bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of the Bone Vascular Network is Sexually Dimorphic
Authors: Goring Alice , Sharma Aikta , Javaheri Behzad , Smith Rosanna CG , Kanczler Janos M , Boyde Alan , Hesse Eric , Mahajan Sumeet , Olsen Bjorn R , Pitsillides Andrew A , Schneider Philipp , Oreffo Richard OC , Clarkin Claire E
Published: July 2019

Osteoblast (OB) lineage cells are an important source of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is critical for bone growth and repair. During bone development, pubertal differences in males and females exist, but little is known about whether VEGF signaling contributes to skeletal sexual dimorphism. We have found that in mice, conditional disruption of VEGF in osteocalcin-expressing cells (OcnVEGFKO) exerts a divergent influence on morphological, cellular, and whole bone properties between sexes. Furthermore, we describe an underlying sexual divergence in VEGF signaling in OB cultures in vitro independent of circulating sex hormones. High-resolution synchrotron computed tomography and backscattered scanning electron microscopy revealed, in males, extensive unmineralized osteoid encasing enlarged blood vessel canals and osteocyte lacunae in cortical bone after VEGF deletion, which contributed to increased porosity. VEGF was deleted in male and female long bone–derived OBs (OBVEGKO) in vitro and Raman spectroscopic analyses of mineral and matrix repertoires highlighted differences between male and female OBVEGFKO cells, with increased immature phosphate species prevalent in male OBVEGFKO cultures versus wild type (WT). Further sexual dimorphism was observed in bone marrow endothelial cell gene expression in vitro after VEGF deletion and in sclerostin protein expression, which was increased in male OcnVEGFKO bones versus WT. The impact of altered OB matrix composition after VEGF deletion on whole bone geometry was assessed between sexes, although significant differences between OcnVEGFKO and WT were identified only in females. Our results suggest that bone-derived VEGF regulates matrix mineralization and vascularization distinctly in males and females, which results in divergent physical bone traits.
Magnetic Signatures of Hydroxyl‐ and Water‐Terminated Neutral and Tetra‐Anionic Mn12‐Acetate
Authors: Batool Javaria , Hahn Torsten , Pederson Mark R.
Published: July 2019

We investigate the energetics and magnetic signatures of the parent molecular magnet Mn12‐Acetate [Mn12O12(COOR)16(H2O)4] and a chemically decomposed version of this structure, in which the four water molecules are converted to hydroxyl groups and hydrogen molecules. We determine electron addition and water decomposition energetics for this water‐containing molecule using density‐functional methods and include the recent Fermi‐Löwdin‐Orbital self‐interaction correction. We find that it only costs 0.32 eV to add four electrons to the parent molecule. Furthermore, due to the strong Coulomb attractions between hydroxyl anions and the Mn cations, the energy cost for breaking the four coordinating water molecules into four coordinating hydroxyls and two hydrogen molecules is decreased in the tetra‐anionic structure relative to the neutral structure. We calculate magnetic anisotropy barriers for the neutral molecule and the dehydrogenated tetra‐anion and show that large changes in the magnetic anisotropy arise the strong attraction between the hydroxyl anions and four of the crown Mn cations. We suggest that the large changes in magnetic signals associated with the [Mn12O12(COOR)16(HOH)4] to [Mn12O12(COOR)16(OH−)4 + 2H2] decomposition could provide a nondestructive spectroscopic method for learning about water decomposition mechanisms in a class of realizable model catalytic systems that have been synthesized recently. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Personal and community factors as predictors of different types of community engagement
Authors: Zanbar Lea , Ellison Nick
Published: July 2019

Citizen participation is an important element of local democracy because it increases residents’ influence over local community issues. Using a sample of 494 Israeli participants, this paper examines, for the first time, the unique and combined contribution of personal factors (self‐esteem and mastery) and community factors (years of activity, knowledge of local services, trust in leaders, community commitment, and community belonging) to the explanation of the variance in each of two types of community engagement: development and planning, and activism and advocacy. Data analysis included hierarchical regression that examined all variables and possible interactions among them. The results indicate that mastery and the community variables, except for years of activity, predict both types of engagement. Interestingly, knowledge of services negatively predicts both, while trust in leaders also predicts both types of engagement, but in opposite directions. In conclusion, the paper considers how these findings might inform community work interventions.
Role of microRNA‐26a in cartilage injury and chondrocyte proliferation and apoptosis in rheumatoid arthritis rats by regulating expression of CTGF
Authors: Jiang Liangde , Cao Shuai
Published: July 2019

