bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety, osseointegration, and bone ingrowth analysis of PMMA‐based porous cement on animal metaphyseal bone defect model
Authors: Cimatti Bruno , Santos Mariana Avelino dos , Brassesco Maria Sol , Okano Laura Tiemi , Barboza Wendell Monteiro , Nogueira‐Barbosa Marcello Henrique , Engel Edgard Eduard
Published: March 2017

Bone defects created after curettage of benign bone tumors are customarily filled with solid poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) or other bone substitutes. In this study, we depicted a porous PMMA‐based cement (produced by mixing sodium bicarbonate and citric acid) and evaluated the prospect of its clinic application. Cement samples were characterized by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to mass spectrometry and its cytotoxicity evaluated in fibroblast cultures. Implantation in rabbits allowed the histologic analysis of bone, kidneys, and liver for toxicity and coagulation tests, and MRI images for hemostasis evaluation. Osseointegration was analyzed through radiography, microtomography (micro‐CT), SEM, and histology of sheep specimens. Rabbit specimens were analyzed 1, 4, and 7 days after implantation of porous or solid bone cement in 6.0 mm femoral defects. Sheep specimens were analyzed 3 and 6 months after implantation or not of porous or solid cement in 15.0 mm subchondral tibial defects. The production process did not release any detectable toxic substance but slightly reduced fibroblast proliferation in vitro. Until 7 days after surgery, no local or systemic alterations could be detected in histology, or hematoma formation in histology or MRI. Sheep implants showed 6 mm linear ingrowth from the bone–cement interface and 20% bone ingrowth considering the whole defect area. Radiography, micro‐CT, SEM, and histology confirmed these findings. We conclude that our porous PMMA‐based cement is an attractive alternative treatment for bone defect filling that combines osseointegration and early weight bearing. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 649–658, 2018.
Proximal Femur Volumetric Bone Mineral Density and Mortality: 13 Years of Follow‐Up of the AGES‐Reykjavik Study
Authors: Marques Elisa A , Elbejjani Martine , Gudnason Vilmundur , Sigurdsson Gunnar , Lang Thomas , Sigurdsson Sigurdur , Aspelund Thor , Meirelles Osorio , Siggeirsdottir Kristin , Launer Lenore , Eiriksdottir Gudny , Harris Tamara B
Published: March 2017

Bone mineral density (BMD) has been linked to mortality, but little is known about the independent contribution of each endosteal bone compartment and also the rate of bone loss to risk of mortality. We examined the relationships between (1) baseline trabecular and cortical volumetric BMD (vBMD) at the proximal femur, and (2) the rate of trabecular and cortical bone loss and all‐cause mortality in older adults from the AGES‐Reykjavik study. The analysis of trabecular and cortical vBMD and mortality was based on the baseline cohort of 4654 participants (aged ≥66 years) with a median follow‐up of 9.4 years; the association between rate of bone loss and mortality was based on 2653 participants with bone loss data (median follow‐up of 5.6 years). Analyses employed multivariable Cox‐proportional models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with time‐varying fracture status; trabecular and cortical variables were included together in all models. Adjusted for important confounders, Cox models showed that participants in the lowest quartile of trabecular vBMD had an increased risk of mortality compared to participants in other quartiles (HR = 1.12; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01 to 1.25); baseline cortical vBMD was not related to mortality (HR = 1.08; 95% CI, 0.97 to 1.20). After adjustment for time‐dependent fracture status, results were attenuated and not statistically significant. A faster loss (quartile 1 versus quartiles 2–4) in both trabecular and cortical bone was associated with higher mortality risk (HR = 1.37 and 1.33, respectively); these associations were independent of major potential confounders including time‐dependent incident fractures (HR = 1.32 and 1.34, respectively). Overall, data suggest that faster bone losses over time in both the trabecular and cortical bone compartments are associated with mortality risk and that measurements of change in bone health may be more informative than single‐point measurements in explaining mortality differences in older adults. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Bone Microarchitecture Assessed by HR‐pQCT as Predictor of Fracture Risk in Postmenopausal Women: The OFELY Study
Authors: Sornay‐Rendu Elisabeth , Boutroy Stephanie , Duboeuf François , Chapurlat Roland D
Published: March 2017

Several cross‐sectional studies have shown that impairment of bone microarchitecture contributes to skeletal fragility. The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the prediction of fracture (Fx) by bone microarchitecture assessed by high‐resolution peripheral computed tomography (HR‐ pQCT) in postmenopausal women. We measured microarchitecture at the distal radius and tibia with HR‐pQCT in the OFELY study, in addition to areal BMD with dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 589 women, mean ± SD age 68 ± 9 years. During a median [IQ] 9.4 [1.0] years of follow‐up, 135 women sustained an incident fragility Fx, including 81 women with a major osteoporotic Fx (MOP Fx). After adjustment for age, women who sustained Fx had significantly lower total and trabecular volumetric densities (vBMD) at both sites, cortical parameters (area and thickness at the radius, vBMD at the tibia), trabecular number (Tb.N), connectivity density (Conn.D), stiffness, and estimated failure load at both sites, compared with control women. After adjustment for age, current smoking, falls, prior Fx, use of osteoporosis‐related drugs, and total hip BMD, each quartile decrease of several baseline values of bone microarchitecture at the radius was associated with significant change of the risk of Fx (HR of 1.39 for Tb.BMD [p = 0.001], 1.32 for Tb.N [p = 0.01], 0.76 for Tb.Sp.SD [p = 0.01], 1.49 [p = 0.01] for Conn.D, and 1.27 for stiffness [p = 0.02]). At the tibia, the association remained significant for stiffness and failure load in the multivariate model for all fragility Fx and for Tt.BMD, stiffness, and failure load for MOP Fx. We conclude that impairment of bone microarchitecture—essentially in the trabecular compartment of the radius—predict the occurrence of incident fracture in postmenopausal women. This assessment may play an important role in identifying women at high risk of fracture who could not be adequately detected by BMD measurement alone, to benefit from a therapeutic intervention. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Transcriptome and Functional Genomics Reveal the Participation of Adenine Phosphoribosyltransferase in Trypanosoma cruzi Resistance to Benznidazole
Authors: García‐Huertas Paola , Mejía‐Jaramillo Ana María , González Laura , Triana‐Chávez Omar
Published: March 2017

Currently, the only available treatments for Trypanosoma cruzi are benznidazole (Bz) and nifurtimox (Nfx). The mechanisms of action and resistance to these drugs in this parasite are not complete known. In order to identify differentially expressed transcripts between sensitive and resistant parasites, a massive pyrosequencing of the T. cruzi transcriptome was carried out. Additionally, the 2D gel electrophoresis profile of sensitive and resistant parasites was analyzed and the data were supported with functional genomics. The results showed 133 differentially expressed genes in resistant parasites. The transcriptome analysis revealed the regulation of different genes with several functions and metabolic pathways, which could suggest that resistance in T. cruzi is a multigenic process. Additionally, using transcriptomics, one gene, adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT), was found to be down‐regulated in the resistant parasites and its expression profile was confirmed by 2D electrophoresis analysis. The role of this gene in the resistance to Bz was confirmed overexpressing it in sensitive and resistant parasites. Interestingly, both parasites became more sensitive to Bz and H2O2. This is the first RNA‐seq study to identify regulated genes in T. cruzi associated with Bz resistance and to show the role of APRT in T. cruzi resistance. Although T. cruzi regulation is mainly post‐transcriptional, the transcriptome analysis, supported by 2D gel analysis and functional genomic, provides an overall idea of the expression profiles of genes under resistance conditions. These results contribute essential information to further the understanding of the mechanisms of action and resistance to Bz in T. cruzi. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1936–1945, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association between sickle cell anemia and alpha thalassemia reveals a high prevalence of the α3.7 triplication in congolese patients than in worldwide series
Authors: Mikobi Tite Minga , Lukusa Prosper Tshilobo , Aloni Michel Ntetani , Lumaka Aimé , Akilimali Pierre Zalagile , Devriendt Koenraad , Matthijs Gert , Mbuyi Muamba Jean‐Marie , Race Valerie
Published: March 2017

Background

Information about the association with alpha thalassemia in sickle cell patients is unknown in the Democratic Republic of Congo. There is very little data on the alpha thalassemia in patients suffering from sickle cell anemia in Central Africa, and their consequences on the clinical expression of the disease.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 106 sickle cell patients living in the country's capital Kinshasa. The diagnosis of sickle cell anemia was confirmed with a molecular test using PCR‐RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) technique. The diagnosis of thalassemia was performed by the technique of multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification.

Results

The mean age of our patients was 22.4±13.6 years. The α3.7 heterozygous deletion, the α3.7 homozygous deletion and the α3.7 triplication were respectively encountered in 23.6%, 25.5% , and 11.3% of patients. Patients with normal αα/αα genotype represented 39.6% of the study population. The average of severe vaso‐occlusive crises, the rates of blood transfusions per year, the rate of osteonecrosis, cholelithiasis and leg ulcers were significantly lower in the group of patients with α3.7 homozygous deletion and α3.7 triplication.

Conclusion

The prevalence of α3.7 triplication was higher in sickle cell patients in the Democratic Republic of Congo than in worldwide series. The α3.7 triplication and α3.7 homozygous deletion were associated with less severe forms of the Sickle cell anemia in Congolese patients. These results showed the need to investigate systematically the alpha‐globin gene mutations in sickle cell population in Central Africa.
A genetic variant in CDKN2A/B gene is associated with the increased risk of breast cancer
Authors: ShahidSales Soodabeh , Mehramiz Mehraneh , Ghasemi Faezeh , Aledavood Amir , Shamsi Mehri , Hassanian Seyed Mahdi , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid , Avan Amir
Published: March 2017

Background

Breast cancer is among the leading cause of cancer‐related‐deaths in women, supporting the need for the identification of novel prognostic and predictive biomarkers. Recent studies have identified common genetic variants in a region on chromosome 9p21 associated with an increased risk of developing different cancers. Here, we explored the association of a genetic variant in CDKN2A/B, rs10811661, for the first time in 564 subjects with/without breast cancer.

Method

Genotyping was performed using TaqMan real time PCR method. The associations of this genetic variant with breast cancer risk and pathological information of patients were assessed.

Results

We observed that patients with breast cancer had a higher frequency of TT genotype (P<.001) than control group, which was associated with advanced TNM classification (P=.04) and larger tumor size (P=.014), as detected by the recessive genetic inheritance model. Moreover, the logistic regression under recessive genetic model revealed that breast cancer patients with TT had higher risk of breast cancer, compared to CC/CT genotypes (eg, OR=4.9, 95% CI:1.9‐12, P=.001), after adjusted for potential confounders, age, BMI, and family history.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that patients carrying the TT genotype for CDKN2A/B rs10811661 polymorphism had the increased risk of breast cancer susceptibility. However, further investigations are warranted in a larger and prospective setting to explore the value of this marker as a risk stratification marker in breast cancer.
One‐step immunochromatographic visual assay for anti‐transglutaminase detection in organ culture system: An easy and prompt method to simplify the in vitro diagnosis of celiac disease
Authors: Di Tola Marco , Marino Mariacatia , Casale Rossella , Borghini Raffaele , Tiberti Antonio , Donato Giuseppe , Occhiuzzi Umberto , Picarelli Antonio
Published: March 2017

Background

Anti‐tissue transglutaminase (anti‐tTG) and endomysium antibodies (EMA) are detectable in duodenal culture media of celiac disease (CD) patients. To improve the management of this organ culture system, we evaluated the anti‐tTG occurrence by immunochromatographic assay (ICA).

Methods

A total of 103 CD patients and 41 disease controls underwent duodenal biopsy for the organ culture. In culture supernatants, IgA anti‐tTG were tested by both enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and ICA, IgA EMA were searched by indirect immunofluorescence analysis (iIFA).

Results

Endomysium antibodies and anti‐tTG measured by ELISA were positive in culture media of all CD patients, while anti‐tTG detected by ICA were positive in culture media of 87/103 CD patients. Anti‐tTG ICA scores significantly correlated with anti‐tTG ELISA values (r=.71, P<.0001). Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of anti‐tTG detected by ICA were 84.5%, 100% and 88.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

Using ICA, anti‐tTG are detectable in duodenal culture media of most CD patients and the intensity of indicative lines depends on the anti‐tTG concentration. Sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy achieved with ICA are lower than those obtained with ELISA but, given that the first is a more easy and prompt method, data suggest the possibility of utilizing it in the in vitro diagnosis of CD.
Time‐dependent change of in vivo optical imaging of oxidative stress in a mouse stroke model
Authors: Nakano Yumiko , Yamashita Toru , Li Qian , Sato Kota , Ohta Yasuyuki , Morihara Ryuta , Hishikawa Nozomi , Abe Koji
Published: March 2017

Nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays a pivotal role in cellular defense against oxidative stress damage after ischemic stroke. In the present study, we examined the time‐dependent change of in vivo optical imaging of oxidative stress after stroke with Keap1‐dependent oxidative stress detector (OKD) mice. OKD mice were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) for 45 min, and in vivo optical signals were detected during the pre‐operative period, 12 h, 1 d, 3 d, and 7 d after tMCAO. Ex vivo imaging was performed immediately after obtaining in vivo optical signals at 1 d after tMCAO. Immunohistochemical analyses and infarct volume were also examined after in vivo imaging at each period. The in vivo signals showed a peak at 1 d after tMCAO that was slightly correlated to infarct volume. The strong ex vivo signals, which were detected in the peri‐ischemic area, corresponded to endogenous Nrf2 expression. Moreover, endogenous Nrf2 expression was detected mainly in neurons followed by oligodendrocytes and pericytes, but only slightly in astrocytes, microglia, endothelial cells. The present study successfully demonstrated the temporal change of in vivo imaging of oxidative stress after tMCAO, which is consistent with strong expression of endogenous Nrf2 in the peri‐ischemic area with a similar time course. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spatial ecology and habitat selection of eastern hognose snakes
Authors: Buchanan Scott W. , Timm Brad C. , Cook Robert P. , Couse Richard , Hazard Lisa C.
Published: March 2017

The eastern hognose snake (Heterodon platirhinos) is a species of conservation concern, especially in the northeastern portion of its range. They remain relatively common at Cape Cod National Seashore, Barnstable County, Massachusetts, USA, where we studied their spatial ecology and habitat selection. We radio‐tracked 17 adult snakes (10 F, 7 M) from May 2009 to November 2011, yielding 765 relocations. We conducted a use‐availability analysis to investigate patterns of microhabitat selection using a subset of snake locations. We conducted a compositional analysis of habitat selection at multiple spatial scales within home ranges using a high‐resolution (1‐m pixel size) vegetation cover map of the study area. Snakes moved frequently and had large home ranges ( = 35.4 ha) relative to other snake species of similar body size but exhibited variation in home range size among individuals (1–209 ha). Movements peaked at different times of year for each sex, and were most different between sexes in fall. In gravid females, movement was significantly greater in the 2‐week post‐oviposition period versus the 2‐week pre‐oviposition period. Estimates of home range and average daily movements ( = 30.1 m/day) were lower than estimates from other studies of eastern hognose snakes, possibly because of a greater density of resources at our study area. Probability of snake habitat use increased with grass and leaf litter and decreased with open soil. Compositional analysis revealed a strong avoidance of open dune areas. A comparison of edge density between use and random locations within home ranges revealed an apparent preference for edge habitat. We recommend that resource managers should limit recreational disturbance to and maintain the patchy mosaic of early successional vegetation with abundant edge to ensure the persistence of appropriate habitat for the species. We identified the timing of peak seasonal movements and recommend that this information be used to help prevent road mortality for this important population. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Multispectral and Microwave Remote Sensing Models to Survey Soil Moisture and Salinity
Authors: Periasamy Shoba , Shanmugam Ramakrishnan S.
Published: March 2017

Soil moisture stress and salinity are considered as a major form of land degradation in rain‐fed agricultural regions. The study has been carried out for four distinct periods such as 2001, 2005, 2010, and 2015 that was selected according to the climatic variations that occurred more than a decade. The multispectral remote sensing‐based empirical models were employed on Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus and Operational Land Imager imageries to estimate the rate of soil moisture stress and salinity from 2001–2015. The rate of soil moisture stress has been magnified to 143%, and salinity was increased by 70% particularly from 2005–2010 when the drought period occurred. The reliability of identifying the saline‐affected soils from the multispectral remote sensing models was significantly affected (R2 = 0.39) because of the extensive distribution of Nerium oleander plants and water logging state in the study region. The modified microwave water cloud model revealed the three‐layer information such as N. oleander, soil, and vegetation such that an imaginary part of the dielectric constant derived from simplified Hallikainen empirical model has got good correlation (R2 = 0.73) with ground electrical conductivity measurements. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Delving deeper: Metabolic processes in the metalimnion of stratified lakes
Authors: Giling Darren P. , Staehr Peter A. , Grossart Hans Peter , Andersen Mikkel René , Boehrer Bertram , Escot Carmelo , Evrendilek Fatih , Gómez‐Gener Lluís , Honti Mark , Jones Ian D. , Karakaya Nusret , Laas Alo , Moreno‐Ostos Enrique , Rinke Karsten , Scharfenberger Ulrike , Schmidt Silke R. , Weber Michael , Woolway R. Iestyn , Zwart Jacob A. , Obrador Biel
Published: March 2017

Many lakes exhibit seasonal stratification, during which they develop strong thermal and chemical gradients. An expansion of depth‐integrated monitoring programs has provided insight into the importance of organic carbon processing that occurs below the upper mixed layer. However, the chemical and physical drivers of metabolism and metabolic coupling remain unresolved, especially in the metalimnion. In this depth zone, sharp gradients in key resources such as light and temperature co‐occur with dynamic physical conditions that influence metabolic processes directly and simultaneously hamper the accurate tracing of biological activity. We evaluated the drivers of metalimnetic metabolism and its associated uncertainty across 10 stratified lakes in Europe and North America. We hypothesized that the metalimnion would contribute highly to whole‐lake functioning in clear oligotrophic lakes, and that metabolic rates would be highly variable in unstable polymictic lakes. Depth‐integrated rates of gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER) were modelled from diel dissolved oxygen curves using a Bayesian approach. Metabolic estimates were more uncertain below the epilimnion, but uncertainty was not consistently related to lake morphology or mixing regime. Metalimnetic rates exhibited high day‐to‐day variability in all trophic states, with the metalimnetic contribution to daily whole‐lake GPP and ER ranging from 0% to 87% and < 1% to 92%, respectively. Nonetheless, the metalimnion of low‐nutrient lakes contributed strongly to whole‐lake metabolism on average, driven by a collinear combination of highlight, low surface‐water phosphorous concentration and high metalimnetic volume. Consequently, a single‐sensor approach does not necessarily reflect whole‐ecosystem carbon dynamics in stratified lakes.
Interpreting Social Identity in Online Brand Communities: Considering Posters and Lurkers
Authors: Mousavi Sahar , Roper Stuart , Keeling Kathleen A.
Published: March 2017

This study investigates the psychological effects of social identity on both posters and lurkers in online brand communities (OBCs). The results reveal the intermediate mechanisms mediating and moderating members’ social identity effects on members’ brand commitment, leading to positive word‐of‐mouth and their resistance to negative information about the brand. This article treats social identity as a multidimensional construct. Differences between posters and lurkers on the relationships among the cognitive, affective, and evaluative components of social identity are investigated along with their positive effect on brand commitment and behavioral consequences. Using a sample of 752 OBC members, both posters and lurkers emerge as valuable members and equally likely to derive social identity from their membership of an OBC. However, there are counterintuitive results for relationships within the research model between active and passive members of OBCs. These results offer implications for theory and can help managers to be better interactive marketers.
Fostering Parasocial Relationships with Celebrities on Social Media: Implications for Celebrity Endorsement
Authors: Chung Siyoung , Cho Hichang
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this study was to explore the underlying mechanisms through which the use of social media affects endorser effectiveness. Based on theories related to parasocial relationships, self‐disclosure, and celebrity endorsement, this study proposed a theoretical research model and empirically tested the model using online survey data collected from 400 Korean Wave fans in Singapore. The results showed that consumers’ parasocial interactions with celebrities though social media have a positive impact on celebrity endorsement. Specifically, we found that: (1) parasocial relationships mediated the relationships between social media interactions and source trustworthiness, (2) social media interactions influenced parasocial relationships via self‐disclosure; and (3) source trustworthiness had a positive effect on brand credibility, which, in turn, led to purchase intention. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Activation of mutated TRPA1 ion channel by resveratrol in human prostate cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF)
Authors: Vancauwenberghe Eric , Noyer Lucile , Derouiche Sandra , Lemonnier Loïc , Gosset Pierre , Sadofsky Laura R. , Mariot Pascal , Warnier Marine , Bokhobza Alexandre , Slomianny Christian , Mauroy Brigitte , Bonnal Jean‐Louis , Dewailly Etienne , Delcourt Philippe , Allart Laurent , Desruelles Emilie , Prevarskaya Natalia , Roudbaraki Morad
Published: March 2017

Previous studies showed the effects of resveratrol (RES) on several cancer cells, including prostate cancer (PCa) cell apoptosis without taking into consideration the impact of the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME is composed of cancer cells, endothelial cells, blood cells, and cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAF), the main source of growth factors. The latter cells might modify in the TME the impact of RES on tumor cells via secreted factors. Recent data clearly show the impact of CAF on cancer cells apoptosis resistance via secreted factors. However, the effects of RES on PCa CAF have not been studied so far. We have investigated here for the first time the effects of RES on the physiology of PCa CAF in the context of TME. Using a prostate cancer CAF cell line and primary cultures of CAF from prostate cancers, we show that RES activates the N‐terminal mutated Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel leading to an increase in intracellular calcium concentration and the expression and secretion of growth factors (HGF and VEGF) without inducing apoptosis in these cells. Interestingly, in the present work, we also show that when the prostate cancer cells were co‐cultured with CAF, the RES‐induced cancer cell apoptosis was reduced by 40%, an apoptosis reduction canceled in the presence of the TRPA1 channel inhibitors. The present work highlights CAF TRPA1 ion channels as a target for RES and the importance of the channel in the epithelial‐stromal crosstalk in the TME leading to resistance to the RES‐induced apoptosis.
Abortifacient metapristone (RU486 derivative) interrupts CXCL12/CXCR4 axis for ovarian metastatic chemoprevention
Authors: Zheng Ning , Chen Jiahang , Li Tao , Liu Weiqun , Liu Jian , Chen Hongning , Wang Jichuang , Jia Lee
Published: March 2017

Recent global epidemiological studies revealed the lower ovarian cancer death from long‐term use of oral contraceptives. However, the underlying mechanism of action is not clear. Here, we use the abortifacient metapristone (RU486 derivative) to test the hypothesis that the contraceptives might interrupt CXCL12/CXCR4 chemokine axis to inhibit ovarian cancer metastasis. Metapristone at concentrations (<IC50) remarkably reduces CXCL12‐induced CXCR4 expression on ovarian SKOV‐3 and IGROV‐1 cell lines, and down‐regulates the CXCR4‐related mRNAs and intracellular proteins. Metapristone concentration‐dependently inhibits cancer cell proliferation via interfering the CXCL12‐activated Akt and ERK signaling pathways. The effect of CXCL12 could be antagonized by AMD3100. Metapristone interrupts the cellular filamentous actin polymerization and the related chemotaxis. Metapristone also concentration‐dependently inhibits the events of cellular invasion, migration, and adhesion. The inhibition is related to down‐regulation of the invasive molecules MMP‐2, MMP‐9, COX‐2, and VEGF without affecting the adhesion molecules ICAM‐1, integrins α1, α3, α5, α6, and β1. Six‐week in vivo xenograft study confirms the anti‐metastatic effect of metapristone on mouse ascites and metastatic foci induced by intraperitoneal IGROV‐1 and CXCL12. The present studies, for the first time, reveal the therapeutic effect of metapristone on ovarian metastasis and the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis‐related mechanisms of actions.
Transcription factor AP‐2β suppresses cervical cancer cell proliferation by promoting the degradation of its interaction partner β‐catenin
Authors: Wang Fangmei , Huang Wenhuan , Hu Xiang , Chen Cheng , Li Xinxin , Qiu Junlu , Liang Zhongheng , Zhang Jianmei , Li Limin , Wang Xiaoqing , Ding Xiaofeng , Xiang Shuanglin , Zhang Jian
Published: March 2017

Transcription factor AP‐2β mediates the transcription of a number of genes implicated in mammalian development, cell proliferation, and carcinogenesis. Although the expression pattern of AP‐2β has been analyzed in cervical cancer cell lines, the functions and molecular mechanism of AP‐2β are unknown. Here, we found that AP‐2β significantly inhibits TCF/LEF reporter activity. Moreover, AP‐2β and β‐catenin interact both in vitro through GST pull‐down assays and in vivo by co‐immunoprecipitation. We further identified the interaction regions to the DNA‐binding domain of AP‐2β and the 1‐9 Armadillo repeats of β‐catenin. Moreover, AP‐2β binds with β‐TrCP and promotes the degradation of endogenous β‐catenin via the proteasomal degradation pathway. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed a negative correlation between the two proteins in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Finally, functional analysis showed that AP‐2β suppresses cervical cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting the expression of Wnt downstream genes. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that AP‐2β functions as a novel inhibitor of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway in cervical cancer.
WDR62 overexpression is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Shinmura Kazuya , Kato Hisami , Kawanishi Yuichi , Igarashi Hisaki , Inoue Yusuke , Yoshimura Katsuhiro , Nakamura Satoki , Fujita Hidehiko , Funai Kazuhito , Tanahashi Masayuki , Niwa Hiroshi , Ogawa Hiroshi , Sugimura Haruhiko
Published: March 2017

Human WDR62, which is localized in the cytoplasm including the centrosome, is known to be responsible for primary microcephaly; however, the role of WDR62 abnormality in cancers remains largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to reveal the pathological role of WDR62 abnormality in lung adenocarcinoma (LAC). We first examined the WDR62 mRNA expression level of LAC (n = 64) using a QRT‐PCR analysis and found that WDR62 mRNA transcripts were significantly overexpressed in LAC (P = 0.0432, Wilcoxon matched pairs test). An immunohistochemical analysis for LAC (n = 237) showed that WDR62 proteins were also significantly overexpressed in LAC (P < 0.0001, Mann‐Whitney U test). A Kaplan‐Meier analysis demonstrated that patients with LAC who exhibit WDR62 overexpression have a short overall survival (P = 0.0378, log‐rank test), and a multivariate analysis revealed that WDR62 overexpression was an independent predictor of a poor survival outcome among LAC patients (hazard ratio, 2.032; 95% confidence interval, 1.071‐3.777; P = 0.0305). Next, we examined the functional effect of WDR62 overexpression on the lung cancer cell line H1299. WDR62‐overexpressing lung cancer cells exhibited an increase in cell growth. Moreover, the concurrent overexpression of WDR62 and TPX2, a WDR62‐interacting protein that is also overexpressed in LAC, induced centrosome amplification in the lung cells. Finally, we disclosed that the concurrent overexpression of WDR62 and TPX2 is common in diverse human cancers, using data from the Cancer Genome Atlas. These results suggested that WDR62 overexpression is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with LAC and leads to an increase in the malignant potential of lung cells.
User profiles of an electronic mental health tool for ecological momentary assessment: MEmind
Authors: Barrigón María Luisa , Berrouiguet Sofian , Carballo Juan José , Bonal‐Giménez Covadonga , Fernández‐Navarro Pablo , Pfang Bernadette , Delgado‐Gómez David , Courtet Philippe , Aroca Fuensanta , Lopez‐Castroman Jorge , Artés‐Rodríguez Antonio , Baca‐García Enrique ,   MEmind study group
Published: March 2017

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is gaining importance in psychiatry. This article assesses the characteristics of patients who used a new electronic EMA tool: the MEmind Wellness Tracker. Over one year, 13811 adult outpatients in our Psychiatry Department were asked to use MEmind. We collected information about socio‐demographic data, psychiatric diagnoses, illness severity, stressful life events and suicidal thoughts/behavior. We compared active users (N = 2838) and non‐active users (N = 10,973) of MEmind and performed a Random Forest analysis to assess which variables could predict its use. Univariate analyses revealed that MEmind‐users were younger (42.2 ± 13.5 years versus 48.5 ± 16.3 years;χ2 = 18.85;P < 0.001) and more frequently diagnosed with anxiety related disorders (57.9% versus 46.7%;χ2 = 105.92;P = 0.000) than non‐active users. They were more likely to report thoughts about death and suicide (up to 24% of active users expressed wish for death) and had experienced more stressful life events than non‐active users (57% versus 48.5%;χ2 = 64.65;P < 0.001). In the Random Forest analysis, 31 variables showed mean decrease accuracy values higher than zero with a 95% confidence interval (CI), including sex, age, suicidal thoughts, life threatening events and several diagnoses. In the light of these results, strategies to improve EMA and e‐Mental Health adherence are discussed.
On generation of lumped mass matrices in partition of unity based methods
Authors: Zheng Hong , Yang Yongtao
Published: March 2017

The partition of unity based methods, such as the extended finite element method and the numerical manifold method, are able to construct global functions that accurately reflect local behaviors through introducing locally defined basis functions beyond polynomials. In the dynamic analysis of cracked bodies using an explicit time integration algorithm, as a result, huge difficulties arise in deriving lumped mass matrices because of the presence of those physically meaningless degrees of freedom associated with those locally defined functions. Observing no spatial derivatives of trial or test functions exist in the virtual work of inertia force, we approximate the virtual work of inertia force in a coarser manner than the virtual work of stresses, where we inversely utilize the ‘from local to global’ skill. The proposed lumped mass matrix is strictly diagonal and can yield the results in agreement with the consistent mass matrix, but has more excellent dynamic property than the latter. Meanwhile, the critical time step of the numerical manifold method equipped with an explicit time integration scheme and the proposed mass lumping scheme does not decrease even if the crack in study approaches the mesh nodes — a very excellent dynamic property. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reference values for TSH may be inadequate to define hypothyroidism in persons with morbid obesity: Di@bet.es study
Authors: Valdés Sergio , Maldonado‐Araque Cristina , Lago‐Sampedro Ana , Lillo‐Muñoz Juan Antonio , Garcia‐Fuentes Eduardo , Perez‐Valero Vidal , Gutiérrez‐Repiso Carolina , Garcia‐Escobar Eva , Goday Albert , Urrutia Inés , Peláez Laura , Calle‐Pascual Alfonso , Bordiú Elena , Castaño Luis , Castell Conxa , Delgado Elias , Menéndez Edelmiro , Franch‐Nadal Josep , Gaztambide Sonia , Girbés Joan , Ortega Emilio , Vendrell Joan , Chacón Matilde R. , Javier Chaves F. , Soriguer Federico , Rojo‐Martínez Gemma
Published: March 2017

Objective

To analyze the reference range of thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) in different BMI categories and its impact on the classification of hypothyroidism.

Methods

The study included 3,928 individuals free of thyroid disease (without previous thyroid disease, no interfering medications, TSH <10 µUI/mL and thyroid peroxidase antibodies [TPO Abs] <50 IU/mL) who participated in a national, cross‐sectional, population‐based study and were representative of the adult population of Spain. Data gathered included clinical and demographic characteristics, physical examination, and blood and urine sampling. TSH, free thyroxine, free triiodothyronine, and TPO Ab were analyzed by electrochemiluminescence (E170, Roche Diagnostics, Basel, Switzerland).

Results

The reference range (p2.5‐97.5) for TSH was estimated as 0.6 to 4.8 µUI/mL in the underweight category (BMI<20 kg/m2), 0.6 to 5.5 µUI/mL in the normal‐weight category (BMI 20‐24.9 kg/m2), 0.6 to 5.5 µUI/mL in the overweight category (BMI 25‐29.9 kg/m2), 0.5 to 5.9 µUI/mL in the obesity category (BMI 30‐39.9 kg/m2), and 0.7 to 7.5 µUI/mL in the morbid obesity category (BMI ≥40). By using the reference criteria for the normal‐weight population, the prevalence of high TSH levels increased threefold in the morbid obesity category (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Persons with morbid obesity might be inappropriately classified if the standard ranges of normality of TSH for the normal‐weight population are applied to them.
The Politics–Bureaucracy Interface in Developing Countries
Authors: Dasandi Niheer , Esteve Marc
Published: March 2017

The political–bureaucratic interface has been the subject of much academic interest. However, research has tended to focus exclusively on wealthy institutionalized democracies, with little attention given to the political–administrative relationship in developing countries. However, recent evidence from reform processes in poorer nations increasingly highlights the importance of interactions between politicians and bureaucrats. This paper provides a systematic overview of the political–bureaucratic relationship in developing countries and in doing so makes two key contributions. First, it introduces a typology of political–bureaucratic relations based on four models—collaborative, collusive, intrusive, and integrated—discussing examples of each. Second, it analyses the main factors associated with different models of political–bureaucratic relations and considers how countries can move from one model of relations to another. The paper provides a much‐needed entry point for scholars and policymakers to better understanding the relationship between politicians and bureaucrats in developing countries. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dielectric, transport and thermal properties of clay based polymer‐ nanocomposites
Authors: Tripathi Namrata , Thakur Awalendra K. , Shukla Archana , Marx David T.
Published: March 2017

The polymer nanocomposite films (PNC) with varying amounts of organically modified sodium montmorillonite (DMMT) clay in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) based polymer matrix were prepared by solution cast technique. Dielectric measurements were carried out on these films as a function of frequency at 30°C and 100°C. The addition of clay significantly improved the ionic conductivity. Transport parameters, such as the diffusion coefficient (D), number density (n) and mobility (μ) of charge carriers were determined using a new approach, which is based on impedance spectroscopy. The temperature‐dependent dc conductivity, relaxation and mobility plots obey the Arrhenius rule. The results suggest that the higher ionic conductivity of these PNC films at elevated temperature is not only due to increased mobility of ions, but it is accompanied by a significant increase in carrier concentration. Analysis of DSC thermogram reveals a very high percentage of amorphous content for all samples. A good correlation among dielectric permittivity, carrier concentration, mobility and ionic conductivity has also been observed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:220–227, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Deformation and pore formation mechanism under tensile loading in isotactic polypropylene
Authors: Ding Lei , Wu Tong , Yang Feng , Xiang Ming
Published: March 2017

Four different polypropylene (PP) samples were prepared through isothermally crystallizing at 0 °C (PP‐Q), 80 °C (PP‐80), 100 °C (PP‐100) and 120 °C (PP‐120). The results of differential scanning calorimetry, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, polarized light microscopy and tensile testing indicate that the spherulite structure gradually improves with increasing isothermal crystallization temperature. Meanwhile, the interface between spherulites becomes more obvious due to the larger dimension and the higher strength of spherulites. Therefore, the trend of interfacial debonding during stretching is enhanced distinctly. In addition, based on the structural characterization of samples at different draw ratios, two completely distinct morphological changes are demonstrated. There are no defects generated after longitudinal stretching within PP‐Q, because intra‐spherulitic deformation predominates, which is caused by the imperfect spherulites of PP‐Q. As a result, no microporous structure is produced after sequential biaxial stretching. And the improvement of the crystalline structure makes interfacial debonding more likely to occur. Therefore, fully developed crazes and cracks disperse between microfibril structures after longitudinal stretching. Furthermore, numerous microporous structures are produced through debonding of fully developed crazes and cracks after sequential biaxial stretching. Meanwhile, the quantity, dimension and uniformity of the microporous structures and the porosity are gradually improved. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Does Stigma Inhibit Labor Force Participation of Young Millennials Who Receive Housing Assistance?
Authors: Haley Barbara A.
Published: March 2017

Of an estimated 6.8 million households in the United States headed by young adults, aged 19–25, 5 percent receive housing assistance that is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This research looks for evidence in the 2011 American Housing Survey that the stigma associated with residence in HUD‐assisted housing has translated into low self‐efficacy and the “why try” response to becoming economically self‐sufficient. In 2011, a majority of these young householders, 58 percent, participated in the labor force, with household median incomes at 96 percent of the poverty line. Forty percent of householders with less than good health or disability participated in the labor force. The vast majority was also parenting. Small families were the norm. An estimated 526,000 children under age 18 lived in assisted housing headed by these young millennials. Of these, 158,000 children were under age 5 and living in households headed by a single adult who was not a labor force participant. Logistic regression was used to find whether there were any statistically significant predictors of labor force participation at the 0.10 level. Good health and no disability of the respondent (OR = 3.3, CI = 1.5–7.4) and educational attainment of some college (OR = 3.2, CI = 1.0–10.2) were statistically significant for the entire sample. Each additional adult in the household also increased (OR = 1.9) the odds of labor force participation by the household head (CI = .9–3.7). For households headed by a single adult, residence in the Midwest Census Region depressed labor force participation (OR = .32, CI = .10–1.00). We conclude that the discovery of these statistically significant predictors suggests that the stigma of living in assisted housing does not create such low self‐efficacy that labor force participation is avoided. Assisted housing reduces the burden on shelters and foster care systems as well as provides a significant safety net for workers who are unable to earn a living wage.
A family 13 thioesterase isolated from an activated sludge metagenome: Insights into aromatic compounds metabolism
Authors: Sánchez‐Reyez Ayixon , Batista‐García Ramón Alberto , Valdés‐García Gilberto , Ortiz Ernesto , Perezgasga Lucía , Zárate‐Romero Andrés , Pastor Nina , Folch‐Mallol Jorge Luis
Published: March 2017

Activated sludge is produced during the treatment of sewage and industrial wastewaters. Its diverse chemical composition allows growth of a large collection of microbial phylotypes with very different physiologic and metabolic profiles. Thus, activated sludge is considered as an excellent environment to discover novel enzymes through functional metagenomics, especially activities related with degradation of environmental pollutants. Metagenomic DNA was isolated and purified from an activated sludge sample. Metagenomic libraries were subsequently constructed in Escherichia coli. Using tributyrin hydrolysis, a screening by functional analysis was conducted and a clone that showed esterase activity was isolated. Blastx analysis of the sequence of the cloned DNA revealed, among others, an ORF that encodes a putative thioesterase with 47–64% identity to GenBank CDS reported genes, similar to those in the hotdog fold thioesterase superfamily. On the basis of its amino acid similarity and its homology‐modelled structure we deduced that this gene encodes an enzyme (ThYest_ar) that belongs to family TE13, with a preference for aryl‐CoA substrates and a novel catalytic residue constellation. Plasmid retransformation in E. coli confirmed the clone's phenotype, and functional complementation of a paaI E. coli mutant showed preference for phenylacetate over chlorobenzene as a carbon source. This work suggests a role for TE13 family thioesterases in swimming and degradation approaches for phenyl acetic acid. Proteins 2017; 85:1222–1237. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Method for CFD facilitated pressure rise calculation due to deflagration in heat recovery steam generator
Authors: Zhou Wei , Cardenas Manuel , Moyeda David
Published: March 2017

For combined cycle operations, especially during startup and shutdown, safety concerns have always been the top priority. Residual fuels can escape to and accumulate in the downstream heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) if appropriate purge is not taken, which may cause deflagration, an explosion at subsonic condition, during startup when heat source exists. Residual fuel deflagration will lead to pressure rise and therefore, structural and or tube damages depending on the level of pressure increase. Therefore, a careful study of the residual fuel distribution in HRSG and the pressure rise due to possible deflagration is wanted.

Historically, thermodynamics relationships and chemical equilibrium calculations are used to estimate the pressure rise. These approaches either assume that all fuel energy is converted into heat, or make assumptions on the amount of fuel in chemical equilibrium that contributes to the pressure rise. These assumptions tend to overestimate the pressure rise. With the development of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation, a more accurate prediction of the fuel concentration in HRSG during transient startup and/or shutdown process is possible. The local fuel concentrations can now be calculated and therefore, how much fuel that are within the explosion limits and contribute to the pressure rise can be detected readily.

This article presents the transient CFD modeling results of residual fuel concentration in a typical HRSG configuration during a gas turbine/combined cycle startup failure process. The article then refines the adiabatic mixing model with the predicted local fuel concentrations to provide a better estimation of the pressure rise due to deflagration. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 36: 408–413, 2017