bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of health reform in Iran on catastrophic health expenditures: Equity and policy implications
Authors: Ahmadnezhad Elham , Murphy Adrianna , Alvandi Rezvaneh , Abdi Zhaleh
Published: August 2019

Purpose

In 2014, the Islamic Republic of Iran launched the Health Transformation Plan (HTP), with the goal of achieving universal health coverage (UHC) through improved financial protection and access to high‐quality health services among Iranian households. We aimed to investigate the impact of the HTP on the level and pattern of out‐of‐pocket (OOP) payments for health care.

Methods

Using data from two rounds (2013 and 2016) of the Iranian Statistics Centre's Household Expenditure and Income Survey (HEIS), collected before and after implementation of the HTP, we estimate changes in the level and drivers of OOP payments, and the prevalence, intensity, and distribution of catastrophic health expenditures (CHEs) among Iranian households.

Findings

Our results indicate that per capita OOP payments on health remained stable during the observed period, with the largest proportion of OOP payments spent on medicines. Using thresholds of 10% and 25% of total consumption, there was a slight increase in the prevalence of CHE. The prevalence of CHE increased from 3.76% to 3.82% at threshold of 25% of total consumption. Using 40% capacity to pay threshold, prevalence diminished modestly from 2.5% to 2.37% and the intensity decreased from 13.16% to 12.32%. At all thresholds, CHE were more concentrated among wealthier households.

Conclusion

These results suggest that while financial protection of the poor in Iran has improved due to the HTP, more work is needed to achieve UHC in Iran. For the next phase of health reforms, more emphasis should be placed on shifting away from OOP co‐payments for health financing to progressive prepayment mechanisms to facilitate better sharing of financial risks across population groups.
Bankruptcy: What is left for the creditors? A Belgian exploratory study
Authors: Baeck Joke Rachel
Published: August 2019

It is sometimes alleged that in cases of bankruptcy, there is often not much left for the creditors, especially for the ordinary unsecured creditors. This article examines, in an exploratory way, what the different classes of creditors, depending on their priority position, recover in cases of bankruptcy in Belgium, by investigating a sample of 286 bankruptcy files from the Commercial Court of Ghent (Belgium's second largest city). This article also explores what impact some existing proposals to improve the position of ordinary unsecured creditors in the event of bankruptcy would have had on the bankruptcy cases studied.
Naturally safe: Cellular noise for document security
Authors: Pavlović Danica , Rabasović Mihailo D. , Krmpot Aleksandar J. , Lazović Vladimir , Čurčić Srećko , Stojanović Dejan V. , Jelenković Branislav , Zhang Wang , Zhang Di , Vukmirović Nenad , Stepanenko Dimitrije , Kolarić Branko , Pantelić Dejan V.
Published: August 2019

Modern document protection relies on the simultaneous combination of many optical features with micron and submicron structures, whose complexity is the main obstacle for unauthorized copying. In that sense, documents are best protected by the diffractive optical elements generated lithographically and mass‐produced by embossing. The problem is that the resulting security elements are identical, facilitating mass‐production of both original and counterfeited documents. Here, we prove that each butterfly wing‐scale is structurally and optically unique and can be used as an inimitable optical memory tag and applied for document security. Wing‐scales, exhibiting angular variability of their color, were laser‐cut and bleached to imprint cryptographic information of an authorized issuer. The resulting optical memory tag is extremely durable, as verified by several century‐old insect specimens still retaining their coloration. The described technique is simple, amenable to mass‐production, low cost and easy to integrate within the existing security infrastructure.
circPIP5K1A serves as a competitive endogenous RNA contributing to ovarian cancer progression via regulation of miR‐661/IGFBP5 signaling
Authors: Sun Yi , Li Xue , Chen Aozheng , Shi Weihui , Wang Lei , Yi Ruhai , Qiu Jin
Published: August 2019

Increasing evidence demonstrates the crucial regulatory functions of circular RNAs in different cancer types. The major aim of the current study was to establish functions of circPIP5K1A during ovarian cancer. Our results showed an increased expression of circPIP5K1A in both ovarian cancers and cell lines, which was associated with poor prognosis. In functional analyses, downregulation of circPIP5K1A suppressed ovarian cancer cell migration, proliferation, and invasion in vitro. The miR‐661 was indicated as a target of circPIP5K1A and insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) as a target of miR‐661. circPIP5K1A silencing triggered downregulation of IGFBP5 through inducing an increase in miR‐66 levels, as determined by the luciferase reporter assay. Data from cell counting kit‐8, colony formation, wound healing, and Transwell assays showed that overexpression of IGFBP5 effectively reversed the circPIP5K1A depletion effects. The results collectively indicated that circPIP5K1A contributed to ovarian cancer progression via targeting the miR‐661/IGFBP5 axis, supporting its utility as a candidate target for therapy of the disease.
Resistance of human primary mesenchymal stem cells to cytotoxic effects of nutlin‐3 in vitro
Authors: Bajelan Babak , Zaki‐Dizaji Majid , Rahmani Babak , Darzi Sina , Darabi Shahram , Rajaei Farzad
Published: August 2019

Background

The small‐molecule nutlin‐3 was found to be an effective therapeutic compound and p53 activator, and acts as a murine double minute 2 antagonist, although these findings need to be clinically confirmed. The essential components of the bone marrow include mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which play a key role in protecting, regenerating, and proliferating hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). This feature is vital for HSC after exposure to myelotoxic anticancer agents; nevertheless, the effects of nutlin‐3 on MSCs remain to be disclosed. The present research study was conducted to examine the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effectiveness of nutlin‐3 in bone marrow MSCs (BMSCs).

