bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Administration of metformin alleviates atherosclerosis by promoting H2S production via regulating CSE expression
Authors: Ma Xiaofeng , Jiang Zhisheng , Wang Zuo , Zhang Zhuhua
Published: July 2019

The therapeutic effect of metformin (Met) on atherosclerosis was studied here. Effects of methionine and Met on the induction of inflammatory response and H2S expression in peritoneal macrophages were evaluated. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry assay, western blot, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were conducted to observe the levels of cystathionine γ‐lyase (CSE), DNA methyltransferases 1 (DNMT1), DNMT3a, DNMT3b, tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐ α), interleukin 1b (IL‐1β), and hydrogen sulfide (H
2S). Luciferase and bisulfite sequencing assays were also utilized to evaluate the CSE promoter activity as well as the methylation status of CSE in transfected cells. Methionine significantly elevated Hcy, TNF‐a, H
2S, and IL‐1β expression while decreasing the level of CSE in C57BL/6 mice. In contrary, co‐treatment with Methionine and Met reduced the detrimental effect of Methionine. Homocysteine (Hcy) decreased H
2S expression while promoting the synthesis of IL‐1β and TNF‐α in THP‐1 and raw264.7 cells. Treatment of THP‐1 and raw264.7 cells with methionine and Met reduced the activity of methionine in dose dependently. Moreover, Hcy increased the expression of DNMT and elevated the level of methylation in the CSE promoter, whereas the co‐treatment with methionine and Met attenuated the effects of Hcy. Methionine significantly decreased plasma level of CSE while increasing the severity of inflammatory responses and plasma level of Hcy, which in turn suppressed H
2S synthesis and enhanced DNA hypermethylation of CSE promoter to promote the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In contrary, co‐treatment with methionine and Met reduced the detrimental effect of methionine.
Effects of organic matters in domestic wastewater on lipid/carbohydrate production and nutrient removal of Chlorella vulgaris cultivated under mixotrophic growth conditions
Authors: Peng Yuan‐Yuan , Gao Feng , Hang Wei‐Jing W , Yang Hong‐Li , Jin Wei‐Hong , Li Chen
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

The combination of wastewater treatment and algal biofuel production has received increasing attention in recent years owing to its many advantages. In order to clarify the influence of different organic pollutants such as carbohydrates, volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and proteins in domestic wastewater on the cultivation of Chlorella vulgaris, three simulated domestic sewages containing glucose, sodium acetate (NaAc) and protein respectively were prepared in this study to culture C. vulgaris in mixotrophic way.

RESULTS

The biomass productivities of C. vulgaris cultured in wastewaters containing glucose and NaAc were 63.5 and 55.2 mg L−1 day−1 respectively, which were 2.61‐ and 2.27‐fold larger than that achieved in photoautotrophic condition. Owing to the higher biomass productivity, better performance of nutrient removal was also achieved in wastewater containing glucose or NaAc. Different from glucose and NaAc, protein in the wastewater had no significant effect on C. vulgaris growth and nutrient removal. Chlorella vulgaris cultured in NaAc and glucose wastewaters achieved the highest lipid (17.35 mg L−1 day−1) and carbohydrate (18.75 mg L−1 day−1) productivities respectively, indicating that wastewater containing these two organic substances has certain advantages in microalgal liquid biofuel production.

CONCLUSIONS

Organic matters in wastewater have important effects on microalgae growth and the chemical composition of algal cells. Carbohydrates and VFAs in wastewater can significantly promote the growth of C. vulgaris and promote the accumulation of lipid by microalgae. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Downsizing obesity: On Ancel Keys, the origins of BMI, and the neglect of excess weight as a health hazard in the United States from the 1950s to 1970s
Authors: Rasmussen Nicolas
Published: July 2019

In 1972 Body Mass Index, BMI was put forth by physiologist Ancel Keys in his analysis of Seven Countries Study heart disease epidemiological data as the best available measure of obesity. This work culminated more than 20 years of effort by Keys to discredit the accepted measure of obesity, weight relative to height, along with a major public health campaign in the United States to fight heart disease through weight control. Here, I retrace his campaign to replace weight as a measure of obesity and analyze its methodology and relationship to the broader research field of heart disease epidemiology. I also explore why the epidemiological community accepted BMI despite Keys's failure to demonstrate that either it or adiposity (body fat content), were superior as predictors of heart disease—one of the Seven Countries Study's central aims.
Clinical presentation and proteomic signature of patients with TANGO2 mutations
Authors: Mingirulli Nadja , Pyle Angela , Hathazi Denisa , Alston Charlotte L. , Kohlschmidt Nicolai , O'Grady Gina , Waddell Leigh , Evesson Frances , Cooper Sandra B. T. , Turner Christian , Duff Jennifer , Topf Ana , Yubero Delia , Jou Cristina , Nascimento Andrés , Ortez Carlos , García‐Cazorla Angels , Gross Claudia , O'Callaghan Maria , Santra Saikat , Preece Maryanne A. , Champion Michael , Korenev Sergei , Chronopoulou Efsthatia , Anirban Majumdar , Pierre Germaine , McArthur Daniel , Thompson Kyle , Navas Placido , Ribes Antonia , Tort Frederic , Schlüter Agatha , Pujol Aurora , Montero Raquel , Sarquella Georgia , Lochmüller Hanns , Jiménez‐Mallebrera Cecilia , Taylor Robert W. , Artuch Rafael , Kirschner Janbernd , Grünert Sarah C. , Roos Andreas , Horvath Rita
Published: July 2019

