bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GDF‐15 promotes mitochondrial function and proliferation in neuronal HT22 cells
Authors: Liu Hong , Liu Jiahui , Si Lei , Guo Cunju , Liu Wei , Liu Yiming
Published: January 2019

The neuronal cell line HT22 is an excellent model for studying Parkinson's disease. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) plays a critical role in Parkinson's disease, but the molecular mechanism involved are not well understood. We constructed the GDF15 overexpression HT22 cells and detected the effects of overexpression of GDF15 on the viability, oxygen consumption, mitochondrial membrane potential of oligomycin‐treated HT22 cells. In addition, we used a high‐throughput RNA‐sequencing to study the lncRNA and mRNA expression profiling and obtained key lncRNAs, mRNA, gene ontology (GO), and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway. The expression of selected DElncRNAs was validated by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). Our results showed that overexpression of GDF15 significantly reversed the cells viability, oxygen consumption, and mitochondrial membrane potential effect caused by oligomycin in HT22 cells. The 1093 DEmRNAs and 395 DElncRNAs in HT22 cells between GDF15‐oligomycin non‐intervention group and a normal control‐oligomycin un‐intervention group were obtained, and 394 DEmRNAs and 271 DElncRNAs in HT22 cells between GDF15‐oligomycin intervention group and normal control‐oligomycin intervention group were identified. Base on the GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of between GDF15‐oligomycin intervention group and normal control‐oligomycin intervention group, positive regulation of cell proliferation was most significantly enriched GO terms, and Cav1 was enriched in positive regulation of cell proliferation pathway. PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway was one significantly enriched pathway in GDF15‐oligomycin intervention group. The qRT‐PCR results were consistent with RNA‐sequencing, generally. GDF15 might promote mitochondrial function and proliferation of HT22 cells by regulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Our study may be helpful in understanding the potential molecular mechanism of GDF15 in Parkinson's disease.
Understanding grief reactions, thwarted belongingness, and suicide ideation in bereaved adolescents: Toward a unifying theory
Authors: Hill Ryan M. , Kaplow Julie B. , Oosterhoff Benjamin , Layne Christopher M.
Published: January 2019

Objective

Childhood bereavement is linked to suicide‐related behaviors in adolescence and adulthood, but candidate mechanisms through which bereavement may lead to suicide‐related behaviors have not been explored. One candidate pathway is that grief reaction arising from bereavement lead to increased perceived burdensomeness and/or thwarted belongingness, resulting in increased suicide ideation. This cross‐sectional study of bereaved adolescents explored indirect effects between grief reactions as distal predictors, perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness as proximal predictors, and suicide ideation.

Method

Participants were 58 bereaved youth, 12–17 years of age (mean = 14.21, SD = 1.65; 81.0% female; 51.7% Hispanic, 17.2% African American, and 22.4% Caucasian), and their parents/guardians seeking services at a trauma and grief specialty outpatient clinic.

Results

The indirect effect of grief reactions on suicide ideation via thwarted belongingness, but not perceived burdensomeness, was statistically significant.

Conclusions

Clinicians may wish to consider signs of thwarted belongingness as possible indicators of suicide risk among bereaved youth.
Proteomics analysis indicated the protein expression pattern related to the development of fetal conotruncal defects
Authors: Wu Yun , Zhang Jingjing , Wang Mei , Yang Ling , Wang Yongmei , Hu Tao , Liu An , Cheng Qing , Fu Ziyi , Zhang Pingyang , Cao Li
Published: January 2019

Abnormal development of embryonic conus arteriosus could lead to conotruncal defects in fetal heart, and increase the incidence of fetal congenital heart disease. Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is one of the most common forms of congenital heart disease. It may be helpful for us to solve this clinical problem through exploring the molecular mechanisms of development in embryonic congenital heart disease. Proteomics has attracted much attention in understanding the development of human diseases during the past decades. However, there is still little information about the relationship between protein expression pattern and TOF. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential linkage of proteomics and TOF development. Briefly, 121 differentially expressed proteins were identified from a TOF group, compared with a control group. The expression levels of 34 of these proteins were significantly different (>1.5 absolute fold change, p < 0.05) between the two groups. Gene ontology (GO) and pathway analysis showed that these proteins were mainly associated with carbon metabolism, biosynthesis of antibodies, positive regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter, nucleus, ATP binding, and so on. The ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) results indicated that 435 of upstream regulators were identified of these differentially expressed proteins, which might be involved in the development of TOF. Data of string analysis showed the protein–protein interaction network among the differentially expressed proteins and regulators, which are related to TOF. In conclusion, our study explored the protein expression pattern of TOF, which might provide new insights into understanding the mechanism of TOF development and afford potential targets for TOF diagnosis and therapy.
A new rhodopsin R135W mutation induces endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in retinal pigment epithelial cells
Authors: Yu Yixin , Xia Xiaobo , Li Haibo , Zhang Yangzhou , Zhou Xiaoyun , Jiang Haibo
Published: January 2019

