bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in midlife fitness, body mass index, and smoking influence cancer incidence and mortality: A prospective cohort study in men
Authors: Robsahm Trude E. , Heir Trond , Sandvik Leiv , Prestgaard Erik , Tretli Steinar , Erikssen Jan E. , Falk Ragnhild S.
Published: July 2019

Cancer prevention efforts include modification of unhealthy lifestyle, such as smoking cessation and resisting gain in body weight. Although physical activity is inversely related to risk of several cancers, it is poorly studied whether changes in physical activity or fitness influence future cancer risk. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether changes in midlife cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), body mass index (BMI), and smoking habits influence cancer incidence and mortality. The study cohort includes 1689 initially healthy men, aged 40‐59 years. Measurements of CRF, BMI and information on smoking habits were collected in two repeated waves, 7 years apart. Cox regression models estimated associations as hazard rates (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), between midlife changes in the modifiable lifestyle factors and cancer incidence and mortality. The men were followed prospectively for more than 30 years. Compared to CRF loss (>5%), improved CRF (>5%) was associated with lower cancer incidence (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.67‐0.98) and mortality (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.54‐0.92), and maintaining the CRF stable yielded lower cancer incidence (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.61‐0.95). No association was seen for BMI gain, but maintaining the BMI stable was related to lower cancer incidence (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.60‐0.98), compared to BMI loss. Continue smoking was associated with higher cancer incidence and mortality, compared to men who stopped smoking. In particular, this study adds new knowledge about the potential preventive role of CRF in cancer development and emphasizes lifestyle modification as a highly important effort in cancer prevention.
Simultaneous High Conversion and Selectivity in Olefin Oxidation with Oxygen Through Solid/Liquid/Gas Three‐Phase Interface Design
Authors: Li Zhaohua , Cao Changyan , Zhu Zhongpeng , Jiang Lei , Song Weiguo
Published: July 2019

In oxidation reactions with oxygen as oxidant, low O2 concentration on catalyst surface under ambient pressure is a major kinetic limitation for selective oxidation of olefins; while increasing O2 pressure to enhance the reaction rate suffers lower selectivity due to thermodynamic factors. In this study, we demonstrate that simultaneous enhancement of conversion and selectivity can be achieved under ambient pressure by solid/liquid/gas three‐phase interface design. We produced Au nanoparticles supported on graphene aerogel with superaerophilic surface (denoted as Au/GA) as the catalyst for demonstration. The results show that O2 gas shows “bursting” behavior on the surface of Au/GA under water, resulting in rapid adsorbing of O2 in 98 ms and therefore high O2 concentration on the surface of catalyst. Thus, solid/liquid/gas three‐phase interface is formed under this condition, leading to high conversion as well as high selectivity at ambient O2 pressure. Such strategy is expected to find wide applications in many other selective oxidation reactions that traditionally needed high pressure.
Nitrogen Atoms as Stabilizers and Promoters for Ru‐Cluster‐Catalyzed Alkaline Water Splitting
Authors: Hu Hao , Kazim Farhad M. D. , Zhang Quan , Qu Konggang , Yang Zehui , Cai Weiwei
Published: July 2019

Here, we report an efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst, in which ruthenium clusters with a diameter of ∼1 nm are anchored on nitrogen doped carbon (Ru/N‐BP2000). Significantly low overpotentials are required for Ru/N‐BP2000 to catalyze HER (15 mV vs. RHE) and OER (285 mV vs. RHE) in 1 M KOH with current density of 10 mA cm−2, which outperforms Ru/BP2000 (HER: 54.2 mV vs. RHE; OER: 337 mV vs. RHE) as well as the benchmark Pt/C (52 mV vs. RHE) and IrO2 (301 mV vs. RHE). Moreover, ignorable losses in electrocatalytic activities toward HER and OER are recorded for Ru/N‐BP2000 electrocatalyst ascribed to the electronically delocalized Ru atoms induced by the nitrogen atoms. Only 1.53 V is needed for Ru/N‐BP2000 electrocatalyst to drive overall water splitting with stable current density of 10 mA cm−2 for 50 h, which is comparably lower than Pt/C−IrO2 demanding 1.59 V to attain 10 mA cm−2. This work demonstrates the importance of nitrogen doping for promoting the Ru based electrocatalyst's activity and stability in water splitting application.
Redox (In)activations of Metalloenzymes: A Protein Film Voltammetry Approach
Authors: del Barrio Melisa , Fourmond Vincent
Published: July 2019

Redox metalloenzymes are omnipresent in living organisms where they catalyze key cellular reactions with great efficiency. These enzymes can often be reversibly placed into inactive states following changes in redox conditions. This is a hindrance for their use in biotechnological devices, and also a complication for their study via a structure/function approach, because structural data alone usually is not enough to discriminate between active and inactive states. However, these inactive states can also inform on the chemistry of the enzyme's active sites and on their catalytic cycles. A technique that has proved particularly valuable in the last decades for studying these processes is protein film voltammetry (PFV), in which an enzyme is immobilized on an electrode in a configuration where direct electron transfer is possible. In this article, we review the studies of redox (in)activation processes using PFV, present the theory for a number of cases (reversible inactivations, irreversible activations), and give guidelines to obtain and interpret suitable kinetic data.
Na+ Selective Fluorescent Tools Based on Fluorescence Intensity Enhancements, Lifetime Changes, and on a Ratiometric Response
Authors: Schwarze Thomas , Riemer Janine , Müller Holger , John Leonard , Holdt Hans‐Jürgen , Wessig Pablo
Published: July 2019

Over the years, we developed highly selective fluorescent probes for K+ in water, which show K+‐induced fluorescence intensity enhancements, lifetime changes, or a ratiometric behavior at two emission wavelengths (cf. Scheme 1, K1–K4). In this paper, we introduce selective fluorescent probes for Na+ in water, which also show Na+ induced signal changes, which are analyzed by diverse fluorescence techniques. Initially, we synthesized the fluorescent probes 2, 4, 5, 6 and 10 for a fluorescence analysis by intensity enhancements at one wavelength by varying the Na+ responsive ionophore unit and the fluorophore moiety to adjust different Kd values for an intra‐ or extracellular Na+ analysis. Thus, we found that 2, 4 and 5 are Na+ selective fluorescent tools, which are able to measure physiologically important Na+ levels at wavelengths higher than 500 nm. Secondly, we developed the fluorescent probes 7 and 8 to analyze precise Na+ levels by fluorescence lifetime changes. Herein, only 8 (Kd=106 mm) is a capable fluorescent tool to measure Na+ levels in blood samples by lifetime changes. Finally, the fluorescent probe 9 was designed to show a Na+ induced ratiometric fluorescence behavior at two emission wavelengths. As desired, 9 (Kd=78 mm) showed a ratiometric fluorescence response towards Na+ ions and is a suitable tool to measure physiologically relevant Na+ levels by the intensity change of two emission wavelengths at 404 nm and 492 nm.
Fluorescent Phosphorus Dendrimers: Towards Material and Biological Applications
Authors: Qiu Jieru , Hameau Aurélien , Shi Xiangyang , Mignani Serge , Majoral Jean‐Pierre , Caminade Anne‐Marie
Published: July 2019

Fluorescent derivatives of phosphorhydrazone dendrimers are reviewed. Diverse types of fluorophores have been used, such as pyrene, naphthol, anthracene, dansyl, diketone, phthalocyanine, maleimide, julolidine, rhodamine, fluorescein, or fluorene derivatives. The fluorescent groups can be located either as terminal groups on the surface, at the core, linked to the core (off‐center), or to the branches of the dendritic structure. After fundamental research on their synthesis, these compounds have been used in the fields of catalysis, nanomaterials, OLEDs, sensors and biology/nanomedicine, in particular for monitoring transfection, or for their anti‐inflammatory or anti‐cancer properties.
Epigenetic treatment of dermatologic disorders
Authors: Moos Walter H. , Faller Douglas V. , Glavas Ioannis P. , Harpp David N. , Kanara Iphigenia , Pinkert Carl A. , Powers Whitney R. , Sampani Konstantina , Steliou Kosta , Vavvas Demetrios G. , Kodukula Krishna , Zamboni Robert J.
Published: July 2019

Healthy skin protects us against a multitude of insults, but injured or maladapted skin can lead to infection, inflammation, or worse. Fortunately, naturally occurring bioactive products, many commonly found in olive oil and other plant and vegetable extracts, have shown utility in treating skin and related diseases as well as conditioning the skin to maintain its healthy function. Powerful agents targeting nuclear regulatory pathways continue to hold promise as new or repurposed therapies for a wide variety of ills and skin conditions. Epigenetic approaches that activate Nrf2 to effect detoxification, redox balance, DNA repair, and mitochondrial function are noteworthy. Some of the disease applications being actively investigated range from eczema and psoriasis to skin cancer and diabetes‐related wound healing to name just a few.
Climatic controls on peatland black spruce growth in relation to water table variation and precipitation
Authors: Dymond S.F. , D'Amato A.W. , Kolka R.K. , Bolstad P.V. , Sebestyen S.D. , Gill K. , Curzon M.T.
Published: July 2019

Prior research has demonstrated the importance of water limitations and increasing temperatures on upland black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] B.S.P.) tree growth, which is a dominant component of the North American boreal forest. However, little work has been done to investigate the connectivity between growth and hydro‐climate in peatland black spruce systems. The boreal forest is the largest global terrestrial biome and is highly threatened due to current and projected increases in temperatures for the northern latitudes. Here we explore the dynamics among annual black spruce growth, climate, and water table elevations using 45 years of in situ precipitation, temperature, and water table elevation coupled with dendrochronological analysis from six research peatlands at the Marcell Experimental Forest, MN, USA. From 1963 to 2010, we found weak relationships between water table elevation and black spruce growth at the six study sites. Instead, annual black spruce growth was most favourable during three climatic periods: (a) cool, moist conditions in mid‐summer; (b) warm mid‐spring temperatures; and (c) cool temperatures in the fall prior to the current growing season. The disconnect between black spruce growth and water table dynamics was surprising and suggests that either annual black spruce growth is minimally responsive to hydrological fluctuations at the timescale we analysed or there is great elasticity of black spruce growth to peatland water table and evapotranspiration dynamics under the range of hydrological fluctuations contained in our record.
Synthesis of CoZnAl‐layered double hydroxide/graphene oxide nanocomposite for the removal of methylene blue: Kinetic, thermodynamic, and isotherm studies
Authors: Sharifi‐Bonab Mina , Aber Soheil , Salari Dariush , Khodam Fatemeh
Published: July 2019

The objective of this study was the synthesis of a novel nanocomposite (CoZnAl‐layered double hydroxide [LDH]/graphene oxide [GO]) to solve the adsorption problem of positively charged pollutants by LDHs. To prepare this nanocomposite, CoZnAl‐LDH and GO were synthesized by coprecipitation and modified Hummers methods, respectively. After ultrasonic pretreatment, they were combined to produce CoZnAl‐LDH/GO nanocomposite with a smooth and uniform texture which used to remove methylene blue as a cationic model pollutant. The synthesized nanocomposite showed a good adsorption capacity with the maximum adsorption capacity of 169.49 mg/g according to the Langmuir model. The effect of temperature on the adsorption process was surveyed by thermodynamic studies confirming the desirability and the spontaneity of the adsorption process. According to kinetic results, the pseudo‐second‐order model fitted the adsorption process, well. Meanwhile, it was determined that the adsorption process, especially in the beginning, had a high rate and 70% of the pollutant was removed within the first 5 min. Also, the effect of pH on the pollutant removal efficiency was investigated. Finally, the reusability of the nanocomposite was tested. High adsorption capacity and rate, the wide range of operational pH (4–10), and good reusability all suggest that CoZnAl‐LDH/GO is a promising adsorbent for industrial and practical uses.
Optimization of vacuum frying condition for producing silver carp surimi chips
Authors: Hu Jiamiao , Zeng Hongliang , Deng Changjun , Wang Peixing , Fan Liyi , Zheng Baodong , Zhang Yi
Published: July 2019

In this study, we explored the feasibility of vacuum frying to produce crisp silver carp surimi chips. The influence of three process parameters (frying temperature, frying time, and slice thickness) on the quality parameters of vacuum‐fried surimi chips (oil uptake, crispness, and optical properties) was investigated. The experimental results showed the optimal conditions were chosen as 2‐mm surimi slice being vacuum‐fried at 118°C for 2.5 min. Under these conditions, the oil content, breaking force, and color difference to commercial potato chips were 24.33%, 15.21 N, and 14.03, respectively. Additionally, we also measured the water loss during vacuum frying and the oil quality changes during storage of surimi chips. Results demonstrated the rapid loss of water content of surimi chips during vacuum frying and oil deterioration was kept at acceptable low level up to 100 days. Taken together, our study supported the applicability of vacuum frying technology to produce high‐quality silver carp surimi chips.
Lebanon's essential health care benefit package: A gateway for universal health coverage
Authors: Hemadeh Randa , Hammoud Rawan , Kdouh Ola
Published: July 2019

Recent years have demonstrated the resurgence of a global commitment toward universal health coverage (UHC). The first step toward developing a sustainable primary health care (PHC)‐oriented UHC program is the creation and service delivery of an explicit essential health care benefit package (EHCP). This paper aims to describe the development, features, and progress of the EHCP in Lebanon, in addition to outlining barriers, facilitators, and next steps. Building on the investments made in the PHC network, the ministry of public health in Lebanon piloted an essential PHC package program in 2016 targeting vulnerable Lebanese and was able to enroll over 87% of targeted population to date. In order to scale up the EHCP to the national level and achieve UHC, modifications need to be made to the package entitlements, provider payment mechanisms, and implementation arrangements. The paper also notes that further advocacy and lobbying are needed in order to place UHC and the EHCP on the national agenda and stimulate public demand.
Increased mediator complex subunit CDK19 expression associates with aggressive prostate cancer
Authors: Becker Finn , Joerg Vincent , Hupe Marie C. , Roth Doris , Krupar Rosemarie , Lubczyk Verena , Kuefer Rainer , Sailer Verena , Duensing Stefan , Kirfel Jutta , Merseburger Axel S. , Brägelmann Johannes , Perner Sven , Offermann Anne
Published: July 2019

The Mediator complex is a transcriptional regulator interacting with transcription factors and RNA‐polymerase‐II. Recently, we identified its subunit CDK19 to be specifically expressed in prostate cancer (PCa) and to be functionally implicated in PCa aggressiveness. Aim of our study was to comprehensively characterize the protein expression of CDK19 and its paralog CDK8 in PCa. We performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) for CDK19/CDK8 on a large cohort including needle biopsies from 202 patients, 799 primary tumor foci of radical prostatectomy specimens from 415 patients, 120 locally advanced tumor foci obtained by palliative transurethral resection, 140 lymph node metastases, 67 distant metastases and 82 benigns. Primary tumors were stained for the proliferation marker Ki67, androgen receptor (AR) and ERG. For 376 patients, clinic–pathologic data were available. Primary endpoint was disease‐recurrence‐free survival (DFS). Nuclear CDK19 and CDK8 expression increases during progression showing the highest intensity in metastatic and castration‐resistant tumors. High CDK19 expression on primary tumors correlates with DFS independently from Gleason grade and PSA. Five‐year‐DFS rates of patients with primary tumors expressing no, moderate and high CDK19 are 73.7, 56.9 and 30.4%, respectively. CDK19 correlates with Gleason grade, T‐stage, Ki67 proliferation‐index, nuclear AR expression and ERG‐status. Therapeutic options for metastatic and castration‐resistant PCa remain limited. In the current study, we confirmed an important role of the Mediator subunit CDK19 in advanced PCa supporting current developments to target CDK19 and its paralog CDK8. Furthermore, CDK19 protein expression has the potential to predict disease recurrence independently from established biomarkers thus contributing to individual management for PCa patients.
Role of Chlamydia trachomatis serology in conservative management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2
Authors: Miralpeix Ester , Solé‐Sedeño Josep‐Maria , Agramunt Sílvia , Lloveras Belen , Gimeno Ramon , Alameda Francesc , Carreras Ramon , Mancebo Gemma
Published: July 2019

Objective

To evaluate the spontaneous progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 (CIN2) in accordance with Chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia) serology.

Methods

A prospective observational study included women diagnosed with CIN2 by cervical biopsy and managed conservatively for 24 months at Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, between December 2011 and October 2013. Serum anti‐chlamydia immunoglobulin G (IgG), previous cytology, and high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping were recorded at baseline. The outcome was regression, persistence, or progression of CIN2.

Results

Overall, 93 women aged 18–56 years were enrolled. Spontaneous regression was observed for 61 (66%) women, and 21 (23%) progressed to CIN3. Eight (9%) women had chlamydia seropositivity at baseline. Multivariate analysis showed that anti‐chlamydia IgG seropositivity (odds ratio [OR], 19.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9–189.7), previous high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion cytology (OR, 5.0; 95% CI, 1.7–14.6), and HPV16 (OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.7–13.7) increased the risk of CIN2 persistence or progression.

Conclusion

Women with CIN2 and chlamydia IgG seropositivity had increased risk of progression to CIN2+ and immediate treatment may be recommended for these women. Larger clinical studies are needed to confirm the results, but chlamydia serology might be introduced into CIN2 management to better individualize treatment.
Impact of DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5‐azacytidine on cardiac development of zebrafish in vivo and cardiomyocyte proliferation, apoptosis, and the homeostasis of gene expression in vitro
Authors: Yang Qian , Wu Fang , Wang Feng , Cai Ke , Zhang Yawen , Sun Quanya , Zhao Xiaolong , Gui Yonghao , Li Qiang
Published: July 2019

Cardiac development is a peculiar process involving coordinated cellular differentiation, migration, proliferation, and apoptosis. DNA methylation plays a key role in genomic stability, tissue‐specific gene expression, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Hypomethylation in the global genome has been reported in cardiovascular diseases. However, little is known about the impact and specific mechanism of global hypomethylation on cardiomyocytes. In the present study, we explored the impact of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors 5‐azacytidine on cardiac development. In vivo experiment showed that hypomethylation of zebrafish embryos with 5‐azacytidine exposure significantly reduced survival, induced malformations, and delayed general development process. Furthermore, zebrafish embryos injected with 5‐azacytidine developed pericardial edema, ventricular volume reduction, looping deformity, and reduction in heart rate and ventricular shortening fraction. Cardiomyocytes treated with 5‐azacytidine in vitro decreased proliferation and induced apoptosis in a concentration‐dependent manner. Furthermore, 5‐azacytidine treatment in cardiomyocytes resulted in 20 downregulated genes expression and two upregulated genes expression in 45 candidate genes, which indicated that DNA methylation functions as a bidirectional modulator in regulating gene expression. In conclusion, these results show the regulative effects of the epigenetic modifier 5‐azacytidine in cardiac development of zebrafish embryos in vivo and cardiomyocyte proliferation and apoptosis and the homeostasis of gene expression in vitro, which offer a novel understanding of aberrant DNA methylation in the etiology of cardiovascular disease.
Roles of Wnt7a in embryo development, tissue homeostasis, and human diseases
Authors: Lan Lihui , Wang Wei , Huang Yue , Bu Xianmin , Zhao Chenghai
Published: July 2019

Human Wnt family comprises 19 proteins which are critical to embryo development and tissue homeostasis. Binding to different frizzled (FZD) receptor, Wnt7a initiates both β‐catenin dependent pathway, and β‐catenin independent pathways such as PI3K/Akt, RAC/JNK, and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 5/peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ. In the embryo, Wnt7a plays a crucial role in cerebral cortex development, synapse formation, and central nervous system vasculature formation and maintenance. Wnt7a is also involved in the development of limb and female reproductive system. Wnt7a mutation leads to human limb malformations and animal female reproductive system defects. Wnt7a is implicated in homeostasis maintenance of skeletal muscle, cartilage, cornea and hair follicle, and Wnt7a treatment may be potentially applied in skeletal muscle dystrophy, corneal damage, wound repair, and hair follicle regeneration. Wnt7a plays dual roles in human tumors. Wnt7a is downregulated in lung cancers, functioning as a tumor suppressor, however, it is upregulated in several other malignancies such as ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and glioma, acting as a tumor promoter. Moreover, Wnt7a overexpression is associated with inflammation and fibrosis, but its roles need to be further investigated.
Genome‐wide identification of a competing endogenous RNA network in cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Li Ganxun , Liu Tongtong , Zhang Bixiang , Chen Weixun , Ding Zeyang
Published: July 2019

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second widespread liver tumor with relatively poor survival. Increasing evidence in recent studies showed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) exert a crucial impact on the development and progression of CCA based on the mechanism of competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). However, functional roles and regulatory mechanisms of lncRNA‐regulated ceRNA in CCA, are only partially understood. The expression profile of messenger RNAs (mRNAs), lncRNAs, and microRNAs (miRNAs) downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas were comprehensively investigated. Differential expression of these three types of RNA between CCA and corresponding precancerous tissues were screened out for further analysis. On the basis of interactive information generated from miRDB, miRTarBase, TargetScan, and miRcode public databases, we then constructed an mRNA‐miRNA‐lncRNA regulatory network. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology analyses were conducted to identify the biological function of the ceRNA network involved in CCA. As a result, 2883 mRNAs, 136 miRNAs, and 993 lncRNAs were screened out as differentially expressed RNAs in CCA. In addition, a ceRNA network in CCA was constructed, composing of 50 up and 27 downregulated lncRNAs, 14 up and 7 downregulated miRNAs, 29 up and 25 downregulated mRNAs. Finally, gene set enrichment and pathway analysis indicated our CCA‐specific ceRNA network was related with cancer‐related pathway and molecular function. In conclusion, our research identified a novel lncRNA‐related ceRNA network in CCA, which might act as a potential therapeutic target for patients with CCA.
HIF1α‐induced upregulation of KLF4 promotes migration of human vascular smooth muscle cells under hypoxia
Authors: Shan Fabo , Huang Zhizhong , Xiong Renping , Huang Qing‐Yuan , Li Junxia
Published: July 2019

Hypoxia‐induced vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) migration plays an important role in vascular remodeling and is implicated in vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and pulmonary hypertension. We previously observed the increased expression of krüppel‐like factor 4 (KLF4) in VSMCs under hypoxia. However, whether the upregulation of KLF4 participates in hypoxia‐induced VSMCs migration is still unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that KLF4 was an important player in the process of VSMCs migration under hypoxia since interference of KLF4 by small interfering RNA mostly dampened hypoxia‐induced migration of VSMCs. In addition, using luciferase reporter and ChIP assays, we confirmed two hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) binding elements (located at ‐150 to ‐163 and ‐3922 to ‐3932) in the upstream regulatory region of klf4 locus and identified KLF4 as a novel direct target gene of HIF1α. Our findings unveil a novel regulatory mechanism that involves HIF1α‐induced upregulation of KLF4, which plays a vital role in VSMCs migration under hypoxia.
Feasibility of total laparoscopic living donor right hepatectomy compared with open surgery: comprehensive review of 100 cases of the initial stage
Authors: Rhu Jinsoo , Choi Gyu Seong , Kim Jong Man , Joh Jae‐Won , Kwon Choon Hyuck David
Published: July 2019

Background

This study analyzed the feasibility of laparoscopic living donor hepatectomy compared to open surgery.

Methods

Donors who underwent living donor right from May 2013 to October 2017 were included. Comparisons between laparoscopy and open surgery were performed using Student's t‐test, Mann–Whitney test, χ2 test, Fisher's exact test, and linear‐by‐linear association.

Results

Among 305 donors, 100 and 205 underwent laparoscopy and open surgery, respectively. The laparoscopy group had more type I (95.0%) bile ducts than the open group (59.5%, P < 0.001) and had longer operation time (378.2 ± 93.5 min vs. 329.1 ± 68.0 min, P < 0.001), while estimated blood loss was smaller (298.3 ± 162.9 ml vs. 344.3 ± 149.9 ml, P = 0.015). Although Clavien‐Dindo grade IIIb complication was higher in the laparoscopy (n = 4, 4.0%) compared to the open group (0.0%, P = 0.011), it was only significant in the initial 25 cases (8.0%, P = 0.011), and became comparable afterwards. Furthermore, grade IIIb complication was comparable when type I bile duct donors were selected (P = 0.072).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic living donor hepatectomy can cause significant complication in the initial stage. Therefore, careful donor selection and well‐established training program are required for introducing the laparoscopic donor program.
Whole‐tumor histogram analysis of monoexponential and advanced diffusion‐weighted imaging for sinonasal malignant tumors: Correlations with histopathologic features
Authors: Xiao Zebin , Tang Zuohua , Zhang Jing , Yang Guang , Zeng Wenjiao , Luo Jianfeng , Song Yang , Zhang Zhongshuai
Published: July 2019

Background

The histopathological basis of monoexponential diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) in the characterization of sinonasal malignant tumors is still unclear.

Purpose

To explore the correlations of histogram metrics from monoexponential DWI, IVIM, and DKI with histopathologic features in sinonasal malignant tumors.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

In all, 76 patients with sinonasal malignant tumors.

Field Strength/Sequence

Fourteen different b values (b = 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 800, 1000, 1500, 2000, and 2500 sec/mm2) were used to perform different DWI models at 3.0T.

Assessment

The whole‐tumor histogram metrics were calculated on the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), pure diffusion coefficient (D), pseudodiffusion coefficient (D*), perfusion fraction (f), diffusion kurtosis (K), and diffusion coefficient (Dk) maps. Histopathologic features, including nuclear, cytoplasmic, cellular, stromal fractions, and the nuclear‐to‐cytoplasmic (N/C) ratio, were measured.

Statistical Tests

Spearman correlations and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine the correlations between histogram metrics and histopathologic features.

Results

ADC, Dk, and f histogram metrics showed significant correlations with investigated histopathologic features; D and K histogram metrics were significantly correlated with cellular, stromal, and nuclear fractions (all P < 0.05). Significant correlations between the 75th percentile of D and cytoplasmic fraction and between the kurtosis of K and the N/C ratio were observed (P < 0.05). The skewness of Dk, K, and the 75th percentile of D were independently associated with cellular and nuclear fractions; the skewness of Dk and K were independently associated with stromal fraction (P < 0.05).

Data Conclusion

Monoexponential and advanced DWI histogram parameters were significantly correlated with histopathologic features in sinonasal malignancies.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:273–285.
The improved performance of MALDI‐TOF MS on the analysis of herbal saponins by using DHB‐GO composite matrix
Authors: Zhu Zhangpei , Shen Jiajia , Xu Yangfan , Guo Huimin , Kang Dian , Yu Tengjie , Wang He , Xu Wenshuo , Wang Guangji , Liang Yan
Published: July 2019

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) is an excellent analytical technique for rapid analysis of a variety of molecules with straightforward sample pretreatment. The performance of MALDI‐TOF MS is largely dependent on matrix type, and the development of novel MALDI matrices has aroused wide interest. Herein, we devoted to seek more robust MALDI matrix for herbal saponins than previous reported, and ginsenoside Rb1, Re, and notoginsenoside R1 were used as model saponins. At the beginning of the present study, 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) was found to provide the highest intensity for saponins in four conventional MALDI matrices, yet the heterogeneous cocrystallization of DHB with analytes made signal acquisition somewhat “hit and miss.” Then, graphene oxide (GO) was proposed as an auxiliary matrix to improve the uniformity of DHB crystallization due to its monolayer structure and good dispersion, which could result in much better shot‐to‐shot and spot‐to‐spot reproducibility of saponin analysis. The satisfactory precision further demonstrated that minute quantities of GO (0.1 μg/spot) could greatly reduce the risk of instrument contamination caused by GO detachment from the MALDI target plate under vacuum. More importantly, the sensitivity and linearity of the standard curve for saponins were improved markedly by DHB‐GO composite matrix. Finally, the application of detecting the Rb1 in complex biological sample was exploited in rat plasma and proved it applicable for pharmacokinetic study quickly. This work not only opens a new field for applications of DHB‐GO in herbal saponin analysis but also offers new ideas for the development of composite matrices to improve MALDI MS performance.
Impact of secondary and backscattered electron currents on absolute charging of structures used in spacecraft
Authors: Pandya Ashish , Mehta Prarthan , Kothari Nikhil
Published: July 2019

This article analyzes absolute charging of a metallic pyramid in single Maxwellian normal and worst cases of plasma environment. Capacitance of a pyramid for estimation of body potential is computed by the Method of Moments. Body potential temporal variation is obtained by numerically integrating the differential equation using the fourth order Runge‐Kutta method. Owing to a well‐known fact that diverse secondary and backscattered electron yields for different materials is the prime reason for most destructive differential charging, this work includes impact of normal and isotropic incidence of particles for a metal surface of aluminum. The decisive inferences related to these properties together with temporal variation of body potential are compared. Our computational results reveal a significant difference in the estimation of absolute charging in comparison with the same reported earlier.
A novel millimeter‐wave gain equalizer using E‐plane microstrip‐line probe and waveguide resonator
Authors: Li Xi , Wang Zhigang , Zhou Yunqiang , Yan Bo , Xu Ruimin
Published: July 2019

In this paper, a new millimeter‐wave gain equalizer based on metallic rectangular waveguide is presented, which is implemented by E‐plane microstrip‐line probe, metal rectangular waveguide resonator, waveguide coupling groove, and thin‐film resistor. The proposed gain equalizer has good tunability, high Q factor, and high power capacity. To demonstrate its performance, a modified gain equalizer, operating 90 to 97 GHz, is designed and fabricated. The final equalizer has achieved better performance and satisfied the need of actual application under a working range from 90 to 97 GHz.
Simulating urban climate at sub‐kilometre scale for representing the intra‐urban variability of Zurich, Switzerland
Authors: Mussetti Gianluca , Brunner Dominik , Allegrini Jonas , Wicki Andreas , Schubert Sebastian , Carmeliet Jan
Published: July 2019

In the face of an increasing number of urban climate modelling studies performed at sub‐kilometre resolution, systematic investigations of the performance of high‐resolution urban climate simulations and their dependency on spatial resolution are still very sparse. This study investigates the impact of the scale of representation of the urban area on the urban climate simulation with a multi‐layer urban canopy model (UCM) integrated in a mesoscale numerical weather prediction model for different sub‐kilometre resolutions. The potential of using such a model system for representing the intra‐urban climate variability is explored. The weather and climate model COSMO in Climate Mode (CCLM), coupled with the multi‐layer UCM Double‐Canyon effect parameterization (CCLM‐DCEP), was used at increasing resolution from 1 km to 250 m grid spacing to simulate the pronounced heat wave event of June–July 2015 over the city of Zurich, Switzerland. Air temperature and wind speed measurements from a network of urban stations as well as surface temperatures (STs) from Landsat 7 imagery have been used to evaluate the model results. CCLM‐DCEP showed good performance against observed air temperature, ST, and wind speed in the urban area. The model performance did not change significantly with model resolution and a performance improvement with model resolution was not found. Small‐scale features such as urban parks and large railway areas started to be resolved at sub‐kilometre grid spacing. At the finest model resolution (250 m), a spatial variability in air temperature of up to 2 K and wind speed of up to 1.5 m/s was found within the grid cell of the coarsest resolution grid (1 km). CCLM‐DCEP showed the potential to represent the urban climate at the neighbourhood scale when used at high (sub‐kilometre) resolution, which is needed to support applications such as urban planning, building energy use and urban air quality.
Effects of reclaimed wastewater irrigation and fertigation level on olive oil composition and quality
Authors: Basheer Loai , Dag Arnon , Yermiyahu Uri , Ben‐Gal Alon , Zipori Isaac , Kerem Zohar
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Irrigation of olives increases fruit and oil yields. Due to scarcity of freshwater, low‐quality water including recycled wastewater (RWW) is utilized in orchards. Here, effects of irrigation with RWW and of fertilization on the composition and quality of olive oil were studied.

RESULTS

Long‐term RWW irrigation of ‘Barnea’ and ‘Leccino’ olive had no significant negative effects on either oil composition or quality parameters, including free fatty acids (FFAs), peroxide value (PV), total phenolics content (TPC), fatty acid profiles and organoleptic characteristics. The average FFA contents for both cultivars were less than 0.8% during most of the experimental period, except the seasons 2009 and 2012–2013 for Barnea where the values were raised up to 1.4%. The measured PV levels were less than 9 and 5 mmol O2 kg‐1 oil for Barnea and Leccino, respectively. In the last season of the experiment for each cultivar, higher TPC were observed in oils obtained from RWW irrigation with reduced fertilization (Re–) as compared to the treatments with the recommended fertilization [freshwater irrigation (Fr) and RWW irrigation (Re+) with standard dose of fertilizers], where the TPC increment exceeded 70% in Barnea and 25% in Leccino. The treatments had only minor effects on the fatty acid profile, reflected in slightly altered levels of C18:2 and C18:3 fatty acids.

CONCLUSION

The use of RWW, combined with the consideration of nutrients arriving with such water to provide appropriate fertilization, was found suitable for olive irrigation to ensure optimal yields while preserving oil quality. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Failure to close the gap: Concomitant superior canal dehiscence in otosclerosis patients
Authors: Maxwell Anne K. , Slattery William H. , Gopen Quinton S. , Miller Mia E.
Published: July 2019

Objective

Superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) causing conductive hearing loss with present reflexes is a known reason for stapes surgery failure. However, concomitant SSCD and otosclerosis occur rarely. We present a case series of SSCD diagnosed in positively identified otosclerosis patients.

Methods

Retrospective review of clinical case series in two tertiary‐referral neurotologic practices was performed. Clinical histories, operative findings, audiograms, and computed tomography (CT) images were reviewed for patients diagnosed with both SSCD and otosclerosis. Patients with present stapedial reflexes were excluded. Comprehensive literature review was performed.

Results

Four cases were identified. Three reported improved hearing with partial or complete closure of the air‐bone gap (ABG), including one patient with far‐advanced otosclerosis. One patient had no improvement in pure tone average or ABG. One patient reported worsening of preoperative autophony and pulsatile tinnitus, but none developed new postoperative third‐window symptoms. CTs demonstrated both SSCD and otosclerosis.

Conclusion

Failure to close the ABG in patients with positively identified otosclerosis intraoperatively may be due to SSCD as an occult concomitant diagnosis. SSCD should be considered as a possible cause of persistent conductive hearing loss after stapes surgery.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:1023–1027, 2020
Knockdown of Notch1 inhibits nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell growth and metastasis via downregulation of CCL2, CXCL16, and uPA
Authors: Guo Huajiao , Wang Fuhao , Diao Yuwen , Zhang Zhe , Chen Qiuyan , Qian Chao‐Nan , Keller Evan T. , Zhang Jian , Lu Yi
Published: July 2019

Notch pathway is a highly conserved cell signaling system that plays very important roles in controlling multiple cell differentiation processes during embryonic and adult life. Multiple lines of evidence support the oncogenic role of Notch signaling in several human solid cancers; however, the pleiotropic effects and molecular mechanisms of Notch signaling inhibition on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated Notch1 expression in NPC cell lines (CNE1, CNE2, SUNE1, HONE1, and HK1) by real‐time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis, and we found that CNE1 and CNE2 cells expressed a higher level of Notch1 compared with HONE1, SUNE1, and HK1 cells. Then Notch1 expression was specifically knocked down in CNE1 and CNE2 cells by Notch1 short hairpin RNA (shRNA). In Notch1 knockdown cells, cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were significantly inhibited. The epithelial‐mesenchymal transition of tumor cells was reversed in Notch1‐shRNA‐transfected cells, accompanied by epithelioid‐like morphology changes, increased protein levels of E‐cadherin, and decreased expression of vimentin. In addition, knockdown of Notch1 markedly inhibited the expression of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor uPAR, and chemokines C‐C motif chemokine ligand 2 and C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 16, indicating that these factors are downstream targets of Notch1. Furthermore, deleting uPA expression had similar effects as Notch1. Finally, knockdown of Notch1 significantly diminished CNE1 cell growth in a murine model concomitant with inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis. These results suggest that Notch1 may become a novel therapeutic target for the clinical treatment of NPC.
Effect of background error tuning on assimilating radar radial velocity observations for the forecast of hurricane tracks and intensities
Authors: Xu Dongmei , Shen Feifei , Min Jinzhong
Published: July 2019

The background error covariance is an important component in data assimilation systems, which largely dominates the error correlations between different analysis variables. This study aimed to assess the impact of the determination of the background error length and variance scale factors on the track and intensity forecast of hurricane systems for radar radial velocity (Vr) data assimilation. To test the sensitivity of the background error length scale and variance scale, multiple data assimilation analyses were performed using a 3D variational data assimilation method with a parameter‐sweeping strategy for the case of Hurricane Ike (2008) by varying the decorrelation length scale (LEN_SCALING) and the variance (VAR_SCALING) of the background error step by step. It is shown that, in radar Vr data assimilation, generally smaller variance scale and length scale factors tend to improve the prediction of the hurricane track. Setting both VAR_SCALING and LEN_SCALING equivalent to 0.4 provides a better track than other combinations. In particular, the impact of the variance scale factor on the track forecasts is larger than that of the length scale factor. There is no direct impact of tuning variance scales and length scales on the forecast intensity for the first few forecast hours. Tuning length scale factors less than 0.4 provides smaller forecast errors of minimum sea level pressure and maximum surface wind with increasing forecast lead time.
Recurring large deletion in DRC1 (CCDC164) identified as causing primary ciliary dyskinesia in two Asian patients
Authors: Morimoto Kozo , Hijikata Minako , Zariwala Maimoona A. , Nykamp Keith , Inaba Atsushi , Guo Tz‐Chun , Yamada Hiroyuki , Truty Rebecca , Sasaki Yuka , Ohta Ken , Kudoh Shoji , Leigh Margaret W. , Knowles Michael R. , Keicho Naoto
Published: July 2019

Background

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a relatively rare autosomal recessive or X‐linked disorder affecting ciliary function. In the set of causative genes, however, predominant pathogenic variants remain unknown in Asia.

Method

A diagnosis of PCD was made following a modern comprehensive testing including genetic analysis; targeted resequencing for screening variants, and Sanger sequencing for determination of the breakpoints, with an additional review of databases to calculate the deletion frequency. A multiplexed PCR‐based detection method has also been developed.

Results

We ascertained a 50‐year‐old Japanese male who had been diagnosed with diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB), but refractory to macrolide therapy. We reevaluated the case and identified a large homozygous deletion spanning exons 1 to 4 of the DRC1 and determined the breakpoints (NM_145038.4: c.1‐3952_540 + 1331del27748‐bp). In the PCD cohort at the University of North Carolina, we found a female PCD patient of Korean descent harboring the same homozygous deletion. From the Invitae testing cohort, we extracted four carriers of the same deletion among 965 Asian individuals, whereas no deletion was found in the 23,951 non‐Asians.

Conclusion

We speculate that the DRC1 deletion is a recurrent or perhaps founder mutation in Asians. The simple PCR method could be a useful screening tool.
Bladder and bowel dysfunction, adaptive behaviour and psychiatric profiles in adults affected by autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Gubbiotti Marilena , Balboni Giulia , Bini Vittorio , Elisei Sandro , Bedetti Chiara , Marchiafava Moreno , Giannantoni Antonella
Published: July 2019

Aims

Bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD) have been recognized in children affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but no consistent information exist in adults with the condition. We evaluated the prevalence of BBD and the impact of psychiatric and behavioural profiles in adults affected by ASD.

Methods

Twenty‐two adults and 13 children/teens with ASD and a matched group of typically developing subjects (TD) were prospectively studied. Patients and TD subjects underwent the evaluation of urinary incontinence (UI: diurnal, continuous or intermittent), nocturnal enuresis (NE), and bowel disturbances with the 3‐day voiding and bowel diary. In addition, assessment of intellectual disability (ID) and psychiatric and adaptive behaviours with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Scale (NPI) and the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale 2nd Edition (Vineland‐II), was performed.

Results

In adults, any type of incontinence was observed in 81.8% of cases, and NE and intermittent UI in 59.0% and 36.3% of patients, respectively. Faecal incontinence and constipation were detected 36.3% and in 68.1% of cases, respectively. ID was severe in 2 cases and profound in 18; NPI and Vineland‐II items most affected were “Irritability/Lability,” “Motor Activity,” and “Agitation,” and IQ‐Socialization and IQ‐Communication. Significant relationships were identified between intermittent UI and greater ID (P < .02) and high “anxiety” (P < .05), and between NE and high “euphoria/elevated mood” (P < .05). These results were similar to those observed in children/teens.

Conclusions

Adults with ASD, and greater ID and mood disorders, present with a high prevalence of BBD. A shared pathogenetic mechanism could underlie the co‐occurrence of ASD, mood disorders, and BBD.