bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wildfire Detection and Communication–Aerospace Applications–Trade Study
Authors: Crawford Setrige W. , Shahroudi Kamran Eftekhari
Published: January 2019

Wildfires have increased in frequency, duration, and intensity worldwide. Climate change, drought, and other factors have not only increased susceptibility to wildfires, but have also increased the duration of the season. There are a number of factors affecting wildfires: detection, speed of communication/response time, resources/politics/climate change/infrastructure to fight fires, and prevention education. A wildfire doubles in size and intensity every 3 to 5 minutes and response times tend to be 10 to 15 minutes at best. The goal of the trade analysis is to arrive at a cost‐effective and robust performance system which can be operated at the county level with minimal infrastructure to mitigate the menacing problem of forest wildfires. The approach will be a disciplined systems engineering approach to objectively arrive at the best solution for detection and communication of wildfires, having analyzed the measures of effectiveness (MOEs) for all critical requirements for a technologically diverse set of solutions. Though the analysis is still at a very early stage and the outcome could change as additional details are developed, due diligence was exercised in the evaluation of parameters such as detection time, total operations cost, and operational flexibility, to name a few. Early trade‐off results indicate that the lead concept is a rotor‐wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) concept, utilizing a rotorcraft configuration which could be outfitted with a remote‐sensing payload compliment based on light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology with associated functional equipment such as global positioning systems (GPS) and inertial measurement units (IMU). The UAV would be semiautonomous, launched from and remotely controlled by an operator in the general area of interest. Upon arriving at this area of interest, the UAV would then fly a flight plan autonomously to collect and communicate data to a base station to be used to direct wildfire mitigation services in the event of a positive detection.
Zinc oxide nanoparticles induced gene mutation at the HGPRT locus and cell cycle arrest associated with apoptosis in V‐79 cells
Authors: Jain Abhishek Kumar , Singh Divya , Dubey Kavita , Maurya Renuka , Pandey Alok Kumar
Published: January 2019

In recent years, the large‐scale production of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) for various applications is increasing exponentially and may pose serious health issues when inhaled either during occupational exposure or in consumer settings. The mechanisms underlying the toxicity of NPs have recently been studied intensively. Despite the existing studies, the mutagenicity of ZnO NPs in the eukaryotic system is still unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the mutagenic potential of ZnO NPs using Chinese hamster lung fibroblast cells (V‐79) as an in‐vitro model. The study has demonstrated a significant uptake of ZnO NPs by flow cytometry with the confirmation of transmission electron microscopy. A reduction in cell viability was observed with a concomitant increase in reactive oxygen species (**P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001) after ZnO NP (1‐20 μg/mL) exposure. Excessive reactive oxygen species can induce oxidative stress, which leads to genotoxic insult, and further gene mutation. Apart from measuring the genotoxicity by Comet assay, a change of 2.84‐fold in the HGPRT gene mutant frequency was observed by the mammalian gene forward mutation assay. All the genotoxicity endpoints such as chromosomal break, DNA damage and mutagenicity were observed at 6 hours of ZnO NP exposure. Our results also showed that ZnO NPs manifested the cell cycle arrest, ultrastructural modifications and further cell death. A significant (**P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001) increase in the apoptotic cells was detected using annexin V‐fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide double staining by flow cytometry. Our findings presented here clearly stimulate the need for careful regulations of ZnO NPs.
The Novel p38 Inhibitor, Pamapimod, Inhibits Osteoclastogenesis and Counteracts Estrogen-Dependent Bone Loss in Mice
Authors: Zhao Xiangde , Ning Lei , Xie Ziang , Jie Zhiwei , Li Xiang , Wan Xinyu , Sun Xuewu , Huang Bao , Tang Pan , Shen Shuying , Qin An , Ma Yan , Song Lu , Fan Shunwu , Wan Shuanglin
Published: January 2019

Pamapimod (PAM) is a novel selective p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibitor proved to be effective in rheumatoid arthritis in phase 2 clinical trial. However, its effect on osteoclast-associated osteoporosis and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we showed that PAM suppressed receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast formation via inhibition of p38 phosphorylation and subsequent c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1) expression. In addition, the downregulated NFATc1 leads to reduced expression of its targeting gene disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 12 (ADAM12), which was further proven to be critical for osteoclastic bone resorption. Therefore, we treated ovariectomized (OVX) mice with PAM and revealed a protective effect of PAM on osteoporosis in vivo. In conclusion, our results demonstrated PAM can prevent OVX-induced bone loss through suppression of p38/NFATc1-induced osteoclast formation and NFATc1/ADAM12-associated bone resorption. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Differential Estimation of Treatment Effect Between Clinician‐Administered and Self‐Reported PTSD Assessments
Authors: Lenz A. Stephen , Luo Ye
Published: January 2019

This study reported the findings of a meta‐analysis exploring differences between clinician‐administered (C‐A) and self‐reported (S‐R) outcomes of counseling and therapy interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder. A sample of 17 randomized trials resulted in 46 effect sizes (23 C‐A, 23 S‐R) representing the data of 1,405 participants. No statistically significant differences were detected between C‐A and S‐R outcome estimates alone or when considering treatment setting; however, differential estimates emerged for modality across age groups.
Body mass index and diabetes are important prognostic signatures for bilateral breast cancer prognosis
Authors: Zhang Min , Zhang Xiaobei , Liu Jingjing , Su Wei , Li Jiao , Zhang Sheng , Zhang Jin
Published: January 2019

Objective

Several research have suggested that high body mass index (BMI) and diabetes were related to poor breast cancer prognosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between BMI/diabetes and the prognosis of bilateral breast cancer (BBC).

Methods

A total of 26 992 patients with primary breast cancer underwent operations at the Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital between January 1971 and November 2011. Among them, 512 consecutive patients with BBC and 1024 patients with unilateral breast cancer (UBC) were retrospectively reviewed. Overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) rates after tumor removal were estimated with Kaplan‐Meier method followed by log‐rank test for evaluating their differences that stratified by BMI (<25, 25~30, ≥30) or diabetes (suffer/not suffer). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to uncover the relationship between common clinical pathological features and prognosis of breast cancers.

Results

Compared with UBC, patients with BBC tended to be with higher BMI (P = 0.000) and larger percentage of diabetes (
P = 0.035). The Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis indicated that higher BMI complicated by diabetes and negative estrogen receptor significantly decreased the survival rate of BBC patient (
P < 0.05). In addition, diabetes was closely associated with OS or PFS in metachronous BBC (
P = 0.006). The result of multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that BMI and diabetes were two independent prognostic factors for OS.

Conclusion

Obesity and diabetes have a significant impact on the survival of the patients with BBC.
Altered frequency of CD8+CD11c+ T cells and expression of immunosuppressive molecules in lymphoid organs of mouse model of colorectal cancer
Authors: Rostamzadeh Davood , Haghshenas Mohammad Reza , Daryanoosh Farhad , Samadi Mahdi , Hosseini Ahmad , Ghaderi Abbas , Mojtahedi Zahra , Babaloo Zohreh
Published: January 2019

CD11c is a member of the β2‐integrin family typically used to define myeloid dendritic cells (DCs). Recent reports identify CD11c‐expressing CD8+ T cells as a new subset of CD8+ regulatory T cells (Treg). Evidence exists that CD11c+CD8+ T cells may exert their effector or regulatory functions under different conditions. To date, no studies have addressed the frequency of CD11c+ T cells in cancer. Limited evidence exists in terms of expression of immune‐checkpoint receptors, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) and T‐lymphocyte‐associated antigen 4 (CTLA‐4), as well as forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) in mouse lymphoid organs. Here, we have assessed CD11c+CD8+ and CD11c+CD4+ T cells, Foxp3, PD‐1, and CTLA‐4 expressing CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells in different tissues from three groups of male BALB/c mice—young, mature, and those with colorectal cancer (CRC). Analysis of CD3+CD11c+ T cells in the bone marrow (BM), spleen, and lymph nodes (LN) in each group showed a higher percentage of CD3+CD11c+ T cells in the BM from all groups and in the lymphoid organs of the cancer group compared with the young and mature groups. CD4low and CD4high cell fractions in mice BM have different expression patterns for Foxp3 and CTLA‐4. We have observed a higher frequency of CD8+PD‐1+ T cells in the BM, spleen, and LN of CRC mice compared with normal mice. T‐cell exhaustion is associated with inhibitory receptor PD‐1. According to the regulatory roles of CD11c expression in CD8+ T cells, we have proposed that the elevated percentage of CD11c, Foxp3, CTLA‐4, and PD‐1 expressing T cells were associated with immune response dysregulation in CRC.
Role of SNHG7‐miR‐653‐5p‐STAT2 feedback loop in regulating neuroblastoma progression
Authors: Chi Renjie , Chen Xin , Liu Ming , Zhang Huanyu , Li Fujiang , Fan Xu , Wang Weiwei , Lu Hongting
Published: January 2019

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are reported to be involved in the pathology of numerous cancers, including neuroblastoma (NB). lncRNA SNHG7 has been recognized as a carcinogen in several cancers, but its role in NB progression remains unknown. Our study revealed that SNHG7 expression was markedly higher in NB tissues than that in nontumor tissues. Besides, upregulated SNHG7 was greatly correlated with poor overall survival of NB patients. Functionally, the loss‐of‐function assays demonstrated that knockdown of SNHG7 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in NB cells. Mechanically, the bioinformatics analysis predicted that miR‐653‐5p was the shared partner of SNHG7 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 2 (STAT2). Unsurprisingly, we further confirmed that SNHG7 could interact with miR‐653‐5p and therefore functioned as the ceRNA of STAT2 so as to regulate STAT2 expression in NB cells. Moreover, STAT2 expression was in inverse proportion to miR‐653‐5p level but in positive proportion to SNHG7 level in NB tissues. Importantly, the repressed NB progression induced by silenced SNHG7 was reversed by STAT2 overexpression or miR‐653‐5p inhibitors. Jointly, our findings elucidated SNHG7 facilitated NB progression through the miR‐653‐5p/STAT2 pathway, providing a novel therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker for this disease.
Pooling analysis reveals that galectin‐1 is a reliable prognostic biomarker in various cancers
Authors: Huang Ming‐Yu , He Jia‐Peng , Zhang Wen‐Qian , Liu Ji‐Long
Published: January 2019

Galectin‐1 is reported to be upregulated in various human cancers. However, the relationship between galectin‐1 expression and cancer prognosis has not been systematically assessed. In this study, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase to collect all relevant studies and a meta‐analysis was performed. We found that increased galectin‐1 expression was associated with tumor size (odds ratio [OR] = 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06–2.89; p = 0.029), clinical stage (OR = 3.89; 95% CI: 2.40–6.31; p < 0.001), and poorer differentiation (OR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.14–1.69; p = 0.001), but not with age (OR = 1.07; 95% CI: 0.82–1.39; p = 0.597), sex (OR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.74–1.07; p = 0.202), or lymph node metastasis (OR = 2.57; 95% CI: 0.98–6.78; p = 0.056). In addition, we found that high galectin‐1 expression levels were associated with poor overall survival (HR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.71–2.64; p < 0.001). The results were further validated using The Cancer Genome Atlas data set. Moreover, high galectin‐1 expression was significantly associated with disease‐free survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.17–2.19; p = 0.003), progression‐free survival (HR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.65–2.25; p < 0.001), and cancer‐specific survival (HR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.30–2.55; p < 0.001). Our meta‐analysis demonstrated that galectin‐1 might be a useful common biomarker for predicting prognosis in patients with cancer.
Long noncoding RNA MNX1‐AS1 contributes to lung cancer progression through the miR‐527/BRF2 pathway
Authors: Liu Haibo , Han Leng , Liu Zhengjia , Gao Nan
Published: January 2019

Lung cancer belongs to a leading popular and malignant cancer around the world. However, the root mechanism underlying lung cancer progression remains unclear. Recently, long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) has been identified as important for tumorigenesis. LncRNA MNX1‐AS1 is proven to regulate colon adenocarcinoma, cervical cancer, glioblastoma, and ovarian cancer. Whether MNX1‐AS1 participates in lung cancer needs investigation. In our research, we found that MNX1‐AS1 was dramatically upregulated in lung cancer. MNX1‐AS1 upregulation indicated poor prognosis in lung cancer patients. Functionally, MNX1‐AS1 promoted lung cancer progression through regulating proliferation, migration, and invasion. Mechanistically, MNX1‐AS1 was found to locate in the cytoplasm and interact with miR‐527. Through inhibiting miR‐527 availability, MNX1‐AS1 facilitated BRF2 expression. Restoration of BRF2 rescued defects of proliferation, migration, and invasion caused by MNX1‐AS1 knockdown. Taken together, our study found a novel signaling pathway, namely MNX1‐AS1/miR‐527/BRF2 axis, involved in lung cancer progression.
Receptor activity‐modifying protein 1 regulates the phenotypic expression of BMSCs via the Hippo/Yap pathway
Authors: Zhang Qin , Guo Yanjun , Yu Hui , Tang Yufei , Yuan Ying , Jiang Yixuan , Chen Huilu , Gong Ping , Xiang Lin
Published: January 2019

Receptor activity‐modifying protein 1 (RAMP1) might be a critical regulator during bone wound healing. However, the roles and mechanisms of RAMP1 in osteogenesis remain unclear. Here, we aimed to elucidate the role of RAMP1 and explore the effects of Yes‐associated protein 1 (Yap1), an effector of the Hippo/Yap pathway, in this process. We used a RAMP1 overexpression lentiviral system in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), which enhanced RAMP1 expression in an effective, appropriate, and sustained manner. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assays and alizarin red staining showed that RAMP1 promoted osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs after calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) treatment (10
−8 mol/L). Moreover, real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis indicated that RAMP1 upregulated the expression of osteogenic phenotypic markers (ALP, runt‐related transcription factor 2, osteopontin;
p < 0.05). To further uncover the mechanism of RAMP1 in osteogenic differentiation, we used verteporfin (10
−7 mol/L) to block Yap1. Notably, verteporfin impaired RAMP1‐induced osteogenesis. Taken together, our findings confirmed that RAMP1 is a key mediator of bone regeneration and indicate that RAMP1 promotes CGRP‐induced osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs via regulation of the Hippo/Yap pathway.
A variant in CYP2R1 predicts circulating vitamin D levels after supplementation with high‐dose of vitamin D in healthy adolescent girls
Authors: Khayyatzadeh Sayyed Saeid , Mehramiz Mehrane , Esmaeily Habibollah , Mirmousavi Seyed Jamal , Khajavi Leila , Salehkhani Fatemeh Nejati , Hanachi Parichehr , Bahrami‐Taghanaki Hamidreza , Eslami Saeed , Vatanparast Hasan , Ferns Gordon A. , Avan Amir , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid
Published: January 2019

Aim

The determinants of serum vitamin D seems to be the environmental factors (dietary and supplementary intake and exposure to ultraviolet light) and genetic factors. We aimed to study the relationship between a vitamin D‐associated genetic polymorphism and serum 25(OH)D concentrations in healthy adolescent girls in Iran, and its effects on a high‐dose supplement of vitamin D.

Material and method

A total of 616 healthy adolescent girls with mean age 15 received 50,000 IU of vitamin D3 weekly over 9 weeks. Serum vitamin D levels and other metabolic factors were measured at baseline and after the intervention. The genotyping of the CYP2R1 variant (rs10741657) was performed by TaqMan genotyping assays.

Results

Regardless of the genetic background, at baseline, 87% of adolescent girls were vitamin D deficient (serum 25(OH)D level < 50 nmol/l). High‐dose supplementation with VitD reduced the proportion of girls who were deficient substantially to about 24%. The genetic analysis revealed that although at baseline there was not a gene‐vitamin D association (
p trend = 0.1), the response to supplementation appeared to be modulated by this variant (
p trend < 0.001). However, other anthropometric and biochemical measures were not affected by this intervention, over this short period. Serum 25(OH)D was increased in all participants although the carriers of the minor A allele seemed to be better responders so that the percentages of the change serum vitamin D in the holder of AA and AG genotypes were 539.4 ± 443.1 and 443.7 ± 384.6, respectively, compared with those with common GG genotype (363.3 ± 354.0). Our regression analysis revealed that the probability of an increase in serum 25(OH)D in a participant with AA genotype was 2.5‐fold greater than those with a GG genotype (OR = 2.5 (1.4–4.4);
p value = 0.002).

Conclusion

Based on our findings, it appears that the rs10741657 variant of the CYP2R1 gene modulates the response to high‐dose of vitamin D supplementation.
Increased autocrine interleukin‐6 production is significantly associated with worse clinical outcome in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Wang Hua‐Qing , Jia Li , Li Yu‐Ting , Farren Timothy , Agrawal Samir G. , Liu Feng‐Ting
Published: January 2019

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) remains incurable with current standard therapy. We have previously reported that an increased expression of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) receptor CD126 leads to resistance of CLL cells to chemotherapy and worse prognosis for patients with CLL. In this study, we determine whether autocrine IL‐6 production by CLL B cells is associated with poor clinical outcome and explore IL‐6‐mediated survival mechanism in primary CLL cells. Our results demonstrate that higher levels of autocrine IL‐6 are significantly associated with shorter absolute lymphocyte doubling time, patients received treatment, without complete remission, advanced Binet stages, 17p/11q deletion, and shorter time to first time treatment and progression‐free survival. IL‐6 activated both STAT3 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) in primary CLL cells. Blocking IL‐6 receptor and JAK2 inhibited IL‐6‐mediated activation of STAT3 and NF‐κB. Our study demonstrates that an increased autocrine IL‐6 production by CLL B‐cells are associated with worse clinical outcome for patients with CLL. IL‐6 promotes CLL cell survival by activating both STAT3 and NF‐κB through diverse signaling cascades. Neutralizing IL‐6 or blocking IL‐6 receptor might contribute overcoming the resistance of CLL cells to chemotherapy. We propose that the measurement of autocrine IL‐6 could be a useful approach to predict clinical outcome.
Four lncRNAs associated with breast cancer prognosis identified by coexpression network analysis
Authors: Li Jie , Gao Chundi , Liu Cun , Zhou Chao , Ma Xiaoran , Li Huayao , Li Jia , Wang Xue , Qi Lingyu , Yao Yan , Zhang Xiaoming , Zhuang Jing , Liu Lijuan , Wang Kejia , Sun Changgang
Published: January 2019

Previous studies on long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) have made breakthroughs in the treatment of several tumors, and these findings have brought attention to the lncRNA signature of breast cancer. Increased understanding of genomic architecture and achievement of innovative therapeutic strategies has prompted creation of a novel oncological model for the treatment of solid cancers. In this study, we systematically analyzed the transcriptome of breast cancer tissues to gain more in‐depth knowledge of tumor biology. Gene coexpression relationships were studied in 206 samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, and nine coexpression modules were identified. After screening and analysis, we identified four important prognosis‐related lncRNAs (HOTAIR, SNHG16, HCP5, and TINCR), and constructed a prognostic model, one (HCP5) of which has not previously been identified in the context of breast cancer. Importantly, an understanding of prognosis facilitates precise disease risk assessment and advances the selection of strategies for risk‐adaptive management. These findings broaden the landscape of carcinogenic lncRNAs in breast cancer, providing insights into the biological significance and clinical application of lncRNAs in breast cancer.
Dexmedetomidine improves acute stress‐induced liver injury in rats by regulating MKP‐1, inhibiting NF‐κB pathway and cell apoptosis
Authors: Sha Jichen , Feng Xiujing , Chen Yongping , Zhang Huayun , Li Bei , Hu Xueyuan , Fan Honggang
Published: January 2019

Acute stress is a frequent and unpredictable disease for many animals. Stress is widely considered to affect liver function. However, the underlying mechanism by which dexmedetomidine (DEX) attenuates acute stress‐induced liver injury in rats remains unclear. In this study, we used forced swimming for 15 min and acute 3‐hr restraint stress model. Behavioral tests and changes in norepinephrine levels confirmed the successful establishment of the acute stress model. Acute stress‐induced liver injury, evidenced by hematoxylin and eosin‐stained pathological sections and increased serum aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, was reduced in DEX‐treated livers. Reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress levels were dramatically decreased with DEX treatment compared with acute stress‐induced liver injury. DEX significantly reduced acute stress‐induced liver inflammation and apoptosis, as assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labeling staining and inflammation and apoptosis‐related protein levels. DEX treatment also effectively inhibited acute stress‐induced c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), P38, and BAD signaling pathway activation, and significantly induced MKP‐1 activation. Thus, DEX has a protective effect on acute‐stress‐induced liver injury by reducing inflammation and apoptosis, which suggests a potential clinical application for DEX in stress syndrome.
Aerobic exercise can modulate the underlying mechanisms involved in the development of diabetic complications
Authors: Yaribeygi Habib , Butler Alexandra E. , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: January 2019

Diabetes mellitus is a highly prevalent metabolic disorder that affects many molecular pathways, causing a shift from a physiologic to a pathophysiologic state. Alterations in the molecular pathways promote diabetic complications and, thus, many medical and nonmedical therapies have been directed at preventing these complications. Despite the beneficial effects on moderating glycemic control, medical therapies may also have unfavorable side effects. This makes nonmedical therapeutic approaches more attractive due to lower pharmacological side effects of these strategies compared to medical agents. Aerobic exercise is now considered as a major nonmedical strategy that can promote beneficial and protective effects to counteract the development of diabetic complications via attenuation of the major molecular mechanisms involved in diabetes.
Promotional effect of short‐chain saturated alcohols on Fe3O4‐catalyzed decomposition of H2O2 and its application in selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Xiao Shiwei , Chen Rong , Chen Fengxi
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has been used widely in diverse areas of biotechnology, environmental remediation and organic synthesis wherein its catalytic activation to generate reactive oxygen species (e.g. hydroxyl radicals) is of vital importance. Magnetite (Fe3O4) microspheres are attractive heterogeneous peroxidase‐like catalysts due to many technological advantages (e.g. biocompatible, stable and magnetically recoverable). However, its peroxidase‐like activity has to be improved for practical applications.

RESULTS

Small amounts of short‐chain saturated alcohols (e.g. methanol, ethanol, iso‐propanol, tert‐butanol, mono‐ethylene glycol and glycerol) increased collision frequency between H2O2 and Fe3O4 (e.g. by about two orders of magnitude with the addition of 1 mol% glycerol) via facilitating the nucleophilic addition of H2O2 to surface Fe sites and promoted Fe3O4‐catalyzed decomposition of H2O2 and selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol with H2O2 in water. In addition, Fe3O4 microspheres were magnetically recoverable and reusable for at least five times without loss of catalytic activity and selectivity.

CONCLUSIONS

The Fe3O4/trace alcohol catalytic system decomposed H2O2 effectively. Its potential application was demonstrated by selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol with H2O2 in water in this work. This simple and efficient catalytic system may be applied also to other oxidative transformations in organic syntheses, or to oxidative degradation of organic pollutants in environmental remediation. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Sepsis erodes CD8+ memory T cell-protective immunity against an EBV homolog in a 2B4-dependent manner
Authors: Xie Jianfeng , Crepeau Rebecca L , Chen Ching-wen , Zhang Wenxiao , Otani Shunsuke , Coopersmith Craig M , Ford Mandy L
Published: January 2019

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) reactivation commonly occurs following sepsis, but the mechanisms underlying this are unknown. We utilized a murine EBV homolog (gHV) and the cecal ligation and puncture model of polymicrobial sepsis to study the impact of sepsis on gHV reactivation and CD8+ T cell immune surveillance following a septic insult. We observed a significant increase in the frequency of gHV-infected germinal center B cells on day 7 following sepsis. This increase in viral load was associated with a concomitant significant decrease in the frequencies of gHV-specific CD8+ T cells, as measured by class I MHC tetramers corresponding to the immunodominant viral epitopes. Phenotypic analysis revealed an increased frequency of gHV-specific CD8+ T cells expressing the 2B4 coinhibitory receptor in septic animals compared with sham controls. We sought to interrogate the role of 2B4 in modulating the gHV-specific CD8+ T cell response during sepsis. Results indicated that in the absence of 2B4, gHV-specific CD8+ T cell populations were maintained during sepsis, and gHV viral load was unchanged in 2B4−/− septic animals relative to 2B4−/− sham controls. WT CD8+ T cells upregulated PD-1 during sepsis, whereas 2B4−/− CD8+ T cells did not. Finally, adoptive transfer studies revealed a T cell-intrinsic effect of 2B4 coinhibition on virus-specific CD8+ T cells and gHV viral load during sepsis. These data demonstrate that sepsis-induced immune dysregulation erodes antigen-specific CD8+ responses against a latent viral infection and suggest that blockade of 2B4 may better maintain protective immunity against EBV in the context of sepsis.
Cisplatin interacting with buffering media and cysteine: Molecular insight due to Raman microspectroscopy
Authors: Šišková Karolína M.
Published: January 2019

The solvation of cisplatin, [Pt(NH3)2Cl2], a widely used chemotherapeutical drug, regarded on molecular level in model media is often overlooked by researchers. It is, however, essential in several aspects. The solvation was monitored by using Raman scattering microspectroscopy. This technique being used for the first time enables us to focus the laser beam several micrometers above the dissolving crystals of cisplatin, allowing to monitor the process of cisplatin dissolution in situ. The obtained Raman microspectroscopic results provided a direct qualitative evidence about (a) interaction between Tris, MOPS, and HEPES buffers and cisplatin via PtN coordination covalent bond and (b) interaction of cisplatin with cysteine dominantly through PtS bond (at pH 7.4). Furthermore, this vibrational spectroscopic technique revealed a decreased dissolution of cisplatin in a particular buffering solution in the presence of NaCl abundance; kinetics of the PtN formation in the case of MOPS–NaCl medium was monitored. Moreover, spatial dissolution of cisplatin in Cys‐Tris medium was observed in situ. The particular buffering medium, containing either primary or tertiary amines, can interact with cisplatin via a coordination covalent bond. The presence of an increased NaCl concentration can partially suppress this interaction. Raman microspectroscopy, a method of vibrational spectroscopy, is a powerful technique to investigate the dissolution of cisplatin in situ. On the basis of vibrational microspectroscopic measurements, it provides direct evidence about cisplatin interactions with selected model media being widely used in biochemistry and biophysics. This interaction could influence the effectiveness of cisplatin as a drug.
Current practices in meta‐regression in psychology, education, and medicine
Authors: Tipton Elizabeth , Pustejovsky James E. , Ahmadi Hedyeh
Published: January 2019

Having surveyed the history and methods of meta‐regression in a previous paper, in this paper, we review which and how meta‐regression methods are applied in recent research syntheses. To do so, we reviewed studies published in 2016 across four leading research synthesis journals:Psychological Bulletin, theJournal of Applied Psychology,Review of Educational Research, and theCochrane Library. We find that the best practices defined in the previous review are rarely carried out in practice. In light of the identified discrepancies, we consider how to move forward, first by identifying areas where further methods development is needed to address persistent problems in the field and second by discussing how to more effectively disseminate points of methodological consensus.
Fortification and bioavailability of zinc in potato
Authors: Vergara Carmona Victor M , Cecílio Filho Arthur B , Almeida Hilário J de , Gratão Priscila Lupino
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Most agricultural soils have low zinc (Zn) content available to crops, which results in a significant decrease in productivity and in public health problems. However, the priming of potato tubers in solutions with Zn can be an effective strategy for their fortification. In order to evaluate the effect of Zn concentrations and tuber priming time on the fortification and bioavailability of Zn, potato tubers were primed in solutions containing 0, 10, 20 and 30 mg mL−1 Zn during 12, 16, 20, and 24 h, respectively. The dry matter and the content of Zn and phytic acid (PA) in tubers were assessed in order to obtain the PA:Zn molar ratio.

RESULTS

Longer priming time increased the Zn content in the cortex of the tubers. High Zn concentration in the solution increased the content of Zn linearly in both the cortex and the central region of the tuber, whereas in the periderm the content levels adjusted to the non‐linear logistical model, showing saturation at a minimum of 10 mg mL−1 Zn in the solution. An increase in the bioavailability of Zn was verified when there was higher Zn concentration in the solution.

CONCLUSION

A substantial increase in Zn bioavailability was obtained by priming the tubers for 12 h in 10 mg mL−1 Zn. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparative analysis of nucleosides, nucleobases, and amino acids in different parts of Angelicae Sinensis Radix by ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Qu Cheng , Yan Hui , Zhu Shao‐Qing , Qian Yi‐Yun , Zhou Gui‐Sheng , Guo Sheng , Zhu Zhen‐Hua , Zhang Sen , Qian Da‐Wei , Duan Jin‐Ao
Published: January 2019

A rapid and sensitive ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry method was established and employed to determine 21 nucleosides, nucleobases, and amino acids in 60 samples from different parts of Angelicae Sinensis Radix. The established methods were validated by good linearity (r2 > 0.9937), limits of detection (0.12–77.75 ng/mL), limits of quantitation (0.31–272.13 ng/mL), intra‐ and interday precisions (RSD ≤ 4.84%, RSD ≤ 6.26%), stability (RSD ≤ 5.92%), repeatability (RSD ≤ 7.14%), recovery (91.4–103.4%), and matrix effects (0.92–1.03). Chemical comparative analysis revealed that the content of total analytes in four parts of Angelicae Sinensis Radix were different, and exhibited the order: Head (14.89 mg/g) > Body (10.15 mg/g) > All (8.22 mg/g) > Tail (6.23 mg/g). Principal component analysis showed that the samples could be classified into four groups in accord with four different parts of Angelicae Sinensis Radix. The results could provide a scientific basis and reference for the quality control of Angelicae Sinensis Radix, and may be conducive to further research on the pharmacological activities of Angelicae Sinensis Radix.
Incidental thyroid papillary microcarcinoma: survival and follow‐up
Authors: Gorostis Sophie , Raguin Thibaut , Schneegans Olivier , Takeda Catherine , Debry Christian , Dupret‐Bories Agnès
Published: January 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

The aim was to study the survival of incidental thyroid papillary microcarcinoma patients treated with surgery for benign thyroid disease to validate absence of oncological follow‐up and reduce unnecessary health expenses.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

We analyzed patient's files and interviewed 252 patients by telephone whose cases were submitted to the multidisciplinary meeting of thyroid pathology in Strasbourg, France, for incidental thyroid papillary microcarcinoma without clinical lymph node involvement, between January 1996 and December 2012.

Results

Thirteen patients (5.8%) died while the data were being collected; however, none of the deaths were due to the thyroid pathology, and no patients showed signs of relapse of the thyroidectomy or cervical lymph node level.

Conclusions

Our retrospective study shows that patients with incidental localized thyroid papillary microcarcinoma who underwent surgery without radioactive iodine treatment have an identical survival compared to the general population at the same age to validate absence of oncological follow‐up and reduce unnecessary health expenses.

Level of Evidence

3

Laryngoscope, 129:1722–1726, 2019
Recovery of olfaction after sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis: A review
Authors: Haxel Boris R.
Published: January 2019

Objective

Investigation of the postoperative olfactory function after sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with and without polyps in a review.

Data Sources

PubMed.

Review Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted through June 2018 using relevant keywords. The titles/abstracts were reviewed to identify studies evaluating the sense of smell in CRS‐patients pre‐ and postoperatively by either using the whole or parts of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test or the Sniffin’ Sticks test. Study characteristics and outcome data of the included studies were extracted.

Results

In total, 106 studies were retrieved. Twenty‐four studies comprising 1,956 patients were included after quality assessment. The number of patients investigated per study was 19 to 206. In the 24 studies, 959 patients with nasal polyps and 516 without nasal polyps were described. The follow‐up times varied between 0.5 and 28 months. Twenty‐three studies reported an improved sense of smell, at least in certain subgroups. An overall improvement was seen in approximately 50% of the included patients. Nasal polyposis and preoperative anosmia were associated with a higher chance of improvement in olfaction. In those studies that commented on deterioration after sinus surgery, a decrease in olfaction was found in a range from 0% to 10% of cases.

Conclusion

Olfaction can be improved by sinus surgery in about every second patient, especially if the patient had chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps, was anosmic, and had no prior surgery. A deterioration of sense of smell after surgery is rare. Laryngoscope, 129:1053–1059, 2019
Silsesquioxane‐Containing Hybrid Nanomaterials: Fascinating Platforms for Advanced Applications
Authors: Dong Fuping , Lu Liangyu , Ha Chang‐Sik
Published: January 2019

Silsesquioxanes (SSQs), with the general formula, (RSiO1.5)n—where R stands for an organic group, such as alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, or H—are a type of molecular‐level organic/inorganic hybrid silica‐based material. These materials contain reactive or nonreactive organic moieties as well as inorganic Si–O–Si frameworks. In the past few years, extensive efforts have been made using SSQs to construct multifunctional nanocomposites with suitable properties for a range of applications. In this review, the recent various applications of SSQ‐containing hybrid materials are discussed, in addition to updates of the nanocomposite applications. Various physical structures and chemical reactions in SSQ‐based hybrid nanomaterials are emphasized with regard to applications in the field of polymer nanocomposites, catalysts, adsorption, sensors, and biomedicine. This review focuses on results reported in the recent five years (2013–2018).
Advocates seek continued collaboration around justice reform in communities
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: January 2019

Criminal justice reform became a hot‐button issue both within and outside the behavioral health arena in 2018, marked at year's end by the bipartisan adoption of much‐discussed sentencing reform legislation in Congress. Other initiatives continue to revamp the justice system with less fanfare, however, and one of these will face a pivotal moment in its history in the new year.
An urgent matter of access
Authors: Kennedy Patrick J.
Published: January 2019

Sadly, I wasn't surprised when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that U.S. life expectancy had dropped yet again due to increasing rates of overdoses and suicides. Or that the suicide death rate in 2017 was the highest it's been in 50 years.
Fibroblast growth factor 18 regulates steroidogenesis in fetal bovine ovarian tissue in vitro
Authors: da Silva Rubia Bueno , Yang Ming Y. , Caixeta E. S. , Castilho Anthony C. , Amorim R. L. , Price C. A. , Fortune J. E. , Buratini J.
Published: January 2019

In cattle and other species, the fetal ovary is steroidogenically active before follicular development commences, and there is evidence that estradiol and progesterone inhibit follicle formation and activation. Estradiol levels decline sharply around the time of follicle formation. In the present study, we hypothesized that FGF10 and FGF18, which inhibit estradiol secretion from granulosa cells of antral follicles, also regulate fetal ovarian steroid production. Fetuses were collected at local abattoirs, and age determined by crown‐rump length measurements. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction assays with RNA extracted from whole ovaries revealed that the abundance of CYP19A1 messenger RNA (mRNA) decreased from 60 to 90 days of gestation, which is consistent with the decline in estradiol secretion previously observed. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of FGF18 in ovigerous cords in early gestation and in oocytes later in fetal age (≥150 days). The abundance of FGF18 mRNA increased after Day 90 gestation. Addition of recombinant FGF18 to fetal ovarian pieces inhibited estradiol and progesterone secretion in vitro, whereas FGF10 was without effect. Consistent with these results, FGF18 decreased levels of mRNA for CYP19A1 and CYP11A1 in ovarian pieces in vitro. These data suggest that FGF18 may be an intraovarian factor that regulates steroidogenesis in fetal ovaries.
Experimental polycystic ovarian syndrome is associated with reduced expression and function of P2Y2 receptors in rat theca cells
Authors: Campos‐Contreras Anaí del Rocío , Juárez‐Mercado Ana Patricia , González‐Gallardo Adriana , Chávez‐Genaro Rebeca , Garay Edith , De Ita‐Pérez Dalia Luz , Díaz‐Muñoz Mauricio , Vázquez‐Cuevas Francisco Gabriel
Published: January 2019

Extracellular purines through specific receptors have been recognized as new regulators of ovarian function. It is known that P2Y2 receptor activity induces theca cell proliferation, we hypothesized that purinergic signaling controls the changes related to hyperthecosis in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of UTP‐sensitive P2Y receptors and their role in theca cells (TC) proliferation in experimentally‐induced PCOS (EI‐PCOS). In primary cultures of TC from intact rats, all the transcripts of P2Y receptors were detected by polymerase chain reaction; in these cells, UTP (10 μM) induced extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK) phosphorylation. Rats with EI‐PCOS showed a reduced expression of P2Y2R in TC whereas P2Y4R did not change. By analyzing ERK phosphorylation, it was determined that P2Y2R is the most relevant receptor in TC. UTP promoted cell proliferation in TC from control but not from EI‐PCOS rats. The in silico analysis of P2yr2 promoter indicated the presence of androgen response elements; the stimulation of TC primary cultures with testosterone promoted a significant reduction in the expression of the P2yr2 transcript. We concluded that P2Y2R participates in controlling the proliferative rate of TCs from healthy ovaries, but this regulation is lost during EI‐PCOS.
Feeding Regime Has Little Impact on Weight Loss of Hybrid Crappies Pomoxis spp. and Redear Sunfish at a Low (Winter) Water Temperature when Fed a Noncommercial Diet of Blood Worms
Authors: Roy Luke A , Rawles Steven D , Kelly Anita M , Stone Nathan , Haukenes Alf , Webster Carl D
Published: January 2019

Winter mortality is a problem for fish producers in temperate regions of the USA, including Arkansas. Hybrid crappies (Black Crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus × White Crappie P. annularis) and Redear Sunfish Lepomis microlophus are popular among recreational anglers. Methods of winter feeding vary widely among existing commercial farms. The impact of different winter feeding regimes on performance of hybrid crappies and Redear Sunfish was evaluated in temperature-controlled aquarium systems. Juvenile hybrid crappies and Redear Sunfish were cultured at approximately 9°C to mimic winter conditions. Three feeding regimes were implemented (3 tanks/regime) in which an ad libitum ration of blood worms was administered twice per week, once per week, or once per month. After 13 weeks of culture, there were no observed differences in weight loss, survival, specific growth rate, or final individual weight for either hybrid crappies or Redear Sunfish. Hybrid crappies lost 27–29% of their initial body weight, while Redear Sunfish lost more than 30% of their initial body weight. Fatty acid composition of both species differed significantly among feeding treatments, showing a decline in saturated fatty acids from initial levels and increases in or static levels of highly unsaturated fatty acids. Results suggest that feeding regime has little effect on weight gain in hybrid crappies and Redear Sunfish when fed at a colder water temperature.
Pelvic floor muscle activity during fast voluntary contractions in continent and incontinent women
Authors: Leitner Monika , Moser Helene , Eichelberger Patric , Kuhn Annette , Radlinger Lorenz
Published: January 2019

Aims

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) has also been attributed to a lower speed of contraction of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM). Therefore, PFM assessment and training implement fast voluntary contractions (FVC). The purpose of the study was to explore FVC regarding feasibility, on‐/offset and rate of activity determination, as well as differences between continent (CON) and stress urinary incontinent (SUI) women.

Methods

Fifty women were included and examined by means of PFM EMG during rest, maximum voluntary contractions (MVC), and five FVC. MVC‐peak activity was used to normalize EMG‐data. On‐/offset of muscle activity was determined as mean of rectified rest activity plus 1 standard deviation. Linear regression was calculated for rate of activity from onset to peak, peak to offset, and within 200 ms after both onset and peak. Peak activity and time variables related to onset, peak, and offset were calculated.

Results

On‐/offsets were evaluable for 234/222 of 250 FVC by a computer‐based algorithm, 16/28 on‐/offsets had to be determined manually. There was no significant difference between groups (CON/SUI) regarding FVC peak (92.1/99.3 %MVC), time to peak (514.2/525.6 ms), and increase of activity (182.8/182.1 %MVC/s). The SUI group showed a significantly slower activity decrease (−120.7/−74.4 %MVC/s).

Conclusions

FVC analyses were shown to be feasible. The significant difference observed between the groups did not refer to activity increase but instead to a prolonged relaxation phase in the SUI group. This prompts to reconsider the interpretation of FVC in PFM testing and training.
Family members' beliefs and attitudes towards visiting policy in the intensive care units of Ghana
Authors: Yakubu Yakubu H. , Esmaeili Maryam , Navab Elham
Published: January 2019

Aim

This study aimed to investigate family members' beliefs and attitudes towards the visiting policies of intensive care units (ICUs).

Design

It employed a descriptive cross‐sectional quantitative design.

Method

This study recruited four public hospitals in Ghana with a sample of 200 family members. The study was conducted using a self‐administered questionnaire. The data were collected and analysed with SPSS version 16.

Results

This study revealed that while family members believed in the beneficial effect of adhering to open visiting policies in ICUs, their attitudes were sceptical and restrictive. Most family members preferred the acceptable number of visitors within 24 hr to be two, and according to them, only one person should be allowed to enter at a time. There was a meaningful relationship between the families' beliefs and religion (p = 0.02), educational level (p = 0.03) and family status (p = 0.02). Furthermore, a meaningful relationship was also observed between the families' attitudes and status (p = 0.04) and their level of education (p = 0.05). The studied family members showed concern in this regard and did not want the community style of visiting to be implemented, which could hinder patients' recovery.