bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ZFAS1: A novel vital oncogenic lncRNA in multiple human cancers
Authors: He Anbang , He Shiming , Li Xuesong , Zhou Liqun
Published: October 2018

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of noncoding, endogenous, single‐stranded RNAs longer than 200 nucleotides in length that are transcribed by RNA polymerase II. Mounting evidence has indicated that lncRNAs play key roles in several physiological and pathological processes by modifying gene expression at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional, epigenetic, and translation levels. Many reports have demonstrated that lncRNAs function as potential oncogene or tumour suppressors and thus play vital regulatory roles in tumourigenesis and tumour progression. ZNFX1 antisense RNA 1 (ZFAS1), a novel lncRNA transcribed in the antisense orientation of zinc finger NFX1‐type containing 1(ZNFX1), was found to be increased in multiple cancers, such as gastric cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma, contributing to cancer development and progression. In the present review, we summarized recent progression on study of the functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of ZFAS1 related to occurrence and development of multiple cancers.
Incidence of cytomegalovirus in cardiac transplant recipients receiving induction immunosuppression with antithymocyte globulin
Authors: Jewani Poonam K. , Pouch Stephanie M. , Kissling Kevin T.
Published: October 2018

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cardiac transplant recipients. Use of induction immunosuppression in cardiac transplantation may have an impact on the incidence of CMV, but literature is limited.

Methods

Single‐center, retrospective cohort study comparing the risk of CMV infection and disease in cardiac transplant patients receiving antithymocyte globulin (ATG) induction therapy to those receiving no antibody induction.

Results

A total of 75 patients were included in our analysis, 50 who received ATG induction and 25 who did not. CMV infection occurred in 10 (20%) and 5 (20%) patients in the ATG and No ATG groups, respectively (P > 0.99). CMV disease occurred in 10 (20%) and 4 (16%) patients in the ATG and No ATG groups, respectively (P = 0.763). The median time from transplant to CMV infection was 200.0 [142.5, 364.5] days in the ATG group vs 221.0 [192.0, 299.0] days in the No ATG group (P = 0.723). The median time from end of CMV prophylaxis to CMV infection was 94.5 [66.5, 151.0] days in the ATG group vs 53.0 [41.0,149.5] days in the No ATG group (P = 0.202). Freedom from CMV infection was highest in the D+/R+ group and lowest in the D+/R− group.

Conclusion

In cardiac transplant recipients, ATG induction was not associated with an increased incidence of CMV infection or disease in the setting of valganciclovir prophylaxis and an initial maintenance immunosuppression regimen of primarily steroids, mycophenolate mofetil, and tacrolimus.
Relationships between landscape constraints and a crayfish assemblage with consideration of competitor presence
Authors: Mouser Joshua B. , Mollenhauer Robert , Brewer Shannon K.
Published: October 2018

Aim

Crayfish are globally diverse and one of the most important taxa in North American streams. Despite their importance, many species are of conservation concern and efforts to improve conditions are limited. Here, we address two major impediments to improving conditions: (a) our lack of knowledge of the interplay among natural landscape and human‐induced changes; and (b) a very limited understanding of how species interactions affect overall crayfish distributions.

Location

Ozark Highlands ecoregion, USA.

Methods

We used both existing data and field‐collected data to examine the relationships between 12 Faxonius species and physicochemical variables at multiple spatial scales. Data were analysed using a generalized linear mixed model. After fitting our environmental variables, we also considered possible relationships between species considered strong competitors and species occurrence.

Results

Our results indicated that elevation, lithology, an interaction between drainage area and anthropogenic disturbance, and the presence of strong competitors were associated with Faxonius occurrences. Faxonius occurrences were associated with assemblage‐structuring variables: lithology and elevation. More interestingly, we found several patterns of interactions between drainage area and disturbance. The most common pattern among several species was a decline in occurrence in larger drainages when disturbance was high; however, longpincered crayfish (Faxonius longidigitus) was more likely to occupy large drainages as disturbance increased. Additionally, the presence of species considered strong competitors resulted in lower occurrence probability for many species, including two of the species classified as competitors.

Main conclusions

In addition to identifying the relationships between native species and assemblage‐structuring variables, we show how the probability of species occurrences relate to interactions between disturbance and natural landscape features. Further, our results suggest competitor presence also plays a role in structuring distributions at the stream segment scale. Our findings emphasize the value of considering both competitor presence and interactions among landscape variables and disturbances in structuring crayfish assemblages.
Canonical Wnt/β‐catenin and Notch signaling regulate animal/vegetal axial patterning in the cephalochordate amphioxus
Authors: Onai Takayuki
Published: October 2018

In bilaterians, animal/vegetal axial (A/V) patterning is a fundamental early developmental event for establishment of animal/vegetal polarity and following specification of the germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm), of which the evolutionary origin is enigmatic. Understanding A/V axial patterning in a basal animal from each phylum would help to reconstruct the ancestral state of germ layer specification in bilaterians and thus, the evolution of mesoderm, the third intermediate cell layer. Herein, data show that the canonical Wnt/β‐catenin (cWnt) and Notch signaling pathways control mesoderm specification from the early endomesoderm in the basal chordate amphioxus. Amphioxus belongs to the deuterostome, one of the main superphyla in Bilateria. In the present study, genes (tcf, dsh, axin, gsk3β) encoding cWnt components were expressed in the endomesoderm during the gastrula stages. Excess cWnt signaling by BIO, a GSK3 inhibitor, expanded the expression domains of outer endomesodermal genes that include future mesodermal ones and suppressed inner endomesodermal and ectodermal genes. Interfering Notch signaling by DAPT, a γ‐secretase inhibitor, resulted in decreased expression of ectodermal and endomesodermal markers. These results suggest that cWnt and Notch have important roles in mesoderm specification in amphioxus embryos. The evolution of the mesoderm is also discussed.
Nutrient declines in overwintering Halyomorpha halys populations
Authors: Skillman Victoria P. , Wiman Nik G. , Lee Jana C.
Published: October 2018

Brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), has become a major pest for agricultural growers since it arrived in the USA and Europe. To better understand the energetic requirements of overwintering, dispersal, and reproduction of this invasive pest, we monitored the weight, egg load, lipid, glycogen, and sugar levels of adult H. halys populations in western Oregon, USA, over 2 years. In the first study, overwintering H. halys collected monthly from inside shelters exhibited a consistent decline in weight, glycogen, and sugar levels from October to June. In the second study, post‐overwintering adults that exited shelters in late spring had lower lipid, glycogen, and sugar levels than those that exited in early spring. Also, adults that just exited shelters had lower weight, glycogen, sugar, and sometimes lipids than adults that remained in diapause. Sugar levels declined the most during winter, followed by lipid and glycogen. These findings suggest that nutritional depletion may cause H. halys to emerge from diapause. In the third study, overwintered and first‐generation adults (G1) were simultaneously collected from holly in July and August. Overwintered adults often had lower nutrient levels than G1 adults, which may reflect overwintered adults having expended energy for dispersal and reproduction. In the fourth study, we evaluated whether the Nutrient Index [weight (mg)/prothorax width (mm)3], a convenient index of physiological status, correlated with nutrient reserves. The Nutrient Index correlated with the adults’ lipid, glycogen, or sugar levels in 57% of cases, ranging from weakly negative to moderately positive correlations.
Postural instability during attacks of migraine without aura
Authors: Anagnostou E. , Gerakoulis S. , Voskou P. , Kararizou E.
Published: October 2018

Background and purpose

Migraine has long been associated with unsteadiness and dizziness but postural control has not been studied in the ictal state. Here, the stability of upright stance during migraine attacks was measured.

Methods

Static balance was assessed prospectively in migraine patients (n = 30) during quiet stance for 40 s on a posturographic force platform. Recordings were performed both ictally and in the pain‐free interval. Subjects were assessed under four different conditions yielding different visual and proprioceptive feedback environments. Both ictal and interictal data were compared with age‐matched healthy controls (n = 30).

Results

Postural instability increased significantly under all experimental conditions during migraine attacks. Whilst standing on a foam pad with eyes closed, median sway area was 353 mm2 in control subjects, 318 mm2 in migraineurs in the pain‐free period and 618 mm2 in the ictal state. However, Romberg and vestibular Romberg quotients were not altered during migraine attacks. Spectral analyses of postural sway also showed similar profiles in migraineurs and controls. The severity of headache was inversely correlated to Romberg quotients.

Conclusions

The demonstrated pattern of balance disorder during migraine attacks suggests a transient cerebellar dysfunction. Our findings also indicate that intense headache induces a re‐weighting of sensory processing toward less dependence on visual and proprioceptive information.
Natural history of a cohort of ABCD1 variant female carriers
Authors: Schirinzi T. , Vasco G. , Aiello C. , Rizzo C. , Sancesario A. , Romano A. , Favetta M. , Petrarca M. , Paone L. , Castelli E. , Bertini E. S. , Cappa M.
Published: October 2018

Background and purpose

The therapeutic scenario of X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X‐ALD) is rapidly changing. Whereas the disease is well characterized in men, the condition remains to be fully clarified in women carrying ATP binding cassette subfamily D member 1 (ABCD1) variants. Specifically, data on clinical progression are needed, in order to recommend any appropriate management. The objective of this study was to outline the natural history of a cohort of untreated ABCD1 heterozygous female carriers.

Methods

Longitudinal data from a single‐center population of 60 carriers were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, anthropometrics, serum very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) levels, clinical parameters and the Adult ALD Clinical Score (AACS) were collected from every recorded visit in a 7‐year period and analyzed to define the phenotype modifications, to determine factors associated with clinical features, and to estimate the annual progression rate and the subsequent sample size for interventional trials.

Results

Thirty‐two patients were eligible for the study, and 59.4% were symptomatic at baseline. Clinical severity worsens with age which increases risk of symptom onset, the cut‐off of 41 years being crucial for phenoconversion. VLCFA levels were not predictive and did not change over time. Symptomatic carriers were followed up for 3.45 ± 2.1 years. The AACS increased at an annual rate of 0.24 points. The estimated sample size for 30% reduction in annual progression at 80% power was 272.

Conclusions

This study provides data on the natural disease progression of untreated ABCD1 heterozygous female carriers, demonstrating the relevance of aging. The estimated annual increase of the AACS will be useful for future interventional studies.
Effect of preparation design on marginal and internal adaptation of translucent zirconia laminate veneers
Authors: Kusaba Kosuke , Komine Futoshi , Honda Junichi , Kubochi Kei , Matsumura Hideo
Published: October 2018

This study investigated the effect of preparation design on the marginal and internal adaptation of laminate veneers (LVs) fabricated from translucent zirconia. Thirty‐three resin teeth were prepared for LVs of three designs: window preparation (WP); incisal shoulder preparation (ISP); and incisal palatal chamfer preparation (IPP). Marginal adaptation was evaluated by measuring the vertical discrepancy between the LV margin and the finish line at 60 points. The internal adaptation was assessed by measuring the internal space width as the distance between the LV and the tooth at cervical, central, and incisal sites after sectioning. At the incisal, mesial, and distal sites, mean marginal discrepancies were significantly lower in the WP group than in the other two groups; the IPP group had the highest marginal discrepancies. At incisal sites, the median internal space was significantly higher in the IPP group than in the WP and ISP groups and higher in the ISP group than in the WP group. At the incisal site, marginal and internal adaptations were better for the non‐overlap translucent zirconia LV design (WP) than for the overlap designs (ISP and IPP). The characteristics of the translucent zirconia LVs used in the present study indicate acceptable clinical performance.
Nilotinib induction of melanogenesis via reactive oxygen species‐dependent JNK activation in B16F0 mouse melanoma cells
Authors: Chang Shao‐Ping , Huang Huei‐Mei , Shen Shing‐Chuan , Lee Woan‐Ruoh , Chen Yen‐Chou
Published: October 2018

Nilotinib (AMN), a second‐generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor, induces apoptosis in various cancer cells, and our recent study showed that AMN effectively reduced the viability of human ovarian cancer cells via mitochondrion‐dependent apoptosis. The effect of AMN in the melanogenesis of melanoma cells is still unclear. In the present study, we found that the addition of AMN but not imatinib (STI) significantly increased the darkness of B16F0 melanoma cells, and the absorptive value increased with the concentration of AMN. A decrease in the viability of B16F0 cells by AMN was detected in a concentration‐dependent manner, accompanied by increased DNA ladders, hypodiploid cells and cleavage of the caspase‐3 protein. An in vitro tyrosinase (TYR) activity assay showed that increased TYR activity by AMN was detected in a concentration‐dependent manner; however, induction of TYR activity by STI at a concentration of 40 μmol/L was observed. Increased intracellular peroxide by AMN was detected in B16F0 cells, and application of the antioxidant, N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), significantly reduced AMN‐induced peroxide production which also reduced the darkness of B16F0 cells. Additionally, AMN induced c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) protein phosphorylation in B16F0 cells, which was inhibited by the addition of NAC. AMN‐induced melanogenesis of B16F0 cells was significantly inhibited by the addition of NAC and the JNK inhibitor, SP600125 (SP). Data of Western blotting showed that increased protein levels of melanogenesis‐related enzymes of tyrosinase‐related protein‐1 (TRP1), TRP2 and TYR were observed in AMN‐treated B16F0 cells which were inhibited by the addition of NAC and SP. Evidence is provided supporting AMN effectively inducing the melanogenesis of B16F0 melanoma cells via reactive oxygen species‐dependent JNK activation.
Index‐based analysis of climate change impact on streamflow conditions important for Northern Pike, Chub and Atlantic salmon
Authors: O'Keeffe Joanna , Piniewski Mikołaj , Szcześniak Mateusz , Oglęcki Paweł , Parasiewicz Piotr , Okruszko Tomasz
Published: October 2018

Climate change is expected to affect the flow regime, cause loss of habitat, change community composition and behavioural habits of fish. This study assessed the impact of climate change on ecologically relevant streamflow conditions for fish migration and spawning in the Vistula and the Odra river basins. Streamflow simulations obtained with the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) for the historical period and two future horizons were driven by nine bias‐corrected EURO‐CORDEX Regional Climate Models under two greenhouse gas concentration trajectories. This study identified a subset of Indicators of Hydrological Alteration (IHA) that are relevant for pike, Esox lucius L., chub, Squalius cephalus (L.), and Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. IHA indicators were calculated and compared for different scenarios. An index‐based framework identified that all considered species will be impacted by climate change, with Atlantic salmon facing the largest impact. The model's uncertainty was addressed through an aggregation method that assessed inconsistencies in the model's response.
Experimentally manipulating light spectra reveals the importance of dark corridors for commuting bats
Authors: Zeale Matt R. K. , Stone Emma L. , Zeale Emma , Browne William J. , Harris Stephen , Jones Gareth
Published: October 2018

The rapid global spread of artificial light at night is causing unprecedented disruption to ecosystems. In otherwise dark environments, street lights restrict the use of major flight routes by some bats, including the threatened lesser horseshoe bat Rhinolophus hipposideros, and may disrupt foraging. Using radio tracking, we examined the response of individual female R. hipposideros to experimental street lights placed on hedgerows used as major flight routes. Hedgerows were illuminated on one side over four nights using lights with different emission spectra, while the opposite side of the hedge was not illuminated. Automated bat detectors were used to examine changes in overall bat activity by R. hipposideros and other bat species present. R. hipposideros activity reduced significantly under all light types, including red light, challenging a previously held assumption that red light is safe for bats. Despite this, R. hipposideros rapidly adapted to the presence of lights by switching their flight paths to the dark side of the hedgerow, enabling them to reach foraging sites without restriction. Red light had no effect on the activity of the other species present. Slow‐flying Myotis spp. avoided orange, white and green light, while more agile Pipistrellus spp. were significantly more active at these light types compared to dark controls, most probably in response to accumulations of insect prey. No effect of any light type was found for Nyctalus or Eptesicus spp. Our findings demonstrate that caution must be used when promoting forms of lighting that are thought to be safe for wildlife before they are tested more widely. We argue that it is essential to preserve dark corridors to mitigate the impacts of artificial light at night on bat activity and movements.
Winter temperature structures mangrove species distributions and assemblage composition in China
Authors: Wu Yingtong , Ricklefs Robert E. , Huang Zijian , Zan Qijie , Yu Shixiao
Published: October 2018

Aim

The identification of environmental variables associated with geographical range limits can shed light on the ecological and physiological constraints imposed by abiotic stresses. Mangrove forest is a coastal ecosystem restricted to the tropics and subtropics. However, the factors that influence fine‐scale assemblage composition of mangroves remain an open question. This study aimed to identify range‐limiting climate factor(s) associated with species composition that are likely to have influenced the evolution of mangroves.

Location

China.

Time period

1950s–2013.

Major taxa studied

True mangrove species.

Methods

We collected species presence–absence data across 70 sites spread between 18 and 27°N in China to analyse the latitudinal diversity gradient in relationship to 25 climate variables. To examine the change in community composition along the diversity gradient, we analysed two components of beta diversity: turnover‐resultant dissimilarity and nestedness‐resultant dissimilarity. We used non‐metric multidimensional scaling to identify crucial climate factors associated with variation in mangrove assemblage composition. We also applied variance partitioning among taxonomic ranks to detect taxonomic signal in climatic tolerance of mangroves.

Results

First, total species richness decreases with increasing latitude. Second, variation in mangrove assemblage composition is significantly correlated with winter temperature, exhibiting a nested subset structure in species composition and a gradual decrease in the number of thermophilic species with increasing latitude. Finally, mangrove species show a genus‐level signal in tolerance of winter temperature, whereas most other climate factors vary primarily among species within genera.

Main conclusions

Winter temperature appears to constrain the current distributions of mangrove species, and tolerance of low air temperature is evolutionarily conservative at the genus level. These ecological and phylogenetic patterns collectively suggest that physiological constraints related to cold tolerance structure the nested pattern with respect to the latitude of mangrove assemblages at a regional scale.
A Synthetic Control Assessment of the Green Paradox: The Role of Climate Action Plans
Authors: Steinkraus Arne
Published: October 2018

This paper extends the green paradox literature by providing empirical insights into its existence. To check the green paradox theory, I analyse the production of coal in four major coal-producing US states that announced a greenhouse gas action plan. To form a statement on whether there is a treatment effect caused by the green policy, I employ Synthetic Control Methods to calculate counterfactual coal production trajectories. I find that Montana experienced a high and statistically significant increase in coal production that is supported by a set of validity indicators. However, there is no evidence for a paradox in Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Relationship between the Functional Independence Measure and Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability in hospitalized patients with pneumonia
Authors: Mitani Yuji , Oki Yutaro , Fujimoto Yukari , Yamaguchi Takumi , Yamada Yoji , Yamada Kanji , Ito Takashi , Shiotani Hideyuki , Ishikawa Akira
Published: October 2018

Aim

Pneumonia ranks high among the causes of death worldwide. However, the predictive values of activities of daily living, the nutrition index and the aspiration index measured objectively remain unclear. The present study aimed to examine the associations of activity, nutrition and dysphagia with pneumonia.

Methods

We assessed 992 hospitalized patients. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the predictors of pneumonia. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the cut‐off values of variables. Kaplan–Meier and Cox hazards regression analyses were used to examine the incidence of pneumonia and the factors associated with pneumonia.

Results

We finally enrolled 393 inpatients. Of the 393 patients, 102 (26.0%) had pneumonia. On logistic regression analysis, age, Functional Independence Measure (FIM)‐motor score and Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability (MASA) score were independent predictors of pneumonia. The FIM‐motor and MASA cut‐off values were 19.5 (area under the curve 0.83,P < 0.01) and 170.5 (area under the curve 0.82,P < 0.01), respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the no pneumonia rate was significantly lower among patients with FIM‐motor scores <20 than among those with FIM‐motor scores ≥20 (log–rank test,P < 0.01), and was significantly lower among patients with MASA scores <171 than among those with MASA scores ≥171 (log–rank test,P < 0.01). Cox regression analysis showed that FIM‐motor (hazard ratio 0.97,P = 0.009) and MASA scores (hazard ratio 0.99,P < 0.01) were significantly associated with pneumonia.

Conclusions

In addition to the infectious risk, the FIM‐motor and MASA scales are useful tools to predict the development of pneumonia in older adults.Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1620–1624.
Effect of hemodialysis on respiratory mechanics in acute kidney injury patients
Authors: de Almeida Cibele Puato , Ponce Daniela , Balbi André Luís
Published: October 2018

Introduction: Hemodialysis (HD) is one treatment for acute kidney injury (AKI) patients. Studies have shown that this dialysis modality may lead to changes in pulmonary function with an impact on prognosis. The aim of our study was to evaluate changes in respiratory mechanics and oxygenation of AKI patients admitted to an intensive care unit who were undergoing intermittent mechanical ventilation (IMV) and daily HD.

Methods: This prospective cohort study evaluated 94 AKI patients and 234 HD sessions. Pulmonary static compliance (Pcs), resistance (Rsr), and arterial partial pressure of oxygen and the fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) ratio were assessed during the initial three‐day period of daily HD therapy.

Findings: Psc increased progressively during HD sessions, from 39.4 ± 21.4 mL/cm H2O prior to the initial dialysis to 55.5 ± 25.2 at the end of the last dialysis during the study period (P = 0.04). Similarly, Rsr and PaO2/FiO2 ratio also improved, from 11.1 ± 6.3 cm H2O/L/s prior to the initial dialysis to 8.8 ± 4.2 at the end of the last dialysis (P =0.0027) and from 228 ± 85 prior to the initial dialysis to 312.1 ± 111.5, P < 0.001, to the end of the last dialysis, respectively.

Conclusion: This study showed that AKI patients undergoing IMV and daily HD improve their respiratory mechanics and oxygenation.
A “FolkBiology” of racial theory?Psychology and the historiography of 18th‐century race thought
Authors: Newberry George T.
Published: October 2018

Human racial kinds have been disproven by genetic and anthropological analysis. A historiographical consensus has accordingly arisen over the last few decades which sees race thought and racism as historically specific inventions, the genesis of which occurred during or after the Enlightenment. At the same time, this historical narrative has achieved dominance, work in the field of psychology has argued essentialist, categorical thinking about human kinds to be an innate component of human psychology—perhaps with a root in an evolutionary “folk biology.” These two disciplines thus appear fundamentally at odds over the origins of racial thought. This article outlines the arguments for both models and offers some commentary on how future historical work might be interact with the psychological model as it looks back into the early modern period.
Integrative analysis of PD‐L1 DNA status, mRNA status and protein status, and their clinicopathological correlation, in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Sun Chenbo , Jia Yijun , Wang Weige , Bi Rui , Wu Lijing , Bai Qianming , Zhou Xiaoyan
Published: October 2018

Aims

The protein expression of programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) has been recognised as being a biomarker for poor prognosis in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The aims of this study were to determine PD‐L1 DNA status and mRNA status, and to explore whether they contribute to protein expression and their clinicopathological correlation in DLBCL.

Methods and results

In this study, we used fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation, RNA in‐situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry to determine PD‐L1 status at three different levels in 287 DLBCL samples with follow‐up. Their correlation and clinical pathological relevance were also analysed. Our results showed that 1.7% (3/175) of patients had PD‐L1 DNA amplification, 19.9% (57/287) had high PD‐L1 mRNA expression, and 11.8% (34/287) had high PD‐L1 protein expression. Both mRNA and protein expression of PD‐L1 were significantly higher in non‐germinal centre B‐cell‐like (GCB) DLBCL than in GCB DLBCL (P < 0.05). In addition, the patients with high PD‐L1 mRNA or high PD‐L1 protein expression but no PD‐L1 DNA amplification had significantly poorer overall survival (OS) than those with low PD‐L1 expression (P < 0.05). Furthermore, we found that PD‐L1 mRNA and PD‐L1 protein expression were highly correlated (P = 0.012), which was observed in all three samples with DNA amplification.

Conclusions

PD‐L1 DNA amplification is a rare event, PD‐L1 mRNA is the main contributor to the high PD‐L1 protein expression, and the latter two will serve as important biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of DLBCL patients and selecting them for immunotherapy.
Drivers of regional and local diversity of Amazonian stream Odonata
Authors: Alves‐Martins Fernanda , Calatayud Joaquín , Medina Nagore G. , De Marco Paulo , Juen Leandro , Hortal Joaquín
Published: October 2018

Large Amazonian rivers may act as dispersal barriers for animals with low dispersal abilities, limiting their distribution to certain interfluves. Consequently, the distribution of these taxa would be less affected by macroclimatic gradients. Conversely, high‐dispersal taxa would be less constrained by large rivers and may track suitable climates.

We evaluate whether Zygoptera and Anisoptera, two Odonata suborders with different dispersal abilities, show differences in distribution patterns across Amazonian interfluves. We further assess the relative importance of macroclimatic and habitat factors in their community assembly.

We used network modularity analyses to identify biogeographic species pools and spatial buffers to define metacommunity species pools. Then, we used structural equation models to estimate the relative importance of multi‐scale factors on species richness patterns.

Zygoptera communities are more similar in species composition within than between interfluves, suggesting that large Amazonian rivers indeed limit the distribution of Zygoptera species. Conversely, the distribution of Anisoptera extends across Amazonian interfluves. Seasonality has a strong positive effect on Zygoptera and Anisoptera richness across scales. In addition, habitat integrity is negatively correlated with the regional species richness and abundance of Anisoptera and positively correlated with Zygoptera local richness.

The contrasting effects of habitat integrity on Anisoptera and Zygoptera suggest that the former is favored in open habitats, whereas the latter is so in forests. Despite these differences, both suborders appear to follow similar community assembly mechanisms in Amazonia, with a strong climatic control across scales and an effect of habitat filters on local communities.
Efficacy of sonically, ultrasonically and laser‐activated irrigation in removing a biofilm‐mimicking hydrogel from an isthmus model
Authors: Swimberghe R. C. D. , De Clercq A. , De Moor R. J. G. , Meire M. A.
Published: October 2018

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of sonically, ultrasonically and laser‐activated irrigation (LAI) in removing a biofilm‐mimicking hydrogel from the isthmus in a root canal model.

Methodology

Transparent resin blocks containing two standardized root canals (apical diameter of 0.3 mm, 6% taper, 16 mm long, with a coronal reservoir) connected by an isthmus (0.15 mm wide, 2 mm high) were used as the test model. The isthmus was filled with a hydrogel‐containing dentine debris. The canals were filled with irrigant, and the models were randomly assigned to the following activation groups (n = 20): EndoActivator (EA), Eddy, ultrasonically activated irrigation (UAI) with an Irrisafe 25 mm length, size 25 file and LAI with a 2940 nm Er:YAG‐laser (20 Hz, 50 μs, 20 mJ, PIPS tip at the canal entrance). All protocols were executed for 3 × 20 s. Needle irrigation (NI) with a 27G needle served as the control. Standardized images of the isthmus were taken before and after irrigation, and the amount of removed hydrogel was determined using image analysis software and compared across groups using Welch anova (P ≤ 0.05).

Results

Hydrogel removal was greatest in the LAI group (90.2%) and was significantly greater than that with UAI, EA and NI (P ≤ 0.014), but not significantly different from Eddy (P = 0.498). Hydrogel removal with Eddy (85.9%) was significantly greater than that with NI and EA (P < 0.05), but not significantly different from UAI (P = 0.07). There was no significant difference between the NI and EA groups (P = 1).

Conclusions

Laser‐activated irrigation and Eddy resulted in the greatest hydrogel removal and performed better than EA and UAI. The effect of LAI was also not dependent on deep intracanal tip placement.
Hidden myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS): A prospective study to confirm or exclude MDS in patients with anemia of uncertain etiology
Authors: Bastida José María , López‐Godino Oriana , Vicente‐Sánchez Ana , Bonanad‐Boix Santiago , Xicoy‐Cirici Blanca , Hernández‐Sánchez Jesus M. , Such Esperanza , Cervera Jose , Caballero‐Berrocal Juan C. , López‐Cadenas Félix , Arnao‐Herráiz Mario , Rodríguez Inés , Llopis‐Calatayud Inmaculada , Jiménez María J. , del Cañizo‐Roldán Maria Consuelo , Díez‐Campelo Maria
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) when anemia is the only abnormality can be complicated. The aim of our study was to investigate the primary causes of anemia and/or macrocytosis of uncertain etiology.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter, prospective study over 4 months in three hematology laboratories. In step 1, we used an automated informatics system to screen 137 453 hemograms for cases of anemia and/or macrocytosis (n = 2702). In step 2, we excluded all patients whose anemia appeared to be due to a known cause. This left 290 patients had anemia of uncertain etiology. In step 3, we conducted further investigations, including a peripheral blood smear, and analysis of iron, vitamin B12, folate, and thyroid hormone levels.

Results

A differential diagnosis was obtained in 139 patients (48%). The primary causes of anemia were iron deficiency (n = 59) and megaloblastic anemia (n = 39). In total, 25 hematologic disorders were diagnosed, including 14 patients with MDS (56%). The median age of MDS patients was 80 years, 12 had anemia as an isolated cytopenia, and most (n = 10) had lower‐risk disease (IPSS‐R ≤ 3.5). SF3B1 mutations were most frequent (n = 6) and correlated with the presence of ring sideroblasts (100%) and associated with better prognosis (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Our prospective, four‐step approach is an efficient and logical strategy to facilitate the diagnosis of MDS on the basis of unexplained anemia and/or macrocytosis, and may allow the early diagnosis of the most serious causes of anemia. Molecular analysis of genes related to MDS could be a promising diagnostic and prognostic approach.
Update on diagnosis and anticoagulant therapy for venous thromboembolism
Authors: Stevens Hannah , Tran Huyen
Published: October 2018

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) continues to be a common medical problem requiring the need for rapid treatment with anticoagulant therapy. Until the recent availability of the direct oral anticoagulants for treatment of VTE, the option for oral anticoagulation was limited to warfarin therapy. The addition of these new medications has been welcomed, but has led to added complexities in deciding the most appropriate agent for each patient based on individual risk factors. Furthermore, there are several circumstances where optimal duration of therapy is not well established. This article will focus on the diagnosis of VTE, the choice of anticoagulant and treatment duration.
Fatal avian influenza A(H5N1) infection in a 36‐week pregnant woman survived by her newborn in Sóc Trăng Province, Vietnam, 2012
Authors: Le Tuan Van , Phan Lan T. , Ly Khanh H. K. , Nguyen Long T. , Nguyen Hieu T. , Ho Ngan T. T. , Trinh Tung X. , Tran Minh Nguyen N.
Published: October 2018

Background

Reports of pregnant women infected with avian influenza are rare. Studies showed that A/H5N1 virus can penetrate the placental barrier and infect the fetus. Of six documented cases, four died and two survivors had a spontaneous abortion.

Objectives

We report a clinical, outcome and epidemiological characteristics of a 36‐week pregnant woman infected with A/H5N1 and her newborn in Soc Trang province of Vietnam in 2012.

Methods

Epidemiological and laboratory investigations were conducted. Clinical manifestations, progress, treatment and outcome of the case‐patient and her newborn were collected. Human tracheal aspirate, throat swab and serum specimens were tested for influenza A/H5N1, A/H3N1, A/H1N1pdm09 and B by real‐time RT‐PCR and genome sequencing. Poultry throat and rectal swabs were tested by PCR and virus isolation.

Results

Case‐patient hospitalized with high fever and cough, and died after onset 6 days. She continuously slaughtered sick poultry 5 days before illness onset. Clinical manifestation showed rapid progressive severe pneumonia. Her tracheal aspirate sample was positive influenza A/H5N1 virus. Her new‐born was delivered by caesarean section with low birth weight and early onset pneumonia, however fully recovered after 16 days treatment. Neonate's throat swabs and paired serum samples tested negative for influenza A/H5N1. Clade 1.1 A/H5N1 virus was detected in poultry samples, was same clade and highly homogenous with the virus was detected in the mother.

Conclusions

This was the first documented a live birth from a pregnant woman infected with influenza A/H5N1 virus. Intensive studies are needed to better understand mother‐to‐child transmission of influenza A/H5N1 virus.
Measuring costs and quality of life for venous leg ulcers
Authors: Barnsbee Louise , Cheng Qinglu , Tulleners Ruth , Lee Xing , Brain David , Pacella Rosana
Published: October 2018

Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) result in substantial economic costs and reduced quality of life (QoL); however, there are few Australian cost estimates, especially using patient‐level data. We measured community‐setting VLU management costs and the impact on the QoL of affected individuals. VLU patients were recruited from a specialist wound clinic, an outpatient clinic, and two community care clinics in Queensland. Cost data were collected at the baseline visit. QoL (EQ‐5D‐5L) and wound status data were collected at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months. Patients were classified into guideline‐based/optimal care and usual care groups. Average weekly costs per patient were statistically significantly different between the usual care and optimal care groups—$214.61 and $294.72, respectively (P = 0.04). Baseline average QoL score for an unhealed ulcer was significantly higher in the optimal care group compared with usual care (P = 0.025). Time to healing differed between the usual care group and the optimal care group (P = 0.04), with averages of 3.9 and 2.7 months, respectively. These findings increase the understanding of the costs, QoL, and healing outcomes of VLU care. Higher optimal care costs may be offset by faster time to healing. This study provides data to inform an economic evaluation of guideline‐based care for VLUs.
A prediction tool for hospital‐acquired pressure ulcers among surgical patients: Surgical pressure ulcer risk score
Authors: Aloweni Fazila , Ang Shin Yuh , Fook‐Chong Stephanie , Agus Nurliyana , Yong Patricia , Goh Meh Meh , Tucker‐Kellogg Lisa , Soh Rick Chai
Published: October 2018

Surgical patients are prone to developing hospital‐acquired pressure ulcers (HAPU). Therefore, a better prediction tool is needed to predict risk using preoperative data. This study aimed to determine, from previously published HAPU risk factors, which factors are significant among our surgical population and to develop a prediction tool that identifies pressure ulcer risk before the operation. A literature review was first performed to elicit all the published HAPU risk factors before conducting a retrospective case‐control study using medical records. The known HAPU risks were compared between patients with HAPU and without HAPU who underwent operations during the same period (July 2015‐December 2016). A total of 80 HAPU cases and 189 controls were analysed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses identified eight significant risk factors: age ≥ 75 years, female gender, American Society of Anaesthesiologists ≥ 3, body mass index < 23, preoperative Braden score ≤ 14, anaemia, respiratory disease, and hypertension. The model had bootstrap‐corrected c‐statistic 0.78 indicating good discrimination. A cut‐off score of ≥6 is strongly predictive, with a positive predictive value of 73.2% (confidence interval [CI]: 59.7%‐84.2%) and a negative predictive value of 80.7% (CI: 74.3%‐86.1%). SPURS contributes to the preoperative identification of pressure ulcer risk that could help nurses implement preventive measures earlier.
Low sintering temperature for lead‐free BiFeO3‐BaTiO3 ceramics with high piezoelectric performance
Authors: Lee Myang Hwan , Kim Da Jeong , Choi Hae In , Kim Myong‐Ho , Song Tae Kwon , Kim Won‐Jeong , Park Jin Su , Do Dalhyun
Published: October 2018

Through modification of the heat‐treatment process using a higher heating rate and a lower binder burnout temperature, the piezoelectric performance of water‐quenched 0.67Bi1.05FeO3‐0.33BaTiO3 (BF33BT) lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics was improved. The observed physical properties of BF33BT ceramics were very sensitive to the process temperatures. The sintering temperature (TS) was changed within a narrow temperature range, and its effects were investigated. The largest rhombohedral distortion (90°‐αR = 0.14°) and tetragonality (cT/aT = 1.022) were observed for the ceramic sintered at 980°C, and its Curie temperature was 476°C. This ceramic showed good piezoelectric properties and large grains; the piezoelectric sensor charge coefficient (d33) was 352 pC/N, and the piezoelectric actuator charge coefficient () was 270 pm/V. The high piezoelectric performance and low TS of BF33BT ceramics indicate their potential as new low‐cost eco‐friendly lead‐free piezoceramics.
Superdense Tb3+‐activated borogermanate‐tellurite scintillating glasses
Authors: Sun Xin‐Yuan , Wen Zhuo‐Xing , Liu Xiu‐Jian , Hu Qiang‐Lin , Yang Qing‐Mei , Kang Zhitao
Published: October 2018

Novel Tb3+‐activated borogermanate‐tellurite scintillating glasses with a maximum density of 7.15 g/cm3 aimed at detection of high‐energy rays were prepared by a melt‐quenching method for the first time. The concentration‐dependent optical properties including transmittance, photoluminescence, luminescence dynamic behaviors, and X‐ray excited luminescence in the as‐prepared Tb3+‐activated borogermanate‐tellurite glasses were studied. The optimal content of Tb2O3 in the superdense borogermanate‐tellurite glasses is revealed to be 7 mol% under both 275 nm ultraviolet light and X‐ray excitation. The integral scintillation efficiency of Tb3+‐activated borogermanate‐tellurite scintillating glass is about 33.71% of the standard Bi4Ge3O12 (BGO) scintillating crystal.
Relaxation processes in barium strontium titanate glass‐ceramics by thermally simulated depolarization current
Authors: Song Xiaozhen , Zhang Tianyuan , Zhao Zhangyuan , Hu Kangjia , Baturin Ivan , Shur Vladimir , Zhang Yong
Published: October 2018

Thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of polarization temperature on different relaxation processes in barium strontium titanate glass‐ceramics. It was found that all the TSDC curves are composed of four relaxation peaks. From the characteristics of peak temperature and peak current intensity with various polarization temperatures, the origin of these four peaks are identified as from defect dipole orientation, charge carrier detrapping, in‐crystal oxygen vacancy migration, and trans‐interface oxygen vacancy migration respectively. In addition, both the dipole concentration and trap density for the glass‐ceramic samples were estimated.
Chemical hardening of glazed porcelain tiles
Authors: Barbi Silvia , Mugoni Consuelo , Montorsi Monia , Siligardi Cristina
Published: October 2018

Glazed ceramic tiles are used for wall and floor covering thanks to their high resistance to chemicals attacks, although big efforts should be done to increase their surfacesresistance to mechanical stresses. This study investigates the applicability of a well‐known glass hardening process to glazed ceramic tiles following a rational design based on Design of Experiments technique. A Mixture Design has been carried out to formulate new frits compositions to enhance the ion‐exchange process, starting from a commercial product. Vickers Hardness andSEM‐EDStechniques have been employed to evaluate the frits and elaborate the model. Results suggest that frits for ceramic tiles are positively affected by ion‐exchange process only if an appropriate combination of ions in the starting composition is present, establishing a new category of frit formulations suitable for that purpose. The results have been confirmed employing the optimized frit for the glazing of porcelain stoneware.
Diffused and successive phase transitions of (K, Na)NbO3‐based ceramics with high strain and temperature insensitivity
Authors: Huang Yanli , Zhao Chunlin , Wu Bo , Wu Jiagang
Published: October 2018

Phase boundaries realize enhanced piezoelectricity in lead‐free (K, Na)NbO3‐based ceramics but suffer from the weakness of undesirable temperature sensitivity. Here, an effective method is designed to develop temperature‐insensitive piezoelectricity (small signal piezo‐coefficient [d33] and large signal piezo‐coefficient []) in KNN‐based piezoceramics by constructing the diffused and successive phase transitions, which results in a broadness of the optimal temperature range of the electrical properties. The room‐temperature value in KNN‐based ceramics modified with BaZrO3 and (Bi0.5Na0.5)HfO3 reaches as high as 540 (±10) pm V−1, which is higher than PZT‐5H and most reported KNN‐based systems. Notably, superior temperature insensitivity of the and Pr values is also observed among the diffused and successive phase transitions region (20‐100°C), with <5% fluctuation. In addition, the in situ temperature‐dependent d33 measurement shows a high‐temperature reliability and less fluctuation (<15%) in a wide temperature range (20‐120°C). These results open a new window for further development of highly temperature‐insensitive lead‐free piezoceramics.
Coronary artery injury related to catheter ablation of cardiac arrhythmias: A systematic review
Authors: Pothineni Naga Venkata , Kancharla Krishna , Katoor Ajoe J. , Shanta Ghanshyam , Paydak Hakan , Kapa Suraj , Deshmukh Abhishek
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Catheter ablation (CA) has emerged as the preferred modality of treatment for many cardiac arrhythmias. Anatomical sites of ablation are often located in close proximity to coronary arteries. However, the incidence of CA‐related coronary injury has not been well studied. We sought to systematically evaluate all cases of CA‐related coronary injuries.

Methods and Results

A PubMed search was conducted from inception until May 1, 2017 using the keywords “coronary artery” and “ablation.” We identified 2817 published articles of which 43 articles met our inclusion criteria representing 61 cases of coronary artery injury attributed to CA procedures from 1992 to 2017. Posteroseptal accessory pathway ablation was associated with the highest incidence of coronary injury (35.6% of cases), followed by cavotricuspid isthmus‐dependent flutter (19.3%). The right coronary artery was the site of injury in over two‐thirds of all reported cases. Coronary injury was detected intraprocedurally in about half of the cases (43.1%), whereas it was a delayed presentation in the other half. Coronary intervention was performed in a third of all cases (32.7%). There were a total of three deaths attributed to coronary artery injury.

Conclusions

Most (91.8%) coronary injuries are a result of anatomic proximity to the site of ablation. Awareness of the relation between coronary artery course and anatomical site of ablation could prevent myocardial damage and improve procedural safety.