bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution patterns of the cutaneous nerves on the dorsum of the foot and their clinical significance
Authors: Heo Yanguk , Jung Taylor Jieun , Yang Miyoung , Kuk Younhee , Kim Yeon‐Dong , Won Hyung‐Sun
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to clarify the distribution patterns of the cutaneous nerves on the dorsum of the foot. This study investigated 130 feet of 77 cadavers. The distribution patterns of the sural (SN) and deep fibular nerves (DFN) were classified into five and four types, respectively. In Type A, the SN was only distributed to the lateral side of the fifth toe. In Type B, the nerve was distributed to the medial side of the fourth toe and both sides of the fifth toe. In Type C, the nerve was mainly distributed to the lateral side of the fifth toe. In Type D, the nerve was distributed to the lateral side of the third toe and both sides of the fourth and fifth toes. In Type E, no SN was found. In Type α, the DFN was simultaneously distributed to the lateral side of the first toe and the medial side of the second toe. In Type β, the nerve was distributed like in Type α and additionally to the medial side of the first toe. In Type γ, the nerve was distributed like in Type α and additionally to the lateral side of the second toe and the medial side of the third toe. In Type δ, no DFN was found. The results of this study will help physicians to reduce the incidence of iatrogenic nerve injury and improve the quality of diagnoses of relevant nerves in this body region. Clin. Anat. 33:592–597, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PD‐L1 expression, CD8+ and CD4+ lymphocyte rate are predictive of pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for squamous cell cancer of the thoracic esophagus
Authors: Fassan Matteo , Cavallin Francesco , Guzzardo Vincenza , Kotsafti Andromachi , Scarpa Melania , Cagol Matteo , Chiarion‐Sileni Vanna , Maria Saadeh Luca , Alfieri Rita , Castagliuolo Ignazio , Rugge Massimo , Castoro Carlo , Scarpa Marco
Published: August 2019

Background

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CTRT) can effectively downstage esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in patients with locally advanced disease and prolonged survival have been observed in patients with a pathological complete response (ypCR).

Aims and methods

This exploratory study aimed to identify immunological predictors of pCR after neoadjuvant CTRT within SCC microenvironment. The tumor regression after neoadjuvant therapy was measured according to the Mandard score system. Eighty‐eight consecutive patients with SCC of the thoracic esophagus who received neoadjuvant CTRT were included in this retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were neoadjuvant CTRT and the availability of representative histological samples taken at diagnosis. We investigated immunohistochemical expression of CD4, Tbet, FoxP3, CD8, CD80, PD‐L1, and PD‐1, in the pretreatment biopsies and correlated the immunohistochemical profiles to patients’ outcomes.

Results

After neoadjuvant CTRT, 23 patients had pCR, while 65 ones had partial response, stable disease or progression. PD‐L1 expression and CD8+ and CD4+ lymphocyte rate were significantly higher in patients who had ypCR compared to those who had not (10 (0‐55) vs 0 (0‐0), P = 0.004, 73 (36‐147) vs 21 (7‐47), P = 0.0006 and 39 (23‐74) vs 5 (0‐13), P < 0.0001 respectively). The accuracy of expression of PD‐L1+, CD8+, and CD4+ lymphocyte rate in identifying responders was AUC = 0.76 (P = 0.001), AUC = 0.81 (P = 0.0001) and AUC = 0.75 (P = 0.0001), respectively. Within the ypCR group, all patients with high infiltration of CD4+ T cell recurred/relapsed while only the 38.9% of those with low CD4+ T cell infiltration did the same (P = 0.058).

Conclusions

PD‐L1 expression and CD8+ and CD4+ lymphocyte rate were predictive of ypCR after neoadjuvant CTRT for SCC of the thoracic esophagus with adequate accuracy. Furthermore, recurrence/relapse was associated with high level of CD4+ T cell infiltration. However, the small sample size prevented to draw definitive conclusions; further studies are necessary to evaluate the prognostic role of these markers.
Sodium nitroprusside induces H‐Ras depalmitoylation and alters the cellular response to hypoxia in differentiated and undifferentiated PC12 cells
Authors: Goloshvili Galina , Barbakadze Tamar , Mikeladze David
Published: August 2019

Ras‐GTPases regulate many central signalling pathways in the cell. Hypoxia induces nitrosative/oxidative stress and dysregulates Ras‐dependent downstream processes. H‐Ras possesses two cysteine residues (C181 and C184) in the C‐termini, which are palmitoylated once or twice. Palmitoylation is sufficient for promoting stable plasma membrane localization. We hypothesized that high concentrations of hypoxia‐formed nitric oxide could induce terminal cysteine S‐nitrosylation, followed by depalmitoylation and H‐Ras mislocalization. We investigated the action of a 100‐μM nitric oxide‐donor (sodium nitroprusside [SNP]) and a 100‐μM palmitoylation inhibitor (2‐bromopalmitate) on the distribution of membrane‐bound S‐nitrosylated and palmitoylated H‐Ras under hypoxic/normoxic conditions in undifferentiated/differentiated pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. We found that under normoxic conditions, SNP increases membrane‐bound H‐Ras nitrosylation only in differentiated cells, whereas under hypoxic conditions, SNP stimulates H‐Ras nitrosylation in both differentiated and undifferentiated cells. SNP greatly decreases the palmitoylation of H‐Ras under hypoxic conditions in both undifferentiated and differentiated cells, while under normoxic conditions, the effect of SNP is more negligible. Furthermore, Western blot analyses have shown that SNP decreases ERK phosphorylation under hypoxic conditions, in parallel with an elevation in hypoxia‐induced factor activity and intracellular succinate concentration. We propose that high concentrations of hypoxia‐formed nitric oxide can nitrosylate H‐Ras terminal cysteines, which induce H‐Ras activity dysregulation and alter the cellular response to hypoxia.

Significance of the study

To our knowledge, these observations may be important for cancer prevention and therapy because cancer is one of the most prevalent disorders caused by the misregulation of Ras activity by a redox agent. Oncogenic activation of the H‐Ras gene has been found in a wide variety of neoplastic transformations, and thus, investigation of the redox regulation of H‐Ras activity is significant for cancer research as well.
Utilization and outcomes of polytetrafluoroethylene covered stents in patients with coronary artery perforation and coronary artery aneurysm: Single center 15‐year experience
Authors: Parikh Parth , Banerjee Kinjal , Sammour Yasser , Ali Ambreen F. , Sankaramangalam Kesavan , Nair Ravi , Ellis Stephen , Raymond Russell , Tuzcu E. Murat , Kapadia Samir
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Determine the outcomes of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) covered stents for coronary artery perforation (CAP) and coronary artery aneurysm (CAA).

Background

PTFE covered stents have been used for treatment of potentially life‐threatening CAP and CAA. The short and long‐term outcomes of the PTFE covered stent for CAP and CAA have not been well studied.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of PTFE covered stents that were placed in the patients from 2003 to 2017. Short term outcomes included in‐hospital mortality, pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade, and length of stay. Long‐term outcomes included target lesion revascularization (TLR), in‐stent restenosis (ISR), and long‐term mortality.

Results

Fifty‐three PTFE covered stents were placed in 32 patients of which there were 24 patients with a CAP with a mean age of 75 ± 8 years. Two patients died in‐hospital, with no additional deaths at 30 days. The rate of ISR was 25%, with estimated rates of TLR of 2.6% (3 years) and 17.8% (5 years). The median survival was 55.6 months, with survival at 10 years estimated to be 30.9%. Eight patients received a PTFE covered stent for CAA with a mean age of 59 ± 15 years with no in‐hospital or 30‐day mortality. Median follow‐up of 49 months showed no evidence of TLR. The all‐cause mortality was 12% at 1 year and 38% at 3 years.

Conclusions

PTFE covered stents is an effective option in patients with CAP and CAA. The long‐term outcomes may be related to the pathology of the disease rather than the stent itself.
Impact of complete percutaneous revascularization in elderly patients with chronic total occlusion
Authors: Valenti Renato , Migliorini Angela , De Gregorio Maria Grazia , Martone Raffaele , Berteotti Martina , Bernardini Andrea , Carrabba Nazario , Vergara Ruben , Marchionni Niccolò , Antoniucci David
Published: August 2019

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess the prognostic impact of successful chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and completeness of revascularization in the elderly.

Background

Successful CTO‐PCI is associated with clinical benefit. Notwithstanding elderly patients are currently underrepresented in CTO‐PCI randomized controlled trials and registries.

Methods

From the Florence CTO‐PCI registry 1,405 patients underwent CTO‐PCI between 2004 and 2015; out of these, 460 consecutive patients were ≥75 years. End point of the study was long‐term cardiac survival. The prognostic impact of successful CTO‐PCI and complete revascularization on survival was assessed by Kaplan–Meier estimation and by Cox multivariable regression analysis.

Results

Patients were stratified according to success (72%) or failure of CTO‐PCI. Completeness of revascularization was achieved in 57% of patients. Five‐year cardiac survival was significantly higher in the successful CTO‐PCI group (84 ± 3% vs. 72 ± 6%; p = .006) and it was further improved if complete coronary revascularization was achieved (90 ± 3% vs. 68 ± 5%; p < .001). At multivariable analysis, increasing age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.08; p = .001), diabetes (HR 1.55; p = .033), chronic kidney disease (HR 1.96, p = .002), left ventricular ejection fraction <0.40 (HR 2.10; p < .001), and completeness of revascularization (HR 0.58; p < .005) resulted independently associated with long‐term cardiac survival.

Conclusions

In the elderly successful CTO‐PCI is associated with a long‐term survival benefit. The results of this study suggest that, even in the elderly, a CTO‐PCI attempt should be considered to achieve complete coronary revascularization.
Impact of Organic Solvents on Physicochemical Properties of Nanofiltration and Reverse‐Osmosis Membranes
Authors: Rezzadori Katia , Penha Frederico M. , Proner Mariane C. , Zin Guilherme , Petrus José C. C. , Di Luccio Marco
Published: August 2019

Polymeric membranes subjected to the permeation of n‐hexane were characterized and the influence of pretreatment with ethanol on the properties of the membranes was studied to assess membrane performance and stability. The results suggest that the selectivity of the membrane depends not only on the pore size, but also to a great extent on the interaction between solvent and polymer. An increase in membrane roughness and contact angle was observed for all membranes after pretreatment with ethanol and n‐hexane permeation. Moreover, the surface free energy decreased after solvents exposure, indicating an increase in membrane surface hydrophobicity and polymer swelling. The studied membranes show feasibility of use for the recovery of solvents, if suitable process parameters are selected.
Dual‐Graphite Batteries with Flame‐Retardant Electrolyte Solutions
Authors: Zhang Lei , Wang Hongyu
Published: August 2019

Although trimethyl phosphate (TMP)‐based electrolyte solutions are effective to resist flames in non‐aqueous electrical energy storage devices, they are usually not so compatible with Li‐graphite negative electrodes. Herein, we solve this problem by increasing the concentration of LiPF6 salt in the solution. A benchmark graphite negative electrode (MCMB, mesocarbon microbeads) can deliver a capacity over 325 mAh g−1 and maintain good cyclability in a solution of 3 M LiPF6‐ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC)/TMP (7 : 3 by vol.). Moreover, our previous work has confirmed that the graphite positive electrode also works very well in the above solution. Therefore, this solution can cater to both anion‐graphite and Li‐graphite intercalation electrodes, which enables the construction of dual‐graphite batteries (DGBs). There are some problems arising during the DGB operation, and corresponding strategies are proposed.
Synthesis and characterization of novel polymer matrix composites reinforced with max phases (Ti3SiC2, Ti3AlC2, and Cr2AlC) or MoAlB by fused deposition modeling
Authors: Hall Kathryn , Dey Maharshi , Matzke Caleb , Gupta Surojit
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we report the synthesis and characterization of polylactic acid (PLA)‐MAX (Ti3SiC2, Ti3AlC2, and Cr2AlC) and PLA‐MoAlB composites by fused deposition modeling (FDM). Detailed scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies showed that the particulate phases are uniformly dispersed in the PLA matrix of 3D‐printed samples. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed that the addition of MAX phases promoted crystallization of PLA matrix as compared to MoAlB particulates. The mechanical testing results showed that the PLA matrix is sensitive to the addition of MAX or MoAlB phases, for example, PLA‐5 wt% Ti3SiC2, PLA‐5 wt% Ti3AlC2, and PLA‐5 wt% Cr2AlC had a UTS of ~39 MPa, ~30.5 MPa, and ~38.7 MPa as compared to ~41.5 MPa in pure PLA. Comparatively, PLA‐5 wt% MoAlB had a UTS of ~23.2 MPa which shows that predominantly amorphous PLA‐MoAlB composites have lower strength. The tribological behavior improved after the addition of 1 wt% additives, for example, in PLA‐Cr2AlC, the friction coefficient decreased by 76% to ~0.26 from ~0.34 in pure PLA, and the WR marginally decreased in PLA‐1 wt% Cr2AlC to ~2.2 × 10−5 mm3/Nm as compared to 7.7 × 10−5 mm3/Nm in PLA. SEM investigations of the tribosurfaces showed the tribology is governed by the formation of tribofilms. The wettability study showed that all the 3D‐printed samples are hydrophilic in nature.
The [4+2]‐Cycloaddition of α‐Nitrosoalkenes with Thiochalcones as a Prototype of Periselective Hetero‐Diels–Alder Reactions—Experimental and Computational Studies
Authors: Mlostoń Grzegorz , Urbaniak Katarzyna , Jasiński Marcin , Würthwein Ernst‐Ulrich , Heimgartner Heinz , Zimmer Reinhold , Reissig Hans‐Ulrich
Published: August 2019

The [4+2]‐cycloadditions of α‐nitrosoalkenes with thiochalcones occur with high selectivity at the thioketone moiety of the dienophile providing styryl‐substituted 4H‐1,5,2‐oxathiazines in moderate to good yields. Of the eight conceivable hetero‐Diels–Alder adducts only this isomer was observed, thus a prototype of a highly periselective and regioselective cycloaddition has been identified. Analysis of crude product mixtures revealed that the α‐nitrosoalkene also adds competitively to the thioketone moiety of the thiochalcone dimer affording bis‐heterocyclic [4+2]‐cycloadducts. The experiments are supported by high‐level DFT calculations that were also extended to related hetero‐Diels–Alder reactions of other nitroso compounds and thioketones. These calculations reveal that the title cycloadditions are kinetically controlled processes confirming the role of thioketones as superdienophiles. The computational study was also applied to the experimentally studied thiochalcone dimerization, and showed that the 1,2‐dithiin and 2H‐thiopyran isomers are in equilibrium with the monomer. Again, the DFT calculations indicate kinetic control of this process.
Improving enantiomeric resolutions by avoiding peak distortion effects in on‐line coupled liquid chromatography to gas chromatography
Authors: Martínez Rosa M. , Barba Carmen , Robredo Sergio , Herraiz Marta
Published: August 2019

In this work, we study the effect of different variables affecting elution profile distortion on the enantiomeric resolution eventually achievable when working with on‐line coupled liquid chromatography to gas chromatography (LC‐GC). Specifically, the proposed configuration combines achiral reversed‐phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) and chiral gas chromatography (enantio‐GC), with heptakis‐(2,3,6‐tri‐O‐methyl)‐β‐cyclodextrin as enantioselective stationary phase to analyse target fractions transferred (from LC to GC) via the through oven transfer adsorption desorption (TOTAD) interface. The high degree of orthogonality resulting from the combination of two chromatographic columns having very different separation mechanisms (and also requiring mobile phases in distinct physical states), as well as integration of the sample preparation step in the first dimension of the system, significantly contributed to exploit the performance of the proposed two‐dimensional approach. Occasional adverse effects, which may result in severe peak distortions during LC‐GC analysis and could be explained by flow instabilities due to viscous fingering, are circumvented by using the outstanding capacity of the TOTAD interface for achieving effective elimination of the eluent arriving from the LC preseparation.
Design of compensation network with variable inductance for wide variation of coupling coefficient in inductive power transfer
Authors: Ðurić Radivoje , Pajnić Milan
Published: August 2019

In this paper, a design of the compensation network with a variable inductor is proposed, considering a wide variation of the coupling coefficient in the inductive power transfer (IPT). The characteristics of the proposed compensation network are analyzed with respect to the variable antenna coupling conditions. The realization of the zero voltage switching (ZVS) and the reactive power demand are discussed through the theoretical deduction and numerical simulation. Influence of the variable inductor on the compensation network characteristics is examined in detail, and the control algorithm for achieving the coupling independent constant output voltage is proposed. Detailed steps to design a prototype fulfilling all performance requirements are given. Verification of the proposed method was carried out on the experimental model. Recorded output voltage variation is within 5% over the wide coupling range, implying a quite well characteristic of the coupling independent voltage output. Experimental results match well with the calculations, validating the rightness of the proposed variable inductor tuning method.
Protection from illegal fishing and shark recovery restructures mesopredatory fish communities on a coral reef
Authors: Speed Conrad W. , Rees Matthew J. , Cure Katherine , Vaughan Brigit , Meekan Mark G.
Published: August 2019

The recovery of communities of predatory fishes within a no‐take marine reserve after the eradication of illegal fishing provides an opportunity to examine the role of sharks and other large‐bodied mesopredatory fishes in structuring reef fish communities. We used baited remote underwater video stations to investigate whether an increase in sharks was associated with a change in structure of the mesopredatory fish community at Ashmore Reef, Western Australia. We found an almost fourfold increase in shark abundance in reef habitat from 0.64 hr−1 ± 0.15 SE in 2004, when Ashmore Reef was being fished illegally, to 2.45 hr−1 ± 0.37 in 2016, after eight years of full‐time enforcement of the reserve. Shark recovery in reef habitat was accompanied by a two and a half‐fold decline in the abundance of small mesopredatory fishes (≤50 cm TL) (14.00 hr−1 ± 3.79 to 5.6 hr−1 ± 1.20) and a concomitant increase in large mesopredatory fishes (≥100 cm TL) from 1.82 hr−1 ± 0.48 to 4.27 hr−1 ± 0.93. In contrast, near‐reef habitats showed an increase in abundance of large mesopredatory fishes between years (2.00 hr−1 ± 0.65 to 4.56 hr−1 ± 1.11), although only smaller increases in sharks (0.67 hr−1 ± 0.25 to 1.22 hr−1 ± 0.34) and smaller mesopredatory fishes. Although the abundance of most mesopredatory groups increased with recovery from fishing, we suggest that the large decline of small mesopredatory fish in reef habitat was mostly due to higher predation pressure following the increase in sharks and large mesopredatory fishes. At the regional scale, the structure of fished communities at Ashmore Reef in 2004 resembled those of present day Scott Reefs, where fishing still continues today. In 2016, Ashmore fish communities resembled those of the Rowley Shoals, which have been protected from fishing for decades.
The impact of genetic diversity on the accuracy of DNA barcoding to identify species: A study on the genus Phellodendron
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐peng , Wang Xiao‐yue , Zhang Zhao , Yao Hui , Zhang Xiao‐mei , Zhang Yang , Zhang Ben‐gang
Published: August 2019

DNA barcoding is widely used in species identification, but there is considerable controversy regarding the extent of sampling in research methods. Some scholars have proposed that this small sample size underestimates the intraspecific genetic diversity, which would impact on the accuracy of DNA barcoding to identify species. In study, we selected all Phellodendron species (including P. amurense Rupr., P. chinense Schneid., and P. chinense var. glabriusculum Schneid.) as the materials, collected 59 P. amurense samples from 35 populations greatly to represent the genetic diversity, and analyzed the haplotype, genetic distance, barcoding gap, and Neighbor‐Joining (NJ) trees based on psbA‐trnH and internal transcribed spacer gene sequences. Additionally, a sampling simulation was conducted to assess the correlation between genetic diversity and the number of populations. Finally, analysis of critical geographical populations was performed. Based on analysis of haplotype, genetic distance, barcoding gap, and NJ trees, we found that eight P. amurense samples impacted on the effectiveness of DNA barcoding, which genetic information were very important to identify Phellodendron species. Moreover, the result of the NJ tree analysis performed the small‐scale P. amurense sample size did not completely match the objective phylogenetic relationship in Phellodendron. In simulation sampling analysis, the data showed the genetic diversity indexes at the same population level gradually decreased and stabilized as the number of simulation sampling populations increased. We found that 1–2 samples from over 24 populations based on uniform geographical distribution could represent 80% of the genetic diversity of P. amurense and ensure authenticity and reliability of DNA barcoding. Thus, we proposed it is particularly important adequately samples to cover infraspecific genetic diversity in order to ensure identification accuracy of DNA barcoding.
Pareto optimal allocation of resistive‐type fault current limiters in active distribution networks with inverter‐interfaced and synchronous distributed generators
Authors: Chen Lei , Zhang Xuyang , Chen Hongkun , Li Guocheng , Yang Jun , Tian Xin , Xu Ying , Ren Li , Tang Yuejin
Published: August 2019

To efficiently reduce the fault currents of active distribution networks (ADNs), this paper proposes a novel methodology for Pareto optimal allocation of resistive‐type fault current limiters (R‐FCLs). The proposed approach enables to simultaneously optimize the number, location, and size of the R‐FCLs in the ADNs with inverter‐interfaced and synchronous distributed generators (DGs). The sensitivity analysis is introduced to rank candidate locations, and a constrained multiobjective function is created to minimize the cost of the R‐FCLs and the fault currents of the ADNs. An improved multiobjective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm and a multiobjective artificial bee colony (MOABC) algorithm are designed to obtain the Pareto optimal solution set. The proposed approach is verified using the modified IEEE 33‐node and 69‐node distribution systems, where both centralized and dispersed access of DGs are considered. The numerical results demonstrate that: (a) The fault currents in all nodes of the two testing systems are limited to the permissible levels using the least capital cost of the R‐FCLs, and (b) the improved MOPSO outperforms the MOABC to achieve a better Pareto front and decrease the number of iterative computation. In consequence, the feasibility and superiority of the proposed approach are well validated.
Strategies for daytime slicing in future internet service providers
Authors: Gomes Rafael L. , da Ponte Francisco R. P. , Urbano Arthur C. , Bittencourt Luiz F. , Madeira Edmundo R. M.
Published: August 2019

Internet became part of the human society, being a crucial tool for people's communication, information exchange, and content consumption. However, the Internet does not provide suitable Quality of Service (QoS) to guarantee the users, where several limitations compromise the users' Quality of Experience. Therefore, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are including new technologies and management techniques to evolve to Future ISPs (FISPs). One promising technique for FISPs is the slicing of their network resources among clients and delivered services, where a strategy to define the structure of each slice is essential to improve QoS and resource utilization. Additionally, FISPs should consider the elastic resource utilization of the clients within periods of time through the day. Within this context, this article presents several strategies to define slices based on the daytime bandwidth requirements of the clients, where each strategy designed has singular characteristic that enhances aspects of the FISP, such as number of clients, resource saturation, bandwidth availability, adaptation, and others. Numerical results, considering existing network infrastructures, suggest that each strategy improves one or more of the FISP aspects according to its designing.
Phagocytic elimination of synapses by microglia during sleep
Authors: Choudhury Mohammed E. , Miyanishi Kazuya , Takeda Haruna , Islam Afsana , Matsuoka Nayu , Kubo Madoka , Matsumoto Shirabe , Kunieda Takeharu , Nomoto Masahiro , Yano Hajime , Tanaka Junya
Published: August 2019

Synaptic strength reduces during sleep, but the underlying mechanisms of this process are unclear. This study showed reduction of synaptic proteins in rat prefrontal cortex (PFC) at AM7 or Zeitgeber Time (ZT0), when the light phase or sleeping period for rats started. At this time point, microglia were weakly activated, displaying larger and more granular somata with increased CD11b expression compared with those at ZT12, as revealed by flow cytometry. Expression of opsonins, such as complements or MFG‐E8, matrix metalloproteinases, and microglial markers at ZT0 were increased compared with that at ZT12. Microglia at ZT0 phagocytosed synapses, as revealed by immunohistochemical staining. Immunoblotting detected more synapsin I in the isolated microglia at ZT0 than at ZT12. Complement C3‐ or MFG‐E8‐bound synapses were the most abundant at ZT0, some of which were phagocytosed by microglia. Systemic administration of synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone reduced microglial size, granularity and CD11b expression at ZT0, resembling microglia at ZT12, and increased synaptic proteins and decreased the sleeping period. Noradrenaline (NA) suppressed glutamate‐induced phagocytosis in primary cultured microglia. Systemic administration of the brain monoamine‐depleting agent reserpine decreased NA content and synapsin I expression in PFC, and increased expression of microglia markers, C3 and MFG‐E8, while increasing the sleeping period. A NA precursor l‐threo‐dihydroxyphenylserine abolished the reserpine‐induced changes. These results suggest that microglia may eliminate presumably weak synapses during every sleep phase. The circadian changes in concentrations of circulating glucocorticoids and brain NA might be correlated with the circadian changes of microglial phenotypes and synaptic strength.
How the spatial distribution of grass contributes to controlling hillslope erosion
Authors: Pan Chengzhong , Ma Lan
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate how the spatial distribution of grass influenced run‐off and erosion from a hillslope with loess and cinnamon soils in the rocky area of Northern China. We set up a trial to test the two soils with different treatments, including bare soil (BS), grass strips on the upper (UGS) and lower (DGS) parts of the slope, grass cover over the entire slope (GS), and a grass carpet on the lower part of the slope (GC), under simulated rainfall conditions. The results showed that the run‐off coefficients for the loess and cinnamon soils decreased by between 4% and 20% and by between 2% and 37%, respectively, when covered with grass. Grass spatial distribution had little effect on the run‐off, but more effect on erosion than vegetation coverage degree. The most effective location of grass cover for decreasing hillslope erosion was at the foot, and the high efficiency was mainly due to controlling of rill formation and sediment deposition. The soil loss from GS, DGS, and GC on the loess and cinnamon soils was between 77% and 93% less and 55% and 80% less, respectively, compared with the loss from BS. However, the soil characteristics had little effect on soil erosion for well‐vegetated slopes. The results highlight the importance of vegetation re‐establishment at the foot of hillslope in controlling soil erosion.
Analysis of cellular and soluble profiles in QuantiFERON nonconverters, converters, and reverters in the Gambia
Authors: Medawar Lydia , Tukiman Hatimi Mohd , Mbayo Georgetta , Donkor Simon , Owolabi Olumuyiwa , Sutherland Jayne S.
Published: August 2019

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent worldwide. The immune system is capable of clearing the pathogen before establishment of latent infection but the mechanisms for this are not yet understood.

Methods

This study analysed highly exposed household contacts (HHC) of TB index cases who were categorised according to QuantiFERON (QFT) results at recruitment and 6 months. Seventeen (17) QFT nonconverters, 14 QFT converters, 18 QFT reverters and 18 latent TB infection (LTBI) were analysed. Supernatants generated following QFT stimulation at both time‐points were analysed using a 64‐plex cytokine array. Flow cytometry was performed on QFT converters and nonconverters at baseline only.

Results

Interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), IL‐5, IL‐13, APRIL, IL‐17A, IP‐10, MIP‐1ß, sIL‐6rb, OPN, and sTNFR2 were all significantly higher in the QFT converters compared with nonconverters at baseline. Levels of interferon‐α2 (IFN‐α2) and IL‐2 were significantly lower in QFT reverters compared with nonconverters at baseline. Analysis of Ag‐specific IL‐2 levels resulted in an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84‐1.00) for QFT converters compared to nonconverters and an AUC of 0.80 (0.65‐0.95) for QFT reverters compared with LTBI. Purified protein derivative (PPD)‐specific CD4 + CD26 + IFN‐γ + cells were significantly increased (P = .0007) in QFT nonconverters compared with QFT converters at baseline.

Conclusions

Our results provide insight into the underlying mechanisms of resistance to sustained Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.
Catalpol protects against 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin‐induced cytotoxicity in osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells
Authors: Choi Eun Mi , Suh Kwang Sik , Jung Woon‐Won , Yun Soojin , Park So Young , Chin Sang Ouk , Rhee Sang Youl , Chon Suk
Published: August 2019

2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) is a well‐known environmental contaminant that produces a wide variety of adverse effects in humans. Catalpol, a major bioactive compound enriched in the dried root of Rehmannia glutinosa, is a major iridoid glycoside that alleviates bone loss. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying the effects of catalpol remain unclear. The present study evaluated the effects of catalpol on TCDD‐induced cytotoxicity in osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells. Catalpol inhibited TCDD‐induced reduction in cell viability and increases in apoptosis and autophagic activity in osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells. Additionally, pretreatment with catalpol significantly decreased the nitric oxide and nitrite levels compared with a control in TCDD‐treated cells and significantly inhibited TCDD‐induced increases in the levels of cytochrome P450 1A1 and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase. Pretreatment with catalpol also effectively restored the expression of superoxide dismutase and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 and significantly enhanced the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 and osteoblast differentiation markers, including alkaline phosphatase and osterix. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that catalpol has preventive effects against TCDD‐induced damage in MC3T3‐E1 osteoblastic cells.
Preparation and evaluation of acellular sheep periostea for guided bone regeneration
Authors: He Jing , Li Zhenning , Yu Tianhao , Wang Weizuo , Tao Meihan , Ma Yizhan , Wang Shilin , Fan Jun , Tian Xiaohong , Wang Xiaohong , Lin Yingchi , Ao Qiang
Published: August 2019

The objective of this study was to fabricate an acellular sheep periosteum and explore its potential application in guided bone regeneration. Sheep periosteum was collected and decellularized by a modified decellularization protocol. The effectiveness of cell removal was proved by hematoxylin and eosin and 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole staining, DNA quantitative test, and agarose gel electrophoresis. After decellularization, its microstructure was found to become more porous while the integrality of collagen fibers remained undamaged, and the contents of collagen and glycosaminoglycan were not decreased significantly. Biomechanical analysis showed that the elastic modulus was significantly declined, while the yield stress was not affected, probably due to the collagen integrality. In vitro study of CCK‐8 assay demonstrated that the acellular periosteum not only had no toxic effect to the MC3T3‐E1 cells, but benefited the cell proliferation to some degree. In vivo experiment of guided bone regeneration was performed using a rabbit cranial model. Micro‐CT and histological results revealed that the acellular periosteum not only effectively prevented the ingrowth of fibrous connective tissues, but also potentially facilitated bone regeneration. In conclusion, acellular sheep periostea, with wider sources, less costs, and more convenient fabrication process, would have great potential in the employment for guided bone regeneration.
The Reactivity of Ambident Nucleophiles: Marcus Theory or Hard and Soft Acids and Bases Principle?
Authors: Wang Yi‐Gui , Barnes Ericka C. , Kaya Savaș , Sharma Vinit
Published: August 2019

The model reactions CH3X + (NH—CH=O)M ➔ CH3—NH—NH═O or NH═CH—O—CH3 + MX (M = none, Li, Na, K, Ag, Cu; X = F, Cl, Br) are investigated to demonstrate the feasibility of Marcus theory and the hard and soft acids and bases (HSAB) principle in predicting the reactivity of ambident nucleophiles. The delocalization indices (DI) are defined in the framework of the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QT‐AIM), and are used as the scale of softness in the HSAB principle. To react with the ambident nucleophile NH═CH—O−, the carbocation H3C+from CH3X (F, Cl, Br) is actually a borderline acid according to the DI values of the forming C…N and C…O bonds in the transition states (between 0.25 and 0.49), while the counter ions are divided into three groups according to the DI values of weak interactions involving M (M…X, M…N, and M…O): group I (M = none, and Me4N) basically show zero DI values; group II species (M = Li, Na, and K) have noticeable DI values but the magnitudes are usually less than 0.15; and group III species (M = Ag and Cu(I)) have significant DI values (0.30–0.61). On a relative basis, H3C+is a soft acid with respect to group I and group II counter ions, and a hard acid with respect to group III counter ions. Therefore, N‐regioselectivity is found in the presence of group I and group II counter ions (M = Me4N, Li, Na, K), while O‐regioselectivity is observed in the presence of the group III counter ions (M = Ag, and Cu(I)). The hardness of atoms, groups, and molecules is also calculated with new functions that depend on ionization potential (I) and electron affinity (A) and use the atomic charges obtained from localization indices (LI), so that the regioselectivity is explained by the atomic hardness of reactive nitrogen atoms in the transition states according to the maximum hardness principle (MHP). The exact Marcus equation is derived from the simple harmonic potential energy parabola, so that the concepts of activation free energy, intrinsic activation barrier, and reaction energy are completely connected. The required intrinsic activation barriers can be either estimated fromab initiocalculations on reactant, transition state, and product of the model reactions, or calculated from identity reactions. The counter ions stabilize the reactant through bridging N‐ and O‐site of reactant of identity reactions, so that the intrinsic barriers for the salts are higher than those for free ambident anions, which is explained by the increased reorganization parameter Δr. The proper application of Marcus theory should quantitatively consider all three terms of Marcus equation, and reliably represent the results with potential energy parabolas for reactants and all products. For the model reactions, both Marcus theory and HSAB principle/MHP principle predict the N‐regioselectivity when M = none, Me4N, Li, Na, K, and the O‐regioselectivity when M = Ag and Cu(I). © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Circulating plasma circular RNAs as novel diagnostic biomarkers for congenital heart disease in children
Authors: Wu Jinhuan , Li Jiaqing , liu Heng , Yin Jiangwen , zhang Mengjie , Yu Zhangbin , Miao Hongjun
Published: August 2019

Objective

The diagnostic value of circulating circular RNAs (circRNAs) has received more and more attention. However, little has been reported about their potential in the diagnosis of congenital heart diseases (CHD). In this study, we explored differential expression of circRNAs from children with CHD to evaluate their potential as clinical biomarkers.

Methods

We established a discovery cohort (four CHD cases; four matched healthy controls) and a validation cohort (40 CHD cases; 40 matched healthy controls). Microarray expression analysis was performed on the discovery set to identify candidate circRNAs. Candidates were further validated in the validation set. The diagnostic accuracy of circRNAs was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Gene ontology (GO), pathway, and network analysis were performed to predict a network of circRNA/miRNA and target mRNAs related to CHD.

Results

The top seven significantly differentially expressed CHD‐associated circRNAs were validated by RT‐PCR as follows: hsa_circRNA_004183, hsa_circRNA_079265, hsa_circRNA_105039, hsa_circRNA_404686, hsa_circRNA_101050, hsa_circRNA_100787, and hsa_circRNA_101328. Three significantly down‐regulated circRNAs (hsa_circRNA_004183, hsa_circRNA_079265, and hsa_circRNA_105039) were identified with area under curve (AUC) values of 0.758, 0.809, and 0.907, respectively; the combination had an AUC of 0.965. An interaction network was constructed by 43 circRNAs, 9 miRNAs, and 29 mRNAs, which involved in heart development.

Conclusions

We identified three circRNAs under‐expressed in plasma from children with CHD. These circRNAs may be crucial in the development of CHD and may serve as novel non‐invasive biomarkers for the diagnosis of CHD in children.
Divergent skeletal muscle mitochondrial phenotype between male and female patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Garnham Jack O. , Roberts Lee D. , Caspi Talia , Al‐Owais Moza M. , Bullock Max , Swoboda Peter P. , Koshy Aaron , Gierula John , Paton Maria F. , Cubbon Richard M. , Kearney Mark T. , Bowen T. Scott , Witte Klaus K.
Published: August 2019

Background

Previous studies in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) suggest that skeletal muscle mitochondrial impairments are associated with exercise intolerance in men. However, the nature of this relationship in female patients remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to determine the relationship between skeletal muscle mitochondrial impairments and exercise intolerance in male and female patients with HFrEF.

Methods

Mitochondrial respiration, enzyme activity, and gene expression were examined in pectoralis major biopsies from age‐matched male (n = 45) and female (n = 11) patients with HFrEF and healthy‐matched male (n = 24) and female (n = 11) controls. Mitochondrial variables were compared between sex and related to peak exercise capacity.

Results

Compared with sex‐matched controls, complex I mitochondrial oxygen flux was 17% (P = 0.030) and 29% (P = 0.013) lower in male and female patients with HFrEF, respectively, which correlated to exercise capacity (r = 0.71; P > 0.0001). Female HFrEF patients had a 32% (P = 0.023) lower mitochondrial content compared with controls. However, after adjusting for mitochondrial content, male patients demonstrated lower complex I function by 15% (P = 0.030). Expression of key mitochondrial genes regulating organelle dynamics and maintenance (i.e. optic atrophy 1, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator‐1α, NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit S1/S3, and superoxide dismutase 2) were selectively lower in female HFrEF patients.

Conclusions

These data provide novel evidence that HFrEF induces divergent sex‐specific mitochondrial phenotypes in skeletal muscle that predispose towards exercise intolerance, impacting mitochondrial ‘quantity' in female patients and mitochondrial ‘quality' in male patients. Therapeutic strategies to improve exercise tolerance in HFrEF should consider targeting sex‐specific mitochondrial abnormalities in skeletal muscle.
Efficient whole‐cell biotransformation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol by Saccharomyces cerevisiae NL22
Authors: Yan Yuxiu , Bu Chongyang , Huang Xiang , Ouyang Jia
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Furfuryl alcohol (FOL) is an upgraded product from biomass‐based furfural (FAL), which has wide application in fine chemical and polymer industries. FOL can be produced by chemical approaches, but harsh reaction conditions and subsequent safety problems often pose considerable challenges for chemical methods. In contrast to chemical methods that often do not meet the requirement for green chemistry, bio‐catalysis is an attractive alternative to replace chemical methods due to its mild reaction conditions and environmental friendliness. However, FAL is a well‐known inhibitor of many microorganisms. In this study, four different wild‐type cells were screened and employed for the bioreduction of FAL to FOL using a whole‐cell system.

RESULTS

Among these strains, Saccharomyces cerevisiae NL22 exhibited the best transformation ability from FAL into FOL. In order to improve the conversion of FAL and selectivity of FOL, optimization of whole‐cell biotransformation using S. cerevisiae NL22 was carried out. A maximal conversion of 98% and a high selectivity of 87.9% were obtained at 30 °C and 62 mmol L−1 FAL in the presence of 1.3 mol glucose/mol FAL within 8 h. A total of 122 mmol L−1 FOL was synthesized within 24 h reaction by a fed‐batch strategy.

CONCLUSION

The bioprocess developed in this study is a highly efficient method for FOL synthesis. The wild‐type strain S. cerevisiae NL22 might serve as a candidate for the production of FAL to FOL as an efficient biocatalyst. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Uranium(VI) and zirconium(IV) sorption on magnetic chitosan derivatives – effect of different functional groups on separation properties
Authors: Hamza Mohammed F , Gamal Ahmed , Hussein Ghada , Nagar Mohammed S , Abdel‐Rahman Adel A‐H , Wei Yuezhou , Guibal Eric
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

The recovery of metal ions from aqueous solutions for environmental preservation or resource saving requires the development of new sorbents with enhanced separation properties. A new process has been designed for the functionalization of magnetic chitosan microparticles with grafting of either amidoxime (AO‐AHC) or hydrazinyl amine (HZ‐AHC). Their sorption properties have been tested for the recovery of uranium(VI) and zirconium(IV) from aqueous solutions.

RESULTS

A wide range of analytical tools is used for characterizing not only the chemical modifications but also the interaction mode between the sorbent and target metal ions; including elemental analysis and titration, Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterizations, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis and textural characterization. The optimum pH values were found in the range 4–5. The maximum sorption capacities depend on the metal and the kind of functionalization: up to 1.38 mmol U g−1 for AO‐AHC and up to 1.96 mmol Zr g−1 for HZ‐AHC. The small size of magnetic particles limits the contribution of diffusion mechanisms in the overall control of uptake kinetics and the equilibrium is reached within 40–60 min. Metal desorption is highly effective (almost quantitative over five successive cycles of sorption and desorption) using 0.3 M hydrochloric acid solutions.

CONCLUSION

AO‐AHC sorbent is more selective than HZ‐AHC in terms of separation of uranium(VI) from zirconium(IV), especially at pH close to 4. The results obtained in the treatment of acidic ore leachates confirm these trends. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Prevalence of rotavirus and human bocavirus in immunosuppressed individuals after renal transplantation in the Northern Region of Brazil
Authors: Castro Luanda R. P. , Calvet Flávio C. , Sousa Karoline L. , Silva Victor P. , Lobo Patrícia S. , Penha Edvaldo T. , Guerra Sylvia F. S. , Bezerra Delana A. M. , Mascarenhas Joana D. P. , Pinheiro Helder H. C. , Costa Igor B. , Resque Hugo R. , Soares Luana S.
Published: August 2019

Immunosuppressive therapy causes severe impairment of host defense and diarrhea is a frequent complication in renal transplant recipients. This study aimed to describe the occurrence of Rotavirus A (RVA) and Human Bocavirus (HBoV) in fecal samples of immunosuppressed patients submitted to renal transplantation during posttransplant follow‐up. A longitudinal study was carried out involving a 25‐patient cohort, selected for kidney transplantation. A total of 126 fecal samples were collected between May 2014 and May 2016. Molecular techniques were used to detect and characterize circulating RVA and HBoV genotypes and statistical analysis were applied to verify the association between epidemiological and clinical characteristics. The prevalence of RVA and HBoV was 24% (6/25) and 40% (10/25), respectively. Among RVA and HBoV positive cases, the majority was female; did not conduct water treatment nor had adequate sewage facilities. The most detected genotypes were RVA G3 (62.5%) and HBoV‐3 (95%). Phylogenetic analysis of HBoV strains indicated that studied samples were similar to those found in Asian and American countries. The present study point out the circulation of these viral agents among immunosuppressed individuals and these findings will enable the construction of new knowledge and care perspectives on the cause of diarrhea in this population.