cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interleukin-10 production genotype protects against acute persistent rejection after lung transplantation.

Abstract Background Our previous studies demonstrated that cytokine gene polymorphisms are related to acute rejection in pediatric heart transplantation; a decreased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–α production genotype combined with an increased or intermediate interleukin (IL)–10 production genotype was associated with the smallest incidence of acute rejection. The objective of this study was to determine whether cytokine genotypes TNF-α, IL-10, IL-6, interferon-γ, and transforming growth factor β were associated with acute persistent rejection after lung transplantation. Methods Cytokine genotyping was performed in 119 adult lung transplantation recipients who underwent surveillance transbronchial biopsies during their first year after transplantation. We categorized recipients with acute persistent rejection if they had 2 consecutive biopsy specimens at ≥Grade A2 despite anti-rejection treatment. We performed cytokine genotyping using the polymerase chain reaction–sequence specific primers technique, with a commercially available kit. Results We analyzed the IL-10 genotype in 116 patients. For the increased IL-10 production genotype, 7 of 20 patients (35%) were persistent rejecters. In comparison, 57 of 96 patients (59%) with intermediate or decreased IL-10 production genotype had acute persistent rejection ( p = 0.046). For IL-10 haplotypes associated with intermediate IL-10 production, 30 of 45 patients with GCC/ACC haplotype (67%) had acute persistent rejection compared with 10 of 22 patients with GCC/ATA (45%). In the patients with intermediate IL-10 production, 17 of 22 (77%) with IL-10 GCC/ACC and IL-6 G/C had acute persistent rejection, whereas only 2 of 7 patients (29%) with IL-10 GCC/ATA and IL-6 G/G had acute persistent rejection ( p = 0.018). Conclusions In lung transplant recipients, the increased IL-10 production genotype protects against acute persistent rejection when compared with the intermediate or decreased IL-10 production genotypes. The intermediate IL-10 production genotype in lung transplant recipients can be differentiated into 2 haplotype responses, with the GCC/ACC haplotype associated more with acute persistent rejection. In lung transplant recipients, the immunomodulatory effects of IL-6 are differentiated in the G/C and G/G alleles in conjunction with IL-10 haplotypes, with G/C being associated with more acute persistent rejection in conjunction with the IL-10 GCC/ACC haplotype. Future pharmacogenomic models may incorporate these associations with acute persistent rejection in lung transplant recipients to formulate individualized therapeutic regimens.
Four Thousand Lives Lost: The inquiries of Lord Mersey into the sinking of the ‘Titanic’, the ‘Empress of Ireland’, the ‘Falaba’ and the ‘Lusitania’

If nothing else this is quite an ambitious work. It aspires to take a random cluster of complicated historical puzzle pieces and show how they fit together when properly viewed. Moreover, it reveal...
Gang-Related Gun Violence Socialization, Identity, and Self

Few studies have examined how violent norms are transmitted in street gangs. The purpose of this research is to add to the gang-related literature by examining socialization as the mechanism between street gang membership and violence. To explore this issue, we draw upon in-depth interviews with twenty-two inmates convicted of gang-related gun violence. We find that the gangs are important agents of socialization that help shape a gang member’s sense of self and identity. In addition, inmates reported to us that whereas guns offered them protection, they were also important tools of impression management that helped to project and protect a tough reputation. Our findings provide greater insight into the way gang socialization leads to gun-related violence and has implications for policies aimed at reducing that violence.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus sinusitis in nonhospitalized patients: A systematic review of prevalence and treatment outcomes†

Objectives/Hypothesis: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been isolated from patients with acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), although the exact prevalence is unknown. Similarly, the optimal treatment regimen for MRSA sinusitis has not been determined. The aim of this study was to summarize the existing data on prevalence and treatment outcomes for MRSA sinusitis in nonhospitalized patients. Study Design: A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were queried for English-language studies published between 1942 and 2012. Studies were excluded that did not provide quantitative data on the prevalence or treatment of ARS or CRS with MRSA-positive cultures. An itemized assessment of the risk of bias was conducted for each included study. Results: Of 409 studies identified during systematic review, 12 studies met the criteria for analysis. The level of evidence and freedom from bias of these studies were generally low. The prevalence of MRSA among all culture isolates ranged from 0% to 15.9% for ARS and 1.8% to 20.7% for CRS. Six studies reported quantitative treatment outcomes using variable measures, in which resolution of infection ranged from 58.3% to 100%. The treatment regimens were heterogeneous and included single- and multiple-agent therapy with oral, topical, and parental antibiotics. Conclusions: MRSA-positive cultures are found in a small but significant number of cases of ARS and CRS. Treatment of MRSA sinusitis may be effective, although treatment regimens and outcome measures are variable. Prospective studies utilizing standardized parameters are warranted. Laryngoscope, 2012
Advantages of the activity scanning approach in the modeling of complex construction processes

Construction processes are very complex and include highly interdependent components subject to complex activity startup conditions. A simulation language based on activity cycle diagrams can express the logic of complex simulation models very effectively. This paper uses Stroboscope (STate- and ResOurce-Based Simulation of COnstruction ProcEsses), a three-phase activity scanning simulation language based on extended activity cycle diagrams, to model the operations of a quarry. Although simplified, this example is representative of the complex nature of construction operations.
Campus Eco Tours: an Integrative & Interactive Field Project for Undergraduate Biology Students

Outdoor areas within or near college campuses offer an opportunity for biology students to observe the natural world and apply concepts from class. Here, I describe an engaging and integrative project where undergraduate non-major biology students work in teams to develop and present professional “eco tours.” This project takes place over multiple class sessions and is customizable on the basis of course content. This project encourages students to work collaboratively and demonstrate creativity, and empowers students with opportunities to enhance public-speaking skills and share findings with the greater campus community.
Restorative Biological Processes and Health

Research on psychological influences on physiology primarily focuses on biological responses during stressful challenges, and how those responses can become dysregulated with prolonged or repeated exposure to stressful circumstances. At the same time, humans spend considerable time recovering from those challenges, and a host of biological processes involved in restoration and repair take place during normal, non-stressed activities. We review restorative biological processes and evidence for links between psychosocial factors and several restorative processes including sleep, wound healing, antioxidant production, DNA repair, and telomerase function. Across these biological processes, a growing body of evidence suggests that experiencing negative emotional states, including acute and chronic stress, depressive symptoms, and individual differences in negative affectivity and hostility, can influence these restorative processes. This review calls attention to restorative processes as fruitful mechanisms and outcomes for future biobehavioral research.
Total Synthesis and Characterization of 7-Hypoquinuclidonium Tetrafluoroborate and 7-Hypoquinuclidone BF3 Complex

Derivatives of the fully twisted bicyclic amide 7-hypoquinuclidone are synthesized using a Schmidt–Aube reaction. Their structures were unambiguously confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis and extensive spectroscopic characterization. Furthermore, the stability and chemical reactivity of these anti-Bredt amides are investigated. 7-Hypoquinuclidonium tetrafluoroborate is shown to decompose to a unique nitrogen bound amide–BF3 complex of 7-hypoquinuclidone under anhydrous conditions and to react instantaneously with water making it one of the most reactive amides known to date.
NH4Cl inhibition of acid secretion: possible involvement of an apical K+ channel in bullfrog oxyntic cells

This study was undertaken to determine the mechanism by which ammonium chloride (NH(4)Cl) inhibits stimulated acid secretion in the bullfrog gastric mucosa. To this end, four possible pathways of inhibition were studied: 1) blockade of basolateral K(+) channel, 2) blockade of ion transport activity, 3) neutralization of secreted H(+) in the luminal solution, or 4) ATP depletion. Addition of nutrient 10 mM NH(4)Cl (calculated NH(3) concentration = 92.5 microM and NH(4)(+) concentration = 9.91 mM) inhibited acid secretion within 30 min. Inhibition of acid secretion did not occur by blockade of basolateral K(+) channel activity or ion transport activity or by neutralization of the luminal solution. Although ATP depletion occurred in the presence of NH(4)Cl, the magnitude of ATP depletion in 30 min was not sufficient to inhibit stimulated acid secretion. By comparing the effect of NH(4)Cl on the resistance of inhibited or stimulated tissues, we demonstrate that NH(4)Cl acts specifically on stimulated tissues. We propose that NH(4)Cl blocks activity of an apical K(+) channel present in stimulated oxyntic cells. Our data suggest that the activity of this channel is important for the regulation of acid secretion in bullfrog oxyntic cells.
The Study of the Formation and Growth of Ni-Al Spinel Using a New, Thin-Film, Specimen Geometry

The formation of nickel-aluminate spinel during the reaction between nickel oxide and alumina has been studied by a new approach which utilizes a thin-film substrate of alumina. It is found that the spinel grows in either near- or exact-topotactic alignment along the edges of the thin-film substrate. It also grows on and into the surface of the substrate, but the deviation from exact topotaxy then tends to be larger. The topotactic relationship is such that the (0001) of the alumina is parallel or nearly parallel to the {111} planes of the spinel with $\langle {1\bar 100} \rangle$ parallel to $\langle {1\bar 10} \rangle$ . A second orientation relatioship is found where the $\{{11\bar 20} \}$ of the alumina is parallel or nearly parallel to the {111} planes of the spinel; $\langle {1\bar 100} \rangle$ is again parallel to $\langle {1\bar 10} \rangle$ . First order twin boundaries are found to be common in the spinel particles which have grown on the edge of the thin alumina substrate. Direct observation of the change in the orientation of the spinel twins with respect to the alumina substrate after reannealing is reported. The morphology of the various types of spinel particles is discussed briefly.
Capturing a Ghost. Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Pd(dba)[P(o-Tol)3]2

In an effort to improve upon a literature synthesis of bis[tris(o-tolyl)phosphine]palladium(0) (1) from tris(o-tolyl)phosphine and Pd2(dba)3, we instead isolated a new compound which proved to have the composition Pd(dba)[P(o-Tol)3]2 (2), upon analysis by X-ray crystallography. While this is not the first known palladium compound containing both dba and phosphine ligands, it is, to our knowledge, the first containing dba and tris(o-tolyl)phosphine. This is significant, because mixtures of Pd2(dba)3 and tris(o-tolyl)phosphine are routinely used in cross-coupling protocols, and palladium complexes containing dba and tris(o-tolyl)phosphine have been cited as intermediates in organometallic and polymerization reactions. The most interesting crystallographic parameter for 2 is an abnormally long Pd–P bond length of 2.388(1) A, which we believe is the cause of this complex’s metastability. We also present an alternative synthesis of 1 that does not require a large excess of phosphine.
Copper-catalyzed amidation of 2-phenylpyridine with oxygen as the terminal oxidant.

The Cu(OAc)2-catalyzed, O2-mediated amidation of 2-phenylpyridine via C−H bond activation is reported. A variety of nitrogen reagents including sulfonamides, carboxamides, and anilines participate in the reaction in moderate to good yields.
Fluoride exposure in public drinking water and childhood and adolescent osteosarcoma in Texas

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between fluoride levels in public drinking water and childhood and adolescent osteosarcoma in Texas; to date, studies examining this relationship have been equivocal. Using areas with high and low naturally occurring fluoride, as well as areas with optimal fluoridation, we examined a wide range of fluoride levels in public drinking water. This was a population-based case–control study, with both cases and controls obtained from the Texas Cancer Registry. Eligible cases were Texas children and adolescents <20 years old diagnosed with osteosarcoma between 1996 and 2006. Controls were sampled from children and adolescents diagnosed with either central nervous system (CNS) tumors or leukemia during the same time frame. Using geocoded patient addresses at the time of diagnosis, we estimated patients’ drinking water fluoride exposure levels based on the fluoride levels of their residence’s public water system (PWS). Unconditional logistic regression models were used to assess the association between osteosarcoma and public drinking water fluoride level, adjusting for several demographic risk factors. Three hundred and eight osteosarcoma cases, 598 leukemia controls, and 604 CNS tumor controls met selection criteria and were assigned a corresponding PWS fluoride level. PWS fluoride level was not associated with osteosarcoma, either in a univariable analysis or after adjusting for age, sex, race, and poverty index. Stratified analyses by sex were conducted; no association between PWS fluoride level and osteosarcoma was observed among either males or females. No relationship was found between fluoride levels in public drinking water and childhood/adolescent osteosarcoma in Texas.
A Graduate Training Program for Alcoholic Rehabilitation Specialists

The purpose of this program is to provide intensive specialized graduate training in the area of alcoholic rehabilitation for selected graduate students who are interested in a career in the drug abuse field. This training was a joint effort of the departments of General and Experimental Psychology and Physiology and Health Science at Ball State University and the Alcoholic Treatment Units at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. A balanced program of scientific, theoretical and applied knowledge in this specialized area will prepare the selected graduate students at the Master’s level for a career in this field.
Geographical maldistribution of pediatric medical resources in Seattle-King County.

OBJECTIVE Seattle-King County (SKC) Washington is at risk for regional disasters, especially earthquakes. Of 1.8 million residents, >400,000 (22%) are children, a proportion similar to that of the population of the State of Washington (24%) and of the United States (24%). The county's large area of 2,134 square miles (5,527 km2) is connected through major transportation routes that cross numerous waterways; sub-county zones may become isolated in the wake of a major earthquake. Therefore, each of SKC's three subcounty emergency response zones must have ample pediatric medical response capabilities. To date, total quantities and distribution of crucial hospital resources (available in SKC) to manage pediatric victims of a medical disaster are unknown. This study assessed whether geographical distribution of hospital pediatric resources corresponds to the pediatric population distribution in SKC. METHODS Surveys were delivered electronically to all eight acute care hospitals in SKC that admit pediatric patients. Quantities and categories of pediatric resources, including inpatient treatment space, staff, and equipment, were queried and verified via site visits. RESULTS Within the seven responding hospitals of eight queried, the following were identified: 477 formal pediatric bed spaces (pediatric intensive care unit, neo-natal intensive care unit, general wards, and emergency department), 43 informal pediatric bed spaces (operating room and post-anesthesia care unit), 1,217 pediatric nurses, 554 pediatric physicians, and 252 infant/pediatric-adaptable ventilators. The City of Seattle emergency response zone contains 82.1% of bed spaces, 83.5% of nurses, and 95.8% of physicians, yet only 22.8% of all SKC children live in that zone. CONCLUSIONS The majority of hospital pediatric resources are located in the SKC sub-region with the fewest children. These resources are potentially inaccessible and unable to be redistributed by ground transportation in the event of a significant regional disaster. Future planning for pediatric care in the event of a medical disaster in SKC must address this vulnerability.
Cardiovascular risk factors in the older adult.

The potential benefits of correcting identified cardiovascular risk factors in the elderly are substantial. Treatment of hypertension has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality, and correction of dyslipidemia prevents recurrent coronary events. Other measures (e.g., lowering fibrinogen and homocysteine levels, weight reduction) whose efficacy in the elderly has not been established are nevertheless recommended.
Building Diatomic and Triatomic Superatom Molecules.

In this study, we have developed a method to create Co6Se8 superatoms in which we program the metal–ligand bonds. We exclusively form the Co6Se8 core under simple reaction conditions with a facile separation of products that contain differential substitution of the core. The combination of Co2(CO)8 and PR3 with excess Se gives the differentially and directionally substituted superatoms, Co6Se8(CO)x(PR3)(6–x). The CO groups on the superatom can be exchanged quantitatively with phosphines and isonitriles. Substitution of the CO allows us to manipulate the type and length of chemical bridge between two redox-active superatomic centers in order to modulate intersuperatomic coupling. Linking two superatoms together allows us to form the simplest superatom molecule: a diatomic molecule. We extend the superatom molecule concept to link three superatoms together in a linear arrangement to form acyclic triatomic molecules. These superatom molecules have a rich electrochemical profile and chart a clear path to a wh...
Global Solution of Min-Max Optimization Problems for Nonlinear Dynamic Systems

Abstract Abi-level, branch-and-reduce strategy for solving the min-max optimization problem for nonlinear, continuous-time dynamic systems is described. The proposed method exploits the power of Taylor models to determine function bounds and to reduce the search domains. This provides a rigorous, e-convergent approach to global optimality. It can be applied directly to the min-max problem of interest, without need for problem reformulations or simplifications (e.g., linearization, discrete time). The approach is demonstrated using a computational example.
A Flexible Question-and-Answer Task for Measuring Speech Understanding

This report introduces a new speech task based on simple questions and answers. The task differs from a traditional sentence recall task in that it involves an element of comprehension and can be i...
USE OF INTERACTING DRUGS DID NOT MODIFY TREATMENT EFFECTS OF APIXABAN VERSUS WARFARIN FOR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION: RESULTS FROM THE ARISTOTLE TRIAL

Background: Warfarin is dependent on hepatic enzymes for metabolism while apixaban is a substrate for P-glycoprotein (P-gp) transport and hepatic CYP3A4 (3A4) metabolism. Medications that affect these pathways could modify the anticoagulant exposure and potentially their treatment effect. Methods:
Abstract P242: Adenylate Kinase 2 Deficiency Disrupts Mitochondrial Energetics, AMP Metabolic Signaling, and Metabolomic Response to Myocardial Stress

Adenylate kinase 2 (AK2) isoform in mitochondrial intermembrane/intracristal space provides a conduit facilitating ATP export and delivery to cellular ATPases. AK2+/- transgenic mice is viable while homozygous AK2-/- deficiency results in midgestation embryonic lethality. AK2-/- mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) have severely disrupted mitochondrial cristae structure and display low growth and proliferation potential. Protein knockdown using siRNA indicates that AK2 is critical for cardiomyocyte mitochondrial biogenesis and network formation. Transgenic AK2+/- hearts display greater changes in AMP/ATP ratio and AMPK activation during ischemia compared to wild type suggesting deficient tuning of AMP signals. Metabolomic profile of AK2+/- hearts subjected to myocardial ischemia indicate lower ability to maintain adenine and guanine nucleotide pools. AK2+/- mice have abnormal metabolomic response to treadmill exercise compared to wild type. Metabolomic profiling revealed that most significant plasma metabolites critical in the discrimination between wild type and AK2+/- phenotypes were adenosine, tyrosine, tryptophan and hypoxanthine indicating lower energetic potential of AK2+/- mice. AK2+/- hearts have increased mitochondrial creatine kinase CKmit content which could be viewed as a compensatory mechanism. Thus, AK2 is the first phosphotransfer enzyme which deficiency causes embryonic lethality indicating critical significance of catalyzed nucleotide exchange and conductive transfer in the narrow and crowded mitochondrial intermembrane/intracristal space.
Use of cDNA Selection and Evolutionarily Conserved Sequences to Isolate Transcribed Sequences from Region Xp11.21

Although advances in the development of positional cloning techniques have rapidly accelerated the pace of physical mapping and gene localization, the complete and efficient isolation of transcribed sequences from within large targeted genomic regions remains a significant challenge. Here, we describe two approaches used to isolate transcripts encoded within region Xp11.21. First, subcloned genomic fragments derived from regional YAC clones were used to identify evolutionarily conserved sequences (ECSs); ECSs were used to screen cDNA libraries and isolate regional transcripts. Second, YAC DNA was immobilized on a membrane and hybridized to PCR-amplified cDNA clone inserts; selectively retained inserts were subcloned to construct an enriched region-specific cDNA library. Both techniques were successfully used to isolate region-specific transcribed sequences. The advantages and limitations of each approach are discussed.
Changes in Serving Size, Calories, and Sodium Content in Processed Foods From 2009 to 2015.

INTRODUCTION Approximately 60% of the American diet comes from processed foods, which makes improving their nutritional quality important for Americans' health. The objective of this study was to measure changes in serving sizes, calories, and sodium in top-selling processed foods that were on the market in 2009 and 2015. METHODS We analyzed products in the top 80% of sales in the 54 processed food categories with consistent serving sizes and sales metrics that were on the market in both 2009 and 2015. Mean serving size, calories (per serving and density), sodium (per serving and density), and sales were calculated for 2,979 branded processed food products. For each stratification of calorie density and sodium density (decreased, increased, or did not change), we calculated the mean serving size, calorie density, sodium density, and sales for each year. RESULTS From 2009 to 2015, we found decreases in serving size (-2.3%, P < .001), calories per serving (-2.0%, P < .001), calorie density (-1.1%, P < .001), sodium per serving (-7.6%, P < .001), and sodium density (-6.0%, P < .001). A decrease in calorie density did not correspond to an increase in sodium density or vice versa. A decline in sales was observed regardless of whether calorie density or sodium density decreased, increased, or did not change. CONCLUSION Reductions in calorie and sodium density occurred in tandem, suggesting that manufacturers reformulated for more than one health goal at the same time. Instead of unintended negative consequences of encouraging companies to reformulate for one nutrient, an overall net nutritional benefit occurred.
Tensions between direct measurements of the lens power spectrum from Planck data

We apply a recently developed method to directly measure the gravitational lensing power spectrum from CMB power spectra to the Planck satellite data. This method allows us to analyze the tension between the temperature power spectrum and lens reconstruction in a model-independent way. Even when allowing for arbitrary variations in the lensing power spectrum, the tension remains at the $2.4\ensuremath{\sigma}$ level. By separating the lensing and unlensed high redshift information in the CMB power spectra, we also show that under $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}\mathrm{CDM}$ the two are in tension at a similar level, whereas the unlensed information is consistent with lensing reconstruction. These anomalies are driven by the smoother acoustic peaks relative to $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}\mathrm{CDM}$ at $\ensuremath{\ell}\ensuremath{\sim}1250--1500$. Both tensions relax slightly when polarization data are considered. This technique also isolates the one combination of the lensing power spectrum multipoles that the Planck CMB power spectra currently constrain and can be straightforwardly generalized to future data when CMB power spectra constrain multiple aspects of lensing which are themselves correlated with lensing reconstruction.
Mach Wedges and Upstream Influence in the Partly Hyperbolic Flow Over a Flat Plate

The theory of slender bodies in aerodynamics is a perturbation of uniform flow which is perturbed less by slender bodies than by fat ones. The aerodynamic theory works well, but only because the fluid is required to slip along the slender body. Therefore a result so good as in slender body aerodynamic theory cannot be expected from the linearized Navier-Stokes theory or from the linearized Maxwell models derived in chapter 7. In the Navier-Stokes theory, linearization around uniform flow leads to Oseen’s approximation. We can say that we are making an Oseen approximation to the flow of a viscoelastic fluid around a flat plate.
Urological Aspects of the Tethered Cord Syndrome

We performed urological evaluations in 18 patients with the tethered spinal cord syndrome. Of the patients 4 had low grade vesicoureteral reflux but none had significant upper tract anomalies. Urodynamic studies documented a flaccid bladder in 9 patients (5 with supersensitivity to bethanechol), an uninhibited bladder in 5, mixed bladder dysfunction in 2 and normal function in 2. Repeat urodynamic studies were performed in 15 patients at least 6 months after release of the tethering. Of 8 patients with flaccid bladders studied postoperatively 6 had significant changes: 2 became normal, 2 had limited contractions and 2 had evidence of upper motor neuron abnormalities. Supersensitivity to bethanechol was of no predictive value. All 4 patients with uninhibited bladders who were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively had improved and 3 currently are entirely normal. Careful urological evaluation of patients with the tethered spinal cord syndrome is helpful not only for diagnosis but also for appropriate management preoperatively and postoperatively. The fact that lower urinary tract function improves in some patients should encourage early and aggressive neurosurgical management of patients with this syndrome.
Correlated Model for Wafer Warpage Prediction of Arbitrarily Patterned Films

Increasing power and efficiency requirements are driving a need for more metal content in the silicon back end. After being subjected to high temperature passivation processes, the film stress can increase significantly and lead to warped wafers. Warpage of various metalized wafers was characterized across a broad range of variables. In addition to metal film content and wafer dimensions as primary factors for the warpage, we find a strong dependence on the design of the artwork itself. A methodology was thus developed to predict wafer warpage of arbitrarily patterned films. A multi-scale finite-element-based modeling approach was used for converting a patterned composite film stack into an effective orthotropic film for efficient wafer-level stress and warpage analysis. A robust modeling correlation to the measured warpage was achieved across many variables, in terms of both warpage magnitude and shape.
Abstract #287: BCK4 cells are a new model of mucinous human breast cancer

While there are several cell lines to study luminal breast cancers, few models exist for their rare subtypes, like those with mucinous features. Mucinous breast cancers represent ~3% of infiltrating ductal carcinomas (IDC) but are slower growing and less aggressive than unspecified IDCs. We have created a new mucinous breast cancer cell line called BCK4. Cells from the pleural effusion of a woman with recurrent breast cancer were xenografted into the mammary gland of an immunocompromised, ovariectomized, estrogen-supplemented mouse. Solid tumors were resected, tumor cells were isolated and grown in vitro , to generate BCK4 cells. The cells express human cytokeratins CK7 and CK8/18, and constitutively express estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR), androgen (AR), and glucocorticoid (GR) receptors, as well as epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR). They strongly express the stem cell marker CD44 but lack CK5, another stem cell marker. They are HER2-positive by immunohistochemistry but do not overexpress HER2 by FISH. BCK4 cells have a nearly normal karyotype. They proliferate slowly in vitro , with a doubling time of ~120 hrs. Cell growth is stimulated by androgens and estrogens, and is inhibited by the progestins. The cells are Tamoxifen resistant in vitro . BCK4 cells form disorganized 3D colonies in matrigel, and are highly migratory in Boyden Chamber assays. When grown as xenografts in immunocompromised mouse mammary glands, BCK4 cells are tumorigenic and form mucinous tumors containing signet ring cells. In sum, we have generated a mucinous human breast cancer cell line useful for studying the biology and to develop therapies targeted to this disease. Citation Information: In: Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res; 2009 Apr 18-22; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; 2009. Abstract nr 287.
Civics Across Campus: Designing Effective Extracurricular Programming

This study focuses on examining the role that isolated extracurricular events can play in furthering students’ civic education; these one-time events require fewer resources to implement than cours...
'Fresh seal blood looks like beauty and life': #Sealfies and subsistence in Nunavut

In this paper, I analyse the various functions, meanings and affects associated with seal hunting, eating and sharing seal meat, wearing sealskin clothing and posting #sealfies. Drawing on several ...
Developing an Offline Mobile Application with Health Condition Care and First Aid Instruction for Appropriateness of Medical Treatment

Lower income families which comprise a majority of the population have limited access to proper healthcare given scarcity of public doctors and high costs of private healthcare. However, first aid knowledge among the public is not common and incorrect treatments can be counterproductive. With these, the researchers developed a mobile application program to provide instructions for health concerns based around the needs of Our Lady of Banneux, a community made by Answering the Cry of the Poor (ANCOP) and Couples for Christ (CFC), using the community’s preferred Filipino language. The community is also a partner community of the researchers’ school, La Salle Green Hills (LSGH). Before the program was introduced to the respondents, a survey on the community’s socio-demographic profile and a medical knowledge test on common health concerns were given. Latter was done to establish the respondents’ baseline first aid knowledge. Participants were then divided into control and test groups with their medical knowledge compared. Using a t-test, the findings suggest that the level of medical knowledge between the groups is statistically the same. To see whether any of the respondents’ socio-demographic variables has an association with their medical knowledge, a chi-square test of independence was made and it was revealed that, in both groups, there is not enough evidence to conclude that these have an association. The program was then introduced to the test group and a medical appropriateness test was given to both groups. Based on a t-test done on the scores of the groups, it was found that the program led to significantly higher scores for the test group, indicating that it could help in increasing the appropriateness of first aid interventions.
Missing the Mark: High Rates of Absent and Untimely Access to Specialty Palliative Care in Patients with Peri-Hospital Mortality.

Background: Despite mounting evidence that specialty palliative care (PC) improves patients' symptoms, quality of life, and goal concordant care, these services are likely underutilized. Objective:...
Synthesis and characterization of tricarbonyl(trimethylenemethane)iron complexes: crystal structure of (2-methylene-6-p-nitrobenzoyloxy-heptan-1,3-diyl)Fe(CO)3

A series of substituted tricarbonyl(trimethylenemethane)-iron complexes were prepared by functionalization of (3-butenyltrimethylenemethane)Fe(CO)3 (3) or (formyltrimethylenemethane)Fe(CO)3 (14). The products are characterized by 1H and 13C-n.m.r., i.r. and high resolution mass spectroscopy. In addition, the X-ray diffraction analysis of one of these derivatives (13a) was accomplished. Reactions of (3), which introduce a new chiral centre, occur in a non-diastereoselective fashion, while reactions of (14) that introduce a new chiral centre proceed with good diastereoselectivity. The remote nature of the reactive functionality and the (TMM)Fe(CO)3 group is responsible for the lack of diastereoselectivity for (3). The present work demonstrates the robust nature of the (TMM)Fe(CO)3 fragment, embodied in its resistance toward oxidation, and to attack by nucleophiles.
Association Between Multimodal Analgesia Administration and Perioperative Opioid Requirements in Patients Undergoing Head and Neck Surgery With Free Flap Reconstruction

Importance The opioid epidemic has reignited interest in opioid-sparing strategies in managing pain. However, few studies have focused on opioid use during perioperative care in patients undergoing head and neck surgery with free flap reconstruction. Objectives To examine the association between multimodal analgesia (MMA) administration and perioperative opioid requirements in patients undergoing head and neck surgery with free flap reconstruction and to investigate whether MMA alters the duration of stay in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Design, Setting, and Participants In this retrospective case-control study, data were collected between April 1, 2016, and December 31, 2017. The study was conducted at a single cancer center in the United States. Participants were 357 patients 18 years or older scheduled for head and neck surgery with free flap reconstruction. Exposures Patients in the treatment group received oral celecoxib, gabapentin, and/or tramadol hydrochloride before surgery. Control group patients did not receive any of these medications. Main Outcomes and Measures The amount of opioid administered in the operating room and in the PACU was converted to morphine equivalent daily dose (MEDD) for comparison between the 2 groups. The duration of stay in the PACU was based on the start time and end time of PACU care recorded by nurses in the PACU. Results In total, 149 patients (mean [SD] age, 60.3 [13.7] years; 104 [69.8%] men) were included in the treatment group, and 208 patients (mean [SD] age, 64.2 [13.6] years; 146 [70.2%] men) were included in the control group. The mean (SD) MEDD of opioid given during surgery was 51.7 (19.8) in the treatment group and 67.9 (24.7) in the control group, for a difference in the means (treatment vs control) of −16.17 (95% CI, −20.81 to −11.52). In the PACU, the mean (SD) MEDD of opioid given was 11.7 (13.3) in the treatment group and 14.9 (15.7) in the control group, for a difference in the means (treatment vs control) of −3.22 (95% CI, −6.40 to −0.03). The MMA treatment remained largely associated with reduced amount of opioid given during surgery, in the PACU, and both combined after controlling for other important factors. Conclusions and Relevance This case-control study found that the patients who received MMA before head and neck surgery with free flap reconstruction required less opioid medication. The treatment group also had shorter duration of stay in the PACU compared with the control group.
Evolution of Network Structure and Mechanical Properties in Autonomous-Strengthening Dental Adhesive.

The inherent degradation property of most dental resins in the mouth leads to the long-term release of degradation by-products at the adhesive/tooth interface. The by-products increase the virulence of cariogenic bacteria, provoking a degradative positive-feedback loop that leads to physicochemical and mechanical failure. Photoinduced free-radical polymerization and sol‒gel reactions have been coupled to produce a novel autonomous-strengthening adhesive with enhanced hydrolytic stability. This paper investigates the effect of network structure on time-dependent mechanical properties in adhesives with and without autonomous strengthening. Stress relaxation was conducted under 0.2% strain for 8 h followed by 40 h recovery in water. The stress‒time relationship is analyzed by nonlinear least-squares data-fitting. The fitted Prony series predicts the sample’s history under monotonic loading. Results showed that the control failed after the first loading‒unloading‒recovery cycle with permanent deformation. While for the experimental sample, the displacement was almost completely recovered and the Young’s modulus increased significantly after the first test cycle. The experimental polymer exhibited higher degree of conversion, lower leachate, and time-dependent stiffening characteristics. The autonomous-strengthening reaction persists in the aqueous environment leading to a network with enhanced resistance to deformation. The results illustrate a rational approach for tuning the viscoelasticity of durable dental adhesives.
Pathophysiology of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Pathophysiology of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Research on IBDs has identified disrupted immune responses in the gastrointestinal mucosa and putative disruptions in the gut microbiome as causative ...
Micromachined Capacitive Vibration Sensor with High Passband Flatness for Condition Based Monitoring

A micromachined capacitive vibration sensor is proposed in this work for machine tool condition monitoring. The sensing element design, readout circuit, system module design, and experimental results are also investigated. A systematic FIR compensation filter for the proposed vibration monitoring system enhances the flatness of the passband frequency so that the output amplitude of the sensor keeps near a constant under different excitation frequencies. The passband flatness of the compensated MEMS vibration sensor is about 7.5% with the 5kHz bandwidth and the noise density is about $31\mu g/\sqrt {Hz} $. Finally, the vibration sensor is characterized and verified by the metal milling process for the performance and the feasibility for machine condition-based monitoring.
Microengineered 3D Tumor Models for Anti-Cancer Drug Discovery in Female-Related Cancers

The burden of cancer continues to increase in society and negatively impacts the lives of numerous patients. Due to the high cost of current treatment strategies, there is a crucial unmet need to develop inexpensive preclinical platforms to accelerate the process of anti-cancer drug discovery to improve outcomes in cancer patients, most especially in female patients. Many current methods employ expensive animal models which not only present ethical concerns but also do not often accurately predict human physiology and the outcomes of anti-cancer drug responsiveness. Conventional treatment approaches for cancer generally include systemic therapy after a surgical procedure. Although this treatment technique is effective, the outcome is not always positive due to various complex factors such as intratumor heterogeneity and confounding factors within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Patients who develop metastatic disease still have poor prognosis. To that end, recent efforts have attempted to use 3D microengineered platforms to enhance the predictive power and efficacy of anti-cancer drug screening, ultimately to develop personalized therapies. Fascinating features of microengineered assays, such as microfluidics, have led to the advancement in the development of the tumor-on-chip technology platforms, which have shown tremendous potential for meaningful and physiologically relevant anti-cancer drug discovery and screening. Three dimensional microscale models provide unprecedented ability to unveil the biological complexities of cancer and shed light into the mechanism of anti-cancer drug resistance in a timely and resource efficient manner. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the development of microengineered tumor models for anti-cancer drug discovery and screening in female-related cancers. We specifically focus on female-related cancers to draw attention to the various approaches being taken to improve the survival rate of women diagnosed with cancers caused by sex disparities. We also briefly discuss other cancer types like colon adenocarcinomas and glioblastoma due to their high rate of occurrence in females, as well as the high likelihood of sex-biased mutations which complicate current treatment strategies for women. We highlight recent advances in the development of 3D microscale platforms including 3D tumor spheroids, microfluidic platforms as well as bioprinted models, and discuss how they have been utilized to address major challenges in the process of drug discovery, such as chemoresistance, intratumor heterogeneity, drug toxicity, etc. We also present the potential of these platform technologies for use in high-throughput drug screening approaches as a replacements of conventional assays. Within each section, we will provide our perspectives on advantages of the discussed platform technologies.
IngID: A framework for parsing and systematic reporting of ingredients used in commercially packaged foods

Abstract There is lack of information in the scientific literature on types of ingredients used in packaged foods. USDA’s Global Branded Food Products Database makes publicly available a compiled dataset of ingredient lists for over a quarter million commercial food products. This paper reports on the development of a framework for parsing and systematic reporting of ingredients used in commercially packaged foods (IngID) in the US and delineates the complexity and challenges of current ingredient lists, using baked products to illustrate. The major steps in the development of IngID prototype were 1) identifying top-selling baked products, 2) obtaining their ingredient lists, 3) parsing individual ingredients after several pre-processing steps as ingredient lists were inconsistent and varied, 4) building a thesaurus by assigning a preferred descriptor to equivalent terms such as synonyms and spelling errors, and 5) assigning broader terms such as flour, sweeteners. The current version of IngID includes 3 main files - an input Food details file, an output file of parsed text strings, and a thesaurus of ∼6500 parsed ingredients. IngID can help improve our understanding of commercial ingredients, characterizing foods in dimensions other than the traditional nutrient profiles, development of food ontology, computer programs and artificial intelligence tools.
RAREsim: A simulation method for very rare genetic variants

Abstract Identification of rare variant associations is crucial to fully characterize the genetic architecture of complex traits and diseases. Essential in this process is the evaluation of novel methods in simulated data that mirrors the distribution of rare variants and haplotype structure in real data. Additionally, importing real variant annotation enables in silico comparison of methods that focus on putative causal variants, such as rare variant association tests, and polygenic scoring methods. Existing simulation methods are either unable to employ real variant annotation or severely under- or over-estimate the number of singletons and doubletons reducing the ability to generalize simulation results to real studies. We present RAREsim, a flexible and accurate rare variant simulation algorithm. Using parameters and haplotypes derived from real sequencing data, RAREsim efficiently simulates the expected variant distribution and enables real variant annotations. We highlight RAREsim’s utility across various genetic regions, sample sizes, ancestries, and variant classes.
Oral health clinical training and dental referral program for nurses: An interprofessional collaborative project.

Abstract Introduction The overall objective of this study was to establish an interprofessional oral health training program for nursing personnel at Oregon Health & Science University. Methods Fifteen registered nurses participated in didactic and clinical training and screened the oral health of patients. Nurses completed confidence assessments and patients completed satisfaction surveys. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests for comparisons of mean scores. Results Pre- and post-training surveys demonstrated significant increases in nurses’ knowledge, confidence in discussing dental problems, performing dental screenings, and referring patients to dentists (p Conclusions Nurses participating in oral health and clinical screening training programs supervised by dentists significantly increased their confidence in providing dental referrals. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine the impact of such training programs on patient health.
Masculinizing gender-affirming surgery for trans men and non-binary individuals: what you should know

Gender dysphoria, the discordance between one's gender identity and anatomy, affects nearly 25 million people worldwide, and the prevalence of transgender and non-binary identities is increasing because of greater acceptance and awareness. Because of the improved accessibility to gender-affirming surgery (GAS), many providers will care for patients during and after gender transition. For trans men (female-to-male), GAS represents a combination of procedures rather than a single surgery. The particular combination of masculinizing procedures is chosen on the basis of informed patient-provider discussions regarding the patient's goals and anatomy and implemented through a multidisciplinary team approach. In this review, we describe the common procedures comprising masculinizing GAS to improve delivery of specialized care for this patient population.