bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient and Robust Carbon Dioxide Electroreduction Enabled by Atomically Dispersed Snδ+ Sites
Authors: Zu Xiaolong , Li Xiaodong , Liu Wei , Sun Yongfu , Xu Jiaqi , Yao Tao , Yan Wensheng , Gao Shan , Wang Chengming , Wei Shiqiang , Xie Yi
Published: February 2019

Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction at considerably low overpotentials still remains a great challenge. Here, a positively charged single‐atom metal electrocatalyst to largely reduce the overpotentials is designed and hence CO2 electroreduction performance is accelerated. Taking the metal Sn as an example, kilogram‐scale single‐atom Snδ+ on N‐doped graphene is first fabricated by a quick freeze–vacuum drying–calcination method. Synchrotron‐radiation X‐ray absorption fine structure and high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy demonstrate the atomically dispersed Sn atoms are positively charged, which enables CO2 activation and protonation to proceed spontaneously through stabilizing CO2•−* and HCOO−*, affirmed by in situ Fourier transform infrared spectra and Gibbs free energy calculations. Furthermore, N‐doping facilitates the rate‐limiting formate desorption step, verified by the decreased desorption energy from 2.16 to 1.01 eV and the elongated SnHCOO− bond length. As an result, single‐atom Snδ+ on N‐doped graphene exhibits a very low onset overpotential down to 60 mV for formate production and shows a very large turnover frequency up to 11930 h−1, while its electroreduction activity proceeds without deactivation even after 200 h. This work offers a new pathway for manipulating electrocatalytic performance.
Copper as the Target for Anticancer Nanomedicine
Authors: Shao Shiqun , Si Jingxing , Shen Youqing
Published: February 2019

Microelements such as copper are essential and involved in various biological processes and under strict homeostatic regulation. Compared to healthy individuals, cancer patients have aberrantly elevated intratumoral and systemic copper levels, which promote tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, tumor metastasis, and recurrence of diverse human cancers. Two copper‐based anticancer strategies—copper depletion therapy and copper‐based cytotoxin—have been developed for the treatment of cancers. In this review, the authors summarize the roles of copper related to cancer progression and provide the recent therapeutic advances using the copper‐based anticancer strategies and copper‐based nanomedicines. The authors also present their perspectives for further developing antitumor copper‐targeting nanomedicines for enhanced therapeutics and mitigated side effects.
Scaling Printable Zn–Ag2O Batteries for Integrated Electronics
Authors: Kumar Rajan , Johnson Kevin M. , Williams Nicholas X. , Subramanian Vivek
Published: February 2019

Printed batteries are an emerging solution for integrated energy storage using low‐cost, high accuracy fabrication techniques. While several printed batteries have been previously shown, few have designed a battery that can be incorporated into an integrated device. Specifically, a fully printed battery with a small active electrode area (<1 cm2) achieving high areal capacities (>10 mAh cm−2) at high current densities (1–10 mA cm−2) has not been demonstrated, which represents the minimum form‐factor and performance requirements for many low‐power device applications. This work addresses these challenges by investigating the scaling limits of a fully printed Zn–Ag2O battery and determining the electrochemical limitations for a mm2‐scale battery. Processed entirely in air, Zn–Ag2O batteries are well suited for integration in typical semiconductor packaging flows compared to lithium‐based chemistries. Printed cells with electrodes as small as 1 mm2 maintain steady operating voltages above (>1.4 V) at high current densities (1–12 mA cm−2) and achieve the highest reported areal capacity for a fully printed battery at 11 mAh cm−2. The findings represent the first demonstration of a small, packaged, fully printed Zn–Ag2O battery with high areal capacities at high current densities, a crucial step toward realizing chip‐scale energy storage for integrated electronic systems.
Maternal motives behind elective cesarean sections
Authors: Reyes Emaline , Rosenberg Karen
Published: February 2019

Objectives

The World Health Organization recommends a target cesarean section rate of 10‐15%. In recent years, the US has had a nation‐wide rate of 30.3% and some developed countries are even higher. Many factors account for this high rate, but our hypothesis is that women who elect cesarean section do so at least in part because of unallayed fear.

Methods

Our sample was comprised of American women of childbearing age who have not given birth but may in the near future. We received 368 online survey responses with a 92% completion rate. Responses were categorical and hypotheses tested with non‐parametric statistics.

Results

Those who reported a preference for cesarean section were significantly more likely to be extremely fearful of birth (43.9%) than those who reported a preference for vaginal delivery (20.6%). 73.2% of the cesarean section group state that fear is what influenced their birth preference, 9.8% said their fear had no influence, while in the vaginal birth group 18.9% said fear influenced their birth preference and 53.7% said it did not.

Conclusions

In our sample, women likely to elect cesarean sections are motivated at least in part by fear. They report both more extreme levels of fear than the group anticipating non‐surgical delivery and they more often say that this fear influences their birth decision. This study offers productive, non‐interventional, and inexpensive ways to address women's fears in the hope of reducing unnecessary cesarean sections.
Release of Amino‐ or Carboxy‐Containing Compounds Triggered by HOCl: Application for Imaging and Drug Design
Authors: Wei Peng , Liu Lingyan , Wen Ying , Zhao Guilong , Xue Fengfeng , Yuan Wei , Li Ruohan , Zhong Yaping , Zhang Mengfan , Yi Tao
Published: February 2019

The overproduction of HOCl is highly correlated with diseases such as atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer. Whilst acting as a marker of these diseases, HOCl might also be used as an activator of prodrugs or drug delivery systems for the treatment of the corresponding disease. In this work, a new platform of HOCl probes has been developed that integrates detection, imaging, and therapeutic functions. The probes can detect HOCl, using both NIR emission and the naked eye in vitro, with high sensitivity and selectivity at ultralow concentrations (the detection limit is at the nanomolar level). Basal levels of HOCl can be imaged in HL‐60 cells without special stimulation. Moreover, the probes provided by this platform can rapidly release either amino‐ or carboxy‐containing compounds from prodrugs, during HOCl detection and imaging, to realize a therapeutic effect.
Excited‐State Charge Transfer in Covalently Functionalized MoS2 with a Zinc Phthalocyanine Donor–Acceptor Hybrid
Authors: Canton‐Vitoria Ruben , Gobeze Habtom B. , Blas‐Ferrando Vicente M. , Ortiz Javier , Jang Youngwoo , Fernández‐Lázaro Fernando , Sastre‐Santos Ángela , Nakanishi Yusuke , Shinohara Hisanori , D'Souza Francis , Tagmatarchis Nikos
Published: February 2019

The functionalization of MoS2 is of paramount importance for tailoring its properties towards optoelectronic applications and unlocking its full potential. Zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) carrying an 1,2‐dithiolane oxide linker was used to functionalize MoS2 at defect sites located at the edges. The structure of ZnPc‐MoS2 was fully assessed by complementary spectroscopic, thermal, and microscopy imaging techniques. An energy‐level diagram visualizing different photochemical events in ZnPc‐MoS2 was established and revealed a bidirectional electron transfer leading to a charge separated state ZnPc.+‐MoS2.−. Markedly, evidence of the charge transfer in the hybrid material was demonstrated using fluorescence spectroelectrochemistry. Systematic studies performed by femtosecond transient absorption revealed the involvement of excitons generated in MoS2 in promoting the charge transfer, while the transfer was also possible when ZnPc was excited, signifying their potential in light‐energy‐harvesting devices.
Effects of two types of nanoparticles on the cure, rheological, and mechanical properties of rubber nanocomposites based on the NBR/PVC blends
Authors: Barghamadi Mohammad , Karrabi Mohammad , Ghoreishy Mir Hamid Reza , Mohammadian‐Gezaz Somayyeh
Published: February 2019

The effects of graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) and organoclay montmorillonite (OMMT) on the curing, relaxation, and the mechanical properties of acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber/polyvinyl chloride (NBR/PVC) nanocomposites were investigated. Scorch and cure times of nanocomposites reinforced with GNP increased, while these parameters for nanocomposites reinforced with OMMT decreased. Maximum torque and cure rate increased after adding the nanoparticles. In the relaxation curves, with increasing nanoparticle and acrylonitrile (ACN) content, both the slopes of short‐ and long‐term regions, raised. Cured compounds have the significantly higher initial and final modulus, the greater elastic slope, and lower viscous slope than the uncured ones. The results of the relaxation test showed that the relaxation percentage in the uncured samples was much higher than the cured ones. Also, with the addition of both GNP and OMMT, this parameter had an upward trend. DGS/DGL parameter increased with the addition of nano‐reinforcements in the uncured state while decreasing in the cured state. For example, the blend containing N3 reinforced via GNP showed an 11% increase in the uncured state, whereas 14% reduction in the cured state. Tensile strength, elastic modulus, and hardness were improved by incorporating nanoparticles, while the effect of GNP was more intense. The similar trend observed in samples with NBR type of higher ACN content. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47550.
Low‐methoxyl pectin–zeolite hydrogels controlling drug release promote in vitro wound healing
Authors: Kocaaga Banu , Kurkcuoglu Ozge , Tatlier Melkon , Batirel Saime , Guner F. Seniha
Published: February 2019

This study presents the design of novel hydrogel films, based on low‐methoxyl (LM) pectin and NaA‐ or ZnA‐zeolite particles, to serve as wound dressing materials with controlled drug delivery properties. We studied the effects of the preparation method of hydrogels, the amounts of crosslinker, drug and zeolite, and the type of cation in zeolites on the drug release mechanisms from the hydrogels. Ionic strengths of both film and external medium dictated the drug release behavior of the films, while the other parameters also played essential roles. NaA‐zeolite hydrogels prepared using membrane diffusion controlled system, could reach a drug release ratio of 86% within 5 h. The drug‐free hydrogels displayed no cytotoxicity while supporting cell proliferation and migration. Our cost‐effective LM pectin–zeolite hydrogels promise to be effective wound dressing materials with controlled drug delivery ability, transparency, good swelling properties, ability to hold fluids, good oxygen transmission rate, and biocompatibility. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47640.
Analyzing stock market trends using social media user moods and social influence
Authors: Li Daifeng , Wang Yintian , Madden Andrew , Ding Ying , Tang Jie , Sun Gordon Guozheng , Zhang Ning , Zhou Enguo
Published: February 2019

Information from microblogs is gaining increasing attention from researchers interested in analyzing fluctuations in stock markets. Behavioral financial theory draws on social psychology to explain some of the irrational behaviors associated with financial decisions to help explain some of the fluctuations. In this study we argue that social media users who demonstrate an interest in finance can offer insights into ways in which irrational behaviors may affect a stock market. To test this, we analyzed all the data collected over a 3‐month period in 2011 from Tencent Weibo (one of the largest microblogging websites in China). We designed a social influence (SI)‐based Tencent finance‐related moods model to simulate investors' irrational behaviors, and designed a Tencent Moods‐based Stock Trend Analysis (TM_STA) model to detect correlations between Tencent moods and the Hushen‐300 index (one of the most important financial indexes in China). Experimental results show that the proposed method can help explain the data fluctuation. The findings support the existing behavioral financial theory, and can help to understand short‐term rises and falls in a stock market. We use behavioral financial theory to further explain our findings, and to propose a trading model to verify the proposed model.
Rewiring the Central Metabolic Pathway for High‐Yield l‐Serine Production in Corynebacterium glutamicum by Using Glucose
Authors: Zhang Xiaomei , Lai Lianhe , Xu Guoqiang , Zhang Xiaojuan , Shi Jinsong , Koffas Mattheos A. G. , Xu Zhenghong
Published: February 2019

l‐Serine is widely used in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. The direct fermentative production of l‐serine from glucose in Corynebacterium glutamicum (C. glutamicum) has been achieved but the yield is generally low. In this study, the central metabolic pathway is rewired to direct higher accumulation of glycerate‐3‐phosphate (3‐PG), the precursor for l‐serine biosynthesis, thereby freeing up more carbon to enhance l‐serine production and yield. To this end, the native phosphotransferase system (PTS) is inactivated by deleting the gene ptsH. Meanwhile, the PTS‐independent glucose uptake pathway is activated via overexpression of iolT1, ppgk, and deletion of the transcriptional regulator gene iolR. Furthermore, metabolic changes between PTS and non‐PTS strains are elucidated using gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Based on the metabonomic and enzyme activities analysis, the glycolysis pathway upstream of 3‐PG is further enhanced by co‐overexpressing pgi, pfkA, and gapA. The resulting strain with all of the modifications mentioned above leads to the l‐serine yield of 0.30 g g−1 glucose (42.8% higher than that of the original strain), which is the highest yield in C. glutamicum by using glucose as the sole carbon source. These strategies can be expanded for the production of other value‐added chemicals derived from the intermediates of glycolysis pathway in C. glutamicum.
Mutation of a Conserved Alanine Residue in Transcription Factor AraR Leads to Hyperproduction of α‐l‐Arabinofuranosidases in Penicillium oxalicum
Authors: Gao Liwei , Li Shiying , Xu Yanning , Xia Chengqiang , Xu Jiadi , Liu Jun , Qin Yuqi , Song Xin , Liu Guodong , Qu Yinbo
Published: February 2019

α‐l‐Arabinofuranosidases are important in the degradation of plant polysaccharides and are used in several industrial processes. Although the use of filamentous fungi for the production of α‐l‐arabinofuranosidases is widely reported, there are few reports on strain engineering for enhanced production of these enzymes by fungi. In this study, the function of transcription factor AraR in l‐arabinose release and catabolism by the fungus Penicillium oxalicum (P. oxalicum) is investigated. Also, a mutant of AraR, AraRA731V, is constructed to improve the production of α‐l‐arabinofuranosidases on the basis of the sequence homology between AraR and the xylanolytic gene activator XlnR. The AraRA731V‐overexpressing strain can synthesize α‐l‐arabinofuranosidase in the absence of an inducer and shows a 54.1‐fold increase in α‐l‐arabinofuranosidase production and a 7.4‐fold increase in α‐galactosidase production in the medium containing wheat bran. Determination of the transcript abundances of lignocellulolytic enzyme genes reveals significant upregulation of multiple α‐l‐arabinofuranosidase genes and downregulation of some cellulolytic and xylanolytic enzyme genes in the engineered strain relative to its parent. Taken together, the results suggest the conserved regulatory function of AraR in the family Trichocomaceae and provide a strategy for engineering fungal strains for enhanced α‐
l‐arabinofuranosidase production.
Divergent effects of repeated cocaine and novel environment exposure on locus coeruleus c‐fos expression and brain catecholamine concentrations in rats
Authors: Lisieski Michael J. , Karavidha Klevis , Gheidi Ali , Garibyan Rafael L. , Conti Alana C. , Morrow Jonathan D. , Perrine Shane A.
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Chronic administration of cocaine causes a disinhibited, hyperexploratory response to novel environments. As the norepinephrine (NE) system regulates exploration and is dysregulated following cocaine exposure, we hypothesized that this cocaine‐mediated hyperexploratory response is associated with increased locus coeruleus (LC) reactivity.

Methods

To test this hypothesis, we used dual fluorescent in situ hybridization immunofluorescence to analyze novelty‐induced c‐fos and tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the LC and high‐pressure liquid chromatography to measure dopamine (DA) and NE concentrations in key catecholamine projection regions following exposure to cocaine.

Results

Repeated cocaine exposure followed by a 14‐day drug‐free period increased exploration of novel environments, replicating previous findings. Novelty exposure increased LC c‐fos expression, increased anterior cingulate NE, and decreased ventral tegmental area DA. Cocaine exposure decreased amygdala (AMY) DA, but had no effect on LC c‐fos expression or NE in any tested brain region. No interactions between cocaine and novelty were found. Open arm exploration was positively correlated with LC c‐fos expression and NE concentrations in both the anterior cingulate and nucleus accumbens, and negatively correlated with AMY DA concentration.

Conclusions

Our findings confirm that exposure to novel environments increases LC activity and NE in the anterior cingulate cortex, that long‐term exposure to cocaine dysregulates AMY DA, and that disinhibited exploration in novel environments correlates with NE and DA in regions that modulate risk‐taking and avoidance behavior. Further studies investigating the effects of cocaine on brain catecholamine systems are important in understanding the long‐lasting effects of cocaine on brain function.
Human cancer, the naked mole rat and faunal turnovers
Authors: Bredberg Anders , Schmitz Birger
Published: February 2019

We argue that the human evolutionary heritage with frequent adaptations through geological time to environmental change has affected a trade‐off between offspring variability and cancer resistance, and thus favored cancer‐prone individuals. We turn the attention to a factor setting the highly cancer‐resistant naked mole rat apart from most other mammals: it has remained phenotypically largely unchanged since 30‐50 million years ago. Research focusing on DNA stability mechanisms in ‘living fossil’ animals may help us find tools for cancer prevention and treatment.
Distinctive incidence patterns of follicular lymphoma in Taiwan: Implications of ethnic differences
Authors: Wu Shang‐Ju , Chen Yi‐Chu , Lo Wei‐Cheng , Chiang Chun‐Ju , Lin Chien‐Ting , Chuang Shih‐Sung , Lai Mei‐Shu
Published: February 2019

Background

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is less prevalent in Asians, but detailed epidemiological analyses were not available. This study aimed to characterize the epidemiologic features of FL in Taiwan to explore the factors relevant to disease development and prognosis.

Methods

We obtained epidemiological data for Taiwanese citizens during 1990‐2012 from Taiwan's National Cancer Registry Database, and the corresponding data for US Caucasians from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. Changes in incidence rates were evaluated with age‐period‐cohort (APC) analyses. Patient outcomes were compared with 5‐year relative survival rates (RS) estimates.

Results

Incidence rates of FL in Taiwan increased continuously during the study period (0.34 to 0.91 per 100 000 person‐year from 1993‐1997 to 2008‐2012 in men, and from 0.29 [1993‐1997] to 0.81 [2008‐2012] in women), while rates in the US remained stable in both sexes, ranging between 3.73 and 3.96 in men and between 3.24 and 3.55 in women. Estimates of average annual percentage changes in incidence were significantly positive in Taiwan, but not in US Caucasians. Notably, the APC analysis identified a strong birth‐cohort effect in Taiwan, corresponding to environmental alterations present during the study period. The estimated 5‐year RS rates in both populations showed steady improvement, but the RS in Taiwanese patients was consistently 10% lower than in US Caucasians.

Conclusion

A distinct increasing trend of incidence with a strong birth‐cohort effect was identified in Taiwan, providing evidence of the association between environmental factors and disease development.
DNA methylation‐regulated and tumor‐suppressive roles of miR‐487b in colorectal cancer via targeting MYC, SUZ12, and KRAS
Authors: Chen Xu , Lin Zhi‐feng , Xi Wen‐jin , Wang Wei , Zhang Dan , Yang Fan , Li Yu‐fang , Huo Yi , Zhang Tian‐ze , Jiang Yi‐hong , Qin Wei‐wei , Yang An‐gang , Wang Tao
Published: February 2019

Human colorectal cancer (CRC), characterized by its high morbidity and lethality, seriously threatens human health and lives. MicroRNA‐487b (miR‐487b) is currently reported to be aberrantly expressed in several tumors, but the detailed functions and underlying mechanisms of miR‐487b in CRC remain unclear. Here, we found that miR‐487b is downregulated in CRC cell lines and is markedly decreased in tumor specimens derived from CRC patients. MiR‐487b inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion and promotes the apoptosis of CRC cells in vitro. Statistical analysis of clinical samples indicates that miR‐487b may serve as a biomarker for early CRC diagnosis. Inverse correlations between the expression levels of MYC, SUZ12, and KRAS and that of miR‐487b exist in vitro and in CRC patient tissue specimens. Further experiments demonstrated the regulatory effects of miR‐487b on MYC, SUZ12, and KRAS, and the disruption of these genes partially restores the miR‐487b inhibitor‐induced phenotype. Additionally, miR‐487b promoter region is in a DNA hypermethylated condition and the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5‐aza‐2’‐deoxycytidine (5‐Aza) increases the levels of miR‐487b but suppresses the expression of MYC, SUZ12, and KRAS in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner in CRC cells. Collectively, miR‐487b is regulated by DNA methylation and it functions as a tumor suppressor in CRC mainly through targeting MYC, SUZ12, and KRAS. Our study provides insight into the regulatory network in CRC cells, offering a new target for treating CRC patients.
What is Said and What is Understood? The Readability and Language of Child Protection Medical Reports
Authors: Cutland Michelle , Sims Jo , Pye Matthew , Rourke Catherine , McMullan Kirsty , Linden Anna , Jones Steve
Published: February 2019

Key Practitioner Messages

Child protection medical reports provide the voice and opinion of a paediatrician, and must be readable by all.

Child protection medical reports should include a professional opinion even if the opinion is one of being unsure.

Simple measures can improve the readability of reports.

A number of descriptive words are used in the opinions of reports. Standardisation of these could be encouraged to reduce misinterpretation.

‘Child protection medical reports provide the voice and opinion of a paediatrician, and must be readable by all’
Transcatheter aortic valve in valve implantation with bioprosthetic valve fracture
Authors: James Taylor M. , Stamou Sotiris C. , Rothenberg Mark , Nores Marcos A.
Published: February 2019

Valve‐in‐valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (VIV TAVR) has emerged as a preferable option for high surgical risk patients requiring redo aortic valve replacement. However, VIV TAVR may restrict flow, especially in small native aortic valves. To remedy this, bioprosthetic valve fracture has been utilized to increase the effective orifice area and improve hemodynamics. We present three cases in which bioprosthetic valve fracture was used to increase hemodynamic flow in VIV TAVR procedures.
Transapical percutaneous closure of rapidly expanding post‐surgical left ventricular outflow tract pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Al‐Hijji Mohammed A. , Guerrero Mayra , Rihal Charanjit S. , Eleid Mackram F.
Published: February 2019

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm is an infrequent but potentially fatal complication following cardiac surgery, with spontaneous rupture being the most feared result. Moreover, surgical repair is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We present a successful transapical percutaneous closure of a post‐surgical rapidly expanding left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) pseudoaneurysm utilizing Amplatz Vascular Plug‐II (AVP‐II) (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN) with the aid of 3D prototyping for pre‐procedural planning.
Index of microvascular resistance to assess the effect of rosuvastatin on microvascular function in women with chest pain and no obstructive coronary artery disease: A double‐blind randomized study
Authors: Solberg Ole Geir , Stavem Knut , Ragnarsson Asgrimur , Beitnes Jan‐Otto , Skårdal Rita , Seljeflot Ingebjørg , Ueland Thor , Aukrust Pål , Gullestad Lars , Aaberge Lars
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Many women undergoing coronary angiography for chest pain have no or only minimal coronary artery disease (CAD). However, despite the lack of obstructive CAD, they still have an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. Pleiotropic effects of statins may influence microvascular function, but if statins improve microvascular function in unselected chest pain patients is not well studied. This study assessed microvascular function by using the thermodilution‐derived test “the index of microvascular resistance” (IMR) with the aim of determining the (i) IMR level in women with chest pain and non‐obstructive CAD and if (ii) IMR is modified by high‐dose statin treatment in these patients. Additional objectives were to identify the influence of statins on the health status as assessed with generic health questionnaires and on biomarkers of endothelial activation.

Materials and methods

The study was a randomized, double‐blind, single‐center trial comparing 6 months of rosuvastatin treatment with placebo. In total, 66 women without obstructive CAD were included. Mean age was 52.7 years and 55.5 years in the placebo and rosuvastatin group, respectively. Microvascular function was assessed using the IMR, health status was assessed using the SF‐36 and EQ‐5D questionnaires, and biochemical values were assessed at baseline and 6 months later.

Results and conclusions

In the placebo group IMR was 14.6 (SD 5.7) at baseline and 14.4 (SD 6.5) at follow‐up. In the rosuvastatin group IMR was 16.5 (SD 7.5) at baseline and 14.2 (SD 5.8) at follow‐up. IMR did not differ significantly between the two study groups at follow‐up controlled for preintervention values. C‐reactive protein (CRP) was comparable between the groups at baseline, while at follow‐up CRP was significantly lower in the rosuvastatin group compared to placebo [0.6 (±0.5) mg/L vs. 2.6 (±3.0) mg/L; p = 0.002]. Whereas rosuvastatin treatment for 6 months attenuated CRP levels, it did not improve microvascular function as assessed by IMR (Clinical Trials.gov NCT 01582165, EUDRACT 2011‐002630‐39.3tcAZ).
Programming Rotary Motions with a Hexagonal DNA Nanomachine
Authors: Yang Yangyang , Zhang Shiwei , Yao Shengtao , Pan Rizhao , Hidaka Kumi , Emura Tomoko , Fan Chunhai , Sugiyama Hiroshi , Xu Yufang , Endo Masayuki , Qian Xuhong
Published: February 2019

Biological macromolecular machines perform impressive mechanical movements. F‐adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase uses a proton gradient to generate ATP through mechanical rotations. Here, a programmed hexagonal DNA nanomachine, in which a three‐armed DNA nanostructure (TAN) can perform stepwise rotations in the confined nanospace powered by DNA fuels, is demonstrated. The movement of TAN can precisely go through a 60° rotation, which is confirmed by atomic force microscopy, and each stepwise directional rotating is monitored by fluorescent measurements. Moreover, the rotary nanomachine is used to spatially organize cascade enzymes: glucose oxidase (GOx) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in four different arrangements. The multistep regulations of the biocatalytic activities are achieved by employing TAN rotations. This work presents a new prototype of rotary nanodevice with both angular and directional control, and provides a nanoscale mechanical engineering platform for the reactive molecular components, demonstrating that DNA‐based framework may have significant roles in futuristic nanofactory construction.
Single‐phase common mode transformer‐less soft‐switching grid‐connected inverter with eliminated leakage current
Authors: Tofigh Azary Mehdi , Sabahi Mehran , Babaei Ebrahim
Published: February 2019

In this paper, a single‐phase single‐stage soft‐switching transformer‐less grid‐tied common mode inverter is proposed, which is useful for injection of power from the photovoltaic (PV) panels to the grid. One of the output ports of the PV panel in the proposed topology can be connected directly to the neutral point of the grid to eliminate the leakage current. The proposed topology has buck‐boost ability, besides soft switching capability to have a proper efficiency. Furthermore, the proposed converter can operate in unity power factor, therefore the proposed converter has most of the features needed for a PV inverter. A full analysis of the converter is done. Also, a suitable switching algorithm for correct operation of the converter is presented. Moreover, the design technique for the passive elements of the topology is demonstrated. The voltage gain of the converter is calculated. The leakage current of the proposed inverter due to the low‐ and high‐frequency voltage ripple of the PV panel has been discussed. Simulation results in PSCAD EMTDC plus experimental results from a laboratory prototype are added to substantiate the theoretical results. Eventually, a comprehensive comparison study is presented to compare the proposed topology with the most similar converters.
Education, dissemination, and the science of eating disorders: Reflections on the 2019 International Conference on Eating Disorders
Authors: Forbush Kelsie T. , Crosby Ross D. , Coniglio Kathryn , Haynos Ann F.
Published: February 2019

Objective

This virtual issue of the International Journal of Eating Disorders highlights recently published research that aligns with the broad themes of the 2019 International Conference on Eating Disorders (ICED), held in New York, NY, USA.

Methods and results

We selected articles that were published between 2017 and 2019 that complement the content of the keynote and plenary sessions. We also curated additional articles from early career scholars, given that an important component of the annual ICED is to foster the development and training of the next generation of eating‐disorder clinicians and researchers.

Discussion

We hope that this virtual issue will spark more in‐depth discussion and reflection on the topics, questions, and critical advances in the field of eating disorders that were presented at the 2019 ICED.
High risk of heart failure associated with desmoglein‐2 mutations compared to plakophilin‐2 mutations in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia
Authors: Hermida Alexis , Fressart Véronique , Hidden‐Lucet Francoise , Donal Erwan , Probst Vincent , Deharo Jean‐Claude , Chevalier Philippe , Klug Didier , Mansencal Nicolas , Delacretaz Etienne , Cosnay Pierre , Scanu Patrice , Extramiana Fabrice , Keller Dagmar I. , Rouanet Stephanie , Charron Philippe , Gandjbakhch Estelle
Published: February 2019

Background

Previous studies suggested that genetic status affects the clinical course of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia (ARVC/D) patients. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of desmoglein‐2 (DSG2) mutation carriers to those who carry the plakophilin‐2 (PKP2) mutation, the most common ARVC/D‐associated gene.

Methods and results

Consecutive ARVC/D patients carrying a pathogenic mutation in PKP2 or DSG2 were selected from a national ARVC/D registry. The cumulative freedom from sustained ventricular arrhythmia and cardiac transplantation/death from heart failure (HF) during follow‐up was assessed, compared between PKP2 and DSG2, and predictors for ventricular arrhythmia and HF events determined. Overall, 118 patients from 78 families were included: 27 (23%) carried a DSG2 mutation and 91 (77%) a PKP2 mutation. There were no significant differences between DSG2 and PKP2 mutation carriers concerning gender, proband status, age at diagnosis, T‐wave inversion, or right ventricular dysfunction at baseline. DSG2 patients displayed more frequent epsilon wave (37% vs. 17%, P = 0.048) and left ventricular dysfunction at diagnosis (54% vs. 10%, P < 0.001). During a median follow‐up of 5.6 years (2.5–16), DSG2 and PKP2 mutation carriers displayed a similar risk of sustained ventricular arrhythmia (log‐rank P = 0.20), but DSG2 mutation carriers were at higher risk of transplantation/HF‐related death (log‐rank P < 0.001). The presence of a DSG2 mutation vs. PKP2 mutation was a predictor of transplantation/HF‐related death in univariate Cox analysis (P = 0.0005).

Conclusions

In this multicentre cohort, DSG2 mutation carriers were found to be at high risk of end‐stage HF compared to PKP2 mutation carriers, supporting careful haemodynamic monitoring of these patients. The benefit of early HF treatment needs to be assessed in DSG2 carriers.
Can Tenax Extraction Be Used as a Surrogate Exposure Metric for Laboratory-Based Bioaccumulation Tests Using Marine Sediments?
Authors: Sinche Federico L. , Lotufo Guilherme R. , Landrum Peter , Lydy Michael J.
Published: February 2019

The Tenax technique was used as an alternative exposure metric to assess the bioavailability of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from contaminated marine sediments. The sediments used were collected from 2 Superfund sites, New Bedford Harbor (MA, USA) and Gould Island (RI, USA). No sieving was conducted for either sediment after arrival, and sediments were stored in stainless steel drums at 2.8 to 4.0 °C in the dark until use. Exhaustive chemical extractions, single-point 24-h Tenax extractions, and 14-d bioaccumulation tests using the amphipod Leptocheirus plumulosus were conducted for both sediments. The sum of 119 PCB congeners from total exhaustive chemical extraction in the New Bedford Harbor and Gould Island sediments were 1084 and 188.2 µg/g organic carbon, respectively. The PCB concentrations from the bioaccumulation tests and Tenax extractions showed that both exposure metrics followed a similar trend in amount and distribution of PCB congeners. The results from both exposure metrics were fit into a log–log linear regression, and then compared with a previously developed log–log linear model for freshwater organisms. The results showed that although the marine data fell within the prediction intervals of the freshwater linear model, the marine regression followed a lower trajectory due to the differences in both the slopes and intercepts between the marine and freshwater regressions. The present study showed a strong relationship between Tenax and marine invertebrate PCB concentrations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:1188–1197. © 2019 SETAC
Catch and Release: The Effectiveness of an Educational Class for Anglers Caught with Fishing Citations
Authors: Saul Steven , Capielo Rosario Cristalís
Published: February 2019

Formal regulatory structures, such as government-imposed size limits or bag limits, are standard tools used by managers to achieve fisheries management in most countries. Regulations are most effective if followed by the angling community, which is predicated upon anglers understanding and accepting the regulations. To enhance compliance with fishing regulations and improve the management of fisheries resources, Biscayne and Everglades National Parks established a Fisheries Education Class program that was open to the community and available to anglers cited with a fishing violation in exchange for a reduced or waived fine. Here, we describe this program and quantitatively evaluate its effectiveness by measuring and comparing the self-efficacy and attitudes of participants before and after the class using generalized linear models with repeated measures. Results showed that the Fisheries Education Class was effective at improving the self-efficacy of anglers toward understanding and applying the regulations and improved the attitudes of the participants toward fishing regulations.
Frequentist and Bayesian meta‐regression of health state utilities for multiple myeloma incorporating systematic review and analysis of individual patient data
Authors: Hatswell Anthony J. , Burns Darren , Baio Gianluca , Wadelin Frances
Published: February 2019

This analysis presents the results of a systematic review for health state utilities in multiple myeloma, as well as analysis of over 9,000 observations taken from registry and trial data. The 27 values identified from 13 papers are then synthesised in a frequentist nonparametric bootstrap model and a Bayesian meta‐regression. Results were similar between the frequentist and Bayesian models with low utility on disease diagnosis (approximately 0.55), raising to approximately 0.65 on first line treatment and declining slightly with each subsequent line. Stem cell transplant was also found to be a significant predictor of health‐related quality of life in both individual patient data and meta‐regression, with an increased utility of approximately 0.06 across different models. The work presented demonstrates the feasibility of Bayesian methods for utility meta‐regression, whilst also presenting an internally consistent set of data from the analysis of registry data. To facilitate easy updating of the data and model, data extraction tables and model code are provided as Data S1. The main limitations of the model relate to the low number of studies available, particularly in highly pretreated patients.
National Cancer Database Analysis of the effect of brachytherapy on overall survival in patients with base of tongue cancer
Authors: Silva Scott R. , Martin Brendan , Choi Mehee , Emami Bahman , Hurst Newton J.
Published: February 2019

Background

We performed an analysis of the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to evaluate overall survival (OS) in patients with base of tongue (BOT) cancer treated with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) combined with brachytherapy (BT).

Methods

The tongue NCDB Participant User File was used to obtain demographic and clinical patient data. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to determine OS. Significance was determined using univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

At 3 years, OS was 69.6%, 77.1%, and 63.7% for patients treated with EBRT (n = 27 954), EBRT + BT (n = 209), or BT alone (n = 154), respectively (P = .01). On multivariable analysis, the instantaneous hazard of death for patients receiving EBRT + BT was 25% (Hazard ratio [HR] = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.58‐0.98) lower than patients receiving only EBRT (P = .03).

Conclusions

The addition of BT to EBRT in BOT cancer has an OS benefit.
LOC152742 as a biomarker in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis infection
Authors: Wang LiMin , Xie BaoQuan , Zhang PanPan , Ge Yanlei , Wang Yuan , Zhang Dan
Published: February 2019

Aim

Long intergenic noncoding RNAs are long noncoding transcripts from the intergenic regions of annotated protein‐coding genes. The elevated expression of long noncoding RNA (lnRNA) LOC152742 has been found in tuberculosis infection yet its roles in antimycobacterial responses remain to be elucidated.

Patients and methods

In this study, the expression levels of LOC152742 in sputum, plasma of normal individuals, active tuberculosis patients, obsolete tuberculosis patients, and individuals affected with bacillus Calmette‐Guerin (BCG) were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), and the sensitivity and specificity of the candidate biomarker LOC152742 were obtained. At the same time, the expression levels of LOC152742 in pulmonary epithelial and macrophages cells infected with H37Ra or H37Rv were detected by qRT‐PCR.

Results

LOC152742 in sputum and plasma had a higher specificity in active tuberculosis compared with that in obsolete tuberculosis and BCG patients. Additionally, LOC152742 in pulmonary epithelial cells macrophages infected with H37Ra or H37Rv was increased significantly compared with uninfected groups indicating that LOC152742 may potentially act as a novel biomarker for diagnosis and therapy of active tuberculosis.
Bone marrow stromal cells transplantation promotes the resolution and recanalization of deep vein thrombosis in rabbits through regulating macrophage infiltration and angiogenesis
Authors: Zhang Jingyong , Kong Xiangqian , Jin Xing , Gao Peixian , Wang Maohua , Yang Le
Published: February 2019

This study aims to validate whether bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) transplantation could promote the resolution and recanalization of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and to explore the underlying mechanism. The right hind femoral vein was embolized to establish the DVT rabbit model. BMSCs from New Zealand white rabbits were isolated and identified, and then injected into DVT rabbits. After that, the extent of angiogenesis was determined by the amount of capillaries that were positive for antibody against vWF. Macrophage infiltration was measured by immunohistochemistry with F4/80 antibody. M1 or M2 macrophages were identified as F4/80 + CD11c
+ or F4/80 + CD206
+ cells by using flow cytometry analysis, respectively. BMSCs were successfully isolated and identified. BMSCs transplantation promotes macrophage infiltration and angiogenesis in DVT rabbits. BMSCs transplantation causes M1/M2 polarization, altered cytokine production and increased monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP‐1) protein expression in DVT rabbits. However, injection of MCP‐1 protein not only reversed the effects of BMSCs transplantation on macrophage infiltration and angiogenesis, but also reversed the effects of BMSCs transplantation on M1/M2 polarization and cytokine production in DVT rabbits. BMSCs transplantation promotes the resolution and recanalization of DVT in rabbits through regulating macrophage infiltration and angiogenesis, the underlying mechanism is associated with MCP‐1 expression.
A review on coronary artery disease, its risk factors, and therapeutics
Authors: Malakar Arup Kr. , Choudhury Debashree , Halder Binata , Paul Prosenjit , Uddin Arif , Chakraborty Supriyo
Published: February 2019

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the major cardiovascular diseases affecting the global human population. This disease has been proved to be the major cause of death in both the developed and developing countries. Lifestyle, environmental factors, and genetic factors pose as risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of risk factors among healthy individuals elucidates the probable occurrence of CAD in near future. Genome‐wide association studies have suggested the association of chromosome 9p21.3 in the premature onset of CAD. The risk factors of CAD include diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, hyperlipidemia, obesity, homocystinuria, and psychosocial stress. The eradication and management of CAD has been established through extensive studies and trials. Antiplatelet agents, nitrates, β‐blockers, calcium antagonists, and ranolazine are some of the few therapeutic agents used for the relief of symptomatic angina associated with CAD.
Identification of 8‐miRNAs as biomarkers for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Yu Yuanjie , Zhu Jie , Liu Juan , Huang Mengjun , Wan Jin‐Xiang
Published: February 2019

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) poses serious threats to humans. Several studies have studied the biomarkers associated with NAFLD; however, the results vary because of the differences in the sequencing platform, sample selection, and filter conditions. This study aimed to explore the key microRNAs (miRNAs) of NAFLD by a systematic bioinformatics analysis. A total of 10 qualified NAFLD miRNA data sets were selected through a literature review. Signature miRNAs were identified by overlap comparison. The target genes of miRNAs were predicted by TargetScan software and functional enrichment, and transcription factor (TF) binding analysis of target genes was carried out by the database for annotation, visualization, and integrated discovery and Tfacts database, respectively. A total of three upregulated miRNAs and five downregulated miRNAs were identified in the NAFLD tissue. The target genes of upregulated miRNAs mainly enriched in the RNA polymerase II promoter transcriptional regulation, chromatin remodeling process, and O‐glycan synthesis, circadian rhythm, and endocytosis; the target genes of downregulated miRNAs mainly enriched in the transcriptional regulation of DNA as a template, negative regulation process of protein phosphorylation, and Fc epsilon RI signaling pathways, Ras signaling pathways and the interaction between cytokines and cytokines. Besides, 136 interactions were formed between 62 TFs and 45 target genes of upregulated miRNA, whereas 157 interactions were formed between 72 TFs and 45 target genes of downregulated miRNA. Both contained 102 TFs, and 32 TFs were present in both target genes. To summarize, we identified an eight‐miRNA set as a signature for NAFLD, which will benefit the clinical treatment of NAFLD.
Successful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography using pancreatic guidewire placement for biliary cannulation in a patient with situs inversus and Billroth‐I gastrectomy (with video)
Authors: Tanisaka Yuki , Ryozawa Shomei , Sudo Kosuke , Fujita Akashi , Mizuide Masafumi , Nonaka Kouichi , Tashima Tomoaki
Published: February 2019

We reported a 95‐year‐old man with cholangitis who underwent Billroth‐I gastrectomy. He was diagnosed with situs inversus viscerum and ERCP was performed. A stable field of view could not be secured due to anatomical factors (Billroth‐I gastrectomy) and strong respiratory variations. However, pancreatic duct cannulation was possible. A pancreatic guidewire was placed to achieve selective biliary cannulation. This stabilized the field of view. The catheter was inserted on the right side of the guidewire. Cannulation to the 1 o'clock direction achieved biliary cannulation. Intended procedure was completed safely in the present case.