bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Practice Guidance: Surveillance for phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma in paediatric succinate dehydrogenase gene mutation carriers
Authors: Wong Mei Yin , Andrews Katrina A. , Challis Benjamin G. , Park Soo‐Mi , Acerini Carlo L. , Maher Eamonn R. , Casey Ruth T.
Published: December 2018

The succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) enzyme complex functions as a key enzyme coupling the oxidation of succinate to fumarate in the citric acid cycle. Inactivation of this enzyme complex results in the cellular accumulation of the oncometabolite succinate, which is postulated to be a key driver in tumorigenesis. Succinate accumulation inhibits 2‐oxoglutarate‐dependent dioxygenases, including DNA and histone demethylase enzymes and hypoxic gene response regulators. Biallelic inactivation (typically resulting from one inherited and one somatic event) at one of the four genes encoding the SDH complex (SDHA/B/C/D) is the most common cause for SDH deficient (dSDH) tumours. Germline mutations in the SDHx genes predispose to a spectrum of tumours including phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL), wild type gastrointestinal stromal tumours (wtGIST) and, less commonly, renal cell carcinoma and pituitary tumours. Furthermore, mutations in the SDHx genes, particularly SDHB, predispose to a higher risk of malignant PPGL, which is associated with a 5‐year mortality of 50%. There is general agreement that biochemical and imaging surveillance should be offered to asymptomatic carriers of SDHx gene mutations in the expectation that this will reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with dSDH tumours. However, there is no consensus on when and how surveillance should be performed in children and young adults. Here, we address the question: “What age should clinical, biochemical and radiological surveillance for PPGL be initiated in paediatric SDHx mutation carriers?”.
Clinical application of autogenous demineralized dentin matrix loaded with recombinant human bone morphogenetic‐2 for socket preservation: A case series
Authors: Um In‐Woong , Kim Young‐Kyun , Park Joo‐Cheol , Lee Jong‐Ho
Published: December 2018

Background

Demineralized dentin matrix (DDM) has potential application as a carrier for recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) in bone regeneration.

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of DDM loaded with rhBMP‐2 for socket preservation.

Materials and Methods

DDM loaded with rhBMP‐2 (DDM/rhBMP‐2) was applied to 10 experimental sites and DDM alone to 6 control sites. The changes in height and width of the extraction socket after preservation were measured by cone beam computed tomography. Trephine cores were harvested for histomorphometric evaluation before placement of the implant.

Results

The reductions in height and width of the socket were more significant in the group treated with DDM than in the group treated with DDM/rhBMP‐2. The amount of new bone formation was 34.39% with DDM/rhBMP‐2 and 29.75% with DDM; the respective amounts of residual dentin were 8.35% and 16.15%. Although the differences were not statistically significant, the dimensional changes, amount of bone formation, and replacement of DDM in DDM/rhBMP‐2 with bone were superior to those of DDM alone.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, we suggest that DDM may be a potential carrier for rhBMP‐2 and that it may be possible to reduce the rhBMP‐2 concentration to 0.2 mg/mL.
Cannulation into the minor papilla using the bile duct guidewire method
Authors: Maruyama Hirotsugu , Watanabe Toshio , Fujiwara Yasuhiro
Published: December 2018

Watch a video of this article
Plasma sMer, sAxl and GAS6 levels correlate with disease activity and severity in lupus nephritis
Authors: Gong Siwen , Xu Zhaozhen , Liu Yang , Xing Li , Ma Jing , Yu Chengyuan , Liu Xiaogang , Jia Xibei , Xie Rujuan , Sui Manshu
Published: December 2018

Objective

The purpose of this study is to determine whether TAM receptors and ligands associated with the activity and severity of lupus nephritis.

Methods

Clinical data were statistically analysed and studied in 122 SLE patients, diagnosed from 2013 to 2016 in First Hospital Affiliated to Harbin Medical University. Levels of TAM receptors and ligands in the plasma of 122 SLE patients were measured by ELISA. Renal biopsies were performed to confirm lupus nephritis (LN) by histopathology in 68 patients. The associations of TAM receptors and ligands with clinical and serological parameters were analysed in 68 LN patients.

Results

Amongst patients with SLE, those with LN had significantly higher plasma sMer, sAxl and GAS6 levels than those without renal involvement (P < 0.01 for all comparisons). Additional comparisons on the renal function‐associated clinical parameters confirmed an indicative role of the sMer, sAXL and GAS6 levels in the cohort of patients with more severe nephritis. Patients with higher sMer, sAXL and GAS6 levels of LN patients tended to suffer from proliferative glomerulonephritis. The sAXL and GAS6 levels had a strong positive correlation with activity index (AI) in LN patients. Furthermore, there was a significant drop of the sMer, sAXL and GAS6 concentrations from the time of the biopsy to month t6, but no further decrease from months t6 to t12.

Conclusions

These results suggest that plasma sMer, sAxl and GAS6 can be an additional clinical marker related to the disease activity and severity in LN.
The activin signaling transcription factor Smox is an essential regulator of appendage size during regeneration after autotomy in the crayfish
Authors: Shinji Junpei , Gotoh Hiroki , Miyanishi Hiroshi , Lavine Mark D. , Lavine Laura Corley
Published: December 2018

Members of the phylum Arthropoda, comprising over 80% of total animal species, have evolved regenerative abilities, but little is known about the molecular mechanisms mediating this process. Transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) signaling mediates a diverse set of essential processes in animals and is a good candidate pathway for regulation of regeneration in arthropods. In this study we investigated the role of activin signaling, a TGF‐β superfamily pathway, in limb regeneration in the crayfish. We identified and cloned a downstream transcription factor in the activin pathway, Smox, and characterized its function with regard to other elements of the activin signaling pathway. Gene knockdown of Smox by RNAi induced regeneration of complete but smaller pereopods after autotomy. This indicates that activin signaling via Smox functions in regulation of pereopod growth and size. The expression levels of both Smox and the activin receptor babo were closely correlated with molting. The expression level of Smox increased when babo was knocked down by RNAi, indicating that Smox and babo transcription are linked. Our study suggests that the Babo‐Smox system in activin signaling is conserved in decapods, and supports an evolutionary conservation of this aspect of molecular signaling during regeneration between protostomes and deuterostomes.
Bi‐directional modulation of food habit expression by the endocannabinoid system
Authors: Gianessi Carol A. , Groman Stephanie M. , Taylor Jane R.
Published: December 2018

The compulsive, habitual behaviors that have been observed in individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders may be due to disruptions in the neural circuits that mediate goal‐directed actions. The endocannabinoid system has been shown to play a critical role in habit learning, but the role of this neuromodulatory system in habit expression is unclear. Here, we investigated the role of the endocannabinoid system in established habitual actions using contingency degradation in male C57BL/6 mice. We found that administration of the endocannabinoid transport inhibitor AM404 reduced habitual responding for food and that antagonism of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1), but not transient receptor potential cation subfamily V (TRPV1), receptors produced a similar reduction in habitual responding. Moreover, pharmacological stimulation of CB1 receptors increased habitual responding for food. Co‐administration of an enzyme inhibitor that selectively increases the endocannabinoid 2‐arachidonoyl glycerol (2‐AG) with AM404 partially restored habitual responding for food. Together, these findings demonstrate an important role for the endocannabinoid system in the expression of habits and provide novel insights into potential pharmacological strategies for reducing habitual behaviors in mental disorders.
A Cost–Benefit Analysis of Automatic Item Generation
Authors: Kosh Audra E. , Simpson Mary Ann , Bickel Lisa , Kellogg Mark , Sanford‐Moore Ellie
Published: December 2018

Automatic item generation (AIG)—a means of leveraging technology to create large quantities of items—requires a minimum number of items to offset the sizable upfront investment (i.e., model development and technology deployment) in order to achieve cost savings. In this cost–benefit analysis, we estimated the cost of each step of AIG and manual item writing and applied cost—benefit formulas to calculate the number of items that would have to be produced before the upfront costs of AIG outweigh manual item writing costs in the context of K‐12 mathematics items. Results indicated that AIG is more cost‐effective than manual item writing when developing, at a minimum, 173 to 247 items within one fine‐grained content area (e.g., fourth‐ through seventh‐grade area of figures). The article concludes with a discussion of implications for test developers and the nonmonetary tradeoffs involved in AIG.
Motoric cognitive risk syndrome and mortality: results from the EPIDOS cohort
Authors: Beauchet O. , Sekhon H. , Launay C. P. , Chabot J. , Rolland Y. , Schott A.‐M. , Allali G.
Published: December 2018

Background and purpose

Cognitive impairment, slow walking speed and motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) have separately been associated with an increased risk for mortality in the short term. The aim of the study was to examine the association of MCR and its components [i.e. subjective cognitive complaint (SCC) and slow walking speed] with short‐, medium‐ and long‐term mortality in older community‐dwellers.

Methods

In all, 3778 participants from the Epidémiologie de l'Ostéoporose (EPIDOS) study were selected. MCR was defined as the combination of slow walking speed and SCC in participants without major neurocognitive disorders. Deaths were prospectively recorded using mail, phone calls, questionnaires and/or the French national death registry at 5, 10, 15 and 19 (end of follow‐up period) years.

Results

Over the follow‐up of 19 years, 80.5% (n = 3043) participants died. Slow walking speed and MCR were associated with mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.20 with P = 0.004 for slow walking speed and HR = 1.26 with P = 0.002 for MCR at 10 years; HR = 1.27 with P ≤ 0.001 for slow walking speed and HR = 1.22 with P = 0.001 for MCR at 15 years; HR = 1.41 with P ≤ 0.001 at 19 years for slow walking speed and MCR]. There was no association between SCC and mortality. Kaplan–Meier distributions of mortality showed that participants with MCR and slow walking speed died earlier compared to healthy participants and those with SCC (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Slow walking speed and MCR were associated with an increased risk for mortality at the medium and long term, whereas no association was found with SCC.
Localization yield and seizure outcome in patients undergoing bilateral SEEG exploration
Authors: Steriade Claude , Martins William , Bulacio Juan , Morita‐Sherman Marcia E. , Nair Dileep , Gupta Ajay , Bingaman William , Gonzalez‐Martinez Jorge , Najm Imad , Jehi Lara
Published: December 2018

Objective

We aimed to determine the rates and predictors of resection and seizure freedom after bilateral stereo‐electroencephalography (SEEG) implantation.

Methods

We reviewed 184 patients who underwent bilateral SEEG implantation (2009‐2015). Noninvasive and invasive evaluation findings were collected. Outcomes of interest included subsequent resection and seizure freedom. Statistical analyses employed multivariable logistic regression and proportional hazard modeling. Preoperative and postoperative seizure frequency, severity, and quality of life scales were also compared.

Results

Following bilateral SEEG implantation, 106 of 184 patients (58%) underwent resection. Single seizure type (P = 0.007), a family history of epilepsy (P = 0.003), 10 or more seizures per month (P = 0.004), lower number of electrodes (P = 0.02), or sentinel electrode placement (P = 0.04) was predictive of undergoing a resection, as were lack of nonlocalized (P < 0.0001) or bilateral (P < 0.0001) ictal‐onset zones on SEEG. Twenty‐six of 81 patients (32% with follow‐up greater than 1 year) remained seizure‐free. Predictors of seizure freedom were single seizure type (P = 0.01), short epilepsy duration (P = 0.008), use of 2 or fewer antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) at the time of surgery (P = 0.0006), primary localization hypothesis involving the frontal lobe (P = 0.002), sentinel electrode placement only (P = 0.02), and lack of overlap between ictal‐onset zone and eloquent cortex (P = 0.04), along with epilepsy substrate histopathology (P = 0.007). Complete resection of a suspected focal cortical dysplasia showed a trend to increased likelihood of seizure freedom (P = 0.09). The 44 of 55 patients (80%) who underwent resection and experienced seizure recurrence had >50% seizure reduction, as opposed to 26 of 45 patients (58%) who continued medical therapy alone (P = 0.003). Seventy‐two percent of patients had a clinically meaningful quality of life improvement (>10% decrease in the Quality of Life in Epilepsy [QOLIE‐10] score) at 1 year.

Significance

A strong preimplantation hypothesis of a suspected unifocal epilepsy increases the odds of resection and seizure freedom. We discuss a tailored approach, taking into account localization hypothesis and suspected epilepsy etiology in guiding implantation and subsequent surgical strategy.
First record of the bay sucker Trioza alacris Flor (Triozidae: Hemiptera) in Syria
Authors: Zeity M.
Published: December 2018

This study was conducted in Latakia, Syria to identify the insect species that causes the rolling and abnormal growth of young leaves of bay laurel, Laurus nobilis. The insect species was identified as the bay sucker Trioza alacris. Short notes on the symptoms and nature of damage caused by this pest are provided in this study.
Ferrisia virgata Cockerell (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae): first record in Tunisia
Authors: Kamel Ben Halima M. , Mdellel L. , Zouari S. , Germain J. F.
Published: December 2018

In September 2016 and 2017, Ferrisia virgata Cockerell (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), the striped mealybug, was collected on Lantana camara (Verbenaceae) in Khezama City (Governorate Sousse, Tunisia). The mealybug was observed on leaves and shoots and also on the flowers. This is the first record of F. virgata in Tunisia and in North Africa. Brief information about its worldwide distribution and biology is presented.
Synovial sepsis is rare following intrasynovial medication in equine ambulatory practice
Authors: Smith L. C. R. , Wylie C. E. , Palmer L. , Ramzan P. H. L.
Published: December 2018

Background

There are few observational studies regarding the potentially serious complication of synovial sepsis following intrasynovial medication in general equine practice. Quantification of risk is fundamental to fully inform decision‐making and owner consent prior to undertaking procedures.

Objectives

To describe the occurrence of synovial sepsis following intrasynovial injections in a large ambulatory equine practice between 2006–2011.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Medication records were cross‐referenced against synovial cytology submissions and hospital admissions for synovial sepsis. The occurrence of synovial sepsis within strata of interest, including horse age, sex and product used were described as proportions with corresponding 95% confidence intervals, and measures of attributable risks.

Results

In the study period, 9456 intrasynovial medications were performed in 4331 sessions. The most frequently used medications were: corticosteroids (3869/4331, 89.3% [95% CI 88.4, 90.3%]), hyaluronate (3617/4331, 83.5% [95% CI 82.4, 84.6%]) and amikacin sulphate (4044/4331, 93.4% [95% CI 92.6, 94.1%]). Overall four horses developed post medication synovial sepsis (0.04% [95% CI 0.0, 0.08%] of all medications), two of these cases were given polysulphated glycosaminoglycans and hyaluronate (2/14, 14.3% [95% CI 0.0, 32.6%]), two were given triamcinolone acetonide (2/3592, 0.1% [95% CI 0.0, 0.1%]), and hyaluronate (2/3617, 0.06% [95% CI 0.0, 0.1%]). One of these cases had received concurrent medication with amikacin sulphate (1/4044, 0.02% [95% CI 0.0, 0.1%]). All four cases returned to racing following joint lavage.

Main limitations

Due to the low frequency of cases multivariable statistical analysis was not performed. Although the study was conducted in an ambulatory setting, the population included a high number of racehorses, limiting application to the general horse population.

Conclusions

The frequency of synovial sepsis in this population of horses was 0.04%. These data may be helpful in informing clients regarding the potential risks of adverse complications resulting from intrasynovial medication.
Structural, thermodynamic and catalytic characterization of an ancestral triosephosphate isomerase reveal early evolutionary coupling between monomer association and function
Authors: Schulte‐Sasse Mariana , Pardo‐Ávila Fátima , Pulido‐Mayoral Nancy O. , Vázquez‐Lobo Alejandra , Costas Miguel , García‐Hernández Enrique , Rodríguez‐Romero Adela , Fernández‐Velasco Daniel Alejandro
Published: December 2018

Function, structure, and stability are strongly coupled in obligated oligomers, such as triosephosphate isomerase (TIM). However, little is known about how this coupling evolved. To address this question, five ancestral TIMs (ancTIMs) in the opisthokont lineage were inferred. The encoded proteins were purified and characterized, and spectroscopic and hydrodynamic analysis indicated that all are folded dimers. The catalytic efficiency of ancTIMs is very high and all dissociate into inactive and partially unfolded monomers. The placement of catalytic residues in the three‐dimensional structure, as well as the enthalpy‐driven binding signature of the oldest ancestor (TIM63) resemble extant TIMs. Although TIM63 dimers dissociate more readily than do extant TIMs, calorimetric data show that the free ancestral subunits are folded to a greater extent than their extant counterparts are, suggesting that full catalytic proficiency was established in the dimer before the stability of the isolated monomer eroded. Notably, the low association energy in ancTIMs is compensated for by a high activation barrier, and by a significant shift in the dimer‐monomer equilibrium induced by ligand binding. Our results indicate that before the animal and fungi lineages diverged, TIM was an obligated oligomer with substrate binding properties and catalytic efficiency that resemble that of extant TIMs. Therefore, TIM function and association have been strongly coupled at least for the last third of biological evolution on earth.

Databases

PDB Entry: 6NEE.

Enzymes

Triosephosphate isomerase 5.3.1.1, Glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase 1.1.1.8.
Death receptor 5 is activated by fucosylation in colon cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Baojie , van Roosmalen Ingrid A. M. , Reis Carlos R. , Setroikromo Rita , Quax Wim J.
Published: December 2018

The remarkable pro‐apoptotic properties of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) have led to considerable interest in this protein as a potential anticancer therapeutic. However, TRAIL is largely ineffective in inducing apoptosis in certain cancer cells, and the mechanisms underlying this selectivity are unknown. In colon adenocarcinomas, posttranslational modifications including O‐ and N‐ glycosylation of death receptors were found to correlate with TRAIL‐induced apoptosis. Additionally, mRNA levels of fucosyltransferase 3 (FUT3) and 6 (FUT6) were found to be high in the TRAIL‐sensitive colon adenocarcinoma cell line COLO 205. In this study, we use agonistic receptor‐specific TRAIL variants to dissect the contribution of FUT3 and FUT6‐mediated fucosylation to TRAIL‐induced apoptosis via its two death receptors, DR4 and DR5. Triggering of apoptosis by TRAIL revealed that the low FUT3/6‐expressing cells DLD‐1 and HCT 116 are insensitive to DR5 but not to DR4‐mediated apoptosis. By contrast, efficient apoptosis is mediated via both receptors in high FUT3/6‐expressing COLO 205 cells. The reconstitution of FUT3/6 expression in DR5‐resistant cells completely restored TRAIL sensitivity via this receptor, while only marginally enhancing apoptosis via DR4 at lower TRAIL concentrations. Interestingly, we observed that induction of the salvage pathway by external administration of l‐fucose restores DR5‐mediated apoptosis in both DLD‐1 and HCT 116 cells. Finally, we show that fucosylation influences the ligand‐independent receptor association that leads to increased death inducing signalling complex (DISC) formation and caspase‐8 activation. Taken together, these results provide evidence for the differential impact of fucosylation on signalling via DR4 or DR5. These findings provide novel opportunities to enhance TRAIL sensitivity in colon adenocarcinoma cells that are highly resistant to DR5‐mediated apoptosis.
Novel zebrafish behavioral assay to identify modifiers of the rapid, nongenomic stress response
Authors: Lee Han B. , Schwab Tanya L. , Sigafoos Ashley N. , Gauerke Jennifer L. , Krug Randall G. , Serres MaKayla R. , Jacobs Dakota C. , Cotter Ryan P. , Das Biswadeep , Petersen Morgan O. , Daby Camden L. , Urban Rhianna M. , Berry Bethany C. , Clark Karl J.
Published: December 2018

When vertebrates face acute stressors, their bodies rapidly undergo a repertoire of physiological and behavioral adaptations, which is termed the stress response. Rapid changes in heart rate and blood glucose levels occur via the interaction of glucocorticoids and their cognate receptors following hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis activation. These physiological changes are observed within minutes of encountering a stressor and the rapid time domain rules out genomic responses that require gene expression changes. Although behavioral changes corresponding to physiological changes are commonly observed, it is not clearly understood to what extent hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis activation dictates adaptive behavior. We hypothesized that rapid locomotor response to acute stressors in zebrafish requires hypothalamic‐pituitary‐interrenal (HPI) axis activation. In teleost fish, interrenal cells are functionally homologous to the adrenocortical layer. We derived eight frameshift mutants in genes involved in HPI axis function: two mutants in exon 2 ofmc2r(adrenocorticotropic hormone receptor), five in exon 2 or 5 ofnr3c1(glucocorticoid receptor [GR]) and two in exon 2 ofnr3c2(mineralocorticoid receptor [MR]). Exposing larval zebrafish to mild environmental stressors, acute changes in salinity or light illumination, results in a rapid locomotor response. We show that this locomotor response requires a functioning HPI axis via the action ofmc2rand the canonical GR encoded bynr3c1gene, but not MR (nr3c2). Our rapid behavioral assay paradigm based on HPI axis biology can be used to screen for genetic and environmental modifiers of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis and to investigate the effects of corticosteroids and their cognate receptor interactions on behavior.
The physics and ecology of mining carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by ecosystems
Authors: Baldocchi Dennis , Penuelas Josep
Published: December 2018

Reforesting and managing ecosystems have been proposed as ways to mitigate global warming and offset anthropogenic carbon emissions. The intent of our opinion piece is to provide a perspective on how well plants and ecosystems sequester carbon. The ability of individual plants and ecosystems to mine carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, as defined by rates and cumulative amounts, is limited by laws of physics and ecological principles. Consequently, the rates and amount of net carbon uptake are slow and low compared to the rates and amounts of carbon dioxide we release by fossil fuels combustion. Managing ecosystems to sequester carbon can also cause unintended consequences to arise. In this paper, we articulate a series of key take‐home points. First, the potential amount of carbon an ecosystem can assimilate on an annual basis scales with absorbed sunlight, which varies with latitude, leaf area index and available water. Second, efforts to improve photosynthesis will come with the cost of more respiration. Third, the rates and amount of net carbon uptake are relatively slow and low, compared to the rates and amounts and rates of carbon dioxide we release by fossil fuels combustion. Fourth, huge amounts of land area for ecosystems will be needed to be an effective carbon sink to mitigate anthropogenic carbon emissions. Fifth, the effectiveness of using this land as a carbon sink will depend on its ability to remain as a permanent carbon sink. Sixth, converting land to forests or wetlands may have unintended costs that warm the local climate, such as changing albedo, increasing surface roughness or releasing other greenhouse gases. We based our analysis on 1,163 site‐years of direct eddy covariance measurements of gross and net carbon fluxes from 155 sites across the globe.
ALK and EGFR expression by immunohistochemistry are associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus status in Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Veija Tuukka , Kero Mia , Koljonen Virve , Böhling Tom
Published: December 2018

Aims

Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare cutaneous neuroendocrine tumour of the skin, can be categorised into two groups according to Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) presence. MCV‐negative tumours are more aggressive and frequently associated with gene mutations. Some of the genes are potential therapeutic targets. We have previously reported EGFR mutations in six of 27 MCC tumours and overexpression of ALK and EZH2 at mRNA level in MCC tumours. In this study, we sought to determine expression of ALK, EGFR and EZH2 in MCC samples and assess their correlation to MCV status and clinical parameters.

Methods and results

Tissue microarrays were utilised and stained with primary antibodies. Staining data were statistically compared to patient sex, tumour location and development of metastasis and MCC‐specific death; 112 tumours and their corresponding patient data were included. We found strong expression of ALK in 51% and strong expression of EZH2 in 76% of the tumours. There was evident correlation of ALK expression with MCV‐positivity. Expression of EGFR was infrequent, presenting only in seven MCV‐negative tumours. None of the proteins associated with development of metastasis or MCC specific death.

Conclusions

ALK and EZH2 expression are frequent in MCC and ALK expression correlates to MCV positivity. EGFR positive tumours might respond to EGFR inhibiting treatment.
Can waist circumference provide a new “third” dimension to BMI when predicting percentage body fat in children? Insights using allometric modelling
Authors: Nevill Alan M. , Bryant Elizabeth , Wilkinson Kate , Gomes Thayse Natacha , Chaves Raquel , Pereira Sara , Katzmarzyk Peter T. , Maia José , Duncan Michael J.
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Body mass index (BMI) is often criticized for not being able to distinguish between lean and fat tissue. Waist circumference (WC), adjusted for stature, is proposed as an alternative weight status index, as it is more sensitive to changes in central adiposity.

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to combine the three dimensions of height, mass, and WC to provide a simple, meaningful, and more accurate index associated with percentage body fat (BF%).

Methods

We employed a four independent sample design. Sample 1 consisted of 551 children (320 boys) (mean ± SD of age = 7.2 ± 2.0 years), recruited from London, UK. Samples 2, 3, and 4 consisted of 5387 children (2649 boys) aged 7 to 17 years recruited from schools in Portugal. Allometric modelling was used to identify the most effective anthropometric index associated with BF%. The data from samples 2, 3, and 4 were used to confirm and cross‐validate the model derived in sample 1.

Results

The allometric models from all four samples identified a positive mass exponent and a negative height exponent that was approximately twice that of the mass exponent and a waist circumference exponent that was approximately half the mass exponent. Consequently, the body shape index most strongly associated with BF% was
. The
component of the new index can simply be interpreted as a WC “weighting” of the traditional BMI.

Conclusions

Compared with using BMI and WC in isolation,
could provide a more effective and equally noninvasive proxy for BF% in children that can be used in public and community health settings.
Obestatin and adropin in Prader‐Willi syndrome and nonsyndromic obesity: Associations with weight, BMI‐z, and HOMA‐IR
Authors: Orsso C. E. , Butler A. A. , Muehlbauer M. J. , Cui H. N. , Rubin D. A. , Pakseresht M. , Butler M. G. , Prado C. M. , Freemark M. , Haqq A. M.
Published: December 2018

The roles of obestatin and adropin in paediatric obesity are poorly understood. We compared obestatin and adropin concentrations in younger (n = 21) and older children (n = 14) with Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS) and age and BMI‐z‐matched controls (n = 31). Fasting plasma obestatin and adropin were higher in younger children with PWS than controls; adropin was also higher in older children with PWS. Growth hormone treatment had no effects on obestatin or adropin in PWS. The ratio of ghrelin to obestatin declined from early to late childhood but was higher in older PWS than older controls. Adropin correlated with fasting glucose in the PWS group only. Changes in the ratio of ghrelin to obestatin may suggest changes in the processing of preproghrelin to ghrelin and obestatin during development and differential processing of preproghrelin in PWS.
A randomized control trial of the impact of LCPUFA‐ω3 supplementation on body weight and insulin resistance in pubertal children with obesity
Authors: López‐Alarcón M. , Inda‐Icaza P. , Márquez‐Maldonado M. C. , Armenta‐Álvarez A. , Barbosa‐Cortés L. , Maldonado‐Hernández J. , Piña‐Aguero M. , Barradas‐Vázquez A. , Núñez‐García B. A. , Rodríguez‐Cruz M. , Fernández J. R.
Published: December 2018

Background

Paediatric obesity and insulin resistance (IR) are potentially reversible inflammatory conditions. Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids omega‐3 (LCPUFA‐ω3) show anti‐inflammatory and metabolic properties, but their clinical efficacy is unclear.

Objective

The objective of this study is to evaluate whether supplementation with LCPUFA‐ω3 for 3 months reduces insulin resistance and weight to adolescents with obesity.

Methods

Double‐blind trial of 366 adolescents with obesity randomly assigned to 1.2‐g LCPUFA‐ω3 (DO3) or 1‐g sunflower oil (DP) daily for 3 months; both groups received an energy‐restricted diet. Children attended monthly for anthropometric, dietary, and clinical measurements. Basal and final blood samples were obtained to measure metabolic markers and erythrocytes fatty acids. Regression models were used for analysis.

Results

A total of 119 DO3 and 126 DP children completed follow‐up. At baseline, 92% of children presented IR, 66% hypertriglyceridemia, 37% low‐grade inflammation, and 32% metabolic syndrome. Despite erythrocytes LCPUFA‐ω3 increased more in DO3 (Median differences = 0.984 w/w%; 95 IC = 0.47, 1.53, P < 0.001), body weight, insulin, and HOMA changed similarly in both groups at the end of intervention. Adjusting for basal values, changes in weight, insulin, and HOMA was not related with supplementation.

Conclusions

Supplementation with LCPUFA‐ω3 does not affect body weight or insulin in adolescents with obesity.
Incidence and risk factors for surgical site infection after open reduction and internal fixation of intra‐articular fractures of distal femur: A multicentre study
Authors: Lu Kaosheng , Zhang Jixin , Cheng Jiaxiang , Liu Haibo , Yang Chunyan , Yin Lichuan , Wang Hongbing , You Xiaojun , Qu Qiaoge
Published: December 2018

There remains a lack of data on the epidemiological characteristics of surgical site infection (SSI) following the open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of intra‐articular fractures of distal femur, and the aim of this study was to solve this key clinical issue. The electronic medical records (EMRs) of patients who underwent ORIF for distal femoral fracture from January 2013 to December 2017 were reviewed to identify those who developed a SSI. Then, we conducted univariate Chi‐square analyses and used a multivariate logistic regression analysis model to determine the adjusted risk factors associated with SSI. A total of 724 patients who underwent ORIF of intra‐articular fractures of the distal femur were studied retrospectively, and 29 patients had postoperative SSIs. The overall incidence of SSIs was 4.0% (29/724), with deep SSIs being 1.5% (11/724), and superficial SSIs being 2.5% (18/724). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common causative pathogen (8, 42.1%), followed by mixed bacterial pathogens (5, 26.3%). Open fracture, obesity, smoking, and diabetes mellitus were identified as the adjusted risk factors associated with SSIs. Although modification of these risk factors may be difficult, patients and families should be counselled regarding their increased risk of SSI because these patients potentially benefit from focused perioperative medical optimisation.
Design and psychometric testing of the attitude towards the prevention of incontinence‐associated dermatitis instrument (APrIAD)
Authors: Van Damme Nele , Van Hecke Ann , Himpens Annelies , Verhaeghe Sofie , Beeckman Dimitri
Published: December 2018

Despite the availability of a range of skin care products for the prevention of incontinence‐associated dermatitis (IAD), prevalence remains high. Nurses' attitude is an important determinant to take into account in quality improvement projects. This study aimed to design a psychometrically test the attitude towards the prevention of incontinence‐associated dermatitis instrument (APrIAD). A prospective psychometric instrument validation study was performed in a convenience sample of 217 Belgian nurses. Construct validity and reliability (internal consistency, stability) were tested. The exploratory factor analysis demonstrated a model consisting of four factors and 14 items: (a) beliefs about the impact of IAD on patients, (b) beliefs about team responsibility to prevent IAD, (c) beliefs about personal responsibility to prevent IAD, and (d) beliefs about the effectiveness of IAD prevention products and procedures. Cronbach's α was 0.72 for factor 1, 0.65 for factor 2, 0.63 for factor 3, and 0.47 for factor 4. The intra‐class correlation coefficient was 0.689 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.477‐0.825) for the total instrument, 0.591 (95% CI 0.388‐0.764) for factor 1, 0.387 (95% CI 0.080‐0.626) for factor 2, 0.640 (95% CI 0.406‐0.795) for factor 3, and 0.768 (95% CI 0.597‐0.872) for factor 4. Psychometric testing of the APrIAD demonstrated adequate validity and reliability measures.
Potential of advanced breeding lines of bread‐making wheat to accumulate grain minerals (Ca, Fe, Mg and Zn) and low phytates under Mediterranean conditions
Authors: Gomez‐Coronado Francisco , Almeida Ana S. , Santamaria Oscar , Cakmak Ismail , Poblaciones Maria J.
Published: December 2018

About 3 billion people may suffer from micronutrient deficiency such as Ca, Fe, Mg or Zn, caused not only by a mineral deficiency in staple food but also by a high content of phytates which bind those minerals and inhibit their absorption. With the aim of evaluating the potential of new cultivars of bread‐making wheat to accumulate those minerals and low phytates, nine advanced breeding lines from an ongoing Portuguese breeding program were studied during 2 years in a field experiment. A wide genetic variability was found between the studied genotypes in all the parameters studied, especially grain yield (ranging on average between 2,027 and 3,209 kg/ha) and grain Mg and Zn concentrations (ranging on average between 1,070 and 1,336 mg/kg, and 23.4 and 30.7 mg/kg, respectively). In global terms, the cultivars with best performance, and therefore, the most potentially suitable to be used in a breeding program, were the Cultivars 3 and 4. However, such a potential varied depending on the analysed trait, and it was clearly influenced by the climatic conditions. The consumption of 100 g of Cultivar‐4 produced under the most favourable conditions might provide a 5.2% of Ca, 26.4% of Fe, 38.9% of Mg and 31.9% of Zn of the recommended daily intakes, with a very good bioavailability for Fe and Ca, but low for Mg and Zn.
Long non‐coding RNA LUCAT1 promotes tumourigenesis by inhibiting ANXA2 phosphorylation in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lou Yun , Yu Yue , Xu Xiaolia , Zhou Shu , Shen Haiyuan , Fan Tianlong , Wu Di , Yin Jie , Li Guoqiang
Published: December 2018

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play essential roles in diverse biological processes; however, current understanding of the mechanism underlying the regulation of tumour proliferation and metastasis is limited. Lung cancer‐associated transcript 1 (LUCAT1) has been reported in a variety of human cancers, while its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the biological role and underlying mechanism of LUCAT1 on progression and metastasis in HCC cells and clinical specimens. Our results demonstrated that LUCAT1 was up‐regulated in HCC tissues and cells. Loss‐ and gain‐of‐function studies revealed that LUCAT1 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, RNA pulldown and Western blot assays indicated that LUCAT1 inhibited the phosphorylation of Annexin A2 (ANXA2) to reduce the degradation of ANXA2‐S100A10 heterotetramer (AIIt), which in turn accelerated the secretion of plasminogen into plasmin, thereby resulting in the activation of metalloprotease proteins. In conclusion, we propose that LUCAT1 serves as a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for HCC.
Genome size variation and species diversity in salamanders
Authors: Sclavi Bianca , Herrick John
Published: December 2018

Salamanders (Urodela) have among the largest vertebrate genomes, ranging in size from 10 to 120 pg. Although changes in genome size often occur randomly and in the absence of selection pressure, nonrandom patterns of genome size variation are evident among specific vertebrate lineages. Several reports suggest a relationship between species richness and genome size, but the exact nature of that relationship remains unclear both within and across different taxonomic groups. Here, we report (a) a negative relationship between haploid genome size (C‐value) and species richness at the family taxonomic level in salamander clades; (b) a correlation of C‐value and species richness with clade crown age but not with diversification rates; (c) strong associations between C‐value and both geographic area and climatic‐niche rate. Finally, we report a relationship between C‐value diversity and species diversity at both the family‐ and genus‐level clades in urodeles.
Effect of post‐cooking storage on texture and in vitro starch digestion of Japonica rice
Authors: Tamura Masatsugu , Singh Jaspreet , Kaur Lovedeep , Ogawa Yukiharu
Published: December 2018

The effects of post‐cooking storage conditions on texture, microstructure and kinetics of glucose release during simulated in vitro digestion of japonica rice (Oryza sativa L.) were investigated. Cooked rice was stored at low, medium and extreme temperatures (4, 30 and 90 °C) for two different durations (1 and 24 h). The surface firmness of cooked rice grains stored at 30 and 90 °C was significantly decreased with an increase in the storage duration, while an opposite trend was observed for samples stored at 4 °C. Rice grains appeared shrunken and distorted during in vitro digestion, regardless of the post‐cooking storage conditions. The cooked rice stored at 4 and 90 °C, for 24 h showed significantly lower starch hydrolysis (%) than those stored for 1 h at similar temperatures. Pearson's product‐moment correlation coefficient indicated a significant negative correlation (p < 0.05) between the overall grain firmness and equilibrium hydrolysis (%) of stored cooked rice.

Practical applications

Post‐cooking storage was found to be related not only to rice texture but also to rice starch digestibility. The reported results indicated that estimated glycemic index (eGI) value of cooked rice varied according to the post‐cooking storage conditions, which may help food processors in the development of low GI rice products. As overall rice grain firmness was found to be related to eGI, it can be employed as a parameter to evaluate the eGI of cooked rice.
Flood hazard assessment and the role of citizen science
Authors: Sy Bocar , Frischknecht Corine , Dao Hy , Consuegra David , Giuliani Gregory
Published: December 2018

Flood hazard assessment is at the core of flood risk management. In order to develop an efficient flood hazard assessment, it is of primary importance to have a well‐defined flood scenario encompassing all processes that could occur during an event. Understanding and assessing these processes requires meteorological, topographical and land‐use data as well as historical observations. Nowadays, flood delineation is based upon hydrological and hydraulic modelling, ground data collection, and remote sensing. Despite the advantages of these tools, they also present some specific limitations, either intrinsic to the approaches or linked with constraints of the local context. With the rapid advancement of web 2.0 technologies (e.g., Flickr and Wikimapia) and the increase of the use of participatory research, citizen science has the potential to provide valuable and complementary information at all levels of flood risk management and in particular for flood hazard assessment. After reviewing the capabilities and limitations of the current tools used in flood hazard assessment, this paper demonstrates the role that citizen science can play in providing key information on factors leading to flooding and on flood hazard parameters.
Compound polysaccharides ameliorate experimental colitis by modulating gut microbiota composition and function
Authors: Cai Ying , Liu Wen , Lin Yixuan , Zhang Shaobao , Zou Baorong , Xiao Dan , Lin Lei , Zhong Yuping , Zheng Haihui , Liao Qiongfeng , Xie Zhiyong
Published: December 2018

Background and Aim

Inflammatory bowel disease results from a dysregulated immune response to intestinal microbial flora in individuals with genetic predisposition(s). This study aimed to determine the effects of compound polysaccharides (CP) containing yam polysaccharide and inulin on the rat model of colitis induced by 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) and to explain the mechanism in terms of gut microbiota composition and function.

Methods

Male SD rats were divided into three groups: the control group, the model group, and the CP group. Disease activity index, serum myeloperoxidase level, and the composition and function of gut microbiota were analyzed.

Results

The data in the study showed CP reduced inflammation in the rat model of colitis induced by TNBS and ameliorated the experimental colitis. The results also indicated that CP not only reversed TNBS‐induced gut dysbiosis‐indexed by increased short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs)‐producing bacteria, lactic acid‐producing bacteria, and decreased Bacteroides, Proteobacteria as well as sulfate‐reducing bacteria, but also restored the dysregulated microbiota function of colitic rats into a normal condition, including an improvement on basic metabolism and a reduction on oxidative stress, cell motility, signal transduction, xenobiotics biodegradation, and metabolism as well as pathogenesis processes.

Conclusions

Compound polysaccharides ameliorated the experimental colitis of rats induced by TNBS by modulating the gut microbiota composition and function profiles, which makes it possible to be used as prebiotic agents to treat gut dysbiosis in colitis individuals.
Multicomponent Frailty Assessment Tools for Older People with Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sutton Jennifer L. , Gould Rebecca L. , Coulson Mark C. , Ward Emma V. , Butler Aine M. , Smith Megan , Lavelle Grace , Rosa Amy , Langridge Margaret , Howard Robert J.
Published: December 2018

Objective

To review evidence evaluating the use of multicomponent frailty assessment tools in assessing frailty in older adults with psychiatric disorders.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify all multicomponent frailty assessment tools (ie, a tool that assesses two or more indicators of frailty). The items of each frailty assessment tool were compared with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM‐5) diagnostic criteria for psychiatric disorders to assess construct overlap. Studies conducted in community, inpatient, and outpatient clinical settings were considered for inclusion.

Participants

Adults aged 60 years or older.

Results

A total of 5639 records were identified following the removal of duplicates, from which 95 studies were included for review. Of the 48 multicomponent frailty assessment tools identified, no tool had been developed for, or validated in, older adult populations with a psychiatric disorder. Overall, 20 of 48 frailty assessment tools contained a psychological assessment domain, with 17 of 48 tools citing the presence of depressed mood and/or anxiety as a frailty indicator. Common areas of construct overlap in frailty assessment tools and DSM‐5 diagnostic criteria included weight loss (29 of 48) and fatigue (21 of 48).

Conclusions

Significant construct overlap exists between the indicators of frailty as conceptualized in existing frailty assessment tools and DSM‐5 diagnostic criteria for common psychiatric disorders including major depressive episode and generalized anxiety disorder that has the potential to confound frailty assessment results. Further research is necessary to establish a reliable and valid tool to assess frailty in this population. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1085–1095, 2019.
A paired metamorphic belt in a subduction‐to‐collision orogen: An example from the South Qilian–North Qaidam orogenic belt,NWChina
Authors: Li Xiucai , Niu Manlan , Yakymchuk Chris , Wu Qi , Fu Changlei
Published: December 2018

The early Palaeozoic South Qilian–North Qaidam orogenic belt in northwestern China records a nearly complete history of early‐stage long‐lived oceanic subduction–accretion followed by late‐stage continental collision. Most previous studies have focused on lowdT/dPmetamorphism (HP–UHP) in this belt whereas the paired highdT/dPbelt in the hinterland has received little attention. In this contribution, phase equilibrium modelling is combined with zircon petrochronology to determine theP–T–tevolution of granulites in the North Wulan gneiss complex in the highdT/dPhinterland of the South Qilian–North Qaidam orogen. Granulites record a clockwiseP–Tpath with near‐peak temperatures of ~800–900°C at 5.5–7 kbar. Peak metamorphism was followed by high‐Tdecompression. Zircon petrochronology reveals protracted zircon growth fromc. 474 to 446 Ma during the high‐Tportion of theP–Tpath. HighdT/dPmetamorphism in the North Wulan gneiss complex was likely the result of heat transfer from the underlying hot asthenosphere and minor coeval magmatism in an arc–back‐arc system during slab retreat and roll‐back of the South Qilian oceanic plate. Broadly contemporaneous but slightly youngerHP–UHPmetamorphism in the foreland of the South Qilian–North Qaidam orogenic belt indicates that the region records an early Palaeozoic paired metamorphic belt. This early Palaeozoic paired metamorphic belt provides a detailed example of dual thermal regimes in a modern‐style orogenic system that can be applied to understanding the time‐scales andP–Tconditions of highdT/dPmetamorphism that accompany subduction in Phanerozoic and Precambrian orogenic belts.