bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
miR‐135b promotes proliferation and metastasis by targeting APC in triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Lv Zhi‐Dong , Xin Hai‐Na , Yang Zhao‐Chuan , Wang Wen‐Juan , Dong Jiao‐Jiao , Jin Li‐Ying , Li Fu‐Nian
Published: January 2019

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype. The aim of our study was to investigate the functional role of microRNA‐135b (miR‐135b) in TNBC. A real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay was used to quantify miR‐135b expression levels in 90 paired TNBC tissue and adjacent normal tissue samples. Wound‐healing and transwell assays were performed to evaluate the effects of miR‐135b expression on the migration and invasion of TNBC cells. Luciferase reporter and western blot analyses were used to verify whether the mRNA encoding APC is a major target of miR‐135b. In the current study, we found that miR‐135b was highly expressed in TNBC tissue and cells, and the expression levels were correlated with lymph node status and TNM stage. In TNBC cells, the ectopic expression of miR‐135b promoted cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. In addition, our study proved that the overexpression of miR‐135b significantly suppressed APC expression by targeting the 3′‐untranslated region of APC, whereas enhanced APC expression could partially abrogate the miR‐135b‐mediated promotion of carcinogenic traits in TNBC cells. Taken together, our study demonstrated that miR‐135b expression promoted the proliferation and invasion of TNBC by downregulating APC expression, indicating that miR‐135b may serve as a promising target for the treatment of TNBC patients.
Effects of microRNA‐513b on cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration by targeting HMGB3 through regulation of mTOR signaling pathway in non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Jiying , Sheng Zhaoying , Cai Yong
Published: January 2019

This study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism of miR‐513b and HMGB3 in regulating non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC tumor, adjacent tissues, and cell lines were extracted, and the expression of miR‐513b and HMGB3 were determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and western blot analysis. Then, miR‐513b was overexpressed in NSCLC cell, and the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of cells were determined by 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT), wound healing, transwell, and flow cytometry, respectively. Regulatory relationship between miR‐513b and HMGB3 was determined using luciferase activity reporter assay. Lastly, HMGB3 and/or miR‐513b were overexpressed in NSCLC cells, and the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of cells were determined. Compared with the controls, the expression of miR‐513b was significantly downregulated in the NSCLC tissues and cells lines by RT‐qPCR (
p < 0.05). However, the expression of HMGB3 was significantly downregulated at both messenger RNA and protein levels (
p < 0.05). Overexpression of miR‐513b could significantly inhibit the proliferation, invasion, migration, and promote apoptosis of NSCLC cells (
p < 0.05). HMGB3 was a target of miR‐513b, and overexpression of HMGB3 could obviously reverse the effect of miR‐513 on the proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis of NSCLC cells (
p < 0.05). The present results could suggest miR‐513b was downregulated in NSCLC and could regulate the proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis of NSCLC cells via HMGB3.
Inhibition of HMGB1 improves necrotizing enterocolitis by inhibiting NLRP3 via TLR4 and NF‐κB signaling pathways
Authors: Yu Renqiang , Jiang Shanyu , Tao Yaqin , Li Ping , Yin Juan , Zhou Qin
Published: January 2019

Objective

To explore the relationship between high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and NLR pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) in the development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

Methods

NEC rat models were constructed and treated with HMGB1 inhibitor glycyrrhizin (GL) with different concentration. An inflammatory condition of intestinal tissue in newborn NEC rats was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of HMGB1, NLRP3, toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), and caspase 1 were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis, respectively. The content of interleukin (IL)‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Human intestinal epithelial cell lines were induced to NEC by lipopolysaccharides (LPSs). LPS‐induced cells were transfected with small interfering RNA‐HMGB1 and NLRP3 plasmid vector. The mRNA and protein expression of HMGB1, NLRP3, TLR4, NF‐κB, caspase 1, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α were determined by real‐time PCR and western blot analysis, respectively.

Results

The mRNA and protein expression of HMGB1 and NLRP3 in the NEC group was significantly higher than the control group. Inhibition of HMGB1 expression improved intestinal inflammation in newborn NEC rats. The expression of HMGB1, NLRP3, TLR4, NF‐κB, and caspase 1 was upregulated in NEC and was weakened after treating with GL. LPS induction to intestinal epithelial cells markedly increased the expression of HMGB1, NLRP3, TLR4, NF‐κB, caspase 1, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α. The knockdown of HMGB1 abolished the increase of expression, whereas further transfection with NLRP3 plasmid vector recovered the increase.

Conclusion

HMGB1 and NLRP3 were all upregulated in the development of NEC. Inhibition on HMGB1 could improve the intestinal inflammation in NEC by inhibiting NLRP3 via TLR4 and NF‐κB signaling pathways.
LncRNA MEG3 negatively modified osteosarcoma development through regulation of miR‐361‐5p and FoxM1
Authors: Shen Bin , Zhou Ningfeng , Hu Tao , Zhao Weidong , Wu Desheng , Wang Shanjin
Published: January 2019

This study was aimed to figure out whether long noncoding RNA MEG3/miR‐361‐5p/FoxM1 signaling would contribute to improved proliferation and metastasis of osteosarcoma cells. We altogether collected 204 pairs of osteosarcoma tissues and adjacent normal tissues, and obtained four human osteosarcoma cell lines. Then pcDNA3.1‐MEG3, si‐MEG3, miR‐361‐5p mimic, miR‐361‐5p inhibitor, pcDNA3.1‐FoxM1, si‐FoxM1, and negative control (NC) were, respectively, transfected into the osteosarcoma cells. Furthermore, real time polymerase chain reaction was utilized to determine the mRNA expressions of maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) and miR‐361‐5p, and western blot analysis was applied for determining the FoxM1 expression. Besides, dual luciferase reporter gene assay was adopted to verify if MEG3 can be directly targeted by miR‐361‐5p. Finally, 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, wound healing assay, and transwell assay were conducted to investigate the influence of MEG3, miR‐361‐5p, and FoxM1 expressions on the viability, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. MEG3 and miR‐361‐5p were observed to be significantly downregulated within both osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines, whereas FoxM1 was upregulated in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines (p < 0.05). MEG3 directly bound to miR‐361‐5p, and significantly upgraded its expression (p < 0.05). The upregulated MEG3 and miR‐361‐5p or the downregulated FoxM1 appeared to substantially inhibit proliferation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma cells (p < 0.05). Finally, the proliferation, migration, invasion, and motility of osteosarcoma cells within the miR‐NC + pcDNA3.1‐FoxM1 group and pcDNA + pcDNA‐FoxM1 group were markedly promoted when compared with the miR‐361‐5p mimic group and pcDNA3.1‐MEG3 group (p < 0.05). The MEG3/miR‐361‐5p/FoxM1 axis could potentially serve as therapeutic targets or diagnostic biomarkers for osteosarcoma.
YAP1 influences differentiation of osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells through the regulation of ID1
Authors: Yang Beining , Sun Hualing , Chen Peiyu , Fan Nana , Zhong Heli , Liu Xiayi , Wu Yanru , Wang Jiawei
Published: January 2019

Yes‐associated protein 1 (YAP1) transcriptional coactivator has recently been identified to regulate skeletal lineage cell differentiation and bone development. However, the role and molecular mechanisms of YAP1 in the regulation of osteoblastic differentiation remains to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that YAP1 expression was increased during osteogenic differentiation of rat bone mesenchymal stem cells and MC3T3‐E1. YAP1 overexpression MC3T3‐E1 showed increased expression of osteogenesis markers, such as runt‐related transcription factor 2, osteocalcin, and osteopontin, as well as alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red staining. Conversely, YAP1 knockdown significantly suppressed MC3T3‐E1 osteoblastic differentiation. Mechanistically, we found that YAP1 overexpression upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of the inhibitor of differentiation/DNA binding 1 (ID1), which was contrary to the results of YAP1‐knockdown group. Moreover, the early osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 cells was enhanced by ID1 overexpression. Furthermore, transient transfection with exogenous ID1 overexpression plasmid completely recaptured the decreased effects of YAP1 knockdown on MC3T3‐E1 cell differentiation. In addition, β‐catenin and AMP‐activated protein kinase signaling pathways participated in YAP1 regulation processes. Taken together, our study suggests that YAP1 is a crucial modulator of osteoblast differentiation in vitro, and provides insight into the mechanism by which YAP1 regulates osteoblast differentiation.
Activation of liver X receptor suppresses osteopontin expression and ameliorates nephrolithiasis
Authors: Chen Jie , Zhang Di , Ji Ming‐Fei , Liu Tao , Mei Chang‐lin , Tang Xiao‐Jing
Published: January 2019

Nephrolithiasis is a common disease of the urinary system, of which idiopathic calcium oxalate (CaOx) kidney stones, in particular, are one of the special types. In the initial stages of CaOx kidney stone formation, Randall's plaques (RPs) develop. Liver X receptors (LXRs) inhibit oxidative stress and inﬂammatory in other diseases; nevertheless, the role of LXRs in nephrolithiasis has yet to be elucidated. In this study, the role of LXRs in the progression of RP formation was investigated. Microarray analysis revealed that LXR/RXR levels were significantly greater in low‐plaque tissues (<5%) than in high‐plaque tissues (>5%), confirming the link between LXR activation and RP formation. Correspondingly, expression levels of two LXR target genes, LXRα and LXRβ, were lower in high‐plaque tissues than in low‐plaque tissues. In vitro, LXR agonist alleviated calcium oxalate monohydrate‐induced cellular calcium deposits and apoptosis. LXR activation decreased reactive oxygen species production and gene expression of inflammatory mediators, including osteopontin that has recently been demonstrated to correlate with the development of RPs. Moreover, p38 MAPK and JNK signaling may mediate LXR‐regulated expression in HK‐2 cells. In an animal model, the deposition was reduced by activating LXR, and osteopontin expression was also inhibited. Our findings suggest a role for LXRs in the progression of idiopathic CaOx kidney stones; LXR agonists may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of nephrolithiasis.
Calcium sensing receptor in developing human airway smooth muscle
Authors: Roesler Anne M. , Wicher Sarah A. , Ravix Jovanka , Britt Rodney D. , Manlove Logan , Teske Jacob J. , Cummings Katelyn , Thompson Michael A. , Farver Carol , MacFarlane Peter , Pabelick Christina M. , Prakash Y.S.
Published: January 2019

Airway smooth muscle (ASM) regulation of airway structure and contractility is critical in fetal/neonatal physiology in health and disease. Fetal lungs experience higher Ca2+ environment that may impact extracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]o) sensing receptor (CaSR). Well‐known in the parathyroid gland, CaSR is also expressed in late embryonic lung mesenchyme. Using cells from 18‐22 week human fetal lungs, we tested the hypothesis that CaSR regulates intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in fetal ASM (fASM). Compared with adult ASM, CaSR expression was higher in fASM, while fluorescence Ca2+ imaging showed that [Ca2+]i was more sensitive to altered [Ca2+]o. The fASM [Ca2+]i responses to histamine were also more sensitive to [Ca2+]o (0–2 mM) compared with an adult, enhanced by calcimimetic R568 but blunted by calcilytic NPS2143. [Ca2+]i was enhanced by endogenous CaSR agonist spermine (again higher sensitivity compared with adult). Inhibition of phospholipase C (U73122; siRNA) or inositol 1,4,5‐triphosphate receptor (Xestospongin C) blunted [Ca2+]o sensitivity and R568 effects. NPS2143 potentiated U73122 effects. Store‐operated Ca2+ entry was potentiated by R568. Traction force microscopy showed responsiveness of fASM cellular contractility to [Ca2+]o and NPS2143. Separately, fASM proliferation showed sensitivity to [Ca2+]o and NPS2143. These results demonstrate functional CaSR in developing ASM that modulates airway contractility and proliferation.
The Feeling of Not Knowing It All
Authors: Yang Haiyang , Carmon Ziv , Ariely Dan , Norton Michael I.
Published: January 2019

How do consumers assess their mastery of knowledge they have learned? We explore this question by investigating a common knowledge consumption situation: encountering opportunities for further learning. We argue and show that such opportunities can trigger a feeling‐of‐not‐knowing‐it‐all (FONKIA), which lowers consumers’ confidence in their mastery of the knowledge they already possess. Specifically, listing optional follow‐up readings at the conclusion of a course lowered students’ confidence in their mastery of the course material they had already learned (Study 1). Encountering an optional learning opportunity increased the FONKIA, which mediated the decreased confidence (Studies 2 and 3). We also document two moderators consistent with our conceptualization. First, participants primed with mastery (vs. instrumental) motivation were more negatively impacted when they encountered optional learning opportunities. Second, the more related the optional opportunities were to the target topic, the lower participants’ confidence in their mastery of what they had already learned. We conclude by discussing the implications of these findings, such as encouraging further learning or harming teaching evaluations.
The effects of deposition time on the nanoscale patterns of Ag/DLC nanocomposite synthesized by RF‐PECVD
Authors: Ţălu Ştefan , Stach Sebastian , Abdolghaderi Senour
Published: January 2019

Introduction: In this study, a stereometric analysis of the three dimensional (3‐D) surfaces of the Ag/DLC nanocomposite synthesized by RF‐PECVD was performed. Materials and methods: Atomic force microscopy in noncontact mode was used to study surface morphology in correlation with multi‐parametric statistical analysis. The associated parameters of segmented motifs in conformity with ISO 25178‐2:, 2012 have been extracted using MountainsMap® Premium software. The mathematical algorithm computes detached watersheds of hill or dale motifs and determines the maximum and minimum points of motifs. Results and discussion: The stereometric analyses with MountainsMap® Premium software provided detailed information on the 3‐D surface topography of samples. Fractal analyses revealed the fractal nature of the performed samples is in correlation with the deposition time of samples. Detailed information of manufactured Ag/diamond‐like carbon (DLC) nanocomposite is given based on the information about the surface structure, properties, and performance characteristics. The performed analysis allows the high‐resolution modeling of Ag/DLC nanocomposite surface microtexture with motif analysis (intrinsic characteristics disclosure and characterization of surfaces fractal), in order to be included in computer interactive simulation algorithms. Conclusion: It was found the fractal dimension decreases with the increase of the deposition times on samples.
MRI of synovitis and joint fluid
Authors: Burke Christopher J. , Alizai Hamza , Beltran Luis S , Regatte Ravinder R.
Published: January 2019

Synovitis and joint effusion are common manifestations of rheumatic disease and play an important role in the disease pathophysiology. Earlier detection and accurate assessment of synovial pathology, therefore, can facilitate appropriate clinical management and hence improve prognosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows unparalleled assessment of all joint structures and associated pathology. It has emerged as a powerful tool, which enables not only detection of synovitis and effusion, but also allows quantification, detailed characterization, and noninvasive monitoring of synovial processes. The purpose of this article is to summarize the pathophysiology of synovitis and to review the role of qualitative, semiquantitative, and quantitative MRI in the assessment of synovitis and joint fluid. We also discuss the utility of MRI as an outcome measure to assess treatment response, particularly with respect to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Emerging applications such as hybrid positron emission tomography / MRI and molecular imaging are also briefly discussed.

