bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Ultrasound Image Acquisition Protocol and Scoring System for the Pediatric Knee
Authors: Ting Tracy V. , Vega‐Fernandez Patricia , Oberle Edward J. , De Ranieri Deirdre , Bukulmez Hulya , Lin Clara , Moser David , Barrowman Nicholas J. , Zhao Yongdong , Benham Heather M. , Tasan Laura , Thatayatikom Akaluck , Roth Johannes ,   the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Ultrasound Workgroup
Published: September 2018

Objective

The use of musculoskeletal ultrasound is increasing among pediatric rheumatologists. Reliable scoring systems are needed for the objective assessment of synovitis. The aims of this study were to create a standardized and reproducible image acquisition protocol for B‐mode and Doppler ultrasound of the pediatric knee, and to develop a standardized scoring system and determine its reliability for pediatric knee synovitis.

Methods

Six pediatric rheumatologists developed a set of standard views for knee assessment in children with juvenile arthritis. Subsequently, a comprehensive literature review, practical exercises, and a consensus process were performed. A scoring system for both B‐mode and Doppler was then developed and assessed for reliability. Interreader reliability or agreement among a total of 16 raters was determined using 2‐way single‐score intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis.

Results

Twenty‐one views to assess knee arthritis were initially identified. Following completion of practical exercises and subsequent consensus processes, 3 views in both B‐mode and Doppler were selected: suprapatellar longitudinal and medial/lateral parapatellar transverse views. Several rounds of scoring and modifications resulted in a final ICC of suprapatellar view B‐mode 0.89 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.86–0.92) and Doppler 0.55 (95% CI 0.41–0.69), medial parapatellar view B‐mode 0.76 (95% CI 0.68–0.83) and Doppler 0.75 (95% CI 0.66–0.83), and lateral parapatellar view B‐mode 0.82 (95% CI 0.75–0.88) and Doppler 0.76 (95% CI 0.66–0.84).

Conclusion

A novel B‐mode and Doppler image acquisition and scoring system for assessing synovitis in the pediatric knee was successfully developed through practical exercises and a consensus process. Study results demonstrate overall good‐to‐excellent reliability.
Mobile Phone Text Messages and Effect on Treatment Adherence in Patients Taking Methotrexate for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: Mary Aurélien , Boursier Amélie , Desailly Henry Isabelle , Grados Franck , Séjourné Alice , Salomon Sarah , Fardellone Patrice , Brazier Michel , Goëb Vincent
Published: September 2018

Objective

To assess the impact of weekly text messages on adherence in patients taking methotrexate (MTX) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

This prospective, randomized pilot, single‐site study included patients with RA stabilized using MTX alone or combined with biologics. Participants were randomized to 3 interventions: a standard consultation (controls), a 15‐minute pharmacist‐led counseling session, or the receipt of text message reminders. The change over time in the Compliance Questionnaire Rheumatology (CQR‐19) score between baseline and 6 months was defined as the primary outcome for adherence. Multivariable analyses and final adherence (as a composite outcome of the CQR‐19 score, the Girerd score, and the medication possession ratio) were probed in sensitivity tests. Rheumatologic scales, inflammation, and patient satisfaction were also analyzed.

Results

A total of 96 patients (mean ± SD Disease Activity Score in 28 joints 2.42 ± 1.03) were monitored. The change over time in the CQR‐19 score was significantly higher in the text message group (mean ± SD 3.32 ± 5.66; P = 0.02) than in the control group (mean ± SD 0.22 ± 6.56) and the pharmacist‐led counseling group (mean ± SD −0.14 ± 7.56). Multivariable logistic regression showed that text messages remained associated with an increase in the CQR‐19 score, independently of the baseline CQR‐19 score (odds ratio 3.63 [95% confidence interval 1.26–10.49]; P = 0.017). In the text message group, the increase in the CQR‐19 score was correlated with the Health Assessment Questionnaire score (r = −0.405, P = 0.021), and patient satisfaction was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than in the control group.

Conclusion

Our results showed evidence of a positive impact of text messages on adherence to MTX treatment for RA. The clinical benefit and the ideal target patient remain to be determined.
Biomimetic Graphene Actuators Enabled by Multiresponse Graphene Oxide Paper with Pretailored Reduction Gradient
Authors: Han Dong‐Dong , Liu Yu‐Qing , Ma Jia‐Nan , Mao Jiang‐Wei , Chen Zhao‐Di , Zhang Yong‐Lai , Sun Hong‐Bo
Published: September 2018

The strong interaction between water molecules and graphene oxide (GO) enables moisture‐responsive graphene actuators, revealing great potential for soft robots. However, current strategies for developing smart graphene actuators fail to tailor their material property gradient in a controlled manner, and the driving manner is usually limited to single stimulus actuation. Here, a facile preparation of humidity/thermal/light multiresponsive graphene actuators by sequential vacuum filtration of GO and reduced GO (RGO) aqueous solutions is reported. The photoreduction degree of RGO layer is tuned precisely beforehand by changing ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation time, and thus a pretailored reduction gradient along the normal direction of the GO/RGO bilayer paper would form in a highly controlled manner. Taking advantage of the competitive water adsorption between the GO and RGO layers, as well as the thermal‐, light‐promoted desorption, the GO/RGO bilayers deform in response to moisture, light, and temperature changes; and the deformation degree can be modulated by controlling the gradient of oxygen‐containing groups (OCGs). As a proof of principle, a humidity‐responsive graphene mimosa and a humidity/thermal/light multiresponsive graphene actuators are fabricated. The GO/RGO bilayer paper with pretailored reduction gradient holds great promise for easy fabrication of biomimetic actuators that enable performing predictable deformation.
High‐Efficiency, Extreme‐Numerical‐Aperture Metasurfaces Based on Partial Control of the Phase of Light
Authors: Hail Claudio U. , Poulikakos Dimos , Eghlidi Hadi
Published: September 2018

