bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Biological and Non Biological Agents (Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs) on Bone Mineral Density in a Sample of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Al-Osami Mohammed Hadi , Al-Azzawi Omar Farooq , Gorial Faiq , Redia Israa Mohammed
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is an extra-articular complication of rheuma­toid arthritis that results in increased risk of fractures and associated mor­bidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in bone mineral density in a sample of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients on biological (anti tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha) and non-biological agent disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).PATIENTS & METHODS: A cross sectional study enrolled 60 RA patients diagnosed by rheumatologist according to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (2010 ACR/EULAR) classification criteria for RA. Thirty patient on biological agent (anti TNF alpha) and 30 patient on non-biological agent (DMARD). RA disease-related data wincluded disease duration, disease activity score index of 28 joints (DAS 28) and clinical disease activity index (CDAI), functional class, body mass index and treatment history. vitamin D level were measured in both groups. Bone mineral density was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry of hip and lumber spines for patients. A T –score of equal or less than -2.5 standard deviation that of young healthy adults were taken as osteoporotic and scores between -1 to -2.5 standard deviation was taken as osteopenic.RESULTS: Prevalence of RA patients on biological agent (anti TNF alpha) who had osteoporosis was 1(3%) and 12(40%) were osteopenic, and in patients on non biological (DMARD), Osteoporosis was present in 8(26%) and osteopenia in 13(43%, p= 0.019).Vitamin D level in patient on biological agent (anti TNF alpha) was low in 24(80%) and normal in 6 (20%) patients. While in non biological agent (DMARD) it was low in 13(43.3%) and normal in 17(56.7%) of patients, p=0.003). Patients on biological agent (anti TNF alpha); 15 (50%) patients showed high calcium, 2(6.7%) low phosphorous, and 2(6.7%) high Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) while in patients on non biological agent the results were 10 patients( 33.3%) had high calcium, and 5(16.7%) had high ALP. There was a significant decrease in bone mineral density in RA patients on DMARDS while biological agent (anti TNF alpha) had a role in arrest bone loss in RA patients.CONCLUSIONS: There was a strong association between types of therapy and reduction of bone mineral density.
The Effectiviness of Organic Method for Increasing the Productivity of Oil Palm That Is Infected by Ganoderma
Authors: Surija Supeno , Bastian Roderick
Published: April 2020

The usage of organic fertilizer is expected to help developing organic plantation so that it can produce organic CPO and other organic derivate. Our study used organic fertilizer SUPER MOAF (Multi Organic Alkali Fertilizer), biopesticide and biofungiside CHIPS (Colony Highly Invasive Protection System) that is manufactured by PT. Propadu Konair Tarahubun. We conducted this study in 7 different plantation: Kecamatan Langgam, Riau block K and L with the plantation year of 2011; Kecamatan Bila Hilir, North Sumatra block DO and CO with the plantation year of 2011; Kecamatan Langgam, Riau block J and I with the plantation year of 2010; Kecamatan Long Iklis, East Kalimantan block 26 and 27 with the plantation year in 2002; Kecamatan Sei Kijang, Riau block M12 and N12 with the plantation year of 2005; Kecamatan Langgam, Riau block F and H with the plantation year of 2009; Kecamatan Teluk Dalam, North Sumatra block R and M with the plantation year of 2006. All plantation is given the same treatment: nonorganic fertilizer in control block (L, CO, I, 27, N12, H, and M) and switching from using Non-organic fertilizer to MOAF organic fertilizer in experiment block (K, DO, J, 26, M12, F, and R), this study is conducted for 4-5 years (2014-2018). The switching from nonorganic fertilizer to organic fertilizer is done in 2015, except for the oil palm that the plantation year is in 2011 is done in 2016. After switching from Non-organic to organic fertilizer, in the experiment blocks, show increasing of production (26.47%-88.33%) per Ha meanwhile the control block show increasing of production (4.21%-38.76%) per Ha. Fertilizer is given to the tree that has infected by disease, damaged, and have to be replanted because of Ganoderma invasion. Using MOAF organic method can also increase the production approximately 64.34%-110.77% from PPKS production standard in palm oil that has been infected by Ganoderma. Using MOAF fertilizer, biopesticide, and biofungiside CHIPS are not only recovering the palm oil that is expected to collapse soon because of Ganoderma infection but also maximize the production that is similar to healthy palm oil. Organic method is an efficient and effective way to help increasing the production of palm oil and environmental sustainability even in Ganoderma infection condition.
Alternative Substrate and Recipients for the Production of Arabica Coffee Seedlings
Authors: Jaeggi Mario Euclides Pechara da Costa , Rocha Richardson Sales , Pereira Israel Martins , Cruz Derivaldo Pureza da , Silva Rita de Kássia Guarnier da , Batista Josimar Nogueira , Parajara Magno do Carmo , Rodrigues Rogério Rangel , Entringer Geovana Cremonini , Gravina Geraldo de Amaral , Daher Rogério Figueiredo , Lima Wallace Luís de
Published: April 2020

The present work aimed to assess the quality of arabica coffee seedlings produced on different substrates and in various recipients. The work was performed in a randomized block experimental design, using three repetitions, in subdivided parcels, with three parcels, and four sub parcels. The experiment used the cultivar of Coffea arábia “Catuai IAC 44”. The genotype received the following treatments: R1 polyethylene bag, 615 cm³; R2: 280 cm³ tubes; R3: 120 cm³ tubes; S1 conventional substrate composed by a mixture of ravine earth with bovine manure at a 3:1 (v/v) proportion added with a NPK fertilization, recommended for coffee culture; S2 organic leguminous compound, mixture of a leguminous plant (guandu beans, Cajanus cajan) with bovine manure at a 1:1 (v/v) proportion, followed by a 90 days maturation process; S3: organic grass compound, produced by the composting of garden grass chips mixed with bovine manure at 1:1 proportion; and S4: vermicompost derived from the organic decompositions of grasses. The results of this research highlight that substrates and recipients affect the development of the seedlings of arabica coffee, improving the quality indexes of Dickson in the higher volume 615 cm3 recipient and the alternative substrate composed by legume, grass, and vermicompost were efficient to produce Arabica coffee seedlings. This combination of substrate and recipient can substitute the conventional substrate in this phase of the development of the seedlings, providing an increase in the production quality.
Knowledge and Information Need for Prenatal Genetic Screening and Diagnosis and Attitude toward Terminating Pregnancy among Pregnant Women in South Korea
Authors: Jun Myunghee , Shin Gyeyoung , Kim Hye Kyung
Published: April 2020

Purpose: This study identifies correlations among information needs and knowledge about prenatal genetic screening and diagnosis (I-PGSD & K-PGSD), and attitude toward terminating pregnancy (ATP) among pregnant women in South Korea. Methods: A descriptive survey was conducted from January 2013 to April 2014 in South Korea. 222 pregnant women responded to three questionnaires developed by the authors. The questionnaire for I-PGSD consisted of 19 questions; 18 questions for K-PGSD; and 10 questions for ATP. Results: Mean scores were $80.46{pm}11.73$ for I-PGSD; $14.86{pm}3.74$ for K-PGSD; and $33.71{pm}6.13$ for ATP. The ATP score was positively correlated with the I-PGSD and K-PGSD scores, but statistically significant with only I-PGSD (p=.006). I-PGSD scores were higher than average on three genetic syndromes (Down, Patau, and Edwards syndrome), on management after the diagnosis of positive fetal aneuploidy, and on test result interpretation after the amniocentesis and level II fetal ultrasonogram. Conclusions: In light of current legal and moral controversy regarding terminating pregnancy and rapidly advancing prenatal genetic testing technology, more prenatal genetic education for nurses and nursing students who teach pregnant women is needed. In addition, more professional counseling services provided by trained nurses are also required.
The Effect of an Empathy Education Program on Nursing Students' Empathy Ability, Interpersonal Ability, and Caring
Authors: Jeong Jin Ok , Kim Sue
Published: April 2020

Purpose: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effects of an empathy education program for undergraduate nursing students. Methods: The study employed a non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design. A total of 46 nursing students were voluntarily recruited by convenience sampling from senior nursing students from the nursing department of K college in I city, Korea. Participants were divided into two groups, an experimental group of 23 and a control group of 23. The experimental intervention (empathy education program) was conducted from April 19 to May 6, 2016 and consisted of 150-minute sessions, twice a week, for 3 weeks for a total of 15 hours. Results: Participants demonstrated improvements in perspective taking in cognitive empathy, improved empathic concern in emotional empathy, and improved communicative empathy. Analysis of reflective writings identified four theme clusters regarding communicative empathy: improvement of empathic expression, experiencing comfort and healing, improvement of interpersonal relationships, and experience of conflict resolution. Improved interpersonal ability and caring were also identified. Conclusion: The empathy education program improved cognitive, emotional and communicative empathy, and interpersonal skills and care, which are all necessary qualities for nurses.
Anorectal malformation with didelphys uterus: Extremely rare anomaly and successful neoanal sphincter reconstruction with gracilis muscle flap
Authors: Burusapat Chairat , Hongkarnjanakul Natthawoot , Wanichjaroen Nutthapong , Panitwong Sakchai , Sangkaewsuntisuk Jiraporn , Boonya-ussadorn Chinakrit
Published: April 2020

Anorectal malformation or imperforate anus is a congenital anomaly of rectum and anus. Mullerian duct anomalies are abnormal development of uterus, cervix, and vagina. Imperforate anus with double uterus is extremely rare and cannot explain by normal embryologic development. Moreover, guideline in treatment is inconclusive. We report an extremely rare case of a young adult female who presented with recurrent pelvic inflammatory disease caused by rectovaginal fistula in congenital imperforate anus and didelphys uterus, and successfully neoanal reconstruction with gracilis muscle flap. Aims for treatment are closed rectovaginal fistula, and anal sphincter reconstruction. To our best knowledge, the imperforate anus with double uterus is extremely rare anomaly. Furthermore, successfully anal sphincter reconstruction with functional gracilis muscle in the imperforate anus with double uterus has never been reported in English literature.
“Gunpowder painting” of Cai Guo-Qiang: Chinese artistic tradition in the era of postmodernism
Authors: Neglinskaya Marina Aleksandrovna
Published: April 2020

The subject of this research is the art of Cai Guo-Qiang (born in 1957) – the modern Chinese painter who lives and works in China and the United States (New York). The object of this research is the storyline fireworks of Cai and his innovative technique of “gunpowder painting”. The first works of the painter were canvasses in oil painting, and by 1980’s he invented a new “gunpowder” technique, which was first applied in combination with oil on the canvas, and since 1990’s – with ink on the paper, as a version of modern traditional painting guo-hua. His works evolved from social realism to a distinct variation of modern expressionism, as demonstrated the first in Russia retrospective exhibition of the works of Cai Guo-Qiang that took place in the Phuskin State Museum of Fine Arts (“October”, Moscow, 2017). Authors of the exhibition catalogue justifiably note the “cosmopolitan mission” of his art, but leave out of account the traditional context. The proposed methodology, which integrates art and culturological analysis, allows seeing in the works of this prominent modern painter the version of mass art that retains mental and reverse connection with the Chinese tradition. The scientific novelty of the article is defined by the following conclusions: the art of Cai Guo-Qiang is addressed to the international audience, but concords with the traditional paradigm due to Buddhist mentality deeply rooted in the painter’s consciousness. The traditional aspect is his proclivity for harmonization of social environment. This mass art that possesses formal and substantive novelty is associated with the modern international artistic market, as well as market version of “Chinese style” (Chinoiserie) of the XVIII century.
Peculiarities of transformation of Slavic ornaments in the modern packaging of food products
Authors: Iov Marina Vladimirovna , Fedorovskaya Natalia Aleksandrovna
Published: April 2020

Recent decades are characterized by the heightened interest towards the Russian traditional culture. Among the markers of ethnic hue of an art object or a product, special place belongs to the ornament. The article examines the problems of development, transformation and adaptation to modern conditions of the traditional Slavic ornament used in design of packaging. The object of this research is the graphic element placed on the most popular lines of generally accessible food products featured in the chain supermarkets. The choice is substantiated by the general accessibility, mass production of the goods and its wide regional coverage, which ensures maximal interaction with the Russian consumer. It is established that the elements of Slavic ornament are widely used in design of packaging of food products. Preference of manufacturers is given to the elements of Khokhloma and Gzhel painting as most famous and brand-named Russian traditional crafts. The author observes the active search for color, compositional and thematic solutions, which testifies on its inevitable adaptation and transformation of traditional elements, as well as points at their problems in preparation of specialists in the area of design, who at time are not familiar with the semantic-conceptual field of the used ornaments. This leads to the occurrence of associative dissonance in perception of food products and their packaging. Utilization of the traditional ornament in this applied sphere is one of the ways for preservation and development of national culture, which forms an essential associative layer in public consciousness and requires careful application.
Biodegradable Polymers for Biomedical and Tissue Engineering
Authors: Pushpamalar Janarthanan , Paramasivam Ragul , Meganathan Puviarasi , Li Tan Hui , Loh Xian Jun
Published: April 2020

Currently, scientists are on the cutting edge of inventing many novel biomaterials from various sources for selection in tissue engineering and controlled drug delivery systems to improvise the patient surgical and treatment processes. This article focuses on the significant improvements made in the design of natural, biodegradable polymer‐based biomaterials and their applications in biomedical and tissue engineering areas. Polysaccharide and protein‐based hydrogels are suitable for soft and hard biomaterials. The soft biomaterial is made of biodegradable natural or synthetic or in a combination of both polymers that can be utilized for a stipulated time and cleared partly or whole of the system that it treats, enhance the rate of healing or replace tissues or organs. Soft biomaterials fabricated for muscle, ligament, tendon, articular cartilage tissue engineering exhibit valuable properties, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, flexible, renewability, and cheaper. The combination of the polysaccharides and proteins with synthetic biodegradable polymers improved the mechanical strength and when added with inorganic calcium compounds could be exploited in hard tissue engineering, such as bone tissue engineering. The development of biomaterial for scaffolding in tissue engineering using polysaccharides and proteins could lead to the emergence of a new era of safer material to replace the damaged tissues in the body without suffering inflammation. Polysaccharides and proteins are consumed as food, and treating damaged tissue with food‐based biomaterial would not harm the humankind. In the near future, the development of natural polymer‐based biodegradable biomaterials by interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research scientists is highly important.
Efficacy of a Physical Activity Counseling Program With Use of a Wearable Tracker in People With Inflammatory Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Li Linda C. , Feehan Lynne M. , Xie Hui , Lu Na , Shaw Chris , Gromala Diane , Aviña‐Zubieta J. Antonio , Koehn Cheryl , Hoens Alison M. , English Kelly , Tam Johnathan , Therrien Stephanie , Townsend Anne F. , Noonan Greg , Backman Catherine L.
Published: April 2020

Objective

To assess the efficacy of a multifaceted counseling intervention at improving physical activity participation and patient outcomes.

Methods

We recruited people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In weeks 1–8, the immediate group received education and counseling by a physical therapist, used a Fitbit and a web application to obtain feedback about their physical activity, and received 4 follow‐up calls from the physical therapist. The delay group received the same intervention in weeks 10–17. Participants were assessed at baseline and at weeks 9, 18, and 27. The primary outcome was time spent in moderate/vigorous physical activity (MVPA; in bouts of ≥10 minutes) measured with a SenseWear device. Secondary outcomes included step count, time in sedentary behavior, pain, fatigue, mood, self‐management capacity, and habitual behaviors.