This study is carried out to investigate the role of microRNA‐26a (miR‐26a) in cartilage injury and chondrocyte proliferation and apoptosis in rats with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by regulating expression of CTGF. A rat model of RA induced by type II collagen was established. The rats were assigned into normal, RA, RA + mimics negative control (NC), and RA + miR‐26a mimics groups, and the cells were classified into blank, mimics NC, and miR‐26a mimics groups. The degree of secondary joint swelling and arthritis index, expression of miR‐26a, pathological changes, proliferation and apoptosis of chondrocytes, and expression of CTGF, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α, Bax, and Bcl‐2 were also determined through a series of experiments. The targeting relationship between miR‐26a and CTGF was verified. Initially, downregulated miR‐26a was found in cartilage tissues and inflammatory articular chondrocytes of RA rats. In addition, CTGF was determined as a direct target gene of miR‐26a, and upregulation of miR‐26a inhibited CTGF expression in cartilage tissues of RA rats. Furthermore, upregulation of miR‐26a reduced swelling and inflammation of joints, inhibited cartilage damage, apoptosis of chondrocytes, inflammatory injury, promotes proliferation, and inhibited apoptosis of inflammatory articular chondrocytes, which may be correlated with the targeting inhibition of CTGF expression. Collectively, the results demonstrate that upregulating the expression of miR‐26a could attenuate cartilage injury, stimulate the proliferation, and inhibit apoptosis of chondrocytes in RA rats.
Long noncoding RNA SNHG12 indicates the prognosis of prostate cancer and accelerates tumorigenesis via sponging miR‐133b
Authors: Cheng Gong , Song Zhengshuai , Liu Yuenan , Xiao Haibing , Ruan Hailong , Cao Qi , Wang Keshan , Xiao Wen , Xiong Zhiyong , Liu Di , Chen Ke , Zhang Xiaoping
Published: July 2019

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of death among American men. Increasing evidence has shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in tumorigenesis of PCa. In this study, we explored the biological functions of small nucleolar RNA host gene 12 (SNHG12) and investigated the interaction between miR‐133b and SNHG12 in the progression of PCa. Data was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Human Cancer Metastasis Database, and clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed with relapse‐free survival rate. We detected SNHG12 expression level in PCa cells and tissues, and then analyzed its clinical significance, which revealed that SNHG12 has the potent to predict prognosis of PCa. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that SNHG12 was closely related to the progression of PCa and could target candidate microRNA (miR‐133b). After transfecting SNHG12 silencing plasmid and miR‐133b mimic/sponge, biological function assays were conducted and results illustrated that SNHG12 associated with miR‐133b exerted biological effects on cancer cell growth, migration, and invasion. Direct interactions between miR‐133b and SNHG12 have been found and SNHG12 acts as an oncogene to promote tumorigenesis of PCa by sponging tumor suppressor gene miR‐133b.
Simultaneous removal of sulfur and nitrogen compounds with methane production from concentrated latex wastewater in two bioreactor zones of micro‐oxygen hybrid reactor
Authors: Su‐ungkavatin Pimchanok , Thongnueakhaeng Wikanda , Chaiprasert Pawinee
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

A micro‐oxygen hybrid reactor (MOHR), a two‐zone reactor with suspended sludge zone (SZ) and attached biofilm zone (AZ) at its lower and upper parts respectively, was applied to simultaneously remove sulfur and nitrogen compounds with methane production from concentrated latex wastewater with high concentrations of sulfate (1200 mg L−1) and ammonium (235 mg L−1). Microbial community structures coupled with microbial activities were analyzed and discussed for clarifying relationships of microorganisms in both zones of the MOHR.

RESULTS

The operating dissolved oxygen in the MOHR was controlled at 0.10–0.15 and 0.05 mg L−1 in the SZ and AZ respectively at various loading rates (LRs) and hydraulic retention times (HRTs). The average optimal overall performances of the MOHR for sulfate (SO42−), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiencies were 90.3, 67.8 and 93.0% respectively at HRT 10 days. Elemental sulfur and nitrogen gas were evaluated as major end‐products at 90.2 and 67.9% respectively, with 0.27 L CH4 g−1 CODremoved of methane selectivity. The genera Desulfobulbus and Dongia as well as Thiobacillus denitrificans served as dominant microorganisms in biological sulfate removal. The largest abundance belonged to denitrifying microorganisms with nitrous oxide reductase (nosZ) as target gene.

CONCLUSION

The MOHR achieved high performance in simultaneous removal of sulfur and nitrogen compounds along with methane production at HRT 10 days. Microorganisms involved in sulfur and nitrogen compound removal processes were more prevalent in the SZ than in the AZ, whereas methanogenic activity was higher in the AZ than in the SZ. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Russula swatica: A new species of Russula based on molecular, light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy analyses from Swat Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan
Authors: Sarwar Samina , Aziz Tanzeela , Hanif Muhammad , Ilyas Sobia , Shaheen Shabnum
Published: July 2019

Himalayan range of Pakistan is one of the diversity rich hotspots of the world. Many areas are yet to be explored here to discover new species of organisms including fungi. During present research, Swat District of Pakistan was explored for fungal diversity. One new species of mushroom Russula swatica (Russulales) is described from Himalayan range of Pakistan and analyzed by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy as well as by molecular markers. A comprehensive description, photographs, and comparisons with morphologically similar and phylogenetically related species are provided. Conclusions of its phylogenetic relationships within the genus are provided based on the sequence of the nuclear internal transcribed spacer region.
Neuropsychological attributes of urea cycle disorders: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Waisbren Susan E. , Stefanatos Arianna K. , Kok Teresa M. Y. , Ozturk‐Hismi Burcu
Published: July 2019

