bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imaging in gynecological disease (13): clinical and ultrasound characteristics of endometrioid ovarian cancer
Authors: Moro F. , Magoga G. , Pasciuto T. , Mascilini F. , Moruzzi M. C. , Fischerova D. , Savelli L. , Giunchi S. , Mancari R. , Franchi D. , Czekierdowski A. , Froyman W. , Verri D. , Epstein E. , Chiappa V. , Guerriero S. , Zannoni G. F. , Timmerman D. , Scambia G. , Valentin L. , Testa A. C.
Published: February 2018

Objective

To describe the clinical and ultrasound characteristics of ovarian pure endometrioid carcinomas.

Methods

This was a retrospective multicenter study of patients with a histological diagnosis of pure endometrioid carcinoma. We identified 161 patients from the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) database who had undergone preoperative ultrasound examination by an experienced ultrasound examiner between 1999 and 2016, and another 78 patients from the databases of the departments of gynecological oncology in the participating centers. All tumors were described using IOTA terminology. In addition, one author reviewed all available ultrasound images and described them using pattern recognition.

Results

Median age of the 239 patients was 55 years (range, 19–88 years). On ultrasound examination, two (0.8%) endometrioid carcinomas were described as unilocular cysts, three (1.3%) as multilocular cysts, 37 (15.5%) as unilocular‐solid cysts, 115 (48.1%) as multilocular‐solid cysts and 82 (34.3%) as solid masses. Median largest tumor diameter was 102.5 mm (range, 20–300 mm) and median largest diameter of the largest solid component was 63 mm (range, 9–300 mm). Papillary projections were present in 70 (29.3%) masses. Most cancers (188 (78.7%)) were unilateral. In 49 (20.5%) cases, the cancer was judged by the pathologist to develop from endometriosis. These cancers, compared with those without evidence of tumor developing from endometriosis, more often manifested papillary projections on ultrasound (46.9% (23/49) vs 24.7% (47/190)), were less often bilateral (8.2% (4/49) vs 24.7% (47/190)) and less often associated with ascites (6.1% (3/49) vs 28.4% (54/190)) and fluid in the pouch of Douglas (24.5% (12/49) vs 48.9% (93/190)). Retrospective analysis of available ultrasound images using pattern recognition revealed that many tumors without evidence of tumor developing from endometriosis (36.3% (41/113)) had a large central solid component entrapped within locules, giving the tumor a cockade‐like appearance.

Conclusions

Endometrioid cancers are usually large, unilateral, multilocular‐solid or solid tumors. The ultrasound characteristics of endometrioid carcinomas developing from endometriosis differ from those without evidence of tumor developing from endometriosis, the former being more often unilateral cysts with papillary projections and no ascites. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Targeted versus untargeted omics — the CAFSA story
Authors: del Mar Amador Maria , Colsch Benoit , Lamari Foudil , Jardel Claude , Ichou Farid , Rastetter Agnès , Sedel Frédéric , Jourdan Fabien , Frainay Clément , Wevers Ronald A. , Roze Emmanuel , Depienne Christel , Junot Christophe , Mochel Fanny
Published: February 2018

Background

In 2009, untargeted metabolomics led to the delineation of a new clinico‐biological entity called cerebellar ataxia with elevated cerebrospinal free sialic acid, or CAFSA. In order to elucidate CAFSA, we applied sequentially targeted and untargeted omic approaches.

Methods and results

First, we studied five of the six CAFSA patients initially described. Besides increased CSF free sialic acid concentrations, three patients presented with markedly decreased 5‐methyltetrahydrofolate (5‐MTHF) CSF concentrations. Exome sequencing identified a homozygous POLG mutation in two affected sisters, but failed to identify a causative gene in the three sporadic patients with high sialic acid but low 5‐MTHF. Using targeted mass spectrometry, we confirmed that free sialic acid was increased in the CSF of a third known POLG‐mutated patient. We then pursued pathophysiological analyses of CAFSA using mass spectrometry‐based metabolomics on CSF from two sporadic CAFSA patients as well as 95 patients with an unexplained encephalopathy and 39 controls. This led to the identification of a common metabotype between the two initial CAFSA patients and three additional patients, including one patient with Kearns‐Sayre syndrome. Metabolites of the CSF metabotype were positioned in a reconstruction of the human metabolic network, which highlighted the proximity of the metabotype with acetyl‐CoA and carnitine, two key metabolites regulating mitochondrial energy homeostasis.

Conclusion

Our genetic and metabolomics analyses suggest that CAFSA is a heterogeneous entity related to mitochondrial DNA alterations either through POLG mutations or a mechanism similar to what is observed in Kearns‐Sayre syndrome.
Hepatocellular carcinoma in Gaucher disease: an international case series
Authors: Regenboog Martine , van Dussen Laura , Verheij Joanne , Weinreb Neal J. , Santosa David , vom Dahl Stephan , Häussinger Dieter , Müller Meike N. , Canbay Ali , Rigoldi Miriam , Piperno Alberto , Dinur Tama , Zimran Ari , Mistry Pramod K. , Salah Karima Yousfi , Belmatoug Nadia , Kuter David J. , Hollak Carla E. M.
Published: February 2018

Gaucher disease (GD) is associated with an increased risk for malignancies. Next to hematological malignancies, the development of solid tumors in several organs has been described. The liver is one of the major storage sites involved in GD pathogenesis, and is also affected by liver‐specific complications. In this case series, we describe 16 GD type 1 (GD1) patients from eight different referral centers around the world who developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Potential factors contributing to the increased HCC risk in GD patients are studied. Eleven patients had undergone a splenectomy in the past. Liver cirrhosis, one of the main risk factors for the development of HCC, was present in nine out of 14 patients for whom data was available. Three out of seven examined patients showed a transferrin saturation > 45%. In these three patients the presence of iron overload after histopathological examination of the liver was shown. Chronic hepatitis C infection was present in three of 14 examined cases. We summarized all findings and made a comparison to the literature. We recommend that GD patients, especially those with prior splenectomy or iron overload, be evaluated for signs of liver fibrosis and if found to be monitored for HCC development.
Time Costs for Genetic Counseling in Preconception Carrier Screening with Genome Sequencing
Authors: Lynch Frances L. , Himes Patricia , Gilmore Marian J. , Morris Elissa M. , Schneider Jennifer L. , Kauffman Tia L. , Shuster Elizabeth , Reiss Jacob A. , Dickerson John F. , Leo Michael C. , Davis James V. , McMullen Carmit K. , Wilfond Benjamin S. , Goddard Katrina A.B.
Published: February 2018

Advances in technology and the promise of personalized health care are driving greater use of genome sequencing (GS) for a variety of clinical scenarios. As health systems consider adopting GS, they need to understand the impact of GS on the organization and cost of care. While research has documented a dramatic decrease in the cost of sequencing and interpreting GS, few studies have examined how GS impacts genetic counseling workloads. This study examined the time needed to provide genetic counseling for GS in the context of preconception carrier screening. Genetic counselors prospectively reported on the time spent in the results disclosure process with 107 study participants who were part of the NextGen study. We found that the median time for results disclosure was 64 min (ranged from 5 to 229 min). Preparation work was the most time‐consuming activity. Qualitative data from journal entries, debrief interviews with genetic counselors, and detailed case conference notes provided information on factors influencing time for results disclosure and implications for practice. Results suggest that expanded carrier screening could require significant increases in genetic counseling time, unless we are able to generate new resources to reduce preparation work or develop other strategies such as the creation of new models to deliver this type of service.
Marital Status and Mothers’ Time Use: Childcare, Housework, Leisure, and Sleep
Authors: Pepin Joanna R. , Sayer Liana C. , Casper Lynne M.
Published: February 2018

Assumptions that single mothers are “time poor” compared with married mothers are ubiquitous. We tested theorized associations derived from the time poverty thesis and the gender perspective using the 2003–2012 American Time Use Surveys (ATUS). We found marital status differentiated housework, leisure, and sleep time, but did not influence the amount of time that mothers provided childcare. Net of the number of employment hours, married mothers did more housework and slept less than never-married and divorced mothers, counter to expectations of the time poverty thesis. Never-married and cohabiting mothers reported more total and more sedentary leisure time than married mothers. We assessed the influence of demographic differences among mothers to account for variation in their time use by marital status. Compositional differences explained more than two-thirds of the variance in sedentary leisure time between married and never-married mothers, but only one-third of the variance between married and cohabiting mothers. The larger unexplained gap in leisure quality between cohabiting and married mothers is consistent with the gender perspective.
Percepción sobre el consumo de alimentos procesados y productos ultraprocesados en estudiantes de posgrado de la Ciudad de México
Authors: Nieto-Orozco Claudia , Chanin Sangochian Alik , Tamborrel Signoret Natalia , Vidal González Eloín , Tolentino-Mayo Lizbeth , Vergara-Castañeda Arely
Published: February 2018

Actualmente los patrones alimentarios han migrado de la comida tradicional a alimentos procesados y productos ultraprocesados (PUP). Elobjetivo fue explorar cualitativamente la percepción de alimentos procesados y PUP en estudiantes de posgrado de la Ciudad de México. Se realizóun estudio transversal en el cual se efectuaron entrevistas a 10 hombres jóvenes de 25 a 32 a˜nos, estudiantes de posgrado, de una universidadpública de la Ciudad de México. Posterior a la entrevista, se realizó un test con imágenes para conocer si clasificaban los alimentos de acuerdo alnivel de procesamiento. Las entrevistas se analizaron cualitativamente bajo la teoría fundamentada. El presente estudio sugiere que los estudiantesde posgrado hombres tienen una percepción negativa de los alimentos procesados; además, se observa que los participantes presentan confusiónpara clasificar los alimentos de acuerdo a su nivel de procesamiento. Campa˜nas de educación en nutrición sobre el nivel de procesamiento de losalimentos apoyarían a los consumidores a tomar decisiones alimentarias informadas y, por lo tanto, más saludables.© 2018 Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Asociación Mexicana de Comportamiento y Salud. Este es un artículo Open Access bajo lalicencia CC BY-NC-ND (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Fever and systemic inflammatory response syndrome after retrograde intrarenal surgery: Risk factors and predictive model
Authors: Li Tian , Sun Xiang‐Zhou , Lai De‐Hui , Li Xun , He Yong‐Zhong
Published: February 2018

This paper investigates the characteristics of patients who underwent retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) to determine the predictive factors for post‐operative fever and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and to construct a predictive nomogram to help with risk‐stratification. A retrospective study of 337 patients who underwent RIRS was performed. Fever and SIRS were defined according to a previous consensus. Multivariate logistic regression coefficients were used to generate nomograms. Post‐operative fever was found in 59 patients (17.5%), and SIRS was found in 22 patients (6.5%). Septic shock developed in 2 patients (0.6%). Three patients (0.9%) suffered from obstructive hydronephrosis. By multivariate analysis, concomitant diabetes mellitus (p = 0.015), high pre‐operative C‐reactive protein (CRP) (p = 0.015), long surgical times (p = 0.007), high stone burden (p = 0.004) and positive stone culture (p = 0.003) were independent risk factors for fever. Only high pre‐operative CRP (p = 0.001), long surgical times (p = 0.001) and high stone burden (p = 0.001) were found to significantly affect the occurrence of SIRS. Predictive nomograms were built for fever and SIRS and the c‐statistics for the two predictive models were 0.766 and 0.887, respectively. All patients recovered well after proper treatment, which included antipyretics, antibiotics, and inotropic support and nephrostomy when needed. In conclusion, high stone burden, long surgical time, positive stone culture, high pre‐operative CRP and the presence of diabetes mellitus was could increase the risk of fever or SIRS after RIRS for kidney stone. The constructed nomograms could help clinicians in evaluating the risk for post‐operative infectious complications.
Efficient sealing systems in fluid power applications
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: February 2018

Even the smallest of leaks in hydraulic and pneumatic systems can cause appalling damage, so adequate protection against this potential problem is a top priority for manufacturers of systems that rely on fluid power technology. Here, we highlight the way in which various Loctite products from Henkel AG & Co KGaA (Henkel) are used in a range of fluid power applications.
Freudenberg investigates use of conductive plastics for radar sensor housings
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: February 2018

Radar sensors for assistance systems and highly automated driving must be reliably shielded from environmental influences, using robust housings and seals. Until now, they were protected by aluminium carrier housings that Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) securely sealed with liquid silicone rubber (LSR) seals. The company is now investigating the use of carrier housings made from plastics that facilitate significantly increased heat conductivity. This not only simplifies the manufacturing process, but it also results in weight savings.
Humans Should Not Colonize Mars
Authors: STONER IAN
Published: February 2018

This article offers two arguments for the conclusion that we should refuse on moral grounds to establish a human presence on the surface of Mars. The first argument appeals to a principle constraining the use of invasive or destructive techniques of scientific investigation. The second appeals to a principle governing appropriate human behavior in wilderness. These arguments are prefaced by two preliminary sections. The first preliminary section argues that authors working in space ethics have good reason to shift their focus away from theory-based arguments in favor of arguments that develop in terms of pretheoretic beliefs. The second argues that of the popular justifications for sending humans to Mars only appeals to scientific curiosity can survive reflective scrutiny.
A Bundle of Measures to Control an Outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Associated With P-Trap Contamination
Authors: Gbaguidi-Haore Houssein , Varin Amélie , Cholley Pascal , Thouverez Michelle , Hocquet Didier , Bertrand Xavier
Published: February 2018

OBJECTIVE

To describe an outbreak of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in which the hospital waste-pipe system was the likely source of contamination and to report the bundle of measures that facilitated the long-term control of the outbreak.

DESIGN

Outbreak investigation.

SETTING

The hematology unit of a tertiary-care referral center.

PATIENTS

Patients who were colonized or infected with P. aeruginosa belonging to the clonal outbreak.

METHODS

Patients admitted to our 15-bed stem-cell transplantation hematology unit were screened for P. aeruginosa carriage. Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were also obtained from diagnostic samples. We assessed the microbiological contamination of P-traps, water and toilets for 42 months. Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) were screened and identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. Molecular typing of ESBL- or MBL-producing isolates was carried out using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST).

RESULTS

From 2009 to 2013, a biclonal outbreak of IMP-19–producing ST235 (11 cases) and IMP-29–producing ST111 (10 cases) of P. aeruginosa occurred. The environmental investigation strongly suggested that P-traps were the reservoirs for the outbreak strains. A bundle of infection control measures, including engineering interventions on water outlets and disinfection of P-traps, controlled the outbreak.

CONCLUSIONS

We report a prolonged outbreak of IMP-producing high-risk clones of P. aeruginosa, for which P-traps seems to play a major role in cross-transmission. It appears essential to implement proactive measures to limit the bacterial load in water fittings of high-risk units.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:164–169
BOUNDED POLYNOMIALS AND HOLOMORPHIC MAPPINGS BETWEEN CONVEX SUBRINGS OF *
Authors: KHALFALLAH ADEL , KOSAREW SIEGMUND
Published: February 2018

Using convex subrings of *$\mathbb{C}$, a nonstandard extension of $\mathbb{C}$, we define several kinds of complex bounded polynomials and we provide their associated analytic functions obtained by taking the quasistandard part.
Emmental squares are tasty
Authors: Crilly Tony , Dolan Stan , Fletcher Colin R.
Published: February 2018

A shape is called equable if its area and perimeter are numerically equal relative to some given system of units. For example, if a square is equable, then its side, a, must satisfy 4a = a2. So there is only one equable square, and it has side 4.

It is easy to investigate this idea for other shapes. Though not connected with this problem, the work of Imre Lakatos suggested a generalisation to us. Lakatos showed that Euler's classical formula V + F = E − 2 for polyhedra could be extended when the notion of tunnels was introduced [1].
Axes for symmetric convex curves
Authors: Farnsworth David L.
Published: February 2018

Curves are given in polar coordinates (r, θ)by equations of the form r = f (θ), where for f (θ) > 0 all θ. Consider curves which are symmetric about the origin O, so that, f(θ + π) = f (θ) for all θ. For such a curve, its interior is the set {(r, θ) : 0 ≤ r ≤ f (θ)}. Further, assume that the curve is convex. Recall that a closed curve is convex if a line segment between any two of its points has no points exterior to the curve [1], [2, pp. 198-203]. We call these curves M-curves, because the curves are fundamental objects in Minkowski geometry, where they are called Minkowski circles or simply circles [3, 4]. That application is briefly discussed in the Section 4 but is not required for our purposes.

Examples of M-curves are displayed in Figures 1 to 6. In order to express these curves as functions in rectangular coordinates, we need axes.
The potential ofDicyphus hesperusas a biological control agent of potato psyllid and sweetpotato whitefly in tomato
Authors: Calvo F.J. , Torres A. , González E.J. , Velázquez M.B.
Published: February 2018

The potential of the mirid predatorDicyphus hesperusKnight (Heteroptera: Miridae) as a biological control agent of the sweetpotato whitefly,Bemisia tabaciGennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and the potato psyllid,Bactericera cockerelliSulcer (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) in tomato was investigated in two experiments. The first experiment focused on the study of the life history traits ofD. hesperuswhen fed on nymphs of the potato psyllid compared with the factitious preyEphestia kuehniellaZeller (Lepidoptera: Pyrallidae) eggs. Although reproductive and development rates were higher onE. kuehniellaeggs, the predator exhibited a good intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) when feeding onB. cockerellinymphs (rm:B. cockerelli0.069 ± 0.0001;E. kuehniella0.078 ± 0.0001), thus reflecting good potential as a biocontrol agent of this pest. The second experiment focused on the efficacy ofD. hesperusas a biocontrol agent of the potato psyllid and the sweetpotato whitefly in a tomato greenhouse. Prey species were offered individually or together in a series of five treatments in greenhouse cages. Results showed that the predator was able to establish and suppress populations of both pests inhabiting tomato plants when pests occurred alone or together. Thus,D. hesperuswas demonstrated to be a suitable biocontrol agent of these two important pests that could be used in tomato greenhouses.
Primary care practitioner perceptions and attitudes of complementary medicine: a content analysis of free-text responses from a survey of non-metropolitan Australian general practitioners
Authors: Wardle Jon L. , Sibbritt David W. , Adams Jon
Published: February 2018

Aim

This study examines GP perceptions, attitudes and knowledge of complementary medicine (CM), and to understand contextual factors that influence these perceptions, attitudes and knowledge.

Background

CM use is increasing, and its influence on primary care becoming increasingly significant. Although general practitioners (GPs) often have central primary care gate-keeper roles within health systems, few studies have looked specifically at GPs’ perceptions, attitudes and knowledge of CM.

Methods

A questionnaire was mailed to all 1486 GPs registered as practicing in non-metropolitan areas of New South Wales. The survey included one free-text qualitative question, where respondents were invited to highlight issues associated with CM in their own words. Free-text responses were analyzed qualitatively using thematic analysis.

Findings

In total, 585 GPs responded to the survey (adjusted response rate 40.1%), with 152 (26.0%) filling in the free-text question. Central themes which emerged were risk as a primary concern; opposition to, resistance to and the inappropriateness of complementary therapies; struggles with complexity and ambivalent tolerance.

Conclusion

GPs in Australia have a wide variety of perceptions toward CM. A minority of GPs have absolute views on CM, with most GPs having numerous caveats and qualifications of individual CM. Efficacy is only one aspect of CM critically evaluated by GPs when gauging support for individual therapies – risk, alignment with medical principles and an openness to exploring new avenues of treatment where others have failed, all appear to be equally important considerations when GPs form their views around CM.
Strains of the toxic and bloom-forming Nodularia spumigena (cyanobacteria) can degrade methylphosphonate and release methane
Authors: Teikari Jonna E , Fewer David P , Shrestha Rashmi , Hou Shengwei , Leikoski Niina , Mäkelä Minna , Simojoki Asko , Hess Wolfgang R , Sivonen Kaarina
Published: February 2018

Nodularia spumigena is a nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium that forms toxic blooms in the Baltic Sea each summer and the availability of phosphorous is an important factor limiting the formation of these blooms. Bioinformatic analysis identified a phosphonate degrading (phn) gene cluster in the genome of N. spumigena suggesting that this bacterium may use phosphonates as a phosphorus source. Our results show that strains of N. spumigena could grow in medium containing methylphosphonic acid (MPn) as the sole source of phosphorous and released methane when growing in medium containing MPn. We analyzed the total transcriptomes of N. spumigena UHCC 0039 grown using MPn and compared them with cultures growing in Pi-replete medium. The phnJ, phosphonate lyase gene, was upregulated when MPn was the sole source of phosphorus, suggesting that the expression of this gene could be used to indicate the presence of bioavailable phosphonates. Otherwise, growth on MPn resulted in only a minor reconstruction of the transcriptome and enabled good growth. However, N. spumigena strains were not able to utilize any of the anthropogenic phosphonates tested. The phosphonate utilizing pathway may offer N. spumigena a competitive advantage in the Pi-limited cyanobacterial blooms of the Baltic Sea.
Comparative genomic inference suggests mixotrophic lifestyle for Thorarchaeota
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhou Zhichao , Pan Jie , Baker Brett J , Gu Ji-Dong , Li Meng
Published: February 2018

Thorarchaeota are a new archaeal phylum within the Asgard superphylum, whose ancestors have been proposed to play possible ecological roles in cellular evolution. However, little is known about the lifestyles of these uncultured archaea. To provide a better resolution of the ecological roles and metabolic capacity of Thorarchaeota, we obtained Thorarchaeota genomes reconstructed from metagenomes of different depth layers in mangrove and mudflat sediments. These genomes from deep anoxic layers suggest the presence of Thorarchaeota with the potential to degrade organic matter, fix inorganic carbon, reduce sulfur/sulfate and produce acetate. In particular, Thorarchaeota may be involved in ethanol production, nitrogen fixation, nitrite reduction, and arsenic detoxification. Interestingly, these Thorarchaeotal genomes are inferred to contain the tetrahydromethanopterin and tetrahydrofolate Wood–Ljungdahl (WL) pathways for CO2 reduction, and the latter WL pathway appears to have originated from bacteria. These archaea are predicted to be able to use various inorganic and organic carbon sources, possessing genes inferred to encode ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase-like proteins (normally without RuBisCO activity) and a near-complete Calvin–Benson–Bassham cycle. The existence of eukaryotic selenocysteine insertion sequences and many genes for proteins previously considered eukaryote-specific in Thorarchaeota genomes provide new insights into their evolutionary roles in the origin of eukaryotic cellular complexity. Resolving the metabolic capacities of these enigmatic archaea and their origins will enhance our understanding of the origins of eukaryotes and their roles in ecosystems.
Dynamic network biomarker indicates pulmonary metastasis at the tipping point of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yang Biwei , Li Meiyi , Tang Wenqing , Liu Weixin , Zhang Si , Chen Luonan , Xia Jinglin
Published: February 2018

Developing predictive biomarkers that can detect the tipping point before metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is critical to prevent further irreversible deterioration. To discover such early-warning signals or biomarkers of pulmonary metastasis in HCC, we analyse time-series gene expression data in spontaneous pulmonary metastasis mice HCCLM3-RFP model with our dynamic network biomarker (DNB) method, and identify CALML3 as a core DNB member. All experimental results of gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies show that CALML3 could indicate metastasis initiation and act as a suppressor of metastasis. We also reveal the biological role of CALML3 in metastasis initiation at a network level, including proximal regulation and cascading influences in dysfunctional pathways. Our further experiments and clinical samples show that DNB with CALML3 reduced pulmonary metastasis in liver cancer. Actually, loss of CALML3 predicts shorter overall and relapse-free survival in postoperative HCC patients, thus providing a prognostic biomarker and therapy target in HCC.
MiR-27a-5p Increases Steer Fat Deposition Partly by Targeting Calcium-sensing Receptor (CASR)
Authors: Yang Wucai , Tang Keqiong , Wang Yaning , Zan Linsen
Published: February 2018

Castration increases fat deposition, improving beef quality in cattle. Here, the steer group exhibited a significantly higher intramuscular fat (IMF) content than the bull group. To determine the potential roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in castration-induced fat deposition, differential expression patterns of miRNA in liver tissue were investigated in bulls and steers. A total of 7,827,294 clean reads were obtained from the bull liver library, and 8,312,483 were obtained from the steer liver library; 452 conserved bovine miRNAs and 20 novel miRNAs were identified. The results showed that the expression profiles of miRNA in liver tissue were changed by castration, and 12 miRNAs that were differentially expressed between bulls and steers were identified. Their target genes were majorly involved in the metabolic, PI3K-Akt, and MAPK signaling pathways. Furthermore, six differentially expressed miRNAs were validated by quantitative real-time PCR, and luciferase reporter assays verified that calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) was the direct target of miR-27a-5p. Meantime, we found that the expression level of CASR was significantly higher in steers than in bulls, and revealed that CASR gene silencing in bovine hepatocytes significantly inhibited triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation and reduced secretion of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL). These results obtained in the liver indicate that miR-27a-5p may increase fat deposition partly by targeting CASR in steers.
GCY-35/GCY-36—TAX-2/TAX-4 Signalling in O2 Sensory Neurons Mediates Acute Functional Ethanol Tolerance in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Chen Yuan-Hua , Ge Chang-Li , Wang Hong , Ge Ming-Hai , He Qing-Qin , Zhang Yu , Tian Wei , Wu Zheng-Xing
Published: February 2018

Ethanol is a widely used beverage and abused drug. Alcoholism causes severe damage to human health and creates serious social problems. Understanding the mechanisms underlying ethanol actions is important for the development of effective therapies. Alcohol has a wide spectrum of effects on physiological activities and behaviours, from sensitization to sedation and even intoxication with increasing concentrations. Animals develop tolerance to ethanol. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In Caenorhabditis elegans, NPR-1 negatively regulates the development of acute tolerance to ethanol. Here, using in vivo Ca2+ imaging, behavioural tests and chemogenetic manipulation, we show that the soluble guanylate cyclase complex GCY-35/GCY-36—TAX-2/TAX-4 signalling pathway in O2 sensory neurons positively regulates acute functional tolerance in npr-1 worms.
Inactivation of TRPM7 kinase in mice results in enlarged spleens, reduced T-cell proliferation and diminished store-operated calcium entry
Authors: Beesetty Pavani , Wieczerzak Krystyna B. , Gibson Jennifer N. , Kaitsuka Taku , Luu Charles Tuan , Matsushita Masayuki , Kozak J. Ashot
Published: February 2018

T lymphocytes enlarge (blast) and proliferate in response to antigens in a multistep program that involves obligatory cytosolic calcium elevations. Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) pathway is the primary source of Ca2+in these cells. Here, we describe a novel modulator of blastogenesis, proliferation and SOCE: the TRPM7 channel kinase. TRPM7 kinase-dead (KD) K1646R knock-in mice exhibited splenomegaly and impaired blastogenic responses elicited by PMA/ionomycin or anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies. Splenic T-cell proliferationin vitrowas weaker in the mutant compared to wildtype littermates. TRPM7 current magnitudes in WT and KD mouse T cells were, however, similar. We tested the dependence of T-cell proliferation on external Ca2+and Mg2+concentrations. At a fixed [Mg2+o] of ~0.4 mM, Ca2+ostimulated proliferation with a steep concentration dependence and vice versa, at a fixed [Ca2+o] of ~0.4 mM, Mg2+opositively regulated proliferation but with a shallower dependence. Proliferation was significantly lower in KD mouse than in wildtype at all Ca2+and Mg2+concentrations. Ca2+elevations elicited by anti-CD3 antibody were diminished in KD mutant T cells and SOCE measured in activated KD splenocytes was reduced. These results demonstrate that a functional TRPM7 kinase supports robust SOCE, blastogenesis and proliferation, whereas its inactivation suppresses these cellular events.
Tuning piezoelectric properties through epitaxy of La2Ti2O7 and related thin films
Authors: Kaspar Tiffany C. , Hong Seungbum , Bowden Mark E. , Varga Tamas , Yan Pengfei , Wang Chongmin , Spurgeon Steven R. , Comes Ryan B. , Ramuhalli Pradeep , Henager Charles H.
Published: February 2018

Current piezoelectric sensors and actuators are limited to operating temperatures less than ~200 °C due to the low Curie temperature of the piezoelectric material. Strengthening the piezoelectric coupling of high-temperature piezoelectric materials, such as La2Ti2O7(LTO), would allow sensors to operate across a broad temperature range. The crystalline orientation and piezoelectric coupling direction of LTO thin films can be controlled by epitaxial matching to SrTiO3(001), SrTiO3(110), and rutile TiO2(110) substrates via pulsed laser deposition. The structure and phase purity of the films are investigated by x-ray diffraction and scanning transmission electron microscopy. Piezoresponse force microscopy is used to measure the in-plane and out-of-plane piezoelectric coupling in the films. The strength of the out-of-plane piezoelectric coupling can be increased when the piezoelectric direction is rotated partially out-of-plane via epitaxy. The strongest out-of-plane coupling is observed for LTO/STO(001). Deposition on TiO2(110) results in epitaxial La2/3TiO3, an orthorhombic perovskite of interest as a microwave dielectric material and an ion conductor. La2/3TiO3can be difficult to stabilize in bulk form, and epitaxial stabilization on TiO2(110) is a promising route to realize La2/3TiO3for both fundamental studies and device applications. Overall, these results confirm that control of the crystalline orientation of epitaxial LTO-based materials can govern the resulting functional properties.
Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic correlations in the development of ginger extract as an anticancer agent
Authors: Mukkavilli Rao , Yang Chunhua , Tanwar Reenu Singh , Saxena Roopali , Gundala Sushma R. , Zhang Yingyi , Ghareeb Ahmed , Floyd Stephan D. , Vangala Subrahmanyam , Kuo Wei-Wen , Rida Padmashree C. G. , Aneja Ritu
Published: February 2018

Anticancer efficacy of ginger phenolics (GPs) has been demonstrated in various in vitro assays and xenograft mouse models. However, only sub-therapeutic plasma concentrations of GPs were detected in human and mouse pharmacokinetic (PK) studies. Intriguingly, a significant portion of GPs occurred as phase II metabolites (mainly glucuronide conjugates) in plasma. To evaluate the disposition of GPs and understand the real players responsible for efficacy, we performed a PK and tissue distribution study in mice. Plasma exposure of GPs was similar on day 1 and 7, suggesting no induction or inhibition of clearance pathways. Both free and conjugated GPs accumulated in all tissues including tumors. While non-cytotoxicity of 6-ginerol glucuronide precluded the role of conjugated GPs in cell death, the free forms were cytotoxic against prostate cancer cells. The efficacy of ginger was best explained by the reconversion of conjugated GPs to free forms by β-glucuronidase, which is over-expressed in the tumor tissue. This previously unrecognized two-step process suggests an instantaneous conversion of ingested free GPs into conjugated forms, followed by their subsequent absorption into systemic circulation and reconversion into free forms. This proposed model uncovers the mechanistic underpinnings of ginger’s anticancer activity despite sub-therapeutic levels of free GPs in the plasma.
A Study on Curing Kinetics of Nano-Phase Modified Epoxy Resin
Authors: Ma Hailing , Zhang Xin , Ju Feifei , Tsai Sang-Bing
Published: February 2018

In this paper, DSC curves at different heating rates were measured by DSC, the characteristic curing temperature was determined, and the optimum curing conditions were obtained. The KAS method, Friedman method and FWO method were used to analyze the DSC curves respectively. The kinetic parameters and the reaction mechanism function of the curing system were obtained, and the results of different analytical methods were compared and analyzed. Result from fitting and verification of the curing kinetic model for the curing system of the nano-phase modified epoxy resin further demonstrates that the nano-particle could play a catalytic role in the curing reaction of the epoxy resin and could reduce the apparent activation energy of the system, thus it is considered as a breakthrough in the field of resin research.
The effect of Clostridium butyricum on symptoms and fecal microbiota in diarrhea-dominant irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Sun Yi-Yuan , Li Ming , Li Yue-Yue , Li Li-Xiang , Zhai Wen-Zhe , Wang Peng , Yang Xiao-Xiao , Gu Xiang , Song Li-Jin , Li Zhen , Zuo Xiu-Li , Li Yan-Qing
Published: February 2018

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder in gastrointestinal system and impairs the quality of life of the patients. Clostridium butyricum (CB) is a probiotics that has been used in several gastrointestinal diseases. The efficacy of CB in treating IBS is still unknown. This prospective, multi-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of CB in treating diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) and analyze the fecal microbiota after treatment. Two hundred patients with IBS-D were recruited and were given CB or placebo for 4 weeks. End points included change from baseline in IBS symptoms, quality of life, stool consistency and frequency. Compared with placebo, CB is effective in improving the overall IBS-D symptoms (−62.12 ± 74.00 vs. −40.74 ± 63.67, P = 0.038) as well as quality of life (7.232 ± 14.06 vs. 3.159 ± 11.73, P = 0.032) and stool frequency (−1.602 ± 1.416 vs. −1.086 ± 1.644, P = 0.035). The responder rates are found higher in CB compared with the placebo (44.76% vs. 30.53%, P = 0.042). The change in fecal microbiota was analyzed and function pathways of CB in treating IBS-D were predicted. In conclusion, CB improves overall symptoms, quality of life and stool frequency in IBS-D patients and is considered to be used as a probiotics in treating IBS-D clinically.
Promising Biomarkers of Environmental Enteric Dysfunction: A Prospective Cohort study in Pakistani Children
Authors: Iqbal Najeeha Talat , Sadiq Kamran , Syed Sana , Akhund Tauseefullah , Umrani Fayyaz , Ahmed Sheraz , Yakoob Mohammad Yawar , Rahman Najeeb , Qureshi Shahida , Xin Wenjun , Ma Jennie Z. , Hughes Molly , Ali Syed Asad
Published: February 2018

Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (EED), a syndrome characterized by chronic gut inflammation, contributes towards stunting and poor response to enteric vaccines in children in developing countries. In this study, we evaluated major putative biomarkers of EED using growth faltering as its clinical proxy. Newborns (n = 380) were enrolled and followed till 18 months with monthly anthropometry. Biomarkers associated with gut and systemic inflammation were assessed at 6 and 9 months. Linear mixed effects model was used to determine the associations of these biomarkers with growth faltering between birth and 18 months. Fecal myeloperoxidase (neutrophil activation marker) at 6 months [β = −0.207, p = 0.005], and serum GLP 2 (enterocyte proliferation marker) at 6 and 9 months [6M: β = −0.271, p = 0.035; 9M: β = −0.267, p = 0.045] were associated with decreasing LAZ score. Ferritin at 6 and 9 months was associated with decreasing LAZ score [6M: β = −0.882, p < 0.0001; 9M: β = −0.714, p < 0.0001] and so was CRP [β = −0.451, p = 0.039] and AGP [β = −0.443, p = 0.012] at 9 months. Both gut specific and systemic biomarkers correlated negatively with IGF-1, but only weakly correlated, if at all with each other. We therefore conclude that EED may be contributing directly towards growth faltering, and this pathway is not entirely through the pathway of systemic inflammation.
Proximity of breeding and foraging areas affects foraging effort of a crepuscular, insectivorous bird
Authors: Evens Ruben , Beenaerts Natalie , Neyens Thomas , Witters Nele , Smeets Karen , Artois Tom
Published: February 2018

When complementary resources are required for an optimal life cycle, most animals need to move between different habitats. However, the level of connectivity between resources can vary and, hence, influence individuals’ behaviour. We show that landscape composition and configuration affect the connectivity between breeding (heathlands) and foraging habitats (extensively-grazed grasslands) of the European Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus), a crepuscular insectivorous bird. On a daily basis, nightjars connect breeding and foraging sites by rapidly crossing unsuitable habitats in order to exploit a higher prey biomass in foraging sites. However, low availability of foraging habitat near breeding sites and clustered landscapes greatly increase foraging distance. Birds occupying these sub-optimal breeding areas compensate for longer travels by increasing foraging duration, and their physiology shows increased stress levels. All findings suggest that landscape heterogeneity can affect population dynamics of nightjars. Therefore, we recommend an integrated management approach for this EU-protected bird species.
An ultrasensitive microchip electrophoresis assay based on separation-assisted double cycling signal amplification strategy for microRNA detection in cell lysate
Authors: Wei Kaiji , Zhao Jingjin , Luo Xiaoshu , Qiu Senghui , He Fuyun , Li Shuting , Zhao Shulin
Published: February 2018

An ultrasensitive microchip electrophoresis assay was developed for microRNA detection.
Ultrasensitive chemiluminescence biosensors using nucleic acid-functionalized silver–cysteine nanowires as signal amplifying labels
Authors: Chen Wenjuan , Chen Yuan , Wang Meilan , Chi Yuwu
Published: February 2018

Ultrasensitive chemiluminescence (CL) sensors for biomolecules (DNA and proteins) have been developed by adopting DNA-functionalized silver–cysteine hybrid nanowires (p-SCNWs) as signal amplifying labels.
A novel class of one-dimensional Ta4TMTe4 (TM = Cr, Fe, Co and Ni) compounds with strain-switched magnetic states
Authors: Li Dengfeng , Chen Ying , He Junjie
Published: February 2018

A novel class of one-dimensional compounds with strains witched magnetic states for spintronic application is presented.
Water transport confined in graphene oxide channels through the rarefied effect
Authors: Chen Bo , Jiang Haifeng , Liu Xiang , Hu Xuejiao
Published: February 2018

This work combines classic hydrodynamics with kinetic theory to provide a molecular insight into water transport between graphene oxide sheets.
CO oxidative coupling to dimethyl oxalate over Pd–Me (Me = Cu, Al) catalysts: a combined DFT and kinetic study
Authors: Han Bingying , Feng Xue , Ling Lixia , Fan Maohong , Liu Ping , Zhang Riguang , Wang Baojun
Published: February 2018

Pd–Al bimetallic catalysts can effectively enhance the catalytic performance and greatly reduce the cost of Pd for DMO synthesis.
Nanoparticle-triggered in situ catalytic chemical reactions for tumour-specific therapy
Authors: Lin Han , Chen Yu , Shi Jianlin
Published: February 2018

This tutorial review highlights the progress and future development of nanoparticle-triggered in situ catalytic chemical reactions for tumour-specific therapy.
How should multicomponent supramolecular gels be characterised?
Authors: Draper Emily R. , Adams Dave J.
Published: February 2018

We discuss the current state of characterising multicomponent low molecular weight gels across all length scales, and the effectiveness of the different techniques that have been used.
Anode coverage for enhanced electrochemical oxidation: a green and efficient strategy towards water-dispersible graphene
Authors: Wang Hui Shan , Tian Su Yun , Yang Si Wei , Wang Gang , You Xiao Fei , Xu Li Xuan , Li Qing Tian , He Peng , Ding Gu Qiao , Liu Zhi , Xie Xiao Ming
Published: February 2018

The synthesis of water-dispersible graphene (W-Gr) is essential for both laboratory-scale studies and practical applications.
X-ray transparent microfluidic platforms for membrane protein crystallization with microseeds
Authors: Schieferstein Jeremy M. , Pawate Ashtamurthy S. , Varel Michael J. , Guha Sudipto , Astrauskaite Ieva , Gennis Robert B. , Kenis Paul J. A.
Published: February 2018

Microfluidic platforms for formulation of crystallization trials with microseeds to enable the growth of high-quality protein crystals.
A selective colorimetric sensing strategy for cysteine based on an indicator-displacement mechanism
Authors: Xue Zhonghua , Xiong Lulu , Peng Hao , Rao Honghong , Liu Xiuhui , Lu Xiaoquan
Published: February 2018

Rapid determination of cysteine in aqueous solution is important for the diagnosis and treatment of some diseases.
In situprecipitation of hydrous titanium dioxide for dispersive micro solid-phase extraction of nucleosides and their separation
Authors: Xu Yuanyuan , Yang Yue , Xue Aifang , Chen Hao , Li Shengqing
Published: February 2018

In situprecipitated TiO2·nH2O exhibits higher affinity forcis-diol ribonucleosides than both commercial P25 and lab-calcinated TiO2adsorbents.
Rapid synthesis of CdS nanowire meshviaa simplistic wet chemical route and its NO2gas sensing properties
Authors: Vanalakar Sharadrao A. , Patil Vithoba L. , Patil Pramod S. , Kim Jin H.
Published: February 2018

In this report, 1-D interconnected CdS nanowires were prepared rapidlyviaa wet chemical route at relatively low temperature, using cadmium sulphate, thiourea and ammonia as raw materials.
Synthesis and coordination studies of 5-(4′-carboxyphenyl)-10,15,20-tris(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin and its pyrrolidine-fused chlorin derivative
Authors: Almeida José , Silva André M. N. , Rebelo Susana L. H. , Cunha-Silva Luís , Rangel Maria , de Castro Baltazar , Leite Andreia , Silva Ana M. G.
Published: February 2018

An efficient strategy was developed to obtain carboxyphenyl porphyrin, chlorins and metal complexes, with potential applications in photonics and biology.
Effects of shear on epitaxial crystallization of poly(ε-caprolactone) on reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Wu Feng , Jiang Libin , Miao Weijun , Duan Tianchen , An Minfang , Tian Feng , Wang Zongbao
Published: February 2018

Epitaxial crystallization of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was investigated by shearing at different shear rates of 3 s−1 and 75 s−1 and different shear temperatures of 65 °C, 70 °C and 75 °C, respectively.
A noble-metal-free nanocatalyst for highly efficient and complete hydrogen evolution from N2H4BH3
Authors: Yao Qilu , Lu Zhang-Hui , Zhang Rui , Zhang Shiliang , Chen Xiangshu , Jiang Hai-Long
Published: February 2018

A noble-metal-free catalyst has been firstly developed to achieve excellent catalytic activity and 100% H2selectivity toward hydrogen generation from hydrazine borane.
Salivary polypeptide/hyaluronic acid multilayer coatings act as “fungal repellents” and prevent biofilm formation on biomaterials
Authors: Wen Jianchuan , Yeh Chih-Ko , Sun Yuyu
Published: February 2018

Candida-associated denture stomatitis (CADS) is a common, recurring clinical complication in denture wearers that can lead to serious oral and systemic health problems. Polyelectrolyte layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly technology on denture materials offers a new design principle for controlling fungal biofilm formation.
Alginate dialdehyde meets nylon membrane: a versatile platform for facile and green fabrication of membrane adsorbers
Authors: Khan M. Kamran , Luo Jianquan , Wang Zhaoshuai , Khan Rashid , Chen Xiangrong , Wan Yinhua
Published: February 2018

Alginate dialdehyde, a biocompatible polymer, is used as an intermediate layer on a nylon membrane to readily fabricate different membrane adsorbers.
In situ growth of all-inorganic perovskite nanocrystals on black phosphorus nanosheets
Authors: Huang Hao , Li Jia , Yi Ya , Wang Jiahong , Kang Yihong , Chu Paul K. , Ong H. C. , Yu Xue-Feng
Published: February 2018

We demonstrate a novel low-dimensional nanohybrid structure consisting of all-inorganic perovskite nanocrystals growing in situ on two-dimensional black phosphorus nanosheets.
Encoding matter with regiospecific 12C/13C isotopic labels
Authors: La Clair James J.
Published: February 2018

Molecules offer excellent vehicles for encoding messages. This article demonstrates how the regiospecific incorporation of non-natural isotope ratios provides a superb signal for molecular encryption.