bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Brain Injury and miRNAs: An Experimental Study
Authors: Sessa Francesco , Maglietta Francesca , Bertozzi Giuseppe , Salerno Monica , Di Mizio Giulio , Messina Giovanni , Montana Angelo , Ricci Pietrantonio , Pomara Cristoforo
Published: March 2019

Brain damage is a complex dysfunction that involves a variety of conditions whose pathogenesis involves a number of mediators that lead to clinical sequelae. For this reason, the identification of specific circulating and/or tissue biomarkers which could indicate brain injury is challenging. This experimental study focused on microRNAs (miRNAs), a well-known diagnostic tool both in the clinical setting and in medico-legal investigation. Previous studies demonstrated that specific miRNAs (miR-21, miR-34, miR-124, miR-132, and miR-200b) control important target genes involved in neuronal apoptosis and neuronal stress-induced adaptation. Thus, in this experimental setting, their expression was evaluated in three selected groups of cadavers: drug abusers (cocaine), ischemic-stroke-related deaths, and aging damage in elder people who died from other neurological causes. The results demonstrated that the drug abuser group showed a higher expression of miR-132 and miR-34, suggesting a specific pathway in consumption-induced neurodegeneration. Instead, miR-200b and miR-21 dysregulation was linked to age-related cognitive impairment, and finally, stroke events and consequences were associated with an alteration in miR-200b, miR-21, and miR-124; significantly higher levels of this last expression are strongly sensitive for ischemic damage. Moreover, these results suggest that these expression patterns could be studied in other biological samples (plasma, urine) in subjects with brain injury linked to aging, drug abuse, and stroke to identify reliable biomarkers that could be applied in clinical practice. Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm these interesting findings.
Comprehensive Genomic Profiling of Androgen-Receptor-Negative Canine Prostate Cancer
Authors: Laufer-Amorim Renée , Fonseca-Alves Carlos Eduardo , Villacis Rolando Andre Rios , Linde Sandra Aparecida Drigo , Carvalho Marcio , Larsen Simon Jonas , Marchi Fabio Albuquerque , Rogatto Silvia Regina
Published: March 2019

Canine carcinomas have been considered natural models for human diseases; however, the genomic profile of canine prostate cancers (PCs) has not been explored. In this study, 14 PC androgen-receptor-negative cases, 4 proliferative inflammatory atrophies (PIA), and 5 normal prostate tissues were investigated by array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). Copy number alterations (CNAs) were assessed using the Canine Genome CGH Microarray 4 × 44K (Agilent Technologies). Genes covered by recurrent CNAs were submitted to enrichment and cross-validation analysis. In addition, the expression levels of TP53, MDM2 and ZBTB4 were evaluated in an independent set of cases by qPCR. PC cases presented genomic complexity, while PIA samples had a small number of CNAs. Recurrent losses covering well-known tumor suppressor genes, such as ATM, BRCA1, CDH1, MEN1 and TP53, were found in PC. The in silico functional analysis showed several cancer-related genes associated with canonical pathways and interaction networks previously described in human PC. The MDM2, TP53, and ZBTB4 copy number alterations were translated into altered expression levels. A cross-validation analysis using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database for human PC uncovered similarities between canine and human PCs. Androgen-receptor-negative canine PC is a complex disease characterized by high genomic instability, showing a set of genes with similar alterations to human cancer.
Lack of Rhes Increases MDMA-Induced Neuroinflammation and Dopamine Neuron Degeneration: Role of Gender and Age
Authors: Costa Giulia , Porceddu Pier Francesca , Serra Marcello , Casu Maria Antonietta , Schiano Valentina , Napolitano Francesco , Pinna Annalisa , Usiello Alessandro , Morelli Micaela
Published: March 2019

Ras homolog enriched in striatum (Rhes) is a protein that exerts important physiological functions and modulates psychostimulant drug effects. On this basis, the object of this study was to assess 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) effects on microglial (CD11b) and astroglial (GFAP) activation and on dopamine neuron degeneration (TH) in wild-type (WT) and Rhes knockout (KO) male and female mice of different ages. Motor activity was also evaluated. Adult (3 months) MDMA-treated mice displayed an increase in GFAP-positive cells in striatum (STR), whereas the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) was affected only in male mice. In these mice, the increase of CD11b was more extensive including STR, SNc, motor cortex (CTX), ventral tegmental area (VTA), and nucleus accumbens (NAc). MDMA administration also affected TH immunoreactivity in both STR and SNc of male but not female WT and Rhes KO mice. In middle-aged mice (12 months), MDMA administration further increased GFAP and CD11b and decreased TH immunoreactivity in STR and SNc of all mice. Finally, MDMA induced a higher increase of motor activity in adult Rhes KO male, but not female mice. The results show that Rhes protein plays an important role on MDMA-mediated neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration dependent on gender and age, and confirm the important role of Rhes protein in neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative processes.
Biosynthetic Gene Pyramiding Leads to Ascorbate Accumulation with Enhanced Oxidative Stress Tolerance in Tomato
Authors: Li Xiaojing , Ye Jie , Munir Shoaib , Yang Tao , Chen Weifang , Liu Genzhong , Zheng Wei , Zhang Yuyang
Published: March 2019

Ascorbic acid (AsA) has high antioxidant activities, and its biosynthesis has been well studied by engineering of a single structural gene (SG) in staple crops, such as tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). However, engineering the AsA metabolic pathway by multi-SG for biofortification remains unclear. In this study, pyramiding transgenic lines including GDP-Mannose 3′,5′-epimerase (GME) × GDP-d-mannose pyrophosphorylase (GMP), GDP-l-Gal phosphorylase (GGP) × l-Gal-1-P phosphatase (GPP) and GME × GMP × GGP × GPP, were obtained by hybridization of four key genes to get over-expression transgenic plants (GME, GMP, GGP, and GPP) in tomato. Pyramiding lines exhibited a significant increase in total ascorbate in leaves and red fruits except for GGP × GPP. Expression analysis indicated that increased accumulation of AsA in pyramiding transgenic lines is due to multigene regulation in AsA biosynthesis. Substrate feeding in leaf and fruit suggested that AsA biosynthesis was mainly contributed by the d-Man/l-Gal pathway in leaves, while alternative pathways may contribute to AsA accumulation in tomato fruit. Pyramiding lines showed an enhanced light response, stress tolerance, and AsA transport capacity. Also, fruit shape, fruit size, and soluble solids were slightly affected by pyramiding. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of gene pyramiding for ascorbate biosynthesis in tomato. SGs pyramiding promotes AsA biosynthesis, which in turn enhances light response and oxidative stress tolerance. Also, the data revealed an alternative ascorbate biosynthesis pathway between leaves and fruit of tomato.
Contribution of Inflammatory Cytokine Interleukin-18 Genotypes to Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Chang Wen-Shin , Shen Te-Chun , Yeh Wei-Lan , Yu Chien-Chih , Lin Hui-Yi , Wu Hsi-Chin , Tsai Chia-Wen , Bau Da-Tian
Published: March 2019

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a multi-functional immuno-mediator in the development and progression of many types of infectious and inflammatory diseases. In this study, we evaluated the contribution of IL-18 genotypes to renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in Taiwan via the genotyping of IL-18 -656 (A/C), -607 (A/C), and -137 (G/C). Moreover, we analyzed their interactions with smoking, alcohol drinking, hypertension, and diabetes status. The results showed an association of the AC and CC genotypes of IL-18 −607 with a significant decrease in the risk of RCC compared with the AA genotype (odds ratio (OR) = 0.44 and 0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.27–0.72 and 0.18–0.66, p = 0.0008 and 0.0010, respectively). Furthermore, a significantly lower frequency of the C allele at -607 was observed in the RCC group (35.3% vs. 49.8%; OR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.35–0.71, p = 0.0003). However, IL-18 -656 and -137 did not exhibit a likewise differential distribution of these genotypes between the control and case groups. Stratifying the population according to smoking, alcohol drinking, hypertension, and diabetes status revealed a different distribution of IL-18 -607 genotypes among non-smokers, non-drinkers, and patients without diabetes, but not among smokers, drinkers, or patients with diabetes. These findings suggest that IL-18 -607 genotypes may play a role in the etiology and progression of RCC in Taiwan and may serve as a useful biomarker for early detection.
Effects of Caffeine Treatment on Hepatopulmonary Syndrome in Biliary Cirrhotic Rats
Authors: Chang Ching-Chih , Chuang Chiao-Lin , Tsai Ming-Hung , Hsin I.-Fang , Hsu Shao-Jung , Huang Hui-Chun , Lee Fa-Yauh , Lee Shou-Dong
Published: March 2019

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a lethal complication of cirrhosis characterized by hypoxia and overt intrapulmonary shunting. In this study, we investigated the effect of caffeine in rats with common bile duct ligation (CBDL)-induced liver cirrhosis and HPS. CBDL rats were randomly allocated to receive caffeine or vehicle for 14 days. On the 28th day after CBDL, mortality rate, hemodynamics, liver, and renal biochemistry parameters and arterial blood gas analysis were evaluated. Lung and liver were dissected for the evaluation of inflammation, angiogenesis and protein expressions. In another series with parallel groups, the intrapulmonary shunting was determined. Caffeine significantly reduced portal pressure (caffeine vs. control: 10.0 ± 3.7 vs. 17.0 ± 8.1 mmHg, p < 0.05) in CBDL rats. The mortality rate, mean arterial pressure, biochemistry data and hypoxia were similar between caffeine-treated and control groups. Caffeine alleviated liver fibrosis and intrahepatic angiogenesis but intrapulmonary inflammation and angiogenesis were not ameliorated. The hepatic VEGF/Rho-A protein expressions were down-regulated but the pulmonary inflammation- and angiogenesis-related protein expressions were not significantly altered by caffeine. Caffeine did not reduce the intrapulmonary shunting, either. Caffeine has been shown to significantly improve liver fibrosis, intrahepatic angiogenesis and portal hypertension in cirrhotic rats, however, it does not ameliorate HPS.
The Interplay between miRNA-Related Variants and Age-Related Macular Degeneration: EVIDENCE of Association of MIR146A and MIR27A
Authors: Strafella Claudia , Errichiello Valeria , Caputo Valerio , Aloe Gianluca , Ricci Federico , Cusumano Andrea , Novelli Giuseppe , Giardina Emiliano , Cascella Raffaella
Published: March 2019

The complex interplay among genetic, epigenetic, and environmental variables is the basis for the multifactorial origin of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Previous results highlighted that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CFH, ARMS2, IL-8, TIMP3, SLC16A8, RAD51B, VEGFA, and COL8A1 were significantly associated with the risk of AMD in the Italian population. Given these data, this study aimed to investigate the impact of SNPs in genes coding for MIR146A, MIR31, MIR23A, MIR27A, MIR20A, and MIR150 on their susceptibility to AMD. Nine-hundred and seventy-six patients with exudative AMD and 1000 controls were subjected to an epigenotyping analysis through real-time PCR and direct sequencing. Biostatistical and bioinformatic analysis was performed to evaluate the association with susceptibility to AMD. These analyses reported that the SNPs rs11671784 (MIR27A, G/A) and rs2910164 (MIR146A, C/G) were significantly associated with AMD risk. Interestingly, the bioinformatic analysis showed that MIR27A and MIR146A take part in the angiogenic and inflammatory pathways underlying AMD etiopathogenesis. Thus, polymorphisms within the pre-miRNA sequences are likely to affect their functional activity, especially the interaction with specific targets. Therefore, our study represents a step forward in the comprehension of the mechanisms leading to AMD onset and progression, which certainly include the involvement of epigenetic modifications.
Modulation of Iberian Ribbed Newt Complement Component C3 by Stressors Similar to those Encountered during a Stay Onboard the International Space Station
Authors: Guéguinou Nathan , Jeandel Jérémy , Kaminski Sandra , Baatout Sarah , Ghislin Stéphanie , Frippiat Jean-Pol
Published: March 2019

The complement system plays an important role in inflammation, innate and acquired immunity, as well as homeostasis. Despite these functions, the effects of spaceflight conditions on the complement system have not yet been intensively studied. Consequently, we investigated the effects of five types of chronic stressors, similar to those encountered during a stay onboard the International Space Station, on C3 expression in larvae of the urodele amphibian Pleurodeles waltl. We focused on C3 because it is a critical component of this system. These studies were completed by the analysis of adult mice exposed to two models of inflight stressors. Our data show that simulating space radiation, or combining a modification of the circadian rhythm with simulated microgravity, affects the amount of C3 proteins. These results suggest that C3 expression could be modified under real spaceflight conditions, potentially increasing the risk of inflammation and associated tissue damage.
The Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 4F Complex Restricts Rotavirus Infection via Regulating the Expression of IRF1 and IRF7
Authors: Chen Sunrui , Feng Cui , Fang Yan , Zhou Xinying , Xu Lei , Wang Wenshi , Kong Xiangdong , P. Peppelenbosch Maikel , Pan Qiuwei , Yin Yuebang
Published: March 2019

The eIF4F complex is a translation initiation factor that closely regulates translation in response to a multitude of environmental conditions including viral infection. How translation initiation factors regulate rotavirus infection remains poorly understood. In this study, the knockdown of the components of the eIF4F complex using shRNA and CRISPR/Cas9 were performed, respectively. We have demonstrated that loss-of-function of the three components of eIF4F, including eIF4A, eIF4E and eIF4G, remarkably promotes the levels of rotavirus genomic RNA and viral protein VP4. Consistently, knockdown of the negative regulator of eIF4F and programmed cell death protein 4 (PDCD4) inhibits the expression of viral mRNA and the VP4 protein. Mechanically, we confirmed that the silence of the eIF4F complex suppressed the protein level of IRF1 and IRF7 that exert potent antiviral effects against rotavirus infection. Thus, these results demonstrate that the eIF4F complex is an essential host factor restricting rotavirus replication, revealing new targets for the development of new antiviral strategies against rotavirus infection.
Unique Gene Expression Signatures in the Intestinal Mucosa and Organoids Derived from Germ-Free and Monoassociated Mice
Authors: Janeckova Lucie , Kostovcikova Klara , Svec Jiri , Stastna Monika , Strnad Hynek , Kolar Michal , Hudcovic Tomas , Stancikova Jitka , Tureckova Jolana , Baloghova Nikol , Sloncova Eva , Galuskova Katerina , Tlaskalova-Hogenova Helena , Korinek Vladimir
Published: March 2019

Commensal microbiota contribute to gut homeostasis by inducing transcription of mucosal genes. Analysis of the impact of various microbiota on intestinal tissue provides an important insight into the function of this organ. We used cDNA microarrays to determine the gene expression signature of mucosa isolated from the small intestine and colon of germ-free (GF) mice and animals monoassociated with two E. coli strains. The results were compared to the expression data obtained in conventionally reared (CR) mice. In addition, we analyzed gene expression in colon organoids derived from CR, GF, and monoassociated animals. The analysis revealed that the complete absence of intestinal microbiota mainly affected the mucosal immune system, which was not restored upon monoassociation. The most important expression changes observed in the colon mucosa indicated alterations in adipose tissue and lipid metabolism. In the comparison of differentially expressed genes in the mucosa or organoids obtained from GF and CR mice, only six genes were common for both types of samples. The results show that the increased expression of the angiopoietin-like 4 (Angptl4) gene encoding a secreted regulator of lipid metabolism indicates the GF status.
Structural and Computational Characterization of Disease-Related Mutations Involved in Protein-Protein Interfaces
Authors: Navío Dàmaris , Rosell Mireia , Aguirre Josu , de la Cruz Xavier , Fernández-Recio Juan
Published: March 2019

One of the known potential effects of disease-causing amino acid substitutions in proteins is to modulate protein-protein interactions (PPIs). To interpret such variants at the molecular level and to obtain useful information for prediction purposes, it is important to determine whether they are located at protein-protein interfaces, which are composed of two main regions, core and rim, with different evolutionary conservation and physicochemical properties. Here we have performed a structural, energetics and computational analysis of interactions between proteins hosting mutations related to diseases detected in newborn screening. Interface residues were classified as core or rim, showing that the core residues contribute the most to the binding free energy of the PPI. Disease-causing variants are more likely to occur at the interface core region rather than at the interface rim (p < 0.0001). In contrast, neutral variants are more often found at the interface rim or at the non-interacting surface rather than at the interface core region. We also found that arginine, tryptophan, and tyrosine are over-represented among mutated residues leading to disease. These results can enhance our understanding of disease at molecular level and thus contribute towards personalized medicine by helping clinicians to provide adequate diagnosis and treatments.
N-Linked Glycosylation and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in the Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Vermassen Tijl , De Bruyne Sander , Himpe Jonas , Lumen Nicolaas , Callewaert Nico , Rottey Sylvie , Delanghe Joris
Published: March 2019

Background: Performing a prostate biopsy is the most robust and reliable way to diagnose prostate cancer (PCa), and to determine the disease grading. As little to no biochemical markers for prostate tissue exist, we explored the possibilities of tissue N-glycosylation and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) in PCa diagnosis. Methods: Tissue specimens from 100 patients (benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), n = 50; and PCa, n = 50) were obtained. The fresh-frozen tissue was dispersed and a tissue N-glycosylation profile was determined. Consequently, the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded slides were analyzed using NIR spectroscopy. A comparison was made between the benign and malignant tissue, and between the various Gleason scores. Results: A difference was observed for the tissue of N-glycosylation between the benign and malignant tissue. These differences were located in the fycosylation ratios and the total amount of bi- and tetra-antennary structures (all p < 0.0001). These differences were also present between various Gleason scores. In addition, the NIR spectra revealed changes between the benign and malignant tissue in several regions. Moreover, spectral ranges of 1055–1065 nm and 1450–1460 nm were significantly different between the Gleason scores (p = 0.0042 and p = 0.0195). Conclusions: We have demonstrated biochemical changes in the N-glycan profile of prostate tissue, which allows for the distinction between malignant and benign tissue, as well as between various Gleason scores. These changes can be correlated to the changes observed in the NIR spectra. This could possibly further improve the histological assessment of PCa diagnosis, although further method validation is needed.
Dehydroabietic Acid Suppresses Inflammatory Response Via Suppression of Src-, Syk-, and TAK1-Mediated Pathways
Authors: Kim Eunji , Kang Young-Gyu , Kim Yong-Jin , Lee Tae Ryong , Yoo Byong Chul , Jo Minkyeong , Kim Ji Hye , Kim Jong-Hoon , Kim Donghyun , Cho Jae Youl
Published: March 2019

Dehydroabietic acid (DAA) is a naturally occurring diterpene resin acid derived from coniferous plants such as Pinus and Picea. Various bioactive effects of DAA have been studied including antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of DAA remains unclear. We evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of DAA in macrophage cell lines. Dehydroabietic acid clearly reduced nitric oxide (NO) production and inflammatory gene expression decreased according to RT-PCR results. Dehydroabietic acid displayed anti-inflammatory activity at the transcriptional level in results from NF-κB- or AP-1-mediated luciferase assays. To identify the DAA target protein, we investigated NF-κB and AP-1 pathways by Western blotting analysis. Dehydroabietic acid suppressed the activity of proto-oncogene tyrosine protein kinase (Src) and spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) in the NF-κB cascade and transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) in the AP-1 cascade. Using overexpression strategies, we confirmed that DAA targeted these kinases. Our findings demonstrate the anti-inflammatory effects and molecular mechanism of DAA. This suggests that DAA has potential as a drug or supplement to ameliorate inflammation.
An Update on the Tissue Renin Angiotensin System and Its Role in Physiology and Pathology
Authors: Nehme Ali , Zouein Fouad A. , Deris Zayeri Zeinab , Zibara Kazem
Published: March 2019

In its classical view, the renin angiotensin system (RAS) was defined as an endocrine system involved in blood pressure regulation and body electrolyte balance. However, the emerging concept of tissue RAS, along with the discovery of new RAS components, increased the physiological and clinical relevance of the system. Indeed, RAS has been shown to be expressed in various tissues where alterations in its expression were shown to be involved in multiple diseases including atherosclerosis, cardiac hypertrophy, type 2 diabetes (T2D) and renal fibrosis. In this chapter, we describe the new components of RAS, their tissue-specific expression, and their alterations under pathological conditions, which will help achieve more tissue- and condition-specific treatments.
Esthetic Rehabilitation of Maxillary Anterior Teeth, Including an Immediate Provisionalization with an Implant-Supported Fixed Dental Prosthesis
Authors: Oh Kyung Chul , Paik Jeongwon , Kim Jee-Hwan
Published: March 2019

This report describes the case of a patient who required rehabilitation of their maxillary anterior teeth following a traumatic injury through a physical altercation. The decision was made to extract the maxillary central incisors and maxillary right lateral incisor, perform immediate implantation on the maxillary right lateral incisor and left central incisor areas, and place a three-unit immediate provisional restoration. Predesigned virtual teeth enabled efficient fabrication of the immediate provisional restoration following the implant placement. After a sufficient healing period with periodic check-ups, final impressions were made using a digital approach, with meticulous care taken to preserve the gingival architecture around the sites of rehabilitation. Thus, the custom abutments and definitive restoration were placed without eliciting an uncomfortable feeling in the patient. Both esthetic and functional outcomes were satisfactory. Reduced soft tissue volume around the implant restoration was observed, primarily within the two months post-extraction/implantation, based on superimposition of the serial scan data. Soft tissue volume changes in the present case suggest the need for controlled clinical studies of three-dimensional changes of gingival contours after extraction and/or implantation.
Inhibition of Osteoclastogenesis by Thioredoxin-Interacting Protein-Derived Peptide (TN13)
Authors: Kim Mi Jeong , Kim Won Sam , Byun Jae-Eun , Choi Jung Ha , Yoon Suk Ran , Choi Inpyo , Jung Haiyoung
Published: March 2019

Overactivated osteoclasts lead to many bone diseases, including osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The p38 MAPK (p38) is an essential regulator of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-mediated osteoclastogenesis and bone loss. We previously reported TAT conjugated thioredoxin-interacting protein-derived peptide (TAT-TN13) as an inhibitor of p38 in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Here, we examined the role of TAT-TN13 in the differentiation and function of osteoclasts. TAT-TN13 significantly suppressed RANKL-mediated differentiation of RAW 264.7 cells and bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) into osteoclasts. TAT-TN13 also inhibited the RANKL-induced activation of NF-κB and nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), leading to the decreased expression of osteoclast-specific genes, including tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and Cathepsin K. Additionally, TAT-TN13 treatment protected bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Taken together, these results suggest that TAT-TN13 inhibits osteoclast differentiation by regulating the p38 and NF-κB signaling pathway; thus, it may be a useful agent for preventing or treating osteoporosis.
Predictors of Sexual Dysfunction in Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Letica-Crepulja Marina , Stevanović Aleksandra , Protuđer Marina , Popović Božidar , Salopek-Žiha Darija , Vondraček Snježana
Published: March 2019

Background: The problems in sexual functioning among patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are often overlooked, although scientific research confirms high rates of sexual dysfunctions (SD) particularly among veterans with PTSD. The main objective of this study was to systematically identify predictors of SD among veterans with PTSD. Methods: Three hundred veterans with PTSD were included in the cross-sectional study. The subjects were assessed by the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and self-report questionnaires: PCL-5, i.e., PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) with Criterion A, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), and Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS). Several hierarchical multiple regressions were performed to test for the best prediction models for outcome variables of different types of SD. Results: 65% of participants received a provisional diagnosis of SD. All tested prediction models showed a good model fit. The significant individual predictors were cluster D (Trauma-Related Negative Alterations in Cognition and Mood) symptoms (for all types of SD) and in a relationship status/relationship satisfaction (all, except for premature ejaculation (PE)). Conclusions: The most salient implication of this study is the importance of sexual health assessment in veterans with PTSD. Therapeutic interventions should be focused on D symptoms and intended to improve relationship functioning with the aim to lessen the rates of SD. Psychotropic treatment with fewer adverse sexual effects is of utmost importance if pharmacotherapy is applied. Appropriate prevention, screening, and treatment of medical conditions could improve sexual functioning in veterans with PTSD.
Laboratory Testing to Research the Micro-Structure and Dynamic Characteristics of Frozen–Thawed Marine Soft Soil
Authors: Ding Zhi , Kong Bowen , Wei Xinjiang , Zhang Mengya , Xu Baolong , Zhao Fangjie
Published: March 2019

The use of artificial freezing can change the mechanical properties of marine clay. In the construction of cross passages in metro tunnels in which the artificial ground freezing (AGF) method is applied, freeze–thaw circulation and cyclic loading could weaken the engineering properties of the clay, thus resulting in differential settlement. In this paper, the authors studied the dynamic properties of frozen–thawed soils under cyclic loading, with the help of dynamic triaxial testing. According to the dynamic triaxial test results and the images from scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the authors explained the weakening effect of both the freeze–thaw cycle and dynamic loading on soft soil. After freezing, the number of large pores increased. In addition, after cyclic loading, the pore structure of the soil showed a tendency towards compaction, which led to the large pores breaking into small ones. Subsequently, the potential reasons for the change of macroscopic dynamic characteristics were explained from a micro-scale point of view.
Abnormal Returns or Mismeasured Risk? Network Effects and Risk Spillover in Stock Returns
Authors: Bhattacharjee Arnab , Roy Sudipto
Published: March 2019

Recent event study literature has highlighted abnormal stock returns, particularly in short event windows. A common explanation is the cross-correlation of stock returns that are often enhanced during periods of sharp market movements. This suggests the misspecification of the underlying factor model, typically the Fama-French model. By drawing upon recent panel data literature with cross-section dependence, we argue that the Fame-French factor model can be enriched by allowing explicitly for network effects between stock returns. We show that recent empirical work is consistent with the above interpretation, and we advance some hypotheses along which new structural models for stock returns may be developed. Applied to data on stock returns for the 30 Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) stocks, our framework provides exciting new insights.
Research on a New Localized Induction Heating Process for Hot Stamping Steel Blanks
Authors: Bao Li , Chen Jingqi , Li Qi , Gu Yu , Wu Jian , Liu Weijie
Published: March 2019

Localized induction heating with one magnetizer was experimentally analyzed in order to investigate the altering effect of the magnetizer on the magnetic field. A 22MnB5 blank for tailored property was locally heated to produce the parts of a car body in white, such as the B-pillars. A lower-temperature region with a temperature in the two-phase zone and a full-austenitic high-temperature region were formed on the steel blank after 30 s. After water-quenching, the mixture microstructure (F + M) and 100% fine-grained lath martensite were obtained from the lower- and high-temperature regions, respectively. Moreover, the ultimate tensile stress (UTS) of the parts from the lower- and high-temperature regions was 977 and 1698 MPa, respectively, whereas the total elongations were 17.5% and 14.5%, respectively. Compared with the parts obtained by conventional furnace heating–water quenching (UTS: 1554 MPa, total elongation: 12%), the as-quenched phase developed a tensile strength over 100 MPa greater and a higher ductility. Thus, the new heating process can be a good foundation in subsequent experiments to arbitrarily tailor the designable low-strength zone with a higher ductility by using magnetizers.
The Time-Optimal Control Problem of a Kind of Petrowsky System
Authors: Luo Dongsheng , Wei Wei , Deng Hongyong , Liao Yumei
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we consider the time-optimal control problem about a kind of Petrowsky system and its bang-bang property. To solve this problem, we first construct another control problem, whose null controllability is equivalent to the controllability of the time-optimal control problem of the Petrowsky system, and give the necessary condition for the null controllability. Then we show the existence of time-optimal control of the Petrowsky system through minimum sequences, for the null controllability of the constructed control problem is equivalent to the controllability of the time-optimal control of the Petrowsky system. At last, with the null controllability, we obtain the bang-bang property of the time-optimal control of the Petrowsky system by contradiction, moreover, we know the time-optimal control acts on one subset of the boundary of the vibration system.
Existence and Unique Coupled Solution in Sb-Metric Spaces by Rational Contraction with Application
Authors: Vujaković Jelena , Kishore Gajula Naveen Venkata , Rao Konduru Pandu Ranga , Radenović Stojan , Sadik Shaik
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we prove a unique common coupled fixed point theorem for two pairs of w-compatible mappings in S b -metric spaces. We also furnish an example to support our main result.
On the Normalized Laplacian and the Number of Spanning Trees of Linear Heptagonal Networks
Authors: Liu Jia-Bao , Zhao Jing , Zhu Zhongxun , Cao Jinde
Published: March 2019

The normalized Laplacian plays an important role on studying the structure properties of non-regular networks. In fact, it focuses on the interplay between the structure properties and the eigenvalues of networks. Let H n be the linear heptagonal networks. It is interesting to deduce the degree-Kirchhoff index and the number of spanning trees of H n due to its complicated structures. In this article, we aimed to first determine the normalized Laplacian spectrum of H n by decomposition theorem and elementary operations which were not stated in previous results. We then derived the explicit formulas for degree-Kirchhoff index and the number of spanning trees with respect to H n .
Optimal Task Allocation in Wireless Sensor Networks by Means of Social Network Optimization
Authors: Niccolai Alessandro , Grimaccia Francesco , Mussetta Marco , Zich Riccardo
Published: March 2019

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) have been widely adopted for years, but their role is growing significantly currently with the increase of the importance of the Internet of Things paradigm. Moreover, since the computational capability of small-sized devices is also increasing, WSN are now capable of performing relevant operations. An optimal scheduling of these in-network processes can affect both the total computational time and the energy requirements. Evolutionary optimization techniques can address this problem successfully due to their capability to manage non-linear problems with many design variables. In this paper, an evolutionary algorithm recently developed, named Social Network Optimization (SNO), has been applied to the problem of task allocation in a WSN. The optimization results on two test cases have been analyzed: in the first one, no energy constraints have been added to the optimization, while in the second one, a minimum number of life cycles is imposed.
On Geometric Properties of Normalized Hyper-Bessel Functions
Authors: Ahmad Khurshid , Mustafa Saima , Din Muhey U. , ur Rehman Shafiq , Raza Mohsan , Arif Muhammad
Published: March 2019

In this paper, the normalized hyper-Bessel functions are studied. Certain sufficient conditions are determined such that the hyper-Bessel functions are close-to-convex, starlike and convex in the open unit disc. We also study the Hardy spaces of hyper-Bessel functions.
Remarks on the Generalized Fractional Laplacian Operator
Authors: Li Chenkuan , Li Changpin , Humphries Thomas , Plowman Hunter
Published: March 2019

The fractional Laplacian, also known as the Riesz fractional derivative operator, describes an unusual diffusion process due to random displacements executed by jumpers that are able to walk to neighbouring or nearby sites, as well as perform excursions to remote sites by way of Lévy flights. The fractional Laplacian has many applications in the boundary behaviours of solutions to differential equations. The goal of this paper is to investigate the half-order Laplacian operator ( − Δ ) 1 2 in the distributional sense, based on the generalized convolution and Temple’s delta sequence. Several interesting examples related to the fractional Laplacian operator of order 1 / 2 are presented with applications to differential equations, some of which cannot be obtained in the classical sense by the standard definition of the fractional Laplacian via Fourier transform.
Integrating Molecular Network and Culture Media Variation to Explore the Production of Bioactive Metabolites by Vibrio diabolicus A1SM3
Authors: Conde-Martínez Natalia , Bauermeister Anelize , Pilon Alan Cesar , Lopes Norberto Peporine , Tello Edisson
Published: March 2019

Vibrio diabolicus A1SM3 strain was isolated from a sediment sample from Manaure Solar Saltern in La Guajira and the produced crude extracts have shown antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and cytotoxic activity against human lung cell line. Thus, the aim of this research was to identify the main compound responsible for the biological activity observed and to systematically study how each carbon and nitrogen source in the growth media, and variation of the salinity, affect its production. For the characterization of the bioactive metabolites, 15 fractions obtained from Vibrio diabolicus A1SM3 crude extract were analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS and their activity was established. The bioactive fractions were dereplicated with Antibase and Marinlit databases, which combined with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra and fragmentation by MS/MS, led to the identification of 2,2-di(3-indolyl)-3-indolone (isotrisindoline), an indole-derivative antibiotic, previously isolated from marine organisms. The influence of the variations of the culture media in isotrisindoline production was established by molecular network and MZmine showing that the media containing starch and peptone at 7% NaCl was the best culture media to produce it. Also, polyhydroxybutyrates (PHB) identification was established by MS/MS mainly in casamino acids media, contributing to the first report on PHB production by this strain.
Endometrial Vascularization Characterized by Optical Coherence Tomography and Immunohistochemistry in Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer Treatment
Authors: Law Tracy Sze Man , Cheung Wing Ching , Wu Fangrong , Zhang Ruizhe , Chung Jacqueline Pui Wah , Wang Chi Chiu , Chen Xiaoyan , Li Tin Chiu
Published: March 2019

Background and objective: Endometrial angiogenesis is a prerequisite for successful pregnancy. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive physically optical imaging technique widely used in ophthalmology and cardiology. However, there is no study using OCT to evaluate endometrium. The aim of this study was to use OCT and traditionally histological methods to investigate endometrial vascularization in women undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment and to determine the association with the pregnancy outcome. Methods: A total of 47 women were included in this study. OCT was used to assess endometrial vascularization by determining the high signal areas precisely on the seventh day after luteinizing hormone surge in non-conception natural cycles. Endometrial biopsies were obtained following OCT and immunohistochemistry was used to determine micro vessel and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) in the luminal epithelium, glandular epithelium and stroma, separately. Micro vessel counting was performed and the result was expressed as micro vessel density (MVD). A semi-quantitative H-score was used to determine the staining intensity of VEGF-A. Results: In women who successfully conceived after embryo transfer, the proportion of extensive high signal area in the uterine body detected by OCT (80%, 8/10), MVD (median number of micro vessels/mm2 of 10, range 4–17) and stromal expression of VEGF-A (median H-score of 189, range 72–395) were found to be significantly higher than those of women who did not conceive after embryo transfer in the subsequent IVF-ET treatment (OCT: 30%, 3/10; MVD: median number of micro vessels/mm2 of 7, range 4–10; VEGF-A: median H-score of 125, range 86–299, respectively). In addition, a significantly higher stromal expression of VEGF-A (median H-score of 196, range 84–395) and MVD (median number of micro vessels/mm2 of 9, range 5–16) was found in women with extensive high signal area in uterine body, compared to those with focal or no high signal area (stromal VEGF-A: median H-score of 135, range 92–302; MVD: number of micro vessels/mm2 of 6, range 4-11). Conclusions: Both immunohistochemistry and OCT demonstrated significant difference in vascularization of the peri-implantation endometrium between subjects who did and did not conceive after IVF-ET treatment. Our findings also suggest OCT appears to be a promising non-invasive or minimally invasive alternative to study endometrial vascularity in women with reproductive failure.
Impact of Different Types of Diet on Gut Microbiota Profiles and Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Klement Rainer , Pazienza Valerio
Published: March 2019

Diet is frequently considered as a food regimen focused on weight loss, while it is actually the sum of food consumed by the organism. Western diets, modern lifestyle, sedentary behaviors, smoking habits, and drug consumption have led to a significant reduction of gut microbial diversity, which is linked to many non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The latter kill 40 million people each year, equivalent to more than 70% of all deaths globally. Among NCDs, tumors play a major role, being responsible for 29% of deaths from NCDs. A link between diet, microbiota, and cancer prevention and treatment has recently been unveiled, underlining the importance of a new food culture based on limiting dietary surplus and on preferring healthier foods. Here, we review the effects of some of the most popular “cancer-specific” diets on microbiota composition and their potential impact on cancer prevention and treatment.
A New Path of Quench-Induced Residual Stress Control in Thick 7050 Aluminum Alloy Plates
Authors: Ye Shengping , Chen Kanghua , Zhu Changjun , Chen Songyi
Published: March 2019

The high magnitude of quench-induced residual stress in thick aluminum plates is attributed not only to high thermal stress but also to high yield strength due to quench-induced precipitation hardening. To date, lowering the thermal stress is the only path to reduce the residual stress in the design of quenching technology. In this paper, a new path is proposed that reduces the residual stress through decreasing the yield strength at ambient temperatures by eliminating the precipitation hardening effect during quenching. As certified in several experiments, the high yield strength of thick as-quenched plates decreases rapidly from a short period of extra heat preservation at relatively higher temperatures. Therefore, an interrupted quenching method is proposed, wherein quenching is interrupted after an initial cooling period and the sample is placed in air to make the temperature field uniform; afterward, the sample is cooled to room temperature. Interrupted quenching tests were conducted on 115 mm thick 7050 aluminum plates and significant residual stress reductions were observed in the specimens compared with the residual stresses in the specimens subjected to regular quenching.
The Effect of Rhodamine-Derived Superparamagnetic Maghemite Nanoparticles on the Motility of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Mouse Embryonic Fibroblast Cells
Authors: Baiazitova Larisa , Skopalik Josef , Chmelik Jiri , Zumberg Inna , Cmiel Vratislav , Polakova Katerina , Provaznik Ivo
Published: March 2019

Nanoparticles have become popular in life sciences in the last few years. They have been produced in many variants and have recently been used in both biological experiments and in clinical applications. Due to concerns over nanomaterial risks, there has been a dramatic increase in investigations focused on safety research. The aim of this paper is to present the advanced testing of rhodamine-derived superparamagnetic maghemite nanoparticles (SAMN-R), which are used for their nontoxicity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and magnetic properties. Recent results were expanded upon from the basic cytotoxic tests to evaluate cell proliferation and migration potential. Two cell types were used for the cell proliferation and tracking study: mouse embryonic fibroblast cells (3T3) and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Advanced microscopic methods allowed for the precise quantification of the function of both cell types. This study has demonstrated that a dose of nanoparticles lower than 20 µg·cm−2 per area of the dish does not negatively affect the cells’ morphology, migration, cytoskeletal function, proliferation, potential for wound healing, and single-cell migration in comparison to standard CellTracker™ Green CMFDA (5-chloromethylfluorescein diacetate). A higher dose of nanoparticles could be a potential risk for cytoskeletal folding and detachment of the cells from the solid extracellular matrix.
Effect of Cu/Mn-Fortification on In Vitro Activities of the Peptic Hydrolysate of Bovine Lactoferrin against Human Gastric Cancer BGC-823 Cells
Authors: Bo Li-Ying , Li Tie-Jing , Zhao Xin-Huai
Published: March 2019

Bovine lactoferrin hydrolysate (BLH) was prepared with pepsin, fortified with Cu2+ (Mn2+) 0.64 and 1.28 (0.28 and 0.56) mg/g protein, and then assessed for their activity against human gastric cancer BGC-823 cells. BLH and the four fortified BLH products dose- and time-dependently had growth inhibition on the cells in both short- and long-time experiments. These samples at dose level of 25 mg/mL could stop cell-cycle progression at the G0/G1-phase, damage mitochondrial membrane, and induce cell apoptosis. In total, the fortified BLH products had higher activities in the cells than BLH alone. Moreover, higher Cu/Mn fortification level brought higher effects, and Mn was more effective than Cu to increase these effects. In the treated cells, the apoptosis-related proteins such as Bad, Bax, p53, cytochrome c, caspase-3, and caspase-9 were up-regulated, while Bcl-2 was down-regulated. Caspase-3 activation was also evidenced using a caspase-3 inhibitor, z-VAD-fmk. Thus, Cu- and especially Mn-fortification of BLH brought health benefits such as increased anti-cancer activity in the BGC-823 cells via activating the apoptosis-related proteins to induce cell apoptosis.
Co-Existence of Hypertensive and Anti-Hypertensive Constituents, Synephrine, and Nobiletin in Citrus unshiu Peel
Authors: Kim Jung-Joon , Kim Keunyoung , Jung Ye-Ryeon , Bian Yiying , Ngo Thien , Bae Ok-Nam , Lim Kyung-Min , Chung Jin-Ho
Published: March 2019

A single herb can contain multiple constituents with diverse bioactivities. We found that the extract of Citrus unshiu peel (CUP), induced abnormal vasoconstriction responses on the freshly isolated rat aortic rings in vitro. CUP stimulated the vasoconstriction alone, and it suppressed the phenylephrine-stimulated vasoconstriction. We studied the reasons behind this abnormal vasoconstriction pattern. Major constituents of CUP were determined and evaluated for their vaso-activities. Notably, synephrine, a contractile agonist, and nobiletin, newly identified to have anti-contractile activity co-existed in CUP. Synephrine and nobiletin competitively blocked or activated the same contractile targets resulting in contradicting and abnormal vasoconstriction responses. Accordingly, the vasoconstriction pattern varies significantly depending on the relative contents of synephrine and nobiletin in CUP. Interestingly, this response pattern could be observed with another plant extract, Acorus gramineus Sol. Collectively, we demonstrated that active ingredients with contradicting bioactivities could co-exist in a single plant extract, interact and produce abnormal response patterns in bioassay, which would give an important insight into the interpretation of unusual activity patterns induced by plant extracts.