bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Needs assessment in genetic testing education: A survey of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder in the united states
Authors: Zhao Shixi , Chen Wei‐Ju , Dhar Shweta U. , Eble Tanya N. , Kwok Oi‐Man , Chen Lei‐Shih
Published: June 2019

Understanding parents' educational needs concerning genetic testing for their children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is important in developing tailored, evidence‐based health education materials for clinical use. Since research is lacking in this area, to bridge the gap, we examined genetic testing education needs using a nationwide sample of parents of biological children with ASD in the United States. Prospective participants were recruited from the interactive autism network, and 552 parents of biological children with ASD completed the online survey. Most participants (73.7%) were interested in receiving health education about genetic testing. Yet, the majority of them (64.7%) reported that they did not receive the information needed from physicians. Parents who identified as racial/ethnic minorities (P= 0.029), who had an education degree below college (P= 0.002), or displayed low/no awareness of genetic testing (P= 0.003) were more interested in receiving health education regarding genetic testing. Parents' most desired topics for health education include the accuracy of genetic testing (88.4%), cost (85.9%), relevant benefits of such testing (83.8%), testing procedure (77.8%), eligibility to undergo genetic testing for their children with ASD (62.4%), potential harms caused by genetic testing (56.1%), previous use and experience among individuals affected by ASD (50.8%), and confidentiality issues (48.0%). Furthermore, web‐based education was the preferable approach (85.4%). Our findings can help develop health education programs and/or materials regarding genetic testing for parents and physicians to facilitate better physician‐parent communication and assist parents in making informed medical decisions regarding genetic testing.Autism Res2019, 12: 1162–1170. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

This study examined educational needs on genetic testing among 552 American parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Results showed that most parents expressed interests in receiving health education regarding genetic testing (73.7%) and favored online education resources (85.4%). Preferred topics included accuracy, cost, and testing benefits. Our findings can help develop genetic testing related health education programs and materials for parents of children with ASD.
Effect of sex on the efficacy of patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Chengdi , Qiao Wenliang , Jiang Yuting , Zhu Min , Shao Jun , Ren Pengwei , Liu Dan , Li Weimin
Published: June 2019

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown promising efficacy in the treatment of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Sex‐associated dimorphism in immune system response is acknowledged, but the effect of patients’ sex on efficacy of ICIs as treatment in NSCLC still remains controversial. The present study was conducted to investigate the difference in efficacy of NSCLC patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors according to the sex. A total of 9583 patients involved 6567 men and 3016 women with advanced lung cancer from 15 randomized controlled trials were included in this study. An overall survival (OS) benefit of immune checkpoint inhibitors was illustrated in both male (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.71‐0.82) and female (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.58‐0.91) patients, and a progression‐free survival (PFS) benefit was also found in both men (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.58‐0.77) and women (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.56‐0.95) in NSCLC. Both PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors alone and PD‐1/PD‐L1 plus chemotherapy significantly improved the OS and PFS in male patients. Whereas in females, PD‐1 inhibitors or monotherapy significantly benefited the OS but not the PFS, PD‐L1 inhibitors or combination therapy significantly prolonged the PFS but not the OS. No survival benefit was found in both male and female patients from the CTLA‐4 inhibitors. The current study indicated that the magnitude of survival benefit is sex‐dependent and male patients seemed to obtain more consistent and favorable outcomes from ICIs than women patients in NSCLC.
Patients with severe aortic stenosis and coexisting pulmonary hypertension treated by transapical transcatheter aortic valve replacement—Is there a need for increased attention?
Authors: Keymel Stefanie , Papadopoulos Georgios , Minol Jan P. , Blehm Alexander , Krüger Stefan , Afzal Shazia , Jung Christian , Westenfeld Ralf , Lichtenberg Artur , Kelm Malte , Zeus Tobias , Veulemans Verena
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Aim of this study is to elucidate the impact of pulmonary hypertension on patients treated with a transapical aortic valve replacement.

Background

In patients with aortic stenosis (AS) the coexistence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with increased peri‐operative risk for surgical aortic valve replacement. For transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), it is unknown whether transapical TAVR (TA‐TAVR) is associated with increased peri‐interventional risk in PH patients.

Methods

We performed a single center analysis in 189 patients with severe AS with (AS + PH) or without PH (AS − PH) undergoing TA‐TAVR. PH was defined by mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥25 mmHg assessed by right heart catheterization (exclusion of 64 patients due to missing results). As the primary endpoint a combination of 30‐day mortality or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was analyzed.

Results

Seventy three patients (58.4%) had PH. Increased peri‐interventional risk in AS + PH patients was reflected by an increased rate of the primary endpoint in comparison to AS − PH patients (24.7 vs. 3.8%; p = .002). A higher proportion of acute kidney injury (34.2 vs. 15.7%; p = .025) was found in AS + PH patients while AS − PH patients showed a higher rate of bleeding in comparison AS + PH patients (18.5 vs. 6.8% p = .050).

Conclusion

Patients with AS + PH treated by TA‐TAVR are at increased peri‐interventional risk for severe complications in comparison to AS − PH patients. Therefore, the identification of preventive therapeutic strategies is needed.

