bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Posterior open‐wedge anterior longitudinal ligament release: Cadaveric technique analysis
Authors: Bohl Michael A. , Hlubek Randall J. , Xu David S. , Cavallo Claudio , Preul Mark C. , Chang Steve W. , Turner Jay D. , Uribe Juan S. , Kakarla Udaya Kumar
Published: November 2018

Anterior column release is a powerful surgical technique for achieving spinopelvic balance in adult patients with sagittal plane deformities. We present an alternative strategy for focal deformity correction from a posterior‐only approach. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a novel surgical technique called posterior open‐wedge diskectomy and anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) release (POWAR). A cadaveric torso underwent POWARs at the L1‐L4 intervertebral disc spaces. Baseline measurements of end‐plate angle (EPA), anterior intervertebral disc height (ADH), and posterior intervertebral disc height (PDH) were obtained. These measurements were repeated after three stages of correction: posterior column compression alone, posterior column compression following Schwab grade 2 osteotomies, and posterior column compression following POWAR. A second cadaver underwent posterolateral spinal dissection to demonstrate the pertinent anatomical features relevant to this novel procedure. With each stage of correction, a sequential increase in EPA and ADH and a decrease in PDH were demonstrated. The large increase in ADH seen following POWAR confirmed successful release of the ALL. In situ investigation of the aorta and inferior vena cava following anterior exposure revealed no injury to the great vessels or surrounding structures. Ex vivo testing of the aorta and inferior vena cava took place at the L3‐4 level. This testing demonstrated no injury or tears to either vessel. POWAR is a new surgical technique that can provide an alternative to three‐column osteotomy for surgeons performing spinal reconstructions in adults through an open, posterior‐only approach. Clin. Anat. 32:348–353, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PRODIAS – A Contribution to Competitive Renewable‐Based Processes
Authors: Kopf Michael‐Helmut
Published: November 2018

No abstract.
Rank‐based inference with responses missing not at random
Authors: Bindele Huybrechts F. , Adekpedjou Akim
Published: November 2018

Missing data have become almost inevitable whenever data are collected. In this paper, interest is given to responses missing not at random in the context of regression modeling. Many of the existing methods for estimating the model parameters lack robustness or efficiency. We propose a robust and efficient approach towards estimating the true regression parameters when some responses in the regression model are missing not at random. Large sample properties of the proposed estimator are established under mild regularity conditions. Monte Carlo simulation experiments are carried out and they showed that the proposed estimator is more efficient than the least squares estimator whenever the model error distribution is heavy tailed, contaminated or when data contain gross outliers. Finally, the method is illustrated using the ACTG protocol 315 data.The Canadian Journal of Statistics46: 501–528; 2018 © 2018 Statistical Society of Canada
Hypothesis testing in finite mixture of regressions: Sparsity and model selection uncertainty
Authors: Khalili Abbas , Vidyashankar Anand N.
Published: November 2018

Sparse finite mixture of regression models arise in several scientific applications and testing hypotheses concerning regression coefficients in such models is fundamental to data analysis. In this article, we describe an approach for hypothesis testing of regression coefficients that take into account model selection uncertainty. The proposed methods involve (i) estimating the active predictor set of the sparse model using a consistent model selector and (ii) testing hypotheses concerning the regression coefficients associated with the estimated active predictor set. The methods asymptotically control the family wise error rate at a pre‐specified nominal level, while accounting for variable selection uncertainty. Additionally, we provide examples of consistent model selectors and describe methods for finite sample improvements. Performance of the methods is also illustrated using simulations. A real data analysis is included to illustrate the applicability of the methods. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 46: 429–457; 2018 © 2018 Statistical Society of Canada
SMARTWOMAN™: Feasibility assessment of a smartphone app to control cardiovascular risk factors in vulnerable diabetic women
Authors: Wenger Nanette K. , Williams Olubunmi O. , Parashar Susmita
Published: November 2018

Background/Hypothesis

SMARTWOMAN™ was designed to develop and assess the feasibility of a smartphone app to control cardiovascular risk factors in vulnerable diabetic women.

Methods

Fourteen African‐American women with diabetes and without known cardiovascular disease were enrolled. A weight‐scale, glucometer, sphygmomanometer, and FitBit were synchronized to the smartphone, and text messaging was provided. Follow‐up was 6 months.

Results

Patients were able to follow instructions for app use and device prompts. Weekly device reporting was 85% for blood glucose, 82.5% for daily steps, and 77% for systolic blood pressure. Patient engagement levels were 85% to 100% at 1 month and 50% to 78% at month 6. The majority reported text messages to be useful, easy to understand, and appropriate in frequency. The women indicated on the exit questionnaire that study participation increased their motivation and ability to take charge of their health.

Conclusions

Use of a smartphone app to control cardiovascular risk factors appears feasible in a population of vulnerable indigent African‐American diabetic women, resulted in increased patient satisfaction and positive reinforcement to healthy behaviors, and warrants a larger clinical outcome trial.
Neural microvascular pericytes contribute to human adult neurogenesis
Authors: Farahani Ramin M. , Rezaei‐Lotfi Saba , Simonian Mary , Xaymardan Munira , Hunter Neil
Published: November 2018

Consistent adult neurogenic activity in humans is observed in specific niches within the central nervous system. However, the notion of an adult neurogenic niche is challenged by accumulating evidence for ectopic neurogenic activity in other cerebral locations. Herein we interface precision of ultrastructural resolution and anatomical simplicity of accessible human dental pulp neurogenic zone to address this conflict. We disclose a basal level of adult neurogenic activity characterized by glial invasion of terminal microvasculature followed by release of individual platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐β mural pericytes and subsequent reprogramming into NeuN+ local interneurons. Concomitant angiogenesis, a signature of adult neurogenic niches, accelerates the rate of neurogenesis by amplifying release and proliferation of the mural pericyte population by ≈10‐fold. Subsequent in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed gliogenic and neurogenic capacities of human neural pericytes. Findings foreshadow the bimodal nature of the glio‐vascular assembly where pericytes, under instruction from glial cells, can stabilize the quiescent microvasculature or enrich local neuronal microcircuits upon differentiation.
Metal‐ion Binding to Host Defense Peptide Piscidin 3 Observed in Phospholipid Bilayers by Magic Angle Spinning Solid‐state NMR
Authors: Rai Ratan Kumar , De Angelis Anna , Greenwood Alexander , Opella Stanley J. , Cotten Myriam L.
Published: November 2018

Cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are essential components of the innate immune system. They have attracted interest as novel compounds with the potential to treat infections associated with multi‐drug resistant bacteria. In this study, we investigate piscidin 3 (P3), an AMP that was first discovered in the mast cells of hybrid striped bass. Prior studies showed that P3 is less active than its homolog piscidin 1 (P1) against planktonic bacteria. However, P3 has the advantage of being less toxic to mammalian cells and more active on biofilms and persister cells. Both P1 and P3 cross bacterial membranes and co‐localize with intracellular DNA but P3 is more condensing to DNA while P1 is more membrane active. Recently, we showed that both peptides coordinate Cu2+ through an amino‐terminal copper and nickel (ATCUN) motif. We also demonstrated that the bactericidal effects of P3 are linked to its ability to form radicals that nick DNA in the presence of Cu2+. Since metal binding and membrane crossing by P3 is biologically important, we apply in this study solid‐state NMR spectroscopy to uniformly 13C‐15N‐labeled peptide samples to structurally characterize the ATCUN motif of P3 bound to bilayers and coordinated to Ni2+ and Cu2+. These experiments are supplemented with density functional theory calculations. Taken together, these studies refine the arrangement of not only the backbone but also side chain atoms of an AMP simultaneously bound to metal ions and phospholipid bilayers.
Generic Drugs in the United States: Policies to Address Pricing and Competition
Authors: Gupta Ravi , Shah Nilay D. , Ross Joseph S.
Published: November 2018

The cost of prescription drugs in the United States continues to be a source of concern for patients, caregivers, and policymakers. Drug prices typically decline rapidly once generic drugs receive US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and enter the market, but the past decade has witnessed rising costs and shortages of generic drugs. We describe the strategies used by brand‐name manufacturers to undermine generic competition and the reasons underlying the price increases of off‐patent drugs, some of which continue to lack any competition from generic versions, and others that have increased in price despite having generic versions. We discuss the FDA's role in addressing drug prices and promoting competition, including recent agency policies to modify its process of reviewing generic drug applications and to prioritize applications for off‐patent drugs with few competitors. We also examine proposed policy solutions and research areas that could help address the price increases of off‐patent drugs.
Negative parenting modulates the association between mother’s DNA methylation profiles and adult offspring depression
Authors: Hein Sascha , Thomas Tina , Yu. Naumova Oxana , Luthar Suniya S. , Grigorenko Elena L.
Published: November 2018

This study aimed to examine whether the relationship between mothers’ DNA methylation profiles and offspring's depression is modulated by negative parenting. The participants were 35 African‐American mother–offspring dyads. Young adult offspring (19 females; age = 17–29.5 years) were assessed on depressive symptoms, and mothers (36–51 years) were assessed on negative parenting. Methyl‐binding domain (MBD) sequencing was used to assay genome‐wide DNA methylation in peripheral T lymphocytes. Controlling for the effect of offspring's DNA methylation, mothers' DNA methylation was positively associated with offspring's depression. Hypermethylation of a subset of the epigenetic markers was associated with increased negative parenting. Negative parenting was positively correlated with offspring's depression as well, suggesting that negative parenting may be a modulator between the mother's epigenome and offspring's depression. This study is one of the first investigations of the modulating role of parenting behavior in associations between the mother's epigenome and offspring's depression.
Synthesis of 2‐Sulfonated‐9H‐Pyrrolo[1,2‐a]indoles via a Ag‐Promoted Cascade Sulfonation and Cyclization
Authors: Xie Xiaoyu , Li Pinhua , Wang Lei
Published: November 2018

An efficient Ag‐promoted reaction of N‐propargyl indoles and arylsulfinic acids to 2‐sulfonated‐9H‐pyrrolo[1,2‐a]indoles was developed. Using arylsulfinic acids as stable and less toxic sulfonylation agent, the reaction proceeded smoothly to give the desired products in good yields and excellent regioselectivity with a broad substrate scope.
Long‐term seizure outcome after epilepsy surgery in patients with mild malformation of cortical development and focal cortical dysplasia
Authors: Veersema Tim J. , Swampillai Banu , Ferrier Cyrille H. , van Eijsden Pieter , Gosselaar Peter H. , van Rijen Peter C. , Spliet Wim G. M. , Mühlebner Angelika , Aronica Eleonora , Braun Kees P. J.
Published: November 2018

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) and mild malformation of cortical development (mMCD) are frequent histopathologic diagnoses in patients who undergo surgery for refractory epilepsy. Literature concerning surgical outcome in patients with mMCD, as well as its contrast with FCD, has been scarce. We studied 88 patients with a histopathologic diagnosis of isolated FCD (n = 57) or mMCD (n = 31), revised according to the latest International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) guidelines, who underwent resective or disconnective surgery. Our findings suggest differences between mMCD and FCD in clinical presentation and surgical outcome after surgery. Patients with mMCD developed seizures later in life, and their lesions had a predilection for location in the temporal lobe and remained undetected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) more frequently. A diagnosis of mMCD has a less favorable surgical outcome. Still, 32% of these patients reached continuous seizure freedom (Engel class 1A) at a latest median follow‐up duration of 8 years, compared to 59% in FCD. A histopathologic diagnosis of mMCD, extratemporal surgery, and indication of an incomplete resection each were independent predictors of poor outcome.
The Values and Limits of Altmetrics
Authors: Fraumann Grischa
Published: November 2018

Altmetrics are tools for measuring the impact of research beyond scientific communities. In general, they measure online mentions of scholarly outputs, such as on online social networks, blogs, and news sites. Some stakeholders in higher education have championed altmetrics as a new way to understand research impact and as an alternative or supplement to bibliometrics. Contrastingly, others have criticized altmetrics for being ill conceived and limited in their use. This chapter explores the values and limits of altmetrics, including their role in evaluating, promoting, and disseminating research.
Uncertainty across volatility regimes
Authors: Angelini Giovanni , Bacchiocchi Emanuele , Caggiano Giovanni , Fanelli Luca
Published: November 2018

We propose a nonrecursive identification scheme for uncertainty shocks that exploits breaks in the volatility of macroeconomic variables and is novel in the literature on uncertainty. This approach allows us to simultaneously address two major questions in the empirical literature: Is uncertainty a cause or effect of decline in economic activity? Does the relationship between uncertainty and economic activity change across macroeconomic regimes? Results based on a small‐scale vector autoregression with US monthly data suggest that (i) uncertainty is an exogenous source of decline of economic activity, and (ii) the effects of uncertainty shocks amplify in periods of economic and financial turmoil.
Roles of miRNA‐1 and miRNA‐133 in the proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts in duck skeletal muscle
Authors: Wu Ningzhao , Gu Tiantian , Lu Lu , Cao Zhengfeng , Song Qianqian , Wang Zhixiu , Zhang Yang , Chang Guobin , Xu Qi , Chen Guohong
Published: November 2018

MicroRNA (miRNA)‐1 and miRNA‐133 are derived from the same bicistronic pairs with roles in skeletal muscle development. Many investigations have focused on the role of miRNA‐1 and miRNA‐133 in the regulation of skeletal muscle development in mammals and fish. However, the mechanisms of miRNA‐1 and miRNA‐133 underlying the differences in skeletal muscle development between different breeds are not well known. Our study found that the weights of body and breast at 42 days of age were greater in Cherry Valley ducks than in Putian ducks and the areas of breast muscle fibers increased with age; the areas of muscle fibers of Cherry Valley ducks were always greater than those of Putian ducks. Besides, quantitative reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that relatively high levels of miRNA‐1 and miRNA‐133 were detected in heart, breast, and leg muscles compared with the liver, spleen, lung, kidney, and the expression levels of miRNA‐1 and miRNA‐133 remained stable in the embryo stage, and in the growth period, the fluctuation in miRNA expression levels in Putian ducks was considerably higher than that in Cherry Valley ducks, especially from 7 to 28 days. However, in the late growth period, the expression of miRNA‐1 and miRNA‐133 of Cherry Valley duck was higher than that of Putian duck, which may indicate that miRNA‐1 and miRNA‐133 play a more important role during the growth period. To determine the function of miRNA‐1 and miRNA‐133 in skeletal muscle development, we found that the overexpression of miRNA‐1, but not miRNA‐133, promoted fusion of adjacent myoblasts. By contrast, a repressor of miRNA‐1 promoted, whereas a miRNA‐133 inhibitor inhibited, myoblast proliferation. Accordingly, the expression levels of myocyte enhancer factor 2D (MEF2D) and myogenic differentiation (
MYOD) were significantly increased by an miRNA‐1 mimic and the miRNA‐133 inhibitor. In addition, we found that the expression levels of miRNA‐1 significantly affected the expression of histone deacetylase 4 (
HDAC4), and miRNA‐133 affected serum response factor (
SRF) and transforming growth factor β receptor 1 (
TGFBR1) levels. However, dual‐luciferase reporter assays revealed that only miRNA‐1 directly inhibited pGL‐
HDAC4 luciferase reporter activity, whereas miRNA‐133 did not affect pGL‐
SRF or pGL‐
TGFBR1 fluorescence activity. Taken together, these results suggest that miRNA‐1 targets
HDAC4 to promote the differentiation of duck myoblasts and miRNA‐133 may affect
SRF and
TGFBR1 expression to promote proliferation, which indicates that miRNA‐1 and miRNA‐133 play different important roles in skeletal muscle development.
Retracted: Effects of FOSL1 silencing on osteosarcoma cell proliferation, invasion and migration through the ERK/AP‐1 signaling pathway
Authors: Han Yu , Zhao Xingyu , Sun Yifu , Sui Yutong , Liu Jianguo
Published: November 2018

Osteosarcoma (OS), as the most frequent primary malignancy of bone, is characterized by the presence of malignant mesenchymal cells. In the current study, our aim was to explore the possible effects Fos‐like antigen‐1 (FOSL1) had on the silencing regarding OS cell proliferation, invasion, and migration through the activation of the extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)/activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) signaling pathway. After the collection of OS on top of already having the adjacent normal tissue samples, the protein positive expression rate of FOSL1 was then measured by implementing the use of immunohistochemistry and discovered that FOSL1 was robustly expressed in OS. Later, to better grasp the impact FOSL1 projects on OS and its underlying mechanism, we determined the OS related genes as well as the ERK/AP‐1 signaling pathway related genes expression by using a reverse‐transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot assay techniques. The results of the aforementioned two experiments revealed that the FOSL1 depletion had downregulated the expression of OS related genes by simultaneously downregulating the ERK/AP‐1 signaling pathway. Moreover, cell proliferation, cycle, apoptosis, invasion, and migration of FOS1 were all tested by using a cell counting kit‐8 assay, flow cytometry, Transwell assay, and scratch test, and these results presented that silencing of the FOSL1 gene inhibited OS cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Our findings revealed a novel mechanism by which FOSL1 depletion played a significantly negative role in the OS progression through the regulation of the ERK/AP‐1 signaling pathway. Functional suppression of FOSL1 might be a future therapeutic strategy regarding OS.
Caspase‐1‐dependent mechanism mediating the harmful impacts of the quorum‐sensing molecule N‐(3‐oxo‐dodecanoyl)‐l‐homoserine lactone on the intestinal cells
Authors: Tao Shiyu , Sun Qinwei , Cai Liuping , Geng Yali , Hua Canfeng , Ni Yingdong , Zhao Ruqian
Published: November 2018

N‐(3‐oxododecanoyl)‐l‐homoserine lactone (3‐oxo‐C12‐HSL), a quorum‐sensing (QS) molecule produced by Gram‐negative bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, adversly impacts host cells. Our previous study demonstrated that 3‐oxo‐C12‐HSL induced a decrease in cell viability via cell apoptosis and eventually disrupted mucin synthesis from LS174T goblet cells. However, the molecular mechanism underlying cell apoptosis and whether pyroptosis was involved in this process are still unknown. In this study, we emphasized on the caspases signal pathway and sterile inflammation to reveal the harmful effects of 3‐oxo‐C12‐HSL on LS174T goblet cells. Our data showed that 3‐oxo‐C12‐HSL is a major inducer of oxidative stress indicated by a high level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, TQ416, an inhibitor of paraoxonase 2, can effectively block oxidative stress. A higher ROS level is the trigger for activating the caspase‐1 and 3 cascade signal pathways. Blockade of ROS synthesis and caspase‐1 and 3 cascades can obviously rescue the viability of LS174T cells after 3‐oxo‐C12‐HSL treatment. We also found that paralleled with a higher level of ROS and caspases activation, an abnormal expression of proinflammatory cytokines was induced by 3‐oxo‐C12‐HSL treatment; however, the blockage of TLRs‐NF‐κB pathway cannot restore cell viability and secretary function. These data collectively indicate that 3‐oxo‐C12‐HSL exposure induces damages to cell viability and secretary function of LS174T goblet cells, which is mediated by oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and sterile inflammation. Overall, the data in this study will provide a better understanding of the harmful impacts of some QS molecules on host cells and their underlying mechanism.
Microtia patients: Auricular chondrocyte ECM is promoted by CGF through IGF‐1 activation of the IGF‐1R/PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Chen Xia , Zhang Ruhong , Zhang Qun , Xu Zhicheng , Xu Feng , Li Datao , Li Yiyuan
Published: November 2018

Objective

To explore the effectiveness of the insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF‐1R)/PI3K/AKT pathway in promoting the synthesis of the auricular chondrocyte extracellular matrix (ECM) using concentrated growth factor (CGF).

Methods

Chondrocytes isolated from the remnant auricular cartilage of microtia patients were randomly divided into different experimental and control groups, then stimulated with a reagent. IGF‐1 released by CGF was quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Glycosaminoglycan (GAG), proteoglycan, and type II collagen (COLAII) were examined by histological and immunohistological analysis. Expression levels of IGF‐1R, pIGF‐1R, PI3K, pPI3K, AKT, pAKT, COLAII, and Aggrecan were detected by western blot analysis technique and gene expression was tested by real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

CGF significantly stimulated the synthesis of COLAII and Aggrecan and increased the phosphorylation levels of IGF‐1R, PI3K, and AKT. Small interfering RNA IGF‐1 blocked ECM synthesis, COLAII and Aggrecan gene expression, and IGF‐1R/PI3K/AKT activation. Inhibitor AG1024 and LY294002 significantly inhibited ECM synthesis and the phosphorylation of IGF‐1R, PI3K, and AKT.

Conclusion

CGF‐released IGF‐1 stimulates the synthesis of the auricular chondrocyte ECM via the IGF‐1R/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Garcinol suppresses RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis and its underlying mechanism
Authors: Jia Yewei , Jiang Jiawei , Lu Xuanyuan , Zhang Tan , Zhao Kangxian , Han Weiqi , Yang Wanlei , Qian Yu
Published: November 2018

Osteoclasts (OCs) are multinuclear giant cells responsible for bone resorption, and an excessive bone resorption by OCs plays an important role in osteoporosis. Commonly used drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis have severe side effects. As such, identification of alternative treatments is essential. Garcinol, a polyisoprenylated benzophenone extracted from the fruit of Garcinia indica, has shown a strong antitumor effect through the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and mitogen‐associated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathways. However, the role of garcinol in the osteoclastogenesis is still unclear. Here, we demonstrated that garcinol can inhibit the receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL)‐induced osteoclastogenesis, osteoclastogenesis‐related gene expression, the f‐actin ring, and resorption pit formation. In addition, garcinol abrogated RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis by attenuating the degradation of the MAPK, NF‐κB, and PI3K‐AKT signaling pathway as well as downstream factors c‐jun, c‐fos, and NFATC1. In vivo, suppression of osteoclastogenesis by garcinol was evidenced by marked inhibition of lipopolysaccharide‐induced bone resorption. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that garcinol inhibited the RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis by suppressing the MAPK, NF‐κB, and PI3K‐AKT signaling pathways and thus has potential as a novel therapeutic option for osteolytic bone diseases.
Amino acids stimulate glycyl‐tRNA synthetase nuclear localization for mammalian target of rapamycin expression in bovine mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Yu Mengmeng , Luo Chaochao , Huang Xin , Chen Dongying , Li Shanshan , Qi Hao , Gao Xuejun
Published: November 2018

Amino acids are required for the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) to increase cell growth, protein and lipid synthesis, and inhibit autophagy. However, the mechanism through which amino acids activate the mTOR signaling is still largely unknown. In our previous study, we discovered that glycyl‐tRNA synthetase (GlyRS) is a key mediator of amino‐acid‐induced mTOR expression and activation in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs). Here we show that amino acids stimulate GlyRS nuclear localization for mTOR expression in BMECs. Met stimulates GlyRS nuclear localization, and the nuclear GlyRS is cleaved into a C‐terminus‐containing truncated form. We prove that GlyRS has a bipartite nuclear leading sequences, and GlyRS is phosphorylated at Thr544 and Ser704 in the cytoplasm under the stimulation of amino acids (Met, Leu, and Lys). The nuclear GlyRS physically binds to nuclear factor kappa B1, triggers its phosphorylation, thereby enhancing mRNA expression of its target genes including mTOR, S6K1, and 4EBP1. We further demonstrate that GlyRS is required for the inhibition of autophagy by Met. Thus our work elucidates that amino acids trigger GlyRS phosphorylation and nuclear localization to enhance the mRNA expression of mTOR.
The role of HSP27 in the development of drug resistance of gastrointestinal malignancies: Current status and perspectives
Authors: Soleimani Atena , Jalili‐Nik Mohammad , Avan Amir , Ferns Gordon A. , Khazaei Majid , Hassanian Seyed Mahdi
Published: November 2018

Heat‐shock protein 27 (HSP27) is a chaperone molecule that plays a critical role in the refolding and activity of several proteins responsible for cancer cell drug toxicity. Upregulation of HSP27 is associated with decreased drug sensitivity as well as poorer survival in gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. It is, therefore, possible that HSP27 may be of value in the assessment of prognostic and therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of GI cancers. Pharmacological and biological inhibitors of HSP27 enhance tumor cell chemosensitivity. This review summarizes the potential role of HSP27 in chemotherapy drug resistance and the therapeutic potential of HSP27 inhibitors as a novel strategy in the treatment of GI cancers.
LncRNA miR143HG suppresses bladder cancer development through inactivating Wnt/β‐catenin pathway by modulating miR‐1275/AXIN2 axis
Authors: Xie Hui , Huang Hang , Huang Weiping , Xie Zhiyue , Yang Yu , Wang Feng
Published: November 2018

Although increasing long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified by high‐throughput sequencing, their functions in human cancer remain largely unknown. The function of lncRNA miR143HG has not been explored before. In the present study, we found that miR143HG expression was significantly downregulated in bladder cancer tissues (BCa) compared with normal tissues. We showed that miR143HG high expression was associated with a high survival rate in BCa patients. Gain‐of‐function assays demonstrated that miR143HG overexpression suppressed the proliferation, arrested cell cycle progression, and attenuated migration and invasion of BCa cells in vitro. In vivo assay illustrated that ectopic expression of miR143HG inhibited BCa growth in vivo. Mechanistically, miR143HG was identified to inhibit the level of miR‐1275, whereas miR‐1275 directly targeted AXIN2, a negative regulator of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Restoration of miR‐1275 or knockdown of AXIN2 significantly rescued the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of BCa cells. In summary, our findings demonstrated that miR143HG/miR‐1275/AXIN2 axis regulates BCa development by modulating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.
Preparation of poly(2,4,6‐triaminopyrimidine‐TMC)/P84 composite nanofiltration membrane with enhanced chlorine resistance and solvent resistance
Authors: Han Runlin , Xie Yongli , Ma Xufeng , Teng Da , Zhang Shouhai , Jian Xigao
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Nanofiltration membrane has attracted great study interest because of its high permselectivity and low operating cost. However, most commercial nanofiltration membranes are still not applicable for chemical separation processes due to their low resistance to organic solvent and chlorination.

RESULTS

2,4,6‐triaminopyrimidine (TAPI) was employed as an aqueous phase monomer to prepare poly (2,4,6‐triaminopyrimidine‐TMC) composite nanofiltration membrane with interfacial polymerization. Polyimide (P84) ultrafiltration (UF) membrane was crosslinked with TAPI and used as the supporting membrane. The composite membrane showed high rejection (91.4%) of Na2SO4 and a high flux (7.3 L m−2 h−1) at 0.3 MPa and ambient temperature. The membrane also showed high stability during 120 h immersion in N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and acetone. The performance of membrane immersed in 200 ppm NaClO solution did not decline over 96 h.

CONCLUSION

TAPI with reactive amino group can be used as aqueous phase monomer to prepare poly (2,4,6‐triaminopyrimidine‐TMC) composite nanofiltration membrane with high permselectivity. The pyrimidine ring of TAPI endows the functional layer with excellent chlorine resistance while the crosslinking of P84 membrane with TAPI significantly improves the solvent resistance. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Self‐purging microwave pyrolysis: an innovative approach to convert oil palm shell into carbon‐rich biochar for methylene blue adsorption
Authors: Kong Sieng‐Huat , Lam Su Shiung , Yek Peter Nai Yuh , Liew Rock Keey , Ma Nyuk Ling , Osman Mohammad Shahril , Wong Chee Chung
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Oil palm shell (OPS) is a biomass widely available from palm oil mills. Self‐purging microwave pyrolysis (SPMP) was performed to produce carbon‐rich biochar from OPS for the adsorption of methylene blue dye. The effect of feedstock amount on the pyrolysis temperature, yield and characteristics of the biochar were investigated.

RESULT

The amount of feedstock was directly proportional to the final pyrolysis temperature. The pyrolysis reached a maximum final temperature of 760 °C when ≥300 g of OPS was loaded into the reactor without microwave absorbent. A heating rate of up to 105 °C min−1 was recorded, producing a yield of 40 wt% of biochar at a short processing time of 20 min. The biochar obtained at 700 °C showed relatively low volatile matter (24 wt%), higher fixed carbon content (66 wt%), carbon (78.5 wt%), oxygen (17.7 wt%), a highly porous structure with high BET surface area of 410 m2 g−1 and pore volume of 0.16 cm3 g−1, and recorded a methylene blue dye adsorption efficiency of 20 mg g−1.

CONCLUSION

The SPMP approach showed exceptional promise to produce biochar with low H/C ratio (0.5) and O/C ratio (0.2), which indicated a high degree of carbonization and stability of the biochar to act as a durable agent in wastewater treatment. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
90‐90‐90 by 2020? Estimation and projection of the adult HIV epidemic and ART programme in Zimbabwe – 2017 to 2020
Authors: Bansi‐Matharu Loveleen , Cambiano Valentina , Apollo Tsitsi , Yekeye Raymond , Dirawo Jeffrey , Musemburi Sithembile , Davey Calum , Napierala Sue , Fearon Elizabeth , Mpofu Amon , Mugurungi Owen , Hargreaves James R , Cowan Frances M , Phillips Andrew N
Published: November 2018

Introduction

The 90‐90‐90 targets set by the United Nations aspire to 73% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) being virally suppressed by 2020. Using the HIV Synthesis Model, we aim to mimic the epidemic in Zimbabwe and make projections to assess whether Zimbabwe is on track to meet the 90‐90‐90 targets and assess whether recently proposed UNAIDS HIV transition metrics are likely to be met.

Methods

We used an approximate Bayesian computation approach to identify model parameter values which result in model outputs consistent with observed data, evaluated using a calibration score. These parameter values were then used to make projections to 2020 to compare with the 90‐90‐90 targets and other key indicators. We also calculated HIV transition metrics proposed by UNAIDS (percentage reduction in new HIV infections and AIDS‐related mortality from 2010 to 2020, absolute rate of new infections and AIDS‐related mortality, incidence–mortality ratio and incidence–prevalence ratios).

Results

After calibration, there was general agreement between modelled and observed data. The median predicted outcomes in 2020 were: proportion of PLHIV (aged 15 to 65) diagnosed 0.91 (90% uncertainty range 0.87, 0.94) (0.84 men, 0.95 women); of those diagnosed, proportion on treatment 0.92 (0.90, 0.93); of those receiving treatment, proportion with viral suppression 0.86 (0.81, 0.91). This results in 72% of PLHIV having viral suppression in 2020. We estimated a percentage reduction of 36.5% (13.7% increase to 67.4% reduction) in new infections from 2010 to 2020, and of 30.4% (9.7% increase to 56.6% reduction) in AIDS‐related mortality (UNAIDS target 75%). The modelled absolute rates of HIV incidence and AIDS‐related mortality in 2020 were 5.48 (2.26, 9.24) and 1.93 (1.31, 2.71) per 1000 person‐years respectively. The modelled incidence–mortality ratio and incidence–prevalence ratios in 2020 were 1.05 (0.46, 1.66) and 0.009 (0.004, 0.013) respectively.

Conclusions

Our model was able to produce outputs that are simultaneously consistent with an array of observed data and predicted that while the 90‐90‐90 targets are within reach in Zimbabwe, increased efforts are required in diagnosing men in particular. Calculation of the HIV transition metrics suggest increased efforts are needed to bring the HIV epidemic under control.
Nutritional and meat quality characteristics of seven primal cuts from 9‐month‐old female veal calves: a preliminary study
Authors: Gálvez Fernando , Maggiolino Aristide , Domínguez Rubén , Pateiro Mirian , Gil Sandra , De Palo Pasquale , Carballo Javier , Franco Daniel , Lorenzo José M
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Beef is a highly nutritious and valuable food. In order to complete its nutritional information, this study determined the chemical and physicochemical parameters and fatty acid, amino acid and mineral contents in seven primal cuts from veal carcasses (shoulder clod (SC), inside round (IR), eye of round (ER), bottom round (BR), heel of round (HR), knuckle (KK) and tenderloin (TL)).

RESULTS

The intramuscular fat content was higher and the cholesterol content was lower in TL than in the other cuts. The colour parameters also varied in the different primal cuts. The L* and b* values were highest in ER. Cooking losses were significantly (P < 0.001) affected by the cut of meat ranging from 20.85% in HR to 29.01% in ER. Determination of the shear force values permitted us to establish more tender muscle (TL with shear force 16.45 N cm−2) and less tender muscle (IR with shear force 47.27 N cm−2). The nutritional indices and fatty acid profile indicated that HR is the healthiest cut. All cuts evaluated provide important levels of dietary amino acids, although the contents of both essential and non‐essential amino acids were highest in HR. Finally, K, Zn and Fe were affected by the type of veal cut.

CONCLUSIONS

All primal cuts of veal provide important nutrients for human diets. The information of this research allows consumers to make healthful food choices, creating diets aimed at trying to correct deficiencies and providing objective data that differentiate between differently priced cuts of veal. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Oxidative stability of emulsions fortified with iron: the role of liposomal phospholipids
Authors: Cengiz Alime , Kahyaoglu Talip , Schröen Karin , Berton‐Carabin Claire
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Interest in supplementing food with iron to counteract dietary deficiencies has been on the rise in recent years. A major challenge is the pro‐oxidant activity of soluble iron, which compromises the chemical stability of the enriched food products. This problem could be mitigated by encapsulating iron, to physically keep it separated from oxidizable substrates, such as unsaturated fatty acids. In the present work, the physical and chemical stability of surfactant‐ or protein‐stabilized oil‐in‐water emulsions fortified with iron was investigated.

RESULTS

Iron (ferrous sulfate) was successfully incorporated in liposomes at high encapsulation efficiency (89%). The liposomes obtained were added to emulsions stabilized with either Tween 20 or whey protein isolate (WPI), and its oxidative stability was monitored and compared with emulsions with free iron. Tween 20‐stabilized emulsions were more stable against oxidation than WPI‐stabilized emulsions, and furthermore lipid oxidation was substantially higher in emulsions containing iron (either free, or encapsulated in liposomes) than in blank emulsions. This shows that liposomal encapsulation did not inhibit the pro‐oxidant activity of iron.

CONCLUSION

Despite the high encapsulation efficiency of iron in our liposomes, these systems are not suitable to supplement model foods with iron because of the associated deleterious chemical reactivity. This is most probably due to the phospholipids used as encapsulation material being prone to oxidation, which may actively contribute to the oxidative process. These aspects are normally not taken into account but we showed that they are of utmost importance, and should be taken as a starting point in the design of delivery systems. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Absence of Intestinal Microbiota during Gestation and Lactation Does Not Alter the Metabolic Response to a Western‐type Diet in Adulthood
Authors: Lohuis Mirjam A. M. , Werkman Cornelieke C. N. , Harmsen Hermie J. M. , Tietge Uwe J. F. , Verkade Henkjan J.
Published: November 2018

Scope

Microbiota composition in early life is implied to affect the risk to develop obesity in adulthood. It is unclear whether this risk is due to long‐lasting microbiome‐induced changes in host metabolism. This study aims to identify whether the presence or total absence of early‐life microbiota affects host metabolism in adulthood.

Methods and results

The effects of a germ‐free (Former GF) versus conventional status during gestation and lactation on the metabolic status in adult offspring are compared. Upon conventionalization at weaning, all mice were metabolically challenged with a Western‐type diet (WTD) at 10 weeks age. Between age 10 and 30 weeks, a former GF status does not notably affect overall body weight gain, cholesterol metabolism, glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity at adult age. However, Former GF mice have lower bile flow and bile acid secretion in adulthood, but similar bile acid composition.

Conclusions

A germ‐free status during gestation and lactation does not substantially affect key parameters of the metabolic status before 10 weeks of age on chow diet or in adulthood following a WTD challenge. These data imply that microbiota in early life does not critically affect adult metabolic plasticity.
Reductive Metabolism of Xanthohumol and 8‐Prenylnaringenin by the Intestinal Bacterium Eubacterium ramulus
Authors: Paraiso Ines L. , Plagmann Layhna S. , Yang Liping , Zielke Ryszard , Gombart Adrian F. , Maier Claudia S. , Sikora Aleksandra E. , Blakemore Paul R. , Stevens Jan F.
Published: November 2018

Scope

The intestinal microbiota transforms a wide range of available substrates, including polyphenols. Microbial catabolites of polyphenols can contribute in significant ways to the health‐promoting properties of their parent polyphenols. This work aims to identify intestinal metabolites of xanthohumol (XN), a prenylated flavonoid found in hops (Humulus lupulus) and beer, as well as to identify pathways of metabolism of XN in the gut.

Methods and results

To investigate intestinal metabolism, XN and related prenylated flavonoids, isoxanthohumol (IX), and 8‐prenylnaringenin (8PN) were added to growing cultures of intestinal bacteria, Eubacterium ramulus and E. limosum. Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was used to identify metabolites of the flavonoids from the cultures. The metabolic capacity of E. limosum appears to be limited to O‐demethylation. Evidence from the study indicates that E. ramulus hydrogenates XN to form α,β‐dihydroxanthohumol (DXN) and metabolizes the potent phytoestrogen 8PN into the chalcones, O‐desmethylxanthohumol (DMX) and O‐desmethyl‐α,β‐dihydroxanthohumol (DDXN).

Conclusion

Microbial metabolism is likely to affect both activity and toxicity of XN and derivatives. This study along with others highlights that attention should be focused on metabolites, in particular, products of intestinal microbial metabolism.
Deciphering the Human Gut Microbiome of Urolithin Metabotypes: Association with Enterotypes and Potential Cardiometabolic Health Implications
Authors: Romo‐Vaquero María , Cortés‐Martín Adrián , Loria‐Kohen Viviana , Ramírez‐de‐Molina Ana , García‐Mantrana Izaskun , Collado María Carmen , Espín Juan Carlos , Selma María Victoria
Published: November 2018

Scope

The gut microbiota ellagitannin‐metabolizing phenotypes (i.e., urolithin metabotypes [UMs]) are proposed as potential cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk biomarkers because the host blood lipid profile is reported to be associated with specific UMs. However, the link for this association remains unknown so far.

Methods and Results

The gut microbiome of 249 healthy individuals is analyzed using 16S rDNA sequencing analysis. Individuals are also stratified by UMs (UM‐A, UM‐B, and UM‐0) and enterotypes (Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Ruminococcus). Associations of UMs discriminating bacteria with CVD risk markers are investigated. Distribution and gut microbiota composition of UMs and enterotypes are not coincident. Almost half of the discriminating genera between UM‐A and UM‐B belongs to the Coriobacteriaceae family. UM‐B individuals present higher blood cholesterol levels and higher alpha‐diversity, including Coriobacteriaceae family, than those of UM‐A. Coriobacteriaceae, whose abundance is the highest in UM‐B, is positively correlated with total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and body mass index.

Conclusions

Results herein suggest that the family Coriobacteriaceae could be a link between individuals’ UMs and their blood cholesterol levels. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms of the host metabolic phenotype, including cholesterol excretion products, to modulate this bacterial family.
A self‐diplexing MIMO antenna for WLAN applications
Authors: Nandi Sourav , Mohan Akhilesh
Published: November 2018

This letter presents a slot‐based self‐diplexing MIMO (multiple‐input multiple‐output) antenna for dual‐band operation. In the first step, a self‐diplexing antenna is designed with two microstrip fed quarter wavelength slot‐antenna elements. Next, this self‐diplexing antenna is replicated to obtain the characteristics of a MIMO antenna. The designed self‐diplexing MIMO antenna with optimized dimensions operates at 5.1 GHz and 5.7 GHz. The peak gains obtained at two frequencies are 2.02 dBi and 2.96 dBi. Minimum isolation at both the operating bands is better than 15 dB. The proposed antenna offers a frequency ratio of 1‐1.62.
A 0.61‐2.39 GHz fully tunable bandpass filter with minimum number of loaded varactors
Authors: Lan Bo‐Zhang , Li Hai‐Xiong , Guo Chen‐Jiang , Ding Jun
Published: November 2018

A 2‐pole fully tunable bandpass filter (BPF) with only two varactors implemented is proposed in this paper. The ultra‐wide center frequency (CF) tuning range is built on short‐ended stepped‐impedance resonators (SIRs). Two varactors are placed at the symmetrical plane of the filter in series and shunt configurations, according to the odd‐even mode analysis the CF and bandwidth (BW) of the passband can be tuned independently without adding any redundant tuning elements. The CF of the proposed filter can be tuned from 0.61 to 2.39 GHz. The 3 dB BW tuning range is 150‐260 MHz at the lower side and 290‐520 MHz at the upper side of the entire passband tuning range. Good agreement is observed between simulated and measured results.
Design of broadband circularly polarized antenna via loading coupled rotated dipoles
Authors: Zhao Zhipeng , Li Yapeng , Wang Le , Tang Zhaoyang , Yin Yingzeng
Published: November 2018

A broadband circularly polarized (CP) antenna with coupled rotated dipoles is presented. A pair of coupled rotated dipoles and four coupled pads are the key components of the antenna to expand the working bandwidth. The pair of coupled dipoles, sequentially rotating around the crossed dipole, is employed to induce new resonance to enhance the operation bandwidth. To further improve the bandwidth, four coupled pads grounded by metal posts are introduced to generate an additional resonance. The simulated prototype was fabricated and measured to confirm the correctness of the design. The results demonstrate that the antenna obtains a broad impedance bandwidth (IBW) of 95.0% (1.16‐3.26 GHz) for |S11| < −10 dB and a wide axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW) of 85.5% (1.24‐3.09 GHz). More importantly, it has a good unidirectional right‐hand circular polarized (RHCP) radiation pattern with an excellent performance in 3 dB gain bandwidth of 78.0% (1.25‐2.85 GHz).