bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circular RNA expression profile of spleen in a Clostridium perfringens type C‐induced piglet model of necrotizing enteritis
Authors: Yan Zunqiang , Jiang Tiantuan , Wang Pengfei , Huang Xiaoyu , Yang Qiaoli , Sun Wenyang , Gun Shuangbao
Published: August 2018

Clostridium perfringens type C is a pathogen that causes necrotizing enteritis (NE), which is an intestinal tract disease in piglets. The pathogenesis of C. perfringens type C‐induced NE is still unclear, leading to a lack of effective therapies. Earlier studies have reported that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the pathogenic processes of various diseases. However, it is not known if circRNAs in spleen play a role in C. perfringens type C infection in NE. To address this question, we infected 7‐day‐old piglets with C. perfringens type C to induce NE. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of small intestine revealed inflammation, atrophy and shedding of intestinal villi, and intestinal mucosal necrosis. We observed increased expression of cytokine genes (such as IL‐1β and IL‐6) and inflammation in the spleen. In addition, we used RNA‐seq and bioinformatics analysis to examine changes in circRNA expression. A total of 103 circRNAs were found to be differentially expressed in NE, and Gene Ontology analysis revealed that the genes producing differentially expressed circRNAs were enriched in regulation of the cellular metabolic process protein binding. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis showed that the genes producing differentially expressed circRNAs were involved in the tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, T cell receptor signaling pathway and nuclear factor‐κB signaling pathway. Finally, we found eight circRNAs (including circ_0002220 and circ_0000821) that are related to NE. Therefore, our study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying C. perfringens type C infection in piglets.
The role of emotional intelligence and negative affect as protective and risk factors of aggressive behavior: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Cobo María J. , Megías Alberto , Gómez‐Leal Raquel , Cabello Rosario , Fernández‐Berrocal Pablo
Published: August 2018

The General Aggression Model (GAM) offers an integrative explanation of the aggressive behavior based on three stages: 1) inputs: personal and situational factors; 2) routes or individual internal states: affect, cognition, and arousal; and 3) outcomes: decision processes with a (non) aggressive result. Researchers are interested in looking for protective factors within the GAM to diminish aggression. Previous studies have found two relevant variables acting independently as risk and protective factors: emotional intelligence (EI) and negative affect (NA). The aim of the present study is to analyze a moderated mediation model including these variables as an explanation of aggressive behavior and integrate it within the GAM. Four hundred and six participants were assessed on EI, NA, and aggression. The moderated mediation analysis showed a significant negative indirect effect of the perceiving EI branch on total aggression mediated through NA levels, which, in turn, was moderated by the managing EI branch. Moreover, this relationship was also observed for the physical, anger, and hostility sub‐scales of aggression. Our study demonstrates the importance of having a high ability to perceive emotions as a protective factor in the first stage of the GAM. These individuals will present lower NA in the second stage of the model, resulting in a reduction in aggression. Moreover, having a high ability to perceive emotions is particularly relevant for individuals that are less able to manage emotions, given that those participants with higher scores on the managing EI branch can reduce their aggressive behavior by mitigating the effect of NA on aggression in the third stage of the GAM.
Alcohol consumption and probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder
Authors: Ma Chaoran , Pavlova Milena , Li Junjuan , Liu Ying , Sun Yujie , Huang Zhe , Wu Shouling , Gao Xiang
Published: August 2018

Objective

To systematically examine the association between alcohol intake and likelihood of having probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (pRBD) 6 years later.

Methods

The study included 11,905 participants (mean age: 47.7 years) of the Kailuan Study, free of stroke, cancer, Parkinson disease, dementia, and head injury in 2006. We determined pRBD using a validated RBD questionnaire–Hong Kong in 2012. Amounts and types of alcohol intake were collected with questionnaire. Participants were categorized into: nondrinkers, light (women: 0–0.4 servings/day; men: 0–0.9 servings/day), moderate (women: 0.5–1.0 servings/day; men: 1–2 servings/day), and heavy drinkers(women: >1 serving/day; men: >2 servings/day). To examine the alcohol‐pRBD relationship, we used logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for demographic characteristics, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, physical activity, body mass index, and plasma concentrations of lipids and urate.

Results

Compared with nondrinkers, current drinkers had a 23% higher likelihood of having pRBD (adjusted OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.07–1.59). Both moderate (adjusted OR: 1.53, 95% CI 1.01–2.30) and heavy drinkers (adjusted OR: 1.29, 95% CI 1.00–1.66), but not light drinkers (adjusted OR: 1.16, 95% CI 0.94–1.44), had a significantly higher likelihood of having pRBD, relative to nondrinkers. There was a nonsignificant trend between consumption of each individual alcoholic beverages (i.e., beer, wine, or hard liquor) and higher likelihood of having pRBD (adjusted ORs ranged from 1.11 to 1.49).

