bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differentiation of self and trait anxiety: A cross‐cultural perspective
Authors: Peleg Ora , Messerschmidt‐Grandi Caterina
Published: October 2018

Cultural differences are likely to affect the ability to deal with anxiety. We investigated this issue among four cultural groups—Germans and Italians (Europeans living in South Tyrol, Italy), Jews and Arabs (Israelis)—in terms of their levels of differentiation of self, trait anxiety and somatic symptoms. We also examined the relationship of differentiation of self to trait anxiety and somatic symptoms. The sample consisted of 824 students: 387 Israelis (mean age 23.6) and 437 Europeans (mean age 22.3). Israeli participants reported lower levels of trait anxiety than European students. Jewish students reported lower trait anxiety than Arab students (mean difference = −.14, p < .009), while there was no difference between German and Italian students (mean difference = .03, p > .99). Jews reported a significantly lower level of emotional cutoff than Arabs (mean difference = −.45, p < .001), and Germans reported a significantly lower level of emotional reactivity than Italians (mean difference = .29, p < .001). Emotional reactivity and I‐position predicted all participants' trait anxiety. On the whole, results point to the importance of examining differentiation of self when trying to reduce trait anxiety, as well as some important cultural differences.
Internalising symptoms and verbal working memory in school‐age children: A processing efficiency analysis
Authors: Opris Alexandra M. , Cheie Lavinia , Trifan Cristina M. , Visu‐Petra Laura
Published: October 2018

The current study investigated differential contributions of internalising symptoms (state anxiety, trait anxiety, depression) to school‐age children's verbal short‐term (STM) and working memory (WM) span accuracy and efficiency (microanalysis of response times). Children's (N = 125, Mage = 11.44 years) STM/WM was assessed with simple/complex span tasks. Our analyses revealed that: (a) children with high levels of state anxiety displayed reduced simple span accuracy (on Word span) and poorer efficiency on both simple (preparatory intervals, interword pauses) and complex span (preparatory intervals) response time segments; (b) trait anxiety was a negative predictor of children's complex span accuracy, as well as their efficiency on both simple (word durations) and complex span (interword pauses) response time measures; (3) depressive symptoms predicted longer simple span interword pauses. Findings indicate that while all internalising symptoms were predictive of children's poorer memory search efficiency, especially during the “silent”, executive intervals (interword pauses), anxiety symptoms were specifically predictive of children's impaired span accuracy and other efficiency indicators (preparatory intervals, word durations). The study highlights the differential contributions of state, trait anxiety, and depressive symptoms to STM/WM in children, emphasising the need to measure both accuracy and efficiency to assess the role that such symptoms play in children's performance.
Emergency Control Scheme for Upstream Pools of Long‐Distance Canals
Authors: Cui Wei , Mu Xiangpeng , Chen Wenxue , Stephens T.A. , Bledsoe B.P.
Published: October 2018

An emergency control scheme is proposed for pools upstream of a canal experiencing flow obstruction incidents. In order to achieve a prompt and efficient transition process, operation strategies are set out. It is suggested to switch from a constant downstream depth operation method to a constant volume operation method under qualified conditions. Based on a balanced pool operation equation and a transitional time estimation equation, a two‐step gate operation method is designed, which is compatible with the operation method of constant downstream depth and the mixed pool operation method of constant downstream depth and constant volume. The emergency control scheme is tested by simulations on the 561 km long Middle Route Project (MPR) of the South‐to‐North Water Diversion Project in China consisting of 30 pools. The constant downstream depth and mixed pool operation methods are examined. Results indicate that the control scheme operates well under the emergency situation of a flow obstruction incident. Canal flow moves promptly and effectively to the new steady state by switching to the constant volume method. Back and forth volume variation is avoided and a significant improvement is obtained in terms of transition time, while the times of check gate operation remain roughly the same. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long noncoding RNA FAL1 promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of human colon cancer cells
Authors: Wu Kaiming , Zhang Ning , Ma Jun , Huang Jiehong , Chen Jianhui , Wang Liang , Zhang Jian
Published: October 2018

Aberrant expression of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been associated with a variety of malignancies including colon cancer. In this study, we aimed to characterize the biological mechanisms of focally amplified lncRNA on chromosome 1 (FAL1) in colon cancers. Here, our results indicate that FAL1 expression was remarkably up‐regulated in colon tumor tissues as compared to corresponding tumor‐adjacent normal tissues. Importantly, the cumulative survival rate of patients with high levels of FAL1 in tumor tissues was considerably lower than those with low FAL1 levels in tumor tissues. Cox regression analysis showed that lncRNA FAL1 could act as an independent prognostic factor in CRC. Knockdown of FAL1 in HT29 cells attenuated cell proliferation and stimulated cell apoptosis. In contrast, overmetastasis‐related molecules Bcl‐2, TGF‐β1, p65, and PCNA at the mRNA and protein levels. Mechanistically, FAL1 was found to interact with STAT3 at 200 to 400 bp and promote phosphorylation of STAT3. In addition, we found that knockdown of STAT3 in HT29 cells abolished the effects of FAL1 on cell proliferation as well as the expression of TGF‐β1 and Bcl‐2. Based on these findings, we concluded that FAL1 might be a potential oncogene for the progression of colon cancer. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(11):1093–1100, 2018
MicroRNA‐146a sponge therapy suppresses neointimal formation in rat vein grafts
Authors: Cao Bo‐Jun , Wang Xiao‐Wen , Zhu Lei , Zou Rong‐Jiang , Lu Zhi‐Qian
Published: October 2018

The long‐term failure of vein grafts due to neointimal hyperplasia remains a difficult problem in cardiovascular surgery. Exploring novel approaches to prevent neointimal hyperplasia is important. MicroRNA‐146a (miR‐146a) plays an essential role in promoting vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. Thus, the aim of the present study is to investigate whether adenovirus‐mediated miR‐146a sponge (Ad‐miR‐146a‐SP) gene therapy could attenuate neointimal formation in rat vein grafts. (Ad‐miR‐146a‐SP) was constructed to transfect cultured VSMCs and grafted veins. To improve the efficiency of transferring the miR‐146a sponge gene into the grafted veins, 20% poloxamer F‐127 gel incorporated with 0.25% trypsin was used to increase adenovirus contact time and penetration. miR‐146a‐SP transduction significantly reduced the expression of miR‐146a both in cultured VSMCs and vein grafts. miR‐146a sponge markedly attenuated VSMC proliferation and migration. Consistent with this, miR‐146a sponge gene therapy significantly attenuated neointimal formation and also improved blood flow in the vein grafts. Mechanistically, we identified the Krüppel‐like factor 4(KLF4) as a potential downstream target gene of miR‐146a in vein grafts. Our data show that miR‐146a sponge gene therapy could effectively reduce miR‐146a activity and attenuate neointimal formation in vein grafts, suggesting its potential therapeutic application for prevention of vein graft failure. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(1):125–133, 2019
Prolonged exposure to carbon nanoparticles induced methylome remodeling and gene expression in zebrafish heart
Authors: Zhou Wei , Tian Dongdong , He Jun , Yan Xiabei , Zhao Jun , Yuan Xiaoyan , Peng Shuangqing
Published: October 2018

Growing black carbon (BC) emission has become one of the major urgent environmental issues facing human beings. Usually, BC or BC‐containing carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) were recognized as non‐directly toxic components of atmospheric particulate matter. However, epidemiology studies have provided much evidence of the associations of exposure of particulate‐containing carbon particles with cardiovascular diseases. There are still no related studies to support the epidemiological conclusions. Hence, in this article we exposed adult zebrafish to CNPs for 60 days, and then explored the heart location and potential adverse effects on cardiac tissues of these nanosized carbon particles. Our results first showed direct visualization of cardiac endothelial uptake and heart deposition of CNPs in zebrafish. In addition, CNPs caused significant ultrastructural alterations in myocardial tissue and induced the expression of inflammatory cytokines in a dose‐dependent manner, resulting in sub‐endocardial inflammation and cell apoptosis. Moreover, our data demonstrated the perturbations caused by CNPs on DNA methylation, suggesting that DNA methylome remodeling might play a critical role in CNP‐induced cardiotoxicity in zebrafish heart. Therefore, this study not only proved a laboratory link between CNP exposure and cardiotoxicity in vivo, but also indicated a possible toxicity mechanism involved.
The toll like receptor 4‐myeloid differentiation factor 88 pathway is essential for particulate matter‐induced activation of CD4‐positive cells
Authors: Song Yuan , Ichinose Takamichi , Morita Kentaro , Yoshida Yasuhiro
Published: October 2018

Asian sand dust (ASD), a type of particulate matter (PM) found in Asia, can be transported to East Asia. We recently found that acute splenic inflammation is induced by ASD in mouse models. In this study, we examined the effect of sub‐chronic ASD exposure on mouse immune cells. Mice were intratracheally administered ASD once every 2 weeks for 8 weeks and killed 24 hours after the final administration. Wild‐type (WT) mice showed increased cell viability after ASD administration. In contrast, ASD administration induced splenocyte activation in toll‐like receptor (TLR)2−/−, but not TLR4−/− mice. Furthermore, concanavalin A‐induced interleukin‐2 production increased after ASD administration in WT and TLR2−/− mice, but not in TLR4−/− or myeloid differentiation factor (MyD)88−/− mice. Immunoblotting demonstrated that nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) was activated in WT mice, but not in TLR4−/− or MyD88−/− mice. The NF‐κB‐dependent gene products CDK2 and intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 were upregulated upon ASD administration in WT mice, but not in TLR4−/− or MyD88−/− mice. Furthermore, the particles themselves, rather than particle constituents, activated NF‐κB in CD4‐positive cells through the TLR4 or MyD88 pathway. Taken together, these results indicate that particle‐induced splenic inflammation occurs via TLR4‐MyD88 signaling.
Collagen chirality and three‐dimensional orientation studied with polarimetric second‐harmonic generation microscopy
Authors: Golaraei Ahmad , Mirsanaye Kamdin , Ro Yeji , Krouglov Serguei , Akens Margarete K. , Wilson Brian C. , Barzda Virginijus
Published: October 2018

Polarization‐dependent second‐harmonic generation (P‐SHG) microscopy is used to characterize molecular nonlinear optical properties of collagen and determine a three‐dimensional (3D) orientation map of collagen fibers within a pig tendon. C6 symmetry is used to determine the nonlinear susceptibility tensor components ratios in the molecular frame of reference and , where the latter is a newly extracted parameter from the P‐SHG images and is related to the chiral structure of collagen. The is observed for collagen fibers tilted out of the image plane, and can have positive or negative values, revealing the relative polarity of collagen fibers within the tissue. The P‐SHG imaging was performed using a linear polarization‐in polarization‐out (PIPO) method on thin sections of pig tendon cut at different angles. The nonlinear chiral properties of collagen can be used to construct the 3D organization of collagen in the tissue and determine the orientation‐independent molecular susceptibility ratios of collagen fibers in the molecular frame of reference.
Linear and nonlinear optical effects in biophotonic structures using classical and nonclassical light
Authors: Verstraete Charlotte , Mouchet Sébastien R. , Verbiest Thierry , Kolaric Branko
Published: October 2018

In this perspective article, we review the optical study of different biophotonic geometries and biological structures using classical light in linear and nonlinear regime, especially highlighting the link between these morphologies and modern biomedical research. Additionally, the importance of nonlinear optical study in biological research, beyond traditional cell imaging is also highlighted and described. Finally, we present a short introduction regarding nonclassical light and describe the new future perspective of quantum optical study in biology, revealing the link between quantum realm and biological research.
Hydroxyapatite/collagen coating on PLGA electrospun fibers for osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Yang Xing , Li Yuanyuan , He Wei , Huang Qianli , Zhang Ranran , Feng Qingling
Published: October 2018

The architecture and composition of bone tissue engineering scaffolds play important roles in modulating the growth of bone tissue. Composite fibers composed of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) skeleton coated with hydroxyapatite (HA) or hydroxyapatite/collagen (HA/Col) were successfully produced via electrospinning, biomimetic process, and adsorption. The PLGA skeleton fabricated by electrospinning process with a nanofibrous structure (diameter ranging from 200 to 400 nm) showed a morphologic similarity to the extracellular matrix (ECM). SEM, EDX, and XRD analysis confirmed the presence of HA and Col on the composite fibers. Mesenchymal stem cells were used to evaluate the cellular behaviors including cell attachment and spreading, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation on these fibers (PLGA, PLGA/HA, and PLGA/HA/Col). The results demonstrated that the HA and HA/Col coating improved the interaction between mesenchymal stem cells and the composite fibers reflected by accelerated cell spreading, increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and enhanced expression of osteogenic‐related genes. The HA/Col coating was more effective in improving this interaction compared with HA coating. The PLGA/HA/Col composite fibers may be promising as a candidate scaffold for bone tissue engineering. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2863–2870, 2018.
Photoluminescent arginine‐functionalized polycitrate with enhanced cell activity and hemocompatibility for live cell bioimaging
Authors: Wang Min , Guo Yi , Ma Peter X. , Lei Bo
Published: October 2018

Development of biodegradable and highly biocompatible polymer with intrinsical photoluminescence and high photostability for real‐time live cell bioimaging has attracted much attention recently. Here, a biodegradable and amphiphilic poly (citrate)‐co‐poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) grafted with arginine (PCGA) polymer with intrinsical fluorescence was synthesized for targeted live cell bioimaging. The physicochemical structure, photoluminescent properties, hemocompatibility, cytotoxicity, and fluorescent bioimaging studies in live cells were determined in detail. PCGA showed a significantly high hemocompatibility, low cytotoxicity, and excellent photostability, which allows for imaging the live cells attachment and proliferation. Furthermore, PCGA could efficiently enhance cell attachment and proliferation due to the presence of arginine, suggesting their high cellular biocompatibility. Importantly, PCGA could selectively stain the lysosome in cells. Our results demonstrated that the amino acid‐based polymer functionalization may be an important strategy to develop multifunctional biomaterials with enhanced biocompatibility for targeted bioimaging, cancer therapy, and regenerative medicine. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 3175–3184, 2018.
Electrospun PCL/keratin/AuNPs mats with the catalytic generation of nitric oxide for potential of vascular tissue engineering
Authors: Wan Xiuzhen , Liu Pengcheng , Jin Xingxing , Xin Xuanxuan , Li Pengfei , Yuan Jiang , Shen Jian
Published: October 2018

Nitric oxide (NO)‐generating materials are beneficial for vascular tissue engineering (VTE) scaffold because the produced NO would enhance endothelial cells viability while inhibit smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and reduce platelet adhesion, resulting in ideal hemocompatibility and endothelialization. Herein, poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)/keratin biocomposite mats were first fabricated, followed by in situ gold (Au) nanoparticles loading to afford PCL/keratin/AuNPs mats. These mats were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The PCL/keratin/AuNPs mats were demonstrated to be capable of catalyzing NO release in the mimicked blood microenvironments. The generated NO could enhance human umbilical vein endothelial cell growth and inhibit human umbilical arterial SMC viability. In addition, these mats maintained the antibacterial activity of Au nanoparticles with good blood compatibility. Taken together, these keratin‐based composite mats have potential usage in the VTE. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 3239–3247, 2018.
Effect of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles and wedelolactone on osteoblastogenesis from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Dong Peipei , Zhu Di , Deng Xue , Zhang Yanjie , Ma Jinhui , Sun Xiaoxin , Liu Yanqiu
Published: October 2018

Regenerative medicine has a high demand for the development of scaffold materials combined with other osteogenic inducers to generate bioactive composite materials for bone replacement therapies. Previously, we reported that wedelolactone promoted osteoblastogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). In this study, the effect of hydroxyapatites (HAps), bone composite materials we prepared, and the combined effect of wedelolactone and HAps on osteoblastogenesis differentiation was first evaluated. Three kinds of HAps constructed by a rod‐like shape with particle size of 25 nm (HAp‐1), 37 nm (HAp‐2), and 33 nm (HAp‐3) did not affect BMSC survival, but induced activity of alkaline phosphatase(ALP), a marker enzyme for osteoblastogenesis. HAp‐1 treatment resulted in a more significant increase in the number of ALP staining‐positive BMSC, and maintained an extended time for the increased number of ALP staining‐positive BMSC. Moreover, HAp‐1 combined with wedelolactone induced a higher ALP activity for a longer time than HAp‐2 and HAp‐3, and also increased the bone mineralization level. Osteoblastogenesis‐related marker genes expression including osteorix, osteocalcin, and runx2 were increased after BMSC were treated with HAp‐1 for 6 days. Although three kinds of HAps treatment for 9 days increased osteorix mRNA expression, osteocalcin, and runx2 mRNA expression levels were upregulated only by HAp‐1. Similarly, only HAp‐1 enhanced wedelolactone‐induced osteocalcin, osteorix, and runx2 mRNA expression after 9 days treatment. Together, these results suggested that HAps with different sizes generated different effect on osteoblastogenesis. HAp‐1 combined with wedelolacone can exert an enhanced effect on osteoblastogenesis, which has potential for treating osteoporosis. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 145–153, 2019.
Synthesis, characterization, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticholinergic, and antiepileptic properties of novel N‐substituted tetrahydropyrimidines based on phenylthiourea
Authors: Maharramova Gunel , Taslimi Parham , Sujayev Afsun , Farzaliyev Vagif , Durmaz Lokman , Gulçin İlhami
Published: October 2018

In the presence of trifluoroacetic acid, on the basis of three‐component condensation of phenylthiourea with its salicylaldehyde and methyl‐3‐oxobutanoate, an efficient method for the synthesis of 1‐(4‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)‐6‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐2‐thioxo‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydropyrimidin‐5‐yl)ethanone (I) has been worked out. These novel N‐substituted tetrahydropyrimidines based on phenylthiourea showed good inhibitory action against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), α‐glycosidase, and human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) isoforms I and II. K
i values of AChE enzyme were in the range of 0.48 to 7.46 nM. The hCA I and II were effectively inhibited by the compounds, with
K
i values in the range of 502.44 to 923.11 nM for hCA I and 400.32 to 801.57 nM for hCA II, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the novel N‐substituted tetrahydropyrimidines based on phenylthiourea was investigated by using different in vitro antioxidant assays; including 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·) radical scavenging, Cu
2+ and Fe
3+ reducing activities.
Nebivolol enhances the effect of alendronate against methylprednisolone‐induced osteoporosis in rats
Authors: El‐Sayed El‐Sayed M , Abd El‐Aziz Abd El‐Aziz H , Amine Mohamed M
Published: October 2018

This study aimed to assess the possible modulatory effect of nebivolol against methylprednisolone‐induced osteoporosis in rats. Weekly administration of methylprednisolone (7 mg/kg), for six consecutive weeks caused significant increases in serum calcium, bone malondialdehyde, and hydroxyproline as well as serum alkaline phosphatase, but it significantly decreased serum phosphorous and osteocalcin, bone reduced glutathione, and nitric oxide (NO) as well as bone antioxidant enzymes activities compared with the control group. The results were confirmed by histopathological findings of femur bone. On the other hand, administration of alendronate (1 mg/kg) with nebivolol (1.5 mg/kg) orally and daily for seven consecutive days after methylprednisolone treatment caused marked mitigation in the above‐mentioned parameters compared with methylprednisolone group. In conclusion, nebivolol proved to enhance the effect of alendronate in modulating methylprednisolone osteoporotic effect, which might be attributed to its release of NO together with its profound reducing capability in the oxidative cascade of bone tissue.
Common health problems in safety‐net primary care: Modeling the roles of trauma history and mental health
Authors: Williams Allison B. , Smith Erin R. , Trujillo Michael A. , Perrin Paul B. , Griffin Sarah , Rybarczyk Bruce
Published: October 2018

Objective

This study described trauma exposure and investigated mediational effects of mental health on the relationships between trauma and pain, sleep, smoking, and general health.

Method

Participants were 210 low‐income primary care patients. The study used a crosssectional, self‐report survey design.

Results

Eighty‐five percent of the sample reported adult trauma and 54% reported four or more childhood traumas. Moderate or higher depression and anxiety levels were present in 59% and 48% of participants, respectively. Structural equation model fit was good for sleep, pain, and general health, showing that trauma indirectly affected health variables via mental health.

Conclusions

Participants endorsed substantial adult and childhood trauma, which likely had cascading effects on mental health and common primary care presenting health issues.
The psychometric properties of the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality rating scale
Authors: Corona Christopher D. , Gutierrez Peter M. , Wagner Barry M. , Jobes David A.
Published: October 2018

Objective

The CAMS Rating Scale (CRS) is an adherence measure for the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS), a suicide‐specific clinical intervention. This study examined the ability of the CRS to assess adherence to CAMS.

Methods

Video‐recorded therapy sessions of clinicians delivering either CAMS or Enhanced Care‐As‐Usual (E‐CAU) were rated with the CRS. These ratings (N = 98) were used to evaluate criterion validity, internal consistency, and factor structure.

Results

Criterion validity and factor analyses did not support the organization of the CRS into its current subscales. Furthermore, the identified factor model and item‐level statistics revealed weak CRS items. Finally, internal consistency was higher among CAMS clinicians than among clinicians delivering E‐CAU.

Conclusion

These results establish the CRS as a measure that can effectively assess the adherence to CAMS in its current form. Potential revisions to future iterations of the CRS are discussed.
Selective removal of tungstate anions from aqueous solutions by surface anion‐imprinted ceramic membranes
Authors: Dong Zhihui , Zeng Jianxian , Zhou Hu , Lv Chaoqiang , Ma Yichang , Zeng Jiehui
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

It is significantly important to develop new technologies and materials for removal of tungstate anions (W(VI)) from aqueous solutions. An ion imprinted membrane not only possesses all virtues of a separation membrane, but also has tailor‐made recognition sites. In this work, a novel surface anion‐imprinted ceramic membrane (IIP‐PEI/CM) was fabricated to remove W(VI) selectively from aqueous solutions.

RESULTS

FT‐IR, XPS, TGA, SEM, streaming potential, pore size distribution and water flux confirmed the successful fabrication of IIP‐PEI/CM. With increasing pH, binding capacities (Qe) of W(VI) onto IIP‐PEI/CM and non‐imprinted membrane (NIP‐PEI/CM) rapidly decreased. At pH = 2.0, Qe values of IIP‐PEI/CM and NIP‐PEI/CM were 139.4 and 47.9 mg 100 g−1, respectively. Binding equilibrium was achieved within 3 min, showing an ultra‐fast kinetic process. Compared with NIP‐PEI/CM, IIP‐PEI/CM had higher selectivity for W(VI) in the presence of Mo(VI) and Cr(VI) ions, and its selectivity coefficients for W(VI)/Mo(VI) and W(VI)/Cr(VI) were 15.47 and 19.74, respectively. During dynamic filtration, IIP‐PEI/CM was effective and selective for removal of W(VI), and it had a good reusability. Protonated amine groups within PEI participated the uptake of W(VI) by electrostatic interactions.

CONCLUSION

IIP‐PEI/CM showed ultrafast and selective binding of W(VI) anions, and has potential application for W(VI) removal/recovery from aqueous solutions. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The effects of endogenous and exogenous catecholamines on hypoxic cardiac performance in red‐bellied piranhas
Authors: Joyce William , Williams Catherine J. A. , Iversen Sofie , Henriksen Per Guldhammer , Bayley Mark , Wang Tobias
Published: October 2018

Catecholamines protect the fish heart during hypoxia. However, the humoral adrenergic stress response may only be invoked in extremis. We investigated the hypothesis that endogenous (e.g., neuronal) myocardial catecholamines may also impact cardiac performance during hypoxia in a hypoxia‐tolerant tropical fish, the red‐bellied piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri). First, we measured endogenous tissue catecholamines and in vitro catecholamine release from piranha myocardium using ultraperformance liquid chromatography. Ventricle homogenates contained detectable levels of both adrenaline (7.27 ng/g) and noradrenaline (14.48 ng/g), but only noradrenaline was released from ventricular tissue incubated in Ringer’s solution. Noradrenaline released in this assay was not affected by hypoxia but was promoted by the catecholamine releasing agent tyramine. Our second series of experiments explored cardiac contractile performance in vitro using tyramine, exogenous noradrenaline or adrenaline, and propranolol (a β‐adrenoceptor antagonist). In ventricular strip preparations, β‐adrenergic blockade with propranolol had no effects on twitch force or contraction kinetics in either normoxia or hypoxia, confirming that spontaneous endogenous catecholamine release did not impact cardiac performance. However, in the absence of propranolol, tyramine mimicked the positive inotropic effect of noradrenaline (10 µM) during hypoxia, although adrenaline was capable of generating larger effects. Our results suggest that, although it is not spontaneously released, inducible endogenous noradrenaline release may have a significant β‐adrenoceptor‐dependent impact on hypoxic performance in the fish heart.
Light at night affects hippocampal and nidopallial cytoarchitecture: Implication for impairment of brain function in diurnal corvids
Authors: Taufique Sheikh Tahajjul , Prabhat Abhilash , Kumar Vinod
Published: October 2018

Our previous studies have shown that light at night (LAN) impaired cognitive performance and affected neurogenesis and neurochemistry in the cognition‐associated brain regions, particularly the hippocampus (HP) and lateral caudal nidopallium (NCL) of Indian house crows (Corvus splendens). Here, we examined the cytoarchitecture and mapped out the morphology of neurons and glia–neuron density in HP and NCL regions of crows that were first entrained to 12‐hr light (LL): 12‐hr darkness (LD) and then exposed to the light regime in which 12‐hr darkness was either replaced by daytime light (i.e., constant light, LL) or by dim light (i.e., dim light at night, dLAN), with controls continued on LD 12:12. Compared with LD, there was a significant decrease in the soma size, suggesting reduced neuronal plasticity without affecting the neuronal density of both HP and NCL of crows under LL and dLAN conditions. In parallel, we found a reduced number of glia cells and, hence, decreased glia–neuron ratio positively correlated with soma size in both, HP and NCL regions. These results for the first time demonstrate LAN‐induced negative effects on the brain cytoarchitecture of a diurnal species and give insight for possible influence on the brain health and functions in animals including humans that might be inadvertently exposed to LAN in an emerging night‐illuminated urban environment.
Strong chromatic index of unit distance graphs
Authors: Dębski Michał
Published: October 2018

The strong chromatic index of a graph , denoted by , is defined as the least number of colors in a coloring of edges of , such that each color class is an induced matching (or: if edges and have the same color, then both vertices of are not adjacent to any vertex of ). A graph is a
unit distance graph in if vertices of can be uniquely identified with points in , so that is an edge of if and only if the Euclidean distance between the points identified with and is 1. We would like to find the largest possible value of , where is a unit distance graph (in and ) of maximum degree . We show that , where is a unit distance graph in of maximum degree . We also show that the maximum possible size of a strong clique in unit distance graph in is linear in and give a tighter result for unit distance graphs in the plane.
Improved, one‐pot synthesis of 6‐[18F]fluorodopamine and quality control testing for use in patients with neuroblastoma
Authors: Vāvere Amy L. , Neumann Kiel D. , Butch Elizabeth R. , Hu Bao , DiMagno Stephen G. , Snyder Scott E.
Published: October 2018

6‐[18F]Fluorodopamine ([18F]F‐DA) is taken into cells via the norepinephrine transporter (NET). Recent [18F]F‐DA positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET‐CT) imaging of adult neuroendocrine tumors shows a dramatic improvement in sensitivity over the standard‐of‐care, meta‐iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)–CT. A new precursor (ALPdopamine™) allows no‐carrier‐added synthesis resulting in high–molar activity [18F]F‐DA. Automated synthesis of [18F]F‐DA was performed in a single reactor using a two‐step procedure: 1) fluorination via thermolysis of a diaryliodonium salt precursor, followed by 2) acid hydrolysis. Phase transfer agents, Kryptofix 222 and two tetraalkylammonium salts, were investigated. Optimized synthesis of [18F]F‐DA was achieved in 56 to 60 minutes (26% end of synthesis [EOS], nondecay corrected). The product passed all Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–required quality control testing for human use. Accumulation of [18F]F‐DA in SK‐N‐BE(2)‐C (high NET expression) cells was significantly higher than in SH‐EP (minimal NET expression) cells (P < 0.0001). ALPdopamine provides an effective scaffold for the routine production of [18F]F‐DA for human use. Validation of uptake by neuroblastoma (NB) cell lines supports the use of [18F]F‐DA for imaging NB patients. A pediatric NB imaging trial using [18F]F‐DA PET has been approved (Investigational New Drug application (IND) no. 138638) based on the methods reported here. We expect [18F]F‐DA will be localized in NB tumors and that high‐quality functional images will be obtained within minutes after injection.
A [11C] CO dispensing system for rapid screening of carbonylation reactions
Authors: Van der Wildt Berend , Shen Bin , Chin Frederick T.
Published: October 2018

[11C] CO is a highly versatile synthon that allows for labeling at carbonyl positions of many molecules by means of transition metal‐mediated carbonylation reactions. The intrinsic complexity of carbonylation reactions often requires tedious screening of reaction conditions for obtaining satisfying yields. Herein, a [11C] CO dispending system for performing multiple reactions with a single batch of cyclotron‐produced [11C]CO2 is described. This semiautomated setup allows for more rapid and efficient screening of reactions and reaction conditions compared with the traditional “one beam for one reaction” strategy.
Quantitative MRI of visually intact rotator cuff muscles by multiecho Dixon‐based fat quantification and diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Kälin Pascal S. , Huber Florian A. , Hamie Qeumars M. , Issler Lydia S. , Farshad‐Amacker Nadja A. , Ulbrich Erika J. , Guggenberger Roman
Published: October 2018

Background

Quantitative MRI allows assessment of shoulder rotator cuff (RC) muscles by Dixon MR sequences with calculation of fractional fat content (FF%) maps and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) including tractography.

Purpose

To compare FF% and DTI derived parameters among visually intact RC muscles, to compare 2D with 3D DTI measurements and to establish normative values.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Forty patients aged >18 years undergoing shoulder MR arthrography were included.

Field Strength/Sequence

MR arthrography of the shoulder including 3D multiecho Dixon and 3D echo‐planar DTI sequences (15 gradient encoding directions, b‐value 600 s/mm2) was performed at 3.0T.

Assessment

Muscles affected by RC tears or fatty infiltration of Goutallier grade ≥1 were excluded. Two independent radiologists measured FF%, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and fractional anisotropy (FA) by region‐of‐interest (ROI) placements at the Y‐position of the scapula and 3D tractography of each muscle with qualitative evaluation was performed.

Statistical Tests

Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Cohen's kappa were used for interreader agreement and Pearson correlation coefficient to correlate quantitative measures with each other and age, independent‐samples t‐test, one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Kruskal–Wallis test were performed to investigate differences between genders and muscles.

Results

Qualitative and quantitative measurements showed moderate (κ = 0.41–0.56) to almost perfect (ICC = 0.75–0.99) agreement. There were weak but significant positive correlations of FF% with age (r = 0.273, P < 0.05) and FA‐2D (r = 0.319–0.383, P < 0.05). Significant differences were found among RC muscles for ADC, radial diffusivity (RD), and tract homogeneity (all P < 0.05) but not between genders (all P ≥ 0.05). High correlations of 2D with 3D measurements for ADC (r = 0.639, P < 0.001) and FA (r = 0.628, P < 0.001) were seen.

Data Conclusion

Quantitative MRI with estimation of FF% and DTI parameters shows significant age‐associated changes and differences among visually intact RC muscles. High reproducibility and correlations of 2D with 3D DTI measurements can be expected.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:109–117.
Evaluation of Effects of TGF‐β1 Inhibition on Gastric Cancer in Nude Mice by Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging and In‐Line X‐ray Phase Contrast Imaging With Sequential Histology
Authors: Shi Bowen , Yuan Fei , Yan Fuhua , Zhang Huan , Pan Zilai , Chen Weibo , Wang Guilong , Tan Jingwen , Zhang Yang , Ren Yuqi , Du Lianjun
Published: October 2018

Background

Accurate and complete response evaluation after treatment is important to implement individualized therapy for gastric cancer.

Purpose

To investigate the effectiveness of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and in‐line X‐ray phase contrast imaging (ILXPCI) in the assessment of the therapeutic efficacy by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1) inhibition.

Study Type

Prospective animal study.

Animal Model

Thirty nude mice subcutaneous xenotransplantation tumor model of gastric cancer for DKI and 10 peritoneal metastasis nude mice model for ILXPCI.

Field Strength/Sequence

Examinations before and serially at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after TGF‐β1 inhibition treatment were performed at 3T MRI including T2‐weighted imaging (T2WI) and DKI with five b values of 0, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 s/mm2; ILXPCI examinations were performed at 14 days after treatment.

Assessment

DKI parameters (apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC], diffusivity [D] and kurtosis [K]) were calculated by two experienced radiologists after postprocessing.

Statistical Tests

For the differences in all the parameters between the baseline and each timepoint for both the treated and the control mice, the Mann–Whitney test was used. The Spearman correlation test was used to evaluate correlations among the DKI parameters and corresponding pathologic necrosis fraction (NF).

Results

ADC, D, and K values were significantly different between the two groups after treatment (P < 0.05). Serial measurements in the treated group showed that the ADC, D, and K values were significantly different at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days compared with baseline (P < 0.05). There were significant correlations between DKI parameters and NF (ADC, r = 0.865, P < 0.001; D, r = 0.802, P < 0.001; K, r = –0.944, P < 0.001). The ILXPCI results in the treated group showed a stronger absorption area than the control group.

Data Conclusion

DKI may be used to evaluate the complete course therapeutic effects of gastric cancer induced by TGF‐β1 inhibition, and the ILXPCI technique will improve the tumor microstructure resolution.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 4

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1553–1564.
Evaluation of Focal Laser Ablation of Prostate Cancer Using High Spectral and Spatial Resolution Imaging: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wang Shiyang , Fan Xiaobing , Yousuf Ambereen , Eggener Scott E. , Karczmar Gregory , Oto Aytekin
Published: October 2018

Background

Focal laser ablation (FLA) is a minimally invasive thermal ablation, guided by MRI through an optical fiber, to induce coagulative necrosis in cancer.

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of high spectral and spatial resolution imaging using multiecho gradient echo (MEGE) MRI for identification of ablation zones, after FLA of prostate cancers.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Fourteen patients with biopsy‐confirmed localized prostate cancers.

Field Strength/Sequence

FLA was performed under monitored conscious sedation with a 1.5T MRI scanner. Axial MEGE images were acquired before and after the last FLA. Pre‐ and postcontrast enhanced T1‐weighted (pT1W) images were acquired to assess the FLA zone as a reference standard.

Assessment

The maps and water resonance peak height (WPH) images were calculated from the MEGE data. Ablation area was outlined using an active contour method. The maximum ablation area and total ablation volume were calculated from and WPH images, and compared with the sizes measured from pT1W images.

Statistical Tests

Nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis tests were performed to determine whether there was significant difference in calculated ablation areas and volumes between , WPH, and pT1W images.

Results

Average (38.9 ± 14.1 msec) in the ablation area was significantly shorter (P = 0.03) than the preablation area (57.8 ± 25.3 msec). The normalized WPH value over the ablation area (1.3 ± 0.6) was significantly decreased (P = 0.02) more than the preablation area (2.0 ± 0.9). The maximum ablation areas measured by (295.7 ± 96.4 mm2), WPH (312.2 ± 63.0 mm2), and pT1W (320.3 ± 82.9 mm2) images were all similar. Furthermore, there was no significant difference (P = 0.31) for measured ablation volumes 3310.5 ± 649.5, 3406.4 ± 684.9, and 3672.5 ± 832.4 mm3 between , WPH, and pT1W images, respectively.

Data Conclusion

and WPH images provide acceptable measurements of ablation zones during FLA treatment of prostate cancers without the need for contrast agent injection. This might allow repeated assessment following each heating period so that subsequent ablations can be optimized.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 5

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1374–1380.
Epidemiology of human adenovirus infection in children hospitalized with lower respiratory tract infections in Hunan, China
Authors: Xie Leyun , Zhang Bing , Xiao Niguang , Zhang Fei , Zhao Xin , Liu Qin , Xie Zhiping , Gao Hanchun , Duan Zhaojun , Zhong Lili
Published: October 2018

To investigate the current genotypes of circulating human adenovirus (HAdV) strains, we molecularly genotyped HAdV in the nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs) of patients with acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTIs) and attempted to determine their associations with clinical symptoms. A total of 4751 NPA samples were collected from 4751 patients admitted to Hunan Provincial People's Hospital from September 2007 to March 2014, of which 447 (9.4%) samples were HAdV positive. Fourteen different HAdV types were identified; HAdV types 1 to 7 (HAdV 1‐7) were identified in 95.7% of the 447 NPA samples with HAdV‐7 and HAdV‐3 being the most prevalent. In addition, 93.3% (417 of 447) of patients were younger than 5 years. The incidence of HAdV infection peaked in summer. Different HAdV types showed a predilection for different age groups and different seasonal distribution patterns. Coinfection of HAdVs and other respiratory viruses was detected in 63.3% (283 of 447) of the HAdV‐positive samples. The most common clinical diagnosis was pneumonia and the most common symptoms were fever and cough. In comparison with children infected with HAdV‐3 alone, those infected with HAdV‐7 alone had an increased frequency of severe pneumonia involvement (11.6% vs 32.4%; P = 0.031), higher intensive care unit admission rates (7.0% vs 26.5%; P = 0.019), and a longer length of hospital stay (P = 0.03). Mixed infections in younger children were associated with a longer hospital stay (P = 0.023). Our results demonstrate the recent changes in the trends of circulating HAdV genotypes associated with ALRTIs in Hunan China.
The Horizon and History of Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society
Authors: Hiraoka Masayasu
Published: October 2018

The Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) has grown very rapidly and efficiently after its founding in 2008. The success of our organization and rapid growth was due to the enthusiastic support by pioneer electrophysiologists and efforts by many physicians to cure heart rhythm disorders. With the experience of preceding arrhythmia symposia of inter‐cities or international basis in the region, the organization could quickly grow to become APHRS. The mission of APHRS is to promote basic research and improve clinical practice, optimize care of patients with heart rhythm disorders, and to train and encourage young physicians to actively participate and promote the activity of our society.
Hypoalbuminemia: Pathogenesis and Clinical Significance
Authors: Soeters Peter B. , Wolfe Robert R. , Shenkin Alan
Published: October 2018

Hypoalbuminemia is associated with inflammation. Despite being addressed repeatedly in the literature, there is still confusion regarding its pathogenesis and clinical significance. Inflammation increases capillary permeability and escape of serum albumin, leading to expansion of interstitial space and increasing the distribution volume of albumin. The half‐life of albumin has been shown to shorten, decreasing total albumin mass. These 2 factors lead to hypoalbuminemia despite increased fractional synthesis rates in plasma. Hypoalbuminemia, therefore, results from and reflects the inflammatory state, which interferes with adequate responses to events like surgery or chemotherapy, and is associated with poor quality of life and reduced longevity. Increasing or decreasing serum albumin levels are adequate indicators, respectively, of improvement or deterioration of the clinical state. In the interstitium, albumin acts as the main extracellular scavenger, antioxidative agent, and as supplier of amino acids for cell and matrix synthesis. Albumin infusion has not been shown to diminish fluid requirements, infection rates, and mortality in the intensive care unit, which may imply that there is no body deficit or that the quality of albumin “from the shelf” is unsuitable to play scavenging and antioxidative roles. Management of hypoalbuminaemia should be based on correcting the causes of ongoing inflammation rather than infusion of albumin. After the age of 30 years, muscle mass and function slowly decrease, but this loss is accelerated by comorbidity and associated with decreasing serum albumin levels. Nutrition support cannot fully prevent, but slows down, this chain of events, especially when combined with physical exercise.
International neuromonitoring study group guidelines 2018: Part II: Optimal recurrent laryngeal nerve management for invasive thyroid cancer—incorporation of surgical, laryngeal, and neural electrophysiologic data
Authors: Wu Che‐Wei , Dionigi Gianlorenzo , Barczynski Marcin , Chiang Feng‐Yu , Dralle Henning , Schneider Rick , Al‐Quaryshi Zaid , Angelos Peter , Brauckhoff Katrin , Brooks Jennifer A. , Cernea Claudio R. , Chaplin John , Chen Amy Y. , Davies Louise , Diercks Gill R. , Duh Quan Yang , Fundakowski Christopher , Goretzki Peter E. , Hales Nathan W. , Hartl Dana , Kamani Dipti , Kandil Emad , Kyriazidis Natalia , Liddy Whitney , Miyauchi Akira , Orloff Lisa , Rastatter Jeff C. , Scharpf Joseph , Serpell Jonathan , Shin Jennifer J. , Sinclair Catherine F. , Stack Brendan C. , Tolley Neil S. , Slycke Sam Van , Snyder Samuel K. , Urken Mark L. , Volpi Erivelto , Witterick Ian , Wong Richard J. , Woodson Gayle , Zafereo Mark , Randolph Gregory W.
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this publication was to inform surgeons as to the modern state‐of‐the‐art evidence‐based guidelines for management of the recurrent laryngeal nerve invaded by malignancy through blending the domains of 1) surgical intraoperative information, 2) preoperative glottic function, and 3) intraoperative real‐time electrophysiologic information. These guidelines generated by the International Neural Monitoring Study Group (INMSG) are envisioned to assist the clinical decision‐making process involved in recurrent laryngeal nerve management during thyroid surgery by incorporating the important information domains of not only gross surgical findings but also intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve functional status and preoperative laryngoscopy findings. These guidelines are presented mainly through algorithmic workflow diagrams for convenience and the ease of application. These guidelines are published in conjunction with the INMSG Guidelines Part I: Staging Bilateral Thyroid Surgery With Monitoring Loss of Signal.

Level of Evidence: 5

Laryngoscope, 128:S18–S27, 2018