bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uric acid induced epithelial−mesenchymal transition of renal tubular cells through PI3K/p‐Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Xiong Xiao‐Yan , Bai Lin , Bai Shou‐Jun , Wang Ya‐Kun , Ji Tingting
Published: February 2019

The phenotypic changes of tubular epithelial cell are hallmark features of renal diseases caused by abnormal uric acid levels. We hereby intend to investigate whether PI3K/p‐Akt signaling plays a role in uric‐acid induced epithelial−mesenchymal transition process. The normal rat kidney cell line (NRK‐52E) was used as a proximal tubular cell model in this study. NRK‐52E cells were exposed to different concentrations of uric acid, or PI3K inhibitor LY294002, or both, respectively. The effects of uric acid on cell morphology were examined by phase contrast microscopy, while molecular alternations were assessed by western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining. We found that uric acid induced visible morphological alterations in NRK‐52E cells accompanied by increased expression of α‐smooth muscle actin and reduced expression of E‐cadherin. Moreover, phosphorylation of Akt protein was obviously increased, whereas Akt level remained stable. Furthermore, the above effects were abolished when PI3K/p‐Akt pathway was blocked by the PI3K inhibitor. These findings demonstrated that high uric acid could induce phenotypic transition of cultured renal tubular cells, which was probably via activating PI3K/p‐Akt signaling pathway.
Galangin ameliorates cardiac remodeling via the MEK1/2–ERK1/2 and PI3K–AKT pathways
Authors: Wang Hui‐Bo , Huang Si‐Hui , Xu Man , Yang Jun , Yang Jian , Liu Ming‐Xin , Wan Chun‐Xia , Liao Hai‐Han , Fan Di , Tang Qi‐Zhu
Published: February 2019

Cardiac remodeling is associated with inflammation and apoptosis. Galangin, as a natural flavonol, has the potent function of regulating inflammation and apoptosis, which are factors related to cardiac remodeling. Beginning 3 days after aortic banding (AB) or Sham surgery, mice were treated with galangin for 4 weeks. Cardiac remodeling was assessed according to echocardiographic parameters, histological analyses, and hypertrophy and fibrosis markers. Our results showed that galangin administration attenuated cardiac hypertrophy, dysfunction, and fibrosis response in AB mice and angiotensin II‐treated H9c2 cells. The inhibitory action of galangin in cardiac remodeling was mediated by MEK1/2–extracellular‐regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2)–GATA4 and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)–protein kinase B (AKT)–glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) activation. Furthermore, we found that galangin inhibited inflammatory response and apoptosis. Our findings suggest that galangin protects against cardiac remodeling through decreasing inflammatory responses and apoptosis, which are associated with inhibition of the MEK1/2–ERK1/2–GATA4 and PI3K–AKT–GSK3β signals.
Complexity on modulation of NF‐κB pathways by hepatitis B and C: A double‐edged sword in hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Shokri Somayeh , Mahmoudvand Shahab , Taherkhani Reza , Farshadpour Fatemeh , Jalalian Farid Azizi
Published: February 2019

Nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), a family of master regulated dimeric transcription factors, signaling transduction pathways are active players in the cell signaling that control vital cellular processes, including cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, morphogenesis, angiogenesis, and immune responses. Nevertheless, aberrant regulation of the NF‐κB signaling pathways has been associated with a significant number of human cancers. In fact, NF‐κB acts as a double‐edged sword in the vital cellular processes and carcinogenesis. This review provides an overview on the modulation of the NF‐κB signaling pathways by proteins of hepatitis B and C viruses. One of the major NF‐κB events that are modulated by these viruses is the induction of hepatocellular carcinoma. Given the central function of NF‐κB in carcinogenesis, it has turned out to be a considerable therapeutic target for cancer therapy.
Red and near‐infrared light induces intracellular Ca2+ flux via the activation of glutamate N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors
Authors: Golovynska Iuliia , Golovynskyi Sergii , Stepanov Yurii V. , Garmanchuk Liudmyla V. , Stepanova Ludmila I. , Qu Junle , Ohulchanskyy Tymish Y.
Published: February 2019

Red and near‐infrared (NIR) light effect on Ca2+ ions flux through the influence on N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and their functioning in HeLa cells was studied in vitro. Cells were irradiated by 650 and 808 nm laser light at different power densities and doses and the obtained effect was compared with that caused by the pharmacological agents. The laser light was found to elevate Ca2+ influx into cell cytoplasm in a dose‐dependent manner without changes of the NMDAR functioning. Furthermore, the light of both wavelengths demonstrated the ability to elevate Ca2+ influx under the pharmacological blockade of NMDARs and also might partially abolish the blockade enhancing Ca2+ influx after selective stimulation of the receptors with NMDA. Simultaneously, the light at moderate doses demonstrated a photobiostimulating effect on cells. Based on our experiments and data reported in the literature, we suggest that the low‐power visible and NIR light can instigate a cell membrane depolarization via nonthermal activation, resulting in the fast induction of Ca2+ influx into cells. The obtained results also demonstrate that NIR light can be used for nonthermal and nonpharmacological stimulation of NMDARs in cancer cells.
Innate‐immune responses of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) exposure to acute cold stress
Authors: Velmurugan Bharath Kumar , Chan Chi‐Ru , Weng Ching‐Feng
Published: February 2019

