bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality home visits: Activities to promote meaningful interactions
Authors: Hughes‐Belding Kere , Peterson Carla A. , Clucas Walter Melissa , Rowe Neil , Fan Liuran , Dooley Leslie J. , Steffensmeier Chloe , Wang Wen , Bao Juan , Goodman Krista
Published: April 2019

Examination of and support for specific practices that promote high‐quality home visiting are essential as family support programs continue to expand across the country. The current study used direct observation of 91 home visits across 41 home visitors to examine relations among interaction partners, content of the interactions, the home‐visitors’ activities, and quality of home‐visitors’ practices and family‐members’ engagement within programs funded by the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program. More time spent in triadic interactions focused on child‐related content, as measured by the Home Visit Rating Scale‐Revised, was related to higher quality of family engagement in home visits, as measured with the Home Visit Observation Rating Scales. Time spent in adult‐focused interactions and administrative tasks, however, was related to lower quality of home‐visiting practices and family engagement. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Characterization of atomic defects on the photoluminescence in two‐dimensional materials using transmission electron microscope
Authors: Zhang Jiayan , Yu Ye , Wang Peng , Luo Chen , Wu Xing , Sun Ziqi , Wang Jianlu , Hu Wei Da , Shen Guozhen
Published: April 2019

Two‐dimensional material (2D) that possesses atomic thin geometry and remarkable properties is a star material for the fundamental researches and advanced applications. Defects in 2D materials are critical and fundamental to understand the chemical, physical, and optical properties. Photoluminescence arises in 2D materials owing to various physical phenomena including activator/dopant‐induced luminescence and defect‐related emissions, and so forth. With the advanced transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technologies, such as aberration correction and low voltage technologies, the morphology, chemical compositions and electronic structures of defects in 2D material could be directly characterized at the atomic scale. In this review, we introduce the applications of state‐of‐the‐art TEM technologies on the studies of the role of atomic defects in the photoluminescence characteristics in 2D material. The challenges in spatial and time resolution are also discussed. It is proved that TEM is a powerful tool to pinpoint the relationship between the defects and the photoluminescence characteristics.
Cost avoidance associated with clinical pharmacist presence in a medical intensive care unit
Authors: Hammond Drayton A. , Flowers Heather J. C. , Meena Nikhil , Painter Jacob T. , Rech Megan A.
Published: April 2019

Objective

To determine the clinical pharmacist‐generated cost avoidance and benefit‐cost ratio in a medical intensive care unit (MICU).

Methods

All accepted clinical pharmacist recommendations on a multidisciplinary, rounding service at an academic medical center over a 12‐month period were evaluated. Cost avoidance values from each intervention were determined using a systematic framework. Total cost avoidance was calculated by summing the cost avoidance for each general category. Average rates of cost avoidance per day and hour were calculated by dividing total cost avoidance by number of days and hours the clinical pharmacist provided care. Average interventions and cost avoidance per day and hour were calculated for weekday and call status. Differences between months, day of the week, and call status were evaluated using chi‐square goodness of fit tests.

Results

Over 12 months, 8866 clinical pharmacist‐recommended interventions were implemented, averaging 38.9 interventions per workday. The four most commonly accepted interventions were minor adverse drug event prevention (n = 4023, 45%), dosage adjustment: no continuous renal replacement therapy (n = 1162, 13%), antimicrobial therapy initiation and streamlining (n = 966, 11%), and antimicrobial pharmacokinetic evaluation (n = 777, 9%). All interventions resulted in a total cost avoidance of $3 270 178, averaging $14 731 per workday. Interventions per hour (P < 0.001) and average cost avoidance per hour (P < 0.001) differed significantly across workdays. For on‐call days compared with postcall days, there were a similar average number of interventions per hour (10.2 vs 9.8, P = 0.28) and average cost avoidance per hour ($3741 vs $3622, P = 0.47); the benefit‐cost ratio was 24.5:1.

Conclusions

The clinical pharmacist‐generated cost avoidance over a 12‐month period in the MICU was $3 270 178 and the benefit‐cost ratio was 24.5:1. Day of the week but no call status affected average cost avoidance. Employing a clinical pharmacist to be part of the multidisciplinary MICU team can reduce health care expenditures through cost avoidance.
Two applications of wild bootstrap methods to improve inference in cluster‐IV models
Authors: Finlay Keith , Magnusson Leandro M.
Published: April 2019

Microeconomic data often have within‐cluster dependence, which affects standard error estimation and inference. When the number of clusters is small, asymptotic tests can be severely oversized. In the instrumental variables (IV) model, the potential presence of weak instruments further complicates hypothesis testing. We use wild bootstrap methods to improve inference in two empirical applications with these characteristics. Building from estimating equations and residual bootstraps, we identify variants robust to the presence of weak instruments and a small number of clusters. They reduce absolute size bias significantly and demonstrate that the wild bootstrap should join the standard toolkit in IV and cluster‐dependent models.
Examining the Contributions of Trait Emotional Intelligence on Addiction Counselor Burnout
Authors: Gutierrez Daniel , Butts C. Missy , Lamberson Katie A. , Lassiter Pamela S.
Published: April 2019

