bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COX7A1 suppresses the viability of human non‐small cell lung cancer cells via regulating autophagy
Authors: Zhao Lei , Chen Xin , Feng Yetong , Wang Guangsuo , Nawaz Imran , Hu Lifu , Liu Pengfei
Published: October 2019

COX7A1 is a subunit of cytochrome c oxidase, and plays an important role in the super‐assembly that integrates peripherally into multi‐unit heteromeric complexes in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. In recent years, some researchers have identified that COX7A1 is implicated in human cancer cell metabolism and therapy. In this study, we mainly explored the effect of COX7A1 on the cell viability of lung cancer cells. COX7A1 overexpression was induced by vector transfection in NCI‐H838 cells. Cell proliferation, colony formation and cell apoptosis were evaluated in different groups. In addition, autophagy was analyzed by detecting the expression level of p62 and LC3, as well as the tandem mRFP‐GFP‐LC3 reporter assay respectively. Our results indicated that the overexpression of COX7A1 suppressed cell proliferation and colony formation ability, and promoted cell apoptosis in human non‐small cell lung cancer cells. Besides, the overexpression of COX7A1 blocked autophagic flux and resulted in the accumulation of autophagosome via downregulation of PGC‐1α and upregulation of NOX2. Further analysis showed that the effect of COX7A1 overexpression on cell viability was partly dependent of the inhibition of autophagy. Herein, we identified that COX7A1 holds a key position in regulating the development and progression of lung cancer by affecting autophagy. Although the crosstalk among COX7A1, PGC‐1α and NOX2 needs further investigation, our study provides a novel insight into the therapeutic action of COX7A1 against human non‐small cell lung cancer.
PTEN promotes intervertebral disc degeneration by regulating nucleus pulposus cell behaviors
Authors: Xi Yongming , Ma Jinfeng , Chen Yan
Published: October 2019

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is induced by multiple factors including increased apoptosis, decreased survival, and reduced extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis in the nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. The tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted from chromosome 10 (PTEN) is the only known lipid phosphatase counteracting the PI3K/AKT pathway. Loss of PTEN leads to activated PI3K/AKT signaling, which plays a key role in a variety of cancers. However, the role of PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling nexus in IDD remains unknown. Here, we report that PTEN is overexpressed in degenerative NP, which correlates with inactivated AKT. Using the PTEN knockdown approach by lentivirus‐mediated short interfering RNA gene transfer technique, we report that PTEN decreases survival but induces apoptosis and senescence of NP cells. PTEN also inhibits expression and production of ECM components including collagen II, aggrecan, and proteoglycan. Furthermore, PTEN modulates the expression of ECM regulatory molecules SOX‐9 and matrix metalloproteinase‐3 (MMP‐3). Using small‐molecule AKT inhibitor GDC‐0068, we confirm that PTEN regulates NP cell behaviors through its direct targeting of PI3K/AKT. These findings demonstrate for the first time that PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling axis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of IDD. Targeting PTEN using gene therapy may represent a promising therapeutic approach against disc degenerative diseases.
Electrified Nanoconfined Biocatalysis with Rapid Cofactor Recycling
Authors: Megarity Clare F. , Siritanaratkul Bhavin , Cheng Beichen , Morello Giorgio , Wan Lei , Sills Adam J. , Heath Rachel S. , Turner Nicholas J. , Armstrong Fraser A.
Published: October 2019

In living cells, the overall rates of catalytic reaction chains (cascades) are massively enhanced by nanoconfinement of enzymes in tiny enclosed volumes: presented in such a way, interdependent catalysts are highly concentrated, and distances (active site‐to‐active site) across which intermediates and cofactors must diffuse, may be tiny. In a parallel technology exploiting this principle, enzyme cascades are powered, amplified, and monitored in real time as they work in concert, being nanoconfined within the pores of an electrically conductive metal oxide electrode. The technology, nicknamed the electrochemical leaf, mimics chloroplast biosynthesis by exploiting nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADP(H)) recycling catalysed by the flavoenzyme, ferredoxin NADP+ reductase (FNR). Adsorbed on the inner walls of the nanopores, FNR rapidly transfers electrons between the electrode and NADP(H). This activity is coupled to an oxidoreductase enzyme, also nanoconfined within the pores, which recycles the cofactor and selectively synthesises a desired product or senses an analyte. Use of catalyst and cofactor is very efficient. The technology is simple, inexpensive and adaptable, and scalable to both microscopic levels (diagnostics) and macroscopic levels (organic synthesis). Whereas native FNR is specific for NADP(H), the technology can be extended by genetic engineering to include NAD(H) as recycling cofactor.
Understanding the Role of SnO2 Support in Water‐Tolerant Methane Combustion: In situ Observation of Pd(OH)2 and Comparison with Pd/Al2O3
Authors: Barrett William , Shen Jing , Hu Yongfeng , Hayes Robert E. , Scott Robert W. J. , Semagina Natalia
Published: October 2019

Quantitative analysis of poisonous Pd hydroxide phase formation during methane combustion in the presence of water is performed via in situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy from 200 to 500 deg C for palladium catalysts supported on tin and aluminum oxides. Water presence inhibits oxidation of the metallic Pd; for the Pd/Al2O3 catalyst the major oxidation product is Pd(OH)2, with PdO being the dominant phase on the Pd/SnO2 system. Tin dioxide is reduced during methane oxidation in the presence of water, regardless of the excess oxygen in the feed. Temperature‐programmed surface reactions at anaerobic and low‐oxygen conditions revealed that the Pd/SnO2 catalyst has an inability to catalyze methane steam reforming, as opposed to Pd/Al2O3. We suggest that tin oxide extracts hydroxyls from the PdO surface, which makes the latter more active in methane combustion in the presence of water but inactive in methane steam reforming.
Recent Advances in Electrochemical Chalcogen (S/Se)‐Functionalization of Organic Molecules
Authors: Martins Guilherme M. , Meirinho Anne G. , Ahmed Nisar , Braga Antonio L. , Mendes Samuel R.
Published: October 2019

Achieving advances in the development of clean and efficient synthetic routes has become an important aim in research. In recent years, the search for new sustainable methodologies, notably environmentally benign synthetic procedures, has gained the attention of the scientific community. Electrosynthesis is a tool that has been extensively studied due to its potential application in chemical transformations and it adheres to the principles of green chemistry. Organochalogen compounds form an important class of molecules, since many of them have properties that can be applied in medicine and materials science. Thus, herein we provide a comprehensive and updated overview covering recent advances in the electrochemical C(sp2)−H bond chalcogenation of activated arenes and heterocycles as well as electrochemical chalcogenation through oxidative cross‐coupling reactions and chalcogen‐functionalization of alkenes/alkynes. The scope, limitations, and mechanisms are described and discussed, detailing the fundamental aspects and benefits of electrochemistry for the chalcogenation of organic compounds. The content of this Minireview demonstrates that it is possible to provide new synthetic routes and to improve the existing methodologies, to obtain processes more in line with current environmental protection aims. The reader will also find a discussion on the fundamental aspects and benefits of applying electrosynthesis to the assembly and operation of an electrolytic cell.
Development of QCM humidity sensors using anodized alumina film
Authors: Yamamoto Nobuo , Yamaguchi Tomiharu , Hara Kazuhiro
Published: October 2019

Humidity sensors based on QCM (quartz crystal microbalance) have been developed using an anodized alumina thin‐film as a sensing material. An aluminum thin‐film is deposited on a silver‐coated quartz crystal by electron beam deposition and is anodized in an acid solution. The resultant alumina film is porous. The resonant frequency gradually decreases from 5% to 94% relative humidity (RH) and steeply changes near 100% RH. This result shows that the sensor can be used as a dew‐point sensor as well as a humidity sensor. The response times to the humidity changes from 27% to 59% RH and from 59% to 27% RH are less than 5 s. The sensor shows reversible response to some gases such as ethanol, toluene, and acetone vapors in addition to airborne particles such as pollen.
Sensitive Determination of Folic Acid using a Solid Bismuth Microelectrode by Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry
Authors: Gęca Iwona , Korolczuk Mieczyslaw
Published: October 2019

An adsorptive stripping voltammetric procedure of folic acid determination with the use of a new voltammetric sensor with a prolonged application‐solid bismuth microelectrode was described. The proposed microelectrode is characterized by more eco‐friendly properties as compared to in situ formed bismuth film electrodes due to the fact that bismuth ions are not needed as a component of supporting electrolyte for metal film plating. Furthermore the above mentioned fact simplifies and shortens a measurements procedure. Parameters affected folic acid determination were studied. After a procedure optimization the calibration graph was found to be linear in the range: 5×10−10 to 1×10−8 mol L−1 (accumulation time: 120 s). The obtained detection limit of folic acid determination for accumulation time of 120 s was 1.8×10−10 mol L−1. Possible interferences deriving from a presence of other organic and surface active compounds were studied. The analysis of pharmaceutical preparation was positively performed following the presented procedure.
Economic feasibility of biochar and agriculture coproduction from Canadian black spruce forest
Authors: Keske Catherine , Godfrey Todd , Hoag Dana L.K. , Abedin Joinal
Published: October 2019

This study calculates the economic feasibility of converting biomass from black spruce forests into biochar and using it as soil amendment to grow potatoes (Solanum tuberosumL.) and beets (Beta vulgarisL.) to improve food availability in one of Canada's most consistently food insecure provinces. The trees were clear cut for the construction of the controversial Muskrat Falls hydroelectric dam and have been left to decay due to a lack of economically feasible processing options. A stochastic analysis conducted on a biochar production budget of a slow pyrolysis mobile biochar unit reveals fixed and variable cost estimates of $505.14 Mg−1and $499.13 Mg−1, respectively. Applying the biochar as a soil amendment for local beet or potato production makes the biochar venture profitable. Beet field trial data from the study region using 10 t C biochar application rates increases beet yield from 2.9 Mg/ha to 11.4 Mg/ha with a midline increase of 5.59 Mg/ha. A stochastic analysis with variable prices and yields shows a 0.99 probability of biochar production being profitable when applied to beets at the midline production rate, with an average annualized net return over variable costs of $4,953 ha−1, and maximum annualized net return of $11,288 ha−1, over variable costs. Potato production yields average annualized net returns of $965.48 ha−1over variable costs, but with much more downside risk, considering the minimum annualized net return of −$318.82 ha−1over variable costs. Biochar application covers average total costs for beets but not potatoes. Using biochar from forest biomass as a soil amendment presents an opportunity to create a local market for biochar in a remote area of Canada, where biochar may be used as an experimental soil amendment to improve food security.
A rapid approach to optimize the design of fragrances for fabric care products
Authors: Zhan Wenting , Doro Franco , Teixeira Miguel A.
Published: October 2019

The design of fragrances for laundry products which deliver a prolonged odor intensity at key consumer touch points is an ongoing challenge in the fragrance industry. Current fragrance development practices are based on the combination of perfumery expertise (eg creation of classic and modern odor themes such as Chypre or Fougère) with technical know‐how (eg chemical–physical properties of fragrance ingredients). However, due to the complexity of such multi‐component mixtures this process still requires a significant number of trial and error cycles throughout the fragrance development process to achieve the desired odor intensity and character requirements. To improve the efficiency of the fragrance development process, we have combined simple, high throughput analytical methods with psychophysical models, to predict the intensity and character of fragrances at three key consumer touch points for laundry products. The predicted results have shown a good agreement with experimental ones, making this approach useful in the early research phase for defining the structure/backbone of highly performing fragrance themes.
The geography of suicide in older adults in Hong Kong: An ecological study
Authors: Guo Yingqi , Chau Patsy P.H. , Chang Qingsong , Woo Jean , Wong Moses , Yip Paul S.F.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

The geography of suicide has been widely explored among the general population. However, little is known of the geographic variations in suicides among the older adults and their spatial correlates. This study aims to explore the spatial variations in the elderly suicide rates and their correlates in Hong Kong.

Methods

Bayesian hierarchical models have been used to estimate smoothed standardized mortality ratios (2006‐2015) on suicide in people aged 65 years or older in each geographic unit in Hong Kong. Their associations with the Social Vulnerability Index and the accessibility of eight types of services (ie, recreational services, rehabilitation services, food services, daily necessity services, community services, and transportation services) were further analyzed.

Results

The results suggested that compared with the simple “inner‐city high suicide rate and suburban low” pattern in the Western studies and the “central low suicide rate and peripheral high” pattern in the Asian studies, the spatial variations of elderly suicides in Hong Kong exhibit a much more complicated pattern. In Hong Kong, higher elderly suicide clusters were found in both the lower‐density areas located in the New Territories and in some inner‐city areas. The spatial variations of suicide in the older adults cannot be explained by the Social Vulnerability Index. Instead, service provision such as recreational services, daily necessity resources, and community centers played a more significant role in affecting suicides in the older adults.

Conclusions

Strengthening public services, providing more public spaces and activities, and making good use of the community resources might be key and efficient strategies in elderly suicide prevention in Hong Kong.

Key points

The spatial variations of elderly suicides in Hong Kong show a much more complicated pattern compared with the simple “inner‐city high suicide rate and suburban low” pattern in the Western countries and the “central low suicide rate and peripheral high” pattern in some of the Asian countries.

In Hong Kong, suicide rates in the city centers were not higher than the average in the city. Clusters of higher suicide rates were mainly found in the New Territories, which is somewhat disconnected from the city and, in some inner‐city neighborhoods, with high‐density population.

The spatial variations of suicide in the older adults in Hong Kong cannot be explained by the neighborhood Social Vulnerability Index as in the existing literature.

Neighborhood service provision such as recreational services, daily necessity resources, and community centers played a significant role in affecting suicides in the older adults in Hong Kong.
Preliminary clinical experience with the 4 K3‐dimensional microvideoscope (VITOM 3D) system for free flap head and neck reconstruction
Authors: De Virgilio Armando , Mercante Giuseppe , Gaino Francesca , Yiu Phil , Mondello Tiziana , Malvezzi Luca , Colombo Giovanni , Pellini Raul , Spriano Giuseppe
Published: October 2019

Background

To demonstrate the use of a 4 K 3‐dimensional microvideoscope (VITOM 3D) system for free flap head and neck reconstruction.

Methods

Clinical human study of free flap harvesting and microvascular anastomosis in patients undergoing reconstruction after ablative surgery for head and neck carcinoma. The video shows the harvesting of a chimeric myofascial/fascio‐cutaneous anterolateral thigh free flap and microvascular anastomosis using different techniques.

Results

The VITOM 3D exoscope system provided sufficient access, reach, and visualization to perform successfully free flap harvesting and microvascular anastomosis. Using the 3D glasses, both surgeons and nurses can have the same visualization throughout the entire procedure. We performed 10 arterial and venous anastomosis without significant complications.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the technical feasibility of free flap harvesting and microvascular anastomosis using the 4 K3‐Dimensional Microvideoscope (VITOM 3D) System.
Influences of forest canopy on snowpack accumulation and isotope ratios
Authors: von Freyberg Jana , Bjarnadóttir Tanja Rut , Allen Scott Thomas
Published: October 2019

The stable water isotopes, 2H and 18O, can be useful environmental tracers for quantifying snow contributions to streams and aquifers, but characterizing the isotopic signatures of bulk snowpacks is challenging because they can be highly variable across the catchment landscape. In this study, we investigate one major source of isotopic heterogeneity in snowpacks: the influence of canopy cover. We measured amounts and isotopic compositions of bulk snowpack, throughfall, and open precipitation during seven campaigns in mid‐winter 2018 along forest‐grassland transects at three different elevations (1196, 1297, and 1434 m above sea level) in a pre‐Alpine catchment in Switzerland. Snowpack storages under forest canopies were 67 to 93% less than in adjacent open grasslands. On average, the water isotope ratios were higher in the snowpacks under forest canopy than in open grasslands (by 13.4 ‰ in δ2H and 2.3 ‰ in δ18O). This isotopic difference mirrored the higher isotope values in throughfall compared with open snowfall (by 13.5 ‰ in δ2H and 2.2 ‰ in δ18O). Although this may suggest that most of the isotopic differences in snowpacks under forests versus in open grasslands were attributable to canopy interception effects, the temporal evolution of snowpack isotope ratios indicated preferential effluxes of lighter isotopes as energy inputs increased and the snowpack ripened and melted. Understanding these effects of forest canopy on bulk snowpack snow water equivalent and isotopic composition are useful when using isotopes to infer snowmelt processes in landscapes with varying forest cover.
The impact of flow discharge on the hydraulic characteristics of headcut erosion processes in the gully region of the Loess Plateau
Authors: Shi Qianhua , Wang Wenlong , Guo Mingming , Chen Zhuoxin , Feng Lanqian , Zhao Man , Xiao Hai
Published: October 2019

Headcut erosion is associated with major hydraulic changes induced by the gully head of concentrated flow. However, the variation in the hydraulic characteristics of the headcut erosion process is still not clear in the gully region of the Loess Plateau. A series of rainfall combined scouring experiments (flow discharges ranging from 3.6 to 7.2 m3 hr−1, with 0.8 mm min−1 rainfall intensity) were conducted on experimental plots to clarify the variation in the hydraulic parameters induced by gully head and erosion processes under different flow discharges. The results showed that concentrated flows in the catchment area and gully bed were turbulent (Reynolds number ranging from 1,876 to 6,693) and transformed between supercritical and subcritical (Froude number ranging from 0.96 to 3.73). The hydraulic parameters, such as the flow velocity, Reynolds number, shear stress, stream power, Darcy–Weisbach friction factor, and unit stream power in the catchment area were 0.45–0.59 m s−1, 2086–6693, 1.96–5.33 Pa, 0.89–2.86 W m−2, 0.08–0.16, and 0.023–0.031 m s−1, respectively. When the concentrated flows dropped from the gully head, the hydraulic parameters in the gully bed decreased by 3.39–26.07%, 1.49–29.99%, 65.19–67.14%, 67.25–74.96%, 28.53–61.31%, and 67.82–77.14%, respectively, which contributed to the flow energy consumption at the gully head. As flow discharge increased, Reynolds number, shear stress, and stream power increased, while flow velocity, Froude number, unit stream power, and Darcy–Weisbach friction factor did not. The flow energy consumption at the gully head was 9.66–10.13, 13.25–13.74, 15.68–16.41, and 19.28–20.25 J s−1, respectively, under different flow discharges and accounted for 60.58–68.50% of the flow energy consumption of the experimental plots. Generally, the sediment discharges increased rapidly at the initial stage, then increased slowly, and finally reached a steady state condition, which showed a significant declining logarithmic trend with experimental duration (P<.01) and increased with increasing flow discharge. Accordingly, the flow energy consumption was significantly correlated with the sediment yield. These findings could improve our understanding of the hydraulic properties and flow energy characteristics of headcut erosion.
Does financial crisis impact earnings management? Evidence from Turkey
Authors: Türegün Nida
Published: October 2019

This study attempts to display the impact of global financial crisis of 2008 on earnings management (EM) compare with the period before and after with the case of listed manufacturing firms in Borsa Istanbul for the period of 2007–2012. Furthermore, it deepens the EM literature by concentrating on an emerging economy. Discretionary accruals (DA) were computed using the modified Jones model as a measure of EM. Moreover, this study examines EM behavior by separating firms into firms with positive and negative DA. The results of this study registered a high level of EM in firms throughout the postcrisis period.
Use of Propofol Plus Dexmedetomidine in Patients Experiencing Severe Alcohol Withdrawal in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Love Kaylie , Zimmermann Anthony E.
Published: October 2019

Alcohol abuse and alcohol withdrawal syndrome are major problems in the United States. This retrospective chart review assessed efficacy and safety of propofol plus dexmedetomidine used in combination as adjunctive therapy to benzodiazepines compared with either agent used alone in the treatment of severe alcohol withdrawal. Patients admitted to the intensive care unit and experiencing severe alcohol withdrawal between September 1, 2015 and September 30, 2018 were assessed for eligibility. Primary end points were change in the revised Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol scale (CIWA‐Ar) score and incidence of bradycardia and hypotension. The combination of propofol and dexmedetomidine was associated with a change in CIWA‐Ar score of −10.4 (95%CI −13.5 to −7.3) points compared with −4.7 (95%CI −6.6 to −2.8) points with propofol and −4.4 (95%CI −7.4 to −1.4) with dexmedetomidine (P = .21). Bradycardia was experienced by 11.1% of patients receiving the combination, 15.4% of patients receiving propofol, and 28.6% of patients receiving dexmedetomidine (P = .40). Patients receiving dexmedetomidine experienced hypotension at a rate of 21.4% compared with 22.2% of patients receiving the combination and 38.5% of patients receiving propofol (P = .08). Patients in the combination group also had a shorter length of hospital and intensive care unit stay and shorter time to extubation when compared with the propofol and dexmedetomidine groups. Although no statistical significance was found, the combination was associated with better efficacy and safety outcomes than produced by either agent used alone.
A multicenter prospective registration study on laparoscopic pancreatectomy in Japan: report on the assessment of 1,429 patients
Authors: Ohtsuka Takao , Nagakawa Yuichi , Toyama Hirochika , Takeda Yutaka , Maeda Atsuyuki , Kumamoto Yusuke , Nakamura Yoshiharu , Hashida Kazuki , Honda Goro , Fukuzawa Kengo , Toyoda Eiji , Tanabe Minoru , Gotohda Naoto , Matsumoto Ippei , Ryu Tomoki , Uyama Ichiro , Kojima Toru , Unno Michiaki , Ichikawa Daisuke , Inoue Yosuke , Matsukawa Hiroyoshi , Sudo Takeshi , Takaori Kyoichi , Yamaue Hiroki , Eguchi Susumu , Tahara Munenori , Shinzeki Makoto , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Kurata Masanao , Morimoto Mamoru , Hayashi Hiromitsu , Marubashi Shigeru , Inomata Masafumi , Kimura Kenjiro , Amaya Koji , Sho Masayuki , Yoshida Ryuichi , Murata Akihiro , Yoshitomi Hideyuki , Hakamada Kenichi , Yasunaga Masafumi , Abe Nobutsugu , Hioki Masayoshi , Tsuchiya Masaru , Misawa Takeyuki , Seyama Yasuji , Noshiro Hirokazu , Sakamoto Eiji , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Kawabata Yasunari , Uchida Yoichiro , Kameyama Shinichiro , Ko Saiho , Takao Takashi , Kitahara Kenji , Nakahira Shin , Baba Hideo , Watanabe Masahiko , Yamamoto Masakazu , Nakamura Masafumi
Published: October 2019

Background

Prospective studies are needed to understand the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic pancreatectomy. The aim of the present study was to describe laparoscopic pancreatectomy currently undertaken in Japan, using a prospective registration system.

Methods

Patient characteristics and planned operations were registered preoperatively, and then the performed operation and outcomes were reported using an online system. Collected data were also compared between institutions based on their level of experience. This study was registered with UMIN000022836.

Results

Available data were obtained from 1,429 patients at 100 Japanese institutions, including 1,197 laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies (LDPs) and 232 laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomies (LPDs). The rates of completion for planned operations were 92% for LDP and 91% for LPD. Postoperative complication rates after LDP and LPD were 17% and 30%, and 90‐day mortality rates were 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively. Shorter operation time, less blood loss, and lower incidence of pancreatic fistula were observed in institutions experienced in LDP. A higher rate of pure laparoscopic procedure and shorter operation time were noted in institutions experienced with LPD.

Conclusion

LDPs and LPDs are performed safely in Japan, especially in experienced institutions. Our data could support the next challenges in the field of laparoscopic pancreatectomy.
Applying the Behavioural and Social Sciences Research (BSSR) Functional Framework to HIV Cure Research
Authors: Dubé Karine , Auerbach Judith D , Stirratt Michael J , Gaist Paul
Published: October 2019

Introduction

The search for an HIV cure involves important behavioural and social processes that complement the domains of biomedicine. However, the field has yet to tap into the full potential of behavioural and social sciences research (BSSR). In this article, we apply Gaist and Stirratt’s BSSR Functional Framework to the field of HIV cure research.

Discussion

The BSSR Functional Framework describes four key research domains: (1) basic BSSR (understanding basic behavioural and social factors), (2) elemental BSSR (advancing behavioural and social interventions), (3) supportive BSSR (strengthening biomedically focused clinical trials), and (4) integrative BSSR (building multi‐disciplinary combination approaches for real‐world implementation). In revisiting and applying the BSSR Functional Framework, we clarify the importance of BSSR in HIV cure research by drawing attention to such things as: how language and communication affect the meaning of “cure” to people living with HIV (PLHIV) and broader communities; how cure affects the identity and social position of PLHIV; counselling and support interventions to address the psychosocial needs and concerns of study participants related to analytical treatment interruptions (ATIs); risk reduction in the course of ATI study participation; motivation, acceptability, and decision‐making processes of potential study participants related to different cure strategies; HIV care providers’ perceptions and attitudes about their patients’ participation in cure research; potential social harms or adverse social events associated with cure research participation; and the scalability of a proven cure strategy in the context of further advances in HIV prevention and treatment. We also discuss the BSSR Functional Framework in the context of ATIs, which involve processes at the confluence of the BSSR domains.

Conclusions

To move HIV cure regimens through the translational research pathway, attention will need to be paid to both biomedical and socio‐behavioural elements. BSSR can contribute an improved understanding of the human and social dimensions related to HIV cure research and the eventual application of HIV cure regimens. The BSSR Functional Framework provides a way to identify advances, gaps and opportunities to craft an integrated, multi‐disciplinary approach at all stages of cure research to ensure the real‐world applicability of any strategy that shows promise.
Evidence of noncovalent complexes in some natural extracts: Ceylon tea and mate extracts
Authors: Crotti Sara , D'Aronco Sara , Moracci Laura , Tisato Francesco , Porchia Marina , Mattoli Luisa , Burico Michela , Bedont Stella , Traldi Pietro , Agostini Marco
Published: October 2019

Considering the high complexity of natural extracts, because of the presence of organic molecules of different chemical nature, the possibility of formation of noncovalent complexes should be taken into account. In a previous investigation, the formation of bimolecular complexes between caffeine and catechins in green tea extracts (GTE) has been experimentally proven by means of mass spectrometric and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. The same approaches have been employed in the present study to evaluate the presence of bimolecular complexes in Ceylon tea and mate extracts. The obtained results show that in the case of Ceylon tea extracts, protonated theaflavin is detectable, together with theaflavin/caffein complexes, while caffeine/catechin complexes, already detected in green tea, are still present but at lower concentration. This aspect is evidenced by the comparison of precursor ion scans performed on protonated caffeine for the two extracts. The spectra obtained in these conditions for GTE and Ceylon tea show that the complexes of caffeine with epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), highy abundant in the case of GTE (signal‐to‐chemical noise ratio in the range 50‐100), are negligible (signal‐to‐chemical noise ratio in the range 2‐3) in the case of Ceylon tea. Mate extracts show the formation of bimolecular complexes involving caffeine but not catechins, and chlorogenic acid becomes responsible for other complex formation. Under positive ion and negative ion conditions, accurate mass measurements allow the identification of malealdehyde, chlorogenic acid, caffeine, two isomers of dicaffeoylquinic acid, rutin, and kaempferol‐3‐O‐rutinoside. These data indicate that the formation of complexes in natural extracts is a common behavior, and their presence must be considered in the description of natural extracts and, consequently, in their biological activity.
Prevalence and characteristics of Epstein‐Barr virus associated gastric carcinoma in Gansu Province, Northwest China with mRNA expression of glycoprotein BMRF2
Authors: Guo Chen , Wei Jing , Scott Rona S. , Chen Yonglin , Chen Zhifeng , Zhao Wenjie , Zhang Chenli , Wang Binsheng , Chai Chen , Dai Gan , Li Min , Zhang Fangfang
Published: October 2019

Gansu province is a region with the highest gastric cancer incidence and mortality in Northwest China. Epstein‐Barr virus‐associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC) is an important subtype of gastric cancer which shows specific clinicopathological features such as older‐age bias, male predominance, lower lymph‐node‐metastasis, and a better cancer‐related survival comparing to EBV‐negative gastric cancers. However, the prevalence of EBVaGC has never been studied in Gansu Province, Northwest China. The present study investigated the incidence, characteristics, and EBV messenger RNA (mRNA) profile of EBVaGC in this area. We have collected 270 stomach samples from gastric cancer patients and analyzed the presence of EBV DNA and EBV‐encoded small RNAs (EBERs) by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in situ hybridization, respectively. The EBV mRNA profiling was investigated by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT‐PCR). EBV DNA was detected in 51/95 patients (53.7%), while EBER transcripts were detected in 18/270 patients (6.7%). EBER positivity was significantly associated with older age and less lymph node metastasis, but no obvious association with gender or histological type of tumors. The expression of EBV genes was observed with different patterns, and the mRNA of glycoprotein BMRF2 was detected in EBVaGC. The present study showed unique clinicopathological features and mRNA expression patterns of EBVaGC in Gansu Province, Northwest China, suggesting that geographic variation can contribute to new epidemiological features in EBVaGC. The transcript of glycoprotein BMRF2 was observed consistently in EBVaGC, which may serve as a biomarker and play a role in the pathogenesis of EBVaGC in Gansu Province, Northwest China.
Interannual variations in rainfall of different intensities in South West of Western Australia
Authors: Philip Priya , Yu Bofu
Published: October 2019

Significant decreases in rainfall in South West of Western Australia (SWWA) over recent decades are of concern for water supply and agricultural production in the region. Total rainfall can be decomposed into light, medium and heavy rainfalls, and the land responds differently to these rainfall classes. Little, however, is known about changes in different rainfall classes in SWWA. The objective of this study is to quantify contributions from these rainfall classes to the decrease and interannual variations in rainfall, and to relate the decreases to station characteristics, that is, latitude, elevation and the mean annual rainfall, and to the large scale circulation pattern known as the Southern Annular Mode (SAM). Long‐term data for 30 stations were used, and daily rainfall was divided into three classes in such a way that they contributed equally (one third of the total) for each station. Trend and correlation analysis was applied to these classes. The decrease in heavy rainfall was mainly responsible for the decrease in total rainfall, followed by the medium and light rainfalls. The rate of decrease in heavy rainfall was 68% higher than, while that in light rainfall was about half, of the expected trend. Heavy rainfall exhibited a significant decreasing trend in winter and autumn but mildly increasing trend in summer. The number of heavy rain days also showed a significant decreasing trend. The rate of decrease relative to the mean was similar for both heavy rainfall and number of heavy rain days. Stations with a higher rainfall were more likely to experience a decrease in rainfall than those in the drier inland areas. Stations where rainfall was strongly correlated with SAM were mostly concentrated along the west coast of SWWA. The SAM index explained 9% of the variation in heavy rainfall and 11% in total rainfall for the region.
Laboratory and field investigations on freeze and gravity core sampling and assessment of coring disturbances with implications on gas bubble characterization
Authors: Dück Yannick , Lorke Andreas , Jokiel Christian , Gierse Johannes
Published: October 2019

The quantification of greenhouse gas emissions from aquatic ecosystems requires knowledge about the spatial and temporal dynamics of free gas in sediments. Freezing the sediment in situ offers a promising method for obtaining gas‐bearing sediment samples, unaffected by changes in hydrostatic pressure and sample temperature during core withdrawal and subsequent analysis. This article presents a novel freeze coring technique to preserve the in situ stratigraphy and gas bubble characteristics. Nondestructive X‐ray computed tomography (CT) scans were used to identify and characterize coring disturbances of gravity and freeze cores associated with gassy sediment, as well as the effect of the freezing process on the gas bubble characteristics. Real‐time X‐ray CT scans were conducted to visualize the progression of the freezing process. Additional experiments were conducted to determine the freezing rate to assess the probability of sediment particle/bubble migration, and gas bubble nucleation at the phase transition of pore water to ice. The performance of the freeze coring technique was evaluated under field conditions in Olsberg and Urft Reservoir (Germany). The results demonstrate the capability of the freeze coring technique for the preservation of gas‐bearing sediments and the analysis of gas bubble distribution pattern in both reservoirs. Nevertheless, the obtained cores showed that nearly all gravity and freeze cores show some degree of coring disturbances.
Treatment of Post‐Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Patients With Darker Skin Types Using a Low Energy 1,927 nm Non‐Ablative Fractional Laser: A Retrospective Photographic Review Analysis
Authors: Bae Yoon‐Soo Cindy , Rettig Samantha , Weiss Elliot , Bernstein Leonard , Geronemus Roy
Published: October 2019

Background and Objectives

Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can be difficult to treat especially in patients with darker skin types as darker skin carries increased epidermal melanin content. Various treatments available to improve the appearance of PIH may incite further pigmentation thus making treatment extremely difficult and frustrating. The purpose of this study was to perform a retrospective chart and photographic review to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of a low energy low density non‐ablative fractional1927 nm wavelength laser treatment for PIH in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV‐VI.

Study Design

A retrospective evaluation of 61 patients with PIH treated with a 1927 nm laser was conducted at a single center. Inclusion criteria required at least 2 treatment sessions so that before and after treatment photographs would be available for comparison and study purposes. Two blinded physician‐evaluators using a visual analog scale for percentage of pigmentary clearance in standard photographs assessed treatment efficacy.

Results

The mean percent improvement after treatment, evaluated by two dermatologists was 43.24%. The correlation between raters was statistically significant (Pearson's correlation coefficienct of r = 0.59, p < 0.0001). No side effects were observed in the patients treated with the 1927 nm laser.

Conclusion

The low energy low density non‐ablative fractional 1927 nm wavelength laser is a safe and effective modality for improving post inflammatory hyperpigmentation in patients with darker skin types. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Posttransplant Outcome of Lean Compared With Obese Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in the United States: The Obesity Paradox
Authors: Satapathy Sanjaya K. , Jiang Yu , Agbim Uchenna , Wu Cen , Bernstein David E. , Teperman Lewis W. , Kedia Satish K. , Aithal Guruprasad P. , Bhamidimarri Kalyan Ram , Duseja Ajay , Maiwall Rakhi , Maliakkal Benedict , Jalal Prasun , Patel Keyur , Puri Puneet , Ravinuthala Ravi , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Abdelmalek Manal F. , Ahmed Aijaz , Thuluvath Paul J. , Singal Ashwani K. ,   for the Global NAFLD Consortium
Published: October 2019

Morbid obesity is considered a relative contraindication for liver transplantation (LT). We investigated if body mass index (BMI; lean versus obese) is a risk factor for post‐LT graft and overall survival in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and non‐NASH patients. Using the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database, LT recipients from January 2002 to June 2013 (age ≥18 years) with follow‐up until 2017 were included. The association of BMI categories calculated at LT with graft and overall survival after LT were examined. After adjusting for confounders, all obesity cohorts (overweight and class 1, class 2, and class 3 obesity) among LT recipients for NASH had significantly reduced risk of graft and patient loss at 10 years of follow‐up compared with the lean BMI cohort. In contrast, the non‐NASH group of LT recipients had no increased risk for graft and patient loss for overweight, class 1, and class 2 obesity groups but had significantly increased risk for graft (P < 0.001) and patient loss (P = 0.005) in the class 3 obesity group. In this retrospective analysis of the UNOS database, adult recipients selected for first LT and NASH patients with the lowest BMI have the worse longterm graft and patient survival as opposed to non‐NASH patients where the survival was worse with higher BMI.
Board gender diversity and transparency of environmental, social and governance disclosure: Evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Wasiuzzaman Shaista , Wan Mohammad Wan Masliza
Published: October 2019

This study aims to investigate the effect of board gender diversity on the transparency of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures in an emerging market such as Malaysia. Dataset is comprised of 568 firm‐year observations from 78 firms listed on the Bursa Malaysia. Ordinary least squares regression analysis of the data shows that ESG disclosure scores are significantly improved with the increasing presence of women directors on corporate boards. However, when the individual components are studied, the impact of board gender diversity varies. This study contributes to the limited but growing literature on ESG reporting quality and board gender diversity especially in emerging economies.
Identification of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome via newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency. Two years’ experience in Catalonia (Spain)
Authors: Martin‐Nalda Andrea , Cueto‐González Anna M. , Argudo‐Ramírez Ana , Marin‐Soria Jose L. , Martinez‐Gallo Monica , Colobran Roger , Plaja Albert , Castells Neus , Riviere Jacques , Tizzano Eduardo F. , Soler‐Palacin Pere
Published: October 2019

Background

The current scenario of newborn screening is changing as DNA studies are being included in the programs of several countries. Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) disorders can be detected using quantitative PCR assays to measure T‐cell receptor excision circles (TRECs), a byproduct of correct T‐cell development. However, in addition to SCID, other T‐cell‐deficient phenotypes such as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome 22q11.2 duplication syndrome, CHARGE syndrome, and trisomy 21 are detected.

Methods

We present our experience with the detection of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and 22q11.2 duplication syndrome in a series of 103,903 newborns included in the newborn screening program of Catalonia (Spain).

Results

Thirty newborns tested were positive (low TREC levels) and five were found to have copy number variations at the 22q11 region (4 deletions and 1 duplication) when investigated with array comparative genomic hybridization technology and MLPA.

Conclusion

Newborn screening for SCID enables detection of several conditions, such as 22q syndromes, which should be managed by prompt, proactive approaches with adequate counseling for families by a multidisciplinary team.
ALADDIN: Docking Approach Augmented by Machine Learning for Protein Structure Selection Yields Superior Virtual Screening Performance
Authors: Fan Ningning , Bauer Christoph A. , Stork Conrad , de Bruyn Kops Christina , Kirchmair Johannes
Published: October 2019

Protein flexibility and solvation pose major challenges to docking algorithms and scoring functions. One established strategy for addressing these challenges is to use multiple protein conformations for docking (all‐against‐all ensemble docking). Recent studies have shown that the performance of ensemble docking can be improved by selecting the most relevant protein structures for docking. In search for a robust approach to protein structure selection, we have come up with an integrated mAchine Learning AnD DockINg approach (ALADDIN). ALADDIN employs a battery of random forest classifiers to select, individually for each compound of interest, from an ensemble of protein structures, the single most suitable protein structure for docking. ALADDIN outperformed the best single‐structure docking runs, ensemble docking and a similarity‐based docking approach on three out of four investigated targets, with up to 0.15, 0.11 and 0.16 higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values, respectively. Only in the case of cytochrome P450 3A4, ALADDIN, like any of the other tested approaches, failed to obtain decent performance. ALADDIN can be particularly useful for structure‐based virtual screening of malleable proteins, including kinases, some viral enzymes and anti‐targets.
Analytical approximate solutions for local fractional wave equations
Authors: Jassim Hassan Kamil
Published: October 2019

The analytical approximate solutions of the wave equation with local fractional derivative operators (LFDOs) are utilized in this manuscript. The reduced differential transform method (RDTM) and Laplace decomposition method (LDM) are investigated in the LFDOs sense. The results obtained by the local fractional RDTM are compared with the results obtained by local fractional LDM. The efficiency of the considered methods is illustrated by some examples.
Approximate solutions to the conformable Rosenau‐Hyman equation using the two‐step Adomian decomposition method with Padé approximation
Authors: Akgül Ali , Aliyu Aliyu Isa , Inc Mustafa , Yusuf Abdullahi , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: October 2019

This paper adopts the Adomian decomposition method and the Padé approximation techniques to derive the approximate solutions of a conformable Rosenau‐Hyman equation by considering the new definition of the Adomian polynomials. The Padé approximate solutions are derived along with interesting figures showing both the analytic and approximate solutions.