Rhodopsin mutations are associated with the autosomal‐dominant form of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Here we report simultaneous occurrence of RP associated with bilateral nanophthalmos and acute angle‐closure glaucoma in patient with a new mutation in rhodopsin (R135W). ARPE‐19 cells were transfected with myc‐tagged wild‐type (WT) and R135W rhodopsin constructs. The half‐life of WT and R135W rhodopsin was analyzed via cycloheximide chase analysis. We found that R135W rhodopsin was accumulated in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and induced unfolded protein response (UPR) and apoptosis. Moreover, chaperone HSP70 alleviated ER stress and prevented apoptosis induced by R135W rhodopsin by attenuating UPR signaling. These findings reveal the novel pathogenic mechanism of RP and suggest that chaperone HSP70 has potential therapeutic significance for RP.
Identification of a giant mediastinal teratoma by echocardiography: A case report
Authors: Xiao‐dong Li , Li Zhang , Xiu‐mei Duan , Ming‐bo Tang , Xiao‐cong Wang
Published: January 2019

The diagnosis of mediastinal space‐occupying lesions largely relies on X‐ray and computed tomography. However, thanks to technological progress, transthoracic echocardiography can clearly display the mediastinal structures surrounding the heart and great vessels, thereby improving the detection rate of mediastinal space‐occupying lesions. Primary mediastinal teratoma is relatively rare, and removal of giant mediastinal teratoma by thoracoscopic surgery has rarely been reported. Here, we report a case of giant mediastinal teratoma diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography, which was treated by complete thoracoscopic resection and confirmed by histology.
Morphological and microscopic identification of three major medicinal Dendrobium species in Ta‐pieh Mountains area
Authors: Yuan Yingdan , Liu Xin , Wang Jinping , Zhang Jinchi
Published: January 2019

Dendrobium is an important medicinal material in China. It has the effect of nourishing the stomach, nourishing yin and clearing heat. In China, there are many types of Dendrobium, and different Dendrobium species have different efficacy. The present study is aimed at distinguishing three major Dendrobium species from morphological and microscopic identification in Ta‐pieh mountains area. In this article, the roots, stems and leaves of Dendrobium huoshanense, Dendrobium officinale, and Dendrobium moniliforme are used as materials to compare the differences of tissues of these three Dendrobium species by morphological indexes and microscopic identification of different Dendrobium. The stem morphology of these three Dendrobium species was significantly different except for stem internodes number and the middle part of the stem diameter by measuring the stems of Dendrobium. To ensure the safe use of Dendrobium, we built a fast and convenient method combining normal and fluorescence microscopy was applied in the present study to distinguish D. huoshanense, D. officinale, and D. moniliforme. The microscopic results show that different types of Dendrobium exhibit different states that can be distinguished under normal light normal and fluorescence microscopy. This comparative study of morphology and microscopy contributes to the development of identification and quality evaluation of Dendrobium.
Patients' perspectives of variants of uncertain significance and strategies for uncertainty management
Authors: Makhnoon Sukh , Shirts Brian H. , Bowen Deborah J.
Published: January 2019

Variants of uncertain significance (VUS) are a well‐recognized source of uncertainty in genomic medicine. Despite the existence of straightforward clinical management recommendations, patients report feeling anxiety, worry, and uncertainty in response to VUS. We report the first structured analysis of patient perspectives of VUS‐related uncertainty in genome sequencing using Han's taxonomy of genomic uncertainty. We conducted in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with 11 patients to elicit their thoughts regarding implications of the result for themselves and their family members. Patients' primary concern with VUS‐related uncertainty involved personal and practical issues as they directly inform health‐care decisions. Patients demonstrated good understanding of the epistemic nature of VUS uncertainty—that information about such variant is currently unknown. However, between‐provider discordance in explanations of the implication of this uncertainty for patients' diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy was a major contributor to the overall experience of uncertainty. Strategies for uncertainty reduction involved periodically checking back for reclassification and receiving concordant and clear recommendation from providers. Other proactive strategies of uncertainty reduction—such as information seeking and reading the genetic test report—were not helpful. Collectively, these findings offer previously unreported insight into uncertainty management strategies used by patients which have the potential to guide clinical management practices.
Ovarian structure, folliculogenesis and oogenesis of the annual killifish Millerichthys robustus (Cyprinodontiformes: Cynolebiidae)
Authors: Domínguez‐Castanedo Omar , Uribe Mari Carmen
Published: January 2019

Cellular aspects of oocyte development of the Mexican rivulus Millerichthys robustus were morphologically described in order to analyze ovarian function and the cellular recruitment dynamics associating it with life history strategies of annual killifishes. Millerichthys is an iteroparous batch spawner with continuous oocyte recruitment and indeterminate fecundity with asynchronous development of the follicles. It has two ovaries of cystovarian type, with a central lumen, which communicates with the outside through the caudal region of the ovary, that is, the gonoduct. From the walls of the ovary, irregular lamellae composed of germinal epithelium and vascularized stroma project. Oogenesis starts with oogonial proliferation, found alone or in nests within the germinal epithelium. The oogonia come into meiosis becoming oocytes and advancing to the chromatin nucleolus stage and to early primary growth stage. Folliculogenesis is completed in the primary growth stage and cortical alveoli step. Follicles moves toward the stroma, but they continue to be attached to the germinal epithelium through the basement membrane until ovulation. The inclusion of fluid yolk in the follicles during the secondary growth stage was observed. During ovulation, the follicle collapsed, the oocyte was released into the lumen, and the constitutive elements of the post‐ovulatory follicle complex remained in the stroma.
Analysis of cavopulmonary and cardiac flow characteristics in fontan Patients: Comparison with healthy volunteers
Authors: Rutkowski David R. , Barton Gregory , François Christopher J. , Bartlett Heather L. , Anagnostopoulos Petros V. , Roldán‐Alzate Alejandro
Published: January 2019

Background

Characterizing the flow of the Fontan circuit, and correlating flow characteristics with the development of complications, is an important clinical challenge. Past work has analyzed the flow characteristics of Fontan circulation on a component‐by‐component basis. 4D flow MRI with radial projections allows for large volumetric coverage, and therefore can be used to analyze the flow through many codependent cardiovascular components in a single imaging session.