Results

A total of 118 participants enrolled. The adjusted mean difference in MVPA was 9.4 minutes/day (95% confidence interval [95% CI] –0.5, 19.3, P = 0.06). A significant effect was found in pain (–2.45 [95% CI –4.78, –0.13], P = 0.04), and perceived walking habit (0.54 [95% CI 0.08, 0.99], P = 0.02). The remaining secondary outcomes improved, but were not statistically significant. Post hoc analysis revealed a significant effect in MVPA (14.3 minutes/day [95% CI 2.3, 26.3]) and pain (–4.05 [95% CI –6.73, –1.36]) in participants with RA, but not in those with SLE.

Conclusion

Counseling by a physical therapist has the potential to improve physical activity in people with inflammatory arthritis, but further study is needed to understand the intervention effect on different diseases. We found a significant improvement in pain, suggesting that the intervention might have a positive effect on symptom management.
Ustekinumab for the Treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis
Authors: Matza Mark A. , Fernandes Ana D. , Stone John H. , Unizony Sebastian H.
Published: April 2020

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ustekinumab (UST) in giant cell arteritis (GCA).

Methods

We conducted a prospective, open‐label trial of UST in patients with active new‐onset or relapsing GCA. Active disease was defined as the presence of GCA symptoms and elevation of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or C‐reactive protein (CRP) level within 6 weeks of baseline. All patients received a 24‐week prednisone taper and subcutaneous UST 90 mg at baseline and at weeks 4, 12, 20, 28, 36, and 44. The primary endpoint, prednisone‐free remission, was defined as the absence of relapse through week 52 and normalization of the ESR and CRP level. Relapse was defined as the recurrence of GCA symptoms requiring treatment intensification. A sensitivity analysis excluding ESR/CRP level normalization from the prednisone‐free remission definition was performed.

Results

The study enrolled 13 patients (target sample size 20). Enrollment was closed prematurely after 7 of the initial 10 patients relapsed. Five patients (39%) had new‐onset disease. The initial prednisone doses were 20 mg (1 patient), 40 mg (9 patients), and 60 mg (3 patients). All patients entered disease remission within 4 weeks of baseline. Only 3 (23%) achieved the primary endpoint. Of the 10 patients (77%) who failed to achieve the primary endpoint, 7 relapsed after a mean period of 23 weeks. The remaining 3 patients met the alternative definition of prednisone‐free remission that did not require ESR/CRP level normalization. One serious adverse event occurred.

Conclusion

UST combined with 24 weeks of prednisone was associated with a high rate of treatment failure in this prospective GCA trial.
Serious Infections in Patients With Gout in the US: A National Study of Incidence, Time Trends, and Outcomes
Authors: Singh Jasvinder A. , Cleveland John D.
Published: April 2020

Objective

To study the epidemiology of serious infections in patients hospitalized with gout.

Methods

We identified patients with gout hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of pneumonia, sepsis/bacteremia, urinary tract infection (UTI), skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), or opportunistic infections (OIs) in a US National Inpatient Sample from 1998 to 2016 and examined factors associated with utilization and mortality.

Results

We noted 1,140,085 hospitalizations of patients with serious infections and gout (11% of all hospitalizations of patients with gout; 1998–2000 [8.9%], 2015–2016 [14.5%]). Compared to patients without gout, patients with gout hospitalized with serious infections were older (median age 65 versus 74 years), more of them had a Charlson–Deyo comorbidity index score ≥2 (42% versus 65%), and fewer were female (53% versus 35%) or non‐White (40% versus 35%), respectively. The most common infection was pneumonia (52%) in 1998–2000 and sepsis (52%) in 2015–2016. Median hospital charges and hospital stays were higher for patients with sepsis and OIs in 2015–2016 ($41,000–$42,000; 5.1–5.5 days) versus those with UTI, pneumonia, or SSTIs ($15,000–$17,000; 3.0–3.9 days). Compared to patients with sepsis, the multivariable‐adjusted odds of health care utilization and in‐hospital mortality were significantly lower for patients with UTI, SSTIs, and pneumonia, and non‐home discharge or in‐hospital mortality were lower in patients with OIs. Among patients hospitalized with infections, older age, Medicaid coverage, a higher Charlson–Deyo comorbidity index score, Black race, and Northeast and nonrural hospital location were associated with significantly higher health care utilization and mortality, while female sex, Medicare insurance, and lower income were associated with higher utilization.

Conclusion

Given an increasing rate of serious infections, especially sepsis and pneumonia, in individuals with gout, development of effective interventions targeting factors associated with health care utilization and mortality will improve outcomes and reduce burden.
Modified 2016 American College of Rheumatology Fibromyalgia Criteria, the Analgesic, Anesthetic, and Addiction Clinical Trial Translations Innovations Opportunities and Networks–American Pain Society Pain Taxonomy, and the Prevalence of Fibromyalgia
Authors: Häuser Winfried , Brähler Elmar , Ablin Jacob , Wolfe Frederick
Published: April 2020

Objective

To study the prevalence of fibromyalgia (FM) in the general population according to a 2016 modification of the American College of Rheumatology criteria (FM 2016) and the Analgesic, Anesthetic, and Addiction Clinical Trial Translations Innovations Opportunities and Networks–American Pain Society pain taxonomy criteria (AAPT), and to compare diagnostic and clinical variables between the criteria sets.

Methods

We studied 2,531 randomly selected subjects from the German general population in 2019. Pain regions from the Michigan Body Map were fitted to the FM 2016 and the AAPT criteria, and criteria symptom items were derived from validated questionnaires assessing somatic and psychological symptom burden and disability. We determined FM criteria prevalence and criteria‐related scales including widespread and multisite pain (MSP) and symptom scales, and measured symptom burden and disability.

Results

According to the FM 2016 criteria, the prevalence of FM was 3.4% (n = 75 subjects; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.7, 4.3) compared with 5.7% (n = 130 subjects; 95% CI 4.8, 6.8) for the AAPT criteria; κ = 0.65. Compared with AAPT‐positive subjects, FM 2016–positive subjects had higher MSP, Widespread Pain Index score, Polysymptomatic Distress Scale scores, Symptom Severity Scores, and psychological symptom burden. Physician‐diagnosed FM was reported by 1.1% of the subjects. Of these, 44.0% met the FM 2016 criteria, and 47.5% met the AAPT criteria.

Conclusion

The prevalence of FM in the German general population is 73% greater using the AAPT criteria than the FM 2016 criteria. The AAPT criteria select individuals with less symptom severity and fewer pain sites. The FM 2016 criteria, but not the AAPT criteria, provide a general severity measure for FM.
Ultrasound‐Guided Biopsy of Suspected Salivary Gland Lymphoma in Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Baer Alan N. , Grader‐Beck Thomas , Antiochos Brendan , Birnbaum Julius , Fradin Joel M.
Published: April 2020

Objective

To evaluate the safety and utility of core needle biopsy (CNB) for diagnosis of salivary gland lymphoma in Sjögren’s syndrome (SS).

Methods

We analyzed data from consecutive SS patients who underwent ultrasound‐guided major salivary gland CNB for lymphoma diagnosis and determined whether CNB yielded an actionable diagnosis without need for further intervention.

Results

CNBs were performed in 24 patients to evaluate discrete parotid (n = 6) or submandibular (n = 2) gland masses or diffuse enlargement (n = 16; 15 parotid). One patient had 3 CNBs of the same mass. Of the 26 CNBs, 24 included flow cytometry, using CNB and/or fine needle aspirate material, and 14 targeted sonographically identified focal lesions. No patient reported complications. In the 23 patients with 1 CNB, final diagnoses were marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT; n = 6), atypical lymphoid infiltration (n = 3), benign lymphoepithelial sialadenitis (n = 9), normal gland tissue (n = 4), and lymphoepithelial cyst (n = 1). In the patient with serial CNBs, the initial one without flow cytometry was benign, but the next 2 showed atypical lymphoid infiltration. Monoclonal lymphoid infiltration was detected in 12 patients: 6 with MALT lymphoma, 3 were benign, and 3 with atypical lymphoid infiltration. Of the latter 3, 1 was treated with rituximab and 2 with expectant observation. The diagnosis changed from atypical lymphoid infiltration to MALT lymphoma in 1 patient following biopsy of inguinal adenopathy 6 months post‐CNB. CNB provided actionable results and avoided open excisional biopsies in all cases.

Conclusion

CNB is safe and useful in the evaluation of suspected salivary gland lymphoma in SS.
Mussel‐inspired polydopamine induced the osteoinductivity to ice‐templating PLGA–gelatin matrix for bone tissue engineering application
Authors: Rezaei Hessam , Shahrezaee Mostafa , Jalali Monfared Marziyeh , Ghorbani Farnaz , Zamanian Ali , Sahebalzamani Mohammadali
Published: April 2020

In this study, poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA)–gelatin scaffolds were fabricated using the freeze‐casting technique. Polydopamine (PDA) coating was applied on the surface of scaffolds to enhance the hydrophilicity, bioactivity, and cellular behavior of the composite constructs. Further, the synergistic effect of PDA coating and lamellar microstructure of scaffolds was evaluated on the promotion of properties. Based on morphological observations, freeze‐casting constructs showed lamellar pore channels while the uniformity and pore size were slightly affected by deposition of PDA. The hydrophilicity and swelling capacity of the scaffolds were assessed using contact angle measurement and phosphate buffered saline absorption ratio. The results indicated a significant increment in water–matrix interactions following surface modification. The evaluation of the biodegradation ratio revealed the higher degree of degradation in PDA‐coated samples owing to the presence of hydrophilic functional groups in the chemical structure of PDA. On the other hand, the bioactivity potential of PDA in the simulated body fluid solution confirmed the possibility of using coated constructs as a bone reconstructive substitute. The improvement of cellular attachment and filopodia formation in PDA‐contained matrixes was the other benefit of the coating process. Furthermore, cellular proliferation and ALP activity were enhanced after PDA coating. The suggested PDA‐coated PLGA–gelatin scaffolds can be applied in bone tissue regeneration.
CRISPR as a tool in tumor therapy: A short review
Authors: Tan Jiaqi , Yu Wen
Published: April 2020

Tumors remain a health concern worldwide, and gene therapy is a useful approach for treating tumors. The Clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) system, an efficient and robust gene‐editing system originating from bacteria, serves as an important tool in gene therapy. In this review, we briefly summarize the usage of CRISPR (including in gene knockout and gene knock‐in applications) and the CRISPRa system in tumor therapy, including its delivery approaches and the general fields in which it has been applied. We summarize the application of the CRISPR system in tumor therapy in two aspects: its application in tumor cell modification and its application in drug engineering. This review also summarizes the advantages and challenges of using the CRISPR system in tumor therapy.
Enzymes for pharmaceutical and therapeutic applications
Authors: Meghwanshi Gautam Kumar , Kaur Navpreet , Verma Swati , Dabi Narendra Kumar , Vashishtha Abhishek , Charan P. D. , Purohit Praveen , Bhandari H.S. , Bhojak N. , Kumar Rajender
Published: April 2020

