bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dysregulation of microRNA‐181b and TIMP3 is functionally involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Zhu Fu‐Xiang , Wu Heng‐Lan , Chen Jian‐Xiang , Han Bin , Guo Yin‐Feng 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis study aimed to study the roleof microRNA (miR)‐181b and its target TIMP3 in the development of diabetic nephropathy (DMN) via inhibiting the apoptosis of mesangial cells. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was adopted to compare the miR‐181b expression between subjects with diabetic nephropathy (DN) and normal control. In addition, luciferase assays were utilized to explore the regulatory relationship between TIMP3 and miR‐181b. Real‐time PCR and densitometry analysis were conducted to measure the levels of TIMP3 mRNA/protein in DMN or in cells treated by miR‐181b inhibitors, miR‐181b mimics, and TIMP3 siRNA. And the 3‐(4,5‐dimethythiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was adopted to study the effect of miR‐181b on cell survival and apoptosis. miR‐181b expression was much higher in the DN group, and the results of computational analysis identified TIMP3 as a miR‐181b target. The luciferase activity of cells transfected with wild‐type TIMP3 and mutant2 TIMP3 was significantly reduced, whereas the luciferase activity of cells transfected with mutant1 TIMP3 was evidently higher. Furthermore, a negative regulatory relationship was established between TIMP3 and miR‐181b expression with a correlation efficient of −0.5351. The levels of TIMP3 mRNA/protein expression were apparently increased in the DN group. In addition, the treatment of cells with miR‐181b mimics and TIMP3 siRNA remarkably lowered the levels of TIMP3 mRNA/protein, whereas the transfection of cells with miR‐181b inhibitors notably elevated the expression of TIMP3 mRNA/protein. miR‐181b promoted the survival of cells and inhibited their apoptosis. The miR‐181b expression was related to the development of DMN and could be used as a prognosis biomarker of DMN in the patients with DM.
Morpho‐palynological investigations of natural resources: A case study of Surghar mountain district Mianwali Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Qureshi Muhammad Naeem , Talha Naureen , Ahmad Mushtaq , Zafar Muhammad , Ashfaq Shomaila 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSurghar mountain belt has comparatively less natural resources of floral diversity because it is composed of minerals of different kinds making it less favorable for the growth of different vegetation. The pollen morphology of some selected plants from Surghar belt Mainwali has been evaluated. The pollen grains were measured and demonstrated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The examined plant specimens have a difference in size, shape, polarity, and their exine ornamentation. The pollen taxa show a huge variation in size and sculpture. Pollen fertility has also been estimated, shows that the selected plants are well‐known in the Surghar belt. The need of the hour is to conserve these plants having a higher fertility rate to cope with the deforestation in an area. The conclusion does not favor theories in which deforestation results in fast growth in population. It shows that the irrational management and unlawful cutting down of woods neglected by the forest department are the main causes of deforestation in the mountain belt of Mianwali. The findings show the importance of morphological characteristics in the identification of natural resource species in the area.
Tumor microenvironment as the “regulator” and “target” for gene therapy
Authors: Wu Jiayan , Chen Jie , Feng Yuanji , Tian Huayu , Chen Xuesi 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn this review, we focus on strategies for designing functional nano gene carriers, as well as choosing therapeutic genes targeting the tumor microenvironment. Gene mutations have a great impact on the occurrence of cancer. Thus, gene therapy plays a major role in cancer therapy and has the potential to cure cancer. Well‐designed gene therapy largely relies on effective gene carriers, which can be divided into viral carriers and non‐viral carriers. A gene carrier delivers functional genes to their intracellular target and avoids nucleic acids being degraded by nucleases in the serum. Most conventional cancer gene therapies only target cancer cells and do not appear to be sufficintly efficient to pass clinical trials. Accumulating evidence has shown that extending the therapeutic strategies to the tumor microenvironment, rather than the tumor cell itself, can allow more options for achieving robust anti‐cancer efficiency. In addition, unusual features between tumor microenvironment and normal tissues, such as a lower pH, higher glutathione and reactive oxygen species concentrations, and overexpression of some enzymes, facilitate the design of smart stimuli‐responsive gene carriers regulated by the tumor microenvironment. These carriers interact with nucleic acids and then form stable nanoparticles under physiological conditions. By regulation of the tumor microenvironment, stimuli‐responsive gene carriers are able to change their properties and achieve high gene delivery efficiency. Considering the tumor microenvironment as the “regulator” and “target” when designing gene carriers and choosing therapeutic genes shows significant benefit with respect to improving the accuracy and efficiency of cancer gene therapy.
Macrophage heterogeneity and plasticity in tuberculosis
Authors: Khan Arshad , Singh Vipul Kumar , Hunter Robert L , Jagannath Chinnaswamy 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Macrophages are the primary host cells for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), during its intracellular survival in humans. The pathogen has a remarkable capacity to survive within the hostile environment of macrophages. However, primary infection does not result in active TB disease in most individuals. The majority of individuals remain latently infected, wherein the bacteria are held in check by the host immune response. Nevertheless, such individuals can develop active TB later upon the decline in their immune status. In contrast, in a small fraction of infected individuals, the host immune response fails to control the growth of M. tuberculosis bacilli, and granulomatous TB develops progressively. Elucidating the molecular and phenotypic events that govern the outcome of the infection within macrophages is fundamental to understanding the key features of these cells that could be equally critical in infection control. The molecular details of the M. tuberculosis-macrophage interaction continue to be discerned, and emerging evidence suggests that macrophage population that participate in infection is heterogeneous. While the local environment and developmental origin could influence the phenotypic heterogeneity and functional plasticity of macrophages, M. tuberculosis has also been demonstrated to modulate the polarization of macrophages. In this review, we draw on work investigating specialized macrophage populations and their interactions with M. tuberculosis with respect to pathogenesis and specific immune responses. Understanding the mechanisms that control the repertoire of macrophage phenotypes and behaviors during infection may provide prospects for novel TB control strategies through modulation of immunobiological functions of macrophages.
Tunable Raman scattering enhancement via particle‐waveguide coupling
Authors: Kan Xue‐fen , Yin Cheng , Wu Jian , Li Bo‐wei , Han Qing‐bang 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSurface‐enhanced Raman scattering relies crucially on the formation of hot spots, which are usually difficult to fabricate and modulate. In this paper, the reverse symmetrical waveguide structure (RSW) is applied as the Raman scattering enhancement substrate, whereas gold nanoparticles are mixed with sample solution to achieve the effective coupling between localized surface plasmon (LSP) and the guided modes. Experimental results verify that the reverse symmetry results in a large penetration depth of the guided modes into the covering medium at resonance; thus, the coupling of waveguide modes can promote the resonant strength of the LSP of the nanoparticles. In return, the excitation of the nanoparticles also facilitates the coupling of incident energy into the guided modes. Finally, the Raman enhancement can be effectively adjusted by tuning the coupling efficiency of the waveguide. We illustrate such modulation by varying the guiding layer thickness, and the experimental results fit well with the theoretical model.
Reliability of Neck Mass Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound by Pediatric Emergency Physicians
Authors: Friedman Nir , Tseng Felicia , Savic Ranko , Diallo Mamadou , Fathi Kate , Mclean Lianne , Tessaro Mark O. 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesNeck masses are a common reason for presentations to the pediatric emergency department (PED). We sought to determine the agreement and time difference between point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) imaging by pediatric emergency physicians compared to radiology department imaging for children with neck masses in the PED.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of patients aged 0 to 18 years presenting to our tertiary PED who received both POCUS by a pediatric emergency physician and radiology department imaging. Charts were reviewed for POCUS diagnoses, final diagnoses, and imaging time metrics.ResultsSeventy‐five patients met the study criteria. In 58 of 75 cases there was agreement between the POCUS diagnosis and final diagnosis (κ = 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.6–0.83). There was agreement in 25 of the 28 cases in which POCUS examinations were performed by PED physicians with fellowship training in POCUS (κ = 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.72–1.00). The results for POCUS were generated in a median of 115 minutes (interquartile range, 68–185 minutes) before radiology department imaging results.ConclusionsPoint‐of‐care ultrasound imaging by pediatric emergency physicians for children with neck masses is a promising new POCUS application that may be able to save time in the PED.
Evaluation of the Performance of the Ultrasound (US) Elastographic Q‐Analysis Score Combined With the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System for Malignancy Risk Stratification in Prostate Nodules Based on Transrectal US–Magnetic Resonance Imaging Fusion Imaging
Authors: Ding Zhimin , Ye Xiuqin , Zhang Lei , Sun Yu , Ni Zhipeng , Liu Huiyu , Xu Jinfeng , Dong Fajin 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesThis study retrospectively evaluated the prognostic performance of the ultrasound elastographic Q‐analysis score (EQS) combined with the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) for malignancy risk stratification in prostate nodules based on transrectal ultrasound–magnetic resonance imaging fusion imaging.MethodsSixty‐two patients who were suspected to have PCa between October 2017 and May 2018 in our hospital were retrospectively evaluated. The performance of the EQS and PI‐RADS was evaluated by patients’ receiver operating characteristic curves in differentiating malignant and benign prostate nodules. The combination of the EQS and PI‐RADS methods for prostate imaging was evaluated.ResultsSixty‐two prostate nodules in 62 patients were included. All of the patients underwent biopsy; 29 cases were prostate cancer, and the rest were benign prostate lesions. Both the EQS and PI‐RADS were significantly higher in malignant nodules than in benign nodules. The sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and Youden index of an EQS cutoff of 2.05 were 86.2%, 81.8%, 85.9%, 4.73, 0.169, 80.6%, 87.1%, and 68%, respectively. The corresponding numbers for a PI‐RADS cutoff of 4 were 82.7%, 69.7%, 84.2%, 2.72, 0.25, 70.6%, 82.1%, and 52.4%. The “tandem” method had a higher diagnostic specificity (87.9%), positive likelihood ratio (6.55), and positive predictive value (85.1%). The “parallel” method had a higher diagnostic sensitivity (96.5%), negative likelihood ratio (0.06), and negative predictive value (95.2%).Conclusionsboth the EQS and PI‐RADS had good diagnostic performance in differentiating between malignant and benign prostate lesions. The combination of the EQS and PI‐RADS improved the diagnostic performance to a certain degree.
Tunable Engineered Extracellular Matrix Materials: Polyelectrolyte Multilayers Promote Improved Neural Cell Growth and Survival
Authors: Landry Michael J. , Gu Kaien , Harris Stephanie N. , Al‐Alwan Laila , Gutsin Laura , De Biasio Daniele , Jiang Bernie , Nakamura Diane S. , Corkery T. Christopher , Kennedy Timothy E. , Barrett Christopher J. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPoly‐d‐lysine (PDL) and poly‐l‐lysine are standard surfaces for culturing neural cells; however, both are relatively unstable, costly, and the coated surface typically must be prepared immediately before use. Here, polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) are employed as highly stable, relatively inexpensive, alternative substrates to support primary neural cell culture. Initial findings identify specific silk‐based PEMs that significantly outperform the capacity of PDL to promote neuronal survival and process extension. Based on these results, a library of PEM variants, including commercial and bio‐sourced polyelectrolytes, is generated and three silk‐based PEMs that substantially outperform PDL as a substrate for primary neurons in cell culture are identified. Further, testing these PEM variants as substrates for primary oligodendrocyte progenitors demonstrates that one silk‐based PEM functions significantly better than PDL. These findings reveal specificity of cellular responses, indicating that PEMs may be tuned to optimally support different neural cell types.
Corrosion protection of aluminum alloy by epoxy coatings containing polyaniline modified graphene additives
Authors: Yuan Ting Hui , Zhang Zhen Hua , Li Jin , Zhang Da Quan , Gao Li Xin , Li Wen Ge , Fan Zhi Feng 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn the study, polyaniline/reduced‐graphene oxide (PANI‐RGO) composites, fabricated by loading 2, 5, and 8wt% graphene oxide, was prepared by in‐situ emulsion polymerization and reduction. They are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Epoxy coatings adding PANI and PANI‐RGO composites were coated on the surface of AA5083 Al alloy. The anticorrosion performance of the coatings is measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization curve in 3.5wt% NaCl solution. The results demonstrate that the epoxy/PANI‐RGO coating exhibits a better protection against AA5083 alloy corrosion compared with the epoxy/PANI coating. Enhancement of the passivation performance of PANI was obtained by the addition of RGO into epoxy/PANI coating system.
Nitridation of grate in a biomass‐fired boiler
Authors: Montgomery Melanie , Dahl Kristian V. , Grumsen Flemming B. , Kværndrup Frederik B. , Hald John 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAfter a straw‐fired power plant in Denmark had been in operation for 16 years with 93,815 hr operation, there was a need for overlay welding repair of the grate due to a decrease in wall thickness from erosion/corrosion. The grate consisted of 15Mo3 (Werkstoff nr. 1.5415) tubes where water/steam flows through, which were welded together with fins, and where one side faced the combustion zone coming into contact with the fuel (the side that required weld overlay). The water/steam temperature was 320°C and the surface metal temperature was estimated to be 350°C. However, there were difficulties when trying to overlay weld the grate as the weld pool was unstable. The microhardness measurements on cross‐sections of the tubes revealed a higher hardness of the tube facing the combustion zone compared to opposite the combustion zone. In addition, there was higher hardness adjacent to the combustion side than the steam/water side. Analysis of etched cross‐sections with light optical and scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of acicular structures at the convex surface. Further analysis has been conducted with X‐ray diffraction and a LECO nitrogen analyser indicating the presence of iron nitrides. Reasons for their evolution and implications for the repair welding are discussed.
Evaluation of corrosion resistance of multipass friction stir processed AZ31 magnesium alloy
Authors: Liu Dejia , Shen Mingxue , Tang Yanchuan , Hu Yong , Zhao Longzhi 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMultipass friction stir processing (FSP) is an effective method to produce a homogeneous microstructure and enhance the mechanical properties of magnesium (Mg) alloys. However, few studies have concentrated on the variation of corrosion resistance of Mg alloys during multipass FSP. Electrochemical alternating current (AC) impedance, polarization behavior, hydrogen evolution, and corrosion morphology were used to investigate the effects of subsequent passes on the corrosion resistance of FSP AZ31 plates. A quasi‐in‐situ observation of the growth of corrosion products was carried out to further study the corrosion behaviors of FSP AZ31 alloy. It is found that subsequent passes could further reduce the grain size of FSP AZ31 alloy and result in an increase in the hardness compared with the first pass. Moreover, subsequent passes are beneficial to the improvement in the corrosion resistance of AZ31 alloy. Pitting corrosion occurs in FSP AZ31 plates, which has not changed after subsequent passes.
Application whole exome sequencing for the clinical molecular diagnosis of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy; identification of four novel nonsense mutations in four unrelated Chinese DMD patients
Authors: Zhang Yan , Yang Weikang , Wen Guoming , Wu Yanxia , Jing Zhiliang , Li Dazhou , Tang Minshan , Liu Guanglong , Wei Xuxuan , Zhong Yan , Li Yanhua , Deng Yongjian 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundDuchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common form of inherited muscular dystrophy. Germline mutations in dystrophin (DMD) gene cause DMD, with a X‐linked recessive mode of inheritance. Patients with DMD are usually characterized by weakness of muscle, usually started since childhood and gradually the patient will unable to stand and walk.MethodsIn our present study, we identified four unrelated Chinese patients with DMD from four Chinese families. Whole exome sequencing was performed for genetic molecular analysis for these probands.ResultsWhole exome sequencing and confirmatory Sanger sequencing identified four novel nonsense mutations in these four unrelated Chinese patients, respectively. All these four mutations lead to the formation of a truncated DMD protein by formation of a premature stop codon. According to the variant interpretation guidelines of American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), these four novel nonsense mutations are categorized as “likely pathogenic” variants.ConclusionOur present finding not only identified four novel loss‐of‐function mutations in dystrophin (DMD) gene but also strongly emphasized the significance of whole exome sequencing as the most efficient way of identifying the candidate genes and mutations which enables us for easy and rapid clinical diagnosis, follow‐up, and management of DMD patients.
Association of PTPN22 polymorphism and its correlation with Graves' disease susceptibility in Polish adult population—A preliminary study
Authors: Wawrusiewicz‐Kurylonek Natalia , Koper‐Lenkiewicz Olga Martyna , Gościk Joanna , Myśliwiec Janusz , Pawłowski Przemysław , Krętowski Adam Jacek 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundSusceptibility to Graves' disease (GD) is determined by various genetic factors; the gene encoding protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPN22) may be one of those associated with higher risk of GD. The aim was to estimate the association of the PTPN22 gene polymorphism rs2476601:c.C>T (c.1858C>T) with the predisposition to GD within the adult north‐eastern Polish population.MethodsPTPN22 gene polymorphism was analyzed in individuals with clinical GD history (n = 166) and healthy subjects (n = 154). The presence of different variants of the investigated gene polymorphism was estimated using the DNA Sanger sequencing method.ResultsPatients with GD had a more frequent occurrence of the T gene allele of PTPN22 gene compared to the control group, however, it was not significant (p = 0.257). Analysis of genotype distribution showed significantly more frequent occurrence of TT homozygote in GD patients compared to control individuals (p = 0.016, OR = 9.28). Patients with ophthalmopathy had a less frequent occurrence of the T gene allele of PTPN22 gene compared to patients without ophthalmopathy, however, it was not significant (p = 0.12). Occurrence of the T gene allele of PTPN22 gene in GD manifestation in those under 40‐year old was more frequent compared to individuals over 40, but the obtained difference was also not significant (p = 0.75).ConclusionsOur preliminary study suggest that PTPN22:c.1858C>T gene polymorphism may be associated with a predisposition to GD within the adult north‐eastern Polish population. The studied polymorphism of the PTPN22 gene did not significantly affect the risk of ophthalmopathy developing and disease manifestation before the age of 40.
A genetic counseling needs assessment of Mexico
Authors: Bucio Daiana , Ormond Kelly E. , Hernandez Daisy , Bustamante Carlos D. , Lopez Pineda Arturo 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundWhile genetic counseling has expanded globally, Mexico has not adopted it as a separate profession. Given the rapid expansion of genetic and genomic services, understanding the current genetic counseling landscape in Mexico is crucial to improving healthcare outcomes.MethodsOur needs assessment strategy has two components. First, we gathered quantitative data about genetics education and medical geneticists’ geographic distribution through an exhaustive compilation of available information across several medical schools and public databases. Second, we conducted semi‐structured interviews of 19 key‐informants from 10 Mexican states remotely with digital recording and transcription.ResultsAcross 32 states, ~54% of enrolled medical students receive no medical genetics training, and only Mexico City averages at least one medical geneticist per 100,000 people. Barriers to genetic counseling services include: geographic distribution of medical geneticists, lack of access to diagnostic tools, patient health literacy and cultural beliefs, and education in medical genetics/genetic counseling. Participants reported generally positive attitudes towards a genetic counseling profession; concerns regarding a current shortage of available jobs for medical geneticists persisted.ConclusionTo create a foundation that can support a genetic counseling profession in Mexico, the clinical significance of medical genetics must be promoted nationwide. Potential approaches include: requiring medical genetics coursework, developing community genetics services, and increasing jobs for medical geneticists.