The authors examined the contributions of emotional intelligence (EI) on burnout in addiction counselors. Results indicated that EI may act as a buffer against burnout, mitigating the impact of addiction counselor burnout. Recommendations are given for counselors, supervisors, and counselor training.
Decreased cerebral blood flow and hemodynamic parameters during acute hyperglycemia in mice model observed by dual‐wavelength speckle imaging
Authors: Shemesh David , Bokobza Naor , Rozenberg Konstantin , Rosenzweig Tovit , Abookasis David
Published: April 2019

In this study, we use dual‐wavelength optical imaging‐based laser speckle technique to assess cerebral blood flow and metabolic parameters in a mouse model of acute hyperglycemia (high blood glucose). The effect of acute glucose levels on physiological processes has been extensively described in multiple organ systems such as retina, kidney, and others. We postulated that hyperglycemia also alters brain function, which in turn can be monitored optically using dual‐wavelength laser speckle imaging (DW‐LSI) platform. DW‐LSI is a wide‐field, noncontact optical imaging modality that integrates the principles of laser flowmetry and oximetry to obtain macroscopic information such as hemoglobin concentration and blood flow. A total of eight mice (C57/BL6) were used, randomized into two groups of normoglycemia (control,n = 3) and hyperglycemia (n = 5). Hyperglycemia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of a commonly used anesthetic drug combining ketamine and xylazine (KX combo). We found that this KX combo increases blood glucose (BG) levels from 150 to 350 mg/dL, approximately, when measured 18 minutes post‐administration. BG continues to increase throughout the test period, with BG reaching an average of 463 ± 20.34 mg/dL within 60 minutes. BG levels were measured every 10 minutes from tail blood using commercially available glucometer. Experimental results demonstrated reductions in cerebral blood flow (CBF) by 55%, tissue oxygen saturation (SO2) by 15%, and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) by 75% following acute hyperglycemia. The observed decrease in these parameters was consistent with results reported in the literature, measured by a variety of experimental techniques. Measurements with laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) were also performed which confirmed a reduction in CBF following acute hyperglycemia. In summary, our findings indicate that acute hyperglycemia modified brain hemodynamic response and induced significant changes in blood flow and metabolism. As far as we are aware, the implementation of the DW‐LSI to monitor brain hemodynamic and metabolic response to acute hyperglycemia in intact mouse brain has not been previously reported.
The cytotoxic properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles on the rat liver and spleen, and its anticancer impacts on human liver cancer cell lines
Authors: Rahimi Kalateh Shah Mohammad  Ghasem , Seyedi Seyed Mohammad Reza , Karimi Ehsan , Homayouni‐Tabrizi Masoud
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Due to their unique properties including cellular uptake and the delivery efficiency to biological systems, nanoparticles are used in various preclinical and clinical applications. The aim of this study was to investigate the toxicity impacts of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) on morphology and functionality of the rat's liver and spleen and illustrated its safe‐therapeutic doses.

Methods

The 28 female Swiss albino rats (180‐220 g) and two human hepatocyte cell lines (HepG2 and HUH7) were designed as an in vivo and in vitro study, respectively. Samples were treated with certain doses of ZnO‐NPs. The rat's liver morphology and functionality and apoptotic genes expression profile (Bax, Bcl‐2, and P53) were analyzed to detect the cytotoxicity and antitumor impacts of ZnO‐NPs, respectively.

Results

The results showed a positive significant association between the increasing doses of ZnO‐NPs and alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase values. Moreover, a meaningful correlation was detected between the rat's liver and spleen weight and ZnO‐NPs doses. Furthermore, the histopathological analysis of rat's liver showed the individual cytotoxic properties of ZnO‐NPs. Finally, the positive significant correlation was detected among the expression of Bax and P53 genes with ZnO‐NPs. In addition, the negative correlation was demonstrated between the expression of Bcl‐2 and ZnO‐NPs.

Conclusion

In general, in the current study, the antitumor effects of ZnO‐NPs were confirmed by the enhancement of P53 and Bax genes expression profile, which are indicated the apoptotic induction in HUH7 cell line. Moreover, we introduced a safe‐clinical ZnO‐NPs dosage, have antitumor effects.
Delineating Protein–Protein Curvilinear Dissociation Pathways and Energetics with Naïve Multiple‐Walker Umbrella Sampling Simulations
Authors: Joshi Dhananjay C. , Lin Jung‐Hsin
Published: April 2019

The protein–protein interaction energetics can be obtained by calculating the potential of mean force (PMF) from umbrella sampling (US) simulations, in which samplings are often enhanced along a predefined vector as the reaction coordinate. However, any slight change in the vector may significantly vary the calculated PMF, and therefore the energetics using a random choice of vector may mislead. A non‐predefined curve path‐based sampling enhancement approach is a natural alternative, but was relatively less explored for protein–protein systems. In this work, dissociation of the barnase–barstar complex is simulated by implementing non‐predefined curvilinear pathways in US simulations. A simple variational principle is applied to determine the lower bound PMF, which could be used to derive the standard free energy of binding. Two major dissociation pathways, which include interactions with the RNA‐binding loop and the Val 36 to Gly 40 loop, are observed. Further, the proposed approach was used to discriminate the decoys from protein–protein docking studies. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the honeymoon Oberwolfach problem
Authors: Lepine Dene , Šajna Mateja
Published: April 2019

The honeymoon Oberwolfach problem HOP asks the following question. Given newlywed couples at a conference and round tables of sizes , is it possible to arrange the participants at these tables for meals so that each participant sits next to their spouse at every meal and sits next to every other participant exactly once? A solution to HOP is a decomposition of , the complete graph with additional copies of a fixed 1‐factor , into 2‐factors, each consisting of disjoint ‐alternating cycles of lengths . It is also equivalent to a
semi‐uniform 1‐factorization of
of type ; that is, a 1‐factorization such that for all , the 2‐factor consists of disjoint cycles of lengths . In this paper, we first introduce the honeymoon Oberwolfach problem and then present several results. Most notably, we completely solve the case with uniform cycle lengths, that is, HOP. In addition, we show that HOP has a solution in each of the following cases: ; is odd and ; as well as for all . We also show that HOP has a solution whenever is odd and the Oberwolfach problem with tables of sizes has a solution.
The effect of continuous blood purification on P38MAPK signaling pathway in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome
Authors: Pan Jiaqi , Xu Bing , Yu Jiao
Published: April 2019

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the role of p38MAPK signaling pathway in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome treated with continuous blood purification.

Methods

Blood samples were obtained to analyze the protein level of inflammatory factors (IL‐1, IL‐8, IL‐10, and TNF‐α) and phosphorylated p38MAPK by utilizing ELISA assay and Western blotting, respectively. The relative mRNA level of iNOS was detected by using RT‐PCR. In vitro study was conducted in Caco‐2 cells, which were treated with serum from patients subjected to continuous blood purification. Serum‐induced inflammatory factors and phosphorylated p38MAPK were also analyzed in Caco‐2 cells.

Results

The protein levels of IL‐1, IL‐8, IL‐10, and TNF‐α were significantly decreased in Caco‐2 cells treated with serum obtained from patients who were subjected to continuous blood purification therapy at the time course of 12 and 24 hours. A drastic decrease (P < 0.05) was observed in the level of IL‐8 and TNF‐α after continuous blood purification therapy in the patients treated with continuous blood purification therapy compared with control group.

Conclusion

Our study conducted in vivo and in vitro demonstrated that the continuous blood purification therapy could ameliorate the inflammatory response via activating the p38MAPK signaling pathway.
Retracted: Targeting of SPP1 by microRNA‐340 inhibits gastric cancer cell epithelial–mesenchymal transition through inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Song Su‐Zhen , Lin Sen , Liu Jia‐Ning , Zhang Ming‐Bao , Du Ya‐Ting , Zhang Dong‐Dong , Xu Wei‐Hua , Wang Hong‐Bo
Published: April 2019

Gastric cancer (GC) is a common heterogeneous disease. The critical roles of microRNA‐340 (miR‐340) in the development and progression of GC were emphasized in accumulating studies. This study aims to examine the regulatory mechanism of miR‐340 in GC cellular processes. Initially, microarray technology was used to identify differentially expressed genes and regulatory miRs in GC. After that, the potential role of miR‐340 in GC was determined via ectopic expression, depletion, and reporter assay experiments. Expression of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), miR‐340, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related genes was measured. Moreover, to further explore the function of miR‐340 in vivo and in vitro, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and tumorigenic capacity were evaluated. SPP1 was a target gene of miR‐340 which could then mediate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by targeting SPP1 in GC. Furthermore, miR‐340 levels were reduced and SPP1 was enriched in GC tissues and cells, with the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway being activated. Inhibitory effects of upregulated miR‐340 on SPP1 and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway were confirmed in vivo and in vitro. Overexpression of miR‐340 or the silencing of SPP1 inhibited GC cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT process, but promoted apoptosis of GC cells. Typically, targeting of SPP1 by miR‐340 may contribute to the inhibition of proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of GC cells via suppression of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Prognostic value of differentially methylated gene profiles in bladder cancer
Authors: Yang Zeyu , Liu Anwei , Xiong Qiao , Xue Yongping , Liu Fei , Zeng Shuxiong , Zhang Zhensheng , li Yunfei , Sun Yinghao , Xu Chuanliang
Published: April 2019

DNA methylation can regulate gene expression and is pivotal in the occurrence and development of bladder cancer. In this study, we analyzed whole‐genome DNA methylation on the basis of data from The Cancer Genome Atlas to select epigenetic biomarkers predictive of survival and further understand the molecular mechanisms underlying methylation patterns in bladder cancer. We identified 540 differentially methylated genes between tumor and normal tissues, including a number of independent prognostic factors based on univariate analysis. Genes (MIR6732, SOWAHC, SERPINI1, OR10W1, OR7G3, AIM1, and ZFAND5) were integrated to establish a risk model for prognostic assessment based on multivariate Cox analysis. The methylation of SOWAHC was negatively correlated with its messenger RNA expression, and together these were significantly correlated with prognosis. This study took advantage of high‐throughput data mining to provide new bioinformatics evidence and ideas for further study into the pathogenesis and prognosis of bladder cancer.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells‐derived conditioned medium protects cardiomyocytes from hypoxia/reoxygenation‐induced injury through Notch2/mTOR/autophagy signaling
Authors: Li Xianyu , Xie Xiaolin , Yu Zhui , Chen Yun , Qu Gaojing , Yu Han , Luo Bin , Lei Yifeng , Li Yinping
Published: April 2019

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) can ameliorate ischemic injury of various tissues. However, the molecular mechanisms involved remain to be clarified. In this study, we intend to investigate the effects of BMSC‐derived conditioned medium (BMSC‐CM) on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)‐induced injury of H9c2 myocardial cells, and the potential mechanisms. Cell injury was determined through level of cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, total intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), and cell apoptosis. Autophagic activity of cells was detected through levels of the autophagy‐associated proteins and autophagic flux. Results showed that BMSC‐CM alleviated H/R‐induced injury in H9c2 cells, as demonstrated by increased cell viability and Δψm, decreased ROS production, LDH release, and cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the H/R treatment induced a decrease in autophagic activity and an increase in Notch2 signaling activation in H9c2 cells. In the presence of BMSC‐CM, the autophagic activity impaired by the H/R treatment was upregulated with decreased phosphorylation of mTOR, and the activation of Notch2 signaling was downregulated. These effects of BMSC‐CM could be replicated by Notch signaling inhibitor. In contrast, inhibitors of cell autophagy including chloroquine (CQ) and 3‐methyladenine, diminished the protective effects of BMSC‐CM. Taken together results, our study showed that BMSC‐CM could protect H9c2 cells from H/R‐induced injury potentially through regulating Notch2/mTOR/autophagy signaling. These findings may provide a novel insight into the mechanisms of BMSC‐CM in therapy of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury as well as other ischemic diseases.
Blockade of SDF‐1/CXCR4 reduces adhesion‐mediated chemoresistance of multiple myeloma cells via interacting with interleukin‐6
Authors: Liu Ying , Liang Hai‐Mei , Lv Yu‐Qi , Tang Shao‐Mei , Cheng Peng
Published: April 2019

Resistance to chemotherapy represents a major cause for treatment failure in multiple myeloma (MM). Herein, this study was conducted to explore the effect of SDF‐1/CXCR4 and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in MM cell adhesion‐mediated chemoresistance. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was applied to detect expressions of SDF‐1α and IL‐6 in MM patients and healthy controls. RPMI‐8226 cells and isolated bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were stimulated using recombinant SDF‐1α and IL‐6. Effect of cocultured BMSCs and RPMI‐8226 cells on chemosensitivity and apoptosis of RPMI‐8226 cells was analyzed. Effect of doxorubicin on the adhesion rate of RPMl‐8226 cells to BMSCs was analyzed by calcitonin test. Effect of SDF‐1α‐induced upregulation of IL‐6 on chemotherapeutic resistance and apoptosis of RPMI‐8226 cells in adhesion state was analyzed. Cell adhesion model was treated with recombinant protein SDF‐1α and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (P13K) inhibitor Wortmarmin. The levels of P13K and protein kinase B (AKT) and its phosphorylation as well as the expression of IL‐6 were analyzed. SDF‐1α was positively correlated with IL‐6. Recombinant human SDF‐1α increased IL‐6 expression and induced IL‐6 secretion in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner in BMSCs, which was inhibited by IL‐6 and SDF‐1α neutralizing antibodies. Coculture of MM cells with BMSCs increased the drug resistance and inhibited the apoptosis on MM cells. SDF‐1α‐induced IL‐6 upregulation mediates chemoresistance and apoptosis of RPMI‐8226 cells in adhesion state. SDF‐1α may up‐regulate the expression of IL‐6 by activating the P13K/AKT signaling pathway. SDF‐1/CXCR4 may up‐regulate the expression of IL‐6 through the activation of the P13K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby affecting the chemoresistance mediated by adhesion in MM cells.
The miR‐27a‐3p/USP25 axis participates in the pathogenesis of recurrent miscarriage by inhibiting trophoblast migration and invasion
Authors: Ding Jinli , Cheng Yanxiang , Zhang Yi , Liao Shujie , Yin Tailang , Yang Jing
Published: April 2019

Insufficient invasion ability of trophoblasts might be associated with the development of recurrent miscarriage (RM). Ubiquitin‐specific protease 25 (USP25) can regulate the processes of invasion and migration in different types of cancer cells. However, the effect of USP25 on trophoblasts and its roles in the development of RM are unknown. In this study, we first analyzed the USP25 expression in placental villous tissues from RM patients, and then assessed the roles of USP25 in epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion and migration of trophoblasts. Furthermore, bioinformatics prediction and luciferase reporter assay were used to explore the mechanism of microRNA on USP25 expression, and regulation of USP25 expression in trophoblasts was assessed following transfection with microRNA mimics or inhibitor. The results showed that the expression of USP25 in the placental villous tissues was downregulated in RM patients. Knockdown of USP25 suppressed the EMT process, the invasion and migration capability of trophoblast cells, while overexpression of USP25 exhibited opposite results. Mechanistically, miR‐27a‐3p could regulate USP25 expression by binding to the 3′‐untranslated region of USP25 in trophoblasts. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction results found the expression of miR‐27a‐3p were negatively related to USP25 in RM patients. MiR‐27a‐3p mimics inhibited but miR‐27a‐3p inhibitor enhanced the migration and invasion capability of trophoblasts. Furthermore, sh‐USP25 counteracted the promotion of invasion and migration mediated by the miR‐27a‐3p inhibitor. Taken together, these data indicate that USP25 downregulation by miR‐27a‐3p contributes to the EMT process, thereby inhibiting the migration and invasion of trophoblast cells, and these findings might provide potential biomarkers for RM.
A study on the protective effects of CpG oligodeoxynucleotide‐induced mucosal immunity against lung injury in a mouse acute respiratory distress syndrome model
Authors: Wang Guan , Liu Zong‐Jian , Liu Xuan , Liu Feng‐Ge , Li Yan , Weng Yi‐Bing , Zhou Jian‐Xin
Published: April 2019

This study aims to determine the feasibility of using oligodeoxynucleotides with unmethylated cytosine‐guanine dinucleotide sequences (CpG ODN) as an immunity protection strategy for a mouse model of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This is a prospective laboratory animal investigation. Twenty‐week‐old BALB/c mice in Animal research laboratory were randomized into groups. An ARDS model was induced in mice using lipopolysaccharides (LPSs). CpG ODN was intranasally and transrectally immunized before or after the 3rd and 7th days of establishing the ARDS model. Mice were euthanized on Day 7 after the second immunization. Then, retroorbital bleeding was carried out and the chest was rapidly opened to collect the trachea and tissues from both lungs for testing. CpG ODN significantly improved the pathologic impairment in mice lung, especially after the intranasal administration of 50 μg. This resulted in the least severe lung tissue injury. Furthermore, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and IL‐8 concentrations were lower, which was second to mice treated with the rectal administration of 20 µg CpG ODN. In contrast, the nasal and rectal administration of CpG ODN in BALB/c mice before LPS immunization did not appear to exhibit any significant protective effects. The intranasal administration of CpG ODN may be a potential treatment approach to ARDS. More studies are needed to further determine the protective mechanism of CpG ODN.
AIM2 promotes non‐small‐cell lung cancer cell growth through inflammasome‐dependent pathway
Authors: Zhang Minda , Jin Chenyu , Yang Yunjia , Wang Keke , Zhou Yunjiang , Zhou Yang , Wang Rui , Li Tao , Hu Rong
Published: April 2019

The human absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) is considered as a DNA recognizer. AIM2 has been described as a tumor suppressor gene in the early years. But recent studies suggested that it functions as an oncogene in several cancers. However, its roles in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain unclear. Here we reported that AIM2 highly expressed in NSCLC cells and exhibited a tumor‐promoting property both in vitro and in vivo. Besides, AIM2 short hairpin RNA (shRNA)‐mediated suppression of cell proliferation was triggered by the accumulation of cells at the G2/M phase. Knockdown of AIM2 reduced the inflammasome formation, while overexpression of AIM2 or stimulation by poly(dA:dT) induced the inflammasome formation. Interestingly, blockade of the inflammasome by caspase‐1 inhibitor VX‐765 or ASC small interfering RNA (siRNA) abolished the effects brought by AIM2 shRNA and AIM2 plasmid. In summary, our results revealed that AIM2 functioned as an oncogene in NSCLC in an inflammasome‐dependent way.
A novel mouse model overexpressing Nocturnin results in decreased fat mass in male mice
Authors: Le Phuong T. , Bornstein Sheila A. , Motyl Katherine J. , Tian Li , Stubblefield Jeremy J. , Hong Hee‐Kyung , Takahashi Joseph S. , Green Carla B. , Rosen Clifford J. , Guntur Anyonya R.
Published: April 2019

Nocturnin (NOCT) belongs to the Mg2+ dependent Exonucleases, Endonucleases, Phosphatase (EEP) family of enzymes that exhibit various functions in vitro and in vivo. NOCT is known to function as a deadenylase, cleaving poly‐A tails from mRNA (messenger RNA) transcripts. Previously, we reported a role for NOCT in regulating bone marrow stromal cell differentiation through its interactions with PPARγ. In this study, we characterized the skeletal and adipose tissue phenotype when we globally overexpressed Noct in vivo. After 12 weeks of Noct overexpression, transgenic male mice had lower fat mass compared to controls, with no significant differences in the skeleton. Based on the presence of a mitochondrial target sequence in NOCT, we determined that mouse NOCT protein localizes to the mitochondria; subsequently, we found that NOCT overexpression led to a significant increase in the preadipocytes ability to utilize oxidative phosphorylation for ATP (adenosine triphosphate) generation. In summary, the effects of NOCT on adipocytes are likely through its novel role as a mediator of mitochondrial function.
Good Guys Can Finish First: How Brand Reputation Affects Extension Evaluations
Authors: Johnson Zachary S. , Mao Huifang , Lefebvre Sarah , Ganesh Jaishankar
Published: April 2019

This research investigates how consumer evaluations of brand extensions are affected by two distinct types of brand reputation: a reputation for social responsibility built through commitments to societal obligations, versus a reputation for ability developed by delivering quality offerings. Through six studies, we establish that while the two reputation types equivalently influence high fit brand extensions, a reputation for social responsibility (vs. ability) leads to more favorable responses toward low fit brand extensions by inducing a desire to support and help the company that has acted to benefit consumers. Furthermore, the facilitative effect of social responsibility on low fit brand extension evaluations is more prominent among consumers who value close relationships and caring for one another's well‐being (i.e., those with high communal orientation), and tends to dissipate when social responsibility initiatives are tainted with self‐serving motives (i.e., when these initiatives are aligned with the brand's core offering).
Nutritional and metabolic derangements in Mediterranean cancer patients and survivors: the ECPC 2016 survey
Authors: Muscaritoli Maurizio , Molfino Alessio , Scala Ferdinando , Christoforidi Kalliopi , Manneh‐Vangramberen Isabelle , De Lorenzo Francesco
Published: April 2019

Background

The prevalence of nutritional derangements in patients with cancer is high. This survey assessed patients' awareness of cancer‐related nutritional issues and evaluated how important they perceive the impact of nutrition on cancer and treatment to be.

Methods

A structured questionnaire was developed to determine: presence of feeding problems, perception of nutrition importance, and perception of physicians' approach to nutrition. The European Cancer Patient Coalition disseminated the questionnaire to its members in 10 countries. The Mediterranean cluster (Italy, Spain, and Greece) was analysed separately to further determine specific patterns in answers.

Results

In total, 907 respondents completed the questionnaire (68.8% female participants; 51.7% with cancer; 48.3% cancer survivors; 59.3% diagnosed with cancer ≤3 years ago; 46.2% receiving treatment for <1 year). Feeding problems during illness/therapy were experienced by 72.5% (628/867) of all respondents (Italian: 90.0%, 117/130), although up to 53.9% (467/867) reported that physicians did not check their feeding status. Overall, 69.6% (586/842) of respondents reported weight loss after cancer diagnosis (moderate to severe: 36.7%, 309/842). For Italian respondents, the percentages of overall weight loss and moderate‐to‐severe weight loss were 85.1% (109/128) and 70.3% (90/128), respectively. Only 35.0% (295/842) of all respondents reported having their weight measured regularly during treatment; 45.7% (385/842) believed their physician considered cancer‐related weight loss unimportant. Respondents [all: 56.9% (472/830); Italian: 73.0% (92/126); Spanish: 68.9% (42/61); Greek: 79.7% (47/59)] were unaware of supplements' negative effects during therapy or the need to inform their physician about these supplements [all: 43.6% (362/830); Italian: 55.6% (70/126); Spanish: 47.5% (29/61); Greek: 49.2% (29/59)]. The term ‘cachexia’ was generally unknown to respondents [all: 72.9% (603/827); Italian: 64.3% (81/126); Spanish: 68.9% (42/61); Greek: 47.5% (28/59)] and most respondents [all: 92.4% (764/827); Italian: 91.3% (115/126); Spanish: 91.8% (56/61); Greek: 86.4% (51/59)] received no cachexia‐related information.

Conclusions

Patients reported differences in perspective between them and physicians on cancer‐related nutritional issues and the specific nutritional approaches available for cancer treatment. Increasing physician focus on nutrition during treatment, particularly among Italian physicians, and providing information on optimizing nutrition to patients are essential factors to improving patients' quality of life.
Aeration step method for kLa measurement under growth conditions in pneumatic bioreactors
Authors: Mestre Julia C , Cerri Marcel O , Esperança Mateus N , Pedrolli Danielle B , Badino Alberto C
Published: April 2019

Background

Determination of the volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient (kLa) plays an important role in the design and characterization of bioreactors. Among all methods available, few techniques are suitable for the determination of kLa in pneumatic bioreactors during the course of cultivations. The present work proposes a new aeration step method for kLa evaluation in pneumatic bioreactors during biological consumption of oxygen.

Results

The aeration step method consisted in promoting step changes in the specific air flow rate (Φair) to change the dissolved oxygen concentration during cultivations, allowing the measurement of both overall oxygen transfer coefficient (kLa) and specific oxygen uptake rate (QO2). These parameters were determined experimentally by employing two microorganisms, one a strict aerobe (Bacillus subtilis) and the other a facultative aerobe (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), for Φair values ranging from 2.0 to 5.0 vvm. For the purpose of comparison, kLa was also determined in experiments using water as the liquid phase, employing a dynamic gassing‐out method. The kLa values during the cultivations ranged from 0.0137 to 0.0545 s−1, while QO2 varied from 0.44 to 10.06 mol kg−1 h−1. The results obtained are shown to be reliable, exhibited excellent reproducibility and are in agreement with other values reported in the literature by different methodologies.

Conclusion

The new aeration step method proved to be reliable as an alternative technique for the determination of kLa and QO2 during microbial cultivation in pneumatic bioreactors. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Cover Image, Volume 94, Issue 5
Authors: Zhang Jianguo , Li Mengla , Mao Hongli
Published: April 2019

The cover image is based on the Research Article Cross‐linked enzyme aggregates of recombinant cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase for high‐purity β‐cyclodextrin production by Jianguo Zhang et al., DOI: 10.1002/jctb.5912.

image
The relationship between habitat use and body shape in geckos
Authors: Kulyomina Yuliya , Moen Daniel S. , Irschick Duncan J.
Published: April 2019

Geckos are a highly diverse group of lizards, with more than 1,700 species that exhibit a wide range of behaviors, ecologies, and sizes. However, no study has examined links between habitat use and body shape in pad‐bearing geckos. We set out to answer a basic question using a data set of pad‐bearing geckos (112 species, 103 pad‐bearing, 9 padless, 42 genera): Do geckos that occur in different habitats also differ in body shape? Overall, we found that body shape was surprisingly similar among our sample of pad‐bearing species, with the exception of the genusUroplatus, which was clearly distinct from other geckos due to its depressed body and long limbs. However, the padless geckos differed in body shape from the pad‐bearing geckos by having longer arms and legs and less rotund bodies. We found that about half of the pad‐bearing species primarily inhabit trees, with the other half, divided approximately equally among rocks, the ground, and mixed habitats. We found no significant links between habitat use and body shape, nor any propensity for larger species to occupy different habitats than smaller species. Padless species tend to inhabit rock and ground substrates. Our results indicate that pad‐bearing geckos have a relatively uniform body form, which contrasts with to their diversity in color, size, and behavior. Indeed, our data show that the general gecko body shape is suitable for a wide range of habitats, ranging from arboreal to terrestrial. This pattern is a departure from other ecomorphological studies and suggests that geckos may not easily fit into the mold of adaptive radiation, as suggested by prior studies.
Superfetation in the viviparous fish Heterandria formosa (Poeciliidae)
Authors: Guzmán‐Bárcenas María Guadalupe , Uribe Mari Carmen
Published: April 2019

Heterandria formosa is a viviparous poeciliid native of the southeastern of United States of America. H. formosa exhibits unique reproductive features as: (a) production of extremely small eggs with scarce quantity of yolk (microlecithal eggs), (b) consequently, a high level of matrotrophy and development of a complex follicular placenta, (c) ovarian sperm storage that allows the continuous fertilization of oocytes and production of offspring and (d) development of high degree of superfetation. The degree of superfetation refers to the number of broods in different simultaneous stages of gestation. Morphological evidence of the degree of superfetation in H. formosa has not been documented. Therefore, and because of the general interest in the complex process of superfetation, the goal of this study is to morphologically define the degree of superfetation of H. formosa through two procedures: (a) histological analysis of entire ovaries in gestation and (b) dissection of visible embryos and the histological analysis of the remaining ovarian tissue. Results indicate that H. formosa can gestate up to seven broods at the same time.
Cruciate ligament injuries of the knee: A meta‐analysis of the diagnostic performance of 3D MRI
Authors: Shakoor Delaram , Guermazi Ali , Kijowski Richard , Fritz Jan , Roemer Frank W. , Jalali‐Farahani Sahar , Demehri Shadpour
Published: April 2019

Background

Despite the advantages of 3D MRI in evaluation of cruciate ligament injuries, its use in clinical practice is still a matter of debate due to controversy regarding its diagnostic performance.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of 3D MRI for detecting cruciate ligament injuries, using surgery or arthroscopy as the reference standard.

Study Type

Meta‐analysis.

Population

Patients with knee pain.

Field Strength/Sequence

3D and 2D MRI.

Assessment

Four databases were reviewed according to PRISMA guidelines.

Statistical Tests

Pooled values of sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated using a random‐effects model. To investigate the effect of relevant covariates on the diagnostic performance of 3D MRI, sensitivity analysis was performed using meta‐regression to calculate relative DOR.

Results

Of 731 initially identified reports, 22 (1298 3D MRI examinations) met our criteria and were included. Pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity for 3D sequences were 91.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 87.4–94.2%) and 96.1% (95% CI: 93.8–97.6%), respectively. Fourteen studies also reported the results of 2D MRI, with pooled sensitivity of 90.6% (95% CI: 84.1–94.6%) and specificity of 97.1% (95% CI: 94.7–98.4%), which were not significantly different from 3D sequences. 3D MRI sequences performed using 3T scanners had significantly higher DOR compared with 3D sequences performed on 1.5T or lower scanners (relative DOR: 6.04, P = 0.01).

Data Conclusion

3D MRI is equivalent to 2D MRI in the diagnosis of cruciate ligament injuries. The use of 3T scanners improves the performance of 3D MRI for detecting cruciate ligament injuries.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1545–1560.
Prolonged heating in nontargeted tissue during MR‐guided focused ultrasound of bone tumors
Authors: Bitton Rachel R. , Webb Taylor D. , Pauly Kim Butts , Ghanouni Pejman
Published: April 2019

Background

Thermal dosimetry during MR‐guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) of bone tumors underpredicts ablation zone. Intraprocedural understanding of heat accumulation near bone is needed to prevent undesired treatment of nontargeted tissue.

Hypothesis

Temperature decay rates predict prolonged, spatially varying heating during MRgFUS bone treatments.

Study Type

Prospective case series.

Patients

Nine patients with localized painful bone tumors (five bone metastasis, four osteoid osteomas), were compared with five patients with uterine fibroid tumors treated using MRgFUS.

Field Strength/Sequence

Proton resonance frequency shift thermometry using 2D‐GRE with echo‐planar imaging at 3 T.

Assessment

Tissue response was derived by fitting data from extended thermometry acquisitions to a decay model. Decay rates and time to peak temperature (TTP) were analyzed in segmented zones between the bone target and skin. Decay rates were used to calculate intersonication cooling times required to return to body temperature; these were compared against conventional system‐mandated cooling times.

Statistical Tests

Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests for normality, and Student's t‐test was used to compare decay rates. Spatial TTP delay and predicted cooling times used Wilcoxon signed rank tests. P < 0.05 was significant.

Results

Tissue decay rates in bone tumor patients were 3.5 times slower than those in patients with fibroids (τbone = 0.037 ± 0.012 vs. τfibroid = 0.131 ± 0.010, P < 0.05). Spatial analysis showed slow decay rates effecting baseline temperature as far as 12 mm away from the bone surface, τ4 = 0.015 ± 0.026 (median ± interquartile range [IQR]). Tissue within 9 mm of bone experienced delayed TTP (P < 0.01). In the majority of bone tumor treatments, system‐predicted intersonication cooling times were insufficient for nearby tissue to return to body temperature (P = 0.03 in zone 4).

Data Conclusion

MRgFUS near bone is susceptible to long tissue decay rates, and unwanted cumulative heating up to 1.2 cm from the surface of the bone. Knowledge of decay rates may be used to alter treatment planning and intraprocedural thermal monitoring protocols to account for prolonged heating by bone.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy: Stage 4

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1526–1533.
Prevalence and genotype distribution of human papillomavirus infection among women: A population‐based study in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Su Ya , Yuan Zhiqiong , Xu Chunping , Li Zhengjin , Zhu Renjian , Zhang Wei , Cao Rongrong , Yan Xuyi , Liu Yunchun
Published: April 2019

Accumulating evidence indicates that persistent infection with high‐risk oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes is the most important risk factor for cervical cancer, and that the distribution of HPV genotypes varies regionally. This study explored the prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV infection among Han, Yi, and Bai women in various regions of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. This cross‐sectional study included 2779 women (20–76 years old) who were referred for 21‐HPV genotype array diagnostic from five regions of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture between February 2013 and May 2016. Statistical methods used included a the χ2 test, Fisher's exact test, t test, and logistic regression. Overall HPV prevalence in the study population was 7.6%. HPV‐52, HPV‐58, HPV‐18, HPV‐81, and HPV‐16 were the most prevalent genotypes in the study area, and notably, the prevalence of HPV‐58 was significantly higher among women in Heqing County than that in other regions. Univariate analysis showed that husband's age, region, fertility status, and parity were potential factors associated with HPV infection. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that Heqing County was an independent risk factor for HPV infection among women in the Dali area, moreover, Yi women showed the highest risk for HPV infections. Overall, our finding emphasizing the urgent need for an HPV screening and prevention program in Heqing County and Yi women. We also suggest that HPV‐related health education should be provided not only to women, but also to men, to reduce the risk of infection in women.
Ku‐band GaN 100‐W internally matched amplifier using accurate large signal model
Authors: Zhong Shichang , Yin Xiaoxing , Chen Tangsheng , Huang Dan
Published: April 2019

This paper describes a Ku‐band 100‐W gallium nitride (GaN) internally matched power amplifier using an accurate large signal Angelov model. The large gate‐periphery GaN devices on SiC substrate are used for achieving the large power output and high efficiency. For designing exactly the power amplifier, the large signal GaN model is founded using measured pulse I‐V and S parameters of different bias conditions. The foundation impedance and harmonic impedance are matched simultaneously in the matching circuit based on the large signal model. The power amplifier efficiency is promoted, and the input and output matching circuit with the GaN chips are integrated in a 13 × 21 mm ceramic package. Using two 12 mm GaN transistors, the amplifier finally has the pulse output power of over 100 W and the linear gain of 8 dB across the band of 13 to 15 GHz, the efficiency is over 40% under the pulse drain bias voltage (Vds) of 32 V, and the duty is 10% with the pulse width of 100 microseconds. The results show that the character of realized amplifier is consistent with the simulation data information, which fully indicates the veracity of the developed model. And this is the first paper proposed of a 100 W power amplifier achieved in such a small package in Ku band.
Telocytes express ANO‐1‐encoded chloride channels in canine ventricular myocardium
Authors: DeSimone Christopher V. , McLeod Christopher J. , Gomez Pinilla Pedro J. , Beyder Arthur , Farrugia Gianrico , Asirvatham Samuel J. , Kapa Suraj
Published: April 2019

Introduction

It is unknown if ANO‐1 is expressed in the heart, though the presence of a calcium‐activated chloride current has been proposed to mediate some cardiac dysrhythmias. Furthermore, a specific cell type termed telocytes, morphologically mimicking Cajal cells which use ANO‐1 to modulate their pacemaker activity in the gut, have been described in the heart. We therefore sought to determine whether this channel is expressed in the canine heart.

Methods

Myocardium was sampled from the ventricles of five canines. Sections were labeled with anti‐Kit and anti‐ANO‐1 antibodies. Slides were reviewed by four investigators looking at cell morphology, distribution, and co‐localization. Identification of telocytes was based on criteria including morphology, Kit positivity (+), and ANO‐1 positivity (+).

Results

Clusters of cells meeting criteria for telocytes were seen in the epicardium, sub‐epicardium, and mid‐myocardium. A small subset of cells that were morphologically similar to myocytes was ANO‐1 (+) but Kit (−). In total, three different cell classes were found: (i) Kit (+), ANO‐1 (+) cells with the appearance of telocytes; (ii) Kit (+), ANO‐1 (−) cells; and (iii) Kit (−), ANO‐1 (+) cells with the morphologic appearance of cardiac myocytes.

Conclusions

Telocytes are present in the canine ventricle and express ANO‐1. These data merit further study to elucidate the functional expression of these channels in the heart and whether they may be targets for cardiac arrhythmias.