bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An improved teaching‐learning–based optimization for design of frequency reconfigurable antennas
Authors: Zadehparizi Fatemeh , Jam Shahrokh
Published: May 2019

This paper proposes an improved teaching‐learning–based optimization (ITLBO) for the electromagnetics and antenna community. The basic TLBO was applied to many different problems with consistent success. For improving the algorithm performance, in the learner phase, each group of two learners is replaced by three‐member groups. Furthermore, two new phases are added to the algorithm. The first phase involves selection of several better learners for teaching subjects to randomly selected weaker learners. The second phase is a mutation operation. The presented algorithm with these changes simulates a classroom more realistically and avoids being trapped in local optima. First, the ITLBO is evaluated to optimize seven benchmark functions and is shown to be faster and better. In addition, a frequency reconfigurable antenna design is considered as a practical problem and Taguchi's method is applied for adjusting the control parameters of the algorithm. Comparisons of the performance of this algorithm with those of the TLBO, two other improved versions of TLBO (I‐TLBO and improved TLBO with learning experience of other learners [LETLBO]) and genetic algorithms demonstrate the higher efficiency for this algorithm in electromagnetic problems. A prototype of the proposed antenna is fabricated, and the simulation and measurement results agree well.
A review of developments and applications of thin‐film microextraction coupled to surface‐enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Cai Lemei , Dong Jing , Wang Yiru , Chen Xi
Published: May 2019

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) greatly expands the applications of Raman spectroscopy and is a promising technique for food safety, environmental analysis, and public safety. Thin‐film microextraction (TFME) provides an efficient sample preparation method for SERS to improve its selectivity and detection efficiency. This review comprehensively describes the development and applications of SERS and TFME, including the history, mechanisim, and active substrate of SERS and the theory, device, forms, and practical applications of TFME. The applications of TFME‐SERS in food safety and environment monitoring are discussed, which could improve their advantages. TFME extracts and enriches the target analytes to eliminate the interfering substance, providing a facial way for SERS to analyze the target analytes in complex matrices. The development of TFME‐SERS technology not only expands the application range of TFME, but greatly improves the anti‐interference ability and detection sensitivity of SERS. Thus, the established methods are fast, convenient, and highly sensitive. This technology is potential to be applied in the on‐site and real‐time detection.
Investigating the effect of using PCM in building materials for energy saving: Case study of Sharif Energy Research Institute
Authors: Esbati Saeed , Amooie Mohammad Ali , Sadeghzadeh Milad , Ahmadi Mohammad Hossein , Pourfayaz Fathollah , Ming Tingzhen
Published: May 2019

In order to attain an efficient path into the enhancement of the sustainable conservation and management of energy resources in the buildings and residential sections, efforts by all relevant institutions in the area of energy are essential and primitive. Hence, the development of the energy supply model in the building and the provision of fundamental solutions in this area is rudimentary. The key to any program related to this matter is to boost and extend energy efficiency and energy resource management. According to the global statistics and processed data, the residential sector accounts for 34 percent of the total energy consumption in Iran, which is the highest energy consumption compared to all existing sectors; therefore, immeasurable research has been done on optimizing energy usage in the building sector. One of the most efficient energy optimization methods can be achieved by using energy storage materials in the outer walls of the buildings. In this project, a research‐based residential building is considered as a case to investigate for energy optimization. In the first stage, the building is simulated and the energy consumption of the building is measured. Afterward, with actual measurements, real consumption is approximated and compared with the results of the software. After verifying the software data, the insulation is simulated in the software and the outcomes of using this insulator are investigated to reduce energy consumption. Energy storage materials are considered as a type of phase‐change material. These materials have the same characteristics which is having a different melting point and, by capturing and losing heat at design temperatures, they can help maintain energy inside the building that is how they can be considered as an insulator. Within the appropriate software which is Design‐Builder, miscellaneous types of these materials are available with various features. The final results point out that the use of this material saves up to 30% of the heating energy and about 8% in the cooling load of the building.
A novel numerical model of gas transport in multiscale shale gas reservoirs with considering surface diffusion and Langmuir slip conditions
Authors: Huang Ting , Cao Lina , Yuan Chengdong , Chen Peng
Published: May 2019

Multiflow mechanisms coexist in shale gas reservoirs (SGRs) due to the abundant nanopores and the organic matter as a medium of gas souring and storage. The gas transport mechanisms in nanopores including bulk gas transfer and adsorption‐gas surface diffusion were already investigated in pore‐scale models, but their effects on actual gas production of multistage fractured horizontal wells in SGRs are not clearly understood, which are crucial for the economic development of unconventional resources. Therefore, a comprehensive apparent permeability (AP) model which couples the surface diffusion of adsorbed gas, slippage flow considering the additional flux generated by surface diffusion based on Langmuir's theory, and Knudsen diffusion is established. The presented model is validated with the experimental data and lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) simulation results. Then, we propose a numerical model which combines multiflow mechanisms in microscale pores and a multistage fractured horizontal well (MSFHW) in macroscale shale gas reservoirs together. The effects of different transport mechanisms on both AP of nanopores and gas production are analyzed thoroughly. The results show that the effect of surface diffusion on the apparent permeability of nanopores is much greater than that on the actual gas production of MSFHW, and the influence of high‐pressure condition must be considered when calculating the surface diffusion coefficient. The presented numerical model has important implications for accurate numerical simulation and efficient development of shale gas reservoirs.
Reconstructing rates and patterns of colluvial soil redistribution in agrarian (hummocky) landscapes
Authors: van der Meij W.M. , Reimann T. , Vornehm V.K. , Temme A.J.A.M. , Wallinga J. , van Beek R. , Sommer M.
Published: May 2019

