bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical features and disease severity of Turkish FMF children carrying E148Q mutation
Authors: Aydın Fatma , Çakar Nilgün , Özçakar Zeynep Birsin , Uncu Nermin , Başaran Özge , Özdel Semanur , Çelikel Elif , Elhan Atilla H. , Yalçınkaya Fatoş
Published: February 2019

Background

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common hereditary monogenic autoinflammatory disease caused by mutations in the MEFV gene. It is controversial whether E148Q alteration is an insignificant variant or a disease‐causing mutation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features and disease severity of FMF patients carrying E148Q mutation.

Methods

Files of FMF patients were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with at least one E148Q mutation were included to the study. The clinical characteristics and disease severity of the patients who were carrying only E148Q mutation were compared with the patients who were compound heterozygous for E148Q and homozygous for M694V mutation.

Results

The study group comprised 33 patients who were homozygous or heterozygous for E148Q; 34 with compound heterozygous E148Q mutations and 86 patients who had homozygous M694V mutation. Patients who had only E148Q mutation were found to have the oldest mean age of disease onset and lowest mean disease severity score. Attack frequency and colchicine doses were lower in patients with only E148Q mutation as compared with the other two groups. The frequency of clinical findings such as fever, abdominal pain, arthralgia, and arthritis among the three groups was similar.

Conclusion

Familial Mediterranean fever patients with only E148Q mutation are presenting with late‐onset and milder disease course despite having similar clinical findings as compared with patients who had other mutations. Finally, we imply that E148Q is a mutation and colchicine treatment should be given.
Involvement of the synapse‐specific zinc transporter ZnT3 in cadmium‐induced hippocampal neurotoxicity
Authors: Ben Mimouna Safa , Le Charpentier Tifenn , Lebon Sophie , Van Steenwinckel Juliette , Messaoudi Imed , Gressens Pierre
Published: February 2019

The present study examined the involvement of zinc (Zn)‐transporters (ZnT3) in cadmium (Cd)‐induced alterations of Zn homeostasis in rat hippocampal neurons. We treated primary rat hippocampal neurons for 24 or 48 hr with various concentrations of CdCl2 (0, 0.5, 5, 10, 25, or 50 μM) and/or ZnCl
2 (0, 10, 30, 50, 70, or 90 μM), using normal neuronal medium as control. By The CellTiter 96
® Aqueous One Solution Cell Proliferation Assay (MTS; Promega, Madison, WI) assay and immunohistochemistry for cell death markers, 10 and 25 μM of Cd were found to be noncytotoxic doses, and both 30 and 90 μM of Zn as the best concentrations for cell proliferation. We tested these selected doses. Cd, at concentrations of 10 or 25 μM (and depending on the absence or presence of Zn), decreased the percentage of surviving cells. Cd‐induced neuronal death was either apoptotic or necrotic depending on dose, as indicated by 7‐AAD and/or annexin V labeling. At the molecular level, Cd exposure induced a decrease in hippocampal brain‐derived neurotrophic factor‐tropomyosin receptor kinase B (BDNF‐TrkB) and Erk1/2 signaling, a significant downregulation of the expression of learning‐ and memory‐related receptors and synaptic proteins such as the NMDAR NR2A subunit and PSD‐95, as well as the expression of the synapse‐specific vesicular Zn transporter ZnT3 in cultured hippocampal neurons. Zn supplementation, especially at the 30 μM concentration, led to partial or total protection against Cd neurotoxicity both with respect to the number of apoptotic cells and the expression of several genes. Interestingly, after knockdown of ZnT3 by small interfering RNA transfection, we did not find the restoration of the expression of this gene following Zn supplementation at 30 μM concentration. These data indicate the involvement of ZnT3 in the mechanism of Cd‐induced hippocampal neurotoxicity.
LncRNA TUSC7 suppresses pancreatic carcinoma progression by modulating miR‐371a‐5p expression
Authors: Yue Lei , Guo Jing
Published: February 2019

Pancreatic carcinoma is one of the most common and lethal human malignancies worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a well‐known type of nonprotein‐coding transcripts implicated in cancer development and progression. Increasing evidence has indicated that lncRNA tumor suppressor candidate 7 (TUSC7) is a novel cancer suppressor gene in various cancers. Nevertheless, the function of TUSC7 in pancreatic carcinoma is urgent to be clarified. We found that TUSC7 was notably decreased in tissues and cell lines of pancreatic carcinoma. Moreover, the low expression of TUSC7 was correlated with advanced clinical grades and poorer overall survival. Our findings revealed that TUSC7 repressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and stemness whereas facilitated cell apoptosis of pancreatic carcinoma cells. Further investigations demonstrated that miR‐371a‐5p directly bound with TUSC7 and negatively regulated by TUSC7. MiR‐371a‐5p rescued the inhibitory effects of TUSC7 on the development of pancreatic carcinoma. We conclude that lncRNA TUSC7 suppresses pancreatic carcinoma progression by modulating miR‐371a‐5p expression, indicating an innovative therapeutic strategy for pancreatic carcinoma.
Functional characterization of various channel‐expressing central airway epithelial cells from mouse induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Yoshie Susumu , Nakamura Ryosuke , Kobayashi Daisuke , Miyake Masao , Omori Koichi , Hazama Akihiro
Published: February 2019

