bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synchronous pancreatic tumors in a patient with history of Wilms tumor: A case of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and lipid‐rich neuroendocrine tumor diagnosed by cytopathology
Authors: Huang Huiya , Giorgadze Tamara
Published: September 2018

Synchronous tumors represent a very small portion of pancreatic tumors. Although there is a higher incidence of secondary malignant neoplasms (SMN) in patients with history of Wilms tumor (WT), pancreatic tumors are very infrequent SMNs in this population. We report the first case of synchronous pancreatic tumors in a patient with history of WT. Two separated pancreatic lesions were identified by abdominal computerized tomography (CT) scan. Fine‐needle aspiration of both lesions was performed for cytopathology examination. A pancreatic adenocarcinoma was diagnosed in the head of pancreas, and the pancreatic body lesion was found to be a neuroendocrine tumor (NET). The NET had characteristic vacuolated lipid‐rich cytoplasm. Further molecular testing was done on both tumors, but no common cancer‐associated mutation was found.
The use of cytopathology to identify disturbances in oral squamous cell carcinoma at early stage: A case report
Authors: Daroit Natália Batista , Salgueiro Arthur Pias , Maito Fábio Luiz Dal Moro , Visioli Fernanda , Rados Pantelis Varvaki
Published: September 2018

Early detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a challenge for oral surgeons, as clinical features are not always classical. Cytopathological assays can help identify alterations at the cellular level. This article reports a case of OSCC in a young male adult without exposure to classical risk factors. The histopathological examination showed a micro invasive carcinoma invading the connective tissue. Cytopathological results showed a higher percentage of cells in deeper epithelial layers; the cytomorphometric examination revealed a nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio of 0.14; the mean number of Nucleolar Organiser Regions which have a high affinity for silver (AgNOR) per nucleus was 2.86, and the mean percentage of nuclei with >2 AgNOR was 58%. The micronucleus test found 3 micronucleated cells and several metanuclear aberrations. These findings support the hypothesis that cytological examination is an important tool to identify early changes in oral smears and thus help in the early clinical detection of suspicious malignant oral lesions that should be more rigorously followed.
Rigor and reproducibility in genetic research on eating disorders
Authors: Hübel Christopher , Leppä Virpi , Breen Gerome , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: September 2018

Objective

We explored both within‐method and between‐method rigor and reproducibility in the field of eating disorders genetics.

Method

We present critical evaluation and commentary on component methods of genetic research (family studies, twin studies, molecular genetic studies) and discuss both successful and unsuccessful efforts in the field.

Results

Eating disorders genetics has had a number of robust results that converge across component methodologies. Familial aggregation of eating disorders, twin‐based heritability estimates of eating disorders, and genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) all point toward a substantial role for genetics in eating disorders etiology and support the premise that genes do not act alone. Candidate gene and linkage studies have been less informative historically.

Discussion

The eating disorders field has entered the GWAS era with studies of anorexia nervosa. Continued growth of sample sizes is essential for rigorous discovery of actionable variation. Molecular genetic studies of bulimia nervosa, binge‐eating disorder, and other eating disorders are virtually nonexistent and lag seriously behind other major psychiatric disorders. Expanded efforts are necessary to reveal the fundamental biology of eating disorders, inform clinical practice, and deliver new therapeutic targets.
Eco‐evolutionary responses to recreational fishing under different harvest regulations
Authors: Ayllón Daniel , Railsback Steven F. , Almodóvar Ana , Nicola Graciela G. , Vincenzi Simone , Elvira Benigno , Grimm Volker
Published: September 2018

Harvesting alters demography and life histories of exploited populations, and there is mounting evidence that rapid phenotypic changes at the individual level can occur when harvest is intensive. Therefore, recreational fishing is expected to induce both ecological and rapid evolutionary changes in fish populations and consequently requires rigorous management. However, little is known about the coupled demographic and evolutionary consequences of alternative harvest regulations in managed freshwater fisheries. We used a structurally realistic individual‐based model and implemented an eco‐genetic approach that accounts for microevolution, phenotypic plasticity, adaptive behavior, density‐dependent processes, and cryptic mortality sources (illegal harvest and hooking mortality after catch and release). We explored the consequences of a range of harvest regulations, involving different combinations of exploitation intensity and minimum and maximum‐length limits, on the eco‐evolutionary trajectories of a freshwater fish stock. Our 100‐year simulations of size‐selective harvest through recreational fishing produced negative demographic and structural changes in the simulated population, but also plastic and evolutionary responses that compensated for such changes and prevented population collapse even under intense fishing pressure and liberal harvest regulations. Fishing‐induced demographic and evolutionary changes were driven by the harvest regime, and the strength of responses increased with increasing exploitation intensity and decreasing restriction in length limits. Cryptic mortality strongly amplified the impacts of harvest and might be exerting a selective pressure that opposes that of size‐selective harvest. “Slot” limits on harvestable length had overall positive effects but lower than expected ability to buffer harvest impacts. Harvest regulations strongly shape the eco‐evolutionary dynamics of exploited fish stocks and thus should be considered in setting management policies. Our findings suggest that plastic and evolutionary responses buffer the demographic impacts of fishing, but intense fishing pressure and liberal harvest regulations may lead to an unstructured, juvenescent population that would put the sustainability of the stock at risk. Our study also indicates that high rates of cryptic mortality may make harvest regulations based on harvest slot limits ineffective.
Spatial niche partitioning may promote coexistence of Pygoscelis penguins as climate‐induced sympatry occurs
Authors: Pickett Erin P. , Fraser William R. , Patterson‐Fraser Donna L. , Cimino Megan A. , Torres Leigh G. , Friedlaender Ari S.
Published: September 2018

Climate‐induced range overlap can result in novel interactions between similar species and potentially lead to competitive exclusion. The West Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) is one of the most rapidly warming regions on Earth and is experiencing a poleward climate migration from a polar to subpolar environment. This has resulted in a range expansion of the ice‐intolerant gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) and a coincident decrease in ice‐obligate Adélie penguins (P. adeliae) near Palmer Station, Anvers Island, WAP. Ecologically similar species that share a limited prey resource must occupy disparate foraging niches in order to co‐exist. Therefore, we determined the extent of foraging and dietary niche segregation between Adélie and gentoo penguins during the austral breeding season near Palmer Station. This research was conducted across six breeding seasons, from 2009 to 2014, which allowed us to investigate niche overlap in the context of interannual resource variability. Using biotelemetry and diet sampling, we found substantial overlap in the diets of Adélie and gentoo penguins, who primarily consumed Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba); however, our results showed that Adélie and gentoo penguins partitioned this shared prey resource through horizontal segregation of their core foraging areas. We did not find evidence that Antarctic krill were a limiting resource during the breeding season or that climate‐induced sympatry of Adélie and gentoo penguins resulted in competition for prey or caused the subsequent differing population trajectories. This apparent absence of resource competition between Adélie and gentoo penguins throughout this study implies that current population trends in this region are governed by other biological and physical factors. Our results highlight the importance of understanding the mechanistic processes that influence top predator populations in the context of climate‐driven ecosystem shifts.
Fire regime on a cultural landscape: Navajo Nation
Authors: Whitehair Lionel , Fulé Peter Z. , Meador Andrew Sánchez , Azpeleta Tarancón Alicia , Kim Yeon‐Su
Published: September 2018

Fire has played an important role in the evolutionary environment of global ecosystems, and Indigenous peoples have long managed natural resources in these fire‐prone environments. We worked with the Navajo Nation Forestry Department to evaluate the historical role of fire on a 50 km2 landscape bisected by a natural mountain pass. We used fifty 5‐ha circular plots to collect proxy fire history data on fire‐scarred trees, stumps, logs, and snags in a coniferous forest centered on a key mountain pass. The fire history data were categorized into three groups: All (all 50 plots), Corridor (25 plots closest to Buffalo Pass drainage), and Outer (remaining 25 plots, farther from pass). We assessed spatial and temporal patterns of fire recurrence and fire‐climate relationships. The landscape experienced frequent fires from 1644, the earliest fire date with sufficient sample depth, to 1920, after which fire occurrence was interrupted. The mean fire interval (MFI) for fire dates scarring 10% or more of the samples was 6.25 years; there were 13 large‐scale fires identified with the 25% filter with an MFI of 22.6 years. Fire regimes varied over the landscape, with an early reduction in fire occurrence after 1829, likely associated with pastoralism, in the outer uplands away from the pass. In contrast, the pass corridor had continuing fire occurrence until the early 20th century.Synthesis. Fires were synchronized with large‐scale top‐down climatic oscillations (drought and La Niña), but the spatially explicit landscape sampling design allowed us to detect bottom‐up factors of topography, livestock grazing, and human movement patterns that interacted in complex ways to influence the fire regime at fine scales. Since the early 20th century, however, fires have been completely excluded. Fuel accumulation in the absence of fire and warming climate present challenges for future management.
When males outlive females: Sex‐specific effects of temperature on lifespan in a cyclic parthenogen
Authors: Pietrzak Barbara , Grzesiuk Małgorzata , Dorosz Julia , Mikulski Andrzej
Published: September 2018

Lifespans of males and females frequently differ as a consequence of different life history strategies adopted to maximize fitness. It is well visible in cyclic parthenogens, such as water fleas of the genus Daphnia, where males appear in the population usually only for periods when receptive females are available. Moreover, even within one sex, different life history strategies and mechanisms regulating lifespan may exist. Previous studies suggested that Daphnia males may regulate their lifespan by staying in colder waters than females. We hypothesize that such behavioral mechanism should be associated with stronger reaction to low temperature–that is greater lifespan extension in males than in females. In this study, we monitored survivorship of Daphnia magna females and males of three clonal lines cultured at 16 or 20°C. The results did not provide a species‐level corroboration of our hypothesis; instead, they revealed very strong intraspecific differences in the responses of male and female lifespan to temperature change. They further suggest the existence of parallel life history strategies, hypothesis whose tests would bring new insights into the ecology of males in cyclic parthenogens.
The population and landscape genetics of the European badger (Meles meles) in Ireland
Authors: Guerrero Jimena , Byrne Andrew W. , Lavery John , Presho Eleanor , Kelly Gavin , Courcier Emily A. , O'Keeffe James , Fogarty Ursula , O'Meara Denise B. , Ensing Dennis , McCormick Carl , Biek Roman , Skuce Robin A. , Allen Adrian R.
Published: September 2018

The population genetic structure of free‐ranging species is expected to reflect landscape‐level effects. Quantifying the role of these factors and their relative contribution often has important implications for wildlife management. The population genetics of the European badger (Meles meles) have received considerable attention, not least because the species acts as a potential wildlife reservoir for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in Britain and Ireland. Herein, we detail the most comprehensive population and landscape genetic study of the badger in Ireland to date—comprised of 454 Irish badger samples, genotyped at 14 microsatellite loci. Bayesian and multivariate clustering methods demonstrated continuous clinal variation across the island, with potentially distinct differentiation observed in Northern Ireland. Landscape genetic analyses identified geographic distance and elevation as the primary drivers of genetic differentiation, in keeping with badgers exhibiting high levels of philopatry. Other factors hypothesized to affect gene flow, including earth worm habitat suitability, land cover type, and the River Shannon, had little to no detectable effect. By providing a more accurate picture of badger population structure and the factors effecting it, these data can guide current efforts to manage the species in Ireland and to better understand its role in bTB.
Exploring everyday experiences of cultural diversity: The construction, validation, and application of the normative multiculturalism scale
Authors: Stuart Jaimee , Ward Colleen
Published: September 2018

The 3‐factor structure of the Normative Multiculturalism Scale (NMS)—Contact with Diversity (CD), Multicultural Ideology (MI), and Multicultural Policies and Practices (MPP)—was tested and confirmed with community samples from New Zealand (N = 381) and the United States (N = 311). Correlations with criterion measures (e.g., perceived minority disadvantage and attitudes to diversity) supported the criterion validity of the subscales. NMS factors were then examined as predictors of social connectedness in a British community sample (N = 347). Hierarchical multiple regression revealed that MI predicted general trust, and MI and MPP predicted national attachment. While MPP was associated with greater perceived threat, this relationship was dampened by the joint influences of MI and CD. The research presents a novel perspective on multiculturalism by adopting a normative approach and examining the main and interaction effects of contact with diversity, multicultural ideology, and multicultural policies on interpersonal and intergroup outcomes.
Exopolysaccharides from Basidiomycota: Formation, isolation and techno‐functional properties
Authors: Jaros Doris , Köbsch Johannes , Rohm Harald
Published: September 2018

This Mini Review gives an overview of and respective references for the production and properties of exopolysaccharides from Basidiomycota in submerged cultivation. Media and conditions that are usually applied in laboratory culture are summarized, and the lack of studies related to up‐scaling is addressed. Procedures for isolation and purification of the exopolysaccharides from the fermentation media are reviewed, and challenges related to exopolysaccharide quantification are discussed. Finally, the techno‐functional properties of the respective exopolysaccharides, and potential applications in foods are addressed.
Genomic chaos in peripheral blood lymphocytes of Hodgkin's lymphoma patients one year after ABVD chemotherapy/radiotherapy
Authors: Ramos Sandra , Navarrete‐Meneses Pilar , Molina Bertha , Cervantes‐Barragán David E. , Lozano Valentn , Gallardo Emma , Marchetti Francesco , Frias Sara
Published: September 2018

Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) is a lymphoid malignancy representing 5% of all cancers in children, 16% in adolescents, and 30–40% of all malignant lymphomas and has a survival rate of ~95% at 10 years. One of the most common treatment schemes uses a cocktail of genotoxic agents including adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) with or without radiotherapy. We investigated the occurrence of chromosomal damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes from five patients diagnosed with HL who provided samples before (BT), during chemotherapy (DT) and ~1 year after ABVD chemotherapy/radiotherapy (AT). Five healthy subjects served as controls. Chromosomal abnormalities were evaluated by multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization. The average frequencies of structural chromosomal aberrations in HL samples were 0.11, 0.22, and 0.96 per cell in BT, DT, and AT samples, respectively. These frequencies were significantly different (P < 0.0001) with respect to control subjects (0.02 per cell). Interestingly, the highest frequency of structural damage, including genomic chaos and nonclonal abnormalities, was observed in the AT samples indicating that new aberrations were continuously produced. Rejoined structural chromosomal aberrations were the most common type of aberrations, although aneuploidies were also significantly increased. Finally, we found several chromosomal abnormalities linked to cancer secondary to treatment in all five HL patients. Our results show that ABVD chemotherapy plus radiotherapy is inducing genomic chaos in vivo; moreover, the persistence of genomic instability in the hematopoietic stem cells from HL patients may play a role in the occurrence of secondary cancer that is observed in 5–20% of HL patients. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 59:755–768, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conservation of Aquatic Biodiversity in the Context of Multiple-Use Management on National Forest System Lands
Authors: Roper Brett B , Capurso James M , Paroz Yvette , Young Michael K
Published: September 2018

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service (USFS) manages 193 million acres of public lands across 43 states and Puerto Rico. The original intent behind reserving lands managed by the USFS was to improve and protect forests, secure favorable conditions for water flows, and furnish a continuous supply of timber for the nation. Through time national forests have evolved, so they are managed for a broad array of uses. Differing expectations have led to conflicts between aquatic conservation and other aspects of the USFS’ mandate. In the 1990s, these conflicting goals came to a head with the listing of the northern spotted owl Strix occidentalis caurina and the need to better protect streams that fostered populations of anadromous salmonids. To better balance these conflicting uses, the agency placed additional emphasis on conserving and restoring aquatic systems by integrating conservation concepts into the forest planning process. If the USFS is to succeed in protecting and restoring aquatic biodiversity, it must continue to address traditional challenges such as minimizing the effects of timber harvest, roads, grazing, and mining on aquatic systems while improving policies and practices regarding contemporary challenges such as climate change and invasive species.
Comparison of the detrimental features of microglia and infiltrated macrophages in traumatic brain injury: A study using a hypnotic bromovalerylurea
Authors: Abe Naoki , Choudhury Mohammed E. , Watanabe Minori , Kawasaki Shun , Nishihara Tasuku , Yano Hajime , Matsumoto Shirabe , Kunieda Takehiro , Kumon Yoshiaki , Yorozuya Toshihiro , Tanaka Junya
Published: September 2018

Microglia and blood‐borne macrophages in injured or diseased brains are difficult to distinguish because they share many common characteristics. However, the identification of microglia‐specific markers and the use of flow cytometry have recently made it easy to discriminate these types of cells. In this study, we analyzed the features of blood‐borne macrophages, and activated and resting microglia in a rat traumatic brain injury (TBI) model. Oxidative injury was indicated in macrophages and neurons in TBI lesions by the presence of 8‐hydroxy‐2'‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG). Generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) was markedly observed in granulocytes and macrophages, but not in activated or resting microglia. Dihydroethidium staining supported microglia not being the major source of ROS in TBI lesions. Furthermore, macrophages expressed NADPH oxidase 2, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and CD68 at higher levels than microglia. In contrast, microglia expressed transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and tumor necrosis factor α at higher levels than macrophages. A hypnotic, bromovalerylurea (BU), which has anti‐inflammatory effects, reduced both glycolysis and mitochondrial oxygen consumption. BU administration inhibited chemokine CCL2 expression, accumulation of monocytes/macrophages, 8‐OHdG generation, mitochondrial ROS generation, and proinflammatory cytokine expression, and markedly ameliorated the outcome of the TBI model. Yet, BU did not inhibit microglial activation or expression of TGFβ1 and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1). These results indicate that macrophages are the major aggravating cell type in TBI lesions, in particular during the acute phase. Activated microglia may even play favorable roles. Reduction of cellular energy metabolism in macrophages and suppression of CCL2 expression in injured tissue may lead to amelioration of TBI.
Adaptation of brain functional stream architecture in athletes with fast demands of sensorimotor integration
Authors: Gao Qing , Yu Yi , Su Xiaolong , Tao Zhongping , Zhang Mu , Wang Yifeng , Leng Jinsong , Sepulcre Jorge , Chen Huafu
Published: September 2018

Training‐induced neuroplasticity has been described in athletes' population. However, it remains largely unknown how regular training and sports proficiency modifies neuronal circuits in the human brain. In this study, we used voxel‐based morphometry and stepwise functional connectivity (SFC) analyses to uncover connectivity changes in the functional stream architecture in student‐athletes at early stages of sensorimotor skill training. Thirty‐two second‐year student‐athletes whose major was little‐ball sports and thirty‐four nonathlete controls were recruited for the study. We found that athletes showed greater gray matter volume in the right sensorimotor area, the limbic lobe, and the anterior lobe of the cerebellum. Furthermore, SFC analysis demonstrated that athletes displayed significantly smaller optimal connectivity distance from those seed regions to the dorsal attention network (DAN) and larger optimal connectivity distance to the default mode network (DMN) compared to controls. The Attention Network Test showed that the reaction time of the orienting attention subnetwork was positively correlated with SFC between the seeds and the DAN, while negatively correlated with SFC between the seeds and the DMN. Our findings suggest that neuroplastic adaptations on functional connectivity streams after motor skill training may enable novel information flow from specific areas of the cortex toward distributed networks such as the DAN and the DMN. This could potentially regulate the focus of external and internal attention synchronously in athletes, and consequently accelerate the reaction time of orienting attention in athletes.
Task‐enhanced arterial spin labeled perfusion MRI predicts longitudinal neurodegeneration in mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Xie Long , Das Sandhitsu R. , Pilania Arun , Daffner Molly , Stockbower Grace E. , Dolui Sudipto , Yushkevich Paul A. , Detre John A. , Wolk David A.
Published: September 2018

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered a prodromal stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but is also recognized to be a heterogeneous condition. Biomarkers that predict AD progression in MCI are of clinical significance because they can be used to better identify appropriate candidates for therapeutic intervention studies. It has been hypothesized that comparing to structural measurements, functional ones may be more sensitive to early disease abnormalities and the sensitivity could be further enhanced when combined with cognitive task, a “brain stress test.” In this study, we investigated the value of regional cerebral blood flow (CBF), measured by arterial spin labeled perfusion MRI (ASL MRI) during a memory‐encoding task, in predicting the estimated rate of hippocampal atrophy, an established marker of AD progression. Thirty‐one amnestic MCI patients (20 male and 11 female; age: 70.9 ± 6.5 years, range from 56 to 83 years; mini mental status examination: 27.8 ± 1.8) and 42 normal control subjects (13 male and 29 female; age: 70.6 ± 8.8 years, range from 55 to 88 years; mini mental status examination: 29.1 ± 1.2) were included in this study. We compared the predictive value of CBF during task to CBF during rest and structural volumetry. Both region‐of‐interest and voxelwise analyses showed that baseline CBF measurements during task (strongest effect in fusiform gyrus, region‐of‐interest analysis statistics: r = 0.56, p = .003), but not resting ASL MRI or structural volumetry, were correlated with the estimated rate of hippocampal atrophy in amnestic MCI patients. Further, stepwise linear regression demonstrated that resting ASL MRI and volumetry did not provide complementary information in prediction. These results support the notion that physiologic measures during a cognitive challenge may increase the ability to detect subtle functional changes that predict progression. As such, ASL MRI could have important utility in stratifying candidates for AD treatment trials.
Integrating laboratory and field studies to assess impacts of discharge from a uranium mine and validate a water quality guideline value for magnesium
Authors: Trenfield Melanie A , Harford Andrew J , Mooney Thomas , Ellis Mark , Humphrey Chris , van Dam Rick A
Published: September 2018

Magnesium (Mg) is a primary contaminant in mine water discharges from the Ranger Uranium Mine (north Australia). Site-specific water quality guideline values (WQGVs) for Mg have been derived from laboratory and field studies. Contaminated groundwater with elevated electrical conductivity and metals (Mg, Mn, U, SO4, and Ca) was detected flowing from the mine site into adjacent surface waters. This provided an opportunity to investigate the protectiveness of the Mg WQGV by conducting an integrated laboratory and field study. A direct toxicity assessment (DTA) of the groundwater was conducted with local tropical freshwater species: duckweed (Lemna aequinoctialis), green hydra (Hydra viridissima), and the aquatic snail Amerianna cumingi. An in situ toxicity assessment was carried out in the creek receiving diluted groundwater by use of the same species of snail, to aid interpretation of laboratory-derived data. The toxicity of the contaminated groundwater was higher than Mg-only toxicity testing for H. viridissima, with other elevated metals and major ions contributing to toxicity. However, for duckweed and snail, the contaminated groundwater was less toxic than the Mg-only testing. In situ snail monitoring supported laboratory exposures, showing no effect on reproduction of A. cumingi exposed to an average of approximately 5 mg/L Mg; however, a very small effect was noted closer to the groundwater source, probably associated with other contaminants. The minimal toxicity observed for L. aequinoctialis and A. cumingi, despite the elevated Mg, can be explained by the high calcium (Ca) concentration of the water and the potential amelioration of metal toxicity. The extent of Ca amelioration of Mg toxicity was organism dependent. This study affirms the proposed environmental rehabilitation standard of 3 mg/L Mg for surface waters with a Ca concentration typical of water from this mine site. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;15:64–76. © 2018 SETAC
Placenta‐conditioned extracellular matrix (ECM) activates breast cancer cell survival mechanisms: A key for future distant metastases
Authors: Komemi Oded , Shochet Gali Epstein , Pomeranz Meir , Fishman Ami , Pasmanik‐Chor Metsada , Drucker Liat , Matalon Shelly Tartakover , Lishner Michael
Published: September 2018

The extracellular matrix (ECM) affects cancer cell characteristics. Inability of normal epithelial cells to attach to the ECM induces apoptosis (anoikis). Cancer cells are often anoikis resistant, a prerequisite for their metastatic spread. Previously we demonstrated that the placenta manipulates its surrounding ECM in a way that prevents breast cancer cells (BCCL) attachment and induces their motility and aggregation. This fits with the fact that although breast cancer during pregnancy is often advanced, metastasis to the placenta is rarely observed. Placental intervillous space provides suitable conditions for cancer cell arrival. Yet, the outcome of the short communication between the placental ECM to the BCCL and its effect on BCCL malignant potential are unknown, and are the focus of our study. In the current study we analyzed the effect of placental ECM on BCCL survival pathways and drug resistance. Microarray analysis suggested activation of the NF‐κB and stress response pathways. Indeed, the placenta‐conditioned ECM induced autophagy in ERα + BCCL, inactivated the NF‐κB inhibitor (IκB) and increased integrin α5 in the BCCL. The autophagy mediated MCF‐7 and T47D migration and the placental ECM‐BCCL interactions reduced the BCCL sensitivity to Taxol. We also demonstrated by using siRNA that integrin α5 was responsible for the MCF‐7 autophagy and suggest this molecule as a suitable target for therapy.
A balanced time perspective: Is it an exercise in empiricism, and does it relate meaningfully to health and well‐being outcomes?
Authors: McKay Michael. T. , Worrell Frank. C. , Zivkovic Urška , Temple Elizabeth , Mello Zena. R. , Musil Bojan , Cole Jon C. , Andretta James R. , Perry John L.
Published: September 2018

Time perspective research assesses the degree to which thoughts and feelings about the past, present and future influence behaviour, and a balanced time perspective profile has been posited as being ideal. Although this area of research has seen a move towards person‐centred analyses, using either cluster analyses or a deviation from balanced time perspective (DBTP) approach, there are a number of theoretical and methodological issues that must be addressed. Using data from diverse samples in four countries, the present study used both cluster analyses and the DBTP approach to assess how cluster membership and DBTP scores related to a range of health and well‐being outcomes. As in previous studies, a balanced profile only emerged once in cluster analyses, and positive‐oriented profiles were associated with optimal outcomes. The study also found evidence of a relationship between DBTP scores and scores on well‐being indicators. However, results gained after manipulating the DBTP equation in two different ways again indicated that higher than expected positive past and present or past and future scores were responsible for the positive outcomes. As such, these findings raise concerns regarding the use of the DBTP construct within clinical settings.
Macroautophagy Regulates Nuclear NOTCH1 Activity Through Multiple p62 Binding Sites
Authors: Zhang Ting , Guo Lixia , Wang Yuanyuan , Yang Yanan
Published: September 2018

NOTCH1 is the prototype of the NOTCH family of single‐pass transmembrane receptors and regulates many basic processes during embryonic development and human pathogenesis. In core to NOTCH1 activation are proteolytic cleavages that release its intracellular domain (NICD1), which in turn translocates to the nucleus to regulate gene transcription. Macroautophagy (hereafter autophagy) has been shown to promote the degradation of NOTCH1, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we show that autophagy promotes the degradation of NOTCH1 by p62‐dependent binding between NICD1 and LC3, a component of the autophagosomes that execute autophagy. Strikingly, deleting any of the structural NICD1 domains fails to block the degradation of NICD1 by autophagy, and p62 binds to almost all these domains independently, indicating that p62 binds to multiple sites on NICD1 to promote its degradation. Intriguingly, inhibition of autophagy induces the accumulation of NICD1 in not only the cytoplasm but also the nucleus and increases the transcriptional activity of NICD1, and such regulation of nuclear NICD1 by autophagy is unique to NICD1 and not observed for all other NICDs (NICD2‐4). Collectively, our results suggest that autophagy tightly controls nuclear NOTCH1 activity through multiple p62 binding sites, and that modulating autophagy activity may be useful for treating NOTCH1 related human diseases. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(10):985–994, 2018
Implementation of interventions informed by precursor functional analyses with young children: A replication
Authors: Hoffmann Audrey N. , Sellers Tyra P. , Halversen Hayley , Bloom Sarah E.
Published: September 2018

Individuals who engage in problem behavior may also engage in precursor behavior maintained by the same functional reinforcers as the more severe target problem behavior. This study replicates and extends previous research by examining precursor assessments and interventions with three preschool‐aged children. We conducted assessments to identify precursor behavior, and conducted subsequent functional analyses targeting the precursor behavior. We then implemented function‐based interventions to address the precursor behavior, resulting in reductions in precursor behavior and continued low or zero rates of severe problem behavior.
Adsorption‐associated orientational changes of immunoglobulin G and regulated phagocytosis ofStaphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Hou Wenjia , Liu Yi , Zhang Botao , He Xiaoyan , Li Hua
Published: September 2018

Understanding the adsorption of immunoglobulin G (IgG) on biomaterials surfaces is crucial for design and modification of the surfaces to alleviate inflammatory responses after implantation. Here, we report direct visualization and two‐dimensional (2D) image interpretation of the IgG molecule adsorbed on simplified surfaces by single particle electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Influence of the orientational changes in adsorbed IgG on phagocytosis of macrophages againstStaphylococcus epidermidisis further examined. Untreated amorphous carbon film and −COOH and −NH2grafted carbon films are employed as the model surfaces for the adsorption testing. Results show that IgG displays flat orientation lying on the untreated surface, while forms vertical orientations standing on the functionalized surfaces. These specific spatial alignments are associated with altered unfolding extent and structure rearrangement of IgG domains, which are influenced synergistically by surface charge and wettability of the substrata. The changes in interdomain distance of IgG molecules subsequently regulate immune behaviors of macrophages and phagocytosis ofS. epidermidis.The results would give insight into appropriate design of biomaterial surfaces in nanoscales for desired inflammatory responses. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2838–2849, 2018.
Collagen organization deposited by fibroblasts encapsulated in pH responsive methacrylated alginate hydrogels
Authors: Boddupalli Anuraag , Bratlie Kaitlin M.
Published: September 2018

The pH of dermal wounds shifts from neutral during the inflammatory phase to slightly basic in the tissue remodeling phase. Stage specific wound treatment can be developed using environmentally responsive alginate hydrogels. The chemistry of these networks dictates swelling behavior. Here, we fabricated alginate hydrogels using chain growth, step growth, and combined mixed mode gelation methods to crosslink methacrylated alginate (ALGMA) and gain control over swelling responses. Methacrylation of the alginate network was confirmed through NMR spectroscopy. Strontium cations were introduced to fabricate stiffer, dually crosslinked hydrogels. Dual crosslinking significantly decreased the swelling response over the pH range of 3–9 for step growth and chain growth hydrogels, with no impact on mixed mode hydrogels. The extent of crosslinking altered the hydrogel degradation profiles under accelerated degradation conditions. Encapsulated NIH/3T3 fibroblasts in the different ALGMA hydrogels remained viable with greater cell proliferation in the stiffer gels. Collagen organization deposited by the NIH/3T3 fibroblasts was monitored using second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy and was influenced by the crosslinking mechanism. Ionic chain growth and ionic mixed mode crosslinked ALGMA hydrogels caused relatively isotropic collagen organization, particularly 10 days post‐cell encapsulation. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to uncover correlations between the observed properties. The ability of these environmentally responsive gels to induce isotropic collagen and respond to pH changes means they hold promise as phase specific wound dressings. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2934–2943, 2018.
Quantitative approaches of nanofibers organization for biomedical patterned nanofibrous scaffold by image analysis
Authors: Shah Hosseini Neda , Simon Bertrand , Messaoud Tahani , Khenoussi Nabyl , Schacher Laurence , Adolphe Dominique
Published: September 2018

This study proposes a novel design of a laboratory built static collector using the 3D printing technology. This new collector produces aligned‐to‐random nanofibers in nanofibrous scaffold through electrospinning process. A design of experiment (DOE), based on response surface, analyzes the effect of the main process parameters; concentration, voltage, and distance; on the responses diameter and orientation. A quantifying approach has been used to investigate the orientation of nanofibers in the produced patterned scaffold through Fourier transforms method. The obtained results have proven a good potential to be used in tissue engineering application, especially for cells requiring specific guidance. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2963–2972, 2018.
Fabrication of alignment polycaprolactone scaffolds by combining use of electrospinning and micromolding for regulating Schwann cells behavior
Authors: Zhang Luzhong , Chen Shiyu , Liang Ruyu , Chen Yi , Li Shenjie , Li Siqi , Sun Zedong , Wang Yaling , Li Guicai , Ming Anjie , Yang Yumin
Published: September 2018

In the present study, a new approach for fabricating micropatterned polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds with ridge/groove structure on the surface was developed by combining use of electrospinning and micromolding method. A series of physicochemical properties, including morphology, wettability, component, crystal pattern and mechanical properties, of prepared PCL scaffolds were characterization, respectively. Stability of the micropatterned PCL scaffolds was measured using phosphate buffer solution immersion for a certain period. Then, the regulating effects of the micropatterned PCL scaffolds on attachment, orientation and normal biological function of Schwann cells were evaluated. And the protein adsorption behavior in various PCL scaffolds was also detected. The results showed that the micropatterned PCL scaffolds demonstrated a porous micro/nano complex structure with enhanced hydrophobicity and mechanical properties as a function of electrospun flow‐rate of PCL solution. The micropatterned PCL scaffolds possessed good stability and could effectively regulate the attachment and orientation of Schwann cells at the early stage after cell culture. Importantly, the electrospun flow‐rate of PCL solution was found to play an important role in scaffold properties, cell behavior and protein adsorption. The micropatterned scaffolds with a flow‐rate of PCL solution at 0.12 mL h−1 demonstrated the better regulation on Schwann cells attachment and alignment without negatively affect the normal biological function of the cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of combining use of electrospinning and micromolding method for preparing artificial nerve implants. The study is anticipated to have potential application in peripheral nerve and other tissue engineering. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 3123–3134, 2018.
Multifunctional antioxidant nanoliposome‐mediated delivery of PTEN plasmids restore the expression of tumor suppressor protein and induce apoptosis in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Singh Sanjay , Asal Raghu , Bhagat Stuti
Published: September 2018

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and about one in nine will be diagnosed in his lifetime. Loss of PTEN has been considered as one of the major factors leading to the origin of prostate cancer through modulating PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. In this study, we have prepared a multifunctional antioxidant nanoliposome containing PTEN plasmid and cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs). The efficient delivery of PTEN plasmid to human prostate cancer cells (PC‐3) leads to restoration of the expression of lost PTEN protein in the cell cytoplasm. The delivered superoxide dismutase (SOD)‐mimetic CeNPs were also found to decrease the cytoplasmic free radical levels in prostate cancer cells. The above two activities induced DNA fragmentation and micronucleus formation in prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, it was also found that these multifunctional antioxidant nanoliposomes inhibit the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to negatively regulate the cell viability of prostate cancer cells. The mRNA expression pattern of other relevant proteins predominantly involved in cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis suggested that the high PTEN expression could control the synthesis of oncogenic proteins. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 3152–3164, 2018.
An evolutionary theory of behavior dynamics applied to concurrent ratio schedules
Authors: McDowell J. J , Klapes Bryan
Published: September 2018

An evolutionary theory of adaptive behavior dynamics was tested by studying the behavior of artificial organisms (AOs) animated by the theory, working on concurrent ratio schedules with unequal and equal ratios in the components. The evolutionary theory implements Darwinian rules of selection, reproduction, and mutation in the form of a genetic algorithm that causes a population of potential behaviors to evolve under the selection pressure of consequences from the environment. On concurrent ratio schedules with unequal ratios in the components, the AOs tended to respond exclusively on the component with the smaller ratio, provided that ratio was not too large and the difference between the ratios was not too small. On concurrent ratio schedules with equal ratios in the components, the AOs tended to respond exclusively on one component, provided the equal ratios were not too large. In addition, the AOs' preference on the latter schedules adjusted rapidly when the equal ratios were changed between conditions, but their steady‐state preference was a continuous function of the value of the equal ratios. Most of these outcomes are consistent with the results of experiments with live organisms, and consequently support the evolutionary theory.
Ultrastructural investigations on spermatogenesis and spermatozoan morphology in the endangered Adriatic sturgeon, Acipenser naccarii (Chondrostei, Acipenseriformes)
Authors: Grandi Gilberto , Astolfi Gianni , Chicca Milvia , Pezzi Marco
Published: September 2018

Spermatogenesis was investigated in the Adriatic sturgeon, Acipenser naccarii, by light and electron microscopy. The testis of the unrestricted type had a germinal compartment composed of lobules containing germ cells and Sertoli cells, and separated by a basal lamina from the interstitial compartment, in which Leydig and myoid cells were detected for the first time in Acipenseridae. Spermatogenesis occurred in spermatocysts produced when Sertoli cells became associated with type A spermatogonia of subsequent generations, which produced a clone of synchronized aligned spermatogonia. In primary spermatocytes at zygo‐pachytene stage, the large spherical nucleus contained synaptonemal complexes. The smaller secondary spermatocytes were ovoid with a central round nucleus and scarce cytoplasm. Spermatids were interconnected by cytoplasmic bridges until early spermiogenesis. Chromatin initially condensed as long, twisted, and nonhomogeneous fibers and finally as a compact structure made of thick filaments. Early spermatids showed the flagellum, the primordia of centriole complex and of “implantation fossa,” followed by the acrosomal vesicle formed by Golgi complexes and a fibrous body associated to centriole complex. The spermatozoan head had 10 postero‐lateral projections and a trapezoidal nucleus, a cylindrical midpiece with six to eight mitochondria, the centriole complex, and a “9 + 2” flagellum with a pair of lateral fins. Three helical endonuclear canals crossed the nucleus from the acrosome base to the implantation fossa; their spiralization and that of chromatin fibers suggest a spiral twisting of the nucleus during spermiogenesis. The Sertoli cells performed phagocytosis of degenerating spermatids and spermatozoa. Significant interindividual differences were detected in most morphological parameters of spermatozoa. Data on spermatogenesis in A. naccarii and morphometric measurements on mature spermatozoa provide information about the reproductive biology of the species useful not only for phylogenetic studies but also for evaluation of sperm quality for artificial reproduction projects and restocking of this and other critically endangered sturgeon species.