bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective effect of RNA interference targeting Ikkβ on hepatic fibrosis in rats
Authors: Wei Shi‐Fang , Sun Jian‐Jun , Zhou Ning , Li Xiang‐Lin , Lin Yan , Zhang Yao‐Di , Zhang Yue‐Rong , Wu Li‐Yang
Published: July 2019

Nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) is an important regulatory factor in cells. NF‐κB has a wide range of biological activities. After activation, it participates in the transcription and regulation of many genes and plays a role in infection, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, cell multiplication, and apoptosis. The activation of the NF‐κB signal pathway is dependent on the degradation of the IκB kinase β (IKKβ) complex. IKK β is the key kinase in the NF‐κB activation pathway. After inhibition, it can block the activation of NF‐κB. IKKβ is a key regulator of NF‐κB activation, also an early regulator of inflammation in all stages of the immune response. This study aimed to investigate the effect of IKKβ‐siRNA lentivirus vector treatment for hepatic fibrosis of rats. An IKKβ‐siRNA expression plasmid was constructed and injected in the tail vein of rats. Then, IKKβ‐siRNA distribution in the liver was observed by immunofluorescence, and the quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect inflammation‐related and fibrosis‐related factors. IKKβ‐siRNA lentiviruses could be delivered to the liver and significantly decrease carbon tetrachloride‐induced hepatic fibrosis. Furthermore, serum transaminase levels significantly decreased, and inflammation‐related and fibrosis‐related factors decreased. IKKβ‐siRNA can be an effective method of anti‐fibrosis gene therapy for liver fibrosis.
hsa_circRNA_100533 regulates GNAS by sponging hsa_miR_933 to prevent oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Xiaoqin , Shao Peng , Tang Yanchi , Shu Mingyang , Hu Wei‐Wei , Zhang Yong
Published: July 2019

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the head and neck region. Circular RNA (circRNA), as one kind of noncoding RNA, involves in biological processes in diverse cancers. circRNA functions mainly as the microRNA (miRNA) sponge, competitively binding to miRNAs to regulate target gene expressions. However, the expression profiles and roles of circRNAs in OSCC are still unexplored. circRNA microarrays and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to identify the hsa_circRNA_100533 downregulated in OSCC tissues and cell lines. Bioinformatics methods were used to predict the interactions among circRNAs, miRNA, and target genes. Based on the luciferase reporter assay and AGO2 RIP assay, we found that hsa_circRNA_100533 binds to miRNAs as a miRNA sponge. hsa_circRNA_100533 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and promoted cell apoptosis in OSCC cell lines, which could be blocked by hsa‐miR‐933 overexpression. hsa_circRNA_100533 binds to hsa‐miR‐933 as a miRNA sponge to regulate GNAS expression, and to modulate cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. In summary, the hsa_circRNA_100533‐miR‐933‐GNAS axis affect the proliferation and apoptosis of OSCC cells through the mechanism of competing endogenous RNAs. hsa_circRNA_100533 may function as promising diagnostic biomarkers and effective therapeutic targets for OSCC.
ITE promotes hypoxia‐induced transdifferentiation of human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells possibly by activating transforming growth factor‐β/Smads and MAPK/ERK pathways
Authors: Wang Jinxia , Yan Guosen , Guo Haixu , Zhu Ying , Shui Xiaorong , He Yuan , Chen Can , Lei Wei
Published: July 2019

This study aimed to investigate the transdifferentiation of human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (HPAECs) into smooth muscle like (SM‐like) cells under hypoxic conditions and reveal the role of endogenous small molecular compound 2‐(1′H‐indole‐3′‐carbonyl)‐thiazole‐4‐carboxylicacid methyl ester (ITE) in this process. HPAECs were treated by hypoxia and hypoxia + ITE with different durations. The endothelial markers (CD31 and VE‐cad) and smooth muscle markers (α‐SMA, SM22α, and OPN) were investigated by immunofluorescence double staining, and their expressions, along with the differentiation regulators transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) ligands and downstream signals including TGF‐β1, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP2), BMP9, Samd2/3, ERK, and p38 MAPK, were determined by Western blot analysis. The viability and proliferation of HPAECs were detected by Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) method and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) assays. As a result, hypoxia induced HPAECs transdifferentiation from paving‐stone‐like into polygonal or spindle cells, whose number increased greatly after additional ITE stimulation for 7 days. Compared with the normoxic HPAECs, the expression of endothelial markers reduced and smooth muscle markers were enhanced with the extension of hypoxia + ITE treatment, and meanwhile the cell viability increased significantly. Hypoxia could promote expression of TGF‐β1 protein rather than BMP2 and BMP9, and regulate phosphorylation levels of Samd2/3, ERK and p38 MAPK in different manners. In conclusion, ITE can promote the hypoxia‐induced transdifferentiation of HPAECs into SM‐like cells via TGF‐β/Smads and MAPK/ERK pathways.
YAP1 regulates PPARG and RXR alpha expression to affect the proliferation and differentiation of ovine preadipocyte
Authors: Deng Kaiping , Ren Caifang , Fan Yixuan , Pang Jing , Zhang Guomin , Zhang Yanli , You Peihua , Wang Feng
Published: July 2019

Adipose tissue development is regulated by a serial of developmental signaling pathways. The Hippo pathway is a novel signaling cascade closely associated with adipogenesis. While most of Hippo pathway components had been verified that have a vital role in preadipocytes proliferation and differentiation, little is known about the function of Yes‐associated protein 1 (YAP1) in mammalian adipose tissue development. Therefore, we investigated the role of YAP1 in ovine adipose tissue development by in vitro and in vivo experiments. We observed that the adipocyte size in subcutaneous adipose tissue increased with development. YAP1 expression increased during adipose tissue development, while decreased during the differentiation of ovine preadipocytes in vitro. YAP1 knockdown notably promoted lipid accumulation and suppressed ovine preadipocyte proliferation. In addition, we observed that YAP1 deficiency significantly upregulated peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARG) and retinoid X receptor alpha (RXR alpha) expression. By contrast, overexpression of YAP1 led to the suppression of preadipocyte differentiation, lipid droplets formation, and PPARG expression. In brief, our findings demonstrated that YAP1 regulates the proliferation and differentiation of ovine preadipocyte via altering PPARG and RXR alpha expression.
Retracted: Notoginsenoside R1 protects WI‐38 cells against lipopolysaccharide‐triggered injury via adjusting the miR‐181a/TLR4 axis
Authors: Qian Daolin , Shao Xiankun , Li Yingchun , Sun Xinyan
Published: July 2019

Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) is a neoteric phytoestrogen extracted from Panax notoginseng, and possesses comprehensive pharmacological functions in multitudinous ailments. But, whether NGR1 is utilized in neonatal pneumonia is not clear. This research study aspired to disclose the protective activity of NGR1 in neonatal pneumonia. WI‐38 cells were co‐stimulated with NGR1 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 ng/mL), CCK‐8 and flow cytometry assays were implemented for cell viability and apoptosis assessment. Real‐time quantitative plymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western blot analysis were executed for inflammatory cytokine determination. MicroRNA‐181a (miR‐181a) expression was evaluated through RT‐qPCR, simultaneously, the impact of miR‐181a was estimated in NGR1 and LPS co‐managed cells. Dual luciferase report assay was performed to disclose the relation between miR‐181a and Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4). The nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and TAK1/JNK pathways were ultimately appraised. We found that NGR1 decreased cell viability, evoked apoptosis and impeded interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) expression and secretions in LPS‐managed WI‐38 cells. MiR‐181a expression was enhanced by NGR1, and miR‐181a inhibition inverted the impacts of NGR1 in LPS‐managed WI‐38 cells. Besides, TLR4 was predicted to be a firsthand direct target of miR‐181a. Furthermore, NGR1 hindered NF‐κB and TAK1/JNK pathways through modulating TLR4. These discoveries disclosed the fact that NGR1 protected WI‐38 cells against LPS‐triggered injury via adjusting the miR‐181a/TLR4 and NF‐κB and TAK1/JNK pathways.
Overexpression of CDKN2B is involved in poor gastric cancer prognosis
Authors: Chen Xi , Yu Xingtong , Shen Enjian
Published: July 2019

The objective of this investigation is to elucidate the clinical significance of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 2B (CDKN2B) expression regarding gastric cancer (GC), as well as to detect the involvement of CDKN2B expression in the clinicopathological indexes and prognosis of GC. Immunohistochemical analysis was used for identification of CDKN2B expression in GC specimens. Chi‐square (χ2) test was applied to detect the association of CDKN2B expression and clinicopathological parameters of GC. The involvement of CDKN2B expression in the prognosis was analyzed via univariate and multivariate analysis. It was indicated that relative to the corresponding para‐carcinoma tissues, CDKN2B expression was notably upregulated in GC specimens. Moreover, the expression of CDKN2B was strongly correlated with the differentiation (r = −0.182; P = .015), invasion (r = −0.157; P = .038), distant metastases (r = −0.196; P = .004), and TNM stage (r = −0.204; P = .005). Nevertheless, no remarkable variance was related to age, tumor loci, or sex. Kaplan‐Meier survival curve and univariate analysis showed that CDKN2B overexpression predicted poorer disease‐free survival (P = .007) and overall survival (P = .005) in those with GC. In addition, Cox proportional hazards regression model revealed that CDKN2B was an isolated biomarker of disease‐free survival and overall survival in patients with GC. Taken together, our data demonstrated that the overexpression of CDKN2B could be an isolated factor for GC prognostic in patients. CDKN2B gene may be a useful target and new treatment for improving the prognosis of GC.
Upregulation of amphiregulin by retinoic acid and Wnt signalling promotes liver cancer cell proliferation
Authors: Lin Hsuan‐Hwai , Peng Yi‐Jen , Tsai Ming‐Jiun , Wu Yi‐Ying , Tsai Tsung‐Neng , Huang Hsin‐Hung , Shih Yu‐Lueng , Chang Wei‐Kuo , Hsieh Tsai‐Yuan
Published: July 2019

Activated hepatic stellate cells promote hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. Hepatic stellate cells play a key role in retinoid metabolism, and activation of stellate cells increases retinoic acid (RA) in the liver. However, the role of RA in HCC proliferation remains unclear. We aimed to analyse the mechanism of RA in HCC proliferation. Thirty‐eight patients who had undergone hepatic resection for HCCs were recruited. Paired non‐tumour tissues, adjacent and distal to HCCs, were collected, and the RA levels in the tissues were analysed. The mechanisms of RA and HCC proliferation were assessed in liver cancer cell lines by protein and gene expression analyses. Early recurrence of HCC was significantly higher in patients with a higher RA concentration than in those with a lower RA concentration in tissues adjacent to HCCs (61.1% vs. 20%, p = .010). RA promoted HCC cell proliferation and activated the expression of Amphiregulin, a growth factor in hepatocarcinogenesis. The promoter of Amphiregulin contained the binding sites of the RA receptor, RXRα. Wnt signalling also activated the expression of Amphiregulin, and the RA and Wnt pathways acted synergistically to increase the expression of Amphiregulin. Furthermore, RXRα interacted with β‐catenin and then translocated to the nucleus to activate Amphiregulin. An increased RA concentration in the tissues adjacent to the tumour was associated with an early recurrence of HCC. RA activated the expression of Amphiregulin, and then promoted HCC proliferation, which might partly contribute to early recurrence of HCC after hepatic resection.
Embedding an edge‐coloring of K(nr;λ1,λ2) into a Hamiltonian decomposition of K(nr+2;λ1,λ2)
Authors: Demir Mustafa , Rodger C. A.
Published: July 2019

This paper focuses on graph decompositions of , the ‐partite multigraph in which each part has size , where two vertices in the same part or different parts are joined by exactly edges or edges respectively. Assuming one condition, necessary and sufficient conditions are found to embed a k‐edge‐coloring of into a Hamiltonian decomposition of . In the tightest case, this assumption is in fact proved to be a new necessary condition. Unlike previous results, of particular interest here is a necessary condition involving the existence of certain components in a related bipartite graph.
Documenting the multisensory and ephemeral: Navajo Chantway singers and the troubles of a “science” of ceremonialism
Authors: Johnson Adam Fulton
Published: July 2019

Even as American ethnology in the late‐nineteenth century continued to accumulate data about indigenous groups for comparative study, the surgeon‐turned‐ethnographer Washington Matthews found standardized documentary methods constricting, unable to reflect the complexity of a community's spiritual practices. Through studies of Navajo Indians in the 1880s and 90s, Matthews experimented with documentation techniques to capture the multisensorial and ephemeral elements of Navajo healing ceremonialism, such as the design of sandpaintings that were later destroyed as the rites concluded. Investigating his ethnographic strategies and his relationships with Navajo knowledge stewards, this article charts Matthews’ emerging conviction in social immersion and bonding with indigenous informants, tenets that predated the rise of cultural relativism in anthropology. The article argues that his experience among and tutelage from Navajo medicine “singers” reshaped Matthews’ documentary practices to emphasize the irreducibility of cultural facets to tabular columns, raising doubts about then‐dominant theories of social evolution.
Health care industry insights: A focus on the hospital and physician professional liability claims environment
Authors: Jones Virginia
Published: July 2019

This article summarizes various findings published in the Aon/ASHRM Hospital and Physician Professional Liability Benchmark Analysis, October 2018.1 The report analyzes medical professional liability (PL) claims and exposure information from hospital systems and physician groups across the United States that self‐insure their PL exposures. The purpose of this benchmark analysis is to provide health care risk managers and financial leaders with a data‐supported tool to identify, measure, and better understand the risks that affect their organization.
Novel MRGPRX2 antagonists inhibit IgE-independent activation of human umbilical cord blood-derived mast cells
Authors: Ogasawara Hiroyuki , Furuno Masahiro , Edamura Koji , Noguchi Masato
Published: July 2019

Human MCs are primary effectors implicated in immune surveillance and defense by secreting histamine and various inflammatory mediators, a mechanism termed as degranulation. MCs can be activated by two pathways: IgE-dependent classical pathway and the IgE-independent pathway that utilizes various cationic molecules including substance P (SP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptides, which are host defense peptides collectively known as basic secretagogues. Our pharmacological study investigated whether or not IgE-independent MC activation is mediated via MRGPRX2. We identified two novel MRGPRX2 antagonists, which completely inhibited the degranulation of human cord blood-derived MCs (hCMCs) induced by basic secretagogues and pseudoallergic drug, icatibant, but IgE- or A23187-challenged hCMCs were resistant to MRGPRX2 antagonists. The MRGPRX2 antagonists markedly inhibited the de novo synthesis of SP-induced prostaglandin D2 in hCMCs. Moreover, the antagonists were able to inhibit p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase signal in hCMCs activated by SP. This study strongly suggests that MRGPRX2 antagonists may be a promising drug to prevent the IgE-independent allergic reactions, and thus, MRGPRX2 antagonist development may lead to a promising therapeutic medication for the IgE-independent allergic reactions.
Vibrational spectroscopy and biochemical changes in silver carp as related to quality of washed mince
Authors: Kunyaboon Sasinee , Thumanu Kanjana , Park Jae W , Yongsawatdigul Jirawat
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Biochemical and protein conformational changes in silver carp occurred during ice storage, affecting the physico‐chemical and textural properties of its washed mince. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and FT Raman could offer insightful molecular‐level information that could be related to the freshness of fish and textural properties of washed mince.

RESULTS

The K value increased from 15.8% to 85.0% after 14 days on ice. The surface hydrophobicity of silver carp muscle proteins increased during ice storage, and its thrice‐washed mince showed the same trend. The yield and textural properties of washed mince continually decreased as the storage time was extended. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that, as storage time increased, the α‐helix content of mince decreased, while the β sheet content increased. Prolonged ice storage led to the exposure of buried aromatic amino acid residues and an increase in disulfide interchanges in mince and washed mince. Changes in the ∑β sheet structure and Raman intensity at 828 cm−1 observed in mince correlated well with the K value. The α‐helix content and Raman intensity of raw washed mince at 621 and 828 cm−1 showed a strong correlation with its textural properties.

CONCLUSION

Silver carp should be processed to surimi within 7 days of ice storage to obtain a reasonably good yield and gel texture. Infrared and Raman spectroscopy can possibly be utilized to monitor freshness quality and protein conformational changes in silver carp and to estimate the textural properties of washed mince as affected by freshness. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Molecular Dynamics of Amphiphilic Random Copolymers in the Bulk: A 1H and 19F NMR Relaxometry Study
Authors: Martini Francesca , Guazzelli Elisa , Martinelli Elisa , Borsacchi Silvia , Geppi Marco , Galli Giancarlo
Published: July 2019

A set of amphiphilic random copolymers of poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) and perfluorohexylethyl acrylate (FA) with different compositions synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is investigated by 1H and 19F NMR relaxometry. In particular, a thorough investigation of T1 and T2 relaxation times at variable temperature and copolymer composition provides the first complete and detailed characterization of the dynamics of both the main chain backbone and the side chains of the PEGMA‐co‐FA copolymers. The results highlight an intramolecular segregation of rigid main chain and mobile side chains, and an additional self‐assembling of the PEGMA and FA side chains into distinct nanodomains, driven by the hydrophobic interactions between FA side chains. The obtainment and observation of nanoscale phase separation in random copolymers is a promising achievement to the aim of controlling self‐assembly in the bulk by suitably modulating copolymers composition, which can open novel avenues to easier fabrications and applications in nanotechnologies.
Grafting‐from Afforded Cyclic Graft Copolymers from Cyclic Anionic Macroinitiator via Lithiation of Tolyl Groups
Authors: Adachi Kaoru , Kono Takayuki , Nakano Suguru , Hamaguchi Yusuke , Tsukahara Yasuhisa
Published: July 2019

Cyclic graft copolymers consisting of poly(p‐methylstyrene) backbone and polystyrene branches with relatively low molecular weight distribution are synthesized with grafting‐from approach by living anionic polymerization of styrene from lithiated cyclic poly(p‐methylstyrene)s as multifunctional anionic macroinitiators for vinyl polymerizations. Precursors of the macroinitiators are prepared by ring‐closing metathesis reaction of α,ω‐divinyl‐terminated telechelic polymers. Subsequently, selective lithiation of tolyl groups in the cyclic polymers is conducted by s‐BuLi in the presence of tetramethylethylenediamine in cyclohexane in order to prepare the macroinitiators. Addition of styrene monomer into the cyclic macroinitiators provides shift in SEC to higher molecular weight due to graft polymerization from the macroinitiators to form cyclic graft copolymers. The unique polymer architecture of the obtained cyclic graft copolymers is confirmed by unimolecular observation by using atomic force microscopy.
Fabrication of a Dual‐Stimuli‐Responsive Supramolecular Micelle from a Pillar[5]arene‐Based Supramolecular Diblock Copolymer for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Wu Jian , Xia Lei , Liu Zhu , Xu Zhiguang , Cao Hongliang , Zhang Weian
Published: July 2019

A pH and thermo dual‐responsive supramolecular diblock copolymer is constructed by host–guest recognition of pillar[5]arene and viologen salt. The host polymer, poly(N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) bearing pillar[5]arene as the terminal group (P[5]A‐PDMAEMA) is synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Guest polymer, ethyl viologen‐ended poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (EV‐PNIPAM) is prepared by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The supramolecular diblock copolymer can be self‐assembled into stable supramolecular nanoparticles in aqueous solution at 40 °C, which show excellent pH and thermo responsiveness. The nanoparticles are further applied in the encapsulation of photosensitizers (pyropheophorbide‐a, PhA) for photodynamic therapy (PDT). The dual‐responsive nanoparticles can efficiently release PhA in acidic environment at 25 °C. Based on the result of cell experiments, PhA‐loaded nanomicelles exhibit excellent PDT efficacy and low dark toxicity toward A549 cells. Thus, this supramolecular diblock copolymer enriches the methodology of constructing stimuli‐responsive drug carriers and presents a great potential in PDT.
A Carbonylated Terthiophene–Based Twisted Polymer for Efficient Ternary Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Xue Changguo , Zhang Tao , Ma Kangqiao , Wan Pan , Hong Ling , Xu Bowei , An Cunbin
Published: July 2019

In polymer solar cells (PSCs), it is difficult for twisted conjugated polymers to achieve high power‐conversion efficiency (PCE) as donors due to their low charge carrier mobilities and poor bulk heterojunction morphologies. In this work, a new twisted conjugated polymer (P3TCO‐1) with excellent solubilities (above 30 mg mL−1) in common organic solvents at room temperature is reported. UV–visible absorption spectra and cyclic voltammetry indicate that P3TCO‐1 has a wide optical bandgap of 1.90 eV and deep HOMO level of −5.39 eV. In binary PSCs, P3TCO‐1:ITIC‐based device shows a PCE of 10.11%, with JSC of 17.05 mA cm−2 and FF of 62.89%; P3TCO‐1:PC71BM‐based device gives a PCE of 6.67% with JSC of 12.31 mA cm−2 and FF of 58.00%. When the two acceptors of ITIC and PC71BM are combined, the twisted P3TCO‐1‐based ternary PSCs exhibit a significantly boosted PCE of up to 11.41%, with a simultaneously improved JSC of 18.16 mA cm−2 and FF of 66.78%. These results can guide the improvement of PCE for twisted conjugated polymer‐based PSCs.
The genetic and clinico‐pathological profile of early‐onset progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Jabbari Edwin , Woodside John , Tan Manuela M.X. , Pavese Nicola , Bandmann Oliver , Ghosh Boyd C.P. , Massey Luke A. , Capps Erica , Warner Tom T. , Lees Andrew J. , Revesz Tamas , Holton Janice L. , Williams Nigel M. , Grosset Donald G. , Morris Huw R.
Published: July 2019

Background

Studies on early‐onset presentations of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) have been limited to those where a rare monogenic cause has been identified. Here, we have defined early‐onset PSP (EOPSP) and investigated its genetic and clinico‐pathological profile in comparison with late‐onset PSP (LOPSP) and Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods

We included subjects from the Queen Square Brain Bank, PROSPECT‐UK study, and Tracking Parkinson's study. Group comparisons of data were made using Welch's t‐test and Kruskal‐Wallis analysis of variance. EOPSP was defined as the youngest decile of motor age at onset (≤55 years) in the Queen Square Brain Bank PSP case series.

Results

We identified 33 EOPSP, 328 LOPSP, and 2000 PD subjects. The early clinical features of EOPSP usually involve limb parkinsonism and gait freezing, with 50% of cases initially misdiagnosed as having PD. We found that an initial clinical diagnosis of EOPSP had lower diagnostic sensitivity (33%) and positive predictive value (38%) in comparison with LOPSP (80% and 76%) using a postmortem diagnosis of PSP as the gold standard. 3/33 (9%) of the EOPSP group had an underlying monogenic cause. Using a PSP genetic risk score (GRS), we showed that the genetic risk burden in the EOPSP (mean z‐score, 0.59) and LOPSP (mean z‐score, 0.48) groups was significantly higher (P < 0.05) when compared with the PD group (mean z‐score, −0.08).

Conclusions

The initial clinical profile of EOPSP is often PD‐like. At the group level, a PSP GRS was able to differentiate EOPSP from PD, and this may be helpful in future diagnostic algorithms. © 2019 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
A rare mosaic 22q11.2 microdeletion identified in a Chinese family with recurrent fetal conotruncal defects
Authors: Chen Weicheng , Li Xiaodi , Sun Liqun , Sheng Wei , Huang Guoying
Published: July 2019

Background

22q11 deletion syndrome (22qDS) is caused by deletion of chromosome region 22q11.2. However, mosaic cases with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) are rarely reported.

Methods

Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and fluorescence in situ hybridization fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed to analyze the copy number alterations. Clinical examinations related to 22q11.2DS were performed on the carrier in this family.

Results

A healthy female in a Chinese family with a history of two pregnancies with conotruncal defects, one with pulmonary atresia (PA) and another with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) was recruited in this study. CMA revealed that the fetus with TOF has a microdeletion on the 22q11.2 locus, and his mother was further confirmed a somatic mosaicism of 22q11.2 microdeletion by interphase FISH. Somatic mosaic 22q11.2 deletion in the mother was validated in the metaphase lymphocytes. Clinical examinations related to 22q11.2DS showed that the mother had hypocalcemia and low percentages of CD4 + T helper cells. The family history of recurrent fetal conotruncal defects and genetic results demonstrated the inherited possibility of maternal germline mosaicism of the 22q11.2 microdeletion.

Conclusion

Our report was the first case in a Chinese family to present that a somatic and suspected gonadal mosaicism of the 22q11.2 microdeletion in female causes recurrent fetal conotruncal defects.
Use of the subscapular system by maintaining unilateral decubitus placement without repositioning in microvascular free tissue transplantation
Authors: Forte Antonio J. , Oliver Jeremie D. , McRae Matthew , Colasante Cesar , Eells Annica C. , Watt Andrew , Buntic Rudolph , Buncke Gregory , Safa Bauback
Published: July 2019

Background

In microvascular free‐tissue harvest and transfer, the need for repositioning from lateral decubitus position and the inability to use a two‐team approach are major drawbacks of the subscapular system. We present our experience with the subscapular system for upper and lower extremity reconstruction using a two‐team approach without need for repositioning.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review for all patients undergoing free flap transplant based on the subscapular system to the upper or lower extremity at our microsurgical facility from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2011. Only cases not requiring intraoperative repositioning were included. Sixty‐four patients underwent the two‐team approach (37 upper extremity and 27 lower extremity transplants). Flap types included latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous, partial superior latissimus, dorsal thoracic fascia, serratus, scapular bone, and thoracodorsal artery perforator, either alone or as chimeric flaps. All patients were placed in the lateral decubitus position for the duration of the surgery.

Results

The ipsilateral subscapular system was used in 16% of cases for lower extremity defects, where the anterior tibial vessels served as recipient vessels. The contralateral subscapular system was used in all remaining cases for upper extremity or the vast majority for lower extremity (84%) defects, where either the superficial femoral, genicular, popliteal, sural, or posterior tibial vessels served as recipient vessels. With the exception of one partial flap loss secondary to infection, all flaps survived.

Conclusions

Proper lateral decubitus positioning allows for a two‐team approach without compromising safety or outcomes.
Fractional quasi AKNS‐technique for nonlinear space–time fractional evolution equations
Authors: Abdel‐Salam Emad A.‐B. , Mourad Mohamed F.
Published: July 2019

This paper aims to formulate the fractional quasi‐inverse scattering method. Also, we give a positive answer to the following question: can the Ablowitz‐Kaup‐Newell‐Segur (AKNS) method be applied to the space–time fractional nonlinear differential equations? Besides, we derive the Bäcklund transformations for the fractional systems under study. Also, we construct the fractional quasi‐conservation laws for the considered fractional equations from the defined fractional quasi AKNS‐like system. The nonlinear fractional differential equations to be studied are the space–time fractional versions of the Kortweg‐de Vries equation, modified Kortweg‐de Vries equation, the sine‐Gordon equation, the sinh‐Gordon equation, the Liouville equation, the cosh‐Gordon equation, the short pulse equation, and the nonlinear Schrödinger equation.
Dual‐band filter based on air‐filled SIW cavity for 5G application
Authors: Liu Leping , Fu Qiuyun , Liang Fei , Zhao Shuaijie
Published: July 2019

This work presents a novel dual‐band filter based on air‐filled substrate‐integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity. Research is done on the multimode property of air‐filled SIW cavity, as a result, even mode and odd mode of TE102 are determined to produce the first passband, those of TE104 to form the second passband, meanwhile, those of TE202 as spurious modes exist in the air‐filled SIW cavity. As the resonant frequency of TE202 is close to that of TE104, a group of metal via holes is placed at where the electric field of TE202 is maximum so that TE202 does no harm to the second passband as the resonant frequency of TE202 is shifted to much higher frequency in this case. Moreover, the ratio of center frequency of the second passband to that of the first passband can be flexible adjusted for the presence of that group of metal via holes as perturbation structure. Thanks to exploiting even mode and odd mode of TE102 as well as TE104 for the design of dual‐band filter, a frequency response with two transmission poles in each passband and one transmission zero in the upper stopband of each passband are obtained, another transmission zero appears in the response as well for the presence of direct source‐load coupling. A dual‐band filter centered at 3.5 and 4.9 GHz is designed and fabricated to validate this design method, and good agreements between measured and simulated results can be observed.
Analysis, design, and measurements of an ultrasmall on‐metal UHF RFID tag antenna
Authors: B. Abdallah Essia , Carle Arnaud , Mondon Philippe
Published: July 2019

An ultrasmall radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag antenna is proposed for metallic applications. The antenna consists of a loop structure on FR4 substrate with a chip on the side. The overall dimensions of the tag are 10 × 10 × 2.07 mm (0.03λ × 0.03λ × 0.006λ). Studies demonstrate that the proposed antenna is a good candidate for RFID tags to be mounted on metallic surfaces. Experimental results demonstrate that the tag is able to achieve a read distance of 20 cm with an equivalent isotropic radiated power of 1.64 W when attached to a metallic object. The proposed antenna is proved to be competitive against state of the art.
Dual‐band, dual‐polarized microstrip array for applications of WLAN base stations
Authors: Huang Chiung‐Ying , Ko Ting‐Hung , Chen Tsair‐Rong , Row Jeen‐Sheen
Published: July 2019

A dual‐band, dual‐polarized microstrip array with high isolation is presented. The array element is a compact ring patch antenna, and all of the radiating patches are fabricated on the same substrate. A horizontal coaxial balun is used to excite the compact element so that the isolation between two orthogonal polarizations and the coupling between two adjacent elements are reduced. A prototype of the proposed array is constructed. The measured results show that the prototype can be operated at two frequency bands, including 2.4 to 2.48 GHz and 5.15 to 5.875 GHz. Within the operation bandwidths, the array has a gain of about 12 dBi and a cross‐polarization level of less than −25 dB; in addition, the isolation levels between input ports are smaller than −35 dB.
Dosimetric evaluation of 4D‐CBCT reconstructed by Simultaneous Motion Estimation and Image Reconstruction (SMEIR) for carbon ion therapy of lung cancer
Authors: Shrestha Deepak , Tsai Min‐Yu , Qin Nan , Zhang You , Jia Xun , Wang Jing
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Motion management is critical for the efficacy of carbon ion therapy for moving targets such as lung tumors. We evaluated the feasibility of using four‐dimensional cone beam computed tomography (4D‐CBCT) reconstructed by Simultaneous Motion Estimation and Image Reconstruction (SMEIR) for dose calculation and accumulation in carbon ion treatment of lung cancer.

Methods

Motion‐compensated 4D‐CBCT images were reconstructed with the SMEIR algorithm to capture the most updated anatomy and motion with an updated interphase motion model on the treatment day. Projections of all CBCT phases were simulated from the planning 4D‐CT by the ray tracing technique. Treatment planning and dose calculation were performed with a GPU‐based Monte Carlo dose calculation software for carbon ion therapy. The treatment plan was optimized on the average computed tomography (CT) to obtain optimal intensity of the carbon ions. From the optimized plan, dose distributions on individual phases of 4D‐CT and 4D‐CBCT were calculated by the Monte Carlo‐based dose engine. Dose accumulation was performed on 4D‐CBCT images using deformable vector fields (DVF) generated by SMEIR. The accumulated planning target volume (PTV) dose based on 4D‐CBCT was then compared to the accumulated dose calculated on 4D‐CT, where the DVFs between different phases were obtained by the demons deformable registration algorithm.

Results

Dose value histograms (DVH) as well as absolute deviations of the maximum dose (), mean dose (), and dose coverage metrics ( and ) for PTV were quantitatively evaluated for the two sets of plans. Good agreement was found between the 4D‐CT and 4D‐CBCT‐based PTV‐DVH curves. The average values of , , and calculated between the 4D‐CT and SMEIR‐4D‐CBCT‐based plans were , , 2.12%, and , respectively, for the PTVs of ten patient case studies.

Conclusions

Based on these results, SMEIR‐reconstructed 4D‐CBCTs can potentially be used for motion estimation, dose evaluation, and adaptive treatment planning in lung cancer carbon ion therapy.
Automatic detection of small bowel tumors in wireless capsule endoscopy images using ensemble learning
Authors: Vieira Pedro M. , Freitas Nuno R , Valente João , Vaz Ismael F. , Rolanda Carla , Lima Carlos S.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Wireless Capsule Endoscopy (WCE) is a minimally invasive diagnosis tool for lesion detection in the gastrointestinal tract, reaching places where conventional endoscopy is unable to. However, the significant amount of acquired data leads to difficulties in the diagnosis by the physicians; which can be eased with computer assistance. This paper addresses a method for the automatic detection of tumors in WCE by using a two‐step based procedure: region of interest selection and classification.

Methods

The first step aims to separate abnormal from normal tissue by using automatic segmentation based on a Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM). A modified version of the Anderson method for convergence acceleration of the expectation–maximization (EM) algorithm is proposed. The proposed features for both segmentation and classification are based on the CIELab color space, as a way of bypassing lightness variations, where theLcomponent is discarded. Tissue variability among subjects, light inhomogeneities and even intensity differences among different devices can be overcome by using simultaneously features from both regions. In the second step, an ensemble system with partition of the training data with a new training scheme is proposed. At this stage, the gating network is trained after the experts have been trained decoupling the joint maximization of both modules. The partition module is also used at the test step, leading the incoming data to the most likely expert allowing incremental adaptation by preserving data diversity.

Results

This algorithm outperforms others based on texture features selected from Wavelets and Curvelets transforms, classified by a regular support vector machine (SVM) in more than 5%.

Conclusions

This work shows that simpler features can outperform more elaborate ones if appropriately designed. In the current case, luminance was discarded to cope with saturated tissue, facilitating the color perception. Ensemble systems remain an open research field. In the current case, changes in both topology and training strategy have led to significant performance improvements. A system with this level of performance can be used in current clinical practice.
Coil profile estimation strategies for parallel imaging with hyperpolarized 13C MRI
Authors: Hansen Rie B. , Sánchez‐Heredia Juan Diego , Bøgh Nikolaj , Hansen Esben Søvsø Szocska , Laustsen Christoffer , Hanson Lars G. , Ardenkjær‐Larsen Jan H.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

To investigate auto‐ and pre‐calibration coil profile estimation for parallel imaging reconstruction of hyperpolarized 13C MRI volumetric data.

Methods

Parallel imaging reconstruction was studied with 3 different approaches for coil profile estimation: auto‐calibration, phantom calibration, and theoretic calibration. Acquisition was performed with a 3D stack‐of‐spirals sequence with spectral–spatial excitation and Cartesian undersampling. Parallel imaging reconstructions were done with conjugate gradient SENSE and 3D gridding with inhomogeneity correction. The approaches were compared in simulations with different SNR, through phantom experiments, and in an in vivo pig study focused on the kidneys. All imaging was done with a rigid home‐built 12‐channel 13C receive coil at 3T.

Results

The phantom calibrated and theoretic approaches resulted in the best structural similarities in simulations and demonstrated higher image quality in the phantom experiments compared to the auto‐calibrated approach. In vivo mapping of pyruvate uptake and lactate conversion improved for accelerated acquisitions because of a better temporal resolution. From a practical and image quality point of view, use of theoretic coil profiles led to improved results compared to the other approaches.

Conclusion

The success of the theoretic coil profile estimation demonstrates a negligible effect of load on sensitivity profiles at the carbon frequency at 3T. Through theoretic or phantom calibrated parallel imaging, accelerated 3D volumes could be reconstructed with sufficient sensitivity, temporal, and spatial resolution to map the metabolism of kidneys exemplifying abdominal organs. This approach overcomes a critical step in the clinical translation of parallel imaging in hyperpolarized 13C MR.
Nusinersen improves walking distance and reduces fatigue in later‐onset spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Montes Jacqueline , Dunaway Young Sally , Mazzone Elena S. , Pasternak Amy , Glanzman Allan M. , Finkel Richard S. , Darras Basil T. , Muntoni Francesco , Mercuri Eugenio , De Vivo Darryl C. , Bishop Kathie M. , Schneider Eugene , Bennett C. Frank , Foster Richard , Farwell Wildon ,   on behalf of the CS2 and CS12 Study Groups
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Ambulatory individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) experience muscle weakness, gait impairments, and fatigue that affect their walking ability. Improvements have been observed in motor function in children treated with nusinersen, but its impact on fatigue has not been studied.

Methods

Post hoc analyses were used to examine changes in 6‐minute walk test (6MWT) distance and fatigue in children and adolescents with SMA type II and III who received their first dose of nusinersen in the phase Ib/IIa, open‐label CS2 study and were ambulatory during CS2 or the extension study, CS12.

Results

Fourteen children performed the 6MWT. Median (25th, 75th percentile) distance walked increased over time by 98.0 (62.0, 135.0) meters at day 1050, whereas median fatigue changed by −3.8% (−19.7%, 1.4%).

Discussion

These results support previous studies demonstrating clinically meaningful effects of nusinersen on motor function in children and adolescents with later‐onset SMA.
Outcomes of renal calculi in patients with spinal cord injury
Authors: Lane Giulia I. , Roberts William W. , Mann Rachel , O'Dell Diana , Stoffel John T. , Clemens J. Quentin , Cameron Anne P.
Published: July 2019

Aims

Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at risk of developing renal calculi. This study describes the management of renal calculi among patients with SCI with attention to factors influencing surgical management vs observation.

Methods

This retrospective, cohort study identified patients with SCI and renal calculi between 2009 to 2016 from an institutional neurogenic bladder database and detailed the management of their stones. A stone episode was defined as radiographic evidence of new calculi.

Results

Of 205 patients with SCI, 34 had renal stones, for a prevalence of 17%. The mean age was 50 years (range 22,77) and most had cervical SCI (n = 22, 65%). There were 41 stone episodes with 98 individual stones identified with a mean stone size of 4.9 mm (range 1‐19).

Of the 41 episodes, 10 (24%) underwent surgery after initial diagnosis. Pain was the most common primary indication for surgery (n = 9, 60%). The median time from diagnosis to intervention for all patients was 4 months (interquartile range 1,23). Of the 41 episodes, 31 (76%) were initially observed and among these, 5 ultimately required surgery (16%) while 26 (84%) did not. Of these 26, 12 (46%) stones passed spontaneously and 14 (53%) remained unchanged. The need for surgery correlated with more stone episodes (P = .049).

Conclusion

In this cohort of patients with SCI and small, nonobstructing renal stones, 76% (n = 31) were offered observation. Of these observed patients, 84% (n = 26) did not require further intervention at a median of 4 years of follow‐up.
Promoting good governance in Africa: The role of the civil society as a watchdog
Authors: Mlambo Victor H. , Zubane Sphephelo P. , Mlambo Daniel N.
Published: July 2019

Corruption, maladministration, nepotism, and poor accountability have reached unprecedented levels within the African continent. Consequently, this has impeded the successful and adequate provision of public services and by extension, hampered socio‐economic development and good governance. Undeniably, the entrenchment of civil society is vital for democratic purposes and the consolidation of good governance. For the purpose of this study, Africa is regarded as a unitary entity composed of synchronized autonomous states and governments. As a result, a strict examination of available and relevant literature on the provision of civil society in Africa was applied (were a systematic review of literature irtes was undertaken). The study was able to comprehensively understand the dynamics, challenges, and benefits related to the increasing rate at which is participating in Africa's governance related issues and their overall impact. The study was also able to understand how civil society in Africa has contributed to promoting good governance. It is, however, apparent that the increasing involvement of civil society in governance issues relates to transparency, upholding the rule of law, human rights, and the fight against corruption inter alia. The study also uncovered that the increase in the participation of civil society organizations will have a positive impact on governance as they will have the capacity to act as watchdogs to ensure that governments are effective and serving the needs of the public. Going forward, it will be imperative for civil society to work hand in hand with democratically elected governments in not only fighting corruption and promoting good governance but to also ensure that there is a socio‐economic and by extension political development within the African continent.
Increasing the hydrophilicity of star‐shaped amphiphilic co‐networks by using of PEG and dendritic s‐PCL cross‐linkers
Authors: Zare Yaser , Dabbaghi Alaleh , Rahmani Sohrab
Published: July 2019

New hyperbranched hydrophobic cross‐linkers with peripheral azide groups were synthesized as follows: First, star‐shaped polycaprolactones (sPCL) were synthesized by ring‐opening polymerization of caprolactone in the presence of pentaerythritol and tin (II) octoate. In the next step, sequential acrylation, Micheal addition, tosylation, and azidation by acryloyl chloride, diethanol amine, tosyl chloride, and sodium azide were respectively exploited to synthesize azide‐functionalized hyperbranched star‐shaped polycaprolactones which were named sPCL‐acrylate‐diethanolamine‐azide (sPCL‐AC‐DEA‐N3) and sPCL‐acrylate‐diethanolamine‐acrylate‐diethanolamine‐azide (sPCL‐AC‐DEA‐AC‐N3). All steps were thoroughly characterized by FT‐IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The GPC analysis showed that the molecular weight of sPCL increased after two azide functionalizations. Amphiphilic hydrogels based on sPCL‐AC‐DEA‐N3 (Mn = 8130 g/mol) and sPCL‐AC‐DEA‐AC‐N3 (Mn = 10112 g/mol) with linear alkyne‐terminated polyethylene glycols (PEG) (Mn = 2000, 4000, and 6000 g/mol) were synthesized through click coupling between azide and alkyne groups. In both hydrogels, the swelling ratio increased by increasing the molecular weight of PEG. The obtained results showed that the branching of the cross‐linker, significantly affected the swelling ratio of hydrogels. For instance, the swelling ratio of sPCL‐AC‐DEA‐AC‐N3 and PEG‐6000 (Q = 900) was higher than sPCL‐AC‐DEA‐N3 and PEG‐6000 (Q = 600). Despite the high cross‐linking density of sPCL‐AC‐DEA‐AC‐DEA‐N3–based hydrogels, the amount of released theophylline was higher than sPCL‐AC‐DEA‐N3–based hydrogels, due to the high content of PEG in these hydrogels.