bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retracted: Long noncoding RNA Alu‐mediated p21 transcriptional regulator promotes proliferation, migration, and pipe‐formation of human microvascular endothelial cells by sponging miR‐126
Authors: Song Aiping , Feng Rong , Gao Jianying , Yang Chunqing
Published: July 2019

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a serious hazard to the elderly in the lower extremity atherosclerotic plaque, accompanied by a large number of angiogenesis. Long noncoding RNA Alu‐mediated p21 transcriptional regulator (APTR) exerts important functions in promoting cell growth. Therefore, we planned to research the mechanism of APTR in angiogenesis in PAD. CCK‐8 assay, flow cytometry analysis, and migration assay were to detect cell viability, apoptosis, and migration respectively. The interaction between APTR and miR‐12 was tested through luciferase activity test. In vitro angiogenesis assay was used to test the number of tubular cells. qRT‐PCR and Western blot were to test expression of APTR, miR‐126, and angiogenesis relative factors. There was spontaneously pipe‐formation in HEMC‐1 cells under matrigel condition. Knockdown of APTR inhibited cell viability and migration and reduced the number of tubular cells. Further, APTR sponged miR‐126 and downregulating miR‐126 to promote angiogenesis. Overexpression of APTR promoted cell activity and migration and increased the number of tubular cells via negatively regulating miR‐126. APTR could elevate activating phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B and mitogen extracellular kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signal pathways via negatively regulating miR‐126 to promote cell proliferation, migration, and pipe‐formation. We researched the mechanism of angiogenesis that APTR elevated proliferation, migration, and pipe‐formation via negatively regulating miR‐126.
An evaluation of different Cripto‐1 antibodies and their variable results
Authors: Gudbergsson Johann Mar , Duroux Meg
Published: July 2019

Cripto‐1 is a protein expressed during embryonal development and has been linked to several malignant processes in cancer. Since the discovery of cripto‐1 in the late 1980s, it has become a subject of biomarker investigation in several types of cancer which in many cases relies on immunolocalization of cripto‐1 using antibodies. Investigating cripto‐1 expression and localization in primary glioblastoma cells, we discovered nonspecific binding of cripto‐1 antibody to the extracellular matrix Geltrex. A panel of four cripto‐1 antibodies was investigated with respect to their binding to the Geltrex matrix and to the cripto‐1 positive control cells NTERA2. The cripto‐1 expression was varied for the different antibodies with respect to cellular localization and fixation methods. To further elaborate on these findings, we present a systematic review of cripto‐1 antibodies found in the literature and highlight some possible cross reactants with data on sequence alignments and structural comparison of EGF domains.
Histamine induces intracellular Ca2+ oscillations and nitric oxide release in endothelial cells from brain microvascular circulation
Authors: Berra‐Romani Roberto , Faris Pawan , Pellavio Giorgia , Orgiu Matteo , Negri Sharon , Forcaia Greta , Var‐‐‐gaz‐Guadarrama Verónica , Garcia‐Carrasco Mario , Botta Laura , Sancini Giulio , Laforenza Umberto , Moccia Francesco
Published: July 2019

The neuromodulator histamine is able to vasorelax in human cerebral, meningeal and temporal arteries via endothelial histamine 1 receptors (H1Rs) which result in the downstream production of nitric oxide (NO), the most powerful vasodilator transmitter in the brain. Although endothelial Ca
2+ signals drive histamine‐induced NO release throughout the peripheral circulation, the mechanism by which histamine evokes NO production in human cerebrovascular endothelial cells is still unknown. Herein, we exploited the human cerebral microvascular endothelial cell line, hCMEC/D3, to assess the role of intracellular Ca
2+ signaling in histamine‐induced NO release. To achieve this goal, hCMEC/D3 cells were loaded with the Ca
2+‐ and NO‐sensitive dyes, Fura‐2/AM and DAF‐FM/AM, respectively. Histamine elicited repetitive oscillations in intracellular Ca
2+ concentration in hCMEC/D3 cells throughout a concentration range spanning from 1 pM up to 300 μM. The oscillatory Ca
2+ response was suppressed by the inhibition of H
1Rs with pyrilamine, whereas H
1R was abundantly expressed at the protein level. We further found that histamine‐induced intracellular Ca
2+ oscillations were initiated by endogenous Ca
2+ mobilization through inositol‐1,4,5‐trisphosphate‐ and nicotinic acid dinucleotide phosphate‐sensitive channels and maintained over time by store‐operated Ca
2+ entry. In addition, histamine evoked robust NO release that was prevented by interfering with the accompanying intracellular Ca
2+ oscillations, thereby confirming that the endothelial NO synthase is recruited by Ca
2+ spikes also in hCMEC/D3 cells. These data provide the first evidence that histamine evokes NO production from human cerebrovascular endothelial cells through intracellular Ca
2+ oscillations, thereby shedding novel light on the mechanisms by which this neuromodulator controls cerebral blood flow.
Tobacco cigarette smoking exacerbates aortic calcification in an early stage of myocardial infarction in a female mouse model
Authors: Zalghout Sara , Kaplan Abdullah , Abidi Emna , El‐Achkar Ghewa A. , Nour‐Eldine Wared , Khalil Asmaa A. , Kobeissy Firas , Husari Ahmad , Habib Aida , Zouein Fouad A. , Hamade Eva
Published: July 2019

