bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sonographers’ communication in obstetrics: Challenges to their professional role and practice in Australia
Authors: Thomas Samantha , O'Loughlin Kate , Clarke Jillian
Published: November 2019

Introduction/Purpose

Despite the clinical importance of patient‐centred care in the sonographer/patient interaction in obstetric ultrasound, there has been very little current research in Australia on sonographer and sonologist communication practices in the event of an adverse finding. This study sought the views, experiences and practices of Australian sonographers, particularly in relation to adverse findings, with consideration of the implications for their professional role and practice.

Methods

Qualified and trainee sonographers who perform obstetric ultrasound were invited to complete a survey through the Australasian Sonographers Association. Using qualitative methodology, the authors developed themes on a range of issues related to sonographer and sonologist communication practices and roles from responses to three open‐ended questions within the survey.

Result

Analysis of 249 responses revealed three distinct ‘Communicator types’. ‘Open Communicators’ confidently practice open and direct communication; ‘Limited Communicators’ perceived barriers preventing them from openly communicating; ‘Variable Communicators’ indicated various challenging ‘grey areas’ which created inconsistent communication practices. Variables, such as the complexity of an adverse finding and a reporting sonologist's role, attitude and level of control they exercised over sonographer communication, all influenced respondents’ communication practices. Respondents believed professional bodies should agree on a standardised policy regarding sonographers’ roles.

Discussion

This paper highlights the complexity of the sonographer/patient interaction and outlines the difficulty in providing true patient‐centred care in obstetric ultrasound.

Conclusion

The need for a collaborative, patient‐focussed policy, which defines and recognises the role of the sonographer in the event of obstetric adverse findings, will improve the current model of care.
Total Synthesis of Talatisamine
Authors: Kamakura Daiki , Todoroki Hidenori , Urabe Daisuke , Hagiwara Koichi , Inoue Masayuki
Published: November 2019

Talatisamine (1) is a member of the C19‐diterpenoid alkaloid family, and exhibits K+ channel inhibitory and antiarrhythmic activities. The formidable synthetic challenge that 1 presents is due to its highly oxidized and intricately fused hexacyclic 6/7/5/6/6/5‐membered‐ring structure (ABCDEF‐ring) with 12 contiguous stereocenters. Here we report an efficient synthetic route to 1 by the assembly of two structurally simple fragments, chiral 6/6‐membered AE‐ring 7 and aromatic 6‐membered D‐ring 6. AE‐ring 7 was constructed from 2‐cyclohexenone (8) through fusing an N‐ethylpiperidine ring by a double Mannich reaction. After coupling 6 with 7, an oxidative dearomatization/Diels–Alder reaction sequence generated fused pentacycle 4 b. The newly formed 6/6‐membered ring system was then stereospecifically reorganized into the 7/5‐membered BC‐ring of 3 via a Wagner–Meerwein rearrangement. Finally, Hg(OAc)2 induced an oxidative aza‐Prins cyclization of 2, thereby forging the remaining 5‐membered F‐ring. The total synthesis of 1 was thus accomplished by optimizing and orchestrating 33 transformations from 8.
Polyfunctional, Proinflammatory, Tissue‐Resident Memory Phenotype and Function of Synovial Interleukin‐17A+CD8+ T Cells in Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Steel Kathryn J. A. , Srenathan Ushani , Ridley Michael , Durham Lucy E. , Wu Shih‐Ying , Ryan Sarah E. , Hughes Catherine D. , Chan Estee , Kirkham Bruce W. , Taams Leonie S.
Published: November 2019

Objective

Genetic associations imply a role for CD8+ T cells and the interleukin‐23 (IL‐23)/IL‐17 axis in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and other spondyloarthritides (SpA). IL‐17A+CD8+ (Tc17) T cells are enriched in the synovial fluid (SF) of patients with PsA, and IL‐17A blockade is clinically efficacious in PsA/SpA. This study was undertaken to determine the immunophenotype, molecular profile, and function of synovial Tc17 cells in order to elucidate their role in PsA/SpA pathogenesis.

Methods

Peripheral blood (PB) and SF mononuclear cells were isolated from patients with PsA or other types of SpA. Cells were phenotypically, transcriptionally, and functionally analyzed by flow cytometry (n = 6–18), T cell receptor β (TCRβ) sequencing (n = 3), RNA‐Seq (n = 3), quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (n = 4), and Luminex or enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (n = 4–16).

Results

IL‐17A+CD8+ T cells were predominantly TCRαβ+ and their frequencies were increased in the SF versus the PB of patients with established PsA (P < 0.0001) or other SpA (P = 0.0009). TCRβ sequencing showed that these cells were polyclonal in PsA (median clonality 0.08), while RNA‐Seq and deep immunophenotyping revealed that PsA synovial Tc17 cells had hallmarks of Th17 cells (RORC/IL23R/CCR6/CD161) and Tc1 cells (granzyme A/B). Synovial Tc17 cells showed a strong tissue‐resident memory T (Trm) cell signature and secreted a range of proinflammatory cytokines. We identified CXCR6 as a marker for synovial Tc17 cells, and increased levels of CXCR6 ligand CXCL16 in PsA SF (P = 0.0005), which may contribute to their retention in the joint.

Conclusion

Our results identify synovial Tc17 cells as a polyclonal subset of Trm cells characterized by polyfunctional, proinflammatory mediator production and CXCR6 expression. The molecular signature and functional profiling of these cells may help explain how Tc17 cells can contribute to synovial inflammation and disease persistence in PsA and possibly other types of SpA.
Alginate Hydrogels as Scaffolds and Delivery Systems to Repair the Damaged Spinal Cord
Authors: Grijalvo Santiago , Nieto‐Díaz Manuel , Maza Rodrigo M. , Eritja Ramón , Díaz David Díaz
Published: November 2019

Alginate (ALG) is a lineal hydrophilic polysaccharide present in brown algae cell walls, which turns into a gel state when hydrated. Gelation readily produces a series of three dimensional (3D) architectures like fibers, capillaries, and microspheres, used as biosensors and bio‐actuators in a plethora of biomedical applications like drug delivery and wound healing. Hydrogels have made a great impact on regenerative medicine and tissue engineering because they are able to mimic the mechanical properties of natural tissues due to their high water content. Recent advances in neurosciences have led to promising strategies for repairing and/or regenerating the damaged nervous system. Spinal cord injury (SCI) is particularly challenging, owing to its devastating medical, human, and social consequences. Although effective therapies to repair the damaged spinal cord (SC) are still lacking, multiple pharmacological, genetic, and cell‐based therapies are currently under study. In this framework, ALG hydrogels constitute a source of potential tools for the development of implants capable of promoting axonal growth and/or delivering cells or drugs at specific damaged sites, which may result in therapeutic strategies for SCI. In this mini‐review, the current state of the art of ALG applications in neural tissues for repairing the damaged spinal cord is discussed.
Three‐Enzyme Phosphorylase Cascade for Integrated Production of Short‐Chain Cellodextrins
Authors: Zhong Chao , Nidetzky Bernd
Published: November 2019

Cellodextrins are linear β‐1,4‐gluco‐oligosaccharides that are soluble in water up to a degree of polymerization (DP) of ≈6. Soluble cellodextrins have promising applications as nutritional ingredients. A DP‐controlled, bottom‐up synthesis from expedient substrates is desired for their bulk production. Here, a three‐enzyme glycoside phosphorylase cascade is developed for the conversion of sucrose and glucose into short‐chain (soluble) cellodextrins (DP range 3–6). The cascade reaction involves iterative β‐1,4‐glucosylation of glucose from α‐glucose 1‐phosphate (αGlc1‐P) donor that is formed in situ from sucrose and phosphate. With final concentration and yield of the soluble cellodextrins set as targets for biocatalytic synthesis, three major factors of reaction efficiency are identified and partly optimized: the ratio of enzyme activity, the ratio of sucrose and glucose, and the phosphate concentration used. The efficient use of the phosphate/αGlc1‐P shuttle for cellodextrin production is demonstrated and the soluble product at 40 g L−1 is obtained under near‐complete utilization of the donor substrate offered (88 mol% from 200 mm sucrose). The productivity is 16 g (L h)−1. Through a simple two‐step route, the soluble cellodextrins are recovered from the reaction mixture in ≥95% purity and ≈92% yield. Overall, this study provides the basis for their integrated production.
Serum metabolite profiling of ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction using liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Gundogdu Gulsah , Senol Onur , Demirkaya Miloglu Fatma , Koza Yavuzer , Gundogdu Fuat , Hacımüftüoğlu Ahmet , Abd El‐Aty A.M.
Published: November 2019

ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is one of the most common global causes of cardiovascular disease‐related death. Several metabolites may change during STEMI. Hence, analysis of metabolites in body fluid may be considered as a rapid and accurate test for initial diagnosis. This study has therefore attempted to determine the variation in metabolites identified in the serum of STEMI patients (n = 20) and 15 controls. Samples collected from the Cardiology Department, Medical Faculty, Ataturk University, were extracted by liquid–liquid extraction and analysed using liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The METLIN database was used for the identification and characterization of metabolites. According to Q‐TOF/MS measurements, 231 m/z values, which were significantly different between groups (P < 0.01 and fold analysis >1.5) were detected. Metabolite identification was achieved via the Human Metabolome database. According to the multivariate data analysis, leucine, isoleucine, l‐proline, l‐alanine, glycine, fumaric acid, citrate, succinate and carnitine levels were decreased, whereas levels of propionic acid, maleic acid, butyric acid, urea, oleic acid, palmitic acid, lysoPC [18:2(9Z)], glycerol, phoshpatidylethanolamine, caffeine and l‐lactic acid were increased in STEMI patients compared with controls. In conclusion, malonic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid and palmitic acid can be used as biomarkers for early risk stratification of patients with STEMI.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor‐associated pituitary‐adrenal dysfunction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lu Jingli , Li Lulu , Lan Yan , Liang Yan , Meng Haiyang
Published: November 2019

With the growing use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), case reports of rare yet life‐threatening pituitary‐adrenal dysfunctions, particularly for hypopituitarism, are increasingly being published. In this analysis, we focus on these events by including the most recent publications and reports from early phase I/II and phase III clinical trials and comparing the incidence and risks across different ICI regimens. PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched from inception to April 2019 for clinical trials that reported on pituitary‐adrenal dysfunction. The rates of events, odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained using random effects meta‐analysis. The analyses included data from 160 trials involving 40 432 participants. The rate was 2.43% (95% CI, 1.73%‐3.22%) for all‐grade adrenal insufficiency and 3.25% (95% CI, 2.15%‐4.51%) for hypophysitis. Compared with the placebo or other therapeutic regimens, ICI agents were associated with a higher incidence of serious‐grade adrenal insufficiency (OR 3.19, 95% CI, 1.84 to 5.54) and hypophysitis (OR 4.77, 95% CI, 2.60 to 8.78). Among 71 serious‐grade hypopituitarism instances in 12 336 patients, there was a significant association between ICIs and hypopituitarism (OR 3.62, 95% CI, 1.86 to 7.03). Substantial heterogeneity was noted across the studies for the rates of these events, which in part was attributable to the different types of ICIs and varied phases of the clinical trials. Although the rates of these events were low, the risk was increased following ICI‐based treatment, particularly for CTLA‐4 inhibitors, which were associated with a higher incidence of pituitary‐adrenal dysfunction than PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors.
The Activity of Small Urea‐γ‐AApeptides Toward Gram‐Positive Bacteria
Authors: Su Ma , Shi Yan , Wang Minghui , Gao Ruixuan , Wu Jianfeng , Xu Hai , Xi Chuanwu , Cai Jianfeng
Published: November 2019

Host Defense Peptides (HDPs) have gained considerable interest due to the omnipresent threat of bacterial infection as a serious public health concern. However, development of HDPs is impeded by several drawbacks, such as poor selectivity, susceptibility to proteolytic degradation, low‐to‐moderate activity and requiring complex syntheses. Herein we report a class of lipo‐linear α/urea‐γ‐AApeptides with a hybrid backbone and low molecular weight. The heterogeneous backbone not only enhances chemodiversity, but also shows effective antimicrobial activity against Gram‐positive bacteria and is capable of disrupting bacterial membranes and killing bacteria rapidly. Given their low molecular weight and ease of access via facile synthesis, they could be practical antibiotic agents.
USB powered microfluidic paper‐based analytical devices
Authors: Schaumburg Federico , Kler Pablo A. , Carrell Cody S. , Berli Claudio L. A. , Henry Charles S.
Published: November 2019

Microfluidic paper‐based analytical devices (μPADs) allow user‐friendly and portable chemical determinations, although they provide limited applicability due to insufficient sensitivity. Several approaches have been proposed to address poor sensitivity in μPADs, but they frequently require bulky equipment for power and/or read‐outs. Universal serial buses (USB) are an attractive alternative to less portable power sources and are currently available in many common electronic devices. Here, USB‐powered μPADs (USB μPADs) are proposed as a fusion of both technologies to improve performance without adding instrumental complexity. Two ITP USB μPADs were developed, both powered by a 5 V potential provided through standard USB ports. The first device was fabricated using the origami approach. Its operation was analyzed experimentally and numerically, yielding a two‐order‐of‐magnitude sample focusing in 15 min. The second ITP USB μPAD is a novel design, which was numerically prototyped with the aim of handling larger sample volumes. The reservoirs were moved away from the ITP channel and capillary action was used to drive the sample and electrolytes to the separation zone, predicting 25‐fold sample focusing in 10 min. USB μPADs are expected to be adopted by minimally‐trained personnel in sensitive areas like resource‐limited settings, the point‐of‐care and in emergencies.
Power coefficient measurements of a novel vertical axis wind turbine
Authors: Hilewit Doma , Matida Edgar A. , Fereidooni Amin , Abo el Ella Hamza , Nitzsche Fred
Published: November 2019

Wind tunnel experiments were performed to evaluate the power coefficients of three vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs), namely, (a) conventional VAWT (two‐bladed troposkien shape), (b) novel 50% shifted troposkien shape‐vertical axis wind turbine (50% STS‐VAWT), and (c) novel 100% STS‐VAWT. All turbines had the same height, swept area, and NACA0015 airfoil with the same chord length. During the power coefficient measurements for each one of the turbines, the wind tunnel velocity was varied while the turbine rotation was kept constant through rheostatic load adjustment. Two different turbine rotations were used (600 rpm and 700 rpm). The resulting tip speed ratios (TSRs) ranged from approximately 2 to 6 in the current investigation. Both the power coefficients and the tip speed ratios were corrected against wind tunnel blockage effects. The 50% STS‐VAWT model showed an overall better aerodynamic performance (both corrected and uncorrected power coefficients) when compared against the other two configurations, likely due to a combination of (a) power generation increased due to blade‐wake interaction (BWI) reductions and (b) power generation capacity related to the blade length of each turbine.
Short‐term forecasting of the US unemployment rate
Authors: Maas Benedikt
Published: November 2019

This paper aims to assess whether Google search data are useful when predicting the US unemployment rate among other more traditional predictor variables. A weekly Google index is derived from the keyword “unemployment” and is used in diffusion index variants along with the weekly number of initial claims and monthly estimated latent factors. The unemployment rate forecasts are generated using MIDAS regression models that take into account the actual frequencies of the predictor variables. The forecasts are made in real time, and the forecasts of the best forecasting models exceed, for the most part, the root mean squared forecast error of two benchmarks. However, as the forecasting horizon increases, the forecasting performance of the best diffusion index variants decreases over time, which suggests that the forecasting methods proposed in this paper are most useful in the short term.
Reconstruction of rearranged T‐cell receptor loci by whole genome and transcriptome sequencing gives insights into the initial steps of T‐cell prolymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Patil Paurnima , Cieslak Agata , Bernhart Stephan H. , Toprak Umut H. , Wagener Rabea , López Cristina , Wiehle Laura , Bens Susanne , Altmüller Janine , Franitza Marek , Scholz Ingrid , Jayne Sandrine , Ahearne Matthew J. , Scheffold Annika , Jebaraj Billy M. C. , Schneider Christof , Costa Dolors , Braun Till , Schrader Alexandra , Campo Elias , Dyer Martin J. S. , Nürnberg Peter , Dürig Jan , Johansson Patricia , Böttcher Sebastian , Schlesner Matthias , Herling Marco , Stilgenbauer Stephan , Macintyre Elizabeth , Siebert Reiner
Published: November 2019

T‐cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T‐PLL) is an aggressive tumor with leukemic presentation of mature T‐lymphocytes. Here, we aimed at characterizing the initial events in the molecular pathogenesis of T‐PLL and particularly, at determining the point in T‐cell differentiation when the hallmark oncogenic events, that is, inv(14)(q11q32)/t(14;14)(q11;q32) and t(X;14)(q28;q11) occur. To this end, we mined whole genome and transcriptome sequencing data of 17 and 11 T‐PLL cases, respectively. Mapping of the 14q32.1 locus breakpoints identified only TCL1A, which was moreover significantly overexpressed in T‐PLL as compared to benign CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cells, as the only common oncogenic target of aberrations. In cases with t(14;14), the breakpoints mapped telomeric and in cases with inv(14) centromeric or in the 3′‐untranslated region of TCL1A. Regarding the T‐cell receptor alpha (TRA) locus‐TCL1A breakpoint junctions, all 17 breakpoints involved recombination signal sequences and 15 junctions contained nontemplated (N‐) nucleotides. All T‐PLL cases studied carried in‐frame TRA rearrangements on the intact allele, which skewed significantly toward usage of distal/central TRAV/TRAJ gene segments as compared to the illegitimate TRA rearrangements. Our findings suggest that the oncogenic TRA‐TCL1A/MTCP1 rearrangements in T‐PLL occur during opening of the TRA locus, that is, during the progression from CD4+ immature single positive to early double positive thymocyte stage, just before physiologic TCL1A expression is silenced. The cell carrying such an oncogenic event continues maturation and rearranges the second TRA allele to achieve a functional T‐cell receptor. Thereafter, it switches off RAG and DNTT expression in line with the mature T‐cell phenotype at presentation of T‐PLL.
Serum Bioavailable, Rather Than Total, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D Levels Are Associated With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Survival
Authors: Fang Ai‐Ping , Long Jing‐An , Zhang Yao‐Jun , Liu Zhao‐Yan , Li Qi‐Jiong , Zhang Dao‐Ming , Luo Yun , Zhong Rong‐Huan , Zhou Zhong‐Guo , Xu Yan‐Jun , Xu Xiao‐Jun , Ling Wen‐Hua , Chen Min‐Shan , Zhu Hui‐Lian
Published: November 2019

Background and Aims

Free and bioavailable 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) are emerging measurements of vitamin D status. It remains unclear whether circulating free or bioavailable 25OHD are relevant to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognosis. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that bioavailable 25OHD may be a better serum biomarker of vitamin D status than total 25OHD on the association with HCC survival.

Approach and Results

We included 1,031 newly diagnosed, previously untreated patients with HCC from the Guangdong Liver Cancer Cohort enrolled between September 2013 and April 2017. Serum total 25OHD levels were measured using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Serum‐free 25OHD levels were measured using a two‐step enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Bioavailable 25OHD levels were calculated from measured free 25OHD and albumin using a previously validated equation. Primary outcomes were liver cancer–specific (LCSS) and overall survival (OS). Cox proportional hazards models were performed to calculate the multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). During a median follow‐up of 726 days, 430 patients had deceased, including 393 deaths from HCC. In multivariable analyses, higher bioavailable 25OHD levels were significantly associated with better survival, independent of nonclinical and clinical prognostic factors including serum C‐reactive protein, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage, and cancer treatment. The multivariable‐adjusted HRs in the highest versus lowest quartile of bioavailable 25OHD levels were 0.69 (95% CI: 0.51, 0.93; P for trend = 0.014) for LCSS and 0.71 (95% CI: 0.53, 0.94; P for trend = 0.013) for OS. In contrast, neither total nor free 25OHD levels were associated with LCSS or OS.

Conclusions

Higher bioavailable, rather than total, 25OHD levels were independently associated with improved survival in a population‐based HCC cohort, suggesting a potential utility of bioavailable 25OHD in HCC prognosis.
Self‐Renewal Capability of Hepatocytic Parental Progenitor Cells Derived From Adult Rat Liver Is Maintained Long Term When Cultured on Laminin 111 in Serum‐Free Medium
Authors: Kino Junichi , Ichinohe Norihisa , Ishii Masayuki , Suzuki Hiromu , Mizuguchi Toru , Tanimizu Naoki , Mitaka Toshihiro
Published: November 2019

In this study, we investigated how the ability of hepatocytic parental progenitor cells (HPPCs) to self‐renew can be maintained and how laminin (LN) isoforms play an important role in their self‐renewal and maturation. Hepatocytes isolated from adult rat livers were cultured on hyaluronic acid to form colonies consisting of CD44+ small hepatocytes, which could be passaged on dishes coated with Matrigel. When second‐passage cells were plated on Matrigel, LN111, or LN511, HPPCs appeared on Matrigel and LN111 but not on LN511. We identified two types of cells among the second‐passage cells: Small, round cells and large, flat ones were observed on Matrigel, whereas the former and latter ones were specifically attached on LN111 and LN511, respectively. We hypothesized that small and round cells are the origin of HPPC colonies, and the binding to LN111 could be key to maintaining their self‐renewal capability. Among the integrins involved in LN binding, integrins α3 and β1 were expressed in colonies on LN111 more than in those on LN511, whereas β4 was more strongly expressed in colonies on LN511. Integrin α3highα6β1high cells could form HPPC colonies on LN111 but not on LN511, whereas integrin α6β1low cells could not on either LN111 or LN511. In addition, neutralizing anti‐integrin β1 and anti‐LN111 antibodies inhibited the passaged cells’ ability to attach and form colonies on LN111 by HPPCs. Matrigel overlay induced second‐passage cells growing on LN111 to increase their expression of hepatic functional genes and to form 3‐dimensional colonies with bile canalicular networks, whereas such a shift was poorly induced when they were grown onLN511. Conclusion: These results suggest that the self‐renewal capability of HPPCs depends on LN111 through integrin β1 signaling.
Dietary patterns and oral and pharyngeal cancer using latent class analysis
Authors: Dalmartello Michela , Decarli Adriano , Ferraroni Monica , Bravi Francesca , Serraino Diego , Garavello Werner , Negri Eva , Vermunt Jeroen , La Vecchia Carlo
Published: November 2019

The methods traditionally used to identify a posteriori dietary patterns are principal components, factor and cluster analysis. The aim of our study is to assess the relationship between dietary patterns derived with latent class analysis (LCA) and oral/pharyngeal cancer risk (OPC), highlighting the strengths of this method compared to traditional ones. We analyzed data from an Italian multicentric case–control study on OPC including 946 cases and 2,492 hospital controls. Dietary patterns were derived using LCA on 25 food groups. A multiple logistic regression model was used to derive odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for OPC according to the dietary patterns identified. We identified four dietary patterns. The first one was characterized by a high intake of leafy and fruiting vegetable and fruits (Prudent pattern), the second one showed a high intake of red meat and low intake of selected fruits and vegetables (Western pattern). The last two patterns showed a combination‐type of diet. We labeled “Lower consumers‐combination pattern” the cluster that showed a low intake of the majority of foods, and “Higher consumers‐combination pattern” the one characterized by a high intake of various foods. Compared to the “Prudent pattern”, the “Western” and the “Lower consumers‐combination” ones were positively related to the risk of OPC (OR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.90–3.45 and OR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.64–3.02). No difference in risk emerged for the “Higher consumers‐combination pattern” (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 0.92–1.77).
Clinical significance of CD133 and Nestin in astrocytic tumor: The correlation with pathological grade and survival
Authors: Zhang Qingping , Xu Binchu , Chen Jianliang , Chen Furong , Chen Zhongping
Published: November 2019

Background

We aimed to investigate the interaction between CD133 and Nestin and further assessed the correlation of CD133 and Nestin with clinicopathological characteristics and survival in patients with astrocytic tumor.

Methods

Totally 127 patients with astrocytic tumor underwent surgical resection were enrolled. Patients’ age, gender, and World Health Organization (WHO) grade were recorded, and the survival data were extracted from the follow‐up records. The expressions of CD133 and Nestin in astrocytic tumor tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemistry assay. The WHO grade I and II astrocytic tumors were defined as low‐grade astrocytic tumors (LGA), the WHO grade III and IV astrocytic tumors were defined as high‐grade astrocytic tumors (HGA).

Results

There were 79 (62.2%), 34 (26.8%), 14 (11.0%), and 0 (0.0%) patients with CD133 negative, low, moderate, and high expression, respectively; 7 (5.5%), 47 (37.0%), 20 (15.7%), 53 (41.7%) patients with Nestin negative, low, moderate, high expression, respectively. CD133 and Nestin were both correlated with advanced WHO grade but not with age or gender, and positive correlation was observed between CD133 and Nestin. For survival, both CD133 and Nestin were correlated with unfavorable overall survival (OS), and further analysis illustrated that Nestin but not CD133 independently predicted poor OS. Subgroup analysis also revealed that Nestin but not CD133 negatively associated with shorter OS in LGA patients, while both CD133 and Nestin were correlated with poor OS in HGA patients.

Conclusion

CD133 and Nestin present as potential biomarkers for advanced pathological grade and poor survival in patients with astrocytic tumor.
Synthesis of 15N‐labelled 3,5‐dimethylpyridine
Authors: Schubert Mario , Limbach Hans‐Heinrich , Elguero José
Published: November 2019

15N‐labelled pyridines are liquid‐ and solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) probes for chemical and biological environments because their 15N chemical shifts are sensitive to hydrogen‐bond and protonation states. By variation of the type and number of substituents, different target pyridines can be synthesized exhibiting different pKa values and molecular volumes. Various synthetic routes have been described in the literature, starting from different precursors or modification of other 15N‐labelled pyridines. In this work, we have explored the synthesis of 15N 15N‐labelled pyridines using a two‐step process via the synthesis of alkoxy‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐pyran as precursor exhibiting already the desired pyridine substitution pattern. As an example, we have synthesized 3,5‐dimethylpyridine‐15N (lutidine‐15N) as demonstrated by 15N‐NMR spectroscopy. That synthesis starts from methacrolein, propenyl ether, and 15N‐labelled NH4Cl as nitrogen source.
Potential impacts of specific global warming levels on extreme rainfall events over southern Africa in CORDEX and NEX‐GDDP ensembles
Authors: Abiodun Babatunde J. , Mogebisa Tlakale O. , Petja Brilliant , Abatan Abayomi A. , Roland Takong R.
Published: November 2019

This study examines the potential impacts of specific global warming levels (GWLs) on extreme rainfall events in southern Africa and over 12 major cities in the region. We analysed two regional climate simulation datasets: the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) and the NASA Earth eXchange Global Daily Downscaled Projections (NEX‐GDDP, hereafter referred to as NEX), which used different methods (dynamical and statistical, respectively) in downscaling several global climate model (GCM) simulations from CMIP5. Twenty simulations were used from each dataset. The simulated rainfall indices for the reference period (1971–2000) were compared with eight observation datasets. The projected changes in rainfall indices were examined at four GWLs under the RCP8.5 climate forcing scenario. The projections from the CORDEX and NEX ensembles were compared and the self‐organizing map (SOM) analysis was used to classify the projected changes from the simulations into 12 groups, based on their similarities. There is a good agreement among the eight observation datasets, albeit with some differences. The two simulation datasets (CORDEX and NEX) capture the climatology of rainfall indices over southern Africa and, in some cases, the simulation errors fall within the observation uncertainties. CORDEX and NEX datasets agree on fewer rain days but more intense rainfall events over southern Africa in the future and indicate that the magnitude of these changes increases with the GWLs. They also agree on a future increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events north of 20°S and a decrease south of 20°S. However, CORDEX indicates that the rainfall deficit from the fewer rain events may exceed the rainfall surplus from the more intense rain events, but NEX indicates the opposite. In the SOM classification, while some simulations project a decrease in tropical temperate trough (TTT) rainfall, some project an increase, and some indicate an equatorward shift of the TTT rainfall. The simulations project a decrease in annual rainfall over five cities, an intensification of extreme rainfall over five cities and more frequent extreme rainfall events over four cities. The results of this study have application in mitigating the future impacts of extreme rainfall events over southern Africa, especially in the cities.
Integrated in‐syringe magnetic sheet solid‐phase extraction and dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for determination of aflatoxins in fresh and moldy breads
Authors: Sereshti Hassan , Khodayari Farnaz , Nouri Nina
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Magnetic three‐dimensional graphene‐based nanoadsorbents have unique characteristics such as large surface area, good thermal and chemical stability, and high adsorption capacity that make them efficient materials in sorbent‐based extraction techniques. In this study, four aflatoxins (AFs) were analyzed in bread samples using magnetic three‐dimensional graphene as the adsorbent phase in dispersive micro solid‐phase extraction.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

In‐syringe magnetic sheet solid‐phase extraction based on magnetic three‐dimensional graphene in tandem with dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction was used for the extraction and preconcentration of the target AFs. The effect of significant parameters of the method was investigated and the optimum conditions were determined as follows: adsorbent dosage, 20 mg; desorption/disperser solvent (methanol) volume, 700 μL; desorption solvent flow rate, 0.7 mL min−1; pH, neutral; salt (NaCl) concentration, 10% (w/v); extraction solvent (chloroform) volume, 250 μL; and centrifugation rate (and time), 4000 rpm (5 min). The limits of detection and quantification were in the ranges 0.043–0.083 and 0.14–0.28 μg kg−1, respectively. The extraction method was followed by the HPLC technique with fluorescence detection and applied to the determination of the AFs in four different Iranian fresh and moldy bread samples. The relative recoveries were in the range 84–107% with relative standard deviations of 3.9–8.6%. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
bioRxiv: Trends and analysis of five years of preprints
Authors: Anderson Kent R.
Published: November 2019

bioRxiv was founded on the premise that publicly posting preprints would allow authors to receive feedback and submit improved papers to journals. This paper analyses a number of trends against this stated purpose, namely, the timing of preprint postings relative to submission to accepting journals; trends in the rate of unpublished preprints over time; trends in the timing of publication of preprints by accepting journals; and trends in the concentration of published, reviewed preprints by publisher. Findings show that a steady c.30% of preprints remain unpublished and that the majority is posted onto bioRxiv close to or after submission – therefore giving no time for feedback to help improve the articles. Four publishers (Elsevier, Nature, PLOS, and Oxford University Press) account for the publication of 47% of bioRxiv preprints. Taken together, it appears that bioRxiv is not accomplishing its stated goals and that authors may be using the platform more to establish priority, as a marketing enhancement of papers, and as functional Green OA, rather than as a community‐driven source of prepublication review.
Technical Note: Robust individual thermoluminescence dosimeter tracking using optical fingerprinting
Authors: Shang Daili , Gu Wenbo , Landers Angelia , Woods Kaley , Yu Victoria , Neph Ryan , Tenn Stephen , Sheng Ke
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The thermoluminescence dosimeter (TLD) has desirable features including low cost, reusability, small size, and relatively low energy dependence. However, the commonly available poly‐crystal TLDs (e.g., TLD‐100) exhibit high interdetector variability that requires individual calibration for high detection accuracy. To improve individual TLD tracking robustness, we developed an optical fingerprinting method to identify the TLD‐100 chips.

Methods

Seven hundred and fifty‐two images were initially captured using a digital microscope camera to build a feature library for both facets of 376 TLD‐100 chips. A median intensity thresholding method was used to segment images into foreground and background. The affine transformation was used to register the segmented images to the same position. The fingerprint of each image was calculated from its registered image. All fingerprints were then recorded in an Elasticsearch® search database. The TLD fingerprint match was tested three times when the library was established and repeated once 20 months later. All chips were irradiated at 0, 1, 4, and 8 Gy on a calibrated clinical MV linac to establish the individual calibration curve.

Results

The true positive rate of identifying TLDs based on their optical fingerprints was 100% at initialization of the inventory. After 20 months and multiple deployments for characterization, calibration, and dose measurement, the true positive match rate dropped to 99% with zero false‐positive matches. The TLDs exhibited high self‐consistency in the dose–response test with R2 between 0.988 and 1 with linear regression.

Conclusions

The TLD‐100 chips surface textures are unique and sufficient to support accurate identification based on the optical fingerprinting. This method provides inexpensive and robust management of the TLDs for individual calibration and dosimetry.
Analysis of retention of gadolinium by brain, bone, and blood following linear gadolinium‐based contrast agent administration in rats with experimental sepsis
Authors: Damme Nikolas M. , Fernandez Diego P. , Wang Li‐Ming , Wu Qi , Kirk Ryan A. , Towner Rheal A. , McNally J. Scott , Hoffman John M. , Morton Kathryn A.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

It is important to identify populations that may be vulnerable to the brain deposition of gadolinium (Gd) from MRI contrast agents. At intervals from 24 hours to 6 weeks following injection of a linear Gd contrast agent, the brain, blood and bone content of Gd were compared between control rats and those with experimental endotoxin‐induced sepsis that results in neuroinflammation and blood–brain barrier disruption.

Methods

Male rats were injected intraperitoneally with 10 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide. Control animals received no injection. Twenty‐four hours later, 0.2 mmol/kg of gadobenate dimeglumine was injected intravenously. Brain, blood, and bone Gd levels were measured at 24 hours, 1 week, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy.

Results

Blood Gd decreased rapidly between 24 hours and 1 week, and thereafter was undetectable, with no significant difference between lipopolysaccharide and control rats. Brain levels of Gd were significantly higher (4.29‐2.36‐fold) and bone levels slightly higher (1.35‐1.11‐fold) in lipopolysaccharide than control rats at all time points with significant retention at 6 weeks.

Conclusion

Experimental sepsis results in significantly higher deposition of Gd in the brain and bone in rats. While blood Gd clears rapidly, brain and bone retained substantial Gd even at 6 weeks following contrast injection.
Physical and thermal properties of l‐lactide/ϵ‐caprolactone copolymers: the role of microstructural design
Authors: Phetsuk Sawarot , Molloy Robert , Nalampang Kanarat , Meepowpan Puttinan , Topham Paul D , Tighe Brian J , Punyodom Winita
Published: November 2019

Understanding the underlying role of microstructural design in polymers allows for the manipulation and control of properties for a wide range of specific applications. As such, this work focuses on the study of microstructure–property relationships in l‐lactide/ϵ‐caprolactone (LL/CL) copolymers. One‐step and two‐step bulk ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) procedures were employed to synthesize LL/CL copolymers of various compositions and chain microstructures. In the one‐step procedure, LL and CL were simultaneously copolymerized to yield P(LL‐stat‐CL) statistical copolymers. In the two‐step procedure, poly(l‐lactide) (PLL) and poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL) prepolymers were synthesized in the first step before CL and LL respectively were added in the second step to yield P[LL‐b‐(CL‐stat‐LL)‐b‐LL] and P[CL‐b‐(LL‐stat‐CL)‐b‐CL] block copolymers as the final products. The findings reveal that, in addition to the copolymerization procedure employed, the length and type of the prepolymer play important roles in determining the chain microstructure and thereby the overall properties of the final copolymer. Moreover, control over the degree of crystallinity and the type of crystalline domains, which is controlled during the polymer chemistry process, heavily influences the physical and mechanical properties of the final polymer. In summary, this work describes an interesting approach to the microstructural design of biodegradable copolymers of LL and CL for potential use in biomedical applications. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Optimal Trapezius Electrophysiological Recording Site
Authors: Kim Ki Hoon , Shin Seyoung , Kim Dong Hwee
Published: November 2019

Background

Various active recording electrode positions for the trapezius motor nerve conduction study have been suggested.

Objective

To determine the optimal recording site of the trapezius muscles in a spinal accessory nerve conduction study.

Design

Retrospective descriptive study.

Setting

Department of physical medicine and rehabilitation in a tertiary clinic center.

Participants

Thirty‐four patients between 33 and 82 years of age with preoperative head and neck cancer (68 upper and middle trapezius muscles).

Interventions

Analysis of compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) of upper and middle trapezius.

Main Outcome Measurements

CMAP latency and amplitudes were obtained at five and four recording points with constant intervals on the horizontal line of the upper and middle trapezius, respectively.

Results

The maximum CMAP amplitude of the upper trapezius was (mean ± SD) 8.5 ± 1.4 mV with the recording at the midpoint between the C7 spinous process and the lateral margin of the acromion. The maximum CMAP amplitude of the middle trapezius was 4.2 ± 1.4 mV, recorded on the horizontal line at the junction of the middle and lateral thirds between the root of the scapular spine and the vertebral spinous process.

Conclusion

The optimal recording site in motor nerve conduction study of the trapezius is the midpoint between the C7 spinous process and the acromion for the upper trapezius, and the junction of middle and lateral thirds of the line between the root of scapular spine and the vertebral spine for the middle trapezius.
Synthesis, crystal structure, hydrogen bonding interactions analysis of novel acyl thiourea derivative
Authors: Zhang Xing , Du Xiaoli , Song Jirong , Huang Jie
Published: November 2019

The N‐(p‐methoxybenzoyl)‐N′‐(2,4‐dinitrophenyl amino)thiourea has been synthesized and characterized by FT‐IR, 1H NMR, and elemental analyses techniques. Also, its molecular structure was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. It revealed that the title compound crystallizes with two unique molecules in the asymmetric unit of the orthorhombic unit cell, space group Pna2(1) with a = 18.857(5) Å, b = 8.148(2) Å, c = 22.443(6) Å, β = 90.00°, C15H13N5O6S, Mr = 391.36, V = 3448.2(15) Å3, Z = 8, Dc = 1.508 g·cm−1, F(000) = 1616, μ = 0.233 mm−1, S = 1.06, the final R = 0.0626, and wR (I > 2ϭ(I)) = 0.1392. Intramolecular NH … N, CH … N, and NH … O hydrogen bonds indicate that the molecule conformation was mostly planar. Crystal structure stacking through the NH … O, CH … O, and NH … S hydrogen bonds, and two π … π interactions arrangement revealed their conspicuous role in the stabilization of the molecular structure. The type and nature of intermolecular interactions in the crystal structure were investigated by Hirshfeld surfaces and their associated two‐dimensional fingerprint plots. Furthermore, shape index and curvedness surfaces further confirmed π … π stacking interactions with different features of molecule A and B. More importantly, the reduced density gradient (RDG) function provides a real‐space function for discussing noncovalent interactions (NCI) in title compound, including van der Waals interactions and CH … π contacts in addition to hydrogen bonding interactions within molecule.
Control of western corn rootwormviaRNAi traits in maize: lethal and sublethal effects ofSec23dsRNA
Authors: Vélez Ana M , Fishilevich Elane , Rangasamy Murugesan , Khajuria Chitvan , McCaskill David G , Pereira Adriano E , Gandra Premchand , Frey Meghan LF , Worden Sarah E , Whitlock Shannon L , Lo Wendy , Schnelle Karl D , Lutz Jamie R , Narva Kenneth E , Siegfried Blair D
Published: November 2019

Background

RNA interference (RNAi) triggered by maize plants expressing RNA hairpins against specific western corn rootworm (WCR) transcripts have proven to be effective at controlling this pest. To provide robust crop protection, mRNA transcripts targeted by double‐stranded RNA must be sensitive to knockdown and encode essential proteins.

Results

Using WCR adult feeding assays, we identifiedSec23as a highly lethal RNAi target.Sec23encodes a coatomer protein, a component of the coat protein (COPII) complex that mediates ER‐Golgi transport. The lethality detected in WCR adults was also observed in early instar larvae, the life stage causing most of the crop damage, suggesting that WCR adults can serve as an alternative to larvae for dsRNA screening. Surprisingly, over 85% transcript inhibition resulted in less than 40% protein knockdown, suggesting that complete protein knockdown is not necessary forSec23RNAi‐mediated mortality. The efficacy ofSec23dsRNA for rootworm control was confirmedin planta; T0maize events carrying rootwormSec23hairpin transgenes showed high levels of root protection in greenhouse assays. A reduction in larval survival and weight were observed in the offspring of WCR females exposed toSec23dsRNA LC25in diet bioassays.

Conclusion

We describeSec23as RNAi target forin plantarootworm control. High mortality in exposed adult and larvae and moderate sublethal effects in the offspring of females exposed toSec23dsRNA LC25, suggest the potential for field application of this RNAi trait and the need to factor in responses to sublethal exposure into insect resistance management programs. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A family affair: resistance mechanism and alternative control of three Amaranthus species resistant to acetolactate synthase inhibitors in Italy
Authors: Milani Andrea , Scarabel Laura , Sattin Maurizio
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Several soybean fields in Italy were found to be infested by multiple species of Amaranthus spp. not adequately controlled by acetolactate (ALS) inhibitor herbicides. The objectives of this research were (i) to create a simplified botanical key to identify weedy amaranths; (ii) to determine the number and type of sites of action the accession are resistant to, i.e. resistance pattern; and (iii) to determine the main resistance mechanisms involved d) to evaluate the efficacy of herbicides with different site of action.

RESULTS

An easy‐to‐use botanical key was devised and successfully used in the infested sites and results were confirmed through a species‐specific molecular marker. Amaranthus retroflexus L. (redrood pigweed) was found in three sites; plants with Asp376Glu substitution at the ALS gene were resistant to thifensulfuron‐methyl. Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) J.D.Sauer (waterhemp) and Amaranthus hybridus L. (smooth pigweed) accessions were cross‐resistant to thifensulfuron‐methyl and imazamox; most ALS‐resistant plants had a point mutation at position 574. One A. hybridus accession had the substitution Trp574Met, new for Amaranthus genus. All ALS‐resistant accessions were controlled by glyphosate and metribuzin. A. retroflexus accessions were controlled by bentazon, instead an A. hybridus and some A. tuberculatus accession were not.

CONCLUSIONS

The simplified botanical key proposed herein could be a useful tool for farmers and weed scientists to reliably identify Amaranthus species in the field. The main resistance mechanism in the three Amaranthus species is target‐site mediated. This is the first evidence of ALS‐resistant A. tuberculatus outside its native North American range. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry