bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing an AltaRica simulator
Authors: Wang Wenru , Xu Xiaojie , Hu Jian , Lu Xinghai , Shi Xiaohua
Published: May 2019

Since the AltaRica language has, in fact, become the European industry standard, the AltaRica‐based simulation method is one of the important research contents in the field of safety analysis methods. At the same time, in practical applications, simulations are mostly executed tens of thousands of times. Therefore, it is practical to optimize the execution time of the simulation method. We first analyze the hotspots in the execution of simulation methods and then propose two optimization strategies for two hot issues. The optimization method is designed and implemented by the method of space for time. Finally, the effectiveness and application scenarios of the optimization method are illustrated by experiments with different scale models. Moreover, the experiment data shows that the optimization method is effective in most cases.
Semantic locality‐based approximate knowledge graph query
Authors: Wang Yuxiang , Ge Zhangpeng , Yan Haijiang , Xu Xiaoliang , Xia Yixing
Published: May 2019

RDF knowledge graphs (KG) usually contain billions of labeled entities, and how to obtain the desired results efficiently on RDF KG for given SPARQL queries have attracted increasing attentions recently. However, it is difficult for users to write a complex SPARQL query without full knowledge of the underlying KG schema due to the “schema‐free” feature of RDF KG. In this paper, we study the problem of acquiring semantic approximate results for a simple SPARQL query instead of the complex expression. The basic idea behind is to use the real knowledge semantics to extend the query intention of given simplified SPARQL query, and then a semantic based greedy search over is designed to return top‐k similar results. To obtain the knowledge semantics efficiently, we define type similarity to reorganize the original KG as a corpus with semantic locality and then a context aware text embedding model is adopted to achieve the semantic vectors of existing knowledge. Afterwards, an approximate query method over RDF KG is designed to obtain top‐k similar results based on the knowledge semantics above. Extensive experiments over DBpedia dataset and QALD‐4 benchmark confirm our solution's superiority on both effectiveness and efficiency.
A New Family of 2D Coordination Polymers Based on 3d‐4f 15‐Metallacrown‐5 Units: Synthesis, Structure, and Single‐Molecule Magnet Behavior
Authors: Zhang Hong‐Gang , Yang Hua , Sun Lei , Li Da‐Cheng , Dou Jian‐Min
Published: May 2019

A new family of 2D coordination polymers based on 3d‐4f 15‐metallacrown‐5 (MC) units were designed and characterized. The connection of the 15‐metallacrown‐5 subunits by the coordination of CuII and ligand led to the formation of 2D network of metallacrowns. Analysis of the magnetic properties of these coordination polymers reveals that the GdIII (1), TbIII (2), and DyIII (3) complexes exhibit slow magnetic relaxation and under 1000 Oe dc field, and the DyIII (3) complex exhibits single‐molecule magnet behavior.
Impact of p53 function on the sulfotransferase‐mediated bioactivation of the alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon 1‐hydroxymethylpyrene in vitro
Authors: Wohak Laura E. , Monien Bernhard , Phillips David H. , Arlt Volker M.
Published: May 2019

The tumor suppressor p53, encoded by TP53, is known as the “guardian of the genome.” Sulfotransferases (SULTs) are involved in the metabolism of alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as 1‐hydroxymethylpyrene (1‐HMP), which is a known substrate for SULT1A1. To investigate the impact of TP53 on the metabolic activation of 1‐HMP, a panel of isogenic human colorectal HCT116 cells having TP53(+/+), TP53(+/−), or TP53(−/−) were treated with 10 μM 1‐HMP for 24 hr. 1‐HMP‐DNA adduct formation was determined by ultraperformance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry analysis, which quantified two nucleoside adducts N2‐(1‐methylpyrenyl)‐2′‐deoxyguanosine and N6‐(1‐methylpyrenyl)‐2′‐deoxyadenosine. 1‐HMP treatment resulted in significantly (~40‐fold) higher DNA adduct levels in TP53(+/+) cells than in the other cell lines. Higher levels of 1‐HMP‐induced DNA adducts in TP53(+/+) cells correlated with higher basal expression of SULT1A1/3 in this cell line, but 1‐HMP treatment showed no effect on the expression of this protein. These results indicate that the cellular TP53 status is linked to the SULT1A1/3‐mediated bioactivation of 1‐HMP, thereby broadening the spectrum of p53's targets. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 60:752–758, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nonaqueous, Redox‐Active Gel Polymer Electrolyte for High‐Performance Supercapacitor
Authors: Yadav Neetu , Yadav Nitish , Singh Manoj K. , Hashmi Safir A.
Published: May 2019

Redox‐active liquid or polymer‐based aqueous electrolytes are widely reported in carbon‐based supercapacitors, enhancing their performance substantially due to the involvement of fast redox reaction(s) at the electrode–electrolyte interface. Here, a nonaqueous, ionic liquid (IL)‐based redox‐active gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) as a potential supercapacitor electrolyte is demonstrated. This electrolyte, comprising IL 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide added with redox agent NaI, immobilized in poly(vinylidenefluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene), offers excellent thermal, mechanical, and electrochemical stability with high ionic conductivity of ≈3.81 × 10−3 S cm−1at room temperature. The redox‐additive NaI not only increases the ionic conductivity of electrolyte but also introduces redox behavior at the interfaces of porous activated carbon supercapacitor resulting in high specific capacitance (≈334 F g−1) and high specific energy and power (≈26.1 and ≈18 kw kg−1, respectively). The capacitor with redox‐active nonaqueous GPE offers stable performance up to 10 000 charge–discharge cycles with ≈5% initial fading only. This study opens a novel approach to prepare highly stable redox‐active GPEs for high‐performance supercapacitors.
Predisposing germline mutations in high hyperdiploid acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children
Authors: de Smith Adam J. , Lavoie Geneviève , Walsh Kyle M. , Aujla Sumeet , Evans Erica , Hansen Helen M. , Smirnov Ivan , Kang Alice Y. , Zenker Martin , Ceremsak John J. , Stieglitz Elliot , Muskens Ivo S. , Roberts William , McKean‐Cowdin Roberta , Metayer Catherine , Roux Philippe P. , Wiemels Joseph L.
Published: May 2019

High hyperdiploidy (HD) is the most common cytogenetic subtype of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and a higher incidence of HD has been reported in ALL patients with congenital cancer syndromes. We assessed the frequency of predisposing germline mutations in 57 HD‐ALL patients from the California Childhood Leukemia Study via targeted sequencing of cancer‐relevant genes. Three out of 57 patients (5.3%) harbored confirmed germline mutations that were likely causal, in NBN, ETV6, and FLT3, with an additional six patients (10.5%) harboring putative predisposing mutations that were rare in unselected individuals (<0.01% allele frequency in the Exome Aggregation Consortium, ExAC) and predicted functional (scaled CADD score ≥ 20) in known or potential ALL predisposition genes (SH2B3, CREBBP, PMS2, MLL, ABL1, and MYH9). Three additional patients carried rare and predicted damaging germline mutations in GAB2, a known activator of the ERK/MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways and binding partner of PTPN11‐encoded SHP2. The frequency of rare and predicted functional germline GAB2 mutations was significantly higher in our patients (2.6%) than in ExAC (0.28%, P = 4.4 × 10−3), an observation that was replicated in ALL patients from the TARGET project (P = .034). We cloned patient GAB2 mutations and expressed mutant proteins in HEK293 cells and found that frameshift mutation P621fs led to reduced SHP2 binding and ERK1/2 phosphorylation but significantly increased AKT phosphorylation, suggesting possible RAS‐independent leukemogenic effects. Our results support a significant contribution of rare, high penetrance germline mutations to HD‐ALL etiology, and pinpoint GAB2 as a putative novel ALL predisposition gene.
Integrated analysis of genomics, longitudinal metabolomics, and Alzheimer's risk factors among 1,111 cohort participants
Authors: Darst Burcu F. , Lu Qiongshi , Johnson Sterling C. , Engelman Corinne D.
Published: May 2019

Although Alzheimer's disease (AD) is highly heritable, genetic variants are known to be associated with AD only explain a small proportion of its heritability. Genetic factors may only convey disease risk in individuals with certain environmental exposures, suggesting that a multiomics approach could reveal underlying mechanisms contributing to complex traits, such as AD. We developed an integrated network to investigate relationships between metabolomics, genomics, and AD risk factors using Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention participants. Analyses included 1,111 non‐Hispanic Caucasian participants with whole blood expression for 11,376 genes (imputed from dense genome‐wide genotyping), 1,097 fasting plasma metabolites, and 17 AD risk factors. A subset of 155 individuals also had 364 fastings cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) metabolites. After adjusting each of these 12,854 variables for potential confounders, we developed an undirected graphical network, representing all significant pairwise correlations upon adjusting for multiple testing. There were many instances of genes being indirectly linked to AD risk factors through metabolites, suggesting that genes may influence AD risk through particular metabolites. Follow‐up analyses suggested that glycine mediates the relationship between carbamoyl‐phosphate synthase 1 and measures of cardiovascular and diabetes risk, including body mass index, waist–hip ratio, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Further, 38 CSF metabolites explained more than 60% of the variance of CSF levels of tau, a detrimental protein that accumulates in the brain of AD patients and is necessary for its diagnosis. These results further our understanding of underlying mechanisms contributing to AD risk while demonstrating the utility of generating and integrating multiple omics data types.
Investigation of anti‐inflammatory and toxicity effects of mangrove‐derived Streptomyces rochei strain VITGAP173
Authors: Gomathi Ajitha , Gothandam Kodiveri Muthukalianan
Published: May 2019

Mangrove ecosystems generate the major biodiversity hotspots of actinobacteria. Among the actinobacteria, Streptomyces species are the prolific producers of bioactive natural products. In this study, with research efforts to discover biopotential compounds from marine actinobacteria, 41 actinobacterial strains were isolated from sediment soil sample of Indian mangrove regions. The phylogeny prediction using the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the isolates were related to Streptomyces. Isolates were further screened based on a two‐step process wherein the first step, around nine strains, unveiled the presence of type 1 polyketide synthase gene and dTDP‐glucose 4,6‐dehydratase gene through polymerase chain reaction. As the second step of the screening process, cell viability assay was performed in RAW264.7 cells to assess the toxicity of extracts. Among all the isolates, Streptomyces rochei strain VITGAP173 was subjected to further analysis. To explore the bioactivities, the organic solvent extraction method was utilized to extract the broth culture of VITGAP173. Inhibition of nitric oxide and cyclooxygenase enzymes upon lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammation were utilized to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory efficacy, and the results showed the potency of VITGAP173 in a dose‐dependent manner. The extract significantly suppressed the messenger RNA levels of the inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 induced by lipopolysaccharide in RAW264.7 macrophages. The presence of several chemical constituents was identified through gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis of VITGAP173 extract. To achieve the toxicity analysis, oral administration of VITGAP173 extract in Wistar albino rats was carried out to investigate the biochemical parameters, histopathology which revealed its nontoxic nature.
RNA‐Seq analysis of potential lncRNAs and genes for the anti‐renal fibrotic effect of norcantharidin
Authors: Xiao Hengting , Liao Yingjun , Tang Chengyuan , Xiao Zheng , Luo Hanwen , Li Jun , Liu Hong , Sun Lin , Zeng Dong , Li Ying
Published: May 2019

Background

As a common phenotype in chronic kidney disease, renal interstitial fibrosis has been largely studied. Norcantharidin (NCTD), a derivative of naturally occurring cantharidin, has an anti‐renal fibrotic effect. However, its underlying mechanisms of the protective role remain largely unknown. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play vital parts in tissue homeostasis modulation under pathophysiological conditions. In this study, we discovered the underlying lncRNAs and genes, which may contribute to the anti‐renal fibrotic effects of NCTD.

Methods

RNA‐seq analysis was performed to evaluate profiling of lncRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in kidney tissues of sham‐control, and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse models with or without NCTD treatment. Systematic bioinformatic analysis of expression levels was used in lncRNAs and mRNAs of NCTD‐treated UUO kidneys. Altered expression of lncRNAs and mRNAs levels was confirmed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis.

Results

467 lncRNAs and 1502 mRNAs were differentially expressed between UUO‐ and sham‐operated kidneys, and notably, these alterations in UUO‐operated kidney were partially reversed following NCTD treatment. Interestingly, the up‐regulation of lncRNA Gm16076, Gm26669, and down‐regulation of Fam120aos were highly correlated with the up‐regulation of mRNA levels of fibrosis‐related gene ITGB1, STAT3 and reduction of Pink1 in UUO kidney, respectively.

Conclusions

The result suggested lncRNAs‐regulated genes may contribute to the anti‐renal fibrotic effect under NCTD treatment, and thus targeting lncRNAs‐controlled genes and their related molecular signaling pathways may serve as a promising therapeutic target in renal fibrosis treatment.
Reasons for smoking and barriers to cessation among adults with serious mental illness: A qualitative study
Authors: Keller‐Hamilton Brittney , Moe Aubrey M. , Breitborde Nicholas J. K. , Lee Angela , Ferketich Amy K.
Published: May 2019

Aims

Most research into reasons for smoking among adults with serious mental illness (SMI) has focused on reasons related to SMI symptoms. The current study reports reasons for smoking and barriers to cessation that are both related and unrelated to SMI symptoms among adults with SMI.

Methods

Four focus groups were conducted among current smokers receiving outpatient care for a psychotic disorder in 2017 (N = 24). Participants were asked why they currently smoke and their barriers to quitting smoking.

Results

Smoking as a coping mechanism and to self‐medicate SMI symptoms were reasons for current smoking and barriers to cessation. Avoidance of other unhealthy behaviors, routine, and enjoyment emerged as reasons for smoking and barriers to cessation that were unrelated to mental illness.

Conclusion

Consideration of factors that are both related and unrelated to SMI symptoms in smoking cessation interventions and brief cessation counseling may improve cessation success in this population.
Silencing of long noncoding RNA RP11‐476D10.1 enhances apoptosis and autophagy while inhibiting proliferation of papillary thyroid carcinoma cells via microRNA‐138‐5p‐dependent inhibition of LRRK2
Authors: Zhao Yinlong , Zhao Lingzhi , Li Junfeng , Zhong Lili
Published: May 2019

The distant metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is a major threat for PTC patients. Moreover, the involvement of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the regulation of PTC progression has been extensively investigated. The aim of this study was to underscore whether lncRNA RP11‐476D10.1 affects the proliferation, apoptosis and autophagy of PTC cells. Initially, we determined that lncRNA RP11‐476D10.1 and LRRK2 were highly expressed in PTC cells. Meanwhile, through experimentation, miR‐138‐5p was confirmed to bind with lncRNA RP11‐476D10.1 and LRRK2. It was also revealed that lncRNA RP11‐476D10.1 downregulated the miR‐138‐5p expression, thereby upregulating the LRRK2 expression. After that, PTC cells were transfected with siRNA against RP11‐476D10.1, or inhibitor or mimic of miR‐138‐5p to evaluate the influence of lncRNA RP11‐476D10.1 on the PTC cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy in vitro and on the tumor formation ability in vivo. The results showed that silenced lncRNA RP11‐476D10.1 or overexpressed miR‐138‐5p enhanced the apoptosis and autophagy of PTC cells while reducing cell proliferation, with increased levels of Bax, LC3B, and Beclin1 and decreased Bcl‐2 level were observed. The inhibitory role of silenced lncRNA RP11‐476D10.1 role in the PTC development was further verified by the reduced tumor formation ability in nude mice. Our results demonstrated that lncRNA RP11‐476D10.1 could bind to miR‐138‐5p and promote LRRK2 expression. Moreover, the silencing of lncRNA RP11‐476D10.1 may inhibit the development of PTC, highlighting a novel insight for the development of superior therapeutic targets for PTC treatment.
microRNA‐16‐5p‐containing exosomes derived from bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells inhibit proliferation, migration, and invasion, while promoting apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells by downregulating ITGA2
Authors: Xu Yan , Shen Liangfang , Li Fujun , Yang Junwen , Wan Xiaoping , Ouyang Miao
Published: May 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a form of cancer developing from either the colon or rectum. Nowadays, research supports the functionality of exosome expressing microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential biomarker for various cancers including CRC. This study was performed with the intent of investigating the roles of both bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and exosomal miR‐16‐5p in CRC by regulating integrin α2 (ITGA2). A microarray‐based analysis was conducted to screen the CRC‐associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) as well as potential regulatory miRNAs. Next, the role of miR‐16‐5p in terms of its progression in association with CRC was determined. Subsequently, CRC cells were exposed to exosomes secreted by BMSCs transfected with miR‐16‐5p, isolated and cocultured with CRC cells in an attempt to identify the role of exosomes. Effects of BMSCs‐derived exosomes overexpressing miR‐16‐5p on biological functions of CRC cells and tumorigenicity were all subsequently detected. Effects of miR‐16‐5p treated with CRC cells in regard to CRC in vivo were also measured. ITGA2 was overexpressed, while miR‐16‐5p was poorly expressed in CRC cells and miR‐16‐5p targeted ITGA2. The in vitro experiments revealed that the BMSCs‐derived exosomes overexpressing miR‐16‐5p inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion, while simultaneously stimulating the apoptosis of the CRC cells via downregulation of ITGA2. Furthermore, the results of in vivo experiments confirmed that the BMSCs‐derived exosomes overexpressing miR‐16‐5p repressed the tumor growth of CRC. Collectively, BMSCs‐derived exosomes overexpressing miR‐16‐5p restricted the progression of CRC by downregulating ITGA2.
2,4,6‐Triphenylaniline nanoemulsion formulation, optimization, and its application in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ranganathan Nathiya , Mahalingam Gayathri
Published: May 2019

The secondary metabolite 2,4,6‐triphenylaniline (TPA) was isolated from an endophytic fungi Alternaria longipes strain VITN14G of mangrove plant Avicennia officinalis, that exhibited satisfactory in vitro antidiabetic activity for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The TPA was encapsulated using nanoemulsion (NE) to overcome the problem of stability and permeability to increase its therapeutic applications. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used for the optimization of the variables given, such as hydrodynamic diameter, surface charge, and polydispersity index (PDI). TPA was encapsulated using an optimized ratio of olive oil and tween 80 (2:1) significantly affected the response variables including particle size (124.8 nm), ζ potential (−46.0 mV), and PDI (0.396), and the encapsulation efficiency was found to be 95.93%. The TPA‐loaded NE after MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) analysis showed nontoxic effects on L929 normal cell lines (areolar and adipose subcutaneous connective tissue of Mus musculus) with a viable percentage of 92%. In vitro release study revealed the slow and sustained release of the TPA over 48 hrs from NE under the Fickian diffusion mechanism and followed the Higuchi model for release kinetics. Further, the percentage of α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase inhibition rate of TPA‐loaded NE was found to be 78.5 and 43.42%, respectively. The present study, therefore, can aid in the development of a novel drug delivery system as a therapeutic approach to T2DM.
Regulation of adult mammalian intrinsic axonal regeneration by NF‐κB/STAT3 signaling cascade
Authors: Ma Jin‐Jin , Xu Ren‐Jie , Qi Shi‐Bin , Wang Feng , Ma Yan‐Xia , Zhang Hong‐Cheng , Xu Jin‐Hui , Qin Xu‐Zhen , Zhang Hao‐Nan , Liu Chang‐Mei , Li Bin , Chen Jian‐Quan , Yang Hui‐Lin , Saijilafu
Published: May 2019

The inflammatory response is a critical regulator for the regeneration of axon following nervous system injury. Nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) is characteristically known for its ubiquitous role in the inflammatory response. However, its functional role in adult mammalian axon growth remains elusive. Here, we found that the NF‐κB signaling pathway is activated in adult sensory neurons through peripheral axotomy. Furthermore, inhibition of NF‐κB in peripheral sensory neurons attenuated their axon growth in vitro and in vivo. Our results also showed that NF‐κB modulated axon growth by repressing the phosphorylation of STAT3. Furthermore, activation of STAT3 significantly promoted adult optic nerve regeneration. Taken together, the findings of our study indicated that NF‐κB/STAT3 cascade is a critical regulator of intrinsic axon growth capability in the adult nervous system.
Calcium‐activated nucleotidase 1 silencing inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion in human clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Liu Xin , Yang Zhenxing , Luo Xing , Luo Jing , Fu Weihua , Fang Zhenqiang , Xia Ding , Li Longkun , Xu Jie
Published: May 2019

Calcium‐activated nucleotidase 1 (CANT1, belongs to the apyrase family, is widely expressed in various organs. However, the biological function of CANT1 remains poorly explored. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression profile and functions of CANT1 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Our data show that the protein level of CANT1 was significantly higher in tumor tissues than in adjacent normal tissues. CANT1 silencing suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion obviously in 769‐P and 786‐O cells, arrested cell cycle in S phase and promoted apoptosis in 769‐P cells. In conclusion, the present study shows the different expression mode of CANT1 in human ccRCC tumor tissue and adjacent normal tissue, denotes the function of CANT1 in ccRCC cells and provides potential molecular mechanisms and pathways of CANT1 antitumor function in ccRCC.
Comparing the effect of the novel ionic cocrystal of lithium salicylate proline (LISPRO) with lithium carbonate and lithium salicylate on memory and behavior in female APPswe/PS1dE9 Alzheimer's mice
Authors: Habib Ahsan , Shytle R. Douglas , Sawmiller Darrell , Koilraj Selina , Munna Sadia Afrin , Rongo David , Hou Huayan , Borlongan Cesario V. , Currier Glenn , Tan Jun
Published: May 2019

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by progressive decline of cognition and associated neuropsychiatric signs including weight loss, anxiety, depression, agitation, and aggression, which is particularly pronounced in the female gender. Previously, we have shown that a novel ionic co‐crystal of lithium salicylate proline (LISPRO) is an improved lithium formulation compared to the carbonate or salicylate form of lithium in terms of safety and efficacy in reducing AD pathology in Alzheimer's mice. The current study is designed to compare the prophylactic effects of LISPRO, lithium carbonate (LC), and lithium salicylate (LS) on cognitive and noncognitive impairments in female transgenic APPswe/PS1dE9 AD mice. Female APPswe/PS1dE9 mice at 4 months of age were orally treated with low‐dose LISPRO, LS, or LC for 9 months at 2.25 mmol lithium/kg/day followed by determination of body weight, growth of internal organs, and cognitive and noncognitive behavior. No significant differences in body or internal organ weight, anxiety or locomotor activity were found between lithium treated and untreated APPswe/PS1dE9 cohorts. LISPRO, LC, and LS prevented spatial cognitive decline, as determined by Morris water maze and depression as determined by tail suspension test. In addition, LISPRO treatment was superior in preventing associative memory decline determined by contextual fear conditioning and reducing irritability determined by touch escape test in comparison with LC and LS. In conclusion, low‐dose LISPRO, LC, and LS treatment prevent spatial cognitive decline and depression‐like behavior, while LISPRO prevented hippocampal‐dependent associative memory decline and irritability in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice.
Nondestructive determination of the amphibole crystal‐chemical formulae by Raman spectroscopy: One step closer
Authors: Waeselmann Naemi , Schlüter Jochen , Malcherek Thomas , Della Ventura Giancarlo , Oberti Roberta , Mihailova Boriana
Published: May 2019

We present the results of a comprehensive study linking the crystal‐chemical formulae of amphiboles, a series of extremely complex silicates with the general formula (AB2C5T8O22W2, C5 = M12M22M3) to variations in the peak positions, widths, and intensities of the Raman‐active modes. To this purpose, we have analyzed the Raman scattering generated by the framework vibrations (15–1,215 cm−1) and by the OH‐stretching modes (3,000–4,000 cm−1) of 44 samples, spanning all six major subgroups. We show that, in addition to the information that can be derived from the OH‐stretching range (Leissner et al., Am. Mineral. 2015, 100, 2682), further important features of the amphibole structure, composition, and cationic site population can be directly extracted from the framework Raman spectrum, namely, (a) the distinction between the monoclinic and orthorhombic symmetries; (b) the estimation of TAl content, when TAl > 0.5 apfu; (c) the estimation of CTi content, when CTi > 0.3 apfu; (d) the estimation of CLi content, when CLi > 0.3 apfu; (e) the detection of CAl, when CAl > 0.7 apfu; (f) an estimate of CMg; (g) the estimation of CFe3+ in the case of Na amphiboles; and (h) the estimation of the Fe2+ content at the M2 site in the case of Mg–Fe–Mn amphiboles. Additionally, we point out that the TO4‐ring‐breathing mode near 670 cm−1, which is commonly used to fingerprint various amphibole species, has to be handled with a great care, because it is sensitive to the site population at all crystallographic sites.
Effects of trisodium phosphate treatment after harvest on storage quality and sucrose metabolism in jujube fruit
Authors: Zhang Junhu , Li Canying , Wei Meilin , Ge Yonghong , Tang Qi , Xue Wenjun , Zhang Shiyu , Wang Wenhui , Lv Jingyi
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Trisodium phosphate (TSP), generally recognized as safe (GRAS), could control postharvest diseases and maintain fruit quality. However, changes of fruit quality and sucrose metabolism in harvested jujube after TSP treatment remain largely unknown. In the current study, jujube fruit (cv. sanxing) was used to study the effects of TSP on storage quality and sucrose metabolism during storage at 20 ± 2 °C with 40–50% relative humidity (RH).

RESULTS

The results showed that 0.5 g L−1 TSP treatment reduced weight loss and reduced sugar content, suppressed the reduction of fruit firmness, maintained ascorbic acid (AsA) content and inhibited respiratory rate of jujube fruit. In addition, TSP treatment also reduced acid invertase (AI) and neutral invertase (NI) activities in sucrose metabolism in jujube fruit. Sucrose synthase‐cleavage (SS‐c), sucrose synthase‐synthesis (SS‐s) and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) activities were also suppressed by TSP treatment.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with TSP could effectively reduce enzymes activities in sucrose metabolism and maintain storage quality of jujube fruit during storage. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Remediated marine sediment as growing medium for lettuce production: assessment of agronomic performance and food safety in a pilot experiment
Authors: Tozzi Francesca , Pecchioli Simona , Renella Giancarlo , Melgarejo Pablo , Legua Pilar , Macci Cristina , Doni Serena , Masciandaro Grazia , Giordani Edgardo , Lenzi Anna
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

The use of reclaimed dredged sediments as growing media may offer a profitable alternative to their disposal as a waste and at the same time meets the need of peat‐substitute substrates in horticulture. When sediments are reused to cultivate food crops, issues related to human health rise due to potential accumulation of contaminants in the product. This pilot study aimed at verifying the suitability of a reclaimed dredged port sediment, used pure or mixed with peat, as a growing medium for lettuce cultivation.

RESULTS

The pure sediment caused a reduction in crop yield, probably due to its unsuitable physical properties, whereas the mixture sediment–peat and pure peat resulted in the same yield. Although the sediment contained potentially phytotoxic heavy metals and some organic pollutants, no symptoms of plant toxicity were noted. Besides, no organic contaminants were detected in lettuce heads, and heavy metals amounts were not hazardous for consumers. Conversely, plants grown in the sediment were particularly rich in minerals like Ca, Mg and Fe, and showed higher concentrations of organic acids and antioxidants.

CONCLUSION

The use of the sediment as a growing medium for lettuce was shown to be safe for both inorganic and organic contaminants. Nevertheless, considering crop yield results, the mixture of the sediment with other materials is recommended in order to produce a substrate with more suitable physicochemical properties for vegetable cultivation. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Timing of palliative care: When to call for a palliative care consult
Authors: Schlick Cary Jo R. , Bentrem David J.
Published: May 2019

Palliative care, unlike hospice, can be utilized concurrently with disease‐modifying or curative therapies. Some of the benefits of palliative care include improved quality of life, less end‐of‐life treatment, and decreased medical costs. Furthermore, palliative care can help guide treatment decisions to be in line with patients’ physical, psychological, and spiritual needs. On the basis of these benefits, we advocate for palliative care involvement early in the course of advanced malignancy and other terminal diagnoses.
Classification of breast tissue expander infections: Back to the basics
Authors: Kraenzlin Franca S. , Saunders Heather , Aliu Oluseyi , Cooney Damon , Rosson Gedge D. , Sacks Justin M. , Broderick Kristen , Manahan Michele A.
Published: May 2019

Background

Infections following tissue expander (TE) placement are frequent complications in breast reconstruction. While breast surgery is a clean case, implant‐based breast reconstruction has rates of infection up to 31%, decidedly higher than the typical 1% to 2% rate of surgical site infections (SSI). Few authors use the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) SSI definition for TE infections. We highlight how adoption of a consistent definition of TE infection may change how infections are researched, categorized, and ultimately managed.

Methods

Two researchers with definitional discrepancies of infection performed an independent analysis of all postmastectomy patients receiving TEs (n = 175) in 2017.

Results

Researcher One, using a clinical definition, delineated an infection rate of 19.4%. Antibiotics alone successfully treated 50% of cases. Researcher Two found an infection rate of 13.7% using CDC criteria. These infections were further delineated by a SSI rate of 6.3% and a TE infection rate post port access of 7.4%. Only 45.5% SSI's and 15.4% of TE infections were salvaged with antibiotics alone.

Conclusions

Rigorous adoption of CDC criteria for infection characterization in published research will help standardize the definition of infection and allow surgeons to create evidence‐based infection prevention regimens.
Frequency of unplanned surgery in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer receiving palliative chemotherapy with an intact primary: An analysis of SEER‐Medicare
Authors: Lorimer Patrick D. , Motz Benjamin M. , Kirks Russell C. , Han Yimei , Symanowski James T. , Hwang Jimmy J. , Salo Jonathan C. , Hill Joshua S.
Published: May 2019

Background and Objectives

Stage IV colorectal cancer is often treated with palliative chemotherapy with the primary tumor in place. Low rates of unplanned surgical intervention (due to obstruction or perforation) have been reported. We examined a large national dataset to determine the rate of unplanned surgical intervention in these patients.

Methods

Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results‐Medicare were queried for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving chemotherapy (1998‐2013). Patient who underwent planned surgery to the primary or metastasectomy were excluded. The primary outcome was the need for nonelective surgery. Time to surgery or death was measured. Conditional analyses were performed to determine the risk of surgical intervention at 6‐month, 1‐, and 2‐year after diagnosis.

Results

The analytic cohort consisted of 4692 patients (median age = 75). At 24 months, 80% of the patients had died. The overall unplanned intervention rate was 12%. The probability of requiring unplanned surgery between 6 and 12 months was 8.1%; 12 and 24 months = 6.7%, and >24 months = 5.3%. Males, those with right‐sided tumors, and older patients were less likely to require surgery.

Conclusions

Patients treated with palliative chemotherapy who are not resected upfront are unlikely to require unplanned surgery. Prophylactic surgery to reduce the risk of perforation or obstruction may not be necessary.
Identification of Factors Affecting Tacrolimus Trough Levels in Latin American Pediatric Liver Transplant Patients
Authors: Riva Natalia , Woillard Jean‐Baptiste , Distefano Maximiliano , Moragas Matias , Dip Marcelo , Halac Esteban , Cáceres Guido Paulo , Licciardone Nieves , Mangano Andrea , Bosaleh Andrea , de Davila María Teresa , Schaiquevich Paula , Imventarza Oscar
Published: May 2019

Tacrolimus is the cornerstone in pediatric liver transplant immunosuppression. Despite close monitoring, fluctuations in tacrolimus blood levels affect safety and efficacy of immunosuppressive treatments. Identifying the factors related to the variability in tacrolimus exposure may be helpful in tailoring the dose. The aim of the present study was to characterize the clinical, pharmacological, and genetic variables associated with systemic tacrolimus exposure in pediatric liver transplant patients. De novo transplant patients with a survival of more than 1 month were considered for inclusion and were genotyped for cytochrome P450 3A5 (CYP3A5). Peritransplant clinical factors and laboratory covariates were recorded retrospectively between 1 month and 2 years after transplant, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase, hematocrit, and tacrolimus predose steady‐state blood concentrations collected 12 hours after tacrolimus dosing. A linear mixed effect (LME) model was used to assess the association of these factors and the log‐transformed tacrolimus dose‐normalized trough concentration (logC0/D) levels. Bootstrapping was used to internally validate the final model. External validation was performed in an independent group of patients who matched the original population. The developed LME model described that logC0/D increases with increases in time after transplant (β = 0.019, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.010‐0.028) and ALT values (β = 0.00030, 95% CI, 0.00002‐0.00056), whereas logC0/D is significantly lower in graft CYP3A5 expressers compared with nonexpressers (β = −0.349, 95% CI, −0.631 to −0.062). In conclusion, donor CYP3A5 genotype, time after transplant, and ALT values are associated with tacrolimus disposition between 1 month and 2 years after transplant. A better understanding of tacrolimus exposure is essential to minimize the occurrence of an out‐of‐range therapeutic window that may lead to adverse drug reactions or acute rejection.
Investigation of urediospore morphology, histopathology and epidemiological components on wheat plants infected with UV‐B‐induced mutant strains of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici
Authors: Zhao Yaqiong , Cheng Pei , Li Tingting , Ma Jinxing , Zhang Yuzhu , Wang Haiguang
Published: May 2019

Planting resistant cultivars is the most economical and effective measure to control wheat stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), but the cultivars often lose their resistance due to the emergence of new physiological races. The UV‐B‐irradiated urediospores of the Pst physiological race CYR32 in China were inoculated on wheat cultivar Guinong 22 for screening virulence‐mutant strains. CYR32 and mutant strains (CYR32‐5 and CYR32‐61) before and after UV‐B radiation were used to conduct urediospore morphological and histopathological observations and an investigation of epidemiological components. The results showed that UV‐B radiation affected the urediospore morphology of each strain. UV‐B radiation inhibited urediospore invasion and hyphal elongation, which mainly manifested as decreases in germination rate, quantities of hyphal branches, haustorial mother cells and haustoria and hyphal length. After wheat cultivar Mingxian 169 was inoculated with the UV‐B‐irradiated urediospores, the incubation period was prolonged, and the infection efficiency, lesion expansion rate, total sporulation quantity and area under the disease progress curve were reduced. The results demonstrated that CYR32‐5 and CYR32‐61 may have more tolerance to UV‐B radiation than CYR32. The results are significant for understanding mechanisms of Pst virulence variations and implementing sustainable management of wheat stripe rust.
Cognitive and behavioral improvement in adults with fragile X syndrome treated with metformin‐two cases
Authors: Protic Dragana , Aydin Elber Y. , Tassone Flora , Tan Maria M. , Hagerman Randi J. , Schneider Andrea
Published: May 2019

Background

The majority of individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS) have intellectual disability, behavioral problems, autism, and language deficits. IQ typically declines with age in boys with the full mutation. The results of preclinical studies demonstrated that metformin, a biguanide used to treat type 2 diabetes, rescues multiple phenotypes of FXS in both Drosophila and mouse models. Preliminary studies of patients with FXS demonstrated improvements in behavior.

Methods

Here, we present two cases of individuals who have been treated with metformin clinically for one year.

Results

Both patients demonstrated significant cognitive and behavioral improvements. They also improved eating habits and normalization of their weight percentiles.

Conclusion

Metformin may be a candidate drug for treatment of several types of symptoms in individuals with FXS.
Seminal plasma features of Prochilodus lineatus and Brycon orbignyanus throughout two consecutives spawning seasons
Authors: Viveiros Ana T. M. , Di Chiacchio Isabela M. , Almeida Izabella L. G. , Leal Marcelo C.
Published: May 2019

This study aims to describe seminal plasma characteristics, detect changes during and between two consecutive spawning seasons (SS), and compare plasma features between two important South American fish species. Prochilodus lineatus and Brycon orbignyanus sperm was collected over two (SS1; SS2). Each season was divided into first and second sampling periods (P1; P2). Thus, the four experimental periods were referred to as SS1P1, SS1P2, SS2P1, and SS2P2. Seminal plasma was analyzed for osmolality, pH, and Na+, K+, and Ca2+ concentration. Additionally, sperm concentration, motility rate, and velocities (curvilinear = VCL; straight line = VSL) were determined and correlated with plasma features. In P. lineatus, plasma osmolality was lower in SS1P2, pH was higher in SS2P2, Na+ was higher and K+ and Ca2+ were lower in SS2P1 compared with other experimental periods. Positive correlations were observed between motility and plasma osmolality, motility and Na+, and VCL and Na+. In B. orbignyanus, plasma osmolality was higher in SS2P1 and SS2P2 and K+ concentration was higher in SS1P1 compared with other experimental periods; no correlation was observed. Seminal plasma parameters change during SS; therefore, the composition of a sperm extender and artificial fertilization methods should be adapted to maximize fertilization rates.
On the development of equivalent medium for active implantable device radiofrequency safety assessment
Authors: Wang Yu , Wang Qingyan , Liu Jingshen , Zeng Qi , Zheng Jianfeng , Kainz Wolfgang , Chen Ji
Published: May 2019

Purpose

To develop the equivalent medium theorem that can be used to perform accurate evaluation of implantable device safety under MRI exposure.

Methods

Numerical methods were used to determine the equivalent medium parameters along clinically relevant trajectories inside a human body model. Additionally, numerical and experimental investigations were performed using both a computational human body model and an inhomogeneous phantom to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.

Results

The equivalent medium parameters, which are determined from a simplified lead configuration, are independent of the lead types and lead design parameters and only depend on the lead trajectories. Experimental investigations using an inhomogeneous phantom showed excellent agreement between the computational predicted values and the direct measured temperature rises indicating the effectiveness and accuracy of this method.

Conclusion

For the models based on multiple patient trajectories studied, it demonstrates that the equivalent medium theorem is valid for leads of different types and designs, as long as the lead trajectories are determined.
A prospective observational cohort study of the Ajust® single incision sling performed under conscious sedation with local infiltration
Authors: Engberts Marian K. , Schweitzer Karlijn J. , van Eijndhoven Hugo W. F. , Cromheecke Geert‐Jan , Naber Harry R. , Huub van der Vaart C.
Published: May 2019

Aims

To evaluate the adjustable single‐incision sling (Ajust®) in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), when placed under conscious sedation with local infiltration, using the cough test during surgery.

Methods

In this multicenter observational study, 90 women who had moderate to severe SUI, were asked to have the Ajust® procedure performed under sedation with local infiltration with levobupivacain. This allowed for a perioperative cough test to adjust the sling to the urethra till continence was reached. The primary outcome of the study was subjective cure of stress incontinence at 1 year follow up. Secondary objectives were objective and subjective improvement, complications during and after the procedure, and postoperative pain scores. These results were compared with the results of a historical control group of 96 patients who received their Ajust® under general or regional (spinal) anesthesia.

Results

At 6 weeks and 12 months, there were no statistical significant differences in the results for subjective cure (83.6% and 71.6% sedation group, 88.4% and 77.2% general/regional anesthesia group), objective cure (96% and 86.9% sedation group, 88.1% and 91.8% general/regional anesthesia group), de novo urgency (10.5% and 6.7% sedation group, 7.1% and 24.1% general/regional anesthesia group) and the patients global impression of improvement (96% and 89.2% sedation group, 91.4% and 84.4% general/regional anesthesia group).

Conclusion

The performance of a cough test during the placement of an adjustable single‐incision sling for the treatment of SUI does not affect the functional outcome, and is therefore not necessary.
Acute spinal cord injury is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in mouse urothelium
Authors: Kullmann Aura F. , Truschel Steven T. , Wolf‐Johnston Amanda S. , McDonnell Bronagh M. , Lynn A. M. , Kanai Anthony John , Kessler Thomas M. , Apodaca Gerard , Birder Lori A.
Published: May 2019

Aim

To characterize the effects of acute spinal cord injury (SCI) on mitochondrial morphology and function in bladder urothelium and to test the therapeutic efficacy of early treatment with the mitochondrially targeted antioxidant, MitoTempo.

Methods

We used a mouse model of acute SCI by spinal cord transection between the T8‐T9 vertebrae with or without MitoTempo delivery at the time of injury followed by tissue processing at 3 days after SCI. Control, SCI, and SCI‐MitoTempo‐treated mice were compared in all experimental conditions. Assessments included analysis of markers of mitochondrial health including accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), morphological changes in the ultrastructure of mitochondria by transmission electron microscopy, and Western blot analysis to quantify protein levels of markers for autophagy and altered mitochondrial dynamics.

Results

SCI resulted in an increase in oxidative stress markers and ROS production, confirming mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondria from SCI mice developed large electron‐dense inclusions and these aberrant mitochondria accumulated throughout the cytoplasm suggesting an inability to clear dysfunctional mitochondria by mitophagy. SCI mice also exhibited elevated levels of dynamin‐related protein 1 (DRP1), consistent with a disruption of mitochondrial dynamics. Remarkably, treatment with MitoTempo reversed many of the SCI‐induced abnormalities that we observed.

Conclusions

Acute SCI negatively and severely affects mitochondrial health of bladder urothelium. Early treatment of SCI with MitoTempo may be a viable therapeutic agent to mitigate these deleterious effects.
New data about the consumption of fish from the Alsace Region, France
Authors: Borvon Aurélia
Published: May 2019

This study provides an overview of 11 archaeological sites that yielded fish bone remains from the Roman period through medieval to modern contexts. It brings new knowledge about the consumption of fish for the Alsace region. Although the numbers of remains vary greatly, some diachronic comparisons are possible. The majority of the species represented in the assemblages from the inland sites sampled were freshwater fishes, together with a few migratory fishes. Most individuals were small‐sized fishes, which may explain the type of structure analysed, for instance, latrines. Two wels catfish vertebrae indicate the presence of this species in France. European marine fishes such as cod and flatfish are very rare, and the importation of marine fish began more recently. However, some herring bones found in the Roman and early medieval period make a straightforward interpretation more difficult.