bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hand selection for role‐differentiated bimanual manipulation in a beading task: An assessment of typically developing children
Authors: Scharoun Benson Sara M. , Bryden Pamela J.
Published: June 2019

Role‐differentiated bimanual manipulation (RDBM) is observed in many daily tasks. The preferred hand manipulates the object, whereas the nonpreferred hand stabilizes it. In this study, RDBM was assessed in 3‐ to 12‐year‐olds and young adults with a beading task. The number of trials where participants selected the preferred hand to grasp the thread and the number of hand switches (from thread to bead, or vice versa) in each trial (two beads/trial, six trials total) were recorded. No differences in the number of trials where the preferred hand was selected to grasp the thread emerged; however, 5‐ to 6‐ and 7‐ to 9‐year‐olds displayed fewer hand switches than all other participants. Findings are attributed to differences in beading strategies between 3‐ to 4‐, 5‐ to 9‐, and 10‐ to 12‐year‐olds that likely reflect changes in the development of handedness and control strategies. Future work with kinematic measures is recommended to discern developmental changes in bimanual control.

Highlights

Hand selection patterns of typically developing 3‐ to 12‐year‐olds and young adults were assessed in beading.

No differences in hand selection emerged; however, differences in the number of hand switches were found in 5‐ to 6‐ and 7‐ to 9‐year‐olds.

Findings are attributed to differences in beading strategies between 3‐ to 4‐, 5‐ to 9‐, and 10‐ to 12‐year‐olds that likely reflect changes in the development of handedness, and control strategies.
Challenges and opportunities of using DHIS2 to strengthen health information systems in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: A regional approach
Authors: Sahay Sundeep , Rashidian Arash , Doctor Henry V.
Published: June 2019

Globally, there is acceptance of the role of strengthened health information system (HIS) to inform evidence‐based decision‐making and improve health services delivery. Within the context of increasing demands to generate data of high quality for monitoring progress towards SDGs, we review challenges and approaches in adopting a regional‐based approach to strengthen HIS within the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region and its 22 member states. The HIS situation in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region is mixed: While some countries have developed robust HIS, others lag behind on both technological and institutional dimensions. Technically, most countries have not capitalized on the benefits of ICT advancements such as the internet, cloud, and mobile computing. As a result, systems remain manual or standalone; and data are not shareable. Institutionally, systems are broadly fragmented, with non‐standardized data, weak human resources capacity, and limited evidence of data being used to inform action. In order to consolidate efforts to enhance HISs, we recommend leveraging upon innovative information and communication technology (ICT) solutions for data capturing, processing, analysis, and reporting at either the individual or aggregate levels. Countries need to develop similar such processes in their contexts, while ensuring that they learn and build upon from their neighbors—building network of networks.
MicroRNA‐33b regulates sensitivity to daunorubicin in acute myelocytic leukemia by regulating eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A‐2
Authors: Liu Yanhui , Lei Pingchong , Qiao Hong , Sun Kai , Lu Xiling , Bao Fengchang , Yu Runhong , Lian Cheng , Li Yao , Chen Wei , Xue Fei
Published: June 2019

In this study, we aimed to study the effect of miR‐33b in regulating sensitivity to daunorubicin (DNR) in acute myelocytic leukemia (AML). We used quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay to detect the level of miR‐33b and cell viability. Cell apoptosis and the expression of eIF5A‐2 and MCL‐1 protein were detected by flow cytometry analysis and Western Blot analysis, respectively. MiR‐33b mimic increased sensitivity of AML cells against DNR, while miR‐33b inhibitor had the opposite effect. Furthermore, the results showed that the eIF5A‐2 gene was a direct target of miR‐33b, and miR‐33b regulated eIF5A‐2 mRNA and protein expression. Silencing of eIF5A‐2 by RNA interference increased the sensitivity of AML cells against DNR. We also found that MCL‐1 contributed to the regulation of DNR sensitivity, which was dependent on downregulation of eIF5A‐2. Finally, knockdown of eIF5A‐2 eliminated the effects of miRNA‐33b mimic or inhibitor on DNR sensitivity. These findings indicate that miR‐33b maybe as a new therapeutic target in AML cells.
The heat shock protein 70 inhibitor VER155008 suppresses the expression of HSP27, HOP and HSP90β and the androgen receptor, induces apoptosis, and attenuates prostate cancer cell growth
Authors: Brünnert Daniela , Langer Clara , Zimmermann Luise , Bargou Ralf C. , Burchardt Martin , Chatterjee Manik , Stope Matthias B.
Published: June 2019

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are molecular chaperones that play a pivotal role in correct folding, stabilization and intracellular transport of many client proteins including those involved in oncogenesis. HSP70, which is frequently overexpressed in prostate cancer (PCa), has been shown to critically contribute to tumor cell survival, and might therefore represent a potential therapeutic target. We treated both the androgen receptor (AR)‐positive LNCaP and the AR‐negative PC‐3 cell lines with the pharmacologic HSP70 inhibitor VER155008. Although we observed antiproliferative effects and induction of apoptosis upon HSP70 inhibition, the apoptotic effect was more pronounced in AR‐positive LNCaP cells. In addition, VER155008 treatment induced G1 cell cycle arrest in LNCaP cells and decreased AR expression. Further analysis of the HSP system by Western blot analysis revealed that expression of HSP27, HOP and HSP90β was significantly inhibited by VER155008 treatment, whereas the HSP40, HSP60, and HSP90α expression remained unchanged. Taken together, VER155008 might serve as a novel therapeutic option in PCa patients independent of the AR expression status.
circRNA_0058097 promotes tension‐induced degeneration of endplate chondrocytes by regulating HDAC4 expression through sponge adsorption of miR‐365a‐5p
Authors: Xiao Liang , Ding Baiyang , Xu Shujuan , Gao Jianming , Yang Bijing , Wang Jing , Xu Hongguang
Published: June 2019

Excessive mechanical tension can lead to the degeneration of endplate chondrocytes. The presence of tension‐sensitive circRNA_0058097 molecules has been detected in human endplate chondrocytes, where it was found to be a potential competing endogenous RNA. Indeed, inhibiting the expression of circRNA_0058097 effectively enhanced the stress resistance of endplate chondrocytes, suggesting that it may be an important trigger point for the degeneration of endplate cartilage. Through a series of experiments, we reveal that circRNA_0058097 can upregulate the expression of downstream target gene histone deacetylase 4 by sponge adsorption of miR‐365a‐5p, which promoted morphological changes of endplate chondrocytes, and increased extracellular matrix degradation and degeneration of endplate cartilage. Therefore, circRNA_0058097 may provide a new way to prevent and treat endplate cartilage degeneration.
Supramolecular gold(I) compounds with trithiocyanuric acid: Self‐assembly and luminescent properties
Authors: Tzeng Biing‐Chiau , Chiu Hsiu‐Hui , Chang Jia‐Hen , Lee Gene‐Hsiang
Published: June 2019

[(N3S3)Au(AuPMe3)2]2 (1) and [(N3S3)Au(AuPEt3)2]2 (2) were prepared by treating AuCl(PMe3) or AuCl(PEt3) with H3N3S3 upon deprotonation by trimethylamine to give respective Au6 supermolecules. Using dppm(AuCl)2 instead of AuCl(PMe3) or AuCl(PEt3) to react with H3N3S3 in a similar reaction condition led to a rare heptanuclear supermolecule of [(N3S3)2Au7(dppm)4]Cl (3). It is noted that besides short intramolecular gold(I)⋯gold(I) distances, both compounds 1 and 2 also show intermolecular gold(I)⋯gold(I) distances of 3.067(1) and 3.241(1) Å, resulting in two‐dimensional and one‐dimensional polymeric gold(I) solid, respectively. In fact, compound 1 shows a similar two‐dimensional polymeric gold(I) solid to that of the reported [(N3S3)Au(AuPPhMe2)2]2 with an intermolecular gold(I)⋯gold(I) distance of 3.130(2) Å. Significantly, these intermolecular gold(I)⋯gold(I) distances are well correlated with their cone angles and emission energies. For example, intermolecular gold(I)⋯gold(I) distances increase in the order of 3.067(1) Å < 3.130(2) Å < 3.241(1) Å for PMe3 (118°), PPhMe2 (122°), and PEt3 (132°), and their emission energies also increase in the order of 542 nm < 530 nm < 504 nm, respectively. This work highlights a very good correlation between intermolecular aurophilic interactions and emission energies for a series of Au6 supermolecules, where the cone angle plays a vital role in the self‐assembly process as well. Finally, the emissions for 1–3 are tentatively assigned to the S → Au charge‐transfer transition, whereas they are most probably modified by gold(I)⋯gold(I) interactions.
Retracted: LncRNA HAND2‐AS1 exerts anti‐oncogenic effects on ovarian cancer via restoration of BCL2L11 as a sponge of microRNA‐340‐5p
Authors: Chen Jun , Lin Yang , Jia Yan , Xu Tianmin , Wu Fuju , Jin Yuemei
Published: June 2019

In the early stage of ovarian cancer (OC), molecular biomarkers are critical for its diagnosis and treatment. Nevertheless, there is little research on the mechanism underlying tumorigenesis in OC. Herein, we aimed to explore whether long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) HAND2‐AS1 participated in the regulation of the cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of OC by regulating B‐cell lymphoma 2 like 11 (BCL2L11) and microRNA‐340‐5p (miR‐340‐5p). Differentially expressed lncRNAs in OC were screened by microarray‐based analysis. HAND2‐AS1, BCL2L11, and miR‐340‐5p expression was assessed in normal ovarian and OC tissues and human OC cell lines. Then, the relationships among HAND2‐AS1, BCL2L11, and miR‐340‐5p were explored. Ectopic expression and depletion experiments were applied to analyze the effects of HAND2‐AS1, miR‐340‐5p and BCL2L11 on migration, invasion, and proliferation of OC cells, as well as apoptosis. Lastly, the tumor xenograft in nude mice was conducted to test the tumorigenesis in vivo. In silico analysis displayed poor expression of HAND2‐AS1 in OC. HAND2‐AS1 specifically sponged with miR‐340‐5p which was found to directly target BCL2L11. Importantly, HAND2‐AS1 or BCL2L11 overexpression or miR‐340‐5p downregulation resulted in reduction of cell invasion and migration, together with decrease of cell proliferation and increase of cell apoptosis in OC. Besides, high‐expressed HAND2‐AS1 inhibited the tumorigenesis in nude mice. To sum up, these data suggests HAND2‐AS1 as an anti‐oncogene in OC through upregulation of BCL2L11 by competitively binding to miR‐340‐5p, which demonstrates that there are potential diagnosis and therapy values of HAND2‐AS1 in OC.
The novel non‐immunological role and underlying mechanisms of B7‐H3 in tumorigenesis
Authors: Zhou Xiangqi , Ouyang Shuhui , Li Jianjun , Huang Xin , Ai Xiaohong , Zeng Yixin , Lv Yuncheng , Cai Manbo
Published: June 2019

B7 homolog 3 (B7‐H3) has been proven to be involved in tumorigenesis. An elucidation of its role and underlying mechanisms is essential to an understanding of tumorigenesis and the development of effective clinical applications. B7‐H3 is abnormally overexpressed in many types of cancer and is generally associated with a poor clinical prognosis. B7‐H3 inhibits the initiation of the "caspase cascade" by the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription pathway to resist tumor cell apoptosis. B7‐H3 accelerates malignant proliferation by attacking the checkpoint mechanism of the tumor cell cycle through the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase and protein kinase B pathway. B7‐H3 reprograms the metabolism of glucose and lipids and transforms the metabolic flux of tumor cells to promote tumorigenesis. B7‐H3 induces abnormal angiogenesis by recruiting vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase to tumor lesions. B7‐H3 strongly promotes tumorigenesis through antiapoptotic, pro‐proliferation, metabolism reprogramming, and pro‐angiogenesis.
Long noncoding RNA MAGI1‐IT1 regulates cardiac hypertrophy by modulating miR‐302e/DKK1/Wnt/beta‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Qinghua , Wang Fengshuang , Wang Fenghua , Wu Naishi
Published: June 2019

Cardiac hypertrophy (CH) is an adaptive cardiac response to overload whose decompensation eventually leads to heart failure or sudden death. Recently, accumulating studies have indicated the implication of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in CH progression. MAGI1‐IT1 is a newly‐identified lncRNA that is highly associated with CH, while its specific role in CH progression remains masked. In this study, we uncovered that MAGI1‐IT1 was distinctly downregulated in angiotensin (Ang) II‐induced hypertrophic H9c2 cells. Also, MAGI1‐IT1 overexpression in Ang II‐treated H9c2 cells strikingly abolished the enlarged surface area and the enhanced levels of hypertrophic markers such as ANP, BNP, and β‐MHC. Mechanically, we found MAGI1‐IT1 sponged miR‐302e which was identified as a hypertrophy‐facilitator here, and that miR‐302e upregulation countervailed the inhibition of MAGI1‐IT1 overexpression on hypertrophic cells. Moreover, it was confirmed that MAGI1‐IT1 boosted DKK1 expression by absorbing miR‐302e. Subsequently, we also illustrated that MAGI1‐IT1 inactivated Wnt/beta‐catenin signaling through a DKK1‐dependent pathway. Finally, both the DKK1 inhibition and LiCI (Wnt activator) supplement abrogated the hypertrophy‐suppressive impact of MAGI1‐IT1 on Ang II‐simulated hypertrophic H9c2 cells. Jointly, our findings disclosed that MAGI1‐IT1 functioned as a negative regulator in CH through inactivating Wnt/beta‐catenin pathway via targeting miR‐302e/DKK1 axis, revealing a novel road for CH treatment.
Mice with myocyte deletion of vitamin D receptor have sarcopenia and impaired muscle function
Authors: Girgis Christian M. , Cha Kuan Minn , So Benjamin , Tsang Michael , Chen Jennifer , Houweling Peter J. , Schindeler Aaron , Stokes Rebecca , Swarbrick Michael M. , Evesson Frances J. , Cooper Sandra T. , Gunton Jenny E.
Published: June 2019

Background

It has long been recognized that vitamin D deficiency is associated with muscle weakness and falls. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is present at very low levels in normal muscle. Whether vitamin D plays a direct role in muscle function is unknown and is a subject of hot debate. Myocyte‐specific deletion of VDR would provide a strategy to answer this question.

Methods

Myocyte‐specific vitamin D receptor (mVDR) null mice were generated by crossing human skeletal actin‐Cre mice with floxed VDR mice. The effects of gene deletion on the muscle phenotype were studied in terms of body tissue composition, muscle tissue histology, and gene expression by real‐time PCR.

Results

Unlike whole‐body VDR knockout mice, mVDR mice showed a normal body size. The mVDR showed a distinct muscle phenotype featuring reduced proportional lean mass (70% vs. 78% of lean mass), reduced voluntary wheel‐running distance (22% decrease, P = 0.009), reduced average running speed, and reduced grip strength (7–16% reduction depending on age at testing). With their decreased voluntary exercise, and decreased lean mass, mVDR have increased proportional fat mass at 20% compared with 13%.

Surprisingly, their muscle fibres showed slightly increased diameter, as well as the presence of angular fibres and central nuclei suggesting ongoing remodelling. There were, however, no clear changes in fibre type and there was no increase in muscle fibrosis. VDR is a transcriptional regulator, and changes in the expression of candidate genes was examined in RNA extracted from skeletal muscle. Alterations were seen in myogenic gene expression, and there was decreased expression of cell cycle genes cyclin D1, D2, and D3 and cyclin‐dependent kinases Cdk‐2 and Cdk‐4. Expression of calcium handling genes sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPases (SERCA) Serca2b and Serca3 was decreased and Calbindin mRNA was lower in mVDR muscle.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that vitamin D signalling is needed for myocyte function. Despite the low level of VDR protein normally found muscle, deleting myocyte VDR had important effects on muscle size and strength. Maintenance of normal vitamin D signalling is a useful strategy to prevent loss of muscle function and size.
Descriptive studies on the tongue of two micro‐mammals inhabiting the Egyptian fauna; the Nile grass rat (Arvicanthis niloticus) and the Egyptian long‐eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus)
Authors: Massoud Diaa , Abumandour Mohamed M. A.
Published: June 2019

The current study aimed to describe the anatomical features of the tongues of two micro‐mammals common in the Egyptian fauna; the Nile grass rat (Arvicathis niloticus), and the Egyptian long‐eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus). The tongues of five adult individuals of each species were excised and processed histologically, histochemically, and morphometrically. Statistical analysis comparing the relative tongue length in both species showed that there was a significant difference, which may correlate with the difference in feeding preferences. Grossly, the Nile grass rat has a dorsal lingual prominence with bifurcated apex while, the long‐eared hedgehog has a median slight elevation with rounded apex. Numerous forms of mechanical and gustatory papillae are scattered along the lingual dorsal epithelium. The histochemical detection of keratin by Holland's trichrome stain showed an intense expression in the case of A. niloticus and mild expression in H. auritus. The framework of the tongue (entoglossum) is supported by either a core of cartilage in H. auritus or bone in A. niloticus which incorporated in the lingual root. The lingual glands also showed marked variation, the Nile grass rat exhibit dense populations of mucous‐secreting glands and lesser populations of serous‐secreting glands, the contrary is true in H. auritus. In conclusion, the micro and macro‐anatomical features of the tongues of both species showed adaptive changes to accommodate the feeding lifestyle. Such type of studies using mammals from different phylogenetic traits and almost have different feeding preferences provide answers to many research questions related to tongue evolution among mammalian vertebrates.
Widespread changes in sexual behaviour in eastern and southern Africa: Challenges to achieving global HIV targets? Longitudinal analyses of nationally representative surveys
Authors: Schaefer Robin , Gregson Simon , Benedikt Clemens
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Sexual behaviour change contributed to reductions in HIV incidence in eastern and southern Africa between 1990 and 2010. More recently, there are indications that non‐regular partnerships have increased. However, the effect of these increases on population‐level risks for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections could have been reduced by simultaneous increases in condom use. We describe recent trends in sexual behaviour and condom use within the region and assess their combined effects on population levels of sexual risk.

Methods

Nationally representative Demographic and Health Survey data on sexually active males and females (15 to 49 years) were used for 11 eastern and southern African countries (≥3 surveys for each country; 1999 to 2016) to describe trends in sexual behaviour (multiple, non‐regular, and casual sexual partnerships; condom use; age at first sex). Logistic regressions tested for statistical significance of changes. Analyses were stratified by sex.

Results

Recent increases in multiple, non‐regular, and/or casual partnerships can be found for males in 10 countries and, for females, in nine countries; five countries exhibited recent decreases in age of sexual debut. Reduction in sex without condoms with non‐regular partners was observed in six countries for males and eight for females. Changes in the proportion of the overall population reporting condomless sex with non‐regular partners varied between countries, with declines in six countries and increases in three.

Conclusions

Extensive change in sexual behaviour occurred across eastern and southern Africa during the period of scale‐up of antiretroviral therapy programmes. This includes increasing multiple and non‐regular partnerships, but their potential effects on population‐level sexual risks were often offset by parallel increases in condom use. Strengthening condom programmes and reintegrating communication about behavioural dimensions into combination prevention programmes could help countries to meet international targets for reductions in HIV incidence.
The effectiveness of correcting abnormal metabolic profiles
Authors: Clayton Peter Theodore
Published: June 2019

Inborn errors of metabolism cause disease because of accumulation of a metabolite before the blocked step or deficiency of an essential metabolite downstream of the block. Treatments can be directed at reducing the levels of a toxic metabolite or correcting a metabolite deficiency. Many disorders have been treated successfully first in a single patient because we can measure the metabolites and adjust treatment to get them as close as possible to the normal range. Examples are drawn from Komrower's description of treatment of homocystinuria and the author's trials of treatment in bile acid synthesis disorders (3β‐hydroxy‐Δ5‐C27‐steroid dehydrogenase deficiency and Δ4‐3‐oxosteroid 5β‐reductase deficiency), neurotransmitter amine disorders (aromatic L‐amino acid decarboxylase [AADC] and tyrosine hydroxylase deficiencies), and vitamin B6 disorders (pyridox(am)ine phosphate oxidase deficiency and pyridoxine‐dependent epilepsy [ALDH7A1 deficiency]). Sometimes follow‐up shows there are milder and more severe forms of the disease and even variable clinical manifestations but by measuring the metabolites we can adjust the treatment to get the metabolites into the normal range. Biochemical measurements are not subject to placebo effects and will also show if the disorder is improving spontaneously. The hypothesis that can then be tested for clinical outcome is whether getting metabolite(s) into a target range leads to an improvement in an outcome parameter such as abnormal liver function tests, hypokinesia, epilepsy control etc. The metabolite‐guided approach to treatment is an example of personalized medicine and is a better way of determining efficacy for disorders of variable severity than a randomized controlled clinical trial.
Residue behaviours, dissipation kinetics and dietary risk assessment of pyaclostrobin, cyazofamid and its metabolite in grape
Authors: Pang Nannan , Dou Xinyu , Hu Jiye
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Grape is an important fruit consumed either fresh or processed, therefore, fungicide misuse of grape has become an issue of global food safety and human health. Pyraclostrobin, and cyazofamid have been applied to grape frequently.

RESULTS

Here a simple QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) liquid chromatography mass spectrometry technique has been developed and validated for the determination of pyraclostrobin, cyazofamid and its metabolite CCIM in open field grape samples. The recoveries of these three in the range of 0.01 to 5 mg kg−1 (n = 5) ranged from 73.1% to 97.9%. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) were below 12% for all cases. The limits of quantitation of each analyte was 0.005 mg kg−1, which was lower than maximum residue limits of not only pyraclostrobin but also cyazofamid. Not only dissipation kinetics but also residue determination was obtained in grape for those three pesticides. Furthermore, their half‐lives in grapes were 10.7–30.1 days, recommending the pre‐harvest intervals for these three of 14 days. The calculated hazard quotient and acute hazard index lower than 100% illustrated the safety of intake of grape for the Chinese population for not only long‐term but also short‐term dietary risk assessment.

CONSLUSIONS

The less than 30 day half‐life illustrated that pyraclostrobin and cyazofamid could degrade relatively easily in the environment. The long‐term and short‐term dietary risk assessment also illustrated the intake safety of these three. Thus, a 14 day pre‐harvest interval was safe and recommended. The results of this study contributed to environmental protection, food safety and human health. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Fruits of wild and semi‐domesticated Diospyros tree species have contrasting phenological, metabolic, and antioxidant activity profiles
Authors: Ramírez‐Briones Ernesto , Rodríguez Macías Ramón , Casarrubias Castillo Kena , del Río Rosa E , Martínez‐Gallardo Norma , Tiessen Axel , Ordaz‐Ortiz José , Cervantes‐Hernández Felipe , Délano‐Frier John Paul , Zañudo‐Hernández Julia
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

In contrast to commercial Diospyros species, Mesoamerican fruit‐producing species are scarcely known, particularly wild species that might harbor desirable traits suitable for breeding. Thus, metabolomic, chemical, and antioxidant profiles of fruits harvested from cultivated Diospyros digyna and wild Diospyros rekoi trees during consecutive winter seasons were obtained. Fruits were harvested in habitats having marked differences in soil quality, climate, and luminosity.

RESULTS

D. digyna fruits were larger and less acid than D. rekoi fruits, whereas antioxidant activity tended to be higher in D. rekoi fruits. Phenolic, flavonoid, and sugar contents also varied significantly between species. Metabolomic analysis allowed the pre‐identification of 519 and 1665 metabolites in negative and positive electrospray ionization (ESI) modes, respectively. Principal component analysis of the positive ESI data explained 51.8% of the variance and indicated clear metabolomic differences between D. rekoi and D. digyna fruits that were confirmed by direct‐injection ESI mass spectrometry profiles. Twenty‐one discriminating metabolites were detected in fruits of both species; D. digyna fruits differentially accumulated lysophospholipids, whereas discriminating metabolites in D. rekoi fruits were chemically more diverse than those in D. digyna fruits.

CONCLUSION

Domesticated D. digyna fruits have improved physicochemical fruit traits compared with wild D. rekoi fruits, including larger size and lower acidity. The metabolomic and chemical composition of their respective fruits were also significantly different, which in D. rekoi was manifested as a notable season‐dependent increase in antioxidant capacity. Therefore, wild D. rekoi can be considered as an important genetic resource for the improvement of commercial Diospyros fruit quality. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultrasomics for Early Evaluation of the Tumor Response to MicroRNA‐122 in a Nude Mouse Hepatocellular Carcinoma Model
Authors: Guo Huan‐ling , Chen Li‐da , Li Wei , Liang Jin‐yu , Zhang Jian‐chao , Li Xin , Xie Xiao‐yan , Lu Ming‐de , Kuang Ming , Wang Wei
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To explore the value of ultrasomics in temporal monitoring of tumor changes in response to gene therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma compared with methods according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) and modified RECIST (mRECIST).

Methods

Hepatocellular carcinoma–bearing mice were injected intratumorally with microRNA‐122 (miR‐122) mimics and an miR‐122 negative control in the treatment and control groups, respectively. The injections were performed every 3 days for 5 times (on days 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12). Before each injection and at the experiment ending, 2‐dimensional ultrasound imaging was performed for tumor size measurement with RECIST and computing a quantitative imaging analysis with ultrasomics. To analyze the tumor perfusion by mRECIST, perfusion parameters were analyzed offline based on dynamic contrast‐enhanced ultrasound image videos using SonoLiver software (TomTec, Unterschleissheim, Germany) on day 13. Tumor miR‐122 expression was then analyzed by real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction experiments.

Results

Tumors in mice treated with miR‐122 mimics demonstrated a mean ± SD 763‐ ± 60‐fold increase in miR‐122 levels compared with tumors in the control group. With RECIST, a significant therapeutic response evaluated by tumor size changes was detected after day 9 (days 9, 12, and 13; P < .001). With mRECIST, no parameters showed significant differences (P > .05). Significant different features of the 2‐dimensional ultrasound images between the groups were detected by the ultrasomics analysis, and the model could be successfully built. The ultrasomics score values between the groups were statistically significant after day 6 (days 6, 9, 12, and 13; P < .05).

Conclusions

Ultrasomics revealed significant changes after the second injection of miR‐122, showing the potential as an important imaging biomarker for gene therapy.
Superb Microvascular Imaging Compared With Power Doppler Ultrasound in Assessing Synovitis of the Knee in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Alis Deniz , Erol Burak Caglar , Akbas Serkan , Barut Kenan , Kasapcopur Ozgur , Adaletli Ibrahim
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To investigate the efficiency of Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI; Toshiba Medical Systems, Tustin, CA) in assessing inflammation of the synovium in the knee of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) compared with power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS).

Methods

Both knees of patients with a diagnosis of clinically active JIA were examined with grayscale ultrasound (US). The knees with positive US and physical examination findings were included in group A, whereas the knees with positive US findings despite negative physical examination findings were included in group B. The observers calculated the vascularity index (VI) by manually drawing a region of interest onto the thickest part of the synovium using PDUS and SMI.

Results

The median SMI VI (observer 1, 4.9% [interquartile range (IQR), 3.6%]; observer 2, 4.1% [IQR, 4.6%]) exceeded the median PDUS VI (observer 1, 1.5% [IQR, 1.8%]; observer 2, 1.5 [IQR, 1.9%]; P < .0001). In group B, the median SMI VI (observer 1, 2.85% [IQR, 8%]; observer 2, 3.1% [IQR, 6.3%]) exceeded the median PDUS VI (observer 1, 0.5% [IQR, 2%]; observer 2, 0.55% [IQR, 2.3%]; P = .002 and .001 for observers 1 and 2, respectively). No significant differences were observed between groups concerning the PDUS VI and SMI VI (P > .05).

Conclusions

Superb Microvascular Imaging was superior to PDUS in depicting blood flow in the hypertrophied synovial tissue in the knee of patients with clinically active JIA. Superb Microvascular Imaging seems to a promising tool and a valuable adjunct to conventional US in assessing inflammation of the synovial tissue in patients with JIA.
Efficacy and safety of tacrolimus‐based treatment for nephrotic idiopathic membranous nephropathy in young adults: A retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Juan , Ji Cheng‐Fa , Yuan Jiang‐Zi , Wang Lei , Zhang Jing , Fang Wei , Bai Dong‐Fang , Hu Zhao
Published: June 2019

In China, the prevalence of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) is increasing with a younger age of onset. From January 2012 to October 2018, biopsy‐proven nephrotic IMN patients aged between 15 and 40 in Taian City Central Hospital treated with tacrolimus (TAC) were retrospectively analyzed. Twelve‐month follow‐up data were collected. A total of 86 patients were enrolled in this study. Forty patients in the TAC group received TAC monotherapy with an initial dose of 0.05 to 0.1 mg/kg/day. Forty‐six patients in the TAC + Pred group received TAC combined with oral prednisone (0.5 mg/kg/day initially). Remission rate, relapse rate, and adverse events in the two groups were assessed. Total remission (TR) rates at the end of the 3rd, 6th, and 12th month were 15%, 35%, and 77.5% (TAC group) and 28.3%, 56.5%, and 80.4% (TAC + Pred group), respectively. Compared with the TAC group, the TAC + Pred group had higher complete remission rates at the end of the 6th and 12th month, and TR rate at the 6th month was significantly higher. Twenty‐four‐hour urinary protein excretion, serum albumin and estimated glomerular filtration rate between the two groups were comparable during the follow‐up. Decrease in proteinuria was significantly greater in the TAC + Pred group. No significant difference of relapse rate was found between the two groups. Adverse effects in the two groups were mild and controllable. Both TAC monotherapy and TAC combined with medium‐dose prednisone are effective and safe for young adults with nephrotic IMN, while TAC + Pred regimen brings more benefits.
Behavior of 316L stainless steel containing corrosion pits under cyclic loading
Authors: Hashim Muntasir , Farhad Farnoosh , Smyth‐Boyle David , Akid Robert , Zhang Xiang , Withers Philip J.
Published: June 2019

The environmental performance of 316L grade stainless steel, in the form of tensile specimens containing a single corrosion pit with various aspect ratios, under cyclic loading in aerated chloride solutions is investigated in this study. Results from environmental tests were compared and contrasted with those obtained using finite element analysis (FEA). Fractography of the failed specimens obtained from experiments revealed that fatigue crack initiation took place at the base of the shallow pit. The crack initiation shifted towards the shoulder and the mouth of the pit for pits of increasing depth. This process is well predicted by FEA, as the strain contour maps show that strain is the highest around the centric strip of the pit. However, for shallow pits, local strain is uniformly distributed around that strip but begins to concentrate more towards the shoulder and the mouth region for increasingly deep pits.
Association between IL1B gene and cervical cancer susceptibility in Chinese Uygur Population: A Case–Control study
Authors: Wang Li , Zhao Wenhui , Hong Jiajing , Niu Fanglin , Li Jing , Zhang Shanshan , Jin Tianbo
Published: June 2019

Background

Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1B) has been recognized as a pro‐inflammatory cytokine and associated with tumorigenesis. We aimed to evaluate the contribution of IL‐1B polymorphisms to the susceptibility of cervical cancer in Chinese Uygur population.

Methods

Seven variants were genotyped by Agena MassARRAY platform in 267 cervical cancer patients and 302 healthy controls. Allelic, genotypic, and haplotypic association analyses adjusted for age were investigated using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). GEPIA and UALCAN databases were used to evaluate expression and prognostic of IL‐1B gene in cervical cancer.

Results

Our result revealed IL‐1B rs1143627‐AA (OR = 1.98, p = 0.029) and rs16944‐GG (OR = 2.01, p = 0.025) was associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. Besides, we also found two protective single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs3136558 (OR = 0.63, p = 0.011) and rs1143630 (OR = 0.63, p = 0.019). Haplotype ″TGA″ in the block (rs1143630, rs1143627, and rs16944) significantly decreased the susceptibility of cervical cancer (OR = 0.53, p = 0.0007). IL‐1B mRNA level was up‐regulated in the cervical cancer patients, which was related with poor prognosis in silico.

Conclusions

For the first time, our results provide evidence on polymorphism of IL‐1B gene associated with cervical cancer risk in Chinese Uygur population.
The quadriceps Femoris allograft as an extension of the Angiosome concept: A cadaveric‐based anatomical feasibility study
Authors: Sparks David S. , Taylor G. Ian , Gascoigne Adam , Corlett Russell J. , Ashton Mark W.
Published: June 2019

Background

Vascularised composite allo‐transplantation (VCA) is emerging as a tailored approach for complex tissue reconstruction. This study focuses on the quadriceps VCA as a potential solution for tissue repair, following trauma, necrotising fasciitis/myositis, or tumor ablation.

Methods

Dissections were undertaken in 10 adult cadaveric lower limbs to characterize the blood supply to the quadriceps femoris for en bloc muscle allo‐transplantation. A mock cadaveric transplantation was performed to (a) define the best neurovascular VCA design and (b) test the feasibility of the procedure. A review of 54 archival radiograph studies from the institution was also performed to further evaluate the muscle vasculature.

Results

In two lower limbs, the quadriceps VCA was harvested designed on the common and superficial femoral vessels and nerve, which revealed a lengthy and bloody dissection, especially of the veins, which could increase clinically with the inability to use a tourniquet for most of the dissection. However, review of our previous archival studies showed that all four quadriceps muscles are supplied within the lateral circumflex femoral angiosome. In a further eight lower limbs, the quadriceps femoris muscle group consistently received its blood supply from the lateral circumflex femoral angiosome, verified by selective lead oxide injections of this artery. The vastus medialis appeared to have a more tenous blood supply distally based on this angiosome. A successful mock cadaveric transplant was performed based on this data.

Conclusions

We suggest that the best neuromuscular quadriceps VCA should be (a) designed on the lateral circumflex femoral pedicle, (b) should be raised from distal to proximal, and (c) should include the descending genicular vessels as a potential supplemental supply to vastus medialis, should all four muscles be required.
Position‐specific 15N isotope analysis in organic molecules: A high‐precision 15N NMR method to determine the intramolecular 15N isotope composition and fractionation at natural abundance
Authors: Joubert Valentin , Silvestre Virginie , Lelièvre Maxime , Ladroue Virginie , Besacier Fabrice , Akoka Serge , Remaud Gérald S.
Published: June 2019

The position‐specific 15N isotope content in organic molecules, at natural abundance, is for the first time determined by using a quantitative methodology based on 15N Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometry. 15N NMR spectra are obtained by using an adiabatic “Full‐Spectrum” INEPT sequence in order to make possible 15N NMR experiments with a high signal‐to‐noise ratio (>500), to reach a precision with a standard deviation below 1‰ (0.1%). This level of precision is required for observing small changes in 15N content associated to 15N isotope effects. As an illustration, the measurement of an isotopic enrichment factor ε for each 15N isotopomer is presented for 1‐methylimidazole induced during a separation process on a silica column. The precision expressed as the long‐term repeatability of the methodology is good enough to evaluate small changes in the 15N isotope contents for a given isotopomer. As observed for 13C, inverse and normal 15N isotope effects occur concomitantly, giving access to new information on the origin of the 15N isotope effects, not detectable by other techniques such as isotope ratio measured by Mass Spectrometry for which bulk (average) values are obtained.
A new outcome measure for LUTS: Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network Symptom Index‐29 (LURN SI‐29) questionnaire
Authors: Cella David , Smith Abigail R. , Griffith James W. , Flynn Kathryn E. , Bradley Catherine S. , Gillespie Brenda W. , Kirkali Ziya , Talaty Pooja , Jelovsek J. Eric , Helfand Brian T. , Weinfurt Kevin P. ,   the LURN Study Group
Published: June 2019

Aims

To develop a representative, self‐report assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) for men and women, the symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network Symptom Index‐29 (LURN SI‐29).

Methods

Women and men seeking treatment for LUTS at one of six academic medical centers in the US were assessed at baseline, 3‐month and 12‐month intervals. Twelve‐month data on 78 LURN SI‐29 items were analyzed among 353 women and 420 men using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), with factor structure confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Internal consistency, reliability, and validity of the five developed scales were evaluated by assessing correlations with the American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUA‐SI), the genitourinary pain index (GUPI), and the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory‐20 (PFDI‐20), and by examining expected sex differences in scores.

Results

EFA results (n = 150 women; 150 men) produced an interpretable eight‐factor solution, with three of the factors comprised of dichotomous items addressing LUTS‐associated sensations. The remaining five factors, confirmed with CFA in an independent sample of 473 participants, produced five scales: incontinence, urgency, voiding difficulty, bladder pain, and nocturia. Subscales and total LURN SI‐29 scores were correlated as expected with AUA‐SI, GUPI, and PFDI‐20. LURN SI‐29 scores also performed as expected in differentiating men from women based upon clinically expected differences, with men reporting more voiding difficulties and nocturia, and women reporting more urgency and incontinence.

Conclusions

The LURN SI‐29 questionnaire has the potential to improve research and clinical outcome measurement for both men and women with LUTS.
Promising biomarkers for the prediction of catheter‐related venous thromboembolism in hospitalized children: An exploratory study
Authors: Nossair Fadi , Mahajerin Arash , Hoang Janet , Diaz Daniel , Nugent Diane
Published: June 2019

Background

Pediatric venous thromboembolism (VTE) has increased over the past 10 years, with central venous catheters (CVC) being the strongest risk factor. Current tools are not sufficient to predict VTE risk. The utility of biomarkers in predicting CVC‐related VTE has been minimally explored. Our objective is to determine the utility of microparticles (MPs), factor VIII (FVIII) activity, and thrombin generation (TG) in prospectively predicting VTE occurrence in hospitalized children with CVCs.

Procedure

In this nested case‐control pilot study, consecutive hospitalized children needing CVC placement (1 month to 21 years) were enrolled. Venous samples were collected prior to or within 24 h of CVC placement. MPs were measured using factor Xa initiated clot‐based assay. FVIII was measured using a one‐stage clot‐based assay. TG was measured using calibrated automated thrombogram.

Results

There were three CVC‐related VTE events (7%) in our cohort of 42 subjects. Xa clotting time (XaCT) ratio was lower (0.68 ± 0.07 vs 0.95 ± 0.21, P = .4), while FVIII (461 ± 120 vs 267 ± 130, P = .02), peak thrombin (418 ± 89 vs 211 ± 101, P = .001), endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) (1828 ± 485 vs 1282 ± 394, P = .03), and velocity index (VI) (182 ± 28 vs 75 ± 53, P = .001) were higher in subjects with CVC‐related VTE compared to those without CVC‐related VTE. Sensitivity/specificity analysis revealed optimal cutoff values for XaCT ratio (0.75), FVIII (370), ETP (1680), peak (315), and VI (130), with receiver operating characteristic area under the curve values >0.9.

Conclusion

MPs, FVIII, and TG can potentially predict pediatric CVC‐related VTE in a prospective fashion. Stratification according to VTE risk may aid in guiding preventative efforts in future studies.
Environment‐friendly electrodes using biopolymer chitosan/poly ortho aminophenol with enhanced electrochemical behavior for use in energy storage devices
Authors: Ehsani A. , Parsimehr H. , Nourmohammadi H. , Safari R. , Doostikhah S.
Published: June 2019

Significant electrochemical properties improvement of poly ortho aminophenol (POAP) as conductive polymer and simultaneously as active electrode of electrochemical supercapacitor through fabricated POAP composite film in the presence of biopolymer chitosan (CTS) with porous structure was obtained. Nanocomposite morphology and information about POAP‐CTS interaction in the synthesized thin films were examined via scanning electron microscope. The surface area that depends on the porosity morphology was examined by Brunauere‐Emmette‐Teller (BET) analysis. Accordingly, the BET surface area, mean pore diameters, and single point total pore volume were measured as 39.044 m2g−1, 19.68 nm, and 0.192 cm3g−1, respectively. Electrochemical measurements like galvanostatic charge‐discharge experiments, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were investigated to examine the performance of the electrosynthesized composite (POAP/CTS) film. And also, the specific charge obtained as 345 F/g for POAP/CTS. In this work, a new considerable efficient polymeric composite in electrochemical redox capacitors with considerable advantages including ease synthesis, high active surface area, and stability in an aqueous electrolyte was introduced. Analysis of the quantum theory of atoms‐in‐molecules results shows that the chitosan system can be categorized into n‐type‐like (electron density donor) and p‐type‐like (electron density acceptor) sections and thus the parallel (inxy/yxplan) and perpendicular (inxz/yzplan) intramolecular sections have different electronic behaviors/electro‐chemical characterizations in molecule.
Processability study of in‐mold coating for sheet molding compound compression molded parts
Authors: Ko Seunghyun , Ouyang Xilian , Straus Elliott J. , Lee L. James , Castro Jose M.
Published: June 2019

In‐mold coating (IMC) is applied to compression molded sheet molding compound (SMC) exterior automotive or truck body panels as an environmentally friendly primer to make the part conductive for subsequent electrostatic painting operations. The coating is a thermosetting liquid that when injected onto the surface of the part cures and bonds to provide a smooth conductive surface. In order to identify the processability of IMC for SMC, it is essential to predict the time available for flow, that is the time before the viscosity starts to increase as well as the time when the coating has enough structural integrity so that the mold can be opened without damaging the part surface (mold opening time). In the present work, we study cure behavior of IMC based on differential scanning calorimetry and rheological experiments and show its relevance to both flow and mold opening time for the IMC process during SMC compression molding. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1688–1694 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Investigation of the strain‐rate‐dependent mechanical behavior of a photopolymer matrix composite with fumed nano‐silica filler
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Ramezani Maziar , Khan Kamran Ahmed , Khan Muhammad Ali , Aw Kean Chin
Published: June 2019

With the evolution of additive manufacturing, there is an increasing demand to produce high strength and stiffness polymers. Photopolymers are very commonly used in stereolithography and fused deposition modeling processes, but their application is limited due to their low strength and stiffness values. Nano‐sized fibers or particles are generally embedded in the polymer matrix to enhance their properties. In this study, we have studied the effect of fumed nano‐sized silica filler on the elastic and viscoelastic properties of the photopolymer. The uniaxial testing coupons with different concentrations of silica filler have been fabricated via casting. We observed improvement in mechanical properties by the addition of the nano‐sized filler. As polymers exhibit time‐dependent mechanical response, we have conducted tensile tests at different strain rates as it is one of the most common modes of deformation, and is commonly used to characterize the parameters of the rate‐dependent material. We noticed significant dependence of the mechanical properties on the strain rate. quasi‐linear viscoelastic (QLV) model, which combines hyperelastic and viscoelastic phenomena, has been employed to capture the response of the material at different strain rates. We found out that the QLV model with Yeoh strain energy density function adequately describes the rate‐dependent behavior of the material and has reasonable agreement with the experimental results. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1695–1700 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers