bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical Difluoromethylation of Electron‐Deficient Alkenes
Authors: Xu He‐Huan , Song Jinshuai , Xu Hai‐Chao
Published: January 2019

Electrochemical 1,2‐hydroxydifluoromethylation and C−H difluoromethylation of acrylamides were developed by using CF2HSO2NHNHBoc as the source of the CF2H group. These electricity‐powered oxidative alkene functionalization reactions do not need transition‐metal catalysts or chemical oxidants. The reaction outcome, 1,2‐difuntionalization or C−H functionalization, is determined by the substituents on the amide nitrogen atom of the acrylamides instead of by the reaction conditions.
Dual Quantum Dot‐Decorated Bismuth Vanadate Photoanodes for Highly Efficient Solar Water Oxidation
Authors: Luan Peng , Zhang Xiaolong , Zhang Ying , Li Zhijun , Bach Udo , Zhang Jie
Published: January 2019

Photo‐induced charge separation and photon absorption play important roles in determining the performance of the photoelectrocatalytic water splitting process. In this work, we utilize dual quantum dots (QDs), consisting of BiVO4 and carbon, to fabricate a hybrid homojunction‐based BiVO4 photoanode for efficient and stable solar water oxidation. Formation of homojunctions, by decorating as‐prepared BiVO4 substrate with BiVO4 QDs, enhances the charge separation efficiency by 1.3 times. This enhancement originates from lattice match, which benefits charge transfer across the interface. Furthermore, the use of carbon QDs as a stable photosensitizer effectively extends the photon absorption limit from 520 nm to over 700 nm, yielding an incident photon‐to‐electron conversion efficiency of 6.0 %, even at 600 nm at 1.23 V versus RHE. Finally, a remarkable photocurrent density of 6.1 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V was recorded after depositing FeOOH/NiOOH as cocatalysts, thereby, reaching 82 % of the theoretical efficiency for BiVO4.
2‐Azidoethane‐1‐sulfonylfluoride (ASF): A Versatile Bis‐clickable Reagent for SuFEx and CuAAC Click Reactions
Authors: Zhang Xu , Moku Balakrishna , Leng Jing , Rakesh K. P. , Qin Hua‐Li
Published: January 2019

A new reagent, 2‐azidoethane‐1‐sulfonylfluoride (ASF), was synthesized from 2‐chloroethane‐1‐sulfonyl fluoride in 50g‐scale with 87 % yield. This novel reagent possesses two selectively clickable functionalities to be used for both CuAAC and SuFEx click reactions. The application of this reagent ASF to the construction of a class of novel 1,2,3‐triazole derived S(VI)‐F analogs was achieved in a quick, efficient and atom‐economical manner. Orthogonally clickable construction of a new class of dendrimers was also accomplished.
Tumor implantation following percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertion for head and neck and oesophageal cancer: Review of the literature
Authors: Rowell Nicholas P.
Published: January 2019

Background

Because of publication bias, there is uncertainty about the true incidence of tumor seeding or implantation in patients with head and neck or oesophageal cancer undergoing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) insertion.

Methods

In order to obtain a more reliable estimate of risk, a systematic review was undertaken. Randomized or non‐randomized studies and case reports were identified by electronic searching. A risk of bias assessment was carried out for each study.

Results

Ninety‐eight cases from 74 published case reports and 1 unpublished case were identified. Synchronous distant metastases were present in 37%. Analysis of case series (6192 patients) considered to carry a moderate risk of bias suggests an incidence of seeding after PEG insertion of 0.32%. Studies carrying a lower risk of bias indicate a risk of seeding closer to 1 in 2000.

Conclusion

The true risk of seeding after PEG insertion is probably less than 1 in 1000.
DNMT3a‐triggered downregulation of K2p1.1 gene in primary sensory neurons contributes to paclitaxel‐induced neuropathic pain
Authors: Mao Qingxiang , Wu Shaogen , Gu Xiyao , Du Shibin , Mo Kai , Sun Linlin , Cao Jing , Bekker Alex , Chen Liyong , Tao Yuan‐Xiang
Published: January 2019

Antineoplastic drugs induce dramatic transcriptional changes in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, which may contribute to chemotherapy‐induced neuropathic pain. K2p1.1 controls neuronal excitability by setting the resting membrane potential. Here, we report that systemic injection of the chemotherapy agent paclitaxel time‐dependently downregulates the expression of K
2p1.1 mRNA and its coding K2p1.1 protein in the DRG neurons. Rescuing this downregulation mitigates the development and maintenance of paclitaxel‐induced mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia. Conversely, in the absence of paclitaxel administration, mimicking this downregulation decreases outward potassium current and increases excitability in the DRG neurons, leading to the enhanced responses to mechanical and heat stimuli. Mechanically, the downregulation of DRG K
2p1.1 mRNA is attributed to paclitaxel‐induced increase in DRG DNMT3a, as blocking this increase reverses the paclitaxel‐induced the decrease of DRG K2p1.1 and mimicking this increase reduces DRG K2p1.1 expression. In addition, paclitaxel injection increases the binding of DNMT3a to the K
2p1.1 gene promoter region and elevates the level of DNA methylation within this region in the DRG. These findings suggest that DNMT3a‐triggered downregulation of DRG K2p1.1 may contribute to chemotherapy‐induced neuropathic pain.
Second and third harmonic generation microscopy visualizes key structural components in fresh unprocessed healthy human breast tissue
Authors: van Huizen Laura M.G. , Kuzmin Nikolay V. , Barbé Ellis , van der Velde Susanne , te Velde Elisabeth A. , Groot Marie Louise
Published: January 2019

Real‐time assessment of excised tissue may help to improve surgical results in breast tumor surgeries. Here, as a step towards this purpose, the potential of second and third harmonic generation (SHG, THG) microscopy is explored. SHG and THG are nonlinear optical microscopic techniques that do not require labeling of tissue to generate 3D images with intrinsic depth‐sectioning at sub‐cellular resolution. Until now, this technique had been applied on fixated breast tissue or to visualize the stroma only, whereas most tumors start in the lobules and ducts. Here, SHG/THG images of freshly excised unprocessed healthy human tissue are shown to reveal key breast components—lobules, ducts, fat tissue, connective tissue and blood vessels, in good agreement with hematoxylin and eosin histology. DNA staining of fresh unprocessed mouse breast tissue was performed to aid in the identification of cell nuclei in label‐free THG images. Furthermore, 2‐ and 3‐photon excited auto‐fluorescence images of mouse and human tissue are collected for comparison. The SHG/THG imaging modalities generate high quality images of freshly excised tissue in less than a minute with an information content comparable to that of the gold standard, histopathology. Therefore, SHG/THG microscopy is a promising tool for real‐time assessment of excised tissue during surgery.
Simulated body fluid and the novel bioactive materials derived from it
Authors: Kokubo Tadashi , Yamaguchi Seiji
Published: January 2019

Professor Larry Hench first reported that certain glasses are able to spontaneously bond to living bone in 1970. This discovery stimulated research into new kinds of bone‐bonding materials. However, there were no guiding principles for this purpose, and many animals were sacrificed in the effort to establish them. The present authors proposed in 1991 that the bone‐bonding capacity of a material could be evaluated by examining apatite formation on its surface in an acellular simulated body fluid (SBF), without the need of performing any animal experiments. Various kinds of novel bone‐bonding bioactive materials based on Ti metal and its alloys with a number of different functions have been developed using SBF. Some of these have entered clinical use as important bone‐repairing materials. Without the method of SBF evaluation, these novel materials would not have been developed. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 968–977, 2019.
Evaluation of an elastic decellularized tendon‐derived scaffold for the vascular tissue engineering application
Authors: Ghazanfari Samaneh , Alberti Kyle A. , Xu Qiaobing , Khademhosseini Ali
Published: January 2019

Due to the limited success rate of currently available vascular replacements, tissue engineering has received tremendous attention in recent years. A main challenge in the field of regenerative medicine is creating a mechanically functional tissue with a well‐organized extracellular matrix, particularly of collagen and elastin. In this study, the native collagen scaffold derived from decellularized tendon sections, as a scaffold having the potential to be used for vascular tissue engineering applications, was studied. We showed that the elasticity of the scaffolds was improved when crosslinked with the bovine elastin. The effect of different concentrations of elastin on mechanical properties of the collagen scaffolds was evaluated of which 15% elastin concentration was selected for further analysis based on the results. Addition of 15% elastin to collagen scaffolds significantly decreased Young's modulus and the tensile stress at the maximum load and increased the tensile strain at the maximum load of the constructs as compared to those of the collagen scaffolds or control samples. Moreover, tubular elastin modified collagen scaffolds showed significantly higher burst pressure compared to the control samples. Smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells cultured on the elastin modified collagen scaffolds showed high viability (>80%) after 1, 3, and 7 days. Furthermore, the cells showed a high tendency to align with the collagen fibers within the scaffold and produced their own extracellular matrix over time. In conclusion, the results show that the decellularized tendon sections have a great potential to be used as scaffolds for vascular tissue engineering applications. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 1225–1234, 2019.
Combinatorial effects of inorganic ions on adhesion and proliferation of osteoblast‐like cells
Authors: Obata Akiko , Ogasawara Toru , Kasuga Toshihiro
Published: January 2019

Combinatorial effects of three ions, namely silicate (Si), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) ions, on the adhesion and proliferation of MC3T3‐E1 mouse osteoblast‐like cells were evaluated. The cells were cultured in single‐, dual‐, or triple‐ion‐conditioned culture media with systematically changed ion concentrations. The ranges of Si, Ca, and Mg ion concentrations were set as 10–70, 80–400, and 25–500 ppm, respectively. The numbers of adherent live cells were measured after culturing for 3 h and for 1, 3, and 5 days to examine cell adhesion and proliferation, respectively. Mg ions predominantly enhanced cell adhesion in both the dual‐ion (xSi‐zMg and yCa‐zMg) and triple‐ion (xSi‐yCa‐zMg) systems but had no effect when they acted individually in the single‐ion system. Conversely, Si ions predominantly enhanced cell proliferation in most single‐ and triple‐ion‐conditioned media. Evaluation of the combinatorial effects of the three ions on cell adhesion and proliferation revealed that the dual‐ and triple‐ion‐conditioned media mainly conferred synergistic effects on adhesion but antagonistic effects on proliferation. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 1042–1051, 2019.
Visible‐light‐responsive antibacterial activity of Au‐incorporated TiO2 layers formed on Ti–(0–10)at%Au alloys by air oxidation
Authors: Ueda Takatoshi , Ueda Kyosuke , Ito Koyu , Ogasawara Kouetsu , Kanetaka Hiroyasu , Mokudai Takayuki , Niwano Yoshimi , Narushima Takayuki
Published: January 2019

Rutile TiO2 layers were formed on substrates of Ti–(0–10)at%Au alloys by a simple process of air oxidation, and their antibacterial activities were evaluated under visible‐light irradiation (λ ≥ 400 nm). Au was introduced into the TiO2 layers on Ti–(1–10)at%Au alloys and existed as both metallic Au nanoparticles and dissolved Au3+ ions. The TiO2 layers that formed on Ti–5at%Au and Ti–10at%Au alloys exhibited visible‐light photocatalytic activity, that is, degradation of stearic acid and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. These visible‐light activities were attributed to the surface plasmon resonance of metallic Au nanoparticles and the decrease in bandgap energy caused by dissolved Au3+ ions. The formation of hydroxyl radicals observed under visible‐light irradiation is attributable to antibacterial activity. From a cost perspective, a Ti–5at%Au alloy is more suitable as a substrate for the formation of a TiO2 layer with antibacterial properties than a Ti–10at%Au alloy. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 991–1000, 2019.
Effect of calcium phosphate phases affecting the crosstalk between osteoblasts and osteoclasts in vitro
Authors: Shiwaku Yukari , Tsuchiya Kaori , Xiao Linghao , Suzuki Osamu
Published: January 2019

Previous studies have reported that octacalcium phosphate (OCP) enhances osteoblast differentiation and osteoclast formation during the hydrolysis process to hydroxyapatite (HA). However, the crystal phases that affect the crosstalk between osteoclasts and osteoblasts are unknown, which should determine the bone substitute material's property of OCP. The present study was designed to investigate whether the chemical composition and crystal structure of calcium phosphates affect osteoclast formation and the osteoclast–osteoblast crosstalk. Biodegradable β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) was used as the control material. Osteoclasts were cultured on HA/OCP or HA/TCP disks and their cellular responses were assessed. Both OCP and β‐TCP had a similar ability to create multinucleated osteoclasts. However, OCP promoted the expression of complement component 3a (C3a), a positive coupling factor, in osteoclasts, whereas β‐TCP enhanced that of EphrinB2 (EfnB2) and collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 (Cthrc1). During osteoclast culture, phosphate ions were released from the crystals, and OCP‐HA conversion was advanced in HA/OCP mixtures and OCP. X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed no remarkable changes in the crystal structures of HA/TCP mixtures and β‐TCP before and after osteoclast culture. These results indicate that the distinct chemical environment induced by the calcium phosphate phases affects the crosstalk between osteoclasts and osteoblasts. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 1001–1013, 2019.
Cell sheet tissue engineering: Cell sheet preparation, harvesting/manipulation, and transplantation
Authors: Kobayashi Jun , Kikuchi Akihiko , Aoyagi Takao , Okano Teruo
Published: January 2019

Cell sheet tissue engineering is a concept for creating transplantable two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) tissues and organs. This review describes three elements of cell sheet tissue engineering in terms of the chemical and physical effects of material surfaces and the interfacial properties of cell sheets: preparation, harvesting/manipulation and transplantation of cell sheets. An essential technology for the preparation of cell sheets is the use of a temperature‐responsive cell culture surface, where the surface of tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) dish is modified with thin layer of temperature‐responsive polymer, poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PIPAAm). PIPAAm‐immobilized TCPS allows cultured cells to be harvested as a contiguous cell sheet with extracellular matrices (ECMs) by reducing the temperature, while chemical and physical disruption impair ECMs, cell–cell junction, and membrane proteins. Ligand‐immobilized and porous hydrophilic PIPAAm‐grafted surfaces are able to accelerate cell sheet preparation and harvesting, respectively. In addition, the manipulation of harvested cell sheets with the aid of cell sheet manipulator facilitates the formation of 3D tissues. Cell sheet‐based tissues and their transplantation are in seven clinical settings such as heart, cornea, esophagus, periodontal, middle chamber of ear, knee cartilage, and lung. In order to create thick and large 3D tissues and organs, large production of differentiated parenchymal cells from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and vascularization within 3D tissues are key issues. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 955–967, 2019.
How the Japanese Society for Biomaterials established interdisciplinary studies in biomaterials science
Authors: Suzuki Osamu
Published: January 2019

The Japanese Society for Biomaterials (JSB) was established in December 1978, aiming to develop and improve science and technology regarding materials used in living organisms and their application. Currently, JSB plays important roles as a domestic and international society serving as a center for interdisciplinary studies on biomaterial science and its applied research. Our academic activities are wide‐ranging, from basic science and clinical practice to post‐application medical devices including the following: holding academic lectures, granting academic and other awards, publishing academic journals, developing guidelines for medical devices and bioassays, conducting research associated with clinical trials and studies, and participating in the World Biomaterials Congress and overseas academic meetings on biomaterials. Through such activities, we have actively engaged professionally in diverse discussions and operations. Thanks to your support, JSB recently celebrated its 40th anniversary since establishment. Over the 40‐year history, our predecessors worked hard to establish this interdisciplinary field spanning basic science (engineering, medical, biology, and others) and collaboration with companies. In addition, they contributed to society through the application of biomaterial technology. Their achievements made what we are today. To commemorate this anniversary, this report looks back at their achievements in order to use such information for further academic progress. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 917–929, 2019.
Effects of magnesium coating on bone‐implant interfaces with and without polyether‐ether‐ketone particle interference: A rabbit model based on porous Ti6Al4V implants
Authors: Du Zhe , Yu Xiaoming , Nie Binen , Zhu Zhonglin , Ibrahim Muhammad , Yang Ke , Tan Lili , Wang You
Published: January 2019

We investigated the effects of magnesium (Mg) on osteogenesis and bone resorption at a porous structure interface. A three‐dimensional (3D)‐printed porous Ti6Al4V implant coated with Mg was introduced, and polyether‐ether‐ketone wear particles were added to generate an animal model of implant loosening. We also examined the effects of Mg leach liquor on osteoblast/osteoclast gene expression, alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen secretion, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase activity, and bone resorption in vitro. Mg inhibited the early stage of osteoclast differentiation and inhibited bone resorption in vitro and in vivo. However, Mg did not enhance osteogenesis in vitro or in vivo in the porous structures or in peripheral areas around the implants. For implants with porous structures, the Mg coating did not improve the osteogenic ability by itself, but could restrain peri‐implant osteolysis, which may make it favorable for use in patients with osteoporosis. Further studies are needed to examine the precise mechanism of Mg‐induced anti‐osteolysis and the long‐term effects of Mg‐coated implants in humans. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 2388–2396, 2019.
LINC00520 targeting miR‐27b‐3p regulates OSMR expression level to promote acute kidney injury development through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Tian Xinghan , Ji Yongqiang , Liang Yafeng , Zhang Jing , Guan Lina , Wang Chunting
Published: January 2019

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) shows several kinds of disorders, which acutely harm the kidney. However, the current medical methods have limited therapeutic effects. The present study aimed to find out the molecular mechanism of AKI pathogenesis, which may provide new insights for future therapy.

Methods

Bioinformatic analysis was conducted using the R language (AT&T BellLaboratories, University of Auckland, New Zealand) to acquire the differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in AKI. The expression levels of RNAs and related proteins in tissues and cells were detected by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) and western blot. Dual‐luciferase reporter gene assays were performed to verify the target relationship between microRNA (miRNA) and lncRNA as well as miRNA and mRNA. Flow cytometry and tunnel assay were used to detect the cell apoptotic rate in AKI.

Results

LINC00520, miR‐27b‐3p, and OSMR form an axis to regulate AKI. Knockdown of LINC00520 reduced acute renal injury both in vitro and in vivo. LINC00520 activated the PI3K/AKT pathway to aggravate renal ischemia/reperfusion injury, while upregulation of miR‐27b‐3p or downregulation of OSMR could accelerate the recovery of AKI.

Conclusion

Overexpression of LINC00520 contributes to the aggravation of AKI by targeting miR‐27b‐3p/
OSMR.
Role of TGF‐β signaling regulatory microRNAs in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Soleimani Atena , Khazaei Majid , Ferns Gordon A , Ryzhikov Mikhail , Avan Amir , Hassanian Seyed Mahdi
Published: January 2019

Transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) modulates tumor progression by regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, and drug resistance. Biological and pharmacological agonists/antagonists, the interplay between intracellular signaling pathways, and microRNAs (miRNAs) control the initiation and activation of the TGF‐β signaling pathway. It has been proposed that the expression profiles of tumor suppressor and oncogenic TGF‐β miRNAs may be used for the classification, diagnosis, and prognosis of human malignancies. Deregulated miRNAs and aberrant activation of TGF‐β signaling are frequently found in human colorectal cancers (CRCs), but a little is known about their mechanisms of action in the development and progression of colorectal carcinoma. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the role of TGF‐β signaling regulatory miRNAs in the pathogenesis of CRC for a better understanding and hence better management of this disease.
IGFBP5 suppresses oleate‐induced intramyocellular lipids deposition and enhances insulin signaling
Authors: Xiang Aoqi , Chu Guiyan , Zhu Youbo , Ma Guangjun , Yang Gongshe , Sun Shiduo
Published: January 2019

Excess intramyocellular lipids are often accompanied by muscle insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes. The mechanism of the formation of intramyocellular lipids is unclear yet. In this study, we optimized the cellular model of intramyocellular lipids from differentiated C2C12 cells and identified that the expression of insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) is diminished in this process. Then, we added exogenous recombinant IGFBP5 during myocyte triglyceride (TAG) formation and found decreased lipids accumulation. In addition, IGFBP5 could promote lipolysis when added to the cellular model after the formation of intramyocellular lipids. Moreover, IGFBP5 could enhance myocyte insulin sensitivity by inhibiting the expression of the thioredoxin‐interacting protein (TXNIP) and arrestin domain‐containing 4 (ARRDC4), which are a negative regulator of insulin signaling in both cases. Meanwhile, IGFBP5 also inhibited the expression of glycerol‐3‐phosphate acyltransferase (GPAM) and diglyceride acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2), which were involved in TAG synthesis from a fatty acid. IGFBP5 also reduced TAG storage by promoting lipolysis. Therefore, IGFBP5 may play a role in the excess accumulation of lipid in muscle cells of diabetic patients and serve as a reference for further research and treatment of muscle IR and diabetes.
A 54‐kDa short variant of DHX33 functions in regulating mRNA translation
Authors: Su Dan , Yuan Baolei , Su Chenjing , Zhang Yandong
Published: January 2019

DEAH box protein DHX33 has been found to be necessary for cell proliferation and early development of multicellular organisms. It plays diverse roles in regulating gene transcription, ribosome RNA synthesis, and protein translation. Dysregulation of DHX33 has been observed in various human cancers. In this study, we identified a short DHX33 variant in cells. The short DHX33 (hereafter referred to as DHX33‐2) has only 534 amino acids, which completely matches the C‐terminal helicase domain of full‐length DHX33 (DHX33‐1). Different from DHX33‐1, which mainly localizes to the nucleus, DHX33‐2 preferentially localizes to the cytoplasm. Through protein immunoprecipitation and RNA‐ immunoprecipitation analysis, we found that DHX33‐2 interacts with DDX3, eIF3, hnRNPs, poly (A) binding protein, and a subset of mRNAs. Further RNA sequencing analysis showed that DHX33 binds to a subset of mRNAs important in cell proliferation. DHX33‐2 stimulates the translation for specific mRNAs. Our study for the first time demonstrates the function of a short DHX33 variant in protein translation.
Effects of heparin and derivatives on podocytes: An in vitro functional and morphological evaluation
Authors: Delézay Olivier , Hé Zhiguo , Sabido Odile , Hodin Sophie , Bin Valérie , Saleem Moin A. , Mismetti Patrick , Delavenne Xavier
Published: January 2019

Unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low molecular heparin derivatives (LMWH) display numerous biological properties in addition to their anticoagulant effects. However, due to the physicochemical heterogeneity of these drugs, a better understanding concerning their effects on human cells is clearly needed. Considering that heparins are mainly excreted by the kidney, we focused our attention on the effect of UFH and LMWH on human podocytes by functional and morphological/phenotypic in vitro analyses. We demonstrated that these products differentially modulate the permeability of podocyte monolayer to albumin. The functional perturbations observed were correlated to significant cellular morphological and cytoskeletal changes, as well as a decrease in the expression of proteins involved in podocyte adherence to the extracellular matrix or intercellular interactions. This point confirms that UFH and the different LMWHs exert specific effects on podocyte permeability and underlines the need of in vitro tests to evaluate new biological nonanticoagulant properties of LMWH.
PGC‐1α/SNAI1 axis regulates tumor growth and metastasis by targeting miR‐128b in gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Ping , Guo Xueyan , Zong Wei , Li Yulong , Liu Guisheng , Lv Yifei , Zhu Yunqing , He Shuixiang
Published: January 2019

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC‐1α) is a transcriptional coactivator that has been characterized as master regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis. It has been reported that aberrant regulation of PGC‐1α is involved in a variety of human cancers. However, whether PGC‐1α is involved in the regulation of tumor growth and metastasis in gastric cancer (GC) remains unknown. In the present study, we found that the expression of PGC‐1α was upregulated in GC tissues and GC cell lines. Inhibition of PGC‐1α inhibited cell viability, migration, and invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis of GC cells. Furthermore, inhibition of PGC‐1α downregulated the SNAI1 expression, whereas upregulated microRNA (miR)‐128b expression. The expression of SNAI1 was upregulated and the expression of miR‐128b was downregulated in GC tissues. We further found that there was a positive correlation between PGC‐1α and SNAI1 expression, and a negative correlation between PGC‐1α and miR‐128b expression or between SNAI1 and miR‐128b expression in GC tissues. Moreover, PGC‐1α inhibition‐induced increased miR‐128b expression, and PGC‐1α overexpression‐induced decreased miR‐128b expression were both markedly suppressed by SNAI1 overexpression. In addition, SNAI1 overexpression or miR‐128b inhibition partly reversed the effects of PGC‐1α inhibition in GC cells. Furthermore, inhibition of PGC‐1α suppressed the tumor growth in a nude mouse model, which may be related with the dysregulation of SNAI1 and miR‐128b. In conclusion, these data indicate that the PGC‐1α/SNAI1/miR‐128b axis plays a vital role in GC via regulating cell viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis.
PLCε knockdown overcomes drug resistance to androgen receptor antagonist in castration‐resistant prostate cancer by suppressing the wnt3a/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Li Luo , Du Zhongbo , Gao Yingying , Tang Yu , Fan Yanru , Sun Wei , Li Ting , Liu Nanjing , Yuan Mengjuan , Fan Jiaxin , Niu Lingfang , Yan Jinxiao , Duan Limei , Wu Xiaohou , Luo Chunli
Published: January 2019

Most prostate cancers (Pcas) develop into castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) after receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The expression levels of PLCε and wnt3a are increased in Pca and regulate androgen receptor (AR) activity. However, the biological function and mechanisms of PLCε and wnt3a in CRPC remain unknown. In this study, we found that the expression levels of PLCε, wnt3a, and AR were significantly increased in CRPC tissues as well as bicalutamide‐resistant‐LNCaP and enzalutamide‐resistant‐LNCaP cells. In addition, PLCε knockdown partly restored the sensitivity of drug‐resistant cells to bicalutamide and enzalutamide by inhibiting the activity of the wnt3a/β‐catenin/AR signaling axis. Interestingly, the resistance of LNCaP cells docetaxel is related to PLCε but not the wnt3a/β‐catenin pathway. We also found that the combination of PLCε knockdown and enzalutamide treatment synergistically suppressed cell proliferation, tumor growth, and bone metastasis using in vitro and in vivo experiments. Our study revealed that PLCε is involved in the progression of drug‐resistance in CRPC and could be a new target for the treatment of CRPC.
The possible structural changes in the adrenal gland cortex after induction of hepatic ischemia–reperfusion injury in male albino rats: Light and electron microscopic study
Authors: El‐Tahawy Nashwa Fathy Gamal , Abozaid Samah Mohammed Mahmoud
Published: January 2019

The adrenal gland is an important endocrine gland in the body that secrets the adrenal hormones. One of the important clinical issues is the hepatic ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury. Liver IR injury results in many distant organs dysfunctions such as lung, kidney, intestine, pancreas, and myocardium. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible remote effects of hepatic IR on the structure of the adrenal cortex. Twenty healthy males, Sprague–Dawley albino rats aged 6–8 weeks were randomly divided into two groups (10 rats each): the sham control group (SC‐group) and the ischemia–reperfusion group (IR‐group). Sera were estimated for the following: aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and corticosterone levels. Also oxidative markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and the antioxidative enzyme, catalase were measured. Adrenal glands were processed for light and transmission electron microscopic study. The results showed a significant increase in serum liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and LDH), corticosterone, MDA, and TNF‐α levels and a significant decrease in serum levels of catalase in IR‐group compared with SC‐group. Adrenal cortical tissue of IR‐group showed the loss of normal appearance. Some cells of zona glomerulosa and most of the zona fasciculata cells appeared swollen and degenerated with highly vacuolated cytoplasm. Other cells were shrunken with deeply acidophilic cytoplasm and pyknotic nuclei. Degenerated mitochondria with disrupted cristae, lipid droplets were confluent and dilated smooth endoplasmic reticulum were seen. Few zona reticularis cells had the dark nucleus and cytoplasmic vacuolations. In the different zones, blood capillaries were markedly congested and some inflammatory cells infiltrations were observed. Liver IR affected the structure of the adrenal cortex.
Influences of cellular characteristics and media properties on membrane microalgal harvesting: a comparative study using Scenedesmus acuminatus cultivated at a pilot scale
Authors: Liu Rui , Chen Yong , Wang Lan , Gong Yingchun , Zhang Xuezhi , Park Min Sung , Hu Qiang
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

In order to reveal the influence of cellular characteristics and media properties on membrane microalgal harvesting, changes in the cellular characteristics and media properties of Scenedesmus acuminatus culture contaminated by microzooplankton were characterized, and their influences on membrane harvesting were compared with the control culture. Cells and algogenic organic matter (AOM) in the contaminated and control cultures were fractionated to evaluate the membrane fouling potential.

RESULTS

The contaminated culture had a 32% lower average flux than control culture. Both the fractionated cells and AOM in the contaminated culture with or without concentration adjustment had higher membrane fouling potentials. Microzooplankton contamination caused more cell aggregates and transparent exopolymer particles, which formed less permeable cake layer. Increased AOM in contaminated culture contained more carbohydrates and humic/fulvic acid‐like substances, which caused a 15.5‐fold higher adhesion force between AOM and the membrane surface, and thus resulted in higher flux declining rates and lower backwashing recovery rates.

CONCLUSION

Microzooplankton contamination caused the formation of cell aggregates and high concentration of AOM in S. acuminatus culture. AOM played a more important role than microalgal cells in flux declining and backwashing recovery. It is necessary to develop cultivation practice and culture pretreatment techniques to improve membrane harvesting efficiency. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhanced permeability of recombinant E. coli cells with deep eutectic solvent for transformation of rutin
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhu Chang‐Tong , Peng Qiang‐Min , Wang Fang‐Qin , Sheng Sheng , Wu Qiong‐Ying , Wang Jun
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Whole‐cell catalysis has been widely used because the steps of extracting pure enzyme are omitted and the cost would be greatly saved. However, the efficiency of the whole‐cell catalyst can be limited by the existence of the cell membrane. In the present study, to enhance the binding between an intracellular enzyme and a substrate, ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were used to treat Escherichia coli BL21‐pET21a‐rhaB1 cells for isoquercitrin production by the biotransformation of rutin.

RESULTS

The whole‐cell catalyst exhibited the highest catalytic activity with 6% choline chloride‐urea (ChCl/U) after treatment with different concentrations. The ChCl/U‐treated whole‐cell catalyst was more stable than the crude rhaB1, because its optimum pH was closer to neutral and it demonstrated higher temperature tolerance. Under the best conditions of rutin concentration 0.05 g L–1, pH 6.5 and 40 °C, the isoquercitrin yield reached a maximum of 93.05 ± 1.3%. Additionally, the whole‐cell catalyst retained >52% enzyme activity after five repeated uses.

CONCLUSION

These results show that using ChCl/U to increase cell permeability improves the catalytic performance of the whole‐cell catalyst of E. coli BL21‐pET21a‐rhaB1. This approach has promising potential for the utilization of natural flavonoids. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Aortic sinus aneurysm rupture into the right atrium in a 29‐year‐old patient
Authors: Sun Zhixia , Guo Jiantao , Wang Hui , Cui Tingting
Published: January 2019

A 29‐year‐old man presented with chest tightness and shortness of breath. Physical examination showed jugular venous distention. Echocardiography showed a large saccular anechoic structure in the right atrium, swinging with the cardiac cycle. The operator initially mistook the lesion for a right atrial cystic tumor; however, color Doppler imaging showed abundant, high‐velocity blood flow signals, leading to the diagnosis of giant aortic sinus rupture into the right atrium. Aortic sinus aneurysm is a rare and usually asymptomatic lesion. However, rupture leads to chest tightness and dyspnea, suggesting left or right heart failure. Surgery is the primary treatment.
Opening a window on lysosomal acid lipase deficiency: Biochemical, molecular, and epidemiological insights
Authors: Cappuccio Gerarda , Donti Taraka R. , Hubert Leroy , Sun Qin , Elsea Sarah H.
Published: January 2019

Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LAL‐D) is a multi‐organ autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in LIPA. We reviewed data from 681 samples (white blood cells [WBC] n = 625, fibroblasts = 30, liver = 4, amniocytes = 13, chorionic villus = 9) received for analysis of lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) activity over a 15‐year period. LIPA sequencing was performed in 49 patients with reduced (n = 26) or deficient (n = 23) LAL activity. The Exome Aggregation Consortium and Genome Aggregation Database dataset were used for LAL‐D prevalence calculations. LAL WBC activity was reduced in 67 patients (10.72%) and deficient in 37 (5.92%). The average of LAL activity ± margin of error (CI 95%) was 19.32 ± 0.86 pmol/min/mg for reduced activity patients and 5.90 ± 1.42 pmol/min/mg for deficient patients. The average age at diagnosis for LAL‐D was 23.6 years with several patients older than age 30. The correlation between the age at diagnosis and LAL activity showed a significant moderate direct correlation (Pearson's r = 0.46, P < 0.005). Homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations were identified in 9 out of 23 patients with deficient results (detection rate 39.1%). The average LAL activity in molecularly confirmed patients was 4.02 ± 2.02 pmol/min/mg protein, while in molecularly negative patients was 13.886 ± 1.49 pmol/min/mg (P < 0.0001). Twenty‐two different mutations were identified including two novel variants (c.309C>A and c.856G>C). A carrier frequency of approximately 1 in 350 was inferred. LAL activity in WBC is a validated tool for LAL‐D diagnosis. Higher residual enzymatic activity might result in a milder phenotype leading to diagnosis delay. A cut‐off below 12 pmol/min/mg protein might be useful to discriminate patients with LIPA mutations.
Is equatorial Africa getting wetter or drier? Insights from an evaluation of long‐term, satellite‐based rainfall estimates for western Uganda
Authors: Diem Jeremy E. , Konecky Bronwen L. , Salerno Jonathan , Hartter Joel
Published: January 2019

Long‐term trends in equatorial African rainfall have proven difficult to determine because of a dearth in ground‐measured rainfall data. Multiple, satellite‐based products now provide daily rainfall estimates from 1983 to the present at relatively fine spatial resolutions, but in order to assess trends in rainfall, they must be validated alongside ground‐based measurements. The purpose of this paper is twofold: (a) to assess the accuracy of four rainfall products covering the past several decades in western Uganda; and (b) to ascertain recent, multi‐decadal trends in annual rainfall for the region. The four products are African Rainfall Climatology Version 2 (ARC2), Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS), Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks–Climate Data Record (PERSIANN‐CDR), and TAMSAT African Rainfall Climatology And Timeseries (TARCAT). The bias and accuracy of 10‐day, monthly, and seasonal rainfall totals of the four products were assessed using approximately 10 years of data from 10 rain gauges. The homogeneity of the products over multiple time periods was assessed using change‐point analysis. The accuracy of the four products increased with an increase in temporal scale, and CHIRPS was the only product that could be considered sufficiently accurate at estimating seasonal rainfall totals throughout most of the region. TARCAT tended to underestimate totals, and ARC2 and PERSIANN were in general the least accurate products. Only annual rainfall estimates from CHIRPS and TARCAT were significantly correlated with ground‐measured rainfall totals. TARCAT was the most homogeneous product, while ARC2, CHIRPS, and PERSIANN had significant negative change points that caused a drying bias over the 1983–2016 period. After adjusting the satellite‐based rainfall estimates based on the timing and magnitude of the change points, annual rainfall totals derived from all four products indicated that western Uganda experienced significantly increasing rainfall from 1983 to 2016.
Structural, antioxidant and adsorption properties of dietary fiber from foxtail millet (Setaria italica) bran
Authors: Dong Ji‐lin , Wang Lei , LÜ Jing , Zhu Ying‐ying , Shen Rui‐ling
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) bran is a by‐product of millet processing, rich in dietary fiber (DF) and has great application value. A comparative study was conducted to explore the differences in structural and functional properties among millet bran DF, soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF).

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in the content of monosaccharides between SDF and IDF, in which xylose, arabinose and glucose were the main compositions. The results of scanning electron microscopy showed that DF and IDF had different forms of network structure, and SDF presented a sign of mutual adhesion. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 0.54 and 0.08 g kg−1 in SDF. Antioxidant activity of SDF was higher than that of IDF based on the evaluation of free radical scavenging and iron reducing capacity in vitro. Meanwhile, the glucose dialysis retardation index of IDF and SDF was 12.59% and 9.26% at 30 min, respectively. And, there was no significant difference in the adsorption capacity of glucose among different samples (P > 0.05). Furthermore, SDF had strong α‐amylase inhibition (17.92% inhibition rate) and sodium cholate adsorption capacities; the adsorption amount was 16.76 g kg−1 in 2.00 g L−1 sodium cholate solution.

CONCLUSION

Foxtail millet bran DF, especially SDF, has good functional properties and would be a suitable ingredient for health‐beneficial food production. However, the relevant verification trials in vivo need to be carried out in the next steps. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Physicochemical properties to support fibre characterization in monogastric animal nutrition
Authors: Slama Julia , Schedle Karl , Wurzer Gerhild K , Gierus Martin
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to rank conventionally used fibre rich feeds for their physicochemical properties and detect possible correlation between analytical fibre determinations. A total of 22 samples were analysed for proximate fibre values, soluble dietary fibre (SDF), insoluble dietary fibre (IDF), crude protein (CP) and crude ash (CA). Physicochemical properties were determined in vitro by hydration capacity (HC) [water holding capacity (WHC), water binding capacity (WBC), swelling property (SwP)] and buffering capacity [linear buffering rate (LBR)].

RESULTS

Fibre content and physicochemical properties varied markedly between the samples. HC was highest for beet pulp and lowest for rice and millet bran. Buffering capacity expressed minimum values for lignocelluloses and maximum values for rape seed hulls. The correlation of methods was positively between WBC, WHC and SwP (r ≤ 0.89; P ≤ 0.003) but not significant for HC and buffering capacity. SwP negatively correlated with crude fibre (CF), neutral detergent fibre (aNDFOM) and IDF (r ≤ −0.48; P ≤ 0.05). WBC and SwP positively correlated with SDF (r ≤ 0.63; P ≤ 0.04). LBR was negatively correlated with CF, aNDFOM, IDF and total dietary fibre (r ≤ −0.55; P ≤ 0.02), but positively with CP (r = 0.53; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The determination of physicochemical properties is applicable to rank fibre rich feeds, some correlations between fibre analytical measurements and physicochemical properties were detected. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry
Victims of a 17th century massacre in Central Europe: Perimortem trauma of castle defenders
Authors: Łukasik Sylwia , Krenz‐Niedbała Marta , Zdanowicz Magdalena , Różański Artur , Olszacki Tomasz
Published: January 2019

Interments of massacre victims typically differ from normal funerary practices. Bodies are commonly not orderly buried but are thrown into a single grave‐pit and exhibit multiple perimortem traumatic injuries. Although perimortem skeletal trauma constitutes the most direct and unambiguous evidence for violence and warfare in the past, analysis should take contextual information into account. The aim of our research is to examine the skeletal evidence of interpersonal violence in the remains of defenders of a castle in Gołańcz, Poland, who were killed in ad 1656 during the Polish‐Swedish War. This event is well documented in the historical sources, thereby providing the detailed socio‐cultural context.

Standard anthropological methods were used to estimate age‐at‐death and biological sex. Macroscopic morphological features developed by forensic anthropologists were applied to distinguish between ante mortem, perimortem, and post mortem traumas. Descriptive and metric attributes were analysed for each injury.

Of the 25 skeletons recovered from a mass grave, 22 displayed evidence of perimortem trauma. In total, 90 injuries were found, mainly consisting of sharp‐force trauma. These included 79 injuries to the skull, two injuries to the teeth, and nine injuries to the postcranial skeleton. Multiple traumatic lesions were found in 15 individuals (68.1%). The most prevalent were sharp‐force trauma (21 individuals, 95.5%), followed by blunt‐force trauma (two individuals, 9.1%.), with high‐velocity projectile wounds being least common (one individual, 4.5%). Two individuals had their teeth broken off in the perimortem period.

Our study revealed that the inhabitants of Gołańcz were subjected to an extreme level of interpersonal violence, as evidenced by the location, pattern, and distribution of the observed traumatic injuries. From archaeological and historical data, it is known that the event took place during the Swedish invasion into Poland. Our data demonstrate that violence was inflicted not only upon men but also upon women and children. These findings are in contrast to written accounts, which maintain that the Swedish army spared women and children during the attack, and as such show bias inherent to culture‐related sources of information.