bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The CYP17A1 gene polymorphisms are associated with hypercholesterolemia in Han Chinese
Authors: Zhang Ning , Chen Huimei , Jia Jian , Ye Xiaoman , Ding Haixia , Zhan Yiyang
Published: June 2019

Background

The CYP17A1 gene has been identified to associate with hypertension in Chinese population. However, the association between CYP17A1 polymorphisms and hypertension‐related factors is unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the relation between CYP17A1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and serum lipid profiles.

Methods

In total, 1350 participants were included in the study. Six SNPs in or near CYP17A1 gene were genotyped in a Han Chinese population in two stages.

Results

There was a statistically significant association of rs1004467 (adjusted odds ratio = 0.783, 95% confidence interval = 0.667–0.919, p < 0.05) and rs11191548 (adjusted odds ratio = 0.788, 95% confidence interval = 0.672–0.925, p < 0.05) with hypercholesterolemia after adjustment for potential factors. Additionally, the rs1004467 minor G‐allele and the rs11191548 minor C‐allele were significantly associated with the lower serum total cholesterol levels (p < 0.05 for all).

Conclusions

The rs1004467 and rs11191548 in the CYP17A1 gene are associated with a decreased risk of hypercholesterolemia and lower serum TC levels in Han Chinese.
Radiomics nomogram for differentiating between benign and malignant soft‐tissue masses of the extremities
Authors: Wang Hexiang , Nie Pei , Wang Yujian , Xu Wenjian , Duan Shaofeng , Chen Haisong , Hao Dapeng , Liu Jihua
Published: June 2019

Background

Preoperative differentiation between malignant and benign tumors is important for treatment decisions.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To investigate/validate a radiomics nomogram for preoperative differentiation between malignant and benign masses.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Imaging data of 91 patients.

Field Strength/Sequence

T1‐weighted images (570 msec repetition time [TR]; 17.9 msec echo time [TE], 200–400 mm field of view [FOV], 208–512 × 208–512 matrix), fat‐suppressed fast‐spin‐echo (FSE) T2‐weighted images (T2WIs) (4331 msec TR; 87.9 msec TE, 200–400 mm FOV, 312 × 312 matrix), slice thickness 4 mm, and slice spacing 1 mm.

Assessment

Fat‐suppressed FSE T2WIs were selected for extraction of features. Radiomics features were extracted from fat‐suppressed T2WIs. A radiomics signature was generated from the training dataset using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithms. Independent risk factors were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis and a radiomics nomogram was constructed. Nomogram capability was evaluated in the training dataset and validated in the validation dataset. Performance of the nomogram, radiomics signature, and clinical model were compared.

Statistical Tests

1) Independent t‐test or Mann–Whitney U‐test: for continuous variables. Fisher's exact test or χ2 test: comparing categorical variables between two groups. Univariate analysis: evaluating associations between clinical/morphological characteristics and malignancy. 2) Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)‐logistic regression model: selection of malignancy features. 3) Significant clinical/morphological characteristics and radiomics signature were input variables for multiple logistic regression analysis. Area under the curve (AUC): evaluation of ability of the nomogram to identify malignancy. Hosmer–Lemeshow test and decision curve: evaluation and validation of nomogram results.

Results

The radiomics nomogram was able to differentiate malignancy from benignity in the training and validation datasets with an AUC of 0.94. The nomogram outperformed both the radiomics signature and clinical model alone.

Data Conclusion

This radiomics nomogram is a noninvasive, low‐cost preoperative prediction method combining the radiomics signature and clinical model.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:155–163.
The key role of decadal modulated oscillation in recent cold phase
Authors: Luo Wen , Guan Xiaodan , Xie Yongkun , Liu Jingchen , Zhou Yubin , Zhang Beidou
Published: June 2019

Global temperature change is strongly affected by internal climate variability (ICV). The temporal change of the ICV on the decadal to multi‐decadal scales is referred as the decadal modulated oscillation (DMO) that plays a dominated role in the occurrence of enhanced warming and warming hiatus. However, investigation on the DMO in modern historical period has received limited attention. In this study, the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) method was applied to the surface air temperature (SAT) during the boreal cold season to extract the DMO signal in the past century. Two most sensitive areas of DMO trend over northern Eurasia and northwestern North America were identified and used to build a time series of regionally enhanced DMO. It showed an obvious decadal periodic oscillation at 11–23 years and exhibited increasing amplitude. In addition, regression analysis using Niño3.4, Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), Atlantic Multi‐decadal Oscillation (AMO), and Arctic Oscillation (AO) revealed a major role of the AO in DMO over the mid‐to‐high latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere (NH). However, such strong oscillation signal has not been detected in most of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) models, and the extracted regionally enhanced DMO are capable of improving the predictability of SAT over the mid‐to‐high latitudes in the NH.
Effect of smoking on the DNA methylation pattern of the SOCS1 promoter in epithelial cells from the saliva of patients with chronic periodontitis
Authors: de J.H. Martinez Cristhiam , Villafuerte Kelly R.V. , Luchiari Heloise R. , de O. Cruz Juliana , Sales Mariana , Palioto Daniela B. , Messora Michel R. , Souza Sergio L.S. , Taba Mario , Ramos Ester S. , Novaes Arthur B.
Published: June 2019

Background

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the methylation pattern in the suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) gene in smokers and non‐smokers with chronic periodontitis (CP).

Methods

Methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to determine the methylation status of the SOCS1 promoter in 45 saliva samples from smokers and non‐smokers with CP.

Results

Cells from the saliva of CP patients who smoked were 7.08 times more likely to have a methylated SOCS1 promoter than cells from the saliva of non‐smoking patients.

Conclusions

SOCS1 gene promoter methylation, with its potential effects on the expression of this gene, seems to be a consequence of exposure to tobacco and not to periodontal disease. Further studies are needed to elucidate the relationship between the epigenetic control of immune response gene expression, exposure to environmental factors, and the development, progression, and prognosis of CP.
Minimally invasive manganese‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for the sciatic nerve tract tracing used intra‐articularly administrated dextran–manganese encapsulated nanogels
Authors: Eguchi Yawara , Murayama Shuhei , Kanamoto Hirohito , Abe Koki , Miyagi Masayuki , Takahashi Kazuhisa , Ohtori Seiji , Aoki Ichio
Published: June 2019

Manganese‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI) enables tract tracing to follow neural pathways through axonal transport. However, the method is problematic because of the high local concentrations of Mn2+ involved. We developed a tetrananogel containing a dextran‐manganese complex (Dex‐Mn‐Gel) and applied this nanogel to rats. MnCl2 (n = 5), Dex‐Mn‐Gel (n = 5), or saline control (n = 3) was injected into the left knee joint of the rats (n = 13). Inflammation and tissue alterations in the knee joint were also evaluated histologically. T1‐weighted images were obtained on a 7 T MRI system 24 hours after the administration and compared across groups. The sciatic nerve in both legs and the surrounding musculature were used as regions of interest (ROI). No swelling was found in the knee joint infused with Dex‐Mn‐Gel, although prominent swelling of the knee joint was observed with MnCl2. White blood cells inside the knee joint tissue infused with the Dex‐Mn‐Gel were significantly less abundant (45%, P < .05) compared with the knee joints infused with MnCl2. Visualization of the sciatic nerve was significantly enhanced in rats treated with both forms of Mn2+ compared with controls (P < .01). This study is the first to attempt intra‐articular administration of a manganese contrast agent into joint‐capsule and demonstrate tract visualization. The Dex‐Mn‐Gel can be taken up by the nerve endings and reduce Mn2+ toxicity. Dex‐Mn‐Gel will provide a minimally invasive method for visualizing nerve tracts in vivo.
Unique phenolic constituent in Cimicifuga dahurica (Turcz.) Maxim. through Box–Behnken design and response surface methodology
Authors: Yu Yang , Lv Chong‐Ning , Qin Ru‐Lan , Lv Meng‐Ya , Li Yang , Lu Jin‐Cai
Published: June 2019

Cimicifuga dahurica (Turcz.) Maxim. exerts significant antioxidative due to its high phenolic constituent content. In this study, the extraction condition of the phenolic constituents and antioxidant effect was optimized by the Box‐Behnken design and response surface methodology. Eleven main bioactive analytes of Cimicifuga dahurica (Turcz.) Maxim. were simultaneously quantified by high‐performance capillary electrophoresis with diode‐array detector to assess the effect of extraction technology. The optimal extraction parameters were determined as: the concentration of ethanol 56.21%, liquid/solid ratio 14.65:1, and extraction time 1.64 h for 2.67 times. According to the results, a maximal value of total phenolic acids (3.67 mg/g) was obtained. Meanwhile, the influence of different extraction technology on antioxidant activities were evaluated by 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl, 2,2′‐azino‐bis‐(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonate), ferric reducing antioxidant power and hydroxyl radical scavenging method. The results presented here showed that the content of phenolic acid and antioxidant effect was much higher than the European Pharmacopoeia. Altogether, this method successfully applied response surface methodology to optimize the Cimicifuga dahurica (Turcz.) Maxim. extract with high antioxidant activities.
Associations Among Exposure to Potentially Morally Injurious Experiences, Spiritual Injury, and Alcohol Use Among Combat Veterans
Authors: Battles Allison R. , Kelley Michelle L. , Jinkerson Jeremy D. , C. Hamrick Hannah , F. Hollis Brittany
Published: June 2019

Potentially morally injurious experiences (PMIEs) are events that may violate deeply held values or belief systems. Combat engagement places service members at a heightened risk for PMIE exposure. Exposure to PMIEs may elicit internal conflict between moral beliefs and experiences and, if unresolved, conflict may manifest as feelings of guilt, shame, and spiritual or existential crisis. Further, distress caused by these experiences may promote harmful behaviors (e.g., excessive alcohol use), which may serve as attempts to cope with PMIEs veterans have witnessed or participated in. The present study examined a sequential mediation model in which combat exposure was associated with alcohol use (i.e., alcohol consumption, dependence symptoms, and alcohol‐related problems) via PMIE exposure and spiritual injury (e.g., alienation from and/or anger towards respective higher power) in a community sample of 380 recent‐era combat veterans. Multiple‐group sequential mediation was then used to examine whether the model fit similarly across men and women. Exposure to PMIEs and spiritual injury sequentially mediated the association between combat and alcohol; higher levels of PMIE exposure and spiritual injury were associated with increased alcohol use, R2 = .17, f2 = 0.07. The multiple‐group model showed that these associations significantly varied between genders such that the mediation was only significant among men. The results indicated that PMIEs and spiritual injury were associated with increased alcohol use, but these associations differed as a function of gender. Future research is needed to refine our understanding of moral and spiritual injury and explore possible risk and protective factors.
Endoscopic sinus surgery for pediatric patients: Prognostic factors related to revision surgery
Authors: Wu Pei‐Wen , Huang Chien‐Chia , Yang Shih‐Wei , Huang Yenlin , Huang Chi‐Che , Chang Po‐Hung , Lee Yun‐Shien , Lee Ta‐Jen
Published: June 2019

Objectives

In the past two decades, endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) has been performed frequently in children with medically recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, surgical success rates vary according to age. The causes of failure and prognostic factors for revision ESS remain unclear. The aims of the present study were to evaluate prognostic factors related to revision surgery after ESS, and to determine the most optimal timing for surgery in the pediatric population.

Methods

This was a retrospective review in a tertiary medical center. Children who underwent ESS for CRS between 2004 and 2017 were enrolled. Demographics, sinonasal examination findings, previous operation history, laboratory data, comorbidities, and computed tomography (CT) results were collected from medical records. Prognostic factors for revision surgery were analyzed.

Results

A total of 188 pediatric patients were enrolled in this study. Twenty‐four patients (12.8%) required revision surgery. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified patients with nasal allergy (OR = 6.258; P = .010) and higher Lund‐Mackay score on preoperative sinus CT (OR = 1.658; P = .043) had worse outcomes, while older age was a positive prognostic factor (OR = 0.702; P = .018). A cut‐off point of 15.68 years of age and mean Lund‐Mackay score of 10.5 showed the best predictive power for revision surgery.

Conclusion

Because ESS is performed with increasing frequency in children, knowledge of prognostic factors for revision surgery is important. In this study, patients with younger age, nasal allergy, and higher Lund‐Mackay score on preoperative sinus CT had worse outcomes.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:1051–1055, 2020
Determining the relative importance of factors affecting the success of innovations in forest technology using AHP
Authors: Blagojevic Bosko , Athanassiadis Dimitris , Spinelli Raffaele , Raitila Jyrki , Vos John
Published: June 2019

A number of factors affect the success, or otherwise, of any technological innovation. In this paper, we consider factors that affect the success of innovations in the context of forest machinery manufacturing (FMM). We report the results of a study that seeks to determine the relative importance of 19 different factors affecting the success of innovations in the FMM sector. The first stage of the study makes use of the analytic hierarchy process to determine the relative importance (weights) of these factors, based on the responses of 15 decision makers (DMs) employed by different FMM companies. The study then considers three different ways of weighting the responses of DMs, based on different assumptions about how the responses of outliers—those DMs whose views differ significantly from the majority—should be handled. The first method assumes that the responses of all DMs are of equal value. The second assumes that the influence of outliers' responses should be reduced and makes use of a Euclidean distance metric to determine the weight that should be ascribed to each DM's responses. The third assumes that the influence of outliers' responses should be increased and makes use of hierarchical clustering techniques. Although the weight assignment methods were based on very different assumptions about how to treat the views of outliers, they produced similar rankings of factors. Results showed that for FMM companies, customer satisfaction, proportion of total sales by new products, influence on the overall profit of the company, and growth of demand for the company products were the most important factors for measuring the success of innovations.
Robust beam orientation optimization for intensity‐modulated proton therapy
Authors: Gu Wenbo , Neph Ryan , Ruan Dan , Zou Wei , Dong Lei , Sheng Ke
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Dose conformality and robustness are equally important in intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT). Despite the obvious implication of beam orientation on both dosimetry and robustness, an automated, robust beam orientation optimization algorithm has not been incorporated due to the problem complexity and paramount computational challenge. In this study, we developed a novel IMPT framework that integrates robust beam orientation optimization (BOO) and robust fluence map optimization (FMO) in a unified framework.

Methods

The unified framework is formulated to include a dose fidelity term, a heterogeneity‐weighted group sparsity term, and a sensitivity regularization term. The L2, 1/2‐norm group sparsity is used to reduce the number of active beams from the initial 1162 evenly distributed noncoplanar candidate beams, to between two and four. A heterogeneity index, which evaluates the lateral tissue heterogeneity of a beam, is used to weigh the group sparsity term. With this index, beams more resilient to setup uncertainties are encouraged. There is a symbiotic relationship between the heterogeneity index and the sensitivity regularization; the integrated optimization framework further improves beam robustness against both range and setup uncertainties. This Sensitivity regularization and Heterogeneity weighting based BOO and FMO framework (SHBOO‐FMO) was tested on two skull‐base tumor (SBT) patients and two bilateral head‐and‐neck (H&N) patients. The conventional CTV‐based optimized plans (Conv) with SHBOO‐FMO beams (SHBOO‐Conv) and manual beams (MAN‐Conv) were compared to investigate the beam robustness of the proposed method. The dosimetry and robustness of SHBOO‐FMO plan were compared against the manual beam plan with CTV‐based voxel‐wise worst‐case scenario approach (MAN‐WC).

Results

With SHBOO‐FMO method, the beams with superior range robustness over manual beams were selected while the setup robustness was maintained or improved. On average, the lowest [D95%, V95%, V100%] of CTV were increased from [93.85%, 91.06%, 70.64%] in MAN‐Conv plans, to [98.62%, 98.61%, 96.17%] in SHBOO‐Conv plans with range uncertainties. With setup uncertainties, the average lowest [D98%, D95%, V95%, V100%] of CTV were increased from [92.06%, 94.83%, 94.31%, 78.93%] in MAN‐Conv plans, to [93.54%, 96.61%, 97.01%, 91.98%] in SHBOO‐Conv plans. Compared with the MAN‐WC plans, the final SHBOO‐FMO plans achieved comparable plan robustness and better OAR sparing, with an average reduction of [Dmean, Dmax] of [6.31, 6.55] GyRBE for the SBT cases and [1.89, 5.08] GyRBE for the H&N cases from the MAN‐WC plans.

Conclusion

We developed a novel method to integrate robust BOO and robust FMO into IMPT optimization for a unified solution of both BOO and FMO, generating plans with superior dosimetry and good robustness.
Dose‐averaged LET calculation for proton track segments using microdosimetric Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Bertolet A. , Baratto‐Roldán A. , Barbieri S. , Baiocco G. , Carabe A. , Cortés‐Giraldo M.A.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

There is an increasing interest in calculating linear energy transfer (LET) distributions for proton therapy treatments in order to assess the influence of this quantity in biological terms. Microdosimetric Monte Carlo (MC) simulations are useful tools to calculate dose‐averaged LET, as this has been broadly proposed as the most adequate quantity to characterize these biological effects. However, a straightforward uniform sampling of the scoring site turns out to be computationally unaffordable. In contrast, some issues have been pointed out with the more efficient weighted sampling approach, frequently used in literature. Here, we address the issues associated with the latter method and propose adequate corrections to achieve reliable calculations of dose‐averaged LET values from microdosimetry.

Methods and materials

Proton track structures have been simulated with Geant4‐DNA considering two different approaches. One version employs a uniform sampling for placing the spherical site and is used as the reference. The other one uses a weighted sampling by considering the spatial distribution of transfer points. Some corrections are proposed for calculating a dose‐averaged LET comparable to the reference case. An additional MC approach is proposed to obtain the weighted mean of the energy imparted per electronic collision of the proton within the site, thefunction, related to the straggling distribution, as an intermediate step in the LET calculation.

Results

Energy imparted per event distributions are different when employing either sampling methods, due to the different geometrical randomness. We have found an agreement below (0.15 ± 0.05) keV/μm in the worst case for uniform and weighted methods in dose‐averaged LET values when the weighted sampling results are corrected according to our proposal. Our analysis is restricted to spherical sites of 1 and 10 μm diameter and monoenergetic beams in the range from 2 to 90 MeV.

Conclusions

This work shows a reliable and computational‐efficient method to perform calculations of track segment dose‐averaged LET using MC simulations for proton therapy beams, including the necessary considerations for obtaining the straggling distribution characteristics. The validity of this approach remains as long as the stopping power of the proton can be considered as constant along its track within the site.
Whey protein: A functional and promising material for drug delivery systems recent developments and future prospects
Authors: Farooq Muhammad Asim , Aquib Md , Ghayas Sana , Bushra Rabia , Haleem Khan Daulat , Parveen Amna , Wang Bo
Published: June 2019

Natural polymers have been extensively utilized in the past decades due to their outstanding features. Among these natural excipients, protein‐based polymers have superb features owing to their high drug binding capacity and biodegradability. Whey protein is a versatile protein‐based vehicle for drug delivery systems. It has been shown to be nontoxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable. Therefore, it has been considered as an ideal biomaterial for the design of advanced drug delivery systems. Protein‐based cargo acts as synthetic polymers counterpart for innovative delivery systems. The current review is mainly focused on application of whey proteins as an emerging carrier in drug delivery systems, achieved during the past.
Light‐triggered stabilization of microgel aggregates
Authors: Massuri‐Rodionov Keren , Shagan Alona , Leichtmann‐Bardoogo Yael , Mizrahi Boaz
Published: June 2019

Supramolecular assembly holds great potential in many technological applications. Such structures, however, tend to destabilize in dynamic environments due to weak interactions between their constituent entities. We report on a highly modular and biofriendly chemistry for the stabilization of supramolecular microgel aggregates. Upon irradiation, these structures undergo intermolecular cross‐linking, providing an efficient mechanism for stabilization.
Simple sequence repeat analysis of new potato varieties developed in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Tillault Anne‐Sophie , Yevtushenko Dmytro P.
Published: June 2019

The worldwide demand for potato production requires the constant development of new potato varieties with improved yield, quality, disease resistance, and abiotic tolerance. However, cultivar registration is preceded by a long process to morphologically and physiologically characterize the plants. Notably, this process can be expedited by DNA marker analysis. Simple sequence repeats (SSRs), also known as microsatellites, are the most common reliable DNA markers used to discriminate between genotypes. In this study, 20 potato varieties, including five new genotypes developed in Alberta, Canada, were fingerprinted using 10 SSR markers selected for their high discriminatory power. Different SSRs were amplified from potato DNA using specific primers, and the DNA fragment sizes were analyzed by denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two for the SSR marker STPoAc58 to six for STM0030 and STM0037 with an average of 4.4. In addition, a total of 77 unique patterns were observed for the 10 SSR markers. The polymorphic information content ranged from 0.477 to 0.802 with an average of 0.675 per locus. In this study, STM0037, STM1016, and STM1104 were found to be the best SSR markers to detect genetic differences between potato varieties. A minimum of two markers was required to distinguish between all 20 genotypes. Most importantly, this highly informative molecular tool confirmed that the developed potato varieties were genetically different from their respective maternal lines and potentially constituted new cultivars.
Anger rumination mediates differences between fibromyalgia patients and healthy controls on mental health and quality of life
Authors: Toussaint Loren , Sirois Fuschia , Hirsch Jameson , Kohls Niko , Weber Annemarie , Schelling Joerg , Vajda Christian , Offenbäecher Martin
Published: June 2019

The present study examined differences between fibromyalgia patients and healthy controls on anger rumination, mental health and quality of life and tested anger rumination as a mediator of patient–control differences in mental health and quality of life. Participants were a propensity score‐matched sample of 58 fibromyalgia patients and 58 healthy controls. Participants completed measures of anger rumination, depression and anxiety and quality of life. Patients were higher than controls on all anger rumination scales and depression and anxiety and lower on quality of life. All anger rumination scales were related to poorer mental health and quality of life. Patient–control differences on mental health and quality of life were mediated by anger rumination. In multiple mediator models, the only subscale with unique mediating effects was anger memories. Anger rumination has potent associations with mental health and quality of life, and differences between patients and controls on mental health and quality of life are partially mediated by differences in anger rumination. Addressing tendencies to ruminate on anger experiences in the care of fibromyalgia patients may offer an important avenue to improved health and quality of life. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metacognitively oriented psychotherapy for schizotypal personality disorder: A two‐case series
Authors: Cheli Simone , Lysaker Paul H. , Dimaggio Giancarlo
Published: June 2019

Schizotypal personality disorder represents a broad range of maladaptive behaviour, which has been linked to both personality disorder and schizophrenia spectrum disorders; however, to date, little effort has been devoted to developing psychosocial treatment approaches to address it. In response, we conducted two case studies exploring the effects of two metacognitively oriented forms of psychotherapy: metacognitive interpersonal therapy and metacognitive reflection and insight therapy for patients with schizotypal personality disorder. We chose these two forms of therapy as they have been successfully delivered, respectively, to persons with other personality disorders and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Both treatments consisted of weekly individual psychotherapy sessions over a period of 6 months. General symptoms were assessed during the first week of treatment, at treatment end and at 1 month following treatment using the Symptom Check List‐90—Revised, while schizotypal traits were assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐5. Both patients completed all sessions, and there were no reports of any adverse outcomes. Both patients achieved reliable change in symptoms (ranging from 4.98 to 9.81) and a significant reduction in schizotypal features. Results provide preliminary evidence of the feasibility of metacognitively oriented interventions for schizotypal personality disorder. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of miR‐145‐5p‐Centered Competing Endogenous RNA Network in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Gao Wei , Zhang Yuliang , Niu Min , Bo Yunfeng , Li Huizheng , Xue Xuting , Lu Yan , Zheng Xiwang , Tang Yemei , Cui Jiajia , He Long , Thorne Rick F. , Wang Binquan , Wu Yongyan
Published: June 2019

This study intends to investigate the transcriptional regulatory role of miR‐145‐5p in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). LSCC cell line TU‐177 is transfected with miR‐145‐5p mimics, generating miR‐145‐5p‐overexpression LSCC cells. Whole transcriptome microarrays are used to investigate the differentially expressed lncRNAs, circRNAs, mRNAs, and miRNAs. The target genes of miRNAs are predicted and performed functional annotation. Additionally, the circRNAs, lncRNAs, and mRNAs that interact with miRNAs are predicted, and then the competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) are predicted. Microarray analysis identifies 26 miRNAs, 248 mRNAs, 1118 lncRNAs, and 382 circRNAs differentially expressed in miR‐145‐5p overexpressed LSCC cells. Overall, 675 target genes are identified for the differentially expressed miRNAs, which involved in cell adhesion associated gene ontology (GO) terms, and MAPK and FoxO signaling pathways. The up‐regulated mRNAs involved in the pathway of ABC transporters, while the down‐regulated mRNAs involved in pathway of olfactory transduction. Moreover, 149 ceRNAs are predicted, which are associated with apoptosis, Wnt pathway, and metabolic pathway. Furthermore, qPCR results confirm that miR‐145‐5p affects expression of lncRNAs, miRNAs, mRNAs, and circRNAs in LSCC cells. Collectively, miR‑145‑5p may be inhibits LSCC progression via ceRNA‐mediated pathways, such as WNT2B‐miR‐145‐5p‐NONHSAT127539.2, CASP10‐miR‐145‐5p‐NONHSAT127539.2, CASP10‐miR‐145‐5p‐circ_0003519, and TPO‐miR‐145‐5p‐circ_0003519.
Larval Zebrafish Proteome Regulation in Response to an Environmental Challenge
Authors: Langebeck‐Jensen Kasper , Shahar Or D. , Schuman Erin M. , Langer Julian D. , Ryu Soojin
Published: June 2019

Adaptation to the environment during development influences the life‐long survival of an animal. While brain‐wide proteomic changes are expected to underlie such experience‐driven physiological and behavioral flexibility, a comprehensive overview of the nature and extent of the proteomic regulation following an environmental challenge during development is currently lacking. In this study, the brain proteome of larval zebrafish is identified and it is determined how it is altered by an exposure to a natural and physical environmental challenge, namely prolonged exposure to strong water currents. A comprehensive larval zebrafish brain proteome is presented here. Furthermore, 57 proteins that are regulated by the exposure to an environmental challenge are identified, which cover multiple functions including neuronal plasticity, the stress response, axonal growth and guidance, spatial learning, and energy metabolism. These represent candidate proteins that may play crucial roles for the adaption to an environmental challenge during development.
Building a Collaborative Model of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction and Pelvic Girdle Pain to Understand the Diverse Perspectives of Experts
Authors: Hodges Paul W. , Cholewicki Jacek , Popovich John M. , Lee Angela S. , Aminpour Payam , Gray Steven A. , Cibulka Michael T. , Cusi Mel , Degenhardt Brian F. , Fryer Gary , Gutke Annelie , Kennedy David J. , Laslett Mark , Lee Diane , Mens Jan , Patel Vikas V. , Prather Heidi , Sturesson Bengt , Stuge Brit , Vleeming Andry
Published: June 2019

Background

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) and sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction/pain are considered frequent contributors to low back pain (LBP). Like other persistent pain conditions, PGP is increasingly recognized as a multifactorial problem involving biological, psychological, and social factors. Perspectives differ between experts and a diversity of treatments (with variable degrees of evidence) have been utilized.

Objective

To develop a collaborative model of PGP that represents the collective view of a group of experts. Specific goals were to analyze structure and composition of conceptual models contributed by participants, to aggregate them into a metamodel, to analyze the metamodel's composition, and to consider predicted efficacy of treatments.

Design

To develop a collaborative model of PGP, models were generated by invited individuals to represent their understanding of PGP using fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM). FCMs involved proposal of components related to causes, outcomes, and treatments for pain, disability, and quality of life, and their connections. Components were classified into thematic categories. Weighting of connections was summed for components to judge their relative importance. FCMs were aggregated into a metamodel for analysis of the collective opinion it represented and to evaluate expected efficacy of treatments.

Results

From 21 potential contributors, 14 (67%) agreed to participate (representing six disciplines and seven countries). Participants' models included a mean (SD) of 22 (5) components each. FCMs were refined to combine similar terms, leaving 89 components in 10 categories. Biomechanical factors were the most important in individual FCMs. The collective opinion from the metamodel predicted greatest efficacy for injection, exercise therapy, and surgery for pain relief.

Conclusions

The collaborative model of PGP showed a bias toward biomechanical factors. Most efficacious treatments predicted by the model have modest to no evidence from clinical trials, suggesting a mismatch between opinion and evidence. The model enables integration and communication of the collection of opinions on PGP.
Numerical Study of Cu2O, SrCu2O2, and CuAlO2 as Hole‐Transport Materials for Application in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Shasti Mona , Mortezaali Abdollah
Published: June 2019

Herein, the application of Cu2O, SrCu2O2, and CuAlO2 as the hole‐transport materials (HTMs) in perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) using solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS‐1D) software, is numerically investigated. The effects of various parameters such as the perovskite layer thickness, the defect density of perovskite and interfaces, acceptor density of HTM and valance band offset of HTM/perovskite interface on device performance are studied. According to the simulation outcomes, the SrCu2O2 and CuAlO2 known as p‐type transparent conductive oxide are introduced as promising HTMs for fabrication of highly stable and efficient PVSCs. The Cu2O‐based devices exhibit the low power‐conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.38% whereas, compared with 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis‐(N,N‐di‐4‐methoxyphenylamino)‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene (Spiro‐OMeTAD)‐based devices (PCE = 19.23%), the SrCu2O2 and CuAlO2 based‐devices show an enhanced PCE of 19.67% and 19.82%, respectively, under the hole‐transport layer (HTL) side illumination. This improvement can be attributed to lower light absorption in the HTL for devices based on SrCu2O2 and CuAlO2 than Cu2O due to wider bandgap which is formed.
Verification of a seeder–feeder orographic precipitation enhancement scheme accounting for low‐level blocking
Authors: Smith Samantha A. , Field Paul R. , Vosper Simon B. , Derbyshire Steve H.
Published: June 2019

A subgrid parametrization scheme representing the enhancement of precipitation due to subgrid orography via the seeder–feeder (SF) effect has been modified to account for flow blocking in small Froude number situations. The scheme was validated in a set of limited‐area model simulations with a 1.5 km grid spacing, in which the orography was degraded by varying amounts. For simulations in which the largest orographic scales are still fairly well represented, the SF scheme was able to reduce the precipitation deficit by 30 to 70%. For simulations where the hills were completely subgrid, the SF scheme was still able to reduce the precipitation deficit by 10 to 30%. As well as increasing the integrated precipitation in global simulations with various grid spacings, some of the precipitation production was shifted from the convection scheme, with its very simple microphysical representation, to the microphysics scheme. In a long‐duration climate simulation, the SF scheme enhancements of orographic precipitation perturb the large‐scale hydrological cycle, as evidenced by the far‐field changes in both microphysical and convective precipitation. Changes over major mountain ranges were similar to those described for the case‐studies, so long as the upstream precipitation impinging on the mountains was not reduced by these changes in the global hydrological cycle. Increased atmospheric drying reduces column‐integrated resolved cloud water mixing ratios over mountains, reducing a positive bias in the amount of optically thick cloud with low‐ to mid‐level tops compared to ISCCP satellite observations. The associated reductions in cloud albedo slightly reduced the RMS error in the top‐of‐atmosphere outgoing short‐wave radiative fluxes over mountains compared to CERES satellite observations.
Synthesis and In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Novel Naphthyridinone Derivatives
Authors: Sun Bin , Chen Jianwei , Ye Fei , Lu Yaojia , Xu Guiqing , Mao Longfei , Gao Yuan , Zhang Huawei , Wang Hong , Peng Lizeng
Published: June 2019

Naphthyridinone has been reported exhibiting strong antibacterial activity. Now, this study describes a series of novel hydrochloride salts of 5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐1,6‐naphthyridin‐2‐(1H)‐one derivatives (10 a–10 l) as potential antibacterial agents and corresponding synthetic routes. The majority of analogues exhibit antibacterial activity against Gram‐negative bacteria (E. coli) and Gram‐positive bacteria (S. aureus). Several of them (10 a, 10 b, 10 h and 10 i) showed strongly antibacterial activity towards E. coli. Compound 10 l is also the first reported compound to exhibit quorum sensing inhibitory activity against C. violaceum ATCC 12472. The presence of quorum sensing inhibitory compound indicates its potential use in the treatment of bacterial infections.
2D NMR Studies of Bromotyrosine Alkaloid, Purpurealidin K from Marine Sponge Psammaplysilla purpurea
Authors: Tilvi Supriya , Majik Mahesh S.
Published: June 2019

Marine sponges of the order Verongida and related organisms are the richest source of bioactive bromotyrosine alkaloids. Purpurealidin K (1) along with purealidin Q (2), aerophobin 2 (3) and aplysamine 2 (4) were isolated from methanol extract of marine sponge Psammaplysilla purpurea collected from Madapam, Tamil Nadu, India. The structure of natural product, purpurealidin K (1) was assigned by extensive 1H, 13C, DEPT, TOCSY, HSQC & HMBC NMR experiments and electrospray ionization‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight (ESI‐QTOF MS/MS) mass spectrometric measurements. For the first time, the complete set of spectroscopic data of compound (1) has been obtained. Moreover, compounds (2‐4) were identified by using various spectroscopic data and their comparison with literature reports. These bromotyrosine derived metabolites were evaluated against multiple drug resistance bacterial cells and against clinical pathogens, wherein purpurealidin K (1) displayed moderate activities against Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Experimental Study of the Thermal Properties of Microencapsulated Palmitic Acid Composites with CuCO3 Shell as Thermal Energy Storage Materials
Authors: Pourmohamadian Hossein , Rahimi‐Nasrabadi Mehdi , Sobhani‐Nasab Ali , Sheikhzadeh Ghanbar Ali , Tabrizi Hassan Basirat
Published: June 2019

A novel microencapsulated phase change material (PCM) with a Palmitic acid (PA) core and Copper (II) carbonate (CuCO3) shell was successfully fabricated through a self‐assembly method. Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to determine the chemical compositions, crystalloid phase, microstructure and morphology of PA@CuCO3 microcapsules, respectively. The thermal properties and thermal stability of microcapsules were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The XRD and FT‐IR results indicated the presence of all of the characteristic peaks of PA and CuCO3 and proved that no chemical reaction had occurred between them. The SEM images showed a regular spherical morphology with rough surfaces for the PA@CuCO3 microcapsule with average diameters ranged from 1.5 to 2 μm, and the TEM image confirmed the PA core to have been well encapsulated by CuCO3. In the DSC analysis results, the microcapsules indicated similar phase change behaviors as those of pristine PA, and the typical samples were melted at 66.9 °C with a latent heat of 48.85 J/g and frozen at 55.7 °C with a latent heat of 43.29 J/g for a microencapsulation ratio of 43.92%. TGA analyses indicated that the thermal stability of the PA was further improved due to the protection of the PA core encapsulated by the CuCO3 shell.
Size‐controlled Cobalt Ferrite Nanocrystals: Magnetically separable Reusable Nanocatalysts for Selective Oxidation of Styrene
Authors: Jeyavani Vijayakrishnan , Pawar Sayali , Dadwal Arun , Joy Pattayil Alias , Mukherjee Shatabdi Porel
Published: June 2019

Superparamagnetic cobalt ferrite (CFO) nanocrystals (NCs) with sizes ∼6 nm and ∼4 nm were synthesized using a facile solvothermal method using fatty acids, lauric acid and stearic acid, as the capping agents. The synthesized nanocrystals were well characterized by XRD, FT‐IR, XPS, SEM and TEM. The formation mechanism was explored and it was shown that the fatty acid was actually chemisorbed as a carboxylate onto the surface of CFO NCs. The experimental results specify that the size and size distribution of the CFO NCs were highly dependent on the length of fatty acid hydrophobic chain. Corresponding changes of the magnetic properties were investigated by measuring magnetization as a function of field and temperature, which suggest that the CFO NCs were superparamagnetic in nature. The catalytic properties for the oxidation of styrene in organic medium were examined by using the synthesized CFO NCs with sizes ∼6 nm and ∼4 nm. The synthesized CFO NCs, well dispersible in organic media, were demonstrated to be highly catalytically active, reached 100% conversion of styrene in 12 h with ∼77% and ∼82% selectivity for styrene oxide respectively. The magnetic CFO nanocatalysts were easily separated and recovered from the reaction medium by an external magnet, and reused for several cycles without losing catalytic selectivity for styrene oxide.
Efficient Access to 3, 4‐Diarylpyrroles through Selective Bromination and Subsequent Suzuki‐Coupling Reaction
Authors: Liu Jianhui , Yu Yaqiang
Published: June 2019

An efficient and practical synthesis of 3, 4‐disubstituted pyrrole was developed through bromination and the subsequent Suzuki‐coupling reaction. The bromination of pyrrole‐1‐dimethylsulfonamide occurred selectively on the two β‐positions to afford 3, 4‐dibromo‐N, N‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrrole‐1‐sulfonamide, from which symmetrical and unsymmetrical 3, 4‐diarylpyrroles were prepared through a stepwise Suzuki‐coupling reaction. This reaction is complementary to the existing methods and is well‐tolerable by a variety of functional groups. The bromination can readily be scaled‐up to gram‐scale synthesis without decreasing the yield. In addition, the other halogenations of pyrrole were also studied, and different chloroproducts were isolated.
Optimization of Synthesis Parameters for the Production of Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Ceramics via Wet Precipitation and Sol‐Gel Process
Authors: Tilkin Rémi G. , Mahy Julien G. , Régibeau Nicolas , Grandfils Christian , Lambert Stéphanie D.
Published: June 2019

During the past few years, bioceramics, like hydroxyapatite and β‐tricalcium phosphate have been widely developed for bone reconstruction. These materials have to meet strict criteria regarding biocompatibility, degradability, and mechanical properties. This work has been focusing on the influence of synthesis parameters on the production of calcium phosphate mixes, called biphasic calcium phosphate. In this optic, powders obtained from two synthesis processes (i. e. wet precipitation and sol‐gel process) were produced. The influence of pH, Ca/P molar mixing ratio, and calcination temperature was studied. These new materials were characterized in terms of composition, thermal properties, and textural properties via X‐ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electronic microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and nitrogen adsorption‐desorption. Wet precipitation technique produces in situ mixes with different hydroxyapatite contents while the sol‐gel process ends up with ceramics contaminated by cytotoxic CaO. Wet precipitation has been demonstrated more successful to control in situ mixes with specific composition.
Langmuir–Blodgett Nanowire Devices for In Situ Probing of Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Qin , Hao Zhimeng , Liao Xiaobin , Pan Xuelei , Li Shuxuan , Xu Lin , Mai Liqiang
Published: June 2019

In situ monitoring the evolution of electrode materials in micro/nano scale is crucial to understand the intrinsic mechanism of rechargeable batteries. Here a novel on‐chip Langmuir–Blodgett nanowire (LBNW) microdevice is designed based on aligned and assembled MnO2 nanowire quasimonolayer films for directly probing Zn‐ion batteries (ZIBs) in real‐time. With an interdigital device configuration, a splendid Ohmic contact between MnO2 LBNWs and pyrolytic carbon current collector is demonstrated here, enabling a small polarization voltage. In addition, this work reveals, for the first time, that the conductance of MnO2 LBNWs monotonically increases/decreases when the ZIBs are charged/discharged. Multistep phase transition is mainly responsible for the mechanism of the ZIBs, as evidenced by combined high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and in situ Raman spectroscopy. This work provides a new and adaptable platform for microchip‐based in situ simultaneous electrochemical and physical detection of batteries, which would promote the fundamental and practical research of nanowire electrode materials in energy storage applications.
Influence of Ultrasonic Treatment on the Physiochemical Properties and Feature Structure of Pea Starch in Acid and Salt Systems
Authors: Li Wei , Zhang Fusheng , Zheng Jiong
Published: June 2019

This study explores the influence of ultrasonic treatment on the physiochemical properties of pea starch (PS), such as gelatinization, rheology, and texture, and on its feature structure in acid and salt systems. Results show that ultrasonic treatment reduced the viscosity and improved the thermal and cold stability of PS in both acid and salt systems, which is reflected through peak viscosity, final viscosity, breakdown value, and setback value. Rheological dynamical analysis reveals that the consistency coefficient (k) considerably decreases, fluid index (n) gradually increases, and thixotropy and viscoelasticity degrades in the two systems after ultrasonic treatment. The hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, chewiness, and gumminess of PS gel all reduce, and their reduction amplitudes enlarge as the ultrasonic power increases. The damage caused by ultrasonic treatment to PS is mainly manifested by glucosidic bond rupture, reduction in the degree of crystallinity, and pits and pot holes formed on the surface of the PS particles. These structural changes are supported by Fourier transform (FT) infrared, FT‐Raman, and scanning electron microscopy detection results. Ultrasonic treatment exerts a significant influence in the acid system with aggravated change degrees of the functional properties of PS. The salt system weakens the destructive effects on PS while strengthening the gel.