Materials and Methods

Human‐derived BMSCs were cultured for different durations, that is, 24, 48, and 72 hours, and treated using various concentrations of nutlin‐3, including 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 μΜ. To investigate the effect of nutlin‐3 on the apoptosis, cell vitality and proliferation in BMSCs, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide, propidium iodide (PI) and annexin V assay, as well as real‐time polymerase chain reaction, were used.

Results

BMSCs viability significantly decreased (P < .05) in the cells treated at concentrations of 50 and 100 μM for 24 hours and concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 μM for 48 hours and at all concentrations for 72 hours. The apoptosis of BMSCs (TUNEL positive) was significantly more visible at concentrations of 25 and 50 μM compared with that in the controls (P < .05), while this increased through dose‐dependent processes. Annexin V/PI staining revealed negligible dose‐dependent increases in all the apoptotic cells after 72 hours of incubation, and this apoptosis elevation was significant at 25 and 50 μM (P < .05).

Conclusion

Resistance to nutlin‐3 was observed in human bone marrow–derived MSCs; nevertheless, further clinical data are required to be obtained with long‐duration exposure to confirm the present findings.
Pancreatic stellate cell‐potentiated insulin secretion from Min6 cells is independent of interleukin 6‐mediated pathway
Authors: Bynigeri Ratnakar R. , Mitnala Sasikala , Talukdar Rupjyoti , Singh Surya S. , Duvvuru Nageshwar R.
Published: August 2019

Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) secrete various factors, which can influence the β‐cell function. The identification of stellate cell infiltration into the islets in pancreatic diseases suggests possible existence of cross‐talk between these cells. To elucidate the influence of PSCs on β‐cell function, mouse PSCs were cocultured with Min6 cells using the Transwell inserts. Glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion from Min6 cells in response to PSCs was quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and insulin gene expression was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Upon cytometric identification of IL6 in PSC culture supernatants, Min6 cells were cultured with IL6 to assess its influence on the insulin secretion and gene expression. PLC‐IP3 pathway inhibitors were added in the cocultures, to determine the influence of PSC‐secreted IL6 on Glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion from Min6 cells. Increased insulin secretion with a concomitant decrease in total insulin content was noticed in PSC‐cocultured Min6 cells. Although increased GSIS was noted from IL6‐treated Min6 cells, no change in the total insulin content was noted. Coculture of Min6 cells with PSCs or their exposure to IL6 did not alter either the expression of β‐cell‐specific genes or that of miRNA‐375. PSC‐cocultured Min6 cells, in the presence of PLC‐IP3 pathway inhibitors (U73122, Neomycin, and Xestospongin C), did not revoke the observed increase in GSIS. In conclusion, the obtained results indicate that augmented insulin secretion from Min6 cells in response to PSC secretions is independent of IL6‐mediated PLC‐IP3 pathway.
lncRNA SNHG3 facilitates acute myeloid leukemia cell growth via the regulation of miR‐758‐3p/SRGN axis
Authors: Peng Linqiang , Zhang Yanzhi , Xin Hongli
Published: August 2019

Small nucleolar RNA host gene 3 (SNHG3) is a newly identified long non‐coding RNA whose dysregulation has been reported in several cancers. However, the details about clinical significances and biological functions of SNHG3 on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remain covered. In this study, we revealed increased SNHG3 expression in AML samples and cells and its high potential as a prognostic biomarker for AML patients. Likewise, serglycin (SRGN), which plays an important role in granule‐mediated apoptosis, was previously verified to be upregulated in AML and confirmed again by the present study, and its upregulation predicted poor outcomes in AML. Furthermore, knockdown of SNHG3 or SRGN inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis. Besides, silencing SNHG3 noticeably decreased the expression of SRGN in AML cells. Moreover, we uncovered that SNHG3 modulated SRGN expression by competitively binding with miR‐758‐3p. Importantly, both miR‐758‐3p suppression and SRGN overexpression could mitigate the inhibitory effects of SNHG3 depletion on AML cell growth. Intriguingly, the higher SRGN expression in AML samples with a higher SNHG3 level exhibited an enhanced Ki67 level but a reduced caspase 3 level. To sum up, SNHG3 elicits a growth‐promoting function in AML via sponging miR‐758‐3p to regulate SRGN expression, providing a new therapeutic road for AML patients.
PTPRO exaggerates inflammation in ulcerative colitis through TLR4/NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Zhao Jie , Yan Shushan , Zhu Xianlan , Bai Wenxia , Li Jun , Liang Caihong
Published: August 2019

Previous studies have implicated protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type O (PTPRO) as a key regulator in inflammation‐associated diseases; however, its role in ulcerative colitis (UC) remains largely unknown. Thus, we aim to elucidate the potential role and underlying mechanism of PTPRO in UC. In this study, increased expression of PTPRO, toll‐like receptor (TLR4) and inflammatory cytokines were observed in mucosal tissues (MTs) from inflamed areas and lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMCs) of patients with UC compared with those from healthy controls. Then, it was manifested that PTPRO promoted the expression of TLR4 and proinflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide‐induced (LPS‐induced) inflammatory macrophage model. Besides, PTPRO inhibited the proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) but enhanced the apoptosis of IECs in macrophages. Moreover, levels of phosphorylated nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB)/p65 and inhibitor of NF‐κB α (IκBα) were more significantly increased in PTPRO overexpressed macrophages. In addition, the area under receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.807 (95%CI = 0.686‐0.958, P < .001) suggesting PTPRO as an ideal diagnostic marker for UC. Taken these, the present study shows strong evidence that PTPRO exaggerates inflammation in UC via TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathway.
Knockdown Rab11‐FIP2 inhibits migration and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma via suppressing Rho GTPase signaling
Authors: Feng Guofei , Qin Liting , Liao Zhipeng , Xiao Xiling , Li Bo , Cui Wanmeng , Liang Libin , Mo Yingxi , Huang Guangwu , Li Ping , Zhou Xiaoying , Zhang Zhe , Xiao Xue
Published: August 2019

Rab11 family interacting protein 2 (Rab11‐FIP2) is a conserved protein and effector molecule for the small GTPase Rab11. By interacting with Rab11 and MYO5B, Rab11‐FIP2 regulates endosome trafficking of plasma membrane proteins, promoting cellular motility. The endosomal trafficking system in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains unclear. Here, an outlier analysis using the Oncomine database suggested that Rab11‐FIP2 but not Rab11 and MYO5B was overexpressed in NPC. We confirmed that the transcription of Rab11‐FIP2 was upregulated in NPC cell lines and primary tumor tissues as compared with a normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cell line and normal nasopharynx tissues. We further confirmed the elevated protein expression level of Rab11‐FIP2 in NPC biopsies. Instead of regulating the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition or Akt signaling pathway, knockdown of Rab11‐FIP2 inhibited the migration and invasion ability of NPC cell lines by decreasing the expression of Rac and Cdc42. In summary, Rab11‐FIP2 could be an oncogene in NPC, mainly contributing to metastatic capacity by activating Rho GTPase signaling.
Roles of healthcare professionals in the management of chronic gastrointestinal diseases with a focus on primary care: A systematic review
Authors: Prasad Sharmila S , Potter Michael , Keely Simon , Talley Nicholas J , Walker Marjorie M , Kairuz Therése
Published: August 2019

Background and aim

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of complex and chronic conditions that requires long‐term care delivered by a group of healthcare professionals through a multidisciplinary care model. We conducted a systematic review to examine and understand the role of healthcare professionals in the primary care management of IBD, and identify the gaps in IBD management that could be filled by primary care providers such as general practitioners (GPs) and pharmacists.

Methods

The search strategy retrieved published studies from five databases, and eligible articles were assessed for quality. A gray literature search of the websites of organizations was also undertaken.

Results

Twenty‐one studies were included, of which 19 were peer‐reviewed research articles and two reports were from organizational bodies. Although studies have shown the roles of GPs, pharmacists, dietitians, and psychologists in IBD management, nurses and gastroenterologists were the key drivers delivering specialized care to IBD patients. Many key services are accessible only for hospital inpatients (tertiary care) or through outpatient clinics (secondary care) with an absence of a multidisciplinary approach including GPs and pharmacists.

Conclusion

Gastroenterologists and nurses have an important role in the delivery of care to patients with chronic gastrointestinal diseases including IBD, coeliac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and functional dyspepsia. The role of nurses includes provision of specialized care to IBD patients, as well as supportive care such as education, monitoring of therapy, and ongoing assistance. The available evidence shows many opportunities for primary care providers to play a more active role in the management of IBD patients.
A bit about me: Bedside boards to create a culture of patient‐centered care in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs)
Authors: Spazzapan Martina , Vijayakumar Byrave , Stewart Claire E.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

This project assessed whether the introduction of personalized bedside boards containing nonmedical information about patients in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) help provide health care professionals (HCPs) better insight about each child's personal qualities and preferences and thereby help improve patient‐centered care and patient safety.

Methods

Staff and parents of children in a PICU unit completed a questionnaire assessing how well HCPs knew their patients and their design preferences for the board. The questionnaire was completed before and after board introduction, and patient involvement was central to the design of the board.

Results

There was an improvement in all parameters assessed. Significant improvements include the perception of PICU as a welcoming environment, nurses’ understanding about what comforts their patients, and doctors’ ability to recognize their patients outside the hospital. Doctors and nurses felt they knew their patients better. Parents’ views regarding whether HCPs know what comforts their child and would recognize them outside the hospital also improved. Feedback about board aesthetics and usefulness was positive.

Conclusion

Personalized bedside boards significantly improved how well HCPs knew their patients across various elements. Patient‐centered care and, in turn, patient safety in PICUs can be promoted by using personalized bedside boards containing nonmedical information to help HCPs understand their patients’ individual needs and tailor their treatment.
Free urinary glycosylated hydroxylysine as an indicator of altered collagen degradation in the mucopolysaccharidoses
Authors: Patel Nina , Mills Philippa , Davison James , Cleary Maureen , Gissen Paul , Banushi Blerida , Doykov Ivan , Dorman Megan , Mills Kevin , Heywood Wendy E.
Published: August 2019

Extracellular matrix (ECM) disruption is known to be an early pathological feature of the Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS). Collagen is the main component of the ECM and its metabolism could act as a useful indicator of ECM disruption. We have measured the specific collagen breakdown products; urinary free hydroxylated (Lys‐OH) and glycosylated hydroxylysines (Lys‐O‐Gal and Lys‐O‐GalGlc) in MPS patients using a tandem liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry assay. A pilot study cohort analysis indicated that concentrations of lysine and Lys‐OH were raised significantly in MPS I (Hurler) disease patients. Lys‐O‐GalGlc was raised in MPS II and MPS VI patients and demonstrated a significant difference between MPS I Hurler and an MPS I Hurler‐Scheie group. Further analysis determined an age association for glycosylated hydroxylysine in control samples similar to that observed for the glycosaminoglycans. Using defined age ranges and treatment naïve patient samples we confirmed an increase in glycosylated hydroxylysines in MPS I and in adult MPS IVA. We also looked at the ratio of Lys‐O‐Gal to Lys‐O‐GalGlc, an indicator of the source of collagen degradation, and noticed a significant change in the ratio for all pediatric MPS I, II, and IV patients, and a small significant increase in adult MPS IV. This indicated that the collagen degradation products were coming from a source other than bone such as cartilage or connective tissue. To see how specific the changes in glycosylated hydroxylysine were to MPS patients we also looked at levels in patients with other inherited metabolic disorders. MPS patients showed a trend towards increased glycosylated hydroxylysines and an elevated ratio compared to other metabolic disorders that included Battens disease, Fabry disease, Pyridoxine‐dependent epilepsy (due to mutations in ALDH7A1), and Niemann Pick C disease.
Microcavity enhancement of low‐frequency Raman scattering from a CsPbI3 thin film
Authors: Uliel Tal Ben , Gouda Laxman , Aviv Hagit , Itzhak Anat , Tischler Yaakov R.
Published: August 2019

Low‐frequency Raman (LFR) spectroscopy is a powerful, nondestructive method used for chemical and structural characterization of materials. Typically, the signal intensity of LFR is relatively low, resulting significantly longer signal acquisition duration. Here, we show a photonic structure based on a planar optical microcavity consists of two distributed Bragg reflectors that is capable of enhancing the LFR signal of the material placed in between the mirrors. CsPbI3 forms smooth and uniform thin films and has distinct LFR signatures; thus, we chose to use it for investigating the microcavity enhancement capabilities. By compromising the quality factor of the cavity, we achieved a broader transmission peak and essentially earned enhancement from the double‐resonance effect. Measurements on a CsPbI3 thin film inside a cavity compared with a bare film spin coated on glass demonstrated two orders of magnitude enhancement. In addition, we fabricated the microcavity with a gradient in the resonance wavelength, in order to study the tuning effect on spectral features and on the enhancement factor. Our results show that microcavity is a promising device for enhancing LFR scattering signal and for sensitive characterization of nanomaterials.
Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter in Liver Transplantation: An Important Predictor of Early and Late Morbidity and Mortality
Authors: Rachwan Rayan Jo , Kutkut Issa , Hathaway Taylor J. , Timsina Lava R. , Kubal Chandrashekhar A. , Lacerda Marco A. , Ghabril Marwan S. , Bourdillon Patrick D. , Mangus Richard S.
Published: August 2019

Postoperative atrial fibrillation/flutter (POAF) is the most common perioperative arrhythmia and may be particularly problematic after liver transplantation (LT). This study is a single‐center retrospective analysis of POAF to determine its incidence following LT, to identify risk factors, to assess its impact on clinical outcomes, and to summarize management strategies. The records of all patients who underwent LT between 2010 and 2018 were reviewed. Extracted data included pre‐LT demographics and cardiac evaluation, in‐hospital post‐LT cardiac events, early and late complications, and survival. Among 1011 patients, the incidence of post‐LT POAF was 10%. Using binary logistic regression, pre‐LT history of atrial fibrillation was the strongest predictor of POAF (odds ratio [OR], 6.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.00‐22.57; P < 0.001), followed by history of coronary artery disease (CAD; OR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.10‐5.81; P = 0.03). Cardiac stress testing abnormality and CAD on cardiac catheterization were also associated with higher risk. Median time to POAF onset after LT was 3 days with 72% of cases resolving within 48 hours. POAF patients had greater hospital length of stay, death during the LT admission, and 90‐day and 1‐year mortality. POAF was an independent risk factor for post‐LT mortality (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.3‐3.0; P < 0.01). Amiodarone was administered to 73% of POAF patients with no evidence of increased serum alanine aminotransferase levels. POAF occurred in 10% of post‐LT patients with early onset and rapid resolution in most affected patients. POAF patients, however, had significant morbidity and mortality, suggesting that POAF is an important marker for worse early and late post‐LT outcomes.
Novel peptides screened by phage display peptide library can mimic epitopes of the FnBPA‐A protein and induce protective immunity against Staphylococcus aureus in mice
Authors: Li Jin‐Nian , Wang Hong , Han Yu‐Xi , Zhao Yu‐Ting , Zhou Huan‐Huan , Xu Jun , Li Lin
Published: August 2019

Fibronectin‐binding protein A (FnBPA) is a key adhesin of Staphylococcus aureus, and the protein binding to fibrinogen and elastin is mediated by its N‐terminal A domain. Thus, FnBPA‐A has been considered a potential vaccine candidate, but the relevant epitopes are not fully understood. Here, purified rabbit anti‐FnBPA‐A antibodies were produced and used to screen for peptides corresponding to or mimicking the epitope of native FnBPA‐A protein by using a phage random 12‐mer peptide library. After four rounds of panning, 25 randomly selected phage clones were detected by phage‐ELISA and competition‐inhibition ELISA. Then, eight anti‐rFnBPA‐A antibody‐binding phage clones were selected for sequencing, and six different 12‐mer peptides were displayed by these phages. Although these displayed peptides shared no more than three consecutive amino acid residues identical to the sequence of FnBPA‐A, they could be recognized by the FnBPA‐A‐specific antibodies in vitro and could induce specific antibodies against FnBPA‐A in vivo, suggesting that these displayed peptides were mimotopes of FnBPA‐A. Finally, the protective efficiencies of these mimotopes were investigated by mouse vaccination and challenge experiments. Compared with that of control group mice, the relative percent survival of mice immunized with phage clones displaying a mimotope was 13.33% (C2 or C15), 0% (C8), 6.67% (C10), 26.67% (C19 or 1:2 mixture of C23 and C19), 53.33% (C23), 33.33% (1:1 mixture of C23 and C19), and 66.67% (2:1 mixture of C23 and C19). Overall, five peptides mimicking FnBPA‐A protein epitopes were obtained, and a partially protective immunity against S. aureus infection could be stimulated by these mimotope peptides in mice.
The role of AGG interruptions in the FMR1 gene stability: A survey in ethnic groups with low and high rate of consanguinity
Authors: Manor Esther , Gonen Raphael , Sarussi Benjamin , Keidar‐Friedman Danielle , Kumar Jay , Tang Hiu‐Tung , Tassone Flora
Published: August 2019

Background

The prevalence and the role of AGG interruptions within the FMR1 gene in the normal population is unknown. In this study, we investigated the frequent of AGG loss, in one or two alleles within the normal population. The role of AGG in the FMR1 stability has been assessed by correlating AGG loss to the prevalence of premutation/full mutation in two ethnic groups differing in their consanguinity rate: high versus low consanguinity rate (HCR vs. LCR).

Methods

The CGG repeat allele size and AGG presence were measured in 6,865 and 6,204 females belonging to the LCR (5%) and HCR (>45%) groups, respectively, by Tripled‐Primed‐PCR technique.

Results

A lower prevalence of the premutation was observed in the HCR (1:158) as compared to the LCR group (1:128). No full mutation was found in the HCR females while in the LCR group the prevalence found was 1:1,149. Homozygosity rate was higher in the HCR population compared to the LCR group.The overall AGG loss was higher in the HCR population than in the LCR and increased with increased CGG repeat number in both ethnic groups.

Conclusions

Although we observed a significantly higher rate of homozygosity and AGG loss in the HCR group, this did not affect the prevalence of the premutation and full mutation in this population. Their prevalence was significantly lower than in the LCR population. Finally, we discuss whether the loss of AGG could be also a polymorphic event but not only a stabilizing factor.
Ultrawide bandwidth enhancement by using sleeve‐probe feeding in rectangular microstrip antennas
Authors: Zhang Honglin , Liao Shaowei , Hu Bin‐Jie
Published: August 2019

This article reports the bandwidth expansion from 1.65 to 8.9 GHz obtained with a new feeding structure featuring a sleeve shell and an L‐probe. Theory analysis and parameter study are performed to reveal the bandwidth expansion mechanism. A prototype antenna is designed and tested based on the study. The antenna's measured results prove the sleeve shell broadens the antenna's impedance bandwidth from 42% to 118%. The measured and simulated results also show the enhancements on the antenna's maximum gain and radiation efficiency in the bandwidth because of the sleeve shell. Besides, it keeps the antenna's radiation patterns intact without requiring additional accommodation space because of the new feed's structural configuration. The combination of the sleeve shell and the L‐probe may be applied to other microstrip antennas for wideband applications.
High‐capacitive frequency selective surfaces of folded spiral conductor arrays
Authors: Liu Tian , Kim Sung‐Soo
Published: August 2019

A high‐capacitive frequency selective surface (FSS) is proposed with the aim of achieving a small array periodicity composed of four folded arms spiral conductors with 90° rotation symmetry. The electromagnetic response of the proposed FSS can be analyzed by an equivalent circuit model where the circuit parameters (L, C) are dependent on the geometries of conductors. A high value of capacitance was predicted arising from the inter‐plane and intra‐plane couplings between the folded spiral conductors distributed over large effective segments with a small gap spacing. However, the value of the total equivalent inductance decreases due to the parallel circuit connection of the shunted inductance of each arm. Parametric analysis on the geometrical effect was also conducted to validate the applied equivalent circuit model.
Comparison of laparoscopic techniques for apical organ prolapse repair – a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Szymczak Paulina , Grzybowska Magdalena Emilia , Wydra Dariusz Grzegorz
Published: August 2019

Aims

Apical defect is a pelvic organ prolapse disorder, with 5%‐15% prevalence. The aim of the study was to investigate methods of laparoscopic repair of apical defect and compare them with other techniques (open, vaginal, and robotic).

Methods

A systematic search of the literature was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov databases using the following key words: apical prolapse and treatment procedures. The search was limited by using the humans filters. Only articles published in English between 2010 and 2018 were considered. Two independent authors reviewed the publications for inclusion on the basis of the following criteria: (a) use of laparoscopic techniques, and (b) apical support loss as indication for surgery.

Results

A total of 1002 papers were initially identified; 24 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Four main laparoscopic procedures were found. The reported anatomical success rate (POP‐Q < II stage) was 77%‐100%, with patient satisfaction for pectopexy, laparoscopic sacropexy (LS), lateral ligament suspension and laparoscopic uterosacral ligament suspension (LUSLS) of 96.4%‐97.6%, 71.0%‐100%, 66.7%‐87.8%, and 95%‐95.5%, respectively. Major complications included hemorrhage, bladder, ureter, and/or bowel injuries were rare. Prolapse recurrences after LUSLS and LS were reported in 13.2% and 10.4% of patients, respectively; with reoperation rate for LS 2.2%‐12.8%.

Conclusions

Most studies reported anatomical and subjective outcomes, with follow‐up ranging from 1 month to >7 years. Success rates for laparoscopic and abdominal corrections of apical defect were similar; laparoscopy was superior in terms of perioperative blood loss, length of hospital stay, and recovery.
The effects of microenergy acoustic pulses on animal model of obesity‐associated stress urinary incontinence. Part 2: In situ activation of pelvic floor and urethral striated muscle progenitor cells
Authors: Kang Ning , Peng Dongyi , Wang Bohan , Ruan Yajun , Zhou Jun , Reed‐Maldonado Amanda B. , Banie Lia , Wang Guifang , Xing Nianzeng , Tang Yuxin , Lin Guiting , Lue Tom F.
Published: August 2019

Aim

To investigate the possibility and mechanism of microenergy acoustic pulses (MAP) for activating tissue resident stem/progenitor cells within pelvic and urethral muscle and possible mechanism.

Methods

The female Zucker Lean and Zucker Fatty rats were randomly divided into four groups: ZL control, ZLMAP, ZF control, and ZFMAP. MAP was applied at 0.033 mJ/mm2, 3 Hz for 500 pulses, and the urethra and pelvic floor muscles of each rat was then harvested for cell isolation and flow cytometry assay. Freshly isolated cells were analyzed by flow cytometry for Pax‐7, Int‐7α, H3P, and EdU expression. Meanwhile, pelvic floor muscle‐derived stem cells (MDSCs) were harvested through magnetic‐activated cell sorting, MAP was then applied to MDSCs to assess the mechanism of stem cell activation.

Results

Obesity reduced EdU‐label‐retaining cells and satellite cells in both pelvic floor muscle and urethra, while MAP activated those cells and enhanced cell proliferation, which promoted regeneration of striated muscle cells of the pelvic floor and urethral sphincter. Activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) /Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathways by MAP is the potential mechanism.

Conclusions

MAP treatment activated tissue resident stem cells within pelvic floor and urethral muscle in situ via activating FAK‐AMPK and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway.
Goal‐oriented adaptivity based on a model hierarchy of mean‐field and full‐field homogenization methods in linear elasticity
Authors: Mahnken Rolf , Ju Xiaozhe
Published: August 2019

Homogenization methods are drawing increasing attention for simulation of heterogeneous materials like composites. For balancing the accuracy and the numerical efficiency of such strategies, we deal with both model and discretization errors of the finite element method (FEM) on a macroscale. Within a framework of goal‐oriented adaptivity, we consider linear elastic heterogeneous materials, for which first‐order homogenization schemes apply. A novel model hierarchy is proposed based on mean‐field and full‐field homogenization methods. For the former, we consider several well‐established schemes like Mori‐Tanaka or self‐consistent as basic models, and for the latter, as superior models, unit cell problems are solved via the FEM under an a priori chosen boundary condition. For a further stage of the model hierarchy, we consider hierarchical unit cells within the frame of the FEM toward an adaptive selection of the unit cell size. By means of several numerical examples, we illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed adaptive approach.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Fluorinated Orthoesters from 1,3‐Benzodioxoles
Authors: Röckl Johannes L. , Hauck Adrian V. , Schollmeyer Dieter , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: August 2019

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of Professor Siegfried Waldvogel. The cover picture displays the robustness achieved by the installation of fluorinated alcohols on 1,3‐benzodioxoles, protecting the obtained orthoesters against acids and bases, like the shield of a knight. The simple protocol allows access to interesting compounds, whose lipophilicity is tremendously increased by the incorporation of fluorinated groups. This makes it possible to adjust the physicochemical properties of the biologically active 1,3‐benzodioxole motif. The surprisingly high stability against acids and bases gives rise to subsequent functionalizations or direct application in medicinal or agrochemistry. Read the full text of their Communication at 10.1002/open.201900127.
Extrusion blown films of poly(lactic acid) chain‐extended with food grade multifunctional epoxies
Authors: Karkhanis Sonal S. , Matuana Laurent M.
Published: August 2019

The effectiveness and efficiency of two food grade multifunctional epoxies with low and high epoxy equivalent weights in chain extending/branching poly(lactic acid) (PLA) were studied in a torque rheometer. Processing PLA and chain extender (CE) at 200°C for 300 s not only chain‐extended PLA effectively as indicated by a significant increase in the mixing torque as well as PLA's melt viscosity and molecular weight, but also branched it leading to its reduced crystallinity. Chain extension occurred through the ring opening reaction of epoxy groups in the CE with PLA's hydroxyl and/or carboxyl groups. CE with lower epoxy equivalent weight was more efficient due to its higher reactivity. Secondly, the processabilities of PLA films chain‐extended and branched with various amounts of the most efficient CE were assessed. Like in torque rheometer, chain extension and branching also occurred during film production as indicated by PLA's increased molecular weight and decreased crystallinity when blended with CE. However, film manufacture was feasible only for blends with up to 0.5% CE, becoming unprocessable above this content due to chain entanglement leading to increased viscosity. Chain extension/branching of PLA was beneficial in overcoming film's brittleness since its impact strength increased almost linearly with the CE content. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:2211–2219, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Relationship between relocation of phototropin to the chloroplast periphery and the initiation of chloroplast movement in Marchantia polymorpha
Authors: Sakata Momoko , Kimura Shun , Fujii Yuta , Sakai Takamasa , Kodama Yutaka
Published: August 2019

The blue‐light photoreceptor kinase phototropin (phot) mediates chloroplast movement in response to light and temperature. Phot predominantly localizes at the plasma membrane, but also resides in the cytosol and the chloroplast periphery. Although the phot localized to the chloroplast periphery is thought to mediate chloroplast movement, the localization mechanism is unknown. In this study, we found that chloroplast movement does not occur in 0‐day‐old gemma cells of the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha but that the movement is induced in 1‐day‐old gemmaling cells. Along with this physiological change, the subcellular localization of phot also changed: In 0‐day‐old gemma cells, phot localized at the plasma membrane and the cytosol, but in 1‐day‐old gemmaling cells, the phot disappeared from the cytosol and appeared at the chloroplast periphery. When the relocalization was tracked using a photoconvertible fluorescent protein, the cytosolic phot relocated to the plasma membrane, and the plasma membrane‐resident phot relocated to the chloroplast periphery. The blue‐light‐dependent activation of phot kinase activity enhanced this relocalization. Mutated phot deficient in blue‐light reception or kinase activity had a severely reduced ability to localize at the chloroplast periphery. These findings suggest that photoactivated phot localizes at the chloroplast periphery to initiate chloroplast movement.
Nonallelic homologous recombination events responsible for copy number variation within an RNA silencing locus
Authors: Cho Young B. , Jones Sarah I. , Vodkin Lila O.
Published: August 2019

The structure of chalcone synthase (CHS) gene repeats in different alleles of the I (inhibitor) locus in soybean spawns endogenous RNA interference (RNAi) that leads to phenotypic change in seed coat color of this major agronomic crop. Here, we examined CHS gene copy number by digital PCR and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) through whole genome resequencing of 15 cultivars that varied in alleles of the I locus (I, ii, ik, and i) that control the pattern distribution of pigments in the seed coats. Lines homozygous for the ii allele had the highest copy number followed by the I and ik cultivars which were more related to each other than to the lines with ii alleles. Some of the recessive i alleles were spontaneous mutations, and each revealed a loss of copy number by digital PCR relative to the parent varieties. Amplicon sequencing and whole genome resequencing determined that the breakpoints of several ii to i mutations resulted from nonallelic homologous recombination (NAHR) events between CHS genes located in segmental duplications leading to large 138‐kilobase deletions that erase the structure generating the CHS siRNAs along with eight other non‐CHS genes. Functional hybrid CHS genes (designated CHS5:1) were formed in the process and represent rare examples of NAHR in higher plants that have been captured by examining spontaneous mutational events in isogenic mutant lines.
Experimental Investigation of Characteristic Length Influence on a Combustion Chamber Performance with Liquid and Gelled UDMH/IRFNA Bi‐Propellants
Authors: Moghaddam Ali Saberi , Rezaei Mohammad Reza , Tavangar Saeed
Published: August 2019

Gel propulsion systems are of increasing interest due to their valuable energetic and safety considerations. In this paper, performance parameters of gelled UDMH/IRFNA bi‐propellant were compared with performance parameters of its liquid bi‐propellant. Fire tests were carried out with combustion chamber pressures of about 1 to 3 MPa and L* values of 89, 127 and 162 cm. The results showed that the suitable L* to obtain best performance for liquid UDMH/IRFNA combination at the mentioned conditions was 127 cm and for gelled UDMH/IRFNA bi‐propellant was 162 cm, although the increase in performance with an increase of L* from 127 to 162 cm for the gel was very low.
The Origin of Optical Contrast in Sb2Te3‐Based Phase‐Change Materials
Authors: Martinez Jose C. , Lu Li , Ning Jing , Dong Weiling , Cao Tun , Simpson Robert E.
Published: August 2019

The optical contrast between the crystalline and amorphous forms of phase‐change materials (PCMs) is so marked as to make it ideal for data storage. Various explanations have been given, including smearing of bands, changes in the local structural order and bonding, and resonant bonding. A consensus has not been reached. Herein, the dielectric function of crystalline and amorphous Sb2Te3, a topological insulator and prototype PCM, is studied using density functional theory and ellipsometry measurements; an expression for interplay between the crystalline electric field and the spin–orbit interaction on the valence band orbitals is derived. It is found that the crystalline electric field and spin–orbit interaction are responsible for this difference and the unusually large refractive index in the crystalline phase. Upon amorphization, a second‐order electronic phase transition is induced by the spin–orbit interaction's effect on the pz orbitals. This mechanism explains how a substantial optical gap can open in systems that have a small electronic band gap.
The chemistry and pharmacology of alkaloids and allied nitrogen compounds fromArtemisiaspecies: A review
Authors: Ur Rashid Mamoon , Alamzeb Muhammad , Ali Saqib , Ullah Zahoor , Shah Zafar Ali , Naz Ishrat , Khan Muhammad Rafiullah
Published: August 2019

Several reviews have been published onArtemisia's derived natural products, but it is the first attempt to review the chemistry and pharmacology of more than 80 alkaloids and allied nitrogen compounds obtained from variousArtemisiaspecies (covering the literature up to June 2018). The pharmacological potential and unique skeleton types of certainArtemisia's alkaloids provoke the importance of analyzingArtemisiaspecies for bioactive alkaloids and allied nitrogen compounds. Among the various types of bioactiveArtemisia's alkaloids, the main classes were the derivatives of rupestine (pyridine–sesquiterpene), lycoctonine (diterpene), pyrrolizidine, purines, polyamine, peptides, indole, piperidine, pyrrolidine, alkamides, and flavoalkaloids. The rupestine derivatives areArtemisia's characteristic alkaloids, whereas the rest are common alkaloids found in the family Asteraceae and chemotaxonomically links the genusArtemisiawith the tribes Anthemideae. The most important biological activities ofArtemisia's alkaloids are including hepatoprotective, local anesthetic,β‐galactosidase, and antiparasitic activities; treatment of angina pectoris, opening blocked arteries, as a sleep‐inducing agents and inhibition of HIV viral protease, CYP450, melanin biosynthesis, human carbonic anhydrase, [3H]‐AEA metabolism, kinases, and DNA polymeraseβ1. Some of the important nitrogen metabolites ofArtemisiainclude pellitorine, zeatin, tryptophan, rupestine, and aconitine analogs, which need to be optimized and commercialized further.
Biological, nutritional, and therapeutic significance of Moringa oleifera Lam
Authors: Dhakad Ashok K. , Ikram Mohsin , Sharma Shivani , Khan Salman , Pandey Vijay V. , Singh Avtar
Published: August 2019

The genus Moringa Adans. comprises 13 species, of which Moringa oleifera Lam. native to India and cultivated across the world owing to its drought and frost resistance habit is widely used in traditional phytomedicine and as rich source of essential nutrients. Wide spectrum of phytochemical ingredients among leaf, flower, fruit, seed, seed oil, bark, and root depend on cultivar, season, and locality. The scientific studies provide insights on the use of M. oleifera with different aqueous, hydroalcoholic, alcoholic, and other organic solvent preparations of different parts for therapeutic activities, that is, antibiocidal, antitumor, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, cardio‐protective, hepato‐protective, neuro‐protective, tissue‐protective, and other biological activities with a high degree of safety. A wide variety of alkaloid and sterol, polyphenols and phenolic acids, fatty acids, flavanoids and flavanol glycosides, glucosinolate and isothiocyanate, terpene, anthocyanins etc. are believed to be responsible for the pragmatic effects. Seeds are used with a view of low‐cost biosorbent and coagulant agent for the removal of metals and microbial contamination from waste water. Thus, the present review explores the use of M. oleifera across disciplines for its prominent bioactive ingredients, nutraceutical, therapeutic uses and deals with agricultural, veterinarian, biosorbent, coagulation, biodiesel, and other industrial properties of this “Miracle Tree.”
Quantum Coherence and Intrinsic Randomness
Authors: Yuan Xiao , Zhao Qi , Girolami Davide , Ma Xiongfeng
Published: August 2019

The peculiar uncertainty or randomness of quantum measurements stems from quantum coherence, whose information‐theoretic characterization is currently under investigation. The resource theory of coherence investigates interpretations of coherence measures and the interplay with other quantum properties, such as quantum correlations and intrinsic randomness. Coherence can be viewed as a resource for generating intrinsic randomness by measuring a state in the computational basis. It is observed in a previous work that the coherence of formation, which measures the asymptotic coherence dilution rate, indeed quantifies the uncertainty of a correlated party (classical system) about the system measurement outcome. In this work, the result is re‐derived from a quantum point of view, and then the intrinsic randomness is connected to the relative entropy of coherence, another important coherence measure that quantifies the asymptotic distillable coherence. Even though there do not exist bound coherent states, these two coherence measures—intrinsic randomness quantified by coherence of formation and by relative entropy of coherence—are different. Interestingly, it is shown that this gap is equal to the quantum discord, a general form of quantum correlations, in the state of the system of interest and the correlated party, after a local measurement on the former system.
A spatially discrete approximation to log‐Gaussian Cox processes for modelling aggregated disease count data
Authors: Johnson Olatunji , Diggle Peter , Giorgi Emanuele
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we develop a computationally efficient discrete approximation to log‐Gaussian Cox process (LGCP) models for the analysis of spatially aggregated disease count data. Our approach overcomes an inherent limitation of spatial models based on Markov structures, namely, that each such model is tied to a specific partition of the study area, and allows for spatially continuous prediction. We compare the predictive performance of our modelling approach with LGCP through a simulation study and an application to primary biliary cirrhosis incidence data in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Our results suggest that, when disease risk is assumed to be a spatially continuous process, the proposed approximation to LGCP provides reliable estimates of disease risk both on spatially continuous and aggregated scales. The proposed methodology is implemented in the open‐source R packageSDALGCP.