Conclusions

Alcohol consumption was associated with a higher likelihood of having pRBD. Future prospective studies with clinically confirmed RBD, large sample size for information on types of alcoholic beverage are warranted.
3D Assembly of Metal Nanoparticles at Oleic Acid/Water Interface via Their Autonomous and Rapid Interfacial Locomotion
Authors: Shin Yonghee , Whang Keumrai , Chang Jeehan , Jang Jungwoo , Yoo Sooyeon , Lee Jungchul , Choi Yeonho , Choi Inhee , Kang Taewook
Published: August 2018

The assembly of colloidal metal nanoparticles at immiscible liquid interface has attracted considerable attention because of both enhanced physical properties associated with the assembly and controlled mass transfer at the interface for many sensing and catalytic applications. However, rapid production of 3D assembly of metal nanoparticles at liquid interface is still challenging. Here a facile and robust method is proposed to generate 3D assembly of colloidal metal nanoparticles at oleic acid/water interface, which is based on an interesting observation of the autonomous and rapid interfacial locomotion of nanoparticles from air/water to oleic acid/water interface. This interfacial transfer of these particles is completed within a minute considerably owing to electrostatic interaction between positively charged surface molecule of the particle and the negative end of oleic acid, producing up to 20‐fold denser 3D assembly. To realize one of the benefits of the proposed method, 3D assemblies of gold and silver nanoparticles at oleic acid/water interface are successfully exploited for the detection of trace molecules in both oil and water phases via surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Molecular Raman signals can be increased by our 3D nanoparticle layers by up to 100 times, compared with that measured from nanoparticle monolayers being transferred onto solid substrates.
Therapeutic Potential of Biomineralization‐Based Engineering
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Xiao Yun , Hao Haibin , Zhang Ying , Xu Xurong , Tang Ruikang
Published: August 2018

In nature, the biomineralization processes of living organisms produce a wide range of organic–inorganic hybrid materials to achieve various functions. In particular, egg shells can provide extra protection for embryos and maintain air exchange. Inspired by such phenomena, it is assumed that the engineering of organisms with biomimetic materials can lead to significant improvement in organism function. This review summarizes recent progress in biomineralization‐based techniques for organism engineering, and demonstrates the therapeutic potential enabled by these techniques. The design and synthesis approaches of biomineralization‐based engineering are systemically introduced to guide the controlled modification of different organisms including viruses, bacteria, cells, and proteins using in situ biomineralization, bottom‐up self‐assembly, chemical and genetic engineering. Tailored organisms promise delivery, protection, cell therapy, vaccine improvement as well as therapeutic detection and imaging. The present review aims to propose a biomineralization‐based strategy to promote functional evolution of these organisms, which promises to meet the increasing demand for new therapeutic purpose.
Particle‐resolved simulations of methane steam reforming in multilayered packed beds
Authors: G. M. Karthik , Buwa Vivek V.
Published: August 2018

Particle‐resolved CFD simulations of multilayered packed beds containing 30 particles of different particle shapes (trilobe, daisy, hollow cylinder, cylcut, and 7‐hole cylinder) with a tube to particle diameter ratio of 5, were performed to understand the effect of particle shape on pressure drop (ΔP), dispersion, CH4 conversion and effectiveness factors for methane steam reforming reactions. The effect of different boundary conditions and particle modeling approaches were analyzed in detail. The empirical correlations (Ergun and Zhavoronkov et al.) over‐predicted the ΔP and a modified correlation was developed to predict ΔP for the particles with different shapes. Overall, the externally shaped particles (trilobe and daisy) offered lower ΔP and higher dispersion because of the lower surface area and higher back flow regions, whereas the internally shaped particles (cylcut, hollow, and 7‐hole cylinder) offered higher CH4 conversion and effectiveness factors because of the better access for the reactants. The cylcut‐shape offered the highest CH4 conversion/ΔP. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 4162–4176, 2018
Predictors of symptomatic hyperviscosity in Waldenström macroglobulinemia
Authors: Abeykoon Jithma P. , Zanwar Saurabh , Ansell Stephen M. , Winters Jeffrey , Gertz Morie A. , King Rebecca L. , Murray David , Habermann Thomas , Dingli David , Muchtar Eli , Go Ronald S. , Leung Nelson , Inwards David J , Buadi Francis K. , Dispenzieri Angela , Lacy Martha Q. , Lin Yi , Gonsalves Wilson I. , Kourelis Taxiarchis , Witzig Thomas E. , Thompson Carrie , Vincent Rajkumar S. , Kyle Robert A. , Kumar Shaji , Kapoor Prashant
Published: August 2018

Symptomatic hyperviscosity is a well‐established phenomenon in Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM). Monoclonal IgM can variably impact intrinsic serum viscosity, leading to widely disparate symptomatic thresholds for development of hyperviscosity‐related symptoms. Data regarding the predictors of symptomatic hyperviscosity and outcomes related to this complication remain scarce and a recent study proposed that IgM >6000 mg/dL be considered a new criterion for initiating therapy in otherwise asymptomatic (smoldering) WM to pre‐empt hyperviscosity‐related injury. Herein, we attempt to identify predictors of the development of symptomatic hyperviscosity and its impact in patients with WM. Of 997 WM patients evaluated from January, 1996 through June, 2017, symptomatic hyperviscosity was observed in 130 (13%) patients. Overall survival (OS) of these 130 patients was similar to that of patients without symptomatic hyperviscosity (median: 11.5 vs 11.6 years; P = 0.63). On multivariate‐analysis, only viscosity >1.8 cp (risk ratio: 4.0, P = 0.02) assessed at the time of WM diagnosis was an independent predictor for the development of subsequent symptomatic hyperviscosity. Among patients with smoldering WM and IgM >6000 mg/dL at diagnosis (n = 13) who were managed expectantly, the median time‐to‐initial therapy was 6.9 years and only 15% developed hyperviscosity‐related symptoms subsequently. In summary, the occurrence of symptomatic hyperviscosity does not impact OS. Serum viscosity at diagnosis of WM, and not IgM concentration, represents the single most important independent predictor for development of subsequent hyperviscosity‐related symptoms. Patients with smoldering WM and high serum IgM can be safely observed in the absence of any indications per the Consensus recommendations to initiate WM‐directed therapy.
Antimonene: From Experimental Preparation to Practical Application
Authors: Wang Xin , Song Jun , Qu Junle
Published: August 2018

The two‐dimensional material antimonene was first reported in 2015. Subsequently, its unique properties, including enhanced stability, high carrier mobility, and band‐gap tunability, were predicted theoretically. These theoretical results have motivated experimental confirmation and thus a better understanding of this new material. Recently, the preparation of antimonene and its attempted use in several applications have attracted extensive attention. This Minireview focuses on both the experimental preparation and practical applications of antimonene, including the results of recent research on novel methods of preparing antimonene and its potential applications in optoelectronic devices, electrocatalysis, energy storage, and cancer therapy. Moreover, it provides insight that could further improve the preparation of antimonene and also describes numerous opportunities for application.
Study on the anti‐biofouling effects of the grafted polyamide 6 fibers by several vinyl chemicals
Authors: Saleh N. S. , Ostad Movahed S. , Attarbashi F.
Published: August 2018

The biofouling is any non‐desirable accumulation and growth of living matters on the material surfaces. Four grafting agents, Acrylic acid (AA), 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), 2‐dimethyl amino ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), and Methyl acrylate (MA) were grafted on a polyamide fiber (PA6) with two techniques “simultaneous UV irradiation and grafting” (SUVIG) and “pre‐UV irradiation (PUVI). It revealed that all used grafting chemicals grafted on the PA6 fiber surface efficiently. The SEM micrographs showed that the surface of the ungrafted PA6 fiber was relatively smooth, but for the grafted fibers, they were coarse and the grafted chemicals distributed on the PA6 surface heterogeneously. The grafting of the used grafting agents on the PA6 fiber surface increased the glass transition temperature of the PA6 fiber. The grafting of the PA6 fiber altered its crystallinity depending on the type of the grafting agent. With except of the MA, the hydrophilicity of the grafted PA6 fibers was higher than the ungrafted PA6 fiber. The grafting efficiency percentages and degrees were remarkably higher for the PUVI technique when compared with the SUVIG technique. The results of the biological tests showed that the MA was a suitable grafting agent for increasing anti‐biofouling property of the PA6 fiber. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46760.
Fabrication of durable superhydrophobic and superoleophilic cotton fabric with fluorinated silica sol via sol–gel process
Authors: Jiang C. , Liu W. , Sun Y. , Liu C. , Yang M. , Wang Z.
Published: August 2018

Superhydrophobic and superoleophilic cotton fabric was successfully prepared with fluorinated silica sol via a facile sol–gel method. A fluorinated polymeric sol–gel precursor (PHFBMA‐MTS) was synthesized via free‐radical polymerization by using hexafluorobutyl methacrylate (HFBMA) in the presence of (3‐mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MTS) as the chain transfer agent, which led to the formation of fluoropolymer with alkoxysilane end groups. Then the fluorinated silica sol was prepared by introducing PHFBMA‐MTS as the co‐precursor of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) in the sol–gel process with ammonium hydroxide as the catalyst, which was then used to fabricate superhydrophobic and superoleophilic fabric coatings through a simple dip‐coating method. The coated fabrics showed superhydrophobic property with a high water contact angle of 154.1° and superoleophilic property with an oil contact angle of 0°. Moreover, the coated fabrics still kept superhydrophobicity even after ultrasonic treatment, as well as for organic solutions, acidic solutions. Thus, the coated fabrics were successfully applied to separate oil–water mixture with separation efficiency up to 99.8%. More importantly, the separation efficiency had no significant change after 20 cycles of oil–water separation. These present a simple, low‐cost, and durable approach to achieve industrialized application of coated fabrics in oil–water separation. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47005.
Morphological and electrical characterization of conductive polylactic acid based nanocomposite before and after FDM 3D printing
Authors: Sanatgar Razieh Hashemi , Cayla Aurélie , Campagne Christine , Nierstrasz Vincent
Published: August 2018

Three dimensional (3D) printing holds strong potential for the formation of a new class of multifunctional nanocomposites. Therefore, both the nanocomposites and 3D printing communities need to make more collaborations and innovations for developing and processing of new polymers and composites to get benefit of functionalities of 3D printed nanocomposites. The contribution of this paper is the creation of 3D printable filaments from conductive polymer nanocomposites using a melt mixing process. Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and high‐structured carbon black (Ketjenblack) (KB) were incorporated into polylactic acid. The percolation threshold of MWNT composites is 0.54 wt % and of KB composites is 1.7 wt % by four‐point resistance measurement method. In the similar melt mixing process, there was no dependence of diameter of produced 3D printer filaments on the MWNT loading, instead the diameter was dependent on the KB loading and increased with increasing the filler amount. The conductivity of extruded filaments from 3D printer in low filler contents decreases with increasing extruder temperature, yet in higher filler contents there is no effect of extruder temperature on conductivity. Finally, the resistance decreases exponentially with the increase of cross‐sectional area of 3D printed tracks. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47040.
Young children's perceptions of due process in schools’ disciplinary procedures
Authors: Perry‐Hazan Lotem , Lambrozo Natali
Published: August 2018

This study explored how children of lower primary school grades perceive due process in schools’ disciplinary procedures. While many studies have explored how adolescents perceive school discipline, only a few studies have examined the perceptions of primary school pupils, and no study has investigated lower primary school grades. The qualitative research design was based on semi‐structured interviews and focus groups with 70 children, aged 7 to 10, recruited from 19 public schools in Israel. In addition, we recruited a children's advisory group that participated in the research process. The findings revealed that while many of the study participants had internalised a formalistic approach to due process (i.e. meting out uniform punishments in similar cases, in accordance with a closed system of rules), others objected to this approach, providing various reasons for their concerns. Participants’ criticisms of a formalistic due process policy included lack of compassion and lack of understanding of pupils’ social, academic or other difficulties, disregard of pupils’ voice, the complex task of discerning the truth, apprehension over a uniform punitive system and low efficacy of punishments. We argue that the right to due process in schools lies at the intersection of legal and educational narratives. Even young children are able to recognise the inherent incongruity of these narratives, as they constitute a significant part of their daily routine in school. We also argue that this incongruity engenders a distorted due process, thus imparting faulty lessons about the right to due process and its justifications.
Modelling the growth of popliteal artery aneurysms
Authors: Shiwani H , Baxter P , Taylor E , Bailey M A , Scott D J A
Published: August 2018

Background

Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) comprise up to 85 per cent of all peripheral aneurysms. Few longitudinal studies track their progression. This study aimed to track the growth of asymptomatic PAAs in a hospital-based ultrasound service, and compare models of aneurysm growth.

Methods

This retrospective single-centre cohort study included patients who had a PAA on arterial duplex ultrasound imaging of the lower limbs between 1 January 2011 and 1 January 2016. Progression of PAA size and progression to event or intervention were the primary outcome measures.

Results

Some 282 images were analysed: 47 limbs with PAA were included in a cohort of 32 patients (15 had bilateral PAAs). Twenty patients also had an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Linear multilevel modelling estimated that PAA growth was 2·4 (95 per cent c.i. 1·6 to 3·7) mm a year. Growth was estimated at 0·8 (0·1 to 1·5) mm per year in patients without an AAA and 3·5 (2·9 to 4·2) mm per year in those with a known AAA (previous open repair, previous endovascular aneurysm repair or AAA under surveillance) (P < 0·001).

Conclusion

Growth rates of PAA were heterogeneous but were optimally predicted by multilevel modelling. Patients with an existing AAA may have faster PAA progression than those without.
Methods and approaches for determination and enantioseparation of (RS)‐propranolol
Authors: Batra Sonika , Bhushan Ravi
Published: August 2018

Propranolol, a β‐adrenergic receptor antagonist, is a chiral compound that is marketed as a racemate, but only the (S)‐(−)‐enantiomer is responsible for the β‐adrenoceptor blocking activity. Different chromatographic methods have been applied for separation and determination of enantiomers of (RS)‐propranolol. In this article a review is presented on different liquid chromatographic methods used for enantioseparation of (RS)‐propranolol, using both HPLC and TLC. In addition, some aspects of enantioseparation under achiral phases of liquid chromatography have been briefly mentioned.
Analyzing the role of social capital in sustainable environmental governance: A case study on Piranshahr
Authors: Rahnama Mohammad Rahim , Sharifzadeh Aghdam Ebrahim
Published: August 2018

The main objective of the present study was to investigate the role of social capital in sustainable environmental governance in relation with formation of sustainable urban residential neighborhoods, the cause of inefficiency of some of them in terms of integrated urban management, and empowering them. As the study's purpose required, the study's method was applied, and regarding the nature, it was an analytical descriptive study. According to its title, the data collection method was survey using questionnaire technique. The study population consisted of the residents of Piranshahr in 2016. To select them, Cochran formula was employed, and the sample size was determined to be 382 individuals. In so doing, stratified random sampling method was utilized. The collected data were analyzed using LISREL and SPSS software packs and through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation model. The results of the study indicated that the indices utilized in the study had a significant effect on the environmental sustainability of the urban neighborhoods. They also showed that the citizens' beliefs in that they, as local‐oriented social capital, influence the decisions and that the urban management requires their participation in urban governance had a strong positive effect on sustainable development of the neighborhoods. These effects are so strong that the governors have been effective in unsustainability of the urban neighborhoods by ignoring the role of social capital. It was also concluded that environmental sustainability indices were not favorable enough.
Multinationals and sustainable development: Does internationalization develop corporate sustainability of emerging market multinationals?
Authors: Park Sang‐Bum
Published: August 2018

Based on theories of attention and institution, this paper examines how the internationalization of emerging market multinationals (EMNEs) affects their corporate sustainability (CS). A contrasting perspective with respect to the dual effects of internationalization on sustainability strengths (being good) and sustainability concerns (being bad) is developed. On one hand, it is argued that internationalization improves CS strengths because EMNEs that rely on foreign sales are motivated to adopt CS as a global business norm. Such norm‐conformity overcomes the liability of origin and legitimacy challenge in foreign markets. On the other hand, it is contended that internationalization also increases CS concerns because subsidiaries of EMNEs are susceptible to being decoupled from the headquarters' CS policy. The results show that internationalization can be both good and bad for CS. Thus, it can be misleading to simply say that there is either a positive or a negative relationship between internationalization and CS.
Survival effect of different lymph node staging methods on ovarian cancer: An analysis of 10 878 patients
Authors: Wang Jieyu , Li Jun , Chen Ruifang , Lu Xin
Published: August 2018

Background

To compare the survival impact of several lymph node staging methods and therapeutic role of lymphadenectomy in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer who had undergone lymphadenectomy.

Methods

Data were retrospectively collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program between 1988 and 2013.

Results

An increasing number of resected lymph nodes (RLNs) was associated with a significant improvement in survival of FIGO stage II and III disease. However, for FIGO stage IV patients, better survival was not significantly associated with a more extensive lymphadenectomy. A higher lymph node ratio (LNR) and log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) were associated with poorer survival regardless of stage. Nevertheless, four‐category classification of LODDS was more suitable for stage IV patients when three‐category classification was compatible with stage I‐III disease. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that LODDS and LNR were significant independent prognostic factors, but not RLN classification.

Conclusion

Sixteen to thirty RLNs are recommended for stage I disease. For stages II and III patients, the more lymph node excision, the better the prognosis. However, lymphadenectomy was nonessential for stage IV patients. Considering staging methods, for stages II and III patients, three‐category classification of LODDS was recommended to evaluate the prognosis. For stage I and IV, three‐category classification of positive LNR was idoneous.
MiR‐122 inhibits epithelial mesenchymal transition by regulating P4HA1 in ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Duan Yanan , Dong Yinghui , Dang Rongguang , Hu Zhihui , Yang Ye , Hu Yueyun , Cheng Jianxin
Published: August 2018

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gyneacologic malignancies, with high morbidity and high mortality. Hsa‐miR‐122‐5p (miR‐122) has been reported with tumor‐suppressing roles in various cancers. In this study, miR‐122 was overexpressed in ovarian cancer cells, and phenotypic experiments demonstrated that miR‐122 inhibited migration and invasion in SKOV3 and OVCAR3 cells. MiR‐122 also suppressed epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), evidenced by expression changes of E‐cadherin, vimentin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2, and MMP14. Prolyl‐4‐hydroxylase subunit alpha‐1 (P4HA1) was identified as a target of miR‐122, and downregulated by miR‐122. MiR‐122‐induced the elevation of migration, invasion, and EMT were recovered by P4HA1. Additionally, miR‐122 restrained the tumor metastasis of SKOV3 cells in peritoneal cavity of nude mice. In summary, we demonstrated that miR‐122 inhibited migration, invasion, EMT, and metastasis in peritoneal cavity of ovarian cancer cells by targeting P4HA1 for the first time, which shed lights on the discovery of miR‐122 and P4HA1 as possible potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer.
Novel Insights into the Combination of Metal‐ and Biocatalysis: Cascade One‐Pot Synthesis of Enantiomerically Pure Biaryl Alcohols in Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Paris Juraj , Ríos‐Lombardía Nicolás , Morís Francisco , Gröger Harald , González‐Sabín Javier
Published: August 2018

One of the pioneering examples of chemoenzymatic cascades in water such as the palladium‐catalysed Suzuki‐cross coupling followed by an enzymatic reduction has been revisited by the employment of a medium containing Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) for the catalytic performance. Thus, the unique properties of these neoteric solvents enabled to reach high substrate concentration for the overall process. Moreover, both isolated enzymes and whole cells exhibited excellent activities which allowed to obtain a set of chiral biaryl alcohols in good yields and very high enantiomeric excess (>99 %).
Versatile Coordination of Azocarboxamides: Redox‐Triggered Change of the Chelating Binding Pocket in Ruthenium Complexes
Authors: Klein Johannes , Beerhues Julia , Schweinfurth David , van der Meer Margarethe , Gazvoda Martin , Lahiri Goutam Kumar , Košmrlj Janez , Sarkar Biprajit
Published: August 2018

Azocarboxamides occupy a special place among azo ligands owing to their versatility for metal coordination. Herein ruthenium complexes with two different azocarboxamide ligands that differ in the presence (or not) of a coordinating pyridyl heterocycle are presented. By making full use of the O,N(amide), N(azo), and N(pyridyl) coordinating sites, the first diruthenium complex that is bridged by an azo ligand containing two different binding pockets was obtained. Moreover, it was conclusively proven that, in the mononuclear complexes, oxidation at the ruthenium center leads to a complete change of coordination at the chelating binding pocket. The complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Additionally, the mechanism of the aforementioned redox‐triggered change in the chelating binding pocket and the electronic structures of all the complexes were investigated by a combination of electrochemistry, UV/Vis/NIR/EPR spectroelectrochemistry, and DFT calculations. This is first instance in which a redox‐driven change in the complete chelating binding pocket has been observed in a ruthenium complex as well as with azo‐based ligands. These results thus show the potential of these versatile azocarboxamide ligands to act as redox‐driven switches with possible relevance to electrocatalysis.
Impact of SLCO1B1 Pharmacogenetic Testing on Patient and Healthcare Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vassy Jason L. , Chun Sojeong , Advani Sanjay , Ludin Sophie A. , Smith Jason G. , Alligood Elaine C.
Published: August 2018

Demonstrated improvements in patient outcomes will facilitate the clinical implementation of pharmacogenetic testing. Using the association between solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1B1 (SLCO1B1) and statin‐associated muscle symptoms (SAMSs) as a model, we conducted a systematic review of patient outcomes after delivery of SLCO1B1 results. Using PubMed and Embase searches through December 19, 2017, we identified 37 eligible records reporting preliminary or final outcomes, including six studies delivering only SLCO1B1 results and five large healthcare system–based implementation projects of multipharmacogene panels. Two small trials have demonstrated at least short‐term improvements in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol after SLCO1B1 testing among previously statin intolerant patients. Evidence from large implementation projects suggests that SLCO1B1 results may change prescribing patterns for some high‐risk patients. No study has reported improvements in SAMSs or cardiovascular events or tracked the economic outcomes of SLCO1B1 testing. Ongoing studies should collect and report outcomes relevant to pharmacogenetics stakeholders.
An extension of the industrial corporate social responsibility practices index: New information for stakeholder engagement under a multivariate approach
Authors: Amor‐Esteban Víctor , Galindo‐Villardón Ma‐Purificación , García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María , David Fátima
Published: August 2018

The aim of this paper is to extend the Industrial Corporate Social Responsibility Practices Index proposed for the 10 main industries in the 39 sectors of activity that comprise them. This extension will provide more detailed information on CSR practices at the industrial level, especially about sustainable development and environmental concerns. In addition, this paper stablishes an aggregate measure of industrial classification and mimetic typologies. It will tabulate the overall impact that the economic activity of a company has on society and environment. Thereby, the relationships between these indicators and the mimetic institutional forces are studied, testing these forces indicate that companies from sectors considered to have greater impact/risk have higher corporate social responsibility (CSR) scores than companies from other sectors. Additionally, using the MetaBiplot statistical multivariate technique, which by the comparison and integration of several subspaces provides a global view of sustainability at a sectoral level, it was found that the most polluting companies with the highest environmental risks—forestry and paper, mining, oil and gas producers, gas, water, and multi‐utilities, tobacco and electricity sectors—show their predilection for environmental policies and reports, human rights, and stakeholder participation. Moreover, the less polluting companies—banks, insurance, media, telecommunications, real state, and general retailers—are more intensive on staff and implement policies aimed at favoring: the personal and work‐life balance with systems for employee training and promotion; the equal opportunities and participation; the maintenance of good customer and supplier relations; and the fight to counteract bribery.
Ion‐exchange Microemulsions for Eliminating Dilute Interferences in Potentiometric Determinations
Authors: Apichai Sutasinee , Wang Lu , Pankratova Nadezda , Grudpan Kate , Bakker Eric
Published: August 2018

We report here for the first time on the use of functional microemulsions in potentiometric assays to remove dilute interferences from solution when measuring high concentrations of analyte. The microemulsions are similarly formulated to the ion‐selective membrane used in the measurement and act as sacrificial material. They are here stabilized by the triblock copolymer pluronic F‐127 and contain the chloride salt of the tridodecylmethylammonium cation, which also serves as anion‐exchanger in the membrane electrode. Both membrane and microemulsion are preconditioned with chloride. If an anionic interference is present at moderate concentration, the rapid equilibration with the functionalized microemulsion results in a quantitative removal. The principle is explored with salicylate as common interference in the detection of chloride in physiological samples. The data agree well to an equilibrium ion‐exchange model for the microemulsion. Salicylate levels up to millimolar can be effectively removed. Unfortunately, quaternary ammonium salt from the microemulsion is found to contaminate the ion‐selective membrane phase. Indeed, a cation‐exchanging valinomycin membrane in contact with concentrated anion‐exchanging microemulsions shows a large potential increase. This indicates that the membrane changes from cation to anion permselectivity. This contamination of the membrane by the microemulsion phase must be overcome for a practical application of the approach.
Skin‐worn Soft Microfluidic Potentiometric Detection System
Authors: Sempionatto Juliane R. , Martin Aida , García‐Carmona Laura , Barfidokht Abbas , Kurniawan Jonas F. , Moreto Jose R. , Tang Guangda , Shin Andrew , Liu Xiaofeng , Escarpa Alberto , Wang Joseph
Published: August 2018

A flexible skin‐mounted microfluidic potentiometric device for simultaneous electrochemical monitoring of sodium and potassium in sweat is presented. The wearable device allows efficient natural sweat pumping to the potentiometric detection chamber, containing solid‐contact ion‐selective Na+ and K+ electrodes, during exercise activity. The fabricated microchip electrolyte‐sensing device displays good analytical performance and addresses sweat mixing and carry‐over issues of early epidermal potentiometric sensors. Such soft skin‐worn microchip platform integrates potentiometric measurement, microfluidic technologies with flexible electronics for real‐time wireless data transmission to mobile devices. The new fully integrated microfluidic electrolyte‐detection device paves the way for practical fitness and health monitoring applications.
Blood glucose monitoring with smartphone as glucometer
Authors: Yang Jingyi
Published: August 2018

In this short communication, we redefine smartphone and enable it to monitor blood glucose as glucometer. The proposed smartphone is not only a mobile phone but also a medical device‐glucometer. An electrometer module, acquiring the electrochemical current from the disposable enzymatic test strip on which a 0.5 μL human peripheral whole blood drop is placed, was integrated in the smartphone. The medical smartphone is capable of directly measuring blood glucose concentration and uploading into personal health center by the 4G mobile communication internet.
Bio‐inspired routing protocol for WSN‐based smart grid applications in the context of Industry 4.0
Authors: Faheem M. , Butt R. A. , Raza B. , Ashraf M. W. , Begum Seema , Ngadi Md. A. , Gungor V. C.
Published: August 2018

Recently, the advences of Industry 4.0 have paved the way for a systematical deployment of the smart grid (SG) to manage continuously growing energy demand of the 21st century. This even allows the fourth stage of the industrial revolution in the power sector, which is known as the smart grid industry (SGI) 4.0. In SGI 4.0, the industrial wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and the Internet of Things are envisioned as key promising communication technologies for monitoring various SG applications due to their large‐scale coverage, fault tolerance characteristics, and cost reduction. However, highly dynamic nature of the SG environments brings several unique challenges caused by systems and operating devices. This results in hampering the quality‐of‐service communication requirements for WSNs‐based SG applications. In SGI 4.0, the routing infrastructure not only requires a reliable but also fulfills the communication requirements of diverse SG applications. Thus, a sophisticated, reliable and QoS‐aware multi‐hop communications network architecture enabling a real‐time exchange of data for various WSNs‐based SG applications is essential in SGI 4.0. Hence, this paper proposes a novel bio‐inspired self‐optimized butterfly mating optimization‐based data gathering routing scheme called Self‐optimized Intelligent routing protocol (SIRP) for WSNs‐based SG applications. The extensive simulations reveal that the proposed scheme achieves its defined goals compared to existing routing schemes designed for WSNs‐based applications.
Tenderization effect of whelk meat using ultrasonic treatment
Authors: Hu Jiamiao , Ge Shenghan , Huang Chenying , Cheung Peter C. K. , Lin Luan , Zhang Yi , Zheng Baodong , Lin Shaoling , Huang Xiujuan
Published: August 2018

This study was conducted to assess the potential application of ultrasonic treatment to enhance the tenderness of whelk (Buccinum undatum) meat. The optimum ultrasonic conditions for the maximum tenderization effect were determined using response surface methodology by a three‐level factorial Box–Behnken design for the optimization of three variables. The optimum conditions for the three variables found were as follows: ultrasound power at 200 W, treatment time for 9.6 min, and temperature at 45°C. The resulted tenderization effect was comparable to traditional enzymatic methods. Furthermore, disruption of muscle microstructure was observed in the ultrasonic‐treated whelk meat by scanning electron microscopy, while evaluations on physicochemical properties indicated the ultrasonic treatment has no significant undesirable effects on the quality of whelk meat including pH, water‐holding capacity, and lipid oxidation. In conclusion, this study showed the feasibility of ultrasonic treatment as a promising tenderization method for whelk meat without detrimental effects on its quality.
Effect of malting period on physicochemical properties, minerals, and phytic acid of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) flour varieties
Authors: Udeh Henry O. , Duodu Kwaku G. , Jideani Afam I. O.
Published: August 2018

Background

Deficiency of essential minerals is a widespread nutritional disorder in the world, particularly in developing economies. Poor mineral accessibility from foods is a major contributing factor to deficiency and associated health problems. This study investigated the effect of malting on minerals, phytic acid, and physicochemical properties of finger millet varieties. Sorghum was used as external reference. Mineral composition was analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐AES) and mass spectroscopy (ICP‐MS).

Results

Data showed that finger millet is rich in macroelements and trace elements. Malting for 24 hr reduced mineral content of the grains except sodium. Increase in the minerals was observed beyond 48 hr of malting particularly at 96 hr. Successive decrease in phytic acid of the grains was not observed with malting time. Malting did not result in any significant change in the physicochemical properties of the grains.

Conclusion

ICP‐AES/MS showed that finger millet contain a variety of minerals in amounts that were not previously reported, and malting the grain for 72 to 96 hr positively affected the minerals. Changes in phytic acid suggest that phytate undergoes dissociation during malting rather than a degradation of phytic acid. Potential exists for utilization of finger millet as functional ingredient to augment important minerals in weaning, geriatric, and adult foods for health promotion.
Extraction and process optimization of bael fruit pectin
Authors: Maskey Bunty , Dhakal Drishya , Pradhananga Mahalaxmi , Shrestha Nabindra Kumar
Published: August 2018

Pectin was extracted at temperature of 100 and 120°C with two different pH conditions each, pH 1.5 and pH 2 along with different extraction ratios, ER1:1, 1:1.5 and 1:2 respectively. Data obtained were analyzed statistically using ANOVA (no blocking) at 5% level of significance, which showed that there was significant difference (p < 0.05) between the pectin extracted at 100°C, pH 1.5 and extraction ratios of 1:1, 1:1.5, and 1:2, respectively, whereas there was not any significant difference between extraction at 120°C, pH 1.5 and extraction ratios of 1:1, 1:1.5, and 1:2 respectively. Also, there was no any significant difference between pectin extracted at 100°C, pH 2, extraction ratios 1:1, 1:1.5, and 1:2 and also at 120°C, pH 2, 1:1, 1:1.5, and 1:2 respectively. Best yield of pectin was found at temperature 120°C, pH 1.5 and ER 1:1.5.
Enhancement of viability, acid, and bile tolerance and accelerated stability in lyophilized Weissella cibaria JW15 with protective agents
Authors: Kim Mina , Nam Dong‐Geon , Kim Sang‐Bum , Im Pureum , Choe Jeong‐Sook , Choi Ae‐Jin
Published: August 2018

Dietary supplementation with lactic acid bacteria to maintain or improve intestinal health is advocated. Weissella spp. are present in different fermented vegetable‐based foods like kimchi, as well as in the normal gastrointestinal (GI) tract of humans. Weissella cibaria strains have been proposed as potential probiotics. Freeze‐drying is a promising treatment method for these strains for industrial applications and to increase the accessibility of their health‐promoting benefits. Moreover, probiotic strains need to be able to survive in the host GI tract, and acid and bile are both environmental stressors that can reduce strain survival. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of the combination of protective agents on the acid and bile resistance of W. cibariaJW15 after freeze‐drying. A protective agent combination with a 1:1 ratio of 5 g + 5 g/100 ml w/v soy flour + yeast extract (SFY) retained nearly 100% viability after freeze‐drying and was resistant to artificial bile acids. Remarkably, skim milk + soy flour (SSF) was resistant to an acidic solution, and the viability of W. cibariaJW15 in artificial gastric acid was enhanced when treated with this mixture. Furthermore, SFY and SSF were found to maintain high numbers of viable cells with a low specific rate of cell death (k) after storage at 50°C, 60°C, and 70°C. These results support an effective probiotic formulation system with a high number of viable cells, and its protective effects can be leveraged in the development of probiotic products with health benefits.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for frequent attenders in primary care
Authors: Strömbom Ylva , Karlsson Jan , Fredrikson Mats , Melin Lennart , Magnusson Peter
Published: August 2018

Aim

The aim of the study is to investigate if cognitive behavioral therapy given in a group setting affects anxiety and depression, stress, pain, coping strategies during daily life, and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), among frequent attenders (FAs) in primary care.

Methods

Cognitive behavioral therapy was offered to 331 FAs between 18 and 65 years of age, of whom 89 accepted and 54 completed all steps in the protocol; patients were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: 0, 6, and 12‐month waiting time. The therapy consisted of 12 sessions administered in group format. Outcome measures were Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Everyday Life Stress (ELS), Coping Strategy Questionnaire, Multidimensional Pain Inventory‐Swedish version, and Short Form‐36.

Results

Mean age among patients who completed cognitive behavioral therapy was 49.9 years, with a female majority (79.6%). Anxiety and depression scores were reduced after treatment (BAI 16.7 vs 13.6; BDI 16.3 vs 15.7; HADS‐Anxiety 8.41 vs 6.05; HADS‐Depression 7.09 vs 5.69). Because waiting time itself did not affect symptoms, differences reflect treatment effects. Stress ratings were not affected by treatment. Use of nonadaptive coping strategies like praying and hoping and catastrophizing decreased. Frequent attenders experienced a higher sense of life control. Frequent attenders reported significantly lower HRQoL than general Swedish population norms in all 8 Short Form‐36 domains including mental and physical component summary scores (MCS and PCS), and all domains were unaffected by treatment.

Conclusion

Cognitive behavioral therapy exerts some beneficial effects in FAs. Content of treatment addressed musculoskeletal pain, stress, anxiety, and depression. This broad approach resulted in reduced anxiety, depression, and impact of pain because of enhanced life control.