bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns and predictors of self‐reported clinical diagnosis and treatment for depression in prostate cancer survivors
Authors: Erim Daniel O. , Bensen Jeannette T. , Mohler James L. , Fontham Elizabeth T. H. , Song Lixin , Farnan Laura , Delacroix Scott E. , Peters Edward S. , Erim Theodora N. , Chen Ronald C. , Gaynes Bradley N.
Published: May 2019

Background

Appropriate depression care is a cancer‐care priority. However, many cancer survivors live with undiagnosed and untreated depression. Prostate cancer survivors may be particularly vulnerable, but little is known about their access to depression care. The goal of this study was to describe patterns and predictors of clinical diagnosis and treatment of depression in prostate cancer survivors.

Methods

Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate indicators of self‐reported clinical diagnosis and treatment depression as a function of individual‐level characteristics within a longitudinal dataset. The data were from a population‐based cohort of North Carolinian prostate cancer survivors who were enrolled from 2004 to 2007 on the North Carolina‐Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project (N = 1,031), and prospectively followed annually from 2008 to 2011 on the Health Care Access and Prostate Cancer Treatment in North Carolina (N = 805).

Results

The average rate of self‐reported clinical diagnosis of depression was 44% (95% CI: 39%‐49%), which declined from 60% to 40% between prostate cancer diagnosis and 5‐7 years later. Factors associated with lower odds of self‐reported clinical diagnosis of depression include African‐American race, employment, age at enrollment, low education, infrequent primary care visits, and living with a prostate cancer diagnosis for more than 2 years. The average rate of self‐reported depression treatment was 62% (95% CI: 55%‐69%). Factors associated with lower odds of self‐reported depression treatment included employment and living with a prostate cancer diagnosis for 2 or more years.

Conclusion

Prostate cancer survivors experience barriers when in need of depression care.
Stilbene Glycoside Oligomers from the Roots of Polygonum multiflorum
Authors: Li Shuo‐Guo , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Zhong Yuan‐Lin , Li Man‐Mei , Li Yao‐Lan , Wang Ying , Ye Wen‐Cai
Published: May 2019

Five new trans‐2,3,5,4′‐tetrahydroxystilbene 2‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (TSG)‐based stilbene glycoside oligomers (1–5) were isolated from the roots of Polygonum multiflorum. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses and chemical evidences. The absolute configurations of 1, 2, 4, and 5 were established by quantum‐chemical electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Putative biosynthetic pathways of 1–5 were proposed using TSG as the key precursor. In addition, compounds 1 (multiflorumiside H) and 3 (multiflorumiside J) exhibited moderate inhibitory activities against NO production in LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells.
Ag/ZrO2/MWCNT Nanocomposite as Non‐Platinum Electrocatalysts for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Meng Alan , Lin Liguang , Yuan Xiangcheng , Shen Tong , Li Zhenjiang , Li Qingdang
Published: May 2019

Although the development of non‐platinum electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has made some satisfactory progress, it is still a challenge to get a non‐platinum catalyst with higher activity and better stability. In this study, a novel non‐platinum catalyst composed of silver (Ag) nanoparticles and zirconia (ZrO2) coated on the multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) catalyst (denoted as Ag/ZrO2/MWCNTs) is obtained by simple hydrothermal and photochemical methods. This catalyst shows more positive onset potential of 0.97 V (vs RHE), higher limiting current density of 6.4 mA cm−2 and lower H2O2 yield of 3.9 % than that of commercial platinum‐carbon (Pt/C) catalyst (0.93 V, 6.0 mA cm−2 and 4.8 % obtained from our test results). Electrochemical tests also show that ORR follows a four‐electron pathway. Moreover, the long‐term stability and methanol tolerance are also better compared with Pt/C. The results of theoretical calculations and the characterizations reveal that the enhanced ORR performance is attributed to the robust skeleton of MWCNTs benefitting for the uniform growth of ZrO2 and the improved conductivity of the catalyst, and the enhanced ability of Ag for O2 adsorption and OH desorption by the introduction of ZrO2. This work may serve as a reference to design and prepare the composite electrocatalysts with the high ORR performance.
The Role of Brønsted and Water‐Tolerant Lewis Acid Sites in the Cascade Aqueous‐Phase Reaction of Triose to Lactic Acid
Authors: Santos Kryslaine M. A. , Albuquerque Elise M. , Innocenti Giada , Borges Luiz E. P. , Sievers Carsten , Fraga Marco A.
Published: May 2019

Aqueous‐phase conversion of glyceraldehyde to lactic acid was investigated over Nb2O5, TiO2, ZrO2 and SnO2 in a fixed‐bed up‐flow reactor. Special attention was given to the catalysts acidity regarding the type, amount, strength and tolerance to water of surface acid sites. These sites were assessed by infrared spectroscopy of pyridine adsorbed on dehydrated and hydrated catalysts as well as by isopropanol decomposition. It was found that Nb2O5 and TiO2 have the highest fraction of water‐tolerant Lewis acid sites (40 and 47 %), while only 6 % was estimated for ZrO2. No relevant Lewis acidity was observed on SnO2, but it was noticed the presence of strong base sites. The transformation of glyceraldehyde into lactic acid proceeded via a cascade reaction in which glyceraldehyde is firstly dehydrated to pyruvaldehyde, followed by its rearrangement to lactic acid with the addition of a water molecule. The dehydration step occurs on Brønsted acid sites and/or on water‐tolerant Lewis acid sites. These latter sites also determine the selectivity to lactic acid. Strong base sites promote glyceraldehyde fragmentation leading to formaldehyde with high selectivity.
Mechanochemical Copper‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Michael‐Type Friedel–Crafts Alkylation of Indoles with Arylidene Malonates
Authors: Staleva Plamena , Hernández José G. , Bolm Carsten
Published: May 2019