Classifications

TAVR, transapical, pulmonary hypertension, aortic stenosis.
Restructuring of Gold‐Palladium Alloyed Nanoparticles: A Step towards More Active Catalysts for Oxidation of Alcohols
Authors: Silva Tiago A. G. , Ferraz Camila P. , Gonçalves Renato V. , Teixeira‐Neto Erico , Wojcieszak Robert , Rossi Liane M.
Published: June 2019

AuPd alloyed nanoparticles are regarded as very active catalysts for oxidation of alcohols. However we found that their catalytic activity can be further improved after calcination in air, which lead to the restructuring of alloyed AuPd nanoparticles and PdO segregation on the surface. The alloyed character was partially recovered upon reduction with H2 atmosphere, but the yet Pd‐rich surface was less active in the oxidation of the model molecule benzyl alcohol.
Treatment of Oily and Salty Mining Water by Ceramic Nanofiltration Membranes
Authors: Voigt Ingolf , Richter Hannes , Weyd Marcus , Milew Kerstin , Haseneder Roland , Günther Christiane , Prehn Volker
Published: June 2019

Ceramic nanofiltration membranes were successfully tested and piloted for the treatment of oily and salty water from oil sand mining in Alberta, Canada. The membranes showed a stable behavior over two years operation. The complete removal of suspended solids as well as the reduction of multivalent ions enable the use of recycle water from tailing ponds to prepare boiler feed water. In high salt concentration like waste water from potash mining a dependency of salt retention on the salt composition and concentration was observed. High MgSO4 retention even at high salt concentration was achieved.
Active disturbance rejection generalized predictive control for a high purity distillation column process with time delay
Authors: Cheng Yun , Chen Zengqiang , Sun Mingwei , Sun Qinglin
Published: June 2019

High purity distillation processes have been widely used in the chemical industry. These processes have unique characteristics including higher order, nonlinearity, strong coupling, and time delay. In order to overcome these control issues, an active disturbance rejection generalized predictive control strategy is designed for the distillation column with time delay. The strategy combines the structures of both active disturbance rejection control and generalized predictive control. A delayed designed extended state observer can estimate the model uncertainty and external disturbance, and a non‐incremental generalized predictive control is proposed to deal with the integrators with time delay. Therefore, it rejects disturbances well and has the capability of overcoming time delay. The computation load is also less than the generalized predictive control. In the simulation experiments, the proposed strategy is compared with robust control and model predictive control. The results illustrate that the proposed control strategy has improved robustness performance in dealing with model uncertainties, various disturbances, and time delay.
Novel BQCA‐ and TBPB‐Derived M1 Receptor Hybrid Ligands: Orthosteric Carbachol Differentially Regulates Partial Agonism
Authors: Schramm Simon , Agnetta Luca , Bermudez Marcel , Gerwe Hubert , Irmen Matthias , Holze Janine , Littmann Timo , Wolber Gerhard , Tränkle Christian , Decker Michael
Published: June 2019

Recently, investigations of the complex mechanisms of allostery have led to a deeper understanding of G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) activation and signaling processes. In this context, muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) are highly relevant due to their exemplary role in the study of allosteric modulation. In this work, we compare and discuss two sets of putatively dualsteric ligands, which were designed to connect carbachol to different types of allosteric ligands. We chose derivatives of TBPB [1‐(1′‐(2‐tolyl)‐1,4′‐bipiperidin‐4‐yl)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2(3H)‐one] as M1‐selective putative bitopic ligands, and derivatives of benzyl quinolone carboxylic acid (BQCA) as an M1 positive allosteric modulator, varying the distance between the allosteric and orthosteric building blocks. Luciferase protein complementation assays demonstrated that linker length must be carefully chosen to yield either agonist or antagonist behavior. These findings may help to design biased signaling and/or different extents of efficacy.
Estimation of the kidney metabolic heat generation rate
Authors: Orlande Helcio R.B. , Lutaif Nelson Afonso , Gontijo José Antonio Rocha
Published: June 2019

Thermogenesis results from the cellular metabolism and has a fundamental role for body thermoregulation in endothermic species. The motivation for this work is the analysis of the kidneys' contribution for thermoregulation. An inverse problem is solved for the estimation of the heat generation rate that results from the metabolic activities in the kidney, by using transient temperature measurements of the urine. The Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method is applied for the solution of the inverse problem, which presents inherent difficulties associated with low sensitivity of the parameters of main interest that represent the transient heat source term and strong correlation of the remaining model parameters. Such difficulties are dealt with in this work by using a version of the Metropolis‐Hastings algorithm that samples the parameters in blocks. Simulated temperature measurements are used for the inverse problem solution, and the convergence of the Markov chains is verified with two different techniques.
A Critical Look at Direct Catalytic Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide to Olefins
Authors: Ronda‐Lloret Maria , Rothenberg Gadi , Shiju N. Raveendran
Published: June 2019

One of the main initiatives for fighting climate change is to use carbon dioxide as a resource instead of waste. In this respect, thermocatalytic carbon dioxide hydrogenation to high‐added‐value chemicals is a promising process. Among the products of this reaction (alcohols, alkanes, olefins, or aromatics), light olefins are interesting because they are building blocks for making polymers, as well as other important chemicals. Olefins are mainly produced from fossil fuel sources, but the increasing demand of plastics boosts the need to develop more sustainable synthetic routes. This review gives a critical overview of the most recent achievements in direct carbon dioxide hydrogenation to light olefins, which can take place through two competitive routes: the modified Fischer–Tropsch synthesis and methanol‐mediated synthesis. Both routes are compared in terms of catalyst development, reaction performance, and reaction mechanisms. Furthermore, practical aspects of the commercialization of this reaction, such as renewable hydrogen production and carbon dioxide capture, compression, and transport, are discussed. It is concluded that, to date, the catalysts used in the carbon dioxide hydrogenation reaction give a wide product distribution, which reduces the specific selectivity to lower olefins. More efforts are needed to reach better control of the C/H surface ratio and interactions within the functionalities of the catalyst, as well as understanding the reaction mechanism and avoiding deactivation. Renewable H2production and carbon dioxide capture and transport technologies are being developed, although they are currently still too expensive for industrial application.
Appraisement of Crystal Expansion in CH3NH3PbI3 on Doping: Improved Photovoltaic Properties
Authors: Salado Manuel , Kazim Samrana , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Ahmad Shahzada
Published: June 2019

Invited for this month′s cover is the group of Shahzada Ahmad at the Basque Center for the Materials, Applications and Nanostructures, University of Basque Country (Spain). The image shows how the inclusion of imidazolium iodide can play a role in the expansion of CH3NH3PbI3 crystal, which is beneficial for perovskite solar cells fabrication. The Full Paper itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.201803043.
Hurricane Sandy and engineered response created habitat for a threatened shorebird
Authors: Walker Katie M. , Fraser James D. , Catlin Daniel H. , Ritter Shannon J. , Robinson Samantha G. , Bellman Henrietta A. , DeRose‐Wilson Audrey , Karpanty Sarah M. , Papa Steven T.
Published: June 2019

The intensity of Atlantic Ocean hurricanes is predicted to increase, and although disturbance is recognized as a fundamental driver of ecological processes, the benefits of hurricanes to ecological systems are seldom acknowledged. In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy overwashed Fire Island and Westhampton Island, New York. The storm flattened dunes, buried vegetation, and breached the barrier islands in several places. To reduce future overwashing, engineers attempted to stabilize the islands. We studied nest‐site selection, suitable habitat, and abundance of a threatened shorebird, the piping plover (Charadrius melodus), before and after Hurricane Sandy. Prior to the hurricane, piping plovers selected nest sites (n = 62) farther from the ocean ( least‐cost distance = 82.8 m) and bay ( Euclidean distance = 697.7 m; least‐cost distance = 24,160.6 m) than would be expected if they were selecting nest sites at random. Following the hurricane, piping plovers selected nest sites (n = 45) predominantly in or near storm overwash habitat, which was close to, and had unobstructed walking access to, the ocean ( least‐cost distance = 123.4 m) and newly created bayside foraging habitats ( Euclidean distance = 468.0 m; least‐cost distance = 728.9 m). Areas overwashed by the hurricane contained the most suitable piping plover habitat across all new habitat types. Piping plover abundance increased 93% by 2018 from pre‐Hurricane Sandy abundances, with most pairs nesting in new habitats. However, only 58% of suitable piping plover habitat was protected from recreational use and few piping plovers used unprotected habitats for nesting. Our results suggest that the ecological benefits of increased storminess may be maximized by coupling coastal stabilization with targeted conservation of storm‐created habitats.
Sublethal effects of natural parasitism act through maternal, but not paternal, reproductive success in a wild population
Authors: Hicks Olivia , Green Jonathan A. , Daunt Francis , Cunningham Emma J. A. , Newell Mark , Butler Adam , Burthe Sarah J.
Published: June 2019

Parasites are a major component of all animal populations. Males and females often differ in their levels of parasite prevalence, potentially leading to sex differences in the impact of parasitism on fitness, with important implications for the evolution of parasite and host traits including resistance, tolerance, and virulence. However, quantitative measures of the impact of parasitism under free‐living conditions are extremely rare, as they require detailed host demographic data with measures of parasite burden over time. Here, we use endoscopy for direct quantification of natural‐parasite burdens and relate these to reproductive success over 7 yr in a wild population of seabirds. Contrary to predictions, only female burdens were associated with negative impacts of parasitism on breeding success, despite males having significantly higher burdens. Female reproductive success declined by 30% across the range of natural parasite burdens. These effects persisted when accounting for interannual population differences in breeding success. Our results provide quantitative estimates of profound sub‐lethal effects of parasitism on the population. Importantly, they highlight how parasites act unpredictably to shape ecological and evolutionary processes in different components of the same population, with implications for demography and selection on host and parasite traits.
Practice trends and the outcome of neuromodulation therapies in epilepsy: A single‐center study
Authors: Jamy Rabia , Kaur Manmeet , Pizarro Diana , Toth Emilia , Pati Sandipan
Published: June 2019

Neuromodulation therapies (VNS, RNS, and DBS) can improve seizure control in persons with epilepsy. However, there is a significant service gap in integrating these therapies in clinical care. Our epilepsy center has established an epilepsy neuromodulation clinic to improve access to patients, communication with referring physicians, track outcome and train future providers in programming neuromodulation devices. We report the (a) treatment outcome of the available neuromodulation therapies (ie, reduction in seizure frequency over 6‐12 months follow‐up); and (b) demonstrate the benefit of the specialized clinic (rapid titration, continuity of care, superior access for patient and vendors). In this single‐center, retrospective study, forty‐three adults (VNS = 27; RNS = 16) with drug‐resistant epilepsy were followed in the clinic during the 19 months study period. About 44‐69% of patients reported > 60% decrease in seizure. All patients were scheduled in the clinic within 2‐4 weeks, and stimulations were optimized rapidly. About 40% of patients participated in research while 28% were referred for additional diagnostic studies. Nineteen students and fellows were trained in programming neurostimulator. Epilepsy neuromodulation clinic can serve as an optimal solution for patients as well as providers due to rapid access, better continuity of care, higher recruitment for research studies, and training health professionals.
Investigation of In Situ Thermal Behavior of a Passive Direct Methanol Fuel cell Using Infra‐Red Thermography
Authors: Vasanth P. , K.Kolar Ajit.
Published: June 2019

In a passive direct methanol fuel cell, the cell temperature is linked to the heat generated during operation. It is important to study about cell temperature to understand cell performance, and dynamic behavior. In the present study, experiments on passive and air breathing direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) of a 25 cm2 effective cell area are conducted using printed circuit board (PCB) to investigate the surface temperature distribution. A non‐intrusive infra‐red thermography is used to record in situ surface temperature and it is observed that the maximum temperature recorded for a passive DMFC (PDMFC) is 42 °C compared to 34 °C for air breathing direct methanol fuel cell (ABDMFC) at steady state condition. Temperature distribution reveals that maximum temperature near the top middle portion of the PCB. Subsequently, PDMFC recorded maximum power density of 3.9 mW cm−2 compared to 2.8mW cm−2 for ABDMFC. Based on the PCB rib orientation for 5M feed concentration, vertical rib recorded 46 °C whereas 44 °C for horizontal rib. For ABDMFC, the response to load change is 22 s due to CO2 removal when compared to 4–5 min for PDMFC. It is concluded that the methanol concentration governs the heat generated in a PDMFC and lead to cell temperature distribution, depending on the cell fixture design under average ambient condition of 30 °C and 50% relative humidity.
Combined analysis of miRNA‐181a with phase angle derived from bioelectrical impedance predicts radiotherapy‐induced changes in body composition and survival of male patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Powrózek Tomasz , Brzozowska Anna , Mazurek Marcin , Mlak Radosław , Sobieszek Grzegorz , Małecka‐Massalska Teresa
Published: June 2019

Background

Nutritional deficits developing as an effect of applied radiotherapy (RTH) negatively affect patients' quality of life, survival, and therapy outcomes. We demonstrated novel approach to prediction of RTH‐induced changes in body composition of patients with head and neck cancer using phase angle (PA) derived from bioelectrical impedance in combination with miRNA‐181a expression.

Results

Patients with simultaneous presence of low PA and high miRNA expression were at a significantly higher risk of decreasing the fat‐free mass index (FFMI) <14.9 kg/m2 (odds ratio [OR] = 5.14; P = .02), FFM < 44.7 kg (OR = 6.20; P = .04), and lean mass (OR = 10.0; P = .04) during the therapy period. Receiver operating curve analysis allowed to predict changes in FFMI, lean mass, and FFM with area under the curve calculation over 0.700. The simultaneous presence of high miRNA and low PA negatively affected patients' survival (OR = 5.12; P = .02).

Conclusion

Evaluation of PA in combination with miRNA demonstrates higher diagnostic accuracy and predictive value for detecting RTH‐induced changes in body composition of patients with cancer.
Numerical investigation of hydrodynamic and heat transfer performances of nanofluids in a fractal microchannel heat sink
Authors: Yan Wen‐Tao , Li Cong , Ye Wei‐Biao
Published: June 2019

Heat transfer and hydrodynamic performances for nanofluids, Al2O3‐water and SiO2‐water, are numerically investigated with different nanoparticles’ volume fractions and the initial velocities in a fractal microchannel heat sink. The fractal microchannel is 100 μm × 100 μm in the inlet cross‐section, and the length at the 0th level is 2000 μm. A constant heat flux of 500 kW/m2 was applied to the bottom wall of the fractal microchannel heat sink. The heat transfer and hydrodynamic performances of different cases are discussed in terms of the mean heat transfer coefficient, mean base temperature, pressure loss, thermal resistance, friction factor f/f0, and COP/COP0. Results indicate that increasing the initial velocity and nanoparticles’ volume fraction lead to an enhanced heat transfer at the expense of pressure loss. Al2O3‐water has a higher mean heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop than that of SiO2‐water, a lower f/f0, mean base temperature, thermal resistance, and COP/COP0. Ultimately, as compared to pure water, the heat transfer coefficients of 4% Al2O3‐water increased by 7.53%, 7.80%, 8.00%, 8.14%, 8.16%, and 8.30%, and the pressure drops increased by 32.09%, 31.41%, 30.81%, 30.05%, 29.21%, and 28.58%, respectively, corresponding to the initial velocities by 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 m/s.
Hyper‐cross‐linked polymer based carbonaceous materials as efficient catalysts for ethyl levulinate production from carbohydrates
Authors: Gu Jing , Zhang Jun , Li Denian , Yuan Haoran , Chen Yong
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Catalytic upgrading of biomass into various alkyl levulinates has gained wide attention recently. Particularly, ethyl levulinate (EL) shows great potential as gasoline additive and substitute of biodiesel fuels.

RESULTS

Hyper‐cross‐linked organic polymer based carbonaceous materials with large surface areas and strong Brϕnsted acidity were synthesized and developed as highly efficient solid acids for the direct transformation of biomass derived carbohydrates into biofuel candidate ethyl levulinate (EL). Controllable Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and proper acid density of as‐prepared carbonaceous materials were demonstrated to be crucial for the successful synthesis of EL. Among the catalysts, α,α′‐dichloro‐p‐xylene derived hyper‐cross‐linked organic carbocatalyst (HDS‐3.6) exhibited the best results for EL formation with the optimal yield of 70.3% at a temperature of 423 K, which was comparable with those of frequently‐used solid acids such as commercial Amberlyst‐15 and metal oxides. The presence of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in the catalytic system facilitated the production of intermediates 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and 5‐ethoxymethylfurfural. Notably, the hyper‐cross‐linked organic polymers with abundant Brϕnsted acid sites were much more effective in the catalytic synthesis of levulinate esters from ketoses.

CONCLUSION

The prepared hyper‐cross‐linked organic polymers were efficient and robust catalysts to produce various biomass derived alkyl levulinates with high activity and stability. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
The commensal bacterium Bacteroides fragilis down-regulates ferroportin expression and alters iron homeostasis in macrophages
Authors: Verma Smriti , Prescott Rachel , Cherayil Bobby J
Published: June 2019

The intestinal microbiota has several effects on host physiology. Previous work from our laboratory demonstrated that the microbiota influences systemic iron homeostasis in mouse colitis models by altering inflammation-induced expression of the iron-regulating hormone hepcidin. In the present study, we examined the impact of the gut commensal bacterium Bacteroides fragilis on the expression of the iron exporter ferroportin, the target of hepcidin action, in macrophages, the cell type that plays a pivotal role in iron recycling. Mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages were exposed to B. fragilis and were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. We found that B. fragilis down-regulated ferroportin transcription independently of bacterial viability. Medium conditioned by the bacteria also reduced ferroportin expression, indicating the involvement of soluble factors, possibly Toll-like receptor ligands. Consistent with this idea, several of these ligands were able to down-regulate ferroportin. The B. fragilis-induced decrease in ferroportin was functionally important since it produced a significant increase in intracellular iron concentrations that prevented the effects of the iron chelator deferoxamine on Salmonella-induced IL-6 and IL-1β production. Our results thus reveal that B. fragilis can influence macrophage iron handling and inflammatory responses by modulating ferroportin expression.
Frontline Science: Acyl-CoA synthetase 1 exacerbates lipotoxic inflammasome activation in primary macrophages
Authors: Kalugotla Gowri , He Li , Weber Kassandra J , Daemen Sabine , Reller Abigail , Razani Babak , Schilling Joel D
Published: June 2019

Obesity and diabetes are associated with macrophage dysfunction and increased NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Saturated fatty acids (FAs) are abundant in these metabolic disorders and have been associated with lysosome dysfunction and inflammasome activation in macrophages. However, the interplay between cellular metabolic pathways and lipid-induced toxicity in macrophages remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of the lipid metabolic enzyme long chain acyl-CoA synthetase (ACSL1) in primary macrophages. ACSL1 is upregulated in TLR4-activated macrophages via a TIR (toll/IL-1R) domain-containing adapter inducing IFN-β (TRIF)-dependent pathway, and knockout of this enzyme decreased NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The mechanism of this response was not related to inflammasome priming, lipid uptake, or endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress generation. Rather, ACSL1 was associated with mitochondria where it modulated fatty acid metabolism. The development of lysosome damage with palmitate exposure likely occurs via the formation of intracellular crystals. Herein, we provide evidence that loss of ACSL1 in macrophages decreases FA crystal formation thereby reducing lysosome damage and IL-1β release. These findings suggest that targeting lipid metabolic pathways in macrophages may be a strategy to reduce lipotoxity and to decrease pathologic inflammation in metabolic disease.
Switching from linear to macrocyclic gadolinium‐based contrast agents halts the relative T1‐Weighted signal increase in deep gray matter of children with brain tumors: A retrospective study
Authors: Rowe Selene K. , Rodriguez Daniel , Cohen Ellie , Grundy Richard , Morgan Paul S. , Jaspan Tim , Dineen Robert A.
Published: June 2019

Background

Studies have shown signal intensity (SI) changes in the brains of children exposed to repeated doses of a gadolinium‐based contrast agent (GBCA).

Hypothesis

The trajectory of changes in relative dentate nucleus (DN) and globus pallidus (GP) SI in children receiving multiple doses of GBCA will alter when switched from linear to macrocyclic agents.

Study Type

Retrospective longitudinal.

Population

Thirty‐five children, age range 0.5–17.0 years, undergoing brain tumor follow‐up between 2006 and 2017.

Field Strength/Sequence

Unenhanced T1WI, serial scans at both 1.5T and 3T.

Assessment

Regions of interest were drawn on DN, GP, and SIs normalized to middle cerebellar peduncle (DN/MCP) and cerebral white matter (GP/CWM), respectively. A change in SI ratios as a function of dose (slope gradient) calculated according to the type of contrast agent received: linear only, macrocyclic only, or switchover from linear to macrocyclic. For the latter, gradients were compared before and after switchover. The effect of anticancer treatment on slope gradient was tested.

Statistical Tests

One‐sample t‐test or Mann–Whitney U‐test for slope gradients differing from zero. Independent samples t‐tests to compare slope gradient groups. Paired sample t‐tests to compare slope gradients before and after switchover.

Results

A significant (P < 0.05) increase in SI ratio was observed following multiple doses of linear but not macrocyclic agents: mean percentage increase per dose in SI was 0.063% vs. –0.034% for DN/MCP, and 0.078% vs. 0.004% for GP/CWM ratios. A significant (P < 0.05) change of SI trajectory in the DN/MCP ratio was demonstrated when switching from a linear to macrocyclic agent. There was no difference in SI trajectory between patients who had anticancer therapies and those who did not, DN/MCP P = 0.740; GP/BWM P = 0.694.

Data Conclusion

Switching from linear to macrocyclic gadolinium‐based contrast agents seems to halt the relative T1 signal increase in deep gray matter in children. Anticancer treatments appeared to have no impact on the trajectory of T1 SI.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:288–295.
Basal ganglia involvement in the playfulness of juvenile rats
Authors: Siviy Stephen M.
Published: June 2019

Play is an important part of normal childhood development and can be readily studied in the laboratory rat in the form of rough‐and‐tumble play. Given the robust nature of rough‐and‐tumble play, it has often been assumed that the basal ganglia would have a prominent role in modulating this behavior. Recent work using c‐fos expression as a metabolic marker for neural activity combined with temporary inactivation of relevant corticostriatal regions and pharmacological manipulations of opioid, cannabinoid, and dopamine systems has led to a better understanding of how basal ganglia circuitry may be involved in modulating social play in the juvenile rat. Studies using selective play deprivation have also provided insight into the consequences of playful experiences on basal ganglia function. Data reviewed in this paper support a role for the basal ganglia in social play and also suggest that corticostriatal functioning also benefits from playful activities.
Fruit phytochemical composition and color parameters of 21 accessions of five Rosa species grown in North West Iran
Authors: Shameh Shahla , Alirezalu Abolfazl , Hosseini Bahman , Maleki Ramin
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

The genus Rosa comprises economically important horticultural plants belonging to the family Rosaceae. Recently, the use of different Rosa species has increased owing to their multipurpose properties (ornamental, food and medicinal uses). In this study, 21 accessions of Rosa genotypes were compared for fruit phytochemical composition and color parameters.

RESULTS

The highest antioxidant activity (37.86 mg AAE g−1 FW) and total phenolic (8.17 mg GAE g−1 FW), total flavonoid (2.53 mg QUE g−1 FW), total carotenoid (20.21 mg g−1 FW) and ascorbic acid (84.27 mg g−1 FW) contents were observed in G20 (R. canina), G8 (R. canina), G9 (R. canina), G5 (R. damascena) and G10 (R. moschata) respectively. Chlorogenic acid and gallic acid were found as the main phenolic constituents of Rosa fruits. High amounts of apigenin, rutin, quercetin, p‐coumaric acid, cinnamic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and gallic acid were obtained in fruit extracts of G6, G14, G6, G8, G19, G9, G19 and G12 respectively. Moreover, the level of color parameters also varied among genotypes. The highest values of a*, b*, L* and chroma were obtained in G4 (R. canina). Based on hierarchical clustering analysis with heat‐map, five groups of accessions were identified.

CONCLUSION

Different Rosa genotypes are rich in certain phytochemical compounds, with significant variations in their levels being observed. Hence evaluation of Rosa genetic resources can supply valuable data for screening accessions containing high levels of individual phenolics, antioxidants and other bioactive compounds for use in breeding programs and food and pharma industries. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Rapid screening and purification of potential alkaloid neuraminidase inhibitors from Toddalia asiatica (Linn.) Lam. roots via ultrafiltration liquid chromatography combined with stepwise flow rate counter‐current chromatography
Authors: Cao Chenxiao , Du Peixia , Zhu Xiaomeng , Yan Huijiao , Song Xiangyun , Zhu Heng , Geng Yanling , Wang Daijie
Published: June 2019

Toddalia asiatica (Linn.) Lam. is a medical plant traditionally used to treat coughs, fevers, and various diseases. Alkaloids are the main active ingredients in Toddalia asiatica (Linn.) Lam., but traditional methods for screening and separation are complex and labor‐intensive. In this work, an efficient strategy was developed to rapidly screen, identify, and separate neuraminidase inhibitors from Toddalia asiatica (Linn.) Lam. Ultrafiltration, high performance liquid chromatography, and time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry were employed for rapid screening and identification of neuraminidase inhibitors. A two‐phase solvent system comprising n‐hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (5:5:3:7, v/v) was then selected for separation by high‐speed counter‐current chromatography. A sample loading of 200 mg and a stepwise flow rate were achieved by increasing the flow rate from 2 to 4 mL/min after 4 h. Three main fluoroquinoline alkaloids (haplopine, skimmianine, and 5‐methoxydictamnine) along with two coumarins were obtained via one‐step separation and their structures were determined by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. In vitro assays revealed skimmianine with half‐maximal inhibitory concentration of 16.2 ± 0.7 µmol/L was selected as the potential highest neuraminidase inhibitor. The results suggest that ultrafiltration high performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry combined with high‐speed counter‐current chromatography is efficient for the screening and isolation of neuraminidase inhibitors from complex natural products.
Education and insurance status: Impact on treatment and survival of sinonasal cancer patients
Authors: Agarwal Pratima , Jones Eric A. , Devaiah Anand K.
Published: June 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

To understand the impact of education and insurance as social determinants of health on sinonasal cancer treatment and outcomes.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.

Methods

Demographics, tumor characteristics, location, stage at diagnosis, treatment, and survival data for 1,365 patients diagnosed with sinonasal cancers were extracted from the SEER database. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS 9.5. The Fine and Grey method was used to assess covariate impacts.

Results

Medicaid patients were more likely to live in counties with lower educational levels (8.32% vs. 6.46% below ninth grade education, P < .0001) and lower median household incomes ($56,316 vs. $60,284, P = .0004). Medicaid patients presented with later (T3‐T4) stage disease compared to other insurances (P = .0007) and larger tumor size (P = .011). Medicaid patients were less likely to have surgery recommended (P = .0017) or receive surgery as part of their treatment (P = .0033). Analysis of histology‐specific 5‐year survival rates were lower for Medicaid patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) (P = .016).

Conclusions

This is the first and largest study to examine how education and insurance status may impact treatment and outcomes in sinonasal cancers. It is the first using this method of examining other covariates and informing associated risk. Patients with Medicaid and less education present with larger sinonasal cancers. They are less likely to have surgery recommended or receive surgery. For SCCA, the most common histology, Medicaid patients have significantly worse survival. Further emphasis on education and improving health literacy is needed in the at‐risk Medicaid populations.

Level of Evidence

NA

Laryngoscope, 130:649–658, 2020
Effects of agricultural land use change on organic carbon and its labile fractions in the soil profile in an urban agricultural area
Authors: Luo Youlin , Li Qiquan , Shen Jie , Wang Changquan , Li Bing , Yuan Shu , Zhao Bin , Li Huanxiu , Zhao Junwen , Guo Lingke , Li Shan , He Yuting
Published: June 2019

The properties of soil organic carbon (SOC) required for carbon sequestration and nutrient availability are contradictory, and the changes in SOC caused by agricultural land use changes remain elusive. Data on the total soil organic carbon (TOC) and labile organic carbon, including easily oxidizable organic carbon (EOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC), of the soil profile were analysed for four typical agricultural land use scenarios in the Chengdu Plain, China. The impacts of agricultural land use changes on sequestration and nutrient availability of SOC were assessed in this urban agricultural area using the space‐for‐time substitution method. Conversion of land use from a traditional agricultural rotation (rice‐wheat/rapeseed rotation) to afforestation increased the MBC content and decreased the contents of EOC, DOC, and TOC due to the lower input of organic matter, improved aeration of the soil profile, and growth of aboveground biomass. Conversion of a traditional rotation to a rice–garlic rotation resulted in a significant increase in topsoil TOC, slight but insignificant decreases in subsoil TOC, and clear increases in labile organic carbon because of rice planting, rice straw mulch, and reasonable application of chemical fertilizers. In contrast, the conversion of a traditional rotation to a rice–leafy vegetable rotation decreased MBC due to the excessive use of chemical fertilizers that consequently increased EOC, DOC, and TOC. We conclude that afforestation on paddy soil has negative consequences for soil carbon sequestration and a rice–leafy vegetable rotation contributes to carbon sequestration but is detrimental to soil fertility. In addition, the MBC ratio in soil could be the optimal indicator for assessing SOC stability and soil fertility, and more attention should be paid to subsoil carbon changes.
Effect of Photobiomodulation Therapy on the Increase of Viability and Proliferation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Pasternak‐Mnich Kamila , Ziemba Barbara , Szwed Aleksandra , Kopacz Karolina , Synder Marek , Bryszewska Maria , Kujawa Jolanta
Published: June 2019

Background and Objectives

We have investigated how low intensity laser irradiation emitted by a multiwave‐locked system (MLS M1) affects the viability and proliferation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) depending on the parameters of the irradiation.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Cells isolated surgically from the femoral bone during surgery were identified by flow cytometry and cell differentiation assays. For irradiation, two wavelengths (808 and 905 nm) with the following parameters were used: power density 195, 230, and 318 mW/cm
2, doses of energy 3, 10, and 20 J (energy density 0.93–6.27 J/cm
2), and in continuous (CW) or pulsed emission (PE) (frequencies 1,000 and 2,000 Hz).

Results

There were statistically significant increases of cell viability and proliferation after irradiation at 3 J (CW; 1,000 Hz), 10 J (1,000 Hz), and 20 J (2,000 Hz).

Conclusions

Irradiation with the MLS M1 system can be used in vitro to modulate MSCs in preparation for therapeutic applications. This will assist in designing further studies to optimize the radiation parameters and elucidate the molecular mechanisms of action of the radiation. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bonding and Debonding on Demand with Temperature and Light Responsive Supramolecular Polymers
Authors: Ferahian Anne‐Cécile , Hohl Diana Kay , Weder Christoph , Montero de Espinosa Lucas
Published: June 2019

Due to their low melt viscosity, competitive adhesive properties, and the stimuli‐responsive nature of supramolecular interactions, various supramolecular polymers have recently been investigated as adhesives with on‐demand (de)bonding capability. The adhesive properties of a series of hydrogen‐bonded supramolecular polymer networks based on a telechelic poly(ethylene‐co‐butylene) (PEB) terminated with isophthalic acid (IPA) groups and a series of bifunctional pyridines (Py) are reported herein. These supramolecular polymers microphase segregate into an IPA‐Py rich hard phase and an amorphous low‐glass‐transition PEB phase, and their properties depend on the nature of the pyridine‐carrying monomer. Rheological measurements show that the polymers disassemble into low‐viscosity melts when heated above the melting or glass transition temperature of the hard phase. Lap joints bonded with the polymers display a shear strength of up to 1.3 MPa, and debonding is possible in less than 10 s upon heating or exposure to UV–light; to enable rapid light‐induced (de)bonding, a light–heat converter is introduced. Cyclic bonding/debonding experiments reveal that the shear strength remains unchanged over five cycles and demonstrate that the process is very robust.
In silico Design, Virtual Screening and Synthesis of Novel Electrolytic Solvents
Authors: Marcou G. , Flamme B. , Beck G. , Chagnes A. , Mokshyna O. , Horvath D. , Varnek A.
Published: June 2019

We report the building, validation and release of QSPR (Quantitative Structure Property Relationship) models aiming to guide the design of new solvents for the next generation of Li‐ion batteries. The dataset compiled from the literature included oxidation potentials (Eox), specific ionic conductivities (κ), melting points (Tm) and boiling points (Tb) for 103 electrolytes. Each of the resulting consensus models assembled 9–19 individual Support Vector Machine models built on different sets of ISIDA fragment descriptors.(1) They were implemented in the ISIDA/Predictor software. Developed models were used to screen a virtual library of 9965 esters and sulfones. The most promising compounds prioritized according to theoretically estimated properties were synthesized and experimentally tested.
Overexpression of X Intrinsic Protein 1;1 in Nicotiana tabacum and Arabidopsis reduces boron allocation to shoot sink tissues
Authors: Bienert Manuela Desiree , Muries Beatriz , Crappe Delphine , Chaumont François , Bienert Gerd Patrick
Published: June 2019

Major Intrinsic Proteins (MIP) are a family of channels facilitating the diffusion of water and/or small solutes across cellular membranes. X Intrinsic Proteins (XIP) form the least characterized MIP subfamily in vascular plants. XIPs are mostly impermeable to water but facilitate the diffusion of hydrogen peroxide, urea and boric acid when expressed in heterologous expression systems. However, their transport capabilities in planta and their impact on plant physiology are still unknown. Here, we demonstrated that overexpression of NtXIP1;1 in Nicotiana tabacum by the En2pPMA4 or the 35S CaMV promoter and in Arabidopsis, which does not contain any XIP gene, by the 35S CaMV promoter, resulted in boron (B)‐deficiency symptoms such as death of the shoot apical meristem, infertile flowers, and puckered leaves. Leaf B concentrations in symptomatic tissues and B xylem sap concentrations were lower in the overexpressors than in control plants. Importantly, expression of NtXIP1;1 under the control of the AtNIP5;1 promoter complemented the B deficiency phenotype of the Atnip5;1 knockout mutant, defining its ability to act as a boric acid channel in planta. Protein quantification analysis revealed that NtXIP1;1 was predominantly expressed in young B‐demanding tissues and induced under B‐deficient conditions. Our results strongly suggest that NtXIP1;1 plays a role in B homeostasis and its tissue‐specific expression critically contributes to the distribution of B within tobacco.
Advances in Applications of Metal Oxide Nanomaterials as Imaging Contrast Agents
Authors: Anderson Dennis , Anderson Tommy , Fahmi Fahmi
Published: June 2019

Medical diagnosis relies on imaging modalities to reveal abnormalities in organs or existence of tumorous lesion. Application of contrast agents alongside imaging techniques is essential in order to obtain high contrast images with distinguishable features. Contrast agents delivered and accumulated in target sites can enhance local signal generation and solve the inherent lack of contrast in imaging techniques. As such, various contrast agents are developed for modalities like computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and photoacoustic imaging (PAI). For many of these techniques, metal‐based agents possess the desired properties for signal and contrast enhancement. Metal oxide nanomaterials present a simple platform for metal‐based contrast agents with tunable structure, magnetic and optical properties, surface chemistry, and pharmacokinetics. These can be controlled through synthesis, redox reactions, and surface modification to produce desirable nanoparticles. In this review, recent advances in the development of metal oxide imaging agents are highlighted. Various metal oxide species are discussed, including iron oxides, gadolinium oxides, manganese oxides, tungsten oxides and bronzes, molybdenum oxides, and other oxides of titanium, tantalum, etc. Imaging capability and performance of these metal oxides are presented, and novel functionalization strategies are presented. Finally, recommendations for future research in this area are proposed.