Purpose

To describe flow characteristics across the entire Fontan circuit and to compare these with the flow characteristics in healthy volunteers.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Eleven single ventricle patients with a Fontan connection and 15 healthy controls.

Sequence

Phase contrast with vastly undersampled isotropic projection reconstruction (PC‐VIPR) at a field strength of 3 T.

Assessment

Cavopulmonary and ventricular flow distributions, blood flow kinetic energy, vorticities, efficiency indices, and other flow parameters were analyzed using Ensight and MatLab.

Statistical Tests

The results were compared across Fontan subjects, between respiratory phases, and between Fontan subjects and healthy volunteers using a Student's t‐test for unequal sample sizes and linear regression.

Results

Cava‐specific pulmonary flow distributions of Fontan patients varied significantly between respiratory phases (P < 0.05). Ventricular kinetic energy (KE) was significantly higher in Fontan patients than it was in healthy controls, leading to a lower cardiac efficiency metric in the Fontan group. A significant diastolic KE time‐shift was also observed in the Fontan patient group. Peak diastolic KE was significantly higher in the single ventricle of patients with right ventricle morphology than it was in left ventricle morphology patients.

Data Conclusion

Radial 4D flow MRI can be used for comprehensive analysis of single ventricle Fontan flow characteristics.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019.
Direct comparison between apparent diffusion coefficient and macromolecular proton fraction as quantitative biomarkers of the human fetal brain maturation
Authors: Korostyshevskaya Alexandra M. , Prihod'ko Irina Yu. , Savelov Andrey A. , Yarnykh Vasily L.
Published: January 2019

Background

Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) is known as a quantitative biomarker of prenatal brain maturation. Fast macromolecular proton fraction (MPF) mapping is an emerging method for quantitative assessment of myelination that was recently adapted to fetal MRI.

Purpose

To compare the capability of ADC and MPF to quantify the normal fetal brain development.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Forty‐two human fetuses in utero (gestational age [GA] = 27.7 ± 6.0, range 20–38 weeks).

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T; diffusion‐weighted single‐shot echo‐planar spin‐echo with five b‐values for ADC mapping; spoiled multishot echo‐planar gradient‐echo with T1, proton density, and magnetization transfer contrast weightings for single‐point MPF mapping.

Assessment

Two operators measured ADC and MPF in the medulla, pons, cerebellum, thalamus, and frontal, occipital, and temporal cerebral white matter (WM).

Statistical Tests

Mixed repeated‐measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the factors of pregnancy trimester and brain structure; Pearson correlation coefficient (r); Hotelling–Williams test to compare strengths of correlations.

Results

From the 2nd to 3rd trimester, ADC significantly decreased in the thalamus and cerebellum (P < 0.005). MPF significantly increased in the medulla, pons, thalamus, and cerebellum (P < 0.005). Cerebral WM had significantly higher ADC and lower MPF compared with the medulla and pons in both trimesters. MPF (r range 0.83, 0.89, P < 0.001) and ADC (r range –0.43, –0.75, P ≤ 0.004) significantly correlated with GA and each other (r range –0.32, –0.60, P ≤ 0.04) in the medulla, pons, thalamus, and cerebellum. No significant correlations or distinctions between regions and trimesters were observed for cerebral WM (P range 0.1–0.75). Correlations with GA were significantly stronger for MPF compared with ADC in the medulla, pons, and cerebellum (Hotelling–Williams test, P < 0.003) and similar in the thalamus. Structure‐averaged MPF and ADC values strongly correlated (r = 0.95, P < 0.001).

Data Conclusion

MPF and ADC demonstrated qualitatively similar but quantitatively different spatiotemporal patterns. MPF appeared more sensitive to changes in the brain structures with prenatal onset of myelination.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy Stage: 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:52–61.
Multimodality treatment of oligometastatic anal squamous cell carcinoma: A case series and literature review
Authors: Sclafani Francesco , Hesselberg Gina , Thompson Stephen R. , Truskett Philip , Haghighi Koroush , Rao Sheela , Goldstein David
Published: January 2019

Background and Objectives

There is limited evidence to guide the management of patients with oligometastatic anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We aimed to address this question by reporting the outcome of SCC patients who were treated with organ‐directed therapies at two large cancer centers.

Methods

Patients with advanced anal SCC who were treated with surgery, stereotactic radiotherapy, or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with a curative intent from 2008 to 2017 were retrospectively identified from the institutional electronic patient records.

