bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The lncRNA MEG3/miR‐16‐5p/VGLL4 regulatory axis is involved in etoposide‐induced senescence of tumor cells
Authors: Tao Ye , Yue Peipei , Miao Yongnan , Gao Shuting , Wang Biao , Leng Sean X. , Meng Xin , Zhang Haiyan
Published: November 2020

Background

The senescence of tumor cells is an important tumor suppressor mechanism. The present study aimed to investigate the role of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) MEG3 (maternally expressed gene 3) in the senescence process of tumor cells and its potential molecular mechanism by competitively binding with microRNA miR‐16‐5p to regulate the expression of VGLL4 (encoding vestigial like family member 4).

Methods

We used etoposide to construct senescence models of tumor cells. The degree of cellular senescence was detected by senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase, cell cycle and senescence‐associated secretory phenotype. The expression of lncRNA MEG3, miR‐16‐5p and VGLL4 in senescent or non‐senescent cells was evaluated using a quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase‐PCR (qRT‐PCR) or western blotting. Dual luciferase reporter assays were used to detect the binding of miR‐16‐5p to lncRNA MEG3 and VGLL4. The mRNA and protein expression levels of senescence‐related markers (p53, p21 and p16) were detected using qRT‐PCR or western blotting.

Results

Compared to the control group, the expression of lncRNA MEG3 and VGLL4 was significantly up‐regulated in senescent cells. Knockdown of lncRNA MEG3 and VGLL4 reduced the degree of senescence and the expression of p21 and p16. lncRNA MEG3 interfered with the expression of miR‐16‐5p in senescent A549 and MCF‐7 cells. The expression of VGLL4 was regulated by miR‐16‐5p in senescent A549 and MCF‐7 cells. lncRNA MEG3 participated in the senescent progress of tumor cells induced by etoposide via the miR‐16‐5p/VGLL4 axis.

Conclusions

The present study has confirmed the regulatory role of the lncRNA MEG3/miR‐16‐5p/VGLL4 axis in the low‐dose etoposide‐induced tumor cell senescence model, which has potential clinical application with respect to treating malignant tumors.
GBE1‐related disorders: Adult polyglucosan body disease and its neuromuscular phenotypes
Authors: Souza Paulo Victor Sgobbi , Badia Bruno Mattos Lombardi , Farias Igor Braga , Pinto Wladimir Bocca Vieira de Rezende , Oliveira Acary Souza Bulle , Akman Hasan Orhan , DiMauro Salvatore
Published: November 2020

Adult polyglucosan body disease (APBD) represents a complex autosomal recessive inherited neurometabolic disorder due to homozygous or compound heterozygous pathogenic variants inGBE1gene, resulting in deficiency of glycogen‐branching enzyme and secondary storage of glycogen in the form of polyglucosan bodies, involving the skeletal muscle, diaphragm, peripheral nerve (including autonomic fibers), brain white matter, spinal cord, nerve roots, cerebellum, brainstem and to a lesser extent heart, lung, kidney, and liver cells. The diversity of new clinical presentations regarding neuromuscular involvement is astonishing and transformed APBD in a key differential diagnosis of completely different clinical conditions, including axonal and demyelinating sensorimotor polyneuropathy, progressive spastic paraparesis, motor neuronopathy presentations, autonomic disturbances, leukodystrophies or even pure myopathic involvement with limb‐girdle pattern of weakness. This review article aims to summarize the main clinical, biochemical, genetic, and diagnostic aspects regarding APBD with special focus on neuromuscular presentations.
Ocular Blood Flow Measurements in Diabetic Retinopathy Using 3D Pseudocontinuous Arterial Spin Labeling
Authors: Wang Huihui , Sun Jiao , Li Jing , Li Hongyang , Wang Yanling , Wang Zhenchang
Published: November 2020

Background

Distinguishing between the two broad categories of diabetic retinopathy (DR), nonproliferative DR (NPDR) and proliferative DR (PDR), is significant, as the therapeutic strategies for each are completely different.

Purpose

To characterize the ocular blood flow (OBF) of DR patients and evaluate the potential utility of OBF values in categorizing DR.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

A total of 41 DR patients (82 eyes) were recruited in our study. Group 1 comprised 48 eyes with NPDR, and Group 2 comprised 34 eyes with PDR.

Field Strength/Sequence

3D pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (3D‐pcASL) with two postlabeling delays (PLDs) was acquired at 3.0T MR.

Assessment

OBF values were independently obtained by two doctors from the OBF map.

Statistical Tests

OBF values and clinical characteristics were compared between the groups using two‐sample t‐tests and chi‐square tests. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were obtained, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. The consistency of OBF values reported by the two doctors was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

OBF values at PLDs of 1.5 seconds and 2.5 seconds were significantly lower in Group 2 than in Group 1 (P < 0.05 for both PLDs). The OBF values of Group 2 showed a greater increase than those of Group 1 from PLD 1.5 to 2.5 seconds. The AUC of OBF at the 1.5 seconds PLD was 0.90, with a cutoff of 7.73 mL/min/100 g, and the AUC of the OBF at the 2.5 seconds PLD was 0.75, with a cutoff of 8.44 mL/min/100 g. The ICC between the two observers was 0.844 for the OBF at 1.5 seconds PLD and 0.872 for the OBF at 2.5 seconds PLD.