Level of Evidence: 5

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019.
Effect of gravity on portal venous flow: Evaluation using multiposture MRI
Authors: Kadoya Yoshisuke , Miyati Tosiaki , Kobayashi Satoshi , Ohno Naoki , Gabata Toshifumi
Published: January 2019

Background

Analysis of portal venous flow (PVF) is important when evaluating the severity and prognosis of liver disease. PVF might be altered by postural changes (ie, difference in the effects of gravity).

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of gravity on PVF using a novel MRI system, which can obtain abdominal MRIs in both the supine and the upright positions.

Study Type

Prospective self control.

Subjects

Twelve healthy young male volunteers.

Field Strength/Sequence

Caval velocity‐mapped images were obtained using the electrocardiography‐triggered cine phase‐contrast technique in the supine and upright positions with multiposture MRI (paired 0.4 T permanent magnets).

Assessment

The mean PVF velocity in the region of interest in each cardiac phase was determined. A PVF curve in the cardiac cycle was also obtained from the PVF velocity multiplied by the cross‐sectional area. The mean PVF velocity, maximum PVF velocity, cross‐sectional area of the PV, mean PVF, maximum PVF, and heart rate in the supine and upright positions were assessed.

Statistical Tests

Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests were applied. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The mean PVF velocity, maximum PVF velocity, cross‐sectional area of the PV, and maximum PVF were all significantly lower in the upright position compared with the supine position (P = 0.002 for all), with differences of 42% ± 15%, 38% ± 12%, 60% ± 17%, 24% ± 11%, and 22% ± 9.3%, respectively. However, heart rate was significantly higher (116% ± 9.2%, P = 0.003) in the upright position compared with the supine position.

Data Conclusion

The effect of gravity during postural change from a supine to an upright position significantly decreases the PVF. Multiposture MRI allows acquisition of more detailed information on liver function.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy Stage: 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:83–87.
A comparison of physical comorbidities in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder developed after a terrorist attack or other traumatic event
Authors: Ferretti Fabio , Pozza Andrea , Bossini Letizia , Del Matto Laura , Desantis Serena , Olivola Miriam , Gualtieri Giacomo , Coluccia Anna , Fagiolini Andrea
Published: January 2019

No study investigated whether the presence of specific medical comorbidities is associated with the type of traumatic event, in particular with terrorist attack (TA). In a group of subjects with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the current study investigated the association between the types of traumatic event (TA vs. other traumatic event [OTE]) and medical comorbidities, controlling for sex and PTSD duration. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, the Clinician‐Administered PTSD Scale, and the Davidson Trauma Scale were administered to 84 subjects diagnosed with PTSD. Thirty‐nine were victims of TA and 45 victims of OTE. TA was associated with higher prevalence of neoplasms (β = 2.60, p = 0.02). Females were more protected than males from circulatory system comorbidities (β = 1.47, p = 0.04), while PTSD duration was associated with higher prevalence of such comorbidities (β = 0.005, p = 0.01). Females showed a higher prevalence of neoplasms than males (β = 2.50, p = 0.02). Female sex was protective against metabolic syndrome (β = −1.79, p = 0.02). Patients with PTSD due to TA and female patients should be considered for their higher prevalence of neoplasms, while male patients and those with higher symptom duration should be monitored for circulatory disease and metabolic syndrome. Symptom duration might be associated with circulatory and metabolic disease. Implications for tailored and timely psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic intervention for PTSD are discussed focusing on these specific medical comorbidities.
A pine wood sample preparation method for high target and quality DNA extraction for detection of Esteya vermicola by PCR from living pine
Authors: Yin Can , Wang Yunbo , Zhang Yongan , Wang Haihua , Tao Ran , Li Yu , Sung Chang Keun
Published: January 2019

Esteya vermicola is an endophytic fungus of pine wood nematode with demonstrated biocontrol efficacy. At present, the methods for detection of this fungus from pine wood is still inconvenient and inefficient such as thin‐section microscopic observations. In the present study, a simple protocol was developed for wood sample preparation for effective extraction of fungal DNA from wood samples for PCR detection. The protocol of preparation of the sample involves washing in sterile water overnight on a shaking table followed by filtration and centrifugation to obtain the extracted DNA. The result indicates that with this sample preparation protocol, any proper DNA extraction method can be effectively used for the rapid and reliable detection of E. vermicola from pine wood. This method can provide valuable support for follow‐up studies with practical applications, such as investigation of the growth rate of E. vermicola and how long it remains viable inside a pine tree.
Factors driving the distribution and role of AOA and AOB in Phragmites communis rhizosphere in riparian zone
Authors: Wang Xiaomin , Wang Shanyun , Shi Guoshuai , Wang Weidong , Zhu Guibing
Published: January 2019

