bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectroscopic and in silico investigation of the interaction between GH1 β‐glucosidase and ginsenoside Rb1
Authors: Zhong Shuning , Yan Mi , Zou Haoyang , Zhao Ping , Ye Haiqing , Zhang Tiehua , Zhao Changhui
Published: February 2021

The function and application of β‐glucosidase attract attention nowadays. β‐glucosidase was confirmed of transforming ginsenoside Rb1 to rare ginsenoside, but the interaction mechanism remains not clear. In this work, β‐glucosidase from GH1 family of Paenibacillus polymyxa was selected, and its gene sequence bglB was synthesized by codon. Then, recombinant plasmid was transferred into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and expressed. The UV–visible spectrum showed that ginsenoside Rb1 decreased the polarity of the corresponding structure of hydrophobic aromatic amino acids (Trp) in β‐glucosidase and increased new π‐π* transition. The fluorescence quenching spectrum showed that ginsenoside Rb1 inhibited intrinsic fluorescence, formed static quenching, reduced the surface hydrophobicity of β‐glucosidase, and KSV was 8.37 × 103 L/M (298K). Circular dichroism (CD) showed that secondary structure of β‐glucosidase was changed by the binding action. Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) showed that β‐glucosidase and Rb1 had strong binding power which KD value was 5.24 × 10–4 (±2.35 × 10–5) M. Molecular docking simulation evaluated the binding site, hydrophobic force, hydrogen bond, and key amino acids of β‐glucosidase with ginsenoside Rb1 in the process. Thus, this work could provide basic mechanisms of the binding and interaction between β‐glucosidase and ginsenoside Rb1.
Managing volatility in commodity momentum
Authors: Xu Qi , Wang Ying
Published: February 2021

We empirically investigate the effect of managing volatility in commodity momentum. Using Chinese commodity futures data, we show that managing volatility significantly improves the performance of commodity momentum. Including the new strategy significantly enhances asset allocation performance. Then, we explore several potential explanations for the profitability of the new strategy. Commodity‐specific factors, business cycle risk, financial market conditions, investor sentiments, transaction costs, leverage constraints, and data‐snooping bias do not fully account for this profitability. The profitability is in line with the predictability of momentum‐specific risk rather than aggregate market risk. Comprehensive robustness checks support our main findings.
Middle Triassic lower crust‐derived adakitic magmatism: Thickening of the Dananhu intra‐oceanic arc and its implications for arc–arc amalgamation in the Eastern Tianshan (NW China)
Authors: Mao Qigui , Ao Songjian , Windley Brian F. , Wang Jingbin , Li Yuechen , Xiao Wenjiao
Published: February 2021

The timing and mechanism of the closure of the Palaeo‐Asian Ocean are problematic and controversial. To help resolve these problems, we report geochronological, geochemical, and isotopic data from mid‐Triassic adakitic intrusions in the Eastern Tianshan, NW China. U–Pb dating shows that the adakitic intrusions formed at 243–234 Ma. These mid‐Triassic adakitic intrusions are characterized by high Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios, low Yb and Y, and positive εNd (t) (+3.12 − +4.71) and low (87Sr/86Sr)i (0.703956–0.704487) values. However, they have high K and low A/NK values (1.16–1.71), relatively low MgO (0.43–1.81 wt%) contents, and Mg# (44–61), low abundances of compatible elements (Cr = 4.09–16.69 ppm, Ni = 2.02–8.03 ppm), which are different from the typical slab‐melting adakites. These features indicate that they were derived from the partial melting of the relatively depleted thickened lower crust. Our new geochronological, geochemical, and isotopic data integrated with the established amalgamation of nearby arcs lead us to conclude that the adakitic intrusions were most likely generated by partial melting of the tectonically thickened (>40 km) juvenile Dananhu intra‐oceanic arc and, therefore, the Kanguer branch of the Palaeo‐Asian Ocean closed since ca. 234 Ma.
Redundancy circuits of the commissural pathways in human and rhesus macaque brains
Authors: Ghulam‐Jelani Zulfar , Barrios‐Martinez Jessica , Eguiluz‐Melendez Aldo , Gomez Ricardo , Anania Yury , Yeh Fang‐Cheng
Published: February 2021

It has been hypothesized that the human brain has less redundancy than animals, but the structural evidence has not been identified to confirm this claim. Here, we report three redundancy circuits of the commissural pathways in primate brains, namely the orbitofrontal, temporal, and occipital redundancy circuits of the anterior commissure and corpus callosum. Each redundancy circuit has two distinctly separated routes connecting a common pair of cortical regions. We mapped their trajectories in human and rhesus macaque brains using individual and population‐averaged tractography. The dissection results confirmed the existence of these redundancy circuits connecting the orbitofrontal lobe, amygdala, and visual cortex. The volume analysis showed a significant reduction in the orbitofrontal and occipital redundancy circuits of the human brain, whereas the temporal redundancy circuit had a substantial organizational difference between the human and rhesus macaque. Our results support the hypothesis that the human brain has less redundancy in the commissural pathways than that of the rhesus macaque brain. Further studies are needed to explore its neuropathological implications.
Inverse correlation between plasma 2‐arachidonoylglycerol levels and subjective severity of depression
Authors: Bersani Giuseppe , Pacitti Francesca , Iannitelli Angela , Caroti Eleonora , Quartini Adele , Xenos Dionysios , Marconi Michela , Cuoco Valentina , Bigio Benedetta , Bowles Nicole P. , Weisz Filippo , Fanelli Flaminia , Di Lallo Valentina D. , Belluomo Ilaria , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Nasca Carla
Published: February 2021

Objective

Endocannabinoids have been implicated in the pathophysiology of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and might represent potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Objectives of the study were: (1) to measure plasma levels of endocannabinoids in a group of antidepressant‐free depressed outpatients; (2) to explore their relationship with the severity of depressive symptoms as subjectively perceived by the patients; and (3) to investigate the effect of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor escitalopram on endocannabinoid levels.

Methods

We measured plasma levels of the two major endocannabinoids, 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) and N‐arachidonoylethanolamine (anadamide), in 12 drug‐free outpatients diagnosed with MDD and in 12 matched healthy controls. In the patient group, endocannabinoids plasma levels were assessed at baseline and after 2 months of treatment with escitalopram.

Results

Baseline plasma levels of the two endocannabinoids did not differ between depressed patients and healthy controls. However, there was a significant inverse correlation between 2‐arachidonoylglycerol levels and the severity of subjectively perceived depressive symptoms. Treatment with escitalopram did not change endocannabinoid levels in depressed patients, although it caused the expected improvement of depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that 2‐arachidonylglycerol, the most abundant endocannabinoid in the central nervous system, might act to mitigate depressive symptoms, and raise the interesting possibility that 2‐arachidonylglycerol and anandamide are differentially regulated in patients affected by MDD. Also, our data suggest but do not prove that the endocannabinoid system is not regulated by serotonergic transmission, at least in depressed patients.
Detection of antigens and anti‐Toxocara canis antibodies in children with different asthma severities
Authors: Sandra Guadalupe Bautista‐García , Mario Noé Martínez‐Gordillo , Gustavo Esteban Peralta‐Abarca , Norma Yvett González‐Bobadilla , Karina Clavijo‐Sánchez , Alma Leticia Chávez‐Zea , Alan Eduardo Hernández‐Saavedra , José Guadalupe Huerta‐López , Álvaro Pedroza‐Meléndez , Alejandro Gabriel González‐Garay , Martha Ponce‐Macotela
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Toxocara canis can produce or exacerbate asthma, and the detection of anti‐T. canis immunoglobulin G (IgG) does not discriminate between recent infection or active larva migrans. In this study, we searched for T. canis third‐stage larval antigens (L3TES) and anti‐T. canis antibodies in children with different severities of asthma, controlled or uncontrolled.

Methods

A total of 145 patients with asthma who were previously diagnosed using the Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines were included. The asthma control was evaluated with the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ). Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was performed for the detection of L3TES; IgG was detected using sera preadsorbed with Ascaris antigens (native kit), and a commercial kit (IgG) was used as the gold standard.

Results

L3TES was found in 2 patients (1.37%). One had L3TES and anti‐T. canis IgG, suggesting active larva migrans. In the other patient, only L3TES was detected, likely because an infection had begun. The seroprevalence with the commercial kit and native kit was 6.2% and 17.93%, respectively. There was no significant association among asthma severity, ACQ and T. canis seroprevalence (p > .05).

Conclusion

It is possible to detect L3TES in patients with asthma. Two complementary techniques that can determine the infection status with T. canis and rule out cross‐reactions involve the detection of L3TES and IgG using sera preadsorbed with Ascaris antigen. There was no significant association among asthma severity, ACQ and T. canis seroprevalence.
Kinetics and prognostic value of soluble VCAM‐1 in ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction patients
Authors: Hayek Ahmad , Paccalet Alexandre , Mechtouff Laura , Da Silva Claire C. , Ivanes Fabrice , Falque Hadrien , Leboube Simon , Varillon Yvonne , Amaz Camille , de Bourguignon Charles , Prieur Cyril , Tomasevic Danka , Genot Nathalie , Derimay François , Bonnefoy‐Cudraz Eric , Bidaux Gabriel , Mewton Nathan , Ovize Michel , Bochaton Thomas
Published: February 2021

Background

Soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (sVCAM‐1) is a biomarker of endothelial activation and inflammation. There is still controversy as to whether it can predict clinical outcome after ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Our aim was to assess the sVCAM‐1 kinetics and to evaluate its prognostic predictive value.

Method

We prospectively enrolled 251 consecutive STEMI patients who underwent coronary revascularization in our university hospital. Blood samples were collected at admission, 4, 24, 48 h and 1 month after admission. sVCAM‐1 serum level was assessed using ELISA assay. All patients had cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at 1‐month for infarct size (IS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) assessment. Clinical outcomes were recorded over 12 months after STEMI.

Results

sVCAM‐1 levels significantly increased from admission up to 1 month and were significantly correlated with IS, LVEF, and LV end‐systolic and diastolic volume. (H48 area under curve (AUC) ≥ H48 median) were associated with an increased risk of adverse clinical events during the 12‐month follow‐up period with a hazard ratio (HR) = 2.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] of ratio = 1.2–5.6, p = .02). The ability of H48 AUC for sVCAM‐1 to discriminate between patients with or without the composite endpoint was evaluated using receiver operating characteristics with an AUC at 0.67 (0.57–0.78, p = .004). This ability was significantly superior to H48 AUC creatine kinase (p = .03).

