bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pharmacogenetic risk score for the evaluation of major depression severity under treatment with antidepressants
Authors: Kanders Sofia H. , Pisanu Claudia , Bandstein Marcus , Jonsson Jörgen , Castelao Enrique , Pistis Giorgio , Gholam‐Rezaee Mehdi , Eap Chin B. , Preisig Martin , Schiöth Helgi B. , Mwinyi Jessica
Published: October 2019

The severity of symptoms as well as efficacy of antidepressants in major depressive disorder (MDD) is modified by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in different genes, which may contribute in an additive or synergistic fashion. We aimed to investigate depression severity in participants with MDD under treatment with antidepressants in relation to the combinatory effect of selected genetic variants combined using a genetic risk score (GRS). The sample included 150 MDD patients on regular AD therapy from the population‐based Swiss PsyCoLaus cohort. We investigated 44 SNPs previously associated with antidepressant response by ranking them with regard to their association to the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Short Depression Scale (CES‐D) score using random forest. The three top scoring SNPs (rs12248560, rs878567, rs17710780) were subsequently combined into an unweighted GRS, which was included in linear and logistic regression models using the CES‐D score, occurrence of a major depressive episode (MDE) during follow‐up and regular antidepressant treatment during the 6 months preceding follow‐up assessment as outcomes. The GRS was associated with MDE occurrence (p = .02) and ln CES‐D score (p = .001). The HTR1A rs878567 variant was associated with ln CES‐D after adjustment for demographic and clinical variables [p = .02, lower scores for minor allele (G) carriers]. Additionally, rs12248560 (CYP2C19) CC homozygotes showed a six‐fold higher likelihood of regular AD therapy at follow‐up compared to minor allele homozygotes [TT; ultrarapid metabolizers (p = .03)]. Our study suggests that the cumulative consideration of pharmacogenetic risk variants more reliably reflects the impact of the genetic background on depression severity than individual SNPs.
Discovery of novel halogenated 8‐hydroxyquinoline‐based anti‐MRSA agents: In vitro and QSAR studies
Authors: Cherdtrakulkiat Rungrot , Worachartcheewan Apilak , Tantimavanich Srisurang , Lawung Ratana , Sinthupoom Nujarin , Prachayasittikul Supaluk , Ruchirawat Somsak , Prachayasittikul Virapong
Published: October 2019

Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection has been considered to be one of global health problems due to limited classes of effective antimicrobial drugs. Herein, 8‐hydroxyquinoline (8HQ) and its derivatives (1‐7) were investigated for their anti‐MRSA and antioxidant activities. Cloxyquin (2), a halogenated 8HQ, exerted the highest antimicrobial activity (MIC50 ≤ 5.57 μM) with high safety index, whereas an amino‐derivative 7 showed the strongest antioxidant activity. Additionally, quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) study demonstrated that mass, polarizability, topological charge, and van der Waals volume are essential properties governing the anti‐MRSA activity. Taken together, cloxyquin was highlighted as a promising compound for further development as a novel anti‐MRSA agent. QSAR findings would also benefit for further rational design of novel 8HQ‐based compounds to combat the MRSA resistance.
Plants regulate grassland arthropod communities through biomass, quality, and habitat heterogeneity
Authors: Prather Rebecca M. , Kaspari Michael
Published: October 2019

Habitat heterogeneity affects both biotic and abiotic factors important in determining arthropod community composition. In a sandy, mixed‐grass prairie in the southern Great Plains, we used clipping and NPK fertilization to manipulate plant biomass, habitat heterogeneity, and plant quality to quantify their relative effects on the abundance and diversity of its arthropod community. Both clipping and fertilization treatments affected plant biomass and microclimate, including light availability, temperature, and humidity. By decreasing plant biomass, clipping simplified habitat structure and resulted in reduced arthropod abundance and diversity and increased arthropod activity. This reduction appeared to be mediated by fertilizer addition, which increased total plot carbon, plant biomass, and habitat volume, resulting in lower average surface temperature and higher average humidity. By itself, increasing plant biomass through fertilization increased arthropod abundance, activity, and richness. In addition, we show that changing microclimate and plant biomass promoted shifts in arthropod community composition. These results demonstrate the role of habitat heterogeneity and plant quality in structuring arthropod community composition, specifically by regulating microclimate and providing habitat space.
A performance evaluation of targeted eDNA and eDNA metabarcoding analyses for freshwater fishes
Authors: Bylemans Jonas , Gleeson Dianne M. , Duncan Richard P. , Hardy Christopher M. , Furlan Elise M.
Published: October 2019

Background

The use of environmental DNA analysis has revolutionized biodiversity monitoring. Initially, eDNA monitoring surveys in aquatic environments utilized a targeted approach, but there has been a steady shift toward whole community assessments (eDNA metabarcoding). Both approaches can increase the detection sensitivity for rare and elusive species, compared to more conventional methods. However, it is important to understand the benefits and limitations of targeted and whole community eDNA monitoring to tailor surveys to research questions and management objectives.

Aims

Here, we aimed to test the relative merits of targeted eDNA analysis versus eDNA metabarcoding in an intermittent river system.

Methods

First, samples collected during different seasons were used to assess the influence of seasonality on the detection probabilities of both methods. Second, detection probabilities from the two monitoring approaches for one focal species were compared to evaluate the sensitivity of both methods. Finally, the data from an eDNA metabarcoding survey conducted across the outer distribution limits of an invasive species were used to evaluate whether species interactions can be inferred by this method.

Results

Analyses showed that sampling intermittent river systems during low flow events increases the performance of the targeted eDNA surveys, while sampling season does not influence the performance of eDNA metabarcoding surveys. Environmental DNA metabarcoding was found to be less sensitive than a targeted monitoring approach, thus making the latter more suitable for generating detailed distribution data. Nevertheless, eDNA metabarcoding survey data can be interpreted in a semiquantitative manner and can provide insights into biological interactions.
Impact of sex, socio‐economic status, and remoteness on therapy and survival in heart failure
Authors: Gutman Sarah J. , Costello Ben T. , Papapostolou Stavroula , Iles Leah , Ja Johnson , Hare James L. , Ellims Andris , Marwick Thomas H. , Taylor Andrew J.
Published: October 2019

Aims

This study aims to determine if traditional markers of disadvantage [female sex, low socio‐economic status (SES), and remoteness] are associated with lower prescription of evidence‐based therapy and higher mortality among patients with moderate–severe heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

Methods and results

We recruited 452 consecutive class II–III heart failure with reduced ejection fraction patients. Baseline clinical data were recorded prospectively. The primary outcome was the association of female sex on overall survival. Secondary outcomes included association between evidence‐based therapy delivery and sex and association of SES and remoteness on heart failure therapy and survival. The Australian Bureau of Statistics generated all indices. Median follow‐up was 37.9 months. One hundred and nine patients (24.3%) were women. There was no difference in overall survival based on sex (hazard ratio = 1.19, 95% confidence interval: 0.74–1.92, 0.48). There was no difference in prescription of beta‐blockers [χ2(1) = 0.91, 0.66], angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors [χ2(1) = 0.001, 0.97], nor aldosterone antagonists [χ2(1) = 2.71, 0.10]. There was no difference in rates of primary prevention implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator implantation in men compared with women [χ2(1) = 0.35, 0.56]. Neither higher SES nor inner city residence conferred an overall survival benefit.

Conclusions

In this Australian cohort of heart failure patients, delivery of care and likelihood of death are comparable between the sexes, SES groups, and rural vs. city residents.
Influence of the para‐Substituent in Lanthanoid Complexes of Bis‐Tetrazole‐Substituted Calix[4]arenes
Authors: Phe Rene Z. H. , Skelton Brian W. , Massi Massimiliano , Ogden Mark I.
Published: October 2019

5,11,17,23‐Tetra‐tert‐butyl‐25,27‐dihydroxy‐26,28‐bis(tetrazole‐5‐ylmethoxy)calix[4]arene has been reported to form remarkable Ln19 and Ln12 elongated clusters, upon addition of aqueous ammonium carboxylates. The impact of the para substituent on lanthanoid cluster formation has been studied by synthesising two new bis‐tetrazole calixarenes, with p‐H, and p‐allyl substituents. Solution phase dynamic light scattering measurements of the reaction mixtures indicated that clusters are not formed with the p‐H and p‐allyl derivatives, in contrast with the behaviour of the tert‐butyl analogue. Lanthanoid complexes of the p‐H and p‐allyl calixarenes were characterised by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, and were found to form mononuclear complexes, linked to form a one‐dimensional coordination polymer for the p‐allyl system. All of the complexes were isolated as ammonium salts, with ammonium cation included in the calixarene cavity in most cases. It is concluded that the nature of the para substituent has a profound impact on the lanthanoid cluster formation process, and derivatives with more subtle structural changes will be required to determine if additional lanthanoid “bottlebrush” clusters can be isolated.
Synthesis of α‐Acyloxy‐α′‐hydroxy Ketones via Cyclic Carbonate Intermediates Generated from Tertiary Bromopropargylic Alcohols and Cs2CO3
Authors: Shemyakina Olesya A. , Volostnykh Ol'ga G. , Stepanov Anton V. , Ushakov Igor' A.
Published: October 2019

A facile approach towards α‐acyloxy‐α′‐hydroxy ketones by reaction of readily available tertiary bromopropargylic alcohols and carboxylic acids in system Cs2CO3/H2O/DMF (50–55 °C, 4 h) was developed. Key intermediates of this synthesis are cyclic carbonates generated in situ from bromopropargylic alcohols and Cs2CO3 which have been utilized as both reagent and base promoter.
Polyaniline Sheathed Black Phosphorous: A Novel, Advanced Platform for Electrochemical Sensing Applications
Authors: Durai L. , Gopalakrishnan A. , Vishnu Nandimalla , Badhulika Sushmee
Published: October 2019

Despite its excellent properties, the inherent unstable nature of black phosphorus (BP) in ambient atmosphere has severely restricted its use in electrochemical sensing applications. In this work, polyaniline (PANI) sheathed BP was prepared via the electrochemical polymerisation of aniline on BP coated screen printed carbon electrode (i. e., SPCE/BP) which resulted in an efficient, stable electrochemical platform (i. e., SPCE/BP@PANI) with improved properties which was evaluated for electrochemical detection of two model bioanalytes namely, ascorbic acid (AA) and Hydrazine (Hy). The formation of PANI on the SPCE/BP exhibited a pair of stable and well‐defined redox peaks indicating the better adsorption energy and fast electron transfer nature of BP as compared to other 2D materials like graphene and transitional metal dichalcogenides. FESEM and XPS studies revealed the formation and uniform growth of PANI on BP surface without any aggregation. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analyses revealed that SPCE/BP@PANI can act as a suitable electrocatalyst material for the sensing of AA and Hy. Thus, SPCE/BP@PANI electrode exhibited low limit of detection (DL; 1.69 μM), excellent reproducibility and better selectivity towards AA oxidation over glucose, sucrose, urea, citric acid, sodium, nitrate, nitrite and magnesium with a sensitivity of 3.38 A M−1 cm−2 (R2=0.98) in the dynamic range of 10–1100 μM. The excellent analytical performance of the BP@PANI is plausible due to better adsorption energy and fast electron transfer of BP. Further, SPCE/BP@PANI was also used for successful detection of AA in processed fruit juice with good recovery. Under the optimal DPV conditions, the modified electrode was extended for detection of Hy in a linear range of 100–1500 μM with sensitivity of 0.09 A M−1 cm−2 (R2=0.99) and DL=89 μM validating the potential of BP based composites in wide range of electrochemical applications.
Individual differences in pain sensitivity are associated with cognitive network functional connectivity following one night of experimental sleep disruption
Authors: Letzen Janelle E. , Remeniuk Bethany , Smith Michael T. , Irwin Michael R. , Finan Patrick H. , Seminowicz David A.
Published: October 2019

Previous work suggests that sleep disruption can contribute to poor pain modulation. Here, we used experimental sleep disruption to examine the relationship between sleep disruption‐induced pain sensitivity and functional connectivity (FC) of cognitive networks contributing to pain modulation. Nineteen healthy individuals underwent two counterbalanced experimental sleep conditions for one night each: uninterrupted sleep versus sleep disruption. Following each condition, participants completed functional MRI including a simple motor task and a noxious thermal stimulation task. Pain ratings and stimulus temperatures from the latter task were combined to calculate a pain sensitivity change score following sleep disruption. This change score was used as a predictor of simple motor task FC changes using bilateral executive control networks (RECN, LECN) and the default mode network (DMN) masks as seed regions of interest (ROIs). Increased pain sensitivity after sleep disruption was positively associated with increased RECN FC to ROIs within the DMN and LECN (F(4,14) = 25.28, pFDR = 0.05). However, this pain sensitivity change score did not predict FC changes using LECN and DMN masks as seeds (pFDR > 0.05). Given that only RECN FC was associated with sleep loss‐induced hyperalgesia, findings suggest that cognitive networks only partially contribute to the sleep‐pain dyad.
Age affects the contribution of ipsilateral brain regions to movement kinematics
Authors: Tscherpel Caroline , Hensel Lukas , Lemberg Katharina , Freytag Jana , Michely Jochen , Volz Lukas J. , Fink Gereon R. , Grefkes Christian
Published: October 2019

Healthy aging is accompanied by changes in brain activation patterns in the motor system. In older subjects, unilateral hand movements typically rely on increased recruitment of ipsilateral frontoparietal areas. While the two central concepts of aging‐related brain activity changes, “Hemispheric Asymmetry Reduction in Older Adults” (HAROLD), and “Posterior to Anterior Shift in Aging” (PASA), have initially been suggested in the context of cognitive tasks and were attributed to compensation, current knowledge regarding the functional significance of increased motor system activity remains scarce. We, therefore, used online interference transcranial magnetic stimulation in young and older subjects to investigate the role of key regions of the ipsilateral frontoparietal cortex, that is, (a) primary motor cortex (M1), (b) dorsal premotor cortex (dPMC), and (c) anterior intraparietal sulcus (IPS) in the control of hand movements of different motor demands. Our data suggest a change of the functional roles of ipsilateral brain areas in healthy age with a reduced relevance of ipsilateral M1 and a shift of importance toward dPMC for repetitive high‐frequency movements. These results support the notion that mechanisms conceptualized in the models of “PASA” and “HAROLD” also apply to the motor system.
Utility of negative‐pressure wound therapy for orocutaneous and pharyngocutaneous fistula following head and neck surgery
Authors: Inatomi Yusuke , Kadota Hideki , Yoshida Sei , Kamizono Kenichi , Shimamoto Ryo , Fukushima Seita , Miyashita Kayo , Matsuo Mioko , Yasumatsu Ryuji , Tanaka Shunichiro , Fukushima Junichi
Published: October 2019

Background

Because of the difficulty of airtight sealing and risk of salivary contamination, negative‐pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has rarely been applied for postoperative fistula following head and neck surgery; thus, its utility remains unclear.

Methods

We applied NPWT in 34 patients who developed orocutaneous and pharyngocutaneous fistula after head and neck surgery. Here we retrospectively analyzed the utility of NPWT for managing those fistulas.

Results

Thirty‐two patients (94.1%) underwent NPWT as scheduled without adverse events. In 28 patients (82.4%), fistula closure was completed only by NPWT, and the mean period to fistula closure was 30.4 days. The mean period to closure did not differ significantly between fistulas with (21.7 days) and without (39.1 days) previous irradiation.

Conclusions

Airtight sealing can be maintained and postoperative fistula can be closed by NPWT with a high success rate, even after previous irradiation. NPWT is an effective and minimally invasive treatment for postoperative fistula.
Learning, memory and consolidation mechanisms for behavioral control in hierarchically organized cortico‐basal ganglia systems
Authors: Rusu Silviu I. , Pennartz Cyriel M. A.
Published: October 2019

This article aims to provide a synthesis on the question how brain structures cooperate to accomplish hierarchically organized behaviors, characterized by low‐level, habitual routines nested in larger sequences of planned, goal‐directed behavior. The functioning of a connected set of brain structures—prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and dopaminergic mesencephalon—is reviewed in relation to two important distinctions: (a) goal‐directed as opposed to habitual behavior and (b) model‐based and model‐free learning. Recent evidence indicates that the orbitomedial prefrontal cortices not only subserve goal‐directed behavior and model‐based learning, but also code the “landscape” (task space) of behaviorally relevant variables. While the hippocampus stands out for its role in coding and memorizing world state representations, it is argued to function in model‐based learning but is not required for coding of action–outcome contingencies, illustrating that goal‐directed behavior is not congruent with model‐based learning. While the dorsolateral and dorsomedial striatum largely conform to the dichotomy between habitual versus goal‐directed behavior, ventral striatal functions go beyond this distinction. Next, we contextualize findings on coding of reward‐prediction errors by ventral tegmental dopamine neurons to suggest a broader role of mesencephalic dopamine cells, viz. in behavioral reactivity and signaling unexpected sensory changes. We hypothesize that goal‐directed behavior is hierarchically organized in interconnected cortico‐basal ganglia loops, where a limbic‐affective prefrontal‐ventral striatal loop controls action selection in a dorsomedial prefrontal–striatal loop, which in turn regulates activity in sensorimotor‐dorsolateral striatal circuits. This structure for behavioral organization requires alignment with mechanisms for memory formation and consolidation. We propose that frontal corticothalamic circuits form a high‐level loop for memory processing that initiates and temporally organizes nested activities in lower‐level loops, including the hippocampus and the ripple‐associated replay it generates. The evidence on hierarchically organized behavior converges with that on consolidation mechanisms in suggesting a frontal‐to‐caudal directionality in processing control.
Evaluation of the antibody response to the EBV proteome in EBV‐associated classical Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Liu Zhiwei , Jarrett Ruth F. , Hjalgrim Henrik , Proietti Carla , Chang Ellen T. , Smedby Karin E. , Yu Kelly J. , Lake Annette , Troy Sally , McAulay Karen A. , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Adami Hans‐Olov , Glimelius Bengt , Melbye Mads , Hildesheim Allan , Doolan Denise L. , Coghill Anna E.
Published: October 2019

The humoral immune response to Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) stratified by EBV tumor status is unclear. We examined IgG and IgA antibody responses against 202 protein sequences representing 86 EBV proteins using a microarray and sera from 139 EBV‐positive cHL cases, 70 EBV‐negative cHL cases and 141 population‐based controls frequency matched to EBV‐positive cHL cases on sex and age by area (UK, Denmark and Sweden). We leveraged existing data on the proportion of circulating B‐cells infected by EBV and levels of serum CCL17, a chemokine secreted by cHL tumor cells, from a subset of the cHL cases in the UK. Total IgG but not IgA response level was significantly different between EBV‐positive cHL cases and controls. The distinct serological response included significant elevations in 16 IgG antibodies and 2 IgA antibodies, with odds ratioshighest vs. lowest tertile > 3 observed for the following EBV proteins: LMP1 (oncogene), BcLF1 (VCAp160, two variants) and BBLF1 (two variants). Our cHL IgG signature correlated with the proportion of circulating EBV‐infected B‐cells, but not serum CCL17 levels. We observed no differences in the anti‐EBV antibody profile between EBV‐negative cHL cases and controls. BdRF1(VCAp40)‐IgG and BZLF1(Zta)‐IgG were identified as the serological markers best able to distinguish EBV‐positive from EBV‐negative cHL tumors. Our results support the hypothesis that differences in the EBV antibody profile are specific to patients with EBV‐positive cHL and are not universally observed as part of a systematically dysregulated immune response present in all cHL cases.
Teaching the process of building an Intrusion Detection System using data from a small‐scale SCADA testbed
Authors: Maglaras Leandros , Cruz Tiago , Ferrag Mohamed A. , Janicke Helge
Published: October 2019

Security of Critical National Infrastructures (CNI) is one of the major concerns to countries both in a European and in a worldwide level. Training on scenarios that involve such systems is important to the effective handling of incidents. Experiential learning is based on the importance of involvement and active engagement of attendees to develop personal experiences and increase the understanding of the investigated topic. This article describes a final year module for teaching traffic anomaly detection, an important part of of network security methods, to Computer Science and Informatics students. The course consists of 12 week labs and lectures run at De Montfort University. Students learn how to combine programming, data mining and security skills in order to build their own Intrusion Detection System using data from a small‐scale SCADA testbed.
Association between dietary inflammatory index and risk of cardiovascular disease in the Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerotic disorder study population
Authors: Asadi Zahra , Yaghooti‐Khorasani Mahdiyeh , Ghazizadeh Hamideh , Sadabadi Fatemeh , Mosa‐Farkhany Ehsan , Darroudi Susan , Shabani Niloofar , Kamel‐khodabandeh Atiyeh , Bahrami Afsane , Khorrami‐Mohebbseraj Mohammad‐Sadegh , Heidari‐Bakavoli Sahar , Heidari‐Bakavoli Alireza , Esmaily Habibollah , Moohebati Mohsen , Oladi Mohammad R. , Shivappa Nitin , Hébert James R. , Ferns Gordon A. , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid
Published: October 2019

The dietary inflammatory index (DII) is a novel way of describing diet that has been studied in relation to various health conditions, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) in several populations. We aimed to investigate the association between DII and CVD events among a representative population sample in northeastern Iran. This prospective cohort study was a subsample of 4,672 adults aged 35–65 years, and recruited as part of Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerotic disorder cohort study population. The DII was computed at baseline according to a 65‐item validated food frequency questionnaire. Cox regression was used to determine the association of DII with incident CVD. One hundred twenty‐four participants developed CVD (including 24 cases of myocardial infarction [MI], 34 cases of stable angina [SA], and 66 cases of unstable angina [UA]). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, a hazard ratios of 1.06 (95% confidence interval: 0.70–1.60), 1.36 (95% confidence interval: 0.52–3.52), 1.33 (95% confidence interval: 0.60–2.94), and 0.86 (95% confidence interval: 0.48–1.53) were found for total CVD, MI, SA, and UA events, respectively, among the participants with proinflammatory diet (DII ≥ 0) versus those with anti‐inflammatory diet (DII < 0). There was no statistically significant association between the DII and total CVD, MI, SA, or UA in this population of middle‐aged Iranian men and women.
Acellular polycaprolactone scaffolds laden with fibroblast/endothelial cell‐derived extracellular matrix for bone regeneration
Authors: Junka Radoslaw , Quevada Kristian , Yu Xiaojun
Published: October 2019

Inconsistencies in graft osteoconduction and osteoinduction present a clinical challenge in regeneration of large bone defects. Deposition of decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) on tissue engineered scaffolds offers an alternative approach that can enhance these properties by mimicking bone's molecular complexity and direct infiltrating cells to repair damaged bone. However, dECMs derived from homogenous cell populations do not adequately simulate the heterogeneous and vascularized microenvironment of the bone. In this study, successive culture and decellularization of fibroblasts and endothelial cells (ECs) grown on polycaprolactone microfibers was used to develop a bioactive scaffold with heterogeneous dECM mimicking endothelial basement membrane. These scaffolds had greater amount of protein and minimally increased nucleic acid content than scaffolds with homogenous culture dECM. Coomassie Blue and antibody staining revealed extensive tube formation by ECs on fibroblast dECM. Fibroblast/endothelial dECM significantly enhanced osteoblast attachment, alkaline phosphatase activity, and osteocalcin‐ and osteopontin‐positive extracellular mineral deposits. We demonstrated that the osteoconduction of dECMs can be tailored with the appropriate combination of cells to accelerate osteoblast mineral secretion. The overall concept can be expanded to generate increasingly more complex tissue constructs for regeneration of bone defects and other vascularized tissues.
The influence of ultrafine‐grained structure on the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of austenitic stainless steels
Authors: Rybalchenko Olga V. , Anisimova Natalia Yu. , Kiselevsky Mikhail V. , Belyakov Andrey N. , Tokar Aleksei A. , Terent'ev Vladimir F. , Prosvirnin Dmitry V. , Rybalchenko Georgy V. , Raab Georgi I. , Dobatkin Sergey V.
Published: October 2019

In this study, equal‐channel angular pressing (ECAP) of austenitic 316L and Cr–Ni–Ti stainless steels was carried out. Effect of ECAP at 400°C on the evolution of the microstructure, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility of these steels was investigated. The biocompatibility of samples with the ultrafine grain structure obtained in the ECAP process did not deteriorate in comparison with an austenitic 316L stainless steel in coarse‐grained state. However, this treatment enhances the multipotent mesenchymal stromal/stem cell proliferation by 26% for 316L steel and by 17% for Cr–Ni–Ti stainless steel in comparison with coarse‐grained counterparts. At the same time, ECAP contributes to a significant improvement in performance and weight reduction of medical devices, which is especially important for the creation of implanted prostheses for replacement of skeletal defects, due to significant increase in specific strength of steels. The strength properties of austenitic stainless steels were remarkably improved due to the grain refinement and deformation twinning resulted from ECAP at 400°C. After ECAP, the yield strength of 316L and Cr–Ni–Ti stainless steels increased by 4.2 and 2.9 times up to 950 and 900 MPa, and the fatigue limit by 2 and 1.7 times up to 500 and 475 MPa, respectively, comparing to coarse‐grained counterparts.
Self‐protective transcriptional alterations in ZF4 cells exposed to Pb(NO3)2 and AgNO3
Authors: Liu Guangxing , Tian Jingjing , Yin Huancai , Yin Jian , Tang Yuguo
Published: October 2019

In this study, gene expression alterations of phase I to III enzymes, transcription factors, and microRNA (miRNA) in embryonic zebrafish fibroblasts (ZF4) cells after the treatment of Pb(NO3)2 and AgNO3 were investigated, to illustrate the possible detoxification pathway of heavy metal ions. It was observed that both metals caused concentration‐dependent death and moderate elevation of oxidative stress in ZF4 cells. In response to such toxicity, upregulation of multidrug resistance protein (mdr)4 and multiresistance‐associated protein (mrp)1 were found. However, enhanced expression of glutathione S‐transferase (gst) and cytochrome P450 (cyp)1a could only be detected during the exposure of Pb2+. In addition, both metals induced extensive upregulation of pregnane X receptor (pxr), but only moderate elevation of E2‐related factor (nrf2), while they suppressed the expression of miR‐122 and miR‐126. In conclusion, Pb2+ and Ag+ shared the same detoxification mechanism including ABC transporters, Pxr, and miRNA in ZF4 cells, which needs further investigation.
The Membrane‐Integrated Steric Chaperone Lif Facilitates Active Site Opening of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Lipase A
Authors: Verma Neha , Dollinger Peter , Kovacic Filip , Jaeger Karl‐Erich , Gohlke Holger
Published: October 2019

Lipases are essential and widely used biocatalysts. Hence, the production of lipases requires a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanism of its folding and secretion. Lipase A from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, PaLipA, constitutes a prominent example that has additional relevance because of its role as a virulence factor in many diseases. PaLipA requires the assistance of a membrane‐integrated steric chaperone, the lipase‐specific foldase Lif, to achieve its enzymatically active state. However, the molecular mechanism of how Lif activates its cognate lipase has remained elusive. Here, we show by molecular dynamics simulations at the atomistic level and potential of mean force computations that Lif catalyzes the activation process of PaLipA by structurally stabilizing an intermediate PaLipA conformation, particularly a β‐sheet in the region of residues 17–30, such that the opening of PaLipA's lid domain is facilitated. This opening allows substrate access to PaLipA's catalytic site. A surprising and so far not fully understood aspect of our study is that the open state of PaLipA is unstable compared to the closed one according to our computational and in vitro biochemical results. We thus speculate that further interactions of PaLipA with the Xcp secretion machinery and/or components of the extracellular matrix contribute to the remaining activity of secreted PaLipA. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
B, N‐co‐doped graphene‐supported Ir and Pt clusters for methane activation and C─C coupling: A density functional theory study
Authors: Damte Jemal Yimer , Zhu Zhan‐Jun , Lin Pin‐Jun , Yeh Chen‐Hao , Jiang Jyh‐Chiang
Published: October 2019

Methane conversion by using transition metal catalysts plays in an important role in various usages of the industrial process. The mechanism of methane conversion on B, N‐co‐doped graphene supported Ir and Pt clusters, BNG‐Ir4 and BNG‐Pt4, have been investigated using density functional theory calculations. Methane was found to adsorb on BNG‐Ir4 and BNG‐Pt4 clusters via strong agostic interactions. The first step of methane dehydrogenation on BNG‐Ir4 has a lower energy barrier, indicating a facile methane dissociation on BNG‐Ir4. In addition, it shows that hydrogen molecule can form on the BNG‐Ir4 and hydrogen can desorb from the surface. Besides, the C‐C coupling reaction of CH3 to form ethane is a more thermodynamically favorable process than CH3 dehydrogenation on BNG‐Ir4. Further, ethane is easier to desorb from the surface due to its low desorption energy. Therefore, the BNG‐Ir4 cluster is a potential catalyst for activating methane to form ethane and to produce hydrogen. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Elevated serum procalcitonin level in patients with chronic kidney disease without infection: A case‐control study
Authors: Wu Sen‐Chao , Liang Cai‐Xia , Zhang Yan‐Lin , Hu Wei‐Ping
Published: October 2019

Background

Inflammation is a necessary component of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that can be attributed to an accumulation of toxins and a reduced clearance of proinflammatory cytokines. Procalcitonin (PCT) is a widely applied biomarker in the diagnosis of infection, and considering the presence of pre‐existing inflammation in CKD patients, the PCT level could be high in such a population; however, no reference value for PCT in CKD patients has been available to date.

Methods

During the present study period, 361 CKD patients and 119 healthy controls were included. The PCT level and other biochemistry parameters were assayed by using a COBAS system. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the differences in PCT levels and other biochemistry parameters between the two groups, and linear regression was used to assess the correlation between two variables. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the performance of PCT and the optimal cutoff value to differentiate between CKD patients and healthy controls.

Results

The PCT level in CKD patients was significantly higher than that in healthy controls, and among the CKD patients, the PCT level was increased with advanced clinical stage. Moreover, PCT was moderately correlated with CysC. The optimal off‐value was 0.075 with a sensitivity of 94.7% and specificity of 90.8%.

Conclusion

The PCT level was significantly higher in CKD patients than in healthy controls, and the reference value for CKD patients should be adjusted to avoid unnecessary antibiotic treatments which may pose a negative impact on residual renal function.
circRNA‐associated ceRNA network construction reveals the circRNAs involved in the progression and prognosis of breast cancer
Authors: Ma Xiaoran , Liu Cun , Gao Chundi , Li Jie , Zhuang Jing , Liu Lijuan , Li Huayao , Wang Xue , Zhang Xiaoming , Dong Shixia , Zhou Chao , Sun Changgang
Published: October 2019

Recently, increasing evidences show that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are important regulators of various diseases, especially cancer. However, the regulatory role and the potential mechanism of action of circRNAs in breast cancer remain largely unknown. In this study, weighted gene co‐expression network analysis was conducted with the differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in breast cancer from The Cancer Genome Atlas database to identify the key modules associated with the carcinogenesis of breast cancer. In the significant turquoise and brown modules, 22 miRNAs and 1877 mRNAs were identified, respectively. Then, We compared and predicted the target genes and performed survival analysis to identify the miRNAs and mRNAs related to the prognosis of breast cancer. A circRNA‐related competitive endogenous RNA network was identified by database co‐screening, and deleted in liver cancer 1 (DLC1) was identified as a key gene. Finally, to assess how genes in key modules and key genes contribute to the development of breast cancer, relevant pathway information was obtained through DAVID and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. These data demonstrated that three circRNAs (hsa‐circ‐0083373, hsa‐circ‐0083374, and hsa‐circ‐0083375) that regulate DLC1 expression via hsa‐mir‐511 and are involved in the pathogenesis and development of breast cancer.
Comparative anatomy on the vegetative organs of genus Ziziphora L. (Lamiaceae) from Turkey
Authors: Selvi Selami , Satil Fatih
Published: October 2019

The genus Ziziphora L. (Lamiaceae) is represented by five species (nine taxa) in the Turkish Flora. These taxa are Z. clinopodioides Lam. (subsp. elbursensis, subsp. filicaulis, subsp. kurdica, subsp. rigida), Z. capitata L., Z. persica Bunge, Z. tenuior L., Z. taurica Bieb. subsp. taurica, and Z. taurica Bieb. subsp. cleonioides (Boiss.) Davis which to be an endemic taxon for Turkey. They are strongly aromatic herbs which contain rich pulegone and used as herbal teas and spices and for this reason. In this study, comparative anatomy of the genus Ziziphora growing in Turkey is presented for the first time. In anatomical studies, cross sections of vegetative organs such as the root, stem, and leaf (lamina and petiole) were examined. In addition, to exhibit stomatal distribution and anatomy on adaxial and abaxial leaves were taken surface sections of the lamina and calculated stomatal index. Lamina and petiole anatomy were shown to be of great importance in the taxonomy of the Ziziphora taxa. The presence or absence of sclerenchyma in midrib of lamina and petiole, cortex parenchyma layer, mesophyll structure, and epidermal surface were found to be important characters for identification of Ziziphora taxa.
Protein‐losing gastroenteropathy with severe hypoalbuminemia associated with Sjögren’s syndrome: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Akaishi Tetsuya , Yasaka Ken , Abe Michiaki , Fujii Hiroshi , Watanabe Mika , Shirai Tsuyoshi , Ishizawa Kota , Takayama Shin , Kagaya Yutaka , Harigae Hideo , Ishii Tadashi
Published: October 2019

A 30‐year‐old man with severe hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin: 0.9 g/dL) was admitted with severe bilateral leg edema and unilateral pleural effusion. Serum anti‐SS‐A and SS‐B antibody levels were abnormally elevated, and his symptoms fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for Sjögren's syndrome. Technetium‐99m albumin scintigraphy revealed protein leakage from a large area of the small intestine. Immunohistochemistry revealed perivascular deposition of C1q, C3d, and immunoglobulin G in the duodenal mucosa. The patient was diagnosed with protein‐losing gastroenteropathy associated with Sjögren's syndrome. Within 2 months of treatment with oral prednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil, the clinical symptoms of hypoalbuminemia and Sjögren's syndrome disappeared completely.
Gastrointestinal bleeding is associated with renal prognosis in adult patients with IgA vasculitis with nephritis
Authors: Shimamura Yoshinosuke , Maeda Takuto , Nishizawa Keitaro , Ogawa Yayoi , Takizawa Hideki
Published: October 2019

Background

Although the prediction of renal prognosis in patients with IgA vasculitis with nephritis (IgAVN) is important, the association between gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) and its renal prognosis is unknown. This study investigated the effect of GIB on the progression to end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) in patients with IgAVN.

Methods

We compared the clinicopathological findings at diagnosis, therapy, and clinical outcomes between 10 patients with GIB and 20 patients without GIB in 30 patients with IgAVN aged ≥18 years at the renal biopsy. The primary outcome was the incidence of ESKD. Secondary outcomes included clinical remission and all‐cause mortality. The outcomes and factors affecting the progression to ESKD were evaluated using the Kaplan‐Meier method with log‐rank test and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

End‐stage kidney disease, clinical remission, and deaths from any related cause occurred in 6, 17, and 2 patients, respectively. In Kaplan‐Meier analyses, the GIB group showed a higher incidence of ESKD (50% vs 5%, P = .003) and a lower incidence of clinical remission (20% vs 75%, P = .003). Although the numbers were not statistically significant, this group tended to have a greater number of deaths than the non‐GIB group (7% vs 0%, P = .07). In a multivariable Cox model adjusted for hypertension and urinary proteinuria, GIB could not demonstrate a significant association with ESKD (hazard ratio, 4.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.39‐52.7; P = .23).

Conclusion

IgAVN with GIB has worse renal outcome, but GIB does not have a statistically significant association with progression to ESKD.
Tutorial: A Step‐by‐Step Guide (Version 2.0) for Measuring Abdominal Circumference and Skeletal Muscle From a Single Cross‐Sectional Computed‐Tomography Image Using the National Institutes of Health ImageJ
Authors: Gomez‐Perez Sandra , McKeever Liam , Sheean Patricia
Published: October 2019

Background

In patients with acute and chronic illness, depleted skeletal muscle (SM) mass, also referred to as sarcopenia, is a condition associated with an underlying disease process and adverse outcomes. Because of software upgrades and errors related to installation, clarifications and a revised tutorial were needed for calculating SM cross‐sectional area (CSA) using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) ImageJ.

Methods

A pilot study was conducted to determine the usability of the tutorial version 2.0. Eight adults (≥18 years of age) who had no previous experience or background in body composition or computed‐tomography imaging and owned a personal laptop computer (Mac or PC) were included in the pilot study. Participants were tested on the completion of 4 tasks: (1) installation of software, (2) updating the software, (3) following revised tutorial (version 2.0), and (4) transferring information from the software to a spreadsheet for calculation of SM CSA.

Results

All participants completed the tutorial and all assigned tasks, 4/4 (100%). However, 38% (3/8) of the participants made errors while cutting and pasting values from the ImageJ results box to a spreadsheet for calculating SM CSA.

Conclusion

The tutorial version 2.0 was easy to follow and provided sufficient information for adults to install, update, and perform the steps of body composition for the NIH ImageJ software without major issues. Care should be taken when cutting and pasting results from the software as well as when using the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for calculating SM CSA.
Development of a capillary zone electrophoresis method to determine natamycin in food and a comparison with a liquid chromatography method
Authors: Li Xiaobin , Gao Fangfang , Liu Huitao , Gao Yuan
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Natamycin is often added to pastries, cheeses, and beverages. The residual amount of natamycin should be less than 10 mg kg−1. The current method for its determination in various foodstuffs is high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a simple, fast, and environmentally friendly method with low reagent consumption and comparable separation performance. However, no reports were found on the determination of natamycin in foods by CE. A CE method to determine natamycin is therefore sought.

RESULTS

Natamycin in foods was determined by the capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method with ultraviolet‐visible (UV) detection. Separation conditions were optimized as 20 mM Na2HPO4, pH 9.2, with 25 kV applied voltage, and UV detection at 306 nm. Under optimal conditions, electrophoretic analysis was completed in less than 4 min, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.065 μg mL−1 and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.22 μg mL−1. A good linear relationship (r2 = 0.999) was obtained at the range of 0.1–25 μg mL−1. A comparison with the HPLC‐UV method was also carried out according to the National Standards of the People's Republic of China.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained by the CZE and HPLC methods are comparable but the proposed CZE method can help us obtain a shorter detection time at low cost. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison of the phenolic contents, antioxidant activity and volatile compounds of different sorghum varieties during tea processing
Authors: Xiong Yun , Zhang Pangzhen , Johnson Stuart , Luo Jiaqiang , Fang Zhongxiang
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Sorghum grain is rich in phenolic compounds and has the potential to be developed into functional beverages such as sorghum grain tea, in which the health benefits and flavour are the important quality attributes to be considered in tea product development. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of grain tea processing steps on the phenolic contents, antioxidant activity and aroma profile (volatile compounds) of MR‐Buster (red‐coloured) and Shawaya Short Black 1 (black‐coloured) sorghum and the results compared with those for our previously reported Liberty (white‐coloured) sorghum.

RESULTS

Tea processing had significant impacts on sorghum polyphenols and volatile compounds, but the effect and level varied among sorghum varieties. The phenolic contents and antioxidant activity in these three sorghum varieties were consistent in both raw grain and grain tea samples and in the order Shawaya Short Black 1 > MR‐Buster > Liberty. However, the volatile profiles (both individual and grouped volatiles) were significantly different between sorghum varieties, and the abundance and diversity of the volatile compounds of the tea samples were in the order Liberty > MR‐Buster > Shawaya Short Black 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Black‐coloured sorghum with high phenolic content and antioxidant activity is more suitable for making sorghum tea considering the health benefits. In terms of the aroma intensity and diversity, white‐coloured sorghum could be the ideal material. However, future study is needed to determine the key volatile compounds that positively contribute to the aroma. This work provides important insights into the selection of grain materials for sorghum grain tea production. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Medium‐long term effects of saline reclaimed water and regulated deficit irrigation on fruit quality of citrus
Authors: Romero‐Trigueros Cristina , Cabañero Juan JA , Tortosa Pedro AN , Gambín José MB , Maestre‐Valero José F , Nicolás Emilio N
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Non‐conventional water sources and water‐saving techniques can be valuable in semi‐arid regions, although their long‐term effects on citrus quality are little known. This study evaluated the effects of irrigation with two sources, transfer water (TW) and reclaimed water (RW), combined with two irrigation strategies, full irrigation (FI) and regulated deficit irrigation (RDI), on fruit quality of mandarins and grapefruits during eight growth seasons.

RESULTS

Reclaimed water irrigation in mandarin, without water restriction, influenced maturity index (MI) less than TW‐FI, because titratable acidity (TA) increased to a greater degree than soluble solid contents (SSC). Nevertheless, juice quality standards were satisfied. Regardless of the irrigation treatment (FI or RDI), a trend towards increasing fruit weight was also detected with RW. In grapefruit, its rootstock (Citrus macrophylla) enhanced salinity resilience with respect to the rootstock of mandarin (‘Carrizo’ citrange) and, hence, MI was not affected by RW. The RDI strategy, without saline stress (TW‐RDI), increased, to a similar degree, both SSC and TA in mandarin fruit, not affecting the MI. In grapefruit, the water stress of RDI did improve the MI due to the TA did not change and SSC increased significantly, the TA did not change. The combination of both strategies, RW‐RDI, decreased the MI only in some years because TA increased proportionally more than SSC in mandarin.

CONCLUSIONS

The medium‐ and long‐term feasibility of using RW and RDI to irrigate citrus was demonstrated. However, they must be performed cautiously and with appropriate management to avoid damaging fruit quality as a result of phytotoxic elements. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry