bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Host–Guest and Photophysical Behavior of Ti8L12 Cube with Encapsulated [Ti(H2O)6] Species
Authors: Zhu Bang‐Chang , Fang Wei‐Hui , Wang Junhui , Du Yonghua , Zhou Tianhua , Wu Kaifeng , Zhang Lei , Zhang Jian
Published: June 2018

Titanium‐based coordination cages could be interesting for both supramolecular and photophysical chemistry. This work reports an unprecedented host–guest system, [Ti(H2O)6]@Ti8L12, which is comprised of the first Ti‐based coordination cube and the unusual titanium aquo species. Due to the abundant intra‐cube O−H⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bonds, the [Ti(H2O)6]@Ti8L12 complex is rather stable both in solid and solution states, confirmed by X‐ray diffraction and ESI‐MS analysis. The encapsulated [Ti(H2O)6] species shows influence on the light absorption, photoluminescent, and photocurrent properties. Moreover, ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy has been applied to study the photodynamics of both free and [Ti(H2O)6] guest encapsulated Ti8L12 cube, confirming that the host–guest system produces a slightly longer‐lived excited state. Therefore, this work presents the first [Ti8L12] cube with unusual [Ti(H2O)6] guest and also provides an interesting supramolecular model for the host–guest photophysical study.
Electrochemical Synthesis of (Aza)indolines via Dehydrogenative [3+2] Annulation: Application to Total Synthesis of (±)‐Hinckdentine A
Authors: Hou Zhong‐Wei , Yan Hong , Song Jin‐Shuai , Xu Hai‐Chao
Published: June 2018

An electrochemical synthesis of functionalized (aza)indolines through dehydrogenative [3+2] annulation of arylamines with tethered alkenes has been developed. Previous reported syntheses through similar inter‐ and intramolecular annulation reactions required noble‐metal catalysts and are mostly limited to terminal alkenes or 1,3‐dienes. The electrosynthesis employs the easily available and inexpensive ferrocene as the molecular catalyst and is compatible with di‐, tri‐ and even tetrasubstituted alkenes to construct indolines as well as the more challenging azaindolines. Employing the newly developed electrosynthesis as a key step, the total synthesis of marine alkaloid (±)‐hinckdentine A has been achieved in 12 steps (longest linear sequence) from commercially available materials.
C‐reactive protein during and after myocardial infarction in relation to cardiac injury and left ventricular function at follow‐up
Authors: Vanhaverbeke Maarten , Veltman Denise , Pattyn Nele , De Crem Nico , Gillijns Hilde , Cornelissen Véronique , Janssens Stefan , Sinnaeve Peter R.
Published: June 2018

Background

Acute myocardial infarction (MI) invokes a large inflammatory response, which contributes to myocardial repair.

Hypothesis

We investigated whether C‐reactive protein (CRP) measured during MI vs at 1 month follow‐up improves the prediction of left ventricular (LV) function.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 131 consecutive patients with acute MI and without non‐cardiovascular causes of inflammation. We correlated admission and peak levels of CRP during hospitalization and high‐sensitivity (hs) CRP at 1 month follow‐up with markers of cardiac injury. Clinical follow‐up and echocardiography for LV function were performed at a mean of 17 months.

Results

Median CRP levels were 1.89 mg/L on admission with MI, peaked to 12.10 mg/L during hospitalization and dropped to 1.24 mg/L at 1 month. Although admission CRP levels only weakly correlated with ejection fraction in the acute phase of MI (coefficient −0.164, P = 0.094), peak CRP was significantly related to ejection fraction (coefficient −0.4, P < 0.001), hsTroponin T (0.389, P < 0.001), and white blood cell count (0.389, P < 0.001). hsCRP at 1 month was not related to the extent of acute cardiac injury. These findings were replicated in an independent cohort of 57 patients. Peak CRP predicted LV dysfunction at follow‐up (OR 11.0, 3.1‐39.5 per log CRP, P < 0.001), persisting after adjustment for infarct size (OR 5.1, 1.1‐23.6, P = 0.037), while hsCRP at 1 month was unrelated to LV function at follow‐up.

Conclusions

hsCRP 1 month post‐MI does not relate to acute cardiac injury or LV function at follow‐up, but we confirm that peak CRP is an independent predictor of LV dysfunction at follow‐up.
Preparation, Culture, and Analysis of Amniotic Fluid Samples
Authors: Miron Patricia Minehart
Published: June 2018

Amniotic fluid obtained via amniocentesis provides a source of fetal material used in prenatal diagnosis. The fluid may be used directly for biochemical analyses, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and isolation of DNA for molecular studies, including chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). The fluid is typically cultured as a source of metaphase cells for chromosome analysis and to provide additional material for biochemical and DNA‐based testing. This unit describes an in situ method for the preparation, culture, and harvest of amniotic fluid samples for metaphase chromosome analysis. Cells are grown, harvested for metaphase spreads, and analyzed on glass coverslips. The unit also describes methods to obtain cells for additional studies (such as molecular genetic analyses) by growing cells in flasks either following passaging of cells from a glass coverslip culture or by directly establishing a flask culture from the amniotic fluid specimen. When cells are grown in flasks, they must be removed from the flask with trypsin before they can be used in studies. Lastly, this unit describes a method for isolating DNA for CMA from uncultured amniotic fluid and cultured cells. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Assessment of Consistency of Drug Interaction Information in Drug Labels Among the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Japan, and Korea
Authors: Jeong Sohyun , Kam Gyungmin , Li Junqing , Lee Sejin , Lee Hyesung , Noh Yunha , Shin Ju‐Young
Published: June 2018

Information gap in drug labeling among countries create challenges in therapeutic use of drugs. We aimed to evaluate the consistency of drug interaction information in drug labels among five countries. The study drugs were chosen from the commonly approved drug list in the US, UK, China, Japan, and Korea. The degree of agreement of drug interaction data was evaluated by kappa coefficient. Thirty‐eight drugs were evaluated, and moderate degree of agreement was observed among all countries’ labeling (κ = 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.41–0.46). The degree of agreement was the highest for the UK and Korea (κ = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.67–0.75) and the lowest for the UK and Japan (κ = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.00–0.04). Information regarding drug interactions listed in the studied drug labels was not in high agreement. International standardization of drug labeling is required to ensure safe drug therapy.
A prediction and scheduling framework in centralized cognitive radio network for energy efficient non‐real time communication
Authors: Manna Tanumay , Misra Iti Saha
Published: June 2018

Advent of Internet of Things led to an exponential rise in battery‐operated sensors transmitting small non‐real time (NRT) data regularly. To this end, this work proposes a framework for centralized cognitive radio network (CRN) that facilitates better spectrum utilization and low‐cost opportunistic NRT data transfer with high energy efficiency. The novelty of this framework is to incorporate Hidden Markov Model–based prediction within the traditional cognitive radio sensing‐transmission cycle. To minimize the prediction time, we design a Hardware‐based Hidden Markov Model engine (H2M2) to be used by the cognitive base station (CBS). CBS exploits the H2M2 engine over high primary user (PU) activity channels to minimize the collisions between PUs and NRT secondary users, thereby reducing the SU energy consumption. However, this is at the cost of reduced throughput. Taking this into account, we propose an Intersensing‐Prediction Time Optimization algorithm that identifies the predictable PU activity channels and maximizes the throughput within a PU interference threshold. Furthermore, to minimize the total battery consumption of all the SUs within CRN, a Battery Consumption Minimizing Scheduler is designed at the CBS that efficiently allocates the predictable PU channels to the NRT SUs. By exploiting the unutilized high PU activity channels, the proposed Centralized Scheduling, Sensing and Prediction (CSSP) framework improves the spectral efficiency of the CRN. Exhaustive performance studies show that CSSP outperforms traditional nonpredictive sensing techniques in terms of energy efficiency and interference management. Finally, through a proof of concept, we validate the ability of CSSP framework in enabling NRT communication.
Novel signals for optimized timing synchronization in direct‐sequence spread‐spectrum communication systems
Authors: Landolsi Mohamed Adnan
Published: June 2018

The paper presents design techniques for novel signaling waveforms to optimize timing synchronization in direct‐sequence spread‐spectrum communication systems. Both coarse code timing acquisition and fine delay‐locked loop tracking systems are considered, and their performance metrics are analyzed in terms of initial acquisition detection probability and residual tracking jitter, showing a strong dependency on signal waveform spectral characteristics. Bit error performance under imperfect synchronization is also assessed. A design methodology is formulated with a low complexity parametric optimization approach based on prolate spheroidal waveform expansions for the generation of signals that minimize the probability of acquisition miss and tracking error jitter subject to additional constraints on signal energy and phase transitions. Novel optimized waveforms are synthesized with different levels of effective root mean square bandwidth occupancy and compared with conventional pulses to illustrate their advantages. Performance trade‐offs are demonstrated between the acquisition and tracking systems, whereby signals with low effective bandwidth are found to have better acquisition capability at the expense of poorer tracking jitter, while the converse holds for signals with higher effective bandwidth. It is found that an effective root mean square bandwidth occupancy in the range of 40% to 50% of the chip rate can achieve a good compromise between the requirements of the 2 code timing synchronization phases. Numerical results are presented to quantify the relative merits of representative waveforms with respect to the different performance measures in terms of acquisition capability, tracking jitter, and bit error probability.
ATLANTIC AMPHIBIANS: a data set of amphibian communities from the Atlantic Forests of South America
Authors: Vancine Maurício Humberto , Duarte Kauã da Silva , de Souza Yuri Silva , Giovanelli João Gabriel Ribeiro , Martins‐Sobrinho Paulo Mateus , López Ariel , Bovo Rafael Parelli , Maffei Fábio , Lion Marília Bruzzi , Ribeiro Júnior José Wagner , Brassaloti Ricardo , da Costa Carolina Ortiz Rocha , Sawakuchi Henrique Oliveira , Forti Lucas Rodriguez , Cacciali Pier , Bertoluci Jaime , Haddad Célio Fernando Baptista , Ribeiro Milton Cezar
Published: June 2018

