bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor‐Associated Macrophages (TAM) are recruited to the aging prostate epithelial lesions and become intermingled with basal cells
Authors: Werneck‐Gomes Hipácia , Campolina‐Silva Gabriel H. , Maria Bruna T. , Barata Maria C. , Mahecha Germán A. B. , Hess Rex A. , Oliveira Cleida A.
Published: March 2020

Background

Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers in men. Macrophages are thought to be important regulators in cancers, and their potential involvement in prostate cancer should not be overlooked. Therefore, the association between macrophages and the pre‐tumorous changes in prostate epithelium during aging deserves further investigation.

Objectives

We sought to investigate whether macrophages would be recruited into the prostate epithelium that display pathological lesions commonly found during aging.

Materials and methods

Prostates of aging rats, with and without treatment with a combination of testosterone and estradiol, were examined for premalignant and malignant epithelial lesions. For comparison, prostates of castrated rats were also investigated.

Results

Intraepithelial macrophages were found restricted to areas of premalignant and malignant lesions. An unprecedented interaction between macrophages and basal cells was observed in the aging pathological lesions. The intraepithelial macrophages were associated with autophagy, in contrast to those found after castration. In prostate lesions, the intraepithelial macrophages had TAM phenotype (CD68+/iNOS+/CD206+/ARG+), denoting a possible involvement in cancer progression. However, M2 macrophages (CD68+/CD163+) were recruited into the epithelium after castration, possibly to phagocytize cells undergoing apoptosis.

Discussion and conclusion

In conclusion, macrophages were recruited into the prostate epithelium and presented diverse phenotypes and morphology, consistent with changes reflected in the hormonal environment. Macrophages with the TAM phenotype were found restricted to areas of premalignant and malignant lesions in aging prostates, denoting a possible involvement in cancer progression. In contrast, M2 macrophages were found in the regressed epithelium after castration.
In the rat pancreas, somatostatin tonically inhibits glucagon secretion and is required for glucose‐induced inhibition of glucagon secretion
Authors: Xu Stella F. S. , Andersen Daniel B. , Izarzugaza Jose M. G. , Kuhre Rune E. , Holst Jens J.
Published: March 2020

Aim

It is debated whether the inhibition of glucagon secretion by glucose results from direct effects of glucose on the α‐cell (intrinsic regulation) or by paracrine effects exerted by beta‐ or delta‐cell products.

Methods

To study this in a more physiological model than isolated islets, we perfused isolated rat pancreases and measured glucagon, insulin and somatostatin secretion in response to graded increases in perfusate glucose concentration (from 3.5 to 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12 mmol/L) as well as glucagon responses to blockage/activation of insulin/GABA/somatostatin signalling with or without addition of glucose.

Results

Glucagon secretion was reduced by about 50% (compared to baseline secretion at 3.5 mmol/L) within minutes after increasing glucose from 4 to 5 mmol/L (P < .01, n = 13). Insulin secretion was increased minimally, but significantly, compared to baseline (3.5 mmol/L) at 4 mmol/L, whereas somatostatin secretion was not significantly increased from baseline until 7 mmol/L. Hereafter secretion of both increased gradually up to 12 mmol/L glucose. Neither recombinant insulin (1 µmol/L), GABA (300 µmol/L) or the insulin‐receptor antagonist S961 (at 1 µmol/L) affected basal (3.5 mmol/L) or glucose‐induced (5.0 mmol/L) attenuation of glucagon secretion (n = 7‐8). Somatostatin‐14 attenuated glucagon secretion by ~ 95%, and blockage of somatostatin‐receptor (SSTR)‐2 or combined blockage of SSTR‐2, −3 and −5 by specific antagonists increased glucagon output (at 3.5 mmol/L glucose) and prevented glucose‐induced (from 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L) suppression of secretion.

Conclusion

Somatostatin is a powerful and tonic inhibitor of glucagon secretion from the rat pancreas and is required for glucose to inhibit glucagon secretion.
Alien flora across European coastal dunes
Authors: Giulio Silvia , Acosta Alicia Teresa Rosario , Carboni Marta , Campos Juan Antonio , Chytrý Milan , Loidi Javier , Pergl Jan , Pyšek Petr , Isermann Maike , Janssen John A. M. , Rodwell John S. , Schaminée Joop H. J. , Marcenò Corrado
Published: March 2020

Questions

The spread of alien plant species is one of the main threats to the biodiversity of different natural habitats, and coastal dune habitats are among the most affected. There is a considerable local and regional variation in the level of alien plant invasion on coastal dunes. We asked what are the patterns of invasion across European coastal dunes and how they depend on habitat types and coastal regions.

Location

Atlantic, Baltic, Black Sea and Mediterranean coasts of Europe.

Methods

We used vegetation‐plot records from shifting dunes and stable dune grasslands extracted from the European Vegetation Archive (EVA). We quantified richness, frequency and distribution of alien plant (neophyte) species across dune habitats and coastal regions. We also explored the donor habitats and invasion trajectories of these species.

Results

In the flora of European coastal dunes, 7% of species were neophytes, for two‐thirds originating from outside of Europe and mostly naturalised and ruderal. Shifting and stable dunes were similar in neophyte species composition, but there were more individual occurrences of neophytes in shifting dunes. The neophyte flora composition differed considerably between the Atlantic, Baltic, Black Sea and Mediterranean regions. The highest number of neophyte species was observed on the Atlantic dunes, while the highest number of neophyte occurrences was on the Black Sea dunes. Most of the neophytes originated from North America and the Mediterranean‐Turanian region. Erigeron canadensis, Xanthium orientale, Oenothera biennis and Oenothera oakesiana were the most common neophytes.

Conclusions

We provided a comprehensive assessment of alien plant invasions in the coastal dunes across Europe and highlighted that coastal dunes should be in the focus of European invasion management strategies.
Early pathways to bullying: A prospective longitudinal study examining the influences of theory of mind and social preference on bullying behaviour during the first 3 years of school
Authors: Fink Elian , de Rosnay Marc , Patalay Praveetha , Hunt Caroline
Published: March 2020

Research has focused on the role of theory of mind (ToM) for positive social behaviour, while the association between ToM and negative social behaviours is less well understood. This longitudinal study compares two mediation models examining the role of ToM and peer‐rated social preference at ages 5 and 6 for bullying at age 7. Participants were 114 children (58 boys,Mage = 67 months) at entry to primary school (T1). At Time 2 (T2), 106 children and, at Time 3 (T3), 96 children remained. Teacher‐rated externalizing problems and children’s language ability were controlled at T1. Poor ToM was found to indirectly predict later bullying via poor social preference, while for boys only, greater earlier ToM directly predicted greater bullying 2 years later. These results suggest that there are different pathways to bullying via ToM and social preference,which has implications for interventions to prevent the development of bullying behaviour.
Overall survival, disease‐specific survival and local recurrence outcomes in patients with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer treated with external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy: a systematic review
Authors: Mannion Liam , Bosco Cecilia , Nair Rajesh , Mullassery Vinod , Enting Deborah , Jones Emma‐Louise , Van Hemelrijck Mieke , Hughes Simon
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy (RC) and pelvic lymph node dissection is the standard radical management for muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). However, major pelvic surgery is not suitable for all patients and combined modality therapy (CMT) offers an alternative for patients who want to retain their bladder. Brachytherapy (BT), as part of CMT, has been offered in selective cases of bladder cancer.

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of BT for solitary urinary bladder tumours in terms of survival, local recurrence (LR) rates, and adverse events.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted using defined search terms using online databases. Articles that discussed the use of BT as part of multi‐modality treatments for MIBC were included.

Results

Searches returned 112 articles of which 20 were deemed suitable for analysis. In all, 15 of the 20 articles reported overall survival (OS) at 5 years, 2747 patients were at risk and 1670 were alive after 5 years (60%): seven studies reported OS at 10 years, with 817 patients at risk and 350 alive at 10 years (42%). Disease‐specific survival at 5 years was reported in four studies, with 371 patients at risk and 279 alive (75%) at 5 years. LR rates were reported across all 20 studies and ranged from 0% to 32%.

Conclusion

Brachytherapy as part of CMT for MIBC is not a standard technique. It is an effective treatment in experienced centres for a selected patient population who wish to preserve their bladder. In such patients, CMT‐BT is well tolerated with an acceptable safety profile.
A randomized, open‐label, active comparator trial assessing the effects of 26 weeks of liraglutide or sitagliptin on cardiovascular function in young obese adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Webb David R. , Htike Zin Zin , Swarbrick Daniel J. , Brady Emer M. , Gray Laura J. , Biglands John , Gulsin Gaurav S. , Henson Joseph , Khunti Kamlesh , McCann Gerry P. , Waller Helen L. , Webb M'Balu A. , Sargeant Jack A. , Yates Thomas , Zaccardi Francesco , Davies Melanie J.
Published: March 2020

Aim

To compare the effects of a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist and a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor on magnetic resonance imaging‐derived measures of cardiovascular function.

Materials and methods

In a prospective, randomized, open‐label, blinded endpoint trial liraglutide (1.8 mg) and sitagliptin (100 mg) were compared in asymptomatic, non‐insulin treated young (aged 18‐50 years) adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes. The primary outcome was difference in circumferential peak early diastolic strain rate change (PEDSR), a biomarker of cardiac diastolic dysfunction 26 weeks after randomization. Secondary outcomes included other indices of cardiac structure and function, HbA1c and body weight.

Results

Seventy‐six participants were randomized (54% female, mean ± SD age 44 ± 6 years, diabetes duration 4.4 years, body mass index 35.3 ± 6.1 kg m−2), of whom 65% had ≥1 cardiovascular risk factor. Sixty‐one participants had primary outcome data available. There were no statistically significant between‐group differences (intention‐to‐treat; mean [95% confidence interval]) in PEDSR change (−0.01 [−0.07, +0.06] s−1), left ventricular ejection fraction (−1.98 [−4.90, +0.94]%), left ventricular mass (+1.14 [−5.23, +7.50] g) or aortic distensibility (−0.35 [−0.98, +0.28] mmHg−1 × 10−3) after 26 weeks. Reductions in HbA1c (−4.57 [−9.10, −0.37] mmol mol−1) and body weight (−3.88 [−5.74, −2.01] kg) were greater with liraglutide.

Conclusion

There were no differences in cardiovascular structure or function after short‐term use of liraglutide and sitagliptin in younger adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Longer studies in patients with more severe cardiac dysfunction may be necessary before definitive conclusions can be made about putative pleiotropic properties of incretin‐based therapies.
Teaching of dental implantology to undergraduate dental students: The Nigerian experience
Authors: Enabulele Joan E. , Omo Julie O.
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Dental implantology is an increasingly contemporary integral and important component of the practice of dentistry. This study assessed the level of teaching of dental implantology to dental undergraduates in Nigeria.

Materials and Methods

This was a cross‐sectional descriptive study involving the use of a self‐administered questionnaire consisting of five sections developed for this study. It was sent via e‐mail to a dental faculty in charge of and involved in the teaching of dental implantology in all 10 dental schools (five old generation and five new generation) in Nigeria.

Results

Eight of the 10 schools teach implant dentistry and utilised didactic lectures as mode of teaching. Simulations were used in only 1 (12.5%) of the schools whilst clinical demonstration was reported by 2 (25.0%) of the schools. Only 2 (25.0%) of the schools allowed students to experience direct patient care with no school expecting students to provide implant treatment. Almost all schools 9 (90.0%) identified insufficient resources and lack of dental industry support as barriers to effective teaching of implant dentistry. All the dental schools had plans to improve teaching of implant dentistry.

Conclusion

Teaching of dental implantology in Nigeria is mainly theoretical with no clinical competence assigned. A situation which is unsatisfactory as all Nigerian dental schools have plans both in the short term and long term to improve on the teaching of implant dentistry. There is need for industry support as well as improved and effective training of dental faculty in implant dentistry in Nigeria.
Pharmacokinetics and anti‐inflammatory effects of flunixin meglumine as a sole agent and in combination with phenylbutazone in exercised Thoroughbred horses
Authors: Knych Heather K. , Arthur Rick M. , McKemie Daniel S. , Baden Russell W. , Seminoff Kelsey , Kass Philip H.
Published: March 2020

Background

Flunixin meglumine (FM) and phenylbutazone (PBZ) are potent anti‐inflammatory agents and as such their potential to mask injuries that would otherwise keep a horse from training or racing is concerning. A common practice in racetrack medicine in the USA is to administer the two drugs within close proximity (24 hours apart) of each other, raising the concern of pharmacokinetic interactions and enhanced anti‐inflammatory effects.

Objectives

Describe the pharmacokinetics and effects of PBZ on the clearance of FM when administered in close proximity as well as effects on inflammatory mediators.

Study design

Two‐way randomised balanced crossover experiment.

Methods

Twelve Thoroughbred exercised horses received 500 mg FM IV alone or in combination with 2 g of IV PBZ 24 hours later. Blood and urine samples were collected prior to and for up to 120 hours post‐drug administration. Whole blood samples were collected at various times and challenged with lipopolysaccharide or calcium ionophore to induce ex vivo synthesis of eicosanoids. Concentrations of FM, PBZ and eicosanoids were measured using LC‐MS/MS and noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis performed on concentration data.

Results

Flunixin meglumine clearance was significantly increased when horses received PBZ 24 hours post‐administration (P = .03). No other differences in pharmacokinetic parameters were noted between groups. Thromboxane B2was significantly suppressed, relative to baseline for 96 hours post‐FM administration. Subsequent administration of PBZ prolonged the suppression. Prostaglandin E2 was decreased for 24 hours following administration of FM with subsequent administration of PBZ prolonging the suppression until 120 hours. PGF2alphaconcentrations were decreased for up to 168 hours post‐FM administration. FM administration significantly decreased 15‐HETE.

Main limitations

Small sample size and lack of a phenylbutazone‐only treatment group.

Conclusions

Administration of PBZ post‐FM administration increased FM clearance. The anti‐inflammatory effects of FM appear to be prolonged when PBZ is administered 24 hours post‐administration.
Global response patterns of plant photosynthesis to nitrogen addition: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Liang Xingyun , Zhang Tong , Lu Xiankai , Ellsworth David S. , BassiriRad Hormoz , You Chengming , Wang Dong , He Pengcheng , Deng Qi , Liu Hui , Mo Jiangming , Ye Qing
Published: March 2020

A mechanistic understanding of plant photosynthetic response is needed to reliably predict changes in terrestrial carbon (C) gain under conditions of chronically elevated atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition. Here, using 2,683 observations from 240 journal articles, we conducted a global meta‐analysis to reveal effects of N addition on 14 photosynthesis‐related traits and affecting moderators. We found that across 320 terrestrial plant species, leaf N was enhanced comparably on mass basis (Nmass, +18.4%) and area basis (Narea, +14.3%), with no changes in specific leaf area or leaf mass per area. Total leaf area (TLA) was increased significantly, as indicated by the increases in total leaf biomass (+46.5%), leaf area per plant (+29.7%), and leaf area index (LAI, +24.4%). To a lesser extent than for TLA, N addition significantly enhanced leaf photosynthetic rate per area (Aarea, +12.6%), stomatal conductance (gs, +7.5%), and transpiration rate (E, +10.5%). The responses of Aarea were positively related with that of gs, with no changes in instantaneous water‐use efficiency and only slight increases in long‐term water‐use efficiency (+2.5%) inferred from 13C composition. The responses of traits depended on biological, experimental, and environmental moderators. As experimental duration and N load increased, the responses of LAI and Aarea diminished while that of E increased significantly. The observed patterns of increases in both TLA and E indicate that N deposition will increase the amount of water used by plants. Taken together, N deposition will enhance gross photosynthetic C gain of the terrestrial plants while increasing their water loss to the atmosphere, but the effects on C gain might diminish over time and that on plant water use would be amplified if N deposition persists.
Effect of peer support intervention on diabetes distress in people with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kong Ling‐Na , Hu Ping , Zhao Qing‐Hua , Yao Hai‐Yan , Chen Shuo‐Zhen
Published: March 2020

Aims

To assess the effect of peer support intervention on diabetes distress in people with type 2 diabetes.

Background

Diabetes distress may be decreased by peer support intervention, but findings about the effect of peer support on diabetes distress have been mixed.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled studies.

Data sources

PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases were searched for randomized controlled trials from inception to 30 June 2018.

Review methods

Investigators assessed eligibility, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality. Standardized mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for pooled effect size.

Results

A total of 13 studies included in systematic review and 10 in meta‐analysis. In the random‐effects model, the pooled effect size showed current peer support intervention did not significantly reduce diabetes distress in type 2 diabetes population compared with usual care.

Conclusion

High quality and well‐designed studies targeting at reducing diabetes distress are needed to further test the effect of peer support intervention on diabetes distress.
Lipid abnormality, current diabetes and age affect erectile hardness: An analysis of data from complete medical checkups carried out at a single hospital
Authors: Ishikawa Kimiyasu , Sasaki Haruaki , Tanifuji Satoru , Kurokawa Ippei , Sugishita Hiroo , Hashimoto Yu , Hayashi Keiichiro , Shichijo Takeshi
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To investigate the correlation between the Erection Hardness Score and both erectile function and metabolic and lifestyle factors.

Methods

This study included 548 men who underwent a complete standard medical checkup at Yokohama Shin‐midori General Hospital between 1 July 2016 and 31 August 2018, and answered the question about erectile hardness. The following variables were evaluated: age, erectile hardness on the Erection Hardness Score, erectile function on the Sexual Health Inventory for Men, current medical history (diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, heart disease, stroke), metabolic risk factors (abdominal circumference, hyperglycemia, high blood pressure, lipid abnormality) and lifestyle factors. First, to examine the correlation between erectile hardness and erectile function, the mean Sexual Health Inventory for Men score by Erection Hardness Score grade was determined for each age group. Then, an analysis was carried out to examine the association between erectile hardness and age, current medical history, metabolic risk factors, and lifestyle factors.

Results

In each age group, a lower Erection Hardness Score grade was associated with a lower mean Sexual Health Inventory for Men score. Lipid abnormality, diabetes and age were independent risk factors for decreased erectile hardness.

Conclusions

Erection Hardness Score is a useful tool that can easily and accurately assess erectile function in the settings of medical checkups and clinical practice. Diabetes and lipid abnormality affect erectile hardness.
Frailty is associated with dialysis duration before transplantation in kidney transplant recipients: A Japanese single‐center cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kosoku Akihiro , Uchida Junji , Iwai Tomoaki , Shimada Hisao , Kabei Kazuya , Nishide Shunji , Maeda Keiko , Kabata Daijiro , Shintani Ayumi , Nakatani Tatsuya
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence of frailty, and the relationship of frailty based on the Kihon Checklist criteria with dialysis duration before transplantation and time after transplantation in kidney transplant recipients.

Methods

This study was a single‐center, cross‐sectional investigation carried out on kidney transplant recipients. To examine the association between the total Kihon Checklist score with time after transplant and dialysis duration before transplant, the multivariable proportional odds logistic regression model was used with adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate and serum albumin levels.

Results

Out of 205 kidney transplant recipients enrolled in this study, frail, prefrail and robust recipients accounted for 11.2%, 26.8% and 62.0%, respectively. Dialysis duration before transplantation was associated with frailty, but time after transplant was not associated with frailty.

Conclusions

The prevalence of frailty in kidney transplant recipients is approximately 11%, and it is associated with the duration of pretransplant dialysis. These findings suggest that a shorter dialysis duration might be beneficial for preventing frailty in kidney transplant recipients.
Global biogeographical patterns in the diet of a cosmopolitan avian predator
Authors: Romano Andrea , Séchaud Robin , Roulin Alexandre
Published: March 2020

Aim

The investigation of biogeographical patterns in the diet of widely distributed predators is essential to understand their ecology, life history traits and local adaptations. However, it is particularly challenging because of their wide distribution, broad trophic spectra and high ecological plasticity. Here, we described patterns of trophic ecology in a cosmopolitan nocturnal raptor, the common barn owl group, from a biogeographical perspective. We then compared variation in diet between barn owls living in the Americas (T. furcata), and those inhabiting Europe, Middle‐East and Africa (T. alba), thus hunting on different assemblages of prey types.

Location

World.

Taxon

Barn owl species complex.

Methods

We reviewed 790 studies reporting diet information of 971 locations (3,733,902 individual vertebrate prey), and investigated the variation in different diet parameters, reflecting taxonomic diversity, size of the prey and frequency of certain prey types according to geographical and climatic variables.

Results

While confirming that the barn owl is a selective mammal hunter with variable taxa constituting its staple food in different regions, we also found significant geographical and climatic trends in several diet parameters. Although prey composition differed among continents, most of the patterns, including an increase in proportion of mammal prey in cold environments, an increase in diet diversity with elevation, a decrease in small prey consumption from high to low latitudes and at increasing temperature, and a decrease in rodent predation in humid habitats, were similar between T. furcata and T. alba. A strong island effect was observed for all diet parameters.

Main conclusion

Our results indicate a generalized pattern of variation in barn owl diet across biogeographical regions, suggesting that similar prey communities occur in habitats with comparable ecological conditions and/or that different barn owl populations living in similar climate convergently evolved similar food preferences and hunting strategies.
Interleukin‐35 inhibits alveolar bone resorption by modulating the Th17/Treg imbalance during periodontitis
Authors: Cafferata Emilio A. , Terraza‐Aguirre Claudia , Barrera Romina , Faúndez Nicolás , González Nicolás , Rojas Carolina , Melgar‐Rodríguez Samanta , Hernández Marcela , Carvajal Paola , Cortez Cristian , González Fermín E. , Covarrubias Cristian , Vernal Rolando
Published: March 2020

Aim

T lymphocytes play a central role during the pathogenesis of periodontitis, and the imbalance between the pathogenic T‐helper type 17 (Th17) and protective T‐regulatory (Treg) lymphocytes determines the tooth‐supporting alveolar bone resorption. Interleukin (IL)‐35 is a novel anti‐inflammatory cytokine with therapeutic properties in diseases whose pathogenesis is associated with the Th17/Treg imbalance; however, its role during periodontitis has not been established yet. This study aimed to elucidate whether IL‐35 inhibits the alveolar bone resorption during periodontitis by modulating the Th17/Treg imbalance.

Materials and Methods

Mice with ligature‐induced periodontitis were treated with locally or systemically administrated IL‐35. As controls, periodontitis‐affected mice without IL‐35 treatment and non‐ligated mice were used. Alveolar bone resorption was measured by micro‐computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy. The Th17/Treg pattern of the immune response was analysed by qPCR, ELISA, and flow cytometry.

Results

IL‐35 inhibited alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis mice. Besides, IL‐35 induced less detection of Th17 lymphocytes and production of Th17‐related cytokines, together with higher detection of Treg lymphocytes and production of Treg‐related cytokines in periodontitis‐affected tissues.

Conclusion

IL‐35 is beneficial in the regulation of periodontitis; particularly, IL‐35 inhibited alveolar bone resorption and this inhibition was closely associated with modulation of the periodontal Th17/Treg imbalance.
Activation of overexpressed glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor attenuates prostate cancer growth by inhibiting cell cycle progression
Authors: Shigeoka Toru , Nomiyama Takashi , Kawanami Takako , Hamaguchi Yuriko , Horikawa Tsuyoshi , Tanaka Tomoko , Irie Shinichiro , Motonaga Ryoko , Hamanoue Nobuya , Tanabe Makito , Nabeshima Kazuki , Tanaka Masatoshi , Yanase Toshihiko , Kawanami Daiji
Published: March 2020

Aims/Introduction

Incretin therapy is a common treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus. We have previously reported an anti‐prostate cancer effect of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) agonist exendin‐4. The attenuation of cell proliferation in the prostate cancer cell line was dependent on GLP‐1R expression. Here, we examined the relationship between human prostate cancer severity and GLP‐1R expression, as well as the effect of forced expression of GLP‐1R using a lentiviral vector.

Materials and Methods

Prostate cancer tissues were extracted by prostatectomy and biopsy. GLP‐1R was overexpressed in ALVA‐41 cells using a lentiviral vector (ALVA‐41‐GLP‐1R cells). GLP‐1R expression was detected by immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell proliferation was examined by growth curves and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assays. Cell cycle distribution and regulators were examined by flow cytometry and western blotting. In vivo experiments were carried out using a xenografted model.

Results

GLP‐1R expression levels were significantly inversely associated with the Gleason score of human prostate cancer tissues. Abundant GLP‐1R expression and functions were confirmed in ALVA‐41‐GLP‐1R cells. Exendin‐4 significantly decreased ALVA‐41‐GLP‐1R cell proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner. DNA synthesis and G1‐to‐S phase transition were inhibited in ALVA‐41‐GLP‐1R cells. SKP2 expression was decreased and p27Kip1 protein was subsequently increased in ALVA‐41‐GLP‐1R cells treated with exendin‐4. In vivo experiments carried out by implanting ALVA‐41‐GLP‐1R cells showed that exendin‐4 decreased prostate cancer growth by activation of GLP‐1R overexpressed in ALVA41‐GLP‐1R cells.

Conclusions

Forced expression of GLP‐1R attenuates prostate cancer cell proliferation by inhibiting cell cycle progression in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, GLP‐1R activation might be a potential therapy for prostate cancer.
Caregiver Needs Assessment in Primary Care: Views of Clinicians, Staff, Patients, and Caregivers
Authors: Riffin Catherine , Wolff Jennifer L. , Estill Matthew , Prabhu Sheela , Pillemer Karl A.
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVES

To understand current practices, challenges, and opportunities for a systematic assessment of family caregiversʼ needs and risks in primary care.

DESIGN

Qualitative study consisting of in‐depth semi‐structured interviews.

SETTING

Four primary care practices located in urban and rural settings.

PARTICIPANTS

Primary care clinicians, staff, and administrators (N = 30), as well as older adult patients and family caregivers (N = 40), recruited using purposive and maximum variation sampling.

MEASUREMENTS

Current experiences, challenges, and opportunities for integrating standardized caregiver assessment into primary care delivery. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed; transcripts were analyzed using the constant comparative method of data analysis.

RESULTS

Participating clinicians had been in practice for an average of 12.8 years (range = 1‐36 y). Patients had a mean age of 84.0 years (standard deviation [SD] = 9.7); caregivers had a mean age of 67.0 years (SD = 9.3). There was wide variability in current practices for identifying caregiversʼ needs and risks, encompassing direct and indirect approaches, when such issues are considered. Participants posited that integrating standardized caregiver assessment into primary care delivery could help improve patient care, enhance clinician‐caregiver communication, and validate caregiversʼ efforts. Barriers to assessment included insufficient time and reimbursement, liability concerns, lack of awareness of community resources, and concerns about patient autonomy. To facilitate future uptake of caregiver assessment, participants recommended brief self‐administered assessment tools and post‐screen discussions with practice staff.

CONCLUSION

Identification of caregiversʼ needs and risks in primary care is highly variable. Integration of standardized caregiver assessment into practice requires coordinated changes to policy, revision of practice workflows, and an interdisciplinary approach to the development of appropriate assessment tools. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1262–1270, 2020.
Overcoming the Achilles’ heel of orthostatic hypotension during interactive standing liposculpture
Authors: Chong Kinman , Sun Cheuk‐Kwan , Miao Yong , Hu Zhi‐qi
Published: March 2020

Background

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a major obstacle to standing liposculpture.

Aims

To investigate the feasibility of a novel "interactive standing liposculpture" procedure under local anesthesia to avoid possible general anesthesia‐related complications and overcome standing‐associated OH.

Methods

A total of 68 subjects undergoing IsLipo were divided into three groups: Individuals with normal body weight (18 ≤ BMI < 23, n = 21, Group 1), overweight or mildly obese subjects (23 ≤ BMI < 30, n = 29, Group 2), and those with moderate‐to‐severe obesity (BMI ≥ 30, n = 18, Group 3). A 4‐area liposculpture technique was adopted with alternate change in position from recumbent to standing for each area. Subjects with symptoms of OH (ie, dizziness or/and nausea) were allowed to rest in a supine position before resuming the procedure. Incidence of OH and duration of liposculpture for each area were recorded and analyzed.

Results

The incidence of OH was 15 (four subjects experienced two episodes during the same procedure). All OH episodes occurred in Group 3 subjects. The total liposuction time significantly increased from Group 1 to Group 3 (all P < .001). The IsLipo time in Group 3 was also substantially longer than that in Group 1 and Group 2 (P < .001). Mean arterial blood pressure dropped and heart rate increased significantly in all subjects experiencing OH without fluctuation in arterial oxygen saturation. All subjects with OH recovered after a 10‐minute rest and resumed the IsLipo procedure. Successful liposculpture were performed in all subjects.

Conclusion

Orthostatic hypotension associated with interactive standing liposculpture, which predominantly occurred in subjects with moderate‐to‐severe obesity, could be resolved with an intraoperative resting strategy.
Review and development of Thurstonian models for the triangle and duo‐trio methods and paired versions of the methods
Authors: Bi Jian , Kuesten Carla
Published: March 2020

There are two main objectives of this paper. One is to review the current Thurstonian models for the conventional and modified triangle and duo‐trio methods. Another objective is to develop Thurstonian models for, and assess the performances of the paired triangle and paired duo‐trio methods with AB and BA pairs. Bradley's models based on the noncentral F distribution for the triangle and duo‐trio methods are revisited and are used to derive the psychometric functions for the paired versions of the triangle and duo‐trio methods. The simulation‐derived psychometric functions for the new methods are also produced. The performances of the new methods in both difference and similarity/equivalence tests are explored and show that the new methods are more powerful than most of the conventional unspecified forced‐choice methods and are similar to the unspecified tetrad.

Practical applications

The triangle and the duo‐trio methods are popular sensory discrimination methods used widely in sensory and consumer research. One weakness of the methods is relatively lower testing power.

The paired triangle and paired duo‐trio methods proposed and explored in this paper overcome this weakness of the conventional methods. The paired versions of the methods are more powerful than most of the conventional unspecified discrimination methods in difference and similarity tests for products. The new methods are particularly suitable for assessment of before–after treatment effects of products. The methods have wide potential application for visual and manual inspection testing of food or non‐food products where less sensory fatigue is of concern. R codes were developed and provided in the paper for the Thurstonian models of both the conventional versions and the paired versions of the triangle and the duo‐trio methods.
Hepatoprotective impact of the bile acid receptor TGR5
Authors: Merlen Grégory , Bidault‐Jourdainne Valeska , Kahale Nicolas , Glenisson Mathilde , Ursic‐Bedoya José , Doignon Isabelle , Garcin Isabelle , Humbert Lydie , Rainteau Dominique , Tordjmann Thierry
Published: March 2020

During liver repair after injury, bile secretion has to be tightly modulated in order to preserve liver parenchyma from bile acid (BA)‐induced injury. The mechanisms allowing the liver to maintain biliary homeostasis during repair after injury are not completely understood. Besides their historical role in lipid digestion, bile acids (BA) and their receptors constitute a signalling network with multiple impacts on liver repair, both stimulating regeneration and protecting the liver from BA overload. BA signal through nuclear (mainly Farnesoid X Receptor, FXR) and membrane (mainly G Protein‐coupled BA Receptor 1, GPBAR‐1 or TGR5) receptors to elicit a wide array of biological responses. While a great number of studies have been dedicated to the hepato‐protective impact of FXR signalling, TGR5 is by far less explored in this context. Because the liver has to face massive and potentially harmful BA overload after partial ablation or destruction, BA‐induced protective responses crucially contribute to spare liver repair capacities. Based on the available literature, the TGR5 BA receptor protects the remnant liver and maintains biliary homeostasis, mainly through the control of inflammation, biliary epithelial barrier permeability, BA pool hydrophobicity and sinusoidal blood flow. Mouse experimental models of liver injury reveal that in the lack of TGR5, excessive inflammation, leaky biliary epithelium and hydrophobic BA overload result in parenchymal insult and compromise optimal restoration of a functional liver mass. Translational perspectives are thus opened to target TGR5 with the aim of protecting the liver in the context of injury and BA overload.
Intercontinental long‐distance seed dispersal across the Mediterranean Basin explains population genetic structure of a bird‐dispersed shrub
Authors: Martínez‐López Vicente , García Cristina , Zapata Víctor , Robledano Francisco , De la Rúa Pilar
Published: March 2020

Long‐distance dispersal (LDD) is a pivotal process for plants determining their range of distribution and promoting gene flow among distant populations. Most fleshy‐fruited species rely on frugivorous vertebrates to disperse their seeds across the landscape. While LDD events are difficult to record, a few ecological studies have shown that birds move a sizeable number of ingested seeds across geographic barriers, such as sea straits. The foraging movements of migrant frugivores across distant populations, including those separated by geographic barriers, creates a constant flow of propagules that in turn shapes the spatial distributions of the genetic variation in populations. Here, we have analysed the genetic diversity and structure of 74 populations ofPistacia lentiscus, a fleshy‐fruited shrub widely distributed in the Mediterranean Basin, to elucidate whether the Mediterranean Sea acts as a geographic barrier or alternatively whether migratory frugivorous birds promote gene flow among populations located on both sides of the sea. Our results show reduced genetic distances among populations, including intercontinental populations, and they show a significant genetic structure across an eastern‐western axis. These findings are consistent with known bird migratory routes that connect the European and African continents following a north‐southwards direction during the fruiting season of many fleshy‐fruited plants. Further, approximate Bayesian analysis failed to explain the observed patterns as a result of historical population migrations at the end of Last Glacial Maximum. Therefore, anthropic and/or climatic changes that would disrupt the migratory routes of frugivorous birds might have genetic consequences for the plant species they feed upon.
Multiculturalism as a New Form of Nationalism?
Authors: Modood Tariq
Published: March 2020

What is often described today as neo‐nationalism or nationalist populism today arguably looks like the old nationalism. What is emerging as genuinely new are the identity‐based nationalisms of the centre left, sometimes called “liberal nationalism” or “progressive patriotism.” I offer my own contribution to the latter, which may be called “multicultural nationalism.” I argue that multiculturalism is a mode of integration that does not just emphasise the centrality of minority group identities but argues that integration is incomplete without remaking national identity so that all can have a sense of belonging to it. This multiculturalist approach to national belonging has some relation to liberal nationalism. It, however, makes not just individual rights but minority accommodation a feature of acceptable nationalism. Moreover, accommodation here particularly includes ethno‐religious groups in ways that are difficult for radical regimes of secularism. For these reasons, multicultural nationalism unites the concerns of some of those currently sympathetic to majoritarian nationalism and those who are prodiversity and minority accommodationist in the way that liberal nationalism (with its emphasis on individualism and majoritarianism) does not. It therefore represents the political idea and tendency most likely to offer a feasible alternative rallying point to monocultural nationalism.
Should oral foci of infection be removed before the onset of radiotherapy or chemotherapy?
Authors: Spijkervet Fred K. L. , Schuurhuis Jennifer M. , Stokman Monique A. , Witjes Max J. H. , Vissink Arjan
Published: March 2020

Pretreatment dental screening aims to locate and eliminate oral foci of infection in order to eliminate local, loco‐regional, or systemic complications during and after oncologic treatment. An oral focus of infection is a pathologic process in the oral cavity that does not cause major infectious problems in healthy individuals, but may lead to severe local or systemic inflammation in patients subjected to oncologic treatment. As head and neck radiotherapy patients bear a lifelong risk on oral sequelae resulting from this therapy, the effects of chemotherapy on healthy oral tissues are essentially temporary and reversible. This has a large impact on what to consider as an oral focus of infection when patients are subjected to, for example, head and neck radiotherapy for cancer or intensive chemotherapy for hematological disorders. While in patients subjected to head and neck radiotherapy oral foci of infection have to be removed before therapy that may cause problems ultimately, in patients that will receive chemotherapy such, so‐called chronic, foci of infection are not in need of removal of teeth but can be treated during a remission phase. Acute foci of infection always have to be removed before or early after the onset of any oncologic treatment.
Multiple epicardial connections during extensive pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Nakamura Kohki , Inoue Mitsuho , Sasaki Takehito , Minami Kentaro , Take Yutaka , Naito Shigeto
Published: March 2020

A 76‐year‐old male underwent a pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) of atrial fibrillation. The first‐pass encirclement did not isolate the left superior PV (LSPV). High‐resolution activation mapping during LSPV pacing identified the earliest activation site (EAS) on the left atrial (LA) roof outside the PVI line. A radiofrequency application on the roof isolated the LSPV. Thereafter, an LSPV reconnection occurred. Second activation mapping during LSPV pacing identified the EAS at the bottom of the ridge outside the PVI line. Radiofrequency applications targeting the EAS eliminated the LSPV reconnection. The multiple residual connections may be associated with spared epicardial PV‐LA connections.
Two novel HLA alleles, HLA‐C*07:04:20 and HLA‐DRB1*07:34:02, detected in Russian individuals from Irkutsk
Authors: Loginova Maria , Smirnova Daria , Paramonov Igor , Verevkina Luybov , Zarubin Maksim
Published: March 2020

Two novel alleles, HLA‐C*07:04:20 and HLA‐DRB1*07:34:02, are characterized.
Ceria-carbonate Electrolyte Ceramic Membrane for Intermediate and Low Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: A Review
Authors: Marthosa S. , Suklueng M. , Niyomwas S. , Anancharoenwong E. , Ninwijit Thitirat , Budmai N. , Kaewnun S.
Published: March 2020

A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is a potential energy conversion technology with high efficiency and high fuel impurity tolerance. Its electrolyte layer is a crucial component and a novel ceria-carbonate electrolyte ceramic membrane has been developed for the intermediate and low temperature SOFCs (IT-LT SOFCs). The ceria-carbonate electrolyte can be produced by either a two-steps process which produces microscale particles or a one-step process which produces nanoscale materials. The ceria-carbonate composite ceramic membrane facilitates both of the oxide ion and proton conductions thus this material has a potential to raise the multi-ions transportation and improve performance of IT-LT SOFCs.
Separation of Acetic Acid and Water Using Reverse Osmosis Membranes
Authors: Jullok Nora , Chie Hang Boo
Published: March 2020

Reverse osmosis can potentially be used for separation of acetic acid from waste stream. However, the investigation on the separation of this binary mixture utilizing reverse osmosis is scarce. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the feasibility of lab-synthesized and commercially available reverse osmosis membranes to separate low acetic acid concentration from aqueous mixture. A commercially available AG membrane and three laboratory synthesized polysulfone (PSf) membranes were used in this work. Initial test for water permeation using dead end filtration found that 17.5 wt% PSf has the highest water permeability. As the polymer concentration decreases, the membrane porosity increases which decreases the resistance which enables the penetration of the permeant more easily through the membrane matrix resulting in higher water permeation when 17.5wt% PSf was used. Further modification by interfacial polymerization to form a thin polyamide layer on the porous support was seen to have had improved the membrane affinity towards water resulted in increased of permeation through the membrane matrix. However, the rejection was lower than that of the AG membrane. This indicates that, the increase in water permeation when 17.5wt%PSf was used is due to the high membrane porosity. This is evidence since 17.5wt%PSf has the highest water flux but lower acetic acid rejection compared to the commercial AG membrane. Low rejection of acetic acid when reverse osmosis membrane was applied indicates that other factor such as Donnan effect has to be further considered when synthesizing the membrane.
Preparation and Characterization of Mixed Matrix Membrane based on Polysulfone (PSF) and Lanthanum Orthoferrite (LaFeO3) for Gas Separation
Authors: Fadaly N. S. , Aziz Farhana
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of polysulfone (PSF) and lanthanum orthoferrite (LaFeO3) incorporated mixed matrix membrane (MMM) on gas permeation and selectivity properties. PSF/LaFeO3 MMMs were prepared with various weights loading of LaFeO3. The membranes obtained were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier-transform infra-red (FT-IR). The gas transport properties of MMM were measured using single gas permeation set up (CO2, CH4, O2 and N2) at ambient temperature, and feed pressure of 2, 4 and 6 bar. The permeation test showed that the mixed matrix membrane exhibited high permeability. With increasing LaFeO3 weight loading to 1.0%, the highest permeability values were 47.74 GPU for CO2, 29.85 GPU for CH4, 57.56 GPU for O2, and 40.66 GPU for N2. The results also showed that by incorporating 1.0wt% of LaFeO3 into PSF matrix, the highest CO2/CH4 and O2/N2 selectivity of 1.60 and 1.42 respectively were obtained. Overall, all the resultants MMM showed higher permeability and selectivity compared to pure PSF membrane.