bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curcumin attenuates proangiogenic and proinflammatory factors in human eutopic endometrial stromal cells through the NF‐κB signaling pathway
Authors: Chowdhury Indrajit , Banerjee Saswati , Driss Adel , Xu Wei , Mehrabi Sherifeh , Nezhat Ceana , Sidell Neil , Taylor Robert N. , Thompson Winston E.
Published: September 2018

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological inflammatory disorder in which immune system dysregulation is thought to play a role in its initiation and progression. Due to altered sex steroid receptor concentrations and other signaling defects, eutopic endometriotic tissues have an attenuated response to progesterone. This progesterone‐resistance contributes to lesion survival, proliferation, pain, and infertility. The current agency‐approved hormonal therapies, including synthetic progestins, GnRH agonists, and danazol are often of limited efficacy and counterproductive to fertility and cause systemic side effects due to suppression of endogenous steroid hormone levels. In the current study, we examined the effects of curcumin (CUR, diferuloylmethane), which has long been used as an anti‐inflammatory folk medicine in Asian countries for this condition. The basal levels of proinflammatory and proangiogenic chemokines and cytokines expression were higher in primary cultures of stromal cells derived from eutopic endometrium of endometriosis (EESC) subjects compared with normal endometrial stromal cells (NESC). The treatment of EESC and NESC with CUR significantly and dose‐dependently reduced chemokine and cytokine secretion over the time course. Notably, CUR treatment significantly decreased phosphorylation of the IKKα/β, NF‐κB, STAT3, and JNK signaling pathways under these experimental conditions. Taken together, our findings suggest that CUR has therapeutic potential to abrogate aberrant activation of chemokines and cytokines, and IKKα/β, NF‐κB, STAT3, and JNK signaling pathways to reduce inflammation associated with endometriosis.
Noncoding RNA in NK cells
Authors: Yang Chuan , Shen Chongyang , Feng Ting , Li Hong
Published: September 2018

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNA) are important regulators that modulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, the cell cycle, and DNA methylation. NK cells mediate the immune response via the secretion of various cytokines and are important innate immune cells in the human immune system. Recent studies have found that ncRNA plays an important role in NK cell development and function. With recent advances in bioinformatics and next-generation sequencing, novel ncRNAs have been identified, allowing us to more fully appreciate its functions in NK cell biology. In this review, we summarize and discuss the latest studies on the functions and regulatory mechanisms of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and microRNA in NK cells from the viewpoint of epigenetic mechanisms to help us clearly understand ncRNA in NK cells.

Review of how lncRNA and microRNA regulate NK cell function and development.
Roles for T/B lymphocytes and ILC2s in experimental chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Donovan Chantal , Starkey Malcolm R , Kim Richard Y , Rana Batika M J , Barlow Jillian L , Jones Bernadette , Haw Tatt Jhong , Mono Nair Prema , Budden Kurtis , Cameron Guy J M , Horvat Jay C , Wark Peter A , Foster Paul S , McKenzie Andrew N J , Hansbro Philip M
Published: September 2018

Pulmonary inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by both innate and adaptive immune responses; however, their specific roles in the pathogenesis of COPD are unclear. Therefore, we investigated the roles of T and B lymphocytes and group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) in airway inflammation and remodelling, and lung function in an experimental model of COPD using mice that specifically lack these cells (Rag1−/− and Rorafl/flIl7rCre [ILC2-deficient] mice). Wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice, Rag1−/−, and Rorafl/flIl7rCre mice were exposed to cigarette smoke (CS; 12 cigarettes twice a day, 5 days a week) for up to 12 weeks, and airway inflammation, airway remodelling (collagen deposition and alveolar enlargement), and lung function were assessed. WT, Rag1−/−, and ILC2-deficient mice exposed to CS had similar levels of airway inflammation and impaired lung function. CS exposure increased small airway collagen deposition in WT mice. Rag1−/− normal air- and CS-exposed mice had significantly increased collagen deposition compared to similarly exposed WT mice, which was associated with increases in IL-33, IL-13, and ILC2 numbers. CS-exposed Rorafl/flIl7rCre mice were protected from emphysema, but had increased IL-33/IL-13 expression and collagen deposition compared to WT CS-exposed mice. T/B lymphocytes and ILC2s play roles in airway collagen deposition/fibrosis, but not inflammation, in experimental COPD.

T/B lymphocytes and ILC2s play roles in airway fibrosis but not inflammation in a mouse model of experimental COPD.
Microenvironmental signals govern the cellular identity of testicular macrophages
Authors: Meinhardt Andreas , Wang Ming , Schulz Christian , Bhushan Sudhanshu
Published: September 2018

Testicular macrophages (TM) comprise the largest immune cell population in the mammalian testis. They are characterized by a subdued proinflammatory response upon adequate stimulation, and a polarization toward the immunoregulatory and immunotolerant M2 phenotype. This enables them to play a relevant role in supporting the archetypical functions of the testis, namely spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. During infection, the characteristic blunted immune response of TM reflects the need for a delicate balance between a sufficiently strong reaction to counteract invading pathogens, and the prevention of excessive proinflammatory cytokine levels with the potential to disturb or destroy spermatogenesis. Local microenvironmental factors that determine the special phenotype of TM have just begun to be unraveled, and are discussed in this review.

The immunosuppressive M2 macrophage phenotype of testicular macrophages is determined by the testicular microenvironment to maintain the immune privilege of the testis.
Genetic and antigenic characterization of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in Yantai, China, during the 2009–2017 influenza season
Authors: Liu Juan , Gong Lian‐feng , Xu Ying‐chun , Sun Zhen‐lu , Gao Qiao , Dong Zhao‐jing
Published: September 2018

Objective

This study was performed to determine the antigenic and genetic characteristics and evaluate potential vaccine efficacy of influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 in Yantai from August 2009 to August 2017.

Materials and Methods

A total of 10  236 swabs were collected among patients with an influenza‐like illness who were admitted to two sentinel surveillance hospitals in Yantai, East China, from August 2009 to August 2017. All specimens were cultured in Madin‐Darby canine kidney cells and identified by haemagglutination‐inhibition assay. Complete sequences of haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase of 51 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 strains circulating in Yantai were amplified, sequenced and analysed using molecular and phylogenetic methods. The potential vaccine efficacy was calculated using the p
epitope model which measured the antigenic variation based on the changes in the dominant epitope of HA.

Results

The results showed that most Yantai strains were grouped into genetic clades 1.7, 6C, 6B.1 and 6B.2. The amino acid substitutions accumulated gradually in HA proteins and considerable genetic variation were observed in circulating A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses during the seven influenza seasons. The V241I, N369K, N386K and K432E mutations which may change the binding pattern and affinity of oseltamivir for neuraminidase were detected in the strains circulating in 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 seasons and the recommended vaccine strains could afford optimal protection against the influenza A/H1N1pdm09.

Conclusions

Although influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses acquired significant genetic variation over the course of seven influenza seasons, the recommended vaccine strains still afforded protection against main circulating strains. Continuous epidemiological and virological surveillance are necessary.
Molecular dissection of cone photoreceptor‐enriched genes encoding transmembrane and secretory proteins
Authors: Papal Samantha , Monti Christopher E. , Tennison Mackenzie E. , Swaroop Anand
Published: September 2018

Cone photoreceptors mediate color perception and daylight vision through intricate synaptic circuitry. In most mammalian retina, cones are greatly outnumbered by rods and exhibit inter‐dependence for functional maintenance and survival. Currently, we have limited understanding of cone‐specific molecular components that mediate response to extrinsic signaling factors or are involved in communication with rods and other retinal cells. To fulfill this gap, we compared the recently‐published transcriptomes of developing S‐cone‐like photoreceptors from the Nrl−/− mouse retina with those of rods and identified candidate genes responsible for cone cell functions and communication. We generated an in silico expression profile of 823 genes that encode candidate transmembrane and secretory proteins and are up‐regulated in Nrl−/− cone photoreceptors compared to wild type cones. In situ hybridization analysis validated high expression of seven of the selected candidate genes in the Nrl−/− retina. To examine their relevance to cone function, we performed in vivo knockdown of Epha10 in the Nrl−/− retina and demonstrated aberrant morphology and mislocalization of the photoreceptor cell bodies. Thus, the receptor tyrosine kinase Ephrin type‐A receptor 10 appears to influence cone morphogenesis. Our studies reveal novel cone‐enriched genes involved in interaction of cones with other retinal cell types and provide a framework for examining molecular pathways associated with intercellular communication.
Increasing Australian pharmacy's role in meeting national and international antimicrobial resistance objectives
Authors: Keitaanpaa Samuel , Thomas David P. , Hefler Marita , Cass Alan
Published: September 2018

The 2016 G20 summit recognised the threat of antimicrobial resistance as not just a health issue, but also one that poses an economic risk to many counties and requires global efforts and collaboration to tackle. Australia is already implementing strategies to mitigate the risk of antimicrobial resistance but acknowledges that newer antibiotics are not the only solution and that more needs to be done in the primary health sector. This article explains how the pharmacy profession is positioned to help meet these needs by expanding roles and activities already undertaken by pharmacies and augmenting them to help meet the national strategy around tackling antimicrobial resistance. The factors that would need to be addressed to ensure this is done in a way that strengthens the profession and promotes collaboration with other health professions on local, national and international levels are discussed.
Surface Properties of Glucose‐Based Surfactants and Their Application in Textile Dyeing with Natural Dyes
Authors: Lin Li‐Huei , Chu Hawn‐Chung , Chen Keng‐Ming , Chen Shih‐Chieh
Published: September 2018

In this study, propylene glycol‐based glycosides were obtained using an acetalization reaction in which glucose was first reacted with propylene glycol. Subsequently, the propylene glycol glycoside was reacted with alkyl glycidyl ether of varying carbon chain lengths (i.e., 08‐G, 10‐G, 12‐G, 14‐G, and 16‐G) to synthesize a series of glucose‐based biodegradable surfactants. The experimental results show that the surface activity of the C8–C12 glucose‐based surfactants increases with the carbon chain length. However, the surface activity of the C14–C16 glucose‐based surfactants decreased as the carbon chain length increased. Among all the surfactants, the C12 glucose‐based surfactant exhibited the most efficient emulsification ability, lowest surface tension, lowest fluorescence intensity, highest zeta potential, and good emulsification stability. The glucose‐based surfactants were used as additives in natural plant dyes made from turmeric or henna to dye wool fabrics. Higher color strengths were observed in the C14 glucose‐based surfactant.
The significance of mucin pools following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Reynolds Ian S , McNamara Deborah A , Kay Elaine W , O’Neill Brian , Deasy Joseph , Burke John P
Published: September 2018

Background

Neoadjuvant chemo‐radiotherapy is utilized for locally advanced rectal cancer to optimize local control. A subset of patients form mucin pools following radiotherapy but the association between mucin pools and pathological and oncological outcomes following curative proctectomy for rectal cancer remains unknown.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the significance of mucin pool formation after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained rectal cancer database. Patients who underwent curative proctectomy for rectal cancer following long course chemoradiotherapy between January 2007 and December 2016 were eligible for inclusion.

Results

A total of 297 patients were eligible for inclusion; of these 36 (12.1%) had mucin pools on final histopathology. Tumors with mucin pools were less likely to be ypT3/T4 (25.0 vs 51.0%,
P = 0.003), were more likely to have a good response (83.3 vs 53.6%,
P < 0.001) and more likely to have a pathologic complete response (41.7 vs 19.2%,
P = 0.006) to radiotherapy. The presence of mucin pools was associated with less distant recurrence (
P < 0.05) and improved overall survival (
P = 0.02).

Conclusions

The presence of mucin pools following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer represents a surrogate marker of response to treatment and downstaging and is associated with improved survival.
A new strategy based on fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography for managing liver metastasis from colorectal cancer
Authors: Watanabe Akira , Harimoto Norifumi , Araki Kenichiro , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Arima Kota , Yamashita Yoichi , Baba Hideo , Tetsuya Higuchi , Kuwano Hiroyuki , Shirabe Ken
Published: September 2018

Background

Prognostic models are needed to manage liver metastasis from colorectal cancer (CRLM). Thus, we developed an algorithm to guide treatment based on the standardized uptake value (SUV) from fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET).

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 148 patients who underwent surgery for CRLM, including 107 cases of primary surgery and 41 cases with preoperative chemotherapy before conversion surgery. We evaluated the prognostic value of perioperative SUV among primary surgery cases, as well as the prognostic value of the SUV change ratio after conversion surgery (postchemotherapy/prechemotherapy SUV).

Results

In the primary surgery group, recurrence‐free survival (RFS) was independently predicted by an SUV of ≥6.04 (P = 0.042) and ≥4 liver metastases (
P = 0.003). The combination of an SUV of ≥6.04 and ≥4 liver metastases was strongly associated with poor RFS (
P < 0.001). In the conversion surgery group, the SUV change ratio was associated with tumor size change and pathological response. An SUV change ratio of ≥0.293 was associated with shorter RFS (
P = 0.006) and independently predicted RFS (
P = 0.026). We established a therapeutic algorithm for managing CRLM based on these results.

Conclusion

FDG‐PET may be useful for predicting recurrence and prognosis in cases of CRLM, and our algorithm may be useful for managing multiple CRLMs.
Diagnostic ion‐oriented identification and simultaneous quantification of chemical components in Allium chinense G. Don
Authors: Qin Zifei , Lin Pei , Yao Zhihong , Chen Zilin , Yu Yang , Dai Yi , He Xiangjiu , Zhou Hua , Yao Xinsheng
Published: September 2018

Allium chinense G. Don, a popular edible condiment with reputation of Ganoderma lucidum in vegetables, exerts significant health effects for treating coronary disease but chemical compounds and corresponding contents still remain unclear. In this study, a total of 80 chemical compounds were detected in Allium chinense extracts based on a summarized fragmentation pattern, of which 32 were unambiguously identified with reference standards. Furthermore, a practical and feasible method was developed and validated for simultaneous quantification of 18 chemical compounds, of which 17 compounds were steroidal saponins, by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry. In addition, it was known that the contents of quantitative compounds varied significantly among multiple Allium chinense samples. Moreover, chemometric analysis results suggested that chinenoside I, macrostemonoside B, and chinenoside II were the most important markers responsible for poor consistency. Taken altogether, this study would be helpful for the chemical authentication and quality control of Allium chinense samples.
Gas chromatography selectivity of new phosphonium‐based dicationic ionic liquid stationary phases
Authors: Patil Rahul A. , Talebi Mohsen , Sidisky Leonard M. , Berthod Alain , Armstrong Daniel W.
Published: September 2018

Three phosphonium‐based dicationic ionic liquids were synthesized as bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide salts. The three dications had a nonyl spacer between two identical phosphonium‐substituted groups. The three phosphonium moieties were dipropyl(phenyl), diphenyl(propyl), and diphenyl(toluyl). The physicochemical properties of the dicationic ionic liquids were appropriate to prepare 30 m capillary columns that were tested in gas chromatography. A unique selectivity compared to different polysiloxane or polar cyanosiloxane commercial columns was observed for selected mixes of phthalates, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorobiphenyls, and dioxins. Only minor selectivity variations were observed with the three dicationic ionic liquids. The different number of aromatic rings on the positively charged phosphonium group did not influence the dicationic ionic liquid selectivity significantly.
Combination of liquid‐based column separations with surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Týčová Anna , Klepárník Karel
Published: September 2018

Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy is a constantly developing analytical method providing not only high‐sensitive quantitative but also qualitative information on an analyte. Thus, it is reasonable that it has been tested as a promising detection method in column separations. Although its implementation in analytical separations is not widespread, some surprising results, like enormous signal enhancement and demonstrations of single‐molecule identifications, proved in only a few special examples, indicate the potential of the method. The high detection sensitivity and selectivity would be of paramount importance in trace analyses of biologically relevant molecules in complex matrices. However, the combination of surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy with column separation methods brings two principal issues. Interactions of analytes with metal substrates can cause deteriorations of separations and the detection can be affected by background electrolytes or elution agents. Thus, in principle, this review is on the experimental and methodological solutions to these problems. First, theoretical and practical aspects of Raman scattering, and excitation of surface plasmon in colloid suspensions of nanoparticles and on planar nanostructured substrates are briefly explained. Advances in experimental arrangements of on‐line and at‐line couplings with column liquid phase separation methods, including microfluidic devices, are described together with chosen analytical applications.
Toward measuring biogeochemistry within the stream‐groundwater interface at the network scale: An initial assessment of two spatial sampling strategies
Authors: Lee‐Cullin J. A. , Zarnetske J. P. , Ruhala S. S. , Plont S.
Published: September 2018

It is important to understand how point measurements across spatially heterogeneous ecosystems are scaled to represent these systems. Stream biogeochemistry presents an illustrative example because water quality concerns within stream networks and recipient water bodies motivate heterogeneous watershed studies. Measurements of the stream water‐groundwater (SW‐GW) interface (i.e., the shallow stream subsurface) are well‐documented for point‐scale sampling density measurements (i.e., cm2–m2 features), but poorly characterized for network‐scale sampling density measurements (i.e., km2; stream reaches and networks). Sampling the SW‐GW interface is more time and labor intensive than surface water sampling, meaning sample point selection must be made with care for network‐scale analyses. In this study, we endeavor to determine which of two common spatial sampling schemes is appropriate for characterizing SW‐GW interface biogeochemistry across a third‐order stream network, focusing on dissolved organic carbon. The first scheme, called Local Sampling, focuses on characterizing small‐scale (< 10 m2) variability produced by the local physical and biogeochemical heterogeneity, with fewer points across the stream network. The second scheme, called Longitudinal Sampling, has approximately the same number of measurements distributed over many more points across the stream network with less local variability characterization. This comparison reveals that selection of a Local Sampling versus a Longitudinal Sampling scheme influences the biogeochemical pattern interpretation at the stream network scale. Additionally, this study found that increasing observation efforts at the local scale added limited information for reach‐ to network‐scale biogeochemical patterns, suggesting that emphasis should be placed on characterizing variability across broader spatial scales with the Longitudinal Sampling approach.
Is cash always king? Bundling product–cause fit and product type in cause‐related marketing
Authors: Chang Chun‐Tuan , Chen Pei‐Chi , (Marcos) Chu Xing‐Yu , Kung Ming‐Tsung , Huang Yi‐Feng
Published: September 2018

In traditional cause‐related marketing (CRM) campaigns, companies support a cause by donating a portion of the proceeds from product sales (i.e., monetary giving). Recently, some companies have used the funds to buy something or just donate their own products for the beneficiaries (i.e., nonmonetary giving). We compare these two giving styles along with two moderators: product–cause fit and product type. Three experiments with various sampling methods (mall intercept data and online pool) and donation information (percentage of sales price, the amount of the product price, or one‐for‐one campaign) are conducted to enhance the robustness of the results. Study 1 shows that when the product and the cause fit well together, the nonmonetary giving strategy evokes a more positive consumer attitude and a stronger purchase intention than does the monetary giving strategy. When the product–cause fit is low, the opposite holds true. Studies 2 and 3 consider product type and product–cause fit simultaneously. When the product–cause fit is high, nonmonetary giving is more effective than monetary giving, regardless of the product type. On the other hand, when the product–cause fit is low, nonmonetary giving is more effective in promoting utilitarian products, but monetary giving is more effective in promoting hedonic products. In Study 3, consumer attributions regarding the company's motives for making the donation (i.e., inferred motives) is used to explain the underlying mechanism.
Celebrity versus film persona endorsements: Examining the effect of celebrity transgressions on consumer judgments
Authors: Kennedy Amanda , Baxter Stacey M. , Ilicic Jasmina
Published: September 2018

This study introduces film personas (e.g., Hermione Granger, Jack Sparrow, Bridget Jones) as effective brand endorsers. A three study, mixed‐method approach is used. Results show that a film persona (e.g., Legolas, from Lord of The Rings, vs. celebrity,
Orlando Bloom) is a more (less) effective endorser (i.e., resulting in more positive attitudinal and behavioral judgments). Exploratory findings indicate that this may be due to film personas possessing a tight (vast) association set, which is more (less) easily transferred onto the endorsed brand. Results of this study also illustrate that endorsed brands are shielded from the negative effects of celebrity transgressions when they are featured as their film persona in an endorsement. This study has important implications for advertisers in the choice and execution of their advertisements featuring celebrities.
Quality improvement of clinic flow for complex genetic conditions: Using Ehlers–Danlos syndrome as a model
Authors: Prakash Preeti , Eble Tanya N. , Dhar Shweta U.
Published: September 2018

Background

Genetic providers face the challenge of having adequate time to conduct a comprehensive evaluation. Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos (hEDS) syndrome has a complex array of symptoms. An initial visit can involve approximately 60–80 min and an additional 45 min for the check‐in and checkout process. We propose a model to improve clinic flow and patient satisfaction by using: (a) pre‐appointment questionnaire (b) disease information sheet outlining basic management and (c) itinerary detailing the visit.

Methods

New patients were given a questionnaire, an EDS information sheet, and a visit itinerary. In the end, a patient satisfaction survey was administered containing 18 questions pertaining to their satisfaction with the questionnaire, the information sheet, and their overall visit. Completed surveys were turned in to the front desk to maintain anonymity.

Results

Based on the survey results, patient satisfaction toward the implementation of a questionnaire was overwhelmingly positive. Survey responders found that the itinerary was added to their understanding of the appointment process and that the hEDS information sheets were helpful, understandable, and appropriate in length. Respondents said that they strongly agreed or agreed with the following statements: (a) I was satisfied with the visit; (b) I now have a better understanding of my condition; (c) This visit was successful in addressing my most pressing concerns; and (d) I would recommend this clinic to others.

Conclusion

Designing a disease‐centered model that implements patient‐centered resources improves patient understanding and satisfaction for new hEDS patient visits. This model can be emulated in diagnosis and management of other complex genetic and nongenetic conditions.
A novel large germ line deletion in adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene associated with familial adenomatous polyposis
Authors: Pouya Farzaneh , Mojtabanezhad Shariatpanahi Afsaneh , Ghaffarzadegan Kamran , Tabatabaee Yazdi Seyed Abbas , Golmohammadzadeh Hamed , Soltani Ghodratollah , Aminian Toosi Kian , Kerachian Mohammad Amin
Published: September 2018

Background

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a familial colorectal cancer predisposition syndrome characterized by the development of numerous colorectal polyps, which is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. FAP is caused by germ line mutations in adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene. Here, we described the identification of a causative APC gene deletion associated with FAP in an Iranian family.

Methods

Diagnosis of FAP was based on clinical findings, family history, and medical records (colonoscopy and histopathological data) after the patients were referred to Reza Radiotherapy and Oncology Center, Iran, for colonoscopy. Blood samples were collected, and genomic DNA was extracted. APC mutation screening was conducted by target next‐generation sequencing and quantitative real‐time PCR.

Results

A novel heterozygous large deletion mutation, c.(135+1_136–1)_(*2113+1_*2114–1) spanning exon 3 to 16 [EX3_16 DEL] of APC gene (GenBank Accession# MG712911), was detected in a proband and all her affected relatives in five generations, which was absent in unaffected family members and normal controls.

Conclusions

This novel deletion is the first report, describing the largest deletion of APC gene. Our novel finding contributes to a more comprehensive database of germ line mutations of APC gene that could be used in medical practice for the molecular diagnosis, risk assessment susceptibility of the disease for the FAP patients.
Connectomic imaging reveals Huntington‐related pathological and pharmaceutical effects in a mouse model
Authors: Chang Wei‐Tang , Puspitasari Fiftarina , Garcia‐Miralles Marta , Yeow Ling Yun , Tay Hui‐Chien , Koh Katrianne Bethia , Tan Liang Juin , Pouladi Mahmoud A. , Chuang Kai‐Hsiang
Published: September 2018

Recent studies suggest that neurodegenerative diseases could affect brain structure and function in disease‐specific network patterns; however, how spontaneous activity affects structural covariance network (SC) is not clear. We hypothesized that hyper‐excitability in Huntington disease (HD) disrupts the coordinated structural and functional connectivity, and treatment with memantine helps to reduce excitotoxicity and normalize the connectivity. MRI was conducted to measure somatosensory activation, resting‐state functional‐connectivity (rsFC), SC, amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and ALFF covariance (ALFFC) in the YAC128 mouse model of HD. We found somatosensory activation was unchanged but the subcortical ALFF was increased in HD mice, indicating subcortical but not cortical hyperactivity. The reduced sensorimotor rsFC but spared hippocampal and default mode networks in the HD mice was consistent with the more pronounced impairment in motor function compared with cognitive performance. The disease suppressed SC globally and reduced ALFFC in the basal ganglia network as well as its anti‐correlation with the default mode network. By comparing these connectivity measures, we found that the originally coupled rsFC‐SC relationship was impaired whereas SC‐ALFFC correlation was increased by HD, suggesting disease facilitated covariation of brain volume and activity amplitude but not neural synchrony. The comparison with mono‐synaptic axonal projection supports the hypothesis that rsFC, but not SC or ALFFC, is highly dependent on structural connectivity under healthy conditions. Treatment with memantine had a strong effect on normalizing the SC and reducing ALFF while slightly increasing other connectivity measures and restoring the rsFC‐SC coupling, which is consistent with its effect on alleviating hyper‐excitability and improving the coordinated neural growth. These results indicate that HD affects the cerebral structure–function relationship which could be partially reverted by NMDA antagonism. These connectivity measures provide unique insights into pathological and pharmaceutical effects in brain circuitry, and could be translatable biomarkers for evaluating drug effect and refining its efficacy.
Dysmenorrhoea among students aged 18–45 years attending University in Uganda: A cross‐sectional multicenter study of three Universities in Uganda
Authors: Nakame Rose Mary , Kiwanuka Frank , Robert Afayo
Published: September 2018

Aim

Dysmenorrhoea presents as pain associated with menstruation. It is often an issue discussed privately, yet it continues to affect girls and women with grave impact on their education, social activities and work. This study sought to assess the factors associated with dysmenorrhoea among female students aged 18–45 years in three selected universities in Kampala Capital city, Uganda.

Design and Methods

The study was a cross‐sectional study conducted among 351 female students of three Universities in Kampala, Uganda. Purposive sampling methods were used. A self‐administered questionnaire was used for data collection, a 95% confidence interval was considered and analysis was done using SPSS version 20.

Results

Respondents (N = 351) fully completed the study out of 383 invited participants. The prevalence of dysmenorrhoea was 75.8%. Associated factors included having children (p < 0.05), daily consumption of sugary foods (p < 0.05) and family history of dysmenorrhoea (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

As nursing professionals, we believe comfort is a fundamental determinant of health. Therefore, evidence suggesting a high prevalence of dysmenorrhoea as revealed in this study is concerning. We recommend schools to have school clinics and school nurses who could help students during such days of discomfort. Further studies assessing the casual relationships of various correlates to dysmenorrhoea and the impact of dysmenorrhoea specifically on academic life of the students should be conducted.
Synthesis and optical properties of novel soluble and optically transparent semifluorinated poly (ether imide)s
Authors: Li Linshuang , Xu Yong , Che Jianfei , Ye Zhifeng
Published: September 2018

A fluorinated diamine monomer containing flexible ether linkage and bulky trifluoromethyl substituents, namely, bis(4‐amino‐2‐trifluoromethylphenyl) ether (a), is employed to react with nonfluorinated 1,4‐bis(3,4‐dicarboxyphenoxy) benzene dianhydride (3) and CF3‐free 2,2‐bis[4‐(3,4‐dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl] propane dianhydride (4), respectively, to prepare 2 novel soluble and optically transparent semi‐fluorinated poly (ether imide)s (PEIs; 3a and 4a). Compared with the corresponding PEIs based on nonfluorinated 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl ether (b) and CF3‐free pyromellitic dianhydride (5), the novel semifluorinated PEIs 3a and 4a not only display better solubility in some organic solvents and higher optical transparency with cutoff absorption wavelength (λ0) below 370 nm but also maintain outstanding mechanical properties and thermal stability. 3a and 4a have tensile strength beyond 80 MPa and possess glass‐transition temperatures (Tg) beyond 210°C, coupled with the temperatures of 5% weight loss (T5%) exceeding 500°C. It is also found that 3a and 4a exhibit contact angles against water beyond 110° and water absorptions below 0.8% together with dielectric constants less than 3.2.
Is hepatocellular carcinoma the same disease in children and adults? Comparison of histology, molecular background, and treatment in pediatric and adult patients
Authors: Weeda V. B. , Aronson D. C. , Verheij J. , Lamers W. H.
Published: September 2018

Pediatric hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is rare, resulting in scattered knowledge of tumor biology and molecular background. Thus far, the variant in children has been treated as a different entity from adult HCC. We weigh the hypothesis that HCC in the pediatric and adult groups may be the same entity and may benefit from the same treatment. Although certain differences between adult and pediatric HCC are obvious and certain types of HCC may ask for a customized approach, in conventional HCC, similarities predominate, warranting treatment aiming at common molecular targets in adult and pediatric HCC patients.
Compositionally Biased Dark Matter in the Protein Universe
Authors: Harrison Paul M.
Published: September 2018

Compositionally biased regions (BRs) occur when a few amino‐acid types are enriched in a protein segment. There are possibly BR types in the known protein universe that have not been characterized experimentally. The UniProt protein database has been surveyed for evidence of such compositionally ‘‘dark matter’’. A ‘‘dark biased region’’ (DBR) is defined as a biased region with low probability of being an individual structural domain or intrinsically disordered region. The bias annotation program fLPS is used to generate a list of >13 million BRs, which is then thoroughly filtered for structure and intrinsic disorder. About a third of BRs (31%) has both substantial intrinsic disorder and structure. After filtering, there are ≈0.9 million DBRs (≈7% of the original BRs in ≈1.4% of proteins). These DBRs are hugely enriched in eukaryotes and hugely depleted in bacteria. They tend to be more hydrophobic than other protein regions, but are made of less extreme combinations of hydrophobic/hydrophilic residues. Given varying assumptions, It has been estimated that how many DBRs there might be for the high bias levels examined (with p‐values < 1 × 10–06), deriving a reasonable range of 0.7–7.2% of proteins having such DBRs. Hypotheses are examined about what such DBRs might be, that is, that they are from un‐ or undersampled domain/region categories or are unappreciated categories somewhat like existing ones.
Updates of the In‐Gel Digestion Method for Protein Analysis by Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Goodman Jennifer K. , Zampronio Cleidiane G. , Jones Alexandra M. E. , Hernandez‐Fernaud Juan R.
Published: September 2018

The in‐gel digestion of proteins for analysis by liquid chromatograph mass spectrometry has been used since the early 1990s. Although several improvements have contributed to increasing the quality of the data obtained, many recent publications still use sub‐optimal approaches. Updates of the in‐gel digestion protocol has been presented in the study. It has been shown that alternative reducing, alkylating agent reactions, and tryptic digestion buffers increase peptide and protein identification and reduce incubation times. The results indicate that a simultaneous and short, high temperature reduction and alkylation reaction using Tris(2‐carboxyethyl)phosphine hydrochloride and chloroacetamide with a subsequent gel wash improve protein identification and sequence coverage, and diminish peptide side reactions. Additionally, use of 4‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)piperazine‐1‐ethanesulfonic acid buffer allows a significant reduction in the digestion time improving trypsin performance and increasing the peptide recovery. The updates of the in‐gel digestion protocol described here are efficient and offer flexibility to be incorporated in any proteomic laboratory.
Clinical outcomes in U.S. infants with cystic fibrosis from 2001 to 2012
Authors: Hoch Heather , Sontag Marci K. , Scarbro Sharon , Juarez‐Colunga Elizabeth , McLean Cindie , Kempe Allison , Sagel Scott D.
Published: September 2018

Background

All 50 United States implemented newborn screening (NBS) for cystic fibrosis (CF) by 2010. The purpose of this study was to evaluate trends over the decade when NBS became universal to determine current rates of malnutrition, stunting, and infection rates in U.S. infants with CF.

Methods

Annual data were obtained on infants with CF up to 24 months of age diagnosed between 2001 and 2010 in the CF Foundation Patient Registry (CFFPR), in both the years of and after diagnosis, including method of diagnosis, demographics, and growth parameters and microbiology.

Results

Data were obtained on 8178 infants diagnosed with CF. The percentage of infants diagnosed by NBS increased from 15% in 2001‐83% in 2012 (P < 0.001). Mean weight, length, and weight‐for‐length z‐scores in the year of diagnosis increased from 2001 to 2012 (Wt z‐score 2001: −1.32 (SD 1.41), 2012: −0.72 (SD 1.12); Ht z‐score 2001: −1.32 (SD 1.57), 2012 −0.60 (SD 1.21); Wt/Ht Z score 2001: −0.54 (SD 1.18), 2012: 0.06 (SD 1.05); P < 0.001 for each). The proportion of infants on pancreatic enzymes decreased from 94% in 2001‐83% in 2012 (P < 0.0001). Pseudomonas aeruginosa culture positivity in the diagnosis year decreased significantly (27% in 2001, 15% in 2012, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Nationwide implementation of CF NBS is temporally associated with significant improvements in growth outcomes and reductions in P. aeruginosa infections. Current rates of malnutrition, stunting, and airway infection present a target for early intervention and quality improvement efforts.
Internal migration dynamics in Spain: Winners and losers from the recent economic recession
Authors: Hierro María , Maza Adolfo , Villaverde José
Published: September 2018

This paper analyses the impact of the 2008 economic crisis on the spatial distribution of interprovincial migration in Spain, with a particular focus on changes in provinces' relative attractiveness. First, the paper examines the distribution of the net migration rate across provinces over the period 2002–2013. Next, by comparing the precrisis (2002–2007) and crisis (2008–2013) periods, the paper investigates which provinces became more attractive locations for migrants during the crisis and explores some of the factors behind it. The empirical evidence unveils two key results. First, major changes took place in spatial patterns of migration flows in Spain in the wake of the 2008 recession. Second, the rich provinces that best weathered the economic downturn, especially those with a relatively small construction sector and a good performance of industry and services, became appealing destinations during the crisis.
Changing in place? Neighbourhood change and place attachment among movers and stayers in Los Angeles
Authors: Sharp Gregory
Published: September 2018

Recent research on neighbourhood effects has stressed the importance of adopting a dynamic approach by incorporating residential mobility into analyses of neighbourhood change and individual outcomes. This study uses longitudinal data from the Los Angeles Family and Neighbourhood Survey to examine how changes in residential neighbourhood conditions shape two dimensions of place attachment—neighbourhood satisfaction and neighbouring—for people who leave the neighbourhood and for residents who remain in place. Results from fixed‐effects regression models present a nuanced picture of the ways in which changing neighbourhoods intersected with residential mobility shape individuals' attachments to place. Stayers tend to become less satisfied when their neighbourhoods are becoming more disadvantaged and diverse but also when they become more residentially stable, whereas movers are more satisfied when relocating to neighbourhoods with higher levels of ethnoracial diversity. Moreover, neighbourhood fear and victimisation reduce satisfaction for both movers and stayers, but stayers' neighbouring declines in response to heightened fear whereas movers neighbour less when victimised. These findings suggest that investigations of the effects of neighbourhood change on place attachment should examine movers and stayers separately to account for differential neighbourhood selection processes.
Contextual factors and prejudice at the beginning of the migrant influx: The Moroccan case in Seville, Spain
Authors: Iglesias‐Pascual Ricardo , Paloma Virginia , García‐Ramírez Manuel
Published: September 2018

Studies addressing contextual factors associated with anti‐immigrant prejudice have focused on out‐group size and rapid demographic changes in receiving locations. However, the territorial concentration and distribution of ethnic minorities at a local and intraurban level has received little attention. We analyse the relationship between emerging territorial concentration points—alongside other contextual variables—by Moroccans and receiving society's growing prejudice towards them in a city experiencing the start of a migrant influx. We combine survey and census data from five Seville districts (southern Spain). Our results show how rapid changes in the general population's ethnic composition, coupled with Moroccan and economic migrants' territorial concentration, correlate strongly with negative attitudes towards Moroccans at this early stage. However, a weaker relationship between the immigrant percentage and degree of prejudice by the receiving group is observed. We also discuss guidelines for ensuring good, local diversity management to prevent socioterritorial fragmentation in multicultural cities.
A statistical method to convert published response rates into marginal distributions with an example application in psoriasis
Authors: Petto Helmut , Mrowietz Ulrich , Wilhelm Stefan , Schacht Alexander
Published: September 2018

Assessment of severity is essential for the management of chronic diseases. Continuous variables like scores obtained from the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression or the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) are standard measures used in clinical trials of depression and psoriasis.

In clinical trials of psoriasis, for example, the reduction of PASI from baseline in response to therapy, in particular the proportion of patients achieving at least 75%, 90%, or 100% improvement of disease (PASI 75, PASI 90, or PASI 100), is typically used to evaluate treatment efficacy. However, evaluation of the proportions of patients reaching absolute PASI values (eg, ≤1, ≤2, ≤3, or ≤5) has recently gained greater clinical interest and is increasingly being reported. When relative versus absolute scores are standard, as is the case with the PASI in psoriasis, it is difficult to compare absolute changes using existing published data. Thus, we developed a method to estimate absolute PASI levels from aggregated relative levels. This conversion method is based on a latent 2‐dimensional normal distribution for the absolute score at baseline and at a specific endpoint with a truncation to allow for baseline inclusion criterion. The model was fitted to aggregated results from simulations and from 3 phase III studies that had known absolute PASI proportions. The predictions represented the actual results quite precisely. This model might be applied to other conditions, such as depression, to estimate proportions of patients achieving an absolute low level of disease activity, given absolute values at baseline and proportions of patients achieving relative improvements at a subsequent time point.
A vector‐based representation of the chemical bond for predicting competitive and noncompetitive torquoselectivity of thermal ring‐opening reactions
Authors: Azizi Alireza , Momen Roya , Morales‐Bayuelo Alejandro , Xu Tianlv , Kirk Steven R. , Jenkins Samantha
Published: September 2018

We present a new vector‐based representation of the chemical bond referred to as the bond‐path frame‐work set B = {p, q, r}, where p, q, and r represent three paths with corresponding eigenvector‐following paths with lengths H*, H, and the bond‐path length from the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM). We find that longer path lengths H of the ring‐opening bonds predict the preference for the transition state inward (TSIC) or transition state outward (TSOC) of thermal ring opening reactions in agreement with experiment for all five reactions R1‐R5. Competitiveness and noncompetitiveness have traditionally been considered using activation energies within transition state theory that is known to fail for thermal ring‐opening reactions. Consequently, we find that the activation energy for R3 does not satisfactorily determine competitiveness or provide consistent agreement with experimental yields. We choose a selection of five competitive and noncompetitive reactions; methyl‐cyclobutene (R1), ethyl‐methyl‐cyclobutene (R2), iso‐propyl‐methyl‐cyclobutene (R3), ter‐butyl‐methyl‐cyclobutene (R4), and phenyl‐methyl‐cyclobutene (R5). Therefore, in this investigation we provide a new criterion, within the QTAIM framework, to determine whether the reactions R1‐R5 are competitive or noncompetitive. We that find R2, R3, and R5 are competitive and R1 and R4 are noncompetitive reactions in contrast to the results from the activation energies, calling into question the reliability of activation energies.
Harnessing CRISPR/Cas 9 System for manipulation of DNA virus genome
Authors: Ebrahimi Saeedeh , Teimoori Ali , Khanbabaei Hashem , Tabasi Maryam
Published: September 2018

The recent development of the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (Cas9) system, a genome editing system, has many potential applications in virology. The possibility of introducing site specific breaks has provided new possibilities to precisely manipulate viral genomics. Here, we provide diagrams to summarize the steps involved in the process. We also systematically review recent applications of the CRISPR/Cas9 system for manipulation of DNA virus genomics and discuss the therapeutic potential of the system to treat viral diseases.