bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design patterns for wildlife‐related camera trap image analysis
Authors: Greenberg Saul , Godin Theresa , Whittington Jesse
Published: December 2019

This paper describes and explains design patterns for software that supports how analysts can efficiently inspect and classify camera trap images for wildlife‐related ecological attributes. Broadly speaking, a design pattern identifies a commonly occurring problem and a general reusable design approach to solve that problem. A developer can then use that design approach to create a specific software solution appropriate to the particular situation under consideration. In particular, design patterns for camera trap image analysis by wildlife biologists address solutions to commonly occurring problems they face while inspecting a large number of images and entering ecological data describing image attributes. We developed design patterns for image classification based on our understanding of biologists' needs that we acquired over 8 years during development and application of the freely available Timelapse image analysis system. For each design pattern presented, we describe the problem, a design approach that solves that problem, and a concrete example of how Timelapse addresses the design pattern. Our design patterns offer both general and specific solutions related to: maintaining data consistency, efficiencies in image inspection, methods for navigating between images, efficiencies in data entry including highly repetitious data entry, and sorting and filtering image into sequences, episodes, and subsets. These design patterns can inform the design of other camera trap systems and can help biologists assess how competing software products address their project‐specific needs along with determining an efficient workflow.
Desert‐like badlands and surrounding (semi‐)dry grasslands of Central Germany promote small‐scale phenotypic and genetic differentiation inThymus praecox
Authors: Karbstein Kevin , Tomasello Salvatore , Prinz Kathleen
Published: December 2019

Environmental heterogeneity among sites can generate phenotypic and genetic variation facilitating differentiation and microevolution of plant populations. Badlands are desert‐like, predominantly vegetation‐poor habitats often embedded in (semi‐)dry grasslands. The desert‐like conditions of badlands demand extreme adaptation of plants, that is, phenotypic modifications in short‐term and/or natural adaptation in long‐term. However, detailed knowledge is missing about both plant phenotypic and genetic differentiation in this unique and widely occurring habitat type. The present study focused on the largest known badlands systems in Central Europe located in the “Drei Gleichen” region, a designated nature conservation area in Central Germany. Locations were suitable for this study in terms of having co‐occurring badlands and (semi‐)dry grassland habitats (sites) occupied by the pioneer plantThymus praecox. Here, we studied the environmental preferences, morphological and functional trait variation, and genetic variation using microsatellite markers ofT. praecox. Results revealed significant, mainly site‐dependent environmental, phenotypic, and genetic differentiation. In general, individuals in badlands are shorter in height and have lower patch sizes (length × width), relative growth rates, and smaller stomata. The PCA additionally unveiled slightly increased leaf robustness, trichome density, decreased stomatal conductance, fewer females, and earlier phenology in badlands. We interpret differentiation patterns as adaptive responses to light, temperature, drought, and nutrient stress conditions supported by reviewed literature. Genetic differentiation was strongest between local badlands and grassland sites, and clearly weaker among locations and between sites (in total) as indicated byGST, AMOVA, PCoA, and population structure. Our study supports the importance of small‐scale microhabitat conditions as a driver of microevolutionary processes, and the population's need for sufficient phenotypic variation and genetic resources to deal with environmental changes. We demonstrated that badlands are an appropriate model system for testing plant response to extreme habitats and that more research is needed on these fascinating landscapes.
One‐Step Synthesis of Trifluoroethylated Chromones via Radical Cascade Cyclization–Coupling of 2‐(Allyloxy)arylaldehydes
Authors: Gao Fei , Meng Fan‐Xiao , Du Ji‐Yuan , Zhang Shiyan , Huang Hong‐Li
Published: December 2019

A transition‐metal‐free synthetic protocol involved with trifluoromethyl radical addition–cyclization of 2‐(allyloxy)arylaldehydes for a series of CF3‐containing 3‐substituted chromenones formation has been developed. The radical cascade cyclization–coupling reaction can be run in a one‐step manner with Langlois′ reagent (CF3SO2Na) and K2S2O8. Broad scopes of substrates with various functional groups are evaluated in moderate to good efficacy under operational simplicity and mild reaction conditions. A plausible mechanism for the construction of trifluoroethylated chromones is proposed based on mechanistic studies.
Mineralization of mefenamic acid from hospital wastewater using electro‐Fenton degradation: Optimization and identification of removal mechanism issues
Authors: Dolatabadi Maryam , Ahmadzadeh Saeid , Ghaneian Mohammad T.
Published: December 2019

Mefenamic acid (MFA) is a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug widely used for the short‐term treatment of mild to moderate pain as well as treatment of primary dysmenorrhea and for decreasing the pain and blood loss during menstrual periods. Since MFA has been detected in raw and sewage water worldwide, the current work deals with the optimizing of removal of MFA from hospital wastewater using the electro‐Fenton (E‐Fenton) process. A cylindrical Pyrex reactor containing 250 ml of wastewater was employed for treatment investigation. The effects of main variables on the removal process were investigated and the optimum experimental condition was obtained with adequate desirability under the response surface methodology. The obtained results revealed that the removal efficiency of 95.3% was achieved under the optimal experimental condition, including MFA initial concentration of 7.0 mg L−1, the H2O2 dosage of 700 μl/L, the current density of 6.6 mA cm−2, and the reaction time of 12 min. The removal mechanism studies showed that •OH as the dominant radical species plays the main role in E‐Fenton process. The MFA removal followed the pseudo‐first‐order kinetic model. Under the optimum condition of the E‐Fenton process, the removal efficiency of MFA from synthetic wastewater was in satisfactory agreement with the real hospital wastewater treatment.
Systematic review of risk factors for eating psychopathology in athletes: A critique of an etiological model
Authors: Stoyel Hannah , Slee Adrian , Meyer Caroline , Serpell Lucy
Published: December 2019

