bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical and optical studies of Gd2O2S:Eu3+ nanophosphors by microwave irradiation and γ‐irradiation methods
Authors: Rahim Sapizah , Ayob Muhammad Taqiyuddin Mawardi , Hasim Muhammad Hassyakirin , Abdul Rahman Irman , Radiman Shahidan
Published: July 2019

Gd2O2S:Eu3+ nanophosphors have been successfully synthesized using microwave irradiation and γ‐irradiation methods with polyvinyl pyrrolidone as a stabilizer. The physical and luminescence spectra were compared. The morphologies of both Gd2O2S:Eu3+ nanophosphors were in the hexagonal phase and mainly consisted of spherical nanostructures with diameters of ~90 nm and ~50 nm for both microwave irradiation and γ‐irradiation methods. Upon 325 nm of ultraviolet (UV) light excitation, strong red emissions (626 nm) were observed for both methods; these emissions corresponded to the 5D0→7F2 transition of Eu3+ ions. However, Gd2O2S:Eu3+ nanophosphors following microwave treatment showed better luminescence intensity than Gd2O2S:Eu3+ nanophosphors treated with γ‐irradiation. This difference was attributed to the crystallinity phase and surface quenching effects of Gd2O2S:Eu3+ nanophosphors. The reaction mechanisms of Gd2O2S:Eu3+ nanophosphors in both methods are discussed in detail.
Interim PET/CT based on visual and semiquantitative analysis predicts survival in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Li Xiaoqian , Sun Xun , Li Juan , Liu Zijian , Mi Mi , Zhu Fang , Wu Gang , Lan Xiaoli , Zhang Liling
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The role of interim 18F‐FDG PET/CT (iPET/CT) in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess the prognostic value of iPET/CT in patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL according to visual and semiquantitative interpretation methods.

Methods

A total of 129 newly diagnosed DLBCL patients with baseline PET/CT data were retrospectively screened. The iPET/CT findings were evaluated by the Deauville 5‐point scale (DS) and ΔSUVmax. Furthermore, the reduction in SUVmax incorporated with tumor size (ΔSUVmax*ΔSLD) was calculated. The optimal cutoff values of ΔSUVmax and ΔSUVmax*ΔSLD were determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Kaplan‐Meier analysis was applied to test for the influence of prognostic values. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to examine the potential independent impacts of iPET/CT.

Results

Seventy‐seven patients with PET/CT images acquired both at baseline and after four cycles of chemotherapy were finally enrolled. The optimal cutoff values for ΔSUVmax and ΔSUVmax*ΔSLD were 74% and 30%, respectively. After a median follow‐up of 23 months, iPET/CT findings were significant predictors of PFS and OS whenever iPET/CT was interpreted by DS, ΔSUVmax, or ΔSUVmax*ΔSLD methods. ΔSUVmax‐based methods were more accurate than those based on DS. The IPI, DS, ΔSUVmax, and ΔSUVmax*ΔSLD were predictive in univariate analyses. However, in the multivariate analysis, only IPI and ΔSUVmax remained independent predictors of PFS and OS.

Conclusions

Interim PET/CT may help to identify DLBCL patients with different prognoses. ΔSUVmax analysis shows the best accuracy and the strongest predictive value among these three methods. ΔSUVmax*ΔSLD may be a promising parameter to interpret iPET/CT images, reflecting both the changes in tumor size and metabolic activity.
Polyphenols of Leaf, Litter and Soil of Pinus bungeana across China and Their Responses to Ecological Factors
Authors: Feng Xueping , Wang Yongtao , Tang Lili , Li Dengwu
Published: July 2019

The importance of phenolic compounds for responding to various environmental conditions has been widely emphasized. However, the role of interactions between polyphenols and ecological factors, especially C, N, and P stoichiometry was little studied. Here, 15 sites across five provinces of Pinus bungeana in temperate regions of China were studied. The results showed that the higher values of total phenolic contents (TPC) of leaf and litter were distributed among the north distribution area of P. bungeana, lower values were in the south, whereas soil TPC were contrary to leaf and litter TPC. The stepwise regression, path analysis and decision index of path analysis for leaf TPC and ecological factors showed that altitude had the most direct impact on leaf TPC. Moreover, the principal determinants of leaf, litter and soil TPC were soil C/P ratios, longitude, and soil N/P ratios, respectively. In addition, the leaf, litter and soil TPC of P. bungeana were limited by soil C/N ratios, mean annual temperature, and soil P, respectively. Overall, our study provided evidence that ecological factors affected strongly the leaf, litter and soil TPC of P. bungeana.
Unique presentation of occult breast cancer with uterine cervix metastasis
Authors: Cimpeanu Emanuela , Ahmed Jibran , Tricorico Gabrielle , Bardarov Svetoslav , Shulimovich Maxim , Lakhi Nisha
Published: July 2019

We are reporting a case of occult breast cancer (OBC) diagnosed via biopsy of an asymptomatic cervical mass. While non‐OBC has occasionally been reported as metastatic to the uterine cervix, OBC never has, to our knowledge. Awareness of this presentation can be beneficial for a more expedite diagnosis and treatment.
Catalytic and Mechanistic Developments of the Nickel(II) Pincer Complex‐Catalyzed Hydroarsination Reaction
Authors: Tay Wee Shan , Lu Yunpeng , Yang Xiang‐Yuan , Li Yongxin , Pullarkat Sumod A. , Leung Pak‐Hing
Published: July 2019

