bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of micelles from poly(butylene succinate) and poly(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) copolymers as a potential drug carrier
Authors: Zhang Yucheng , Yi Meijun , Bao Yi , Zhang Shiping
Published: September 2017

A series of copolymers of poly(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine)‐b‐poly(butylene succinate)‐b‐poly(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC‐b‐PBS‐b‐PMPC) were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization. The structure of the polymers was characterized by 1H NMR and infrared spectroscopy, and their thermal properties were described using TGA and DSC. In aqueous solutions, the PMPC‐b‐PBS‐b‐PMPC could form micelles with sizes ranging from 108 to 170 nm. In vitro release studies showed that acidic media and a longer PMPC chain benefited doxorubicin (DOX) release. 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays indicated that the micelles had low cytotoxicity to HeLa and L929 cells. DOX‐loaded micelles exhibited high cytotoxicity to HeLa cells. Flow cytometry results demonstrated that DOX‐loaded micelles could be internalized by HeLa cells. The in vitro phagocytosis results showed 3.9‐fold and 5.5‐fold reductions compared with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanoparticles and PDS55 micelles. These results demonstrate that PMPC‐b‐PBS‐b‐PMPC block copolymer micelles have great promise for cancer therapy. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Interaction of polymers with amyloidogenic peptides
Authors: Abraham Jancy Nixon , Nardin Corinne
Published: September 2017

With this review, the aim was to gather recent representative publications which describe the interaction of polymers with amyloidogenic peptides/proteins. When functional, these take part in for instance bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. However, several of the peptides/proteins have been identified in various diseases. One of the current approaches to discover a cure against these relies on therapeutics which either prevent or accelerate peptide/protein aggregation and/or clear readily formed aggregates. Owing to the common interest of scientists from all disciplines to identify a cure against the diseases of public health concern, there are overwhelming numbers of publications dealing with these two approaches. Since amyloid aggregation could be regarded as a nucleated polymerization, which is an established mechanism of polymer self‐assembly, we recently tackled the issue of amyloid aggregation using the theories and methods established in polymer science. In this review, we hence focus on gathering relevant and recent publications which describe the role of polymers in modulating the aggregation of amyloidogenic peptides/proteins. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Sensitivity of the initiation of an isolated thunderstorm over the Beijing metropolitan region to urbanization, terrain morphology and cold outflows
Authors: Li Huiqi , Cui Xiaopeng , Zhang Da‐Lin
Published: September 2017

To gain insight into the processes leading to the convective initiation (CI) of an isolated thunderstorm near the central urban area (CUA) of the Beijing metropolitan region (BMR) on 9 August 2011, a series of numerical sensitivity experiments by removing or modifying the CUA, terrain morphology, and convectively generated cold outflows is performed. Results show that the CUA accounts for the formation of cloud condensation near the top of the mixed layer at the CI site as a result of the growing boundary‐layer depth through its urban heat island effects and urban‐induced convergence between a warm and moist southerly flow and an easterly flow on the downstream side. The northerly approaching cold outflows from the mesoscale convective system (MCS) facilitate the generation of northerly flows through ‘a northwestward‐concave valley’ such that the enhanced low‐level convergence with the southerly and easterly flows near the CUA could determine the timing of the outbreak of shallow clouds near the mixed‐layer top into an intense thunderstorm. If the concave valley to the northwest of the CUA is eliminated, little northerly flow ahead of the cold outflow boundaries into the CI site would be present. The results obtained herein appear to have significant implications for understanding and forecasting the development of afternoon thunderstorms in the BMR under weak‐gradient environments.
Quantum dynamical studies of ultrafast charge separation in nanostructured organic polymer materials: Effects of vibronic interactions and molecular packing
Authors: Polkehn Matthias , Eisenbrandt Pierre , Tamura Hiroyuki , Burghardt Irene
Published: September 2017

We review recent work employing high‐dimensional quantum dynamical techniques to study ultrafast charge separation in functional organic materials, in view of understanding the key microscopic factors that lead to efficient charge generation in photovoltaics applications. As highlighted by recent experiments, these processes can be guided by quantum coherence, despite the presence of static and dynamic disorder. The present approach combines first‐principles parametrized lattice Hamiltonians, based on Time‐Dependent Density Functional Theory (TDDFT) and/or high‐level electronic structure calculations, with accurate quantum dynamics simulations using the Multi‐Configuration Time‐Dependent Hartree (MCTDH) method. This contribution specifically addresses the mechanism of charge generation in (i) regioregular oligothiophene‐fullerene aggregates, and (ii) highly ordered oligothiophene‐perylene diimide co‐oligomer assemblies. These studies highlight that chemical design of donor–acceptor combinations needs to account for the effects of electronic delocalization and the modified energetics due to molecular packing, as well as multiple transfer pathways and internal conversion channels induced by vibronic interactions.
Undervaluation of directors in the board hierarchy: Impact on turnover of directors (and CEOs) in newly public firms
Authors: Garg Sam , Li Qiang (John) , Shaw Jason D.
Published: September 2017

Research summary: We examine the consequences of the formalization of the board leadership structure at IPO for board‐level turnover. We introduce the concept of director undervaluation. It indicates the degree to which a director’s qualifications based on normatively accepted criteria for board leadership are not duly reflected in his/her appointments to the board chair and committee chair positions. We find that the higher the average undervaluation of directors on the board (“board undervaluation”), the greater the turnover levels of undervalued directors. This effect is stronger when board interaction frequency is higher. We contribute to the behavioral perspective on corporate governance by introducing justice‐based legitimacy as a key normative institution, and by providing a novel predictor of aggregate turnover of directors (as well as the firm’s CEO).

Managerial summary: Why do outside directors exit the board? We offer a novel answer to this question in the context of newly public firms. We suggest that when directors are passed over for the board chair and committee chair positions despite having higher qualifications than their peers, they have been “undervalued,” and a negative board climate is likely to develop. We find that the higher the average undervaluation of directors on the board, the higher the turnover levels of these undervalued directors. More frequent board meetings exacerbate these turnover levels. Further, these turnover effects are not restricted to undervalued directors—even the CEO is more likely to exit. This study demonstrates the critical importance of developing a legitimate and fair board leadership structure.
Lipid Metabolism is Closely Associated with Normal Testicular Growth Based on Global Transcriptome Profiles in Normal and Underdeveloped Testis of Obese Zucker (fa/fa) Rats
Authors: Datar Jutika , Regassa Alemu , Kim Woo‐Kyun , Taylor Carla G. , Zahradka Peter , Suh Miyoung
Published: September 2017

Zucker (fa/fa) obese rats often have non‐identical and differently sized paired testes, leaving one testis underdeveloped. Our earlier study found that the underdeveloped testes, > 30% smaller than the normal ones, have a selective decrease in docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n‐6), a dominant fatty acid in the testes. This study was conducted to examine global testicular transcriptome profile in underdeveloped testes relative to developed ones using Rat Gene 2.0 ST Array (Affymetrix, USA). Testes were obtained from 14‐week‐old, sexually mature male obese (fa/fa) Zucker rats. Out of the 1790 transcripts differentially expressed, 1108 and 682 were over‐expressed in the underdeveloped and normal testis, respectively (fold change ≥ 2 and P < 0.05). The ingenuity pathway analysis indicated that transcripts that were under‐expressed in the underdeveloped testis, relative to the normal testes, are involved in triacylglycerol biosynthesis, sphingomyelin metabolism and phosphatidylglycerol biosynthesis. Transcripts that were over‐expressed in underdeveloped testes, relative to normal testis, are involved in the production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species, and nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 mediated oxidative stress responses. These data indicate that genes involved in lipid metabolism and oxidative stress play a crucial role in testicular growth and the maintenance of testical health.
Fatty Acid Composition and Contents of Seven Commercial Fish Species of Genus Coregonus from Russian Subarctic Water Bodies
Authors: Gladyshev Michail I. , Sushchik Nadezhda N. , Makhutova Olesia N. , Glushchenko Larisa A. , Rudchenko Anastasia E. , Makhrov Alexander A. , Borovikova Elena A. , Dgebuadze Yury Y.
Published: September 2017

In several Russian northern lakes and rivers, Arctic cisco Coregonus autumnalis, least cisco C. sardinella, peled C. peled, tugun C. tugun, broad whitefish C. nasus, whitefish C. lavaretus and vendace C. albula were sampled in periods of officially permitted commercial fishery. Special attention was paid to contents (mg g−1 of wet weight) of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in muscle tissues (filets), which are essential for human nutrition. The highest values of EPA + DHA content in semi‐anadromous fish and freshwater fish were recorded for C. autumnalis from the Yenisei River, 17.60 mg g−1 wet weight, and for C. lavaretus from the Sobachye Lake, 16.61 mg g−1 wet weight, respectively. Intra‐genus variations of EPA + DHA contents of Coregonus species were from 1.87 to 17.60 mg g−1 wet weight. Since the congeneric species were genetically close to each other, the variations in EPA and DHA contents were thought to be caused primarily by ecological factors: migrational capability, type of feeding and trophic status of aquatic ecosystems. In general, the majority of studied species appeared to be of a high nutritive value for humans, although unfavorable environmental conditions could considerably diminish this value.
Genetic Improvement of the Fatty Acid Biosynthesis System to Alter the ω‐6/ω‐3 Ratio in the Soybean Seed
Authors: Kulkarni Krishnanand P. , Kim Minsu , Song Jong Tae , Bilyeu Kristin D. , Lee Jeong‐Dong
Published: September 2017

A high ω‐6/ω‐3 fatty acid ratio in the soybean seed adversely affects human health. The objective of the present study was to improve the fatty acid biosynthesis to reduce the ω‐6/ω‐3 ratio by combining the FAD2‐1A and FAD2‐1B mutant alleles with α‐linolenic acid (ω‐3) related alleles from wild soybean. The F2 population comprising 2320 F2:3 lines developed from S08‐14717 × PI 483463 cross exhibited significant variation for fatty acid components. Of these, 114 lines were advanced to the F5:6 generation and genotyped for FAD2‐1A and FAD2‐1B alleles. The lines carrying mutant FAD2‐1A and FAD2‐1B alleles showed ~ 761 g kg−1 oleic, and ~ 50 g kg−1 linoleic acids, which reduced ω‐6/ω‐3 ratios to ~ 0.6. Conversely, the lines carrying FAD2‐1A or FAD2‐1B mutant alleles had 267 or 399 g kg−1 oleic, 327 or 471 g kg−1 linoleic, and 120 or 130 g kg−1 α‐linolenic acids concentration, respectively. The elevated α‐linolenic acid resulted in the reduction of ω‐6/ω‐3 ratios in the range 2.5–3.9. The present study demonstrated that combining FAD2 mutant alleles with α‐linolenic acid‐related alleles from wild soybean reduces the seed ω‐6/ω‐3 ratio.
Wealth Privilege and the Racial Wealth Gap: A Case Study in Economic Stratification
Authors: Williams Robert B.
Published: September 2017

The emerging subfield of stratification economics is a response to the orthodoxy's resistance to recognizing the role of racial and ethnic disparities and its penchant for adopting cultural explanations for intergroup differences. With this view, the literature on the racial wealth gap and its particular embrace of the Life Cycle Hypothesis (LCH) offers a clear example of this critique at work. Not only is the LCH incapable of explaining why the racial wealth gap is so much larger than the income gap, but its limitations restrict the range of explanations explored. As an alternative, this paper introduces the Wealth Privilege (WP) model. Unlike the LCH, the WP model can incorporate the effects of contemporary racism as well as the systemic sources that are a legacy of several centuries of racialized policies. Using evidence from the 2013 Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF), this article offers empirical corroboration as well. Since the SCF queries households on their attitudes toward saving and investment, this article investigates the extent that cultural differences explain the wealth gap. To limit the problem of skewness, which is inherent in wealth studies, the analysis uses an inverse hyperbolic-sine transformation of household net worth. The OLS regression results show scant support for key features of the LCH while demonstrating the importance of asset ownership and family support, both crucial facets of the WP model. Two different decomposition methods, Blinder - Oaxaca and DiNardo - Fortin - Lemieux, corroborate these conclusions. As wealth is easily transferable across generations, the evidence supports the contention that household wealth serves as a source of economic stratification as it functions to preserve and even widen the racial wealth gap.
Zinc status is associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid, and glucose metabolism
Authors: Olechnowicz J. , Tinkov A. , Skalny A. , Suliburska Joanna
Published: September 2017

A number of studies have reported that zinc plays a substantial role in the development of metabolic syndrome, taking part in the regulation of cytokine expression, suppressing inflammation, and is also required to activate antioxidant enzymes that scavenge reactive oxygen species, reducing oxidative stress. Zinc also plays a role in the correct functioning of lipid and glucose metabolism, regulating and forming the expression of insulin. In numerous studies, zinc supplementation has been found to improve blood pressure, glucose, and LDL cholesterol serum level. Deeper knowledge of zinc’s properties may help in treating metabolic syndrome, thus protecting against stroke and angina pectoris, and ultimately against death.
Has Society Grown More Hostile towards Conservative Christians? Evidence from ANES Surveys
Authors: Yancey George
Published: September 2017

Several conservative Christian activists have complained of increasing hatred directed towards them and a majority of Christians today believe that persecution against them has increased in the United States. To date there has not been an empirical assessment of whether there are increasing levels of anti-Christian animosity with two groups as representative of conservative Christians: Christian fundamentalists and evangelicals. Levels of anti-Christian hostility has not significantly risen over the past few decades, however those with this hostility have become wealthier. Furthermore, there has not been a coalescing or lessening of support for conservative Christians by other Christians, as seen in the persistent level of mildly negative score by progressive Christians. One may envision hostility against conservative Christians in the twentieth century as something possessed by highly educated progressives with cultural influence but little ability to punish conservative Christians economically. The ability to threaten conservative Christians’ material well-being and the lack of support of conservative Christians by other Christians augments those with hostility towards conservative Christians in the twenty-first century. Conservative Christians are incorrect asserting that Christian hostility recently dramatically increased but may be correct in asserting that they face more problems due to that hostility.
Correlates of school dropout and absenteeism among adolescent girls from marginalized community in north Karnataka, south India
Authors: Prakash Ravi , Beattie Tara , Javalkar Prakash , Bhattacharjee Parinita , Ramanaik Satyanarayana , Thalinja Raghavendra , Murthy Srikanta , Davey Calum , Blanchard James , Watts Charlotte , Collumbien Martine , Moses Stephen , Heise Lori , Isac Shajy
Published: September 2017

Secondary education among lower caste adolescent girls living in rural Karnataka, South India, is characterized by high rates of school drop‐out and absenteeism. A cross‐sectional baseline survey (N=2275) was conducted in 2014 as part of a cluster‐randomized control trial among adolescent girls (13‐14 year) and their families from marginalized communities in two districts of north Karnataka. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used. Overall, 8.7% girls reported secondary school dropout and 8.1% reported frequent absenteeism (past month). In adjusted analyses, economic factors (household poverty; girls' work‐related migration), social norms and practices (child marriage; value of girls' education), and school‐related factors (poor learning environment and bullying/harassment at school) were associated with an increased odds of school dropout and absenteeism. Interventions aiming to increase secondary school retention among marginalized girls may require a multi‐level approach, with synergistic components that address social, structural and economic determinants of school absenteeism and dropout.
Women's Sex Life After Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Sramkova Tatana , Skrivanova Katerina , Dolan Igor , Zamecnik Libor , Sramkova Katerina , Kriz Jiri , Muzik Vladimir , Fajtova Radmila
Published: September 2017

Introduction

After spinal cord injury (SCI), individuals are typically considered by the general public to be asexual. Handicapped women have more problems with socio-sexual adaptation, stemming from low self-confidence, low self-esteem, and the absence of spontaneity.

Aims

To determine changes in the sexual lives of women after SCI.

Methods

A self-constructed questionnaire was used to map sexual function after SCI. We retrospectively compared sexual function in 30 women with SCI with that in 30 without SCI who led an active sexual life. Descriptive and inductive statistics were applied using the Student paired and non-paired t-tests and the Levene test.

Main Outcome Measures

The main variables were presence vs absence of sexual dysfunction in a group of women after SCI and a comparison of the incidence of sexual dysfunctions in women after SCI with that of a control group.

Results

A significant difference was ascertained in women with SCI in sexual desire (P < .001), lubrication (P < .001), and reaching orgasm before and after injury (P = .030). A comparison of the two groups showed a significant difference in the realization of coital sexual activity (P < .001), erotogenous zones of the mouth (P = .016), nipples (P = .022), and genitals (P < .001), and in the ability to reach orgasm (P = .033). The negative impact of incontinence on the sexual life of women with SCI proved significant (P < .001). Negative factors for sexual activity in women with SCI were lower sensitivity in 16 (53%), spasms and mobility problems in 12 (40%), lower desire in 11 (36%), pain in 4 (13%), and a less accommodating partner in 3 (10%).

Conclusion

Intercourse was the preferred sexual activity in women with SCI. Compared with the period before injury, there was significant lowering of sexual desire, impaired lubrication, and orgasmic ability after SCI. A comparison of the two groups showed a difference in erotogenous zones and in reaching orgasm.
Concomitant vascular and neurodegenerative pathologies double the risk of dementia
Authors: Azarpazhooh Mahmoud Reza , Avan Abolfazl , Cipriano Lauren E. , Munoz David G. , Sposato Luciano A. , Hachinski Vladimir
Published: September 2017

Introduction

The relative contributions of vascular and degenerative pathology to dementia are unknown. We aim to quantify the proportion of dementia explained by potentially preventable vascular lesions.

Methods

We systematically searched for population‐based cohorts before February 2017 reporting clinicopathological data for individuals with and without dementia. We calculated the summary proportion and absolute risk of dementia comparing subjects with and without the pathology.

Results

We identified 10 studies comprising 2856 subjects. Vascular‐type pathology and mixed pathology are respectively two and three times more likely in demented patients. The summary proportion of dementia is 77%–86% in subjects with mixed degenerative and vascular pathology and 45% in subjects with pure Alzheimer‐type pathology.

Discussion

Patients with mixed pathologies have nearly twice the incremental risk of dementia compared with patients with only Alzheimer‐type lesions. Consequently, many cases of dementia could be prevented or delayed by targeting the vascular component.
Treatment of Peyronie's Disease with Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum and Vacuum Therapy: A Randomized, Open-Label Pilot Study
Authors: Ralph David J. , Abdel Raheem Amr , Liu Genzhou
Published: September 2017

Background

Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) is indicated for the treatment of penile curvature in adult men with Peyronie's disease (PD) with palpable plaque and curvature deformity of at least 30° at the start of therapy.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of CCH plus vacuum-pump therapy with and without penile modeling for the management of PD.

Methods

Adult men with PD and penile curvature of at least 30° were randomly assigned to receive CCH 0.58 mg plus vacuum therapy alone (n = 15) or with penile plaque modeling (n = 15). Patients received no more than four treatment cycles (cycle = ∼6-week duration), each consisting of two intralesional injections of CCH administered 24 to 72 hours apart. Vacuum therapy was applied twice daily from 14 days after the second injection of each cycle until the following cycle. Modeling was performed 24 to 72 hours after the second injection of each cycle.

Outcomes

The primary end point was change in penile curvature from baseline to week 36; additional end points included changes in Peyronie's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ) domain scores, composite response (≥20% decrease in penile curvature and decrease in PDQ bother score ≥ 1 point), and global response (small but important, moderate, or much improvement in the Global Assessment of PD).

Results

At week 36, improvement in penile curvature from baseline was similar in the two groups (mean change from baseline = −23.7° [SD = 10.9] for CCH + vacuum + modeling and −23.3° [SD = 7.2] for CCH + vacuum; between-group difference = −0.3°, 95% CI = −7.3 to 6.6). Improvements in most PDQ domains, including bother, were observed from baseline to week 36 in the two groups. Most patients were composite (66.7% and 84.6% with CCH + vacuum + modeling and CCH + vacuum, respectively) and global (86.7% and 92.3%, respectively) responders. The most common adverse events were penile contusion, penile swelling, and penile pain.

Clinical Implications

Vacuum-pump therapy administered alone or in combination with modeling after CCH treatment could improve PD symptoms.

Strengths and Limitations

This was a pilot study with a small sample and limited follow-up duration.

Conclusion

CCH and vacuum-pump therapy (alone or combined with modeling) could be an appropriate consideration for men with PD and warrants further investigation.
Characteristics of Subgroups in the Adult Baby/Diaper Lover Community
Authors: Zamboni Brian D.
Published: September 2017

Background

There is a lack of research on adult baby/diaper lover (ABDL) behavior, particularly from community samples. Prior studies have not examined differences between the AB and DL subgroups in the ABDL community.

Aim

To explore whether endorsements of AB role-play enjoyment and ratings of sexual enjoyment during ABDL activity were related to parenting and attachment variables, negative mood states, and reported problems with ABDL and to explore differences by relationship status and by sexual orientation.

Method

Data from a larger survey of an online ABDL community were analyzed. The final sample included 1,795 men and 139 women.

Outcomes

Participants completed questions about their ABDL interests, the short form of the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale, the Maternal and Paternal Relationship Scales designed for this study, the shortened version of the Profile of Mood States, and questions about problems with ABDL.

Results

Greater enjoyment of role playing was associated with being raised by a single female caregiver, a more negative paternal relationship, higher attachment anxiety, and more negative mood states. Differences based on relationship status and sexual orientation were minimal. Participants who most liked no sexual activity reported higher enjoyment of role playing and lower enjoyment of sexual activity in ABDL behavior compared with other groups. Regardless of sexual orientation, men rated sexual enjoyment in ABDL higher than role-play enjoyment. Ratings of sexual interest in diapers were generally not different from ratings of sexual interest in adults.

Clinical Implications

ABDL clients who enjoy role playing and want to understand their behaviors might wish to explore family-of-origin experiences more than clients who find diapers erotic. Clients who find diapers erotic are likely to have other sexual interests. ABDL subgroups are generally comfortable with their practices and might not have a need for therapy.

Strengths and Limitations

Despite the lack of a comparison group, this study has a large, non-psychiatric sample of a marginalized sexual subculture and affirms that such individuals should not be readily pathologized.

Conclusion

In contrast to persons who find diapers erotic, AB role playing is more likely to be an interpersonal, non-sexual behavior helping some individuals decrease attachment anxiety and negative mood states. Atypical behaviors are not troubling for some individuals, regardless of the origins and motivations of the behavior.
A nomogram predicting re‐operation due to secondary hemorrhage after monopolar transurethral resection of prostate
Authors: Guo Run‐Qi , Yu Wei , Meng Yi‐Sen , Zhang Kai , Xu Ben , Xiao Yun‐Xiang , Wu Shi‐Liang , Pan Bai‐Nian
Published: September 2017

We aim to develop a nomogram to predict re‐operation due to secondary hemorrhage after Monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (M‐TURP). We identified patients undergoing M‐TURP at Peking University First Hospital from 2000 to 2013. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were developed to predict the occurrence re‐operation due to secondary hemorrhage. The discriminatory ability of the nomogram was tested using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), and internal validation was performed via bootstrap resampling. Of the 1901 patients who underwent M‐TURP during the study period, 9.1% (173 patients) experienced hemorrhage after M‐TURP, and they had a 22.0% re‐operation rate (38 patients). Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)‐related complications (odds ratio, 0.386; 95% CI, 0.177–0.841), percent of resected prostate (OR, 0.156; 95% CI, 0.023–1.060) and suprapubic cystostomy (OR, 0.298; 95% CI, 0.101–0.881) were independently associated with re‐operation. The nomogram accurately predicted re‐operation (area under the ROC curve 0.718). The negative predictive value was 88.0%, while the positive predictive value was 47.9%. Re‐operation due to secondary hemorrhage after M‐TURP was associated with no BPH‐related complications, lower percent of resected prostate and no suprapubic cystostomy and was accurately predicted with using the nomogram.
Central sensitization associated with low fetal hemoglobin levels in adults with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Darbari Deepika S. , Vaughan Kathleen J. , Roskom Katherine , Seamon Cassie , Diaw Lena , Quinn Meghan , Conrey Anna , Schechter Alan N. , Haythornthwaite Jennifer A. , Waclawiw Myron A. , Wallen Gwenyth R. , Belfer Inna , Taylor VI James G.
Published: September 2017

Pain is the hallmark of sickle cell anemia (SCA), presenting as recurrent acute events or chronic pain. Central sensitization, or enhanced excitability of the central nervous system, alters pain processing and contributes to the maintenance of chronic pain. Individuals with SCA demonstrate enhanced sensitivity to painful stimuli however central mechanisms of pain have not been fully explored. We hypothesized that adults with SCA would show evidence of central sensitization as observed in other diseases of chronic pain.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study of static and dynamic quantitative sensory tests in 30 adults with SCA and 30 matched controls.

Results

Static thermal testing using cold stimuli showed lower pain thresholds (p = 0.04) and tolerance (p = 0.04) in sickle cell subjects, but not for heat. However, SCA subjects reported higher pain ratings with random heat pulses (p < 0.0001) and change in scores with temporal summation at the heat pain threshold (p = 0.002). Similarly, with the use of pressure pain stimuli, sickle cell subjects reported higher pain ratings (p = 0.04), but not higher pressure pain tolerance/thresholds or allodynia to light tactile stimuli. Temporal summation pain score changes using 2 pinprick probes (256 and 512 mN) were significantly greater (p = 0.004 and p = 0.008) with sickle cell, and delayed recovery was associated with lower fetal hemoglobin (p = 0.002 and 0.003).

Conclusions

Exaggerated temporal summation responses provide evidence of central sensitization in SCA.

Implications

The association with fetal hemoglobin suggests this known SCA modifier may have a therapeutic role in modulating central sensitization.
More Discoveries in the Cards from Defunct Comet Mission
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: September 2017

A year after the end of the Rosetta mission, the real scientific fun begins.
Turbostratic carbon nitride enhances the performance and stability of cadmium sulfide nanorod hydrogen evolution photocatalysts
Authors: Zhou Xuemei , Shelton Timothy L. , Xia Zhaoming , Ma Yuanyuan
Published: September 2017

The t-CNx layer functions as (1) a protection layer to isolate CdS from the electrolyte and (2) as a tunnel junction to promote charge separation.
Reduction potentials of protein disulfides and catalysis of glutathionylation and deglutathionylation by glutaredoxin enzymes
Authors: Ukuwela Ashwinie A. , Bush Ashley I. , Wedd Anthony G. , Xiao Zhiguang
Published: September 2017

Glutaredoxins (Grxs) are a class of GSH (glutathione)-dependent thiol–disulfide oxidoreductase enzymes. They use the cellular redox buffer GSSG (glutathione disulfide)/GSH directly to catalyze these exchange reactions. Grxs feature dithiol active sites and can shuttle rapidly between three oxidation states, namely dithiol Grx(SH)2, mixed disulfide Grx(SH)(SSG) and oxidized disulfide Grx(SS). Each is characterized by a distinct standard reduction potential . The values for the redox couple Grx(SS)/Grx(SH)2 are available, but a recent estimate differs by over 100 mV from the literature values. No estimates are available for for the mixed disulfide couple Grx(SH)(SSG)/(Grx(SH)2 + GSH). This work determined both and for two representative Grx enzymes, Homo sapiens HsGrx1 and Escherichia coli EcGrx1. The empirical approaches were verified rigorously to overcome the sensitivity of these redox-labile enzymes to experimental conditions. The classic method of acid ‘quenching’ was demonstrated to shift the thiol–disulfide redox equilibria. Both enzymes exhibit an (vs. SHE) at a pH of 7.0. Their values (−213 and −230 mV for EcGrx1 and HsGrx1, respectively) are slightly less negative than that () of the redox buffer GSSG/2GSH. Both and vary with log [GSH], but the former more sensitively by a factor of 2. This confers dual catalytic functions to a Grx enzyme as either an oxidase at low [GSH] or as a reductase at high [GSH]. Consequently, these enzymes can participate efficiently in either glutathionylation or deglutathionylation. The catalysis is demonstrated to proceed via a monothiol ping-pong mechanism relying on a single Cys residue only in the dithiol active site.
Tools for the cryo-EM gold rush: going from the cryo-EM map to the atomistic model
Authors: Kim Doo Nam , Sanbonmatsu Karissa Y.
Published: September 2017

As cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) enters mainstream structural biology, the demand for fitting methods is high. Here, we review existing flexible fitting methods for cryo-EM. We discuss their importance, potential concerns and assessment strategies. We aim to give readers concrete descriptions of cryo-EM flexible fitting methods with corresponding examples.
Poly r(C) binding protein (PCBP) 1 expression is regulated by the E3 ligase UBE4A in thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Ming-Peng , Zhang Wei-San , Tan Jin , Zhao Ming-Hui , Lian Lin-Juan , Cai Jie
Published: September 2017

Thyroid cancer patients with high miR-490-3p inhibit translation of PCBP1 mRNA, whereas in patients with low miR-490-3p PCBP1 mRNA expression is high; however, the resultant protein is targeted for degradation through the proteasome. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the molecular mechanism that regulates post-translation degradation of poly r(C) binding protein (PCBP) 1 expression in thyroid cancer cells. Mass spectrometric analysis of PCBP1 immunoprecipitates from MG-132 treated TPC1 cells revealed a list of ubiquitin ligases associated with PCBP1. RNAi-mediated silencing of the candidate ubiquitin ligases revealed that knockdown of the ubiquitin ligase UBE4A stabilized PCBP1 in TPC1 cells. Concurrent overexpression of the candidate ubiquitin ligases in the normal thyroid epithelial cell line Nthy-ori 3-1 confirmed that ubiquitin conjugation factor E4 A (UBE4A) is the ubiquitin ligase that is degrading PCBP1. Coimmunoprecipitation of HA-tagged PCBP1 in TPC1 cells cotransfected with FLAG–UBE4A revealed robust polyubiquitinated smear of PCBP1, thus confirming UBE4A as the ubiquitin ligase of PCBP1. UBE4A expression mimicked PCBP1 mRNA expression in thyroid cancer patients and was inversely correlated to PCBP1 protein expression. Low UBE4A expression level was associated with a better prognosis in thyroid cancer patients. Our data reveal a post-translational regulatory mechanism of regulating PCBP1 expression in thyroid cancer cells.
Protective effect of autophagy on endoplasmic reticulum stress induced apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells in rat models of COPD
Authors: Tang Yao , Cai Qi-Hang , Wang Yong-Jian , Fan Shao-Hua , Zhang Zi-Feng , Xiao Meng-Qi , Zhu Jin-Yu , Wu Dong-Mei , Lu Jun , Zheng Yuan-Lin
Published: September 2017

During the present study, we explored the protective effects of autophagy on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (ERS) induced apoptosis belonging to alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) in rat models with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Fifty-six 12-week-old male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into the COPD group (rats exposed to cigarette smoke (CS)), the 3-methyladenine (3-MA) intervention group (COPD rats were administrated with 10 mg/kg autophagy inhibitors), the chloroquine (CQ)-intervention group (COPD rats were administrated 40 mg/kg CQ), and the control group (rats breathed in normal saline). The forced expiratory volume in 0.3 s/forced vital capacity (FEV0.3/FVC%), inspiratory resistance (RI), and dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn) were measured and recorded. The expressions of PKR-like ER kinase (PERK) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-homologous protein (CHOP) were detected by immunohistochemistry. The cell apoptotic rates of AECs were analyzed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining. The expression levels of light chain 3 (LC3-II), p62, Beclin-1, ATG5, ATG7, Caspase-12, and Caspase-3 were detected by Western blotting. Results showed that the COPD group exhibited a lower FEV0.3/FVC% and Cdyn, and a higher RI than the control group. Compared with the control group, the integrated optical density (IOD) values of PERK and CHOP, the apoptotic rate of AECs, and expressions of LC3-II, Beclin-1, ATG5, ATG7, Caspase-3, and Caspase-12 expressions were significantly higher, whereas p62 expression was significantly lower in the COPD group. Based on the results obtained during the present study, it became clear that the inhibition of autophagy could attenuate the ERS-induced apoptosis of AECs in rats with COPD.
Comprehensive assessment and meta-analysis of the association between CTNNB1 polymorphisms and cancer risk
Authors: Li Yanke , Zhang Fuqiang , Yang Dehua
Published: September 2017

CTNNB1, encoding β-catenin, is a well-known tumor-related gene in the wnt signaling pathway. It has been reported that CTNNB1 polymorphisms are associated with cancer risk. However, the data were inconsistent. In this article, we conducted a systematic review for the researches related to the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CTNNB1 with overall cancer risk. Meanwhile, a series of inclusion and exclusion criteria were set to select articles for quantitative analysis. Consequently, eight case-control studies containing 4388 cases and 4477 controls were included in a meta-analysis of four highly studied CTNNB1 SNPs (rs1798802 A/G, rs4135385 A/G, rs11564475 A/G, and rs2293303 C/T). The association between each SNP and cancer risk was estimated by calculating odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs). The results showed rs1798802 (AA compared with GG: P=0.044, OR=0.72) and rs2293303 (TT compared with CC: P=0.002, OR=2.86; recessive model: P=0.006, OR=2.91; T compared with C: P=0.004, OR=1.19) polymorphisms were associated with overall cancer risk. In stratified analysis, rs4135385 polymorphism was found to elevate the risk in Caucasian or in gastrointestinal cancer subgroup. Additionally, rs2293303 conferred to an increased cancer risk when the source of control groups was hospital-based (HB). In conclusion, the three CTNNB1 SNPs were suggested to have the potential to be novel biomarkers for risk prediction of cancer in overall population or some specific subgroups. Our study could provide research clues for further related investigations.
DLX3 promotes bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell proliferation through H19/miR-675 axis
Authors: Zhao Na , Zeng Li , Liu Yang , Han Dong , Liu Haochen , Xu Jian , Jiang Yuxi , Li Cuiying , Cai Tao , Feng Hailan , Wang Yixiang
Published: September 2017

The underlying molecular mechanism of the increased bone mass phenotype in Tricho-dento-osseous (TDO) syndrome remains largely unknown. Our previous study has shown that the TDO point mutation c.533A>G, Q178R in DLX3 could increase bone density in a TDO patient and transgenic mice partially through delaying senescence in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). In the present study, we provided a new complementary explanation for TDO syndrome: the DLX3 (Q178R) mutation increased BMSCs proliferation through H19/miR-675 axis. We found that BMSCs derived from the TDO patient (TDO-BMSCs) had stronger proliferation ability than controls by clonogenic and CCK-8 assays. Next, experiments of overexpression and knockdown of wild-type DLX3 via lentiviruses in normal BMSCs confirmed the results by showing its negative role in cell proliferation. Through validated high-throughput data, we found that the DLX3 mutation reduced the expression of H19 and its coexpression product miR-675 in BMSCs. Function and rescue assays suggested that DLX3, long noncoding RNA H19, and miR-675 are negative factors in modulation of BMSCs proliferation as well as NOMO1 expression. The original higher proliferation rate and the expression of NOMO1 in TDO-BMSCs were suppressed after H19 restoration. Collectively, it indicates that DLX3 regulates BMSCs proliferation through H19/miR-675 axis. Moreover, the increased expression of NOMO1 and decreased H19/miR-675 expression in DLX3 (Q178R) transgenic mice, accompanying with accrual bone mass and density detected by micro-CT, further confirmed our hypothesis. In summary, we, for the first time, demonstrate that DLX3 mutation interferes with bone formation partially through H19/miR-675/NOMO1 axis in TDO syndrome.
Soluble levels and endogenous vascular gene expression of KLOTHO are related to inflammation in human atherosclerotic disease
Authors: Martín-Núñez Ernesto , Donate-Correa Javier , López-Castillo Ángel , Delgado-Molinos Alejandro , Ferri Carla , Rodríguez-Ramos Sergio , Cerro Purificación , Pérez-Delgado Nayra , Castro Victoria , Hernández-Carballo Carolina , Mora-Fernández Carmen , Navarro-González Juan F.
Published: September 2017

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the artery wall. Klotho, an anti-aging factor expressed in the vessel walls that participates in the maintenance of vascular homeostasis, can be down-regulated by inflammation. In this proof-of-concept work we seek to characterize the arterial KLOTHO expression in the vascular wall, as well as the serum concentration of this protein, in a group of patients with clinical atherosclerotic disease. In addition, we aim to analyze the relationship between Klotho and inflammation. Vascular samples were obtained from 27 patients with atherosclerotic disease under an elective vascular surgery procedure, and from 11 control subjects (cadaveric organ donation programme). qRT-PCR was performed to analyze the gene expression of KLOTHO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10. Serum levels of soluble KLOTHO were measured by ELISA. As compared with control subjects, serum concentrations and vascular expression of Klotho were lower in patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease, whereas inflammatory status was significantly higher. There was a negative and significant correlation between inflammatory parameters and Klotho. After controlling for the effect of other variables, partial correlation showed a direct relationship between vascular KLOTHO gene expression and IL-10 mRNA levels, whereas there was a negative association with serum LDL concentrations and vascular TNF-α expression. Our study indicates an inverse interrelationship between inflammation and Klotho in atherosclerosis. Further studies are necessary to elucidate whether the inflammatory state causes Klotho deficiency or, on the contrary, reduction of Klotho could be responsible for greater inflammation, and finally, to investigate the potential clinical relevance of this association.
Energy expenditure estimation using visual and inertial sensors
Authors: Tao Lili , Burghardt Tilo , Mirmehdi Majid , Damen Dima , Cooper Ashley , Camplani Massimo , Hannuna Sion , Paiement Adeline , Craddock Ian
Published: September 2017

Deriving a person's energy expenditure accurately forms the foundation for tracking physical activity levels across many health and lifestyle monitoring tasks. In this study, the authors present a method for estimating calorific expenditure from combined visual and accelerometer sensors by way of an RGB‐Depth camera and a wearable inertial sensor. The proposed individual‐independent framework fuses information from both modalities which leads to improved estimates beyond the accuracy of single modality and manual metabolic equivalents of task (MET) lookup table based methods. For evaluation, the authors introduce a new dataset called SPHERE_RGBD + Inertial_calorie, for which visual and inertial data are simultaneously obtained with indirect calorimetry ground truth measurements based on gas exchange. Experiments show that the fusion of visual and inertial data reduces the estimation error by 8 and 18% compared with the use of visual only and inertial sensor only, respectively, and by 33% compared with a MET‐based approach. The authors conclude from their results that the proposed approach is suitable for home monitoring in a controlled environment.
Action recognition from mutually incoherent pose bases in static image
Authors: Qian Yinzhong , Chen Wenbin , Shen I‐fan
Published: September 2017

Action recognition in static image is challenging. The authors propose mutually incoherent pose bases which are implicit poselet co‐occurrences and are learned by dictionary training to describe body pose. Poselets in a pose basis are not constrained in space and quantity, thus pose basis can describe body pose more flexibly than k‐poselet. In their method, body pose in an image is represented by a sparse linear combination of pose bases because pose in an action varies while each image only captures a snapshot from a single viewpoint. In dictionary training, the challenge is how to stabilise the sparse representation which is the input of Support Vector Machine (SVM) for action recognition, because the original pose signal is ambiguous while dictionary is an over complete matrix. Their solution is to add cumulative coherence as penalty in objective function and induce pose bases become mutually incoherent. They evaluate the method on two popular datasets and experiment results show the pose representation has encouraging performance in action recognition. Furthermore, they empirically exploit the complementary role of the local pose feature with deep convolutional neural network features from holistic image. Experiment results demonstrate aggressive performance improvement by concatenating the two features.
Reliability improvement considering plug‐in hybrid electric vehicles parking lots ancillary services: a stochastic multi‐criteria approach
Authors: Mohammadi‐Hosseininejad Seyed Mohsen , Fereidunian Alireza , Lesani Hamid
Published: September 2017

In this study, the electric vehicle parking lot (PL) allocation problem is solved through considering PLs ancillary services in both reliability‐related and operational programmes. The reliability‐related objective function aims to simultaneously minimise the total reliability cost and system average interruption duration index. The total cost of reliability includes: total customer interruption cost, total cost of PL installation, and PL incorporation costs. PLs can provide two ancillary services in the restoration process, including: acting as a backup unit for the interrupted zone and as a storage unit in the backup feeder, to reduce the interruption duration and congestion occurrence, respectively. Moreover, a stochastic formulation is introduced for the reliability‐based PL allocation to consider the uncertainties of restoration problem including: distribution system conditions and the available power of the participating PLs during restoration process. These uncertainties are realised through several restoration scenarios, which are derived based on historical data of outage occurrence and PLs tendency to participate in restoration process. Furthermore, energy loss and voltage deviation costs are considered in the operational objective function. Thus, both reliability‐based and operational objectives are considered in the collective objective function to optimally benefit from different PLs ancillary services. A standard test system (RBTS‐4) is employed to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.