bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CGAM: A community and geography aware mobility model
Authors: Mourchid Fatima , Kobbane Abdellatif , Ben Othman Jalel , El Koutbi Mohammed
Published: September 2017

The advances of localization‐enabled technologies have led to huge volumes of large‐scale human mobility data collected from Call Data Records (CDR), Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking systems, and Location Based Social networks (LBSN). These location data that encompass mobility patterns could generate an important value for building accurate and realistic mobility models and hence important value for fields of application including context‐aware advertising, city‐wide sensing applications, urban planning, and more. In this paper, we investigate the underlying spatio‐temporal and structural properties for human mobility patterns, and propose the Community and Geography Aware Mobility (CGAM) model, which characterizes user mobility knowledge through several properties such as home location distribution, community members' distribution, and radius of gyration. We validate the CGAM synthetic traces against real‐world GPS traces and against the traces generated by the baseline mobility model SMOOTH and assess that CGAM is accurate in predicting the performance of flooding‐based and community‐based routing protocols.
Randomized controlled trial comparing smartphone assisted versus traditional guided self‐help for adults with binge eating
Authors: Hildebrandt Tom , Michaelides Andreas , Mackinnon Dianna , Greif Rebecca , DeBar Lynn , Sysko Robyn
Published: September 2017

Objective

Guided self‐help treatments based on cognitive‐behavior therapy (CBT‐GSH) are efficacious for binge eating. With limited availability of CBT‐GSH in the community, mobile technology offers a means to increase use of these interventions. The purpose of this study was to test the initial efficacy of Noom Monitor, a smartphone application designed to facilitate CBT‐GSH (CBT‐GSH + Noom), on study retention, adherence, and eating disorder symptoms compared to traditional CBT‐GSH.

Method

Sixty‐six men and women with DSM‐5 binge‐eating disorder (BED) or bulimia nervosa (BN) were randomized to receive eight sessions of CBT‐GSH + Noom (n = 33) or CBT‐GSH (n = 33) over 12 weeks. Primary symptom outcomes were eating disorder examination objective bulimic episodes (OBEs), subjective bulimic episodes (SBEs), and compensatory behaviors. Assessments were collected at 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 36 weeks. Behavioral outcomes were modeled using zero‐inflated negative‐binomial latent growth curve models with intent‐to‐treat.

Results

There was a significant effect of treatment on change in OBEs (β = −0.84, 95% CI = −1.49, −0.19) favoring CBT‐GSH + Noom. Remission rates were not statistically different between treatments for OBEs (βlogit = −0.73, 95% CI = −1.86, 3.27; CBT‐GSH‐Noom = 17/27, 63.0% vs. CBT‐GSH 11/27, 40.7%, NNT = 4.5), but CBT‐GSH‐Noom participants reported greater meal and snack adherence and regular meal adherence mediated treatment effects on OBEs. The treatments did not differ at the 6‐month follow‐up.

Discussion

Smartphone applications for the treatment binge eating appear to have advantages for adherence, a critical component of treatment dissemination.
Takayasu arteritis presented with acute heart failure: case report and review of literature
Authors: An Xuanqi , Han Yechen , Zhang Bingqing , Qiao Lin , Zhao Yuxing , Guo Xiaoxiao , Fang Ligang , Zhu Wenling , Fang Quan , Shen Zhujun , Zhang Shuyang
Published: September 2017

Acute heart failure due to myocarditis is not common in Takayasu arteritis, let alone in combination with thrombosis affecting both ventricles and pulmonary arteries. The concomitant infection of non‐tuberculosis mycobacterium further complicates the clinical scenario and poses challenges for implementation of tailored treatments. This case report describes a teenage girl with a history of intermittent claudication and Erythema Nodosum who developed acute heart failure. Detailed clinical investigations and imaging techniques confirmed the diagnosis.
Autonomic dysfunction is associated with cardiac remodelling in heart failure patients
Authors: Ali Amna , Holm Hannes , Molvin John , Bachus Erasmus , Tasevska‐Dinevska Gordana , Fedorowski Artur , Jujic Amra , Magnusson Martin
Published: September 2017

Aims

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a cardinal sign of autonomic dysfunction and a common co‐morbidity in heart failure (HF). The role of autonomic dysfunction in the development of structural cardiac anomalies in HF patients has not been sufficiently explored. We aimed to assess relations between orthostatic blood pressure (BP) responses during active standing and echocardiographic changes in a series of patients admitted for HF.

Methods and results

One hundred and forty‐nine patients hospitalized for HF [mean age: 74 years; 30% women; ejection fraction (LVEF) 40 ± 16%] were examined with conventional echocardiograms and active‐standing test. Associations of cardiac remodelling parameters with the difference between supine and standing (after 3 min) systolic/diastolic BP were examined. Systolic BP decreased (−1.1 ± 15 mmHg), whereas diastolic BP increased (+1.0 ± 9.5 mmHg) after 3 min of active standing. A total of 34 patients (23%) met conventional OH criteria; i.e. systolic/diastolic BP decreases by ≥20/10 mmHg. In the multivariable linear regression analysis, adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and LVEF, a decrease in systolic BP upon standing was associated with greater left atrial volume [β per −10 mmHg: 2.37, standard error (SE) = 1.16, P = 0.043], and greater left ventricular mass (β per −10 mmHg: 5.67, SE = 2.24, P = 0.012), but not with other echocardiographic parameters. No significant associations were observed between signs of cardiac remodelling and decrease in diastolic BP.

Conclusions

Orthostatic decrease in systolic BP among older HF patients is associated with structural cardiac changes such as increased left atrial volume and left ventricular mass, independently of traditional risk factors and left ventricular dysfunction.
Functional specialization of intestinal dendritic cell subsets during Th2 helminth infection in mice
Authors: Redpath Stephen A. , Heieis Graham A. , Reynolds Lisa A. , Fonseca Nicolette M. , Kim Sandra S.‐Y. , Perona‐Wright Georgia
Published: September 2017

Dendritic cells (DCs) are essential in dictating the nature and effectiveness of immune responses. In the intestine DCs can be separated into discrete subsets, defined by expression of CD11b and CD103, each with different developmental requirements and distinct functional potential. Recent evidence has shown that different intestinal DC subsets are involved in the induction of T helper (Th)17 and regulatory T cell responses, but the cells that initiate Th2 immune responses are still incompletely understood. We show that in the Th2 response to an intestinal helminth in mice, only CD11b+ and not CD11b− DCs accumulate in the local lymph node, upregulate PDL2 and express markers of alternative activation. An enteric Th1 response instead activated both CD11b+ and CD11b− DCs without eliciting alternative activation in either population. Functionally, only CD11b+ DCs activated during helminth infection supported Th2 differentiation in naive CD4+ T cells. Together our data demonstrate that the ability to prime Th2 cells during intestinal helminth infection, is a selective and inducible characteristic of CD11b+ DCs.
Towards the Total Synthesis of the Norsesterterpene Diacarnoxide C
Authors: Schneider Marc‐André , Seifert Karlheinz
Published: September 2017

The synthesis of the norsesterterpene diacarnoxide C was achieved. The endoperoxide moiety could be prepared in nine and the norsesquiterpene moiety in five steps starting from (E)‐3‐methyl‐6‐oxohex‐2‐en‐1‐yl acetate and dihydro‐β‐ionone. The peroxide aldehyde and the norsesquiterpene sulfone were coupled in an (E)‐selective Julia–Kocienski reaction. The coupling product was transformed in three additional steps to an inseparable mixture of diacarnoxide C and three further isomers.
Use of β‐Amido Allylboronate as a Nucleophilic Reagent in Catalytic Amide Allylation of N‐Carbonyl Imides
Authors: Sengoku Tetsuya , Kamiya Yuta , Kawakami Ai , Takahashi Masaki , Yoda Hidemi
Published: September 2017

This communication describes the utility of β‐amido allylboronate as a nucleophile in the catalytic amide allylation of N‐carbonyl imides. The reaction of the imide substrates with the boronates has been accomplished by using catalytic zinc bromide and basic additives (ethanol, potassium carbonate and 18‐crown 6‐ether), affording azaspiro‐γ‐lactones through a ring opening‐reclosure process with yields up to 100 %. The cost‐effective and easy‐to‐handle method established here tolerated for gram‐scale synthesis without significant loss of reaction efficiency.
Copper‐Iodide‐ and Diorganyl‐Diselenide‐Promoted Cyclization of 2‐Alkynylphenols: Alternative Approach to 3‐Organoselanylbenzo[b]furans
Authors: Kazmierczak Jean C. , Recchi Ana M. S. , Gritzenco Fabiane , Balbom Everton B. , Barcellos Thiago , Sperança Adriane , Godoi Benhur
Published: September 2017

This paper describes an alternative method for the synthesis of 3‐organoselanylbenzo[b]furans through the intramolecular cyclization of 2‐alkynylphenols promoted by copper iodide and diorganyl diselenides. The cyclization reactions were carried out at room temperature in the absence of base and under air (open flask). This synthetic approach proved to be efficient with both diorganyl diselenides and 2‐alkynylphenols bearing electron‐neutral, electron‐donating, and electron‐withdrawing substituents. 2‐Phenyl‐3‐phenylselanylbenzo[b]furan was used as a synthetic precursor in organochalcogen–lithium exchange and bromination reactions, allowing the synthesis of functionalized benzo[b]furans in good yields.
Network information and cross‐border M&A activities
Authors: Xia Jun , Ma Xufei , Tong Tony W. , Li Weiwen
Published: September 2017

Research Summary

How information about social networks affects firms’ global expansion is an important but rarely investigated question. We argue that different sources of network information will affect a firm's investment activities in the global market, but their relative importance may vary. Moreover, the influence of network information can be bounded by the global trade network. The results from a sample of cross‐border merger and acquisition (M&A) activities conducted by U.S. publicly listed firms reveal that although M&A experience of both interlocking and joint venture partners affects the focal firm's global expansion, the effect of interlocking partners is more influential than joint venture partners. Meanwhile, when mutual trade dependence between countries is high, the positive effect of network information from board interlocks diminishes.

Managerial Summary

Firms are hesitant to engage in cross‐border M&As, because it is difficult for them to get information about local business practices and environmental idiosyncrasies. This study shows that firms can deal with this challenge by accessing relevant information from the M&A experience of interlocking partners and joint venture partners. The information generated from the M&A experience of interlocking partners is even more valuable and important than that of joint venture partners in shaping firms’ cross‐border M&A decisions. Moreover, the M&A experience of interlocking partners and joint venture partners is particularly valuable for firms contemplating M&A activities in a country with relatively fewer buyer‐seller exchange networks with their home country.
Hypermethylated ZNF582 and PAX1 genes in mouth rinse samples as biomarkers for oral dysplasia and oral cancer detection
Authors: Cheng Shih‐Jung , Chang Chi‐Feng , Ko Hui‐Hsin , Lee Jang‐Jaer , Chen Hsin‐Ming , Wang Huei‐Jen , Lin Hsiao‐Shan , Chiang Chun‐Pin
Published: September 2017

Background

Effective biomarkers for oral cancer screening are important for early diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer.

