bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chinese consumer preferences for fresh produce: Interaction between food safety labels and brands
Authors: Yin Shijiu , Hu Wuyang , Chen Yusheng , Han Fei , Wang Yiqin , Chen Mo
Published: December 2018

In this study, 938 consumers in China's Shandong Province were surveyed for their preferences for tomatoes in a real choice experiment varying in three product attributes: food safety label, brand, and price. Using a mixed logit model, results revealed that consumer willingness to pay for organic tomatoes was higher than that for tomatoes labeled as Green or Generally Regarded as Safe (GRS). With regard to brands, consumers prefer brands affiliated with proprietary enterprises over brands held by agricultural cooperatives. The interactions between organic label and brands as well as that between Green label and brands were significantly positive suggesting synergy between these labels and brands. Conversely, the interaction between the GRS label and brands was insignificant. The conclusions should not only aid Chinese policy makers in developing its food safety certification strategies but also provide references for producers and certification bodies for their business decision‐making.
Getting into Shape: Limb Bone Strength in PerinatalLemur cattaandPropithecus coquereli
Authors: Young Jesse W. , Jankord Kathryn , Saunders Marnie M. , Smith Timothy D.
Published: December 2018

Functional studies of skeletal anatomy are predicated on the fundamental assumption that form will follow function. For instance, previous studies have shown that the femora of specialized leaping primates are more robust than those of more generalized primate quadrupeds. Are such differences solely a plastic response to differential loading patterns during postnatal life, or might they also reflect more canalized developmental mechanisms present at birth? Here, we show that perinatalLemur catta, an arboreal/terrestrial quadruped, have less robust femora than perinatalPropithecus coquereli, a closely related species specialized for vertical clinging and leaping (a highly unusual locomotor mode in which the hindlimbs are used to launch the animal between vertical tree trunks). These results suggest that functional differences in long bone cross‐sectional dimensions are manifest at birth, belying simple interpretations of adult postcranial form as a direct record of loading patterns during postnatal life. Despite these significant differences in bone robusticity, we find that hindlimb bone mineralization, material properties, and measures of whole‐bone strength generally overlap in perinatalL. cattaandP. coquereli, indicating little differentiation in postcranial maturity at birth despite known differences in the pace of craniodental development between the species. In a broader perspective, our results likely reflect evolution acting during prenatal ontogeny. Even though primates are notable for relatively prolonged gestation and postnatal parental care, neonates are not buffered from selection, perhaps especially in the unpredictable and volatile environment of Madagascar. Anat Rec, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Anat Rec, 303:250–264, 2020. © 2018 American Association for Anatomy
Temporal modeling of basic human values from social network usage
Authors: Mukta Md. Saddam Hossain , Ali Mohammed Eunus , Mahmud Jalal
Published: December 2018

Basic human values represent what we think are important to our lives that include security, independence, success, kindness, and pleasure. Each of us holds different values with different degrees of importance. Existing studies show that values of a person can be identified from their social network usage. However, the value priority of a person may change over time due to different factors such as time, event, influence, social structure, and technology. In this research, we are the first to investigate whether the change of value priorities can be identified from social network usage. We propose a weighted hybrid time‐series‐based model to capture the change of values of a social network user. We conducted an experimental study with 726 Facebook users and showed that our model accurately captures the value priority changes from the social network usage and achieves significantly higher accuracy than our baseline hidden Markov model‐based technique. We also validated the change of a user's value priorities in real life using a questionnaire‐based technique.
Bio‐orthogonal AIE Dots Based on Polyyne‐Bridged Red‐emissive AIEgen for Tumor Metabolic Labeling and Targeted Imaging
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Jiang Tao , Li Yuanyuan , Zhao Zheng , Gong Ping , Cai Lintao , Kwok Ryan T. K. , Lam Jacky Wing Yip , Gu Xinggui , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: December 2018

In this work, we aim to develop cancer cell‐targeting AIE dots based on a polyyne‐bridged red‐emissive AIEgen, 2TPE‐4E, through the combination of metabolic engineering and bio‐orthogonal reactions. Azide groups on a tumor were efficiently produced by intravenous injection of Ac4ManNAz and glycol‐metabolic engineering. These bio‐orthogonal azide groups could facilitate the specific targeting of DBCO‐AIE dots to the tumor cells undergoing metal‐free click reaction in vivo. The efficiency of this targeting strategy could be further improved with the development of new bio‐orthogonal chemical groups with higher reactivity and a large amount of AIEgens could be delivered to the tumor for diagnosis.
Amber suppression coupled with inducible surface display identifies cells with high recombinant protein productivity
Authors: Chakrabarti Lina , Zhuang Li , Roy Gargi , Bowen Michael A. , Dall’Acqua William F. , Hawley‐Nelson Pam , Marelli Marcello
Published: December 2018

Cell line development (CLD) for biotherapeutics is a time‐ and resource‐intensive process requiring the isolation and screening of large numbers of clones to identify high producers. Novel methods aimed at enhancing cell line screening efficiency using markers predictive of productivity early in the CLD process are needed to reliably generate high‐yielding cell lines. To enable efficient and selective isolation of antibody expressing Chinese hamster ovary cells by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting, we developed a strategy for the expression of antibodies containing a switchable membrane‐associated domain to anchor an antibody to the membrane of the expressing cell. The switchable nature of the membrane domain is governed by the function of an orthogonal aminoacyl transfer RNA synthetase/tRNApyl pair, which directs a nonnatural amino acid (nnAA) to an amber codon encoded between the antibody and the membrane anchor. The process is “switchable” in response to nnAA in the medium, enabling a rapid transition between the surface display and secretion. We demonstrate that the level of cell surface display correlates with productivity and provides a method for enriching phenotypically stable high‐producer cells. The strategy provides a means for selecting high‐producing cells with potential applications to multiple biotherapeutic protein formats.
Barriers and strategies: Implementing active learning in biomedical science lectures
Authors: Kim Alice M. , Speed Caroline J. , Macaulay Janet O.
Published: December 2018

The traditional teaching style in higher education is didactic. However, the current literature states that student learning improves when they are active players in the process, triggering the move to implement active learning within the curriculum. In accordance, Monash University (an Australian research‐intensive university) introduced the “Better Teaching Better Learning” agenda to deliver a more student‐centered learning experience but its implementation has been inconsistent across its different schools. Interviews and an online survey were conducted to evaluate the teaching practices in lectures of Biomedical Science academics, identify barriers preventing them from implementing active learning in their teaching, and identify possible strategies to overcome said barriers. The two main teaching groups use a variety of teaching styles in lectures, with education‐focused academics employing more active learning practices. Many academics were in the process of changing their teaching style, mainly to improve the overall student learning experience. However, complex barriers prevent them from doing so. Possible strategies were identified that would help academics adopt a more student‐centered teaching style. © 2018 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(1):29–40, 2018.
Social capital: Implications for neurology
Authors: Reyes Saúl , Giovannoni Gavin , Thomson Alison
Published: December 2018

Social capital (SC) is a broad term that encompasses the many resources derived from social connections. The contemporary study of SC in public health has deep roots in the related fields of sociology, economics, and politics. Its multidisciplinary nature and the varying potential ways it could affect individuals have resulted in different but overlapping models to approach SC in the health field. There are currently no standardized measures of SC, and even more challenging its impact on health outcomes seems to vary according to the level of analysis. Despite the accumulating evidence that supports a protective effect of SC on mental and physical health, and mortality, not enough attention has been paid to the potential drawbacks of SC. The role of SC in neurological disease is just beginning to be explored. Concerted efforts are needed to ensure that empirical evidence on SC could be properly translated into interventions for health‐promoting purposes. In this paper, we review the current state of scientific knowledge on the subject of SC, with a focus on its application in the field of neurology.
Genetic polymorphism of rs9564966 G > A on 13q22.1 predicts poor survival for Chinese patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Zhao Tingting , Huo Xinying , Chen Jinfei
Published: December 2018

Two genomewide association studies on pancreatic cancer have identified a novel single‐nucleotide polymorphism of rs9564966 G > A on 13q22.1 region. However, the associations between the rs9564966 G > A polymorphism and the survival of Chinese patients with gastric cancer (GC) were unknown. In our present investigation, we adopted the Kaplan‐Meier plots, Cox regression analyses, and the log‐rank tests to explore the associations between rs9564966 G > A polymorphism and the prognosis of 911 Chinese patients with GC. Our results revealed that, compared with GG genotype, patients with GA + AA genotypes had poorer outcomes (HR = 1.348, 95% CI = 1.084‐1.675, P = 0.007), especially in the subgroups of age ≤60 years, male, nondrinker, tumor size >5 cm, tumor site in Noncardia, intestinal‐type tumor, T3/T4 level depth of invasion, N1/N2/N3 level lymph node metastasis, no distant metastasis, III/IV level TNM stages, and no chemotherapy. Our findings suggested that the rs9564966 G > A polymorphism may be a potential biomarker to predict the survival of Chinese patients with GC.
A retrospective multicenter study of carbon‐ion radiotherapy for external auditory canal and middle ear carcinomas
Authors: Hayashi Kazuhiko , Koto Masashi , Demizu Yusuke , Saitoh Jun‐ichi , Suefuji Hiroaki , Okimoto Tomoaki , Ohno Tatsuya , Shioyama Yoshiyuki , Takagi Ryo , Ikawa Hiroaki , Nemoto Kenji , Nakano Takashi , Kamada Tadashi
Published: December 2018

Background

We conducted a retrospective multicenter study to assess the clinical outcomes of carbon‐ion radiotherapy (CIRT) for head and neck malignancies (Japan Carbon‐Ion Radiation Oncology Study Group [J‐CROS] study: 1402 HN). We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CIRT in patients with external auditory canal (EAC) and middle ear (ME) carcinomas.

Methods

Thirty‐one patients treated with CIRT at four Japanese institutions were analyzed. Fourteen patients (45.2%) had squamous cell carcinomas, 13 (41.9%) had adenoid cystic carcinomas, and four (12.9%) had other types. Nineteen (61.3%), six (19.4%), three (9.7%), and three (9.7%) patients had T4, T3, T2, and T1 disease, respectively. All patients had N0M0 status. The median radiation dose was 64 Gy (relative biological effectiveness) in 16 fractions. The median gross tumor volume was 33.3 mL.

Results

The median follow‐up period was 18.4 months (range, 5.1‐85.6). The 1‐ and 3‐year local control and overall survival rates were 75.0% and 55.0% and 79.3% and 58.7%, respectively. Regarding grade 3 or higher toxicities, three patients (9.7%) had grade 3 dermatitis, one (3.2%) had grade 3 mucositis, and two (6.5%) had grade 3 central nervous necrosis (ie, radiation‐induced brain necrosis). No grade 4 or worse reactions were observed.

Conclusion

CIRT was effective for EAC and ME carcinomas.
Initiation and interruption in intravenous bisphosphonate therapy among patients with multiple myeloma in the United States
Authors: McGrath Leah J. , Hernandez Rohini K. , Overman Robert , Reams Diane , Liede Alexander , Brookhart M. Alan , O’Donnell Elizabeth
Published: December 2018

Background

Prior to 2018, intravenous bisphosphonates (IV BPs) were the only therapies recommended to prevent skeletal‐related events for patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM). We examined patterns of IV BP initiation and interruption among patients with newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) in the United States.

Methods

Electronic health records linked to administrative health insurance claims were used to identify adults with NDMM between 1 January 2011 and 30 April 2016. Patients were excluded for recent IV BP use or concurrent cancer. The incidences of IV BP initiation and interruption were estimated using competing risk regression. A generalized linear model was used to estimate risk factors for treatment initiation and interruption.

Results

Among the 547 patients with NDMM, 64% initiated MM therapy within 30 days of diagnosis. By one year, 65% (95% CI: 59, 70) of patients with appropriately timed anti‐MM therapy had initiated an IV BP. Zoledronic acid was the most commonly initiated IV BP. Patients with Stage III MM were more likely to initiate an IV BP (adjusted risk difference (RD): 6.3; 95% CI: 2.7, 10.1), while those with eGFR <30 mL/min were less likely to initiate (RD: −9.7; 95% CI: −13.8, −5.8). Of the 264 patients who initiated an IV BP, 77% (95% CI: 71, 82) experienced an interruption within one year. Patients on concurrent anti‐MM therapy were less likely to experience an interruption in IV BP therapy.

Conclusions

Many patients with NDMM do not initiate IV BPs, particularly those with renal complications. Interruptions of IV BPs were common.
Redefining the fluoroscopic landmarks for common femoral arterial puncture during cardiac catheterization: Femoral angiogram and computed tomography angiogram (FACT) study of common femoral artery anatomy
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Prabhakaran P. , Manoharan Pradeep , Shekhar Chander , Seto Arnold , Sinha Rahul , David Manova , Shah Moneal , Nagajothi Nagapradeep
Published: December 2018

Background

The mid‐femoral head (F50) is a common fluoroscopic target for common femoral artery (CFA) puncture during cardiac catheterization. Punctures above the inguinal ligament (marking the proximal end of CFA) increase the risk of retroperitoneal hemorrhage and are classified as high punctures.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 114 CT angiograms for the anatomic relationship of the inguinal ligament to the femoral head (FH) and inferior epigastric artery (IEA). We analyzed 114 CT angiograms and 500 femoral angiograms, for the relation of the mid‐point of CFA to F50 and F75 (the junction of upper 3/4th and lower 1/4th of FH).

Results

The proximal third of femoral head (F33) (−1.4 mm) and IEA nadir (−2.9 mm) were closer approximations to the inguinal ligament than the IEA origin (−12.8 mm) or cranial end of FH (−15.2 mm). The inguinal ligament correlated better with the IEA nadir than F33 (R2 = 0.49 vs. 0.001). F75 was a closer approximation for the mid‐point of the CFA than F50 (0.3 mm vs. ‐9.2 mm). Using F75 as the target for CFA puncture carried the lowest risk for non‐CFA punctures (18.6%), while using F50 had a 41.2% risk for non‐CFA punctures. F75 had an increased risk for low punctures (14.2%) but F50 had a far higher risk for high punctures (36.6%).

Conclusions

The nadir of IEA is the best landmark for identifying the inguinal ligament (the proximal end of CFA) and defining high punctures. F75 is a more accurate target for successful CFA puncture than F50.
The burrow behavior and influenced factors of a prairie subterranean zokor (Myospalax psilurus)
Authors: Fu He‐Ping , Yuan Shuai , Man Du‐Hu , Chai Xiang‐Xian , Yang Su‐Wen , Bao Dar‐Han , Wu Xiao‐Dong
Published: December 2018

The Transbaikal zokor (Myospalax psilurus) is a dominant rodent distributed in the meadow steppe of Inner Mongolia in northern China. Due to long history of evolution in subterranean environment, the zokor has an adaptive behavior: sealing burrow entrances. When a burrow is damaged, exposed entrances appear, and within a relatively short time, the zokor would be active in sealing the entrances to reduce risks to its survival. In general, it is thought that zokors avoid light and wind, which is consistent with their behavior of sealing burrow entrances. However, direct evidence from field experimental research has been lacking. This study set up 68 field sampling points in a meadow steppe in Inner Mongolia from August to September, 2014 and used a wind–light isolator to study the effects of wind and light factors on zokor burrow entrance sealing behavior. The results showed that there were no significant correlations between wind or light factors and the frequency of zokor burrow entrance sealing. Therefore, wind and light factors are not direct factors associated with zokors actively sealing burrow entrances.
A barrier island perspective on species–area relationships
Authors: Scherber Christoph , Andert Hagen , Niedringhaus Rolf , Tscharntke Teja
Published: December 2018

Predictions of species richness by island area are a classical cornerstone in ecology, while the specific features of barrier islands have been little appreciated. Many shorelines are occupied by barrier islands, which are shaped by offshore sedimentation processes and annual storm tide events. Hence, the appearance of these islands may vary between years if they are not protected by dykes. Here, we analyzed more than 2,990 species across 36 taxonomic groups (including vertebrates, invertebrates, and land plants) on German barrier islands, the East Frisian Islands. We tested for relationships between species richness or species incidence and island area (SAR), island habitat diversity and further island parameters using a range of generalized linear and mixed‐effects models. Overall species richness was explained best by habitat diversity (Shannon index of habitat types). Analyses on the occurrence probability of individual species showed that changes of barrier island area by sedimentation and erosion, that is, barrier island‐specific dynamics, explained the occurrence of 17 of 34 taxa, including most beetles, plants, and birds. Only six taxa such as spiders (249 species) and mammals (27 species) were primarily related to area. The diversity of habitat types was a key predictor for the incidence of twenty‐five taxa, including ground beetles, true bugs and grasshoppers, amphibians, and reptiles. Overall, richness and incidence of taxa differed greatly in their responses, with area (although varying from 0.1 to 38.9 km2) playing a minor and island heterogeneity a major role, while barrier island‐specific sedimentation and erosion turned out to additionally explain species richness and occurrence.
Brain connection pattern under interoceptive attention state predict interoceptive intensity and subjective anxiety feeling
Authors: Wu Xinran , Shi Liang , Wei Dongtao , Qiu Jiang
Published: December 2018

Interoception involves the processing of a variety of different types of information ascending from the body. Accumulating evidence has indicated that interoception plays a fundamental role in cognitive and emotional processes, such as anxiety, but how different functional connectivity patterns contribute to emotions and visceral feelings during an interoceptive attention state is still unclear. In the present study, an interoceptive attention task was performed during functional magnetic resonance imaging of healthy subjects, and the participants' subjective ratings of the intensity of interoception and feelings of anxiety were recorded. Several network nodes were selected, based on previous studies, to construct task‐dependent functional connectivity patterns, which were processed by support vector regression to predict the corresponding feeling scores. The results showed that for interoception, the cingulo‐opercular task control network provided the greatest contribution, whereas the most important feature for anxiety was the connections between the sensorimotor area (SSM) and the salience network (SN). There existed four overlapping connections between the two predictions: two negative connections between the default mode network (DMN) and the SSM, one negative connection between the DMN and the SN, and one positive connection between the ventral attention network and the SN; this overlap might suggest common bodily attention processing that is involved in both interoception and anxiety. This study remediates the lack of network‐level biomarkers of interoception and provides a reference at the level of the brain for further understanding anxiety from an interoceptive perspective.
Two‐year prevalence of dysphagia and related outcomes in head and neck cancer survivors: An updated SEER‐Medicare analysis
Authors: Hutcheson Katherine A. , Nurgalieva Zhannat , Zhao Hui , Gunn Gary B. , Giordano Sharon H. , Bhayani Mihir K. , Lewin Jan S. , Lewis Carol M.
Published: December 2018

Background

The aim of the study was to examine prevalence of dysphagia at the population level in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors.

Methods

Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results‐Medicare claims among 16 194 patients with HNC (2002‐2011) were analyzed to estimate 2‐year prevalence of dysphagia, stricture, and aspiration pneumonia, and derive treatment‐ and site‐specific estimates.

Results

Prevalence of dysphagia, stricture, pneumonia, and aspiration pneumonia was 45.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 44.5‐46.1), 10.2% (95% CI: 9.7‐10.7), 26.3% (95% CI: 25.6‐26.9), and 8.6% (95% CI: 8.2‐9.1), respectively. Dysphagia increased by 11.7% over the 10‐year period (P < .001). Prevalence was highest after chemoradiation and multimodality therapy.

Conclusion

Comparing to published rates using similar methodology the preceding decade (1992‐1999), prevalence of dysphagia based on claims data was similar in 2002‐2011 in this study. These results suggest persistence of dysphagia as a highly prevalent morbidity, even in the decade in which highly conformal radiotherapy and minimally invasive surgeries were popularized.
Linear and nonlinear stability of Soret‐Dufour Lapwood convection near double codimension‐2 points
Authors: Attia Abbes , Mamou Mahmoud , Benissaad Smail , Ouazaa Nabil
Published: December 2018

In this study, the Dufour and Soret effects on natural double‐diffusion convection in a horizontal porous layer was studied numerically using FORTRAN 90 programming and analytically near various convection onset thresholds. The porous layer was subject to a uniform heat and mass fluxes on the horizontal walls while the vertical walls were impermeable and adiabatic. The Darcy model along with the Boussinesq approximation was assumed in the problem formulation. The governing parameters of the problem are the thermal Rayleigh number, RT, the buoyancy ratio, N, the Lewis number, Le, the aspect ratio of the cavity, A, and the Dufour, Du, and Soret, Sr, numbers. For a shallow enclosure, the analytical solution was derived assuming zero convection wave number, which is valid near and above criticality. The onset of subcritical, supercritical and oscillatory convection was investigated. Two linear and nonlinear codimension‐2 points were found to exist. Whether the system was subject to constant fluxes and heat and solute, regardless of the aspect ratio of the layer, the subcritical convection behavior remained the same with similarity in the thresholds expressions for subcritical bifurcation.
Tamoxifen therapy benefit predictive signature combining with prognostic signature in surgical‐only ER‐positive breast cancer
Authors: Lv Feng , Jin Wei‐Hua , Zhang Xian‐Lin , Wang Zhong‐Rui , Sun Ai‐Jun
Published: December 2018

Tamoxifen treatment is important assistant for estrogen‐receptor‐positive breast cancer (BRCA) after resection. This study aimed to identify signatures for predicting the prognosis of patients with BRCA after tamoxifen treatment. Data of gene‐specific DNA methylation (DM), as well as the corresponding clinical data for the patients with BRCA, were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas and followed by systematic bioinformatics analyses. After mapping these DM CPG sites onto genes, we finally obtained 352 relapse‐free survival (RFS) associated DM genes, with which 61,776 gene pairs were combined, including 1,614 gene pairs related to RFS. An 11 gene‐pair signature was identified to cluster the 189 patients with BRCA into the surgical low‐risk group (136 patients) and high‐risk group (53 patients). Then, we further identified a tamoxifen‐predictive signature that could classify surgical high‐risk patients with significant differences on RFS. Combining surgical‐only prognostic signature and tamoxifen‐predictive signature, patients were clustered into surgical‐only low‐risk group, tamoxifen nonbenefit group, and tamoxifen benefit group. In conclusion, we identified that the gene pair PDHA2–APRT could serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for patients with BRCA after tamoxifen treatment.
Subacute ruminal acidosis suppressed the expression of MCT1 in rumen of cows
Authors: Zhao Chenxu , Wang Yazhou , Peng Zhicheng , Sun Xudong , Sun Guoquan , Yuan Xue , Li Xinwei , Liu Guowen
Published: December 2018

Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) is characterized by the depression of ruminal pH and an increase in the concentrations of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the rumen of cows. The onset of SARA was linked to the accumulation of SCFAs. However, the mechanism of SCFAs transport is unknown. The proton‐linked monocarboxylate transporter (MCT1) plays a vital role in the transportation of SCFAs. The goal of this study was to elucidate the distribution of MCT1 along the gastrointestinal tract of calves and adult cows; the expression change of MCT1 in SARA cows and the effect of ruminal pH, SCFAs, and LPS on MCT1 expression in rumen epithelial cells in vitro. The results indicated the presence of MCT1 along the gastrointestinal tract of calves and adult cows, most abundantly expressed in the rumen. Importantly, the expression of MCT1 was decreased in the rumen epithelium of SARA cows, and the expression of MCT1 was restored in the SARA treatment group. In vitro, LPS, low rumen fluid pH, high concentrations of SCFAs (90 mM acetate, 40 mM propionate, and 30 mM butyrate), and high concentrations of acetate, propionate, and butyrate, respectively, inhibited the expression of MCT1 in rumen epithelial cells. Taken together, these results indicated that LPS, low ruminal pH, and high concentrations of SCFAs decreased the expression of MCT1, further aggravating the accumulation of SCFAs in the rumen by decreasing the absorption of SCFAs.
AMD3100 inhibits epithelial–mesenchymal transition, cell invasion, and metastasis in the liver and the lung through blocking the SDF‐1α/CXCR4 signaling pathway in prostate cancer
Authors: Zhu Wen‐Bin , Zhao Zhi‐Feng , Zhou Xin
Published: December 2018

Stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1) and CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) have been found to be tightly correlated with the progression of prostate cancer (PC). In this study, we investigated the effects of an SDF‐1α/CXCR4 inhibitor, AMD3100, on cell progression and metastasis potential of human PC cells. Human PC cell lines (LNCaP, PC3, and DU145) were cultured to detect SDF‐1α/CXCR4, which showed higher SDF‐1α and CXCR4 expression than the normal human prostate epithelial cell line, RWPE‐1. AMD3100 was confirmed to be an inhibitor of SDF‐1α, and to detect the effect of SDF‐1α/CXCR4 inhibition on PC, PC cells were treated with AMD3100 or/and CXCR4 siRNA. The results suggested that inhibition of the SDF‐1α/CXCR4 pathway could promote the E‐cadherin level but inhibit the levels of invasion and migration of vimentin, N‐cadherin and α5β1 integrin. Finally, tumor formation in nude mice was conducted, and the cell experiment results were verfied. These data show that AMD3100 suppresses epithelial–mesenchymal transition and migration of PC cells by inhibiting the SDF‐1α/CXCR4 signaling pathway, which provides a clinical target in the treatment of PC.
Detection of extracellular vesicles in the mouse vaginal fluid: Their delivery of sperm proteins that stimulate capacitation and modulate fertility
Authors: Fereshteh Zeinab , Bathala Pradeepthi , Galileo Deni S. , Martin‐DeLeon Patricia A.
Published: December 2018

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were isolated by ultracentrifugation of vaginal luminal fluid (VLF) from superovulated mice and identified for the first time using transmission electron microscopy. Characterized by size and biochemical markers (CD9 and HSC70), EVs were shown to be both microvesicular and exosomal and were dubbed as “Vaginosomes” (VGS). Vaginal cross‐sections were analyzed to visualize EVs in situ: EVs were present in the lumen and also embedded between squamous epithelial and keratinized cells, consistent with their endogenous origin. Western blots detected Plasma membrane Ca2+‐ATPase 1 (PMCA1) and tyrosine‐phosphorylated proteins in the VGS cargo and also in uterosomes. Flow cytometry revealed that following coincubation of caudal sperm and VLF for 30 min, the frequencies of cells with the highest Sperm adhesion molecule 1 (SPAM1), PMCA1/4, and PMCA1 levels increased 16.4‐, 8.2‐, and 27‐fold, respectively; compared with control coincubated in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Under identical conditions, sperm tyrosine‐phosphorylated proteins were elevated ~3.3‐fold, after VLF coincubation. Progesterone‐induced acrosome reaction (AR) rates were significantly (p < 0.001) elevated in sperm coincubated with VGS for 10–30 min, compared with PBS. Sperm artificially deposited in the vaginas of superovulated females for these periods also showed significant (p < 0.01) increases in AR rates, compared with PBS. Thus in vitro and in vivo, sperm acquire from the vaginal environment factors that induce capacitation, explaining recent findings for their acrosomal status in the isthmus. Overall, VGS appear to deliver higher levels of proteins involved in preventing premature capacitation and AR than those promoting them. Our findings which have implications for humans open the possibility of new approaches to infertility treatment with exosome therapeutics.
Dynamic changes of urinary proteins in a rat model of acute hypercoagulable state induced by tranexamic acid
Authors: Jing Jian , Du Zhenhuan , Wen Zhang , Jiang Bo , He Bixi
Published: December 2018

The hypercoagulable state leads to the development of thrombotic diseases, but it is difficult to diagnose due to the lack of available biomarkers. This study aimed to investigate systematic changes of the urinary proteome in the acute hypercoagulable state. A rat model of the acute hypercoagulable state was induced by an antifibrinolytic agent tranexamic acid and urine samples were collected for proteomic analysis by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 28 differential proteins were detected in the urinary proteome of the model rats, of which 12 had been previously considered as candidate biomarkers such as myoglobin, and 10 had been considered stable in healthy human urine. Of the 28 differentially expressed proteins 18 had counterparts in humans. Of these 18 proteins, 10 were members of the human core urinary proteome distributed in a variety of human tissues but concentrated in the urinary and digestive systems. Fumarylacetoacetase was verified as a potential marker of the acute hypercoagulable state by Western blot analysis. In conclusion, urine proteome analysis is a powerful approach to identify potential biomarkers of acute hypercoagulable state.
Oleoylethanolamide: A novel pharmaceutical agent in the management of obesity‐an updated review
Authors: Laleh Payahoo , Yaser Khajebishak , Alireza Ostadrahimi
Published: December 2018

Obesity as a multifactorial disorder has been shown a dramatically growing trend recently. Besides genetic and environmental factors, dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system tone is involved in the pathogenesis of obesity. This study reviewed the potential efficacy of Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) as an endocannabinoid‐like compound in the energy homeostasis and appetite control in people with obesity. OEA as a lipid mediator and bioactive endogenous ethanolamide fatty acid is structurally similar to the endocannabinoid system compounds; nevertheless, it is unable to induce to the cannabinoid receptors. Unlike endocannabinoids, OEA negatively acts on the food intake and suppress appetite via various mechanisms. Indeed, OEA as a ligand of PPAR‐α, GPR‐119, and TRPV1 receptors participates in the regulation of energy intake and energy expenditure, feeding behavior, and weight gain control. OEA delays meal initiation, reduces meal size, and increases intervals between meals. Considering side effects of some approaches used for the management of obesity such as antiobesity drugs and surgery as well as based on sufficient evidence about the protective effects of OEA in the improvement of common abnormalities in people with obese, its supplementation as a novel efficient and FDA approved pharmaceutical agent can be recommended.
GRIM‐19 repressed hypoxia‐induced invasion and EMT of colorectal cancer by repressing autophagy through inactivation of STAT3/HIF‐1α signaling axis
Authors: Zhang Juan , Chu Dake , Kawamura Takuji , Tanaka Kiyohito , He Shuixiang
Published: December 2018

Hypoxia leads to cancer progression and promotes the metastatic potential of cancer cells. Thereby, the aim of the present study was to investigate the detailed effects of gene associated with retinoid‐interferon‐induced mortality‐19 (GRIM‐19) in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines under hypoxia conditions and explore the potential molecular mechanisms. Here, we observed that GRIM‐19 expression was downregulated in several CRC cell lines as well as in HCT116 and Caco‐2 cells under a hypoxic microenvironment. Additionally, the introduction of GRIM‐19 obviously suppressed cell invasive ability and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) through modulating EMT markers as reflected by the upregulation of E‐cadherin along with the downregulation of vimentin and N‐cadherin under hypoxic conditions. Moreover, the addition of GRIM‐19 repressed hypoxia‐induced autophagy through modulating autophagy associated proteins as reflected by the downregulation of LC3‐II/LC3‐I ratio and Beclin‐1 expression, as well as the increased of p62 expression. Interestingly, overexpression of GRIM‐19 markedly ameliorated the accumulation of HIF‐1α triggered by hypoxia accompanied by an inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production and phospho‐signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p‐STAT3) expression. Further data demonstrated that GRIM‐19 have a negative feedback effect on the expression of HIF‐1α. Mechanistically, re‐expression of HIF‐1α completely reversed the inhibitory effects of GRIM‐19 on hypoxia‐induced invasion and EMT. Taken all data together, our findings established that GRIM‐19 suppresses hypoxia‐triggered invasion and EMT by inhibiting hypoxia‐induced autophagy through inactivation HIF‐1α/STAT3 signaling pathway, indicating that GRIM‐19 may serve as a potential predictive factor and therapeutic target for CRC treatment.
T‐bet transcription factor in cardiovascular disease: Attenuation or inflammation factor?
Authors: Haybar Habib , Rezaeeyan Hadi , Shahjahani Mohammad , Shirzad Reza , Saki Najmaldin
Published: December 2018

T‐bet is a major transcription factor increasing inflammatory responses in the immune system. Recently, it has been shown that this factor leads to inflammation in cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this study, we examine the dual role of T‐bet in inducing and suppressing inflammatory reactions as well as angiogenesis induction due to inflammatory cytokines in CVD. Relevant literature was identified by a Pubmed search (1992–2018) of English‐language papers using the terms “T‐bet,” “Cardiovascular disease,” “Immune response,” and “Angiogenesis.” Although T‐bet causes differentiation of Th1 cells and activation of immune cells such as NK and DC, it suppresses inflammatory responses and replaces damaged vessels with new ones by activating regulatory T‐cells and stimulating angiogenesis. It can be stated that T‐bet acts as double‐edged sword. Therefore, the identification of pathways that can increase the function of T‐bet in activating Tregs and inducing angiogenesis might be used as a new therapeutic option in future investigations.
Combined treatment with systemic resveratrol and resveratrol preconditioned mesenchymal stem cells, maximizes antifibrotic action in diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: ShamsEldeen Asmaa Mohammed , Ashour Hend , Shoukry Heba Samy , Fadel Mostafa , Kamar Samaa Samir , Aabdelbaset Marwan , Rashed Laila Ahmed , Ammar Hania Ibrahim
Published: December 2018

Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway plays a crucial role in diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), thus we aimed at investigating the effect of one therapeutic approach with resveratrol (RSV) given systemically and combined treatment of RSV with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that was either RSV‐preconditioned or not on Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway in streptozotocin‐induced DCM, and to evaluate effects of RSV preconditioning on MSCs therapeutic potential. The rats were divided into control (C, n = 8), diabetic (DM, n = 8), diabetic treated with systemic RSV (DM‐RSV, n = 8), diabetic treated with RSV and nonconditioned MSCs (DM‐RSV‐MSCs, n = 8), diabetic treated with RSV and RSV‐incubated with MSCs (DM‐RSV‐MSCc, n = 8) and diabetic treated with RSV‐conditioned MSCs (DM‐MSCc, n = 8). Echocardiography (Echo) showed significant improvement of cardiac functions in all groups treated with RSV either systemic or added in culture media. Data of ejection fraction (EF%) of DM‐RSV‐MSCc (81.50; interquartile range [IQR], 80.00–83.00) was comparable to both DM‐RSV‐MSCs (77.50; IQR, 71.50–79.00), and DM‐MSCc (71.50; IQR, 70.00–74.50). Histological examination of the left ventricles was performed for all groups. DM group revealed significant myocardial hypertrophy, apoptosis, interstitial fibrosis, and microvascular affection. All treated groups were associated, in variable degrees, with attenuation of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, decreased area% for cardiac immunostaining of secreted frizzled‐related protein (sFRP2) and Wnt/β‐catenin and improvement of the microvasculature. In conclusion, MSCs pretreated with resveratrol for 7 days showed increased 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and combined use of RSV (systemically and in culture media) significantly could improve cardiac remodeling capacity of MSCs via attenuation of sFRP2‐mediated fibrosis and the downstream Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.
microRNAs: Key players in virus‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sadri Nahand Javid , Bokharaei‐Salim Farah , Salmaninejad Arash , Nesaei Abolfazl , Mohajeri Fatemeh , Moshtzan Azadeh , Tabibzadeh Alireza , Karimzadeh Mohammad , Moghoofei Mohsen , Marjani Arezo , Yaghoubi Shoeleh , Keyvani Hossein
Published: December 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is known as one of the major health problems worldwide. Pathological analysis indicated that a variety of risk factors including genetical (i.e., alteration of tumor suppressors and oncogenes) and environmental factors (i.e., viruses) are involved in beginning and development of HCC. The understanding of these risk factors could guide scientists and clinicians to design effective therapeutic options in HCC treatment. Various viruses such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) via targeting several cellular and molecular pathways involved in HCC pathogenesis. Among various cellular and molecular targets, microRNAs (miRNAs) have appeared as key players in HCC progression. miRNAs are short noncoding RNAs which could play important roles as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in several malignancies such as HCC. Deregulation of many miRNAs (i.e., miR‐222, miR‐25, miR‐92a, miR‐1, let‐7f, and miR‐21) could be associated with different stages of HCC. Besides miRNAs, exosomes are other particles which are involved in HCC pathogenesis via targeting different cargos, such as DNAs, RNAs, miRNAs, and proteins. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the role of miRNAs and exosomes as important players in HCC pathogenesis. Moreover, we highlighted HCV‐ and HBV‐related miRNAs which led to HCC progression.
I Can't Get You Out of My Head: The Influence of Secrecy on Consumers’ Self‐Brand Connections
Authors: Thomas Veronica L. , Jewell Robert D.
Published: December 2018

Although research provides anecdotal evidence of consumers keeping their brand consumption a secret, there is little empirical corroboration to justify its study or illuminate the resulting consequences. The goals of this research are to provide evidence for the prevalence of keeping brand consumption a secret and to understand the resulting cognitive processing and consequences. Specifically, we first explore the occurrence of secrecy in the context of brand consumption, its types, and its motivations, underscoring the need for further investigation. Then, through a series of three subsequent studies, we demonstrate that keeping brand consumption a secret can lead to enhanced self‐brand connections through the underlying processes of thought suppression and thought intrusion. We rule out alternative explanations and enhance generalizability through the examination of passive (e.g., avoiding) versus active (e.g., lying) secrecy and variations in agency (i.e., instructed vs. voluntary secrecy).
Killian‐Jamieson diverticulum mimicking a thyroid nodule: A case report
Authors: Ota Koshi , Onoe Miyako , Oka Masahiro , Ota Kanna , Taniguchi Kohei , Sakaue Masahide , Takasu Akira
Published: December 2018

Killian‐Jamieson diverticulum (KJD) is a rare disease of the cervical esophagus, often misidentified as thyroid nodules on ultrasonography. We performed carotid artery ultrasonography for an asymptomatic 68‐year‐old man. The ultrasound showed an oval nodule with heterogeneous echogenicity surrounded by a multilayered rim in the posterior left thyroid gland. As endoscopy and computed tomography confirmed pharyngoesophageal diverticulum in the anterolateral wall of the esophagus, we reached a final diagnosis of KJD. In cases where a thyroid nodule is detected by ultrasound, physicians should be aware of the possibility of KJD before performing invasive procedures.
The lymph node status and histologic subtypes influenced the effect of postoperative radiotherapy on patients with N2 positive IIIA non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Yuan Chongze , Tao Xiaoting , Zheng Difan , Pan Yunjian , Ye Ting , Hu Hong , Xiang Jiaqing , Zhang Yawei , Chen Haiquan , Sun Yihua
Published: December 2018

Background and Objective

To investigate the role of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in IIIA‐N2 non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and subgroups which derived benefit from PORT.

Methods

A total of 576 patients with pathological IIIA‐N2 NSCLC, who underwent complete resection, were identified. Propensity score matching (PSM) methods were used to balance the patients' characteristics between two groups. Overall survival (OS) and relapse‐free survival (RFS) were compared between PORT and non‐PORT patients.

Results

On multivariable analysis, improved OS remained correlated with younger age, single N2 station involvement, less positive lymph nodes, and chemotherapy. After PSM, 121 PROT patients and 242 non‐PORT patients were matched. PORT was not associated improved patients' OS (P = 0.735) or RFS (
P = 0.483). For patients who underwent postoperative chemotherapy (POCT), PORT could improve OS in single N2 station involved patients (HR: 0.572, 95%CI: 0.312 to 1.05,
P = 0.040). Patients with papillary predominant adenocarcinoma also benefited from PORT with an increase in OS (HR: 0.350, 95%CI: 0.126 to 0.972,
P = 0.033).

Conclusions

For patients with completely resected IIIA‐N2 NSCLC, mediastinal lymph node metastasis and histologic subtypes could influence the effect of PORT. Single N2 station involvement and papillary predominant subtype were predictors of benefit from PORT.
Genetic variants in COL11A2 of lumbar disk degeneration among Chinese Han population
Authors: Yang Xuejun , Jia Haiyu , Xing Wenhua , Li Feng , Li Manglai , Sun Ke , Zhu Yong
Published: December 2018

Background

Lumbar disk disease (LDD) is a common musculoskeletal disorder. Several predisposing genetic and environmental risk factors have been established for symptomatic LDD.

Methods

We conducted a case–control association study to investigate the role of the COL11A2 gene in LDD. Genotyping of 384 Chinese Han LDD patients and 384 Chinese Han controls was made for six single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from COL11A2 by Agena Massarray. We evaluated these SNPs association with LDD using the chi‐square test and genetic model analysis.

Results

The strongest associations with LDD were observed for polymorphisms in rs2071025. Carriers of “A” allele had an increased risk of LDD (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.20–1.80, p = 0.0002) as compared with the “G” allele in allele model. We found that rs2071025 were associated with LDD in female and male from the stratification analyses (p < 0.05). Genetic models showed that rs986522(C) significantly increased the risk of LDD in female; however, in males, we did not find significant associations between the rs986522 and LDD risk.

Conclusion

This study showed a genetic association with COL11A2 polymorphism in individuals with LDD. These data may provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of LDD, although further studies with larger numbers of participants worldwide are needed for validation of our conclusions.
A miniaturized 28 GHz 4‐bit phase shifter in 65 nm LP CMOS for multi‐channel 5‐G radios
Authors: Lee Junghwan , Seo Munkyo
Published: December 2018

Absract

A 65 nm LP CMOS 4‐bit phase shifter for 28 GHz 5G applications is presented. Sharing inductor footprints and using a switched inductor allow ~50% of layout size reduction, compared to conventional design. On‐wafer testing shows that the fabricated phase shifter exhibits 14.3 dB average insertion loss over the 27.5–28.35 GHz band. Measured input and output return losses are >7.2 dB. Measured RMS phase and gain error are 9.4° and 2.7 dB at 28 GHz, respectively. Measured input P1dB is >11 dBm. The chip area excluding pads is 0.067 mm2,
×2 more compact than previous Ka‐band phase shifters, to the best of authors' knowledge. The presented phase shifter allows low‐cost IC implementation of multi‐channel 5G transceivers.