bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Membrane metallo‐endopeptidase is dispensable for repair after nerve injury
Authors: Cervellini Ilaria , Galino Jorge , Zhu Ning , Fricker Florence R. , Bao Lu , Bennett David L. H.
Published: July 2019

Membrane metallo‐endopeptidase (MME), also known as neprilysin (NEP), has been of interest for its role in neurodegeneration and pain due to its ability to degrade β‐amyloid and substance‐P, respectively. In addition to its role in the central nervous system, MME has been reported to be expressed in the peripheral system, specifically in the inner and outer border of myelinating fibers, in the Schmidt‐Lantermann cleft and in the paranodes. Recently, mutations of this gene have been associated with Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth Type 2 (CMT2). Peripheral nerve morphometry in mice lacking MME previously showed minor abnormalities in aged animals in comparison to CMT2 patients. We found that MME expression was dysregulated after nerve injury in a Neuregulin‐1 dependent fashion. We therefore explored the hypothesis that MME may have a role in remyelination. In the naïve state in adulthood we did not find any impairment in myelination in MME KO mice. After nerve injury the morphological outcome in MME KO mice was indistinguishable from WT littermates in terms of axon regeneration and remyelination. We did not find any difference in functional motor recovery. There was a significant difference in sensory function, with MME KO mice starting to recover response to mechanical stimuli earlier than WT. The epidermal reinnnervation, however, was unchanged and this altered sensitivity may relate to its known function in cleaving the peptide substance‐P, known to sensitise nociceptors. In conclusion, although MME expression is dysregulated after nerve injury in a NRG1‐dependent manner this gene is dispensable for axon regeneration and remyelination after injury.
Instabilities of horizontal magnetoconvection with rotating fluid in a sparsely packed porous media
Authors: Avula Benerji Babu , N Venkata Koteswara Rao , S.G. Tagare
Published: July 2019

We studied linear and nonlinear instabilities of horizontal magnetoconvection with rotating fluid in a sparsely packed porous media. We studied the critical Rayleigh number and traced marginal stability curves at different parameters , , , and . We obtained Takens‐Bogdanov and co‐dimension two bifurcation points. The Newell‐Whitehead multiple scheme was employed to derive amplitude equations at Pitchfork and Hopf bifurcation. At the onset of Pitchfork bifurcation we identified Eckhaus and Zigzag instability regions and studied Nusselt number. The system of coupled Landau Ginzburg equations were derived at the onset of Hopf bifurcation and identified secondary instability regions for fixed parameters, steady state mode shifted to standing and traveling waves as increases.
Effect of peer presence on adolescents' risk‐taking is moderated by individual self‐esteem: An experimental study
Authors: Tian Lumei , Dong Xinyue , Xia Dayong , Liu Lu , Wang Dawei
Published: July 2019

Prior research suggests that the presence of peers increases adolescents' risk‐taking. However, it is not clear whether the effect of peer presence is moderated by individual characteristics such as self‐esteem, since individuals with low self‐esteem are more susceptible to peer influence theoretically. The present study examined this problem using an adapted Stoplight Game in an experiment. A final sample of 140 adolescent students aged 14–18 (M = 16.25 ± 0.73 years, 61 girls), divided into two groups—low self‐esteem and high self‐esteem, according to their self‐esteem scores, completed a risk‐taking task either alone or in the presence of a same‐sex peer. The results indicated that peer presence increased adolescents' risk‐taking, specifically for those with low self‐esteem, while those with high self‐esteem were not affected by peer presence. The findings are helpful for our understanding of peer influence on adolescent risk‐taking and the moderating role of the self and have practical implications for preventing and intervening adolescents' risk‐taking via increasing their self‐esteem.
Designing antimicrobial stewardship initiatives to enhance scientific dissemination
Authors: Pagels Courtney M. , McCreary Erin K. , Rose Warren E. , Dodds Ashley Elizabeth S. , Bookstaver P. Brandon , Dilworth Thomas J.
Published: July 2019

Antimicrobial overuse and resistance pose an immediate threat to human health. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) refers to efforts designed to improve antimicrobial use and optimize associated outcomes across health care settings. Pharmacists are integral leaders of AMS teams and are increasingly engaged in AMS research. However, AMS scholarship often lacks scientific rigor and subsequently, representative evidence in AMS guidelines is low quality. Because pharmacists are often on the front lines of AMS in health care systems, they must be cognizant of robust AMS study design to increase both quality and generalizability of their AMS interventions and observations. Sustainability of AMS interventions is equally important. This paper provides a primer for pharmacists engaged in AMS on fundamental AMS scholarship concepts including defining the study objective, study design, study methodology, data analysis, and promoting sustainability of the intervention. Recommendations are made for pharmacists across the spectrum of AMS, from new to well‐established programs. Additional AMS training and AMS scholarship is needed to support both the profession and pharmacists engaged in AMS. A concerted effort by pharmacists to enhance the quality of AMS research may improve AMS scholarship impact and further enhance outcomes throughout the continuum of care.
The antitumor effect of hinesol, extract from Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. by proliferation, inhibition, and apoptosis induction via MEK/ERK and NF‐κB pathway in non–small cell lung cancer cell lines A549 and NCI‐H1299
Authors: Guo Weiqiang , Liu Songbai , Ju Xin , Du Jiahui , Xu Bin , Yuan Hongxia , Qin Fenju , Li Liangzhi
Published: July 2019

Lung cancer (especially, non–small cell lung cancer [NSCLC]) is one of the most malignant cancers in the world. Hinesol is the major component of the essential oil of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC and possesses the most promising anticancer function. However, the effects and molecular mechanism of hinesol on antiproliferation in NSCLC cells has not been well understood. In this study, we found that hinesol effectively inhibited the A549 and NCI‐H1299 cells in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazoliumbromide assay. In addition, hinesol induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase and apoptosis assessed by flow cytometry in A549 cells. Furthermore, Western blot analysis showed that hinesol decreased phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, IκBα, and p65 inhibited the expressions of Bcl‐2, cyclin D1 and upregulated the expression of Bax. Based on these results, hinesol might be a potential drug candidate of anti‐NSCLC for therapy.
A functional polymorphism in the promoter region of miR‐155 predicts the risk of intracranial hemorrhage caused by rupture intracranial aneurysm
Authors: Yang Xiaobo , Peng Jianhua , Pang Jinwei , Wan Weifeng , Chen Ligang
Published: July 2019

Background

This study aimed to study the effect and underlying molecular mechanisms of single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs767649 during the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysm (IA) rupture.

Method

Real‐time PCR and Western blot analysis were performed to detect the differentiated expression of miR‐155 and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) among different sample groups. Computational analysis and luciferase assay were conducted to study the effect of SNP rs767649 on the expression of miR‐155 as well as the regulatory relationship between miR‐155 and MMP‐2.

Results

In unruptured IA samples, the expression of miR‐155 was upregulated while the expression of MMP‐2 was downregulated compared with the ruptured IA samples. Similarly, the expression of miR‐155 was upregulated while the expression of MMP‐2 was downregulated in samples genotyped as AA/AT compared with samples genotyped as TT. In addition, compared with the negative controls, the luciferase activities of cells treated with rs767649A and rs767649T were both elevated with rs767649A‐transfected cells expressing the highest luciferase activity. Furthermore, a negative relationship was established between miR‐155 and MMP‐2 by measuring the luciferase activity of cells cotransfected with miR‐155 and the wild‐type 3′‐untranslated region of MMP‐2.

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that the SNP rs767649 in the promoter of miR‐155 could reduce the transcription activity of miR‐155, while poorly expressed miR‐155 could increase the incidence of IA rupture by increasing the expression of MMP‐2, especially in subjects carrying the TT genotype of SNP rs767649.
MicroRNA 32 promotes cell proliferation, migration, and suppresses apoptosis in colon cancer cells by targeting OTU domain containing 3
Authors: Jin Yanzhao , Cheng Hua , Cao Jiaqing , Shen Wei
Published: July 2019

Colorectal cancer is considered as the fourth leading reason of cancer‐linked deaths worldwide. However, our knowledge about its pathogenic mechanism remains inadequate. MicroRNA 32 (miR‐32), a member of small noncoding RNAs, has been found vital roles in tumorigenesis. This study studied its functions and underlying mechanism in colorectal cancer. The experiment revealed the obvious upregulation of miR‐32 in colorectal cancer tissues and six cancer cell lines, compared with normal tissues and cells. Moreover, miR‐32 upregulation reduced cell apoptosis and promoted cell proliferation and migration, while its downregulation displayed opposite effects. Dual luciferase reporter assays proved that miR‐32 bound to the 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR) of OTU domain containing 3 (OTUD3), suggesting that miR‐32 directly targeted OTUD3. Further experiments demonstrated that overexpression of miR‐32 could reduce the expression level of OTUD3. Furthermore, OTUD3 silence promoted proliferation and motility and decreased apoptosis for HCT116 cells and restored partly miR‐32‐mediated cell proliferation, migration, and antiapoptosis for colon cancer. Therefore, our study indicated that miR‐32 enhanced cell proliferation and motility abilities, and inhibited apoptosis by directly targeting OTUD3 in colon cancer cells, which implied that miR‐32 was hopeful to be a biomarker or target used for diagnosis and therapy of colon cancer.
In vivo antibacterial activity of Zataria multiflora Boiss extract and its components, carvacrol, and thymol, against colistin‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in a pneumonic BALB/c mouse model
Authors: Hassannejad Niloofar , Bahador Abbas , Rudbari Nasim Hayati , Modarressi Mohammad Hossein , Parivar Kazem
Published: July 2019

Background

Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as a major cause of nosocomial infections. Various resistance mechanisms of A. baumannii against antibiotics have transformed it into a successful nosocomial pathogen. Because of the limited number of available antibiotics, we used a medicinal plant with an antibacterial effect. Zataria multiflora Boiss (ZMB) extract and its components were used for the treatment of pneumonic mice infected with A. baumannii. The biological effects of this extract and the regulation of the outer membrane protein A (ompA) gene were used in a mouse model.

Methods

A pneumonic mouse model was prepared using clinical and standard strains (1.5 × 108 colony‐forming units/mL) of A. baumannii. BALB/c mice groups were treated with a ZMB extract, carvacrol, thymol, and sensitive antibiotics. The lung tissues of the treated mice were cultured for 5 days and each day, bacterial clearance and the ompA gene expression were assessed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

In the lung tissue culture of pneumonic mice infected with standard or clinical isolate, no colony was detected when treated with the ZMB extract after 2 and 3 days (P < 0.01), respectively. In the carvacrol‐treated group, bacterial clearance was seen at day 4 and day 5 (P < 0.05). Bacterial clearance was seen 5 days after treatment with thymol and imipenem and 6 days after ampicillin/sulbactam treatment. The regulation of ompA gene was significantly decreased in this order: ZMB extract, carvacrol, thymol, imipenem, and ampicillin/sulbactam.

Discussion

The ZMB extract had a potent bactericidal effect against A. baumannii that could downregulate the ompA gene. ZBM extract and carvacrol could be novel therapeutic agents for antibiotic‐resistant A. baumannii.
miR‐23b‐3p regulates apoptosis and autophagy via suppressing SIRT1 in lens epithelial cells
Authors: Zhou Wenkai , Xu Jun , Wang Chunxia , Shi Dong , Yan Qichang
Published: July 2019

Age‐related cataract is one of the prior causes of blindness and the incidence rates of cataract are even rising. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cataracts. Under oxidative stress, lens epithelial cell (LEC cell) apoptosis is activated, which might lead to the opacity of the lens and accelerate the progression of cataract development. Meanwhile, autophagy is also active to face oxidative stress. miRNAs have been reported to involve cataract. However, the underlying mechanism is not clear. The present study aimed to investigate the regulatory effect of miR23b‐3p on apoptosis and autophagy in LEC cells under oxidative stress. The expression levels of miR‐23b‐3p were examined in age‐related cataract tissues and LEC cells treated with hydrogen peroxide, showing that miR23b‐3p expression levels were upregulated. Knockdown of miR23b‐3p expression in LEC cells brought about apoptosis significantly decreased while autophagy significantly increased during hydrogen peroxide. We predicted microRNA miRNA‐23b‐3p might participate in regulating silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) by bioinformatics database of TargetScan. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that miRNA‐23b‐p could suppress SIRT1 expression by binding its 3′UTR. In addition, overexpression or knockdown of miR‐23b‐3p could decrease or increase SIRT1 expression, which indicated that Mir‐23b‐3p could suppress SIRT1 expression. In addition, enhanced SIRT1 could attenuate the regulation of cell apoptosis and autophagy induced by overexpression of miR‐23b‐3p. Taken together, our findings revealed that miR‐23b‐3p regulated apoptosis and autophagy via suppressing SIRT1 in LEC cell under oxidative stress, which could provide new ideas for clinical treatment of cataract.
Bone marrow macrophage M2 polarization and adipose‐derived stem cells osteogenic differentiation synergistically promote rehabilitation of bone damage
Authors: Li Yiyang , Kong Ning , Li Zhe , Tian Run , Liu Xiaohui , Liu Guanzhi , Wang Kunzheng , Yang Pei
Published: July 2019

By differentiating into and the balance being regulated between M1 (pro‐inflammatory) and M2 (anti‐inflammatory) heterogeneous populations, macrophages play critical roles during the host immune response in various physiological contexts in both health and diseases. Besides regulating innate and adaptive immune capacity, macrophages are also decisively involved in tissue homeostasis. However, how resident macrophages are regulated after tissue damages is still far from elucidation. In the present study, we found that adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) apparently promote bone defect rehabilitation in vivo via skewing differentiation of bone marrow–derived macrophage (BMDMs) towards anti‐inflammatory M2 macrophages. In vitro data demonstrated that although ADSCs have the potential to differentiate to osteoblasts and adipose cells by using standard tissue culture‐differentiating conditions, these mesenchymal progenitors are mainly regulated to differentiate into osteoblasts with overexpressed runt‐related transcription factor 2, osteoprotegerin, osterix, and downregulated receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand in the presence of BMDMs‐conditioned medium. Whereas BMDMs are polarized toward M2 macrophages with higher levels of arginase 1 and mannose receptor, but lower levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and tumor necrosis factor‐α when cocultured with ADSCs. In short, all these findings collectively demonstrated that ADSCs and resident host cells can synergistically contribute to the bony repair through mutual regulation of their differentiation and cytokine secretion.
Couple‐based interventions for PTSD among military veterans: An empirical review
Authors: Kugler Jordan , Andresen Felicia J. , Bean Ron C. , Blais Rebecca K.
Published: July 2019

Objective

Treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a commonly sought mental health service among military service members and veterans (SM/Vs). Such treatment is typically individually‐based, despite many SM/Vs reporting a desire for greater partner involvement in treatment. This review examined couple‐based treatments for PTSD among SM/Vs and their romantic partners.

Method

A database search conducted in July, 2018 yielded 167 studies, of which 16 (10%) met inclusion criteria. Brief intervention summaries, effect sizes, and distress change scores (where applicable) are reported.

Results

The 16 studies tested 7 interventions, which showed a reduction in self‐rated and clinician‐rated PTSD symptoms with large effect sizes observed in most studies. Relationship outcomes also improved for SM/Vs and their partners, with effect sizes ranging from small‐to‐medium for SM/Vs and small‐to‐large for partners.

Conclusions

Couple‐based interventions show success in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving relationship outcomes, offering several alternatives to individual‐based interventions among partnered SM/Vs.
Missed diagnosis of cancer in primary care: Insights from malpractice claims data
Authors: Aaronson Emily L. , Quinn Gene R. , Wong Chris I. , Murray Ann Marie , Petty Carter R. , Einbinder Jonathan , Schiff Gordon D.
Published: July 2019

Background

In the ambulatory setting, missed cancer diagnoses are leading contributors to patient harm and malpractice risk; however, there are limited data on the malpractice case characteristics for these cases.

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine key features and factors identified in missed cancer diagnosis malpractice claims filed related to primary care and evaluate predictors of clinical and claim outcomes.

Methods

We analyzed 2155 diagnostic error closed malpractice claims in outpatient general medicine. We created multivariate models to determine factors that predicted case outcomes.

Results

Missed cancer diagnoses represented 980 (46%) cases of primary care diagnostic errors, most commonly from lung, colorectal, prostate, or breast cancer. The majority (76%) involved errors in clinical judgment, such as a failure or delay in ordering a diagnostic test (51%) or failure or delay in obtaining a consult or referral (37%). These factors were independently associated with higher‐severity patient harm. The majority of these errors were of high severity (85%).

Conclusions

Malpractice claims involving missed diagnoses of cancer in primary care most often involve routine screening examinations or delays in testing or referral. Our findings suggest that more reliable closed‐loop systems for diagnostic testing and referrals are crucial for preventing diagnostic errors in the ambulatory setting.
Interacting proteins of the essential two‐component system YycFG in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Wu Xuanang , Song Qi , Han Aidong
Published: July 2019

Two‐component signal transduction systems (TCSs) play a major role in adaption and survival of microorganisms in a dynamic and sometimes dangerous environment. YycFG is an essential TCS for many Gram‐positive bacteria, such as Bacillus subtilis, which regulates many important biological processes. However, its functional essentiality remains largely unknown. Here, we report several YycFG interacting proteins through coimmunoprecipitation (Co‐IP) and mass spectrometry (MS) analyses. We engineered the B. subtilis genome by a knock‐in approach to express YycG with a C‐terminal Flag and YycF with an N‐terminal HA tag. Immunoprecipitated fractions using anti‐Flag or anti‐HA agarose were subjected to MS analyses. A total of 41 YycG interacting proteins and four YycF interacting proteins were identified, most of which are involved in cellular metabolic processes, including cell wall synthesis and modification. The interactions of YycG with AsnB and FabL, as examples, were further validated in vitro. This study provided a clue that YycFG may be directly involved in regulation of bacterial central metabolic pathways.
Cut‐off low systems over Iraq: Contribution to annual precipitation and synoptic analysis of extreme events
Authors: Al‐Nassar Ali Raheem , Pelegrí Josep L. , Sangrà Pablo , Alarcon Marta , Jansa Agusti
Published: July 2019

We combine daily in situ precipitation data with meteorological reanalysis data in order to explore the contribution of cut‐off low systems to the seasonal and inter‐annual rainfall variations over Baghdad from 2005 to 2016. During these 12 years (average rainfall of 131 ± 67 mm/year), 38 rainy cut‐off lows brought 43% of the total precipitation, with extreme inter‐annual variations. Indeed, precipitation associated with autumn cut‐off lows was the principal factor that turned an arid into a wet year: during the three most arid years cut‐off lows contributed about 25% of the average rainfall (10 out of 40 mm/year) while during the three wettest years they contributed near 67% (171 out of 254 mm/year). The extreme‐rain cut‐off low systems displayed analogous synoptic characteristics: upper‐atmosphere divergence, upwards vertical motions in the middle atmosphere, and lower‐atmosphere winds into central Iraq at times when the surface Red Sea and Persian Gulf waters were warmer than the surface air. During those days previous to an extreme event, the surface waters cooled substantially and the amount of precipitable water increased largely, suggesting high latent heat transfer. In order to characterize those conditions that favour rainfall, we focus on the November 18–20, 2013 cut‐off low system, which led to the largest flooding and wettest year in Baghdad between 2005 and 2016. The distribution of properties in the middle (500 hPa) and upper (250 hPa) troposphere shows that the region was affected by intense horizontal divergence and upwards motions, coinciding with a surface low over the Arabian Peninsula that caused intense northwards winds over the Persian Gulf and brought substantial moisture to central Iraq. The analysis of several stability indexes indicates that convective instability played a secondary role during the episode.
Fahien reconsidered: Pleistocene exploitation of wild bananas and Holocene introduction of Musa cultivars to Sri Lanka
Authors: De Langhe Edmond , Vrydaghs Luc , Perrier Xavier , Denham Tim
Published: July 2019

A recent publication on the phytolith assemblage at Fahien rockshelter, Sri Lanka (Premathilake and Hunt) is argued to represent: the exploitation of wild Musa acuminata and M. balbisiana during the Late Pleistocene; the introduction of edible diploid cultivars from the Southeast Asia–New Guinea region during the early to mid‐Holocene; the generation and cultivation of triploid banana hybrids on Sri Lanka before 6194–5994 cal bp; and the subsequent spread of derived triploid cultivars to mainland India and westward to Africa. A careful review of the archaeobotanical research presented by Premathilake and Hunt, in the context of broader multidisciplinary evidence (agronomy, archaeobotany, genetics and linguistics) for the domestication and spread of banana cultivars, indicates that three main aspects of their argument are problematic: the lack of clarity in the characterization of banana domestication in the past; the methods used to discriminate phytoliths into banana taxa; and the promotion of Sri Lanka as a source region rather than a recipient of banana cultivars. Following reconsideration, the Fahien evidence is consistent with previous interpretations for the origins of diploid and significant triploid cultivars outside of Sri Lanka and dispersal to that island. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cave bear occupation in Schwabenreith Cave, Austria, during the early last glacial: constraints from 230Th/U‐dated speleothems
Authors: Spötl Christoph , Scholz Denis , Rabeder Gernot , Reimer Paula J.
Published: July 2019

The cave bear was a prominent member of the Upper Pleistocene fauna in Eurasia. While breakthroughs were recently achieved with respect to its phylogeny using ancient DNA techniques, it is still challenging to date cave bear fossils beyond the radiocarbon age range. Without an accurate and precise chronological framework, however, key questions regarding the palaeoecology cannot be addressed, such as the extent to which large climate swings during the last glacial affected the habitat and possibly even conditioned the final extinction of this mammal. Key to constraining the age of cave bear fossils older than the lower limit of radiocarbon dating is to date interlayered speleothems using 230Th/U. Here we report new results from one such site in the Eastern European Alps (Schwabenreith Cave), which yielded the highest density of bones of cave bear (Ursus spelaeus eremus). Although dating of the flowstones overlying this fossiliferous succession was partly compromised by diagenetic alteration, the 230Th/U dates indicate that the bear hibernated in this cave after about 113 ka and before about 109 ka. This time interval coincides with the equivalent of Greenland Stadial 25, suggesting possible climate control on the cave bear's habitat and behaviour. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Quaternary Science Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
The influence of fine‐scale topography on the impacts of Holocene fire in a Tasmanian montane landscape
Authors: CADD HAIDEE , FLETCHER MICHAEL‐SHAWN , MARIANI MICHELA , HEIJNIS HENDRIK , GADD PATRICIA S.
Published: July 2019

Tasmania's montane temperate rainforests contain some of Australia's most ancient and endemic flora. Recent landscape‐scale fires have impacted a significant portion of these rainforest ecosystems. The complex and rugged topography of Tasmania results in a highly variable influence of fire across the landscape, rendering predictions of ecosystem response to fire difficult. We assess the role of topographic variation in buffering the influence of fire in these endemic rainforest communities. We developed a new 14 000‐year (14‐ka) palaeoecological dataset from Lake Perry, southern Tasmania, and compared it to neighbouring Lake Osborne (<250 m distant) to examine how topographic variations influence fire and vegetation dynamics through time. Repeated fire events during the Holocene cause a decline in montane rainforest taxa at both sites; however, in the absence of fire, rainforest taxa are able to recover. Montane temperate rainforest taxa persisted at Lake Perry until European settlement, whilst these taxa were driven locally extinct and replaced byEucalyptusspecies at Lake Osborne after 2.5 ka. Contiguous topographic fire refugia within the Lake Perry catchment probably provided areas of favourable microclimates that discouraged fire spread and supported the recovery of these montane temperate rainforests. Copyright © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Itrax μ‐XRF core scanning for rapid tephrostratigraphic analysis: a case study from the Auckland Volcanic Field maar lakes
Authors: Peti Leonie , Gadd Patricia S. , Hopkins Jenni L. , Augustinus Paul C.
Published: July 2019

Itrax micro X‐ray fluorescence (μ‐XRF) core scanning is a non‐destructive, rapid approach to measuring elemental concentrations and their variability in sediment cores. As such, it records elemental signatures of tephra layers, which serve as correlation tie points and chronological markers for these sedimentary archives of past climatic changes. The traditional tephra identification approach using electron microprobe‐based geochemical fingerprinting of glass shards is a slow and invasive process, whilst μ‐XRF scanning of rhyolite tephra in sediment cores from Auckland (New Zealand) could provide a faster, non‐invasive approach to aid the recognition of tephra layers. This study highlights the potential and pitfalls in this novel approach: changes in most scanning parameters, and the use of two different Itrax core scanners, still led to similar chemical characterizations of the tephra layers. Changes in other scanning parameters have a biasing influence on the chemical characterization of the tephra, which would lead to misidentification of unknown layers. We demonstrate that μ‐XRF core scanning provides a faster and non‐invasive approach to correlation of sediment sequences using chemically distinct, visually pure tephra layers if a strict scanning protocol is followed. Nevertheless, an extensive database of μ‐XRF‐scanned rhyolite tephra is required for recognition of unknown tephra units using this approach.
Multi‐institutional validation of the 8th AJCC TNM staging system for gastric cancer: Analysis of survival data from high‐volume Eastern centers and the SEER database
Authors: Son Taeil , Sun Jiyu , Choi Seohee , Cho Minah , Kwon In Gyu , Kim Hyoung‐Il , Cheong Jae‐Ho , Choi Seung Ho , Noh Sung Hoon , Woo Yanghee , Fong Yuman , Park Sohee , Hyung Woo Jin
Published: July 2019

Background

The clinical relevance and general applicability of the 8th American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM gastric cancer staging system vs the 7th version have not been examined using datasets from both the East and West.

Methods

Patients (n = 29 984) treated for gastric adenocarcinoma at two high‐volume centers (Severance Hospital [SH] and Gangnam Severance Hospital [GSH]) in Korea and data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were retrospectively analyzed. Survival curves, the performance of tumor staging, and the homogeneity of modified subgroups were compared.

Results

Minute changes were noted in the stage IIB subgroup; most changes were noted in stage III. Applying the 8th staging system facilitated better prediction of survival than applying the 7th version for SH data according to the log‐rank test, C‐index, and AIC (8444.5 vs 9263.8, 0.796 vs 0.798, and 104152 vs 103909, respectively). Its performance was also superior for GSH and SEER data. In a subgroup analysis of stages IIB to IIIC in SH, GSH, and SEER data, the 8th staging system showed similar or more homogeneous survival for each sub‐classification than the 7th version.

Conclusion

Compared with the 7th gastric cancer staging system, the newer version more accurately predicted prognosis and stratified subgroups more homogeneously.
Comparative Study of Pulsed Versus Continuous High‐Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation Using In Vitro and In Vivo Models
Authors: Wang Yanhao , Wang Qi , Luo Yong , Jiang Lu , Zeng Zihuan , Gan Lidan , Chen Jianli , Han Hongfei , Zou Jianzhong
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To compare the efficacy of pulsed high‐intensity focused ultrasound (PHIFU) versus continuous high‐intensity focused ultrasound (CHIFU) ablation at identical doses.

Methods

Continuous and pulsed HIFU (1200 J) at duty cycles (DCs) of 60% and 20% were examined for their capacity to ablate bovine liver tissue in vitro and rabbit liver tissue in vivo. After ablation, grayscale changes and pathologic characteristics were observed or measured, and the tissue necrosis volume, energy efficiency factor, and average grayscale density were calculated.

Results

The pulsed mode generated greater liquefaction necrosis. An inconspicuous grayscale change was observed for PHIFU at a DC of 20% in some samples, which appeared as an elliptical cavity. The energy efficiency factor of PHIFU at a DC of 60% was significantly lower than that of CHIFU, as observed both in vitro and in vivo (P < .05). The grayscale value and average grayscale density in response to CHIFU were significantly greater than those in response to PHIFU (60% or 20%;P < .05). Histopathologic analysis revealed liquefaction necrosis in all PHIFU groups.

Conclusions

At identical doses, compared with CHIFU, a single session of PHIFU can generate liquefaction necrosis and at a higher DC can improve ablation efficiency. This increased efficacy of PHIFU may involve enhancement of tissue destruction by cavitation effects and a reduction in the obstruction effect of endogenous microbubbles through cavitation effects or a more effective diffusion of heat.
Variation in physicochemical and biochemical soil properties among different plant species treatments early in the restoration of a desertified alpine meadow
Authors: Liu Lin , Zeng Kai , Wu Ning , Zhang Xinquan , Sun Feida , Chen Dongming , Gao Wuchao , Zhou Jiqiong , Zhao Jingxue , You Chengming , Sun Geng
Published: July 2019

Soil nutrients, enzyme activities, and microbial biomass have important significance for biogeochemical cycles and are affected by vegetation restoration in degradation ecosystems. To explore the effects of replanting different plant species on soil restoration in a desertified alpine meadow on the eastern Tibetan Plateau and to optimize the restoration process with locally appropriate plant species, the soil physicochemical and biochemical properties were measured beneath the plant speciesRhodiola kirilowii,Salix cupularis, andKengyilia rigidulaover two periods of vegetative growth (2 years and 5 years). The results showed that all the soil properties significantly improved over the recovery periods (p < .001) and the plant species significantly affected the patterns of soil bulk density, available resources, and biochemical properties (p < .05). However,R. kirilowiiimproved soil properties most significantly among the three plant species as the recovery time elapsed, and these improvements were strongly related to the greatest fresh vegetation biomass and coverage. Furthermore,R. kirilowiienhanced microbial biomass phosphorus even more, which is an important available phosphorus stock in the soil, and more effectively promoted the development of soil fungi than the two other species. Therefore, we suggest thatR. kirilowiiis the preferred species of the three to expedite the recovery of desertified alpine soil, and that the appropriate addition of P fertilizer and propelling the development of specific fungi groups in the soil are key to soil restoration in the desertified alpine meadow.
Plant restoration leads to divergent sequestration of soil carbon and nitrogen in different fractions in an arid desert region
Authors: Jia Xiao‐hong , Li Yuan‐shou , Wu Bo , Lu Qi , Li Xin‐rong
Published: July 2019

Soil organic carbon (OC) and nitrogen (N) associated with particle size fractions can be used as sensitive indicators to evaluate impacts of land use change on soil total OC (TOC) and total N (TN) pools. Aeolian sandy‐soils were collected from seven sites in the Tengger Desert, representing a 56‐year chronosequence of plant restoration at decadal intervals in an arid desert region. Bulk soils were separated into silt + clay (<53 μm), fine sand (53–100 μm), and coarse sand (>100 μm) fractions. TOC and TN concentrations of bulk soil and their levels associated with particle size fractions were analyzed. Results showed that plant restoration promoted C and N sequestration in both topsoil and subsoil layers over time, as indicated by elevated levels of OC and N associated with silt + clay and sand fractions. TOC and TN concentrations of 56‐year restored topsoil respectively increased by 31‐ and 43‐fold than did the control (moving dunes); corresponding levels associated with silt + clay or coarse sand fraction respectively increased by more than 30‐ and 20‐fold, whereas less than 15‐fold increases were found in fine sand fraction. In the early stages of plant restoration, both C and N sequestration primarily resulted from finer particle size fractions. In the later stages, increased C sequestration was principally derived from coarse sand fraction, whereas N sequestration was mainly derived from silt + clay fraction. The results highlight that plant restoration stage and soil textural change are key factors leading to divergent soil C and N sequestration in the arid desert region.
Effects of Low‐Level Laser Irradiation in a Mouse Model of Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Bae Jun‐Sang , Kim Sang Hyub , Kim Jie Hye , Kim Eun Hee , Lyu Lele , Chung Phil Sang , Mo Ji‐Hun
Published: July 2019

Background and Objectives

To evaluate the antiallergic effect of low‐level laser irradiation (LLLI) at 650 nm in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis (AR), and to examine the underlying mechanisms.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

BALB/c mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and alum and challenged intranasally with OVA. Straight‐ and diffusion‐type LLLI were applied directly into the intranasal cavity of the mice once daily for 10 days (650 nm, 5 mW, 15 min/day) and multiple allergic parameters were evaluated.

Results

LLLI reduced allergic symptoms, such as rubbing and sneezing, and suppressed the serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE), OVA‐specific IgE, and OVA‐specific IgG1 levels. Diffusion‐type LLLI significantly reduced eosinophil infiltration of nasal mucosa and lymph nodes (LNs). LLLI reduced the expression of interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and IL‐17 in cervical LN and splenocyte culture supernatant, as well as their messenger RNA levels in nasal mucosa. However, the expression of interferonγ (IFN‐γ) and IL‐6 was unaffected by LLLI. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) in LN cells and the nasal mucosa, which were increased in the AR group, were reduced by LLLI, suggesting involvement of ROS and NO within their mechanism.

Conclusions

LLLI exerted an antiallergic effect by decreasing local and systemic IL‐4, IL‐17, and IgE levels, as well as eosinophilic infiltration into the nasal mucosa, in a mouse model of AR by modulating ROS and NO levels. Diffusion‐type LLLI exhibited greater efficacy against AR than straight‐type LLLI. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Prognostic Value of Adding Narrow‐Band Imaging in Transoral Laser Microsurgery for Early Glottic Cancer: A Review
Authors: Campo Flaminia , D'Aguanno Vittorio , Greco Antonio , Ralli Massimo , de Vincentiis Marco
Published: July 2019

Background and Objectives

Transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) is a universally recognized safe and minimally invasive approach for early glottic cancer. Narrow band imaging (NBI) is an optical technique working with a filtered light that reveals superficial mucosal abnormalities through the neoangiogenic pattern. The aim of this systematic review is to demonstrate the role of intraoperative NBI during TLM for early glottic cancer to better evaluate tumor extension and for more precise margin resection.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

A systematic review of the literature following the PRISMA guidelines was performed. A literature search was performed using the following keywords: TLM, NBI, and early glottic cancer. Two independent authors evaluated the extracted data. Data regarding status of surgical margins after TLM, local recurrence, recurrence‐free survival, and need of additional samples following NBI were collected.

Results

Five articles met inclusion criteria with a total of 577 patients undergoing TLM with intraoperative NBI. A significant reduction of positive superficial margins was found in patients treated with (52%) and without (28.6%) intraoperative use of NBI (P < 0.05)

Conclusions

Routine use of intraoperative NBI increases the accuracy of neoplastic superficial spreading evaluation and accuracy of mass resection during TLM for early glottic cancer. The significant reduction of superficial positive margins dramatically decreases the number of patients at risk and improves clinical outcomes. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Low detail future variety: Providing affective relief during repetitive music consumption
Authors: Mead James A. , Hardesty David M. , Scott Maura L.
Published: July 2019

Consumers have access to vast libraries of online music, which they often choose to consume repetitively. Given that enjoyment often declines with recurrent consumption (satiation), music streaming services face a unique challenge; providing customers access to the content that they want, without devaluing their experience when customers repetitively consume the available content. The present research demonstrates that providing consumers with a low detail description (e.g., providing a customer a general idea of the genre of music that will be played, but not the exact artist and song) of future variety can extend their present music enjoyment during repetitive consumption episodes. Mediation results indicate that low detail future variety slows satiation by reducing the amount of negative affect consumers experience in the present, which functions to extend their music enjoyment. Moderation results indicate the main effect of low detail descriptions future variety on consumers’ satiation response is magnified for consumers high in emotional intelligence, providing additional evidence of the proposed affective process mechanism and identifying an important individual difference as a boundary condition.
Detecting inclusions with a generalized impedance condition from electrostatic data via sampling
Authors: Harris Isaac
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we derive a sampling method to solve the inverse shape problem of recovering an inclusion with a generalized impedance condition from electrostatic Cauchy data. The generalized impedance condition is a second order differential operator applied to the boundary of the inclusion. We assume that the Dirichlet‐to‐Neumann mapping is given from measuring the current on the outer boundary from an imposed voltage. A simple numerical example is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed inversion method for recovering the inclusion. We also consider the inverse impedance problem of determining the impedance parameters for a known material from the Dirichlet‐to‐Neumann mapping assuming the inclusion has been reconstructed where uniqueness for the reconstruction of the coefficients is proven.
CDK4/6 inhibitor protects chemerin‐induced human granulosa‐lutein cells from apoptosis by inhibiting the p53/p21waf pathway
Authors: Li Ying , Zhang Lili , Shan Yanhong , Jia Chunshu , Xu Ying
Published: July 2019

Dysregulation of the cell cycle is common in human tumorigenesis. Therefore, CDK4/6 inhibitors targeting the cell cycle have been developed, and their antiapoptotic effects have been highly correlated with potential clinical therapies. The aim of this study was to identify the regulatory effect of the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib on chemerin‐induced apoptosis of immortalized human granulosa‐lutein (hGL) cells and to elucidate its fundamental mechanism of action. Palbociclib enhanced antioxidative enzyme generation and diminished ROS generation in hGL cells. Furthermore, we found that palbociclib suppressed chemerin‐induced apoptotic protein expression, reversing the Bcl‐2/Bax ratio and inhibiting the p53/p21
waf pathway. Eventually, palbociclib decreased the level of cleaved caspase‐3 and ‐9, hindering the apoptosis of hGL cells. In general, the antiapoptotic efficacy of palbociclib could be attributed in part to the modulation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in hGL cells.
Lamina propria: The connective tissue of rat urinary bladder mucosa
Authors: Gabella Giorgio
Published: July 2019

To describe and illustrate the structure of the propria, the bladder of adult rats was fixed in controlled conditions of distension and examined by light and electron microscopy. The lamina propria, ~50 µm thick in the distended bladder, consists of a superficial part (the cellular component), adjacent to the urothelium, rich in nerves, capillaries, fibroblasts and thin bundles of collagen, and a deep, thicker part (the fibrous component), adjacent to the detrusor, rich in large collagen fibres and with few fibroblasts. In the cellular part there is an extensive plexus of afferent nerve fibers and a dense capillary network (with numerous pericytes), lying close to the urothelium, that is unique to the bladder. The main resident cells are fibroblasts, adhering to each other at the end of laminar extensions without forming specialized junctions. The deep part of the lamina propria is made of thick collagen fibers, interwoven and crisscrossing each other, with a few fibroblasts in the interstitial spaces between them. In summary, the superficial part of the lamina propria has most of the bladder afferent nerves, contains many fibroblasts and has a network of suburothelial capillaries. The deep part as a whole forms an ovoid balloon of woven fibrous material that is acted upon by the detrusor musculature attached to its outer surface. The lamina propria is a strong fibrous barrier between urothelium and musculature. The abundance of collagen points to the main role for its fibroblasts, that is, the production of collagen fibrils, assisting the mechanical role of the lamina propria.
Design, delivery and evaluation of a simulation‐based workshop for health professional students on falls prevention in acute care settings
Authors: Kiegaldie Debra , Nestel Debra , Pryor Elizabeth , Williams Cylie , Bowles Kelly‐Ann , Maloney Stephen , Haines Terry
Published: July 2019

Aims and objectives

To describe the design, delivery and evaluation outcomes of a simulation‐based educational workshop to teach a patient‐centred falls prevention strategy to health professional students tasked with implementing the strategy during clinical placement.

Background

Falls are among the most common and costly threat to patient safety. The Safe Recovery Programme (SRP) is an evidence‐based, one‐to‐one communication approach with demonstrated efficacy at preventing falls in the postgraduate context. Simulation‐based education (SBE) is commonly used to address issues of patient safety but has not been widely incorporated into falls prevention.

Methods

This study was a Pre–Post‐test intervention design. Health professional students were taught how to deliver the SRP in an SBE workshop. The workshop incorporated content delivery, role‐play simulations and interactions with a simulated patient. Students completed surveys immediately before and after the workshop and after clinical placement. Linear and logistic regression analysis was undertaken to identify differences within each pairwise comparison at the three time points. Qualitative free text responses underwent content analysis.

Results

There were 178 students trained. The educational design of the programme described in this paper was highly valued by students. Following the workshop, students' falls knowledge increased and they correctly identified evidence‐based strategies except bedrail use and patient sitters. Following clinical placement, fewer SBE students correctly identified evidence surrounding bed alarm use. Students became more confident about falls communication post‐SBE; however, this confidence decreased postclinical placement. Motivation to implement the SRP decreased between postworkshop and postclinical placement time points.

Conclusions

Falls research often includes educational components but previous studies have failed to adequately describe educational methods. Students learnt about best evidence falls prevention strategies using interactive educational methodologies with a workshop viewed by students as being well‐designed and assisting their learning from theory to practice.

While students valued the delivery of the SRP using SBE, confidence and motivation to implement falls strategies were not sustained following clinical placement. A programme of education including SBE can be used to support the delivery of falls‐based education, but further research is needed to identify what factors may influence student's motivation and confidence to implement falls prevention strategies during clinical placement.