Urea cycle disorders (UCDs) are rare inherited metabolic conditions that impair the effectiveness of the urea cycle responsible for removing excess ammonia from the body. The estimated incidence of UCDs is 1:35 000 births, or approximately 113 new patients with UCD per year. This review summarizes neuropsychological outcomes among patients with the eight UCDs in reports published since 1980. Rates of intellectual disabilities published before (and including) 2000 and after 2000 were pooled and compared for each UCD. Since diagnoses for UCDs tended to occur earlier and better treatments became more readily available after the turn of the century, this assessment will characterize the extent that current management strategies have improved neuropsychological outcomes. The pooled sample included data on cognitive abilities of 1649 individuals reported in 58 citations. A total of 556 patients (34%) functioned in the range of intellectual disabilities. The decline in the proportion of intellectual disabilities in six disorders, ranged from 7% to 41%. Results from various studies differed and the cohorts varied with respect to age at symptom onset, age at diagnosis and treatment initiation, current age, severity of the metabolic deficiency, management strategies, and ethnic origins. The proportion of cases with intellectual disabilities ranged from 9% to 65% after 2000 in the seven UCDs associated with cognitive deficits. Positive outcomes from some studies suggest that it is possible to prevent or reverse the adverse impact of UCDs on neuropsychological functioning. It is time to “raise the bar” in terms of expectations for treatment effectiveness.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound for the Directionality of Testicular Rotation and the Degree of Spermatic Cord Twist in Pediatric Patients With Testicular Torsion
Authors: Hosokawa Takahiro , Takahashi Hiroaki , Tanami Yutaka , Sato Yumiko , Ishimaru Tetsuya , Tanaka Yujiro , Kawashima Hiroshi , Oguma Eiji , Yamada Yoshitake
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound (US) to diagnose the directionality of testicular rotation and the degree of spermatic cord twist in pediatric patients with testicular torsion.

Methods

A retrospective review of 14 pediatric patients with testicular torsion was conducted. The directionality of testicular rotation was classified as an inner or outer direction (inner, counterclockwise in the left testis [viewed from below] and clockwise in the right testis; and outer, counterclockwise in the right testis and clockwise in the left testis). The Clopper‐Pearson method and the Fisher exact, Mann‐Whitney U, and Wilcoxon signed rank sum tests were used for the statistical analyses.

Results

The diagnostic accuracy of US in the directionality of testicular rotation and the degree of spermatic cord twist were 78.6% (11 of 14; 95% confidence interval, 49.2%–95.3%) and 36.4% (4 of 11; 95% confidence interval, 10.9%–69.2%), respectively. Outer rotation was seen in 50.0% of the cases. The directionality of testicular rotation and the degree of spermatic cord twist as determined by US were not significantly different between the patients with salvaged testis and those with testicular loss (inner/outer direction, 4/2 versus 4/4; P = .627; mean twist ± SD, 330.0° ± 73.5° versus 337.5° ± 115.4°; P > .999). There was no significant difference in the degree of spermatic cord twist determined by US and surgical results (343.0° ± 97.1° versus 458.2° ± 168.2°; P = .063).

Conclusions

The accuracy of US in determining the directionality of testicular rotation was relatively high in our small cohort. This information may be useful for pediatric surgeons and urologists when performing early manual reduction for testicular torsion.
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Presenting as Auditory Neuropathy Hearing Disorder in a Child
Authors: Tobia Amjad , Khayr Ranin , Shpak Talma , Peleg Caroline , Genizi Jacob , Khnifes Riyad , Borissovsky Nina , Luntz Michal
Published: July 2019

Otologic manifestations are known to occur in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), but the occurrence of sensorineural hearing loss, especially in pediatric populations, has been addressed in only a few reports. Here, we describe a pediatric patient who presented with IIH and severe bilateral hearing loss. The patient's hearing loss was diagnosed as a form of auditory neuropathy (AN) and resolved after prompt treatment of the increased intracranial pressure. This case points to a possible association between IIH and AN and suggests that IIH may potentially be a reversible cause of AN spectrum disorder.

Laryngoscope, 129:E407–E411, 2019
Pregnancy Does Not Increase the Risk of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A National Cohort Study
Authors: Lee Sang‐Yeon , Lee Suk Woo , Kong Il Gyu , Oh Dong Jun , Choi Hyo Geun
Published: July 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Pregnancy‐induced systemic physiological changes appear to be associated with reversible hearing changes in pregnant/postpartum women. However, most studies are case reports due to the rare occurrence of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) during pregnancy. We aimed to evaluate the risk of SSNHL during the pregnancy and postpartum periods.

Study Design

A longitudinal case‐control study using a nationwide population cohort.

Methods

Using the Korean National Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, we collected data from 63,331 pregnant/postpartum participants who were matched 1:2 by age, income, region of residence, and medical history with 126,662 control participants. We included participants who had International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD‐10) codes indicating delivery (O80–O84). For SSNHL (ICD‐10 code H91.2), we included only those participants who underwent audiometry and were treated with steroids. The incidence of SSNHL was measured for the periods corresponding to pregnancy (conception through delivery) up to 1 year postpartum in the pregnant participants.

Results

During the pregnancy period, the SSNHL rate was not higher (19.5 per 100,000) compared with the control group (60.7 per 100,000). The adjusted odds ratio of SSNHL during pregnancy was 0.32 (95% confidence interval: 0.16‐0.65, P = .002). The SSNHL rate during the postpartum period (37.9 per 100,000) was similar to that of the control group (36.3 per 100,000). The adjusted odds ratio of SSNHL during the postpartum period was 1.04 (95% confidence interval: 0.64‐1.71, P = .867). The risk of SSNHL in the patients during the pregnancy/postpartum period was not higher than that in controls, regardless of age and specific subperiod.

Conclusions

The pregnant and postpartum women were not at higher risk of SSNHL.

Level of Evidence

NA

Laryngoscope, 130:E237–E242, 2020
Hospital volume and failure to rescue after vestibular schwannoma resection
Authors: Andresen Nicholas S. , Gourin Christine G. , Stewart C. Matthew , Sun Daniel Q.
Published: July 2019

Background

Complication rates in many complex surgical procedures are associated with the volume of procedures performed.

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between hospital volume and complications, mortality, and failure to rescue (FTR) rates in patients undergoing vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was used to identify 44,336 patients who underwent VS surgery in 1995–2011. Annual case volumes were stratified by quintiles and defined as very low (≤5 cases/year), low (6–12 cases/year) medium (13–22 cases/year), high (23–37 cases/year), and very high‐volume (≥38 cases/year).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Relationships between hospital volume and in‐hospital mortality, postoperative complications, as well as FTR rates, defined as death after a major complication, were examined using multivariate regression analysis.

Results

Postoperative medical and surgical complications occurred in 5.4% and 14.6% of cases, respectively, and did not differ significantly across volume quintiles. In‐hospital mortality decreased with increasing hospital volume, with an incidence of 1.4% for hospitals in the lowest volume quintile compared to 0.1% for hospitals in the top volume quintile. After controlling for all other variables, the odds of in‐hospital mortality were lower for medium (OR = 0.19 [0.04–0.93]) and very high‐volume hospitals (OR = 0.07 [0.01–0.53]), but not high‐volume hospitals (OR = 0.43 [0.05–3.77]). There was no association between hospital volume and the odds of postoperative surgical complications. FTR was associated with hospital volume, with decreasing odds for medium‐volume (OR = 0.15 [0.02–0.93]), high‐volume (OR = 0.17 [0.04–0.74]), and very high‐volume (OR = 0.07 [0.04–0.74]) hospitals.

Conclusions

Hospital volume does not appear to be associated with complication rates but is associated with decreased likelihood of FTR after VS surgery.

Level of Evidence

NA

Laryngoscope, 130:1287–1293, 2020
Porous Microstructured Surfaces with pH‐Triggered Antibacterial Properties
Authors: del Campo Adolfo , Echeverría Coro , San Martín Miguel , Cuervo‐Rodríguez Rocío , Fernández‐García Marta , Muñoz‐Bonilla Alexandra
Published: July 2019

New antibacterial films are designed with the capability to reversibly regulate their killing and repelling functions in response to variations in environmental pH. These systems consist of porous polystyrene surfaces as the main components and a copolymer bearing pH‐sensitive thiazole and triazole groups as the minor components. These pH‐sensitive groups, located on the surfaces, can be partially protonated at acidic pH levels, increasing the positive charge density of the surfaces and their antibacterial activity. Similarly, their bacterial adhesion and killing efficiencies in response to changes in pH are evaluated by analyzing the bacterial viability of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on the surfaces under acidic and neutral pH values. It is demonstrated that after only 1 h of incubation with the bacterial suspension in acidic conditions, the surfaces killed the bacteria, while at pH = 7.4, some of the adhered bacteria are removed. Furthermore, the surface topography exerts an important role by intensifying this response.
Novel Features of 9‐Methylene‐9H‐thioxanthene (MTAE) in Living Anionic Polymerization
Authors: Chang Shuang , Han Li , Ma Hongwei , Bai Hongyuan , Li Cun , Liu Pibo , Yang Lincan , Shen Heyu , Li Chao , Zhang Songbo
Published: July 2019

For this study, a new epithio‐1,1‐diphenylethylene (DPE) derivative, namely, 9‐Methylene‐9H‐thioxanthene (MTAE), is synthesized, and its copolymerization reactions are investigated, showing distinctive features in living anionic copolymerization. At room temperature and hydrocarbon solvents, MTAE cannot be copolymerized with styrene (St) but can be copolymerized with 1,4‐divinylbenzene (DVB), forming a linear alternating copolymer. Based on this finding, ter‐polymerization of MTAE, DVB and St is conducted to generate a special alternating structure. Additionally, MTAE is found to exhibit fairly high reactivity in copolymerization with Isoprene (Ip) under the same conditions. An alternating sequence of alt‐MTAE/Ip containing high trans‐geometric Ip content (76% of trans‐1,4) and a di‐block sequence of alt‐MTAE/Ip‐b‐Ip are easily obtained. Its experimental reactivity ratio with Ip is investigated via the in situ 1H NMR method (rIp
= 0.28), and the corresponding kinetic behaviors and sequence structure are elucidated. Finally, the origin of the effect of MTAE on the isomerism of Ip during chain propagation is investigated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and it is found that the bridge sulfur atom in MTAE interacts strongly with living species. This special finding provides a novel approach for the sequence regulation, precise functionalization, and stereo‐structure control in living anionic polymerization originating from monomer structure design.
Selecting the most suitable classification algorithm for supporting assistive technology adoption for people with dementia: A multicriteria framework
Authors: Ortiz‐Barrios Miguel , Nugent Chris , Cleland Ian , Donnelly Mark , Verikas Antanas
Published: July 2019

The number of people with dementia (PwD) is increasing dramatically. PwD exhibit impairments of reasoning, memory, and thought that require some form of self‐management intervention to support the completion of everyday activities while maintaining a level of independence. To address this need, efforts have been directed to the development of assistive technology solutions, which may provide an opportunity to alleviate the burden faced by the PwD and their carers. Nevertheless, uptake of such solutions has been limited. It is therefore necessary to use classifiers to discriminate between adopters and nonadopters of these technologies in order to avoid cost overruns and potential negative effects on quality of life. As multiple classification algorithms have been developed, choosing the most suitable classifier has become a critical step in technology adoption. To select the most appropriate classifier, a set of criteria from various domains need to be taken into account by decision makers. In addition, it is crucial to define the most appropriate multicriteria decision‐making approach for the modelling of technology adoption. Considering the above‐mentioned aspects, this paper presents the integration of a five‐phase methodology based on the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution to determine the most suitable classifier for supporting assistive technology adoption studies. Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process is used to determine the relative weights of criteria and subcriteria under uncertainty and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution is applied to rank the classifier alternatives. A case study considering a mobile‐based self‐management and reminding solution for PwD is described to validate the proposed approach. The results revealed that the best classifier was k‐nearest‐neighbour with a closeness coefficient of 0.804, and the most important criterion when selecting classifiers is scalability. The paper also discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each algorithm that should be addressed in future research.
Developing a hazard‐impact model to support impact‐based forecasts and warnings: The Vehicle OverTurning (VOT) Model
Authors: Hemingway Rebecca , Robbins Joanne
Published: July 2019

Impact‐based weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office since 2011. The National Severe Weather Warning Service (NSWWS) uses a risk matrix combining the level of impacts the weather may cause and the likelihood of those impacts occurring to define a warning level. The impact assessment can be considered subjective being predominantly based on meteorologist expertise and experience of past high‐impact weather events and discussions with local advisors. The Vehicle OverTurning (VOT) model is a prototype Hazard Impact Model developed to test the hypothesis that risk models can be run in real time for short‐term weather‐related hazards. The method intends to provide an objective, consistent assessment of potential risk to road users in Great Britain during high‐wind events. It aims to support the production of NSWWS wind warnings by highlighting areas of the road network that are at risk of disruption due to vehicles overturning. The VOT model does this by combining probabilistic hazard information with vulnerability and exposure data to produce a risk of vehicle overturning forecast. The model is being demonstrated with operational meteorologists at the Met Office. Initial reviews of the model's output indicate that the scientific approach used in this prototype can identify routes with a higher risk of vehicle overturning, associated with strong wind events. Ad hoc feedback from forecasters support the authors’ belief that the risk modelling approach is useful to operational meteorologists when issuing weather warnings.
Haplotype analysis of SERPINE1 gene: Risk for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and clinical outcomes
Authors: Lin Mingkuan , Griessenauer Christoph J. , Starke Robert M. , Tubbs R. Shane , Shoja Mohammadali M. , Foreman Paul M. , Vyas Nilesh A. , Walters Beverly C. , Harrigan Mark R. , Hendrix Philipp , Fisher Winfield S. , Pittet Jean‐Francois , Mathru Mali , Lipsky Robert H.
Published: July 2019

Background

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) has high fatality and permanent disability rates due to the severe damage to brain cells and inflammation. The SERPINE1 gene that encodes PAI‐1 for the regulation of tissue plasminogen activator is considered an important therapeutic target for aSAH.

Methods

Six SNPs in the SERPINE1 gene (in order of rs2227631, rs1799889, rs6092, rs6090, rs2227684, rs7242) were investigated. Blood samples were genotyped with Taqman genotyping assays and pyrosequencing. The experiment‐wide statistically significant threshold for single marker analysis was set at p < 0.01 after evaluation of independent markers. Haplotype analysis was performed in Haplo.stats package with permutation tests. Bonferroni correction for multiple comparison in dominant, additive, and recessive model was applied.

Results

A total of 146 aSAH patients and 49 control subjects were involved in this study. The rs2227631 G allele is significant (p = 0.01) for aSAH compared to control. In aSAH group, haplotype analysis showed that G5GGGT homozygotes in recessive model were associated with delayed cerebral ischemia (p < 0.01, Odds Ratio = 5.14, 95% CI = 1.45–18.18), clinical vasospasm (p = 0.01, Odds Ratio = 4.58, 95% CI = 1.30–16.13), and longer intensive care unit stay (p = 0.01). By contrast, the G5GGAG carriers were associated with less incidence of cerebral edema (p < 0.01) and higher Glasgow Coma Scale (p < 0.01). The A4GGGT carriers were associated with less incidence of severe hypertension (>140/90) (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The results suggested an important regulatory role of the SERPINE1 gene polymorphism in clinical outcomes of aSAH.
Moisture content effect of banana leaves to radio frequency absorbing
Authors: Colak Bektas
Published: July 2019

The aim of this paper is to express the importance of the moisture content of banana leaves to the evaluation of radio frequency (RF) absorbing performance. Radar absorbing material (RAM) is generally used in electromagnetic compatibility chambers to minimize reflections within the chamber. These materials also reduce the radar traces of air elements by minimizing RF radiation in stealth technology. Chemical substances that are used in fabricating RAM with pyramidal shape are neither cheap nor harmless to the environment. So, vegetable wastes such as bananas, coconut, and rice are studied to use as RAM. In this study, transmission line technique has been used to measure dielectric properties of the sample (banana leaves) in 8.2‐12.4 GHz. It was concluded that dried banana leaves are so sensitive to environmental moisture and the RAM produced from banana leaves gives different return loss values relative to the moisture content of the sample. The water content of the sample is reduced by 5.0% and 4.9%, respectively. In this case, there is nearly 16% and 12% reduction on relatively dielectric constant, about 54% and 33% reduction on dielectric loss, finally approximately 56% and 31% reduction on return loss.
Neuropathy associated with immunoglobulin M monoclonal gammopathy: A combined sonographic and nerve conduction study
Authors: Goedee H. Stephan , Notermans Nicolette C. , Visser Leo H. , van Asseldonk Jan‐Thies H. , Franssen Hessel , Vrancken Alexander F.J.E. , Nikolakopoulos Stavros , van den Berg Leonard H. , van der Pol W. Ludo
Published: July 2019

Introduction

We assessed the specific sonographic pattern of structural nerve abnormalities in immunoglobulin M (IgM) neuropathy and disease controls.

Methods

We enrolled 106 incident patients—32 patients with IgM neuropathy, 42 treatment‐naive patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and 32 patients with axonal neuropathies. All patients underwent standardized ancillary testing in addition to standardized sonography of the brachial plexus and the large arm and leg nerves bilaterally.

Results

We found widespread nerve enlargement in IgM neuropathy and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), with specific enlargement of brachial plexus and proximal segments of median nerve but not in axonal disease controls (P < .001). Sonographic nerve hypertrophy in IgM neuropathy was not associated with nerve conduction, clinical, or laboratory characteristics.

Discussion

Immunoglobulin M neuropathy is characterized by widespread nerve enlargement indistinguishable from CIDP. Our data provide evidence to confirm that the disease process is not confined to the more distal parts of nerves in either classical demyelinating or axonal variants of neuropathy with associated IgM.
Conformational Analyses of Physiological Binary and Ternary Copper(II) Complexes with l‐Asparagine and l‐Histidine; Study of Tridentate Binding of Copper(II) in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Ramek Michael , Marković Marijana , Mutapčić Ilina , Pejić Jelena , Kelterer Anne‐Marie , Sabolović Jasmina
Published: July 2019

This study explores the structural properties and energy landscapes of the physiologically important bis(l‐asparaginato)copper(II) [Cu(l‐Asn)2] and (l‐histidinato)(l‐asparaginato)copper(II) [Cu(l‐His)(l‐Asn)]. The conformational analyses in the gas phase and implicitly modeled water medium, and magnetic parameters of electron paramagnetic resonance spectra were attained using density functional theory calculations. The apical CuII coordination and hydrogen bonding were analyzed. Predicted lower‐energy structures enabled the confirmation and, for apical bonding, also the refinement of structural proposals from literature. Available experimental results were indecisive regarding the amido‐group binding in the CuII equatorial plane in solutions, but the examination of the relative stability of Cu(l‐Asn)2 conformers in 30 binding modes confirms the glycine‐like mode as the most stable one. Previously reported experimental results for Cu(l‐His)(l‐Asn) were interpreted for l‐His to have a tridentate histamine‐like mode. However, the aqueous conformers with l‐His in the glycinato mode are also predicted to have low energies, which does not contradict the tridentate l‐His binding. The predicted magnetic parameters of conformers with an apical oxygen atom (intramolecular or from a water molecule) can reproduce the experimental data. An extent of conformational flexibility and abundance of l‐His‐containing ternary copper(II) amino acid complexes under physiological conditions may be related.
Higher executive abilities following a blood transfusion in children and young adults with sickle cell disease
Authors: Hood Anna M. , King Allison A. , Fields Melanie E. , Ford Andria L. , Guilliams Kristin P. , Hulbert Monica L. , Lee Jin‐Moo , White Desiree A.
Published: July 2019

Individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) experience cognitive deficits; however, it remains unclear whether medical treatments for SCD improve cognition. Given that executive abilities are typically impaired in individuals with SCD, they were the focus of the current study. Our primary hypothesis was that executive abilities would be higher acutely soon after a blood transfusion in children and young adults with SCD. We used tests from the NIH Toolbox to assess executive abilities in 27 participants with SCD receiving chronic transfusion in comparison to 34 participants with SCD receiving hydroxyurea (HU) and 41 non‐SCD demographically matched controls, all of whom were tested at two time points. Participants in the transfusion group completed cognitive testing within 3 days after a transfusion (soon after transfusion) and then within 3 days before their next transfusion (long after transfusion) over an interval of 3‐7 weeks. We found that executive abilities were significantly poorer for the transfusion and HU groups than for the control group. In support of our primary hypothesis, executive abilities for the transfusion group were significantly better soon after a transfusion compared to long after a transfusion, χ2(1) = 17.8, P < .0001. Our results demonstrate that executive abilities were higher acutely following a blood transfusion. These findings have implications for daily functioning, medical decision making, and academic achievement in children and young adults with SCD.
Characterization of mechanically reinforced electrospun dextrin‐polyethylene oxide sub‐microfiber mats
Authors: Rodríguez‐Zamora Penélope , Peña‐Juárez Ma. Concepción , Cedillo‐Servín Gerardo , Paloalto‐Landon Alejandro , Ortega‐García Iván , Maaza Malik , Vera‐Graziano Ricardo
Published: July 2019

Dextrin and dextrin‐polyethylene oxide (DEX/PEO) fibers in the submicron range were produced by electrospinning of single and blend polymer solutions. The morphology, intermolecular interactions, and mechanical properties of dextrin microfibers with and without PEO were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and uniaxial tensile testing. Spectroscopic results confirmed hydrogen bond formation, evidencing dextrin as a molecular entanglement source for fiber mechanical reinforcement. The uniaxial tensile tests demonstrated a synergistic mechanical reinforcement effect that varied with blend composition. Equal weight ratio blends supported a maximum tensile strength with a high elastic modulus and demonstrated to be more elastic and resistant to breaking, even than pristine PEO fibers. Moreover, elastic moduli of blend fiber mats were found to lie within the value range for human skin, thus providing the DEX/PEO meshes with potential applicability as skin tissue scaffolds. This synthesis approach proved the feasible and inexpensive fabrication process of natural‐synthetic polymer hybrid fibers that combine the biocompatibility, biodegradability, and encapsulating capability of dextrin with the mechanical strength and flexibility of PEO for the development of scaffolds for tissue engineering and topical drug delivery applications in skin wound healing. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1778–1786, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
The impact of video exposure on students entering school psychology
Authors: Bocanegra Joel O. , Gubi Aaron A. , Callan Gregory L. , Clayson Emery
Published: July 2019

School psychology is experiencing a shortages crisis. Within this two‐part study, the Social Cognitive Career Theory was used to examine the impact of video interventions on students' choice and application to school psychology programs. A sub‐sample of participants were followed across 4 years. Findings suggest that, when measured immediately before and after, a short video intervention had a significant impact on participants' perceived knowledge and intentions to apply to a school psychology training program. However, when measured across several years, the video was not found to have a significant impact on actual application to a school psychology training program. Nevertheless, exposure to school psychology from multiple sources was still found to be the best predictor of actually applying to a school psychology program. Study results highlight the importance of concerted efforts throughout the career development pipeline to expose students to the profession of school psychology.
Tomato locule number and fruit size controlled by natural alleles of lc and fas
Authors: Chu Yi‐Hsuan , Jang Jyan‐Chyun , Huang Zejun , van der Knaap Esther
Published: July 2019

Improving yield by increasing the size of produce is an important selection criterion during the domestication of fruit and vegetable crops. Genes controlling meristem organization and organ formation work in concert to regulate the size of reproductive organs. In tomato, lc and fas control locule number, which often leads to enlarged fruits compared to the wild progenitors. LC is encoded by the tomato ortholog of WUSCHEL (WUS), whereas FAS is encoded by the tomato ortholog of CLAVATA3 (CLV3). The critical role of the WUS‐CLV3 feedback loop in meristem organization has been demonstrated in several plant species. We show that mutant alleles for both loci in tomato led to an expansion of the SlWUS expression domain in young floral buds 2–3 days after initiation. Single and double mutant alleles of lc and fas maintain higher SlWUS expression during the development of the carpel primordia in the floral bud. This augmentation and altered spatial expression of SlWUS provided a mechanistic basis for the formation of multilocular and large fruits. Our results indicated that lc and fas are gain‐of‐function and partially loss‐of‐function alleles, respectively, while both mutations positively affect the size of tomato floral meristems. In addition, expression profiling showed that lc and fas affected the expression of several genes in biological processes including those involved in meristem/flower development, patterning, microtubule binding activity, and sterol biosynthesis. Several differentially expressed genes co‐expressed with SlWUS have been identified, and they are enriched for functions in meristem regulation. Our results provide new insights into the transcriptional regulation of genes that modulate meristem maintenance and floral organ determinacy in tomato.
Group‐based, individualized, comprehensive core stability and balance intervention provides immediate and long‐term improvements in walking in individuals with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Arntzen Ellen Christin , Straume Bjørn , Odeh Francis , Feys Peter , Normann Britt
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Walking impairments are common in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Trunk control is a prerequisite for walking; however, knowledge regarding whether core stability and balance training influence walking is limited. This study aimed to investigate the immediate and long‐term effects of a group‐based, individualized, comprehensive core stability and balance intervention (GroupCoreDIST) compared with those of standard care on walking.

Methods

This assessor‐blinded, prospective randomized controlled trial included 80 participants (Expanded Disability Status Scale scores 1–6.5) randomly allocated to GroupCoreDIST, conducted in groups of three for 60 min three times per week for 6 weeks (18 sessions) or standard care (n = 40/40). One participant attended no posttests, leaving 79 subjects for intention‐to‐treat analysis. The assessments were performed at baseline and at Weeks 7, 18, and 30. Outcomes included the 2‐min walk test (2MWT), 10‐m walk test‐preferred/fast/slow speed (10MWT), Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale‐12 (MSWS‐12), Patient Global Impression of Change‐walking (PGIC‐walking), Rivermead Visual Gait Assessment (RVGA), and ActiGraphsWgt3X‐BT activity monitors (ActiGraph). The statistical analyses included repeated‐measures mixed models performed in IBM SPSS Version 24.

Results

There were no significant between‐group differences in the outcome measurements at baseline. The mean differences between groups were significant at all follow‐up time points in favour of GroupCoreDIST for the 2MWT, 16.7 m at 7 weeks (95% CI [8.15, 25.25], 15.08 m at 18 weeks (95% CI [6.39, 23.77]) and 16.38 m at 30 weeks (95% CI [7.65, 25.12]; and the PGIC‐walking, 0.89 points at 7 weeks (95% CI [1.34, 0.45]), 0.97 points at 18 weeks (95% CI [1.42, 0.52]), and 0.93 points at 30 weeks (95% CI [1.39, 0.48]; all p ≤ .001). The 10MWT‐fast speed and the MSWS‐12 showed significant between‐group differences at 7 and 18 weeks and the RVGA at 7 weeks. No between‐group differences were found regarding activity level (ActiGraph) or the 10MWT‐preferred or slow speed.

Conclusion

Compared with standard care, GroupCoreDIST significantly improved walking immediately after the intervention for up to 24 weeks of follow‐up.
A novel androgen‐reduced prostate‐specific lncRNA, PSLNR, inhibits prostate‐cancer progression in part by regulating the p53‐dependent pathway
Authors: Wang Dan , Wan Xuechao , Zhang Yalong , Kong Zhe , Lu Yali , Sun Xian , Huang Yan , Ji Chaoneng , Li Dujian , Luo Jun , Gu Wei , Wang Chenji , Li Yao , Xu Yaoting
Published: July 2019

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers in males in China. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) reportedly play crucial roles in human cancer progression in many studies. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying PCa progression remain unclear.

Materials and Methods

We investigated the lncRNA transcriptome using publicly available RNA‐sequencing data to identify prostate‐specific lncRNAs. Then, the chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay identified lncRNA with a direct binding to androgen receptor (AR), hereafter denoted as PSLNR. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis and Western blot analysis were performed to detect the expression of p53 signaling‐related genes after overexpression PSLNR. The effects of overexpression of PSLNR on cell proliferation, cell cycle, and cell apoptosis were assessed by using CCK‐8 and flow cytometric analysis. We then detected the expression of PSLNR in tissues.

Result

We reported a novel androgen‐reduced prostate‐specific lncRNA, PSLNR, that inhibited PCa progression via the p53‐dependent pathway. By analyzing the NOCODE data set, we reported that PSLNR was specifically expressed in the prostate, suggesting the potential of PSLNR as a biomarker for PCa treatment. The AR pathway was also confirmed to be an upstream regulation signaling pathway of PSLNR by transcriptionally regulating its expression in androgen‐dependent PCa cells. PSLNR also significantly inhibited PCa proliferation by inducing cell apoptosis in a p53‐dependent manner. Thus, PSLNR may be a candidate diagnosis and therapeutic target for PCa.

Conclusions

Our study revealed for the first time a novel androgen‐reduced prostate‐specific lncRNA, PSLNR, which inhibited PCa progression via the p53‐dependent pathway, suggesting that PSLNR may be a candidate diagnosis and therapeutic target for PCa.
Fibroblast as a critical stromal cell type determining prognosis in prostate cancer
Authors: Blom Sami , Erickson Andrew , Östman Arne , Rannikko Antti , Mirtti Tuomas , Kallioniemi Olli , Pellinen Teijo
Published: July 2019

Background

Tumor stroma associates with prostate cancer (PCa) progression, but its specific cellular composition and association to patient survival outcome have not been characterized.

Methods

We analyzed stromal composition in human PCa using multiplex immunohistochemistry and quantitative, high‐resolution image analysis in two retrospective, formalin‐fixed paraffin embedded observational clinical cohorts (Cohort I, n = 117; Cohort II, n = 340) using PCa‐specific mortality as outcome measurement.

Results

A high proportion of fibroblasts associated with aggressive disease and castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). In a multivariate analysis, increase in fibroblast proportion predicted poor cancer‐specific outcome independently in the two clinical cohorts studied.

Conclusions

Fibroblasts were the most important cell type in determining prognosis in PCa and associated with CRPC. Thus, the stromal composition could be critically important in developing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to aggressive prostate cancer.
Physiologically‐Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling for the Prediction of CYP2D6‐Mediated Gene–Drug–Drug Interactions
Authors: Storelli Flavia , Desmeules Jules , Daali Youssef
Published: July 2019

The aim of this work was to predict the extent of Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6)‐mediated drug–drug interactions (DDIs) in differentCYP2D6genotypes using physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling. Following the development of a new duloxetine model and optimization of a paroxetine model, the effect of genetic polymorphisms on CYP2D6‐mediated intrinsic clearances of dextromethorphan, duloxetine, and paroxetine was estimated from rich pharmacokinetic profiles in activity score (AS)1 and AS2 subjects. We obtained good predictions for the dextromethorphan–duloxetine interaction (Ratio of predicted over observed area under the curve (AUC) ratio (Rpred/obs) 1.38–1.43). Similarly, the effect of genotype was well predicted, with an increase of area under the curve ratio of 28% in AS2 subjects when compared with AS1 (observed, 33%). Despite an approximately twofold underprediction of the dextromethorphan–paroxetine interaction, anRpred/obsof 0.71 was obtained for the effect of genotype on the area under the curve ratio. Therefore, PBPK modeling can be successfully used to predict gene–drug–drug interactions (GDDIs). Based on these promising results, a workflow is suggested for the generic evaluation of GDDIs and DDIs that can be applied in other situations.