bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preservice educators' and noneducators' knowledge and perceptions of responsibility about dyslexia
Authors: White Jennifer , Mather Nancy , Kirkpatrick Jennifer
Published: January 2020

More individuals are affected by dyslexia than any other learning disability. The success of students with dyslexia receiving early identification and evidence‐based interventions is dependent upon the knowledge and skills of the school practitioners responsible for their academic programmes. This study investigated knowledge of dyslexia and perceptions of responsibility by administering the Knowledge and Insights of Dyslexia Survey (KIDS) to 243 university students. Survey responses of students (n) majoring in degrees in education (education majors [EM], n = 154) were compared with the responses of students majoring in degrees in architecture (noneducation majors [NEM], n = 89). In addition, the results were further examined between students majoring in General Education, Special Education, and School Psychology. Results indicated no significant differences in knowledge existed between EM and NEM or within EM. Of the topics investigated, participants knew the least about the treatment of dyslexia and demonstrated confusion about the components of appropriate instruction. Analysis of participant definitions revealed pervasive confusion about the characteristics of dyslexia with most believing myths that those with dyslexia “see and read backwards.” Additionally, EM rated themselves as being moderately responsible for educating students with dyslexia and believed special educators hold the greatest level of responsibility.
Takotsubo syndrome in Heart Failure and World Congress on Acute Heart Failure 2019: highlights from the experts
Authors: Keramida Kalliopi , Backs Johannes , Bossone Eduardo , Citro Rodolfo , Dawson Dana , Omerovic Elmir , Parodi Guido , Schneider Birke , Ghadri Jelena R. , Van Laake Linda W. , Lyon Alexander R.
Published: January 2020

Takotsubo syndrome was featured in various sessions and posters at the recent Heart Failure Congress and World Congress on Acute Heart Failure 2019 held in Athens. The importance and increasing recognition of this acute heart failure syndrome is reflected by the growing activity at Heart Failure Association congresses over the last 8 years. Two dedicated sessions to Takotsubo syndrome with comprehensive lectures from experts in the field and several posters highlighted new scientific progress, important aspects of epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk stratification, and management of the syndrome and discussed gaps in knowledge of this intriguing entity. This paper will summarize the topics discussed in these sessions including the most recent data from large registries, clinical, and pre‐clinical studies presented at the meeting.
Loss of myeloid differentiation protein 1 promotes atrial fibrillation in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Shuai Wei , Kong Bin , Yang Hongjie , Fu Hui , Huang He
Published: January 2020

Aims

Myeloid differentiation protein 1 (MD1) is expressed in the mammalian heart and exerts an anti‐arrhythmic effect. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is closely related to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The potential impact of MD1 on AF vulnerability in an HFpEF model is not clear.

Methods and results

MD1 knock‐out and wild‐type (WT) mice were subjected to uninephrectomy and continuous saline or d‐aldosterone infusion and given 1% sodium chloride drinking water for 4 weeks. Echocardiographic and haemodynamic measurements, electrophysiological studies, Masson staining, and molecular analysis were performed. Aldosterone‐infused WT mice develop HFpEF with left ventricular hypertrophy, moderate hypertension, pulmonary congestion, and diastolic dysfunction. Aldosterone infusion increased the vulnerability of WT mice to AF, as shown by a prolonged interatrial conduction time, shortened effective refractory period, and higher incidence of AF. In addition, aldosterone infusion increased myocardial fibrosis and inflammation, decreased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase 2a protein expression and the phosphorylation of phospholamban at Thr17, and increased sodium/calcium exchanger 1 protein expression and the phosphorylation of ryanodine receptor 2 in WT mice. All of the above adverse effects of aldosterone infusion were further exacerbated in MD1 knock‐out mice compare with WT mice. Mechanistically, MD1 deletion increased the activation of the toll‐like receptor 4/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II signalling pathway in in vivo and in vitro experiments.

Conclusions

MD1 deficiency increases the vulnerability of HFpEF mice to AF. This is mainly caused by aggravated maladaptive left atrial fibrosis and inflammation and worsened dysregulation of calcium handling, which is induced by the enhanced activation of the toll‐like receptor 4/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II signalling pathway.
Prospective associations between childhood neuropsychological profiles and adolescent eating disorders
Authors: Schaumberg Katherine , Brosof Leigh C. , Lloyd E. Caitlin , Yilmaz Zeynep , Bulik Cynthia M. , Zerwas Stephanie C. , Micali Nadia
Published: January 2020

Objective

Cross‐sectional associations between eating disorders (EDs) and deficits in neuropsychological functioning have been well documented; however, limited research has examined whether neuropsychological functioning is prospectively associated with EDs. The current study investigated prospective associations between neuropsychological functioning in childhood (ages 8 and 10) and ED behaviours and disorders in adolescence (at ages 14, 16, and 18 years) in a population‐based sample.

Method

Participants (N = 4,803) were children enrolled in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a population‐based, prospective study of women and their children. Regression methods tested associations between facets of neuropsychological functioning (attention, working memory, and inhibition) and eating disorder symptoms and diagnoses.

Results

Better scores on working memory tasks in childhood were associated with decreased risk of fasting but increased risk of excessive exercise during adolescence. Better inhibitory control was associated with decreased risk for disordered eating at age 14, and attentional difficulties were associated with increased risk for binge eating disorder during adolescence among boys but not girls.

Conclusions

Neuropsychological functioning may enhance risk for disordered eating behaviours in specific ways. Overall, effect sizes were small, and results did not support global associations between neuropsychological differences and ED risk in this sample.
Numerical simulation study on three‐dimensional fracture propagation of synchronous fracturing
Authors: He Yuting , Yang Zhaozhong , Li Xiaogang , Song Rui
Published: January 2020

A new three‐dimensional fluid‐solid coupling fracture propagation model of synchronous fracturing was established to study the dynamic propagation process of simultaneous hydraulic fracturing. In this paper, we used an improved three‐dimensional boundary element method and a finite difference method, respectively, for calculating the deformation of the reservoir rock and the flow of the fracturing fluid during the fracturing process. The interaction between hydraulic fractures and nature fractures was also considered. Sensitivity analysis showed that during synchronous fracturing, the fractures between the wells attracted each other and injected with more fluid due to interference between the fractures. Affected by natural fractures, the trajectory of hydraulic fractures was more tortuous. Besides, the width and height of hydraulic fractures captured by natural fractures were reduced. In order to reduce the difference in length between individual fractures, smaller well spacing and larger cluster spacing should be used.
Scenario planning in science‐centric organizations
Authors: Ramirez Rafael , McGinley Ciaran , Rissanen Jenni
Published: January 2020

This paper surveys how, why, and with what effects organizations whose activity is centered on the work of the natural sciences and their application to societal issues, and whose core staff are natural scientists—often working with a positivist epistemology—use scenario planning. Based on three cases, we research how the scenario planning methodology was utilized, why it was selected, and with what effects. Our research suggests that scenario planning can be deployed to enhance the social engagement which science requires to operate; and which enables science and the organizations which support it to justify the value which science creates and thus to help secure its funding and restate and render explicit what the purpose of such organizations is. This paper contributes to scenario planning scholarship by extending the type of organizations which can benefit from deploying the methodology (we believe it is the first paper to explore how scenario planning is used by scientific organizations); and it also contributes to understanding how the construct of post‐normal science is enacted in practice. It does so by including in this practice a longer time horizon with which an extended peer community can assess scientific values.
Construction and evaluation of multidomain attention training to improve alertness attention, sustained attention, and visual‐spatial attention in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yang Hui‐Ling , Chu Hsin , Kao Ching‐Chiu , Miao Nae‐Fang , Chang Pi‐Chen , Tseng Philip , O'Brien Anthony Paul , Chou Kuei‐Ru
Published: January 2020

Objectives

We aimed to analyze the effects of multidomain attention training on alertness, sustained attention, and visual‐spatial attention in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Design

The design used in this study was a two‐arm, parallel group, double‐blind randomized controlled trial.

Setting and participants

The participants of the study were seventy‐eight older adults with MCI (mean age: 79.5 ± 7.9 years) from retirement centers and community housing for the elderly.

Intervention

The participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (multidomain attention training, n = 39) or an active control group (n = 39). Both groups underwent training sessions for 45 minutes three times per week for 6 weeks (18 sessions in total).

Measures

The main efficacy indicator was alertness (Trail Making Test Part B), sustained attention (Digit Vigilance Test), and visual‐spatial attention (Trail Making Test Part A). The secondary outcome indicators were other cognitive functions (Mini‐Mental State Examination [MMSE] and Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA] subscales). Measurements were obtained at pretest, posttest, and 3 and 6 months after training.

Results

The results were analyzed by a generalized estimating equation (GEE), which indicated that attention outcomes (alertness, sustained attention, and visual‐spatial attention) of the experimental group did not improve after training. However, the experimental group displayed a significant improvement in the attention, memory, and orientation of MMSE and MoCA subscales over a period of 6 months and also showed superior results compared with the control group.

Conclusions

Multidomain attention training demonstrated improved alertness and visual‐spatial attention for posttest after 6 months. We also outline potential future advances in attention training for improving attention in older adults with MCI.
Acute Liver Failure (ALF) in Pregnancy: How Much Is Pregnancy Related?
Authors: Casey Lisa C. , Fontana Robert J. , Aday Ariel , Nelson David B. , Rule Jody A. , Gottfried Michelle , Tran Minh , Lee William M. ,   for the Acute Liver Failure Study Group
Published: January 2020

Background and Aims

Acute liver failure (ALF), characterized by sudden onset of coagulopathy (international normalized ratio [INR] ≥ 1.5) and encephalopathy, may occur during pregnancy either as a pregnancy‐associated etiology or an unrelated and coincidental liver injury. The U.S. Acute Liver Failure Study Group, comprised of 33 tertiary care liver centers, has enrolled consecutive patients with ALF or acute liver injury (ALI; INR ≥ 2.0 with no encephalopathy), over two decades.

Approach and Results

Etiologies, clinical features, and outcomes of 70 of 3,155 patients (2.2%) who developed ALF or ALI during pregnancy were reviewed to determine how many were pregnancy associated (pregnancy‐associated liver disease; PAALD) and how many were attributed to other etiologies. Thirty‐five of the 70 were considered PAALD, of whom nearly half were attributed to hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome and half to acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP), although, in some instances, the distinction was unclear. Virtually all with PAALD had been delivered before hepatology referral, mostly by cesarean section. Acetaminophen toxicity accounted for 21 (60% of the remaining cases), with the remainder resulting from a variety of other causes, but not including viral hepatitis A through E. Although recovery with delivery or supportive measures was possible in most cases, 11 of 70 (16%) required liver transplantation and 8 (11%) died. Swansea criteria to diagnose AFLP were met by all patients with PAALD and also by virtually all women with other forms of ALF.

Conclusions

Only half of those with ALF during pregnancy appeared to have HELLP or AFLP. Morbidity and mortality for mother and fetus are strongly associated with etiology of liver failure.
Adipose‐derived stem cells and cancer cells fuse to generate cancer stem cell‐like cells with increased tumorigenicity
Authors: Chan Yuk Wah , So Chun , Yau Ka Long , Chiu Kung Chun , Wang Xiya , Chan Franky Leung , Tsang Suk Ying
Published: January 2020

Adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) are a type of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from adipose tissue and have the ability to differentiate into adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic lineages. Despite their great therapeutic potentials, previous studies showed that ADSCs could enhance the proliferation and metastatic potential of breast cancer cells (BCCs). In this study, we found that ADSCs fused with BCCs spontaneously, while breast cancer stem cell (CSC) markers CD44+CD24‐/lowEpCAM+ were enriched in this fusion population. We further assessed the fusion hybrid by multicolor DNA FISH and mouse xenograft assays. Only single nucleus was observed in the fusion hybrid, confirming that it was a synkaryon. In vivo mouse xenograft assay indicated that the tumorigenic potential of the fusion hybrid was significantly higher than that of the parent tumorigenic triple‐negative BCC line MDA‐MB‐231. We had compared the fusion efficiency between two BCC lines, the CD44‐rich MDA‐MB‐231 and the CD44‐poor MCF‐7, with ADSCs. Interestingly, we found that the fusion efficiency was much higher between MDA‐MB‐231 and ADSCs, suggesting that a potential mechanism of cell fusion may lie in the dissimilarity between these two cell lines. The cell fusion efficiency was hampered by knocking down the CD44. Altogether, our findings suggest that CD44‐mediated cell fusion could be a potential mechanism for generating CSCs.
Knockdown of terminal differentiation induced ncRNA (TINCR) suppresses proliferation and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting the miR‐218‐5p/DEAD‐box helicase 5 (DDX5) axis
Authors: Zhao Huibo , Xie Zhantao , Tang Gaofeng , Wei Sidong , Chen Guoyong
Published: January 2020

Terminal differentiation induced ncRNA (TINCR), a newly identified lncRNA, has been found to be associated with different human cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, little is known regarding the pathological mechanisms of TINCR in HCC progression. In this study, we confirmed that TINCR expression was upregulated in HCC tumors and cell lines, and high TINCR expression was associated with larger tumor size, advanced tumor node metastasis stage, and poor prognosis. Functionally, knockdown of TINCR facilitated apoptosis and suppressed viability, colony formation and invasion in Huh7 and Hep3B cells. Mechanically, TINCR functioned as competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to regulate DEAD‐box helicase 5 (DDX5) expression through sponging miR‐218‐5p. Moreover, the miR‐218‐5p expression was downregulated and DDX5 expression was upregulated in HCC tumors. The silencing of miR‐218‐5p or ectopic expression of DDX5 abated the tumor‐suppressive effect of TINCR knockdown in vitro. Furthermore, si‐TINCR‐induced inactivation of AKT signaling was rescued by suppression of miR‐218‐5p or overexpression of DDX5. Also, the silencing of TINCR resulted in tumor growth inhibition in vivo. In summary, knockdown of TINCR suppressed HCC progression presumably by inactivation of AKT signaling through targeting the miR‐218‐5p/DDX5 axis, suggesting a novel TINCR/miR‐218‐5p/DDX5 pathway and therapy target for HCC.
Cover Image, Volume 95, Issue 3
Authors: Guo Jianming , Huang Kaixuan , Zhang Shizhong , Xu Yong
Published: January 2020

The cover image is based on the Original Article Optimization of selective acidolysis pretreatment for the valorization of wheat straw by a combined chemical and enzymatic process by Yong Xu, Jianming Guo, Shizhong Zhang et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/jctb.6251.

image
Midwestern cropping system effects on drainage water quality and crop yields
Authors: Dougherty Brian W. , Pederson Carl H. , Mallarino Antonio P. , Andersen Daniel S. , Soupir Michelle L. , Kanwar Ramesh S. , Helmers Matthew J.
Published: January 2020

Grain producers are challenged to maximize crop production while utilizing nutrients efficiently and minimizing negative impacts on water quality. There is a particular concern about nutrient export to the Gulf of Mexico via loss from subsurface drainage systems. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of crop rotation, tillage, crop residue removal, swine manure applications, and cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crops on nitrate‐N (NO3‐N) and total reactive phosphorus (TRP) loss via subsurface drainage. The study was evaluated from 2008 through 2015 using 36 0.4‐ha plots outfitted with a subsurface drainage water quality monitoring system. Results showed that when swine manure was applied before both corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], drainage water had significantly higher 8‐yr‐average flow‐weighted NO3‐N concentrations compared with swine manure applied before corn only in a corn–soybean rotation. The lowest NO3‐N loss was 15.2 kg N ha−1 yr−1 from a no‐till corn–soybean treatment with rye cover crop and spring application of urea‐ammonium nitrate (UAN) to corn. The highest NO3‐N loss was 29.5 kg N ha−1 yr−1 from swine manure applied to both corn and soybean. A rye cover crop reduced NO3‐N loss, whereas tillage and residue management had little impact on NO3‐N loss. Losses of TRP averaged <32 g P ha−1 yr−1 from all treatments. Corn yield was negatively affected by both no‐till management and cereal rye cover crops. Results showed that cropping management affected N leaching but impacts on P leaching were minimal.
The efficient synthesis of 3‐[6‐(substituted)‐[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazol‐3‐yl]‐1H‐indazole
Authors: Raut Santosh , Hadi Abdul , Pathan Mohd Arif
Published: January 2020

This study presents an efficient synthesis of 3‐[6‐(substituted‐phenyl)‐[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4‐b][1,3,4] thiadiazol‐3‐yl]‐1H‐indazole via dehydrative condensation with cyclization of 4‐amino‐5‐(1H‐indazol‐3‐yl)‐4H‐[1,2,4]triazole‐3‐thiol and fluorinated or nonfluorinated carboxylic acids in presence of phosphorous oxychloride. The multistep reaction pathway proceeds through different compounds. Present synthesis has the advantages of easily accessible starting materials, convenient synthesis, simple reaction condition, wider substrate scope, and higher yield (75% to 90% isolated).
Synthesis of spiro(indoline‐3,1′‐pyrazolo[1,2‐a]pyrazoles) by 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions of isatin N,N′‐cyclic azomethine imines with alkynes
Authors: Shi Yang , Wang Gangqiang , Chen Zhiyu , Wu Minghu , Wang Jian , Trigoura Leslie , Guo Haibing , Xing Yalan , Sun Shaofa
Published: January 2020

1,3‐Dipolar cycloaddition of isatin N,N′‐cyclic azomethine imine catalyzed by CuCO3 has been developed. Structurally interesting heterocyclic spiro(indoline‐3,1′‐pyrazolo[1,2‐a]pyrazoles) have been synthesized as single regioisomers in good yields and high functional group compatibility.
αβ and γδ T cell receptors: Similar but different
Authors: Morath Anna , Schamel Wolfgang W.
Published: January 2020

There are 2 populations of T lymphocytes, αβ T and γδ T cells, that can be distinguished by the expression of either an αβ TCR or a γδ TCR, respectively. Pairing of the Ag binding heterodimer, which consists of TCR-α/TCR-β (TCRαβ) or TCR-γ/TCR-δ (TCRγδ), with proteins of the CD3 complex forms the complete αβ or γδ TCR. Despite some similarities in the structure of TCRαβ and TCRγδ and the shared subunits of the CD3 complex, the 2 receptors differ in important aspects. These include the assembly geometry of the complex, the glycosylation pattern, the plasma membrane organization, as well as the accessibility of signaling motifs in the CD3 intracellular tails. These differences are reflected in the different demands and outcomes of ligand-induced signaling. It was shown that exposure of the proline-rich sequence (PRS) in CD3ε occurs with all activating αβ TCR ligands and is required to induce αβ TCR signaling. In sharp contrast, CD3ε PRS exposure was not induced by binding of those ligands to the γδ TCR that have been studied. Further, signaling by the γδ TCR occurs independently of CD3ε PRS exposure. Interestingly, it can be enhanced by anti-CD3ε Ab-induced enforcement of CD3ε PRS exposure. This review contrasts these two similar, but different immune receptors.
Anti-inflammatory and metabolic reprogramming effects of MENK produce antitumor response in CT26 tumor-bearing mice
Authors: Tuo Yali , Zhang Zijun , Tian Cheng , Hu Qinyu , Xie Rui , Yang Jian , Zhou Hong , Lu Lili , Xiang Ming
Published: January 2020

Methionine enkephalin (MENK), an endogenous opioid peptide, has a role in nervous system, immune system, and anticancer therapy. Inflammation, metabolism and cancer are closely intertwined with each other. This study is to identify the correlation of the antitumor effects of MENK with systemic inflammation, liver metabolism, and immune cells as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). We established a subcutaneous CT26 colon carcinoma model and a cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressive model subjected to MENK. AML12 and MDSCs were used as in vitro models. The results showed that MENK treatment degraded tumor growth and inhibited proinflammatory cytokines both in tumor tissues and serum. The MENK-treated tumor mice showed normalized liver function with glycolipid metabolic homeostasis. No inhibitory effect on CT26 tumor cell in vitro, but only reduced lipid synthesis in AML12 were presented by MENK. Meanwhile, MENK invigorated immune response in both two animal models by markedly suppressing MDSCs and enhancing T cells response. In vitro MENK-treated MDSCs showed reduced glycolysis and less ROS production, which was mediated by PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone reversed most of the regulation. These results illustrate that MENK preventing development of colon carcinoma might be correlated with the suppression of inflammation, improving metabolism in liver as well as in MDSCs partly through opioid receptor, which brings new elements supporting the adjuvant therapy for tumor by MENK.
Updated understanding of the outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019‐nCoV) in Wuhan, China
Authors: Wang Weier , Tang Jianming , Wei Fangqiang
Published: January 2020

To help health workers and the public recognize and deal with the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019‐nCoV) quickly, effectively, and calmly with an updated understanding. A comprehensive search from Chinese and worldwide official websites and announcements was performed between 1 December 2019 and 9:30 am 26 January 2020 (Beijing time). A latest summary of 2019‐nCoV and the current outbreak was drawn. Up to 24 pm, 25 January 2020, a total of 1975 cases of 2019‐nCoV infection were confirmed in mainland China with a total of 56 deaths having occurred. The latest mortality was approximately 2.84% with a total of 2684 cases still suspected. The China National Health Commission reported the details of the first 17 deaths up to 24 pm, 22 January 2020. The deaths included 13 males and 4 females. The median age of the people who died was 75 (range 48‐89) years. Fever (64.7%) and cough (52.9%) were the most common first symptoms among those who died. The median number of days from the occurence of the first symptom to death was 14.0 (range 6‐41) days, and it tended to be shorter among people aged 70 years or more (11.5 [range 6‐19] days) than those aged less than 70 years (20 [range 10‐41] days; P = .033). The 2019‐nCoV infection is spreading and its incidence is increasing nationwide. The first deaths occurred mostly in elderly people, among whom the disease might progress faster. The public should still be cautious in dealing with the virus and pay more attention to protecting the elderly people from the virus.
The impact of north tropical Atlantic sea surface temperature anomalies in the ensuing spring of El Niño on the tropical Indian Ocean and Northwest Pacific
Authors: Ma Jing , He Weibang , Chen Zhehan , Fu Yihang , Yin Jiayue
Published: January 2020

Based on the fifth generation reanalysis of European Centre for Medium–Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), Hadley Centre sea ice and sea surface temperature data, and ENSEMLES hindcasts, the impact of north tropical Atlantic (NTA) sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the ensuing spring of El Niño on the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) and Northwest Pacific (NWP) is investigated using composites, singular value decomposition, and correlations. The anomalous SST warming in the NTA region in the decay spring of El Niño leads to a Gill‐type response of the overlying atmosphere in spring–summer. The Kelvin wave over the TIO stimulated by the NTA warming causes the anomalous easterlies in the regions of TIO and NWP, thereby the strengthening of the NWP subtropical anticyclone (NWPSA). The NTA SST warming also forces a local ascending motion, leading to a downward branch over the NWP region. This descent gives rise to the TIO‐NWP low‐level easterly anomalies and an intensification of the NWPSA. The anomalous easterly weakens the background southwesterly monsoon, accompanied by the increased atmospheric boundary layer specific humidity caused by the troposphere warming, suppressing upward latent heat fluxes, finally contributing to the North Indian Ocean (NIO) warming in summer. This indicates that the second warming of the NIO region in the following summer of El Niño may be partially attributed to the NTA warming in the ensuing spring of El Niño. This study improves our understanding of the impact of the NTA SST anomalies in the El Niño decay spring on the TIO and NWP regions, and emphasizes the importance of the NTA region in the pantropical inter‐basin interactions.
The application of ceragenins to orthopedic surgery and medicine
Authors: Dao Aiken , Mills Rebecca J. , Kamble Sumedh , Savage Paul B. , Little David G. , Schindeler Aaron
Published: January 2020

Osteomyelitis and infections associated with orthopedic implants represent a significant burden of disease worldwide. Ceragenins (CSAs) are a relatively new class of small‐molecule antimicrobials that target a broad range of Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria as well as fungi, viruses, and parasites. This review sets the context of the need for new antimicrobial strategies by cataloging the common pathogens associated with orthopedic infection and highlighting the increasing challenges of managing antibiotic‐resistant bacterial strains. It then comparatively describes the antimicrobial properties of CSAs with a focus on the CSA‐13 family. More recently developed members of this family such as CSA‐90 and CSA‐131 may have a particular advantage in an orthopedic setting as they possess secondary pro‐osteogenic properties. In this context, we consider several new preclinical studies that demonstrate the utility of CSAs in orthopedic models. Emerging evidence suggests that CSAs are effective against antibiotic‐resistantStaphylococcus aureusstrains and can prevent the formation of biofilms. There remains considerable scope for developing CSA‐based treatments, either as coatings for orthopedic implants or as local or systemic antibiotics to prevent bone infection.
To what extent did changes in temperature affect China's socioeconomic development from the Western Han Dynasty to the Five Dynasties period?
Authors: He Jia , Su Yun , Fang Xiuqi
Published: January 2020

Analysing the contribution of climate and non‐climate change factors to social development and the occurrence of historical events represents important research on the impact of climate change. This study identifies combinations of social subsystem indices affected by temperature changes using the conceptual framework of food security, a priori knowledge and logical reasoning to statistically analyse three 10‐year data series (grain harvest grades, famine indices and economic levels) from the Western Han Dynasty to the Five Dynasties period of ancient China (210 bc to 960 ad). The results are as follows. For 94 of the 118 decades in the study period, social development was relatively directly related to temperature effects. On a decadal scale, against a cold background, grain production was closely related to temperature conditions in 40.7% of all decades. Economic prosperity and depressions in 5.1 and 21.2% of these decades, respectively, were directly related to temperature effects. Against a warm background, grain production was closely related to temperature conditions in 39% of all decades. Economic prosperity and depressions in 22 and 8.5% of these decades, respectively, were directly related to the temperature effects. The century and decadal‐scale characteristics were the same. Specifically, when mostly negative combinations of natural–socioeconomic factors dominated, the proportion of decades was slightly higher in cold than in warm periods. This case study enables a scientific understanding of the effect of changes in mean climate values/trends on social development and further demonstrates the different effects of the climate change process and mechanism. Climate cooling and warming may bring more positive than negative impacts in some regions and more negative than positive impacts in others. Complex feedback may amplify or reduce the impact of climate cooling and warming. Climate that evolves unfavourably has an impact more strongly correlated with the socioeconomic system's vulnerability and adaptability. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formation of a protective layer against corrosion on Mg alloy via alkali pretreatment followed by vanillic acid treatment
Authors: Li Sheng , Yi Laihua , Liu Tongfang , Deng Hao , Ji Bo , Zhang Kun , Zhou Lihong
Published: January 2020

Although Mg alloy possesses high specific strength, low density, and good biocompatibility, poor corrosion resistance hinders its further applications. In the present study, an innovative protective layer against corrosion was prepared on the AZ31 Mg alloy via alkali pretreatment followed by vanillic acid treatment. The alkali pretreatment supplied –OH for the AZ31 Mg alloy surface to react with vanillic acid. The vanillic acid treatment played a crucial role in enhancing the corrosion resistance due to the excellent ability to act as a barrier and retard aqueous solution penetration, which effectively isolated the underlying Mg alloy from the corrosive environment. The corrosion current density of alkali and vanillic acid‐treated Mg alloy (AZ31V) almost showed two orders of magnitude lower values in comparison with that of the AZ31 Mg alloy, and the corrosion potential of AZ31V Mg alloy increased from −1.41 to −1.25 V. The immersion tests proved that there was no occurrence of severe corrosion. Hence, the alkali pretreatment and vanillic acid treatment may represent a promising method to improve the corrosion resistance of Mg alloy.
Evolution of Reaction‐Induced Phase Segregations in Bi‐Soft Segment Urethane Oligomers
Authors: Wenning Christian , Schmidt Annette M. , Leimenstoll Marc C.
Published: January 2020

Oligomeric bi‐soft segment isocyanate‐terminated polyurethanes (ITPUs) are semi‐finished goods crucial for the fabrication of various polyurethane (PU) products such as foams, thermoplastics, adhesives, dispersions, and elastomers. Incompatibilities and thus phase segregation phenomena play an essential role in tailoring the properties of the final products. In this work, the evolution of reaction‐induced phase segregation (RIPS) in ITPUs is explored in terms of composition and morphology of the phase segregated products as well as competing second order kinetics of the reaction. The results suggest that mechanism and extent of the phase segregation are thermodynamically controlled following the ternary phase diagram of the reactants. A comprehensive description of the phase behavior during the reaction is provided demonstrating excellent control over the morphology of ITPUs by means of appropriate adjustment of the initial reactant composition. These results are fundamental for tailored morphology design as it is employed for instance in membrane synthesis.
LncRNA HOTAIR promotes the invasion and metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma through metastasis‐associated gene 2
Authors: Tao Detao , Zhang Zhenxing , Liu Xue , Zhang Ziwen , Fu Yu , Zhang Ping , Yuan Hua , Liu Laikui , Cheng Jie , Jiang Hongbing
Published: January 2020

Despite therapeutic advancements, there has been little improvement in the survival status of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). HOX antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) has been shown to be dysregulated in several cancer types. However, the roles of HOTAIR in OSCC remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the association of HOTAIR expression with clinicopathological features in OSCC patients and the crucial roles of HOTAIR in the modulation of tumor progression. Our results showed that HOTAIR was highly expressed both in OSCC tissue samples and cell lines compared with corresponding normal oral mucosa tissues and human oral keratinocytes. Its overexpression was positively correlated with TNM (tumor‐node‐metastases) stage, histological grade, and regional lymph node metastasis. The knockdown of HOTAIR by short hairpin RNA significantly decreased the migration, invasion, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition of OSCC cells in vitro. Moreover, there was a negative correlation between HOTAIR and microRNA‐326 expression in OSCC tissue samples and cell lines. Luciferase reporter and loss‐of‐function assays revealed that HOTAIR acted as a competitive endogenous RNA effectively sponging miR‐326, thereby regulating the derepression of metastasis‐associated gene 2 (MTA2). Finally, the expression and clinical significance of MTA2 were analyzed in another cohort of OSCC tissue samples. High MTA2 expression was significantly correlated with clinicopathological features of advanced OSCC and poor prognosis for patients with OSCC. Collectively, HOTAIR overexpression promoted the progression of OSCC. The HOTAIR–miR‐326‐MTA2 axis may contribute to a better understanding of OSCC pathogenesis and be a potential therapeutic target for OSCC.
Multi‐Omics Analysis of the Effects of Egg Ovotransferrin on the Gut Environment in Mice: Mucosal Gene Expression, Microbiota Composition, and Intestinal Structural Homeostasis
Authors: Zhang Qinjun , Tan Wen , Yang Lu , Lu Mei , Dong Shijian , Liu Xuebo , Duan Xiang
Published: January 2020

Scope

Egg ovotransferrin (OVT) is considered a functional food ingredient for its various bioactivities. The objective of this work is to explore the potential biological activity of OVT on the gut health.

Methods and results

Both young (3 week old) and adult (8 week old) mouse models are utilized in this research. Each group receives a standard diet containing either OVT (experimental group) or distilled water (control group) for a 14 day period. Transcriptome and 16S rDNA sequencing analyses are applied to characterize the gene expression in colonic epithelial cells and gut microbiota composition. In the young groups, OVT suppresses the genes correlated with lipid metabolism and signal transduction. The regulated genes in the adult groups encompass various biological processes, including lipid metabolism, signal transduction, endocrine system, and others. OVT increases the proportion of some beneficial bacteria significantly, especially Akkermansia, and inhibits some harmful bacteria. Furthermore, OVT affects mucosal morphology positively via increasing the crypt depth. OVT also increases the expression of tight junction protein occludin by 3.0‐ and 5.2‐folds in young and adult groups, respectively.

Conclusion

OVT exhibits some beneficial effects on the gut environment. These positive findings provide new insight into the understanding of OVT as an excellent functional ingredient.
Reversible 3D compression of segmented medical volumes: usability analysis for teleradiology and storage
Authors: Aldemir Erdoğan , Gezer Naciye Sinem , Tohumoglu Gulay , Barış Mustafa , Kavur A. Emre , Dicle Oguz , Selver M. Alper
Published: January 2020

Background

DICOM standard does not have modules that provide the possibilities of two‐dimensional Presentation States to three‐dimensional (3D). Once the final 3D rendering is obtained, only video/image exporting or snapshots can be used. To increase the utility of 3D Presentation States in clinical practice and teleradiology, the storing and transferring the segmentation results, obtained after tedious procedures, can be very effective.

Purpose

To propose a strategy for preserving interaction and mobility of visualizations for teleradiology by storing and transferring only binary segmented data, which is effectively compressed by modern adaptive and context‐based reversible methods.

Material and Methods

A diverse set of segmented data, which include four abdominal organs (liver, spleen, right, and left kidneys) from 20 T1‐DUAL and 20 T2‐SPIR MRI, liver from 20 CT, and abdominal aorta with aneurysms (AAA) from 19 computed tomography‐angiography datasets, are collected. Each organ is segmented manually by expert physicians, and binary volumes are created. The well‐established reversible binary compression methods PNG, JPEG‐LS, JPEG‐XR, CCITT‐G4, LZW, JBIG2, and ZIP are applied to medical datasets. Recently proposed context‐based (3D‐RLE) and adaptive (ABIC) algorithms are also employed. The performance assessment has been presented in terms of the compression ratio that is a universal compression metric.

Results

Reversible compression of binary volumes results with substantial decreases in file size such as 254 to 2.14 MB for CT‐AAA, 56.7 to 0.3 MB for CT‐liver. Moreover, compared to the performance of well‐established methods (i.e., mean 76.14%), CR is observed to be increased significantly for all segmented organs from both CT and MRI datasets when ABIC (95.49%) and 3D‐RLE (94.98%) are utilized. The hypothesis is that morphological coherence of scanning procedure and adaptation between the segmented organs, that is, bi‐level images, contributes to compression performance. Although the performance of well‐established techniques is satisfactory, the sensitivity of ABIC to modality type and the advantage of 3D‐RLE when the spatial coherence between the adjacent slices are high results with up to 10 times more CR performance.

Conclusion

Adaptive and context‐based compression strategies allow effective storage and transfer of segmented binary data, which can be used to re‐produce visualizations for better teleradiology practices preserving all interaction mechanisms.
Improved L2 and H1 error estimates for the Hessian discretization method
Authors: Shylaja Devika
Published: January 2020

The Hessian discretization method (HDM) for fourth‐order linear elliptic equations provides a unified convergence analysis framework based on three properties namely coercivity, consistency, and limit‐conformity. Some examples that fit in this approach include conforming and nonconforming finite element methods (ncFEMs), finite volume methods (FVMs) and methods based on gradient recovery operators. A generic error estimate has been established in L2, H1, and H2‐like norms in literature. In this paper, we establish improved L2 and H1 error estimates in the framework of HDM and illustrate it on various schemes. Since an improved L2 estimate is not expected in general for FVM, a modified FVM is designed by changing the quadrature of the source term and a superconvergence result is proved for this modified FVM. In addition to the Adini ncFEM, in this paper, we show that the Morley ncFEM is an example of HDM. Numerical results that justify the theoretical results are also presented.
Diagnostic challenges for a novel SH2D1A mutation associated with X‐linked lymphoproliferative disease
Authors: Torralba‐Raga Lamberto , Tesi Bianca , Chiang Samuel C. C. , Schlums Heinrich , Nordenskjöld Magnus , Horne AnnaCarin , Henter Jan‐Inge , Meeths Marie , Abdelhaleem Mohamed , Weitzman Sheila , Bryceson Yenan
Published: January 2020

Mutations in SH2D1A, encoding the intracellular adaptor signaling lymphocyte activation molecule associated protein (SAP), are associated with X‐linked lymphoproliferative disease type 1 (XLP1). We identified a novel hemizygous SH2D1A c.49G > A (p.E17K) variant in a 21‐year‐old patient with fatal Epstein‐Barr virus infection–associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Cellular and biochemical assays revealed normal expression of the SAP variant protein, yet binding to phosphorylated CD244 receptor was reduced by >95%. Three healthy brothers carried the SH2D1A c.49G > A variant. Thus, data suggest that this variant represents a pathogenic mutation, but with variable expressivity. Importantly, our results highlight challenges in the clinical interpretation of SH2D1A variants and caution in using functional flow cytometry assays for the diagnosis of XLP1.
Feasibility and agreement of including anterior‐posterior complexes and landmarks of the proximal hemisphere into basic examination of the fetal brain: A prospective study
Authors: Hormazabal Lorena , Correa Flavia , Escribano David , Quiroz Gabriel , Saint‐Jean Constanza , Espinel Andrea , Diaz Linder , Zambrano Belkys , Galindo Alberto , Viñals Fernando
Published: January 2020

Objective

To assess the feasibility of identifying structures included in anterior complex (AC) and posterior complex (PC), as well as a series of anatomic landmarks that could help to demonstrate the integrity of the cerebral proximal hemisphere (PH).

Methods

This was a prospective observational multicenter study of healthy pregnant women attending routine ultrasound screening at 20 + 0 to 33 + 6 weeks' gestation. Six physicians performed transabdominal (TA) ultrasound, in order to obtain the planes required to visualize the AC, PC, and PH. Blind analysis by a nonexpert and two experts in fetal neurosonography was used to assess the structures included in each plane view.

Results

In the population studied (n = 747), detection of the structure rates for AC, PC, and proximal hemisphere was of 94%, 93%, and 96%, respectively, with an agreement of 97%, 94%, and 98% when comparing an expert and a nonexpert in fetal brain examiner. Detection of structures in the proximal hemisphere was significantly higher when observed through the proximal hemisphere plane rather than the transventricular plane.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that inclusion of AC and PC complexes visualization, as well as real‐time access to the proximal hemisphere, is feasible and could improve the prenatal detection of fetal cerebral anomalies.
Rapid prenatal diagnosis of skeletal dysplasia using medical trio exome sequencing: Benefit for prenatal counseling and pregnancy management
Authors: Han Jin , Yang Yan‐Dong , He Yi , Liu Wen‐Jie , Zhen Li , Pan Min , Yang Xin , Zhang Victor Wei , Liao Can , Li Dong‐Zhi
Published: January 2020

Objective

The aim of this study is to explore the utility of rapid medical trio exome sequencing (ES) for prenatal diagnosis using the skeletal dysplasia as an exemplar.

Method

Pregnant women who were referred for genetic testing because of ultrasound detection of fetal abnormalities suggestive of a skeletal dysplasia were identified prospectively. Fetal samples (amniocytes or cord blood), along with parental blood, were send for rapid copy number variations testing and medical trio ES in parallel.

Results

Definitive molecular diagnosis was made in 24/27 (88.9%) cases. Chromosomal abnormality (partial trisomy 18) was detected in one case. Sequencing results had explained the prenatal phenotype enabling definitive diagnoses to be made in 23 cases. There were 16 de novo dominant pathogenic variants, four dominant pathogenic variants inherited maternally or paternally, two recessive conditions with pathogenic variants inherited from unaffected parents, and one X‐linked condition. The turnaround time from receipt of samples in the laboratory to reporting sequencing results was within 2 weeks.

Conclusion

Medical trio ES can yield very timely and high diagnostic rates in fetuses presenting with suspected skeletal dysplasia. These definite diagnoses aided parental counseling and decision making in most of cases.
Development and Characterization of Palm Flower Carbon Reinforced DOPO‐Urea Diamine Based Cardanol Benzoxazine‐Epoxy Hybrid Composites
Authors: Selvaraj Vaithilingam , Raghavarshini Thangavel Ravivarman , Alagar Muthukaruppan
Published: January 2020

In the present work, amine‐functionalized palm flower carbon (f‐PFC)‐reinforced 9, 10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐urea diamine‐based cardanol benzoxazine‐epoxy hybrid (DUDCBz‐EP) composites have been developed and characterized. Differential scanning calorimeter analysis indicate that the amine‐functionalized palm flower carbon‐reinforced cardanol‐benzoxazine/epoxy (f‐PFC/DUDCBz‐EP) hybrid composites possess the higher values of glass‐transition temperature (Tg) than that of hybrid matrix (DUDCBz‐EP). Results from TGA infer that the PFC reinforcement significantly improves thermal stability and char yield according to the percentage weight. Morphological studies ascertain the amorphous structure and uniform as well as homogeneous dispersion of PFC reinforcement in the hybrid matrix. Contact angle measurements indicate that both the hybrid matrix and composites developed in the present work possess hydrophobic behavior. Data obtained from corrosion studies infer that the hybrid matrix as well as hybrid composites exhibit significant corrosion‐resistant behavior toward the surface of the steel specimen due to inherent characteristics of both benzoxazine and epoxy matrix, in addition to amine‐functionalized PFC. The results obtained from different studies, it is suggested that these hybrid matrix possess significantly improved properties and can be exploited for high‐performance cost competitive coatings for different industrial applications including protection of steel surfaces from corrosion. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:732–739, 2020. © 2020 Society of Plastics Engineers