bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of fibroblast growth factor‐21 (FGF‐21) protects mesenchymal stem cells against caspase‐dependent apoptosis induced by oxidative stress and inflammation
Authors: Linares Gabriel R. , Leng Yan , Maric Dragan , Chuang De‐Maw
Published: June 2020

The clinical application of stem cells offers great promise as a potential avenue for therapeutic use in neurodegenerative diseases. However, cell loss after transplantation remains a major challenge, which currently plagues the field. On the basis of our previous findings that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF‐21) protected neurons from glutamate excitotoxicity and that upregulation of FGF‐21 in a rat model of ischemic stroke was associated with neuroprotection, we proposed that overexpression of FGF‐21 protects bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from apoptosis. To test this hypothesis, we examined whether the detrimental effects of apoptosis can be mitigated by the transgenic overexpression of FGF‐21 in MSCs. FGF‐21 was transduced into MSCs by lentivirus and its overexpression was confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, FGF‐21 overexpression did not stimulate the expression of other FGF family members, suggesting it does not activate a positive feedback system. The effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and staurosporine, known inducers of apoptosis, were evaluated in FGF‐21 overexpressing MSCs and mCherry control MSCs. Caspases 3 and 7 activity was markedly and dose‐dependently increased by all three stimuli in mCherry MSCs. FGF‐21 overexpression robustly suppressed caspase activation induced by H2O2 and TNF‐α, but not staurosporine. Moreover, the assessment of apoptotic morphological changes confirmed the protective effects of FGF‐21 overexpression. Taken together, these results provide compelling evidence that FGF‐21 plays a crucial role in protecting MSCs from apoptosis induced by oxidative stress and inflammation and merits further investigation as a strategy for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of stem cell‐based therapies.
New onset of Bell’s palsy in a patient with West Nile Encephalitis
Authors: Vaysman Tetyana , Melkonyan Anna , Liu Antonio
Published: June 2020

The case report presented a patient who was diagnosed with West Nile virus encephalitis and developed new onset of Bell's palsy within 8 days of diagnosis. Given the incidence of WNV, it would be beneficial to evaluate WNV‐infected patients for peripheral neuropathy which nowadays has quite practical implication.
Rich Bismuth‐Oxygen Bonds in Bismuth Derivatives from Bi2S3 Pre‐Catalysts Promote the Electrochemical Reduction of CO2
Authors: Wang Yating , Cheng Ling , Liu Jinze , Xiao Chuqian , Zhang Bei , Xiong Qionghao , Zhang Tao , Jiang Zilong , Jiang Hao , Zhu Yihua , Li Yuhang , Li Chunzhong
Published: June 2020

The greenhouse effect and climate change caused by carbon dioxide (CO2) have become global challenges. Electrochemical reduction is one of the most promising paths to convert CO2 into a feedstock such as formate for the synthesis of value‐added chemicals and fuels. We first performed theoretical calculations to predict the activity of bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) for CO2 electroreduction. The analysis of the reaction energetics indicates that the increased number of Bi−O bonds lowers the formation energy of the key *OCHO intermediate, and thus improves the production of formate. The Bi/Bi2O3 electrocatalyst rich in Bi−O bonds was experimentally prepared from a nanorod‐like Bi2S3 pre‐catalyst, which shows electrocatalytic activity to generate formate with a Faradaic efficiency of over 80 % at −1.0 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and durability for more than 20 h. This research opens up avenues for the rational design of selective Bi‐based CO2‐to‐formate electrocatalysts.
A “Thermodynamically Stable” 2D Nickel Metal–Organic Framework over a Wide pH Range with Scalable Preparation for Efficient C2s over C1 Hydrocarbon Separations
Authors: Sahoo Rupam , Chand Santanu , Mondal Manas , Pal Arun , Pal Shyam Chand , Rana Malay Kumar , Das Madhab C.
Published: June 2020

The design and construction of “thermodynamically stable” metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) that can survive in liquid water, boiling water, and acidic/basic solutions over a wide pH range is highly desirable for many practical applications, especially adsorption‐based gas separations with obvious scalable preparations. Herein, a new thermodynamically stable Ni MOF, {[Ni(L)(1,4‐NDC)(H2O)2]}n (IITKGP‐20; L=4,4′‐azobispyridine; 1,4‐NDC=1,4‐naphthalene dicarboxylic acid; IITKGP stands for the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur), has been designed that displays moderate porosity with a BET surface area of 218 m2 g−1 and micropores along the [10−1] direction. As an alternative to a cost‐intensive, cryogenic, high‐pressure distillation process for the separation of hydrocarbons, MOFs have recently shown promise for such separations. Thus, towards an application standpoint, this MOF exhibits a higher uptake of C2 hydrocarbons over that of C1 hydrocarbon under ambient conditions, with one of the highest selectivities based on the ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) method. A combination of two strategies (the presence of stronger metal–N coordination of the spacer and the hydrophobicity of the aromatic moiety of the organic ligand) possibly makes the framework highly robust, even stable in boiling water and over a wide range of pH 2–10, and represents the first example of a thermodynamically stable MOF displaying a 2D structural network. Moreover, this material is easily scalable by heating the reaction mixture at reflux overnight. Because such separations are performed in the presence of water vapor and acidic gases, there is a great need to explore thermodynamically stable MOFs that retain not only structural integrity, but also the porosity of the frameworks.
Engineering Crystals Using sp3‐C Centred Tetrel Bonding Interactions
Authors: Roeleveld Julius J. , Lekanne Deprez Siebe J. , Verhoofstad Abraham , Frontera Antonio , van der Vlugt Jarl Ivar , Mooibroek Tiddo Jonathan
Published: June 2020

1,1,2,2‐Tetracyanocyclopropane derivatives1and2were designed and synthesized to probe the utility of sp3‐C centred tetrel bonding interactions in crystal engineering. The crystal packing of1and2and their 1,4‐dioxane cocrystals is dominated by sp3‐C(CN)2⋅⋅⋅O interactions, has significant C⋅⋅⋅O van der Waals overlap (≤0.266 Å) and DFT calculations indicate interaction energies of up to −11.0 kcal mol−1. A cocrystal of2with 1,4‐thioxane reveals that the cyclopropane synthon prefers interacting with O over S. Computational analyses revealed that the electropositive C2(CN)4pocket in1and2can be seen as a strongly directional ‘tetrel‐bond donor’, similar to halogen bond or hydrogen bond donors. This disclosure is expected to have implications for the utility of such ‘tetrel bond donors’ in molecular disciplines such as crystal engineering, supramolecular chemistry, molecular recognition and medicinal chemistry.
Core Charge Density Dominated Size‐Conversion from Au6P8 to Au8P8Cl2
Authors: Lv Ying , Zhao Ruoya , Weng Shiyin , Yu Haizhu
Published: June 2020

The stimulus‐response of metal nanoclusters is crucial to their applications in catalysis and bio‐clinics, etc. However, its mechanistic origin has not been well studied. Herein, the mechanism of the AuIPPh3Cl‐induced size‐conversion from [Au6(DPPP)4]2+ to [Au8(DPPP)4Cl2]2+ (DPPP is short for 1,3‐bis(diphenylphosphino)propane) is theoretically investigated with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The optimal size‐growth pathway, and the key structural parameters were elucidated. The Au−P bond dissociation steps are key to the size‐growth, the easiness of which was determined by the charge density of the metallic core of the cluster precursors (i.e., “core charge density”). This study sheds light on the inherent structure–reactivity relationships during the size‐conversion, and will benefit the deep understanding on the kinetics of more complex systems.
Synthesis of N‐Aryl‐ and N‐alkyl‐Substituted Imidazolium Silver Complexes: Cytotoxic Screening by Using Human Cell Lines Modelling Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
Authors: Alme Eirin , Törnroos Karl Wilhelm , Gjertsen Bjørn Tore , Bjørsvik Hans‐René
Published: June 2020

A series of N‐aryl‐ and N‐alkyl substituted imidazoles has been synthesised and complexed with Ag+ to obtain silver‐NHC complexes of the form [Ag(NHC)2]X. These silver‐NHC complexes were tested in vitro against the human cell lines HL‐60 and MOLM‐13, which both model acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). A substantial difference in cytotoxicity was revealed varying in the range 13–4 μM and 22–9 μM for HL‐60 and MOLM‐13, respectively. Furthermore, this study revealed that when an alkyl group is installed on the imidazole scaffold, its position substantially influences the cytotoxicity of the corresponding silver NHC complex.
Application of multidimensional structural characterization to detect and describe moderate forest disturbance
Authors: Atkins Jeff W. , Bond‐Lamberty Ben , Fahey Robert T. , Haber Lisa T. , Stuart‐Haëntjens Ellen , Hardiman Brady S. , LaRue Elizabeth , McNeil Brenden E. , Orwig David A. , Stovall Atticus E. L. , Tallant Jason M. , Walter Jonathan A. , Gough Christopher M.
Published: June 2020

The study of vegetation community and structural change has been central to ecology for over a century, yet the ways in which disturbances reshape the physical structure of forest canopies remain relatively unknown. Moderate severity disturbances affect different canopy strata and plant species, resulting in variable structural outcomes and ecological consequences. Terrestrial lidar (light detection and ranging) offers an unprecedented view of the interior arrangement and distribution of canopy elements, permitting the derivation of multidimensional measures of canopy structure that describe several canopy structural traits (CSTs) with known links to ecosystem function. We used lidar‐derived CSTs within a machine learning framework to detect and describe the structural changes that result from various disturbance agents, including moderate severity fire, ice storm damage, age‐related senescence, hemlock woolly adelgid, beech bark disease, and chronic acidification. We found that fire and ice storms primarily affected the amount and position of vegetation within canopies, while acidification, senescence, pathogen, and insect infestation altered canopy arrangement and complexity. Only two of the six disturbance agents significantly reduced leaf area, counter to common assumptions regarding many moderate severity disturbances. While findings are limited in their generalizability due to lack of replication among disturbances, they do suggest that the current limitations of standard disturbance detection methods—such as optical‐based remote sensing platforms, which are often above‐canopy perspectives—limit our ability to understand the full ecological and structural impacts of disturbance, and to evaluate the consistency of structural patterns within and among disturbance agents. A more broadly inclusive definition of ecological disturbance that incorporates multiple aspects of canopy structural change may potentially improve the modeling, detection, and prediction of functional implications of moderate severity disturbance as well as broaden our understanding of the ecological impacts of disturbance.
Synthesis of Nickel(II) Complexes of Novel Naphthalimide Based Heterodipodal Schiff Base Ligands, Structure, Characterization and Application for Degradation of Pesticides
Authors: Sidhu Jagpreet Singh , Raj Pushap , Pandiyan Thangarasu , Singh Narinder
Published: June 2020

To degrade the highly toxic pesticide into less harmful components, we have synthesized four nickel complexes of naphthalimide based organic ligands. These complexes catalyze the hydrolysis of phosphorothioate bonds of organophosphates in an aqueous medium. The metal complexes {[Ni(L1)2]–[Ni(L4)2]} were synthesized by the electrochemical method and characterized using single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography and mass spectrometry. Analytical techniques revealed that complexes are mononuclear and possess octahedral geometry. The rate of degradation of chlorpyriphos and parathion methyl was evaluated using 31P NMR and LC‐MS chromatogram. The by‐product of chlorpyriphos upon catalytic degradation with complex was confirmed from mass spectrometry. It was found that chlorpyriphos degrade into 3,5,6‐trichloropyridin‐2‐ol after 50 minutes of incubation with catalyst. However, parathion methyl took only 20 minutes to hydrolyze into its by‐product. Moreover, the inhibition assay of acetylcholinesterase was performed for pesticides in the presence of metal complex and the interesting outcome was recorded.
A Facile, Sensitive and Rapid Sensing Platform Based on CoZnO for Detection of Fipronil; an Environmental Toxin
Authors: Kumar Sanni , Vasylieva Natalia , Singh Vikrant , Hammock Bruce , Singh Shiv Govind
Published: June 2020

A sensitive detection of extremely toxic phenylpyrazole insecticide, ‘Fipronil’ is presented. Currently, the advancement of approaches for the detection of insecticides at low concentrations with less time is important for environmental safety assurance. Considering this fact, an effort has been made to develop an electrospun CoZnO nanofiber (NF) based label‐free electrochemical system for the detection of fipronil. The CoZnO NF were characterized using different techniques including field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), Energy Dispersive X‐Ray Analysis (EDX), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman Spectroscopy. Based on the experimental results, the proposed platform displayed a linear response for fipronil in the attogram/mL range despite the multiple interfering agents. The sensitivity of the device was found to be 3.99 KΩ (g/ml)−1 cm−2. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were calculated and found to be 112 ag mL−1 and 340 ag mL−1 respectively. Further, this proposed sensor will be implemented in the fields for the rapid and proficient detection of the real samples.
Employing Label‐free Electrochemical Biosensor Based on 3D‐Reduced Graphene Oxide and Polyaniline Nanofibers for Ultrasensitive Detection of Breast Cancer BRCA1 Biomarker
Authors: Xia Ya‐Mu , Li Meng‐Ying , Chen Cheng‐Long , Xia Meng , Zhang Wen , Gao Wei‐Wei
Published: June 2020

A label‐free DNA biosensor based on three‐dimensional reduced graphene oxide (3D‐rGO) and polyaniline (PANI) nanofibers modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was successfully developed for supersensitive detection of breast cancer BRCA1. The results demonstrated that 3D‐rGO and PANI nanofibers had synergic effects for reducing the charge transfer resistance (Rct), meaning a huge enhancement in electrochemical activity of 3D‐rGO‐PANI/GCE. Probe DNA could be immobilized on 3D‐rGO‐PANI/GCE for special and sensitive recognition of target DNA (1.0×10−15–1.0×10−7 M) with a theoretical LOD of 3.01×10−16 M (3S/m). Furthermore, this proposed nano‐biosensor could directly detect BRCA1 in real blood samples.
Metal−Organic Frameworks toward Electrochemical Sensors: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Chuang Cheng‐Hsun , Kung Chung‐Wei
Published: June 2020

Owing to their fascinating characteristics, metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted great attention and been utilized in a range of applications. The use of MOFs in electrochemical sensors has become an emerging subfield since 2013. However, the poor chemical stability in aqueous solutions and low electrical conductivity of most MOFs become two main concerns that hinder the use of pristine MOFs in electroanalytical systems. In this short review, we aim to focus on these issues and provide perspectives regarding the opportunities and possible strategies in future studies to overcome these challenges in order to design the MOF‐based electrochemical sensors.
Simultaneous determination of 20 bioactive components in Chuanxiong Rhizoma from different production origins in Sichuan province by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry combined with multivariate statistical analysis
Authors: Wang Xiaoxiao , Yao Yixin , An Chang , Li Xi , Xiang Fangtao , Dong Yangli , Li Maosen
Published: June 2020

Chuanxiong Rhizoma is a commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. Chuanxiong Rhizoma is widely distributed in Sichuan province, China, including the cities of Dujiangyan, Pengzhou, Meishan, Qionglai, and Shifang. However, reports on the comparisons of quality of Chuanxiong Rhizoma of different production origins are limited. Therefore, an ultra‐HPLC with triple quadrupole MS method was developed for the determination of 20 bioactive components (12 aromatic acids and eight phthalides) in 36 samples from different production origins and further assessed its quality. The contents of these 20 constituents of samples were analyzed by hierarchical cluster analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis; the result indicated that Chuanxiong Rhizoma of different production origins had some differences. Thirteen constituents of quality difference markers were acquired by variable importance for the project. Furthermore, the sum of the contents of these quality difference markers was different from various production origins of Chuanxiong Rhizoma. Meanwhile, Z‐ligustilide and senkyunolide A as main constituents of quality difference markers, the rate of various production origins of Chuanxiong Rhizoma was different. This study provides a foundation for the quality assessment of Chuanxiong Rhizoma.
Effect of Additives on Ni‐Based Catalysts for Hydrogen‐Enriched Production from Steam Reforming of Biomass
Authors: Wang Xuetao , Su Xiaoxin , Zhang Qianwei , Hu Haipeng
Published: June 2020

The catalytic steam reforming of biomass for hydrogen production is investigated in a fixed‐bed reactor. A suitable additive and precursor is found in various additives (cobalt, strontium, and lanthanum) and nickel salt precursors (nickel nitrate, nickel acetate, nickel chloride, and nickel sulfate). Synthesized samples are characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), NH3 temperature‐programmed desorption (TPD), H2 temperature‐programmed reduction (TPR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results show that Co and La doping of the Ni/Al2O3 catalyst improves the dispersion of surface‐active particles and reduces the particle size, increasing H2 production. The hydrogen volume fraction of La‐modified catalysts with 10% Ni is 38.96%, which is higher than 30.39% for the unmodified Ni/Al2O3 catalyst. The lowest hydrogen yield of Ni–Sr/Al2O3 catalyst is 19.22%. This low catalytic activity is due to the reaction of Ni–Sr/Al2O3 with SiO2 found in biomass ash, which generates silicate without catalytic effect. The silicate melts and adheres to the catalyst surface at a high temperature, inhibiting the catalysis of nickel active sites. The maximum hydrogen yield obtained with nickel acetate as catalyst precursor is 51.41%, which is due to nickel acetate decomposing and forming more NiO in the amorphous state and improving the performance of catalyst.
A coplanar‐electrode direct‐current triboelectric nanogenerator with facile fabrication and stable output
Authors: Xu Guoqiang , Guan Dong , Yin Xing , Fu Jingjing , Wang Jie , Zi Yunlong
Published: June 2020

Recently, the direct‐current (DC) TENG based on triboelectrification and discharge has been reported, which can not only generate a DC power, but also provide a higher charge density compared to traditional TENG. Here, we report a novel coplanar‐electrode DC TENG (CDC‐TENG) design which can be easily fabricated by two electrodes, and then a theoretical model is built to illustrate its principle and optimize its output performance. Both theoretical and experimental studies show that the designed device can enhance the energy output, and then the output power is optimized. Furthermore, we develop a three‐electrode CDC‐TENG to output DC during the reciprocating motion. We apply this CDC‐TENG design for rotational energy harvesting and produce a stable constant DC output. This represents an important progress to effectively store the energy harvested by the CDC‐TENG with the aim to drive portable/wearable/implantable electronics with the stable output.

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On the performance of WENO/TENO schemes to resolve turbulence in DNS/LES of high‐speed compressible flows
Authors: Hamzehloo Arash , Lusher David J. , Laizet Sylvain , Sandham Neil D.
Published: June 2020

High‐speed compressible turbulent flows typically contain discontinuities and have been widely modeled using Weighted Essentially Non‐Oscillatory (WENO) schemes due to their high‐order accuracy and sharp shock capturing capability. However, such schemes may damp the small scales of turbulence and result in inaccurate solutions in the context of turbulence‐resolving simulations. In this connection, the recently developed Targeted Essentially Non‐Oscillatory (TENO) schemes, including adaptive variants, may offer significant improvements. The present study aims to quantify the potential of these new schemes for a fully turbulent supersonic flow. Specifically, DNS of a compressible turbulent channel flow with M = 1.5 and Reτ = 222 is conducted using OpenSBLI, a high‐order finite difference computational fluid dynamics framework. This flow configuration is chosen to decouple the effect of flow discontinuities and turbulence and focus on the capability of the aforementioned high‐order schemes to resolve turbulent structures. The effect of the spatial resolution in different directions and coarse grid implicit LES are also evaluated against the WALE LES model. The TENO schemes are found to exhibit significant performance improvements over the WENO schemes in terms of the accuracy of the statistics and the resolution of the three‐dimensional vortical structures. The sixth‐order adaptive TENO scheme is found to produce comparable results to those obtained with nondissipative fourth‐ and sixth‐order central schemes and reference data obtained with spectral methods. Although the most computationally expensive scheme, it is shown that this adaptive scheme can produce satisfactory results if used as an implicit LES model.
Self‐harming behaviours of asylum seekers and refugees in Europe: A systematic review
Authors: Gargiulo Anna , Tessitore Francesca , Le Grottaglie Fabiana , Margherita Giorgia
Published: June 2020

The increasing number of asylum seekers and refugees in Europe calls for even more professionals to take care of refugees' mental health. Although different studies claim that migration could be a potential risk factor for self‐harming behaviours, an in‐depth exploration of the presence and characteristics of self‐harm in the context of asylum is needed. In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted across the databases Scopus, PubMed, Web of Knowledge and PsycArticles, regarding the main features of self‐harming behaviour among refugees in Europe. Twelve articles and 3 main trajectories were identified: (1) A context at‐risk: self‐harm and detention centres; (2) A target at‐risk: self‐harm and unaccompanied minors; (3) A comparison between the mental health of asylum seekers and natives. Research on this topic in Europe is still underdeveloped and disorganised. Studies have mainly carried out wider quantitative investigations on mental health, usually overlapping self‐harm with suicide. Detention centres emerged as the most widely investigated context and the one with the highest risk for self‐harming behaviours. Instead, unaccompanied minors emerged as a particularly vulnerable category. Research in this field should be improved, combining quantitative and qualitative methods for a deeper understanding of the meanings of self‐harm across cultures.
New cross‐linkable poly[bis(octafluoropentoxy) phosphazene] biomaterials: Synthesis, surface characterization, bacterial adhesion, and plasma coagulation responses
Authors: Xu Li‐Chong , Chen Chen , Zhu Jieru , Tang Meixian , Chen Andy , Allcock Harry R. , Siedlecki Christopher A.
Published: June 2020

Biomaterial‐associated microbial infection and thrombosis represent major issues to the success of long‐term use of implantable blood‐contacting medical devices. The development of new poly[bis(octafluoropentoxy) phosphazene (OFP) biomaterials provides new routes for combatting microbial infection and thrombosis. However, the limited mechanical properties of OFP to date render them unsuitable for application in medical devices and inhibit any attempts at subsequent surface topography modification. In this study, we synthesized cross‐linkable OFPs (X‐OFPs) with the different degrees of cross‐linking in an effort to improve the mechanical properties. The results showed that the surface chemistry and surface topography of X‐OFPs do not change significantly, but the surface mechanical stiffness increased after cross‐linking. Atomic force microscopic phase images showed that the polymer phase separation structures changed due to cross‐linking. Experiments with three bacterial strains: Staphylococcal epidermidis, Staphylococcal aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed that bacterial adhesion was significantly decreased on the OFP and X‐OFPs for both the pre‐cross‐linked and cross‐linked as compared to polyurethane biomaterials. Furthermore, bacterial adhesions were lower on X‐OFP surfaces than on pre‐cross‐linked materials, suggesting that mechanical stiffness is an important parameter influencing bacterial adhesion. Blood plasma coagulation responses revealed longer coagulation times for OFP and X‐OFP materials than on polyurethanes, indicating that the new cross‐linked OFPs are resistant to plasma coagulation compared to currently used polyurethane biomaterials.
Association of genetic variants in lncRNA GAS5/miR‐21/mTOR axis with risk and prognosis of coronary artery disease among a Chinese population
Authors: Li Hu , Liu Yingxue , Huang Jinyan , Liu Yu , Zhu Yufeng
Published: June 2020

Background

Allowing for the significance of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in reflecting disease risk, this investigation attempted to uncover whether SNPs situated in lncRNA GAS5/miR‐21/mTOR axis were associated with risk and prognosis of coronary heart disease (CHD) among a Chinese Han population.

Methods

Altogether 436 patients with CHD were recruited as cases, and meanwhile, 471 healthy volunteers were included into the control group. Besides, SNPs ofGAS5/MIR‐21/mTORaxis were genotyped utilizing mass spectrometry. Chi‐square test was applied to figure out SNPs that were strongly associated with CHD risk and prognosis, and combined effects of SNPs and environmental parameters on CHD risk were evaluated through multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) model.

Results

Single nucleotide polymorphisms ofGAS5(ie, rs2067079 and rs6790), MIR‐21 (ie, rs1292037), andmTOR(rs2295080, rs2536, and rs1034528) were associated with susceptibility to CHD, and also Gensini score change of patients with CHD (P < .05). MDR results further demonstrated that rs2067079 and rs2536 were strongly interactive in elevating CHD risk (P < .05), while smoking, rs6790 and rs2295080 showed powerful reciprocity in predicting Gensini score change of patients with CHD (P < .05).

Conclusion

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of lncRNA GAS5/miR‐21/mTOR axis might interact with smoking to regulate CHD risk, which was conducive to diagnosis and prognostic anticipation of CHD.
Mesenchymal stem cell‐derived extracellular vesicles suppress the fibroblast proliferation by downregulating FZD6 expression in fibroblasts via micrRNA‐29b‐3p in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Wan Xuan , Chen Shuyun , Fang Yan , Zuo Wei , Cui Jian , Xie Shiguang
Published: June 2020

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive and fatal lung disease, usually leads to an irreversible distortion of the pulmonary structure. The functional roles of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC)‐secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs) in fibroblasts have been implicated, yet their actions in the treatment of IPF are not fully understood. This study investigated the roles of BMSC‐derived EVs expressing miR‐29b‐3p in fibroblasts in IPF treatment. EVs derived from BMSCs were successfully isolated and could be internalized by pulmonary fibroblasts, and Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) and Transwell assay results identified that EVs inhibited the activation of fibroblast in IPF. miR‐29b‐3p, frizzled 6 (FZD6), α‐skeletal muscle actin (α‐SMA), and Collagen I expressions were examined, which revealed that miR‐29b‐3p was poorly expressed and FZD6, α‐SMA, and Collagen I were overexpressed in pulmonary tissues. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay results demonstrated that miR‐29b‐3p could inversely target FZD6 expression. The gain‐ and loss‐of‐function assays were conducted to determine regulatory effects of FZD6 and miR‐29b‐3p on IPF. CCK‐8 and Transwell assays results displayed that BMSCs‐derived EVs overexpressing miR‐29b‐3p contributed to inhibited pulmonary interstitial fibroblast proliferation, migration, invasion, and differentiation. Furthermore, the effects of BMSCs‐derived EVs overexpressing miR‐29b‐3p on IPF progression were assessed in vivo, which confirmed the repressive effects of BMSCs‐derived EVs overexpressing miR‐29b‐3p on IPF progression. Collectively, BMSCs‐derived EVs overexpressing miR‐29b‐3p relieve IPF through FZD6.
The effects of macrophage‐mediated inflammatory response to the donor site on long‐term retention of a fat graft in the recipient site in a mice model
Authors: Wang Zijue , Chen Yunzi , Zhu Shengqian , Chen Xinyao , Guan Jingyan , Yao Yao , Wang Xinhui , Li Ye , Lu Feng , Gao Jianhua , Dong Ziqing
Published: June 2020

Inflammatory responses mediated by macrophages play a role in tissue repair. However, it is unclear whether the repair in the donor site after liposuction would have any effects on fat graft retention in the recipient site. This study is designed to evaluate the effects of a macrophage‐mediated inflammatory response in donor sites on long‐term retention of fat grafting. In this study, mice were randomly divided into two groups. One underwent simulated liposuction, called the fat procurement plus grafting (Pro‐Grafting) group, and the other underwent sham surgery, called the fat grafting only (Grafting Only) group. The prepared fat (0.3 ml each) was engrafted and cellular events over a 90‐day period were assessed. We found macrophages were infiltrated into adipose tissue at the recipient site in the Grafting Only group within 7 days and the repair essentially completed within 30 days. By contrast, few macrophages infiltrated the recipient site in the Pro‐Grafting group within 7 days and the entire remodeling process took 30 days longer in the Pro‐Grafting than the Grafting Only group. Moreover, C‐reactive protein levels were immediately upregulated after surgery, and the inflammatory factors' expression was higher at the donor rather than the recipient site. However, the repair processes and the long‐term retention rate became normal when the adipose tissue was grafted after the donor site did not require macrophages for repair. Therefore, we suggest higher inflammatory factors promote macrophage infiltration and the adipose tissue regeneration process at the donor site. This process is delayed at the recipient site, which may affect long‐term retention of fat grafts.
Long noncoding RNA EPB41L4A‐AS1 functions as an oncogene by regulating the Rho/ROCK pathway in colorectal cancer
Authors: Bin Jie , Nie Shaolin , Tang Ziyuan , Kang Anding , Fu Zhongping , Hu Yingbin , Liao Qianjin , Xiong Wei , Zhou Yujuan , Tang Yanyan , Jiang Jiarui
Published: June 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. In terms of cancer‐related death, colon cancer ranks second and third among men and women, respectively, and the incidence is increasing annually. Accumulating evidence have indicated that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) plays an important role in tumorigenesis. In this study, we found that lncRNA EPB41L4A‐AS1 was highly expressed in CRC tissues and was associated with poor prognosis and tumor metastasis in patients with CRC. In vitro studies showed that the knockdown of EPB41L4A‐AS1 inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition of CRC cells. Mechanically, we found that EPB41L4A‐AS1 may participate in the development of CRC by activating the Rho/Rho‐associated protein kinase signaling pathway. Collectively, these results demonstrated that EPB41L4A‐AS1 can promote the proliferation, invasion, and migration of CRC, and it may be a novel biomarker for the diagnosis and targeted treatment of CRC.
Diagnostic utility of superb microvascular imaging in depiction of corkscrew collaterals in Buerger's disease
Authors: Nas Omer Fatih , Kandemirli Sedat Giray , Erdemli Gursel Basak , Bilgin Cem , Korkmaz Baris , Yolgosteren Atif , Inecikli Mehmet Fatih
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the corkscrew collaterals in Buerger's disease by superb microvascular imaging (SMI) and power Doppler ultrasonography (PDU).

Methods

We evaluated with SMI and PDU 14 patients with Buerger's disease in whom corkscrew collaterals had been identified on digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Corkscrew collaterals were classified on DSA and PDU based on their size and morphology.

Results

A total of 17 vascular regions of collateral vessel formation were assessed. Based on DSA classification, there were three cases of type I collaterals (arterial diameter of >2 mm with large helical pattern), seven cases of type III collaterals (arterial diameter of 1‐1.5 mm with small helical pattern), and seven cases of type IV collaterals (arterial diameter of <1 mm with tiny helical pattern). On PDU, all type I collaterals on DSA appeared as “large snake” images, all type III collaterals on DSA appeared as “small snake” images, and all type IV collaterals on DSA appeared as dots. SMI imaging, both in color and monochrome mode, provided superior demonstration of the continuity of the vessel of large or small “snake” images. In cases appearing as dot pattern on PDU, color SMI was able to show continuity of the flow signal as a helical pattern.

Discussion

SMI is a promising new Doppler imaging technique that is superior to conventional power Doppler imaging in depiction and identification of corkscrew collaterals in Buerger's disease.
Structural and Functional Thalamic Changes in Parkinson's Disease With Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Li Ming‐ge , He Jian‐feng , Liu Xin‐yun , Wang Zhen‐fu , Lou Xin , Ma Lin
Published: June 2020

Background

The thalamus is a key node of deep gray matter and previous studies have demonstrated that it is involved in the modulation of cognition.

Purpose

To investigate the volume changes of the thalamus and its subregions and altered thalamus functional connectivity patterns in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Thirty‐three patients with MCI (PD‐MCI), 36 PD patients having no cognitive impairment (PD‐NCI), 21 healthy controls (HCs).

Sequence

3.0T MRI scanner; 3D T1‐weighted fast spoiled gradient recalled echo (3D T1‐FSPGR); resting‐state fMRI

Assessment

Voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) was performed to calculate the volume of the thalamus and its subregions. The left and right total thalamus were considered seeds and seed‐based functional connectivity (FC) was analyzed. Additionally, correlations between volumes and cognitive performance and between FC values and cognitive performance were examined separately.

Statistical Test

Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA); two‐sample t‐tests; partial correlation analysis.

Results

The volumes of the total thalamus (PD‐MCI vs. PD‐NCI vs. HCs: 18.39 ± 1.67 vs. 19.63 ± 1.79 vs. 19.47 ± 1.35) and its subregions were significantly reduced in PD‐MCI as compared to PD‐NCI (total thalamus: P = 0.002) and HCs (total thalamus: P = 0.012). Compared with PD‐NCI, PD‐MCI showed increased FC between the thalamus and bilateral middle cingulate cortex and left posterior cingulate cortex, and decreased FC between thalamus and the left superior occipital gyrus, left cuneus, left precuneus, and left middle occipital gyrus. Volumes of thalamus and the subregions, as well as the FC of thalamus with the identified regions, were significantly correlated (P < 0.05, FDR‐corrected) with neuropsychological scores in PD patients.

Data Conclusion

We noted volume loss and altered FC of thalamus in PD‐MCI patients, and these changes were correlated with global cognitive performance.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficiency

Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:1207–1215.
Stable isotope ratio analysis combined with inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry for geographical discrimination between Italian and foreign saffron
Authors: Perini Matteo , Pianezze Silvia , Ziller Luca , Ferrante Marco , Ferella Francesco , Nisi Stefano , Foschi Martina , D'Archivio Angelo Antonio
Published: June 2020

Seventy‐six samples of saffron were analysed through inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) and stable isotope ratio analysis. The dataset was formed by 67 samples harvested in different areas of Italy, Morocco and Iran, and nine samples purchased in the Italian market. For the first time, 42 elements and five stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S, δ2H and δ18O) were considered to carry out the discrimination of the samples on the basis of their geographical origin. Combined ICP‐MS and isotopic composition data turned out to be a useful tool for the geographical discrimination of saffron among predefined cultivation sites.

K, Cr, Mn, Ni, Zn, Rb, Sr, Mo, Cs, Nd, Eu, Pb, δ13C, δ15N, δ34S and δ2H were identified as the significant variables in geographical discrimination. Moreover, the class models generated for saffron cultivated in two specific areas of Central Italy exhibited 100% specificity for Moroccan, Iranian and commercial samples and a high specificity (83% and 84%) for the saffron samples cultivated in other, although close, Italian sites.
Age‐related hearing loss: Why we need to think about sex as a biological variable
Authors: Nolan Lisa S.
Published: June 2020

It has long been known that age‐related hearing loss (ARHL) is more common, more severe, and with an earlier onset in men compared to women. Even in the absence of confounding factors such as noise exposure, these sexdifferences in susceptibility to ARHL remain. In the last decade, insight into the pleiotrophic nature by which estrogen signaling can impact multiple signaling mechanisms to mediate downstream changes in gene expression and/or elicit rapid changes in cellular function has rapidly gathered pace, and a role for estrogen signaling in the biological pathways that confer neuroprotection is becoming undeniable. Here I review the evidence why we need to consider sex as a biological variable (SABV) when investigating the etiology of ARHL. Loss of auditory function with aging is frequency‐specific and modulated by SABV. Evidence also suggests that differences in cochlear physiology between women and men are already present from birth. Understanding the molecular basis of these sex differences in ARHL will accelerate the development of precision medicine therapies for ARHL.
Residual Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder Following Integrated Exposure Treatment Versus Coping Skills Treatment
Authors: Tripp Jessica C. , Angkaw Abigail , Schnurr Paula P. , Trim Ryan S. , Haller Moira , Davis Brittany C. , Norman Sonya B.
Published: June 2020

Although some studies have demonstrated residual symptoms in patients who have participated in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment, no studies to date have assessed residual PTSD symptoms following treatment for comorbid alcohol use disorder (AUD) and PTSD (PTSD/AUD). We examined residual symptoms of PTSD and AUD in 73 veterans with PTSD/AUD who completed a posttreatment assessment after being randomized to receive either Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders Using Prolonged Exposure (COPE) or Seeking Safety (SS). We used logistic regression to identify differences (a) in residual PTSD and AUD symptoms among participants randomized to COPE versus SS and (b) among those with versus without a posttreatment PTSD/AUD diagnosis within both treatment conditions. Participants randomized to SS were more likely to report persistent avoidance, inability to experience positive emotions, hypervigilance, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty sleeping, ORs = 3.74–6.21. There were no differences between COPE and SS regarding the likelihood of persistent AUD symptoms. Participants without a posttreatment PTSD diagnosis had lower conditional probabilities of most symptoms, although exaggerated startle, OR = 0.71, and irritability/aggression, OR = 0.58, were most likely to persist. Participants without a posttreatment AUD diagnosis had lower conditional probabilities of most symptoms, although withdrawal, OR = 0.21; unsuccessful quit attempts, OR = 0.04; and higher intake, OR = 0.01, were most likely to persist. Findings indicate hyperarousal may warrant additional intervention following PTSD treatment. Residual AUD symptoms may relate to the enduring nature of some AUD symptoms rather than a lack of treatment efficacy.
Anthropogenic and Natural Disturbance Differentially Affect Sagebrush Bird Habitat Use
Authors: Duchardt Courtney J. , Augustine David J. , Beck Jeffrey L.
Published: June 2020

North American sagebrush (Artemisiaspp.)‐obligate birds are experiencing steep population declines due in part to increased disturbance, mainly human‐caused, across their range. At the eastern edge of the sagebrush steppe, this issue may potentially be exacerbated because of natural disturbance by black‐tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus). Our goal was to compare local and landscape models of habitat use by greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), Brewer's sparrow (Spizella breweri), and sage thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus) with models including effects of natural (i.e., prairie dog) and anthropogenic disturbance. We used a combination of field data collection, and state and national datasets for the Thunder Basin National Grassland, eastern Wyoming, USA, to understand the factors that influence lek attendance by sage‐grouse and habitat use by 2 passerines in this system. For all 3 species, models including big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) cover at local and landscape scales were the most competitive among univariate models, supporting the paradigm that sagebrush is key for these species. Models including anthropogenic disturbance (well density, road density) explained more variation than models of prairie dog disturbance alone for 2 of the 3 species, but long‐term disturbance by prairie dogs did reduce abundance of Brewer's sparrows. Although long‐term prairie dog disturbance has the potential to reduce sagebrush cover for sagebrush‐obligate birds, such events are likely rare because outbreaks of plague (Yersina pestis) and lethal control on borders with private land reduce prairie dog disturbance. Conversely, anthropogenic disturbance is slated to increase in this system, suggesting potentially accelerated declines for sagebrush birds into the future. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
In‐Office KTP Laser for Treating Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia–Associated Epistaxis
Authors: Wu Vincent , Kell Erika , Faughnan Marie E. , Lee John M.
Published: June 2020

Objective

To evaluated the efficacy and safety of in‐office potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser treatment for the management of epistaxis in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) patients.

Methods

A retrospective case series of all HHT patients over age of 18 who underwent in‐office KTP laser treatment from July 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019 was performed. The primary outcome measure was the epistaxis severity score (ESS) pre‐ and post‐procedure. Secondary outcome measures included patient reported pain (on a 10‐point Likert‐type scale), and procedural adverse events and complications.

Results

A total of 16 patients underwent KTP in‐office laser treatment during the review period. There was both a clinically and statistically significant decrease in the ESS after in‐office laser treatment, baseline ESS –7.24, SD 1.71, follow up ESS –4.92, SD 1.83 (mean difference 2.94, 95% confidence interval, 1.83–4.04, P < .0001). There were no reported adverse events or complications associated with the procedure. The mean pain score reported was 0.19, SD 0.75. The average blood loss was 10.8 mL, SD 37.3. The majority of patients (62.5%, 10/16) had no blood loss during the procedure.

Conclusion

Clinically and statistically significant decreases were noted in the ESS of HHT patients after in‐office KTP laser photocoagulation. The procedure was well tolerated by patients, without any adverse events or complications.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E689–E693, 2021
Spontaneous CSF Leaks and IIH: A Flawless Connection? An Experience With 167 Patients
Authors: Zocchi Jacopo , Pietrobon Giacomo , Lepera Davide , Gallo Stefania , Russo Federico , Volpi Luca , Pellini Raul , Bignami Maurizio , Castelnuovo Paolo
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are a rare but insidious clinical entity. In the recent literature, their pathogenesis has been linked with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Considering a worse surgical outcome compared to traumatic leaks, a medical treatment of the underlying IIH has been suggested in order to prevent relapses. Nevertheless, some aspects of this rare pathology remain unclear. We report our long experience in the management of spontaneous CSF leaks.

Methods

A retrospective evaluation of all patients with spontaneous CSF leaks treated from 1998 to 2018 in a tertiary referral center was carried out. All patients received surgery without any adjuvant routine medical treatment. Epidemiological and clinical data were reviewed. A telephone survey was conducted to investigate IIH‐related symptoms in this population.

Results

One hundred sixty‐seven patients and 195 procedures were included in the study. The total rate of failure after surgical treatment was 9%. Eight patients suffered a relapse in the same site (4%, 8 of 195), whereas seven patients experienced a relapse in a different site (4%, 7 of 167). Twenty‐nine percent of the population interviewed referred at least one IIH‐related symptom.

Conclusion

Spontaneous CSF leaks represent a complex pathology that need a multidisciplinary evaluation. Surgical treatment seems to guarantee favorable results in most of the patients. Despite this, a not negligible percentage of patients experienced a relapse during a long‐term follow‐up. Further studies are needed to reach a deeper understanding of the presentation and course of this particular condition.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E401–E407, 2021