bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical Bimetallic Selenide Nanosheet‐Constructed Nanotubes for Efficient Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation
Authors: Li Jiantao , Fan Danian , Wang Manman , Wang Zhaoyang , Liu Ziang , Zhao Kangning , Zhou Liang , Mai Liqiang
Published: October 2018

Electrocatalytic water splitting is a promising way for renewable energy conversion and storage, but efficient and low cost catalysts are essential mainly due to the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Here, hierarchical Cu/Co selenide nanotubes assembled of nanosheets were successfully prepared. Benefiting from the rich active sites, highly exposed surface and enhanced charge transport, excellent electrocatalytic performance with a considerably low overpotential (238 mV at 10 mA cm−2), fast reaction kinetics (Tafel slop: 62 mV dce−1) and outstanding durability was achieved. Based on the ex‐situ characterizations, in‐situ formed (oxy)hydroxides were confirmed, which are presumably the intrinsic electrocatalytic sites for OER.
Pressure‐Induced Stable Binary Compounds of Magnesium and Germanium
Authors: Wang Chao , Liu Yunxian , Lv Pin , Sun Hairui , Duan Defang
Published: October 2018

Motivated by the possibility to obtain unusual stoichiometric compounds (e.g., Na–Cl and Mg–O systems) with exotic properties at high pressures, we systematically investigated the high‐pressure structures and chemical bonding of Mg–Ge systems by using a structure‐searching method and first‐principles calculations. Compared with the stable composition of Mg2Ge at ambient pressure, several stoichiometries (e.g., Mg3Ge, MgGe, and MgGe2) were predicted to be stable under high pressures. The Pm
m Mg3Ge structure consists of a 12‐fold‐coordinated face‐sharing GeMg12 cuboctahedron, whereas the P4/mmm MgGe and Cmcm MgGe2 phases form MgGe8 hexahedrons and MgGe4 polygons, respectively. All the stable phases of Mg–Ge compounds under high pressures exhibit metallic features owing to overlap between the conduction and valence bands. For Cmcm MgGe2, the projected density of states near the Fermi energy mainly derive from Ge s, Ge p, and Ge d, which are responsible for its metallicity. The calculated superconducting critical temperature values of Cmcm Mg2Ge and P4/mmm MgGe reach 10.3 and 9.07 K at 5 GPa, respectively.
Analysis of a microreactor for synthesizing nanocrystals by computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Peres José Carlos Gonçalves , Herrera Cristhiano da Costa , Baldochi Sonia Licia , de Rossi Wagner , dos Santos Vianna Ardson
Published: October 2018

Microreactors eliminate batch‐to‐batch variability and allow better control over nanocrystal synthesis. A serpentine microreactor fabricated by femtosecond laser ablation is presented and characterized by computational fluid dynamics, since the micro channels show a trapezoidal cross‐section mainly due to the relatively high numerical aperture of the focusing lens. Mixing, macro and micro, throughout the device was investigated for inlet flow rates between 10–500 μL min−1 and the injection of an inert tracer with the same transport properties of water. The simulation of the whole microreactor enabled the analysis of the formation and destruction of structures. For instance, secondary flows played a major role in mixing behaviour: small flow rates did not promote mixing of the tracer and a stream of pure water even after 43 curved segments, while they were perfectly mixed after 9 segments for higher flow rates. According to the mixing index, the maximum effect of convective mixing was achieved for an inlet flow rate of 250 μL min−1. Tracer dispersion and the mixing index guided a scale‐up process of the microreactor, optimizing the number of curved segments while increasing total throughput. The upscaled design exhibited mixing saturation at 400 μL min−1 and promoted better control of residence time to allow nanocrystal growth.
Catalytic Asymmetric Cross‐Dehydrogenative Coupling of 2H‐Chromenes and Aldehydes
Authors: Pan Xinhui , Liu Xigong , Sun Shutao , Meng Zhilin , Liu Lei
Published: October 2018

The first catalytic asymmetric cross‐dehydrogenative coupling of 2H‐chromenes with aldehydes using o‐chloranil (3,4,5,6‐tetrachloro‐1,2‐ benzoquinone) as an oxidant has been described. The organocatalytic process is tolerated with a broad range of structurally and electronically varied 2H‐chromenes and aldehydes with good yield and high enantiocontrol.
A phase 1, open‐label, dose escalation study of intravenous paricalcitol in combination with gemcitabine in patients with advanced malignancies
Authors: Fountzilas Christos , Javle Milind , Tan Wei , Ma Yingyu , Fetterly Gerald , Iyer Renuka , Johnson Candace
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Calcitriol, the active analogue of vitamin D, is antiproliferative and enhances the cytotoxicity of several anticancer agents, including gemcitabine. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is expressed in the tumor stroma and treatment with VDR ligands results in stromal remodeling and increased intratumoral gemcitabine delivery. Furthermore, calcitriol can decrease the activity of the gemcitabine deactivating enzyme cytidine deaminase (CDD). Because hypercalcemia has been the most worrisome calcitriol‐related adverse event, the less hypercalcemic agent paricalcitol may be preferred for further investigation.

