bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decreased expression of LIF mRNA in patients withmyoma uteri
Authors: Kara Mustafa , Sabah Ozcan Seda , Aran Turhan , Kara Ozlem , Yilmaz Neziha
Published: September 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate endometrial receptivity by measuring HOXA‐10, HOXA‐11, and LIF gene expressions in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Methods

A total of 48 women were included in this clinical study. Thepatients were allocated to two groups: study group consisted of 28 patients with myoma uteri and control group consisted of 20 patients without myoma uteri. Endometrial sampling was performed during the proliferative phase. The biopsies obtained from the patients with myoma uteri were taken from the place where the fibroids were localized. HOXA‐10, HOXA‐11, and LIF expressions were measured in the endometrial sampling material. Demographic data of the patients such as age, obstetric and gynecologic history, medical conditions, medications, surgical history, last menstrual period were recorded. Also, the number, size, localization, and type of the myoma were registered.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 42.07 and 38.17, respectively. HOXA‐11 levels in the study and control groups were 0.004 ± 0.001 and 0.010 ± 0.001, respectively (
P < 0.90). Paradoxically, HOXA‐10 levels were found to be higher in the study group than the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (
P < 0.25). LIF levels were significantly lower in the study group (
P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results showed that myoma uteri might lead to a decrease in implantation rate by diminishing LIF gene expressions. However, there were no differences between the two groups in terms of HOXA‐10 and HOXA‐11 levels.
Stepwise basis set selection
Authors: Li M. W. , Zimmerman P. M.
Published: September 2018

The computational cost of quantum chemical methods grows rapidly with increasing level of theory and basis set size. At increasing costs, higher accuracies can be reached, forcing a compromise between cost and accuracy for most molecular systems. Heats of reaction, however, are mostly determined by a subset of atoms that experience significant bonding and/or electronic changes. To exploit this fact, the Stepwise Basis Builder (SBB) algorithm selectively adds basis functions to reactive atoms and maintains small basis sets on spectator atoms. This article introduces the SBB algorithm and how it chooses a basis for each atom, predicts calculation errors, and uses these predicted errors to reach target levels of accuracy. Benchmarks show SBB heats of reaction and activation barriers converge to values consistent with higher‐quality calculations using a greatly reduced number of basis functions. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CONDON 3.0: An Updated Software Package for Magnetochemical Analysis‐All the Way to Polynuclear Actinide Complexes
Authors: Speldrich Manfred , van Leusen Jan , Kögerler Paul
Published: September 2018

An update to the computational framework CONDON, introducing the ability to model and predict the magnetic and electronic properties of polynuclear exchanged‐coupled actinide systems, such as homonuclear and heteronuclear coordination clusters of 5f ions, is presented. The program can intuitively fit experimental magnetic and spectroscopic data from multiple sources simultaneously, under consideration of a “full model” ligand field theory Hamiltonian. CONDON accounts simultaneously for all aspects relevant to the magnetic characteristics: interelectronic repulsion, ligand field potential, spin‐orbit coupling, interatomic exchange interactions, and applied magnetic field. As exemplified by several examples, CONDON represents the first program package able to accurately describe single‐ion effect in exchange‐coupled actinide systems, limited only by available computational resources. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analytical calculation of pressure for confined atomic and molecular systems using the eXtreme‐Pressure Polarizable Continuum Model
Authors: Cammi Roberto , Chen Bo , Rahm Martin
Published: September 2018

We show that the pressure acting on atoms and molecular systems within the compression cavity of the eXtreme‐Pressure Polarizable Continuum method can be expressed in terms of the electron density of the systems and of the Pauli‐repulsion confining potential. The analytical expression holds for spherical cavities as well as for cavities constructed from van der Waals spheres of the constituting atoms of the molecular systems. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association of serum adropin with the presence of atrial fibrillation and atrial remodeling
Authors: Wang Bin , Xue Yusheng , Shang Fujun , Ni Sifeng , Liu Xiongtao , Fan Boyuan , Wang Haichang
Published: September 2018

Objective

Adropin, a newly identified regulatory protein encoded by Enho gene, suppressed tumor necrosis factor α‐induced THP1 monocyte adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In addition, inflammation is demonstrated to be involved in the mechanism of atrial fibrillation (AF). Atrial remodeling is correlated with the persistence and progression of AF. Adropin is hypothesized to correlated with AF and atrial remodeling. This study aims to determine the correlation of serum adropin and the presence of AF and remodeling.

Methods

This study consisted of 344 AF patients and 210 healthy controls. AF patients were then divided into three subgroups of paroxysmal AF, persistent AF, and permanent AF. Serum adropin concentrations were examined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method. Left atrial diameter (LAD) was measured to evaluate atrial remodeling.

Results

Decreased serum adropin concentrations were found in AF patients compared with healthy controls. Logistic regression analysis confirmed that serum adropin was inversely associated with the presence of AF (OR 0.218, 95% CI 0.15‐0.316; P < 0.001). Permanent AF patients had significantly reduced serum adropin concentrations compared with persistent and paroxysmal AF patients. There were decreased serum adropin concentrations in persistent AF group than those in paroxysmal AF group. Simple linear regression analyses showed that serum adropin in AF patients were negatively correlated with BMI, SBP, and LAD. Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that LAD remained to be inversely associated with serum adropin (β = 0.2, P = 0.010).

Conclusion

Serum adropin concentrations are inversely correlated with the presence of AF and atrial remodeling.
Interleukin‐7 gene polymorphism rs766736182 associates with the risk of asthma in children
Authors: Cao Junhua , Tian Lijun , Li Zhenguang , Zhang Chonglin , Ji Qiang , Zhang Chuanling , Qian Tong
Published: September 2018

Background

Recently studies uncovered associations between polymorphisms of interleukin genes and the risk of asthma. However, the relationship between polymorphisms of interleukin‐7 gene and the risk of children asthma has not been discovered yet. This study aims to investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on interleukin‐7 gene and the risk of children asthma.

Methods

We genotyped eight SNPs of interleukin‐7 gene in blood samples from 437 asthma patients and 489 healthy controls to analyze potential associations of these SNPs with the risk of asthma in children.

Results

A missense SNP rs766736182 (odds ratio (OR) = 2.185, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.561‐2.252, P‐value = 8.69468E‐19) of the interleukin‐7 gene is associated with the risk of children asthma.

Conclusions

This study reveals that SNP rs766736182 of interleukin‐7 is the risk factor for children asthma and implies potential role of immune system in the pathogenesis of children asthma.
Glucocorticoids reduce chemotherapeutic effectiveness on OSCC cells via glucose‐dependent mechanisms
Authors: Celentano Antonio , McCullough Michael , Cirillo Nicola
Published: September 2018

Synthetic corticosteroids are routinely administered during the treatment of several diseases, including malignancies. However, recent evidence suggests that corticosteroids may have tumor‐promoting effects, particularly in epithelial neoplasms. Our aim was to assess the role of the recently characterized cancer‐associated glucocorticoid (GC) system in the resistance to chemotherapy of oral malignant keratinocytes. Human malignant oral keratinocyte cell lines H314/H357/H400/BICR16/BICR56 were tested with: two chemotherapeutic agents, doxorubicin (DOXO) and 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), as well as hydrocortisone (HC), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), 5‐pregnen‐3‐beta‐ol‐20‐one‐16‐alfa‐carbonitrile (PCN), and two glucose uptake inhibitors, Fasentin and WZB. Both DOXO and 5‐FU induced apoptosis in a dose‐dependent and time‐dependent manner. HC administration (100 nM) reduced the effectiveness of both chemotherapeutic agents to a variable extent in all 5 oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. ACTH also reduced the effectiveness of DOXO on 2 cell lines tested (H357 and BICR56). The glucose uptake inhibitors Fasentin and WZB were able to partially block the increased resistance to the cytotoxic drugs induced by HC. In summary, we have demonstrated, for the first time, the importance of cortisol on oral cancer cells ability to proliferate and combat the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents. This effect appears to be glucose dependent.
Positive feedback loop of lncRNA LINC01296/miR‐598/Twist1 promotes non‐small cell lung cancer tumorigenesis
Authors: Xu Lijuan , Wei Bin , Hui Hongxia , Sun Yuan , Liu Yangqing , Yu Xiaojuan , Dai Jian
Published: September 2018

Emerging evidence has illustrated the vital roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in human cancers. However, the role of lncRNAs in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still elusive and poorly understood. In the current study, our team conducted extensive experiments to identify the role of long intergenic nonprotein coding (LINC01296) on NSCLC tumorigenesis. The results illustrated that the elevated LINC01296 expression in NSCLC tissue specimens and cell lines were closely correlated with the poor prognosis of patients with NSCLC. Functional studies revealed that LINC01296 knockdown silenced by small interfering RNAs inhibited proliferation, accelerated apoptosis in vitro, and impaired tumor growth in vivo. Mechanical studies showed that INC01296 harbored miR‐598, acting as a microRNA “sponge.” Besides, miR‐598 targeted the 3′‐UTR of Twist1. Interestingly, transcription factor Twist1 could bind with the promoter of INC01296 and activate its transcriptional level. In summary, we conclude that INC01296/miR‐598/Twist1 constitutes a positive feedback loop to promote the tumorigenesis of NSCLC, providing a novel insight and a valuable therapeutic strategy.
Exercise rescues the immune response fine‐tuned impaired by peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors γ deletion in macrophages
Authors: Silveira Loreana Sanches , Batatinha Helena Angélica Pereira , Castoldi Angela , Câmara Niels Olsen Saraiva , Festuccia Willian T. , Souza Camila Oliveira , Rosa Neto José Cesar , Lira Fábio Santos
Published: September 2018

Background

Exercise is a powerful tool for prevention and treatment of many conditions related to the cardiovascular system and also chronic low‐grade inflammation. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors γ (PPARγ) exerts an import role on the regulation of metabolic profile and subsequent inflammatory response, especially in macrophages.

Purpose

To investigate the effects of 8‐week moderate‐exercise training on metabolic and inflammatory parameters in mice with PPARγ deficiency in myeloid cells.

Methods

Twelve‐week old mice bearing PPARγ deletion exclusively in myeloid cells (PPARγlox/lox Lys Cre
−/+, knockout [KO]) and littermate controls (PPARγlox/lox Lys Cre
−/−, wild type [WT]) were submitted to 8‐week exercise training (treadmill running at moderate intensity, 5 days/week). Animals were evaluated for food intake, glucose homeostasis, serum metabolites, adipose tissue and peritoneal macrophage inflammation, and basal and stimulated cytokine secretion.

Results

Exercise protocol did not improve glucose metabolism or adiponectin concentrations in serum of KO mice. Moreover, the absence of PPARγ in macrophages exacerbated the proinflammatory profile in sedentary mice. Peritoneal cultured cells had higher tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) secretion in nonstimulated and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated conditions and higher Toll‐4 receptor (TLR4) gene expression under LPS stimulus. Trained mice showed reduced TNF‐α content in adipose tissue independently of the genotype. M2 polarization ability was impaired in KO peritoneal macrophages after exercise training, while adipose tissue‐associated macrophages did not present any effect by PPARγ ablation.

Conclusion

Overall, PPARγ seems necessary to maintain macrophages appropriate response to inflammatory stimulus and macrophage polarization, affecting also whole body lipid metabolism and adiponectin profile. Exercise training showed as an efficient mechanism to restore the immune response impaired by PPARγ deletion in macrophages.
In vivo microscopic and optical coherence tomography classification of neurotrophic keratopathy
Authors: Mastropasqua Leonardo , Nubile Mario , Lanzini Manuela , Calienno Roberta , Dua Harminder S.
Published: September 2018

Neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) is a rare degenerative corneal disorder characterized by instability of epithelial integrity with consequent epithelial defects that can worsen up to persistent epithelial defects with stromal melting and ulceration. The pathogenesis of NK springs from a variable degree of damage to the trigeminal nerve plexus, leading to a reduction or total loss of corneal sensitivity. Mackie classification (1995) distinguishes three stages of NK, based on the severity of clinical presentation. The technological innovations in corneal diagnostic imaging allow clinicians to accurately study the morphometry and morphology of corneal structure with microscopic resolution. In this study, 45 patients affected by NK at different stages underwent in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS‐OCT) with particular attention to analyze subbasal nerve plexus fibers and the stromal structure. At the light of IVCM and AS‐OCT observations, we propose a different staging of NK with respect to the Mackie's classification that takes into account the severity of subbasal nerve fibers damage and the extension in depth of stromal ulceration; this classification better defines, at the time of diagnosis, the cellular and structural alterations in the affected corneas, with possible prognostic and therapeutic values in the management of NK.
Upregulation of lncRNA DGCR5 correlates with better prognosis and inhibits bladder cancer progression via transcriptionally facilitating P21 expression
Authors: Fang Chen , He Wei , Xu Tianyuan , Dai Jun , Xu Le , Sun Fukang
Published: September 2018

Mounting studies show that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) could affect human cancer progression, including bladder cancer (BCa). LncRNA DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 5 (DGCR5) has been proven to be involved in lung cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the function of DGCR5 in BCa remains largely unknown. Here, we found that DGCR5 expression was significantly downregulated in BCa tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. Higher expression of DGCR5 predicted higher survival rate in BCa patients. Functional experiments indicated that DGCR5 overexpression markedly inhibited that proliferation, colony formation, and cell‐cycle progression in BCa cells. Furthermore, ectopic expression of DGCR5 led to decreased BCa cell migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition while promoting apoptosis. In vivo xenograft assay also illustrated that DGCR5 overexpression inhibited BCa growth. In the mechanism, we found that DGCR5 interacted with AT‐rich interaction domain 1A (ARID1A), a chromatin remodeling protein, to promote P21 transcription. Knockdown of P21 could significantly rescue the suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion of BCa cells by DGCR5 overexpression. In summary, our study demonstrated that DGCR5 transcriptionally promotes P21 expression to suppress BCa progression.
Curcumin: A naturally occurring autophagy modulator
Authors: Shakeri Abolfazl , Cicero Arrigo F. G. , Panahi Yunes , Mohajeri Mohammad , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: September 2018

Autophagy is a self‐degradative process that plays a pivotal role in several medical conditions associated with infection, cancer, neurodegeneration, aging, and metabolic disorders. Its interplay with cancer development and treatment resistance is complicated and paramount for drug design since an autophagic response can lead to tumor suppression by enhancing cellular integrity and tumorigenesis by improving tumor cell survival. In addition, autophagy denotes the cellular ability of adapting to stress though it may end up in apoptosis activation when cells are exposed to a very powerful stress. Induction of autophagy is a therapeutic option in cancer and many anticancer drugs have been developed to this aim. Curcumin as a hydrophobic polyphenol compound extracted from the known spice turmeric has different pharmacological effects in both in vitro and in vivo models. Many reports exist reporting that curcumin is capable of triggering autophagy in several cancer cells. In this review, we will focus on how curcumin can target autophagy in different cellular settings that may extend our understanding of new pharmacological agents to overcome relevant diseases.
Are the kind of medications and patient's background associated with improving polypharmacy in elderly?
Authors: Tomita Shiori , Kobayashi Daiki , Hayashi Kuniyoshi , Arioka Hiroko
Published: September 2018

Background

Polypharmacy is associated with negative outcomes in older population. Managing polypharmacy is important but there is no definite method for regulating it. Our aim was to evaluate what medications and patient's background are associated with reducing polypharmacy.

Methods

A prospective, single‐center, cohort study was conducted from June to October in 2016. Participants were 65 and older hospitalized patients. We evaluated the difference between the numbers of medications used at the time of admission and discharge for individual drug class. Univariate analyses using paired t tests were applied to evaluate reduction in prescription medications, and logistic regression was used to evaluate factors for any reduction of prescription medications used at discharge.

Results

There were 494 subjects, and the mean of age was 79.6 ± 7.8 years. The mean number of medications used at admission was 6.9 ± 4.7 and that at discharge was 6.8 ± 4.3. The types of medications that reduced between admission and discharge were drugs for functional gastrointestinal disorders and agents acting on the renin‐angiotensin system, etc. Individual components that were strongly associated with a reduction of the number of medications used were only length of hospital stay (OR 0.99, 95% CI, 0.99‐1.0), while the number of medications on admission was related to increasing medication during hospitalization (OR 1.05, 95% CI, 1.01‐1.06).

Conclusions

Most of the kinds and the number of medications prescribed might not be changed during hospitalization despite those were probably the causes of admission. The factor associated with improvements in polypharmacy was length of hospital stay.
Efficient Synthesis, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant Assessments and Geometric Optimization Calculations of Azoles‐ Incorporating Quinoline Moiety
Authors: Hamama Wafaa S. , Ibrahim Mona E. , Gooda Ayaa A. , Zoorob Hanafi H.
Published: September 2018

A novel series of Schiff bases, hydrazide, and hydrazine derivatives containing quinoline moiety were synthesized via condensation of 3‐substituted quinolines 1a and 1b with different aromatic amines or hydrazines. Furthermore, various heterocyclic ring systems: 1,3,4‐thiadiazole, thiazolidin‐4‐one, 2‐thioxo‐imidazolidin‐4‐one, and thiazole derivatives 10–13 were synthesized by refluxing hydrazinecarbothioamide derivative 9 with different acetic acid derivatives. Theoretical calculation of the title compounds were carried out using density functional theory method. The geometrical optimization of the prepared target compounds was theoretically analyzed. The synthesized compounds were examined for their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The obtained results revealed clearly that compounds 8 and 13 displayed promising activity as an antimicrobial activity and compounds 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9 exhibited better radical scavenging ability.
Analysis of MRI Values and Hemoglobin and Total Protein Concentrations of Cystic Ovarian Tumors
Authors: Tanaka Yoshikazu , Nakai Go , Yamamura Kenichiro , Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Narumi Yoshifumi , Ohmichi Masahide
Published: September 2018

Background

Endometrioma generally shows higher intracystic signal intensity (SI) than mucinous cystadenoma (MCA) on T1‐weighted imaging (T1WI). Nonendometrioma‐associated malignant ovarian epithelial tumors (nonendometrioma group) often show higher intracystic SI than benign tumors on T1WI, while the converse is true for endometrioma and endometrioma‐associated malignant tumors (endometrioma group). However, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between hemorrhagic and mucinous content based on SI on T1WI. Hemoglobin (Hb) and protein are both speculated to shorten T1.

Purpose

To examine MRI values and Hb and total protein (TP) concentrations in ovarian tumors.

Study Type

Prospective.

Specimen

In all, 182 samples from 167 cystic ovarian tumors.

Field Strength

1.5T, spin‐echo T1WI, fast spin‐echo T2WI.

Assessment

The in vivo intracystic/psoas major muscle SI ratios were determined as references for intracystic SI. T1 and T2 values, cystic content inversion times (TIs), and Hb and TP concentrations were determined to evaluate differences between 1) endometrioma and MCA; 2) benign, borderline, and malignant tumors in the nonendometrioma group; and 3) those in the endometrioma group.

Statistical Tests

Wilcoxon's rank‐sum test, Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results

In endometriomas (n = 43) and MCAs (n = 27), mean T1 and T2 (TP, Hb concentrations) were 428 and 162 msec (52.7, 12.00 g/dl) and 1639 and 600 msec (7.1, 0.06 g/dl), respectively (all, P < 0.0001). In the nonendometrioma group (epithelial benign, n = 56; borderline, n = 20; malignant, n = 25), these values were 1657 and 696 msec (6.4, 0.35 g/dl), 1235 and 400 msec (13.5, 0.83 g/dl), and 1184 and 311 msec (19.7, 0.84 g/dl), respectively (all, P < 0.0001). In the endometrioma group (endometrioma, n = 43; borderline, n = 3; malignant, n = 8), these values were 428 and 162 msec (52.7, 12.00 g/dl), 427 and 108 msec (16.6, 3.07 g/dl), and 1010 and 268 msec (24.2, 1.56 g/dl), respectively (all, P < 0.05).

Data Conclusion

TP and Hb concentrations were higher in the contents of endometriomas than MCAs, leading to lower T1 and T2 values. In the nonendometrioma group, TP and Hb concentrations were higher in the cystic contents of borderline and malignant tumors than benign tumors, leading to lower T1 and T2 values. Conversely, the cystic contents of borderline and malignant tumors in the endometrioma group showed lower TP and Hb concentrations compared to endometriomas, leading to higher T1 and T2 values.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1133–1140.
Reassessment of high prevalence human adenovirus detections among residents of two refugee centers in Kenya under surveillance for acute respiratory infections
Authors: Wu Xinwei , Lu Xiaoyan , Schneider Eileen , Ahmed Jamal A , Njenga M Kariuki , Breiman Robert F , Eidex Rachel B , Erdman Dean D
Published: September 2018

Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) were previously detected at high prevalence by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (rRT‐PCR) in the upper respiratory tract of residents of two Kenyan refugee camps under surveillance for acute respiratory infection (ARI) between October 2006 and April 2008. We sought to confirm this finding and characterize the HAdVs detected. Of 2148 respiratory specimens originally tested, 511 (23.8%) screened positive for HAdV and 510 were available for retesting. Of these, 421 (82.4%) were confirmed positive by repeat rRT‐PCR or PCR and sequencing. Other respiratory viruses were codetected in 55.8% of confirmed HAdV‐positive specimens. Species B and C viruses predominated at 82.8%, and HAdV‐C1, ‐C2, and ‐B3 were the most commonly identified types. Species A, D, and F HAdVs, which are rarely associated with ARI, comprised the remainder. Viral loads were highest among species B HAdVs, particularly HAdV‐B3. Species C showed the widest range of viral loads, and species A, D, and F were most often present at low loads and more often with codetections. These findings suggest that many HAdV detections were incidental and not a primary cause of ARI among camp patients. Species/type, codetections, and viral load determinations may permit more accurate HAdV disease burden estimates in these populations.
Neuroprotective effects of SMTP‐44D in mice stroke model in relation to neurovascular unit and trophic coupling
Authors: Shi Xiaowen , Ohta Yasuyuki , Shang Jingwei , Morihara Ryuta , Nakano Yumiko , Fukui Yusuke , Liu Xia , Feng Tian , Huang Yong , Sato Kota , Takemoto Mami , Hishikawa Nozomi , Yamashita Toru , Suzuki Eriko , Hasumi Keiji , Abe Koji
Published: September 2018

Stachybotrys microspora triprenyl phenol (SMTP)‐44D has both anti‐oxidative and anti‐inflammatory activities, but its efficacy has not been proved in relation to the pathological changes of neurovascular unit (NVU) and neurovascular trophic coupling (NVTC) in ischemic stroke. Here, the present study was designed to assess the efficacies of SMTP‐44D, moreover, compared with the standard neuroprotective reagent edaravone in ischemic brains. ICR mice were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) for 60 min, SMTP‐44D (10 mg/kg) or edaravone (3 mg/kg) was intravenously administrated through subclavian vein just after the reperfusion, and these mice were examined at 1, 3, and 7 d after reperfusion. Compared with the vehicle group, SMTP‐44D treatment revealed obvious ameliorations in clinical scores and infarct volume, meanwhile, markedly suppressed the accumulations of 4‐HNE, 8‐OHdG, nitrotyrosine, RAGE, TNF‐α, Iba‐1, and cleaved caspase‐3 after tMCAO. In addition, SMTP‐44D significantly prevented the dissociation of NVU and improved the intensity of NAGO/BDNF and the number of BDNF/TrkB and BDNF/NeuN double positive cells. These effects of SMTP‐44D in reducing oxidative and inflammatory stresses were similar to or stronger than those of edaravone. The present study demonstrated that SMTP‐44D showed strong anti‐oxidative, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐apoptotic effects, moreover, the drug also significantly improved the NVU damage and NVTC in the ischemic brain.
Tenascin‐C in brain injuries and edema after subarachnoid hemorrhage: Findings from basic and clinical studies
Authors: Suzuki Hidenori , Fujimoto Masashi , Kawakita Fumihiro , Liu Lei , Nakatsuka Yoshinari , Nakano Fumi , Nishikawa Hirofumi , Okada Takeshi , Kanamaru Hideki , Imanaka‐Yoshida Kyoko , Yoshida Toshimichi , Shiba Masato
Published: September 2018

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) by a rupture of cerebral aneurysms remains the most devastating cerebrovascular disease. Early brain injury (EBI) is increasingly recognized to be the primary determinant for poor outcomes, and also considered to cause delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after SAH. Both clinical and experimental literatures emphasize the impact of global cerebral edema in EBI as negative prognostic and direct pathological factors. The nature of the global cerebral edema is a mixture of cytotoxic and vasogenic edema, both of which may be caused by post‐SAH induction of tenascin‐C (TNC) that is an inducible, non‐structural, secreted and multifunctional matricellular protein. Experimental SAH induces TNC in brain parenchyma in rats and mice. TNC knockout suppressed EBI in terms of brain edema, blood‐brain barrier disruption, neuronal apoptosis and neuroinflammation, associated with the inhibition of post‐SAH activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases and nuclear factor‐kappa B in mice. In a clinical setting, more severe SAH increases more TNC in cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral blood, which could be a surrogate marker of EBI and predict DCI development and outcomes. In addition, cilostazol, a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type III that is a clinically available anti‐platelet agent and is known to suppress TNC induction, dose‐dependently inhibited delayed cerebral infarction and improved outcomes in a pilot clinical study. Thus, further studies may facilitate application of TNC as biomarkers for non‐invasive diagnosis or assessment of EBI and DCI, and lead to development of a molecular target drug against TNC, contributing to the improvement of post‐SAH outcomes.
Differentiation and quantification of the ochratoxin A producers Aspergillus ochraceus and Aspergillus westerdijkiae using PCR‐DGGE
Authors: Durand Noël , Fontana Angélique , Meile Jean‐Christophe , Suàrez‐Quiroz Mirna‐Leonor , Schorr‐Galindo Sabine , Montet Didier
Published: September 2018

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a nephrotoxic, teratogenic, immunotoxic, and carcinogenic mycotoxin which is produced in tropical zones mainly by Aspergillus carbonarius, A. niger, A. ochraceus, and A. westerdijkiae. A. ochraceus and A. westerdijkiae species are phenotypically and genomically very close but A. westerdijkiae produce OTA at a very higher level than A. ochraceus. These species have been differentiated recently. The DNA primer pairs which were drawn so far are not specific and a genomic region of the same size is amplified for both species or they are too specific, and in this case, the DNA of a single species is amplified. To help preventing OTA contamination of foodstuffs, the PCR‐DGGE (Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis) method was used to discriminate between A. ochraceus and A. westerdijkiae DNA fragments of the same size but with different sequences and thus faster access to a diagnosis of the toxigenic potential of the fungal microflora. The proposed methodology was able to differentiate A. westerdijkiae from A. ochraceus with only one primer pairs in a single run. A calibration based on initial DNA content was obtained from image analysis of the DGGE gels and a method of quantification of the two strains was proposed.
Complete genome sequence of soil actinobacteria Streptomyces cavourensis TJ430
Authors: Wang Peipei , Liu Zhongqi , Huang Yongchun
Published: September 2018

A new actinobacteria Streptomyces cavourensis TJ430 was isolated from the mountain soil collected from the southwest of China. In previous study, TJ430 showed striking bactericidal activities and strong ability of antibiotic production. Here, we report complete genome of this bacterium, consisting of 7.6 Mb linear chromosome and 0.2 Mb plasmids. It was predicted 6450 genes in chromosome and 225 genes in plasmids, as well as 12 gene islands in chromosome. Abundant genes have predicted functions in antibiotic metabolism and stress resistance. A whole‐genome comparison of S. cavourensis TJ430, S. coelicolor A3(2), and S. lividans 66 indicates that TJ430 has a relatively high degree of strain specificity. The 16S rRNA phylogenetic tree shows the high identities (99.79%) of TJ430 with S. cavourensis DSM40300. TJ430 is a new and rare Streptomyces species, and analysis of its genome helps us to better understand primary metabolism mechanism of this isolate, as well as the evolutionary biology.
Seasonal prediction of high‐resolution temperature at 2‐m height over Mongolia during boreal winter using both coupled general circulation model and artificial neural network
Authors: Bayasgalan Gerelchuluun , Ahn Joong‐Bae
Published: September 2018

The hindcast data of Pusan National University coupled general circulation model (PNU CGCM), a participant model of the Asia‐Pacific Economic Cooperation Climate Center (APCC) Multi‐Model Ensemble Climate Prediction System, and August–October sea‐surface temperature (SST) in the northern Barents–Kara Sea (BKI) and the sea‐ice extent (SIE) in the Chukchi Sea (East Siberian Sea index [ESI]) are used for predicting 20 × 20‐km‐resolution anomalous surface air temperature at 2‐m height (aT2m) over Mongolia for boreal winter. For this purpose, area‐averaged surface air temperature (TI) and sea‐level pressure (SLP) over Mongolia are defined. Then four large‐scale indices,TImdlandSHImdlobtained from PNU CGCM, andTIMLRandSHIMLRobtained from multiple linear regressions on BKI and ESI, are incorporated using the artificial neural network (ANN) method for the prediction and statistical downscaling to obtain the monthly and seasonal 20 × 20‐km‐resolution aT2m over Mongolia in winter. An additional statistical method, which uses BKI and ESI as predictors of TI and SHI together with dynamic prediction by the CGCM, is used because of the relatively low skill of seasonal predictions by most of the state‐of‐the‐art models and the multi‐model ensemble systems over high‐latitude landlocked Eurasian regions such as Mongolia. The results show that the predictabilities of monthly and seasonal 20 × 20‐km‐resolution aT2m over Mongolia in winter are improved by applying ANN to both statistical and dynamical predictions compared to utilizing only dynamic prediction. The predictability gained by the proposed method is also demonstrated by the probabilistic forecast implying that the method forecasts aT2m over Mongolia in winter reasonably well.
Antibody adsorption in protein‐A affinity chromatography – in situ measurement of nanoscale structure by small‐angle X‐ray scattering
Authors: Plewka Jacek , Silva Gonçalo L. , Tscheließnig Rupert , Rennhofer Harald , Dias‐Cabral Cristina , Jungbauer Alois , Lichtenegger Helga C.
Published: September 2018

Protein‐A chromatography is the most widely used chromatography step in downstream processing of antibodies. A deeper understanding of the influence of the surface topology on a molecular/nanoscale level on adsorption is essential for further improvement. It is not clear if the binding is homogenous throughout the entire bead network. We followed the protein absorption process and observed the formation of a protein layer on fibers of chromatography resin in a time‐resolved manner in nanoscale. To characterize the changes in the antibody‐protein‐A ligand complex, small angle X‐ray scattering was employed using a miniaturized X‐ray‐transparent chromatography column packed with a MabSelect SuRe resin. Antibody‐free MabSelect SuRe resin fiber had an average radius of 12 nm and the protein layer thickness resulting from antibody adsorption was 5.5 and 10.4 nm for fiber and junctions, respectively under applied native conditions. We hypothesize that an average of 1.2 antibodies were adsorbed per protein‐A ligand tetramer bound to the outermost units. In contrast to previous studies, it was therefore possible for the first time to directly correlate the nanostructure changes inside the column, which is otherwise a black box, with the adsorption and elution process.
Polymerization of 3‐cyanopropyl (triethoxy) silane: A kinetic study using gas chromatography
Authors: Issa Ahmed A. , Elazazy Marwa S. , Luyt Adriaan S.
Published: September 2018

Gas chromatography (GC) was used to study the kinetics of the 3‐cyanopropyl triethoxysilane (CTES) polymerization. The reaction is a consecutive complex reaction that depends mainly on the kinetics of the first hydrolyzed leaving group. The activation energy of CTES hydrolysis is 20 and 58 kJ mol−1 in alkaline and acidic media, respectively. The activation energy of ethanol production ranged from 22 to 55 kJ mol−1 according to the catalyst type and concentration. Generally, the reaction is an endothermic reaction in an acidic medium, whereas it is exothermic in an alkaline medium, depending on the catalyst concentration. Moreover, the reaction is spontaneous at high temperatures in an acidic medium. The rate constant is related to the catalyst concentration with empirical formulas depending on the Arrhenius equation. The rate constant increases non‐linearly (to the power 2) with the concentration of water in an acidic medium, whereas it behaves differently in an alkaline medium and depends on the initial concentrations of CTES and the catalyst.
Major forest increase on the Loess Plateau, China (2001–2016)
Authors: Wang Yuhang , Brandt Martin , Zhao Mingfei , Tong Xiaowei , Xing Kaixiong , Xue Feng , Kang Muyi , Wang Lanhui , Jiang Yuan , Fensholt Rasmus
Published: September 2018

The Loess Plateau in China is prone to widespread land degradation (soil erosion, deforestation, and water loss), and therefore, ecological restoration programmes aiming to re‐establish the ecosystem by revegetation have been implemented during recent decades. Consequently, a widespread increase in vegetation cover has been reported, but the state and dynamics of forests remain largely unknown. Here, we used field and satellite data to produce annual forest probability scores at 250 × 250 m between 2001 and 2016. We classified the forest dynamics into three types: net gain, net loss, and fluctuation. Assuming that an increasing probability score reflects forest growth, we categorised the annual forest areas into different growing stages indicating the transition between planting and mature forest. In total, the area of forest increase was 48,786 km2, and the percentage of forested areas of the region changed from 8.19% to 15.82% within 16 years. In areas of forest net gain, there was a clear transition from low‐ to high‐probability forest areas, providing evidence that a general forest transition is occurring on the Loess Plateau. The method developed for continuous monitoring of forest probability scores offers a benchmarking for further decision making on ecological restoration of the region and for mapping of afforestation projects elsewhere. The findings on major forest increases demonstrate that land degradation is in fact reversible, with implications for many ecosystem services (e.g., carbon storage and provisioning of forest products).
Electrochemical and electrical resistance behavior of cathodic arc PVD TiN, CrN, AlCrN, and AlTiN coatings in simulated proton exchange membrane fuel cell environment
Authors: Khan M. Faizan , Adesina Akeem Y. , Gasem Zuhair M.
Published: September 2018

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) attracted significant attention to meet energy demands for future applications. Graphite bipolar plates are currently being used due to its high corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity, but for economic reasons, metallic bipolar plates are being considered as a cost‐effective alternative. However, corrosion poses a serious challenge with the use of metallic bipolar plates. This study deals with the evaluation of the corrosion properties of TiN, CrN, AlTiN, and AlCrN coatings in PEMFC application. Electrochemical tests under anodic and cathodic conditions and interfacial contact resistance (ICR) test were used to investigate the electrochemical and electrical resistance properties. Results revealed that these coatings exhibit higher corrosion resistance as compared to 304 stainless steel in PEMFC environment. CrN and TiN coatings provided lower corrosion current density, higher durability, and lower ICR as compared to the ternary coatings. Corroded surface morphology revealed laths typed structure in the passive film of CrN and particle typed structure in that of TiN coating. However, AlCrN coating was found more durable than AlTiN coating under PEMFC environment. The incorporation of Al in TiN and CrN to form AlTiN and AlCrN coatings, respectively, affects the performance of the ternary coating in PEMFC environment despite the favorable influence it has on other properties of the coatings.
Triplex systems: Accelerated and outdoor tests
Authors: Seré Pablo R. , Schvezov Carlos , Di Sarli Alejandro R. , Deyá Cecilia
Published: September 2018

The protective paint/galvanized steel system is called duplex and it is claimed that protects steel from corrosion synergistically. The triplex system adds a pretreatment between the paint and the substrate in order to enhance the corrosion protection or paint adhesion. In this work, the behavior against the corrosion of electrogalvanized steel pretreated with a commercial silane, mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MTMO) or a chromium(III)‐based solution (Cr) was studied. Pretreated samples were painted with an alkyd system and exposed in humidity, prohesion chambers or xenon lamp artificial weathering. Besides, some of them were exposed in outdoor experimental station (Posadas, Misiones Province, Argentina, 27° 22′S and 55° 53′W) for 5 years. The evolution of the different triplex systems was evaluated by visual observation, loss of gloss, color variation, loss of adhesion, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A painted sample without pretreatment was used as control. Subjected to accelerated tests, the highest protective efficiency was obtained in samples pretreated with MTMO or Cr. However, in the outdoor tests the best behavior corresponds to the control samples because the pretreated ones failed due to adhesion problems.
Hetero‐Functional Polymers with Alternating Hydroxyl and Epoxy Groups Synthesized by Thiol‐yne Click (co)Polymerization
Authors: Zheng Yaochen , Zhang Qian , Gao Zhengguo , Li Fucun , Yan Bingfei , Li Wenzuo
Published: September 2018

A new family of hetero‐functional polythioethers with alternating hydroxyl and epoxy groups are facilely synthesized via photo‐initiated thiol‐yne click (co)polymerization under mild reaction conditions. Their chemical structures and hetero‐functional group density can be finely tuned by adjusting the feeding mole ratios. As the evidence of nuclear magnetic resonance and gel permeation chromatography tests shows, either the molecular weight or the hetero‐functional group density depend greatly on the SH bond cleavage energy of dithiols which can be predicted by theoretical calculation, using the density functional theory (DFT) with B3LYP hybrid functional and the QCISD methods. This paper provides access to a wide range of new materials with a specific structure and plentiful alternating hetero‐functional groups. Moreover, it unveils and highlights the role of SH bond cleavage energy of dithiols during the process of step‐growth thiol‐yne click (co)polymerization.
Polysulfone‐Based Shape Memory Thermoplastics with Body Temperature Triggering
Authors: Aktas Eken Gozde , Acar Metin H.
Published: September 2018

Various polysulfone (PSf)‐based shape memory polymers (SMPs) with tunable transition temperature (T
trans) are prepared via atom transfer radical polymerization. Hard segments of SMPs are formed by PSf backbone which are then combined with nonlinear derivatives of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), that is, poly(ethylene glycol)methyl ether methacrylate as the soft segment. The melting temperature (T
m) of soft segments is shown to be an effective stimulus to achieve shape memory behavior. T
m values of graft copolymers are found in the range of body temperature from 32.7 to 39.1 °C, and SMPs are obtained with a maximum strain around 464%, tensile strength up to 6.8 MPa, and shape recovery ratio up to 99%. It is shown that the characteristic of SMPs can be tuned by altering the topology and the ratio of soft/hard segments. PSf‐based SMPs can be suitable for various applications since the material’s properties can be tailored for specific applications.
Green Electrospun Nanofibers and Their Application in Air Filtration
Authors: Lv Dan , Zhu Miaomiao , Jiang Zhicheng , Jiang Shaohua , Zhang Qilu , Xiong Ranhua , Huang Chaobo
Published: September 2018

Interventions and policies for tackling air pollution issues exist and have been proven to be effective. Membrane materials of nanofibrous morphology are attractive for air filtration, and further alleviate the environmental issues. Electrospinning as a simple and versatile way to fabricate ultrafine fibers has been attracting tremendous attention. Herein, the recent researches and future trends of green electrospinning are expounded from the aspects of green degradable materials, green solution electrospinning, and solvent‐free electrospinning. The green degradable materials, including biomass materials, biosynthetic polymer materials, and chemical synthetic materials are reviewed. Following the concept of green electrospinning, electrospun polymer nanofibers via aqueous solution are discussed; additionally, further trends of solvent‐free electrospinning including melt‐electrospinning, anion‐curing electrospinning, UV‐curing electrospinning, thermo‐curing electrospinning, and supercritical CO2‐assisted electrospinning are highlighted. Furthermore, the applications of these electrospun nanofibrous membranes in the field of air filtration are discussed. In the end, the challenges of green electrospinning and future prospects are summarized. The development of green electrospinning is reviewed with an emphasis on current advanced solvent‐free research, where electrospun nanofibrous membranes are contributing to promising treatment strategies to solve environment issue.
Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescent Polymers: Structures, Properties, and Applications in OLED Devices
Authors: Wei Qiang , Ge Ziyi , Voit Brigitte
Published: September 2018

Thermally activated delayed fluorescent (TADF) polymers are promising emitting materials to realize highly efficient, large‐scale, and low‐cost organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) since they exhibit various advantages such as heavy‐metal‐free structures, 100% theoretical internal quantum efficiency, and ease of large‐area fabrication through solution process. At present, TADF polymers are still limited in category and complicated in preparation, which hinders their proceeding into industrial application. Besides, a still‐too‐low quantum efficiency poses a challenge for TADF‐polymer‐based OLEDs. In this review, different topologies and design strategies of the existing TADF polymers are covered, their structure–property relationships are illustrated, their first applications in OLED devices are discussed, and finally, an outlook of promising design rules for future TADF polymers is provided. The hope is to inspire researchers to develop TADF polymers prepared by easier synthesis strategies and higher external quantum efficiency to promote emitter application.