bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of Merkel cell carcinoma. A population‐based study from 1985 to 2013, in northeastern of France
Authors: Kieny Alice , Cribier Bernard , Meyer Nicolas , Velten Michel , Jégu Jérémie , Lipsker Dan
Published: September 2018

Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer with an increasing incidence. Population‐based epidemiologic data about MCC in France are rare. Our study aims to describe the epidemiology of MCC in Bas‐Rhin, Northeastern of France, between 1985 and 2013. Data were collected from the Bas‐Rhin Cancer Registry. We measured age‐adjusted incidence rates (per 100,000 person‐years) and effect of age, sex and period of diagnosis on survival. The world age‐standardized incidence rate was 0.17 and it quadrupled between 1985 and 2013. Cases (n = 111) occurred mostly in women (60%) and in persons ≥70 years of age (74%). Incidence rates was close for men (0.18) and women (0.16) and was 25‐time higher in people ≥70 years of age but incidence rate similarly increased between 1985 and 2013 in persons older and younger than 70 years. Net 5‐year survival was 48.5%; female sex and younger age were positive predictors of survival. Given the low number of cases, incidence and survival data should be interpreted with caution. Incidence of MCC in Bas‐Rhin quadrupled between 1985 and 2013. The highest incidence rate was observed in people ≥70 years. Better survival was associated with female sex and younger age. We hypothesize that MCC will still increase and be diagnosed in increasingly younger patients in next generations.
Associations between postpartum depression and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Authors: Strapasson Márcia R. , Ferreira Charles F. , Ramos José G.L.
Published: September 2018

Objective

To identify possible relationships between postpartum depression and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), as well as the associated risk factors for developing postpartum depression.

Methods

The present prospective descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted among postpartum women who attended a public maternity hospital in Brazil between January 15, 2015, and January 15, 2017. The diagnosis and severity of HDP were based on blood pressure measurements (systolic ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic ≥90 mm Hg), proteinuria, clinical findings, and laboratory findings. A group of normotensive women was also included. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to assess the risk of postpartum depression.

Results

Of 168 participants (42 with HDP and 126 normotensive), 40 (23.8%) women displayed depressive symptoms (25 normotensive and 15 with HDP). The probability of postpartum depression correlated with a diagnosis of HDP (Spearman correlation coefficient [rS] 0.219; P=0.004); premonitory signs of eclampsia (rS 0.171; P=0.027); magnesium sulfate therapy (rS 0.199; P=0.010); diastolic blood pressure (rS 0.165; P=0.033); and use of milk formula during hospitalization (rS 0.152; P=0.048).

Conclusion

Women diagnosed with HDP were more likely to have depressive symptoms than their normotensive counterparts.
The addition of lymphadenectomy to secondary cytoreductive surgery in comparison with bulky node resection in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer
Authors: Bogani Giorgio , Leone Roberti Maggiore Umberto , Chiappa Valentina , Ditto Antonino , Martinelli Fabio , Sabatucci Ilaria , Mosca Lavinia , Lorusso Domenica , Raspagliesi Francesco
Published: September 2018

Objective

To evaluate the role of full lymphadenectomy in patients with isolated nodal recurrence of ovarian cancer.

Methods

In a retrospective study, the data of women undergoing secondary cytoreduction at the National Cancer Institute, Milan, Italy, between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2015, were collected and patients with isolated nodal recurrence were identified. Factors predicting for disease‐free interval (DFI) and overall survival were estimated using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis.

Results

Of the 199 consecutive patients whose data were collected, isolated nodal recurrence (defined as the presence of lymphatic disease) was observed in 35 women. Among this study cohort, lymphadenectomy and bulky node removal were performed in 11 (31%) and 24 (69%) patients, respectively. Women who underwent lymphadenectomy experienced better DFI compared with those who had bulky node removal only (median 21 and 12 months, respectively; P=0.019), and lymphadenectomy, but not bulky node removal, significantly improved rates of DFI (P=0.043). No factors were independently associated with overall survival; however, a trend toward an improved overall survival rate was observed in patients undergoing complete resection at the time of primary surgery (P=0.055).

Conclusion

Lymphadenectomy at the time of secondary cytoreduction improved DFI but did not have a significant effect on overall survival.
Overexpressing PRMT1 Inhibits Proliferation and Invasion in Pancreatic Cancer by Inverse Correlation of ZEB1
Authors: Lin Zhibin , Chen Yao , Lin Zhaoxian , Chen Chunshan , Dong Yangyang
Published: September 2018

