bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical properties of bifacial fabrics
Authors: Zhu Licheng , Naebe Maryam , Blanchonette Ian , Wang Xungai
Published: March 2017

This study focuses on the qualitative evaluation of the mechanical properties of bifacial fabrics, which have a knitted structure on one face and a woven structure on the other. Woven, knitted, and bifacial fabrics were produced on a purpose-built machine, using wool/acrylic and polyester yarns. The bifacial fabric was manufactured with the woven structure being a plain weave and the knitted structure being a single jersey. The results of load–extension test showed unique tensile behavior, with two breakages in both the warp and weft directions, representing the woven and knitted structures. The bending length of the bifacial fabric in the weft direction with its knitted face up was smaller than that in the warp direction, and the bending length in the warp direction with its knitted face up was similar to that in two directions with the woven face up. The bifacial fabric demonstrated unique abrasion resistance on two faces, combining the performance of the knitted and woven fabrics in abrasion resistance. The abrasion resistance on the woven face was better than that on the knitted face. The knitted face of the bifacial fabric generally pilled less than the knitted fabric after abrasion over a certain number of cycles.
Study on the effect of the sanitary properties of microfiber synthetic leather base by using a filling agent
Authors: Qiang Taotao , Wang Yangyang , Wang Lezhi , Zheng Yonggui , Zhang Fengjie , Zheng Shujie
Published: March 2017

In the manufacturing process of the microfiber synthetic leather, various types of filling agents were selected to fill the microfiber synthetic leather base to improve the sanitary properties, in which a zirconium tanning agent was used commonly. In this study, the softness, moisture absorption, water vapor permeability and mechanical properties of the base were used as indexes, and the type and dosage of the filling agent were optimized. The results indicated that the sanitary properties of the base treated by the filling agent were improved generally compared with that of the blank base. Among them, the moisture absorption increased by 28–45%, the water vapor permeability increased by 50–56% and the mechanical properties were significantly improved. The bases before and after being filled were characterized by Fourier infrared spectroscopy, the water contact angle, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and the specific surface area. The results showed that the filling agent’s cross-linking effect on the base fiber led to the active group content and wettability of the base increasing, the fiber surface structure changing obviously and the fiber gap becoming larger with looser dispersion. Moreover, the specific surface area of the base increased.
Analysis of the Relationship between the Location of the Anterior Ethmoid Artery and Keros Classification
Authors: Poteet Perry S. , Cox Matthew D. , Wang Ran A. , Fitzgerald Ryan T. , Kanaan Alissa
Published: March 2017

Objective

We sought to identify a relationship between skull base height and anterior ethmoid artery (AEA) anatomy.

Study Design

Retrospective radiologic chart review.

Setting

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Subjects

Patients seen in a tertiary rhinology clinic between September 2014 and October 2015.

Methods

Review of 101 maxillofacial computed tomography scans with institutional review board approval. Skull base height and AEA locations were measured on each side. Prevalence of the AEA outside of the skull base and distance of the AEA from skull base were calculated and compared with Keros classification using χ2 testing. Comparisons of skull base height between sexes and age and distance between skull base and the AEA among Keros 2 and Keros 3 patients were made using an unpaired, 2‐tailed t test.

Results

The AEA was located below the skull base in 25.7% of cases and more often in Keros type 3 (55%) than in Keros type 2 (29.5%) or Keros type 1 (0%) (P <. 05). Male patients were significantly more likely to have a greater average skull base height (5.25 vs 4.28 mm) and to have AEAs below the skull base (38.4% vs 14.8%). In addition, the distance of the AEA from the skull base was significantly higher in Keros type 3 patients compared with Keros type 2 patients (4.55 vs 3.42 mm, P =. 001).

Conclusions

Variations in the AEA pathway occur more in male patients and those with higher Keros classifications. The distance between the variant AEA and the skull base increases with higher Keros classification. Keros classification can yield insight to the location of the AEA.
Improving Otolaryngology Residency Selection Using Principles from Personnel Psychology
Authors: Bowe Sarah N. , Laury Adrienne M. , Gray Stacey T.
Published: March 2017

There has been a heightened focus on improving the resident selection process, particularly within highly competitive specialties. Previous research, however, has generally lacked a theoretical background, leading to inconsistent and biased results. Our recently published systematic review examining applicant characteristics and performance in residency can provide historical insight into the predictors (ie, constructs) and outcomes (ie, criteria) previously deemed pertinent by the otolaryngology community. Personnel psychology uses evidence‐based practices to identify the most qualified candidates for employment using a variety of selection methods. Extensive research in this discipline has shown that integrity tests, structured interviews, work samples, and conscientiousness offer the greatest increase in validity when combined with general cognitive ability. Blending past research knowledge with the principles of personnel selection can provide the necessary foundation with which to engage in theory‐driven, longitudinal studies on otolaryngology resident selection moving forward.
Standard-sampling microdialysis and spreading depolarizations in patients with malignant hemispheric stroke
Authors: Pinczolits Alexandra , Zdunczyk Anna , Dengler Nora F , Hecht Nils , Kowoll Christina M , Dohmen Christian , Graf Rudolf , Winkler Maren KL , Major Sebastian , Hartings Jed A , Dreier Jens P , Vajkoczy Peter , Woitzik Johannes
Published: March 2017

Spreading depolarizations (SD) occur in high frequency in patients with malignant hemispheric stroke (MHS). Experimentally, SDs cause marked increases in glutamate and lactate, whereas glucose decreases. Here, we studied extracellular brain glutamate, glucose, lactate, pyruvate and the lactate/pyruvate ratio in relationship to SDs after MHS. We inserted two microdialysis probes in peri-infarct tissue at 5 and 15 mm to the infarct in close proximity to a subdural electrode strip. During 2356.6 monitoring hours, electrocorticography (ECoG) revealed 697 SDs in 16 of 18 patients. Ninety-nine SDs in electrically active tissue (spreading depressions, SDd) were single (SDds) and 485 clustered (SDdc), whereas 10 SDs with at least one electrode in electrically inactive tissue (isoelectric SDs, SDi) were single (SDis) and 103 clustered (SDic). More SDs and a significant number of clustered SDs occurred during the first 36 h post-surgery when glutamate was significantly elevated (> 100 µM). In a grouped analysis, we observed minor glutamate elevations with more than two SDs per hour. Glucose slightly decreased during SDic at 5 mm from the infarct. Directions of SD-related metabolic changes correspond to the experimental setting but the long sampling time of standard microdialysis precludes a more adequate account of the dynamics revealed by ECoG.
Diagnostic performance of breast ultrasonography and MRI in the prediction of lymph node status after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer
Authors: Ha Su Min , Cha Joo Hee , Kim Hak Hee , Shin Hee Jung , Chae Eun Young , Choi Woo Jung
Published: March 2017

Background

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is widely used to treat breast cancer. Sentinel lymph node biopsy has replaced axillary lymph node dissection in patients who convert to node-negative status after NAC. However, few studies have evaluated the diagnostic performance of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in determining axillary lymph node status after NAC.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of breast ultrasonography and MRI in determining residual metastatic axillary lymph node status after NAC for breast cancer and to identify histopathological factors affecting radiological performance.

Material and Methods

This study included 157 patients who underwent initial and follow-up preoperative breast ultrasonography and MRI before NAC between January and December 2010. The sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values, and accuracy of ultrasonography, MRI, and their combinations were evaluated.

Results

The sensitivity of ultrasonography, MRI, and their combination in post-NAC axillary imaging was 60.00%, 57.33%, and 65.33%, respectively; the specificity was 60.47%, 72.09%, and 60.47%, respectively. The positive predictive value was highest with MRI (78.18%). On univariate analysis, positive estrogen receptor status was associated with misdiagnosis by ultrasonography ( P = 0.002), MRI ( P = 0.002), and their combination ( P = 0.001). When residual metastatic lymph nodes were present, lymph nodes with macrometastasis (>2.0 mm) were associated with correct ultrasonography-based diagnosis ( P = 0.0027).

Conclusion

Imaging assists in predicting axillary lymph node status in patients undergoing NAC; however, is imprudent to omit sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection for staging in women determined to be node-positive.
Job Satisfaction and Work-Related Stress
Authors: Leip Leslie A. , Stinchcomb Jeanne , Schiff Mara
Published: March 2017

The job of prison warden encompasses numerous external pressures and internal challenges, along with commensurately high performance expectations, the cumulative impact of which may be reflected in the job satisfaction and work-related stress of incumbents. Using data gathered from a national survey of prison wardens, we examine the impact of work-related stress, depersonalization, and the authority to carry out responsibilities on job satisfaction levels of prison wardens across the nation.
Emotional and Behavioral Correlates of Persisting Specific Learning Disabilities in Written Language During Middle Childhood and Early Adolescence
Authors: Nielsen Kathleen , Andria-Habermann Kathryn , Richards Todd , Abbott Robert , Mickail Terry , Berninger Virginia
Published: March 2017

Parents completed the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition: Parent Rating Scale (BASC2 PRS) while their children (94 boys, 61 girls; M = 11 years 11 months) were given tests. Evidence-based profiles of multiple test scores and history (emergence and persistence) were used to assign to groups without specific learning disabilities in written language (SLDs-WL; n = 42 control) or with SLDs-WL ( n = 29 dysgraphia, n = 65 dyslexia, or n = 19 oral and written language learning disability [OWL LD]). Parent ratings fell in the clinical or at-risk ranges for some individuals in all groups, but mean BASC2 PRS ratings showed nine significant main effects for group ( n = 4): Behavioral Symptoms Index, Internalizing Problems Composite, Adaptive Skills Composite, two Clinical Scales (Atypicality and Attention Problems), and four Adaptive Scales (Adaptability, Activities of Daily Living, Leadership, and Functional Communication). Each SLDs-WL group differed significantly from the control group on these nine ratings, except dysgraphia on Atypicality and dyslexia on Adaptive Composite, Adaptability, and Leadership; and each correlated with one or more hallmark impairments associated with a specific SLD-WL. In a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study (without OWL LD), the dysgraphia and dyslexia groups, but not control group, showed connectivity with amygdala; BASC2 PRS Internalizing Problems Composite (internal stress) correlated with amygdala connectivity from two cortical regions involved in written word processing and production for total sample ( N = 40). Applications to assessing emotional and behavioral correlates of SLDs-WL for educational services and future research are discussed.
Online K-12 Teachers’ Perceptions and Practices of Supporting Self-Regulated Learning
Authors: Huh Yeol , Reigeluth Charles M.
Published: March 2017

With growing interest in and popularity of online learning and lifelong learners, students’ ability to be engaged in self-regulated learning (SRL) has become more important. Moreover, online learning is becoming an important feature of K-12 education. Although SRL is known to be important and teachable, little research has been conducted on teachers’ practices and perceptions of SRL. Survey responses of 112 teachers who were teaching at K-12 online schools in the United States revealed that they perceived the importance of both their students’ SRL and their own responsibility for teaching SRL to their students. However, the survey also showed that their practices for supporting SRL had a narrow focus concentrating on conventional teaching, which may have prevented their students from developing the full range of SRL abilities. Possible solutions, limitations, and implication of the study were also discussed.
Chinese Adolescents’ Meaning-Focused Coping With Prolonged Parent-Child Separation
Authors: Fu Yao , Law Yik Wa
Published: March 2017

In China, 61 million children are left behind in rural areas suffering from prolonged parent-child separation when their parents migrate for work. Meaning-focused coping is known to play a positive role in adaptation, particularly during persistent adversity, but little is known about how adolescents make meaning during prolonged parent-child separation. This qualitative study investigated how adolescents utilize meaning-focused coping during such separation. Seventeen adolescents who had been left behind ( Mage = 14.1 years, SD = 1.03 years) by migrant parents were recruited via purposive sampling. Eight subthemes emerged and were grouped into four themes: living with prolonged parent-child separation, ambivalent feelings, constructed meaning of parental migration, and meaning-making strategies. Despite detached parent-child relationships and weak family support, the adolescents made positive meaning of their parents’ migration by focusing on the migration-related benefits and maintaining goal commitment. Participants’ perceptions of left-behind life varied at different stages of their parental migration and their ability to make positive sense of migration increased with age. The role of culture was crucial in their meaning-making formulation. The results have application potential for psychosocial interventions targeting adolescents facing a prolonged left-behind period.
Epileptic Encephalopathies: Clinical Aspects, Molecular Features and Pathogenesis, Therapeutic Targets and Translational Opportunities, and Future Research Directions
Authors: Germain Blair , Maria Bernard L.
Published: March 2017

Epileptic encephalopathies encompass a heterogeneous group of epilepsy syndromes that manifest with cognitive, behavioral, and neurologic deficits, seizures that are often intractable and multiform, aggressive electroencephalographic paroxysmal activity, and sometimes early death. As more is learned about the etiologies and manifestations of epileptic encephalopathies, progress has been made toward better treatment options. However, there is still a great need for further randomized controlled trials and research to help create clinically effective therapies. The 2015 Neurobiology of Disease in Children symposium, held in conjunction with the 44th annual meeting of the Child Neurology Society, aimed to (1) describe the clinical concerns involving diagnosis and treatment, (2) review the current status of understanding in the pathogenesis of epileptic encephalopathy, (3) discuss clinical management and therapies for epileptic encephalopathy, and (4) define future directions of research. This article summarizes the presentations and includes an edited transcript of question-and-answer sessions.
A targeted drug delivery system based on folic acid-functionalized upconversion luminescent nanoparticles
Authors: Liang Xuhua , Fan Jun , Zhao Yanyan , Cheng Min , Wang Xuejun , Jin Ruyi , Sun Tao
Published: March 2017

In this paper, multifunctional upconversion luminescent NaYF4:Yb,Er nanoparticles with excellent hollow mesoporous structure were first fabricated. The effects of various reaction conditions on the morphology and size of the as-prepared samples were investigated in detail and Ostwald ripening effect was adapted to explain the formation mechanism of the HMUCNPs. Then, folic acid, a well-known ligand for the selective targeting of drugs into tumor cells, was conjugated to the surface of the hollow mesoporous structured upconversion luminescent nanoparticles (HMUCNPs) via amide reaction for targeted delivery of anticancer drugs so as to enhance the therapeutic efficacy. The properties were extensively studied, which indicated the obtained samples showed a typical hollow mesoporous structure and excellent upconversion luminescence that were useful for cell imaging and drug delivery. Drug storage/release properties were demonstrated to be pH responsive, in which the drug release might be beneficial at the reduced pH in certain cancerous tissues for targeted release and controlled therapy at the pathological sites. Meanwhile, DOX-NaYF4:Yb,Er-FA HMUCNPs exhibited greater cytotoxicity than free doxorubicin hydrochloride because folic acid-conjugated HMUCNPs can be specifically taken up by FR-positive KB cells via a receptor-mediated endocytosis. Therefore, the folic acid-functionalized nanoparticles combining upconversion luminescent property and hollow mesoporous structure have potential for simultaneous targeted anticancer drug delivery and cell imaging.
Warning Signs of Partner Abuse in Intimate Relationships: Gender Differences in Young Adults’ Perceptions of Seriousness
Authors: Towler Anna , Eivers Areana , Frey Ron
Published: March 2017

In response to the high rates of intimate partner abuse (IPA) among young adults and related negative health effects, this study examined 18- to 26-year-old Australians’ perceptions of unhealthy partner behaviors that may constitute early warning signs of abuse in intimate relationships. This research is the first to examine gender differences on this issue in a young adult population. A convenience sample of 49 males and 152 females ( N = 201) completed an online survey, rating how seriously they viewed a list of partner warning sign behaviors (WSBs). WSBs consisted of three subscales: Dominance-Possessiveness, Denigration, and Conflict-Retaliation. Participants’ perceived seriousness of WSBs was analyzed by gender and WSB type. Results revealed large and significant gender differences in perceptions of WSBs, with females likely to rate all WSBs more seriously than males. Furthermore, females’ responses were negatively skewed and leptokurtotic indicating high levels of convergence in the view that such behaviors are a concern. Analysis by WSB type revealed that conflict-retaliation behaviors were perceived most seriously by both genders, with more than half of males and 67% of females rating these as very serious. In contrast, significantly lower levels of perceived seriousness were observed for denigration and dominance-possessiveness behaviors. Half to two thirds of females viewed dominance-possessiveness and denigration WSBs as very serious, respectively, whereas just one third of males endorsed both these WSB types as very serious. Findings reveal that females have a heightened awareness of the subtle warning signs of abuse in intimate relationships and that as partner WSBs become more overt, both genders are more likely to recognize them as serious. Findings also indicate that subtler WSBs, such as control and denigration, are less readily identified as unhealthy, particularly among males.
Examining the Relationship Between Intimate Partner Violence and Concern for Animal Care and Safekeeping
Authors: Wuerch Melissa A. , Giesbrecht Crystal J. , Price Jill A. B. , Knutson Tracy , Wach Frances
Published: March 2017

The current study examined the knowledge and experience of animal welfare and human service providers in urban and rural communities of Saskatchewan, Canada. Nine exploratory qualitative interviews were conducted to gather a more in-depth understanding of whether the concern for animal care and safekeeping impacts the decision to leave situations of intimate partner violence. The interviews were semistructured and guided by four questions, which were designed, reviewed, and revised based on feedback from a community-based research team. Thematic analysis highlighted important findings, allowing for the generation of suggestions for improvement of current supports and services offered. The current study findings suggest that concern for animal care and safekeeping creates significant barriers regarding the decision to leave situations of intimate partner violence and abuse, warranting further research to inform support services and resources within a Canadian context.
Analysis of vortices and performance of different diffusers in a large mass flow coefficient centrifugal compressor
Authors: Zhao Peng-Fei , Liu Yan , Wang Xiao-Fang
Published: March 2017

An appropriate diffuser following an impeller is critical to realize a high efficiency and a wide operating range for a centrifugal compressor stage. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of different types of vaned diffusers on a large mass flow coefficient centrifugal compressor stage performance under different operating conditions and to reveal the loss mechanisms in the vaned diffusers. Five vaned diffusers are studied. Flow fields and vortices in a conventional diffuser and a rib diffuser are first examined. Then, vortices and flow fields in three different tandem diffusers are analyzed in detail. For the three tandem diffusers, only circumferential position of first row vanes relative to the second row vanes is different. Results show that the stage with the conventional diffuser possesses the shortest operating range. The rib diffuser has less loss due to the weaker tip leakage vortex, while its static pressure recovery coefficient is lower, and the loss in the following return part is higher. Comparison results between the three tandem diffusers imply that when the trailing edge of the first row vane is close to the pressure surface of the second row vane, the stage with the tandem diffuser has a better performance. This is ascribed to the interaction of the tip leakage vortex and suction surface vortex, which decreases the total loss, especially reduces the loss induced by the suction surface vortex. When the trailing edge of the first row vanes is close to the suction surface of the second row vane, the loss is increased since the leading edge vortex has a large strength and surrounds the suction surface vortex. Therefore, the reasonable interaction of vortices in a tandem diffuser can bring a high performance of the centrifugal compressor.
SLCO1B3 screening in colorectal cancer patients using High-Resolution Melting Analysis method and immunohistochemistry
Authors: Evangeli Lampri , Ioannis Sainis , Valentinos Kounnis , Antigony Mitselou , Elli Ioachim , Eleftheria Hatzimichael , Vasiliki Galani , Evangelos Briasoulis
Published: March 2017

Personalized medicine has made some major advances in colorectal cancer, but new biomarkers still remain a hot issue as an emerging tool with potential prognostic and therapeutic potential. We investigated for SLCO1B3 gene alterations and protein expression in colorectal cancer, using the novel high-resolution melting analysis technique and immunohistochemistry. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples from 30 colorectal cancer patients were used. The screening for gene alterations was done by high-resolution melting analysis for all exons of SLCO1B3 gene. Organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B3 protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry using the monoclonal mouse MDQ antibody. High level of polymorphism was observed in the SLCO1B3 gene. We identified three previously reported polymorphisms in exons 7, 12, and 14, 699G>A, 1557A>G, and 1833G>A, respectively. In the exon 5, one variant seems to correspond to an as yet unknown SLCO family member. The immunohistochemical study revealed that organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B3 was expressed in 27/30 samples. Of great interest, the three samples, which were immunohistochemically negative, all appeared to accommodate mutations which lead to either early stop codons or other conformations of the tertiary protein structures affecting the antibody-epitope binding. The results of this study are of much interest as high-resolution melting analysis proved to be a reliable and rapid genotyping/scanning method for mutation detection of SLCO1B3 gene.
Carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles coupled with CD59-specific ligand peptide for targeted delivery of C-phycocyanin to HeLa cells
Authors: Yang Peng , Li Bing , Yin Qi-Feng , Wang Yu-Juan
Published: March 2017

The combination of nanotechnology and medicine will be the next generation of vehicles for targeted drug delivery. Carboxymethyl chitosan loaded with the anticancer drug C-phycocyanin and the CD59-specific ligand peptide for cancer cell targeting were used to create C-phycocyanin/carboxymethyl chitosan–CD59-specific ligand peptide nanoparticles using the ionic-gelation method. Optimal synthesis conditions, selected by response surface methodology, comprised the ratio carboxymethyl chitosan:C-phycocyanin = 3:1, and carboxymethyl chitosan and CaCl2 concentrations of 2.0 and 1.0 mg/mL, respectively. The resulting nanoparticles were spherical, with diameters of approximately 200 nm; the entrapment efficient was about 65%; and the drug loading was about 20%. The release of C-phycocyanin from C-phycocyanin/carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles was pH sensitive and had a sustainable effect in vitro. Guided by the CD59-specific ligand peptide, the nanoparticles efficiently targeted the surface of HeLa cells and had an obvious inhibitory effect on HeLa cell proliferation as determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assays. The nanoparticles were hemocompatible and induced apoptosis by upregulation of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved polyADP-ribose polymerase proteins, and downregulation of Bcl-2 proteins. Our study provides a novel approach to the research and development of marine drugs, and support for targeted therapy using anticancer drugs.
Computer-aided prognosis on breast cancer with hematoxylin and eosin histopathology images: A review
Authors: Chen Jia-Mei , Li Yan , Xu Jun , Gong Lei , Wang Lin-Wei , Liu Wen-Lou , Liu Juan
Published: March 2017

With the advance of digital pathology, image analysis has begun to show its advantages in information analysis of hematoxylin and eosin histopathology images. Generally, histological features in hematoxylin and eosin images are measured to evaluate tumor grade and prognosis for breast cancer. This review summarized recent works in image analysis of hematoxylin and eosin histopathology images for breast cancer prognosis. First, prognostic factors for breast cancer based on hematoxylin and eosin histopathology images were summarized. Then, usual procedures of image analysis for breast cancer prognosis were systematically reviewed, including image acquisition, image preprocessing, image detection and segmentation, and feature extraction. Finally, the prognostic value of image features and image feature–based prognostic models was evaluated. Moreover, we discussed the issues of current analysis, and some directions for future research.
The distribution and potential prognostic value of SMAD protein expression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Witkowska Magdalena , Majchrzak Agata , Cebula-Obrzut Barbara , Wawrzyniak Ewa , Robak Tadeusz , Smolewski Piotr
Published: March 2017

The SMAD proteins are responsible for transducing signals from activated transforming growth factor-beta. This is the first study assessing the expression of SMAD-1/8, SMAD-2/3, SMAD-4, and SMAD-7 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells with regard to their clinical significance and potential prognostic value. Overexpression of SMAD-1/8 was observed in 160 chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients compared to 42 healthy volunteers (p = 0.023) and was associated with a more progressive course of the disease (p = 0.016). Moreover, the high expression of SMAD-1/8 correlated with other, well-established prognostic factors, including clinical stage (p = 0.010) and lymphocyte doubling time (p = 0.021). The expression of SMAD-4 was lower in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients compared with the control group (p = 0.003). Importantly, lower SMAD-4 levels correlated with longer progression-free survival (p = 0.009), progressive course of the disease (p = 0.002), advanced clinical stage (p = 0.0004), elevated beta-2-microglobulin and lactate dehydrogenase levels (p < 0.05), shorter lymphocyte doubling time (p = 0.009), and CD38 antigen expression (p = 0.039). In addition, lower SMAD-4 expression correlated with lower apoptotic index (p = 0.0007) and lower expression of receptors for vascular endothelial growth factors VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2. A significant association was found between the low expression of inhibitory protein SMAD-7 and both zeta-chain-associated protein kinase 70–negative cells (p = 0.04) and lower apoptotic index (p = 0.004). No differences were observed in SMAD-2/3 expression. In conclusion, our results demonstrate a significant correlation between greater SMAD-1/8 and lower SMAD-4 expression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells, as well as more progressive outcome and poor prognosis. These data provide supporting evidence that the expression of SMAD proteins plays an important role in disease development and may be considered as a novel, biologic prognostic factor in this disease.
ADAM-17/FHL2 colocalisation suggests interaction and role of these proteins in colorectal cancer
Authors: Verset Laurine , Tommelein Joke , Decaestecker Christine , De Vlieghere Elly , Bracke Marc , Salmon Isabelle , De Wever Olivier , Demetter Pieter
Published: March 2017

FHL2 is a multifunctional scaffolding protein; its expression is associated with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer. ADAM-17 is a metalloprotease implicated in ectodomain shedding. FHL2 regulates ADAM-17 plasma membrane localisation, and FHL2 deficiency leads to decreased activity of ADAM-17 in mouse macrophages. Presence and relationship of the ADAM-17/FHL2 complex with colorectal cancer progression is unknown. We studied FHL2 and ADAM-17 expression in several colon cancer cell lines by immunocytochemistry and western blot. To highlight the interaction between both molecules, we used the Duolink® kit for proximity ligation assay on SW480 cells. We also performed proximity ligation assay on biopsies and surgical specimens of colorectal adenocarcinoma and on matched normal mucosa. Furthermore, biopsies of colorectal adenoma with matched normal mucosa were selected. For quantification, pictures of the malignant, adenomatous and normal tissues were taken. Proximity ligation assay signals were quantified. Mean numbers of proximity ligation assay signals and of proximity ligation assay signals/nucleus were calculated. All cell lines showed FHL2 immunoreactivity; strongest positivity was observed in SW480 cells. ADAM-17 was expressed in all cell lines. Proximity ligation assay signals were present in SW480 cells. Quantitative analysis revealed that the interaction between FHL2 and ADAM-17 is more frequent in malignant than in normal tissue (p = 0.005). The mean number of ADAM-17/FHL2 proximity ligation assay signals was higher in colorectal adenocarcinoma than in adenoma with low-grade dysplasia (p = 0.0004). FHL2 interacts with ADAM-17 in normal, dysplastic and malignant colon epithelial cells. Colocalisation of these proteins is more frequent in malignant than in normal and dysplastic cells, suggesting a role for ADAM-17/FHL2 complex in the development of colorectal cancer.
Methylomics of breast cancer: Seeking epimarkers in peripheral blood of young subjects
Authors: Khakpour Golnaz , Noruzinia Mehrdad , Izadi Pantea , Karami Fatemeh , Ahmadvand Mohammad , Heshmat Ramin , Amoli Mahsa M , Tavakkoly-Bazzaz Javad
Published: March 2017

Critical roles of epigenomic alterations in the pathogenesis of breast cancer have recently seized great attentions toward finding epimarkers in either non-invasive or semi-non-invasive samples as well as peripheral blood. In this way, methylated DNA immunoprecipitation microarray (MeDIP-chip) was performed on DNA samples isolated from white blood cells of 30 breast cancer patients compared to 30 healthy controls. A total of 1799 differentially methylated regions were identified including SLC6A3, Rab40C, ZNF584, and FOXD3 whose significant methylation differences were confirmed in breast cancer patients through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Hypermethylation of APC, HDAC1, and GSK1 genes has been previously reported in more than one study on tissue samples of breast cancer. Methylation of those aforementioned genes in white blood cells of our young patients not only relies on their importance in breast cancer pathogenesis but also may highlight their potential as early epimarkers that makes further assessments necessary in large cohort studies.
Evidence for circulating cancer stem-like cells and epithelial–mesenchymal transition phenotype in the pleurospheres derived from lung adenocarcinoma using liquid biopsy
Authors: Mirza Sheefa , Jain Nayan , Rawal Rakesh
Published: March 2017

Lung cancer stem cells are supposed to be the main drivers of tumor initiation, maintenance, drug resistance, and relapse of the disease. Hence, identification of the cellular and molecular aspects of these cells is a prerequisite for targeted therapy of lung cancer. Currently, analysis of circulating tumor cells has the potential to become the main diagnostic technique to monitor disease progression or therapeutic response as it is non-invasive. However, accurate detection of circulating tumor cells has remained a challenge, as epithelial cell markers used so far are not always trustworthy for detecting circulating tumor cells, especially during epithelial–mesenchymal transition. As cancer stem cells are the only culprit to initiate metastatic tumors, our aim was to isolate and characterize circulating tumor stem cells rather than circulating tumor cells from the peripheral blood of NSCLC adenocarcinoma as limited data are available addressing the gene expression profiling of lung cancer stem cells. Here, we reveal that CD44(+)/CD24(−) population in circulation not only exhibit stem cell–related genes but also possess epithelial–mesenchymal transition characteristics. In conclusion, the use of one or more cancer stem cell markers along with epithelial, mesenchymal and epithelial mesenchymal transition markers will prospectively provide the most precise assessment of the threat for recurrence and metastatic disease and has a great potential for forthcoming applications in harvesting circulating tumor stem cells and their downstream applications. Our results will aid in developing diagnostic and prognostic modalities and personalized treatment regimens like dendritic cell–based immunotherapy that can be utilized for targeting and eliminating circulating tumor stem cells, to significantly reduce the possibility of relapse and improve clinical outcomes.
Mortalin overexpression predicts poor prognosis in early stage of non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Sun Jie , Che Shuan-Long , Piao Jun-Jie , Xu Ming , Chen Li-Yan , Lin Zhen-Hua
Published: March 2017

Mortalin is a member of the heat shock protein 70 family, which is involved in multiple cellular processes and may play key roles in promoting carcinogenesis. This study attempted to identify the clinical consequences of Mortalin overexpression and its roles in the prognostic evaluation of non–small cell lung cancer. A total of 120 non–small cell lung cancer samples paired with the adjacent non-tumor tissue samples and 10 normal lung tissues were selected for immunohistochemical staining for Mortalin. The localization of Mortalin was detected in A549 non–small cell lung cancer cells using immunofluorescence staining. The correlations between Mortalin overexpression and the clinical features of non–small cell lung cancers were evaluated using the chi-square test. The survival analysis was calculated via the Kaplan–Meier method and the Cox proportional hazard models. Our studies suggested that Mortalin exhibited a primarily cytoplasmic staining pattern in the non–small cell lung cancers. The rate of strongly positive Mortalin expression was higher in the non–small cell lung cancer samples than in the adjacent non-tumor samples or in normal lung tissues. Mortalin overexpression was significantly correlated with high histological grades, advanced stages, lymph node metastases, and lower disease-free survival and overall survival rates of the patients with non–small cell lung cancer. The survival analysis demonstrated that Mortalin overexpression was a significant independent prognostic factor in non–small cell lung cancer, especially for patients with early stage of non–small cell lung cancer. In conclusion, Mortalin is up-regulated in non–small cell lung cancer, and it may be a potential biomarker of prognostic evaluation and a molecular therapeutic target for patients with early stage of non–small cell lung cancer.
Selection of single chain antibody fragments binding to the extracellular domain of 4-1BB receptor by phage display technology
Authors: Bagheri Salman , Yousefi Mehdi , Safaie Qamsari Elmira , Riazi-Rad Farhad , Abolhassani Mohsen , Younesi Vahid , Dorostkar Ruhollah , Movassaghpour Ali Akbar , Sharifzadeh Zahra
Published: March 2017

The 4-1BB is a surface glycoprotein that pertains to the tumor necrosis factor–receptor family. There is compelling evidence suggesting important roles for 4-1BB in the immune response, including cell activation and proliferation and also cytokine induction. Because of encouraging results of different agonistic monoclonal antibodies against 4-1BB in the treatment of cancer, infectious, and autoimmune diseases, 4-1BB has been suggested as an attractive target for immunotherapy. In this study, single chain variable fragment phage display libraries, Tomlinson I+J, were screened against specific synthetic oligopeptides (peptides I and II) designed from 4-1BB extracellular domain. Five rounds of panning led to selection of four 4-1BB specific single chain variable fragments (PI.12, PI.42, PII.16, and PII.29) which showed specific reaction to relevant peptides in phage enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The selected clones were successfully expressed in Escherichia coli Rosetta-gami 2, and their expression was confirmed by western blot analysis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay experiments indicated that these antibodies were able to specifically recognize 4-1BB without any cross-reactivity with other antigens. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated an acceptable specific binding of the single chain variable fragments to 4-1BB expressed on CCRF-CEM cells, while no binding was observed with an irrelevant antibody. Anti-4-1BB single chain variable fragments enhanced surface CD69 expression and interleukin-2 production in stimulated CCRF-CEM cells which confirmed the agonistic effect of the selected single chain variable fragments. The data from this study have provided a rationale for further experiments involving the biological functions of anti-4-1BB single chain variable fragments in future studies.
MiR-590-3p suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma growth by targeting TEAD1
Authors: Ge Xin , Gong Liansheng
Published: March 2017

MicroRNA signature is altered in different disease states including cancer, and some microRNAs act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. MiR-590-3p has been shown to be involved in human cancer progression. However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma remains unknown. In this study, miR-590-3p level was measured, and clinicopathological features were determined in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. The function of miR-590-3p was examined in vitro and in vivo. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated downregulation of miR-590-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues, and its downregulation was associated with a poor overall survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Ectopic expression of miR-590-3p promoted growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells, whereas its depletion inhibited cell growth. Transcriptional enhancer activator domain 1 was identified as a validated miR-590-3p target. Upregulation of transcriptional enhancer activator domain 1 was found in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and inversely correlated with miR-590-3p. Our results indicate a tumor suppressor role of miR-590-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma through targeting transcriptional enhancer activator domain 1 and suggest its use in the diagnosis and prognosis of liver cancer.
EMP2 re-expression inhibits growth and enhances radiosensitivity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Tang Mei , Liu Ru-yan , Zhou Cong , Yuan Meng-zhen , Wu Dong-ming , Yuan Zhu , Zhang Peng , Lang Jin-yi
Published: March 2017

Although radiation therapy is the primary treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, radioresistance remains a major obstacle to successful treatment in many cases, and the exact underlying molecular mechanisms are still ill-defined. EMP2, epithelial membrane protein-2, was a recently identified potential oncogene involved in multiple biological processes including cell migration and cell proliferation. This study was to explore the potential relationship between EMP2 expression, nasopharyngeal carcinoma genesis, and radioresistance. EMP2 expression status in 98 nasopharyngeal carcinoma clinical samples was examined by immunohistochemical staining. As a result, most of the nasopharyngeal carcinoma tumor samples were weakly or negatively stained, while paired adjacent normal tissues were moderately or strongly stained. Moreover, patients with higher expression of EMP2 had significant longer survival times. EMP2 re-expression suppresses cell growth, induces S-phase cell cycle arrest, and promotes radiosensitivity and apoptosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. These results support that loss of EMP2 is common, and its re-expression may serve as an approach to enhance radiation sensitivity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
The role of epithelial cell adhesion molecule N-glycosylation on apoptosis in breast cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Liu Xue , Gao Jiujiao , Sun Yan , Liu Tingjiao , Yan Qiu , Yang Xuesong
Published: March 2017

Glycosylation of cell surface proteins plays an important role in the regulation of apoptosis. It has been demonstrated that knockdown of epithelial cell adhesion molecule promoted apoptosis, inhibited cell proliferation, and caused cell-cycle arrest. In this study, we investigated whether and how N-glycosylation of epithelial cell adhesion molecule influenced the apoptosis in breast cancer cells. We applied the N-glycosylation mutation epithelial cell adhesion molecule plasmid to express deglycosylation of epithelial cell adhesion molecule and then to study its function. Our results showed that deglycosylation of epithelial cell adhesion molecule promoted apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation. Deglycosylation of epithelial cell adhesion molecule enhanced the cytotoxic effect of 5-fluorouracil, promoting apoptosis by downregulating the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and upregulating the expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Caspase 3 via the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. These findings are important for a better understanding of epithelial cell adhesion molecule apoptosis regulation and suggest epithelial cell adhesion molecule as a potential target for the treatment of breast cancer.
Thromboelastometric assessment of hemostasis in newborn Piemontese calves
Authors: Borrelli Antonio , Botto Angelica , Maurella Cristiana , Falco Sara , Pagani Elena , Miniscalco Barbara , Tarducci Alberto , Bruno Barbara
Published: March 2017

We investigated possible age-related differences in coagulation profiles in bovine species by means of rotational thromboelastometric (ROTEM) analysis. We evaluated hemostasis by ROTEM in newborn Piemontese calves at birth (T0), 8 d (T8), and 15 d (T15) of age and compared the ROTEM results obtained in 16 newborn calves with 28 adult Piemontese cattle. Hemostasis was evaluated using standard coagulation tests and ROTEM analysis, obtaining in-TEM, ex-TEM, and fib-TEM profiles. Statistically significant differences in the ROTEM profiles of newborn calves were found between T0 and T8 and between T0 and T15 ( p < 0.05) but not between T8 and T15. Differences between ROTEM profiles of calves and adults were statistically significant at T0 ( p < 0.05) but no differences were found at T15 ( p < 0.05). Hence, ROTEM reference intervals for adult cattle can be used to evaluate profiles in Piemontese calves ≥8 d of age.
The Triumphant Triumvirate: Synergistically Realizing the Purposes of a University Through a Core Management Course
Authors: Kessler Eric H.
Published: March 2017

Core management courses bear a particularly challenging curricular as well as pedagogical burden insofar as they are typically the sole or primary vehicle for integrating management principles with larger university and school objectives. Compounding the challenge is that these very objectives are neither universally clear nor necessarily consistent. The article explores two complementary issues: First, what are the purposes of a university and of a business school? Second, and subsequently, how might a core management class contribute to collaboratively realizing them? To the former I delineate three thematic rubrics: cognitive (the intellectual purpose), affective (the holistic purpose), and conative (the practical purpose). To the latter I describe three corresponding principles for clarifying and facilitating their educational ends: (a) theoretical gist-based instruction, centered around the cognitive, which also crystalizes and enables; (b) amalgamated wisdom-based reflection, centered around the affective, which also facilitates and inspires; and (c) active coaching-based development, centered around the conative, which also circles back to reinforce and reinvigorate the above.
Immunohistochemical evaluation of the activation of hepatic progenitor cells and their niche in feline lymphocytic cholangitis
Authors: Otte Corma MA , Valtolina Chiara , Vreman Sandra , Hubers Siobhan , van Wolferen Monique E , Favier Robert P , Rothuizen Jan , Penning Louis C
Published: March 2017

Objectives

The aim of the study was to compare the hepatic progenitor cell niche in healthy feline livers and the liver tissue of cats with lymphocytic cholangitis.

Methods

Immunohistochemical stainings for vimentin, laminin, beta (β)-catenin and Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD) were used on formalin-fixed liver biopsies from affected (n = 12) and unaffected cats (n = 2).

Results

All immunohistochemical markers used were expressed in more cells, or more intensely, in the liver tissue of cats with lymphocytic cholangitis than in the liver tissue of unaffected cats.

Conclusions and relevance

Enhanced expression of vimentin, laminin, cytoplasmic/nuclear β-catenin and NICD in liver biopsies from cats with lymphocytic cholangitis indicates that the hepatic progenitor cell (HPC) niche is remodelled and activated. HPCs might provide insights into new regenerative treatment options for lymphocytic cholangitis in cats in the future.