐induced WI‐38 cell apoptosis and inflammation injury via targeting miR‐370‐3p/TLR4 in acute pneumonia
Authors: Zhang Yena , Zhu Yuyin , Gao Guosheng , Zhou Zhiming
Published: May 2019

Pneumonia is an inflammatory disease that occurs in the lungs associated with pathogens or other factors. It has been well established that long noncoding RNA X inactivate‐specific transcript (XIST) is involved in several cancers. The present study focused on the effect and detailed mechanism of XIST in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced injury in pneumonia. Here, XIST was silenced by transfection with XIST‐targeted siRNA, and then, mRNA expression, cell viability, apoptosis, and protein expression were, respectively, assessed by qRT‐PCR, CCK‐8, flow cytometry, and Western blotting. Luciferase reporter, RIP, and RNA pull‐down assays were used to detect the combination of miR‐370‐3p and XIST. Besides, the tested proinflammatory factors were analysed by qRT‐PCR and Western blot, and their productions were quantified by ELISA. The results showed that XIST expression was robustly increased in serum of patients with acute‐stage pneumonia and LPS‐induced WI‐38 human lung fibroblasts cells. Functional analyses demonstrated that knockdown of XIST remarkably alleviated LPS‐induced cell injury through increasing cell viability and inhibiting apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine levels. Mechanistically, XIST functioned as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by effectively binding to miR‐370‐3p and then restoring TLR4 expression. More importantly, miR‐370‐3p inhibitor abolished the function of XIST knockdown on cell injury and JAK/STAT and NF‐κB pathways. Taken together, XIST may be involved in progression of cell inflammatory response, and XIST/miR‐370‐3p/TLR4 axis thus may shed light on the development of novel therapeutics to the treatment of acute stage of pneumonia.

Significance of the study

Our study demonstrated that XIST was highly expressed in patients with acute stage of pneumonia. Knockdown of XIST remarkably alleviated LPS‐induced cell injury through increasing cell viability and inhibiting apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine levels through regulating JAK/STAT and NF‐κB pathways.
Inter‐residual Hydrogen Bonding in Carbohydrates Unraveled by NMR Spectroscopy and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Rönnols Jerk , Engström Olof , Schnupf Udo , Säwén Elin , Brady John W. , Widmalm Göran
Published: May 2019

Carbohydrates, also known as glycans in biological systems, are omnipresent in nature where they as glycoconjugates occur as oligo‐ and polysaccharides linked to lipids and proteins. Their three‐dimensional structure is defined by two or three torsion angles at each glycosidic linkage. In addition, transglycosidic hydrogen bonding between sugar residues may be important. Herein we investigate the presence of these inter‐residue interactions by NMR spectroscopy in D2O/[D6]DMSO (70:30) or D2O and by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with explicit water as solvent for disaccharides with structural elements α‐d‐Manp‐(1→2)‐d‐Manp, β‐d‐GlcpNAc‐(1→2)‐d‐Manp, and α‐d‐Glcp‐(1→4)‐β‐d‐Glcp, all of which have been suggested to exhibit inter‐residue hydrogen bonding. For the disaccharide β‐d‐GlcpNAc‐(1→2)‐β‐d‐Manp‐OMe, the large extent of O5′⋅⋅⋅HO3 hydrogen bonding as seen from the MD simulation is implicitly supported by the 1H NMR chemical shift and 3JHO3,H3 value of the hydroxy proton. In the case of α‐d‐Glcp‐(1→4)‐β‐d‐Glcp‐OMe, the existence of a transglycosidic hydrogen bond O2′⋅⋅⋅HO3 was proven by the presence of a cross‐peak in 1H,13C HSQC‐TOCSY experiments as a result of direct TOCSY transfer between HO3 of the reducing end residue and H2′ (detected at C2′) of the terminal residue. The occurrence of inter‐residue hydrogen bonding, albeit transient, is judged important for the stabilization of three‐dimensional structures, which may be essential in maintaining a conformational state for carbohydrate–protein interactions of glycans to take place in biologically important environments.
Mechanistic Investigation of Biocatalytic Heme Carbenoid Si−H Insertions
Authors: Khade Rahul L. , Chandgude Ajay L. , Fasan Rudi , Zhang Yong
Published: May 2019

