bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flow cytometric basophil activation tests: Staining of exteriorized basophil granule matrix by fluorescent avidin versus appearance of CD63
Authors: Ebo Didier G. , Elst Jessy , van Houdt Michel , Pintelon Isabel , Timmermans Jean‐Pierre , Horiuchi Tatsuo , Faber Margaretha A. , Hagendorens Margo M. , Mertens Christel M. , Sabato Vito
Published: February 2020

Background

Staining of exteriorized basophil granule matrix by fluorescent avidin might be a reliable technique to monitor basophil degranulation. This study compares the avidin‐based technique with the upregulation of CD203c and appearance of CD63 in response to various stimuli.

Methods

Fourteen individuals responsive to anti‐IgE, nine healthy controls, and five birch pollen‐allergic patients, and five nonresponders were studied. Activation experiments included anti‐IgE, fMLP, interleukin‐(IL)‐3, and birch pollen allergen. Basophil activation/degranulation was analyzed by flow cytometry and microscopy using anti‐CD63, anti‐CD203c, and avidin.

Results

Stimulation with anti‐IgE, fMLP, and relevant allergen results in upregulation of CD203c, CD63 appearance, and an increase in avidin binding. In response to anti‐IgE and allergen, upregulation of CD203c peaks within 10 min, CD63 and avidin binding reach a plateau after 10–20 min. CD63 staining leads to a bimodal distribution, avidin staining causes a unimodal shift with a less clear discrimination between degranulating and nondegranulating cells. In response to fMLP, upregulation of CD203c and CD63 and avidin binding are maximal after 2.5 min. Following incubation with anti‐IgE and fMLP, percentages of CD203c+ cells are higher than those of CD63+ and avidin+ cells, pointing to a dissociation between activation and degranulation. Percentages of CD63+ cells are systemically higher than those of avidin+ cells. Incubated with IL‐3 only upregulates CD203c, while no CD63 or avidin binding is observed.

Conclusions

Staining of exteriorized proteoglycans by avidin is a reliable technique to quantify basophil degranulation but offers no added value when compared to traditional assays that use CD63 as a readout.
Secure communication in CloudIoT through design of a lightweight authentication and session key agreement scheme
Authors: Nikooghadam Mahdi , Amintoosi Haleh
Published: February 2020

Internet of Things (IoT) is a newly emerged paradigm where multiple embedded devices, known as things, are connected via the Internet to collect, share, and analyze data from the environment. In order to overcome the limited storage and processing capacity constraint of IoT devices, it is now possible to integrate them with cloud servers as large resource pools. Such integration, though bringing applicability of IoT in many domains, raises concerns regarding the authentication of these devices while establishing secure communications to cloud servers. Recently, Kumari et al proposed an authentication scheme based on elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) for IoT and cloud servers and claimed that it satisfies all security requirements and is secure against various attacks. In this paper, we first prove that the scheme of Kumari et al is susceptible to various attacks, including the replay attack and stolen‐verifier attack. We then propose a lightweight authentication protocol for secure communication of IoT embedded devices and cloud servers. The proposed scheme is proved to provide essential security requirements such as mutual authentication, device anonymity, and perfect forward secrecy and is robust against security attacks. We also formally verify the security of the proposed protocol using BAN logic and also the Scyther tool. We also evaluate the computation and communication costs of the proposed scheme and demonstrate that the proposed scheme incurs minimum computation and communication overhead, compared to related schemes, making it suitable for IoT environments with low processing and storage capacity.
Two‐sided matching framework for optimal user association in 5G multi‐RAT UDNs
Authors: Amine Mariame , Kobbane Abdellatif , Ben‐Othman Jalel , Walid Abdellaziz
Published: February 2020

Recently, academic and industrial research communities are paying more explicit attention to the 5G multiple radio access technology ultra‐dense networks (5G multi‐RAT UDNs) for boosting network capacity, especially in UD urban zones. To this aim, in this paper, we intend to tackle the user association problem in 5G multi‐RAT UDNs. By considering the decoupled uplink/downlink access (DUDA), we divide our user association problem into two distinct subproblems representing, respectively, the uplink and the downlink channels. Next, we formulated each one as a nonlinear optimization problem with binary variables. Then, to solve them, we were restricted by the hard complexity, as well as the hard feasibility of centralized user association schemes. Thus, to resolve our user association problem in a reasonable time and distributed manner, we formulated each subproblem as a many‐to‐one matching game based on matching theory. Next, we provide two fully distributed association algorithms to compute the uplink and downlink stable matching among user equipments (UEs) and base stations (BSs). Simulation results corroborate our theoretical model and show the effectiveness and improvement of our achieved results in terms of the overall network performance, quality of service (QoS), and energy efficiency (EE) of UEs.
Cytological diagnosis of bilateral primary adrenal lymphoma with cutaneous involvement
Authors: Rakheja Garima , Handa Uma , Kaur Ravinder , Aggarwal Phiza , Palta Anshu
Published: February 2020

Primary adrenal lymphoma (PAL) is an extremely rare condition. We describe here, a case of bilateral adrenal lymphoma in a 62‐year‐old man. He later developed subcutaneous masses on the hand and the leg. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology from the adrenals and the soft tissue swellings led to a diagnosis of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Histopathological examination from the lesion on the leg, confirmed the diagnosis to be B‐cell NHL. The case highlights the cytomorphological findings of this unusual case. Awareness of this entity is essential to differentiate it from other common causes of adrenal enlargement and formulate an appropriate treatment.
Infection pathology and competition mediate host biomass overcompensation from disease
Authors: Preston Daniel L. , Sauer Erin L.
Published: February 2020

Predators can increase the biomass of their prey, particularly when prey life stages differ in competitive ability and predation is stage specific. Akin to predators, parasites influence host population sizes and engage in stage‐structured interactions, yet whether parasites can increase host population biomass remains relatively unexplored. Using a stage‐structured consumer–resource model and a mesocosm experiment with snails and castrating trematodes, we examined responses of host biomass to changes in infection prevalence under variation in host pathology and resource competition. Equilibrium adult host biomass increased with infection prevalence in the model when parasites castrated hosts and adults were superior competitors to juveniles. Juvenile biomass increased with infection prevalence whether parasites caused mortality or castration, but only when juveniles were superior competitors. In mesocosms, increases in infection by castrating trematodes reduced snail egg production, juvenile abundance, and adult survival. At high competition, juvenile growth and total biomass increased with infection prevalence due to competitive release. At low competition, juvenile biomass decreased with infection due to reduced reproduction. These results highlight how disease‐induced biomass overcompensation depends on infection pathology, resource availability, and competitive interactions within and between host life stages. Considering such characteristics may benefit biocontrol efforts using parasites.
Early and long‐term outcomes of decompensated heart failure patients in a tertiary‐care centre in India
Authors: Ganapathi Sanjay , Jeemon Panniyammakal , Krishnasankar Rajasekharan , Kochumoni Rajamoni , Vineeth Purushothaman , Mohanan Nair Krishna Kumar , Valaparambil Ajit Kumar , Harikrishnan Sivadasanpillai
Published: February 2020

Aim

Long‐term outcome data of acute decompensated heart failure (HF) are scarce from India. The aim of the study was to collect in‐hospital and long‐term outcome data of HF patients admitted during 2001–2010 in a tertiary‐care centre in South India.

Methods and results

Consecutive patients admitted with first episode of decompensated HF were part of the registry. Data regarding diagnosis, risk factors, treatment, early (in‐hospital), and late (5 and 10year) mortality outcomes were captured. During this period, 1502 patients were admitted with first episode of decompensated HF [37.7% of women, mean age of 51.1 (SD = 14.3) years]. Common causes were ischaemic heart disease (36.2%), rheumatic heart disease (34.3%), and cardiomyopathies (9.9%). HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) was present in 26.9% of patients, and 33.8% had atrial arrhythmias. Diabetes, hypertension, and renal dysfunction were prevalent in 27.4%, 28.6%, and 37.4%, respectively. Median duration of hospitalization was 6 days (interquartile range: 3–10), and 247 patients (16.4%) died during index admission. The total time at risk was 6248 person years, and 1051 patients died during the study period with a median survival time of 3.7 years. Overall mortality rate was 16.8 per 100 person years (95% CI: 15.8–17.9 per 100 person years). Older age [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02–1.14, P = 0.007], anaemia (HR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.08–1.65, P = 0.007), renal dysfunction (HR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.20–1.59, P < 0.001), HFpEF (HR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.52–0.73, P < 0.001 against HFrEF), and the use of guideline‐directed therapies (GDT; beta blockers: HR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.49–0.66, P < 0.0001; and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker: HR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.51–0.69, P < 0.001) were important predictors of mortality. Patients with HF and mid‐range EF also benefited from GDT.

Conclusion

In our cohort, ischaemic and rheumatic heart diseases were the leading contributors for HF. Anaemia, renal dysfunction, poor ejection fraction, and suboptimal prescriptions of GDT were the main predictors of long‐term mortality. Both patients with HFrEF and mid‐range EF benefited from GDT.
Lymphotoxin targeted to salivary and lacrimal glands induces tertiary lymphoid organs and cervical lymphadenopathy and reduces tear production
Authors: Truman Lucy A. , Bentley Kevin L. , Ruddle Nancy H.
Published: February 2020

To investigate the role of lymphotoxin (LT) in Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and in mucosal associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)‐lymphoma, we made transgenic mice (Amy1‐LTαβ) that targeted LTα and LTβ to the salivary and lacrimal glands. Amy1‐LTαβ mice developed atrophic salivary and lacrimal glands that contained tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs) and had reduced tear production. Amy1‐LTαβ mice developed cervical lymphadenopathy but not MALT‐lymphoma. TLO formation in the salivary and lacrimal glands of Amy1‐LTαβ was not sufficient to induce autoimmunity as measured by autoantibody titres.
Tumor necrosis factor receptor family costimulation increases regulatory T‐cell activation and function via NF‐κB
Authors: Lubrano di Ricco Martina , Ronin Emilie , Collares Davi , Divoux Jordane , Grégoire Sylvie , Wajant Harald , Gomes Tomás , Grinberg‐Bleyer Yenkel , Baud Véronique , Marodon Gilles , Salomon Benoît L.
Published: February 2020

Several drugs targeting members of the TNF superfamily or TNF receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) are widely used in medicine or are currently being tested in therapeutic trials. However, their mechanism of action remains poorly understood. Here, we explored the effects of TNFRSF co‐stimulation on murine Foxp3+ regulatory T cell (Treg) biology, as they are pivotal modulators of immune responses. We show that engagement of TNFR2, 4‐1BB, GITR, and DR3, but not OX40, increases Treg proliferation and survival. Triggering these TNFRSF in Tregs induces similar changes in gene expression patterns, suggesting that they engage common signal transduction pathways. Among them, we identified a major role of canonical NF‐κB. Importantly, TNFRSF co‐stimulation improves the ability of Tregs to suppress colitis. Our data demonstrate that stimulation of discrete TNFRSF members enhances Treg activation and function through a shared mechanism. Consequently, therapeutic effects of drugs targeting TNFRSF or their ligands may be mediated by their effect on Tregs.
High Performance Flexible Piezocomposites Based on a Particle Alignment Strategy
Authors: Wang Chenwei , Zheng Mupeng , Gao Xin , Fu Jing , Zhu Mankang , Hou Yudong
Published: February 2020

Piezocomposites composed of piezoelectric inorganic particles dispersed in a flexible polymer have emerged as promising materials for flexible energy harvesters and sensors. In this work, to overcome the inefficient stress transfer capability in flexible piezocomposites for energy harvester, KNbO3 (KN) particles prepared by conventional solid oxide process were aligned to form chain‐distributed particles in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix by dielectrophoresis. The composite with 8 vol.‐% KN has peak open circuit voltage of 6.3 V and short‐circuit current of 0.82 µA under an applied force of 7 N, which are significantly improved in compared with the sample with piezoelectric particles randomly dispersed. Hugely enhanced stress‐transfer capability of the aligned composite plays a key role in achieving large piezoelectric response. This work provides a promising material candidate for high performance flexible energy harvester.
The Impact of the Alkali Metal Ion on the Crystal Structure and (Mechano)luminescence of Terbium(III) Tetrakis(β‐diketonates)
Authors: Kudyakova Yulia S. , Slepukhin Pavel A. , Valova Marina S. , Burgart Yanina V. , Saloutin Viktor I. , Bazhin Denis N.
Published: February 2020

Invited for the cover of this issue are Dr. Yulia Kudyakova, Prof. Viktor Saloutin, Dr. Denis Bazhin, and co‐workers from Postovsky Institute of Organic Synthesis UB RAS, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation. The cover image shows mechanoluminescence of heterobimetallic terbium‐sodium β‐diketonate illustrated as a snowboarder going down a snow slope.
From eDNA to citizen science: emerging tools for the early detection of invasive species
Authors: Larson Eric R , Graham Brittney M , Achury Rafael , Coon Jaime J , Daniels Melissa K , Gambrell Daniel K , Jonasen Kacie L , King Gregory D , LaRacuente Nicholas , Perrin‐Stowe Tolulope IN , Reed Emily M , Rice Christopher J , Ruzi Selina A , Thairu Margaret W , Wilson Jared C , Suarez Andrew V
Published: February 2020

Biological invasions are a form of global change threatening biodiversity, ecosystem stability, and human health, and cost government agencies billions of dollars in remediation and eradication programs. Attempts to eradicate introduced species are most successful when detection of newly established populations occurs early in the invasion process. We review existing and emerging tools – specifically environmental DNA (eDNA), chemical approaches, remote sensing, citizen science, and agency‐based monitoring – for surveillance and monitoring of invasive species. For each tool, we consider the benefits provided, examine challenges and limitations, discuss data sharing and integration, and suggest best practice implementations for the early detection of invasive species. Programs that promote public participation in large‐scale biodiversity identification and monitoring (such as iNaturalist and eBird) may be the best resources for early detection. However, data from these platforms must be monitored and used by agencies that can mount appropriate response efforts. Control efforts are more likely to succeed when they are focused on early detection and prevention, thereby saving considerable time and resources.
Changes in China's water resources in the early 21st century
Authors: Tao Shengli , Zhang Heng , Feng Yuhao , Zhu Jiangling , Cai Qiong , Xiong Xinyu , Ma Suhui , Fang Leqi , Fang Wenjing , Tian Di , Zhao Xia , Fang Jingyun
Published: February 2020

Nearly 19% of the world's population lives in China, yet the country contains only 7% of the planet's fresh water. Combining remotely sensed data and ground‐based measurements, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of recent changes in China's water resources. Beginning in the 21st century, glaciers in western China have been melting at very high rates; lakes on the Tibetan Plateau have been expanding rapidly, but lakes in other regions have been severely impacted by humans; and groundwater in the North China Plain is increasingly being depleted. Overall, the nation's water resources have been decreasing at an annual rate of ~9.6 billion cubic meters. Precipitation was the dominant factor controlling the observed changes in water resources, but human activities and rising temperatures have also been major drivers in the decline of water resources in the North China Plain and Tibet, respectively. From a global perspective, the changes in China's water resources are among the most pronounced on Earth, and water policies should be re‐evaluated and revised in light of the findings presented here.
Frailty as a predictor of mortality in older adults within 5 years of psychiatric admission
Authors: Benraad Carolien E. M. , Haaksma Miriam L. , Karlietis Mieke H. J. , Oude Voshaar Richard C. , Spijker Jan , Melis René J. F. , Olde Rikkert Marcel G. M.
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Older adults with psychiatric disorders have a substantially lower life expectancy than age‐matched controls. Knowledge of risk factors may lead to targeting treatment and interventions to reduce this gap in life expectancy. In this study, we investigated whether frailty independently predicts mortality in older patients following an acute admission to a geriatric psychiatry hospital.

Methods

Clinical cohort study with a 5‐year follow‐up of 120 older patients admitted to a psychiatric hospital between February 2009 and September 2010. On admission, we assessed frailty with a frailty index (FI). We applied Cox regression analyses with time to death as the dependent variable, to examine whether the FI was a predictor for mortality, adjusted for age, sex, level of education, multimorbidity (Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics, CIRS‐G scores), functional status (Barthel Index), neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), and severity of psychiatric symptoms at admission (Clinical Global Impressions Scale of Severity).

Results

Of the 120 patients, 63 (53%) patients were frail (FI ≥ 0.25), and 59 (49%) had died within 5 years. The FI predicted mortality with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.78 (95% CI, 1.06‐2.98) per 0.1 point increase, independent of the covariates. Co‐morbidity measured by the CIRS‐G and functional status measured by the Barthel Index were not significantly associated.

Conclusions

Frailty was a strong predictor of mortality, independent of age, gender, multimorbidity, and functional status. This implies that frailty may be helpful in targeting inpatient psychiatric treatment and aftercare according to patients' life expectancy.
High throughput sequencing reveals high specificity of TNFAIP3 mutations in ocular adnexal marginal zone B‐cell lymphomas
Authors: Vela Visar , Juskevicius Darius , Gerlach Magdalena M. , Meyer Peter , Graber Anne , Cathomas Gieri , Dirnhofer Stefan , Tzankov Alexandar
Published: February 2020

The majority of ocular adnexal (OA) lymphomas (OAL) are extranodal marginal zone lymphomas (MZL). First high throughput sequencing (HTS) studies on OA‐MZL showed inconsistent results and the distribution of mutations in reactive lymphoid lesions of this anatomic region has not yet been sufficiently addressed.

We characterized OAL and lymphoid lesions of the OA by targeted HTS. The study included 34 OA‐MZL, 11 chronic conjunctivitis, five mature small cell B‐cell lymphomas spreading to the OA, five diseases with increase of IgG4+ plasma cells, three Burkitt lymphomas (BL), three diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas (DLBCL), three mantle cell lymphomas, three idiopathic orbital inflammations/orbital pseudo tumors (PT), and three OA lymphoid hyperplasia.

All cases were negative for Chlamydia. The mutational number was highest in BL and lowest in PT. The most commonly (and exclusively) mutated gene in OA‐MZL was TNFAIP3 (10 of 34 cases). Altogether, 20 out of 34 patients harbored mutually exclusive mutations of either TNFAIP3, BCL10, MYD88, ATM, BRAF, or NFKBIE, or nonexclusive mutations of IRF8, TNFRSF14, KLHL6, and TBL1XR1, all encoding for NK‐κB pathway compounds or regulators. Thirteen patients (38%) had, to a great part, mutually exclusive mutations of chromatin modifier‐encoding genes: KMT2D, CREBBP, BCL7A, DNMT3A, EP300, or HIST1H1E. Only four patients harbored co‐occurring mutations of genes encoding for NK‐κB compounds and chromatin modifiers. Finally, PTEN, KMT2D, PRDM1, and HIST1H2BK mutations were observable in reactive lymphoid lesions too, while such instances were devoid of NF‐κB compound mutations and/or mutations of acetyltransferase‐encoding genes.

In conclusion, 80% of OA‐MZL display mutations of either NK‐κB compounds or chromatin modifiers. Lymphoid lesions of the OA bearing NF‐κB compound mutations and/or mutations of acetyltransferase‐encoding genes highly likely represent lymphomas.
Theoretical potential for endometrial cancer prevention through primary risk factor modification: Estimates from the EPIC cohort
Authors: Fortner Renée T. , Hüsing Anika , Dossus Laure , Tjønneland Anne , Overvad Kim , Dahm Christina C. , Arveux Patrick , Fournier Agnès , Kvaskoff Marina , Schulze Matthias B. , Bergmann Manuela , Trichopoulou Antonia , Karakatsani Anna , La Vecchia Carlo , Masala Giovanna , Pala Valeria , Mattiello Amalia , Tumino Rosario , Ricceri Fulvio , van Gils Carla H. , Monninkhof Evelyn M. , Bonet Catalina , Quirós José Ramón , Sanchez Maria‐Jose , Rodríguez‐Palacios Daniel‐Ángel , Gurrea Aurelio B , Amiano Pilar , Allen Naomi E. , Travis Ruth C. , Gunter Marc J. , Viallon Vivian , Weiderpass Elisabete , Riboli Elio , Kaaks Rudolf
Published: February 2020

Endometrial cancer (EC) incidence rates vary ~10‐fold worldwide, in part due to variation in EC risk factor profiles. Using an EC risk model previously developed in the European EPIC cohort, we evaluated the prevention potential of modified EC risk factor patterns and whether differences in EC incidence between a European population and low‐risk countries can be explained by differences in these patterns. Predicted EC incidence rates were estimated over 10 years of follow‐up for the cohort before and after modifying risk factor profiles. Risk factors considered were: body mass index (BMI, kg/m2), use of postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) and oral contraceptives (OC) (potentially modifiable); and, parity, ages at first birth, menarche and menopause (environmentally conditioned, but not readily modifiable). Modeled alterations in BMI (to all ≤23 kg/m2) and HT use (to all non‐HT users) profiles resulted in a 30% reduction in predicted EC incidence rates; individually, longer duration of OC use (to all ≥10 years) resulted in a 42.5% reduction. Modeled changes in not readily modifiable exposures (i.e., those not contributing to prevention potential) resulted in ≤24.6% reduction in predicted EC incidence. Women in the lowest decile of a risk score based on the evaluated exposures had risk similar to a low risk countries; however, this was driven by relatively long use of OCs (median = 23 years). Our findings support avoidance of overweight BMI and of HT use as prevention strategies for EC in a European population; OC use must be considered in the context of benefits and risks.
Refugee students' perspectives on inclusive and exclusive school experiences in Austria
Authors: Bešić Edvina , Gasteiger‐Klicpera Barbara , Buchart Claudia , Hafner Jessica , Stefitz Elisabeth
Published: February 2020

This paper examines refugee students' experiences in the Austrian mainstream school system. It highlights four areas: school connectedness, social exclusion, support systems and friendships. In the study, 55 refugee students between 8 and 21 years old enrolled in primary and secondary education participated in a semi‐structured interview. Data were analysed with directed qualitative content analysis, whereby codes were created deductively and inductively. Students stressed the importance of schooling in order to prosper in the future, particularly through language acquisition. Peers and bilingual teachers played an important role in their efforts to learn German and develop feelings of belonging in the school system. While language acquisition was important for the students, they indicated that other support measures (i.e., remedial education) were largely absent. Further, half of the students reported bullying experiences (verbal, social and physical) associated with their refugee status, language proficiency and religious affiliation. This study has implications for school professionals. The scope of support refugee students receive at school must be broadened, forced migration should be addressed in school in order to counteract negative effects of bullying students receive due to their refugee status and school connectedness can be promoted by hiring staff from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Distinct Subsets of Noncoding RNAs Are Strongly Associated With BMD and Fracture, Studied in Weight-Bearing and Non–Weight-Bearing Human Bone
Authors: Gautvik Kaare M , Günther Clara-Cecilie , Prijatelj Vid , Medina-Gomez Carolina , Shevroja Enisa , Rad Leila Heidary , Yazdani Mazyar , Lindalen Einar , Valland Haldor , Gautvik Vigdis T , Olstad Ole K , Holden Marit , Rivadeneira Fernando , Utheim Tor P , Reppe Sjur
Published: February 2020

We investigated mechanisms resulting in low bone mineral density (BMD) and susceptibility to fracture by comparing noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in biopsies of non–weight-bearing (NWB) iliac (n = 84) and weight bearing (WB) femoral (n = 18) postmenopausal bone across BMDs varying from normal (T-score > −1.0) to osteoporotic (T-score ≤ −2.5). Global bone ncRNA concentrations were determined by PCR and microchip analyses. Association with BMD or fracture, adjusted by age and body mass index, were calculated using linear and logistic regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) analysis. At 10% false discovery rate (FDR), 75 iliac bone ncRNAs and 94 femoral bone ncRNAs were associated with total hip BMD. Eight of the ncRNAs were common for the two sites, but five of them (miR-484, miR-328-3p, miR-27a-5p, miR-28-3p, and miR-409-3p) correlated positively to BMD in femoral bone, but negatively in iliac bone. Of predicted pathways recognized in bone metabolism, ECM-receptor interaction and proteoglycans in cancer emerged at both sites, whereas fatty acid metabolism and focal adhesion were only identified in iliac bone. Lasso analysis and cross-validations identified sets of nine bone ncRNAs correlating strongly with adjusted total hip BMD in both femoral and iliac bone. Twenty-eight iliac ncRNAs were associated with risk of fracture (FDR < 0.1). The small nucleolar RNAs, RNU44 and RNU48, have a function in stabilization of ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), and their association with fracture and BMD suggest that aberrant processing of rRNAs may be involved in development of osteoporosis. Cis-eQTL (expressed quantitative trait loci) analysis of the iliac bone biopsies identified two loci associated with microRNAs (miRNAs), one previously identified in a heel-BMD genomewide association study (GWAS). In this comprehensive investigation of the skeletal genetic background in postmenopausal women, we identified functional bone ncRNAs associated to fracture and BMD, representing distinct subsets in WB and NWB skeletal sites. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
All group‐based latin squares possess near transversals
Authors: Goddyn Luis , Halasz Kevin
Published: February 2020

In a latin square of order n, a near transversal is a collection of n −1 cells which intersects each row, column, and symbol class at most once. A longstanding conjecture of Brualdi, Ryser, and Stein asserts that every latin square possesses a near transversal. We show that this conjecture is true for every latin square that is main class equivalent to the Cayley table of a finite group.
Effects of different fatty acids on BRL3A rat liver cell damage
Authors: Yang Wei , Liu Runqi , Xia Cheng , Chen Yuanyuan , Dong Zhihao , Huang Baoyin , Li Ruirui , Li Ming , Xu Chuang
Published: February 2020

To evaluate the effects of fatty acids on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, oxidative stress, and lipid damage. We treated BRL3A rat liver cells with, linoleic (LA), linolenic, oleic (OA), palmitic (PA), palmitoleic (POA), or stearic (SA) acid for 12 hr. The characteristics of cell lipid deposition, oxidative stress indexes, ER stress markers, nuclear factor κB p65 (NF‐κB p65), lipid synthesis and transport regulators, and cholesterol metabolism regulators were analyzed. Endoplasmic chaperones like glucose‐regulated protein 78, CCAAT‐enhancer‐binding protein, NF‐κB p65, hydrogen peroxide, and malonaldehyde in PA‐ and SA‐treated cells were significantly higher than in other treated cells. Deposition of fatty acids especially LA and POA were significantly increased than in other treated cells. De novo lipogenesis regulators sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1c, fatty acid synthase, and acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase 1 (ACC1) expression were significantly increased in all fatty acid stimulation groups, and PA‐ and SA‐treated cells showed lower p‐ACC1 expression and higher scd1 expression than other fatty acid groups. Very low‐density lipoprotein synthesis and apolipoprotein B100 expression in free fatty acids treated cells were significantly lower than control. PA, SA, OA, and POA had shown significantly increased cholesterol synthesis than other treated cells. PA and SA showed the lower synthesis of cytochrome P7A1 and total bile acids than other fatty acids treated cells. Excess of saturated fatty acids led to severe ER and oxidative stress. Excess unsaturated fatty acids led to increased lipid deposition in cultured hepatocytes. A balanced fatty acid intake is needed to maintain lipid homeostasis.
Therapeutic strategy for the patients with coexisting gastroesophageal reflux disease and postprandial distress syndrome of functional dyspepsia
Authors: Isshi Kimio , Furuhashi Hiroto , Nakada Koji
Published: February 2020

Background and Aim

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and functional dyspepsia (FD) frequently overlap. However, no accepted treatment has yet been established for such patients. This study was conducted to identify an adequate initial treatment for patients with GERD accompanied by the postprandial distress syndrome type of FD (FD‐PDS).

Methods

Of the 150 patients newly diagnosed with GERD who visited our clinic, 53 patients with the typical symptoms of both GERD and FD‐PDS were assessed using the modified frequency scale for the symptoms of GERD and the gastroesophageal reflux and dyspepsia therapeutic efficacy and satisfaction test questionnaires. Of those, 42 patients who completed 4 weeks of treatment were analyzed. We compared the treatment responses between the 21 patients who received proton pump inhibitor (PPI) monotherapy and 21 patients who received a PPI in combination with the prokinetic drug acotiamide.

Results

Assessment of the two questionnaires revealed a marked improvement of both GERD and FD symptom scores after 4 weeks of treatment in both groups. However, there were no significant differences in any GERD or FD symptom scores at baseline, after 4 weeks of treatment and in the symptom score change between the two different treatment groups.

Conclusion

The results of this retrospective study suggest no benefit of PPI‐prokinetic combination versus PPI monotherapy in adult patients with FD‐GERD overlap; therefore, PPI monotherapy could be an adequate initial treatment for such patients.
Plane graphs of maximum degree Δ ≥ 7 are edge‐face (Δ + 1)‐colorable
Authors: Wang Yiqiao , Hu Xiaoxue , Wang Weifan , Lih Ko‐Wei
Published: February 2020

A plane graph G is edge‐face k‐colorable if its edges and faces can be colored with k colors such that any two adjacent or incident elements receive different colors. It is known that every plane graph G of maximum degree Δ ≥ 8 is edge‐face (Δ + 1)‐colorable. The condition Δ ≥ 8 is improved to Δ ≥ 7 in this paper.
Multiparametric MRI characterization of level dependent differences in lumbar muscle size, quality, and microstructure
Authors: Berry David B. , Rodriguez‐Soto Ana E. , Englund Erin K. , Shahidi Bahar , Parra Callan , Frank Lawrence R. , Kelly Karen R. , Ward Samuel R.
Published: February 2020

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic tool that can be used to noninvasively assess lumbar muscle size and fatty infiltration, important biomarkers of muscle health. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an MRI technique that is sensitive to muscle microstructural features such as fiber size (an important biomarker of muscle health), which is typically only assessed using invasive biopsy techniques. The goal of this study was to establish normative values of level‐dependent lumbar muscle size, fat signal fraction, and restricted diffusion assessed by MRI in a highly active population. Forty‐two active‐duty Marines were imaged using a (a) high‐resolution anatomical, (b) fat‐water separation, and (c) DT‐MRI scan. The multifidus and erector spinae muscles were compared at each level using two‐way repeated measures ANOVA. Secondary analysis included Three dimensional (3D) reconstructions to qualitatively assess lumbar muscle size, fatty infiltration, and fiber orientation via tractography. The erector spinae was found to be larger than the multifidus above L5, with lower fat signal fraction above L3, and a less restricted diffusion profile than the multifidus above L4, with this pattern reversed in the lower lumbar spine. 3D reconstructions demonstrated accumulations of epimuscular fat in the anterior and posterior regions of the lumbar musculature, with minimal intramuscular fatty infiltration. Tractography images demonstrated different orientations of adjacent lumbar musculature, which cannot be visualized with standard MRI pulse sequences. The level dependent differences found in this study provide a normative baseline, for which to better understand whole muscle and microstructural changes associated with aging, low back pain, and pathology.
3D Porous Liquid Crystal Elastomer Foams Supporting Long‐term Neuronal Cultures
Authors: Mori Taizo , Cukelj Richard , Prévôt Marianne Estelle , Ustunel Senay , Story Anna , Gao Yunxiang , Diabre Karene , McDonough Jennifer Ann , Freeman Ernest Johnson , Hegmann Elda , Clements Robert John
Published: February 2020

3D liquid crystal elastomer (3D‐LCE) foams are used to support long‐term neuronal cultures for over 60 days. Sequential imaging shows that cell density remains relatively constant throughout the culture period while the number of cells per observational area increases. In a subset of samples, retinoic acid is used to stimulate extensive neuritic outgrowth and maturation of proliferated neurons within the LCEs, inducing a threefold increase in length with cells displaying morphologies indicative of mature neurons. Designed LCEs' micro‐channels have a similar diameter to endogenous parenchymal arterioles, ensuring that neurons throughout the construct have constant access to growth media during extended experiments. Here it is shown that 3D‐LCEs provide a unique environment and simple method to longitudinally study spatial neuronal function, not possible in conventional culture environments, with simplistic integration into existing methodological pipelines.
Aspalathin Protects Insulin‐Producing β Cells against Glucotoxicity and Oxidative Stress‐Induced Cell Death
Authors: Moens Céline , Bensellam Mohammed , Himpe Eddy , Muller Christo J. F. , Jonas Jean‐Christophe , Bouwens Luc
Published: February 2020

Scope

Aspalathin, the main polyphenolic phytochemical of rooibos (Aspalathus linearis), has been attributed with health promoting properties, including a glucose lowering effect that can prove interesting for application as nutraceutical or therapeutic in (pre‐)diabetics. Preservation of β cell mass in the pancreas is considered a key issue for diabetes prevention or treatment, therefore the aim is to investigate whether aspalathin also has β cell cytoprotective potential.

Methods and results

Rat pancreatic islets and the β cell line Insulinoma 1E (INS1E) are studied in vitro after exposure to various cytotoxic agents, namely streptozotocin (STZ), hydrogen peroxide, or chronic high glucose. The effect of aspalathin on cell survival and apoptosis is studied. Expression of relevant cytoprotective genes is analyzed by qRT‐PCR and proteins by Western blot. Aspalathin is found to protect β cells against cytotoxicity and apoptosis. This is associated with increased translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (NRF2) and expression of its antioxidant target genes heme oxygenase 1 (Hmox1), NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (Nqo‐1), and superoxide dismutase 1 (Sod1).

Conclusion

It is proposed that aspalathin protects β cells against glucotoxicity and oxidative stress by increasing the expression of NRF2‐regulated antioxidant enzymes. This indicates that aspalathin is an interesting β cell cytoprotectant.
A practical method for the reuse of nanoDot OSLDs and predicting sensitivities up to at least 7000 cGy
Authors: Zhuang Audrey H. , Olch Arthur J.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter (OSLDs) are often used to make in vivo dose measurements. Most users calibrate the OSLDs using the software provided by the vendor which typically is intended for doses up to about 300 cGy with an uncertainty of ±5.5%. OSLDs that reach that dose are then discarded, and new ones are purchased and calibrated. A method has been developed for reusing OSLDs and predicting dose sensitivity up to at least 7000 cGy.

Materials and methods

The nanoDot OSLDs used in this study were routinely used to do in vivo measurements for TBI patients. Instead of using the calibration program provided by the vendor, each nanoDot was bleached to about 100 counts (~0.1 cGy), then calibrated with 50 cGy to produce a sensitivity specific to each nanoDot prior to the patient measurement. NanoDots were read in the hardware mode and the sensitivity factor was applied manually to subsequent patient in‐vivo TBI measurements. This was followed by bleaching prior to the next use. The changes of nanoDot sensitivity relative to accumulated dose were analyzed among nine nanoDots. In addition, a method to predict a nanoDot’s sensitivity was investigated which aims to reduce the number of sensitivity calibrations while retaining dosimetric accuracy.

Results

Individual per‐use nanodot calibrations were performed up to 7000 cGy for 37 clinical TBI patients. Among the nine nanoDots analyzed in this paper, the sensitivity vs accumulated dose decreased linearly up to about 3000 cGy, with linear fitting curve R2 values above 0.93. After 3000 cGy of accumulated dose, the sensitivity started to plateau and tended to increase by 6000 cGy, with 2nd order polynomial curve R2 values above 0.94. With this finding, an efficient and accurate method to predict nanoDots’ sensitivities was developed. With the method applied to the nine OSLDs, a total of 127 sensitivities were predicted and retrospectively compared with measured sensitivities. The predicted sensitivities agreed with measured sensitivities within ±4.0% with an average of −0.8%.

Conclusions

This study is the first to demonstrate the reuse of nanoDot OSLDs on numerous patients with accumulated dose up to 7000 cGy. Our nanoDot re‐usage methodology is accurate, cost‐saving and feasible. A time‐saving method is also provided that allows a user to reuse a nanoDot with sensitivities predicted with better accuracy than the 5.5% value provided by the conventional batch calibration method.
Oscillating diffusion‐encoding with a high gradient‐amplitude and high slew‐rate head‐only gradient for human brain imaging
Authors: Tan Ek T. , Shih Robert Y. , Mitra Jhimli , Sprenger Tim , Hua Yihe , Bhushan Chitresh , Bernstein Matt A. , McNab Jennifer A. , DeMarco J. Kevin , Ho Vincent B. , Foo Thomas K. F.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

We investigate the importance of high gradient‐amplitude and high slew‐rate on oscillating gradient spin echo (OGSE) diffusion imaging for human brain imaging and evaluate human brain imaging with OGSE on the MAGNUS head‐gradient insert (200 mT/m amplitude and 500 T/m/s slew rate).

Methods

Simulations with cosine‐modulated and trapezoidal‐cosine OGSE at various gradient amplitudes and slew rates were performed. Six healthy subjects were imaged with the MAGNUS gradient at 3T with OGSE at frequencies up to 100 Hz and b = 450 s/mm2. Comparisons were made against standard pulsed gradient spin echo (PGSE) diffusion in vivo and in an isotropic diffusion phantom.

Results

Simulations show that to achieve high frequency and b‐value simultaneously for OGSE, high gradient amplitude, high slew rates, and high peripheral nerve stimulation limits are required. A strong linear trend for increased diffusivity (mean: 8–19%, radial: 9–27%, parallel: 8–15%) was observed in normal white matter with OGSE (20 Hz to 100 Hz) as compared to PGSE. Linear fitting to frequency provided excellent correlation, and using a short‐range disorder model provided radial long‐term diffusivities of D∞,MD = 911 ± 72 µm2/s, D∞,PD = 1519 ± 164 µm2/s, and D∞,RD = 640 ± 111 µm2/s and correlation lengths of lc,MD = 0.802 ± 0.156 µm, lc,PD = 0.837 ± 0.172 µm, and lc,RD = 0.780 ± 0.174 µm. Diffusivity changes with OGSE frequency were negligible in the phantom, as expected.

Conclusion

The high gradient amplitude, high slew rate, and high peripheral nerve stimulation thresholds of the MAGNUS head‐gradient enables OGSE acquisition for in vivo human brain imaging.
Evaluation of body composition as a potential biomarker in spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Baranello Giovanni , De Amicis Ramona , Arnoldi Maria Teresa , Zanin Riccardo , Mastella Chiara , Masson Riccardo , Leone Alessandro , Alberti Katia , Foppiani Andrea , Battezzati Alberto , Bertoli Simona
Published: February 2020

Introduction

We aimed to investigate the correlation between body composition (BC) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)‐specific motor function assessments.

Methods

Patients with SMA types I or II, aged 1 to 10 years, were recruited in this cross‐sectional study. The protocol included anthropometric measurements, and dual‐energy X‐ray absoprtiometry to assess fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), fat‐free mass (FFM), FM and FFM indexes (FMI, FFMI), and motor function assessments (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders scale for SMAI, and Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale―Expanded for SMAII).

Results

Eighty‐eight children were included. All had a higher FM percentage than reference values. Motor function was moderately correlated with body mass index (BMI), FFMI, and LMI in SMAI, and weakly correlated with FFMI, LMI, and LM:FM ratio in SMAII.

Discussion

BC shows promise as a potential biomarker for SMA, but further studies are needed.
Urinary and fecal incontinence are independently associated with falls risk among older women and men with complex needs: A national population study
Authors: Schluter Philip J. , Askew Deborah A. , Jamieson Hamish A. , Arnold Edwin P.
Published: February 2020

Aims

To determine the relationships between urinary incontinence (UI), fecal incontinence (FI), and falls risk among community‐dwelling older women and men with complex needs, after controlling for confounders.

Methods

All community care recipients in New Zealand undergo standardized needs assessments, using the Home Care International Residential Assessment Instrument (interRAI‐HC), which elicits information over multiple domains, including UI and FI frequency and falls. Consenting women and men aged greater than or equal to 65 years with at least one interRAI‐HC assessment undertaken between 1 July 2012 and 1 June 2018 were investigated using multilevel mixed effects ordinal regression models, stratified by sex.

Results

Overall, 57 781 (61.8%) women and 35 681 (38.2%) men were eligible, contributing 138 302 interRAI‐HC assessments. At first assessment, the average age was 82.0 years (range: 65‐109 years); high falls risk was common, found among 8.8% of women and 12.4% of men; and 43.7% of women and 33.7% of men reported some incontinence. For women, the adjusted odds of increasing falls risk was 1.24 (95% CI: 1.18, 1.30) for those with occasional UI, 1.36 (95% CI: 1.29, 1.43) for those with frequent UI, and 1.19 (95% CI: 1.13, 1.26) for those with any FI compared with their continent counterparts. Among men, the adjusted odds were 1.49 (95% CI: 1.41, 1.58) for any UI and 1.18 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.27) for any FI.

Conclusion

UI and FI are common, have separate associations with falls risk among women and men, and would benefit from routine screening in primary health care for older adults.
Maternal Birth Weight and BMI Mediate the Transgenerational Effect of Grandmaternal BMI on Grandchild’s Birth Weight
Authors: Shen Yan , Zhang Hongmei , Jiang Yu , Mzayek Fawaz , Arshad Hasan , Karmaus Wilfried
Published: February 2020

Objective

The aims of this study are to examine the potential association between grandmaternal BMI and grandchild’s birth weight (BW) and whether maternal BW and BMI mediate this association.

Methods

Data of 209 grandmother‐mother pairs and 355 grandchildren from the Isle of Wight birth cohort in the UK were analyzed using path analysis.

Results

An indirect effect of grandmaternal BMI on increasing grandchild’s BW was mediated by maternal BW and BMI at age 18 years (indirect effects: β = 2.3 g/unit increase in grandmaternal BMI via maternal BW and β = 4.4 g via maternal BMI; P = 0.04). These two mediating effects of maternal BW and BMI confounded one another. Grandmaternal smoking during pregnancy had an indirect effect on decreasing grandchild’s BW, dependent on maternal smoking during pregnancy and BW (indirect effects: β = −36.1 g compared with nonsmoking grandmothers via maternal smoking during pregnancy and β = −27.2 g via maternal BW; P = 0.005). Neither direct effect between grandmaternal BMI and grandchild’s BW nor that between grandmaternal smoking during pregnancy and grandchild’s BW was statistically significant.

Conclusions

Larger grandmaternal BMI indirectly increased grandchild’s BW via maternal BW and BMI. Grandmaternal smoking during pregnancy indirectly reduced grandchild’s BW via maternal smoking during pregnancy and BW.