bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lingual Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access: Proof of Concept 18‐Month Follow‐Up
Authors: Alves Joana Paiva , Marques Tiago Miguel , Malta Santos Nuno Bernardo , Correia Sousa Manuel , Coutinho Alves Célia , Correia André Ricardo
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Gingival recession is a common manifestation in most populations. The mechanism by which gingival recession occurs is not well understood but it seems to be complex and multifactorial. The main etiological factors are the accumulation of dental plaque biofilm with the resulting inflammatory periodontal diseases and mechanical trauma due to faulty oral hygiene technique, especially in thin biotypes.

Case Presentation

This case report describes the treatment of lingual recessions associated with bone loss, with a lingual incision subperiosteal tunnel access (LISTA) technique associated with a connective tissue graft. Nine months after the surgery, clinically significant root coverage and increased thickness of keratinized tissue were achieved; the patient was observed at 9, 12, and 18 months.

Conclusion

The clinical results, although without 100% root coverage, satisfied the patient entirely. LISTA technique associated with a connective tissue graft is a promising alternative for minimally invasive treatment of multiple lingual gingival recessions.
Keep Your Eye On…
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2019

Reducing family conflict to prevent teen depression

The dangers of vaping to the lungs — and to life

Following, not just issuing, practice guidelines
Free prevention curriculum teaches responsible use, no‐use at the same time
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2019

Although it's not officially released yet, the prevention curriculum for schools from the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) is not getting favorable reviews from prevention experts. CABL shared a July 23 press release about the curriculum, called “Safety First: Real Drug Education for Teens,” with these experts, and then received a draft of the curriculum itself.
Uno Ferro, a de novo Designed Protein, Binds Transition Metals with High Affinity and Stabilizes Semiquinone Radical Anion
Authors: Yoon Jennifer H. , Kulesha Alona V. , Lengyel‐Zhand Zsofia , Volkov Alexander N. , Rempillo Joel J. , D'Souza Areetha , Costeas Christos , Chester Cara , Caselle Elizabeth R. , Makhlynets Olga V.
Published: September 2019

Metalloenzymes often utilize radicals in order to facilitate chemical reactions. Recently, DeGrado and co‐workers have discovered that model proteins can efficiently stabilize semiquinone radical anion produced by oxidation of 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylcatechol (DTBC) in the presence of two zinc ions. Here, we show that the number and the nature of metal ions have relatively minor effect on semiquinone stabilization in model proteins, with a single metal ion being sufficient for radical stabilization. The radical is stabilized by both metal ion, hydrophobic sequestration, and interactions with the hydrophilic residues in the protein interior resulting in a remarkable, nearly 500 mV change in the redox potential of the SQ.−/catechol couple compared to bulk aqueous solution. Moreover, we have created 4G‐UFsc, a single metal ion‐binding protein with pm affinity for zinc that is higher than any other reported model systems and is on par with many natural zinc‐containing proteins. We expect that the robust and easy‐to‐modify DFsc/UFsc family of proteins will become a versatile tool for mechanistic model studies of metalloenzymes.
Aluminium ions in everyday life – how harmful are they?
Authors: Rößler Tina , Heimann Rebekka
Published: September 2019

Im Rahmen dieses Beitrags wird eine Unterrichtseinheit zu Nachweis, Aufnahme und möglichen Auswirkungen von Aluminium‐Ionen vorgestellt. Sie wurde in der Stufe 10 des Gymnasiums erprobt. Außer der Vernetzung von biologischen und chemischen Inhalten soll ein Einblick in aktuelle Forschung ermöglicht werden.
Chinese‐Australian women with breast cancer call for culturally appropriate information and improved communication with health professionals
Authors: Levesque Janelle V. , Gerges Martha , Wu Verena S. , Girgis Afaf
Published: September 2019

Background

For culturally and linguistically diverse patients, breast cancer presents complex physical, psychosocial, and health care challenges, often exacerbated by a lack of culturally appropriate information and communication barriers with the treating team (even with the help of interpreters).

Aim

This qualitative study aims to broadly explore the experience of breast cancer and coping strategies utilized by Chinese‐Australian women.

Methods and results

Twenty‐four Chinese‐Australian women with breast cancer participated in either a semi‐structured interview or a focus group conducted in participants' preferred language, audio‐recorded, transcribed, and subjected to thematic analysis. Two prominent themes emerged, related to information seeking, and communication with health care professionals. The theme of information needs and seeking highlighted unmet information needs and the multiple sources that are consulted for information. The second theme, communication with health care professionals, language barriers, and preferences, identified varying degrees of involvement in treatment decision‐making, preference for information and interactions in Cantonese or Mandarin, and problems with interpreter services.

Conclusion

Chinese women with breast cancer face significant challenges in obtaining adequate information and can feel excluded from treatment decision‐making. Women in this study expressed their eagerness for obtaining accurate information and engaging in open communication with their doctors. There is a need for culturally sensitive information resources and decision aids to enhance communication between Chinese migrant patients with cancer and health care professionals. Clinician participation in cultural awareness training is also recommended.
Photochromic Response and Steady‐State Photoconductivity of Fibrous‐Reticulated α‐MoO3 Thin Films Prepared by Modified Spray Pyrolysis Technique
Authors: Badr Aly M. , Afify Hassan H. , El‐Anssary Elham H. , Elshaikh Haroun A.
Published: September 2019

A modified spray pyrolysis technique is used for preparing α‐MoO3 thin films after subsequent heat treatment at a relatively low temperature. The spray parameters are selected through a wide variety of elaboration conditions for best photochromic features. Different numbers of spraying and drying cycles are performed to investigate the thickness effect on the structural, morphological, optical, electrical, and photo‐electrical properties of the nanostructured α‐MoO3 films. These film samples are characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thus the film thickness effect is elucidated and correlated to the crystallite shape and size. The SEM micrographs show fibrous‐reticulated morphology for all the film samples investigated here. The photochromic properties of α‐MoO3 sprayed thin films are investigated by measuring the transmission spectra before and after UV‐light exposure. The changes in the optical transmission of these film samples are monitored for different exposure times. The UV exposure time effect as well as the thickness effect on the photochromic response of the film samples is investigated and discussed based on the particle size analysis. The photosensitivity is evaluated in various illumination levels to elucidate the carrier transport in the α‐MoO3 films and to determine the type of the recombination processes in these films.
Security and key management in IoT‐based wireless sensor networks: An authentication protocol using symmetric key
Authors: Ghani Anwar , Mansoor Khwaja , Mehmood Shahid , Chaudhry Shehzad Ashraf , Rahman Arif Ur , Najmus Saqib Malik
Published: September 2019

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) consist of hundreds of miniature sensor nodes to sense various events in the surrounding environment and report back to the base station. Sensor networks are at the base of internet of things (IoT) and smart computing applications where a function is performed as a result of sensed event or information. However, in resource‐limited WSN authenticating a remote user is a vital security concern. Recently, researchers put forth various authentication protocols to address different security issues. Gope et al presented a protocol claiming resistance against known attacks. A thorough analysis of their protocol shows that it is vulnerable to user traceability, stolen verifier, and denial of service (DoS) attacks. In this article, an enhanced symmetric key‐based authentication protocol for IoT‐based WSN has been presented. The proposed protocol has the ability to counter user traceability, stolen verifier, and DoS attacks. Furthermore, the proposed protocol has been simulated and verified using Proverif and BAN logic. The proposed protocol has the same communication cost as the baseline protocol; however, in computation cost, it has 52.63% efficiency as compared with the baseline protocol.
Secure and efficient scheme for fast initial link setup against key reinstallation attacks in IEEE 802.11ah networks
Authors: Zhang Lyuye , Ma Maode
Published: September 2019

IEEE 802.11ah is a recently released IEEE standard to specify a wireless communication system with a long‐range, low‐power, and low data transmission rate over smart devices used in Internet of Things (IoT) systems. This new standard belongs to IEEE 802.11 wireless local area networks (WLANs) protocol family. It requires lightweight protocols to support the low‐power and low‐latency features of the IoT devices. On the other hand, an upcoming solution of fast initial link setup (FILS) specified by IEEE 802.11ai standard is a brand‐new approach aiming to establish fast and secure links among devices in WLANs to meet this new demand. It is natural and feasible to apply it to the 802.11ah networks to support massively deployed wireless nodes. However, security concerns on the link connection by the FILS scheme have not been fully eliminated, especially in the authentication process. It has been explored that a type of recently revealed malicious attack, key reinstallation attack (KRA) might be a threat to the FILS authentication. To prevent the success of the KRAs, in this paper, we proposed a secure and efficient FILS (SEF) protocol as the optional substitute of the FILS scheme. The SEF scheme is designed to eradicate potential threats from the KRAs without degrading the network performance.
Leisure‐time cross‐country skiing is associated with lower incidence of type 2 diabetes: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Kunutsor Setor K. , Mäkikallio Timo H. , Kauhanen Jussi , Voutilainen Ari , Jae Sae Young , Dey Richard S. , Kurl Sudhir , Laukkanen Jari A.
Published: September 2019

Background

Cross‐country skiing is associated with reduction in risk of adverse vascular outcomes, but its association with type 2 diabetes is uncertain. We aimed to assess the associations between leisure‐time cross‐country skiing habits and incident type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We analysed the data of 2483 middle‐aged men with no history of diabetes at baseline in the Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease prospective study. The frequency, average duration, and intensity of leisure cross‐country skiing were assessed at baseline using a 12‐month physical activity questionnaire. Hazard ratios (HRs) (95% CIs) for type 2 diabetes were estimated.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 21.6 years, 539 men developed type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes risk decreased with increasing total volume of cross‐country skiing up to 1,215 metabolic equivalent task (MET) hours/year. In analyses adjusted for several established risk factors, when compared with men with no cross‐country skiing activity, the HRs (95% CIs) for type 2 diabetes were 0.75 (0.62‐0.92) and 0.59 (0.46‐0.76) for men who did 1‐200 and >200 MET hours/year of cross‐country skiing, respectively. Compared with men with no cross‐country skiing activity, the corresponding adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for type 2 diabetes were 0.73 (0.60‐0.89) and 0.64 (0.50‐0.82) for men who did 1‐60 and >60 minutes/week of cross‐country skiing, respectively. The associations remained consistent following further adjustment for prevalent comorbidities.

Conclusion

Total volume and duration of leisure‐time cross‐country skiing are each inversely and independently associated with future type 2 diabetes risk in a male population. Cross‐country skiing undertaken as a leisure activity has the potential to promote public health.
Evidence of region‐wide bat population decline from long‐term monitoring and Bayesian occupancy models with empirically informed priors
Authors: Rodhouse Thomas J. , Rodriguez Rogelio M. , Banner Katharine M. , Ormsbee Patricia C. , Barnett Jenny , Irvine Kathryn M.
Published: September 2019

Strategic conservation efforts for cryptic species, especially bats, are hindered by limited understanding of distribution and population trends. Integrating long‐term encounter surveys with multi‐season occupancy models provides a solution whereby inferences about changing occupancy probabilities and latent changes in abundance can be supported. When harnessed to a Bayesian inferential paradigm, this modeling framework offers flexibility for conservation programs that need to update prior model‐based understanding about at‐risk species with new data. This scenario is exemplified by a bat monitoring program in the Pacific Northwestern United States in which results from 8 years of surveys from 2003 to 2010 require updating with new data from 2016 to 2018. The new data were collected after the arrival of bat white‐nose syndrome and expansion of wind power generation, stressors expected to cause population declines in at least two vulnerable species, little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) and the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus). We used multi‐season occupancy models with empirically informed prior distributions drawn from previous occupancy results (2003–2010) to assess evidence of contemporary decline in these two species. Empirically informed priors provided the bridge across the two monitoring periods and increased precision of parameter posterior distributions, but did not alter inferences relative to use of vague priors. We found evidence of region‐wide summertime decline for the hoary bat ( = 0.86 ± 0.10) since 2010, but no evidence of decline for the little brown bat ( = 1.1 ± 0.10). White‐nose syndrome was documented in the region in 2016 and may not yet have caused regional impact to the little brown bat. However, our discovery of hoary bat decline is consistent with the hypothesis that the longer duration and greater geographic extent of the wind energy stressor (collision and barotrauma) have impacted the species. These hypotheses can be evaluated and updated over time within our framework of pre–post impact monitoring and modeling. Our approach provides the foundation for a strategic evidence‐based conservation system and contributes to a growing preponderance of evidence from multiple lines of inquiry that bat species are declining.
Chemical Methods for Selective Labeling of Proteins
Authors: Rawale Dattatraya G. , Thakur Kalyani , Adusumalli Srinivasa Rao , Rai Vishal
Published: September 2019

Protein bioconjugation poses outstanding questions of selectivity to the organic transformations. Besides, the presence of a pool of functional groups in the structural outfit of a protein brings its own set of characteristics. In this minireview, we highlight the challenges faced by a chemical transformation to deliver selectivity in the modification of proteins. The examples of pre‐engineered proteins outline the attributes associated with chemoselectivity and chemical orthogonality. Building on this foundation, we discuss the complexity of site‐selectivity in the single‐site modification of native proteins. The gradual evolution of chemical methods while addressing the challenges associated with different amino acids are outlined. The modular methods for labeling a residue independent of its reactivity order closes the discussion.
A comprehensive measure of attitudes and behaviour: Development of the Support for Gender Equality among Men Scale
Authors: Sudkämper Antonia , Ryan Michelle K. , Kirby Teri A. , Morgenroth Thekla
Published: September 2019

In this article, we develop and validate the 16‐item Support for Gender Equality among Men Scale across four studies. Drawing on exploratory (Study 1, n = 322) and confirmatory (Study 2, n = 358; Study 4, n = 192) factor analysis, we determine a two‐factor structure: public and domestic support for gender equality. In Study 3 (n = 146) and Study 4, we validate the scale by establishing its relationship with, among others, several prominent measures of sexism, a behavioural measure, and social desirability. The scale fills a psychometric gap in the literature: To date, no validated measure of support for gender equality, measuring both attitudes and behavioural intentions and focusing specifically on men, exists. Considering the recent increase in interest in men as allies of the feminist movement the scale functions as a useful tool to explore the topic in depth in future research.
Quantifying brain metabolism from FDG‐PET images into a probability of Alzheimer's dementia score
Authors: Yee Evangeline , Popuri Karteek , Beg Mirza Faisal ,   the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: September 2019

18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) enables in‐vivo capture of the topographic metabolism patterns in the brain. These images have shown great promise in revealing the altered metabolism patterns in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The AD pathology is progressive, and leads to structural and functional alterations that lie on a continuum. There is a need to quantify the altered metabolism patterns that exist on a continuum into a simple measure. This work proposes a 3D convolutional neural network with residual connections that generates a probability score useful for interpreting the FDG‐PET images along the continuum of AD. This network is trained and tested on images of stable normal control and stable Dementia of the Alzheimer's type (sDAT) subjects, achieving an AUC of 0.976 via repeated fivefold cross‐validation. An independent test set consisting of images in between the two extreme ends of the DAT spectrum is used to further test the generalization performance of the network. Classification performance of 0.811 AUC is achieved in the task of predicting conversion of mild cognitive impairment to DAT for conversion time of 0–3 years. The saliency and class activation maps, which highlight the regions of the brain that are most important to the classification task, implicate many known regions affected by DAT including the posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, and hippocampus.
Evaluation of oncologic outcomes in head and neck cancer patients ≥80 years old based on adherence to NCCN guideline for postoperative adjuvant treatment
Authors: Roden Dylan , Daniels Kelly , Metkus James , Goldman Richard , Walsh Amanda , Johnson Jennifer , Hamilton James , Keane William , Chapman Andrew , Bar‐Ad Voichita , Sweeny Larissa , Curry Joseph , Cognetti David , Luginbuhl Adam
Published: September 2019

Background

There is a paucity of literature characterizing outcomes in older adult patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). This study aims to describe patients from this group, their adherence to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) adjuvant treatment guidelines, and the impact of guideline adherence on overall survival (OS).

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed all patients ≥80 years old with HNC who underwent surgery with curative intent from 2008 to 2016. Adherence to NCCN guidelines was determined in blinded fashion, and quality metrics and OS were compared.

Results

One hundred fifty‐nine patients met inclusion criteria. The majority of patients (n = 94, 59%) underwent treatment in accordance with NCCN recommendations while 65 (41%) deviated from NCCN guidelines. The two cohorts did not demonstrate a difference in 2‐year OS (62% vs 66%, P = .50).

Conclusion

Older adult patient outcomes were not different when treatment deviated from NCCN guidelines.
A hMTR4‐PDIA3P1‐miR‐125/124‐TRAF6 Regulatory Axis and Its Function in NF kappa B Signaling and Chemoresistance
Authors: Xie Chen , Zhang Li‐Zhen , Chen Zhan‐Li , Zhong Wang‐Jing , Fang Jian‐Hong , Zhu Ying , Xiao Man‐Huan , Guo Zhi‐Wei , Zhao Na , He Xionglei , Zhuang Shi‐Mei
Published: September 2019

Background and Aims

DNA damage‐induced NF‐κB activation is a major obstacle to effective antitumour chemotherapy. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that regulate chemoresistance of cancer cells remain largely unknown. This study aimed to characterize the lncRNAs that may affect chemotherapy sensitivity.

Approach and Results

We found that lncRNA PDIA3P1 (protein disulfide isomerase family A member 3 pseudogene 1) was up‐regulated in multiple cancer types and following treatment with DNA‐damaging chemotherapeutic agents, like doxorubicin (Dox). Higher PDIA3P1 level was associated with poorer recurrence‐free survival of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Both gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function studies revealed that PDIA3P1 protected cancer cells from Dox‐induced apoptosis and allowed tumor xenografts to grow faster and to be more resistant to Dox treatment. Mechanistically, miR‐125a/b and miR‐124 suppressed the expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 6 (TRAF6), but PDIA3P1 bound to miR‐125a/b/miR‐124 and relieved their repression on TRAF6, leading to activation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) pathway. Consistently, the effect of PDIA3P1 inhibition in promoting Dox‐triggered apoptosis was antagonized by silencing the inhibitor of κBα (IκBα) or overexpressing TRAF6. Administration of BAY 11‐7085, an NF‐κB inhibitor attenuated PDIA3P1‐induced resistance to Dox treatment in mouse xenografts. Moreover, up‐regulation of PDIA3P1 was significantly correlated with elevation of TRAF6, phosphorylated p65, or NF‐κB downstream anti‐apoptosis genes in human HCC tissues. These data indicate that enhanced PDIA3P1 expression may confer chemoresistance by acting as a microRNA sponge to increase TRAF6 expression and augment NF‐κB signaling. Subsequent investigations into the mechanisms of PDIA3P1 up‐regulation revealed that human homologue of mRNA transport mutant 4 (hMTR4), which promotes RNA degradation, could bind to PDIA3P1, and this interaction was disrupted by Dox treatment. Overexpression of hMTR4 attenuated Dox‐induced elevation of PDIA3P1, whereas silencing hMTR4 increased PDIA3P1 level, suggesting that Dox may up‐regulate PDIA3P1 by abrogating the hMTR4‐mediated PDIA3P1 degradation.

Conclusion

There exists a hMTR4‐PDIA3P1‐miR‐125/124‐TRAF6 regulatory axis that regulates NF‐κB signaling and chemoresistance, which may be exploited for anticancer therapy.
SESTET: A spatially explicit stream temperature model based on equilibrium temperature
Authors: Carraro Luca , Toffolon Marco , Rinaldo Andrea , Bertuzzo Enrico
Published: September 2019

Stream‐water temperature is a key variable controlling chemical, biological, and ecological processes in freshwater environments. Most models focus on a single river cross‐section; however, temperature gradients along stretches and tributaries of a river network are crucial to assess ecohydrological features such as aquatic species suitability, growth and feeding rates, or disease transmission. We propose SESTET, a deterministic, spatially explicit stream temperature model for a whole river network, based on water and energy budgets at a reach scale and requiring only commonly available spatially distributed datasets, such as morphology and air temperature, as input. Heat exchange processes at the air–water interface are modelled via the widely used equilibrium temperature concept, whereas the effects of network structure are accounted for through advective heat fluxes. A case study was conducted on the prealpine Wigger river (Switzerland), where water temperatures have been measured in the period 2014–2018 at 11 spatially distributed locations. The results show the advantages of accounting for water and energy budgets at the reach scale for the entire river network, compared with simpler, lumped formulations. Because our approach fundamentally relies on spatially distributed air temperature fields, adequate spatial interpolation techniques that account for the effects of both elevation and thermal inversion in air temperature are key to a successful application of the model. SESTET allows the assessment of the magnitude of the various components of the heat budget at the reach scale and the derivation of reliable estimates of spatial gradients of mean daily stream temperatures for the whole catchment based on a limited number of conveniently located (viz., spanning the largest possible elevation range) measuring stations. Moreover, accounting for mixing processes and advective fluxes through the river network allows one to trust regionalized values of the parameters controlling the relationship between equilibrium and air temperature, a key feature to generalize the model to data‐scarce catchments.
Human amnion‐derived mesenchymal stem cells enhance the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose‐derived stem cells by promoting adiponectin excretion via the APPL1‐ERK1/2 signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Yuli , Du Yifei , Yuan Hua , Pan Yongchu , Wu Jun , Du Xin , Hao Shushu , Yan Zixin , Li Xuan , Liu Keyue , Xu Fan
Published: September 2019

Human adipose‐derived stem cells (HASCs) represent pluripotent cells capable of differentiating into the bone tissue. Meanwhile, human amnion‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (HAMSCs) could cause mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into the bone tissue. This work assessed the osteogenic effects exerted by HAMSCs on the potential of HASCs to form bone cells. Cell growth was evaluated flow‐cytometrically. Differentiation into osteoblasts and mineral formation were assessed by chromogenic alkaline phosphatase activity substrate assay and Alizarin red S staining. Adiponectin (APN), the adipocytokine secreted by adipocytes, was evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. In this study, HAMSCs concentration‐dependently induced growth, osteoblastic differentiation, and APN excretion in HASCs. Mechanistically, immunofluorescence and immunoblot revealed HAMSCs promoted cytosolic translocation of leucine zipper motif (APPL1) from the nucleus and induced extracellular signaling‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation in HASCs. Furthermore, HAMSC effects were markedly blunted by pretreatment with APPL1 siRNA and U0126, an ERK1/2 signaling inhibitor with high selectivity. These results suggested that APN excretion is not suppressed by APPL1 knockdown in HASCs, but by ERK1/2 inhibition. These findings collectively indicate that HAMSCs induce the osteogenesis of HASCs by promoting APN excretion through APPL1‐ERK1/2 activation.
Chitosan‐laponite nanocomposite scaffolds for wound dressing application
Authors: Gonzaga Virgínia de A. M. , Poli Alessandra L. , Gabriel Juliana S. , Tezuka Daiane Y. , Valdes Talita A. , Leitão Andrei , Rodero Camila F. , Bauab Taís M. , Chorilli Marlus , Schmitt Carla C.
Published: September 2019

The pivotal issue of skin regeneration research is the development of effective biomaterials that exhibit biological activities as fungicide and bactericide, combining simple and low cost manufacturing technologies. In this context, nanocomposite scaffolds based on chitosan (Ch)/Laponite (Lap) were produced by using different concentrations of Lap via freeze‐drying process for potential application in skin regeneration. The influence of Lap concentration on the scaffold properties was evaluated. The prepared scaffolds were characterized by x‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), porosity, swelling capacity, and mechanical analyses. The results revealed that the scaffolds exhibited a porous architecture, besides the increase in the clay content, leads to an increase in the porosity, an improvement of mechanical strength, and a decrease of swelling capacity. In vitro tests were also carried out to evaluate the biocompatibility of the materials, such as bioadhesion, antibacterial activity, viability, and cell adhesion. Viability and cell adhesion demonstrated that all scaffolds were not cytotoxic and the fibroblast cells readily attached on the surface of the scaffolds. Thereby, the results suggested that the nanocomposite scaffolds are biomaterials potentially useful as wound dressings.
The U.S. Dollar index cycle: Depreciation coming?
Authors: Tokic Damir
Published: September 2019

The recent U.S. Dollar Index countertrend rally will likely reverse to the longer‐term downtrend due to: (a) narrowing interest rate differentials, (b) rising U.S. budget deficit, and (c) the geopolitical trend of dedollarization.
Anticooperativity of FH···Cl− hydrogen bonds in [FH)nCl]− clusters (n = 1…6)
Authors: Tupikina Elena Yu. , Denisov Gleb S. , Tolstoy Peter M.
Published: September 2019

The change of cooperativity of FH···Cl− hydrogen bonds upon sequential addition of up to six FH molecules to the Cl− first coordination sphere is investigated. The geometry of clusters [(FH)
nCl]− (n = 1…6) was calculated (CCSD/aug‐cc‐pVDZ) and compared with [(FH)
nF]− clusters. The geometry is determined by the symmetry‐driven electrostatic requirements and also by the fact that formation of each new FH···Cl− bond creates a depression in the chlorine's electron cloud on the opposite side of Cl− (σ‐hole), which limits the range of directions available for subsequent H‐bond formation. The mutual influence of FH···Cl− hydrogen bonds is anticooperative—the addition of each FH molecule weakens H‐bonds by 23–16% and decreases their covalent character (as seen by LMO‐EDA decomposition and QTAIM analysis). Anticooperativity effects could be tracked by spectroscopic parameters (frequency of local HF mode νFH, chemical shift δH, spin–spin coupling constants 1JFH, 1hJHCl, 2hJFCl and nuclear quadrupolar constants χ18F, χD, and χ35Cl. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New approaches to diversity in clinical work
Authors: Rosa Dinelia
Published: September 2019

The inclusion of diversity issues in clinical work has risen in the last years. With APA's multicultural guidelines and diversity courses becoming a requirement in doctoral programs, we see a concerted effort to increase awareness, knowledge, and understanding of diversity issues in clinical work. Yet, there is still much to do. In this issue of Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session, seven authors conceptualize diversity from various therapeutic approaches, including relational cognitive behavior therapy, couples therapy, multicultural counseling, and psychodynamic psychotherapy. We learn how diversity and clinical work are not mutually exclusive regardless of the therapeutic approach used as long as the therapist is culturally sensitive and competent, and motivated to pursue such integration. We also learn that regardless of their commitment to social justice, and their understanding of the consequences of inequality and oppression on individuals’ mental health, clinicians vary considerably in the extent to which they actively integrate diversity considerations in the treatment room. The authors in this issue present clinical vignettes describing how they have integrated diversity into their therapeutic work. Furthermore, they discuss how the process of addressing issues of diversity has impacted their work. Lastly, the authors offer recommendations from their experiences as clinicians.
Reconsidering culture, attachment, and inequality in the treatment of a Puerto Rican migrant: Toward structural competence in psychotherapy
Authors: Gaztambide Daniel J.
Published: September 2019

Cultural competence refers to our ability to understand, engage, and treat patients from diverse backgrounds or belief systems different from our own. Although addressing culture and cultural difference as part of diversity is important, it is also critical to consider how systemic and economic forces influence the patient's presenting problem and clinical interactions. Summarizing research on cultural competence, attachment, and inequality, this paper reconsiders diversity considerations by discussing how structural inequities disrupt one's ability to trust others interpersonally and across cultural difference. Psychotherapy from this point of view is a relationship that attempts to address the effects of inequality at an individual level by repairing trust and using that trust to work toward change. To illustrate this perspective, the author presents a case of a Puerto Rican migrant whose developmental and family history was impacted by colonial, racial, cultural, and socioeconomic inequality.
MicroRNA‐448 overexpression inhibits fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis and promotes cell apoptosis via targeting ABCC3 through the JNK signaling pathway
Authors: Xu Feihong , Xu Fei , Xie Shiguang , Zuo Wei , Wen Guilan , Zhao Tiantian , Wan Xuan
Published: September 2019

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a condition that results in the progressive deterioration of lung function with poor prognosis. The current study is aimed at exploring how microRNA‐448 (miR‐448) targeting ABCC3 affects fibroblast proliferation, apoptosis, and collagen synthesis of mice with IPF via the Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway. Bioinformatics and dual‐luciferase polymerase chain reaction were used to predict the relationship of miR‐448 and ABCC3. The expression of miR‐448 and ABCC3 was detected in IPF tissues. Using IPF mouse models, lung fibroblasts for the experiments were treated with miR‐448 mimic, miR‐448 inhibitor, si‐ABCC3, or SP600125 (inhibitor of JNK) to evaluate the cell proliferation and apoptosis in response to miR‐448. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were used to identify the expression of miR‐448, ABCC3, and the activation of the JNK signaling pathway. ABCC3 was targeted and downregulated by miR‐448 based on bioinformatics prediction and dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. Additionally, miR‐448 was found to be highly expressed in IPF lung tissues with low expression levels of ABCC3. In response to the treatment of miR‐448 mimic or si‐ABCC3, lung fibroblasts exhibited decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptotic rates, whereas the miR‐448 inhibitor reversed the conditions. Notably, we also found that miR‐448 mimic inhibited the JNK signaling pathway. In conclusion, by using miR‐448 to target and downregulate ABCC3 to block the JNK signaling pathway in mice with IPF, we found an increase in fibroblast apoptosis, inhibited cell proliferation, and decreased collagen synthesis of fibroblasts.
Autophagy inhibition via Becn1 downregulation improves the mesenchymal stem cells antifibrotic potential in experimental liver fibrosis
Authors: Wang Hang Yu , Li Can , Liu Wei Hua , Deng Feng Mei , Ma Yan , Guo Li Na , Kong De Hua , Hu Kang An , Liu Qin , Wu Jiang , Sun Jing , Liu Yi Lun
Published: September 2019

Liver fibrosis (LF) is the result of a vicious cycle between inflammation‐induced chronic hepatocyte injury and persistent activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‐based therapy may represent a potential remedy for treatment of LF. However, the fate of transplanted MSCs in LF remains largely unknown. In the present study, the fate and antifibrotic effect of MSCs were explored in a LF model induced by CCl4 in mouse. Additionally, MSCs were stimulated in vitro with LF‐associated factors, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), to mimic the LF microenvironment. We unveiled that MSCs exhibited autophagy in response to the LF microenvironment through Becn1 upregulation both in vivo and in vitro. However, autophagy suppression induced by Becn1 knockdown in MSCs resulted in enhanced antifibrotic effects on LF. The improved antifibrotic potential of MSCs may be attributable to their inhibitory effects on T lymphocyte infiltration, HSCs proliferation, as well as production of TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, and TGF‐β1, which may be partially mediated by elevated paracrine secretion of PTGS2/PGE2. Thus, autophagy manipulation in MSCs may be a novel strategy to promote their antifibrotic efficacy.
α‐Chymotrypsin–catalyzed direct C (Sp3)–H functionalization reactions for synthesis of azaarene derivatives in water
Authors: Le Zhang‐Gao , Lu Yue , Jiang Guo‐Fang , Liu Yi‐Shuai , Liu Jia , Xie Zong‐Bo
Published: September 2019

α‐Chymotrypsin from the bovine pancreas has been shown for the first time to display catalytic nonnatural catalytic ability toward the C (sp3)–H functionalization reaction of 2‐methylquinoline and aromatic aldehydes in water. α‐Chymotrypsin exhibited favorable catalytic activity with good adaptability to different substrates. The activity of the enzyme could be improved by adjusting the solvent, temperature, molar ratio of substrates, and protein loading. The products were obtained in moderate to excellent yields (51%‐93%) in 24 samples. This process afforded a potential biocatalytic approach as an alternative to chemical synthesis for azaarene derivatives.
Synthesis of novel hexahydroquinolines and 6‐amino‐2‐oxopyridine‐3,5‐dicarbonitriles incorporating sulfamethoxazole via [3 + 3] annulation
Authors: Abdelmoniem Amr M. , Abdelrahman Mohamed Gamal Mohamed , Ghozlan Said Ahmed Soliman , Abdelhamid Ismail A.
Published: September 2019

Cyclic enaminone and cyanoacetamide derivative with incorporated sulfamethoxazole moiety were prepared. Their reactions with arylidenemalononitrile derivatives in ethanol or pyridine/piperidine at reflux yielded the corresponding hexahydroquinoline and 6‐amino‐2‐oxopyridine‐3,5‐dicarbonitrile derivatives incorporating sulfamethoxazole. The mechanism and structural elucidation of products were discussed.
Integrated provision of topical pre‐exposure prophylaxis in routine family planning services in South Africa: a non‐inferiority randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mansoor Leila E , Yende‐Zuma Nonhlanhla , Baxter Cheryl , Mngadi Kathryn T , Dawood Halima , Gengiah Tanuja N , Samsunder Natasha , Schwartz Jill L , Doncel Gustavo F , Abdool Karim Quarraisha
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Tenofovir‐containing oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is recommended for those at substantial risk as part of combination HIV prevention. However, there are limited data, beyond clinical trial settings, to guide the introduction of PrEP in healthcare services with adequate levels of adherence. Since young women in Africa are at high risk of HIV and likely to utilize family planning (FP) services, the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of integrating topical PrEP provision into routine FP services was assessed.

Methods

This two‐arm, randomized controlled, non‐inferiority, open‐label extension trial was undertaken in urban and rural KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. HIV‐negative eligible women (n = 372) from the parent trial (Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) 004) were randomized to receive tenofovir gel either through intervention (FP clinics, n = 189) or control clinics (CAPRISA research clinics, n = 183). Non‐inferiority was predefined as gel use in the intervention clinics would be no more than 20% lower than in the control clinics. Adherence, retention and HIV incidence rates were assessed.

Results

Women were enrolled between November 2012 and October 2014, and followed up for 682.3 women‐years (mean = 22 months). Baseline characteristics of women in intervention and control clinics were comparable and retention rates were 92.1% and 92.3% respectively. Women in intervention clinics and control clinics returned on average 5.2 (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.7 to 5.7) and 5.7 (CI: 5.2 to 6.2) used gel applicators per month respectively, with a mean difference of −0.47 (CI: −1.16 to 0.21). Per‐protocol estimates were on average 5.5 (CI: 5.0 to 6.1) and 5.8 (CI: 5.3 to 6.3) respectively, with a mean difference of −0.25 (CI: −0.98 to 0.48), meeting the non‐inferiority criteria. Adherence, based on proportion of reported sex acts covered by two gel doses, was 79.9% (CI: 76.7 to 83.2) in intervention compared with 73.9% (CI: 70.7 to 77.1) in control clinics; mean difference:6.0% (CI: 1.5 to 10.6) (p = 0.009). HIV incidence rates were 3.5 (CI: 1.8 to 6.0) and 3.6 (CI: 1.9 to 6.3) per 100 women‐years in intervention and control clinics respectively. Both these incidence rates were lower than the age‐standardized rate of 6.2 per 100 women‐years (n = 444) in the placebo arm of the parent trial (p = 0.019).

Conclusions

Provision of topical PrEP as part of an integrated FP service achieved higher adherence, and was as feasible, acceptable and effective in preventing HIV as provision through a research setting. This provides useful evidence for scale‐up of oral PrEP in urban and rural high burden communities.
Comparison of pulsed and oscillating gradient diffusion‐weighted MRI for characterizing hepatocellular nodules in liver cirrhosis: ex vivo study in a rat model
Authors: Wagner Mathilde , Doblas Sabrina , Poté Nicolas , Lambert Simon A. , Ronot Maxime , Garteiser Philippe , Paradis Valérie , Vilgrain Valérie , Van Beers Bernard E.
Published: September 2019

Background

In contrast to classical pulsed gradient diffusion‐weighted MRI, oscillating gradient diffusion‐weighted MR imaging (DWI) is sensitive to short distance diffusion changes at the intracellular level.

Purpose

To compare the diagnostic performance of pulsed and oscillating DWI for characterizing hepatocellular nodules in a rat model of hepatic cirrhosis.

Study Type

Prospective, experimental study.

Animal Model

Cirrhosis was induced by weekly intraperitoneal injection of diethylnitrosamine in Wistar rats.

Field Strength/Sequence

Ex vivo liver MRI was performed at 7T with T1‐weighted, T2‐weighted, pulsed, and oscillating gradient diffusion‐weighted sequences.

Assessment

Apparent diffusion coefficient from pulsed (ADCpulsed) and oscillating gradient (ADCoscillating) sequences was calculated in 82 nodules identified on the T1/T2‐weighted images and on pathological examination. Two pathologists classified the nodules in three categories: benign (regenerative and low‐grade dysplastic nodules), with intermediate malignancy (high‐grade dysplastic nodules and early hepatocellular carcinomas) and overtly malignant (progressed hepatocellular carcinomas).

Statistical Tests

Differences between groups were assessed with Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests.

Results

ADC, mainly ADCoscillating, increased in the group of nodules with intermediate malignancy (ADCpulsed: 0.75 ± 0.25 × 10‐3 mm2/s vs. 0.64 ± 0.07 × 10‐3 mm2/s in benign nodules, P = 0.025; ADCoscillating: 0.81 ± 0.20 × 10‐3 mm2/s vs. 0.65 ± 0.13 × 10‐3 mm2/s, P = 0.0008) and ADCpulsed decreased in the group of progressed hepatocellular carcinomas (ADCpulsed: 0.60 ± 0.08 × 10‐3 mm2/s, P = 0.042; ADCoscillating: 0.68 ± 0.08 × 10‐3 mm2/s, P = 0.1).

Data Conclusion

ADC during hepatocarcinogenesis in rats increased in nodules with intermediate malignancy and decreased in progressed hepatocellular carcinomas. Our results suggest that oscillating gradient DWI is more sensitive to the early steps of hepatocarcinogenesis and might be useful for differentiating between high‐grade dysplastic nodules / early hepatocellular carcinomas and regenerating nodules / low‐grade dysplastic nodules.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1065–1074.
Relative Magnetic Force Measures and Their Potential Role in MRI Safety Practice
Authors: Panych Lawrence P. , Kimbrell Vera K. , Mukundan Srinivasan , Madore Bruno
Published: September 2019

Background

Magnetic field markings are occasionally used at MRI sites to provide visual feedback of magnetic field strength at locations within the MRI scan room for safety purposes. In addition to magnetic field line markings, relative magnetic force, or ratio of magnetic to gravitational forces on an object, may be considered a useful complementary metric to quantify the risk associated with bringing objects containing ferromagnetic material into the magnetic field.

Purpose

To develop and validate methods for deriving useful relative magnetic‐force measures including a simple force index for application to MRI safety.

Study Type

Phantom.

Phantom

A special‐purpose rig was built to experimentally measure relative magnetic forces on small ferromagnetic objects.

Field Strength

Ranging from 1.5T to 7T.

Assessment

Quantitative comparisons were made between theoretical and measured relative magnetic forces on six objects containing ferromagnetic material: a piece of iron, a paper clip, a Kelly clamp, nail clippers, a cell phone, and a small permanent magnet.

Statistical Tests

An analysis based on the Bland–Altman method was employed.

Results

After correction of the 1.5T data to account for assumed positioning errors of the test rig, limits of agreement between measured and estimated relative forces in the four MRI systems were ±0.16, where a relative force of 1.0 indicates that the magnetic force is equal to gravitation force. There was no significant bias in the data (P <  = 0.05).

Data Conclusion

Accurate measures of relative magnetic forces on ferromagnetic objects can be derived for MRI safety purposes.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy Stage: 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1260–1271.