Despite increased social awareness, marketing restraints, tobacco taxation, and available smoking cessation rehab programs, active and passive smoking remain a worldwide challenging epidemic and a key risk factor for cardiovascular diseases development. Although cardiovascular (CV) protection is more pronounced in women than in men due to estrogenic effects, tobacco cigarette smoking exposure seems to alter this protection by modulating estrogen actions via undefined mechanisms. Premenopausal cigarette smoking women are at higher risk of adverse CV effects than non‐smokers. In this study, we investigated the impact of cigarette smoking on early CV injury after myocardial infarction (MI) in non‐menopausal female mice. Aortic arch calcification, fibrosis, reactive oxygen species, and gene expression of inflammatory and calcification genes were exaggerated in mice exposed to cigarette smoke (CS). These findings suggest that aortic injury following MI, characterized by vascular smooth muscle cells transdifferentiation, calcification, inflammation, and collagen deposition but not cardiac dysfunction is exacerbated with CS exposure. The novel findings of this study highlight the importance of aortic injury on short and long‐term prognosis in CS‐exposed MI females. Linking those findings to estrogen alteration is probable and entails investigation.
Identification of a four‐gene metabolic signature predicting overall survival for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Gao‐Min , Xie Wen‐Xuan , Zhang Cai‐Yun , Xu Ji‐Wei
Published: July 2019

While hundreds of consistently altered metabolic genes had been identified in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the prognostic role of them remains to be further elucidated. Messenger RNA expression profiles and clinicopathological data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas—Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma and GSE14520 data set from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Univariate Cox regression analysis and lasso Cox regression model established a novel four‐gene metabolic signature (including acetyl‐CoA acetyltransferase 1, glutamic‐oxaloacetic transaminase 2, phosphatidylserine synthase 2, and uridine‐cytidine kinase 2) for HCC prognosis prediction. Patients in the high‐risk group shown significantly poorer survival than patients in the low‐risk group. The signature was significantly correlated with other negative prognostic factors such as higher α‐fetoprotein. The signature was found to be an independent prognostic factor for HCC survival. Nomogram including the signature shown some clinical net benefit for overall survival prediction. Furthermore, gene set enrichment analyses revealed several significantly enriched pathways, which might help explain the underlying mechanisms. Our study identified a novel robust four‐gene metabolic signature for HCC prognosis prediction. The signature might reflect the dysregulated metabolic microenvironment and provided potential biomarkers for metabolic therapy and treatment response prediction in HCC.
Predictors of invasive cancer of large laterally spreading colorectal tumors: A multicenter study in Japan
Authors: Kobayashi Kiyonori , Tanaka Shinji , Murakami Yoshitaka , Ishikawa Hideki , Sada Miwa , Oka Shiro , Saito Yutaka , Iishi Hiroyasu , Kudo Shin‐ei , Ikematsu Hiroaki , Igarashi Masahiro , Saitoh Yusuke , Inoue Yuji , Hisabe Takashi , Tsuruta Osamu , Sano Yasushi , Yamano Hiroo , Shimizu Seiji , Yahagi Naohisa , Matsuda Keiji , Nakamura Hisashi , Fujii Takahiro , Sugihara Kenichi ,   the Colorectal Endoscopic Resection Standardization Implementation Working Group of the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum
Published: July 2019

Background and Aim

Although colorectal laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) can be classified into four subtypes, the histopathological characteristics are known to differ among these subtypes. We therefore performed a logistic regression analysis to determine whether the risk of pathological T1 cancer of large colorectal LSTs can be predicted based on factors such as endoscopic findings in a large group of patients enrolled in a multicenter study in Japan.

Methods

In the main study, we assessed 1236 colorectal adenomas or early cancers that were classified as LSTs measuring 20 mm or more in diameter and treated endoscopically. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine whether factors such as the subtype of LST could be used to predict the risk of pathological T1 cancer. A validation study of 356 large colorectal LSTs was conducted to confirm the validity of the results obtained in the main study.

Results

The locations and tumor diameter of the LSTs in the main study were found to differ significantly according to the LST subclassification (P < 0.001). The frequency of pathological T1 cancers was the highest at 36% of LST nongranular pseudodepressed type, followed by 14% of LST nongranular flat‐elevated type, 11% of LST granular nodular mixed type, and 3% of LST granular homogenous type lesions. The risk of pathological T1 cancer was significantly associated with LST subclassification and tumor diameter. The area under the curve (AUC) was high (0.743). In the validation study, the AUC was 0.573.

Conclusions

In patients with large colorectal LSTs resected endoscopically, the risk of pathological T1 cancer can be predicted on the basis of the LST subclassification and tumor diameter.
Future liver remnant portal or hepatic vein reconstruction at stage I of ALPPS—How far can we push the boundaries?
Authors: Schlegel Andrea , Sakuraoka Yuhki , Kalisvaart Marit , Coldham Chris , Isaac John , Muiesan Paolo
Published: July 2019

Preservation of the future liver remnant (FLR) vascular integrity has always been considered crucial to achieving successful liver growths after major hepatectomies. Most surgeons appeared therefore reluctant to combine stage I of associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) with vascular reconstructions. Here we describe a case series, where we combine parenchymal transection and venous in‐ or outflow reconstruction of the FLR at stage I of ALPPS. In addition, the cold flush of the FLR or delayed portal vein embolization is applied in selected cases.
Summary of hands‐on supermicrosurgery course and live surgeries at 8th world symposium for lymphedema surgery
Authors: Pappalardo Marco , Chang David W. , Masia Jaume , Koshima Isao , Cheng Ming‐Huei
Published: July 2019