Functional central airway epithelial cells (CAECs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are an attractive potential cell source for central airway regeneration. The central airway epithelium, such as the tracheal epithelium, is composed of ciliated cells, goblet cells, and basal cells and has physiologically important functions such as the regulation of water volume on the airway surface by Cl− and water channels and the elimination of particles inhaled from the external environment by ciliary movement. Previous work from our group and from other research groups has reported the generation of airway epithelial cells from iPSCs. However, it remains unclear whether iPSC‐derived CAECs express the various channels that are required for the regulation of water volume on the airway surface and whether these channels function properly. In this study, we generated CAECs from iPSCs supplemented with activin and bFGF using air–liquid interface culture. We then evaluated the physiological functioning of the iPSC‐derived CAECs by examining the gene expression and transport functions of Cl
− channels using a halide ion‐sensitive yellow fluorescent protein and ciliary movement. Reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry indicated that various channel markers such as cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and aquaporin (AQP) were present in iPSC‐derived CAECs. Furthermore, the transport functions of Cl
− channels and CFTR were successfully confirmed. Finally, ciliary movement was measured, and a ciliary beating frequency (CBF) of approximately 10 Hz was observed. These results demonstrate that CAECs generated by our method have physiological functions similar to those of native CAECs.
Hidden papilla and periampullary diverticulum: Curtain up for stacked folds
Authors: Zimmer Vincent
Published: February 2019

Proper identification of the Vaterian papilla is a vital prerequisite for success in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Overall, a “hidden papilla” situation is uncommon, often attributable to, for example, intradiverticular localizations in a setting of periampullary diverticulum. Stacked duodenal folds precluding proper endoscopic visualization of the papilla is less well discussed, with virtually no systematic data available. A concurrent presence of the former potential obstacles to an immediate recognition of the papilla has not been reported before. With a view of the sometimes challenging task of finding (and cannulating) a periampullary diverticulum‐related papilla, suggestions are made to first scrutinize curtaining duodenal folds, for example, by endoscopic probing with an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography catheter as this may represent a more easily remediable cause underlying a “hidden papilla.”
Study design of nationwide Japanese Catheter Ablation Registry: Protocol for a prospective, multicenter, open registry
Authors: Yamane Teiichi , Inoue Koichi , Kusano Kengo , Takegami Misa , Nakao Yoko M. , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Goya Masahiko , Uno Kikuya , Shoda Morio , Murakawa Yuji , Hirao Kenzo , Nogami Akihiko ,   J‐AB registry investigators
Published: February 2019

Background

Catheter ablation has become a popular interventional treatment for cardiac tachyarrhythmias and the number has been on the rise year by year. However, little is known about its efficacy and safety in the real‐world settings.

Method

Japanese Catheter Ablation (J‐AB) Registry is a nationwide, multicenter, observational registry, performed by Japanese Heart Rhythm Society (JHRS), collaborated with National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center. This study is a voluntary nationwide registry and data are collected prospectively using a Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) system. Detailed data collection including antiarrhythmic medication is also performed every September. The acute success rate at discharge and the complications associated with ablation procedure will be collected in all cases. Major bleeding events are defined according to Bleeding Academic Research Consortium criteria. Based on the provided information, the annual incidence and predictive factors for outcome will be investigated by the Event Assessment Committee. This registry started in August 2017 and the number of participating medical instructions will be more than 250 hospitals and the target procedure number will be 70 000 per year. We will also compare the results with other registries in foreign countries.

Result

The results of this study are currently under investigation.

Conclusion

The J‐AB registry will provide a real‐world data regarding the acute success and complications in Japan, focusing on various types of catheter ablation for cardiac arrhythmias.
Antecedent Administration of Glutamine Benefits the Homeostasis of CD4+ T Cells and Attenuates Lung Injury in Mice With Gut‐Derived Polymicrobial Sepsis
Authors: Lei Cing‐Syuan , Wu Jin‐Ming , Lee Po‐Chu , Kuo Ting‐Chun , Chen Po‐Da , Hou Yu‐Chen , Yeh Sung‐Ling , Lin Ming‐Tsan
Published: February 2019

Background

Sepsis is a syndrome with CD4+ T‐cell dysfunction and dysregulation of T helper (Th) and regulatory T (Treg) cells. Glutamine (Gln) is a nutrient with immunomodulatory properties. This study investigated the effects of dietary Gln pretreatment on Th and Treg cell homeostasis and lung injury in mice with gut‐derived polymicrobial sepsis.

Methods

Mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups with 2 control (C and G) and 2 sepsis groups (SC and SG). The C and SC groups were fed a common semipurified diet, whereas the G and SG groups received an identical diet except that part of the casein was replaced by Gln. Mice were administered these diets for 2 weeks. Then mice in the control groups underwent a sham operation, whereas operations in the sepsis groups were performed with cecal ligation and puncture. Mice were killed 24 hours after the surgery. Blood, spleens, and lungs were collected for further examination.

Results

Sepsis resulted in a decreased blood T‐lymphocyte percentage, whereas percentages of interferon‐γ‐expressing, interleukin (IL)‐4‐expressing, and IL‐17‐expressing CD4+ T cells were upregulated. Compared with the SC group, Gln administration before sepsis reduced blood Th1, Th2, and Th17 but increased Treg percentages. Also, percentages of CD69‐expressing CD4+ and CD8+ cells in the spleen increased. Concomitant with the decreased plasma IL‐6 and keratinocyte‐derived chemokine levels, the SG group exhibited a lower injury score of the lungs.

Conclusions

Pretreatment with Gln may elicit more balanced Th polarization, alleviate inflammatory response, and attenuate lung injury induced by polymicrobial sepsis.
Differences in the trophic ecology of micronekton driven by diel vertical migration
Authors: Romero‐Romero Sonia , Choy C. Anela , Hannides Cecelia C. S. , Popp Brian N. , Drazen Jeffrey C.
Published: February 2019

Many species of micronekton perform diel vertical migrations (DVMs), which ultimately contributes to carbon export to the deep sea. However, not all micronekton species perform DVM, and the nonmigrators, which are often understudied, have different energetic requirements that might be reflected in their trophic ecology. We analyze bulk tissue and whole animal stable nitrogen isotopic compositions (δ15N values) of micronekton species collected seasonally between 0 and 1250 m depth to explore differences in the trophic ecology of vertically migrating and nonmigrating micronekton in the central North Pacific. Nonmigrating species exhibit depth‐related increases in δ15N values mirroring their main prey, zooplankton. Higher variance in δ15N values of bathypelagic species points to the increasing reliance of deeper dwelling micronekton on microbially reworked, very small suspended particles. Migrators have higher δ15N values than nonmigrators inhabiting the epipelagic zone, suggesting the consumption of material during the day at depth, not only at night when they migrate closer to the surface. Migrating species also appear to eat larger prey and exhibit a higher range of variation in δ15N values seasonally than nonmigrators, likely because of their higher energy needs. The dependence on material at depth enriched in 15N relative to surface particles is higher in migratory fish that ascend only to the lower epipelagic zone. Our results confirm that stark differences in the food habits and dietary sources of micronekton species are driven by vertical migrations.
A family with Danon disease caused by a splice site mutation in LAMP2 that generates a truncated protein
Authors: Zhou Nianwei , Cui Jie , Zhao Weipeng , Jiang Yingying , Zhu Wenqing , Tang Lu , Li Xuejie , Sun Minmin , Pan Cuizhen , Shu Xianhong
Published: February 2019

Background

Danon disease is an X‐linked dominant hereditary condition caused by mutations in the gene encoding lysosomal‐associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2), leading to failure of lysosome binding to autophagosomes, accumulation of glycogen in the heart, and abnormal cardiac function.

Methods

We describe identification of a mutation in LAMP2, c.741+1G>T, in a family with Danon disease by whole exome sequencing.

Results

Pathology examination of patient skeletal muscle biopsy showed myogenic damage and autophagic vacuoles with sarcolemmal features (AVSF). Numerous autophagic vacuoles accumulated in muscle cells were detected by electron microscopy, indicating abnormal autophagy function.

Conclusion

The mutation did not result in loss of mRNA exons; rather, a 6‐nucleotide (two‐codon) insertion, where the latter was a stop codon, leading to early termination of LAMP2 protein translation. The resulting truncated protein lacks an important transmembrane domain, which will impair lysosome/autophagosome fusion, damage autophagy function, and result in the clinical manifestations of Danon disease.
Functional penile replantation after traumatic avulsion amputation below the pubis: A case report
Authors: Elmaraghi Shady , Chen Tzujane Jenny , Heckman Jennifer E. , Shiau Jonathan M. , Williams Daniel H. , Abel E. Jason , Afifi Ahmed M.
Published: February 2019

Penile amputation is a rare injury with significant posttraumatic ramifications. We present a case of successful immediate replantation after traumatic penile avulsion in a 52‐year‐old male patient. The patient reported his penis was caught in machinery during a boating accident, and avulsed at the level of the pubis. Immediate replantation of this proximal avulsion injury with no suitable proximal arterial stumps required transfer of the superficial inferior epigastric artery for arterial inflow. One artery and two veins were repaired. The urethral injury was found to be immediately distal to the urethral sphincter in the membranous portion, and repaired primarily. Urinary diversion was performed with a suprapubic catheter until the repair had healed. The postoperative course was complicated by less than 10% skin necrosis requiring skin grafting. At three years follow up, the patient has a penis with normal urinary function and is able to obtain erections with pharmacologic aids. Avulsion should not preclude penile replantation, which may have acceptable functional and esthetic results.
Liquid metasurface‐based periodically stacked radome design
Authors: Patel Shobhit K. , Charola Shreyas , Kosta Y.P. , Rajdev Foram
Published: February 2019

We present liquid metasurface‐based periodically stacked radome design. Radome is a layer placed above the antenna to protect it from weather disturbances. The layer protects the antenna but reduces its gain. Periodic stacking of liquid metasurface based radome improve the antenna parameters like gain and bandwidth. Microstrip patch antenna is used as basic antenna to check the improvement in gain. The comparison of microstrip patch antenna, patch antenna with simple multilayer radome, patch antenna with liquid metasurface multilayer radome and patch antenna with liquid metasurface periodically stacked multilayer radome is presented in the manuscript. The improvement in terms of gain is clearly visible from the comparison of results for all the designs. Efficiency is also increasing by adding liquid metasurface periodically stacked multilayer radome to patch antenna.
A modified dielectric rod resonator with a purer mode distribution based on multi‐gap on the substrate
Authors: Long Jiawei , Li En , Guo Gaofeng
Published: February 2019

In this article, a modified dielectric rod resonator with a purer mode distribution has been proposed for the measurement of the dielectric properties of dielectric materials. The resonator is short circuited at both flat ends by two hard copper‐clad dielectric substrates, which replace the commonly used metal conducting plates. Concentric ring gaps are etched out on one side the dielectric substrates as shorting plates to reduce the degenerate TM0np modes while not affecting the dominant TE0np modes as much as possible. Experimental results show that the modified dielectric rod resonator has a better mode distribution in the high frequency band than the conventional resonator, which is very useful for the accurate and broadband measurement of dielectric materials.
Raman scattering for dosimetry using GAFCHROMIC EBT3 radiochromic dosimetry film
Authors: Talarico Olga S. , Krylova Tatyana A. , Melnik Nikolay N.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Raman scattering spectra can be thought of as the “fingerprints” of the investigated material. The purpose of this work was to link the absorbed doses of irradiated radiochromic film at the micrometer level with changes in their Raman spectra.

Methods

Raman spectra of irradiated GAFCHROMIC EBT3 film with doses ranging from 0 to 40 Gy were acquired. The excitation wavelengths used in the experiments (457.9 and 647.1 nm) coincided with electronic transitions of the active layer of the film. The effect of resonance Raman scattering enhanced Raman peaks in the resonance region. Spectra were taken in the range of room temperature to around the temperature of liquid nitrogen (−190°C).

Results

The Raman peak intensity redistribution is shown for films with different absorbed doses. The ratio of intensities of the 1445 cm−1 band with respect to the 1330 cm−1 band increases with the increase in absorbed dose. This allows building a dose calibration curve for the film.

Conclusion

The dose distribution of the irradiated film can be identified based on the intensity ratio of the 1445 and 1330 cm−1 bands by means of Raman mapping. This is a noninvasive and computerized readout method which provides micrometer resolution results for the film surface. This is beneficial in the use of radiochromic films as dosimeters for high‐precision radiotherapies.
Echo planar time‐resolved imaging (EPTI)
Authors: Wang Fuyixue , Dong Zijing , Reese Timothy G. , Bilgic Berkin , Katherine Manhard Mary , Chen Jingyuan , Polimeni Jonathan R. , Wald Lawrence L. , Setsompop Kawin
Published: February 2019

Purpose

To develop an efficient distortion‐ and blurring‐free multi‐shot EPI technique for time‐resolved multiple‐contrast and/or quantitative imaging.

Methods

EPI is a commonly used sequence but suffers from geometric distortions and blurring. Here, we introduce a new multi‐shot EPI technique termed echo planar time‐resolved imaging (EPTI), which has the ability to rapidly acquire distortion‐ and blurring‐free multi‐contrast data set. The EPTI approach performs encoding in ky‐t space and uses a new highly accelerated spatio–temporal CAIPI sampling trajectory to take advantage of signal correlation along these dimensions. Through this acquisition and a B0‐informed parallel imaging reconstruction, hundreds of “time‐resolved” distortion‐ and blurring‐free images at different TEs across the EPI readout window can be created at sub‐millisecond temporal increments using a small number of EPTI shots. Moreover, a method for self‐estimation and correction of shot‐to‐shot B0 variations was developed. Simultaneous multi‐slice acquisition was also incorporated to further improve the acquisition efficiency.

Results

We evaluated EPTI under varying simulated acceleration factors, B0‐inhomogeneity, and shot‐to‐shot B0 variations to demonstrate its ability to provide distortion‐ and blurring‐free images at multiple TEs. Two variants of EPTI were demonstrated in vivo at 3T: (1) a combined gradient‐ and spin‐echo EPTI for quantitative mapping of T2, T2*, proton density, and susceptibility at 1.1 × 1.1 × 3 mm3 whole‐brain in 28 s (0.8 s/slice), and (2) a gradient‐echo EPTI, for multi‐echo and quantitative T2* fMRI at 2 × 2 × 3 mm3 whole‐brain at a 3.3 s temporal resolution.

Conclusion

EPTI is a new approach for multi‐contrast and/or quantitative imaging that can provide fast acquisition of distortion‐ and blurring‐free images at multiple TEs.
Mussel‐inspired decoration of Ni(OH)2 nanosheets on 2D MoS2 towards enhancing thermal and flame retardancy properties of poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Gao Rui , Wang Shuguang , Zhou Keqing , Qian Xiaodong
Published: February 2019

In the present work, a facile and environmental method was developed to fabricate the novel functionalized MoS2 hybrid. Firstly, MoS2 nanosheets were coated with polydopamine (PDA) through the self‐polymerization of dopamine (MoS2‐PDA) in a buffer solution. Then the decoration of Ni(OH)2 on the MoS2‐PDA was synthesized because of the strong affinity of Ni2+ with hydroxyl groups in PDA. Finally, the as‐synthesized MoS2‐PDA@Ni(OH)2 was introduced into poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix to explore flame retardancy, thermal stability, and crystalline property of the composites. As confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the MoS2 nanosheets were dually modified with PDA and Ni(OH)2 without destroying the original structures. The thermal degradation of PLA with MoS2‐PDA@Ni(OH)2 generated a notably higher yield of char. Moreover, the crystallization rate of composites is higher than neat PLA. The cone calorimeter test revealed that the introduction of 3% MoS2‐PDA@Ni(OH)2 resulted in lower Peak Heat Release Rate (PHRR) (decreased by 21.7%). Thus, the research provided an innovative functionalization method for manufacturing PLA composites with high performances.
F‐box protein FBXO16 functions as a tumor suppressor by attenuating nuclear β‐catenin function
Authors: Paul Debasish , Islam Sehbanul , Manne Rajesh Kumar , Dinesh US , Malonia Sunil K , Maity Biswanath , Boppana Ramanamurthy , Rapole Srikanth , Shetty Praveen Kumar , Santra Manas Kumar
Published: February 2019

Aberrant activation of β‐catenin has been implicated in a variety of human diseases, including cancer. In spite of significant progress, the regulation of active Wnt/β‐catenin‐signaling pathways is still poorly understood. In this study, we show that F‐box protein 16 (FBXO16) is a putative tumor suppressor. It is a component of the SCF (SKP1‐Cullin1‐F‐box protein) complex, which targets the nuclear β‐catenin protein to facilitate proteasomal degradation through the 26S proteasome. FBXO16 interacts physically with the C‐terminal domain of β‐catenin and promotes its lysine 48‐linked polyubiquitination. In addition, it inhibits epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) by attenuating the level of β‐catenin. Therefore, depletion of FBXO16 leads to increased levels of β‐catenin, which then promotes cell invasion, tumor growth, and EMT of cancer cells. Furthermore, FBXO16 and β‐catenin share an inverse correlation of cellular expression in clinical breast cancer patient samples. In summary, we propose that FBXO16 functions as a putative tumor suppressor by forming an SCFFBXO16 complex that targets nuclear β‐catenin in a unique manner for ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation to prevent malignancy. This work suggests a novel therapeutic strategy against human cancers related to aberrant β‐catenin activation. © 2019 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Zinc promotes prostate cancer cell chemosensitivity to paclitaxel by inhibiting epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and inducing apoptosis
Authors: Xue Ya‐Nan , Yu Bing‐Bing , Liu Ya‐Nan , Guo Rui , Li Jiu‐Ling , Zhang Li‐Chao , Su Jing , Sun Lian‐Kun , Li Yang
Published: February 2019

Background

Paclitaxel (PTX) is a first‐line chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of prostate cancer. However, most patients develop resistance and metastasis, and thus new therapeutic approaches are urgently required. Recent studies have identified widespread anti‐tumor effects of zinc (Zn) in various tumor cell lines, especially prostate cancer cells. In this study, we examined the effects of Zn as an adjuvant to PTX in prostate cancer cells.

Methods

PC3 and DU145 cells were treated with different concentrations of Zn and/or PTX. MTT assay was used to detect cell viability. Real‐time cell analysis (RTCA) and microscopy were used to observe morphological changes in cells. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related proteins. qPCR (reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction) was used to examine changes in TWIST1 mRNA levels. Cell invasion and migration were detected by scratch and transwell assays. shRNA against TWIST1 was used to knockdown TWIST1. Colony formation assay was used to detect cell proliferation, while Annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) staining was used to detect cell apoptosis.

Results

Zn and PTX increased proliferation inhibition in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner in prostate cancer cells, while Zn increased prostate cancer cell chemosensitivity to PTX. Combined Zn and PTX inhibited prostate cancer cell invasion and migration by downregulating the expression of TWIST1. Furthermore, knockdown of TWIST1 increased the sensitivity of prostate cancer cells to PTX. In addition, Zn and PTX reduced cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that Zn and PTX combined therapy inhibits EMT by reducing the expression of TWIST1, which reduces the invasion and migration of prostate cancer cells. SiTWIST1 increased the sensitivity of prostate cancer cells to PTX. In addition, with prolonged treatment, Zn and PTX inhibited proliferation and led to prostate cancer cell apoptosis. Therefore, Zn may be a potential adjuvant of PTX in treating prostate cancer and combined treatment may offer a promising therapeutic strategy for prostate cancer.
Statistical analysis of disease‐causing and neutral mutations in human membrane proteins
Authors: Kulandaisamy A. , Priya S. Binny , Sakthivel R. , Frishman Dmitrij , Gromiha M. Michael
Published: February 2019

Mutations in transmembrane proteins (TMPs) have diverse effects on their structure and functions, which may lead to various diseases. In this present study, we have investigated variations in human membrane proteins and found that negatively charged to positively charged/polar and nonpolar to nonpolar changes are dominant in disease‐causing and neutral mutations, respectively. Further, we analyzed the top 10 preferred mutations in 14 different disease classes and found that each class has at least two Arg mutations. Moreover, in cardiovascular diseases and congenital disorders of metabolism, Cys mutations occur more frequently in single‐pass proteins, whereas Arg and nonpolar residues are more frequently substituted in multi‐pass membrane proteins. The immune system diseases are enriched in C → R and C → Y mutations in inside and outside regions. On the other hand, in the membrane region, E → K and R → Q mutations are prevalent. The comparison of mutations in topologically similar regions of globular and membrane proteins showed that Ser and Thr mutations cause deleterious effects in membrane regions, whereas Cys and charged residues, Asp and Arg are prevalent in the buried regions of globular proteins. Our comprehensive analysis of disease‐associated mutations in transmembrane proteins will be useful for developing prediction tools.
Maximum vs minimum harmonization: what to expect from the institutional and legal battles in the EU on gene editing technologies
Authors: Purnhagen Kai P , Wesseler Justus HH
Published: February 2019

New plant‐breeding technologies (NPBTs), including gene editing, are widely used and drive the development of new crops. However, these new technologies are disputed, creating uncertainty in how their application for agricultural and food uses will be regulated. While in North America regulatory systems respond with a differentiated approach to NPBTs, the Court of Justice of the European Union (EU) has in effect made most if not all NPBT subject to the same regulatory regime as genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This paper discusses from a law and economics point of view different options that are available for the EU's multi‐level legal order. Using an ex‐ante regulation versus ex‐post liability framework allows the economic implications of different options to be addressed. The results show that under current conditions, some options are more expensive than others. The least costly option encompasses regulating new crops derived from NPBTs similar to those used in ‘conventional’ breeding. The current regulatory situation in the EU, namely making the use of NPBTs subject to the same conditions as GMOs, is the most costly option. © 2019 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus on glycemic status and on endothelial damage markers in dysglicemic patients
Authors: Derosa Giuseppe , Cicero Arrigo F.G. , D'Angelo Angela , Maffioli Pamela
Published: February 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate a nutraceutical combination containing polyphenols extracted from Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus and chromium picolinate on glyemic status; secondary outcomes were considered the changes on endothelial markers. We randomized 65 dysglycemic patients to placebo or the nutraceutical agent for 6 months. We evaluated fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), HbA1c, fasting plasma insulin, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index, high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (Hs‐CRP), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and adhesion molecules. At baseline and at 3 and 6 months, all patients underwent an oral glucose tolerance test. We recorded a reduction of HbA1c, FPG, PPG, and HOMA‐IR compared with placebo (p < 0.05). After 6 months, 18.2% of patients retuned to a normal glycemic status in the nutraceutical group versus 0 patients in placebo group (p < 0.05); 69.7% were classified as impaired fasting glycemia and 12.1% as impaired glucose tolerance in the nutraceutical group versus 17.2% and 82.8 in placebo group (p < 0.01) for both. A reduction of Hs‐CRP and TNF‐α was recorded with the nutraceutical. The administration of a nutraceutical combination containing A. nodosum and F. vesiculosus can be helpful in improving insulin sensitivity and glycemic status. Larger randomized studies are required to confirm the positive effects of these agents.
Lung adenocarcinoma and anti‐transcriptional intermediary factor 1‐gamma positive dermatomyositis complicated with spontaneous oesophageal rupture
Authors: Saraya Takeshi , Tamura Masaki , Kasuga Keisuke , Fujiwara Masachika , Takizawa Hajime
Published: February 2019

A 58‐year‐old man presented with a two‐month history of facial erythema and dry cough. Physical examination revealed typical cutaneous manifestations of dermatomyositis (DM), including heliotrope rash and shawl sign. A chest X‐ray revealed a 4‐cm mass in the right middle lung. After bronchoscopy and investigation of auto‐antibodies, he was diagnosed with co‐occurring transcriptional intermediary factor 1‐gamma (TIF1‐γ) positive DM and lung adenocarcinoma. He was administered oral prednisolone for subsequent muscle weakness, but developed TIF1‐γ positive DM‐associated oropharyngeal dysphagia complicated by spontaneous oesophageal rupture and died from progression of chemoresistant lung cancer.
Local predictive ability of analyst recommendations
Authors: Karadas Serkan , Papakroni Jorida
Published: February 2019

This article shows that locally aggregated analyst recommendations at the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA‐) or state‐level predict future locally aggregated excess returns. The results hold even after controlling for macroeconomic variables, industry and market returns, as well as investor sentiment. We also show that the local predictive ability of analyst recommendations is stronger for geographically concentrated firms. Additional analysis at the state‐level for the geographically concentrated firms reveals that locally aggregated analyst recommendations predict future local economic fundamentals. Overall, our findings suggest that analyst recommendations contain information at the MSA‐ and state‐level, and that local information content is richer for geographically concentrated firms.
In‐Plane Isotropic/Anisotropic 2D van der Waals Heterostructures for Future Devices
Authors: Neupane Guru Prakash , Zhou Kai , Chen Songsong , Yildirim Tanju , Zhang Peixin , Lu Yuerui
Published: February 2019

Mono‐ to few‐layers of 2D semiconducting materials have uniquely inherent optical, electronic, and magnetic properties that make them ideal for probing fundamental scientific phenomena up to the 2D quantum limit and exploring their emerging technological applications. This Review focuses on the fundamental optoelectronic studies and potential applications of in‐plane isotropic/anisotropic 2D semiconducting heterostructures. Strong light–matter interaction, reduced dimensionality, and dielectric screening in mono‐ to few‐layers of 2D semiconducting materials result in strong many‐body interactions, leading to the formation of robust quasiparticles such as excitons, trions, and biexcitons. An in‐plane isotropic nature leads to the quasi‐2D particles, whereas, an anisotropic nature leads to quasi‐1D particles. Hence, in‐plane isotropic/anisotropic 2D heterostructures lead to the formation of quasi‐1D/2D particle systems allowing for the manipulation of high binding energy quasi‐1D particle populations for use in a wide variety of applications. This Review emphasizes an exciting 1D–2D particles dynamic in such heterostructures and their potential for high‐performance photoemitters and exciton–polariton lasers. Moreover, their scopes are also broadened in thermoelectricity, piezoelectricity, photostriction, energy storage, hydrogen evolution reactions, and chemical sensor fields. The unique in‐plane isotropic/anisotropic 2D heterostructures may open the possibility of engineering smart devices in the nanodomain with complex opto‐electromechanical functions.
3D Hollow α‐MnO2 Framework as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Lithium–Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Bi Ran , Liu Guoxue , Zeng Cheng , Wang Xinping , Zhang Lei , Qiao Shi‐Zhang
Published: February 2019

Lithium–oxygen (Li–O2) batteries are attracting more attention owing to their superior theoretical energy density compared to conventional Li‐ion battery systems. With regards to the catalytically electrochemical reaction on a cathode, the electrocatalyst plays a key role in determining the performance of Li–O2 batteries. Herein, a new 3D hollow α‐MnO2 framework (3D α‐MnO2) with porous wall assembled by hierarchical α‐MnO2 nanowires is prepared by a template‐induced hydrothermal reaction and subsequent annealing treatment. Such a distinctive structure provides some essential properties for Li–O2 batteries including the intrinsic high catalytic activity of α‐MnO2, more catalytic active sites of hierarchical α‐MnO2 nanowires on 3D framework, continuous hollow network and rich porosity for the storage of discharge product aggregations, and oxygen diffusion. As a consequence, 3D α‐MnO2 achieves a high specific capacity of 8583 mA h g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1, a superior rate capacity of 6311 mA h g−1 at 300 mA g−1, and a very good cycling stability of 170 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g−1 with a fixed capacity of 1000 mA h g−1. Importantly, the presented design strategy of 3D hollow framework in this work could be extended to other catalytic cathode design for Li–O2 batteries.
Trace Pt Clusters Dispersed on SAPO‐11 Promoting the Synergy of Metal Sites with Acid Sites for High‐Effective Hydroisomerization of n‐Alkanes
Authors: Wang Dongxu , Liu Jiancong , Cheng Xusheng , Kang Xin , Wu Aiping , Tian Chungui , Fu Honggang
Published: February 2019

The significant increase of catalytic efficiency while remaining low Pt usage is constantly pursued, but remains a challenge. Here, a “vacuum‐assisted” (VA) process toward Pt clusters dispersed on SAPO‐11 (S‐11) is shown for a high‐effective hydroisomerization of n‐C16. The VA can make effective trapping of the Pt precursor on S‐11 due to intensive capillary action, being conductive to stabilize and disperse Pt cluster (≈1 nm) on S‐11 (V‐Pt/S‐11) for promoting synergy of Pt sites and acid sites on S‐11. The test indicates excellent catalytic activity and stability of trace Pt clusters (0.15 wt%, even lower, 0.035 wt%) on S‐11 (≈94.4% isomer selectivity at 94.3% conversion), much superior to I‐0.15 wt% Pt/S‐11 from traditional impregnation routes (≈88% selectivity at 90% conversion) and ever reported catalysts. The V‐Pt/S‐11 is also superior for the hydroisomerization of catalytic diesel oil with a decrease of freezing point up to 40 °C after hydroisomerization. The superior performance is attributed to the exposure of high acid density due to little coverage of Pt cluster on S‐11, high dispersion of Pt leading to form more metal–acid bifunctional sites, and enhanced (de)hydrogenation ability of Pt clusters. All of them can promote the effective synergy of metal sites (Pt) and acid sites.
An optics inspired optimization method for optimal design of truss structures
Authors: Jalili Shahin , Husseinzadeh Kashan Ali
Published: February 2019

This paper presents optics inspired optimization (OIO) as a new optimization technique for optimum design of truss structures with continuous variables. In OIO, the physical laws that govern the image formation in spherical mirrors are artificially modeled to develop a new metaheuristic method. In OIO, the surface of the objective function to be minimized is considered as the reflecting wavy mirror consisting of peaks and valleys. In the reflecting surface, each peak is assumed to reflect as a convex mirror and each valley to reflect as a concave one. By assuming each solution candidate as an artificial object (or light point) that is artificially glittered ray is reflected back by the function surface, the artificial image (new solution) is formed based on the governing equations in physics of optics. Compared with the other existing optimization techniques, OIO seems to be a promising alternative approach for solving truss optimum design problems.
Impact of Body Composition on Surgical Outcome in Rectal Cancer Patients, a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Heus C. , Bakker N. , Verduin W. M. , Doodeman H. J. , Houdijk A. P. J.
Published: February 2019

Background

Obesity is becoming a bigger health problem every year. Current research shows that the obesity‐related metabolic problems are strongly associated with visceral fat and not subcutaneous fat. Visceral obesity (VO) is associated with a worse postoperative outcome in multiple fields of abdominal surgery. On the other hand, muscle mass is related to better postoperative outcome. In rectal cancer patients, we studied the influence of visceral obesity and muscle mass on postoperative complications.

Methods

The visceral fat area (VFA) and skeletal muscle area (SMA) were determined on preoperative CT scans in 406 patients. The preoperative comorbidity, per‐operative outcome and postoperative complications were extracted retrospectively from the patient files. VO was defined as a VFA > 100 cm2. Correlations between body composition, postoperative complications and LOS were studied.

Results

In our study, 67% of the patients were classified as visceral obese. Mean body mass index (BMI) was higher in the VO group (26.6 ± 3.5 vs 23.5 ± 2.8; p < 0.001). Visceral obese patients had a higher prevalence of cardiac comorbidity (29% vs 13% p = 0.001), hypertension (36% vs 20% p = 0.002) and diabetes mellitus (16% vs 5% p = 0.002). In addition, VO patients had more operative blood loss (431 vs 310 mL; p = 0.008), longer operating time (166 vs 149 min p = 0.003) and more wound infections (14% vs 8% p = 0.048). Visceral obesity was associated with more complications (OR: 1.63 p = 0.043) and longer LOS (risk estimate: 1.18 p = 0.009).

Conclusion

VO patients more often had a history of cardiac disease, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Visceral obesity correlated with a worse outcome after surgery for rectal cancer.
Health‐Related Quality of Life Associated with Barrett’s Esophagus and Cancer
Authors: Bulamu Norma B. , Chen Gang , Ratcliffe Julie , Schloite Ann , Bright Tim , Watson David I.
Published: February 2019

Background

Research assessing health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) which can be applied to economic evaluation in Barrett’s esophagus (BE) and esophageal cancer is limited. This study derived health state utilities for various ‘stages’ of BE and Cancer.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted, including patients with non‐dysplastic BE, low‐grade dysplasia, high‐grade dysplasia, or esophageal adenocarcinoma. HRQoL was assessed using generic instruments—EQ‐5D‐5L and SF‐36, and a cancer‐specific instrument—EORTC QLQ‐C30. Outcomes were compared for health states following different treatments. Correlations and agreements for the three instruments were investigated using Spearman’s correlation coefficient (r) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

A total of 97 respondents (80% male, mean age 68 years) returned questionnaires. The mean (standard deviation) health state utilities for the total sample were 0.79 (0.24) for the EQ‐5D‐5L, 0.57 (0.29) for the SF‐6D (derived from SF‐36) and 0.73 (0.20) for the QLU‐C10D (derived from EORTC QLQ‐C30). There were strong correlations (r > 0.80) and absolute agreement (except EQ‐5D‐5L and SF‐6D with an ICC of 0.69) among the three instruments. No significant differences were observed for different stages of BE or interventions. However, following surgery for cancer patients reported better psychological well‐being than those under surveillance or following endoscopic treatments.

Conclusion

HRQoL for BE surveillance and following cancer treatment was similar. Esophagectomy was associated with better psychological functioning, and this might be attributed to a reduction in the perceived risk of cancer. The correlation between the EORTC QLU‐C10D and the other health state utility instruments supports the validity of this new instrument.
On packet scheduling with adversarial jamming and speedup
Authors: Böhm Martin , Jeż Łukasz , Sgall Jiří , Veselý Pavel
Published: February 2019

In Packet Scheduling with Adversarial Jamming, packets of arbitrary sizes arrive over time to be transmitted over a channel in which instantaneous jamming errors occur at times chosen by the adversary and not known to the algorithm. The transmission taking place at the time of jamming is corrupt, and the algorithm learns this fact immediately. An online algorithm maximizes the total size of packets it successfully transmits and the goal is to develop an algorithm with the lowest possible asymptotic competitive ratio, where the additive constant may depend on packet sizes. Our main contribution is a universal algorithm that works for any speedup and packet sizes and, unlike previous algorithms for the problem, it does not need to know these parameters in advance. We show that this algorithm guarantees 1-competitiveness with speedup 4, making it the first known algorithm to maintain 1-competitiveness with a moderate speedup in the general setting of arbitrary packet sizes. We also prove a lower bound of $$\phi +1\approx 2.618$$

ϕ
+
1
≈
2.618

on the speedup of any 1-competitive deterministic algorithm, showing that our algorithm is close to the optimum. Additionally, we formulate a general framework for analyzing our algorithm locally and use it to show upper bounds on its competitive ratio for speedups in [1, 4) and for several special cases, recovering some previously known results, each of which had a dedicated proof. In particular, our algorithm is 3-competitive without speedup, matching both the (worst-case) performance of the algorithm by Jurdzinski et al. (Proceedings of the 12th workshop on approximation and online algorithms (WAOA), LNCS 8952, pp 193–206, 2015. http://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-18263-6_17) and the lower bound by Anta et al. (J Sched 19(2):135–152, 2016. http://doi.org/10.1007/s10951-015-0451-z).
Post, Eat, Change: The Effects of Posting Food Photos on Consumers’ Dining Experiences and Brand Evaluation
Authors: Zhu Jiang , Jiang Lan , Dou Wenyu , Liang Liang
Published: February 2019

Although posting food photos has become a pervasive phenomenon on social media platforms and has significant marketing implications for restaurants, there is not much evidence concerning why this practice has such implications. Building on research into self-expression and social influence, we hypothesize that posting food photos serves as a form of self-expression, which in turn leads to an enhanced dining experience. A field study, a laboratory experiment, and archival data from a popular Chinese social media platform provide support for our hypotheses. Specifically, Study 1 indicates that posting photos of food enhances consumers’ dining experiences and leads to positive evaluations of restaurants. Study 2 identifies self-expression as the underlying mechanism and tests the moderating role of supportive interactions. Study 3 is a follow-up investigation into the real-time interactions examined in Study 2, using archival data from a popular social media platform.