A mechanochemical version of the asymmetric Michael‐type Friedel–Crafts alkylation of indoles with arylidene malonates was developed. The reaction proceeds under ambient atmosphere using a chiral bis(oxazoline)copper catalyst in a mixer mill. Under these reaction conditions nineteen 3‐substituted indole derivatives were synthesized in good to excellent yields (up to 98 %), and with good enantioselectivities (up to 91:9 e.r.) after short milling times.
Substitution of barium hydroxide in the endothermic reaction by citric acid and sodium carbonate decahydrate
Authors: Kühmstedt Joachim
Published: May 2019

Die bekannte endotherme Reaktion von Bariumhydroxid mit Ammoniumthiocyanat kann durch die Reaktion von Zitronensäure mit Natriumcarbonat‐Decahydrat ersetzt werden. Durch die beschriebenen Maßnahmen ist es möglich, eine Temperaturdegression von knapp 40 K zu erreichen, was sogar genügt, um das Reaktionsgefäß auf einer isolierenden Unterlage festzufrieren. Somit kann eine Schwermetallverbindung durch relativ ungefährliche Substanzen mit größerem Alltagsbezug substituiert werden. Der Versuch ist sowohl im Zusammenhang der Energieänderung im einführenden Unterricht als auch im Kontext der Entropie in der Oberstufe einsetzbar.
Anticoagulation in chronic kidney disease: from guidelines to clinical practice
Authors: Aursulesei Viviana , Costache Irina Iuliana
Published: May 2019

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major global public health problem, being closely connected to cardiovascular disease. CKD involves an elevated thromboembolic risk and requires anticoagulation, but the high rates of hemorrhage render it quite challenging.

Hypothesis

There are no consensus recommendations regarding anticoagulation in CKD. Due to the currently limited data, clinicians need practical clues for monitoring and optimizing the treatment.

Methods

Based on the available data, this review outlines the benefit‐risk ratio of all types of anticoagulants in each stage of CKD and provides practical recommendations for accurate dosage adjustment, reversal of antithrombotic effect, and monitoring of renal function on a regular basis.

Results

Evidence from randomized controlled trials supports the efficient and safe use of warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in mild and moderate CKD. On the contrary, the data are poor and controversial for advanced stages. DOACs are preferred in CKD stages 1 to 3. In patients with stage 4 CKD, the choice of warfarin vs DOACs will take into consideration the pharmacokinetics of the drugs and patient characteristics. Warfarin remains the first‐line treatment in end‐stage renal disease, although in this case the decision to use or not to use anticoagulation is strictly individualized. Anticoagulation with heparins is safe in nondialysis‐dependent CKD, but remains a challenge in the hemodialysis patients.

Conclusions

Although there is a need for cardiorenal consensus regarding anticoagulation in CKD, adequate selection of the anticoagulant type and careful monitoring are some extremely useful indications for overcoming management challenges.
Cancer survivors’ access to care and quality of life: Do sexual minorities fare worse than heterosexuals?
Authors: Boehmer Ulrike , Gereige Jessica , Winter Michael , Ozonoff Al
Published: May 2019

Background

Adults with poor access to care are known to have worse quality of life (QOL). The purpose of the current study was to determine differences in cancer survivors’ access to care by sexual orientation and to examine the association between access to care and QOL.

Methods

The current secondary data analysis used 4 years of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data regarding adult men and women who self‐reported a history of cancer. Among the 70,524 cancer survivors, a total of 1931 self‐identified as sexual minorities, defined as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or other nonheterosexual orientation.

Results

Sexual minority women had significantly more access deficits compared with heterosexual women (42.7% vs 28.0%; P < .0001), whereas men of different sexual orientations had similar access to care. Among sexual minority women, those with access deficits had higher odds of poor physical QOL compared with heterosexual women (odds ratio [OR], 2.0 [95% CI, 1.2‐3.4] vs OR, 1.3 [95% CI, 1.2‐1.5]), poor mental QOL (OR, 1.8 [95% CI, 1.1‐3.1] vs OR, 1.5 [95% CI, 1.3‐1.7]), and difficulties concentrating (OR, 2.0 [95% CI, 1.2‐3.5] vs OR, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.4‐1.9]). Sexual minority men with access deficits had greater odds of difficulty concentrating compared with heterosexual men (OR, 4.3 [95% CI, 2.0‐9.3] vs OR, 1.5 [95% CI, 1.2‐1.9]). Among men, sexual minority status increased the odds of poor mental QOL (OR, 1.49 [95% CI, 1.11‐2.01]).

Conclusions

Access to care among sexual minority cancer survivors needs improvement. Sexual minority women should be a focus of future research because their poor access to care more strongly relates to worse QOL.
2D Elemental Nanomaterials Beyond Graphene
Authors: Vishnoi Pratap , Pramoda K. , Rao C. N. R.
Published: May 2019

Graphene is a well‐known 2D material with potential applications. In recent years, 2D materials of other elements have come to the fore. These are borophene in group III, silicene, germanene and stanene in group IV and phosphorene, arsenene, antimonene and bismuthene in group V. In this article, we discuss the synthesis, structure and properties of the elemental 2D materials beyond graphene. Of the various elemental 2D materials, borophene, silicene and phosphorene are interesting in terms of stability and properties leading to possible applications. We have described potential applications of other 2D materials as well.
Thiaboranes on Both Sides of the Icosahedral Barrier: Retaining and Breaking the Barrier with Carbon Functionalities
Authors: Holub Josef , Vrána Jan , Růžička Aleš , Růžičková Zdeňka , Fanfrlík Jindřich , Hnyk Drahomír
Published: May 2019

The concept of icosahedral barrier has been expanded from the chemistry of carbaboranes to the area of thiaboranes. Both representatives of this barrier, i. e., closo‐1,2‐C2B10H12 and closo‐1‐SB11H11, are similar in their electron distribution, which is dominated by positive charge in the midpoint of the C−C vector and on the sulfur atom with experimentally determined dipole moments of 4.50 D and 3.64 D, respectively. This is a driving force for their reactivity as exemplified by their reactions with different carbon functionalities. Icosahedral closo‐1‐SB11H11 reacts both with an electron sextet containing carbon (in the form of N‐heterocyclic carbenes), reported earlier, and with methyl iodide with an electron octet on the carbon. The latter reaction provides hexamethylated thiaborane on the basis of methylation so far unknown in this area of heteroborane chemistry. The computations of the heat of formation (ΔHf298) make it possible to estimate the height of the barrier as well as to propose closo‐thiaboranes beyond the barrier. Eleven and twelve vertex thiaboranes with nido electron count are known experimentally for breaking the barrier. These computations also suggest that the larger nido‐thiaboranes are promising candidates for the corresponding experimental availability, i. e., the ΔHf298 of a 13‐vertex nido‐thiaborane cluster has been computed to be more negative than that of the well‐known nido‐SB10H11− cluster (−6.7 and −5.6 kcal mol−1 per vertex, respectively).
Insights into Ionic Liquid/Aromatic Systems from NMR Spectroscopy: How Water Affects Solubility and Intermolecular Interactions
Authors: Delgado‐Mellado Noemí , García Julián , Rodríguez Francisco , Rogers Robin D.
Published: May 2019

Hydrocarbon solubility and chemical interactions in ten imidazolium‐ and pyridinium‐based ionic liquids (ILs) with four different anions (thiocyanate [SCN]−, dicyanamide [DCA]−, tricyanomethanide [TCM]−, and bis(trifuoromethylsulfonyl)imide [NTf2]−) have been studied by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The anion structure has the main influence on the anion–aromatic chemical interaction strength; it is directly correlated to the NMR chemical shift deviations but not to the hydrocarbon solubility. The [TCM]− anion shows the largest chemical shift deviations, but the [NTf2]− anion has the highest hydrocarbon solubility due to steric effects. Higher water contents decrease the hydrocarbon solubility in ILs. Ion‐water solvation mainly occurs until 1 molwater/molIL with the saturation limit at 10 molwater/molIL. Toluene‐ion interactions are stronger than water–ion interactions in [DCA]− and [TCM]−‐based ILs, but they have a similar or even lower strength in [SCN]−‐based ILs.
Don't isolate yourself in the decision‐making role
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: May 2019

The numerous interactions Elizabeth Dooley, Ph.D., has had with students, faculty, researchers, and community leaders during a 30‐year career in higher education prepared her well for her experiences since being appointed provost at the University of Central Florida last October. But Dooley never would claim to have an answer to every scenario that might arise, and she carries a message of inclusiveness to others who are new to the provost's role.
Disability as identity: Rhetoric or practice?
Authors: LoGiudice Joseph A.
Published: May 2019

I was invited to interview for a student disability services director position at an Ivy League institution; the invitation arrived in my LinkedIn requesting that I submit my materials for this respective job because of my professional experience and scholarship on disability. Of course, I was flattered by the offer but had mixed emotions about whether it was time for me to move on from my current post at the City College of New York.
High vs. low oxygen therapy in patients with acute heart failure: HiLo‐HF pilot trial
Authors: Sepehrvand Nariman , Alemayehu Wendimagegn , Rowe Brian H. , McAlister Finlay A. , van Diepen Sean , Stickland Michael , Ezekowitz Justin A.
Published: May 2019

Aims

Most patients with acute heart failure (AHF) are treated with supplemental oxygen during hospitalization. In this study, we investigated the effect of oxygen titrated to high vs. low pulse oximetry targets in patients hospitalized with AHF.

Methods and results

In a pilot, open‐label randomized controlled trial (RCT), 50 patients who were admitted with AHF were randomized to either high (≥96%) or low (90–92%) SpO2 targets. Oxygen was manually titrated to the assigned target ranges for 72 h. The primary endpoint was the change in N‐terminal pro‐brain‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) from randomization to 72 h, and secondary endpoints included patient‐reported dyspnoea by visual analogue scale (VAS), patient global assessment (PGA), peak expiratory flow (PEF) within 72 h, and clinical outcomes up to 30 days following hospital discharge. The median age was 73.5 years, and 42% were women. The change in NT‐proBNP was −6963 (−13 345, −1253) pg/mL in the high SpO2 group and −2093 (−5692, −353) pg/mL in the low SpO2 group (P = 0.46), and the 72 h to baseline NT‐proBNP ratio was similar between groups (0.7 vs. 0.6, P = 0.51). There were no differences between arms in change in dyspnoea VAS (P = 0.86), PGA (P = 0.91), PEF (P = 0.52), in‐hospital mortality (4.0% vs. 8.0%, P = 0.50), or 30 day heart failure readmission rates (20.8% vs. 8.7%, P = 0.22).

Conclusions

In this study, no differences were observed in the primary or secondary outcomes for patients randomized to high vs. low SpO2 targets. Further RCTs with larger sample sizes are warranted to determine the efficacy and safety of oxygen therapy in patients with AHF.
Spirofluorene‐Cored Difluoroboron β‐Diketonate Complexes with Terminal Carbazole: Synthesis, Self‐Assembling, and Fluorescent Sensory Properties
Authors: Zhai Lu , Shu Yuanhong , Sun Jingbo , Sun Meng , Song Yingying , Lu Ran
Published: May 2019

Spirofluorene‐cored bis(difluoroboron β‐diketonate) complexes bearing terminal carbazoles (CbzBSF) and tert‐butylcarbazoles (TCbzBSF) have been synthesized. It was found that only TCbzBSF could form organogels in cyclohexane and methylcyclohexane, suggesting that tert‐butylcarbazole was essential for its organogelation directed by weak π–π interactions. It is worth noting that TCbzBSF could entrap ca. 5800 molecules of methylcyclohexane per gelator molecule, so this fully conjugated complex without traditional gelation group could be considered as a supergelator. The gained organogel showed reversible thixotropic and temperature‐dependent sol‐gel transitions. In particular, the orange red fluorescence of the xerogel‐based film of TCbzBSF could be quenched when exposed to gaseous aromatic amines of aniline, N‐methylaniline, and N,N‐dimethylaniline. The detection limit for aniline vapor of the xerogel‐based film was as low as 0.56 ppb.
Create a healthy, happy work environment with simple changes
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: May 2019

LOS ANGELES — You don't want to make your workplace a place of stress that mitigates the good being done at your institution. In a session at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers annual conference, Tammy Aagard, associate vice president for enrollment management at the University of Florida; and Shelley Dodd, director of admissions at the University of Wyoming, shared practical strategies for reducing the friction and pain points in your office, helping workers navigate the workplace more efficiently, and creating an enthusiastic office environment.
Rapid Assessment for Identifying Species of Greatest Conservation Need: Towards a Unified Approach
Authors: Faucheux Nicky M H , Craig Cody A , Bonner Timothy H
Published: May 2019

Identification of imperiled species ranges from rapid, qualitative, expert opinion-based assessments to time-intensive, quantitative assessments. The purpose of our study was to develop a methodology to rapidly quantify species of greatest conservation need by incorporating the concepts of resiliency, redundancy, and representation, which are used by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to identify imperiled species. We compiled records of species occurrences (a measure of redundancy), commonality (a measure of representation), and reported absences (a measure of resiliency) for 50 species of fish within three ecoregions of the southwestern USA. We used multivariate analysis to describe interrelationships among reach, drainage, and region occurrences; percent rare occurrences; and percent absent among reaches. Weighted summations of species scores for principal component axes I and II were sorted from least (i.e., towards low redundancy, representation, and resiliency) to greatest, and species were ranked. With a few limitations, our methodology provided a revisable, documented, and transparent approach to aid in the identification of species of greatest conservation need.
Fetal cortical surface atlas parcellation based on growth patterns
Authors: Xia Jing , Wang Fan , Benkarim Oualid M. , Sanroma Gerard , Piella Gemma , González Ballester Miguel A. , Hahner Nadine , Eixarch Elisenda , Zhang Caiming , Shen Dinggang , Li Gang
Published: May 2019

Defining anatomically and functionally meaningful parcellation maps on cortical surface atlases is of great importance in surface‐based neuroimaging analysis. The conventional cortical parcellation maps are typically defined based on anatomical cortical folding landmarks in adult surface atlases. However, they are not suitable for fetal brain studies, due to dramatic differences in brain size, shape, and properties between adults and fetuses. To address this issue, we propose a novel data‐driven method for parcellation of fetal cortical surface atlases into distinct regions based on the dynamic “growth patterns” of cortical properties (e.g., surface area) from a population of fetuses. Our motivation is that the growth patterns of cortical properties indicate the underlying rapid changes of microstructures, which determine the molecular and functional principles of the cortex. Thus, growth patterns are well suitable for defining distinct cortical regions in development, structure, and function. To comprehensively capture the similarities of cortical growth patterns among vertices, we construct two complementary similarity matrices. One is directly based on the growth trajectories of vertices, and the other is based on the correlation profiles of vertices' growth trajectories in relation to a set of reference points. Then, we nonlinearly fuse these two similarity matrices into a single one, which can better capture both their common and complementary information than by simply averaging them. Finally, based on this fused similarity matrix, we perform spectral clustering to divide the fetal cortical surface atlases into distinct regions. By applying our method on 25 normal fetuses from 26 to 29 gestational weeks, we construct age‐specific fetal cortical surface atlases equipped with biologically meaningful parcellation maps based on cortical growth patterns. Importantly, our generated parcellation maps reveal spatially contiguous, hierarchical and bilaterally relatively symmetric patterns of fetal cortical surface development.
Clinical and functional outcomes after total laryngectomy and laryngopharyngectomy: Analysis by tumor subsite, salvage status, and extent of resection
Authors: Perdoni Christopher J. , Santarelli Griffin D. , Koo Elliot Y. , Karakla Daniel W. , Bak Matthew J.
Published: May 2019

Background

Outcomes following surgical intervention for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal tumors are dependent on several factors. In the present study, we sought to determine whether tumor subsite, salvage status, and extent of resection influenced postoperative outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective review of 107 patients at a single institution who underwent total laryngectomy or partial/total laryngopharyngectomy.

Results

Hypopharyngeal subsite and total laryngopharyngectomy subgroups had inferior speech and swallow outcomes compared to their respective cohorts (P < .05). Salvage patients had inferior 3‐year overall survival (P < .05) and swallow outcomes (P < .001). Previously radiated patients had increased fistula rates (29.9% vs 10%, P = .02), and the use of tissue coverage in salvage total laryngectomy had a protective effect on fistula formation (10% vs 37%, P = .04).

Conclusions

By stratifying patients across multiple subgroups, we provide a detailed narrative in surgical outcomes that can be incorporated into treatment planning. Further prospective studies are needed to compare surgical outcomes to those of organ preservation therapy.
Unplanned purchasing of tobacco products: Beyond point of sale display
Authors: Wood Lisa , Gazey Angela , Murray Kevin , Kennington Kelly
Published: May 2019

Issue addressed

Tobacco products remain widely available and unplanned purchasing of tobacco has been implicated in cessation relapse. Little is known however about the frequency of consumers’ unplanned tobacco purchases or the type of retail outlets where this is more likely to occur.

Methods

Questions on cigarette purchasing were added to a post‐campaign telephone survey for the Make Smoking History Campaign in Western Australia. Respondents (n=200) were aged 25 to 54 years and were either current smokers or had quit in the last 4‐5 weeks. Two‐thirds of respondents had tried to quit in the past 2 years. Survey responses were analysed to look at place of purchase (the usual and after cessation relapse) and frequency and reasons for unplanned purchases.

Results

Supermarkets were the “usual” purchase location for the majority of respondents overall (78%), but the proportion who reported buying cigarettes from a supermarket after taking up smoking again declined substantially (52%), while purchases from convenience stores and service stations increased. Nearly a third (30%) of respondents indicated that they sometimes bought cigarettes unplanned or on impulse, and for 16%, this was at least once a week.

Conclusions

Among smokers who have tried to quit but not succeeded, unplanned cigarette purchases are common. There is evidence to suggest that when people resume smoking after a cessation attempt, the cigarette purchase is not necessarily made at their “usual” type of retail outlet.

So what?

The banning of point of sale tobacco display has not eliminated the pervasive availability and retail presence of tobacco, and unplanned purchasing of cigarettes is an impediment to successful smoking cessation. This study adds weight to growing momentum internationally and in Australia to reduce the widespread availability of tobacco products and decrease the barriers to quitting use of a product that kills over half of its consumers.
Measured and modelled above‐ and below‐canopy turbulent fluxes for a snow‐dominated mountain forest using GEOtop
Authors: Fullhart Andrew T. , Kelleners Thijs J. , Speckman Heather N. , Beverly Daniel , Ewers Brent E. , Frank John M. , Massman William J.
Published: May 2019

The prediction of snowmelt in mountainous forests strongly depends on the accurate description of sensible and latent heat turbulent fluxes. Uncertainty about the within‐canopy wind conditions especially poses a challenge, with relatively few studies examining both above‐ and below‐canopy turbulent fluxes. In this study, turbulent flux predictions from a state‐of‐the‐art watershed model GEOtop were verified against eddy covariance data from one above‐canopy tower and two below‐canopy towers in a snow‐dominated coniferous forest in south‐eastern Wyoming. The model was applied in one‐dimensional vertical mode using field‐observed vegetation parameters and laboratory‐measured soil water retention data. The model was calibrated by identifying optimum values for the canopy fraction and the within‐canopy eddy decay coefficient using the brute‐force method. Above‐canopy sensible heat flux at the Glacier Lakes Ecosystem Experiments Site was predicted reasonably well (r2 = .851). The prediction of above‐canopy latent heat flux was weaker (r2 = .426). For latent heat flux, errors in 30‐min values offset each other when fluxes were aggregated over time, resulting in realistic mean diurnal trends. Below‐canopy turbulent flux at two sites in the Libby Creek Experimental Watershed were predicted with variable success with r2 = .031–.146 for sensible heat flux and r2 = .445–.581 for latent heat flux. Modelled below‐canopy sensible heat flux was too low due to the underestimation of daytime ground surface temperature, because of not enough solar radiation reaching the soil surface. This study suggests that future work on GEOtop and related models should include better parameterizations of the ground surface energy balance to more reliably predict snowmelt and streamflow from mountainous forests.
An ultraviolet‐curable, core–shell vaccine formed via phase separation
Authors: Lee Jihui , Arun Kumar Shreedevi , Souery Whitney N. , Hinsdale Taylor , Maitland Kristen C. , Bishop Corey J.
Published: May 2019

One of the central challenges in the field of vaccine delivery is to develop a delivery method that maintains antigen stability while also enabling control over the system's release kinetics. Addressing these challenges would not only allow for expanded access to vaccines worldwide but would also help significantly reduce mortality rates in developing countries. In this article, we report the development of single‐injection vaccine depots for achieving novel delayed burst release. Synthesized poly(ε‐caprolactone) and poly(ε‐caprolactone) triacrylate were used to form stationary bubbles within an aqueous solution of 10% carboxymethylcellulose. These polymeric bubbles (referred to as “polybubbles”) can then be injected with an aqueous solution of cargo, resulting in the formation of a polymeric shell. The puncture resulting from cargo injection self‐heals prior to ultraviolet (UV) curing. UV curing and lyophilization were shown to enhance the stability of the polybubbles. BSA‐ CF 488 and HIV1 gp120/41 were used as the antigen in the study as a proof‐of‐concept. Further endeavors to automate the production of polybubbles are underway.
Microarray analysis reveals the changes of circular RNA expression and molecular mechanism in acute lung injury mouse model
Authors: Li Xiaoou , Yuan Zhicheng , Chen Jun , Wang Tao , Shen Yongchun , Chen Lei , Wen Fuqiang
Published: May 2019

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe disease with sudden onset, rapid progression, poor treatment response, and high mortality. An increasing number of studies had found that circular RNAs (circRNAs) has significant functions in various diseases, while the role of circRNAs in ALI is not yet clear. The purpose of this study was to find circRNAs related to ALI and their mechanism of action. Expression profiles of lung circRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were analyzed by microarray in the ALI mice models and healthy controlled mice. Differentially expressed RNAs were identified, function and pathways were analyzed by bioinformatics analysis. Moreover, the results of the microarray were verified by real‐time PCR. We identified 2262 differentially expressed mRNAs and 581 circRNAs between ALI mice and control. Validation of candidate circRNAs by real‐time PCR indicates that the majority of circRNAs identified by microarray are reliable and worthy of further study. ALI induced circRNAs primarily function in the metabolic regulatory process. Moreover, differentially expressed circRNAs were mainly involved in signaling pathways of mitogen‐activated protein kinases, focal adhesion, FoxO, neurotrophin, and Wnt. In addition, a competitive endogenous RNA network was constructed to further interpret the molecular mechanism of ALI. This study observed significantly changed circRNAs profiles in LPS‐induced mouse model and revealed a potential role of circRNAs in ALI.
The effects of short‐chain fatty acids on the transcription and secretion of apolipoprotein A‐I in human hepatocytes in vitro
Authors: Tayyeb Jehad Z. , Popeijus Herman E. , Mensink Ronald P. , Konings Maurice C. J. M. , Mulders Kim H. R. , Plat Jogchum
Published: May 2019

Background

Apolipoprotein‐I (ApoA‐I), the major component of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) particles, mediates cholesterol efflux by which it facilitates the removal of excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues. Therefore, elevating ApoA‐I production leading to the production of new pre‐β‐HDL particles is thought to be beneficial in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Recently, we observed that amoxicillin treatment led to decreased HDL concentrations in healthy human volunteers. We questioned whether this antibiotic effect was directly or indirectly, via changed short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentrations through an altered gut microflora. Therefore, we here evaluated the effects of amoxicillin and various SCFA on hepatic ApoA‐I expression, secretion, and the putative underlying pathways.

Methods and Results

Human hepatocytes (HepG2) were exposed to increasing dose of amoxicillin or SCFA for 48  hours. ApoA‐I messenger RNA (mRNA) transcription and secreted protein were analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. To study underlying mechanisms, changes in mRNA expression of KEAP1, CPT1, and PPARα, as well as a PPARα transactivation assay, were analyzed. Amoxicillin dose‐dependently decreased ApoA‐I mRNA transcription as well as ApoA‐I protein secretion. SCFA treatment resulted in a dose‐dependent stimulation of ApoA‐I mRNA transcription, however, the ApoA‐I protein secretion was decreased. Furthermore, SCFA treatment increased PPARα transactivation, PPARα and CPT1 mRNA transcription, whereas KEAP1 mRNA transcription was decreased.

Conclusion

Direct treatment of HepG2 cells with amoxicillin has either direct effects on lowering ApoA‐I transcription and secretion or indirect effects via modified SCFA concentrations because SCFA were found to stimulate hepatic ApoA‐I expression. Furthermore, BET inhibition and PPARα activation were identified as possible mechanisms behind the observed effects on ApoA‐I transcription.
Early changes in gene expression of the entire pathological process in Cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Li Yang , Wang Xin , Li Yonggang , Ma Rui , Zhao Zilong , Ren Jing , Men Jianlong
Published: May 2019

In this study, we aimed to explore the time‐course relating to the pathological progression of Cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) and to identify the early changes in gene expression. The raw microarray data of CTCL was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and a weighted gene coexpression network analysis was performed. A total of 2183 genes that positively correlated with the time course of CTCL development were identified in as part of the turquoise module as well as 1096 genes negatively correlated with the time course of CTCL development, which was identified in the blue module. To better understand the effects of these genes on prognosis, we further performed the Spearman correlation analysis, univariate Cox regression analysis, and Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis. We identified 10 differentially expressed genes whose expression was significantly associated with prognosis in patients with CTCL. Our findings can help our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of CTCL as well as the development of novel drugs.
The Effect of Selenomethionine on Thyroid Autoimmunity in Euthyroid Men With Hashimoto Thyroiditis and Testosterone Deficiency
Authors: Krysiak Robert , Kowalcze Karolina , Okopień Bogusław
Published: May 2019

Hashimoto (autoimmune) thyroiditis develops much less frequently in men than in women, suggesting that androgens have a protective effect against thyroid autoimmunity. The current study was aimed at investigating whether the effect of selenomethionine on thyroid antibody titers and thyroid function tests in euthyroid men with autoimmune thyroid disease depends on testosterone levels. The study population consisted of 2 age‐matched, weight‐matched, and thyroid antibody titer–matched groups of euthyroid men with Hashimoto thyroiditis and testosterone deficiency: 18 patients receiving intramuscular testosterone enanthate (100 mg once weekly) and 19 testosterone‐naive men. All subjects were than treated with selenomethionine (200 µg daily) for 6 months. Serum titers of thyroid antibodies, thyrotropin, free thyroid hormones, and testosterone as well as calculated parameters of thyroid homeostasis were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study. At baseline, except for testosterone, there were no differences between the 2 treatment arms in thyroid antibody titers, serum hormone levels, or values of all calculated indices. Although selenomethionine reduced thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibody titers in both treatment arms, these effects were stronger in testosterone‐treated than in testosterone‐untreated men. Only in men receiving testosterone, selenomethionine altered the free thyroxine/free triiodothyronine ratio, testosterone levels, and structure parameter interference approach‐GT and structure parameter interference approach‐GD. Selenomethionine‐induced changes in thyroid antibody titers correlated with the effect of treatment on structure parameter interference approach‐GT and testosterone. The obtained results suggest that testosterone determines the strength of selenomethionine action in euthyroid men with autoimmune thyroiditis.
Palyno‐morphological investigations of subtropical endangered flora of Capparidaceae through light and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Mir Sehrosh , Ahmad Mushtaq , Khan Mir Ajab , Zafar Muhammad , Jahan Sarwat , Sultana Shazia , Jabeen Munazza , Majeed Salman
Published: May 2019

The research was performed to investigate pollen morphology of endangered species of Capparidaceae in subtropical regions of Pakistan. The distinguishing characters were investigated by using light microscope and scanning electron microscope. Palynological study is comprised of pollen shape, pollen type, exine sculpturing, polar and equatorial diameter, length and width of colpi, mesocolpium, and exine thickness. In polar view, Cleome viscosa exhibited the highest pollen size 26.4 (32.7–24.5 μm) ±0.776 whereas Capparis spinosa appeared to be the lowest 12.6 (14.5−10.7 μm) ±0.400. In equatorial view, Cleome viscosa had the largest pollen size 17.1 (20.0–15.0 μm) ±0.606 and Capparis spinosa had the smallest pollen size 9.7 (12.50–8.00 μm) ±0.394. The maximum fertility percentage has been observed in Capparis spinosa, that is, 98.96% and minimum in Cleome viscosa, that is, 82.93%. Diagnostic key has been constructed to state the essential diagnostic features by means of which the taxa can be identified. Remarkable variations have been observed in pollen size, shape, and exine sculpturing. All the selected species were tricolporate. Prolate to subprolate pollen were observed. There is a great variation existed in exine sculpturing such as in Capparis decidua and C. sp. nova sculpturing is reticulate, in Capparis himalayensis sculpturing is Scabrate granulate, in Capparis spinosa sculpturing is Psilate, in Cleome viscosa sculpturing is regulate‐reticulate, in Dipterygium glaucum sculpturing is regulate and in Gynandropsis gynandra sculpturing is striate‐regulate. On the basis of overall characteristics of pollen it seems that palynology of this family is helpful at the generic and specific level.
The Mini Mental State Examination does not accurately screen for objective cognitive impairment in Fabry Disease
Authors: Körver Simon , van de Schraaf Sara A. J. , Geurtsen Gert J. , Hollak Carla E. M. , van Schaik Ivo N. , Langeveld Mirjam
Published: May 2019

Fabry disease (FD) patients may suffer from objective cognitive impairment (OCI). This study assessed the accuracy of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) to screen for OCI in FD patients. Presence or absence of OCI was established using a neuropsychological test battery. For different MMSE cutoffs sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and clinical utility index (CUI) to identify OCI were calculated. Eighty‐one patients were included (mean age 44.5 ± 14.3, 35% men, 74% classical phenotype) of which 13 patients (16%) had OCI. The median MMSE score was 29 (range: 25‐30). MMSE cutoffs ≤28 and ≤29 had the highest sensitivity and specificity, with higher specificity reached at cutoff ≤28 (sensitivity: .46, specificity: .73) and higher sensitivity at cutoff ≤29 (sensitivity: .92, specificity: .40). PPV was low for both cutoffs (PPV ≤28: .25, PPV ≤29: .23) resulting in a low positive CUI (case finding ability). The results of our study indicate that the MMSE does not accurately screen for OCI in FD, with poor sensitivity‐specificity trade‐off at all cutoffs. The low PPV shows that the majority of FD patients that score below the cutoffs do not suffer from OCI. Administering the MMSE as a screening test will lead to unnecessary referrals for neuropsychological testing, which is time consuming and burdensome. Screening tools designed to accurately detect mild (executive) impairment might prove more appropriate to screen for OCI in FD.
CHID1 positively regulates RLR antiviral signaling by targeting the RIG‐I/VISA signalosome
Authors: Li Sheng‐Na , Ling Ting , Yang Ya‐Xian , Huang Jing‐Ping , Xu Liang‐Guo
Published: May 2019

Retinoic acid‐inducible gene‐I (RIG‐I) belongs to the RIGI‐like receptors (RLRs), a class of primary pattern recognition receptors. It senses viral double‐strand RNA in the cytoplasm and delivers the activated signal to its adaptor virus‐induced signaling adapter (VISA), which then recruits the downstream TNF receptor‐associated factors and kinases, triggering a downstream signal cascade that leads to the production of proinflammatory cytokines and antiviral interferons (IFNs). However, the mechanism of RIG‐I‐mediated antiviral signaling is not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that chitinase domain‐containing 1 (CHID1), a member of the chitinase family, positively regulates the RLR antiviral signaling pathway by targeting the RIG‐I/VISA signalosome. CHID1 overexpression enhances the activation of nuclear factor κB (NF‐кB) and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) triggered by Sendai virus (SeV) by promoting the polyubiquitination of RIG‐I and VISA, thereby potentiating IFN‐β production. CHID1 knockdown in human 239T cells inhibits SeV‐induced activation of IRF3 and NF‐κB and the induction of IFN‐β. These results indicate that CHID1 positively regulates RLR antiviral signal, revealing the novel mechanism of the RIG‐I antiviral signaling pathway.
Use of El Niño–Southern Oscillation related seasonal precipitation predictability in developing regions for potential societal benefit
Authors: Landman Willem A. , Barnston Anthony G. , Vogel Coleen , Savy Janique
Published: May 2019

Some of the biggest emerging market economies include countries in South America, Asia and Africa. Broad‐scale political and developmental similarities (e.g., societally impactful developmental challenges related to climate variability) offer opportunities for comparative research resulting in potentially improved understanding of the complexities of various climate adaptation interventions including disaster risk reduction. Countries or geographical regions of the world significantly affected by climate extremes may consider collaboration on issues such as understanding and modelling of the climate system, especially when there is a common, dominant and somewhat plausible climate mode such as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) affecting the regions' climate variability. Better ENSO and subsequent climate predictions alone, however, are not enough to reduce the risks associated with such events. The socio‐economic and political context in which climate finds expression and in which climate forecasts have potential value also need to be understood. Here we present seasonal precipitation forecast skill over 20 geographical regions including emerging or developing regions, but also a few developed regions, in order to rank their ENSO‐related seasonal rainfall predictability in an attempt to cluster regions of similar ENSO climate predictability. We then also provide some of the broad contours to investigate the level of human “development” within these clusters in order to begin to understand some of the socio‐economic factors that configure vulnerabilities. Such profiles begin to show some areas of macro‐level vulnerability that may then provide further possible inter‐area collaborations, albeit at very gross level scales.
Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide activates platelet Cdc42 and promotes platelet spreading and thrombosis
Authors: Senini Vincent , Amara Umme , Paul Manoj , Kim Hugh
Published: May 2019

Background

Periodontitis confers an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, including thrombosis. However, the molecular mechanisms that potentially link periodontitis with thrombosis are undefined. Here we test the hypothesis that Gram‐negative periodontal infection promotes pathological platelet activation and amplifies shape change. We focus specifically on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) signaling to platelets.

Methods

Platelets were isolated from blood samples and allowed to spread on coverslips in the presence or absence of LPS purified from the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. Platelets were fixed and stained with Alexa‐488‐phalloidin to label the actin cytoskeleton. The degree of platelet spreading and shape change was quantified by confocal microscopy. In a translational pilot study, blood samples were obtained from human subjects exhibiting generalized severe periodontitis (SP) or healthy periodontium (HP). Rotational thromboelastometry was used to quantify the rate of clot formation via the intrinsic coagulation pathway.

Results

LPS‐treated platelets exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) greater spreading and higher numbers of actin‐rich filopodia (cell extensions) than controls. We also found that LPS stimulation of platelets promoted the activation of Cdc42, the small GTPase responsible for filopodia formation. Exposure of whole blood samples to LPS significantly (P < 0.05) reduced clotting times. Blood from SP patients clotted significantly (P < 0.05) more rapidly and exhibited shorter partial thromboplastin times compared with HP controls.

Conclusions

This is the first study to suggest a mechanism by which LPS stimulation drives Cdc42 activation and platelet spreading. These data are consistent with the notion that periodontitis promotes accelerated clot formation and an increased risk of thrombosis.
A comparative mobile Raman study for the on field analysis of the Mosaico de los Amores of the Cástulo Archaeological Site (Linares, Spain)
Authors: Rousaki Anastasia , Costa Mafalda , Saelens Delphine , Lycke Sylvia , Sánchez Alberto , Tuñón José , Ceprián Bautista , Amate Pilar , Montejo Manuel , Mirão José , Vandenabeele Peter
Published: May 2019

An in situ archaeometrical campaign was organized in 2018 for the physicochemical analysis of the exceptional Mosaico de los Amores of the Cástulo archaeological site (Linares, Spain). Several mobile instruments were brought on the field to investigate the colourful tesserae of the mosaic. The main aim of the current research paper is the comparison of different mobile instruments and their applicability on measuring in open air environments. In this study, the comparison of four mobile Raman instruments, using different excitation lasers and technologies, is discussed. Three portable, the EZRaman‐I dual Raman analyser from TSI Inc. (USA), the i‐Raman® EX from BWTEK (USA), and the BWS445‐785S InnoRam™ Raman spectrometer from BWTEK (USA), and one handheld system, the Bravo Raman spectrometer from Bruker (Europe), are compared in terms of their characteristics, applicability, and performance when conducting non‐invasive and non‐destructive analysis.