METHODS

The authors undertook a phase 1 study of gemcitabine in combination with escalating doses of paricalcitol administered weekly intravenously in patients with advanced cancers. A standard 3+3 dose escalation schema was used. Pharmacokinetic assessment of gemcitabine and its metabolite 2’,2’‐difluorodeoxyuridine (dFdU) was performed. Pharmacodynamic assessment of paricalcitol was performed by measurement of CDD activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

RESULTS

A total of 44 patients were enrolled. Somnolence was the main dose‐limiting toxicity. The highest dose of paricalcitol administered was 10.5 µg/kg. Hypercalcemia was infrequent and mild in severity. Paricalcitol did not appear to affect the pharmacokinetics of gemcitabine and dFdU. Evaluation of CDD activity was available for 9 patients; no clear trend for CDD activity after treatment with paricalcitol was established. The overall response rate was 4%; the rate of disease control was 67% in patients who were pretreated with gemcitabine. Progression‐free and overall survival were 3.4 months and 6.5 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Paricalcitol can be administered safely in doses up to 7 µg/kg weekly with fixed dose rate gemcitabine without dose‐limiting hypercalcemia. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the maximum tolerated dose has not been formally established to date. Preliminary clinical activity deserves further exploration.
Response to therapeutic monoclonal antibodies for multiple myeloma in African Americans versus whites
Authors: Chehab Sarah , Zhang Chao , Panjic Elyse H. , Chen Zhengjia , Kaufman Jonathan L. , Lonial Sagar , Nooka Ajay , Harvey R. Donald
Published: October 2018

Background

Myeloma occurs disproportionately in African Americans, with disparities in outcomes potentially caused by access to care, cytogenetics, and immunity. A gap in knowledge of immune function dissimilarities between African Americans and whites exists. Data for other diseases suggest innate differences in immunity and inflammatory markers, with potential implications for therapeutic monoclonal antibodies reliant on secondary immune activation for activity.

Methods

Patients receiving daratumumab or elotuzumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone were retrospectively studied with a primary endpoint of response at 2 (daratumumab) or 4 months (elotuzumab). Secondary endpoints included stable disease or better at the same points, treatment duration, time to best response, and adverse events.

Results

Eighty patients were included; baseline characteristics were balanced with the exception of the stage at diagnosis, which was more advanced in African Americans. No statistically significant difference in response was seen: 37.9% in whites versus 11.8% in African Americans with daratumumab (P = .090) and 60% in whites versus 44% in African Americans with elotuzumab (P = .462). There were no differences in the duration of treatment, the time to best response, or adverse events. Common potential immune‐related adverse events in both arms were fatigue (39%), back pain (30%), and infusion reactions (40%). Anemia was significantly associated with a response to daratumumab (P = .02); no patients without anemia responded at 2 months, whereas 34.4% of patients with anemia did.

Conclusions

No significant difference in response, duration of treatment, or time to response was seen by race, although a trend toward greater early response rates in whites was observed. In these cohorts, as in other analyses, African American patients tended to present with later stage disease.
Co9S8‐Catalyzed Growth of Thin‐Walled Graphite Microtubes for Robust, Efficient Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Guo Mingrui , Liu Yi , Dong Shun , Jiao Xiuling , Wang Ting , Chen Dairong
Published: October 2018

Co9S8 crystals can catalyze the growth of thin‐walled graphite microtubes (GMTs) through a catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) process using thiourea as the precursor. The growth of GMTs follows a tip‐growth mechanism with tube diameters up to a few micrometer. The hollow interiors of the GMTs are filled with carbon nanotubes and wrinkled graphene layers, which form a unique nanotube/graphene‐in‐microtube structure. As‐formed GMTs are N,S‐codoped with lots of Co9S8 nanoparticles encapsulated in their inner walls. These GMTs are room‐temperature ferromagnets and can be loaded on Ni foams to work as binder‐free electrocatalysts with low overpotential (310 mV at 50 mA cm−2 for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and 284 mV at 50 mA cm−2 for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER)) and long‐term durability (continuous work for 120 h without loss in performance). Our research proves that metal sulfides can catalyze the growth of graphite microtubes and as‐formed GMTs may potentially be used as functional building blocks to construct new kinds of electrochemical devices for various energy‐related applications.
Microbial esterases and ester prodrugs: An unlikely marriage for combating antibiotic resistance
Authors: Larsen Erik M. , Johnson R. Jeremy
Published: October 2018

The rise of antibiotic resistance necessitates the search for new platforms for drug development. Prodrugs are common tools for overcoming drawbacks typically associated with drug formulation and delivery, with ester prodrugs providing a classic strategy for masking polar alcohol and carboxylic acid functionalities and improving cell permeability. Ester prodrugs are normally designed to have simple ester groups, as they are expected to be cleaved and reactivated by a wide spectrum of cellular esterases. However, a number of pathogenic and commensal microbial esterases have been found to possess significant substrate specificity and can play an unexpected role in drug metabolism. Ester protection can also introduce antimicrobial properties into previously nontoxic drugs through alterations in cell permeability or solubility. Finally, mutation to microbial esterases is a novel mechanism for the development of antibiotic resistance. In this review, we highlight the important pathogenic and xenobiotic functions of microbial esterases and discuss the development and application of ester prodrugs for targeting microbial infections and combating antibiotic resistance. Esterases are often overlooked as therapeutic targets. Yet, with the growing need to develop new antibiotics, a thorough understanding of the specificity and function of microbial esterases and their combined action with ester prodrug antibiotics will support the design of future therapeutics.
Circulating C1q/TNF‐related protein isoform 15 is a marker for the presence of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Mi Qiao , Li Yanxin , Wang Miao , Yang Gangyi , Zhao Xili , Liu Hua , Zheng Hongting , Li Ling
Published: October 2018

Background

C1q/TNF‐related protein isoform 15 (CTRP15) has been reported to be related to glucose and lipid metabolism, but the results are inconsistent. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic disorders. The aim of this study is to determine circulating CTRP15 levels in individuals with MetS and investigate the association among circulating CTRP15 and markers for MetS as well as insulin resistance.

Methods

A total of 341 individuals were recruited for this cross‐sectional study. These subjects were screened for MetS. Serum CTRP15 concentrations were measured by ELISA.

Results

Serum CTRP15 levels were significantly higher in MetS individuals relative to those of the healthy individuals. Circulating CTRP15 correlated positively with WHR, BMI, SBP, FAT %, 2 h‐BG, FIns, 2 h‐Ins, TG, FFA, HbA1c, HOMA‐IR, and AUCglucose, while negatively with HDL‐C and ISI. Multiple linear regression showed that HOMA‐IR and HDL‐C are independently related factors influencing serum CTRP15 concentrations. In addition, binary logistic regression analysis showed that serum CTRP15 concentrations were significantly related to MetS. When the mean concentrations of circulating CTRP15 in MetS subjects were stratified by the number of components of the MetS, circulating CTRP15 was found to increase progressively with increasing number of the MetS components. Finally, ROC curve analysis showed that the best cutoff values for circulating CTRP15 to predict MetS and insulin resistance were 63.6 and 64.0 μg/L.

Conclusions

Serum CTRP15 concentrations were associated with the key components of MetS and insulin resistance.
Novel Calixarene/Carbon Nanotubes Based Screen Printed Sensors for Flow Injection Potentiometric Determination of Naproxen
Authors: Khaled Elmorsy , Shoukry Eman M. , Amin Mona F. , Said Basmat Amal M.
Published: October 2018

Novel sensitive disposable sensors have been introduced for potentiometric determination of naproxen (NAP) based on single‐walled carbon nanotubes‐polyvinyl chloride (SWNTs‐PVC) composite incorporated of calix[4]arene as host‐guest molecular recognition element. The electrode matrix composition was optimized on the basis of the nature and content of the sensing element, cationic sites, plasticizer and nanomaterial. Remarkable selectivity and sensitivity towards NAP was achieved in the concentration range from 10−8 to 10−2 mol L−1 with anionic Nernstian compliance −61.0±0.0 mV decade−1. Modification with calixarene and carbon nanotubes improved the sensors performance through formation of NAP‐calixarene inclusion complex and promotion of the electron‐transfer processes which enhance the potential stability, response time, and shelf lifetime of the sensor. The proposed sensors were successfully applied for the potentiometric assay of NAP in dosage formulation and biological fluids under batch and flow injection analysis (FIA) conditions with average recoveries agreeable with the reported official methods.
An improved method for high‐efficiency coal mine methane drainage: Theoretical analysis and field verification
Authors: Liu Qingquan , Zhou Hongxing , Cheng Yuanping , Shu Longyong , Ullah Barkat
Published: October 2018

Degassing a coal seam with in‐seam boreholes is an important method for mitigating the gas hazards in the underground coal mine. However, the low strength of the outburst‐proven coal limits the borehole sealing performance and borehole space maintaining, and thus influences the drainage performance of in‐seam boreholes. This study was conducted to seek a method to improve the sealing performance and borehole space maintaining for high‐efficiency CMM drainage. A visco‐elastic plastic model involving the plastic softening and dilatancy features for soft coal was proposed, and the deformation, shrinkage, and fracture characteristics of the coal surrounded a borehole and a roadway were analyzed. An enormous amount of connective fractures generated in the failure zone and the plastic zone, and the plastic zone develops timely for the creep behavior of coal, which aggravates the difficulties of borehole sealing. A comprehensive approach including the theoretical method and the technical method was developed to determine the proper sealing depth which can significantly influence the sealing performance. The sieve tubes made of high‐density polyethylene has been used to maintain the borehole space during the scheduled pre‐drainage period. A series of field tests were conducted in an outburst‐proven coal seam to verify the feasibility of the comprehensive approach and the borehole space maintaining method. Field tests showed that the comprehensive approach to determine the proper sealing depth and the installing of sieve tubes to protect the borehole space can provide favorable conditions for maximum CMM pre‐drainage from outburst‐prone coal and maximum utilization of the in‐seam boreholes.
Improved THINC/SW scheme for computing incompressible two‐phase flows
Authors: Qian Longgen , Wei Yanhong
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we propose an improved tangent of hyperbola for interface capturing with slope weighting (THINC/SW) scheme for computing incompressible two‐phase flows with surface tension on fixed Eulerian grids. The new scheme possesses the following major new properties in comparison with the original THINC/SW scheme: (i) providing a simple and accurate approach for generating a smooth level set (LS) field from the discontinuous volume‐of‐fluid field, (ii) determining the interface slope from the cogenerated LS field, and (iii) evaluating the surface tension force by the cogenerated LS field. We verified the proposed scheme with the widely used advection benchmark tests and multifluid simulations. Numerical results reveal that the new scheme can not only improve the solution quality of interface capturing but also increase the accuracy of curvature estimates and suppress the parasitic currents.
Bias in parameter estimates due to omitting gene–environment interaction terms in case‐control studies
Authors: Lobach Iryna
Published: October 2018

Genetic studies are continuing to generate volumes and variety of data that can be used to examine the genetic effects. Often the effect of a genetic variant varies by nongenetic measures, what is traditionally defined as gene–environment interaction (G×E). If the G×E term is neglected, estimates of the main effects can be substantially biased. We derive a general and convenient approximation to the magnitude of bias in the estimates due to omitting the G×E term. We show that the approximation is reasonably accurate in finite samples. We then apply the approximation in a study of Alzheimer's disease.
Comparison of outcomes between hemithyroidectomy alone and hemithyroidectomy with elective unilateral central neck dissection in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma
Authors: Son Ho Jin , Kim Jeong Kyu , Jung Young Do , Jang Gyu Ho , Seo Youn Tae , Kim Deok Su , Park Sung Hwan , Jeong Young Ju
Published: October 2018

Background

There have been arguments over the efficacy of elective unilateral central neck dissection (CND) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) <1 cm who underwent hemithyroidectomy. This study was designed to investigate locoregional recurrence and postoperative complications related to elective unilateral CND for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).

Methods

Five hundred thirty‐seven patients who underwent hemithyroidectomy, with or without CND for PTMC, were included. We compared locoregional recurrence and postoperative complication rates between 138 patients who underwent hemithyroidectomy only (CND group) and 399 patients who underwent hemithyroidectomy with elective unilateral CND (CND+ group).

Results

Recurrence was observed in 32 patients. Twenty‐two patients with recurrence were in the CND+ group and 10 were in the CND‐ group. Recurrence rate was not significantly different between the 2 groups (P = .434).

Conclusion

Concomitant unilateral elective CND did not enhance outcomes of hemithyroidectomy for the treatment of PTMC.
Peatland ditch blocking has no effect on dissolved organic matter (DOM) quality
Authors: Peacock Mike , Jones Tim G. , Futter Martyn N. , Freeman Chris , Gough Rachel , Baird Andrew J. , Green Sophie M. , Chapman Pippa J. , Holden Joseph , Evans Chris D.
Published: October 2018

The globally widespread drainage of peatlands has often been shown to lead to increased concentrations and fluxes of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in streams and rivers. Elevated DOC concentrations have implications for carbon cycling, ecosystem functioning, and potable water treatment. Peatland rewetting, principally through ditch blocking, is often carried out with the expectation that this will reduce DOC concentrations. Uncertainty still remains as to whether drainage, or its reversal via ditch blocking, will also lead to changes in the molecular composition of DOC/dissolved organic matter (DOM), which have the potential to affect downstream processing and treatability of U.K. drinking water supplies. To investigate this question, we used a replicated experiment consisting of 12 parallel ditches on an upland bog and took samples of ditch water, pore water, and overland flow water for 4 years. After a brief preblocking baseline period, eight ditches were blocked using two methods. A complementary suite of optical metrics, chemical measurements, and analytical techniques revealed that ditch blocking had no consistent effect on DOM quality, up to 4 years after blocking. Where significant differences were found, effect size calculations demonstrated that these differences were small and would therefore have minimal impact upon water treatability. Furthermore, some differences between ditches were evident before blocking took place, highlighting the need for robust baseline monitoring before intervention. Based on our results from a hillslope‐scale experiment, we were unable to identify clear evidence that peatland ditch blocking will deliver benefits in terms of DOM treatability in potable water supplies, although we also did not find any evidence of short‐term deterioration in water quality during the restoration period. We conclude that, although peatland restoration can be expected to deliver other benefits such as reduced carbon loss and enhanced biodiversity, it is doubtful whether it will lead to improvements in drinking water treatability.
Association between the dietary inflammatory index and all‐cause mortality in colorectal cancer long‐term survivors
Authors: Ratjen Ilka , Shivappa Nitin , Schafmayer Clemens , Burmeister Greta , Nöthlings Ute , Hampe Jochen , Hébert James R. , Lieb Wolfgang , Schlesinger Sabrina
Published: October 2018

Pro‐inflammatory dietary factors have been shown to be associated with the incidence of a range of cancers. However, there are many fewer studies on the association between the inflammatory potential of diet and survival after cancer diagnosis. We examined the association between post‐diagnosis dietary inflammatory index (DII®) scores and all‐cause mortality in long‐term survivors of colorectal cancer (CRC). DII scores were calculated from dietary data of 1,404 CRC survivors collected at a median of 6 years after CRC diagnosis. Using multivariable‐adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models, hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated for the association of DII scores, modeled continuous and in quartiles, with all‐cause mortality. After a median follow‐up time of 7 years (after dietary assessment), 204 study participants had died. Overall, in the fully adjusted model there was a suggestion of a positive association between DII score and all‐cause mortality (HRDIIquartile4vs1: 1.36; 95% CI: 0.88–2.09 and HRDIIcontinuous: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.97–1.20). However, in subgroup analyses, we found significant differences in individuals with metastatic disease (HRDIIcontinuous: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.07–1.67) and the absence of stoma (HRDIIcontinuous: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.02–1.29). Overall, the post‐diagnosis DII was not statistically significantly associated with all‐cause mortality in CRC long‐term survivors; however, there was suggestive evidence of an association in select subgroups.
Super‐achromatic optical coherence tomography capsule for ultrahigh‐resolution imaging of esophagus
Authors: Li Kaiyan , Liang Wenxuan , Mavadia‐Shukla Jessica , Park Hyeon‐Cheol , Li Dawei , Yuan Wu , Wan Suiren , Li Xingde
Published: October 2018

Endoscopic optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive technology allowing for imaging of tissue microanatomies of luminal organs in real time. Conventional endoscopic OCT operates at 1300 nm wavelength region with a suboptimal axial resolution limited to 8‐20 μm. In this paper, we present the first ultrahigh‐resolution tethered OCT capsule operating at 800 nm and offering about 3‐ to 4‐fold improvement of axial resolution (plus enhanced imaging contrast). The capsule uses diffractive optics to manage chromatic aberration over a full ~200 nm spectral bandwidth centering around 830 nm, enabling to achieve super‐achromaticity and an axial resolution of ~2.6 μm in air. The performance of the OCT capsule is demonstrated by volumetric imaging of swine esophagus ex vivo and sheep esophagus in vivo, where fine anatomic structures including the sub‐epithelial layers are clearly identified. The ultrahigh resolution and excellent imaging contrast at 800 nm of the tethered capsule suggest the potential of the technology as an enabling tool for surveillance of early esophageal diseases on awake patients without the need for sedation.
Inside Cover: In vivo photoacoustic/ultrasonic dual‐modality endoscopy with a miniaturized full field‐of‐view catheter (J. Biophotonics 10/2018)
Authors: Li Yan , Lin Riqiang , Liu Chengbo , Chen Jianhua , Liu Huadong , Zheng Rongqin , Gong Xiaojing , Song Liang
Published: October 2018

In this study, a photoacoustic/ultrasonic dual‐modality endoscopic system with a miniaturized, encapsulated imaging catheter, which provides a full 360° field‐of‐view was developed. We conducted invivo rat studies to demonstrate the performance of this dual‐modality system. The results showed the typical morphology and vasculature, which is valuable for evaluating the gastrointestinal tract.

Further details can be found in the article by Yan Li, Riqiang Lin, Chengbo Liu, et al. (e201800034).

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LINC00152 promotes the proliferation of gastric cancer cells by regulating B‐cell lymphoma‐2
Authors: Mao Ye , Tie Yan , Du Jing , He Jianping
Published: October 2018

LINC00152 has been considered to be associated with the tumorigenesis and the occurrence of gastric cancer; however, the mechanism of LINC00152 has yet to be fully elucidated. In the present study, the expression levels of LINC00152 in tissues, serum, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with gastric cancer were determined using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The functions of LINC00152 with respect to the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasive abilities of the gastric cancer cells were evaluated by cell proliferation analysis, flow cytometry, cell scratch wound assay, and transwell migration experiments. A mouse xenotransplant model of gastric tumors was established to detect the role of LINC00152 in vivo, and the expression levels of B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2) family proteins were investigated by Western blot analysis. The results revealed that LINC00152 was overexpressed in tissues, serum, and PBMCs of patients with gastric cancer. Moreover, LINC00152 could promote the migration and invasive abilities and suppress the apoptosis, of gastric cancer cells through regulating the Bcl‐2 protein family. LINC00152 could bind with Bcl‐2 directly to induce the activation of cell cycle signaling, and this may be a potential target for the therapy of gastric cancer in the future.
Long noncoding RNA PVT1 promotes laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma development by acting as a molecular sponge to regulate miR‐519d‐3p
Authors: Zheng Xiling , Zhao Kang , Liu Tao , Liu Lei , Zhou Changming , Xu Min
Published: October 2018

Objective

This study was designed to investigate the effects and mechanism of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) PVT1 on cell migration, proliferation, and apoptosis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC).

Methods

We screened lncRNAs expression profiles in four pair LSCC and matched noncancerous tissues by microarray assay. The messenger RNA levels of PVT1 in tissues and cells were evaluated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis. StarBase website was used to predict the target miRNAs for PVT1. And the interaction between PVT1 and target miRNA‐519d‐3p in LSCC cells was analyzed using dual‐luciferase reporter assay. MTT assay was used to investigate the cell viability. Cell counting assay was used to explore the cell proliferation. Annexin‐V propidium iodide flow cytometry was used to examine the cell apoptosis, and transwell assay was used to investigate the effects of lncRNA PVT1 on cell migration.

Results

PVT1 was significantly overexpressed in human LSCC tissues and several LSCC cell lines. Upregulation of lncRNA PVT1 markedly facilitated proliferation suppressed apoptosis and promoted cell migration in LSCC cells. We further demonstrated that silencing PVT1 strikingly suppressed proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and reduced migration in LSCC cells. Further bioinformatic analysis and dual‐luciferase reporter assay revealed that PVT1 could function as an oncogenic transcript partly through sponging miR‐519d‐3p. Besides, mechanistic investigations indicated that PVT1 could promote cell and migration through interacting with miR‐519d‐3p.

Conclusion

LncRNA PVT1 is consistently overexpressed in human LSCC, and overexpression of lncRNA PVT1 contributes to the proliferation and migration of LSCC through inhibiting miR‐519d‐3p expression.
Immunofluorescent labeling of CD20 tumor marker with quantum dots for rapid and quantitative detection of diffuse large B‐cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Shariatifar Hanifeh , Hakhamaneshi Mohammad‐Saeed , Abolhasani Maryam , Ahmadi Fahimeh Haji , Roshani Daem , Nikkhoo Bahram , Abdi Mohammad , Ahmadvand Davoud
Published: October 2018

Fluorescent semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are newfound nanocrystal probes which have been used in bioimaging filed in recent years. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic value of specific QDs coupled to rituximab monoclonal antibody against CD20 tumor markers for patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). In current study rituximab‐conjugated quantum dots (QDs‐rituximab) were prepared against CD20 tumor markers for detection of CD20‐positive cells (human Raji cell line) using flowcytometry. A total of 27 tumor tissue samples were collected from patients with DLBCL and 27 subjects with negative pathological tests as healthy ones, which stained by QD‐rituximab. The detection signals were obtained from QDs using fluorescence microscopy. The flowcytometry results demonstrated a remarkable difference in fluorescent intensity and FL2‐H + (CD20‐positive cells percentage) between two groups. Both factors were significantly higher in Raji in comparison with K562 cell line (P < 0.05). Lot of green fluorescence signals was observed due to the selectively binding of QD‐rituximab to CD20 tumor markers which overexpressed in tumor tissues and a few signals observed on the defined healthy ones. Based on these observations the cut‐off point was 46.8 dots and the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 100%, 89.5%, 91.3%, and 100%, respectively (LR+, 9.52; LR−, 0). The QD
‐rituximab could be beneficial as a bioimaging tool with high sensitivity to provide an accurate molecular imaging technique for identifying CD20 tumor markers for early diagnosis of the patients with DLBCL.
Investigation of structural stability and functionality of homodimeric gramicidin towards peptide‐based drug: a molecular simulation approach
Authors: Ganesan Pavithrra , Ramalingam Rajasekaran
Published: October 2018

Increasing death rates due to antibiotic resistance deteriorate the existing treatment measures. Antimicrobial peptides have turned into the emerging cure for multidrug resistance. However, the stability and functionality determine an antimicrobial peptide as a drug. Analyses of the homodimeric β‐helical peptide, gramicidin have suggested the significant role of gramicidin‐A, gramicidin‐B, and gramicidin‐C as antimicrobial compounds, but the structural basis for understanding the stability and functionality is insufficient to resolve multidrug resistance. To identify the best template among gramicidin types as a therapeutic product, we combined a detailed comparative static analysis and dynamic analysis along with conformational free energy and secondary structure prediction. We observed that the high intramolecular interactions and the geometrical features favored gramicidin‐A among other types of gramicidin. Our analyses further revealed that the secondary structure of gramicidin‐A showed β sheets with coils along the conformations without any disruption, thereby enhanced its membrane interactions in terms of binding free energy. In conclusion, gramicidin‐A has definitely showed enhanced structural stability and functionality; this could be considered the best template for a potential therapeutic product.
A comparison of prenatal muscle transcriptome and proteome profiles between pigs with divergent growth phenotypes
Authors: Shang Peng , Wang Zhixiu , Chamba Yangzom , Zhang Bo , Zhang Hao , Wu Changxin
Published: October 2018

The growth of pigs is an important economic trait that involves multiple genes and coordinated regulatory mechanisms. The growth rate and potential of skeletal muscles are largely decided by embryonic myofiber development. Tibetan pig (TP) that is a mini‐type breed has a divergent phenotype in growth rate and adult body weight with Wujin pig (WJ) and large White pig (LW). In the current study, the transcriptome (using RNA‐seq) and proteome (using the isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification [iTRAQ]) data from the prenatal muscle tissues were analyzed to identify the genes related to postnatal growth rate and growth potential in pigs. In the RNA‐seq experiment, 19 626 genes were detected in the embryonic muscle tissues, and 3626 unique differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in TP in comparison to that in LW and WJ. In the iTRAQ experiment, 2474 proteins were detected, and 735 unique differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in TP in comparison to that in LW and WJ. Combining the DEGs and DEPs, 209 genes were found to be differentially expressed, consistently at both the messenger RNA and protein levels, between TP and the other two breeds; these are mainly involved in 2‐oxocarboxylic acid metabolism, citrate cycle, and biosynthesis of amino acids. Of these, 20 genes that were related to myoblast differentiation and muscle fiber formation might have important roles in determining the postnatal growth rate and potential body weight in pigs. Our results provide new candidate genes and insights into the molecular mechanisms involved muscle growth traits in pigs.
MiR‐216b inhibits osteosarcoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by targeting Forkhead Box M1
Authors: Wang Wei , Guo Zijun , Yu Hong , Fan Ling
Published: October 2018

Osteosarcoma (OS) is considered the most common type of primary malignant bone tumor, which has a high rate of mortality in children and adolescents. However, the current treatment methods for OS are ineffective. Therefore, there is an urgent requirement to identify the critical targets. This study aimed to identify the roles and significance of microRNA‐216b (miR‐216b) in OS. To explore the cellular and molecular functions of miR‐216b and Forkhead Box M1 (FoxM1) in OS, the expression of miR‐216b and FoxM1 at the transcriptional level was measured using quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). Wound healing assay, 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay (MTT) assay, flow cytometry, and transwell invasion assay were conducted to study the function of miR‐216b and FoxM1 in OS cells. Dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to identify the relationships between miR‐216b and FoxM1. qRT‐PCR results revealed that miR‐216b expression was significantly downregulated, and FoxM1 was observed to be significantly upregulated in human OS cell lines (MG‐63) and tissues. MTT data showed that upregulation of miR‐216b expression led to cell growth inhibition in MG‐63 cells. The results of the invasion assay and wound healing assay illustrated that miR‐216b upregulation or FoxM1 downregulation could inhibit the invasion and migration in MG‐63 cells. In vivo, the tumor volume was significantly decreased by miR‐194 mimic treatment compared with the control group. Furthermore, the results of the luciferase assay indicated that FoxM1 is a direct target of miR‐216b. These findings may provide novel insights into the molecular mechanism of miR‐216b and FoxM1 in the progression of OS, and suggested that miR‐216b may serve as a potential tumor inhibitor of OS by targeting FoxM1.
The use of bioelectrochemical systems in environmental remediation of xenobiotics: a review
Authors: Fernando Eustace Y , Keshavarz Taj , Kyazze Godfrey
Published: October 2018

Remediation of anthropogenic pollutants in our environment has become an imperative of the 21st century in order to sustain human activity and all life on the planet. With the current limitations of the existing technologies for this purpose, the need for innovative bioremediation technologies has become vitally important. Hitherto, electrochemically active microorganisms have only been a scientific curiosity and a platform for sustainable power production from waste material. However, recent research utilizing these electrochemically active microorganisms in bioelectrochemical systems (BES) has revealed their promising potential for bioremediation applications. The primary research focus of BES applications up‐to now has been to optimize and increase their power output. The possibility of utilizing these systems for bioremediation applications has been a new facet of this field of work. This review provides a comprehensive outlook on the utilization of BES based technologies for remediation of xenobiotic environmental pollutants. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Multiscale behavior analysis and molar behaviorism: An overview
Authors: Baum William M.
Published: October 2018

In the context of evolutionary theory, behavior is the interaction between the organism and its environment. Two implications follow: (a) behavior takes time; and (b) behavior is defined by its function. That behavior takes time implies that behavioral units are temporally extended patterns or activities. An activity functions as an integrated whole composed of parts that are themselves smaller‐scale activities. That behavior is defined by its function implies that behavior functions to change the environment in ways that promote reproductive success. Phylogenetically important events (PIEs) are enhanced or mitigated by activities they induce as a result of natural selection. Induction explains all the phenomena that have traditionally been explained by reinforcement. This multiscale view replaces discrete responses and contiguity with multiscale activities and covariance. A PIE induces operant activity as a result of covariance in the form of a feedback relation between the activity and the PIE. A signal (conditional inducer) induces PIE‐induced activities as a result of covariance between the PIE and the signal. In an ontological perspective, behavior is a process, and an activity is a process individual. For example, ontological considerations clarify the status of delay and probability discounting. A true natural science of behavior is possible.
Expression and polymorphism of micro-RNA according to body mass index and breast cancer presentation in Tunisian patients
Authors: Belaiba Fadoua , Medimegh Imene , Ammar Meriem , Jemni Feriel , Mezlini Amel , Romdhane Khaled Ben , Cherni Lotfi , Benammar Elgaaïed Amel
Published: October 2018

Micro-RNAs (miRs) constitute a class of small noncoding RNAs implicated in the regulation of gene expression by binding to target mRNAs. A miR can target several mRNAs, being involved in different biologic processes and pathologies. This pleiotropic function might explain the link between diseases co-occurrence. Epigenetic origin of the link between obesity and breast cancer (BC) is investigated in a cohort of Tunisian patients, focusing on polymorphism at germline level (miR-146a) and on expression in mammary tumors (miR-21, miR-146a, and miR-34a), according to body mass index (BMI) and clinico-pathologic features. The measure of miR expression in 60 mammary tumors was realized using quantitative RT-PCR. Study of rs 2910164 in miR-146a was performed by PCR and direct sequencing using blood DNA of 83 affected women and 50 unrelated subjects from Great Tunis. MiR-21, miR-146a, and miR-34a have been quantified in breast tumor according to BMI. MiR-21 is significantly more expressed in tumors of obese women comparatively to nonobese patients. On the contrary, miR-34a is decreased in tumors of obese women. Moreover, in obese BC patients, a significant increase in both miR-21 and miR-146a expression is revealed in cases with lymph node metastasis. The polymorphism at rs 2910164 (miR-146a) locus was not shown as a risk factor for BC. However the mutant CC genotype was revealed to be associated with a risk for bad outcome of the disease. Chronic inflammation in obese women would be linked to aggressive breast tumors via induction of oncomiRs overexpression and decrease of tumor suppressor miRs.

Chronic inflammation in obese women is linked to aggressive breast tumors via induction of oncomiR over-expression and decrease of tumor suppressor miR.
Analyte‐substrate interactions at functionalized tip electrospray ionization mass spectrometry: Molecular mechanisms and applications
Authors: Yao Ya‐Nan , Hu Bin
Published: October 2018

Conventional electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) commonly uses capillary tip for sample introduction and ionization. In recent years, ESI‐MS using noncapillary substrate tips has attracted growing interest as it allows separation and enrichment of analytes from complex samples due to analytes‐substrate interactions. In this work, model mixtures and functionalized tips were employed to investigate the molecular mechanism of the analyte‐substrate interactions. The mixtures were directly loaded on substrate tips, and then temporal responses of analytes were investigated by monitoring selected ion chromatogram (SIC) responses of each analyte. It is found that all analytes are sprayed out together when bulk solution loaded substrate surface and then sequential ionization of analytes were observed. Sequential ionization of analytes was affected by the analytes‐substrate interactions which caused analytes of weaker‐interaction to be faster moved and the analytes of stronger‐interactions to be retained on the substrate. The main molecular mechanisms of analyte‐substrate interactions were revealed to be hydrophobic interactions and electrostatic interactions. Furthermore, based on the mechanistic insights, functionalized tips were further applied for rapid extractive sampling of target analytes from complex samples with good analytical performances. Overall, this study on the mechanism and applications of analyte‐substrate interactions is useful for understanding the fundamental principles and further developments of functionalized tip electrospray ionization (TESI).
Climatology of fog occurrence over a wide flat area in Serbia based on visibility observations
Authors: Veljović Katarina , Vujović Dragana
Published: October 2018

Long‐term analysis of occurrence of fog events at 14 stations across part of fairly flat terrain of Serbia, which includes the area of the Pannonian Plain, is conducted. For the majority of stations (Palić, Novi Sad, Kikinda, Vršac, Belgrade‐Surčin, Smederevska Palanka, Valjevo, Loznica, Negotin) data were available for the 33‐year period, 1973–2005. For the rest of stations, data were available for shorter periods: for Sombor and Veliko Gradište 1982–2005, for Sremska Mitrovica and Belgrade‐Vračar 1983–2005, and for Zrenjanin 1989–2005. Fog event is defined only based on visibility observations. Almost 75% of analysed data sets showed a negative annual trend of low‐visibility events throughout the analysed time periods. This negative trend is increasing as it goes towards the north of Serbia and most of the stations with decreasing trend are rural. Fog is most frequent in the period between October and February and it is likely mostly due to radiative cooling and especially in October when an anticyclonic synoptic situation is prevailing. Stations with higher elevations have more lasting fog events and fog events with more variable mean relative humidity compared to their counterparts, which ranges from 92.1–97.4%. For most of stations December is the month with the highest frequency of occurrence of fog in the presence of a low cloud. Frequency of fog onset during low wind speed (below 2 m/s) is analysed along with its correlation with a frequency of fog onset when the cloud base height is equal to or above 2,000 m. In ~71% of the stations correlations are higher than 0.6, and stations with a lower elevations show a generally better correlation than those with higher elevations.
Poor Social Support and Unemployment Are Associated With Negative Affect in Home Parenteral Nutrition–Dependent Patients With Chronic Intestinal Failure
Authors: Ablett Joanne , Vasant Dipesh H. , Taylor Michael , Cawley Cathy , Lal Simon
Published: October 2018

Background: Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) provides life‐sustaining treatment for people with chronic intestinal failure (CIF). Poor quality of life is reported in association with the burden of HPN and the underlying condition leading to intestinal failure (IF). However, levels of negative affect (NA), incorporating anxiety and depression, have not been reported in CIF. This study examined the occurrence and risk factors for NA in a large CIF population using the validated Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale (HADS) and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) questionnaires. Methods: A survey pack including HADS and MSPSS were distributed to patients managed by a specialist IF center. Data from these measures were analyzed against factors including underlying disease, length of time receiving HPN, employment status, and demographics. Results: Of 85 patients who completed this study, 56% had clinical levels of anxiety and/or depression. Linear regression analysis confirmed significant correlations between social support and HADS scores, with poorer perceived social support associated with higher levels of NA (−0.26 MSPSS + 33.24; R2 = 0.29; P < .0001). There were also significant associations between unemployment and higher anxiety (P = .004), depression (P = .008), and NA scores (P = .003). By contrast, there were no significant associations between patient age, duration of time receiving parenteral nutrition, pathophysiological mechanisms of CIF, and NA levels. Conclusions: Clinical anxiety and depression are common, affecting more than half of patients with CIF. Patients with poor social networks and those of working age who have ceased employment are particularly vulnerable and should be prioritized for psychological support because of their elevated risk.