Enzymes are highly efficient and selective biocatalysts, present in the living beings. They exist in enormous varieties in terms of the types of reactions catalyzed by them for instance oxidation–reduction, group transfers within the molecules or between the molecules, hydrolysis, isomerization, ligation, bond cleavage, and bond formation. Besides, enzyme based catalyses are performed with much higher fidelity, under mild reaction conditions and are highly efficient in terms of number of steps, giving them an edge over their chemical counter parts. The unique characteristics of enzymes makes them highly applicable fora number of chemical transformation reactions in pharmaceutical industries, such as group protection and deprotection, selective acylation and deacylation, selective hydrolysis, deracemization, kinetic resolution of racemic mixtures, esterification, transesterification, and many others. In this review, an overview of the enzymes, their production and their applications in pharmaceutical syntheses and enzyme therapies are presented with diagrams, reaction schemes and table for easy understanding of the readers.
Parameterstudie zum energetischen Einsparpotenzial mit adaptiven Fassadenelementen zur lokalen Heizung
Authors: Flemming Daniela , Zhao Mosha , Harder Nadine , Park Sumee , Leistner Philip
Published: April 2020

Die Arbeitswelt hat sich in den letzten Jahrzehnten stark verändert. Heutzutage werden viele Büros, Besprechungsräume, aber auch andere Räume wie Vorlesungssäle, Unterrichtsräume sowie Hotelzimmer nur noch temporär genutzt. Die thermische Konditionierung orientiert sich jedoch immer noch an stationären Temperatursolllinien. Dies bedeutet, dass eine entsprechende Solltemperatur bereits vor Eintreffen des Nutzers im Raum erreicht sein und über den gesamten Arbeitstag vorgehalten werden muss, unabhängig davon, ob sich tatsächlich ein Nutzer im Raum aufhält. Adaptive Fassaden mit integrierten Heiz‐ bzw. Kühlelementen sind dazu in der Lage, sich verändernden Bedingungen, z. B. aufgrund von temporärer Nutzung eines Arbeitsplatzes, lokal und ohne Zeitverzögerung anzupassen, und so eine optimale Aufenthaltsqualität sicherzustellen. So ist während der Heizperiode ein deutlich niedrigeres Temperaturniveau ausreichend und sobald der Nutzer im Raum eintrifft, können durch Einschalten der lokalen Heizung unverzüglich behagliche Bedingungen hergestellt werden. Dies birgt insbesondere im Ultraleichtbau ein großes Energieeinsparpotenzial in sich. In vorangegangenen Untersuchungen wurde die thermischen Behaglichkeit unter transienten Bedingungen [1] beleuchtet sowie die bauphysikalische Funktionalität und Umweltwirkung einiger Beispiele auf Bauteil‐ sowie auf Raumebene von adaptiven Leichtbaukonstruktionen [2, 3] behandelt. Aufbauend auf diesen Erkenntnissen wurden Szenarien für den Betrieb von adaptiven Fassadenelementen mit lokalen Heizsystemen entwickelt. Im hier vorliegenden Beitrag wird nun das energetische Einsparpotenzial der lokalen Systeme gegenüber der konventionellen Raumheizung betrachtet.
Biotechnological Production of Flavonoids: An Update on Plant Metabolic Engineering, Microbial Host Selection, and Genetically Encoded Biosensors
Authors: Marsafari Monireh , Samizadeh Habibollah , Rabiei Babak , Mehrabi AliAshraf , Koffas Mattheos , Xu Peng
Published: April 2020

Flavonoids represent a diversified family of phenylpropanoid‐derived plant secondary metabolites. They are widely found in fruits, vegetables, and medicinal herbs. There has been increasing interest on flavonoids because of their proven bioactivity associated with anti‐obesity and anti‐cancer, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐diabetic activity. Low bioavailability of flavonoids is a major challenge restricting their applications. Due to safety and economic issues, plant extraction or chemical synthesis could not provide a scalable route for large‐scale production. Alternatively, reconstruction of biosynthetic gene clusters in plants and industrially relevant microbes offer significant promise for discovery and scalable synthesis of flavonoids. This review provides an update on biotechnological production of flavonoids. The recent advances on plant metabolic engineering, microbial host, and genetically encoded biosensors are summarized. Plant metabolic engineering holds the promise to improve the yield of specific flavonoids and expand the chemical space of novel flavonoids. The choice of microbial host provides the cellular chassis that could be tailored for various stereo‐ or regio‐selective chemistries that are crucial for their bioactivities. When coupled with transcriptional biosensing, genetically encoded biosensors could be welded into cellular metabolism to achieve high throughput screening or dynamic carbon flux re‐allocation to deliver efficient microbial workhorse. The convergence of these technologies will translate the vast majority of plant genetic resources into valuable flavonoids with pharmaceutical/nutraceutical values in the foreseeable future.
LncRNA SNHG3 sponges miR‐577 to up‐regulate SMURF1 expression in prostate cancer
Authors: Li Teng , Xing Yi , Yang Fan , Sun Yangyang , Zhang Shaojin , Wang Qingwei , Zhang Weixing
Published: April 2020

Prostate cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers and the main causes of cancer‐related deaths in males. Various articles introduced that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are found in vital functions in the development and progression of cancers. Although SNHG3 (small nucleolar RNA host gene 3) has been investigated in many cancers, now researches on the role and mechanism of SNHG3 in prostate cancer are lacked. In this work, SNHG3 exerted high expression in prostate cancer cell lines. Suppression of SNHG3 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, EMT (epithelial‐mesenchymal transition) process and promoted cell apoptosis. Additionally, it was found that SNHG3 could bind with miR‐577. Subsequently, SMURF1 (Smad ubiquitination regulatory factor 1) was identified as a downstream target of miR‐577 and had a negative correlation with miR‐577. SNHG3 was found to positively regulate SMURF1 expression. Furthermore, rescue assays demonstrated that co‐transfection of pcDNA3.1/SMURF1 reversed the effects of SNHG3 knockdown in cell proliferation, migration, EMT process and cell apoptosis. SNHG3 also promoted tumorigenesis in vivo. All the results above explained that SNHG3 accelerated prostate cancer progression by sponging miR‐577 to up‐regulate SMURF1 expression, suggesting that SNHG3 may act as a biomarker for prostate cancer patients.
Proteomic profiling of FBXW7‐mutant serous endometrial cancer cells reveals upregulation of PADI2, a potential therapeutic target
Authors: Urick Mary Ellen , Bell Daphne W.
Published: April 2020

Background

Despite advancements over the past decade revealing molecular aberrations characteristic of endometrial cancer (EC) subtypes, serous ECs remain difficult to treat and associated with poor outcomes. This is due, in part, to the rarity of these tumors within clinical trials and the inability to directly target the most frequent genomic abnormalities. One of the most commonly somatically mutated genes in serous ECs is the tumor suppressor F‐box and WD repeat domain containing 7 (FBXW7).

Methods

To identify changes in protein expression associated with FBXW7 mutation, we clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)‐edited ARK4 FBXW7 nonmutant serous EC cells to insert recurrent FBXW7 mutations. We then compared the liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry‐based proteomic profiles of CRISPR‐edited ARK1 and ARK4 serous EC cells to matched parental cells.

Results

Among distinct total and phosphorylated proteins that were significantly differentially expressed in FBXW7‐mutant cell lines compared to matched parental lines, we identified increased PADI2 (peptidyl arginine deiminase 2) expression in all ARK1 and ARK4 CRISPR‐edited FBXW7‐mutant cell lines. We further confirmed the correlation between FBXW7 mutation and increased PADI2 expression in a third biological background, JHUEM‐1 endometrioid EC cells. Finally, we established that PADI2 protein is expressed in primary serous endometrial tumors.

Conclusion

Our findings provide novel insight into proteomic changes associated with FBXW7 mutation in serous ECs and identify PADI2 as a novel potential therapeutic target for these tumors.
Metformin revert insulin‐induced oxaliplatin resistance by activating mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in human colon cancer HCT116 cells
Authors: Liu Chao , Liu Qianqian , Yan Aiwen , Chang Hui , Ding Yuyin , Tao Junye , Qiao Chen
Published: April 2020

Background

Several studies have suggested that drug resistance in colon cancer patients with diabetes may be associated with long‐term insulin administration, which in turn decreases the survival rate. Metformin is a commonly used drug to treat diabetes but has been recently demonstrated to have a potential therapeutic effect on colon cancer. This study aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanism by which metformin reverts insulin‐induced oxaliplatin resistance in human colon cancer HCT116 cells.

Methods

Two colon cancer cell lines (HCT116 and LoVo) were used to verify whether the expression of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS‐1) could impact the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of oxaliplatin after chronic insulin treatment. The IC50 of oxaliplatin in both cell lines was measured to identify metformin sensitization to oxaliplatin. The adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor, namely AMPK small interfering RNA, was used to block AMPK activation to identify critical proteins in the AMPK/Erk signaling pathway. Bcl‐2 is a vital antiapoptotic protein involved in the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Finally, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy were performed to investigate how metformin affects the ultrastructural integrity of mitochondria.

Results

The IC50 of oxaliplatin in HCT116 cells was noticeably increased. After the cells were treated with metformin, oxaliplatin resistance was reversed. According to the results of the western blotting assay of vital proteins involved in the classical apoptosis pathway, cleaved caspase‐9 was noticeably upregulated, suggesting that the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway was activated. These results were verified by imaging of mitochondria using electron microscopy. The AMPK/Erk signaling pathway experiments revealed that the upregulation of Bcl‐2 induced by insulin through Erk phosphorylation was inhibited by metformin and that such inhibition could be mitigated by the inhibition of AMPK.

Conclusions

Insulin‐induced oxaliplatin resistance was reversed by metformin‐mediated AMPK activation. Accordingly, metformin is likely to sensitize patients with diabetes to chemotherapeutic drugs used to treat colon cancer.
WWP2 ameliorates acute kidney injury by mediating p53 ubiquitylation and degradation
Authors: Che Hong , He Weilai , Feng Junbo , Dong Wenpeng , Liu Shandong , Chen Tao , Ge Shenglin , Zhou Jun , Liang Chaozhao
Published: April 2020

E3 ubiquitin ligase gene, WWP2, is associated with acute kidney injury (AKI). This research was conducted to explore the role of WWP2 in AKI. AKI cell model was produced in human renal proximal tubular epithelial cell line (HK‐2) by ischemia‐reperfusion (IR) injury. CCK8 and flow cytometry assay were performed to explore the influence of WWP2 overexpression on cell proliferation and apoptosis of IR‐induced HK‐2 cells. Quantitative real‐time PCR and immunoblotting (IB) were performed to assess the gene and protein expression. Then, the influence of WWP2 on p53 ubiquitylation and degradation was estimated by immunoprecipitation assay. Our data indicated that WWP2 was down‐regulated and p53 was up‐regulated in IR‐induced HK‐2 cells. WWP2 overexpression promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of IR‐induced HK‐2 cells. And WWP2 interacted with p53 and regulated p53 ubiquitylation and degradation. Furthermore, the influence of WWP2 on cell proliferation and apoptosis was rescued by MG132 (proteasome inhibitor) treatment. In conclusion, our work described for the first time the role of WWP2 in AKI, showing that WWP2 ameliorated AKI by mediating p53 ubiquitylation and degradation. Moreover, the study offers some important insights into the occurrence of AKI and WWP2 may be a novel target of AKI treatment.

Significance of the study

Our data elaborates that WWP2 has protective effect against AKI by mediating p53 ubiquitylation and degradation. Thus, WWP2 might be a therapeutic target for AKI.
Encrypting Chemical Reactivity in Protein Sequences towardInformation‐CodedReactions†
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhang Wen‐Bin
Published: April 2020

Controlling chemical reactivity has been the central theme in chemistry. Herein, we review the recent progress on the development of genetically encoded protein coupling reactions and their potential applications. The chemical reactivity is encoded in the protein sequences. The information is read out by folding and molecular recognition between two reactive components and subsequently translated into chemical bondingviaautocatalysis. It has emerged as a unique way to tune the chemical reactivity and is regarded as one type of information‐coded reactions. Not only has it received many applications such as protein topology engineering, bioconjugation, biomaterials and synthetic biology, but also its principle may be extended beyond protein chemistry to enable new modes of supramolecular interactions that promote chemical bonding and that are simultaneously reinforced by covalent bonds.
Water‐Soluble Three‐Dimensional Polymers: Non‐Covalent and Covalent Synthesis and Functions†
Authors: Yang Bo , Wang Hui , Zhang Dan‐Wei , Li Zhan‐Ting
Published: April 2020

Water‐soluble three‐dimensional (3D) polymers are structurally ideal for the construction of ordered porous materials for in‐situ and tunable loading and release of guests. For many years, studies on ordered porous materials have been confined to crystalline solids. Since 2014, self‐assembly has been developed as a robust strategy for the preparation of water‐soluble 3D polymers that possess defined and intrinsic porosity. Through the encapsulation of cucurbit[8]uril for aromatic dimers, ordered diamondoid supramolecular organic frameworks can be assembled from tetrahedral monomers. With [Ru(bipy)3]2+‐derived octahedral complexes as precursors, cubic supramolecular metal‐organic frameworks have been assembled. One supramolecular organic framework has also been utilized to prepare the first homogeneous covalent organic framework through the [2+2] alkene cycloaddition, whereas the quantitative formation of the hydrazone bonds can be utilized to synthesize flexible porous organic frameworks. The new water‐soluble ordered and flexible polymeric frameworks are able to include drugs and biomacromolecules to accomplish in situ loading and intracellular delivery and to enrich photosensitizers and catalysts to enhance discrete visible light‐induced reactions. This review highlights the advances.
Stacking of Exfoliated Two‐Dimensional Materials: A Review
Authors: Hu Zhen , Liu Zhi‐Bo , Tian Jian‐Guo
Published: April 2020

In recent years, two‐dimensional (2D) atomic crystals represented by graphene have opened up new fields of 2D physics. Layered materials with atomic layer thickness are self‐assembled into van der Waals heterostructures by weak van der Waals forces without considering lattice matching. Van der Waals heterostructures can not only enhance the performance of its constituent materials but also show new characteristics. High‐quality heterostructures require mechanically cleaved intrinsic 2D materials and flexible 2D material stacking techniques. Here, we summarize in detail the reliable exfoliation methods for large‐area single‐layer 2D materials and the dry and wet stacking techniques with high success rates. The twisted bilayer graphene is used as an example to briefly introduce the single‐crystal tearing method, which is currently the most practical method for preparing isotropic twisted heterostructures with high‐precision rotation angles. We hope to provide a valuable reference for researchers of 2D materials.
Genetically Encoded Click Chemistry†
Authors: Sun Fei , Zhang Wen‐Bin
Published: April 2020

Genetically encoded click chemistry (GECC) refers to a category of peptide/protein reactions that can spontaneously form covalent linkages with high efficiency and selectivity under mild physiological conditions. The emergence of powerful SpyTag/SpyCatcher chemistry, a prototype of GECC, has opened the door to new fields such as in cellulo protein topology engineering and design of synthetic organelles. The continuing developments of GECC will surely provide great opportunities for future materials science and synthetic biology and open up a new avenue to information‐coded chemical reactions.