Results

Eight patients with liver or lung metastases met the study inclusion criteria. Seven were treated with surgery while one received RFA and radiotherapy. Median progression‐free survival was 5 months (range, 4‐39). Three patients underwent repeat organ‐directed treatment upon failure of the initial surgery with no evidence of further recurrent disease at the last follow‐up. Median overall survival from the time of the first organ‐directed therapy was 31 months (range, 11‐96) with two out of eight patients being alive and disease‐free at 5 years.

Conclusions

Our study confirms that consideration should be given to the adoption of a multidisciplinary treatment approach in carefully selected, oligometastatic anal SCC patients as organ‐directed therapies may offer the chance of achieving a relatively long disease control.
Changes in high endothelial venules in lymph nodes after vascularized and nonvascularized lymph node transfer in a murine autograft model
Authors: Ishikawa Kosuke , Funayama Emi , Maeda Taku , Hayashi Toshihiko , Murao Naoki , Osawa Masayuki , Ito Riri , Furukawa Hiroshi , Oyama Akihiko , Yamamoto Yuhei
Published: January 2019

Background and objectives

Vascularized lymph node transfer (LNT) is gaining popularity in the treatment of lymphedema. However, it is unclear whether the vascularization of transferred lymph nodes (LNs) contributes to functional improvement. High endothelial venules (HEVs) are specialized vessels that allow lymphocytes to enter LNs. In this study, we compared the numbers of HEVs and lymphocytes in LNs after vascularized and nonvascularized LNT.

Methods

Fifty mice were divided into three groups (group 1, pedicled vascularized LNT; group 2, pedicled nonvascularized LNT; group 3, free nonvascularized LNT). Afferent lymphatic reconnection was confirmed by patent blue staining. The transferred LNs were harvested 4 weeks after surgery. HEVs, B‐cells, and T‐cells were subjected to immunohistochemical staining and quantified.

Results

Afferent lymphatic reconnection was observed in 13 of 20 transferred LNs in group 1, 11 of 15 in group 2, and 7 of 15 in group 3. The ratio of dilated/total HEVs in transferred LNs with afferent lymphatic reconnection was significantly higher in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3. No significant differences in numbers of B‐cells and T‐cells were found in the transferred LNs.

Conclusions

We found that more functional HEVs were preserved in cases with successful afferent lymphatic reconnection after vascularized LNT than after nonvascularized LNT.
Total pancreatectomy for pancreatic malignancy with preservation of the spleen
Authors: Yang Feng , Jin Chen , Warshaw Andrew L. , You Li , Mao Yishen , Fu Deliang
Published: January 2019

Background

Total pancreatectomy may be necessary to achieve margin‐negative resection for pancreatic cancer. However, despite the desirability of saving the spleen, the feasibility, safety, and oncological outcomes of spleen‐preserving total pancreatectomy have not been studied in patients with malignancy involving the pancreatic neck or proximal body. The aim of this study was to report the efficacy of spleen‐preserving total pancreatectomy using the Warshaw technique for patients with pancreatic malignancies.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent total pancreatectomy for malignant pancreatic diseases between December 2006 and January 2018 focused on comparing the clinical outcomes between conventional operations with splenectomy and spleen‐preserving total pancreatectomy using the Warshaw technique.

Results

Thirty‐eight patients among a total of 59 total pancreatectomies had the spleen preservation by the Warshaw operation. In this series, the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas resected with the Warshaw technique were of smaller tumor size but had greater rates of vascular invasion, resulting in the more frequent vascular resection. No patients had splenic complications requiring splenectomy, but two patients intended to have the Warshaw operation were converted to splenectomy because of splenic malperfusion. Asymptomatic perigastric varices were noted in 4 patients. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were comparable between the Warshaw and conventional operation groups. Recurrence‐free and overall survival was similar in both groups.

Conclusion

In patients with pancreatic malignancy, total pancreatectomy with preservation of the spleen using the Warshaw technique achieves outcomes comparable with conventional total pancreatectomy with splenectomy in selected patients.
The suffering company: Consumer compassion towards companies exposed to negative events
Authors: Meyer Frederik , Huber Frank , Huber Stephanie
Published: January 2019

When a company commits misconduct, it will usually suffer; for example, in the form of a short‐term decline in sales, a medium‐term loss of reputation, or a long‐term drop in its bottom line. But when a company is involved in a negative event for which it is fully responsible, for example, public customer agitations due to false expectations, some consumers might feel compassion for the company. In turn, they might aim to help the company overcome its period of suffering; for example, by making supportive recommendations. Drawing upon deservingness theory and previous findings on these issues, the authors propose a causal model suggesting antecedents of compassion and subsequent helping behaviors towards the company. A main finding is that the emergence of helping behaviors as a result of consumers’ compassion depends largely on company reputation. Self‐efficacy is a further focal construct influencing the intensity of felt compassion and helping behaviors depending on company reputation, suggesting that consumers apply emotion regulation strategies in such incidents.
Sex Differences in the Gut Microbiota as Potential Determinants of Gender Predisposition to Disease
Authors: Santos‐Marcos Jose A. , Haro Carmen , Vega‐Rojas Ana , Alcala‐Diaz Juan F. , Molina‐Abril Helena , Leon‐Acuña Ana , Lopez‐Moreno Javier , Landa Blanca B. , Tena‐Sempere Manuel , Perez‐Martinez Pablo , Lopez‐Miranda Jose , Perez‐Jimenez Francisco , Camargo Antonio
Published: January 2019

Scope

Dysbiosis of gut microbiota is involved in metabolic syndrome (MetS) development, which has a different incidence between men (M) and women (W). The differences in gut microbiota in MetS patients are explored according to gender, and whether consuming two healthy diets, Mediterranean (MED) and low‐fat (LF), may, over time, differentially shape the gut microbiota dysbiosis according to gender is evaluated.

Materials and Methods

All the women from the CORDIOPREV study whose feces samples were available and a similar number of men, matched by the main metabolic variables (N = 246, 123 women and 123 men), and categorized according to the presence or not of MetS are included. Gut microbiota is analyzed at baseline and after 3 years of dietary intervention.

Results

Higher abundance of Collinsella, Alistipes, Anaerotruncus, and Phascolarctobacterium genera is observed in MetS‐W than in MetS‐M, whereas the abundance of Faecalibacterium and Prevotella genera is higher in MetS‐M than in MetS‐W. Moreover, higher levels of Desulfovibrio, Roseburia, and Holdemania are observed in men than in women after the consumption of the LF diet.

Conclusion

The results suggest the potential involvement of differences in gut microbiota in the unequal incidence of metabolic diseases between genders, and a sex‐dependent effect on shaping the gut microbiota according to diet.
Glucose Appearance Rate Rather than the Blood Glucose Concentrations Explains Differences in Postprandial Insulin Responses between Wholemeal Rye and Refined Wheat Breads—Results from A Cross‐Over Meal Study
Authors: Östman Johnny R. , Müllner Elisabeth , Eriksson Jan , Kristinsson Hjalti , Gustafsson Jan , Witthöft Cornelia , Bergsten Peter , Moazzami Ali A.
Published: January 2019

Scope

Ingestion of rye bread leads to lower postprandial plasma insulin concentrations than wheat bread ingestion, but most often not too different glucose profiles. The mechanism behind this discrepancy is still largely unknown. This study investigates whether glucose kinetics may explain the observed discrepancy.

Methods and results

Nine healthy men participated in a crossover study, eating 50 g of available carbohydrates as either refined wheat (WB) or traditional wholemeal rye bread (WMR) during d‐[6,6‐2H2]glucose infusion. Labeled glucose enrichment is measured by an HPLC‐TOF‐MS method. The calculated rate of glucose appearance (RaE) is significantly lower after ingestion of WMR during the initial 15 min postprandial period. Additionally, the 0‒90 min RaE area under the curve (AUC) is significantly lower after ingestion of WMR, as is plasma gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) at 60 and 90 min. Postprandial glycemic responses do not differ between the breads. Postprandial insulin is lower after ingestion of WMR at 45 and 60 min, as is the 0‒90 min AUC.

Conclusion

Ingestion of WMR elicits a lower rate of glucose appearance into the bloodstream compared with WB. This may explain the lower insulin response observed after rye bread ingestion, commonly known as the rye factor.
Lactobacillus sakei Alleviates High‐Fat‐Diet‐Induced Obesity and Anxiety in Mice by Inducing AMPK Activation and SIRT1 Expression and Inhibiting Gut Microbiota‐Mediated NF‐κB Activation
Authors: Jang Hyo‐Min , Han Sang‐Kap , Kim Jeong‐Kyung , Oh Seong‐Jun , Jang Hwan‐Bong , Kim Dong‐Hyun
Published: January 2019

Scope

Long‐term feeding of a high‐fat diet (HFD) causes gastrointestinal inflammation and gut microbiota disturbance, leading to the increased occurrence of obesity and anxiety. In the present study, the effects of heat‐labile Lactobacillus sakei OK67, tyndallized OK67 (tOK67), and heat‐stable Lactobacillus sakei PK16 on HFD‐induced obesity and anxiety in mice are examined.

Methods and results

Obesity is induced in mice by feeding with HFD. Oral administration of live OK67, tOK67, or PK16 reduces HFD‐induced body and liver weights and blood triglyceride, total cholesterol, corticosterone, and lipopolysaccharide levels. These treatments also suppress HFD‐induced NF‐κB activation and increased HFD‐suppressed AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and SIRT‐1 expression in the liver. OK67 or PK16 treatment alleviates HFD‐induced anxiety‐like behaviors and increases BDNF expression and NF‐κB activation in the hippocampus. Moreover, OK67 or PK16 treatment suppresses HFD‐induced colitis and suppresses the Proteobacteria population and fecal lipopolysaccharide levels in mice. OK67 or PK16 treatment inhibits NF‐κB activation and induced AMPK activation and SIRT‐1 expression in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated Caco‐2 cells. Overall, the antiobesity and anxiolytic effects of live OK67 are more potent than those of tOK67.

Conclusion

Lactobacillus sakei can alleviate HFD‐induced obesity, colitis, and anxiety by regulating gut microbiota‐mediated AMPK and NF‐κB activation and SIRT‐1 expression.
B‐scan wave outline analysis in numerical modeling of ground‐penetrating radar response from layered rough interfaces
Authors: Liu Ying , Guo Li‐Xin
Published: January 2019

Imaging of rough interfaces in a layered structure requires full understanding of the characteristics of their ground penetrating radar (GPR) echoes. In this study, a finite‐difference time‐domain computational model using a uniaxial perfectly matched layer boundary for GPR demining of layered rough interfaces is constructed. On the basis of this model, the numerical results of B‐scan echoes from two‐layered and three‐layered rough interfaces with different degrees of roughness are obtained and compared with the profiles of corresponding rough surfaces. These results and comparisons highlight the relationship between the B‐scan wave outlines and the profile of the layered rough interfaces. The effect of roughness of the interface on the B‐scan echoes are analyzed, and the influence of the upper rough surface profile on the shape of the B‐scan wave outline from the lower rough surface is discussed.
Effect of dielectric materials on integrated lens antenna for millimeter wave applications
Authors: Kamran Saleem Muhammad , Xie Mingyang , Alkanhal Majeed A. S. , Saadi Muhammad
Published: January 2019

The effect of different dielectric materials on the performance of integrated lens antenna (ILA) operating in millimeter wave region (60 GHz) is presented. The ILA is composed of a rectangular microstrip antenna and an extended hemispherical dielectric lens. The gain of microstrip patch antenna (MPA) operating in 60 GHz band (58.25‐62.5 GHz) is enhanced from 7.4 to 15 dBi by integrating an extended hemispherical dielectric lens having a radius of 1 λo. The effect on ILA with different dielectric materials that is, teflon, rexolite, ABS (3D printed), polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene is studied. A prototype ILA, consisting of MPA integrated with extended hemispherical dielectric (teflon) lens is developed and tested to validate simulation results. The results of change in dielectric lens size (radius, height) are also presented.
Assessing the accuracy of neuromuscular ultrasound for inclusion body myositis
Authors: Karvelas Kristopher R. , Xiao Ted , Langefeld Carl D. , Walker Francis O. , Pathak Sapna , Caress James B. , Baute Vanessa , Cartwright Michael S.
Published: January 2019

Introduction: Inclusion body myositis (IBM) can have clinical and electrodiagnostic features similar to other neuromuscular diseases, making it a diagnostic challenge. This prospective study was designed to determine the accuracy of forearm ultrasound for IBM. Methods: Sixty adults were recruited (15 with IBM, 15 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [ALS], 15 with other myopathies, and 15 healthy controls), and each underwent ultrasound of the bilateral forearms (imaging the flexor digitorum profundus and flexor carpi ulnaris muscles). Three clinicians with varying ultrasound expertise assigned a diagnosis of IBM, ALS, other myopathy, or control, based on images alone. Results: Intrarater reliability was moderately strong. Interrater reliability varied based on clinician experience. Sensitivity was 73.33% and 66.67% for the expert raters. Specificity was strong for all 3 clinicians (93.33%, 84.44%, and 91.11%). Discussion: Neuromuscular ultrasound of the forearm is reliable and accurate for the diagnosis of IBM, although sensitivity was higher among experienced clinicians. Muscle Nerve 59:478–481, 2019
Use of bone age for evaluating bone density in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: A preliminary report
Authors: Al‐Zougbi Asma , Mathews Katherine D. , Shibli‐Rahhal Amal
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) exhibit low bone mineral density and increased fracture risk. Because glucocorticoid therapy results in delayed puberty and short stature, it is important to account for delayed skeletal development when interpreting patients’ bone mineral density.

Methods

Twelve glucocorticoid‐treated patients with DMD were evaluated by dual x‐ray absorptiometry scans and wrist x‐rays to estimate bone density and bone age, respectively. Z‐scores were determined on the basis of chronological age. Each patient was assigned a “corrected” birth date that was calculated according to bone age, and a bone‐age‐corrected z‐score was determined.

Results

Z‐scores adjusted for chronological age were lower than those adjusted for bone age.

Discussion

We suggest the use of bone age as an alternative to chronological age for analysis of bone mineral density in glucocorticoid‐treated patients with DMD. Additional research is required to determine the optimal method to predict fracture risk in this patient group. Muscle Nerve 59:422–425, 2019
Environmentally friendly polymer composites based on PBAT reinforced with natural fibers from the amazon forest
Authors: Ferreira Filipe V. , Pinheiro Ivanei F. , Mariano Marcos , Cividanes Luciana S. , Costa João C.M. , Nascimento Nayra R. , Kimura Solenise P.R. , Neto José C.M. , Lona Liliane M.F.
Published: January 2019

Biodegradable composites based on poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) and three different natural fibers (Croton lanjouwensis—Fiber C, Malvastrum tomentosum—Fiber M, and Trema micrantha—Fiber T) from the Amazon forest have been reported for the first time. Natural fibers were extracted through mechanical processing and the composites were prepared by melt mixing procedure. All composites showed greater modulus of elasticity than neat polymer and this improvement varies according to the type of fiber used as reinforcement. Addition of Fiber C increased 48% the modulus of elasticity of the polymer, while the addition of the Fibers M and T increased 70 and 72% the modulus of elasticity of the PBAT, respectively. The results reported in the present work support the idea that the above‐mentioned natural fibers can be used as filler material to obtain environmentally friendly polymer composites with improved properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3351–3360, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Three‐dimensional virtual traveling navigation and three‐dimensional printing models of a normal fetal heart using ultrasonography data
Authors: Werner Heron , Lopes Jorge , Ribeiro Gerson , Raposo Alberto Barbosa , Trajano Evaldo , Araujo Júnior Edward
Published: January 2019

What's already known about this topic?

Three‐dimensional (3‐D) virtual and physical models based on magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasonography data have been used to model normal and abnormal fetuses.

3‐D virtual navigation has been used to model fetal cervical teratomas and lower urinary tract obstruction, and it possibly has clinical applications.

What does this study add?

3‐D physical models and virtual navigation based on the ultrasonography data of a normal fetal heart.
Micropatterning and nanopatterning with polymeric materials for advanced biointerface‐controlled systems
Authors: Li Ping , Dou Xiaoqiu , Schönherr Holger
Published: January 2019

Micropatterning and nanopatterning with polymers has become a core technology for many industrially relevant areas and is also recognized as an enabling technology for research and development in many fields ranging from photonics to the biomedical field and beyond. In this review, established key lithographic techniques for patterning and structuring polymeric materials on micrometer and nanometer length scales are discussed and complemented by more recently developed approaches that either rely on polymers to fabricate functional microstructures and nanostructures or form micropatterned and nanopatterned polymers for specific applications with a particular focus on biointerface‐controlled systems. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Modification of narrow‐spectrum peptidomimetic polyurethanes with fatty acid chains confers broad‐spectrum antibacterial activity
Authors: Peng Chao , Zhang Tian , Ortiz‐Ortiz Deliris N , Vishwakarma Apoorva , Barton Hazel A , Joy Abraham
Published: January 2019

Each year, thousands of patients die from antimicrobial‐resistant bacterial infections that fail to respond to conventional antibiotic treatment. Antimicrobial polymers are a promising new method of combating antibiotic‐resistant bacterial infections. We have previously reported the synthesis of a series of narrow‐spectrum peptidomimetic antimicrobial polyurethanes that are effective against Gram‐negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli; however, these polymers are not effective against Gram‐positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus. With the aim of understanding the correlation between chemical structure and antibacterial activity, we have subsequently developed three structural variants of these antimicrobial polyurethanes using post‐polymerization modification with decanoic acid and oleic acid. Our results show that such modifications converted the narrow‐spectrum antibacterial activity of these polymers into broad‐spectrum activity against Gram‐positive species such as S. aureus, however, also increasing their toxicity to mammalian cells. Mechanistic studies of bacterial membrane disruption illustrate the differences in antibacterial action between the various polymers. The results demonstrate the challenge of balancing antimicrobial activity and mammalian cell compatibility in the design of antimicrobial polymer compositions. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Melting thermodynamics of oligonucleic acids conjugated with relatively solvophobic linear polymers: A coarse‐grained molecular simulation study
Authors: Prhashanna Ammu , Jayaraman Arthi
Published: January 2019

Oligonucleic acids (ONAs), such as DNA and RNA, are used in various biotechnology and nanotechnology applications due to their ability to form a double helix that is stable at low temperature and melts at high temperatures. The melting temperature (Tm) of ONA duplexes can be tuned by the ONA composition, sequence, length and concentration, solvent quality, and salt concentration and by conjugation to other macromolecules. In this article, we use coarse‐grained (CG) molecular simulations to study ONAs conjugated with linear homopolymers that are relatively more solvophobic than the ONA. We study charged and stiff 8‐mer ONAs (e.g., DNA) and neutral and flexible 8‐mer ONAs (e.g., peptide nucleic acids or PNA), and vary the composition (or G‐C content) and sequence of ONA, conjugated homopolymer lengths and solvent quality for the polymer. For neutral and flexible ONAs, as the solvent quality worsens for the polymer, the ONA melting temperature increases from that of unconjugated ONA. The melting curves broaden with polymer length and worsening solvent quality, especially for ONAs with higher G‐C content. For charged and stiff ONAs, as the solvent quality worsens, the ONA melting temperature decreases compared to unconjugated ONA while the width of the melting curve remains the same. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys.2019,57, 1196–1208
A qualitative exploration of race‐based differences in social support needs of diverse women with breast cancer on adjuvant therapy
Authors: Paladino Andrew J. , Anderson Janeane N. , Graff J. Carolyn , Krukowski Rebecca A. , Blue Ryan , Jones Tameka N. , Buzaglo Joanne , Kocak Mehmet , Vidal Gregory A. , Graetz Ilana
Published: January 2019

Objective

Social support is a critical component of breast cancer care and is associated with clinical and quality of life outcomes. Significant health disparities exist between Black and White women with breast cancer. Our study used qualitative methods to explore the social support needs of Black and White women with hormone receptor‐positive breast cancer on adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET).

Methods

We conducted four focus group (FG) interviews (N = 28), stratified by race (ie, Black and White) and time on AET. FGs were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed according to conventions of thematic analysis.

Results

Participants noted the importance of having their informational and emotional social support needs met by friends and family members. White participants reported support provided by others with breast cancer was crucial; Black women did not discuss other survivors as part of their networks. Notably, both White and Black participants used the FG environment to provide experiential social support to each other.

Conclusions

White participants noted that having other breast cancer survivors in their support network was essential for meeting their social support needs. However, Black participants did not reference other breast cancer survivors as part of their networks. Cancer centers should consider reviewing patients' access to experiential support and facilitate opportunities to connect women in the adjuvant phase.
The long‐term impact of cancer: Evaluating psychological distress in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors in Switzerland
Authors: Michel Gisela , François Constanza , Harju Erika , Dehler Silvia , Roser Katharina
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are diagnosed with cancer during a critical life period full of psychosocial challenges. They may experience a significant impact of the cancer diagnosis on their psychological health, also in the long term. We aimed to (a) evaluate psychological distress in AYA cancer survivors and compare levels of distress with controls and (b) describe socio‐demographic and cancer‐related characteristics associated with psychological distress.

Methods

We sent a questionnaire to AYA cancer survivors (aged 16‐25 y at diagnosis, survived ≥5 y) registered in the Cancer Registry Zurich and Zug, Switzerland. Psychological distress was measured using the Brief Symptom Inventory‐18 (BSI‐18) assessing anxiety, depression, and somatization and a global severity index (GSI) (cutoff score indicating psychological distress: T ≥ 57). Distress levels were compared between survivors and controls. We used logistic regression to determine associations of socio‐demographic and cancer‐related characteristics with distress.

Results

Of 160 AYA cancer survivors, 34 (21%) reported being distressed (27% in women, 17% in men; P = 0.129). Compared with controls, survivors did not report higher levels of distress (all P values > 0.05). Survivors with migration background and survivors with late effects reported higher levels on GSI, somatization, and anxiety. Higher levels of depression were associated with being female, not being in a partnership, and having late effects.

Conclusions

A substantial subgroup of AYA cancer survivors reported psychological distress. Systematically screening for distress and providing psychological follow‐up for survivors at risk may help to provide adequate psychological support.
The performance of explicitly correlated methods for the computation of anharmonic vibrational frequencies
Authors: Agbaglo Donatus , Fortenberry Ryan C.
Published: January 2019

Anharmonic vibrational frequencies for closed‐shell molecules computed with CCSD(T)‐F12b/aug‐cc‐pVTZ differ from significantly more costly composite energy methods by a mean absolute error (MAE) of 7.5 cm−1 per fundamental frequency. Comparison to a few available gas phase experimental modes, however, actually lowers the MAE to 6.0 cm−1. Open‐shell molecules have an MAE of nearly a factor of six greater. Hence, open‐shell molecular anharmonic frequencies cannot be as well‐described with only explicitly correlated coupled cluster theory as their closed‐shell brethren. As a result, the use of quartic force fields and vibrational perturbation theory can be opened to molecules with six or more atoms, whereas previously such computations were limited to molecules of five or fewer atoms. This will certainly assist in studies of more chemically interesting species, especially for atmospheric and interstellar infrared spectroscopic characterization.
The feasibility of robotic left‐side hepatectomy with comparison of laparoscopic and open approach: Consecutive series of single surgeon
Authors: Lee Seung Jae , Lee Jae Hoon , Lee Young‐Joo , Kim Song Cheol , Hwang Dae Wook , Song Ki Byung , Shin Sang Hyun , Kwon Jae Woo , Park Gui Suk , Park Ye Jong , Park Kwang‐Min
Published: January 2019

Background

Recent studies report safety and effectiveness of robotic hepatectomy. In present study, we describe our initial experiences with robotic hepatectomy, focusing on left‐side procedures.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of 13, 10, and 11 consecutive patients who underwent robotic, laparoscopic, and open left‐side hepatectomy by the single surgeon.

Results

There were no significant differences in the estimated blood loss, application of Pringle maneuver, postoperative hospital stays, number of IV analgesic injections, or postoperative complications between the robotic and laparoscopic groups. The robotic group had a smaller number of patients applied a Pringle maneuver (8.3 vs 90.9%, P < 0.001), a shorter postoperative hospital stays (7.0 vs 9.0 days, P = 0.044), and a less use of IV analgesics (2.8 vs 8.2, P = 0.005) than the open group.

Conclusions

From our initial experiences, a robotic left‐side hepatectomy seems to be a feasible and safe procedure when compared with the laparoscopic and open left‐side hepatectomies.
Family firms and the stock market performance of acquisitions and divestitures
Authors: Feldman Emilie R. , Amit Raphael , Villalonga Belén
Published: January 2019

Research Summary

This paper explores the stock market performance of acquisitions and divestitures where both, one, or neither of the companies in the transaction are family firms. We find that acquirer shareholder returns are highest when family firms buy businesses from non‐family firm divesters, especially when family chief executive officer (CEO) acquirers buy businesses from non‐family CEO divesters. Additionally, divester shareholder returns are highest when family firms sell businesses to non‐family firm acquirers, especially when family CEO divesters sell businesses to non‐family CEO acquirers. These findings reveal that it is important to consider the characteristics of both the acquiring and divesting firms when analyzing acquisition and divestiture performance, and that the expected gains to family firm acquisitions and divestitures are driven by transactions in which the counterparties are non‐family firms.

Managerial Summary

This paper explores how investors react to acquisitions and divestitures where both, one, or neither of the companies in the deal are family firms. The stock market performance of acquiring firms is highest when family firms buy businesses from non‐family firms, relative to the other three possible combinations of family and non‐family firm acquirers and divesters. Likewise, the stock market performance of divesting firms is highest when family firms sell businesses to non‐family firms, again relative to the other three possible combinations of family and non‐family acquirers and divesters. These findings suggest that investors take into consideration the identities of both the acquiring and divesting firms when evaluating acquisitions and divestitures, and that this has significant implications for the expected performance gains of these transactions.