Objective

The theoretical model by Petrie and Greenleaf (2007, 2012) is an admirable attempt to collate the causal factors of disordered eating in athletes. The aims of this systematic review are (a) to provide an overview of the findings from the relevant literature, (b) to assess whether the model is supported by the existing research, (c) to evaluate the different designs, methods, and measures used to test the mediators in the model, and (d) to highlight areas for improvements and future research.

Method

A systematic review of four major online databases identified 37 relevant papers on risk factors of disordered eating in athletes, which were reviewed and critically compared with the theoretical model.

Results

There is a lack of longitudinal research with the relevant mediators in athlete populations, which makes it difficult to determine whether the potential mediators described by Petrie and Greenleaf are causal risk factors rather than simply correlates of disordered eating for athletes. Findings for all the potential mediators are inconsistent, and the range of measures used makes it problematic to draw conclusions.

Conclusions

Future research needs to use gold standard measures and longitudinal designs in order to fully test and possibly update the model.
Release principle of peptides and amino acids during the autolysis of shrimp head from Litopenaeus vannamei after UV‐C irradiation stress
Authors: Cao Wenhong , Tian Shen , Wang He , Zhang Chaohua , Yuan Jianjun
Published: December 2019

UV‐C irradiation can activate endogenous enzymes in the body of many aquatic animals. Autolysis kinetics of shrimp head after UV‐C irradiation stress was investigated. During the first 5 hr of autolysis, the release of the autolysis products was in line with the first‐order equations of the reaction rate: Y = 37.681e−0.173t, Pe = −1.769Y + 74.156, and TP = −1.5117Y + 60.866. A good linear correlation was founded between the release of total protein and that of products with molecular weight of 3,000 Da after these products associated with residual total protein were autolyzed. In contrast to the inconsistent effect of substrate concentration on autolysis rate constants, the effects of pH and temperature on the autolysis rate constants of shrimp head showed a consistent pattern. An Arrhenius equation (lnKa = 8,090.2/T − 26.497) was established to validate the proposed autolysis kinetic equations. The autolysis rate of products with molecular weight < 3,000 Da increased rapidly from 0 hr to 3 hr. The aliphatic amino acids showed a higher amount release than that of other amino acids during the autolysis. The amounts of released heterocyclic amino acids (Trp and His) were also much more than that of other amino acids.
The contributions of spatial context and imagery to the recollection of single words
Authors: Lalla Azara , Robin Jessica , Moscovitch Morris
Published: November 2019

A number of theories of hippocampal function have placed spatial context at the center of richly recollected memories, but the subjective and objective ways that spatial context underlies the recollection of single words has been largely overlooked and underexplained. In this study, we conducted three experiments to investigate the involvement of spatial context in the recollection of single words. In all three experiments, participants encoded single words with varying features such as location and color. The subjective experience of recollection was measured using remember/know judgments and participant self‐report of the types of information they recollected about the words. Objectively, recollection was measured using source memory judgments for both spatial and non‐spatial features associated with the words. Our results provide evidence that spatial context frequently accompanies the recollection of single, isolated words, reviving discussions on the role of the hippocampus in spatial and detailed recollection.
Comparison of cytokine changes in three different lipoprotein apheresis systems in an ex vivo whole blood model
Authors: Hardersen Randolf , Enebakk Terje , Christiansen Dorte , Ludviksen Judith K. , Mollnes Tom E. , Lappegård Knut Tore , Hovland Anders
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Even if proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors have replaced lipoprotein apheresis in many patients, lipoprotein apheresis still is an important option in homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, progressive atherosclerosis or when removal of lipoprotein(a) is indicated. Additional possible favorable effects beyond lipid lowering could include changes in the concentration of cytokines and improvement of hemorheology.

Methods

We evaluated how whole blood adsorption, dextran sulfate plasma adsorption, and double filtration plasmapheresis lipoprotein apheresis systems affected cytokine concentrations, using a human whole blood ex vivo model differentiating the effect of the lipoprotein apheresis and plasma separation columns and describing temporal changes.

Results

Compared to the control bag, the whole blood adsorption system reduced Interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), IL‐8, IL‐1ra, eotaxin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP‐1), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF)‐BB, regulated on activation T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), macrophage inflammatory protein‐1β (MIP‐1β), and IP‐10 (P < .05). The dextran sulfate plasma adsorption system reduced IFN‐γ, IL‐8, IL‐1ra, eotaxin, TNF, MCP‐1, PDGF‐BB, MIP‐1β, and IP‐10 (P < .05). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) were increased in the whole blood and dextran sulfate plasma adsorption systems (P < .05). The double filtration plasmapheresis system reduced IFN‐γ, IL‐1ra, TNF, MIP‐1β, and IP‐10 (P < .05), while MCP‐1,VEGF, GM‐CSF, and RANTES were increased (P < .05). The plasma separation column increased concentration of RANTES, and was a barrier to reduction of eotaxin. Temporal patterns of concentration change indicated first pass increase of PDGF‐BB and first pass reduction of IP‐10.

Conclusion

There were marked differences in how the three systems affected total and temporal cytokine concentration changes in this in vitro model, as well as compared to former in vivo studies.
Comprehensive 1H and 13C NMR assignment of 13 protobassic acid saponins
Authors: Chen Hsin‐Yi , Tsai Sheng‐Fa , Lee Shoei‐Sheng
Published: November 2019

This study aimed to carry out complete 1H and 13C NMR assignment of 13 protobassic acid saponins, including arganins A–C (1–3) and F (4), butyrosides B–D (5–7), tieghemelin (8), 3′‐O‐glucosyl‐arganin C (9), Mi‐saponins A–C (10–12), and mimusopsin (13), recorded in methanol‐d4. This was accomplished by the analysis of high‐resolution one‐dimensional (1D) NMR (1H and 13C), two‐dimensional (2D) NMR (1H–1H COSY, HSQC, and HMBC), and selectively excited 1D TOCSY spectra. Before this study, 1H and 13C NMR data of arganins A–C (1–3) and F (4) were partially assigned. Our effort leads to their complete assignment, especially the glycon residue, and revises some reported data. Some revisions of the 1H and 13C NMR data in the glycon part of butyroside C (6), tieghemelin (8), Mi‐saponin A (10), and mimusopsin (13) were made. Those data of butyrosides B and D (5 & 7) and Mi‐saponin B (11), which had not been recorded in methanol‐d4, are provided. In addition, the 1H and 13C NMR data of Mi‐saponin C (12) are reported for the first time. These data, being recorded in methanol‐d4, should be more friendly for use as a reference for identifying the related triterpenoid saponins.
Analysis of genotype distribution of thalassemia and G6PD deficiency among Hakka population in Meizhou city of Guangdong Province
Authors: Wu Heming , Zhu Qiuyan , Zhong Hua , Yu Zhikang , Zhang Qunji , Huang Qingyan
Published: December 2019

Objective

The aim of the study was to explore genotype distribution thalassemia and G6PD deficiency in Meizhou city, China.

Methods

A total of 16 158 individuals were involved in thalassemia genetic testing. A total of 605 subjects were screened for common Chinese G6PD mutations by gene chip analysis. Genotypes and allele frequencies were analyzed.

Results

A total of 5463 cases carried thalassemia mutations were identified, including 3585 cases, 1701 cases, and 177 cases with α‐, β‐, and α + β‐thalassemia mutations, respectively. ‐‐SEA (65.12%), ‐α3.7 (19.05%), and ‐α4.2 (8.05%) deletion were the main mutations of α‐thalassemia, while IVS‐II‐654(C → T) (40.39%), CD41‐42(‐TCTT) (32.72%), ‐28(A → G) (10.11%), and CD17(A → T) (9.32%) mutations were the principal mutations of β‐thalassemia in Meizhou. There were significant differences in allele frequencies in some counties. Genetic testing for G6PD deficiency, six mutation sites, and one polymorphism were detected in our study. A total of 198 alleles with the mutation were detected among 805 alleles (24.6%). G6PD Canton (c.1376 G → T) (45.96%), G6PD Kaiping (c.1388 G → A) (39.39%), and G6PD Gaohe (c.95 A → G) (9.09%) account for 94.44% mutations, followed by G6PD Chinese‐5 (c.1024 C → T) (4.04%), G6PD Viangchan (c.871G → A) (1.01%), and G6PD Maewo (c.1360 C → T) (0.51%). There were some differences of the distribution of G6PD mutations among eight counties in Meizhou.

Conclusions

The ‐‐SEA, ‐α3.7, and ‐α4.2 deletion were the main mutations of α‐thalassemia, while IVS‐II‐654(C → T), CD41‐42(‐TCTT), ‐28(A → G), and CD17(A → T) mutations were the principal mutations of β‐thalassemia in Meizhou. G6PD c.1376 G → T, c.1388 G → A, and c.95 A → G were the main mutations of G6PD deficiency. There were some differences of the distribution of thalassemia and G6PD mutations among eight counties in Meizhou.
Perceived neighborhood disorder and psychological distress among Latino adults in the United States: Considering spousal/partner relationship
Authors: Kwon Soyoung
Published: December 2019

It has been well‐established that neighborhood disorder and disadvantage are detrimental to mental health and psychological well‐being. There has been growing research interest in minority stress issues, however, less is known about how perceived neighborhood disorder matters for psychological well‐being among Latino adults in the United States. Analyzing data from National Latino Asian American Study, 2002–2003, the present study investigates the relationships among perceived neighborhood disorder, spousal/partner relationships (i.e., spousal/partner strain and support), and psychological distress. The findings indicated that perceived neighborhood disorder and spousal/partner strain were positively associated with increased psychological distress, whereas spousal/partner support had no protective effect against psychological distress. Moreover, mediation analysis showed that the association between perceived neighborhood disorder and psychological distress was partially mediated by spousal/partner strain (i.e., 15.13%), not spousal support. Finally, moderation analysis revealed that the presence of spousal/partner strain exacerbated the relationship between perceived neighborhood disorder and psychological distress. Conversely, the absence of spousal/partner strain appeared to buffer the adverse impact of neighborhood disorder on psychological distress. These findings highlighted the ill effect of problematic neighborhood environments on the quality of the spousal/partner relationship and subsequently Latino's psychological well‐being.
A structural regression analysis of trauma‐informed climate factors, organizational commitment, and burnout among behavioral healthcare providers in a large public hospital
Authors: Hales Travis W. , Nochajski Thomas H.
Published: December 2019

As an approach to organizational change, trauma‐informed care is contextualized within the broader organizational literature by examining the associations between organizational conditions (i.e., psychological experiences of choice and collaboration in the work environment) with precursors to organizational effectiveness (i.e., affective commitment and burnout). The study occurred within a large public hospital's behavioral health department located in the Western New York region (N = 197). Structural regression analyses were conducted, and the primary findings, while nuanced, include support for choice and collaboration's prediction of employee commitment and burnout. Organizational interventions that improve worker's experiences of choice and collaboration may result in increased commitment, reduced burnout, and possibly improved effectiveness. Future research should employ longitudinal designs to further examine the condition–performance relationship and include direct measures of clinical effectiveness.
Analysis of social media forums to elicit narratives of graduate engineering student attrition
Authors: Berdanier Catherine G. P. , Whitehair Carey , Kirn Adam , Satterfield Derrick
Published: December 2019

Background

Graduate engineering student attrition is prevalent, but most literature that studies graduate attrition is accomplished in disciplines outside of STEM or engineering, yielding an incomplete understanding of either attrition or persistence.

Purpose/Hypothesis

The purpose of this article is to investigate the relationships between motivators of attrition for engineering graduate students.

Design/Method

Data were collected using an online Web‐scraping “bot” that mines data from the online forum Reddit. The anonymous textual forum threads collected were qualitatively analyzed through open‐coding methods.

Results

The emergent themes reveal the interconnectedness between the roles of the advisor, student perception of cost, their support network, goals, their perceptions of how others perceive them, and quality of life and work. Our model is flexible in that it illuminates underlying combinations of factors that can influence student attrition.

Conclusion

This study provides a framework by which various stakeholders can approach the support and education of graduate students, including mentoring students both toward or away from graduate school per the student's goals.
Binding of anticancer drug adriamycin to parallel G‐quadruplex DNA [d‐(TTAGGGT)]4 comprising human telomeric DNA leads to thermal stabilization: A multiple spectroscopy study
Authors: Raje Shailja , Pandav Kumud , Barthwal Ritu
Published: December 2019

Adriamycin is known to exert its anti cancer action by inhibiting DNA duplication, RNA transcription and topoisomerase‐II enzyme action. Recent findings of its binding to G‐quadruplex DNA resulting in telomere dysfunction indicated multiple strategies of its action. The interaction of anticancer drug adriamycin with parallel stranded inter molecular G‐quadruplex DNA [d‐(TTAGGGT)]4 comprising human telomeric DNA sequence TTAGGG was investigated by absorption, fluorescence, circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to understand mode of their interaction. The adriamycin binds as monomer to G‐quadruplex DNA with affinity (Kb1 = 9.8x105 M−1 and Kb2 = 6.7x105 M−1) higher than that reported for daunomycin, at two independent sites, mainly in terminal stacking and groove binding modes. The bound complex formed as a result of specific interactions induces thermal stabilization of DNA by 12.5–28.1°C, which is likely to hinder telomere association with telomerase enzyme and contribute significantly to adriamycin‐induced apoptosis in cancer cell lines. The findings have therapeutic potential towards drug designing by way of altering substituent groups on anthracyclines to enhance efficacy using additional mechanism of targeting pathway of telomere maintenance by disrupting telomerase association with telomeres.
Junctional ectopic tachycardia in infants and children
Authors: Kylat Ranjit I. , Samson Ricardo A.
Published: December 2019

Tachyarrhythmias originating in the atrioventricular (AV) node and AV junction including the bundle of His complex (BH) are called junctional tachycardia (JT) or junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET). Congenital JET (CJET) is a rare arrhythmia that occurs in patients without a preceding cardiac surgery and can be refractory to medical therapy and associated with high morbidity and mortality. CJET has a high rate of morbidity and mortality with death occurring in 35% of cases. JET occurring within 72 hours after cardiac surgery is referred to as postoperative JET (POJET) and caused by direct trauma, ischemic, or stretch injury to the AV conduction tissues during surgical repair of congenital heart defects. Focal junctional tachycardia (FJT) is also known as automatic junctional tachycardia and includes paroxysmal or non‐paroxysmal forms. We discuss a staged approach to therapy with improved pharmacological therapies and the use of catheter‐based therapies.
Delivering high‐tech, AI‐based health care at Apollo Hospitals
Authors: Agarwal Yashasvi , Jain Mahima , Sinha Shuchi , Dhir Sanjay
Published: December 2019

With a population of more than 1.3 billion people, India has a rapidly growing need for health care, particularly in rural areas. Along with a widespread increase in the incidence of cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, the nation also is suffering from a shortage of health‐care professionals. At Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, the use of robotic surgery and artificial intelligence (AI) has allowed medical practitioners to provide more personalized health care to patients, increased the efficiency of doctors by removing repetitive tasks, and facilitated a shift toward prevention of serious illnesses. An analysis of the opportunities and challenges posed by the technologies employed at Apollo Hospitals' facilities highlights the promise of AI in the health‐care field and the obstacles yet to be overcome.
Feasibility of low‐cost accelerometers in measuring functional recovery after major oncologic surgery
Authors: Barkley Rachel , Khalil Maryam , Shen Perry , Levine Edward A. , Votanopoulos Konstantinos , Clark Clancy J.
Published: November 2019

Background and Objectives

Low‐cost consumer–based activity monitors (CAMs), such as the Fitbit, are popular for fitness and wellness tracking. Functional status is an excellent predictor of postoperative outcomes, yet objective measurements are resource‐intensive. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of using activity monitors during the perioperative period in patients undergoing major oncologic surgery.

Methods

An institution review board proved that a prospective study was conducted. CAMs were worn throughout the perioperative period and accelerometer data were collected. Baseline and 21‐days follow‐up functional measures included short physical performance battery, Community Health Activities Model Program questionnaire, mobility assessment tool‐short form, and 400 m walk.

Results

A total of 19 of 22 (86%) patients who wore a CAM during the perioperative period had analyzable data. Compliance with wearing the device varied significantly: 100% preadmission, 19% in‐hospital, and 82% postdischarge. Median daily steps decreased from preadmission to postdischarge (77% median reduction). Established resource‐intensive measures of functional status did not perform well as measures of decreased functional status and activity when comparing baseline to 21‐day postdischarge assessments.

Conclusions

Activity monitors are a feasible, low‐cost measure of perioperative activity for patients undergoing major surgery, and may be useful in identifying patients vulnerable to postsurgical complications.
Can voice disorders matter as much as life‐threatening comorbidities to patients’ general health?
Authors: DeVore Elliana Kirsh , Carroll Thomas L. , Rosner Bernard , Shin Jennifer J.
Published: December 2019

Objective

National initiatives and funding agencies may deprioritize voice disorders relative to conditions such as malignancy, pulmonary, or cardiac disease. It is unknown whether the impact of voice problems is outweighed by other potentially more serious disease states. Our objective was thus to quantify the extent to which voice contributes to general health status when adjusting for concurrent, more life‐threatening comorbidities.

Methods

Adults (n = 430) presenting to a tertiary care academic center with a primary voice complaint completed the Voice Handicap Index‐10 (VHI‐10) and the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System global health short‐form instrument (PROMIS). Medical comorbidities were categorized via the Deyo modification of the Charlson Comorbidity Index. The influence of voice and comorbid conditions on general health scores was assessed through multivariate ordinal regression. The potential for effect modification was also evaluated.

Results

VHI‐10 mean scores were 11.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.5 to 12.4). PROMIS physical and mental health t scores were 49.0 (95% CI, 48.0 to 49.9) and 51.6 (95% CI, 50.6 to 52.5), respectively. Global and social item scores were 3.4 (95% CI, 3.3 to 3.5) and 3.7 (95% CI, 3.6 to 3.8), respectively. The most prevalent comorbid conditions were pulmonary disease, malignancy, and connective tissue disorders. In all analyses, voice handicap was a significant predictor of general health, even when adjusting for comorbid conditions (VHI‐10 β = −1.349, P < 0.001 for physical health; β = −1.278, P < 0.001 for mental health; β = −1.691, P < 0.001 for social health; β = −0.956, P < 0.001 for the global overview item).

Conclusion

In the observed population, voice health has a significant, multi‐dimensional impact on general health, which is not subsumed by the presence of comorbidities.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:2405–2411, 2020
Using Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy to Distinguish Tumor Tissue From Fibrosis in Rectal Cancer Patients as a Guide to Surgery
Authors: Baltussen Elisabeth J.M. , Brouwer de Koning Susan G. , Sanders Joyce , Aalbers Arend G.J. , Kok Niels F.M. , Beets Geerard L. , Hendriks Benno H.W. , Sterenborg Henricus J.C.M. , Kuhlmann Koert F.D. , Ruers Theo J.M.
Published: December 2019

Background and Objectives

In patients with rectal cancer who received neoadjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy, fibrosis is induced in and around the tumor area. As tumors and fibrosis have similar visual and tactile feedback, they are hard to distinguish during surgery. To prevent positive resection margins during surgery and spare healthy tissue, it would be of great benefit to have a real‐time tissue classification technology that can be used in vivo.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

In this study diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) was evaluated for real‐time tissue classification of tumor and fibrosis. DRS spectra of fibrosis and tumor were obtained on excised rectal specimens. After normalization using the area under the curve, a support vector machine was trained using a 10‐fold cross‐validation.

Results

Using spectra of pure tumor tissue and pure fibrosis tissue, we obtained a mean accuracy of 0.88. This decreased to a mean accuracy of 0.61 when tumor measurements were used in which a layer of healthy tissue, mainly fibrosis, was present between the tumor and the measurement surface.

Conclusion

It is possible to distinguish pure fibrosis from pure tumor. However, when the measurements on tumor also involve fibrotic tissue, the classification accuracy decreases. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation of Superhydrophobic Fabrics via Chemical Self‐Healing Strategy and Their High Oil/Water Separation Performance and Enhanced Durability
Authors: Liu Lili , Shan Yuxing , Pu Maoyuan , Zhao Xiuli , Huang Yawen
Published: December 2019

The ability of a fabric to restore its superhydrophobicity after damage is utilized to prepare highly durable fabrics for oil/water separation. A physical self‐healing concept is a conventional way to improve durability. However, this method cannot recover the oil/water separation performance when serious damage appears. In this work, a chemical self‐healing concept to solve the above problem is proposed. Self‐healable silicon rubber (SR), which is cross‐linked by cobalt‐based coordination bonds, is coated on silica@polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabrics. The modified fabric exhibits superhydrophobic characteristics with a contact angle of 158°, high oil/water separation efficiency (≈99%), and high durability. After damage, these modified fabrics enable fast self‐healing at room temperature (in just 10 min) and maintain their oil/water separation efficiency above 98%. For conventional SR‐modified silica@PET fabrics, their superhydrophobicity and oil/water separation efficiency significantly decreases under identical damaging. Thus, this study provides a new path for the development of various room‐temperature self‐healable superhydrophobic fabrics.
High‐Performance Flexible Sensors of Self‐Healing, Reversibly Adhesive, and Stretchable Hydrogels for Monitoring Large and Subtle Strains
Authors: Zhou Hongwei , Li Shuangli , Liu Hanbin , Zheng Bohui , Jin Xilang , Ma Aijie , Chen Weixing
Published: December 2019

Flexible sensors are becoming required in heath monitoring and human–machine interfaces, but it is still a challenge to develop flexible sensors with integrated high performances. Herein, high‐performance flexible sensors are fabricated that are self‐healing, reversibly adhesive, and utilizing stretchable hydrogels, which are composed of a pluronic F127 diacrylate (F127DA) cross‐linked poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) network and polydopamine (PDA), and further cross‐linked by Fe3+. The unique structure endows the resulting hydrogels (PAA‐PDA‐Fe3+ hydrogels) excellent self‐healing property, reversible adhesion property, mechanical stretchability, and electrical conductivity. On the basis of the excellent properties of PAA‐PDA‐Fe3+ hydrogels, flexible sensors with large sensing range (0–575%), high sensitivity (GF = 6.31), low response time (0.25 s), and excellent robustness (>500 cycles) are assembled and further applied in detecting both large and subtle strains induced by human motions and water ripple. Overall, this work not only provides an alternative clue to construct multi‐functional hydrogels, but also offers a new kind of high‐performance materials for flexible electronic devices, especially those for health monitoring and human–machine interface.
On a scattering length for additive functionals and spectrum of fractional Laplacian with a non‐local perturbation
Authors: Kim Daehong , Matsuura Masakuni
Published: November 2019

In this paper we study the scattering length for positive additive functionals of symmetric stable processes on . The additive functionals considered here are not necessarily continuous. We prove that the semi‐classical limit of the scattering length equals the capacity of the support of a certain measure potential, thus extend previous results for the case of positive continuous additive functionals. We also give an equivalent criterion for the fractional Laplacian with a measure valued non‐local operator as a perturbation to have purely discrete spectrum in terms of the scattering length, by considering the connection between scattering length and the bottom of the spectrum of Schrödinger operator in our settings.
Gartanin is a novel NEDDylation inhibitor for induction of Skp2 degradation, FBXW2 expression, and autophagy
Authors: Pham Victor , Rendon Raymond , Le Vinh X. , Tippin Matthew , Fu Dong‐Jun , Le Thanh H. , Miller Marvin , Agredano Ericka , Cedano Jose , Zi Xiaolin
Published: November 2019

Gartanin, a 4‐prenylated xanthone, has been identified from the purple mangosteen fruit as a potent growth inhibitor of various cancer cell lines, including prostate cancer. However, much of Gartanin's anticancer mechanism remains unknown. We have discovered that Gartanin docked onto the regulatory subunit of the precursor cell‐expressed developmentally downregulated 8 (NEDD8)‐activating enzyme (NAE) complex and next to the NEDD8 binding complex, which leads to inhibit NEDD8 conjugations to both Cullin1 and Ubc12 in prostate cancer cell lines and Ubc12 NEDDylation in an in vitro assay. The S phase kinase‐associated protein (Skp2) and F‐box and WD‐repeat domain‐containing 2 (FBXW2), the NEDD8 family members of E3 ubiqutin ligases, were also downregulated and upregulated by Gartainin, respectively. Knock‐down of NEDD8 expression by short harpin (Sh) RNAs blocked or attenuated these effects of Gartainin. Finally, Gartanin demonstrated its ability to inhibit growth of prostate cancer lines via autophagy initiation. Our data support that Gartanin is a naturally occurring NEDDylation inhibitor and deserves further investigation for prostate cancer prevention and treatment.
Ornithine decarboxylase inhibition downregulates multiple pathways involved in the formation of precancerous lesions of esophageal squamous cell cancer
Authors: Xie Yifei , Dong Christopher D , Wu Qiong , Jiang Yanan , Yao Ke , Zhang Jing , Zhao Simin , Ren Ying , Yuan Qiang , Chen Xinhuan , Liu Zhongyi , Zhao Jimin , Liu Kangdong
Published: December 2019

The high incidence and mortality of esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) is a major health problem worldwide. Precancerous lesions of ESCC may either progress to cancer or revert to normal epithelium with appropriate interventions; the bidirectional instability of the precancerous lesions of ESCC provides opportunities for intervention. Reports suggest that the upregulation of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is closely related to carcinogenesis. In this study, we investigated whether ODC may act as a target for chemoprevention in ESCC. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays indicate that ODC expression is higher in esophageal precancerous lesions compared with normal tissue controls. Its overexpression promotes cell proliferation and transformation of normal esophageal epithelial cells, and its activity is increased after N‐nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBA) induction in Shantou human embryonic esophageal cell line (SHEE) and human immortalized cells (Het1A) cells. In addition, p38 α, extracellular regulated kinase (ERK1/2) in the mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway and protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K) pathways are activated in response to NMBA treatment. Difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) is an ODC inhibitor, which inhibits NMBA‐induced activation of p38 α, ERK1/2 and AKT/mTOR/p70S6K pathways; this has been verified by Western blotting. DFMO was also found to suppress the development of esophageal precancerous lesions in an NMBA‐induced rat model; IHC demonstrated p38 α, ERK1/2, and AKT/mTOR/p70S6K pathways to be downregulated in these rats. These findings indicate the mechanisms by which ODC inhibition suppresses the development of esophageal precancerous lesions by downregulating p38 α, ERK1/2, and AKT/mTOR/p70S6k signaling pathways, ODC may be a potential target for chemoprevention in ESCC.
Strategies for developing pregnane X receptor antagonists: Implications from metabolism to cancer
Authors: Chai Sergio C. , Wright William C. , Chen Taosheng
Published: November 2019

Pregnane X receptor (PXR) is a ligand‐activated nuclear receptor (NR) that was originally identified as a master regulator of xenobiotic detoxification. It regulates the expression of drug‐metabolizing enzymes and transporters to control the degradation and excretion of endobiotics and xenobiotics, including therapeutic agents. The metabolism and disposition of drugs might compromise their efficacy and possibly cause drug toxicity and/or drug resistance. Because many drugs can promiscuously bind and activate PXR, PXR antagonists might have therapeutic value in preventing and overcoming drug‐induced PXR‐mediated drug toxicity and drug resistance. Furthermore, PXR is now known to have broader cellular functions, including the regulation of cell proliferation, and glucose and lipid metabolism. Thus, PXR might be involved in human diseases such as cancer and metabolic diseases. The importance of PXR antagonists is discussed in the context of the role of PXR in xenobiotic sensing and other disease‐related pathways. This review focuses on the development of PXR antagonists, which has been hampered by the promiscuity of PXR ligand binding. However, substantial progress has been made in recent years, suggesting that it is feasible to develop selective PXR antagonists. We discuss the current status, challenges, and strategies in developing selective PXR antagonists. The strategies are based on the molecular mechanisms of antagonism in related NRs that can be applied to the design of PXR antagonists, primarily driven by structural information.
Two cases of von Willebrand disease type 3 in consanguineous Chinese families
Authors: Wang Xiong , Tang Ning , Lu Yanjun , Hu Qun , Li Dengju
Published: December 2019

Background

von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder caused by defective or deficient von Willebrand factor (VWF). VWD type 3 is inherited in autosomal recessive manner. We described clinical and molecular features of VWD type 3 in two consanguineous marriage families.

Methods

Peripheral blood was collected, PT, APTT, FVIII:C, VWF:RCo, VWF:Ag were measured. A targeted next‐generation sequencing panel covering F8, F9, and VWF genes was applied followed by Sanger sequencing.

Results

Both families had a baby die in their first year due to bleeding disorders. A 23‐year‐old female patient from family A suffered menorrhagia, and another 30‐year‐old male patient from family B was characterized with hematoma in the lower extremity. Both patients showed severely decreased FVIII:C, VWF:Ag. Recurrent homozygous VWF c.4696C>T (p.Arg1566Ter) nonsense mutation was identified in the female patient, and novel homozygous VWF c.6450C>A (p.Cys2150Ter) nonsense mutation was identified the male patient. Heterozygotes in family members showed mild/moderate decrease in VWF:Ag or VWF:RCo.

Conclusions

We identified VWD type 3 in two consanguineous marriage families, and our work further strengthen the risk of delivering disorders inherited in AR manner in populations with frequent consanguineous partnerships.
PET/MRI attenuation estimation in the lung: A review of past, present, and potential techniques
Authors: Lillington Joseph , Brusaferri Ludovica , Kläser Kerstin , Shmueli Karin , Neji Radhouene , Hutton Brian F. , Fraioli Francesco , Arridge Simon , Cardoso Manuel Jorge , Ourselin Sebastien , Thielemans Kris , Atkinson David
Published: December 2019

Positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) potentially offers several advantages over positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), for example, no CT radiation dose and soft tissue images from MR acquired at the same time as the PET. However, obtaining accurate linear attenuation correction (LAC) factors for the lung remains difficult in PET/MRI. LACs depend on electron density and in the lung, these vary significantly both within an individual and from person to person. Current commercial practice is to use a single‐valued population‐based lung LAC, and better estimation is needed to improve quantification. Given the under‐appreciation of lung attenuation estimation as an issue, the inaccuracy of PET quantification due to the use of single‐valued lung LACs, the unique challenges of lung estimation, and the emerging status of PET/MRI scanners in lung disease, a review is timely. This paper highlights past and present methods, categorizing them into segmentation, atlas/mapping, and emission‐based schemes. Potential strategies for future developments are also presented.
Tauroursodeoxycholic acid acts via TGR5 receptor to facilitate DNA damage repair and improve early porcine embryo development
Authors: Dicks Naomi , Gutierrez Karina , Currin Luke , Priotto de Macedo Mariana , Glanzner Werner , Michalak Marek , Agellon Luis B. , Bordignon Vilceu
Published: December 2019

DNA damage associated with assisted reproductive technologies is an important factor affecting gamete fertility and embryo development. Activation of the TGR5 receptor by tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) has been shown to reduce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in embryos; however, its effect on genome damage responses (GDR) activation to facilitate DNA damage repair has not been examined. This study aimed to investigate the effect of TUDCA on DNA damage repair and embryo development. In a porcine model of ultraviolet light (UV)‐induced nuclear stress, TUDCA reduced DNA damage and ER stress in developing embryos, as measured by γH2AX and glucose‐regulated protein 78 immunofluorescence, respectively. TUDCA was equally able to rescue early embryo development. No difference in total cell number, DNA damage, or percentage of apoptotic cells, measured by cleaved caspase 3 immunofluorescence, was noted in embryos that reached the blastocyst stage. Interestingly, Dicer‐substrate short interfering RNA‐mediated disruption of TGR5 signaling abrogated the beneficial effects of TUDCA on UV‐treated embryos. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed activation of the GDR, through increased messenger RNA abundance of DNAPK, 53BP1, and DNA ligase IV, as well as the ER stress response, through increased spliced XBP1 and X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis. Results from this study demonstrated that TUDCA activates TGR5‐mediated signaling to reduce DNA damage and improve embryo development after UV exposure.
Practical recommendations of the EAU‐ESPU guidelines committee for monosymptomatic enuresis—Bedwetting
Authors: Bogaert Guy , Stein Raimund , Undre Shabnam , Nijman Rien J. M. , Quadackers Josine , ‘t Hoen Lisette , Kocvara Radim , Silay Selcuk , Tekgul Serdar , Radmayr Christian , Dogan Hasan Serkan
Published: December 2019

Background and Aims

The objective of this update of the EAU‐ESPU guidelines recommendations for nocturnal enuresis was to review the recent published literature of studies, reviews, guidelines regarding the etiology, diagnosis and treatment options of nocturnal enuresis and transform the information into a practical recommendation strategy for the general practitioner, pediatrician, pediatric urologist and urologist.

Material and Methods

Since 2012 a monthly literature search using Scopus® was performed and the relevant literature was reviewed and prospectively registered on the European Urology bedwetting enuresis resource center (http://bedwetting.europeanurology.com/). In addition, guideline papers and statements of the European Society for Paediatric Urology (ESPU), the European Association of Urology (EAU), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the International Children Continence Society (ICCS) were used to update the knowledge and evidence resulting in this practical recommendation strategy. Recommendations have been discussed and agreed within the working group of the EAU‐ESPU guidelines committee members.

Results

The recommendations focus to place the child and his family in a control position. Pragmatic analysis is made of the bedwetting problem by collecting voiding and drinking habits during the day, measuring nighttime urine production and identification of possible risk factors such as high‐volume evening drinking, nighttime overactive bladder, behavioral or psychological problems or sleep disordered breathing. A questionnaire will help to identify those risk factors.

Conclusion

Motivation of the child is important for success. Continuous involvement of the child and the family in the treatment will improve treatment compliance, success and patient satisfaction.
A novel, nonopiod‐based treatment approach to men with urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome using ultrasound‐guided nerve hydrodissection and pelvic floor musculature trigger point injections
Authors: Hui Jordan , Seko Kyle , Shrikhande Gautam , Ahmed Tayyaba , Hill Charity , Reutter Christian , Shrikhande Allyson
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Urological chronic pelvic pain syndrome (UCPPS) represents a group of pain symptoms relating to patients with pelvic pain for which treatment is largely unsatisfactory. The objective of this study is to analyze the effects of a novel treatment strategy in males suffering from UCPPS.

Methods

This retrospective, institutional review board–approved study analyzed eight male patients aged 24 to 61 with UCPPS. All the patients had a trial of antibiotic therapy, NSAIDs, and pelvic floor physical therapy before the study. The Visual Analog scale (VAS) and Functional Pelvic Pain scale (FPPS) were collected pretreatment. While continuing physical therapy, patients underwent weekly ultrasound‐guided pelvic floor trigger point injections to the iliococcygeus, pubococcygeus, and puborectalis with lidocaine 1%. Concomitantly, patients received peripheral nerve hydrodissection performed on the pudendal nerve and the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve. The first two injections combined 1% lidocaine with dexamethasone, while the next four injections consisted of 1% lidocaine with traumeel (a homeopathic, plant‐derived anti‐inflammatory medication). At the 6‐week follow‐up, each patient retook the VAS and FPPS.

Results

The mean age of our patients was 31.8 years and the average duration of symptoms of the UCPPS was 21 months. Pretreatment, the mean VAS was 3.3 (STD 1.7) and the mean VAS posttreatment was 1.8 (STD 1.4); P < .05; 95% CI, 0.73 to 2.27. The mean FPPS pretreatment was 11.0 (STD 8.0) and the mean FPPS posttreatment was 6.3 (STD 5.3); P < .05; 95% CI, 0.03 to 9.22.

Conclusion

Our results show promise for a novel, nonopioid‐based treatment for UCPPS.