bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life‐threatening heat‐related illness with severe hyponatremia in an aluminum smelter worker
Authors: Wesdock James C. , Donoghue A. Michael
Published: October 2019

Heat stress is a recognized occupational hazard in aluminum smelter pot rooms. This is the report of an unusual and complex case of heat‐related illness in an aluminum smelter worker. The 34‐year‐old male US worker developed life‐threatening heat‐related illness in August 2018, on his first day back at work after a 7‐day absence. The worker initially presented with bilateral hand then all‐extremity cramping followed some hours later by a generalized seizure and acute mental status changes, including combativeness. Emergency room evaluation identified a serum sodium level of 114 mmol/L. Acute liver and kidney injury ensued along with profound rhabdomyolysis, with peak total creatinine phosphokinase level reaching over 125 000 units/L at 3 days post incident. Initial ventilatory support, careful fluid resuscitation, and electrolyte management were provided. Metabolic encephalopathy resolved. Complications included sepsis. After 5 days in the intensive care unit and eight additional days of inpatient management, observation, and the initiation of rehabilitation, the worker was discharged. Residual effects include polyneuropathy of upper and lower extremities and the postdischarge magnetic resonance imaging finding of a cerebellar lesion. Prevailing considerations in the differential diagnosis included exertional heat stroke and/or exertion‐associated hyponatremia with encephalopathy.
Co‐flame retarding effect of ethanolamine modified titanium‐containing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes in epoxy resin
Authors: Zeng Birong , Hu Rong , Zhou Ruirui , Shen Hong , Liu Xinyu , Chen Guorong , Xu Yiting , Yuan Conghui , Luo Weiang , Dai Lizong
Published: October 2019

A metal‐doped organic and inorganic hybrid polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) with a titanium atom in the POSS cage and an ethanolamine substitute group in the corner, namely MEA‐Ti‐POSS, was synthesized through simple condensation reaction and substitute reaction. It was blended with 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO) to form a kind of blending‐type flame retardant system for the modification of epoxy resins. The thermal stability, flame retardancy and mechanical properties of cured epoxy resin composites were studied. Comparing with pure epoxy resin, the LOI value of EP/MEA‐Ti‐POSS/DOPO composites was raised from 25.2% to 32.7%, and the UL‐94 grade reached V‐0 level at a loading of the mixture of 5% MEA‐Ti‐POSS and 5% DOPO. In addition, the cone calorimetry results showed that the heat release rate, total heat release and total smoke production as well as smoke production rate were all reduced during the combustion of EP/MEA‐Ti‐POSS/DOPO composites. The residual char analysis revealed that carbon residues of EP/MEA‐Ti‐POSS/DOPO composite served as a physical protective layer to insulate the oxygen and combustible gases to reduce the ablation of the matrix. It was concluded that the mixture of MEA‐Ti‐POSS and DOPO not only effectively raised the thermal stability and flame retardancy of epoxy composited materials, but also improved their mechanical properties, which expanded a promising application of the metal‐POSS derivatives as non‐halogen additives in the flame retardant polymers.
Functionalized faujasite zeolite immobilized on poly(lactic acid) composite fibers to remove dyes from aqueous media
Authors: Mascarenhas Bruno C. , Tavares Francine A. , Paris Elaine C.
Published: October 2019

An adsorbent based on faujasite zeolite (FAU)/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composite fibers was prepared by electrospinning technique and used for the removal of dyes from contaminated water. FAU particles concentration effect from PLA and the flow rate were evaluated on fibers production. Uniform fibers were produced increasing PLA concentration from 10 to 15% w/v. For FAU/PLA composite, uniform fibers were obtained with regular particles distribution on the polymer matrix by FAU adding 20% w/w at an optimal flow rate (2.0 mL h−1). The adsorption assays using the composite reveal a promising material for cationic dyes removal in aqueous medium using adsorption process, maintaining efficiencies above 80% for rhodamine B and 90% for methylene blue after 90 min. In addition, the FAU/PLA composite fibers allowed their use as a potential adsorbent material easily removed from the medium by mechanical forces. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48561.
Anticancer effect of icaritin on prostate cancer via regulating miR‐381‐3p and its target gene UBE2C
Authors: Hu Jimeng , Wu Xiaobo , Yang Chen , Rashid Khalid , Ma Chenkai , Hu Mengbo , Ding Qiang , Jiang Haowen
Published: October 2019

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common health‐related issues in the male individuals of western countries. Icaritin (ICT) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that exhibits antitumor efficacy in variety of cancers including PCa. However, the precise function and detailed molecular mechanism of ICT in the regression of PCa remain unclear. Ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme E2C (UBE2C) is an anaphase‐promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C)‐specific ubiquitin conjugating enzyme, which acts as an oncogene in PCa progression. The function of ICT in PCa was investigated in transgenic adenocarcinoma mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice using survival analysis, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, TUNEL assay, and immunohistochemistry and in human PCa cell lines using various molecular techniques and functional assays including plasmid construction and transfection. Bioinformatic analyses were performed to identify the interaction between miRNA and UBE2C via the TargetScan algorithm. We demonstrated that ICT inhibited the development and progression of PCa in TRAMP mice by improving the survival rate and tumor differentiation. Furthermore, we found that ICT could significantly inhibit cell proliferation and invasion and induce apoptosis in PCa cells. Consistently, downregulation of UBE2C suppressed the proliferation and invasion of PCa cells. Moreover, a luciferase reporter assay confirmed that UBE2C was a direct target of miR‐381‐3p. Meanwhile, ICT simultaneously downregulated UBE2C expression and upregulated miR‐381‐3p levels in human PCa cells. Altogether, our findings provide a strong rationale for the clinical application of ICT as a potential oncotherapeutic agent against PCa via a novel molecular mechanism of regulating the miR‐381‐3p/UBE2C pathway.
Bridge‐Length‐Dependent Intramolecular Charge Transfer in Bis(dianisylamino)‐Terminated Oligo(p‐phenylene)s
Authors: Uebe Masashi , Kaneda Kensuke , Fukuzaki Shinya , Ito Akihiro
Published: October 2019

Radical cations of bis(dianisylamino)‐terminated oligo(p‐phenylene)s (OPPs) with up to five phenyl moieties were characterized by means of UV/Vis‐NIR and variable‐temperature ESR spectroscopy to investigate the bridge‐length‐dependence on intramolecular charge/spin self‐exchange between two nitrogen redox‐active centers. Additionally, a comparative study between bis(dianisylamine)‐based mixed‐valence (MV) radical cations connected by p‐terphenylene and hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronene (HBC) π‐bridging units also provided information on the influence of extended π‐conjugation over the OPP‐bridge due to the planarization between adjacent phenylene units on the strength of electronic coupling. The present study on a homologous series of organic MV systems clarifies the attenuation factor through the OPP‐bridge and the linear relationship between the electrochemical potential splitting and the electronic coupling in the region of intermediate‐to‐weak electronic coupling regime.
Nanobundles of Iron Phosphide Fabricated by Direct Phosphorization of Metal–Organic Frameworks as an Efficient Hydrogen‐Evolving Electrocatalyst
Authors: Zhao Ruo , Gao Song , Wu Yingxiao , Liang Zibin , Zhang Hao , Xia Wei , Li Shuai , Zhao Yusheng , Zou Ruqiang
Published: October 2019

Transition‐metal‐based phosphides (TMPs) have been considered as attractive electrocatalysts for water splitting due to their earth‐abundance and remarkable catalytic activity. As a representative type of precursors, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) provide ideal plateaus for the design of nanostructured TMPs. In this work, the hierarchically structured iron phosphide nanobundles (FeP‐500) were fabricated by one‐step phosphorization of an iron‐based MOF (MET(Fe)) precursor. The derived FeP‐500 nanobundles were constructed by quasi‐paralleled one‐dimensional nanorods with uneven surface, which provided channels for electrolyte penetration, mass transport, and effective exposure of active sites during the water‐splitting process. With the addition of conductive Super P, the obtained FeP‐500‐S exhibited a good electrocatalytic performance towards the hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline electrolyte (1 mol L−1 KOH). Furthermore, to investigate the influence of secondary metal doping, a series of isoreticular MOF precursors and bimetallic TMPs were fabricated. The results indicated that the catalytic performance is structure dominated.
Brownian Motion and Large Electric Polarizabilities Facilitate Dielectrophoretic Capture of Sub‐200 nm Gold Nanoparticles in Water
Authors: Midelet Clyde , Le Pioufle Bruno , Werts Martinus H. V.
Published: October 2019

Dielectrophoresis can move small particles using the force resulting from their polarization in a divergent electric field. In liquids, it has most often been applied to micrometric objects such as biological cells or latex microspheres. For smaller particles, the dielectrophoretic force becomes very small and the phenomenon is furthermore perturbed by Brownian motion. Whereas dielectrophoresis has been used for assembly of superstructures of nanoparticles and for the detection of proteins and nucleic acids, the mechanisms underlying DEP of such small objects require further study. This work presents measurements of the alternating‐current (AC) dielectrophoretic response of gold nanoparticles of less than 200 nm diameter in water. An original dark‐field digital video‐microscopic method was developed and used in combination with a microfluidic device containing transparent thin‐film electrodes. It was found that the dielectrophoretic force is only effective in a small zone very close to the tip of the electrodes, and that Brownian motion actually facilitates transport of particles towards this zone. Moreover, the fact that particles as small as 80 nm are still efficiently captured in our device is not only due to Brownian transport but also to an effective polarizability that is larger than what would be expected on basis of current theory for a sphere in a dielectric medium.
HLA‐B*51:01 and CYP2C9*3 Are Risk Factors for Phenytoin‐Induced Eruption in the Japanese Population: Analysis of Data From the Biobank Japan Project
Authors: Hikino Keiko , Ozeki Takeshi , Koido Masaru , Terao Chikashi , Kamatani Yoichiro , Mizukawa Yoshiko , Shiohara Tetsuo , Tohyama Mikiko , Azukizawa Hiroaki , Aihara Michiko , Nihara Hiroyuki , Morita Eishin , Murakami Yoshinori , Kubo Michiaki , Mushiroda Taisei
Published: October 2019

CYP2C9*3 and HLA‐B alleles are reportedly associated with phenytoin‐induced eruption in some East Asian populations; however, this finding is not readily applicable to the Japanese population. Thus, we aimed to investigate the risk alleles using samples and data from BioBank Japan. A total of 747 patients (24 cases and 723 tolerant controls) were selected for analysis. Case‐control association studies were conducted, using CYP2C9*3, CYP2C9*27, CYP2C19*2, CYP2C19*3, and HLA‐B allele genotype data. CYP2C9*3 carrier status was significantly associated with phenytoin‐induced eruption (P = 0.0022, odds ratio 7.05, 95% confidence interval, 2.44–20.4). HLA‐B*51:01 showed the most prominent association (P = 0.010, odds ratio 3.19, 95% confidence interval, 1.37–7.48). Including both of these features improved predictive performance, measured as area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, by 10%. CYP2C9*3 and HLA‐B*51:01 allele carrier statuses are significantly associated with phenytoin‐induced eruption; thus, checking this carrier status before prescription would decrease the incidence of phenytoin‐induced eruption in clinical practice.
Mononuclear Ru(II) PolyPyridyl Water Oxidation Catalysts Decorated with Perfluoroalkyl C8H17‐Tag Bearing Chains
Authors: Tatikonda Rajendhraprasad , Cametti Massimo , Kalenius Elina , Famulari Antonino , Rissanen Kari , Haukka Matti
Published: October 2019

A set of novel polypyridyl Ru(II) complexes 1–7, decorated with one, two or three C8F17 tags have been synthesized and characterized by NMR, UV/Vis spectroscopy and, in the case of series of complexes 1–3, 5 and 7 by X‐ray diffraction on single crystals. Solid state structures of 3, 5 and 7 were also subjected to computational DFT study in order to gain insights into the effect of a different number of perfluorinated tags on their stability in the solid‐state. The complexes are stable in solution under strongly oxidative conditions, do keep catalytic activity in their aquo forms (1′‐7′) comparing well with parent complex 8′, and their amphiphilic nature could allow for their incorporation in fluorous media and interfaces.
Chiral Resolution of a Mn3+ Spin Crossover Complex
Authors: Jakobsen Vibe B. , O'Brien Luke , Novitchi Ghenadie , Müller‐Bunz Helge , Barra Anne‐Laure , Morgan Grace G.
Published: October 2019

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Grace G. Morgan from University College Dublin, Ireland. The cover image shows the spin crossover profile of an enantiomerically pure Mn3+ complex that was resolved with a chiral charge‐balancing counterion.
Are you using the right tools in computational electromagnetics?
Authors: Sankaran Krishnaswamy
Published: October 2019

Have you ever wondered why we use certain computational electromagnetics methods and how we decide on the choice of tools for modeling problems in electromagnetics? Though true for any field, particularly in electrodynamics, there is a gap between current practitioners' knowledge and knowhow about different tools and the state‐of‐the‐art developments. Rapid advancements made in material science and (nano)‐fabrication techniques are demanding new tools with multiscale and multiphysics capabilities. In this article, we cover the recent developments and highlight capabilities and limitations of different electromagnetic modeling tools. One has to answer a series of questions about modeling constraints and objectives before picking the appropriate tool. We aim to clarify some of the misconceptions, discuss limits and capabilities of some of the popular electromagnetic modeling tools, and provide a few practical tips, so that applied physicists and engineers can make informed decisions while choosing appropriate tools for their applications.
Device‐centric communication in IoT: An energy efficiency perspective
Authors: Ahmad Mushtaq , Ali Mudassar , Naeem Muhammad , Ahmed Ashfaq , Iqbal Muhammad , Ejaz Waleed , Anpalagan Alagan
Published: October 2019

Emerging device‐centric communication technologies such as device‐to‐device (D2D) communication, devices‐to‐device (Ds2D) communication, and multi‐homing (MH) D2D have been considered as essential parts of future fifth‐generation networks as well as Internet of Things (IoT). The device‐centric communication offers enhanced cellular data rates, high spectral efficiency, reduced latency, improved fairness, better energy efficiency, and extended coverage; however, the battery life of end devices is crucial to fully reap the benefits of this technology. In this article, a new method for device‐centric communication in IoT system is introduced, where multiple source IoT devices (SIDs) can send data to multiple destination IoT devices (DIDs) using multiple radio resource blocks. This method is called devices‐to‐devices (Ds2Ds) communication. The objective is to select the optimal SIDs, DIDs, and radio resource blocks such that the total energy efficiency for all DIDs is maximized. A tree search algorithm is proposed to select the optimal SIDs, DIDs, and radio resource blocks. Extensive simulations have been carried out to compare energy efficiency per SID/DID for Ds2Ds, Ds2D, and MH‐D2D. The simulation results show the superiority of Ds2Ds over Ds2D in terms of energy efficiency, which, in turn, implies better throughput. Furthermore, Ds2Ds is superior to MH‐D2D in terms of energy consumption per source device, a very good and promising requirement for green communication.
Interference mitigation techniques for a dense heterogeneous area network in machine‐to‐machine communications
Authors: Chen Dong , Khan Jamil , Javed Muhammad Awais , Brown Jason
Published: October 2019

With the advent of machine‐to‐machine communications, various networking consumer industrial, and autonomous systems exchange messages in the real world in order to achieve their objectives. Parts of these systems are comprised of short‐range wireless networks in the form of clusters that collectively cover a large geographical area. In these clusters, the nodes that represent the cluster heads need to deal with two types of communications, ie, one is within the cluster and the other is from the cluster to the sink node. As the number of clusters increases, it takes multiple hops for the cluster head to forward data to the sink node, thus resulting in a low packet delivery rate (PDR) and throughput. To solve this problem, we propose a heterogeneous area network in which the cluster head is equipped with two types of radios, ie, the IEEE 802.15.4 and IEEE 802.11 radios. The former is for the devices within the cluster to communicate, whereas the latter is for the cluster heads to communicate to the sink node. Although the IEEE 802.11 links increase the link capacity, the IEEE 802.11 radio and the IEEE 802.15.4 radio might share the 2.4 GHz unlicensed band, thus giving rise to the internetwork collisions or interference. To tackle this problem and to maintain decent quality of service for the network, we subsequently present two interference mitigation techniques, in which a blank burst period is proposed so that the IEEE 802.15.4 radios can be suspended while the IEEE 802.11 radios are active. Simulation results show the proposed two methods can effectively mitigate the internetwork collisions and are superior to the existing technique, which uses an adaptive aggregation technique to mitigate the internetwork collisions.
Transethnic meta‐analysis of metabolic syndrome in a multiethnic study
Authors: Willems Emileigh L. , Wan Jia Y. , Norden‐Krichmar Trina M. , Edwards Karen L. , Santorico Stephanie A.
Published: October 2019

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have been used to establish thousands of genetic associations across numerous phenotypes. To improve the power of GWAS and generalize associations across ethnic groups, transethnic meta‐analysis methods are used to combine the results of several GWAS from diverse ancestries. The goal of this study is to identify genetic associations for eight quantitative metabolic syndrome (MetS) traits through a meta‐analysis across four ethnic groups. Traits were measured in the GENetics of Noninsulin dependent Diabetes Mellitus (GENNID) Study which consists of African‐American (families = 73, individuals = 288), European‐American (families = 79, individuals = 519), Japanese‐American (families = 17, individuals = 132), and Mexican‐American (families = 113, individuals = 610) samples. Genome‐wide association results from these four ethnic groups were combined using four meta‐analysis methods: fixed effects, random effects, TransMeta, and MR‐MEGA. We provide an empirical comparison of the four meta‐analysis methods from the GENNID results, discuss which types of loci (characterized by allelic heterogeneity) appear to be better detected by each of the four meta‐analysis methods in the GENNID Study, and validate our results using previous genetic discoveries. We specifically compare the two transethnic methods, TransMeta and MR‐MEGA, and discuss how each transethnic method's framework relates to the types of loci best detected by each method.
Cooling and uplift history of the Niangniangshan granitic pluton in the Xiaoqinling goldfield, central China: Implications for tectonic evolution and gold mineralization
Authors: Wang Yi‐Tian , Ye Hui‐Shou , Ye An‐Wang , Liu Shu‐Lin , Hao Jiao‐Long , Liu Jun‐Chen , Wei Ran , Huang Shi‐Kang , Sun Zheng‐Hao
Published: October 2019

The Xiaoqinling Precambrian metamorphic terrane is located in the southern margin of the North China Craton, where it is the second largest gold‐producing province in China. The Huashan, Wenyu, and Niangniangshan granitic plutons are distributed from west to east across the Xiaoqinling terrane. To fully reveal the terrane's cooling and uplift history, a systematic thermochronological study of the Niangniangshan pluton was carried out in this work. Combined with previous data for the other two plutons, our new data allow us to draw four important conclusions: (a) The Niangniangshan granitic pluton has experienced three cooling–uplift stages, with a rapid stage from 141.7 to 118.5 Ma, a second slow stage from 118.5 to 40.3 Ma, and a final relatively rapid stage from 40.3 to 29.0 Ma. Correspondingly, the cooling rates are 17.24°C/Ma, 0.77°C/Ma, and 11.50°C/Ma. (b) The three plutons experienced similar post‐emplacement rapid cooling stages until ca. 120 Ma, with high cooling rates of about 17–20°C/Ma. Subsequently, their host terrane entered a long period of tectonic quiescence with cooling rates of less than 1°C/Ma. A new diachronous rapid cooling stage began first in the west at 57 Ma, then in the centre at 45 Ma, and finally in the east at 40 Ma with markedly different cooling rates. In this latter rapid stage, the Huashan and Wenyu plutons experienced a much more rapid cooling and uplift than the Niangniangshan pluton, resulting in the higher elevations and larger outcrop area of granitoids in the west and centre of the terrane than in the east. Consequently, the present topography of the Xiaoqinling terrane was close to present‐day form by the Eocene–Oligocene. (c) The emplacement of the three plutons was prior to the regional extension and detachment faulting in the Xiaoqinling terrane, with the evolution of magmatic thermal domes triggering development of the Xiaoqinling metamorphic core complex. (d) Gold mineralization of the Xiaoqinling goldfield took place at ca. 132–125 Ma, which was coeval with the early rapid cooling stage of the plutons and the extensional detachment faulting of the Xiaoqinling metamorphic core complex. Regionally, the gold mineralization overlaps lithospheric thinning and asthenospheric upwelling below the entire eastern part of the North China Craton that occurred during the major extensional regime in the late Early Cretaceous.
Is there equity in initial access to formal dementia care in Europe? The Andersen Model applied to the Actifcare cohort
Authors: Kerpershoek Liselot , de Vugt Marjolein , Wolfs Claire , Orrell Martin , Woods Bob , Jelley Hannah , Meyer Gabriele , Bieber Anja , Stephan Astrid , Selbæk Geir , Michelet Mona , Wimo Anders , Handels Ron , Irving Kate , Hopper Louise , Gonçalves‐Pereira Manuel , Balsinha Conceição , Zanetti Orazio , Portolani Daniel , Verhey Frans ,   the Actifcare Consortium
Published: October 2019

Objectives

In the current study, the Anderson model is used to determine equitable access to dementia care in Europe. Predisposing, enabling, and need variables were investigated to find out whether there is equitable access to dementia‐specific formal care services. Results can identify which specific factors should be a target to improve access.

Methods

A total of 451 People with middle‐stage dementia and their informal carers from eight European countries were included. At baseline, there was no use of formal care yet, but people were expected to start using formal care within the next year. Logistic regressions were carried out with one of four clusters of service use as dependent variables (home social care, home personal care, day care, admission). The independent variables (predisposing, enabling, and need variables) were added to the regression in blocks.

Results

The most significant predictors for the different care clusters are disease severity, a higher sum of (un)met needs, hours spent on informal care, living alone, age, region of residence, and gender.

Conclusion

The Andersen model provided for this cohort the insight that (besides need factors) the predisposing variables region of residence, gender, and age do play a role in finding access to care. In addition, it showed us that the numbers of hours spent on informal care, living alone, needs, and disease severity are also important predictors within the model's framework. Health care professionals should pay attention to these predisposing factors to ensure that they do not become barriers for those in need for care.
An extreme flood caused by a heavy snowfall over the Indigirka River basin in Northeastern Siberia
Authors: Tei Shunsuke , Morozumi Tomoki , Nagai Shin , Takano Shinya , Sugimoto Atsuko , Shingubara Ryo , Fan Rong , Fedorov Alexander , Gavrilyeva Tuyara , Tananaev Nikita , Maximov Trofim
Published: October 2019

Flooding is one of the greatest disasters that produces strong effects on the ecosystem and livelihoods of the local population. Flood frequency is expected to increase globally making its risk assessment an urgent issue. In spring‐summer 2017, an extreme flooding occurred in the Indigirka River lowland of Northeastern Siberia that inundated a large area. In this study, the extent and climatic drivers of the flooding were determined using the results of field observations, satellite images, and climate reanalysis dataset, and its possible effects on the ecosystem were discussed. In 2017, a significant lowland area of around 16,016 km2 was covered with water even in July, which was 5,217 km2 (around 4% of the total area) greater than the water‐covered area in 2015 when usual hydrological condition in the area was observed. The hydrographic signature obtained for the Indigirka River water level in 2017 was unusual. Although the water level rose sharply at the end of May (which was typical for the Arctic region), it did not fall afterwards and even increased again to an annual daily maximum value in the middle of July. The climate reanalysis dataset obtained for the temporal–spatial variations of snow water equivalent, snowmelt, and runoff over the lowland revealed that a large amount of snowmelt runoff in June and July 2017 produced a large water‐covered area and unusually high river water levels that lasted until summer. Snow depth from winter to spring was largest in 2017 over the period from 2009 to 2017, and the surface of the lower reach of the lowland was partially covered with snow even in the end of June due to the extreme snowfall that occurred in October 2016. Such unusual hydrological conditions waterlogged most trees over the lowland, which caused serious ecosystem devastation and changes in the material cycle.
Polymethyl methacrylate does not adversely affect the osteogenic potential of human adipose stem cells or primary osteoblasts
Authors: Bastidas‐Coral Angela P. , Bakker Astrid D. , Kleverlaan Cornelis J. , Hogervorst Jolanda M. A. , Klein‐Nulend Jenneke , Forouzanfar Tymour
Published: October 2019

Custom‐made polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement is used to treat cranial bone defects but whether it is cytotoxic is still unsure. Possible PMMA‐induced adverse effects in vivo affect mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts at the implant site. We aimed to investigate whether PMMA affects osteogenic and osteoclast activation potential of human mesenchymal stem cells and/or osteoblasts. Immediately after polymerization, PMMA was added to cultured human adipose stem cells (hASCs) or human osteoblasts (hOBs). Medium lactate dehydrogenase was measured (day 1), metabolic activity, proliferation, osteogenic and osteoclast‐activation marker expression (day 1 and 7), and mineralization (day 14). PMMA did not affect lactate dehydrogenase, KI67 gene expression, or metabolic activity in hASCs and hOBs. PMMA transiently decreased DNA content in hOBs only. PMMA increased COL1 gene expression in hASCs, but decreased RUNX2 in hOBs. PMMA did not affect osteocalcin or alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression, ALP activity, or mineralization. Only in hOBs, PMMA decreased RANKL/OPG ratio. In conclusion, PMMA is not cytotoxic and does not adversely affect the osteogenic potential of hASCs or hOBs. Moreover, PMMA does not enhance production of osteoclast factors by hASCs and hOBs in vitro. Therefore, PMMA bone cement seems highly suitable to treat patients with cranial bone defects.
The epicenter of chromosomal fragility of Fra14A2, the mouse ortholog of human FRA3B common fragile site, is largely attached to the nuclear matrix in lymphocytes but not in other cell types that do not express such a fragility
Authors: Guadarrama‐Ponce Rolando , Aranda‐Anzaldo Armando
Published: October 2019

Common fragile sites (CFSs) correspond to chromosomal regions susceptible to present breaks, discontinuities or constrictions in metaphase chromosomes from cells subjected to replication stress. They are considered as genomic regions intrinsically difficult to replicate and they are evolutionary conserved at least in mammals. However, the recent discovery that CFSs are cell‐type specific indicates that DNA sequence by itself cannot account for CFS instability. Nevertheless, the large gene FHIT that includes FRA3B, the most highly expressed CFS in human lymphocytes, is commonly deleted in a variety of tumors suggesting a tumor suppressor role for its product. Here, we report that the epicenter of fragility of Fra14A2/Fhit, the mouse ortholog of human FRA3B/FHIT that like its human counterpart is the most highly expressed CFS in mouse lymphocytes, is largely attached to the nuclear matrix compartment in naive B lymphocytes but not in primary hepatocytes or cortical neurons that do not express such a CFS. Our results suggest a structural explanation for the difficult‐to‐replicate nature of such a region and so for its common fragility in lymphocytes, that is independent of the possible tumor suppressor role of the gene harboring such CFS.
Human gingival derived neuronal cells in the optimized caffeic acid hydrogel for hemitransection spinal cord injury model
Authors: Subbarayan Rajasekaran , Barathidasan Rajamani , Raja Selvaraj T. K. , Arumugam Gnanamani , Kuruvilla Sarah , Shanthi Palanivelu , Ranga Rao Suresh
Published: October 2019

Spinal cord injury induces scar formation causes axonal damage that leads to the degeneration of axonal function. Still, there is no robust conceptual design to regenerate the damaged axon after spinal injury. Therefore, the present study demonstrates that human gingival derived neuronal stem cells (GNSCs) transplants in the injectable caffeic acid bioconjugated hydrogel (CBGH) helps to bridge the cavity and promote the engraftment and repopulation of transplants in the injured spinal tissue. Our study reports that the bioluminescence imaging in vivo imaging system (IVIS) provides a satisfactory progression in CBGH‐GNSCs transplants compare to lesion control and CBGH alone. Immune regulators interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐α, neutrophil elastase are decreased, IL‐10 is increased. Likewise, immunostaining (TAU/TUJ‐1, SOX‐2/NeuN, MAP‐2/PSD93, NSE, S100b, and GFAP) shown repopulated cells. Also, TRA‐1‐81 expression confirms the absence of immune rejection in the CBGH‐GNSCs transplants. However, locomotor recovery test, gene (IL‐6, CASPASE3, p14‐ARF, VEGF, LCAM, BDNF, NT3, NGN2, TrKc, FGF2, Sox‐2, TUJ‐1, MAP‐2, Nestin, and NeuN) and protein expression (TAU, TUJ‐1, SOX‐2 MAP‐2, PSD93, NeuN, TRA‐1‐81, GFAP, TAU, and MBP) shows functional improvements in the CBGH‐GNSCs group. Further, GABA and glutamine level demonstrates the new synaptic vesicle formation. Hence, the CBGH scaffold enhances GNSCs transplants to restore the injured spinal tissue.
Genome‐wide screening and cohorts validation identifying novel lncRNAs as prognostic biomarkers for clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Chuanjie , Huang Da , Liu Ao , Xu Yang , Na Rong , Xu Danfeng
Published: October 2019

Abstracts

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the main subtype of renal cell carcinoma with varied prognosis. We aimed to identify and assess the possible prognostic long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) biomarkers. LncRNAs expression data and corresponding clinical information of 619 ccRCC patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases. Differentially expressed genes analysis, univariate Cox regression, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression model were utilized to identify hub lncRNAs. Multivariate Cox regression was used to establish the risk model. Statistical analysis was performed using R 3.5.3. The expression value of five lncRNAs and the risk‐score levels were significantly associated with a survival prognosis of ccRCC patients (all P < .001). In the TCGA validation cohort, the area under the curve (AUC) for the integrated nomogram was 0.905 and 0.91 for 3‐, 5‐year prediction separately. The AUC reached up to 0.757 in an independent ICGC cohort. Besides, the calibration plots also illustrated well curve‐fitting between observation values and predictive values. Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis and subsequent pathway analysis revealed that the PI3K‐Akt‐mTOR and hypoxia‐inducible factor signaling crosstalk might function as the most essential mechanisms related to the five‐lncRNAs signature. Our study suggested that lncRNA AC009654.1, AC092490.2, LINC00524, LINC01234, and LINC01885 were significantly associated with ccRCC prognosis. The prognostic model based on this five lncRNA may predict the overall survival of ccRCC.
Effect of NH3 and organic loading on the inhibition of mesophilic high‐solid digestion
Authors: Jahn Lydia , Baumgartner Thomas , Krampe Jörg , Svardal Karl
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

The construction of small digesters will become more important for regions with demographic increase and limited areas. Savings of digester volume and a subsequently smaller footprint can be realized by the treatment of a more thickened raw sludge (high‐solid digestion). However, this operation can lead to instabilities of the anaerobic process due to rising ammonium and ammonia levels. The aim of the study was to identify the limit of saving digester volume by increasing the total suspended solids (TSS) of the treated raw sludge.

RESULTS

The effects of high TSS and ammonia levels in the digested sludge were investigated in lab‐scale reactors. Ammonium nitrogen (NH4‐N) levels were set by dosing a urea solution as well as by feeding a higher concentrated raw sludge. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal declined from 64 to 54% with NH4‐N levels rising from 2000 to 3200 mg L−1. However, the anaerobic biodegradation was not completely interrupted, which indicates the possible adaptation of anaerobic bacteria on high NH4‐N levels.

CONCLUSION

From the results, it can be concluded that dewatering the raw sludge up to 7% TSS leads to an optimum benefit with maximum savings in digester volume. The benefits of the operation with high solids are a lower energy demand for heating up the raw sludge and reduced construction costs (−20%) due to smaller required digester volumes. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
The seroprevalence of parvovirus B19 antibody in blood donors at the National Blood Transfusion Center in Kinshasa
Authors: Chabo Byaene Alain , Kabututu Zakayi Pius , Abou Rayia Dina Moustafa , El‐Sokkary Mohamed Mohamed Adel
Published: October 2019

Background

Human parvovirus B19 (PVB19) is a cosmopolitan DNA virus transmissible parenterally by blood transfusion. Therefore, the risk of transmission through asymptomatic blood donors should be considered and appropriately managed worldwide. PVB19 screening of blood and blood products for transfusion is not done routinely in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The main objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of PVB19 infection in healthy eligible blood donors in Kinshasa, capital of the DRC, located in the western part of the DRC, and the association of infection with the sociodemographic characteristics of blood donors.

Materials and Methods

A total of 360 whole blood donors who attended the National Center of Blood Transfusion were examined for anti‐PVB19 IgG and IgM antibodies by using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits. Sociodemographic information was collected on the blood donors. All statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 21.

Results

Among the study group, 289 men and 52 women were infected with PVB19. The mean age was 32.7 ± 9.8 years, 48.6% of donors were positive only for PVB19 IgG antibodies while 40.8% were positive for both IgG and IgM antibodies. In addition, 5.3% were positive only for PVB19 IgM antibodies and so were considered as a potential group of PVB19 transfusion–transmission. PVB19 seropositivity was significantly associated with sex, with a higher prevalence in men. In multivariate analysis, male sex and Tshangu district have emerged as major factors associated to PVB19 seropositivity.

Conclusions

This research showed that recipients of blood and blood products in Kinshasa are at a high risk (5.3%) of transfusion‐transmitted PVB19 infection. Therefore, the implementation of PVB19 nucleic acid testing assays capable of detecting all PVB19 genotypes and discard donations with high titer PVB19 DNA for blood products seems to be necessary.
Distinguishing genomicDNAofBrassica junceaandArabidopsis thalianausing surface‐enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Mirajkar Shriram , Dhayagude Akshay , Maiti Nandita , Suprasanna Penna , Kapoor Sudhir
Published: October 2019

The emergence of the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique as a prospective approach for the label‐free detection and fingerprinting of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of microorganisms motivated us to detect traces of genomic DNA (gDNA) ofBrassicaceaeplant species, namely,Brassica junceaandArabidopsis thaliana. DNA from the young leaf tissue of germinatedB. junceawas extracted by modified cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide extraction method and added to silver (Ag) and gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs). The reduction in the absorbance of the surface plasmon resonance band of the metal NPs along with the appearance of a red‐shifted band indicated that DNA gets adsorbed on the metal NPs. The change in helicity of gDNA upon interaction with metal NPs was confirmed from circular dichroism studies. Dynamic light scattering measurements indicated that extent of aggregation is more in gDNA functionalized Au NPs than in Ag NPs. The transmission electron microscopy results corroborated the dynamic light scattering data. The marginal change in zeta potential value of Ag and Au NPs after binding to gDNA indicated good stability of the functionalized metal NPs. The SERS spectra revealed that adenine and deoxyribose were the active sites of gDNA that interacted with the metal NPs. From SERS, the limit of detection of gDNA was found to be ~10 and 1 ng μl−1with Ag and Au NPs. The wavelength‐dependent Raman study showed that the charge transfer effect contributed to the SERS enhancement in addition to the electromagnetic effect. The SERS spectra of gDNA ofA. thalianafunctionalized Ag NPs were found to be different as compared with the gDNA ofB. junceaprobably due to the difference in their genome length and biochemical variability. Moreover, the Raman spectral signatures might differ due to changes in the adsorption pattern of the nucleotide bases on metal NPs surfaces.
Effects of Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium poae on disease parameters, grain quality and mycotoxins contamination in bread wheat (Part I)
Authors: Martínez Mauro , Ramírez Albuquerque Lady , Arata Agustin F , Biganzoli Fernando , Fernández Pinto Virginia , Stenglein Sebastian A
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Wheat is the most important winter crop in the world, being affected by the presence of fungal, mainly those belonging to the Fusarium genus. Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a serious disease that causes important economic damage and quantitative/qualitative losses, with Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium poae being two of the most isolated species worldwide. The present study aimed to evaluate the interaction between F. graminearum and F. poae and the effects on disease parameters, grain quality and mycotoxin contamination on five wheat genotypes under field conditions during three growing seasons.

RESULTS

Statistical differences between Fusarium treatments were found for disease parameters, grain quality and mycotoxin contamination during the 2014/2015 growing season. High values of incidence (58.00 ± 8.00%), severity (6.28 ± 1.51%) and FHB index (4.72 ± 1.35) were observed for F. graminearum + F. poae treatment. Regarding grain quality, the results showed that the degradation of different protein fractions depends on each Fusarium species: glutenins were degraded preferably by F. graminearum (−70.82%), gliadins were degraded preferably by F. poae (−29.42%), whereas both protein fractions were degraded when both Fusarium species were present (−60.91% and −16.51%, respectively). Significant differences were observed for mycotoxin contamination between genotypes, with Proteo being the most affected (DON = 12.01 ± 3.67 μg g−1). In addition, we report that 3‐ADON predominated over 15‐ADON in the three seasons evaluated.

CONCLUSION

Variations in plant–pathogen interaction (Fusarium–wheat pathosystem) should be considered at least in years with favorable climatic conditions for FHB development, as a result of the potential impact of this disease on grain quality and mycotoxin contamination. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Insights into the chemosensory basis of flavor in table grapes
Authors: Maoz Itay , Kaplunov Tatiana , Raban Eyal , Dynkin Irina , Degani Oded , Lewinsohn Efraim , Lichter Amnon
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

The full flavor of grape berries is determined by the interaction of sugars, acids, volatile compounds, and other berry properties, such as astringency. Sugars and acids are important for berry taste, whereas volatile compounds are important for the unique berry flavors, e.g., monoterpenes for the Muscat varieties.

RESULTS

We explored the basis for ‘fruity’ flavor perception in table grapes. Samples were collected from 134 new table grape lines and commercial varieties and tested chemically for their volatile profiles and organoleptically by tasting panels. At the sensory level, flavor impression was strongly correlated with berry preference, whereas among ‘fruity’, ‘neutral’, ‘herbaceous,’ and ‘Muscat’, only the ‘fruity’ flavor was correlated with berry preference. At the chemical level, 114 volatile compounds were detected in the 81 breeding lines and cultivars examined, and grouped into ‘core’ and ‘unique’ categories. The typical berry flavor seemed to depend on the major volatile aldehydes – 1‐hexanal and (E)‐2‐hexenal – accounting for up to an average 85% of the berry's core volatile concentration. We found four volatile compounds – α‐bergamotene, geranyl formate, aristolene and α‐penansinene – previously undetected, to our knowledge, in fresh grape berries.

CONCLUSIONS

High ‘fruity’ flavor scores were related to three independent factors: (i) presence of unique volatile compounds, such as the sesquiterpene α‐copaene, (ii) higher total concentration of volatile compounds, (iii) optimal maturity associated to high total soluble solids (TSS) levels, interacting with berry volatile composition. These combined sensory and analytical data on the flavor of table grapes improve our understanding of the complex interface between chemical and sensory perception in fruit. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
American consumers' perception and acceptance of an ethnic food with strong flavor: a case study of Kimchi with varying levels of red pepper and fish sauce
Authors: Park Hee‐Jung , Ko Jung‐Min , Lim Juyun , Hong Jae‐Hee
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

A spicy ethnic food with strong flavor, such as Kimchi (Korean traditional fermented vegetable dish), may not be well‐accepted by foreign consumers on the first trial, but liking can be acquired if exposed frequently. This study was conducted to understand how spiciness and fish sauce flavor impact American consumers' perception and acceptance of Kimchi. Thirteen untrained American panelists performed a flash profiling evaluating six Kimchi samples with different levels of red pepper and fish sauce. American consumers (n = 96) participated in a consumer study during which their acceptance for the same samples, along with their consumption habits, were evaluated.

RESULTS

Ratings of perceived spiciness and liking increased as the concentration of red pepper increased, while these attributes were less affected by the level of fish sauce tested. Consumers were segmented into four clusters: general Kimchi likers (30%), spicy Kimchi likers (10%), mild Kimchi dislikers (45%), and spicy and strong‐flavored Kimchi dislikers (15%). This segmentation showed a significant impact of previous experiences tasting authentic Kimchi.

CONCLUSION

Stronger spiciness in Kimchi is preferred by American consumers, while absence or addition of fish sauce did not influence their acceptance. Previous experience with Kimchi and a liking for spicy foods that had been already established seem to be associated with their liking for the spicier Kimchi. It is suggested that an authentic Kimchi experience further differentiated the preference pattern for Kimchi with varying levels of spiciness and fish sauce flavor. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultrasound Fatty Liver Indicator: A Simple Tool for Differentiating Steatosis From Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: Validity in the Average Obese Population
Authors: Nelson Steve M. , Hoskins Jason D. , Lisanti Christopher , Chaudhuri Jayanta
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Steatosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and fibrosis/cirrhosis represent a spectrum of fatty liver disease. The ultrasound fatty liver indicator (US‐FLI) evaluates ultrasound (US) features to identify stages of fatty liver disease. We hypothesized that US features could be independent predictors of NASH and that the US‐FLI differentiates steatosis from NASH in the average obese population.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 208 patients with normal (n = 14), steatotic (n = 89), and NASH (n = 105) livers was performed. Liver/biliary disease and a history of alcohol intake were excluded. Ultrasound metrics included liver‐kidney contrast, posterior attenuation, vessel blurring, difficulty visualizing the gallbladder wall, difficulty visualizing the diaphragm, and areas of focal fatty sparing. A statistical comparison of the 3 groups as well as fibrosis stage I and II/III NASH groups was performed. Logistic regression identified independent predictors of NASH.

Results

Gallbladder wall visualization and vessel blurring were different between the steatosis and NASH groups (P ≤ .01). Gallbladder wall visualization was specific for NASH (89%), and vessel blurring was sensitive for NASH (93%). A US‐FLI score of 4 or lower suggested the absence of NASH (negative predictive value, 88%; sensitivity, 91%). Logistic regression revealed vessel blurring as the only US predictor of NASH (P ≤ .01). However, the area under the curve (0.649) showed poor performance in differentiating steatosis from NASH when the US‐FLI score was 5 or higher.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the US‐FLI may differentiate steatosis from NASH in the average obese population. Vessel blurring and poor gallbladder wall visualization were the most important metrics. Identification of NASH was enhanced by including the US‐FLI score with vessel blurring.