Data Conclusion

PDR can be differentiated from NPDR by the value of OBF as measured by 3D‐pcASL.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
Pseudo Split Gate In0.53Ga0.47As/InP Hetero‐Junction Tunnel FET: Design and Analysis
Authors: Haris Mohd , Loan Sajad A. , Mainuddin
Published: November 2020

In this work, we present the design and simulation of a novel structure of In0.53Ga0.43As/InP based hetero junction tunnel field effect transistor (HTFET). The proposed HTFET employs two gates: the conventional main gate and a pseudo split gate (PSG) at the drain side. The PSG is placed at the top of the drain region with the same equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) and work function as that of the main gate at an optimized separation from gate electrode. The PSG is not an active gate and it is not connected to either VDD or gate voltage. Two dimensional simulation study has revealed that the proposed device suppresses ambipolar current by ~10 orders of magnitude as compared to a HTFET without overlap and by >7 orders as compared to overlapping gate on drain HTFET (OGD‐HTFET). The PSG‐based HTFET (PSG‐HTFET) also exhibits lesser total gate capacitance as compared to OGD TFET. The proposed PSG‐HTFET offers much better ambipolar suppression even at higher drain doping and lower EOT, as compared to OGD‐HTFET. Further, the PSG‐HTFET exhibits 50% and 40% lesser fall and rise propagation delays respectively as compared to the OGD‐HTEFT. Further, the voltage overshoot and undershoot have also been suppressed in the proposed PSG‐HTFET. The scalability analysis shows that the PSG‐HTFET has better scalability in terms of ambipolar suppression, total gate capacitance, and propagation delays.
To be or not to be consistent? The role of friendship and group‐targeted perspective in managers' allocation decisions
Authors: Derfler‐Rozin Rellie , Sherf Elad N. , Chen Gilad
Published: November 2020

Adopting a justice enactment perspective, we explore managers' consistent versus inconsistent application of existing rules in allocation decisions. We propose that when managers form friendship relationships with their employees, they are likely to experience greater tensions when fulfilling their managerial duties as resource allocators. On the one hand, managers may wish to deviate from the rules to benefit an employee who is also a friend. On the other hand, benefiting one employee (but not others) might lead to tensions in managers' friendships with other employees. We further argue that the extent to which managers adopt a group‐targeted perspective affects the resolution of this tension such that, from such a perspective, they are more likely to perceive consistent application of existing rules (vs. deviating from them) as fairer. We find support for our predictions across a field study and an experimental study. We discuss implications of our findings for literatures on justice enactment, allocation decisions, and workplace friendships.
An investigation of the antidepressant‐like effect of Jiaotaiwan in rats by nontargeted metabolomics based on ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Jiao Ziyi , Zhao Huan , Huang Wei , Liang Ru , Liu Yijia , Li Zhu , Li Lin , Xu Yilan , Gao Shuming , Gao Shan , Li Yubo , Yu Chunquan
Published: November 2020

Depression is a mental disorder characterized by persistent unhappiness, lack of interest, with cognitive and sleep disorders. Jiaotaiwan is a traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of insomnia and depressive‐like symptoms. In this study, the major chemical components in Jiaotaiwan were qualitatively analyzed using ultra high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, and a model of depression in rats was subsequently established with chronic unpredictable mild stress followed by Jiaotaiwan intervention. Next, the metabolic profile of rat serum samples was analyzed using nontargeted metabolomics, wherein changes in the metabolites in serum samples before and after Jiaotaiwan administration were measured by multiple statistical approaches. Principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis indicated that the Jiaotaiwan treatment improved the metabolic phenotype depression. Moreover, the heatmap analysis identified the most important ten biomarkers involved in depression. According to the pathway analysis, the therapeutic effect of Jiaotaiwan on depression may involve the regulation of amino acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and energy metabolism. These findings help us understand the pathogenesis of depression in‐depth, and discover targets for clinical diagnosis and treatment. And it also lays a foundation for the use of Jiaotaiwan as an antidepressant agent.
A Comparison of Triamcinolone Acetonide Econazole Cream and Nystatin Suspension in Treatment of Otomycosis
Authors: Chen Qingguo , Chu Hanqi , Tao Yanling , Peng Liyan , Zhou Liangqiang , Liu Lei , Wu Xiaohui
Published: November 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

To compare the efficacy and adverse effects of triamcinolone acetonide econazole cream and nystatin suspension in the treatment of otomycosis, and to determine the clinical features, predisposing factors, and etiology of otomycosis.

Study Design

A prospective study.

Methods

A prospective clinical trial was conducted on 786 patients diagnosed with otomycosis. The study population was randomly divided into two treatment groups of triamcinolone acetonide econazole cream (TAEC) and nystatin suspension in a 1:1 ratio. After clearing all fungal deposits in the external auditory canal, the antimycotic drugs were locally applied for at least 2 weeks. The efficacy and adverse effects were compared between the two antifungal reagents by statistical analysis. Meanwhile, patient clinical data were collected to find out the clinical features, predisposing factors, and etiology.

Results

Pruritis was the most common symptom and Aspergillus niger was the leading fungal pathogen. There was high association (44.5%) of otomycosis with a history of unclean ear picking. The cure rate was 97.6% in the TAEC group and 73.5% in the nystatin group (P < .01). Treatment with TAEC resulted in 2.4% of patients complaining of discomforts (irritant dermatitis, otalgia, or headache) versus 59.8% of patients complaining discomforts treated with nystatin (P < .01). The residue rate of antifungals was 1.9% in the TAEC group and 89.9% in the nystatin group (P < .01) at the end of treatment.

Conclusions

Thoroughly cleaning of the external auditory canal followed by local use of TAEC under endotoscope is an effective, convenient, and well‐tolerated treatment for otomycosis.

Level of Evidence

1 Laryngoscope, 131:E1640–E1646, 2021
The Potential Protective Effects of Statins in Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Gilani Sapideh , Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: November 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the potential protective effect of prior statin use on the subsequent diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Study Design

Retrospective, case‐control.

Methods

Electronic medical records for all patients seen in the otolaryngology clinic in 2019 and receiving a diagnosis of CRS were reviewed for the presence or absence of active prior statin use within 365 days of the visit. Similarly, prior statin use in a control group of patients without any diagnosis of CRS was also determined. Statin exposure in CRS patients was compared to statin exposure in control patients with 1:2 matching on age and sex with chi‐square and odds ratios were computed.

Results

In 2019, 3655 patients (mean age, 52.9 years, 56.4% female) were identified with a diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis versus 41,636 patients without any diagnosis of CRS. All chronic rhinosinusitis patients were successfully matched to 7310 controls. 6.3% of CRS patients (229 patients) had prior statin use, versus 8.5% (624 patients) of control patients. The average mean duration of statin use prior to visit was not significantly different between CRS and control patients (mean days, 202.3 days versus 205.6 days, respectively; P = .697). The presence of a statin medication in use was associated with a significant protective effect against a subsequent diagnosis of CRS with and odds ratio for CRS diagnosis of 0.716 (95% confidence interval, 0.612–0.838) in those patients taking a statin medication (P < .001).

Conclusions

The use of a statin medication was associated with a significant reduction in subsequent diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:E1431–E1433, 2021
Trait‐based sediment retention and runoff control by herbaceous vegetation in agricultural catchments: A review
Authors: Kervroëdan Léa , Armand Romain , Rey Freddy , Faucon Michel‐Pierre
Published: November 2020

Soil degradation by concentrated runoff and soil erosion induces major environmental and economic damages, notably in agricultural areas under temperate climates. The use of herbaceous vegetation aims to increase the hydraulic resistance and thus reduce runoff and soil erosion while retaining sediments on site. However, the identification of the most suitable species to mitigate runoff is often specific to a phytogeographical territory and hampered by the intraspecific variability, which reduces the transposition of a solution to other territories and the ability to quantify the effects of the vegetation. Using a plant trait‐based approach allows understanding and characterising the direct effects of the vegetation on runoff and soil erosion mitigation as well as on the sediment retention increase. Here, we review the influence of plant aboveground functional types and traits of herbaceous vegetation on the hydraulic resistance and sediment retention and the contentious effects of the functional diversity on the hydraulic resistance and sediment retention, within agricultural catchments. Using this knowledge, we propose applications of the trait‐based approach to design and manage herbaceous hedges for sediment retention and soil erosion control. This review synthesises recent advances regarding the effects of the functional traits on runoff and sediment retention and defines a trait‐based selection method of the plant species for runoff and soil erosion control.
The role of vitamin D in head and neck cancer
Authors: Izreig Said , Hajek Michael , Edwards Heather A. , Mehra Saral , Sasaki Clarence , Judson Benjamin L. , Rahmati Rahmatullah W.
Published: November 2020

Objective

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) describes a set of malignancies of the head and neck that continue to inflict considerable morbidity and mortality. Because HNSCC often presents at an advanced stage, patients frequently undergo intensive multi‐modal therapy with an intent to cure. Vitamin D is a precursor to the biologically active hormone calcitriol which governs bone and calcium physiology that is obtained from diet and UV‐B exposure. Vitamin D is known to have pleiotropic effects on health and disease. In this review, we examine the role of vitamin D in cancer with emphasis on HNSCC and discuss potential avenues for further research that might better elucidate the role of vitamin D in the management of HNSCC.

Review methods

A review of MEDLINE database indexed literature concerning the role and biology of vitamin D in HNSCC was conducted, with special consideration of recently published work and research involving immunobiology and HNSCC.

Conclusions

The available evidence suggests that vitamin D may play a role in protecting against HNSCC, particularly in persons who smoke, although conflicting and limited data exists. Promising initial work encourages the pursuit of further study.