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most malign human cancers, with its underlying molecular mechanisms largely unknown. In this work, we investigated the mechanistic role of protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) gene in PC. Expression of PRMT1 in immortal PC cell lines and clinical human PC tumors was evaluated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and western blot. In PANC‐1 and SW1990 cells, PRMT1 was either downregulated by lentiviral‐mediated short hairpin RNA (shRNA) or upregulated by overexpression plasmid. The effects of PRMT1 downregulation or upregulation on PC proliferation and invasion in vitro, and xenograft in vivo, were evaluated. Gene expression of PRMT1 downstream target, zinc finger E‐box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) was measured in PRMT1‐downregulated PC cells. ZEB1 was also upregulated in PRMT1‐downregulated PC cells to evaluate its functional role in PRMT1‐mediated regulation in PC. PRMT1 was downregulated in both PC cell lines and human tumors. PRMT1 downregulation in PANC‐1 and SW1990 cells significantly suppressed cancer proliferation and invasion in vitro and xenograft in vivo. However, PRMT1 overexpression did not have function impact in PC cells. ZEB1 gene expression was suppressed in PRMT1‐downregulated PC cells. Subsequently, overexpressing ZEB1 reversed the antitumor effects of PRMT1 downregulation in PC cells. PRMT1 was aberrantly upregulated in PC. PRMT1 inhibition, possibly inversely acting through ZEB1, might be an effective molecular intervention to inhibit PC growth and invasion. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(10):1032–1039, 2018
Establishment of a high‐sensitivity reporter system in mammalian cells for detecting juvenoids using juvenile hormone receptors of Daphnia pulex
Authors: Tanaka Takahiro , Iguchi Taisen , Miyakawa Hitoshi
Published: September 2018

Environmental waters are polluted by various chemicals originating from human activities. Recently, the environmental risk of juvenile hormones (JHs) to aquatic microcrustaceans has been recognized by risk assessors and researchers. JH is a major arthropod hormone that regulates molting and reproduction and has analogs that have been used as insect growth regulators. JHs are known to disturb the sex determination system of Daphnia, which is a keystone animal in limnetic ecosystems and is not the target of extermination. To assess the risk of contaminant chemicals and to protect biodiversity, reliable methods for detecting such chemicals are essential. In this study, we attempted to establish a practical in vitro reporter assay system for detecting chemicals with JH activity. Using a newly constructed reporter vector (modified from the JH response element of Tribolium castaneum Krüppel homolog 1, which is a major JH responsive gene in insects), strong JH‐dependent transcriptional activity (>40‐fold activation) was found in Chinese hamster ovary cells that express JH receptors of Daphnia pulex. Dose‐response analysis conducted on several JH and non‐JH chemicals revealed that the established reporter assay system has strict specificity to JH chemicals, and the half maximum effective concentration (EC50) was between 10−7 and 10−9 m. These results suggest that the new system is a rapid and economical method for assessing the environmental risk of JH‐active chemicals.
Fabrication of a bilayer scaffold for small diameter vascular applications
Authors: Goins Allison , Ramaswamy Vidhya , Lichlyter Darcy , Webb Antonio , Allen Josephine B.
Published: September 2018

One of the greatest challenges plaguing cardiovascular tissue engineering has been the development of a compliant vascular graft. In this work, we report the development of a synthetic vascular graft with compliance similar to native arteries at physiological pressures. A bilayer scaffold was fabricated from a solid polymeric lumen made from poly(1,8 octanediol‐co‐citrate) (POC) and a microfibrous medial layer composed of type I collagen, elastin, and POC. Mechanical analysis revealed dynamic compliance, ~6.9% within 1% of native vessels, 5.9%. The burst pressure was an order of magnitude lower than native vessels (~400 mmHg vs. ~3000 mmHg) but was above physiological pressure ranges. Biocompatibility studies indicated the scaffold posed no acute cytotoxic risk to relevant cell types and supported the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. In addition, upon exposure of the scaffold to whole blood, there was no statistically significant hemolysis, <2%. Overall this is a promising material system and scaffold to develop a biodegradable tissue‐engineered vascular graft. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2850–2862, 2018.
Acid‐triggered synergistic chemo‐photodynamic therapy systems based on metal‐coordinated supramolecular interaction
Authors: Wang Jinze , Liu Lin , Yin Liping , Chen Li
Published: September 2018

To enhance anticancer efficacy and decrease side effects, the synergistic multi‐agent therapy has now increasingly gotten great attention. Herein, the flexible polycaprolactone had been modified by histidine and formed assembles with PEGylated metallo‐porphyrin via metal‐coordinated supramolecular interaction. This supramolecular assembles showed excellent acid sensitivity. At neutral environment, the hydrophobic anticancer drug could be effectively co‐encapsulated with photosensitizer Fe‐TPP to improve the water solubility. While at the intracellular microenvironment, the changed acid environment would trigger the drug and Fe‐TPP release due to the reduction of metal‐coordinated interaction between histidine and metallo‐porphyrin leading to the disintegration of assembles. The in vivo anticancer experiments toward HeLa and MCF‐7 cells disclosed that this co‐delivery system of anticancer drug and photosensitizer showed enhanced anticancer efficacy, implying that the synergistic chemo‐photodynamic therapy could improve cellular proliferation inhibition. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2955–2962, 2018.
Enhancing neural differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells by conductive graphene/silk fibroin films
Authors: Niu Yimeng , Chen Xiaofang , Yao Danyu , Peng Ge , Liu Haifeng , Fan Yubo
Published: September 2018