Humans have triggered or accelerated erosion processes since prehistoric times through agricultural practices. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) is widely used to quantify phases and rates of the corresponding landscape change, by measuring the last moment of daylight exposure of sediments. However, natural and anthropogenic mixing processes, such as bioturbation and tillage, complicate the use of OSL as grains of different depositional ages become mixed, and grains become exposed to light even long after the depositional event of interest. Instead, OSL determines the stabilization age, indicating when sediments were buried below the active mixing zone. These stabilization ages can cause systematic underestimation when calculating deposition rates.

Our focus is on colluvial deposition in a kettle hole in the Uckermark region, northeastern Germany. We took 32 samples from five locations in the colluvium filling the kettle hole to study both spatial and temporal patterns in colluviation. We combined OSL dating with advanced age modelling to determine the stabilization age of colluvial sediments. These ages were combined with an archaeological reconstruction of historical ploughing depths to derive the levels of the soil surface at the moment of stabilization; the deposition depths, which were then used to calculate unbiased deposition rates.

We identified two phases of colluvial deposition. The oldest deposits (~5 ka) were located at the fringe of the kettle hole and accumulated relatively slowly, whereas the youngest deposits (<0.3 ka) rapidly filled the central kettle hole with rates of two orders of magnitude higher. We suggest that the latter phase is related to artificial drainage, facilitating accessibility in the central depression for agricultural practices. Our results show the need for numerical dating techniques that take archaeological and soil‐geomorphological information into account to identify spatiotemporal patterns of landscape change, and to correctly interpret landscape dynamics in anthropogenically influenced hilly landscapes. © 2019 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of ulipristal acetate for symptomatic uterine fibroids
Authors: Ghonim Mohamed , Magdy Rana , Sabbour Mohamed , Ghonim Mohanad , Nabhan Ashraf
Published: May 2019

Background

Uterine fibroids cause menorrhagia and adversely affect quality of life. Ulipristal acetate (UPA) can improve fibroid symptoms.

Objectives

To assess the effectiveness of UPA in women with symptomatic uterine fibroids.

Search strategy

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and CINHAL on December 31, 2018, using relevant search terms. Clinical trials registries were searched for ongoing trials and there were no language restrictions.

Selection criteria

We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing UPA with placebo/no treatment/any pharmacological intervention for symptomatic uterine fibroids.

Data collection and analysis

Two authors independently screened trials, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias in included studies. We used risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes and mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes, plus their 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Main results

We identified six RCTs (1121 participants). Five studies (882 participants) compared UPA with placebo. UPA significantly achieved amenorrhea (RR 24.54; 95% CI, 10.82–55.64), reduced blood loss, and improved quality of life with insufficient evidence from RCTs for adverse events. There was insufficient evidence for improved outcomes when UPA was compared with leuprolide acetate.

Conclusion

Compared with placebo, oral UPA significantly induces amenorrhea, reduces heavy menses, and improves quality‐of‐life in women with uterine fibroids.
Prevalence of group B streptococcus anogenital colonization and feasibility of an intrapartum screening and antibiotic prophylaxis protocol in Cameroon, Africa
Authors: Subramaniam Akila , Blanchard Christina T. , Ngek Ekongefeyin S.N. , Mbah Rahel , Welty Edith , Welty Thomas , Dionne‐Odom Jodie , Sander Melissa , Halle‐Ekane Gregory , Tita Alan T.N. ,   the Cameroon Health Initiative
Published: May 2019

Objective

To evaluate group B streptococcus (GBS) colonization prevalence and feasibility of intrapartum GBS screening/antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) in Cameroon, Africa.

Methods

Prospective cohort in the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services network. Maternity providers collected anogenital swabs from consenting term women in labor for testing by a rapid GBS‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system. Positive tests (GBS+) resulted in initiation of intravenous ampicillin until delivery. Primary outcomes were GBS prevalence and proportion of GBS+ women receiving ampicillin before delivery and more than 4 hours before delivery.

Results

A total of 219 women were enrolled from January 10 to April 27, 2017. GBS prevalence was 12.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.9–16.7) with GBS+ women more likely to reside in urban areas (19.6% vs 9.7%, P=0.004). Of 27 GBS+ women, 19 (70.4%) received ampicillin before delivery and 14 (51.9%) 4 hours or longer before delivery. A median two doses of ampicillin (interquartile range [IQR] 1–5) were given and started at a median of 105 minutes (IQR 90–155) after swab collection and 20 minutes (IQR 10–45) after GBS result. Of the 8 women who did not receive ampicillin, 7 (87.5%) delivered before test results.

