bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomized comparison between indocyanine green fluorescence plus 99mtechnetium and 99mtechnetium alone methods for sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer
Authors: Vermersch Charlotte , Raia-Barjat Tiphaine , Chapelle Céline , Lima Suzanne , Chauleur Céline
Published: May 2019

Use of both patent blue and a radioisotope to locate, and reduce the risk of sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection failure in breast cancer is recommended, but drawbacks commonly lead to using only a radioisotope. An alternative method would therefore be valuable. This randomized, controlled study in 99 patients compared SLN detection using 99mtechnetium (Tc) alone versus Tc combined with indocyanine green (ICG). The primary endpoint was the SLN identification rate. The primary outcome measure was the number of patients with <2 SLN detected. One SLN was detected in 44.0% of patients in the dual detection group and 40.8% in the 99mTc alone group (RR = 1.08 (95% CI 0.68; 1.72), p = 0.84). A mean (±SD) of 2.14 ± 1.23 SLN were identified in the dual detection group vs. 1.77 ± 0.85 using Tc alone (p = 0.09). Eight-five (78.7%) SLN were both ICG+ and TC+, 15 (13.9%) ICG+ and Tc−, and 7 (6.5%) ICG− and Tc+. SLN detected were ICG-positive in 92.6% of patients and 99mTc-positive in 85.2% with. No adverse event related to ICG injection was recorded. Dual detection of SLN using ICG and radioisotope is reliable and sensitive but was not superior to isotope alone in successfully locating SLN in our pilot randomized trial.
Investigation of evolutionary and expressional relationships in the function of the leucine-rich repeat receptor-like protein kinase gene family (LRR-RLK) in the radish (Raphanus sativus L.)
Authors: Wang Jinglei , Hu Tianhua , Wang Wuhong , Hu Haijiao , Wei Qingzhen , Bao Chonglai
Published: May 2019

The leucine-rich repeat receptor-like protein kinase (LRR-RLK) plays an important role in plant development and disease defence. Although genome-wide studies of LRR-RLKs have been performed in several species, a comprehensive analysis, including evolutionary, structural and expressional analyses and their relationships to function, has not been carried out in the radish (Raphanus sativus L.). In this study, we identified 292 LRR-RLK genes in the R. sativus genome and classified them into 23 subgroups. The subgroups containing genes involved in defence were more likely to evolve from tandem duplication rather than whole genome triplication (WGT), had lower expression profiles and were expressed in fewer tissues than the subgroups related to development. Gene structures and conserved domains did not differ in the defence-related or development-related subgroups, but they were distinct in each subgroup. This study sheds light on the evolutionary and expressional relationships with the functions of R. sativus LRR-RLKs and provides an integrated framework for additional investigation into these functions.
Analysis of synthetic cannabinoid agonists and their degradation products after combustion in a smoking simulator
Authors: Naqi Husain A. , Pudney Christopher R. , Husbands Stephen M. , Blagbrough Ian S.
Published: May 2019

An efficient twin-trap smoking inhalation model that simulates human inhalation has been developed; all six synthetic cannabinoids tested were detected.
[2+2] Halogen-bonded boxes employing azobenzenes
Authors: Nieland Esther , Topornicki Thomas , Kunde Tom , Schmidt Bernd M.
Published: May 2019

Herein, we report the synthesis and crystal structures of three [2+2] supramolecular boxes assembled by halogen bonding.
Controlling trapping states on selective theranostic core@shell (NaYF4:Yb,Tm@TiO2-ZrO2) nanocomplexes for enhanced NIR-activated photodynamic therapy against breast cancer cells
Authors: Ramírez-García Gonzalo , De la Rosa Elder , López-Luke Tzarara , Panikar Sandeep S. , Salas Pedro
Published: May 2019

ROS production and 801 nm upconversion emission are enhanced by partial substitution of Ti4+by Zr4+in the NaYF4:Yb,Tm@TiO2-ZrO2–Trastuzumab nanocomplex.
Alternative (κ1-N:η6-arene vs. κ2-N,N) coordination of a sterically demanding amidinate ligand: are size and electronic structure of the Ln ion decisive factors?
Authors: Tolpygin Aleksei O. , Shavyrin Andrei S. , Cherkasov Anton V. , Fukin Georgy K. , del Rosal Iker , Maron Laurent , Trifonov Alexander A.
Published: May 2019

Both ion size and electronic structure of Ln(ii/iii) ion are decisive in the implementation of either κ1-amido : η6-arene or κ2-N,N′ type of coordination of sterically demanding amidinate ligands.
1,5-Naphthyl-linked bis(imino)pyridines as binucleating scaffolds for dicobalt ethylene oligo-/polymerization catalysts: exploring temperature and steric effects
Authors: Chen Qiang , Suo Hongyi , Zhang Wenjuan , Zhang Randi , Solan Gregory A. , Liang Tongling , Sun Wen-Hua
Published: May 2019

The title dinuclear Co complexes showed high activity for ethylene oligo-/polymerization with the run temperature having an unexpected effect on the PE to oligomer ratio.
Spin crossover in hydrogen-bonded frameworks of FeII complexes with organodisulfonate anions
Authors: Shen Fu-Xing , Pi Qian , Shi Le , Shao Dong , Li Hong-Qing , Sun Yu-Chen , Wang Xin-Yi
Published: May 2019

Four spin crossover FeII complexes of hydrogen-bonded frameworks were constructed from the charge-assisted hydrogen bonds between the FeII complexes and organodisulfonate anions.
“One-for-All” strategy to design oxygen-deficient triple-shelled MnO2and hollow Fe2O3microcubes for high energy density asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Jia Henan , Liang Haoyan , Wang Zhaoyue , Li Chun , Zheng Xiaohang , Cai Yifei , Qi Junlei , Cao Jian , Feng Jicai , Fei Weidong
Published: May 2019

Intrinsically poor conductivity, sluggish ion transfer kinetics, and limited specific area are the three main obstacles that confine the electrochemical performance of metal oxides in supercapacitors.
Negative piezoelectric effect in an organic supramolecular ferroelectric
Authors: Urbanaviciute Indre , Meng Xiao , Biler Michal , Wei Yingfen , Cornelissen Tim D. , Bhattacharjee Subham , Linares Mathieu , Kemerink Martijn
Published: May 2019

A pronounced and tunable negative piezoelectric effect in a family of organic small-molecular ferroelectrics is demonstrated and explained.
Chiral palladium pincer complexes for asymmetric catalytic reactions
Authors: Liu Jin-Kui , Gong Jun-Fang , Song Mao-Ping
Published: May 2019

This review covers the methods for the preparation of chiral palladium(ii) pincer complexes and their applications in asymmetric catalysis.
A catalogue of oxygen-rich pulsating giants in the Galactic halo and the Sagittarius stream
Authors: Mauron N. , Maurin L. P. A. , Kendall T. R.
Published: May 2019

To construct a catalogue of oxygen-rich (M) asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars in the halo, complementing the catalogues of carbon-rich (C) stars, previous lists of Miras and SRa semi-regulars located in the northern hemisphere are merged and cleaned of various defects. After putting aside known C stars, characteristics such as colours and periods indicate that most of the remaining objects are M stars. Distances are obtained through the period-luminosity relation. By considering their position in the sky, stars lying at |Z| > 5 kpc are confirmed to be in majority in the Sgr tidal arms. The M stars are more numerous than C ones. Our distance scale is supported by two cool variables located in the Pal 4 globular cluster. Along the Sgr arms, there is reasonable agreement on distances of our objects with recent RR Lyrae distances. A few stars may be as distant as 150 kpc, with possibly four at the trailing arm apocentre, and two in the A16 sub-structure, angularly close to two C stars. Ninety radial velocities are collected from Gaia and other sources. A catalogue with 417 M pulsating AGB stars is provided. This catalogue contains ∼260 stars in the halo with |Z| > 5 kpc. Their Ks magnitudes range from 8 up to 13. For comparison, the catalogue also provides ∼150 stars in the disc having 5 <  Ks <  8.
A geometric distance measurement to the Galactic center black hole with 0.3% uncertainty
Authors:   The GRAVITY Collaboration, Abuter R. , Amorim A. , Bauböck M. , Berger J. P. , Bonnet H. , Brandner W. , Clénet Y. , Coudé du Foresto V. , de Zeeuw P. T. , Dexter J. , Duvert G. , Eckart A. , Eisenhauer F. , Förster Schreiber N. M. , Garcia P. , Gao F. , Gendron E. , Genzel R. , Gerhard O. , Gillessen S. , Habibi M. , Haubois X. , Henning T. , Hippler S. , Horrobin M. , Jiménez-Rosales A. , Jocou L. , Kervella P. , Lacour S. , Lapeyrère V. , Le Bouquin J.-B. , Léna P. , Ott T. , Paumard T. , Perraut K. , Perrin G. , Pfuhl O. , Rabien S. , Rodriguez Coira G. , Rousset G. , Scheithauer S. , Sternberg A. , Straub O. , Straubmeier C. , Sturm E. , Tacconi L. J. , Vincent F. , von Fellenberg S. , Waisberg I. , Widmann F. , Wieprecht E. , Wiezorrek E. , Woillez J. , Yazici S.
Published: May 2019

We present a 0.16% precise and 0.27% accurate determination of R0, the distance to the Galactic center. Our measurement uses the star S2 on its 16-year orbit around the massive black hole Sgr A* that we followed astrometrically and spectroscopically for 27 years. Since 2017, we added near-infrared interferometry with the VLTI beam combiner GRAVITY, yielding a direct measurement of the separation vector between S2 and Sgr A* with an accuracy as good as 20 μas in the best cases. S2 passed the pericenter of its highly eccentric orbit in May 2018, and we followed the passage with dense sampling throughout the year. Together with our spectroscopy, in the best cases with an error of 7 km s−1, this yields a geometric distance estimate of R0 = 8178 ± 13stat. ± 22sys. pc. This work updates our previous publication, in which we reported the first detection of the gravitational redshift in the S2 data. The redshift term is now detected with a significance level of 20σ with fredshift = 1.04 ± 0.05.
Comprehensive dosimetry for seven exposure sources at the earliest US uranium processing facility
Authors: Ellis Elizabeth D. , Leggett Richard W. , Golden Ashley P. , Boice John D. , Jr
Published: May 2019

Mallinckrodt Chemical Works (MCW) was the earliest uranium processing facility in the United States, beginning in 1942. The 2,514 workers included in the epidemiologic study were exposed to external gamma radiation, medical x-rays, internal radiation from intakes of pitchblende ore and its extracted radionuclides (mainly uranium isotopes and radium-226), and ambient levels of radon and its progeny [1].
Absorbed dose evaluation at different organs after 131I oral contamination of two Wistar rat models
Authors: Mezaguer-Lekouaghet Meriem , Blanchardon Eric , Badreddine Abdelwahab , Bertho Jean-Marc , Souidi Maamar , Baz Ahcène , Lounis-Mokrani Zohra
Published: May 2019

Iodine-131 (131I) is one of the most frequently used radionuclides for diagnosis and therapy of thyroid diseases. It is administered orally in the treatment of cancer to eliminate the residual postoperative microscopic tumor foci, and the residual normal thyroid tissue for early detection of recurrence [1].

The comparative behavior of 131I concentration into two animalmodels with total and partial thyroid has been investigated in our previous work [2]. The accumulated activities have been measured in fourteen organs.

In this study, the mean absorbed doses resulting from 131I accumulated in all organs have been evaluated using RODES software [3, 4]. With this software, mean absorbed doses were calculatedfor selected organs (thyroid, lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, stomach, spleen, large and small intestine, testes, urinary bladder wall) by combining the specific absorbed fractions (SAF) of energy with radiation emission spectra and biokinetic data determined from our previous experimental study [2]. Calculations were based on the 131I photon and electron emissions reported by [5] and SAFs previously calculated by Monte Carlo simulation in the voxel phantom of an adult male rate [3, 4].

The obtained results show high absorbed dosesdeliveredto stomach and lungs for both models compared to other organs. The dose received by the testes and salivary glands is found to be higher in the case of the rat model without thyroid. Conversely, the spleen and bladder wall received lower doses in this latter model compared to those received by the rat model with thyroid. One can also note that the difference in mean absorbed dose received by liver, lungs, heart, and walls of the stomach is not significant between the two rat models.
Die neue Sepsisdefinition: Sepsis-3
Authors: Brunkhorst Frank M.
Published: May 2019

Seit 2016 existiert eine neue Sepsisdefinition, die erstmals die Sepsis auf
Normalstationen und Notaufnahmen in den Vordergrund stellt. Dazu gehört auch ein
diagnostischer Score, der dabei hilft, Patienten mit einem hohen Sepsisrisiko so
früh wie möglich zu identifizieren.
Pflegerische Expertise ist obligat
Authors: Krüger Lars , Mosel Jens , Bergmeier Susanne
Published: May 2019

Die pflegerische und medizinische Versorgung von Patienten mit einer ECMO ist in
Deutschland längst keine Seltenheit mehr. Allein in der Klinik für Thorax- und
Kardiovaskularchirurgie im Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen wurden
im Jahr 2017 mehr als 200 Patienten mit einem entsprechenden System versorgt.
Viele bis heute veröffentlichte Artikel bilden häufig medizinische oder
medizintechnische Aspekte der ECMO ab. Der vorliegende Artikel möchte einen
Beitrag zum Thema „ECMO und Pflege“ leisten. Er fokussiert besonders die
Bereiche Bewegung und Mobilisation sowie die Patientensicherheit.
Palliative Pflege auf der Intensivstation
Authors: Knecht Christiane , Buchholz Dorothea , Dreseler Jacqueline , Kröger Birgit , Luding Manuela , Oelschläger Simone , Sorber Michaela , Wiebe Jenny
Published: May 2019

Kurative oder palliative Therapie? Gerade auf Intensivstationen stellt sich diese
Frage häufig. Mittendrin im Abstimmungsprozess des interdisziplinären Teams: die
Pflegekraft. Sie soll die Entscheidung des Teams in entsprechende
Pflegehandlungen umsetzen. Eine Gratwanderung zwischen dem Willen des Patienten
und seiner Familie, beruflichen Verpflichtungen, klinischen Entscheidungen und
dem Arbeitgeber.
Modulation of Diabetes by Natural Products and Medicinal Plants via Incretins
Authors: Ríos José-Luis , Andújar Isabel , Schinella Guillermo R. , Francini Flavio
Published: May 2019

Incretins are metabolic hormones released after a meal that increase insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. The two main incretins are the intestinal peptides glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. Both induce a decrease in glycemia, slow down the absorption of nutrients, and are inactivated by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4. Recently, incretin-based therapies have become a useful tool to treat diabetic patients, and different studies have focused on the identification of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, including those of natural origin. This review focuses on the new findings of medicinal plants and natural products as possible active agents on the potentiation of incretin receptor signaling. Among these, soluble fiber from species of Plantago and guar gum show promising effects, iridoid derivatives are relevant activators of incretin receptors, and derivatives of cyanidin, especially diglycosylated ones, are an interesting source of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors.
Total Knee Arthroplasty Using a Medial Pivot or Posterior Cruciate-Stabilizing Prosthesis in Chinese Patients
Authors: Yuan Ding , Zhang Quan-San , Zhang Kun , Cao Yan-Wei , Chen Guan-Hong , Ling Zong-Zhun , Xu Hui
Published: May 2019

There is an unmet need for a prosthesis designed according to the anatomical parameters of the Chinese population. This study aims to compare the use of a medial pivot (MP) implant or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) substitution (posterior-stabilized [PS]) prosthesis for unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a Chinese population. The medical records of patients undergoing unilateral TKA with an MP implant (Group A) or a PS prosthesis (Group B) at our institution between January 2010 and December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were followed up for 5 years. Preoperatively and at the December 2016 postoperative follow-up, the Hospital for Special Surgery scoring system (HSS knee score) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score were measured to evaluate TKA outcomes. This study included 49 patients in Group A and 51 in Group B. As of December 2016, there were no significant differences in the preoperative/postoperative changes in any category of the HSS knee score or WOMAC score between the groups. There were no postoperative complications in either group during the 5-year follow-up. There were no periprosthetic infections or need for revision surgery. One patient in Group A experienced aching and a small amount of effusion in the articular cavity that was attributed to overexertion. In conclusion, there were no significant differences in midterm outcomes in Chinese patients receiving an MP implant or a PS prosthesis for unilateral TKA. These data suggest that the MP and PCL substitution design are safe and effective for unilateral TKA in China.
Correlative microscopy combining transmission electron microscopy and secondary ion mass spectrometry: A general review on the state-of-the-art, recent developments, and prospects
Authors: Eswara S. , Pshenova A. , Yedra L. , Hoang Q. H. , Lovric J. , Philipp P. , Wirtz T.
Published: May 2019

The development of advanced materials relies crucially on the availability of suitable high-resolution analytical characterization techniques. In this review, we discuss correlative microscopy methods combining Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) for high-resolution high-sensitivity analysis. We review the literature on ex-situ TEM-SIMS correlation in materials science and beyond and motivate the need for in-situ TEM-SIMS. The instrument development aspects are discussed in detail followed by a computational analysis of the fundamental ion-solid interaction relevant for TEM-SIMS correlation. The correlative methodology and workflow are presented in detail together with a discussion on potential artifacts. Then, the strategies to enhance the performance characteristics such as the SIMS image resolution and sensitivities are discussed followed by example applications of the in-situ TEM-SIMS technique. Finally, the prospects of the TEM-SIMS correlative technique for solving challenging characterization problems are explored.
Grasshopper optimization algorithm for extracting maximum power from wind turbine installed in Al-Jouf region
Authors: Fathy Ahmed , El-baksawi Osama
Published: May 2019

This paper proposes a novel methodology based on the recent metaheuristic grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA) for extracting the maximum power from a wind energy system operated under variable speed conditions. The proposed system comprises a permanent magnet synchronous generator operated via a wind turbine, a dc-dc boost converter, a three-phase diode rectifier, and a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) designed via the proposed GOA. The proposed MPPT tunes the duty cycle of the boost converter to extract the maximum power from the wind energy system. The proposed system is built in Matlab/Simulink, different operating conditions are studied, and the results are compared with other programed metaheuristic approaches like Particle Swarm Optimization, Cuckoo Search, and Crow Search Algorithm. Additionally, the proposed GOA-MPPT is investigated using actual collected data for wind speed in four different locations in the Al-Jouf region in the northern Saudi Arabia, which are Sakaka, Dumat Al-Jandal, Qurayyat, and Tabarjal. The obtained results confirmed the superiority and reliability of the proposed MPPT compared to the others in enhancing the extracted power from the wind energy system.
Evolution of multipactor breakdown in multicarrier systems
Authors: Hubble Aimee A. , Feldman Matthew S. , Partridge Preston T. , Spektor Rostislav
Published: May 2019

Many high-power radio frequency communication and navigation systems utilize multicarrier systems. Testing and analyzing such systems for multipactor breakdown have no universal approach, and current practices range in their degree of conservatism. A common approach involves considering the number of signal crossings above the single carrier breakdown threshold. Previous experimental work [Hubble et al., Proceedings of the 9th International Workshop on Multipactor, Corona, and Passive Intermodulation, Noordwijk, The Netherlands (April 2017)] evaluated multicarrier breakdown in two-tone systems and determined a relationship between carrier spacing and required signal crossings to achieve breakdown. This work builds upon the previous effort to include broader carrier spacing and additional tones, as well as the use of innovative center-conductor diagnostics to measure real-time electron population growth and decay.
Chemical disarming of isoniazid resistance in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Flentie Kelly , Harrison Gregory A. , Tükenmez Hasan , Livny Jonathan , Good James A. D. , Sarkar Souvik , Zhu Dennis X. , Kinsella Rachel L. , Weiss Leslie A. , Solomon Samantha D. , Schene Miranda E. , Hansen Mette R. , Cairns Andrew G. , Kulén Martina , Wixe Torbjörn , Lindgren Anders E. G. , Chorell Erik , Bengtsson Christoffer , Krishnan K. Syam , Hultgren Scott J. , Larsson Christer , Almqvist Fredrik , Stallings Christina L.
Published: May 2019

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(
Mtb
) killed more people in 2017 than any other single infectious agent. This dangerous pathogen is able to withstand stresses imposed by the immune system and tolerate exposure to antibiotics, resulting in persistent infection. The global tuberculosis (TB) epidemic has been exacerbated by the emergence of mutant strains of
Mtb
that are resistant to frontline antibiotics. Thus, both phenotypic drug tolerance and genetic drug resistance are major obstacles to successful TB therapy. Using a chemical approach to identify compounds that block stress and drug tolerance, as opposed to traditional screens for compounds that kill
Mtb
, we identified a small molecule, C10, that blocks tolerance to oxidative stress, acid stress, and the frontline antibiotic isoniazid (INH). In addition, we found that C10 prevents the selection for INH-resistant mutants and restores INH sensitivity in otherwise INH-resistant
Mtb
strains harboring mutations in the
katG
gene, which encodes the enzyme that converts the prodrug INH to its active form. Through mechanistic studies, we discovered that C10 inhibits
Mtb
respiration, revealing a link between respiration homeostasis and INH sensitivity. Therefore, by using C10 to dissect
Mtb
persistence, we discovered that INH resistance is not absolute and can be reversed.
Brain ventricular volume changes induced by long-duration spaceflight
Authors: Van Ombergen Angelique , Jillings Steven , Jeurissen Ben , Tomilovskaya Elena , Rumshiskaya Alena , Litvinova Liudmila , Nosikova Inna , Pechenkova Ekaterina , Rukavishnikov Ilya , Manko Olga , Danylichev Sergey , Rühl R. Maxine , Kozlovskaya Inessa B. , Sunaert Stefan , Parizel Paul M. , Sinitsyn Valentin , Laureys Steven , Sijbers Jan , zu Eulenburg Peter , Wuyts Floris L.
Published: May 2019

Significance

Long-duration spaceflight induces detrimental changes in human physiology due to microgravity. One example is a cephalic fluid shift. Here, we prospectively investigated the quantitative changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume of the brain ventricular regions in space crew by means of a region of interest, observer-independent analysis on structural brain MRI scans. MRI scans were collected before the mission, shortly after and 7 mo after return to Earth. We found a significant increase in lateral and third ventricles at postflight and a trend to normalization at follow-up, but still significantly increased ventricular volumes. The observed spatiotemporal pattern of CSF compartment enlargement and recovery points to a reduced CSF resorption in microgravity as the underlying cause.
Considering adaptive genetic variation in climate change vulnerability assessment reduces species range loss projections
Authors: Razgour Orly , Forester Brenna , Taggart John B. , Bekaert Michaël , Juste Javier , Ibáñez Carlos , Puechmaille Sébastien J. , Novella-Fernandez Roberto , Alberdi Antton , Manel Stéphanie
Published: May 2019

Local adaptations can determine the potential of populations to respond to environmental changes, yet adaptive genetic variation is commonly ignored in models forecasting species vulnerability and biogeographical shifts under future climate change. Here we integrate genomic and ecological modeling approaches to identify genetic adaptations associated with climate in two cryptic forest bats. We then incorporate this information directly into forecasts of range changes under future climate change and assessment of population persistence through the spread of climate-adaptive genetic variation (evolutionary rescue potential). Considering climate-adaptive potential reduced range loss projections, suggesting that failure to account for intraspecific variability can result in overestimation of future losses. On the other hand, range overlap between species was projected to increase, indicating that interspecific competition is likely to play an important role in limiting species’ future ranges. We show that although evolutionary rescue is possible, it depends on a population’s adaptive capacity and connectivity. Hence, we stress the importance of incorporating genomic data and landscape connectivity in climate change vulnerability assessments and conservation management.
Maternal overnutrition programs hedonic and metabolic phenotypes across generations through sperm tsRNAs
Authors: Sarker Gitalee , Sun Wenfei , Rosenkranz David , Pelczar Pawel , Opitz Lennart , Efthymiou Vissarion , Wolfrum Christian , Peleg-Raibstein Daria
Published: May 2019

Significance

Obesity is a major public health issue worldwide. Easy accessibility of junk food is considered a major contributor to the current obesity epidemic. Thus, the impact of maternal overnutrition in determining disease susceptibility in offspring has received wide attention. It has also been shown that the effects of maternal overnutrition are not limited to the immediate offspring but can also be transmitted to successive generations. Among different epigenetic marks, sperm small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) have recently been reported as a direct mediator of acquired traits to the progeny following postnatal trauma or paternal diet. Here, we investigate whether sperm sncRNAs contributes to the transmission of metabolic and hedonic phenotypes across generations following maternal overnutrition.
Amount of substance and the mole in the SI
Authors: Güttler Bernd , Bettin Horst , Brown Richard J C , Davis Richard S , Mester Zoltan , Milton Martin J T , Pramann Axel , Rienitz Olaf , Vocke Robert D , Wielgosz Robert I
Published: May 2019

Following the revision of the International System of Units (SI), that takes effect on 20 May 2019, the unit mole is defined by using a fixed number of elementary entities. This number is the fixed numerical value of the Avogadro constant, which is the defining constant of the unit mole. This definition was made possible because the determination of the Avogadro constant had reached a level of relative uncertainty that allowed its value to be fixed and, at the same time, safeguard continuity of measurement results before and after the definition. The motivation for the revision of the SI and the mole in particular will be explained and the experimental work that allowed it is summarized.
Ideology and interests in the Rwandan patriotic front: Singing the struggle in pre-genocide Rwanda
Authors: Chemouni Benjamin , Mugiraneza Assumpta
Published: May 2019

In the study of African Politics, the analysis of political ideologies as a normative engine of political action seems to have receded in favour of a treatment of ideology as the support of actors in their pursuit of material interests. Rwanda is not an exception. The ideology of the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) has been predominantly analysed as a self-serving strategy geared towards the reinforcement of the party’s power. Such treatment of ideology prevents a full understanding of the RPF. This article argues that ideology should also be conceptualized as a matrix that can reshape material incentives and through which the RPF’s interests have emerged. To do so, the article analyses new sources of material, the songs of mobilization from RPF members and supporters composed before the Front took power during the genocide, to systematically delineate the RPF’s early ideology. The analysis centres on four main themes—Rwandan national unity, the RPF’s depiction of itself, its depiction of its enemy, and its relationship with the international community—and traces their influence on RPF interests in the post-genocide era. It reveals the surprisingly long-lasting power of ideas despite fast-changing material circumstances.
The effect of intravenous iron on erythropoiesis in older people with hip fracture
Authors: Moppett I K , Rowlands M , Mannings A M , Marufu T C , Sahota O , Yeung J
Published: May 2019

Background

anaemia following hip fracture is common and associated with worse outcomes. Intravenous iron is a potential non-transfusion treatment for this anaemia and has been found to reduce transfusion rates in previous observational studies. There is good evidence for its use in elective surgical populations.

Objective

to examine the impact of intravenous iron on erythropoiesis following hip fracture.

Design

two-centre, assessor-blinded, randomised, controlled trial of patients with primary hip fracture and no contra-indications to intravenous iron.

Method

the intervention group received three doses of 200 mg iron sucrose over 30 min (Venofer, Vifor Pharma, Bagshot Park, UK) on three separate days. Primary outcome was reticulocyte count at day 7 after randomisation. Secondary outcomes included haemoglobin concentration, complications and discharge destination. Eighty participants were randomised.

Results

there was a statistically significantly greater absolute final reticulocyte count in the iron group (89.4 (78.9–101.3) × 109 cells l−1 (n = 39) vs. the control (72.2 (63.9–86.4)) × 109 cells l−1 (n = 41); P = 0.019; (mean (95% confidence intervals) of log-transformed data). There were no differences in final haemoglobin concentration (99.9 (95.7–104.2) vs. 102.0 (98.7–105.3) P = 0.454) or transfusion requirements in the first week (11 (28%) vs. 12 (29%); P = 0.899). Functional and safety outcomes were not different between the groups.

Conclusions

although intravenous iron does stimulate erythropoiesis following hip fracture in older people, the effect is too small and too late to affect transfusion rates. Trial Registry Numbers: ISRCTN:76424792; EuDRACT: 2011-003233-34.
Maternal Obesity, Birth Size, and Risk of Childhood Cancer Development
Authors: Stacy Shaina L , Buchanich Jeanine M , Ma Zhen-qiang , Mair Christina , Robertson Linda , Sharma Ravi K , Talbott Evelyn O , Yuan Jian-Min
Published: May 2019

Infants and children are particularly vulnerable to in utero and early-life exposures. Thus, a mother’s exposures before and during pregnancy could have important consequences for her child’s health, including cancer development. We examined whether birth certificate–derived maternal anthropometric characteristics were associated with increased risk of subsequent childhood cancer development, accounting for established maternal and infant risk factors. Pennsylvania birth and cancer registry files were linked by the state Department of Health, yielding a virtual cohort of births and childhood cancers from 2003 through 2016. The analysis included 1,827,875 infants (13,785,309 person-years at risk), with 2,352 children diagnosed with any cancer and 747 with leukemia before age 14 years. Children born to mothers with a body mass index (weight (kg)/height (m)2) of ≥40 had a 57% (95% confidence interval: 12, 120) higher leukemia risk. Newborn size of ≥30% higher than expected was associated with 2.2-fold and 1.8-fold hazard ratios for total childhood cancer and leukemia, respectively, relative to those with expected size. Being <30% below expected size also increased the overall cancer risk (P for curvilinearity < 0.0001). Newborn size did not mediate the association between maternal obesity and childhood cancer. The results suggest a significant role of early-life exposure to maternal obesity- and fetal growth–related factors in childhood cancer development.
Hemoglobin: potential roles in the oocyte and early embryo†
Authors: Lim Megan , Brown Hannah M , Kind Karen L , Thompson Jeremy G , Dunning Kylie R
Published: May 2019

Hemoglobin (Hb) is commonly known for its capacity to bind and transport oxygen and carbon dioxide in erythroid cells. However, it plays additional roles in cellular function and health due to its capacity to bind other gases including nitric oxide. Further, Hb acts as a potent antioxidant, quenching reactive oxygen species. Despite its potential roles in cellular function, the preponderance of Hb research remains focused on its role in oxygen regulation. There is increasing evidence that Hb expression is more ubiquitous than previously thought, with Hb and its variants found in a myriad of cell types ranging from macrophages to spermatozoa. The majority of nonerythroid cell types that express Hb are situated within hypoxic environments, suggesting Hb may play a role in hypoxia-inducible factor-regulated gene expression by controlling the level of oxygen available or as an adaptation to low oxygen providing a mechanism to store oxygen. Oocyte maturation and preimplantation embryo development occur within the low oxygen environments of the antral follicle and oviduct/uterus, respectively. Interestingly, Hb was recently found in human cumulus and granulosa cells and murine cumulus–oocyte complexes and preimplantation embryos. Here, we consolidate and analyze the research generated todate on Hb expression in nonerythroid cells with a particular focus on reproductive cell types. We outline future directions of this research to elucidate the role of Hb during oocyte maturation and preimplantation embryo development and finally, we explore the potential clinical applications and benefits of Hb supplementation during the in vitro culture of gametes and embryos.
The lung-enriched p53 mutants V157F and R158L/P regulate a gain of function transcriptome in lung cancer
Authors: Barta Julie A , Pauley Kristen , Kossenkov Andrew V , McMahon Steven B
Published: May 2019

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the USA, and alterations in the tumor suppressor gene TP53 are the most frequent somatic mutation among all histologic subtypes of lung cancer. Mutations in TP53 frequently result in a protein that exhibits not only loss of tumor suppressor capability but also oncogenic gain-of-function (GOF). The canonical p53 hotspot mutants R175H and R273H, for example, confer upon tumors a metastatic phenotype in murine models of mutant p53. To the best of our knowledge, GOF phenotypes of the less often studied V157, R158 and A159 mutants—which occur with higher frequency in lung cancer compared with other solid tumors—have not been defined. In this study, we aimed to define whether the lung mutants are simply equivalent to full loss of the p53 locus, or whether they additionally acquire the ability to drive new downstream effector pathways. Using a publicly available human lung cancer dataset, we characterized patients with V157, R158 and A159 p53 mutations. In addition, we show here that cell lines with mutant p53-V157F, p53-R158L and p53-R158P exhibit a loss of expression of canonical wild-type p53 target genes. Furthermore, these lung-enriched p53 mutants regulate genes not previously linked to p53 function including PLAU. Paradoxically, mutant p53 represses genes associated with increased cell viability, migration and invasion. These findings collectively represent the first demonstration that lung-enriched p53 mutations at V157 and R158 regulate a novel transcriptome in human lung cancer cells and may confer de novo function.
Efficient Attribute-Based Data Sharing Scheme with Hidden Access Structures
Authors: Chen Yang , Li Wenmin , Gao Fei , Yin Wei , Liang Kaitai , Zhang Hua , Wen Qiaoyan
Published: May 2019

Online data sharing has become a research hotspot while cloud computing is getting more and more popular. As a promising encryption technique to guarantee the security shared data and to realize flexible fine-grained access control, ciphertext-policy attribute-based encryption (CP-ABE) has drawn wide attentions. However, there is a drawback preventing CP-ABE from being applied to cloud applications. In CP-ABE, the access structure is included in the ciphertext, and it may disclose user’s privacy. In this paper, we find a more efficient method to connect ABE with inner product encryption and adopt several techniques to ensure the expressiveness of access structure, the efficiency and security of our scheme. We are the first to present a secure, efficient fine-grained access control scheme with hidden access structure, the access structure can be expressed as AND-gates on multi-valued attributes with wildcard. We conceal the entire attribute instead of only its values in the access structure. Besides, our scheme has obvious advantages in efficiency compared with related schemes. Our scheme can make data sharing secure and efficient, which can be verified from the analysis of security and performance.
Some key terms in ELT and why we need to disambiguate them
Authors: Murray Neil , Muller Amanda
Published: May 2019

Variation in the use of terminology in the field of ELT can make dialogue difficult, if not impossible, with significant implications for sharing knowledge, structuring language provision, and, ultimately, teaching practices. Furthermore, such variation has the potential to influence negatively the perceptions of stakeholders both within and outside of the field, for it can convey a sense of disparateness and disunity that can seriously undermine the ability of ELT professionals to appear credible, to influence, and to pursue their work effectively. This is particularly true of terminology closely associated with the teaching of English within tertiary settings. This article looks at six terms, differentiating them and reflecting on their scope and areas of overlap.
Melatonin activity and receptor expression in endometrial tissue and endometriosis
Authors: Mosher A A , Tsoulis M W , Lim J , Tan C , Agarwal S K , Leyland N A , Foster W G
Published: May 2019

STUDY QUESTION

Are melatonin receptors (melatonin receptor 1A (MR1A) and melatonin receptor 1B (MR1B)) expressed in human endometrium and endometriotic tissue, and does melatonin affect endometrial cell proliferation?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Melatonin receptors are expressed in human eutopic endometrium, endometriomas and peritoneal lesions, although to different extents, and melatonin treatment attenuated estradiol-induced endometrial epithelial cell proliferation in culture.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Melatonin decreased endometriotic lesion volume in a rat model of endometriosis. Melatonin treatment reduced pain scores in and analgesic use by women with endometriosis.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Basic science study using human endometrial tissue and an endometrial epithelial cell line.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Measurement of melatonin receptor expression (mRNA and protein) in women with surgically confirmed endometriosis (endometrioma (n = 20) or peritoneal lesion (n = 11) alone) and women without surgical evidence of endometriosis (control, n = 15). Collection of endometrial and endometriotic tissue samples, gynecologic history and demographic information. Quantification of estradiol (1.0 nM) and melatonin (0.1 nM–1.0 μM) ± estradiol-induced endometrial epithelial cell proliferation in cultures of endometrial epithelial cells (CRL-1671) following 24 and 48 hours of culture.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

MR1A and MR1B were localized by immunohistochemistry in glandular epithelial cells of endometrial biopsies from women with and without endometriosis. Both receptors were expressed in eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissue. mRNA expression of MR1A and MR1B was significantly greater in peritoneal lesions than in either endometriomas or eutopic endometrium. However, protein expression of MR1A was decreased in peritoneal lesions compared to control eutopic endometrium, whereas MR1B expression did not differ between the groups. Melatonin (0.1 nM–1.0 μM) treatment inhibited estradiol (1.0 nM)-induced endometrial epithelial cell proliferation at 48 hours but not 24 hours of culture.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Beneficial effects of melatonin seen in culture have yet to be comprehensively evaluated in women with endometriosis.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Our data suggest that melatonin may be useful as an adjunct to current endometriosis treatments.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This study was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (grant MOP142230 to W.G.F.). A.A.M. is supported by a resident research grant through the Physicians Services Incorporated Foundation. The authors have no conflicts of interest.
In thoracic aortic surgery, is innominate artery cannulation a safe and effective alternative to axillary artery cannulation?
Authors: Harky Amer , Grafton-Clarke Ciaran , Hadlett Max , Shuttleworth Emily
Published: May 2019

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was: in a patient undergoing thoracic aortic surgery, is innominate artery cannulation superior to axillary artery cannulation in terms of postoperative outcomes? Five hundred and thirty-one papers were found using the reported search strategy, of which 5 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. A total of 1338 participants were included across the 5 studies. Seven hundred and twenty-two patients were cannulated via the axillary artery and 616 were cannulated via the innominate artery. The included 5 studies were 2 prospective observational cohorts, 2 retrospective case-series analysis and a single-blinded randomized trial. Thirty-day or in-hospital mortality rates were reported in all 5 studies. There were no significant differences in mortality with innominate artery cannulation compared to axillary artery cannulation (P > 0.05), with slightly lower mortality rates in 2 studies, slightly higher mortality rates in 2 and equal in 1 study. Though statistical significance was not demonstrated (P > 0.05), a stroke occurred slightly less frequently in patients receiving innominate artery cannulation compared to axillary artery cannulation in 3 of the 4 studies. Innominate artery cannulation is non-inferior to axillary artery cannulation for thoracic aortic surgery, with a similar level of neuroprotection and is not associated with increased levels of mortality.
Does prehabilitation improve outcomes in cardiac surgical patients?
Authors: Sandhu Manraj Singh , Akowuah Enoch Francis
Published: May 2019

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was: does prehabilitation improve outcomes in cardiac surgical patients? Altogether more than 483 papers were found using the reported search, of which 10 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. Four meta-analyses concluded that prehabilitation reduced postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). The 6 randomized controlled trials (RCT) included, differed significantly in the type of prehabilitation delivered. There was replication of some RCTs across the meta-analyses. The consensus across the meta-analyses was a reduction in PPCs and 3 of 4 meta-analyses finding a reduction in length of stay (LOS). There were no adverse events or difference in mortality found. Two small RCTs showed feasibility and modest improvements in physiological parameters. Three RCTs demonstrated a reduction in LOS and a reduction in PPCs. One RCT found no difference in quality of life scores, LOS or postoperative atrial fibrillation. None of the RCTs found negative evidence of prehabilitation interventions. We conclude that the prehabilitation is a positive preoperative intervention, most favourably in older patients and in those who are at risk of PPCs. Specifically inspiratory muscle training is the intervention with most favourable evidence.
Is local anaesthesia superior to general anaesthesia in endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm?
Authors: Harky Amer , Grafton-Clarke Ciaran , Chan Jeremy
Published: May 2019

A best evidence topic in cardiovascular surgery was written in accordance to a structured protocol. The question addressed was: in patients undergoing endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (EVAR), is local anaesthetic (LA) superior to general anaesthetic in terms of perioperative outcomes? Altogether, 630 publications were found using the reported search protocol, of which 3 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type and primary outcomes were tabulated. The 3 included studies are systematic reviews with meta-analyses, with no randomized trials identified. Within the studies, there is a degree of heterogeneity in terms of surgical case-mix (elective or emergency EVAR or both) and anaesthetic technique (LA, regional anaesthetic, local-regional anaesthetic and general anaesthetic). With 1 study not providing pooled estimates, the second study demonstrated statistical significance in favour of local-regional anaesthetic within the elective setting in terms of mortality [pooled odds ratio (OR) 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.52–0.95; P = 0.02], morbidity (pooled OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.55–0.96; P = 0.0006) and total length of hospital admission (pooled mean difference: −1.53, 95% CI −2.53 to −0.53; P = 0.00001). The third study failed to demonstrate a statistically significant mortality benefit with LA (pooled OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.21–1.41; P = 0.211). While the results of these studies fail to provide a clear answer to a complex surgical problem, it would be appropriate, in the light of current evidence, to recommend LA as non-inferior to general anaesthetic in both emergency and elective settings.
The Politics of Method: Taming the New, Making Data Official
Authors: Ruppert Evelyn , Scheel Stephan
Published: May 2019

Statisticians are under pressure to innovate, partly due to shrinking budgets and the call to do more with less, but also due to technological advances and the emergence of new actors promising to produce more accurate and timely statistics with what has come to be known as “big data.” This raises the question, how do new forms of data and methods become legitimate and official? We approach this question by conceiving of official statistics as part of a transnational field in which different factions of actors compete and struggle over the authority to innovate the data and methods that are legitimated to produce official statistics. We consider these struggles as a politics of method that is not reducible to a competition between ideas and words. They are also material insofar as they feature competing digital devices mobilized to demonstrate the validity of new data and methods. Through two empirical examples, we identify the strategy of reassembling methods to capture how statisticians tame and contain innovations based on big data, especially those introduced by data scientists, by integrating and simultaneously subordinating them to existing methods. By doing so, we suggest that reassembling is an innovation strategy that secures the relative position of national and international statisticians within the transnational field of statistics.