Nerve regeneration and function recovery remain challenges for tissue engineering. The application of suitable scaffold in tissue engineering has been demonstrated to be able to enhance nerve regeneration and differentiation. However, a desired scaffold must meet the requirements of good cytocompatibility and high electrical conductivity simultaneously. In this study, a conductive film composed of SF and graphene was successfully fabricated, which was applied to evaluate its effect on the neural differentiation of iPSCs. The conductive film was found to enhance the differentiation of iPSCs toward neurons. In addition, the differentiation was enhanced with graphene contents and highest value was obtained at graphene content of 4%. Thus, the results in this study suggested that 4% G/SF film might be a suitable biomaterial scaffold for application in neural regeneration. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2973–2983, 2018.
Preparing and immobilizing antimicrobial osteogenic growth peptide on titanium substrate surface
Authors: Liu Ju , Yang Weihu , Tao Bailong , Shen Tingting , He Ye , Shen Xinkun , Cai Kaiyong
Published: September 2018

The inherent bioinertness and potential bacterial infection risk are the two leading causes for Ti implant failure. To improve osseointegration and antibiosis, in this work, a novel antimicrobial osteogenic growth peptide was first synthesized by conjugating osteogenic growth peptide (OGP) and ciprofloxacin (CIP). Then, the synthetic antimicrobial peptide was immobilized onto Ti implant surface for chemoselective binding via the amide reaction. Thereafter, the capabilities of modified Ti implant on osseointegration and antibiosis were measured with cell experiments and antimicrobial activity in vitro. The results showed that antimicrobial osteogenic growth peptide (OGP‐CIP) was successfully prepared and grafted onto Ti implant surface. Moreover, the antimicrobial peptide‐modified Ti implants could promote osteoblasts spreading and osteodifferentiation compared with unmodified Ti substrates. Meanwhile, in vitro bacteria studies (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) proved that the antibacterial property of antimicrobial peptide functionalized Ti implant was improved obviously. The method used in this work is a feasible and promising strategy to win the race against invading bacteria and accelerate bone integration in orthopedic implantation. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 3021–3033, 2018.
A comparative study of resveratrol and resveratrol‐functional selenium nanoparticles: Inhibiting amyloid β aggregation and reactive oxygen species formation properties
Authors: Yang Licong , Wang Wenjun , Chen Jiguang , Wang Na , Zheng Guodong
Published: September 2018

Deposition of amyloid‐β (Aβ) aggregates and formation of neurotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) are significant pathological signatures of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Resveratrol (Res) is an antioxidant with the potential to treat AD. However, the bioavailability and solubility of Res is very low and it cannot entirely inhibit Cu2+‐induced Aβ42 aggregation at low concentration. Herein, we combine the unique Aβ absorption property of selenium nanoparticles with the natural antioxidant agent Res to form Res@SeNPs. Our in vitro biological evaluation revealed that modification of Res with SeNPs provides a synergistic effect on Cu2+‐induced Aβ42 aggregation, ROS generation and, more importantly, protects PC12 cells from Aβ42–Cu2+ complexes‐induced cell death. It is believed that SeNPs can improve the application of Res in AD treatment as Res@SeNPs is more efficient than Res in reducing Aβ42 toxicity in long‐term use. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 3034–3041, 2018.
Mesenchymal stem cell interacted with PLCL braided scaffold coated with poly‐l‐lysine/hyaluronic acid for ligament tissue engineering
Authors: Liu Xing , Laurent Cédric , Du Qiaoyue , Targa Laurie , Cauchois Ghislaine , Chen Yun , Wang Xiong , de Isla Natalia
Published: September 2018

The challenge of finding an adapted scaffold for ligament tissue engineering remains unsolved after years of researches. A technology to fabricate a multilayer braided scaffold with flexible and elastic poly (l‐lactide‐co‐caprolactone) (PLCL 85/15) has been recently pioneered by our team. In this study, polyelectrolyte multilayer films (PEM) with poly‐l‐lysine (PLL)/ hyaluronic acid (HA) were deposited on this scaffold. After PEM modification, polygonal (PLL) and particle‐like (HA) structures were present on the braided scaffold with no significant variation of fibers Young's modulus. Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ‐MSC) and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSC) showed good metabolic activity on scaffolds. They presented a spindled shape along the fiber longitudinal direction, and crossed the fibers to form cell bridges. Collagen type I, collagen type III, and tenascin‐C secreted by MSCs were detected on day 14. Moreover, one‐layer modified scaffold presented increased chemotaxis. As a conclusion, our results indicate that this braided PLCL scaffold with one‐layer PEM modification shows inspiring potential with satisfying mechanical properties and biocompatibility. It opens new perspectives to incorporate growth factors within PEM‐modified braided PLCL scaffold for ligament tissue engineering and to recruit endogenous cells after implantation. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 3042–3052, 2018.
A sulfonated reversible thermal gel for the spatiotemporal control of VEGF delivery to promote therapeutic angiogenesis
Authors: Lee David J. , Rocker Adam J. , Bardill James R. , Shandas Robin , Park Daewon
Published: September 2018

Despite medical and surgical advancements for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, mortality and morbidity remain high. Therapeutic angiogenesis has been one approach to address the major clinical need for a more effective treatment to restoring blood flow in ischemic organs and tissues, but current progress in angiogenic drug delivery is inadequate at providing sufficient bioavailability without causing safety concerns. An injectable sulfonated reversible thermal gel composed of a polyurea conjugated with poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) and sulfonate groups has been developed for the delivery of angiogenic factors. The thermal gel allowed for the spatiotemporal control of vascular endothelial growth factor release with a decreased initial burst release and reduced release rate in vitro. A subcutaneous injection mouse model was used to evaluate efficacious vascularization and assess the inflammatory response due to a foreign body. Thermal gel injections showed substantial vascularization properties by inducing vessel formation, recruitment and differentiation of vascular endothelial cells, and vessel stabilization by perivascular cells, while infiltrating macrophages due to the thermal gel injections decreased over time. These results demonstrated effective localization and delivery of angiogenic factors for therapeutic angiogenesis. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 3053–3064, 2018.
Xenogeneic acellular nerve scaffolds supplemented with autologous bone marrow‐derived stem cells promote axonal outgrowth and remyelination but not nerve function
Authors: Hou Bo , Cai Meiqin , Chen Chuan , Ji Wanqing , Ye Zhuopeng , Ling Cong , Chen Zhuopeng , Guo Ying
Published: September 2018

Autologous nerves, artificial scaffolds or acellular nerve scaffolds are commonly used in bridging treatment for peripheral nerve defects. Xenogeneic acellular nerve scaffolds and allogeneic cellular nerve scaffolds have the same structural characteristics. Due to the wider source of raw materials, these latter scaffolds have high‐potential value for applications. However, whether their heterogeneity will affect nerve regeneration is unknown. The current study evaluated the efficiency of xenogeneic acellular nerve scaffolds (XANs) combined with 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU)‐labeling of autologous bone marrow‐derived stem cells (BMSCs) for repair of a 1.5 cm gap in rat sciatic nerves. XANs from rabbit tibial nerves were prepared, the structure and components of the scaffolds were evaluated after completely removing the cellular components. Animals were divided into four groups based on graft: the simple XAN group, the XAN + BMSC group, the XAN + Media (from BMSC culture) group, and the autograft group. Serological immune tests showed that XANs induce an immune response in the first 2 weeks after transplantation. Moreover, cell tracking revealed that the proportion of EdU+ cells decreased over time, as shown by the measures at 2 days (70%), 4 days (20%), and 8 days (even <3%) postoperatively. Nerve functional analyses revealed that in contrast to the autograft group results, the XAN‐BMSC, XAN + Media, and XAN groups did not exhibit good restoration of the sciatic functional index (SFI) or electrophysiological results (the peak action potential amplitudes) 12 weeks, postoperatively. However, the XAN‐BMSC and autograft groups demonstrated greater remyelination and increased axon numbers and myelin thickness than the XAN + Media and XAN groups 12 weeks, postoperatively (p < .05). In conclusion, in the early stage of transplantation, XANs induce a certain degree of inflammation. Although the combination of XANs with autologous BMSCs enhanced the number of regenerated axons and the remyelination, the combination did not effectively improve the recovery of nervous motor function. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 3065–3078, 2018.
Molecular layer deposition builds biocompatible substrates for epithelial cells
Authors: Momtazi Leva , Dartt Darlene A. , Nilsen Ola , Eidet Jon Roger
Published: September 2018

The demand for novel biocompatible materials as surface coating in the field of regenerative medicine is high. We explored molecular layer deposition (MLD) technique for building surface coatings and introduced a new group of substrates consisting of amino acids, or nucleobases, and the biocompatible metal titanium. The substrates were built from titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) with l‐lysine, glycine, l‐aspartic acid, l‐arginine, thymine, uracil, and adenine. Substrates based on zirconium chloride and terephthalic acid were also included. Titanium oxide (TiO2) substrates made by atomic layer deposition and uncoated cover slips served as controls. Rat conjunctival epithelial goblet cells were grown in RPMI 1640 and RT‐PCR, immunofluorescence, cell attachment, proliferation, and viability were analyzed. Cells cultured on MLD and uncoated substrates were proliferating (positive for Ki67). Cell attachment after 3 h of culture on MLD substrates was similar to uncoated coverslips (p > 0.05). Compared to uncoated coverslips, cell proliferation assayed with alamarBlue® after 4 days was significantly higher on all MLD substrates (p < 0.05), whereas terephthalic acid‐containing MLD substrates reduced proliferation (p < 0.01). Viability assessed by LIVE/DEAD® was high (>85%) for all substrates after 5 days. The novel MLD technique is promising for building biocompatible substrates that direct epithelial cell growth. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 3090–3098, 2018.
Comparison of catheter thrombogenicity in a modified chandler loop model using goat blood
Authors: Olsen Aaron L. , Long Michael
Published: September 2018

Thrombogenicity testing is a key component in the development of medical devices intended for contact with blood. The Chandler loop system has previously been used as an in vitro thrombogenicity testing method. In this study, we used a modified version of the Chandler loop model to evaluate its capacity to detect differential thrombogenic potential of different catheter materials using goat blood. We also sought to determine the optimal experimental conditions for detecting the thrombogenicity of catheter material. Using the Chandler loop system with goat blood we demonstrated that silicone catheters had a stronger thrombogenicity as compared to polyurethane catheters as evidenced by significantly larger thrombi (p < 0.001) and higher infusion pressures (p < 0.05). This is consistent with many, but not all, previous in vitro and in vivo studies comparing polyurethane to silicone catheters. The use of this modified Chandler loop system with goat blood may provide an additional in vitro testing platform for thrombogenicity testing of catheters. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 3143–3151, 2018.
Advanced inorganic nanocomposite for decontaminating titanium dental implants
Authors: Al‐Hashedi Ashwaq A. , Laurenti Marco , Amine Mezour Mohamed , Basiri Tayebeh , Touazine Heithem , Jahazi Mohamed , Tamimi Faleh
Published: September 2018

Oral hygiene and regular maintenance are crucial for preserving good peri‐implant health. However, available prophylaxis products and toothpastes, which are optimized for cleaning teeth, tend to contaminate and abrade implant surfaces due to their organic components and silica microparticles, respectively. This study aims to develop an organic‐free implant‐paste based on two‐dimensional nanocrystalline magnesium phosphate gel and hydrated silica nanoparticles (20–30% w/w) for cleaning oral biofilm on titanium dental implants. The surface chemistry, morphology, and bacterial load of contaminated Ti disks before and after decontamination using prophylaxis brushing with toothpaste and implant‐paste were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Both commercial toothpastes and implant‐paste remove bacteria, however, only implant‐paste protects Ti metal from abrasion and removes organic contaminants. XPS showed a significant decrease of carbon contamination from 73% ± 2 to 20% ± 2 after mechanical brushing with implant‐paste compared to 41% ± 11 when brushing with commercial toothpastes (p < 0.05). Fluorescence microscopy revealed that bacteria load on biofilm contaminated Ti (44 × 103 ± 27 × 103/µm2) was significantly reduced with the implant‐paste to 2 × 103 ± 1 × 102/µm2 and with a commercial toothpaste to 2.9 × 103 ± 7·102/µm2. This decay is relatively higher than the removal achieved using rotary prophylaxis brush alone (5 × 103 ± 1 × 103/µm2, p < 0.05). Accordingly, this novel implant‐paste shows a great promise as an efficient decontamination approach. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Biomed. Mater. Res. Part B, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 761–772, 2019.
Cellular Response to 3‐D Printed Bioactive Silicate and Borosilicate Glass Scaffolds
Authors: Jia Weitao , Lau Grace Y , Huang Wenhai , Zhang Changqing , Tomsia Antoni P , Fu Qiang
Published: September 2018

The repair and regeneration of loaded segmental bone defects is a challenge for both materials and biomedical science communities. Our recent work demonstrated the capability of bioactive glass in supporting bone healing and defect bridging using a rabbit femur segmental defect model without growth factors or bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Here in the current work, a comprehensive in vitro evaluation of bioactive silicate (13–93) and borosilicate (2B6Sr) glass scaffolds was conducted to provide further understanding of their biological performances and to establish a correlation between in vitro and in vivo behaviors. Our in vitro evaluation using a murine MC3T3‐E1 cell line confirmed the capability of both scaffolds to support cell attachment, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) formation, and to stimulate mineral deposition and osteoblast marker gene expression. In particular, borosilicate (2B6Sr) glass showed a better capability in supporting the mineralization and gene expression than silicate (13–93) glass, consistent with a faster bone healing ability in vivo. The current in vitro results, combined with our previous in vivo findings, provide a strong basis for the further translational evaluation of bioactive glass scaffolds and for potential preclinical practice. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Biomed. Mater. Res. Part B, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 818–824, 2019.
Bone morphogenic protein expression and bone formation are induced by bioactive glass S53P4 scaffoldsin vivo
Authors: Björkenheim Robert , Strömberg Gustav , Ainola Mari , Uppstu Peter , Aalto‐Setälä Laura , Hupa Leena , Pajarinen Jukka , Lindfors Nina C.
Published: September 2018

The two‐stage induced‐membrane (IM) technique is increasingly used for treatment of large bone defects. In stage one, the bone defect is filled with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), which induces a membrane around the implant. In stage two, PMMA is replaced with bone graft. Bioactive glasses (BAGs) are bone substitutes with bone‐stimulating and angiogenic properties. We have previously shown that a certain type of BAG can also induce a foreign‐body membrane similar to PMMA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bone‐forming capacity of sintered BAG‐S53P4 and poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA)‐coated BAG‐S53P4 scaffolds for potential use as bone substitutes in a single‐stage IM technique. Sintered porous rods of BAG‐S53P4, BAG‐S53P4‐PLGA, or PMMA were implanted in rabbit femurs for 2, 4, or 8 weeks. The expression of bone morphogenic protein (BMP)‐2, ‐4, and ‐7 in the IMs of implanted materials were analyzed with real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Micro‐computed tomography imaging was used to evaluate bone growth and further verified with scanning electron microscopy. BAG‐S53P4 and BAG‐S53P4‐PGLA scaffold IMs show similar or superior expression of BMP‐2, ‐4, and ‐7 compared with PMMA IM. Bone ingrowth into BAG scaffolds increased over time. Active bone formation occurred inside the BAG scaffolds and the respective BMP expressions were similar or superior for the BAG IMs compared with PMMA, thus making BAGs a promising device for single‐stage treatment of bone defects. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res B Part B: Appl Biomater, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 847–857, 2019.
Acylated catalpol diglycoside ameliorates lipopolysaccharides‐induced acute lung injury through inhibition of iNOS and TNF‐α expression
Authors: El‐Awady Mohammed S. , Said Eman , Baraka Hany N.
Published: September 2018

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a universal cause of respiratory failure and death especially after sepsis. The current study evaluates the protective efficacy of acylated catalpol diglycoside (ACD), a plant iridoid glycoside, against lipopolysaccharides (LPS)‐induced ALI in rats. ACD prevented LPS‐induced elevations in total and differential cell counts and total protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, lung malondialdehyde content, and serum lactate dehydrogenase activity. Moreover, ACD significantly increased lung glutathione and superoxide dismutase and improved lung histopathology with significant reduction in lung tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) content mediated mainly via inhibition of TNF‐α messenger RNA (mRNA) expression. In addition, ACD significantly reduced lung total nitrate concentration content through downregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression, negating the excessive undesired vasodilatation characteristic to sepsis. In conclusion, the reduction of oxidative stress, amelioration of inflammatory cytokines expression, and antagonism of sepsis associated‐excessive vasodilatation are main contributors in ACD’s protective effect in LPS‐induced ALI in rats.
The inhibition effect of garlic‐derived compounds on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and saquinavir
Authors: GÖKALP Faik
Published: September 2018

Garlic has been used as a traditional medicine to treat various diseases. Garlic reduces the risk of some diseases. This protective effect is due to the organosulfur compounds of garlic. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibition effects of garlic‐derived compounds on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) and as the most important anti‐HIV‐1 medicine. The activation of saquinavir is believed to be the principal mechanism behind the protective effects of HIV‐1. Our theoretical calculations are performed for blood phase by using the density functional theory for the main compounds of garlic. The chemical activity and solubility of ajoene and the mainly derived compounds of garlic as theoretical calculations are important for the medical research comparing with the other compounds of the garlic. The theoretical calculations have helped us to determine which active ingredient of the garlic having inhibition effects on HIV‐1 and saquinavir.
Child‐Centered Play Therapy: Aggression, Empathy, and Self‐Regulation
Authors: Wilson Brittany J. , Ray Dee
Published: September 2018

The authors conducted a randomized controlled trial to investigate differences among 36 elementary school age children who received 16 sessions of child‐centered play therapy and 35 children who were assigned to a waitlist control group. Pre‐ and postassessments were used to measure children's levels of aggression, self‐regulation, and empathy per parent and teacher report. Results revealed statistically significant positive results for parents and nonstatistically significant results for teachers. Implications and future research are examined.
Helianthus annuus L. flower prevents UVB‐induced photodamage in human dermal fibroblasts by regulating the MAPK/AP‐1, NFAT, and Nrf2 signaling pathways
Authors: Hwang Eunson , Gao Wei , Xiao Yong‐kun , Ngo Hien T. T. , Yi Tae‐Hoo
Published: September 2018

Background

Excessive ultraviolet radiation usually causes skin photoaging, inflammation, and even photocarcinogenesis. UV radiation‐generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a major contributing factor to photodamage. The flowers of Helianthus annuus L. have been reported to possess strong anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activity. However, there are few reports on the use of H. annuus L. to relieve UVB‐induced photoaging.

Purpose

In this study, we evaluated the protective effect of a 50% ethanol extract of H. annuus L. flower (HAF) against UVB‐induced photodamage using normal human dermal fibroblasts.

Methods

The secretion of ROS, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), procollagen type I, and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) was measured with kits. The messenger RNA levels of COX‐2, iNOS, and TGF‐α were measured by RT‐PCR. The AP‐1, MAPK, NFAT, and Nrf2 pathways were investigated by Western blot analysis.

Results

HAF extract significantly blocked UVB‐induced ROS and MMP (MMP‐1 and MMP‐3) production and procollagen type I reduction. Further study demonstrated that the photoaging inhibitory actions were related to promotion of Nrf2 nuclear translocation, upregulation of TGF‐β1 level, and downregulation of AP‐1 and MAPK phosphorylation. Importantly, HAF effectively inhibited UVB‐induced VEGF and inflammatory cytokines such as IL‐6, COX‐2, iNOS, and TNF‐α secretion, which might be involved in the regulation of the NFAT signaling pathway.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that HAF is a useful botanical source protecting against UVB‐mediated skin photodamage.
BLACAT1 predicts poor prognosis and serves as oncogenic lncRNA in small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Chen Weiwei , Hang Ye , Xu Weiwei , Wu Jixiang , Chen Longyun , Chen Jinzhong , Mao Yixiang , Song Jin , Song Jianxiang , Wang Hanhua
Published: September 2018

Bladder cancer‐associated transcript 1 (BLACAT1) is a novel identified long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in bladder cancer, and has been suggested to function as an oncogenic lncRNA in several types of human cancer. However, its involvement in the progression of small‐cell lung cancer (SCLC) remained unknown. The aim of our study was to investigate the clinical value and biological function in SCLC. In our results, BLACAT1 expression was increased in SCLC tissues and cell lines compared with paired adjacent normal tissues and bronchial epithelial cell lines, respectively. In addition, BLACAT1 high‐expression was obviously associated with advanced clinical stage, large tumor size, more lymph node metastasis, present distant metastasis, and poor prognosis. Furthermore, multivariate analysis indicated that high‐expression of BLACAT1 acted as an independent poor prognostic factor for overall survival in SCLC cases. The loss‐of‐function studies suggested that of BLACAT1 suppressed SCLC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induced G0/G1 phase arrest. In conclusion, BLACAT1 is associated with the malignant status and prognosis in patients with SCLC, and functions as an oncogenic lncRNA in regulating cell proliferation and motility, suggesting BLACAT1 may act as a potential target for SCLC prevention and treatment.
Molecular genetic study of glutaric aciduria, type I: Identification of a novel mutation
Authors: Shadmehri Azam Ahmadi , Fattahi Najmeh , Pourreza Mohammad Reza , Koohiyan Mahboobeh , Zarifi Shahnaz , Darbouy Mojtaba , Sharifi Reza , Tavakkoly Bazzaz Javad , Tabatabaiefar Mohammad Amin
Published: September 2018

Glutaric acidemia type I (GA‐1) is an inborn error of metabolism due to deficiency of glutaryl‐CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH), which catalyzes the conversion of glutaryl‐CoA to crotonyl‐CoA. GA‐1 occurs in about 1 in 100 000 infants worldwide. The GCDH gene is on human chromosome 19p13.2, spans about 7 kb and comprises 11 exons and 10 introns. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) was used for clinical diagnosis in a proband from Iran with GA‐1. Sanger sequencing was performed using primers specific for coding exons and exon‐intron flanking regions of the
GCDH gene in the proband. Cosegregation analysis and in silico assessment were performed to confirm the pathogenicity of the candidate variant. A novel homozygous missense variant c.1147C > A (p.Arg383Ser) in exon 11 of
GCDH was identified. Examination of variant through in silico software tools determines its deleterious effect on protein in terms of function and stability. The variant cosegregates with the disease in family. In this study, the clinical and molecular aspects of GA‐1 were investigated, which showed one novel mutation in the
GCDH gene in an Iranian patient. The variant is categorized as pathogenic according to the the guideline of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) for variant interpretation. This mutation c.1147C > A (p.Arg383Ser) may also be prevalent among Iranian populations.
Allometric scaling of morphology and engulfment capacity in rorqual whales
Authors: Kahane‐Rapport Shirel R. , Goldbogen Jeremy A.
Published: September 2018

Body length is one of the most important factors that influence organismal function and ecological niche. Although larger animals tend to have a suite of physiological advantages, such as lower mass‐specific metabolic rates and lower costs of transport, they may also experience significant limitations to unsteady locomotor performance or maneuverability because of the relative scaling of control surface areas and body mass. Rorqual whales are the largest of all animals and thus represent a unique study system for understanding how animals function at the extreme of body mass. Rorquals are characterized by an engulfment‐filtration foraging strategy facilitated by a complex set of morphological adaptations. We studied the scaling of key morphological structures related to locomotion and feeding in six rorqual species in a comparative framework. Our analyses show that most rorqual species exhibit positive allometry of both the control surfaces and body length, but the large scaling differences between these parameters suggest that larger rorquals will predictably suffer from decreased maneuverability and unsteady locomotor performance. However, we found that the dimensions of the engulfment apparatus also exhibit positive allometry, and thus engulfment capacity was relatively greater in larger rorquals. We posit that the allometric growth in the engulfment apparatus may be an adaptation that ameliorates the detrimental effects of large size on maneuverability. Our analyses also reveal significant differences in the scaling of mass‐specific engulfment capacity among rorqual species that may reflect the evolution of unique foraging behaviors and the exploitation of divergent ecological niches.
Diffusion Kurtosis at 3.0T as an in vivo Imaging Marker for Breast Cancer Characterization: Correlation With Prognostic Factors
Authors: Huang Yao , Lin Yan , Hu Wei , Ma Changchun , Lin Weixun , Wang Zhening , Liang Jiahao , Ye Wei , Zhao Jiayun , Wu Renhua
Published: September 2018

Background

Diffusion‐kurtosis imaging (DKI) has preliminarily shown promise as a relatively new MRI technique to provide useful information regarding breast lesions, but the diagnostic performance of DKI has not been fully evaluated.

Purpose

To compare the diagnostic accuracy of DKI, diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE)‐MRI) and proton MR spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) in differentiating malignant from benign breast lesions independently or jointly, and explore the correlation between DKI‐derived parameters and prognostic factors.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Seventy‐one patients with breast lesions (50 malignant, 26 benign).

Sequence

DKI, DWI, DCE‐MRI, and 1H‐MRS were performed at 3.0T.

Assessment

Mean kurtosis (MK), mean diffusivity (MD), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), BI‐RADS category, and choline peaks were analyzed by two experienced radiologists.

Statistical Tests

Student's t‐test was used for continuous variables; receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for assessing the diagnostic accuracy of imaging parameters; Spearman or Pearson correlations for assessing the associations between imaging parameters and prognostic factors.

Results

MK exhibited higher area under the curves (AUCs) for differentiating malignant from benign lesions than did MD, ADC, DCE, and tCho (0.979 vs. 0.928, 0.911, 0.777, and 0.833, respectively, P < 0.05). MK showed a positive association with Ki‐67 expression (r = 0.508) and histologic grades (r = 0.551), whereas MD and ADC were negatively correlated with Ki‐67 expression (r = –0.416 and r = –0.458) and histologic grades (r = –0.411 and r = –0.319). Moreover, MK showed relatively higher AUCs compared with MD and ADC in detecting breast cancers with lymph nodal involvement, histologic grades, and Ki‐67 expression.

Data Conclusion

MK has higher diagnostic accuracy compared with ADC, DCE, and tCho regarding detection of breast cancer. Moreover, DKI shows promise as a quantitative imaging technique for characterizing breast lesions, highlighting the potential utility of MK as a promising imaging marker for predicting tumor aggressiveness.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:845–856.
3D MR Elastography of Hepatocellular Carcinomas as a Potential Biomarker for Predicting Tumor Recurrence
Authors: Wang Jin , Shan Qungang , Liu Yong , Yang Hao , Kuang Sichi , He Bingjun , Zhang Yao , Chen Jingbiao , Zhang Tianhui , Glaser Kevin J. , Zhu Cairong , Chen Jun , Yin Meng , Venkatesh Sudhakar K. , Ehman Richard L.
Published: September 2018

Background

Preoperative prediction of tumor recurrence is important in the management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Purpose

To investigate whether tumor stiffness derived by magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) could predict early recurrence of HCC after hepatic resection.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

In all, 99 patients with pathologically confirmed HCCs after surgical resection.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T; preoperative MRE with 60‐Hz mechanical vibrations using an active acoustic driver.

Assessment

Regions of interest (ROIs) were manually drawn in the tumors to measure mean tumor stiffness. Surgical specimens were reviewed for histological grade, capsule, vascular invasion, and surgical margins. The early recurrence of HCC was defined as that occurring within 2 years after resection.

Statistical Tests

Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate risk factors associated with the time to early recurrence.

Results

HCCs with recurrence had higher tumor stiffness, higher rate of advanced T stage, vascular invasion, lower rate of capsule formation, larger tumor size, higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐DNA level and aspartate aminotransferase / alanine aminotransferase ratio (P = 0.031, 0.007, 0.01, <0.001, 0.015, 0.034, 0.01, and 0.014, respectively) than HCCs without recurrence. Vascular invasion (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.922; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.079, 7.914], P = 0.035) and mean tumor stiffness (HR = 1.163; 95% CI: [1.055, 1.282], P = 0.002) were risk factors associated with early recurrence. Each 1‐kPa increase in tumor stiffness was associated with a 16.3% increase in the risk for tumor recurrence.

Data Conclusion

The mean stiffness of HCCs may be a useful, noninvasive, quantitative biomarker for the prediction of early HCC recurrence after hepatic resection.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy: Stage 5

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:719–730.
Radiomics Nomogram Building From Multiparametric MRI to Predict Grade in Patients With Glioma: A Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Qiuyu , Li Qingneng , Mi Rui , Ye Hai , Zhang Heye , Chen Baodong , Li Ye , Huang Guodong , Xia Jun
Published: September 2018

Background

Accurate classification of gliomas is crucial for prescribing therapy and assessing the prognosis of patients.

Purpose

To develop a radiomics nomogram using multiparametric MRI for predicting glioma grading.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

This study involved 85 patients (training cohort: n = 56; validation cohort: n = 29) with pathologically confirmed gliomas.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T MR, containing contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted (CET1WI), axial T2‐weighted (T2WI), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) sequences.

Assessment

A region of interest of the tumor was delineated. A total of 652 radiomics features were extracted and were reduced using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression.

Statistical Testing

Radiomic signature, participant's age, and gender were analyzed as potential predictors to perform logistic regression analysis and develop a prediction model of glioma grading, and a radiomics nomogram was used to represent this model. The performance of the nomogram was assessed in terms of discrimination, calibration, and clinical value in glioma grading.

Results

The radiomic signature was significantly associated with glioma grade (P < 0.001) in both the training and validation cohorts. The performance of the radiomics nomogram derived from three MRI sequences (with C‐index of 0.971 and 0.961 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively) was improved compared to those based on either CET1WI, T2WI, or ADC alone in glioma grading (with C‐index of 0.914, 0.714, 0.842 in the training cohort, and 0.941, 0.500, 0.730 in the validation cohort). The nomogram derived from three sequences showed good calibration: the calibration curve showed good agreement between the estimated and the actual probability. The decision curve demonstrated that combining three sequences had more favorable clinical predictive value than single sequence imaging.

Data Conclusion

We created and assessed a multiparametric MRI‐based radiomics nomogram that may help clinicians classify gliomas more accurately.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:825–833.