Methods

Oral epithelial cell samples collected by mouth rinse were obtained from 65 normal control subjects, 108 patients with oral potentially malignant disorders, and 94 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methylation levels of zinc‐finger protein 582 (ZNF582) and paired‐box 1 (PAX1) genes were quantified by real‐time methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction after bisulfite conversion.

Results

An abrupt increase in methylated ZNF582 (ZNF582m) and PAX1 (PAX1m) levels and positive rates from mild dysplasia to moderate/severe dysplasia, indicating that both ZNF582m and PAX1m are effective biomarkers for differentiating moderate dysplasia or worse (MODY+) oral lesions. When ZNF582m/PAX1m tests were used for identifying MODY+ oral lesions, the sensitivity, specificity, and odds ratio (OR) were 0.65/0.64, 0.75/0.82, and 5.6/8.0, respectively.

Conclusion

Hypermethylated ZNF582 and PAX1 genes in oral epithelial cells collected by mouth rinse are effective biomarkers for the detection of oral dysplasia and oral cancer.
Portal pressure and liver stiffness measurements in the prediction of fibrosis regression after sustained virological response in recurrent hepatitis C
Authors: Mauro Ezequiel , Crespo Gonzalo , Montironi Carla , Londoño Maria‐Carlota , Hernández‐Gea Virginia , Ruiz Pablo , Sastre Lydia , Lombardo Julissa , Mariño Zoe , Díaz Alba , Colmenero Jordi , Rimola Antoni , Garcia‐Pagán Juan Carlos , Brunet Mercé , Forns Xavier , Navasa Miquel
Published: September 2017

Sustained virological response (SVR) improves survival in post‐liver transplant (LT) recurrent hepatitis C. However, the impact of SVR on fibrosis regression is not well defined. In addition, the performance of noninvasive methods to evaluate the presence of fibrosis and portal hypertension (PH) post‐SVR has been scarcely evaluated. We aimed to investigate the degree of fibrosis regression (decrease ≥1 METAVIR stage) after‐SVR and its associated factors in recurrent hepatitis C, as well as the diagnostic capacity of noninvasive methods in the assessment of liver fibrosis and PH after viral clearance. We evaluated 112 hepatitis C virus–infected LT recipients who achieved SVR between 2001 and 2015. A liver biopsy was performed before treatment and 12 months post‐SVR. Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), liver stiffness measurement (LSM), and Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) score were also determined at the same time points. Sixty‐seven percent of the cohort presented fibrosis regression: 43% in recipients with cirrhosis and 72%‐85% in the remaining stages (P = 0.002). HVPG, LSM, and ELF significantly decreased post‐SVR. Liver function significantly improved, and survival was significantly better in patients achieving fibrosis regression. Baseline HVPG and LSM as well as decompensations before therapy were independent predictors of fibrosis regression. One year post‐SVR, LSM had a high diagnostic accuracy to discard the presence of advanced fibrosis (AF) and clinically significant PH (AUROC, 0.902 and 0.888). Conclusion: In conclusion, SVR post‐LT induces fibrosis regression in most patients, leading to significant clinical benefits. Pretreatment HVPG and LSM are significant determinants of the likelihood of fibrosis regression. Finally, LSM accurately predicts the presence of AF and PH 1 year after SVR and thus can be used to determine monitoring strategies. (Hepatology 2018;67:1683‐1694).
A Large‐scale, multicenter serum metabolite biomarker identification study for the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Luo Ping , Yin Peiyuan , Hua Rui , Tan Yexiong , Li Zaifang , Qiu Gaokun , Yin Zhenyu , Xie Xingwang , Wang Xiaomei , Chen Wenbin , Zhou Lina , Wang Xiaolin , Li Yanli , Chen Hongsong , Gao Ling , Lu Xin , Wu Tangchun , Wang Hongyang , Niu Junqi , Xu Guowang
Published: September 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most lethal cancer worldwide. The lack of effective biomarkers for the early detection of HCC results in unsatisfactory curative treatments. Here, metabolite biomarkers were identified and validated for HCC diagnosis. A total of 1,448 subjects, including healthy controls and patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection, liver cirrhosis, and HCC, were recruited from multiple centers in China. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry–based metabolomics methods were used to characterize the subjects' serum metabolic profiles and to screen and validate the HCC biomarkers. A serum metabolite biomarker panel including phenylalanyl‐tryptophan and glycocholate was defined. This panel had a higher diagnostic performance than did α‐fetoprotein (AFP) in differentiating HCC from a high‐risk population of cirrhosis, such as an area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve of 0.930, 0.892, and 0.807 for the panel versus 0.657, 0.725, and 0.650 for AFP in the discovery set, test set, and cohort 1 of the validation set, respectively. In the nested case–control study, this panel had high sensitivity (range 80.0%‐70.3%) to detect preclinical HCC, and its combination with AFP provided better risk prediction of preclinical HCC before clinical diagnosis. Besides, this panel showed a larger area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve than did AFP (0.866 versus 0.682) to distinguish small HCC, and 80.6% of the AFP false‐negative patients with HCC were correctly diagnosed using this panel in the test set, which was corroborated by the validation set. The specificity and biological relevance of the identified biomarkers were further evaluated using sera from another two cancers and HCC tissue specimens, respectively. Conclusion: The discovered and validated serum metabolite biomarker panel exhibits good diagnostic performance for the early detection of HCC from at‐risk populations. (Hepatology 2018;67:662‐675).
Cross‐sectional study of the case–fatality rate among patients with visceral leishmaniasis infections during pregnancy in Sudan
Authors: Adam Gamal K. , Omar Saeed M. , Ahmed MohammedAhmed A. , Abdallah Tajeldin M. , Ali AbdelAziem A.
Published: September 2017

Among patients who were pregnant and had visceral leishmaniasis infections at Gadarif Hospital, Sudan, a case–fatality rate of 18% was recorded.
Aberrant expression of miR‐451a contributes to 1,2‐dichloroethane‐induced hepatic glycerol gluconeogenesis disorder by inhibiting glycerol kinase expression in NIH Swiss mice
Authors: Zeng Ni , Jiang Hongmei , Fan Qiming , Wang Ting , Rong Weifeng , Li Guoliang , Li Ruobi , Xu Dandan , Guo Tao , Wang Fei , Zeng Lihai , Huang Manqi , Zheng Jiewei , Lu Fengrong , Chen Wen , Hu Qiansheng , Huang Zhenlie , Wang Qing
Published: September 2017

The identification of aberrant microRNA (miRNA) expression during chemical‐induced hepatic dysfunction will lead to a better understanding of the substantial role of miRNAs in liver diseases. 1,2‐Dichloroethane (1,2‐DCE), a chlorinated organic toxicant, can lead to hepatic abnormalities in occupationally exposed populations. To explore whether aberrant miRNA expression is involved in liver abnormalities mediated by 1,2‐DCE exposure, we examined alterations in miRNA expression patterns in the livers of NIH Swiss mice after dynamic inhalation exposure to 350 or 700 mg m–3 1,2‐DCE for 28 days. Using a microarray chip, we discovered that only mmumiR‐451a was significantly upregulated in the liver tissue of mice exposed to 700 mg m–3 1,2‐DCE; this finding was validated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. In vitro study revealed that it was metabolite 2‐chloroacetic acid, not 1,2‐DCE that resulted in the upregulation of mmu‐miR‐451a in the mouse AML12 cell line. Furthermore, our data showed that the upregulation of mmu‐miR‐451a induced by 2‐chloroacetic acid could suppress the expression of glycerol kinase and lead to the inhibition of glycerol gluconeogenesis in mouse liver tissue and AML12 cells. These observations provide evidence that hepatic mmu‐miR‐451a responds to 1,2‐DCE exposure and might induce glucose metabolism disorders by suppressing the glycerol gluconeogenesis process.
Diethylstilbestrol impaired oogenesis of yellow catfish juveniles through disrupting hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and germ cell development
Authors: Wang Yaqin , Li Yingwen , Chen Qiliang , Liu Zhihao
Published: September 2017

Diethylstilbestrol (DES), a non‐steroidal estrogen, has been found to cause altered germ cell development and disordered ovarian development in fish females. However, the mechanisms that might be involved are poorly understood. In this study, female juveniles of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) (120 days post‐hatching) were exposed to two doses (10 and 100 ng l−1) of DES for 28 days. After the endpoint of exposure, decreased ovary weight and gonadosomatic index, as well as various ovarian impairments were observed in response to DES. Besides, DES elevated the mRNA levels of vitellogenin 1 (vtg 1) and estrogen receptor 1 (esr 1) in liver and decreased 17β‐estradiol level in plasma. Correspondingly, suppressed mRNA levels of the key genes in the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis (such as cyp19a1b, gnrh‐II, fshβ and lhβ in brain and fshr, lhr and cyp19a1a in ovary) after DES exposure were also observed. The declined level of plasma 17β‐estradiol and altered gene expressions of genes in the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis were thus supposed to be closely related to the disrupted oogenesis in DES‐treated fish. Analyses further demonstrated that, higher concentration of DES elevated the expression ratio of bax/bcl‐2, indicating the enhanced apoptosis occurred in ovary. Moreover, DES upregulated the expressions of genes involved in proliferation (cyclin d1 and pcna), meiotic entry (cyp26a1 and scp3) and meiotic maintenance (dmc1), resulting in arrested oogenesis in catfish. The present study greatly extended our understanding on the mechanisms underlying of reproductive toxicity of DES on fish oogenesis.
Evaluation of Radius Microstructure and Areal Bone Mineral Density Improves Fracture Prediction in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Biver Emmanuel , Durosier-Izart Claire , Chevalley Thierry , van Rietbergen Bert , Rizzoli René , Ferrari Serge
Published: September 2017

A majority of low-trauma fractures occur in subjects with only moderate decrease of areal bone mineral density (aBMD), ie, osteopenia, assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) or low fracture probability assessed by FRAX. We investigated whether peripheral bone microstructure and estimated strength improve the prediction of incident fractures beyond central DXA and FRAX. In this population-based study of 740 postmenopausal women (aged 65.0 ± 1.4 years) from the Geneva Retirees Cohort (ISRCTN registry 11865958), we assessed at baseline cortical (Ct) and trabecular (Tb) volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and microstructure by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT); bone strength by micro-finite element analysis; aBMD and trabecular bone score (TBS) by DXA; and FRAX fracture probability. Eighty-five low-trauma fractures occurred in 68 women over a follow-up of 5.0 ± 1.8 years. Tb and Ct vBMD and microstructure predicted incident fractures, independently of each other and of femoral neck (FN) aBMD and FRAX (with BMD ± TBS). However, the associations were markedly attenuated after adjustment for ultra-distal radius aBMD (same bone site). The best discrimination between women with and without fracture was obtained at the radius with total vBMD, the combination of a Tb with a Ct parameter, or with failure load, which improved the area under the curve (AUC) for major osteoporotic fracture when added to FN aBMD (0.760 versus 0.695, p = 0.022) or to FRAX-BMD (0.759 versus 0.714, p = 0.015). The replacement of failure load by ultra-distal aBMD did not significantly decrease the AUC (0.753, p = 0.747 and 0.750, p = 0.509, respectively). In conclusion, peripheral bone microstructure and strength improve the prediction of fractures beyond central DXA and FRAX but are partially captured in aBMD measured by DXA at the radius. Because HR-pQCT is not widely available for clinical purposes, assessment of ultra-distal radius aBMD by DXA may meanwhile improve fracture risk estimation. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Antioxidant activities of novel resveratrol analogs in breast cancer
Authors: Chatterjee Anwesha , Ronghe Amruta , Padhye Subhash B. , Spade David A. , Bhat Nimee K. , Bhat Hari K.
Published: September 2017

The objective of the present study was to characterize the role of novel resveratrol (Res) analogs: 4‐(E)‐{(4‐hydroxyphenylimino)‐methylbenzene, 1, 2‐diol} (HPIMBD) and 4‐(E)‐{(p‐tolylimino)‐methylbenzene‐1,2‐diol} (TIMBD) as potent antioxidants against breast cancer. Non‐neoplastic breast epithelial cell lines MCF‐10A and MCF‐10F were treated with 17β‐estradiol (E2), Res, HPIMBD, and TIMBD for up to 72 h. mRNA and protein levels of antioxidant genes, superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3) and N‐quinoneoxidoreductase‐1 (NQO1) and transcription factors, nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor (Nrf) 1, 2 and 3 were quantified after the above treatments. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured by CM‐H2‐DCFDA and oxidative‐DNA damage was determined by measuring 8‐hydroxy‐2‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG). HPIMBD and TIMBD scavenged cellular ROS production, attenuated oxidative DNA damage, increased mRNA and protein expression levels of SOD3 and NQO1 and activated Nrf signaling pathway. Our studies demonstrate that HPIMBD and TIMBD have the potential as novel antioxidants to prevent development of breast cancer.
Triggering p53 activation is essential in ziyuglycoside I‐induced human retinoblastoma WERI‐Rb‐1 cell apoptosis
Authors: Zhu Xue , Wang Ke , Yao Yong , Zhang Kai , Zhou Fanfan , Zhu Ling
Published: September 2017

Ziyuglycoside I (Ziyu I), one of the major components isolated from the root of Sanguisorba officinalis L., has been proved for the antitumor properties on oral cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer. However, the effect of Ziyu I on retinoblastoma (RB) is not well understood. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect and underlying molecular mechanism of Ziyu I on human RB WERI‐Rb‐1 cells. Our results indicated that Ziyu I could suppress cell viability and induce mitochondrial‐dependent cell apoptosis in WERI‐Rb‐1 cells. Furthermore, Ziyu I treatment increased p53 expression as well as improved p53 stabilization through downregulation of pS166‐Mdm2 and upregulation of phosphorylated‐ and acetylated‐p53. Blockade of p53 significantly attenuated Ziyu I‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Our findings demonstrate that Ziyu I exhibits excellent anticancer effect on human RB WERI‐Rb‐1 cells by triggering p53 activation, and imply Ziyu I as a potential compound for chemotherapy of human RB.
Polyethyleneimine grafting and Cibacron Blue F3GA modifying poly(methylmethacrylate) magnetic microspheres for protein adsorption
Authors: Dou Yi‐Fang , Zhang Dong‐Hao , Liu Hang , Xia Yu‐Pei , Zhi Gao‐Ying
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Polyethyleneimine (PEI) has attracted wide interest due to not only its good hydrophilicity but also its high density of amino groups across the polymer chain. In order to study in depth the effect of PEI as spacer arm on dye ligand modification and further protein adsorption, poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) magnetic microspheres were fabricated, grafted with PEI, and further modified with an affinity dye‐ligand, Cibacron Blue F3GA (CB).

RESULTS

CB density of these CB‐PEI‐PMMA microspheres was determined to be 370.7 µmol g‐1 for CB‐PEI 600‐PMMA, 355.2 µmol g‐1 for CB‐PEI 1800‐PMMA, and 317.6 µmol g‐1 for CB‐PEI 70000‐PMMA microspheres, respectively. Moreover, bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption capacity of PEI‐PMMA and CB‐PEI‐PMMA microspheres increased greatly compared with PMMA microspheres. The effects of temperature, BSA initial concentration, pH and ionic strength on BSA adsorption were studied. CB‐PEI 70000‐PMMA microspheres exhibited the maximum adsorption of 103.6 mg g‐1.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrated the versatility of PEI as spacer arm. The information obtained from the present work could be utilized for rational design of carriers for protein adsorption or enzyme immobilization. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Pilot scale production of extracellular thermo‐alkali stable laccase from Pseudomonas sp. S2 using agro waste and its application in organophosphorous pesticides degradation
Authors: Chauhan Prakram Singh , Jha Bhavanath
Published: September 2017

Background

Laccases are multicopper oxidases that are able to oxidize various aromatic or nonaromatic compounds owing to their multifarious applications. However, till now only a few bacterial laccases have been isolated and characterized. Hence there is an urgent need to study an extracellular thermo‐alkali stable laccase.

Results

In the present study, an extracellular thermo‐alkali stable laccase was produced from Pseudomonas sp. S2 in a 100 L bioreactor using agro waste (potato peel). Production was 17‐fold higher than in the control. The enzyme (S2LAC) was purified 12.16 ± 1.6‐fold to homogeneity with specific activity of 1089.70 ± 16.8 U mg−1 and molecular mass of 38 kDa. The temperature and pH for maximum enzyme activity were 80 °C and 9.0, respectively. The metal ions Na+, K+, Pb+2, Ca+2, Cu+2 and Co+2 enhanced enzyme activity. The purified enzyme showed maximum specificity to Pyrogallol > PPD > L‐DOPA > Hydroquinone. The S2LAC was able to degrade organ‐phosphorous pesticide including dichlorophos, chlorpyrifos, monocrotophos and profenovos upto 45.99 ± 0.3%, 80.56 ± 0.6%, 75.45 ± 1.3%, 81.84 ± 0.6%, respectively, in the absence of any mediator.

Conclusion

S2LAC produced using agro waste was stable and capable of degrading organophosphorous pesticides making it attractive for industrial applications. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Developing risk management dashboards using risk and quality measures: A visual best practices approach
Authors: Bunting Robert F. , Siegal Dana
Published: September 2017

Because quality measures are ubiquitous, health care risk management leaders often use them as a proxy for risk management measures. While certain quality measures adequately reflect some aspects of risk management, they are neither a perfect nor complete substitute for well‐developed and comprehensive risk management measures. Using a comprehensive approach consisting of quality measures, risk measures, and measures that are less amenable to classification would be the best approach. Identifying the most powerful and informative measures, designing the most appropriate dashboards, and incorporating visual best practices are crucial steps required for evaluating the effectiveness and value of an enterprise risk management program. The authors explain the terms and concepts, review the measures available in the literature, propose new measures, discuss visual best practices, and provide sample dashboard components.
Robust motion correction for myocardial T1 and extracellular volume mapping by principle component analysis‐based groupwise image registration
Authors: Tao Qian , van der Tol Pieternel , Berendsen Floris F. , Paiman Elisabeth H.M. , Lamb Hildo J. , van der Geest Rob J.
Published: September 2017

Background

Myocardial tissue characterization by MR T1 and extracellular volume (ECV) mapping has demonstrated clinical value. The modified Look–Locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) sequence is a standard mapping technique, but its quality can be negatively affected by motion.

Purpose

To develop a robust motion correction method for T1 and ECV mapping.

Study Type

Retrospective analysis of clinical data.

Population

Fifty patients who were referred to cardiac MR exam for T1 mapping.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T cardiac MRI with precontrast and postcontrast MOLLI acquisition of the left ventricle (LV).

Assessment

A groupwise registration method based on principle component analysis (PCA) was developed to register all MOLLI frames simultaneously. The resulting T1 and ECV maps were compared to those from the original and motion‐corrected MOLLI with pairwise registration, in terms of standard deviation (SD) error.

Statistical Test

Paired variables were compared using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.

Results

The groupwise registration method demonstrated improved registration performance compared to pairwise registration, with the T1 SD error reduced from 31 ± 20 msec to 26 ± 15 msec (P < 0.05), and ECV SD error reduced from 4.1 ± 3.6% to 2.8 ± 2.0% (P < 0.05). In LV segmental analysis, the performance was particularly improved in lateral segments, which are most affected by motion. The running time of groupwise registration was significantly shorter than that of the pairwise registration, 17.5 ± 3.0 seconds compared to 43.5 ± 2.2 seconds (P < 0.05).

Data Conclusion

We developed an automatic, robust motion correction method for myocardial T1 and ECV mapping based on a new groupwise registration scheme. The method led to lower mapping error compared to the conventional pairwise registration method in reduced execution time.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1397–1405.
Quantitation of anthocyanins in elderberry fruit extracts and nutraceutical formulations with paper spray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Cody Robert B. , Tamura Jun , Downard Kevin M.
Published: September 2017

The ability to rapidly identify and quantitate, over a wide range of concentrations, anthocyanins in food and therapeutic products is important to ensuring their presence at medicinally significant levels. Sensitive, yet mild, analysis conditions are required given their susceptibility to degradation and transformation. Paper spray ionization has been used to detect and quantify the levels of anthocyanin levels in extracts of fresh and dried elderberries, and elderberry stems, as well as 3 commercially available nutraceutical formulations. The component cyanidin glucosides, including cyanidin‐3‐sambubioside, cyanidin‐3‐glucoside, cyanidin‐3,5‐diglucoside, cyanidin‐3‐sambubioside‐5‐glucoside, and the aglycone cyanidin, were readily detected in a range of sources. Quantitation was achieved by establishing a calibration plot from dilutions of a stock solution of cyanidin‐3,5‐diglucoside containing malvidin‐3,5‐diglucoside as an internal standard at a fixed concentration. The same standard was used to quantify the anthocyanin content in the fruit and nutraceutical formulations. Wide 5‐fold variations in anthocyanin concentration were detected in the nutraceutical formulations from different suppliers ranging from 1050 to 5430 mg/100 g. These concentrations compared with 500 to 2370 mg/100 g measured in the dried stems and fruit, respectively.
Low viral load of Merkel cell polyomavirus in Iranian patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Is it clinically important?
Authors: Mohebbi Elham , Noormohamadi Zahra , Sadeghi‐Rad Habib , Sadeghi Farzin , Yahyapour Yousef , Vaziri Farzam , Rahimi Ayoub , Rahimi Jamnani Fatemeh , Mehrabi Saman , Siadat Seyed D. , Noori‐Daloii Mohammad R. , Fateh Abolfazl
Published: September 2017

Recent studies show that the human Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) may be involved in causing cancer. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of MCPyV on the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In total, 50 paraffin‐embedded HNSCC biopsy samples and 50 adjacent non‐cancerous samples were evaluated for the presence of MCPyV DNA and RNA. Among patients, the five most frequent histopathologic sites were the tongue (22.0%), lip (16.0%), submandibular (14.0%), cheek (14.0%), and throat (14.0%). MCPyV DNA was positive in eight (16.0%) samples. The median MCPyV LT‐Ag copy number in the eight positive samples and in one non‐cancerous sample was 4.8 × 10−3 and 2.6 × 10−5 copies/cell, respectively. Quantification of MCPyV LT‐Ag revealed increased expression in stage III (5.6 × 10−3 copies/cell) than in the other stages. The MCPyV DNA load in different stages of HNSCC was also statistically significant (P = 0.027). The viral load was low, suggesting that only a fraction of cancerous cells is infected. This result provides evidence confirming the presence of MCPyV in a subset of Iranian patients with HNSCCs, but further studies needed to confirm our findings.
Significant improvement of glycemic control in diabetic patients with HCV infection responding to direct‐acting antiviral agents
Authors: Ciancio Alessia , Bosio Roberta , Bo Simona , Pellegrini Marianna , Sacco Marco , Vogliotti Edoardo , Fassio Giulia , Bianco Mauthe Degerfeld Andrea G. F. , Gallo Monica , Giordanino Chiara , Terzi di Bergamo Lodovico , Ribaldone Davide , Bugianesi Elisabetta , Smedile Antonina , Rizzetto Mario , Saracco Giorgio Maria
Published: September 2017

Many studies showed insulin resistance amelioration in HCV‐patients achieving Sustained Virologic Response (SVR) but results on glycemic control in diabetic patients are unclear. This study aimed to assess fasting glucose (FG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values before and after therapy with direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) in HCV‐patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Of the 122 consecutively recruited patients with chronic hepatitis C and T2DM, 110 patients were treated with DAAs and 12 remained untreated. Clinical, biochemical, virological, and metabolic features were collected both at baseline and at 12 weeks after the end of therapy (EOT) or after a comparable period of time in untreated patients. A total of 101 patients obtained a SVR (Group 1), while nine were relapsers. Group 2 (21 patients) was composed by the nine relapsers and the 12 untreated patients. A significant reduction of mean FG (134.3 ± 41.32 mg/dL vs 152.4 ± 56.40 mg/dL, P = 0.002) and HbA1c values (46.51 ± 16.15 mmoL/moL vs 52.15 ± 15.43 mmoL/moL, P <  0.001) was found in Group 1 but not in Group 2 (140.6 ± 47.87 mg/dL vs. 145.31 ± 30.18 mg/dL, P = 0.707, and 55.31 ± 20.58 mmoL/moL vs. 53.38 ± 9.49 mmoL/moL, P = 0.780). In Group 1, 20.7% of patients could reduce or suspend their antidiabetic therapy compared to none in Group 2 (P = 0.03), despite the significant weight increase observed in Group 1. SVR induced a significant amelioration of glycemic control in diabetic HCV‐patients, despite a significant weight increase; larger prospective studies are needed to verify whether these results are maintained over the long‐term.
5′‐methylschweinfurthin G reduces chondrosarcoma tumor growth
Authors: Stevens Jeff W. , Meyerholz David K. , Neighbors Jeffery D. , Morcuende José A.
Published: September 2017

New treatment options are urgently required in the field of chondrosarcoma, particularly of chondrosarcomas with a well‐differentiated hyaline cartilage‐like extracellular matrix (e.g., collagen II and proteoglycan‐rich) phenotype, notoriously resistant to drug penetration, and having potential of progression towards higher grade. We investigated the feasibility of using 5′‐methylschweinfurthin G (MeSG) as a tumor suppressor agent in the Swarm rat chondrosarcoma, an intermediate‐ to high‐grade chondrosarcoma model, having a hyaline cartilage‐like phenotype. Tumor cell culture studies were performed to identify their proliferative and cytotoxicity sensitivity to MeSG. Tumor burden mice were treated with MeSG and analyzed for tumor growth, morphology and regression. The chondrosarcoma tumor cells had a half maximum cytotoxicity concentration (IC50) of 35 nM MeSG; approximately 300‐fold less than freshly isolated rat chondrocytes (IC50of 11 µM). Multiple injections of MeSG (20 mg/kg, body weight) resulted in reduced/eliminated tumor growth over a 17‐day period in mice, and an 83% reduction (p = 0.023) in tumor mass. Three out of ten MeSG treated mice had complete elimination of tumor. Tumors of treated mice had a decrease in chondrosarcoma cell proliferation (p = 0.012) and an increase in cell death (p = 0.030) compared with tumors of control mice. These findings in an animal model demonstrate the effectiveness of MeSG for treatment of rat chondrosarcomas, and may have the potential use as a therapeutic option for the difficult‐to‐treat intermediate‐to high‐grade hyaline cartilage‐like chondrosarcoma. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1283–1293, 2018.
Low‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunits from the 1U genome of Aegilops umbellulata confer superior dough rheological properties and improve breadmaking quality of bread wheat
Authors: Wang Jian , Wang Chang , Zhen Shoumin , Li Xiaohui , Yan Yueming
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Wheat‐related genomes may carry new glutenin genes with the potential for quality improvement of breadmaking. In this study, we estimated the gluten quality properties of the wheat line CNU609 derived from crossing between Chinese Spring (CS, Triticum aestivum L., 2n = 6x = 42, AABBDD) and the wheat Aegilops umbellulata (2n = 2x = 14, UU) 1U(1B) substitution line, and investigated the function of 1U‐encoded low‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunits (LMW‐GS).

RESULTS

The main quality parameters of CNU609 were significantly improved due to introgression of the 1U genome, including dough development time, stability time, farinograph quality number, gluten index, loaf size and inner structure. Glutenin analysis showed that CNU609 and CS had the same high‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunit (HMW‐GS) composition, but CNU609 carried eight specific 1U genome‐encoded LMW‐GS. The introgression of the 1U‐encoded LMW‐GS led to more and larger protein body formation in the CNU609 endosperm. Two new LMW‐m type genes from the 1U genome, designated Glu‐U3a and Glu‐U3b, were cloned and characterized. Secondary structure prediction implied that both Glu‐U3a and Glu‐U3b encode subunits with high α‐helix and β‐strand content that could benefit the formation of superior gluten structure.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that the 1U genome has superior LMW‐GS that can be used as new gene resources for wheat gluten quality improvement. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
A design method for flicker‐free liquid crystal display panels based on indium‐gallium‐zinc‐oxide thin‐film transistors
Authors: Kim Lee‐Young , Kwon Oh‐Kyong
Published: September 2017

This paper proposes a design method to reduce the flicker of liquid crystal display panels based on indium‐gallium‐zinc‐oxide (IGZO) thin‐film transistors (TFTs). The proposed design method employs a human factor model to convert the flicker measured at low frame frequency (FFRAME) to a modification value of the measured flicker (MVMF) having a frequency sensitivity of flicker, which can distinguish between no blinking and weak blinking. To investigate the causes and characteristics of flicker, the frequency component and increase factor of flicker are analyzed using the checkerboard and solid images. The increase factor in flicker is examined using IGZO TFTs with different antenna ratios (ARs) that cause the variation in threshold voltage of IGZO TFT. To verify the proposed design method, two test panels are implemented with asymmetric and symmetric ARs. The MVMFs of the 15 Hz component at a low FFRAME of 30 Hz show that the solid image with a symmetric AR has an MVMF of −62.9 dB, which is improved by 24.3 dB compared to that with an asymmetric AR. Therefore, the proposed method is applicable for a flicker‐free liquid crystal display panels at a low FFRAME.
Reliability of Evaluating Achilles Tendon Vascularization Assessed With Doppler Ultrasound Advanced Dynamic Flow
Authors: Risch Lucie , Wochatz Monique , Messerschmidt Janin , Engel Tilman , Mayer Frank , Cassel Michael
Published: September 2017

Objectives

The reliability of quantifying intratendinous vascularization by high‐sensitivity Doppler ultrasound advanced dynamic flow has not been examined yet. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of evaluating Achilles tendon vascularization by advanced dynamic flow using established scoring systems.

Methods

Three investigators evaluated vascularization in 67 recordings in a test‐retest design, applying the Ohberg score, a modified Ohberg score, and a counting score. Intraobserver and interobserver agreement for the Ohberg score and modified Ohberg score was analyzed by the Cohen κ and Fleiss κ coefficients (absolute), Kendall τ b coefficient, and Kendall coefficient of concordance (W; relative). The reliability of the counting score was analyzed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) 2.1 and 3.1, the standard error of measurement (SEM), and Bland‐Altman analysis (bias and limits of agreement [LoA]).

Results

Intraobserver and interobserver agreement (absolute/relative) ranged from 0.61 to 0.87/0.87 to 0.95 and 0.11 to 0.66/0.76 to 0.89 for the Ohberg score and from 0.81 to 0.87/0.92 to 0.95 and 0.64 to 0.80/0.88 to 0.93 for the modified Ohberg score, respectively. The counting score revealed an intraobserver ICC of 0.94 to 0.97 (SEM, 1.0–1.5; bias, –1; and LoA, 3–4 vessels). The interobserver ICC for the counting score ranged from 0.91 to 0.98 (SEM, 1.0–1.9; bias, 0; and LoA, 3–5 vessels).

Conclusions

The modified Ohberg score and counting score showed excellent reliability and seem convenient for research and clinical practice. The Ohberg score revealed decent intraobserver but unexpected low interobserver reliability and therefore cannot be recommended.
Abandonment of traditional terraced landscape: A change detection approach (a case study in Costa Viola, Calabria, Italy)
Authors: Modica Giuseppe , Praticò Salvatore , Di Fazio Salvatore
Published: September 2017

This paper presents the results of a change‐detection study of the historical agricultural terraced landscape in “Costa Viola” (Calabria, South Italy). During the last century, because of the loss of economic competitiveness, it has undergone progressive abandonment, followed by landscape degradation. Taking into consideration the very steep slopes of Costa Viola and the need to analyse with high precision the historical evolution of the terraced landscape, research methods were implemented coupling advanced geomatic techniques with in situ detailed surveys. Based on historical aerial photographs, orthophotos, and numeric cartography, we analysed the land use/land cover change in the period 1955–2014 using photogrammetric and geoprocessing techniques, focusing particularly on trajectories in agricultural terraces. Area covered by active terraces decreased dramatically between 1955 and 2014, from 813.25 to 118.79 ha (−85.4%). The implemented spatial database was built in a free open‐source software taking into consideration spatial accuracies and completeness. Spatial comparison among land use/land cover maps was carried out using a postclassification comparison technique that can provide complete cross‐tabulation matrices. These data were compared with socio‐economic statistics concerning demography and trends of farms with vineyards. The evolutionary dynamics of the active agricultural terraces were also analysed trough the definition of 6 types of spatio‐temporal patterns recognised in the analysed period. These methods allowed to highlight the ongoing dynamics of abandonment of agricultural terraces in relation to their main causes and effects. Although tailored for the specific case study, they can be applied to many other terraced agricultural landscapes presenting similar characteristics and problems.