Conclusion

A GBS IAP protocol is feasible in Cameroon and should be evaluated for widespread implementation in Cameroon and other low‐income countries to decrease GBS‐related morbidity.
Guidelines for the management of the social and ethical challenges in brain death during pregnancy
Authors: Čartolovni Anto , Habek Dubravko
Published: May 2019

The aim of the present study is to assess the ethical, legal, and social issues of brain death in pregnancy through a literature review, and, based on the review results, to provide ethical and social guidelines. A search of PubMed using MeSH terms was conducted and yielded 844 results for the period from 1979 to 2017. After articles were screened based on the title and abstract content, 45 were found to refer to the existing ethical, social, and legal implications in cases of brain death during pregnancy, and 40 articles were selected as the source for our set of ethical and social guidelines. From the findings of the study, issues referring to the legitimacy and justification of performing a corporeal support procedure have been identified, as have the issues focusing on fetus or mother, and, finally, those relating to the decision‐making process. Given the increasing number of successful births after a diagnosis of brain death during pregnancy, there is justification for an ethical duty to continue prolonged corporeal support, even if there is little likelihood of success, despite the apparent absence of a legal duty, and relying on the international jurisdictional discrepancies in the attribution of legal rights to the fetus.
Dissolved organic N in shallow tropical lakes and reservoirs: Contribution to total dissolved N and relationships with eutrophication
Authors: Boëchat Iola Gonçalves , Paiva‐Magela Aparecida Beatriz das Mercês , Reis Helbert Rocha , Gücker Björn
Published: May 2019

Dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) plays important biogeochemical and ecological roles in aquatic systems. However, little is known about its importance in small tropical lakes and reservoirs. We hypothesized that (a) DON is higher in these systems than dissolved inorganic N (DIN), and that (b) relative contributions of DON and DIN to the total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) pool decrease and increase, respectively, with trophic status. To test these hypotheses, we measured DON and DIN in six lakes and two reservoirs at the Atlantic forest‐Cerrado savanna transition in Southeast Brazil, in the rainy and the dry season. With one exception in each season, all oligo‐ and mesotrophic systems had DON:DIN ratios >1. DON:DIN ratios were negatively correlated with total phosphorus (TP). This pattern was due to high DIN, mainly ammonium, in eutrophic and hypertrophic systems. DON:DIN ratios <1 occurred at TP higher than 103 and 104 µg L−1 in the rainy and dry season, respectively. We found a general dominance of DON in near‐natural lentic systems at the Atlantic forest‐Cerrado savanna transition, which was more pronounced than that reported for other regions. Human alterations to the TDN pool may affect biological communities and ecosystem functioning of these systems.
Methadone enhances the effectiveness of 5‐aminolevulinic acid‐based photodynamic therapy for squamous cell carcinoma and glioblastoma in vitro
Authors: Shi Lei , Buchner Alexander , Pohla Heike , Pongratz Thomas , Rühm Adrian , Zimmermann Wolfgang , Gederaas Odrun A. , Zhang Linglin , Wang Xiuli , Stepp Herbert , Sroka Ronald
Published: May 2019

Although having shown promising clinical outcomes, the effectiveness of 5‐aminolevulinic acid‐based photodynamic therapy (ALA‐PDT) for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and glioblastoma remains to be improved. The analgesic drug methadone is able to sensitize various tumors to chemotherapy. In this in vitro study, the influence of methadone to the effectiveness of ALA‐PDT for SCC (FADU) and glioblastoma (A172) was investigated on the protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) fluorescence, survival rates, apoptosis, and cell cycle phase, each with or without the presence of methadone. The production of PpIX was increased by methadone in FADU cells while it was decreased in A172 cells. The survival rates of both cell lines treated by ALA‐PDT were significantly reduced by the combination with methadone (P < .05). Methadone also significantly increased the percentage of apoptotic cells and improved the effect of ALA‐PDT on the cell cycle phase arrest in the G0/G1 phase (P < .05). This study demonstrates the potential of methadone to influence the cytotoxic effect of ALA‐PDT for both SCC and glioblastoma cell lines.
Circulating ctDNA methylation quantification of two DNA methyl transferases in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Khatami Fatemeh , Teimoori‐Toolabi Ladan , Heshmat Ramin , Nasiri Shirzad , Saffar Hiva , Mohammadamoli Mahsa , Aghdam Mohammad Haddadi , Larijani Bagher , Tavangar Seyed Mohammad
Published: May 2019

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common type of cancer among thyroid malignancies. Tumor‐related methylation of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in plasma could represent tumor specific alterations can be considered as good biomarkers in circulating tumor cells. In this study, we studied the methylation status of seven promoter regions of two DNA methyl Transferases (MGMT and DNMT1) genes as the methylated ctDNA in plasma and tissue samples of patients with PTC and goiter patients as noncancerous controls.

Methods: Both ctDNA and tissue genomic DNA of 57 PTC and 45 Goiter samples were isolated. After bisulfite modification, the methylation status was studied by Methylation‐Sensitive High Resolution Melting (MS‐HRM) assay technique. Four promoter regions of O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) and three promoter regions of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) were assessed.

Results: From seven candidate promoter regions of two methyltrasferase coding genes, the methylation status of ctDNA within MGMT (a), MGMT (c), MGMT (d), and DNMT1 (b) were meaningfully different between PTC cases and controls. However, the most significant differences were seen in circulating ctDNA MGMT (c) which was hypermethylated in 25 (43.9 %) of patients with PTC vs 2 (4. 4 %) of goiter samples. Between two selected DNA methyl transferase, the methylation of MGMT as the maintenance methyltransferase was significantly higher in PTC cases than goiter controls (P‐value < .001). The resulting areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were 0.78 for MGMT (d) for PTC versus goiter samples that can represent the overall ability of MGMT (d) methylation status to discriminate between PTC and goiter patients.

Conclusion: Among seven candidate regions of ctDNA the MGMT (c) and MGMT (d) showed higher sensitivity and specificity for PTC as a suitable candidates as biomarkers of PTC.
Mesenchymal stem cells improve survival in ischemic diabetic random skin flap via increased angiogenesis and VEGF expression
Authors: Chehelcheraghi Farzaneh , Chien Sufan , Bayat Mohammad
Published: May 2019

Random skin flaps (RSFs) are cutaneous flaps. Despite the negative impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on RSF viability, they are commonly used in diabetic patients. In this study, we have assessed bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMMSC) treatment on RSF survival, tensiometrical parameters, angiogenesis, and mast cells (MCs) count in an ischemic RSF model in rats with type 1 DM (T1DM). We induced T1DM in 30 Wistar adult male rats. The animals were assigned to three groups of 10 rats per group as follows: group 1 (control); group 2 (placebo), and group 3 (BMMSCs). A 30  ×  80  mm RSF was created in each rat. On day 7, we measured the viable portion of each RSF. A sample was taken for histological and immunohistochemistry studies, fibroblasts, MCs, angiogenesis, collagen bundle density, and the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)+ cells. An additional sample was taken to evaluate the flap's incision strength. Treatment with BMMSCs (17.8  ±  0.37) significantly increased RSF survival compared with the control (13.3  ±  0.35) and placebo (16.1  ±  0.27) groups (one‐way analysis of variance, P  =  .000; least significant difference, P  =  .000, P  =  .002). There was a significant improvement in angiogenesis, as confirmed by stereologic examination. Assessment of VEGF+ cells showed prominent neovascularization in BMMSC‐treated RSFs compared with the control and placebo groups. Subdermal injection of BMMSC significantly increased ischemic RSF survival as a result of stimulated neovascularization in T1DM rats. Treatment of diabetic RSF with BMMSCs showed no beneficial effects in the fibroblast number and biomechanical parameters for the repair of ischemic wounds in the rat model. Treatment with BMMSCs significantly increased collagen bundle density.
The interplay of Klotho with signaling pathway and microRNAs in cancers
Authors: Abolghasemi Maryam , Yousefi Tooba , Maniati Mahmood , Qujeq Durdi
Published: May 2019

Klotho (KL) gene has been accepted as an "aging suppressor" gene that encodes a single transmembrane protein in human known as Klotho which is commonly expressed in renal tubes. The interruption in the secretion of Klotho protein expedites aging whereas its high expression extends lifespan. The family of Klotho proteins has been reported to act as distinct receptors for endocrine fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), which manage multifarious metabolic processes. Further, the secreted Klotho is a hormonal factor that takes part in the ion channel organization. Numerous studies determined that this protein affects the function of a number of important signaling pathways, which may present an impact in tumorigenesis via the coordination of receptors located on them. This review article focuses on the effects of microRNAs on the performance of Klotho and how the interplay between Klotho and certain pathways like insulin‐like growth factor, FGF, Wnt, and transforming growth factor β contribute to the biogenesis of cancer. The present study is also pointed at defining the molecular mechanisms of these interactions.
Advances and potential application of gold nanoparticles in nanomedicine
Authors: Lopes Talíria Silva , Alves Gutemberg Gomes , Pereira Mariana Rodrigues , Granjeiro Jose Mauro , Leite Paulo Emílio Corrêa
Published: May 2019

Nanomedicine is an emerging research area which has brought new possibilities and promising applications in image, diagnosis, and treatment. Nanoparticles (NPs) for medicinal purposes can be made of several material types such as silica, carbon, different polymers, and metals as silver, copper, titanium, and gold. Gold NPs (AuNPs) are the most studied and used, mostly due to their characteristics including simple preparation, controllable size and distribution, biocompatibility, good acceptance of surface modifications, and specific surface plasmon resonance (SPR). This study reviews the scientific literature regarding the potential applications of AuNPs in the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for nanomedicine, including their biomedical use as a drug carrier, as an agent in radio and phototherapy, and bioimaging for image diagnosis. While it becomes clear that much research remains to be done to improve the use of these nanoparticles, with particular concern for safety issues, the evidence from the literature already points to the great potential of AuNPs in nanomedicine.
Identification of reciprocal microRNA‐mRNA pairs associated with metastatic potential disparities in human prostate cancer cells and signaling pathway analysis
Authors: Ma Hui , Wang Li‐Yong , Yang Rong‐Hui , Zhou Ying , Zhou Ping , Kong Lu
Published: May 2019

The major cause of mortality for prostate cancer (PCa) is metastasis; however, the metastatic mechanism remains unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) alter the expression patterns of essential genes through posttranscriptional regulation during cancer development. The study was mainly aimed at identifying specific miRNA‐messenger RNA (mRNA) interactions and signaling pathways associated with PCa distant metastasis. New analytical approaches were applied, combining miRNA and gene expression microarray, to screen differentially expressed miRNA‐mRNA pairs in the normal prostate epithelial cell line RWPE‐1, the highly‐metastatic human PCa cell line PC‐3M‐1E8 (H‐1E8 or 1E8) and the lowly metastatic cell line PC‐3M‐2B4 (L‐2B4 or 2B4). Eight differentially expressed candidate miRNAs and their targets closely related to PCa metastasis were identified and validated in patients by using the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Among them, overexpression of hsa‐miR‐92b‐3p and hsa‐let‐7a‐5p and underexpression of their targets, such as glutathione‐S‐transferase M3 (GSTM3), baculoviral IAP repeat‐containing 3, and cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 1 (CDKN1A), were also validated in H‐1E8 cells compared with L‐2B4 cells. Bioinformatics suggested that hsa‐miR‐92b‐3p and hsa‐let‐7a‐5p and their targets might promote PCa metastasis through platinum‐based drug resistance and the JAK‐STAT signaling pathway. H‐1E8 and L‐2B4 cells treated by cisplatin showed the greatly decreased levels of hsa‐miR‐92b‐3p and hsa‐let‐7a‐5p; however, in contrast to 2B4 cells, 1E8 cells did not negatively regulate the increase in the expression levels of the targets GSTM3 and CDKN1A. This finding suggests that the dysregulation between hsa‐let‐7a‐5p/CDKN1A and hsa‐miR‐92b‐3p/GSTM3 pairs is associated with platinum‐based chemoresistance of metastatic cancer cells.
On the geometry dependence of tuned‐range separated hybrid functionals
Authors: Eng Julien , Laidlaw Beth A. , Penfold Thomas J.
Published: May 2019

Molecules and materials that absorb and/or emit light form a central part of our daily lives. Consequently, a description of their excited‐state properties plays a crucial role in designing new molecules and materials with enhanced properties. Due to its favorable balance between high computational efficiency and accuracy, time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) is often a method of choice for characterizing these properties. However, within standard approximations to the exchange‐correlation functional, it remains challenging to achieve a balanced description of all excited states, especially for those exhibiting charge‐transfer (CT) characteristics. In this work, we have applied two approaches, namely, the optimal tuning and triplet tuning methods, for a nonempirical definition of range‐separated functionals to improve the description of excited states within TDDFT. This is applied to study the CT properties of two thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters, namely, PTZ‐DBTO2 and TAT‐3DBTO2. We demonstrate the connection between the two methods, the performance of each in the presence on multiple excited states of different characters and the geometry dependence of each method especially relevant in the context of developing size‐consistent potential energy surfaces. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Metal trabecular bone reconstruction system better improves clinical efficacy and biomechanical repair of osteonecrosis of the femoral head than free vascularized fibular graft: A case–control study
Authors: Chen Xian‐Tao , Zhu Ying‐Jie , Liu You‐Wen , Chen Ke , Xu Wen‐Wen , Zhang Lei‐Lei , Liang Da‐Wei , Li Jing , Ye Ye , Tian Ke‐Wei , Zhang Xiao‐Dong , Li Hong‐Jun , Kang Zhen
Published: May 2019

In this study, we aim to compare and analyze the biomechanical repair and clinical efficacy of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) with the use of metal trabecular bone reconstruction system and free vascularized fibular graft. The study enrolled 66 adult patients from medical records of nontraumatic ARCO 2A–3B stage ONFH. A simple ONFH model without surgical treatment was established in 13 cases, 29 cases were treated with metal trabecular bone reconstruction system, and 24 cases were treated with free vascularized fibular graft. Computer‐recognized and extracted femur outlines were imported, and three‐dimensional reconstructions were performed. The stress concentration and stress peak value were analyzed, and the Harris score, visual analog scale pain score, and operation status of the above patients were compared. Finally, quality of life assessment was performed using SF‐36 scale. Metal trabecular bone reconstruction system provided less operation time, blood loss, and the total length of postoperative hospital stay than free vascularized fibular graft. Metal trabecular bone reconstruction system promoted bone reconstruction, increased bone mineral density and Harris score. The total clinical effective rate of young patients (20–40 years) was higher than that of older patients (41–60 years). Metal trabecular bone reconstruction system provided higher physical component summary, mental component summary, and role/social component summary than free vascularized fibular graft. This study demonstrates that both metal trabecular bone reconstruction system and free vascularized fibular graft can prevent or delay the progression of ONFH, while metal trabecular bone reconstruction system is a better choice because of better short‐term clinical efficacy.
Effect of nucleolin on adriamycin resistance via the regulation of B‐cell lymphoma 2 expression in Burkitt's lymphoma cells
Authors: Mei Xuqiao , Chen Yanxin , Gan Donghui , Chen Yingyu , Wang Lingyan , Cao Yanqin , Wu Zhengjun , Liu Weijuan , Zhao Chenxing , Lin Minhui , Yang Ting , Hu Jianda
Published: May 2019

Nucleolin (NCL, C23) is an important nucleocytoplasmic multifunctional protein. Due to its multifaceted profile and high expression in cancer, NCL is considered to be a marker of drug resistance associated with chemotherapy. However, the biochemical mechanisms in which NCL suppresses drug sensitivity in several cancers have yet to be fully elucidated. This study aims to explore the effect of NCL on drug sensitivity and its potential mechanism in CA46 Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cells. CA46 BL cells were transfected with lentiviruses carrying the NCL gene (CA46‐NCL‐overexpression, CA46‐NCL‐OE), or shRNA sequences that target the endogenous NCL gene (CA46‐NCL‐knockdown, CA46‐NCL‐KD). Adriamycin (ADM) IC50 levels for CA46‐NCL‐overexpressed (OE), CA46‐NCL‐OE control (OEC), CA46‐NCL‐knockdown (KD), and CA46‐NCL‐KD control (KDC) cells were 0.68 ± 0.06 μg/ml, 0.68 ± 0.06 μg/ml, 0.68 ± 0.06 μg/ml, and 0.30 ± 0.04 μg/ml, respectively. Apoptosis rates were significantly increased following NCL KD, whereas the opposite effect was noted in OE cells. A significant reduction of B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2) mRNA and protein levels in KD cells was observed, while OE cells displayed the opposite effect. The stability of Bcl‐2 mRNA was influenced by NCL levels, the half‐life of which was extended after NCL‐OE, whereas it was reduced in KD cells. Finally, results of RNA‐immunoprecipitation assays indicated that NCL could bind to Bcl‐2 mRNA in CA46 cells. Taken together, these results suggested that NCL could mediate Bcl‐2 expression and stability, and thus enhance ADM resistance in CA46 BL cells.
Scutellarin inhibits hypoxia‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in bladder cancer cells
Authors: Lv Wei‐Ling , Liu Qian , An Ji‐Hong , Song Xiao‐Yong
Published: May 2019

Scutellarin, an active component of flavonoid, displays a variety of physiological actions and has been applied for the treatment of diverse diseases including hypertension and cerebral infarction as well as cerebral thrombosis. In recent time, Scutellarin has been demonstrated to possess the anticancer activity. But the biological significance of Scutellarin in bladder cancer (BC) remains to be elucidated. In the current study, we explored the specific effect of Scutellarin on BC progression. We found that Scutellarin inhibited hypoxia‐induced BC cell migration and invasion in vitro as well as suppressed hypoxia‐induced BC metastasis in vivo. Moreover, Scutellarin significantly reversed hypoxia‐promoted epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in BC cells and the PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways were implicated in the suppressive effect. Taken together, we suggested the potential value of Scutellarin as a novel anticancer agent for BC treatment.
Primary cardiac lymphoma in both atria: A case report
Authors: Li Yingtao , Zhou Zhenfeng , Xin Fangjie , Zhang Chi , Zhang Rong , Sun Dongmei , Liu Weigang
Published: May 2019

Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) is a very rare kind of primary heart tumor, belonging to non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma whose major pathological type is diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. The common symptoms include heart failure, pericardial effusion, and malignant arrhythmias. Early diagnosis and treatment of PCL are of great importance due to its merely 7‐month median survival period. Here, we report a 48‐year‐old male patient in whom both atria were involved and had to undergo palliative surgery because of severe clinical symptoms.
Treating lysosomal storage disorders: What have we learnt?
Authors: Lachmann Robin H.
Published: May 2019

The first enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for a lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) was approved in 1991 and we now have more than 25 years of experience of treating patients with type 1 Gaucher disease. Because of the remarkable success of this therapy, enormous effort and resource has gone into developing other ERTs, for Gaucher (where three different enzyme preparations have now been approved) and for other LSDs. We now have more than 10 years of clinical experience in using ERT to treat Gaucher, Fabry, Pompe and MPS I, II, and VI. This article aims to assess the real‐life experience of a selection of these innovative and expensive treatments to see if they have met the high expectations which were set for them when they launched.
Treasure hunt for peptides with undefined chemical modifications: Proteomics identification of differential albumin adducts of 2‐nitroimidazole‐indocyanine green in hypoxic tumor
Authors: Wang Lei , Dietz Christopher , Zhou Feifei , Erfanzadeh Mohsen , Zhu Quing , Smith Michael B. , Yao Xudong
Published: May 2019

2‐Nitroimidazole is a well‐known chemical probe targeting hypoxic environments of solid tumors, and its derivatives are widely used as imaging agents to investigate tissue and tumor hypoxia. However, the underlying chemistry for the hypoxia‐detection capability of 2‐nitroimidazole is still unclear. In this study, we deployed a biotin conjugate of 2‐nitroimidazole‐indocyanine green (2‐nitro‐ICG) for the investigation of in vivo hypoxia‐probing mechanism of 2‐nitro‐ICG compounds. By implementing mass spectrometry‐based proteomics and exhaustive data mining, we report that 2‐nitro‐ICG and its fragments modify mouse serum albumin as the primary protein target but at two structurally distinct sites and possibly via two different mechanisms. The identification of probe‐modified peptides not only contributes to the understanding of the in vivo metabolism of 2‐nitroimidazole compounds but also demonstrates a competent analytical workflow that enables the search for peptides with undefined modifications in complex proteome digests.
Diagnostic accuracy and adherence to treatment guidelines in adult inpatients with urinary tract infections in a tertiary hospital
Authors: Chen Annie K. D. , Duffy Eamon J. , Ritchie Stephen R. , Thomas Mark G.
Published: May 2019

Background

Antibiotic prescribing for patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) is often inconsistent with published guidelines. Pharmacists have a key role in the multidisciplinary team to improve the prescribing of antibiotics.

Aim

This study determined the reasons for low guideline adherence and investigated the effects of a pharmacist‐led, non‐confrontational, inexpensive educational intervention on guideline adherence in adult inpatients with UTIs.

Methods

The study was performed in three general medical wards in Auckland City Hospital (ACH), New Zealand, during March–September 2015. All patients treated for UTIs were identified by ward pharmacists. A pre‐intervention observation period was followed by an intervention period in which ward pharmacists placed a simple diagnostic and treatment algorithm in the clinical records of all patients being treated for a UTI. Clinical and laboratory data available at the time initial antibiotic therapy was prescribed were used to determine a retrospective diagnosis for each patient. The initial antibiotic therapy was evaluated for adherence to the ACH antibiotic guidelines in relation to both the prescriber's and retrospective diagnosis.

Results

Overall, the prescriber's diagnosis was concordant with the retrospective diagnosis in only 48 of 141 episodes (34%). Treatment was adherent to guidelines in 27% pre‐intervention and 33% intervention episodes (p = 0.5).

Conclusion

Inaccurate clinical diagnosis in patients with UTIs was a common reason for antibiotic treatment to be non‐adherent to guidelines. The study failed to find an association between the educational intervention and an effect on guideline adherence. Passive interventions are unlikely to be effective and further interventions should consider codesign with users.
Treatment of sleep disturbance in older adults
Authors: Reynolds Amy C. , Adams Robert J.
Published: May 2019

Sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances are prevalent in older populations. Numerous factors can affect sleep, including medications, living environment and physical, mental and psychosocial factors (e.g. loneliness and stress). Sleep architecture changes with aging, with less deep sleep (slow wave sleep) and an increased frequency of awakenings after sleep onset. Benzodiazepines, Z‐drugs and low doses of the tricyclic antidepressant doxepin have modest positive benefits for sleep complaints, but side effects are a concern in older people because they include an increased risk of falls, fractures and cognitive impairment. Somnolence can be prolonged in older adults. Melatonin has very modest effects on sleep initiation in older adults, although appears safe. Overall, the effects of pharmacological treatments are modest and there are concerns about the efficacy and safety of their ongoing use. There is strong evidence for non‐pharmacological interventions, including cognitive and behavioural strategies, to improve sleep. These have at least comparable efficacy to pharmacological interventions, fewer adverse effects and are more likely to have longer‐term, sustained benefits. Sleep complaints in older adults need to be approached on a patient‐by‐patient basis, and medication should be reviewed frequently, with preference to limit pharmacological intervention as far as practicable.
Effects of dietary isomaltooligosaccharide and Bacillus spp. supplementation during perinatal period on lactational performance, blood metabolites, and milk composition of sows
Authors: Gu Xue L , Song Ze H , Li Hao , Wu Sarah , Wu Shu S , Ding Ya N , He Xi , Yin Yu L , Fan Zhi Y
Published: May 2019

Background

In this study, we evaluated the effects of isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO) and Bacillus spp. in perinatal diets on lactational performance, blood metabolites, and milk composition of sows. Multiparous gestating sows (N = 130) with similar body conditions were fed diets without containing IMO (control, CON group), IMO (IMO group), IMO and Bacillus subtilis (IMO + S group), IMO and Bacillus licheniformis (IMO + L group), and IMO and both B. subtilis and B. licheniformis (IMO + S + L group).

Results

The average daily feed intake of lactating sows in the IMO + S group (P < 0.05) and the average litter gain and total milk yield in the IMO + S + L group (P < 0.01) were significantly higher than those of the sows in the other treatment groups. In addition, the serum alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase concentrations in all treatment groups were lower than those in the CON group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the highest proportion of fat in colostrum (0.05 < P < 0.1) and lowest proportion of lactose in milk were observed in the IMO + L group (P < 0.05). The concentrations of growth hormone and immunoglobulins A and G in milk were higher in sows supplemented with IMO, IMO + S, IMO + L, or IMO + S + L (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

IMO and Bacillus spp. supplementation during the perinatal period improved the sows' lactational performance by affecting their metabolism and milk quality. Sows in the IMO + S and IMO + S + L treatment groups exhibited the best performance. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
The Israeli–Palestinian wheat landraces collection: restoration and characterization of lost genetic diversity
Authors: Frankin Sivan , Kunta Srinivas , Abbo Shahal , Sela Hanan , Goldberg Ben Z , Bonfil David J , Levy Avraham A , Avivi‐Ragolsky Naomi , Nashef Kamal , Roychowdhury Rajib , Faraj Tomer , Lifshitz Dikla , Mayzlish‐Gati Einav , Ben‐David Roi
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

For over a century, genetic diversity of wheat worldwide was eroded by continual selection for high yields and industrial demands. Wheat landraces cultivated in Israel and Palestine demonstrate high genetic diversity and a potentially wide repertoire of adaptive alleles. While most Israeli‐Palestinian wheat landraces were lost in the transition to ‘Green Revolution’ semi‐dwarf varieties, some germplasm collections made at the beginning of the 20th century survived in gene banks and private collections worldwide. However, fragmentation and poor conservation place this unique genetic resource at a high risk of genetic erosion. Herein, we describe a long‐term initiative to restore, conserve, and characterize a collection of Israeli and Palestinian wheat landraces (IPLR).

RESULTS

We report on (i) the IPLR construction (n = 932), (ii) the historical and agronomic context to this collection, (iii) the characterization and assessment of the IPLR's genetic diversity, and (iv) a data comparison from two distinct subcollections within IPLR: a collection made by N. Vavilov in 1926 (IPLR‐VIR) and a later one (1979–1981) made by Y. Mattatia (IPLR‐M). Though conducted in the same eco‐geographic space, these two collections were subjected to considerably different conservation pathways. IPLR‐M, which underwent only one propagation cycle, demonstrated marked genetic and phenotypic variability (within and between accessions) in comparison with IPLR‐VIR, which had been regularly regenerated over ∼90 years.

CONCLUSION

We postulate that long‐termex situconservation involving human and genotype × environment selection may significantly reduce accession heterogeneity and allelic diversity. Results are further discussed in a broader context of pre‐breeding and conservation. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Separation of five diketopiperazines from the marine fungus Alternaria alternate HK‐25 by high‐speed counter‐current chromatography
Authors: He Xiaoping , Ding Lijian , Yi Mengqi , Xu Jianzhou , Zhou Xuezhen , Zhang Weiyan , He Shan
Published: May 2019

High‐speed counter‐current chromatography was applied to the separation of five diketoperazines from the marine Alternaria alternate HK‐25 for the first time using one‐step elution method with a pair of two‐phase solvent systems composed of petroleum ether/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (5.5:11:5:7, v/v). Where 151.6 mg of crude sample yielded five diketoperazines, 12,13‐dihydroxy‐fumitremorgin C (1), gliotoxin (2), demethoxyfum itremorgin C (3), bisdethiobis(methylthio)gliotoxin (4), fumitremorgin C (5), and the purities of all compounds were above 94% as determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The structures of these compounds were identified by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. These results showed that high‐speed counter‐current chromatography can provide a feasible way for highly effective preparation of marine natural products, which ensured the supple of numerous samples for drug development.
Gelastic Cataplexy in Niemann Pick Type C
Authors: Yazdi Narges , Fasano Alfonso , Lang Anthony E. , Rohani Mohammad
Published: May 2019

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The last garum of Pompeii: Archaeozoological analyses on fish remains from the “garum shop” and related ecological inferences
Authors: Carannante Alfredo
Published: May 2019

This study represents the first detailed archaeozoological analysis on garum remains from Pompeii. It aims to contribute to our knowledge of activities connected to garum in one of the most celebrated centres of production in the Mediterranean by osteoarchaeological, taphonomical, and ecological analyses. One place for the production and sale of this fish sauce was located in the urban perimeter of the town, the so‐called “garum shop”, buried by the pyroclastic deposits of the Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD. After a short summary about the nature, role and origin of garum, and its production processes, a description of the state of the art about garum production in Pompeii is summarized to assess the issue. The analyses undertaken on the remains found in an amphora from the “garum shop” show that the production of at least one kind of garum in Pompeii was obtained using individuals of picarels (Spicara smaris) as the fundamental ingredient. The state of preservation of the fish remains indicates that the picarels were not subject to any intense process of movement or compression that could have caused breakage at fragile points of the fish skeletons; it is therefore deduced that the product was still in the maceration stage awaiting the final process when the Pompeii destruction happened. The study revealed that the picarels were left to macerate whole; they were neither decapitated nor filleted. The osteoarchaeological and ecological analyses revealed the age of death, the sex, and the season when the fish was caught contributing to define the fishing techniques, the production processes, and the period of the year when the volcanic destruction happened.