bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lenvatinib as an Initial Treatment in Patients with Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma Beyond Up-To-Seven Criteria and Child–Pugh A Liver Function: A Proof-Of-Concept Study
Authors: Kudo Masatoshi , Ueshima Kazuomi , Chan Stephan , Minami Tomohiro , Chishina Hirokazu , Aoki Tomoko , Takita Masahiro , Hagiwara Satoru , Minami Yasunori , Ida Hiroshi , Takenaka Mamoru , Sakurai Toshiharu , Watanabe Tomohiro , Morita Masahiro , Ogawa Chikara , Wada Yoshiyuki , Ikeda Masafumi , Ishii Hiroshi , Izumi Namiki , Nishida Naoshi
Published: July 2019

Although transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the standard of care for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), this is a largely heterogeneous disease that includes a subgroup of patients who do not benefit from TACE. The treatment strategy for this subgroup of patients currently remains an unmet need in clinical practice. Here, we performed a proof-of-concept study that lenvatinib may be a more favorable treatment option over TACE as an initial treatment in intermediate-stage HCC patients with large or multinodular tumours exceeding the up-to-seven criteria. This proof-of-concept study included 642 consecutive patients with HCC initially treated with lenvatinib or conventional TACE (cTACE) between January 2006 and December 2018. Of these patients, 176 who received lenvatinib or cTACE as an initial treatment and met the eligibility criteria (unresectable, beyond the up-to-seven criteria, no prior TACE/systemic therapy, no vascular invasion, no extrahepatic spread and Child–Pugh A liver function) were selected for the study. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for patient demographics. After propensity-score matching, the outcome of 30 patients prospectively treated with lenvatinib (14 in clinical trials, one in an early access program and 15 in real world settings) and 60 patients treated with cTACE as the initial treatment was compared. The change of albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score from baseline to the end of treatment were −2.61 to −2.61 for 30 patients in the lenvatinib group (p = 0.254) and −2.66 to −2.09 in the cTACE group (p < 0.01), respectively. The lenvatinib group showed a significantly higher objective response rate (73.3% vs. 33.3%; p < 0.001) and significantly longer median progression-free survival than the cTACE group (16.0 vs. 3.0 months; p < 0.001). Overall survival was significantly longer in the lenvatinib group than in the cTACE group (37.9 vs. 21.3 months; hazard ratio: 0.48, p < 0.01). In patients with large or multinodular intermediate-stage HCC exceeding the up-to-seven criteria with Child–Pugh A liver function, who usually do not benefit from TACE, lenvatinib provides a more favorable outcome than TACE.
Novel Semi-Replicative Retroviral Vector Mediated Double Suicide Gene Transfer Enhances Antitumor Effects in Patient-Derived Glioblastoma Models
Authors: Lee Mijeong , Kim Yeon-Soo , Lee Kyoungmin , Kang Moonkyung , Shin Hyemi , Oh Jeong-Woo , Koo Harim , Kim Donggeon , Kim Yejin , Kong Doo-Sik , Nam Do-Hyun , Lee Hye Won
Published: July 2019

As glioblastomas are mostly localized infiltrative lesions, gene therapy based on the retroviral replicating vector (RRV) system is considered an attractive strategy. Combinations of multiple suicide genes can circumvent the limitations associated with each gene, achieving direct and synergistic cytotoxic effects, along with bystander cell killing. In this study, we constructed a semi-and pseudotyped-RRV (sp-RRV) system harboring two suicide genes—herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase (TK) and yeast cytosine deaminase (CD)—to verify the dissemination and antitumor efficacy of our sp-RRV system (spRRVe-sEF1α-TK/sRRVgp-sEF1α-CD) in seven patient-derived glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs). Flow cytometry and high-content analysis revealed a wide range of transduction efficiency and good correlation between the delivery of therapeutic genes and susceptibility to the prodrugs ganciclovir and 5-fluorocytosine in patient-derived GSCs in vitro. Intra-tumoral delivery of spRRVe-sEF1α-TK/sRRVgp-sEF1α-CD, combined with prodrug treatment, synergistically inhibited cell proliferation and angiogenesis while increasing apoptosis and the depletion of tumor-associated macrophages in orthotopic glioblastoma xenografts. Genomic profiling of patient-derived GSCs revealed that the key genes preventing sp-RRV infection and transmission were associated with cell adhesion, migration, development, differentiation, and proliferation. This is the first report demonstrating that a novel sp-RRV-mediated TK/CD double suicide gene transfer system has high oncolytic power against extremely heterogeneous and treatment-refractory glioblastomas.
The Scientist: Creator and Destroyer—“Scientists’ Warning to Humanity” Is a Wake-Up Call for Researchers
Authors: Cuhra Marek
Published: July 2019

Scientists investigate, describe, invent and create. Most advances in medicine, technology and understanding of the living world in the context of the cosmos, are attributable to systematic efforts by expert researchers. However, pervasive toxins, persistent environmental pollution, destructive weaponry and resource depletion are also outcomes of scientific efforts. Furthermore, although we have reached great advances in some research fields, other issues are enigmatic and arguably could be investigated with other methods or mindsets. That, however, brings us to a paradoxical realization: Despite the fact that there are more scientists in this world than ever before, due to socialization and indoctrination we are currently suffering from reduced cognitive diversity within academic disciplines. Arguably, scientists are not taught to think independently and differently, instead we are educated into a compliant, univocal and homogenous, ‘Wissenschaftlicher Denkkollektiv.’
Efficiencies and Work Losses for Cycles Interacting with Reservoirs of Apparent Negative Temperatures
Authors: Struchtrup Henning
Published: July 2019

Inverted quantum states of apparent negative temperature store the work required for their creation [Struchtrup. Phys. Rev. Lett. 2018, 120, 250602]. Thermodynamic cycles operating between a classical reservoir and an inverted state reservoir seem to have thermal efficiencies at or even above unity. These high efficiencies result from inappropriate definition adopted from classical heat engines. A properly defined efficiency compares the work produced in the cycle to the work expended in creating the reservoir. Due to work loss to irreversible processes, this work storage based efficiency always has values below unity.
BESTEST and EN ISO 52016 Benchmarking of ALMABuild, a New Open-Source Simulink Tool for Dynamic Energy Modelling of Buildings
Authors: Campana Jean Pierre , Morini Gian Luca
Published: July 2019

In this paper a new open source SIMULINK blockset, named ALMABuild, for the thermal dynamic modelling of a building is presented. SIMULINK, integrated with MATLAB, provides immediate access to an extensive range of analysis and design tools by means of which designers can easily combine, for instance, the energy dynamic simulation of the building-HVAC systems with multi-objective optimisation, avoiding heavy co-simulations involving different software platforms. ALMABuild proposes a simplified way to make the energy model of a building, in which the calculations are done per so called “thermal zone”, in agreement with EN ISO 52016. The user is driven towards the building modelling by means of a series of Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs). In this way the creation of an accurate model can also be achieved by designers lacking specific expertise in numerical computation. In this paper, the benchmarking of ALMABuild by following the BESTEST procedure is described. The agreement with the most popular commercial software for dynamic building energy simulation and with the predictions obtainable by following the simplified hourly calculation method proposed by EN ISO 52016 confirms that ALMABuild is able to guarantee an intuitive and accurate modelling of the thermal building physics. Firstly, analytical and empirical tests are presented, then comparative tests with the reference BESTEST programs, EnergyPlus and the hourly calculation method proposed by EN ISO 52016 are performed. The agreement with BESTEST reference data confirms that ALMABuild is able to model the thermal physics as well as these accepted methods.
Analysis of the Power Fluctuations Caused by the Unstable Flow in the Trifurcation of Multi-Turbine Diversion Systems with Common Penstock in Hydropower Units
Authors: Guo Xinran , Cheng Huaiyu , Wang Hao , Cheng Yuanchu , Sun Mian
Published: July 2019

Stable operation is a challenge for hydropower stations with multi-turbine hydraulic coupled division systems with a common penstock. In this paper, the serious power fluctuations in a power station with such a division system are analyzed. The fluctuations occur in many conditions without any movement of the regulating system. The mathematical analysis illustrates that pressure fluctuation is responsible for power fluctuations. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method provided by ANSYS is used to study the flow pattern in penstocks. The vortex caused by the irrational structure of trifurcation is the reason for pressure fluctuations. Several methods are proposed to optimize the flow stability and three cases are simulated based on these measures. The calculation results of three cases prove the effectiveness of these measures. The measure of setting the new guide plate is finally conducted, and the output power fluctuations vanish. The flow calculation plays a role in the analysis and optimization of the hydraulic system of the hydropower unit. Some rules are summarized from the cases and are helpful in the design of trifurcation in a division system with a common penstock.
Estimation of Building Thermal Performance using Simple Sensors and Air Conditioners
Authors: Sakuma Yuiko , Nishi Hiroaki
Published: July 2019

Energy and environmental problems have attracted attention worldwide. Energy consumption in residential sectors accounts for a large percentage of total consumption. Several retrofit schemes, which insulate building envelopes to increase energy efficiency, have been adapted to address residential energy problems. However, these schemes often fail to balance the installment cost with savings from the retrofits. To maximize the benefit, selecting houses with low thermal performance by a cost-effective method is inevitable. Therefore, an accurate, low-cost, and undemanding housing assessment method is required. This paper proposes a thermal performance assessment method for residential housing. The proposed method enables assessments under the existing conditions of residential housings and only requires a simple and affordable monitoring system of power meters for an air conditioner (AC), simple sensors (three thermometers at most), a BLE beacon, and smartphone application. The proposed method is evaluated thoroughly by using both simulation and experimental data. Analysis of estimation errors is also conducted. Our method shows that the accuracy achieved with the proposed three-room model is 9.8% (relative error) for the simulation data. Assessments on the experimental data also show that our proposed method achieved Ua value estimations using a low-cost system, satisfying the requirements of housing assessments for retrofits.
Gene Flow and Genetic Variation Explain Signatures of Selection across a Climate Gradient in Two Riparian Species
Authors: Hopley Tara , Byrne Margaret
Published: July 2019

Many species occur across environmental gradients and it is expected that these species will exhibit some signals of adaptation as heterogeneous environments and localized gene flow may facilitate local adaptation. While riparian zones can cross climate gradients, many of which are being impacted by climate change, they also create microclimates for the vegetation, reducing environmental heterogeneity. Species with differing distributions in these environments provide an opportunity to investigate the importance of genetic connectivity in influencing signals of adaptation over relatively short geographical distance. Association analysis with genomic data was used to compare signals of selection to climate variables in two species that have differing distributions along a river traversing a climate gradient. Results demonstrate links between connectivity, standing genetic variation, and the development of signals of selection. In the restricted species, the combination of high gene flow in the middle and lower catchment and occurrence in a microclimate created along riverbanks likely mitigated the development of selection to most climatic variables. In contrast the more widely distributed species with low gene flow showed a stronger signal of selection. Together these results strengthen our knowledge of the drivers and scale of adaptation and reinforce the importance of connectivity across a landscape to maintain adaptive potential of plant species.
Genetic Mapping of Prince Rupprecht’s Larch (Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr) by Specific-Locus Amplified Fragment Sequencing
Authors: Dong Mingliang , He Qingwei , Zhao Jian , Zhang Yan , Yuan Deshui , Zhang Jinfeng
Published: July 2019

A high-density genetic linkage map is essential for plant genetics and genomics research. However, due to the deficiency of genomic data and high-quality molecular markers, no genetic map has been published for Prince Rupprecht’s larch (Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr), a conifer species with high ecological and commercial value in northern China. In this study, 145 F1 progeny individuals from an intraspecific cross between two elite clones of L. principis-rupprechtii and their parents were employed to construct the first genetic map in this important tree species using specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq). After preprocessing, the procedure yielded 300.20 Gb of raw data containing 1501.22 M pair-end reads. A total of 324,352 SNP markers were detected and 122,785 of them were polymorphic, with a polymorphism rate of 37.86%. Ultimately, 6099 SNPs were organized into a genetic map containing 12 linkage groups, consistent with the haploid chromosome number of larch and most other species in the Pinaceae family. The linkage map spanned 2415.58 cM and covered 99.6% of the L. principis-rupprechtii genome with an average of 0.4 cM between adjacent markers. To the best of our knowledge, this map is the first reference map for L. principis-rupprechtii, as well as the densest one obtained in larch species thus far. The genome-wide SNPs and the high-resolution genetic map will provide a foundation for future quantitative trait loci mapping, map-based cloning, marker-assisted selection, comparative genomics, and genome sequence assembly for larch trees.
Air Drep—A Retrospective Study Evaluating the Influence of Weather Conditions and Viral Epidemics on Vaso-Occlusive Crises in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease Living in French Guiana
Authors: Parriault Marie-Claire , Cropet Claire , Fahrasmane Aniza , Rogier Stéphanie , Parisot Michaël , Nacher Mathieu , Elenga Narcisse
Published: July 2019

(1) Objectives: French Guiana is the French territory most affected by sickle cell disease (SCD). This study investigates the associations between different environmental factors relative to climate, infectious outbreaks, and emergency visits or weekly hospital admissions for vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC). The identification of risk factors would lead to better patient care and patient management, and more targeted prevention and therapeutic education for patients with SCD in French Guiana. (2) Methods: This study was performed using data collected from the medicalized information system and emergency medical records of Cayenne General Hospital, between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2016. ARIMA models were used to investigate the potential impact of weather conditions and flu epidemics on VOC occurrence. (3) Results: During the study period, 1739 emergency visits were recorded among 384 patients, of which 856 (49.2%) resulted in hospitalization, 811 (46.6%) resulted in hospital discharge, and 72 (4.2%) in another orientation. Decreased temperature and decreased humidity were both independent factors associated with an increase of VOC cases (p = 0.0128 and p = 0.0004, respectively). When studying severe VOC (leading to hospitalization, with or without prior emergency visit), 2104 hospital admissions were recorded for 326 patients. The only factor associated with severe VOC, in the multivariate analysis, was flu epidemics (p = 0.0148). (4) Conclusions: This study shows a link between climate, flu epidemics, and VOC in French Guiana. Patient’s awareness of risks related to climate and flu epidemics should be encouraged, as home prevention measures can help avoid painful crises. Moreover, physicians should encourage patients to get immunized for influenza every year.
The Global Prevalence of Anxiety Among Medical Students: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tian-Ci Quek Travis , Wai-San Tam Wilson , X. Tran Bach , Zhang Min , Zhang Zhisong , Su-Hui Ho Cyrus , Chun-Man Ho Roger
Published: July 2019

Anxiety, although as common and arguably as debilitating as depression, has garnered less attention, and is often undetected and undertreated in the general population. Similarly, anxiety among medical students warrants greater attention due to its significant implications. We aimed to study the global prevalence of anxiety among medical students and the associated factors predisposing medical students to anxiety. In February 2019, we carried out a systematic search for cross-sectional studies that examined the prevalence of anxiety among medical students. We computed the aggregate prevalence and pooled odds ratio (OR) using the random-effects model and used meta-regression analyses to explore the sources of heterogeneity. We pooled and analyzed data from sixty-nine studies comprising 40,348 medical students. The global prevalence rate of anxiety among medical students was 33.8% (95% Confidence Interval: 29.2–38.7%). Anxiety was most prevalent among medical students from the Middle East and Asia. Subgroup analyses by gender and year of study found no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of anxiety. About one in three medical students globally have anxiety—a prevalence rate which is substantially higher than the general population. Administrators and leaders of medical schools should take the lead in destigmatizing mental illnesses and promoting help-seeking behaviors when students are stressed and anxious. Further research is needed to identify risk factors of anxiety unique to medical students.
Community-Based Cognitive Social Capital and Self-Rated Health among Older Chinese Adults: The Moderating Effects of Education
Authors: Zhang Jingyue , Xu Shicun , Lu Nan
Published: July 2019

This study investigated the moderating role of education on the association between community-based cognitive social capital and self-rated health among older adults in urban Chinese communities. Data were derived from a community survey conducted in Suzhou, China, in November 2015. A sample of 456 respondents aged 60 or older completed interviews. Multiple-group analysis from a structural equation modeling perspective was adopted to examine the proposed model. The measurement model of community-based cognitive social capital featured four trust and reciprocity indicators. Measurement invariance was established across high and low education groups. Education was found to have a moderating effect on the association between community-based cognitive social capital and self-rated health, but only in the high education group. Education should be considered an important factor in future social capital policy and intervention plans. Policy and intervention implications are discussed.
Inhibition of UCH-L1 Deubiquitinating Activity with Two Forms of LDN-57444 Has Anti-Invasive Effects in Metastatic Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Kobayashi Eiji , Hwang Duhyeong , Bheda-Malge Anjali , Whitehurst Christopher B. , Kabanov Alexander V. , Kondo Satoru , Aga Mitsuharu , Yoshizaki Tomokazu , Pagano Joseph S. , Sokolsky Marina , Shakelford Julia
Published: July 2019

Normally ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) is expressed in the central nervous and reproductive systems of adults, but its de novo expression has been detected in many human cancers. There is a growing body of evidence that UCH-L1 de-ubiquitinating (DUB) activity plays a major pro-metastatic role in certain carcinomas. Here we tested anti-metastatic effects of the small-molecule inhibitor of UCH-L1 DUB activity, LDN-57444, in cell lines from advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) as well as invasive nasopharyngeal (NP) cell lines expressing the major pro-metastatic gene product of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) tumor virus, LMP1. To overcome the limited aqueous solubility of LDN-57444 we developed a nanoparticle formulation of LDN-57444 by incorporation of the compound in polyoxazoline micellear nanoparticles (LDN-POx). LDN-POx nanoparticles were equal in effects as the native compound in vitro. Our results demonstrate that inhibition of UCH-L1 DUB activity with LDN or LDN-POx inhibits secretion of exosomes and reduces levels of the pro-metastatic factor in exosomal fractions. Both forms of UCH-L1 DUB inhibitor suppress motility of metastatic squamous carcinoma cells as well as nasopharyngeal cells expressing EBV pro-metastatic Latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) in physiological assays. Moreover, treatment with LDN and LDN-POx resulted in reduced levels of pro-metastatic markers, a decrease of carcinoma cell adhesion, as well as inhibition of extra-cellular vesicle (ECV)-mediated transfer of viral invasive factor LMP1. We suggest that soluble inhibitors of UCH-L1 such as LDN-POx offer potential forms of treatment for invasive carcinomas including EBV-positive malignancies.
Adapting and Surviving: Intra and Extra-Cellular Remodeling in Drug-Resistant Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Russi Sabino , Verma Henu Kumar , Laurino Simona , Mazzone Pellegrino , Storto Giovanni , Nardelli Anna , Zoppoli Pietro , Calice Giovanni , La Rocca Francesco , Sgambato Alessandro , Lucci Valeria , Falco Geppino , Ruggieri Vitalba
Published: July 2019

Despite the significant recent advances in clinical practice, gastric cancer (GC) represents a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. In fact, occurrence of chemo-resistance still remains a daunting hindrance to effectiveness of the current approach to GC therapy. There is accumulating evidence that a plethora of cellular and molecular factors is implicated in drug-induced phenotypical switching of GC cells. Among them, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), autophagy, drug detoxification, DNA damage response and drug target alterations, have been reported as major determinants. Intriguingly, resistant GC phenotype may be the result of GC cell-induced tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling, which is currently emerging as a key player in promoting drug resistance and overcoming cytotoxic effects of drugs. In this review, we discuss the possible mechanisms of drug resistance and their involvement in determining current GC therapies failure.
Dedifferentiated Endometrial Carcinoma Could be A Target for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (Anti PD-1/PD-L1 Antibodies)
Authors: Ono Ruriko , Nakayama Kentaro , Nakamura Kohei , Yamashita Hitomi , Ishibashi Tomoka , Ishikawa Masako , Minamoto Toshiko , Razia Sultana , Ishikawa Noriyoshi , Otsuki Yoshiro , Nakayama Satoru , Onuma Hideyuki , Kurioka Hiroko , Kyo Satoru
Published: July 2019

Dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma (DDEC) is defined as an undifferentiated carcinoma admixed with differentiated endometrioid carcinoma (Grade 1 or 2). It has poor prognosis compared with Grade 3 endometrioid adenocarcinoma and is often associated with the loss of mismatch repair (MMR) proteins, which is seen in microsatellite instability (MSI)-type endometrial cancer. Recent studies have shown that the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy is related to MMR deficiency; therefore, we analyzed the immunophenotype (MMR deficient and expression of PD-L1) of 17 DDEC cases. In the undifferentiated component, nine cases (53%) were deficient in MMR proteins and nine cases (53%) expressed PD-L1. PD-L1 expression was significantly associated with MMR deficiency (p = 0.026). In addition, the presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (CD8+) was significantly associated with MMR deficiency (p = 0.026). In contrast, none of the cases showed PD-L1 expression in the well-differentiated component. Our results show that DDEC could be a target for immune checkpoint inhibitors (anti PD-L1/PD-1 antibodies), especially in the undifferentiated component. As a treatment strategy for DDEC, conventional paclitaxel plus carboplatin and cisplatin plus doxorubicin therapies are effective for those with the well-differentiated component. However, by using immune checkpoint inhibitors in combination with other conventional treatments, it may be possible to control the undifferentiated component and improve prognosis.
Dental Pulp Stem Cell-Derived Factors Alleviate Subarachnoid Hemorrhage-Induced Neuroinflammation and Ischemic Neurological Deficits
Authors: Chen Te-Fu , Chen Kuo-We , Chien Yueh , Lai Ying-Hsiu , Hsieh Sung-Tsang , Ma Hsin-Yi , Wang Kou-Chung , Shiau Chia-Yang
Published: July 2019

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), characterized by the extravasation of blood into the subarachnoid space caused by an intracranial aneurysm rupture, may lead to neurocognitive impairments and permanent disability and usually carries poor outcome. Dental or gingiva-derived stem cells have been shown to contribute to immune modulation and neuroregeneration, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. In the present study, we sought to investigate whether dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) secrete certain factor(s) that can ameliorate the neural damage and other manifestations in a rat aSAH model. Twenty-four hours after the induction of aSAH, microthrombosis, cortical vasoconstriction, and the decrease in microcirculation and tissue oxygen pressure were detected. Intrathecal administration of DPSC-derived conditioned media (DPSC-CM) ameliorated aSAH-induced vasoconstriction, neuroinflammation, and improved the oxygenation in the injured brain. Rotarod test revealed that the aSAH-induced cognitive and motor impairments were significantly improved by this DPSC-CM administration. Cytokine array indicated the major constituent of DPSC-CM was predominantly insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Immunohistochemistry staining of injured brain tissue revealed the robust increase in Iba1-positive cells that were also ameliorated by DPSC-CM administration. Antibody-mediated neutralization of IGF-1 moderately deteriorated the rescuing effect of DPSC-CM on microcirculation, Iba1-positive cells in the injured brain area, and the cognitive/motor impairments. Taken together, the DPSC-derived secretory factors showed prominent therapeutic potential for aSAH. This therapeutic efficacy may include improvement of microcirculation, alleviation of neuroinflammation, and microglial activation; partially through IGF-1-dependent mechanisms.
Genetic Variants in the Promoter Region of the Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor are Associated with the Severity of Hepatitis C Virus-Induced Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Wirtz Theresa Hildegard , Fischer Petra , Backhaus Christina , Bergmann Irina , Brandt Elisa Fabiana , Heinrichs Daniel , Koenen Maria Teresa , Schneider Kai Markus , Eggermann Thomas , Kurth Ingo , Stoppe Christian , Bernhagen Jürgen , Bruns Tony , Fischer Janett , Berg Thomas , Trautwein Christian , Berres Marie-Luise
Published: July 2019

Two polymorphisms in the promoter region of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)—rs755622 and rs5844572—exhibit prognostic relevance in inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate a correlation between these MIF promoter polymorphisms and the severity of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced liver fibrosis. Our analysis included two independent patient cohorts with HCV-induced liver fibrosis (504 and 443 patients, respectively). The genotype of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) -173 G/C and the repeat number of the microsatellite polymorphism -794 CATT5–8 were determined in DNA samples and correlated with fibrosis severity. In the first cohort, homozygous carriers of the C allele in the rs755622 had lower fibrosis stages compared to heterozygous carriers or wild types (1.25 vs. 2.0 vs. 2.0; p = 0.03). Additionally, ≥7 microsatellite repeats were associated with lower fibrosis stages (<F2) (p = 0.04). Comparable tendencies were observed in the second independent cohort, where fibrosis was assessed using transient elastography. However, once cirrhosis had been established, the C/C genotype and higher microsatellite repeats correlated with impaired liver function and a higher prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Our study demonstrates that specific MIF polymorphisms are associated with disease severity and complications of HCV-induced fibrosis in a stage- and context-dependent manner.
TiO2 and Au-TiO2 Nanomaterials for Rapid Photocatalytic Degradation of Antibiotic Residues in Aquaculture Wastewater
Authors: Do Tho Chau Minh Vinh , Nguyen Duy Quoc , Nguyen Kien Trung , Le Phuoc Huu
Published: July 2019

Antibiotic residues in aquaculture wastewater are considered as an emerging environmental problem, as they are not efficiently removed in wastewater treatment plants. To address this issue, we fabricated TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNAs), TiO2 nanowires on nanotube arrays (TNWs/TNAs), Au nanoparticle (NP)-decorated-TNAs, and TNWs/TNAs, which were applied for assessing the photocatalytic degradation of eight antibiotics, simultaneously. The TNAs and TNWs/TNAs were synthesized by anodization using an aqueous NH4F/ethylene glycol solution. Au NPs were synthesized by chemical reduction method, and used to decorate on TNAs and TNWs/TNAs. All the TiO2 nanostructures exhibited anatase phase and well-defined morphology. The photocatalytic performance of TNAs, TNWs/TNAs, Au-TNAs and Au-TNWs/TNAs was studied by monitoring the degradation of amoxicillin, ampicillin, doxycycline, oxytetracycline, lincomycin, vancomycin, sulfamethazine, and sulfamethoxazole under ultraviolet (UV)-visible (VIS), or VIS illumination by LC-MS/MS method. All the four kinds of nanomaterials degraded the antibiotics effectively and rapidly, in which most antibiotics were removed completely after 20 min treatment. The Au-TNWs/TNAs exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity in degradation of the eight antibiotics. For example, reaction rate constants of Au-TNWs/TNAs for degradation of lincomycin reached 0.26 min−1 and 0.096 min−1 under UV-VIS and VIS irradiation, respectively; and they were even higher for the other antibiotics. The excellent photocatalytic activity of Au-TNWs/TNAs was attributed to the synergistic effects of: (1) The larger surface area of TNWs/TNAs as compared to TNAs, and (2) surface plasmonic effect in Au NPs to enhance the visible light harvesting.
Bone Regeneration Using a Three-Dimensional Hexahedron Channeled BCP Block Combined with Bone Morphogenic Protein-2 in Rat Calvarial Defects
Authors: Kim So-Yeun , Bae Eun-Bin , Huh Jae-Woong , Ahn Jong-Ju , Bae Hyun-Young , Cho Won-Tak , Huh Jung-Bo
Published: July 2019

It is important to obtain sufficient bone mass before implant placement on alveolar bone, and synthetic bone such as biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) has been studied to secure this. This study used a BCP block bone with a specific structure of the three-dimensional (3D) hexahedron channel and coating with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) impregnated carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was used to examine the enhancement of bone regeneration of this biomaterial in rat calvarial defect. After the preparation of critical-size calvarial defects in fifteen rats, defects were divided into three groups and were implanted with the assigned specimen (n = 5): Boneplant (untreated 3D hexahedron channeled BCP block), Boneplant/CMC (3D hexahedron channeled BCP block coated with CMC), and Boneplant/CMC/BMP (3D hexahedron channeled BCP block coated with CMC containing rhBMP-2). After 4 weeks, the volumetric, histologic, and histometric analyses were conducted to measure the newly formed bone. Histologically, defects in the Boneplant/CMC/BMP group were almost completely filled with new bone compared to the Boneplant and Boneplant/CMC groups. The new bone volume (P < 0.05) and area (P < 0.001) in the Boneplant/CMC/BMP group (20.12% ± 2.17, 33.79% ± 3.66) were much greater than those in the Boneplant (10.77% ± 4.8, 16.48% ± 9.11) and Boneplant/CMC (10.72% ± 3.29, 16.57% ± 8.94) groups, respectively. In conclusion, the 3D hexahedron channeled BCP block adapted rhBMP-2 with carrier CMC showed high possibility as an effective bone graft material.
Effects of Repetitive Upsetting Extrusion on the Microstructure and Texture of GWZK124 Alloy under Different Starting Temperatures
Authors: Zhang Guanshi , Zhang Zhimin , Meng Yingze , Yan Zhaoming , Che Xin , Li Xubin
Published: July 2019

The effects of repetitive upsetting extrusion under different starting temperatures on the microstructure and texture of GWZK124 alloy were investigated. The results clearly showed that the particles and second phases induced dynamic recrystallization (DRX), which can be explained by the particle-stimulated nucleation (PSN) mechanism. It was shown that grain refinement during repetitive upsetting extrusion (RUE) is dominated by a complicated combination of continuous dynamic recrystallization and discontinuous dynamic recrystallization. The RUEed alloys under different starting temperatures exhibited a bimodal microstructure comprising fine DRXed grains with weak texture and coarse deformed grains with strong texture. The DRXed grains could weaken the texture. As the RUE starting temperature decreased, the average grain size increased and the volume fraction of DRXed grains decreased.
Olive Oil Intake Associated with Increased Attention Scores in Women Living with HIV: Findings from the Chicago Women’s Interagency HIV Study
Authors: Warrior Lakshmi , Weber Kathleen M. , Daubert Elizabeth , Morris Martha Clare , Agarwal Puja , Koralnik Igor J. , French Audrey L.
Published: July 2019

Women aging with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are particularly vulnerable to cognitive decline. Recent studies have highlighted the potential protective effects of olive oil on cognition in persons living without HIV. We sought to evaluate the association between olive oil consumption and domain-specific cognitive performance (dCog) t-scores (adjusted for age, race, education, reading level, practice effects) in women living with HIV (WLWH) and sociodemographically similar women living without HIV. A total of 166 women (113 WLWH and 53 women living without HIV) participating in the Cook County Women’s Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) completed cognitive testing and a Block 2014 Food Frequency Questionnaire within 18 months. Use of olive oil was associated with a 4.2 point higher attention/concentration (p = 0.02), 4.0 point higher for verbal learning (p = 0.02), and 1.91 point higher for verbal memory (p = 0.05). Associations between using olive oil and attention/concentration cognitive domain were seen in WLWH but not in women living without HIV. Associations between olive oil and verbal learning and memory were only seen in women without HIV. Our data suggest that using olive oil as a primary cooking oil may contribute to differential effects in attention/concentration, verbal learning, and verbal memory between women living with and without HIV.
Lactobacillus reuteri V3401 Reduces Inflammatory Biomarkers and Modifies the Gastrointestinal Microbiome in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: The PROSIR Study
Authors: Tenorio-Jiménez Carmen , Martínez-Ramírez María José , Del Castillo-Codes Isabel , Arraiza-Irigoyen Carmen , Tercero-Lozano Mercedes , Camacho José , Chueca Natalia , García Federico , Olza Josune , Plaza-Díaz Julio , Fontana Luis , Olivares Mónica , Gil Ángel , Gómez-Llorente Carolina
Published: July 2019

Previous studies have reported that probiotics may improve clinical and inflammatory parameters in patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Lactobacillus (L.) reuteri V3401 has shown promising results on the components of MetS in animal studies. We aimed to evaluate the effects of L. reuteri V3401 together with healthy lifestyle recommendations on adult patients with MetS. Methods: We carried out a randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled, single-center trial in which we included 53 adult patients newly diagnosed with MetS. Patients were block randomly allocated by body mass index (BMI) and sex to receive a capsule containing either the probiotic L. reuteri V3401 (5 × 109 colony-forming units) or a placebo once daily for 12 weeks. Anthropometric variables, biochemical and inflammatory biomarkers, as well as the gastrointestinal microbiome composition were determined. Results: There were no differences between groups in the clinical characteristics of MetS. However, we found that interleukin-6 (IL-6) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1) diminished by effect of the treatment with L. reuteri V3401. Analysis of the gastrointestinal microbiome revealed a rise in the proportion of Verrucomicrobia. Conclusions: Consumption of L. reuteri V3401 improved selected inflammatory parameters and modified the gastrointestinal microbiome. Further studies are needed to ascertain additional beneficial effects of other probiotic strains in MetS as well as the mechanisms by which such effects are exerted.
Using Food Models to Enhance Sugar Literacy among Older Adolescents: Evaluation of a Brief Experiential Nutrition Education Intervention
Authors: Santaló María Isabel , Gibbons Sandra , Naylor Patti-Jean
Published: July 2019

Adolescent diets high in sugar are a public health concern. Sugar literacy interventions have changed intake but focused more on children, adults, and early adolescents and on sugar sweetened beverages rather than total sugar consumption. Food models are an efficacious experiential learning strategy with children. This study assessed the impact of two 45 min nutrition lessons using food models on adolescents’ sugar literacy. Classes (n = 16) were randomized to intervention or control with knowledge, label reading skills, intentions to limit sugar consumption measured at baseline and follow-up. Two hundred and three students aged 14 to 19 from six schools on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada participated in the study. Adolescents’ knowledge of added sugar in foods and beverages and servings per food group in a healthy diet was limited at baseline but improved significantly in the intervention condition (F(1, 201) = 104.84, p < 0.001) compared to controls. Intention to consume less added sugar increased significantly after intervention (F(1, 201) = 4.93, p = 0.03) as did label reading confidence (F(1, 200) = 14.94, p < 0.001). A brief experiential learning intervention using food models was efficacious for changing student’s knowledge about sugar guidelines and sugar in food, label reading confidence, and intention to change sugar consumption.
Hydrophobilization of Furan-Containing Polyurethanes via Diels–Alder Reaction with Fatty Maleimides
Authors: Schmidt Philipp , Eschig Steven
Published: July 2019

We describe new hydrophobic functionalized linear polyurethane resins by combining N-alkyl maleimides via the Diels–Alder reaction with linear furan-modified polyurethanes. This procedure provides the opportunity for the post-polymerization-functionalizing of polyurethanes. Access to furan-bearing polyurethanes is achieved via the reaction of a furan-containing diol, polyethylenglycol (PEG), and different diisocyanates. The furan-containing diol is obtained from the reaction of furfurylamine and two equivalents of hydroxyalkyl acrylate. The resulting furan-bearing polyurethanes are reacted with fatty amine-based N-alkyl maleimides. The maleimide and furan functionalities undergo a Diels–Alder reaction, which allows for the covalent bonding of the hydrophobic side chains to the polyurethane backbone. The covalent bonding of the hydrophobic maleimides to the polyurethane backbone is proven by means of NMR. The influence of the functionalization on the surface properties of the resulting polyurethane films is analyzed via the determination of surface energy via the sessile drop method.
Massaranduba Sawdust: A Potential Source of Charcoal and Activated Carbon
Authors: Castro Jonnys P. , Nobre João Rodrigo C. , Napoli Alfredo , Bianchi Maria Lucia , Moulin Jordão C. , Chiou Bor-Sen , Williams Tina G. , Wood Delilah F. , Avena-Bustillos Roberto J. , Orts William J. , Tonoli Gustavo H. D.
Published: July 2019

This paper provides proof of concept that activated carbon (AC) may be readily produced using limited conversion methods and resources from sawdust of massaranduba (Manilkara huberi) wood, thereby obtaining value-added products. Sawdust was sieved and heat-treated in an oxygen-free muffle furnace at 500 °C to produce charcoal. The charcoal was activated in a tubular electric furnace at 850 °C while being purged with CO2 gas. Microstructural, thermal and physical properties of the three components: sawdust, charcoal and AC were compared by means of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), density and water adsorption/desorption measurements. The resulting AC had a large surface area as measured by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) comparable to other such values found in the literature. The large surface area was due to pore development at the microstructural level as shown by FESEM. XRD illustrated that sawdust had a semi-crystalline structure whereas charcoal and AC evidenced mostly amorphous structures. TGA and DSC showed that AC had high reactivity to moisture compared to sawdust and charcoal.
Effects of Fiber Surface Grafting with Nano-Clay on the Hydrothermal Ageing Behaviors of Flax Fiber/Epoxy Composite Plates
Authors: Wang Anni , Xian Guijun , Li Hui
Published: July 2019

Flax fiber has high sensitivity to moisture, and moisture uptake leads to the decrease of mechanical properties and distortion in shape. This paper attempts to graft flax fabric with nano-clay, with assistance from a silane-coupling agent, in order to improve hygrothermal resistance. The nano-clay grafted flax fabric reinforced epoxy (FFRP) composite produced through vacuum assisted resin infusion (VARI) process were subjected to 80% RH chamber for 12 weeks at 20, 40 and 70 °C, respectively. Moisture uptake, dimensional stability, and tensile properties was studied as a function of humidity exposure. Through SEM and FTIR, the effects of hygrothermal exposure was elucidated. In comparison to control FFRP plates, nano-clay grafting decreases saturation moisture uptake and the coefficient of diffusion of FFRP by 38.4% and 13.2%, respectively. After exposure for six weeks, the retention rate of the tensile modulus of the nano-clay grafted flax fiber based FFRP increased by 33.8% compared with that of the control ones. Nano-clay grafting also reduces the linear moisture expansion coefficient of FFRPs by 8.4% in a radial direction and 10.9% in a weft direction.
Affect Theory, Religion, and Sport
Authors: Bain-Selbo Eric
Published: July 2019

Affect theory has made important contributions recently to the study of religion, particularly drawing our attention away from ideas and practices to the emotional or affectual experience of religion. However, there is a danger that affect theory may become yet another “protective strategy” (to use a term from philosopher of religion Wayne Proudfoot) in academic wars about the nature of religion. As a consequence, there is a danger that affect theory will become too restrictive in its scope, limiting our ability to use it effectively in investigating “religious” or “spiritual” affects in otherwise secular practices and institutions (such as sport). If we can avoid turning affect theory into a protective strategy, it can become a useful tool to provide insights into the “spirituality” of sport.
Extraction of Power Line Pylons and Wires Using Airborne LiDAR Data at Different Height Levels
Authors: Awrangjeb Mohammad
Published: July 2019

High density airborne point cloud data have become an important means for modelling and maintenance of power line corridors (PLCs). As the amount of data in a dense point cloud is large, even in a small area, automatic detection of pylon locations can offer a significant advantage by reducing the number of points that need to be processed in subsequent steps, i.e., the extraction of individual pylons and wires. However, the existing solutions mostly overlook this advantage by processing all of the available data at one time, which hinders their application to large datasets. Moreover, the presence of high vegetation and hilly terrain may challenge many of the existing methods, since vertically overlapping objects (e.g., trees and wires) may not be effectively segmented using a single height threshold. For extraction of pylons and wires, this paper proposes a novel approach which involves converting the input points at different height levels into binary masks. Long straight lines are extracted from these masks and convex hulls around the lines at individual height levels are used to form series of hulls across the height levels. The series of hulls are then projected onto a horizontal plane to form individual corridors. A number of height gaps, where there are no objects between the vegetation and the bottom-most wire, are then estimated. The height gaps along with the height levels consider the presence of hilly terrain as well as high vegetation within the PLCs. By using only the non-ground points within the extracted corridors and height gaps, the pylons are detected. The estimated height gaps are further exploited to define robust seed regions for the detected pylons. The seed regions thereafter are grown to extract the complete pylons. Finally, only the points between the locations of two successive pylons are used to extract points of individual wires. It first counts the number of wires within a power line span and, then, iteratively obtains individual wire points. When tested on two large Australian datasets, the proposed approach exhibited high object-based performance (correctness for pylons and wires of 100% and 99.6%, respectively) and high point-based performance (completeness for pylons and wires of 98.1% and 95%, respectively). Moreover, the planimetric accuracy for the detected pylons was 0.10 m. Thus, the proposed approach is demonstrated to be useful in effective extraction and modelling of pylons and wires.
Kagome Hollow Core Fiber-Based Mid-Infrared Dispersion Spectroscopy of Methane at Sub-ppm Levels
Authors: Krzempek Karol , Abramski Krzysztof , Nikodem Michal
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we demonstrate the laser-based gas sensing of methane near 3.3 µm inside hollow-core photonic crystal fibers. We exploit a novel anti-resonant Kagome-type hollow-core fiber with a large core diameter (more than 100 µm) which results in gas filling times of less than 10 s for 1.3-m-long fibers. Using a difference frequency generation source and chirped laser dispersion spectroscopy technique, methane sensing with sub-parts-per-million by volume detection limit is performed. The detection of ambient methane is also demonstrated. The presented results indicate the feasibility of using a hollow-core fiber for increasing the path-length and improving the sensitivity of the mid-infrared gas sensors.