Amphibians are among the most threatened vertebrates in the world and this is also true for those inhabiting the Atlantic Forest hotspot, living in ecosystems that are highly degraded and threatened by anthropogenic activities. We present a data set containing information about amphibian communities sampled throughout the Atlantic Forest Biome in South America. The data were extracted from 389 bibliographic references (articles, books, theses, and dissertations) representing inventories of amphibian communities from 1940 to 2017. The data set includes 17,619 records of 528 species with taxonomic certainty, from 1,163 study sites. Of all the records, 14,450 (82%) were classified using the criterion of endemism; of those, 7,787 (44%) were considered endemic and 6,663 (38%) were not. Historically, multiple sampling methods were used to survey amphibians, the most representative methods being active surveys (82.1%), surveys at breeding sites (20%), pitfall traps (15.3%), and occasional encounters (14.5%). Species richness averaged 15.2 ± 11.3 (mean ± SD), ranging from 1 to 80 species per site. We found a low dominance in the communities, with 10 species occurring in about 26% of communities: Physalaemus cuvieri (4.1%), Dendropsophus minutus (3.8%), Boana faber (3.1%), Scinax fuscovarius (2.8%), Leptodactylus latrans (2.7%), Leptodactylus fuscus (2.6%), Boana albopunctata (2.3%), Dendropsophus nanus (1.6%), Rhinella ornata (1.6%), and Leptodactylus mystacinus (1.6%). This data set represents a major effort to compile inventories of amphibian communities for the Neotropical region, filling a large gap in the data on the Atlantic Forest hotspot. We hope this data set can be used as a credible tool in the proposal of new studies on amphibian sampling and even in the development of conservation planning for these taxa. This information also has great relevance for macroecological studies, being foundational for both conservation and restoration strategies in this biodiversity hotspot. No copyright or proprietary restrictions are associated with the use of this data set. Please cite this data paper when the data are used in publications or teaching events.
Which patients with heart failure should receive specialist palliative care?
Authors: Campbell Ross T. , Petrie Mark C. , Jackson Colette E. , Jhund Pardeep S. , Wright Ann , Gardner Roy S. , Sonecki Piotr , Pozzi Andrea , McSkimming Paula , McConnachie Alex , Finlay Fiona , Davidson Patricia , Denvir Martin A. , Johnson Miriam J. , Hogg Karen J. , McMurray John J.V.
Published: June 2018

Aims

We investigated which patients with heart failure (HF) should receive specialist palliative care (SPC) by first creating a definition of need for SPC in patients hospitalised with HF using patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) and then testing this definition using the outcome of days alive and out of hospital (DAOH). We also evaluated which baseline variables predicted need for SPC and whether those with this need received SPC.

Methods and results

PROMs assessing quality of life (QoL), symptoms, and mood were administered at baseline and every 4 months. SPC need was defined as persistently severe impairment of any PROM without improvement (or severe impairment immediately preceding death). We then tested whether need for SPC, so defined, was reflected in DAOH, a measure which combines length of stay, days of hospital re‐admission, and days lost due to death. Of 272 patients recruited, 74 (27%) met the definition of SPC needs. These patients lived one third fewer DAOH than those without SPC need (and less than a quarter of QoL‐adjusted DAOH). A Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) summary score of <29 identified patients who subsequently had SPC needs (area under receiver operating characteristic curve 0.78). Twenty‐four per cent of patients with SPC needs actually received SPC (n = 18).

Conclusions

A quarter of patients hospitalised with HF had a need for SPC and were identified by a low KCCQ score on admission. Those with SPC need spent many fewer DAOH and their DAOH were of significantly worse quality. Very few patients with SPC needs accessed SPC services.
Sca‐1+ cardiac fibroblasts promote development of heart failure
Authors: Chen Guobao , Bracamonte‐Baran William , Diny Nicola L. , Hou Xuezhou , Talor Monica V. , Fu Kai , Liu Yue , Davogustto Giovanni , Vasquez Hernan , Taegtmeyer Heinrich , Frazier O. Howard , Waisman Ari , Conway Simon J. , Wan Fengyi , Čiháková Daniela
Published: June 2018

The causative effect of GM‐CSF produced by cardiac fibroblasts to development of heart failure has not been shown. We identified the pathological GM‐CSF‐producing cardiac fibroblast subset and the specific deletion of IL‐17A signaling to these cells attenuated cardiac inflammation and heart failure. We describe here the CD45−CD31−CD29+mEF‐SK4+PDGFRα+Sca‐1+periostin+ (Sca‐1+) cardiac fibroblast subset as the main GM‐CSF producer in both experimental autoimmune myocarditis and myocardial infarction mouse models. Specific ablation of IL‐17A signaling to Sca‐1+periostin+ cardiac fibroblasts (PostnCreIl17rafl/fl) protected mice from post‐infarct heart failure and death. Moreover, PostnCreIl17rafl/fl mice had significantly fewer GM‐CSF‐producing Sca‐1+ cardiac fibroblasts and inflammatory Ly6Chi monocytes in the heart. Sca‐1+ cardiac fibroblasts were not only potent GM‐CSF producers, but also exhibited plasticity and switched their cytokine production profiles depending on local microenvironments. Moreover, we also found GM‐CSF‐positive cardiac fibroblasts in cardiac biopsy samples from heart failure patients of myocarditis or ischemic origin. Thus, this is the first identification of a pathological GM‐CSF‐producing cardiac fibroblast subset in human and mice hearts with myocarditis and ischemic cardiomyopathy. Sca‐1+ cardiac fibroblasts direct the type of immune cells infiltrating the heart during cardiac inflammation and drive the development of heart failure.
Improving Quality Preservation of Raw Peanuts Stored under Different Conditions During a Long‐Term Storage
Authors: Martín María Paula , Asensio Claudia Mariana , Nepote Valeria , Grosso Nelson Rubén
Published: June 2018

This research evaluated the chemical, microbiological, and sensory quality preservation of raw peanuts packed in high barrier ethylene vinyl alcohol bags (EVOH) under vacuum and in polypropylene (PP) bags, during 720 days of storage at 10° (T10) and 25 °C (T25). Peroxides (PV) and conjugated dienes (CD) remained almost stable in EVOH at 10 °C (EVOH‐T10). The free fatty acid increase was greater in peanuts packaged in EVOH at 25 °C than at 10 °C. EVOH‐T10 presented the lowest saturated/unsaturated and oleic/linoleic ratios, and the highest iodine values. The lowest γ‐tocopherol decrease was for EVOH‐T10. Peanuts stored in PP bags at 25 °C (PP‐T25) showed the highest alkanes and the lowest decane,5,6‐bis(2,2‐dimethylpropylidene)‐,(E,Z)‐ content at the end of storage. PP‐T25 had the highest rate of roasted peanutty flavor decrease. Less than 10 CFU g−1 molds, yeasts, and aerobic mesophilic bacteria are detected for peanut samples, irrespective of packaging and storage temperature. Storage at 10 °C is associated with lesser quality deterioration than storage at 25 °C. All studied quality parameters are better preserved in raw peanuts packaged in EVOH except for free fatty acids.

Practical Applications: Raw peanuts are used as primary ingredients which can be converted into value‐added products like peanut butter, peanut flour, peanut oil, snacks, and other by‐products. Nevertheless, preserving raw peanut quality has become a critical issue for peanut industry owing to peanut susceptibility to deterioration process. This research presents results about the chemical and sensory quality parameter changes of raw peanuts stored under different packaging materials and temperatures during a long‐term storage to figure out which are better conditions to preserve raw peanuts as a high‐quality product.

Raw peanut quality preservation under a long‐term storage period packed in high barrier plastic bags (EVOH) under vacuum and polypropylene bags (PP) stored at refrigeration temperatures (T10) and room temperature (T25).
Formamide as an Unconventional Amine Protecting Group for PET Radiochemistry
Authors: Jakobsson Jimmy Erik , Grønnevik Gaute , Rafique Waqas , Hartvig Karoline , Riss Patrick Johannes
Published: June 2018

We developed a versatile, rapid, and robust high‐yielding radiochemistry‐adapted protocol utilizing formamides as masking groups for secondary and tertiary amines. Selective reducing conditions were devised using borane reagents. In this protocol formamide functionalities were found to have an orthogonal reactivity to most other carbonyl functions, while effectively protecting amines from oxidative degradation. We exemplify the newly developed methodology by synthesizing a µ‐opioid PET radiotracer and a phenethylamine PET radiotracer analogue.
Fe(OTf)2‐CatalyzedThia‐Michael Addition Reaction: A Green Synthetic Approach to β‐Thioethers
Authors: Lauzon Samuel , Li Mao , Keipour Hoda , Ollevier Thierry
Published: June 2018

A convenient Fe(OTf)2‐catalyzed Michael addition reaction of thiols to α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds was developed. The use of a simple procedure (EtOH, room temperature, air atmosphere) allowed to set up effective green catalytic conditions for C–S bond formation. The scope of the reaction was demonstrated using various substituted thiols and original Michael acceptors. The corresponding β‐thioethers were obtained in good to excellent yields (up to 99 %). Also, the derivatization into the one‐potthia‐Michael addition/oxidation reaction of 3‐[3‐(phenylthio)butanoyl]oxazolidin‐2‐one using H2O2has proven to be efficient.
A risk‐based life cycle cost strategy for optimal design and evaluation of control methods for nonlinear structures
Authors: El‐Khoury Omar , Shafieezadeh Abdollah , Fereshtehnejad Ehsan
Published: June 2018

The lack of direct correspondence between control objectives and hazard risks over the lifetime of systems is a key shortcoming of current control techniques. This along with the inability to objectively analyze the benefits and costs of control solutions compared with conventional methods has hindered widespread application of control systems in seismic regions. To address these gaps, this paper offers 2 new contributions. First, it introduces risk‐based life cycle–cost (LCC) optimal control algorithms, where LCC is incorporated as the performance objective in the control design. Two strategies called risk‐based linear quadratic regulator and unconstrained risk‐based regulator are subsequently proposed. The considered costs include the initial cost of the structure and control system, LCC of maintenance, and probabilistically derived estimates of seismic‐induced repair costs and losses associated with downtime, injuries, and casualties throughout the life of the structure. This risk‐based framework accounts for uncertainties in both system properties and hazard excitations and uses outcrossing rate theory to estimate fragilities for various damage states. The second contribution of this work is a risk‐based probabilistic framework for LCC analysis of existing and proposed control strategies. The proposed control designs are applied to the nonlinear model of a 4‐story building subjected to seismic excitations. Results show that these control methods reduce the LCC of the structure significantly compared with the status quo option (benefits of up to $1 351 000). The advancements offered in this paper enhance the cost‐effectiveness of control systems and objectively showcase their benefits for risk‐informed decision making.
An entropy based morphological variability assessment of a large braided river
Authors: Chembolu Vinay , Dutta Subashisa
Published: June 2018

The present paper utilizes entropy to investigate variability in the surface areas of sandbars distribution of the Brahmaputra River, India. The intensity entropy disorder index (IDI) was computed for the dry and the post‐monsoon season for a selected reach of the river. The planform disorder index (PDI) was computed to represent the annual scale planform change due to seasonal flood. Finally, annual monsoon and peak flood stream power were evaluated and related to PDI. The results showed that the intensity disorder index followed a decreasing trend in dry and post‐monsoon seasons; tending towards lower deviation from a uniform distribution. It was noted that except for extreme flood years the PDI trend correlated well with monsoonal stream power. Distinctive trends in stream power were also observed in the present study. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sheet erosion rates and erosion control on steep rangelands in loess regions
Authors: Wang Dongdong , Wang Zhanli , Zhang Qingwei , Zhang Qilin , Tian Naling , Liu Jun'e
Published: June 2018

Numerous steep rangelands have been restored from abandoned steep croplands, and sheet erosion has become the dominant erosion process on rangelands since the Grain‐to‐Green Project was launched in 1999 on the Loess Plateau. Quantifying sheet erosion rates and dynamics on steep rangelands may aid soil erosion management strategies and improve grassland health. Simulated rainfall experiments were conducted on a rangeland plot under five vegetation coverages (30%, 40%, 50%, 60% and 70%), five rainfall intensities (0.7, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 mm min‐1) and five slopes (7°, 10°, 15°, 20° and 25°). The results show that the sheet erosion rate decreased as vegetation cover increased, as described by linear or logarithmic equations under different rainfall intensities or slopes. Herbaceous vegetation can reduce and control sheet erosion by reducing the effect of rainfall intensity or slope, especially under sufficiently high vegetation cover. The sheet erosion rate was accurately modelled by a linear equation that included the three factors, i.e. rainfall intensity, vegetation cover, and slope. Among the different hydrodynamic parameters (shear stress, stream power, unit stream power and unit energy), stream power resulted in the best model for the sheet erosion rate. Velocity measurements and calculations, water depth calculations, and aggregative indicators of herbaceous vegetation for sheet flow should be explored in future research, which will be important in improving experimental accuracy and sheet erosion modelling. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling surface tension of a two‐dimensional droplet using smoothed particle hydrodynamics
Authors: Ehigiamusoe Nowoghomwenma Noel , Maxutov Samat , Lee Yeaw Chu
Published: June 2018

Surface tension plays a significant role at the dynamic interface of free‐surface flows especially at the microscale in capillary‐dominated flows. A model for accurately predicting the formation of two‐dimensional viscous droplets in vacuum or gas of negligible density and viscosity resulting from axisymmetric oscillation due to surface tension is solved using smoothed particle hydrodynamics composed of the Navier‐Stokes system and appropriate interfacial conditions for the free‐surface boundaries. The evolution of the droplet and its free‐surface interface is tracked over time to investigate the effects of surface tension forces implemented using a modified continuous surface force method and is compared with those performed using interparticle interaction force. The dynamic viscous fluid and surface tension interactions are investigated via a controlled curvature model and test cases of nonsteady oscillating droplets; attention is focused here on droplet oscillation that is released from an initial static deformation. Accuracy of the results is attested by demonstrating that (i) the curvature of the droplet that is controlled; (ii) uniform distribution of fluid particles; (iii) clean asymmetric forces acting on the free surface; and (iv) nonsteady oscillating droplets compare well with analytical and published experiment findings. The advantage of the proposed continuous surface force method only requires the use of physical properties of the fluid, whereas the interparticle interaction force method is restricted by the requirement of tuning parameters.
Visual hallucinations in dementia and Parkinson's disease: A qualitative exploration of patient and caregiver experiences
Authors: Renouf Sarah , ffytche Dominic , Pinto Rebecca , Murray Joanna , Lawrence Vanessa
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Visual hallucinations (VHs) can occur in several clinical conditions, of which the dementias, broadly defined, and Parkinson's disease rank among the most common. There is limited research on the lived experience of hallucinations among affected individuals and therefore a lack of evidence‐based management strategies. This study used qualitative methods to explore the VH experience of individuals with dementia or Parkinson's disease and their informal caregivers.

Methods

In‐depth interviews were conducted with 10 individuals with VHs and dementia and 11 informal caregivers, and 11 individuals with VHs and Parkinson's disease and 9 informal caregivers. Interviews were analysed using an inductive thematic approach.

Results

Three themes emerged from the data: “Insight and distress,” “Caregiver approach: challenging v reassurance,” and “Normality and stigma.” Insight appeared to affect whether hallucinations were perceived as threatening and whether acceptance occurred over time. Emotional reactions and management strategies varied as insight changed with disease progression. Concerns around stigmatisation negatively influenced help‐seeking and acceptance of the hallucinations.

Conclusions

Degree of insight and cognitive ability appear fundamental to the lived experience of hallucinations. Irrespective of the clinical context, support in early stages should focus on raising awareness of VH, symptom disclosure, stigma reduction, and contact with others affected. In later stages, the focus shifts to informal caregiver needs and a flexible approach to reassuring those affected.
Pharmacogenetic evaluation of a DISP1 gene variant in antidepressant treatment of obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Lisoway Amanda J. , Zai Gwyneth , Tiwari Arun K. , Zai Clement C. , Wigg Karen , Goncalves Vanessa , Zhang Danning , Freeman Natalie , Müller Daniel J. , Kennedy James L. , Richter Margaret A.
Published: June 2018

Objectives

A recent genome‐wide association study (GWAS) in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) reported a significant marker in the dispatched homolog 1 (Drosophila) gene (DISP1 gene) associated with serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) antidepressant response (Qin et al., ). DISP1 has never been examined before in terms of association with SRI response until this GWAS. We attempt to replicate the GWAS finding by investigating the association of the DISP1 rs17162912 polymorphism with SRI response in our sample of 112 European Caucasian OCD patients.

