bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and predictive factors of early postpartum diabetes among women with gestational diabetes in a single‐center cohort
Authors: Coetzee Ankia , Mason Deidre , Hall David R. , Conradie Magda
Published: March 2018

Objective

To determine the prevalence of diabetes at 6–12 weeks postpartum among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and to identify prenatal postpartum diabetes predictors.

Methods

In the present prospective cohort study, glucose statuses of consecutive women newly diagnosed with hyperglycemia during pregnancy were evaluated at 6–12 weeks postpartum between November 1, 2015, and November 1, 2016, at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. Women with known diabetes were excluded.

Results

There were 78 patients included; 36 (46%) patients had abnormal postpartum glucose values (21 [27%] diabetes; 15 [19%] pre‐diabetes) and 29 (37%) had overt diabetes in pregnancy. In univariate analyses, GDM diagnosis before 24 weeks of pregnancy (P<0.001), degree of hyperglycemia at diagnosis (P=0.001), need for insulin (P=0.001), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in the month preceding delivery (P=0.006), older than 36 years (P=0.039), family history of diabetes (P=0.048), and preterm labor (P=0.039) were risk factors for postpartum diabetes. Multivariate analyses confirmed family history of diabetes (OR 7.45, 95% CI 1.05–52.76; P=0.044), HbA1c at diagnosis (OR 5.33, 95% CI 2.25–12.60; P<0.001), and age (OR 8.8, 95% CI 1.35–58.45; P=0.023), as robust predictors of diabetes after GDM.

Conclusion

The high prevalence of diabetes supports early postpartum oral glucose tolerance testing. Several women had undiagnosed diabetes. The risk factors identified could be useful for prenatal risk stratification.
Risk Propagation in Spate Irrigation Systems: A Case Study from Sudan
Authors: Fadul E. , De Fraiture C. , Masih I.
Published: March 2018

Farmers in flood‐based irrigation systems face great uncertainties with respect to water supply. Using the Source–Pathways–Receptor and Consequence (SPRC) framework, this paper explores the sources of risks, propagation pathways, risk perceptions and consequences for the farmers, water users’ associations (WUAs) and water managers in the Gash Agricultural Scheme in Sudan. The main source of risk is the extreme variability of rainfall, causing unpredictable flows regarding volume, timing and duration. The farmers, WUAs and system managers perceive the risks from floods differently. The farmers are primarily concerned by low floods, while the WUAs are more disturbed by untimely floods. The system managers are most troubled by high and potentially destructive floods. The poor state of the infrastructure, lack of proper maintenance and suboptimal operation aggravate the consequences of unpredictable flows. Consequently, the result is low and highly variable crop production. Besides paying attention to infrastructure improvement and regular operation and maintenance activities, more efforts in institutional arrangements and policy support could play an important role in coping with the risks indicated. The SPRC appeared to be a useful framework for analysing risks at different spatial scales and for different stakeholders in the spate irrigation system studied. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cyber‐physical architecture assisted by programmable networking
Authors: Rubio‐Hernan Jose , Sahay Rishikesh , De Cicco Luca , Garcia‐Alfaro Joaquin
Published: March 2018

Cyber‐physical technologies are prone to attacks in addition to faults and failures. The issue of protecting cyber‐physical systems should be tackled by jointly addressing security at both cyber and physical domains in order to promptly detect and mitigate cyber‐physical threats. Toward this end, this letter proposes a new architecture combining control‐theoretic solutions together with programmable networking techniques to jointly handle crucial threats to cyber‐physical systems. The architecture paves the way for new interesting techniques research directions and challenges which we discuss in our work
Assessment of the metabolism and morphology of the porcine cornea, lens and retina by 2‐photon imaging
Authors: Batista Ana , Breunig Hans G. , König Aisada , Morgado António M. , König Karsten
Published: March 2018

Two‐photon imaging is a noninvasive imaging technique with increasing importance in the biological and medical fields since it allows intratissue cell imaging with high resolution. We demonstrate the feasibility of using a single 2‐photon instrument to evaluate the cornea, the crystalline lens and the retina based on their autofluorescence (AF). Image acquisition was performed using a custom‐built 2‐photon microscope for 5‐dimensional microscopy with a near infrared broadband sub‐15 femtosecond laser centered at 800 nanometers. Signals were detected using a spectral photomultiplier tube. The spectral ranges for the analysis of each tissue/layer AF were determined based on the spectra of each tissue as well as of pure endogenous fluorophores. The cornea, lens and retina are characterized at multiple depths with subcellular resolution based on their morphology and AF lifetime. Additionally, the AF lifetime of NAD(P)H was used to assess the metabolic activity of the cornea epithelium, endothelium and keratocytes. The feasibility to evaluate the metabolic activity of lens epithelial cells was also demonstrated, which may be used to further investigate the pathogenesis of cataracts. The results illustrate the potential of multimodal multiphoton imaging as a novel ophthalmologic technique as well as its potential as a diagnostic tool.
Assessing glycation‐mediated changes in human cortical bone with Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Unal Mustafa , Uppuganti Sasidhar , Leverant Calen J. , Creecy Amy , Granke Mathilde , Voziyan Paul , Nyman Jeffry S.
Published: March 2018