Recent studies reported the development of biocatalytic heme carbenoid Si−H insertions for the selective formation of carbon‐silicon bonds, but many mechanistic questions remain unaddressed. To this end, a DFT mechanistic investigation was performed which reveals an FeII‐based concerted hydride transfer mechanism with early transition state feature. The results from these computational analyses are consistent with experimental data of radical trapping, kinetic isotope effects, and structure‐reactivity data using engineered variants of hemoproteins. Detailed geometric and electronic profiles along the heme catalyzed Si−H insertion pathways were provided to help understand the origin of experimental reactivity trends. Quantitative relationships between reaction barriers and some properties such as charge transfer from substrate to heme carbene and Si−H bond length change from reactant to transition state were found. Results suggest catalyst modifications to facilitate the charge transfer from the silane substrate to the carbene, which was determined to be a major electronic driving force of this reaction, should enable the development of improved biocatalysts for Si−H carbene insertion reactions.
From Phosphidic to Phosphonium? Umpolung of the P4‐Bonding Situation in [CpFe(CO)(L)(η1‐P4)]+ Cations (L=CO or PPh3)
Authors: Riddlestone Ian M. , Weis Philippe , Martens Arthur , Schorpp Marcel , Scherer Harald , Krossing Ingo
Published: May 2019

Upon coordinating P4 to electron poor cyclopentadienyl‐iron cations, the average P−P bond distances shrink and the respective P4 breathing mode in the Raman spectra (600 cm−1, P4, free) is blueshifted by >40 cm−1 in [CpFe(CO)(L)(η1‐P4)]+ cations (L=CO or PPh3). Analysis suggests that this corresponds to an umpolung of the bonding from more phosphidic in the known, electron‐rich systems to more phosphonium‐like in the reported electron‐poor versions. This may open new functionalization pathways for white phosphorus P4.
Die Rolle der Gasdiffusionselektroden in der Zink‐Luft‐ und Lithium‐Luft‐Batterie
Authors: Fenske Daniela , Bardenhagen Ingo , Schwenzel Julian
Published: May 2019

Metall‐Luft‐Batterien, v. a. als wiederaufladbare Variante, sind branchenübergreifend derzeit von großem Interesse. Neben dem potenziell kostengünstigen Zink‐Luft‐System hat in den vergangenen zehn Jahren das potenziell hochenergetische Lithium‐Luft‐System große Aufmerksamkeit erfahren, das ursprünglich als Hochenergiespeicher für die Elektromobilität gedacht war. In diesem Beitrag wird der Fokus auf wiederaufladbare Zink‐Luft‐ und Lithium‐Luft‐Systeme gelegt. Insbesondere wird die Rolle der Gasdiffusionselektrode beschrieben sowie ein Ausblick über aktuelle Trends bei der Weiterentwicklung gegeben.
Anodic Cyclizations, Seven‐Membered Rings, and the Choice of Radical Cation vs. Radical Pathways
Authors: Perkins Robert J. , Feng Ruozhu , Lu Qingquan , Moeller Kevin D.
Published: May 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

While many steps in an oxidative cyclization reaction can be important, it is the cyclization step itself that plays the central role. If this step does not proceed well, then optimization of the rest of the sequence is futile. We report here that the key to the cyclization is channeling the reaction down the correct pathway. Some reactions require the use of a radical pathway and some require the use of a radical cation pathway. An example of each is provided along with a strategy for accessing both pathways using a common intermediate.
Experiences with cancer survey in China
Authors: Yao Nengliang , Zhang Nan , Wang Jialin , Anderson Roger T. , Liu Xinting , Lyu Jingru , Du Xiwen , Sun Xiaojie
Published: May 2019

Background

China accounts for approximately 27% of global cancer deaths. However, to the authors' knowledge, the lasting effects of cancer and cancer treatments on patients have not been investigated in China. The authors developed a questionnaire, the China Survey of Experiences with Cancer, for Chinese cancer survivors. This article introduces the study design and domains covered in the questionnaire.

Methods

The Cancer Survivorship Supplement of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) was used as a reference to develop the questionnaire. The final in‐person surveys were conducted in 2015 and 2016. Samples were chosen through multistage sampling. The authors described the characteristics of the study participants and their cancer experiences.

Results

At the time of last follow‐up, a total of 1166 patients had completed at least 1 component of the survey. Approximately 59% of the cancer survivors were aged ≥60 years. Greater than one‐half of the participants had an elementary education level or less (51%) and a yearly family income of <$3174. Chinese cancer survivors were more likely to retire earlier than planned compared with American cancer survivors (37% vs 9%). The majority of Chinese cancer survivors (84%) reported that their work abilities were hindered by their cancer or cancer treatments. Approximately one‐half of patients in China had to incur debt because of cancer, whereas <10% of patients in the United States reported having incurred debt.

Conclusions

The survey provides information regarding the burden of cancer in China that to the authors' knowledge currently is unavailable from other sources, including medical care use, financial impacts, employment patterns, and life experience after a cancer diagnosis for survivors and their families.
Vigorous physical activity and mental health—Associations suggest a link among childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Bail Jennifer R. , Demark‐Wahnefried Wendy
Published: May 2019

Vigorous physical activity among childhood cancer survivors is associated with superior psychological health and cognition. A call for simultaneously conducting more research and promoting healthful lifestyles is indicated.
Metastatic prostate cancer at diagnosis and through progression in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial
Authors: Pinsky Paul F. , Black Amanda , Daugherty Sarah E. , Hoover Robert , Parnes Howard , Smith Zachary L. , Eggener Scott , Andriole Gerald L. , Berndt Sonja I.
Published: May 2019

Background

The Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial assessed the effect of screening with prostate‐specific antigen and a digital rectal examination on prostate cancer mortality. Another endpoint of interest was the burden of total metastatic disease.

Methods

All men in PLCO were assessed for metastatic prostate cancer at diagnosis; men with clinical stage I/II disease were assessed for metastatic progression. The rate of total metastatic disease was defined as metastases found either at diagnosis or through progression divided by person‐years (PYs) of follow‐up for all men in the trial. Metastatic progression rates were computed among men with clinical stage I/II prostate cancer. Survival among men with metastases at diagnosis was compared with survival among men with metastatic progression.

Results

Among 38,340 men in the intervention arm and 38,343 men in the control arm in PLCO, there were 4974 and 4699 prostate cancer cases, respectively. The rates of total metastatic disease were 4.72 and 4.83 per 10,000 PYs in the intervention and control arms, respectively (rate ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.81‐1.18). The rates of metastatic progression among men with clinical stage I/II prostate cancer were 43.7 and 50.5 per 10,000 PYs in the intervention and control arms, respectively (P = .30). Prostate cancer–specific 5‐ and 10‐year survival rates were significantly worse for men with metastatic progression (24% and 19%, respectively) than men with metastases at diagnosis (40% and 26%, respectively).

Conclusions

Rates of total metastatic disease and metastatic progression were similar across arms in PLCO. Survival was worse for men with metastatic progression in comparison with those with metastatic disease at diagnosis.
Energy‐efficient quantum‐inspired stochastic Q‐HypE algorithm for batch‐of‐stochastic‐tasks on heterogeneous DVFS‐enabled processors
Authors: Sajid Mohammad , Raza Zahid
Published: May 2019

Summary

Scheduling on dynamic voltage and frequency scaling enabled processors to determine the Pareto‐optimal solutions with optimized makespan and energy consumption demands faster multi‐objective scheduling algorithms. In general, the problem of multi‐objective optimization, ie, finding the Pareto‐optimal solutions to optimize two or more QoS parameters, has been proven to be an NP‐complete problem. In this work, we propose a novel energy‐efficient quantum‐inspired stochastic Q‐HypE algorithm to schedule the batch‐of‐stochastic‐tasks (BoT) on DVFS‐enabled processors with the aim to optimize the makespan of BoT as well as the energy consumption of processors. The stochastic processing times of tasks are drawn from independent probability distributions. The proposed Q‐HypE algorithm evolves from combined characteristics of quantum computing and a hypervolume based multi‐objective optimization HypE algorithm. The proposed Q‐HypE algorithm simultaneously minimizes the makespan and energy consumption of the Pareto‐optimal solutions whereas the dynamics of quantum computing accelerate the process of HypE to further minimize the overheads of hypervolume estimation. Experimental results reveal the effectiveness of the proposed Q‐HypE algorithm both in terms of the number and quality of solutions offered.
An accurate and power‐efficient period‐modulator‐based interface for grounded capacitive sensors
Authors: Ahmadpour Bijargah Arash , Heidary Ali , Torkzadeh Pooya , Nihtianov Stoyan
Published: May 2019

A low‐power and high‐resolution capacitance‐to‐period converter (CPC) based on period modulation (PM) for subnanometer displacement measurement systems is proposed. The presented circuit employs the interface developed in a previous work, “a grounded capacitance‐to‐voltage converter (CVC) based on a zoom‐in structure,” further improving its performance through a symmetrical design of the applied autocalibration technique. The scheme is based on the use of a relaxation oscillator. To minimize the error contributed by the CPC circuitry, different precision techniques such as chopping, autocalibration, and active shielding are applied. The proposed CPC is realized in a 0.18‐μm complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) technology, occupies an area of 0.5 mm2, and consumes 135 μA from a 2‐V power supply. In order to achieve optimal performance and avoid overdesigning, a noise estimation of various parts of the CPC has been done. Accordingly, for a 10‐pF sensor capacitance, the overall CPC demonstrates a capacitance resolution of 0.5 fF for a latency of 128 microseconds, corresponding to an effective number of bits (ENOB) of 12.5 bits and an energy efficiency of 6 pJ/step. The nonlinearity error has been evaluated as well, resulting in a less than 0.03% full‐scale span (FSS).
Health‐related quality of life after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a single centre's experience
Authors: Ørbo Marte Christine , Karlsen Sidsel Fredheim , Pedersen Ellinor Phillips , Hermansen Stig Eggen , Rønning Per Bjørnerud , Nergaard Kathrine Aas , Næsheim Torvind , Myrmel Truls
Published: May 2019

Aims

The aims of this study were to evaluate health‐related quality of life (HRQL) among patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in northern Norway over a period of 27 years (1988–2015) and to identify variables related to HRQL.

Methods and results

A retrospective inquiry of the ECMO registry at the University Hospital of North Norway identified 74 ECMO‐treated patients (mean age 49 years, 65% males). Acute cardiac failure was the dominant indication (58%), and venoarterial ECMO was the dominant mode of treatment (87%). Mortality for discharged patients was recorded on 20 September 2016. Thirty (41%) survivors were identified. Twenty‐three survivors were eligible for the survey and received a set of questionnaires at home. The main outcome measure was HRQL as measured with the 36‐item Short‐Form health survey (SF‐36) (RAND Short Form‐36 v1.2). Other questionnaires covered demographic information, problems with functioning in usual daily activities (such as hobbies, household chores, family, or work), employment status, and psychological distress. The survey was completed by 20 (87%) survivors (mean age = 49 years, 12 men). Indications for ECMO treatment (VA = 90%) had been respiratory failure (25%), cardiac failure (60%), and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (15%). The average time since ECMO treatment was 6.5 years. Seventy‐five percent reported mental HRQL (SF‐36 Mental Component Summary, mean = 43, SD = 5) or physical HRQL (SF‐36 Physical Component Summary, mean = 43, SD = 4.5) within the normal range (T = 50 ± 10) in comparison with age‐matched population data from national norms. Half of the responders reported problems on the SF‐36 subscales general health and role physical. Seventy percent reported problems on the SF‐36 subscale role emotional. All but one responder lived independently without any organized care, and 90% reported no problems related to basic self‐care. Half of those in working age had returned to work after ECMO treatment. Forty percent of the responders reported some degree of restrictions in usual daily activities, problems with mobility (35%), anxiety/depression (35%), or pain/discomfort (55%). Significant univariate associations were observed for poorer HRQL and higher reports of psychological distress, pain, and experiencing restrictions in usual everyday activities. Improved HRQL was significantly related to an extended time since ECMO treatment.

Conclusions

Our survey indicates an overall positive long‐term HRQL outcome for our ECMO survivors. A subset reported problems with functioning and HRQL. Future research should focus on identification of the survivors at risk for poor recovery who may benefit from rehabilitation interventions.
Genomic methylation in plant cell cultures: A barrier to the development of commercial long‐term biofactories
Authors: Sanchez‐Muñoz Raul , Moyano Elisabeth , Khojasteh Abbas , Bonfill Mercedes , Cusido Rosa M. , Palazon Javier
Published: May 2019

Plant cell biofactories offer great advantages for the production of plant compounds of interest, although certain limitations still need to be overcome before their maximum potential is reached. One obstacle is the gradual loss of secondary metabolite production during in vitro culture maintenance, which is an important impediment in the development of large‐scale production systems. The relationship between in vitro maintenance and epigenetic changes has been demonstrated in several plant species; in particular, methylation levels have been found to increase in in vitro cultures over time. Higher DNA methylation levels have been correlated with a low yield of secondary metabolites in in vitro plant cell cultures. The longer the period of subculturing, the more methylated cytosines were found throughout the genome, and secondary metabolism decreased significantly. This review summarizes different studies on epigenetic changes during the maintenance of in vitro cell cultures and the insights they provide on the mechanisms involved. It concludes by looking at the perspectives for new approaches designed to avoid declines in metabolite production.
An efficient hybrid WENO scheme with a problem independent discontinuity locator
Authors: Bhise Ashlesha A. , G Naga Raju , Samala Rathan , M Devakar
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we have proposed a new problem independent discontinuity locator for hybridization. Along with this, a new global smoothness indicator is proposed. The hybrid weighted essentially nonoscillatory (WENO) scheme works on the principle of applying linear upwind scheme in smooth regions and WENO algorithm in nonsmooth regions to save computational cost, which is reflected in the time taken for the computation of the numerical solution. A problem independent discontinuity locator has been designed based on the properties of the existing smoothness indicators. In addition, to attain the required order of accuracy, a new global smoothness indicator is proposed, which produces a solution with better resolution at discontinuities. Numerical experiments have been included to demonstrate the application of the proposed theory to some benchmark problems. It has been shown that the newly proposed hybrid WENO scheme works faster and gives a solution of higher resolution than WENO‐JS, WENO‐Z, and few other more recent third‐order WENO schemes.
Duloxetine effects on striatal resting‐state functional connectivity in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Wang Li , An Jing , Gao Hong‐Mei , Zhang Ping , Chen Chao , Li Ke , Mitchell Philip B. , Si Tian‐Mei
Published: May 2019

Reward deficits and associated striatal circuitry disturbances have been implicated in the onset and progression of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, no studies have been conducted to investigate how the striatal circuitry changes during standard antidepressant, which is important for development of novel and targeted treatments for MDD. We examined the seed‐to‐whole‐brain functional connectivity (FC) for six striatal subregions based on resting‐state fMRI data of 23 MDD patients before and after 8‐week duloxetine, a serotonin, and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor. Twenty‐three healthy controls (HCs) were also scanned twice with an 8‐week interval. After the analysis of covariance, we observed significant group‐by‐time interaction on FC of the dorsal caudate (DC), ventral striatum (VS), and putamen seeds. Post hoc analyses revealed that the FC between several right striatal seeds and left superior frontal gyrus (SFG), between right DC and left precuneus, between right superior VS and left inferior parietal lobe, were significantly higher in MDD patients compared to HCs at baseline and were reduced after treatment. Conversely, the FC between right inferior VS and left cerebellum was lower in MDD patients and was increased after treatment. Patients with larger reduction in right superior VS—left SFG FC exhibited larger alleviation of rumination. These findings suggest that duloxetine modulates the striatal FC with dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, posterior default mode network, and cerebellum, and partly, these changes underlie symptomatic improvement. This study adds to our understanding of antidepressant mechanism and future therapeutic development might benefit from considering these striatal circuitry as potential targets.
Subjective family socio‐economic status, school social capital, and positive youth development among young adolescents in China: A multiple mediation model
Authors: Ye Zhi , Wen Ming , Wang Weidong , Lin Danhua
Published: May 2019

Previous research has demonstrated that subjective socio‐economic status (SES) and school social capital are associated with a wide range of socio‐emotional outcomes for children. Less is known about whether subjective SES is linked to overall child development and whether school social capital is a mediator in developing countries. The current study aimed to examine the association between subjective SES and positive youth development (PYD) among young adolescents in China, explore whether student–teacher relationships and student–student relationships mediated this association, and test whether there were gender differences in these associations. The analytical sample included a total of 1011 seventh‐graders (mean age = 13.24, SD = .69; 53.70% boys) recruited from Beijing and Anhui Provinces. The results showed that subjective SES was positively and significantly associated with PYD and that student–teacher relationships and student–student relationships played independent and joint mediating roles in the link between the two constructs. In addition, girls benefited more than boys from having closer relationships with teachers. Our findings highlight the importance of promoting school social capital in reducing PYD disparities across subjective SES levels, and suggest that school should be an effective venue for interventions to promote PYD among young adolescents in China.
Parenting and toddler self‐regulation in low‐income families: What does sleep have to do with it?
Authors: Julian Megan M. , Leung Christy Y. Y. , Rosenblum Katherine L. , LeBourgeois Monique K. , Lumeng Julie C. , Kaciroti Niko , Miller Alison L.
Published: May 2019

Toddlerhood is a sensitive period in the development of self‐regulation, a set of adaptive skills that are fundamental to mental health and partly shaped by parenting. Healthy sleep is known to be critical for self‐regulation; yet, the degree to which child sleep alters interactive child–parent processes remains understudied. This study examines associations between observed parenting and toddler self‐regulation, with toddler sleep as a moderator of this association. Toddlers in low‐income families (N = 171) and their mothers were videotaped during free play and a self‐regulation challenge task; videos were coded for mothers’ behavior and affect (free play) and toddlers’ self‐regulation (challenge task). Mothers reported their child's nighttime sleep duration via questionnaire. Results revealed significant Sleep × Maternal Negative Affect and Sleep × Maternal Negative Control interactions. Children who did not experience negative parenting had good self‐regulation regardless of their nighttime sleep duration. For children who did experience negative parenting, self‐regulation was intact among those who obtained more nighttime sleep, but significantly poorer among children who were getting less nighttime sleep. Thus, among children who were reported to obtain less nighttime sleep, there were more robust associations between negative parenting and poorer self‐regulation than among toddlers who were reported to obtain more sleep.
DNA methylation of NR3c1 in infancy: Associations between maternal caregiving and infant sex
Authors: Conradt Elisabeth , Ostlund Brendan , Guerin Dylan , Armstrong David A. , Marsit Carmen J. , Tronick Edward , LaGasse Lyn , Lester Barry M.
Published: May 2019

Caregivers play a critical role in scaffolding infant stress reactivity and regulation, but the mechanisms by which this scaffolding occurs is unclear. Animal models strongly suggest that epigenetic processes, such as DNA methylation, are sensitive to caregiving behaviors and, in turn, offspring stress reactivity. We examined the direct effects of caregiving behaviors on DNA methylation in infants and infant stress reactivity. Infants and mothers (N = 128) were assessed during a free play when infants were 5 months old. Maternal responsiveness and appropriate touch were coded. and infant buccal epithelial cells were sampled to assess for DNA methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene, NR3c1 exon 1F. Infant cortisol reactivity was assessed in response to the still‐face paradigm. Greater levels of maternal responsiveness and appropriate touch were related to less DNA methylation of specific regions in NR3c1 exon 1F, but only for females. There was no association with maternal responsiveness and appropriate touch or DNA methylation of NR3c1 exon 1F on prestress cortisol or cortisol reactivity. Our results are discussed in relation to programming models that implicate maternal care as an important factor in programing infant stress reactivity.
Chemoresistance in mesenchymal lung cancer cells is correlated to high regulatory T cell presence in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Zhang Li‐Na , Xin Tong , Chen Mo , Gao Peng
Published: May 2019

Most deaths due to lung cancer are a result of metastatic progression. One major problem in treating patients with lung cancer is either the inherent or acquired resistance to chemotherapy. Role of tumor microenvironment in disease progression and resistance to chemotherapy is being increasingly appreciated and reported for various cancers. Hence, the objective of the current study was to define the lung cancer tumor microenvironment. Biopsy tissue specimens and blood samples were collected from stage I–IV lung patients (n = 53). Epithelial and mesenchymal A549 cells were used to test chemosensitivity. CD3+ T cells are the major tumor‐infiltrating T lymphocyte subsets in patients with lung cancer, which were independent of disease stage. Functional analysis indicated high expression of the CD4+ helper T cells and low expression of the CD8+ cytotoxic T cells in lung cancer tissue compared to tumor adjacent normal tissue. Within the CD4+ T cell subset, there seems to be significant increase in the regulator T cells (Tregs) which are known to help the tumor in evading the immune system. CDH1 (encoding the epithelial cell marker E‐cadherin) and IL2RA (encoding the Treg marker CD25) expression in patients with stage IV lung cancer that were resistant to cisplatin treatment showed an inverse correlation between IL2RA (high) and CDH1 (low) expression. Our results indicate that lung tumor is enriched in Tregs which might potentially explain how lung tumors evade the immune system. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 2019
The role of visiting faculty on the training of clinical pharmacists in Namibia: A qualitative study
Authors: Hachey David , Jonkman Lauren , Corkhill Nicola , Rennie Timothy , Lates Jennie , Mubita Mwangana
Published: May 2019

Introduction

The creation of the School of Pharmacy at the University of Namibia in 2011 has led to the rapid growth of educational degrees and programs including the Diploma in Pharmacy, Bachelors of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Internship Support Program, and the Masters of Clinical Pharmacy. Partnerships with external pharmacists have created unique academic opportunities for the development, implementation, and evaluation of clinical pharmacy services.

Objectives

To describe the core roles and responsibilities of visiting faculty in a rapidly expanding Sub‐Saharan School of Pharmacy and the student perspectives of those faculty.

Methods

A qualitative approach was used to assess the roles of visiting faculty and the impact on the education and practice of current students in the Masters of Pharmacy program. Independent focus groups were held for second‐ and third‐year students. Data were collected by a University of Namibia faculty member and transcripts were transcribed and analyzed for themes.

Results

The roles of visiting faculty fell into three main categories: teaching, service, and scholarship. All second‐ and third‐year students participated in the focus groups. The five identified themes included: (1) Students were inspired by new perspectives that visiting faculty offered to their training; (2) Students valued the increased level of feedback from visiting faculty; (3) Students described how their clinical skills grew from the input of the visiting faculty; (4) Students valued the support and opinions of clinician‐educators who practiced regularly in a clinical setting; and (5) Students felt that some additional opportunities existed for visiting faculty to improve student engagement.

Conclusion

Visiting faculty delivered didactic instruction, clinical teaching, and mentorship to develop and enhance clinical pharmacy services in Namibia. Visiting faculty was perceived as open‐minded, inspirational, and approachable. They also provided a different framework and vision of clinical pharmacy services and a systematic clinical approach to patient care.