bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utility of PD‐L1 immunocytochemistry using body‐fluid cell blocks in patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Song Seung Geun , Lee Jonghoon , Koh Jaemoon , Kim Sehui , Chung Doo Hyun , Jeon Yoon Kyung
Published: January 2020

Background

The expression of programmed cell death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) is a biomarker in patients with non‐small‐cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Patients with advanced‐stage NSCLC receive a variety of molecular genetic tests, possibly resulting in insufficient tissue for immunoassay of PD‐L1. Thus, to determine whether effusion fluid specimens are a reliable alternative to tissue specimens for PD‐L1 testing, we compared the results of PD‐L1 immunostaining using body‐fluid cell blocks and tumor tissues.

Methods

PD‐L1 immunostaining was performed in 62 paired samples of cytology cell blocks (ie, immunocytochemistry) and tumor tissues (ie, immunohistochemistry) from 36 patients using the E1L3N, SP142, and SP263 anti PD‐L1 antibody clones. Of the 62 cytology specimens, 50 were from malignant effusion fluid. PD‐L1 expression was scored as the percentage of tumor cells with clear membranous staining.

Results

A strong positive correlation was observed between the immunostains on cytology cell blocks and tumor tissue (Pearson's correlation coefficient, R = .804, P < .001). When the score was categorized as <1%, ≥1% and <10%, ≥10% and <50%, and ≥50%, the overall concordance rate was 74.2% (46/62, Cohen's k = 0.568). After dichotomizing the cases using cutoff values of 1%, 10%, and 50%, the concordance rates were 84% to 100% for both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The concordance rate was higher in patients with NSCLC with an EGFR mutation and using the SP263 rather than the E1L3N clone.

Conclusion

The results of PD‐L1 immunostaining of cell blocks, particularly from effusion fluid, reflect the PD‐L1 expression status of NSCLC tissue.
How does tree regeneration respond to mixed‐severity fire in the western Oregon Cascades,USA?
Authors: Dunn Christopher J. , Johnston James D. , Reilly Matthew J. , Bailey John D. , Miller Rebecca A.
Published: January 2020

Dendroecological studies of historical tree recruitment patterns suggest mixed‐severity fire effects are common in Douglas‐fir/western hemlock forests of the Pacific Northwest (PNW),USA, but empirical studies linking observed fire severity to tree regeneration response are needed to expand our understanding into the functional role of fire in this forest type. Recent increases in mixed‐severity fires offered this opportunity, so we quantified the abundance, spatial distribution, species richness, and community composition of regenerating trees across a mixed‐severity fire gradient (unburned–high‐severity fire) 10 and 22 yr post‐fire, and use our results to inform a discussion of fire's functional role in western Oregon Cascades Douglas‐fir forests. Regeneration abundance was unimodal across the fire severity gradient such that the greatest mean abundance followed moderate‐severity fire (25–75% basal area mortality). Similarly, the greatest number of species was present within the most 25‐m2regeneration quadrants (most extensive distribution) following moderate‐severity fire, relative to any other fire severity class. On average, species richness also exhibited a unimodal distribution across the severity gradient, increasing by 100% in stands that experienced moderate‐severity fire relative to unburned forests or following high‐severity fire, as predicted by the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis. Several distinct regeneration communities emerged across the fire severity gradient, including early seral tree communities indicative of those observed in initial and relay floristics successional models for this forest type. Most significantly, moderate‐severity fire alters successional trajectories and facilitates the establishment of a more diverse tree regeneration community than observed following low‐ or high‐severity fire. These communities are reflective of the diverse overstory communities commonly encountered throughout this forest type. The emergence of these diverse forests is unlikely to develop or persist in the absence of moderate‐severity fire effects, and may be perpetuated longer by recurring moderate‐severity fire relative to experiencing stand replacing fire. Therefore, moderate‐severity fire may be the most functionally important fire effect in Douglas‐fir forests and should be better represented in successional models and more prominent in ecologically based fire and forest management.
Effects of ecological restoration on soil properties of the aeolian sandy land around Lhasa, southern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Liao Chengrui , Li Haidong , Lv Guoping , Tian Jiarong , Xu Yannan
Published: January 2020

The ecological restoration of aeolian sandy land has not only improved the function of ecosystem services, such as wind prevention and sand fixation, but has also indirectly reduced the regional economic losses caused by sandstorms. However, the interaction between vegetation and soil properties after natural and artificial restoration of the sandy land in southern Tibetan Plateau has not been sufficiently studied. In the present study, we selected four vegetation types, including artificial forest (A), revegetated shrub (B), natural shrub (C), and natural grassland (D), in the sandy land in the middle reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River basin, Tibet, China, and investigated the changes in soil particle size and nutrients at depths of 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm, finally examining the potential relationships between soil properties and leaf nutrients. Our results indicated that in the topsoil (0–20 cm), the natural shrub (C) and natural grassland (D) have greater silt content, recorded as 50.77% and 62.16%, respectively, compared to the artificial forest (A) and revegetated shrub (B). Natural grassland (D) had the highest silt content and the lowest soil bulk density (SBD) among the four vegetation types. There was no significant difference in the soil organic matter (SOM) in the topsoil of the different vegetation types. However, at the depth of 20–40 cm, the SOM content of the different vegetation types was in the following order: natural grassland (D) (23.37 g/kg) > natural shrub (C) (17.42 g/kg) > revegetated shrub (B) (14.85 g/kg) > artificial forest (A) (8.43 g/kg). The ammonium nitrogen content (NH4‐N) in the revegetated shrub (B) was higher compared to the other vegetation types. The SOM content was significantly correlated with the total phosphorus (TP) and available phosphorus (AP) of the sandy land. The leaf total carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus exhibited a positive correlation with SBD, AP, and available potassium. These findings can provide useful information to optimize the patterns of natural and artificial restoration for controlling desertification in similar eco‐regions.
Total Structure Determination of the Pt1Ag9[P(Ph‐F)3]7Cl3 Nanocluster
Authors: Sun Wenjing , Jin Shan , Du Wenjun , Kang Xi , Chen Along , Wang Shuxin , Sheng Hongting , Zhu Manzhou
Published: January 2020

An atomically precise luminescent Pt‐Ag alloy nanocluster (Pt1Ag9[P(Ph‐F)3]7Cl3 (P(Ph‐F)3= tris(4‐fluorophenyl) phosphine)) (Pt1Ag9 for short) was synthesized. Its structure was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SCXRD) and further confirmed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS), X‐ray photoelectron spectrospray (XPS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) measurements. Surprisingly, the Pt1Ag9 kernel can be regarded as the icosahedral Pt1Ag12 kernel missing three Ag atoms, accompanied with no structural reformation in this nanocluster. And the central Pt atom was exposed and capped by phosphine ligand directly in contrast with other reported Pt‐Ag alloy nanoclusters. Upon excitation at 435 nm, the emission spectra of Pt1Ag9 nanocluster exhibits a prominent peak at 662 nm (quantum yield QY = 0.6658 %) with a very short photoluminescence lifetime (0.357 ns). This work provides a deep understanding of the structure and properties of Pt‐Ag alloy nanoclusters.
Glycosylation on Unprotected or Partially Protected Acceptors
Authors: Ding Yili , Vara Prasad Chamakura V. N. S. , Wang Bingyun
Published: January 2020

Over the last 30 years, there have been several methods developed for the synthesis of oligosaccharides, such as combinatorial synthesis, programmable one‐pot glycosylations, pre‐activation‐based chemo‐selective glycosylation strategy, random glycosylation, chemo‐enzymatic processes, and automated platforms. Distinguishing hydroxyl groups in carbohydrate monomers form the crux of oligosaccharides synthesis. The protection of hydroxyl groups stops glycosylation at undesired positions on carbohydrates, but additional steps are required to install and remove the protecting groups. The targeted functionalization of carbohydrates relies mostly on the protection of hydroxyl groups that are not supposed to undergo glycosylation and to leave the hydroxyl group unprotected where the glycosylation should occur. Numerous procedures to avoid or decrease protecting group manipulations have been developed for the synthesis of a single or an oligosaccharide library, such as glycosylation on unprotected or partially protected acceptors, and random glycosylation on unprotected acceptors. In this review, overall approaches for glycosylation on unprotected or partially protected acceptors in the synthesis of oligosaccharides and oligosaccharide libraries are summarized, the glycosylation on unprotected or partially protected carbohydrate acceptors with or without tin or boron mediation, and random glycosylation on unprotected or partially protected acceptors in solution phase or on solid phase are discussed.
Finite element computations of viscoelastic two‐phase flows using local projection stabilization
Authors: Venkatesan Jagannath , Ganesan Sashikumaar
Published: January 2020

A three‐field local projection stabilized (LPS) finite element method is developed for computations of a three‐dimensional axisymmetric buoyancy driven liquid drop rising in a liquid column where one of the liquid is viscoelastic. The two‐phase flow is described by the time‐dependent incompressible Navier‐Stokes equations, whereas the viscoelasticity is modeled by the Giesekus constitutive equation in a time‐dependent domain. The arbitrary Lagrangian‐Eulerian (ALE) formulation with finite elements is used to solve the governing equations in the time‐dependent domain. Interface‐resolved moving meshes in ALE allows to incorporate the interfacial tension force and jumps in the material parameters accurately. A one‐level LPS based on an enriched approximation space and a discontinuous projection space is used to stabilize the numerical scheme. A comprehensive numerical investigation is performed for a Newtonian drop rising in a viscoelastic fluid column and a viscoelastic drop rising in a Newtonian fluid column. The influence of the viscosity ratio, Newtonian solvent ratio, Giesekus mobility factor, and the Eötvös number on the drop dynamics are analyzed. The numerical study shows that beyond a critical Capillary number, a Newtonian drop rising in a viscoelastic fluid column experiences an extended trailing edge with a cusp‐like shape and also exhibits a negative wake phenomena. However, a viscoelastic drop rising in a Newtonian fluid column develops an indentation around the rear stagnation point with a dimpled shape.
Wasser verbindet?
Authors: Müller‐Mahn Detlef
Published: January 2020

Entwicklungsgeographie: Mit dem Bau neuer Staudämme will Äthiopien die Nahrungsproduktion steigern, den wachsenden Energiebedarf sichern, Modernisierung und Wirtschaftswachstum vorantreiben und die Folgen des Klimawandels bewältigen. In der Bevölkerung und bei Experten ist umstritten, ob sich so viel auf einmal erreichen lässt.
An anti‐oxidative cell culture dish inhibits intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation and modulates pluripotency‐associated gene expression in mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Ikeda Yutaka , Inuzuka Naoki , Goto Mitsuaki , Akaike Toshihiro , Nagasaki Yukio
Published: January 2020

Maintenance of the pluripotent state of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) during in vitro expansion is an important factor for the successful proliferation of MSCs possessing high differentiation capacity. However, the differentiation potential of MSCs can easily be lost during in vitro expansion, particularly at late passages. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are signaling molecules that help to maintain MSC function; however, excessive ROS generation can induce senescence and impair both the differentiation capacity and proliferation of MSCs. In this study, we have designed an amphiphilic block copolymer (redox copolymer), which possesses ROS scavenging capacity in the hydrophobic site. When this redox copolymer was coated on cell culture dishes coupled with human E‐cadherin chimeric antibody (hE‐cad‐Fc), it had an antioxidative effect on cultured MSCs. We also confirmed that the redox polymer construct poly(ethylene glycol) tethered chain on the surface prevented nonspecific cell binding, whereas the co‐immobilized surface allowed high adhesion of E‐cadherin‐positive MSCs. Interestingly, the intracellular ROS level was significantly decreased by the prepared cell culture dish, despite ROS being scavenged only on the surface of the dish, on the cell exterior. Consequently, the cultured MSCs retained high expression levels of pluripotency‐associated genes, including SOX2.
miR‐194 relieve neuropathic pain and prevent neuroinflammation via targeting FOXA1
Authors: Zhang Xian , Chen Qiuqing , Shen Jian , Wang Li , Cai Yi , Zhu Kai‐Run
Published: January 2020

The emerging role of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been deeply explored in multiple diseases including neuropathic pain. miR‐194 was widely reported to be a tumor suppressor and was related to the inflammatory response. The critical role of neuroinflammation on neuropathic pain leads to a thinking about the relationship between miR‐194 and neuropathic pain. However, the function of miR‐194 in neuropathic pain remains unknown. This study was aimed to explore the relationship between miR‐194 and neuropathic pain progression by chronic sciatic nerve injury (CCI). miR‐194 abnormally downregulated in the CCI model rat and its overexpression significantly alleviates neuroinflammation in vivo. We predict Forkhead box protein A1 (FOXA1) as a direct target of miR‐194, whose restoration can markedly reverse the effects of miR‐194 on neuropathic pain. Overall, our study demonstrated a novel mechanism of neuropathic pain progression that miR‐194 alleviates neuropathic pain via targeting FOXA1 and preventing neuroinflammation by downregulating inflammatory cytokines containing cyclooxygenase 2, interleukin 6 (IL‐6), and IL‐10 in vivo, which can be reversed by the overexpression of FOXA1.
MicroRNA‐2861 and microRNA‐5115 regulates myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury through the GPR30/mTOR signaling pathway by binding to GPR30
Authors: Zhu Lijie , Li Qingman , Li Qingmin , Qi Datun , Gao Chuanyu , Yang Honghui
Published: January 2020

Myocardial ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury, a major contributor to morbidity and mortality, represents a combination of intrinsic cellular response to ischemia and the extrinsic acute inflammatory response. In the present study, microarray analysis of GSE67308 and GSE50885 identified differentially expressed GPR30 and upstream regulatory miR‐2861 and miR‐5115 in myocardial I/R. Furthermore, GPR30 was confirmed as a common target gene of miR‐2861 and miR‐5115, and miR‐2861 and miR‐5115 inhibited GPR30 expression. Poor expression of GPR30 was identified in the myocardial I/R injury mouse model. Overexpressed GPR30 led to alleviated the pathological conditions, diminished myocardial infarct size and apoptosis of myocardial tissue in mice. Moreover, miR‐2861 and miR‐5115 were found to be highly expressed in the myocardial I/R injury mouse model and to subsequently accelerate the disease progression. Notably, PR30 curtailed the development of myocardial I/R injury through activation of the mTOR signaling pathway. The key findings suggested that miR‐2861 and miR‐5115 blocked the activation of the GPR30/mTOR signaling pathway by targeting GPR30, thereby accelerating myocardial I/R injury in mice.
Autophagy protects PC12 cells against deoxynivalenol toxicity via the Class III PI3K/beclin 1/Bcl‐2 pathway
Authors: Wang Xichun , Jiang Yunjing , Zhu Lei , Cao Li , Xu Wei , Rahman Sajid ur , Feng Shibin , Li Yu , Wu Jinjie
Published: January 2020

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a major mycotoxin from the trichothecene family of mycotoxins produced by Fusarium fungi. It can cause a variety of adverse effects on human and farm animal health. Here, we determined the effect of DON on the Class III phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PIK3C3)/beclin 1/B cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2) pathway in PC12 cells and the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis. The effects of DON were evaluated based on the apoptosis ratio; the typical indicators of autophagy, including cellular morphology, acridine orange‐ and monodansylcadaverine‐labeled vacuoles, green fluorescent protein–microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) localization, and LC3 immunofluorescence; and the expression of key autophagy‐related genes and proteins, that is, PIK3C3, beclin 1, Bcl‐2, LC3, and p62. The relationship between autophagy and apoptosis was analyzed by western blot analysis and flow cytometry. DON‐induced PC12 cell morphological changes and autophagy significantly. PIK3C3, beclin 1, and LC3 increased in tandem with the DON concentration used; Bcl‐2 and p62 expression decreased as DON concentrations increased. Moreover, the PIK3C3/beclin 1/Bcl‐2 signaling pathway played a role in DON‐induced autophagy. Our findings suggest that DON can induce autophagy by activating the PIK3C3/beclin 1/Bcl‐2 signaling pathway and that autophagy may play a positive role in reducing DON‐induced apoptosis.
Kinetic evaluation of sterically hindered amines under partial oxy‐combustion conditions
Authors: Camino Sara , Vega Fernando , Gallego Fernández Luz M , Cano Mercedes , Camino José A , Navarrete Benito
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Carbon capture and storage is considered one of the pillars that should support greenhouse gas (GHG) emission mitigation by 2050. In this sense, partial oxy‐combustion emerges as a promising alternative. Its advantages rely on the production of a higher CO2 concentration flue gas than these provided by conventional air‐firing processes. The use of higher CO2 concentrations should improve the solvent kinetic and the CO2 cyclic capacity.

RESULTS

The kinetic behaviour of two representative sterically hindered amines, namely 2‐amino‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanol (AMP) and isophrondiamine (IF), were studied under partial oxy‐combustion conditions in a laboratory‐scale semi‐batch reactor. The CO2 concentration varied from 15%v/v to 60%v/v. The kinetic enhancement experienced by AMP at high CO2 concentration was slightly >60%, instead of 70–80% for IF. AMP also improved its CO2 absorption capacity by 24.7%, from 15%v/v to 60%v/v, almost doubled the improvements achieved by monoethanolamine (MEA). In the case of IF experiments, the CO2 loading increased ≈10% from 15%v/v to 60%v/v CO2 and it changed from 1.10 to 1.34 mol CO2 mol–1 solvent, representing a >20% increase.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of higher CO2 concentrations accelerated CO2 absorption and provided higher CO2 absorption rates. In addition, the evolution of the CO2 loading also exhibited higher values in the experiments using higher CO2 concentration flue gas. The steric hindrance causes a hybrid behaviour in these solvents, between both fast and slow kinetic solvents. The kinetic rates observed using AMP were slightly higher than MEA, but lower than IF which showed the fastest kinetics. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessing potential reinforcement‐like effects of brief stimuli unrelated to food reinforcers
Authors: Bai John Y. H. , Cowie Sarah , Macaskill Anne C. , Elliffe Douglas , Podlesnik Christopher A.
Published: January 2020

It is widely assumed that reinforcers are biologically relevant stimuli, or stimuli that have been associated with biologically relevant stimuli. However, brief, arbitrary stimuli have also been reported to have reinforcement‐like effects, despite being unrelated to biologically relevant stimuli like food. The present study explored the potential reinforcement‐like effects of brief stimuli across 5 experiments. In Experiments 1 through 4, pigeon subjects responded for food reinforcement and brief stimulus presentations in a 2‐component multiple schedule. Neither baseline response rates nor resistance to change during disruption tests were systematically greater in a component with versus without brief stimulus presentations. Increasing the rate and duration of brief stimulus presentations in Experiment 4 did not reveal reinforcement‐like effects when compared directly with food. In Experiment 5, pigeons chose between independent terminal links in a concurrent‐chains procedure. Across conditions, varying the location, duration, and rate of brief stimulus presentations in the terminal links had no systematic effects on preference. In contrast, varying rates of food reinforcers resulted in large and reliable shifts in preference. Therefore, the present study found no systematic evidence that brief stimuli unrelated to food reliably increase response rates, resistance to change, or preference. These data demonstrate the value of systematic replication, and a behavioral momentum approach to assessing potential reinforcement‐like effects.
GLOBAL (BEST) TOGETHER WITH (OR AGAINST) LOCAL NETWORKS AND PRACTICES? LIQUID ENGINEERING AND THE USES PROGRAMME
Authors: Robbins Peter , Wield David , Wilson Gordon , Watkins Andrew , MacPhail Peter
Published: January 2020

There is potentially tension between world class research and global standards on the one hand and local contexts of engineering and development practice on the other. One aims at scientific status and entirely new knowledge, suggesting just one standard of quality. The other at building products and processes that might bring socio‐economic development, often prizing pragmatism and bricolage. The UK‐funded programme ‘Understanding Sustainable Energy Solutions in Developing Countries’ (USES) was set up on the understanding that such tensions, if they exist, can be transcended. It was funded by two organisations, the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the UK international development agency, Department for International Development.

This paper analyses the USES research programme, looking at the processes of its establishment, partnership building, the research undertaken and its early impact. The paper shows that the USES programme goes beyond ‘normal’ pure versus applied, research versus policy and low‐tech versus high‐tech dualities. Instead, it throws up a complex series of issues that require attention if research is to lead to long standing and sustainable economic and social development.

The paper suggests that the concept ‘liquid engineering’ might be a good way to conceptualise the ways in which the programme, without denying the tensions of dualistic realities, has moved towards a more fluid process to take account of its multiple and complex goals. The programme highlights that progress can be made towards engineering and development being accepted as a legitimate area of engineering theory and practice. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Condensation of delta‐1‐piperideine‐6‐carboxylate with ortho‐aminobenzaldehyde allows its simple, fast, and inexpensive quantification in the urine of patients with antiquitin deficiency
Authors: Boehm Thomas , Hubmann Holger , Petroczi Karin , Mathis Déborah , Klavins Kristaps , Fauler Guenter , Plecko Barbara , Struys Eduard , Jilma Bernd
Published: January 2020

Antiquitin (ATQ) deficiency leads to tissue, plasma, and urinary accumulation of alpha‐aminoadipic semialdehyde (AASA) and its Schiff base delta‐1‐piperideine‐6‐carboxylate (P6C). Although genetic testing of ALDH7A1 is the most definitive diagnostic method, quantifications of pathognomonic metabolites are important for the diagnosis and evaluation of therapeutic and dietary interventions. Current metabolite quantification methods use laborious, technically highly complex, and expensive liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectro‐metry, which is available only in selected laboratories worldwide. Incubation of ortho‐aminobenzaldehyde (oABA) with P6C leads to the formation of a triple aromatic ring structure with characteristic absorption and fluorescence properties. The mean concentration of P6C in nine urine samples from seven ATQ‐deficient patients under standard treatment protocols was statistically highly significantly different (P < .001) compared to the mean of 74 healthy controls aged between 2 months and 57 years. Using this limited data set the specificity and sensitivity is 100% for all tested age groups using a P6C cut‐off of 2.11 μmol/mmol creatinine, which represents the 99% prediction interval of the P6C concentrations in 17 control urine samples from children below 6 years of age. Plasma P6C concentrations were only elevated in one ATQ subject, possibly because P6C is trapped by pyridoxal‐5‐phosphate (PLP) blocking fusing with oABA. Nevertheless, both urine and plasma samples were amenable to the quantification of exogenous P6C with high response rates. The P6C quantification method using fusion of oABA with P6C is fast, simple, and inexpensive and might be readily implemented into routine clinical diagnostic laboratories for the early diagnosis of neonatal pyridoxine‐dependent epilepsy.
The association of preoperative anxiety and depression with neurocognitive disorder following oncological surgery
Authors: Du Jing , Plas Matthijs , Absalom Anthony R. , van Leeuwen Barbara L. , de Bock Geertruida H.
Published: January 2020

Background

The proposed underlying mechanisms of anxiety and depression, and of postoperative neurocognitive disorder (NCD), each include immune system involvement. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate the incidence of postoperative NCD 3 months after surgery among oncological patients undergoing surgery and to evaluate the role of preoperative anxiety and depression.

Method

A consecutive series of patients (age ≥ 18 years) undergoing surgery for the removal of solid tumors were included (n = 218). Cognitive performance was assessed preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively. Preoperative anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Results

NCD affected 12.3% of elderly patients (age ≥ 70 years, n = 57) at 3 months after surgery, with executive function mostly affected. By contrast, 8.4% of younger patients (age < 70 years, n = 107) were affected, with information processing speed mostly affected. Low educational attainment was a risk factor (OR, 6.0; 95% CI, 1.9–19.0) of overall NCD, whereas preoperative anxiety was associated with decline in the domain of executive function.

Conclusion

Postoperative NCD is a complication of oncological surgery for all adults instead of the elderly only. Preoperative anxiety was associated with an increased risk of executive function decline, and low educational attainment was a key factor for overall NCD.
Significance of desmoglein‐2 on cell malignant behaviors via mediating MAPK signaling in cervical cancer
Authors: Zhou Bing‐Xia , Li Yan
Published: January 2020

Desmoglein‐2 (DSG2) is an integral component of desmosomes, maintaining cell‐cell adhension in multiple cancers. It has been well studied in epithelial cells, cardiomyocytes and primary prostate cancer, colon cancer, skin squamous cell carcinoma, except for cervical cancer. Hence, we performed this study to examine the function of DSG2 in cervical cancer. We used TCGA and Oncomine databases to assess the expression level of DSG2 in cervical cancer cases. Kaplan‐Meier method with log‐rank test was utilized to plot overall survival (OS) curve. The reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and western blotting were performed to detect the expression of DSG2 in cells. Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8), wound‐healing analysis, and transwell assay were carried out to examine proliferation, migration, and invasion of cells. A higher level of DSG2 in cervical cancer was associated with lower OS rate. Knockdown of DSG2 inhibited cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while DSG2 enhancement promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Moreover, the proteins expression of p‐MEK and p‐ERK that are required for mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway were downregulated after reducing DSG2. In conclusion, these findings illustrated the importance of DSG2 in cervical cancer development and cell behaviors by mediating MAPK signaling pathway, suggesting DSG2 maybe a novel therapeutic target in control of cervical cancer.
Society publishing: It's all about the community you serve
Authors: Holmes Edith
Published: January 2020

Key points

Put your audience first; factor community needs into every editorial and business decision.

Do not confuse ‘open’ with ‘free’ access; be as open as possible but maintain subscription models where those who value quality information share the cost of creating it.

Carefully choose your technology partner; select a firm with a disciplined approach to developing infrastructure that benefits all publishers on the platform.

Keep print as a distribution option; retain this medium with its documented advantages over digital publication in the acquisition and retention of knowledge.

Think twice about consolidation; consider, evaluate, and adopt the business model that best serves your community.
Antioxidative properties and macrochemical composition of five commercial mungbean varieties in Australia
Authors: Johnson Joel , Collins Tania , Power Aoife , Chandra Shaneel , Skylas Daniel , Portman Drew , Panozzo Joe , Blanchard Christopher , Naiker Mani
Published: January 2020

Mungbeans are growing in popularity among Australian consumers, driven by their beneficial nutritional and phytochemical composition. However, data on the antioxidative, mineral, and phytochemical content of Australian mungbeans at the point of consumer purchase remains scarce. Here, five commercial mungbean samples were analysed for total antioxidant capacity, total phenolics, and total monomeric anthocyanins. Attenuated total reflectance midinfrared spectroscopy was utilised as a rapid and reliable method of obtaining information about the macrochemical composition of the mungbean hulls. Total antioxidant capacity ranged from 170 to 570 mg Trolox equivalents per 100 g, total phenolic content from 130 to 240 mg gallic acid equivalents per 100 g, and anthocyanin content from 10 to 40 mg cyanidin‐3‐glucoside equivalents per 100 g. There was a significant difference between varieties in all measures of antioxidant, phenolic and anthocyanin contents. Using principal component analysis, the midinfrared spectra for the five mungbean varieties could be isolated, highlighting the differences in their phytochemical composition. In general, whole Australian mungbeans appear to have the highest antioxidant, phenolic, and anthocyanin contents. Midinfrared spectroscopy appears to be a valuable method of obtaining and comparing the macrochemical composition of mungbeans. This technology is likely to be of increasing use in the future.
Robust and Broadband Optical Coupling by Topological Waveguide Arrays
Authors: Song Wange , Sun Wenzhao , Chen Chen , Song Qinghai , Xiao Shumin , Zhu Shining , Li Tao
Published: January 2020

Photonic topological states have been exploited to give rise to robust optical behaviors that are quite insensitive to local defects or perturbations, which provide a promising solution for robust photonic integrations. Specifically, for example, optical coupling between waveguides is a universal function in integrated photonics. However, the coupling performance usually suffers from high structure‐sensitivity and challenges current manufacturing for massive production. Here, the topological edge state in a finite Su–Schriffer–Heeger modeled optical waveguide array is explored and robust optical coupling (e.g., directional coupling and beam splitting) is demonstrated, which is quite insensitive to structural variations. It is experimentally proved that even a large discrepancy (21–26% structural deviation) in silicon waveguides gaps has little influence on optical coupling (>90% performance), while conventional counterparts totally break down. Moreover, thanks to such a topological design, the devices show much broader working bandwidth (≈10 times performance improvement) than the conventional ones, greatly favoring the photonic integrations. This work would inspire new families of optical devices with robust and broadband properties that can excite more interesting and useful exploration in both fields, and possibly open a new avenue toward topological devices with unique properties and functionalities.
Self‐Healing Metallo‐Supramolecular Amphiphilic Polymer Conetworks
Authors: Mugemana Clément , Grysan Patrick , Dieden Reiner , Ruch David , Bruns Nico , Dubois Philippe
Published: January 2020

The current challenge in self‐healing materials resides in the design of materials which exhibit improved mechanical properties and self‐healing ability. The design of phase‐separated nanostructures combining hard and soft phases represents an attractive approach to overcome this limitation. Amphiphilic polymer conetworks are nanostructured materials with robust mechanical properties, which can be tailored by tuning the polymer composition and chemical functionality. This article highlights the design of phase‐separated nanostructured polymers from metallo‐supramolecular amphiphilic polymer conetworks, and their application for self‐healing surfaces. The synthesis of poly(N‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)acrylamide)‐l‐polydimethylsiloxane polymer conetworks from the poly(pentafluorophenyl acrylate)‐l‐polydimethylsiloxane activated ester is presented. Loading of ZnCl2 salt into the phase‐separated polymer conetwork strengthens the network by cross‐linking the poly(N‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)acrylamide) phases, while offering reversible interactions needed for self‐healing ability.
Impact of the Fiber Length Distribution on Porous Sponges Originating from Short Electrospun Fibers Made from Polymer Yarn
Authors: Liao Xiaojian , Hu Pin , Agarwal Seema , Greiner Andreas
Published: January 2020

Ultralight highly porous sponges made of short electrospun polymer fibers have gained significant attention for a variety of applications. According to the established procedures, short electrospun fibers are obtained by cutting or homogenization of electrospun fibers in suspension, which yield fibers with inhomogeneous fiber length. The role of the fiber length distribution and the fiber length in the mechanical compressibility of the sponges is unknown. Therefore, as a model study, sponges made from suspensions of short electrospun poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) fibers with controlled fiber length distribution are investigated, and the role of the fiber length distribution in the compressibility of the sponges is analyzed quantitatively. These sponges are also compared to the ones prepared by established procedure as a benchmark. It is found that the compression stress and modulus of ultralight sponges with monodisperse short fibers are respectively 32% and 45% higher than that made with polydisperse short fibers. The study also shows that sponges made from longer fibers have higher modulus in comparison to the sponges made from shorter fibers.
Highly Transparent and Colorless Self‐Healing Polyacrylate Coatings Based on Diels–Alder Chemistry
Authors: Fortunato Giovanni , Tatsi Elisavet , Rigatelli Benedetta , Turri Stefano , Griffini Gianmarco
Published: January 2020

The efficient integration of reversible polymer networks into acrylate‐based polymeric materials is of peculiar interest for the development of coatings that combine high transparency with self‐healing ability. In this work, reversible networks are obtained by reacting a series of linear copolymers of furfuryl methacrylate with aliphatic bismaleimides through Diels–Alder (DA) reaction between furan and maleimide moieties. Owing to dynamic crosslinking, the obtained coatings exhibit thermal reversibility, as determined by differential scanning calorimetry and dissolution experiments. Furthermore, upon heating over the retro‐DA temperature, an excellent recovery of mechanically induced surface damages proves successful thermal remendability. Compared to previous reports on DA‐based acrylate networks, the presented thermally responsive coatings exhibit outstanding transparency and absence of color, as a result of an accurate choice of suitable monomeric precursors. In addition, a pronounced hydrophobic behavior and excellent adhesive properties make the proposed material particularly suitable for optical applications.
Control problems for energy harvester model and interpolation in Hardy space
Authors: Shubov Marianna A.
Published: January 2020

Three control problems for the system of two coupled differential equations governing the dynamics of an energy harvesting model are studied. The system consists of the equation of an Euler–Bernoulli beam model and the equation representing the Kirchhoff's electric circuit law. Both equations contain coupling terms representing the inverse and direct piezoelectric effects. The system is reformulated as a single evolution equation in the state space of 3‐component functions. The control is introduced as a separable forcing term on the right‐hand side of the operator equation. The first control problem deals with an explicit construction of that steers an initial state to zero on a time interval [0, T]. The second control problem deals with the construction of such that the voltage output is equal to some given function (with being given as well). The third control problem deals with an explicit construction of both the force profile, , and the control, , which generate the desired voltage output . Interpolation theory in the Hardy space of analytic functions is used in the solution of the second and third problems.
Low‐dose megavoltage cone‐beam computed tomography using a novel multi‐layer imager (MLI)
Authors: Myronakis Marios , Huber Pascal , Lehmann Mathias , Fueglistaller Rony , Jacobson Matthew , Hu Yue‐Houng , Baturin Paul , Wang Adam , Shi Mengying , Harris Thomas , Morf Daniel , Berbeco Ross
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The feasibility of low‐dose megavoltage cone‐beam acquisition (MVCBCT) using a novel, high detective quantum efficiency (DQE) multi‐layer imager (MLI) was investigated. The aim of this work was to reconstruct MVCBCT images using the MLI at different total dose levels, and assess Hounsfield Unit (HU) accuracy, noise and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) for low‐dose megavoltage cone‐beam acquisition.

Methods

The MLI has four stacked layers; each layer contains a combination of copper filter/converter, gadolinium oxysulfide (GOS) scintillator and a‐Si detector array. In total, 720 projections of a CATPHAN® phantom were acquired over 360° at 2.5, 6, and 6 MV flattening filter free (FFF) beam energies on a Varian TrueBeam LINAC. The dose per projection was 0.01, 0.0167, and 0.05 MU for 2.5, 6, and 6 MV FFF, respectively. MVCBCT images were reconstructed with varying numbers of projections to provide a range of doses for evaluation. Hounsfield Unit uniformity, accuracy, noise and CNR were estimated. Improvements were quantified relative to the standard AS1200 single‐layer imager.

Results

Average HU uniformity for the MLI reconstructions was within a range of 95%‐99% for all of the energies studied. Relative electron density estimation from HU values was within 0.4% ± 1.8% from nominal values. The CNR for MVCBCT based on MLI projections was 2–4× greater than from AS1200 projections. The 2.5 MV beam acquisition with the MLI exhibited the lowest noise and the best balance between CNR and dose for low‐dose reconstructions.

Conclusions

Megavoltage cone‐beam acquisition imaging with a novel MLI prototype mounted on a clinical linear accelerator demonstrated substantial improvement over the standard AS1200 EPID. Further optimization of MVCBCT reconstruction, particularly for 2.5 MV acquisitions, will improve image metrics. Overall, the MLI improves CNR at substantially lower doses than currently required by conventional detectors. This new high DQE detector could provide high‐quality MVCBCT at clinically acceptable doses.
Correlation of plasma metabolites with glucose and lipid fluxes in human insulin resistance
Authors: Hartstra Annick V. , de Groot Pieter F. , Mendes Bastos Diogo , Levin Evgeni , Serlie Mireille J. , Soeters Maarten R. , Pekmez Ceyda T. , Dragsted Lars O. , Ackermans Mariette T. , Groen Albert K. , Nieuwdorp Max
Published: January 2020

Objective

Insulin resistance develops prior to the onset of overt type 2 diabetes, making its early detection vital. Direct accurate evaluation is currently only possible with complex examinations like the stable isotope‐based hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp (HIEC). Metabolomic profiling enables the detection of thousands of plasma metabolites, providing a tool to identify novel biomarkers in human obesity.

Design

Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry–based untargeted plasma metabolomics was applied in 60 participants with obesity with a large range of peripheral insulin sensitivity as determined via a two‐step HIEC with stable isotopes [6,6‐2H2]glucose and [1,1,2,3,3‐2H5]glycerol. This additionally enabled measuring insulin‐regulated lipolysis, which combined with metabolomics, to the knowledge of this research group, has not been reported on before.

Results

Several plasma metabolites were identified that significantly correlated with glucose and lipid fluxes, led by plasma (gamma‐glutamyl)citrulline, followed by betaine, beta‐cryptoxanthin, fructosyllysine, octanylcarnitine, sphingomyelin (d18:0/18:0, d19:0/17:0) and thyroxine. Subsequent machine learning analysis showed that a panel of these metabolites derived from a number of metabolic pathways may be used to predict insulin resistance, dominated by non‐essential amino acid citrulline and its metabolite gamma‐glutamylcitrulline.

Conclusion

This approach revealed a number of plasma metabolites that correlated reasonably well with glycemic and lipolytic flux parameters, measured using gold standard techniques. These metabolites may be used to predict the rate of glucose disposal in humans with obesity to a similar extend as HOMA, thus providing potential novel biomarkers for insulin resistance.
Prekallikrein – an emerging therapeutic target for Klebsiella pneumoniae infection?†
Authors: Lam Zena , Condliffe Alison M
Published: January 2020

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram‐negative bacterium that is increasingly difficult to treat due to the emergence of multidrug resistant strains. In a recent article, Ding et al demonstrate that prekallikrein depletion in mice followed by intranasal instillation of K. pneumoniae leads to a reduced bacterial burden and prolonged host survival, together with evidence of reduced distant organ damage. These effects are apparently independent of the role of prekallikrein in the contact system, and are associated with transcriptional changes relevant to innate immunity in the lung, established prior to infection. This study highlights the importance of further investigating the role of prekallikrein and other contact cascade components in host defence to counter K. pneumoniae (and perhaps other pathogens), with an overall aim of identifying potential therapeutic targets relevant to pulmonary infection with such resistant pathogens. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Topical sirolimus for the treatment of cutaneous manifestations of vascular anomalies: A case series
Authors: Badia Priscila , Ricci Kiersten , Gurria Juan P. , Dasgupta Roshni , Patel Manish , Hammill Adrienne
Published: January 2020

Background

Vascular anomalies (VA), characterized by the abnormal development or growth of blood and/or lymphatic vessels, encompasses a spectrum of conditions with a range of symptoms and complications. VA are frequently associated with cutaneous complications that can cause significant morbidity. Systemic sirolimus has previously been shown to be effective in the treatment of complicated VA. There are limited studies to date on the use of topical sirolimus for the treatment of cutaneous manifestations of VA.

Methods

Retrospective review of medical records of pediatric patients with VA treated with topical sirolimus at a single quaternary pediatric institution. Response was determined by clinical subjective and objective measures of improvement.

Results

Twenty‐three patients with cutaneous VA manifestations were treated with topical sirolimus. Median age was 14 (range 4‐27 years). The main indication for treatment was complication of lymphatic blebbing (82%, n = 19) including lymphatic fluid leakage, bleeding, pain, pruritus, swelling, or recurrent infection. Treatment course ranged from 109 to 1424 days with median of 622 days. No major side effects were reported. Eighty‐six percent of patients (n = 20) had subjective or objective improvement of cutaneous lesions. Lymphatic blebbing complications improved in 90% (n = 17) of individuals. Eighty‐two percent (n = 14) of patients not receiving concurrent systemic sirolimus demonstrated improvement with topical therapy. One patient electively stopped treatment due to pruritus and burning sensation.

Conclusion

Topical sirolimus appears to be a beneficial therapy for lymphatic blebbing associated with lymphatic malformations or mixed malformations with a lymphatic component, although benefit in other VA remains unclear. Topical sirolimus was well‐tolerated with minimal side effects.
Single polymer composite sheets from polypropylene nonwoven fabric and films. Influence of processing conditions on final properties
Authors: Vazquez Yamila V. , Castillo Luciana A. , Barbosa Silvia E.
Published: January 2020

Single polypropylene (PP) composites from a film/nonwoven fabric/film was obtained by hot calendering in order to develop recyclable, flexible, and low‐cost sheets. Processing temperature (Tp) influence on morphology and mechanical properties of developed single composites was analyzed. Two different values of roll temperature (140 and 150°C) were studied, keeping constant rotation speed and rolls distance. Results revealed notable differences in materials microstructure induced by a difference of only 10°C in Tp. Sheets obtained at 140°C presented a well‐defined film/nonwoven fabric/film structure, meanwhile the highest Tp led to a greater melting extent of external films which penetrate into the fabric, creating a more compact structure. Moreover, results confirmed that changes in Tp can induce a differential mechanical performance showing higher strength, and ductility in sheets processed at 150°C. Homogeneous sheets with good mechanical behavior, proper nonwoven fabric/films adhesion, and uniform thickness were obtained.