Transport And Golgi Organization protein 2 (TANGO2) deficiency has recently been identified as a rare metabolic disorder with a distinct clinical and biochemical phenotype of recurrent metabolic crises, hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, arrhythmias, and encephalopathy with cognitive decline. We report nine subjects from seven independent families, and we studied muscle histology, respiratory chain enzyme activities in skeletal muscle and proteomic signature of fibroblasts. All nine subjects carried autosomal recessive TANGO2 mutations. Two carried the reported deletion of exons 3 to 9, one homozygous, one heterozygous with a 22q11.21 microdeletion inherited in trans. The other subjects carried three novel homozygous (c.262C>T/p.Arg88*; c.220A>C/p.Thr74Pro; c.380+1G>A), and two further novel heterozygous (c.6_9del/p.Phe6del); c.11‐13delTCT/p.Phe5del mutations. Immunoblot analysis detected a significant decrease of TANGO2 protein. Muscle histology showed mild variation of fiber diameter, no ragged‐red/cytochrome c oxidase‐negative fibers and a defect of multiple respiratory chain enzymes and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in two cases, suggesting a possible secondary defect of oxidative phosphorylation. Proteomic analysis in fibroblasts revealed significant changes in components of the mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum‐Golgi network and secretory pathways. Clinical presentation of TANGO2 mutations is homogeneous and clinically recognizable. The hemizygous mutations in two patients suggest that some mutations leading to allele loss are difficult to detect. A combined defect of the respiratory chain enzymes and CoQ10 with altered levels of several membrane proteins provides molecular insights into the underlying pathophysiology and may guide rational new therapeutic interventions.
FASTlab Radiosynthesis of the 18F‐labelled HER2‐binding Affibody molecule [18F]GE‐226
Authors: Iveson Peter B. , Glaser Matthias , Indrevoll Bard , Shales Jonathan , Mantzilas Dimitrios , Omtvedt Lone , Luthra Sajinder K. , Hiscock Duncan , Grigg Julian
Published: July 2019

Abstruct

An 18F‐labelled human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2) receptor binding radiotracer is a potential tool to non‐invasively identify HER2 positive tumour lesions in subjects with recurrent metastatic breast cancer. Having explored the manual radiochemistry to conjugate the Affibody molecule ZHER2:2891 with [18F]4‐fluorobenzaldehyde, we have developed and optimised a full protocol for the automated GE FASTlab synthesiser. Our chemometric model predicted the best radiochemical purity for a short conjugation time (2.8 minutes), a low temperature (65°C), and a medium Affibody molecule precursor amount (5.5 mg). Under these optimised conditions, [18F]GE‐226 was produced after solid‐phase extraction purification with activity yield of 30% ± 7 (n = 18) and a radiochemical purity of 94% ± 2 (n = 18). The synthesis and purification was complete after 43 minutes and provided apparent molar activities of 12 to 30 GBq/μmol (n = 12) at the end of synthesis.
Evidence of early deglaciation (18 000 cal a bp) and a postglacial relative sea‐level curve from southern Karmøy, south‐west Norway
Authors: Vasskog Kristian , Svendsen John‐Inge , Mangerud Jan , Agasøster Haaga Kristian , Svean Arve , Lunnan Eva Maria
Published: July 2019

Based on six consistent radiocarbon dates from the isolation basins Grødheimsvatnet and Kringlemyr, we estimate a minimum deglaciation age for southern Karmøy, an island in outer Boknafjorden (south‐west Norway), of around 18 000 calibrated years before present (18k cal a bp). We use microscopic phytoplankton, macrofossils, lithostratigraphic evidence and X‐ray fluorescence data to identify the isolation contacts in the basins, and date them to 17.52–17.18k cal a bp in Grødheimsvatnet [15.57 m above present mean sea level (MSL)] and 16.19–15.80k cal a bp in Kringlemyr (11.99 m above MSL). Combining these data with previous studies, we construct a relative sea‐level (RSL) curve from 18k cal a bp until the present, which is ~3 ka longer than any previous RSL reconstruction from southern Norway. Following deglaciation, southern Karmøy has experienced a net emergence of around 16–19 m, although with significant RSL fluctuations. This includes two RSL minima well below present MSL around ~13.8 and ~10k cal a bp, and two maxima that culminated around 5–7 m above MSL during the Younger Dryas and early to mid‐Holocene, respectively. Considering eustatic sea level and modelled gravitational deformation of the geoid, we estimate a net postglacial isostatic uplift of ~120 m. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Color refinement using deep neural networks for enhancing color recognition in a projector‐camera system
Authors: Kang Changgu , Kim Meekyoung , Lee Sung‐Hee
Published: July 2019

In projector‐camera systems, object recognition is essential to enable users to interact with physical objects. Among several input features used by the object classifier, color information is widely used as it is easily obtainable. However, the color of an object seen by the camera changes due to the projected light from the projector, which degrades the recognition performance. To solve this problem, we propose a method to restore the original color of an object from the observed color through camera. The color refinement method has been developed based on the deep neural network. The inputs to the neural network are the color of the projector light as well as the observed color of the object in multiple color spaces, including RGB, HSV, HIS, and HSL. The neural network is trained in a supervised manner. Through a number of experiments, we show that our refinement method reduces the difference from the original color and improves the object recognition rate implemented with a number of classification methods.
The prognostic value of CSN6 expression in upper tract urothelial carcinomas
Authors: Jhan Jhen‐Hao , Lee Yi‐Chen , Li Wei‐Ming , Chang Lin‐Li , Hsu Wei‐Chi , Lin Hui‐Hui , Liang Peir‐In , Hsu Ya‐Ling , Wu Wen‐Jeng , Lee Hsiang‐Ying , Li Ching‐Chia , Yeh Hsin‐Chih , Ke Hung‐Lung
Published: July 2019

CSN6 is a subunit of the constitutive photomorphogenesis 9 (COP9) signalosome (CSN). CSN is involved in cellular and developmental processes such as signal transduction, transcriptional activation, cell cycle control, and tumorigenesis. CSN6 is highly expressed in several human cancers, including colorectal cancer, and breast cancer. However, no previous research has elaborated on the relationship between CSN6 expression and survival in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical significance of CSN6 in UTUC. CSN6 expression in 89 patients with UTUC enrolled in this study was examined using immunohistochemistry. The associations between CSN6 expression and clinicopathological variables were analyzed. CSN6 expression was significantly correlated with patients with high pathological stage (P = .006), male gender (P = .025), and high serum creatinine levels (P = .014). In univariate and multivariable analysis, high CSN6 expression was associated with a higher bladder recurrence (P = .005) and poor cancer‐specific survival (P = .001) for UTUC. In conclusion, CSN6 expression is a potential biomarker for predicting cancer recurrence and clinical survival in UTUC. Further research is necessary to investigate its role in the progression of UTUC.
Soil bacterial communities in grasslands revegetated using Elymus nutans are largely influenced by soil pH and total phosphorus across restoration time
Authors: Hu Lei , Zi Hongbiao , Wu Pengfei , Wang Yong , Lerdau Manuel , Wu Xinwei , Wang Changting
Published: July 2019

Soil microbial communities have been considered indicators of soil quality and fertility changes in restored ecosystems. Little is known, however, about how these communities change over time after restoration in terms of activity, structure, and diversity. We evaluated the soil bacterial communities of 4‐, 8‐, and 12‐year‐old Elymus nutans revegetated grasslands located in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. Soil bacterial diversity and composition significantly changed in the 8‐ and 12‐year‐old grasslands compared with the 4‐year‐old grassland. Surprisingly, soil bacterial communities transitioned from Proteobacteria‐ and Acidobacteria‐dominant communities in the 4‐year‐old grassland to Cyanobacteria‐dominant communities in the 8‐ and 12‐year‐old grasslands. Furthermore, the phylum of Cyanobacteria accounted for a high percentage of bacterial community (>48%) in the 8‐ and 12‐year‐old grasslands. Network analyses showed that most of the interactions were identified as positive among bacterial species, but Cyanobacteria were often negatively associated with other species. In addition, there was a slight increase in P acquisition enzymes (acid phosphatase activity) and a decline in N acquisition enzymes (soil urease and nitratase activities) with the increasing dominance of Cyanobacteria. Additionally, soil pH and total phosphorus had positive relationships with soil bacterial composition and diversity, whereas soil bacterial diversity and P acquisition enzymes were negatively related to soil bacterial composition. Overall, our results indicated that significant changes in soil bacterial communities might occur in response to the cultivation period of cultivated grassland and highlighted the importance of soil pH, TP, and P acquisition enzymes in microbe‐mediated ecological processes of cultivated grassland on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau.
Antimicrobial Peptide‐Based Electrospun Fibers for Wound Healing Applications
Authors: Dart Alexander , Bhave Mrinal , Kingshott Peter
Published: July 2019

Current wound healing treatments such as bandages and gauzes predominantly rely on passively protecting the wound and do not offer properties that increase the rate of wound healing. While these strategies are strong at protecting any infection after application, they are ineffective at treating an already infected wound or assisting in tissue regeneration. Next‐generation wound healing treatments are being developed at a rapid pace and have a variety of advantages over traditional treatments. Features such as gas exchange, moisture balance, active suppression of infection, and increased cell proliferation are all central to developing the next successful wound healing dressing. Electrospinning has already been shown to have the qualities required to be a key technique of next generation polymer‐based wound healing treatments. Combined with antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), electrospun dressings can indeed become a formidable solution for the treatment of both acute and chronic wounds. The literature on combining electrospinning and AMPs is now starting to increase and this review aims to give a comprehensive overview of the current developments that combine electrospinning technology and AMPs in order to make multifunctional fibers effective against infection in wound healing.
Engineered Polysaccharides: α‐1,3‐Glucan Acetates Showing Upper Critical Solution Temperature in Organic Solvents
Authors: Heinze Thomas , Pfeifer Annett , Koschella Andreas , Adelman Douglas , Howe Laurie , Behabtu Natnael , Lenges Christian
Published: July 2019

Acetates of α‐1,3‐glucan dissolved in N,N‐dimethyl acetamide/LiCl are prepared by converting the polysaccharide with acetyl chloride, acetic acid anhydride/pyridine, or with acetic acid/N,N′‐carbonyl diimidazole. Values of the degree of substitution for the acetyl groups (DSAc) of up to 2.6 are realized. NMR spectroscopic measurements reveal a preferred conversion of the primary hydroxyl group at position 6 followed by positions 2 and 4. Depending on the DSAc, the samples may be soluble in solvents of different polarity at room temperature or at elevated temperatures showing upper critical solution temperature at DS of about 2.5. This process is found to be reversible.
The marketing firm: Retailer and consumer contingencies
Authors: Larsen Nils Magne , Sigurdsson Valdimar , Breivik Jørgen , Fagerstrøm Asle , Foxall Gordon R.
Published: July 2019

Efficiency has emerged as an important consumer value and thus has increased the importance of the in‐store search as one facet of consumer transaction costs. This paper contributes to the development of a marketing theory of the firm by analyzing the consumers' in‐store efficiency ratios and the retailers' natural sources of resistance to offer efficiency to all of their customers. We propose new behavioral metrics for consumer transaction costs. Our data from the behavioral tracking of 497 complete shopping trips reveal more transaction costs for quick shopping trips than for regular shopping trips, which demonstrates friction between retail and consumer transaction costs for quick trips.
New PRPS1 variant p.(Met68Leu) located in the dimerization area identified in a French CMTX5 patient
Authors: Lerat Justine , Magdelaine Corinne , Derouault Paco , Beauvais‐Dzugan Hélène , Bieth Eric , Acket Blandine , Arne‐Bes Marie‐Christine , Sturtz Franck , Lia Anne‐Sophie
Published: July 2019

Background

CMTX5 is characterized by peripheral neuropathy, early‐onset sensorineural hearing impairment, and optic neuropathy. Only seven variants have been reported and no genotype‐phenotype correlations have yet been established. PRPS1 has a crystallographic structure, as it is composed of three dimers that constitute a hexamer.

Methods

Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) was performed using a custom 92‐gene panel designed for the diagnosis of Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth (CMT) and associated neuropathies.

Results

We report the case of a 35‐year‐old male, who had presented CMT and hearing loss since childhood associated to bilateral optic neuropathy without any sign of retinitis pigmentosa. A new hemizygous variant on chromosomic position X:106,882,604, in the PRPS1 gene, c.202A > T, p.(Met68Leu) was found. This change is predicted to lead to an altered affinity between the different subunits in the dimer, thereby may prevent the hexamer formation.

Conclusion

CMTX5 is probably under‐diagnosed, as an overlap among the different features due to PRPS1 exists. Patients who developed polyneuropathy associated to sensorineural deafness and optic atrophy during childhood should be assessed for PRPS1.
DNA hypermethylation of GDF5 in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)
Authors: Baghdadi Taghi , Nejadhosseinian Mohammad , Shirkoohi Reza , Mostafavi Tabatabaee Reza , Tamehri Seyed S. , Saffari Mojtaba , Mortazavi S. M. Javad
Published: July 2019

Introduction & Objective

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is one of the most common congenital skeletal anomalies. Body of evidence suggests that genetic variations in GDF5 are associated with susceptibility to DDH. DDH is a multifactorial disease and its etiology has not been entirely determined. Epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation could be linked to DDH. In this scheme, we hypothesized that changes in GDF5 DNA methylation could predispose a susceptible individual to DDH.

Methods

This study consisted of 45 DDH patients and 45 controls with healthy femoral neck cartilage, who underwent hemi‐, or total arthroplasty for the femoral neck fracture. A cartilage sample of 1 cm in diameter and 1 mm in the thickness was obtained for DNA extraction. DNA was extracted and DNA methylation of GDF5 was evaluated by metabisulfite method.

Results

Methylation analysis showed that the promoter of GDF5 in cartilage samples from DDH patients was hypermethylated in comparison to healthy controls (p = .001).

Conclusion

Our study showed that the methylation status of the GDF5 in patients with DDH is dysregulated. This dysregulation indicates that adjustment in the methylation might modify the expression of this gene. Since this gene plays an essential role in cartilage and bone development, thus reducing its expression can contribute to the pathogenesis of DDH. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of GDF5 in this disease.
The global solvability and asymptotic behavior of a transmission problem for Kirchhoff‐type wave equations with memory source on the boundary
Authors: Liu Zhiqing , Fang Zhong Bo
Published: July 2019

A transmission problem for Kirchhoff‐type wave equations with memory source term on one part of the boundary feedback is considered. By using the Faedo‐Galerkin approximation technique, the method of Lyapunov functional and the energy perturbation technique, we establish well‐posedness of global solution and derive a general decay estimate of the energy.
Quercetin‐Induced miR‐369‐3p Suppresses Chronic Inflammatory Response Targeting C/EBP‐β
Authors: Galleggiante Vanessa , De Santis Stefania , Liso Marina , Verna Giulio , Sommella Eduardo , Mastronardi Mauro , Campiglia Pietro , Chieppa Marcello , Serino Grazia
Published: July 2019

Scope

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen‐presenting cells that play an important role in the crosstalk between the innate and the adaptive immune response. Quercetin exposure is identified as an effective strategy to suppress the inflammatory response induced by LPS.

Methods and results

In this study, using a next‐generation sequencing analysis, the effect of quercetin on microRNAs (miRNAs) expression in DCs is examined. A signature of 113 miRNAs that are differentially regulated in LPS‐stimulated DCs after quercetin exposure is defined. It is demonstrated that the loss of function of miR‐369‐3p in LPS‐stimulated DCs during quercetin exposure led to an increase of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBP‐β) mRNA and protein and its downstream targets tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin 6 (IL6). Conversely, it is shown that the ectopic induction of miR‐369‐3p without quercetin suppresses the inflammatory response of LPS reducing C/EBP‐β, TNF‐α, and IL6 production. In vivo, oral administration of quercetin in dextran‐sulfate‐sodium‐induced colitis induces miR‐369‐3p expression.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that quercetin‐induced miR‐369‐3p regulates the inflammatory cascade in chronic inflammatory response and present promising therapeutic implications.
Dual‐band monopolar microstrip antenna using a quasi‐circularly arranged mushroom resonator on meshed ground structure
Authors: Lee Dongho , Kim Kichul , Pyo Seongmin
Published: July 2019

This article presents a new dual‐band monopolar microstrip antenna with a meshed ground structure to improve the radiation performances. The quasi‐circularly arranged seven mushroom structures are utilized for dual‐band operation, which supports the resonances of the infinite wavelength and the TM modes. To improve the radiation performance, the meshed ground is employed and investigated by lowering the Q‐factor of the resonator. The proposed antenna demonstrates that dual‐band monopolar radiations at 3.298 and 5.709 GHz are in good agreement with the simulation results.
Mutation ofcyp19a1bresults in sterile males due to efferent duct obstruction in Nile tilapia
Authors: Zhang Xianbo , Min Qianwen , Li Mengru , Liu Xingyong , Li Minghui , Wang Deshou
Published: July 2019

The involvement of estrogen in male fertility has been well established in mammals. However, less is known about the role of estrogen in fish male reproduction. Our recent study revealed that Cyp19a1a deficiency had no effect on fertility in male fish. In this study, expression of Cyp19a1b, but not Cyp19a1a, was detected by immunohistochemistry in Leydig cells of tilapia testes.cyp19a1bmutation resulted in a significant decrease in the concentration of 17β‐estradiol in serum and sterility in XY fish, as no offspring were obtained when crossed with control XX fish at 240 days after hatching (dah). No sperm was obtained from the mature mutants by in vitro extrusion. Further examination of the mutant gonads revealed excessive semen accumulation and testicular hypertrophy. Semen collected from the mutant testes during autopsy contained sperm with a normal morphology that showed no significant differences in motility, VCL, BCF, STR, or fertility compared with control sperm. Efferent ducts from the mutant testes, which had low‐convolution levels, fewer branches, and no blood vessels observed inside the walls, were significantly smaller in size. qRT‐PCR analyses showed downregulated expression of ion exchange genes. There was increased apoptosis in the epithelial cells of the efferent ducts and other somatic cells of the testes as revealed by TUNEL staining, as well as upregulation of apoptosis gene expression in the mutants. At 360 dah, mutant fish showed testicular atrophy and efferent duct fibrosis. These results demonstrated that estrogen deficiency caused byCyp19a1bmutation resulted in male sterility due to efferent duct obstruction.
Decreased NDRG1 expression is associated with pregnancy loss in mice and attenuates the in vitro decidualization of endometrial stromal cells
Authors: Meng Nan , Yang Qian , He Yaping , Gu Wen‐Wen , Gu Yan , Zhen Xing‐Xing , Wang Jianmei , Zhang Xuan , Sun Zhao‐Gui , Wang Jian
Published: July 2019

Embryo implantation is an essential step for a successful pregnancy, and any defect in this process can lead to a range of pregnancy pathologies. The objective of this study was to explore the role of N‐myc downregulated gene 1 (NDRG1) in embryo implantation. It was found that uterine NDRG1 expression has a dynamic pattern during the estrous cycle in nonpregnant mice and that uterine NDRG1 expression was elevated during the implantation process in pregnant mice. The distinct accumulation of NDRG1 protein signals was observed in the primary decidual zone adjacent to the implanting embryo during early pregnancy. Furthermore, uterine NDRG1 expression could be induced by activated implantation or artificial decidualization in mice. Decreased uterine NDRG1 expression was associated with pregnancy loss in mice and was associated with recurrent miscarriages in humans. The in vitro decidualization of both mouse and human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) was accompanied by increased NDRG1 expression and downregulated NDRG1 expression in ESCs effectively inhibited decidualization. Collectively, these data suggest that NDRG1 plays an important role in decidualization during the implantation process, and the abnormal expression of NDRG1 may be involved in pregnancy loss.
Usefulness of a novel classification based on perioperative changes of membranous urethral length using hierarchical cluster analysis of urinary incontinence and overactive bladder symptoms after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy: A prospective observational study
Authors: Onoda Mitsutaka , Haga Nobuhiro , Kurimura Yoshimasa , Tanji Ryo , Onagi Akifumi , Honda Ruriko , Matsuoka Kanako , Hoshi Seiji , Koguchi Tomoyuki , Hata Junya , Sato Yuichi , Akaihata Hidenori , Kataoka Masao , Ogawa Soichiro , Obara Wataru , Kojima Yoshiyuki
Published: July 2019

Aims

The aim of the present study was to construct a novel classification based on perioperative changes of membranous urethral length (MUL) using hierarchical cluster analysis to predict urinary incontinence (UI) and overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Methods

A total of 299 patients who underwent RARP with complete pre and postoperative MUL data were included in the present study. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to identify the groups with similar perioperative MUL and prostate size. UI and OAB symptoms after RARP were evaluated in each cluster for 12 months after RARP.

Results

Four groups were identified by the cluster analysis of these factors: preservation of MUL type (cluster 1, n = 92); standard type (cluster 2, n = 137); large prostate type (cluster 3, n = 23); and loss of MUL type (cluster 4, n = 47). Although there was significantly more UI in clusters 3 and 4 than in clusters 1 and 2 up to 3 months after RARP, UI improvement was the most delayed in cluster 3. Improvement of OAB symptoms was also most delayed in cluster 3. Urinary quality of life (QOL) was significantly worse in cluster 4 than in clusters 1 and 2.

Conclusions

Cluster analysis successfully classified patients after RARP into four characteristic groups based on perioperative MUL. Recovery from UI and OAB symptoms and urinary QOL after RARP were significantly different among these groups. This classification based on cluster analysis might be useful to predict recovery from UI and OAB symptoms when following QOL after RARP.
A P0–P0 weak Galerkin finite element method for solving singularly perturbed reaction–diffusion problems
Authors: Al‐Taweel Ahmed , Hussain Saqib , Wang Xiaoshen , Jones Brian
Published: July 2019

This paper investigates the lowest‐order weak Galerkin finite element (WGFE) method for solving reaction–diffusion equations with singular perturbations in two and three space dimensions. The system of linear equations for the new scheme is positive definite, and one might readily get the well‐posedness of the system. Our numerical experiments confirmed our error analysis that our WGFE method of the lowest order could deliver numerical approximations of the order O(h1/2) and O(h) in H1 and L2 norms, respectively.
Abcc5 Knockout Mice Have Lower Fat Mass and Increased Levels of Circulating GLP‐1
Authors: Cyranka Malgorzata , Veprik Anna , McKay Eleanor J. , van Loon Nienke , Thijsse Amber , Cotter Luke , Hare Nisha , Saibudeen Affan , Lingam Swathi , Pires Elisabete , Larraufie Pierre , Reimann Frank , Gribble Fiona , Stewart Michelle , Bentley Elizabeth , Lear Pamela , McCullagh James , Cantley James , Cox Roger D. , de Wet Heidi
Published: July 2019

Objective

A previous genome‐wide association study linked overexpression of an ATP‐binding cassette transporter, ABCC5, in humans with a susceptibility to developing type 2 diabetes with age. Specifically, ABCC5 gene overexpression was shown to be strongly associated with increased visceral fat mass and reduced peripheral insulin sensitivity. Currently, the role of ABCC5 in diabetes and obesity is unknown. This study reports the metabolic phenotyping of a global Abcc5 knockout mouse.

Methods

A global Abcc5‐/‐ mouse was generated by CRISPR/Cas9. Fat mass was determined by weekly EchoMRI and fat pads were dissected and weighed at week 18. Glucose homeostasis was ascertained by an oral glucose tolerance test, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test. Energy expenditure and locomotor activity were measured using PhenoMaster cages. Glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) levels in plasma, primary gut cell cultures, and GLUTag cells were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Abcc5‐/‐ mice had decreased fat mass and increased plasma levels of GLP‐1, and they were more insulin sensitive and more active. Recombinant overexpression of ABCC5 protein in GLUTag cells decreased GLP‐1 release.

Conclusions

ABCC5 protein expression levels are inversely related to fat mass and appear to play a role in the regulation of GLP‐1 secretion from enteroendocrine cells.
Percutaneous CT‐Guided Cryovagotomy in Patients with Class I or Class II Obesity: A Pilot Trial
Authors: Prologo J. David , Lin Edward , Horesh Bergquist Sharon , Knight Jackie , Matta Hazem , Brummer Marjin , Singh Arvinpal , Patel Yogi , Corn David
Published: July 2019

Objective

This study evaluated the safety of percutaneous CT‐guided cryoablation of the vagus nerve (percutaneous cryovagotomy) in participants with class I or class II obesity.

Methods

The study was an open‐label, single‐group, prospective pilot investigation designed around safety‐related stopping criteria. Twenty participants with 30 > BMI > 37 underwent percutaneous cryovagotomy with follow‐up visits at day 7, 45, 90, and 180. Data related to adverse events, technical success, weight loss, quality of life, dietary intake, global impressions of hunger change, activity, and body composition were analyzed.

Results

The procedural technical success rate was 100%. There were no adverse events in 19 participants who completed the trial. Ninety‐five percent of patients reported decreased appetite following the procedure, and reductions in mean absolute weight and BMI were observed at all time points. The mean quality of life and activity scores improved from baseline to 6 months post procedure, and mean caloric intake and overall body fat decreased over the same period.

Conclusions

Percutaneous CT‐guided cryovagotomy is feasible and was tolerated without complications or adverse events in this cohort. Quantitative preliminary data from this pilot investigation inform the design of a larger prospective randomized clinical trial.
Protein Leverage: Theoretical Foundations and Ten Points of Clarification
Authors: Raubenheimer David , Simpson Stephen J.
Published: July 2019

Much attention has been focused on fats and carbohydrates as the nutritional causes of energy overconsumption and obesity. In 2003, a model of intake regulation was proposed in which the third macronutrient, protein, is not only involved but is a primary driver of calorie intake via its interactions with carbohydrates and fats. This model, called protein leverage, posits that the strong regulation of protein intake causes the overconsumption of fats and carbohydrates (hence total energy) on diets with a low proportion of energy from protein and their underconsumption on diets with a high proportion of protein. Protein leverage has since been demonstrated in a range of animal studies and in several studies of human macronutrient regulation, and its potential role in contributing to the obesity epidemic is increasingly attracting discussion. Over recent years, however, several misconceptions about protein leverage have arisen. Our aim in this paper is to briefly outline some key aspects of the underlying theory and clarify 10 points of misunderstanding that have the potential to divert attention from the substantive issues.
History of early life adversity is associated with increased food addiction and sex‐specific alterations in reward network connectivity in obesity
Authors: Osadchiy V. , Mayer E. A. , Bhatt R. , Labus J. S. , Gao L. , Kilpatrick L. A. , Liu C. , Tillisch K. , Naliboff B. , Chang L. , Gupta A.
Published: July 2019

Background

Neuroimaging studies have identified obesity‐related differences in the brain's resting state activity. An imbalance between homeostatic and reward aspects of ingestive behaviour may contribute to obesity and food addiction. The interactions between early life adversity (ELA), the reward network and food addiction were investigated to identify obesity and sex‐related differences, which may drive obesity and food addiction.

Methods

Functional resting state magnetic resonance imaging was acquired in 186 participants (high body mass index [BMI]: ≥25: 53 women and 54 men; normal BMI: 18.50–24.99: 49 women and 30 men). Participants completed questionnaires to assess ELA (Early Traumatic Inventory) and food addiction (Yale Food Addiction Scale). A tripartite network analysis based on graph theory was used to investigate the interaction between ELA, brain connectivity and food addiction. Interactions were determined by computing Spearman rank correlations, thresholded at q < 0.05 corrected for multiple comparisons.

Results

Participants with high BMI demonstrate an association between ELA and food addiction, with reward regions playing a role in this interaction. Among women with high BMI, increased ELA was associated with increased centrality of reward and emotion regulation regions. Men with high BMI showed associations between ELA and food addiction with somatosensory regions playing a role in this interaction.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that ELA may alter brain networks, leading to increased vulnerability for food addiction and obesity later in life. These alterations are sex specific and involve brain regions influenced by dopaminergic or serotonergic signalling.
Anomie at public organizations: How can the quality of work life help?
Authors: Jahanshahi Asghar Afshar , Dehghani Amin
Published: July 2019

Will enhancing the quality of work life impact the reduction of anomic behaviors at work in public sector organizations? To answer this question, we examined the impact of three structural, managerial, and social dimensions of the quality of work life, including the employees' anomie behaviors at the workplace. A cross‐sectional survey data were collected from 250 employees working in the public sector organizations located in the Kerman Province, (southeast) Iran. Our findings support the negative effects that the three dimensions of quality of work life have on employees' anomic behaviors. The results of this study highlighted the importance that the quality of work life has on reducing unethical and immoral behavior among employees in public organizations.
Congenital spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Whittle Sarah B. , Hicks M. John , Roy Angshumoy , Vasudevan Sanjeev A. , Reddy Kiranmye , Venkatramani Rajkumar
Published: July 2019

Spindle cell and sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma (ssRMS) is a rare variant of rhabdomyosarcoma, which includes three distinct subtypes. In infants, these tumors are commonly associated with recurring fusions involving VGLL2 or NCOA2 and have a favorable prognosis. We present four cases of ssRMS and 16 additional cases from the literature, which show that these patients present with localized disease and have an excellent prognosis regardless of surgical margin or lack of radiation therapy. Molecularly defined spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma in infants is likely a biologically distinct entity which may not require the aggressive multimodal treatment used for other subtypes of rhabdomyosarcoma.
Synergistic effect of surface modification of carbon fabrics and multiwall carbon nanotube incorporation for improving tribological properties of carbon fabrics/resin composites
Authors: Wang Beibei , Fu Qiangang , Li Hejun , Qi Lehua , Lu Yuanyuan
Published: July 2019

Surface modification of carbon fabrics (CFs) by nitric acid and multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) incorporation into the resin matrix were simultaneously applied for CFs/resin composites to improve their tribological properties. The results show that surface roughness (Ra) of CFs increases from 8.20 to 15.10 nm after nitric acid treatment due to the remove of sizing agent on CFs surface. Surface hardness of the composites with 0.1 wt% MWCNT (CFR‐H‐0.1%T) is enhanced from 0.745 to 1.216 GPa compared with that of untreated CFs/phenolic resin composites (CFR), which is attributed to the toughening effect of MWCNT in resin matrix. The friction coefficient increases from 0.10 for CFR to 0.16 for CFR‐H‐0.1%T, while the wear rate significantly decreases from 5.75 × 10−14 m3 (N m)−1 to 2.05 × 10−14 m3 (N m)−1. The improvement of friction and wear properties is ascribed to the synergistic effect of the oxidation etching of nitric acid and the strengthening and toughening of MWCNT.
Adherence to ESC guideline‐recommended medications over a 36‐month follow‐up period after hospitalization for heart failure: Results from the EPICAL2 cohort study
Authors: Bitar Sarah , Agrinier Nelly , Alla François , Rossignol Patrick , Mebazaa Alexandre , Thilly Nathalie
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to describe the trajectories of oral medication prescriptions in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) over 3 years after discharge from hospitalization for heart failure. We then evaluated the adherence of these prescriptions to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guideline‐recommended medications and identified patient characteristics associated with nonadherence.

Methods

We used data from the EPICAL2 cohort study. HFrEF patients who had completed prescriptions at discharge and at 6‐month follow‐up were included and followed for 36 months. The following medication agents were considered adherent to guidelines: renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) blockers [angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or an angiotensin‐receptor blocker (ARB)] plus a β‐blocker (BB) or RAS blocker plus BB plus mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs). The evolution of drug prescriptions and the adherence to ESC guidelines were assessed by using sequence analysis and clustering approaches. Patient characteristics associated with nonadherence were identified by logistic regression analyses.

Results

A typology of four therapeutic clusters was obtained, among which two clusters were adherent to recommendations and two were not. The adherent clusters consisted of bitherapy (RAS blockers‐BB) and tritherapy (RAS blockers‐BB‐MRA) for about 64% of patients and remain stable over time. The nonadherent clusters consisted of nonprescription of BB for about 22% of patients or nonprescription of RAS blocker for about 14%. The main reason for nonprescription of BB was a concomitant obstructive airway disease (asthma or COPD) but was a concomitant chronic kidney disease for nonprescription of RAS blocker.

Conclusion

Adherence to guideline‐recommended medications while being hospitalized is of great importance because prescriptions are quite stable over time after discharge. HFrEF patients are most often older, with various comorbidities, such as chronic kidney disease or asthma/COPD, which importantly limit physicians' ability to prescribe recommended drugs, leading to suboptimal adherence to guidelines.
High‐resolution computed tomography features of lung disease in perinatally HIV‐infected adolescents on combined antiretroviral therapy
Authors: du Plessis Anne‐Marie , Andronikou Savvas , Machemedze Takwanisa , Griffith‐Richards Stephanie , Myer Landon , Mahtab Sana , Zar Heather J.
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Chronic lung disease is common in perinatally HIV‐infected children as they increasingly surviving into adolescence. There are few data on the radiologic spectrum of disease in this population.

Methods

Contrasted high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was performed in ambulatory South African adolescents enrolled in a prospective study of perinatally‐infected adolescents aged 9 to 14 years established on combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) and followed for 36 months. Consecutive participants with reduced lung function (defined by a forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] of <80% normal and/or lung diffusion capacity [DLCO] <80% normal] underwent HRCT. History, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. Two radiologists blinded to clinical data and to each other, reported scans using standardized methodology; a third radiologist resolved discrepancies.

Results

Amongst 100 participants undergoing HRCT, median age was 13.8 years (12.8‐15.1). The median duration on cART was 8.4 years (IQR = 5.7‐9.8). Mosaic attenuation was the most common finding (73%). Of these 71 (91%) demonstrated associated air trapping radiologically consistent with bronchiolitis obliterans. Bronchiectasis occurred in 39% with significant correlation between extent of bronchiectasis and mosaic attenuation (r = 0.57, P < .001). Prior hospitaliszation for childhood pneumonia at any time before enrollment was associated with mosaic attenuation (OR = 3.9, 95%CI, [1.2‐12.5]); prior pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) was associated with the combination of mosaic attenuation and bronchiectasis (OR = 4.9, 95%CI, [1.6‐15.7]). Most participants (86%) with mosaic attenuation had stage III or IV HIV disease at time of HIV diagnosis (OR = 3.6; [0.9‐14.9]). Inter observer agreement between the two readers was good for bronchiectasis (K = 0.71) and moderate for mosaic attenuation (K = 0.51).

Discussion

Despite well‐controlled HIV and long duration of cART, HRCT changes were common in perinatally HIV‐infected adolescents. There was a high prevalence of small airways disease with and without associated bronchiectasis. These changes were associated with prior pulmonary TB or prior severe pneumonia. Strategies to prevent and treat early life respiratory infection must be strengthened to reduce the burden of chronic lung disease in HIV‐infected adolescents.
Dielectric Behavior of PZT/Graphene Oxide Composites
Authors: Alam Injamul , Sa Kadambinee , Das Sonali , Subramanyam Bhyri Venkata Ramagouri Surya , Raiguru Jagatpati , Samanta Budhhadeb , Kumar Pawan , Mahanandia Pitamber
Published: July 2019

The influence of graphene oxide (GO) using modified Hummer's method on the dielectric properties of Pb (Zr1 − xTix) O3 (PZT) using sol–gel route is investigated. The as‐prepared PZT, GO, and PZT/GO composites are characterized by X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, and Raman spectroscopy. The dielectric measurements of PZT/GO composites are conducted in frequency ranges from 100 Hz to 1 MHz and from room temperature to 80 °C. The dielectric constants of PZT/GO composites are larger than PZT at a frequency 100 Hz, and the dielectric losses are higher than PZT attributed to the presence of space‐charge polarization near the grain boundary interfaces. The observed experimental profile shows about the existence of grains and grain boundaries as confirmed by the impedance analysis. With the increasing content of GO% in the PZT/GO composite, the remnant polarization is approximately constant and coercive electric fields decreases due to space‐charge effects as obtained from the P–E loop measured at room temperature. The remnant polarization drastically reduces with higher wt% of GO (2 wt%) due to the conducting behavior of the PZT/GO composites. Therefore, the obtained higher dielectric constant of the prepared PZT/GO composites signifies that it may be suitable for various related applications.