bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exogenous CLASP2 protein treatment enhances wound healing in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Kim MiJung , Lee You‐Sun , Yoo Yun‐Mi , Choi Jong‐Jin , Kim Ha‐Na , Kang Changhee , Yu Ji‐Min , Moon Sung‐Hwan , Kim Aeri , Kim Chan‐Wha
Published: March 2019

Proliferative and migratory abilities of fibroblasts are essential for wound healing at the skin surface. Cytoplasmic linker‐associated protein‐2 (CLASP2) was originally found to interact with cytoplasmic linker protein (CLIP)‐170. CLASP2 plays an important role in microtubule stabilization and the microtubule‐stabilizing activity of CLASP2 depends on its interactions with end binding (EB)‐1 and CLIP‐170. Although the microtubule‐stabilizing role of CLASP2 is well established, the effects of CLASP2 on the migration and proliferation of fibroblasts remain unclear in the context of wound healing. Therefore, we tested the utilization of CLASP2 as a directly applied protein drug to improve wound healing by promoting the migration of effector cells, including skin fibroblasts, to the site of repair or injury using an in vivo excisional wound mouse model and in vitro Hs27 skin fibroblast model. Epidermal growth factor, which is a recognized contributor to cell proliferation and migration, was used as positive control. In vitro and in vivo, CLASP2 treatment significantly enhanced cell migration and accelerated wound closure. Furthermore, in vivo, the CLASP2‐treated animal group displayed enhanced epidermal repair and collagen deposition. Next, we studied the mechanism of CLASP2 for wound healing. Increasing the abundance of intracellular free CLASP2 in skin fibroblasts by supplying exogenous CLASP2 seemed to stabilize microtubules through an interaction between CLASP2 and CLIP‐170, as well as EB1. Exogenous CLASP2 also showed direct binding with IQGAP1, increasing both cyclic adenosine monophosphate activity and phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β, which in turn reinstated the binding between free CLASP2 and IQGAP1. In summary, exogenous CLASP2 increased Hs27 skin fibroblast migration by interacting with IQGAP1 and other cytoskeletal linker proteins, such as CLIP‐170 and EB1. Our results strongly suggest that CLASP2 can be developed in wound healing drugs for skin repair and/or regenerating cosmetic products.
The Effects of 12 Weeks Pilates Exercises on Functional and Cognitive Performance in Elderly People
Authors: Kayaoğlu Buket , Özsu İlbilge
Published: March 2019

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of 12 weeks Pilates exercises on functional and cognitive performance in elderly people which are living in an elderly care center. Forty three elderly were randomly allocated either to Pilates group (PG, n= 21; mean age, 72.8 ± 7.84 years), which performed three session of Pilates per week for 12 weeks, or to control group (CG, n= 22; mean age, 77.7 ± 7.25 years), which no performed any exercise is except from daily works. Participants tested to handgrip strength, Berg balance scale, Functional reach test and Mini Mental State Examination Test before and after the 12 weeks of exercise. Finally, PG demonstrated improvement in all variables. However, CG has no improvement any variables. Pilates exercises led to significant improvement in functional and cognitive performance. Therefore, elderly people can apply a well-structured Pilates exercise program under Pilates instructor and physiotherapist.
Increased caveolin‐1 expression enhances the receptor‐operated Ca2+ entry in the aorta of two‐kidney, one‐clip hypertensive rats
Authors: Yan Fu‐Rong , Zhu Zhuang‐Li , Mu Yun‐Ping , Zhuang Xiao‐Ling , Lin Da‐Cen , Wu Zhi‐Juan , Gui Long‐Xin , Lin Mo‐Jun
Published: March 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The aim was to examine and compare the contributions of caveolin‐1 to the contractile responses mediated by L‐type voltage‐dependent calcium channels, store‐operated Ca2+ channels and receptor‐operated Ca2+ channels in two different types of arteries from two‐kidney, one‐clip hypertensive rats.

What is the main finding and its importance?

We demonstrated that the density of caveolae and caveolin‐1 expression were significantly upregulated in the aorta of two‐kidney, one‐clip hypertensive rats, but not in the third‐order branches of mesenteric arteries. We highlight that caveolin‐1 plays an important role in aortic constriction by enhancing receptor‐operated Ca2+ entry in the hypertensive rat model.

Calcium and its multiple regulatory mechanisms are crucial for the development of hypertension. Among these regulatory mechanisms, store‐operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) and receptor‐operated Ca2+ entry (ROCE) mediate agonist‐induced calcium influx, contributing to vascular contraction. The SOCE and ROCE are regulated by a variety of mechanisms involving caveolin‐1 (Cav1), which has been found to be strongly associated with hypertension in gene polymorphism. In the present study, we investigated the role of Cav1 during the enhanced activity of calcium channels in hypertensive arteries. We demonstrated that the expression level of Cav1 was significantly increased in the aorta of two‐kidney, one‐clip (2K1C) hypertensive rats. The disruption of caveolae by methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin did not cause a marked difference in agonist‐induced vasoconstriction in the third‐order branches of the mesenteric arteries but strongly suppressed the aortic contractile response to endothelin‐1 in the 2K1C group, which was not found in the control group. The increase in Cav1 by introduction of Cav1 scaffolding domain enhancing peptide promoted the 1‐oleoyl‐2‐acetyl‐glycerol‐induced ROCE in hypertensive aortic smooth muscle cells but did not enhance the cyclopiazonic acid‐induced SOCE. In the resistance arteries, similar changes were not observed, and no statistical changes of Cav1 expression were evident in the third‐order branches of the mesenteric arteries. Our results indicate that increased Cav1 expression might promote the altered [Ca2+]i‐induced aortic vasoreactivity by enhancing ROCE and be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension.
Hydrogen Fueled Gas Turbines
Authors: Langston Lee S.
Published: March 2019

Hydrogen, reacting with oxygen, is a very energetic, non-polluting fuel. Can it be used as a fuel for gas turbines? Two successful and significant examples of its use are reviewed. Surplus renewable electrical energy from solar and wind could be used for electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen to power gas turbine power plants. Serving as a means of energy storage, the hydrogen could be kept in caverns. It could also be added directly to natural gas pipeline systems serving gas turbine power plants, thus reducing greenhouse gas production.
Numerical Modeling of a Novel Thermocline Thermal Storage for Concentrated Solar Power
Authors: Capocelli M. , Caputo G. , De Falco M. , Balog I. , Piemonte V.
Published: March 2019

This paper presents the modeling theory and results of an innovative thermal energy storage (TES) facility, ideated, realized, and tested by ENEA (Italy). This prototype enabled the thermocline storage with molten salts in a novel geometry ideated for small-medium scale decentralized solutions, which includes two vertical channels to force the circulation through two heat exchangers, respectively, and realized for charging and discharging phases (in a single tank). A thermophysical model was built and tested properly for this particular geometry in order to analyze the temperature distribution along the radius. The numerical results well reproduced the experimental values. Furthermore, the analytical solution provided a short-cut methodology able to evaluate the thermocline distribution (along the vertical axis) depending on both the time and the radius values. Hence, the influence of the radial position (r) on the thermocline degradation was studied finding that, at the edges (r → 1), the thermocline remains unchanged for longer (around ten times more) than at the center of the tank (r → 0). The obtained numerical modeling and the analytical correlation can be useful for the process analysis to scale-up the thermal storage system and to evaluate the system reliability for industrial plants.
Effective property evaluation and analysis of three-dimensional periodic lattices and composites through Bloch-wave homogenization
Authors: Patil Ganesh U. , Matlack Kathryn H.
Published: March 2019

Periodic lattices offer enhanced mechanical and dynamic properties per unit mass, and the ability to engineer the material response by optimizing the unit cell. Characterizing the effective properties of these lattice materials through experiments can be a time consuming and costly process, so analytical and numerical methods are crucial. Specifically, the Bloch-wave homogenization approach allows one to characterize the effective static properties of the lattice while simultaneously analyzing wave propagation properties such as band gaps, propagating modes, and wave directionality. While this analysis has been used for some time, a thorough study of this approach on three-dimensional (3D) lattice materials with different symmetries and geometries is presented here. Bloch-wave homogenization is applied to extract the effective stiffness tensor of 3D periodic lattices and confirmed with elastostatic homogenization, both within a finite element framework. Multiple periodic lattices with cubic, transversely isotropic, and tetragonal symmetry, including an auxetic geometry, over a wide range of relative densities are analyzed. Further, this approach is used to analyze 3D periodic composite structures, and a way to tailor their overall anisotropy is demonstrated. This work can serve as the basis for nondestructive evaluation of metamaterials properties using ultrasonic velocity measurements.
Campo Laborde: A Late Pleistocene giant ground sloth kill and butchering site in the Pampas
Authors: Politis Gustavo G. , Messineo Pablo G. , Stafford Thomas W. , Lindsey Emily L.
Published: March 2019

14
C dates disprove Holocene survival of Pleistocene megafauna in the Pampas and show humans hunted
Megatherium
at 12,600 CAL BP.
A methylation-phosphorylation switch determines Plk1 kinase activity and function in DNA damage repair
Authors: Li Weizhe , Wang Hong-Yan , Zhao Xiaolu , Duan Hongguo , Cheng Binghua , Liu Yafei , Zhao Mengjie , Shu Wenjie , Mei Yuchao , Wen Zengqi , Tang Mingliang , Guo Lin , Li Guohong , Chen Qiang , Liu Xiaoqi , Du Hai-Ning
Published: March 2019

Two types of small-group modifications on Plk1 control its activity and its cellular functions.
Greenland Ice Sheet surface melt amplified by snowline migration and bare ice exposure
Authors: Ryan J. C. , Smith L. C. , van As D. , Cooley S. W. , Cooper M. G. , Pitcher L. H , Hubbard A.
Published: March 2019

Greenland’s snowline exhibits large fluctuations and is a primary amplifier of ice sheet surface melt and runoff.
CRISPR-Cas9 corrects Duchenne muscular dystrophy exon 44 deletion mutations in mice and human cells
Authors: Min Yi-Li , Li Hui , Rodriguez-Caycedo Cristina , Mireault Alex A. , Huang Jian , Shelton John M. , McAnally John R. , Amoasii Leonela , Mammen Pradeep P. A. , Bassel-Duby Rhonda , Olson Eric N.
Published: March 2019

A mouse model with a common human DMD mutation was created and corrected by CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing.
Excitatory neuron–specific SHP2-ERK signaling network regulates synaptic plasticity and memory
Authors: Ryu Hyun-Hee , Kim TaeHyun , Kim Jung-Woong , Kang Minkyung , Park Pojeong , Kim Yong Gyu , Kim Hyopil , Ha Jiyeon , Choi Ja Eun , Lee Jisu , Lim Chae-Seok , Kim Chul-Hong , Kim Sang Jeong , Silva Alcino J. , Kaang Bong-Kiun , Lee Yong-Seok
Published: March 2019

Neuron type–specific RAS signaling components underlie the neurological disorder Noonan syndrome.
Characterization of the Vibrio cholerae Phage Shock Protein Response
Authors: DeAngelis Cara M. , Nag Dhrubajyoti , Withey Jeffrey H. , Matson Jyl S.
Published: March 2019

Vibrio cholerae
leads a dual life cycle, as it can exist in the aquatic environment and colonize the human small intestine. In both life cycles,
V. cholerae
encounters a variety of stressful conditions, including fluctuating pH and temperature and exposure to other agents that may negatively affect cell envelope homeostasis. The phage shock protein (Psp) response is required to sense and respond to such insults in other bacteria but has remained unstudied in
V. cholerae
. Interestingly, the Psp system has protein homologs, principally, PspA, in a number of bacterial clades as well as in archaea and plants. Therefore, our findings not only fill a gap in knowledge about an unstudied extracytoplasmic stress response in
V. cholerae
, but also may have far-reaching implications.
MC159 of Molluscum Contagiosum Virus Suppresses Autophagy by Recruiting Cellular SH3BP4 via an SH3 Domain-Mediated Interaction
Authors: Schmotz Constanze , Uğurlu Hasan , Vilen Silja , Shrestha Subhash , Fagerlund Riku , Saksela Kalle
Published: March 2019

After the eradication of smallpox, molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is the only poxvirus restricted to infecting humans. MCV infection is common and causes benign skin lesions that usually resolve spontaneously but may persist for years and grow large, especially in immunocompromised individuals. While not life threatening, MCV infections pose a significant global health burden. No vaccine or specific anti-MCV therapy is available. MCV encodes several proteins that enable it to evade antiviral immunity, a notable example of which is the MC159 protein. In this study, we describe a novel mechanism of action for MC159 involving hijacking of a host cell protein called SH3BP4 to suppress autophagy, a cellular recycling mechanism important for antiviral immunity. This study contributes to our understanding of the host cell interactions of MCV and the molecular function of MC159.
Humanization of Murine Neutralizing Antibodies against Human Herpesvirus 6B
Authors: Wang Bochao , Nishimura Mitsuhiro , Maekawa Yuji , Kotari Toshiya , Okuno Toshiomi , Mori Yasuko
Published: March 2019

Human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B) establishes lifelong latent infection in most individuals after the primary infection. Encephalitis is the most severe complication caused by both the primary infection and the reactivation of HHV-6B and is the cause of considerable mortality in patients, without any established treatments to date. The humanization of the murine neutralizing antibodies described in this research provided a feasible way to reduce the inherent immunogenicity of the antibodies without changing their neutralizing activities. These newly designed chimeric antibodies against HHV-6B have the potential to be candidates for antivirals for future use.
Proteomic analysis of the aqueous humour in eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome
Authors: Botling Taube Amelie , Konzer Anne , Alm Albert , Bergquist Jonas
Published: March 2019

Background/aims

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is characterised by the production and accumulation of extracellular fibrillar material in the anterior segment of the eye. The pathogenesis of PEX is multifactorial with genetic factors and ageing as contributing factors. Previously, an increased concentration of beta-crystalline B2 (CRYBB2) was observed in the aqueous humour (AH) in eyes with PEX in a pooled material. Here, the protein content was examined on individual basis.

Methods

During cataract surgery, AH was sampled from patients with and without PEX, 10 eyes in each group. The proteins were digested and labelled with isotopomeric dimethyl labels, separated with high-pressure liquid chromatography and analysed in an Orbitrap mass analyzer.

Results

The concentration of complement factor 3, kininogen-1, antithrombin III and vitamin D-binding protein was increased in all eyes with PEX. Retinol-binding protein 3, glutathione peroxidase, calsyntenin-1 and carboxypeptidase E were decreased in eyes with PEX. Beta-crystalline B1 and CRYBB2 and gamma-crystalline D were up to eightfold upregulated in 4 of 10 in eyes with PEX.

Conclusion 

The results indicate that oxidative stress and inflammation are contributing factors in the formation of PEX. Knowledge about the proteome in PEX is relevant for understanding this condition.
The exploding worldwide cancer burden
Authors: Wilson C. M. , Tobin S. , Young R. C.
Published: March 2019

Although age-adjusted cancer death rates have started to decline in the United States and other developed nations – thanks in large part to widespread screening programs that detect cancers at early, treatable stages – cancer in developing countries is on the rise. Ironically, rising life expectancy in those nations along with the adoption of ‘Western’ lifestyles will leave many more people vulnerable to cancer. Unfortunately, the early detection tools and treatment technology that have helped control cancer in wealthier lands are often not readily available in many other countries.

Much of this increased cancer burden will take the form of cancers that affect women – not only breast, cervical, and other gynecologic cancers but colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and other malignancies related to tobacco. Physicians specializing in cancer care for women need to be alert to every opportunity to improve cancer screening and prevention among the growing, aging populations of less-developed countries.

Less precise but less costly and more widely available screening techniques may save thousands more lives than the most sophisticated technology because low-cost programs can be applied widely instead of being reserved for a fortunate few. In addition, education and prevention efforts directed toward tobacco use need to be put in place to help stem an epidemic of tobacco-related cancers that has largely peaked in developed countries but looms ominously in the future of developing nations.
Restoration of tumor specific human leukocyte antigens class I-restricted cytotoxicity by dendritic cell stimulation of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in patients with advanced ovarian cancer
Authors: Santin A. D. , Bellone S. , Palmieri M. , Bossini B. , Cane' S. , Bignotti E. , Roman J. J. , Cannon M. J. , Pecorelli S.
Published: March 2019

Despite the large number of potentially cytotoxic tumor-infiltrating (TIL) and tumor-associated (TAL) lymphocytes accumulated in the peritoneal cavity ascitic fluid and tumor tissue, advanced ovarian cancer is a progressive disease, suggesting that TIL and TAL populations eventually become functionally suppressedin vivo. Dendritic cells (DC) are the most powerful professional antigen presenting cells known in humans and recently, ovarian tumor antigen pulsed DC have been shown to elicit tumor specific human leukocyte antigens (HLA)-class I-restricted cytotoxicity from the peripheral blood of advanced ovarian cancer patients. In this study, we have evaluated the potential of tumor antigen-pulsed fully mature DC stimulation in restoring tumor-specific cytotoxicity in anergic TIL populations from advanced ovarian cancer patients. In addition, we have compared tumor-specific T-cell responses induced by tumor antigen-loaded DC in TIL to those induced in TAL and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). DC stimulation induced powerful cytotoxicity against autologous tumor target cells in TIL-derived CD8+ T-cells from all patients tested, while autologous Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) were not lysed. Killing of autologous tumor cells was higher by CD8+ T-cells from TIL compared to PBL and TAL (P< 0.01) and was more strongly inhibited by anti-HLA class I MAb (P< 0.05 compared to PBL and TAL). Phenotypically, all cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) populations were CD3+/CD8+, with variable levels of CD56 expression. Finally, although a marked Type 1 cytokine bias [ie, interferon-gamma/interleukin-4 (IFN-γhigh/IL-4low)] was observable in all DC-stimulated CD8+ T-cell populations, TIL derived CD8+ T-cells showed a higher percentage of IFN-γ positive cells compared to TAL and PBL. Taken together, these data show that tumor lysate-pulsed DC can consistently restore strong CD8+ CTL responses from TIL against autologous ovarian cancer cells. DC-stimulated TIL may represent a superior source of tumor-specific CTL for adoptive T-cell immunotherapy for advanced ovarian cancer.
Prognostic significance of tumor angiogenesis in epithelial ovarian cancer: in association with transforming growth factor β and vascular endothelial growth factor
Authors: SÖNMEZER M. , GÜNGÖR M. , Ensari A. , Ortaç F.
Published: March 2019

We aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of microvessel density (MVD), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), as well as to find out the relationship between MVD, and VEGF and TGFβ in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Surgical specimens of 47 patients with stage I–IV primary EOC, who underwent extended surgical staging according to FIGO, were investigated. Five-μm thick tissue sections were immunostained with antibody to factor VIII-related antigen, and MVD was assessed at three separate areas of ×200 magnification. Expressions for VEGF and TGFβ were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining using related monoclonal antibodies. Results were correlated with clinicopathologic factors and survival. We did not find any correlation between MVD and clinicopathologic factors, or patient survival. Similarly, there was no association between the degree of VEGF staining and survival or clinicopathologic factors, except preoperative ascites volume, which was higher in patients showing moderate and intense VEGF staining than those with weak VEGF staining (P= 0.052). The expression of TGFβ was inversely correlated with preoperative CA-125 levels (P< 0.05). Furthermore, there was no correlation between MVD and the staining intensity of VEGF or TGFβ. In conclusion, angiogenesis does not appear as a prognostic factor in EOC. We suggest that VEGF is an important mediator of ascites formation, and that TGFβ, which is supposed to have tissue-specific actions in tumorigenesis, may have growth-inhibitory functions in EOC.
Sulfatides in ovarian tumors: clinicopathological correlates
Authors: Makhlouf A. M. , Fathalla M. M. , Zakhary M. A. , Makarem M. H.
Published: March 2019

Objectives

To investigate the expression of sulfatides in the tissue homogenates of malignant ovarian tumors, benign ovarian tumors, and control tissues and to study the relation between this marker and other clinico-pathological criteria such as the tumor type, grade of differentiation, surgical stage and ovulatory years.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Biochemistry, Assuit university hospital.

Subjects

Forty-six patients had malignant ovarian tumors. Sixteen patients had benign ovarian neoplasm. Thirty patients, with normal ovaries, represented the control group.

Methods

A sample of the tumor or from the normal ovary (the control group) was sent for histopathological and biochemical examination. Sulfatides were measured by a rapid and sensitive spectrophotometric method.

Results

There was a significant rise in benign tumors [median and range 43 (38–53)], than in the control group, 21 (18–31),P-value = 0.000. In malignant tumors, the median value of sulfatides was significantly higher than in benign tumors [127 (71–193),P-value = 0.000]. Sulfatides were significantly higher in patients with more ovulatory years and tumors of advanced stages (stage III/IV) and poor differentiation.

Conclusions

Sulfatides may play a role in the pathogenesis of benign and malignant ovarian tumors. It may also predict advanced stages in patients who are apparently early stage. It is also a candidate to study of their association with response to chemotherapy.
The risk of nodal metastasis in early adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix*
Authors: Balega J. , Michael H. , Hurteau J. , Moore D. H. , Santiesteban J. , Sutton G. P. , Look K. Y.
Published: March 2019

A functional and widely accepted definition of microinvasive cervical adenocarcinoma remains elusive. The purpose of this study was to determine at which depth of invasion the likelihood of lymph node metastasis or disease recurrence was so small that conservative surgery could be considered appropriate. Charts of patients with adenocarcinoma of the cervix (ACC) who underwent radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy (n= 98) at Indiana University Medical Center from 1987 to 1998 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with stage IA1–IB1 lesions were included in the study. Patients treated with preoperative radiotherapy were excluded. Pathologic parameters evaluated included histologic type, depth of stromal invasion (DOI), and the presence of lymphatic vascular space invasion, or lymph node metastases. The patient median age was 39 years (20–65). The median time of follow-up was 30 months (4–124). Lymph node metastases were found in ten patients and 11 developed recurrences. The precise DOI could be measured in 84 patients. Of the 48 patients with cancers with a DOI ≤ 5 mm, none had involved parametria or nodes; whereas eight of the 36 with a DOI > 5 mm had nodal metastases (P= 0.00069). None of these 48 patients with a tumor DOI ≤ 5 mm developed a recurrence whereas six of the 36 patients with a tumor DOI > 5 mm developed recurrent disease (P= 0.0048). The risk of nodal metastases and recurrence is so low in patients with ACC and DOI ≤ 5 mm that for patients with such depth documented on conization with negative margins pelvic lymphadenectomy may be omitted.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma in a 76-year-old woman with a history of asbestos fiber ingestion
Authors: Van Kesteren P. , Bulten J. , Schijf C. , Boonstra H. , Massuger L.
Published: March 2019

We report on a woman with malignant mesothelioma of the peritoneum. This is the first report of a subject with this disease who revealed a history of asbestos ingestion by asbestos-contaminated food. She presented with episodes of sweating and fever, ascites, and weight loss. At laparotomy, small tumor deposits were noted on the peritoneum. The omental cake was removed, together with the uterus, ovaries, and tubes which were all macroscopically normal. The diagnosis was established by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Postoperatively, her complaints of fever and sweating disappeared. She refused further chemotherapy. After questioning her for asbestos exposure, she told us that, years ago, she used to prepare vegetables for cooking in rain water collected from a roof made of asbestos.
Advances in identification of genes involved in autosomal recessive intellectual disability: a brief review
Authors: Mir Yaser Rafiq , Kuchay Raja Amir Hassan
Published: March 2019

Intellectual disability (ID) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder, affecting 1%–3% of the general population. The number of ID-causing genes is high. Many X-linked genes have been implicated in ID. Autosomal dominant genes have recently been the focus of several large-scale studies. The total number of autosomal recessive ID (ARID) genes is estimated to be very high, and most are still unknown. Although research into the genetic causes of ID has recently gained momentum, identification of pathogenic mutations that cause ARID has lagged behind, predominantly due to non-availability of sizeable families. A commonly used approach to identify genetic loci for recessive disorders in consanguineous families is autozygosity mapping and whole-exome sequencing. Combination of these two approaches has recently led to identification of many genes involved in ID. These genes have diverse function and control various biological processes. In this review, we will present an update regarding genes that have been recently implicated in ID with focus on ARID.
The space between words: on the description of Parkinson’s disease in Jonathan Franzen’s 'The Corrections'
Authors: Rutter Ben , Hermeston Rodney
Published: March 2019

Disability or health-related literature has potential to shape public understanding of disability and can also play an important role in medical curricula. However, there appears to be a gap between a health humanities approach which may embrace fictional accounts and a cultural disability studies approach which is deeply sceptical of fiction written by non-disabled authors. This paper seeks to reconcile these perspectives and presents an analysis of the language used by Jonathan Franzen in his description of Parkinson’s disease in the novelThe Corrections. We use detailed linguistic analysis, specifically stylistics, to identify the techniques Franzen adopts to represent aspects of impairment and disability. We describe four specific linguistic devices used in the novel: reflector mode, iconicity, body part agency and fragmentation. We show how stylistics offers a unique analytical perspective for understanding representations of disability and impairment. However, we emphasise the need to promote critical and even resistant understandings of such representations and we discuss the potential role of patient/service user input to assess fictional accounts.
HIV testing behaviour and HIV prevalence among female sex workers in Ukraine: findings from an Integrated Bio-Behavioural Survey, 2013–2014
Authors: Tokar Anna , Sazonova Iana , Mishra Sharmistha , Smyrnov Pavlo , Saliuk Tetiana , Lazarus Jeffrey V , Broerse Jacqueline E W , Roura Maria , Blanchard James , Becker Marissa L
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Ukraine has one of the largest HIV epidemics in Europe, with high prevalence among female sex workers (FSWs). We aimed to identify factors associated with HIV testing and receipt of the test result in the last 12 months, HIV prevalence and self-reported positive status among FSWs in Ukraine.

Methods

We used data from an Integrated Bio-Behavioural Survey among FSWs conducted in 2013–2014. The survey methodology combined three sampling strategies: time and location sampling, respondent-driven sampling and key informant recruitment. We used multivariable regression to identify factors associated with self-reported HIV testing in the last 12 months, HIV prevalence and self-reported positive status among FSWs living with HIV. Explored factors included: age, age at first sex, age at entry into sex work, education, marital status, employment status beside sex work, condom use with last paying or non-paying sexual partner, drug or alcohol consumption and sex work venue.

Results

Recent HIV testing was low overall with only 63.2% of FSWs reported having tested and received their test result in the last 12 months prior to the survey. HIV prevalence was 7.1% overall, but only 45.0% of FSWs living with HIV were aware of their HIV status. Testing in the last 12 months with receipt of test result was less common among FSWs who used drugs ever in life (adjusted OR (AOR) 0.7, 95% CI 0.6 to 0.9), women soliciting clients indoors (AOR 0.8, 95% CI 0.7 to 0.9) and those not using a condom with last paying sexual partner (AOR 0.3, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.5). HIV positivity was associated with history of ever using drugs (AOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4 to 3.6) and soliciting clients outdoors (AOR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.0). Women working indoors were less aware of their positive status (AOR 0.1, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.9).

Conclusion

HIV prevalence is high among FSWs in Ukraine, and testing and knowledge of one’s status remain insufficient. HIV testing programmes need to expand with strategies to reach specific subgroups of FSWs.
Experimental modulation of mood by acoustic stimulation and its effect on exertional dyspnoea
Authors: Sharma Pramod , Hall Liam , Morris Norman R , Sabapathy Surendran , Adams Lewis
Published: March 2019

We examined the interactions between acoustically driven mood modulation and dyspnoea. Following familiarisation, 18 healthy participants attended three experimental sessions on separate days performing two 5 min treadmill tests with a 30 min interval per session while listening to either a positive, negative or neutral set of standardised International Affective Digitised Sounds (IADS). Participants rated intensity and affective domains of dyspnoea during the first exercise test and mood during the second. Mood valence was significantly higher when listening to positive (mean (95% CI): 6.5 (5.9–7.2)) compared with negative sounds (3.6 (2.9–4.4); p<0.001). Dyspnoeaintensityandaffectwere statistically significantly lower when listening to positive (2.4 (1.8–2.9) and 1.3 (0.7–1.9)) compared with negative IADS (3.2 (2.3–3.7), p=0.013 and 2.3 (1.3–3.3), p=0.009). These findings indicate that acoustically induced mood changes influence exertional dyspnoea.
A geometrization of quantum mutual information
Authors: Pastorello Davide
Published: March 2019

It is well known that quantum mechanics admits a geometric formulation on the complex projective space as a Kähler manifold. In this paper, we consider the notion of mutual information among continuous random variables in relation to the geometric description of a composite quantum system introducing a new measure of total correlations that can be computed in terms of Gaussian integrals.
Prediction of key transcription factors during skin regeneration by combining gene expression data and regulatory network information analysis
Authors: Huang Ping , Ge Peng , Tian Qing-Fen , Huang Guo-Bao
Published: March 2019

Purpose: Burn is one of the most common injuries in clinical practice. The use of transcription factors (TFs) has been reported to reverse the epigenetic rewiring process and has great promise for skin regeneration. To better identify key TFs for skin reprogramming, we proposed a predictive system that conjoint analyzed gene expression data and regulatory network information. Methods: Firstly, the gene expression data in skin tissues were downloaded and the LIMMA package was used to identify differential-expressed genes (DEGs). Then three ways, including identification of TFs from the DEGs, enrichment analysis of TFs by a Fisher’s test, the direct and network-based influence degree analysis of TFs, were used to identify the key TFs related to skin regeneration. Finally, to obtain most comprehensive combination of TFs, the coverage extent of all the TFs were analyzed by Venn diagrams. Results: The top 30 TFs combinations with higher coverage were acquired. Especially, TFAP2A, ZEB1, and NFKB1 exerted greater regulatory influence on other DEGs in the local network and presented relatively higher degrees in the protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks. Conclusion: These TFs identification could give a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanism of cell trans-differentiation, and provide a reference for the skin regeneration and burn treatment.
Assimilation and the Second Generation in Europe and America: Blending and Segregating Social Dynamics Between Immigrants and Natives
Authors: Drouhot Lucas G. , Nee Victor
Published: March 2019

The diversity induced by migration flows to Western societies has continued to generate scholarly attention, and a sizable new body of work on immigrant incorporation has been produced in the past ten years. We review recent work in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain. Despite differences between the United States as a settler society and Western Europe as a composite of classic nation states, we find an overall pattern of intergenerational assimilation in terms of socioeconomic attainment, social relations, and cultural beliefs. We then qualify this perspective by considering sources of disadvantage for immigrants on both sides of the Atlantic. In the United States, the lack of legal status is particularly problematic; in Europe, by contrast, religious difference is the most prominent social factor complicating assimilation. We proffer several general propositions summarizing mechanisms embedded in purposive action, social networks, cultural difference,and institutional structures that drive the interplay of blending and segregating dynamics in the incorporation of immigrants and their children.
Biocompatible and Biodegradable Electrospun Nanofibrous Membranes Loaded with Grape Seed Extract for Wound Dressing Application
Authors: Locilento Danilo A. , Mercante Luiza A. , Andre Rafaela S. , Mattoso Luiz H. C. , Luna Genoveva L. F. , Brassolatti Patricia , Anibal Fernanda de F. , Correa Daniel S.
Published: March 2019

The development of nanofibrous membranes with tunable wettability, degradation, and biocompatibility is highly keen for biomedical applications, including drug delivery and wound dressing. In this study, biocompatible and biodegradable nanofibrous membranes with antioxidant properties were successfully prepared by the electrospinning technique. The membranes were developed using polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) as the matrix, with the addition of grape seed extract (GSE), a rich source of natural antioxidants. The nanofibrous membranes were thoroughly characterized both from the materials and from the biocompatibility point of view. PLA and PLA/PEO nanofibers showed high encapsulation efficiency, close to 90%, while the encapsulated GSE retained its antioxidant capacity in the membranes. In vitro release studies showed that GSE diffuses from PLA/GSE and PLA/PEO/GSE membranes in a Fickian diffusion manner, whose experimental data were well fitted using the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Furthermore, a higher controlled release of GSE was observed for the PLA/PEO/GSE membrane. Moreover, culturing experiments with human foreskin fibroblast (HFF1) cells demonstrated that all samples are biocompatible and showed that the GSE-loaded PLA/PEO nanofibrous membranes support better cell attachment and proliferation compared to the PLA/GSE nanofibrous membranes, owing to the superior hydrophilicity. In summary, the results suggested that the GSE-loaded membranes are a promising topical drug delivery system and have a great potential for wound dressing applications.
The Genetic Landscape of Human Glioblastoma and Matched Primary Cancer Stem Cells Reveals Intratumour Similarity and Intertumour Heterogeneity
Authors: Pesenti Chiara , Navone Stefania Elena , Guarnaccia Laura , Terrasi Andrea , Costanza Jole , Silipigni Rosamaria , Guarneri Silvana , Fusco Nicola , Fontana Laura , Locatelli Marco , Rampini Paolo , Campanella Rolando , Tabano Silvia , Miozzo Monica , Marfia Giovanni
Published: March 2019

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant human brain tumour, characterized by rapid progression, invasion, intense angiogenesis, high genomic instability, and resistance to therapies. Despite countless experimental researches for new therapeutic strategies and promising clinical trials, the prognosis remains extremely poor, with a mean survival of less than 14 months. GBM aggressive behaviour is due to a subpopulation of tumourigenic stem-like cells, GBM stem cells (GSCs), which hierarchically drive onset, proliferation, and tumour recurrence. The morbidity and mortality of this disease strongly encourage exploring genetic characteristics of GSCs. Here, using array-CGH platform, we investigated genetic and genomic aberration profiles of GBM parent tumour (n=10) and their primarily derived GSCs. Statistical analysis was performed by using R software and complex heatmap and corrplot packages. Pearson correlation and K-means algorithm were exploited to compare genetic alterations and to group similar genetic profiles in matched pairs of GBM and derived GSCs. We identified, in both GBM and matched GSCs, recurrent copy number alterations, as chromosome 7 polysomy, chromosome 10 monosomy, and chromosome 9p21deletions, which are typical features of primary GBM, essential for gliomagenesis. These observations suggest a condition of strong genomic instability both in GBM as GSCs. Our findings showed the robust similarity between GBM mass and GSCs (Pearson corr.≥0.65) but also highlighted a marked variability among different patients. Indeed, the heatmap reporting Gain/Loss State for 21022 coding/noncoding genes demonstrated high interpatient divergence. Furthermore, K-means algorithm identified an impairment of pathways related to the development and progression of cancer, such as angiogenesis, as well as pathways related to the immune system regulation, such as T cell activation. Our data confirmed the preservation of the genomic landscape from tumour tissue to GSCs, supporting the relevance of this cellular model to test in vitro new target therapies for GBM.
Edge Computing in an IoT Base Station System: Reprogramming and Real‐Time Tasks
Authors: Wu Huifeng , Hu Junjie , Sun Jiexiang , Sun Danfeng
Published: March 2019

There are millions of base stations distributed across China, each containing many support devices and monitoring sensors. Conventional base station management systems tend to be hosted in the cloud, but cloud‐based systems are difficult to reprogram and performing tasks in real‐time is sometimes problematic, for example, sounding a combination of alarms or executing linked tasks. To overcome these drawbacks, we propose a hybrid edge‐cloud IoT base station system, called BSIS. This paper includes a theoretical mathematical model that demonstrates the dynamic characteristics of BSIS along with a formulation for implementing BSIS in practice. Embedded programmable logic controllers serve as the edge nodes; a dynamic programming method creates a seamless integration between the edge nodes and the cloud. The paper concludes with a series of comprehensive analyses on scalability, responsiveness, and reliability. These analyses indicate a possible 60% reduction in the number of alarms, an edge response time of less than 0.1s, and an average downtime ratio of 0.66%.
Morphological and Molecular Analysis of In Vitro Tubular Structures from Bovine Yolk Sac-Derived MSCs
Authors: Mançanares Celina A. F. , de Oliveira Vanessa Cristina , Oliveira Lilian J. , Miglino Maria A. , Meirelles Flávio Vieira , Ambrósio Carlos E.
Published: March 2019

The yolk sac is an extraembryonic membrane, of saccular form, connected to the ventral region of the embryo. It is the main source of nutrition for the embryo during the period when the placenta is not fully formed. The aim of this study was to generate tubular structures using mesenchymal stem cells from the bovine yolk sac (bYS-MSCs) and determine if these structures can be a model for in vitro vasculogenesis. The evaluation of this tissue by histochemistry revealed a strong marking of collagen fibers and PAS technique negativity. In transmission electron microscopy, cytoplasmic organelles with large nuclei were observed. The vessel formation assay on a Matrigel substrate showed that the mesenchymal cells of the yolk sac without growth factors (VEGF) are capable of forming branches, sprouting cells, and tubular structures similar to capillary blood. These tubular structures were xenotransplanted subcutaneously into the mesentery of BALB/c/nude mice; after 45 days, vascularized tissue and extensions of blood vessels around the tubular structures could be observed. Real-time PCR (qPCR) demonstrated an expression of the VEGF gene in different gestational age groups. No difference in distribution or expression was detected among groups. Our results suggest that the spontaneous formation of tubules from the yolk sac can be an experimental model to elucidate initial organogenesis and the possible formation of blood capillaries from in vitro mesenchymal cells and possible route of organoid production.
Effect of Shogaol on the Expression of Intestinal Stem Cell Markers in Experimentally Induced Colitis in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Hassan Snur M. A. , Hassan Ali Hussein
Published: March 2019

Aim. This study is aimed at investigating the effect of Shogaol, a phenolic constituent of ginger, on dextran sodium sulfate- (DSS-) induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice in comparison with 6-thioguanine (6-TG), an immune-suppressant chemotherapeutic medicine used for treatment of ulcerative colitis. Material & Methods. Thirty-six adult, male and female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into six groups: group 1 (control negative) not exposed to DSS and did not receive any treatment, group 2 (control positive) exposed to DSS but did not receive any treatment, group 3 exposed to DSS and treated by 0.1 mg/kg of 6-thioguanine, and groups 4, 5, and 6 exposed to DSS and treated by 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg b.w. Shogaol, respectively. At day 56, the mice were checked for their disease activity index (DAI) and they were sacrificed. The colons of the mice were examined for length measurement, histological index score, and the expression of CD133 and CD34 stem cell markers. Results. Shogaol showed a better curative effect than did 6-TG in repairing the colonic mucosal damages in DSS-exposed mice as indicated by the levels of CD133 and CD34 expression in the colonic crypts and by the DAI score, colon length measurements, & histological index score which were significantly reduced in mice treated by Shogaol, particularly the 20 and 40 mg/kg BW doses. Conclusion. The results of this study indicated that oral treatment with the ginger-derived substance Shogaol could be better than the conventional immunosuppressive chemotherapeutic remedy 6-TG in treatment of DSS-induced UC.
A Semianalytical Approach for Production of Oil from Bottom Water Drive Tight Oil Reservoirs with Complex Hydraulic Fractures
Authors: Dai Shuhui , Chen Chunqiang , Wang Hao , Fu Zhaohui , Liu Dameng
Published: March 2019

In order to improve the recovery rate, fractured horizontal wells are widely used in tight reservoirs. In general, a complex fracture system is generated in tight reservoirs to improve oil production. Based on the fractal theory, a semianalytical model is presented to simulate a complex fracture system by using the volumetric source method and superposition principle, and the solutions are determined iteratively. The reliability of this model is validated through numerical simulation (Eclipse 2011); it shows that the result from this method is identical with that from the numerical simulation. The study on influence factors of this model was focused on matrix permeability, fractal dimension, and half-length of main fracture. The results show that (1) the production increases with the increase of half-length of main fracture and matrix permeability during the initial production stage, but the production difference becomes smaller in different half-length of main fractures and matrix permeability in middle and later stages and (2) the cumulative production increases with the increase of fractal dimension, and the increments of cumulative production in different fractal dimensions gradually increase during the initial production stage, but the increments tend to be stable in middle and later stages. This study can be used for forecasting the oil production from bottom water tight oil reservoirs with complex hydraulic fractures. It can also guide in optimization of horizontal well fracturing design to improve oil production and oil recovery in bottom water tight oil reservoirs.