Conclusions

In STEMI patients, high sVCAM‐1 levels are associated with a poor clinical outcome. sVCAM‐1 is an early postmyocardial infarction biomarker and might be an interesting target for the development of future therapeutic strategies.
The first BGICC consensus and recommendations for breast cancer awareness, early detection and risk reduction in low‐ and middle‐income countries and the MENA region
Authors: Elghazaly Hesham , Aref Adel T. , Anderson Benjamin O. , Arun Banu , Yip Cheng‐Har , Abdelaziz Hany , Ghosn Marwan , Al‐Foheidi Meteb , Cardenosa Gilda , Leung Jessica W. T. , Gado Nivine , Balch Charles M. , Sabry Mohamed , Ezz Elarab Lobna , Giuliano Armando E. , El‐Zawahry Heba M. , Abdel Karim Khaled , Nasr Azza , Maki Hussein , Chung Hannah , Saadeddin Ahmed , Abdelwahab Manal M. , Al Tahan Fatina M. , Chalabi Nivine , Frolova Mona , Kamal Rasha M. , Shehata Mohamed A. , Bahie Eldin Nermean , Elghazawy Hagar
Published: February 2021

In low‐middle income countries (LMICs) and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, there is an unmet need to establish and improve breast cancer (BC) awareness, early diagnosis and risk reduction programs. During the 12th Breast, Gynecological & Immuno‐oncology International Cancer Conference ‐ Egypt 2020, 26 experts from 7 countries worldwide voted to establish the first consensus for BC awareness, early detection and risk reduction in LMICs/MENA region. The panel advised that there is an extreme necessity for a well‐developed BC data registries and prospective clinical studies that address alternative modalities/modified BC screening programs in areas of limited resources. The most important recommendations of the panel were: (a) BC awareness campaigns should be promoted to public and all adult age groups; (b) early detection programs should combine geographically distributed mammographic facilities with clinical breast examination (CBE); (c) breast awareness should be encouraged; and (d) intensive surveillance and chemoprevention strategies should be fostered for high‐risk women. The panel defined some areas for future clinical research, which included the role of CBE and breast self‐examination as an alternative to radiological screening in areas of limited resources, the interval and methodology of BC surveillance in women with increased risk of BC and the use of low dose tamoxifen in BC risk reduction. In LMICs/MENA region, BC awareness and early detection campaigns should take into consideration the specific disease criteria and the socioeconomic status of the target population. The statements with no consensus reached should serve as potential catalyst for future clinical research.
Dietary fat intake and liver cancer incidence: A population‐based cohort study in Chinese men
Authors: Ji Xiao‐Wei , Wang Jing , Shen Qiu‐Ming , Li Zhuo‐Ying , Jiang Yu‐Fei , Liu Da‐Ke , Tan Yu‐Ting , Li Hong‐Lan , Xiang Yong‐Bing
Published: February 2021

To date, limited studies have focused on the association between dietary fat and liver cancer risk, especially in China. Our study aims to evaluate the association between dietary fat intake and liver cancer incidence risk in men. Dietary fat intake was obtained through a validated food frequency questionnaire in a Chinese prospective cohort. The Cox regression model was utilized to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). After exclusion, 59 998 recruitments were finally analyzed with a total follow‐up time of 714 339 person‐years, 431 incident liver cancer cases were newly identified among them. The adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for the highest vs lowest quartile of total fat, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) were 1.33 (1.01‐1.75), 1.50 (1.13‐1.97), 1.26 (0.96‐1.65), and 1.41 (1.07‐1.86), and the corresponding P‐trend values were .008, .005, .034, and .005, respectively. In the secondary analysis among participants tested for hepatitis B virus, we found that higher intakes of saturated fat and PUFA were also associated with increased liver cancer risks. Besides, high risks of per standard deviation alterations of the total fat, saturated fat and MUFA were detected in liver cancer, and these results were similar to those concluded from the full‐cohort analysis. In conclusion, dietary intakes of total fat, saturated fat, PUFA, and probably MUFA might increase liver cancer risks. Our study provides suggestive advice to public administration on dietary suggestions, and related measures taken from managing dietary fat intake might reduce liver cancer incidence.
The association of prediagnostic circulating levels of cardiometabolic markers, testosterone and sex hormone‐binding globulin with risk of breast cancer among normal weight postmenopausal women in the UK Biobank
Authors: Arthur Rhonda S. , Dannenberg Andrew J. , Rohan Thomas E.
Published: February 2021

Emerging evidence suggests that normal weight postmenopausal women with a relative excess of body fat are at increased breast cancer risk. However, little is known about the associations between obesity‐related blood markers and risk of breast cancer among these individuals. In this prospective study comprising 58 629 normal weight postmenopausal women (body mass index between 18.5 kg/m2 and 24.9 kg/m2) who were enrolled in the UK Biobank cohort between 2006 and 2010, we examined the associations of glycated hemoglobin, triglycerides, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, C‐reactive protein (CRP), testosterone and sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) with risk of breast cancer. A total of 1268 postmenopausal breast cancer cases were ascertained during a median follow‐up period of 7 years. Women with CRP, total testosterone and free testosterone (FT) levels in the highest quintile had increased risk of breast cancer compared to those in the lowest quintile (HRQ5 vs Q1: 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12‐1.63, HR Q5 vs Q1: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.20‐1.80 and HR Q5 vs Q1: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.23‐1.90, respectively), whereas those with SHBG in the highest quintile had reduced risk (HR Q5 vs Q1: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.56‐0.88). These associations were attenuated but persisted after additional adjustment for BMI, fat mass index (whole body fat mass [kg]/height [m2]) or waist circumference and after mutual adjustment for testosterone, CRP and/or SHBG. Our study suggests that the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer among normal weight women is increased in association with relatively high levels of CRP and testosterone and with relatively low levels of SHBG.
Foreign direct investment, income inequality and country risk
Authors: Wang En‐Ze , Lee Chien‐Chiang
Published: February 2021

Given the continuous debate about the foreign direct investment (FDI)‐inequality nexus, there is an acknowledged need for reconsidering their relationship from a new perspective. Therefore, applying balanced panel data composed of 60 countries from 1998 to 2014, this research estimates a finite mixture model with country risk as a concomitant variable to explore the interrelationships among FDI, inequality, and country risk so as to offer fresh insight into the FDI‐inequality nexus. We present evidence that shows a significant role of compositing country risk on this. Specifically speaking, FDI deteriorates inequality under the condition of high risk, whereas it alleviates inequality in a country with low country risk. Moreover, we can also obtain the similar findings by considering the role of components of country risk (economic risk, financial risk and political risk) as a determinant for the FDI‐inequality nexus. FDI deteriorates inequality under the condition of high political, economic and financial risks, whereas it alleviates inequality in a country with low political, economic and financial risks.
Comparing the effects of an exposure to a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon mixture versus individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons during monocyte to macrophage differentiation: Mixture exposure results in altered immune metrics
Authors: Tooker Brian C. , Quinn Kevin , Armstrong Michael , Bauer Alison K. , Reisdorph Nichole
Published: February 2021

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are generated by the incomplete combustion of carbon. Exposures correlate with systemic immune dysfunction and overall immune suppression. Real‐world exposures to PAHs are almost always encountered as mixtures; however, research overwhelmingly centers on isolated exposures to a single PAH, benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). Here, a human monocyte line (U937) was exposed to B[a]P, benz[a]anthracene (B[a]A), or a mixture of six PAHs (6‐MIX) to assess the differential toxicity on monocytes. Further, monocytes were exposed to PAHs with and without CYP1A1 inhibitors during macrophage differentiation to delineate PAH exposure and PAH metabolism‐driven alterations to the immune response. U937 monocytes exposed to B[a]P, B[a]A, or 6‐MIX had higher levels of cellular health and growth not observed following equimolar exposures to other individual PAHs. PAH exposures during differentiation did not alter monocyte‐derived macrophage (MDM) numbers; however, B[a]A and 6‐MIX exposures significantly altered M1/M2 polarization in a CYP1A1‐dependent manner. U937‐MDM adherence was differentially suppressed by all three PAH treatments with 6‐MIX exposed U937‐MDM having significantly more adhesion than U937‐MDM exposed to either individual PAH. Finally, 6‐MIX exposures during differentiation reduced U937‐MDM endocytic function significantly less than B[a]A exposed cells. Exposure to a unique PAH mixture during U937‐MDM differentiation resulted in mixture‐specific alterations of pro‐inflammatory markers compared to individual PAH exposures. While subtle, these differences highlight the probability that using a model PAH, B[a]P, may not accurately reflect the effects of PAH mixture exposures. Therefore, future studies should include various PAH mixtures that encompass probable real‐world PAH exposures for the endpoints under investigation.
Optical coherence tomography‐based non‐invasive evaluation of premalignant lesions in SKH‐1 mice
Authors: Zhou Chu , Zhang Haonan , Wang Peiru , Shi Lei , Wen Long , Chen Qi , Zhang Guolong , Wang Cheng , Wang Xiuli
Published: February 2021

Non‐invasively diagnosis of actinic keratoses (AK) is important for preventing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can be used to detect the cross‐sectional skin micromorphology with sufficient resolution and imaging depth. It has the capability to reveal the changes in skin microstructure during the development of AK. Therefore, OCT can serve as a tool for diagnosing AK. This study explores the feasibility of OCT in evaluating the structural changes in mouse skin at the different stages following exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The performance of OCT is compared with histology, the gold standard in this context. The imaging results demonstrate that a wave‐shaped irregular dermo‐epidermal junction (DEJ), as well as the continuous thickening of the epidermis, are useful diagnostic parameters for diagnosing AK. Histological examinations confirm these observations. These findings emphasize the need for effective skin protection or medical treatment once changes in the DEJ and epidermis are detected. OCT shows strong potential for non‐invasive evaluation of such changes and AK development, and can be used for the prevention of cSCC without the necessity of taking biopsies.
The Effect of Single Versus Group μCT on the Detection of Trabecular and Cortical Disease Phenotypes in Mouse Bones
Authors: Kohler Rachel , Tastad Carli A , Stacy Alexander J , Swallow Elizabeth A , Metzger Corinne E , Allen Matthew R , Wallace Joseph M
Published: February 2021

Micro‐computed tomography is a critical assessment tool for bone‐related preclinical research, especially in murine models. To expedite the scanning process, researchers often image multiple bones simultaneously; however, it is unknown if this impacts scan quality and alters the ability to detect differences between experimental groups. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of multibone scanning on detecting disease‐induced changes in bone microarchitecture and mineral density by group scanning two murine models with known skeletal defects: the Col1a2G610C/+ model of osteogenesis imperfecta and an adenine‐induced model of chronic kidney disease. Adult male femurs were scanned individually and in random groups of three and eight in a Bruker Skyscan 1172 and 1176, respectively, then assessed for standard trabecular and cortical bone measures. Although scanning methodology altered raw values, with trabecular microarchitecture values more affected than cortical properties, a disease phenotype was still detectable in both group and solo scans. However, tissue mineral density in both trabecular and cortical bone was significantly impacted by group versus solo scanning. Researchers may be able to use small groupings in a single μCT scan to expedite preclinical analyses when the overall bone phenotype is large to decrease costs and increase speed of discoveries; however the details of scanning (single or group) should always be reported. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
New strontium titanate polymorphs under high pressure
Authors: Rahmatizad Khajehpasha Ehsan , Goedecker Stefan , Ghasemi S. Alireza
Published: February 2021

We report six new dynamically stable structures of SrTiO3 at various pressures ranging from 0 to 200 GPa. These structures were found by exploring the enthalpy surface with the Minima Hopping structure prediction method. The potential energy surface was generated by a machine learned potential, the charge equilibration via neural network technique (CENT), based on an extensive training data set of highly diverse SrTiO3 periodic and cluster structures. All our CENT structures were validated at the level of density functional theory. For our new structures, we performed phonon calculations and NVT molecular dynamics calculations to investigate their dynamical stability. Finally, X‐ray diffraction patterns were simulated to help to identify our predicted structures in experiments.
lncRNA HAND2‐AS1 overexpression inhibits cancer cell proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma by downregulating RUNX2 expression
Authors: Jing Gui‐Ying , Zheng Xuan‐Zhen , Ji Xiao‐Xia
Published: February 2021

Background

The long non‐coding RNA HAND2 antisense RNA 1 (HAND2‐AS1) acts as a tumor suppressor in several malignancies, but its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the function of HAND2‐AS1 in HCC.

Methods

The expression levels of HAND2‐AS1 and runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) were determined in patients with HCC and HCC cell lines using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses. Cell proliferation was determined using Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay, and the correlation between HAND2‐AS1 and RUNX2 expression was also investigated.

Results

The plasma level of HAND2‐AS1 was downregulated and that of RUNX2 was upregulated in patients with early‐stage HCC compared with those in healthy controls. No significant differences in the plasma levels of HAND2‐AS1 and RUNX2 were found among hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐positive, hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐positive, and HBV‐ and HCV‐negative patients with HCC. The plasma levels of HAND2‐AS1 and RUNX2 were inversely correlated in the patient groups but not in the control group. HAND2‐AS1 overexpression led to the downregulation of RUNX2 expression in human HCC cells, whereas RUNX2 failed to significantly affect HAND2‐AS1 expression. HAND2‐AS1 overexpression inhibited and RUNX2 overexpression promoted the proliferation of HCC cells. RUNX2 overexpression attenuated the inhibitory effects of HAND2‐AS1 overexpression on cancer cell proliferation.

Conclusion

HAND2‐AS1 overexpression inhibits cancer cell proliferation in HCC by downregulating RUNX2 expression.
DOCK4 stimulates MUC2 production through its effect on goblet cell differentiation
Authors: Qin Tingfeng , Yang Jie , Huang Dayin , Zhang Zhijun , Huang Yanling , Chen Hui , Xu Geyang
Published: February 2021

The intestinal mucosa is in continuous contact with milliard of microorganisms, thus intestinal epithelial barrier is a critical component in the arsenal of defense mechanisms required to prevent infection and inflammation. Mucin 2 (MUC2), which is produced by the goblet cells, forms the skeleton of the intestinal mucus and protects the intestinal tract from self‐digestion and numerous microorganisms. Dedicator of cytokinesis 4 (DOCK4) is a member of the DOCK‐B subfamily of the DOCK family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors. It is reported that DOCK4 plays a critical role in the repair of the barrier function of the intestinal epithelium after chemical damage. In this study, the role of DOCK4 in the goblet cell differentiation and MUC2 production is explored. Disordered intestinal epithelium and shortage of goblet cells were observed in DOCK4 gene knockout mice. Furthermore, DOCK4 deletion contributed to the low expression of MUC2 and the goblet cell differentiation/maturation factors including growth factor independent 1 (Gfi1) and SAM pointed domain epithelial‐specific transcription factor (Spdef) in mouse ileums and colons. Overexpression of DOCK4 caused a marked increase in Gfi1, Spdef, and MUC2, while siRNA knockdown of endogenous DOCK4 significantly decreased Gfi1, Spdef, and MUC2 in HT‐29 cells. In addition, MUC2, DOCK4, and the goblet cell differentiation/maturation factors mRNA levels were decreased in colorectal cancer samples compared with normal colons. A significant positive correlation was found between MUC2 and DOCK4. In conclusion, DOCK4 may serve as a critical regulator of goblet cell differentiation and MUC2 production in the intestine.
The challenge of avidity determination in SARS‐CoV‐2 serology
Authors: Bauer Georg , Struck Friedhelm , Schreiner Patrick , Staschik Eva , Soutschek Erwin , Motz Manfred
Published: February 2021

The serological responses towards severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) nucleoprotein, receptor‐binding domain (RBD), and spike protein S1 are characterized by incomplete avidity maturation. Analysis with varying concentrations of urea allows to determine distinct differences in avidity maturation, though the total process remains at an unusually low level. Despite incomplete avidity maturation, this approach allows to define early and late stages of infection. It therefore can compensate for the recently described irregular kinetic patterns of immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G (IgG) directed towards SARS‐CoV‐2 antigens. The serological responses towards seasonal coronaviruses neither have a negative nor positive impact on SARS‐CoV‐2 serology in general. Avidity determination in combination with measurement of antibody titers and complexity of the immune response allows to clearly differentiate between IgG responses towards seasonal coronaviruses and SARS‐CoV‐2. Cross‐reactions seem to occur with very low probability. They can be recognized by their pattern of response and through differential treatment with urea. As high avidity has been shown to be essential in several virus systems for the protective effect of neutralizing antibodies, it should be clarified whether high avidity of IgG directed towards RBD indicates protective immunity. If this is the case, monitoring of avidity should be part of the optimization of vaccination programs.
Mucosal Grafting Reduces Recurrence After Endonasal Surgery of Petrous Apex Cholesterol Granulomas
Authors: Patel Chirag R. , Snyderman Carl H. , Fernandez‐Miranda Juan C. , Gardner Paul A. , Wang Eric W.
Published: February 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) is increasingly utilized for management of petrous apex cholesterol granuloma (PACG). Surgical goals include drainage and marsupialization of the cyst. Various techniques have been described to try to reduce the rates of recurrence. We studied the effect of mucosal grafting on recurrence.

Study Design

Retrospective Cohort study.

Methods

Patients who underwent EEA for PACG at two tertiary care centers between 1999 and 2018 were identified and divided into two cohorts: Mucosal versus no mucosal reconstruction. Surgical approach, reconstructive method, and recurrence were recorded. Primary endpoint was symptomatic or radiographic recurrence.

Results

Thirty‐four patients were identified undergoing 37 surgeries. Four patients developed recurrences of which three elected to undergo revision. Some form of mucosa was used to line the drainage tract in 20 cases. A free mucosal graft was used in 8, and a small customized nasal septal flap (miniflap) in 12. All four recurrences occurred in cases where no mucosa was used, demonstrating decreased recurrences with mucosal reconstruction (P < .05). There was no difference found between free mucosal grafts and miniflaps.

Conclusions

Utilization of mucosa to partially line a circumferentially de‐epithelialized drainage pathway after EEA for PACG reduce recurrence rates.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2513–E2517, 2021
A threshold‐like effect on the interaction between hydrological connectivity and dominant plant population in tidal marsh wetlands
Authors: Liu Jiakai , Liu Ying , Xie Lumeng , Zhao Shiqiang , Dai Liyi , Zhang Zhenming
Published: February 2021

Tidal marsh wetlands in the Yellow River Delta provide valuable eco‐services to the local population and global ecology. However, this area is suffering from serious degradation under the stresses of social development and climate change. Hydrological connectivity, a new framework in hydrology and ecology, has been proposed as the main factor affecting the ecological processes in coastal wetlands; however, its role in hydrology–soil–vegetation interactions remains unclear. In this study, we parametrically quantified the hydrological connectivity in the tidal marsh wetlands and analyzed its relationship with Phragmites australis, one of the dominant species in this area. Our results showed threshold‐like effects on the interaction between hydrological connectivity and P. australis on the plot scale. When biomass is lower than 2.2 kg m−2, the population density and structure size were found to increase with hydrological connectivity. When the biomass is higher than the threshold, the plots disconnected hydrologically because of high water consumption. Compared with soil chemistry, salinity, and water soil content, hydrological connectivity in the surface soil layer is more strongly linked to the plant traits and spatial structure in the tidal marsh wetlands due to the narrow ranges of other variables. Based on the Best on previous study and our analysis, we do not recommend dense plantation of P. australis, especially near the freshwater sources in the tidal marsh, because of its high reproduction ability and competitive nature, which may cut the freshwater connectivity off, lowering the richness of plant species and habitat diversity.
Gene spectrum and clinical traits of 10 patients with primary carnitine deficiency
Authors: Chen Yao , Lin Qingying , Zeng Yinglin , Qiu Xiaolong , Liu Guanghua , Zhu Wenbin
Published: February 2021

Background

Rare studies focused on the tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) findings for the primary carnitine deficiency (PCD) in the neonates in China mainland. In this study, we aim to analyze the gene mutation spectrum of PCD in Fujian Province in China mainland.

Methods

Primary carnitine deficiency (PCD) samples used in this study were selected from 95,453 cases underwent neonatal screening between May 2015 and February 2020. SLC22A5 gene sequencing was performed on the neonates and their parents with C0 level of less than 8.8 μmol/L.

Results

Ten patients (male: 7; female: 3) were finally included in this study. Among these patients, nine were neonates, and one was maternal decline of C0 of less than 8.8 μmol/L. The maternal case showed two types of mutations of SLC22A5 including c.760C>T(p.R254*) and c.1400C>G(p.S467C). The other nine neonates showed compound mutations involving nine types in 18 sites, among which two mutations [i.e., c.37G>T(p.E13*) and c.694A>G(p.T232A)] were novel that had never been reported before. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that c.37G>T(p.E13*) was a pathogenic mutation, while the c.694A>G (p.T232A) was considered to be likely pathogenic.

Conclusion

MS/MS screening on PCD contributed to the early diagnosis and screening. In addition, SLC22A5 gene mutation analysis contributed to the PCD screening.
A method for increasing the solubility of industrial azo pigments for 13C and 1H NMR spectra and the assignments of their 13C and 1H NMR peaks
Authors: Zhu Meiling , Feng Guangyuan , Lv Dongjun , Qin Nan , Li Chunbao
Published: February 2021

A method for increasing the solubilities of industrial azo pigments in DMSO by adding DBU (1,8‐diaza‐7‐bicyclo[5.4.0]undecene) has been developed. This facilitated the acquisition of solution 13C NMR spectra of the pigments. This method was applied to four types of azo pigments: naphthol AS (3‐hydroxy‐2‐naphthoic acid anilide) pigments, naphthol pigments, pyrazolone pigments and acetoacetanilide pigments. This represents the first solution 13C NMR spectra for naphthol AS pigments. Altogether 18 industrial azo pigments were analysed using 1D and 2D NMR techniques. The proton and corresponding carbon NMR resonances of these pigments have all been assigned.
Exploring cation disorder in mixed‐metal pyrochlore ceramics using 17O NMR spectroscopy and first‐principles calculations
Authors: Fernandes Arantxa , Moran Robert F. , McKay David , Griffiths Ben L. , Herlihy Anna , Whittle Karl R. , Dawson Daniel M. , Ashbrook Sharon E.
Published: February 2021

Characterising the local structures (e.g., the cation distribution) of mixed‐metal ceramics by NMR spectroscopy is often challenging owing to the unfavourable properties (low γ, large quadrupole moment and/or low abundance) of many metal nuclei. 17O is an attractive option owing to the prevalence of oxygen within ceramics. The moderate γ and small quadrupole moment of 17O mean that the greatest barrier to accessing the information available from this nucleus is isotopic enrichment. We explore the challenges of ensuring uniform isotopic enrichment with 17O2(g) for the pyrochlore solid solutions, Y2SnxTi2–xO7, La2SnxZr2–xO7 and La2SnxHf2–xO7, demonstrating that high enrichment temperatures (900 °C for 12 hr) are required. In addition, for sites with very high symmetry (such as the tetrahedral OY4 and OLa4 sites with CQ ≈ 0 present here), we demonstrate that quantitative 17O NMR spectra require correction for the differing contributions from the centreband of the satellite transitions, which can be as high as a factor of ~3.89. It is common to use first‐principles calculations to aid in interpreting NMR spectra of disordered solids. Here, we use an ensemble modelling approach to ensure that all possible cation arrangements are modelled in the minimum possible number of calculations. By combining uniform isotopic enrichment, quantitative NMR spectroscopy and a comprehensive computational approach, we are able to show that the cation distribution in Y2SnxTi2–xO7 is essentially random, whereas in La2SnxZr2–xO7 and La2SnxHf2–xO7, OLa2SnZr and OLa2SnHf sites are slightly energetically disfavoured, leading to a weak preference for clustering of like cations.
The growth hormone and insulin‐like growth factor 1 axis in cattle during the peri‐ovulatory period activates the synthesis and release of oviductal contraction related substances
Authors: Kodithuwakku Suranga P. , Akthar Ihshan , Muhandiram Subhashini , Wijayagunawardhana Missaka P. B. , Miyamoto Akio
Published: February 2021

Growth hormone (GH) and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1) are crucial for female reproductive functions. The cyclic regulation of the local GH/IGF1 axis in the oviduct and its involvement in oviductal contraction in cattle has not been investigated. Thus, the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression for GH receptor (GHR), IGF1, IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) in the whole oviducts, as well as in cultured bovine oviductal epithelial cells (BOECs) were evaluated. The GHR, IGF1, and IGF1R mRNA expression was significantly higher during postovulatory phase. The luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol‐17β (E2), and LH + E2 treatments significantly increased GHR and IGF1 mRNA expression in cultured BOECs. Further, GH and combination of GH with LH and E2 upregulated IGF1 mRNA expression in the BOECs. Moreover, IGF1 + LH and combined IGF1 + LH + E2 treatments significantly increased prostaglandin synthesis cascade enzyme mRNA expression in the BOECs. An ex vivo microdialysis assay revealed that GH and IGF1 induced the release of oviductal contraction related prostaglandins, endothelin‐1, and angiotensin II in follicular and postovulatory phases. Together, the findings strongly suggest that the presence of the active GH/IGF1 axis during the peri‐ovulatory period, regulating the local system for the release of oviductal contraction related substances, which may provide the optimal oviductal environment for gametes and early embryo.
Large‐scale synthesis of compressible and re‐expandable three‐dimensional nanofiber matrices
Authors: McCarthy Alec , Saldana Lorenzo , McGoldrick Daniel , John Johnson V. , Kuss Mitchell , Chen Shixuan , Duan Bin , Carlson Mark A. , Xie Jingwei
Published: February 2021

Due to their biomimetic properties, electrospun nanofibers have shown great potential in many biomedical fields. However, traditionally‐produced nanofibers are typically two‐dimensional (2D) membranes limiting their applications. Herein, we report a large‐scale synthesis of compressible and re‐expandable three‐dimensional (3D) nanofiber matrices for potential biomedical applications. The reproducible mass production of such matrices is achieved using a multiple‐emitter electrospinning machine with a controlled environment (e.g., temperature, humidity, and air flow rate) followed by an innovative gas‐foaming expansion. The modified 20‐emitter circular array with 3D‐printed needle caps is capable of maintaining stable Taylor cones under extremely high flow rates. The introduction of such an emitter array allows for the production rate of 3D nanofiber matrices to increase by over 800 times while retaining the desired morphological, mechanical, and absorptive properties when compared to ones generated by a single‐nozzle electrospinning setup. Taken together, a feasible, optimized method has been demonstrated for scaling up production of shape‐recoverable, expansile nanofiber matrices, representing a step towards translating such materials into preclinical, large animal testing, clinical trials, and eventually clinical applications.
Nanoporous gold: A review and potentials in biotechnological and biomedical applications
Authors: Xiao Sa , Wang Shuangjue , Wang Xia , Xu Ping
Published: February 2021

Nanoporous gold (NPG) is one of the representatives of emerging materials that combine the advantages of nano, porous, and metallic materials. In addition to the general characteristics of nanoporous materials, NPG also has many unique properties, such as excellent structural stability, adjustable pore size, high conductivity, remarkable biocompatibility, clean surface, easy recycle and reuse, and unique electrochemical catalytic activities. These performances endow NPG promising application potentials in the fields of catalysis, environmental monitoring, energy storage, biomedicine, etc. Herein, this review summarizes the recent advances of NPG over the past decade. Besides preparation and modification of NPG, special emphasis is placed on its applications in biotechnology and biomedicine: catalysis, biosensors, biofuel cells, and drug delivery. The significant and representative studies in each area are comprehensively reviewed and analyzed as a reference for researchers working in related areas. The main challenges and future opportunities of NPG in these areas are also discussed.
Sample size and representational bias in bioarchaeology: A case study of stature estimation from medieval Prussia
Authors: Ramsier Marissa , Gruenthal‐Rankin Ariel , Gaddis Katherine , Koperkiewicz Arkadiusz
Published: February 2021

For bioarchaeological studies, a common approach to estimating stature is via regression formulae that are based on the scaling of skeletal elements relative to overall height. Both stature and the proportions of contributing elements may be affected by biocultural and ecological factors, and thus, it is generally preferable to apply population‐specific formulae when possible. Within bioarchaeology, the establishment of population‐specific regression formulae is complicated by the need to base formulae on a sufficiently large number of individuals for which all skeletal elements contributing to stature can be measured. Yet disciplinary conventions within bioarchaeology suggest the need for sample sizes that are larger than typical within related fields, and it is thus possible that disciplinary status quo has led to a systematic bias in the literature toward larger sites, regions with relatively good preservation, and populations associated with these aspects. To investigate the efficacy of combined‐sex stature regression formulae based on relatively small samples, this study calculated population‐specific formulae based on long bone length for 22 individuals from a late medieval Old Prussian cemetery at Bezławki, Poland. The relationship between stature and each of the predictor elements/measurements considered was strong, particularly for maximum femoral length (r = 0.976). For the latter measurement, a sample size as small as 18 produced accurate and precise stature estimates. Further, the Bezławki‐specific formula based on maximum femoral length provided estimates of the stature that performed better than or similar to formulae based on larger populations, supporting that population‐specific formulae may be warranted, even when based on small samples.
Regarding “Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Positivity is an Independent Unfavorable Prognostic Factor in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in the Rituximab Era”
Authors: Picardi Marco , Giordano Claudia , Della Pepa Roberta , Pugliese Novella , Leone Aldo , Delle Cave Giuseppe , Iula Rossella , Pane Fabrizio , Gentile Giuseppe
Published: February 2021

This letter to the editor remarks on the article by Cheng et al., which reported results of a retrospective study that assessed 5-year progression-free and overall survival (OS) of 98 patients with hepatitis B surface antigen–seropositive patients receiving R-CHOP-21 as remission induction for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
Prognostic impact of minimal residual disease at the end of consolidation in NCI standard‐risk B‐lymphoblastic leukemia: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Rau Rachel E. , Dai Yunfeng , Devidas Meenakshi , Rabin Karen R. , Zweidler‐McKay Patrick , Angiolillo Anne , Schore Reuven J. , Burke Michael J. , Salzer Wanda L. , Heerema Nyla A. , Carroll Andrew J. , Winick Naomi J. , Hunger Stephen P. , Raetz Elizabeth A. , Loh Mignon L. , Wood Brent L. , Borowitz Michael J.
Published: February 2021

The 5‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) of National Cancer Institute (NCI) high‐risk (HR) B‐lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL) patients with end of induction (EOI) minimal residual disease (MRD) ≥0.1% and end of consolidation (EOC) MRD ≥0.01% is 39 ± 7%, warranting consideration of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). However, the impact of EOC MRD in NCI standard‐risk (SR) B‐ALL patients using COG regimens is unknown. We found that SR patients with MRD ≥0.01% at both EOI and EOC have a 4‐year DFS/overall survival (OS) of 72.9 ± 19.0%/91.7 ± 10.8% versus 90.7 ± 2.9%/95.5 ± 2.0% (p = .0019/.25) for those with EOI MRD ≥0.01% and EOC MRD <0.01%. These data suggest that routine use of HSCT may not be warranted in EOC MRD ≥0.01% SR patients.