bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Herpesvirus 8 Interferon Regulatory Factors 1 and 3 Mediate Replication and Latency Activities via Interactions with USP7 Deubiquitinase
Authors: Xiang Qiwang , Ju Hyunwoo , Li Qian , Mei Szu-Chieh , Chen Daming , Choi Young Bong , Nicholas John
Published: January 2018

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) encodes four viral interferon regulatory factors (vIRF-1 to -4) that likely function to suppress innate immune and cellular stress responses through inhibitory interactions with various cellular proteins involved in these activities. It is notable that vIRF-1 and -4 have been reported to interact with the deubiquitinase ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7), substrates of which include p53 and the p53-targeting and -destabilizing ubiquitin E3 ligase MDM2. Structural studies of vIRF-1 and vIRF-4 USP7 binding sequences in association with USP7 have been reported; both involve interactions with N-terminal-domain residues of USP7 via EGPS and ASTS motifs in vIRF-1 and vIRF-4, respectively, but vIRF-4 residues also contact the catalytic site. However, the biological activities of vIRF-1 and vIRF-4 via USP7 interactions are unknown. Here, we report that vIRF-3, which is latently, as well as lytically, expressed in HHV-8-infected primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cells, also interacts with USP7—via duplicated EGPS motifs—and that this interaction is important for PEL cell growth and viability. The interaction also contributes to suppression of productive virus replication by vIRF-3, which we identify here. We further show that vIRF-1, which is expressed at low levels in PEL latency, promotes latent PEL cell viability and that this activity and vIRF-1-promoted productive replication (reported previously) involve EGPS motif-mediated USP7 targeting by vIRF-1. This study is the first to identify latent and lytic functions of vIRF-1 and vIRF-3, respectively, and to address the biological activities of these vIRFs through their interactions with USP7.

IMPORTANCE
HHV-8 is associated with Kaposi's sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), and multicentric Castleman's disease; both latent and lytic viral functions are believed to contribute. Viral interferon regulatory factors specified by HHV-8 are thought to be critically important for successful productive replication through suppression of innate immune and stress responses triggered by the lytic cycle. Latently expressed vIRF-3 contributes significantly to PEL cell survival. Here, we identify ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) deubiquitinase targeting by vIRF-3 (in addition to previously reported USP7 binding by vIRF-1 and vIRF-4); the importance of vIRF-1 and vIRF-3 interactions with USP7 for latent PEL cell growth and viability; and the positive and negative contributions, respectively, of USP7 targeting by vIRF-1 and vIRF-3 to HHV-8 productive replication. This is the first report of the biological importance of vIRF-1 in PEL cell latency, the modulation of productive replication by vIRF-3, and the contributions of vIRF-USP7 interactions to HHV-8 biology.
The 5′ Untranslated Region of the Major Immediate Early mRNA Is Necessary for Efficient Human Cytomegalovirus Replication
Authors: Arend Kyle C. , Lenarcic Erik M. , Moorman Nathaniel J.
Published: January 2018

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) immediate early 1 (IE1) and IE2 proteins are critical regulators of virus replication. Both proteins are needed to efficiently establish lytic infection, and nascent expression of IE1 and IE2 is critical for reactivation from latency. The regulation of IE1 and IE2 protein expression is thus a central event in the outcome of HCMV infection. Transcription of the primary transcript encoding both IE1 and IE2 is well studied, but relatively little is known about the posttranscriptional mechanisms that control IE1 and IE2 protein synthesis. The mRNA 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR) plays an important role in regulating mRNA translation. Therefore, to better understand the control of IE1 and IE2 mRNA translation, we examined the role of the shared 5′ UTR of the IE1 and IE2 mRNAs (MIE 5′ UTR) in regulating translation. In a cell-free system, the MIE 5′ UTR repressed translation, as predicted based on its length and sequence composition. However, in transfected cells we found that the MIE 5′ UTR increased the expression of a reporter gene and enhanced its association with polysomes, demonstrating that the MIE 5′ UTR has a positive role in translation control. We also found that the MIE 5′ UTR was necessary for efficient IE1 and IE2 translation during infection. Replacing the MIE 5′ UTR with an unstructured sequence of the same length decreased IE1 and IE2 protein expression despite similar levels of IE1 and IE2 mRNA and reduced the association of the IE1 and IE2 mRNAs with polysomes. The wild-type MIE 5′-UTR sequence was also necessary for efficient HCMV replication. Together these data identify the shared 5′ UTR of the IE1 and IE2 mRNAs as an important regulator of HCMV lytic replication.

IMPORTANCEThe HCMV IE1 and IE2 proteins are critical regulators of HCMV replication, both during primary infection and during reactivation from viral latency. Thus, defining factors that regulate IE1 and IE2 expression is important for understanding the molecular events controlling the HCMV replicative cycle. Here we identify a positive role for the MIE 5′ UTR in mediating the efficient translation of the IE1 and IE2 mRNAs. This result is an important advance for several reasons. To date, most studies of IE1 and IE2 regulation have focused on defining events that regulate IE1 and IE2 transcription. Our work reveals that in addition to the regulation of transcription, IE1 and IE2 are also regulated at the level of translation. Therefore, this study is important in that it identifies an additional layer of regulation controlling IE1 and IE2 expression and thus HCMV pathogenesis. These translational regulatory events could potentially be targeted by novel antiviral therapeutics that limit IE1 and IE2 mRNA translation and thus inhibit lytic replication or prevent HCMV reactivation.
How to use… Procalcitonin
Authors: Robinson Philip , De Surjo Kiran
Published: January 2018

Diagnosing bacterial infection in the unwell or febrile child is a common challenge faced by all paediatricians. Despite the advent of novel molecular techniques, there is ongoing need for diagnostic assays with adequate performance and turnaround time to facilitate safe clinical decision-making when bacterial sepsis is suspected, such as whether to commence empirical treatment with antibiotics. Procalcitonin is an established marker of infection that has a potential role in the diagnosis and exclusion of serious or invasive bacterial infection in neonates and children. Although enthusiastically adopted in many countries and institutions, national guidance in the UK does not yet support its routine use. This article reviews the relevant literature on the use of procalcitonin measurement in common paediatric clinical scenarios.
Species delimitation of Melia dubia Cav. from Melia azedarach L. complex based on DNA barcoding
Authors: Sivaraj Irusappan , Nithaniyal Stalin , Bhooma Varadharajan , Senthilkumar Umapathy , Parani Madasamy
Published: January 2018

The genus Melia L., which belongs to the “Mahogany” family Meliaceae, is a source of important phytochemicals with marked medicinal properties. Species identification in Melia is complex due to the existence of overlapping morphological features. Although Melia dubia Cav. is listed as a synonym of Melia azedarach L., it is not clear from the available literature whether they are the same species or different, and the species complexity still remains unresolved. In the present study, 10 accessions of M. dubia and M. azedarach were analysed by DNA barcoding using three chloroplast DNA markers (rbcL, matK, and trnH–psbA), and one nuclear marker (ITS2). Intraspecific divergence was not found in any of the four markers. However, the interspecific divergence between M. azedarach and M. dubia ranged between 0.3% (rbcL) and 4.7% (ITS2) for individual markers, and for the combined dataset, it was 8.5%. Among the four markers, ITS2 was found to be the most suitable marker for differentiating M. azedarach and M. dubia. Parsimony analysis of the DNA barcoding data showed a clear segregation between M. azedarach and M. dubia as distinct monophyletic clades in all the markers, except the rbcL marker. Our results based on Bayesian analysis of the concatenated dataset strongly support the view that M. dubia be considered a distinct species; not a synonym of M. azedarach.
Understanding fluid behavior through ion and isotope data from the Yitong Basin, Northeast China
Authors: Zhao Rongsheng , Shan Xuanlong , Yi Jian , Liang Ye , Li Chunlong , Qiu Cuiying
Published: January 2018

To evaluate ion origins and fluid behavior, the chemical properties of thermal water sampled from the Eocene reservoir in the Yitong Basin (YB), Northeast China, were investigated. The thermal water samples are classified as Na–HCO3-type water and were fully equilibrated, except for Sijixiangkang (SJXK) and Yitong (YT). The cations originate mainly from water–rock interactions (e.g., albitization and weathering of plagioclase), while the anions originate from magmatic volatiles and leaching of limestone and granite, which were heated by hot magmatic volatiles and exhibited an evaporation-like pattern in the Gibbs diagrams. The existence of magmatic volatiles was verified by the high ion ratio, the minor-element origins, δ13C values of HCO3, and δ34S values of SO4, which flowed upward along lithospheric faults, with higher fluxes in the northeast than in the southwest (the δ13C value of the Chaluhe depression (CD) is 0.93‰ lower than that of the Moliqing depression (MD, 1.63‰)). Furthermore, according to the Br/Cl and HCO3−/Cl ratios and the δ13C values, we speculate that a deep Permian limestone reservoir exists below the granitic unit. Based on the ion origins and fluid potentials, we conclude that the CD and MD are open systems rather than closed systems. The recharged water migrates from the margin to the center in the plane, and in the vertical direction, it migrates from the Yongji (E2y) and Sheling (E2sh) strata to the overlying strata and underlying Shuangyang (E2s) strata along faults. By summarizing all of the available data, we proposed a conceptual model of fluid migration.
Adrenocortical and bioenergetic responses to cold in laboratory-born northern red-backed voles (Myodes rutilus) from two populations in south Siberia, Russia
Authors: Polikarpov I.A. , Titova T.V. , Kondratyuk E.Yu. , Novikov E.A.
Published: January 2018

In animal populations inhabiting ecologically suboptimal environmental conditions, phenotypical shifts in physiological traits responsible for coping with environmental challenges can be expected. If such variations are of heritable origin, then they will manifest themselves even in individuals bred in captivity. In laboratory-born red-backed voles (Myodes rutilus (Pallas, 1779)) originating from a population with constantly low density, maximum cold-induced metabolic rates were higher than in voles from a high-density population, similar to the data obtained on wild-caught individuals from the same populations. However, unlike wild-caught voles, in laboratory-born individuals maintained under comfortable conditions, we revealed no interpopulation differences either in basal plasma corticosterone level or in corticosterone response to acute cooling. These data confirm the suggestion about the heritable origin of increased maximum cold-induced metabolic rate in a red-backed vole population with relatively low density.
The effect of habitat on the breeding season survival of Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) in the Great Lakes region
Authors: Boyer Ryan A. , Coluccy John M. , Montgomery Robert A. , Redilla Kyle M. , Winterstein Scott R.
Published: January 2018

Modeling the effect of habitat on animal survival is critical for understanding population dynamics and developing effective habitat management strategies. Despite the importance of this information, knowledge of survival–habitat associations are often lacking, particularly for waterfowl species. Here we evaluated female Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus, 1758) survival during the breeding season in relation to habitat conditions within each individual’s home range. We implanted telemetry transmitters and tracked 283 female Mallards across nine study sites in the Great Lakes region. For each Mallard, we quantified core breeding season home ranges via the creation of utilization distributions (UDs). We then fit known-fate models in the program MARK to predict breeding season survival as a function of the proximity of core home ranges to various habitat types, the proportion of habitat types within the core areas, number of core areas, and home range size. We found that breeding season survival decreased as the proportion of forestland habitat within core home ranges increased (β = −1.740, SE = 0.787). No additional upland or wetland habitat types significantly affected breeding season survival. Managers striving to increase breeding season survival for Mallards should focus their efforts on restoring habitats in areas with low proportions of forestland habitat to mitigate the risk of predation.
Another look at the impact of an eV-mass sterile neutrino on the effective neutrino mass of neutrinoless double-beta decays
Authors: Liu Jun-Hao , Zhou Shun
Published: January 2018

The possible existence of an eV-mass sterile neutrino, slightly mixing with ordinary active neutrinos, is not yet excluded by neutrino oscillation experiments. Assuming neutrinos to be Majorana particles, we explore the impact of such a sterile neutrino on the effective neutrino mass of neutrinoless double-beta decays [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] (for [Formula: see text]) denote respectively the absolute masses and the first-row elements of the [Formula: see text] neutrino flavor mixing matrix [Formula: see text], for which a full parametrization involves three Majorana-type CP-violating phases [Formula: see text]. A zero effective neutrino mass [Formula: see text] is possible, no matter whether three active neutrinos take the normal or inverted mass ordering, and its implications for the parameter space are examined in great detail. In particular, given the best-fit values of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] from the latest global analysis of neutrino oscillation data, a three-dimensional view of [Formula: see text] in the [Formula: see text]-plane is presented and further compared with that of the counterpart [Formula: see text] in the absence of any sterile neutrino.
Nucleon form factors in the nuclear medium
Authors: Park Chanyong , Lee Jung Hun
Published: January 2018

By using the AdS/CFT correspondence, we investigate various form factors between nucleons and mesons in a nuclear medium. In order to describe a nuclear medium holographically, we take into account the thermal charged AdS geometry with an appropriate IR cutoff. After introducing an anomalous dimension as a free parameter, we investigate how the nucleon’s mass is affected by the change of the anomalous dimension. Moreover, we study how the form factors of nucleons rely on the properties of the nuclear medium. We show that in a nuclear medium with different numbers of proton and neutron, the degenerated nucleon form factor in the vacuum is split into four different values depending on the isospin charges of nucleon and meson.
Analysis of the diverging effective mass in YaBa2Cu3O6+x for high-Tc mechanism and pairing symmetry
Authors: Kim Hyun-Tak
Published: January 2018

In order to clarify the high-T[Formula: see text] mechanism in inhomogeneous cuprate layer superconductors, we deduce and find the correlation strength which has not revealed before, contributing to the formation of the Cooper pair and the two-dimensional density of state, and demonstrate the pairing symmetry in the superconductors which is still controversial. To the open questions, the fitting and analysis of the diverging effective mass with decreasing doping, extracted from the acquired quantum-oscillation data in underdoped YaBa2Cu3O[Formula: see text] superconductors, using the extended Brinkman–Rice (BR) picture, reveal the nodal constant Fermi energy with the maximum carrier density, a constant Coulomb correlation strength [Formula: see text]=U/U[Formula: see text]0.90, and a growing Fermi arc from the nodal Fermi point to the isotropic Fermi surface with an increasing x. The growing of the Fermi arc indicates that a superconducting gap develops with x from the node (underdoped) to the anti-node (optimally or over-doped). The large [Formula: see text] results from the [Formula: see text]-wave metal–insulator transition for the pseudogap phase in lightly doped superconductors, which can be direct evidence for high-T[Formula: see text] superconductivity. The quantum critical point is regarded as the nodal Fermi point satisfied with the BR picture. The experimentally measured mass diverging behavior is an average effect and the true effective mass is constant. As an application of the nodal constant carrier density, the superconducting node gap analyzed by an angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) is a precursor of s-wave symmetry in underdoped cuprates. Furthermore, the half-flux quantum, induced by the circulation of d-wave supercurrent and observed by the phase sensitive Josephson-[Formula: see text] junction experiments, is not shown due to “anisotropic or asymmetric effect” appearing in superconductors with trapped flux.
Autonomous dynamical system approach for inflationary Gauss–Bonnet modified gravity
Authors: Oikonomou V. K.
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we shall analyze the [Formula: see text] gravity phase space, in the case that the corresponding dynamical system is autonomous. In order to make the dynamical system autonomous, we shall appropriately choose the independent variables, and we shall analyze the evolution of the variables numerically, emphasizing on the inflationary attractors. As we demonstrate, the dynamical system has only one de Sitter fixed point, which is unstable, with the instability being traced in one of the independent variables. This result holds true both in the presence and in the absence of matter and radiation perfect fluids. We argue that this instability could loosely be viewed as an indication of graceful exit in the [Formula: see text] theory of gravity.
Analysing the limitations of the dual-porosity response during well tests in naturally fractured reservoirs
Authors: Egya D. O. , Geiger S. , Corbett P. W. M. , March R. , Bisdom K. , Bertotti G. , Bezerra F. H.
Published: January 2018

Geological reservoirs can be extensively fractured but the well-test signatures observed in the wells may not show a pressure transient response that is representative of naturally fractured reservoirs (NFRs): for example, one that indicates two distinct pore systems (i.e. the mobile fractures and immobile matrix). Yet, the production behaviour may still be influenced by these fractures. To improve the exploitation of hydrocarbons from NFRs, we therefore need to improve our understanding of fluid-flow behaviour in fractures.

Multiple techniques are used to detect the presence and extent of fractures in a reservoir. Of particular interest to this work is the analysis of well-test data in order to interpret the flow behaviour in an NFR. An important concept for interpreting well-test data from an NFR is the theory of dual-porosity model. However, several studies pointed out that the dual-porosity model may not be appropriate for interpreting well tests from all fractured reservoirs.

This paper therefore uses geological well-testing insights to explore the limitations of the characteristic flow behaviour inherent to the dual-porosity model in interpreting well-test data from Type II and III NFRs of Nelson's classification. To achieve this, we apply a geoengineering workflow with discrete fracture matrix (DFM) modelling techniques and unstructured-grid reservoir simulations to generate synthetic pressure transient data in both idealized fracture geometries and real fracture networks mapped in an outcrop of the Jandaira Formation. We also present key reservoir features that account for the classic V-shape pressure derivative response in NFRs. These include effects of fracture skin, a very tight matrix permeability and wells intersecting a minor, unconnected fracture close to a large fracture or fracture network. Our findings apply to both connected and disconnected fracture networks.
The Shape Space of 3D Botanical Tree Models
Authors: Wang Guan , Laga Hamid , Xie Ning , Jia Jinyuan , Tabia Hedi
Published: January 2018

We propose an algorithm for generating novel 3D tree model variations from existing ones via geometric and structural blending. Our approach is to treat botanical trees as elements of a tree-shape space equipped with a proper metric that quantifies geometric and structural deformations. Geodesics, or shortest paths under the metric, between two points in the tree-shape space correspond to optimal deformations that align one tree onto another, including the possibility of expanding, adding, or removing branches and parts. Central to our approach is a mechanism for computing correspondences between trees that have different structures and a different number of branches. The ability to compute geodesics and their lengths enables us to compute continuous blending between botanical trees, which, in turn, facilitates statistical analysis, such as the computation of averages of tree structures. We show a variety of 3D tree models generated with our approach from 3D trees exhibiting complex geometric and structural differences. We also demonstrate the application of the framework in reflection symmetry analysis and symmetrization of botanical trees.
Synthetic Biology: Immunotherapy by Design
Authors: Brenner Jamie , Cho Jang Hwan , Wong Nicole M.L. , Wong Wilson W.
Published: January 2018

Cellular immunotherapy holds great promise for the treatment of human disease. Clinical evidence suggests that T cell immunotherapies have the potential to combat cancers that evade traditional immunotherapy. Despite promising results, adverse effects leading to fatalities have left scientists seeking tighter control over these therapies, which is reflected in the growing body of synthetic biology literature focused on developing tightly controlled, context-independent parts. In addition, researchers are adapting these tools for other uses, such as for the treatment of autoimmune disease, HIV infection, and fungal interactions. We review this body of work and devote special attention to approaches that may lend themselves to the development of an “ideal” therapy: one that is safe, efficient, and easy to manufacture. We conclude with a look toward the future of immunotherapy: how synthetic biology can shift the paradigm from the treatment of disease to a focus on wellness and human health as a whole.
Household Food Insecurity, Low Dietary Diversity, and Early Marriage Were Predictors for Undernutrition among Pregnant Women Residing in Gambella, Ethiopia
Authors: Nigatu Mamo , Gebrehiwot Tsegaye Tewelde , Gemeda Desta Hiko
Published: January 2018

Background. Maternal undernutrition affects the health of both mothers and children and, as a result, has broad impacts on economic and social development. Objective. The aim of this study was to assess magnitude of undernutrition and associated factors among pregnant women in Gambella town, 2014. Methods. Community based cross-sectional study was conducted on 338 randomly selected pregnant women from March to April 2014. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used for data analysis. Result. The prevalence of undernutrition among pregnant women in Gambella town was 28.6%. Pregnant women who were married before their age of eighteen, who were from food insecure households, and who had low dietary diversity score were nearly four (AOR = 3.9, 95% CI: 2.2–6.9), two (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI : 1.2–3.6), and two (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.3–4.16) times more likely to be undernourished as compared to their counterparts, respectively. Conclusion. Prevalence of undernutrition among pregnant women in Gambella town was unacceptably high. Stake holders should give due consideration to health education to delay age at first marriage and mainstreaming and strengthening nutritional activities that contribute to reduction of food insecurity and consumption of unbalanced nutrients.
A Closed-Loop Supply Chain with Trade-In Strategy under Retail Competition
Authors: Huang Yanting
Published: January 2018

This paper investigates a closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) consisting of a manufacturer and two competing retailers who collect used products through trade-in strategy. Three remanufacturing models with trade-in strategy have been developed: (1) the manufacturer implements trade-in strategy (Model M), (2) single retailer collects used products through trade-in strategy (Model SR), and (3) two retailers undertake trade-in activities (Model TR). We analyze the impact of trade-in strategy on equilibrium decisions and chain members’ profits when retailing is competitive. We show that, as for the manufacturer, he prefers the case where trade-in is implemented by himself due to the direct benefits from remanufacturing, and the case of single retailer implementing trade-in strategy is the most unfavorable for the environment. We also show that, if the net value of a used product is sufficiently large, the retailer only selling products benefits from the case of the manufacturer implementing trade-in strategy because the manufacturer can coordinate both the forward and reverse flows, and Model M dominates Model TR for the retailer who undertakes both product sales and trade-in strategy. Moreover, a larger trade-in rebate can be achieved when two retailers simultaneously conduct trade-in strategy due to the intense competition between two retailers.
Comparison of Concomitant Mesalamine and Immunomodulator Therapy and Immunomodulator Monotherapy for Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Kwak Min Seob , Kim Kyung-Jo , Cheon Jae Hee , Kim Wan Soo , Lee Jeong-Mi , Hwang Sung Wook , Park Sang Hyoung , Yang Dong-Hoon , Ye Byong Duk , Byeon Jeong-Sik , Myung Seung-Jae , Yang Suk-Kyun
Published: January 2018

Background. Although immunomodulators are increasingly used in Crohn’s disease (CD), a significant number of gastroenterologists still use 5-aminosalicylate (5-ASA) in combination with azathioprine (AZA) or 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP); there is limited evidence regarding the benefit of concomitant 5-ASA with AZA/6-MP compared with AZA/6-MP monotherapy for the treatment of CD. Study Design. A total of 106 patients who received AZA/6-MP for more than 3 months between January 1991 and May 2014 were identified retrospectively. Each patient was matched with 3 randomly selected controls who were treated with concomitant therapy during the same period. Results. The cumulative probabilities of steroid use at 5 and 10 years were 24.9% and 75.8% in the 5-ASA + AZA/6-MP group and 31.2% and 87.8% in the AZA/6-MP group, respectively (P=0.187). The cumulative probabilities of anti-TNF use, resectional surgery, and disease-related hospitalization were comparable between the groups. The younger age and the use of lower doses of immunomodulators were associated with higher requirement of rescue therapy. Conclusions. This study did not demonstrate that the concomitant use of 5-ASA with AZA/6-MP showed the proof or effect in terms of steroid requirements, anti-TNF use, resectional surgery, or disease-related hospitalization compared with that of AZA/6-MP alone.
Evaluation of the Morphology and Biocompatibility of Natural Silk Fibers/Agar Blend Scaffolds for Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Thu-Hien Luong , Thanh-Truc Nguyen , Toi Vo Van , Khon Huynh Chan , Bao Bui Chi , Niem Vo Van Thanh , Ngoc Tuan Anh Mai , Hai Nguyen Dai , Chuong Pham Dinh , Hiep Nguyen Thi
Published: January 2018

This study was aimed to develop a tissue engineering scaffold by incorporation of Bombyx mori silk fiber (BMSF) and agar. This promised the improvement in enhancing their advantageous properties as well as limiting their defects without occurring chemical reactions or crosslink formation. The morphology and chemical structure of scaffolds were observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra. The SEM results show that scaffolds containing BMSF have microporous structures, which are suitable for cell adhesion. Agar scaffolds, by contrast, had much more flat morphology. FT-IR spectra confirm that no modifications to BMSF happened in scaffolds, which indicates that there was no chemical reaction or crosslink formation between silk and agar in this process. Furthermore, the biocompatibility of scaffolds was performed in the mouse’s subcutaneous part of the dorsal region for 15 days, followed by Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining. H&E staining results demonstrate that scaffolds had good biocompatibility and there was no sign of the body rejection in all of samples. The results from animal study show that SA scaffolds have the most stable structure for cell adhesion compared with those single materials.
Regenerative Endodontic Treatment of a Maxillary Mature Premolar
Authors: Xu Qingan , Li Zhou
Published: January 2018

Regenerative endodontic treatment was performed on a mature maxillary premolar diagnosed as chronic pulpitis. The root canals were chemomechanically prepared and placed intracanal medicaments at the first appointment. Then 2 weeks later, a blood clot was created in the canals, over which mineral trioxide aggregate was placed. At 6-month follow-up, cementum-like tissue seemed to be formed in the root canal along with nearly recovered pulp vitality. At 12-month recall, the radiographic results revealed evidence of root wall thickening. At 30-month recall, no periapical lesion was found. This case report indicates that regenerative endodontic treatment for the mature premolar is feasible. More cases are needed for further validation.
Nutrient and Antinutrient Compositions and Heavy Metal Uptake and Accumulation inS. nigrumCultivated on Different Soil Types
Authors: Ogundola Adijat Funke , Bvenura Callistus , Afolayan Anthony Jide
Published: January 2018

Solanum nigrumcultivated on different soil texture types, sandy clay loam, silty clay loam, clay loam, loam, and control soils, were evaluated for proximate compositions, antinutrients, vitamins, and mineral composition with plant age using standard analytical methods. Accumulation of trace elements using translocation factor was studied to determine their toxic levels in plant tissues. Data were analysed by ANOVA and results expressed as means and standard deviation. Ash content, crude fibre, protein, alkaloid, phytate, and saponin ranged between 11.4 and 12%, 19.24 and 19.95%, 34.23 and 38.98, 42.08 and 45.76 mg/ml, 0.84 and 1.17%, and 94.10 and 97.00%, respectively. Vitamins A, C, and B were present in high quantity. Macro- and micronutrients recorded showed thatS. nigrumis a potential reservoir of minerals. Accumulation of micronutrients was observed to be the highest at the flowering stage between the 4th and 5th weeks after transplanting. Plants cultivated on clay loam, silty clay loam, and loam soils accumulated elevated nutritional compositions and abundant antinutrients. However, the accumulated trace metals in the plants are within the recommended safe levels. All nutrient values are in the recommended requirements for daily consumption.
Hybrid B-Spline Collocation Method for Solving the Generalized Burgers-Fisher and Burgers-Huxley Equations
Authors: Wasim Imtiaz , Abbas Muhammad , Amin Muhammad
Published: January 2018

In this study, we introduce a new numerical technique for solving nonlinear generalized Burgers-Fisher and Burgers-Huxley equations using hybrid B-spline collocation method. This technique is based on usual finite difference scheme and Crank-Nicolson method which are used to discretize the time derivative and spatial derivatives, respectively. Furthermore, hybrid B-spline function is utilized as interpolating functions in spatial dimension. The scheme is verified unconditionally stable using the Von Neumann (Fourier) method. Several test problems are considered to check the accuracy of the proposed scheme. The numerical results are in good agreement with known exact solutions and the existing schemes in literature.
The Time‐Space Joint Response Characteristics of AE‐UT under Step Loading and Its Application
Authors: Wang Xiaoran , Liu Xiaofei , Wang Enyuan , Zhang Chong , Jia Haishan , Li Dexing
Published: January 2018

The acoustic emission (AE) and ultrasonic (UT) simultaneous monitoring program is designed using concrete samples under step loading. The time‐varying response characteristics of AE‐UT are studied and the cross‐correlation analysis between AE‐UT parameters is obtained. Moreover, the joint response of UT‐AE spatial distribution field is analyzed, and an AE‐UT joint monitoring method to detect early‐warning signals of a rockburst disaster in a coal seam is proposed. The results show the following. (1) During the loading process, the AE pulses/energy and UT attenuation coefficient first slowly decrease and then increase steadily and finally rapidly increase, while the UT velocity shows a trend of first gradually increasing and then slowly decreasing and finally a sharp decline. (2) AE pulses and energy are significantly or highly correlated with the UT velocity and attenuation coefficient. The AE energy and UT attenuation coefficient can better characterize the damage evolution of concrete under step loading. (3) The UT field evolves ahead of the rupture on the surface, and the long/narrow strip distribution region of UT parameters is consistent with the future failure zone; meanwhile, the AE events can visually reflect the evolution path of internal damage as well as the dynamic migration mechanism of UT field.
Inhibitory Effect and Mechanism of Arctium lappa Extract on NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation
Authors: Kim Young-Kyu , Koppula Sushruta , Shim Do-Wan , In Eun-Jung , Kwak Su-Bin , Kim Myong-Ki , Yu Sang-Hyeun , Lee Kwang-Ho , Kang Tae-Bong
Published: January 2018

Arctium lappa (A. lappa), Compositae, is considered a potential source of nutrition and is used as a traditional medicine in East Asian countries for centuries. Although several studies have shown its biological activities as an anti‐inflammatory agent, there have been no reports on A. lappa with regard to regulatory role in inflammasome activation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of A. lappa extract (ALE) on NLRP3 inflammasome activation and explore the underlying mechanisms. We found that ALE inhibited IL‐1β secretion from NLRP3 inflammasome activated bone marrow derived macrophages but not that secreted by NLRC4 and AIM2 inflammasomes activation. Mechanistic studies revealed that ALE suppressed the ATPase activity of purified NLRP3 and reduced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) generated during NLRP3 activation. Therefore, the inhibitory effect of ALE on NLRP3 inflammasome might be attributed to its ability to inhibit the NLRP3 ATPase function and attenuated the mROS during inflammasome activation. In addition, ALE significantly reduced the LPS‐induced increase of plasma IL‐1β in mouse peritonitis model. These results provide evidence of novel anti‐inflammatory mechanisms of A. lappa, which might be used for therapeutic applications in the treatment of NLRP3 inflammasome‐associated inflammatory disorders.
Homogenate Extraction of Crocins from Saffron Optimized by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Tong Yingpeng , Jiang Yu , Guo Dan , Yan Yongqiu , Jiang Shiping , Lu Yu , Bathaie S. Zahra , Wang Ping
Published: January 2018

Saffron, which has many kinds of biological activities, has been widely used in medicine, cosmetics, food, and other fields of health promotion industries. Crocins are the main component of saffron (Crocus sativus L.). At present, most of the extraction methods for crocins require long time or special instruments to complete the process and some of them are not suitable for industrial production at present. In this article, homogenate extraction technology which is a convenient and efficient method was developed for crocins extraction from saffron. Firstly, the influences of extraction voltage, extraction time, ethanol concentration, and temperature on crocins yield were studied by single factor experiments; and then response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize levels of four variables based on the result of single factor experiments. Results showed that the optimum extraction process conditions for crocins were as follows: extraction voltage, 110 V; ethanol concentration, 70%; extraction temperature, 57°C; and extraction time, 40 s. Based on these conditions, the extraction yield of crocins can reach 22.76% which is higher than ultrasonic extraction method. Therefore, homogenate extraction is an effective way to extract crocins from saffron with higher extraction yield and shorter extraction time.
Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Improves the Pathological Outcomes of US-Guided Core Needle Biopsy That Targets the Viable Area of Anterior Mediastinal Masses
Authors: Zhou Jian-hua , Shan Hong-bo , Ou Wei , Mo Yun-xian , Xiang Jin , Wang Yu , Li Jian , Wang Si-yu
Published: January 2018

Based on the option that ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (US-CNB) of the enhanced portion of anterior mediastinal masses (AMMs) identified by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) would harvest viable tissue and benefit the histological diagnoses, a retrospective study was performed to elucidate the correlation between the prebiopsy CEUS and diagnostic yield of AMMs and found that CEUS potentially improved the diagnostic yield of AMMs compared with conventional US with a significant increase in the cellularity of samples. Furthermore, the marginal blood flow signals and absence of necrosis can predict the diagnostic yield of AMM. It was concluded that US-CNB of the viable part of AMMs, as verified by CEUS, was able to harvest sufficient tissue with more cellularity that could be used for ancillary studies and improve the diagnostic yield. And CEUS was recommended to those patients with AMMs undergoing repeated US-CNB, with the absence of marginal blood signals or presence of necrosis.
DFT Calculations of Hydrogen Adsorption inside Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Petrushenko Igor K.
Published: January 2018

DFT calculations have been performed to study noncovalent interactions of a hydrogen molecule and single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) of various diameters. Understanding these interactions is crucial for the development of systems for hydrogen storage and delivery. The barrier and barrier‐free introduction of a hydrogen molecule into SWCNTs is observed. It has been found that hydrogen molecules bind differently onto SWCNTs, depending on their diameters and the orientation of an H2 molecule inside the SWCNT. The binding inside SWCNTs with small diameters ((3,3); (4,4)) is very unfavorable; the opposite situation is in the case of larger ((5,5); (6,6)) SWCNTs. Finally, in the case of ((7,7); (8,8)) SWCNTs, the hydrogen binding energies decrease, and their values approach to those of graphene.
A Review of Prostate Cancer Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS)
Authors: Benafif Sarah , Kote-Jarai Zsofia , Eeles Rosalind A.
Published: January 2018

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in Europe and the United States. The genetic heritability of prostate cancer is contributed to by both rarely occurring genetic variants with higher penetrance and moderate to commonly occurring variants conferring lower risks. The number of identified variants belonging to the latter category has increased dramatically in the last 10 years with the development of the genome-wide association study (GWAS) and the collaboration of international consortia that have led to the sharing of large-scale genotyping data. Over 40 prostate cancer GWAS have been reported, with approximately 170 common variants now identified. Clinical utility of these variants could include strategies for population-based risk stratification to target prostate cancer screening to men with an increased genetic risk of disease development, while for those who develop prostate cancer, identifying genetic variants could allow treatment to be tailored based on a genetic profile in the early disease setting. Functional studies of identified variants are needed to fully understand underlying mechanisms of disease and identify novel targets for treatment. This review will outline the GWAS carried out in prostate cancer and the common variants identified so far, and how these may be utilized clinically in the screening for and management of prostate cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(8); 845–57. ©2018 AACR.
Background Factors and Subjective Voice Symptoms in Patients with Acquired Vocal Fold Scarring and Sulcus Vocalis
Authors: Malmström Emma , Hertegård Stellan
Published: January 2018

Objective: Vocal fold scarring (VFS) and sulcus vocalis (SV) often result in severe and chronic voice disorders. This study compares subjective voice complaints as rated with the Voice Handicap Index and etiological factors for patients with VFS and SV. Patients and Methods: Data were collected from the medical records at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Karolinska University Hospital, for 27 VFS patients and 27 SV patients. Descriptive background factors were compared between the groups and data were compared from the Swedish Voice Handicap Index (Sw-VHI) questionnaires. Results: Previous laryngeal surgery/trauma was significantly more common for the patients with VFS. The SV group had significantly more persistent dysphonia since childhood. It was significantly more common to have a non-Germanic language origin among the SV patients. VFS and SV rated high for the total median Sw-VHI scores. The VFS group’s total Sw-VHI and the three domain scores were significantly higher compared to the SV group. The physical domain showed a significantly higher score when compared to the functional and emotional domains in the SV cohort and when compared to the emotional domain in the VFS cohort. Conclusion: There are significant differences between the VFS group and SV group regarding etiological factors as well as the Sw-VHI. The degree and profile of VHI should be considered when selecting patients and evaluating the result of new treatments for this group of patients.
Clinicoepidemiologic Features of Chronic Urticaria in Patients with versus without Subclinical Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Cross-Sectional Study of 150 Patients
Authors: Kohli Sakshi , Mahajan Vikram K. , Rana Baldev S. , Mehta Karaninder S. , Raina Rashmi Kaul , Chauhan Pushpinder S. , Sharma Vikas , Rawat Ritu
Published: January 2018

Background: The Helicobacter pylori infection is linked to chronic urticaria in nearly 60% of patients. We studied clinicoepidemiologic features in patients with chronic urticaria with and without H. pylori infection. Methods: Endoscopic antral biopsy for the rapid urease test (RUT) and histopathology, and serum IgG ELISA for H. pylori infection were performed in 150 patients (male:female ratio 1:2.4) of chronic urticaria aged 18-68 years. Clinicoepidemiologic features including age, gender, age of onset and duration, frequency and distribution of wheals, urticaria severity score, and systemic symptoms were analyzed in patients with and without H. pylori. The results of serum IgG ELISA for H. pylori were compared with 106 age- and gender-matched healthy adult controls. Results: The RUT in 84 patients (56%), histopathology in 76 patients (50.6%), and H. pylori IgG ELISA in 94 patients (62.6%) were positive. H. pylori IgG ELISA was positive only in 35 (33%) controls, suggesting that chronic urticaria patients were more likely to have asymptomatic H. pylori infection than normal controls. Although not statistically significant, patients with H. pylori had a higher mean urticaria severity score, number of urticaria/angioedema episodes per year, and involvement of more body sites, particularly the scalp, palms, and soles. The constitutional or gastrointestinal symptoms were statistically higher in patients with H. pylori infection than those without it. Conclusion: A subset of chronic urticaria patients appears to have asymptomatic H. pylori infection. However, its implications in chronicity, recurrences, the severity of urticaria, other systemic manifestations, and management remains conjectural in view of 33% of controls also having positive H. pylori ELISA and the endemicity of infection in developing countries.
Predictors of Recoverability of Renal Function after Pyeloplasty in Adults with Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction
Authors: Li Xiao-Dong , Wu Yu-Peng , Wei Yong , Chen Shao-Hao , Zheng Qing-Shui , Cai Hai , Xue Xue-Yi , Xu Ning
Published: January 2018

Background: This study aimed to identify factors predicting the recoverability of renal function after pyeloplasty in adult patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 138 adults with unilateral renal obstruction-induced hydronephrosis and who underwent Anderson-Hynes dismembered pyeloplasty from January 2013 to January 2016. Hydronephrosis was classified preoperatively according to the Society for Fetal Urology (SFU) grading system. All patients underwent Doppler ultrasonography, excretory urography, computed tomography, and technetium-99m-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid radioisotope (99mTc DTPA) renography before and after surgery. Renal resistive index (RRI) and 99mTc DTPA renography were repeated at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: Multivariate analysis identified age, renal pelvic type, SFU grade, preoperative RRI, decline of RRI, and renal parenchyma to hydronephrosis area ratio (PHAR) as independent predictors of renal function recoverability after pyeloplasty. However, preoperative RRI and RRI decline were not significantly associated with recoverability of renal function in patients aged >35 years. Lower preoperative RRI, greater decline in RRI, higher PHAR, lower SFU grade, and extrarenal pelvis were associated with greater improvements in postoperative renal function. Conclusions: Preoperative differential renal function cannot independently predict the recoverability of postoperative renal function in adult patients with unilateral renal obstruction-induced hydronephrosis. SFU grade, renal pelvic type, PHAR, preoperative RRI, and decline in RRI were significantly associated with the recoverability of renal function in adult patients aged <35 years, while only SFU grade, renal pelvic type, and PHAR were significantly associated with renal function recoverability in patients aged ≥35 years. Renal function recovery was better in patients younger than 35 years when compared with older patients.