bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Controlled Trials on Preoperative Physical Exercise Interventions in Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Rosero Ilem D. , Ramírez-Vélez Robinson , Lucia Alejando , Martínez-Velilla Nicolas , Santos-Lozano Alejandro , Valenzuela Pedro L. , Morilla Idoia , Izquierdo Mikel
Published: July 2019

Preoperative physical exercise protocols prior to cancer surgery increased in popularity over recent years; however, the beneficial effect of such protocols is not well established, with conflicting results reported. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the effects of different modalities or combinations of preoperative exercise interventions and/or prehabilitation multicomponent training in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after surgery on the outcomes related to functional capacity, mental wellness and medical care. We searched in OVID Embase, Pubmed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science. Characteristics of studies and program results and outcome data were extracted. Changes between the intervention and control groups, from baseline to follow-up (standardized mean difference (SMD) or relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for each intervention was pooled using weighted random-effects models). A total of 676 participants from 10 RCTs were included in the final analysis (aerobic training + inspiratory muscle training, n = 5; aerobic training + strength training + inspiratory muscle training, n = 2; aerobic training + strength training, n = 1; multicomponent training, n = 1; aerobic training alone, n = 1). The results showed intervention-induced improvement in walking endurance (SMD = 0.27; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.44; I2 = 0.0%), peak exercise capacity (SMD = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.35 to 1.21; I2 = 76.7%), dyspnoea (SMD = −0.30; 95% CI, −0.51 to −0.10; I2 = 0.0%), risk of hospitalization (SMD = −0.58; 95% CI, −0.97 to −0.20; I2 = 70.7%), and postoperative pulmonary complications (relative risk (RR) = 0.50; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.66; I2 = 0.0%). For the functional capacity and medical care parameters, preoperative combined aerobic, resistance, and inspiratory muscle training was shown to be effective if comprising one to four weeks, performing 1–3 sessions per week, with moderate intensity (50% for endurance capacity). Further studies with larger samples and higher methodological quality are needed to clarify the potential benefits of preoperative exercise training for patients with NSCLC.
Brexpiprazole, a Serotonin-Dopamine Activity Modulator, Can Sensitize Glioma Stem Cells to Osimertinib, a Third-Generation EGFR-TKI, via Survivin Reduction
Authors: Suzuki Shuhei , Yamamoto Masahiro , Sanomachi Tomomi , Togashi Keita , Sugai Asuka , Seino Shizuka , Yoshioka Takashi , Kitanaka Chifumi , Okada Masashi
Published: July 2019

Glioblastoma is a primary brain tumor associated with a poor prognosis due to its high chemoresistance capacity. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are one of the mechanisms of chemoresistance. Although therapy targeting CSCs is promising, strategies targeting CSCs remain unsuccessful. Abnormal activation of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) due to amplification, mutation, or both of the EGFR gene is common in glioblastomas. However, glioblastomas are resistant to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs), and overcoming resistance is essential. Brexpiprazole is a new, safe serotonin-dopamine activity modulator used for schizophrenia and depression that was recently reported to have anti-CSC activity and function as a chemosensitizer. Here, we examined its chemosensitization effects on osimertinib, a third-generation EGFR-TKI with an excellent safety profile, in glioma stem cells (GSCs), which are CSCs of glioblastoma. Brexpiprazole treatment sensitized GSCs to osimertinib and reduced the expression of survivin, an antiapoptotic factor, and the pharmacological and genetic inhibition of survivin mimicked the effects of brexpiprazole. Moreover, co-treatment of brexpiprazole and osimertinib suppressed tumor growth more efficiently than either drug alone without notable toxicity in vivo. This suggests that the combination of brexpiprazole and osimertinib is a potential therapeutic strategy for glioblastoma by chemosensitizing GSCs through the downregulation of survivin expression.
Monodispersed Pt3Ni Nanoparticles as a Highly Efficient Electrocatalyst for PEMFCs
Authors: Yang Delong , Gu Jun , Liu Xiaomeng , He Haitong , Wang Meiyu , Wang Peng , Zhu Yong , Fan Qi , Huang Runsheng
Published: July 2019

A facile strategy is proposed to synthesize monodispersed Pt3Ni nanoparticles. Such a kind of electrocatalyst shows a larger electrochemical surface area (98.9 m2 gpt−1) and double the mass activity of the oxygen reduction reaction activity compared to commercial Pt/C catalyst. The results show that the suitable addition of Ni and triethylamine in the reduction process plays an important role in controlling the size and dispersion of Pt3Ni nanoparticles. A further membrane electrode assembly test proves that as-prepared Pt3Ni nanoparticles can greatly enhance the electrochemical performance of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, which exhibits a great potential of application in fuel cells.
Synthesis of Hollow Flower-Like Fe3O4/MnO2/Mn3O4 Magnetically Separable Microspheres with Valence Heterostructure for Dye Degradation
Authors: Ma Mingliang , Yang Yuying , Chen Yan , Wu Fei , Li Wenting , Lyu Ping , Ma Yong , Tan Weiqiang , Huang Weibo
Published: July 2019

In this manuscript, hollow flower-like ferric oxide/manganese dioxide/trimanganese tetraoxide (Fe3O4/MnO2/Mn3O4) magnetically separable microspheres were prepared by combining a simple hydrothermal method and reduction method. As the MnO2 nanoflower working as precursor was partially reduced, Mn3O4 nanoparticles were in situ grown from the MnO2 nanosheet. The composite microspheres were characterized in detail by employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), vibration sample magnetometer (VSM) and UV–visible spectrophotometer (UV–vis). Under visible light conditions, the test for degrading rhodamine B (RhB) was used to verify the photocatalytic activity of the photocatalyst. The results showed that the efficiency of the Fe3O4/MnO2/Mn3O4 photocatalyst in visible light for 130 min is 94.5%. The catalytic activity of photocatalyst far exceeded that of the Fe3O4/MnO2 component, and after four cycles, the catalytic performance of the catalyst remained at 78.4%. The superior properties of the photocatalyst came from improved surface area, enhanced light absorption, and efficient charge separation of the MnO2/Mn3O4 heterostructure. This study constructed a green and efficient valence heterostructure composite that created a promising photocatalyst for degrading organic contaminants in aqueous environments.
Melatonin in Medicinal and Food Plants: Occurrence, Bioavailability, and Health Potential for Humans
Authors: Salehi Bahare , Sharopov Farukh , Fokou Patrick , Kobylinska Agnieszka , Jonge Lilian , Tadio Kathryn , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Posmyk Malgorzata , Martorell Miquel , Martins Natália , Iriti Marcello
Published: July 2019

Melatonin is a widespread molecule among living organisms involved in multiple biological, hormonal, and physiological processes at cellular, tissue, and organic levels. It is well-known for its ability to cross the blood–brain barrier, and renowned antioxidant effects, acting as a free radical scavenger, up-regulating antioxidant enzymes, reducing mitochondrial electron leakage, and interfering with proinflammatory signaling pathways. Detected in various medicinal and food plants, its concentration is widely variable. Plant generative organs (e.g., flowers, fruits), and especially seeds, have been proposed as having the highest melatonin concentrations, markedly higher than those found in vertebrate tissues. In addition, seeds are also rich in other substances (lipids, sugars, and proteins), constituting the energetic reserve for a potentially growing seedling and beneficial for the human diet. Thus, given that dietary melatonin is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and transported into the bloodstream, the ingestion of medicinal and plant foods by mammals as a source of melatonin may be conceived as a key step in serum melatonin modulation and, consequently, health promotion.
HIPK2 Phosphorylates the Microtubule-Severing Enzyme Spastin at S268 for Abscission
Authors: Pisciottani Alessandra , Biancolillo Loredana , Ferrara Manuela , Valente Davide , Sardina Francesca , Monteonofrio Laura , Camerini Serena , Crescenzi Marco , Soddu Silvia , Rinaldo Cinzia
Published: July 2019

Abscission is the final step of cell division, mediating the physical separation of the two daughter cells. A key player in this process is the microtubule-severing enzyme spastin that localizes at the midbody where its activity is crucial to cut microtubules and culminate the cytokinesis. Recently, we demonstrated that HIPK2, a multifunctional kinase involved in several cellular pathways, contributes to abscission and prevents tetraploidization. Here, we show that HIPK2 binds and phosphorylates spastin at serine 268. During cytokinesis, the midbody-localized spastin is phosphorylated at S268 in HIPK2-proficient cells. In contrast, no spastin is detectable at the midbody in HIPK2-depleted cells. The non-phosphorylatable spastin-S268A mutant does not localize at the midbody and cannot rescue HIPK2-depleted cells from abscission defects. In contrast, the phosphomimetic spastin-S268D mutant localizes at the midbody and restores successful abscission in the HIPK2-depleted cells. These results show that spastin is a novel target of HIPK2 and that HIPK2-mediated phosphorylation of spastin contributes to its midbody localization for successful abscission.
Serial DF Relayed FSO Links over Mixture Gamma Turbulence Channels and Nonzero Boresight Spatial Jitter
Authors: Androutsos Nikolaos A. , Nistazakis Hector E. , Khalid Hira , Muhammad Sajid S. , Tombras George S.
Published: July 2019

Over the past few years, terrestrial free space optical (FSO) communication systems have demonstrated increasing research and commercial interest. However, due the signal’s propagation path, the operation of FSO links depends strongly on atmospheric conditions and related phenomena. One such significant phenomenon is the scintillation caused by atmospheric turbulence effects; in order to address the significant performance degradation that this causes, several statistical models have been proposed. Here, turbulence-induced fading of the received optical signal is investigated through the recently presented mixture Gamma distribution, which accurately describes the irradiance fluctuations at the receiver’s input of the FSO link. Additionally, at the same time, it significantly reduces the mathematical complexity of the expressions used for the description of composite channels with turbulence along with nonzero boresight pointing error-induced fading. In order to counterbalance the performance mitigation due to these effects, serial decode-and-forward relays are employed, and the performance of the system is estimated through derived mathematical expressions.
Femtosecond Laser Pulses Amplification in Crystals
Authors: Dabu Razvan
Published: July 2019