Establishing a non‐destructive method for spatially assessing advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) is a potentially useful step toward investigating the mechanistic role of AGEs in bone quality. To test the hypothesis that the shape of the amide I in the Raman spectroscopy (RS) analysis of bone matrix changes upon AGE accumulation, we incubated paired cadaveric cortical bone in ribose or glucose solutions and in control solutions for 4 and 16 weeks, respectively, at 37°C. Acquiring 10 spectra per bone with a 20X objective and a 830 nm laser, RS was sensitive to AGE accumulation (confirmed by biochemical measurements of pentosidine and fluorescent AGEs). Hyp/Pro ratio increased upon glycation using either 0.1 M ribose, 0.5 M ribose or 0.5 M glucose. Glycation also decreased the amide I sub‐peak ratios (cm−1) 1668/1638 and 1668/1610 when directly calculated using either second derivative spectrum or local maxima of difference spectrum, though the processing method (eg, averaged spectrum vs individual spectra) to minimize noise influenced detection of differences for the ribose‐incubated bones. Glycation however did not affect these sub‐peak ratios including the matrix maturity ratio (1668/1690) when calculated using indirect sub‐band fitting. The amide I sub‐peak ratios likely reflected changes in the collagen I structure.
Tissue oximetry by diffusive reflective visible light spectroscopy: Comparison of algorithms and their robustness
Authors: Nasseri Nassim , Kleiser Stefan , Wolf Ursula , Wolf Martin
Published: March 2018

It is essential to measure tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) locally and in thin layers of tissue, for example, the bronchial mucosa, skin flaps and small bones. Visible light spectroscopy (VLS) with a shallow penetration depth is suitable method. Although several VLS algorithms have been developed and described, they have not yet been compared to each other. This hinders attempts to compare the clinical results obtained by different algorithms. To address this issue, we compared the algorithms of Harrison, Knoefel, Pittman‐Duling, Sato and our OxyVLS oximeter, which applies the algorithm from Wodick and Lübbers, in a liquid phantom with optical properties of human tissue. We generally observed considerable differences between the algorithms, which were StO2 dependent. Exceptions were OxyVLS and Sato, showing a high level of agreement with negligible StO2 dependency. In spite of the considerable deviation between the other algorithms, the difference of StO2 between them in clinically normal StO2 was <10%. We did not observe any dependency of the algorithms on hemoglobin content of the phantom or temperature.
Laser imaging polarimetry of nacre
Authors: Jones Joshua A. , Metzler Rebecca A. , D'Addario Anthony J. , Burgess Carrie , Regan Brian , Spano Samantha , Cvarch Ben A. , Galvez Enrique J.
Published: March 2018

Nacre is a complex biomaterial made of aragonite‐tablet bricks and organic mortar that is considerably resilient against breakage. Nacre has been studied with a wide range of laboratory techniques, leading to understanding key fundamentals and informing the creation of bio‐inspired materials. In this article, we present an optical polarimetric technique to investigate nacre, taking advantage of the translucence and birefringence of its microcomponents. We focus our study on 3 classes of mollusks that have nacreous shells: bivalve (Pinctada fucata), gastropod (Haliotis asinina and Haliotis rufescens) and cephalopod (Nautilus pompilius). We sent polarized light from a laser through thin samples of nacre and did imaging polarimetry of the transmitted light. We observed clear distinctions between the structures of bivalve and gastropod, due to the spatial variation of their birefringence. The patterns for cephalopod were more similar to bivalve than gastropod. Bleaching of the samples disrupted the transmitted light. Subsequent refilling of the bivalve and gastropod nacre samples with oil produced optical patterns similar to those of unbleached samples. In cephalopod samples, we found that bleaching produced irreversible changes in the optical pattern.
Construction of polyacrylamide/graphene oxide/gelatin/sodium alginate composite hydrogel with bioactivity for promoting Schwann cells growth
Authors: Zhao Yinxin , Wang Yingjie , Niu Changmei , Zhang Luzhong , Li Guicai , Yang Yumin
Published: March 2018

Various hydrogels made from natural or synthetic polymers have been widely used in biologic tissues, drug delivery, and artificial implants due to their good biocompatibility, indicating a promising perspective in regenerative medicine. In the present study, a composite hydrogel named polyacrylamide/graphene oxide/gelatin/sodium alginate (PAM/GO/Gel/SA) for accelerating peripheral nerve regeneration was fabricated through in situ free radical polymerization for the first time. A series of physicochemical properties including morphology, porosity, swelling behaviors, component, mechanical properties, and in vitro degradation behavior of the prepared composite hydrogel were characterized. The effects of the composite hydrogel on Schwann cells growth were evaluated and the related molecular mechanism was further penetrated. The results showed that the prepared PAM/GO/Gel/SA composite hydrogels displayed different color appearance as the function of component variations. The surface morphology, components, swelling ratio, mechanical properties, and porosity were all changed with the concentration alteration of each ingredient, while no obvious degradation behavior was observed, indicating a controllable physicochemical property. The culture of cells exhibited that the composite hydrogels could well support the attachment and proliferation of Schwann cells. The gene expression levels of Sox10, GAP43, and myelin basic protein (MBP) in PGG0.5SYR1 and PGG1SYR0.5 were higher than those of NC. This study may provide important theoretical and experimental basis for the design and development of hydrogel scaffolds for nerve tissue engineering application. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1951–1964, 2018.
Gelatin/nano‐hydroxyapatite hydrogel scaffold prepared by sol‐gel technology as filler to repair bone defects
Authors: Raucci Maria Grazia , Demitri Christian , Soriente Alessandra , Fasolino Ines , Sannino Alessandro , Ambrosio Luigi
Published: March 2018

This study reports on the development of a scaffold with a gradient of bioactive solid signal embedded in the biodegradable polymer matrix by combining a sol–gel approach and freeze‐drying technology. The chemical approach based on the sol–gel transition of calcium phosphates ensures the particles dispersion into the gelatin matrix and a direct control of interaction among COOHgelatin/Ca2+ions. Morphological analysis demonstrated that on the basis of the amount of inorganic component and by using specific process conditions, it is possible to control the spatial distribution of nanoparticles around the gelatin helix. In fact, methodology and formulations were able to discriminate between the different hydroxyapatite concentrations and their respective morphology. The good biological response represented by good cell attachment, proliferation and increased levels of alkaline phosphatase as an indicator of osteoblastic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells toward the osteogenic lineage, demonstrating the effect of bioactive solid signals on cellular behavior. Furthermore, the inhibition of reactive oxygen species production by composite materials predicted potential anti‐inflammatory properties of scaffolds thus confirming their biocompatibility. Indeed, these interesting biological results suggest good potential application of this scaffold as filler to repair bone defects. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2007–2019, 2018.
Bone marrow or adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells: Comparison of the therapeutic potentials in mice model of acute liver failure
Authors: Zare Hossein , Jamshidi Shahram , Dehghan Mohammad M. , Saheli Mona , Piryaei Abbas
Published: March 2018

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a lethal disease with limited life‐saving therapy. Because lack of whole organ donors for liver transplantation, a substitute treatment strategy is needed for these patients. Preclinical and clinical findings have proved that treatment with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is beneficial for recovery from ALF. In this approach, however, the appropriate sources of these cells are unclear. In the present study, we investigated and compared the therapeutic potentials of bone marrow‐mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSC) with those of adipose tissue (AT‐MSC) in carbon tetrachloride (CCL4)‐induced acute liver failure in mice. Murine BM‐ and AT‐MSCs obtained from normal mice were cultured and labelled. The cells were transplanted to CCL4‐induced ALF mice models intravenously. After cell transplantation, blood samples and liver tissues were collected daily for 72 h to analyze liver enzymes and liver histopathology, respectively. We found that survival rate of AT‐MSC transplanted (AT‐TR) mice was significantly higher than that of control (ALF) group. Liver histopathology was superior in the AT‐TR mice, but not significantly, compared to that in BM‐MSC transplanted (BM‐TR) ones. Furthermore, in the AT‐TR mice the level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), in some time points were significantly less than those of BM‐TR. Taken together, these data suggest that in comparison to BM‐MSC, AT‐MSCs is an appropriate choice for cell therapy in the case of acute liver failure.
Additive and synergistic inhibition of mantle cell lymphoma cell growth by combining olaparib with ibrutinib
Authors: Curtis Adam , Rueter Jens , Rajan Shelia , Zhang Rong , Shopland Lindsay
Published: March 2018

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) presents a therapeutic challenge. The B cell targeting agent, ibrutinib, is currently one of the most effective second‐line therapies for MCL, but frequently leads to development of drug resistance, and short overall survival time upon relapse. Olaparib targets tumor cells with deficiencies in single‐strand DNA break repair and thus may slow the development of genetic drug resistance. We found that the olaparib‐ibrutinib combination significantly inhibits cell culture growth compared to either drug alone in two genetically distinct MCL cell lines. Moreover, these inhibitory effects are either additive or synergistic, depending on genetic background. Culture growth is inhibited due to increases in apoptosis, cell death, and cell cycle arrest, and the magnitude of each is cell line dependent. The additive and synergistic inhibition of this combination additionally supports a therapeutic strategy involving lower dosing of each drug to reduce potential side effects.
Exercise decreases CLK2 in the liver of obese mice and prevents hepatic fat accumulation
Authors: Muñoz Vitor R. , Gaspar Rafael C. , Kuga Gabriel K. , Nakandakari Susana C. B. R. , Baptista Igor L. , Mekary Rania A. , da Silva Adelino S. R. , de Moura Leandro P. , Ropelle Eduardo R. , Cintra Dennys E. , Pauli José R.
Published: March 2018

The accumulation of fatty acids in the liver associated with obesity condition is also known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The impaired fat oxidation in obesity condition leads to increased hepatic fat accumulation and increased metabolic syndrome risk. On the other hand, physical exercise has been demonstrated as a potent strategy in the prevention of NAFLD. Also, these beneficial effects of exercise occur through different mechanisms. Recently, the Cdc2‐like kinase (CLK2) protein was associated with the suppression of fatty acid oxidation and hepatic ketogenesis. Thus, obese animals demonstrated elevated levels of hepatic CLK2 and decreased fat acid oxidation. Here, we explored the effects of chronic physical exercise in the hepatic metabolism of obese mice. Swiss mice were distributed in Lean, Obese (fed with high‐fat diet during 16 weeks) and Trained Obese group (fed with high‐fat diet during 16 weeks and exercised (at 60% exhaustion velocity during 1 h/5 days/week) during 8 weeks. In our results, the obese animals showed insulin resistance, increased hepatic CLK2 content and increased hepatic fat accumulation compared to the Lean group. Otherwise, the chronic physical exercise improved insulin resistance state, prevented the increased CLK2 in the liver and attenuated hepatic fat accumulation. In summary, these data reveal a new protein involved in the prevention of hepatic fat accumulation after chronic physical exercise. More studies can evidence the negative role of CLK2 in the control of liver metabolism, contributing to the improvement of insulin resistance, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
AG‐1031 induced autophagic cell death and apoptosis in C6 glioma cells associated with Notch‐1 signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Yan , Wang Hui , Ge Hui , Yang Zhuo
Published: March 2018

Glioma is the most common primary brain tumor with high morbidity and poor prognosis. The effect of AG‐1031, which is developed as an antineoplastic drug, on C6 glioma cells is still not clear. The aim of this research was to explore the effect of AG‐1031 on C6 cells, and tried to find out its potential mechanism on cytotoxicity of C6 cells. The 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol −2‐yl) −2,5‐ diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that AG‐1031 inhibited cell viability in a concentration‐dependent manner, whereas 3‐methyadenine (3‐MA) reduced this effect. Results from hoechst 33342 staining and Western blot assay indicated that AG‐1031 induced C6 cell apoptosis. Western blot assay presented that AG‐1031 notably increased the LC3‐II/LC3‐I ratio and decreased the expression of P62. Besides, our results showed that bafilomycin A1 increased the expression of LC3‐II in cells treated with AG‐1031, which indicated that AG‐1031 can increase autophagy in C6 cells. Meanwhile, Western blot assay showed that AG‐1031 can inhibit Notch‐1 signaling by testing relative protein expressions. The expression of the intracellular domain of Notch (NICD) also decreased according to immunofluorescence assay. Additionally, the activation of Notch‐1 signaling alleviated AG‐1031‐induced autophagic cell death and apoptosis. Furthermore, phosphorylated Akt and its downstream effector mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) were reduced with AG‐1031. These results suggest that AG‐1031 may induce autophagic cell death through the inhibition of Akt‐mTOR signaling pathway by down‐regulating Notch‐1 signaling pathway and activating apoptosis in C6 cells via Notch‐1 signaling, which develops a new target spot to treat glioma in the future.
Resolvin E1 (RvE1) attenuates LPS induced inflammation and subsequent atrophy in C2C12 myotubes
Authors: Baker Luke A. , Martin Neil R. W. , Kimber Marc C. , Pritchard Gareth J. , Lindley Martin R. , Lewis Mark P.
Published: March 2018

Resolution of inflammation is now known to be an active process which in part is instigated and controlled by specialized pro‐resolving lipid mediators (SPM's) derived from dietary omega‐3 fatty acids. Resolvin E1 (RvE1) is one of these SPM's derived from the omega‐3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid. Using both molecular and phenotypic functional measures we report that in a model of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammation, RvE1 attenuated mRNA levels of both interlukin‐6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 whilst having no effect on tumor necrosis factor‐α or interlukin‐1β in C2C12 skeletal muscle myotubes. Findings at the molecular level were transferred into similar changes in extracellular protein levels of the corresponding genes with the greatest attenuation being noted in IL‐6 protein concentrations. RvE1 instigated beneficial morphological changes through the prevention of LPS induced skeletal muscle atrophy, in tandem with attenuation of the LPS induced reduction in contractile force in tissue engineered skeletal muscle. These findings demonstrate, in our model of endotoxin induced inflammation in skeletal muscle, that RvE1 has pro‐resolving properties in this cell type. Our data provides rationale for further investigation into the mechanistic action of RvE1 in skeletal muscle, with the vision of having potential benefits for the prevention/resolution of in‐vivo skeletal muscle atrophy.
Falsely elevated human epididymis protein 4 results and Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm in polymorbid women after solid organ transplantation: A pilot and case‐control study
Authors: Franeková Janka , Cindr Josef , Lavríková Petra , Komrsková Jitka , Sečník Peter , Lánská Věra , Jabor Antonín
Published: March 2018

Background

Cancer prevention is essential after transplantation (Tx). The use of HE4 and Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) is recommended as a tool for selective ovarian cancer screening; however, creatinine is a known confounder. This study assessed the reliability of HE4, CA125, and ROMA after Tx.

Methods

We matched a total of 202 women without gynecological malignancies and 236 men by age and serum creatinine. Each pair consisted of a patient after Tx (kidney, liver, heart, and pancreas) and a diseased but non‐Tx consecutive patient. Serum HE4, CA125 (Roche Cobas 6000), and creatinine (enzymatic, Abbott Architect) were measured in all patients.

Results

Creatinine correlated with HE4 (women: r = .864, P < .0001; men: r = .848, P < .0001). Age correlated slightly with HE4 in women (r = .250, P < .005) and men (r = .240, P < .0005). HE4 in women after Tx (median of 84.8 pmol/L) was significantly higher than non‐Tx women (53.7 pmol/L, P < .0001) in the reference range of serum creatinine. Neither HE4 nor CA125 correlated with tacrolimus concentration, but anemia, hyperparathyroidism, kidney, liver, and lung diseases were possible confounders for HE4 after transplantation (P < .05).

Conclusion

Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) was significantly increased in women after solid organ transplantation compared to levels without transplants matched by age and serum creatinine. HE4 results may be misleading in these patients.
MicroRNA‐dependent regulation of KLF4 by glucose in vascular smooth muscle
Authors: Hien Tran T. , Garcia‐Vaz Eliana , Stenkula Karin G. , Sjögren Johan , Nilsson Johan , Gomez Maria F. , Albinsson Sebastian
Published: March 2018

Diabetes is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and this is in part due to the effects of hyperglycemia on vascular smooth muscle cells. Small non‐coding microRNAs are known to control smooth muscle phenotype and arterial contractility and are dysregulated in diabetes. The effect of microRNAs on smooth muscle differentiation is in part mediated by the transcription factor KLF4 but the role of this mechanism in diabetic vascular disease is not fully understood. Herein, we have investigated the importance of hyperglycemia and diabetes for the expression of KLF4 in vascular smooth muscle and the involvement of miRNAs in this regulation. Hyperglycemia down‐regulated KLF4 in vascular smooth muscle cells and similar results were found in arteries of diabetic mice and patients. This correlated with a Foxa2‐dependent up‐regulation of miR‐29c, which targeted KLF4 in vascular smooth muscle cells. Importantly, by preventing downregulation of KLF4, the induction of smooth muscle contractile protein markers by glucose was inhibited. In conclusion, miR‐29 mediated inhibition of KLF4 in hyperglycemic conditions contributes to increased expression of contractile markers in vascular smooth muscle cells. Further studies are warranted to determine the therapeutic implications of miR‐29 inhibition in diabetic vascular disease.
Folate deficiency inhibits the PCP pathway and alters genomic methylation levels during embryonic development
Authors: Geng Yanqing , Gao Rufei , Liu Xueqing , Chen Xuemei , Liu Shangjing , Ding Yubin , Mu Xinyi , Wang Yingxiong , He Junlin
Published: March 2018

Folate deficiency results in abnormal embryonic development, but the underlying mechanisms remain to be comprehensively investigated. Mutation of Vangl genes belonging to the planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway is associated with abnormal embryonic development, but the effect of folate deficiency on the PCP pathway is unclear. In this study, we found that folate deficiency inhibited Vangl gene expression and Vangl protein binding to the ligand Dvl. As a methyl donor, folate can chemically alter the DNA methylation levels of genomic sequences. Here, reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) was employed to detect the methylation profiles of mouse embryos. The results confirmed that folate deficiency affected the genomic methylation levels of mouse embryos, which resulted in down‐regulation of key genes involved in embryonic development. Gene ontology (GO) analysis suggested that the genes located in the differentially methylated regions (DMRs) are primarily involved in biological regulation, cellular processes, development, metabolism, and signaling pathways. The data revealed that folate deficiency inhibits the PCP pathway and alters genomic methylation profiles, which may be the underlying mechanisms through which folate deficiency impairs embryonic development.
Long noncoding RNAs in cancer‐immunity cycle
Authors: Yu Wei‐Di , Wang Huanhuan , He Qi‐Feng , Xu Yong , Wang Xiao‐Chen
Published: March 2018

The imbalance of immune status in cancer microenvironment plays an important role in the development and progression of cancer. Immunotherapy based on this has become an important field of cancer research in recent years. Many studies on long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in cancer have focus on its regulation in cancer development and metastasis. Recent studies have suggested that lncRNAs play crucial roles in different phases of cancer immunity, including antigen releasing, antigen presentation, immune activation, immune cells migration, infiltrating into cancer tissues, and killing cancer cells. The functional studies of lncRNAs in cancer immuntity revealed the complicated molecular mechanisms in cancer immunity from a new point of view, which may provide novel potential targets for cancer immunotherapies. Based on the classical cancer‐immunity cycle theory, we review the recent studies on the functions and mechanisms of immune‐related lncRNAs in different stages of cancer immunity, to summarize the relationship between lncRNAs, and cancer immunity and to provide a framework for further research.
Significance and indications for reoperative portoenterostomy in biliary atresia in light of long‐term outcome
Authors: Saito Takeshi , Terui Keita , Mitsunaga Tetsuya , Nakata Mitsuyuki , Komatsu Shugo , Yoshida Hideo
Published: March 2018

Background

Among biliary atresia (BA) patients undergoing revision following failed portoenterostomy, long‐term native liver survival (NLS), physical condition, and indications for revision were explored.

Methods

From 1977–2015, 33 of 95 BA patients (35%) at our institution underwent revision. Ten‐ and 20‐year NLS rates (NLSRs) and biochemical statuses of 20‐year‐old native liver survivors were compared between post‐portoenterostomy BA patients with and without history of revision. Factors associated with 10‐year NLS following revision and optimal cut‐offs for potential predictors were analyzed.

Results

Overall 10‐ and 20‐year NLSRs were 57% and 54%, respectively. Ten‐ and 20‐year NLSRs were 49% and 45% in the revision group and 63% and 61% in the non‐revision group, respectively. Among 20‐year‐old native liver survivors, differences in admission rates between ages 10–20 years were not significant for cholangitis (revision, 46%; non‐revision, 40%; P = 0.30) or portal hypertension (revision, 38%; non‐revision, 15%; P = 0.21). Differences in hepatobiliary function‐associated blood tests between these groups at 20 years old were only significant for aspartate aminotransferase (P = 0.02) and gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase (P = 0.047). Among potential predictors of 10‐year NLS that we investigated, rate of change in total bilirubin (TB) over the first month post‐portoenterostomy was best (P = 0.0019), and the receiver operating characteristic curve revealed an optimal cut‐off for this first‐month change in TB of −3.7 mg/dl (area under the curve, 0.85; sensitivity, 0.79; specificity, 0.83).

Conclusions

In approximately half of the patients, revision provided 10‐ and 20‐year NLS, and biochemical status at 20 years old was comparable across revision and non‐revision patients. Rate of change in TB during the first month post‐portoenterostomy offers a sensitive predictor of revision.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New Multifunctional Oxazolone Scaffolds Incorporating Phenyl Benzoate Moiety
Authors: Abdel‐Galil Ebrahim , Moawad Evelin B. , El‐Mekabaty Ahmed , Said Gehad E.
Published: March 2018

Oxazolone derivative 3a was utilized as a versatile precursor for the construction of new heterocyclic scaffolds containing imidazole, oxazine, triazine, and triazole rings (compounds 20, 21, 23, and 24, respectively). Furthermore, 4‐aminohippuric acid (2b) was used in the synthesis of various new oxazolone derivatives (13–19) by utilizing of its amino group in several transformations followed by heterocyclization of these compounds with aldehyde 1 via classical Erlenmeyer condensation method to give the targeted oxazolones. On evaluation of these compounds as antioxidant and antibacterial agents, compounds 20 and 24 exhibited a good antioxidant activity, while compounds 20, 23, and 24 exhibited a good antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
Rapid synthesis of maleimide functionalized fluorine‐18 labeled prosthetic group using “radio‐fluorination on the Sep‐Pak” method
Authors: Basuli Falguni , Zhang Xiang , Jagoda Elaine M. , Choyke Peter L. , Swenson Rolf E.
Published: March 2018

Following our recently published fluorine‐18 labeling method, “Radio‐fluorination on the Sep‐Pak”, we have successfully synthesized 6‐[18F]fluoronicotinaldehyde by passing a solution (1:4 acetonitrile: t‐butanol) of its quaternary ammonium salt precursor, 6‐(N,N,N‐trimethylamino)nicotinaldehyde trifluoromethanesulfonate (2), through a fluorine‐18 containing anion exchange cartridge (PS‐HCO3). Over 80% radiochemical conversion was observed using 10 mg of precursor within 1 minute. The [18F]fluoronicotinaldehyde ([18F]5) was then conjugated with 1‐(6‐(aminooxy)hexyl)‐1H‐pyrrole‐2,5‐dione to prepare the fluorine‐18 labeled maleimide functionalized prosthetic group, 6‐[18F]fluoronicotinaldehyde O‐(6‐(2,5‐dioxo‐2,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrrol‐1‐yl)hexyl) oxime, 6‐[18F]FPyMHO ([18F]6). The current Sep‐Pak method not only improves the overall radiochemical yield (50 ± 9%, decay‐corrected, n = 9) but also significantly reduces the synthesis time (from 60‐90 minutes to 30 minutes) when compared with literature methods for the synthesis of similar prosthetic groups.
Surging HIV‐1 CRF07_BC epidemic among recently infected men who have sex with men in Fujian, China
Authors: Chen Zhi‐Wei , Liu Li , Chen Guozhong , Cheung Ka‐Wai , Du Yanhua , Yao Xu , Lu Yuan , Chen Liang , Lin Xinhua , Chen Zhiwei
Published: March 2018

A rapidly increasing number of HIV‐1 infections have been identified among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Fujian province of China since 2010. We aimed to investigate the causative factors underlying this surging epidemic. Using immunoassays for HIV‐1 diagnosis and phylogenetic analysis for viral genotyping, we found that the number of MSM infections doubled from 171 in 2011 to 340 in 2013 with a significantly increased prevalent rate from 4.1% to 5.2%. Majority of these increased infections took place in Fuzhou, Xiamen, and Quanzhou, three large cities in Fujian, mainly among youth, unemployed, business, and well‐educated MSMs. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three major HIV‐1 genotypes including CRF01_AE, CRF07_BC, and B/B’ yet the surging MSM infections were primarily associated with the rapid sexual spread of CRF07_BC in addition to CRF01_AE. In particular, there was a significant proportional expansion of CRF07_BC infections among recently infected MSMs from 19% in 2012 to 41.9% in 2013. This increase was accompanied by emergence of complex patterns of viral recombination including multiple hybrid variants derived from CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC. Full‐genome analysis indicated that CRF07_BC in Fujian was likely originated from similar strains previously found among IDUs in Yunnan province but with unique recombination break points. Our findings indicated that HIV‐1 CRF07_BC has adapted for rapid sexual transmission, resulting in the surging HIV‐1 epidemic and the emergence of new recombinant strains among MSMs in Fujian. Our findings have implications to vaccine and passive immunization trials in Fujian with emphasis on the induction of cross‐subtype protective immunity.
Naturally occurring antiviral drug resistance in HIV patients who are mono‐infected or co‐infected with HBV or HCV in China
Authors: Deng Haohui , Deng Xizi , Liu Yu , Xu Ying , Lan Yun , Gao Ming , Xu Min , Gao Hongbo , Wu Xiexing , Liao Baolin , Chen Weilie , Zhao Miaoxian , Hu Fengyu , Wang Zhanhui
Published: March 2018

Drug resistance mutations (DRMs) may reduce the efficacy of antiviral therapy. However, the studies focused on naturally occurring, pre‐existing DRMs among co‐infected patients in China are limited. To investigate DRMs prevalence in treatment‐naïve human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) mono‐ and co‐infected patients in China, a total of 570 patients were recruited for this study. DRMs sequences were amplified and successfully sequenced in 481 of these patients, who were grouped into three cohorts: (i) The HBV cohort included 100 HIV/HBV co‐infected and 110 HBV mono‐infected patients who were sequenced for HBV; (ii) The HCV cohort included 91 patients who were HIV/HCV co‐infected and 72 who were HCV mono‐infected for HCV sequencing; and (iii) The HIV cohort included 39 HIV mono‐infected, 22 HIV/HCV, and 47 HIV/HBV co‐infected patients for HIV sequencing. Next‐generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing were used in this study. The results showed that in the HCV cohort, HCV genotypes 6a (P < 0.001) and 3b (P = 0.004) were more prevalent in HIV/HCV co‐infected patients, however, the prevalence of HBV and HIV genotypes were similar within the HBV and HIV cohorts. HBV DRMs prevalence was significantly higher in HIV/HBV co‐infected than HBV mono‐infected patients (8.0% vs 0.9%, P = 0.015), whereas HCV and HIV DRMs did not differ within the HCV and HIV cohort (P > 0.05). This study revealed that HBV DRMs were more prevalent in HIV/HBV co‐infected patients in China, while DRMs in HCV and HIV patients did not differ. Further dynamic surveillance of DRMs may be needed.
Hindcast skill improvement in Climate Forecast System (CFSv2) using modified cloud scheme
Authors: Pokhrel Samir , Hazra Anupam , Chaudhari Hemantkumar S. , Saha Subodh K. , Paulose Febin , Krishna Sujith , Krishna Phani Murli , Rao Suryachandra A.
Published: March 2018

Two sets of CFSv2 retrospective forecast experiments are performed to check the model's fidelity for operational forecast usage for the prediction of Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR). The first experiment (Exp1) is identical to the present operational mode of the model. The second experiment (Exp2) includes major changes in terms of the different cumulus parameterization scheme, modified cloud microphysics scheme and the variable critical relative humidity. These changes have already shown enhancement in the seasonal viability of the model in the free‐run mode. This study has carried out exclusive hindcast experiments by combining the above mentioned major changes. There is a marked improvement in the spatial distribution of the precipitation and the amplitude of the annual cycle of ISMR. The underestimation of the peak of the annual cycle of ISMR in Exp1 is enhanced by 23% in Exp2. Because of better simulations of clouds and tropospheric temperature gradient, the point of maximum precipitation has migrated northwards from equator (Exp1) to 20°N (Exp2). These improvements also impress upon all the other aspect of the ocean–atmosphere coupled interaction, namely planetary‐scale Hadley circulation, air–sea interactions and most of the facets of monsoon teleconnections. The skill of extended Indian monsoon rainfall region (65°–95°E, 5°–35 N) has increased from 0.50 in Exp1 to 0.67 in Exp2 and the same holds true for other regions as well. The skill of Niño3.4 index enhances from 0.58 in Exp1 to 0.67 in Exp2. The dynamical wind shear based monsoon performance indices also show the surge in the skill score. The significant improvement of seasonal skill scores across all the variables clearly shows the dynamical consistency and at the same time establishes the superiority of the Exp2 for seasonal forecast. This work will add new dimension to develop a new genre of monsoon forecasting model.
Hydration of monosaccharides studied by Raman scattering
Authors: Ruggiero Ludovica , Sodo Armida , Bruni Fabio , Ricci Maria Antonietta
Published: March 2018

We report a Raman spectroscopy study of glucose, fructose, and mannose. The spectra have been recorded for the dry powders and for solutions in H2O and D2O and commented in the so‐called “fingerprint region” of the spectra (200–1,400 cm−1), in order to study the influence of the interaction with water on the solute vibrational modes. We have evidenced splitting of some bands, due to the presence of different anomers in solution. The isotopic substitution of the solvent has allowed in some instances to confirm the band assignment and, in other cases, to propose new assignments. Importantly, the isotopic substitution of the solvent has evidenced differences in the interaction of the investigated monosaccharides with water, which are rationalized as due to a balance between the inertia of the oscillator due to H‐bonding and bond strength. In particular, glucose and fructose interact strongly with water, whereas in the case of mannose, we have observed a weaker interaction with water and a different behaviour of its anomers.
Kinetics, Thermodynamics, and Isothermic Evaluation in Sorption Study of Hazardous Dye Using Sodium Dodecylsulfate Physically Impregnated in Polyester‐Type Polyurethane Foam
Authors: Shirke Amit G. , Parekh Paresh , Dholakiya Bharatkumar , Kuperkar Ketan
Published: March 2018

Use of polyester‐type polyurethane foam (PUF) is an effective adsorbent for the removal of hazardous dye: crystal violet (CV) from an aqueous solution. In this adsorption study, the formation of hydrophobic ion pair (opposite charge attraction) between the charged species, i.e., cationic (basic) dye CV and anionic surfactant sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) sorbed onto PUF. Chemical calculations were performed using quantum simulation to understand ion‐pair formation for CV–SDS at the semiempirical PM6 level. Adsorption studies were performed using 200 mg cylindrical PUF with an overhead stirrer in solutions containing varying compositions of the dye–surfactant mixture. The equilibrium thermodynamics and kinetics of the adsorption process were studies by measuring CV dye removal as a function of time and temperature. Results show that the formation of the dye–surfactant ion pair is necessary for effective adsorption onto PUF. Various adsorption isotherms, viz., Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin–Radushkevich (DRK), Harkin‐Jura, and several kinetic models, viz., pseudo‐first order, pseudo‐second order, Elovich, and Intraparticle diffusion were used to fit the spectrophotometric result. The equilibrium adsorption data fit to the Langmuir isotherm gives the maximum adsorption of PUF as 33.39 mg g−1 from 200 mL 5.0 × 10−5 mol L−1 CV solution at 298.15 K. The kinetics study showed that the overall adsorption process follows pseudo‐second‐order kinetics. The Morris–Weber model suggests that an intraparticle diffusion process is active in controlling the adsorption rate. The Freundlich, Temkin, DRK adsorption isotherms showed that solute dye transfers from solution to the PUF adsorbent surface through physical adsorption. The Langmuir and Harkin‐Jura adsorption isotherms suggest that the adsorbent surface is homogeneous in nature. The thermodynamic data showed that the adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic with a positive enthalpy change and a negative change in Gibb's energy.
Hydrolytic Dephosphorylation of p‐Nitrophenyl Diphenyl Phosphate by Alkyl Hydroxamate Ions
Authors: Kandpal Neha , Dewangan Hitesh K. , Nagwanshi Rekha , Ghosh Kallol K. , Satnami Manmohan L.
Published: March 2018

The kinetics of the hydrolysis of p‐nitrophenyl diphenyl phosphate (PNPDPP) by hydroxamate ions (R'(CO)N(RO−) such as octanohydroxamate (OHA−) and decanohydroxamate (DHA−) was investigated in dioctadecyldimethylammonium chloride (DODAC) and didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB) vesicles. The physicochemical properties of these surfactants were studied by conductivity and fluorescence measurements at 300 K. The hydrolysis of PNPDPP was studied in a vesicular system by using hydroxamate ions (OHA− and DHA−) at 300 K. The different catalytic effects of hydroxamate ions for the hydrolysis of PNPDPP in the vesicles were determined. All reactions followed pseudofirst‐order kinetics. The reactivity of DHA− was found to be higher than that of OHA− in the vesicular system toward the cleavage of phosphate ester. Further, the binding constants (K) and free energy change (∆G) for the associations of PNPDPP with DODAC and DDAB vesicles were determined spectrophotometrically as well as from the Benesi–Hildebrand (B–H) plots. The pseudophase model was applied for the quantitative treatment of the kinetic data in the vesicle systems.
Residue investigation of some phenylureas and tebuthiuron herbicides in vegetables by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with integrated selective accelerated solvent extraction–clean up in situ
Authors: Su Ming , Jia Licong , Wu Xingqiang , Sun Hanwen
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Some trace amounts of urea herbicide residues can be transferred to humans via the food chain, thereby being potentially harmful to human health. The development of a robust analytical methodology for effective sample preparation and simultaneous determination of herbicide residues in vegetable samples is required for achieving food safety.

RESULTS

The diuron–molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) synthesized have excellent affinity and high selectivity to phenylureas (monolinuron, isoproturon, diuron and linuron) and tebuthiuron. A novel automated procedure with better selectivity for vegetable sample treatment was developed by integrated matrix solid‐phase dispersion–accelerated solvent extraction clean‐up in situ. Five herbicides can be baseline separated with runtime down to 5 min by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography, and good linearity was obtained with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.9999. The limit of quantification of the method was in the range of 0.8–2.3 µg kg−1. Diuron residue in cherry tomato sample was found to be 40 µg kg−1.

CONCLUSION

The developed method has satisfactory selectivity, good linearity, high sensitivity and accuracy as well as speediness, and can ensure rapid selective extraction and sensitive multi‐residue analysis at low microgram per kilogram levels of the herbicides in vegetable food. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect of transmittance and luminous efficiency with the application of cathode mesh mask in transparent organic light‐emitting devices
Authors: Liu Jinhong , Zhang Fanghui , Li Tingting
Published: March 2018

With the development of organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs), the transparent OLED is also restricted by its efficiency and stability. Thus, in order to improve the transmittance and luminous efficiency of transparent OLED, the cathode mesh mask combined with Al:Ag alloy is adopted to prepare the cathode of transparent OLED, which would enhanced the luminance, efficiency, and transmittance of the device. With the same driving voltage, the device has the highest brightness, when the cathode thickness is 85 nm. At the voltage of 13 and 14 V, the luminance, for bottom‐emission and top‐emission, is 9501 cd/m2 and 1840 cd/m2, respectively. The entire transmittance of the device has achieved about 78% at a 480 nm wavelength.
Surgical site infection in immediate breast reconstruction: Does chemotherapy timing make a difference?
Authors: Chattha Anmol S. , Cohen Justin B. , Bucknor Alexandra , Chen Austin D. , Tobias Adam M. , Lee Bernard T. , Lin Samuel J.
Published: March 2018

Background and Objectives

We aim to analyze the impact of chemotherapy timing on surgical site infections (SSI) after immediate breast reconstruction (IBR).

Methods

A retrospective review of patients undergoing IBR between 2010 and 2015 was performed. Patients were divided into four groups: those with neoadjuvant chemotherapy only, adjuvant chemotherapy only, both adjuvant and neoadjuvant, and those with no chemotherapy. Outcomes of interest included SSI and timing of post‐operative SSI.

Results

A total of 949 reconstructions were performed over the study period. Subgroup breakdown was as follows: A total of 56 (5.9%) neoadjuvant only, 173 (18.2%) adjuvant only, 18 (1.9%) both, and 702 (74.0%) none. Overall infection rates were 10.7%, 10.4%, 22.2%, and 6.1% in the four groups, respectively (P = 0.015). On multivariate analysis, no significant differences were observed when comparing presence or absence of chemotherapy in the overall reconstruction cohort or when subgrouped by reconstruction modality‐autologous or alloplastic. There were no significant differences in time from neoadjuvant chemotherapy to surgery date noted between patients who developed a post‐operative SSI and those who did not (4.40 ± 1.58 vs 4.72 ± 1.39 weeks; P = 0.517).

Conclusion

Chemotherapy timing did not increase the odds of surgical site infections in patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction.