bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of innovation in the implementation of green supply chain management practices
Authors: Silva Graça Miranda , Gomes Paulo J. , Sarkis Joseph
Published: February 2019

How organizational green practices become routinely embedded in supply chains remains underexplored in the literature. Based on the practice‐based view and normalization process theory, this study adopts a novel perspective on green supply chain management (GSCM) practices implementation and suggests that innovation is a crucial mechanism in such process. Specifically, we theorize and test the mediating effect of product and process innovation on the relationship between GSCM practices and sustainability performance. Survey data from 173 manufacturing firms were used to test the model hypotheses. Our findings show that product and process innovation mediate the relationship between GSCM practices and sustainability performance. The findings also suggest that the relevance of different innovation mechanisms depends on the stage of the operational lifecycle within which the practices are implemented. Our study provides insights for managers and scholars seeking to define innovation strategies to ensure the successful implementation of GSCM practices.
Total Synthesis of α‐Tocopherol through Enantioselective Iridium‐Catalyzed Fragmentation of a Spiro‐Cyclobutanol Intermediate
Authors: Ratsch Friederike , Schlundt Waldemar , Albat Dominik , Zimmer Anne , Neudörfl Jörg‐Martin , Netscher Thomas , Schmalz Hans‐Günther
Published: February 2019

A conceptionally new strategy for the asymmetric (2R‐selective) synthesis of α‐tocopherol (vitamin E) was developed. In the stereocontrolled key step, a prochiral spiro[chromane‐2,3′‐cyclobutanol] unit is effectively desymmetrized under C−C bond activation in an unprecedented iridium‐catalyzed transformation using (S)‐DTBM‐SegPhos as a chiral ligand (e.r. 97:3). To complete the synthesis, the side chain was attached through Ru‐catalyzed cross‐metathesis employing an alkene derived from (R,R)‐hexahydrofarnesol. To suppress epimerization during the final hydrogenation, PtO2 had to be used as a catalyst instead of Pd/C. In an alternative approach (employing a propargyl‐substituted spiro‐cyclobutanol), the side chain was constructed prior to the Ir‐catalyzed ring fragmentation (>99:1 d.r.) through enyne cross‐metathesis (using an alkene derived from (R)‐dihydrocitronellal) followed by Cr‐catalyzed 1,4‐hydrogenation and (diastereoselective) Pfaltz hydrogenation of the resulting triple‐substituted olefin. The work demonstrates the potential of iridium catalysis for enantioselective C−C bond activation.
RSA reactivity in response to viewing bullying film and adolescent social adjustment
Authors: Cui Lixian , Zhang Xutong , Houltberg Benjamin J. , Criss Michael M. , Morris Amanda S.
Published: February 2019

This study assessed adolescent respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) reactivity while watching a bullying film clip from Boyz'n the Hood. We emphasized the importance of considering measurement context of RSA and examined whether RSA reactivity moderated the links between environmental factors (i.e., neighborhood violence, parental psychological control, and parental acceptance) and adolescent social adjustment. Data were collected from 57 adolescents and their primary caregivers. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and respiration data were obtained from adolescents. Results indicated that neighborhood violence was positively associated with aggressive behavior but only among adolescents showing RSA augmentation, not suppression. Among youth displaying RSA suppression, parental acceptance was positively linked to prosocial behavior. We propose that, in the specific context of watching a bullying film clip, RSA suppression may relate to physiological regulation of emotion, which may differentially influence adolescents' responses to socialization.
Animal Scanner: Software for classifying humans, animals, and empty frames in camera trap images
Authors: Yousif Hayder , Yuan Jianhe , Kays Roland , He Zhihai
Published: February 2019

Camera traps are a popular tool to sample animal populations because they are noninvasive, detect a variety of species, and can record many thousands of animal detections per deployment. Cameras are typically set to take bursts of multiple photographs for each detection and are deployed in arrays of dozens or hundreds of sites, often resulting in millions of photographs per study. The task of converting photographs to animal detection records from such large image collections is daunting, and made worse by situations that generate copious empty pictures from false triggers (e.g., camera malfunction or moving vegetation) or pictures of humans. We developed computer vision algorithms to detect and classify moving objects to aid the first step of camera trap image filtering—separating the animal detections from the empty frames and pictures of humans. Our new work couples foreground object segmentation through background subtraction with deep learning classification to provide a fast and accurate scheme for human–animal detection. We provide these programs as both Matlab GUI and command prompt developed with C++. The software reads folders of camera trap images and outputs images annotated with bounding boxes around moving objects and a text file summary of results. This software maintains high accuracy while reducing the execution time by 14 times. It takes about 6 seconds to process a sequence of ten frames (on a 2.6 GHZ CPU computer). For those cameras with excessive empty frames due to camera malfunction or blowing vegetation automatically removes 54% of the false‐triggers sequences without influencing the human/animal sequences. We achieve 99.58% on image‐level empty versus object classification of Serengeti dataset. We offer the first computer vision tool for processing camera trap images providing substantial time savings for processing large image datasets, thus improving our ability to monitor wildlife across large scales with camera traps.
Scent of death: Evolution from sea to land of an extreme collective attraction to conspecific death
Authors: Valdes Leah , Laidre Mark E.
Published: February 2019

