bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three‐dimensional reconstructions of mouse circumvallate taste buds using serial blockface scanning electron microscopy: I. Cell types and the apical region of the taste bud
Authors: Yang Ruibiao , Dzowo Yannick K. , Wilson Courtney E. , Russell Rae L. , Kidd Grahame J. , Salcedo Ernesto , Lasher Robert S. , Kinnamon John C. , Finger Thomas E.
Published: October 2019

Taste buds comprise four types of taste cells: three mature, elongate types, Types I–III; and basally situated, immature postmitotic type, Type IV cells. We employed serial blockface scanning electron microscopy to delineate the characteristics and interrelationships of the taste cells in the circumvallate papillae of adult mice. Type I cells have an indented, elongate nucleus with invaginations, folded plasma membrane, and multiple apical microvilli in the taste pore. Type I microvilli may be either restricted to the bottom of the pore or extend outward reaching midway up into the taste pore. Type II cells (aka receptor cells) possess a large round or oval nucleus, a single apical microvillus extending through the taste pore, and specialized “atypical” mitochondria at functional points of contact with nerve fibers. Type III cells (aka “synaptic cells”) are elongate with an indented nucleus, possess a single, apical microvillus extending through the taste pore, and are characterized by a small accumulation of synaptic vesicles at points of contact with nerve fibers. About one‐quarter of Type III cells also exhibit an atypical mitochondrion near the presynaptic vesicle clusters at the synapse. Type IV cells (nonproliferative “basal cells”) have a nucleus in the lower quarter of the taste bud and a foot process extending to the basement membrane often contacting nerve processes along the way. In murine circumvallate taste buds, Type I cells represent just over 50% of the population, whereas Types II, III, and IV (basal cells) represent 19, 15, and 14%, respectively.
Revealing the Flexible 1D Primary and Globular Secondary Structures of Sulfur‐Rich Amorphous Transition Metal Polysulfides
Authors: Artemkina Sofya B. , Enyashin Andrey N. , Poltarak Anastassiia A. , Fedorenko Anastasiya D. , Makarova Anna A. , Poltarak Pavel A. , Shin Eon‐Ji , Hwang Seong‐Ju , Kim Sung‐Jin , Grayfer Ekaterina D. , Fedorov Vladimir E.
Published: October 2019

Sulfur‐rich transition metal polysulfides MS5 (M=Mo, W) are synthesized by a low‐temperature solution method from corresponding carbonyls M(CO)6 and elemental sulfur. Extensive characterization reveals that all sulfur atoms are assembled into disulfide ligands (S−S) within the structure of the amorphous spherical particles. Their thermodynamic stabilities are estimated for the first time using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, indicating two stable chain models composed either of binuclear [M2S8] or trinuclear [M3S12] fragments linked through S−S units. Molecular dynamics (MD) DFTB simulation proves that the S−S bridges predetermine the supreme flexibility of the polysulfide chains as primary structures of MS5 and their globular secondary arrangements. Interestingly, this type of structural organization is reminiscent of that for classical polymers. Thus, the reasons for MS5 forming exclusively as amorphous phases are uncovered, which may be extended to many other sulfur‐rich polysulfides. The potential of these materials as increased capacity cathodes for lithium‐ion batteries is shown.
Morphometric analysis of atypical glandular cells correctly classifies normal, reactive, and atypical cells in cervical smears
Authors: Vicari Marco , Guidobaldi Leo , Perrella Eleonora , Bianchi Antonella , Ferrari Simona , Martucci Mariarosaria , Petitti Tommasangelo , Rabitti Carla , Crescenzi Anna
Published: October 2019

The 2014 Bethesda System diagnostic criteria for atypical glandular cells (AGC) aid in the classification of atypical cells in cervical cytology. Anyway, AGC diagnosis remains challenging, due to low frequencies of this finding (approximately 0.5%‐1% of Pap test results), abundance of AGC mimics, and significant interobserver variability. We developed an algorithm based on nuclear areas parameter that can help to differentiate AGC from Normal and Reactive glandular cells. Nuclear areas and perimeters were measured on 16 Pap smears with AGC and 18 with Reactive glandular cells of women aged between 30 and 77. Glandular cells from nonpathological Pap smears were used as controls. For each case, the means, medians, standard deviations, and the minimum and maximum values of both nuclear areas and perimeters of the cells of interest were calculated. The nuclear area analysis showed a 100% specificity in discriminating Normal from Altered cells (either Reactive or AGC), whereas the nuclear perimeter analysis showed a lower specificity (87.5%). Both nuclear area and perimeter variability analysis resulted in high specificity values in distinguishing Reactive cells from AGC. Therefore, a stepwise two‐step algorithm using nuclear areas to discriminate Normal from Altered cells, and nuclear area variability to distinguish Reactive from AGC, allowed us to reliably classify the cells into these three categories. The morphometric analysis of nuclear area is a valuable and reliable aid in AGC diagnosis and standardization, easily integrable into common automatic algorithms.
Getting out of an egg: Merging of tooth germs to create an egg tooth in the snake
Authors: Fons Juan M. , Gaete Marcia , Zahradnicek Oldrich , Landova Marie , Bandali Hussein , Khannoon Eraqi R. , Richman Joy M. , Buchtova Marcela , Tucker Abigail S.
Published: October 2019

Background

The egg tooth is a vital structure allowing hatchlings to escape from the egg. In squamates (snakes and lizards), the egg tooth is a real tooth that develops within the oral cavity at the top of the upper jaw. Most squamates have a single large midline egg tooth at hatching, but a few families, such as Gekkonidae, have two egg teeth. In snakes the egg tooth is significantly larger than the rest of the dentition and is one of the first teeth to develop.

Results

We follow the development of the egg tooth in four snake species and show that the single egg tooth is formed by two tooth germs. These two tooth germs are united at the midline and grow together to produce a single tooth. In culture, this merging can be perturbed to give rise to separate smaller teeth, confirming the potential of the developing egg tooth to form two teeth.

Conclusions

Our data agrees with previous hypotheses that during evolution one potential mechanism to generate a large tooth is through congrescence of multiple tooth germs and suggests that the ancestors of snakes could have had two egg teeth.
Selective Synthesis of 2‐(4‐Aminoaryl)‐2‐(4‐pyranonyl)acetates and 2,2‐Bis(4‐aminoaryl)‐2‐(4‐pyranonyl)acetates from 2‐Diazo‐3,5‐dioxo‐6‐ynoates (ynones) and Aromatic Amines
Authors: Wan Yinbo , Peng Haiyun , Yang Qin , Liu Weishun , Deng Guisheng
Published: October 2019

On the basis of a tandem strategy, AgSbF6/Rh2(OAc)4/Ag3PO4‐mediated reaction of 2‐diazo‐3,5‐dioxo‐6‐ynoate (ynones) with N,N‐disubstituted anilines or aza‐aromatic hydrocarbons afforded a series of 2,2‐bis(4‐aminoaryl or aza‐aryl)‐2‐(4‐pyranonyl)acetates (or ketones) and 2‐(4‐aminoaryl or aza‐aryl)‐2‐(4‐pyranonyl)acetates (or ketones). For N‐allyl‐N‐substituted aniline, the corresponding cyclopropanation did not occurred. Disymmetric 2,2‐bis(4‐aminoaryl or aza‐aryl)‐2‐(4‐pyranonyl)acetates were also obtained in good yield from 2‐(4‐aminoaryl)‐2‐(4‐pyranonyl)acetates and N,N‐disubstituted anilines (or aza‐aromatic hydrocarbons) by C(sp3)–C(sp2) cross‐coupling reaction. AgSbF6/Ag3PO4 plays a key role in the C(sp3)–C(sp2) cross‐coupling reaction. This unique synthetic method for synthesis of two desired products starting from identical materials was proved to be efficient except for N‐substituted aniline.
Subsidiary power: Loaned or owned? The lenses of agency theory and resource dependence theory
Authors: Cuervo‐Cazurra Alvaro , Mudambi Ram , Pedersen Torben
Published: October 2019

Research Summary

We analyze power relationships in subsidiaries of multinational corporations. We explain how despite many advances in the literature, there is still an unresolved debate with respect to the critical question of whether subsidiary power is loaned or owned. We develop an overarching framework that encompasses both agency theory and resource dependence theory as the two pillars to understand decision‐making by managers in subsidiaries. We propose that agency theory applies more when the subsidiary's decision rights are “loaned” by headquarters, while resource dependence theory applies more when the subsidiary “owns” its decision rights. We also explain how subsidiary evolution integrates the arguments of these two theories. Agency appears to apply earlier while resource dependence is more relevant at later stages.

Managerial Summary

We provide a framework that helps address the challenges of managing power relationships in subsidiaries of multinational firms. Traditionally, studies have proposed to explain these relationships using either agency theory and the idea that subsidiary managers need to be controlled by headquarters or resource dependence and the idea that subsidiary managers can chart their own path. We solve this conflict by proposing that agency theory applies when the subsidiary's decision rights are “loaned” by headquarters, while resource dependence theory applies when the subsidiary “owns” its decision rights. We also explain how the analysis of subsidiary evolution integrates the arguments of these two theories as agency seems to apply earlier in the evolution of the subsidiary while resource dependence seems to apply at a later stage.
Pretest in forced circulation molten salt heat transfer loop: Studies with thermia‐B
Authors: Gajbhiye Bhavesh D. , C. S. Sona , Mathpati Channamallikarjun S. , Patwardhan Ashwin W. , Borgohain Ananta , Maheshwari Naresh K.
Published: October 2019

Molten salts have potential application as an efficient heat transfer medium in a primary and secondary heat exchanger in high temperature next‐generation nuclear power plant. Thermal hydraulic studies are vital for reliable and cost‐effective design of the nuclear power plant. Therefore heat transfer study of molten salts will play a vital role in this area. In this work, an experimental system was designed to study thermal hydraulics of the molten salt system up to 700°C. This work describes the pretest results of the experimental facility for extremely corrosive molten fluoride salts with a simulant thermia‐B as the working fluid. In the present work, the details of the system are discussed and thermal‐hydraulic data for heat transfer fluid thermia‐B has been presented. Experiments were carried out at Reynolds number in the range of 4500 to 40 500 and Prandtl number in the range of 34 to 144. Effect of Reynolds number, melting tank temperature, and heat input to test section on forced convective heat transfer was studied under turbulent conditions. Comparison of the experimental data with different empirical correlations has been presented.
Cardioprotective role of metformin against sodium arsenite‐induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis
Authors: Wang Lei , Shi Wenbin , Gao Xuewei , SreeHarsha Nagaraja , Zhang Daisong
Published: October 2019

Arsenic is a universal component and a notable natural poison. Its exposure to people occurs primarily through natural, therapeutic, and occupational sources. This investigation intended to discover the defensive impact of metformin (100 and 150 mg/kg body weight) against sodium arsenite (SA)‐induced cardiotoxicity in experimental animals. The study was conducted on Sprague Dawley rats (n = 50), which were separated into five different groups as follows: control, met‐150, SA, SA + met‐100, and SA + met‐150. The results demonstrated that SA caused a significant increase in the level of malondialdehyde and also reduced activities of antioxidative enzyme. SA similarly increased inflammatory reactions by increasing the level of interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and interleukin‐1β. In addition, SA provoked the apoptosis by expanding the p53 and Bax levels, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling, and expression of caspase‐3. SA altered the histological integrity of cardiac tissue and 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine expression. In conclusion, metformin significantly reduced oxidative stress, inflammatory reaction, and apoptotic pathway. The present investigation showed that metformin has a cardioprotective impact because of its protective role against oxidation, inflammation, and apoptosis.
Evaluation of breast carcinoma regression after preoperative chemotherapy by label‐free multiphoton imaging and image analysis
Authors: Li Lianhuang , Han Zhonghua , Qiu Lida , Kang Deyong , Zhan Zhenlin , Tu Haohua , Chen Jianxin
Published: October 2019

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is increasingly being used in breast carcinoma as it significantly improves the prognosis and consistently leads to an increased rate of breast preservation. How to accurately assess tumor response after treatment is a crucial factor for developing reasonable therapeutic strategy. In this study, we were in an attempt to monitor tumor response by multimodal multiphoton imaging including two‐photon excitation fluorescence and second‐harmonic generation imaging. We found that multiphoton imaging can identify different degrees of tumor response such as a slight, significant, or complete response and can detect morphological alteration associated with extracellular matrix during the progression of breast carcinoma following preoperative chemotherapy. Two quantitative optical biomarkers including tumor cellularity and collagen content were extracted based on automatic image analysis to help monitor changes in tumor and its microenvironment. Furthermore, tumor regression grade diagnosis was tried to evaluate by multiphoton microscopy. These results may offer a basic framework for using multiphoton microscopic imaging techniques as a helpful diagnostic tool for assessing breast carcinoma response after presurgical treatment.
Adjuvant therapy with γ‐tocopherol‐induce apoptosis in HT‐29 colon cancer via cyclin‐dependent cell cycle arrest mechanism
Authors: Bazzaz Roya , Bijanpour Hossain , Pirouzpanah Seyed M. B. , Yaghmaei Parichehreh , Rashtchizadeh Nadereh
Published: October 2019

Resistance to chemotherapy with 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) is the major obstacle to reach the maximum efficiency of CRC treatment. Combination therapy has emerged as a novel anticancer strategy. The present study evaluates the cotreatment of γ‐tocopherol and 5‐FU in enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy against HT‐29 colon cancer cells. Cytotoxic effect of this combination was examined using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and a synergistic effect was evaluated by a combination index technique. Nuclear morphology was studied via 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole staining and flow cytometric assays were conducted to identify molecular mechanisms of apoptosis and cell cycle progression. We investigated the expression of Cyclin D1, Cyclin E, Bax, and Bcl‐2 by a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The IC50 values for 5‐FU and γ‐tocopherol were 21.8  ± 2.5 and 14.4 ± 2.6 μM, respectively, and also this combination therapeutic increased the percentage of apoptotic cells from 35% ± 2% to 40% ±  4% (P  <  .05). Furthermore, incubation HT‐29 colon cells with combined concentrations of two drugs caused significant accumulation of cells in the subGsubG1 phase. Our results presented the combination therapy with 5‐FU and γ‐tocopherol as a novel therapeutic approach, which can enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy.
The pre‐analytical stability of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D: Storage and mixing effects
Authors: Borai Anwar , Khalil Haitham , Alghamdi Basma , Alhamdi Raghad , Ali Najwa , Bahijri Suhad , Ferns Gordon
Published: October 2019

Background

There is an increasing demand for serum 25‐OH VitD testing globally, and this has led to the greater use of automated immunoassays. These may be more prone to non‐specific interference, that is thought to be related to pre‐analytical stability of biological samples. We have investigated the changes in serum 25‐OH VitD concentrations that are caused by storage and mixing conditions, and if such changes are statistical, or clinically important.

Methods

Blood samples were collected into plain tubes from 31 healthy donors. After separation, serum samples were stored at −20°C and analysis was carried out with and without mixing (vortexing) at different time intervals of days (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 15, and 30). All samples were analyzed using a chemiluminescent immunoassay.

Results

Mean serum 25‐OH VitD concentrations for subsequent days of storage compared with day 0 showed a significant time effect (P < .05) except for the samples on day 1 (P = .654) in non‐vortexed samples and day 2 (P = .087), 5 (P = .118) and 30 (P = .118) in vortexed samples. Comparing values for vortexed and non‐vortexed samples on the same day, serum 25‐OH VitD showed a significant difference on days 1 (P = .003), 4 (P = .037), 5 (P = .002), and 30 (P = .025). However, the maximum change value was 8.85% which was less than the known total allowable error (TEa) and reference change value (RCV) for serum 25‐OH VitD.

Conclusion

25‐OH VitD is pre‐analytically stable after long‐term sample storage at −20°C and can be analyzed without vortexing. This may be beneficial for both research and diagnostic laboratories.
Organic anion transporters and PI3K–AKT–mTOR pathway mediate the synergistic anticancer effect of pemetrexed and rhein
Authors: Bu Tianci , Wang Changyuan , Jin Huan , Meng Qiang , Huo Xiaokui , Sun Huijun , Sun Pengyuan , Wu Jingjing , Ma Xiaodong , Liu Zhihao , Liu Kexin
Published: October 2019

The aim of this study was to explore whether rhein could enhance the effects of pemetrexed (PTX) on the therapy of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to clarify the associated molecular mechanism. Our study shows that rhein in combination with PTX could obviously increase the systemic exposure of PTX in rats, which would be mediated by the inhibition of organic anion transporters (OATs). Furthermore, the toxicity of PTX was significantly raised by rhein in A549 cells in a concentration‐dependent manner. Concomitant administration of rhein and PTX‐induced cell apoptosis compared with PTX alone in flow cytometry assays, which was further validated by the protein expressions of the apoptotic markers B‐cell lymphoma‐2/Bcl‐2‐associated x (Bcl‐2/Bax) and Cleaved‐Caspase3 (Cl‐Caspase3). Meanwhile, the results of monodansylcadaverine (MDC) dyeing experiments showed that PTX‐induced autophagy could be enhanced by combination therapy with rhein in A549 cells. Western blot analysis indicated that the synergistic effect of rhein on PTX‐mediated autophagy may be interrelated to PI3K–AKT–mTOR pathway inhibition and to the enhancement of p‐AMPK and light chain 3‐II (LC3‐II) protein levels. From these findings, it could be surmised that rhein enhanced the antitumor activity of PTX through influencing autophagy and apoptosis by modulating the PI3K–AKT–mTOR pathway and Bcl‐2 family of proteins in A549 cells. Our findings demonstrated that the potential application of rhein as a candidate drug in combination with PTX is promising for treatment of the human lung cancer.
Effect of emulsification and hydrolysis pretreatments of waste frying oil on surfactin production
Authors: Valenzuela‐Ávila Laura , Miliar Yuliia , Moya‐Ramírez Ignacio , Chyhyrynets Olena , García‐Román Miguel , Altmajer‐Vaz Deisi
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Waste oils are gaining interest as an alternative carbon source in fermentation processes as an option for the development of cost‐effective and renewable processes. In this study, the production of the biosurfactant surfactin by three different Bacillus subtilis strains was investigated using waste frying oils as carbon source in two different forms: (i) emulsified waste oil (EWO), and (ii) emulsified and enzymatically hydrolyzed waste oil (HWO). Thus, the objective of this work is to analyze the effect of a hydrolytic pretreatment on the increase in the bioavailability of the waste oil over the cell metabolism and surfactin yields.

RESULTS

Ultra‐performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS) analyses confirmed that the biosurfactant produced by all three strains is surfactin, the congener distribution being dependent on the strain and medium composition. Although the emulsification of the waste oil led to an increase in biomass production, surfactin concentration did not improve significantly, whatever the strain used. However, HWO shifted the cell metabolism towards the production of the surfactin congener C15 (with 15 carbon atoms on its hydrophobic chain) almost exclusively.

CONCLUSIONS

The reported behavior of B. subtilis strains growing on hydrolyzed frying oil could be of interest for the production of pure surfactin congeners from waste materials. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Precision brackets for upper lateral incisors in Bioprogressive therapy
Authors: Araujo Alfredo V. P. , Guedes Alan B. , Cunha Eriko F. A. , Frigo Lucio , Fernandes Ana P. R. , Pessoa Paulo S. R. , Carvalho Paulo E. G.
Published: October 2019

Orthodontic brackets, specifically in their slots, are responsible for receiving active orthodontic forces and transferring them to the teeth to be moved. The presence of an altered slot or inaccurate dimensions can influence the mechanical relationship between the bracket and archwire, interfering with the biomechanics of tooth movement. The objective of this study was by comparing the accuracy of slot placement of upper right lateral incisor metal brackets for Bioprogressive Ricketts therapy from five trademarks. The following characteristics were evaluated: height, torque, and internal parallelism of the walls of the slot. The sample included 75 brackets, 15 each from the following trademarks: 3M Abzil, Forestadent, Morelli Rocky Mountain Orthodontics, and Tecnident. Images of the slot profiles were obtained through standardized techniques using scanning electron microscopy, measured by the AutoCAD 2017 software, and compared to Ricketts prescription, respecting standard deviation with the technical and tolerance parameters present in standard ISO 27020. The results indicated that most of the evaluated characteristics were in accordance with the standard parameters, considering the tolerance adopted. There were exceptions found to this pattern of precision in the 3M Abzil brackets with regard to torque variation, and the Morelli brackets in relation to height variation and parallelism between the walls of the slot. Considering the measured dimensional characteristics, the metal brackets used in Bioprogressive Ricketts therapy has satisfactory pattern accuracy; however, there are still some specific inaccuracies in brackets from certain brands that can require more attention during the detailing phase.
Bone mineral density is within normal range in most adult phenylketonuria patients
Authors: Lubout Charlotte M. A. , Arrieta Blanco Francisco , Bartosiewicz Katarzyna , Feillet François , Gizewska Maria , Hollak Carla , van der Lee Johanna H. , Maillot François , Stepien Karolina M. , Wagenmakers Margreet A. E. M. , Welsink‐Karssies Mendy M. , van Spronsen Francjan J. , Bosch Annet M.
Published: October 2019

Low bone mineral density (BMD) as a risk factor for fractures has been a long‐standing concern in phenylketonuria (PKU). It is hypothesised that the disease itself or the dietary treatment might lead to a low BMD. Previous studies show conflicting results of BMD in PKU due to differences in age, techniques to assess BMD and criteria used. To assess the prevalence of low BMD and define possible risk factors in a large number of adult, early treated PKU (ETPKU) patients. European centres were invited for a survey, collecting retrospective data including results of dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans of adult ETPKU patients. BMD of 183 adult ETPKU patients aged 18‐46 (median age 28, all females premenopausal) years was lower than in the general population at most skeletal sites but the frequency of low BMD (Z‐score <−2) was at maximum 5.5%. No risk factors for low BMD in PKU patients could be identified. Low BMD occurs only in a small subset of PKU patients. DXA scans should be considered for well controlled patients from age 35‐40 years and up and on indication in those PKU patients considered to be at increased risk for fractures.
Research priorities for liver glycogen storage disease: An international priority setting partnership with the James Lind Alliance
Authors: Peeks Fabian , Boonstra Willemijn F. , de Baere Lut , Carøe Camilla , Casswall Thomas , Cohen Damián , Cowan Katherine , Ferrecchia Iris , Ferriani Alberto , Gimbert Caroline , Landgren Marcus , Maldonado Nerea L. , McMillan Jason , Nemeth Antal , Seidita Niccolò , Stachelhaus‐Theimer Ute , Weinstein David A. , Derks Terry G. J.
Published: October 2019

The international liver glycogen storage disease (GSD) priority setting partnership (IGSDPSP) was established to identify the top research priorities in this area. The multiphase methodology followed the principles of the James Lind Alliance (JLA) guidebook. An international scoping survey in seven languages was distributed to patients, carers, and healthcare professionals to gather uncertainties, which were consolidated into summary questions. The existing literature was reviewed to ensure that the summary questions had not yet been answered. A second survey asked responders to prioritize these summary questions. A final shortlist of 22 questions was discussed during an international multi‐stakeholder workshop, and a consensus was reached on the top 11 priorities using an adapted nominal group technique.In the first survey, a total of 1388 questions were identified from 763 responders from 58 countries. These original uncertainties were refined into 72 summary questions for a second prioritization survey. In total 562 responders from 58 countries answered the second survey. From the second survey, the top 10 for patients, carers and healthcare professionals was identified and this shortlist of 22 questions was taken to the final workshop. During the final workshop, participants identified the worldwide top 11 research priorities for liver GSD. In addition, a top three research priorities per liver GSD subtype was identified.This unique priority setting partnership is the first international, multilingual priority setting partnership focusing on ultra‐rare diseases. This process provides a valuable resource for researchers and funding agencies to foster interdisciplinary and transnational research projects with a clear benefit for patients.
Effects of temperature on protein phosphorylation in postmortem muscle
Authors: Ren Chi , Hou Chengli , Li Zheng , Li Xin , Bai Yuqiang , Zhang Dequan
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Phosphorylation is one of the most important post‐translational modifications. Currently, many postmortem protein phosphorylation studies in muscle have been related to meat quality such as tenderness and color stability. However, the effects of various storage temperatures (25, 15, 4 and −1.5 °C) on the phosphorylation level of protein are poorly understood. Changes in the protein phosphorylation levels in postmortem ovine muscle at various storage temperatures were determined in this study.

RESULTS

The obtained data showed that pH decline rate was significantly inhibited at −1.5 °C from 12 h to 7 days postmortem (P < 0.05). The ATP consumption rate was higher at 25 °C than that at other three temperatures (P < 0.05). Analysis of the temperature, pH and ATP content revealed that the ATP content was related to the phosphorylation levels of individual protein bands. Phosphorylated myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic proteins, such as myosin binding protein C, troponin T3, myosin light chain 1, glucose‐6‐phosphate isomerase and pyruvate kinase, were mainly involved in glycolysis and muscle contraction.

CONCLUSION

The global and specific protein phosphorylation levels can be influenced by the postmortem storage temperature of muscle. Phosphorylation of proteins was correlated with glycolysis and muscle contraction. Certain phosphorylated proteins, such as heat shock proteins, require further study to clarify their effects on meat traits. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Time to treatment initiation and survival in adult localized, high‐grade soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Featherall Joseph , Curtis Gannon L. , Lawrenz Joshua M. , Jin Yuxuan , George Jaiben  , Scott Jacob , Shah Chirag , Shepard Dale , Rubin Brian P. , Nystrom Lukas M. , Mesko Nathan W.
Published: October 2019

Background

Although shorter delays in soft tissue sarcoma (STS) diagnosis may improve overall survival (OS), the influence of time to treatment initiation (TTI) on OS in STS has not been determined.

Objective

To determine if TTI influences OS in localized, high‐grade STS.

Methods

An analysis of the National Cancer Database identified 8648 patients meeting criteria with localized, high‐grade STS diagnosed between 2004 and 2012. TTI and secondary variable associations with OS were determined using Kruskal‐Wallis tests in univariate analyses, and a Cox regression multivariable model.

Results

In a multivariable Cox regression, TTI was associated with OS in a nonlinear fashion with a minimum hazard ratio (HR) demonstrated at 42 days. Secondary variables significantly associated (P < .05) with decreased OS included, advanced age, increased Charlson/Deyo score, nonprivate insurance, axial tumor location, tumor size more than 5 cm, stage III disease, and a nonsurgical treatment modality.

Conclusions

Minimum HR was observed at a TTI of 42 days, with HR = 0.64, when compared with TTI = 1 day. Appropriate referrals to a higher volume sarcoma centers may account for these delays and explain a potential OS advantage. This is important in counseling patients, who may seek referral to a higher volume treatment center.
Recent advances of application of porous molecular cages for enantioselective recognition and separation
Authors: Zhang Jun‐Hui , Xie Sheng‐Ming , Zi Min , Yuan Li‐Ming
Published: October 2019

Porous materials with well‐defined pore structures have received considerable attention in the past decades due to their unique structures and wide applications. Most porous materials such as zeolites, metal‐organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, and porous organic polymers are extended to infinite frameworks or networks by robust covalent or coordination bonds. Porous molecular cages composed of discrete molecules with permanent cavities are an emerging class of porous material and the discrete molecules assemble into solids by weak intermolecular interaction. In comparison to porous extended solids such as metal‐organic frameworks and covalent organic frameworks, porous molecular cage solids are generally soluble in organic solvents thus allowing solution processing, making them more convenient to apply in many fields. This review mainly focuses on the recent advances of application of porous molecular cages (porous organic cages and metal‐organic cages) for enantioselective recognition and separation from 2010 to present, including gas chromatography, capillary electrochromatography, chiral fluorescent recognition, chiral potentiometric sensing, and enantioselective adsorption. Furthermore, the two important family members of porous molecular cages, porous organic cages and metal‐organic cages, are also discussed.
Recent advances in sample preparation techniques in China
Authors: Xia Ling , Li Yanxia , Liu Yulan , Li Gongke , Xiao Xiaohua
Published: October 2019

Sample preparation is the procedure before instrumental analysis and significant to its effectiveness and efficiency. However, this procedure is usually time‐consuming, labor intensive, and prone to error. In the last decade, the development of sample preparation techniques has received increasing attention, especially in complex sample application. To pretreat samples faster and more effectively, advanced materials, instrumentation, and methods have been combined with typical techniques, including extraction, membrane separation, and chemical conversion techniques. Researchers in China focused on the development of simple, efficient sample preparation methods with selective enrichment and rapid separation capabilities for target analysis in complicated sample matrix and contribute almost a half of the publications in this specific field. In this review, a panorama of sample preparation techniques in China has been composed from more than 140 references, and we highlight some promising methods developed during recent years and introduce different separation materials with respect to these methods.
Extending the power transform approach for recovering areas of overlapping peaks
Authors: Wahab M. Farooq , Berthod Alain , Armstrong Daniel W.
Published: October 2019

Power functions, , are embedded in some modern chromatography detectors and software which not only alter the linear dynamic range of such detectors but also improve the cosmetic aspects of the chromatograms. These aspects include a reduction in baseline noise, improved peak symmetry, and better resolution. However, after raising the electronic output of a detector to a selected power (n > 1), the original peak area information is lost as are very small peaks. Recent advances in the peak processing protocol allow us to recover peak areas from overlapping peak areas, even in noisy environments using power functions. One of the primary protocol requirements of this approach was to have resolution factors ≥0.9. An increasing positive bias in the recovered area was observed as the resolution factors decreased below 0.9. In this work, we extend the capabilities of power function to lower resolution values. This bias is addressed by considering the increasing contributions in peak height coming from adjacent peaks. It is shown that the power function can now be used as long as the peak maxima are visible, making  = 0.5, the lower treatable resolution factor for two peaks of similar areas.
Alternative splicing of VEGFA is regulated by RBM10 in endometrial cancer
Authors: Dou Xiao‐Qing , Chen Xiu‐Juan , Wen Ming‐Xiao , Zhang Shu‐Zhen , Zhou Qun , Zhang Shi‐Qian
Published: October 2019

Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) gene has three alternative exons which results in multiple isoforms. VEGFA has been found overexpressed in patients with endometrial cancer, but the VEGFA expression pattern and how it is regulated are still unknown. The level of VEGFA transcripts and protein isoforms were detected by semi‐quantitative Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunoblotting in 29 paired endometrial tumor and adjacent nontumor control tissues. The level of three alternative splicing related proteins: RBM5, RBM6, and RBM10 was determined by immunoblotting. The H3K27Ac level in RBM10 promoter region was detected by ChIP‐PCR. The RBM10 promoter region methylation level were quantified by methylation‐sensitive high resolution melting. VEGFA165a was overexpressed and VEGFA165b level was reduced in tumors. RBM10 level was reduced in tumors. RBM10 level was negatively correlated with VEGFA165a level and positively correlated with VEGFA165b level in tumors. Using HEC‐1‐A and RL95‐2 cells, we confirmed that VEGFA165a/b expressed pattern was controlled by RBM10. MALAT1 level was increased in tumors but not involved in VEGFA alternative splicing. Reduced H3K27Ac level and increased DNA methylation in the promoter region controlled RBM10 expression in tumors. VEGFA alternative splicing in endometrial cancer was regulated by RBM10, the expression of which was controlled by histone acetylation and DNA methylation.
Helium Plasma Skin Regeneration: Evaluation of Skin Tissue Effects in a Porcine Model and Comparison to Nitrogen Plasma Skin Regeneration
Authors: Holcomb J. David , Schucker Adrienne
Published: October 2019

Background and Objectives

Helium plasma skin regeneration (PSR) is a novel skin rejuvenation technology with significant differences compared with nitrogen PSR technology but that may exert similar skin tissue effects. Study objectives included a comparison of acute and chronic skin tissue changes among the two plasmas in a porcine animal model.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

In this study, both helium and nitrogen gas plasmas were used to treat the dorsal skin of Yorkshire cross mini pigs with 20% (8.6 J/cm2) and 40% (17.8 J/cm2) power helium plasma single pass treatment (4 liter gas flow, continuous energy delivery, and linear non‐overlapping passes) compared with high energy nitrogen plasma double pass treatment (PSR3 @ 14.1 J/cm2: 4.0 J, 2.5 Hz pulse rate, overlapping horizontal, and vertical passes). Acute and chronic skin contraction, maximum acute depth of injury and chronic reparative healing depth were assessed along with representative histopathology in each treatment paradigm.

Results

High‐energy nitrogen plasma treatment exhibited greatest mean depth of acute tissue injury 4 hours post‐treatment whereas helium plasma treatment exhibited greater acute skin tissue contraction. Then, 20% and 40% power helium plasma treatment results were each very similar among animals as a percentage of nitrogen plasma treatment results for both depths of acute tissue injury and acute skin tissue contraction. Mean depths of reparative tissue healing were similar among treatment paradigms 30 days after treatment with significant intra‐ and inter‐animal variability observed within each treatment paradigm. Thirty‐day mean skin tissue contraction was greater for helium plasma treatment; however, the data varied significantly between animals in all paradigms. Histopathologic tissue evaluation after 30 days showed similar findings among the treatment paradigms with epidermal hyperplasia, flattening of rete ridges and with regenerative granulation tissue expanding the superficial and papillary dermis.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates modestly reduced depth of the thermal effect, greater skin tissue contraction and similarity of acute and chronic histopathological findings for helium plasma when compared with nitrogen plasma in a porcine animal model. © 2019 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Optical Surface Applicator for Intraoperative Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Chamberlain Sarah , Bellnier David , Yendamuri Sai , Lindenmann Joerg , Demmy Todd , Nwogu Chukwumere , Ramer Max , Tworek Larry , Oakley Emily , Mallory Matthew , Carlsen Lindsey , Sexton Sandra , Curtin Leslie , Shafirstein Gal
Published: October 2019

Background and Objectives

Intraoperative photodynamic therapy (IO‐PDT) is typically administered by a handheld light source. This can result in uncontrolled distribution of light irradiance that impacts tissue and tumor response to photodynamic therapy. The objective of this work was to characterize a novel optical surface applicator (OSA) designed to administer controlled light irradiance in IO‐PDT.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

An OSA was constructed from a flexible silicone mesh applicator with multiple cylindrically diffusing optical fibers (CDF) placed into channels of the silicone. Light irradiance distribution, at 665 nm, was evaluated on the OSA surface and after passage through solid tissue‐mimicking optical phantoms by measurements from a multi‐channel dosimetry system. As a proof of concept, the light administration of the OSA was tested in a pilot study by conducting a feasibility and performance test with 665‐nm laser light to activate 2‐(1′‐hexyloxyethyl) pyropheophorbide‐a (HPPH) in the thoracic cavity of adult swine.

Results

At the OSA surface, the irradiance distribution was non‐uniform, ranging from 128 to 346 mW/cm2. However, in the tissue‐mimicking phantoms, beam uniformity improved markedly, with irradiance ranges of 39–153, 33–87, and 12–28 mW/cm2 measured at phantom thicknesses of 3, 5, and 10 mm, respectively. The OSA safely delivered the prescribed light dose to the thoracic cavities of four swine.

Conclusions

The OSA can provide predictable light irradiances for administering a well‐defined and potentially effective therapeutic light in IO‐PDT. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Longterm Outcomes of Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Glycogen Storage Disease Type 1b
Authors: Shimizu Seiichi , Sakamoto Seisuke , Horikawa Reiko , Fukuda Akinari , Uchida Hajime , Takeda Masahiro , Yanagi Yusuke , Irie Rie , Yoshioka Takako , Kasahara Mureo
Published: October 2019

Glycogen storage disease (GSD) type 1b (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man [OMIM] 232220) is an autosomal recessive inborn error of carbohydrate metabolism caused by defects in glucose‐6‐phosphate translocase. GSD1b patients have severe hypoglycemia with several clinical manifestations of hepatomegaly, obesity, a doll‐like face, and neutropenia. Liver transplantation (LT) has been indicated for severe glucose intolerance, poor metabolic control (PMC), and poor growth (PG). We retrospectively reviewed 11 children with GSD1b who underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) at the National Center for Child Health and Development in Tokyo, Japan. Between November 2005 and December 2018, 495 children underwent LDLT with an overall 10‐year patient and graft survival of 90.6% and 88.9%, respectively. Of these, LT was indicated for 11 patients with GSD1b. All patients are doing well with the stabilization of glucose intolerance and decreased hospitalization for infectious complications. Demand for granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor significantly decreased. However, although LT stabilized the blood glucose level, the platelet function was not improved. The posttransplant developmental quotient (DQ) remained similar to the pretransplant DQ without deterioration. LDLT is a feasible procedure for GSD1b patients with regard to the longterm prognosis. LT should be considered for patients with severe glucose intolerance to protect the cognitive function against hypoglycemic encephalopathy and to ameliorate PMC and PG.
Parameterizing the seasonal–diurnal wind climate of Rome: Fiumicino and Ciampino
Authors: Cook Nicholas J.
Published: October 2019

This study uses the Offset Elliptical Normal (OEN) mixture model to parameterize the seasonal–diurnal wind climate of Rome, Italy, for engineering design purposes, and also to reveal the physical meteorology of this “mixed” wind climate. The joint probability density function (PDF) of the wind vectors in the zonal–meridional plane are represented by a mixture of disjoint bivariate‐Normal ellipses. Each OEN ellipse is tentatively attributed to a physical wind mechanism: sea/land breezes; transient coastal jets; katabatic flows; the migrating atmospheric tide; and (non‐diurnal) geostrophic winds. The model enables a fuzzy probability of each wind mechanism to be assigned to each observation, allowing the progression of the various diurnal cycles to be tracked through time. This seasonal–diurnal parametric model is directly applicable to wind energy resource estimation, pollution studies, pedestrian comfort, and heating and ventilation design. The model is also an essential starting point in methods to simulate realistic time series of wind speed and direction.
A theoretical investigation of erbium‐doped fiber laser as a function of ion‐clustering, temperature, pumping wavelength, and configuration
Authors: Kabir Md. Aminul , Hossain Md. Mahbub , Amin Md. Ziaul , Ahsan Md. Shamim
Published: October 2019

The lasing performance of an erbium‐doped fiber laser (EDFL) is affected by several factors such as doping concentrations, erbium‐ion clustering, pumping wavelength, pumping configuration, and temperature. In this article, the performance of an EDFL has been investigated as a function of erbium‐ion clustering, pumping wavelength, pumping configuration, and temperature. In our investigation, we have found that power degradation, which happens due to ion‐clustering, at around 1530 nm is less affected for 980 nm pumping than for 1480 nm pumping. Moreover, a wider tuning range is achieved for 980 nm pumping than 1480 nm pumping. Our simulation results also show that the forward pumping configuration is suitable for a wider tuning range. To our best knowledge, pumping wavelength and configuration effects on an EDFL performance have not been investigated yet. We have also investigated the temperature effects on an EDFL performance and found little influence on lasing performance, at least within 30°C to 80°C.
CT and MRI compatibility of flexible 3D‐printed materials for soft actuators and robots used in image‐guided interventions
Authors: Neumann Wiebke , Pusch Tim P. , Siegfarth Marius , Schad Lothar R. , Stallkamp Jan L.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Three‐dimensional (3D) printing allows for the fabrication of medical devices with complex geometries, such as soft actuators and robots that can be used in image‐guided interventions. This study investigates flexible and rigid 3D‐printing materials in terms of their impact on multimodal medical imaging.

Methods

The generation of artifacts in clinical computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was evaluated for six flexible and three rigid materials, each with a cubical and a cylindrical geometry, and for one exemplary flexible fluidic actuator. Additionally, CT Hounsfield units (HU) were quantified for various parameter sets iterating peak voltage, x‐ray tube current, slice thickness, and convolution kernel.

Results

We found the image artifacts caused by the materials to be negligible in both CT and MR images. The HU values mainly depended on the elemental composition of the materials and applied peak voltage was ranging between 80 and 140 kVp. Flexible, nonsilicone‐based materials were ranged between 51 and 114 HU. The voltage dependency was less than 29 HU. Flexible, silicone‐based materials were ranged between 60 and 365 HU. The voltage‐dependent influence was as large as 172 HU. Rigid materials ranged between −69 and 132 HU. The voltage‐dependent influence was <33 HU.

Conclusions

All tested materials may be employed for devices placed in the field of view during CT and MR imaging as no significant artifacts were measured. Moreover, the material selection in CT could be based on the desired visibility of the material depending on the application. Given the wide availability of the tested materials, we expect our results to have a positive impact on the development of devices and robots for image‐guided interventions.
Nonconforming quadrilateral finite element method for Ginzburg–Landau equation
Authors: Shi Dongyang , Liu Qian
Published: October 2019

Nonconforming finite element method is studied for a linearized backward fully‐discrete scheme of the Ginzburg–Landau equation with the quadrilateral element. The unconditional convergent result of order O(h + τ) in the broken H1‐norm is deduced rigorously based on a splitting technique, by which the ratio between the subdivision parameter h and the time step τ is removed. Furthermore, numerical results are provided to confirm the theoretical analysis. The analysis developed herein can be regarded as a framework to deal with the unconditional convergent analysis of the Ginzburg–Landau equation for other known low order nonconforming elements.