bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement matters: higher waist-to-hip ratio but not body mass index is associated with deficits in executive functions and episodic memory
Authors: Hartanto Andree , Yong Jose C.
Published: September 2018

Background

The current study aimed to reconcile the inconsistent findings between obesity, executive functions, and episodic memory by addressing major limitations of previous studies, including overreliance on body mass index (BMI), small sample sizes, and failure to control for confounds.

Methods

Participants consisted of 3,712 midlife adults from the Cognitive Project of the National Survey of Midlife Development. Executive functions and episodic memory were measured by a battery of cognitive function tests.

Results

We found that higher waist-to-hip ratio was associated with deficits in both executive functions and episodic memory, above and beyond the influence of demographics, comorbid health issues, health behaviors, personality traits, and self-perceived obesity. However, higher BMI was not associated with deficits in executive functions and episodic memory. More importantly, these differential associations were robust and stable across adulthood.

Discussion

Our findings confirm the association between obesity and episodic memory while highlighting the need for better measures of obesity when examining its associations with individual differences in cognitive functions.
СОВРЕМЕННАЯ МИРОВАЯ ВАЛЮТНАЯ СИСТЕМА И ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ ЕЕ РАЗВИТИЯ, "Общество и экономика"
Authors: Кондратов Дмитрий
Published: September 2018

Проблема доллара как резервной валюты не стала бы столь злободневной в последние годы, если бы не ее непосредственная связь с усилением международных платежных дисбалансов - ростом дефицита платежного баланса США, с одной стороны, и увеличением положительного сальдо балансов многих других стран, особенно стран Азии и стран - экспортеров нефти, - с другой. Устойчивость такой ситуации целиком определяется готовностью центральных банков, в частности азиатских, накапливать свои резервы в форме активов США и тем самым финансировать дефицит платежного баланса этой страны. Экономические кризисы, спровоцированные нестабильностью финансовой системы США, еще больше обострили проблемы долларового господства и поставили под вопрос устойчивость лидирующих позиций доллара. В данной статье рассматриваются возможные пути и механизмы перестройки мировой валютной системы на мультивалютный стандарт, а также перспективы доллара США как резервной валюты.
ИМПОРТОЗАМЕЩЕНИЕ НЕ МОЖЕТ БЫТЬ ДОЛГОСРОЧНОЙ СТРАТЕГИЕЙ, "Общество и экономика"
Authors: Хейфец Борис , Чернова Вероника
Published: September 2018

В статье рассматриваются причины активизации политики импортозамещения, ее первые результаты в виде снижения импортной зависимости по ряду товаров. Особое внимание уделяется реализации политики импортозамещения в сельском хозяйстве и пищевой промышленности. Выявлено определяющее воздействие реального эффективного курса рубля на динамику импорта и экспорта товаров с высокой степенью переработки при отсутствии такой зависимости для сырьевых товаров.
РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ МОНИТОРИНГА ЗАТРАТ НА ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ И РАЗРАБОТКИ РОССИЙСКИХ КОМПАНИЙ-УЧАСТНИКОВ РЕЙТИНГА РБК 500, "Общество и экономика"
Authors: Вершинин Иван , Корнилов Алексей , Байков Сергей
Published: September 2018

В статье представлены результаты мониторинга затрат на ИиР крупнейших российских компаний-участников рейтинга РБК 500. В ходе мониторинга проанализированы данные бухгалтерской (финансовой отчётности) этих компаний за 2013-2016 гг., динамика затрат на ИиР за указанный период и их распределение по секторам экономики. Рассмотрены изменения в динамике затрат на ИиР внутри секторов экономики, выявлены тенденции в сфере ИиР крупнейших российских компаний.
ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЕ НАСЕЛЕНИЯ АРКТИЧЕСКИХ И СЕВЕРНЫХ РАЙОНОВ СОЦИАЛЬНО ЗНАЧИМЫМИ ПРОДОВОЛЬСТВЕННЫМИ ТОВАРАМИ, "Общество и экономика"
Authors: Делахова Анна
Published: September 2018

В статье освещаются проблемы обеспечения населения труднодоступных северных и  арктических районов Республики Саха (Якутия) основными жизненно важными товара- ми с учетом климатических условий проживания. Основное внимание уделяется системе завоза этих грузов в арктические и северные районы Республики Саха (Якутия). Проведен анализ стоимости поставок основного ассортимента социально значимых продовольственных товаров по направлениям поставок и видам доставляющего транспорта, объемы завезенных грузов сопоставляются с необходимым российским нормативом потребления продовольственных товаров на душу населения. Предлагаются меры по совершенствованию существующей системы завоза грузов.
In Vivo Early Tumor Detection and Diagnosis by Infrared Luminescence Transient Nanothermometry
Authors: Santos Harrisson D. A. , Ximendes Erving C. , Iglesias‐de la Cruz Maria del Carmen , Chaves‐Coira Irene , del Rosal Blanca , Jacinto Carlos , Monge Luis , Rubia‐Rodríguez Irene , Ortega Daniel , Mateos Sergio , GarcíaSolé José , Jaque Daniel , Fernández Nuria
Published: September 2018

The development of technologies capable of early tumor detection is unquestionably demanded by physicians, as early diagnosis is key to achieve more efficient and less invasive treatments with improved outcomes. At the preclinical level, nanotechnology has already provided innovative solutions for tumor imaging and therapy, but it has failed to provide real early tumor diagnosis. In this work, an infrared nanothermometry‐based approach toward early melanoma detection, based on the changes produced in the thermal relaxation dynamics of tissues as the tumor develops, is introduced. In vivo experiments demonstrate that detection of incipient tumors from their very onset is possible through monitoring changes in their thermal relaxation dynamics using Ag2S infrared luminescent nanothermometers. For a total tumor development time of 14 days, luminescence nanothermometry allows tumor detection 6 days before its presence is evident by visual inspection. Simultaneous study of the tumoral vasculature reveals that the premature variation in the thermal relaxation dynamics is a consequence of the interplay between tumor angiogenesis and necrosis during the different tumor development stages.
Electroconductive Biohybrid Hydrogel for Enhanced Maturation and Beating Properties of Engineered Cardiac Tissues
Authors: Roshanbinfar Kaveh , Vogt Lena , Greber Boris , Diecke Sebastian , Boccaccini Aldo R. , Scheibel Thomas , Engel Felix B.
Published: September 2018

Cardiac tissue engineering is a promising strategy to treat heart failure. Yet, several issues remain to be resolved including the prevention of arrhythmia caused by inefficient electrical coupling within the graft and between graft and host tissue. Here, a biohybrid hydrogel composed of collagen, alginate, and electroconductive poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) is developed that exhibits extracellular matrix–mimetic fibrous structures and enhanced electrical coupling as well and cardiomyocyte maturation. Presence of PEDOT:PSS in the hydrogel improves electrical conductivity and prevents arrhythmia of tissue constructs containing neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Moreover, it results in increasing beating frequencies reaching more than 200 beats min−1 endogenous frequencies. In addition, cardiomyocytes exhibit increased alignment and density in these constructs, improved sarcomere organization, and enhanced connexin 43 expression, suggesting maturation of the cardiac tissue. Importantly, the here developed electroconductive biohybrid hydrogels also improve maturation and beating properties of human‐induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes. These cells exhibit 1.9 µm near adult sarcomeric length, enhanced beating frequency, increased speed of contraction, and larger contraction amplitude. Collectively, the data demonstrate the potential of this electroconductive biohybrid hydrogel to improve tissue engineering approaches to treat heart failure and possibly diseases of other electrically sensitive tissues.
Highly Efficient, Biochar‐Derived Molybdenum Carbide Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalyst
Authors: Humagain Govinda , MacDougal Kevin , MacInnis Judy , Lowe James M. , Coridan Robert H. , MacQuarrie Stephanie , Dasog Mita
Published: September 2018

The establishment of an economic means of hydrogen production by electrochemical water‐splitting can help alleviate the intermittency problem associated with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, and also provide for the extensive commercialization of fuel cell technologies. To enable this, cheap, active, and stable hydrogen evolution catalysts that can replace precious metal catalysts such as Pt must be developed. Herein, a scalable synthesis of porous Mo2C nanostructures derived from biochar, an inexpensive plant byproduct, is reported. The Mo2C catalyst materials prepared using this solid‐state method, loaded on planar substrates, require overpotentials of only 35 and 60 mV to drive current densities of −10 and −100 mA cm−2 in 0.50 m H2SO4 solution and exhibit stable operation for >100 h at operating current densities of −10 and −100 mA cm−2.
Sonographic findings in acute puerperal endometritis
Authors: Rule Catherine , Ashley Linda , Bergin Colleen
Published: September 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the reliability of the sonographic subserosal hypoechoic rim sign and endomyometrial junction indistinctness in distinguishing patients with acute puerperal endometritis from other common postpartum complications, particularly those with retained products of conception.

Methods

Radiographic coding identified all patients presenting to Auckland City Hospital over a 12‐month period between 1 March 2016 and 28 February 2017 who had pelvic ultrasound scans to assess for postpartum complications. Clinical notes were reviewed to identify those patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute endometritis. After exclusion criteria were applied, the ultrasound images of 31 patients with acute endometritis and 31 randomly selected controls from the remaining pool of postpartum patients were randomised and anonymised. Ultrasound images were retrospectively reviewed by two independent radiologists to identify the presence or absence of the hypoechoic subserosal rim and endomyometrial junction indistinctness signs.

Results

The average sensitivity and specificity for readers identifying the subserosal hypoechoic rim sign in full‐term postpartum patients with acute endometritis were 76.9% and 92.1%, respectively. Interobserver reliability was moderate with a kappa value of 0.5. The average sensitivity and specificity for endomyometrial junction indistinctness were 89.0% and 95.2%, respectively, with substantial inter‐observer agreement, Kappa 0.7. These signs remained specific but were less frequently observed in postpartum patients scanned during early pregnancy.

Conclusion

We have shown that identifying the subserosal hypoechoic rim and endomyometrial junction indistinctness on ultrasound scans can reliably help to distinguish patients with acute postpartum endometritis from other complications, particularly in full‐term postpartum patients.
Chemoselective hydrogenation of nitriles to secondary or tertiary amines catalyzed by aqueous‐phase catalysts supported on hexagonal mesoporous silica
Authors: Nait Ajjou Abdelaziz , Robichaud André
Published: September 2018

The first supported aqueous‐phase catalyst for the hydrogenation of nitriles is revealed. The catalyst prepared from Pd(PhCN)2Cl2, water‐soluble ligand 2,2′‐biquinoline‐4,4′‐dicarboxylic acid dipotassium salt and mesoporous silica is a highly efficient catalyst for the selective formation of secondary or tertiary amines from aromatic or aliphatic nitriles. The catalytic system is stable and can be recycled and reused three times without loss of activity and selectivity. This environmentally friendly process is, in addition, an attractive alternative to many homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts because of its easy preparation and the moderate operational conditions under which it is highly active.
Storage stability of electrospun pure gelatin stabilized with EDC/Sulfo‐NHS
Authors: Ghassemi Zahra , Slaughter Gymama
Published: September 2018

With the rapid development of biomimetic polymers for cell‐based assays and tissue engineering, crosslinking electrospun nanofibrous biopolymer constructs is of great importance for achieving sustainable and efficient three‐dimensional scaffold constructs. Uncrosslinked electrospun gelatin nanofibrous constructs immediately and completely dissolved in aqueous solutions due to their aqueous solubility and poor storage stability. Here, a novel and versatile approach for the fabrication and crosslinking of electrospun gelatin construct with tunable porosity and high aspect ratio nanofibers is presented. Uncrosslinked electrospun gelatin/genipin nanofibrous and pure gelatin nanofibrous constructs exhibited smooth surfaces that were well‐defined, with a diameter in the range of 448 ± 364 nm and 257 ± 57 nm, respectively. Dehydrothermal, genipin‐EDC/Sulfo‐NHS, and EDC/Sulfo‐NHS crosslinking approaches were examined to achieve insoluble gelatin nanofibrous constructs that were suitable for cell‐based assays. Mechanical characterization demonstrated that the pure gelatin nanofibrous construct crosslinked via EDC/Sulfo‐NHS exhibited an increased mechanical strength and stiffness and showed no dissolution in aqueous solutions and retained its fiber morphology. An excellent 1 month storage stability was demonstrated at 22, 4, −20, and −80°C (dehydrated) and at 4°C (hydrated). The as‐crosslinked gelatin nanofibrous construct was highly biocompatible (90% cell viability), as demonstrated by the promoted proliferation of PC12 cells.
Gold aus Elektronikschrott
Authors: Wilke Timm , Bodensiek Oliver , Ruppersberg Klaus
Published: September 2018

Wer mit Gold‐Nanopartikeln arbeiten möchte, scheitert oft daran, dass in der Schule aus Kostengründen keine goldhaltigen Chemikalien angeschafft werden. Der vorliegende Artikel stellt eine praktikable Lösung vor: Die Aufarbeitung von goldhaltigem Elektronikschrott, der selbst in Schulen häufig achtlos mit dem Restmüll entsorgt wird. Hinzu kommen kritische Denkansätze zum unsachgemäßen Recycling in Teilen der Dritten Welt sowie die Bewusstmachung hoher Sachwerte, die unbeachtet vergeudet werden. Last but not least wird die gewonnene Goldsäure für die Synthese der erwähnten Gold‐Nanopartikel eingesetzt.
Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed C—H Vinylation of Arenes: Access to Functionalized Styrenes
Authors: Zhou Jun , Li Xin , Liao Gang , Shi Bing‐Feng
Published: September 2018

An effective method has been developed for Rh(III)‐catalyzed direct vinylation of arenes to give functionalized styrenes, using vinyltriethoxysilane as a convenient and inexpensive vinyl source. A wide variety of substrates, including 1‐aryl‐2‐pyrrolidinones, anilines, benzamides and ketones, were compatible with this reaction. Moreover, this method can be applied to the two‐step synthesis of functionalized indoles. Mechanistic investigation reveals that the reaction probably proceeds through an oxidative Heck/desilylation pathway.
Evaluation of diagnostic accuracy and a practical algorithmic approach for the diagnosis of renal masses by FNA
Authors: Lau Hubert D. , Kong Christina S. , Kao Chia‐Sui
Published: September 2018

Background

The classification of renal neoplasms is essential for oncologic risk stratification and clinical management, and an accurate pretreatment pathologic diagnosis can provide useful guidance for active surveillance, minimally invasive ablative therapy, or surgical resection and can reduce the incidence of overtreatment. Previous studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) and core‐needle biopsy (CNB) for renal masses are limited and show variable results.

Methods

Two hundred forty‐seven renal FNA cases with or without concurrent CNB performed and/or reviewed at the Stanford University School of Medicine over the course of 20 years were identified. Cytohistopathologic correlation was performed for 77 cases with subsequent resection specimens. All available case materials were reviewed, and select cases were worked up further and reclassified as necessary.

Results

Cytohistopathologic correlation showed 96% diagnostic specificity and 83% sensitivity for renal FNA with or without concurrent CNB. Discordant cases were mostly attributed to sampling errors or suboptimal specimens (79%) and also included 2 non–renal cell carcinoma entities (1 case of angiomyolipoma and 1 case of a benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor) and 1 case involving misclassification of the renal cell carcinoma subtype.

Conclusions

There is considerable value in FNA/CNB for the initial diagnosis of renal masses because of the high diagnostic specificity and sensitivity. Sensitivity is predominantly dependent on sufficient sampling, and additional potential diagnostic pitfalls include nonepithelial and rare entities. Judicious use of ancillary techniques is encouraged, especially when one is presented with a limited specimen, and this article presents a practical algorithmic approach to the diagnosis of renal masses using salient morphologic features and results from ancillary studies.

Fine‐needle aspiration is an accurate method for the diagnosis of renal masses. A practical diagnostic algorithm, based on salient morphologic and ancillary findings, is presented.
Simple estimation and energy‐aware migration models of virtual machines in a server cluster
Authors: Watanabe Ryo , Duolikun Dilawaer , Takizawa Makoto
Published: September 2018

In order to realize green society, it is critical to reduce electric energy consumed by servers in clusters. In our previous studies, these types of algorithms are proposed to select an energy‐efficient server to perform an application process issued by a client. In this paper, we newly discuss a migration approach to reducing the electric energy consumption of servers where virtual machines with application processes migrate to more energy‐efficient servers. We propose a new algorithm called ISEAM2 to reduce the electric energy consumption of servers. Here, a pair of a host server and a virtual machine on the host server are first selected to perform a process issued by an application. In addition, a target virtual machine on a host server and a guest server to which the target virtual machine migrates are selected so that the electric energy consumption of the host and guest servers can be minimized. Thus, virtual machines with application processes migrate to more energy‐efficient servers. We also propose a simple way to estimate the termination time of every process on each server. In the evaluation, we show the total electric energy consumption and total active time of servers, and the average execution time of processes can be reduced in the ISEAM2 algorithm compared with other algorithms.
Riparian forest transpiration under the current and projected Mediterranean climate: Effects on soil water and nitrate uptake
Authors: Poblador Sílvia , Thomas Zahra , Rousseau‐Gueutin Pauline , Sabaté Santiago , Sabater Francesc
Published: September 2018

Vegetation plays a key role in riparian area functioning by controlling water and nitrate (N─NO3−) transfers to streams. We investigated how spatial heterogeneity modifies the influence of vegetation transpiration on soil water and N─NO3− balances in the vadose soil of a Mediterranean riparian forest. On the basis of field data, we simulated water flow and N─NO3− transport in three riparian zones (i.e., near‐stream, intermediate, and hillslope) using HYDRUS‐1D model. We investigated spatiotemporal patterns across the riparian area over a 3‐year period and future years using an IPCC/CMIP5 climate projection for the Mediterranean region. Potential evapotranspiration was partitioned between evaporation and transpiration to estimate transpiration rates at the area. Denitrification in the forest was negligible, thus N─NO3− removal was only considered through plant uptake. For the three riparian zones, the model successfully predicted field soil moisture (θ). The near‐stream zone exchanged larger volumes of water and supported higher θ and transpiration rates (666 ± 75 mm) than the other two riparian zones. Total water fluxes, θ, and transpiration rates decreased near the intermediate (536 ± 46 mm transpired) and hillslope zones (406 ± 26 mm transpired), suggesting that water availability was restricted due to deeper groundwater. Transpiration strongly decreased θ and soil N─NO3− in the hillslope and intermediate zones. Our climate projections highlight the importance of groundwater availability and indicate that soil N─NO3− would be expected to increase due to changes in plant‐root uptake. Lower water availability in the hillslope zone may reduce the effectiveness of N─NO3− removal in the riparian area, increasing the risk of excess N─NO3− leaching into the stream.
A meta‐analysis of MitraClip combined with medical therapy vs. medical therapy alone for treatment of mitral regurgitation in heart failure patients
Authors: Giannini Cristina , D'ascenzo Fabrizio , Fiorelli Francesca , Spontoni Paolo , Swaans Martin J. , Velazquez Eric J. , Armeni Patrizio , Adamo Marianna , De Carlo Marco , Petronio Anna Sonia
Published: September 2018

Aims

Survival benefit of percutaneous mitral valve repair with the MitraClip over conservative treatment of functional mitral regurgitation (MR) remains unclear. The purpose of this meta‐analysis is to compare survival outcomes of MitraClip with those of medical therapy in patients with functional MR.

Methods and results

A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar was conducted including studies evaluating MitraClip vs. medical therapy with multivariate adjustment and with >80% of patients with functional MR. Death from any cause was the primary endpoint, while freedom from readmission was the secondary one, evaluated with random effects. These analyses were performed at study level and at patient level including only functional MR when available, evaluating the effect of MitraClip in different subgroups according to age, ischaemic aetiology, presence of implantable cardioverter defibrillator/cardiac resynchronization therapy, and left ventricular ejection fraction and volumes. We identified six eligible observational studies including 2121 participants who were treated with MitraClip (n = 833) or conservative therapy (n = 1288). Clinical follow‐up was documented at a median of 400 days. At study‐level analysis, MitraClip, when compared with medical therapy (P = 0.005), was associated with significant reduction of death (P = 0.002) and of readmission due to cardiac disease. At patient‐level analysis, including 344 patients, MitraClip confirmed robust survival benefit over medical therapy for all patients with functional MR and among the most important subgroups.

Conclusions

Compared with conservative treatment, MitraClip is associated with a significant survival benefit. Importantly, this superiority is particularly pronounced among patients with functional MR and across all the main subgroups.
A small‐scale investigation process for the Clostridium acetobutylicum production of butanol using high‐energy carbon heavy ion irradiation
Authors: Jiang Ting‐Ting , Zhou Xiang , Liang Yan
Published: September 2018

Applied heavy ion irradiation technology and butanol industrial practices as a whole have been used as a strategy for the development of an attractive alternative to petroleum‐based fuels. Clostridium acetobutylicum (C. acetobutylicum) strains are well documented as fermentation strains for the production of biobutanol. However, it has been reported that solvent production inhibits the growth of these strains, and the accumulation of acetate also inhibits biomass synthesis, rendering the production of butanol from acetone‐butanol‐ethanol (ABE) fermentation processes economically challenging. In this manuscript, we propose the use of high‐energy carbon heavy ion irradiation from the Heavy Ion Research Facility in Lanzhou (HIRFL) to obtain a culture with an increased butanol yield. Our findings suggest that the use of a high‐energy 12C6+ heavy ion irradiation dose of 45 Gy with an energy of 135 AMeV and ion pulses/levels of 106–108 favours ABE solvent production in an irradiated strain compared with the non‐irradiated strain. The strategy reported in this manuscript may contribute to the development of a cost‐effective butanol fermentation process that is competitive with similar fermentation processes.
The Evaluation Landscape: U.S. Foundation Spending on Evaluation
Authors: Kinarsky Alana R.
Published: September 2018

Foundations annually distribute over $60 billion to nonprofit organizations. In exchange for funding, nonprofits are often required to evaluate their work by collecting and sharing data that demonstrates their progress and impact. Accordingly, foundations and nonprofits represent a meaningful influence on the evaluation market. The present chapter first describes the historical development of foundations, their important role in society, and their use of evaluation. Informed by this historical account; the chapter then provides an overview of foundation spending on evaluation, detailing the number of evaluation‐related grants and funds allocated by year and by select foundations. In conclusion, the chapter considers implications for the profession and practice of evaluation and offers suggestions for future areas of research.
The Evaluation Marketplace and Its Industry
Authors: Nielsen Steffen Bohni , Lemire Sebastian , Christie Christina A.
Published: September 2018

The present chapter provides the conceptual foundation on which the remainder of this special issue is grounded. First, the chapter considers the idea of an evaluation marketplace and reflects on the limited attention awarded to the commercial aspects of evaluation. Second, the scarce—yet significant—literature on the evaluation market and industry is considered, identifying three distinct strands of contributions: the evaluation market composition, market dynamics, and strategies for navigating these. In the third section, the chapter offers working definitions of the evaluation market and evaluation services as well as presents the evaluation market framework, an emerging framework for better understanding the central components of the evaluation marketplace, including its context, composition, and dynamics. A brief set of concluding notes brings the chapter to a close.
Nebulization as a tool for photosensitizer delivery to the respiratory tract
Authors: Kassab Giulia , Geralde Mariana C. , Inada Natalia M. , Achiles Ana E. , Guerra Vádila G. , Bagnato Vanderlei S.
Published: September 2018

To this day, any photosensitizers for the photodynamic treatment of pulmonary illnesses have been administered intravenously. There is, however, an intrinsic difficulty in reaching the target cells or bacteria in the respiratory system. Nebulization could overcome distribution problems and alleviate side effects by delivering the photosensitizers directly to the lungs. In this study, we evaluated the viability of three photosensitizers (indocyanine green, the chlorine Photodithazine, and the porphyrin Photogem) was evaluated comparatively in a jet nebulizer. Quantitative analysis was performed by looking at the droplet size, extent of nebulization, output over time and stability of the solutions. All of the tested photosensitizers were found to be adequately nebulized. We also demonstrated the delivery of indocyanine green to the pulmonary tract and its activation with infrared light in a murine model using extracorporeal detection of fluorescence. This was an important step toward clinical implementation of the extracorporeally illuminated photodynamic inactivation of pneumonia, recently demonstrated in vivo by this research group.
Inside Front Cover: Selective and sensitive Escherichia coli detection based on a T4 bacteriophage‐immobilized multimode microfiber (J. Biophotonics 9/2018)
Authors: Li Yanpeng , Ma Hui , Gan Lin , Gong Andong , Zhang Haibin , Liu Deming , Sun Qizhen
Published: September 2018

Sensitive Escherichia coli detection based on a T4 bacteriophageimmobilized multimode microfiber is proposed and demonstrated in this article. Different modes are excited and guided in the microfiber as evanescent field that can interact with surrounding E. coli directly. The change of E. coli concentration and corresponding binding of E. coli on microfiber surface will lead to the shift of optical spectrum, which can be exploited for the application of biosensing.

Further details can be found in the article by Yanpeng Li, Hui Ma, Lin Gan, et al. (e201800012).

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Inside Cover: Fiber‐based fluorescence lifetime imaging of recellularization processes on vascular tissue constructs (J. Biophotonics 9/2018)
Authors: Alfonso‐Garcia Alba , Shklover Jeny , Sherlock Benjamin E. , Panitch Alyssa , Griffiths Leigh G. , Marcu Laura
Published: September 2018

Tissue autofluorescence provides fluorescence lifetime contrast between acellular tissue and that containing newly seeded cells. Fiber‐based fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIm) can be used for tracking recellularization of engineered vascular grafts and potential matrix remodeling at large scale, without compromising sample integrity. FLIm cellular contrast was verified in a subset of samples seeded with eGFP‐labelled cells. Results suggests fiberbased FLIm is a suitable tool for monitoring recellularization of engineered tissue nondestructively.

Further details can be found in the article by Alba Alfonso‐Garcia, Jeny Shklover, Benjamin E. Sherlock, et al. (e201700391).

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Association of serum neuron‐specific enolase and bilirubin levels with cerebral dysfunction and prognosis in large‐artery atherosclerotic strokes
Authors: Wang Yan , Xu Shuping , Pan Shengying , Ouyang Hezhong , Zang Zhizhong , Tan Jing
Published: September 2018

Purpose

To explore the association of serum neuron‐specific enolase (NSE) and bilirubin levels with cerebral dysfunction in the prognosis of large‐artery atherosclerotic (LAA) stroke cases.

Methods

This study included 73 patients who suffered from LAA stroke and were divided into experimental group (n = 41) that had an increased serum NSE and bilirubin level, and control group (n = 32). At day 1, 7, and 14, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, serum NSE, and bilirubin levels were measured. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to assess neurological functional recovery at 30 days. The good outcome rate was analyzed and tested using the Kaplan‐Meier product‐limit method and the log‐rank test one year afterwards as a follow‐up.

Results

The NIHSS scores, serum bilirubin, and NSE levels in the experimental group were significantly increased than that of control group at days 1, 7, and 14. There was a remarkable difference in the mRS scores and the good outcome rates between the two groups. Furthermore, the computed tomography detection rate of large‐area cerebral infarctions was higher in the experimental group than that of control group.

Conclusion

High serum NSE levels and hyperbilirubinemia might be biomarkers for a poor prognosis in the early identification of LAA strokes.
Taxifolin prevents postprandial hyperglycemia by regulating the activity of α‐amylase: Evidence from an in vivo and in silico studies
Authors: Rehman Kanwal , Chohan Tahir Ali , Waheed Iqra , Gilani Zeeshan , Akash Muhammad Sajid Hamid
Published: September 2018

There has been a dramatic increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its associated complications globally. The postprandial stage of DM involves prompt elevation in the levels of blood glucose and α‐amylase, a carbohydrate‐metabolizing enzyme is mainly involved in the regulation of postprandial hyperglycemia. This study was designed to assess the ability of a well‐known flavonoid, taxifolin (TFN), against postprandial hyperglycemia and its inhibitory effects on α‐amylase activity through the assessment of therapeutic potentials of TFN in an alloxan‐induced diabetic animal model. The binding potential TFN with an α‐amylase receptor was also investigated through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and docking of to compare the binding affinities and energies of TFN and standard drug acarbose (ACB) with target enzyme. TFN significantly improved the postprandial hyperglycemia, lipid profile, and serum levels of α‐amylase, lipase, and C‐reactive protein in a dose‐dependent manner when compared with that of either DM‐induced and ACB‐treated alloxan‐induced diabetic rats. Moreover, TFN also enhanced the anti‐oxidant status and normal functioning of the liver in alloxan‐induced diabetic rats more efficiently as compared to that of ACB‐treated alloxan‐induced diabetic rats. Therapeutic potentials of TFN were also verified by MD simulation and docking results, which exhibited that the binding energy and affinity of TFN to bind with receptor was significantly higher as compared to that of ACB. Hence, the results of this study signify that TFN might be a potent inhibitor of α‐amylase that has the potential to regulate the postprandial hyperglycemia along with its anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidant properties during the treatment of DM.
Lipophilic statins antagonistically alter the major epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition signaling pathways in breast cancer stem–like cells via inhibition of the mevalonate pathway
Authors: Koohestanimobarhan Soheila , Salami Siamak , Imeni Vahideh , Mohammadi Zeinab , Bayat Omid
Published: September 2018

Resistance to therapies, recurrence, and metastasis remain challenging issues for breast cancer patients, particularly for triple‐negative and breast cancer stem cells. The activation of the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an indispensable role in the poor prognosis of those types. The accumulating proofs indicated that the mevalonate pathway crucially mediates a poor prognosis. Here, the effects of lipophilic 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl‐coenzyme A inhibitors, atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin, were investigated on expression and function of a selected profile of EMT‐related genes in breast cancer stem–like cells. A nontoxic dose of statins (5 μM for 4 days) significantly (P < 0.05 and >2‐fold change) altered expression of 50 of 71 studied genes with a shared cluster of 37 genes that are coding chief operator of signaling pathways in Hippo, Notch, Wnt, proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and cell death. They also significantly decreased the levels of Yap/Taz proteins and shifted the expression of vimentin/E‐cadherin in favor of induction of differentiation. Statins significantly chemosensitized the treated cells to doxorubicin and also reduced in vitro migration of the cells. Whereas lovastatin and simvastatin significantly decreased the expression of CD44, atorvastatin drastically increased CD24 and caused more wide‐ranging impacts. In summary, the statins hold back the process of EMT by the antagonizing of EMT‐promoting pathways. High degree of overlapping findings is supportive of the central role of the mevalonate pathway in cancer stem–like cells, but further studies are required to find the optimized chemical structure for the maximum abrogation of orchestrated EMT pathways.
Vitamin C counteracts miR‐302/367‐induced reprogramming of human breast cancer cells and restores their invasive and proliferative capacity
Authors: Ramezankhani Bahareh , Taha Masoumeh F. , Javeri Arash
Published: September 2018

Epigenetic reprogramming by embryonic stem cell‐specific miR‐302/367 cluster has shown some tumor suppressive effects in cancer cells of different tissues such as skin, colon, and cervix. Vitamin C has been known as a reprogramming enhancer of human and mouse somatic cells. In this study, first we aimed to investigate whether exogenous induction of miR‐302/367 in breast cancer cells shows the same tumor suppressive effects previously observed in other cancer cells lines, and whether vitamin C can enhance reprogramming of breast cancer cells and also improve the tumor suppressive function of miR‐302/367 cluster. Overexpression of miR‐302/367 cluster in MDA‐MB‐231 and SK‐BR‐3 breast cancer cells upregulated expression of miR‐302/367 members and also some core pluripotency factors including
OCT4A,
SOX2 and
NANOG, induced mesenchymal to epithelial transition, suppressed invasion, proliferation, and induced apoptosis in the both cell lines. However, treatment of the miR‐302/367 transfected cells with vitamin C suppressed the expression of pluripotency factors and augmented the tumorigenicity of the breast cancer cells by restoring their proliferative and invasive capacity and compromising the apoptotic effect of miR‐302/367. Supplementing the culture medium with vitamin C downregulated expression of
TET1 gene which seems to be the reason behind the negative impact of vitamin C on the reprogramming efficiency of miR‐302/367 cluster and its anti‐tumor effects. Therefore application of vitamin C may not always serve as a reprogramming enhancer depending on its switching function on
TET1. This phenomenon should be carefully considered when considering a reprogramming strategy for tumor suppression.
Endotoxin regulates matrix genes increasing reactive oxygen species generation by intercellular communication between palmitate‐treated hepatocyte and stellate cell
Authors: Dornas Waleska , Glaise Denise , Bodin Aude , Sharanek Ahmad , Burban Audrey , Le Guillou Dounia , Robert Sacha , Dutertre Stephanie , Aninat Caroline , Corlu Anne , Lagente Vincent
Published: September 2018

Previous studies have shown that gut‐derived bacterial endotoxins contribute in the progression of simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, although the mechanism(s) remains inaccurate to date. As hepatic stellate cells (HSC) play a pivotal role in the accumulation of excessive extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to collagen deposition, fibrosis, and perpetuation of inflammatory response, an in vitro model was developed to investigate the crosstalk between HSC and hepatocytes (human hepatoma cell) pretreated with palmitate. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated HSC with phosphorylation of the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase/NF‐κB pathway, while several important pro‐inflammatory cytokines were upregulated in the presence of hepatocyte–HSC. Concurrently, fibrosis‐related genes were regulated by palmitate and the inflammatory effect of endotoxin where cells were more exposed or sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS). This interaction was accompanied by increased expression of the mitochondrial master regulator, proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator alpha, and a cytoprotective effect of the agent N‐acetylcysteine suppressing ROS production, transforming growth factor‐β1, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1. In summary, our results demonstrate that pro‐inflammatory mediators LPS‐induced promote ECM rearrangement in hepatic cells transcriptionally committed to the regulation of genes encoding enzymes for fatty acid metabolism in light of differences that might require an alternative therapeutic approach targeting ROS regulation.
SIRT6 overexpression inhibits cementogenesis by suppressing glucose transporter 1
Authors: Huang Liyuan , Sun Hualing , Song Fangfang , Cao Zhengguo , Jiang Xinquan , Zhang Lu , Li Zhelun , Huang Cui
Published: September 2018

Cementum, which shares common features with bone in terms of biochemical composition, is important for the homeostasis of periodontium during periodontitis and orthodontic treatment. Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6), as a member of the sirtuin family, plays key roles in the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. However, the involvement of SIRT6 in cementoblast differentiation and mineralization and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we observed that the expression of SIRT6 increased during cementoblast differentiation initially. Analysis of the gain‐ and loss‐of‐function indicated that overexpressing SIRT6 in OCCM‐30 cells suppresses cementoblast differentiation and mineralization and downregulating SIRT6 promotes cementogenesis. GLUT1, a glucose transporter necessary in cementogenesis, was inhibited by SIRT6. Overexpressing GLUT1 in SIRT6‐overexpressed OCCM‐30 cells rescued the inhibitory effect of SIRT6 on cementoblast differentiation and mineralization. Moreover, AMPK was activated after overexpressing SIRT6 and inhibited cementoblast differentiation and mineralization. Downregulating the expression of SIRT6 inhibited AMPK activity. Meanwhile, GLUT1 overexpression significantly decreased AMPK activity. Overall, on one hand, SIRT6 inhibited cementoblast differentiation and mineralization by suppressing GLUT1. On the other hand, SIRT6 inhibited cementoblast differentiation and mineralization by activating the AMPK pathway. GLUT1 overexpression also rescued the increased AMPK pathway activated by SIRT6.
Mitochondrial dysfunction in human immunodeficiency virus‐1 transgenic mouse cardiac myocytes
Authors: Cheung Joseph Y. , Gordon Jennifer , Wang JuFang , Song Jianliang , Zhang Xue‐Qian , Prado Fabian Jana , Shanmughapriya Santhanam , Rajan Sudarsan , Tomar Dhanendra , Tahrir Farzaneh G. , Gupta Manish K. , Knezevic Tijana , Merabova Nana , Kontos Christopher D. , McClung Joseph M. , Klotman Paul E. , Madesh Muniswamy , Khalili Kamel , Feldman Arthur M.
Published: September 2018

The pathophysiology of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐associated cardiomyopathy remains uncertain. We used HIV‐1 transgenic (Tg26) mice to explore mechanisms by which HIV‐related proteins impacted on myocyte function. Compared to adult ventricular myocytes isolated from nontransgenic (wild type [WT]) littermates, Tg26 myocytes had similar mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ
m) under normoxic conditions but lower Δ
Ψ
m after hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). In addition, Δ
Ψ
m in Tg26 myocytes failed to recover after Ca
2+ challenge. Functionally, mitochondrial Ca
2+ uptake was severely impaired in Tg26 myocytes. Basal and maximal oxygen consumption rates (OCR) were lower in normoxic Tg26 myocytes, and further reduced after H/R. Complex I subunit and ATP levels were lower in Tg26 hearts. Post‐H/R, mitochondrial superoxide (O
2
•–) levels were higher in Tg26 compared to WT myocytes. Overexpression of B‐cell lymphoma 2‐associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) reduced O
2
•– levels in hypoxic WT and Tg26 myocytes back to normal. Under normoxic conditions, single myocyte contraction dynamics were similar between WT and Tg26 myocytes. Post‐H/R and in the presence of isoproterenol, myocyte contraction amplitudes were lower in Tg26 myocytes. BAG3 overexpression restored Tg26 myocyte contraction amplitudes to those measured in WT myocytes post‐H/R. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated physical association of BAG3 and the HIV protein
Tat. We conclude: (a) Under basal conditions, mitochondrial Ca
2+ uptake, OCR, and ATP levels were lower in Tg26 myocytes; (b) post‐H/R, Δ
Ψ
m was lower, mitochondrial O
2
•– levels were higher, and contraction amplitudes were reduced in Tg26 myocytes; and (c) BAG3 overexpression decreased O
2
•– levels and restored contraction amplitudes to normal in Tg26 myocytes post‐H/R in the presence of isoproterenol.
8‐Br‐cADPR, a TRPM2 ion channel antagonist, inhibits renal ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Eraslan Ersen , Tanyeli Ayhan , Polat Elif , Polat Elif
Published: September 2018

The transient receptor potential melastatin‐2 (TRPM2) channel belongs to the transient receptor potential channel superfamily and is a cation channel permeable to Na+ and Ca
2+. The TRPM2 ion channel is expressed in the kidney and can be activated by various molecules such as hydrogen peroxide, calcium, and cyclic adenosine diphosphate (ADP)‐ribose (cADPR) that are produced during acute kidney injury. In this study, we investigated the role of 8‐bromo‐cyclic ADP‐ribose (8‐Br‐cADPR; a cADPR antagonist) in renal ischemia–reperfusion injury using biochemical and histopathological parameters. CD38, cADPR, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, and myeloperoxidase (inflammatory markers), urea and creatinine, hydrogen peroxide (oxidant), and catalase (antioxidant enzyme) levels that increase with ischemia–reperfusion injury decreased in the groups treated with 8‐Br‐cADPR. In addition, renin levels were elevated in the groups treated with 8‐Br‐cADPR. Histopathological examination revealed that 8‐Br‐cADPR reduced renal damage and the expression of caspase‐3 and TRPM2. Our results suggest that the inhibition of TRPM2 ion channel may be a new treatment modality for ischemic acute kidney injury.
The efficacy of metformin compared with insulin in regulating blood glucose levels during gestational diabetes mellitus: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ghomian Nayereh , Vahed Seyede Houra Mousavi , Firouz Samaneh , Yaghoubi Mohammad Ali , Mohebbi Masoud , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: September 2018

Background

Insulin has been a conventional medication in the treatment of female patients suffering from gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, the need for a large number of insulin injections in these patients causes them a lot of discomforts. Recently, an alternative medication, metformin, has received considerable attention in the treatment of GDM. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of metformin and insulin in regulating blood glucose levels and fetal outcomes in GDM.

Methods

This randomized clinical trial included 286 pregnant women diagnosed with positive GDM at 24–28 weeks of pregnancy. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups of 143 patients, with one group receiving insulin and the other undergoing a treatment plan using metformin. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2‐hr plasma glucose (PG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were recorded twice a month until delivery. Other variables, including birth delivery method, cause of cesarean section, gestational age at the delivery time, birth trauma, Apgar score, birth weight, admission at neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and neonatal hypoglycemia were also registered.

Results

Age of mother, body mass index, history of diabetes in the family, previous history of GDM, parity, FPG, 1‐ and 2‐hr PG after meals, and 75‐g glucose tolerance test before treatment were not statistically different between the two groups. FPG, PG, and HbA1c did not show significant differences between the two groups after completing the course of treatment. There was also no significant difference between two groups regarding the birth delivery method, the cause of cesarean section, birth trauma, Apgar score, birth weight, admission at NICU, and neonatal hypoglycemia.

Conclusion

As mean FPG and 2‐hr PG were not significantly different between the two groups, it seems that metformin can be recommended as an effective substitute for insulin in the treatment of GDM. However, there are still some undesirable risk factors with both treatments that may threaten the mother and the newborn.