bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hemolitična bolezen novorojenčka
Authors: Lozar Krivec Jana , Vidaković Metka , Soltirovska-Šalamon Aneta
Published: October 2018

Hemolitična bolezen ploda in novorojenčka (HBPN) nastane zaradi vezave aloimunskih protiteles na otrokove eritrocitne antigene, kar povzroči razpad eritrocitov ter nastanek hiperbilirubinemije in anemije novorojenčka. Aloimunska protitelesa, ki prehajajo preko posteljice iz materinega v plodov krvni obtok, so lahko naravno prisotna protitelesa anti-A in anti-B ali pa redkeje prisotna protitelesa, ki nastanejo po izosenzibilizaciji matere na tuje eritrocitne antigene, kot so protitelesa anti-D. Do izosenzibilizacije matere lahko pride ob transfuziji eritrocitov ali med nosečnostjo. HBPN zaradi protiteles anti-A in anti-B (HBPN AB0) lahko poteka z blago hiperbilirubinemijo in anemijo ali pa huje, z visoko hiperbilirubinemijo in izrazito anemijo, tako da je potrebna izmenjalna transfuzija krvi novorojenčka. HBPN zaradi protiteles anti-D je zaradi učinkovitega programa zaščite RhD negativnih nosečnic z imunoglobulini anti-D danes redka bolezen, njen potek pa v primerjavi s HBPN AB0 hujši.V prvem delu prispevka opišemo patofiziologijo, klinično sliko, diagnosticiranje, zdravljenje in preventivo HBPN. V drugem delu prispevka predstavljamo rezultate kohortne retrospektivne analize 109 bolnikov s HBPN, hospitaliziranih na Kliničnem oddelku za neonatologijo med januarjem 2007 in decembrom 2016. V 84,4 % so HBPN povzročila protitelesa anti-A ali anti-B, v 9,2 % protitelesa anti-D in v 6,4 % ostala, redkejša protitelesa. Bolniki s HBPN, povzročeno z različnimi protitelesi, se v rezultatih hematoloških preiskav niso statistično značilno razlikovali. Pozitiven direktni Coombsov test so imeli vsi novorojenčki s HBPN RhD in le 64 % novorojenčkov s HBPN AB0. Vsi bolniki s HBPN RhD so potrebovali izmenjalno transfuzijo ali znotrajmaternično transfuzijo.
Povečana debelina intime in medije in znižani gleženjski indeks pri bolnikih po prebolelem infarktu miokarda
Authors: Mlačak Blaž , Mišmaš Tanja , Kolenc Matej , Blagus Rok , Simonič Alenka
Published: October 2018

Izhodišče: Zvečana debelina intime in medije (DIM) na karotidnih arterijah in znižani gleženjski indeks (GI) veljata za zgodnja kazalnika ateroskleroze. Cilj raziskave je bil ugotoviti pomen DIM na karotidnih arterijah in GI kot kazalnika ateroskleroze pri bolnikih s prebolelim akutnim miokardnim infarktom (AMI).Metode: Raziskali smo dve skupini preiskovancev. V testni skupini je bilo 50 bolnikov s prebolelim AMI med 38. in 78. letom starosti, od tega 32 moških in 18 žensk. Kontrolna skupina, ki je imela tudi 50 preiskovancev brez ishemične bolezni srca, je bila primerljiva s testno po starosti, spolu in kraju bivanja. Meritve debeline intime in medije so bile izvedene z B-ultrazvočnim prikazom z visoko resolucijo, in sicer na zadnji steni na treh različnih mestih karotidnega žilja: v področju skupne karotidne arterije 1 cm pod začetkom razcepišča in v področju bulbusa in notranje karotidne arterije 1 cm za razcepiščem. Periferno arterijsko bolezen (PAB) na spodnjih udih, gleženjski indeks je bil 0,9 ali manj, smo ugotavljali z merjenjem sistoličnega krvnega tlaka z ultrazvočnim dopplerskim detektorjem.Rezultati: V testni skupini je imelo 32 (64 %) preiskovancev maksimalno zadebelitev intime in medije nad 0,9 mm, medtem ko je bila v kontrolni skupini pri 16 (32 %) preiskovancih ugotovljena DIM nad 0,9 (p < 0,05). Povprečna DIM pri preiskovancih s prebolelim AMI (mediana 0,85, interkvartilni razmik (0,72–0,95) je bila v primerjavi s kontrolno skupino 0,74 (0,67–0,86) statistično značilno večja (p < 0,05). Bolniki z AMI in PAB so imeli pomembno večjo DIM 0,93 (0,86–1,03) v primerjavi z bolniki z AMI in brez PAB 0,73 (0,65–0,84), (p < 0,001). Razlika v DIM med bolniki z AMI z dvigom ST-veznice (STEMI), 0,84 (0,70–0,96), in bolnikov z AMI brez dviga ST-veznice (NSTEMI), 0,89 (0,79–0,95), ni bila statistično značilna. PAB smo ugotovili pri 24 (48 %) bolnikih s prebolelim AMI in pri 10 (20 %) preiskovancih kontrolne skupine (p < 0,05).Zaključek: Bolniki s prebolelim AMI so imeli pomembno večjo debelino intime in medije in večjo prevalenco PAB v primerjavi s kontrolno skupino. Pri preiskovancih testne in kontrolne skupine smo ugotovili zvečano debelino intime in medije ter znižan gleženjski indeks kot kazalnika ateroskleroze.
Celično-biološki mehanizmi delovanja amnijske membrane proti raku in možnosti za njeno uporabo pri zdravljenju raka
Authors: Železnik Ramuta Taja , Cirman Tina , Kreft Mateja Erdani
Published: October 2018

Izhodišče: Osnovna naloga amnijske membrane je zaščita ploda pred zunanjimi mehanskimi vplivi in izsušitvijo ter zagotavljanje primernega okolja za njegov razvoj. Razumevanje zgradbe in delovanja amnijske membrane je pomembno za njeno klinično uporabo, še posebej v regenerativni medicini. V prispevku opisujemo številne, za regenerativno medicino zelo zaželene mehanske in biološke lastnosti amnijske membrane ter predstavljamo njene protirakave lastnosti.Zaključek: Študije na modelih in vitro kot tudi študije na živalskih modelih dokazujejo, da amnijska membrana zavira proliferacijo rakavih celic in sproža njihovo apoptozo, deluje imunozaviralno, zavira energijsko presnovo rakavih celic in angiogenezo. Delo podaja pregled najnovejših spoznanj o protirakavem delovanju amnijske membrane in vrednoti njeno potencialno uporabo v zdravljenju raka in regenerativni medicini.
Priporočila za obravnavo bolnikov z limfedemom
Authors: Planinšek Ručigaj Tanja , Kozak Matija , Slana Ana , Bešič Nikola , Cokan Vujkovac Andreja , Grmek Marko , Stritar Albin , Kecelj Leskovec Nada
Published: October 2018

V prispevku so predstavljena priporočila za obravnavo bolnikov z limfedemom. Prikazana je klinična slika, diagnosticiranje in različni načini obravnave.
Still more than a feeling: Commentary on Cash et al., “Expectancy effects in the Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response” and recommendations for measurement in future ASMR research.
Authors: Hostler Thomas J , Poerio Giulia Lara , Blakey Emma
Published: October 2018

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) – the sensory phenomenon experienced by some people in response to visual and auditory stimuli such as whispering – has attracted substantial public attention but is not yet well-understood or well-established within the scientific community. Recent research published in PeerJ by Cash, Heisick, & Papesh (2018) investigated whether ASMR could be a placebo effect (resulting from expectation) rather than a genuine experience triggered by ASMR-inducing stimuli. In this article, we provide a commentary on Cash et al.’s findings and argue that they provide evidence for (rather than against) the veracity of ASMR. We discuss issues regarding measurement of ASMR and end by providing some recommendations on how to assess ASMR as both a state and a trait, in the hope of galvanising collaborative research efforts in the emerging field of ASMR.
Reduced auditory cortical adaptation in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Millin Rachel , Kolodny Tamar , Flevaris Anastasia V , Kale Alexander M , Schallmo Michael-Paul , Gerdts Jennifer , Bernier Raphael A , Murray Scott
Published: October 2018

Adaptation is a fundamental property of cortical neurons and has been suggested to be altered in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We used fMRI to measure adaptation induced by repeated audio-visual stimulation in early sensory cortical areas in individuals with ASD and neurotypical (NT) controls. The initial transient responses were equivalent between groups in both visual and auditory cortices and when stimulation occurred with fixed-interval and randomized-interval timing. However, in auditory but not visual cortex, the post-transient sustained response was greater in individuals with ASD than NT controls in the fixed-interval timing condition, reflecting reduced adaptation. Further, individual differences in the sustained response in auditory cortex correlated with ASD symptom severity. These findings are consistent with hypotheses that ASD is associated with increased neural responsiveness but that responsiveness differences only manifest after repeated stimulation, are specific to the temporal pattern of stimulation, and are confined to specific cortical regions.
Geisinger seeks to enhance support for MAT patients through technology
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: October 2018

The psychosocial support that is critical to the success of medication‐assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid dependence frequently poses a management challenge in the MAT clinic setting. Prescribing physicians often lack the infrastructure for, or (in extreme cases) the interest in, delivering this component. With MAT patients doing most of their recovery work in the community, technology is increasingly being seen as a solution to serve as a bridge between the outpatient clinic and the patient.
Florida moves to further beef up SUD treatment regulations
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2018

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) is planning further revisions to its laws governing the regulation of treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs). The hearing on the proposal will take place Nov. 7. Jeffrey Lynne, a lawyer with the firm Beighley, Myrick, Udell & Lynne in Boca Raton, noted that although the hearing won't be livestreamed, people can attend via conference call. Dial 1‐888‐670‐3525 (Code: 800 740 0450 #), and contact Jodi Abramowitz with questions at 850‐717‐4470 or Jodi.abramowitz@myflfamilies.com.
Device Configurations and Future Prospects of Flexible/Stretchable Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Di , Lou Zheng , Jiang Kai , Shen Guozhen
Published: October 2018

With the rapid expanse and progress of flexible/wearable electronics, it is highly desirable to develop flexible/stretchable power sources, as it is a key technique for the realization of fully flexible integrated systems. Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are one of the most ideal candidates of power sources because of their attractive features of high energy density, high power density, and long cycle life. The recent progress of flexible/stretchable LIBs from the viewpoint of device structure design is reviewed herein, as the device configurations are vital for the practical applications of flexible/stretchable LIBs. The remaining challenges and future opportunities for this emerging field are also highlighted from the viewpoint of practical applications.
Neurologic challenges in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Hopkins Sarah E. , Chadehumbe Madeline , Blaine Crowley Terrence , Zackai Elaine H. , Bilaniuk Larissa T. , McDonald‐McGinn Donna M.
Published: October 2018

Children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome often come to medical attention due to signs and symptoms of neurologic dysfunction. It is imperative to understand the expected neurologic development of patients with this diagnosis in order to be alert for the potential neurologic complications, including cortical malformations, tethered cord, epilepsy, and movement disorders. We present an update of brain imaging findings from the CHOP 22q and You Center, a review of the current literature, and our current management practices for neurological issues.
Relationships Between Enamel Prism Decussation and Organization of the Ameloblast Layer in Rodent Incisors
Authors: Alloing‐Séguier Léanie , Marivaux Laurent , Barczi Jean‐François , Lihoreau Fabrice , Martinand‐Mari Camille
Published: October 2018

Rodent enamel microstructure has been extensively investigated, primarily on the basis of 2D electronic microscopy data. The nature and dynamics of the ameloblasts (the enamel‐secreting cells) have also been well studied. However, critical issues still remain surrounding exactly how the ameloblasts produce the astonishing microstructural complexity of enamel, and how this subtle architecture evolved through time. In this article, we used a new methodology based on confocal laser microscopy to reconstruct the enamel microstructure of rodent incisors in three dimensions (3D) with the ameloblasts in situ. We proposed interpretations regarding the possible relationships between the workings of the ameloblasts and the resulting enamel prisms, especially how the phenomenon of decussation is generated. Finally, we were able to represent the two main types of modern rodent incisor microstructures (uniserial and multiserial decussations), as a set of parameters that have been entered into the 3D enamel simulation software Simulenam to generate 3D models that can be digitally manipulated. Associating 2D data of incisor enamel microstructure of fossil rodents and Simulenam, it was then possible to better understand how the various decussation parameters evolved through time and gave rise to the two modern microstructure types from the same ancestral type (pauciserial). This study also confirmed that rodent and artiodactyl enamel do not share the same mechanism of decussation formation. Anat Rec, 302:1195–1209, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Yak (Bos grunniens) Tonsils: Morphological Description and Expression of IgA and IgG
Authors: Sun Juan , Cui Yan , Yu Si‐Jiu , Xu Yuan‐Fang , He Jun‐Feng , Liu Peng‐Gang , Huang Yu‐Feng , Li Qin
Published: October 2018

This study aimed to describe the morphology, expression of IgA and IgG in adult yak tonsils. The 12 clinically healthy yak tonsils [3‐ to 6‐year old,n= 12] were examined for morphology using light, and transmission electron microscopes. Expression of IgA and IgG was measured by qRT‐PCR, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. The results showed that the palatine tonsil, the tonsil of the soft palate, and the lingual tonsil were oropharyngeal tonsils. The stratified squamous epithelia covering them had a thick underlying layer of connective tissue and their crypts were heavily infiltrated by lymphocytes. The pharyngeal tonsil and the tubal tonsil were nasopharyngeal tonsils. The epithelia of them was predominantly pseudostratified columnar ciliary epithelium, which were loosely arranged with a number of desmosomes or intermediate junctions variably connecting them. The expression levels of IgA and IgG mRNA and protein from high to low was in the pharyngeal tonsil, palatine tonsil, tonsil of the soft palate, lingual tonsil, and tubal tonsil, respectively. Interestingly, the expression of IgG was very significantly higher than that of IgA in yak tonsils (P< 0.01). Both the IgA and IgG ASCs were distributed in the subepithelial areas of the non‐reticular crypt epithelium, especially areas of pseudostratified columnar ciliary epithelium, the reticular crypt epithelium, lymphoid follicles, interfollicular areas, and with some of the positive cells aggregating around the glands. The results indicated that the tonsils were not only typical secondary lymphoid organs but also lymphoepithelial structures. IgG could be a significant component of mucosal immune responses in yak tonsils. Anat Rec, 302:999–1009, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Response of the Axial Skeleton to Bipedal Loading Behaviors in an Experimental Animal Model
Authors: Russo Gabrielle A. , Marsh D'arcy , Foster Adam D.
Published: October 2018

Many derived aspects of modern human axial skeletal morphology reflect our reliance on obligate bipedal locomotion. Insight into the adaptive significance of features, particularly in the spine, has been gained through experimental studies that induce bipedal standing or walking in quadrupedal mammals. Using an experimental animal model (Rattus norvegicus), the present study builds on earlier work by incorporating additional metrics of the cranium, employing quantitative methods established in the paleoanthropological literature, and exploring how variation in mechanical loading regimes impacts axial anatomy. Rats were assigned to one of five experimental groups, including “fully loaded bipedal walking,” “partially loaded bipedal walking,” “standing bipedally,” “quadrupedal walking,” and “no exercise control,” and engaged in the behavior over 12‐weeks. From μCT data obtained at the beginning and end of the experiment, we measured foramen magnum position and orientation, lumbar vertebral body wedging, cranial surface area of the lumbar and first sacral vertebral bodies, and sacral mediolateral width. Results demonstrate that bipedal rodents generally have more anteriorly positioned foramina magna, more dorsally wedged lumbar vertebrae, greater articular surface areas of lumbar and first sacral vertebral bodies, and sacra that exhibit greater mediolateral widths, compared to quadrupedal rodents. We further document variation among bipedal loading behavior groups (e.g., bipedal standing vs. walking). Our experimental animal model reveals how loading behaviors and adaptations may be specifically linked, and implicates a potential role for developmental plasticity in the evolutionary acquisition of bipedal adaptations in the hominin lineage. Anat Rec, 2018. © 2018 American Association for Anatomy.
Iron‐Based Molecular Water Oxidation Catalysts: Abundant, Cheap, and Promising
Authors: Liu Tianqi , Zhang Biaobiao , Sun Licheng
Published: October 2018

An efficient and robust water oxidation catalyst based on abundant and cheap materials is the key to converting solar energy into fuels through artificial photosynthesis for the future of humans. The development of molecular water oxidation catalysts (MWOCs) is a smart way to achieve promising catalytic activity, thanks to the clear structures and catalytic mechanisms of molecular catalysts. Efficient MWOCs based on noble‐metal complexes, for example, ruthenium and iridium, have been well developed over the last 30 years; however, the development of earth‐abundant metal‐based MWOCs is very limited and still challenging. Herein, the promising prospect of iron‐based MWOCs is highlighted, with a comprehensive summary of previously reported studies and future research focus in this area.
Comparative metabolism of the eight main bioactive ingredients of gegen qinlian decoction by the intestinal flora of diarrhoeal and healthy piglets
Authors: Liu Chang‐Shun , Liang Xiao , Wei Xiao‐Han , Chen Fei‐Long , Tang Qing‐Fa , Tan Xiao‐Mei
Published: October 2018

Diarrhoeal diseases alter the composition of intestinal flora, thereby affecting the efficacy of herbal medicinal formulations. Gegen Qinlian decoction (GQD), a Chinese traditional herbal formulation, is widely used to treat infectious diarrhoea. However, little is known about the microbial disposition of GQD in the diarrhoeal state. In this study, the comparative metabolism of components of GQD by diarrhoeal and normal intestinal flora was investigated in vitro. UPLC–MS/MS was performed for simultaneous analysis of eight ingredients of GQD in bacterial solution. The type, activities, and sources of microbial enzymes were also investigated. Microbial metabolism of daidzin, genistin and liquiritin (metabolized by β‐glucosidase); baicalin, wogonoside and glycyrrhizin (metabolized by β‐glucuronidase); and berberine and coptisine (metabolized via nitroreductase) was faster in the diarrhoeal group than in the normal group. Moreover, the activities of these enzymes in the diarrhoeal group were higher than those in the normal group. This difference might be associated with the increase in Escherichia spp. Thus, a change in the metabolism of components by diarrhoeal intestinal flora is associated with a preponderance of Escherichia spp., which might improve the efficacy of GQD. These findings have implications for understanding the action mechanism of GQD for diarrhoea treatment in terms of the microbial milieu.
Unusual presentation of Crohn's disease in a boy with penile swelling
Authors: Motamed Farzaneh , Esfandiarpour Bahareh , Ahmadipour Shokoufeh
Published: October 2018

Key Clinical Message

Crohn's disease is one of the three subtypes of inflammatory bowel disease, with regional, transmural, and granulomatous inflammation. The present study is a case report on an 11‐year‐old boy who was referred to the hospital due to penis swelling and pain since a year ago, the patient sometimes complained of pain when urinating, he was having a severe painful swelling in the penis shaft; however, his scrotum was completely normal. He was diagnosed with crohn's disease, thus was placed on azathioprine therapy which eradicated his pain after 3 months, and thus, his skin lesion became much smaller. Crohn's disease, especially in children, should be considered in patient with unknown skin complications, and, if clinically suspected, biopsy examination should be performed. The diagnosis of crohn's disease may be delayed in extradigestive cases. This disease occurs when associated with skin manifestations, which is uncommon. We reported a case with penile crohn's disease, of which few cases have been reported in children to date.
Diagnostic value of preparing bone marrow smears from the small amount of material left within the aspiration needle following a dry tap
Authors: Islam Anwarul
Published: October 2018

Key Clinical Message

Bone marrow aspirations are used in the diagnosis of patients with hematological disorders. Cytological diagnosis becomes difficult when aspiration is a dry tap. Smears produced from the material left in the needle following a dry tap can provide valuable information either to complement or even make an accurate diagnosis.
Asymptotic Properties of a Probabilistic‐Statistical Model of Particle Classification in Hydrocyclones
Authors: Krokhina Alina V. , Lvov Vladimir A. , Fatova Alvina V.
Published: October 2018

The peculiarities of practical implementation of a probabilistic‐statistical model for a hydrodynamic stage of particle classification process of liquid‐solid polydisperse systems in cylinder‐conic hydrocyclones of small size have been investigated. Within reasonable assumptions, stationary solutions of the Fokker‐Planck‐Kolmogorov kinetic equation were obtained for the considered separation process. In order to describe changes in characteristics of suspension separation in hydrocyclones it was proposed to use stationary distributions, which parameters depend not only on hydraulic and dynamic features of flows inside an apparatus, but also are determined by relative magnitudes of the impact of particle classification and centrifugal forces in comparison with the intensity of random perturbations.
Channel load based interference‐aware scheduling in military communication environment
Authors: Vignesh V. , Premalatha K.
Published: October 2018

This work is focused to improve the military communication by introducing Channel Load based Average Link Interference Estimation (CLAIE) which will assess the channel load level of every route path, thus the interference reduced communication can be guaranteed. Channel load metric is capable of identifying interference superior to the previous metrics specified in IEEE 802.11 networks. This routing metric attains greater performance, when measured in the environment affected with interference, which contains inadequate radio channel resources such as wireless mesh network. This research offers a sequence of formulas in order to calculate link‐interference, path‐interference, and node‐interference and, in addition, to choose the paths containing the least average link‐interference amid the source and target, and an interference‐aware routing protocol is presented. Paths identified by this protocol are likely to evade the places containing greater interferences, decreasing the amount of retransmissions of packet and collisions, bringing about greater network throughput and increased lifespan. We present this average link interference‐aware routing. The overall methodology is deployed in military communication environment. In the NS2 simulation environment, the complete assessment of the research technique is implemented and proved that the presented research technique gives improved result.
Web‐cloud architecture levels and optimized MQTT and COAP protocol suites for web of things
Authors: Prabhu Kumar P.C. , Geetha G.
Published: October 2018

Web of Things or Internet of Things (IoT) was an emerging technology where things of everyday objects could be connected to the Internet. Cloud computing is an important technology for IoT. We proposed six levels of IoT architectures with respect to cloud, and these architectures describe the storage, controlling, and monitoring of various sensors and actuators in IoT applications. Better selection of protocols produce better results for constrained IoT environment. In this paper, we analyzed IoT architecture levels with respect to cloud, various IoT applications, and layer wise protocols and proposed two optimized protocol suites named as MQTT protocol suite and CoAP protocol suite. We implemented these protocols in a small IoT application and compared these two suites with respect to transmission delay, number of packets transferred, the overhead due to re‐transmission, and the battery power usage. We also proposed optimized suite for some IoT applications with respect to their characteristics.
Influence of nano‐zinc oxide on tropane alkaloid production, h6h gene transcription and antioxidant enzyme activity in Hyoscyamus reticulatus L. hairy roots
Authors: Asl Kamal Rashidi , Hosseini Bahman , Sharafi Ali , Palazon Javier
Published: October 2018

The use of nanotechnology and biotechnology to improve the production of plant bioactive compounds is growing. Hyoscyamus reticulatus L. is a major source of tropane alkaloids with a wide therapeutic use, including treatment of Parkinson's disease and to calm schizoid patients. In the present study, hairy roots were obtained from two‐week‐old cotyledon explants of H. reticulatus L. using the A7 strain of Agrobacterium rhizogenes. The effects of different concentrations of the signaling molecule nano‐zinc oxide (ZnO) (0, 50, 100 and 200 mg/L), with three exposure times (24, 48 and 72 h), on the growth rate, antioxidant enzyme activity, total phenol contents (TPC), tropane alkaloid contents and hyoscyamine‐6‐beta‐hydroxylase (h6h) gene expression levels were investigated. Growth curve analysis revealed a decrease in fresh and dry weight of ZnO‐treated hairy roots compared to the control. ANOVA results showed that the antioxidant activity of the enzymes catalase, guaiacol peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase was significantly higher in the ZnO‐treated hairy roots than in the control, as was the TPC. The highest levels of hyoscyamine (37%) and scopolamine (37.63%) were obtained in hairy roots treated with 100 mg/L of ZnO after 48 and 72 h, respectively. Semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR analysis revealed the highest h6h gene expression was in hairy roots treated with 100 mg/L of ZnO after 24 h. It can be concluded that ZnO is as an effective elicitor of tropane alkaloids such as hyoscyamine and scopolamine due to its enhancing effect on expression levels of the biosynthetic h6h gene.
Discussion of “development of a family of unconditionally stable explicit direct integration algorithms with controllable numerical energy dissipation” by Chinmoy Kolay and James M. Ricles
Authors: Maxam Dean J. , Tamma Kumar K.
Published: October 2018

The time integration method proposed by Kolay and Ricles, which was claimed to be both explicit and unconditionally stable, is shown to be implicit in the sense of requiring the factorization of an effective stiffness matrix where an explicit method needs no solver. Its original derivation procedure employed discrete control theory concepts, which are in fact, equivalent to conventional recurrence relation concepts aiming to match its spectral properties with those of the three‐parameter optimal/generalized‐α method, thus giving rise to an implicit method within the class of linear multistep methods. It is shown that the resulting method possesses several added computational drawbacks due to its derivation procedure, such as additional effective stiffness inversions and a degraded order of accuracy in general.
The mix of good nutritional attitude and poor nutritional knowledge is associated with adequate intake of vitamin A and iron from wild fruits and vegetables among rural households in Acholi subregion of Northern Uganda
Authors: Okidi Lawrence , Odongo Walter , Ongeng Duncan
Published: October 2018

Nutritional knowledge and attitude of a population greatly affect intake of essential micronutrients. Much of the understanding on the impact of nutritional knowledge and attitude on nutrient intake has been derived from studies conducted among affluent societies using commercial food products. However, information on the link between status of nutritional knowledge and attitude on intake of essential nutrients from wild fruits and vegetables among rural communities is largely lacking. This study examined the status of nutritional knowledge and attitude associated with intake of vitamin A and iron from wild fruits and vegetables among rural households in Acholi subregion of northern Uganda. A cross‐sectional study design making use of individual household questionnaire and proximate dietary recall of a calendar year consumption period involving 248 randomly selected rural households was applied. Results showed that households had good nutritional attitude but poor nutritional knowledge. Status of knowledge was dependent on nutrition training (p = 0.028; coefficient, β = 0.710) and age of the respondent (p = 0.044; β = −0.023), whereas status of attitude was predicted by age of the respondent (p = 0.014; β = 0.048). Consumption of wild fruits and vegetables contributed adequately to the dietary vitamin A and iron requirements of the households. The results have demonstrated that intake of vitamin A and iron from wild fruits and vegetables among rural households is associated with good nutritional attitude but poor nutritional knowledge. A concerted effort is necessary to improve household nutritional knowledge for better utilization of wild fruits and vegetables.
Nutritional and alcoholic contents of cheka: A traditional fermented beverage in Southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Binitu Worku Belay , Gemede Habtamu Fekadu , Woldegiorgis Ashagrie Zewdu
Published: October 2018

Cheka is a cereal and vegetable‐based beverage which is consumed in Southwestern parts of Ethiopia particularly in Dirashe and Konso. In this study, nine cheka samples were collected from vending houses in Konso and Dirashe districts for the laboratory analysis of the nutritional profile and chemical properties of cheka. The pH and titratable acidity of the samples ranged from 3.53–3.99 and 0.80%–1.11%, respectively. The total solids, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, total ash, carbohydrate, and gross energy contents of the samples ranged from 21.05%–26.87%, 3.12–4.44 g/100 g, 1.17–1.81 g/100 g, 0.94–1.27, 0.65–0.93 g/100 g, 14.16–19.03 g/100 g, and 82.04–107.17 Kcal, respectively. The dietary Ca, Fe, and Zn content of the samples were ranged from 8.31–19.60 mg/100 g, 13.94–27.59 mg/100 g and 0.82–1.07 mg/100 g, respectively. The methanol and ethanol contents of the cheka samples ranged from 163.1–2,380 ppm and 3.04%–8.96% v/v, respectively. The findings of this study indicated that cheka has low nutrient content and thus, suggests that people in Konso and Dirashe should not rely on it without eating solid foods as it is almost always diluted with a significant amount of water. In conclusion, the longer fermentation time of cheka resulted in high methanol levels that can present adverse health effects to consumers.
Differential expression of a stress‐regulated gene Nr4a2 characterizes early‐ and late‐born hippocampal granule cells
Authors: Imura Tetsuya , Kobayashi Yasuyuki , Suzutani Ken , Ichikawa‐Tomikawa Naoki , Chiba Hideki
Published: October 2018

Neural progenitors acquire GFAP expression during the perinatal period and continue to generate granule cells (GCs) in the hippocampal dentate gyrus throughout adulthood. Cellular characteristics of GFAP+ progenitor‐derived late‐born GCs in comparison with early‐born GCs remain unknown. Using genetic fate mapping in mice, we show that early‐ and late‐born GCs are concentrated in the outer and inner side of the GC layer, respectively. We then identify that a nuclear orphan receptor Nr4A2 is preferentially expressed by early‐born GCs. Nr4a2 expression is dynamically regulated in response to restraint stress and glucocorticoid levels, indicating that Nr4a2 is a stress‐regulated gene in GCs. Acute stress suppresses but chronic stress conversely induces Nr4a2 expression in GCs. The survival of newly generated GCs is impaired by chronic restraint stress and long‐term stress after middle age decreases the proportion of late‐born GCs in aged mice. Thus, early‐ and late‐born GCs exhibit characteristic anatomical distribution, differential gene expression, and distinct response to environmental stress.
Preliminary exploration of potential molecular therapeutic targets in recurrent and metastatic parathyroid carcinomas
Authors: Cui Ming , Hu Ya , Bi Yalan , Wang Weiwei , Wang Mengyi , Zhang Xiang , Zhang Ronghua , Wang Peipei , Su Zhe , Gao Xiang , Wang Jiali , Li Qing , Liao Quan , Zhao Yupei
Published: October 2018

Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is a rare endocrine malignancy. Surgical resection is curative for local lesions, while effective therapies are lacking for recurrent or metastatic PCs. To study whether targeted therapies could be applied in recurrent or metastatic PCs, potential therapeutic targets were identified with next‐generation sequencing (NGS). DNA was extracted from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) sections from 19 recurrent or metastatic PC samples. A panel of 560 genes was sequenced with NGS to identify genomic alterations at an average sequencing depth of 581×. In total, 190 genomic alterations were identified. Nine PC samples (47%) harbored at least one potentially actionable genomic alteration including in the after genes: ROS1 (5/19; 26%), PTEN (3/19; 16%), TSC1 (2/19; 11%), PIK3CA (1/19; 5%), AKT1 (1/19; 5%), MTOR (1/19; 5%), ERBB2 (1/19; 5%), NTRK1 (1/19; 5%), IDH1 (1/19; 5%) and FGFR3 (1/19; 5%). CDC73 mutations were detected in 9/19 (47%) PC samples. Additional recurrent genomic alterations were identified in MSH2 (15/19; 79%), AR (9/19; 47%), BCR (8/19; 42%), SLC45A3 (6/19; 32%), MAGI1 (5/19; 26%), ZNF521 (4/19; 21%), KMT2C (4/19; 21%) and NOTCH4 (4/19; 21%). Our study identified a relatively high frequency of potentially actionable genomic alterations in PC patients in a Chinese population for the first time. A series of recurrent mutant genes was detected as well. Our study contributes to both the selection of novel targeted therapies for PC and further molecular understanding of this refractory malignancy.
Precancerous cervical lesions and HPV genotypes identified in previously unsatisfactory cervical smear tests after inexpensive glacial acetic acid processing
Authors: Risley Carolann , Geisinger Kim R. , Robinson Jennifer C. , Stewart Mary W. , Zhang Lei , Alexander Rhonda , Raab Stephen S.
Published: October 2018

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of using glacial acetic acid (GAA) to convert unsatisfactory bloody ThinPrep (TP) cervical smear test to satisfactory, and identify associated missed diagnoses and high‐risk HPV (hrHPV) genotypes.

Methods

In a retrospective descriptive cross‐sectional analysis, all TP tests performed in Mississippi, USA, 2012–2016, were evaluated for unsatisfactory results owing to blood. Tests that were converted to satisfactory by GAA treatment, and corresponding anomalies and HPV genotypes were identified.

Results

Among 106 384 TP tests, there were 1460 (1.37%) unsatisfactory results, of which 1442 (98.77%) were converted to satisfactory after GAA treatment. Laboratory preprocessing with GAA increased costs minimally. Precancerous lesions were detected in 166 (11.51%) of 1442 GAA‐treated samples, of which 12 (7.2%) were high‐grade lesions, 110 (66.3%) were atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, and 63 (57.3%) tested positive for hrHPV. Of 60 genotyped samples, 39 (65%) had non‐HPV16 and non‐HPV18. Including mixed infections, 48 (80%) contained less‐common hrHPV types, reflecting an unexpected distribution in bloody specimens.

Conclusions

GAA pretreatment of bloody TP tests would reduce the incidence of unsatisfactory results and missed high‐grade lesions, and prevent the cost of repeat tests and delayed treatment. Clinicians without access to GAA should consider HPV testing.
Systemic risk and bank business models
Authors: van Oordt Maarten , Zhou Chen
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we decompose banks' systemic risk into two dimensions: the risk of a bank (“bank tail risk”) and the link of the bank to the system in financial distress (“systemic linkage”). Based on extreme value theory, we estimate a systemic risk measure that can be decomposed into two subcomponents reflecting these dimensions. Empirically, we assess the relationships of bank business models to the two dimensions of systemic risk. The observed differences in these relationships partly explain why micro‐ and macroprudential perspectives sometimes have different implications for banking regulation.
A simple and highly efficient method for transduction of human adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Bolandi Zohreh , Hosseini Rad Seyed Mohammad Ali , Soudi Sara , Hashemi Seyed Mahmoud , Ghanbarian Hossein
Published: October 2018

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells capable of differentiating into a wide range of cell types and provide a potential to transfer therapeutic protein in vivo, making them valuable candidates for gene therapy and cell therapy. However, using MSCs in in vivo is limited due to the low rate of transfection and transduction efficacy. Therefore, developing methods to efficiently transfer genes into MSCs would provide a number of opportunities for using them in the clinic. Here, we introduce a simple and robust method for efficient transduction of human adipose‐derived MSCs by modification under the culture condition of human embryonic kidney cells 293 (HEK293T) and MSCs. Moreover, as a transduction enhancer, polybrene was replaced with Lipofectamine, a cationic lipid. Therefore, we showed that transduction of primary cells can be increased efficiently by modifying the culture condition.
The critical role of exosomes in tumor biology
Authors: Jiang Keqiu , Dong Chengyong , Yin Zeli , Li Rui , Wang Qi , Wang Liming
Published: October 2018

Exosomes are a type of extracellular vesicles (diameter, 30‐160 nm), which contain multiple proteins, nucleic acids, lipid molecules, and other substances. Most types of cells can secrete exosomes, although the biogenesis, composition, and function is specific to different cell types. Recently, many studies have demonstrated that exosomes play a critical role in tumor development. In this review, we briefly summarize the biogenesis, composition, and function of exosomes. We also discuss the recent advances in the critical role of exosomes in tumor biology with a special focus on their application in tumor diagnosis and treatment.
Prolonged high‐glucose exposure decreased SREBP‐1/FASN/ACC in Schwann cells of diabetic mice via blocking PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Zhu Lin , Du Wei , Liu Yaping , Cheng Meijuan , Wang Xiumin , Zhang Cuihong , Lv Xin , Li Fan , Zhao Song , Hao Jun
Published: October 2018

Abnormal lipid metabolism and SREBP‐1 downregulation are reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). In the current study, the relationship between PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and SREBP‐1 expression was explored in Schwann cells of DPN. The phospho‐Akt (Ser 473), phospho‐Akt (Thr 308), and SREBP‐1 expression were inhibited in the sciatic nerves of diabetic mice versus those of normal mice, accompanied with the atrophy of nerve fiber and the irregular myelin sheath. High concentration glucose suppressed phospho‐Akt (Ser 473), phospho‐Akt (Thr 308), and SREBP‐1 expression in cultured Schwann cell (RSC96 cell) in vitro, and 25 mmol/L glucose was enough to lead to the maximum inhibitory effect. The time‐course effect of high glucose showed that Akt phosphorylation gradually decreased with the extension of stimulation time. Somewhat differently, short‐term high‐glucose exposure enhanced SREBP‐1 expression and prolonged high‐glucose stimulation reduced the SREBP‐1 expression in RSC96 cells. Similarly, prolonged high‐glucose stimulation also downregulated FASN messenger RNA (mRNA), ACC mRNA, intracellular triglyceride, and cholesterol. LY294002 suppressed Akt activation followed by the decreased SREBP‐1, FASN, ACC, triglyceride, and cholesterol. Contrarily, the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway agonist insulin pretreatment avoided prolonged high‐glucose stimulation‐blocked Akt activation and increased SREBP‐1, FASN, and ACC expression in the levels of protein and mRNA in RSC96 cells. The knockdown of SREBP‐1 by shRNA prevented insulin‐induced enhanced FASN, ACC mRNA expression, triglyceride, and cholesterol in high‐glucose‐treated RSC96 cells. In conclusion, prolonged high‐glucose exposure inhibits the SREBP‐1/FASN/ACC expression in the Schwann cells of DPN via the blockage of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Postnatal exposure to di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate alters cardiac insulin signaling molecules and GLUT4Ser488 phosphorylation in male rat offspring
Authors: Parsanathan Rajesh , Maria Joseph Angelaalincy , Karundevi Balasubramanian
Published: October 2018

Di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), a distinctive endocrine‐disrupting chemical, is widely used as a plasticizer in a variety of consumer products. It can easily cross the placenta and enter breast milk and then it is rapidly absorbed by offspring. Since it is generally accepted that individuals are more sensitive to chemical exposure during vital developmental periods, we investigated whether DEHP exposure during lactation affects cardiac insulin signaling and glucose homeostasis in the F1 male rat offspring at postnatal day 22 (PND22). Lactating Wistar rats were administered with DEHP (1, 10, and 100 mg/kg/d) or olive oil from lactation day 1 to 21 by oral gavage. All the male pups were perfused and killed on PND22. On the day before the killing, they were kept for fasting overnight and blood was collected. The cardiac muscle was dissected out, washed in ice‐cold physiological saline repeatedly and used for the assay of various parameters. DEHP‐exposed offspring had significantly lower body weight than the control. DEHP‐exposed offspring showed elevated blood glucose, decreased 14C‐2‐deoxyglucose uptake and 14C‐glucose oxidation in cardiac muscle at PND22. The concentration of upstream insulin signaling molecules such as insulin receptor subunit β (InsRβ) and insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) were downregulated in DEHP‐exposed offspring. However, no significant alterations were observed in protein kinase B (Akt) and Akt substrate of 160 kDa (AS160). Surprisingly, phosphorylation of IRS1
Tyr632 and Akt
Ser473 were diminished. Low levels of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) protein and increased GLUT4
Ser488 phosphorylation which decreases its intrinsic activity and translocation towards plasma membrane were also recorded. Lactational DEHP exposure predisposes F
1 male offspring to cardiac glucometabolic disorders at PND22, which may impair cardiac function.
E2F1‐mediated MNX1‐AS1‐miR‐218‐5p‐SEC61A1 feedback loop contributes to the progression of colon adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ye Yaqun , Gu Binbin , Wang Yi , Shen Sudan , Huang Wei
Published: October 2018

The long noncoding RNA MNX1‐AS1 has been reported to facilitate the progression of glioblastoma and ovarian cancer. Nevertheless, the biological roles and underlying mechanisms of MNX1‐AS1 in colon adenocarcinoma have not been studied until now. In the current study, MNX1‐AS1 was upregulated in colon adenocarcinoma. JASPAR prediction tool showed that E2F1 could bind to the promoter region of MNX1‐AS1. The chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and luciferase reporter assay were used to verify the interactions between MNX1‐AS1 and E2F1. Then functional assays revealed that downregulation of MNX1‐AS1 decreased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in colon adenocarcinoma, but upregulation of E2F1 reversed the effects. Moreover, subcellular fractionation assay manifested that MNX1‐AS1 was enriched in the cytoplasm of colon adenocarcinoma cells, thus we speculated whether MNX1‐AS1 could function as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to play roles in colon adenocarcinoma. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay indicated that MNX1‐AS1 could sponge microRNA‐218‐5p (miR‐218‐5p). Furthermore, we discovered that SEC61A1 was downstream target of miR‐218‐5p, and MNX1‐AS1 acted as a ceRNA to upregulate the expression of SEC61A1 through sponging miR‐218‐5p. Finally, rescue assays confirmed that MNX1‐AS1 facilitated the progression of colon adenocarcinoma through regulating miR‐218‐5p/SEC61A1 axis. Taken together, we concluded that E2F1‐mediated MNX1‐AS1‐miR‐218‐5p‐SEC61A1 feedback loop contributed to the progression of colon adenocarcinoma.
miR‐32 promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma metastasis by targeting CXXC5
Authors: Liu Ya‐Tian , Zong Dan , Jiang Xue‐Song , Yin Li , Wang Li‐Jun , Wang Ting‐Ting , Zhu Jun , He Xia
Published: October 2018

MicroRNA‐32 (miR‐32) functioned as a tumor oncogene in some cancer, which control genes involved in important biological and pathological functions and facilitate the tumor growth and metastasis. However, the role of miR‐32 modulates esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) malignant transformation has not been clarified. Here, we focused on the function and the underlying molecular mechanism of miR‐32 in ESCC. Results discovered a significant increased expression of miR‐32 in ESCC tissues and cells. Downregulation of miR‐32 inhibited the migration, invasion, adhesion of ESCC cell lines (EC9706 and KYSE450), and the levels of EMT protein in vitro. In vivo, miR‐32 inhibitors decrease tumor size, tumor weight, and the number of metastatic nodules. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) results revealed that inhibition of miR‐32 attenuate lung metastasis. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assay showed increased level of E‐cadherin and decreased level of N‐cadherin and Vimentin with treatment of miR‐32 inhibitors. Furthermore, miR‐32 targeted the 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR) of CXXC5, and inhibited the level of mRNA and protein of CXXC5. There is a negative correlation between the expressions of CXXC5 and miR‐32. Then, after EC9706 and KYSE450 cells cotransfected with si‐CXXC5 and miR‐32 inhibitors, the ability of cell migration, invasion, and adhesion was significantly reduced. In addition, the protein expression of EMT and TGF‐β signaling was also depressed. Collectively, these data supply an insight into the positive role of miR‐32 in ESCC progression and metastasis, and its biological effects may attribute the inhibition of TGF‐β signaling mediated by CXXC5.
New generation CPPs show distinct selectivity for cancer and noncancer cells
Authors: Tansi Felista L. , Filatova Margarita P. , Koroev Dmitri O. , Volpina Olga M. , Lange Steffi , Schumann Christina , Teichgräber Ulf K. , Reissmann Siegmund , Hilger Ingrid
Published: October 2018

In the last three decades, many new cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs) were developed that exhibited enhanced cell selectivity. Thus, we aimed to validate the tumor cell selectivity of peptides from this new generation, namely fragments mini‐crotamine and mini‐maurocalcine. Both of these peptides are derived from venoms. Furthermore, we studied an analog of the classical CPP HIV‐TAT(47‐57) with alternating chirality of Arg residues. To allow covalent coupling of cargoes or fluorophores, a cysteine residue was introduced to the N‐terminus of the synthesized peptides. The therapeutic antibody trastuzumab conjugated to different fluorescent dyes was used for internalization studies. Comparison of uptake efficiencies revealed that CPPs of the new generation are in contrast to MPG‐peptides, nearly unable to internalize the noncovalently formed complexes with trastuzumab. Interestingly, the fluorescent derivative of the crotamine fragment was mainly observed in a subpopulation of breast cancer cells, whereas it was homogenously distributed in fibrosarcoma, colon cancer, and noncancerous endothelia cells. Thus, the fluorescent crotamine fragment reported herein is a potent theranostic tool for image‐guided applications. This peptide can be used to pinpoint the level of heterogeneity present within tumors and aid in the generation of therapeutics that target heterogenic subpopulations.