This paper describes techniques for high-energy laser pulse amplification in multi-PW femtosecond laser pulses. Femtosecond laser pulses can be generated and amplified in laser media with a broad emission spectral bandwidth, like Ti:sapphire crystals. By chirped pulse amplification (CPA) techniques, hundred-Joule amplified laser pulses can be obtained. Multi-PW peak-power femtosecond pulses are generated after recompression of amplified chirped laser pulses. The characteristics and problems of large bandwidth laser pulses amplification in Ti:sapphire crystals are discussed. An alternative technique, based on optical parametric chirped pulse amplification (OPCPA) in nonlinear crystals, is presented. Phase-matching conditions for broad bandwidth parametric amplification in nonlinear crystals are inferred. Ultra-broad phase matching bandwidth of more than 100 nm, able to support the amplification of sub-10 fs laser pulses, are demonstrated in nonlinear crystals, such as Beta Barium Borate (BBO), Potassium Dideuterium Phosphate (DKDP), and Lithium Triborate (LBO). The advantages and drawbacks of CPA amplification in laser crystals and OPCPA in nonlinear crystals are discussed. A hybrid amplification method, which combines low-medium energy OPCPA in nonlinear crystals with high energy CPA in large aperture laser crystals, is described. This technique is currently used for the development of 10-PW laser systems, with sub-20 fs pulse duration and more than 1012 intensity contrast of output femtosecond pulses.
Towards Sentinel-1 SAR Analysis-Ready Data: A Best Practices Assessment on Preparing Backscatter Data for the Cube
Authors: Truckenbrodt John , Freemantle Terri , Williams Chris , Jones Tom , Small David , Dubois Clémence , Thiel Christian , Rossi Cristian , Syriou Asimina , Giuliani Gregory
Published: July 2019

This study aims at assessing the feasibility of automatically producing analysis-ready radiometrically terrain-corrected (RTC) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) gamma nought backscatter data for ingestion into a data cube for use in a large spatio-temporal data environment. As such, this study investigates the analysis readiness of different openly available digital elevation models (DEMs) and the capability of the software solutions SNAP and GAMMA in terms of overall usability as well as backscatter data quality. To achieve this, the study builds on the Python library pyroSAR for providing the workflow implementation test bed and provides a Jupyter notebook for transparency and future reproducibility of performed analyses. Two test sites were selected, over the Alps and Fiji, to be able to assess regional differences and support the establishment of the Swiss and Common Sensing Open Data cubes respectively.
SmartLVGrid Platform—Convergence of Legacy Low-Voltage Circuits toward the Smart Grid Paradigm
Authors: Gomes R. Claudio S. , Costa Carlos , Silva Jose , Sicchar Jose
Published: July 2019

The current electrical system is transitioning towards a new technological model called the smart grid. The transition duration between the traditional Electric Power System (EPS) and the full smart grid depends on well-designed strategic plans, implementing transition models that are as close to smart grids as possible, based on the processes and technological resources available at the time, but always considering their economic feasibility, without which no solution thrives. In this article, we present a method for convergence of the traditional power distribution grid to the smart grid paradigm by retrofitting the legacy circuits that compose this grid. Our results indicate that the application of such a method, through a distributed system platform with integrated technological resources added to the legacy infrastructure, converts these passive grids into intelligent circuits capable of supporting the implementation of a smart grid with a broad scope of functionalities. Based on a novel retrofitting strategy, the solution is free from the cost of replacing or significantly modifying the legacy infrastructure, as verified in deploying other currently available solutions.
High Quality Syngas Production with Supercritical Biomass Gasification Integrated with a Water–Gas Shift Reactor
Authors: Sarafraz M. M. , Safaei Mohammad Reza , Jafarian M. , Goodarzi Marjan , Arjomandi M.
Published: July 2019

A thermodynamic assessment is conducted for a new configuration of a supercritical water gasification plant with a water–gas shift reactor. The proposed configuration offers the potential for the production of syngas at different H2:CO ratios for various applications such as the Fischer–Tropsch process or fuel cells, and it is a path for addressing the common challenges associated with conventional gasification plants such as nitrogen dilution and ash separation. The proposed concept consists of two reactors, R1 and R2, where the carbon containing fuel is gasified (in reactor R1) and in reactor R2, the quality of the syngas (H2:CO ratio) is substantially improved. Reactor R1 is a supercritical water gasifier and reactor R2 is a water–gas shift reactor. The proposed concept was modelled using the Gibbs minimization method with HSC chemistry software. Our results show that the supercritical water to fuel ratio (SCW/C) is a key parameter for determining the quality of syngas (molar ratio of H2:CO) and the carbon conversion reaches 100%, when the SWC/C ratio ranges between two and 2.5 at 500–1000 °C.
Modelling Energy Consumption and Energy-Saving in High-Quality Olive Oil Decanter Centrifuge: Numerical Study and Experimental Validation
Authors: Tamborrino Antonia , Perone Claudio , Catalano Filippo , Squeo Giacomo , Caponio Francesco , Bianchi Biagio
Published: July 2019

In this study, an energy consumption model of a decanter centrifuge was proposed, in particular for a technologically evolved machine equipped with an electromechanical recovery system. This model should be suitably coupled with an auto-adaptive controlling technique used to accurately manage the olive oil process. To achieve this goal, a solid physical and theoretical basis that simple to implement is required. To date there have only been limited scientific studies modelling energy consumption applied to the machines used in olive oil extraction processes. Therefore, the model was developed using fluid dynamic analysis and physical constraints to give it a solid basis. It was then simplified sufficiently for future implementation in automatic machine systems. The empirical model was validated through power measurements conducted in two harvesting seasons under varying operating conditions. The model estimates the power absorbed by the bowl and that produced and recovered by the screw, with high accuracy in each harvesting season. When considering the two harvesting seasons as a single season, the prediction accuracy remains considerable, despite a marginal increase in errors (correlation coefficient greater than 0.90). Finally, the model indicates that the screw conveyor speed is the most important parameter to achieve the desired energy recovery level, while the differential speed, which is a process parameter, has only a negligible impact on energy saving.
Considering Well-to-Wheels Analysis in Control Design: Regenerative Suspension Helps to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Battery Electric Vehicles
Authors: Hu Xu , Sun Jinwei , Chen Yisong , Liu Qiu , Gu Liang
Published: July 2019

Recent research has investigated the energy saving potential of regenerative suspension. However, the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission mitigation potential of regenerative suspension in battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has not been considered. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a typical method for evaluating GHG emissions but is rarely used in vehicle control design. Here we explore the effects of regenerative suspension on reducing the GHG emissions from a BEV, whose control design considers well-to-wheels (WTW) analysis. The work first conducts the WTW analysis and modelling of the GHG emissions from a BEV equipped with regenerative suspension. Based on the models, the relation between suspension control parameters and GHG emissions is obtained. To reach a compromise between dynamic performance and environmental benefit, two types of control parameters are recommended and their switch rules during the operation are proposed. Finally, we take a case study with different driving cycles, road levels and country contexts. The results show that considering WTW analysis in control design can contribute to GHG emission mitigation, especially for countries that have a high-carbon intensity of the electricity grid. These findings provide a quantitative reference for technology path decision on regenerative suspension. This paper may provide a new insight for employing LCA in vehicle design.
Adaptive Integral Backstepping Controller for PMSM with AWPSO Parameters Optimization
Authors: Wang Weiran , Tan Fei , Wu Jiaxin , Ge Huilin , Wei Haifeng , Zhang Yi
Published: July 2019

This article presents an adaptive integral backstepping controller (AIBC) for permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) with adaptive weight particle swarm optimization (AWPSO) parameters optimization. The integral terms of dq axis current following errors are introduced into the control law, and by constructing an appropriate Lyapunov function, the adaptive law with the differential term and the control law with the integral terms of the current error are derived to weaken the influence of internal parameters perturbation on current control. The AWPSO algorithm is used to optimize the parameters of the AIBC. Based on the analysis of single-objective optimization and multi-objective realization process, a method for transforming multi-objective optimization with convex Prato frontier into single-objective optimization is presented. By this method, a form of fitness function suitable for parameters optimization of backstepping controller is determined, and according to the theoretical derivation and large number of simulation results, the corresponding parameters of the optimization algorithm are set. By randomly adjusting the inertia weight and changing the acceleration factor, the algorithm can accelerate the convergence speed and solve the problem of parameters optimization of the AIBC. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed controller for PMSM are verified by simulation and experimental studies.
Improving Species Identification of Ancient Mammals Based on Next-Generation Sequencing Data
Authors: Lan Tian , Lin Yu , Njaramba-Ngatia Jacob , Guo Xiao , Li Ren , Li Hai , Kumar-Sahu Sunil , Wang Xie , Yang Xiu , Guo Hua , Xu Wen , Kristiansen Karsten , Liu Huan , Xu Yan
Published: July 2019

The taxonomical identification merely based on morphology is often difficult for ancient remains. Therefore, universal or specific PCR amplification followed by sequencing and BLAST (basic local alignment search tool) search has become the most frequently used genetic-based method for the species identification of biological samples, including ancient remains. However, it is challenging for these methods to process extremely ancient samples with severe DNA fragmentation and contamination. Here, we applied whole-genome sequencing data from 12 ancient samples with ages ranging from 2.7 to 700 kya to compare different mapping algorithms, and tested different reference databases, mapping similarities and query coverage to explore the best method and mapping parameters that can improve the accuracy of ancient mammal species identification. The selected method and parameters were tested using 152 ancient samples, and 150 of the samples were successfully identified. We further screened the BLAST-based mapping results according to the deamination characteristics of ancient DNA to improve the ability of ancient species identification. Our findings demonstrate a marked improvement to the normal procedures used for ancient species identification, which was achieved through defining the mapping and filtering guidelines to identify true ancient DNA sequences. The guidelines summarized in this study could be valuable in archaeology, paleontology, evolution, and forensic science. For the convenience of the scientific community, we wrote a software script with Perl, called AncSid, which is made available on GitHub.
The Distribution and Prediction of Summer Near-Surface Water Temperatures in Lakes of the Coterminous United States and Southern Canada
Authors: Bachmann Roger W. , Sharma Sapna , Canfield Daniel E. , Lecours Vincent
Published: July 2019

The goals of the study were: (i) To describe the distribution of summer near-surface water temperatures in lakes of the coterminous United States and southern Canada (ii) to determine the geographic, meteorological and limnological factors related to summer water temperatures and (iii) to develop and test predictive models for summer near-surface water temperatures. We used data from the United States National Lakes Assessments of 2007 and 2012 as well as data collected from several different studies of Canadian lakes. Using multiple regressions, we quantified the general observations that summer water temperatures decreased when going from south to north, from east to west, and from lower elevations to higher elevations. Our empirical model using 8-day average air temperatures, latitude, longitude, elevations and month was able to predict water temperatures in individual lakes on individual summer days with a standard deviation of 1.7 °C for United States lakes and 2.3 °C for lakes in the southern regions of Canada.
Erratum: Moralee, Jason. It’s in the Water: Byzantine Borderlands and the Village War. Humanities 2018, 7, 86
Authors: Moralee Jason
Published: July 2019

The author would like to make the following changes to the published paper (Moralee 2018): [...]
Knowledge, Attitudes and Intentions to Prescribe Antibiotics: A Structural Equation Modeling Study of Primary Care Institutions in Hubei, China
Authors: Liu Chenxi , Liu Chaojie , Wang Dan , Zhang Xinping
Published: July 2019

The aim of this paper is to measure the knowledge and attitudes of primary care physicians toward antibiotic prescriptions and their impacts on antibiotic prescribing. A questionnaire survey was conducted on 625 physicians from 67 primary care facilities in Hubei, China. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was applied to test the theoretical framework derived from the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) theory. Physicians’ knowledge, five sub-types of attitudes, and three sub-types of behavioral intentions towards antibiotic use were measured. Physicians had limited knowledge about antibiotic prescriptions (average 54.55% correct answers to 11 questions). Although they were generally concerned about antibiotic resistance (mean = 1.28, SD = 0.43), and were reluctant to be submissive to pressures from consumer demands for antibiotics (mean = 1.29, SD = 0.65) and the requirements of defensive practice (mean = 1.11, SD = 0.63), there was a lack of motivation to change prescribing practices (mean = −0.29, SD = 0.70) and strong agreement that other stakeholders should take the responsibility (mean = −1.15, SD = 0.45). The SEM results showed that poor knowledge, unawareness of antibiotic resistance, and limited motivation to change contributed to physicians’ high antibiotics prescriptions (p < 0.001). To curb antibiotic over-prescriptions, improving knowledge itself is not enough. The lack of motivation of physicians to change needs to be addressed through a systematic approach.
Role Stress, Job Burnout, and Job Performance in Construction Project Managers: The Moderating Role of Career Calling
Authors: Wu Guangdong , Hu Zhibin , Zheng Junwei
Published: July 2019

This study aims to explore the influence of role stress (role ambiguity and role conflict) on job burnout and job performance in construction project managers in the Chinese construction industry. Based on the JD-R (Job Demands Resources) model, this study introduces career calling as the moderating variable, in order to develop a theoretical model. The theoretical model is then tested with structural equation modeling. This work uses data from 191 owners, contractors, subcontractors, and supervisors in the Chinese construction industry. The results indicate that: (i) role ambiguity has a negative and significant effect on job burnout and job performance; (ii) role conflict has a negative effect on job burnout, but has a non-significant influence on job performance; (iii) job burnout has a negative impact on job performance; (iv) career calling negatively moderates the relationship between role ambiguity and job burnout, and positively moderates the relationship between role conflict and job performance. Furthermore, the results also show that career calling can positively moderate the effect of role conflict on job burnout. This study expands the existing body of knowledge by reasonably controlling role stress and appropriately introducing career calling. In addition, the study provides some suggestions relevant to construction project management.
CCN3 Facilitates Runx2 and Osterix Expression by Inhibiting miR-608 through PI3K/Akt Signaling in Osteoblasts
Authors: Chen Po-Chun , Liu Ju-Fang , Fong Yi-Chin , Huang Yuan-Lin , Chao Chia-Chia , Tang Chih-Hsin
Published: July 2019

CCN3, otherwise known as the nephroblastoma overexpressed (NOV) protein, is a cysteine-rich protein that belongs to the CCN family and regulates several cellular functions. Osteoblasts are major bone-forming cells that undergo proliferation, mineralization, renewal, and repair during the bone formation process. We have previously reported that CCN3 increases bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP-4) production and bone mineralization in osteoblasts, although the role of CCN3 remains unclear with regard to osteogenic transcription factors (runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and osterix). Here, we used alizarin red-S and alkaline phosphatase staining to show that CCN3 enhances osteoblast differentiation. Stimulation of osteoblasts with CCN3 increases expression of osteogenic factors such as BMPs, Runx2, and osterix. Moreover, we found that the inhibition of miR-608 expression is involved in the effects of CCN3 and that incubation of osteoblasts with CCN3 promotes focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Akt phosphorylation. Our results indicate that CCN3 promotes the expression of Runx2 and osterix in osteoblasts by inhibiting miR-608 expression via the FAK and Akt signaling pathways.
Functional Analysis of M-Locus Protein Kinase Revealed a Novel Regulatory Mechanism of Self-Incompatibility in Brassica napus L.
Authors: Chen Fang , Yang Yong , Li Bing , Liu Zhiquan , Khan Fawad , Zhang Tong , Zhou Guilong , Tu Jinxing , Shen Jinxiong , Yi Bin , Fu Tingdong , Dai Cheng , Ma Chaozhi
Published: July 2019

Self-incompatibility (SI) is a widespread mechanism in angiosperms that prevents inbreeding by rejecting self-pollen. However, the regulation of the SI response in Brassica napus is not well understood. Here, we report that the M-locus protein kinase (MLPK) BnaMLPKs, the functional homolog of BrMLPKs in Brassica rapa, controls SI in B. napus. We identified four paralogue MLPK genes in B. napus, including BnaA3.MLPK, BnaC3.MLPK, BnaA4.MLPK, and BnaC4.MLPK. Two transcripts of BnaA3.MLPK, BnaA3.MLPKf1 and BnaA3.MLPKf2, were generated by alternative splicing. Tissue expression pattern analysis demonstrated that BnaA3.MLPK, especially BnaA3.MLPKf2, is highly expressed in reproductive organs, particularly in stigmas. We subsequently created RNA-silencing lines and CRISPR/Cas9-induced quadruple mutants of BnaMLPKs in B. napus SI line S-70. Phenotypic analysis revealed that SI response is partially suppressed in RNA-silencing lines and is completely blocked in quadruple mutants. These results indicate the importance of BnaMLPKs in regulating the SI response of B. napus. We found that the expression of SI positive regulators S-locus receptor kinase (SRK) and Arm-Repeat Containing 1 (ARC1) are suppressed in bnmlpk mutant, whereas the self-compatibility (SC) element Glyoxalase I (GLO1) maintained a high expression level. Overall, our findings reveal a new regulatory mechanism of MLPK in the SI of B. napus.
Metformin Enhances Nomegestrol Acetate Suppressing Growth of Endometrial Cancer Cells and May Correlate to Downregulating mTOR Activity In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Cao Can , Zhou Jie-yun , Xie Shu-wu , Guo Xiang-jie , Li Guo-ting , Gong Yi-juan , Yang Wen-jie , Li Zhao , Zhong Rui-hua , Shao Hai-hao , Zhu Yan
Published: July 2019

This study investigated the effect of a novel progestin and its combination with metformin on the growth of endometrial cancer (EC) cells. Inhibitory effects of four progestins, including nomegestrol acetate (NOMAC), medroxyprogesterone acetate, levonorgestrel, and cyproterone acetate, were evaluated in RL95-2, HEC-1A, and KLE cells using cell counting kit-8 assay. Flow cytometry was performed to detect cell cycle and apoptosis. The activity of Akt (protein kinase B), mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) and its downstream substrates 4EBP1 (4E-binding protein 1) and eIF4G (Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4G) were assayed by Western blotting. Nude mice were used to assess antitumor effects in vivo. NOMAC inhibited the growth of RL95-2 and HEC-1A cells, accompanied by arresting the cell cycle at G0/G1 phase, inducing apoptosis, and markedly down-regulating the level of phosphorylated mTOR/4EBP1/eIF4G in both cell lines (p < 0.05). Metformin significantly increased the inhibitory effect of and apoptosis induced by NOMAC and strengthened the depressive effect of NOMAC on activity of mTOR and its downstream substrates, compared to their treatment alone (p < 0.05). In xenograft tumor tissues, metformin (100 mg/kg) enhanced the suppressive effect of NOMAC (100 mg/kg) on mTOR signaling and increased the average concentration of NOMAC by nearly 1.6 times compared to NOMAC treatment alone. Taken together, NOMAC suppressing the growth of EC cells likely correlates to down-regulating the activity of the mTOR pathway and metformin could strengthen this effect. Our findings open a new window for the selection of progestins in hormone therapy of EC.
Improving Wettability: Deposition of TiO2 Nanoparticles on the O2 Plasma Activated Polypropylene Membrane
Authors: Jaleh Babak , Etivand Ehsan Sabzi , Mohazzab Bahareh Feizi , Nasrollahzadeh Mahmoud , Varma Rajender S.
Published: July 2019

Radio frequency plasma is one of the means to modify the polymer surface namely in the activation of polypropylene membranes (PPM) with O2 plasma. Activated membranes were deposited with TiO2 nanoparticles by the dip coating method and the bare sample and modified sample (PPM5-TiO2) were irradiated by UV lamps for 20–120 min. Characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Attenuated total reflection technique- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and water contact angle (WCA) measurements were applied to study the alteration of ensuing membrane surface properties which shows the nanoparticles on the sample surface including the presence of Ti on PPM. The WCA decreased from 135° (PPM) to 90° (PPM5-TiO2) and after UV irradiation, the WCA of PPM5-TiO2 diminished from 90° to 40°.
The Formation and Therapeutic Update of Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Wang Qun , Steger Alexander , Mahner Sven , Jeschke Udo , Heidegger Helene
Published: July 2019

Both clinicopathological and experimental studies have suggested that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a key role in cervical cancer progression and are associated with poor prognosis in the respects of tumor cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and immunosuppression. Therefore, having a clear understanding of TAMs is essential in treating this disease. In this review, we will discuss the origins and categories of macrophages, the molecules responsible for forming and reeducating TAMs in cervical cancer (CC), the biomarkers of macrophages and the therapy development targeting TAMs in CC research.
Adipose Tissue-Derived Stromal Cells in Matrigel Impact the Regeneration of Severely Damaged Skeletal Muscles
Authors: Grabowska Iwona , Zimowska Malgorzata , Maciejewska Karolina , Jablonska Zuzanna , Bazga Anna , Ozieblo Michal , Streminska Wladyslawa , Bem Joanna , Brzoska Edyta , Ciemerych Maria
Published: July 2019

In case of large injuries of skeletal muscles the pool of endogenous stem cells, i.e., satellite cells, might be not sufficient to secure proper regeneration. Such failure in reconstruction is often associated with loss of muscle mass and excessive formation of connective tissue. Therapies aiming to improve skeletal muscle regeneration and prevent fibrosis may rely on the transplantation of different types of stem cell. Among such cells are adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) which are relatively easy to isolate, culture, and manipulate. Our study aimed to verify applicability of ADSCs in the therapies of severely injured skeletal muscles. We tested whether 3D structures obtained from Matrigel populated with ADSCs and transplanted to regenerating mouse gastrocnemius muscles could improve the regeneration. In addition, ADSCs used in this study were pretreated with myoblasts-conditioned medium or anti-TGFβ antibody, i.e., the factors modifying their ability to proliferate, migrate, or differentiate. Analyses performed one week after injury allowed us to show the impact of 3D cultured control and pretreated ADSCs at muscle mass and structure, as well as fibrosis development immune response of the injured muscle.
Glucagon Receptor Signaling and Glucagon Resistance
Authors: Janah Lina , Kjeldsen Sasha , Galsgaard Katrine D. , Winther-Sørensen Marie , Stojanovska Elena , Pedersen Jens , Knop Filip K. , Holst Jens J. , Wewer Albrechtsen Nicolai J.
Published: July 2019

Hundred years after the discovery of glucagon, its biology remains enigmatic. Accurate measurement of glucagon has been essential for uncovering its pathological hypersecretion that underlies various metabolic diseases including not only diabetes and liver diseases but also cancers (glucagonomas). The suggested key role of glucagon in the development of diabetes has been termed the bihormonal hypothesis. However, studying tissue-specific knockout of the glucagon receptor has revealed that the physiological role of glucagon may extend beyond blood-glucose regulation. Decades ago, animal and human studies reported an important role of glucagon in amino acid metabolism through ureagenesis. Using modern technologies such as metabolomic profiling, knowledge about the effects of glucagon on amino acid metabolism has been expanded and the mechanisms involved further delineated. Glucagon receptor antagonists have indirectly put focus on glucagon’s potential role in lipid metabolism, as individuals treated with these antagonists showed dyslipidemia and increased hepatic fat. One emerging field in glucagon biology now seems to include the concept of hepatic glucagon resistance. Here, we discuss the roles of glucagon in glucose homeostasis, amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism and present speculations on the molecular pathways causing and associating with postulated hepatic glucagon resistance.
The Significance of IL-36 Hyperactivation and IL-36R Targeting in Psoriasis
Authors: Madonna Stefania , Girolomoni Giampiero , Dinarello Charles A. , Albanesi Cristina
Published: July 2019

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease that involves mainly T helper (Th)17, Th1 and Th22 lymphocytes, which cause hyper-proliferation of the epidermis with aberrant differentiation of keratinocytes, and local production of chemokines and cytokines. These fuel a self-amplifying loop where these products act on T cells to perpetuate cutaneous inflammatory processes. Among the various inflammatory mediators involved, interleukin (IL)-36 cytokines are important for the recruitment and activation of neutrophils and Th17 cells in psoriatic skin. In particular, IL-36s induce chemokines and cytokines interfere with differentiation/cornification programs in the epidermis, as well as promote pathological angiogenesis and endothelial cell activation. IL-36 cytokines belong to the IL-1 family, and comprise IL-36α, IL-36β, and IL-36γ agonists as well as IL-36 receptor antagonist and IL-38 antagonists. IL-36 cytokines are up-regulated in psoriatic epidermis, and their expression is strongly induced by TNF-α and IL-17. Contrarily, IL-38 antagonist is downregulated, and its impaired expression may be relevant to the dysregulated inflammatory processes induced by IL-36. Here, we discuss on the pathogenic mechanisms leading to the altered balance of IL-36 agonists/antagonists and the significance of this dysregulation in psoriasis. Collection of the information will provide a theoretical basis for the development of novel therapeutic strategies based on IL-36 agonist/antagonist manipulation in psoriasis.
Best-Evidence Rehabilitation for Chronic Pain Part 2: Pain during and after Cancer Treatment
Authors: De Groef An , Penen Frauke , Dams Lore , Van der Gucht Elien , Nijs Jo , Meeus Mira
Published: July 2019

Pain during, and especially after, cancer remains underestimated and undertreated. Moreover, both patients and health care providers are not aware of potential benefits of rehabilitation strategies for the management of pain during and following cancer treatment. In this paper, we firstly provided a state-of-the-art overview of the best evidence rehabilitation modalities for patients having (persistent) pain during and following cancer treatment, including educational interventions, specific exercise therapies, manual therapies, general exercise therapies and mind-body exercise therapies. Secondly, the findings were summarized from a clinical perspective and discussed from a scientific perspective. In conclusion, best evidence suggests that general exercise therapy has small pain-relieving effects. Supporting evidence for mind-body exercise therapy is available only in breast cancer patients. At this moment, there is a lack of high-quality evidence to support the use of specific exercises and manual therapy at the affected region for pain relief during and after cancer treatment. No clinically relevant results were found in favor of educational interventions restricted to a biomedical approach of pain. To increase available evidence these rehabilitation modalities should be applied according to, and within, a multidisciplinary biopsychosocial pain management approach. Larger, well-designed clinical trials tailored to the origin of pain and with proper evaluation of pain-related functioning and the patient’s pain experience are needed.
Rehabilitation of Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy: Integrative Literature Review
Authors: Frade Fátima , Gómez-Salgado Juan , Jacobsohn Lia , Florindo-Silva Fátima
Published: July 2019

This integrative literature review has been carried out with the aim of analyzing the scientific literature aimed at identifying and describing existing rehabilitation treatments/therapies for neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP). NBPP is a frequent consequence of difficult birthing, and it impairs the function of the brachial plexus in newborns. This is why knowledge on rehabilitation strategies deserves special attention. The data collection was carried out in January 2019, in the EBSCOhost and BVS (Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde) platforms, in the CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE Complete, LILACS and PubMed databases. Thirteen articles were included in this integrative literature review, based on a literature search spanning title, abstract and full text, and considering the inclusion criteria. Two main treatments/therapies for NBPP rehabilitation were identified: conservative treatment and surgical treatment. Conservative treatment includes teamwork done by physiatrists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. These professionals use rehabilitation techniques and resources in a complementary way, such as electrostimulation, botulinum toxin injection, immobilizing splints, and constraint induced movement therapy of the non-injured limb. Professionals and family members work jointly. Surgical treatment includes primary surgeries, indicated for children who do not present any type of spontaneous rehabilitation in the first three months of life; and secondary surgeries, recommended in children who after primary surgery have some limitation of injured limb function, or in children who have had some spontaneous recovery, yet still have significant functional deficits. Treatment options for NBPP are defined by clinical evaluation/type of injury, but regardless of the type of injury, it is unanimous that conservative treatment is always started as early as possible. It should be noted that there was no evidence in the literature of other types of rehabilitation and techniques used in clinical practice, such as preventive positioning of contractures and deformities, hydrotherapy/aquatic therapy, among others, so we consider there is a need for further studies at this level in this area.
Physical Exercise Is Confirmed to Reduce Low Back Pain Symptoms in Office Workers: A Systematic Review of the Evidence to Improve Best Practices in the Workplace
Authors: Gobbo Stefano , Bullo Valentina , Bergamo Manuele , Duregon Federica , Vendramin Barbara , Battista Francesca , Roma Enrico , Bocalini Danilo Sales , Rica Roberta Luksevicius , Alberton Cristine Lima , Cruz-Diaz David , Priolo Giampaolo , Pancheri Vittorio , Maso Stefano , Neunhaeuserer Daniel , Ermolao Andrea , Bergamin Marco
Published: July 2019

This systematic review aimed to analyze the effects of a physical exercise (PE) program on low back pain (LBP) symptoms of office workers and the modification of flexibility and range of motion (ROM), muscular strength, and quality of life (QoL). A literature research was performed on PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus from April to May 2018. The keyword “low back pain” was associated with “office worker” OR “VDT operators” OR “office employees” OR “workplace” AND “exercise”, OR “exercise therapy” OR “physical activity”. Inclusion criteria were a home- or work-based exercise protocol for office workers with LBP symptoms and pre- to post-intervention evaluation of LBP symptoms. Three researchers independently examined all abstracts. The modified Cochrane methodological quality criteria were used for quality assessment and 11 articles were included. Exercise protocols were performed from 6 weeks to 12 months, 1–5 day per week, lasting 10–60 min for each session. Physical Exercise in the workplace improved all the considered outcomes. The best improvement was recorded in supervised protocols and in video-supported protocols performed in the workplace. The effect may be generated with small duration sessions during the working day, with only 10–15 min of adapted exercise to be performed 3–5 days per week.
Magnetostrictive Properties of the Grain-Oriented Silicon Steel Sheet under DC-Biased and Multisinusoidal Magnetizations
Authors: Zhao Xiaojun , Du Yutong , Liu Yang , Du Zhenbin , Yuan Dongwei , Liu Lanrong
Published: July 2019

As an intrinsic property, elasticity of soft material is affected significantly by the externally applied alternating magnetic field. Magnetostrictive properties of the grain-oriented (GO) silicon steel under DC-biased and multisinusoidal magnetizations are measured by using a laser-based measuring system. Magnetostriction curves of the GO silicon steel sheet under different magnetizations are obtained and the influence of frequency and DC bias on the magnetostrictive property is observed and analyzed based on the measured data. In addition, the spectrum of magnetostriction under harmonic magnetization is obtained, and the acoustic noise level of the GO silicon steel sheet represented by the A-weighted decibel value caused by magnetostriction is measured under DC-biased and multisinusoidal magnetizations. The measurement results are applied to the simulation of the three-limb laminated core model, and the effects of DC bias and harmonics on magnetic flux density and displacement are analyzed.