bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Petrogenesis and geodynamic significance of Kayinde gabbro in the Ashele Basin, Altay Orogenic Belt, Xinjiang, Northwest China: Constraints from geochronological and geochemical data
Authors: Yang Cheng‐Dong , He Jian‐Xi , Yang Fu‐Quan , Wu Yu‐Feng , Li Qiang
Published: January 2020

Mafic‐ultramafic intrusions occur sporadically but are pivotal to constrain the tectonic evolution of the Chinese Altay, a key part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The tectonic setting of the Early‐Middle Devonian is well documented, but that of the Late Devonian remains a matter of ongoing debate. The Kayinde gabbro occurs in the Ashele Basin of the South Altay. This paper reports petrologic, zircon U‐Pb geochronological, geochemical, and Sr‐Nd isotopic data of the Kayinde gabbro, with the aims to investigate its formation time, petrogenesis, and geodynamic significance. Zircons separated from the gabbro yield a cluster of concordant data points and a weighted mean age of 373.1 ± 4.1 Ma, representing a Late Devonian emplacement. Geochemically, the Kayinde gabbro is subalkaline, tholeiitic, and characterized by high Mg# values (68–73), enrichment in large‐ion lithophile elements (including Ba, Sr, Rb, and U), depletion in high‐field‐strength elements (including Nb, Ta, Zr, and Hf), fairly flat REE patterns, low (87Sr/86Sr)i (0.70366–0.70440) and positive εNd(t) (3.4–5.4) values. The geochemical characteristics collectively suggest that the Kayinde gabbro was derived from a spinel‐stable lithospheric mantle source, which was depleted by previous magma extraction and metasomatized by later slab‐derived fluids or melts in an island arc setting. The geochemical similarities between the Kayinde gabbro and other contemporary mafic‐ultramafic intrusions reveal that the subduction continued during the Late Devonian in the Chinese Altay. In combination with the published research, we favour a two‐unit arc system composed of a continental arc and an island arc, spanning across the Early to Late Devonian. The Ashele Basin can be considered to be an oceanward setting in this model.
Assessment of Rapid Hepatic Glycogen Synthesis in Humans Using Dynamic 13C Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Stender Stefan , Zaha Vlad G. , Malloy Craig R. , Sudderth Jessica , DeBerardinis Ralph J. , Park Jae Mo
Published: January 2020

Carbon‐13 magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) following oral intake of 13C‐labeled glucose is the gold standard for imaging glycogen metabolism in humans. However, the temporal resolution of previous studies has been >13 minutes. Here, we describe a high‐sensitivity 13C MRS method for imaging hepatic glycogen synthesis with a temporal resolution of 1 minute or less. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra were acquired from the liver of 3 healthy volunteers, using a 13C clamshell radiofrequency transmit and paddle‐shaped array receive coils in a 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging system. Following a 15‐minute baseline 13C MRS scan of the liver, [1‐13C]‐glucose was ingested and 13C MRS data were acquired for an additional 1‐3 hours. Dynamic change of the hepatic glycogen synthesis level was analyzed by reconstructing the acquired MRS data with temporal resolutions of 30 seconds to 15 minutes. Plasma levels of 13C‐labeled glucose and lactate were measured using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. While not detected at baseline 13C MRS, [1‐13C]‐labeled α‐glucose and β‐glucose and glycogen peaks accumulated rapidly, beginning as early as ~2 minutes after oral administration of [1‐13C]‐glucose. The [1‐13C]‐glucose signals peaked at ~5 minutes, whereas [1‐13C]‐glycogen peaked at ~25 minutes after [1‐13C]‐glucose ingestion; both signals declined toward baseline levels over the next 1‐3 hours. Plasma levels of 13C‐glucose and 13C‐lactate rose gradually, and approximately 20% of all plasma glucose and 5% of plasma lactate were 13C‐labeled by 2 hours after ingestion. Conclusion: We observed rapid accumulation of hepatic [1‐13C]‐glycogen following orally administered [1‐13C]‐glucose, using a dynamic 13C MRS method with a temporal resolution of 1 minute or less. Commercially available technology allows high temporal resolution studies of glycogen metabolism in the human liver.
Woolly Monkey–HBV Infection in Squirrel Monkeys as a Surrogate Nonhuman Primate Model of HBV Infection
Authors: Chen Christopher Y. , Winer Benjamin Y. , Chavez Deborah , Guerra Bernadette , Brasky Kathleen M. , Eng Stacey , Salas Eduardo , Tam Danny , Simmons Joe H. , Abee Christian R. , Delaney William E. , Ploss Alexander , Lanford Robert E. , Voitenleitner Christian
Published: January 2020

Development of curative therapies for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection will likely require new animal models. Here, we evaluate HBV infection in squirrel monkeys based on the high‐sequence homology of the HBV receptor, Na+/taurocholate co‐transporting peptide (NTCP), between humans and squirrel monkeys. HBV PreS1 peptide was examined for binding human and squirrel monkey NTCP. Immunodeficient Fah

−/−
, NOD, Rag1

−/−
, Il2Rg
null (FNRG) mice engrafted with human or squirrel monkey hepatocytes were challenged with HBV or Woolly Monkey HBV (WMHBV). In addition, adult squirrel monkeys were inoculated with HBV, WMHBV, adeno‐associated virus containing an infectious genome of HBV (AAV‐HBV), and AAV‐WMHBV. Finally, neonate squirrel monkeys were assessed for the potential of chronic infection with WMHBV. PreS1 peptide efficiently bound to human and squirrel monkey NTCP but not to mouse or capuchin NTCP. FNRG mice engrafted with squirrel monkey hepatocytes were susceptible to infection by WMHBV but not human HBV. Similarly, adult squirrel monkeys could be infected with WMHBV but not human HBV, whereas chimeric mice engrafted with human hepatocytes were susceptible to HBV but not WMHBV. Infection of squirrel monkeys with AAV‐WMHBV yielded maximum viremia of 108 genomes/mL with detectable virus for up to 8 months. Notably, covalently closed circular DNA was detected in the liver of these animals. Infection of neonates with WMHBV led to detectable viremia for up to 6 months. Conclusions: Adult and neonate squirrel monkeys exhibited prolonged WMHBV viremia lasting 6‐8 months. This is greater than twice the duration of viremia achieved in other nonhuman primates and suggests that squirrel monkeys may be a suitable model for testing HBV therapeutics.
Impaired tumor necrosis factor‐α secretion by CD4 T cells during respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis associated with recurrent wheeze
Authors: Kitcharoensakkul Maleewan , Bacharier Leonard B. , Yin‐Declue Huiqing , Boomer Jonathan S. , Sajol Geneline , Leung Marilyn K. , Wilson Brad , Schechtman Kenneth B. , Atkinson John P. , Green Jonathan M. , Castro Mario
Published: January 2020

Background

Infants with severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis have an increased risk of recurrent wheezing and asthma. We aimed to evaluate the relationships between regulatory T cell (Treg) percentage and cytokine production of in vitro‐stimulated CD4+ T cells during acute bronchiolitis and the development of recurrent wheezing in the first 3 years of life.

Methods

We obtained peripheral blood from 166 infants hospitalized with their first episode of RSV‐confirmed bronchiolitis. Granzyme B (GZB) expression, and interleukin‐10, interferon‐γ, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), IL‐4, and IL‐5 production by in vitro anti‐CD3/CD28‐ and anti‐CD3/CD46‐activated CD4+ T cells, and percentage of peripheral Treg (CD4+CD25hiFoxp3hi) cells were measured by flow cytometry. Wheezing was assessed every 6 months. Recurrent wheezing was defined as three or more episodes following the initial RSV bronchiolitis.

Results

Sixty‐seven percent (n = 111) of children had wheezing after their initial RSV infection, with 30% having recurrent wheezing. The percentage of peripheral Treg (CD4+CD25hiFoxp3hi) cells was not significantly different between the wheezing groups. Decreased TNF‐α production from anti‐CD3/CD28− and anti‐CD3/CD46− activated CD4+ T cells was observed in the recurrent wheezers, compared with nonwheezers (p = .048 and .03, respectively). There were no significant differences in the GZB+ CD4+ T cells and production of other inflammatory cytokines between these groups.

Conclusions

We demonstrated lower TNF‐α production by in vitro stimulated CD4+ T cells during severe RSV bronchiolitis in children that subsequently developed recurrent wheezing, compared with children with no subsequent wheeze. These findings support the role of CD4+ T cell immunity in the development of subsequent wheezing in these children.
Phenotype molding of T cells in colorectal cancer by single‐cell analysis
Authors: Di Jiabo , Liu Maoxing , Fan Yingcong , Gao Pin , Wang Zaozao , Jiang Beihai , Su Xiangqian
Published: January 2020

The majority of patients with microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancer (CRC) do not benefit from the immunotherapies directed at rescuing T‐cell functions. Therefore, complete understanding of T‐cell phenotypes and functional status in the CRC microenvironment is desirable. Here, we applied single‐cell mass cytometry to mold the T‐cell phenotype in 18 patients with MSS CRC for better understanding of CRC as a systemic disease and to search for tumor‐driven T‐cell profile changes. We show interpatient and intrapatient phenotypic diversity of T‐cell subsets. We revealed increased immunosuppressive/exhausted T‐cell phenotypes at tumor lesions. CD8+ CD28− immunosenescent T cells with impaired proliferation capacity dominate the T‐cell compartment. As per the transcriptome and quantitative real time‐PCR analysis, the accumulation of immunosuppressive cells is driven by the tumor microenvironment. T‐cell profiles are similar between patients at early and late stages, indicating that the immunosuppressive microenvironment is formulated early during CRC development. Mapping of T‐cell infiltration and understanding of the mechanisms underlying their regulation may provide valuable information to boost the immune response in patients with MSS CRC.
The prognostic value of the tumor–stroma ratio is most discriminative in patients with grade III or triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Vangangelt Kiki M.H. , Green Andrew R. , Heemskerk Isabelle M.F. , Cohen Danielle , van Pelt Gabi W. , Sobral‐Leite Marcelo , Schmidt Marjanka K. , Putter Hein , Rakha Emad A. , Tollenaar Rob A.E.M. , Mesker Wilma E.
Published: January 2020

The tumor–stroma ratio (TSR) was evaluated as a promising parameter for breast cancer prognostication in clinically relevant subgroups of patients. The TSR was assessed on hematoxylin and eosin‐stained tissue slides of 1,794 breast cancer patients from the Nottingham City Hospital. An independent second cohort of 737 patients from the Netherlands Cancer Institute to Antoni van Leeuwenhoek was used for evaluation. In the Nottingham Breast Cancer series, the TSR was an independent prognostic parameter for recurrence‐free survival (RFS; HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.10–1.66, p = 0.004). The interaction term was statistically significant for grade and triple‐negative status. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed a more pronounced effect of the TSR for RFS in grade III tumors (HR 1.89, 95% CI 1.43–2.51, p < 0.001) and triple‐negative tumors (HR 1.86, 95% CI 1.10–3.14, p = 0.020). Comparable hazard ratios and confidence intervals were observed for grade and triple‐negative status in the ONCOPOOL study. The prognostic value of TSR was not modified by age, tumor size, histology, estrogen receptor status, progesterone receptor status, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status or lymph node status. In conclusion, patients with a stroma‐high tumor had a worse prognosis compared to patients with a stroma‐low tumor. The prognostic value of the TSR is most discriminative in grade III tumors and triple‐negative tumors. The TSR was not modified by other clinically relevant parameters making it a potential factor to be included for improved risk stratification.
The association between fasting blood glucose trajectory and cancer risk in Chinese population without diabetes
Authors: Feng Xiaoshuang , Wang Gang , Lyu Zhangyan , Chen Shuohua , Wei Luopei , Li Xin , Wen Yan , Chen Yuheng , Xie Shuanghua , Cui Hong , Chen Hongda , Li Jiang , Lin Chunqing , Ren Jiansong , Shi Jufang , Wu Shouling , Dai Min , Li Ni , He Jie
Published: January 2020

To examine the associations between fasting blood glucose (FBG) trajectories, the changes in FBG over time and the risk of cancer, particularly for gastrointestinal cancer, we enrolled 69,742 participants without diabetes from the Kailuan cohort. FBG trajectories (2006–2010) were modeled by group‐based trajectory modeling, and five trajectories were identified: low‐increasing (n = 6,275), moderate‐stable (n = 44,120), moderate‐increasing (n = 10,149), elevated‐decreasing (n = 5,244) and elevated‐stable (n = 3,954). A total of 1,364 cancer cases were accumulated between 2010 and 2015, including 472 gastrointestinal cancer cases. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models to evaluate the associations between FBG trajectory patterns and the risk of cancer. We further assessed the associations while carefully controlling for initial body mass index (BMI) in 2006 and for changes in BMI during 2006–2010. Relative to the moderate‐stable group, we found a higher hazard ratio (HR) for overall cancer in the low‐increasing group (HR = 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–1.50); and for gastrointestinal cancer in the elevated‐stable group (HR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.22–2.26). Moreover, among participants with an initial BMI ≥25 kg/m2, a positive association with the low‐increasing group was observed for both overall cancer and gastrointestinal cancer (HR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.17–2.04; HR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.02–2.66; respectively); among participants with a stable BMI (4.40% loss–5.15% gain), a positive association with the elevated‐stable group was observed both for overall cancer and gastrointestinal cancer (HR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.10–1.87; HR = 1.95, 95% CI 1.33–2.86; respectively). Our study observed that FBG trajectories were associated with cancer risk among participants without diabetes, and BMI may modify the associations.
Potentiality of Protein phosphatase Mg2+/Mn2+ dependent 1D as a biomarker for predicting prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia patients
Authors: Yu Meijia , Hu Jie , He Di , Chen Qi , Liu Suna , Zhu Xiaoling , Li Bin
Published: January 2020

Objective

The present study aimed to investigate the correlation of protein phosphatase Mg2+/Mn2+ dependent 1D (PPM1D) with the risk stratification, treatment response, and survival profile in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients.

Methods

Totally 221 de novo AML patients and 50 healthy donors were enrolled. The bone marrow samples were collected before treatment from AML patients and acquired after enrollment from healthy donors. And bone marrow mononuclear cells were separated for detecting the mRNA/protein expressions of PPM1D by reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Complete remission (CR) was assessed after induction treatment, and event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated in AML patients.

Results

PPM1D mRNA (P < .001)/protein (P < .001) relative expressions were increased in AML patients compared with healthy donors, and receiver operating characteristic curve presented that PPM1D mRNA (AUC: 0.728, 95% CI: 0.651‐0.806)/protein (AUC: 0.782, 95% CI: 0.707‐0.857) relative expressions could differentiate AML patients from healthy donors. In AML patients, PPM1D mRNA (P < .001)/protein (P < .001) high relative expressions were correlated with poor‐risk stratification. As for its association with prognosis, PPM1D mRNA (P < .001)/protein (P = .010) relative expressions were elevated in CR patients compared with non‐CR patients. Patients with PPM1D mRNA (P < .001 for EFS; P = .004 for OS)/protein (P < .001 for EFS; P = .006 for OS) high relative expressions exhibited reduced EFS and OS compared with those with low expressions.

Conclusion

PPM1D high expression correlates with poor‐risk stratification and might serve as a potential biomarker for worse prognosis in AML patients, suggesting its potential to guide AML management.
Role of hematological parameters in the diagnosis of influenza virus infection in patients with respiratory tract infection symptoms
Authors: Han Qingzhen , Wen Xiaomin , Wang Lin , Han Xiu , Shen Yimin , Cao Jun , Peng Qunxin , Xu Jie , Zhao Lina , He Jun , Yuan Hong
Published: January 2020

Background

The differential diagnoses of patients hospitalized for respiratory infections due to influenza virus vs other pathogens are challenging. Our study investigated whether hematological parameters such as neutrophil (N), lymphocyte (L), platelet (PLT), and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) contributed in diagnosing influenza virus infections and in discriminating other respiratory infections.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the laboratory characteristics of 307 patients with respiratory infections caused by influenza/non‐influenza virus and bacteria. The diagnostic abilities of hematological indexes were evaluated in the patients compared with 100 healthy people.

