bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple DICER1‐related tumors in a child with a large interstitial 14q32 deletion
Authors: de Kock Leanne , Geoffrion Dominique , Rivera Barbara , Wagener Rabea , Sabbaghian Nelly , Bens Susanne , Ellezam Benjamin , Bouron‐Dal Soglio Dorothée , Ordóñez Jessica , Sacharow Stephanie , Polo Nieto Jose Fernando , Guillerman R. Paul , Vujanic Gordan M. , Priest John R. , Siebert Reiner , Foulkes William D.
Published: January 2018

Germ‐line interstitial deletions involving the 14q32 chromosomal region, resulting in 14q32 deletion syndrome, are rare. DICER1 is a recently described cancer‐predisposition gene located at 14q32.13. We report the case of a male child with a ∼5.8 Mbp 14q32.13q32.2 germ‐line deletion, which included the full DICER1 locus. We reviewed available clinical and pathological material, and conducted genetic analyses. In addition to having congenital dysmorphic features, the child developed multiple DICER1 syndrome‐related tumors before age 5 y: a pediatric cystic nephroma (pCN), a ciliary body medulloepithelioma (CBME), and a small lung cyst (consistent with occult pleuropulmonary blastoma Type I/Ir cysts seen in DICER1 mutation carriers). He also developed a cerebral spindle‐cell sarcoma with myogenous differentiation. Our investigations revealed that the deletion encompassed 31 protein‐coding genes. In addition to the germ‐line DICER1 deletion, somatic DICER1 RNase IIIb mutations were found in the CBME (c.5437G > A, p.E1813K), pCN (c.5425G > A, p.G1809R), and sarcoma (c.5125G > A, p.D1709N). The sarcoma also harbored a somatic TP53 mutation: c.844C > T, p.R282W. Additional copy number alterations were identified in the CBME and sarcoma using an OncoScan array. Among the 8 cases with molecularly‐defined 14q32 deletions involving DICER1 and for whom phenotypic information is available, our patient and one other developed DICER1‐related tumors. Biallelic DICER1 mutations have not previously been reported to cause cerebral sarcoma, which now may be considered a rare manifestation of the DICER1 syndrome. Our study shows that DICER1‐related tumors can occur in children with 14q32 deletions and suggests surveillance for such tumors may be warranted.
A window‐less approach for capturing time‐varying connectivity in fMRI data reveals the presence of states with variable rates of change
Authors: Yaesoubi Maziar , Adalı Tülay , Calhoun Vince D.
Published: January 2018

Functional connectivity during the resting state has been shown to change over time (i.e., has a dynamic connectivity). However, resting‐state fluctuations, in contrast to task‐based experiments, are not initiated by an external stimulus. Consequently, a more complicated method needs to be designed to measure the dynamic connectivity. Previous approaches have been based on assumptions regarding the nature of the underlying dynamic connectivity to compensate for this knowledge gap. The most common assumption is what we refer to as locality assumption. Under a locality assumption, a single connectivity state can be estimated from data that are close in time. This assumption is so natural that it has been either explicitly or implicitly embedded in many current approaches to capture dynamic connectivity. However, an important drawback of methods using this assumption is they are unable to capture dynamic changes in connectivity beyond the embedded rate while, there has been no evidence that the rate of change in brain connectivity matches the rates enforced by this assumption. In this study, we propose an approach that enables us to capture functional connectivity with arbitrary rates of change, varying from very slow to the theoretically maximum possible rate of change, which is only imposed by the sampling rate of the imaging device. This method allows us to observe unique patterns of connectivity that were not observable with previous approaches. As we explain further, these patterns are also significantly correlated to the age and gender of study subjects, which suggests they are also neurobiologically related.
Critical evaluation of international health programs: Reframing global health and evaluation
Authors: Chi Chunhuei , Tuepker Anaïs , Schoon Rebecca , Núñez Mondaca Alicia
Published: January 2018

Striking changes in the funding and implementation of international health programs in recent decades have stimulated debate about the role of communities in deciding which health programs to implement. An important yet neglected piece of that discussion is the need to change norms in program evaluation so that analysis of community ownership, beyond various degrees of “participation,” is seen as central to strong evaluation practices. This article challenges mainstream evaluation practices and proposes a framework of Critical Evaluation with 3 levels: upstream evaluation assessing the “who” and “how” of programming decisions; midstream evaluation focusing on the “who” and “how” of selecting program objectives; and downstream evaluation, the focus of current mainstream evaluation, which assesses whether the program achieved its stated objectives. A vital tenet of our framework is that a community possesses the right to determine the path of its health development. A prerequisite of success, regardless of technical outcomes, is that programs must address communities' high priority concerns. Current participatory methods still seldom practice community ownership of program selection because they are vulnerable to funding agencies' predetermined priorities. In addition to critiquing evaluation practices and proposing an alternative framework, we acknowledge likely challenges and propose directions for future research.
Building employee resilience through wellbeing in organizations
Authors: Tonkin Karen , Malinen Sanna , Näswall Katharina , Kuntz Joana C.
Published: January 2018

The resilience of employees has been recently identified as essential to organizational adaptability in uncertain and dynamic business environments. Yet little is known about how the resilience of employees can be developed. The present study investigated the effect of a wellbeing intervention on two forms of individual resilience: employees' stress‐coping ability (personal resilience) and resilient workplace behaviors (employee resilience). All participants (n = 209) completed an online wellbeing and resilience survey, and a subset of 145 participants took part in a workplace wellbeing intervention for a period of one month, followed by a second survey. The results indicated that personal and employee resilience are two related, but distinct, constructs. Further, following the wellbeing intervention, personal resilience remained stable, but small increases were noted in levels of employee resilience and aspects of wellbeing. Theoretical and practical implications of this research to employee resilience development are discussed.
Cross‐level effects of support climate: Main and moderating roles
Authors: Takeuchi Riki , Way Sean A. , Tian Amy Wei
Published: January 2018

Using a sample composed of 701 food and beverage managers nested in 120 units and 40 Asian hotel properties, in the current study we investigated the effects of unit high‐performance work system (HPWS) use and unit support climate on individual unit members' human resource outcomes (job performance behaviors: in‐role and organizational citizenship behaviors). The results support the hypothesized relationships among unit HPWS use, unit support climate, individual affective commitment, and individual job performance behaviors. The current study's findings illuminate the ways (e.g., mediation and moderation) in which the unit support climate advances positive organizationally relevant individual‐level human resource outcomes. Findings, implications, and limitations as well as avenues for future research are discussed.
Lack of diversification among employee stock owners: An empirical evaluation of behavioral explanations
Authors: Pendleton Andrew , Robinson Andrew
Published: January 2018

The article considers the reasons for employees holding large proportions of their financial savings and investments in company stock, drawing on explanations proposed in the behavioral finance literature. Utilizing data from a survey of employees participating in the United Kingdom Save as You Earn stock options and savings scheme, it is found that substantial proportions of stock owners hold sizeable concentrations of employer stock. Several explanations for this risky behavior are tested, with familiarity, reciprocity, and inertia found to be associated with portfolio concentration. Organizational commitment and “naïve extrapolation” from recent stock prices are not. The implications for theory and practice are considered.
Preschool life skills: Recent advancements and future directions
Authors: Fahmie Tara A. , Luczynski Kevin C.
Published: January 2018

Over the past decade, researchers have replicated and extended research on the preschool life skills (PLS) program developed by Hanley, Heal, Tiger, and Ingvarsson (2007). This review summarizes recent research with respect to maximizing skill acquisition, improving generality, evaluating feasibility and acceptability, and testing predictions of the initial PLS study. For each area, we suggest directions for future research.
The Interaction of BMP2‐Induced Defect Healing in Rat and Fixator Stiffness Modulates Matrix Alignment and Contraction
Authors: Schwarz Carolin , Ott Claus‐Eric , Wulsten Dag , Brauer Erik , Schreivogel Sophie , Petersen Ansgar , Hassanein Kerstin , Roewer Linda , Schmidt Tanja , Willie Bettina M , Duda Georg N
Published: January 2018

Successful fracture healing requires a tight interplay between mechanical and biological cues. In vitro studies illustrated that mechanical loading modulates bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. However, in the early phases of large bone defect regeneration in vivo, the underlying mechanisms leading to this mechanosensation remained unknown. We investigated the interaction of BMP2 stimulation and mechanical boundary conditions in a rat critical‐sized femoral defect model (5 mm) stabilized with three distinctly different external fixator stiffness. Defects were treated with 5 μg rhBMP2 loaded on an absorbable collagen sponge. Early matrix alignment was monitored by second‐harmonic generation imaging. Bony bridging of defects and successive healing was monitored by histology at day 7 and day 14 as well as in vivo microCT at days 10, 21, and 42 post‐operation. Femora harvested at day 42 were characterized mechanically assessing torsional load to failure ex vivo. At tissue level, differences between groups were visible at day 14 with manifest bone formation in the microCT. Histologically, we observed prolonged chondrogenesis upon flexible fixation, whereas osteogenesis started earlier after rigid and semirigid fixation. At later time points, there was a boost of bone tissue formation upon flexible fixation, whereas other groups already displayed signs of tissue maturation. Based on gene expression profiling, we analyzed the mechanobiological interplay. Already at day 3, these analyses revealed differences in expression pattern, specifically of genes involved in extracellular matrix formation. Gene regulation correlating with fixator stiffness was pronounced at day 7 comprising genes related to immunological processes and cellular contraction. The influence of loading on matrix contraction was further investigated and confirmed in a 3D bioreactor. Taken together, we demonstrate an early onset of mechanical conditions influencing BMP2‐induced defect healing and shed light on gene regulatory networks associated with extracellular matrix organization and contraction that seemed to directly impact healing outcomes. © 2018 The Authors. JBMR Plus is published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
MicroRNA‐1271 suppresses the proliferation and invasion of colorectal cancer cells by regulating metadherin/Wnt signaling
Authors: Sun Xiaoli , Zhai Hongjun , Chen Xi , Kong Ranran , Zhang Xinwu
Published: January 2018

Recent studies have reported an important role for microRNA‐1271 (miR‐1271) in tumorigenesis. However, the role of miR‐1271 in colorectal cancer remains unknown. Here, we found that miR‐1271 was significantly decreased in colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR‐1271 inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, cell invasion, and induced cell cycle arrest in colorectal cancer cells. Metadherin (MTDH) was identified as a target gene of miR‐1271. Moreover, miR‐1271 negatively regulated MTDH expression in colorectal cancer cells and reversely correlated with MTDH expression in colorectal cancer specimens. Additionally, miR‐1271 also regulated the activation of Wnt signaling in colorectal cancer cells. The restoration of MTDH expression significantly reversed the antitumor effect of miR‐1271 in colorectal cancer cells. These findings indicate an important role for miR‐1271/MTDH in the tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer, and suggest that miR‐1271 may be a novel therapeutic target for colorectal cancer.
Curcumin ameliorates doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity by abrogation of inflammation, apoptosis, oxidative DNA damage, and protein oxidation in rats
Authors: Benzer Fulya , Kandemir Fatih Mehmet , Ozkaraca Mustafa , Kucukler Sefa , Caglayan Cuneyt
Published: January 2018

Doxorubicin (DXR) is a highly effective drug for chemotherapy. However, cardiotoxicity reduces its clinical utility in humans. The present study aimed to assess the ameliorative effect of curcumin against DXR‐induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Rats were subjected to oral treatment of curcumin (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) for 7 days. Cardiotoxicity was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of DXR (40 mg/kg body weight) on the 5th day and the rats sacrificed on 8th day. Curcumin ameliorated DXR‐induced lipid peroxidation, glutathione depletion, decrease in antioxidant (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) enzyme activities, and cardiac toxicity markers (CK‐MB, LDH, and cTn‐I). Curcumin also attenuated activities of Caspase‐3, cyclooxygenase‐2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and levels of nuclear factor kappa‐B, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and interleukin‐1β, and cardiac tissue damages that were induced by DXR. Moreover, curcumin decreased the expression of 8‐OHdG and 3,3′‐dityrosine. This study demonstrated that curcumin has a multi‐cardioprotective effect due to its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties.
EGF is highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and promotes motility of HCC cells via fibronectin
Authors: Liu Zongcai , Chen Danyang , Ning Fen , Du Jun , Wang Haifang
Published: January 2018

Better understanding of metastasis process would allow for the development of effective approaches to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent literature has highlighted the fundamental role of interaction between tumor cells and their microenvironment components in tumor metastasis. Aberrant expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) induces highly malignant HCC, and activated EGF/EGFR signaling is correlated with an aggressive phenotype and intrahepatic metastasis. Thus, EGF in the tumor microenvironment may influence the behavior of HCC cells. In this study, for the first time, we studied the expression of EGF in HCCs, and the potential role of EGF in the motility of HCC cells and the underlying mechanisms. It was demonstrated that EGF was highly expressed in HCCs and positively associated with higher tumor grade. In addition, EGF promoted the migration and invasion of HCC cells mainly via induction of fibronectin (FN) in vitro. Mechanistically, EGF simultaneously increased the nuclear translocation and PKC mediated phosphorylation of p65 which could bind to the −356 bp to −259 bp fragment of FN promoter, leading to a markedly increased activity of FN promoter in HCC cells. These results highlight the potential role of EGF in promoting HCC metastasis, demonstrate a novel pathway for regulation of FN expression and provide potential targets for HCC prevention and treatment.
Retracted: MicroRNA‐494 regulates Gli3 expression and inhibits pancreatic cancer cells growth and migration
Authors: Ma Yongbiao , Li Gaoxue , Hu Jingxia , Liu Xin , Shi Baomin
Published: January 2018

MicroRNA (miR)‐494 has been identified as a predictor and inhibitor in pancreatic cancer. This study aimed to explore the role of miR‐494 in pancreatic cancer cells, and the regulation of glioma‐associated oncogene 3 (Gli3) by miR‐494. The mRNA level of Gli3 in 99 pairs of pancreatic cancer and correspondingly adjacent tissues was monitored by qRT‐PCR. Correlation of Gli3 expression with miR‐494 level was assessed by Pearson χ2 test. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was used to detect whether Gli3 was a target of miR‐494. Following miR‐494 mimics and miR‐494 inhibitor transfection, the changes in cell viability and migration were detected by using CCK‐8 and Transwell chamber. Furthermore, Gli3 siRNA was co‐transfected with miR‐494 inhibitor, and then cell viability and migration were redetected. Result showed that, the mRNA level of Gli3 in tumor tissues was higher than in the adjacent tissues (P < 0.01). There were 45 in 99 patients with pancreatic cancer expressed Gli3, and significant correlations were observed between the Gli3 level and vascular invasion (P = 0.04), distant metastasis (P = 0.001), and histologic grade (P = 0.03). Gli3 was a direct target of miR‐494 (P < 0.01) and it was negatively related by miR‐494 (P < 0.01). Overexpression of miR‐494 suppressed PANC‐1 cells viability (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, or P < 0.001) and migration (P < 0.01). Additionally, Gli3 silence suppresses miR‐494 suppression‐induced cell viability and migration (P < 0.01). In conclusion, these data demonstrate miR‐494 exhibits tumor‐suppressive effects on pancreatic cancer, possibly via targeting Gli3.
The general setting for the zero‐flux condition: The lagrangian and zero‐flux conditions that give the heisenberg equation of motion
Authors: Anderson James S. M. , Ayers Paul W.
Published: January 2018

Generalizing our recent work on relativistic generalizations of the quantum theory of atoms in molecules, we present the general setting under which the principle of stationary action for a region leads to open quantum subsystems. The approach presented here is general and works for any Hamiltonian, and when a reasonable Lagrangian is selected, it often leads to the integral of the Laplacian of the electron density on the region vanishing as a necessary condition for the zero‐flux surface. Alternatively, with this method, one can design a Lagrangian that leads to a surface of interest (though this Lagrangian may not be, and indeed probably will not be, “reasonable”). For any reasonable Lagrangian for the electronic wave function and any two‐component method (related by integration by parts to the Hamiltonian) considered, the Bader definition of an atom is recaptured. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collision‐free poisson motion planning in ultra high‐dimensional molecular conformation spaces
Authors: Fonseca Rasmus , Budday Dominik , van den Bedem Henry
Published: January 2018

The function of protein, RNA, and DNA is modulated by fast, dynamic exchanges between three‐dimensional conformations. Conformational sampling of biomolecules with exact and nullspace inverse kinematics, using rotatable bonds as revolute joints and noncovalent interactions as holonomic constraints, can accurately characterize these native ensembles. However, sampling biomolecules remains challenging owing to their ultra‐high dimensional configuration spaces, and the requirement to avoid (self‐) collisions, which results in low acceptance rates. Here, we present two novel mechanisms to overcome these limitations. First, we introduce temporary constraints between near‐colliding links. The resulting constraint varieties instantaneously redirect the search for collision‐free conformations, and couple motions between distant parts of the linkage. Second, we adapt a randomized Poisson‐disk motion planner, which prevents local oversampling and widens the search, to ultra‐high dimensions. Tests on several model systems show that the sampling acceptance rate can increase from 16% to 70%, and that the conformational coverage in loop modeling measured as average closeness to existing loop conformations doubled. Correlated protein motions identified with our algorithm agree with those from MD simulations. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spin density accuracy and distribution in azido Cu(II) complexes: A source function analysis
Authors: Macetti Giovanni , Lo Presti Leonardo , Gatti Carlo
Published: January 2018

Magnetic properties of open‐shell systems depend on their unpaired electron density distribution. Accurate spin density (SD) is difficult to retrieve, both from polarized neutron diffraction (PND) data and from quantum approaches, and its interpretation is not trivial. The Source Function is a useful tool to interpret SD distributions and their accuracy. It is here applied to analyze and compare the theoretical SD in a weakly ferromagnetically coupled end‐end azido dicopper complex with that in a strongly‐coupled end‐on complex. The Source Function enables to highlight the origin of the SD differences between the two dicopper complexes and among adopted computational approaches (CASSCF, DFT, UHF). Further insight is provided by partial Source Function SD reconstructions using given subsets of atoms. DFT methods exaggerate electron sharing between copper and the ligands, causing spin delocalization toward them and overestimating metal‐ligand spin polarization, while underestimating CASSCF spin information transmission between atoms. CAS(10,10) SD is closer to the PND SD than other adopted methods © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ionization of the Conformers of cis Nanotubular Cyclic Peptides in the Gas Phase: Effect of Size and Conformation on Ionization
Authors: Karachi Sara , Farrokhpour Hossein , Abyar Fatemeh
Published: January 2018

Cyclic peptides, because of their unique spatial conformations, simplicity, and limited conformational freedom, are widely used as model molecules for larger peptides in chemistry and biochemistry. In this work, the ionization energies and photoelectron spectra of different conformers of the cyclic peptides (n = 2–15) were calculated using the symmetry‐adapted cluster‐configuration interaction (SAC‐CI) method and D95 + (d,p) basis set in the gas phase. The calculated photoelectron spectra were used to study the electronic structures of the cyclic peptides. It was observed that the first ionization energy of the cyclic peptides decreases with the ring size, reaches a minimum, and then increases. In addition, the first ionization band of the cyclic peptides was assigned to the ionization of the lone electron pairs of the nitrogen atoms, although there are π electrons of the CO bond and the lone electron pairs of oxygen atoms in the structure of the peptides.
Examination of interoception along the suicidality continuum
Authors: Rogers Megan L. , Hagan Christopher R. , Joiner Thomas E.
Published: January 2018

Objective

Interoception deficits have been associated with various points on the suicidality continuum. Most research, however, has focused on general, rather than specific facets of, interoception. This study compared individuals with lifetime suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts using a multidimensional assessment of interoception.

Method

A total of 537 adults completed measures of their interoception and lifetime suicide histories.

Results

Individuals with lifetime suicidal ideation reported more worry about their bodily sensations. Those with lifetime suicide attempts reported a greater tendency to distract themselves from bodily sensations and less self‐regulation using bodily sensations. Individuals at all points of the suicidality continuum reported less trust of their bodily sensations.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that interoception may be impaired in those with a history of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Longitudinal designs are needed to parse apart the interplay of these variables and directionality of these relationships.
The acoustics of therapeutic subjectivity and their impact on the resonance of mutual recognition
Authors: Steinfeld Matthew
Published: January 2018

This paper addresses how musical metaphors can be useful in understanding the substructure of psychotherapy by considering how our patients resonate inside us, what that resonance does to and for us, and how these acoustic properties seem to be foundational in the construction of the therapist as an instrument of healing. From this perspective, psychotherapy involves “living music” with another person, as the process of psychotherapy always involves the passing of sound back and forth across an interpersonal divide. This requires both psychotherapist and patient to step into the roles of performer and audience member. Additionally, psychotherapists can be meaningfully thought of not only as an “instrument” of healing, but also an “instrumentalist” who produces unique “therapeutic music.” Moreover, the patient and therapist cocreate the concert space in which treatment is performed. This concert space has unique “architectural,” and thus acoustic, properties within which we hear and remember one another.
miR‐542‐3p prevents ovariectomy‐induced osteoporosis in rats via targeting SFRP1
Authors: Zhang Xiguang , Zhu Yun , Zhang Chuanlin , Liu Jianping , Sun Tianming , Li Dan , Na Qiang , Xian Cory J. , Wang Liping , Teng Zhaowei
Published: January 2018

Secreted frizzled‐related protein‐1 (SFRP1) is a negative regulatory molecule of the WNT signaling pathway and serves as a therapeutic target for bone formation in osteoporosis. In this study, we first established an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model to simulate postmenopausal osteoporosis and found significant changes in miR‐542‐3p and sFRP1 expression by RNA sequencing and qRT‐PCR. In addition, there was a significant negative correlation between miR‐542‐3p and sFRP1 mRNA levels in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. We found that miR‐542‐3p inhibited the expression of sFRP1 mRNA by luciferase reporter assay. When the miR‐542‐3p binding site in sFRP1 3'UTR was deleted, it did not affect its expression. Western blot results showed that miR‐542‐3p inhibited the expression of SFRP1 protein. The expression of SFRP1 was significantly increased in osteoblast‐induced mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), whereas the expression of miR‐542‐3p was significantly decreased. And miR‐542‐3p transfected MSCs showed a significant increase in osteoblast‐specific marker expression, indicating that miR‐542‐3p is necessary for MSC differentiation. Inhibition of miR‐542‐3p reduced bone formation, confirmed miR‐542‐3p play a role in bone formation in vivo. In general, these data suggest that miR‐542‐3p play an important role in bone formation via inhibiting SFRP1 expression and inducing osteoblast differentiation.
BK channels blockage inhibits hypoxia‐induced migration and chemoresistance to cisplatin in human glioblastoma cells
Authors: Rosa Paolo , Catacuzzeno Luigi , Sforna Luigi , Mangino Giorgio , Carlomagno Silvia , Mincione Gabriella , Petrozza Vincenzo , Ragona Giuseppe , Franciolini Fabio , Calogero Antonella
Published: January 2018

Glioblastoma (GBM) cells express large‐conductance, calcium‐activated potassium (BK) channels, whose activity is important for several critical aspects of the tumor, such as migration/invasion and cell death. GBMs are also characterized by a heavy hypoxic microenvironment that exacerbates tumor aggressiveness. Since hypoxia modulates the activity of BK channels in many tissues, we hypothesized that a hypoxia‐induced modulation of these channels may contribute to the hypoxia‐induced GBM aggressiveness. In U87‐MG cells, hypoxia induced a functional upregulation of BK channel activity, without interfering with their plasma membrane expression. Wound healing and transwell migration assays showed that hypoxia increased the migratory ability of U87‐MG cells, an effect that could be prevented by BK channel inhibition. Toxicological experiments showed that hypoxia was able to induce chemoresistance to cisplatin in U87‐MG cells and that the inhibition of BK channels prevented the hypoxia‐induced chemoresistance. Clonogenic assays showed that BK channels are also used to increase the clonogenic ability of U87‐MG GBM cells in presence, but not in absence, of cisplatin. BK channels were also found to be essential for the hypoxia‐induced de‐differentiation of GBM cells. Finally, using immunohistochemical analysis, we highlighted the presence of BK channels in hypoxic areas of human GBM tissues, suggesting that our findings may have physiopathological relevance in vivo. In conclusion, our data show that BK channels promote several aspects of the aggressive potential of GBM cells induced by hypoxia, such as migration and chemoresistance to cisplatin, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of GBM.
Effects of response preference on resistance to change
Authors: Ringdahl Joel E. , Berg Wendy K. , Wacker David P. , Crook Kayla , Molony Maggie A. , Vargo Kristina K. , Neurnberger Jodi E. , Zabala Karla , Taylor Christopher J.
Published: January 2018

Treatments based on differential reinforcement of alternative behavior, such as functional communication training, are widely used. Research regarding the maintenance of related treatment effects is limited. Nevin and Wacker (2013) provided a conceptual framework, rooted in behavioral momentum theory, for the study of treatment maintenance that addressed two components: (a) reemergence of problem behavior, and (b) continued expression of appropriate behavior. In the few studies on this topic, focus has been on variables impacting the reemergence of problem behavior, with fewer studies evaluating the persistence of appropriate behavior. Given the findings from applied research related to functional communication training, variables related to response topography, such as response preference, may impact this aspect of maintenance. In the current study, the impact of response preference on persistence was evaluated in the context of functional communication training for individuals who did not exhibit problem behavior (Experiment 1) and for individuals with a history of reinforcement for problem behavior (Experiment 2). High‐preferred mands were more persistent than low‐preferred mands. These findings suggest that response related variables, such as response preference, impact response persistence and further suggest that response related variables should be considered when developing interventions such as functional communication training.
Field of view scanning based quantitative interferometric microscopic cytometers for cellular imaging and analysis
Authors: Yan Keding , Xue Liang , Wang Shouyu
Published: January 2018

Microimaging is of great significance in the biological and medical fields, since it can realize observations acting as important references for cellular research and disease diagnosis. However, traditional microscopy only offers qualitative sample contours; moreover, it is difficult to reach large‐amount sample observations limited by the fixed field of view (FoV). To realize massive cellular measurements quantitatively, three designed quantitative interferometric microscopic cytometers based on the FoV scanning are introduced and compared in details in this article. These devices not only retrieve the quantitative sample phase distributions in the extended FoV, but also provide the detailed information of massive cells, such as cellular volume, area, and roundness. Considering their capabilities as quantitative imaging and large‐amount sampling, it is believed that these quantitative interferometric microscopic cytometers (QIMCs) can be potentially adopted in high‐throughput cell imaging and statistical analysis for both the biological and medical applications.
Differences between serious and nonserious patient safety incidents in the largest hospital district in Finland
Authors: Jämsä Juho Olavi , Palojoki Sari Hannele , Lehtonen Lasse , Tapper Anna‐Maija
Published: January 2018

Objectives

To determine if and in what ways serious patient safety incidents differ from nonserious patient safety incidents.

Methods

Statistical analysis was performed on patient safety incident reports that were reported in 2015 in Finland's largest hospital district (Helsinki and Uusimaa, HUS). Reports were divided into two groups: nonserious incidents and serious incidents. Differences between groups were studied from several types of categorically divided information.

Results

Of the total number of reports (15,863), 1% were serious incidents (175). Serious and nonserious incidents differed significantly from each other. Serious incidents concerning laboratory, imaging, or medical equipment were more common. On the other hand, incidents concerning medication, infusion, and blood transfusion were less frequent. In serious incidents, the proportion of doctors reporting was greater, and contributing factors were better recognized, the most common being working of procedures.

Conclusions

In the future, special attention should be given to the particular aspects of serious patient safety incidents, such as safe use of medical equipment, training, and handling of procedures. Root cause analysis is an effective way to handle serious incidents and enables the prevention of their reoccurrence. However, a systematic follow‐up of the root cause analysis should be developed.
Design of nonapeptide LVFFARKHH: A bifunctional agent against Cu2+‐mediated amyloid β‐protein aggregation and cytotoxicity
Authors: Zhang Huan , Zhang Chong , Dong Xiao‐Yan , Zheng Jie , Sun Yan
Published: January 2018

Dysfunctional accumulation of amyloid β‐protein (Aβ) mediated by Cu2+ exhibits higher neurotoxicity and accelerates the progress of Alzheimer's disease, so inhibition of Cu2+‐mediated Aβ aggregation and cytotoxicity has been considered as a therapeutic strategy for the disease. Herein, a nonapeptide was designed by linking HH to the C‐terminus of a peptide inhibitor of Aβ aggregation, LVFFARK (LK7). We found that the nonapeptide, LK7‐HH, possessed dual functionality, including enhanced inhibition capability on Aβ aggregation as compared to LK7, and chelating Cu2+ with a dissociation constant of 5.50 μM. This enabled LK7‐HH to arrest the generation of reactive oxygen species catalyzed by Cu2+ or Cu2+‐Aβ complex, and to inhibit Cu2+‐induced Aβ aggregation. Moreover, in contrast with the cytotoxicity of LK7 aggregates, LK7‐HH was biocompatible because HH conjugation made its aggregation behavior different from LK7. Thus, LK7‐HH efficiently suppressed Cu2+‐mediated Aβ aggregation and cytotoxicity. An equimolar concentration of LK7‐HH increased cell viability from 50% to 90% when treating Aβ40‐Cu2+ complexes. The results provided insights into the roles of HH in enhancing the inhibition of Aβ and Cu2+‐induced Aβ aggregations, in eliminating Cu2+‐induced cytotoxicities by arresting generation of reactive oxygen species, and in making the peptide biocompatible. Therefore, this work would contribute to the design of potent peptide‐based inhibitors of Cu2+‐mediated Aβ aggregation and cytotoxicity.
Optimal design of analog active filters using symbiotic organisms search
Authors: Dib Nihad , El‐Asir Bassam
Published: January 2018

This paper investigates the optimal design of analog active filters using the symbiotic organisms search (SOS) algorithm. Symbiotic organisms search is a newly proposed global optimization method that is inspired by the symbiotic interaction strategies between different organisms in an ecosystem. In SOS, the 3 common types of symbiotic relationships (mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism) are modeled using simple expressions, which are used to find the global minimum of the fitness function. Unlike other methods, SOS is free of tuning parameters, which makes it an attractive optimization method. Here, SOS is used to determine the values of the passive components (resistors and capacitors) used in active filters. Two active filter topologies, fourth‐order Butterworth low‐pass filter and second‐order state variable low‐pass filter, are considered. The components values are chosen from several standard industrial series (E12, E24, and E96). The results obtained using SOS are compared with those obtained using several optimization methods, like particle swarm optimization, seeker optimization algorithm, differential evolution, and other ones. It is shown that the SOS is a robust straightforward evolutionary algorithm that can outperform other well‐known methods.
The influence of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation on North Central China precipitation during boreal autumn
Authors: Qin Minhua , Li Dongliang , Dai Aiguo , Hua Wenjian , Ma Hedi
Published: January 2018

Decadal variations in autumn (September–October–November, SON) precipitation over North Central China since the 1940s are investigated using observations and reanalysis data. They are found to be significantly correlated negatively with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). Further analyses indicate that the inter‐decadal changes in SON precipitation over North Central China result from anomaly patterns in the large‐scale atmospheric circulation in the mid‐latitude Northern Hemisphere associated with the PDO. Specifically, during the negative phase of the PDO (1945–1976 and 2003–2014), an anomalous low pressure and cyclonic circulation are seen west of Lake Baikal, while positive pressure anomalies are located over the East Asia‐Japan‐North Pacific region, which weakens the East Asian trough (EAT). The weakened EAT favours southerly winds over North Central China. The negative pressure anomalies around Mongolia and Lake Baikal induce large‐scale ascent motion to the west of the EAT, which also produces southerly advection of warm and moist air into North Central China, leading to increased precipitation there. These results reinforce the notion that PDO has a large impact on SON rainfall over North Central China on decadal timescales and highlight the need to further examine how the PDO induces the Eurasia atmospheric teleconnection pattern (e.g. East Atlantic/Western Russia pattern).
Insulin Instability in Parenteral Nutrition Admixtures
Authors: Forchielli Maria Luisa , Bongiovanni Franco , Platé Livia , Piazza Giulia , Puggioli Cristina , D'Alise Antonietta , Bersani Germana
Published: January 2018

Background

Biosynthetic human recombinant short‐acting insulin is added to parenteral nutrition (PN) admixtures to nourish glucose‐intolerant patients. Insulin, however, is electrostatically attracted and inactivated by ethyl‐vinyl‐acetate (EVA) bags and filling system tubes. Our aim was to verify and quantify the presence of insulin in PN with and without intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE), just after addition (T0) until the infusion's end (T24).

Methods

Four undiluted samples of 12 different PN complete admixtures (6 with ILE and 6 without), each containing 250 g of glucose in a 2000 mL volume, were taken and analyzed at T0 and T24 by an automated electrochemiluminescence immunoassay after the addition of biosynthetic human recombinant short‐acting insulin at increasing doses (from 6 to 72 IU/bag) by an automated compounding device. Assay sensitivity was set at 2 μIU/mL. Admixtures with and without ILE were compared in terms of insulin‐detected amounts at T0 and T24.

Results

Regardless of the amount initially provided, insulin was missing in PN without ILE. In admixtures with ILE, the greater the insulin and ILE doses initially included, the higher the insulin availability at T0 and T24, both in absolute terms and as a percentage of the initial amount (from 3 to 81% at T0 and from 2.5 to 72.5% at T24). ILE may prevent insulin attraction to plastic surfaces.

Conclusions

Insulin is recovered in the presence of ILE in PN even though considerable amounts are untraceable. This aspect needs verification. Until then, insulin should safely be injected in a different manner in uncontrolled situations.
Effect of Delaying Replacement of Parenteral Nutrition Intravenous Administration Sets: Preclinical Experiments and a Dynamic Laboratory Model of Microbial Colonization
Authors: Gavin Nicole Clare , McMillan David , Keogh Samantha , Choudhury Md Abu , Ray‐Barruel Gillian , Rickard Claire M.
Published: January 2018

Background

Recommendations prescribe daily intravenous administration set (IVAS) replacement for parenteral nutrition (PN) comprising intravenous fat emulsions (IVFE) due to risk of micro‐organism growth and resultant central‐line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), but system disconnection for this practice may allow contamination and CLABSIs.

Materials and Methods

Laboratory experiments and model development were used to simulate PN administration after contamination from healthcare workers’ hands. This study observed the growth of micro‐organisms known to cause CLABSIs in a variety of PN and other IV fluids and developed a model to investigate the effect of delaying IVAS replacement on microbial growth for up to 7 days.

Results

Micro‐organisms grew at different rates and were affected by solution type. In static experiments, growth was supported in IVFE and all‐in‐one PN, but suppressed in 50% glucose. Growth patterns were consistent over time for Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans in IVFE, all‐in‐one PN, and 0.9% sodium chloride in both static and dynamic experiments. C. albicans grew exponentially to clinically significant numbers in all‐in‐one PN and IVFE IVAS after 30 hours, but negligible growth of S. epidermidis or S. aureus occurred for 7 days.

Conclusion

All‐in‐one PN and IVFE support the C. albicans growth after minimal initial contamination, with micro‐organisms migrating from the fluid bag to the central venous access device. Improved aseptic nontouch technique during clinical practice is vital to prevent contamination. Daily IVAS replacement of for all‐in‐one PN and IVFE should continue until the safety of prolonging IVAS replacement is confirmed by randomized trials.
A New Model for Non‐Lipid Compounded Neonatal Parenteral Nutrition Solution Osmolality
Authors: Borenstein Sivan , Mack Ellen , Palmer Katherine , Cat Tram , Gibson Leena Caroline , Sandhu Meenu , Wang Jinyuan , Simmons Charles F.
Published: January 2018

Background

Osmotic stress is a physical risk factor for adverse events related to peripheral parenteral nutrition (PN) administration, such as infiltration. We sought to improve prediction of compounded PN osmolality utilizing basic nutrient solutions available to North American neonatal intensive care units. This study tested the hypothesis that calculated osmolarity underestimates osmolality in compounded PN.

Methods

Osmolarity (mOsm/L) was calculated utilizing commercial software. Osmolality (mOsm/kg) was determined by a freezing‐point depression micro‐osmometer. The relationship between calculated osmolarity and measured osmolality was modeled from linear or polynomial regression analysis using the least squares method. Regression models were based upon calculated osmolarity and included various combinations of PN components.

Results

Calculated osmolarity significantly underestimated measured osmolality in all PN samples (n = 363). Based upon the osmolality of PN and the basic nutrient solutions, we determined a polynomial regression that effectively corrects for the osmolal gap (measured osmolality‐calculated osmolarity) in the validation set (R2 = 0.99367). The unbiased analysis corrected for the osmolal gap based on individual solute behaviors, as well as the solute‐solute interactions in compounded solutions.

Conclusions

Calculated osmolarity (mOsm/L) significantly underestimates the osmolality (mOsm/kg) in compounded PN. We developed a new algorithm to more accurately predict PN osmolality based upon calculated osmolarity from commercial software and composition of neonatal basic nutrient solutions used in North America. We propose that use of this PN algorithm will facilitate future studies to determine whether a causal association exists between PN osmolality and adverse events, and to establish safe thresholds for PN concentration in neonates.
Statistical modeling for estimating glucosinolate content in Chinese cabbage by growth conditions
Authors: Kim Do‐Gyun , Shim Joon‐Yong , Ko Myung‐Jun , Chung Sun‐Ok , Chowdhury Milon , Lee Wang‐Hee
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Glucosinolate in Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L. ssp. pekinensis (Lour.) Rupr) has potential benefits for human health, and its content is affected by growth conditions. In this study, we used a statistical model to identify the relationship between glucosinolate content and growth conditions, and to predict glucosinolate content in Chinese cabbage.

RESULT

Multiple regression analysis was employed to develop the model's growth condition parameters of growing period, temperature, humidity and glucosinolate content measured in Chinese cabbage grown in a plant factory. The developed model was represented by a second‐order multi‐polynomial equation with two independent parameters: growth duration and temperature (adjusted R2 = 0.81), and accurately predicted glucosinolate content after 14 days of seeding.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this study presents the first statistical model for evaluating glucosinolate content, suggesting a useful methodology for designing glucosinolate‐related experiments, and optimizing glucosinolate content in Chinese cabbage cultivation. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Soil organic matter doubles the cation exchange capacity of tropical soil under no‐till farming in Brazil
Authors: Ramos Fabricio T , Dores Eliana FG de Carvalho , Weber Oscarlina L dos Santos , Beber Daniel C , Campelo José H , Maia João C de Souza
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Agricultural conservation practices increase total organic carbon storage in soil (TOCS), a factor that is correlated with the physical and chemical qualities of highly weathered soils. In this study, we investigated the effects of TOCS on the physicochemical attributes of a Latosol after 10 years of no‐till management in Mato Grosso State, Brazil.

RESULTS

TCOS was highly correlated (r = 0.92) with cation exchange capacity (CEC, pH = 7) and soil density. In the top 0.2 m soil layer, CEC increased by 25% with every 1.8 kg m−2 of stored organic carbon. Eliminating soil organic matter reduced CEC from an already low value of 8.40 cmolc kg−1 to 4.82 cmolc kg−1. Humus is therefore clearly important for the formation of a negative liquid charge in a predominantly electropositive but clayey soil.

CONCLUSION

We confirmed that TOCS is an indicator related to the physiochemical characteristics of weathered soils. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that the increased carbon storage under non‐tilling systems is essential for guaranteeing weathered soil fertility in tropical climates. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry