bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zwitterionic Polymer Coating of Sulfur Dioxide‐Releasing Nanosystem Augments Tumor Accumulation and Treatment Efficacy
Authors: Yao Xianxian , Ma Shuangping , Peng Shaojun , Zhou Gaoxin , Xie Ruihong , Jiang Qin , Guo Shengdi , He Qianjun , Yang Wuli
Published: January 2020

Multiple drug resistance (MDR) exhibited by cancer cells and low intratumor accumulation of chemotherapeutics are the main obstacles in cancer chemotherapy. Herein, the preparation of a redox‐responsive sulfur dioxide (SO2)‐releasing nanosystem, with high SO2‐loading capacity, aimed at improving the treatment efficacy of cancers exhibiting MDR is described. The multifunctional nanomedicine (MON‐DN@PCBMA‐DOX) is designed and constructed by coating mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles with a zwitterionic polymer, poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) (PCBMA), which can concurrently load SO2 prodrug molecules (DN, 2,4‐dinitrobenzenesulfonylchloride) and chemotherapeutics (DOX, doxorubicin). The generated SO2 molecules can sensitize cells to chemotherapy and overcome the MDR by downregulating the expression of P‐glycoprotein. Furthermore, the PCBMA coating prolongs the blood circulation time of the inner core, leading to an increased intratumor accumulation of the nanomedicine. Owing to the prolonged blood circulation, enhanced tumor accumulation, and SO2 sensitization of cells to chemotherapy, the nanomedicine exhibits excellent tumor suppression with a tumor inhibition rate of 94.8%, and might provide a new platform for cancer therapy.
Solvent‐Free Plasticity and Programmable Mechanical Behaviors of Engineered Proteins
Authors: Ma Chao , Su Juanjuan , Li Bo , Herrmann Andreas , Zhang Hongjie , Liu Kai
Published: January 2020

Biopolymeric networks with plasticity show great competences in diverse fields owing to the combined biocompatible and mechanical characteristics. However, to realize such plasticity external complicated treatments, e.g., UV or organic solvent have to be applied, which in turn impair the biological nature and even mechanical properties of those systems. To address this challenge, one new type of anhydrous protein liquid crystalline (LC) gels, which exhibit flexible morphological plasticity and mechanical programmability is demonstrated. Supramolecular interactions in the smectic biogels play an important role for their high plasticity. Remarkably, the samples exhibit outstanding mechanical behaviors. The tensile strength and Young's modulus at MPa levels are comparable or even higher than chemically cross‐linked hydrogels and LC elastomers. More importantly, mechanical programmability of the LC gels is achieved by genetically tuning the charge density of protein backbones. Consequently, the mechanical performance is manipulated in the range of one order of magnitude. Thus, this type of anhydrous protein LC gels offers great opportunities for load‐bearing high‐tech applications.
Mild iron deficiency does not ameliorate the phenotype of a murine erythropoietic protoporphyria model
Authors: Schmidt Paul J. , Hollowell Monica L. , Fitzgerald Kevin , Butler James S. , Fleming Mark D.
Published: January 2020

Reduced ferrochelatase activity in erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) causes the accumulation of protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) leading to acute cutaneous photosensitivity and liver injury. Many EPP patients also have a mild hypochromic, microcytic anemia and iron deficiency. Iron deficiency can lead to decreased PPIX accumulation in another erythropoietic porphyria, congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP). Expression of the iron regulatory peptide hepcidin is negatively regulated by the serine proteaseTMPRSS6. Hepcidin induction by siRNA‐mediated inhibition ofTMPRSS6expression reduces iron availability and induces iron deficiency. To interrogate the therapeutic potential of iron deficiency to modify EPP, we treated an ethylnitrosourea‐induced mouse model of EPP,Fechm1Pas, with a GalNAc‐conjugatedTmprss6siRNA and PPIX levels, anemia and iron parameters were monitored. The GalNAc‐RNAi therapeutic reducesTmprss6expression and induces mild iron deficiency inFechm1Pasanimals. However, decreases in erythrocyte PPIX levels and liver PPIX accumulation were not seen. These results indicate short‐term induction of iron deficiency, at least in a murine model of EPP, does not lead to decreased PPIX production.
Porphyrin‐basierte Metall‐organische Gerüste für biomedizinische Anwendungen
Authors: Chen Jiajie , Zhu Yufang , Kaskel Stefan
Published: January 2020

Porphyrine und ihre Derivate sind dank ihrer exzellenten photophysikalischen und elektrochemischen Eigenschaften vielversprechend für verschiedenste Anwendungen. Sie haben jedoch einige Nachteile, die ihre Anwendung in der Biomedizin verhindern, z. B. Instabilität und Selbstlöschung unter physiologischen Bedingungen. Während der letzten Jahre haben Metall‐organische Gerüste (MOFs) große Aufmerksamkeit erhalten. Die Konstruktion Porphyrin‐basierter MOFs durch Einbringen von Porphyrinen in MOFs oder die Nutzung von Porphyrinen als organische Linker kann die Eigenschaften von Porphyrinen und MOFs kombinieren und die Nachteile von Porphyrinen umgehen. Dieser Aufsatz fasst die wichtigsten Strategien zur Synthese Porphyrin‐basierter MOFs zusammen, darunter Porphyrin@MOFs, MOFs mit Porphyrin‐basierten Linkern sowie Kompositmaterialien mit Porphyrin‐basierten MOFs; zudem werden Fortschritte in der Tumortherapie und Biosensorik mit Porphyrin‐basierten MOFs erläutert.
Biodegradable Polyhydroxyalkanoates by Stereoselective Copolymerization of Racemic Diolides: Stereocontrol and Polyolefin‐Like Properties
Authors: Tang Xiaoyan , Westlie Andrea H. , Caporaso Lucia , Cavallo Luigi , Falivene Laura , Chen Eugene Y.‐X.
Published: January 2020

Bacterial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a unique class of biodegradable polymers because of their biodegradability in ambient environments and structural diversity enabled by side‐chain groups. However, the biosynthesis of PHAs is slow and expensive, limiting their broader applications as commodity plastics. To overcome such limitation, the catalyzed chemical synthesis of bacterial PHAs has been developed, using the metal‐catalyzed stereoselective ring‐opening (co)polymerization of racemic cyclic diolides (rac‐8DLR, R=alkyl group). In this combined experimental and computational study, polymerization kinetics, stereocontrol, copolymerization characteristics, and the properties of the resulting PHAs have been examined. Most notably, stereoselective copolymerizations of rac‐8DLMe with rac‐8DLR (R=Et, Bu) have yielded high‐molecular‐weight, crystalline isotactic PHA copolymers that are hard, ductile, and tough plastics, and exhibit polyolefin‐like thermal and mechanical properties.
Controlling Metallophilic Interactions in Chiral Gold(I) Double Salts towards Excitation Wavelength‐Tunable Circularly Polarized Luminescence
Authors: Yang Jian‐Gong , Li Kai , Wang Jian , Sun Shanshan , Chi Weijie , Wang Chao , Chang Xiaoyong , Zou Chao , To Wai‐Pong , Li Ming‐De , Liu Xiaogang , Lu Wei , Zhang Hong‐Xing , Che Chi‐Ming , Chen Yong
Published: January 2020

Materials exhibiting excitation wavelength‐dependent photoluminescence (Ex‐De PL) in the visible region have potential applications in bioimaging, optoelectronics and anti‐counterfeiting. Two multifunctional, chiral [Au(NHC)2][Au(CN)2] (NHC=(4R,5R)/(4S,5S)‐1,3‐dimethyl‐4,5‐diphenyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐imidazolin‐2‐ylidene) complex double salts display Ex‐De circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) in doped polymer films and in ground powder. Emission maxima can be dynamically tuned from 440 to 530 nm by changing the excitation wavelength. The continuously tunable photoluminescence is proposed to originate from multiple emissive excited states as a result of the existence of varied AuI⋅⋅⋅AuI distances in ground state. The steric properties of the NHC ligand are crucial to the tuning of AuI⋅⋅⋅AuI distances. An anti‐counterfeiting application using these two salts is demonstrated.
Semiconductor/Covalent‐Organic‐Framework Z‐Scheme Heterojunctions for Artificial Photosynthesis
Authors: Zhang Mi , Lu Meng , Lang Zhong‐Ling , Liu Jiang , Liu Ming , Chang Jia‐Nan , Li Le‐Yan , Shang Lin‐Jie , Wang Min , Li Shun‐Li , Lan Ya‐Qian
Published: January 2020

A strategy to covalently connect crystalline covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with semiconductors to create stable organic–inorganic Z‐scheme heterojunctions for artificial photosynthesis is presented. A series of COF–semiconductor Z‐scheme photocatalysts combining water‐oxidation semiconductors (TiO2, Bi2WO6, and α‐Fe2O3) with CO2 reduction COFs (COF‐316/318) was synthesized and exhibited high photocatalytic CO2‐to‐CO conversion efficiencies (up to 69.67 μmol g−1 h−1), with H2O as the electron donor in the gas–solid CO2 reduction, without additional photosensitizers and sacrificial agents. This is the first report of covalently bonded COF/inorganic‐semiconductor systems utilizing the Z‐scheme applied for artificial photosynthesis. Experiments and calculations confirmed efficient semiconductor‐to‐COF electron transfer by covalent coupling, resulting in electron accumulation in the cyano/pyridine moieties of the COF for CO2 reduction and holes in the semiconductor for H2O oxidation, thus mimicking natural photosynthesis.
Porphyrin‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Chen Jiajie , Zhu Yufang , Kaskel Stefan
Published: January 2020

Porphyrins and porphyrin derivatives have been widely explored for various applications owing to their excellent photophysical and electrochemical properties. However, inherent shortcomings, such as instability and self‐quenching under physiological conditions, limit their biomedical applications. In recent years, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have received increasing attention. The construction of porphyrin‐based MOFs by introducing porphyrin molecules into MOFs or using porphyrins as organic linkers to form MOFs can combine the unique features of porphyrins and MOFs as well as overcome the limitations of porphyrins. This Review summarizes important synthesis strategies for porphyrin‐based MOFs including porphyrin@MOFs, porphyrinic MOFs, and composite porphyrinic MOFs, and highlights recent achievements and progress in the development of porphyrin‐based MOFs for biomedical applications in tumor therapy and biosensing. Finally, the challenges and prospects presented by this class of emerging materials for biomedical applications are discussed.
Promoting the Electrocatalytic Performance of Noble Metal Aerogels by Ligand‐Directed Modulation
Authors: Fan Xuelin , Zerebecki Swen , Du Ran , Hübner René , Marzum Galina , Jiang Guocan , Hu Yue , Barcikowki Stephan , Reichenberger Sven , Eychmüller Alexander
Published: January 2020

Noble metal aerogels (NMAs) are an emerging class of porous materials. Embracing nano‐sized highly‐active noble metals and porous structures, they display unprecedented performance in diverse electrocatalytic processes. However, various impurities, particularly organic ligands, are often involved in the synthesis and remain in the corresponding products, hindering the investigation of the intrinsic electrocatalytic properties of NMAs. Here, starting from laser‐generated inorganic‐salt‐stabilized metal nanoparticles, various impurity‐free NMAs (Au, Pd, and Au‐Pd aerogels) were fabricated. In this light, we demonstrate not only the intrinsic electrocatalytic properties of NMAs, but also the prominent roles played by ligands in tuning electrocatalysis through modulating the electron density of catalysts. These findings may offer a new dimension to engineer and optimize the electrocatalytic performance for various NMAs and beyond.
Synthesis, crystal structure, and ADME prediction studies of novel imidazopyrimidines as antibacterial and cytotoxic agents
Authors: Abdel‐Mohsen Heba T. , Abood Amira , Flanagan Keith J. , Meindl Alina , Senge Mathias O. , El Diwani Hoda I.
Published: January 2020

In the present study, a novel series of polyfunctionalized imidazopyrimidines 6a–u and 9a–d were efficiently constructed by a domino reaction between 2‐imino‐6‐substituted‐2,3‐dihydropyrimidin‐4(1H)‐ones 4a–d or 8a–c and 2‐bromoacetophenones 5a–i under mild basic conditions. The synthesized series were screened for their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis as Gram‐positive (+) bacteria, as well as against Gram‐negative (−) bacteria Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhi. Most of the synthesized derivatives of imidazopyrimidines 6 and 9 showed remarkable selectivity against Gram(−) bacteria over the Gram(+) ones. Compounds 6c, 6f, and 6g displayed potent and broad‐spectrum antibacterial activity against all tested strains. Compounds 6f and 6g displayed promising inhibitory activity on GryB ATPase from E. coli with IC50 = 1.14 and 0.73 μM, respectively. Simultaneously, some of the synthesized imidazopyrimidines were screened for their antiproliferative activity against 60 cancer cell lines at a concentration of 10 μM. Compound 9d showed potent activity against most of the tested cell lines, with a mean growth inhibition of 37%. The ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) prediction study demonstrated that the synthesized hits have, in addition to their promising chemotherapeutic activity, acceptable pharmacokinetic properties, and a drug‐likeness nature to be further developed.
The Interchromatin Compartment Participates in the Structural and Functional Organization of the Cell Nucleus
Authors: Cremer Thomas , Cremer Marion , Hübner Barbara , Silahtaroglu Asli , Hendzel Michael , Lanctôt Christian , Strickfaden Hilmar , Cremer Christoph
Published: January 2020

This article focuses on the role of the interchromatin compartment (IC) in shaping nuclear landscapes. The IC is connected with nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) and harbors splicing speckles and nuclear bodies. It is postulated that the IC provides routes for imported transcription factors to target sites, for export routes of mRNA as ribonucleoproteins toward NPCs, as well as for the intranuclear passage of regulatory RNAs from sites of transcription to remote functional sites (IC hypothesis). IC channels are lined by less‐compacted euchromatin, called the perichromatin region (PR). The PR and IC together form the active nuclear compartment (ANC). The ANC is co‐aligned with the inactive nuclear compartment (INC), comprising more compacted heterochromatin. It is postulated that the INC is accessible for individual transcription factors, but inaccessible for larger macromolecular aggregates (limited accessibility hypothesis). This functional nuclear organization depends on still unexplored movements of genes and regulatory sequences between the two compartments.
Limbic encephalitis associated with AMPA receptor and CRMP5 antibodies: A case report and literature review
Authors: Jia Yujuan , Wang Jie , Xue Lanping , Hou Yuli
Published: January 2020

Aims

AMPA receptor (AMPAR) and CRMP5 antibodies are relatively uncommon in limbic encephalitis, and patients with both antibodies are rare. We recently treated such a patient, but the patient died after active treatment. To further understand this disease, we conducted a case report and literature review.

Discussions

To date, five encephalitis patients, including our patient, have been found to be positive for AMPAR and CRMP5 antibodies. The male‐to‐female ratio of the reported cases is 4:1, and the age range is 26 and 62 years old. All five patients presented with various neuropsychiatric symptoms, including insomnia, abnormal behavior, seizures, extrapyramidal symptoms, and autonomic dysfunction. Four patients had tumors (three invasive thymomas and one suspected lymphoma), and three cases died within a short period of time. No tumor was detected in one of the patients during the follow‐up period; however, after active treatment, the outcome was poor, and the patient developed cachexia. One patient had good response to immunotherapy and tumor therapy and successfully returned to work.

Conclusions

The prognosis of encephalitis associated with AMPAR and CRMP5 antibodies is worse than that of the encephalitis associated with AMPAR antibodies alone. The most likely cause is that this encephalitis is more likely to be accompanied by malignant tumors, leading to a poor prognosis. In addition, it may also be due to some synergistic mechanisms between the two antibodies. Further studies aimed at the prognosis of this type of encephalitis are warranted.
Data‐driven analysis of JAK2V617F kinetics during interferon‐alpha2 treatment of patients with polycythemia vera and related neoplasms
Authors: Pedersen Rasmus K. , Andersen Morten , Knudsen Trine A. , Sajid Zamra , Gudmand‐Hoeyer Johanne , Dam Marc J. B. , Skov Vibe , Kjær Lasse , Ellervik Christina , Larsen Thomas S. , Hansen Dennis , Pallisgaard Niels , Hasselbalch Hans C. , Ottesen Johnny T.
Published: January 2020

Treatment with PEGylated interferon‐alpha2 (IFN) of patients with essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera induces major molecular remissions with a reduction in the JAK2V617F allele burden to undetectable levels in a subset of patients. A favorable response to IFN has been argued to depend upon the tumor burden, implying that institution of treatment with IFN should be as early as possible after the diagnosis. However, evidence for this statement is not available. We present a thorough analysis of unique serial JAK2V617F measurements in 66 IFN‐treated patients and in 6 untreated patients. Without IFN treatment, the JAK2V617F allele burden increased exponentially with a period of doubling of 1.4 year. During monotherapy with IFN, the JAK2V617F allele burden decreased mono‐ or bi‐exponentially for 33 responders of which 28 patients satisfied both descriptions. Bi‐exponential description improved the fits in 19 cases being associated with late JAK2V617F responses. The decay of the JAK2V617F allele burden during IFN treatment was estimated to have half‐lives of 1.6 year for the monoexponential response and 1.0 year in the long term for the bi‐exponential response. In conclusion, through data‐driven analysis of the JAK2V617F allele burden, we provide novel information regarding the JAK2V617F kinetics during IFN‐treatment, arguing for early intervention.
Association between DNA damage repair gene somatic mutations and immune‐related gene expression in ovarian cancer
Authors: Tian Wenjuan , Shan Boer , Zhang Yuzi , Ren Yulan , Liang Shanhui , Zhao Jing , Zhao Zhengyi , Wang Guoqiang , Zhao Xiaochen , Peng Dongxian , Bi Rui , Cai Shangli , Bai Yuezong , Wang Huaying
Published: January 2020

Background

Defects in DNA damage repair (DDR) system may lead to genomic instability and manifest as increased immunogenicity. DDR deficiency is prevalent in ovarian cancer (OvCa); however, the association of DDR mutation with immune profiles in OvCa remains largely unknown. This knowledge will provide an essential basis to the rational design of biomarker‐guided immune combination therapy of OvCa in the future.

Methods

Whole‐exome sequencing data of 587 OvCa from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were used to determine the expression profiles of 47 immune‐related genes and the abundance of tumor‐infiltrating immune cells. A Chinese OvCa cohort (n = 220) tested by next‐generation sequencing (NGS) was used to validate the association between DDR status and tumor mutation burden (TMB).

Results

A total of 19.3% in TCGA cohort and 25.9% in Chinese cohort harbored at least one DDR somatic mutation. DDR deficiency exhibited a distinct immune profile with significant higher expression levels of PTPRCAP, CCL5, IFI16, LAG3, IL15RA, and GBP1 in OvCa in the TCGA cohort. Different DDR pathway deficiency displayed various immune profiles. Increased levels of Th1 cells, TMB, and neoantigen were also observed in DDR‐deficient tumors.

Conclusions

DDR deficiency was associated with specific immune signatures in OvCa. Our findings emphasize the urgent need for biomarker‐guided rational immune combination therapy to maximize the OvCa patients who could benefit from immunotherapy.
Patterns of care for older patients with stage IV non‐small cell lung cancer in the immunotherapy era
Authors: Kehl Kenneth L. , Hassett Michael J. , Schrag Deborah
Published: January 2020

Background

Historically, older patients with advanced lung cancer have often received no systemic treatment. Immunotherapy has improved outcomes in clinical trials, but its dissemination and implementation at the population level is not well‐understood.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of patients with stage IV non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) diagnosed age 66 or older from 2012 to 2015 was conducted using SEER‐Medicare. Treatment patterns within one year of diagnosis were ascertained. Outcomes included delivery of (a) any systemic therapy; (b) any second‐line infusional therapy, following first‐line infusional therapy; and (c) any second‐line immunotherapy, following first‐line infusional therapy. Trends in care patterns associated with second‐line immunotherapy approvals in 2015 were assessed using generalized additive models. Sociodemographic and clinical predictors of treatment were explored using logistic regression.

Results

Among 10 303 patients, 5173 (50.2%) received first‐line systemic therapy, with little change between the years 2012 (47.5%) and 2015 (50.3%). Among 3943 patients completing first‐line infusional therapy, the proportion starting second‐line infusional treatment remained stable from 2012 (30.5%) through 2014 (32.9%), before increasing in 2015 (42.4%) concurrent with second‐line immunotherapy approvals. Factors associated with decreased utilization of any therapy included age, black race, Medicaid eligibility, residence in a high‐poverty area, nonadenocarcinoma histology, and comorbidity; factors associated with increased utilization of any therapy included Asian race and Hispanic ethnicity. Among patients who received first‐line infusional therapy, factors associated with decreased utilization of second‐line infusional therapy included age, Medicaid eligibility, nonadenocarcinoma histology, and comorbidity; Asian race was associated with increased utilization of second‐line infusional therapy.

Conclusion

United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals of immunotherapy for the second‐line treatment of advanced NSCLC in 2015 were associated with increased rates of any second‐line treatment, but disparities based on social determinants of health persisted.
Prevalence, Severity and Chronicity of Corporal Punishment in Colombian Families
Authors: Trujillo Angela , González Martha Rocío , Fonseca Laura , Segura Santiago
Published: January 2020

Colombia is one of the countries where corporal punishment (CP) is not yet banned. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of CP in Colombia with respect to prevalence, severity and chronicity. We used the Spanish version of the Parent–Child Conflict Tactics Scale to assess 853 parental reports on the use of CP against their children in the four major cities of the country: Barranquilla, Bogotá, Medellin and Cali. Analyses of variances and logistic regressions were performed. Socio‐demographic variables that are predictors of the use of CP are parental age, the number of children in the household and age of the children. The results indicated a high rate of prevalence (77%) but low levels of severity and chronicity, as reported by Colombian parents. Our findings suggest that CP is a normalised practice, which might be linked to direct or indirect exposure to the long‐lasting armed conflict (more than 50 years) that the country endured. Recommendations for social policies are presented, particularly the design and implementation of locally relevant interventions for the prevention of this practice.

‘This study aims to contribute to the understanding of CP [corporal punishment] in Colombia with respect to prevalence, severity and chronicity’

Key Practitioner Messages

There is a high prevalence of CP in Colombia but low levels of severity and chronicity.

Socio‐demographic variables such as parental age and the number of children in the household are predictors of the prevalence of CP but not of its chronicity or severity.

The use of CP might be related to the armed conflict that the country endured for the last 50 years.

It is important to address the prevention of CP to promote a peaceful society.
Silencing of long noncoding RNA UCA1 inhibits colon cancer invasion, migration and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and tumour formation by upregulating miR‐185‐5p in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Cao Chen , Zhang Junhui , Yang Chuanhua , Xiang Lili , Liu Wenneng
Published: January 2020

Colon cancer is the third most common malignancy in the world. Long‐chain noncoding RNA urothelial carcinoma‐associated 1 (UCA1) was abnormally expressed in colon cancer and participated in colon cancer by regulating multiple miRNAs. This study further explored the molecular mechanism of UCA1 in the development of colon cancer from both in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that UCA1 was highly expressed in colon cancer cells, while miR‐185‐5p was low expressed. Bioinformatics analysis showed that miR‐185‐5p was a target of UCA1, while MAPK14 was a target of miR‐185‐5p. Knockdown of UCA1 with shRNA (sh‐UCA1) resulted in a significant increase in miR‐185‐5p and a significant decrease in MAPK14. In addition, sh‐UCA1 inhibited invasion, migration and epithelial‐mesenchymal transformation of colon cancer cells. Western blotting also showed that sh‐UCA1 inactivated the MAPKAPK2/HSP27 pathway. Furthermore, animal studies have revealed that sh‐UCA1 inhibited tumour formation in vivo and improved the survival rate of mice. Collectively, these results suggest that silencing UCA1 may inhibit the carcinogenesis and metastasis of colon cancer in vitro and in vivo by modulating miR‐185‐5p/MAPK14/MAPKAPK2/HSP27 axis.

Significance of the study

Colon cancer is the third largest malignant tumour worldwide. This study elucidated the role of urothelial carcinoma‐associated 1 (UCA1) in colon cancer cells and its molecular mechanism. The present study suggests that silencing UCA1 may inhibit the invasion, migration, epithelial‐mesenchymal transformation and tumour formation of colon cancer by upregulating miR‐185‐5p in vitro and in vivo. In summary, this study provides a new strategy for targeted therapy of colon cancer.
Propolis prevents inhibition of apoptosis by potassium bromate in CCD 841 human colon cell
Authors: Memmedov Hikmet , Oktay Latife Merve , Durmaz Burak , Günel Nur Selvi , Yı̇ldırım Hatice Kalkan , Sözmen Eser Yıldırım
Published: January 2020

Previously, we demonstrated that biotransformation of propolis by some special strains of Lactobacillus plantarum might decrease the allergenic molecules in propolis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of biotransformation of propolis on its antioxidant effect and its protective effect against potassium bromate‐induced cancer in human colon cell line.

Propolis samples were treated with different solutions (ethanol, polyethylene glycol, and water), and ultrasonication was applied at 40 Hz (5, 10, and 15 minutes) in order to facilitate solvation of solid samples. Fermentations were performed by L. plantarum strains (ISLG‐2, ATCC‐8014, and Visbyvac). The phenolic content of propolis was determined with liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS). The antioxidant activity (antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation) and apoptosis markers (caspase 3,8,9, cytochrome‐c, tumour necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand‐R1 and R2 [TRAIL], and apoptosis protease activating factor‐1 [APAF‐1] levels) were determined in CCD 841‐human colon cell line after induction of oxidative stress by potassium bromate.

All propolis samples in different solvents induced apoptosis and 4 biotransformed (by L. plantarum ISL‐2 strain and L. plantarum ATCC 8014 strain) propolis samples with low allergenic molecules demonstrated similar inductions of apoptosis in CCD841 cell line.

In conclusion, reduction of allergenic molecules in propolis via biotransformation did not change the antioxidant and protective effects of propolis, and it is suggested as a potential therapeutic molecule in prevention of colon cancer caused by oxidative stress for all patients.

Significance of the study

This study is the first investigation that shows protective effect of propolis against potassium bromate toxicity by means of decreasing lipid peroxidation and reversing the main molecule levels in intrinsic and extrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Biotransformed propolis samples by L. plantarum ISL‐2 and ATCC 8014 strain with low allergen molecule content has also the same effect in potassium bromate toxicity in CCD841 colon cell. Our data contributed that propolis as a natural compound might be a good candidate due to its minimal toxicity and lack of any adverse effects to prevent carcinogenic effect of potassium bromate.
Chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention in Latin America
Authors: Quadros Alexandre , Belli Karlyse C. , de Paula João E. T. , de Magalhães Campos Carlos A. H. , da Silva Antonio C. B. , Santiago Ricardo , Ribeiro Marcelo H. , de Oliveira Pedro P. , Lamelas Pablo , Abelin Aníbal P. , Bezerra Cristiano G. , Filho Evandro M. , Fuchs Felipe C. , de los Santos Félix D. , de Andrade Pedro B. , Quesada Franklin L. H. , Araya Mario , Perez Luis A. , Côrtes Leandro A. , Zukowski Cleverson N. , Alcantara Marco , Muniz Antônio J. , Martinelli Gustavo C. , de Carvalho Cantarelli Marcelo J. , Brito Fábio S. , Baradel Sandra , de Alencar Araripe Falcão Breno , Mangione José A. , Medeiros César R. , Degrazia Ramiro C. , Lecaro José A. N. , Gioppato Silvio , Ybarra Luiz F. , Weilenmann Daniel , Gottschall Carlos A. M. , Lemke Viviana , Padilla Lucio
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To report clinical, angiographic characteristics, outcomes, and predictors of unsuccessful procedures in patients who underwent chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in Latin America.

Background

CTO PCI has been increasingly performed worldwide, but there is a lack of information in this region.

Methods

An international multicenter registry was developed to collect data on CTO PCI performed in centers in Latin America. Patient, angiographic, procedural and outcome data were evaluated. Predictors of unsuccessful procedures were assessed by multivariable analysis.

Results

We have included data related to 1,040 CTO PCIs performed in seven countries in Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Puerto Rico). The mean age was 64 ± 10 years, and CTO PCI was performed mainly for angina control (81%) or treatment of a large ischemic area (30%). Overall technical success rate was 82.5%, and it was achieved with antegrade wire escalation in 81%, antegrade dissection/re‐entry in 8% and with retrograde techniques in 11% of the successful procedures. Multivariable analysis identified moderate/severe calcification, a blunt proximal cap and a previous attempt as independent predictors of unsuccessful procedures. In‐hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) occurred in 3.1% of the cases, death in 1% and cardiac tamponade in 0.9%

Conclusions

CTO PCI in Latin America has been performed mainly for ischemia relief. Procedures were associated with a success rate above 80% and low incidence of MACE. Predictors of unsuccessful procedures were similar to those previously reported in the literature.
Visible‐light‐stimulated Alkalis‐triggered Platinum Cocatalyst with Electron Deficient Interface for Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Sun Zongzhao , Jiang Yabin , Wang Wu , Zhong Ruyi , Pu Yayun , Chen Qianwen , Nan Bo , He Jiaqing , Huang Limin
Published: January 2020

Solid–liquid interface engineering has recently emerged as a promising technique to optimize the activity. Here, the cation identity and induced interfacial electronic structure of Pt have been shown to have a particularly significant impact on the activity of desired photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The behavior of Pt aggregation synergistically induced by photo‐electron accumulation on Pt surface and the ionic potential of alkalis was logically elucidated. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and photoconductive atomic force microscopy (pcAFM) results revealed that the surface of alkali‐triggered Pt nanoparticles (Pt NPs) aggregates are electron‐deficient, which favors photo‐induced charge separation, leading to improved reaction kinetics. Based on the density functional theory (DFT) calculation, alkalis‐triggered Pt NPs has lower Gibbs free energy and potential energy surface of H2 formation for hydrogen evolution in thermodynamics. As a result, K+ triggered Pt cocatalyst displays the highest activity (3306.6 μmol h−1 g−1) on pure CN, almost 4‐fold increase compared to the reference without the addition of alkalis, showing high utilization efficiency of Pt.
Long‐Range Chiral Induction by a Fully Noncovalent Approach in Supramolecular Porphyrin–Calixarene Assemblies
Authors: Gaeta Massimiliano , Sortino Giuseppe , Randazzo Rosalba , Pisagatti Ilenia , Notti Anna , Fragalà Maria Elena , Parisi Melchiorre F. , D'Urso Alessandro , Purrello Roberto
Published: January 2020

The hierarchical assembly, in aqueous solution, of a new multi‐metalloporphyrin/calixarene aggregate has been accomplished. In this supramolecular system transfer of chirality, from the outermost components to the central porphyrin reporter, takes place as a result of favorable and fully noncovalent long‐range electronic communication.
Manipulating Slow Magnetic Relaxation by Light in a Charge Transfer {Fe2Co} Complex
Authors: Li Junqiu , Wu Shuqi , Su Shengqun , Kanegawa Shinji , Sato Osamu
Published: January 2020

Some cyanide‐bridged complexes are known for exhibiting slow magnetic relaxation behavior in a light‐induced metastable state. Herein, an unexpected reverse effect is observed for the first time in the S=
{FeIILS‐CoIIILS‐FeIIILS} (HS=high spin, LS=low spin) ground state of a novel V‐shaped trinuclear cyanide‐bridged {Fe2Co} complex. In this complex, light‐switchable iron‐cobalt charge transfer with repeatable off/on switching of slow magnetic relaxation is discovered upon alternating laser irradiation at 785 and 560 nm. An important characteristic of the present compound is that the S=
ground state exhibits slow magnetic relaxation before irradiation, whereas this is accelerated after irradiation. This is different from the typical behavior, where the light‐induced metastable state exhibits slow magnetic relaxation.
Evaluating the Solvent Stark Effect from Temperature‐Dependent Solvatochromic Shifts of Anthracene
Authors: Janz Timais , Güterbock Manuel , Müller Fabian , Quick Martin , Ioffe Ilya N. , Bischoff Florian A. , Kovalenko Sergey A.
Published: January 2020

The solvent Stark effect on the spectral shifts of anthracene is studied with temperature‐dependent solvatochromic measurements. The Stark contribution ΔvStark to the absorption shift Δvp in polar solvents is measured to be ΔvStark=(53±35) cm−1, in reasonable agreement with dielectric continuum theory estimate of 28 cm−1, whereas the major shift Δvp∼300 cm−1 presumably originates from the solute quadrupole. We pay attention to the accurate correction of Δvp for the nonpolar contribution that is crucial when the shifts are modest in magnitude.
Trust‐based secure routing and the prevention of vampire attack in wireless ad hoc sensor network
Authors: Isaac Sajan R. , Jasper J.
Published: January 2020

The recent development in technologies is the driving force for development in sensors, especially in military applications. Due to the openness nature of the ad hoc sensor network, the system gets easily affected, which may lead to some packet drop, transmission delay, high network overhead, and more energy consumption. In this paper, the security during data transmission is provided to the network by using the proposed Secure Atom Search Routing (SASR) algorithm, which is adopted from the behavior of molecular dynamics. For global optimization problems, this algorithm provides an effective solution based on the constraint and interaction force of atoms. Moreover, the performance of SASR is improved by providing a proper balance between exploitation and exploration. Since the knowledge base processes all the data, the computational complexity is reduced and the lifetime of the network is increased. The simulation and performance are carried out for the proposed Knowledge and Intrusion Detection based Secure Atom Search Routing (KID‐SASR) protocol and is compared with the existing methods based on the metrics trust, delay, throughput, energy, packet delivery ratio, network lifetime, trust detection rate, and communication cost. The results obtained show improvement in the overall performance of the system.
Legacy forest structure increases bird diversity and abundance in aging young forests
Authors: Hanle Juliana , Duguid Marlyse C. , Ashton Mark S.
Published: January 2020

Many studies have demonstrated the importance of early‐successional forest habitat for breeding bird abundance, composition, and diversity. However, very few studies directly link measures of bird diversity, composition and abundance to measures of forest composition, and structure and their dynamic change over early succession. This study examines the relationships between breeding bird community composition and forest structure in regenerating broadleaf forests of southern New England, USA, separating the influences of ecological succession from retained stand structure. We conducted bird point counts and vegetation surveys across a chronosequence of forest stands that originated between 2 and 24 years previously in shelterwood timber harvests, a silvicultural method of regenerating oak‐mixed broadleaf forests. We distinguish between vegetation variables that relate to condition of forest regeneration and those that reflect legacy stand structure. Using principal components analyses, we confirmed the distinction between regeneration and legacy vegetation variables. We ran regression analysis to test for relationships between bird community variables, including nesting and foraging functional guild abundances, and vegetation variables. We confirmed these relationships with hierarchical partitioning. Our results demonstrate that regenerating and legacy vegetation correlate with bird community variables across stand phases and that the strength with which they drive bird community composition changes with forest succession. While measures of regeneration condition explain bird abundance and diversity variables during late initiation, legacy stand structure explains them during stem exclusion. Canopy cover, ground‐story diversity, and canopy structure diversity are the most powerful and consistent explanatory variables. Our results suggest that leaving varied legacy stand structure to promote habitat heterogeneity in shelterwood harvests contributes to greater bird community diversity. Interestingly, this is particularly important during the structurally depauperate phase of stem exclusion of young regenerating forests.
Multimodel‐based analyses of evapotranspiration and its controls in China over the last three decades
Authors: Sun Shaobo , Song Zhaoliang , Chen Xi , Wang Tiejun , Zhang Yonggen , Zhang Dongbo , Zhang Huifang , Hao Qian , Chen Baozhang
Published: January 2020

Evapotranspiration (ET) plays a key role in linking water, energy, and carbon cycles. However, at regional scales, variations and controls of ET are still not well understood, due to the substantial uncertainties in ET estimates. Here, the variations in ET over China during the last three decades and their drivers and controls were analysed at monthly, seasonal, and annual scales, using well‐evaluated land surface model simulations. The results suggested that (a) the spatially averaged ET over China increased during 1979–2012 at each temporal scale. Overall, the ET significantly increased (p < .05) in most of western China and decreased in several regions in eastern China during most months and seasons. (a) The increases in spatially averaged ET during the nongrowing season were mainly determined by warming. The increased annual ET, seasonal ET, and monthly ET within the growing season were jointly caused by vegetation greening and climate warming. (c) During November–March, ET was primarily determined by temperature in most of central China and was determined by water availability in the remaining regions. The annual ET and the monthly ET within April–October were mainly controlled by water availability in most of northern and western China, and several regions in central China, by solar radiation in most of central and southern China and by temperature in some regions in the Tibetan Plateau. The study highlights the large effects of warming and greening on ET over China during the last three decades. The results may benefit water resource management under climate change.
Cardiovascular risk factor control in British adults with diabetes mellitus: Retrospective cohort study
Authors: Collins Sophie É. , Lethebe Brendan Cord , Williamson Tyler , McAlister Finlay A.
Published: January 2020

Using primary care electronic medical records (the United Kingdom Health Improvement Network Database 2003‐2015), we examined the control of cardiovascular risk factors in the first year after diagnosis in British adults with diabetes mellitus. Among 292 170 individuals with diabetes receiving frequent outpatient management (median of 16 primary care visits in the prior year), control of cardiovascular risk factors a median of 354 days after diagnosis was suboptimal: 14.7% had HbA1C < 7%, SBP < 140 mm Hg, LDL cholesterol ≤1.8 mmol/L or taking a statin, and were nonsmokers (the proportion dropped to 7.5% if the SBP target was defined as <130 mm Hg). While 90.4% had an LDL cholesterol ≤1.8 mmol/L or were taking a statin, and 86.0% were nonsmokers, only 52.0% had HbA1C < 7% and 53.1% had SBP < 140 mm Hg (29.8% had SBP < 130 mm Hg) despite 71.4% taking antihypertensive agents. Thus, there is still a need for quality improvement strategies that target all atherosclerotic risk factors in individuals with diabetes and not just glycaemic control.
Incidence, clinical characteristics, and risk factors of peripartum cardiomyopathy in Nigeria: results from the PEACE Registry
Authors: Karaye K.M. , Ishaq N.A. , Sa'idu H. , Balarabe S.A. , Talle M.A. , Isa M.S. , Adamu U.G. , Umar H. , Okolie H.I. , Shehu M.N. , Mohammed I.Y. , Sanni B. , Ogah O.S. , Oboirien I. , Umuerri E.M. , Mankwe A.C. , Shidali V.Y. , Njoku P. , Dodiyi‐Manuel S. , Shogade T.T. , Olunuga T. , Ojji D. , Josephs V. , Mbakwem A.C. , Tukur J. , Isezuo S.A. ,   PEACE Registry Investigators
Published: January 2020

Aims

The aim of this study was to describe the incidence, clinical characteristics and risk factors of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) in Nigeria.

Methods and Results

The study was conducted in 22 hospitals in Nigeria, and PPCM patients were consecutively recruited between June 2017 and March 2018. To determine factors associated with PPCM, the patients were compared with apparently healthy women who recently delivered, as controls. Four hundred six patients were compared with 99 controls. The incidence and disease burden (based on the rate of consecutive recruitment of subjects) varied widely between the six geographical zones of Nigeria. From the North–West zone, 72.3% of the patients was recruited, where an incidence as high as 1 per 96 live births was obtained in a centre, while the disease was uncommon (7.6% of all recruited patients) in the South. Majority of the patients (76.6%) and controls (74.8%) (p = 0.694) were of Hausa–Fulani ethnic group. Atrial fibrillation, intracardiac thrombus, stroke, and right ventricular systolic dysfunction were found in 1.7%, 6.4%, 2.2%, and 54.9% of the patients, respectively. Lack of formal education (odds ratio [OR] 3.08, 95% confidence interval [1.71, 5.53]; P < 0.001), unemployment (OR: 3.28 [2.05, 5.24]; P < 0.001), underweight (OR: 13.43 [4.17, 43.21]; P < 0.001) and history of pre‐eclampsia (OR: 9.01 [2.18, 37.75]; P = 0.002) emerged as independent PPCM risk factors using regression models. Customary hot baths (OR: 1.24 [0.80, 1.93]; P = 0.344), pap enriched with dried lake salt (OR: 1.20 [0.74, 1.94]; P = 0.451), and Hausa–Fulani ethnicity (OR: 1.11 [0.67, 1.84]; P = 0.698) did not achieve significance as PPCM risk factors.

Conclusions

In Nigeria, the burden of PPCM was greatest in the North–West zone, which has the highest known incidence. PPCM was predicted by sociodemographic factors and pre‐eclampsia, which should be considered in its control at population level. Postpartum customary birth practices and Hausa–Fulani ethnicity were not associated with PPCM in Nigeria.
Association between heart failure aetiology and magnitude of echocardiographic remodelling and outcome of cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Kloosterman Mariëlle , van Stipdonk Antonius M.W. , ter Horst Iris , Rienstra Michiel , Van Gelder Isabelle C. , Vos Marc A. , Prinzen Frits W. , Meine Matthias , Vernooy Kevin , Maass Alexander H.
Published: January 2020

Aims

Echocardiographic response after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is often lesser in ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) than non‐ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) patients. We assessed the association of heart failure aetiology on the amount of reverse remodelling and outcome of CRT.

Methods and results

Nine hundred twenty‐eight CRT patients were retrospectively included. Reverse remodelling and endpoint occurrence (all‐cause mortality, heart transplantation, or left ventricular assist device implantation) was assessed. Two response definitions [≥15% reduction left ventricular end systolic volume (LVESV) and ≥5% improvement left ventricular ejection fraction] and the most accurate cut‐off for the amount of reverse remodelling that predicted endpoint freedom were assessed.

Mean follow‐up was 3.8 ± 2.4 years. ICM was present in 47%. ICM patients who were older (69 ± 7 vs. 63 ± 11), more often men (83% vs. 58%), exhibited less LVESV reduction (13 ± 31% vs. 23 ± 32%) and less left ventricular ejection fraction improvement (5 ± 11% vs. 10 ± 12%) than NIDCM patients (all P < 0.001). Nevertheless, every 1% LVESV reduction was associated with a relative reduction in endpoint occurrence: NIDCM 1.3%, ICM 0.9%, and absolute risk reduction was similar (0.4%). The most accurate cut‐off of LVESV reduction that predicted endpoint freedom was 17.1% in NIDCM and 13.2% in ICM.

Conclusions

ICM patients achieve less reverse remodelling than NIDCM, but the prognostic gain in terms of survival time is the same for every single percentage of reverse remodelling that does occur. The assessment and expected magnitude of reverse remodelling should take this effect of heart failure aetiology into account.