bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rural‐urban disparity in risk exposure to involuntary social health insurance transition in China: An investigation of chronic disease patients' mental health problems
Authors: Li Jiannan , Yuan Bocong
Published: August 2019

Chronic disease patients have long suffered from mental health problems because of the long‐lasting and costly treatments. Although the multilevel social health insurance system in China attempts to provide them with full‐fledged health insurance coverage, the increasing prevalence of gig economy unexpectedly disrupts this situation. As the social health insurance system in China is closely associated with employment status, unemployed rural‐to‐urban migrant workers/regular urban workers have to accept the transition from urban employee basic medical insurance (UEBMI) to new cooperative medical scheme (NCMS)/urban resident basic medical insurance (URBMI). This study investigates the influence of this involuntary health insurance transition on the mental health of chronic disease patients. Empirical results show that the experience of transition from UEBMI to NCMS would significantly deteriorate the mental health of chronic disease patients, while the transition from UEBMI to URBMI would not. Accordingly, chronically ill rural‐to‐urban migrant workers are vulnerable to the involuntary health insurance transition that further deteriorates their mental health, and the multilevel social health insurance system in China cannot cope well with the emerging phenomenon of frequent employment change in labor market.
Identification of novel epithelial ovarian cancer loci in women of African ancestry
Authors: Manichaikul Ani , Peres Lauren C. , Wang Xin‐Qun , Barnard Mollie E. , Chyn Deanna , Sheng Xin , Du Zhaohui , Tyrer Jonathan , Dennis Joseph , Schwartz Ann G. , Cote Michele L. , Peters Edward , Moorman Patricia G. , Bondy Melissa , Barnholtz‐Sloan Jill S. , Terry Paul , Alberg Anthony J. , Bandera Elisa V. , Funkhouser Ellen , Wu Anna H. , Pearce Celeste Leigh , Pike Malcom , Setiawan Veronica Wendy , Haiman Christopher A. ,   the African American Breast Cancer Consortium (AABC),   the African Ancestry Prostate Cancer Consortium (AAPC), Palmer Julie R. , LeMarchand Loic , Wilkens Lynne R. , Berchuck Andrew , Doherty Jennifer A. , Modugno Francesmary , Ness Roberta , Moysich Kirsten , Karlan Beth Y. , Whittemore Alice S. , McGuire Valerie , Sieh Weiva , Lawrenson Kate , Gayther Simon , Sellers Thomas A. , Pharoah Paul , Schildkraut Joellen M. ,   the African American Cancer Epidemiology Study (AACES) and the Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium (OCAC)
Published: August 2019

Women of African ancestry have lower incidence of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) yet worse survival compared to women of European ancestry. We conducted a genome‐wide association study in African ancestry women with 755 EOC cases, including 537 high‐grade serous ovarian carcinomas (HGSOC) and 1,235 controls. We identified four novel loci with suggestive evidence of association with EOC (p < 1 × 10−6), including rs4525119 (intronic to AKR1C3), rs7643459 (intronic to LOC101927394), rs4286604 (12 kb 3′ of UGT2A2) and rs142091544 (5 kb 5′ of WWC1). For HGSOC, we identified six loci with suggestive evidence of association including rs37792 (132 kb 5′ of follistatin [FST]), rs57403204 (81 kb 3′ of MAGEC1), rs79079890 (LOC105376360 intronic), rs66459581 (5 kb 5′ of PRPSAP1), rs116046250 (GABRG3 intronic) and rs192876988 (32 kb 3′ of GK2). Among the identified variants, two are near genes known to regulate hormones and diseases of the ovary (AKR1C3 and FST), and two are linked to cancer (AKR1C3 and MAGEC1). In follow‐up studies of the 10 identified variants, the GK2 region SNP, rs192876988, showed an inverse association with EOC in European ancestry women (p = 0.002), increased risk of ER positive breast cancer in African ancestry women (p = 0.027) and decreased expression of GK2 in HGSOC tissue from African ancestry women (p = 0.004). A European ancestry‐derived polygenic risk score showed positive associations with EOC and HGSOC in women of African ancestry suggesting shared genetic architecture. Our investigation presents evidence of variants for EOC shared among European and African ancestry women and identifies novel EOC risk loci in women of African ancestry.
Long intergenic noncoding RNA profiles of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma: A novel prognostic biomarker
Authors: Ghosal Suman , Das Shaoli , Pang Ying , Gonzales Melissa K. , Huynh Thanh‐Truc , Yang Yanqin , Taieb David , Crona Joakim , Shankavaram Uma T. , Pacak Karel
Published: August 2019

Many long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) serve as cancer biomarkers for diagnosis or prognostication. To understand the role of lincRNAs in the rare neuroendocrine tumors pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PCPG), we performed first time in‐depth characterization of lincRNA expression profiles and correlated findings to clinical outcomes of the disease. RNA‐Seq data from patients with PCPGs and 17 other tumor types from The Cancer Genome Atlas and other published sources were obtained. Differential expression analysis and a machine‐learning model were used to identify transcripts specific to PCPGs, as well as established PCPG molecular subtypes. Similarly, lincRNAs specific to aggressive PCPGs were identified, and univariate and multivariate analysis was performed for metastasis‐free survival. The results were validated in independent samples using RT‐PCR. From a pan‐cancer context, PCPGs had a specific and unique lincRNA profile. Among PCPGs, five different molecular subtypes were identified corresponding to the established molecular classification. Upregulation of 13 lincRNAs was found to be associated with aggressive/metastatic PCPGs. RT‐PCR validation confirmed the overexpression of four lincRNAs in metastatic compared to non‐metastatic PCPGs. Kaplan–Meier analysis identified five lincRNAs as prognostic markers for metastasis‐free survival of patients in three subtypes of PCPGs. Stratification of PCPG patients with a risk‐score formulated using multivariate analysis of lincRNA expression profiles, presence of key driver mutations, tumor location, and hormone secretion profiles showed significant differences in metastasis‐free survival. PCPGs thus exhibit a specific lincRNA expression profile that also corresponds to the established molecular subgroups and can be potential marker for the aggressive/metastatic PCPGs.
Hot isostatic pressure treatment of 3D printed Ti6Al4V alters surface modifications and cellular response
Authors: Berger Michael B. , Jacobs Thomas W. , Boyan Barbara D. , Schwartz Zvi
Published: August 2019

Additive manufacturing can be used to create personalized orthopedic and dental implants with varying geometries and porosities meant to mimic morphological properties of bone. These qualities can alleviate stress shielding and increase osseointegration through bone ingrowth, but at the expense of reduced fatigue properties compared to machined implants, and potential for loose build particle erosion. Hot isostatic pressure (HIP) treatment is used to increase fatigue resistance; implant surface treatments like grit‐blasting and acid‐etching create microroughness and reduce the presence of loose particles. However, it is not known how HIP treatment affects surface treatments and osseointegration of the implant to bone. We manufactured two titanium–aluminum–vanadium constructs, one with simple through‐and‐through porosity and one possessing complex trabecular bone‐like porosity. We observed HIP treatment varied in effect and was dependent on architecture. Micro/meso/nano surface properties generated by grit‐blasting and acid‐etching were altered on biomimetic HIP‐treated constructs. Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were cultured on constructs fabricated +/− HIP and subsequently surface‐treated. MSCs were sensitive to 3D‐architecture, exhibiting greater osteogenic differentiation on constructs with complex trabecular bone‐like porosity. HIP‐treatment did not alter the osteogenic response of MSCs to these constructs. Thus, HIP may provide mechanical and biological advantages during implant osseointegration and function.
Protective effect of vanillic acid against benzo(a)pyrene induced lung cancer in Swiss albino mice
Authors: Velli Sathesh kanna , Sundaram Jagan , Murugan Manikandan , Balaraman Gopalakrishnan , Thiruvengadam Devaki
Published: August 2019

Vanillic acid (VA) is found in high concentrations in various plants and used as traditional medicine for various diseases. The aim of the existing study is to illustrate the protective effects of VA against benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P)‐induced lung cancer in Swiss albino mice. B(a)P (50 mg/kg b.wt.) was given orally to induce lung cancer in mice. The body weight, tumor incidence, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), neuron‐specific enolase (NSE), and enzymatic/nonenzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione) were estimated. Further histochemical investigation through hematoxylin and eosin staining was also carried out. B(a)P administered groups showed increased levels of serum pathological markers CEA, NSE along with reduced final body weight as well as decreased tissue enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants activities, whereas VA treatment (200mg/kg/b.wt) along with B(a)P showed significantly reverted the above changes, which proves as prominent anticancer effects in experimentally induced lung cancer. Overall, these results suggest that VA has an efficient preventive action against B(a)P‐induced lung cancer, and this is attributed to its free‐radical scavenging antioxidant activities.
Palliative effect of curcumin on doxorubicin‐induced testicular damage in male rats
Authors: Aksu Emrah Hicazi , Kandemir Fatih Mehmet , Yıldırım Serkan , Küçükler Sefa , Dörtbudak Muhammed Baheeddin , Çağlayan Cüneyt , Benzer Fulya
Published: August 2019

This study aimed to investigate the effect of curcumin (CUR) on doxorubicin (DOX)‐induced testicular damage in male rats. Thirty‐five adult male Wistar rats were used. Control group was received saline for 7 days. CUR group received CUR for 7 days. DOX group received single dose DOX on the 5th day. DOX+ CUR‐100 group received 100 mg/kg/day CUR for 7 days and DOX injection on the 5th day. DOX + CUR‐200 group received 200 mg/kg/day CUR for 7 days and DOX injection on the 5th day. DOX treatment decreased in sperm motility rate, live sperm percentages, cellular antioxidants, and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, necrosis, degenerations, and slimming in seminiferous tubules, and DNA damages in testes by inducing oxidative stress. CUR treatment mitigated significantly these side effects when compared with DOX group in a dose‐dependent manner. In conclusion, CUR treatment can be used in the mitigation of DOX‐induced testicular toxicity.
ADSCs inhibit photoaging‐ and photocarcinogenesis‐related inflammatory responses and extracellular matrix degradation
Authors: Gong Meihua , Zhai Xu , Yu Li , Li Chunyang , Ma Xu , Shen Qi , Han Yubo , Yang Daping
Published: August 2019

Background

Skin is a dynamic organ that maintains homeostasis and provides protection against environmental stimuli and pathogens. However, constant solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation can induce photoaging and photocarcinogenesis, thus reducing skin barrier function by altering skin at the cellular and structural levels. Adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) ameliorate signs of skin photoaging, but their antiphotoaging mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we explored the mechanism by which ADSCs improve skin photoaging.

Methods

Female C57BL/6J mice were used as experimental subjects and were randomly divided into three groups. We used Western blot analysis, Real time‐polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence to analyze the expression of photoaging‐ and photocarcinogenesis‐related inflammasomes, extracellular matrix components, and related factors.

Results

The results showed that ADSCs reduced the UVB irradiation‐mediated increase in MMP2, MMP13, phospho‐NF‐κB p65, Nlrp3, and VCAM‐1 mRNA expression. The TGF‐β2 expression trend was opposite that of the above genes. ADSCs ameliorated the downregulation of α6 integrin, CD34, and collagen I by UVB irradiation. Simultaneously, ADSCs reduced the overexpression of COX2 and TNF‐α induced by UVB irradiation.

Conclusion

These results demonstrated that ADSCs could restore skin barrier function at the cellular and structural levels, enhance hair follicle stem cell (HFSCs) activity by regulating TGF‐β2 and inhibit photoaging‐ and photocarcinogenesis‐related inflammatory responses and extracellular matrix degradation.
A longitudinal study testing the role of psychache in the association between emotional abuse and suicidal ideation
Authors: Li Xiaoan , You Jianing , Ren Yaxuan , Zhou Jiazhi , Sun Ruohan , Liu Xiaoliu , Leung Freedom
Published: August 2019

Objective

Research suggests that emotional abuse is associated with adolescent suicidal ideation. But how they are related is still unclear. The present study tested the temporal relationship between emotional abuse and suicidal ideation, with psychache as the potential mediator. We also examined the reciprocal relationship between psychache and suicidal ideation.

Method

A number of 2,259 Chinese high school students (53.8% females, mean age = 15.11, SD = 1.57) in Hong Kong completed questionnaires assessing emotional abuse, psychache, and suicidal ideation three times at 6‐month intervals.

Results

The results supported the mediating effect of psychache in the path from emotional abuse to suicidal ideation. In addition, psychache and suicidal ideation were related reciprocally over time.

Conclusion

The findings of this study may help researchers and practitioners understand the pathways by which emotional abuse impacts adolescent suicidal ideation. Implications for preventions and interventions of suicidal ideation were discussed.
Randomized controlled trial of a web‐based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) program to promote mental health in university students
Authors: Viskovich Shelley , Pakenham Kenneth Ian
Published: August 2019

Objective

This study evaluated a 4‐week web‐based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) mental health promotion intervention for university students.

Method

Participants were randomized to intervention (n = 596) or waitlist control (n = 566). Assessment of primary outcomes (depression, anxiety, stress, well‐being, self‐compassion, life satisfaction, and academic performance) and ACT processes (acceptance, cognitive fusion, education values, valued living, and present moment awareness) occurred at pre‐ and post‐intervention and 12‐week follow‐up for intervention participants, and the same pre–post interval for waitlist control participants.

Results

Analyses showed significant improvements from pre‐ to post‐intervention compared with waitlist control on all primary outcomes and ACT processes. All intervention gains were maintained at follow‐up. Improvements on all primary outcomes were mediated by three or more ACT processes in both samples. Intervention effects were consistent across both sample groupings.

Conclusion

Findings provide support for a web‐based ACT mental health promotion intervention for university students.
The minority strengths model: Development and initial path analytic validation in racially/ethnically diverse LGBTQ individuals
Authors: Perrin Paul B. , Sutter Megan E. , Trujillo Michael A. , Henry Richard S. , Pugh Mickeal
Published: August 2019

Objective

The minority stress model and much research based upon it tend to adopt and reinforce a deficit‐based approach. This study created and initially validated the minority strengths model, which by contrast outlines how personal and collective strengths in minority populations create resilience and positive mental and physical health.

Materials and Method

A sample of 317 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds completed a national online survey.

Results

A minority strengths path model was generated with statistically significant paths and good fit indices, including all possible significant indirect effects. The model explained 16.8% of the variance in identity pride, 19.7% in self‐esteem, 32.9% in resilience, 41.6% in mental health, and 13.0% in positive health behaviors.

Conclusions

The minority strengths model holds promise to stimulate research on the personal and collective strengths of minority populations and the ways in which strengths generate resilience and positive mental and physical health.
Production of hydrogen and carbon nanotubes via catalytic thermo‐chemical conversion of plastic waste: review
Authors: Sharma Snigdha S , Batra Vidya S
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Plastic waste has been growing at an alarming rate with dissatisfactory recycling rates. It has a potential to be used for the recovery of hydrogen and carbon nanotubes due to its intrinsic properties.

RESULTS

Thermo‐chemical processes may be used to tap into the recovery of these resources from the wastes. Catalysts can be employed to increase the gaseous yield and to optimize the process parameters. Hydrogen production is greatly influenced by the catalyst properties, temperature, steam and feedstock. Similarly, the carbon deposits formed are influenced by many factors such as type of metal catalyst used and metal–support interaction. This review focuses on studies employing catalytic thermo‐chemical processes for extracting hydrogen and carbon nano structures from plastic wastes while evaluating the role of parameters such as temperature, catalyst type, catalyst composition, steam/feed ratio, feed rate, feedstock and their effect on the product yields.

CONCLUSION

In view of increasing concerns regarding waste management, climate change and energy security the possibility of employing waste products for producing clean energy in a sustainable manner is appealing and needs additional fundamental research. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Two‐step fractionation of Pinus radiata by autohydrolysis and organosolv delignification for enzymatic hydrolysis
Authors: Santos Tamara M , Rigual Victoria , Oliet Mercedes , Alonso M Virginia , Domínguez Juan C , Rodriguez Francisco
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Lignocellulosic biomass is a promising renewable feedstock to obtain fuels and chemicals. However, a suitable pretreatment is required to separate its main components and overcome its structural resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis. In this work, a sequential pretreatment composed of autohydrolysis (AH) and organosolv delignification (ORG) is used to fractionate Pinus radiata wood and improve the enzymatic hydrolysis.

RESULTS

The effect of three different AH pretreatment severities on the delignification degree of organosolv solid fractions was evaluated. In addition, enzymatic hydrolysis was performed to determine the efficiency of the combination of pretreatments. The results showed that a pretreated solid with high cellulose content (88%, w/w) and high delignification degree (88%) was achieved under mild conditions of AH (150 °C and 30 min) and acid‐catalyzed ORG (185 °C, 75 min, 50% (w/w) ethanol and 1% (w/w) sulfuric acid), obtaining an enzymatic hydrolysis yield of 63%.

CONCLUSION

This study provides the most favorable conditions to fractionate a softwood, P. radiata, employing a two‐step pretreatment based on AH followed by ORG. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and Computational Analysis of New Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Angular Chromenopyrimidines
Authors: Abozeid Mohamed A. , El‐Kholany Mohamed R. , Abouzeid Laila A. , Abdel‐Rahman Abdel‐Rahman H. , El‐Desoky El‐Sayed I.
Published: August 2019

A convenient synthetic protocol for the synthesis of novel chromenopyrimidine derivatives based on angular scaffold has been developed from the readily available enaminonitrile precursor 1. The skeleton of chromenopyrimidines has been decorated with different moieties in order to approach compounds with improved antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Compound 1 was reacted with Ac2O to yield benzochromenopyrimidine 6 that gave chloropyrimidine 7 via chlorination reaction. The reaction of chloropyrimidine 7 with different amines afforded a series of benzochromenopyrimidines 9–12. The hydrazine 11 and hydrazide 13 derivatives showed excellent antioxidant activity in addition to the potent antimicrobial activity revealed by aminopyrimidines 10 and 16. Computational docking studies indicated the potential recognition of compound 13 towards antioxidant binding site. Dual evaluations of the antimicrobial affinity of compound 16 indicated its promising activity as antimicrobial lead.
Mental Reinstatement of Context: Do individual differences in mental time travel and eyewitness occupation influence eyewitness performance over different delay intervals?
Authors: Bangs Karen , Smith‐Spark James H.
Published: August 2019

The Cognitive Interview is a memory‐enhancing interview protocol designed to optimise the access and retrieval of eyewitness memories. Its Mental Reinstatement of Context (MRC) component requires interviewees to mentally reconstruct the crime event they witnessed. Individual differences in mental time travel (MTT) relate to the extent to which a person mentally re‐experiences personal events from his or her past. Individual differences in MTT have been found to predict correct recall of a simulated crime event under immediate MRC recall conditions. To explore the relationship between MTT and performance under MRC conditions further, the present study presented a simulated crime video to 30 police officers and 26 members of the public. Eyewitness recall was tested under MRC conditions either immediately or 1 week later. Participants' general MTT and also MTT relating specifically to the crime video itself were measured via self‐report. Less correct information and more confabulations were produced after 1 week, but delay had no effect on the amount of incorrect information reported. No difference in recall was found between police officers and members of the public. Better quality MTT relating to the crime video was found to be a positive predictor of the amount of information correctly recalled under immediate conditions but not after 1 week. General MTT scores did not predict correct recall under either delay condition. Interviewers need to be aware that, due to individual differences, some witnesses may perform better under the MRC component than others.
Latent membrane protein 2A inhibits expression level of Smad2 through regulating miR‐155‐5p in EBV‐associated gastric cancer cell lines
Authors: Shi Qianzhu , Zhang Yan , Liu Wen , Xiao Hua , Qi Yifan , Li Jun , Luo Bing
Published: August 2019

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infection is one of the causes of gastric cancer (GC). Besides, previous studies have demonstrated that EBV‐encoded latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) influences the pathogenesis of EBV‐associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) through regulating several key pathways. In this study, the expression level of Smad2 was observed, which was reduced in EBVaGC cell lines, especially in the presence of LMP2A. Meanwhile, we found that LMP2A promoted the expression of miR‐155‐5p by activated nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signaling. After being treated with NF‐κB inhibitor (BAY 11‐7082), miR‐155‐5p sharply decreased. Western blot analysis proved that the overexpression of miR‐155‐5p could inhibit Smad2. Functional studies showed that the role of miR‐155‐5p might lead to good prognosis in EBV‐positive GC through promoting cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, as well as inhibiting tumor proliferation. In addition, p‐Smad2 protein was also reduced or induced by overexpression or knockdown, respectively, of miR‐155‐5p. Immunofluorescence analysis further indicated that LMP2A prevented p‐Smad2 from transferring to the nucleus, which played a crucial role in transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) signaling. In summary, our findings confirmed the relationship between LMP2A and Smad2 and provided a potential regulation of the TGF‐β pathway in EBVaGC.
Shifts of the nirS and nirK denitrifiers in different land use types and seasons in the Sanjiang Plain, China
Authors: Wang Chunyong , Li Juan , Wu Yuntao , Song Yi , Liu Ruyin , Cao Zicheng , Cui Yanshan
Published: August 2019

Denitrification is a key nitrogen removal process that involves many denitrifying bacteria. In this study, the denitrification performance was estimated for soil samples from different land use types including farmland soil, restored wetland soil, and wetland soil. The quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction results showed that the average abundance of nirS and nirK genes was notably affected by seasonal changes, increasing from 2.34 × 10
6 and 2.81 × 10
6 to 1.97 × 10
6 and 4.55 × 10
6 gene copies/g of dry soil, respectively, from autumn to spring. This suggests that the abundance of nirS and nirK denitrifiers in spring is higher than those in autumn. Furthermore, the abundance of nirS and nirK genes was higher in the farmland soil than in restored wetland soil and wetland soil in both seasons. According to the analyses of MiSeq sequencing of nirS and nirK genes, Halobacteriaceae could be used as a special strain to distinguish wetland soil from farmland soil and restored wetland soil. Furthermore, redundancy analysis indicated that the soil environmental variables of total carbon, total nitrogen, moisture content, and organic matter were the main factors affecting the community structures of nirS and nirK denitrifiers existing in wetland soil. These findings could contribute to understanding the differences in nirS and nirK denitrifiers between different land use types during seasonal changes.
The role of elective neck dissection in high‐grade parotid malignancy: A hospital‐based cohort study
Authors: Harbison R. Alex , Gray Alan J. , Westling Ted , Carone Marco , Rodriguez Cristina P. , Futran Neal D. , Cannon Richard B. , Houlton Jeffrey
Published: August 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

The role of elective neck dissection (END) in patients with clinically N0 (cN0), high‐grade parotid carcinoma is unclear. The objective of this study was to assess the association between END and survival in patients with cN0, high‐grade parotid carcinoma.

Study Design

Retrospective, multicenter cohort study.

Methods

A review of hospital‐based cases from the National Cancer Data Base was performed. Participants included patients diagnosed with cN0, high‐grade parotid cancer between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2013. The primary exposure was receipt of neck dissection. Secondary exposures included receipt of adjuvant radiation and/or chemotherapy. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed. Unadjusted and adjusted survival estimates were determined.

Results

Overall, 1,547 patients were included, with a median follow‐up time of 48 months. END did not have a statistically significant effect on 3‐year survival (3‐year: 69.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 67.2 to 72.6). Survival at 3‐years among those not receiving END was 66.1% (95% CI: 62.7 to 69.5). Parotidectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy had the strongest effect on mortality. There was no difference in 3‐year survival among patients who underwent parotidectomy and adjuvant radiation stratified by receipt of END nor did END have a statistically significant effect on survival in mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, high‐risk histology, high T stage, or academic center treatment subgroups.

Conclusions

END did not have a statistically significant effect on survival among cN0 patients with high‐grade parotid cancer when taking into account receipt of adjuvant therapy and confounding. The role of END on survival and locoregional control remains to be further elucidated in prospective studies.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:1487–1495, 2020
Genetic Risk Scores for Maternal Lipid Levels and Their Association with Preterm Birth
Authors: Smith Caitlin J. , Jasper Elizabeth A. , Baer Rebecca J. , Breheny Patrick J. , Paynter Randi A. , Bao Wei , Robinson Jennifer G. , Dagle John M. , Jelliffe‐Pawlowski Laura L. , Ryckman Kelli K.
Published: August 2019

Maternal lipid profiles are associated with risk for preterm birth (PTB), although the lipid component and effect size are inconsistent between studies. It is also unclear whether these associations are the result of excessive changes in lipid metabolism during pregnancy or genetic variability in genes controlling basal lipid metabolism. This study investigates the association between genetic risk scores (GRS) for four lipid components (high‐density lipoprotein [HDL‐C], low‐density lipoprotein [LDL‐C], triacylglycerols [TAG], and total cholesterol [TC]) with risk for PTB. Subjects included 954 pregnant women from California for whom second trimester serum samples were available, of which 479 gave birth preterm and 475 gave birth at term. We genotyped 96 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms, which were selected from genome‐wide association studies of lipid levels in adult populations. Lipid‐specific GRS were constructed for HDL‐C, LDL‐C, TAG, and TC. The associations between GRS and PTB were analyzed using logistic regression. A higher HDL‐C GRS was associated with increased risk for PTB overall and spontaneous PTB. Higher TAG and TC GRS were associated with decreased risk for PTB overall and spontaneous PTB. This study identifies counter‐intuitive associations between lipid GRS and spontaneous PTB. Further replication studies are needed to confirm these findings, but they suggest that our current scientific understanding of the relationship between lipid metabolism, PTB, and genetics is incomplete.
Investigation of the effects of different heat treatment parameters on the corrosion and mechanical properties of the AlSi10Mg alloy produced with direct metal laser sintering
Authors: Özer Gökhan , Tarakçi Gürkan , Yilmaz Mustafa S. , Öter Zafer Ç. , Sürmen Ömer , Akça Yaşar , Coşkun Mert , Koç Ebubekir
Published: August 2019

In this study, AlSi10Mg samples produced by the direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) method were applied to heat treatment with different parameters (stress relief and T6). Heat‐treated and as‐built samples were subjected to intergranular corrosion test according to BS EN ISO 11846 standard. Hardness, tensile, electrical conductivity, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and weight loss tests were applied to the samples. The corrosion, electrical conductivity, and mechanical properties of the DMLS‐AlSi10Mg material were investigated in detail depending on the heat‐treatment parameters.
Protein‐Mimicking Functions of Nano‐Size Monoamido Amino Acids Derived from Polysaccharides of Marine Origin
Authors: Chadar Dattatray A. , Chudasama Nishith A. , Vadodariya Nilesh , Meena Ramavatar , Prasad Kamalesh , Siddhanta Arup K.
Published: August 2019

Polysaccharides of marine origin, for example, agarose (Ag) and alginic acid (Alg)‐based new nano‐size monoamido amino acid derivatives are synthesized and their protein‐like characteristics are evaluated. Two new agarose‐based nanosize amino acid derivatives are obtained by partial amidation of agarose succinate half‐ester (Ag‐SA; DS 0.95) employing aliphatic acyclic and cyclic diamines, for example, 1,6‐hexamethylenediamine (HDA) and trans‐1,4‐cyclohexanediamine (CHDA), named Ag‐SA‐hexamethylene‐monoamido (AEAm) and Ag‐SA‐cyclohexanemonoamido (AECAm) amines (DSs 0.47, 0.35), recording isoelectric points (pIs) 7.9 and 6.4, respectively. Alginic acid, extracted from the Indian seaweed species, Sargassum tenerrimum, is functionalized with ethylene diamine (EDA) affording a nanosize alginic‐acid‐based monoamido amino acid (Alg‐EDA; DS 0.47; pI 3.40). All of these three nanosize monoamido amino acids (DLS; (nm) AEAm 0.65, 80.9; AECAm 0.65, 7.54, and 107.4; Alg‐EDA 0.89, 2.0, 50, and 61.0) exhibit protein‐mimicking functions interacting with Salman testes DNA and bovine serum albumin (BSA), displaying different complexation and decomplexation profiles in a varying pH regime. These nanobody polysaccharide‐based protein‐like large molecules may be of potential utility in the domains of pH‐responsive drug delivery, separations as well as chiral sensing applications.
Novel Poly(m‐phenyleneisophthalamide) Dielectric Composites with Enhanced Thermal Conductivity and Breakdown Strength Utilizing Functionalized Boron Nitride Nanosheets
Authors: Duan Guangyu , Wang Yan , Yu Junrong , Zhu Jing , Hu Zuming
Published: August 2019

Dielectric polymer‐based composites with high breakdown strengths and thermal conductivities have attracted considerable attention when applied in electronic devices. In this study, a novel poly(m‐phenyleneisophthalamide) (PMIA) dielectric nanocomposite is successfully fabricated by introducing functionalized hexagonal boron nitride nanosheet (fBNNS) fillers. Due to effective functionalization of hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs), fBNNSs fillers are homogeneously dispersed in the PMIA matrix. The breakdown strength and thermal conductivity of PMIA/fBNNSs dielectric nanocomposite are investigated. Research results indicate that the breakdown strength of fBNNSs‐12 reaches 105.6 MV m−1, which is 1.34 times that of pure PMIA. Moreover, owing to high thermal conductivity of fBNNSs, the thermal conductivities of fBNNSs‐12 are observably increased to 8.06 W m−1 K of in‐plane direction and 0.84 W m−1 K of through‐plane direction, respectively. Considering these properties, the manufactured PMIA/fBNNSs dielectric nanocomposites show potential applications in field of electronics.
Metal‐Organic Frameworks in Polymer Science: Polymerization Catalysis, Polymerization Environment, and Hybrid Materials
Authors: Schmidt Bernhard V. K. J.
Published: August 2019

The development of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) has had a significant impact on various fields of chemistry and materials science. Naturally, polymer science also exploited this novel type of material for various purposes, which is due to the defined porosity, high surface area, and catalytic activity of MOFs. The present review covers various topics of MOF/polymer research beginning with MOF‐based polymerization catalysis. Furthermore, polymerization inside MOF pores as well as polymerization of MOF ligands is described, which have a significant effect on polymer structures. Finally, MOF/polymer hybrid and composite materials are highlighted, encompassing a range of material classes, like bulk materials, membranes, and dispersed materials. In the course of the review, various applications of MOF/polymer combinations are discussed (e.g., adsorption, gas separation, drug delivery, catalysis, organic electronics, and stimuli‐responsive materials). Finally, past research is concluded and an outlook toward future development is provided.
miR‐210‐3p mediates metabolic adaptation and sustains DNA damage repair of resistant colon cancer cells to treatment with 5‐fluorouracil
Authors: Pranzini Erica , Leo Angela , Rapizzi Elena , Ramazzotti Matteo , Magherini Francesca , Giovannelli Lisa , Caselli Anna , Cirri Paolo , Taddei Maria Letizia , Paoli Paolo
Published: August 2019

Chemoresistance is the primary cause of chemotherapy failure. Compelling evidence shows that micro RNAs (miRNAs) contribute to reprogram cancer cells toward a resistant phenotype. We investigate the role of miRNAs in the response to acute treatment with 5‐FU in colon cancer‐resistant cells. We performed a global gene expression profile for the entire miRNA genome and found a change in the expression of four miRNAs following acute treatment with 5‐FU. Among them, we focused on miR‐210‐3p, previously described as a key regulator of DNA damage repair mechanisms and mitochondrial metabolism. We show that miR‐210‐3p downregulation enables resistant cells to counteract the toxic effect of the drug increasing the expression of RAD‐52 protein, responsible for DNA damage repair. Moreover, miR‐210‐3p downregulation enhances oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), increasing the expression levels of succinate dehydrogenase subunits D, decreasing intracellular succinate levels and inhibiting HIF‐1α expression. Altogether, these adaptations lead to increased cells survival following drug exposure. These evidence suggest that miR‐210‐3p downregulation following 5‐FU sustains DNA damage repair and metabolic adaptation to counteract drug treatment.
Two‐dimensional solvable system of difference equations with periodic coefficients
Authors: Stević Stevo
Published: August 2019

We show that the following two‐dimensional system of difference equations:

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma5780:mma5780-math-0001
where
,
,
, and
are periodic sequences, is solvable, considerably extending some results in the literature. In the case when all these four sequences are periodic with period 2 or with period 3, we present closed‐form formulas for the general solutions to the corresponding systems of difference equations. Some comments regarding theoretical and practical solvability of the system, connected to the value of the period of the sequences, are given.
Use of pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A during oocyte in vitro maturation increases IGF‐1 and affects the transcriptional profile of cumulus cells and embryos from Nelore cows
Authors: Giroto Alan B. , Fontes Patrícia K. , Franchi Fernanda F. , dos Santos Priscila H. , Razza Eduardo M. , Nogueira Marcelo F. G. , Maioli Marcos A. , Nogueira Guilherme P. , Nunes Giovana B. , Mingoti Gisele Z. , Mareco Edson A. , Castilho Anthony C. S.
Published: August 2019

Insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) activity is established by the regulation of IGF binding protein activity, which blocks IGF‐1 functions, whereas pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) improves IGF‐1 bioavailability and facilitates binding to IGF receptors. To further extend our understanding of the effect of exogenous PAPP‐A on bovine embryo production, we added this protein during in vitro maturation of cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs); moreover, we assessed its effects on IGF‐1 quantity in the maturation medium, embryonic yield and postwarming survival, blastocyst quality, and transcript abundance. Bovine COCs were matured in a serum‐free medium, either with PAPP‐A supplementation (100 ng/ml) or without (control). The treatment group produced higher IGF‐1 concentrations in the maturation medium; however, showed no difference on cleavage, blastocysts rates, and embryonic survival 3 and 24 hr postcryopreservation. Regarding gene expression, VNN1 was upregulated, whereas AGPAT9, FASN, EGFR, HAS2, and IMPDH1 were downregulated in PAPP‐A treated. PAPP‐A treated, CPT2, DNMT3A, and TFAM were upregulated, whereas ATF4 and IFITM3 were downregulated. We concluded that although the addition of PAPP‐A did not affect embryo yield and blastocyst survival, higher IGF‐1 levels may affect embryo competence through differential expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism, oocyte competence, and mitochondrial function.
Quantitative susceptibility map reconstruction using annihilating filter‐based low‐rank Hankel matrix approach
Authors: Ahn Hyun‐Seo , Park Sung‐Hong , Ye Jong Chul
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) inevitably suffers from streaking artifacts caused by zeros on the conical surface of the dipole kernel in k‐space. This work proposes a novel and accurate QSM reconstruction method based on k‐space low‐rank Hankel matrix constraint, avoiding the over‐smoothing problem and streaking artifacts.

Theory and Methods

Based on the recent theory of annihilating filter‐based low‐rank Hankel matrix approach (ALOHA), QSM is formulated as deconvolution under low‐rank Hankel matrix constraint in the k‐space. The computational complexity and the high memory burden were reduced by successive reconstruction of 2‐D planes along 3 independent axes of the 3‐D phase image in Fourier domain. Feasibility of the proposed method was tested on a simulated phantom and human data and were compared with existing QSM reconstruction methods.

Results

The proposed ALOHA‐QSM effectively reduced streaking artifacts and accurately estimated susceptibility values in deep gray matter structures, compared to the existing QSM methods.

Conclusions

The suggested ALOHA‐QSM algorithm successfully solves the 3‐dimensional QSM dipole inversion problem using k‐space low rank property with no anatomical constraint. ALOHA‐QSM can provide detailed brain structures and accurate susceptibility values with no streaking artifacts.
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome in the UK National Health Service: A multicentre service evaluation
Authors: Stephens Gareth , O'Neill Seth , Clifford Chris , Cuff Andrew , Forte Felipe , Hawthorn Catrin , Littlewood Chris
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a debilitating condition causing lateral hip pain. A recent randomized controlled trial (LEAP) demonstrated that exercise interventions for GTPS provided superior outcomes, compared with corticosteroid injection and wait‐and‐see approaches. However, participants were not patients seeking care and therefore may not have represented the typical patient seen within the National Health Service (NHS). The present service evaluation aimed to provide data on the characteristics of patients with GTPS presenting to NHS physiotherapy services, to enable consideration of the applicability of the findings of the LEAP trial to patients seeking care within the NHS.

Methods

Four NHS sites provided anonymized data on patients presenting to their service with a primary complaint of GTPS.

Results

The data from 162 patients suggested that the typical patients presenting to the NHS with GTPS are female (73%), overweight (body mass index 28.5) and experiencing a 12‐month or longer history of lateral hip pain (56.8%). Patients reported high levels of pain (visual analogue score 6.5), low health‐related quality of life (EuroQol five‐dimensions – 5‐level score 0.6), coexisting medical conditions (79.0%) and high medication use (82.7%).

Conclusions

Patients presenting to the NHS with GTPS appear to have multifactorial issues, with high levels of pain and disability, and are often medicated for multiple coexisting conditions. These characteristics differentiate them from patients recruited to the LEAP trial. Hence, it is unclear whether the findings of the LEAP trial are applicable to patients with GTPS who consult physiotherapy services in the NHS. Further research is warranted to evaluate this.
Nerve size correlates with clinical severity in Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease 1A
Authors: Zanette Giampietro , Tamburin Stefano , Taioli Federica , Lauriola Matteo Francesco , Badari Andrea , Ferrarini Moreno , Cavallaro Tiziana , Fabrizi Gian Maria
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Nerve cross‐sectional area (CSA) is larger than normal in Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease 1A (CMT1A), although to a variable extent. We explored whether CSA is correlated with CMT clinical severity measured with neuropathy score version 2 (CMTNS2) and its examination subscore (CMTES2) in CMT1A.

Methods

We assessed 56 patients with CMT1A (42 families). They underwent nerve conduction study (NCS) and nerve high‐resolution ultrasound (HRUS) of the left median, ulnar, and fibular nerves.

Results

Univariate analysis showed NCS and HRUS variables to be significantly correlated with CMTNS2 and CMTES2 and with each other. Multivariate analysis showed that ulnar motor nerve conduction velocity (β: −0.19) and fibular compound muscle action potential amplitude (−1.50) significantly influenced CMTNS2 and that median forearm CSA significantly influenced CMTNS2 (β: 5.29) and CMTES2 (4.28).

Discussion

Nerve size is significantly associated with clinical scores in CMT1A, which suggests that it might represent a potential biomarker of CMT damage and progression.
Longitudinal reliability of outcome measures in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Nagy Sara , Schädelin Sabine , Hafner Patricia , Bonati Ulrike , Scherrer Delia , Ebi Selina , Schmidt Simone , Orsini Anna‐Lena , Bieri Oliver , Fischer Dirk
Published: August 2019

Introduction

The definition of reliable outcome measures is of increasing interest in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Methods

In this retrospective study, we analyzed the longitudinal reliability of clinical and radiological endpoints in 29 ambulant patients with DMD. Clinical outcome measures included motor function measure (MFM) and timed function tests, while quantitative MRI data were mean fat fraction (MFF) and T2 relaxation time of thigh muscles. Statistical analysis was based on 3‐, 6‐, and 12‐month follow‐up data.

Results

Quantitative MRI using the MFF was the most sensitive and powerful marker of disease progression with a sample size of four at 1‐year follow‐up, followed by the D1 domain of MFM (standing and transfer function) with a sample size of 12.

Discussion

Our data support the longitudinal design of clinical trials over at least 12 months and the combinational use of clinical and radiological surrogate outcome measures.
A diagonal splitting method for solving semidiscretized parabolic partial differential equations
Authors: Hosseini Rasool , Tatari Mehdi
Published: August 2019

In this work, a diagonal splitting idea is presented for solving linear systems of ordinary differential equations. The resulting methods are specially efficient for solving systems which have arisen from semidiscretization of parabolic partial differential equations (PDEs). Unconditional stability of methods for heat equation and advection–diffusion equation is shown in maximum norm. Generalization of the methods in higher dimensions is discussed. Some illustrative examples are presented to show efficiency of the new methods.
Synthesis and properties of prepolymers and their siloxane analogues by thiol‐ene polyaddition of limonene with dithiols
Authors: Drozdov Fedor V , Tarasenkov Alexandr N , Cherkaev Georgij V , Demchenko Nina V , Buzin Michail I , Leites Larissa A , Muzafarov Aziz M
Published: August 2019

This work presents a synthesis of monomers from a natural compound (limonene) and dimethylsiloxanes with various chain lengths by hydrosilylation. Based on these monomers, prepolymers with various lengths of the siloxane and methylene parts, as well as their analogues without siloxane moieties, were obtained by thiol‐ene polyaddition with ethanedithiol, butanedithiol and hexanedithiol. Their physicochemical characteristics, namely the thermal stability, phase behaviour and intrinsic viscosity of the polymers obtained, were compared as a function of the length of the methylene spacer and the siloxane part in the polymer chain. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Tellurium‐based screen‐printable conductor metallizations for crystalline silicon solar cells
Authors: Mikeska Kurt R. , Lu Meijun , Liao Weilin
Published: August 2019

Tellurium‐based screen‐printable conductor metallization pastes containing multiple inorganic solid‐state frits (ie, metallization pastes containing two or more individual discrete tellurium‐based frits) were evaluated on p‐type, mono‐crystalline silicon passivated emitter rear cell (PERC) wafers. Individual discrete frits with tellurium‐lead‐metal‐oxygen compositions of
were prepared with varying ratios of tellurium and lead cations. Screen‐printed solar cells fabricated from metallization pastes containing multiple discrete frits (two, three, and four discrete frits) had state‐of‐the‐art solar cell electrical properties (Eff = 21.1%). Mechanisms for the oxidation, dissolution, and removal of the SiNx:H antireflective coating (ARC) by tellurium‐based metallizations during solar cell firing are examined. In situ thermal analysis of a model frit‐silicon nitride system shows that frit glass transition temperatures coincide with the onset of silicon nitride oxidation during heating in accord with dissolution reactions. The advantage of multiple frit systems is an inherent ability to fine‐tune the final chemistry of the conductor metallization, beyond what is possible with single frit systems, to further improve solar cell performance, which is essential for advanced crystalline silicon solar cell devices and continued reductions in processing costs.