bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conservative management of low‐risk prostate cancer among young versus older men in the United States: Trends and outcomes from a novel national database
Authors: Mahal Amandeep R. , Butler Santino , Franco Idalid , Muralidhar Vinayak , Larios Dalia , Pike Luke R. G. , Zhao Shuang G. , Sanford Nina N. , Dess Robert T. , Feng Felix Y. , D’Amico Anthony V. , Spratt Daniel E. , Yu James B. , Nguyen Paul L. , Rebbeck Timothy R. , Mahal Brandon A.
Published: June 2019

Background

Management for men aged ≤55 years with low‐risk prostate cancer (LRPC) is debated given quality‐of‐life implications with definitive treatment versus the potential missed opportunity for cure with conservative management. The objective of this study was to define rates of conservative management for LRPC and associated short‐term outcomes in young versus older men in the United States.

Methods

The nonpublic Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Prostate with Active Surveillance/Watchful Waiting (AS/WW) Database identified 50,302 men who were diagnosed with LRPC from 2010 through 2015. AS/WW rates in the United States were stratified by age (≤55 vs ≥56 years). Prostate cancer‐specific mortality and overall mortality were defined by initial management type (AS/WW vs definitive treatment [referent]) and age.

Results

AS/WW utilization increased from 8.61% (2010) to 34.56% (2015) among men aged ≤55 years (P for trend <0.001) and from 15.99% to 43.81% among men aged ≥56 years (P for trend <.001). Among patients who had ≤2 positive biopsy cores, AS/WW rates increased from 12.90% to 48.78% for men aged ≤55 years and from 21.85% to 58.01% for men aged ≥56 years. Among patients who had ≥3 positive biopsy cores, AS/WW rates increased from 3.89% to 22.45% for men aged ≤55 years and from 10.05% to 28.49% for men aged ≥56 years (all P for trend <.001). Five‐year prostate cancer‐specific mortality rates were <0.30% across age and initial management type subgroups.

Conclusions

AS/WW rates quadrupled for patients aged ≤55 years from 2010 to 2015, with favorable short‐term outcomes. These findings demonstrate the short‐term safety and increasing acceptance of AS/WW for both younger and older patients. However, there are still higher absolute rates of AS/WW in older patients (P < .001), suggesting some national ambivalence toward AS/WW in younger patients.
Phase 2 study of pembrolizumab and circulating biomarkers to predict anticancer response in advanced, unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Feun Lynn G. , Li Ying‐Ying , Wu Chunjing , Wangpaichitr Medhi , Jones Patricia D. , Richman Stephen P. , Madrazo Beatrice , Kwon Deukwoo , Garcia‐Buitrago Monica , Martin Paul , Hosein Peter J. , Savaraj Niramol
Published: June 2019

Background

Checkpoint inhibitors have shown modest activity in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, the authors report a prospective single‐institution clinical/translational phase 2 study of pembrolizumab in patients with advanced HCC and circulating biomarkers closely related to response.

Methods

Pembrolizumab was administered at a dose of 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks among patients who may have developed disease progression while receiving, were intolerant of, or refused sorafenib. The circulating levels of cytokines, chemokines, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1), programmed death–ligand 1 (PD‐L1), and PD‐L2 were correlated with response, tumor PD‐L1 expression, and other clinicopathological features.

Results

A total of 29 patients were treated and 28 patients were evaluable for response. The most common laboratory grade 3/4 adverse events were increases in aspartate aminotransferase and/or alanine aminotransferase and serum bilirubin, which for the most part were reversible. In terms of efficacy, one patient achieved a complete response and 8 patients achieved partial responses for an overall response rate of 32%. Four other patients had stable disease. The median progression‐free survival was 4.5 months and the median overall survival was 13 months. Response did not correlate with prior sorafenib therapy, PD‐L1 tumor staining, or a prior history of hepatitis. Correlative studies revealed that high baseline plasma TGF‐β levels (≥200 pg/mL) significantly correlated with poor treatment outcomes after pembrolizumab. Tumor PD‐L1 and plasma PD‐L1/PD‐1 levels were associated with plasma IFN‐γ or IL‐10.

Conclusions

Pembrolizumab was found to demonstrate activity in patients with advanced HCC. Toxicity generally was tolerable and reversible. A set of immunological markers in blood plasma as well as PD‐L1 staining indicated that baseline TGF‐β could be a predictive biomarker for response to pembrolizumab.
Enhanced data security in MANET using trust‐based Bayesian statistical model with RSSI by AOMDV
Authors: Sadayan Geetha , Ramaiah Karthiyayini
Published: June 2019

A Mobile Ad‐hoc Network (MANET) is a form of mobile node which is known for its random movement and communication to other nodes without the need for any infrastructure. The Bayesian statistical model helps a routing protocol in MANET in getting a high mobility trusted node that relies on the outcome of the prediction. Fuzzy logic has been of immense use for trust in the calculation of RSSI value that helps finding a reliable and trusted route from source to destination. This innovative proposal that uses fuzzy logic in AOMDV is referred to as the Fuzzy trust with RSSI in Ad hoc On‐demand Multipath Distance Vector (FT‐AOMDV). It is known for its help in finding a reliable path in mobile Ad Hoc Networks. Simulation was conducted using a NS‐2 network simulator under various scenarios that include varying node speeds and varying malicious nodes for the evaluation of the efficiency of the protocols. Metrics that include delivery ratio, end‐to‐end delay, routing packet overhead, and throughput have been used in the comparison of FT‐AOMDV with AOMDV, TB‐AOMDV1, and TB‐AOMDV2.
Coaxial Electrospinning Formation of Complex Polymer Fibers and their Applications
Authors: Han Daewoo , Steckl Andrew J.
Published: June 2019

The formation of fibers by electrospinning has experienced explosive growth in the past decade, recently reaching 4,000 publications and 1,500 patents per year. This impressive growth of interest is due to the ability to form fibers with a variety of materials, which lend themselves to a large and rapidly expanding set of applications. In particular, coaxial electrospinning, which forms fibers with multiple core−sheath layers from different materials in a single step, enables the combination of properties in a single fiber that are not found in nature in a single material. This article is a detailed review of coaxial electrospinning: basic mechanisms, early history and current status, and an in‐depth discussion of various applications (biomedical, environmental, sensors, energy, catalysis, textiles). We aim to provide readers who are currently involved in certain aspects of coaxial electrospinning research an appreciation of other applications and of current results.
Photocatalytic Oxygenation Reactions Using Water and Dioxygen
Authors: Fukuzumi Shunichi , Lee Yong‐Min , Nam Wonwoo
Published: June 2019

Water (H2O) is the most environmentally benign reductant and is oxidized to evolve dioxygen (O2)—the greenest oxidant—in photosystem II. This Minireview focuses on photocatalytic oxygenation of substrates with H2O as an oxygen source and O2 as an oxidant. Metal complexes can be oxidized by two molecules of one‐electron oxidants with H2O to produce high‐valent metal–oxo complexes, which act as active oxidants for oxygenating organic substrates. When an appropriate oxidant is employed for the substrate oxidation, the reduced oxidant can be oxidized by dioxygen to regenerate the oxidant when water and dioxygen are used as an oxygen source and an oxidant, respectively. Photoinduced electron transfer from a substrate (S) to the excited state of complex [(L)MIII]+ produces a substrate radical cation (S.+), accompanied by the regeneration of [(L)MII]. S.+ then reacts with H2O to produce an OH adduct radical that is oxidized by [(L)MIII]+ to yield an oxygenated product (SO), in which the oxygen atom originates from H2O, accompanied by regeneration of [(L)MII]. Photocatalytic oxidation of H2O by O2 to produce H2O2 is combined with the catalytic oxygenation of substrates with H2O2 to produce the oxygenated products, in which the oxygen atom originates from O2 at the beginning but later from water. This Minireview provides a promising strategy for oxygenation of substrates by using H2O as an oxygen source and O2 as the greenest oxidant.
Preface to Special Issue of ChemSusChem: Sustainable Organic Synthesis
Authors: Beller Matthias , Shi Feng , Stahl Shannon S.
Published: June 2019

In this Editorial, Guest Editors Matthias Beller, Feng Shi, and Shannon Stahl introduce the Special Issue of ChemSusChem on Sustainable Organic Synthesis, discussing the importance of advances in the sustainability of synthetic organic processes in both academic and industrial settings, and laying out the scope of the Special Issue.
Diversity space of multicarrier continuous‐variable quantum key distribution
Authors: Gyongyosi Laszlo , Imre Sandor
Published: June 2019

The diversity space of multicarrier continuous‐variable quantum key distribution (CVQKD) is defined. The diversity space utilizes the resources that are injected into the transmission by the additional degrees of freedom of the multicarrier modulation. We prove that the exploitable extra degree of freedom in a multicarrier CVQKD scenario significantly extends the possibilities of single‐carrier CVQKD. The manifold extraction allows for the parties to reach decreased error probabilities by utilizing those extra resources of a multicarrier transmission that are not available in a single‐carrier CVQKD setting. We define the multidimensional manifold space of multicarrier CVQKD and the optimal tradeoff between the available degrees of freedom of the multicarrier transmission. We extend the manifold extraction for the multiple‐access AMQD‐MQA (multiuser quadrature allocation) multicarrier protocol. The additional resources of multicarrier CVQKD allow the achievement of significant performance improvements that are particularly crucial in an experimental scenario.
Mechanisms that influence sex ratio variation in the invasive hymenopteran Sirex noctilio in South Africa
Authors: Queffelec Joséphine , Wooding Amy L. , Greeff Jaco M. , Garnas Jeffrey R. , Hurley Brett P. , Wingfield Michael J. , Slippers Bernard
Published: June 2019

Sirex noctilio is an economically important invasive pest of commercial pine forestry in the Southern Hemisphere. Newly established invasive populations of this woodwasp are characterized by highly male‐biased sex ratios that subsequently revert to those seen in the native range. This trend was not observed in the population of S. noctilio from the summer rainfall regions in South Africa, which remained highly male‐biased for almost a decade. The aim of this study was to determine the cause of this persistent male bias. As an explanation for this pattern, we test hypotheses related to mating success, female investment in male versus female offspring, and genetic diversity affecting diploid male production due to complementary sex determination. We found that 61% of females in a newly established S. noctilio population were mated. Microsatellite data analysis showed that populations of S. noctilio from the summer rainfall regions in South Africa are far less genetically diverse than those from the winter rainfall region, with mean Nei's unbiased gene diversity indexes of 0.056 and 0.273, respectively. These data also identified diploid males at low frequencies in both the winter (5%) and summer (2%) rainfall regions. The results suggest the presence of a complementary sex determination mechanism in S. noctilio, but imply that reduced genetic diversity is not the main driver of the male bias observed in the summer rainfall region. Among all the factors considered, selective investment in sons appears to have the most significant influence on male bias in S. noctilio populations. Why this investment remains different in frontier or early invasive populations is not clear but could be influenced by females laying unfertilized eggs to avoid diploid male production in populations with a high genetic relatedness.
Evaluation of environmental DNA surveys for identifying occupancy and spatial distribution of Pacific Lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus) and Lampetra spp. in a Washington coast watershed
Authors: Ostberg Carl O. , Chase Dorothy M. , Hoy Marshal S. , Duda Jeffrey J. , Hayes Michael C. , Jolley Jeffrey C. , Silver Gregory S. , Cook‐Tabor Carrie
Published: June 2019

Surveys of environmental DNA (eDNA) have become an important and multifaceted tool for monitoring and identifying distributions and occupancy of aquatic species. This tool is attractive because it is powerful, easy to apply, and provides an alternative to traditional field survey methods. However, validating eDNA survey methods against traditional field survey methods is warranted prior to their application. We used eDNA and electrofishing to survey 10 sites in 3 tributaries of the Chehalis River, Washington, to infer distribution and occupancy of Entosphenus tridentatus and Lampetra spp. Both methods produced similar detection rates for E. tridentatus, and Lampetra spp. were detected at slightly greater frequency with eDNA in the Black River and Skookumchuck River. Within each of the three tributaries, eDNA concentration was negatively related to sample distance from the Chehalis River mainstem for E. tridentatus but not for Lampetra spp., which indicates E. tridentatus and Lampetra spp. may be distributed differently within tributaries. Application of lamprey eDNA data to a multiscale occupancy model indicated high probability of detecting eDNA in water samples and quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays. Broad distribution and high detection of E. tridentatus and Lampetra spp. suggest robust populations inhabit the Chehalis River basin. Our findings suggest eDNA surveys may be comparable to electrofishing for informing lamprey occupancy and distributions. Such sampling is efficient and cost‐effective and we anticipate that eDNA surveys will become a valuable tool in addressing key research and monitoring needs for conservation and restoration of lampreys in general.
Synthesis, Crystal Structures, Magnetic Properties, and Fluorescence of Two Heptanuclear CoIII4LnIII3 Compounds (Ln = GdIII, DyIII): Multiple Relaxation Dynamics in the DyIII Analogue
Authors: Roy Shuvayan , Hari Nairita , Mohanta Sasankasekhar
Published: June 2019

This report describes the synthesis, crystal structures, magnetic and spectroscopic properties of two heptanuclear CoIII4LnIII3 systems of composition [CoIII4GdIII3L4(µ4‐O)2(µ‐OMe)2(µ1,3‐OAc)4(H2O)2(NO3)2]·NO3·2CH3OH·2H2O (1) and [CoIII4DyIII3L4(µ4‐O)2(µ‐OMe)2(µ1,3‐OAc)4(H2O)2(NO3)2]·NO3·3CH3OH·1.5H2O (2), where H2L is [1+1] condensation product of 3‐methoxysalicylaldehyde and 2‐amino‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanol. The heptametallic cores in 1 and 2 may be taken as consisted of two symmetry related trinuclear CoIIILnIIICoIII moieties and a central lanthanide center in such a way that each of the three metal ions of each of the two trinuclear moieties are bridged with the central lanthanide through bridging oxo/alkoxo/acetate ligands. DC magnetic measurements of 1 and 2 reveal very weak GdIII···GdIII antiferromagnetic interaction (J = –0.01 cm–1) in 1 and significant anisotropy in 2. Variable‐temperature and variable‐frequency ac susceptibility measurements of 2 reveal that it is a zero‐field SMM with multiple relaxation dynamics. Above 5 K, two well resolved relaxation channels are observed; Ueff and τ0 are 51.4 cm–1 and 9.40 × 10–7 s for the slow relaxation channel and 24.3 cm–1 and 6.91 × 10–7 s for the fast relaxation channel. The characteristic DyIII based transitions, 4F9/2→6H15/2, 4F9/2→6H13/2 and 4F9/2→6H11/2, can be well assigned in the fluorescence spectrum of 2 at solid state. All in all, compound 2 is a bifunctional molecular material.
Elemental composition and bioaccessibility of farmed oysters (Crassostrea gigas) fed different ratios of dietary seaweed and microalgae during broodstock conditioning
Authors: Cardoso Carlos , Gomes Romina , Rato Ana , Joaquim Sandra , Machado Jorge , Gonçalves José Fernando , Vaz‐Pires Paulo , Magnoni Leonardo , Matias Domitília , Coelho Inês , Delgado Inês , Castanheira Isabel , Matos Joana , Ozório Rodrigo , Bandarra Narcisa , Afonso Cláudia
Published: June 2019

The Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) culture has been expanding, thereby leading to a greater importance of hatcheries. Broodstock conditioning is very important in the hatchery process, in which diet composition may have a strong influence on the offspring production and quality. Therefore, the current study evaluated elemental composition and bioaccessibility of oysters fed different ratios of dietary seaweed (SW) and microalgae. The dietary conditioning consisted of direct replacement of microalgae by SW at four substitution levels (0%, 25%, 50%, and 100% diet). It was observed that oysters fed 100% SW had the highest levels of Be, Cu, Zn, Sr, and Cd. The most important trend was a concentration decline of most elements with progressively lower levels of SW substitution for microalgae in the feeds. No Cd or Pb hazard (contents below 1.0 mg/kg for Cd and 1.5 mg/kg for Pb) was found in oyster meat. Regarding elemental bioaccessibility, values were similar, near 100% in the cases of Cu, Br, and I. Only for Mn and Pb, bioaccessibility percentages deviated more from 100%. Indeed, the value for Pb was 50% ± 7% (initial group), and for Mn, all values were equal or lower than 29% ± 2% (final group of oysters fed microalgae). It was observed that Mn, Cd, and Pb bioaccessibility increased with a growing share of microalgal biomass in the feed. Therefore, this study showed that SW incorporation into the feed influences elemental composition and bioaccessibility of the oysters.
An appraisal of geochemical signatures of komatiites from the greenstone belts of Dharwar Craton, India: Implications for temporal transition and Archean upper mantle hydration
Authors: Ganguly Sohini , Santosh M. , Manikyamba C.
Published: June 2019

Archean ultramafic–mafic magmatism associated with dynamic mantle melting processes represents an integral part of crustal evolution and continental growth. Archean mantle plumes and their high temperature derivatives in komatiitic magmas provide a cornerstone in understanding the thermal and chemical evolution of the early Earth and its mantle. In this study, we evaluate the geochemical characteristics of the temporally distinct Sargur Group and Dharwar Supergroup greenstone belts of Dharwar Craton in southern India. The komatiites associated with these greenstone belts are characterized by Al‐depleted and Al‐undepleted compositions. Their MgO, Ni, Co, and Cr concentrations reflect primitive, undifferentiated nature of precursor melts, whereas the HFSE and REE chemistry corroborates high‐degree (30–50%) partial melting of mantle with prominent role of majorite garnet and perovskite in the generation of komatiitic melts. The Al‐depleted komatiites were formed at a greater depth (~13 GPa) by equilibrium melting leaving a garnet‐bearing residue. The resultant komatiitic melt retained buoyancy under extreme pressure and high temperature conditions, segregated and accumulated in the ambient peridotite mantle source and subsequently escaped with progressive decrease in pressure in the ascending plume. The Al‐undepleted and relatively rare Al‐enriched komatiites were derived by fractional melting at intermediate to shallow depths after the discharge of a large proportion of melt ensued by the collapse and entrance of residual garnet into the melt phase. The Mesoarchean–Neoarchean Dharwar komatiites provide evidence for heterogeneous, hydrated Archean upper mantle trapped by ascending mantle plumes. The non‐plume, arc‐related signatures invoke contributions from (a) sub‐cratonic lithospheric mantle roots influenced by ancient subduction events and (b) hydrated Archean upper mantle. The Sargur Group and Dharwar Supergroup komatiites record a distinct temporal transition and geochemical heterogeneity in the Archean mantle beneath the Dharwar Craton and can be attributed to Archean upper mantle hydration by flat slab subduction of >3.3 Ga oceanic crust at shallow level with vestiges of primordial oceanic crust forming deep cratonic mantle roots beneath the Dharwar Craton. The temporal transition towards mantle hydration beneath Dharwar Craton during the Mesoarchean can be correlated with the onset of subduction‐driven plate tectonics and ocean–crust–mantle interactions.
Diagenesis and reservoir quality of sandstones in the Eocene Shahejie Formation, Raoyang Sag (Jizhong Depression), Bohai Bay Basin, China
Authors: Zhang Kaixun , Bai Guoping , Liu Li , Wang Hongxia , Guo Zengqiang , Li Bin
Published: June 2019

Deeply buried (3.5–4.5 km) fan deltaic and braided deltaic sandstones of the Eocene Shahejie Formation are important hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Raoyang Sag of the Bohai Bay Basin (North China). An integrated approach incorporating petrophysics, thin‐section petrography, scanning electron microscope (SEM), cathodoluminescence (CL), and well log analysis was applied to investigate diagenesis, diagenetic minerals, and their impacts on reservoir quality. The sandstones of the Sha‐3 (the third Member of the Shahejie Formation) are dominated by lithic arkoses and arkoses with a low‐moderate compositional maturity and a moderate textural maturity. The pore systems are dominated by secondary pores resulting from dissolution of framework grains, micropores among authigenic clays, and minor amounts of primary intergranular pores. Chemically unstable framework grains such as feldspar and lithic fragments experienced alteration and resulted in formation of authigenic kaolinite. Dissolution and alteration of feldspars and rock fragments and pressure solution of detrital quartz grains were the main sources for quartz cements. Mechanical compaction and cementation by calcite, dolomite, quartz, kaolinite, and mixed‐layer illite/smectite destroyed primary pores, whereas dissolution of framework grains generated secondary pores. Five types of diagenetic facies are identified based on framework mineralogy, texture, diagenetic minerals, and pore systems. These comprise the following: (a) quartz‐cemented sandstone, (b) tightly compacted sandstone, (c) carbonate‐cemented sandstone, (d) clay‐mineral‐cemented sandstone, and (e) clean dissolved sandstone. Diagenetic processes and evolution sequences for the five diagenetic facies were reconstructed based on textural relationships from thin section, SEM, and CL studies. The reservoir quality evolution of various diagenetic facies is predicted by considering variations in grain size, sorting, shape, and matrix content of sandstones. This work, which investigates the diagenetic sequence of sandstones, will provide insights into reservoir quality prediction for low‐permeability sandstones with similar tectono‐depositional settings.
In reply to McDowell et al
Authors: Maskell David , Buckley Hannah , Sisson Katherine , Roques Tom , Geropantas Dinos
Published: June 2019

See article on page 3468–3469, in this issue
Bad bosses and self‐verification: The moderating role of core self‐evaluations with trust in workplace management
Authors: Booth Jonathan E. , Shantz Amanda , Glomb Theresa M. , Duffy Michelle K. , Stillwell Elizabeth E.
Published: June 2019

Who responds most strongly to supervisor social undermining? Building on self‐verification theory (Swann, 1983, 1987), we theorize that employees with positive views of the self (i.e., higher core self‐evaluations [CSEs]) who also maintain higher trust in workplace management are more likely to experience heightened stress and turnover intentions when undermined. We argue that this subset of employees (high CSE, high trust) are more likely to feel misunderstood when undermined by their supervisor and that this lack of self‐verification partially explains their stronger responses to supervisor undermining. We find initial support for the first part of our model in a study of 259 healthcare workers in the United States and replicate and extend our findings in the second study of 330 employees in the United Kingdom. Our results suggest that the employees Human Resources often wishes to attract and retain—employees with high CSE and high trust in workplace management—react most strongly to supervisor social undermining.
Astaxanthin inhibits hallmarks of cancer by targeting the PI3K/NF‐κΒ/STAT3 signalling axis in oral squamous cell carcinoma models
Authors: Kowshik Jaganathan , Nivetha Ramesh , Ranjani Singaraj , Venkatesan Palanivel , Selvamuthukumar Subramanian , Veeravarmal Veeran , Nagini Siddavaram
Published: June 2019

Aberrant activation of the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway, a major driving force of diverse cellular processes has been implicated in tumour development and progression. Here, we report that astaxanthin (AXT), a potent antioxidant ketocarotenoid prevents cancer hallmarks by inhibiting PI3K/Akt and the associated downstream NF‐κB and STAT‐3 signalling pathways in SCC131 and SCC4 oral cancer cells as well as in the hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis model. Using small molecule inhibitors of NF‐κB, STAT‐3 and PI3K and by overexpression of PI3K, we provide evidence to show that AXT inhibits NF‐κB and STAT‐3 signalling and cancer hallmarks by restraining the kinase activity of PI3K/Akt. Additionally, AXT downregulated the noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), miR‐21 and HOTAIR that influence PI3K/Akt signalling emphasising its modulatory effects on epigenetic regulation. Ethyl cellulose‐based AXT nanoparticles showed greater chemotherapeutic efficacy in the hamster oral carcinogenesis model compared to native AXT. We suggest that AXT prevents cell proliferation, apoptosis evasion, invasion and angiogenesis by intercepting the crosstalk between the PI3K/Akt, NF‐κB and STAT‐3 signalling circuits both in vitro and in vivo. Astaxanthin that abrogates the PI3K/Akt signalling axis, a central hub that orchestrates acquisition of cancer hallmarks is a promising candidate for anticancer drug development.
Diopside‐tricalcium phosphate bioactive ceramics for osteogenic differentiation of human adipose stem cells
Authors: Vanhatupa Sari , Miettinen Susanna , Pena Pilar , Baudín Carmen
Published: June 2019

Ti scaffolds combined with autologous human adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs) have been successfully applied for regenerative cranio‐maxillofacial bone therapies. Future challenges reside in regeneration of larger bone defects and displacement of the permanent Ti structure, thus, advanced resorbable scaffolds are needed. Composites of β‐Ca3(PO4)2 with 80 and 60 wt % of CaMg(SiO3)2 with improved mechanical properties compared to tricalcium phosphate (TCP) materials are presented. Synthetic CaMg(SiO3)2 and a precursor of Ca3(PO4)2 were used to fabricate the composites and a reference β‐Ca3(PO4)2 material by uniaxial pressing and solid state sintering. Optimum sintering temperature of 1225°C was selected. Microstructural analysis and Weibull distributions of tensile strengths determined by the diametral compression of discs test are reported. Thermodynamic simulation of the dissolution process in simulated body fluid body fluid was done. The biological response with hASCs was analyzed using basic and osteogenic media. Viability and osteogenic potential—LIVE/DEAD assay; alkaline phosphatase activity and collagen type‐I production—were characterized. The composites have higher tensile strength (>3×) than TCP materials, for similar reliability, and support viability and osteogenic differentiation of hASCs. Resorption of the high strength phase diopside is the slowest. The promising results reported here suggest possible uses of these bioactive β‐Ca3(PO4)2–CaMg(SiO3)2 ceramics together with hASCs in bone tissue engineering.
New trends in glioma cancer therapy: Targeting Na+/H+ exchangers
Authors: Tamtaji Omid Reza , Mirzaei Hamed , Shamshirian Amir , Shamshirian Danial , Behnam Mohammad , Asemi Zatollah
Published: June 2019

Glioma is the oneof the most prevalent primarybrain tumors. There is a variety of oxidative stresses, inflammatory pathways, apoptosis signaling, and Na+/H
+ exchangers (NHEs) involved in the pathophysiology of glioma. Previous studies have indicated a relationship between NHEs and some molecular pathways in glioma. NHEs, including NHE1, NHE5, and NHE9 affect apoptosis, tumor‐associated macrophage inflammatory pathways, matrix metalloproteinases, cancer‐cell growth, invasion, and migration of glioma. Also, inhibition of NHEs contributes to increased survival in animal models of glioma. Limited studies, however, have assessed the relationship between NHEs and molecular pathways in glioma. This review summarizes current knowledge and evidence regarding the relationship between NHEs and glioma, and the mechanisms involved.
The survivin molecule as a double‐edged sword in cellular physiologic and pathologic conditions and its role as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in cancer
Authors: Rafatmanesh Atieh , Behjati Mohaddeseh , Mobasseri Narges , Sarvizadeh Mostafa , Mazoochi Tahereh , Karimian Mohammad
Published: June 2019

Survivin is a member of the family of apoptosis inhibitory proteins with increased expression level in most cancerous tissues. Evidence shows that survivin plays regulatory roles in proliferation or survival of normal adult cells, principally vascular endothelial cells, T lymphocytes, primitive hematopoietic cells, and polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Survivin antiapoptotic role is, directly and indirectly, related to caspase proteins and shows its role in cell division through the chromosomal passenger complex. Survivin contains many genetic polymorphisms that the role of some variations has been proven in several cancers. The −31G/C polymorphism is one of the most important survivin mutations which is located in the promoter region on a CDE/CHR motif. This polymorphism can upregulate the survivin messenger RNA. In addition, its allele C can increase the risk of cancers in 1.27‐fold than allele G. Considering the fundamental role of survivin in different cancers, this protein could be considered as a new therapeutic target in cancer treatment. For this purpose, various strategies have been designed including the prevention of survivin expression through inhibition of mRNA translation using antagonistic molecules, inhibition of survivin gene function through small inhibitory molecules, gene therapy, and immunotherapy. In this study, we describe the structure, played roles in physiological and pathological states and genetic polymorphisms of survivin. Finally, the role of survivin as a potential target in cancer therapy given challenges ahead has been discussed.
Synthesis of Ag‐modified TiO2 nanotube and its application in photocatalytic degradation of dyes and elemental mercury
Authors: Tsai Cheng‐Yen , Liu Chen‐Wuing , Hsi Hsing‐Cheng , Lin Kuen‐Song , Lin Yi‐Wen , Lai Li‐Chi
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

The non‐modified titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotube (TNT) and silver (Ag)‐modified TNT samples were fabricated via an alkaline hydrothermal process. The synthesized samples had a high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area since the resulted TNT was free of calcination, which is different from the traditional synthesized method. The specific surface area of non‐modified TNT and Ag‐modified TNT samples were 392 and 330 m2 g−1, respectively.

RESULTS

The results indicated that anatase phase, cubic silver chloride (AgCl) and Ag co‐existed in the Ag‐modified TNT sample. In contrast, non‐modified TNT sample has only anatase phase. The OH groups, pre‐adsorbed water, and oxygen vacancies can be found on the surface of all samples. The Ag‐modified TNT sample showed to have higher removal efficiencies than that of non‐modified TNT sample for gas‐phase elemental mercury, carcinogenic malachite green, crystal violet and mixtures of dyes.

CONCLUSION

Although specific surface area of non‐modified TNT was larger than that of Ag‐modified TNT, the Ag‐modified TNT possessed a high‐performance photocatalyst due to the electron‐hole pairs separation efficiency increase. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Current status of dengue virus, poliovirus, and chikungunya virus in Pakistan
Authors: Wahid Braira
Published: June 2019

Epidemics of infectious diseases especially dengue virus (DENV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV), and poliovirus are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in Pakistan. Risks associated with these outbreaks have drastic effects on the healthcare infrastructure and economy of the country. This report provides the current status of DENV, poliovirus, and CHIKV in Pakistan and further highlights the measures needed to control these infections.
Rapid polymerase chain reaction assays for Brevibacillus laterosporus detection
Authors: Marche Maria Giovanna , Mura Maria Elena , Ruiu Luca
Published: June 2019

The identification of the ubiquitous spore‐forming bacterium Brevibacillus laterosporus, whose interest in pharma, agriculture, and other industrial sectors is raising, mostly relies on 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence analysis. However, due to bacterial gene homology, this method appears insufficient for a proper discrimination of this species, so that the availability of other target genes is necessary. Leveraging the morphological and genetic feature uniqueness of B. laterosporus, a sensitive and reliable detection and quantification method based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative PCR assays, respectively, was developed. Targeting a highly conserved spore surface protein‐related gene, B. laterosporus could be easily found in different matrices including soil, food, and insect body. Primer set selectivity was confirmed to be very specific and no false positives or negatives were observed using DNA of different bacterial species as a template. The method developed is also suitable for the rapid identification of newly isolated B. laterosporus strains.
Integrated metabolomics signature for assessing the longevity of Panax ginseng seeds
Authors: Min Jung Eun , Hong Ji Yeon , Kwon Sung Won , Park Jeong Hill
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Panax ginseng seeds have strong dormancy and a prolonged germination period in comparison to other seeds; thus, it is a great challenge to propagate ginseng. Seed longevity is closely associated with germination rate and viability, so we assumed that if a seed loses its viability, specific metabolic alterations regarding plant growth factors might occur. In this study, we divided ginseng seeds into normal and accelerated‐aging groups. Both groups were treated with gibberellic acid, which is one of the most important plant‐growth regulators. Afterward, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used to analyze the samples, to identify the metabolic alterations between the two groups.

Results

Forty‐four endogenous metabolites in normal and accelerated aging groups were putatively identified. To determine the differential significance of these metabolites, t‐tests and fold‐change analysis were conducted followed by principal component analysis and partial least‐squares discriminant analysis to determine the metabolites that showed distinct responses between the groups. Among the differentially expressed metabolites (P value < 0.05 and FDR < 0.1), nine metabolites were selected as potential biomarker candidates for the prediction of seed longevity.

CONCLUSION

Nine metabolites related to ginseng seed longevity were identified by comparing metabolomes. Our findings suggest that ginseng propagation can be facilitated by the regulation of these distinctive metabolic features of the seeds. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of different substrates on low‐temperature storage of fresh ginseng
Authors: Gao Kun , Liu Zhengbo , Chen Jianbo , Chen Lixue , Qi Yuli , Wang Zeshuai , Sun Yinshi
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Fresh ginseng was buried in three types of sand with different moisture contents and three types of soil and then stored at 2 °C to determine the effects of these storage substrates on fresh ginseng.

RESULTS

At a storage time of 200 days, ginseng stored in underforest soil softened the most slowly and had a significantly greater firmness compared to the other samples (P < 0.05). The amount of most ginsenosides changed after storage for most of the substrates. Samples stored in ginseng soil and biological fertilizer had the highest concentration of total saponin and ginseng polysaccharides, respectively. Fresh ginseng stored in medium‐water content sand had a significantly lower polyphenol oxidase activity (P < 0.05). A significant difference was observed in the total concentration of nucleosides and nucleobases between the ginseng samples stored with and without substrates (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The data obtained in the present study suggest that the use of storage substrates is an optimal method for extending the shelf life of fresh ginseng without detrimental effects on its components. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Evolution and clustering of prodromal parkinsonian features in GBA1 carriers
Authors: Mullin Stephen , Beavan Michelle , Bestwick Jonathan , McNeill Alisdair , Proukakis Christos , Cox Timothy , Hughes Derralynn , Mehta Atul , Zetterberg Henrik , Schapira Anthony H.V.
Published: June 2019

Background

Five to 25% of patients with PD carry glucocerebrosidase gene mutations, and 10% to 30% of glucocerebrosidase carriers will develop PD by age 80. Stratification of PD risk in glucocerebrosidase carriers provides an opportunity to target disease‐modifying therapies.

Objective

Cross‐sectional and longitudinal survey of prodromal PD signs among glucocerebrosidase carriers.

Design

Prospective assessment of 82 glucocerebrosidase mutation carriers and 35 controls over 4 to 5 years for prodromal clinical PD features.

Results

At all time points, olfactory (measured using University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test) and cognitive (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) function and the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society UPDRS parts II and III scores were significantly worse amongst glucocerebrosidase mutation carriers. Progression to microsmia (odds ratio: 8.5; 95% confidence interval: 2.6–28.2; P < 0.05) and mild cognitive impairment (odds ratio: 4.2; 95% confidence interval: 1.1–16.6; P < 0.05) were more rapid compared to controls. Those with worse olfaction also had worse cognition (OR, 1.5; 95% CI: 0.0–2.8; P < 0.05) and depression (OR, 1.3; 95% CI: 0.6–2.8; P < 0.05). No participants reached the MDS prodromal PD diagnostic criteria before PD diagnosis. One participant developed PD. He did not fulfill the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society prodromal PD criteria before diagnosis.

Conclusion

Assessment of individual and clustered PD prodromal features may serve as a useful tool to identify high‐risk subjects for conversion to PD. As a result of the low conversion rate in our glucocerebrosidase mutation carriers to date, prospective validation is needed in larger cohorts to establish the profile of these features in PD convertors. © 2019 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Menkes disease complicated by concurrent Koolen‐de Vries syndrome (17q21.31 deletion)
Authors: Woodfin Taylor , Stoops Christine , Philips Joseph B. , Lose Edward , Mikhail Fady M. , Hurst Anna
Published: June 2019

Background

Koolen‐de Vries (KdV) syndrome is caused by a 17q21.31 deletion leading to clinical symptoms of hypotonia and developmental delay and can present with abnormal hair texture. Menkes disease is an X‐linked recessive inherited disease caused by pathogenic variants in ATP7A, which leads to profound copper deficiency.

Method

We identified an infant male who presented with prematurity, hypotonia, and dysmorphic features for whom a family history of clinical Menkes disease was revealed after discussion with the clinical genetics team.

Results

Although initial first‐tier genetic testing identified Kdv syndrome (17q21.31 syndrome), the family history led the team to consider a second diagnostic possibility, and testing of ATP7A revealed a pathogenic variant (c.601C>T, p.R201X).

Conclusion

Menkes disease and KdV syndrome may both present with hypotonia and abnormal hair, in addition to seizures and failure to thrive. While these genetic conditions have overlapping clinical features, they have different natural histories and different therapeutic options. Here, we report on a patient affected with both disorders and review the diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties this presented.
A comparison of planar convex dielectric lens loaded flat reflector with parabolic reflector and reflectarray
Authors: Lingasamy Veluchamy , Selvan Krishnasamy T.
Published: June 2019

In this article, experimental demonstration in the X‐band of a flat reflector backed dielectric lens is reported. Equivalence between the reflector‐lens and parabolic reflector of equivalent cross‐section is shown by comparing their radiation characteristics. The reflector‐lens is also compared with a reflectarray resonating at 10 GHz, and their radiation patterns show good match at this frequency.
The failure of non‐invasive prenatal testing due to maternal dermatomyositis
Authors: Feng Chuan‐Shou , Lu Bei‐Yi , Ju Hui‐Hui , Pan Wen‐Jun
Published: June 2019

We experienced a case of a pregnant woman who failed to obtain a result from NIPT, due to the high level of total cell‐free DNA. A subsequent ultrasound examination discovered that the fetus had severe intrauterine growth restriction, so the woman decided to abort the baby. At the same time, the woman developed slight swelling and tenderness of the proximal interphalangeal and meta‐carpophalangeal joints. At first, these symptoms were not noticed, but, when the pregnant woman was admitted to the hospital, her laboratory tests were seriously abnormal, such as serum lactate dehydrogenase (640U/L), creatine phosphor kinase (4525U/L), kinase isoenzyme MB (170U/L), and a hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (398U/L). The patient had no other symptoms at this time. Misoprostol and subsequent forceps curettage were used for the induced abortion, a 167‐g female fetus was aborted. Fetal skin tissue was taken for chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and placenta (biopsied in four places and tested as two composite samples) were taken for postnatal karyotyping to exclude a confined placental mosaicism, chromosomal microarray analysis of the fetal skin tissue revealed that the karyotype was 46, XX, karyotyping of placenta (100 cells) gave results of 46, XX, no abnormalities were detected. Ten days after induction, the patient had developed progressive symmetric muscle weakness in the proximal extremities. Physical examination revealed Gottron's sign and erythema. A manual muscle test showed weakness of the muscles (4/5) of her proximal extremities. Electromyography showed myogenic impairment. After excluding the possibility of neoplasia, the patient was diagnosed with dermatomyositis.
Room temperature suzuki cross‐coupling polymerizations of aryl dihalides and aryldiboronic acid/acid esters with t‐Bu3P‐coordinated 2‐phenylaniline‐based palladacycle complex as the precatalyst
Authors: Peng Wei , Dong Jie , Li Han‐Bin , Chow Christine , Hu Qiao‐Sheng
Published: June 2019

Room temperature Suzuki cross‐coupling polymerization of aryl dibromides/diiodides with aryldiboronic acids/acid esters with t‐Bu3P‐coordinated 2‐phenylaniline‐based palladacycle complex, [2′‐(amino‐kN)[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐2‐yl‐kC]chloro(tri‐t‐butylphosphine)palladium, as a general precatalyst is described. Such room temperature Suzuki cross‐coupling polymerization is achieved by employing six equivalents or more of the base and affords polymers within an hour, with the yields and the molecular weights in general comparable to or higher than reported results that required higher reaction temperature and/or longer polymerization time. Our study provides a general catalyst system for the room temperature Suzuki cross‐coupling polymerization of aryl dibromides/diiodides with aryldiboronic acids/acid esters and paves the road for the investigation of employing other monodentate ligand‐coordinated palladacycle complexes including other electron‐rich monophosphine‐coordinated ones for room temperature cross‐coupling polymerizations. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1606–1611
Recent developments in entropy‐driven ring‐opening metathesis polymerization: Mechanistic considerations, unique functionality, and sequence control
Authors: Pearce Amanda K. , Foster Jeffrey C. , O'Reilly Rachel K.
Published: June 2019

Entropy‐driven ROMP (ED‐ROMP) involves polymerization of olefin‐containing macrocyclic monomers under entropically favorable conditions. Macrocycles can be prepared from a variety of interesting molecules which, when polymerized, impart unique functionality to the resulting polymer backbone such as degradable linkages, biological moieties, crystallizable groups, or supramolecular hosts. In addition, the sequence of atoms in the cyclic monomer is preserved within the polymer repeating units, allowing for facile preparation of sequence‐defined polymers. In this review article, we consider how the mechanism of ROMP applies to ED polymerizations, how olefinic macrocycles are synthesized, and how polymerization conditions can be tuned to maximize conversion. Recent works in the past 10 years are highlighted, with emphasis on methods which can be employed to achieve fast polymerization kinetics and/or selective head‐to‐tail regiochemistry, thus improving polymerization control. ED‐ROMP, with its unique capability to produce polymers with well‐defined polymer backbone microstructure, represents an essential complement to other, well‐established, metathesis methodologies such as ROMP. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1621–1634
HnRNPM is a potential mediator of YY1 which promotes EMT in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Yang Tong , An Zesheng , Zhang Changwen , Wang Zhen , Wang Xiaoming , Liu Yan , Du E , Liu Ranlu , Zhang Zhihong , Xu Yong
Published: June 2019

Background

With the popularity of serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) screening, the number of newly diagnosed prostate cancer (PCa) patients is increasing. However, indolent and invasive PCa cannot be distinguished by the PSA level. Here, we mainly explored the role of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein M (hnRNPM) in the invasiveness of PCa.

Methods

Reverse‐transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of hnRNPM in PCa and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) tissue samples as well as PCa cell lines. Immunohistochemistry was applied to detect hnRNPM or Yin Yang 1 (YY1) expression in BPH, prostate adenocarcinoma (ADENO) and neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) tissue samples. After aberrant hnRNPM expression was detected in C4‐2 and PC3 cells, changes in cell migration and invasion were observed through wound healing and transwell assays, respectively. We also predicted the transcription factor (TF) of hnRNPM through databases and then verified the association between hnRNPM and YY1 using chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays.

Results

The hnRNPM expression pattern exhibited a gradual reduction from BPH tissue to ADENO tissue to NEPC tissue, and hnRNPM had lower expression in more aggressive PCa cell lines. The overexpression of hnRNPM could significantly reduce the expression of Twist1, which inhibits the migration and invasion of PCa cells in vitro. In PCa cells, the overexpression of YY1 could promote epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) by reducing hnRNPM expression. Furthermore, this effect caused by the overexpression of YY1 could be partially attenuated by the simultaneous overexpression of hnRNPM.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that hnRNPM negatively regulates PCa cell migration and invasion, and that hnRNPM expression can be transcriptionally inhibited by YY1. We speculate that hnRNPM may be a biomarker that can assist in assessing PCa aggressiveness.