bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ABC of Insulin: The Organic Chemistry of a Small Protein
Authors: Østergaard Mads , Mishra Narendra Kumar , Jensen Knud J.
Published: March 2020

Insulin is a small protein crucial for regulating the blood glucose level in all animals. Since 1922 it has been used for the treatment of patients with diabetes. Despite consisting of just 51 amino acids, insulin contains 17 of the proteinogenic amino acids, A‐ and B‐chains, three disulfide bridges, and it folds with 3 α‐helices and a short β‐sheet segment. Insulin associates into dimers and further into hexamers with stabilization by Zn2+ and phenolic ligands. Selective chemical modification of proteins is at the forefront of developments in chemical biology and biopharmaceuticals. Insulin's structure has made it amenable to organic and inorganic chemical reactions. This Review provides a synthetic organic chemistry perspective on this small protein. It gives an overview of key chemical and physico‐chemical aspects of the insulin molecule, with a focus on chemoselective reactions. This includes N‐acylations at the N‐termini or at LysB29 by pH control, introduction of protecting groups on insulin, binding of metal ions, ligands to control the nano‐scale assembly of insulin, and more.
Synthesis and Characterization of Tetrakis(pentafluoroethyl)aluminate
Authors: Tiessen Natalia , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Hoge Berthold
Published: March 2020

While perfluorinated aryl, aryloxy and alkoxy aluminum species are well‐established as weakly coordinating anions (WCAs), corresponding perfluoroalkyl aluminum derivatives are virtually unknown. Reaction of Si(C2F5)3CH3 with Li[AlH4] afforded the tetrakis(pentafluoroethyl)aluminate, [Al(C2F5)4]−. Several salts of the [Al(C2F5)4]− ion were synthesized and characterized by NMR spectroscopic methods, mass spectrometry, X‐ray diffraction studies and elemental analysis.
Boosting Na+ Storage Ability of Bimetallic MoxW1−xSe2 with Expanded Interlayers
Authors: Shi Nianxiang , Xi Baojuan , Tian Fang , Ma Xiaojian , Li Haibo , Feng Jinkui , Xiong Shenglin
Published: March 2020

In spite of the valuable advancements in the fabrication of transition‐metal selenides (TMSs)‐based hybrid structures, only single‐metal selenides have been obtained through most of the present methods. Herein, a facile room‐temperature self‐polymerization and subsequent selenization strategy is proposed for the synthesis of bimetallic MoxW1−xSe2 nanosheets with expanded interlayers decorated with N‐doped carbon‐matrix assembled flowerlike hierarchical microspheres (MoxW1−xSe2/NC). Depending on the excellent coordination ability of dopamine with metal ions, self‐formed flowerlike single precursors are harvested. The unique hybrid architecture benefits the penetration of the electrolyte, accelerates Na+ insertion/extraction kinetics, enhances electron‐transfer ability, and alleviates the volume expansion and aggregation during cycling processes. Therefore, the bimetallic MoxW1−xSe2/NC electrode delivers high reversible capacities of 264 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1 for 700 cycles, 204.4 mA h g−1 at 4 A g−1 for 1400 cycles, and 153.3 mA h g−1 at 8 A g−1 for 2000 cycles, as well as an excellent rate capability up to 10 A g−1 with a capacity of 188.9 mA h g−1. Our study offers an effective strategy to boost sodium storage performance through elaborate structural engineering.
Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed C−H/N−H Functionalization with Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Xie Hui , Jiang Jijun , Wang Jun
Published: March 2020

A rhodium(III)‐catalyzed C−H/N−H bond functionalization of benzimidates with α‐chloroaldehydes to afford isoquinolin‐3‐ol derivatives is reported. No external oxidants are needed in this process, and interestingly, evolution of hydrogen gas is observed.
Building Polyoxometalate “Nano‐Walls” on 3D Porous Carbon Paper: A Solar Steam Generation System for Water Purification
Authors: De Qingcuomu , Xu Xinxin
Published: March 2020

As promising fresh‐water purification devices, solar steam generation systems have attracted significant attention recently. However, in practice, the approach often suffers from a poor solar energy conversion efficiency and a low water production rate due to poor material selection and inefficient microscopic structure design. Here, we fabricate an efficient solar steam generation system by “building” polyoxometalate “nano‐walls” on rice paper‐derived three‐dimensional porous carbon paper. In this solar steam generation system, the height of the vertically aligned CoP4Mo6 “nano‐walls” range from 100 to 150 nm with thicknesses about 15 to 25 nm. Under 1 sun irradiation (1 sun = 1 kW m−2), the surface temperature increases from 29 to 50 °C in a short time with a solar thermal conversion efficiency achieving 92.8 %. The stability and durability of this solar steam generation system, which withstands fifteen cycle continuous tests, also offer good prospects. Its attractive solar energy conversion performance originates from the intense sunlight absorption and high conversion ability of the CoP4Mo6 “nano‐walls”, as well as extremely promising heat localization and water transportation properties of the three‐dimensional porous carbon paper. This solar steam generation system, which has produced some inspiring results, is employed for seawater desalination and for purification of water polluted with organic dyes.
Medical financial hardship reported by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander cancer survivors compared with non‐Hispanic whites
Authors: Li Chenghui , Narcisse Marie‐Rachelle , McElfish Pearl A.
Published: March 2020

Background

Although medical financial hardship (MFH) resulting from sequelae of cancer and treatment has been reported in other racial/ethnic populations, little is known about MFH among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) cancer survivors.

Methods

One hundred fifty adult NHPI cancer survivors were identified from the 2014 NHPI National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Cancer survivors were those with a history of cancer (excluding nonmelanoma/unknown type of skin cancer). MFH was defined by 3 domains: 1) material (problem paying or unable to pay medical bills); 2) psychological (worrying about paying medical bills); and 3) behavioral (delaying or forgoing medical care for financial reasons). For comparison, 2098 non‐Hispanic white (NHW) cancer survivors were identified from the 2014 NHIS. Logistic regressions were used to identify sociodemographic and health factors associated with experiencing MFH. Stratified analysis by age (<65 vs ≥65 years) and sensitivity analysis using propensity score‐matched NHPI and NHW cancer survivors were conducted. Nationally representative estimates were generated using survey weights.

Results

Among elderly cancer survivors, more NHPIs reported any MFH (59% vs 32%; P = .001), psychological MFH (36% vs 22%; P = .040), and behavioral MFH (27% vs 9%; P = .004) than NHWs. Among survivors aged <65 years, NHPIs reported less MFH (46% vs. 65%; P = .034). Even after propensity score matching, these patterns persisted. Female NHPIs and NHPIs with a college degree were significantly more likely to report MFH, especially material and psychological MFH.

Conclusions

A significantly higher proportion of elderly NHPI cancer survivors reported MFH, and this difference persisted even after propensity score matching, which warrants further investigation.
Multiview spectral clustering via complementary information
Authors: Ma Shuangxun , Liu Yuehu , Zheng Qinghai , Li Yaochen , Cui Zhichao
Published: March 2020

In this article, multiview spectral clustering via complementary information (MSCC) is proposed, in which both the consensus information and the complementary information are explored for multiview clustering. In contrast to most multiview spectral clustering methods, the proposed MSCC considers the differences among multiple views and constructs a similarity matrix for clustering. Furthermore, a convex relaxation is employed and an algorithm that is based on the augmented Lagrange multiplier is proposed for optimizing the objective function of MSCC. In extensive experiments on five real‐world benchmark datasets, our proposed method outperforms two baselines and has significantly improved to several state‐of‐the‐art multiview clustering methods.
The evolution of depression in first‐episode psychosis: A naturalistic database study
Authors: Basu Sutapa , Verma Swapna , Abdin Edimansyah
Published: March 2020

Depression is commonly seen in the course of schizophrenia and can occur during any of the phases of the psychotic illness. The present study examines the incidence of depression at baseline and de novo depression in first episode of nonaffective psychoses and the course of depression in the 12 months following first‐episode psychosis, any predictive significance of baseline depression with recurrence of depression in the subsequent phases of the psychotic illness. The study was conducted with a clinical sample of 460 patients under the care of a first‐episode psychosis programme, and data relating to duration of untreated psychosis, sociodemographic data, Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS), Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) were collected. Diagnosis was made by at least two psychiatrists using SCID‐1, and depression was measured by Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9). Statistical analysis was performed using SAS version 9. We performed multiple logistic regression analyses to identify the sociodemographic and clinical factors that were associated with depression. Statistical significance was set at p value less than 0.05. We found that baseline depression was present in 34.42% patients with a preponderance of females (p = 0.047) and in those with secondary education. A suicide attempt is a strong predictor for depression at baseline. There was lower incidence of depression in those diagnosed with brief psychotic disorder (p = 0.015) and those with lower PANSS positive scores (p = 0.017). De novo depression over 12 months was 9.44%. Depression at 1‐year follow‐up was significantly predicted by depression at baseline.
Retracted: Perceived corporate social responsibility and innovative work behavior: The role of employee volunteerism and authenticity
Authors: Afridi Sajjad A. , Afsar Bilal , Shahjehan Asad , Rehman Zia U. , Haider Maqsood , Ullah Mehboob
Published: March 2020

Despite the clear importance of perceived corporate social responsibility for employee's innovative work behavior, how and when perceived corporate social responsibility fosters said behavior is not very well understood. Research at the individual level of corporate social responsibility has been growing rapidly. This study proposes that perceived corporate social responsibility has a substantial influence on employee's innovative work behavior and this relationship is mediated by authenticity and volunteerism. A questionnaire survey consisting of 317 valid responses from employees and 175 valid responses from their respective supervisors in the hotel industry in Pakistan validated the proposed model. The current study found that perceived corporate social responsibility is positively related with an employee's innovative work behavior. Moreover, authenticity and employee volunteerism mediated the link between perceived corporate social responsibility and innovative work behavior. The practical implications to enhance individual innovative work behavior are discussed.
Synthesis of π‐Expanded Azole‐Fused Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine Derivatives and their Photophysical Properties
Authors: Nandwana Nitesh Kumar , Dhiman Shiv , Shinde Vikki N. , Beifuss Uwe , Kumar Anil
Published: March 2020

A Highly efficient copper‐catalyzed one‐pot sequential approach has been developed for the synthesis of azole‐fused imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines with 2‐(2‐bromophenyl)imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine‐3‐carbaldehydes as substrates. The one‐pot approach involved a sequential imidazole/benzimidazole formation followed by a copper‐catalyzed intramolecular Ullmann type C–N coupling. The method tolerated a variety of functional groups and offered the desired products in good to excellent (50–85 %) yields. The photophysical properties of the compounds synthesized were evaluated by UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy in CH3CN. The π‐expanded azole‐fused imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines displayed high fluorescence emission with large Stokes shifts and moderate to good quantum yields. A pronounced positive solvatochromism and aggregation caused quenching (ACQ) was observed for 2,3‐bis(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐12‐methylimidazo[1,2‐a]pyrido[2',1':2,3]imidazo[4,5‐c]quinoline.
Controls on large boulder mobility in an ‘auto‐naturalized’ constructed step‐pool river: San Clemente Reroute and Dam Removal Project, Carmel River, California, USA
Authors: Smith Douglas P. , Kortman Stefanie R. , Caudillo Andrew M. , Kwan‐Davis Ruby L. , Wandke John J. , Klein Joseph W. , Gennaro Michael C.S. , Bogdan Mikaela A. , Vannerus Peter A.
Published: March 2020

A 1200 m‐long river segment of Carmel River (California) was constructed to bypass trapped reservoir sediment when San Clemente Dam was removed from the Carmel River in 2015. Hundreds of large boulders were used to construct 53 steps in an 800 m‐long reach of the project. Nearly all the boulders were scattered to new locations in high flows of 2017, and have been relatively stable since that time. We analysed the causes of incipient motion and distance travelled for 226 randomly selected large boulders (0.5–1.8 m) impacted by a flood event in winter of 2019. Channel width, water depth, and isolation from neighbouring boulders were the main variables controlling individual large boulder incipient motion during a 10‐year peak flow event in the ‘auto‐naturalized’ constructed step‐pool river in 2019. There is weak statistical evidence that a combination of shear stress and the presence of boulders located laterally downstream of the subject boulder controlled the distance the boulder moved. Frequentist statistics and Akaike information criterion model comparison determined that boulder size, boulder shape, boulder roundness, and local thalweg slope were not good predictors of large boulder incipient motion or distance transported. Average dimensionless critical shear value for the four largest mobilized boulders (1.5–1.6 m) was 0.014. We describe the geomorphic history of the site and use our results to discuss potential causes of unanticipated large boulder transport at the site that occurred in a <2‐year peak flow of winter 2016 soon after step construction. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The sources and seasonal fluxes of particulate organic carbon in the Yellow River
Authors: Qu Yuanxin , Jin Zhangdong , Wang Jin , Wang Yunqiang , Xiao Jun , Gou Long‐Fei , Zhang Fei , Liu Chun‐Yao , Gao Yongli , Suarez Marina B. , Xu Xiaomei
Published: March 2020

The Yellow River transports a large amount of sediment and particulate organic carbon (POC), which is thought to mainly derive from erosion of the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP). However, the compositions, sources and erosional fluxes of POC in the Yellow River remain poorly constrained. Here we combined measurements of mineralogy, total organic carbon content (OCtotal), stable organic carbon isotopes (δ13Corg), radiocarbon (14C) activity of organic matter in bulk suspended sediments collected seasonally from the upper and middle Yellow River, to quantify the compositions and fluxes of the POC and to assess its sources (biospheric and petrogenic POC, i.e. POCbio and POCpetro, respectively). The results showed that the POC loading of sediments was controlled by mineralogy, grain size and specific surface area of loess particles. The Fmod of POC (0.71 to 0.31) can be explained by mixing of POCpetro with modern and aged POCbio. A binary mixing model based on the hyperbolic relationship of the Fmod and OCtotal revealed a wide range of ages of POCbio from 1300 to 11100 14C years.

Relative to the upstream station, the annual POCbio and POCpetro fluxes in the Yellow River are more than doubled after it flows crossing the CLP within 35% drainage area gain, resulting in POCbio and POCpetro yields of the CLP at 3.50 ± 0.59 and 0.48 ± 0.49 tC/km2/yr, respectively. POC flux seasonal variation revealed that monsoon rainfall exerts a first‐order control on the export of both POCbio and POCpetro from the CLP to the Yellow River, resulting in more than 90% of the annual POC exported during the monsoon season. Around one third of annual POC erosional flux was transported during a storm event period, highlighting the important role of extreme events in POC export in this large river. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Germline epigenetic inheritance: Challenges and opportunities for linking human paternal experience with offspring biology and health
Authors: Ryan Calen P. , Kuzawa Christopher W.
Published: March 2020

Recently, novel experimental approaches and molecular techniques have demonstrated that a male's experiences can be transmitted through his germline via epigenetic processes. These findings suggest that paternal exposures influence phenotypic variation in unexposed progeny–a proposal that runs counter to canonical ideas about inheritance developed during the 20th century. Nevertheless, support for paternal germline epigenetic inheritance (GEI) in nonhuman mammals continues to grow and the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are becoming clearer. To what extent do similar processes operate in humans, and if so, what are their implications for understanding human phenotypic variation, health, and evolution? Here, we review evidence for GEI in human and nonhuman mammals and evaluate these findings in relation to historical conceptions of heredity. Drawing on epidemiological data, reproductive biology, and molecular embryology, we outline developments and opportunities for the study of GEI in human populations, emphasizing the challenges that researchers in this area still face.
Optimization of the autoclave preparation process for improving resistant starch content in rice grains
Authors: Zheng Yunzhan , Wei Zhencheng , Zhang Ruifen , Deng Yuanyuan , Tang Xiaojun , Zhang Yan , Liu Guang , Liu Lei , Wang Jiajia , Liao Na , Zhang Mingwei
Published: March 2020

The autoclave preparation process to increase the content of resistant starch (RS) in rice grains was optimized, and the results showed that the optimal preparation process was obtained with a water content of 41.63%, a pH of 5.95, an autoclave time of 60.96 min, and a refrigeration time of 17.11 hr. Under these conditions, the theoretical value of RS content in rice grains reached 17.57%. After autoclaving, the estimated glycemic index (EGI) in rice grains was reduced from 78.35 to 66.08 measured after cooking, suggesting that autoclaving was capable of increasing the RS content in rice grains and reducing its EGI value. These results may help spark new concepts and methods for the development of specialized foods for specific populations, such as people with diabetes.
Effects of Fuel Cell Operating Conditions on Proton Exchange Membrane Durability at Open‐Circuit Voltage
Authors: Zhao N. , Chu Y. , Xie Z. , Eggen K. , Girard F. , Shi Z.
Published: March 2020

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) continue to face cost and durability challenges which need to be addressed before their large scale commercialization. The PEM is an essential component of the fuel cell stack and its durability is thus a critical factor for the overall fuel cell reliability. Significant membrane degradation leads to the development of internal transfer leaks and cell short circuiting irreversibly affecting the fuel cell's functionality. In this study, perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes were investigated for the effects of operating temperature and relative humidity on membrane durability using an open circuit voltage (OCV) accelerated stress test. The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate and optimize the effects of the operating temperature and humidity. As a result, the optimum fuel cell operational region was mapped and suggested as an alternative approach to maintain membrane durability without modifying membrane materials. The mapping could provide valuable guidelines for PEMFC designers and system engineers to optimize the operating conditions during idling to achieve a targeted membrane lifetime.
Utilization of microvascular couplers in salvage arterial anastomosis in head and neck free flap surgery: Case series and literature review
Authors: Li Michael M. , Tamaki Akina , Seim Nolan B. , Kang Stephen Y. , Ozer Enver , Agrawal Amit , Old Matthew O.
Published: March 2020

Background

In microvascular reconstruction of ablative oncologic defects, coupler devices have traditionally been used for venous anastomosis, whereas the arterial anastomosis is hand‐sewn. In the setting of repeated intraoperative arterial anastomotic thrombosis, a coupler device may be of use in reducing the risk of rethrombosis.

Methods

Two patients were seen with advanced stage head and neck cancer and underwent oncologic resection. During microvascular reconstruction, a clot at the arterial anastomosis was encountered in both cases.

Results

After starting therapeutic anticoagulation and attempting unsuccessful suture reanastomosis, coupler devices were used for arterial anastomosis, resulting in viable free‐tissue transfer.

Conclusions

Although traditionally used for venous anastomosis, coupler devices may serve a purpose in the salvage setting when facing repeated intraoperative arterial thrombosis.
Altered fractionation diminishes importance of tumor volume in oropharyngeal cancer: Subgroup analysis of ARTSCAN‐trial
Authors: Adrian Gabriel , Gebre‐Medhin Maria , Kjellén Elisabeth , Wieslander Elinore , Zackrisson Björn , Nilsson Per
Published: March 2020

Background

A large tumor volume negatively impacts the outcome of radiation therapy (RT). Altered fractionation (AF) can improve local control (LC) compared with conventional fractionation (CF). The aim of the present study was to investigate if response to AF differs with tumor volume in oropharyngeal cancer.

Methods

Three hundred and twenty four patients with oropharyngeal cancer treated in a randomized, phase III trial comparing CF (2 Gy/d, 5 d/wk, 7 weeks, total dose 68 Gy) to AF (1.1 Gy + 2 Gy/d, 5 d/wk, 4.5 weeks, total dose 68 Gy) were analyzed.

Results

Tumor volume had less impact on LC for patients treated with AF. There was an interaction between tumor volume and fractionation schedule (P = .039). This differential response was in favor of CF for small tumors and of AF for large tumors.

Conclusion

AF diminishes the importance of tumor volume for local tumor control in oropharyngeal cancer.
Chemistry and Biology of the Clinically Used Macrolactone Antibiotic Fidaxomicin
Authors: Dorst Andrea , Gademann Karl
Published: March 2020

Fidaxomicin (1, lipiarmycin A3, clostomicin B1, tiacumicin B) constitutes a glycosylated 18‐membered macrolactone and is a natural product isolated from various soil bacteria. Since 2011, fidaxomicin is a marketed antibiotic for the treatment of intestine infections caused by C. difficile in the clinic. Its promising in vitro antibacterial properties against resistant S. aureus and M. tuberculosis continue to attract interest. This review article describes the early history of the antibiotic fidaxomicin and highlights recent advances in the field, such as the elucidation of its mode of action and biosynthesis, as well as known derivatives. Furthermore, different synthetic strategies towards the total synthesis of fidaxomicin are summarized.
Good prognosis for follicular lymphoma with estrogen receptor α‐positive follicular dendritic cells
Authors: Ohe Rintaro , Meng Hong‐Xue , Yamada Akane , Ye Aung Naing , Kabasawa Takanobu , Tamura Yuka , Utsunomiya Aya , Tamazawa Nobuyuki , Kawamura Ichiro , Kitaoka Takumi , Suzuki Kazushi , Yanagiya Ryo , Toubai Tomomi , Ishizawa Kenichi , Yamakawa Mitsunori
Published: March 2020

Follicular lymphoma (FL) has a meshwork of follicular dendritic cells (FDCs). We previously demonstrated the presence of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)+CD23+ FDCs in grades 1‐2 FL. The significance of FDCs as a prognostic factor in FL remains unknown. The current study aimed to compare clinicopathological features, including prognosis, between FL with and without ERα+ FDCs. This study evaluated the clinicopathological significance of ERα expression in 70 FL patients by immunostaining. The presence of ERα mRNA on FDCs from 5 FL patients was confirmed by CD21/ERα double staining (immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization). We defined patients with frequent ERα expression as the ERαhigh group and those with infrequent ERα expression as the ERαlow group. Thirty‐two patients were assigned to the ERαhigh group (45.7%), and 38 patients were assigned to the ERαlow group (54.3%). Both overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were significantly better in the ERαhigh group than in the ERαlow group (OS, log‐rank, P = .0465; PFS, log‐rank, P = .0336). Moreover, high ERα expression on FDCs was an independent prognostic factor for OS in both the univariate ([hazard ratio] HR, 0.163; P = .0260) and multivariate (HR, 0.050; P = .0188) analyses and for PFS in both the univariate (HR, 0.232; P = .0213) and multivariate (HR, 0.084; P = .0243) analyses. ERα mRNA expression was detected in CD21+ FDCs within the neoplastic follicles of FL patients. In conclusion, a neoplastic follicular microenvironment with ERα‐positive FDCs might affect the grade and presence of the follicular pattern of FL and improve patient prognosis.
Clinicopathologic characteristics of follicular lymphoma in hepatitis C virus‐infected patients
Authors: Hosry Jeff , Miranda Roberto N. , Samaniego Felipe , Angelidakis Georgios , Torres Harrys A.
Published: March 2020

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most common subtype of indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. It has been hypothesized that chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection stimulates IGH‐BCL2 clone proliferation, leading to development of FL. Furthermore, regression of FL after antiviral treatment without chemotherapy has been reported in HCV‐infected patients. To clarify the relationship between HCV and FL, we compared the prevalence of IGH‐BCL2 translocation and other clinicopathologic characteristics between HCV‐infected and HCV‐uninfected FL patients and determined the impact of HCV eradication on the oncologic outcomes of HCV‐infected FL patients. The study included HCV‐infected patients (cases) with FL seen at our institution during 2004‐2018. Cases were matched with HCV‐uninfected FL patients (controls) according to year of lymphoma diagnosis, sex, and hepatitis B serology. We studied 19 cases and 57 controls. More cases than controls had splenic involvement of FL (26% vs 5%, P = 0.02), higher histologic grade (grade 3 in 56% vs 24%, P = 0.01), absent or weak CD10 expression (42% vs 11%, P = 0.005), and absent BCL2 expression (33% vs 4%, P = 0.004). Compared to controls, cases had a lower rate of detection of IGH‐BCL2 translocation (31% vs 68%, P = 0.02). Finally, cases with a sustained virologic response (virologic cure of HCV) had a better 10‐year overall survival rate than did cases not treated with antivirals or controls (P = 0.001). In conclusion, HCV‐infected patients with FL have unique clinicopathologic characteristics including improved overall survival with HCV eradication. The pathogenesis of FL in HCV‐infected patients seems unrelated to antiapoptotic effect of IGH‐BCL2 rearrangement.
Remediation of a Riparian Site in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest Reached by Contaminated Tailings from the Collapsed Fundão Dam with Native Woody Species
Authors: Scotti Maria Rita , Gomes Alessandra R , Lacerda Tomás J , Ávila Stefânia S , Silva Samuel LL , Antão Arthur , Santos Amanda GP , Medeiros Mirelli B , Alvarenga Stael , Santos Carlos Henrique , Rigobelo Everlon C
Published: March 2020

The failure of the Fundão dam in Brazil spilled alkaline contaminated sediments (pH ~8) into the Doce River basin. The contaminated sediments had high levels of ether amine (6 mg/kg) and Na (54 mg/kg) in relation to those in preserved sites. In the present study, a riparian forest was established over contaminated sediment using 2 main remediation strategies: phytoremediation with species native to the Atlantic forest and previously selected for their tolerance to sediment toxicity, and physicochemical remediation by incorporating organic matter (OM) into the sediment. In the experimental site (ES), the tolerant native woody species were cultivated in 2 treatments: T1, scraping of the sediments and incorporation of the OM, and T2, nonmanaged sediment and superficial deposition of the OM. The results were compared with the findings from a degraded site (DS), which was reached by the contaminated sediments but lacked vegetation, and a preserved site (PS), which was composed of a fragment of preserved Atlantic forest. Six months after transplanting, the plants from T1 showed a better height growth performance and survival index in relation to those from T2. Furthermore, T1 showed a significant decline in the pH (to ~6) concomitant with a reduction in the ether amine and Na contents (to ~0.4 mg/kg and 23 mg/kg, respectively). There was an improvement in the soil fertility and total microbial biomass in both treatments, especially in T1. Therefore, the adopted phyto- and physicochemical remediation procedures are recommended to reclaim zones reached by dam tailings containing Na and ether amine. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:669–675. © 2020 SETAC
An intelligent IoT with cloud centric medical decision support system for chronic kidney disease prediction
Authors: Arulanthu Pramila , Perumal Eswaran
Published: March 2020

At present days, Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud platforms become widely used in various healthcare applications. The enormous quantity of data produced by the IoT devices in the healthcare sector can be examined on the cloud platform instead of dependent on restricted storage and computation resources exist in the mobile gadgets. For offering effective medicinal services, in this article, an online medical decision support system (OMDSS) is introduced for chronic kidney disease (CKD) prediction. The presented model involves a set of stages namely data gathering, preprocessing, and classification of medical data for the prediction of CKD. For classification, logistic regression (LR) model is applied for classifying the data instances into CKD and non‐CKD. In addition, for tuning the parameters of LR, Adaptive Moment Estimation (Adam), and adaptive learning rate optimization algorithm is applied. The performance of the introduced model is examined using a benchmark CKD dataset. The experimental outcome observed the superior characteristics of the presented model on the applied dataset.
Lack of miR‐1246 in small extracellular vesicle blunts tumorigenesis of laryngeal carcinoma cells by regulating Cyclin G2
Authors: Huang Qiang , Hsueh Chi‐Yao , Guo Yang , Wu Xiu‐Fa , Li Jiao‐Yu , Zhou Liang
Published: March 2020

Small extracellular vesicle (sEV) has precise impacts on tumor microenvironment and play vital functions in intercellular interaction. However, the functional role of sEV miRNA on laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is largely unresolved. Here, the expression of miR‐1246 in LSCC tissues and plasma sEV was examined. The internalization ability of sEV was determined by uptake assay. Then, the source and purity of sEV were checked through RNase and/or pharmacological inhibitors application. The invasion, migration, proliferation, and cell cycle assays were used to determine the altered abilities of miR‐1246 in sEV in LSCC. Finally, target gene of miR‐1246, Cyclin G2 (CCNG2), was stained immunohistochemically. In addition, the relationship between CCNG2 and clinicopathological features of patients was analyzed. We found that miR‐1246 was higher in LSCC tissues and plasma sEV. MiR‐1246 was enriched in sEV rather than soluble form. SEV could be internalized into adjacent cells. Lack of miR‐1246 in sEV abrogated the tumorigenesis of LSCC. Furthermore, CCNG2 knockdown arrested the cell cycle and correlated to clinicopathological features and prognosis of LSCC patients. Taken together, we found that the function of sEV miR‐1246 by regulating CCNG2 is responsible for LSCC advancement with emphasis on the main source of miR‐1246 mainly root in sEV rather than in soluble form.
How hypoxia regulate exosomes in ischemic diseases and cancer microenvironment?
Authors: Yaghoubi Sajad , Najminejad Hamid , Dabaghian Mehran , Karimi Mohammad Hossein , Abdollahpour‐Alitappeh Meghdad , Rad Fariba , Mahi‐Birjand Motahareh , Mohammadi Shiva , Mohseni Fatemeh , Sobhani Lari Mohammad , Teymouri Gholam Hossein , Rigi Yousofabadi Esmat , Salmani Abbas , Bagheri Nader
Published: March 2020

Exosomes, as natural occurring vesicles, play highly important roles in the behavior and fate of ischemic diseases and different tumors. Secretion, composition, and function of exosomes are remarkably influenced by hypoxia in ischemic diseases and tumor microenvironment. Exosomes secreted from hypoxic cells affect development, growth, angiogenesis, and progression in ischemic diseases and tumors through a variety of signaling pathways. In this review article, we discuss how hypoxia affects the quantity and quality of exosomes, and review the mechanisms by which hypoxic cell‐derived exosomes regulate ischemic cell behaviors in both cancerous and noncancerous cells.
Biomaterials and biocompatibility: An historical overview
Authors: Marin Elia , Boschetto Francesco , Pezzotti Giuseppe
Published: March 2020

This review focuses on the characteristics and applications of biomaterials through the ages, ranging from the prehistoric times to the beginning of the era of modern medicine, which has been arbitrarily set to the middle of the 19th century, when aseptic procedures, antiseptic substances and modern anesthetics were developed. After a brief discussion on the definition of “biomaterial” from an historical point of view and a short introduction on the general history of surgery and dentistry, each material or class of materials will be presented with references listed in chronological order and, where possible, with their real, scientifically demonstrated effects on biological tissues. Particular attention has been given to references that are nowadays considered spurious or affected by translation errors or other kinds of biases.
Design of dental implants at materials level: An overview
Authors: Jiang Xunyuan , Yao Yitong , Tang Weiming , Han Dongmei , Zhang Li , Zhao Ke , Wang Shuanjin , Meng Yuezhong
Published: March 2020

Due to the excellent restoration of masticatory function, satisfaction on aesthetics and other superiorities, dental implants represent an effective method to resolve tooth losing and damaging. Current dental implant systems still have problems waiting to be addressed, and problems are centralized on the materials of implant bodies. This review aims to summarize major developments in the field of dental implant materials, starting with an overview on structures, procedures of dental implants and challenges of implant materials. Next, implant materials are examined in three categories, that is, metals, ceramics, and polymers, their mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and bioactivity are summarized. And as an important aspect, strategies of surface modification are also reviewed, along with some finite element analysis to guiding the research direction of implant materials. Finally, the conclusive remarks are outlined to provide an outlook on the future research directions and prospects of dental implants.
Procalcitonin as a prognostic marker of patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Yan Ling , Wang Shuling , Xu Lanlan , Zhang Zhen , Liao Pu
Published: March 2020

Background

The information on mortality after an acute stroke patient is still limited.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic potential of procalcitonin (PCT) serum levels in acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

A total of 748 patients were enrolled in this study. Prognostic potential of PCT was evaluated by Kaplan‐Meier analysis and multivariable Cox hazard regression analyses.

Results

Procalcitonin levels were found to be significantly higher in acute ischemic stroke patients who died in 30 days than those who survived. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that PCT was significantly associated with 30‐day mortality, and Cox regression analysis revealed that PCT was a strong predictor of 30‐day overall mortality. Kaplan‐Meier analysis revealed that overall cumulative 30‐day mortality was significantly higher in those with PCT levels >1.5 ng/mL when compared to those with PCT levels <1.5 ng/mL.

Conclusions

Procalcitonin is a significant independent prognostic marker of 30‐day mortality after the one set of acute ischemic stroke.
Appraising circular RNAs as novel biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer: A pair‐wise meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Hongjun , Wang Kun , Pei Dongxu , Xu Haisheng
Published: March 2020

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), proven as single‐stranded closed RNA molecules, have been implicated in the onset and development of multiple cancers. This study aimed to summarize existing evidences regarding the clinicopathologic, diagnostic, and prognostic significances of circRNAs in gastric cancer (GC).

Methods

Eligible studies were identified using online databases. The quality of the included studies was judged, and patients' clinical characteristics, diagnostic data, and overall survival (OS) were extracted from the electronic medical record. Fisher's method was adopted to determine P values for clinicopathologic features. The diagnostic and prognostic data from all included studies were merged.

Results

Thirty eligible studies were comprised of 2687 GC patients were enrolled in the meta‐analyses. Altered expressions of circRNAs in GC tissues were significantly associated with worse clinicopathologic features. Abnormally expressed circRNAs yielded a pooled sensitivity of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.69‐0.81) and a specificity of 0.77 (95% CI: 0.70‐0.83) in distinguishing GC from noncancerous controls, which corresponded to an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.83. The survival analysis showed that the oncogenic circRNA signature could be an independent risk factor of OS (HR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.60‐2.78, P = .000). Patients with down‐regulated circRNAs (tumor suppressor genes) presented a significantly shorter OS time than those with high‐level circRNAs (HR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.27‐0.42, P = .000). Stratified analyses based on sample type, control source, circRNA expression status, and cutoff setting also produced robust results.

Conclusions

CircRNAs may play an important role as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of GC.
Metabolic and renal changes in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection after hepatitis C virus clearance by direct‐acting antivirals
Authors: Nevola Riccardo , Rinaldi Luca , Zeni Letizia , Sasso Ferdinando C , Pafundi Pia C , Guerrera Barbara , Marrone Aldo , Giordano Mauro , Adinolfi Luigi E
Published: March 2020

Background and Aim

The impact of hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance by direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs) on HCV‐related extrahepatic manifestations is not well known. We evaluated the effect of viral clearance on metabolic and renal parameters.

Methods

In this prospective study, HCV patients who achieved a sustained virologic response (SVR) by DAAs were evaluated before, at the end, and 24 weeks after treatment for glycemic (serum glucose and insulin, HOMA‐IR, HOMA‐β, and HOMA‐S) and lipid (serum cholesterol, triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein [LDL], high‐density lipoprotein) metabolism and renal function (serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]).

Results

A total of 343 consecutive HCV patients were evaluated. At 24 weeks of post‐follow‐up, an increase in body mass index (BMI) was observed (P < 0.05). Regardless of hepatic fibrosis levels and BMI, a reduction in serum glucose (P = 0.001), HOMA‐IR (P < 0.001) and HOMA‐β (P < 0.001) and an increase in HOMA‐S (P < 0.001) values were observed at 24 weeks after HCV clearance as compared to pretreatment values; 32.4% of patients with impaired fasting glucose normalized serum glucose values and 44.6% of diabetics showed an improvement in glycemic control. In contrast, serum cholesterol (P < 0.001) and LDL cholesterol (P < 0.001) values were increased. Renal function was improved with about 10% reduction of serum creatinine values (P < 0.02) and an increase of eGFR (P < 0.001). A baseline eGFR of ≤60 mL/min/1.73 m2 was a negative predictor of renal function improvement. HCV clearance was an independent factor improving glucose metabolism and renal function.

Conclusions

Our study shows an occurrence of changes in metabolic and renal parameters in HCV patients with SVR, anticipating possible future clinical scenarios that the clinician must know for proper management.
Andrographolide mitigates cartilage damage via miR‐27‐3p‐modulated matrix metalloproteinase13 repression
Authors: Chen Shaojian , Luo Zhihuan , Chen Xiaguang
Published: March 2020

Background

As a potential anti‐arthritic agent, Andrographolide (And) is capable of promoting chondrocyte proliferation and preventing apoptosis in pathologic condition. The present study aimed to explore the roles of And in in vivo and in vitro models of osteoarthritis (OA), as well as its underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

An OA mouse model was established using anterior cruciate ligament transection operation on the left knee joint. The pathological changes of articular cartilage were assessed using safranin O staining. Chondrocyte proliferation and apoptosis were measured using cell a counting kit‐8 assay and flow cytometry. Bioinformatics algorithms and a luciferase reporter assay were used to evaluate matrix metalloproteinase13 (MMP13) as a direct target of miR‐27‐3p.

Results

And had the ability to prevent catabolism and facilitate anabolism of articular cartilage in an experimental OA model in mice. In addition, And alleviated chondrocyte apoptosis in in vitro and in vivo models of OA. We also found that both up‐regulation of MMP13 and down‐regulation of miR‐27‐3p in the proximal tibia of OA mice and interleukin (IL)‐1β‐stimulated chondrocytes were reversed by And administration simultaneously. MMP13 was validated as direct target of miR‐27‐3p and could be suppressed by overexpression of miR‐27‐3p in mouse chondrocyte. Furthermore, overexpression of miR‐27‐3p or MMP13 loss‐of‐function in chondrocytes could alleviate IL‐1β‐induced apoptosis.

Conclusions

These results indicated that miR‐27‐3p/MMP13 signaling axis might be a potential therapeutic target of And for preventing the progression of OA.
TFPI2 and NDRG4 gene promoter methylation analysis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells are novel epigenetic noninvasive biomarkers for colorectal cancer diagnosis
Authors: Bagheri Hadi , Mosallaei Meysam , Bagherpour Bahram , Khosravi Sharifeh , Salehi Ahmad Reza , Salehi Rasoul
Published: March 2020

Background

As a result of the growing prevalence of colorectal cancer (CRC), new screening and early detection methods are required. Among the novel biomarkers, DNA methylation has emerged as a high‐potential diagnosis/screening molecular marker. The present study aimed to assess non‐invasive early diagnosis of CRC by examining promoter methylation of TFPI2 and NDRG4 genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

Methods

Fifty CRC patients and 50 normal controls were recruited to the present study. Quantitative methylation of the promoter region of the TFPI2 and NDRG4 genes was analyzed in DNA extracted from PBMCs of all cases and control subjects using a methylation‐quantification endonuclease‐resistant DNA (MethyQESD) method.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of the TFPI2 gene for the diagnosis of CRC was 88% and 92%, respectively, and, for the NDRG4 gene, it was 86% and 92%, respectively. The methylation range for the TFPI2 gene was 43.93% and 11.56% in patients and controls, respectively, and, for the NDRG4 gene, it was 38.8% in CRC patients and 12.23% in healthy controls (p < 0.001). In addition, we observed that a higher percentage of methylation was correlated with the higher stage of CRC.

Conclusions

The results of the present study reveal that PBMCs are reliable sources of methylation analysis for CRC screening. Furthermore, the TFPI2 and NDRG4 genes provide sufficiently high sensitivity and specificity to be nominated for use in a novel noninvasive CRC screening method in PBMCs.
Edge precoloring extension of hypercubes
Authors: Casselgren Carl Johan , Markström Klas , Pham Lan Anh
Published: March 2020

We consider the problem of extending partial edge colorings of hypercubes. In particular, we obtain an analogue of the positive solution to the famous Evans' conjecture on completing partial Latin squares by proving that every proper partial edge coloring of at most edges of the ‐dimensional hypercube can be extended to a proper ‐edge coloring of . Additionally, we characterize which partial edge colorings of with precisely precolored edges are extendable to proper ‐edge colorings of .
The clinical characteristics of pneumonia patients coinfected with 2019 novel coronavirus and influenza virus in Wuhan, China
Authors: Ding Qiang , Lu Panpan , Fan Yuhui , Xia Yujia , Liu Mei
Published: March 2020

The outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) infection emerged in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Since then the novel coronavirus pneumonia disease has been spreading quickly and many countries and territories have been affected, with major outbreaks in China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran. Influenza virus has been known as a common pathogen in winter and it can cause pneumonia. It was found clinically that very few patients were diagnosed with both COVID‐19 and influenza virus. A total of 5 of the 115 patients confirmed with COVID‐19 were also diagnosed with influenza virus infection, with three cases being influenza A and two cases being influenza B. In this study, we describe the clinical characteristics of those patients who got infected with COVID‐19 as well as influenza virus. Common symptoms at onset of illness included fever (five [100%] patients), cough (five [100%] patients), shortness of breath (five [100%] patients), nasal tampon (three [60%] patients), pharyngalgia (three [60%] patients), myalgia (two [40%] patients), fatigue (two [40%] patients), headache (two [40%] patients), and expectoration (two [40%] patients). The laboratory results showed that compared to the normal values, the patients' lymphocytes were reduced (four [80%] patients), and liver functions alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (two [40%] patients and two [40%] patients) and C‐reactive protein (four [80%] patients) were increased when admitted to hospital. They stayed in the hospital for 14, 30, 17, 12, and 19 days (28.4 ± 7.02), respectively. The main complications for the patients were acute respiratory distress syndrome (one [20%] patients), acute liver injury (three [60%] patients), and diarrhea (two [40%] patients). All patients were given antiviral therapy (including oseltamivir), oxygen inhalation, and antibiotics. Three patients were treated with glucocorticoids including two treated with oral glucocorticoids. One of the five patients had transient hemostatic medication for hemoptysis. Fortunately, all patients did not need intensive care unit and were discharged from the hospital without death. In conclusion, those patients with both COVID‐19 and influenza virus infection did not appear to show a more severe condition because based on the laboratory findings, imaging studies, and patient prognosis, they showed similar clinical characteristics as those patients with COVID‐19 infection only. However, it is worth noting that the symptoms of nasal tampon and pharyngalgia may be more prone to appear for those coinfection patients.