High‐quality flat optical elements require efficient light deflection to large angles and over a wide wavelength spectrum. Although phase gradient metasurfaces achieve this by continuously adding phase shifts in the range of 0–2π to the electric field with subwavelength‐sized scatterers, their performance is limited by the spatial resolution of phase modulation at the interface. Here, a new class of metasurfaces is introduced, where the phase shifts cover less than the full 0–2π range, offering significant advantages. This approach allows the realization of metasurfaces with more compact and less mutually‐interacting scatterers, and thus more precise phase modulation, and advances the performance limits of metasurfaces to domains significantly beyond those of the full coverage phase gradient approach. Applying this concept to both plasmonic and dielectric surfaces, large phase gradients resulting in high‐numerical‐aperture immersion metalenses (NA = 1.4) with near diffraction‐limited resolution (≈0.32λ) at visible wavelengths are demonstrated. This concept enables added functionalities such as broadband performance and wavelength de‐multiplexing on a single layer, surpassing the theoretical cross‐polarization transmission efficiency limit for single‐layer plasmonic metasurfaces, and yields 67% efficiency for dielectric metasurfaces. This work paves the way toward realizing high‐resolution flat optical elements and efficient plasmonic metadevices.
Observation of Novel Multifunctionalities in Monolayer CdO
Authors: Ekuma Chinedu E.
Published: September 2018

Multiferroicity, especially ferroelectric, usually fades away at the atomic limit of materials. Here, based on multiscale ab initio many‐body calculations employing first‐principles density functional theory, density functional perturbation theory, the self‐consistent quasiparticle Green function and screened Coulomb method, and the Bethe–Salpeter equation, intrinsic spontaneous polarization and ferroelectricity in monolayer CdO are observed. Using the data, a rather high electromechanical coupling coefficient of ≈6.26% is predicted. The results further reveal a direct optical bandgap of ≈3.16 eV. This direct excitation is dominated by strongly bound excitons with a binding energy of ≈1.09 eV. The predicted multifunctionalities of monolayer CdO are crucial for emerging applications in optoelectromechanical nanodevices and provide insights into its novel properties.
Genetic structure and sex‐biased gene flow in the history of southern African populations
Authors: Bajić Vladimir , Barbieri Chiara , Hübner Alexander , Güldemann Tom , Naumann Christfried , Gerlach Linda , Berthold Falko , Nakagawa Hirosi , Mpoloka Sununguko W. , Roewer Lutz , Purps Josephine , Stoneking Mark , Pakendorf Brigitte
Published: September 2018

Objectives

We investigated the genetic history of southern African populations with a special focus on their paternal history. We reexamined previous claims that the Y‐chromosome haplogroup E1b1b (E‐M293) was brought to southern Africa by pastoralists from eastern Africa, and investigated patterns of sex‐biased gene flow in southern Africa.

Materials and methods

We analyzed previously published complete mtDNA genome sequences and ∼900 kb of NRY sequences from 23 populations from Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia, as well as haplogroup frequencies from a large sample of southern African populations and 23 newly genotyped Y‐linked STR loci for samples assigned to haplogroup E1b1b.

Results

Our results support an eastern African origin for Y‐chromosome haplogroup E1b1b (E‐M293); however, its current distribution in southern Africa is not strongly associated with pastoralism, suggesting more complex demographic events and/or changes in subsistence practices in this region. The Bantu expansion in southern Africa had a notable genetic impact and was probably a rapid, male‐dominated expansion. Our finding of a significant increase in the intensity of the sex‐biased gene flow from north to south may reflect changes in the social dynamics between Khoisan and Bantu groups over time.

Conclusions

Our study shows that the population history of southern Africa has been complex, with different immigrating groups mixing to different degrees with the autochthonous populations. The Bantu expansion led to heavily sex‐biased admixture as a result of interactions between Khoisan females and Bantu males, with a geographic gradient which may reflect changes in the social dynamics between Khoisan and Bantu groups over time.
Self‐Assembly of an Anion‐Binding Cryptand for the Selective Encapsulation, Sequestration, and Precipitation of Phosphate from Aqueous Systems
Authors: Rice Craig R. , Slater Christopher , Faulkner Robert A. , Allan Robert L.
Published: September 2018

The self‐assembled trimetallic species [L2Cu3]6+ contains a cavity that acts as a host to many different anions. By using X‐ray crystallography, ESI‐MS, and UV/Vis spectroscopy we show that these anions are encapsulated both in the solid state and aqueous systems. Upon encapsulation, the anions Br−, I−, CO32−, SiF62−, IO63−, VO43−, WO42−, CrO42−, SO42−, AsO43−, and PO43− are all precipitated from aqueous solution and can be removed by filtration. Furthermore, the cavity can be tuned to be selective to either phosphate or sulfate anions by variation of the pH. Phosphate anions can be removed from water, even in the presence of other common anions, reducing the concentration from 1000 to <0.1 ppm and recovering approximately 99 % of the phosphate anions.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Indolines, Benzodihydrothiophenes, and Indanes by C−H Insertion of Donor/Donor Carbenes
Authors: Souza Lucas W. , Squitieri Richard A. , Dimirjian Christine A. , Hodur Blanka M. , Nickerson Leslie A. , Penrod Corinne N. , Cordova Jesus , Fettinger James C. , Shaw Jared T.
Published: September 2018

We employ a single catalyst/oxidant system to enable the asymmetric syntheses of indolines, benzodihydrothiophenes, and indanes by C−H insertion of donor/donor carbenes. This methodology enables the rapid construction of densely substituted five‐membered rings that form the core of many drug targets and natural products. Furthermore, oxidation of hydrazones to the corresponding diazo compounds proceeds in situ, enabling a relatively facile one‐ or two‐pot protocol in which isolation of potentially explosive diazo alkanes is avoided. Regioselectivity studies were performed to determine the impact of sterics and electronics in donor/donor metal carbene C−H insertions to form indolines. This methodology was applied to a variety of substrates in high yield, diastereomeric, and enantiomeric ratios and to the synthesis of a patented indane estrogen receptor agonist with anti‐cancer activity.
Catalytic Isofunctional Reactions—Expanding the Repertoire of Shuttle and Metathesis Reactions
Authors: Bhawal Benjamin N. , Morandi Bill
Published: September 2018

Transfer hydrogenation, alkene metathesis, and alkyne metathesis possess great value to the synthetic chemistry community. One of the key features of these processes is their reversibility, which can be attributed to the presence of the same number and type of functional groups in both the reactants and products, making these reactions isofunctional. These classic reactions have recently inspired the development of novel shuttle and metathesis reactions that offer great promise for synthetic chemistry. This Review describes and systematically categorizes both recent and older examples of shuttle and metathesis reactions other than transfer hydrogenation and alkene/alkyne metathesis.
Solid Residues from the Distillation of Salvia lavandulifolia Vahl as a Natural Source of Antioxidant Compounds
Authors: Sánchez‐Vioque Raúl , Izquierdo‐Melero María Elena , Quílez María , Herraiz‐Peñalver David , Santana‐Méridas Omar , Jordán María José
Published: September 2018

The phenolic composition and in vitro antioxidant properties of solid residues from the distillation of eight populations of Salvia lavandulifolia were investigated to select the most suitable plant materials to yield natural antioxidants. The residues showed a very different phenolic content and composition, populations SL1, SL5, SL7, and SL8 showed a good total phenolic content, and comparable results in the assays of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric‐Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), and in the inhibition of the oxidation of linoleic acid, and consequently, seemed the most promising sources of antioxidant compounds. On the other hand, SL2, SL3, and SL4 showed remarkable iron‐chelating activities and could be of interest in the prevention of the oxidation process with participation of this metal through Fenton's reaction. The differences observed among residues in the phenolic composition had an apparently scarce influence on the activities investigated.
Mechanistic Variants in Methane Activation Mediated by Gold(I) Supported on Silicon Oxide Clusters
Authors: Chen Yi‐Ming , Wang Li‐Na , Chen Jiao‐Jiao , Chen Qiang , Jiang Li‐Xue , Zhao Yan‐Xia , Ding Xun‐Lei , He Sheng‐Gui
Published: September 2018

Cationic gold has been frequently identified as a suitable reactive species for activating methane in condensed‐phase studies. However, it is far from clear how the coordination site manipulates the activity of such species. Herein, by anchoring AuI on silicon oxide cluster supports of variable sizes, the site‐specific methane activation by AuI−Ox has been clarified by mass spectrometry in conjunction with quantum chemistry calculations. An unexpected mechanistic switch in C−H activation was identified for the cluster anions Au(SiO2)nO− (n=1–3) that selectively activate one of the four C−H bonds of methane with different reaction efficiencies: a low efficiency was observed for the two‐fold‐coordinated gold ion (AuI, 2f), which was anchored on an AuSiO3− or AuSi2O5− cluster, through an oxidative addition mechanism (a homolytic process), and high efficiency was observed for the one‐fold‐coordinated gold ion (AuI, 1f), which was supported on an AuSi3O7− cluster, through Lewis acid/base pairs mechanism (AuI, 1f⋅⋅⋅O2−, a heterolytic process). Fine regulation of the 5d orbital level of the Au atom by the oxygen ligands accounted for the mechanistic difference between AuI, 2f and AuI, 1f species. The mechanistic understanding of the reactivity of AuI−Ox at a strictly molecular level can be used to clarify the dissimilar activity of gold anchored on different oxide supports.
Nickel‐Based Bicarbonates as Bifunctional Catalysts for Oxygen Evolution and Reduction Reaction in Alkaline Media
Authors: Gui Liangqi , Chen Yaping , He Beibei , Li Geng , Xu Jianmei , Wang Qing , Sun Wenping , Zhao Ling
Published: September 2018

Oxygen electrocatalysis, including the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), is one of the most important electrochemical processes for sustainable energy conversion and storage technologies. Herein, nickel‐based bicarbonates are, for the first time, developed as catalysts for oxygen electrocatalysis, and demonstrate superior electrocatalytic performance in alkaline media. Iron doping can significantly tune the real valence of nickel ions, and consequently tailor the electrocatalytic ability of bicarbonates. Among the nickel‐based bicarbonates, Ni0.9Fe0.1(HCO3)2 exhibits the highest bifunctional catalytic activity, with a potential difference of 0.86 V between the OER potential at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and the ORR potential at a current density of −1 mA cm−2, which outperforms most of the reported precious‐metal‐free catalysts. The present work provides new insights into exploring efficient catalysts for oxygen electrocatalysis, and it suggests that, in addition to the extensively studied transition metal hydroxides and oxides, bicarbonates and carbonates also show great potential as precious metal‐free catalysts.
Synthesis of Macrocyclic Oligoparaphenylenes Derived from Anthracene Photodimer
Authors: Guo Lifeng , Yang Xiaodi , Cong Huan
Published: September 2018

Two oligoparaphenylene‐derived macrocycles were prepared using the anthracene photodimerization−cycloreversion strategy. The computational and experimental properties of these cyclic oligoparaphenylenes were conducted and compared with that of [12]cycloparaphenylene.
The relative importance of dissatisfaction, overvaluation and preoccupation with weight and shape for predicting onset of disordered eating behaviors and depressive symptoms over 15 years
Authors: Sharpe Helen , Griffiths Scott , Choo Tse‐Hwei , Eisenberg Marla E. , Mitchison Deborah , Wall Melanie , Neumark‐Sztainer Dianne
Published: September 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the relative importance of dissatisfaction, overvaluation, and preoccupation with body weight and shape in predicting increases in disordered eating behaviors and depressive symptoms from adolescence through to early adulthood.

Method

The study involved 1,830 participants (60% female) who completed the Project EAT survey during adolescence (mean age = 14.90 years, SD = 1.65 years) and again, 15 years later, in early adulthood. Participants provided assessments of dissatisfaction, overvaluation and preoccupation with weight and shape, as well as disordered eating and depressive symptoms at both time points.

Results

The three aspects of body image had distinct patterns of association with the outcomes both concurrently and longitudinally. Dissatisfaction predicted depressive symptoms as well as a wide range of disordered eating outcomes, including dieting, unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCBs), and binge eating, particularly in female participants. Preoccupation was associated with all of these disordered eating behaviors (but not with depressive symptoms) and was notably the strongest predictor of dieting and UWCBs in female participants. Overvaluation was associated with both disordered eating and depressive symptoms, although typically was a less potent predictor of difficulties than the other aspects of body image.

Discussion

Dissatisfaction, overvaluation, and preoccupation are related but make distinct contributions to clinically significant outcomes. Models of eating disorders should move beyond focusing exclusively on dissatisfaction or overvaluation toward a broader conceptualisation of body image. Findings from this study particularly suggest the importance of considering preoccupation with weight and shape.
Improving estimates of environmental change using multilevel regression models of Ellenberg indicator values
Authors: Carroll Tadhg , Gillingham Phillipa K. , Stafford Richard , Bullock James M. , Diaz Anita
Published: September 2018

Ellenberg indicator values (EIVs) are a widely used metric in plant ecology comprising a semi‐quantitative description of species’ ecological requirements. Typically, point estimates of mean EIV scores are compared over space or time to infer differences in the environmental conditions structuring plant communities—particularly in resurvey studies where no historical environmental data are available. However, the use of point estimates as a basis for inference does not take into account variance among species EIVs within sampled plots and gives equal weighting to means calculated from plots with differing numbers of species. Traditional methods are also vulnerable to inaccurate estimates where only incomplete species lists are available.We present a set of multilevel (hierarchical) models—fitted with and without group‐level predictors (e.g., habitat type)—to improve precision and accuracy of plot mean EIV scores and to provide more reliable inference on changing environmental conditions over spatial and temporal gradients in resurvey studies. We compare multilevel model performance to GLMMs fitted to point estimates of mean EIVs. We also test the reliability of this method to improve inferences with incomplete species lists in some or all sample plots. Hierarchical modeling led to more accurate and precise estimates of plot‐level differences in mean EIV scores between time‐periods, particularly for datasets with incomplete records of species occurrence. Furthermore, hierarchical models revealed directional environmental change within ecological habitat types, which less precise estimates from GLMMs of raw mean EIVs were inadequate to detect. The ability to compute separate residual variance and adjusted R2 parameters for plot mean EIVs and temporal differences in plot mean EIVs in multilevel models also allowed us to uncover a prominent role of hydrological differences as a driver of community compositional change in our case study, which traditional use of EIVs would fail to reveal. Assessing environmental change underlying ecological communities is a vital issue in the face of accelerating anthropogenic change. We have demonstrated that multilevel modeling of EIVs allows for a nuanced estimation of such from plant assemblage data changes at local scales and beyond, leading to a better understanding of temporal dynamics of ecosystems. Further, the ability of these methods to perform well with missing data should increase the total set of historical data which can be used to this end.
Activity and outcomes of a cardio‐oncology service in the United Kingdom—a five‐year experience
Authors: Pareek Nilesh , Cevallos Joaquim , Moliner Pedro , Shah Mit , Tan Li Ling , Chambers Vicki , Baksi A. John , Khattar Rajdeep S. , Sharma Rakesh , Rosen Stuart D. , Lyon Alexander R.
Published: September 2018

Aims

Cardio‐oncology clinics optimise the cardiovascular status of cancer patients but there is a limited description of their structure, case mix, activity and results. The purpose of this paper is to describe the activity and outcomes of a cardio‐oncology service, particularly with respect to supporting optimal cancer treatment and survival.

Methods and results

We prospectively studied patients referred to our service from February 2011 to February 2016. New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and parameters of cardiac function were measured at baseline and after optimisation by our service. Up‐titration of cardiac treatment, continuation of cancer therapy and mortality were used as outcome measures. Of the 535 patients (55.8% females) referred, rates of cardiotoxicity for anthracyclines, anti‐HER2 agents and tyrosine kinase inhibitors were 75.8%, 69.8% and 62.1%, respectively. Patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) (n =128) were younger, had higher rates of hypertension and previous exposure to chemotherapy/radiotherapy (P < 0.001). At a median follow‐up of 360 days, 93.8% of the patients with LVSD showed improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (45% pre vs. 53% post; P < 0.001) and NYHA class (NYHA III–IV in 22% pre vs. 10% post; P = 0.01). All patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction and biochemical or functional myocardial toxicity and 88% of patients with LVSD were deemed fit for continuation of cancer therapy after cardiovascular optimisation.

Conclusions

Through the establishment of a cardio‐oncology service, it is feasible to achieve high rates of cardiac optimisation and cancer treatment continuation.
Valorisation of Biomass Derived Furfural and Levulinic Acid by Highly Efficient Pd@ND Catalyst
Authors: Gupta Neeraj , Dimitratos Nikolaos , Su Dangsheng , Villa Alberto
Published: September 2018

Palladium nanoparticles deposited on nanodiamonds (Pd/ND) have been demonstrated as efficient catalyst for the liquid phase hydrogenation of furfural and levulinic acid to furfuryl alcohol and γ‐valerolactone, respectively. The activity of the catalyst was compared to other counterparts such as Pd on activated carbon, graphene and carbon nanotubes respectively, and was found to depend on surface carbonyl groups. The highest stability of Pd/ND seems to be related to the presence of a higher amount of sp3 carbon compared to the other supports. The developed methodology will prove beneficial for valorization of biomass derived furfural and levulinic acid in the future biorefineries.
The Evaluation Market and Its Industry in England
Authors: Davies Philip , Morris Stephen , Fox Christopher
Published: September 2018

This chapter presents an analysis of the evaluation market in England. It examines the context within which evaluation takes place and the structure and dynamics of the evaluation marketplace. It charts the growth and retrenchment of demand for evaluation in England over the past 20 years or so, the diversity of commissioning arrangements, and the types of evaluation undertaken. The structure and dynamics of the supply side of the evaluation market in England over the past two decades are also considered. Specifically, these include the barriers to entry into the market, skill and expertise levels, training, professional regulation, and quality of outputs. The development of mergers, consortia, partnerships, and emergence of small‐scale evaluation companies are identified as significant trends on the supply side.
Effect of sodium triphosphate on particle size of heat‐induced whey protein concentrate aggregates
Authors: Liu Diru , Cheng Jianjun , Zhao Changhui , Guo Mingruo
Published: September 2018

Thermal treatment has been utilized to improve the functional properties of proteins for many years. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of sodium triphosphate (Na5P3O10) on particle size and size distribution of heat‐induced whey protein concentrate (WPC) aggregates under different processing conditions. The results showed that high Na5P3O10 level (>0.5%, w/w), long heating time (>15 min), and alkaline condition (pH 8–8.5) facilitated formation of large particles (>10 μm). The WPC aggregates with small‐to‐medium particle size (1–3 μm) that are suitable to be applied as a fat replacer were obtained by heating the WPC solution (8%, w/v) containing 0.4% (w/w) Na5P3O10 at 85°C for 5 min. We conclude that thermal treatment of whey protein concentrate added with Na5P3O10 can obtain whey protein products with different particle sizes for certain applications.
The impact of co‐contaminant SO2, versus salinity and thermodynamic conditions, on residual CO2 trapping during geological storage
Authors: Rasmusson Maria , Rasmusson Kristina , Fagerlund Fritjof , Tsang Yvonne , Niemi Auli
Published: September 2018

During geological storage in deep saline aquifers, immobilization of CO2 in reservoir rock determines both storage safety and capacity. Assessment of the sensitivity of residual trapping to different parameters (interfacial tension and contact angles) and the storage conditions affecting these is therefore of great importance. One aspect of concern is the presence of co‐contaminants such as SO2 in the injected gas. Using experimentally measured values of interfacial tensions and contact angles, we apply pore‐network modelling (which accounts for pore‐scale mechanisms such as snap‐off, cooperative pore body filling and piston‐type displacement) to a generic sandstone network to quantify the impact of SO2 co‐injection on residual CO2 trapping, and its relative importance as compared to the influences of thermodynamic conditions and salinity. We show that the presence of small amounts of SO2 in the injected CO2 has a notable positive effect on the amount of CO2 becoming residually trapped (∼3% increase at 1 wt% SO2). However, this effect is small compared to that of the brine salinity (∼20% decrease in residually trapped CO2 over the salinity range 0.2 to 5 M NaCl). Still, co‐injection of SO2 could potentially favour the residual trapping of CO2 in reservoir rocks, especially at storage sites with inclined aquifers where the CO2 is set to migrate hydro‐dynamically over long distances. The salinity of the resident brine is of primary importance during storage site selection. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis shows that the advancing contact angle strongly impacts residual CO2 trapping. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dedifferentiated spermatic cord liposarcoma with macroscopic ossification
Authors: Ando Takashi , Nakayama Ryo , Mizusawa Takaki , Sakai Takeshi , Otsuka Hiroshi , Katagiri Akiyoshi
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Liposarcoma is a malignant neoplasm of the adipose tissue, and dedifferentiated liposarcoma is a relatively rare subtype. Liposarcomas are typically located in the lower extremities or retroperitoneum, but dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the spermatic cord is rare and no case of it with macroscopic ossification has been reported in the literature.

Case presentation

A male presented to our hospital with a painful, palpable, and hard left suprapubic mass, formed over 3 months. The mass was diagnosed as a spermatic cord tumor and was resected using high orchiectomy. Due to the histological diagnosis of dedifferentiated spermatic cord liposarcoma with ossification and positive margins, a second extended resection and adjuvant radiotherapy were performed.

Conclusion

To differentiate spermatic cord liposarcoma preoperatively is difficult. There is no gold standard treatment for it, although surgical complete resection with clear microscopic margins would be the most effective treatment.
Corneal tomographic features of postrefractive surgery ectasia
Authors: Khamar Pooja , Dalal Ritika , Chandapura Rachana , Francis Mathew , Shetty Rohit , Nelson Everette J. R. , Nuijts Rudy M. M. A. , Sinha Roy Abhijit
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tomographic features of postrefractive surgery eyes. This was a retrospective evaluation of clinical data. Three patients with post‐LASIK (laser‐assisted in situ keratomileusis) and two patients with post‐SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) ectasia were imaged with Scheimpflug imaging (SI, Pentacam) and optical coherence tomography (OCT, RTVue). Curvature and wavefront aberrations of the air‐epithelium interface (A‐E) and epithelium‐Bowman's layer interface (E‐B) were derived. OCT of normal and keratoconic eyes from an earlier study were compared with the data of the ectasia eyes. Curvature and aberrometry of the A‐E interfaces were statistically similar between SI and OCT. However, OCT revealed a steeper and more aberrated E‐B interface than A‐E though correlation between them was inferior to the correlation for keratoconic eyes. Furthermore, the magnitude of differences between the A‐E and E‐B interfaces was greater in the ectasia eyes than the keratoconic eyes. OCT could possibly assist better in selecting appropriate treatment plan for postrefractive surgery ectasia eyes than conventional tomographers.
Multifunctional effects of a modification of SLA titanium implant surface with strontium‐containing nanostructures on immunoinflammatory and osteogenic cell function
Authors: Choi Sung‐Min , Park Jin‐Woo
Published: September 2018

This study investigated the effects of surface modification of clinically available sandblasted/acid‐etched (SLA) titanium oral implants with strontium (Sr)‐containing nanostructures on both early immunoinflammatory macrophage cell functions and osteogenic stem cell functions. The goal was to provide insight for future surface engineering of titanium implants with multifunctional effects, that is, tissue healing capacity at both the nonosteogenic cell centered initial stage and the subsequent osteogenic cell‐governed later stage‐osseointegration process. The Sr‐containing nanostructure was prepared in on the SLA‐type implant surface by wet chemical treatment. The results showed that Sr modification is favorable for early macrophage cell functions and increases osteogenic capacity of the SLA surface. Surface Sr modification notably upregulated regenerative macrophage phenotype expression and anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL10 production while suppressing inflammatory cytokine TNFα. Sr incorporation enhanced certain early cellular events of ST2 stem cells such as early cellular spreading and critical integrin gene expression, which in turn notably increased osteogenic differentiation (osteogenesis‐related phenotype gene expression and osteocalcin production) when combined with the microstructured SLA implant surface. Surface modification of SLA‐type implants with Sr‐containing nanostructures demonstrated the ability to favorably influence early immunoinflammatory macrophage cell functions and the functionality of osteogenesis cells, resulting in an enhanced osseointegration outcome. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 3009–3020, 2018.
Performance comparison of blood collection tubes as liquid biopsy storage system for minimizing cfDNA contamination from genomic DNA
Authors: Zhao Yunlong , Li Yingjie , Chen Ping , Li Shaojun , Luo Jian , Xia Hui
Published: September 2018

Background

The ratio of target cfDNA in total plasma is low. The abundant gDNA background resulting from blood cell lysis caused by improper operation has become a major obstacle to accurately measure cfDNA. In this study, we investigated the storage capacity of three blood cell collection tubes (BCTs) in the prevention of genomic DNA contamination caused by white blood cell rupture and evaluated their performance when they were utilized combining with highly sensitive mutation detection technology.

Methods

Blood samples were drawn from six healthy blood donors and stored in three types of BCTs (BD K2‐EDTA tube, Roche tube, and Streck tube). Plasma samples were isolated at specific time points (day 0, day 3, day 7, and day 14) for content analysis.

Results

Roche BCT was more capable for preventing cfDNA contamination caused by white blood cell disruption within 14 days, comparing with BD K2‐EDTA tube and Streck tube. Severe white blood cell lysis and gDNA contamination were found in the BD tube. The impacts of Roche and Streck tubes on the quantity and complexity of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) libraries did not differ significantly within 3 days, satisfying most of our daily demands. In addition, the rupture of WBC was not synchronized with hemolysis in BCTs.

Conclusion

This study showed that capacities of blood collection tubes differed considerably in preservation of blood samples. Therefore, suitable blood collection devices should be selected to minimize gDNA contamination and to standardize blood samples processing for achieving more accurate and reliable clinical analysis of cfDNA.
The prognostic and therapeutic values of long noncoding RNA PANDAR in colorectal cancer
Authors: Rivandi Mahdi , Pasdar Alireza , Hamzezadeh Leila , Tajbakhsh Amir , Seifi Sima , Moetamani‐Ahmadi Mehrdad , Ferns Gordon A. , Avan Amir
Published: September 2018

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) consist of 200 nucleotide sequences that play essential roles in different processes, including cell proliferation, and differentiation. There is evidence showing that the dysregulation of lncRNAs promoter of CDKN1A antisense DNA damage‐activated RNA (PANDAR) leads to the development and progression in several cancers including colorectal cancer, via p53‐dependent manner. This suggests that these lncRNAs may be of value as prognostic indices and a therapeutic target, as a high expression of lncRNAs PANDAR is associated with poor prognosis. Furthermore, modulating lncRNAs PANDAR has been reported to induce apoptosis and inhibit the tumor growth through modulation of cell cycle and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway. The aim of the current review was to provide an overview of the prognostic and therapeutic values of lncRNAs PANDAR in colorectal cancer
HNF6 promotes tumor growth in colorectal cancer and enhances liver metastasis in mouse model
Authors: Jiang Kai , Jiao Yurong , Liu Yue , Fu Dongliang , Geng Haitao , Chen Liubo , Chen Haiyan , Shen Xiangfeng , Sun Lifeng , Ding Kefeng
Published: September 2018

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 6 (HNF6), as a transcription factor, has been reported to be involved in cell proliferation, carcinogenesis, and tumor metastasis. Here, we demonstrated the role of HNF6 in tumor growth and liver metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC). Through bioinformatics and clinical samples analysis, we found HNF6 messenger RNA was upregulated both in CRC primary sites and liver metastases, and its high expression indicated poor survival in CRC patients. In vitro studies confirmed that HNF6 promoted cell proliferation and colony formation. What is more, in mouse models, the xenografts grew significantly faster and liver metastasis rate was nearly 45% higher in mice injected with HNF6‐overexpressing cells. Further mechanism exploration showed that HNF6 expression affected cell adhesion and conferred resistance to anoikis in CRC cells. Taken together, HNF6 expression was upregulated in CRC and closely correlated with poor survival. HNF6 promoted CRC cell proliferation and tumor growth, and may contribute to liver metastasis via conferring cell resistance to anoikis.
Protective effect of extractive and biotechnological chondroitin in insulin amyloid and advanced glycation end product‐induced toxicity
Authors: Iannuzzi Clara , Borriello Margherita , D’Agostino Antonella , Cimini Donatella , Schiraldi Chiara , Sirangelo Ivana
Published: September 2018

Glycosaminoglycans are extracellular matrix components related to several biological functions and diseases. Chondroitin sulfate is a sulphated glycosaminoglycan synthesized as part of proteoglycan molecules. They are frequently associated with amyloid deposits and possess an active role in amyloid fibril formation. Recently, a neuroprotective effect of extracellular matrix components against amyloid toxicity and oxidative stress has been reported. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), the end products of the glycation reaction, have been linked to amyloid‐based neurodegenerative disease as associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. In this study we have analyzed the effect of chondroitin sulfate isolated from different species, in comparison with a new biotechnological unsulfated chondroitin, in the amyloid aggregation process of insulin, as well as the ability to prevent the formation of AGEs and related toxicity. The results have showed a determining role of chondroitin sulfate groups in modulating insulin amyloid aggregation. In addition, both sulfated and unsulfated chondroitins have shown protective properties against amyloid and AGEs‐induced toxicity. These data are very relevant as a protective effect of these glycosaminoglycans in the AGE‐induced toxicity was never observed before. Moreover, considering the issues related to the purity and safety of chondroitin from natural sources, this study suggests a new potential application for the biotechnological chondroitin.
Retinal pigment epithelium‐derived transforming growth factor‐β2 inhibits the angiogenic response of endothelial cells by decreasing vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 expression
Authors: Jeong Han‐Seok , Yun Jang‐Hyuk , Lee Da‐Hye , Lee Eun Hui , Cho Chung‐Hyun
Published: September 2018

Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) is a multifunctional cytokine that is known to modulate various aspects of endothelial cell (EC) biology. Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is important for regulating angiogenesis of choriocapillaris and one of the main cell sources of TGF‐β secretion, particularly TGF‐β2. However, it is largely unclear whether and how TGF‐β2 affects angiogenic responses of ECs. In the current study, we demonstrated that TGF‐β2 reduces vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2) expression in ECs and thereby inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling and VEGF‐induced angiogenic responses such as EC migration and tube formation. We also demonstrated that the reduction of VEGFR‐2 expression by TGF‐β2 is due to the suppression of JNK signaling. In coculture of RPE cells and ECs, RPE cells decreased VEGFR‐2 levels in ECs and EC migration. In addition, we showed that TGF‐β2 derived from RPE cells is involved in the reduction of VEGFR‐2 expression and inhibition of EC migration. These results suggest that TGF‐β2 plays an important role in inhibiting the angiogenic responses of ECs during the interaction between RPE cells and ECs and that angiogenic responses of ECs may be amplified by a decrease in TGF‐β2 expression in RPE cells under pathologic conditions.
Sevoflurane anesthesia represses neurogenesis of hippocampus neural stem cells via regulating microRNA‐183‐mediated NR4A2 in newborn rats
Authors: Shao Chang‐Zhong , Xia Kun‐Peng
Published: September 2018

Sevoflurane has been commonly utilized in nonobstetric surgeries in pregnant women, and its impacts on fetal brain are still not completely known. Ectopic NR4A2 expression has been reported to be related with familial Parkinson disease, and through dual luciferase we found that
NR4A2 is a target gene of microRNA‐183 (miR‐183). We proposed a hypothesis that miR‐183 may participate in the process by targeting
NR4A2 in neurons after sevoflurane anesthesia. To verify the effect of sevoflurane on hippocampal neural stem cells (NSCs) proliferation and differentiation, we conducted EdU assay and immunofluorescence staining. Next, for better understanding of the impact of miR‐183, we altered the miR‐183 expression using mimic and inhibitor. Meanwhile, the targeting relationship between miR‐183 and
NR4A2 was validated by a bioinformatics website and dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. Finally, expressions of miR‐184,
NR4A2, SRY (sex‐determining region Y)‐box 2 (Sox2), and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were determined and evaluated by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. First, sevoflurane was determined a crucial factor in biological behaviors of hippocampal NSCs. Moreover, upregulated miR‐183 expression by mimic inhibited the proliferation and differentiation of NSCs. Sevoflurane negatively regulated
NR4A2 and Sox2 expressions but positively regulated miR‐183 and BDNF expressions. Our findings revealed the underlying novel mechanism by which sevoflurane inhibits hippocampal NSC proliferation and differentiation through interaction with miR‐183 and
NR4A2. The study provides reliable reference for safe application of sevoflurane anesthesia in neonates.
Exosomes and microRNAs: New potential therapeutic candidates in Alzheimer disease therapy
Authors: Iranifar Elmira , Seresht Banafsheh Mirzaei , Momeni Fatemeh , Fadaei Elyas , Mehr Maysam Havasi , Ebrahimi Zahra , Rahmati Majid , Kharazinejad Ebrahim , Mirzaei Hamed
Published: September 2018

Exosomes are biological nanocarriers which could be involved in a variety of basic physiological events. They exert their effects via targeting their cargos (i.e., DNAs, messenger RNAs, microRNAs [miRNAs], and proteins) to host cells, which led to change behaviors of recipient cells. One of the important aspects of exosomes is the roles of them in disease conditions. Increasing evidence indicated that exosomes are one of the main players in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis. Hence, it seems that these nanocarriers could be used as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers in AD treatment. Another important player in AD pathogenesis is miRNA. MiRNAs are short noncoding RNAs which exert their effects as epigenetic regulators. These molecules involved in different stages of AD. Therefore, miRNAs could be used as prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic biomarkers in AD. Here, we summarized various roles of exosomes and application of them in AD pathogenesis. Moreover, we highlighted the utilization of miRNAs as a therapeutic option in AD therapy.
Nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase regulates cell growth via the Sirt1/P53 signaling pathway and is a prognosis marker in colorectal cancer
Authors: Pan Jing‐hua , Zhou Hong , Zhu Sheng‐Bin , Huang Jin‐Lian , Zhao Xiao‐Xu , Ding Hui , Qin Li , Pan Yun‐Long
Published: September 2018

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy, and the metabolic properties of CRC cells include enhanced aerobic glycolysis (the Warburg effect). Nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (NAMPT) is one of the crucial enzymes that regulate the activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleodinucleotide dependent enzymes. Targeting NAMPT is a potential method of CRC therapy. Nevertheless, the underlying clinical implications and regulatory mechanisms of NAMPT in CRC remain unclear. In this study, we showed that NAMPT protein expression was increased in subjects with rectal localization compared with those with colon localization, and NAMPT was a poor prognostic marker for the overall survival rate in patients with CRC. In addition, the NAMPT inhibitor FK866 or lentivirus‐mediated silencing induced CRC cell growth inhibition. Mechanistically, NAMPT regulated Sirt1 and P53 expression and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, along with the upregulation of downstream p21 and downregulation of cyclin D1, cyclin E1, and cyclin E2 expression. FK866 administration or knockdown of NAMPT induced CRC cell apoptosis via upregulation of caspase‐3. In conclusion, NAMPT regulated Sirt1/P53 signaling during CRC cell growth and warrants further investigation for clinical administration in CRC.
Potential therapeutic effects of curcumin in gastric cancer
Authors: Barati Nastaran , Momtazi‐Borojeni Amir A. , Majeed Muhammed , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: September 2018

Despite recent advancements in understanding of the biology of gastric cancer, treatment of patients with advanced gastric cancer remains a major problem. Among different type of phytochemicals, curcumin, a welltable ‐known phytochemical, has been shown to be a promising cancer chemopreventive agent. Pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of curcumin have been evaluated in several clinical trials against numerous diseases, and for the treatment of human cancer. In the present review, we have collected in vitro and in vivo investigations and studied the chemosensitizing and anticancer effects of curcumin against the gastric cancer cells. In summary, curcumin has been found to have efficient chemosensitizing effect and also inhibits viability, proliferation, and migration of gastric cancer cells mainly via cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis by both mitochondrial‐dependent and ‐independent pathways.