In this present study, Oreochromis mossambicus tilapia were transferred to cold water at 12°C for various time intervals (1, 4, 8, 24, and 48 hr) and its innate immune response was analyzed by studying cellular and humoral parameters. In vivo, alternative complement pathway activity in blood plasma was rapidly increased at 1 hr of cold water (12°C) exposure. Lysozyme activity and cortisol levels of plasma were increased at 4 and 1 hr, respectively. Surprisingly, only plasma cortisol levels remained unchanged through 24 hr of cold water transfer. Phagocytic ability, phagocytic capacity, and respiratory burst (RB) activity of head kidney (HK) leukocytes and splenocytes showed no any significant changes. In peripheral blood leukocytes, phagocytic capacity, and RB activity were increased at 24 hr of cold water exposure. The expressions of genes involved innate immunity in splenocytes and HK leukocytes of tilapia cold water exposure were analyzed, messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of HSP70, HSP90, and immunoglobulin M failed to change upon exposure to cold stress. Major histocompatibility complex‐I and II mRNAs were significantly increased in tilapia splenocytes at 1 hr of cold water transferred. Whereas myxovirus (Mx) expression was increased in splenocytes and HK leukocytes of tilapia after 1 hr of cold water exposed. Our result reveals that the exposure of tilapia to acute cold stress condition significantly enhances plasma acid phosphatase activity and both phagocytic capacity and RB activity. Furthermore, cold stress significantly stimulates Mx gene expression in splenocytes and HK leukocytes.
MKP1 overexpression reduces TNF‐α‐induced cardiac injury via suppressing mitochondrial fragmentation and inhibiting the JNK–MIEF1 pathways
Authors: Chang Wei , Feng Min , Li Yuexia , Sun Ya , Sun Lulu
Published: February 2019

Mitochondrial stress has been acknowledged as the pathogenesis for tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)‐induced septic cardiomyopathy. Recently, MAP kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP1) downregulation and mitochondrial fragmentation modulate the mitochondrial stress via multiple molecular mechanisms. Thereby, the goal of our current work is to figure out the functional role of mitochondrial fragmentation in TNF‐α‐induced septic cardiomyopathy. Our results exhibited that MKP1 expression was significantly repressed in hearts treated by TNF‐α. Overexpression of MKP1 sustained cardiac function and attenuated cardiomyocytes death in TNF‐α‐treated hearts. At the molecular levels, decreased MKP1 induced mitochondrial stress, as indicated by mitochondrial calcium overloading, mitochondrial oxidative stress, mitochondrial antioxidant downregulation, mitochondrial membrane potential reduction, mitochondrial bioenergetics suppression, mitochondrial proapoptotic factors liberation, and caspase‐9 apoptotic pathway activation. To the end, we illustrated that MKP1‐modulated mitochondrial stress via mitochondrial fragmentation; reactivation of mitochondrial fragmentation abolished the protective effect of MKP1 overexpression on mitochondrial function. Further, MKP1 affected mitochondrial division in a mechanism through the JNK–MIEF1 axis. Blockade of JNK pathway abolished the regulatory actions of MKP1 on mitochondrial division. Altogether, our results identify MKP1 as a novel cardioprotective factor in TNF‐α‐related septic cardiomyopathy via affecting mitochondrial division by the way of JNK–MIEF1 signaling pathway. Therefore, MKP1 expression, mitochondrial fragmentation modification, and JNK–MIEF1 pathway modulation may be considered as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of cardiac injury induced by sepsis.
Suppression of Tafazzin promotes thyroid cancer apoptosis via activating the JNK signaling pathway and enhancing INF2‐mediated mitochondrial fission
Authors: Li Xiaobin , Wu Mengwei , An Dawei , Yuan Hongwei , Li Zengze , Song Yimin , Liu Ziwen
Published: February 2019

Tafazzin has been found to be associated with tumor progression. Mitochondrial homeostasis regulates cancer cell viability and metastasis. However, the roles of Tafazzin and mitochondrial homeostasis in thyroid cancer have not been explored. The aim of our study is to investigate the influences of Tafazzin on thyroid cancer apoptosis with a focus on mitochondrial fission. Our results indicated that Tafazzin deletion induced death in thyroid cancer via apoptosis. Biological analysis demonstrated that mitochondrial stress, including mitochondrial bioenergetics disorder, mitochondrial oxidative stress, and mitochondrial apoptosis, was activated by Tafazzin deletion. Furthermore, we found that Tafazzin affected mitochondrial stress by triggering inverted formin 2 (INF2)‐related mitochondrial fission. The loss of INF2 sustained mitochondrial function and promoted cancer cell survival. Molecular investigation illustrated that Tafazzin regulated INF2 expression via the JNK signaling pathway; moreover, the blockade of JNK prevented Tafazzin‐mediated INF2 expression and improved cancer cell survival. Taken together, our results highlight the key role of Tafazzin as a master regulator of thyroid cancer viability via the modulation of INF2‐related mitochondrial fission and the JNK signaling pathway. These findings defined Tafazzin deletion and INF2‐related mitochondrial fission as tumor suppressors that act by promoting cancer apoptosis via the JNK signaling pathway, with potential implications for new approaches to thyroid cancer therapy.
Oxidative stress, inflammation, and glycometabolism disorder‐induced erythrocyte hemolysis in selenium‐deficient exudative diathesis broilers
Authors: Zheng Shufang , Zhao Jinxin , Xing Houjuan , Xu Shiwen
Published: February 2019

Selenium (Se) deficiency causes injury of diversified tissues and cells, including livers, hearts, skeletal muscles, and erythrocytes. The aim of the present study is to explore the molecular mechanism of erythrocyte hemolysis due to Se deficiency in broilers. One hundred and eighty broilers (male/female, 1 day old) were randomly divided into two groups and fed with either a normal Se content diet (C group, 0.2 mg Se/kg) or a Se‐deficient diet (ED group, 0.008 mg Se/kg) for 45 days. During the trial period of 15–30 days, biological properties such as osmotic fragility, fluidity, phospholipid components of cell membrane, adenosine triphosphatase activities, and antioxidant function of erythrocytes in broilers were examined. Moreover, the messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of genes associated with inflammation, glycometabolism, and avian uncoupling protein (avUCP) were detected. We found that compared with the C group, hemolysis rate, degree of polarization, and microviscosity of erythrocytes were increased in broilers of the ED group. The composition of erythrocyte membrane lipids was changed. Meanwhile, the antioxidant function of erythrocytes was weakened and mRNA levels of inflammatory genes were stimulated by Se deficiency (p < 0.05). In addition, mRNA expressions of rate‐limiting enzymes in glycometabolism were effected and avUCP mRNA level was downregulated (p < 0.05) in the ED group. It has been concluded from the results that oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and glycometabolism disorder lead to erythrocyte hemolysis by changing the structure and function of erythrocyte membrane in ED broilers suffered from Se deficiency.
Synthesis of New Heterocycles from Reactions of 1‐Phenyl‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridine‐5‐carbonyl Azides
Authors: Aly Ashraf A. , El‐Emary Talaat I. , Mourad Aboul‐Fetouh E. , Alyan Zainab Khallaf , Bräse Stefan , Nieger Martin
Published: February 2019

Two individual examples of pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridine‐5‐carbonyl azides and hydrazides were reacted with various nucleophilic reagents. Different unexpected behaviors was observed. NMR, IR, mass spectra together with elemental analyses and X‐ray structure analyses, were used to prove the structure of the obtained products.
The effectiveness of enzyme replacement therapy for juvenile‐onset Pompe disease: A systematic review
Authors: Milverton Joanne , Newton Skye , Merlin Tracy
Published: February 2019

Aim

The objective of this research was to determine the effectiveness of enzyme replacement therapy for juvenile‐onset Pompe disease (patients aged 2 to 18 years at symptom onset) by systematic review.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted according to a protocol designed a priori of bibliographic databases and search engines. Studies selected according to pre‐specified criteria were assessed for quality and risk of bias using standardised appraisal tools. Data were reported according to PRISMA conventions (Liberati et al. in PLoS Med 6:e1000100, 2009) and synthesised using GRADE (Guyatt et al. in J Clin Epidemiol 64:380–382, 2011).

Results

Of 2537 titles screened, 1 case series and 16 case reports met the inclusion criteria. No studies reported on the impact of enzyme replacement therapy on the survival of juvenile‐onset patients. Low level evidence found that respiratory function may improve or be maintained in the early months of therapy. Improved muscle function in the first 6 to 12 months was also suggested, but results may be confounded by natural development. Patients with less severe baseline status and treated at a younger age showed more response than patients with more severe baseline status, treated as adults.

Conclusions

Interpretation of the findings was hindered by the lack of good quality evidence. The available data suggests that some JOPD patients may benefit in the short term from ERT through improved muscle strength and a reduced need for assisted ventilation. A focus by clinicians on improved and more consistent evidence collection, and use of study designs tailored to rare conditions, would provide more definitive results.
Characteristics and outcomes of patients with formiminoglutamic aciduria detected through newborn screening
Authors: Ahrens‐Nicklas Rebecca C. , Ganetzky Rebecca D. , Rush Peggy W. , Conway Robert L. , Ficicioglu Can
Published: February 2019

Background

Glutamate formiminotransferase deficiency (FTCD deficiency) or formiminoglutamic aciduria is the second most common of the known inherited disorders of folate metabolism. Initial case reports suggested that patients may have severe intellectual disability and megaloblastic anemia. However, these cases were obtained from screening cohorts of patients with developmental delay. Subsequently, patients with milder clinical phenotypes have been reported. The full phenotypic spectrum of this disorder remains unknown.

Methods

In many states, FTCD deficiency can be incidentally detected on tandem mass spectrometry‐based newborn screening of dried blood spots. In this work, we report the outcomes of infants identified to have FTCD deficiency through newborn screening.

Results

During the study period, 18 patients were identified to have FTCD deficiency and were referred and evaluated at one of the two participating metabolic centers. The overall rate of FTCD deficiency detected through the New Jersey screening program over the study time period was 1:58,982. At a mean age of 56 months at last follow‐up: 3/18 (16%) had developmental delays requiring individualized education plans, no patients had profound intellectual disability; 4/16 (25%) had mild self‐limited anemia, no patients had profound anemia.

