bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lin28a protects against diabetic cardiomyopathy through Mst1 inhibition
Authors: You Penghua , Cheng Zheng , He Xiaomin , Deng Jizhao , Diao Jiayu , Chen Haichao , Cheng Gong
Published: October 2019

Lin28a has been found to enhance glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity. Lin28a alleviates cardiac dysfunction under various pathological conditions. However, the effects and underlying mechanisms of Lin28a on diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) are not well‐understood. The aim of this study was to determine whether Lin28a protects against DCM and the potential mechanisms. Two to three days old mouse neonatal primary cardiomyocytes were randomized for treatment with adenoviruses harboring Lin28a and mammalian sterile 20‐like kinase 1 (Mst1) short hairpin RNA, 48 hr before culturing in normal or high glucose medium. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis, autophagy, mitochondrial morphology, adenosine triphosphate content, and cytokine levels in the high glucose or normal conditions were observed between all groups. Either Lin28a overexpression or Mst1 knockdown alleviated mitochondrial ultrastructure impairment, decreased cytokine levels, inhibited apoptosis, and enhanced autophagy in primary neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes treated with high glucose. Importantly, the protective effects of Lin28a and Mst1 disappeared after treatment with 3‐methyladenine, an autophagy inhibitor. Interestingly, in Mst1 knockdown cardiomyocytes, Lin28a overexpression failed to further enhance autophagy and alleviate high glucose‐induced cardiomyocyte injury, which implies the protective roles of Lin28a counteracting high glucose‐induced cardiomyocyte injury are dependent on Mst1 inhibition. Furthermore, co‐immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence double staining suggested that there were no direct interactions between Mst1 and Lin28a. Lin28a increased the expression of Akt, which inhibited the activation of Mst1‐mediated apoptotic pathways.
Resveratrol targeting the Wnt signaling pathway: A focus on therapeutic activities
Authors: Ashrafizadeh Milad , Ahmadi Zahra , Farkhondeh Tahereh , Samarghandian Saeed
Published: October 2019

Wingless‐type MMTV integration site (Wnt) signaling pathway is considered as an important pathway regulating a variety of biological processes such as tissue formation and homeostasis, cell proliferation, cell migration, cell differentiation, and embryogenesis. Impairment in the Wnt signaling pathway is associated with pathological conditions, particularly cancer. So, modulation of this pathway can be considered as a promising strategy and several drugs have been developed in line with this strategy. Resveratrol (Res) is a naturally occurring nutraceutical compound exclusively found in different fruits and nuts such as grape, peanut, and pistachio. This compound has favorable biological and therapeutic activities such as antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antitumor, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and antidiabetic. At the present review, we demonstrate how Res modulates Wnt signaling pathway to exert its pharmacological effects.
SMARCD1 is a transcriptional target of specific non‐hotspot mutant p53 forms
Authors: Adduri Raju S. R. , George Sara A. , Kavadipula Padmavathi , Bashyam Murali D.
Published: October 2019

Though primarily a tumor suppressor, TP53 harboring specific missense mutations located in the region encoding the DNA binding domain exhibits a gain of function by transcriptional activation of oncogenes. We performed microarray‐based messenger RNA profiling of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue (SCCOT) and identified significant elevation of SMARCD1 in samples exhibiting p53 nuclear stabilization. Activation of SMARCD1 by mutant p53 was confirmed by evaluation of additional tongue cancer samples as well as The Cancer Genome Atlas expression datasets. SMARCD1 knockdown in HNSCC cells resulted in a significant reduction in several tumorigenic characteristics including cell viability, ability to form colonies in liquid and solid media and cell migration. We identified significantly increased SMARCD1 transcript levels in tumor versus matched normal samples in SCCOT as well as in other cancer types. Increased SMARCD1 expression predicted poor survival in HNSCC tumors harboring missense p53 mutations. Our results suggest SMARCD1 to be a novel transcriptional target of mutant p53.
TRPM2‐AS inhibits the growth, migration, and invasion of gliomas through JNK, c‐Jun, and RGS4
Authors: Bao Mei‐Hua , Lv Qiao‐Li , Szeto Vivian , Wong Raymond , Zhu Su‐Zhen , Zhang Ying‐Ying , Feng Zhong‐Ping , Sun Hong‐Shuo
Published: October 2019

Gliomas are a group of brain cancers with high mortality and morbidity. Understanding the molecular mechanisms is important for the prevention or treatment of gliomas. The present study was to investigate the effects and mechanisms of long noncoding RNA TRPM2‐AS in gliomas proliferation, migration, and invasion. We first compared the levels of TRPM2‐AS in 111 patients with glioma to that of the normal control group by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results indicated a significant increase of TRPM2‐AS in patients with glioma (2.43 folds of control, p = .0135). MTT methods, wound healing assays, transwell analysis, and clone formation analysis indicated the overexpression of TRPM2‐AS promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of U251 and U87 cells, while downregulation of TRPM2‐AS inhibited the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion significantly (p < .05). To further uncover the mechanisms, bioinformatics analysis was conducted on the expression profiles, GSE40687 and GSE4290, from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. One hundred fifty‐six genes were differentially expressed in both datasets (FC > 2.0; p = .05). Among these differentially expressed genes, the level of RGS4 messenger RNA was drastically regulated by TRPM2‐AS. Further western‐blot analysis indicated the increase of RGS4 protein expression and decrease of p‐JNK/JNK and p‐c‐Jun/c‐Jun ratio after TRPM2‐AS overexpression. On the other hand, inhibition of TRPM2‐AS by small interfering RNA suppressed the expression of RGS4 and promoted the ratios of p‐JNK/JNK and p‐c‐Jun/c‐Jun. The present work indicated the mechanisms of the participation of TRPM2‐AS in the progression of gliomas might, at least partly, be related to JNK, c‐Jun, and RGS4. Our work provided new insights into the underlying mechanisms of glioma cellular functions.
Sonographic features of Rosai‐Dorfman disease in the breast: A case report
Authors: Shin Gi W. , Park Young M. , Heo Young J. , Baek Jin W. , Lee Yoo J. , Han Ji Y. , Park Hayoung
Published: October 2019

Rosai‐Dorfman disease (sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy) is an uncommon histiocytic disease of the lymph nodes. Extranodal presentation, especially in breast parenchymal tissue, is rare. A 54‐year‐old woman presented with a painful and palpable lump in the right breast. Ultrasonography revealed an irregular, indistinct, hypoechoic mass with a hyperechoic halo. Pathological analysis revealed proliferation of large histiocytes and stromal fibrosis with emperipolesis and positive immunoreactivity for S‐100 and CD68. The clinical and radiologic manifestations of Rosai‐Dorfman disease may vary, and differentiation from other inflammatory diseases and malignancies is challenging; thus, accurate pathological diagnosis plays an important role in appropriate management.
Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of chordee without hypospadias
Authors: Li Xiaohua , Zhou Jiankun , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: October 2019

Chordee without hypospadias (CWH) is an extremely rare condition. Here, we describe a case of CWH diagnosed accurately on prenatal ultrasound at 25 weeks' gestation. Physical examination of the newborn confirmed the sonographic findings. To the best of our knowledge, prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of CWH has not been reported in the literature. We emphasize the importance of observing fetal micturition to rule out the possibility of CWH before the diagnosis of hypospadias is made on prenatal ultrasound.
Ultrastructural changes in the cemento‐enamel junction caused by acidic beverages: An in vitro study
Authors: Mitic Aleksandar D. , Gasic Jovanka Z. , Barac Radomir G. , Radenkovic Goran S. , Sunaric Slavica M. , Popovic Jelena Z. , Nikolic Marija M.
Published: October 2019

The present in vitro study was aimed at evaluating the morphological changes in the cemento‐enamel junction (CEJ) after exposure to acidic beverages using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The initial pH and titratable acidity (TA) was analyzed from follow groups: (I) Coca cola, (II) orange juice, (III) Cedevita, (IV) Red Bull, (V) Somersby cider, and (VI) white wine. The CEJ samples (n = 64), obtained from unerupted third molars, were allocated to one control (artificial saliva, n = 16) and six experimental groups (n = 8). The experimental samples were immersed in beverages (50 ml) for 15 min, three times daily, 10 days, and in artificial saliva between immersions. SEM analysis was performed in a blind manner, according to scoring scale. One‐way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests, as well as Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U test used for statistical analysis. The pH values of the acidic beverages ranged from 2.65 (Coca cola) to 3.73 (orange juice), and TA ranged from 1.90 ml (Coca cola) to 5.70 ml (orange juice) of NaOH to reach pH 7.0. The SEM analysis indicated statistically significant differences between the control samples and those immersed in acidic beverages. The Groups IV, I, and II, showed the highest CEJ damage grade while those of the Group VI were the lowest. All the tested acidic beverages caused morphological changes in the CEJ with a smaller or larger exposure of dentine surface, and were not always related to the pH or TA of acidic beverages.
Temporal trends of population viral suppression in the context of Universal Test and Treat: the ANRS 12249 TasP trial in rural South Africa
Authors: Larmarange Joseph , Diallo Mamadou H , McGrath Nuala , Iwuji Collins , Plazy Mélanie , Thiébaut Rodolphe , Tanser Frank , Bärnighausen Till , Orne‐Gliemann Joanna , Pillay Deenan , Dabis François ,   for the ANRS 12249 TasP Study Group
Published: October 2019

Introduction

The universal test‐and‐treat (UTT) strategy aims to maximize population viral suppression (PVS), that is, the proportion of all people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral treatment (ART) and virally suppressed, with the goal of reducing HIV transmission at the population level. This article explores the extent to which temporal changes in PVS explain the observed lack of association between universal treatment and cumulative HIV incidence seen in the ANRS 12249 TasP trial conducted in rural South Africa.

Methods

The TasP cluster‐randomized trial (2012 to 2016) implemented six‐monthly repeat home‐based HIV counselling and testing (RHBCT) and referral of PLHIV to local HIV clinics in 2 × 11 clusters opened sequentially. ART was initiated according to national guidelines in control clusters and regardless of CD4 count in intervention clusters. We measured residency status, HIV status, and HIV care status for each participant on a daily basis. PVS was computed per cluster among all resident PLHIV (≥16, including those not in care) at cluster opening and daily thereafter. We used a mixed linear model to explore time patterns in PVS, adjusting for sociodemographic changes at the cluster level.

Results

8563 PLHIV were followed. During the course of the trial, PVS increased significantly in both arms (23.5% to 46.2% in intervention, +22.8, p < 0.001; 26.0% to 44.6% in control, +18.6, p < 0.001). That increase was similar in both arms (p = 0.514). In the final adjusted model, PVS increase was most associated with increased RHBCT and the implementation of local trial clinics (measured by time since cluster opening). Contextual changes (measured by calendar time) also contributed slightly. The effect of universal ART (trial arm) was positive but limited.

Conclusions

PVS was improved significantly but similarly in both trial arms, explaining partly the null effect observed in terms of cumulative HIV incidence between arms. The PVS gains due to changes in ART‐initiation guidelines alone are relatively small compared to gains obtained by strategies to maximize testing and linkage to care. The achievement of the 90‐90‐90 targets will not be met if the operational and implementational challenges limiting access to care and treatment, often context‐specific, are not properly addressed. Clinical trial number: NCT01509508 (clinicalTrials.gov)/DOH‐27‐0512‐3974 (South African National Clinical Trials Register).
Extreme premaxillary protrusion in the king‐of‐the‐salmon, Trachipterus altivelis
Authors: Ferry Lara A. , Paig‐Tran Erin W. , Summers Adam P. , Liem Karel F.
Published: October 2019

The king‐of‐the‐salmon, Trachipterus altivelis (Lampriformes), has an unusual set of oral jaws which allow it the ability to protrude the entire upper jaw, containing the premaxilla and the maxilla bones, to extreme distances. Here, we provide a short description of the cranial anatomy and mechanism of jaw protrusion in T. altivelis using hand‐drawn illustrations (by KF), supplemented by CT‐scans. We then place the protrusion abilities of T. altivelis into context by comparing anatomical jaw protrusion with protrusion from other members of the Lampriformes, other unrelated species with highly protrusile jaws, and unrelated species with more stereotypical amounts of jaw protrusion. Through these comparisons we demonstrate that T. altivelis is indeed, capable of some of the most extreme premaxillary protrusion as of yet discovered, even when taking into account the extreme morphological modifications that facilitate said protrusion. That is to say, T. altivelis can protrude the premaxilla farther than one would predict from the length of the ascending process alone.
Covariation between forelimb muscle anatomy and bone shape in an Australian scratch‐digging marsupial: Comparison of morphometric methods
Authors: Martin Meg L. , Travouillon Kenny J. , Sherratt Emma , Fleming Patricia A. , Warburton Natalie M.
Published: October 2019

The close association between muscle and bone is broadly intuitive; however, details of the covariation between the two has not been comprehensively studied. Without quantitative understanding of how muscle anatomy influences bone shape, it is difficult to draw conclusions of the significance of many morphological traits of the skeleton. In this study, we investigated these relationships in the Quenda (Isoodon fusciventer), a scratch‐digging marsupial. We quantified the relationships between forelimb muscle anatomy and bone shape for animals representing a range of body masses (124–1,952 g) using two‐block partial least square analyses. Muscle anatomy was quantified as muscle mass and physiological cross‐sectional area (PCSA), and we used two morphometric methods to characterize bone shape: seven indices of linear bone proportions, and landmarks analysis. Bone shape was significantly correlated with body mass, reflecting allometric bone growth. Of the seven bone indices, only shoulder moment index (SMI) and ulna robustness index (URI) showed a significant covariation with muscle anatomy. Stronger relationships between muscle anatomy and forelimb bone shape were found using the landmark coordinates: muscle mass and PCSA were correlated with the geometric shape of the scapula, humerus, and third metacarpal, but to a lesser extent with shape of the ulna. Overall, our data show that landmark coordinates are more sensitive than bone indices to capturing shape changes evident throughout ontogeny, and is therefore a more appropriate method to investigate covariation with forelimb muscle anatomy. Single‐species studies investigating ontogeny require refined methods to accurately develop understanding of the important relationships between muscle force generation and bone shape remodeling. Landmark analyses provide such a method.
Decadal variability of tropical cyclogenesis and decay in the southwest Pacific
Authors: Sharma Krishneel K. , Verdon‐Kidd Danielle C. , Magee Andrew D.
Published: October 2019

Tropical cyclones (TCs) represent a significant hazard to the southwest Pacific (SWP) region, impacting on properties, lives and infrastructure, accounting for ~76% of reported disasters within the region. A particular challenge that island nations face is the inherent degree of variability in TC risk from season to season, which hampers adaptation planning due to the difficulty in predicting how many TCs will form and the subsequent areas of impact. Therefore, this study aims to assess the historical variability of TC genesis and decay (i.e., the start and end of a TC life cycle) for the SWP over the last 70 years. This is achieved through a spatio‐temporal analysis of TC Best Track Data from South Pacific Enhanced Archive of Tropical Cyclones (SPEArTC) dataset from 1948 to 2017 for TCs that originate within 0°–35°S and 135°E–120°W. Results highlight substantial decadal variability in dominant regions of genesis and decay over the last seven decades. In particular, we observe a statistically significant displacement of TC genesis (decay) by 898 km (909 km) in an east‐northeast (east‐southeast) direction from 1948 to 2017. We also demonstrate that TCs undergoing extratropical transition have significantly decreased in terms of both frequency and duration during the last four decades, however, the length of the extratropical cyclone tracks has increased. We attribute these observations to conducive environmental conditions, including warmer sea surface temperatures in the eastern region of TC genesis, sufficient moisture content (relative humidity) and favourable vertical wind shear. Further, the observed ocean warming and decreased wind shear during recent decades across the south of the SWP region favour the east‐southeasterly extension of extratropical cyclones. The findings of this study increase our understanding of decadal to multidecadal TC risk for SWP island nations and may assist in improving seasonal TC outlooks.
Climate variability over South America‐regional and large scale features simulated by the Brazilian Atmospheric Model (BAM‐v0)
Authors: Cavalcanti Iracema F. A. , Silveira Virginia P. , Figueroa Silvio N. , Kubota Paulo Y. , Bonatti José P. , de Souza Dayana C.
Published: October 2019

The reliability of climate prediction by a global model is directly related to the ability to simulate the observed climate variability and the main teleconnection patterns. Precipitation anomalies in certain regions are strongly affected by these features, and it is important to know if models are able to reproduce such patterns and influences. The main objective of this article is to analyse some global features of the Brazilian Atmospheric Model with simplified physics (BAM‐v0), and to discuss several aspects of climate variability over South America. Especially, the ability of the model in simulating the main teleconnection patterns that affect South America and the precipitation variability in several regions of Brazil associated with the Pacific and Atlantic Sea Surface Temperature. The model is the atmospheric component of the Brazilian Earth System Model‐Ocean–Atmosphere (BESM), which can be used to long integrations due to the simplified physics, considering computer limitations. Climate variability is investigated through analyses of variance and correlations, and teleconnections such as Southern Annular Mode (SAM) and Pacific South American (PSA) are obtained from EOF analyses. El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) features are analysed through the Southern Oscillation Index and precipitation anomalies. BAM‐v0, even at coarse resolution, represents many climate variability features. It captures the influences of tropical Pacific and Atlantic Oceans on Northeast Brazil precipitation and reproduces the influences of ENSO over South America. SAM and PSA teleconnections are well simulated. Observed features of the South America Monsoon System are captured by the model, although the intensities of precipitation variability need to be improved. There are some deficiencies related to global budget, precipitation variance in some regions of the globe and precipitation anomalies in certain regions of South America. Identification of model deficiencies and variability analyses are important to model development and contribute to climate prediction improvements.
Copper Deficiency in Children With Intestinal Failure: Risk Factors and Influence on Hematological Cytopenias
Authors: Leite Heitor Pons , Koch Nogueira Paulo Cesar , Uchoa Keilla Mayumi Castelo Branco , Carvalho de Camargo Maria Fernanda
Published: October 2019

Background

We investigated to what extent serum copper influences hemoglobin (Hb), neutrophil, and platelet counts and the factors associated with serum copper in children with intestinal failure (IF) who have their micronutrient status monitored according to a standard protocol.

Methods

Children with IF admitted to a pediatric intestinal rehabilitation program and receiving home parenteral nutrition (PN) were followed up prospectively. Patients received vitamins and multi–trace elements (TEs) as part of the PN. Copper, iron, zinc, vitamin A, and cobalamin serum levels were routinely monitored at 3‐month intervals or monthly when a deficiency was detected. Complete blood counts were performed biweekly. Repeated‐measures analyses were used to estimate the effect of explanatory variables on the outcomes.

Results

Thirteen children with a median time receiving PN of 16.6 months were included. An average of 7 copper measurements per patient were performed; 53.8% of patients had a low serum level at least twice during the follow‐up. Eight patients with cholestasis had TEs of PN discontinued. In the multivariable analysis, copper was not associated with Hb levels; an increase of 10 µg/dL in serum copper resulted in an increase of 240/mm3 (95% confidence interval [CI], 18.0–30.1) neutrophils and of 8429/mm3 (95% CI, 466–1219) platelets (P < .001). Time of PN without copper, direct bilirubin levels, and ostomy were associated with lower serum copper.

Conclusion

The increase in serum copper was associated with significant increases in neutrophil and platelet counts. Time without copper in PN, cholestasis, and having an ostomy negatively influenced copper status.
Phenolic characteristics acquired by berry skins of Vitis vinifera cv. Tempranillo in response to close‐to‐ambient solar ultraviolet radiation are mostly reflected in the resulting wines
Authors: Del‐Castillo‐Alonso María Ángeles , Monforte Laura , Tomás‐Las‐Heras Rafael , Martínez‐Abaigar Javier , Núñez‐Olivera Encarnación
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

It is widely recognized that ambient levels of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation strongly influence the phenolic composition of grape skins. However, it is unknown to what extent this influence is reflected in the resulting wines.

RESULTS

Tempranillo grapevines were exposed or non‐exposed to close‐to‐ambient solar UV levels using appropriate filters, and the phenolic profiles and antioxidant capacity of both grape skins and the resulting wines were analyzed. In total, 47 phenolic compounds were identified in skins and wines, including flavonols, anthocyanins, flavanols, stilbenes, and hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids. In UV‐exposed grape skins, flavonols and anthocyanins increased, whereas flavanols and hydroxybenzoic acids showed no significant change. These characteristics were conserved in the resulting wines. However, for stilbenes, hydroxycinnamic acids and antioxidant capacity, the effect of UV on grape skins was not conserved in wines, probably as a result of changes during winemaking. In addition, color intensity, total phenols and total polyphenol index of wines elaborated from UV‐exposed grapes increased (although non‐significantly) compared to those made from non‐UV‐exposed grapes.

CONCLUSION

The phenolic composition of grape skins exposed to close‐to‐ambient solar UV could predict, to some extent, the phenolic composition of the resulting wines, particularly regarding higher contents of flavonols and anthocyanins. Thus, manipulating the UV radiation received by grape skins could improve wine quality by positively influencing color stability and healthy properties. To our knowledge, this is the first study in which the effects of solar UV radiation on phenolic composition have been assessed from grape skins to wine. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Potential modes of action of Pseudomonas fluorescens ZX during biocontrol of blue mold decay on postharvest citrus
Authors: Wang Zhirong , Mei Xiaofei , Du Muying , Chen Kewei , Jiang Mengyao , Wang Kaituo , Zalán Zsolt , Kan Jianquan
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

The application of chemical fungicides is currently the main method for the control of postharvest decay of fruits and vegetables. However, public concern has been growing towards the effect of fungicides on food safety, human health and environmental pollution. Thus, interest in microbial biocontrol agent development has grown, such agents being considered both safe and environmentally friendly. Pseudomonas fluorescens is widely distributed in nature, and one of the most valuable biocontrol and plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria. In this study, the efficacy and the potential associated modes of action of P. fluorescens ZX against Penicillium italicum on oranges (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) were investigated.

RESULTS

The application of P. fluorescens ZX significantly reduced blue mold lesion size and incidence in comparison to the control, where P. fluorescens ZX was effective when applied preventatively but not curatively. In dual cultures, treatment with cell‐free autoclaved cultures or culture filtrate had a limited capacity to suppress P. italicum, while P. italicum was inhibited by bacterial fluid and bacterial suspension with living cells in vitro. The P. fluorescens ZX isolate displayed protease, but not chitinase, glucanase or cellulose, activity, and produced siderophores and volatile organic compounds with antifungal abilities. Competition tests showed P. fluorescens ZX could use fructose, sucrose, aspartic acid, threonine, serine, glycine, valine, lysine and proline better than P. italicum. Furthermore, an effective biofilm that peaked after a 24‐hour incubation at 30 °C was formed by the P. fluorescens ZX isolate. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy observations indicate the P. fluorescens ZX isolate could not undergo direct parasitism or hyperparasitism.

CONCLUSIONS

Competition for nutrients and niches, biofilm formation, inhibition of spore germination and mycelial growth, and production of inhibitory metabolites may play important roles in P. fluorescens ZX antagonism of P. italicum. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultrasensitive high‐performance liquid chromatography determination of tetracycline antibiotics and their 4‐epimer derivatives based on dual effect of methanesulfonic acid
Authors: Lai Xiaojing , Liu Jing , Xu Xin , Li Jie , Zhang Baojun , Wei Lijun , Cai Hongping , Cheng Xianglei
Published: October 2019

In reversed‐phase liquid chromatography, tetracycline antibiotics yield broad and asymmetrical peaks, as a result of their ionic interaction with the anionic free silanol groups and metal ion present in the silica‐based stationary phases (commonly derivatized with C18 groups). These frequently encountered difficulties were absolutely eliminated based on dual effect when methanesulfonic acid was employed as an eluent additive. The study revealed that the performance of methanesulfonic acid to minimize the “silanol effect” is mainly explained by both direct neutralization of the anionic silanol sites and electrostatic attraction with analytes. Based on these dual action mechanisms, an ultrasensitive method has been successfully developed for the simultaneous determination of tetracycline antibiotics and their derivatives (minocycline, oxytetracycline, tetracycline, chlortetracycline, metacycline, doxycycline, 4‐epitetracycline, and 4‐epichlortetracycline) in bovine milk with convenient ultraviolet detection within 15 min. Under the optimal conditions, the calibration curves showed good linearity (r2 > 0.999) for all analytes in the range of 1∼200 ng/mL with the instrument limits of detection as low as 0.3 ng/mL. The study sheds new light on suitable additives to analyze basic compounds with the advantage of good compatibility with MS detection.
Kinetics studies of 5‐methyl‐2‐hexanol, 2,2‐dimethyl‐3‐hexanol, and 2,4,4‐trimethyl‐1‐pentanol with chlorine atoms: Photooxidation mechanism of 2,4,4‐trimethyl‐1‐pentanol
Authors: Vila Jesús A. , Argüello Gustavo A. , Malanca Fabio E.
Published: October 2019

The rate constants for the reaction between chlorine atoms and either 5‐methyl‐2‐hexanol, 2,2‐dimethyl‐3‐hexanol, or 2,4,4‐trimethyl‐1‐pentanol at 298 K were determined using the relative method with 2‐butanol and 1‐pentanol as reference compounds. The values obtained for 5‐methyl‐2‐hexanol, 2,2‐dimethyl‐3‐hexanol, and 2,4,4‐trimethyl‐1‐pentanol (k × 1010 cm3 molec−1 s−1) were, respectively, (2.64 ± 0.5), (2.72 ± 0.5), and (2.50 ± 0.4), in agreement with the values of the rate constants reported in bibliography for similar alcohols and the values estimated by structure activity relationship methods. The photooxidation products of 2,4,4‐trimethyl‐1‐pentanol initiated by chlorine atoms were identified (formaldehyde, 2‐propanone, 2,2‐dimethyl propanal, 4,4,‐dimethyl‐2‐pentanone, and 3,3‐dimethylbutanal), and the reaction mechanism was determined.
Implementing Efficient Peptoid‐Mediated Delivery of RNA‐Based Therapeutics to the Vocal Folds
Authors: Mukudai Shigeyuki , Kraja Iv , Bing Renjie , Nalband Danielle M. , Tatikola Mallika , Hiwatashi Nao , Kirshenbaum Kent , Branski Ryan C.
Published: October 2019

Objective

We hypothesize that Smad3 is a master regulator of fibrosis in the vocal folds (VFs) and RNA‐based therapeutics targeting Smad3 hold therapeutic promise. Delivery remains challenging. We previously described a novel synthetic peptoid oligomer, lipitoid L0, complexed with siRNA to improve stability and cellular uptake. An advantage of these peptoids, however, is tremendous structural and chemical malleability to optimize transfection efficiency. Modifications of L0 were assayed to optimize siRNA‐mediated alteration of gene expression.

Methods

In vitro, Smad3 knockdown by various lipitoid variants was evaluated via quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction in human VF fibroblasts. Cytotoxicity was quantified via colorimetric assays. In vivo, a rabbit model of VF injury was employed to evaluate the temporal dynamics of Smad3 knockdown following injection of the L0‐siRNA complex.

Results

In vitro, similar reductions in Smad3 expression were established by all lipitoid variants, with one exception. Sequence variants also exhibited similar nontoxic characteristics; no statistically significant differences in cell proliferation were observed. In vivo, Smad3 expression was significantly reduced in injured VFs following injection of L0‐complexed Smad3 siRNA at 1 day postinjection. Qualitative suppression of Smad3 expression persisted to 3 days following injury, but did not achieve statistical significance.

Conclusions

In spite of the chemical diversity of these peptoid transfection reagents, the sequence variants generally provided consistently efficient reductions in Smad3 expression. L0 yielded effective, yet temporally limited knockdown of Smad3 in vivo. Peptoids may provide a versatile platform for the discovery of siRNA delivery vehicles optimized for clinical application.

Level of Evidence

NA
A Bio‐Inspired and Biomass‐Derived Healable Photochromic Material Induced by Hierarchical Structural Design
Authors: Wu Bo , Lei Yuan , Xiao Yao , Wang Yanjun , Yuan Ye , Jiang Liang , Zhang Xi , Lei Jingxin
Published: October 2019

Utilization of bionics to develop stimuli responsive polymers that can heal damage with excellent restorability is particularly attractive for a sustainable society. Herein, inspired by chameleons, a hierarchical structural design strategy is proposed and illustrated to fabricate a healable photochromic material based on a self‐healable polymeric matrix and a finely dispersed photochromic spirooxazine. The self‐healable polymeric matrix is fabricated via the integration of multiple hydrogen bonds (H bonds) and covalent cross‐links into a biomass‐derived elastomer. The dynamic nature and soft characteristics enable the as‐prepared elastomer superior extensibility as well as self‐healing ability, while the covalent cross‐links can assist the reassociation of ruptured H bonds. The representative elastomer exhibits an extensibility of 2600% and toughness of 42.76 MJ m−3. Furthermore, it shows good self‐healing ability with complete recovery of scratch as well as restoration against 1900% of elongation and 24.1 MJ m−3 of toughness after healing at 60 °C for 24 h. This combination of moderate toughness, good self‐healing ability, and smart photochromic property in biomass‐derived materials should largely improve their applicability, reliability, and sustainability in various materials and devices.
Mesoporous Silica Micromotors with a Reversible Temperature Regulated On–Off Polyphosphazene Switch
Authors: Kneidinger Michael , Iturmendi Aitziber , Ulbricht Christoph , Truglas Tia , Groiss Heiko , Teasdale Ian , Salinas Yolanda
Published: October 2019

The incorporation of an extraneous on–off braking system is necessary for the effective motion control of the next generation of micrometer‐sized motors. Here, the design and synthesis of micromotors is reported based on mesoporous silica particles containing bipyridine groups, introduced by cocondensation, for entrapping catalytic cobalt(II) ions within the mesochannels, and functionalized on the surface with silane‐derived temperature responsive bottle‐brush polyphosphazene. Switching the polymers in a narrow temperature window of 25–30 °C between the swollen and collapsed state, allows the access for the fuel H2O2 contained in the dispersion medium to cobalt(II) bipyridinato catalyst sites. The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide is monitored by optical microscopy, and effectively operated by reversibly closing or opening the pores by the grafted gate‐like polyphosphazene, to control on demand the oxygen bubble generation. This design represents one of the few examples using temperature as a trigger for the reversible on–off external switching of mesoporous silica micromotors.
Method for the facile transformation of marine purple photosynthetic bacteria using chemically competent cells
Authors: Higuchi‐Takeuchi Mieko , Morisaki Kumiko , Numata Keiji
Published: October 2019

Marine purple photosynthetic bacteria are ideal organisms for the production of useful materials at reduced costs and contributing to a sustainable society because they can utilize sunlight, seawater, and components of air, including carbon dioxide and nitrogen gases, for their growth. However, conjugation is the only applicable method for the transformation of marine purple photosynthetic bacteria so far. Here, we examined a calcium chloride‐mediated method for the transformation of marine purple photosynthetic bacteria. Plasmid DNAs containing the kanamycin resistance gene were successfully transferred into chemically competent cells of two strains of marine purple photosynthetic bacteria (Rhodovulum sulfidophilum and Roseospira marina). Heat shock treatment increased the transformation efficiency in R. sulfidophilum, whereas the addition of cell‐penetrating peptide did not improve it. We also found that prolonged incubation in agar plates containing kanamycin led to spontaneous mutation of the 16S rRNA, resulting in kanamycin resistance in R. marina. Thus, we developed an efficient and facile transformation method using chemically competent cells of marine purple photosynthetic bacteria with calcium chloride.
Nonlinearity effect on dual photonic crystal fiber coupler for generating fully optical logic gates
Authors: Filho A. F. G. F. , Cavalcante T. X. , Beserra C. C. , Costa M. B. C. , Batista G. S. , Lima S. V. , Freire M. M. , Sousa J. R. R. , Sombra A. S. B.
Published: October 2019

In this work, we present a numerical investigation of the asymmetric double nonlinear coupling of photonic crystal fibers in an on‐off switch to obtain fully optical logic gates. Ultra‐short pulses (100 fs) are propagated through the device in three distinct excitation power regimes, power below critical (Po = 72 kW, where Po represents the excitation power of the device), critical power (Pc = 103.5 kW, where Pc represents critical Power for which the power switching is 50% for both guides. There are cases where Po is above the critical value, there are cases that is below), and power above critical (Po = 110 kW). The pulse switching characteristics are analyzed as a function of the input power and the nonlinearity profile (β‐beta) inserted in one of the component guides. The nonlinearity profiles follow the regimes: constant, increasing and decreasing, and high order effects, such as third‐order dispersion, intrapulse Raman scattering and self‐steepening are included in the generalized Schrödinger nonlinear equation governs the pulse propagation dynamics. The results show that the proposed device can be used to obtain AND, OR, and NOT logic gate. Numerical studies were done from the coupled‐coupled equations solved using the fourth‐order Runge‐Kutta method, using MATLAB as a programming tool for solving equations. The implementation of fully optical logic gates tends to revolutionize new digital systems in the field of data storage, such as optical memory, “replacement” of electronic circuits among other applications. Optical systems have a great advantage as they are free from electromagnetic interference and have high rates of data transmission.
A compact dual‐band dual‐mode antenna for GPS L1/L2 adaptive interference cancellation
Authors: Rezazadeh Navid , Shafai Lotfollah
Published: October 2019

A dual‐band dual‐mode microstrip antenna design is presented, with the application of adaptive interference cancellation in global positioning system at the L1 and L2 bands. The antenna consists of two stacked TM11 rings and two stacked TM21 shorted rings all fed by coaxial probes. By properly combining the two modes and utilizing both polarization components of each mode, up to three nulls can be steered at each frequency band to cancel interferers close to horizon. The concentric structure of the radiating patches in the proposed design allows for a compact antenna, which for a substrate of dielectric constant of 10 is only 0.33 λ in diameter at its lowest frequency of operation and can be further miniaturized on a higher dielectric constant substrate.
Q‐switching pulses generation with samarium oxide film saturable absorber
Authors: Zulkipli Nur F. , Batumalay Malathy , Samsamnun Farina S. M. , Mahyuddin Mohamad B. H. , Izam Tengku F. T. M. N. , Khudus Muhammad I. M. A. , Harun Sulaiman W.
Published: October 2019

Q‐switching pulses generation in an erbium‐doped fiber laser (EDFL) was demonstrated by using a samarium oxide (Sm2O3) film as a saturable absorber (SA) for the first time. The passively Q‐switched EDFL operated stably at 1567 nm with tunable repetition rates, ranging from 47 to 66 kHz with the increase in pump power from 51.0 to 88.1 mW. At 88.1 mW pump power, the maximum pulse energy and the minimum pulse width were obtained at 26 nJ and 5.6 μs, respectively. These results demonstrated that the proposed Sm2O3 SA is viable for the construction of a flexible and reliably stable Q‐switched pulsed fiber laser in the 1.5 μm region.
A pattern diversity antenna with six input ports
Authors: Row Jeen‐Sheen , Kuo Li‐Kai
Published: October 2019

A wideband antenna with conical radiation is first studied in this article. The antenna has the advantages of low profile and simple structure, and it can provide a stable radiation pattern within an impedance bandwidth of about 108%. Then, five radiating elements, including four dipole antennas and one ring slot antenna, are excited from the wideband antenna structure, forming a six‐port antenna. The integrated antenna at 3.5 GHz band can offer a broadside pattern with 9.3 dBi gain, a conical pattern with 4.3 dBi gain, and four symmetrical endfire patterns with 6.4 dBi gain. The design process of the integrated antenna is explained in details, and a prototype is fabricated. The experimental results indicate that the operation bandwidth of the pattern diversity antenna is about 14%, and the isolation between input ports is lower than −16 dB within the bandwidth. Simulated results also validate the experiments.
Characterization, optical, and nanoscale free volume properties of Na‐CMC/PAM/CNT nanocomposites
Authors: Awad Somia , El‐Gamal Samy , El Sayed Adel M. , Abdel‐Hady Esam E.
Published: October 2019

Polyblend and nanocomposite films of sodium salt of carboxymethylcellulose (Na‐CMC)/polyacrylamide (PAM) and Na‐CMC/PAM modified with carbon nanotubes (CNT) were synthesized by the solution casting technique. The effect of PAM and CNT loading on the structural, optical, and nanoscale free volume properties of Na‐CMC was studied. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy exhibited the existence of strong interactions between Na‐CMC and PAM and the non‐destructive effect of CNT on Na‐CMC/PAM structure. The HR‐TEM revealed the multi‐walled structure of CNT with a 7.06‐nm wall thickness and a 6.92‐nm wall inner diameter. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) was done, in a vacuum and at 30°C to 200°C, to investigate the nanoscale free volume properties by using a conventional fast‐fast coincidence spectrometer. It was found that the o‐Ps lifetime (τ3) and free volume (Vh) increase with increasing CNT percentage in the Na‐CMC/PAM blend. The distribution of the o‐Ps lifetime was broadened with increasing CNT ratios. Furthermore, the glass transition temperature (Tg) increases with increasing loads of CNT. For the first time, a correlation was done between Urbach energy (EU) and Vh. Finally, the results were represented and discussed in the frame of free volume properties. Optical measurements showed that the transmittance T% of Na‐CMC/PAM was 91.12% and decreased to 68.42% and 36.45% after loading with 1.0 and 2.0 wt % CNT. In addition, the blend shows higher insulating properties compared with the individual polymers. The CNT incorporation reduces the band gap significantly and increases the EU in the films.
CD70 expression correlates with a worse prognosis in malignant pleural mesothelioma patients via immune evasion and enhanced invasiveness
Authors: Inaguma Shingo , Lasota Jerzy , Czapiewski Piotr , Langfort Renata , Rys Janusz , Szpor Joanna , Waloszczyk Piotr , Okoń Krzysztof , Biernat Wojciech , Schrump David S , Hassan Raffit , Kasai Kenji , Miettinen Markku , Ikeda Hiroshi
Published: October 2019

Diffuse malignant mesothelioma of the pleura (MPM) is a highly aggressive tumour that typically is associated with short survival. CD70 and CD27 belong to the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and the TNF receptor (TNFR) superfamily, respectively. Under physiological conditions, the tightly regulated interaction between CD70 and CD27 plays a co‐stimulatory role in promoting T‐cell expansion and differentiation through the NFκB pathway. Aberrantly high CD70 expression has been documented in haematological and solid malignancies in association with immune evasion in malignant cells. In this study, 172 well‐characterised primary diffuse MPM tumours including epithelioid (n = 145), biphasic (n = 15), and sarcomatoid (n = 12) histotypes were evaluated immunohistochemically for CD70, CD27, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD56, PDCD1 (PD‐1), and FOXP3 expression. Twenty per cent (34/172) of the mesothelioma cells expressed CD70 on the cell membrane. Overall survival was significantly decreased in the cohort of patients with CD70‐expressing tumour cells (p < 0.01). Patients with MPM containing a higher number of CD3+ (p < 0.01), CD4+ (p < 0.01), CD8+ (p < 0.01), or FOXP3+ (p < 0.01) tumour‐infiltrating lymphoid cells (TILs) showed significantly worse clinical outcomes. As potential independent risk factors for MPM patients, multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed CD70 expression on mesothelioma cells [hazard ratio (HR) 2.25; p = 0.010], higher FOXP3+ TILs (HR 2.81; p = 0.004), and higher CD3+ TIL accumulation (HR 6.12; p < 0.001). In contrast, as a potential independent favourable factor, higher CD27+ TIL accumulation (HR 0.48; p = 0.037) was identified. In vitro experiments and an immunodeficient mouse model revealed that CD70 enhances the invasiveness of MPM cells through MET–ERK axis activation. Further analyses in syngeneic mouse models demonstrated possible roles for CD70 in immune evasion. Collectively, these findings suggest that the CD70–CD27 pathway enhances the malignant phenotypes of MPM and diminishes anti‐tumor immune response in patients with these neoplasms. These markers might be useful in MPM for prognostic evaluations as well as targeted therapeutics. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bimodal Microcellular Morphology Evaluation in ABS‐Foamed Composites Developed Using Step‐Wise Depressurization Foaming Process
Authors: G Radhakrishna , Dugad Rupesh , Gandhi Abhishek
Published: October 2019

In this article, the fabrication of bimodal type of cellular structures and multimodal type of cellular structures of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene foams has been reported using solid‐state batch foaming process by distinct, stepwise depressurization technique. Each depressurization step induces a distinct nucleation phenomenon, which leads to the development of multimodal cellular microstructures. The significance of crucial process parameters, which includes saturation pressure, holding pressure, holding time and holding steps, was studied in the development of bimodal and multimodal cellular structures. Further, the influence of the depressurization rate on the volume ratio of small cells to large cells vice versa was also studied. The morphological attributes, which includes cell size, cell density, and cell morphologies, were investigated in detail. This study puts forward a basic mechanism to develop and simultaneously control bimodal and multimodal cellular microstructures by altering the crucial process parameters. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:113–131, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Study on the Fracture Properties of HTPB Propellant at Low Temperature
Authors: Long Bing , Wang Hongliang , Gao Shuangsheng
Published: October 2019

In order to study the fracture behaviour of hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) propellant, the low temperature fracture toughness experiment of HTPB propellant was carried out by using centrally cracked sheet tensile specimens. The fracture toughness values of HTPB propellant with mode I crack at different temperature and loading rate were obtained, and the effect of specimen thickness on the fracture toughness was investigated. The experimental results show that the fracture toughness value continuously increases with the decreasing of temperature and the increasing of loading rate, and a linear relationship exists between the fracture toughness and the logarithm of loading rate. The effect on the fracture toughness by the change in loading rate is more notable at a lower temperature. Both at 25 °C and −40 °C, the fracture toughness of thick specimens is higher than that of thin specimens, and at low temperature the change is more obvious. A master curve of quadratic function for the fracture toughness was obtained. The influence of temperature on the fracture toughness is more obvious than that of the strain rate with double factor analysis of variance.