Results

The hematological parameters in patients with influenza virus infection were dramatically altered compared with those in the controls. Additionally, among the systemic inflammatory markers, the sensitivity of NLR for influenza detection was higher than that of N and L. PLT was significantly lower in influenza virus‐positive infection than in influenza virus‐negative infection. Moreover, when patients with influenza virus infection were cured, PLT returned to a normal level. The red blood cell (RBC) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels of influenza virus infection were higher than those of bacterial infection. Compared with traditional N and L, NLR and platelet‐to‐neutrophil (PNR) showed greater significance between influenza virus and bacterial infection (P < .01).

Conclusion

Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio with high sensitivity is a preferable diagnostic tool to screen influenza virus‐infected patients than N and L. PLT accounts in the differential diagnoses of respiratory infections due to influenza virus and other pathogens among patients. In addition, RBC, Hb, NLR, and PNR can significantly differentiate between influenza virus infections and bacterial infections.
MicroRNA‐769‐5p suppresses cell growth and migration via targeting NUSAP1 in bladder cancer
Authors: Chen Yifan , Zhang Wentao , Kadier Aimaitiaji , Zhang Haimin , Yao Xudong
Published: January 2020

Background

Nucleolar and spindle‐associated protein 1 (NUSAP1) has been identified to be strongly implicated in the carcinogenesis of cervical carcinoma, breast cancer, and liver cancer, and shows a high expression level in bladder cancer, indicating that NUSAP1 might be a potent target for cancer treatment. Using bioinformatics methods, we found that NUSAP1 was a putative target of miR‐769‐5p. Here, we aimed to explore whether miR‐769‐5p is involved in bladder cancer progression via targeting NUSAP1.

Methods

MiR‐769‐5p expression patterns in bladder cancer tissues and cells were detected by RT‐PCR. Kaplan‐Meier was used to determine the clinical effects of miR‐769‐5p expression levels on the overall survival of bladder cancer patients. Bioinformatics methods were used to predict the binding sites between miR‐769‐5p and NUSAP1, which was verified by the luciferase gene reporter assay. CCK‐8, flow cytometry, wound healing and transwell chamber experiments were performed to test cell growth, apoptosis, migration and invasion capacities.

Results

miR‐769‐5p was lowly expressed in bladder cancer tissues and cells, which was closely associated with poor prognosis. Overexpression of miR‐769‐5p induced significant repressions in cell growth, migration, and invasion and caused an obvious increase in cell apoptosis, whereas these tendencies were reversed when NUSAP1 was upregulated.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that miR‐769‐5p functions as a tumor suppressor in bladder cancer via targeting NUSAP1.
Optimum rates of surface‐applied coal char decreased soil ammonia volatilization loss
Authors: Panday Dinesh , Mikha Maysoon M. , Collins Harold P. , Jin Virginia L. , Kaiser Michael , Cooper Jennifer , Malakar Arindam , Maharjan Bijesh
Published: January 2020

Fertilizer N losses from agricultural systems have economic and environmental implications. Soil amendment with high C materials, such as coal char, may mitigate N losses. Char, a coal combustion residue, obtained from a sugar factory in Scottsbluff, NE, contained 29% C by weight. A 30‐d laboratory study was conducted to evaluate the effects of char addition on N losses via nitrous oxide (N2O) emission, ammonia (NH3) volatilization, and nitrate (NO3–N) leaching from fertilized loam and sandy loam soils. Char was applied at five different rates (0, 6.7, 10.1, 13.4, and 26.8 Mg C ha−1; char measured in C equivalent) to soils fertilized with urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) at 200 kg N ha−1. In addition, there were two negative‐UAN control treatments: no char (no UAN) and char at 26.8 Mg C ha−1 (no UAN). Treatment applied at 6.7 and 10.1 Mg C ha−1 in fertilized sandy loam reduced NH3 volatilization by 26–37% and at 6.7, 10.1, and 13.4 Mg C ha−1 in fertilized loam soils by 24% compared with no char application. Nitrous oxide emissions and NO3–N leaching losses were greater in fertilized compared with unfertilized soil, but there was no effect of char amendment on these losses. Because NO3–N leaching loss was greater in sandy loam than in loam, soil residual N was twofold higher in loam than in sandy loam. This study suggests that adding coal char at optimal rates may reduce agricultural reactive N to the atmosphere by decreasing NH3 volatilization from fertilized soils.
AAVS1 site‐specific integration of the CAR gene into human primary T cells using a linear closed‐ended AAV‐based DNA vector
Authors: Chen Wei , Tan Liang , Zhou Qungang , Li WenSheng , Li Taiming , Zhang Chun , Wu Jianxiang
Published: January 2020

Background

Use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells has become a promising strategy in cancer immunotherapy. However, safety in clinical application is also one of the most controversial issues.

Methods

In the present study, we investigated the application of a non‐viral site‐directed vector (CELiD [closed‐ended linear duplex DNA]) dependent on adeno‐associated virus (AAV) genomes for the purpose of safe CAR‐T engineering. We co‐electroporated CD19‐CAR encoding “CELiD” vectors with plasmid pCMV‐Rep into human T cells and ensured stably transfected CAR‐T cells by G418 selection. The efficiency of AAVS1 site‐specific integration was analyzed by a real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

CAR‐T cells engineered by CELiD vectors could be established within 20 days with up to 22.8% AAVS1 site‐specific integration efficiency. CAR expression and cytokine secretion of CAR modified T cells were evaluated in vitro. Abundant effector cytokines were produced by the CAR‐T cells engineered by CELiD vectors compared to control T cells and the killing efficiency of target cells was estimated to as high as 75% in vitro.

Conclusions

With the help of the AAV‐derived CELiD vector, CAR genes were preferentially integrated into the AAVS1 site. This technology could be utilized in human T cell modification and remove the safety constraints of CAR‐T therapy.
Continual circulation of ECSA genotype and identification of a novel mutation I317V in the E1 gene of Chikungunya viral strains in southern India during 2015‐2016
Authors: Harsha Pulleri Kandi , Reddy Vijayalakshmi , Rao Deepashri , Pattabiraman Chitra , Mani Reeta S.
Published: January 2020

Chikungunya, a mosquito‐borne disease caused by Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), continues to be a significant public health problem in India. In 2016, 56 000 cases were reported from India, the largest number since the reemergence of CHIKV in this region in 2006. In the present study, using molecular and phylogenetic methods, the circulating strains from southern India during 2015‐2016 were characterized in the context of circulating Asian strains. Partial envelope gene (E1) sequencing was performed on 20 serum samples positive for CHIKV by a reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all the sequences in this study belonged to the East Central South African (ECSA) genotype and clustered together with other strains from India. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis revealed that the sequences from the study grouped into two different subclades. The estimate of divergence times suggests that subclades of the ECSA genotype, share a common ancestor approximately 4 to 12 years ago. Six nonsynonymous mutations—K211E, M269V, D284E, V322A, I317V and V220I were noted in E1. In conclusion, this study revealed the cocirculation of distinct subclades within the ECSA genotype of CHIKV in South India during 2015‐2016. The I317V mutation in E1 has only been described in recent CHIKV strains from north‐central India and Bangladesh. This study highlights the need for continued molecular surveillance to identify the emergence of novel strains and unique mutations in CHIKV with epidemic potential.
Elevated histone H3 citrullination is associated with increased Beclin1 expression in HBV‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lu Mingzhu , Zhang Xianjing , Xu Yun , He Guangzhao , Liu Qian , Zhu Jing , Zhang Changsong
Published: January 2020

Citrullinated histone H3 (H3Cit) is the product of the conversion of peptidylarginine to citrulline in histone H3. We evaluated the H3Cit level in hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and assessed its association with Beclin1 messenger RNA (mRNA) (a key autophagic regulator). The level of H3Cit was detected by a capture enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, while Beclin1 mRNA was determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction in 80 HBV‐related patients with HCC. We found that the mean level of H3Cit was 72.25 ng/mg in HCC and 44.02 ng/mg in nontumor tissues. The mean HCC/nontumor ratio of Beclin1 mRNA was higher (0.096) in tumor samples than in nontumor specimens (0.056). Specifically, Beclin1 mRNA was elevated in 51 HCC cases (63.75%) and decreased in 29 cases (36.25%). Moreover, the levels of H3Cit and Beclin1 mRNA were significantly associated with vascular invasion and serum AFP levels. A shorter survival (19 months) was associated with a high H3Cit level. We also found increased levels of Beclin1 mRNA in the H3Cit (high) group compared with the H3Cit (low) group. The results implied that elevated histone H3 citrullination is associated with increased Beclin1 expression during the development of HBV‐related HCC.
2019 HRS/EHRA/APHRS/LAHRS expert consensus statement on catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias: Executive summary
Authors: Cronin Edmond M. , Bogun Frank M. , Maury Philippe , Peichl Petr , Chen Minglong , Namboodiri Narayanan , Aguinaga Luis , Leite Luiz Roberto , Al‐Khatib Sana M. , Anter Elad , Berruezo Antonio , Callans David J. , Chung Mina K. , Cuculich Phillip , d'Avila Andre , Deal Barbara J. , Bella Paolo Della , Deneke Thomas , Dickfeld Timm‐Michael , Hadid Claudio , Haqqani Haris M. , Kay G. Neal , Latchamsetty Rakesh , Marchlinski Francis , Miller John M. , Nogami Akihiko , Patel Akash R. , Pathak Rajeev Kumar , Saenz Morales Luis C. , Santangeli Pasquale , Sapp John L. , Sarkozy Andrea , Soejima Kyoko , Stevenson William G. , Tedrow Usha B. , Tzou Wendy S. , Varma Niraj , Zeppenfeld Katja
Published: January 2020

Ventricular arrhythmias are an important cause of morbidity and mortality and come in a variety of forms, from single premature ventricular complexes to sustained ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. Rapid developments have taken place over the past decade in our understanding of these arrhythmias and in our ability to diagnose and treat them. The field of catheter ablation has progressed with the development of new methods and tools, and with the publication of large clinical trials. Therefore, global cardiac electrophysiology professional societies undertook to outline recommendations and best practices for these procedures in a document that will update and replace the 2009 EHRA/HRS Expert Consensus on Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Arrhythmias. An expert writing group, after reviewing and discussing the literature, including a systematic review and meta‐analysis published in conjunction with this document, and drawing on their own experience, drafted and voted on recommendations and summarized current knowledge and practice in the field. Each recommendation is presented in knowledge byte format and is accompanied by supportive text and references. Further sections provide a practical synopsis of the various techniques and of the specific ventricular arrhythmia sites and substrates encountered in the electrophysiology lab. The purpose of this document is to help electrophysiologists around the world to appropriately select patients for catheter ablation, to perform procedures in a safe and efficacious manner, and to provide follow‐up and adjunctive care in order to obtain the best possible outcomes for patients with ventricular arrhythmias.
Sensitivity analyses assessing the impact of early stopping on systematic reviews: Recommendations for interpreting guidelines
Authors: Marschner Ian C. , Askie Lisa M. , Schou I. Manjula
Published: January 2020

The CONSORT Statement says that data‐driven early stopping of a clinical trial is likely to weaken the inferences that can be drawn from the trial. The GRADE guidelines go further, saying that early stopping is a study limitation that carries the risk of bias, and recommending sensitivity analyses in which trials stopped early are omitted from evidence synthesis. Despite extensive debate in the literature over these issues, the existence of clear recommendations in high profile guidelines makes it inevitable that systematic reviewers will consider sensitivity analyses investigating the impact of early stopping. The purpose of this article is to assess methodologies for conducting such sensitivity analyses, and to make recommendations about how the guidelines should be interpreted. We begin with a clarifying overview of the impacts of early stopping on treatment effect estimation in single studies and meta‐analyses. We then warn against naive approaches for conducting sensitivity analyses, including simply omitting trials stopped early from meta‐analyses. This approach underestimates treatment effects, which may have serious implications if cost‐effectiveness analyses determine whether treatments are made widely available. Instead, we discuss two unbiased approaches to sensitivity analysis, one of which is straightforward but statistically inefficient, and the other of which achieves greater statistical efficiency by making use of recent methodological developments in the analysis of clinical trials. We end with recommendations for interpreting: (a) the CONSORT Statement on reporting of reasons for early stopping, and (b) the GRADE guidelines on sensitivity analyses assessing the impact of early stopping.
Authentication of Turkish olive oils by using detailed pigment profile and spectroscopic techniques
Authors: Uncu Oguz , Ozen Banu , Tokatli Figen
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Minor compounds of olive oil could have discriminatory characteristics in the authentication of this product. It was aimed to determine the detailed pigment profiles of Turkish olive oils and use them in differentiation of the samples in comparison to fast, reliable, and environmentally friendly Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet (UV)–visible spectroscopic techniques. Pigment contents of 91 olive oils obtained from different locations for two consecutive harvesting years were determined with chromatographic analysis and FTIR and UV–visible spectra of these samples were also obtained. All data were analyzed with orthogonal partial least‐squares discriminant analysis to investigate the differentiation ability of these methods with regard to their detailed pigment and spectroscopic profiles.

RESULTS

Pheophytin a (2.78–8.98 mg kg−1) and lutein (1.19–4.07 mg kg−1) were the major pigments in all samples. Pigment profiles provided successful classification of olive oils with respect to their designated origins and harvesting year with average correct classification rates of 97%. UV–visible spectroscopy has quite similar results with pigment profiles in terms of its discriminatory power. In addition, FTIR and fused data were slightly better in discrimination of the samples, and the fused dataset has the highest correct classification rate of 100%.

CONCLUSION

Use of detailed pigment profiles is quite promising in authentication of olive oils. However, UV–visible and FTIR spectroscopic techniques could be reliable alternatives for the same purposes. All of the techniques studied have great potential in ‘protected designation of origin’ certification studies. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of two debittering processes on the alkaloid content and quality characteristics of lupin (Lupinus mutabilis Sweet)
Authors: Villacrés Elena , Álvarez Javier , Rosell Cristina
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

The presence of quinolizidine alkaloids (QAs) in the species Lupinus mutabilis Sweet limits the expansion of its consumption and use, despite its high protein content. The objective of this research was therefore to determine the effect of two thermal treatments, aqueous (ATT) and saline (STT), on the QAs and total protein content, as well as on the texture (fracturability and hardness), visual perception attributes – hue (H*), luminosity (L*) and chromatism (C*) – and grain size in three lupin varieties (INIAP‐450, INIAP‐451, and Criollo). The water consumption required by each treatment was also measured.

RESULTS

The debittering process with ATT helped to concentrate the total nitrogen by 560 g kg−1 and decreased the grain hardness to 2037 gf (grams of force) in the Criollo variety, while the chromatic parameters H* and C* increased in the three varieties. The STT treatment was more efficient than the ATT treatment in terms of the time required and the volume of water used to reduce the QAs to safe levels for consumption (2.5–3.5 g kg−1). The size of the grain increased to four times its original size; the luminosity L* decreased during cooking to a value of 41.49 in the Criollo variety and then increased to 57.42 during grain washing.

CONCLUSIONS

The STT treatment is advisable for lupin debittering, although the extent of the effect was dependent on the variety. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
DNA barcoding coupled with high‐resolution melting analysis for nut species and walnut milk beverage authentication
Authors: Ding Yanfei , Jiang Guangze , Huang Lihong , Chen Chengtong , Sun Junwei , Zhu Cheng
Published: January 2020

Background

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is one of the most widely cultivated nuts. Walnut milk beverage is very popular in China due to its nutritional value. However, adulterated walnut milk ingredients have been detected in the Chinese market. Peanut and soybean are sold at much lower prices than walnut and are reported to be commonly used for adulteration in the industrial chain of walnut milk production. The purpose of this study is therefore to develop an accurate and efficient method for detecting the authenticity of the raw materials used in walnut milk beverage.

Results

DNA barcoding and high‐resolution melting (HRM) analyses were used to identify common adulterated raw ingredients such as peanut and soybean in commercial walnut milk beverage samples. The chloroplast psbA‐trnH gene was used for sequencing, and HRM analysis was performed. We also prepared experimental mixtures, in the laboratory, with different quantities of walnut, peanut, and soybean. High‐resolution melting analysis of the experimental mixtures clearly distinguished all of them. The results revealed that most of the walnut milk beverage samples fell in the same cluster of walnut species. Several samples fell in the peanut cluster, confirming that they were adulterated products.

Conclusion

The results revealed that HRM analysis based on the psbA‐trnH barcode sequence can be used to identify raw ingredients in walnut milk beverages. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of dietary fat sources on the intramuscular and subcutaneous adipose tissue fatty acid composition, and consumer acceptability of lamb
Authors: Gravador Rufielyn S , Brunton Nigel P , Fahey Alan G , Gkarane Vasiliki , Claffey Noel A , Moloney Aidan P , Diskin Michael G , Farmer Linda J , Allen Paul , Casey Caoimhe , Monahan Frank J
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Lamb diets can alter the fatty acid (FA) profile of muscle and adipose tissue, which may affect the sensory quality and consumer acceptability of the meat. In this study, lambs received one of four pre‐slaughter diets: a barley / maize / soya‐based concentrate (C), supplemented with a saturated fat source (Megalac®) (SAT), or supplemented with protected linseed oil (PLO); or a by‐product (citrus pulp / distillers’ grain / soya‐based) diet (BPR). Intramuscular FAs and adipose tissue branched‐chain FAs were measured and consumer evaluation (hedonic liking and attribute intensity) was undertaken with cooked lamb.

RESULTS

Compared to the other diets, the BPR diet resulted in a higher muscle concentration and a greater proportion of C18:2n‐6, and greater proportions of conjugated linoleic acid (c9,t11‐C18:2) and n‐6 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFA), whereas the PLO diet resulted in higher muscle proportions of C18:0 and saturated FAs, higher concentrations of C18:3n‐3 and n‐3 PUFA, and a lower n‐6 to n‐3 ratio. The consumer acceptability of lamb was not affected by the pre‐slaughter diets.

CONCLUSION

Changes in the FA profile of lamb muscle and adipose tissue through the inclusion of sources of saturated fat, protected linseed oil, or by‐products in the pre‐slaughter diet did not result in consumer detection of significant effects on the acceptability of the cooked meat. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Agrobacterium rhizogenes mediated transformation of Ficus carica L. for the efficient production of secondary metabolites
Authors: Amani Shahla , Mohebodini Mehdi , Khademvatan Shahram , Jafari Morad
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Ficus carica L., an ancient source of food and medicines, is rich in valuable nutritional and secondary compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. The present study is the first attempt to examine hairy root (HR) induction of F. carica (Sabz and Siah) by inoculating the 3‐week‐old shoots and leaves with different strains of Agrobacterium rhizogenes and also to investigate methyl jasmonate (MeJA) elicitation of HRs to produce a fast and high‐yield production method for secondary metabolites.

RESULTS

The maximum transformation rate (100%) was achieved by inoculating the shoots with Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain A7. Siah HRs elicited with 100 and 200 μmol L−1 MeJA and Sabz HRs with 100 μmol L−1 MeJA showed the highest total phenolic content. The highest flavonoid content was 3.935 mg QE g−1 DW in Siah HRs treated with 200 μmol L−1 MeJA and 2.762 mg QE g−1 DW in Sabz HRs treated with 300 μmol L−1 MeJA. The 2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) value of HRs were affected by MeJA treatments. Methyl jasmonate elicitation also significantly enhanced the content of six phenolic acids (gallic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, coumaric acid, rosmarinic acid, and cinnamic acid) and three flavonoids (rutin, quercetin, and apigenin). Thymol, a monoterpene phenol, was the main HR compound detected in gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of the essential oils.

CONCLUSION

Induction of HRs and elicitation of F. carica HRs by MeJA resulted in a significant increase in the production of important phenolic compounds and a significant increase in antioxidant capacity. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Botanical and geographical origin of Turkish honeys by selected‐ion flow‐tube mass spectrometry and chemometrics
Authors: Ozcan‐Sinir Gulsah , Copur Omer U , Barringer Sheryl A
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Honey has a very important commercial value for producers as a natural product. Honey aroma is formed from the contributions of several volatile compounds, which are influenced by nectar composition, botanical origins, and location. Selected‐ion flow‐tube mass spectrometry (SIFT‐MS) is a technique that quantifies volatile organic compounds simply and rapidly, even in low concentrations. In this study, the headspace concentration of eight monofloral (chestnut, rhododendron, lavender, sage, carob, heather, citrus, and pine) and three multiflower Turkish honeys were analyzed using SIFT‐MS. Soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) was used to differentiate honey samples based on their volatiles.

RESULTS

This study focused on 78 volatile compounds, which were selected from previous studies of selected honeys. Very clear distinctions were observed between all honeys. Interclass distances greater than 8 indicate that honeys were significantly different. Methanol and ethanol were abundant in the honeys. Chestnut honey collected from the Yalova region had the highest total concentration of volatiles followed by heather honey and chestnut honey collected from the Düzce region.

CONCLUSION

Honeys with different botanical and geographical origins showed differences in their volatile profile based on chemometric analysis. Of the honey samples, methanol, ethanol, acetoin, ethyl acetate, and isobutanoic acid had the highest discriminating power. Methanol and ethanol, and then acetic acid, were the volatiles with the highest concentrations in most honeys. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Modulation effects of black‐vinegar‐based supplement against a high‐fat dietary habit: antiobesity/hypolipidemic, antioxidative, and energy‐metabolism effects
Authors: Liu Ming‐En , Chou Chung‐Hsi , Li Lu , Wu Yi‐Hsieng Samuel , Lin Yi‐Ling , Tu Dom‐Gene , Chen Yi‐Chen
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

An imbalanced fat or excess energy intake always results in obesity and increased serum/liver lipids, thus leading to metabolic syndromes. Given the bioactive components in black vinegar (BV), such as branched amino acids, phenolic profile, and mineral contents, we investigated the antiobesity effects of BV‐based supplements in rats fed a high‐fat diet (HFD).

RESULTS

HFD (30% fat, w/w) feeding increased (P < 0.05) body weight, weight gains, weights of livers and mesenteric, epididymal, and perirenal adipose tissues, and serum/liver triglyceride levels relative to those of rats fed a normal diet (4% fat, w/w; CON). These increased values were ameliorated (P < 0.05) by supplementing with BV‐based supplements but were still higher (P < 0.05) than those of CON rats. The increased areas of perirenal adipocytes in rats fed with an HFD were also decreased (P < 0.05) by supplementing with BV‐based supplements, which might result from an upregulation (P < 0.05) of 5′‐adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐1 (CPT1), and uncoupling protein‐2 (UCP2) in the perirenal adipose tissues. A similar effect was observed for AMPK, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha, retinoid X receptor alpha, CPT1, and UCP2 gene and protein levels in livers (P < 0.05). Generally, BV‐based supplements increased the fecal triglyceride, cholesterol, and bile acid levels of rats fed with an HFD, which partially contribute to the lipid‐lowering effects. Furthermore, BV‐based supplements increased (P < 0.05) hepatic Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and lowered (P < 0.05) serum/liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values in HFD‐fed rats.

CONCLUSION

In a chronic high‐fat dietary habit, the food‐grade BV‐based supplement is a good daily choice to ameliorate obesity and its associated comorbidities. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
A new molecularly imprinted polymer for selective extraction and pre‐concentration of guaifenesin in different samples: Adsorption studies and kinetic modeling
Authors: Iranmanesh Elnaz , Jahani Moslem , Nezhadali Azizollah , Mojarrab Maliheh
Published: January 2020

This paper describes the synthesis of a molecularly imprinted polymer by chemical oxidation of pyrrole as the functional monomer, and at the presence of guaifenesin as the template. The prepared polymer was used as adsorbent in molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction followed by spectrophotometric determination. Different parameters in the solid‐phase extraction including sample pH, adsorbent weight, washing solution, and elution solvent were studied to determine optimum conditions for isolation and enrichment of guaifenesin. The results showed guaifenesin was quantitatively adsorbed on the molecularly imprinted polymer at pH 6.0 and completely eluted with an ethanol–water solution (50% v/v). An enrichment factor of four with satisfactory recoveries (87.0–95.0%) was obtained. The solid‐phase extraction columns could be used for up to six consecutive elution‐loading cycles without significant decreases in the analyte recoveries. The method had a dynamic range of 3.0 × 10−6–1.5 × 10−4 mol/L with a limit of detection and limit of quantification of 1.4×10−6 and 4.5×10−6 mol/L, respectively. The proposed procedure was used for the extraction and determination of guaifenesin in different pharmaceutical formulations, with satisfying results being achieved.
Recurrence After Curative Resection of Hepatitis B Virus–Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Diagnostic Algorithms on Gadoxetic Acid–Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Wang Wentao , Yang Chun , Zhu Kai , Yang Li , Ding Ying , Luo Rongkui , Zhu Shuo , Chen Caizhong , Sun Wei , Zeng Mengsu , Rao Sheng‐Xiang
Published: January 2020

Small recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can show atypical imaging patterns, and a specific diagnostic algorithm for HCC is lacking. This study aimed to better characterize postoperative recurrent HCCs <20 mm in size with gadoxetic acid–enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We evaluated 373 newly developed nodules after hepatectomy in 204 HCC patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection. The diagnostic performance of Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI‐RADS) version 2018 was calculated with gadoxetic acid–enhanced MRI to characterize recurrent HCC. Modified diagnostic algorithms were proposed by combining significant imaging biomarkers related to subcentimeter and 10‐19 mm recurrence, and the algorithms were then compared with the LI‐RADS system. A total of 256 recurrent HCCs (108 recurrent HCCs <10 mm in size; 148 recurrent HCCs 10‐19 mm in size) were confirmed via histology or follow‐up imaging. Nonrim arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE) and 3 LI‐RADS ancillary features (AFs; hepatobiliary phase hypointensity, mild‐moderate T2 hyperintensity, and restricted diffusion) were significantly related to recurrent HCCs <20 mm in size according to a multivariate analysis. For subcentimeter recurrence, combining at least 2 of the 3 AFs only achieved better specificity (sensitivity, 83.3%; specificity, 87.7%) than the LR‐4 category (sensitivity, 88.9%, P = 0.21; specificity, 70.8%, P = 0.006). For 10‐19 mm recurrences, combining nonrim APHE and at least 1 of the 3 AFs achieved only a significantly enhanced sensitivity of 85.1% but a lower specificity of 86.5% compared with the LR‐5 category (sensitivity: 63.5%, P < 0.001; specificity: 94.2%, P = 0.13). In conclusion, the diagnostic algorithms for subcentimeter and 10‐19 mm recurrent HCCs should be stratified. Combining at least 2 AFs demonstrated comparable sensitivity with significantly enhanced specificity compared with the LR‐4 category for characterizing subcentimeter recurrence.