Implications for practice

The significant morbidity and mortality that HNSCC brings warrants continued research in available and safe interventions that improve patient outcomes. With the rise of immunotherapy as an effective modality for treatment, continued research of vitamin D as an adjunct in the treatment of HNSCC is supported.
Low‐density lipoproteins protect sperm during cryopreservation in buffalo: Unraveling mechanism of action
Authors: Dalal Jasmer , Chandolia Ramesh K. , Pawaria Shikha , Kumar Aman , Kumar Dharmendra , Selokar Naresh L. , Andonissamy Jerome , Yadav Prem S. , Kumar Pradeep
Published: November 2020

This study was carried out to reveal factors and the mechanism of action by which low‐density lipoproteins (LDLs) protect sperm better than egg yolk (EY) during cryopreservation. We extracted LDL from EY and compared the amount of calcium, progesterone, and antioxidants in EY and LDL. We found a very high concentration of progesterone (1423.95 vs. 10.46 ng/ml) and calcium (29.19 vs. 0.47 mM) in EY as compared with LDL. Antioxidant assays like DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) and the ferric reducing antioxidants power assay revealed that the LDL extender had almost double ability to lose hydrogen than the EY extender. For sperm cryopreservation, 20 ejaculates from four Murrah buffalo bulls were collected. Each ejaculate was divided into four aliquots and extended in 10%, 12%, and 14% LDL (w/v) and EY‐based extenders, followed by cryopreservation. The LDL‐based extender prevented excessive cholesterol efflux, and its high content of antioxidants minimized reactive oxygen species generated during cryopreservation, resulting in a functional CatSper channel. The EY‐based extender promoted excess cholesterol efflux due to the presence of high‐density lipoprotein, resulting in a compromised CatSper channel. High intracellular calcium in a cryopreserved sperm in the EY group as compared with the LDL group indicates that progesterone present in EY activates the CatSper channel, resulting in a heavy calcium influx into the sperm. The greater tyrosine phosphorylation and increased number of F‐pattern in the sperm cryopreserved in the EY extender indicate that high intracellular calcium triggers more capacitation‐like changes in the sperm cryopreserved in EY than LDL extender. In conclusion, we demonstrated the new facts and understandings about LDL and EY for semen cryopreservation.
A local hybrid surrogate‐based finite element tearing interconnecting dual‐primal method for nonsmooth random partial differential equations
Authors: Eigel Martin , Gruhlke Robert
Published: November 2020

A domain decomposition approach for high‐dimensional random partial differential equations exploiting the localization of random parameters is presented. To obtain high efficiency, surrogate models in multielement representations in the parameter space are constructed locally when possible. The method makes use of a stochastic Galerkin finite element tearing interconnecting dual‐primal formulation of the underlying problem with localized representations of involved input random fields. Each local parameter space associated to a subdomain is explored by a subdivision into regions where either the parametric surrogate accuracy can be trusted or where instead one has to resort to Monte Carlo. A heuristic adaptive algorithm carries out a problem‐dependent hp‐refinement in a stochastic multielement sense, anisotropically enlarging the trusted surrogate region as far as possible. This results in an efficient global parameter to solution sampling scheme making use of local parametric smoothness exploration for the surrogate construction. Adequately structured problems for this scheme occur naturally when uncertainties are defined on subdomains, for example, in a multiphysics setting, or when the Karhunen–Loève expansion of a random field can be localized. The efficiency of the proposed hybrid technique is assessed with numerical benchmark problems illustrating the identification of trusted (possibly higher order) surrogate regions and nontrusted sampling regions.
Mobile phone addiction and its association with burnout in Chinese novice nurses: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Ma Huan , He Ji‐Qun , Zou Jin‐Mei , Zhong Ying
Published: November 2020

Aim

To explore the levels of mobile phone addiction and burnout and their relationships among novice nurses.

Design

A cross‐sectional investigation design.

Methods

Questionnaires were distributed to 400 novice nurses in five public hospitals in China. A total of 366 participants completed the survey. Data collected in 2020 were analysed by using descriptive statistics, an independent t test and Pearson's correlation analysis.

Results

The results showed that the frequency of nursing adverse events was associated with higher level of mobile phone addiction in novice nurses, and 52.46% of the participants (N = 366) presented a high level of occupational burnout. Moreover, the results indicated that there was a positive correlation between the novice nurses’ mobile phone addiction level and burnout (r = .33, p < .01).

Conclusion

The level of mobile phone addiction may affect nursing adverse events and nurses’ burnout. Education on novice nurses’ mobile phone use seems necessary to ensure patient safety and burnout prevention.

Impact

Findings of this study expanded important knowledge about mobile phone addiction and its potential influence on nursing safety and nurse burnout and may place significant implications to staff nurse management and in‐service education.
A geostatistical Markov chain Monte Carlo inversion algorithm for electrical resistivity tomography
Authors: Aleardi Mattia , Vinciguerra Alessandro , Hojat Azadeh
Published: November 2020

Electrical resistivity tomography is an ill‐posed and nonlinear inverse problem commonly solved through deterministic gradient‐based methods. These methods guarantee a fast convergence towards the final solution, but the local linearization of the inverse operator impedes accurate uncertainty assessments. On the contrary, numerical Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms allow for accurate uncertainty appraisals, but appropriate Markov chain Monte Carlo recipes are needed to reduce the computational effort and make these approaches suitable to be applied to field data. A key aspect of any probabilistic inversion is the definition of an appropriate prior distribution of the model parameters that can also incorporate spatial constraints to mitigate the ill conditioning of the inverse problem. Usually, Gaussian priors oversimplify the actual distribution of the model parameters that often exhibit multimodality due to the presence of multiple litho‐fluid facies. In this work, we develop a novel probabilistic Markov chain Monte Carlo approach for inversion of electrical resistivity tomography data. This approach jointly estimates resistivity values, litho‐fluid facies, along with the associated uncertainties from the measured apparent resistivity pseudosection. In our approach, the unknown parameters include the facies model as well as the continuous resistivity values. At each spatial location, the distribution of the resistivity value is assumed to be multimodal and non‐parametric with as many modes as the number of facies. An advanced Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm (the differential evolution Markov chain) is used to efficiently sample the posterior density in a high‐dimensional parameter space. A Gaussian variogram model and a first‐order Markov chain respectively account for the lateral continuity of the continuous and discrete model properties, thereby reducing the null‐space of solutions. The direct sequential simulation geostatistical method allows the generation of sampled models that honour both the assumed marginal prior and spatial constraints. During the Markov chain Monte Carlo walk, we iteratively sample the facies, by moving from one mode to another, and the resistivity values, by sampling within the same mode. The proposed method is first validated by inverting the data calculated from synthetic models. Then, it is applied to field data and benchmarked against a standard local inversion algorithm. Our experiments prove that the proposed Markov chain Monte Carlo inversion retrieves reliable estimations and accurate uncertainty quantifications with a reasonable computational effort.
Moving beyond the measure: Understanding patients' experiences of communication with nurses
Authors: Trotta Rebecca L. , Rao Aditi D. , McHugh Matthew D. , Yoho Margaret , Cunningham Regina S.
Published: November 2020

Under Medicare's Value‐Based Purchasing Program, scores derived from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey are used in the determination of incentive payments and financial penalties for healthcare organizations. Organizations, therefore, invest in approaches to improve the likelihood of positive patient responses. Evidence suggests that nurse communication as measured by HCAHPS influences overall patient satisfaction, yet little is known regarding what patients believe constitutes effective communication with nurses. In this qualitative descriptive study, we conducted phone interviews with 49 recently hospitalized patients to better understand patients' perceptions of their communication with nurses. Our findings indicate that patients perceived their communication with nurses to unfold via nurses' behaviors. Namely, nurses' engagement with patients, anticipation of patients' needs, responsiveness to patients' concerns, and teaching practices positively influence patient satisfaction with communication with nurses. These behaviors resonated most strongly with patients during particularly memorable moments of uncertainty and vulnerability over the course of a hospital stay. These findings suggest that focusing on the development of nurses' behaviors, ensuring processes are in place to support positive behaviors and creating organizational environments that position nurses to consistently apply these behaviors, can improve patients' perceptions of their communication with nurses. These findings also provide a foundation for further research focused on developing and testing specific behavioral interventions and their effect on communication perception.
Chimeric antigen receptor‐modified macrophages trigger systemic anti‐tumour immunity
Authors: Niu Zhiyuan , Chen Guanxu , Chang Wei , Sun Pengyang , Luo Zhixia , Zhang Huiyong , Zhi Lingtong , Guo Changjiang , Chen Han , Yin Meichen , Zhu Wuling
Published: November 2020

Preliminary results and emerging data have shown that lipid droplet high (LDhi) immunosuppressive cells accumulate in tumour tissues. By tracking and phenotypic profiling of LDhi cells, we find that LDhiCD19+, LDhiCD11b+, and LDhiLy6G+ immune cell populations appear in the spleen, thymus, and tumour tissues in a syngeneic tumour model. Using a contact‐dependent reporter system, we discover a LDhiCCR7hi immunosuppressive cell population that migrates from tumour tissues to the spleen and thymus. Hence, we engineered a family of chimeric antigen receptor‐modified macrophages (CAR‐Ms) that direct macrophages to CCR7‐positive cells and show that the cytosolic domain from Mer receptor tyrosine kinase (MerTK) triggers tumour cell cytotoxicity by the CAR‐Ms. In vivo, CCR7‐targeted CAR‐Ms suppressed tumour growth and prolonged survival by preventing metastasis and by inducing systemic anti‐tumour immunity through retarding the migration of LDhiCCR7hi immunosuppressive cells from tumour tissues to distal immune organs, indicating an important role for CCR7 in tumour cell‐induced immune tolerance. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study on mechanical and thermomechanical properties of flax/glass fiber hybrid‐reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Wang Hongguang , Yang Lanjie , Wu Hao
Published: November 2020

A hybrid fiber‐reinforced plastic (HFRP) composite is defined as a composite material that is reinforced by two or more continuous fiber materials in the same resin matrix. This article used the hand layup method to prepare epoxy‐based flax and glass HFRP composites. Under the same fiber hybrid ratio, the interlayer and sandwich hybrid lamination methods were used for mechanical properties testing of the composite. The tensile and bending properties of the HFRP composites were obtained by tensile and three‐point bending tests, and the cross‐sectional morphology of the material was observed by a scanning electron microscopy. The thermomechanical properties of the HFRP composite were analyzed by the dynamic mechanical thermomechanical analysis (DMTA). The results showed that the effect of the different layup methods on the tensile properties of the HFRP composite material was less than the effect of the bending properties, and the bending properties showed a significant positive effect for the hybrid composites. When the glass fiber sheet was used as the core layer and the flax fiber sheet was used as the surface layer, the hybrid composites had improved bending properties, and their bending strength and flexural modulus were approximately 3.22 times and 3.81 times that of flax FRP composites, respectively. The storage modulus and glass transition temperature of the HFRP composites were higher than those of flax FRP composites as they increased by 84.1% and 8.01°C, respectively.
The effect of emerging molecular and genetic therapies on cardiopulmonary disease in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: McKim Douglas A. , Cripe Timothy P. , Cripe Linda H.
Published: November 2020

