bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pax6 and Pdx1 form a functional complex on the rat somatostatin gene upstream enhancer
Authors: Andersen Frank Gellert , Jensen Jan , Heller R.Scott , Petersen Helle Vestergård , Larsson Lars-Inge , Madsen Ole Dragsbæk , Serup Palle
Published: July 2002

The somatostatin upstream enhancer (SMS‐UE) is a highly complex enhancer element. The distal A‐element contains overlapping Pdx1 and Pbx binding sites. However, a point mutation in the A‐element that abolishes both Pdx1 and Pbx binding does not impair promoter activity. In contrast, a point mutation that selectively eliminates Pdx1 binding to a proximal B‐element reduces the promoter activity. The B‐element completely overlaps with a Pax6 binding site, the C‐element. A point mutation in the C‐element demonstrates that Pax6 binding is essential for promoter activity. Interestingly, a block mutation in the A‐element reduces both Pax6 binding and promoter activity. In heterologous cells, Pdx1 potentiated Pax6 mediated activation of a somatostatin reporter. We conclude that the β/δ‐cell‐specific activity of the SMS‐UE is achieved through simultaneous binding of Pdx1 and Pax6 to the B‐ and C‐elements, respectively. Furthermore, the A‐element appears to stabilise Pax6 binding.
Thiazolidinedione inhibits production of RANTES in a cytokine‐treated human lung epithelial cell line
Authors: Momoi Atsuko , Murao Koji , Imachi Hitomi , Sayo Yoshitaka , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Hosokawa Hitoshi , Sato Makoto , Fujita Jiro , Okada Hiroki , Ishida Toshihiko , Takahara Jiro
Published: July 2002

The chemokine RANTES is a potent chemoattractant for eosinophils. RANTES is produced by lung epithelial cells during eosinophil‐rich inflammatory diseases such as asthma. In this study, we examined the effects of thiazolidinediones (TZD) on RANTES expression in a human lung epithelial cell line, A549. In A549 cells, interleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐α induced endogenous RANTES protein secretion, mRNA expression, and promoter activity. The TZD inhibited these effects. Our data indicate that the suppression of the expression of RANTES can be accomplished by TZD treatment, raising the possibility that TZD might be of therapeutic value in diseases such as asthma.
Plant cell growth and differentiation may involve GAP regulation of Rac activity
Authors: Borg Søren , Pødenphant Lone , Jensen Trine Juul , Poulsen Carsten
Published: July 2002

Two Rac GTPase cDNAs, LjRac1 and LjRac2, were identified in the legume Lotus japonicus. Two‐hybrid screening with dominant‐constitutive mutations in the two Rac GTPases target three plant cDNAs, LjRacGAP1, LjRacGAP2 and LjRacGAP3, that encode putative GTPase activating proteins of Rho‐GTPase subfamily members. Employing Rac antiserum, purified recombinant LjRac GTPases and recombinant LjRacGAP1, for ligand overlay assays, in vitro GAP affinity assays and GTPase activation, we confirmed that eukaryote Rac/RacGAP interplay is conserved in plants. In this investigation we have developed some tools that can be used to characterize the role of enhanced LjRac2 expression in developing root nodules.
Human apolipoprotein A‐IV reduces gastric acid secretion and diminishes ulcer formation in transgenic mice
Authors: Vergnes Laurent , Baroukh Nadine , Léhy Thérèse , Moizo Laurent , Bado André , Baralle Marco , Baralle Francisco E , Zakin Mario M , Ochoa Alberto
Published: July 2002

We have investigated the involvement of human apolipoprotein A‐IV (apoA‐IV) in gastric acid secretion and ulcer formation in recently generated apoA‐IV transgenic mice. Compared to control littermates, transgenic animals showed a gastric acid secretion decreased by 43–77% whereas only slight variations were observed in the different cell population densities within the gastric mucosa. In addition, no variation in gastrin levels was observed. Transgenics were protected against indomethacin‐induced ulcer formation, with lesions diminishing by 45 to 64% compared to controls. These results indicate that endogenous apoA‐IV expression can regulate gastric acid secretion and ulcer development.
Secondary structure in the 5′‐leader or 3′‐untranslated region reduces protein yield but does not affect the functional interaction between the 5′‐cap and the poly(A) tail
Authors: Niepel Mario , Ling Jun , Gallie Daniel R
Published: July 2002

The 5′‐cap structure and poly(A) tail of eukaryotic mRNAs cooperate to promote translation initiation but whether this functional interaction benefits certain classes of mRNAs has not been investigated. In this study, we investigate whether a structured 5′‐leader or 3′‐untranslated region (UTR) affects the cap/poly(A) tail interaction. A structured leader reduced the degree to which the 5′‐cap promoted translation in plant cells and inhibited translation from capped and uncapped mRNAs equally in yeast. Secondary structure within the 3′‐UTR reduced translational efficiency when adjacent to the stop codon but had little effect on the cap/poly(A) tail synergy. The functional interaction between the cap and poly(A) tail was as important for an mRNA with a structured leader or 3′‐UTR as it was for an unstructured mRNA in either species, suggesting that these structures can reduce translation without affecting the functional interaction between the cap and poly(A) tail. However, the loss of Xrn1p, the major 5′→3′ exoribonuclease in yeast, abolished cap‐dependent translation and the functional interaction between the cap and poly(A) tail, suggesting that the cap/poly(A) tail synergy is of particular importance under conditions of active RNA turnover.
Voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channel subunit expression and immunolocalization in mouse spermatogenic cells and sperm
Authors: Serrano Carmen J , Treviño Claudia L , Felix Ricardo , Darszon Alberto
Published: July 2002

Though voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels contribute to the orchestratation of sperm differentiation and function, many questions remain concerning their molecular architecture. This study shows that α1A and α1C Ca2+ channel pore‐forming subunits are expressed in spermatogenic cells. In addition, it provides what is to our knowledge the first evidence for the presence of the Ca2+ channel β auxiliary subunits in spermatogenic cells and sperm. Using RT‐PCR we demonstrated the expression of all four known genes encoding the β subunits in spermatogenic cells. Specific antibodies detected three of these proteins in spermatogenic cells and sperm. In spermatogenic cells both α1 and β subunits are diffusely distributed throughout the cytoplasm while in sperm they appear to be regionally localized.
Using human rights in maternal mortality programs: from analysis to strategy
Authors: Freedman L.P
Published: July 2002

This article describes an approach to maternal mortality reduction that uses human rights not simply to denounce the injustice of death in pregnancy and childbirth, but also to guide the design and implementation of maternal mortality policies and programs. As a first principle, programs and policies need to prioritize measures that promote universal access to high quality emergency obstetric care services, which we know from health research are essential to saving women's lives. With that priority, human rights principles can be integrated into programs at the clinical, facility management, and national policy levels. For example, a human rights ‘audit’ can help identify ways to encourage respectful, non‐discriminatory treatment of patients, providers and staff in the clinical setting. Human rights principles of entitlement and accountability can inform mechanisms of community participation designed to improve responsiveness and functioning of health facilities. Human rights principles can inform analysis of health sector reform and its impact on access to emergency obstetric care. Whether applied to the intricacies of human relationships within a facility or to the impact of international financial institutions on health systems, the ultimate role of human rights is to identify the workings of power that keep unacceptable levels of maternal morality as they are and to use the human rights vision of dignity and social justice to work for the re‐arrangements of power necessary for change.
Prolactin secretion in molar and normal pregnancy
Authors: Carranza‐Lira S , Hernández F , Sánchez M , Murrieta S , Hernández A , Sandoval C
Published: July 2002

Objective: To describe the relation between PRL and hCG, T3, T4, fT4, TSH, E2 and P4 levels in normal pregnancies and those complicated with GTD. Method: Twenty women, 10 with normal pregnancy and 10 with molar pregnancy were studied. The differences between them and the relation between prolactin (PRL) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), estradiol and thyroid hormones, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and progesterone, was determined by Mann–Whitney U‐test and Pearson's correlation coefficient, respectively. Results: HCG, estradiol and thyroid hormones were higher in molar pregnancy, but PRL and progesterone were similar and TSH was lower in molar pregnancy. A negative correlation was found between PRL level and all the hormones in normal pregnancy, with the exception of TSH, and in molar pregnancy there was a positive correlation of PRL with all hormones. Conclusion: HCG, E2, T3, T4, fT4 levels were higher in the group with molar pregnancy. Differences in correlation analysis suggest different endocrine regulation mechanisms in molar and normal pregnancies.
Influence of the position of the mother at delivery over some maternal and neonatal outcomes
Authors: Bomfim‐Hyppólito S
Published: July 2002

Objective: Evaluate possible advantages or disadvantages of the sitting over the horizontal position during the second stage of labor. Design and methods: Clinical trial randomly selecting 127 volunteers for the sitting position and 121 for the horizontal position during the second stage of labor. Duration of the second stage and of expulsion of the placenta, vulvo vaginal and perineal lacerations, blood lost and Apgar score were evaluated. Results: There was a non‐significant decrease of 3.4 min in the duration of the second period in the vertical position in comparison with the horizontal position. There was a similar difference in the duration of delivery of the placenta, but also non‐significant. Blood loss was slightly greater among women delivering in vertical position, but the difference did not reach significance. Breastfeeding did not show any influence on blood loss and on the time for delivering the placenta. The incidence of perineal trauma was 44.1% for vertical position and 47% for horizontal position in the whole group and of 47.8% and 71.2% in the group with history of episiotomy. This last difference was statistically significant. The results of this study are in the line of other studies that suggest some advantages and possible disadvantages of the vertical position. Conclusions: Mothers should be given the choice of the posture to be assumed during parturition. The supine position should not be imposed and episiotomy should not be a routine.
Gonadal function in young women with Down syndrome
Authors: Angelopoulou N. , Souftas V. , Sakadamis A. , Matziari C. , Papameletiou V. , Mandroukas K.
Published: July 2002

Objective: Investigations suggest an increased incidence of gonadal dysfunction in patients with Down syndrome. New features, Alzheimer disease and osteoporosis emerge in these individuals. Therefore, hormonal investigation in persons with Down syndrome is pursued. Methods: Thirteen females with trisomy 21 (23.65±3.23 years old) participated in the study. Ultrasound studies were performed to explore the internal genitals. Blood samples were taken for the determination of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), prolactin (PRL), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA‐S), testosterone (T) and 17‐hydroxyprogesterone (17‐OHP). Results: The patients were at stage V of sexual development. Ultrasonography demonstrated normal uterine and ovarian size and endometrial thickness as well. The ovaries of all patients contained follicles of normal distribution and various sizes. The mean concentrations of FSH, DHEA‐S and E2 were normal. The level of PRL was significantly higher than that of the controls, but within the normal lab range. The levels of LH, T and 17‐OHP were significantly elevated, compared to those of the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Our data produce new information on the gonadal function of Down syndrome women. Specific studies on pituitary‐gonadal and pituitary‐adrenal axis function are needed.
Onset of calbindin‐D 28K and parvalbumin expression in the lateral geniculate complex and olivary pretectal nucleus during postnatal development of the rat
Authors: Okoyama Shigeo , Moriizumi Tetsuji
Published: July 2002

The onset and distribution of calbindin (CB) and parvalbumin (PV) immunoreactivity were investigated in the lateral geniculate nuclear complex and the olivary pretectal nucleus (OPT) in developing rats. CB expression occurred early (before eye‐opening) in the relay neurons of the intergeniculate leaflet, parvocellular portion of the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus and OPT relating to ambient vision mediated by W‐like retinal ganglion cells. On the contrary, PV expression occurred late (after eye‐opening) in the relay neurons of the magnocellular portion of the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (VLGMC) and OPT relating to focal vision mediated by Y‐like retinal ganglion cells. A unilateral eye enucleating experiment indicated that the VLGMC and OPT received dense input from PV‐positive Y‐like retinal ganglion cells. The results show the different onsets of CB and PV expressions in the retino‐recipient thalamic and pretectal nuclei receiving inputs from different kinds of retinal ganglion cells.
Developmental expression of phospholipase D2 mRNA in rat brain
Authors: Peng Jeng‐Hsiung F. , Rhodes Philip G.
Published: July 2002

Phospholipase D (PLD) is a ubiquitous enzyme involved in many important cellular functions. Rat brain PLD isoforms have recently been cloned and characterized, but the expression of this gene has not been well studied. We thus examined the developmental expression of PLD2 in postnatal brains by Northern blotting employing a non‐radioactive RNA probe. Two PLD2 mRNA transcripts of 3.9 and 10.8 kb were detected in different brain regions and various tissues of the rat. In postnatal brains, the level of PLD2 mRNA transcripts are low 1 day after birth, increase progressively during development, and reach the maximum level in the adult brain. We thus conclude that rat brain PLD2 mRNA is developmentally regulated.
Patients on methadone maintenance treatment in Geneva
Authors: Dazord A , Mino A , Page D , Broers B
Published: July 2002

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of heroin dependent patients before and 1 year after the start of methadone maintenance treatment. Subjects were patients (n = 102) requesting treatment in a public methadone maintenance programme in Geneva (Switzerland). This was a prospective follow-up study using a validated questionnaire (SQLP). The SQLP was well accepted by patients and staff. Validity of the questionnaire was reconfirmed in this population. Compared to previously studied populations, the quality of life of heroin dependent patients before start of treatment was poor. More than half the patients were still in treatment after 1 year and their quality of life had clearly improved, in most domains. Like many of their peers in the psychiatric field, the patients had high initial expectations. Expectations decreased significantly over time. It was found that the higher were the initial expectations, the poorer was the quality of life after 1 year. The quality of life of heroin abusers requesting treatment is mediocre, and improved considerably after 1 year of comprehensive methadone maintenance treatment. Quality of life evaluation is feasible in this population and can offer an additional evaluation of quality of substance abuse treatment.
Onset of improvement under fluoxetine and moclobemide
Authors: Stassen HH , Angst J , Delini-Stula A
Published: July 2002

In a meta-analysis of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine (n = 440) and the reversible and selective monoamine oxidase-A inhibitor moclobemide (n = 437) we investigated the time course of improvement over 6 weeks for these two classes of anti-depressants. Two different methods of approach were applied: (1) repeated measurement analysis of variance in combination with regression analysis, and (2) a survival-analytical approach that allowed us to determine onset of improvement for the individual patient, to distinguish between early and late improvers, to assess the predictive value of early improvement, and to adequately process premature withdrawals. The two antidepressants of large biochemical and pharmacological differences yielded virtually identical response- and drop-out rates, and exhibited no difference with respect to the time course of improvement. Onset of improvement occurred in more than half of the patients within the first 2 weeks of treatment, and early improvement was highly predictive of later outcome. In particular, there was no indication for a delayed onset of action of antidepressants. We suggest that future studies should be standardised with respect to washout period and sufficiently dense assessments during the first 2 weeks of trial. Thus, patient samples can be subdivided reproducibly into early-, late-, partial- and non-remitters. This, in turn, may help to identify “true” drug responders, and to discover why in some patients recovery becomes “stuck”. Data already held by the pharmaceutical companies should be reanalysed in this respect.
Are depression and denutrition good predictors of dexamethasone suppression test (DST) in anorexia nervosa?
Authors: Massoubre C , Lang F , Millot L , Pichon M , Estour B , Pellet J
Published: July 2002

This study was conducted to investigate the corticotropic axis in anorexia nervosa. In 93 female inpatients who met DSM-III-R criteria for anorexia nervosa, subsample (n = 64) with DSM-III criteria was also considered. Using stepwise regression analysis, this study examined the relationship between independent variables ie, age, body mass index, scores on depression scales and postdexamethasone serum cortisol, considered as a dependent variable. In patients who met DSM-III criteria, 16.7% of the variance of serum cortisol can be explained. The main predictors are depressive retardation, emaciation and age. Using stepwise logistic regression the main categorical predictors of the test suppression vs non suppression are of the same nature. The condition of realisation of DST are discussed.
Serum erythropoietin in heart failure patients treated with ACE‐inhibitors or AT1 antagonists
Authors: Chatterjee Bidisha , Nydegger Urs E. , Mohacsi Paul
Published: July 2002

Background

Erythropoietin (Epo), a growth factor produced by the kidney, is important in heart failure patients to promote oxygen delivery to tissues. Seventy‐two chronic heart failure (CHF) patients at our outpatient clinic were subjected to morning serum Epo‐level measurements and classified according to NYHA criteria.

Results

Forty‐eight patients of classes III and IV had a significantly elevated serum Epo‐level of 42.9±40.3 mIU/ml (mean±1 S.D.) when compared to the mean level of 24 patients of classes I and II who had a normal range mean value of 13.4±6.2 mIU/ml (P<0.05). Patients on angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors showed a trend towards lower serum Epo‐levels compared to patients treated with angiotensin‐II type‐1 receptor antagonists (AT1 antagonists) (levels: 33.3±35.6 mIU/ml and 43.6±38.1 mIU/ml). This trend did not, however, reach statistical significance (P=0.36).

Conclusion

We suggest that a desirable Epo increase in class III and IV CHF patients could be achieved by either recombinant human Epo administration or, possibly, by appropriate selection of the concomitant medical therapy. A large prospective study shall investigate the possible advantage of AT1 antagonists over ACE‐inhibitors with regard to Epo effect.
Torsades de pointes caused by Mibefradil
Authors: Gläser Sven , Steinbach Michaela , Opitz Christian , Wruck Ullrich , Kleber Franz X.
Published: July 2002

We report a case of symptomatic Torsades de pointes due to QTc prolongation by Mibefradil, which potentially explains unexpected deaths related to this drug. Multiple episodes of Torsades de pointes were documented in a 76‐year‐old woman with significant QTc prolongation of 0.53 s. After discontinuation of Mibefradil QTc intervals normalized and no further ventricular tachyarrythmias were observed. We conclude that Mibefradil can cause QTc prolongation and life threatening ventricular dysrhythmias.
Overseeding cool‐season annual grasses into dormant lowland switchgrass stands
Authors: Watcharaanantapong Pattarawan , Keyser Patrick D. , McIntosh David W. , Griffith Andrew P.
Published: June 2020

Improved use of the land resource used to grow switchgrass (SG; Panicum virgatum L.), whether for biomass or forage production, could be achieved by dormant‐season overseeding with cool‐season annual grasses (CAGs). Cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were overseeded into an established, mature stand of lowland (‘Alamo’) SG for two consecutive years (2010–2011) at a study site located near Greeneville, TN. Three harvest timings were imposed on CAG (15 April, 1 May, and 15 May). Yield of CAG differed (p = 0.001) by year, species (rye = 6.8, ryegrass = 5.0, wheat = 5.1 Mg ha−1), and harvest time (15 April = 2.7, 1 May = 6.5, 15 May = 7.7 Mg ha−1), but these factors did not interact. Switchgrass yield the summer following establishment of CAGs differed (p = .001) by year (11.1 and 14.7 Mg ha−1, in 2011 and 2012, respectively) but not by CAG species or harvest date. Tiller density of SG followed the same pattern as yield (2011 = 75  m−2; 2012 = 147 m−2). Thus, this study provided no evidence that any of the three CAGs, when planted for two consecutive years into dormant SG, regardless of harvest date, had a negative effect on SG yield or stand vigor; therefore, overseeding CAGs may be a practical way for producers to improve land resource use when growing SG. However, evaluation of production costs for CAGs indicated that May harvests would be required for overseeding to be cost‐effective.
Immobilization of lipase onto metal–organic frameworks for enantioselective hydrolysis and transesterification
Authors: Yuan Xin , Liu Yu , Cao Fan , Zhang Panliang , Ou Jian , Tang Kewen
Published: June 2020

Enzyme immobilization enhances the catalytic activity and stability of the enzyme, and also improves reusability. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), which possess diversified structures and porosity, have been used as excellent carriers for enzyme immobilization. Pseudomonas fluorescens lipase (PFL) has been successfully immobilized onto MOFs by covalent cross‐linking to obtain a series of immobilized lipase (PFL@MOFs). PFL@MOFs are used for catalytic enantioselective hydrolysis of 2‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl) propionic acid ethyl ester enantiomers (2‐HPPAEE) in aqueous medium and transesterification of 4‐methoxymandelic acid enantiomers (4‐MMA) in organic medium. The experimental results indicated that PFL@Uio‐66(Zr) exhibits excellent enzymatic catalysis performances and high enantioselectives. In addition, to improve catalytic activity and reusability, PFL is modified by the polyethylene glycol (PEG) to prepare PEG‐modified lipase (PFL‐PEG), then PFL‐PEG is immobilized onto Uio‐66(Zr) to prepare PFL‐PEG@Uio‐66(Zr), demonstrating better reusability and catalytic activity compared with PFL@Uio‐66(Zr).
Photocatalytic Cr(VI) sequestration and photo‐Fenton bisphenol A decomposition over white light responsive PANI/MIL‐88A(Fe)
Authors: Chen Dan‐Dan , Yi Xiao‐Hong , Ling Li , Wang Chong‐Chen , Wang Peng
Published: June 2020

Polyaniline (PANI)/MIL‐88A(Fe) (Px@M88) composites were constructed through a simple one‐pot hydrothermal method. The photocatalytic and photo‐Fenton activities of Px@M88 composites toward reduction of Cr(VI) and degradation organic pollutants were explored by white light irradiation. PANI, as a conductive polymer, can improve MIL‐88A(Fe)’s conductivity and the efficiency of photogenerated e−–h+ pair separation. In the presence of H2O2, a photo‐Fenton reaction occured to boost the degradation efficiency of organic pollutants like bisphenol A. In addition, P9@M88 showed excellent recycling and stability in cycling experiments. Finally, a possible reaction mechanism for photocatalytic degradation was proposed and verified by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron spin resonance determination and electrochemical characterizations.
O/N Co‐Doped, Layered Porous Carbon with Mesoporosity up to 99 % for Ultrahigh‐Rate Capability Supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Bei , Wen Jikai , Chen Hongbiao , Yang Mei , Liu Yijang , Li Huaming
Published: June 2020

Ultrahigh‐rate capability supercapacitors that can tolerate charging/discharging at ultrahigh current density are particularly attractive for high‐power applications. At present, mesopore‐engineering and heteroatom‐doping have been proven to be the effective ways for concurrently enhancing energy density and rate capability. Herein, we report the fabrication of O/N‐co‐doped mesoporous carbons with ultrahigh mesoporosity and well‐defined mesopores by one‐step Na2CO3‐activation of covalent triazine‐based frameworks that derive from 2,4,6‐tris(4‐cyanophenoxy)‐1,3,5‐triazine monomer (CTFO) at 800–1000 °C. The as‐obtained O/N‐co‐doped carbon (CTFC‐900) with up to 99 % mesoporosity possesses a layered structure together with a high specific surface area (2425 m2 g−1) and a high N/O content (6.98 at% N and 10.32 at% O). Owing to these merits, the supercapacitor based on CTFC‐900 electrode exhibited a high specific capacitance of 287 F g−1 at 1.0 A g−1 and an ultrahigh rate capability of 66.1 % at 1–1000 A g−1 in alkaline electrolyte. Moreover, the CTFC‐900‐based supercapacitor in neutral electrolyte achieved both high energy density (32.2 Wh kg−1) and high power density (187 kW kg−1).
Systematic characterization of the chemical constituents in vitro and prototypes in vivo of Dingkun Dan using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry combined with the UNIFI™ software
Authors: Dou Xiu‐xiu , Lin Shan , Tian Xin‐hui , Zhang Yu‐hao , Guo Xin , Ye Ji , Zhang Wei‐dong
Published: June 2020

Dingkun Dan (DKD), a famous traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used in the treatment of irregular menstruation, leucorrhea abnormality, and postpartum gynecological diseases since Qing dynasty (1739). It comprises 30 flavors of Chinese medicinal materials, which results in its complex chemical composition. In this study, an integrative method was developed to rapidly characterize the chemical components of DKD using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry combined with the UNIFI™ software. A total of 234 compounds, including 47 triterpenoid saponins, 55 flavonoids, and 38 alkaloids, were identified. Of them, 170 compounds were characterized initially and 61 compounds were identified unambiguously using reference standards. Under the same analysis conditions, 43 prototypical components, which were tentatively assigned as triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, and others, were absorbed in rat by serum pharmacochemistry analysis. DKD exhibited diverse pharmacological activities through the combined effect of these components. This study was the first systematic study of chemical components in vitro originating from 30 medicinal materials and prototypes in vivo of DKD, which could provide scientific evidence for explaining its therapeutic effect.
Survival times are similar among patients with peritoneal, hematogenous, and nodal recurrences after curative resections for gastric cancer
Authors: Sawaki Koichi , Kanda Mitsuro , Ito Seiji , Mochizuki Yoshinari , Teramoto Hitoshi , Ishigure Kiyoshi , Murai Toshifumi , Asada Takahiro , Ishiyama Akiharu , Matsushita Hidenobu , Tanaka Chie , Kobayashi Daisuke , Fujiwara Michitaka , Murotani Kenta , Kodera Yasuhiro
Published: June 2020

Background

The three dominant recurrence patterns of gastric cancer are peritoneal, hematogenous, and nodal recurrence. Correlation between initial recurrence site and prognosis is poorly understood, particularly after standardization of postoperative S‐1 adjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

We analyzed a multi‐institutional database of 3484 patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer between 2010 and 2014. Patients who experienced recurrences after curative gastrectomy classified into peritoneal, hematogenous, or nodal recurrence groups, according to their initial recurrence sites, and their prognoses were compared.

Results

We included 313 patients in the analysis, of whom 190 patients (63%) were treated with postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. Pathological disease states were stage I: n = 20 (6%), stage II: n = 62 (20%), and stage III: n = 231 (74%). Patients were categorized into groups by peritoneal (n = 127), hematogenous (n = 123), and nodal (n = 63) recurrence. The peritoneal recurrence group tended to have longer recurrence‐free survival, but shorter post‐recurrence survival, than the other two groups. Median disease‐specific survival after curative resection by group were peritoneal: 25.8 months, hematogenous: 29.0 months, and nodal: 27.8 months (peritoneal vs hematogenous, P = .152; hematogenous vs nodal, P = .955; peritoneal vs nodal, P = .213).

Conclusions

Prognoses after curative resection for gastric cancer were similar among patients with peritoneal, hematogenous, or nodal recurrences.
Mathematical Modelling of Bioethanol Fermentation From Glucose, Xylose or Their Combination – A Review
Authors: Nosrati‐Ghods Nosaibeh , Harrison Susan T. L. , Isafiade Adeniyi J. , Leng Tai Siew
Published: June 2020

Bioethanol fermentation kinetic studies are described with effective aspects of, but not limited to, substrate limitation, oxygen limitation, substrate inhibition, product inhibition, and cell death. The majority of these studies have used Saccharomyces cerevisiae and regular mathematical modelling in the form of unstructured unsegregated kinetic modelling. In this paper, the bioethanol fermentation kinetics of pentoses or hexoses or their combination are reviewed. The modes of culture (e.g., batch and continuous), microorganisms used, process conditions, and equations including various effective aspects are discussed. The kinetic models giving the best fit to the experimental data were proposed by the Ghaly and EL‐Taweel as well as Hjersted and Henson. The results showed better agreement between modelling and experiment on using simpler equations which consider the three important effective aspects: substrate limitation, substrate inhibition and product inhibition when grown in the standard growth medium. However, more complex equations show a better fit when the optimum temperature is unclear, co‐culturing is employed, or when growth conditions deviate from standard media and process conditions.
Reverse remodeling and arrhythmic burden reduction in a patient with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator treated with sacubitril/valsartan: Case report
Authors: Corrado Egle , Saladino Antonino , Morgante Giusy , Mignano Antonino , Nugara Cinzia , Novo Giuseppina , Coppola Giuseppe
Published: June 2020

Sacubitril/valsartan has been shown to reduce cardiovascular mortality and hospitalizations in patients with HFrEF when compared to enalapril. There are also some evidences of its potential antiarrhythmic effects. We present a report where we found a relation between reverse ventricular remodeling and arrhythmic reduction in a patient treated with sacubitril/valsartan.
Photoelectrochemical CO2 Reduction via Cu2O/CuFeO2 Hierarchical nanorods photocatalyst
Authors: Oh Sang‐Ho , Kang Ho‐Young , Joo Won‐Hyo , Joo Young‐Chang
Published: June 2020

Although cuprous oxide, Cu2O, has attracted attention as a promising p‐type semiconductor material for carbon dioxide reduction (CO2RR) photocatalysts, serious stability problems have always occurred due to photocorrosion. In this work, we fabricated hierarchical‐structured photocathodes with CuFeO2 on Cu2O nanorods by spray pyrolysis and oxygen‐controlled heat treatment to improve the stability of Cu2O from a thermodynamic perspective. Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, field‐emission transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction confirmed that the Cu2O/CuFeO2 hierarchical nanorod structure was successfully fabricated. It was observed that the photocathodes show enhanced stability as the Fe content increases. Therefore, we report that the CuFeO2 layer enhances the stability of the Cu2O nanorod photocathode. A photocathode with a Cu : Fe atomic ratio of 1.52 : 1 has a current density of 1.1 mA/cm2 at 0.35 VRHE even after 10 linear voltage sweep repetitions, a decrease of only 8 % compared to the current density at the first sweep. Additionally, formate and acetate were produced during the CO2RR, exhibiting faradaic efficiencies (FEs) of 21.6 % and 68.6 %, respectively.
Association between anxiety and clinical outcomes in Chinese patients with myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease
Authors: He Chao‐Jie , Zhu Chun‐Yan , Han Bin , Hu Hai‐Zhen , Wang Shi‐Jun , Zhai Chang‐Lin , Hu Hui‐Lin
Published: June 2020

Background

Myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) accounts for approximately 5% ‐ 6% of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. Anxiety symptoms are common in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), and are associated with a poor prognosis. However, the association between anxiety and MINOCA outcomes is less clear.

Hypothesis

Anxiety will be associated with clinical outcomes in patients with MINOCA.

Methods and Results

Between November 2014 and December 2016, 620 hospitalized patients with MINOCA were recruited from a single center. Within 7 days of coronary angiography, anxiety was assessed using the Zung Self‐Rating Anxiety Scale. The primary endpoint was all‐cause mortality; secondary endpoint was any major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE). After 3 years, 87 deaths and 151 MACE had occurred. Kaplan‐Meier curves indicated the unadjusted rates of all‐cause mortality (log‐rank P = .045) and MACE (log‐rank P = .023) were significantly higher in the anxiety group compared with the control group of patients without anxiety. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that clinically significant anxiety was an independent prognostic factor for all‐cause mortality as well as MACE (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.547; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.006‐2.380; P = .047; HR = 1.460; 95% CI, 1.049‐2.031; P = .025; respectively).

Conclusions

Anxiety is significantly and independently associated with an increased risk of all‐cause mortality and MACE in patients with MINOCA.
Optimizing patient selection for cytoreductive nephrectomy based on outcomes in the contemporary era of systemic therapy
Authors: McIntosh Andrew G. , Umbreit Eric C. , Holland Levi C. , Gu Cindy , Tannir Nizar M. , Matin Surena F. , Karam Jose A. , Culp Stephen H. , Wood Christopher G.
Published: June 2020

Background

The management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has evolved rapidly, and results from the Cancer du Rein Metastatique Nephrectomie et Antiangiogéniques (CARMENA) trial bring into question the utility of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN). The objective of this study was to examine overall survival (OS) and identify risk factors associated with patients less likely to benefit from CN in the targeted therapy era.

Methods

Patients with mRCC undergoing CN from 2005 to 2017 were identified. Kaplan‐Meier methods and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to assess OS and risk‐stratify patients, respectively, on the basis of preoperative clinical and laboratory data.

Results

Six hundred eight patients were eligible with a median follow‐up of 29.4 months. Ninety‐five percent of the patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status less than or equal to 1, and 70% had a single site of metastatic disease. In a multivariable analysis, risk factors significantly associated with decreased OS included systemic symptoms at diagnosis, retroperitoneal and supradiaphragmatic lymphadenopathy, bone metastasis, clinical T4 disease, a hemoglobin level less than the lower limit of normal (LLN), a serum albumin level less than the LLN, a serum lactate dehydrogenase level greater than the upper limit of normal, and a neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio greater than or equal to 4. Patients were stratified into 3 risk groups: low (fewer than 2 risk factors), intermediate (2‐3 risk factors), and high (more than 3 risk factors). These groups had median OS of 58.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 44.3‐66.6 months), 30.6 months (95% CI, 27.0‐35.0 months), and 19.2 months (95% CI, 13.9‐22.6 months), respectively (P < .0001). The median time to postoperative systemic therapy was 45 days (interquartile range, 30‐90 days).

Conclusions

Patients with more than 3 risk factors did not seem to benefit from CN. Importantly, OS in this group was equivalent to, if not higher than, OS for patients in the CN plus sunitinib arm of CARMENA, and this raises the possibility that a well‐selected population might benefit from CN.
Contribution of social responsibility to the work involvement of employees
Authors: Blanco‐Gonzalez Alicia , Diéz‐Martín Francisco , Cachón‐Rodríguez Gabriel , Prado‐Román Camilo
Published: June 2020

This research aims to analyze the contribution of social responsibility to the work involvement of employees through its influence on social capital, legitimacy and loyalty and which entail benefits for the organization such as its survival and its competitive advantage. The data for the empirical analysis were obtained through an online survey in the field of higher education. The data was processed using the structural equations technique (PLS‐SEM). The findings show that, social responsibility significantly influences employees' organizational legitimacy. Social responsibility does not have a positive effect on employees' social capital directly, but through legitimacy. Social capital has a positive influence on employees' loyalty. Managers must make the social responsibility actions known to their employees and should involve them in these actions. This study is an original contribution in assessing the positive effects of social responsibility on social capital, legitimacy, and loyalty from the point of view of employees.
Significance of clinical phenomes of patients with COVID‐19 infection: A learning from 3795 patients in 80 reports
Authors: Zhang Linlin , Wang Diane C. , Huang Qihong , Wang Xiangdong
Published: June 2020

A new coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2 has caused outbreaks in multiple countries and the number of cases is rapidly increasing through human‐to‐human transmission. Clinical phenomes of patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection are critical in distinguishing it from other respiratory infections. The extent and characteristics of those phenomes varied depending on the severities of the infection, for example, beginning with fever or a mild cough, progressed with signs of pneumonia, and worsened with severe or even fatal respiratory difficulty in acute respiratory distress syndrome. We summarized clinical phenomes of 3795 patients with COVID‐19 based on 80 published reports from the onset of outbreak to March 2020 to emphasize the importance and specificity of those phenomes in diagnosis and treatment of infection, and evaluate the impact on medical services. The data show that the incidence of male patients was higher than that of females and the level of C‐reaction protein was increased as well as most patients' imaging included ground‐glass opacity. Clinical phenomes of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were compared with those of SARS‐CoV and MERS‐CoV infections. There is an urgent need to develop an artificial intelligence‐based machine learning capacity to analyze and integrate radiomics‐ or imaging‐based, patient‐based, clinician‐based, and molecular measurements‐based data to fight the outbreak of COVID‐19 and enable more efficient responses to unknown infections in future.
Prognostic and predictive value of radiomics signatures in stage I‐III colon cancer
Authors: Dai Weixing , Mo Shaobo , Han Lingyu , Xiang Wenqiang , Li Menglei , Wang Renjie , Tong Tong , Cai Guoxiang
Published: June 2020

Accurate identification of patients with poor prognosis after radical surgery is essential for clinical management of colon cancer. Thus, we aimed to develop death and relapse specific radiomics signatures to individually estimate overall survival (OS) and relapse free survival (RFS) of colon cancer patients. In this study, 701 stage I‐III colon cancer patients were identified from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center. A total of 647 three‐dimensional features were extracted from computed tomography images. LASSO Cox was used to identify the significantly death‐ and relapse‐associated features and to build death and relapse specific radiomics signatures, respectively. A total of 13 death‐specific and 26 relapse‐specific features were identified from 647 screened radiomics features. The developed signatures can divide patients into two groups with significantly different death (Hazard Ratio (HR): 3.053; 95% CI, 1.78‐5.23; P < .001) or relapse risk (HR: 2.794; 95% CI, 1.87‐4.16; P < .001). Time‐dependent Relative operating characteristic curve showed that the signatures performed better than any other clinicopathological factors in predicting OS (AUC: 0.768; 95% CI, 0.745‐0.791) and RFS (AUC: 0.744; 95% CI, 0.687‐0.801). Further, survival decision curve analyses confirmed the good clinical utility of the two radiomics signatures. In conclusion, we successfully developed death‐ and relapse‐specific radiomics signatures that can accurately predict OS and RFS, which may facilitate personalized treatment.
Platelet immunophenotyping in health and inherited bleeding disorders, a review and practical hints
Authors: Fouassier Marc , Babuty Antoine , Debord Camille , Béné Marie C.
Published: June 2020

Inherited platelet function disorders are rare hemorrhagic diseases. The gold standard for their exploration is optical aggregometry; however, investigations by flow cytometry (FCM) are being increasingly used. In this review, the physiology of platelets is first recalled, setting the stage for the compartments of platelets that can be apprehended by specific and appropriate labeling. As this requires some pre‐analytical precautions and specific analytical settings, a second part focuses on these characteristic aspects, based on literature and on the authors' experience in the field, for qualitative or quantitative explorations. Membrane labeling with antibodies to CD42a or CD41, respectively, useful to assess the genetic‐related defects of Glanzmann thrombocytopenia and Bernard Soulier syndrome are then described. Platelet degranulation disorders are detailed in the next section, as they can be explored, upon platelet activation, by measuring the expression of surface P‐Selectin (CD62P) or CD63. Mepacrin uptake and release after activation is another test allowing to explore the function of dense granules. Finally, the flip‐flop anomaly related to Scott syndrome is depicted. Tables summarizing possible FCM assays, and characteristic histograms are provided as reference for flow laboratories interested in developing platelet exploration.
Dammed if you do, dammed if you don't: The impact of economic rationalist imperatives on the adaptive capacity of public infrastructure in Brisbane, Australia and Cork, Ireland
Authors: Tangney Peter
Published: June 2020

This paper presents a comparative analysis of catchment management dams in Cork, Ireland and Brisbane, Australia to demonstrate how interactions between municipal government and expert advisors for public infrastructure administration can constrain community climate adaptation. The analysis highlights how neoliberal economic rationalism can appropriate public value choice under the guise of technocratic expertise. Experts are often considered responsible agents for the effective administration of public infrastructure, even when ostensibly technical decisions concerning infrastructure management seem to demand normative, political input. Technocratic administration arising from economic rationalist priorities can thereby exacerbate the hazards presented by climate variability and advancing climate change. Climate risk managers in both cases over‐relied on operating protocols and the expertise of engineers to administer public infrastructure in pursuit of economic priorities. When operating protocols proved insufficient in the face of climate extremes, however, blame was assigned to experts despite their making all available attempts to avert disaster. Through analysis of these cases, the paper discusses the need for normative transparency in expert‐led public administration and better integration of multi‐level governance for climate resilience when pursuing economic rationalist imperatives.
Research on online parameter identification of interior permanent magnet synchronous motor based on augmented robust forgetting factor recursive least square
Authors: Zhou Yafu , Wang Hantao , Lian Jing
Published: June 2020

The high‐performance motor control relies on the accuracy of the interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) parameters. In order to automatically identify the electrical parameters of IPMSM, an online parameter identification method has been developed based on robust adjustable and double tracking error to improve the identification accuracy of IPMSM parameters, which has been verified by both simulation and experiment. Also the torque closed loop was used to check the accuracy and reliability of the parameter identification. On the one hand, the simulation results show that the identification error was less than 10%, decreasing the response time and enhancing the robustness of parameter identification. On the other hand, the experimental results derived from the TC1782‐based platform verify the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method, above all results indicating that the present identification algorithm has excellent performances of IPMSM drives system and engineering practicability.
An updated long‐term homogenized daily temperature data set for Australia
Authors: Trewin Blair , Braganza Karl , Fawcett Robert , Grainger Simon , Jovanovic Branislava , Jones David , Martin David , Smalley Robert , Webb Vanessa
Published: June 2020

A new version of the long‐term Australian temperature data set, known as ACORN‐SAT (Australian Climate Observations Reference Network—Surface Air Temperature), has been developed. ACORN‐SAT includes homogenized daily maximum and minimum temperature data from 112 locations across Australia, encompassing the period from 1910 to the present, with 60 of the locations having data for the full 1910–2018 period. Homogenization is achieved using a percentile‐matching methodology with a number of improvements beyond practices used in previous versions, including more effective detection and removal of potentially inhomogeneous reference stations and an enhanced breakpoint detection methodology. Explicit corrections have also been introduced for a change in instrument screen size, whilst an assessment has found that the transition from manual to automatic instruments and changes in effective response time of automatic instruments have had a negligible impact on the data. Adjustments associated with documented site moves from in‐town to out‐of‐town locations are predominantly negative, particularly for minimum temperature, with other adjustments showing no strong bias towards either positive or negative values. The new data set shows slightly stronger warming (0.12°C per decade in mean temperature over the 1910–2016 period) than either the previous ACORN‐SAT version (0.10°C) or the unhomogenized gridded data (0.08°C), primarily due to more effective treatment of systematic moves of sites out of towns and the removal of a rounding bias in the version 1 methodology.