Methods

Patients were previously treated naturalistically with up to 6 different SRIs sequentially, including 5 selective SRIs (fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, sertraline, paroxetine, and citalopram) and 1 SRI (clomipramine). Each medication trial was evaluated retrospectively for response and was rated categorically as either responder or nonresponder using the Clinical Global Impression–Improvement scale. Fisher's exact test was used to investigate the relationship between the DISP1 rs17162912 genotype distribution and SRI response.

Results

We did not observe a significant association between rs17162912 and SRI response (p = .32).

Conclusion

This replication study did not support the role of DISP1 in predicting SRI response in OCD; however, methodological differences between the original GWAS and our study, as well as limited power and low minor allele frequency, may have hindered replication.
Enhancing vascular visualization in laser speckle contrast imaging of blood flow using multi‐focus image fusion
Authors: Lv Wenzhi , Wang Yang , Chen Xiao , Fu Xiaoxi , Lu Jinling , Li Pengcheng
Published: June 2018

Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) is a full‐field optical imaging method for monitoring blood flow and vascular morphology with high spatiotemporal resolution. However, due to the limited depth of field of optical system, it is difficult to capture a clear blood flow image with all blood vessels focused, especially for the non‐planar biological tissues. In this study, a multi‐focus image fusion method based on contourlet transform is introduced to reduce the misfocus effects in LSCI. The experimental results suggest that this method can provide an all‐in‐focus blood flow image, which is convenient to observe the blood vessels.
Cross‐polarization reflectance imaging of root caries and dental calculus on extracted teeth at wavelengths from 400 to 2350 nm
Authors: Yang Vincent B. , Curtis Donald A. , Fried Daniel
Published: June 2018

The identification of root caries and calculus on tooth roots is of increasing importance with our aging population. Exposed root surfaces are often impacted by erosion, abrasion, calculus and staining which can make the identification and management of caries challenging. Identification of dental calculus on root surfaces and verification of its removal is also important for patient education and to decrease susceptibility to caries and periodontal disease. The objective of this study was to determine how the contrast of root caries lesions and dental calculus varies with wavelength in the visible to near‐infrared. The contrast of suspected root caries lesions and dental calculus on 30 extracted teeth was measured using cross‐polarization reflectance measurements at wavelengths from 400 to 2350 nm. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) lesion contrast was measured at wavelengths greater than 1460 nm. Stains interfered significantly at wavelengths less than 850 nm yielding non‐diagnostic contrast for root caries lesions. We postulate that the high absorption of water at longer wavelengths reduced the light scattering from the surrounding and underlying normal dentin, thus increasing the lesion contrast. This study indicates that wavelengths beyond 1400 nm are advantageous for imaging calculus and caries lesions on root surfaces due to the high contrast and lack of interference from stain.
Altered near‐infrared spectroscopy response to breath‐holding in patients with fibromyalgia
Authors: Chen Wei‐Ta , Yu Chuan‐Hsiang , Sun Chia‐Wei
Published: June 2018

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex syndrome characterized by chronic widespread pain and a heightened response to pressure. Most medical researches pointed out that FM patients with endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness. A continuous‐wave near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) system is used in present study to measure the hemodynamic changes elicited by breath‐holding task in patients with FM. Each patient completed a questionnaire survey including demographics, characteristics of body pain, associated symptoms, headache profiles and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. A total of 27 FM patients and 26 health controls were enrolled. In comparison with healthy controls, patients with FM showed lower maximal and averaged change of oxyhemoglobin concentration in both the left (1.634 ±0.890 and 0.810 ±0.525 μM) and the right (1.576 ±0.897 and 0.811 ±0.601 μM) prefrontal cortex than healthy controls (P < .05 for both sides) during the breath‐holding task. In conclusion, FM is associated with altered cerebrovascular reactivity measured by NIRS and breath‐holding task, which may reflect endothelial dysfunction or arterial stiffness. Oxygenated hemoglobin concentration changes of healthy controls and FM patients.
MicroRNA‐138 Inhibits Osteogenic Differentiation and Mineralization of Human Dedifferentiated Chondrocytes by Regulating RhoC and the Actin Cytoskeleton
Authors: Zheng Hongjun , Ramnaraign David , Anderson Britta A , Tycksen Eric , Nunley Ryan , McAlinden Audrey
Published: June 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to play critical roles in many cellular processes including those regulating skeletal development and homeostasis. A previous study from our group identified differentially expressed miRNAs in the developing human growth plate. Among those more highly expressed in hypertrophic chondrocytes compared to progenitor chondrocytes was miR‐138, therefore suggesting a possible role for this miRNA in regulating chondrogenesis and/or endochondral ossification. The goal of this study was to determine the function of miR‐ 138 in regulating osteogenesis by using human osteoarthritic dedifferentiated chondrocytes (DDCs) as source of inducible cells. We show that over‐expression of miR‐138 inhibited osteogenic differentiation of DDCs in vitro. Moreover, cell shape was altered and cell proliferation and possibly migration was also suppressed by miR‐138. Given alterations in cell shape, closer analysis revealed that F‐actin polymerization was also inhibited by miR‐138. Computational approaches showed that the small GTPase, RhoC, is a potential miR‐138 target gene. We pursued RhoC further given its function in regulating cell proliferation and migration in cancer cells. Indeed, miR‐138 over‐expression in DDCs resulted in decreased RhoC protein levels. A series of rescue experiments showed that RhoC over‐expression could attenuate the inhibitory actions of miR‐138 on DDC proliferation, F‐actin polymerization and osteogenic differentiation. Bone formation was also found to be enhanced within human demineralized bone scaffolds seeded with DDCs expressing both miR‐138 and RhoC. In conclusion, we have discovered a new mechanism in DDCs whereby miR‐138 functions to suppress RhoC which subsequently inhibits proliferation, F‐actin polymerization and osteogenic differentiation. To date, there are no published reports on the importance of RhoC in regulating osteogenesis. This opens up new avenues of research involving miR‐138 and RhoC pathways to better understand mechanisms regulating bone formation in addition to the potential use of DDCs as a cell source for bone tissue engineering. © 2018 The Authors. JBMR Plus is published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
FGF9 modulates Schwann cell myelination in developing nerves and induces a pro‐inflammatory environment during injury
Authors: Deng Binbin , Lv Wenjing , Duan Weisong , Liu Yakun , Li Zhongyao , Song Xueqing , Cui Can , Qi Xiaoming , Wang Xiaoxiao , Li Chunyan
Published: June 2018

Myelin sheath is critical for the proper functioning of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which allows the effective conduction of nerve impulses. Fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) is an autocrine and paracrine protein in the fibroblast growth factor family that regulates cell differentiation and proliferation. Fgf9 Schwann cell (SC) conditional knockout mice were developed to detect the role of FGF9 in the PNS. In our study, the absence of Fgf9 led to delayed myelination in early development. The expression of mature SC‐related genes decreased, and the expression of genes associated with immature SCs increased in the Fgf9 knockout mice. These data were consistent with the morphology and praxeology we observed during the development of the peripheral nerves. Extracellular‐regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) are key signals for myelination, and our results showed that Fgf9 ablation led to the inactivation of ERK1/2. Further research was performed to detect the role of FGF9 in peripheral nerve injury. In superoxide dismutase 1‐G93A mice with Fgf9 SC knockout, we found that Fgf9 ablation inhibited the expressions of Cd68, Il‐1β, and Cd86, which contributed to the degeneration of the axon and myelin sheath.
Long noncoding RNA GIHCG enhanced tongue squamous cell carcinoma progression through regulating miR‐429
Authors: Ma Long , Wang Qibao , Gong Zuode , Xue Lande , Zuo Zhibin
Published: June 2018

Long noncoding RNAs play essential roles in cancer development and progression. Here, we tried to investigate the role of GIHCG in the progression and metastasis of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). In our study, we showed that that the expression level of GIHCG was upregulated in TSCC tissues and cell lines. In addition, we indicated that high GIHCG expression was positively associated with poor overall survival. Moreover, ectopic expression of GIHCG enhanced TSCC cell cycle, proliferation, and migration. Elevated expression of GIHCG inhibited the miR‐429 expression in TSCC cells. We demonstrated that the expression level of miR‐429 was lower in TSCC tissues and cell lines. Low miR‐429 expression was positively associated with poor overall survival. We then determined the correlation between miR‐429 and GIHCG expression levels. A statistically significantly inverse correlation was observed between miR‐429 and GIHCG expression levels in TSCC tissues. In addition, overexpression of miR‐429 suppressed the TSCC cell cycle, proliferation, and migration. Elevated expression of GIHCG promoted TSCC cell cycle, proliferation, and migration through regulating miR‐429 expression. These results suggested that GIHCG increased TSCC progression through negative modulation of miR‐429. Our results suggested that GIHCG/miR‐429 might play a vital role in TSCC progression.
Long noncoding RNA‐RNCR3 overexpression deleteriously affects the growth of glioblastoma cells through miR‐185‐5p/Krüppel‐like factor 16 axis
Authors: Zhang Liang , Cao Yidong , Wei Minghao , Jiang Xue , Jia Dong
Published: June 2018

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a devastating and highly aggressive tumor, which is apoptosis resistant and difficult to cure. Recently, long noncoding RNAs have been shown to play a pivotal role in GBM progression. Evidence has suggested that retinal noncoding RNA3 (RNCR3) is a GBM‐associated noncoding RNA and is under‐expressed in GBM. However, the function and mechanism of RNCR3 on GBM cell growth and apoptosis are still uncertain. In the current study, we found that the level of RNCR3 is decreased in U87, U251, U373, and A172 GBM cell lines when compared with the normal human astrocytes. Elevating long noncoding RNA RNCR3 expression markedly inhibits U87 and U251 cell survival and proliferation. Further studies indicated that RNCR3 overexpression promotes U87 and U251 cell apoptosis and activity caspase‐3/7. Moreover, we found that RNCR3 overexpression promotes Krüppel‐like factor 16 (KLF16) expression through inhibiting the level of miR‐185‐5p. We demonstrated that KLF16 is a direct target of miR‐185‐5p. An increased miR‐185‐5p level by a miR‐185‐5p mimic or decreased KLF16 by KLF16 small interfering RNA both reversed the function of RNCR3 overexpression on GBM cell growth and apoptosis. In summary, this study focuses on investigating the key molecular mechanisms of RNCR3 involved in GBM cell growth and apoptosis. Our data indicated that RNCR3 overexpression inhibits cell growth and induces its apoptosis through the miR‐185‐5p/KLF16 axis.
Silencing forkhead box M1 promotes apoptosis and autophagy through SIRT7/mTOR/IGF2 pathway in gastric cancer cells
Authors: Yu Wei , Cui Xiaofeng , Wan Zhongyi , Yu Yanhui , Liu Xiumin , Jin Lifang
Published: June 2018

Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) was initially identified as an oncogenic transcription factor, and multiple lines of evidence have demonstrated that FOXM1 is abundantly expressed and plays an irreplaceable role in several types of human cancers. Also, evidence has shown the association of FOXM1 with gastric carcinoma metastasis and patients prognosis; however, the potential role and molecular mechanism of FOXM1 in gastric cancer cell apoptosis are still obscure. The current study indicates that FOXM1 is highly expressed in a variety of gastric carcinoma cell lines, such as BGC823, MGC803, AGS, and SGC‐7901, compared with the normal gastric mucosal epithelial cell lines CES‐1. FOXM1 silence markedly inhibits AGS and SGC‐7901 cell survival and proliferation, increases their apoptosis, and modulates apoptosis‐related protein expression, including reduced Bcl‐2 level and increased Bax and caspase‐3 levels. Further study showed that FOXM1 depletion induced cell autophagy through increasing the level of beclin‐1 and decreasing the P62 expression. We next corroborated that FOXM1 silence abolished the expression of Sirtuin 7 (SIRT7) and increased the level of insulin‐like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Finally, our data documented that the SIRT7/mTOR/IGF2 pathway was involved in the function of FOXM1 in AGS cell growth and apoptosis. In conclusion, these results confirmed that FOXM1 is involved in gastric carcinoma progression via the SIRT7/mTOR/IGF2 pathway.
microRNA‐146a is involved in rSjP40‐inhibited activation of LX‐2 cells by targeting Smad4 expression
Authors: Zhu Dandan , Hu Bin , Zhou Yonghua , Sun Xiaolei , Chen Jinling , Chen Liuting , Ji Zhaodong , Zhu Jinhua , Duan Yinong
Published: June 2018

Previous studies have demonstrated that the recombinant Schistosoma japonicum protein P40 (rSjP40) could inhibit activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) through the TGF‐β1/Smads signaling pathway. Since multiple microRNAs could play essential roles in HSC activation and in the process of hepatic fibrosis through targeting Smads, we attempted to seek the potential microRNAs that could be involved in rSjP40‐induced inhibition of HSC activation. Using the method of quantitative real‐time PCR, we found that rSjP40 could induce miR‐146a expression in LX‐2 cells. The down‐regulated expression levels of Smad4 and α‐SMA in LX‐2 cells induced by rSjP40 were partially restored by an miR‐146a inhibitor. miR‐146a can be involved in rSjP40‐induced inhibition of HSC activation through targeting Smad4. These findings provide us a new idea to explore the potential mechanisms by which rSjP40 could regulate the process of hepatic fibrosis.
Valproic acid inhibits the protective effects of stromal cells against chemotherapy in breast cancer: Insights from proteomics and systems biology
Authors: Barneh Farnaz , Salimi Mona , Goshadrou Fatemeh , Ashtiani Minoo , Mirzaie Mehdi , Zali Hakimeh , Jafari Mohieddin
Published: June 2018

Interaction between tumor and stromal cells is beginning to be decoded as a contributor to chemotherapy resistance. Here, we aim to take a system‐level approach to explore a mechanism by which stromal cells induce chemoresistance in cancer cells and subsequently identify a drug that can inhibit such interaction. Using a proteomic dataset containing quantitative data on secretome of stromal cells, we performed multivariate analyses and found that bone‐marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) play the most protective role against chemotherapeutics. Pathway enrichment tests showed that secreted cytokines from BM‐MSCs activated 4 signaling pathways including Janus kinase‐signal transducer and activator of transcription, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase‐protein kinase B, and mitogen‐activated protein kinase, transforming growth factor‐β in cancer cells collectively leading to nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐kB) transcription factor activation. Based on the data from integrated Library of Integrated Network‐Based Cellular Signatures (iLINCs) program, we found that among different drugs, valproic acid (VA) affected the expression of 34 genes within the identified pathways that are activated by stromal cells. Our in vitro experiments confirmed that VA inhibits NF‐kB activation in cancer cells. In addition, analyzing gene expression data in patients taking oral VA showed that this drug decreased expression of antioxidant enzymes culminating in increased oxidative stress in tumor cells. These results suggest that VA confines the protective role of stromal cells by inhibiting the adaptation mechanisms toward oxidative stress which is potentiated by stromal cells. Since VA is an already prescribed drug manifesting anticancer effects, this study provides a mechanistic insight for combination of VA with chemotherapy in the clinical setting.
Synthesis of New Isoxazolo[4,5‐d]pyrimidines as Antitumor Agents
Authors: Wagner Edwin , Becan Lilianna
Published: June 2018

The present paper (publication) concerns the synthesis of new isoxazole[4,5‐d]pyrimidine derivatives. There are only a few publications in the chemical literature that report the derivatives of the [4,5‐d] isomer. Our new compounds, the derivatives of this isomer, were obtained using a new manner that differs from those reported in the aforementioned publications in that we used the tautomers of 3‐arylo‐4‐imino‐5‐carbethoxy isxazole 3 and 4 as the starting compounds instead of using their 4‐amino forms. Their tautomeric form proved chemically stable, and, as a result of ammonolysis, we obtained the compounds 5 and 6. The cyclization of the amides of 5 and 6 with various aldehydes yielded new derivatives, 10–19, with good yields. As a by‐product, the 4‐amino tautomer form in by degrees and was reacted also with aldehydes, and we isolated Schiff bases 20–25 with low yields. Some of these compounds were tested for their antitumor activity at National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.