Gene therapy is an attractive approach being intensively studied to prevent muscle deterioration in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. While clinical trials are only in early stages, initial reports are promising for its effects on ambulation. Cardiopulmonary failure, however, is the most common cause of mortality in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients, and little is known regarding the prospects for gene therapy on alleviating DMD‐associated cardiomyopathy and respiratory failure. Here we review current knowledge regarding effects of gene therapy on DMD cardiomyopathy and discuss respiratory endpoints that should be considered as outcome measures in future clinical trials.
Green approach for fabrication of chitosan‐neem gum polyelectrolyte stabilized penta and hexagonal nanoparticles and in‐vitro cytotoxic potential toward breast cancer (MCF‐7) cells
Authors: Malviya Rishabha
Published: November 2020

The present investigation aimed to utilize chitosan‐neem gum polysaccharide (Ch‐NGP) polyelectrolyte complex for the fabrication of hexagonal and pentagonal nanoparticles using antisolvent precipitation method. Fabricated nanoparticles were found in the range of 63.1 to 447.2 nm with the entrapment efficiency of 76.80 ± 1.28 to 89.82 ± 2.32%. A nonlinear correlation between the independent variable and response was observed after the regression coefficient based linearity analysis. Drug release was carried out using the egg membrane and tomato membrane as a biological barrier. All the formulations show peculiar release pattern viz. initial immediate release, followed by sustained release and final burst release of the drug. Similarity factor analysis easily showed a significant difference in drug release patterns when the egg membrane and tomato membrane were utilized as biological barriers (S˂50). Anticancerous effect against breast cancer cells line (MCF‐7) shows better control over cell growth when etoricoxib loaded nanoparticles were used in place of pure etoricoxib. Particle size growth analysis elicits that significantly no “Ostwald ripening” was observed after 45 days. It can be concluded from the findings of the experiments that Ch‐NGP polyelectrolyte functionalized hexagonal and pentagonal nanoparticles can be utilized for passive targeting of tumor cells due to its unique properties.
Migration of bisphenol A from polyvinyl chloride plastics to solvents of different polarities and packaged food in China
Authors: Wang Hen , Jiang Lijia , Gu Shuang , Wang Xiangyang
Published: November 2020

Bisphenol A (BPA) used as an additive in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products is an endocrine disrupter that causes negative effects on human health. The aim of the present study is to investigate the BPA contents in 26 different plastics bought from China, their major components were identified by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectrometry, and the migration of BPA from these materials into four representative solvents and four foods were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results showed that nine kinds of plastics were identified as PVC, and eight plastic samples were PVC‐based films. Recoveries of BPA in films and foods were 88.87%–97.29%, and their precisions expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD) were 1.17%–4.72%. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.01–0.02 μg ml−1. In the tests of migration into water, 20% ethanol, 4% acetic acid, andn‐hexane, migrations from given films, were in all cases greatest inton‐hexane (7.44–20 mg kg−1after 24 h). Migrations from the films with nonzero BPA contents to four foods ranged from 0.079 to 0.403 mg kg−1, which were higher than the updated European Union specific migration limit for BPA (0.05 mg kg−1). Therefore, PVC should be taken into account in estimating BPA intake or exposure to this substance.
Prediction schemes for disturbance attenuation of discrete‐time linear systems with input‐delay
Authors: Wu Ai‐Guo , Wang Yu
Published: November 2020

In this article, two predictors are developed to estimate the future state of a discrete‐time linear system with input delay and external disturbance. The ultimate bounds of the state of the closed‐loop system are given when the predictor‐based state feedback control laws are used via the proposed predictors. Based on these expressions, the disturbance attenuation performance is analyzed for the proposed prediction schemes. For constant disturbance, the error between the estimated state and the further state can be eliminated by the controller based on these two predictors. A numerical example is employed to show the effectiveness of the proposed prediction schemes.
Variations in sustainable development goal interactions: Population, regional, and income disaggregation
Authors: Warchold Anne , Pradhan Prajal , Kropp Jürgen P.
Published: November 2020

To fulfill the 2030 Agenda, the complexity of sustainable development goal (SDG) interactions needs to be disentangled. However, this understanding is currently limited. We conduct a cross‐sectional correlational analysis for 2016 to understand SDG interactions under the entire development spectrum. We apply several correlation methods to classify the interaction as synergy or trade‐off and characterize them according to their monotony and linearity. Simultaneously, we analyze SDG interactions considering population, location, income, and regional groups. Our findings highlight that synergies always outweigh trade‐offs and linear outweigh non‐linear interactions. SDG 1, 5, and 6 are associated with linear synergies, SDG 3, and 7 with non‐linear synergies. SDG interactions vary according to a country's income and region along with the gender, age, and location of its population. In summary, to achieve the 2030 Agenda the detected interactions and inequalities across countries need be tracked and leveraged to “leave no one behind.”
Net benefit in the presence of correlated prioritized outcomes using generalized pairwise comparisons: A simulation study
Authors: Giai Joris , Maucort‐Boulch Delphine , Ozenne Brice , Chiêm Jean‐Christophe , Buyse Marc , Péron Julien
Published: November 2020

Background

The prioritized net benefit (Δ) is a measure of the benefit‐risk balance in clinical trials, based on generalized pairwise comparisons (GPC) using several prioritized outcomes. Its estimation requires the classification as Wins or Losses of all possible pairs of patients, one from the experimental treatment (E) group and one from the control treatment (C) group. In this simulation study, we assessed the impact of the correlation between prioritized outcomes on Δ, its estimate, bias, size, and power.