Ammonia oxidation, mainly driven by ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB), plays an important role in determining the rate of nitrification in riparian zones. However, the underlying factors driving the distribution and activity of AOA and AOB in riparian zones, especially in the rhizosphere of Phragmites communis remain unknown. This study revealed the dominance of AOA in ammonium oxidization with higher abundance and activity in both rhizosphere and bulk soil in summer and winter over AOB in riparian zones, based on molecular methods and double‐inhibitors method. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 54d9 cluster and Nitrososphaera dominated the AOA community and Nitrosospira dominated the AOB, respectively. For the distribution of AOA and AOB, it was the spatial heterogeneity of physicochemical properties that had the most significant effect. Specifically, TOM & TC were the main physicochemical variables accounting for the difference in abundance and community composition of AOA, and TN had an important influence on AOB in the sediment/soil in riparian zones. For abundance and activity, seasonal heterogeneity and P. communis rhizosphere had a significant impact on the archaeal activity and abundance, respectively, but did not show significant influencing on AOB. These findings suggest that the small‐scale environmental heterogeneities in riparian zones are important in shaping the community composition and abundance of AOA and AOB.
Tea diseases detection based on fast infrared thermal image processing technology
Authors: Yang Ning , Yuan Minfeng , Wang Pan , Zhang Rongbiao , Sun Jun , Mao Hanping
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

As one of China's important economic crops, tea is economically damaged due to its large yield. The overall goal of this study is to develop an effective, simple, apt computer vision algorithm to detect tea disease area using infrared thermal image processing techniques and to estimate tea disease.

RESULTS

This paper finds that the area of tea disease has certain regularity with its infrared image gray distribution. Using this rule, we extracted two characteristic parameters into a classifier to help achieve rapid tea disease detection, which increases the accuracy of detection a small amount. The tea disease detection algorithm consisted of the following steps: classify canopy infrared thermal image; convert red, green and blue image to hue, saturation and value; thresholding; color identification; noise filtering; binarization; closed operation; and counting. A correlation coefficient R2 of 0.97 was obtained between the tea disease detection algorithm and counting performed through human observation, which is 2% higher than traditional algorithms without classifiers.

CONCLUSIONS

This article provides guidance for monitoring the condition of tea gardens with airborne thermal imaging cameras. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of palladium‐modified zeolite for prolonging post‐harvest shelf life of banana
Authors: Tzeng Jing‐Hua , Weng Chih‐Huang , Huang Jenn‐Wen , Shiesh Ching‐Chang , Lin Yu‐Hao , Lin Yao‐Tung
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

The marketability of banana is limited by the rapid rate of ripening. However, the traditional post‐harvest technologies may not be desirable. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of a reusable material for the food preservation industry.

RESULTS

The nanocomposite‐based palladium (Pd)‐modified zeolite (Pd/zeolite) was prepared by impregnating Pd into zeolite. Pd/zeolite had a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller dinitrogen specific surface area of 475 m2 g−1 with crystal structure similar to Y‐zeolite. Transmission electron microscopy images showed the dispersion of Pd particles over the multi‐pore zeolite support. Pd/zeolite uniquely acted as an adsorbent and a catalyst and was able to remove ethylene even after reaching breakthrough point. To prove Pd/zeolite is reusable, a 99 ± 0.8% ethylene removal efficiency still remained even after five consecutive cycles with repeated use of Pd/zeolite. The presence of Pd/zeolite significantly decreased the ethylene concentration during 18 days of storage at 20 ± 2 °C.

CONCLUSIONS

Pd/zeolite could delay the ripening of banana and improve its firmness and the peel color significantly. Findings indicated that the as‐prepared Pd/zeolite is an effective adsorbent/catalyst with high potential for practical application in ethylene removal, especially for the post‐harvest period. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Investigation of diversity and dominance of fungal biota in stored wheat grains from governmental warehouses in West Bengal, India
Authors: Kumari Ranjana , Jayachandran Lakshmi E , Ghosh Ananta K
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Fungal infestation is a leading cause of qualitative and quantitative deterioration of stored wheat grains. Limited information is available on the spatial distribution of fungal biota associated with stored wheat grains in India. Fungi were isolated and characterized from nine stored wheat grain samples in three warehouses of the Food Corporation of India, located in three agro‐climatic zones (Paschim Medinipur, Bankura and Purulia) of West Bengal in India.

RESULTS

Maximum density and fungal diversity were observed in dichloran glycerol agar (DG‐18) medium and the number increased with the increase of storage duration. Samples collected from Purulia showed maximum fungal diversity than that from Bankura and Paschim Medinipur. A total of 284 fungal isolates were obtained, classified into 29 operational taxonomic units (based on amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis of 18S and internal transcribed spacer sequences), and identified as 24 different fungal species. The majority of fungal isolates belonged to Aspergillus flavus (35%) followed by Rhizopus oryzae (13%) and Eurotium amstelodami (9%). Aspergillopepsin O (PEPO) gene and aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway gene, nor‐1, were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from 91% and 71% of Aspergillus flavus isolates, respectively, indicating their aflatoxin producing ability. Aflatoxin production was further confirmed by ammonia vapour test, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

CONCLUSION

The presence of toxigenic fungi in stored wheat grain emphasizes the necessity of quarantine measures of stored grains before placing them in the public domain to save consumers from health hazards. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Survival and internalization of Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 sprayed onto different cabbage cultivars during cultivation in growth chambers
Authors: Erickson Marilyn C , Liao Jye‐Yin , Payton Alison S , Cook Peter W , Ortega Ynes R
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Cabbage may become contaminated with enteric pathogens during cultivation. Using multiple cabbage cultivars at two maturity stages (small plants or plants with small heads) in growth chamber studies, the fate (internalization or surface survival) of Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 (0157) were examined in conjunction with any potential relationships to the plant's antimicrobial content.

RESULTS

Internalized Salmonella was detected in cabbage within 24 h with prevalence ranging from 62% (16 of 26) for the ‘Super Red 80’ cultivar to 92% (24 of 26) for the ‘Red Dynasty’ cultivar. Surface survival of pathogens on small cabbage plants over nine days was significantly affected by cultivar with both pathogens surviving the most on the ‘Farao’ cultivar and Salmonella and O157 surviving the least on the ‘Super Red 80’ and ‘Capture’ cultivars, respectively (P < 0.05). Survival of O157 was slightly higher on cabbage heads for O157 than small plants suggesting that the maturity stage may affect this pathogen's fate. An inverse relationship existed between antimicrobial levels and the pathogen's surface survival on cabbage heads (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The fate of pathogens varied with the cabbage cultivar in growth chamber studies highlighting the potential to explore cultivar in field studies to reduce the risk of microbiological contamination in this crop. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of glyoxal, methylglyoxal, and diacetyl in red ginseng products using dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction coupled with GC–MS
Authors: Lee Yun‐Yeol , Shibamoto Takayuki , Ha Sang‐Do , Ha Jaeho , Lee Jangho , Jang Hae Won
Published: January 2019

A simple and rapid dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry was applied for the determination of glyoxal as quinoxaline, methylglyoxal as 2‐methylquinoxaline, and diacetyl as 2,3‐dimethylquinoxaline in red ginseng products. The performance of the proposed method was evaluated under optimum extraction conditions (extraction solvent: chloroform 100 μL, disperser solvent: methanol 200 μL, derivatizing agent concentration: 5 g/L, reaction time: 1 h, and no addition of salt). The limit of detection and limit of quantitation were 1.30 and 4.33 μg/L for glyoxal, 1.86 and 6.20 μg/L for methylglyoxal, and 1.45 and 4.82 μg/L for diacetyl. The intra‐ and interday relative standard deviations were <4.95 and 5.80%, respectively. The relative recoveries were 92.4–103.9% in red ginseng concentrate and 99.4–110.7% in juice samples. Red ginseng concentrates were found to contain 191–4274 μg/kg of glyoxal, 1336–4798 μg/kg of methylglyoxal, and 0–830 μg/kg of diacetyl, whereas for red ginseng juices, the respective concentrations were 72–865, 69–3613, and 6–344 μg/L.
Intra‐ and Interobserver Reliability of Size Measurement of Morton Neuromas on Sonography
Authors: Park Young Hwan , Choi Won Seok , Choi Gi Won , Kim Hak Jun
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Sonography is often used for analysis of Morton neuromas, but the measurement reliability is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the intra‐ and interobserver reliability and precision of sonographic measurement of Morton neuromas.

Methods

Three observers with different levels of sonography experience (observer A, expert; observer B, intermediate; observer C, beginner) performed repeated measurements of the size of Morton's neuroma in 20 patients. Intraclass correlation coefficient and limit of agreement were used to evaluate reliability and measurement precision.

Results

The intraclass correlation coefficient for intraobserver reliability was 0.80, 0.71, and 0.43 (limit of agreement, 20%, 18%, and 47%) in observers A, B, and C, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient for interobserver reliability was 0.72, 0.38, and 0.38 (limit of agreement, 25%, 36%, and 35%) between observers A/B, A/C, and B/C, respectively.

Conclusions

The intra‐ and interobserver reliability values for sonographic measurement of Morton neuroma size were dependent on observer experience. Experienced observers had higher reliability, while observers who were less familiar with sonography showed moderate to low reliability.
Tumor growth rate: A new prognostic indicator of hearing preservation in vestibular schwannoma surgery
Authors: Lovato Andrea , García ibañez Emilio , García ibañez Luis , de Filippis Cosimo
Published: January 2019

Background

The management of small‐ to medium‐size (< 20 mm) sporadic vestibular schwannomas (VSs) continues to inspire debate. Preoperative pure tone thresholds and tumor size are recognized prognostic features of hearing preservation after surgery.

Objective

To investigate what preoperative characteristics were associated with nonserviceable hearing after surgery for VSs.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the audiological results of 92 patients treated with the middle cranial fossa (MCF) approach for resection of VSs (< 20 mm). Sex, age, symptoms, tumor site, tumor size, growth rate, and hearing class according to American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery guidelines were evaluated. Negative outcome was progression after surgery to nonserviceable hearing according to Gardner‐Robertson classification. We included only patients with preoperative serviceable hearing.

Results

After surgery, 48 patients (52.2%) had nonserviceable hearing. At univariate analysis, sex age, symptoms, tumor site, and size were not associated to hearing outcome. Tumor growth rate ≥ 2.16 mm/year (P = 0.02, odds ratio 8.5) and preoperative hearing class B (P = 0.03, OR 5.89) were statistically associated to nonserviceable hearing after VSs resection. Tumor growth rate ≥ 2.16 mm/year was also significantly associated to preoperative hearing class B (P = 0.01). At multivariate analysis, the only independent prognostic factor of progression to nonserviceable hearing in operated VSs was tumor growth rate ≥ 2.16 mm/year (P = 0.01, OR = 4.15).

Conclusion

We found a new prognostic indicator of hearing preservation after VS surgery with the MCF approach: the tumor growth rate. This feature should be further investigated before being considered in the decision‐making process of VS treatment.

Level of Evidence

4

Laryngoscope, 129:2378–2383, 2019
Evaluating the impact of adenotonsillectomy for pediatric sleep‐disordered breathing on parental sleep
Authors: Ernst Hannah , Dzioba Agnieszka , Glicksman Jordan , Paradis Josee , Rotenberg Brian , Strychowsky Julie
Published: January 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the impact of adenotonsillectomy for pediatric sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) on parental sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and child quality of life.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Pediatric patients aged 2 to 10 years with SDB and suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) requiring adenotonsillectomy were identified at a single tertiary‐care pediatric otolaryngology hospital. Parental daytime sleepiness and quality of sleep were evaluated pre‐ and postoperatively using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), respectively. Child quality of life, in the context of suspected OSA, was evaluated by the Obstructive Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Survey (OSA‐18), pre‐ and postoperatively. Paired‐samples t tests were conducted to analyze data.

Results

Forty‐seven patients with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 4.9 (2.2) years, participated. Mean (SD) parental age was 35.5 (4.6) years. Statistically significant decreases of 2.1 points were observed between preoperative and postoperative parental mean global ESS (P = .007; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.6‐3.6) and mean total PSQI (P = .001; 95% CI: 0.9‐3.1) scores. A statistically significant improvement (41.6 points) was observed between preoperative and postoperative on mean OSA‐18 scores (P < .0001; 95% CI: 35.7‐47.6).

Conclusions

Adenotonsillectomy performed in the pediatric population for SDB, with suspected OSA, can positively impact parental daytime sleepiness and sleep quality in addition to pediatric quality of life.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 130:232–237, 2020
Is epiglottis surgery necessary for obstructive sleep apnea patients with epiglottis obstruction?
Authors: Kwon Oh Eun , Jung Su Young , Al‐Dilaijan Khalid , Min Jin‐Young , Lee Kun Hee , Kim Sung Wan
Published: January 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

To examine the effect of epiglottis obstruction during drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) on the surgical results of multilevel sleep surgery without epiglottic intervention.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

This investigation involved patients diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) based on preoperative polysomnography (PSG), who underwent DISE followed by multilevel OSA surgery without epiglottic intervention at Kyung Hee Medical Center (Seoul, South Korea) between March 2013 and July 2016. During DISE, obstruction patterns of the upper airway were evaluated using the velum, oropharynx, tongue base, epiglottis classification method. Follow‐up PSG was performed 3 months after surgery to determine the success rate of multilevel surgery without epiglottic intervention. A comparison was done between the group with epiglottis obstruction and the group without epiglottis obstruction.

Results

Epiglottis obstruction was observed during DISE in 43.7% of patients. After application of exclusion criteria, 54 subjects were included (27 with and 27 without epiglottis obstruction). DISE revealed an association between epiglottis obstruction and tongue base collapse (P = .02). Comparing pre‐ and postoperative PSG findings, both groups exhibited improvement postoperatively. The success rate was 44.4% in the epiglottis obstruction group and 40.7% in the non–epiglottis obstruction group (P = .80). There was no difference in surgical success rates between the two groups.

Conclusions

The prevalence of epiglottis obstruction requiring epiglottic surgery was lower than what was found during DISE. Sleep surgeons may consider staged epiglottic surgery in patients with epiglottis obstruction.

Level of Evidence

3b Laryngoscope, 129:2658–2662, 2019
Efficacy of two different reclamation strategies to improve chemical properties and to reduce Al toxicity in a lignite mine dump during a 20‐year period
Authors: Rivas‐Pérez Ivana M. , Fernández‐Sanjurjo María J. , Núñez‐Delgado Avelino , Monterroso‐Martínez Carmen , Macías‐Vázquez Felipe , Álvarez‐Rodríguez Esperanza
Published: January 2019

In this work, the efficacy of two different strategies, used for 20 years (1992–2012) to restore a lignite mine dump, was investigated. The reclamation strategies were selection of the sterile materials, avoiding surface placement of pyritic materials, or surface application of topsoil material. Representative plots corresponding to each of both strategies were selected, as well as a control plot where reclamation techniques were not applied. An increase in total C, soluble Al, and exchangeable Al, as well as a decrease in pH, electrical conductivity, sulfate, and exchangeable cations concentrations took place during the study period. Avoiding pyritic materials on surface was the strategy giving the best acid–base conditions in the whole period, showing higher pH values (6.1–6.7) than application of topsoil (4.7–5.3), as well as the highest exchangeable Ca values (0.71–6.83 vs. 0.55–3.00 cmol(+) kg−1), and less exchange Al (0.22–2.80 vs. 0.99–3.72 cmol(+) kg−1) and soluble Al (0.04–0.60 vs. 0.19–37.47 mg L−1). Regarding fractionation of Al in soil solution, labile forms predominated throughout the study period, although organic forms (nonlabile Al and acid‐soluble Al) showed an increase over time, which was in accordance with an increase in C concentration. The most toxic Al species (Al3+ and Al‐OH) were less abundant where pyritic materials were not placed on surface, compared with plots treated with topsoil (which did not differ from control plot for most parameters). The results of the study indicate that surface application of topsoil would not be justified as strategy to effectively restore lignite mine dump areas.
Microstructural changes in soils induced by wetting and drying: Effects on atrazine mobility
Authors: Dor Maoz , Emmanuel Simon , Brumfeld Vlad , Levy Guy J. , Mishael Yael G.
Published: January 2019

Wetting and drying affects soil structure and pesticide migration, which both may lead to land degradation. The effect on soil structure has been mainly addressed by classical methods at the macroaggregate scale, and the effect on herbicide leaching has not been thoroughly addressed. We aimed to characterize the effects of wetting and drying on soil microstructure, aggregate packing and stability, and subsequent effect on pesticide mobility in three agricultural soils. We developed advanced methods to quantitatively describe soil microstructure changes, induced by wetting and drying. Changes in soil packing, observed by micro‐CT, indicate that large aggregates in a Clay soil disintegrate, whereas particles from a Sandy Loam form larger aggregates. To reflect these changes in terms of soil stability, we developed an aggregate durability index, based on changes in soil particle‐size distribution measured by laser granulometry. For a Clay soil, the index decreased from 17.0% to 1.7%, indicating soil disaggregation upon wetting and drying. Whereas for a Sandy Clay Loam soil, the index increased from 0.4% to 2.6%, indicating formation of more durable aggregates, explained in terms of cementation by CaCO3. As expected, wetting and drying did not alter a Loamy Sand soil structure. The adverse effects of wetting and drying on soil structure correspond with the trends of atrazine mobility. As atrazine is trapped within the Clay soil aggregates, disaggregation leads to a 35% enhancement in pesticide mobility, whereas stabilization of a Sandy Clay Loam aggregates reduced atrazine leaching by 23%. Finally, wetting and drying directly affects the soil microstructure, which has an immense indirect effect on pollutant mobility, with both potentially leading to land degradation.
Cell–Membrane Penetration of Tat‐Conjugated Polymeric Micelles: Effect of Tat Coating Density
Authors: Ming Yang , Xiao Yao , Tian Yuan , Zhou Shaobing
Published: January 2019

Considerable efforts have been devoted to enhancing the cell penetration of nanoparticles by coating cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs) on the surface. However, the internalization mechanism for a CPP at different concentrations varies a lot. It is acknowledged that the mechanism is restricted to endocytic pathway at relatively low concentrations; however, direct translocation becomes dominant at high concentrations. This raises an interesting question on how the surface Tat coating density of the nanoparticles would influence their cell–membrane interaction and the consequent internalization behavior. This study systematically investigates the effect of Tat peptides on the internalization behavior of polymeric micelles by tuning surface Tat coating density, incubation concentrations, incubation time, and other factors using poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(ε‐caprolactone) copolymer (PEG‐PCL) micelles. It is found that both energy‐dependent and energy‐independent pathways are involved in the cellular uptake process, and the Tat‐conjugated polymeric micelles strongly accumulated on the cell surface at initial stage. The membrane‐anchoring and internalization rate increase with the increasing Tat coating density. Furthermore, the increasing of Tat coating density accelerates the energy‐independent pathway. It is envisioned that this finding will further shed light on the surface modification of nanoparticles for enhanced cell penetration and direct translocation into cell cytoplasm.
Lost and found: Individual differences in propensity to process visual elements of persuasion
Authors: DeRosia Eric D. , McQuarrie Edward F.
Published: January 2019

Visual processing style, defined as the relative propensity to engage in visual processing rather than verbal processing, is an individual difference variable that has been frequently investigated in the consumer psychology literature. Surprisingly, numerous studies have reported no relationship between visual processing style and viewer responses to visual elements of persuasion. We argue that this accumulation of null results is due to untenable historical theoretical assumptions that underlie the construct, along with methodological problems that are inevitably brought about by those theoretical assumptions. We reconceptualize visual processing style and test an alternative empirical operationalization of it. Using both new data and a reanalysis of data published in the Journal of Consumer Research, we find the old approach yields null results, but we find the new approach yields the expected results. The new approach reinstates the utility of incorporating propensity to engage in visual processing as an individual difference variable into consumer psychology models of visual persuasion, and it reinstates a powerful individual difference variable that can help push forward the investigation of the unique aspects of visual persuasion.