bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between miRNA‐196a2 rs11614913 T>C polymorphism and Kawasaki disease susceptibility in southern Chinese children
Authors: Wang Jinxin , Li Jiawen , Qiu Huixian , Zeng Lanlan , Zheng Hao , Rong Xing , Jiang Zhiyong , Gu Xueping , Gu Xiaoqiong , Chu Maoping 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundmiRNAs play important roles in a variety of diseases. Thus, the association between miRNA‐196a2 rs11614913 T>C polymorphism and Kawasaki disease susceptibility is still unknown.MethodsWe included 532 children with Kawasaki disease and 623 healthy children from South China, and their DNA was extracted for genotyping by TaqMan methodology. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to estimate the strength of association.ResultsNo significant associations were observed between the miRNA‐196a2 rs11614913 T>C polymorphisms and Kawasaki disease risk (TC vs TT: adjusted OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.79‐1.37; CC vs TT: adjusted OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.63‐1.21; dominant model: adjusted OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.76‐1.27; and recessive model: adjusted OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.64‐1.13). There was also no significant correlation found in stratified analyses.ConclusionThis study suggests that miRNA‐196a2 rs11614913 T>C may not be associated with Kawasaki disease susceptibility in a southern Chinese population. Larger, multicenter studies are needed to confirm our conclusions.
Modulation of renin angiotensin system components by high glucose levels in the culture of collecting duct cells
Authors: Leite A. P. O. , Aragão Danielle S. , Nogueira Marie D. , Pereira Renata O. , Jara Zaira P. , Fiorino Patricia , Casarini Dulce E. , Farah Vera 
Published: May 2019

AbstractDiabetes mellitus and its complications have become a major health concern in Western countries. Increased activity of the intrarenal renin–angiotensin system (RAS) contributes to diabetic nephropathy (DN). We previously reported that in mesangial cells, the high glucose concentration (HG) leads to upregulation of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) messenger RNA, suggesting that ACE was modulated by angiotensin II (Ang II) release. However, this relation in the collecting duct has not yet been studied. We, therefore, aimed to evaluate RAS modulation in inner medullary collecting duct cells (IMCD) exposed to HG. The IMCD were divided into normal glucose (5 mM D‐glucose, NG), high glucose (30 mM, HG), and mannitol (30 mM, M) groups. The cells were cultured 48 hr in their respective media. The intracellular and extracellular ACE activity was measured using hippuryl‐His‐Leu as substrate via a fluorimetric assay and expression was analyzed using western blot analysis. ACE activity, intracellular (27%) and extracellular (22%), was significantly lower in the HG group than in NG and M. ACE2 activity and Ang 1–7 levels were higher in the intracellular compartment. Our data suggest that the HG cannot modify ACE synthesis in IMCD cells but can modulate its activity. The decrease in ACE activity may result in decreased levels of Ang II to protect the IMCD against proliferative and inflammatory deleterious effects of this peptide. Conversely, the increase of ACE2 generating high levels of Ang 1–7, a vasodilator peptide, suggesting that this peptide can induce glucose uptake and protect cells against oxidative stress, which can elicit insulin resistance.
microRNA‐124 attenuates isoflurane‐induced neurological deficits in neonatal rats via binding to EGR1
Authors: Yang Wenqian , Guo Qulian , Li Jingyi , Wang Ximei , Pan Bingbing , Wang Yunjiao , Wu Lei , Yan Jianqin , Cheng Zhigang 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIsoflurane anesthesia induces neuroapoptosis in the development of the brain. In this study, neonatal rats and hippocampal neurons were subjected to isoflurane exposure, in which the effect of miR‐124 on the neurological deficits induced by isoflurane was evaluated. Isoflurane anesthesia models were induced in neonatal SD rats aged 7 days and then treated with miR‐124 agomir, miR‐124 antagomir, or LV‐CMV‐early growth response 1 (EGR1) plasmids. Then, the spatial learning and memory ability of rats were evaluated by Morris water maze. Furthermore, primary hippocampal neurons cultured 7 days were also exposed to isoflurane and transfected with miR‐124 agomir, miR‐124 antagomir, or LV‐CMV‐EGR1 plasmids. The targeting relationship of miR‐124 and EGR1 was verified by the dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. To identify the effect of miR‐124 on neuron activities, the viability and apoptosis of hippocampal neurons were assessed. In response to isoflurane exposure, miR‐124 expression was reduced and EGR1 expression was increased in the hippocampal tissues and neurons. The isoflurane anesthesia damaged rats' spatial learning and memory ability, and reduced viability, and promoted apoptosis of hippocampal neurons. EGR1 was targeted and negatively regulated by miR‐124. The treatment of miR‐124 agomir improved rats' spatial learning and memory ability and notably increased hippocampal neuron viability and resistance to apoptosis, corresponding to an increased brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, inhibited expression of proapoptotic factors (cleaved‐Caspase‐3 and Bax), and enhanced the expression of antiapoptotic factor (Bcl‐2). Upregulated miR‐124 inhibited the expression of EGR1, by which mechanism miR‐124 reduced the neurological deficits induced by isoflurane in neonatal rats through inhibiting apoptosis of hippocampal neurons.
Melatonin: A new inhibitor agent for cervical cancer treatment
Authors: Shafabakhsh Rana , Reiter Russel J. , Mirzaei Hamed , Teymoordash Somayyeh Noei , Asemi Zatollah 
Published: May 2019

AbstractCervical cancer is one of the most common cancers between women and is known as the third leading cause of female cancer related deaths annually. Its detection in early stages allows it to be a preventable and generally treatable disease. Increasing evidence revealed, a variety of internal and external factors are associated with initiation and progression of cervical cancer pathogenesis. Human papilloma virus infection is found as a major cause of cervical cancer. Other molecular and biochemical alterations as well as genetic and epigenetic changes are related cervical cancer progression. Current treatment options often have severe side effects and toxicities thus, new adjuvant agents having synergistic effects and ability to decrease different side effects and toxicities are needed. Melatonin is an indolamine compound secreted from the pineal gland which shows wide range anticancer activities. A large amount of studies indicated inhibitory effects of melatonin against various types of cancers. In addition, experimental evidence reports inhibitory effects of melatonin as an adjuvant therapy on cervical cancer by targeting a sequence of different molecular mechanisms. Herein, for first time, we summarized anticervical cancer effects of melatonin and its underlying molecular mechanisms.
STAT3 directly regulates NKp46 transcription in NK cells of HBeAg-negative CHB patients
Authors: Zheng Bingqing , Yang Yinli , Han Qiuju , Yin Chunlai , Pan Zhaoyi , Zhang Jian 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
NK cells play an important role in early control of HBV infection. The function of NK cells is inhibited in chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) infection, although the underlying mechanism remains unknown. We found that the expression of STAT3 decreased in peripheral NK cells of CHB patients, and was associated with low levels of degranulation and IFN-γ secretion. In addition, STAT3 levels were positively correlated with cytolysis-associated molecules and antiviral cytokines, such as CD107a, granzyme B, perforin, and IFN-γ. HBsAg directly inhibited the expression and activation of STAT3 in NK cells, and knocking down STAT3 expression in NK cells inhibited proliferation, decreased cyclin d1 levels, and suppressed responsiveness to IL-21 stimulation. Furthermore, STAT3 directly bound to the promoter of NKp46, an important activating receptor of NK cells, to regulate its transcription and expression. Taken together, our findings indicate that STAT3 is an important positive regulator of NK cells, and provide a new mechanism of NK cell dysfunction in CHB.
Kinetics of oxidation of benzyl alcohols with molecular oxygen catalyzed by N‐hydroxyphthalimide: Role of hydroperoxyl radicals
Authors: Opeida I. A. , Sheparovych R. B. , Hrynda Yu. M. , Khavunko O. Yu. , Kompanets M. O. , Shendryk A. N. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA kinetic study of the initiated oxidation of benzyl alcohol and cumene by molecular oxygen was performed. The oxidation rate was more enhanced with N‐hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) in the case of cumene than that of benzyl alcohol. HOOH inhibits cumene oxidation and does not affect the rate of oxidation of benzyl alcohol. It was shown that termination chain reactions of phthalimid‐N‐oxyl radicals (PINO•) does not occur with RОО• and proceeds with HOO•. A kinetic scheme of the process and an equation describing the kinetics of oxidation of benzyl alcohol in the presence of NHPI are proposed. Using the PM7 method, the thermodynamic characteristics of elementary steps of oxidation explaining the obtained results were calculated.
Kinetics of esterification of the levulinic acid with n‐hexanol, n‐octanol, and n‐decanol in the presence of dodecatungstophosphoric acid as a catalyst
Authors: Hamryszak Łukasz , Grzesik Mirosław 
Published: May 2019

AbstractLevulinic acid was esterified with n‐hexanol, n‐octanol, and n‐decanol at 393–413 K and at molar ratios of between 3:1 and 10:1 (alcohol: acid) in the presence of the dodecatungstophosphoric acid (H3PW12O40) as catalyst (0.1 wt%) to study the reaction kinetics. The results of such study are the precise form of kinetic equation, which is indispensable in design and optimization of industrial‐scale chemical reactors. The authors stated that reactions were of second order and that the activation energy (E) decreased from 66 to 53 kJ/mol in the following alcohol sequence: n‐hexanol > n‐octanol > n‐decanol.
Medium‐Bandgap Conjugated Polymer Donors for Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Sun Liya , Xu Xiangfei , Song Shan , Zhang Yangqian , Miao Chunyang , Liu Xiang , Xing Guichuan , Zhang Shiming 
Published: May 2019

AbstractRecently, an increasing number of researchers have begun to focus on developing nonfullerene acceptors, so it is very important to synthesize new polymers that are compatible with nonfullerene acceptors. Besides, wide‐ or medium‐bandgap polymer donors could be better to match narrow nonfullerene acceptors. The design of medium‐bandgap (MBG) polymer donors and their application in organic photovoltaics (OPVs) play an important part in the improvement of OPV device performance. This review summarizes the photovoltaic performance of MBG polymers that have been reported during the last decade. Furthermore, their structure–property relationships and device performance are discussed. On the basis of analyzing many polymer structures, guidance toward the design of novel photovoltaic materials might be helpful to understand the basic OPV mechanism and the path towards commercialization.
Reliability of tumor segmentation in glioblastoma: Impact on the robustness of MRI‐radiomic features
Authors: Tixier Florent , Um Hyemin , Young Robert J , Veeraraghavan Harini 
Published: May 2019

PurposeThe use of radiomic features as biomarkers of treatment response and outcome or as correlates to genomic variations requires that the computed features are robust and reproducible. Segmentation, a crucial step in radiomic analysis, is a major source of variability in the computed radiomic features. Therefore, we studied the impact of tumor segmentation variability on the robustness of MRI radiomic features.MethodFluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted (T1WICE) MRI of 90 patients diagnosed with glioblastoma were segmented using a semiautomatic algorithm and an interactive segmentation with two different raters. We analyzed the robustness of 108 radiomic features from five categories (intensity histogram, gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix, gray‐level size‐zone matrix (GLSZM), edge maps, and shape) using intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland and Altman analysis.ResultsOur results show that both segmentation methods are reliable with ICC ≥ 0.96 and standard deviation (SD) of mean differences between the two raters (SDdiffs) ≤ 30%. Features computed from the histogram and co‐occurrence matrices were found to be the most robust (ICC ≥ 0.8 and SDdiffs ≤ 30% for most features in these groups). Features from GLSZM were shown to have mixed robustness. Edge, shape, and GLSZM features were the most impacted by the choice of segmentation method with the interactive method resulting in more robust features than the semiautomatic method. Finally, features computed from T1WICEand FLAIR images were found to have similar robustness when computed with the interactive segmentation method.ConclusionSemiautomatic and interactive segmentation methods using two raters are both reliable. The interactive method produced more robust features than the semiautomatic method. We also found that the robustness of radiomic features varied by categories. Therefore, this study could help motivate segmentation methods and feature selection in MRI radiomic studies.
Ultra‐low‐dose PET reconstruction using generative adversarial network with feature matching and task‐specific perceptual loss
Authors: Ouyang Jiahong , Chen Kevin T. , Gong Enhao , Pauly John , Zaharchuk Greg 
Published: May 2019

PurposeOur goal was to use a generative adversarial network (GAN) with feature matching and task‐specific perceptual loss to synthesize standard‐dose amyloid Positron emission tomography (PET) images of high quality and including accurate pathological features from ultra‐low‐dose PET images only.MethodsForty PET datasets from 39 participants were acquired with a simultaneous PET/MRI scanner following injection of 330 ± 30 MBq of the amyloid radiotracer 18F‐florbetaben. The raw list‐mode PET data were reconstructed as the standard‐dose ground truth and were randomly undersampled by a factor of 100 to reconstruct 1% low‐dose PET scans. A 2D encoder‐decoder network was implemented as the generator to synthesize a standard‐dose image and a discriminator was used to evaluate them. The two networks contested with each other to achieve high‐visual quality PET from the ultra‐low‐dose PET. Multi‐slice inputs were used to reduce noise by providing the network with 2.5D information. Feature matching was applied to reduce hallucinated structures. Task‐specific perceptual loss was designed to maintain the correct pathological features. The image quality was evaluated by peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity (SSIM), and root mean square error (RMSE) metrics with and without each of these modules. Two expert radiologists were asked to score image quality on a 5‐point scale and identified the amyloid status (positive or negative).ResultsWith only low‐dose PET as input, the proposed method significantly outperformed Chen et al.'s method (Chen et al. Radiology. 2018;290:649–656) (which shows the best performance in this task) with the same input (PET‐only model) by 1.87 dB in PSNR, 2.04% in SSIM, and 24.75% in RMSE. It also achieved comparable results to Chen et al.'s method which used additional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) inputs (PET‐MR model). Experts' reading results showed that the proposed method could achieve better overall image quality and maintain better pathological features indicating amyloid status than both PET‐only and PET‐MR models proposed by Chen et al.ConclusionStandard‐dose amyloid PET images can be synthesized from ultra‐low‐dose images using GAN. Applying adversarial learning, feature matching, and task‐specific perceptual loss are essential to ensure image quality and the preservation of pathological features.
Dude, Where's my Transmitter? Probability of Radio Transmitter Detections and Locational Errors for Tracking River Fish
Authors: Watkins Owen B. , Paul Andrew J. , Spencer Stephen C. , Sullivan Michael G. , Foote Lee 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
To simulate radio-location tracking of fish in a lotic system, we deployed 148-MHz radio transmitters and measured signals from three altitudes over a known location. We examined detection distance, location error, and detection probability for two transmitter types at seven transmitter depths. We found that transmitter type, altitude, flight direction, and depth affected both detectability of transmitters and accuracy of locations. Maximum observed detection distance was 5,614 m for the small-type transmitters at an altitude of 300 and 14,508 m for large-type transmitters at an altitude of 600 m. Detection distances declined rapidly with increasing transmitter depth for both transmitter types. Locational errors ranged from 8 to 842 m (x¯ = 177 m; SE = 15.2) and were biased with flight direction. Detection probabilities declined with increasing transmitter depth and with increasing number of scanned frequencies. Scanning five frequencies, at the optimal flight altitude for a given transmitter type, resulted in nearly a 50% loss of detection probability at a 5-m depth and a 90% decrease at a 7-m depth. We recommend that researchers model their probability of detection a priori, all transmitters transmit on a single frequency, and a receiver altitude of 300 m should be maintained.
The difficult challenge of modelling the non‐linear elastic behaviour of soils within a theoretically sound framework
Authors: Lagioia Rocco , Panteghini Andrea 
Published: May 2019

SummaryHypo‐elastic relations are often adopted to simulate the recoverable non‐linear behaviour of soils within elasto‐plastic constitutive models. In reality, they are unable to reproduce the elastic, ie, recoverable, response of materials; hence, they introduce severe inconsistencies in models based on the decomposition of the total strain tensor into its recoverable and permanent parts. Hyper‐elasticity should then be used. However, existing models developed within this framework do not satisfy a number of fundamental theoretical requirements. A new hyper‐elastic model is proposed, which is rigourously formulated by integrating some of the main relations which emerge from experimental results. The model satisfies all theoretical requirements and also possesses features that are fundamental for its numerical integration. The model can be considered as the correct hyper‐elastic version of the classical hypo‐elastic constitutive relation adopted in models based on the Critical State framework, such as the Modified Cam‐Clay, with a constant Poisson's ratio.
A tool for empirical equipoise assessment in multigroup comparative effectiveness research
Authors: Yoshida Kazuki , Solomon Daniel H. , Haneuse Sebastien , Kim Seoyoung C. , Patorno Elisabetta , Tedeschi Sara K. , Lyu Houchen , Hernández‐Díaz Sonia , Glynn Robert J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPurposeIn observational research, equipoise concerns whether groups being compared aresimilar enoughfor valid inference.Empirical equipoisewas previously proposed as a tool to assess patient similarity based on propensity scores (PS). We extended this work for multigroup observational studies.MethodsWe modified the tool to allow for multinomial exposures such that the proposed definition reduces to the original when there are only two groups. We illustrated how the tool can be used as a method to assess study design within three‐group clinical examples. We then conducted three‐group simulations to assess how the tool performed in a setting with residual confounding after PS weighting.ResultsIn a clinical example based on rheumatoid arthritis, 44.5% of the sample fell within the region of empirical equipoise when considering first‐line biologics, whereas 57.7% did so for second‐line biologics, consistent with the expectation that a second‐line design results in better equipoise. In a simulation where the unmeasured confounder had the same magnitude of association with the treatment as the measured confounders and a 25% greater association with the outcome, the tool crossed the proposed threshold for empirical equipoise at a residual confounding of 20% on the ratio scale. When the unmeasured variable had a twice larger association with treatment, the tool became less sensitive and crossed the threshold at a residual confounding of 30%.ConclusionOur proposed tool may be useful in guiding cohort identification in multigroup observational studies, particularly with similar effects of unmeasured and measured covariates on treatment and outcome.
Adverse drug reaction reporting by community pharmacists—The barriers and facilitators
Authors: Hughes Mary Louise , Weiss Marjorie 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPurposeThe United Kingdom's “Yellow Card Scheme” for reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) has been operating for 50 years, but reporting rates by community pharmacists remain low. The aim of the study was therefore to investigate the views and experiences of ADR reporting by community pharmacists in Wales, with a particular focus on the potential barriers and facilitators to reporting.MethodsFollowing ethics approval and piloting, a self‐complete questionnaire was mailed to all registered community pharmacies in Wales, UK (n = 713). A follow‐up mailing was sent to nonresponders after 2 weeks.ResultsA response rate of 52% (n = 372) was achieved, of whom 57% had never submitted a yellow card. Key barriers to reporting were not seeing ADRs, difficulty identifying the causative drug, not being sure which ADRs to report, and lack of time. Key facilitators were being able to report through dispensary software and having clearer guidelines about what to report. Differences between those who had previously reported ADRs and those who had not suggested lack of confidence and uncertainty about what to report were more of a barrier for nonreporters. Conversely, reporters wanted feedback on reports, ability to keep reports on their dispensary records, and remuneration to aid them with reporting.ConclusionsWhile the respondents generally expressed positive attitudes towards ADR reporting, a number of barriers and potential facilitators were nevertheless identified. Clearer support and guidance for reporting, such as through a “champions” scheme similar to that run in Welsh hospitals, may help current nonreporters to engage.
Non‐oxidative methane conversion in diffuse, filamentary, and spark regimes of nanosecond repetitively pulsed discharge with negative polarity
Authors: Sun Hao , Zhang Shuai , Gao Yuan , Huang Bangdou , Zhang Cheng , Shao Tao 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMethane conversion for higher hydrocarbons was carried out in the diffuse, filamentary, and spark regimes of nanosecond repetitively pulsed discharge with negative polarity in a pin‐to‐plate reactor. The diffuse discharge was characterized as a regime with low‐plasma energy, and only trace hydrogen and C2H6 were found in this regime. In filamentary regime, the conversion rate reached 2.2–7.6% with energy conversion efficiency (ECE) of 8.8–12.7%. Meanwhile the selectivity of C2H6, C2H4, C2H2, and C3 were 24.3–18.6%, 9.3–7%, 5.6–7.3%, and 0–5%, respectively. As for the spark regime, C2H2 became the main hydrocarbon product with the selectivity of 12.8%, conversion rate of 44.7–74.4% and ECE of 12.3%. Electrical measurements and ICCD photographs showed that the short pulse could prevent the streamer turning into spark discharge, and thus realize smooth transitions among each regime. Optical emission spectroscopy was used to investigate the plasma chemistry in each regime. It found that the highest spectral line, gas temperature, and electron density varied in these regimes. These results suggested that, comparing with electron impact reactions, the thermal chemistry became more and more important as the plasma energy increased.