All living organisms must eventually die, though in some cases their death can bring life‐giving opportunities. Few studies, however, have experimentally tested how animals capitalize on conspecific death and why this specialization would evolve. Here, we conducted experiments on the phylogenetically most closely‐related marine and terrestrial hermit crabs to investigate the evolution of responses to death during the sea‐to‐land transition. In the sea, death of both conspecifics and heterospecifics generates unremodeled shells needed by marine hermit crabs. In contrast, on land, terrestrial hermit crabs are specialized to live in architecturally remodeled shells, and the sole opportunity to acquire these essential resources is conspecific death. We experimentally tested these different species’ responsiveness to the scent of conspecific versus heterospecific death, predicting that conspecific death would have special attractive value for the terrestrial species. We found the terrestrial species was overwhelmingly attracted to conspecific death, rapidly approaching and forming social groupings around conspecific death sites that dwarfed those around heterospecific death sites. This differential responsiveness to conspecific versus heterospecific death was absent in marine species. Our results thus reveal that on land a reliance on resources associated exclusively with conspecifics has favored the evolution of an extreme collective attraction to conspecific death.
Multiple abiotic and biotic pathways shape biomass demographic processes in temperate forests
Authors: Yuan Zuoqiang , Ali Arshad , Jucker Tommaso , Ruiz‐Benito Paloma , Wang Shaopeng , Jiang Lin , Wang Xugao , Lin Fei , Ye Ji , Hao Zhanqing , Loreau Michel
Published: February 2019

Forests play a key role in regulating the global carbon cycle, and yet the abiotic and biotic conditions that drive the demographic processes that underpin forest carbon dynamics remain poorly understood in natural ecosystems. To address this knowledge gap, we used repeat forest inventory data from 92,285 trees across four large permanent plots (4–25 ha in size) in temperate mixed forests in northeast China to ask the following questions: (1) How do soil conditions and stand age drive biomass demographic processes? (2) How do vegetation quality (i.e., functional trait diversity and composition) and quantity (i.e., initial biomass stocks) influence biomass demographic processes independently from soil conditions and stand age? (3) What is the relative contribution of growth, recruitment, and mortality to net biomass change? Using structural equation modeling, we showed that all three demographic processes were jointly constrained by multiple abiotic and biotic factors and that mortality was the strongest determinant on net biomass change over time. Growth and mortality, as well as functional trait diversity and the community‐weighted mean of specific leaf area (CWMSLA), declined with stand age. By contrast, high soil phosphorous concentrations were associated with greater functional diversity and faster dynamics (i.e., high growth and mortality rates), but associated with lower CWMSLA and initial biomass stock. More functionally diverse communities also had higher recruitment rates, but did not exhibit faster growth and mortality. Instead, initial biomass stocks and CWMSLA were stronger predictors of biomass growth and mortality, respectively. By integrating the full spectrum of abiotic and biotic drivers of forest biomass dynamics, our study provides critical system‐level insights needed to predict the possible consequences of regional changes in forest diversity, composition, structure and function in the context of global change.
A Silica‐Supported Catalyst Containing 9‐Amino‐9‐deoxy‐9‐epi‐quinine and a Benzoic Acid Derivative for Stereoselective Batch and Flow Heterogeneous Reactions
Authors: Ciogli Alessia , Capitani Donatella , Di Iorio Nicola , Crotti Simone , Bencivenni Giorgio , Donzello Maria Pia , Villani Claudio
Published: February 2019

A heterogeneous, silica‐based catalyst containing 9‐amino‐9‐deoxy‐epi‐quinine (or quinidine) and a derivative of benzoic acid was synthesized through radical thiol‐ene click reaction. The acid component allows the in situ activation of cinchona amino group, acting as a bifunctional catalyst. The heterogenized catalysts efficiently promoted the reaction of ketones with trans‐β‐nitrostyrene, with diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity comparable to those of the homogeneous counterparts (dr up to 90:10 and 90 % ee). In addition, the catalyst retained a constant activity for at least four cycles. Finally, the supported catalyst (9‐amino‐9‐deoxy‐epi‐quinine/achiral acid) was employed under continuous‐flow conditions. Two enantioselective Michael reactions were in sequence performed with the same homemade packed‐bed reactor. The addition of cyclohexanone to trans‐β‐nitrostyrene provided the evaluation of optimal residence time with high level of stereoselection (2 µL/min flow rate, 83 % ee). Furthermore, the flow reactor well performed in the preparation of warfarin (isolated yield 95 %, 78 % ee. in 16 h at room temperature). The dual (chiral amine/achiral acid) solid supported system, making an even easier work‐out, represents a valuable tool for green chemistry and is attractive for large scale applications.
Bayesian hierarchical nonlinear models for estimating coral growth parameters
Authors: Cafarelli B. , Calculli C. , Cocchi D.
Published: February 2019

In ecology, the standard tool for investigating the growth of marine species is the von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF). The parameters of this function are usually estimated by methods that might induce bias in the results because the VBGF neither distinguishes between the variability at individual or population levels nor takes into account the contribution of site‐specific environmental factors. A major problem arises when environmental measures are not directly linked to data because they are observed at different spatial locations, scales, or times. In this case, the association between site‐specific environmental features and individual data might be forced. A Bayesian hierarchical nonlinear model (BHNLM) is proposed to provide reliable estimation of the VBGF parameters while taking into account biological information and site variability. We illustrate the advantages of the hierarchical structure that allow us to capture the differences among species and sites when environmental information is ignored. The proposal is assessed through a case study concerning two Mediterranean corals, Balanophyllia europaea and Leptopsammia pruvoti, improving both the statistical accuracy and the quantification of uncertainties affecting marine species growth.
Rapid Online Fischer–Tropsch Reaction Monitoring using a Modified Frontier Tandem Micro‐Reactor GC–MS System
Authors: Okonye Leonard U. , Jalama Kalala , Hosaka Akihiko , Watanabe Chuichi , Meijboom Reinout
Published: February 2019

Conventional laboratory facilities used for Fischer–Tropsch (FT) catalyst evaluation usually consist of a reactor that is connected to an online gas chromatograph (GS). This arrangement is characterized by longer response times that make it difficult to acquire early reaction dynamics, which are crucial to the understanding of long‐term catalyst performance. This article describes how the modification of a Frontier Single micro‐Reactor, interfaced to a gas chromatograph–mass spectrometer (GC–MS) system, can facilitate rapid evaluation of catalysts for FT synthesis reaction. The study has been performed using an Ru/SBA‐15 catalyst prepared by reduction of RuCl3 using NaBH4 and deposition on a synthesized mesoporous SBA‐15 support and characterized using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, temperature‐programmed reduction, and X‐ray diffraction techniques. The system was successfully modified to perform catalyst evaluation in batch and real‐time modes. Unlike conventional FT setups, which require extended reaction times to generate the Anderson–Schulz–Flory plot and the chain growth probability (α), the modified system in this study allows the determination of product distribution and alpha value in less than 30 min from the start of the reaction. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13079, 2019
Effect of Torrefaction Temperature on Lignin Distribution of Larix kaempferiC. and Liriodendron tulipiferaL. Cubes and the Impact of Binder on Durability of Pellets Fabricated with the Torrefied Cubes
Authors: Oh Seung‐Won , Park Dae Hak , Lee Soo Min , Ahn Byoung Jun , Ahn Sye Hee , Yang In
Published: February 2019

Larch (LAR) and yellow poplar (YP) cubes were torrefied at 180, 220 and 260°C for 50 min to investigate the effect of torrefaction temperature on chemical composition, fuel properties and pelletability. When increasing the torrefaction temperature from 180 to 220°C, lignin content of torrefied LAR and YP increased from 28 to 34% and from 21 to 23%, respectively. Xylose contents of LAR and YP decreased to 11% at the torefaction temperature of 260°C. The thermal degradation of xylose by the torrefaction treatment has a significant impact on increasing the ash content, higher heating value and weight loss of the torrefied LAR and YP. When the lignin distribution of untreated and 180°C‐torrefied cubes were measured quantitatively by the microscopic analysis of SEM–EDX, the amount of lignin existing on the radial‐sectional areas of LAR and YP increased from 7.89 to 18.84% and from 6.37 to 17.71%, respectively. Durability of pellets fabricated with torrefied LAR and YP cubes decreased with the increase of torrefaction temperature. By the adjustment of a moisture content for the torrefied particles, durability of torrefied LAR pellets improved by 8–11% but that of YP decreased by 2–21%. Addition of 2 wt% starch, lignin and protein as a binder to 180°C‐ and 220°C‐torrefied LAR and YP affected the increase of pellets durability. Accordingly, it can be concluded that the addition of binder or moisture is needed to produce durable pellets made with torrefied LAR and YP while accounting for costs associated with the binders. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13146, 2019
The effects of hydrolysis condition on antioxidant activity of protein hydrolyzate from quinoa
Authors: Mahdavi‐Yekta Mina , Nouri Leila , Azizi Mohammad Hossein
Published: February 2019

In the present study, quinoa protein hydrolyzate was prepared using alcalase and pepsin enzymes. Then, the effect of different temperatures (40, 45, 50, and 55°C), periods of time (60, 120, 150, 180, and 210 min), and the ratio of enzyme to substrate (30, 60, and 90 Anson unit/kg protein) on degree of hydrolysis were examined. Also, the antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH radical scavenging test, and investigated using a completely randomized design. According to results, the optimum condition to produce hydrolyzates with the highest degree of hydrolysis (24.65%) was 55°C, 210 min, with ratio of enzyme to substrate of 60 Anson unit/kg protein, The highest antioxidant activity (35.44) of protein hydrolyzed was achieved at 150 min, 50°C, and the ratio of enzyme to substrate 60 (Anson unit/kg protein). Moreover, there was no significant (p > 0.05) between the level of hydrolysis and the antioxidant activity was among different time and temperatures. In conclusion, the peptide derived from quinoa protein showed a sufficient antioxidant activity to be incorporated in food products.
Gouda cheese spoilage prevention: Biodegradable coating induced by Bunium persicum essential oil and lactoperoxidase system
Authors: Saravani Morteza , Ehsani Ali , Aliakbarlu Javad , Ghasempour Zahra
Published: February 2019

This study aimed to prepare an inhibitory edible coating for Gouda cheese based on whey protein containing lactoperoxidase system (LPOS) and Bunium persicum essential oil (EO) in order to control postpasteurization contamination. Using a full factorial design, the effects of LPOS and EO on microbiological characteristics and chemical indices of manufactured Gouda cheeses were evaluated during 90 days of storage time. Listeria, lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacter, Escherichia, and Pseudomonas species were considered as potential pathogenic and spoilage indicators of produced Gouda cheese samples. Chemical properties of cheeses were assessed using the free fatty acid, peroxide value, and thiobarbituric acid experiments. The results showed that bacteria counts remained constant in cheese samples coated with EO and also EO–LPOS. However, the survival of gram‐positive lactic acid bacteria and Enterobacter spp. was more pronounced in LPOS‐based coating. The most effective treatments on oxidation stability parameters in cheese samples were EO‐ and EO–LPOS coatings. By the addition of B. persicum EO and LPOS, further inhibition of the lipid oxidation of the cheese samples was achieved. Lipolysis, as a result of lipid degradation, was more pronounced in the control, whey‐coated, and whey–LPOS‐coated samples in comparison with whey–EO‐ and whey–EO–LPOS‐coated samples during the final days of storage time. These results indicate that antibacterial, lipid oxidation, and oxygen barrier properties of the coatings were developed by the addition of B. persicum EO and LPOS.
Early detection of the PAX3‐FOXO1 fusion gene in circulating tumor‐derived DNA in a case of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Eguchi‐Ishimae Minenori , Tezuka Mari , Kokeguchi Tomoki , Nagai Kozo , Moritani Kyoko , Yonezawa Sachiko , Tauchi Hisamichi , Tokuda Kiriko , Ishida Yasushi , Ishii Eiichi , Eguchi Mariko
Published: February 2019

Cell‐free DNA (cfDNA), which are small DNA fragments in blood derived from dead cells including tumor cells, could serve as useful biomarkers and provide valuable genetic information about the tumors. cfDNA is now used for the genetic analysis of several types of cancers, as a surrogate for tumor biopsy, designated as “liquid biopsy.” Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most frequent soft tissue tumor in childhood, can arise in any part of the body, and radiological imaging is the only available method for estimating the tumor burden, because no useful specific biological markers are present in the blood. Because tumor volume is one of the determinants of treatment response and outcome, early detection at diagnosis as well as relapse is essential for improving the treatment outcome. A 15‐year‐old male patient was diagnosed with alveolar RMS of prostate origin with bone marrow invasion. The PAX3‐FOXO1 fusion was identified in the tumor cells in the bone marrow. After the diagnosis, cfDNA was serially collected to detect the PAX3‐FOXO1 fusion sequence as a tumor marker. cfDNA could be an appropriate source for detecting the fusion gene; assays using cfDNA have proved to be useful for the early detection of tumor progression/recurrence. Additionally, the fusion gene dosage estimated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction reflected the tumor volume during the course of the treatment. We suggest that for fusion gene‐positive RMSs, and other soft tissue tumors, the fusion sequence should be used for monitoring the tumor burden in the body to determine the diagnosis and treatment options for the patients.
Assessing pleiotropy and mediation in genetic loci associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Parker Margaret M. , Lutz Sharon M. , Hobbs Brian D. , Busch Robert , McDonald MerryLynn N. , Castaldi Peter J. , Beaty Terri H. , Hokanson John E. , Silverman Edwin K. , Cho Michael H.
Published: February 2019

Genetic association studies have increasingly recognized variant effects on multiple phenotypes. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous disease with environmental and genetic causes. Multiple genetic variants have been associated with COPD, many of which show significant associations to additional phenotypes. However, it is unknown if these associations represent biological pleiotropy or if they exist through correlation of related phenotypes (“mediated pleiotropy”). Using 6,670 subjects from the COPDGene study, we describe the association of known COPD susceptibility loci with other COPD‐related phenotypes and distinguish if these act directly on the phenotypes (i.e., biological pleiotropy) or if the association is due to correlation (i.e., mediated pleiotropy). We identified additional associated phenotypes for 13 of 25 known COPD loci. Tests for pleiotropy between genotype and associated outcomes were significant for all loci. In cases of significant pleiotropy, we performed mediation analysis to test if SNPs had a direct association to phenotype. Most loci showed a mediated effect through the hypothesized causal pathway. However, many loci also had direct associations, suggesting causal explanations (i.e., emphysema leading to reduced lung function) are incomplete. Our results highlight the high degree of pleiotropy in complex disease‐associated loci and provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying COPD.
Evaluation of neotectonic variability along major Himalayan thrusts within the Kali River basin using geomorphic markers, Central Kumaun Himalaya, India
Authors: Talukdar Riyanka , Kothyari Girish Ch. , Pant Charu C.
Published: February 2019

We have analysed the geomorphic signatures in aggregation with the geomorphic indices with respect to hinterland and foreland neotectonic variability across the major Himalayan thrust system along the Kali River valley of eastern Kumaun Himalaya. The valley floor morphology in the vicinity of the major thrust gave rise to the accommodation space for the aggradation of the recent fluvial sediments. For a longitudinal distance of 212 km between the South Tibet Detachment (STD) and Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT), the valley has preserved significant aggradational landforms. These landforms have been physically examined to explain the spatial and temporal variability in phases of aggradation/incision in response to the tectonic activity during the late Quaternary. Fossil valleys and associated epigenetic gorges, cut‐and‐fill terraces with thick alluvial cover, debris‐flow terraces, bedrock strath terraces, and alluvial fan terraces are the significant aggradational landforms observed within the valley. They provide signatures of tectonic activity and past climatic records. We have analysed various geomorphic indices, namely, stream‐gradient index (SL), steepness index (Ks), hypsometric curve and index (HI), and asymmetric factor (AF) to map the spatial variability in tectonic processes across the major thrusts. The channel morphology (depth and width) of a river becomes adjusted in geological time because of long‐term tectonic and erosional processes. However, the channel geometry and deviations can be highly adjustable in a tectonically disturbed mountainous region. The deviations along the river course can be attributed to active tectonic movement along thrusts/faults or because of erosion/sedimentation processes. We applied a novel method called the river Gradient Length Anomaly (GLA) for 37 subbasins of the Kali River to deduce active deformation (uplift/subsidence) corresponding to the increased sedimentation and erosional rates, both from the upstream and downstream parts of the thrusted blocks, from where river flows through. The results of basin‐wise morphometric indices were corroborated with GLA anomaly and field observations, which suggests that the area has undergone active deformation between the Main Central Thrust (MCT) and Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT), which is attributed to the regional compression. The results of geomorphic and morphometric data are validated with the focal mechanisms of moderate earthquakes. The geomorphic analysis suggests that the hinterland part of eastern Kumaun is more active than the foreland region.
Preparation of RGO/TiO2 photocatalyst and the mechanism of its hydrothermal process
Authors: Wang Haiwang , Wang Guanqi , Zhang Yukai , Ma Yuan , Zhang Qiankang , Pu Hongqin , Xu Wujiabei , Gao Dekuan , Wang Bingzhu , Qi Xiwei
Published: February 2019

To improve the catalytic efficiency of nanotitanium dioxide, this research investigated the phase transformation, crystal growth, and hydrogen production efficiency of nanotitanium dioxide at different temperatures and pressures. The RGO/TiO2 photocatalyst was prepared by a hydrothermal method using graphene oxide and butyl titanate as raw materials. Different types of photocatalyst samples were prepared by adjusting the reaction temperature and time in the hydrothermal process. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope techniques were employed to investigate the nucleation and growth processes of rutile and anatase in the hydrothermal process from the perspectives of thermodynamics and kinetics. The evolution of the titanium dioxide structure with hydrothermal temperature and hydrothermal time was analyzed. Finally, photocatalytic decomposition of water data shows that the photocatalyst with the best hydrogen production effect was obtained by 12 hr of hydrothermal treatment at a hydrothermal temperature of 180°C. The total hydrogen production of this sample was 0.037 mmol/g under a xenon lamp for 3 hr.
Nicotine induces cell survival and chemoresistance by stimulating Mcl‐1 phosphorylation and its interaction with Bak in lung cancer
Authors: Liu Ling , Shi Xiaqing , Zhao Huandong , Yang Manyi , Wang Chengzhi , Liao Mingmei , Zhao Jinfeng
Published: February 2019

Nicotine is a major carcinogen in cigarettes, which can enhance cell proliferation and metastasis and increase the chemoresistance of cancer cells. Our previous data found that nicotine promotes cell survival in lung cancer by affecting the expression of antiapoptotic protein Mcl‐1, suggesting that the Mcl‐1 may be a therapeutic target for patients with lung cancer. In this study, we found that the effects of drug resistance on nicotine‐induced lung cancer cell lines were shown to influence the phosphorylation of Mcl‐1. Moreover, nicotine induces Mcl‐1 phosphorylation exclusively at the T163 site, which results in enhancement of the antiapoptotic activity of Mcl‐1 and increased cell survival. Meanwhile, nicotine can reduce the sensitivity of H1299 cells to CDDP via enhancement of the binding of Mcl‐1 to Bak, which inhibits the proapoptotic effect of Bak and ultimately leads to increased survival and drug resistance of lung cancer cells. Thus, nicotine‐induced cell survival and chemoresistance may occur in a mechanism by stimulating Mcl‐1 phosphorylation and its interaction with Bak, which may contribute to improving the efficacy of chemotherapy in the treatment of human lung cancer.
miR‐142‐3p is a tumor suppressor that inhibits estrogen receptor expression in ER‐positive breast cancer
Authors: Mansoori Behzad , Mohammadi Ali , Gjerstorff Morten F. , Shirjang Solmaz , Asadzadeh Zahra , Khaze Vahid , Holmskov Uffe , Kazemi Tohid , Duijf Pascal H. G. , Baradaran Behzad
Published: February 2019

Estrogen receptors (ERs) are involved in the development of many types of malignant tumors, in particular, breast cancer. Among others, ERs affect cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. The microRNA (miRNA) miR‐142‐3p has been shown to inhibit carcinogenesis by regulating various cellular processes, including cell cycle progression, cell migration, apoptosis, and invasion. It does so via targeting molecules involved in a range of signaling pathways. We surgically collected 20 ER‐positive breast cancer samples, each with matched adjacent normal breast tissue, and measured the expression of miR‐142‐3p via quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Bioinformatics methods, luciferase reporter assay, qRT‐PCR, and western blot analysis were used to assess whether miR‐142‐3p could target ESR1, which encodes the estrogen receptor, in ER‐positive breast cancer cells and patient samples. We also restored miRNA expression and performed cell viability, cytotoxicity, and colony formation assays. Western blot analysis and qRT‐PCR were used to study the expression of apoptosis and stemness markers. We found that miR‐142‐3p is downregulated in ER‐positive breast cancers. Restoration of miR‐142‐3p expression in ER‐positive breast cancer cells reduced cell viability, induced apoptosis via the intrinsic pathway and decreased both colony formation and the expression of stem cell markers. Bioinformatic analysis predicted miR‐142‐3p could bind to 3′‐untranslated region ESR1 messenger RNA (mRNA). Consistently, we demonstrated that miR‐142‐3p reduced luciferase activity in ER‐positive breast cancer cells, and decreased ESR1 expression in both mRNA and protein levels. The results revealed miR‐142‐3p and ESR1 expression correlated negatively in ER‐positive breast cancer samples. The results suggest miR‐142‐3p acts as a tumor suppressor via multiple mechanisms. Thus, restoration of miR‐142‐3p expression, for example, via miRNA replacement therapy, may represent an effective strategy for the treatment of ER‐positive breast cancer patients.
Synergistic activity of chlorhexidine and synoeca‐MP peptide against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Dantas Elaine M. G. L. , Lima Stella M. F. , Cantuária Ana Paula C. , Amorim Ingrid A. , Almeida Jeeser A. , Cunha Tássio F. , Franco Octávio L. , Rezende Taia M. B.
Published: February 2019

‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬This study aims to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities and cytotoxicity of chlorhexidine (CHX) and synoeca‐MP peptide alone or in combination against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antimicrobial property was evaluated by the determination of minimal inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, and planktonic bacteria and biofilm inhibition. Immunomodulatory activity was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and nitric oxide production by the Griess reaction method. According to the results, synoeca‐MP combined with CHX demonstrated antimicrobial effectiveness compared with its isolated use, in addition to immunomodulatory activity (upregulating MPC‐1 and tumor necrosis factor‐α and downregulating nitric oxide and interleukin‐10). In this context, it is expected that the substances, together, could be capable of controlling bacterial infection and dissemination, besides potentiating macrophages’ immune response against the studied microorganism. Moreover, reducing the CHX concentration by the addition of synoeca‐MP peptide may, in a beneficial way, minimize the undesirable effects of both, CHX and synoeca‐MP in a clinical setting.
LncRNA CRNDE regulates the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Zhou Yu , He Xuyu , Liu Ruiming , Qin Yuansen , Wang Shenming , Yao Xi , Li Chunying , Hu Zuojun
Published: February 2019

Restenosis after angioplasty or stent is a major clinical problem. While long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in a variety of diseases, their role in restenosis is not well understood. This study aims to investigate how dysregulated lncRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) contribute to restenosis. By microarray analysis, we identified 202 lncRNAs and 625 mRNAs (fold change > 2.0, p < 0.05) differentially expressed between the balloon‐injured carotid artery and uninjured carotid artery in the rats. Among differentially expressed lncRNAs, LncRNA CRNDE had the highest fold change and the change was validated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We found that LncRNA CRNDE was significantly upregulated in injured rat carotid artery and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) stimulated by platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB). Knockdown of LncRNA CRNDE by small interference RNA significantly inhibited PDGF‐BB stimulated proliferation and migration of VSMCs. Moreover, knockdown of LncRNA CRNDE attenuated PDGF‐BB‐induced phenotypic change of VSMCs. Taken together, our study reveals a novel mechanoresponsive LncRNA CRNDE which may be a therapeutic target for restenosis.
Microcosm evaluation of bioaugmentation and biostimulation efficacy on diesel‐contaminated soil
Authors: Bosco Francesca , Casale Annalisa , Mazzarino Italo , Godio Alberto , Ruffino Barbara , Mollea Chiara , Chiampo Fulvia
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Diesel oil broad utilization has led to its dispersion in the environment. In this work, biostimulation and biostimulation coupled with autochthonous bioaugmentation were investigated for the bioremediation of soil artificially contaminated with diesel oil.

RESULTS

Soil microcosms were prepared and monitored. The most effective strategy and the influence of glucose addition, both in soil or during the biomass ‘enrichment’ phase, were evaluated by means of respirometric analyses, microbial counts and residual contaminant concentration measurements. The respirometric activity was always higher in all microcosms contaminated with diesel oil than in the biotic controls. The presence of the contaminant did not inhibit the microbial activity. The microbial counts performed on diesel oil medium showed that the contaminant was prevalently biodegraded by the indigenous bacterial species. In terms of diesel oil degradation, similar results were obtained in biostimulated and bioaugmented microcosms; a degradation percentage in the range 65–70% after 34 days was achieved. The addition of glucose in soil, though favoring the growth of microorganisms, did not improve the degradation of contaminant.

CONCLUSION

In this work, biostimulation, with no addition of a primary substrate, was the simplest and most cost‐effective strategy for the biodegradation of diesel oil. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
An effective and accurate identification system of Mycobacterium tuberculosis using convolution neural networks
Authors: Kuok Chan‐Pang , Horng Ming‐Huwi , Liao Yu‐Ming , Chow Nan‐Haw , Sun Yung‐Nien
Published: February 2019

Tuberculosis (TB) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality from infectious disease in developing countries. The sputum smear microscopy remains the primary diagnostic laboratory test. However, microscopic examination is always time‐consuming and tedious. Therefore, an effective computer‐aided image identification system is needed to provide timely assistance in diagnosis. The current identification system usually suffers from complex color variations of the images, resulting in plentiful of false object detection. To overcome the dilemma, we propose a two‐stage Mycobacterium tuberculosis identification system, consisting of candidate detection and classification using convolution neural networks (CNNs). The refined Faster region‐based CNN was used to distinguish candidates of M. tuberculosis and the actual ones were classified by utilizing CNN‐based classifier. We first compared three different CNNs, including ensemble CNN, single‐member CNN, and deep CNN. The experimental results showed that both ensemble and deep CNNs were on par with similar identification performance when analyzing more than 19,000 images. A much better recall value was achieved by using our proposed system in comparison with conventional pixel‐based support vector machine method for M. tuberculosis bacilli detection.
Genetic counselors' perceptions of uncertainty in pretest counseling for genomic sequencing: A qualitative study
Authors: Park Jessica , Zayhowski Kimberly , Newson Ainsley J. , Ormond Kelly E.
Published: February 2019

Increased usage of exome and genome sequencing has made uncertainties associated with genomic sequencing methods more prevalent within medicine. Current research focuses on patients' perceptions of uncertainty related to genomic sequencing, but there is limited knowledge of the perspectives of providers. The aim of this study was to explore how professionals in genomics perceive uncertainties involved in genomic sequencing, and if or how this impacts their approach to pretest counseling. We performed 20 semi‐structured interviews with genetic counselors in the United States and Canada who provide pretest genetic counseling for genomic sequencing. Interviews explored participating genetic counselors' views of uncertainty regarding genomic sequencing, how they classify it, how it manifests, and how they manage it during pretest counseling. Thematic analysis showed that genetic counselors acknowledge concepts of uncertainty that map to existing frameworks of uncertainty for genomic sequencing. Genetic counselors also perceived incongruencies between patients' and providers' expectations of genomic sequencing, which prompted them to modify patients' perceptions of uncertainty related to genomic sequencing. All genetic counselors agreed that guidance and strategies for genomic sequencing pretest counseling would be helpful, particularly for novice genetic counselors and non‐genetics providers. These findings highlight the need and potential for conceptual models of uncertainty and uncertainty management strategies to facilitate patient‐centered pretest counseling for genomic sequencing.
Pancreatic parenchymal calcification induced by permanent indwelling transmural stent
Authors: Rana Surinder S , Sharma Ravi , Gupta Rajesh
Published: February 2019

Long‐term transmural stent placement is a safe and effective strategy for the prevention of recurrence of pancreatic fluid collection in patients with walled‐off necrosis and disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome. The presence of a stent for an indefinite period has been shown to be safe without any serious adverse effects. We report a rare case of pancreatic parenchymal calcification induced by long‐term transmural stent.
Uncommon complication of feeding jejunostomy: A case report
Authors: Basil Tony , Sundaramurthi Sudharsanan , Huthalm Shankar , Goyal Anuj , Dasarathan Shanmugam , Dharanipragada Kadambari
Published: February 2019

Feeding jejunostomy is a common surgical procedure performed for patients who cannot take oral feeds. Although a minor procedure, it is not without complications. However, distal migration of the tube into the bowel is extremely rare. A 50‐year‐old woman with corrosive stricture of the esophagus because of feeding jejunostomy feeds presented with internal dislodgement of the feeding tube. Abdominal X‐ray and ultrasonogram could not locate the tube. On computed tomography, the feeding tube was found in the descending colon. She was managed conservatively, and the tube was expelled after three days. Internal dislodgement of tube usually does not produce any symptom. Computed tomography (CT) scan is diagnostic.
Clinical effectiveness of enzyme replacement therapy with galsulfase in mucopolysaccharidosis type VI treatment: Systematic review
Authors: Gomes Dalila Fernandes , Gallo Luciana Guerra , Leite Betânia Ferreira , Silva Roberta Borges , da Silva Everton Nunes
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Mucopolysaccharidosis VI is a rare disease characterized by the arylsulfatase B enzyme deficiency, which is responsible for different clinical manifestations. The treatment consists of enzyme replacement therapy with intravenous administration of galsulfase.

Objective

Evaluate the effectiveness of the enzyme replacement therapy with galsulfase for the mucopolysaccharidosis VI treatment.

Method

Systematic review of observational studies. The databases of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Lilacs, and Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease were reviewed. The selection of studies, data mining, and methodological quality assessment were independently conducted by two authors.

Results

Eighteen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Two studies were cohorts, one was longitudinal study, one was cross‐sectional, one was a case–control, eight were case series, and five were case reports. A total of 362 participants with mucopolysaccharidosis type VI were evaluated, and 14 different outcomes related to the treatment effect were identified. Seven outcomes showed positive results, characterized by the patient survival, quality of life, respiratory function, joint mobility, physical resistance, reduction of urinary glycosaminoglycans, and growth. The hearing function and the cognitive development were stable after the treatment. Other outcomes related to the cardiac function, visual acuity, sleep apnea, and the size of the liver and spleen presented inconclusive outcomes. Concerning safety, light adverse reactions of hypersensitivity were reported.

Conclusion

This review provided a broader panoramic view of the outcomes related to mucopolysaccharidosis type VI. Regardless of the inherent limitations of observational studies, the outcomes indicate that the enzyme replacement therapy has a positive effect on most of the outcomes associated to the disease.
Influence of implementing a protocol for an intravenously administered ammonia scavenger on the management of acute hyperammonemia in a pediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Brossier David , Goyer Isabelle , Ziani Lydia , Marquis Christopher , Mitchell Grant , Ozanne Bruno , Jouvet Philippe
Published: February 2019

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of establishing a protocol for the use of combined sodium benzoate and sodium phenylacetate (SBSP) (Ammonul®) to treat acute hyperammonemia. This was a retrospective, single‐center study in a 24‐bed medical and surgical pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in a tertiary care teaching maternal–child hospital in Canada. Inclusion criteria were age < 18 years, PICU admission between 1 January 2000 and 30 June 2016, and SBSP treatment. An SBSP delivery protocol was implemented in our hospital on 30 August 2008 in order to improve management of acute hyperammonemia. Patients were assigned to one of the two groups, without or with protocol, depending on date of admission. SBSP was ordered 34 times during the study period, and 23 orders were considered for analysis (14 with and 9 without protocol). Patient characteristics were similar between groups. The median time from diagnosis to prescription was significantly shorter in the protocol group [40 min (21–82) vs 100 min (70–150), p = 0.03)] but the median time from diagnosis to administration of the treatment was equivalent [144 min (90–220) vs 195 (143–274), (p = 0.2)]. Other clinical outcomes did not differ. This study is the first to compare two SBSP delivery strategies in the treatment of acute hyperammonemia in this PICU setting. Implementation of a delivery protocol shortened the time from diagnosis of hyperammonemia to prescription of SBSP and helped us identify other parameters that can be improved to optimize treatment delivery.
Combined malonic and methylmalonic aciduria due to ACSF3 mutations: Benign clinical course in an unselected cohort
Authors: Levtova Alina , Waters Paula J. , Buhas Daniela , Lévesque Sébastien , Auray‐Blais Christiane , Clarke Joe T.R. , Laframboise Rachel , Maranda Bruno , Mitchell Grant A. , Brunel‐Guitton Catherine , Braverman Nancy E.
Published: February 2019

Background

The clinical significance of combined malonic and methylmalonic aciduria due to ACSF3 deficiency (CMAMMA) is controversial. In most publications, affected patients were identified during the investigation of various complaints.

Methods

Using a cross‐sectional multicenter retrospective natural history study, we describe the course of all known CMAMMA individuals in the province of Quebec.

Results

We identified 25 CMAMMA patients (6 months to 30 years old) with a favorable outcome regardless of treatment. All but one came to clinical attention through the Provincial Neonatal Urine Screening Program (screening on day 21 of life). Median methylmalonic acid (MMA) levels ranged from 107 to 857 mmol/mol creatinine in urine (<10) and from 8 to 42 μmol/L in plasma (<0.4); median urine malonic acid (MA) levels ranged from 9 to 280 mmol/mol creatinine (<5). MMA was consistently higher than MA. These findings are comparable to those previously reported in CMAMMA. Causal ACSF3 mutations were identified in all patients for whom genotyping was performed (76% of cases). The most common ACSF3 mutations in our cohort were c.1075G > A (p.E359K) and c.1672C > T (p.R558W), representing 38.2 and 20.6% of alleles in genotyped families, respectively; we also report several novel mutations.

Conclusion

Because our province still performs urine newborn screening, our patient cohort is the only one free of selection bias. Therefore, the favorable clinical course observed suggests that CMAMMA is probably a benign condition, although we cannot exclude the possibility that a small minority of patients may present symptoms attributable to CMAMMA, perhaps as a result of interactions with other genetic or environmental factors.