Synthetic challenges have significantly slowed the development of the catalytic asymmetric hydroarsination reaction despite it being a highly attractive C−As bond formation methodology. In addition, there is a poor understanding of the main reaction steps in such reactions which limit further development in the field. Herein, key intermediates of the hydroarsination reaction catalyzed by a PCP NiII‐Cl pincer complex are presented upon investigating the reaction with DFT calculations, conductivity measurements, NMR spectroscopy, and catalytic screening. The novel Ni–Cl–As interaction proposed was then contrasted against known NiII‐catalyzed hydrophosphination reactions to highlight dissimilarities between them even though P and As share a close group relationship. Lastly, the asymmetric hydroarsination of nitroolefins was further developed to furnish a library of chiral organoarsines in up to 99 % yield and 80 % ee under mild conditions (−20 °C to RT) between 5 to 210 mins.
Origins of Enantiopreference of Mycobacterium smegmatis Acyl Transferase: A Computational Analysis
Authors: Kazemi Masoud , Sheng Xiang , Himo Fahmi
Published: July 2019

Acyl transferase from Mycobacterium smegmatis (MsAcT) is a promising biocatalyst because it catalyzes an acyl transfer reaction in aqueous solution, thereby accepting many primary and secondary alcohols as substrates. MsAcT also exhibits high enantioselectivity for a selected number of secondary alcohols. To increase the applicability of this enzyme for the production of optically active compounds, a detailed understanding of the reaction mechanism and the factors that affect enantioselectivity is essential. Herein, quantum chemical calculations are employed to study the reactions of two secondary alcohols, 1‐isopropyl propargyl alcohol and 2‐hydroxy propanenitrile, for which the enzyme displays opposite enantiopreference, favoring the S enantiomer in the former case and R enantiomer in the latter. A model of the active site has been designed and for both substrates various binding modes are evaluated and the intermediates and transition states along the reaction path are then located. The calculated energy profiles agree with the experimental observations, and reproduce the selectivity outcome. Through a detailed analysis of the geometries of key transition states, insights into the origins of the enantiopreference are obtained.
A systematic review on the triggers and clinical features of type 2 myocardial infarction
Authors: Wang Guangqiang , Zhao Na , Zhong Shu , Li Jianping
Published: July 2019

Little is known about the correlation between triggering factors, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and prognosis of patients with type 2 myocardial infarction (T2MI). The triggers and features of T2MI are linked to its diagnosis and prognosis. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. A structured search of three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Medline) was undertaken to identify peer‐reviewed articles related to the triggers and clinical features of T2MI published between January 2012 and August 2018. Seven retrospective cohort studies and seven prospective cohort studies involving 3867 patients with T2MI were included. All selected studies were rated as being of high or acceptable quality. Nine studies revealed that the leading trigger of T2MI was arrhythmia, especially tachyarrhythmia. Six studies revealed that the proportion of single‐trigger T2MIs was higher than that of multiple triggers and two studies showed that two‐trigger cases formed the majority of multiple trigger cases. All included studies found that a greater prevalence of T2MI in the older population. Thirteen studies revealed that the patients with T2MI often had a previous relevant medical history. The leading trigger of T2MI is arrhythmia, especially tachyarrhythmia, and the majority of cases arise from a single trigger. Two‐trigger is the most common form of multiple‐trigger T2MI, which often occurs in older patients with cardiovascular risk factors or comorbidities. Non‐cardiovascular causes may be the triggering factors and are strongly associated with the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of T2MI.
Quantitative Analysis of Different Cell Entry Routes of Actively Targeted Nanomedicines Using Imaging Flow Cytometry
Authors: Guo Peng , Huang Jing , Moses‐Gardner Alexander , Smith Edward R. , Moses Marsha A.
Published: July 2019

A rapid, high‐throughput, and quantitative method for cell entry route characterization is still lacking in nanomedicine research. Here, we report the application of imaging flow cytometry for quantitatively analyzing cell entry routes of actively targeted nanomedicines. We first engineered ICAM1 antibody‐directed fusogenic nanoliposomes (ICAM1‐FusoNLPs) and ICAM1 antibody‐directed endocytic nanolipogels (ICAM1‐EndoNLGs) featuring highly similar surface properties but different cell entry routes: receptor‐mediated membrane fusion and receptor‐mediated endocytosis, respectively. By using imaging flow cytometry, we characterized their intracellular delivery into human breast cancer MDA‐MB‐231 cells. We found that ICAM1‐FusoNLPs mediated a 2.8‐fold increased cell uptake of fluorescent payload, FITC‐dextran, with a 2.4‐fold increased intracellular distribution area in comparison with ICAM1‐EndoNLGs. We also investigated the effects of incubation time and endocytic inhibitors on the cell entry routes of ICAM1‐FusoNLP and ICAM1‐EndoNLG. Our results indicate that receptor‐mediated membrane fusion is a faster and more efficient cell entry route than receptor‐mediated endocytosis, bringing with it a significant therapeutic benefit in a proof‐of‐principle nanomedicine‐mediated siRNA transfection experiment. Our studies suggest that cell entry route may be an important design parameter to be considered in the development of next‐generation nanomedicines. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Preclinical evaluation of a biobetter candidate: Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of GX‐G3 in healthy and neutropenia‐induced rats
Authors: Kim Yun Jung , Ertan‐Ahmed Senem , Capan Yilmaz , Yang Sang In
Published: July 2019

Neutropenia is a condition of an abnormally low number of neutrophils which render patients more susceptible to infections, especially to bacterial infections, as the condition may become life threatening and deadly without prompt medical attention. Various factors such as, anticancer drugs, radiotherapy, infectious diseases, congenital defects, or vitamin B12/B9 deficiency can trigger neutropenia. GX‐G3, a human hybrid (hy) Fc‐fused granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF), was developed as next‐generation G‐CSF for the treatment of cancer therapy‐induced neutropenia. In this study, with the aim of investigating this promising potential next‐generation G‐CSF, comparative pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies were conducted in healthy and neutropenia‐induced rats. It was found that t1/2 of GX‐G3 is longer than same mass injection of filgrastim and pegfilgrastim and AUEClast (area under theeffect‐time curve from time zero to the last measurable ANC level) of absolute neutrophil count showed a significant increase after GX‐G3 injection compared with filgrastim and pegfilgrastim in healthy rats. Besides, in duration of neutropenia after the same mass injection GX‐G3 showed about 3.3 days of reduction effect compared with that of filgrastim, and 1.3 days of reduction effect compared with that of pegfilgrastim in neutropenia‐induced rats. These results demonstrate that the half‐life of GX‐G3 is longer than pegfilgrastim and GX‐G3 is more effective than filgrastim and pegfilgrastim in neutropenia‐induced rats.
Vasopressin, but not oxytocin, modulates responses to infant stimuli in marmosets providing care to dependent infants
Authors: Taylor Jack H. , Carp Sarah B. , French Jeffrey A.
Published: July 2019

In family‐living species, the quality and patterning of caregiving is the product of an individual's role within the family (mother, father, sibling) and parental experience, both of which interact with underlying neurobiological substrates. Among these substrates are the nonapeptides vasopressin and oxytocin, which modulate maternal, paternal, and alloparental care. We used a nonhuman primate model of the “nuclear family,” the marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), to investigate relationships between caregiving experience, role within the family, and activation of either the oxytocin or vasopressin systems in shaping responsiveness to offspring. During two phases of offspring development (early infancy, juvenile), mothers, fathers, and older siblings were treated with vasopressin, oxytocin, or saline via intranasal application, and tested for responses to infant distress stimuli in a within‐subjects design. Interest in infant stimuli was highest among marmosets that were caring for infants compared to those caring for juveniles, and parentally experienced marmosets were quicker to respond to infant stimuli than first‐time caregivers. Moreover, marmosets treated with vasopressin showed enhanced responsiveness to infant stimuli compared to control stimuli only when caring for infants. Thus, in all classes of marmoset caregivers, vasopressin enhances responsiveness to infant‐associated stimuli in caregivers during periods in which infant care is most crucial.
3Rs friendly study designs facilitate rat liver and blood micronucleus assays and Pig‐a gene mutation assessments: Proof‐of‐concept with 13 reference chemicals
Authors: Dertinger Stephen D. , Avlasevich Svetlana L. , Torous Dorothea K. , Singh Priyanka , Khanal Sumee , Kirby Christopher , Drake Amanda , MacGregor James T. , Bemis Jeffrey C.
Published: July 2019

Regulatory guidance documents stress the value of assessing the most appropriate endpoints in multiple tissues when evaluating the in vivo genotoxic potential of chemicals. However, conducting several independent studies to evaluate multiple endpoints and/or tissue compartments is resource intensive. Furthermore, when dependent on visual detection, conventional approaches for scoring genotoxicity endpoints can be slow, tedious, and less objective than the ideal. To address these issues with current practices we attempted to (1) devise resource sparing treatment and harvest schedules that are compatible with liver and blood micronucleus endpoints, as well as the Pig‐a gene mutation assay, and (2) utilize flow cytometry‐based methods to score each of these genotoxicity biomarkers. Proof‐of‐principle experiments were performed with 4‐week‐old male and female Crl:CD(SD) rats exposed to aristolochic acids I/II, benzo[a]pyrene, cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, diethylnitrosamine, 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine, dimethylnitrosamine, 2,6‐dinitrotoluene, hydroxyurea, melphalan, temozolomide, quinoline, or vinblastine. These 13 chemicals were each tested in two treatment regimens: one 3‐day exposure cycle, and three 3‐day exposure cycles. Each exposure, blood collection, and liver harvest was accomplished during a standard Monday–Friday workweek. Key findings are that even these well‐studied, relatively potent genotoxicants were not active in both tissues and all assays (indeed only cisplatin was clearly positive in all three assays); and whereas the sensitivity of the Pig‐a assay clearly benefitted from three versus one treatment cycle, micronucleus assays yielded qualitatively similar results across both study designs. Collectively, these results suggest it is possible to significantly reduce animal and other resource requirements while improving assessments of in vivo genotoxicity potential by simultaneously evaluating three endpoints and two important tissue compartments using fit‐for‐purpose study designs in conjunction with flow cytometric scoring approaches. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 60:704–739, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The mutagenesis moonshot: The propitious beginnings of the environmental mutagenesis and genomics society
Authors: DeMarini David M.
Published: July 2019

A mutagenesis moonshot addressing the influence of the environment on our genetic wellbeing was launched just 2 months before astronauts landed on the moon. Its impetus included the discovery that X‐rays (Muller HJ. [1927]: Science 64:84–87) and chemicals (Auerbach and Robson. [1946]: Nature 157:302) were germ‐cell mutagens, the introduction of a growing number of untested chemicals into the environment after World War II, and an increasing awareness of the role of environmental pollution on human health. Due to mounting concern from influential scientists that germ‐cell mutagens might be ubiquitous in the environment, Alexander Hollaender and colleagues founded in 1969 the Environmental Mutagen Society (EMS), now the Environmental Mutagenesis and Genomics Society (EMGS); Frits Sobels founded the European EMS in 1970. As Fred de Serres noted, such societies were necessary because protecting populations from environmental mutagens could not be addressed by existing scientific societies, and new multidisciplinary alliances were required to spearhead this movement. The nascent EMS gathered policy makers and scientists from government, industry, and academia who became advocates for laws requiring genetic toxicity testing of pesticides and drugs and helped implement those laws. They created an electronic database of the mutagenesis literature; established a peer‐reviewed journal; promoted basic and applied research in DNA repair and mutagenesis; and established training programs that expanded the science worldwide. Despite these successes, one objective remains unfulfilled: identification of human germ‐cell mutagens. After 50 years, the voyage continues, and a vibrant EMGS is needed to bring the mission to its intended target of protecting populations from genetic hazards. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 61:8–24, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mode‐of‐action analysis of the effects induced by nicotine in the in vitro micronucleus assay
Authors: Smart Daniel J. , Helbling Fabian R. , Verardo Maëlle , McHugh Damian , Vanscheeuwijck Patrick
Published: July 2019

Nicotine's genotoxic potential has been extensively studied in vitro. While the results of mammalian cell‐based studies have inferred that it can potentially damage chromosomes, in general and with few exceptions, adverse DNA effects have been observed primarily at supraphysiological concentrations in nonregulatory assays that provide little information on its mode‐of‐action (MoA). In this study, a modern‐day regulatory genotoxicity assessment was conducted using a flow cytometry‐based in vitro micronucleus (MN) assay, Good Laboratory Practice study conditions, Chinese hamster ovary cells of known provenance, and acceptance/evaluation criteria from the current OECD Test Guideline 487. Nicotine concentrations up to 3.95 mM had no effect on background levels of DNA damage; however, concentrations above the point‐of‐departure range of 3.94–4.54 mM induced increases in MN and hypodiploid nuclei, indicating a possible aneugenicity hazard. Follow‐up experiments designed to elucidate nicotine's MoA revealed cellular vacuolization, accompanying distortions in microtubules, inhibition of tubulin polymerization, centromere‐positive DNA, and multinucleate cells at MN‐inducing concentrations. Vacuoles likely originated from acidic cellular compartments (e.g., lysosomes). Remarkably, genotoxicity was suppressed by chemicals that raised the luminal pH of these organelles. Other endpoints (e.g., changes in phosphorylated histones) measured in the study cast doubt on the biological relevance of this apparent genotoxicity. In addition, three major nicotine metabolites, including cotinine, had no MN effects but nornicotine induced a nicotine‐like profile. It is possible that nicotine's lysosomotropic properties drive the genotoxicity observed in vitro; however, the potency and mechanistic insights revealed here indicate that it is likely of minimal physiological relevance for nicotine consumers. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2019. © 2019 The Authors. Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Environmental Mutagen Society.
Hepatitis C Screening in an Underserved U.S. Cohort of Reproductive Age Women
Authors: Kim Nicole J. , Holguin Daniel , Bush Dylan , Khalili Mandana
Published: July 2019

The opioid epidemic has recently increased the rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among young women. We therefore aimed to characterize the cascade of HCV care in a cohort of underserved women of reproductive age. Medical records of 19,121 women between the ages of 15 and 44 years, receiving primary care in the San Francisco safety‐net health care system, were reviewed. Cohort characteristics were as follows: median age 33 years (interquartile range 26‐38), 18% white (12% black, 46% Latina, 22% Asian, 2% other race), 1.3% hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐positive, and 0.9% human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co‐infection. HCV antibody (HCVAb) testing occurred in 38.7% (n = 7,406), of whom 2.8% (n = 206) were HCVAb‐positive and 2.4% (n = 177) had a detectable HCV viral load. Of the 5% (n = 1,017) with a history of pregnancy, 61% (n = 615) had HCVAb testing (2.6% were positive). On multivariable analysis, HBsAg testing (odds ratio [OR] 8.25 [95% confidence interval (CI)] 6.80‐10.01]; P < 0.001), HIV infection (OR 5.98 [95% CI 1.86‐19.20]; P = 0.003), and log alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (OR 1.30 [95% CI 1.16‐1.45]; P < 0.001) were associated with HCV screening. Compared with whites, women of Latina (OR 0.45 [95% CI 0.37‐0.55]; P < 0.001) and Asian (OR 0.74 [95% CI 0.58‐0.94]; P = 0.01) race were less likely to receive HCV screening. Age (OR 1.80 per decade [95% CI 1.26‐2.57]; P = 0.001), white race (versus non‐white; OR 10.48 [95% CI 7.22‐15.21]; P < 0.001), HIV infection (OR 3.25 [95% CI 1.40‐7.55]; P = 0.006), and log ALT (OR 1.93 [95% CI 1.49‐2.49]; P < 0.001) were associated with HCVAb positivity. Conclusion: Most (>60%) underserved women of reproductive age were not tested for HCV. Moreover, women of Latina and Asian race were less likely to receive HCV screening. Given the known high HCV risk in the underserved population, targeted interventions, especially for racial minority women of reproductive age, are needed to enhance HCV screening in those at risk.
Beyond cost‐effectiveness: A five‐step framework for appraising the value of health technologies in Asia‐Pacific
Authors: Finkelstein Eric A. , Krishnan Anirudh , Doble Brett
Published: July 2019

Given resource constraints and the potential for increasingly high‐cost, cost‐effective medicines to become available, policymakers require strategies that go beyond cost‐effectiveness when making resource allocation decisions. This manuscript presents a five‐step framework that complements traditional health technology assessment (HTA) guidance documents that policymakers in Asia‐Pacific and elsewhere may consider when setting up HTA guidelines and/or evaluating whether or not to subsidize a medicine or other health innovations. The framework recommends that subsidy decisions be based on five criteria: the relative burden of the condition as compared with other conditions (step 1), comparative and cost‐effectiveness of the medicine (steps 2 and 3), the short‐term impact on the budget (step 4), and other considerations including patient and societal preferences (step 5). Our approach, which is a complement to traditional HTA guidance documents, is not prescriptive but provides an evidence‐based framework that HTA agencies in Asia‐Pacific can follow as they aim to deliver value‐based medicines to their constituents.
Type of health care workers and quality of antenatal and delivery care in communities of Myanmar: An experience‐ and vignette‐based study
Authors: Thida Thida , Liabsuetrakul Tippawan
Published: July 2019

Background

Understanding who provides antenatal and delivery care services and the quality of care in communities with high maternal deaths is essential for planning the efficient utilization of a limited health care workforce.

Objectives

To identify the types of health care workers for antenatal and delivery care in these communities, and assess the quality of care using vignettes of women with hypertensive disorder in pregnancy (HDP) and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) from the provider's perspectives in Myanmar.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in three townships of Myanmar during May to September 2016. Health assistants, lady health visitors, midwives, and auxiliary midwives rated the type of providers and quality of care based on four HDP vignettes and four PPH vignettes. The agreements of their assessments were analysed using prevalence‐adjusted bias‐adjusted kappa and Cramer's V coefficient.

Results

Almost perfect agreement was found that midwives were the providers who provided and who should provide all routine antenatal and delivery care services. Less than 80% of the participants perceived good quality antenatal care (ANC) and delivery care for HDP and PPH, particularly in vignettes featuring cases of pre‐existing hypertension or PPH with history of hospitalization. More than 85% of the participants rated quality of care for managing complications as good. Variations of ratings among the providers ranged from small to medium (Cramer's V = .22‐.40).

Conclusion

Midwives were key providers of ANC and delivery care in the local communities in Myanmar, but the quality of ANC for women with HDP and PPH was poor and needs improvement.
Effectiveness of tablet computers in spatial data collection and surveys in rural Tanzania
Authors: Mwita Emiliana J. , Pearson Amber L. , Zwickle Adam
Published: July 2019

Worldwide, there is increasing application of tablet computers and other portable electronic devices in research. Effectiveness of these devices as data collection tools is widely appreciated, but several challenges exist when used in remote/rural settings. A household survey and spatial data collection were undertaken using tablet computers in rural Tanzania. Over 5 days in the study village of Naitolia, 12 enumerators visited 170 households completing 154 household surveys and 156 women's surveys while simultaneously collecting spatial data on wet/dry season water sources for 92 households using the tablets. Power supply, internet connectivity, and app faults were among the primary challenges that require attention to facilitate efficient use of tablets to collect data in remote areas. Lessons learnt include the importance of alternative energy (eg, solar energy) for charging, carrying hard copies of survey instruments as a backup, and ensuring that newly developed apps have been thoroughly field tested.
An information systems framework to improve the issuance of identity documents through enhanced data quality in the Republic of Angola
Authors: Mutudi Maria , Iyamu Tiko
Published: July 2019

An individual identity document (ID) is the most important identification method within a country, for both the government and the citizens. However, the physical addresses captured and stored in the ID systems and printed on individual IDs in the Republic of Angola are consistently inconsistent, duplicated, and incorrect. As a result, government service delivery, such as basic sanitation, health care, and security are often challenged and compromised. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop an information systems framework to improve the current system that is used to issue IDs in the country. In order to achieve this aim, semistructured interviews were used to collect qualitative data. The data were collected from a governmental institution, the Ministry of Homeland, and from the community of Luanda in Angola. The data collected were hermeneutically analysed through the lens of the duality of structure from a structuration theory perspective. Based on the analysis, factors of influence were revealed and interpreted, which resulted in the development of a framework. The framework is intended to, from an information and communication technology (ICT) perspective, enhance the quality of data and improve the accuracy of issued IDs in Angola.
Language preference and reinforcing efficacy of praise in bilingual children with disabilities
Authors: Clay Casey J. , Bloom Sarah E. , Slocum Timothy A. , Samaha Andrew L. , Callard Chase H.
Published: July 2019

We conducted a stimulus preference assessment to identify preference for praise delivered in English versus Spanish for bilingual students. Next, a concurrent‐operant reinforcer assessment was used to evaluate the reinforcer efficacy of praise in each language. Participants showed limited to no preference for one language over another. One participant showed a slight preference for Spanish praise and Spanish praise functioned as a slightly more potent reinforcer. If a participant did not prefer a specific language of praise (i.e., undifferentiated preference or equal percentage of approaches), both languages were considered to be similarly reinforcing.
MicroRNA‐33 and SIRT1 influence the coronary thrombus burden in hyperglycemic STEMI patients
Authors: D'Onofrio Nunzia , Sardu Celestino , Paolisso Pasquale , Minicucci Fabio , Gragnano Felice , Ferraraccio Franca , Panarese Iacopo , Scisciola Lucia , Mauro Ciro , Rizzo Maria Rosaria , Mansueto Gelsomina , Varavallo Federica , Brunitto Giuseppina , Caserta Rosanna , Tirino Virginia , Papaccio Gianpaolo , Barbieri Michelangela , Paolisso Giuseppe , Balestrieri Maria Luisa , Marfella Raffaele
Published: July 2019

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is a pivotal treatment in ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. However, in hyperglycemic‐STEMI patients, the incidence of death is still significant. Here, the involvement of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and miR33 on the pro‐inflammatory/pro‐coagulable state of the coronary thrombus was investigated. Moreover, 1‐year outcomes in hyperglycemic STEMI in patients subjected to thrombus aspiration before PPCI were evaluated. Results showed that hyperglycemic thrombi displayed higher size and increased miR33, reactive oxygen species, and pro‐inflammatory/pro‐coagulable markers. Conversely, the hyperglycemic thrombi showed a lower endothelial SIRT1 expression. Moreover, in vitro experiments on endothelial cells showed a causal effect of SIRT1 modulation on the pro‐inflammatory/pro‐coagulative state via hyperglycemia‐induced miR33 expression. Finally, SIRT1 expression negatively correlated with STEMI outcomes. These observations demonstrate the involvement of the miR33/SIRT1 pathway in the increased pro‐inflammatory and pro‐coagulable state of coronary thrombi in hyperglycemic STEMI patients.
Segmentation of nearly isotropic overlapped tracks in photomicrographs using successive erosions as watershed markers
Authors: de Siqueira Alexandre Fioravante , Nakasuga Wagner Massayuki , Guedes Sandro , Ratschbacher Lothar
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Procedures for measuring and counting tracks are time‐consuming and involve practical problems. The precision of automatic counting methods is not satisfactory yet; the major challenges are distinguishing tracks and material defects, identifying small tracks and defects of similar size, and detecting overlapping tracks.

Materials and Methods

Here, we address the overlapping tracks issue using the algorithm Watershed Using Successive Erosions as Markers (WUSEM), which combines the watershed transform, morphological erosions and labeling to separate regions in photomicrographs. We tested this method in two data sets of diallyl phthalate (DAP) photomicrographs and compared the results when counting manually and using the classic watershed and H‐watershed transforms.

Results

The mean automatic/manual efficiency counting ratio when using WUSEM in the test data sets is 0.97 ± 0.11.

Conclusion

WUSEM shows reliable results when used in photomicrographs presenting almost isotropic objects. Also, diameter and eccentricity criteria may be used to increase the reliability of this method.
Formulating Nonionic Detergents via the Integrated Free Energy Model
Authors: Boza Troncoso Americo , Acosta Edgar
Published: July 2019

This work explores the optimum detergency conditions of alkyl ethoxylate (CXEOY) surfactants with the integrated free energy model (IFEM). IFEM is a molecular thermodynamic model that calculates the free energy of formation of oil‐swollen spherical micelles, with a core solubilization radius Ro, using surfactants from empty (oil‐free) micelles and oil molecules from a continuous oil phase. The described geometry allows for rapid calculations, using a personal laptop (3.4 GHz processor), where each solubilization energy profile (free energy vs. Ro curve) can be solved in 5 min or less. While previous work showed quantitative agreement between IFEM predictions and experimental solubilization of alkanes in CXEOY micelles, this work explores the possibility of using IFEM as a tool in surfactant selection. Experimental work has shown that detergency improved when operating near the phase inversion temperature (PIT) of the surfactant‐hexadecane system. The IFEM simulations in this work show, for the first time, that IFEM can be used to predict the PIT of surfactant‐oil systems, and that the surfactants selected via this method are consistent with the selection guided by experimental observations.
Simultaneous quantitative analysis of polyphenolic compounds in human plasma by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Shafaei Armaghan , Croft Kevin , Hodgson Jonathan , Boyce Mary C.
Published: July 2019

A diet rich in polyphenolic compounds has recognized health benefits, and as such is routinely monitored as part of dietary intervention studies. A method for the simultaneous determination of 36 phenolic compounds, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry is described here. The target analytes were quantified based on their specific mass spectral fragments using a selected reaction monitoring approach. A C18 column with embedded aromatic functionality ensured separation of all phenolic compounds studied which included several pairs of isomers. Sample preparation involved the use of β‐glucuronidase to release the phenolic compounds from their conjugated forms. The intra‐day and inter‐day precision and accuracy was less than 7% for all phenolic compounds studied. Recoveries, where plasma was spiked with three different concentrations of the analytes, ranged from 95–115%. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.23–3.89 and 1.15–7.79 nM, respectively. The method was successfully applied to real samples and the range reported for each phenolic compound, with the exception of hydroferulic acid, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, methylgallate, and m‐coumaric acid, was at least an order of magnitude higher than the limit of quantification for the method.
On the impact of deep rolling at different temperatures on the near surface microstructure and residual stress state of steel AISI 304
Authors: Kongthep J. , Timmermann K. , Scholtes B. , Niendorf T.
Published: July 2019

The consequences of deep rolling at cryogenic temperature, room temperature and high temperature were investigated for steel X5CrNi18‐10 (AISI 304). Near surface microstructures, martensite content and residual stresses were analyzed. It is shown that, applying different deep rolling temperatures, the near surface states of the processed specimen are altered in a characteristic way. Particularly important is that different depth distributions of strain hardening, martensite volume fraction and residual stresses can be created.
Effect of boron on microstructure and mechanical properties of eutectic aluminum‐silicon alloy modified with phosphorus
Authors: Wang S. , Liu Y. , Wu C.J. , Wang J.H. , Su X.P.
Published: July 2019

In order to understand the effect of boron on the microstructure and mechanical properties of eutectic aluminum‐silicon alloy modified with phosphorus, complex modification of eutectic aluminum‐silicon alloy by aluminum‐3phosphorus and aluminum‐3boron was conducted. The results show that the area fraction of primary α‐aluminum in eutectic aluminum‐silicon alloy modified with aluminum‐3phosphorus increased first and then decreased with increasing amounts of aluminum‐3boron. The area fraction and the size of primary silicon decreased rapidly first and then stabilized. The morphology of eutectic silicon transformed from needle‐like into fine short rods or granules after complex modification with aluminum‐3phosphorus and aluminum‐3boron. The ultimate tensile strength of the alloy modified with 0.4 wt.% aluminum‐3phosphorus and 0.2 wt.% aluminum‐3boron increased by 18 %, compared with that of the eutectic aluminum‐silicon alloy modified with aluminum‐3phosphorus, while the elongation decreased by 5 %. It was concluded that the comprehensive mechanical properties of eutectic aluminum‐silicon alloy were improved.
4′‐Bromo‐resveratrol, a dual Sirtuin‐1 and Sirtuin‐3 inhibitor, inhibits melanoma cell growth through mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming
Authors: George Jasmine , Nihal Minakshi , Singh Chandra K. , Ahmad Nihal
Published: July 2019

Sirtuin‐1 and ‐3 (SIRT1 and SIRT3) are important nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)‐dependent deacetylases known to regulate a variety of cellular functions. Studies have shown that SIRT1 and SIRT3 were overexpressed in human melanoma cells and tissues and their inhibition resulted in a significant antiproliferative response in human melanoma cells and antitumor response in a mouse xenograft model of melanoma. In this study, we determined the antiproliferative efficacy of a newly identified dual small molecule inhibitor of SIRT1 and SIRT3, 4′‐bromo‐resveratrol (4′‐BR), in human melanoma cell lines (G361, SK‐MEL‐28, and SK‐MEL‐2). Our data demonstrate that 4′‐BR treatment of melanoma cells resulted in (a) decrease in proliferation and clonogenic survival; (b) induction of apoptosis accompanied by a decrease in procaspase‐3, procaspase‐8, and increase in the cleavage of caspase‐3 and poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP); (c) marked downregulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA); and (d) inhibition of melanoma cell migration. Further, 4′‐BR caused a G0/G1 phase arrest of melanoma cells that was accompanied by an increase in WAF‐1/P21 and decrease in Cyclin D1/Cyclin‐dependent kinase 6 protein levels. Furthermore, we found that 4′‐BR causes a decrease in lactate production, glucose uptake, and NAD+/NADH ratio. These responses were accompanied by downregulation in lactate dehydrogenase A and glucose transporter 1 in melanoma cells. Collectively, our data suggest that dual inhibition of SIRT1 and SIRT3 using 4′‐BR imparted antiproliferative effects in melanoma cells through a metabolic reprogramming and affecting the cell cycle and apoptosis signaling. Therefore, concomitant pharmacological inhibition of SIRT1 and SIRT3 needs further investigation for melanoma management.
Molecular autopsy and family screening in a young case of sudden cardiac death reveals an unusually severe case of FHL1 related hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Gaertner‐Rommel Anna , Tiesmeier Jens , Jakob Thomas , Strickmann Bernd , Veit Gunter , Bachmann‐Mennenga Bernd , Paluszkiewicz Lech , Klingel Karin , Schulz Uwe , Laser Kai T. , Karger Bernd , Pfeiffer Heidi , Milting Hendrik
Published: July 2019

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic cardiomyopathy with a prevalence of about 1:200. It is characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction and interstitial fibrosis; HCM might lead to sudden cardiac death (SCD) especially in the young.

Due to low autopsy frequencies of sudden unexplained deaths (SUD) the true prevalence of SCD and especially of HCM among SUD remains unclear. Even in cases of proven SCD genetic testing is not a routine procedure precluding appropriate risk stratification and counseling of relatives.

Methods

Here we report a case of SCD in a 19‐year‐old investigated by combined forensic and molecular autopsy.

Results

During autopsy of the index‐patient HCM was detected. As no other possible cause of death could be uncovered by forensic autopsy the event was classified as SCD. Molecular autopsy identified two (probably) pathogenic genetic variants in FHL1 and MYBPC3. The MYBPC3 variant had an incomplete penetrance. The FHL1 variant was a de novo mutation. We detected reduced FHL1 mRNA levels and no FHL1 protein in muscle samples suggesting nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay and/or degradation of the truncated protein in the SCD victim revealing a plausible disease mechanism.

Conclusion

The identification of the genetic cause of the SCD contributed to the rational counseling of the relatives and risk assessment within the family. Furthermore our study revealed evidences for the pathomechanism of FHL1 mutations.
On the applicability of Genocchi wavelet method for different kinds of fractional‐order differential equations with delay
Authors: Dehestani Haniye , Ordokhani Yadollah , Razzaghi Mohsen
Published: July 2019

A novel collocation method based on Genocchi wavelet is presented for the numerical solution of fractional differential equations and time‐fractional partial differential equations with delay. In this work, to achieve the approximate solution with height accuracy, we employed the operational matrix of integer derivative and the pseudo‐operational matrix of fractional derivative in Caputo sense. Also, based on Genocchi function properties, we presented delay and pantograph operational matrices of Genocchi wavelet functions (GWFs). Due to operational and pseudo‐operational matrices, the equations under this study can be turned into nonlinear algebraic equations with the unknown GWF coefficients. For illustrating the upper bound of error for the proposed method, we estimate the error in the sense of Sobolev space. In addition, to demonstrate the efficacy of the pseudo‐operational matrix of fractional derivative, we investigate the upper bound of error for the mentioned matrix. Finally, the algorithm based on the proposed approach is implemented for some numerical experiments to confirm accuracy and applicability.
Haggling Highlanders: Marketplaces, Middlemen and Moral Economy in the Papua New Guinean Betel Nut Trade
Authors: Sharp Timothy L. M.
Published: July 2019

The rise of competitive trade practices represents a significant development in Papua New Guinea's marketplaces. Overt competition and haggling, once conspicuous by their near absence, are now commonplace in the country's betel nut marketplaces, and increasingly visible in many of the large urban fresh food marketplaces. This has emerged with the rise of long‐distance and intermediary trading, and with increasing numbers of people dependent on trade for their livelihood. This paper explores moral economy, and the interactions and negotiations around price between lowland betel nut producers and highland wholesale traders as they occur in marketplaces and in rural production areas. It documents how the moral obligations that arise from trade itself, and entangled with self‐interest, tempers competition and fosters solidarity amongst traders, redirects competition onto their interactions with producers, and in doing so reinforces existing power asymmetries.
POU1F1 transcription factor promotes breast cancer metastasis via recruitment and polarization of macrophages
Authors: Seoane Samuel , Martinez‐Ordoñez Anxo , Eiro Noemi , Cabezas‐Sainz Pablo , Garcia‐Caballero Lucia , Gonzalez Luis O , Macia Manuel , Sanchez Laura , Vizoso Francisco , Perez‐Fernandez Roman
Published: July 2019

Cancer progression requires cells surrounding tumors be reeducated and activated to support tumor growth. Oncogenic signals from malignant cells directly influence stromal composition and activation, but the factors mediating this communication are still not well understood. We have previously shown that the transcription factor POU class 1 homeobox 1 (POU1F1), also known as Pit‐1, induces profound changes on neoplastic cell‐autonomous processes favoring metastasis in human breast cancer. Here we describe for the first time Pit‐1‐mediated paracrine actions on macrophages in the tumor microenvironment by using cell lines in vitro, zebrafish and mouse models in vivo, and samples from human breast cancer patients. Through the release of CXCL12, Pit‐1 in tumor cells was found to mediate the recruitment and polarization of macrophages into tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs). In turn, TAMs collaborated with tumor cells to increase tumor growth, angiogenesis, extravasation and metastasis to lung. Our data reveal a new mechanism of cooperation between tumor cells and macrophages favoring metastasis and poor clinical outcome in human breast cancer, which suggests that Pit‐1 and CXCL12 should be further studied as potential prognostic and therapeutic indicators. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrating genetic counseling and testing in the pediatric oncology setting: Parental attitudes and influencing factors
Authors: Desrosiers Lauren R. , Quinn Emily , Cramer Stuart , Dobek Whitney
Published: July 2019

Background

Cancer predisposition syndromes (CPS) are caused by germline pathogenic variants that put an individual at increased risk of developing cancer throughout their lifetime. It is estimated that approximately 10‐15% of children with cancer have an underlying CPS. Although research has investigated the clinical utility of genetic testing for children diagnosed with cancer, this study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of parental attitudes toward genetic testing in this population.

Procedure

Attitudes toward genetic counseling and testing among parents of children diagnosed with cancer were solicited through questionnaires distributed to a pediatric cancer clinic and online support groups. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi‐square tests for association.

Results

The majority of participants had prior knowledge of genetic counseling (64.3%), yet most were not offered genetic counseling (59.5%). Fifty percent of parents reported interest in pursuing genetic counseling/testing and 31.0% reported uncertainty. Statistically significant associations were identified between interest in genetic counseling/testing and the child's age at diagnosis, child's sex, and participant annual income (P < .05).

Conclusions

Parents of children diagnosed with cancer generally expressed interest in genetic counseling/testing; however, notable uncertainty was also reported. In light of this uncertainty, genetic counselors have an ideal skill set to engage families in their decision‐making process as they weigh the benefits and drawbacks to pursuing genetic testing among this population. Demonstrated parental receptiveness to genomic technologies supports expansion of genetics providers in pediatric oncology care.