The hands‐on supermicrosurgery course provided participants a valuable learning experience of in‐depth practices of supermicrosurgical skills with experts. Seven live surgeries were successfully demonstrated at 8th World Symposium for Lymphedema Surgery. Variable donor sites for vascularized lymph node transfer were the submental, supraclavicular, groin, and omental; while the recipient sites included the wrist and axilla in upper limb; and popliteal and groin in the lower limb. The therapeutic and preventive lymphovenous anastomosis was also satisfactorily performed.
Separation of antipyretic analgesics by open tubular capillary electrochromatography with homopolymer coatings
Authors: Liu Lili , Qiao Juan , Zhang Hongyi , Qi Li
Published: July 2019

This study developed an open‐tubular capillary electrochromatography protocol for the analysis of antipyretic analgesic drugs, which used a multifunctional homopolymer as coating. A controlled/living radical polymerization strategy was adopted to obtain poly(N‐acryloxysuccinimide) with a tunable chain‐length. The homopolymer coating enhanced the separation performance by contributing to the hydrophobic and hydrogen‐bonding interactions between the analytes and the homopolymer. The effect of polymer chain‐length and buffer pH and concentration on the separation efficiency was evaluated. In this approach, baseline separation of the three test drugs was achieved within 15 min. The repeatability of the prepared homopolymer coating was investigated, with the relative standard deviations < 2.88% observed in intra‐ and interday runs. Good linearity in the 5–800 µM range (R2 ≥ 0.998) demonstrates that accurate quantitative analysis of real samples was achieved. Moreover, the proposed assay was used to quantify the three drugs (aminopyrine, 4‐aminoantipyrine, and phenacetin) in urine samples, achieving recovery rates between 92.1 and 108.7%. This promising methodology may be used for the analysis of drugs in real bio‐samples and for the development of unique homopolymer coatings for open‐tubular capillary electrochromatography systems.
Seagrass restoration reestablishes the coastal nitrogen filter through enhanced burial
Authors: Aoki Lillian R. , McGlathery Karen J. , Oreska Matthew P. J.
Published: July 2019

Seagrass meadows perform an important ecological function as filters for incoming nutrients from surrounding watersheds, especially nitrogen (N). By enhancing N removal processes, including N burial in sediments and denitrification, seagrass meadows improve water quality. With accelerating losses of seagrass meadows worldwide, seagrass restoration plays a key role in reestablishing these coastal ecosystem functions. However, few measurements exist of N burial rates in temperate seagrass meadows and none have been published for restored meadows. In this study, we measured N burial rates in a large (6.9 km2) restored eelgrass (Zostera marina) meadow and compared N removal through burial to previous measurements of removal via denitrification. We also compared N removal to inputs from external loading and fixation and to N assimilation in seagrass biomass. We found that, in this meadow, burial was the dominant process of N removal; the burial rate of 3.52 g N m−2 yr−1 was comparable to rates in natural meadows within 10 yr after seeding and was more than 20× the rate in adjacent bare sediments (0.17 g N m−2 yr−1). We also found that the high rates of N assimilation (2.62 g N m−2 yr−1) created a substantial though temporary sink for nitrogen during the growing season. Our results highlight how seagrass meadows mediate N cycling through high rates of burial, which to date has been understudied in the literature. The successful return of the N filter function after restoration, shown here for the first time, can motivate continued efforts for seagrass restoration and conservation.
Ocean acidification alters meiobenthic assemblage composition and organic matter degradation rates in seagrass sediments
Authors: Ravaglioli Chiara , Lardicci Claudio , Pusceddu Antonio , Arpe Eleonora , Bianchelli Silvia , Buschi Emanuela , Bulleri Fabio
Published: July 2019

Seagrass meadows are an important organic matter (OM) reservoir but, are currently being lost due to global and regional stressors. Yet, there is limited research investigating the cumulative impacts of anthropogenic stressors on the structure and functioning of seagrass benthic assemblages, key drivers of OM mineralization and burial. Here, using a 16‐month field experiment, we assessed how meiobenthic assemblages and extracellular enzymatic activities (as a proxy of OM degradation) in Posidonia oceanica sediments responded to ocean acidification (OA) and nutrient loadings, at CO2 vents. P. oceanica meadows were exposed to three nutrient levels (control, moderate, and high) at both ambient and low pH sites. OA altered meiobenthic assemblage structure, resulting in increased abundance of annelids and crustaceans, along with a decline in foraminifera. In addition, low pH enhanced OM degradation rates in seagrass sediments by enhancing extracellular enzymatic activities, potentially decreasing the sediment carbon storage capacity of seagrasses. Nutrient enrichment had no effect on the response variables analyzed, suggesting that, under nutrient concentration unlikely to cause N or P imitation, a moderate increase of dissolved nutrients in the water column had limited influence on meiobenthic assemblages. These findings show that OA can significantly alter meiobenthic assemblage structure and enhance OM degradation rates in seagrass sediments. As meiofauna are ubiquitous key actors in the functioning of benthic ecosystems, we postulated that OA, altering the structure of meiobenthic assemblages and OM degradation, could affect organic carbon sequestration over large spatial scales.
Non‐Ablative Fractional 1,540‐nm Er:Glass Laser in the Treatment of Atrophic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Scars
Authors: Taheri Ahmad Reza , Mashayekhi‐Goyonlo Vahid , Salehi Maryam , Mohammadzadeh Hamideh
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of nonablative fractional 1,540 nm laser to treat the atrophic scars caused by the cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL).

Methods

This clinical trial with a pre‐ and a posttreatment measurement was conducted on patients with atrophic CL scars. The lesions were treated with nonablative fractional 1,540 nm laser. We evaluated the patients initially and then monthly, before each treatment session. The final follow‐up was done 6 months after the end of study for all patients. Patient assessment was performed by two physicians using the modified Manchester Scar Scale (MSS) as well as the interpretation of captured digital photographs. Moreover, the patients performed a self‐assessment by filling in a researcher‐made questionnaire. The data were statistically analyzed by SPSS software. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Thirty patients with 37 skin lesions participated in the study. The pairwise comparison demonstrated a statistically significant difference between the modified MSS parameters (P < 0.05); however, no significant difference was observed between the modified MSS of the third and fourth (P = 0.82) as well as fourth and fifth (P = 0.636) sessions. The lesions improvement was significant based on the physician's evaluation (P < 0.001). Furthermore, patients’ level of satisfaction was significantly increased in all six follow‐ups (P < 0.001). No persistent complication was found.

Conclusions

Nonablative fractional 1,540 nm laser is an effective and safe therapeutic choice for atrophic CL, even in darker skins. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐temperature corrosion behavior of some post‐plasma‐spraying‐gas‐nitrided metallic coatings on a Fe‐based superalloy
Authors: Chawla Vikas , Sidhu Buta S. , Rani Amita , Handa Amit
Published: July 2019

The objective of the present study is to propose a cost‐effective process for modifying commercially available coatings by gas nitriding using commonly available equipment and starting materials. Al–Cr and Ti–Al metallic coatings were deposited on Superfer 800H (Fe‐based superalloy) using a plasma spray process. Then the gas nitriding of the coatings was done in the lab and the parameters were optimized after conducting several trials on plasma‐sprayed‐coated specimens. Characterization and high‐temperature corrosion behavior of coatings after exposure to air and molten salt at 900°C were studied under cyclic conditions. Techniques like XRD, SEM/EDX, and X‐ray mapping analysis were used for the characterization of the coatings and analysis of the oxide scale. Both the coatings successfully protected the substrate and were effective in decreasing the corrosion rate when subjected to cyclic oxidation (Type‐I hot corrosion) at 900°C for 50 cycles in air and molten salt (a salt mixture of Na2SO4–60%V2O5 dissolved in distilled water). Based on the findings of the present study, the coatings under study are recommended for tapplications to super‐heater and reheater tubes of boilers and all those surfaces that face fireside corrosion, such as fluidized beds, industrial waste incinerators, internal combustion engines, gas turbines or steam turbines, to provide protection against degradation in these environments. The cost of the product/process is approximately Rs. 0.62 per mm2 in case of Al–Cr coating and Rs. 1.86 per mm2 in case of Ti–Al coating.
Electrochemical corrosion behavior of micrometer‐sized porous Ti3SiC2 compounds in NaCl solution
Authors: Jiang Yao , He Yuehui
Published: July 2019

The electrochemical corrosion behavior of reactively synthesized porous Ti3SiC
2 in 1 M NaCl solution was investigated compared with that of porous TiAl. Porous Ti
3SiC
2 and TiAl have high‐purity single phase characteristics with open porosities of 48% and 41% and maximum apertures of 6.9 and 16.3 µm, respectively, which show positive direction shift behavior of open circuit potential at the early immersion stage with stable potential ranges of 0.25~0.27 and −0.36~−0.38 V (vs. saturated calomel), respectively. The electrochemical corrosion procedures of the two porous compounds exhibit three‐stage characteristics of activation, passivation, and breakdown. Porous Ti
3SiC
2 has a much larger ohmic resistance and Warburg coefficient than TiAl. The passivation films of the two porous compounds consist of an inner layer with a larger resistance and a porous outer layer. Porous Ti
3SiC
2 has a significantly larger resistance and relatively smaller capacitance for the inner passivation film, indicating better corrosion resistance stability.
Relevance of the Polymeric Prodrug and Its Drug Loading Efficiency: Comparison between Computer Simulation and Experiment
Authors: Luo Xueli , Wang Shenchun , Xu Sishi , Lang Meidong
Published: July 2019

In order to explore the relationship between drug grafting ratio of polymeric prodrug and its drug loading efficiency, molecular dynamics simulation is utilized to calculate the compatibility of polymeric prodrug with 5‐aminolevulinic acid methyl ester (m‐ALA) and H2O first. Then, dissipative particle dynamics simulation is used to observe the morphologies of drug‐loaded micelles. Then, designed polymeric prodrugs are synthesized, drug‐loaded micelles and blank micelles are prepared by dialysis method, and the drug loading content (DLC) and encapsulation efficiency are measured. The computer simulation shows that polymer–drug compatibility gets better as the m‐ALA grafting ratio increases from 0% to 100%. Experimental results show that the DLC of micelle changes from 4.05% (0% grafting ratio) to 8.99% (100% grafting ratio). Through comparison, the experimental results are proven to be consistent with the computer simulation results, revealing that the drug loading efficiency of polymer micelles could be improved by grafting drugs.
The roles of transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 rs58542926 polymorphism in chronic liver disease: A meta‐analysis of 24,147 subjects
Authors: Chen Xinpei , Zhou Pengcheng , De Luo , Li Bo , Su Song
Published: July 2019

Background

Some genetic association studies tried to investigate potential associations of transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2) polymorphisms with chronic liver disease. However, the results of these studies were not consistent. Thus, we performed the present meta‐analysis to explore associations between TM6SF2 polymorphisms and chronic liver disease in a larger pooled population.

Methods

Systematic literature research of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and CNKI was performed to identify eligible studies for pooled analyses. I2 statistics were employed to assess between‐study heterogeneities. If I2 was greater than 50%, random‐effect models (REMs) would be used to pool the data. Otherwise, fixed‐effect models (FEMs) would be applied for synthetic analyses.

Results

Totally 28 studies were included for analyses (13,137 cases and 11,010 controls). The pooled analyses showed that rs58542926 polymorphism was significantly associated with chronic liver disease in overall population (dominant model: p < 0.0001, OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.64–0.76, I2 = 47%; recessive model: p < 0.0001, OR = 2.94, 95% CI = 2.05–4.20, I2 = 0%; over‐dominant model: p < 0.0001, OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.23–1.47, I2 = 0%; allele model: p < 0.0001, OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.63–0.73, I2 = 47%), and these significant findings were further confirmed in both Asians and Caucasians. Stratified analyses by type of disease revealed similar positive results in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and NAFLD (Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease), but not in chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB) and chronic hepatitis C infection (CHC).

Conclusions

These results suggested that TM6SF2 rs58542926 could be used to identify individuals at higher susceptibility to chronic liver disease, especially for HCC, cirrhosis, ALD, and NAFLD.
Two‐sided and regularised Riesz‐Feller derivatives
Authors: Ortigueira Manuel Duarte
Published: July 2019

The two‐sided derivatives, the Riesz‐Feller potentials, and their interrelations are studied in this paper. A general integral formulation for two‐sided derivatives and anti‐derivatives is introduced. The integer order cases are studied. Regularised Riesz‐Feller derivatives are proposed.
Blow‐up dynamics of L2−critical inhomogeneous fractional nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Peng Congming , Zhang Ying , Ma Caochuan
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this work is to investigate the blow‐up dynamics of L2−critical focusing inhomogeneous fractional nonlinear Schrödinger equation:

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma5795:mma5795-math-0001
with 0<b<1. For this, we establish a new compactness lemma related to the equation. By applying this lemma, we study the dynamical behavior for blow‐up solutions for initial data
satisfying
, where Q is the ground state solution of our problem.
Experience in commissioning the halcyon linac
Authors: Netherton Tucker , Li Yuting , Gao Song , Klopp Ann , Balter Peter , Court Laurence E , Scheuermann Ryan , Kennedy Chris , Dong Lei , Metz James , Mihailidis Dimitris , Ling Clifton , Young Lee Mu , Constantin Magdalena , Thompson Stephen , Kauppinen Juha , Uusitalo Pekka
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This manuscript describes the experience of two institutions in commissioning the new HalcyonTM platform. Its purpose is to: (a) validate the pre‐defined beam data, (b) compare relevant commissioning data acquired independently by two separate institutions, and (c) report on any significant differences in commissioning between the Halcyon linear accelerator and other medical linear accelerators.

Methods

Extensive beam measurements, testing of mechanical and imaging systems, including the multi‐leaf collimator (MLC), were performed at the two institutions independently. The results were compared with published recommendations as well. When changes in standard practice were necessitated by the design of the new system, the efficacy of such changes was evaluated as compared to published approaches (guidelines or vendor documentation).

Results

Given the proper choice of detectors, good agreement was found between the respective experimental data and the treatment planning system calculations, and between independent measurements by the two institutions. MLC testing, MV imaging, and mechanical system showed unique characteristics that are different from the traditional C‐arm linacs. Although the same methodologies and physics equipment can generally be used for commissioning the Halcyon, some adaptation of previous practices and development of new methods were also necessary.

Conclusions

We have shown that the vendor pre‐loaded data agree well with the independent measured ones during the commission process. This verifies that a data validation instead of a full‐data commissioning process may be a more efficient approach for the Halcyon. Measurement results could be used as a reference for future Halcyon users.
Measuring individual differences in task‐related motivation in children and adolescents: Development and validation of a new self‐report measure
Authors: Morsink Sarah , Sonuga‐Barke Edmund , Van der Oord Saskia , Van Dessel Jeroen , Lemiere Jurgen , Danckaerts Marina
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Task characteristics can alter motivation. Understanding how individuals respond to these characteristics is important in understanding how to adapt tasks to increase engagement of individuals with mental health problems. We describe the development of a self‐report questionnaire quantifying individual differences in task‐related motivation—The Child and Adolescent Motivational Profile (CHAMP). We explore the association with externalizing/internalizing problems.

Methods

A 64‐item prototype scale was designed to measure how children and adolescents perceive the motivational significance of a range of task characteristics (n = 688; age range: 8–16 years). Parents completed the “Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire” measuring externalizing and internalizing problems (Van Widenfelt, Goedhart, Treffers & Goodman, 2003).

Results

Exploratory factor analysis identified eight distinct task characteristics that affected motivation: (a) requiring focus, (b) predictable, (c) marked/graded, (d) rewarded, (e) socially evaluated, (f) cognitively challenging, (g) competitive, and (h) collaborative. A 32‐item scale based on these factors was constructed. Internal consistency of each factor was high (Cronbach's alpha: .79–.91), and test–retest reliability was acceptable (SBC = .43–.65). Externalizing and internalizing problems were associated with a distinct motivational profile.

Conclusion

These results highlight the multidimensional nature of children and adolescents' task‐related motivation for tasks and the differential links to internalizing and externalizing problems.
Physiological polyspermy: Selection of a sperm nucleus for the development of diploid genomes in amphibians
Authors: Iwao Yasuhiro , Kimoto Chihiro , Fujimoto Ayaka , Suda Asuka , Hara Yuki
Published: July 2019

The union between a sperm and an egg nucleus in egg fertilization is necessary to mix genetic materials to create a new diploid genome for the next generation. In most animals, only one sperm is incorporated into the egg (monospermy), but several animals exhibit physiological polyspermy in which several sperms enter the egg during normal fertilization. However, only one sperm nucleus forms the zygote nucleus with the egg nucleus, even in a polyspermic egg. The cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the selection of sperm nuclei in the egg cytoplasm have been well investigated in urodele amphibians. The principal sperm nucleus develops a larger sperm aster and contacts the egg nucleus to form a zygote nucleus, whereas other accessory sperm nuclei are unable to approach the egg nucleus. The diploid zygote nucleus induces cleavage and participates in embryonic development, whereas the accessory sperm nuclei undergo pyknosis and degenerate. We propose several models to account for the mechanisms of the selection of one sperm nucleus and the degeneration of accessory sperm nuclei. The roles of physiological polyspermy in animal reproduction are discussed by comparison with other polyspermic species.
Observations of American Shad Alosa sapidissima Approaching and Using a Vertical Slot Fishway at the Head-of-Tide Brunswick Dam on the Androscoggin River, Maine
Authors: Weaver Daniel M. , Brown Michael , Zydlewski Joseph D.
Published: July 2019

American Shad Alosa sapidissima have historically supported an important fishery along the Atlantic coastal waters of North America. However, the construction of dams reduced populations and restricted landings. Fishways are intended to mitigate obstacles to anadromous fish migrations, but a thorough evaluation of their efficiency is warranted. We analyzed data collected from video recordings, hydropower turbine operations, and telemetry conducted by the Maine Department of Marine Resources to evaluate American Shad behavior while approaching and using a vertical slot fishway at the head-of-tide Brunswick Dam on the Androscoggin River in Maine. American Shad passage at the dam has been poor, ranging from 0 to 1,100 fish per year, relative to passage at other facilities in the region. Additionally, our observations indicate that there are relatively high numbers of American Shad present downstream in the river (averaging 50,000) compared with the entrance of the fishway or its pools (<8,000). On average, the rates of observed American Shad on the side of the river near the fishway entrance were significantly higher (6.5–8.6 individuals/min) when the turbine closest to the entrance of the fishway was not operating compared with when it was operating (4.1 individuals/min). Most of the radio-tagged American Shad remained in the river below the dam or went undetected. Eleven of 57 tagged fish were detected at the fishway entrance and of those only five were detected in the lower fishway. Individuals that were detected were observed making multiple attempts at entering the fishway, but movements were restricted to the lower pools. Our results suggest that this fishway is not conducive to the passage of American Shad. Examining the relationship between hydropower operations and other environmental variables on the behavior and passage of migrating anadromous fish remain an area for further study.
Evaluation of an accelerometer‐based digital health system for the treatment of female urinary incontinence: A pilot study
Authors: Rosenblatt Peter , McKinney Jessica , Rosenberg Robert A. , Iglesias Raymon J. , Sutherland Robin C. , Pulliam Samantha J.
Published: July 2019

Aims

To assess the effectiveness and patient satisfaction of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) guided by an intravaginal accelerometer‐based system for the treatment of female urinary incontinence (UI).

Methods

Premenopausal women with mild‐to‐moderate stress or mixed UI were recruited to participate in PFMT with an accelerometer‐based system for 6 weeks with supervision. Objective outcomes included pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contraction duration, number of contractions in 15 seconds, and angular displacement of the accelerometer relative to earth during PFM contraction. Subjective outcomes and quality‐of‐life were assessed with validated, condition‐specific questionnaires. Results are presented as means, standard error of the mean, and 95% confidence intervals unless otherwise indicated.

Results

Twenty‐three women (age 42.0 ± 10.7 years, mean ± standard deviation) completed the study. Scores on the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI) decreased from 36.7 ± 4.7 at baseline to 1.45 ± 0.8 at 6 weeks (P < .0001). The Patient's Global Impression of Severity score decreased from 1.5 ± 0.1 to 0.2 ± 0.1 (P < .0001) at study endpoint. At 6 weeks, the PFM contraction duration increased from 13 ± 2.6 at baseline to 187 ± 9.6 seconds (P < .0001). Repeated contractions in 15 seconds increased from 5.9 ± 0.4 at enrollment to 9.6 ± 0.5 at 6 weeks (P < .0001). Maximum pelvic floor angle (a measure of lift) increased from 65.1 ± 2.0° to 81.1 ± 1.8° (P < .0001). Increasing PFM contraction duration and maximum pelvic floor angle correlated with decreasing UDI‐6 scores, r = −0.87, P = .01; r = −0.97, P = .0003, respectively. No device‐related adverse events occurred.

Conclusions

Pilot testing of this accelerometer‐based system demonstrates improvements in objective PFM measures, patient‐reported UI severity and condition‐specific quality of life, with results evident after 1 week of use.
Long‐term outcome and symptom improvement in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome with or without regular follow‐up and treatment
Authors: Yeh Hui‐Ling , Jhang Jia‐Fong , Kuo Yuh‐Chen , Kuo Hann‐Chorng
Published: July 2019

Aims

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic disease, which is difficult to treat. Patients usually seek for new therapies and might not follow‐up regularly. This study investigated long‐term symptom changes in patients with IC/BPS, especially in those who were lost to follow‐up.

Methods

We enrolled patients with IC/BPS with a history of >5 years and having comprehensive medical records, baseline IC symptom index and IC problem index, O'Leary‐Sant symptom score, and visual analog scale (VAS). A telephone interview was conducted to assess current symptoms with the same questionnaires. A 5‐point scale (from −1 to 3) was used to grade current treatment outcomes.

Results

A total of 198 patients with IC/BPS with a mean age of 57.4 ± 12.2 years were included. At a mean follow‐up duration of 16.6 ± 9.75 years, 12% of the patients were free of symptoms and 47% exhibited symptom improvement of more than 50%. Totally, 47 (23.7%) patients were lost to follow‐up for >5 years, and 151 (76.3%) had a regular follow‐up. The patients with IC/BPS who were not regularly followed up had no Hunner's lesion, and had a higher bladder volume (P = .023), higher urine flow (P = .019), and fewer comorbidities (P = .014) than those who had a regular follow‐up. The number of treatment modalities was significantly less in the patients who were lost to follow‐up (P = .037).

Conclusions

About half of the patients with IC/BPS exhibited symptom improvement with time, with or without regular follow‐up and receiving a new treatment.
Psychosocial work environment and cross‐cultural competence among native and foreign‐born registered nurses
Authors: Wesołowska Karolina , Elovainio Marko , Gluschkoff Kia , Hietapakka Laura , Kaihlanen Anu‐Marja , Lehtoaro Salla , Heponiemi Tarja
Published: July 2019

Cross‐cultural competence is an essential component of the nursing profession, but little is known about the specific psychosocial work characteristics that potentially promote or hinder such competence. In the present study, psychosocial work characteristics were based on Karasek's Job Demand—Control Model. The researchers examined whether Karasek's psychosocial work characteristics, such as high‐strain jobs, high‐strain isolated jobs, active jobs, and active collective jobs, are associated with cross‐cultural competence (empathy, skills, positive attitudes, and motivation), and whether there are differences between native and foreign‐born registered nurses (RN) in these potential associations. A random sample of 744 native RNs (91.0% women) and a total sample (n = 212) of foreign‐born RNs (94.3% women) working in Finland were used. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed with a series of multiple linear regression analyses. High‐strain and high‐strain isolated jobs were negatively associated with all four dimensions of cross‐cultural competence. Active collective jobs, but not active jobs, were positively associated with cross‐cultural skills. There were no differences between native and migrant nurses in these associations. The psychosocial work environment is associated with cross‐cultural competence in both native and migrant nurses. Improvements in psychosocial working conditions, especially minimizing negative factors in the work environment, such as high‐strain and high‐strain isolated jobs, may need to be considered as a part of the efforts aimed to enhance cross‐cultural competence among nursing personnel.
Retrospective analysis of children with high‐risk acute myeloid leukemia who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation following complete remission with initial induction chemotherapy in the AML‐05 clinical trial
Authors: Hyakuna Nobuyuki , Hashii Yoshiko , Ishida Hiroyuki , Umeda Katsutsugu , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Nagasawa Masayuki , Yabe Hiromasa , Nakazawa Yozo , Koh Katsuyoshi , Goto Hiroaki , Fujisaki Hiroyuki , Matsumoto Kimikazu , Kakuda Harumi , Yano Michihiro , Tawa Akio , Tomizawa Daisuke , Taga Takashi , Adachi Souichi , Kato Koji
Published: July 2019

In the AML‐05 clinical trial conducted by the Japanese Pediatric Leukemia/Lymphoma Group from 2006 to 2010, children with high‐risk acute myeloid leukemia (HR AML) received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) at first complete remission (CR1). The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of allo‐HSCT on the outcome of HR AML. Patients with either monosomy 7, 5q−, t(16;21), Ph1, FLT3‐ITD, or induction failure after the first course of chemotherapy were eligible for transplant. Of 53 children with HR AML, 51 received allo‐HSCT—45 in CR1, five in CR2, and one with non‐CR. t(8;21), t(9;11), and t(16;21) abnormalities were identified in eight, five, and four patients, respectively. The stem cell sources varied—bone marrow in 30 patients, peripheral blood in three, and cord blood in 18. The median follow‐up was 62 months. The overall survival (OS) rates at 3 years were 73% and 25% for patients who received transplant at CR1 and ≥CR2, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that patients with chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGVHD) had better OS. This study supports that allo‐HSCT is a suitable treatment for HR AML in CR1. The favorable outcome associated with cGVHD indicates that a graft‐versus‐leukemia effect might be occurring.
Mechanisms of mammalian mitochondrial transcription
Authors: Bouda Emilie , Stapon Anthony , Garcia‐Diaz Miguel
Published: July 2019

Numerous age‐related human diseases have been associated with deficiencies in cellular energy production. Moreover, genetic alterations resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction are the cause of inheritable disorders commonly known as mitochondrial diseases. Many of these deficiencies have been directly or indirectly linked to deficits in mitochondrial gene expression. Transcription is an essential step in gene expression and elucidating the molecular mechanisms involved in this process is critical for understanding defects in energy production. For the past five decades, substantial efforts have been invested in the field of mitochondrial transcription. These efforts have led to the discovery of the main protein factors responsible for transcription as well as to a basic mechanistic understanding of the transcription process. They have also revealed various mechanisms of transcriptional regulation as well as the links that exist between the transcription process and downstream processes of RNA maturation. Here, we review the knowledge gathered in early mitochondrial transcription studies and focus on recent findings that shape our current understanding of mitochondrial transcription, posttranscriptional processing, as well as transcriptional regulation in mammalian systems.
The novel butenolide pesticide flupyradifurone does not alter responsiveness to sucrose at either acute or chronic short‐term field‐realistic doses in the honey bee, Apis mellifera
Authors: Bell Heather Christine , Benavides Jaime Edilberto , Montgomery Corina Noelle , Navratil Jennifer Rose Evershed , Nieh James Charles
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Sublethal exposure to neonicotinoids, a popular class of agricultural pesticides, can lead to behavioral effects that impact the health of pollinators. Therefore, new compounds, such as flupyradifurone (FPF), have recently been developed as ‘safer’ alternatives. FPF is an excitotoxic nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, similar to neonicotinoids. Given the novelty of FPF, what data exist are focused mostly on assessing the effect of FPF on pollinator mortality. One important avenue for investigation is the potential effect of FPF on the sensitivity of nectar foragers, such as Apis mellifera, to sucrose concentrations. Neonicotinoids can alter this sucrose responsiveness and disrupt foraging. Compounding this effect, neonicotinoid‐containing solutions are preferred by A. mellifera over pure sucrose solutions. We therefore conducted four studies, administering FPF under both acute and chronic conditions, and at field‐realistic and higher than field‐realistic doses, to assess the influence of FPF exposure on sucrose responsiveness and sucrose solutions with FPF in A. mellifera nectar foragers.

RESULTS

We found no evidence that FPF exposure under acute or chronic field‐realistic conditions significantly altered sucrose responsiveness, and we did not find that bees exposed to FPF consumed more of the solution. However, at the much higher median lethal dose (48 h), among bees that survived, FPF‐exposed foragers responded to significantly lower concentrations of sucrose than controls and responded at significantly higher rates to all concentrations of sucrose than controls.

CONCLUSION

We found no evidence that FPF alters the sucrose responsiveness of nectar foragers at field‐realistic doses during winter or early spring, but caution and further investigation are warranted, particularly on the effects of FPF in conjunction with other stressors. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Protamine‐induced condensation of peptide nanofilaments into twisted bundles with controlled helical geometry
Authors: Wang Jiahui , Jia Jiajia , Wang Yuefei , Xing Qiguo , Peng Xin , Qi Wei , Su Rongxin , He Zhimin
Published: July 2019

Chiral self‐assembly of peptides is of fundamental interest in the field of biology and material science. Protamine, an alkaline biomacromolecule which is ubiquitous in fish and mammalian, plays crucial roles in directing the helical twisting of DNA. Inspired by this, we reported a bioinspired pathway to direct the hierarchical chiral self‐assembly of a short synthetic dipeptide. The peptide could self‐assemble into negatively charged chiral micelles in water that spontaneously formed a nematic liquid crystalline phase. By incorporation with protamine, the micelles condensed with the protamine into large helical bundles with precisely controlled diameter. Furthermore, to simulate the intracellular environments, we investigated macromolecular crowding on the coassembly of peptide and protamine, which leads to the formation of much thinner helical structures. The results highlight the roles of highly charged biomacromolecules and macromolecular crowding on peptide self‐assembly, which are beneficial for the practical applications of self‐assembling peptides in biomedicine and sensing.
Chemical synthesis of the ubiquitinated form of histone H3 and its effect on DNA methyltransferase 1
Authors: Kawakami Toru , Mishima Yuichi , Takazawa Masaya , Hojo Hironobu , Suetake Isao
Published: July 2019

Posttranslational modifications of histone proteins, which form nucleosome cores, play an important role in gene regulation. Ubiquitination is one such modification. We previously reported on the synthesis of ubiquitinated histone H3 with an isopeptide mimetic structure. In this report, we describe the preparation of ubiquitinated histone H3 peptides with a native isopeptide structure, which showed a slightly weaker effect on the enzymatic activity of DNA methyltransferase 1 than the previous ubiquitinated H3 peptide analogs. These findings show that a native structure is important for determining the mechanism of the function, although ubiquitinated H3 peptide analogs can mimic the role of the original ubiquitinated H3. We also report on the successful preparation of the ubiquitinated full length histone H3.