Conclusions

These data suggest that the majority of individuals with FTCD deficiency detected by newborn screening are asymptomatic.
Identification and characterization of 40 novel hydroxymethylbilane synthase mutations that cause acute intermittent porphyria
Authors: Chen Brenden , Solis‐Villa Constanza , Erwin Angelika L. , Balwani Manisha , Nazarenko Irina , Phillips John D. , Desnick Robert J. , Yasuda Makiko
Published: February 2019

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), an autosomal dominant disorder due to the half‐normal activity of hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS), is characterized by acute neurovisceral attacks that are precipitated by factors that induce heme biosynthesis. Molecular diagnosis is the most sensitive and specific diagnostic test for AIP, and importantly, it permits the identification of asymptomatic family members for genetic counseling and avoidance of precipitating factors. Here, we report the identification of 40 novel HMBS mutations, including 11 missense, four nonsense, 16 small insertions or deletions, eight consensus splice site mutations, and a complex insertion‐deletion mutation in unrelated individuals with AIP. Prokaryotic expression of the missense mutations demonstrated that all mutants had ≤5% of expressed wildtype activity, except for c.1039G>C (p.A347P), which had 51% residual HMBS activity but was markedly thermolabile. Of note, the mutation c.612G>T (p.Q204H) altered the last nucleotide of exon 10, which resulted in an alternative HMBS transcript with an in‐frame nine base‐pair deletion at the 3'‐terminus of exon 10 (encoding protein Q204HΔ3). When expressed, Q204HΔ3 and an in‐frame three base‐pair deletion (c.639_641delTGC) had no detectable HMBS activity. Western blot analyses and mapping of the missense mutations on the human HMBS crystal structure revealed that mutations near the active site or at the dimerization interface resulted in stably expressed proteins, while most that altered surface residues resulted in unstable proteins, presumably due to improper protein folding. These studies identified novel pathogenic HMBS mutations and expanded the molecular heterogeneity of AIP.
Determination of several synthetic cathinones and an amphetamine‐like compound in urine by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Method validation and application to real cases
Authors: Gerace Enrico , Caneparo Denise , Borio Federica , Salomone Alberto , Vincenti Marco
Published: February 2019

Most routine practices for drugs‐of‐abuse testing do not include screening procedures for new psychoactive substances, despite their increasing diffusion, preventing clear knowledge of the real consumption of these drugs in the populations. To make up for this shortcoming, a gas chromatography with mass spectrometry method was developed for the simultaneous determination of 18 synthetic cathinones and one amphetamine‐like compound in human urine. The sample preparation was based on liquid–liquid extraction under alkaline condition followed by derivatization with trifluoroacetic anhydride. The separation of the 19 analytes was achieved in less than 10 min. The whole methodology was validated according to national and international guidelines. Selectivity, linearity range, limit of detection and limit of quantitation, precision and accuracy were evaluated. For all the analytes, the calibration curve was linear in the 100–1000 ng/mL concentration range. The limits of detection ranged from 10 to 30 ng/mL and limits of quantitation from 30 to 100 ng/mL. Precisions were in the ranges 0.1–10.4%, and 1.0–12.1% for low (100 ng/mL) and high (1000 ng/mL) concentration, respectively. The accuracy, expressed as bias% was within ±20% for all the analytes. The present method was successfully applied to urine samples originating from autopsies, drug abuse/withdrawal controls, clinical investigations, roadside controls, driving re‐licensing, and workplace testing.
The role of intravenous acetaminophen in post‐operative pain control in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Smith Erin , Lange Jessica , Moore Cindy , Eid Isaam , Jackson Lana , Monico Jesus
Published: February 2019

Objective

This study investigated the role of intravenous acetaminophen for alleviation of postoperative pain after surgical resection of head and neck cancers.

Methods

A single‐center study was conducted, which investigated a prospective group of 48 participants who underwent surgery between April 2016 and May 2017 and postoperatively received scheduled IV acetaminophen (1 g every 6 hours for 4 doses) plus the standard opioid PCA and breakthrough narcotics. These were compared to a similar retrospective cohort of 51 patients who had surgery between January 2014 to March 2015 and only received an opioid patient controlled analgesia (PCA) pump and breakthrough narcotics. Outcome measures included averaged pain scores, total amount of narcotics received (in morphine equivalents), and number of PCA attempts measured in 8‐hour intervals over the first 24 hours, as well as duration of PCA and length of stay. Statistical measures included descriptive analysis and gamma regression analysis.

Results

The acetaminophen group achieved equally low pain scores (0.8 ± 1.2 vs. 1.0 ± 1.3, P = .408) with significantly less total narcotics in the first 8 hours after surgery (13.5 ± 13.3 vs. 22.5 ± 21.5 MEs, P = .014). This group had a significantly decreased length of stay (7.8 ± 4.6 vs. 10.6 ± 7.6 days, P = .03).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that intravenous acetaminophen may play a role in reducing the total narcotic requirement in the first 8 hours after surgery and contribute to a decreased length of stay and potentially decrease cost to the patient and hospital overall. Future research should be aimed at comparing these groups in a randomized control study/setting.

Level of Evidence

3
Non‐Tacky Fluorinated and Elastomeric STEM Networks
Authors: Cuthbert Julia , Martinez Michael R. , Sun Mingkang , Flum Jacob , Li Lingchun , Olszewski Mateusz , Wang Zhenhua , Kowalewski Tomasz , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof
Published: February 2019

Soft, elastomeric, non‐tacky polymer networks are synthesized by reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP). First, the pristine, structurally tailored and engineered macromolecular (STEM) networks are synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and incorporated an atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) inimer into the network. Subsequently, poly(n‐butyl acrylate) (PBA) and/or poly(octafluoropentyl acrylate) (POFPA) side chains are grafted from the network by photo‐induced ATRP. These low glass transition temperature side chains produced soft materials (E = 104–178 kPa). However, only the POFPA‐containing networks are also non‐tacky. The fluorine content and material properties are investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis, elemental analysis, spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements.
Evaluating Summer Flounder Spatial Sex-Segregation in a Southern New England Estuary
Authors: Langan Joseph A. , McManus M. Conor , Schonfeld Adena J. , Truesdale Corinne L. , Collie Jeremy S.
Published: February 2019

Marine fish species can exhibit sex-specific differences in their biological traits. Not accounting for these characteristics in the stock assessment or management of a species can lead to misunderstanding its population dynamics and result in ineffective regulatory strategies. Summer Flounder Paralichthys dentatus, a flatfish that supports significant commercial and recreational fisheries along the northeastern U.S. shelf, expresses variation in several traits between the sexes, including growth and habitat preference. To further understand these patterns, 1,302 Summer Flounder were collected and sexed in 2016 and 2017 from fisheries-independent surveys conducted in Rhode Island state waters. Female flounder were more prevalent in shallow waters (≤15 m) through all months, but males had a greater presence in deeper waters (>15 m) from May through September. The probability of a collected flounder being female was evaluated with generalized linear models and covariates representing depth, temperature, month, year, and TL. Summer Flounder were more likely to be female at larger sizes, in shallower waters, and late in the season. When compared with landings data in the recreational fishery over the sampling period, the results suggest that nearly all flounder harvested in the sector were female. This work provides further evidence for and characterization of Summer Flounder sex-segregation and highlights, for management purposes, the importance of considering fine-scale spatial dynamics in addition to broader distribution patterns. The fitted model represents an effective first step toward understanding the implications of an aggregated fishing effort for disproportionate removals of male or female flounder and for exploring resulting consequences for regional spawning stock biomass and stock resiliency.
Citing success, TAC report urging all California counties to adopt AOT law
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2019

Observing that California's assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) law has substantially improved conditions for highly vulnerable individuals in the program for counties that implemented the program, there remains untapped potential within counties surveyed, according to a report released Feb. 5 by the Treatment Advocacy Center (TAC).
Bill reintroduction would expand MH providers in Medicare
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2019

Legislation introduced in previous sessions of Congress that would expand the mental health workforce in the Medicare program and improve mental health access for seniors, particularly in rural populations, has been reintroduced Jan. 31 in the House and Senate. The bill would allow seniors access to licensed mental health counselors (MHCs) and marriage and family therapists (MFTs) under Part B of the Medicare program.
Orange, Yolo counties find positive outcomes with Laura's Law
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2019

An MHW interview with two California county executives revealed that funding and concerns about forced treatment occurred before the implementation of Laura's Law, the state's assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) program in both counties.
Developing a measure of adaptive stress arising from the psychosocial disruptions experienced by refugees based on a sample of displaced persons from West Papua
Authors: Tay Alvin Kuowei , Rees Susan , Tam Natalino , Kareth Moses , Silove Derrick
Published: February 2019

Objectives

We report the testing and refinement of the Adaptive Stress Index (ASI), a psychosocial assessment tool designed to measure the longer terms stressors of adapting to the psychosocial disruptions experienced by refugees.

Methods

The ASI is based on a theoretical model, the Adaptation and Development After Persecution and Trauma (ADAPT), which postulates that five psychosocial domains are disrupted by conflict and displacement, namely, safety and security, attachment, access to justice, roles and identities, and existential meaning. We used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and item response theory (IRT) to shorten and refine the measure based on data obtained from 487 refugees participating in a household survey in Papua New Guinea (response rate: 85.8%).

Results

CFA allowed the exclusion of low loading items (<0.5) and locally dependent items. A good fit was found for single models representing each of the five ASI domains. A graded response IRT model identified items with the highest discrimination and information content in each of the five derived scales.

Conclusions

The analysis produced a shortened and refined ASI for use amongst refugee populations. The study offers a guide to adapting measures of stress for application to diverse populations exposed to mass conflict and refugee displacement.
Cough associated detrusor overactivity in women with urinary incontinence
Authors: Sinha Sanjay , Lakhani Daxay , Singh Vijay P.
Published: February 2019

Aims

This is the first study that attempts to define different forms of cough associated detrusor overactivity (CADO). Current literature lacks clarity regarding the types of CADO and clinical epidemiology.

Methods

Retrospective review of all adult women who underwent urodynamics for urinary incontinence (UI) over 7 years. Patients were stratified into four types: I, leak with CADO; II, leak with cough; III, leak with both; IV, leak with neither. Cough spike immediately preceding detrusor overactivity was defined as index cough. Stress leak occurring with any cough was classified as type II, not limited to the index cough that triggered the CADO.

Statistical analysis by R statistical program (version 3.1.3).

Results

Of 7009 studies, urodynamics was performed in 174, 290, and 874 women with clinical urgency, stress and mixed UI during the study period. CADO was noted in 29 (2.2%) (median 52 y; IQR 14 y) including six urgency UI, two stress UI, and 21 mixed UI (P = 0.102;n.s.). Types I–IV CADO was noted in 15, 5, 8, and 1 women, respectively. Type III was most bothersome (Patient Perception of Bladder Condition score 5; P = 0.049) and had the longest duration of CADO contraction (39.6 s IQR 20.3 s; P = 0.041). Types II (0.9 s) and III (2.0 s) had shorter latency of onset compared with type I (2.8 s, IQR 1.7 s; P = 0.038).

Concluding Message

CADO is a heterogeneous entity. Subtle differences in presentation suggest distinct mechanisms for different forms of CADO. Recognizing different types of CADO introduces a precision into the subject that could ultimately benefit both clinicians and researchers.
Caregivers’ Perspectives on the Slight Recovery of Oral Intake of Home‐Dwelling Patients Living With a Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube: A Qualitative Study Using Focus Group Interviews
Authors: Mori Hiroko , Naito Mariko , Nakane Ayako , Tohara Haruka
Published: February 2019

Background

Swallowing rehabilitation for patients living with a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube for home enteral nutrition (HEN) is poorly documented, and the quality of caregivers’ daily lives is also unknown.

Methods

A qualitative study based on constant comparative analysis was conducted. The study subjects were the caregivers of acquired brain injury survivors residing at home and living with a PEG tube for HEN who had recovered slight oral intake because of swallowing rehabilitation. Interviews were transcribed into anonymous transcripts and analyzed using inductive qualitative analysis. After 2 researchers performed the initial analysis, related concepts were extracted using matrix‐based methods. Finally, an audit was conducted to verify the consistency between the data and extracted concepts.

Results

Of the 22 caregivers (17 stroke cases and 5 traumatic brain injury cases), 21 were female and 1 was male. The psychological impact on caregivers’ daily lives because of the patients’ slight recovery of oral intake consisted of 4 concepts: (1) reconstructing and/or strengthening a sense of family belonging, (2) combining oral intake and other rehabilitation, (3) reducing the burden of providing care, and (4) relieving social isolation. Additionally, the evaluation of swallowing function using video endoscopy at every visit led to compliance with eating safety to fit patients’ swallowing ability.

Conclusions

Slight recovery of patients’ oral intake changed the daily lives of emotionally overwhelmed caregivers. The evaluation of swallowing disabilities using video endoscopy for patients with a PEG tube for HEN may reveal recovery of eating function and increase compliance with eating safety.
Standard and Specialized Infant Formulas in Europe: Making, Marketing, and Health Outcomes
Authors: Dipasquale Valeria , Serra Gregorio , Corsello Giovanni , Romano Claudio
Published: February 2019

Infant formulas are the only suitable substitute for human milk. The most common infant formulas are standard formulas based on cow's milk. In addition, there are formulas for infants showing signs and symptoms of intolerance and for clinical conditions such as allergy, prematurity, and gastrointestinal diseases. A comprehensive review of the literature was made to review the composition of standard and specialized infant formulas and analyze indications for use, real or presumed nutrition differences and properties, and impact on infant growth. A brief consideration on costs is outlined for each formula. Over the past few years, industrial production and advertising of infant formulas have increased. Human milk still remains the most complete source of nutrition for infants and should be continued according to the current recommendations. Few differences exist between infant formulas, both for the nutrition action and the macronutrient/micronutrient composition. Specialized infant formulas have limited indications for use and high costs. The role of the pediatrician is crucial in the management of infant nutrition, promotion of breastfeeding, and prescribing of specialized formulas only in specific clinical conditions.
Lippmann‐Schwinger solvers for the explicit jump discretization for thermal computational homogenization problems
Authors: Dorn Christian , Schneider Matti
Published: February 2019

We present a variational formulation and a Lippmann‐Schwinger equation for the explicit jump discretization of thermal computational homogenization problems, together with fast and memory‐efficient matrix‐free solvers based on the fast Fourier transform (FFT). Wiegmann and Zemitis introduced the explicit jump discretization for volumetric image‐based computational homogenization of thermal conduction. In contrast to Fourier and finite difference‐based discretization methods classically used in FFT‐based homogenization, the explicit jump discretization is devoid of ringing and checkerboarding artifacts. Originally, the explicit jump discretization was formulated as the discrete equivalent of a boundary integral equation for the jump in the temperature gradient. The resulting equations are not symmetric positive definite, and thus solved by the BiCGSTAB method. Still, the numerical scheme exhibits stable convergence behavior, also in the presence of pores. In this work, we exploit a reformulation of the explicit jump system in terms of harmonically averaged conductivities. The resulting system is intrinsically symmetric positive definite and admits a Lippmann‐Schwinger formulation. A seamless integration into existing FFT‐based software packages is ensured. We demonstrate our improvements by numerical experiments.
Synergistic effect of pressure cold atmospheric plasma and carboxymethyl chitosan to mesenchymal stem cell differentiation on PCL/CMC nanofibers for cartilage tissue engineering
Authors: Alemi Parinaz Sadat , Atyabi Seyed Alireza , Sharifi Fereshteh , Mohamadali Marjan , Irani Shiva , Bakhshi Hadi , Atyabi Seyed Mohammad
Published: February 2019

Cell attachment and differentiation on biomaterials might be enhanced by surface modification techniques. The main aim of this study was to improve stem cell/material interaction by pressure cold atmospheric plasma (CAP). We developed a combination of electrospun poly (ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)‐chitosan (CTS) and PCL‐carboxy methyl chitosan (CMC) scaffolds. In order to make nanofiber surfaces more appropriate for mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) attachment and proliferation, CAP was used. Proliferation and cartilage differentiation of MSCs were then evaluated during 21 days. Biocompatibility test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2yl]‐2, 5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) staining were performed. After 21 days, induction of cartilage differentiation was approved through expression of SRY‐Box 9 (SOX9) and collagen type II (COL2) genes by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), and COL2 protein expression was accordingly confirmed by immunocytochemistry (ICC). Thus, our data showed the PCL/CMC scaffolds can support and induce the differentiation of MSC to cartilage‐like cells.
Multimorbidity and healthcare utilization among early survivors of pediatric cancer
Authors: Harrington Rachel L. , Qato Dima M. , Antoon James W. , Caskey Rachel N. , Schumock Glen T. , Lee Todd A.
Published: February 2019

Early survivors of pediatric cancer are at increased risk of experiencing chronic conditions; however, little is known about the morbidity burden in this population. In this observational cohort study of commercially insured pediatric cancer survivors in the United States (2009–2014), we find that 22.5% of survivors had one chronic condition, and 36.3% had multiple. Compared with survivors without chronic conditions, the presence of multiple conditions significantly increased the odds of an emergency department visit by 70% (odds ratios [OR], 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4–2.1) and of a hospitalization almost four‐fold (OR, 3.8; 95% CI], 2.5–5.5). Findings are important for informing pediatric survivorship care plans in the years following completion of therapy.
Low‐risk factors for severe bacterial infection and acute chest syndrome in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Rincón‐López Elena María , Navarro Gómez María Luisa , Hernández‐Sampelayo Matos Teresa , Saavedra‐Lozano Jesús , Aguilar de la Red Yurena , Hernández Rupérez Belén , Cela de Julián Elena ,   RETRO‐DREP Study Group
Published: February 2019

Introduction

The rate of bacterial infections in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) has decreased in recent years, mainly due to penicillin prophylaxis and vaccination.

Objectives

To determine the rate of severe bacterial infection (SBI) in a cohort of children with SCD and to describe low‐risk factors for confirmed SBI (CSBI) and acute chest syndrome (ACS).

Methods

This 11‐year retrospective cohort study included children with febrile SCD admitted to a reference hospital in Spain. A case‐control study was performed comparing patients diagnosed with SBI to those without SBI, and subanalyses for groups with CSBI and ACS were carried out.

Results

A total of 316 febrile episodes were analyzed; 69 (21.8%) had confirmed or possible SBI. Thirteen of those had CSBI (4.1%), eight urinary tract infection, and five bacteremia/sepsis. Among the cases of possible SBI, the majority had ACS (54/56; 96.4%). Age >3 years, absence of central venous catheter, hemodynamic stability, and procalcitonin <0.6 ng/ml were low‐risk factors for CSBI, whereas normal oxygen saturation and C‐reactive protein <3 mg/dl were low‐risk factors for ACS, with negative predictive values (NPV) of 98.3%, 97.4%, 96%, 97.2%, 87.5%, and 85.8%, respectively.

Conclusion

In this cohort of children with SCD who were well vaccinated and received adequate prophylaxis, we found a low rate of bacteremia and CSBI. We described several low‐risk factors for CSBI and ACS, all of them with a high NPV. These findings may help to develop a risk score to safely select the patients that could be managed with a more conservative approach.
Preparation of PET/LDH composite materials and their mechanical properties and permeability for O2
Authors: Gao Meimei , Jiao Qingze , Cui Wenjia , Feng Caihong , Zhao Yun , Xiang Aimin , Mu Xiaomin , Ma Liang
Published: February 2019

The terephthalate‐intercalated LDHs (TA‐LDHs) are used to improve the barrier properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) for their application in liquid food packaging. First, TA‐LDHs were synthesized from freshly prepared metal hydroxides. PET/LDH nanocomposites were then prepared by a masterbatch process. The structures and morphologies of TA‐LDHs and PET/LDH nanocomposites were characterized using X‐ray diffractometer, transmission electronic microscopy, and scanning electron microscope. The mechanical performances and the oxygen permeability of the PET/LDH composites were measured using a precision universal tester and differential pressure gas permeameter, respectively. The influence of TA‐LDH content on their structures and properties was studied. PET/LDH nanocomposites with 1 and 2 wt% of TA‐LDHs are partially exfoliated nanocomposites, while PET/LDH with 5 wt% of TA‐LDHs is an intercalated nanocomposite. The PET/LDH nanocomposites prepared by a masterbatch process show better mechanical properties and gas barrier properties. PET/LDHs‐m2 with 2 wt% of TA‐LDHs could offer up to a 29.4% improvement in tensile strength over PET and the Young's modulus is increased by 38.9%. The O2permeation of PET/LDHs‐m2 with 2 wt% of TA‐LDHs is decreased by 46.2%. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E366–E371, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Practical simulation and experimental measurement of liquid crystal polymer directionality during injection molding
Authors: Sullivan Anthony , Saigal Anil , Zimmerman Michael A.
Published: February 2019

Liquid crystal polymers (LCP's) comprise a class of materials that derive favorable mechanical, chemical, and electrical behavior from long‐range molecular ordering. This unique microstructure gives rise to anisotropic bulk properties that can be problematic for industrial applications, and thus the ability to model the polymer texture is essential to the design of manufacturing processes for isotropic material production. Previous efforts to model LCP directionality have been primarily restricted to structured grids and simple geometries that demonstrate the underlying theory, but fall short of simulating the polymer flow and orientation through realistic manufacturing geometries. In this investigation, a practical methodology is proposed to simulate the 3D director field in full‐scale melt‐processing domains for the prediction of the bulk material orientation state. The hybrid approach utilizes separate simulations for the polymer flow and directionality, using commercial CFD software and a user‐defined post‐processing script, respectively. Wide‐angle X‐ray scattering is used to experimentally validate the directions and degree of order calculated by the model. It is shown that the model is capable of predicting not only the bulk orientation state but also the intricacies of the hierarchal structure produced during manufacturing. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E414–E424, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Radical polymerization in the presence of peroxide and reducing agent monomer for branched polymers
Authors: Jiang Qimin , Du Yongzhuang , Huang Wenyan , Chen Jianhai , Yang Hongjun , Xue Xiaoqiang , Jiang Li , Jiang Bibiao
Published: February 2019

In this article, we report the radical polymerization in the presence of peroxide and commercially available or designed reducing agent monomer (RAM) for the preparation of branched poly(methyl methacrylate)s (PMMAs). The reaction behavior of the RAM was studied by NMR. Triple‐detection SEC (TD‐SEC) analysis was used to confirm the branching structure of the prepared PMMAs and to investigate the influence of peroxide concentration and RAM concentration on molecular weight and branched structure. The obtained branched PMMAs exhibited high molecular weights and relatively narrow polydispersities at high conversion of MMA. Interestingly, a significant increase in molecular weight and degree of branching of the obtained polymers are observed in higher BPO concentration, these results are quite different from that reported in the literature. The unique radical polymerization mechanism in the RAM/BPO redox‐initiated radical polymerization system resulted in branched PMMAs with high molecular weights at relatively high RAM and BPO concentrations. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 833–840
Mechanism of trace acetamiprid‐caused reproductive disorders in silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Cheng Xiaoyu , Li Fanchi , Chen Jian , Wang Hui , Mao Tingting , Li Jinxin , Hu Jiahuan , Li Bing
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Neonicotinoid insecticides are widely used in the prevention and control of pests in agriculture and forestry, but they can also affect the development of nontarget economic insects. In order to determine the effects of trace acetamiprid on the development of reproductive system of silkworm, we studied the gonad development and endogenous hormone metabolism in silkworms exposed to trace acetamiprid.

RESULT

The silkworm showed mild poisoning symptoms after being exposed to trace acetamiprid (0.01 mg L−1). After 96 h of acetamiprid exposure, the body weight of silkworm was decreased by 7.67% and the ovary and fallopian tube were abnormally developed. The egg production in adults was decreased by 197 ± 29, and the egg weight was decreased by 0.52 ± 0.01 mg. Quantitative RT‐PCR analysis showed that the relative expression levels of ovarian development‐related genes Vg, Ovo, Otu, Sxl‐S and Sxl‐L were downregulated by 0.71, 0.77, 0.47, 0.67 and 0.88‐fold, respectively. The transcriptional expression of ecdysone metabolism‐related gene (EcR) in the ovary was downregulated by 0.46‐fold while the expression of juvenile hormone‐related gene (JHBP2) was upregulated by 1.36‐fold. In hemolymph of acetamiprid exposed larvae, the content of ecdysone was reduced whereas the content of juvenile hormone was increased.

CONCLUSION

Trace acetamiprid may cause reproductive dysfunction in silkworms through regulating the metabolism of endogenous hormones. Our study provides a reference for elucidating the mechanism of acetamiprid‐induced reproductive disorders in insects. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Semisynthesis of novel N‐acyl/sulfonyl derivatives of 5(3,5)‐(di)halogenocytisines/cytisine and their pesticidal activities against Mythimna separata Walker, Tetranychus cinnabarinus Boisduval, and Sitobion avenae Fabricius
Authors: Huang Xiaobo , Lv Min , Xu Hui
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

To discover novel natural product‐based pesticidal agents for crop protection, a series of N‐acyl/sulfonyl derivatives of 5(3,5)‐(di)halogenocytisines/cytisine were prepared by structural modifications of cytisine. Their pesticidal activities were evaluated against three typically crop‐threatening agricultural pests, Mythimna separata Walker, Tetranychus cinnabarinus Boisduval, and Sitobion avenae Fabricius.

RESULTS

Compound 5f exhibited the promising pesticidal activities against three tested pests. All N‐phenylsulfonylcytisine derivatives showed potent acaricidal activity. Compound 5j exhibited 2.5‐fold more potent acaricidal activity than cytisine, and showed good control effects. Intermediates 2, and 3/3′ displayed pronounced aphicidal activity. Some interesting results of structure–activity relationships were also obtained.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that compounds 5f and 5j could be further modified as pesticidal agents. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Electrochemical behavior of active surface layers in AA8xxx aluminum alloys
Authors: Andreatta Francesco , Lanzutti Alex , Maschio Stefano , Fedrizzi Lorenzo
Published: February 2019

AA8xxx alloys employed in the HVAC&R sector (heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigerating) were investigated to highlight the effect of active surface layers in heat‐exchanger fins. The local behavior of the surface and the bulk of the alloy sheets was studied by means of an electrochemical microcell in combination with glow‐discharge optical‐emission spectrometry. Surface layers strongly enhance the electrochemical activity of the fin material. This is related to the segregation of Mg and other elements (Sn) strongly impairing the protective behavior of the oxide film generated during thermomechanical processing.