bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Confining Free Radicals in Close Vicinity to Contaminants Enables Ultrafast Fenton‐like Processes in the Interspacing of MoS2 Membranes
Authors: Chen Yu , Zhang Gong , Liu Huijuan , Qu Jiuhui
Published: April 2019

Heterogenous Fenton‐like reactions are frequently proposed for treating persistent pollutants through the generation of reactive radicals. Despite great efforts to optimize catalyst activity, their broad application in practical settings has been restricted by the low efficiency of hydrogen peroxide or persulfate decomposition as well as ultrafast self‐quenching of the activated radicals. Theoretical calculations predicted that two‐dimensional (2D) metallic 1T phase MoS2 materials with exposed (001) surfaces and (100) edges should have remarkable affinity towards crucial intermediates in the peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation process. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and in situ Raman spectroscopy were used to show that the exposed metallic Mo sites accelerate the rate‐limiting step of electron transfer. A lamellar membrane made from a stack of 2D MoS2 with tunable interspacing was then designed as the catalyst. The non‐linear transport between the MoS2 nanolayers leads to high water diffusivity so that the short‐lived reactive radicals efficiently oxidize contaminants.
Hydrodifluoromethylation of Alkenes with Difluoroacetic Acid
Authors: Meyer Claudio F. , Hell Sandrine M. , Misale Antonio , Trabanco Andrés A. , Gouverneur Véronique
Published: April 2019

A facile method for the regioselective hydrodifluoromethylation of alkenes is reported using difluoroacetic acid and phenyliodine(III) diacetate in tetrahydrofuran under visible‐light activation. This metal‐free approach stands out as it uses inexpensive reagents, does not require a photocatalyst, and displays broad functional group tolerance. The procedure is also operationally simple and scalable, and provides access in one step to high‐value building blocks for application in medicinal chemistry.
Robust output consensus for a class of fractional‐order interval multi‐agent systems
Authors: Wang Liming , Zhang Guoshan
Published: April 2019

This paper is devoted to the robust output consensus problem of fractional‐order interval multi‐agent systems (FOIMASs) with fixed undirected topologies, where the fractional order, the system matrix, and the input matrix are perturbed simultaneously, and there exist linear coupling relationships among the fractional order and the perturbations of the system matrix and the input matrix. According to the information of the agents' neighbors, we design a distributed output feedback protocol. A sufficient condition guaranteeing the robust output consensus of FOIMASs is derived in terms of nonlinear matrix inequalities. By the matrix transformation and the singular value decomposition, the nonlinear matrix inequalities are transformed into linear matrix inequalities, and the output feedback gain matrix is obtained. A numerical simulation example is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Full‐scale demonstration testing of hexavalent chromium reduction via stannous chloride application
Authors: Henrie Tarrah , Plummer Sarah , Orta John , Bigley Steve , Gorman Craig , Seidel Chad , Shimabuku Kyle , Liu Haizhou
Published: April 2019

The best available technologies for hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] treatment can be cost prohibitive and operationally complex. Direct stannous [Sn(II)] chloride application to reduce Cr(VI) to trivalent chromium is an alternative treatment approach that could substantially decrease treatment costs. A full‐scale demonstration was conducted at the Coachella Valley Water District to investigate the ability of Sn(II) to reduce Cr(VI) in a chlorinated groundwater system. An average Sn(II) dose of 0.5 mg‐Sn/L, which corresponds to ~7.3 times the stoichiometric dose ratio for Cr(VI) reduction, was able to maintain Cr(VI) at <10 μg/L throughout the distribution system over a 30‐day period. Tin (Sn) and chromium (Cr) concentrations decreased with increasing distance from stannous feed locations, suggesting accumulation in the distribution system. Distribution system pipe‐scale analysis after the demonstration found the presence of Sn and Cr in pipe scales; however, minimal Sn and Cr release was observed during main flushing at the end of the demonstration.
Visualization of giant virus particles and development of “VIRAMOS” for high school and university biology course
Authors: Akashi Motohiro , Fukaya Sho , Uchiyama Chieko , Aoki Keita , Takemura Masaharu
Published: April 2019

Several educational trials on handling viruses and or virology have been reported. However, given their small size, direct visualization of these viruses under a microscope has been rarely performed. The so‐called “giant viruses” are larger than other viruses with a particle size greater than 200–300 nm. This enables their direct visualization under a light microscope more easily than other viruses. In this study, we developed two new types of teaching material for learning about viruses and cellular organisms using mimivirus, one of the well‐known giant viruses. One teaching material involves using glass slides with enclosed mimivirus particles, and another is a paper‐based teaching material, named VIRAMOS (http://tlab-edusys.azurewebsites.net/content/viramos_en.pdf). Using these, students can investigate and learn about viruses and cellular organisms. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(4):426–431, 2019.
Mixture of Azolium Tetraphenylborate with Isopropylthioxanthone: A New Class of N‐Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) Photogenerator for Polyurethane, Polyester, and ROMP Polymers Synthesis
Authors: Trinh Thi Kim Hoang , Malval Jean‐Pierre , Morlet‐Savary Fabrice , Pinaud Julien , Lacroix‐Desmazes Patrick , Reibel Corine , Héroguez Valérie , Chemtob Abraham
Published: April 2019

In the search of smarter routes to control the conditions of N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHCs) formation, a two‐component air‐stable NHC photogenerating system is reported. It relies on the irradiation at 365 nm of a mixture of 2‐isopropylthioxanthone (ITX) with 1,3‐bis(mesityl)imidazoli(ni)um tetraphenylborate. The photoinduced liberation of NHC is evidenced by reaction with a mesitoyl radical to form an NHC‐radical adduct detectable by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. The NHC yield can be determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy through the formation of a soluble and stable NHC–carbodiimide adduct. To deprotonate the azolium salt and liberate the NHC, a mechanism is proposed in which the role of base is played by ITX radical anion formed in situ by a primary photoinduced electron‐transfer reaction between electronically excited ITX (oxidant) and BPh4− (reductant). An NHC yield as high as 70 % is achieved upon starting with a stoichiometric ratio of ITX and azolium salt. Three different photoNHC‐mediated polymerizations are described: synthesis of polyurethane and polyester by organocatalyzed step‐growth polymerization and ring‐opening copolymerization, respectively, and generation of polynorbornene by ring‐opening metathesis polymerization using an NHC‐coordinated Ru catalyst formed in situ.
Autonomous Supramolecular Interface Self‐Healing Monitored by Restoration of UV/Vis Absorption Spectra of Self‐Assembled Thiazole Layers
Authors: Hupfer Maximilian L. , Herrmann‐Westendorf Felix , Kaufmann Martin , Weiß Dieter , Beckert Rainer , Dietzek Benjamin , Presselt Martin
Published: April 2019

Longevity of complex organic devices critically depends on the supramolecular integrity of the constituting layers and interfaces. Because the latter are soft matter, they can structurally respond to perturbation of their supramolecular structure by relaxing back to a thermodynamically favorable state. To use this response for self‐healing of optoelectronically active layers and particularly interfaces, the degraded dyes in these layers need to be exchanged with non‐degraded ones. Here, we present a dye layer interfaced between a solid surface and a dye reservoir that autonomously self‐heals after photo‐degradation of single molecules to restore its optical function. Surface sensitive in situ photothermal deflection spectroscopy reveals that this supramolecular self‐healing approach critically depends on the thermodynamic stability of the layer, the chemical change of the dye upon degradation, and the medium dissolving the degraded dye and providing the reservoir dyes. Hence, the interplay of these parameters is key to successfully using this supramolecular self‐healing approach to thin layers and interfaces in organic device for increased sustainability of organic optoelectronics and related fields.
A two‐step proximal‐point algorithm for the calculus of divergence‐based estimators in finite mixture models
Authors: Mohamad Diaa Al , Broniatowski Michel
Published: April 2019

Estimators derived from the expectation‐maximization (EM) algorithm are not robust since they are based on the maximization of the likelihood function. We propose an iterative proximal‐point algorithm based on the EM algorithm to minimize a divergence criterion between a mixture model and the unknown distribution that generates the data. The algorithm estimates in each iteration the proportions and the parameters of the mixture components in two separate steps. Resulting estimators are generally robust against outliers and misspecification of the model. Convergence properties of our algorithm are studied. The convergence of the introduced algorithm is discussed on a two‐component Weibull mixture entailing a condition on the initialization of the EM algorithm in order for the latter to converge. Simulations on Gaussian and Weibull mixture models using different statistical divergences are provided to confirm the validity of our work and the robustness of the resulting estimators against outliers in comparison to the EM algorithm. An application to a dataset of velocities of galaxies is also presented.The Canadian Journal of Statistics47: 392–408; 2019 © 2019 Statistical Society of Canada
Functional evaluation of carboxy metabolites of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists featuring scaffolds based on L‐valine or L‐tert‐leucine
Authors: Wouters Elise , Mogler Lukas , Cannaert Annelies , Auwärter Volker , Stove Christophe
Published: April 2019

Indole‐ and indazole‐based synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs), featuring valine or tert‐leucine substituents, are commonly abused new psychoactive substances (NPS). A major metabolic pathway for these SCRAs is hydrolysis of the terminal amide or methylester functionalities. Although these hydrolysis products were already detected as main ingredients in some “legal highs,” these metabolites are often poorly characterized. Here, we report a systematic investigation of the activity of 7 common hydrolysis metabolites of 15 SCRAs featuring scaffolds based on L‐valine or L‐tert‐leucine in direct comparison to their parent compounds. An activity‐based cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) bio‐assay was used for activity profiling of SCRAs and their metabolites in a stable HEK293T cell system. The recruitment of β‐arrestin2 to the activated CB1 (each fused to one part of a split Nanoluciferase) was provoked by adding the (putative) SCRAs. Luminescence of the functionally complemented luciferase was monitored by a 96‐well plate‐reader. The major hydrolysis metabolites of 5F‐AB‐PINACA, ADB‐CHMICA, ADB‐CHMINACA, ADB‐FUBICA, and their methyl‐ and ethylester derivatives showed no detectable CB1 activation at concentrations up to 1 μM. On the other hand, metabolites of 5F‐ADB‐PINACA, AB‐CHMINACA, and ADB‐FUBINACA did retain activity, although significantly reduced as compared to the parent compounds (EC50 values >100 nM). Activity‐based characterization of SCRAs and their metabolites at CB1 may not only allow a better insight into the complex interplay between SCRAs and their metabolites in intoxications, but may also allow application of the concept of “activity equivalents” present in biological fluids or, alternatively, in confiscated materials.
Retinoic acid signaling in heart development
Authors: Nakajima Yuji
Published: April 2019

Retinoic acid (RA) is a vitamin A metabolite that acts as a morphogen and teratogen. Excess or defective RA signaling causes developmental defects including in the heart. The heart develops from the anterior lateral plate mesoderm. Cardiogenesis involves successive steps, including formation of the primitive heart tube, cardiac looping, septation, chamber development, coronary vascularization, and completion of the four‐chambered heart. RA is dispensable for primitive heart tube formation. Before looping, RA is required to define the anterior/posterior boundaries of the heart‐forming mesoderm as well as to form the atrium and sinus venosus. In outflow tract elongation and septation, RA signaling is required to maintain/differentiate cardiogenic progenitors in the second heart field at the posterior pharyngeal arches level. Epicardium‐secreted insulin‐like growth factor, the expression of which is regulated by hepatic mesoderm‐derived erythropoietin under the control of RA, promotes myocardial proliferation of the ventricular wall. Epicardium‐derived RA induces the expression of angiogenic factors in the myocardium to form the coronary vasculature. In cardiogenic events at different stages, properly controlled RA signaling is required to establish the functional heart.
A gas Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy methodology for the rapid and accurate discrimination of chicken spoilage through volatiles analysis
Authors: Tan Zong , Huang Zhixuan , Lv Yue , Li Yuansong , Chen Da
Published: April 2019

The discrimination of chicken spoilage is extremely important in order to guarantee the quality and safety of chicken before consumption, and requires an efficient and reliable method. We aimed to find a rapid and accurate method to discriminate the level of spoilage of chicken, and have developed a gas Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (G‐FTIR) methodology based on analysing volatiles from chicken samples. In this method, the volatiles of chicken samples were first measured by the G‐FTIR spectrometer. After that, a chemometrics method combining principal component analysis (PCA) with support vector machine (SVM) was developed to encode the G‐FTIR spectra. With the combination of G‐FTIR spectra and the chemometrics method, a relationship between the spoilage levels of chicken and the G‐FTIR spectra of volatiles was established. As a result, the spoilage levels of chicken samples were accurately distinguished with a prediction accuracy of 100%, for samples stored at both normal (20 °C) and cold (4 °C) temperatures. The results obtained were correlated with the routine total volatile basis nitrogen (TVB‐N) method for validation. In addition, The G‐FTIR detection process for each sample could be performed within 3 min, requiring no chemical reagents. The G‐FTIR methodology performed well for the rapid discrimination of chicken spoilage, which could also be extended to the detection of other spoiled foods.
What is the health cost of haze pollution? Evidence from China
Authors: Hao Yu , Zhao Mingyuan , Lu Zhi‐Nan
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Haze pollution has become a serious threat to the health of residents and has brought about considerable economic costs. The objectives of this study are to examine the relationship between haze pollution and residents' health and to estimate the health cost of haze pollution.

Methods

Using macro data on 74 major Chinese cities, this study employs a static panel data model and a dynamic panel generalized method of moments model to investigate the impact of haze pollution on the mortality of residents. On the basis of the estimation results, the value of a statistical life (VOSL) method is used to evaluate the economic cost of haze pollution on residents' health.

Results

In 74 major cities of China, an increase in concentration of PM2.5 pollutants by 1 μg/m3 may cause the mortality rate to rise by 25 per million people. The VOSL of haze pollution in China is about 1.53 million yuan. The health cost of residents from haze in 74 major cities of China in 2016 was about 888 billion yuan, equivalent to about 2% of the these cities' GDP.

Conclusions

Haze pollution has serious damage to the health of urban residents and therefore brings about considerable economic losses.
Establishment and characterization of a prostate cancer cell line from a prostatectomy specimen for the study of cellular interaction
Authors: Wang Ruoxiang , Chu Gina C.‐Y. , Wang Xudong , Wu Jason B. , Hu Peizhen , Multani Asha S. , Pathak Sen , Zhau Haiyen E. , Chung Leland W.K.
Published: April 2019

Though human prostate cancer (PCa) heterogeneity can best be studied using multiple cell types isolated from clinical specimens, the difficulty of establishing cell lines from clinical tumors has hampered this approach. In this proof‐of‐concept study, we established a human PCa cell line from a prostatectomy surgical specimen without the need for retroviral transduction. In a previous report, we characterized the stromal cells derived from PCa specimens. Here, we characterized the epithelial cells isolated from the same tumors. Compared to the ease of establishing prostate stromal cell lines, prostatic epithelial cell lines are challenging. From three matched pairs of normal and tumor tissues, we established one new PCa cell line, HPE‐15. We confirmed the origin of HPE‐15 cells by short tandem repeat microsatellite polymorphism analysis. HPE‐15 cells are androgen‐insensitive and express marginal androgen receptor, prostate‐specific antigen and prostate‐specific membrane antigen proteins. HPE‐15 expresses luminal epithelial markers of E‐cadherin and cytokeratin 18, basal cell markers of cytokeratin 5 and p63 and neuroendocrine marker of chromogranin A. Interestingly, HPE‐15 Cells exhibited no tumorigenicity in different strains of immune‐deficient mice but can become tumorigenic through interaction with aggressive cancer cell types. HPE‐15 cells can thus serve as an experimental model for the study of PCa progression, metastasis and tumor cell dormancy.
Circular RNA expression profile in gingival tissues identifies circ_0062491 and circ_0095812 as potential treatment targets
Authors: Li Jie , Xie Ruiyue
Published: April 2019

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) emerging as a novel class of endogenous, conserved noncoding RNAs, which have been reported to be participated in immune‐inflammatory response recently, yet their function in periodontal inflammation has remained elusive. This study aimed to analyze the specific circRNAs expressed in periodontal inflammation process through Illumina (San Diego, CA) sequencing technology combining with experimental validation. The inflamed and healthy gingival tissues from patients were selected to explore the expression statues of circRNAs. In brief, 1304 dysregulated circRNAs were identified in inflamed gingival tissues. Besides, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was conducted to investigate the functions of abnormally expressed circRNAs in periodontitis as well as their host‐linear genes. Furthermore, the interaction network of circRNAs‐miRNAs (microRNA) was constructed to reveal the key circRNAs (circ_0095812, circ_0120299, circ_0125699, circ_0062491, and circ_0043115) in the pathobiology of periodontitis. Subsequently, we have investigated the expression pattern of circ_0062491 (downregulated) and circ_0095812 (upregulated) among 30‐paired periodontitis patients and healthy individuals by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, circ_0062491 was identified as the sponge of miR‐584 which play a key role in periodontitis.
Long noncoding RNA H19 promotes chemotherapy resistance in choriocarcinoma cells
Authors: Yu Shuran , Wu Chenchun , Tan Qianxia , Liu Huining
Published: April 2019

Choriocarcinoma (CC) is a trophoblast tumor prone to early distant organ metastases. At present, the main treatment for CC is chemotherapy, but chemotherapy resistance readily occurs and leads to treatment failure. H19 is a long noncoding RNA, and its abnormal expression has been found in various tumors, including CC. H19 is also considered to be related to the drug resistance mechanism of the same cancers. To investigate the role of H19 in drug‐resistant CC cells, the following experiments were designed. We used human CC cell line JEG‐3 to establish cell lines resistant to methotrexate and 5‐fluorouracil (JEG‐3/MTX and JEG‐3/5‐FU) and detected the expression of H19 in JEG‐3, JEG‐3/MTX, JEG‐3/5‐FU cells, JEG‐3 with MTX, and JEG‐3 with 5‐FU. We found that the expression of H19 in the JEG‐3/MTX and JEG‐3/5‐FU cells were significantly higher than that in JEG‐3 cells. JEG‐3 cells were treated with MTX or 5‐FU for and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay revealed that H19 messenger RNA expression increased. Furthermore, after H19 was knocked out, the drug resistance index of the JEG‐3/MTX and JEG‐3/5‐FU cells decreased; the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability diminished significantly; and apoptosis increased significantly. Finally, we detected the total and phosphorylation protein expression of phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in the JEG‐3/MTX and JEG‐3/5‐FU cells. The total protein of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR in the H19 knockout resistant cells showed no significant change relative to those in the H19 non‐knockout resistant cells, whereas the phosphorylated proteins of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR were significantly decreased. Phosphorylated proteins of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR in the JEG‐3/MTX and JEG‐3/5‐FU cells were significantly higher than that in JEG‐3 cells. After using inhibition of phosphorylated PI3K/AKT/mTOR, the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of the JEG‐3/MTX and JEG‐3/5‐FU cells diminished significantly; and apoptosis increased significantly. On the basis of the above experiments, we concluded that H19 is related to the drug resistance of CC, and the knockout of H19 can reduce the drug resistance of resistant CC cells; and decrease the proliferative, migratory, and invasive ability; and increase the apoptosis. PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway might be involved in H19‐mediated effects. H19 is expected to be a therapeutic target for the treatment of drug‐resistant chorionic carcinoma.
Gene coexpression networks analysis of sickle stroke risk
Authors: Liu Fang‐Fang , Wang Juan , Hu Fan , Wei Qing , Li Ke
Published: April 2019

Stroke is one of the most destructive complications of sickle cell disease (SCD), and SCD is also the most common cause of childhood stroke. Sickle cell stroke is complex and has a genetic endothelial basis. Here, we further investigated this genetic basis using weighted gene coexpression network analysis. This systems biology approach revealed the correlation between coexpressed gene modules and sickle stroke risk. The pink module was significantly correlated with stroke risk and genes in this module were mainly related to GO:0044877 (protein‐containing complex binding). In addition hub genes were identified through protein‐protein interaction enrichment analysis, including CXCR7, VCAM1, CD44, BMP2, SMAD3, BCL2L1, ITPR2, ITPR3, etc. These hub genes were significantly enriched for three Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways including “gastric acid secretion,” “pathways in cancer,” and “TGF‐ β signaling pathway.” Altogether, our results based on this innovative method provided some novel understanding of the pathology of sickle cell stroke. Hub genes identified in this study could be potential targets for screening and prevention of stroke risk in SCD children.
Pectolinarin inhibits proliferation, induces apoptosis, and suppresses inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast‐like synoviocytes by inactivating the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B pathway
Authors: Wang Laifang , Wang Na , Zhao Qing , Zhang Bingyi , Ding Yanjie
Published: April 2019

Rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (RA‐FLSs), a pathological hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), exhibit the characteristics of tumor cells. The extracts of Cirsium japonicum var. ussuriense have been shown to possess antitumor and anti‐inflammatory activities. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of pectolinarin, a flavonoid compound isolated from C. japonicum var. ussuriense, on RA. Cell viability was evaluated by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide assay. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry analysis and Western blot analysis of Bax and Bcl‐2 levels. Inflammation was assessed by detecting the expressions and secretion of interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was also measured. The effects of pectolinarin on the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway were examined by Western blot. We found that pectolinarin significantly inhibited cell viability at 24 and 48 hours in a dose‐dependently manner in RA‐FLSs. Pectolinarin reduced the apoptotic rate, increased Bax level, and decreased Bcl‐2 level in RA‐FLSs. Pectolinarin inhibited the messenger RNA expression and secretion of IL‐6 and IL‐8, as well as the production of PGE2 and NO in RA‐FLSs. Furthermore, pectolinarin inactivated the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway in RA‐FLSs. Activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway by 740Y‐P impaired the effects of pectolinarin on cell viability, apoptosis, and inflammation in RA‐FLSs. In conclusion, pectolinarin suppressed cell proliferation and inflammatory response and induced apoptosis in RA‐FLSs via inactivation of the PI3K/Akt pathway.
Group exposure and response prevention for college students with social anxiety: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Zaboski Brian A. , Joyce‐Beaulieu Diana , Kranzler John H. , McNamara Joseph P. , Gayle Cindi , MacInnes Jann
Published: April 2019

Objective

Social anxiety increases college student drop‐out risk and stifles employment opportunities. Group cognitive‐behavioral therapy with exposure (CBT ERP) has the potential to alleviate campus resource strain but remains under‐researched with college students. The present study investigated the efficacy of group CBT ERP in a randomized clinical trial on a college campus.

Method

Thirty‐one postsecondary students were randomly assigned to an exposure‐only group or an active control.

Results

Linear mixed‐effects models indicated significant Group × Time interactions for general social anxiety (t = −2.02, g = 0.62) and depression (t = −2.77, g = 0.55); nonsignificant main effects were found for group and time variables. On a measure of fear of negative evaluation, only the main effect of time was significant (t = 2.15, p = 0.032).

Conclusions

When compared to an active control group, CBT ERP is an efficacious and time‐effective treatment for college students experiencing social anxiety.
The methylation of Notch1 promoter mediates the osteogenesis differentiation in human aortic valve interstitial cells through Wnt/β‐catenin signaling
Authors: Zhou Yangzhao , Li Jianming , Zhou Kang , Liao Xiaobo , Zhou Xinmin , Shen Kangjun
Published: April 2019

Aortic valve interstitial cells (AVICs) have the potential to undergo calcification, which has been regarded as a critical issue during the pathology of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). In the past decade, epigenetics, in particular, DNA methylation dysregulation, has been reported to play a vital role in the occurrence and development of CAVD. In the present study, the expression of Notch1, which can inhibit the osteogenesis differentiation of valve interstitial cells, was downregulated whereas the expression of methyltransferases was upregulated in CAVD tissues, suggesting the potential role of DNA methylation in Notch1 expression and CAVD progression. As revealed by DNA extraction and bisulfite sequencing polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the methylation level in Notch1 promoter was much higher in CAVD tissues and human AVICs on Day 14 of osteogenesis differentiation induction. The silence of Notch1 intercellular domain (NICD) promoted while the treatment of demethylation agent, 5‐Aza‐dC, inhibited the osteogenesis differentiation. Moreover, NICD overexpression significantly suppressed the transcriptional activity of β‐catenin on TCF4, and the expression of osteogenesis differentiation factors, indicating the involvement of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in Notch1 modulating the osteogenesis differentiation in human AVICs (hAVICs). Taken together, Notch1 promoter methylation leads to a decreased Notch1 expression and subsequent decreased release of NICD in the nucleus of hAVICs, therefore promoting the activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling and the expression of osteogenesis differentiation factors, finally promoting the osteogenesis differentiation in hAVICs. DNA methylation might act as an important bridge to link epigenetic variation and CAVD progression.
Epigenetic‐based therapy for colorectal cancer: Prospect and involved mechanisms
Authors: Rezapour Saleheh , Hosseinzadeh Elham , Marofi Faroogh , Hassanzadeh Ali
Published: April 2019

Epigenetic modifications are heritable variations in gene expression not encoded by the DNA sequence. According to reports, a large number of studies have been performed to characterize epigenetic modification during normal development and also in cancer. Epigenetics can be regarded more widely to contain all of the changes in expression of genes that make by adjusted interactions between the regulatory portions of DNA or messenger RNAs that lead to indirect variation in the DNA sequence. In the last decade, epigenetic modification importance in colorectal cancer (CRC) pathogenesis was demonstrated powerfully. Although developments in CRC therapy have been made in the last years, much work is required as it remains the second leading cause of cancer death. Nowadays, epigenetic programs and genetic change have pivotal roles in the CRC incidence as well as progression. While our knowledge about epigenetic mechanism in CRC is not comprehensive, selective histone modifications and resultant chromatin conformation together with DNA methylation most likely regulate CRC pathogenesis that involved genes expression. Undoubtedly, the advanced understanding of epigenetic‐based gene expression regulation in the CRC is essential to make epigenetic drugs for CRC therapy. The major aim of this review is to deliver a summary of valuable results that represent evidence of principle for epigenetic‐based therapeutic approaches employment in CRC with a focus on the advantages of epigenetic‐based therapy in the inhibition of the CRC metastasis and proliferation.
The role of autophagy in maintaining intestinal mucosal barrier
Authors: Wu Yanping , Tang Li , Wang Baikui , Sun Qiming , Zhao Pengwei , Li Weifen
Published: April 2019

The intestinal mucosal barrier is the first line to defense against luminal content penetration and performs numerous biological functions. The intestinal epithelium contains a huge surface that is lined by a monolayer of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). IECs are dominant mediators in maintaining intestinal homeostasis that drive diverse functions including nutrient absorption, physical segregation, secretion of antibacterial peptides, and modulation of immune responses. Autophagy is a cellular self‐protection mechanism in response to various stresses, and accumulating studies have revealed its importance in participating physiological processes of IECs. The regulatory effects of autophagy depend on the specific IEC types. This review aims to elucidate the myriad roles of autophagy in regulating the functions of different IECs (stem cells, enterocytes, goblet cells, and Paneth cells), and present the progress of autophagy‐targeting therapy in intestinal diseases. Understanding the involved mechanisms can provide new preventive and therapeutic strategies for gastrointestinal dysfunction and diseases.
IRF2BP2: A new player in the regulation of cell homeostasis
Authors: Ramalho-Oliveira Renata , Oliveira-Vieira Barbara , Viola João P B
Published: April 2019

The IRF2BP2 (IFN regulatory factor 2 binding protein 2) protein was identified as a nuclear protein that interacts with IFN regulatory factor 2 (IRF-2) and is an IRF-2-dependent transcriptional repressor. IRF2BP2 belongs to the IRF2BP family, which includes IRF2BP1, IRF2BP2, and IRF2BPL (EAP1). Recently, IRF2BP2 has emerged as an important new transcriptional cofactor in different biological systems, acting as a positive and negative regulator of gene expression. IRF2BP2 plays a role in different cellular functions, including apoptosis, survival, and cell differentiation. Additionally, IRF2BP2 may be involved in cancer development. Finally, it has been recently reported that IRF2BP2 may play a role in macrophage regulation and lymphocyte activation, highlighting its function in innate and adaptive immune responses. However, it has become increasingly clear that IRF2BP2 and its isoforms can have specific functions. In this review, we address the possible reasons for these distinct roles of IRF2BP2 and the partner proteins that interact with it. We also discuss the genes regulated by IRF2BP2 during the immune response and in other biological systems.
Useful manifestations to detect adenovirus in children with upper respiratory infections: A retrospective study
Authors: Takahashi Kenichiro , Fujimoto Tsuguto , Hanaoka Nozomu , Tamura Mariko , Suzuki Yoko , Sugihara Shigetaka
Published: April 2019

Objective

Approximately 1 million adenovirus immunochromatography (IC) kits are annually used in Japan. However, no practical strategies have been developed regarding their use for detecting adenovirus. The present study aims to verify the usefulness of clinical manifestations in making decisions regarding the use of adenovirus IC kits for children with upper respiratory infections (URI).

Methods

The medical records of 825 pediatric cases tested by IC kits for adenovirus were extracted from clinical laboratory department database over a 3‐year period at our hospital. Among them, 585 patients were suspected adenovirus URI, and their clinical manifestations were reviewed. After data cleaning, 10 types of clinical manifestations were statistically analyzed between adenovirus IC kit‐positive and ‐negative groups. Multivariate analysis was performed to select significant clinical manifestations using adenovirus IC kit positivity as the objective variable.

Results

Among 585 pediatric patients, the cases of 420 patients, with suitable data for whom no other pathogen was detected, were reviewed. Adenovirus was detected in 86 cases. Multivariate analysis identified a significant difference for three clinical manifestations: (1) fever ≥ 39.0°C, (2) rhinorrhea, and (3) tonsillar exudate. The negativity rate for the IC kit was 90% when none of the three manifestations was observed.

Conclusions

The results suggested that IC kits for adenovirus tend to give negative results in cases that lack all the three above mentioned clinical manifestations.
A disintegrin‐like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin‐1 (ADAMTS‐1) levels in gingival crevicular fluid correlate with vascular endothelial growth factor‐A, hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α, and clinical parameters in patients with advanced periodontitis
Authors: Tayman Mahmure Ayşe , Kurgan Şivge , Önder Canan , Güney Zeliha , Serdar Muhittin A. , Kantarcı Alpdoğan , Günhan Meral
Published: April 2019

Background

ADAMTS (a disintegrin‐like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin) are a family of proteinases that are structurally similar to the family of matrix metalloproteinases with critical roles in damage and repair of the extracellular matrix. Their functions are closely related to inflammation, hypoxia, and vascularization. Our aim was to determine levels of ADAMTS‐1 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in patients with advanced periodontal diseases and identify their association with hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1alpha (HIF‐1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF‐A), and clinical parameters of periodontitis.

Methods

The study consisted of three groups: healthy individuals (control; n = 20), generalized chronic periodontitis (CP; n = 21), and generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP; n = 20). Clinical parameters were measured. Levels of ADAMTS‐1, VEGF‐A, and HIF‐1α in GCF and serum were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reported as total amounts and concentration.

Results

ADAMTS‐1 total amount in GCF were significantly higher in patients with CP and GAgP compared with healthy individuals (P < 0.05). HIF‐1α total amount in GCF were also higher in periodontitis groups compared with the control group (P < 0.05). GCF total VEGF‐A content was significantly higher in the GAgP group compared with the CP and the controls (respectively; P = 0.023, P = 0.003). There was a significant correlation between ADAMTS‐1, VEGF‐A, and HIF‐1α levels in the GCF and clinical periodontal parameters (probing depth [PD], bleeding on probing [BOP], and clinical attachment loss (CAL); P < 0.05).

Conclusion

ADAMTS‐1 may play a role in advanced periodontal disease pathogenesis in correlation with tissue hypoxia and vascularization.
Identification of a novel salivary biomarker miR‐143‐3p for periodontal diagnosis: A proof of concept study
Authors: Nisha K.J. , Janam Presanthila , Harshakumar K.
Published: April 2019

Background

Though the use of salivary miRNAs as potential biomarkers has been reported in few diseases/conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and oral cancer, there are no reported studies on their utility in periodontal diagnostics. Thus, the aim of the present study was to profile salivary miRNAs and identify the most suitable salivary miRNA biomarker in chronic periodontitis.

Methods

In this study, we have explored the potential application of next generation sequencing (NGS) technology for profiling miRNAs in two unstimulated saliva samples collected by passive drool method from a patient diagnosed with generalized chronic periodontitis and a healthy control. Subsequently, the validation of most highly expressed known miRNA in periodontitis was performed in saliva samples collected from an independent set of 16 chronic periodontitis patients and 16 periodontally healthy controls using quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). Target gene prediction and pathway mapping were performed using bioinformatic tools.

Results

NGS analysis identified 40 upregulated and 40 downregulated known miRNAs in chronic periodontitis compared to healthy controls, of which miR‐143‐3p was the most highly expressed miRNA in periodontitis (Read count – 227630; fold change – 5.82). Validation using qRT‐PCR showed significant upregulation of miR‐143‐3p expression in the test group compared with controls (P < 0.05). K‐RAS (V‐Ki‐ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene) gene was predicted as the target gene for miR‐143‐3p in humans. KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of genes and genomes) pathway mapping revealed the involvement of K‐RAS in mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway.

Conclusions

The application of NGS for miRNA expression profiling can be considered a valuable tool in detection of novel biomarkers in periodontal diagnostics. Also, the results of the study points to the potential utility of miR143‐3p as a novel salivary biomarker for chronic periodontitis.
The applicability of Porter's generic strategies in pure online firms: A case study approach
Authors: Firoz Suleman Marwa , Rashidirad Mona , Firoz Suleman Saffa
Published: April 2019

The aim of this paper is to investigate the usability and applicability of Porter's generic strategies in the current e‐business environment. In this paper, a review of Porter's generic strategies was conducted to recognise the limitations and weaknesses of the model, which prevent its effective application in the e‐business environment. To do so, a case study approach on three pure online firms, e.g., Amazon, e‐bay and Google was employed. The findings acknowledged the application of Porter's generic strategies to pure online firms in order to achieve competitive advantage and proved the positive impact of generic strategies on firms' performance. The paper suggests that although cost leadership strategy is able to generate greater performance, pursuing a differentiation strategy can be more worthwhile and sustainable for pure online firms compared to cost leadership strategy. This research contributes to existing research by suggesting Porter's generic strategies as a valid and viable model for pure online firms which operate in the current e‐business environment.
Bulk storage of mango (Mangifera indica L.) and pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) pulp: effect of pulping and storage temperature on phytochemicals and antioxidant activity
Authors: Arampath Palitha C , Dekker Matthijs
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

The effects of pulp extraction, thermal treatment and bulk storage of mango (Mangifera indica L.) and pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) pulps for 20 weeks at ambient (28 ± 2 °C) and cold (4 °C) temperatures on the bioactive phytochemicals and antioxidant activity were investigated.

RESULTS

The contents of total polyphenols in mango (10.5%) and pineapple (5.4%) increased during pulping. The ratio of the degradation rate constants (kd values) (28 ± 2 °C: 4 °C) of vitamin C, polyphenols, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and β‐carotene ranged from 2–4.5 and 1.5–2.7 in mango and pineapple pulps, respectively. The kd values of tannic acid, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin and catechin in mango pulp were 1.5–1.8 times higher under ambient storage than in cold storage. Furthermore, in pineapple pulp, the degradation rates of the same components were 1.6, 1.6, 2.1 and 1.4 times, respectively, faster at room temperature than in cold storage. The bulk storage of pulps at 4 °C provided better retention of health‐promoting compounds than ambient temperature storage for up to 20 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Bulk storage of mango and pineapple pulp under cold storage conditions (4 °C) is recommended as a better pulp preservation method than storage at ambient (28 ± 2 °C) temperature. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Long‐term outcomes after endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy without mucosal flap preservation
Authors: Kingdom Todd T. , Barham Henry P. , Durairaj Vikram D.
Published: April 2019

Objective

A growing body of evidence demonstrates that endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (eDCR) techniques provide comparable results to conventional external techniques. The purpose of this study was to evaluate long‐term outcomes after powered endoscopic DCR without preservation of mucosal flaps for the management of acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction performed by a single surgical team.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of patients with epiphora secondary to acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction who underwent eDCR without mucosal flap preservation from May 2003 to April 2013 at a tertiary referral medical center. Main outcome measures were subjective improvement in epiphora and assessment of anatomic patency based on lacrimal irrigation and endoscopic evaluation.

Results

Eighty patients (69 primary and 11 revision) totaling 103 procedures (87 primary, 16 revision) were available for analysis at a mean follow‐up of 28.7 (range 6–114) months. At the most recent follow‐up, 92 of 103 (89.3%) procedures had complete resolution of epiphora, and 10 of 103 procedures achieved mild intermittent epiphora. Complete resolution of epiphora was noted in 93.1% (81 of 87) of primary procedures and 68.8% (11 of 16) of revision procedures. Objective anatomic patency was confirmed in 98% (101 of 103). A revision procedure was required in 5.8% (6 of 103).

Conclusion

Outcomes of powered eDCR without the preservation of mucosal flaps compare favorably to previously reported results in the literature. These long‐term results suggest that mucosal flap preservation is not required to achieve successful outcomes with eDCR.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:12–17, 2020
Treatment modalities in sinonasal mucosal melanoma: A national cancer database analysis
Authors: Ganti Ashwin , Raman Anish , Shay Aryan , Kuhar Hannah N. , Auger Samuel R. , Patel Tirth , Kuan Edward C. , Diaz Aidnag Z. , Batra Pete S. , Tajudeen Bobby A.
Published: April 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of demographic factors, tumor stage, and treatment modalities for overall survival in patients with sinonasal mucosal melanoma (SNMM).

Study Design

Retrospective database review.

Methods

The National Cancer Database was queried for patients of all ages with SNMM between 2004 and 2015. Univariate Kaplan‐Meier and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association of suspected prognostic factors with overall survival.

Results

A total of 1,874 patients with SNMM were included in the analysis. The 5‐year overall survival was 24%. Prognostic factors associated with decreased survival include advanced age (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01‐1.03), T4 disease (HR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.09‐1.89), and presence of distant metastases (HR: 3.22. 95% CI: 2.06‐5.04). Improved survival was associated with surgical resection only when margins were negative (HR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.30‐0.65). In patients with metastatic disease, administration of immunotherapy (HR: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.04‐0.49) was associated with improved survival. Surgical approach, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were nonsignificant predictors of survival.

Conclusions

This investigation is the largest to date to analyze the association of treatment modalities with overall survival in SNMM. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment in patients with SNMM. However, administration of immunotherapy may confer survival benefit to patients with metastatic disease.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 130:275–282, 2020
Water or soil—What is the dominant driver controlling the vegetation pattern of degraded shallow mountain peatlands?
Authors: Glina Bartłomiej , Piernik Agnieszka , Hulisz Piotr , Mendyk Łukasz , Tomaszewska Klara , Podlaska Magda , Bogacz Adam , Spychalski Waldemar
Published: April 2019

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the link between environmental conditions and the vegetation pattern of mountain peatlands drained for forestry. We assumed that (a) water chemistry and soil properties differ between the investigated peatlands types—from fen to bog, (b) the vegetation pattern is dependent on water chemistry and soil properties, and (c) water chemistry and soil properties play different roles in determining peatland patterning. For our study, five ecologically and topographically diverse forestry‐drained shallow peatlands in Central Sudetes, Poland, were selected. A comparison between the studied peatlands and environmental variables was done by discriminant analysis, whereas vegetation–environmental relationship was analysed by canonical correspondence analysis. Results demonstrated that pH, HCO3−, NO3−, and Ca2+ best explained the variation in water chemistry (approximately 74%), whereas base saturation, pHwater, and plant‐available phosphorus best explained the variation in soil properties. Plant assemblages within the peatlands exhibited three vegetation clusters that did not always correspond to peatland ecological type. The vegetation was mostly affected by water chemistry (explained up to 54% of variation), rather than by soil properties. Vegetation within such ecosystems seems to be a good indicator of differences in water chemistry, caused by differences in bedrock (soligenic fen peatlands) or atmospheric inputs (ombrogenic bogs). Our results will help improve our understanding of vegetation–environment relationships in degraded mountain peatland ecosystems in the temperate climate zone. They might also be useful for proper planning of restoration and monitoring of these ecosystems.