bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between invader abundance and impact
Authors: Sofaer Helen R. , Jarnevich Catherine S. , Pearse Ian S.
Published: September 2018

The impacts of invasive species generally increase with their abundance, but the form of invader abundance–impact relationships remain poorly described. We highlight the utility of abundance–impact curves for three questions. First, abundance–impact relationships can clarify whether prevention and management should focus on the species likely to become abundant or those likely to cause large impacts per individual. Second, comparing abundance–impact relationships between native and exotic species can reveal any systematic differences in their effects on ecological systems. Third, identifying any thresholds in the relationship between invader impact and abundance can be used to select management targets and design invasive species control strategies. With increasing extent and resolution of datasets of invasive organisms worldwide, we now have the opportunity to explore in detail the form and context dependence of the abundance–impact relationship. Doing so provides opportunities to improve the prediction of invader impact, to better understand the differences between exotic and resident organisms, and to scale the impacts of invasive species from localities to ranges.
Self‐Nitrogen‐Doped Porous Biocarbon from Watermelon Rind: A High‐Performance Supercapacitor Electrode and Its Improved Electrochemical Performance Using Redox Additive Electrolyte
Authors: Lin Xiao-Qiang , Yang Ning , Lü Qiu-Feng , Liu Rui
Published: September 2018

Self‐nitrogen‐doped biocarbons are obtained from the watermelon rind via an easy one‐step pyrolysis‐activation process. Porous biocarbon ACW‐2, obtained with a watermelon/potassium hydroxide (KOH) mass ratio of 1:2 at 700 °C, exhibits a large specific surface area of 1303.3 m2 g−1 and is decorated with abundant nitrogen/oxygen‐containing functional groups. When ACW‐2 is used as a supercapacitor electrode, a high specific capacitance of 260 F g−1 is achieved at a current density of 1 A g−1. ACW‐2 also exhibits an ultrahigh cycling stability, and its retention rate is maintained at 93.8% even after 5000 cycles at a scan rate of 100 mV s−1. Furthermore, ACW‐2 acquires a supramaximal specific capacitance (852 F g−1) and a high energy density (12.9 Wh kg−1) when p‐phenylenediamine redox additive is added into the KOH electrolyte. Therefore, the watermelon rind can be used as a promising biomass precursor, and the as‐prepared porous biocarbon is expected to be an outstanding comprehensive electrode material for electrochemical supercapacitors.
Statistical harmonization and uncertainty assessment in the comparison of satellite and radiosonde climate variables
Authors: Finazzi F. , Fassò A. , Madonna F. , Negri I. , Sun B. , Rosoldi M.
Published: September 2018

Satellite product validation is a key to ensure the delivery of quality products for climate and weather applications. To do this, a fundamental step is the comparison with other instruments, such as radiosonde. This is especially true for essential climate variables such as temperature and humidity.

Thanks to a functional data representation, this paper uses a likelihood‐based approach that exploits the measurement uncertainties in a natural way. In particular, the comparison of temperature and humidity radiosonde measurements collected within the network of the Universal Rawinsonde Observation Program (RAOB) and the corresponding atmospheric profiles derived from the infrared atmospheric sounding interferometer aboard MetOp‐A and MetOp‐B satellites is developed with the aim of understanding the vertical smoothing mismatch uncertainty.

Moreover, conventional RAOB functional data representation is assessed by means of a comparison with radiosonde reference measurements given by the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) Reference Upper‐Air Network (GRUAN), which provides high‐resolution fully traceable radio‐sounding profiles. In this way, the uncertainty related to coarse vertical resolution, or sparseness, of the conventional RAOB is assessed.

It has been found that the uncertainty of vertical smoothing mismatch averaged along the profile is 0.50 K for temperature and 0.16 g/kg for water‐vapor mixing ratio. Moreover, the uncertainty related to RAOB sparseness, averaged along the profile, is 0.29 K for temperature and 0.13 g/kg for water‐vapor mixing ratio.
Modeling Growth With Adaptive Longitudinal Large‐Scale Assessments
Authors: Qian Jiahe
Published: September 2018

The 2‐parameter logistic multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) model was employed to model growth for the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS:88). The 3 measurement waves of NELS:88 (base year, first follow‐up, and second follow‐up) represented 3 dimensions. The inquiry aimed to improve modeling performance growth based on examinees' responses to the test items in each wave, with item location parameters set to be invariant across the 3 waves (instead of using item changes) and the latent mean of the first wave set to 0. The yielded scores of 3 waves were thus placed on approximately the same scale; the changes of the scores across waves could be measured. Moreover, the growth models for longitudinal data were improved by using auxiliary information such as gender, race, school location, and parents' education. In the study, the results of the growth pattern were compared with those yielded by the Embretson models.
The Validity of Inferences From Locally Developed Assessments Administered Globally
Authors: Oliveri María Elena , Lawless René
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we first examine the challenges of score comparability associated with the use of assessments that are exported. By exported assessments, we mean assessments that are developed for domestic use and are then administered in other countries in either the same or a different language. Second, we provide suggestions to better support their valid and fair use. We illustrate these issues in the context of higher education assessments that are designed to serve different purposes—inform admissions decisions and assess student learning outcomes within one country (e.g., the United States) that are later used in other countries. In higher education, the use of exported assessments is on the rise due to increases in globalization, student mobility, and cross‐national comparisons of student achievement. An increase in the use of exported assessments leads to more diverse test‐taker populations and requires special attention due to possible sources of construct‐irrelevant variance, which may threaten the score‐based inferences made for various populations. Irrelevant sources of variance may emerge due to differences in opportunity to learn, curricular exposure, and lack of familiarity with the cultural references used in the assessments that are exported.
KMT2A (MLL) rearrangements observed in pediatric/young adult T‐lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma: A 10‐year review from a single cytogenetic laboratory
Authors: Peterson Jess F. , Baughn Linda B. , Pearce Kathryn E. , Williamson Cynthia M. , Benevides Demasi Jonna C. , Olson Renee M. , Goble Tony A. , Meyer Reid G. , Greipp Patricia T. , Ketterling Rhett P.
Published: September 2018

T‐lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (T‐ALL/LBL) accounts for approximately 15% of pediatric and 25% of adult ALL. While the underlying frequency of KMT2A (MLL) gene rearrangements has been identified in approximately 4‐8% of T‐ALL/LBL cases, a paucity of literature is available to characterize further the KMT2A rearrangements in pediatric/young adult T‐ALL/LBL. A 10‐year retrospective review was performed to identify KMT2A rearrangements in specimens sent for T‐ALL/LBL fluorescence in situ hybridization studies in patients under the age of 30 years. Of 806 T‐ALL/LBL FISH studies performed on unique individuals, 27 (3.3%) harbored KMT2A rearrangements. Nineteen patients were male and eight were female (M:F ratio, 2.4:1) with ages ranging from 1 to 20 years (mean 12, median 12). Of the 27 cases, nine (33%) had KMT2A/MLLT1 fusions, eight (30%) had KMT2A/AFDN fusions, two (7%) had KMT2A/ELL fusions, and one (4%) had a KMT2A/MLLT10 fusion. In addition, five (19%) had KMT2A rearrangements with unidentified gene fusion partners and two (7%) had 3’KMT2A deletions. Our results indicate that MLLT1 and AFDN account for the majority (63%) of KMT2A gene partners in pediatric/young adult T‐ALL/LBL, while no KMT2A/AFF1 or KMT2A/MLLT3 fusions were observed despite their common identification in B‐ALL and acute myeloid leukemia, respectively. In addition to diagnostic and prognostic value, detecting specific KMT2A fusions may also be of clinical importance in the era of targeted therapies.
Natives as international medical graduates: A nationwide analysis in Taiwan
Authors: Chu Feng‐Yuan , Chao Yin‐Mei , Chou Li‐Fang , Chen Tzeng‐Ji
Published: September 2018

Introduction

International medical graduates (IMGs) play an important role in many Western countries because of globalization and physician shortages. While the IMGs investigated in most studies were immigrants, few studies have considered the situation in which people native to a given country have studied medicine abroad and then returned to practice in their home country. To illustrate that situation, our study aimed to investigate practicing IMGs in Taiwan by comparing practicing physicians' nationalities to the countries in which the medical schools the IMGs graduated from are located.

Methods

Data were obtained from the annual official statistics released by the Taiwan Medical Association from 1998 to 2017.

Results

The number of practicing IMGs in Taiwan increased from 834 (3.1% of 26,991 physicians) in 1998 to 1,733 (3.7% of 46,452) in 2017. Their medical schools were distributed across 37 countries, with graduates of schools in the Philippines (n = 550), Poland (n = 420), and Myanmar (n = 364) accounting for 77.0% of all practicing IMGs in 2017. However, only 29, 0, and 253 physicians were themselves Filipinos, Polish, and Myanmarese, respectively.

Conclusion

Most of the practicing IMGs in Taiwan are native Taiwanese. The real impact of IMGs in health policy‐making and the existing quota system of admissions to medical schools thus deserve further investigations.
Utilization and determinants of follow‐up colonoscopies within 6 years after screening colonoscopy: Prospective cohort study
Authors: Hoffmeister Michael , Holleczek Bernd , Stock Christian , Zwink Nadine , Stolz Thomas , Stegmaier Christa , Brenner Hermann
Published: September 2018

Previous studies have reported that repeat colonoscopies were often not conducted in the recommended time interval after screening colonoscopy. We prospectively followed participants of screening colonoscopy from Germany for 6 years to investigate utilization and determinants of repeat colonoscopies. In a longitudinal study on the effectiveness of screening colonoscopy in the state of Saarland (Germany), participants who had a screening colonoscopy between 2005 and 2007 were contacted by mail 6 years after screening and requested to fill in a standardized questionnaire on utilization of repeat colonoscopies. For all colonoscopies reported, colonoscopy and histology reports were requested from the physician(s). Of 6,407 screening participants, 2,212 (35%) have utilized another colonoscopy. Among participants with negative findings at screening (no adenomas), 962 (22%) had a subsequent colonoscopy within 6 years from screening, accounting for 43% of all patients with a repeat colonoscopy. Family history of CRC and detection of hyperplastic polyps were found to be determinants of higher repeat colonoscopy use. As many as 44% of the participants with low‐risk adenomas (N = 509) and 39% with high‐risk adenomas (N = 290) at screening did not utilize surveillance colonoscopy within 6 years. Utilization was better with higher school education, prior cancer screening participation and if high‐risk adenomas were detected, lower among current smokers and lowest among participants ≥70 years. New strategies will be required considering determinants of adherence to avoid unnecessary colonoscopies and to improve utilization of surveillance according to recommended time intervals among patients at higher risk of CRC in the future.
Nature and scope of synthesis in functional analysis and treatment of problem behavior
Authors: Slaton Jessica D. , Hanley Gregory P.
Published: September 2018

Functional analysis (FA) of problem behavior typically includes the contingent delivery of a single reinforcer following problem behavior. However, the FA literature also includes examples of analyses that have delivered multiple reinforcers, arranged multiple establishing operations in one or more test conditions, or both. These analyses have been successfully applied under heterogeneous conditions over several decades and with various synthesized establishing operations and reinforcers, but their qualitative details, outcomes, and contributions to the literature have never been described in a comprehensive manner. The purpose of the current review is to: (a) identify articles that have reported the use of synthesized FAs or treatments; (b) describe the nature and scope of synthesis as it has been applied in the FA literature; (c) analyze outcomes of synthesized FAs and treatments to determine general benefits and disadvantages of synthesis; and (d) offer recommendations for future areas of research.
A novel cell transfection platform based on laser optoporation mediated by Au nanostar layers
Authors: Pylaev Timofey , Vanzha Ekaterina , Avdeeva Elena , Khlebtsov Boris , Khlebtsov Nikolai
Published: September 2018

The recently developed laser‐induced cell transfection mediated by Au nanoparticles is a promising alternative to the well‐established lipid‐based transfection or to electroporation. Optoporation is based on the laser plasmonic heating of nanoparticles located near the cell membrane. However, the uncontrollable cell damage from intense laser pulses and from random attachment of nanoparticles may be crucial for transfection. We present a novel plasmonic optoporation technique that uses Au nanostar layers immobilized in culture microplate wells. HeLa cells were grown directly on Au nanostar layers, after which they were subjected to continuous‐wave 808 nm laser irradiation. An Au monolayer density ~15 μg/cm2 and an absorbed energy of about 15 to 30 J were found to be optimal for optoporation. Propidium iodide molecules were used as model penetrating agent. The transfection efficiency evaluated using fluorescence microscopy for HeLa cells transfected with pGFP under optimized optoporation conditions (95% ± 5%) was similar to the efficiency of TurboFect. The technique's efficiency (295 ± 10 relative light units, RLU), demonstrated by transfecting HeLa cells with the pCMV‐GLuc 2 control plasmid, was greater than that obtained by transfection of HeLa cells with the TurboFect agent (220 ± 10 RLU). The cell viability in plasmonic optoporation (92% ± 7%), too, was greater than that in transfection with TurboFect (75% ± 7%).
Examining Leadership With American Counseling Association Presidents: A Grounded Theory of Leadership Identity Development
Authors: Gibson Donna M. , Dollarhide Colette T. , Moss Julie M. , Aras Yahyahan , Mitchell Thomas
Published: September 2018

In a grounded theory study, the authors examined the leadership identity development of 12 past presidents of the American Counseling Association. Using individual interviews, the authors identified 3 interactional themes that form a theoretical framework for leadership identity development: (a) influence, motivation, and support to lead; (b) leadership skills; and (c) reinforcing experiences. Implications for counselors and counselor educators are offered.
Counselors’ Mandated Responsibility to Report Child Maltreatment: A Review of U.S. Laws
Authors: Kenny Maureen C. , Abreu Roberto L. , Helpingstine Claire , Lopez Angel , Mathews Ben
Published: September 2018

Although counselors in 44 states are mandatory reporters of child maltreatment, they may lack an understanding of their legally designated role. This article presents the results of a systematic review of child maltreatment reporting laws in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The authors apply relevant legislation to real‐life contexts for counselors.
Upregulated long noncoding RNA LINC01296 indicates a dismal prognosis for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and promotes cell metastatic properties by affecting EMT
Authors: Yuan Qihua , Zhang Yuxia , Feng Lijun , Jiang Yuehong
Published: September 2018

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a fatal disease that responds poorly to chemotherapy and radiotherapy and whose incidence has increased worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs have been demonstrated to play important roles in cancer initiation and progression. Long intergenic non‐coding RNA 01296 (LINC01296) has been reported to be upregulated in several malignancies, but the clinical relevance and biological role of LINC01296 in PDAC are still unclear.

Methods

RT‐qPCR was performed to evaluate the expression of LINC01296 in 85 pared PDAC tissue samples and a panel of PDAC cell lines. The clinical value and prognostic role of LINC01296 in patients with PDAC were further explored. Furthermore, we explored the functional roles of LINC01296 depletion in PANC‐1 and SW1990 cells, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT).

Results

LINC01296 was enhanced in PDAC tissues and cell lines, and this overexpression was correlated with advanced tumor stages and positive lymph node metastasis in patients with PDAC. In addition, upregulation of LINC01296 was an independent prognostic predictor for patients with PDAC after surgery. Moreover, silencing of LINC01296 followed by treatment with small interfering RNAs suppressed cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis by affecting the Bcl‐2/caspase‐3 pathway. Importantly, LINC01296 attenuation impaired the migratory and invasive potential partly by reversing EMT.

Conclusions

Overall, our work may help to develop a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for PDAC.
Microarray‐based analysis of whole‐genome DNA methylation profiling in early detection of breast cancer
Authors: Li Shao‐Ying , Wu Hua‐Cong , Mai Hui‐Fen , Zhen Jian‐Xin , Li Gui‐Sen , Chen Shao‐Jun
Published: September 2018

Emerging evidence indicated that changes in DNA methylation early in breast cancer (BC) development might be clinically relevant for therapeutic decisions. Through analysis of whole‐genome gene expression microarray and DNA methylation microarray, we explored genes with abnormal DNA methylation in BC for early detection. Firstly, human BC tissues and adjacent non‐cancerous tissues were collected from nine BC patients. Gene expression microarray sequencing was conducted for identifying differentially expressed genes and DNA methylation microarray sequencing for differentially methylated genes in BC. Differentially expressed genes and methylated genes in BC were further explored using the Cancer Genome Atlas database. The correlation between DNA methylation and gene expression was illustrated by multiple comparisons. In other 60 clinical samples, methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription quantitative PCR were applied for the methylation of HOXA4 and IGF1 genes in BC and adjacent non‐cancerous tissues. In total, 1680 upregulated genes and 1249 downregulated genes were determined in BC. Chromosome 16 and 17 showed more differentially methylated genes, and DNA methylation level was increased in BC tissues in each gene region. Chromosome 19 showed more differentially methylated genes, and DNA methylation level was increased in BC tissues in the exoniensis 1, untranslated region‐5 and transcriptional start site 200 gene regions. In other 60 clinical samples, HOXA4 and IGF1 in BC tissues presented increased DNA methylation and decreased gene expression in BC. MCF7 cells treated with RG108 showed decreased HOXA4 and IGF1 expressions. It was estimated that HOXA4 and IGF1 were identified with increased DNA methylation and decreased gene expression in BC, which may serve as biomarkers in early BC detection.
LINC00657 expedites neuropathic pain development by modulating miR‐136/ZEB1 axis in a rat model
Authors: Shen Fujin , Zheng Hongyun , Zhou Limei , Li Wei , Zhang Yang , Xu Xuexian
Published: September 2018

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the progression of several diseases. The interactions among lncRNAs, microRNA (miRNAs) or their targeting genes are reported to play crucial roles in the development of diseases. LINC00657 is observed to be upregulated in several cancers. However, the biological role of LINC00657 in neuropathic pain progress is unclear. Hence, in our study, we aimed to investigate the function of LINC00657 in neuropathic pain development. A chronic constriction injury (CCI) rat model was established, and we found that LINC00657 was greatly increased in CCI rats associated with a decrease of miR‐136. Inhibition of LINC00657 suppressed neuropathic pain via alleviating mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. In addition, miR‐136 overexpression can also inhibit the neuropathic pain development. MiR‐136 was predicted to serve as a miRNA target of LINC00657, and dual‐luciferase reporter assay confirmed the correlation between LINC00657 and miR‐136. Moreover, we observed that the decrease of LINC00657 was able to inhibit the neuroinflammation of CCI rats by targeting expression of cyclooxygenase‐2, tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β while miR‐136 inhibitors reversed this phenomenon. Next, by using bioinformatics analysis, ZEB1 was predicted as a direct target of miR‐136, and miR‐136 could negatively modulate ZEB1 expression. Besides these, ZEB1 was remarkably increased in the CCI rats. Knockdown of ZEB1 can inhibit neuropathic pain development, while miR‐136 inhibitors can reverse it. In conclusion, it was implied that LINC00657 can induce the neuropathic pain development via regulating miR‐136/ZEB1 axis.
Nobiletin inhibits hypoxia‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in renal cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Liu Feng , Zhang Siqi , Yin Min , Guo Lihua , Xu Mingzhu , Wang Yonggang
Published: September 2018

Hypoxia is a universal characteristic of solid tumor and involving cancer metastasis via epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Nobiletin (3′,4′,5,6,7,8‐hexamethoxyflavone), a dietary polymethoxylated flavonoid found in citrus fruits, has been reported to have anticancer effects. However, the possible role of nobiletin in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the effect of nobiletin on hypoxia‐induced EMT in RCC cells. We found that nobiletin significantly inhibited the migration and invasion induced by hypoxia in RCC cells. In addition, nobiletin reversed the hypoxia‐induced EMT process in RCC cells. Furthermore, nobiletin suppressed the activation of NF‐κB and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathways in hypoxia‐stimulated RCC cells. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that nobiletin inhibits hypoxia‐induced EMT in human RCC cells via the inactivation of the NF‐κB and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathways.
CCN1 induces apoptosis in esophageal adenocarcinoma through p53‐dependent downregulation of survivin
Authors: Dang Tong , Modak Cristina , Meng Xiemei , Wu Jinbao , Narvaez Reinier , Chai Jianyuan
Published: September 2018

Many cancer drugs have been developed to control tumor growth by inducing cancer cell apoptosis. However, several intracellular barriers could fail this attempt. One of these barrier is high expression of survivin. Survivin can interfere caspase activation and thereby abort apoptosis. In this study, we found that CCN1 suppressed the survivin expression in tumor cells of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and thus allowed apoptosis to finish. Furthermore, we demonstrated that this downregulation was dependent on p53 phosphorylation at Ser20, and CCN1 induced EAC cell apoptosis through the activation of p53.
Microvesicles‐mediated communication between endothelial cells modulates, endothelial survival, and angiogenic function via transferring of miR‐125a‐5p
Authors: Pan Qunwen , Ma Chunlian , Wang Yan , Wang Jinju , Zheng Jieyi , Du Donghui , Liao Xiaorong , Chen Yusen , Chen Yanfang , Bihl Ji , Chen Can , Yang Yi , Ma Xiaotong
Published: September 2018

Endothelial cells (ECs) released microvesicles (EMVs) could modulate the functions of target cells by transferring their microRNAs (miRs). We have reported that miR‐125a‐5p protected EC function. In this study, we determined whether EMVs provided beneficial effects on ECs by transferring miR‐125a‐5p. Human brain microvessel ECs were transfected with miR‐125a‐5p mimic or miR‐125a‐5p short hairpin RNA to obtain miR‐125a‐5p overexpressing ECs and miR‐125a‐5p knockdown ECs, and their derived EMVs. For the functional study, ECs or hypoxia/reoxygenation injured ECs were coincubated with various EMVs. The survival and angiogenic function of ECs were measured. Western blot and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) were used for measuring the levels of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K), phosphorylation‐Akt (p‐Akt)/Akt, p‐endothelial nitric oxide synthase (p‐eNOS), cleaved caspase‐3, and miR‐125a‐5p. PI3K inhibitor was used for pathway analysis. EMVs promoted the proliferation, migration, and tube formation ability of ECs, and alleviated the apoptotic rate of ECs. These effects were associated by an increase in p‐Akt/Akt and p‐eNOS, and a decrease in cleaved caspase‐3 could be abolished by LY294002. Overexpression or downregulation of miR‐125a‐5p in EMVs promoted or inhibited those effects of EMVs. EMVs could enhance the survival and angiogenic function of ECs via delivering miR‐125a‐5p to modulate the expression of PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway and caspase‐3.
Association between miR‐34b/c rs4938723 polymorphism and risk of cancer: An updated meta‐analysis of 27 case‐control studies
Authors: Hashemi Mohammad , Moazeni‐Roodi Abdolkarim , Bahari Gholamreza , Taheri Mohen , Ghavami Saeid
Published: September 2018

Several studies investigated the association between miR‐34b/c rs4938723 polymorphism and the risk of several human cancers, but the findings remain inconclusive. To evaluate the impact of miR‐34b/c rs4938723 on cancer risk, we performed a meta‐analysis on all available studies including 12 361 cancer cases and 14 270 controls. Eligible studies were identified by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google scholar databases. Pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated in codominant, dominant, recessive, overdominant, and allele models to quantitatively estimate the association. The overall findings showed no significant association between miR‐34b/c rs4938723 polymorphism and cancer risk in codominant, dominant, recessive, overdominant, and allele inheritance model. However, in stratified analysis by cancer types, the rs4938723 polymorphism significantly increased the risk of gastrointestinal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, the rs4938723 polymorphism was associated with decreased risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The findings did not support an association between rs4938723 variant and digestive tract as well as gastric cancer. In summary, the findings of this meta‐analysis indicated that the miR‐34b/c rs4938723 polymorphism might be associated with some cancer development. Larger and well‐designed studies are necessary to estimate this association in detail.
Identification of Phf16 and Pnpla3 as new adipogenic factors regulated by phytochemicals
Authors: Chang Seo‐Hyuk , Yun Ui Jeong , Choi Jin Hee , Kim Suji , Lee A Reum , Lee Dong Ho , Seo Min‐Ju , Panic Vanja , Villanueva Claudio J. , Song No‐Joon , Park Kye Won
Published: September 2018

Adipocyte differentiation is controlled by multiple signaling pathways. To identify new adipogenic factors, C3H10T1/2 adipocytes were treated with previously known antiadipogenic phytochemicals (resveratrol, butein, sulfuretin, and fisetin) for 24 hours. Commonly regulated genes were then identified by transcriptional profiling analysis. Three genes (chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 1 [
Cxcl1], heme oxygenase 1 [
Hmox1], and PHD (plant homeo domain) finger protein 16 [
Phf16]) were upregulated while two genes (G0/G1 switch gene 2 [
G0s2] and patatin‐like phospholipase domain containing 3 [
Pnpla3]) were downregulated by these four antiadipogenic compounds. Tissue expression profiles showed that the
G0s2 and
Pnpla3 expressions were highly specific to adipose depots while the other three induced genes were ubiquitously expressed with significantly higher expression in adipose tissues. While
Cxcl1 expression was decreased, expressions of the other four genes were significantly increased during adipogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 cells. Small interfering RNA–mediated knockdown including Phf16 and Pnpla3 indicated that these genes might play regulatory roles in lipid accumulation and adipocyte differentiation. Specifically, the silencing of two newly identified adipogenic genes, Phf16 or Pnpla3, suppressed lipid accumulation and expression of adipocyte markers in both 3T3‐L1 and C3H10T1/2 cells. Taken together, these data showed previously uncovered roles of Phf16 and Pnpla3 in adipogenesis, highlighting the potential of using phytochemicals for further investigation of adipocyte biology.
A novel splice‐site mutation in the ATP2C1 gene of a Chinese family with Hailey‐Hailey disease
Authors: Xiao Heng , Huang Xiangjun , Xu Hongbo , Chen Xiang , Xiong Wei , Yang Zhijian , Deng Xiong , He Zhenghao , Deng Hao
Published: September 2018

Hailey‐Hailey disease (HHD), also known as familial benign chronic pemphigus, is an autosomal dominant genodermatosis. It is characterized by erosions, blisters and erythematous plaques at sites of friction or intertriginous areas. The pathogenic gene of HHD has been revealed as the ATPase secretory pathway Ca2+ transporting 1 gene (
ATP2C1), which encodes the protein, secretory pathway Ca
2+/Mn
2+‐ATPase 1 (SPCA1).
ATP2C1 gene mutations are responsible for HHD by resulting in abnormal Ca
2+ homeostasis in the skin and giving rise to acantholysis, a characteristic pathology of HHD. In this study, a four‐generation family containing three HHD sufferers was recruited. Direct sequencing of the
ATP2C1 gene was performed in the proband and other available family members. Reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis was conducted to show the potential variant effect on
ATP2C1 splicing. A novel heterozygous c.325‐2A>G transition at the splice acceptor site of intron 4 in the
ATP2C1 gene was identified, and it co‐segregated with the disease in this family. The mutation resulted in exon 5 skipping and an in‐frame deletion of 12 amino acids (p.Ala109_Gln120del) in SPCA1. This splice‐site mutation may be responsible for HHD in this family. This study would further expand the mutation spectrum of the
ATP2C1 gene and may be helpful in the genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis of HHD.
Prognostic role of TPD52 in acute myeloid leukemia: A retrospective multicohort analysis
Authors: Ha Mihyang , Han Myoung‐Eun , Kim Ji‐Young , Jeong Dae Cheon , Oh Sae‐Ock , Kim Yun Hak
Published: September 2018

Generating accurate prognoses is extremely important for treating patients with cancer. Prognostic prediction based on messenger RNA (mRNA) expression has shown superior clinical value to other markers for some cancers but is not currently used for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Lipid metabolism is associated with biological aspects of cancer progression, including massive proliferation, and abnormal signaling. Moreover, abnormalities in lipid metabolism have prognostic significance. Patients with AML display abnormalities in sphingolipid metabolism and fatty acid oxidation. TPD52 is a regulator of lipid metabolism and plays a role in the formation of lipid droplets and fatty acid storage. Although the prognostic significance of
TPD52 expression has been reported for many types of cancer, it has not yet been assessed in patients with AML. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to assess the prognostic significance of
TPD52 in AML using three independent AML cohorts: one from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TGCA; n = 142) and two from the National Center for Biotechnology Information: GSE12417 (GPL96‐97; n = 162) and GSE12417 (GPL570; n = 78).
TPD52 was found to be overexpressed in patients with AML (GSE84881; n = 23). The Kaplan‐Meier curve revealed that
TPD52 overexpression was associated with a poor prognosis for patients with AML with good discrimination (
P = 0.013,
P = 0.005, and
P = 0.032 for the TGCA, GSE12417, and GSE12417, respectively). Analysis of C‐indices and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values further supported this discriminative ability. Moreover, multivariate analysis confirmed the prognostic significance of
TPD52 expression levels (
P = 0.0196). These results suggest that the
TPD52 mRNA level is a potential biomarker for AML.
Application of stepped light‐induced transient measurements of photocurrent and photovoltage in charge‐transfer mechanism characterization
Authors: Zhao Long
Published: September 2018

The stepped light‐induced transient measurements of photocurrent and photovoltage (SLIM‐PCV) method has been applied in tackling electron lifetime and electron diffusion coefficients in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) for the last 13 years. This technique on kinetic measurement is straightforward, and thus, the trace of electron transfer during the variation of laser intensity is clearly recorded. Furthermore, by slight optimization on the SLIM‐PCV setup, electron density at either open circuit or short circuit conditions could be measured. These investigation approaches are of great importance to understanding device behavior and limiting factors at the dye/TiO2/electrolyte interface in DSSCs. In this article, the setup and measuring principle of this technique were outlined, and relative measurements were explicitly demonstrated.
Sense of place attitudes and quality of life outcomes among African residents in a multicultural Australian society
Authors: Counted Victor
Published: September 2018

The study examines the association between sense of place (SOP) attitudes (e.g., place attachment, place identity, and place dependence) and health‐related quality of life (HQOL) in a sample of 261 African residents in New South Wales (Australia). Participants completed measures of the Sense of Place Scale, the World Health Organization Quality of Life‐BREF questionnaire, and demographic variables. Study findings are as follows: (a) levels of SOP and place attachment are positively associated with all outcomes of HQOL; (b) place identity is also positively related to HQOL in terms of better environmental health, psychological health, and physical health, but not statistically significant for social relationship and general QOL; (c) place dependence is statistically associated with outcomes of HQOL, except for general QOL which remained insignificant in both the unadjusted and adjusted models. Further ad hoc analyses suggest that African residents from Eastern Africa are more likely to develop the “aussie” place identity than those from Central Africa; and (e) African migrants who have been residents of Australia for more than 5 years, and those who are less educated are more likely to have a stronger SOP and to develop place attachment and behavioral place commitments compared with newly arrived and educated migrants, respectively. Study limitations and implications are carefully discussed.
Birds of a feather: Is matching based on shared interests and characteristics associated with longer youth mentoring relationships?
Authors: Raposa Elizabeth B. , Ben‐Eliyahu Adar , Olsho Lauren E.W. , Rhodes Jean
Published: September 2018

Youth mentoring practitioners and researchers have shown a growing interest in determining the ways in which mentor–youth matching practices might influence the duration and effectiveness of mentoring relationships. The current project tested whether mentor–youth similarities at baseline, in terms of demographic variables and interests in certain activities (e.g., sports, art), predicted a longer duration of mentoring relationships. Analyses used baseline and follow‐up data from over 9,000 youth who participated in community‐based mentoring programs in the northeastern United States, as well as their volunteer mentors. Racial and ethnic similarity between mentor and youth was predictive of longer match duration. Moreover, a shared dislike of activities was associated with longer matches than either shared interests or discordant interests in activities. Findings have important implications for determining the ways in which mentor–youth matching practices influence the length and effectiveness of mentoring relationships.
LncRNA DSCAM‐AS1 acts as a sponge of miR‐137 to enhance Tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer
Authors: Ma Yun , Bu Deyong , Long Jiang , Chai Wenying , Dong Jian
Published: September 2018

Objective

To investigate the influence of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) DSCAM‐AS1 on the propagation and apoptosis of Tamoxifen‐resistant (TR) breast cancer cells via regulation of mircoRNA (miR)‐137 and epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate 8 (EPS8).

Methods

Data of GSE5840 downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database were utilized to screen out aberrantly expressed lncRNA and messenger RNA in breast cancer tissue samples. The expressions of DSCAM‐AS1, miR‐137, and EPS8 were determined by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Cell lines were screened by half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC
50). 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2‐H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the flow cytometry assay were used to detect cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle. The relationship among DSCAM‐AS1, miR‐137, and EPS8 was studied by miRcode, TargetScan, and Pearson correlation coefficient. A xenograft mouse model experiment was performed to demonstrate the effect of DSCAM‐AS1 and EPS8 on tumor growth in vivo.

Results

LncRNA DSCAM‐AS1 and EPS8 were significantly upregulated, whereas miR‐137 was downregulated in TR tissues. DSCAM‐AS1 could promote the Tamoxifen resistance of breast cancer, and it was negatively correlated with miR‐137, whereas positively correlated with the expression of EPS8 in TR breast cancer tissues. Furthermore, miR‐137 could inhibit tumor development and arrest cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase by targeting the 3′‐UTR of EPS8. DSCAM‐AS1 targeted miR‐137 and EPS8 to promote propagation of TR breast cancer cells and inhibit cell apoptosis.

Conclusion

LncRNA DSCAM‐AS1 acts as a competing endogenous RNA of miR‐137 and regulates EPS8 to promote cell reproduction and suppresses cell apoptosis in TR breast cancer.
Effect of autophagy gene DRAM on proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and autophagy of osteoblast in osteoporosis rats
Authors: Tang Ning , Zhao Hong , Zhang Hengyan , Dong Yulei
Published: September 2018

Objective

The research aimed at detecting the autophagy level of osteoblast in osteoporosis rat, and investigating the effect of autophagy gene damage‐regulated autophagy modulator (DRAM) on osteoblast proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and autophagy.

Methods

The level of osteocalcin (OCN) and C‐telopeptide (CTX) in serum of ovariectomized (OVX) rats was detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The Oil Red‐O staining was used to observing bone histological changes. The messenger RNA level and protein expression level of Runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2; osteoblast markers) and other autophagy‐related genes were revealed using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and western blot. The changes of autophagy in osteoblasts were detected by immunofluorescence staining. The following experiments were performed in osteoblasts of OVX rats through transfected with silencing
DRAM to detecting cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis by Cell Counting Kit‐8 assays and flow cytometry.

Results

The result of ELISA showed a significantly elevated of OCN and CTX in OVX rats as well a high fat content compared with sham‐operated rats. The expression of Runx2 in bone of proximal tibia was higher by qRT‐PCR and western blot analysis. The immunofluorescence staining and transmission electron microscope observe revealed that pcDNA3‐DRAM could promote the autophagy in OVX rats. Besides that, overexpression of
DRAM inhibited cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and enhanced autophagy in osteoblasts. The results of Oil Red‐O staining indicated that overexpression of DRAM enhanced lipid accumulation in osteoporosis rats.

Conclusions

The autophagy level of OVX rats was weakened, but overexpressed DRAM could increase the autophagy level of osteoblast, suppress proliferation, and induce apoptosis of osteoblast.
Fibronectin‐1 modulated by the long noncoding RNA OIP5‐AS1/miR‐200b‐3p axis contributes to doxorubicin resistance of osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Kun‐Peng Zhu , Chun‐Lin Zhang , Xiao‐Long Ma , Lei Zhang
Published: September 2018

Chemoresistance has been an obstacle in the further improvement of 5‐year survival rates of osteosarcoma (OS) patients, but the underlying mechanism of chemo‐resistance remains unclear. A comprehensive analysis of mRNAs and noncoding RNAs related to OS chemo‐resistance could help solve this problem. In the current study, we first identified that fibronectin‐1 (FN1), screened by microarray analysis in three paired chemo‐resistant and chemo‐sensitive OS cell lines, was significantly upregulated in the chemo‐resistant OS cell lines and tissues and was related to unfavourable prognosis. Further functional assays revealed that FN1 inhibition greatly increased the sensitivity of OS cells to doxorubicin in vitro and in vivo, whereas FN1 overexpression had the opposite effect. Moreover, mechanistic investigation demonstrated, by a series of assays that included luciferase reporter gene, RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull‐down and rescue assays, that FN1 expression was regulated by the oncogenic long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) OIP5‐AS1 through sponging miR‐200b‐3p. Thus, these results indicated the role and potential application of the lncRNA OIP5‐AS1/miR‐200b‐3p/FN1 regulatory pathway as a promising target in treatment of OS chemo‐resistance.
Facile Synthesis of New 6‐Alkylamino‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridine‐5‐carbonitrile Derivatives
Authors: Dorostkar‐Ahmadi Nadieh , Davoodnia Abolghasem , Tavakoli‐Hoseini Niloofar , Behmadi Hossein
Published: September 2018

Some new derivatives of 6‐alkylamino‐1,3‐diphenyl‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridine‐5‐carbonitrile have been prepared through a Knoevenagel condensation reaction of 5‐chloro‐1,3‐diphenyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐carbaldehyde with malononitrile in ethanol containing a few drops of glacial acetic acid at reflux temperature followed by cyclization with primary alkyl amines in the presence of 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene as catalyst in refluxing ethanol. The products were characterized on the basis of IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectral and microanalytical data. The 1H NMR data ruled out the formation of the alternative cyclized isomers 6‐imino‐7‐alkyl‐1,3‐diphenyl‐6,7‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridine‐5‐carbonitriles.
Syntheses of 2‐Aroyl 3‐Aryl Benzofuran and Benzothiophenes
Authors: Umareddy Pailla , Arava Veera Reddy
Published: September 2018

A novel method has been developed for the synthesis of 6‐methoxy 2‐aroyl 3‐aryl benzofuran and benzothiophenes from 2‐(3‐Methoxy‐phenoxy or thioxy)‐1‐phenyl‐ethanone and substituted benzoyl chloride through Friedel–Crafts benzoylation and cyclization reaction. The method accepts a variety of functional groups on the benzoyl chloride.
Unexpected Simple and Catalyst‐Free Condensation Reaction of Spiro Dihydrofurans with 2,4‐Dinitrophenylhydrazine, Thiosemicarbazide, and Hydroxylamine for the Synthesis of Novel Corresponding 4,4,6′,6′‐Tetramethyl‐3′‐aryl‐3′,5′,6′,7′‐tetrahydrospiro[cyclohexane‐1,2′‐indole]‐4′,6(1′H)‐diones: Crystal Structure
Authors: Zhian Hassan , Noroozi Pesyan Nader , Aalinejad Michael , Rashidnejad Hamid , Notash Behrouz
Published: September 2018

The reaction of 4′,4′,6,6‐tetramethyl‐3‐aryl‐3,5,6,7‐tetrahydro‐4H‐spiro[benzofuran‐2,1′‐cyclohexane]‐2′,4,6′‐trione with 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazine, thiosemicarbazone, and hydroxylamine afforded unexpectedly novel corresponding 4,4,6′,6′‐tetramethyl‐3′‐aryl‐3′,5′,6′,7′‐tetrahydrospiro[cyclohexane‐1,2′‐indole]‐4′,6(1′H)‐diones in ethylene glycol in reflux and catalyst‐free condition. The structure is characterized using FT‐IR, 1H, 13C NMR, elemental analysis, mass spectrometer, and X‐ray crystallography techniques.
Acute changes in cardiac function by direct acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C−infected patients with thalassemia
Authors: Khosravi Arezoo , Karimi‐Sari Hamidreza , Abedi‐Andani Mahdi , Behnava Bita , Namvar Ali , Anvar Ali , Alavian Seyed Moayed
Published: September 2018

Background

Patients with thalassemia may also have cardiac abnormalities due to congenital problems, anemia, and increased burden of iron in their myocardium. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy on the cardiac function of hepatitis C virus (HCV)–infected patients with thalassemia.

Method

HCV−infected thalassemia patients were enrolled to this prospective evaluation. Daily tablets of 90 mg Ledipasvir (or 60 mg Daclatasvir) plus 400 mg Sofosbuvir (±ribavirin) were prescribed for the patients according to the Iran Hepatitis Network's guidelines. An echocardiography fellow collected the echocardiography findings before and after the treatment of all the patients. The patients were followed up for any cardiac events within 12 weeks after finishing the treatment.

Results

Thirty‐two patients with the mean age of 24.2 ± 6.4 years were evaluated. All patients showed a sustained virological response at the 12th week after finishing the treatment. The patients’ left ventricular end systolic diameter (3.0 vs 3.24; P = 0.003) and volume (33.8 vs 43.6; P = 0.001), global longitudinal strain of the left ventricle (−22.0 vs −20.6, P = 0.046), and average (−21.4 vs −20.3; P = 0.048), and the right ventricle size (3.12 vs 3.31; P = 0.012) were significantly increased after finishing the treatment. Changes in the abovementioned parameters were not correlated with the patients’ myocardium iron load. There were no significant differences in other echocardiographic parameters (
P > 0.05) before and after the treatment.

Conclusion

Sofosbuvir‐based regimens for HCV treatment were safe for our HCV−infected patients with thalassemia. Our patients’ ejection fraction remained unchanged. Hence, more specialized echocardiographic evaluations were recommended for those with a history of cardiac abnormalities, cardiac iron overload, and in case of any cardiac adverse event during DAA therapy in patients with thalassemia.