bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adjunctive Clavulanic Acid Abolishes the Cefazolin Inoculum Effect in an Experimental Rat Model of Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus Endocarditis
Authors: Miller William R. , Singh Kavindra V. , Arias Cesar A. , Murray Barbara E.
Published: August 2018

We tested the ability of clavulanic acid to restore the efficacy of cefazolin against
Staphylococcus aureus
TX0117, which exhibits the cefazolin inoculum effect (CzIE). In the rat infective endocarditis model, the coadministration of cefazolin plus clavulanic acid resulted in a significant reduction of bacterial counts (7.1 ± 0.5 log
10
CFU/g) compared to that with cefazolin alone (2 ± 0.6 log
10
CFU/g;
P
< 0.0001).
A High-Resolution Time Series Reveals Distinct Seasonal Patterns of Planktonic Fungi at a Temperate Coastal Ocean Site (Beaufort, North Carolina, USA)
Authors: Duan Yingbo , Xie Ningdong , Song Zhiquan , Ward Christopher S. , Yung Cheuk-Man , Hunt Dana E. , Johnson Zackary I. , Wang Guangyi
Published: August 2018

Coastal fungal dynamics were long assumed to be due to terrestrial inputs; here, a high-resolution time series reveals strong, repeating annual patterns linked to
in situ
environmental conditions, arguing for a resident coastal fungal community shaped by environmental factors. These seasonal patterns do, however, differ from those observed in the bacterioplankton at the same site; e.g., fungal diversity peaks in winter, whereas bacterial diversity maxima occur in the spring and fall. While the dynamics of these communities are linked to water temperature and insolation, fungi are also influenced by the carbonate system (pH and DIC). As both fungi and heterotrophic bacteria are thought to be key organic-material metabolizers, differences in their environmental drivers may offer clues as to which group dominates secondary production at this dynamic site. Overall, this study suggests the unique ecological roles of mycoplankton and their potentially broad niche complementarities to other microbial groups in the coastal ocean.
Interaction of Copper Toxicity and Oxidative Stress in Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Gardner Susan P. , Olson Jonathan W.
Published: August 2018

Copper is a required micronutrient for most aerobic organisms, but it is universally toxic at elevated levels. These organisms use homeostatic mechanisms that allow for cells to acquire enough of the element to sustain metabolic requirements while ensuring that lethal levels cannot build up in the cell.
Campylobacter jejuni
is an important foodborne pathogen that typically makes its way into the food chain through contaminated poultry.
C. jejuni
has a metabolic requirement for copper and encodes a copper detoxification system. In the course of studying this system, we have learned that it is important for avian colonization. We have also gained insight into how copper exerts its toxic effects in
C. jejuni
by promoting oxidative stress.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus sp. Strain YSP-3, a Halophilic, Alkaliphilic Bacterium Isolated from a Salt Lake
Authors: Wang Shuangyan , Dong Luna , Zhao Baisuo , Xu Shuxia , Wu Kun , Wang Haisheng
Published: August 2018

The halophilic, alkaliphilic bacterium
Bacillus
sp. strain YSP-3 was isolated from a salt lake.
Complete Genome Sequence of Rhizobium sp. Strain 11515TR, Isolated from Tomato Rhizosphere in the Philippines
Authors: Montecillo Andrew D. , Raymundo Asuncion K. , Papa Irene A. , Aquino Genevieve Mae B. , Rosana Albert Remus R.
Published: August 2018

Rhizobium
sp. strain 11515TR was isolated from the rhizosphere of tomato in Laguna, Philippines.
Genome Sequence of a Single-Stranded DNA Virus Identified in Gila Monster Feces
Authors: Somayaji Vasishta , DeNardo Dale , Wilson Sayres Melissa A. , Blake Mellecha , Waits Kara , Fontenele Rafaela S. , Kraberger Simona , Varsani Arvind
Published: August 2018

The Gila monster (
Heloderma suspectum
) is native to the Sonoran Desert. Metagenomic analyses of a Gila monster fecal sample revealed the presence of a small, circular, single-stranded DNA virus that is most closely related to a gemykrogvirus (family
Genomoviridae
) genome from caribou feces sharing 88% genome-wide pairwise identity.
Improvement in staff compliance with a safety standard checklist in endoscopy in a tertiary centre
Authors: Mason Matthew Charles , Griggs Rebecca Katie , Withecombe Rachel , Xing Eunice Yun , Sandberg Charlotte , Molyneux Matthew Keith
Published: August 2018

National Health Service England published the National Safety Standards for Invasive Procedures (NatSSIP) in 2015. They mandated that individual trusts produce Local Safety Standards for Invasive Procedures (LocSSIPs), a set of safety standards drawn from the NatSSIP that apply to a particular clinical situation in a given department, for all invasive procedures.

The project goal was to design and implement the LocSSIP within the endoscopy department. A draft LocSSIP was produced, and a pilot study conducted to gain initial feedback on its use. Version 1 of the checklist was produced and after approval, rolled out for use within the endoscopy department at ‘time out’ and ‘sign out’. A scoring system was developed that allowed the quality of the performance of LocSSIPs to be assessed and recorded as a ‘compliance score’.

After 2 months, an independent observer spent a week assessing use of the checklist, recording completion and a compliance score. Analysis of this data led to a number of changes in performing the checklist, wider multidisciplinary team education and integration of the checklist into existing documentation, before reassessing at 12 months.

In 2016, ‘time out’ checks were completed in 100% of cases, but full completion was only observed in 68%. ‘Sign out’ checks were completed in 91% of cases, with full completion in 71%. In 2017, ‘time out’ checks were completed in 100% of cases, with full completion in 85%. ‘Sign out’ checks were completed in 100% of cases, with full completion in 91%.

The composite score for compliance in 2016 was 57% increasing to 90% in 2017.

In conclusion, stronger departmental leadership, broadening education and integration of the checklist into routine documentation to reduce duplication led to significant improvements in compliance with use of the checklist. Ongoing education and assessment is imperative to ensure that compliance is maintained to ensure patient safety.
Knowledge translation and process improvement interventions increased pain assessment documentation in a large quaternary paediatric post-anaesthesia care unit
Authors: Stocki Daniel , McDonnell Conor , Wong Gail , Kotzer Gloria , Shackell Kelly , Campbell Fiona
Published: August 2018

Background

Due to inadequate pain assessment documentation in our paediatric post-anaesthetic care unit (PACU), we were unable to monitor pain intensity, and target factors contributing to moderate and severe postoperative pain in children. The purpose of this study was to improve pain assessment documentation in PACU through a process improvement intervention and knowledge translation (KT) strategy. The study was set in a PACU within a large university affiliated paediatric hospital. Participants included PACU and Acute Pain Service nursing staff, administrative staff and anaesthesiologists.

Methods

The Plan–Do–Study-Act method of quality improvement was used. Benchmark data were obtained by chart review of 99 patient medical records prior to interventions. Data included pain assessment documentation (pain intensity score, use of validated pain intensity measure) during PACU stay. Repeat chart audit took place at 4, 5 and 6 months after the intervention.

Intervention

Key informant interviews were conducted to identify barriers to pain assessment documentation. A process improvement was implemented whereby the PACU flowsheets were modified to facilitate pain assessment documentation. KT strategy was implemented to increase awareness of pain assessment documentation and to provide the knowledge, skill and judgement to support this practice. The KT strategy was directed at PACU nursing staff and comprised education outreach (educational meetings for PACU nurses, discussions at daily huddles), reminders (screensavers, bedside posters, email reminders) and feedback of audit results.

Results

The proportion of charts that included at least one documented pain assessment was 69%. After intervention, pain assessment documentation increased to >90% at 4 and 5 months, respectively, and to 100% after 6 months.

Conclusion

After implementing process improvement and KT interventions, pain assessment documentation improved. Additional work is needed in several key areas, specifically monitoring moderate to severe pain, in order to target factors contributing to significant postoperative pain in children.
How to read an ethics paper
Authors: Jansen Melanie , Ellerton Peter
Published: August 2018

In recent decades, evidence-based medicine has become one of the foundations of clinical practice, making it necessary that healthcare practitioners develop keen critical appraisal skills for scientific papers. Worksheets to guide clinicians through this critical appraisal are often used in journal clubs, a key part of continuing medical education. A similar need is arising for health professionals to develop skills in the critical appraisal of medical ethics papers. Medicine is increasingly ethically complex, and there is a growing medical ethics literature that modern practitioners need to be able to use in their practice. In addition, clinical ethics services are commonplace in healthcare institutions, and the lion’s share of the work done by these services is done by clinicians in addition to their usual roles. Education to support this work is important. In this paper, we present a worksheet designed to help busy healthcare practitioners critically appraise ethics papers relevant to clinical practice. In the first section, we explain what is different about ethics papers. We then describe how to work through the steps in our critical appraisal worksheet: identifying the point at issue; scrutinising definitions; dissecting the arguments presented; considering counterarguments; and finally deciding on relevance. Working through this reflective worksheet will help healthcare practitioners to use the ethics literature effectively in clinical practice. We also intend it to be a shared evaluative tool that can form the basis of professional discussion such as at ethics journal clubs. Practising these critical reasoning skills will also increase practitioners’ capacity to think through difficult ethical decisions in daily clinical practice.
Differences in foliar endophyte communities of red alder (Alnus rubra) exposed to varying air pollutant levels
Authors: Wolfe Emily R. , Kautz Stefanie , Singleton Sebastian L. , Ballhorn Daniel J.
Published: August 2018

In the Pacific Northwest, Alnus rubra Bong. (red alder) is a common deciduous tree species especially prevalent in riparian corridors and disturbed sites, including metropolitan areas undergoing land use changes and development. Importantly, red alder is also considered a bioindicator for ozone pollution and, like all plants, harbors a diverse endophyte community that may interact with aerial pollutants. In this study, we surveyed foliar fungal endophyte communities (microfungi) in red alder leaves from the metropolitan area of Portland, Oregon, USA, using culture-based techniques, and found that communities differed significantly by site. Our results suggest that the fungal endophyte community composition in red alder leaves may be influenced in part by local air pollution sources, likely in conjunction with other site characteristics. As urban areas expand, more studies should focus on how the urban environment affects plant–microbe community ecology and endophyte–host interactions, as well as on the long-term consequences for other ecosystem processes such as leaf litter decomposition.
Accident factor analysis based on different age groups via AdaBoost algorithm
Authors: Chen Lihui , Wang Pin
Published: August 2018

A person’s vision, perception, judgment, and operation of a vehicle decline with age. To analyze the influence of age on traffic accidents, we apply the adaptive boosting algorithm (AdaBoost) to investigate the most significant factors for two age groups (older and young driver groups) based on real-world accident data in California. Accident factors include gender, road type, pavement condition, weather, time of day, vehicle behavior, etc., as well as their corresponding subfactors. We first train some weak learners to find importance and then linearly combine those weak learners into a unified stronger learner. The proposed method has several advantages: (1) ability to handle unbalanced data, (2) no requirement on the assumption of data distribution, and (3) being robust for different datasets. Results show that the major factors regarding road safety for older drivers are weather and time of day, while for young drivers are traffic violations and vehicle behaviors.
Solar activity expressed in a modern varve thickness sequence
Authors: Hughes Gary B. , Adams Jordan , Cockburn Jaclyn M.H.
Published: August 2018

Annually laminated sediments (varves) form in particular depositional settings, e.g., where seasonal climate produces fluctuations in runoff volume; variations in runoff affect the amount and type of sediment delivered to a catchment. Prior studies confirm that variations in selected varve traits correlate with inter-annual climate signals. In some locations, solar activity also appears to be expressed in varve characteristics, either through a direct effect or indirectly via influence of solar activity on climate. Evidence from proglacial Iceberg Lake, Alaska, indicates that solar activity may have directly contributed to varve deposition. A varve thickness sequence is compared to sunspot observations from 1610–1995 CE. Maunder and Dalton minima are clearly expressed in a varve power spectrogram; varve signal amplification beginning ca. 1950s CE coincides with increasing activity evident in a sunspot spectrogram, features that are only vaguely discernible in the raw time-series plots. Spectral relationships at sunspot periodicities are consistent with direct solar forcing of varve thickness, independent of any effect solar activity might otherwise have on climate. Simulations based on a meltwater model indicate that direct forcing could result from amplified ultraviolet (UV) emission during solar maxima, combined with lower UV albedo of glacial ice. The plausible forcing mechanism bolsters epistemology for concluding a cause–effect relationship: solar variability likely contributed directly to inter-decadal patterns in Iceberg Lake varve thicknesses. The putative effect could be enhanced at higher latitudes, where Earth’s atmosphere absorbs less of the UV energy emitted by the Sun; periods of lowered ozone concentration near the poles would exacerbate the natural abetting UV phenomena, potentially linking human activity to recent and accelerated polar ice cap melting.
Seed dispersal and site characteristics influence germination and seedling survival of the invasive liana Euonymus fortunei (wintercreeper) in a rural woodland
Authors: Rounsaville Todd J. , Baskin Carol C. , Roemmele Eric , Arthur Mary A.
Published: August 2018

The invasive liana Euonymus fortunei (Turcz.) Hand.-Maz. (wintercreeper) is an emerging invader that through monodominance of woodlands can drastically reduce native species diversity and alter nutrient cycling. We studied how the vegetation and soils of invaded (INV), “native” (NAT), and wintercreeper removal (REM) site treatments influenced seed germination and seedling survival of this invader. The effect of aril (with vs. without) was also tested for wintercreeper seeds under field and in vitro conditions as a proxy for gravity vs. animal dispersal of seed, respectively. Germination was significantly delayed for seeds sown with an aril (vs. without), as well as those sown in INV soils (vs. NAT or REM), but neither site nor aril affected total germination. The proportion of germinated seedlings that survived after the first winter was significantly different based on site (p = 0.054) and aril (p = 0.071) treatments, with lower survival resulting from seeds sown without arils, and for seeds sown in INV sites. Magnesium (Mg) concentrations were significantly higher among INV soils (vs. NAT) and provide further support that wintercreeper is a driver of soil nutrient change. Our findings that aril-enclosed (gravity-dispersed) seeds yielded greater survival, despite being locally dispersed within invaded sites (where survival was lowest), support the historically slow rate of spread for this species.
Mapping History
Authors: Ress S. , Cafaro F. , Bora D. , Prasad D. , Soundarajan D.
Published: August 2018

At historic open-air museums, many of the “objects” under investigation are buildings and landscapes that could tell multiple, overlapping narratives: i.e., they were built/manipulated over the course of years by different peoples and groups who used them for varying purposes. In this article, we address this challenge by proposing the use of interactive maps to orient visitors in time, space, and both time and space. We conducted a series of collaborative-design workshops to elicit recommendations. From the analysis of the transcripts, we identified four design elements and two functionalities that could be used for these purposes. We then conducted a study at an open-air museum to compare the extent to which these design elements and functionalities (and a prototype that integrates them) allow visitors to orient themselves in time and space, and to notice change over time.
Large-Scale Adversarial Sports Play Retrieval with Learning to Rank
Authors: Di Mingyang , Klabjan Diego , Sha Long , Lucey Patrick
Published: August 2018

As teams of professional leagues are becoming more and more analytically driven, the interest in effective data management and access of sports plays has dramatically increased. In this article, we present a retrieval system that can quickly find the most relevant plays from historical games given an input query. To search through a large number of games at an interactive speed, our system is built upon a distributed framework so that each query-result pair is evaluated in parallel. We also propose a pairwise learning to rank approach to improve search ranking based on users’ clickthrough behavior. The similarity metric in training the rank function is based on automatically learnt features from a convolutional autoencoder. Finally, we showcase the efficacy of our learning to rank approach by demonstrating rank quality in a user study.
Whole egg, but not egg white, ingestion induces mTOR colocalization with the lysosome after resistance exercise
Authors: Abou Sawan Sidney , van Vliet Stephan , West Daniel W. D. , Beals Joseph W. , Paluska Scott A. , Burd Nicholas A. , Moore Daniel R.
Published: August 2018

We have recently demonstrated that whole egg ingestion induces a greater muscle protein synthetic (MPS) response when compared with isonitrogenous egg white ingestion after resistance exercise in young men. Our aim was to determine whether whole egg or egg white ingestion differentially influenced colocalization of key regulators of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) as means to explain our previously observed divergent postexercise MPS response. In crossover trials, 10 healthy resistance-trained men (21 ± 1 yr; 88 ± 3 kg; body fat: 16 ± 1%; means ± SE) completed lower body resistance exercise before ingesting whole eggs (18 g protein, 17 g fat) or egg whites (18 g protein, 0 g fat). Muscle biopsies were obtained before exercise and at 120 and 300 min after egg ingestion to assess, by immunofluorescence, protein colocalization of key anabolic signaling molecules. After resistance exercise, tuberous sclerosis 2-Ras homolog enriched in brain (Rheb) colocalization decreased ( P < 0.01) at 120 and 300 min after whole egg and egg white ingestion with concomitant increases ( P < 0.01) in mTOR-Rheb colocalization. After resistance exercise, mTOR-lysosome-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2) colocalization significantly increased at 120 and 300 min only after whole egg ingestion ( P < 0.01), and mTOR-LAMP2 colocalization correlated with rates of MPS at rest and after exercise ( r = 0.40, P < 0.05). We demonstrated that the greater postexercise MPS response with whole egg ingestion is related in part to an enhanced recruitment of mTORC1-Rheb complexes to the lysosome during recovery. These data suggest nonprotein dietary factors influence the postexercise regulation of mRNA translation in human skeletal muscle.
Score genético predice agresividad del cáncer de próstata.
Authors: Rojas Pablo , Viviani Paola , Montecinos Viviana , Zhou Yu Ting , Morales Claudio , Godoy Alejandro , San Francisco Ignacio
Published: August 2018

Introducción: Establecer un score genético utilizando los polimorfismos de nucleótido único (SNPs) del gen RNAsel y regiones cromosómicas 8q24 y 17q12-24 en combinación con el antígeno específico de la próstata (PSA) para predecir la agresividad del cáncer de próstata (CaP).Pacientes y métodos: hombres con CaP tratados con prostatectomía radical. Se analizaron variables clínicas y patológicas: edad al diagnóstico, PSA al diagnóstico, el volumen tumoral (TV) y extensión extracapsular (ECE) según el TNM (tumour, node and metástasis) (ECE ≥T3) y score de Gleason. Desarrollamos un modelo de puntaje genético usando regresión logística multivariable.Resultados: se incluyeron 86 pacientes sometidos a prostatectomía radical. Edad promedio fue de 62 ± 7,5 años. El promedio de PSA fue de 11,3 ± 10,6 ng/mL. Treinta y un pacientes (36%) tuvieron ECE. La mediana del TV fue de 3,8 cc. Un PSA ≥ 10 ng/mL se asoció con una mayor tasa de ECE (p <0,05) y TV más alto (p = 0,032). En el análisis univariable, los pacientes con > 1 SNP tienen mayor riesgo de ECE que los pacientes con ≤ 1 SNP (42% vs. 10,5%, p = 0,01), y los pacientes con ≥ 3 SNP tienen más TV que los pacientes con <3 SNP (60% vs. 32%, p = 0,015). Se crearon dos modelos de riesgo usando el número de SNP y PSA ≥ o <10 ng/mL para predecir ECE (sensibilidad 67% y especificidad 84%) y TV (sensibilidad 59% y especificidad 70%).Conclusiones: El score genético presentado en este estudio es una herramienta novedosa para predecir indicadores de agresividad del CaP, como ECE y TV.
Schwann Cells Augment Cell Spreading and Metastasis of Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhou Yan , Shurin Galina V. , Zhong Hua , Bunimovich Yuri L. , Han Baohui , Shurin Michael R.
Published: August 2018

Although lungs are densely innervated by the peripheral nervous system (PNS), the role of the PNS in the progression of lung cancer is unknown. In this study, we report that mouse adult Schwann cells (SC), the principal glial cells of the PNS, can regulate the motility of lung cancer cells in vitro and the formation of metastases in vivo. SCs promoted epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the motility of two lung cancer cell lines by increasing expression of Snail and Twist in tumor cells; blocking of Snail and Twist expression abolished SC-induced motility of tumor cells. SC-derived CXCL5 was responsible for EMT in lung cancer cells, as the inhibition of CXCL5 or its receptor CXCR2 reduced SC-induced expression of Snail and Twist and reduced motility in tumor cells. CXCL5/CXCR2 binding activated the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/Snail-Twist signaling pathway in lung cancer cells, and the PI3K inhibitor blocked CXCL5-dependent phosphorylation of AKT and GSK-3β, reduced expression of Snail/Twist, and limited tumor cell invasiveness. SC conditioning of tumor cells prior to their injection into mice significantly increased the formation of metastases in the regional lymph nodes. In summary, SCs can regulate the CXCL5/CXCR2/PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/Snail-Twist pathway to promote EMT, invasiveness, and metastatic potential of lung cancer cells. Our results reveal a new role of the PNS in the functional organization of the tumor microenvironment and tumor progression.

Significance: This study increases our understanding of how nerves and, in particular, specific glial cells, Schwann cells, in the peripheral nervous system, may help promote tumor growth and metastasis. Cancer Res; 78(20); 5927–39. ©2018 AACR.
A Novel Biomarker in Diabetic Macular Edema with Serous Retinal Detachment: Serum Chitinase-3-Like Protein 1
Authors: Kaya Mahmut , Kaya Derya , Idiman Egemen , Kocak Nilufer , Ozturk Taylan , Ayhan Ziya , Altun Zekiye , Kaynak Suleyman
Published: August 2018

Purpose: To determine whether serum chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels correlate with serous retinal detachment (SRD) in diabetic macular edema (DME) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Methods: In this cross-sectional case-control study, 394 patients (treatment-naive DME patients, n = 218; diabetic patients without DME, n = 96; nondiabetic controls, n = 80) were included in the study. Eyes were classiﬁed according to SD-OCT features of DME: SRD, cystoid macular edema (CMO), and diffuse retinal thickness (DRT). Serum concentrations of CHI3L1 and IL-6 were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Serum CHI3L1 and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in DME with SRD compared to patients with CMO and DRT (p < 0.001 for all groups). Multivariate regression analysis showed that CHI3L1 and IL-6 had a stronger influence on the presence of SRD in DME (r = 1.162, p = 0.026, and r = 1.242, p = 0.016, respectively). Serum concentration of CHI3L1 was significantly correlated with that of IL-6 (r = 0.386, p = 0.0015). Conclusions: Our data suggest that serum concentrations of CHI3L1 and IL-6 are involved in the process of SRD in DME. CHI3L1 can be investigated further as a new diagnostic biomarker for DME with SRD.
TDO2 Overexpression Is Associated with Cancer Stem Cells and Poor Prognosis in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Pham Quoc Thang , Oue Naohide , Sekino Yohei , Yamamoto Yuji , Shigematsu Yoshinori , Sakamoto Naoya , Sentani Kazuhiro , Uraoka Naohiro , Yasui Wataru
Published: August 2018

Objective: Esophageal cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the world, and the main subtype is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), which comprises 90% of cases. Expression of tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO2), an enzyme involved in tryptophan catabolism, has been linked with tumor survival and poor prognosis of brain and breast cancer. However, no studies have investigated the potential role of TDO2 in esophageal cancer. Here we explored the expression and biological significance of TDO2 in ESCC. Methods: TDO2 protein expression was evaluated in 90 ESCC tissue samples by immunohistochemistry. TDO2 function in ESCC cell lines and spheroid colony formation were evaluated by RNA interference (RNAi). Results: TDO2 overexpression was associated with tumor stage, recurrence status, and the CD44 cancer stem cell marker in ESCC. TDO2 overexpression was correlated with poor outcome of ESCC patients. Inhibition of TDO2 expression by RNAi in TE-10 and TE-11 cell lines reduced both the number and the size of spheroid colonies as well as cell proliferation. Knockdown of TDO2 expression also induced inactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway. Conclusion: Our results imply that TDO2 could play an important role in the progression of ESCC. Furthermore, TDO2 may be a potential therapeutic target in ESCC.
Designing Interiors to Mitigate Physical and Cognitive Deficits Related to Aging and to Promote Longevity in Older Adults: A Review
Authors: Engineer Altaf , Sternberg Esther M. , Najafi Bijan
Published: August 2018

Background: With the increasing global population of older adults, there is a need for environmental interventions that directly affect their physical, psychological, and emotional well-being to help them maintain or regain their independence and autonomy – all of which promote longevity. Methods: To better understand potential opportunities and challenges associated with interior design and “future homes” that may promote well-being, aging in place, and independent living in older adults, the authors reviewed relevant literature and included their own expert opinions from a multidisciplinary point of view including interior design, wellness, and engineering. Results: After summarizing existing environmental interventions for the aging population and their effectiveness, this review reveals knowledge gaps in interior design for the well-being and longevity of older adults followed by a discussion of opportunities for future research that may fill these gaps. Some of these opportunities include finding habilitative design strategies that identify and address unique situational needs of each user, advancing multidisciplinary fields such as environmental gerontology that recreate security and independence for older adults even outside of their homes, implementing technically advanced design strategies, which are flexible and adaptive to individual needs; and integrating the Internet of things (IoT) into living environments, including voice-activated command technologies to improve seniors’ central role in enabling an optimized healthcare ecosystem. Conclusions: Knowledge of current evidence regarding the impact of different environmental factors may hasten adaptation of well-designed innovations that can provide optimal healing and living environments for the aging population. By effectively addressing older adults’ unique and specialized needs, design practitioners can become an indispensable part of their medical, social, and environmental team. One of the rapidly developing infrastructures promising to revolutionize the design of “future homes” is the IoT. While it is at an early stage of development, ultimately we envisage a connected home using voice-controlled technology and Bluetooth-radio-connected add-ons, to augment much of what home health does today. Bringing these approaches together into an effective strategy for a model of effective geriatric care is important and needs to become an integral part of both design education and practice.
Pocket Creation Method of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection to Ensure Curative Resection of Rectal Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Kobori Ikuhiro , Katayama Yasumi , Kitagawa Tomoyuki , Fujimoto Yo , Oura Ryosuke , Toyoda Koji , Kusano Yuumi , Ban Shinichi , Tamano Masaya
Published: August 2018

Purpose: Pancreatic/gastrointestinal tract neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) is divided into neuroendocrine tumor (NET) and neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) according to the grade of malignancy, and differences are seen in clinical prognosis. NET, and rectal NET in particular, is often treated endoscopically. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) was previously the main intervention for rectal NET, but EMR with a ligation device (EMR-L) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are now also used. However, complete resection with these therapies is not always achieved. The pocket creation method (PCM) is a safe ESD method for colon tumors that offers a high en bloc resection rate compared with conventional colonic ESD. We performed ESD using the PCM for rectal NET and evaluated the complete resection rate. Methods: We performed ESD using the PCM in 4 patients. This procedure was technically feasible in all patients. Results: Endoscopically, all cases were resected en bloc, and pathological complete resection was achieved in all cases. No complications such as perforation or delayed postoperative bleeding were encountered. Conclusions: PCM should be considered when treating NET of appropriate size.
A Case Series on Platelet-Rich Plasma Revolutionary Management of Poor Responder Patients
Authors: Sfakianoudis Konstantinos , Simopoulou Mara , Nitsos Nikolaos , Rapani Anna , Pantou Agni , Vaxevanoglou Terpsithea , Kokkali Georgia , Koutsilieris Michael , Pantos Konstantinos
Published: August 2018

Poor responders are described as those In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) patients who are failing to respond to controlled ovarian stimulation protocols. Extensive research has focused on crafting the optimal treatment. However, it appears that each approach fails to be established as effective or guaranteed towards successful management. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a novel, highly promising approach that has been successfully applied for an array of medical issues. In this case series, we present 3 poor responder patients with the common denominator of: failed IVF attempts, poor oocyte yield, and poor embryo quality. The option of oocyte donation was rejected. All patients were treated with autologous PRP ovarian infusion following written consent. Within a 3-month interval, follicle-stimulating hormone decreased by 67.33%, while Anti-Müllerian hormone increased by 75.18%. These impressive results on the biochemical infertility markers alone are classified as a complete biological paradox, coupled by improved embryo quality. Results report a natural conception at 24 weeks, an uncomplicated healthy pregnancy at 17 weeks and a successful live birth. To our knowledge, this is the first time such an approach and results are reported, where PRP treatment on poor responders lead to overcoming their challenging reproductive barrier.
Clinical and Economic Impact of Adopting Noninvasive Prenatal Testing as a Primary Screening Method for Fetal Aneuploidies in the General Pregnancy Population
Authors: Kostenko Emilia , Chantraine Frederic , Vandeweyer Katleen , Schmid Maximilian , Lefevre Alex , Hertz Deanna , Zelle Laura , Bartha Jose Luis , Di Renzo Gian Carlo
Published: August 2018

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and economic impact of adopting noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) using circulating cell-free DNA as a first-line screening method for trisomy 21, 18, and 13 in the general pregnancy population. Methods: A decision-analytical model was developed to assess the impact of adopting NIPT as a primary screening test compared to conventional screening methods. The model takes the Belgium perspective and includes only the direct medical cost of screening, diagnosis, and procedure-related complications. NIPT costs are EUR 260. Clinical outcomes and the cost per trisomy detected were assessed. Sensitivity analysis measured the impact of NIPT false-positive rate (FPR) on modelled results. Results: The cost per trisomy detected was EUR 63,016 for conventional screening versus EUR 66,633 for NIPT, with a difference of EUR 3,617. NIPT reduced unnecessary invasive tests by 94.8%, decreased procedure-related miscarriages by 90.8%, and increased trisomies detected by 29.1%. Increasing the FPR of NIPT (from < 0.01 to 1.0%) increased the average number of invasive procedures required to diagnose a trisomy from 2.2 to 4.5, respectively. Conclusion: NIPT first-line screening at a reasonable cost is cost-effective and provides better clinical outcomes. However, modelled results are dependent on the adoption of an NIPT with a low FPR.
Folic Acid Supplementation to Prevent Recurrent Neural Tube Defects: 4 Milligrams Is Too Much
Authors: Dolin Cara D. , Deierlein Andrea L. , Evans Mark I.
Published: August 2018

Some medical practices have been ingrained in custom for decades, long after “proof” that they were effective was established. It is necessary to periodically reevaluate these practices, as newer theories and research may challenge the evidence upon which they were based. An example is the decades’ old practice of recommending a 4-mg (4,000-µg) supplement of folic acid to women who are at risk for recurrent neural tube defect (NTD) during pregnancy. This recommendation was based on findings from a randomized clinical trial in 1991. Since then, multiple studies have confirmed the utility of 400–800 µg of folic acid in lowering both primary and recurrent risks of NTDs, but no studies have established any further reduction in risk with doses over 1 mg. Current understanding of folic acid metabolism during pregnancy suggests that at higher doses, above ∼1 mg, there is not increased absorption. Recent evidence suggests that 4 mg folic acid supplementation may not be any more effective than lower doses for the prevention of recurrent NTDs. Thus, we recommend that it is time for clinicians to reexamine their reliance on this outdated recommendation and consider using current recommendations of 400–800 µg per day for all patients in conjunction with assessment of maternal folate status.
Securing Hemostasis in Pediatric Low-Grade Posterior Cerebral Fossa Tumors: The Value of Thrombin-Gelatin Hemostatic Matrix
Authors: Baro Valentina , Denaro Luca , d’Avella Domenico
Published: August 2018

Purpose: We report our preliminary experience concerning the use of thrombin-gelatin hemostatic matrix to strengthen the final hemostasis after posterior fossa low-grade tumor surgery in children. To our knowledge, this is the first report regarding the use of hemostatic matrix in pediatric neurosurgery. Materials and Methods: Between 2012 and 2016, twenty-three patients underwent posterior fossa surgery for low-grade gliomas in our department. The mean age was 6.35 years; 12 patients were female and 11 male. Histology revealed pilocytic astrocytoma in 15 cases, ependymoma in 7 cases, and gangliocytoma in 1 case. At the end of the surgery, effective hemostasis was achieved using standard methods and, in order to strengthen the final hemostasis, we used a thrombin-gelatin hemostatic matrix. In all of the cases a postoperative MRI was performed within 24 after the surgery; during hospitalization the patients underwent a clinical evaluation. Moreover, blood samples were taken to evaluate inflammatory parameters, hemoglobin, and sodium, and kidney and liver tests were performed according to the standard protocol. Results: The postoperative MRI did not show any complications imputable to the matrix. Dur ing radiological and clinical follow-up none of the patients showed any delayed complications related to the matrix. Conclusions: In our practice we found thrombin-gelatin hemostatic matrix sealant to be a valid and safe tool for strengthening hemostasis in pediatric low-grade posterior fossa surgery.
Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Alopecia: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Hosking Anna-Marie , Juhasz Margit , Atanaskova Mesinkovska Natasha
Published: August 2018

The treatment of alopecia is limited by a lack of therapies that induce and sustain disease remission. Given the negative psychosocial impact of hair loss, patients that do not see significant hair restoration with conventional therapies often turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Although there are a variety of CAM treatment options on the market for alopecia, only a few are backed by multiple randomized controlled trials. Further, these modalities are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and there is a lack of standardization of bioactive in gredients in over-the-counter vitamins, herbs, and supplements. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of CAM, including natural products and mind and body practices, in the treatment of hair loss. Overall, there is a need for additional studies investigating CAM for alopecia with more robust clinical design and standardized, quantitative outcomes.
Biochemical Properties of TAK-828F, a Potent and Selective Retinoid-Related Orphan Receptor Gamma t Inverse Agonist
Authors: Nakagawa Hideyuki , Koyama Ryoukichi , Kamada Yusuke , Ochida Atsuko , Kono Mitsunori , Shirai Junya , Yamamoto Satoshi , Ambrus-Aikelin Geza , Sang Bi-Ching , Nakayama Masaharu
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Retinoid-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt) is a master regulator of T helper 17 cells that plays a pivotal role in the production of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-17. Therefore, RORγt has attracted much attention as a target receptor for the treatment of inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and psoriasis. This study aims to characterize TAK-828F, a potent and selective RORγt inverse agonist. Methods: The biochemical properties of TAK-828F were evaluated using Time-Resolved Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (TR-FRET) binding assay, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor assay, cofactor recruitment assay, reporter assay, and IL-17 expression assay. Results: TR-FRET binding assay and SPR biosensor assay revealed rapid, reversible, and high affinity binding of TAK-828F to RORγt. The cofactor recruitment assay showed that TAK-828F inhibited the recruitment of steroid receptor coactivator-1 to RORγt. Furthermore, TAK-828F inhibited the transcriptional activity of human and mouse RORγt with selectivity against human RORα and RORβ. TAK-828F also suppressed IL-17 production in Jurkat cells, overexpressing human RORγt. Conclusion: These favorable properties will be of advantage in the evaluation of TAK-828F in clinical studies for inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, these findings demonstrate that TAK-828F could serve as a pharmacological tool for further studies of RORγt and inflammatory diseases.
Long Non-Coding RNA MEG3 Functions as a Competing Endogenous RNA to Regulate HOXA11 Expression by Sponging miR-181a in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Shen Xuxing , Bai Hua , Zhu Huayuan , Yan Qing , Yang Ye , Yu Wenjun , Shi Qinglin , Wang Juejin , Li Jianyong , Chen Lijuan
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Long non-coding RNA maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) has been reported to play an essential role in cancer progression and metastasis. However, the overall biological role and regulatory mechanism of MEG3 in multiple myeloma (MM) development and progression remains largely ill-defined. Methods: MEG3 and miR-181a expression of MM patients were analyzed by publicly available MM data sets. Cell counting kit-8 and flow cytometry analysis were used to identify the function of MEG3 on MM in vitro. Additionally, we conducted tumor formation experiments in mice models to explain the role of MEG3 on MM in vivo. Then, several mechanism experiments, including dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation were performed to evaluate the emulative relationship between MEG3 and miR-181a. Results: In this research, we found that MEG3 was downregulated in MM patients, which was linked with tumor progression. In addition, we demonstrated that miR-181a was overexpressed in MM patients in consistent with its cancer-promoting function. Importantly, several mechanism experiments revealed that MEG3, acting as an endogenous competitive RNA, could contend with miR-181a to inhibit tumor progression. Furthermore, as the target mRNA of miR-181a, homeobox gene A11(HOXA11) could be positively regulated by MEG3 through sponging miR-181a competitively in vitro. Conclusion: Our present work supplies the first discovery of a MEG3/miR-181a/HOXA11 regulatory network in MM and highlights that MEG3 may serve as a promising target for MM therapy in the future.
Práticas jornalísticas
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Comunicações e Artes, Gomes Mayra Rodrigues
Published: August 2018

O volume 1 da coleção Bordando o manto do mundo, Prática Jornalística, de Mayra Rodrigues Gomes, retoma dois pilares da atividade periodística presentes desde seu início mais remoto e romântico, dos textos mais opinativos e autorais a textos estruturados a partir de leads estritos, do texto escrito ao audiovisual. Uma delas é faceta valorizada, desejada e ideal, e a outra segue sendo obscurecida e, de certo modo negada, na tentativa de neutralidade e no apagamento das marcas da linguagem e da autoria. Trata-se, de um lado, de uma certa função social do jornalismo e, de outro, seu efeito disciplinar; o primeiro, um ideal, e, o segundo, um resultado.
Panorama das ações ambientais na USP Leste até 2017
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Superintendência do Espaço Físico, Nakao Osvaldo Shigueru , Cagnon Fabiana Alves ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Superintendência do Espaço Físico
Published: August 2018

A obra mostra o panorama das ações ambientais na USP LESTE até 2017, salientando o atendimento a todas as exigências técnicas no âmbito do processo de licenciamento ambiental, cumprindo as solicitações do Ministério Público do Estado de São Paulo, de acordo com a agência ambiental do Estado de São Paulo, a Cetesb. Para as soluções dos problemas de caráter de segurança ambiental relativa ao espaço da USP LESTE, houve participação de todos os envolvidos (Ministério Público, Grupo Ambiental da EACH, Grupo de Trabalho da EACH, especialistas da USP), em que foram definidas ações a serem adotadas para a remediação definitiva do espaço. Os autores afirmam que "as atitudes responsáveis de todos os envolvidos, com a divulgação dos resultados obtidos e a realização de pesquisas adequadas, certamente, transmitiu um legado positivo para a USP e para a sociedade".
“A Fifa é anticomunista! Jamais deixará a União Soviética ganhar uma Copa do Mundo”
Authors: Kfouri Juca
Published: August 2018

A partir da frase de um jornalista russo – frase essa que dá título ao artigo –, o autor averigua a possibilidade de ter havido perseguição da Fifa em relação ao comunismo ao longo de algumas copas, além de comentar episódios envolvendo a então seleção soviética e a ditadura brasileira. O autor também cita jogos memoráveis entre essa seleção e a brasileira.
A rivalidade Argentina-Brasil-Uruguai no futebol
Authors: Bayce Rafael , Pinto Júlio Pimentel
Published: August 2018

O objetivo deste ensaio é contribuir para as discussões acerca das origens e características das rivalidades futebolísticas entre as três seleções mais tradicionais da América do Sul: Uruguai, Brasil e Argentina. Além de estabelecer as diferenciações entre tais rivalidades, o trabalho se propõe estabelecer critérios para uma proposta de quantificação e de avaliação do desempenho das seleções e clubes desses países.
Flora da Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais:
Authors: Pacifico Ricardo , Fidanza Karina
Published: August 2018

O estudo da tribo Microlicieae (Melastomataceae) é parte do levantamento da “Flora da Serra do Cipó”, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Em sua delimitação mais recente, Microlicieae engloba os gêneros Chaetostoma, Lavoisiera, Microlicia, Poteranthera, Rhynchanthera, Stenodon e Trembleya. Para a Serra do Cipó foram registrados cinco gêneros e 69 espécies. Os gêneros mais diversos foram Microlicia (42 spp.), Lavoisiera (18 spp.) e Trembleya (7 spp.), enquanto Chaetostoma e Rhynchanthera foram representados por apenas uma espécie. São apresentadas chaves para os gêneros e espécies, descrições, ilustrações e pranchas fotográficas das espécies de Microlicieae, além de comentários sobre sua distribuição geográfica, fenologia e variabilidade morfológica. Adicionalmente, é proposta a nova sinonímia de Microlicia damazioi Brade sob Microlicia cordata Chamisso.
Dense but flexible wood – How leaf nodes impact xylem mechanics in Juglans californica
Authors: Bergman Brett A. , Bobich Edward G. , Davis Stephen D. , Utsumi Yasuhiro , Ewers Frank W.
Published: August 2018

A node is the point of attachment of the leaf to the stem of a plant; gaps associated with nodes have been viewed as discontinuities of the stem vascular system. We tested the hypothesis that the node/gap is a spring-like joint that impacts stem flexibility even well after the leaves have been shed, with some stems specialized for elongation and others for flexibility. Four-point bending tests were done using an Instron Mechanical Testing Device with the independent variable being the number of nodes in the stem segment and dependent variables being Modulus of Elasticity (MOE), Modulus of Rupture (MOR), and xylem density. Node anatomy was examined microscopically to assess structure and function. The stiffness of the stem was inversely proportional to the frequency of leaf nodes. Surprisingly, xylem density was inversely proportional to the frequency of leaf nodes in stems of adult trees. The tissue around nodes/gaps consisted of twisted and contorted cells that may be effective at absorbing compressive and tensile stresses. Because nodes behave as spring-like joints, the frequency of nodes relates to function, with some stems specialized for vertical expansion and others for light capture and damping of wind stress. The ultimate stems on a tree are the most bendable, which may allow the trees to avoid breakage.