bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circ_0058063 regulates CDK6 to promote bladder cancer progression by sponging miR‐145‐5p
Authors: Sun Ming , Zhao Wenyan , Chen Zhaofu , Li Ming , Li Shuqiang , Wu Bin , Bu Renge
Published: October 2018

Background

The study was aimed to investigate the influence of circ_0058063 on tumorigenesis as well as the regulatory mechanism of circ_0058063/miR‐145‐5p/
CDK6 pathway in bladder cancer (BC).

Methods

Bioinformatics analysis was used to screen highly expressed circle RNA (circRNA) and search its downstream microRNA (miRNA) and protein. The expression level of circRNA, miRNA, and CDK6 in BC cell lines T24 and J82 were determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and western blot. Small interfering RNA was used to downregulate circ_0058063 expression. Cell proliferation, cell cycle, cell apoptosis, and cell migration of T24 cells and J82 cells were detected through MTT assay, flow cytometry, and wound‐healing assay, respectively. The relationships among miR‐145‐5p, circ_0058063, and
CDK6 were confirmed through dual luciferase reporter assay. In vivo experiment was also performed to explore the impact of circ_0058063/miR‐145‐5p/
CDK6 pathway on tumorigenesis in BALB/c nude mice.

Results

Circ_0058063 was significantly overexpressed in BC tissues. The downregulation of circ_0058063 impaired BC cell proliferation and migration ability but improved cell apoptosis ability. Circ_0058063 repressed miR‐145‐5p, which inhibited the expression of CDK6. Downregulation of circ_0058063 or miR‐145‐5p transfection contributed to more cells arresting in G0/G1 stage. MiR‐145‐5p suppressed cell growth and migration ability in BC, whereas
CDK6 exerted the opposite influence on these cellular events. In vivo experiment also indicated that tumor development in BALB/c nude mice was repressed remarkably when circ_0058063 was downregulated.

Conclusion

Circ_0058063 acted as a sponge of miR‐145‐5p to promote BC progression by regulating CDK6 expression, which provided some potential targets for BC treatment.
Taurine improves low‐level inorganic arsenic‐induced insulin resistance by activating PPARγ‐mTORC2 signalling and inhibiting hepatic autophagy
Authors: Gao Ni , Yao Xiaofeng , Jiang Liping , Yang Lei , Qiu Tianming , Wang Zhidong , Pei Pei , Yang Guang , Liu Xiaofang , Sun Xiance
Published: October 2018

Inorganic arsenic (iAs) is reportedly associated with the increased incidence of type 2 diabetes in the population. Here, we found that iAs exposure significantly decreased the expression of glycolytic genes and glycogen content and increased gluconeogenesis gene levels in C57/BL6J mice. The expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ), and mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) were decreased in the livers of iAs‐treated mice. Furthermore, in iAs‐treated HepG2 cells, we found that PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone (RGS) increased the expression of mTORC2, inhibited autophagy, and improved glucose metabolism. mTORC2 agonist palmitic acid inhibited autophagy and improved glucose metabolism as well as the autophagosome formation inhibitor 3‐methyladenine. Taurine, a natural compound, reversed impaired glucose metabolism and decreased expression of PPARγ and mTORC2 induced by iAs in mice liver and HepG2 cells. These data indicated that taurine administration could ameliorate iAs‐induced insulin resistance through activating PPARγ‐mTORC2 signalling and subsequently inhibiting hepatic autophagy.
Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide inhibits UVB‐induced melanogenesis by antagonizing cAMP/PKA and ROS/MAPK signaling pathways
Authors: Hu Shuanghai , Huang Jinhua , Pei Shiyao , Ouyang Yujie , Ding Yufang , Jiang Ling , Lu Jianyun , Kang Liyang , Huang Lihua , Xiang Hong , Xiao Rong , Zeng Qinghai , Chen Jing
Published: October 2018

Ultraviolet (UV)‐induced pigmentation is very common in clinical practice, but the current treatments are rarely effective, accompanied by some side effects. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP) is a natural antioxidant with no toxic side effects, which can antagonize UVB‐induced fibroblast photo aging. The study aims to explore the role of GLP in inhibiting UVB‐induced melanogenesis and its possible mechanism. The expression of melanogenesis genes such as microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosine (TYR), tyrosinase related protein 1 (TYRP1), tyrosinase related protein 2 (TYRP2), ras‐related protein Rab‐27A (Rab27A), and Myosin shows an upward trend after exposure of B16F10 and PIG1 cells to UVB irradiation, but GLP can downregulate the expression of genes related to UVB‐induced melanogenesis. GLP can inhibit UVB‐activated protein kinase A (PKA) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Besides, GLP protects mitochondria from UVB damage and inhibits reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Also, UVB‐induced cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) can be inhibited. It has been found in the experiments of UVB‐induced skin pigmentation in zebrafish that GLP is capable of inhibiting UVB‐induced skin pigmentation. Meanwhile, it can greatly relieve erythema reaction in guinea pig skin caused by high‐dosage UVB irradiation. In conclusion, this study shows that GLP can inhibit UVB‐induced melanogenesis by antagonizing cAMP/PKA and ROS/MAPK signaling pathways and is a potential natural safe whitening sunscreen additive.
Exogenous glutathione improves intracellular glutathione synthesis via the γ‐glutamyl cycle in bovine zygotes and cleavage embryos
Authors: Li Feng , Cui Lixin , Yu Dawei , Hao Haisheng , Liu Yan , Zhao Xueming , Pang Yunwei , Zhu Huabin , Du Weihua
Published: October 2018

Excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in embryos during in vitro culture damage cellular macromolecules and embryo development. Glutathione (GSH) scavenges ROS and optimizes the culture system. However, how exogenous GSH influences intracellular GSH and improves the embryo developmental rate is poorly understood. In this study, GSH or GSX (a stable GSH isotope) was added to the culture media of bovine in vitro fertilization embryos for 7 days. The cleavage rate, blastocyst rate, and total cell number of blastocysts were calculated. Similarly to GSH, GSX increased the in vitro development rate and embryo quality. We measured intracellular ROS, GSX, and GSH for 0–32‐hr postinsemination (hpi) in embryos (including zygotes at G1, S, and G2 phases and cleaved embryos) cultured in medium containing GSX. Intracellular ROS significantly decreased with increasing intracellular GSH in S‐stage zygotes (18 hpi) and cleaved embryos (32 hpi). γ‐Glutamyltranspeptidase (
GGT) and
glutathione synthetase (
GSS) messenger RNA expression increased in zygotes (18 hpi) and cleaved embryos treated with GSH, consistent with the tendency of overall GSH content. GGT activity increased significantly in 18 hpi zygotes. GGT and GCL enzyme inhibition with acivicin and buthionine sulfoximine, respectively, decreased cleavage rate, blastocyst rate, total cell number, and GSH and GSX content. All results indicated that exogenous GSH affects intracellular GSH levels through the γ‐glutamyl cycle and improves early embryo development, enhancing our understanding of the redox regulation effects and transport of GSH during embryo culture in vitro.
Knockdown of long noncoding RNA urothelial carcinoma associated 1 inhibits colorectal cancer cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis via modulating autophagy
Authors: Song Fengling , Li Lexing , Liang Danyang , Zhuo Yisha , Wang Xueyi , Dai Hanchuan
Published: October 2018

Long noncoding RNA urothelial carcinoma associated 1 (UCA1) has been implicated in the growth and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC), and autophagy contributes to tumorigenesis and cancer cell survival. However, the regulatory role of UCA1 in CRC cell viability by modulating autophagy remains unclear. In the present study, a significant positive correlation was observed between UCA1 and microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) levels, and the elevated UCA1 was negatively correlated with the PKB/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in 293T cells. Downregulation of UCA1 inhibited autophagy activation and cell proliferation, whereas the apoptosis was increased and the cell cycle was arrested in G2 stage. The next results showed that UCA1 was markedly upregulated in Caco‐2 cells. Knockdown of UCA1 significantly decreased the LC3‐II and autophagy‐related gene 5 (ATG5) protein levels and resulted in an increase in p62 expression. Conversely, the autophagy activator rapamycin (RAPA) reversed the effects. Furthermore, downregulated UCA1 decreased Caco‐2 cells population in the G1 phase and increased the cells number in G2 phage. The cell proliferation was inhibited, and apoptosis rate was promoted. More important, RAPA could also abrogate the changes induced by knockdown of UCA1. Collectively, these data demonstrated that downregulated UCA1 induced autophagy inhibition, resulting in suppressing cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis, which suggested that UCA1 might serve as a potential new oncogene to regulate CRC cells viability by modulating autophagy.
Effects of luteolin on canine osteosarcoma: Suppression of cell proliferation and synergy with cisplatin
Authors: Ryu Soomin , Park Sunwoo , Lim Whasun , Song Gwonhwa
Published: October 2018

Canine osteosarcoma is characterized by aggressiveness, easy metastasis to the lungs, and high mortality after standard therapy. Luteolin is a flavonoid found in vegetables and fruits and has diverse functions. Elucidation of the biological mechanisms of luteolin on canine osteosarcoma will enhance the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents in canine tumors. In this study, we examined the effects of luteolin in the canine osteosarcoma cell lines, D17 and DSN. The results of this study show that luteolin inhibited canine osteosarcoma cell proliferation and induced apoptosis by altering cell‐cycle proportion, producing reactive oxygen species, increasing the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and reducing cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. In addition, luteolin activated ERK1/2 and inactivated phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/AKT signaling in canine osteosarcoma cells. Moreover, luteolin showed synergistic effects with cisplatin to reduce cell proliferation. In summary, luteolin induced cell death by initiating mitochondrial dysfunction and regulating intracellular signal transduction in canine osteosarcoma cells.
CYLD deficiency promotes pancreatic cancer development by causing mitotic defects
Authors: Xie Songbo , Wu Yuhan , Hao Huijie , Li Jingrui , Guo Song , Xie Wei , Li Dengwen , Zhou Jun , Gao Jinmin , Liu Min
Published: October 2018

Successful treatment of pancreatic cancer, which has the highest mortality rate among all types of malignancies, has challenged oncologists for decades, and early detection would undoubtedly increase favorable patient outcomes. The identification of proteins involved in pancreatic cancer progression could lead to biomarkers for early detection of this disease. This study identifies one potential candidate, cylindromatosis (CYLD), a deubiquitinase and microtubule‐binding protein that plays a suppressive role in pancreatic cancer development. In pancreatic cancer samples, downregulation of CYLD expression resulted from a loss in the copy number of the CYLD gene; additionally, reduced expression of CYLD negatively correlated with the clinicopathological parameters. Further study demonstrated that CYLD deficiency promoted colony formation in vitro and pancreatic cancer growth in vivo. Mechanistic studies revealed that CYLD is essential for spindle orientation and properly oriented cell division; CYLD deficiency resulted in a substantial increase in chromosome missegregation. Taken together, these data indicate a critical role for CYLD in suppressing pancreatic tumorigenesis, implicating its potential as a biomarker for early detection of pancreatic cancer and a prognostic indicator of patient outcomes.
Potential of coagulation/GAC adsorption combined with UV/H2O2 and ozonation for removing dissolved organic matter from secondary RO concentrate
Authors: Zhang Xian , Lin Jiuyang , Ye Wenyuan , Zhou Wei , Jia Xuxiang , Zhao Shuaifei , Ye Chunsong
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUD

Organic contaminants in secondary reverse osmosis (SRO) concentrate pose a severe threat to the ecosystem, due to their potential toxicity. In this study, potential of coagulation/granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption combined with UV/H2O2 and ozonation for removing organic matter from industrial secondary RO concentrate was systematically investigated.

RESULTS

Coagulation with 2.0 mmol L−1 FeCl3 yielded 40% removal of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), while adsorption with 5 g L−1 GAC could boost the removal efficiency up to 78.2%. Fractionation results showed that both coagulation and GAC adsorption favored hydrophobic organics. UV/H2O2 oxidation was capable of removing 87.4% of DOC, which outperformed ozonation (58.2%). UV/H2O2 and ozonation showed similar behavior in dissolved organic matter (DOM) degradation: a portion of hydrophobic organics were first transformed into hydrophilic fractions prior to final mineralization.

Conclusion

Coupling of GAC as post‐treatment with a UV/H2O2 process yielded 97.9% removal of DOC and the corresponding electrical energy per order (EE/O) was decreased from 66.7 to 35.8 kWh m−3. Consequently, a simple UV/H2O2 and GAC hybrid process was proposed to be a suitable method for removing DOM from SRO concentrate. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Internalized HIV stigma, ART initiation and HIV‐1 RNA suppression in South Africa: exploring avoidant coping as a longitudinal mediator
Authors: Earnshaw Valerie A , Bogart Laura M , Laurenceau Jean‐Philippe , Chan Brian T , Maughan‐Brown Brendan G , Dietrich Janan J , Courtney Ingrid , Tshabalala Gugulethu , Orrell Catherine , Gray Glenda E , Bangsberg David R , Katz Ingrid T
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Cross‐sectional evidence suggests that internalized HIV stigma is associated with lower likelihoods of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and HIV‐1 RNA suppression among people living with HIV (PLWH). This study examined these associations with longitudinal data spanning the first nine months following HIV diagnosis and explored whether avoidant coping mediates these associations.

Methods

Longitudinal data were collected from 398 South African PLWH recruited from testing centres in 2014 to 2015. Self‐report data, including internalized stigma and avoidant coping (denying and distracting oneself from stressors), were collected one week and three months following HIV diagnosis. ART initiation at six months and HIV‐1 RNA at nine months were extracted from the South Africa National Health Laboratory Service database. Two path analyses were estimated, one testing associations between internalized stigma, avoidant coping and ART initiation, and the other testing associations between internalized stigma, avoidant coping and HIV‐1 RNA suppression.

Results

Participants were 36 years old, on average, and 63% identified as female, 18% as Zulu and 65% as Xhosa. The two path models fit the data well (ART initiation outcome: X2(7) = 8.14, p = 0.32; root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.02; comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.92; HIV‐1 RNA suppression outcome: X2(7)  = 6.58, p = 0.47; RMSEA = 0.00; CFI = 1.00). In both models, internalized stigma one week after diagnosis was associated with avoidant coping at three months, controlling for avoidant coping at one week. In turn, avoidant coping at three months was associated with lower likelihood of ART initiation at six months in the first model and lower likelihood of HIV‐1 RNA suppression at nine months in the second model. Significant indirect effects were observed between internalized stigma with ART non‐initiation and unsuppressed HIV‐1 RNA via the mediator of avoidant coping.

Conclusions

Internalized stigma experienced soon after HIV diagnosis predicted lower likelihood of ART initiation and HIV‐1 RNA suppression over the first year following HIV diagnosis. Avoidant coping played a role in these associations, suggesting that PLWH who internalize stigma engage in greater avoidant coping, which in turn worsens medication‐ and health‐related outcomes. Interventions are needed to address internalized stigma and avoidant coping soon after HIV diagnosis to enhance treatment efforts during the first year after HIV diagnosis.
MR‐Based Radiomics Nomogram of Cervical Cancer in Prediction of the Lymph‐Vascular Space Invasion preoperatively
Authors: Li Zhicong , Li Hailin , Wang Shiyu , Dong Di , Yin Fangfang , Chen An , Wang Siwen , Zhao Guangming , Fang Mengjie , Tian Jie , Wu Sufang , Wang Han
Published: October 2018

Background

Lymph‐vascular space invasion (LVSI) is an unfavorable prognostic factor in cervical cancer. Unfortunately, there are no current clinical tools for the preoperative prediction of LVSI.

Purpose

To develop and validate an axial T1 contrast‐enhanced (CE) MR‐based radiomics nomogram that incorporated a radiomics signature and some clinical parameters for predicting LVSI of cervical cancer preoperatively.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

In all, 105 patients were randomly divided into two cohorts at a 2:1 ratio.

Field Strength/Sequence

T1 CE MRI sequences at 1.5T.

Assessment

Univariate analysis was performed on the radiomics features and clinical parameters. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the optimal feature subset. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate the performance of prediction model and radiomics nomogram.

Statistical Tests

The Mann–Whitney U‐test and the chi‐square test were used to evaluate the performance of clinical characteristics and LVSI status by pathology. The minimum‐redundancy/maximum‐relevance and recursive feature elimination methods were applied to select the features. The radiomics model was constructed using logistic regression.

Results

Three radiomics features and one clinical characteristic were selected. The radiomics nomogram showed favorable discrimination between LVSI and non‐LVSI groups. The AUC was 0.754 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.6326–0.8745) in the training cohort and 0.727 (95% CI, 0.5449–0.9097) in the validation cohort. The specificity and sensitivity were 0.756 and 0.828 in the training cohort and 0.773 and 0.692 in the validation cohort.

Data Conclusion

T1 CE MR‐based radiomics nomogram serves as a noninvasive biomarker in the prediction of LVSI in patients with cervical cancer preoperatively.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1420–1426.
Long‐term monitoring of ocelot densities in Belize
Authors: Satter Christopher B. , Augustine Ben C. , Harmsen Bart J. , Foster Rebecca J. , Sanchez Emma E. , Wultsch Claudia , Davis Miranda L. , Kelly Marcella J.
Published: October 2018

Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) are listed as least concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red list of Threatened Species, yet we lack knowledge on basic demographic parameters across much of the ocelot's geographic range, including population density. We used camera‐trapping methodology and spatially explicit capture‐recapture (SECR) models with sex‐specific detection function parameters to estimate ocelot densities across 7 field sites over 1 to 12 years (from data collected during 2002–2015) in Belize, Central America. Ocelot densities in the broadleaf rainforest sites ranged between 7.2 and 22.7 ocelots/100 km2, whereas density in the pine (Pinusspp.) forest site was 0.9 ocelots/100 km2. Applying an inverse‐variance weighted average over all years for each broadleaf site increased precision and resulted in average density ranging from 8.5 to 13.0 ocelots/100 km2. Males often had larger movement parameter estimates and higher detection probabilities at their activity centers than females. In most years, the sex ratio was not significantly different from 50:50, but the pooled sex ratio estimated using an inverse weighted average over all years indicated a female bias in 1 site, and a male bias in another. We did not detect any population trends as density estimates remained relatively constant over time; however, the power to detect such trends was generally low. Our SECR density estimates were lower but more precise than previous estimates and indicated population stability for ocelots in Belize. © 2018 The Authors.Journal of Wildlife Managementpublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Recyclable MoO3 nanobelts for photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B by near infrared irradiation
Authors: Hu Chao , Xu Minjie , Zhang Jun , Zhou Yunong , Hu Bonian , Yu Gang
Published: October 2018

Molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) represented an excellent photocatalytic performance with many applications, including degradation of organic contaminants and splitting of water. This paper presented a new route to synthesize MoO3 nanobelts with high aspect ratios and crystallinity by a hydrothermal technique. This work showed that the as‐synthesized nanobelts exhibited strong photocatalytic activity to degrade an organic dye of Rhodamine B (RhB) in aqueous solution under the exposure of the light source in the near infrared wavelength range, significantly improving the photocatalytic activity of the nanobelts. The results also showed that for a small concentration of RhB at 7.5 mg/L a complete photodegradation (for a given MoO3 nanobelts quantity of 0.1 g) can be reached after exposing for 60 min. For all concentrations of the RhB solution, the photodegradation exhibited an exponential dependence on the exposure time followed by a sudden shutdown, but no complete photodegradation can be reached. Also, the residual quantity of RhB in solution after the photocatalytic reaction was determined by the initial RhB concentration. The photocatalytic degradation can be interpreted by the pseudo–first‐order equation for the absorption of liquid/solid based on solid capacity; thus, photocatalytic degradation can be attributed to the interaction between the photoexcited electrons in the substrate and the antibonding orbital of the RhB in solution. The sudden shutdown was due to the inability of the photoexcited electrons in the substrate hopping to the antibonding orbital of RhB in the presence of the RhB intermediate products from the degraded RhB. In addition, this work showed that the photocatalytic reaction can be recovered after a thermal treatment of postreacted MoO3 nanobelts, enhancing the utilization efficiency of the catalysis.
Pilot, Open, Randomized, Prospective Trial for Normothermic Machine Perfusion Evaluation in Liver Transplantation From Older Donors
Authors: Ghinolfi Davide , Rreka Erion , De Tata Vincenzo , Franzini Maria , Pezzati Daniele , Fierabracci Vanna , Masini Matilde , Cacciatoinsilla Andrea , Bindi Maria Lucia , Marselli Lorella , Mazzotti Valentina , Morganti Riccardo , Marchetti Piero , Biancofiore Giandomenico , Campani Daniela , Paolicchi Aldo , De Simone Paolo
Published: October 2018

Ex situ normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) might minimize ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) of liver grafts. In this study, 20 primary liver transplantation recipients of older grafts (≥70 years) were randomized 1:1 to NMP or cold storage (CS) groups. The primary study endpoint was to evaluate graft and patient survival at 6 months posttransplantation. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate liver and bile duct biopsies; IRI by means of peak transaminases within 7 days after surgery; and incidence of biliary complications at month 6. Liver and bile duct biopsies were collected at bench surgery, end of ex situ NMP, and end of transplant surgery. Interleukin (IL) 6, IL10, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) perfusate concentrations were tested during NMP. All grafts were successfully transplanted. Median (interquartile range) posttransplant aspartate aminotransferase peak was 709 (371‐1575) IU/L for NMP and 574 (377‐1162) IU/L for CS (P = 0.597). There was 1 hepatic artery thrombosis in the NMP group and 1 death in the CS group. In NMP, we observed high TNF‐α perfusate levels, and these were inversely correlated with lactate (P < 0.001). Electron microscopy showed decreased mitochondrial volume density and steatosis and an increased volume density of autophagic vacuoles at the end of transplantation in NMP versus CS patients (P < 0.001). Use of NMP with older liver grafts is associated with histological evidence of reduced IRI, although the clinical benefit remains to be demonstrated.
Differences in Posttransplant Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence by Etiology of Liver Disease
Authors: Mahmud Nadim , Shaked Abraham , Olthoff Kim M. , Goldberg David S.
Published: October 2018

The 5‐year incidence of posttransplant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence is 8%‐20%. Several studies have evaluated pretransplant risk factors for HCC recurrence, but nearly all data have treated HCC as a homogeneous condition across all etiologies of liver disease despite differences in tumor biology and baseline incidence of HCC. We sought to evaluate the impact of etiology of liver disease, maximum pretransplant alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP), and the interaction of the 2 factors on the risk of HCC recurrence. We performed a retrospective cohort study of HCC transplant recipients using United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) data from 2002 to 2016. A competing risks regression was performed to identify variables associated with HCC recurrence and an interaction term between etiology and maximum AFP category. Among 18,406 recipients, 1484 patients experienced HCC recurrence over 3.1 years of median follow‐up time. There was a significant interaction between AFP category and etiology of liver disease (P < 0.001). Among patients with a maximum AFP <100 ng/mL, those with alcoholic liver disease had the lowest risk of recurrence. In contrast, in patients with a maximum AFP of 100‐499, 500‐1000, or >1000 ng/mL, those with alcoholic liver disease had the highest risk of HCC recurrence among all etiologies. In conclusion, risk of HCC recurrence differs by etiology of liver disease, and the significance of elevated pretransplant AFP varies by etiology. Patients with alcoholic liver disease and elevated maximum AFP are at a uniquely high risk of HCC recurrence. These findings have potential UNOS policy implications because the transplant selection process may ultimately benefit from etiology‐specific criteria.
Mathematical modeling of the corrosion response of aluminium 5052/tungsten carbide/graphite hybrid composite
Authors: Dhas D.S. Ebenezer Jacob , Velmurugan C.
Published: October 2018

Aluminium metal matrix composites are comprehensively used in a variety of applications comprising marine, aerospace, automobiles etc. Being less dense and having low thermal coefficient of expansion, they have better wear resistance and corrosion rates. To develop strength and corrosion properties aluminium hybrid composites are employed, where tungsten carbide and graphite particles are the reinforcements. The composite was fabricated by stir casting due to its cost effectiveness and better availability among other fabrication methods. Immersion tests have been conducted to find the corrosion rate. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis were carried out before and after the corrosion tests which reveals pitting corrosion. Furthermore, input parameters such as concentration of electrolyte, time, contents of tungsten carbide particles and contents of graphite particles are considered by using response surface methodology and the mathematical models are constructed.
Estimation of the cyclic shear stress‐strain curve from tensile properties for steels
Authors: Li J. , Li C.W. , Zhang Z.P.
Published: October 2018

The objective of this study is to derive a method for estimating the cyclic shear deformation properties (the cyclic shear strength coefficient and cyclic shear strain hardening exponent) of steels from common tensile properties. For this purpose, equations that relate the cyclic shear strength coefficient and cyclic shear strain hardening exponent to the monotonic tensile properties (the ultimate tensile strength and monotonic yield strength) are established on the basis of the 15 kinds of steel taken from the technical literature. Validity of some of the more commonly used methods of estimating cyclic shear deformation properties is examined and compared to the correlations proposed in this study. The proposed method is shown to be better used to estimate the cyclic shear deformation properties.
Interleukin 7 receptor activates PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway via downregulation of Beclin‐1 in lung cancer
Authors: Jian Ming , Yunjia Zhu , Zhiying Ding , Yanduo Jiang , Guocheng Jiang
Published: October 2018

Interleukin‐7(IL‐7) can regulate proliferation and apoptosis of cell and also regulate tumor lymphangiogenesis, but whether it regulating autophagy of tumor cells is not well known. We study the relationship between IL‐7 and some autophagy‐related markers, Beclin 1 and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and the mechanism of IL‐7 in regulating autophagy of human lung cancer cells. We detected expression of Beclin 1 and mTOR in lung cancer cells and their impact on the prognosis of lung cancer patients. Using Western blot and Reverse Transcription PCR, we found that IL‐7 activates PI3 K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway by downregulated the expression of Beclin 1 in lung cancer cell lines. In addition, the expressions of Beclin 1 and mTOR were well correlated with clinical stages and survival of human non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. IL‐7R, mTOR, and tumor stage were the independent prognosticators in lung cancer. Taken together, our results provided evidence that IL‐7 activates PI3 K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway via Beclin 1 to regulate autophagy in lung cancer cells.
99mTc‐TRODAT‐1 SPECT Showing Dopaminergic Deficiency in a Patient with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 10 and Parkinsonism
Authors: Fabiani Giorgio , Martins Raul , Ashizawa Tetsuo , Germiniani Francisco M.B. , Teive Hélio A.G.
Published: October 2018

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How Do I Manage Patients With the Levodopa/Carbidopa Intestinal Gel?
Authors: Vijiaratnam Nirosen , Sue Carolyn M.
Published: October 2018

The levodopa carbidopa intestinal gel is a device‐assisted therapy used for the management of fluctuating motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease that are refractory to oral therapy. The approach has demonstrable clinical value, but consideration of the associated need for expert care, access to services, and costs of the treatment impact the method of introduction to optimize uptake and minimize discontinuation across populations examined. Systematic approaches and modifications have been explored by different centers over the years to mitigate these considerations, with the aim of minimizing adverse events and maximizing the quality‐of‐life years gained with the treatment. In this presentation, we aim to outline an approach to managing this treatment while highlighting measures that can be utilized throughout the process to improve patients’ experiences.
Antitubulin sulfonamides: The successful combination of an established drug class and a multifaceted target
Authors: Vicente‐Blázquez Alba , González Myriam , Álvarez Raquel , del Mazo Sara , Medarde Manuel , Peláez Rafael
Published: October 2018

Tubulin, the microtubules and their dynamic behavior are amongst the most successful antitumor, antifungal, antiparasitic, and herbicidal drug targets. Sulfonamides are exemplary drugs with applications in the clinic, in veterinary and in the agrochemical industry. This review summarizes the actual state and recent progress of both fields looking from the double point of view of the target and its drugs, with special focus onto the structural aspects. The article starts with a brief description of tubulin structure and its dynamic assembly and disassembly into microtubules and other polymers. Posttranslational modifications and the many cellular means of regulating and modulating tubulin’s biology are briefly presented in the tubulin code. Next, the structurally characterized drug binding sites, their occupying drugs and the effects they induce are described, emphasizing on the structural requirements for high potency, selectivity, and low toxicity. The second part starts with a summary of the favorable and highly tunable combination of physical–chemical and biological properties that render sulfonamides a prototypical example of privileged scaffolds with representatives in many therapeutic areas. A complete description of tubulin‐binding sulfonamides is provided, covering the different species and drug sites. Some of the antimitotic sulfonamides have met with very successful applications and others less so, thus illustrating the advances, limitations, and future perspectives of the field. All of them combine in a mechanism of action and a clinical outcome that conform efficient drugs.
Effects of even‐order nonlinear terms on dual‐band power amplifier modeling
Authors: Yan Siyuan , Yang Xianzhen , Li Fu
Published: October 2018

The even‐order effects in the power amplifier (PA) modeling have been studied extensively for single band, but the even‐order nonlinearity for the dual bands remains undocumented, if not underived, to the best of our knowledge. Recent advances in communication technologies, fifth generation (5G), require concurrent multiple bands. In this letter, we will show that the even‐order nonlinearity is insignificant as it could be filtered in most of the cases, using analytic derivations for dual‐band power amplifiers. However, the even‐order distortion could be used for memory study.
Thermoacoustic range verification in the presence of acoustic heterogeneity and soundspeed errors – Robustness relative to ultrasound image of underlying anatomy
Authors: Patch Sarah K. , Santiago‐Gonzalez Daniel , Mustapha Brahim
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To demonstrate robustness of thermooacoustic range verification to acoustic heterogeneity and discrepancies between assumed and true propagation speed, i.e., soundspeed errors.

Methods

A beam sweeper was used to deliver 250 ns pulses that deposited 0.26 Gy of 16 MeV protons and 2.3 Gy of 60 MeV helium ions into water and oil targets, respectively. Thermoacoustic signals were detected by a 96‐channel ultrasound array with a 1–4 MHz sensitivity band (−6 dB), bandpass filtered and backprojected to create thermoacoustic images in the plane of the ultrasound array. The same soundspeed and transducer array were used to estimate range and generate the ultrasound images onto which Bragg peak locations were overlaid. An air‐gap phantom that displaced the Bragg peak by 6.5 mm demonstrated accuracy. Robustness to soundspeed errors was demonstrated in a waterbath as the assumed propagation speed scanner setting was altered by . Tissue‐mimicking gelatin and a bone sample were introduced to demonstrate robustness to acoustic heterogeneity relative to ultrasound images of the underlying morphology.

Results

Single ion pulse measurements sufficed during the helium run, but signal averaging was required for protons. Range and entry point into the target were estimated from data collected by transducers placed at least 6 cm distal to the Bragg peak. When ultrasound images depicted the air–target interface where the beam enters, estimates of the entry point agreed with ultrasound images and range estimates agreed with Monte Carlo simulations to within 300 μm, even when thermoacoustic emissions traveled through a strongly scattering bone sample. Estimated Bragg peak locations were translated 6.5 mm by the air‐gap phantom and correctly identified scenarios when the beam stopped inside the bone.

Conclusions

Soundspeed errors dilate and acoustic heterogeneities deform ultrasound images. When thermoacoustic receivers are co‐located with the ultrasound imaging array, the same transformations shift thermoacoustic range estimates. Therefore, thermoacoustic range verification is robust relative to ultrasound images of underlying anatomy. When the treatment target is visible in ultrasound, e.g., prostate, online thermoacoustic range estimates could verify that the treatment spot is inside the target.
Design and validation of a MV/kV imaging‐based markerless tracking system for assessing real‐time lung tumor motion
Authors: Zhang Pengpeng , Hunt Margie , Telles Arina B. , Pham Hai , Lovelock Michael , Yorke Ellen , Li Guang , Happersett Laura , Rimner Andreas , Mageras Gig
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Localizing lung tumors during treatment delivery is critical for managing respiratory motion, ensuring tumor coverage, and reducing toxicities. The purpose of this project is to develop a real‐time system that performs markerless tracking of lung tumors using simultaneously acquired MV and kV images during radiotherapy of lung cancer with volumetric modulated arc therapy.

Method

Continuous MV/kV images were simultaneously acquired during dose delivery. In the subsequent analysis, a gantry angle‐specific region of interest was defined according to the treatment aperture. After removing imaging artifacts, processed MV/kV images were directly registered to the corresponding daily setup cone‐beam CT (CBCT) projections that served as reference images. The registration objective function consisted of a sum of normalized cross‐correlation, weighted by the contrast‐to‐noise ratio of each MV and kV image. The calculated 3D shifts of the tumor were corrected by the displacements between the CBCT projections and the planning respiratory correlated CT (RCCT) to generate motion traces referred to a specific respiratory phase. The accuracy of the algorithm was evaluated on both anthropomorphic phantom and patient studies. The phantom consisted of localizing a 3D printed tumor, embedded in a thorax phantom, in an arc delivery. In an IRB‐approved study, data were obtained from VMAT treatments of two lung cancer patients with three electromagnetic (Calypso) beacon transponders implanted in airways near the lung tumor.

Result

In the phantom study, the root mean square error (RMSE) between the registered and actual (programmed couch movement) target position was 1.2 mm measured by the MV/kV imaging system, which was smaller compared to the MV or kV alone, of 4.1 and 1.3 mm, respectively. In the patient study, the mean and standard deviation discrepancy between electromagnetic‐based tumor position and the MV/KV‐markerless approach was −0.2 ± 0.6 mm, 0.2 ± 1.0 mm, and −1.2 ± 1.5 mm along the superior‐inferior, anterior‐posterior, and left‐right directions, respectively; resulting in a 3D displacement discrepancy of 2.0 ± 1.1 mm. Poor contrast around the tumor was the main contribution to registration uncertainties.

Conclusion

The combined MV/kV imaging system can provide real‐time 3D localization of lung tumor, with comparable accuracy to the electromagnetic‐based system when features of tumors are detectable. Careful design of a registration algorithm and a VMAT plan that maximizes the tumor visibility are key elements for a successful MV/KV localization strategy.
A Riemannian variant of the Fletcher–Reeves conjugate gradient method for stochastic inverse eigenvalue problems with partial eigendata
Authors: Yao Teng‐Teng , Bai Zheng‐Jian , Zhao Zhi
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we focus on the stochastic inverse eigenvalue problem with partial eigendata of constructing a stochastic matrix from the prescribed partial eigendata. A Riemannian variant of the Fletcher–Reeves conjugate gradient method is proposed for solving a general unconstrained minimization problem on a Riemannian manifold, and the corresponding global convergence is established under some assumptions. Then, we reformulate the inverse problem as a nonlinear least squares problem over a matrix oblique manifold, and the application of the proposed geometric method to the nonlinear least squares problem is investigated. The proposed geometric method is also applied to the case of prescribed entries and the case of column stochastic matrix. Finally, some numerical tests are reported to illustrate that the proposed geometric method is effective for solving the inverse problem.
Preparation and performance evaluation of carboxylic acid containing polyamide incorporated microporous ultrafiltration PES membranes
Authors: Rezania Jafar , Shockravi Abbas , Vatanpour Vahid , Ehsani Morteza
Published: October 2018

Improved ultrafiltration membranes were prepared by the phase inversion technique via immersion precipitation of synthesized carboxylic acid containing polyamide (CPA) and polyethersulfone (PES) in dimethylacetamide. The CPA was synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry analyses. Next, the influence of CPA adding and its different concentrations on the performances and membrane structure were investigated. The obtained membranes were characterized by means of FTIR in the attenuated total reflection mode, scanning electron microscopy, and contact angle. The membrane performance studies revealed that the presence of CPA in the membrane structure increased water permeability while reducing protein fouling. It turned out that the PES/CPA membranes had better porosity, more hydrophilic surface, and more vertically finger‐like pores in comparison with the bare PES membrane. When the CPA concentration in the blending solution reached 1 wt%, the water permeability increased from 7.3 to 153.6 L/m2 h1. The attenuated total reflection‐FTIR analysis confirmed that CPA was captured in the membrane matrix.
Physical fitness in survivors of childhood Hodgkin lymphoma: A report from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort
Authors: Wogksch Matthew D. , Howell Carrie R. , Wilson Carmen L. , Partin Robyn E. , Ehrhardt Matthew J. , Krull Kevin R. , Brinkman Tara M. , Mulrooney Daniel A. , Hudson Melissa M. , Robison Leslie L. , Ness Kirsten K.
Published: October 2018

Background

There are limited data describing fitness and associated health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in survivors of childhood Hodgkin lymphoma (HL).

Procedure

Fitness was evaluated among 336 adult survivors of childhood‐onset HL treated at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and 327 controls who never had childhood cancer. The controls were frequency matched on age, sex, and race. Associations were examined between chronic disease and fitness and between fitness and HRQoL using a multivariable linear and logistic regression.

Results

Male survivors had lower endurance (6‐min walk [6MW] distance 604.4 ± 7.9 m vs 637.0 ± 7.5 m, P < 0.01), and worse neuropathy (modified Total Neuropathy Score [mTNS] 2.7 ± 0.2 vs 1.4 ± 0.2, P < 0.01) compared to controls. Female survivors had lower endurance (6MW distance 564.5 ± 6.9 m vs 590.6 ± 7.0 m, P < 0.01), quadriceps strength (145.7 ± 4.0 vs 163.4 ± 4.0 N·m per kilogram, P < 0.01), and worse neuropathy (mTNS 3.2 ± 0.2 vs 1.4 ± 0.3, P < 0.01) compared to controls. Moderate, severe/disabling, or life‐threatening (grades 2‐4) neurological conditions were associated with impaired quadriceps strength (odds ratio [OR] 2.94, 99% confidence interval [CI] 1.24‐6.96) and impaired endurance (OR 2.96, 99% CI 1.28‐6.69). Cardiovascular (OR 2.36, 99% CI 1.00‐5.61) and pulmonary (OR 2.78, 99% CI 1.30‐5.94) conditions were associated with impaired endurance. Quadriceps strength (β –6.44 ± 2.01, P < 0.01), endurance (β –4.63 ± 1.54, P < 0.01), and neuropathy (β –4.98 ± 1.14, P < 0.01) were associated with a lower physical component summary on the HRQoL.

Conclusion

Survivors of childhood HL, particularly those with neurological, cardiac, and pulmonary chronic conditions, are at risk for impaired fitness and HRQoL.
Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: A safe treatment option for intraperitoneal rhabdomyosarcoma in children below 5 years of age
Authors: Gesche Jens , Beckert Stefan , Neunhoeffer Felix , Kachanov Denis , Königsrainer Alfred , Seitz Guido , Fuchs Jörg
Published: October 2018

Advanced and relapsed intraperitoneal rhabdomyosarcomas in young children represent an oncological challenge and options for local tumor control are limited. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is commonly used in advanced peritoneal tumors in adults. However, no studies are available regarding CRS and HIPEC in young children. We report our experiences treating six patients with intraperitoneal rhabdomyosarcoma with CRS and HIPEC using cisplatin and doxorubicin focusing on safety and outcomes. No procedure‐associated mortalities occurred and no major short‐ or long‐term toxicities were recorded. All patients showed no evidence of disease after 12‐month median (7–41) follow‐up.
Surface‐treated kaolin minerals as a complement or substitute to glass fibers in thermoplastics
Authors: Baioumy Mohamed Gamal Shafik , Colton Jonathan , Poulakis John , Kalaitzidou Kyriaki
Published: October 2018

Glass fiber (GF)‐related mold abrasion and tool wear make it undesirable for certain thermoplastics applications. Furthermore, fiber attrition during processing and orientation sensitivity raise concerns over compromised performance. In this study, kaolin minerals with varying properties and surface‐treatments are tested to potentially replace GFs in nylon composites. Composites are melt‐compounded and injection molded using lab‐scale and industrial‐scale equipment. Mechanical properties (tensile, flex, impact), heat distortion temperature, and thermal decomposition using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) are used to comparatively characterize kaolin composite formulations against 30% weight GF composites. Kaolin minerals with high aspect ratio and good interfacial contact are found to show strength and modulus improvements up to 80% that of GF. Additionally, low aspect ratio kaolin composites were found to surpass GF composites in impact strength. A synergistic effect is found between high and low aspect ratio kaolin that can potentially lead to further enhancement in properties with the added possibility of blending minerals to customize composite performance. Such findings suggest that kaolin minerals can be used to customize the properties of composites in manners previously unattainable through GF usage alone. Scale up trials show potential for kaolin to replace GFs at industrial levels. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E330–E338, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Review of the hierarchical multi‐mode molecular stress function model for broadly distributed linear and LCB polymer melts
Authors: Narimissa Esmaeil , Wagner Manfred H.
Published: October 2018

We developed a novel Hierarchical Multi‐mode Molecular Stress Function (HMMSF) model for linear and long‐chain branched (LCB) polymer melts implementing the basic ideas of (1) hierarchical relaxation, (2) dynamic dilution, (3) interchain tube pressure, and (4) convective constraint release. With a minimum number of nonlinear free parameters and remarkable quantitative predictions of the rheology of polymer melts, this model is an outstanding option for the simulation of different processing operations in the polymer industry. The excellent predictions of this model were demonstrated in uniaxial, equibiaxial, and planar extensional deformations for linear and LCB melts, as well as in shear flow for a LCB polymer, with a minimum number of adjustable free nonlinear material parameters, that is, one in the case of extensional flows, and two in shear flow. In this contribution, we review the development of the HMMSF model and present a reduced number of well‐defined constitutive relations comprising the rheology of both linear and LCB melts. We also extend the comparison of model and data to cover the shear flow of a linear polymer melt. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:573–583, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers