bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulating High‐Index Facets on Anatase TiO2
Authors: Zhou Zhen , Yu Yaqin , Ding Zhaoxia , Zuo Meimei , Jing Chuanyong
Published: October 2017

The atomic arrangement of titanium and oxygen on crystalline anatase TiO2 formulates various facets, dominating the TiO2 surface chemistry. Due to its unique surface atomic structure, TiO2 with high‐index facets has received great interest from a wide spectrum of science. Insights gained from the intricate link between the morphological modulation of anatase TiO2 with distinct high‐index facets and the properties of these modifications can expedite the rational fabrication of functional crystals. This review succinctly presents the recent impressive progress on the manipulation of high‐index facets of anatase TiO2, focusing on the comparison of surface energies. In addition, the rational synthesis and the fascinating performance of both high‐index terminated pristine anatase TiO2 and its modified surfaces are collectively discussed. Finally, the perspective of ongoing research on high‐index bounded anatase TiO2 is addressed.
Fabrication of biodegradable foams for deep tissue negative pressure treatments
Authors: Warner Harleigh J. , Wagner William D.
Published: October 2017

Devices for negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) rely on compressible foams operating at the tissue‐device interface. Clinically used foams are nonabsorbable and if used on deep wounds or left in place for an extended period of time, excessive cell ingrowth and formation of granulation tissue into the foam may require a surgical procedure to remove the foam. Foams with fast degradation and with low immunogenicity and fibrotic response are required. Foams composed of combinations of poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA), poly(lactide‐co‐caprolactone) (PLCL), and polycaprolactone (PCL) were created by combined salt leaching and solvent displacement protocols. In vitro and in vivo degradation studies and mechanical properties of foams were evaluated and compared to clinically used poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) foam and PCL foams. Foams composed of PLGA (50:50 lactide:glycolide) of low molecular weight blended with PCL maintained mechanical properties and degraded significantly after 21 days of subcutaneous implantation in rats. The most ideal formulations for use in NPWT were identified as copolymeric PLGA (Mn 3000 Da) at a lactide:glycolide ratio of 50:50 combined with PCL at either a 75:25 or 50:50 ratio, and copolymeric PLGA (Mn 7500 Da) at a lactide:glycolide ratio of 50:50 combined with PCL at a 50:50 ratio. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1998–2007, 2018.
LncRNA DGCR5 promotes lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) progression via inhibiting hsa‐mir‐22‐3p
Authors: Dong Hui‐Xing , Wang Ren , Jin Xiao‐Yan , Zeng Jian , Pan Jing
Published: October 2017

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) serve critical roles in the pathogenesis of various cancers, including lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Herein, in this study, we aimed to investigate the biological and clinical significance of lncRNA DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 5 (DGCR5) in LUAD. It was observed that DGCR5 was upregulated in LUAD tissues and LUAD cell lines. Inhibition of DGCR5 can prevent LUAD progression via playing anti‐apoptosis roles. Both mRNA expression and protein levels of BCL‐2 were increased by DGCR5 downregulation while reversely BAX was increased. Additionally, a novel microRNA target of DGCR5, hsa‐mir‐22‐3p was identified through bioinformatics search and confirmed by dual‐luciferase reporter system. Gain and loss‐of‐function studies were performed to verify whether DGCR5 exerts its biological functions through regulating hsa‐mir‐22‐3p in vitro. Overexpression of DGCR5 was able to reverse the tumor inhibitory effect of hsa‐mir‐22‐3p mimics. Furthermore, in vivo tests tumor xenografts were established to detect the function of DGCR5 in LUAD tumorigenesis. Downregulated DGCR5 expression was greatly associated with smaller tumor size, implying a favorable prognosis of LUAD patients. Taken these together, DGCR5 could be considered as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in LUAD diagnosis and treatment.
Genetic and epigenetic factors influencing vitamin D status
Authors: Bahrami Afsane , Sadeghnia Hamid Reza , Tabatabaeizadeh Seyed‐Amir , Bahrami‐Taghanaki Hamidreza , Behboodi Negin , Esmaeili Habibollah , Ferns Gordon A. , Mobarhan Majid Ghayour , Avan Amir
Published: October 2017

The global prevalence of vitamin D deficiency appears to be increasing, and the impact of this on human health is important because of the association of vitamin D insufficiency with increased risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. There are few studies on the genetic factors that can influence vitamin D levels. In particular, the data from twin and family‐based studies have reported that circulating vitamin D concentrations are partially determined by genetic factors. Moreover, it has been shown that genetic variants (e.g., mutation) and alteration (e.g., deletion, amplification, inversion) in genes involved in the metabolism, catabolism, transport, or binding of vitamin D to it receptor, might affect vitamin D level. However, the underlying genetic determinants of plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D] concentrations remain to be elucidated. Furthermore, the association between epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation and vitamin D level has now been reported in several studies. The aim of current review was to provide an overview of the possible value of loci associated to vitamin D metabolism, catabolism, and transport as well epigenetic modification and environmental factors influencing vitamin D status.
Mesalazine treatment in organotypic culture of celiac patients: Comparative study with gluten free diet
Authors: Benedetti Elisabetta , Viscido Angelo , Castelli Vanessa , Maggiani Chiara , d'Angelo Michele , Di Giacomo Erica , Antonosante Andrea , Picarelli Antonio , Frieri Giuseppe
Published: October 2017

Given the central role of gluten in the pathogenesis of celiac disease (CD), a strict gluten‐free diet (GFD) is the only validated treatment able to restore epithelium integrity and eliminate risks of complications. The risk of gluten contamination and the persistence of inflammation, even in patients strictly adhering to GFD, may render this treatment not always effective claiming the necessity of different new solutions. Oxidative and nitrosative stress have been indicated to play a pathophysiological role in CD. Mesalazine (5‐ASA), a drug largely used in inflammatory bowel disease, has potent antinflammatory and antioxidant effects. In fact, mesalazine has been shown to decrease in vitro gluten induced cytokine response and it has been used in vivo in some refractory condition. However, its effect has never compared to that of GFD. The present study aimed to address this issue by comparing the ability of mesalazine and GFD in treating gluten‐induced inflammation and oxidative stress. These effects were studied on duodenal mucosa biopsy cultures from newly diagnosed CD patients, treated or not in vitro with mesalazine, and CD biopsy cultures from patients on gluten‐free diet for at least one year; and a cohort of controls constituted by healty subjects. On these models, the antioxidant cellular defences, the PPARγ, NF‐kB and NOS2 proteins levels were studied. This study shows that mesalazine is as effective as GFD in reducing oxidative burst and inducing PPARγ expression; moreover it resulted more effective than GFD in decreasing NF‐kB and NOS2 to the levels of controls.
Pioglitazone inhibits cancer cell growth through STAT3 inhibition and enhanced AIF expression via a PPARγ‐independent pathway
Authors: Tsubaki Masanobu , Takeda Tomoya , Tomonari Yoshika , Kawashima Keishi , Itoh Tatsuki , Imano Motohiro , Satou Takao , Nishida Shozo
Published: October 2017

Pioglitazone is an anti‐diabetic agent that belongs to the thiazolidinedione class, which target peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ), a transcription factor in the nuclear receptor family. Different cancer cells expressing high levels of PPARγ and PPARγ ligands induce cell cycle arrest, cell differentiation, and apoptosis. However, the mechanisms underlying these processes remain unknown. Here, we investigated the mechanism underlying pioglitazone‐induced apoptosis in human cancer cells. We showed that at similar concentrations, pioglitazone induced death in cancer cells expressing high or low levels of PPARγ. Combined treatment of pioglitazone and GW9662, a PPARγ antagonist, did not rescue this cell death phenotype. Z‐VAD‐fmk, a pan‐caspase inhibitor, did not reverse pioglitazone‐induced apoptosis in cancer cells expressing PPARγ at high or low levels. Pioglitazone suppressed the activation of signal transducers and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and Survivin expression, and enhanced the apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF) levels in these cells. Furthermore, pioglitazone enhanced the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin and oxaliplatin by suppressing Survivin and increasing AIF expression. These results indicated that pioglitazone induced apoptosis via a PPARγ‐independent pathway, thus describing pioglitazone as a potential therapeutic agent for controlling the progression of different cancers.
NOD1 downregulates intestinal serotonin transporter and interacts with other pattern recognition receptors
Authors: Layunta Elena , Latorre Eva , Forcén Raquel , Grasa Laura , Plaza Miguel A. , Arias Maykel , Alcalde Ana I. , Mesonero José E.
Published: October 2017

Serotonin (5‐HT) is an essential gastrointestinal modulator whose effects regulate the intestinal physiology. 5‐HT effects depend on extracellular 5‐HT bioavailability, which is controlled by the serotonin transporter (SERT) expressed in both the apical and basolateral membranes of enterocytes. SERT is a critical target for regulating 5‐HT levels and consequently, modulating the intestinal physiology. The deregulation of innate immune receptors has been extensively studied in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), where an exacerbated defense response to commensal microbiota is observed. Interestingly, many innate immune receptors seem to affect the serotonergic system, demonstrating a new way in which microbiota could modulate the intestinal physiology. Therefore, our aim was to analyze the effects of NOD1 activation on SERT function, as well as NOD1's interaction with other immune receptors such as TLR2 and TLR4. Our results showed that NOD1 activation inhibits SERT activity and expression in Caco‐2/TC7 cells through the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. A negative feedback between 5‐HT and NOD1 expression was also described. The results showed that TLR2 and TLR4 activation seems to regulate NOD1 expression in Caco‐2/TC7 cells. To assess the extend of cross‐talk between NOD1 and TLRs, NOD1 expression was measured in the intestinal tract (ileum and colon) of wild type mice and mice with individual knockouts of TLR2, and TLR4 as well as double knockout TLR2/TLR4 mice. Hence, we demonstrate that NOD1 acts on the serotonergic system decreasing SERT activity and molecular expression. Additionally, NOD1 expression seems to be modulated by 5‐HT and other immune receptors as TLR2 and TLR4. This study could clarify the relation between both the intestinal serotonergic system and innate immune system, and their implications in intestinal inflammation.
The small molecule AU14022 promotes colorectal cancer cell death via p53‐mediated G2/M‐phase arrest and mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis
Authors: Ryu Hwani , Nam Ky‐Youb , Kim Jae Sung , Hwang Sang‐Gu , Song Jie‐Young , Ahn Jiyeon
Published: October 2017

The p53 tumor suppressor plays critical roles in cell cycle regulation and apoptotic cell death, with its activation capable of sensitizing cancer cells to radiotherapy or chemotherapy. To identify small molecules that induce apoptosis via increased p53 transcriptional activity, we used a novel in‐house library containing 96 small‐molecule compounds. Using a cell‐based screening method with a p53‐responsive luciferase‐reporter assay system involving benzoxazole derivatives, we found that AU14022 administration significantly increased p53 transcriptional activity in a concentration‐dependent manner. Treatment with AU14022 increased p53 protein expression, p53 Ser15 phosphorylation, p53‐mediated expression of downstream target genes, and apoptosis in p53‐wild‐type HCT116 human colon cancer cells, but not in p53‐knockout HCT116 cells. Additionally, p53‐wild‐type HCT116 cells treated with AU14022 exhibited mitochondrial dysfunction, including modulated expression of B‐cell lymphoma‐2 family proteins and cytochrome c release. Combination treatment with AU14022 and ionizing radiation (IR) synergistically induced apoptosis as compared with IR or AU14022 treatment alone, with further investigation demonstrating that cell cycle progression was significantly arrested at the G2/M phase following AU14022 treatment. Furthermore, in a mouse p53‐wild‐type HCT116 colon cancer xenograft model, combined treatment with AU14022 and IR inhibited tumor growth more effectively than radiation alone. Therefore, AU14022 treatment induced apoptosis through p53‐mediated cell cycle arrest involving mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to enhanced radiosensitivity in colon cancer cells. These results provide a basis for further assessments of AU14022 as a promising anticancer agent.
The development and implementation of a performance appraisal framework for radiation therapists in planning and simulation
Authors: Becker Jillian , Bridge Pete , Brown Elizabeth , Ferrari‐Anderson Janet , Lusk Ryan
Published: October 2017

It is a challenge for radiation therapists (RTs) to keep pace with changing planning technology and techniques while maintaining appropriate skills levels. The ability of individual RTs to meet the demands of this constantly changing practice can only be assured through establishing clearly defined standards for practice and a systematic process for providing feedback on performance. Investigation into existing models for performance appraisal produced minimal results so a radiation therapy‐specific framework was developed. The goal for this initiative was to establish a framework that would reflect the complexity of practice and provide a clear measure of performance against them. This paper outlines the implementation of this framework into practice and discusses some lessons learned in the process. The framework was developed and implemented in six stages: (1) project team, (2) scope, (3) dosimetry pilot, (4) staff consultation, (5) finalisation and implementation and (6) future development and evaluation. Both cultural and organisational obstacles needed to be addressed before this framework could be successfully introduced. Even though this slowed progress, addressing these obstacles during the development process was essential to the success of this framework. The incremental approach provided the opportunity for each aspect to be tested and the development of subsequent stages to be informed by lessons learned during the previous one. This approach may be beneficial when developing and implementing projects involving performance appraisal to promote consistency, fairness and quality.
White clover fractions as protein source for monogastrics: dry matter digestibility and protein digestibility‐corrected amino acid scores
Authors: Stødkilde Lene , Damborg Vinni K , Jørgensen Henry , Lærke Helle N , Jensen Søren K
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to evaluate the use of white clover as an alternative protein source for monogastrics. White clover plant and leaves were processed using a screw‐press resulting in a solid pulp and a juice from which protein was acid‐precipitated. The chemical composition of all fractions was determined and digestibility of dry matter (DM) and protein was assessed in an experiment with growing rats.

RESULTS

Protein concentrates were produced with crude protein (CP) contents of 451 g kg–1 and 530 g kg–1 DM for white clover plant and leaves, respectively, and a pulp with CP contents of 313 and 374 g kg–1 DM from plant and leaves, respectively. The amino acid composition ranged from 4.72 to 6.49 g per 16 g of nitrogen (N) for lysine, 1.82–2.6 g per 16 g N for methionine and cysteine, and 3.66–5.24 g per 16 g N for threonine. True faecal digestibility of protein varied from 0.81 to 0.88, whereas DM digestibility was in the range 0.72–0.80. Methionine and cysteine were found to be limiting in all fractions, regardless of the reference group used.

CONCLUSION

A high digestibility of white clover protein was found irrespective of the physical fractionation. Together with a well‐balanced amino acid composition, this makes white clover a promising protein source for monogastrics. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
The Association Between PTSD and Functional Outcome Is Mediated by Perception of Cognitive Problems Rather Than Objective Neuropsychological Test Performance
Authors: Samuelson Kristin W. , Abadjian Linda , Jordan Joshua T. , Bartel Alisa , Vasterling Jennifer , Seal Karen
Published: October 2017

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been consistently linked to poorer functional outcomes, including quality of life, health problems, and social and occupational functioning. Less is known about the potential mechanisms by which PTSD leads to poorer functional outcomes. We hypothesized that neurocognitive functioning and perception of cognitive problems would both mediate the relationship between PTSD diagnosis and functioning. In a sample of 140 veterans of the recent wars and conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, we assessed PTSD symptoms, history of traumatic brain injury (TBI), depression, self‐report measures of quality of life, social and occupational functioning, and reintegration to civilian life, as well as perception of cognitive problems. Veterans also completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery of tests. Structural equation modeling revealed that perception of cognitive problems, but not objective neuropsychological performance, mediated the relationship between PTSD diagnosis and functional outcomes after controlling for TBI, depression, education, and a premorbid IQ estimate, b = −6.29, 95% bias‐corrected bootstrapped confidence interval [−11.03, −2.88], showing a large effect size. These results highlight the importance of addressing appraisals of posttrauma cognitive functioning in treatment as a means of improving functional outcomes.
Effects of vegetation rehabilitation on soil organic and inorganic carbon stocks in the Mu Us Desert, northwest China
Authors: Gao Yang , Dang Peng , Zhao Qingxia , Liu Jinliang , Liu Jiabin
Published: October 2017

In arid and semiarid areas, the importance of soil inorganic carbon (SIC) is at least as high as that of soil organic carbon (SOC) in affecting the regional carbon budget following vegetation rehabilitation. However, variations in SIC have been uncertain, and few studies have analyzed the interactions between the SOC and SIC pools. We measured SIC, SOC, δ13C‐SIC, and δ13C‐SOC after planting Mongolian pine (MP) and Artemisia ordosica (AO) on shifting sand land (SL) over 10 years in the Mu Us Desert, northwest China. The results showed that, compared to SL, SIC stocks at 0–100 cm in MP and AO lands significantly increased by 12.6 and 25.8 Mg ha−1, respectively; SOC stocks in MP and AO lands significantly increased by 24.0 and 38.4 Mg ha−1, respectively. Both δ13C‐SIC and δ13C‐SOC in the 2 plantation lands were significantly lower than those in SL were. All 315 samples exhibited a negatively linear relationship between SIC content and δ13C‐SIC (R2 = .70, p < .01) and showed positively linear relationships between SIC content and SOC content (R2 = .69, p < .01) and between δ13C‐SIC and δ13C‐SOC (R2 = .61, p < .01). The results demonstrated that vegetation rehabilitation on SL has a high potential to sequester SIC and SOC in semiarid deserts. The reduction in δ13C‐SIC and the relationship of SIC with δ13C‐SIC following vegetation rehabilitation suggested that SIC sequestration is likely caused by the formation of pedogenic inorganic carbon. The relationships between SIC and SOC and between δ13C‐SIC and δ13C‐SOC implied that the pedogenic inorganic carbon formation may be closely related to the SOC accumulation.
The Role of Sex Therapy in the Management of Patients with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Bronner Gila , Korczyn Amos D.
Published: October 2017

Background

Patients with Parkinson disease (PD) and their partners report deterioration in their sexual life. Sexual dysfunction (SD), an important and often ignored aspect, is common in PD. Motor and nonmotor symptoms are involved in limiting pleasure and disturbing function. Sexual dissatisfaction is more common in men that in women. Frequently, both patients and partners have SD associated with PD, and both need suitable treatment. These issues need to be evaluated by neurologists or PD nurses and by specialized sex therapists. The objectives of this study were to describe the complexity and multidimensional nature of sexual problems in PD, enable practitioners to assess and treat sexual difficulties of their patients, and increase awareness of the role of sex therapy in the therapeutic process of PD.

Methods

Based on clinical experience of over 30 years in movement disorder clinics and a review of the literature, the authors suggest practical approaches, including an “Open Sexual Communication” module, prescribing medications, and/or referring to specialists.

Results and Discussion

The longitudinal nature of treating neurologic patients puts physicians in an important position to introduce sexual issues and to assess and plan the interventions and follow‐up needed to ensure that sexual difficulties are resolved. The management of hypersexuality requires a thoughtful distinction between lack of opportunities for sexual expression, limited ability to perform, and true hypersexuality. Sex therapists have a major role in the assessment and treatment of the multiple factors that may underlie sexual dissatisfaction in PD, differentiating between hypersexual behaviors and other sexual preoccupation behaviors, and training the professional team.
Direct saturation‐corrected chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI of glioma: Simplified decoupling of amide proton transfer and nuclear overhauser effect contrasts
Authors: Yuwen Zhou Iris , Wang Enfeng , Cheung Jerry S. , Lu Dongshuang , Ji Yang , Zhang Xiaoan , Fulci Giulia , Sun Phillip Zhe
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI has shown promise in tissue characterization in diseases like stroke and tumor. However, in vivo CEST imaging such as amide proton transfer (APT) MRI is challenging because of concomitant factors such as direct water saturation, macromolecular magnetization transfer, and nuclear overhauser effect (NOE), which lead to a complex contrast in the commonly used asymmetry analysis (MTRasym). Here, we propose a direct saturation‐corrected CEST (DISC‐CEST) analysis for simplified decoupling and quantification of in vivo CEST effects.

Methods

CEST MRI and relaxation measurements were carried out on a classical 2‐pool creatine‐gel CEST phantom and normal rat brains (N = 6) and a rat model of glioma (N = 8) at 4.7T. The proposed DISC‐CEST quantification was carried out and compared with conventional MTRasym and the original three‐offset method.

Results

We demonstrated that the DISC‐CEST contrast in the phantom had much stronger correlation with MTRasym than the three‐offset method, which showed substantial underestimation. In normal rat brains, the DISC‐CEST approach revealed significantly stronger APT effect in gray matter and higher NOE effect in white matter. Furthermore, the APT and NOE maps derived from DISC‐CEST showed significantly higher APT effect in the tumors than contralateral normal tissue but no apparent difference in NOE.

Conclusion

The proposed DISC‐CEST method, by correction of nonlinear direct water saturation effect, serves as a promising alternative to both the commonly used MTRasym and the simplistic three‐offset analyses. It provides simple yet reliable in vivo CEST quantification such as APT and NOE mapping in brain tumor, which is promising for clinical translation. Magn Reson Med 78:2307–2314, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
An isogeometric‐meshfree coupling approach for analysis of cracks
Authors: Nguyen‐Thanh Nhon , Huang Jiazhao , Zhou Kun
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a new concurrent simulation approach to couple isogeometric analysis (IGA) with the meshfree method for studying of crack problems. In the present method, the overall physical domain is divided into 2 subdomains that are formulated with the IGA and meshfree method, respectively. In the meshfree subdomain, the moving least squares shape function is adopted for the discretization of the area around crack tips, and the IGA subdomain is adopted in the remaining area. Meanwhile, the interface region between the 2 subdomains is represented by coupled shape functions. The resulting shape function, which comprises both IGA and meshfree shape functions, satisfies the consistency condition, thus ensuring convergence of the method. Moreover, the meshfree shape functions augmented with the enriched basis functions to predict the singular stress fields near a crack tip are presented. The proposed approach is also applied to simulate the crack propagation under a mixed‐mode condition. Several numerical examples are studied to demonstrate the use and robustness of the proposed method.
Evaluation of aprepitant for acute chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting in children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia receiving high‐dose methotrexate
Authors: Felix‐Ukwu Femi , Reichert Kate , Bernhardt M. Brooke , Schafer Eric S. , Berger Amanda
Published: October 2017

Background

Chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) negatively impacts patients’ quality of life. The emetogenicity of high‐dose methotrexate in children and adolescents with cancer is incompletely characterized. At our institution, a number of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have received aprepitant with courses of high‐dose methotrexate after poor CINV control with prior courses.

Procedure

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis on patients with ALL who received methotrexate 5 g/m2/dose with and without concomitant aprepitant at Texas. Children's Hospital between October 1, 2010 and January 31, 2016.

Results

We identified 16 patients who received a total of 69 courses of methotrexate. An enhanced antiemetic regimen containing aprepitant was administered with 42 methotrexate courses and resulted in a 54% reduction in the use of as‐needed antiemetics (P = 0.002, 95% CI: 21–89%). There were no statistically significant differences in methotrexate area under the curve values (2,209 μM⋅hr/l ± 151 vs. 2,051 μM⋅hr/l ± 94, P = 0.355) or end‐infusion methotrexate concentrations (80.5 μM ± 5.6 vs. 74.7 μM ± 3.2, P = 0.335) in patients receiving a standard versus an enhanced antiemetic regimen.

Conclusions

The addition of aprepitant reduces both CINV and the use of rescue antiemetics. Aprepitant does not appear to affect the pharmacokinetics of methotrexate. Granisetron was prescribed more frequently than ondansetron, but selection of secondary and tertiary agents, if any, was highly variable.
Novel bioresorbable phosphate glass fiber textile composites for medical applications
Authors: Zhu Chenkai , Ahmed Ifty , Parsons Andrew , Wang Yunqi , Tan Chao , Liu Jingsong , Rudd Chris , Liu Xiaoling
Published: October 2017

A manual bench‐top Inkle‐type loom was designed to enable hand woven textiles. These phosphate glass fiber (PGF) textiles, along with unidirectional (UD) fiber mats made from the same batch of yarns, were utilized to manufacture fully resorbable textile composites (T‐C), unidirectional aligned fiber composites (UD‐C), and 0°/90° lay‐up UD fiber‐reinforced composites (0/90‐C). The fiber volume fraction in the composites was set at ∼20%. Retention of flexural properties and mass loss of the composites were evaluated during degradation in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at 37°C for 28 days. The higher flexural strength and modulus values observed for the T‐C when compared to 0/90‐C were attributed to the textile weaving resulting in a biased fabric with a higher density of fibers in the warp direction. After 28 days immersion in PBS, ∼20% flexural strength and ∼25% flexural modulus values for the UD‐C, T‐C, and 0/90‐C composites were still prevalent. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E140–E151, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Thiol Michael addition reaction: a facile tool for introducing peptides into polymer‐based gene delivery systems
Authors: Sun Yanping , Liu Hui , Cheng Lin , Zhu Shimeng , Cai Cuifang , Yang Tianzhi , Yang Li , Ding Pingtian
Published: October 2017

Polymers, as widely used non‐viral gene carriers, suffer from high cytotoxicity and relatively low transfection efficiency. Such crucial drawbacks of polymers could be solved by incorporating short and bioactive peptides. The resulting synthetic polymer–peptide conjugates can not only maintain their own special characteristics, but also gain novel characteristics far beyond those of their parent polymer and peptide components to overcome barriers to gene delivery. There are various chemoselective reactions applied in the synthesis of polymer–peptide conjugates, such as Heck, Sonogashira and Suzuki coupling, Diels–Alder cycloaddition, click chemistry, Staudinger ligation, reductive alkylation and oxime/hydrazone chemistry. Among them, thiol–ene click reactions, including thiol–ene radical and thiol Michael addition reactions, are common methods for preparing peptide–polymer conjugates. In this review, we focus on thiol Michael addition reactions, elaborate on their mechanisms and highlight their applications in the synthesis of polymer–peptide conjugates for gene delivery. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
The 22Rv1 prostate cancer cell line carries mixed genetic ancestry: Implications for prostate cancer health disparities research using pre‐clinical models
Authors: Woods‐Burnham Leanne , Basu Anamika , Cajigas‐Du Ross Christina K. , Love Arthur , Yates Clayton , De Leon Marino , Roy Sourav , Casiano Carlos A.
Published: October 2017

Background

Understanding how biological factors contribute to prostate cancer (PCa) health disparities requires mechanistic functional analysis of specific genes or pathways in pre‐clinical cellular and animal models of this malignancy. The 22Rv1 human prostatic carcinoma cell line was originally derived from the parental CWR22R cell line. Although 22Rv1 has been well characterized and used in numerous mechanistic studies, no racial identifier has ever been disclosed for this cell line. In accordance with the need for racial diversity in cancer biospecimens and recent guidelines by the NIH on authentication of key biological resources, we sought to determine the ancestry of 22RV1 and authenticate previously reported racial identifications for four other PCa cell lines.

Methods

We used 29 established Ancestry Informative Marker (AIM) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to conduct DNA ancestry analysis and assign ancestral proportions to a panel of five PCa cell lines that included 22Rv1, PC3, DU145, MDA‐PCa‐2b, and RC‐77T/E.

Results

We found that 22Rv1 carries mixed genetic ancestry. The main ancestry proportions for this cell line were 0.41 West African (AFR) and 0.42 European (EUR). In addition, we verified the previously reported racial identifications for PC3 (0.73 EUR), DU145 (0.63 EUR), MDA‐PCa‐2b (0.73 AFR), and RC‐77T/E (0.74 AFR) cell lines.

Conclusions

Considering the mortality disparities associated with PCa, which disproportionately affect African American men, there remains a burden on the scientific community to diversify the availability of biospecimens, including cell lines, for mechanistic studies on potential biological mediators of these disparities. This study is beneficial by identifying another PCa cell line that carries substantial AFR ancestry. This finding may also open the door to new perspectives on previously published studies using this cell line.
Revolutionizing male fertility factor research in mice by using the genome editing tool CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Abbasi Ferheen , Miyata Haruhiko , Ikawa Masahito
Published: October 2017

Background

Reproductive research is quintessential in understanding not only the cause of infertility, but also for creating family planning tools. The knockout (KO) system approach is conducive to discovering genes that are essential for fertility in mice. However, in vivo research has been limited due to its high cost and length of time needed to establish KO mice.

Methods

The mechanisms behind the CRISPR/Cas9 system and its application in investigating male fertility in mice are described by using original and review articles.

Results

The CRISPR/CAS9 SYSTEM has enabled researchers to rapidly, efficiently, and inexpensively produce genetically modified mice to study male fertility. Several genes have been highlighted that were found to be indispensable for male fertility by using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, as well as more complicated gene manipulation techniques, such as point mutations, tag insertions, and double knockouts, which have become easier with this new technology.

Conclusion

In order to increase efficiency and usage, new methods of CRISPR/Cas9 integration are being developed, such as electroporation and applying the system to embryonic stem cells. The hidden mysteries of male fertility will be unraveled with the help of this new technology.
Cover Image, Volume 7, Issue 6
Authors: De Vivo Marco , Cavalli Andrea
Published: October 2017

The cover image, by Marco De Vivo and Andrea Cavalli, is based on the Opinion Recent advances in dynamic docking for drug discovery, DOI: 10.1002/wcms.1320. The authors would like to acknowledge Dr. Giuseppina La Sala and Miss Stefania La Sala for their artistic contribution of this image.

image
Exercise and gastrointestinal symptoms: running-induced changes in intestinal permeability and markers of gastrointestinal function in asymptomatic and symptomatic runners
Authors: Karhu Elisa , Forsgård Richard A. , Alanko Lauri , Alfthan Henrik , Pussinen Pirkko , Hämäläinen Esa , Korpela Riitta
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Athletes frequently experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms during training and competition. Although the prevalence of exercise-induced GI symptoms is high, the mechanisms leading to GI distress during exercise are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to identify running-induced changes in intestinal permeability and markers of GI function and investigate their association with gastrointestinal symptoms.

Methods

We recruited 17 active runners who we allocated as either asymptomatic or symptomatic based on their history of experiencing GI symptoms during running. The participants took part in a running test where they were asked to run for 90 min at 80% of their best 10 km race speed. Intestinal permeability was measured at baseline and after the running test. Levels of serum intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP), zonulin, bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and fecal calprotectin were also measured at baseline and after the running test.

Results

Running induced a significant increase in intestinal permeability and serum I-FABP concentration but there were no differences between asymptomatic and symptomatic runners. Serum LPS activity did not change from baseline following the running test but the symptomatic group exhibited higher LPS activity at baseline compared to the asymptomatic runners.

Conclusions

Running for 90 min at a challenging pace causes small intestinal damage and increases intestinal permeability. However, these alterations in GI function do not appear to correlate with the development of GI symptoms during running.
Problems in Measuring Diachronic Religious Behavior, or Using Indicators to ‘Make a Virtue of Necessity’: The Case of the Netherlands (1975–2005)
Authors: Scappini Ettore
Published: October 2017

The aim of this study is to show the different advantages and drawbacks of the main quantitative indicators used in research on diachronic religious behavior. We will demonstrate that religious affiliation has to be used in long-term studies; although it is extremely imprecise, it is often available over long periods of time. Instead, the best solution for medium-term studies is to use frequency of attendance at religious services. This indicator is more accurate than religious affiliation, but is only widely available from the 1960s–1970s onwards. Finally, the most suitable indicator for short-term analysis is obtained from diary-based time-use studies. It is the most precise of the three indicators, but the source is less readily available as these surveys have only been conducted in most countries in the last 30 years. This study is based on data from Time Use Surveys conducted in the Netherlands every 5 years from 1975 to 2005.
Pacing failure caused by automatic pacing threshold adjustment system
Authors: Kishihara Jun , Niwano Shinichi , Fukaya Hidehira , Nishinarita Ryo , Horiguchi Ai , Nakamura Hironori , Igarashi Tazuru , Ishizue Naruya , Fujiishi Tamami , Yoshizawa Tomoharu , Oikawa Jun , Satoh Akira , Murakami Masami , Ako Junya
Published: October 2017

Ventricular capture management is an automatic pacing threshold adjustment algorithm that automatically measures pacing threshold through detection of the evoked response after a pacing stimulus. Although it is principally designed to save device battery under the maintenance of the patient׳s safety, we experienced a rare case with serious pacing failure due to a weakness of this algorithm. This pacing failure might be explained by a large variation in the ventricular pacing threshold depending on the atrioventricular interval and daily variation of pacing threshold and concomitant steroid use in this patient.
Privatization to putinization: The genesis of Russia’s hobbled oligarchy
Authors: Monday Christopher
Published: October 2017

This article examines how Russian privatization helped create the Putin political system. During the ‘who lost Russia’ debate in the 1990s, American economic advisors were rebuked for allowing a ‘capture of the state’ by the oligarchs. A larger time frame reveals that the consequences of Russian privatization were quite different from the forecasted ones. Because the new class of owners were regarded as illegitimate, lacked clear property rights, and ran conglomerates immersed in a command economy these owners, that is, oligarchs, were easily subdued by the state. As a consequence, there is little chance for a coalition of elites to mobilize against Putin.
History of Upper Jurassic reservoirs in southeastern West Siberia (case study of Igol’sko-Talovoe oilfield)
Authors: Kontorovich V.A. , Ayunova D.V. , Zakhryamina M.O. , Kalinina L.M.
Published: October 2017

The Igol’sko-Talovoe oilfield is one of the largest oilfields in southeastern West Siberia, which provides reference for Upper Jurassic reservoirs of the area. The reported studies included integrated interpretation of seismic and well-log data, mapping of tectonic and paleotectonic patterns and sediment thicknesses, as well as seismic-geological and basin modeling. The results were used for tectonic analysis and allowed reconstructing the history of the Igol-Talovoe dome uplift that traps Upper Jurassic oil accumulations. Local uplifts on the Jurassic surface within the Igol-Talovoe dome originated in the Neocomian above basement uplifts produced by erosion and tectonic activity. The local domes merged into a large anticlinal trap as a result of regional-scale vertical crust movements in the Cenozoic. Analysis of the Upper Jurassic hydrocarbon system and basin modeling show that oil generation by the Bazhenov Formaton source rocks began in the Turonian, culminated in the Cenozoic, and continues at present. The process has led to complete filling of the anticlinal trap and formation of the large Igol’sko-Talovoe oilfield. Geological and geophysical data suggest the same scenario for all Upper Jurassic reservoirs in southeastern West Siberia.
Distribution of organic matter in Callovian–Lower Berriasian deposits of the western part of the Yenisei–Khatanga regional trough and adjacent areas of the West Siberian geosyneclise
Authors: Ershov S.V. , Kim N.S. , Rodchenko A.P.
Published: October 2017

This study presents the results of geochemical analysis of organic matter and paleogeographic reconstructions supplemented by data from well log interpretation and cyclostratigraphic analysis for the Vasyugan, Georgiev, and Bazhenov Horizons of the Callovian–Lower Berriasian section in the western part of Yenisei–Khatanga regional trough and adjacent areas of the West Siberian geosyneclise. It was found that each horizon contains zones dominated by terrigenous, mixed, and aquatic organic matter. The distribution of different types of organic matter over the area and throughout the section has been examined. It was shown that the accumulation of aquatic organic matter took place in the deepest parts of the trough during the Callovian–Oxfordian. The area of accumulation of aquatic organic matter expanded considerably and reached its maximum extent within the Bolshaya Kheta megasyneclise during the Kimmeridgian and Early Volgian and in the west Yenisei–Khatanga regional trough during the Volgian and Early Berriasian.
Thermal effects of natural convection in boreholes
Authors: Demezhko D.Yu. , Mindubaev M.G. , Khatskevich B.D.
Published: October 2017

Thermal regime in borehole is simulated by water-filled vertical channel passing through the rock massif. A constant temperature gradient is maintained at the external borders of the massif. Results of numerical simulation of natural thermal convection arising in the channel are presented. Analysis of the results shows the existence of two types of convective thermal effects disturbing the natural temperature field: transient effect, which manifests itself as temperature oscillations around the mean temperature value at a given depth, and quasi-stationary effect causing distortion of natural temperatures and temperature gradient. The obtained statistical relations for estimation of the characteristics of thermal effects and convection flow velocities agree with the data recorded in real boreholes.
Late Neoproterozoic adakites of the Yenisei Ridge
(Central Siberia): petrogenesis, geodynamics, and U/Pb age
Authors: Vernikovskaya A.E. , Vernikovsky V.A. , Matushkin N.Yu. , Kadil’nikov P.I. , Romanova I.V. , Larionov A.N.
Published: October 2017

Based on new geological, structural, mineralogical, geochemical, and isotope (Sm–Nd, Rb–Sr, and U–Th–Pb) data for igneous intrusions and metamorphic rocks of the Zimoveinyi massif, an adakite-gabbroid association was identified for the first time in the Yenisei Ridge (southwestern framing of the Siberian craton). This study demonstrates that the adakites (quartz diorites, tonalites, and plagiogranites) and associating gabbro-anorthosites of this massif formed in the interval 576–546 Ma (U–Th–Pb zircon SHRIMP-II analysis) at the final Neoproterozoic evolution stage of the active continental margin of the Siberian craton. Our results point to a genetic relationship between the adakites and the host Nb-enriched metabasites of the Zimoveinyi massif. The studied late Neoproterozoic adakites might have formed in the setting of transform strike-slip of lithospheric plates during a halt in subduction from both crustal and mantle-crustal source, similarly to Cenozoic igneous complexes of the transform margin in the eastern framing of Eurasia.
Experimental modeling of pentlandite-bornite ore formation
Authors: Kosyakov V.I. , Sinyakova E.F.
Published: October 2017

For experimental modeling of the formation of pentlandite–bornite ore during fractional solidification of sulfide magma, we performed directional quasi-equilibrium crystallization of a melt containing (mol%) 17.19 Cu, 19.05 Fe, 19.66 Ni, and 44.10 S, from which pentlandite and bornite can cocrystallize. Based on the results of measurement of the average composition of the solid phase, the distribution curves of the components in the ingot were constructed and the change in the melt composition during directional solidification was calculated. The obtained data show that the crystallized sample consists of six zones, each of which has characteristic phase and chemical compositions. In the Cu–Fe–Ni–S composition tetrahedron, the melt composition path is a broken spatial curve, each segment of which corresponds to a point showing the average composition of one of the zones. These points form a disordered set, indicating a complex fractionation process. Investigations of characteristic microstructures along the ingot, using data on its average chemical composition, made it possible to determine the probable set of primary phases crystallizing from the melt (bornite solid solution bnss, three types of pentlandite with different cation compositions: cfpn, npn, and cnpn, and quaternary solid solution tss) and to establish the sequence of separation of these phases and their associations from the melt in six zones: cfpn (zone I) / cfpn + bnss (zone II) / cfpn + bnss + npn (zone III) / tss + bnss (zone IV) / cnpn + bnss (zone V) / npn + bnss (zone VI). A scheme of phase reactions along the crystallization path has been compiled and it has been shown that high-temperature pentlandite forms have a significant effect on the fractionation process. These results are consistent with previous data on the fractional crystallization of multicomponent sulfide melts and the theoretical features of this process. In previous studies, samples with a small number of zones were obtained. In this study we first obtained a sample containing six zones. The zoning observed in the sample belongs to the complex second type of low-sulfur zoning of orebodies. The same data confirm the possibility of different types of zoning within the major two types of zoning of copper-nickel orebodies.
Subsurface geoelectric array with two transmitters for petroleum exploration in offshore areas
Authors: Marinenko A.V. , Epov M.I.
Published: October 2017

At present, sounding methods based on the effect of electromagnetic pulses on the environment are widely used for marine exploration of hydrocarbon deposits. The exploration is performed using research systems with special equipment fixed in the water column. The goal of this work is to develop equipment and methods for marine electrical prospecting that would allow reliable predictions of petroleum fields in the underlying environment with reduced labor intensity of the necessary surveys. For this purpose, a subsurface array for marine electrical prospecting during vessel movement is proposed. The effective frequencies, current strengths in cables, and the size and efficiency of the array are determined using both the theoretical knowledge of the operation of similar arrays in similar environments and numerical simulation of the developed array. The 3D finite element method is used for mathematical modeling.
Geochronology of the Chuktukon carbonatite massif, Chadobets uplift (Krasnoyarsk Territory)
Authors: Chebotarev D.A. , Doroshkevich A.G. , Sharygin V.V. , Yudin D.S. , Ponomarchuk A.V. , Sergeev S.A.
Published: October 2017

We present results of U–Pb (SHRIMP II) and Ar–Ar geochronological study of the rocks of the Chuktukon massif, which is part of the Chadobets alkaline-carbonatite complex, and of the weathering crust developed after them. Perovskite from picrites and monazite from the weathering crust were dated by the U–Pb (SHRIMP II) method, and rippite from carbonatites, by the Ar–Ar method. Rippite has first been used as a geochronometer. The estimated ages (252 ± 12 and 231 ± 2.7 Ma) testify to two magmatism pulses close in time (within the estimation error) to the stages of alkaline magmatism in the Siberian Platform (250–245 and 238–234 Ma). These pulses characterize, most likely, the processes accompanying and completing the activity of the mantle superplume that formed the Siberian Igneous Province at 250–248 Ma. The monazite-estimated age (102.6 ± 2.9 Ma) reflects the time of formation of the ore-bearing weathering crust on the massif rocks.