Methods

The theoretical Δ value was derived for the specific case of two correlated binary outcomes when a normal copula is used. Focusing on one efficacy and one toxicity outcome, two situations frequently met in practice were simulated: binary efficacy outcome with binary toxicity outcome, or time to event efficacy outcome with categorical toxicity outcome. Several scenarios of efficacy and toxicity were generated, with various levels of correlation.

Results

When E was more effective than C, positive correlations were mainly associated with a decrease in the proportion of Losses, while negative correlations were associated with a decrease in the proportion of Wins on the toxicity outcome. This resulted in an increase of with the intensity of the positive correlation without adding any bias. Results were similar whatever the type of outcomes generated but led to power alteration.

Conclusion

Correlations between outcomes analyzed with GPC led to substantial but predictable modifications of Δ and its estimate. Correlations should be taken into consideration when performing sample size estimations in clinical trials.
Raking and regression calibration: Methods to address bias from correlated covariate and time‐to‐event error
Authors: Oh Eric J. , Shepherd Bryan E. , Lumley Thomas , Shaw Pamela A.
Published: November 2020

Medical studies that depend on electronic health records (EHR) data are often subject to measurement error, as the data are not collected to support research questions under study. These data errors, if not accounted for in study analyses, can obscure or cause spurious associations between patient exposures and disease risk. Methodology to address covariate measurement error has been well developed; however, time‐to‐event error has also been shown to cause significant bias, but methods to address it are relatively underdeveloped. More generally, it is possible to observe errors in both the covariate and the time‐to‐event outcome that are correlated. We propose regression calibration (RC) estimators to simultaneously address correlated error in the covariates and the censored event time. Although RC can perform well in many settings with covariate measurement error, it is biased for nonlinear regression models, such as the Cox model. Thus, we additionally propose raking estimators which are consistent estimators of the parameter defined by the population estimating equation. Raking can improve upon RC in certain settings with failure‐time data, require no explicit modeling of the error structure, and can be utilized under outcome‐dependent sampling designs. We discuss features of the underlying estimation problem that affect the degree of improvement the raking estimator has over the RC approach. Detailed simulation studies are presented to examine the performance of the proposed estimators under varying levels of signal, error, and censoring. The methodology is illustrated on observational EHR data on HIV outcomes from the Vanderbilt Comprehensive Care Clinic.
Supramolecular Cages Based on a Silver Complex as Adaptable Hosts for Poly‐Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Sun Na , Wang Shi‐Qiang , Andaloussi Yassin H. , Liu Guorui , Fu Tonghuan , Xu Jialiang , Zaworotko Michael J. , Bu Xian‐He
Published: November 2020

In this work, an L‐shaped silver complex, AgLClO4 (L = 2,3‐bis[3‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl·methyl]quinoxaline), M, is found to be adaptable enough to host a range of medium and large aromatic hydrocarbons including several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The transformation of M from as‐synthesized closed (nonporous) crystalline to at least three types of open phase structures in the presence of different aromatic hydrocarbons enables the adaptable binding of M to these aromatics. In essence, M can rearrange its cavities to fit the different sizes and shapes of the guest molecules in the manner that is infeasible with cage compounds or coordination networks. Single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction confirm the adaptable structures of the resulting host–guest complexes, M·nG (G = guest, n = 0.5 or 0.75). Detailed 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, along with the fluorescence spectroscopy, reveal that the host–guest complexes feature similar chemical compositions in the solution, but are in the states of rapid exchange in and outside the cages. Such an adaptability of M provides insights into the strength of host–guest interactions and enables a new class of adsorptive molecular materials that can bind a large number of aromatics, specifically PAHs.
Integrated Structure and Device Engineering for High Performance and Scalable Quantum Dot Infrared Photodetectors
Authors: Xu Kaimin , Zhou Wenjia , Ning Zhijun
Published: November 2020

Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are emerging as promising materials for the next generation infrared (IR) photodetectors, due to their easy solution processing, low cost manufacturing, size‐tunable optoelectronic properties, and flexibility. Tremendous efforts including material engineering and device structure manipulation have been made to improve the performance of the photodetectors based on CQDs. In recent years, benefiting from the facial integration with materials such as 2D structure, perovskite and silicon, as well as device engineering, the performance of CQD IR photodetectors have been developing rapidly. On the other hand, to prompt the application of CQD IR photodetectors, scalable device structures that are compatible with commercial systems are developed. Herein, recent advances of CQD based IR photodetectors are summarized, especially material integration, device engineering, and scalable device structures.
Calcium‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks and Their Potential Applications
Authors: Xian Shikai , Lin Yuhan , Wang Hao , Li Jing
Published: November 2020

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) built on calcium metal (Ca‐MOFs) represent a unique subclass of MOFs featuring high stability, low toxicity, and relatively low density. Ca‐MOFs show considerable potential for molecular separations, electronic, magnetic, and biomedical applications, although they are not investigated as extensively as transition metal‐based MOFs. Compared to MOFs made of other groups of metals, Ca‐MOFs may be particularly advantageous for certain applications such as adsorption and storage of light molecules because of their gravimetric benefit, and drug delivery due to their high biocompatibility. This review intends to provide an overview on the recent development of Ca‐MOFs, including their synthesis, crystal structures, important properties, and related applications. Various synthetic methods and techniques, types of building blocks, structure and porosity features, selected physical properties, and potential uses will be discussed and summarized. Representative examples will be illustrated for each type of important applications with a focus on their structure–property relations.
Unraveling MoS2 and Transition Metal Dichalcogenides as Functional Zinc‐Ion Battery Cathode: A Perspective
Authors: Lee Wee Siang Vincent , Xiong Ting , Wang Xiaopeng , Xue Junmin
Published: November 2020

The zinc‐ion battery (ZIB) is considered as one of the most important alternative battery chemistries to date. However, one of the challenges in ZIB development is the limited selection of materials that can exhibit satisfactory Zn2+ storage. Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are widely investigated in energy‐related applications due to their distinct physical and chemical properties. In particular, the wide interlayer spacings for these TMDs are particularly attractive as viable Zn2+ storage sites. Despite the suitability of TMDs in ZIB application, they are still not widely explored due to their limited report in this area. In this perspective review, the key challenge of TMDs, especially for MoS2, in their utilization as ZIB cathode are discussed. The various reports on MoS2 and TMDs as ZIB cathodes are also summarized. In order to elicit reasonable Zn2+ storage ability in MoS2 and TMDs, four key modification strategies are proposed: 1) interlayer engineering, 2) defect engineering, 3) hybridization, and 4) phase engineering. These proposed modification strategies may be able to address the challenge of inadequate Zn2+ storage in MoS2 and TMDs. Finally, this review ends with a conclusion and outlook of MoS2 and TMDs in the future development of ZIB cathodes.
MyNeutronDAQ: A general program for data acquisition of neutron scattering spectrometers at China Mianyang Research Reactor and on‐line data‐analysis
Authors: Wang Tingting , Pang Beibei , Li Xinxi , Wang Yan , Huang Chaoqiang , Gong Jian , Sun Guangai , Liu Dong
Published: November 2020

MyNeutronDAQ, a graphical user interface (GUI) program for data acquisition of neutron scattering spectrometers at China Mianyang Research Reactor (CMRR) and on‐line data‐analysis has been developed. The program is written in Microsoft Visual C++, which runs under Windows operating systems. Based on the characters of the hardware connection and time‐to‐digital converter (TDC) systems of the spectrometers (taking the time‐of‐flight and polarized neutron reflectometer [TPNR] Diting as the example), a valid event identification and screening protocol is embedded into the program. Moreover, the program design and key features of MyNeutronDAQ such as visualization interface, optional output data format, batch mode, and functions of user‐friendly on‐line analysis, are presented. Taking the program specifically for small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS) Suanni as the example, specific applications of the MyNeutronDAQ are further presented.
Mineral Transform and Specific Heat Capacity Characterization of Blast Furnace Slag with High Al2O3 in Heating Process
Authors: Zheng Haiyan , Liang Lisheng , Du Jinlei , Zhou Shifa , Jiang Xin , Gao Qiangjian , Shen Fengman
Published: November 2020

The specific heat capacity (Cp) of blast furnace (BF) slag critically impacts BF smelting and reports on the Cp of BF slag with high Al2O3 are rare. Mineral transform and Cp characterization of synthesized BF slag (CaO–SiO2–MgO–Al2O3) with high Al2O3 in the heating process are herein discussed. Differential scanning calorimetry curves show a major exothermic peak at a low temperature and multiple endothermic peaks at elevated temperatures. The exothermic peak at approximately 920 °C appears when amorphous SiO2 (or SiO2 in silicate) becomes crystal SiO2 (or SiO2 in silicate). The endothermic peak between 1224–1254 °C is attributed to the reverse eutectic reaction, CaO·Al2O3·2SiO2 + 2CaO·0.5MgO·0.5Al2O3·1.5SiO2 → Liquid, along a eutectic line. CaO·Al2O3·2SiO2 + MgO·SiO2 → Liquid + 2MgO·SiO2 (reverse peritectic reaction) or CaO·Al2O3·2SiO2 + 2MgO·SiO2 → Liquid (reverse eutectic reaction) at approximately 1268 °C will occur with an endothermic reaction in some cases. The sharp endothermic peak between 1282 and 1303 °C is the reverse eutectic reaction, CaO·SiO2 + 2CaO·Al2O3·SiO2 → Liquid. The blunt endothermic peak between 1388 and 1447 °C is the residual slag melting, Solid → Liquid. The relationships of Cp with temperatures and compositions (R, ratio of w(MgO)/w(Al2O3), and w(Al2O3)) are established with a good fit.