bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CircHIPK3 promotes proliferation and invasion in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by abrogating miR‐4288‐induced ELF3 inhibition
Authors: Ke Zhaoyang , Xie Fei , Zheng Chaopan , Chen Daishi
Published: August 2018

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are reported to regulate the development and progression of multiple cancers. However, the functions of circRNAs in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) are unclear. In this study, we identified that circular homeodomain interacting protein kinase 3 (circHIPK3) was highly expressed in NPC tissues and cell lines. Moreover, we found that circHIPK3 expression levels could act as a prognostic marker in NPC patients. We showed that circHIPK3 silence repressed NPC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. In addition, circHIPK3 depletion dramatically repressed tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, we revealed circHIPK3 as a competing endogenous RNA of microRNA (miR)‐4288 that targets E74‐like ETS transcription factor 3 (ELF3) in NPC cells. We found that miR‐4288 inhibition reversed the effects of circHIPK3 silence on NPC cells. Furthermore, rescue assays also indicated that circHIPK3 promoted the malignant behaviors of NPC cells via enhancing ELF3 expression by suppressing the miR‐4288 levels. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that circHIPK3 facilitated NPC progression through protecting ELF3 from miR‐4288‐mediated silencing, which suggested that the circHIPK3‐miR‐4288‐ELF3 regulatory loop might be a potential target for NPC prevention.
Deletion of Axin1 in condylar chondrocytes leads to osteoarthritis‐like phenotype in temporomandibular joint via activation of β‐catenin and FGF signaling
Authors: Zhou Yachuan , Shu Bing , Xie Rong , Huang Jian , Zheng Liwei , Zhou Xuedong , Xiao Guozhi , Zhao Lan , Chen Di
Published: August 2018

Osteoarthritis (OA) in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a degenerative disease in the adult, which is characterized by the pathological degeneration of condylar cartilage. Axin1 plays a critical role in the regulation of cartilage development and homeostasis. To determine the role of Axin1 in TMJ tissue at the adult stage, we generated Axin1Agc1ER mice, in which Axin1 was deleted in aggrecan‐expressing chondrocytes at 2 months of age. Histology, histomorphometry, and immunostaining analyses were performed using TMJ tissues harvested from 4‐ and 6‐month‐old mice after tamoxifen administration. Total RNA isolated from TMJ cartilage of 6‐month‐old mice was used for gene expression analysis. Progressive OA‐like degeneration was observed in condylar cartilage in Axin1 knockout (KO) mice with loss of surface continuity and the formation of vertical fissures. In addition, reduced alcian blue staining in condylar cartilage was also found in Axin1 KO mice. Immunostaining and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) assays revealed disturbed homeostasis in condylar cartilage with increased expressions of MMP13 and Adamts5 and decreased lubricin expression in Axin1‐deficient chondrocytes. Less proliferative cells with increased hypertrophic and apoptotic activities were presented in the condylar cartilage of Axin1Agc1ER KO mice. As a scaffolding protein, the deletion of Axin1 stimulated not only the β‐catenin but also the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling via extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) activation. The qRT‐PCR results showed an increased expression of Fgfr1 in Axin1 KO cartilage. Overall, the deletion of Axin1 in condylar chondrocytes altered the β‐catenin and FGF/ERK1/2 signaling pathways, thus cooperatively contribute to the cartilage degeneration.
Characterization of cellular and humoral immune responses to alkaline phosphatase from fertile hydatid cysts in the human peripheral blood
Authors: Vatankhah Ali , Ghaffari Seyed Mohamad Reza , Vatankhah Reza G. , Piurkó Violetta , Tímár József , Avan Amir , Jazayeri Mir H.
Published: August 2018

Hydatid cyst, the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus and a causative agent of cystic echinococcosis, possesses a vast number of antigenic peptides that are constantly presented in the host immune system during infection. Here, we sought to provide more information about the cellular/humoral components engaged in the peripheral immune reactions to the fertile‐cyst‐derived Echinococcus alkaline phosphatase (E.ALP) in human hosts. Lymphoproliferative and cytokine responses after recall of E.ALP suggested the presence of specific immune reactions against the antigen. Interferon gamma (IFN‐γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), and interleukin (IL)‐10 had the highest fold increase over the spontaneous levels in response to hydatid crude antigen (HCA). Recall of E.ALP, as well as its encounter, boosted IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐2, and IL‐6 responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells cultures (PBMCs). The HCA‐driven levels of all the cytokines in the culture supernatants of normal PBMCs were higher than those measured after E.ALP encounter. Immunoglobulin G (IgG)‐profile in response to HCA showed the dominance of specific IgG1, IgG2, and IgG4 antibodies, but relatively lower affinity of IgG3 to this antigen. IgG1 and IgG3 were the only isotypes detected in serum responses to E.ALP. Our findings suggested that E.ALP contributes to the early phase of immune responses to the parasite, likely by induction of proinflammatory profiles and clonal expansion of high‐affinity IgG1‐ and IgG3‐secreting plasma cells, suggesting the value of E.ALP as a candidate to develop novel therapeutic and immunization strategies.
Anemia in celiac disease is multifactorial in etiology: A prospective study from India
Authors: Berry Neha , Basha Jahangeer , Varma Neelam , Varma Subhash , Prasad Kaushal Kishor , Vaiphei Kim , Dhaka Narendra , Sinha Saroj K , Kochhar Rakesh
Published: August 2018

Background and Aims

Anemia is one of the most common extraintestinal manifestations of celiac disease (CD), with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) being the predominant cause. However, anemia in CD can have varied etiologies, including mixed nutritional deficiency. We aimed to study the prevalence and etiology of anemia in CD in a north Indian population.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, consecutive patients with documented CD between January 2012 and December 2013 were included, and all patients underwent detailed clinical assessment; hematological investigations including iron profile, serum folate, and vitamin B12 levels; and esophageoduodenoscopy with duodenal biopsies for histopathological examination. Prevalence of anemia and different deficiencies were calculated, and a correlation between hematological parameters and histological findings was found.

Results

Of the 103 patients studied, anemia was detected in 96 patients, giving a prevalence of 93.2% with a baseline hemoglobin of 8.94 ± 2.54 g/dL. Overall, iron deficiency was seen in 84 (81.5%) patients, followed by vitamin B12 deficiency in 14 (13.6%) and folate deficiency in 11 (10.7%) patients; 17 (16.5%) patients had anemia due to mixed nutritional deficiencies, and 4 (3.9%) patients had anemia of chronic disease. The mean hemoglobin and median ferritin levels were significantly lower in patients with severe villous atrophy compared to those with mild atrophy.

Conclusion

Anemia in patients with CD is multifactorial. Even though iron deficiency is the most common cause, other nutrient deficiencies should always be explored.
Transduction efficacy and retrograde movement of a lentiviral vector pseudotyped by modified rabies glycoprotein throughout the trisynaptic circuit of the rat hippocampus
Authors: Farzaneh Mostafa , Sayyah Mohammad , Eshraghi Hamid Reza , Panahi Negar , Delavar Hadi Mirzapour , Pourbadie Hamid Gholami
Published: August 2018

Background

The trisynaptic circuit (entorhinal cortex–dentate gyrus–CA3–CA1) is a key unidirectional network in the hippocampus. Damage to the hippocampus interrupts this circuit and causes neurological disorders. Efficient delivery of therapeutic genes into this network is of great interest with respect to treating trisynaptic circuit pathologies.

Methods

We generated a lentivector system pseudotyped by a variant of rabies glycoprotein, FUG‐B2. The efficiency of the vector in the retrograde transduction of the rat hippocampal neurons (i.e. the entorhinal cortex from the dentate gyrus, the dentate gyrus from CA3, and CA3 from CA1) was examined by direct injection of the vector into the dentate gyrus, CA3 and CA1. To distinguish transduction of the neuronal and glial cells, as well as selective retrograde gene transfer, double‐staining of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) expressing cells with the specific neuron biomarker NeuN (neuronal nuclear protein) and the specific glia biomarker GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) was performed across the network.

Results

The transgene was successfully introduced into the circuit. More than 80% of the neuronal and glial cells at the injection sites preserved GFP expression during the 2‐month period after vector injection. Importantly, GFP was expressed selectively in almost 80.0% of the presynaptic neuronal cells by retrograde axonal transport of the vector.

Conclusions

The FUG‐B2‐based vector system can efficiently introduce the transgene into the rat hippocampal neurons both directly and indirectly through retrograde monosynaptic movement. This efficient and long‐lasting gene delivery might provide a tool for treating neurological disorders originating in hippocampal circuits.
Simultaneous study of mechanobiology and calcium dynamics on hESC‐derived cardiomyocytes clusters
Authors: Caluori Guido , Pribyl Jan , Cmiel Vratislav , Pesl Martin , Potocnak Tomas , Provaznik Ivo , Skladal Petr , Rotrekl Vladimir
Published: August 2018

Calcium ions act like ubiquitous second messengers in a wide amount of cellular processes. In cardiac myocytes, Ca2+ handling regulates the mechanical contraction necessary to the heart pump function. The field of intracellular and intercellular Ca2+ handling, employing in vitro models of cardiomyocytes, has become a cornerstone to understand the role and adaptation of calcium signalling in healthy and diseased hearts. Comprehensive in vitro systems and cell‐based biosensors are powerful tools to enrich and speed up cardiac phenotypic and drug response evaluation.

We have implemented a combined setup to measure contractility and calcium waves in human embryonic stem cells‐derived cardiomyocyte 3D clusters, obtained from embryoid body differentiation. A combination of atomic force microscopy to monitor cardiac contractility, and sensitive fast scientific complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor camera for epifluorescence video recording, provided correlated signals in real time. To speed up the integrated data processing, we tested several post‐processing algorithms, to improve the automatic detection of relevant functional parameters. The validation of our proposed method was assessed by caffeine stimulation (10mM) and detection/characterization of the induced cardiac response.

We successfully report the first simultaneous recording of cardiac contractility and calcium waves on the described cardiac 3D models. The drug stimulation confirmed the automatic detection capabilities of the used algorithms, measuring expected physiological response, such as elongation of contraction time and Ca2+ cytosolic persistence, increased calcium basal fluorescence, and transient peaks. These results contribute to the implementation of novel, integrated, high‐information, and reliable experimental systems for cardiac models and drug evaluation.
Microstructural and Neurochemical Changes in the Rat Brain After Diffuse Axonal Injury
Authors: Chen Xiran , Chen Yanzi , Xu Yuan , Gao Qilu , Shen Zhiwei , Zheng Wenbin
Published: August 2018

Background

Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is one of the devastating types of traumatic brain injury, but is difficult to detect on conventional imaging in its early stages.

Purpose

To test the technical feasibility and diagnostic value of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and glutamate chemical exchange saturation transfer (GluCEST) imaging in the brain after DAI.

Study Type

Prospective.

Animal Model

Sixty Sprague‐Dawley rats. The DAI model was induced by using the impact acceleration model of Marmarou et al with modified settings.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 7.0T animal MR scanner with a fast spin‐echo sequence (T2‐weighted imaging), fast spin‐echo multislice sequence (DKI), echo planar imaging in the signal of the chemical exchange saturation transfer sequence (CEST), and point‐resolved spectroscopy sequence (hydrogenproton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, 1H‐MRS).

Assessment

Brain MRI scanned before and 2 hours after injury. DKI images were processed with MatLab and MRIcro software, GluCEST images were processed using software routines written in MatLab, and spectroscopic data were postprocessed with LCModel.

Statistical Tests

The parameters of these techniques were assessed using the independent sample t‐test and Pearson correlation.

Results

Mean kurtosis and mean diffusivity values were significantly higher than controls in the parietal lobe, hippocampus, and thalamus (P <  0.01). However, fractional anisotropy was lower only in the parietal lobe, with no detectable changes in the hippocampus and thalamus. GluCEST values of the parietal lobe, hippocampus, and thalamus were significantly higher than controls in DAI rats (P <  0.01). This change was further validated through 1H‐MRS. A positive correlation was observed between glutamate (Glu) and glutamate compound (Glx) concentrations and GluCEST values (Glu: R2 = 0.589, Glx: R2 = 0.878).

Data Conclusion

DKI and GluCEST might be acceptably sensitive for tracking microstructural and neurochemical changes in the brain following DAI.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1069–1077.
Assessing hepatitis B immunity using dried blood spot samples from HIV+ individuals
Authors: Flores Geane Lopes , Cruz Helena Medina , Miguel Juliana Custódio , Potsch Denise Vigo , Pilotto José Henrique , Lewis‐Ximenez Lia Laura , Lampe Elisabeth , Villar Livia Melo
Published: August 2018

This study aims to evaluate the utility of an optimized enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to detect and quantify antibodies against hepatitis B surface antibody (anti‐HBs) in dried blood spots (DBSs) within the context of human immunodeﬁciency virus (HIV) status. Serum and DBS samples were obtained from 56 HIV+ and 99 HIV− patients and subjected to EIA for the detection of anti‐HBs, where sample volume and cut off value were modified for DBS testing. Sensitivities of anti‐HBs detection in DBS were 79.8% and 76.8% in HIV− and HIV+ subjects, respectively. Concordant results for anti‐HBs in serum and DBS presented high mean CD8 cell counts, HIV viral load and optical density (OD) values of anti‐HBs. Anti‐HBs titers were significantly higher in serum, whether or not anti‐HBs titers were detected in DBS. It was possible to detect anti‐HBs in DBS as low as 17.4 and 27.3 IU/mL among HIV+ and HIV− subjects, respectively. In conclusion, DBS can be used to detect and quantify anti‐HBs in HIV‐infected individuals, which could increase access to diagnosis and vaccination.
Distribution of hepatitis C genotypes in Uttar Pradesh, India; rare genotype 4 detected
Authors: Prakash Shantanu , Shukla Suruchi , Ramakrishna Vangala , Jain Amita
Published: August 2018

Aim

The worldwide prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) is nearly 150 to 170 million cases. The prevalence of HCV infection in India is estimated to be around 1%. In India HCV genotype (GT)3 is the predominant GT followed by GT1. Our study aims to establish the prevalent GTs/subtypes of HCV circulating in Uttar Pradesh, North India, as reported from a tertiary care hospital.

Methods

The study was a retrospective observational analysis of consecutive 404 HCV RNA positive cases referred to our hospital from September 2014 to April 2017, and was approved by an institutional ethics committee. Written informed consent was taken from each participant. Clinical and demographic details of these patients were recorded using predesigned questionnaires. All the laboratory testing was carried out on a stored serum sample of enrolled cases. Genotyping of all 404 strains was done by Sanger’s sequencing of the core region. The phylogenetic analysis of 179 HCV strains with a high‐quality sequencing data was performed.

Results

The distributions of prevalent GTs/subtypes as noted in the current study were (
n [%]): GT1a, 101 (25%); GT1b, 12 (2.9%); GT1c, 1 (0.25%); GT3a, 275 (68.07%); GT3b, 9 (2.2%); GT3g, 2 (0.49%); GT3i, 3 (0.74%); and GT4a, 1 (0.24%). HCV GTs GT2, GT5, and GT6 were not detected from our region. Sequence analysis showed high genotypic variability in HCV GT3. Phylogenetic analysis showed that HCV GT3 and GT1 circulating in our region were related to Indian strains reported earlier.

Conclusions

HCV GTs 3a and 1a are the commonest circulating GTs in Uttar Pradesh, India.
EEG discrimination of perceptually similar tastes
Authors: Andersen Camilla Arndal , Kring Marianne Leonard , Andersen Rasmus Holm , Larsen Ole Næsbye , Kjær Troels Wesenberg , Kidmose Ulla , Møller Stine , Kidmose Preben
Published: August 2018

Perceptually similar stimuli, despite not being consciously distinguishable, may result in distinct cortical brain activations. Hypothesizing that perceptually similar tastes are discriminable by electroencephalography (EEG), we recorded 22 human participants’ response to equally intense sweet‐tasting stimuli: caloric sucrose, low‐caloric aspartame, and a low‐caloric mixture of aspartame and acesulfame K. Time‐resolved multivariate pattern analysis of the 128‐channel EEG was used to discriminate the taste responses at single‐trial level. Supplementing the EEG study, we also performed a behavioral study to assess the participants’ perceptual ability to discriminate the taste stimuli by a triangle test of all three taste pair combinations. The three taste stimuli were found to be perceptually similar or identical in the behavioral study, yet discriminable from 0.08 to 0.18 s by EEG analysis. Comparing the participants’ responses in the EEG and behavioral study, we found that brain responses to perceptually similar tastes are discriminable, and we also found evidence suggesting that perceptually identical tastes are discriminable by the brain. Moreover, discriminability of brain responses was related to individual participants’ perceptual ability to discriminate the tastes. We did not observe a relation between brain response discriminability and calorie content of the taste stimuli. Thus, besides demonstrating discriminability of perceptually similar and identical tastes with EEG, we also provide the first proof of a functional relation between brain response and perception of taste stimuli at individual level.
Characterization of a chitinase from Salinivibrio sp. BAO‐1801 as an antifungal activity and a biocatalyst for producing chitobiose
Authors: Le Bao , Yang Seung Hwan
Published: August 2018

Salinivibrio genus is commonly found in salted seafood products. In this study, chitinase produced by Salinivibrio sp. BAO‐1801 isolated from salted fermented shrimp was purified and subsequently characterized. The molecular weight of BAO‐1801 chitinase was approximately 94.2 kDa by SDS–PAGE analysis. It was classified as a chitinase C based on homology analysis of its N‐terminal amino acid residues. This strain BAO‐1801 chitinase was then used for synthesis of (GlcNAc)2. Degradation of colloidal chitin and N‐acetyl chitooligosaccharides by BAO‐1801 chitinase was then analyzed and (GlcNAc)2 was identified as the main product by thin layer chromatography and high‐performance liquid chromatography. Effects of temperature and pH on activity and stability of BAO‐1801 chitinase were also investigated. Furthermore, this enzyme inhibited fungal growth in a dose‐dependent manner. Taken together, these results suggest that this Salinivibrio or its chitinase can be used for the enzymatic degradation of chitin to produce chitobiose in industrial process.
Role of clouds in accelerating cold‐season warming during 2000–2015 over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Hua Shan , Liu Yuzhi , Jia Rui , Chang Shuting , Wu Chuqiao , Zhu Qingzhe , Shao Tianbin , Wang Bing
Published: August 2018

With the global warming slowdown in the twenty‐first century, a huge discrepancy in regional climate warming has been identified over the main region of the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Compared with the +0.04 °C/decade warming from 1961 to 1999, the warming greatly accelerated for the period 2000–2015 at a rate of +0.30 °C/decade. During the same period, warming in the cold season (November to March) was more pronounced than in the warm season (May to September) over the TP. The results also indicated that the middle‐level cloud (middle cloud) decreased (−0.359%/year), while the high‐level cloud (high cloud) increased (+0.241%/year) over almost all the TP during the cold season. Further analysis showed positive net cloud radiative forcing over the western TP from 2000–2015, that is, a heating effect of clouds, especially in the cold season. Combining the trends of the increase in high cloud and the decrease in middle cloud over most parts of the TP, the decreased albedo effect of middle cloud and the increased longwave greenhouse effect of high cloud may have partially contributed to the sustained warming, especially in the cold season from 2000 to 2015. Meanwhile, the results showed that the warming rate and cloud area fraction changes were significantly amplified with elevation. The analysis based on a model of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 shows that the decreased middle cloud plays more important role than the increased high cloud in modulating the enhanced warming over the TP, especially in the cold season.
Impact of Feeding on Resting Metabolic Rate and Gas Exchange in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Frankenfield David C.
Published: August 2018

Background

Feeding is understood to alter gas exchange and resting metabolic rate (RMR) in critically ill patients, but there are limited data describing such changes.

Methods

A large collection of RMR measurements and energy intake was assembled in mechanically ventilated and critically ill patients. The data were used to explore differences in RMR, respiratory quotient (RQ), and carbon dioxide production (V̇co2) related to feeding state.

Results

A total of 708 RMR measurements were available. No significant thermogenic effect of feeding could be appreciated. When controlled for body weight, the difference was 4.2% (1946 ± 400 kcal/d for unfed vs 2028 ± 341 kcal/d for fed patients; P = .299), and this small difference was fully eliminated when body temperature was also controlled for. RQ increased as carbohydrate and energy intake increased, but there was much variation in the relationship. Among 215 overfed patients, only 22 had RQ ≥1.0, and among 9 patients whose carbohydrate intake alone exceeded RMR, only 4 had an RQ ≥1.0. V̇co2 was influenced mainly by the volume of oxygen consumed and to a lesser degree by carbohydrate intake.

Conclusions

No appreciable thermogenic effect of feeding occurs in continuously fed critically ill patients. This factor does not need to be considered in the assessment of resting energy needs. RQ is not a reliable indicator of overfeeding, and the ability of carbohydrate intake to alter V̇co2 is small, although not absent.
Relationship among clinical periodontal, microbiologic parameters and lung function in participants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Tan Lisi , Tang Xiaolin , Pan Chunling , Wang Hongyan , Pan Yaping
Published: August 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship among clinical periodontal, microbiologic parameters and lung function in participants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

A total of 160 participants were recruited, including 80 participants with COPD (COPD group) and 80 participants without COPD (control group). All participants completed questionnaires and underwent clinical periodontal and lung function examinations. Subgingival plaques were obtained to determine the prevalence of selected oral and respiratory bacterial species.

Results

1) Significant relationships were noted in the participants among oral hygiene index‐simplified (OHI‐S), clinical attachment level (CAL) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%). 2) Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Klebsiella pneumonia (Kp), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) and Streptococcus pneumonia (Sp) prevalence was increased in participants with COPD compared with control participants. 3) A significant negative association was noted between the relative content of Pg and FEV1% in participants with COPD.

Conclusion

The results of this study confirm that periodontal destruction and oral pathogens are associated with lung function.
A comparison of medication profiles held by general practitioners and those documented during Home Medication Reviews
Authors: Carson Sue , Kairuz Therese
Published: August 2018

Background

The Home Medication Review (HMR) is a specialised medication management service designed to maximise medication safety and quality use of medicines.

Aim

To identify the type and number of discrepancies between information elicited during an HMR and information documented in general practitioner (GP) referral letters, and to determine the potential risk and clinical impact of discrepancies.

Method

GP referral letters and HMR medication profiles of 60 consenting HMR recipients were compared to identify discrepancies. Discrepancies were grouped according to five types. For each discrepancy the potential clinical risk was determined relative to individual subjects and classified as minimal, moderate or severe. A case study approach was used to calculate hypothetical economic implications if discrepancies had not been detected.

Results

There were 833 medications in the dataset and subjects took between three and 24 medications (average 10.4 per subject). Of the 247 discrepancies the greatest number were related to dose (24.6%; n = 61), followed by not taking prescribed medicines (23.1%; n = 57), taking complementary therapies (20.6%; n = 51) and prescription medicines which were not documented in the referral letter (17.4%; n = 43) and over‐the‐counter (OTC) medicines (14.2%; n = 35). Just over one‐fifth of discrepancies (55/247) had potential to cause serious clinical consequences, with dose discrepancies of prescribed medications associated with over one‐third (36.4%, 20/55).

Conclusion

Altered doses, patients not taking prescribed medicines, or taking complementary and alternative medicines, other prescription medicines or OTC products were common discrepancies. Serious risks were associated with taking (other) prescription medicines which were not included in the referral letter.
Decision tree, a learning tool for the prediction of beef tenderness using rearing factors and carcass characteristics
Authors: Gagaoua Mohammed , Monteils Valérie , Picard Brigitte
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

The present study explored the potential use of decision trees on rearing factors (q = 10) and carcass characteristics (q = 12) for the development of prediction model rules of beef tenderness prediction/categorization. Accordingly, 308 young bulls were used by a sensory panel to evaluate the tenderness potential of ribeye steaks grilled at 55 °C. A classification and regression tree method was implemented and allowed the prediction of tenderness using (i) rearing factors, (ii) carcass characteristics or (iii) both.

RESULTS

The resultant tree models yielded predictive accuracies of 70.78% (with four rearing factors: concentrate percentage; fattening duration; initial body weight and dry matter intake); 67.21% (with four carcass characteristics: fatness carcass score; carcass weight; dressing percentage and muscle carcass percentage) and 84.41% (with six rearing factors and carcass characteristics) compared to the k‐means clustering of tenderness. In the final and robust regression tree, from the 22 attribute information, two carcass characteristics (fatness carcass score and muscle carcass percentage) and four rearing factors (fattening duration; concentrate percentage; dry matter intake and initial body weight) were retained as predictors. The first splitter of the 308 ribeye steaks in accordance with their tenderness scores was fatness carcass score, followed by fattening duration and concentrate percentage.

CONCLUSION

The trial in the preset study highlights the importance of thresholding approach for efficiently classifying ribeye steaks in accordance with their tenderness potential. The overall prediction model rule was: IF (fatness carcass score ≥ 2.88) AND (concentrate ≥ 82%) [AND (muscle carcass ≥ 71%)] THEN meat was [very] tender. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Simultaneous determination of enantiomers of carfentrazone‐ethyl and its metabolite in eight matrices using high‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Duan Jinsheng , Dong Xu , Shen Yang , Gao Beibei , Zhang Zhaoxian , Gao Tongchun , Wang Minghua
Published: August 2018

A reversed‐phase simultaneous determination method for the enantiomers of carfentrazone‐ethyl and its metabolite carfentrazone in agricultural and environmental samples was established using high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. A complete enantioseparation of carfentrazone‐ethyl and its chiral metabolite carfentrazone enantiomers was obtained using a chiral column. The absolute configuration and specific optical rotation of carfentrazone‐ethyl and carfentrazone enantiomers were first confirmed as peaks 1, 2, 3, and 4: S‐(+)‐carfentrazone, R‐(‐)‐carfentrazone, S‐(‐)‐carfentrazone‐ethyl, and R‐(+)‐carfentrazone‐ethyl, respectively. The specificity, matrix effect, linearity, precision, accuracy, and stability were surveyed to evaluate the feasibility of the method. The mean recovery was in the range of 77.5–102.8% with relative standard deviations of 0.4‐9.8% for the samples. The limits of detection of the enantiomers were evaluated as 0.7 to 6.0 μg/kg, and the limits of quantification were 2.5 to 20 μg/kg. The stereoselective degradation of carfentrazone‐ethyl and carfentrazone in rice plant was investigated, and there was no clear enantioselectivity for carfentrazone‐ethyl. As for carfentrazone, the enantiomer fractions value reached 0.85 at 7 days after spraying. The developed method was simple and reliable enough for the corresponding risk assessment of carfentrazone‐ethyl and its metabolite enantiomers in crop plants, cereal grains, and soil samples.
Direct from solid natural products to pure compounds in a single step: Coupling online extraction with high‐speed counter‐current chromatography
Authors: Guo Keke , Peng Mijun , Tong Chaoying , Shi Shuyun , Liu Yuge
Published: August 2018

Extraction is the most important step in the purification of bioactive compounds from natural products. This study introduces a simple online extraction strategy coupled with high‐speed counter‐current chromatography for efficient extraction and purification of bioactive components from solid natural products. For online extraction strategy, 1.0 g of ground Mangnolia officinalis or Piper nigrum was loaded into a guard column, which was then positioned on the manual injection valve instead of the sample loop. Bioactive components were directly extracted by the mobile phase of high‐speed counter‐current chromatography, and then transferred into high‐speed counter‐current chromatography for purification. In addition, the compatibility of the developed methodology for direct purification of bioactive components from fresh M. officinalis was successfully demonstrated. Obviously, in comparison with traditional offline heat‐reflux extraction, online extraction avoided the instrument, time, solvent, and energy consumption, and purified two phenolic compounds (honokiol and magnolol) from M. officinalis and three alkaloids (piperyline, piperine, and piperanine) from P. nigrum with high extraction efficiency. The superiority of the developed methodology is to establish an easy, rapid, and efficient technique for the purification of a wide variety of bioactive components from solid natural products.
A rapid classification and identification method applied to the analysis of glycosides in Bupleuri radix and liquorice by ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Shan Lanlan , Yang Na , Zhao Yiwei , Sheng Xue , Yang Shenshen , Li Yubo
Published: August 2018

Bupleuri radix and liquorice are commonly used as a hepatoprotectants. Their main effective ingredients are triterpenoid saponins. It is known that the saponins in liquorice and Bupleuri radix not only promote the metabolism of sugar and lipids but also have anti‐inflammatory functions and hepatoprotective effect. However, the complexity of these compounds results in difficulty in studying their pharmacodynamics and mechanism. In this study, glycosides were the main components that were identified and selected as the main research object. First, the mass spectrometry information of the main chemical components in liquorice and Bupleuri radix were collected from the literature. The characteristic fragments and neutral losses were summarized according to typical cleavage methods. Second, the samples were analysed using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, and characteristic fragment filters and neutral loss filters were successfully applied to screen 18 saponins from Bupleuri radix and 23 saponins and nine flavonoid glycosides from liquorice. Rapid classification and identification of the main components in Bupleuri radix and liquorice were finally achieved. This method promoted the development of chemical components in Bupleuri radix and liquorice, and provided a new way for screening, classifying, and identifying target components in complex samples of metabolomics and pharmacokinetics.
Outcomes of Mental Health Screening for United Kingdom Nationals Affected by the 2015–2016 Terrorist Attacks in Tunisia, Paris, and Brussels
Authors: Gobin Maya , Rubin G. James , Albert Idit , Beck Alison , Danese Andrea , Greenberg Neil , Grey Nick , Smith Patrick , Oliver Isabel
Published: August 2018

Following several terrorist attacks in 2015 and 2016, a national program was set up to identify and support residents of England whose mental health had been affected. We report the outcomes of the program's screening and assessment components. Questionnaires and information about the program were mailed to 483 people and 49 families known to the police. Individuals who screened positive on an assessment for posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, increased smoking, or problematic alcohol consumption were offered clinical assessment and referred to an appropriate National Health Service (NHS) service, if required. Of the 195 eligible people who returned our questionnaires, 179 (91.8%) screened positive on one or more measure. Following clinical assessment, 78 adults and three children were referred for treatment. The program was broadly successful in facilitating access to services. However, most people who had been directly exposed to the attacks did not participate and data protection issues limited communication with those who were affected. Further discussion of data protection concerns may help future programs operate more efficiently.
Radon‐traced pore‐water as a potential source of CO2 and CH4 to receding black and clear water environments in the Amazon Basin
Authors: Call Mitchell , Sanders Christian J. , Enrich‐Prast Alex , Sanders Luciana , Marotta Humberto , Santos Isaac R. , Maher Damien T.
Published: August 2018

Groundwater is a primary source of dissolved CO2 and CH4 in Amazonian headwaters, yet in higher order rivers, a groundwater/pore‐water source is difficult to constrain due to the high spatial and temporal heterogeneity of pore‐water exchange. Here, we report coupled, high resolution measurements of pCO2, CH4, and 222Rn (a natural pore‐water and groundwater tracer) during receding waters in the three major water types of the Central Amazon Basin: black (Negro River); clear (Tapajós River); white (Madeira River). Considerable spatial heterogeneity was observed in pCO2, CH4, and 222Rn concentrations ranging from 460 μatm to 8030 μatm, 7 nM to 281 nM, and 713 dpm m−3 to 8516 dpm m−3, respectively. The significant correlations between pCO2 and CH4 to 222Rn in the black and clear waters suggests that pore‐water further enhanced CO2 supersaturation by 18–47% and is a driver of CH4 dynamics in these waters.
A versatile optode system for oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH measurements in seawater with integrated battery and logger
Authors: Staudinger Christoph , Strobl Martin , Fischer Jan P. , Thar Roland , Mayr Torsten , Aigner Daniel , Müller Bernhard J. , Müller Bernhard , Lehner Philipp , Mistlberger Günter , Fritzsche Eva , Ehgartner Josef , Zach Peter W. , Clarke Jennifer S. , Geißler Felix , Mutzberg André , Müller Jens D. , Achterberg Eric P. , Borisov Sergey M. , Klimant Ingo
Published: August 2018

Herein, we present a small and versatile optode system with integrated battery and logger for monitoring of O2, pH, and pCO2 in seawater. Three sensing materials designed for seawater measurements are optimized with respect to dynamic measurement range and long‐term stability. The spectral properties of the sensing materials were tailored to be compatible with a commercially available laboratory oxygen logger that was fitted into a pressure housing. Interchangeable sensor caps with appropriate “sensing chemistry” are conveniently attached to the end of the optical fiber. This approach allows using the same instrument for multiple analytes, which offers great flexibility and minimizes hardware costs. Applications of the new optode system were demonstrated by recording depth profiles for the three parameters during a research cruise in the Baltic Sea and by measuring surface water transects of pH. The optode was furthermore used to monitor the concentration of dissolved oxygen in a seagrass meadow in the Limfjord, Denmark, and sensor packages consisting of pO2, pH, and pCO2 were deployed in the harbors of Kiel, Germany, and Southampton, England, for 6 d. The measurements revealed that the system can resolve typical patterns in seawater chemistry related to spatial heterogeneities as well as temporal changes caused by biological and tidal activity.
Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Supramolecular Hydrogels for Bioapplications
Authors: Mihajlovic Marko , Mihajlovic Milos , Dankers Patricia Y. W. , Masereeuw Rosalinde , Sijbesma Rint P.
Published: August 2018

Nanocomposite hydrogels based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are known to possess remarkable stiffness, electrical, and thermal conductivity. However, they often make use of CNTs as fillers in covalently cross‐linked hydrogel networks or involve direct cross‐linking between CNTs and polymer chains, limiting processability properties. Herein, nanocomposite hydrogels are developed, in which CNTs are fillers in a physically cross‐linked hydrogel. Supramolecular nanocomposites are prepared at various CNT concentrations, ranging from 0.5 to 6 wt%. Incorporation of 3 wt% of CNTs leads to an increase of the material's toughness by over 80%, and it enhances electrical conductivity by 358%, compared to CNT‐free hydrogel. Meanwhile, the nanocomposite hydrogels maintain thixotropy and processability, typical of the parent hydrogel. The study also demonstrates that these materials display remarkable cytocompatibility and support cell growth and proliferation, while preserving their functional activities. These supramolecular nanocomposite hydrogels are therefore promising candidates for biomedical applications, in which both toughness and electrical conductivity are important parameters.
RAFT Emulsion Polymerization as a Platform to Generate Well‐Defined Biocompatible Latex Nanoparticles
Authors: Gurnani Pratik , Sanchez‐Cano Carlos , Abraham Kristin , Xandri‐Monje Helena , Cook Alexander B. , Hartlieb Matthias , Lévi Francis , Dallmann Robert , Perrier Sébastien
Published: August 2018

Current approaches to generate core–shell nanoparticles for biomedical applications are limited by factors such as synthetic scalability and circulatory desorption of cytotoxic surfactants. Developments in controlled radical polymerization, particularly in dispersed states, represent a promising method of overcoming these challenges. In this work, well‐defined PEGylated nanoparticles are synthesized using reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer emulsion polymerization to control particle size and surface composition and were further characterized with light scattering, electron microscopy, and size exclusion chromatography. Importantly, the nanoparticles are found to be tolerated both in vitro and in vivo, without the need for any purification after particle synthesis. Pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies in mice, following intraperitoneal injection of the nanoparticles, reveal a long (>76 h) circulation time and accumulation in the liver.
Facile Route to Improve the Crystalline Memory Effect: Electrospun Composite Fiber and Annealing
Authors: Zhang Feifei , Liu Xianhu , Zheng Guoqiang , Guo Zhanhu , Liu Chuntai , Shen Changyu
Published: August 2018

In this work, high temperature solution‐electrospun isotactic polypropylene (iPP) fiber and iPP/multiwalled carbon nanotube composite fiber are obtained. Compared with the iPP fiber, the composite fiber has a less grooved structure. After the electrospun fibers are embedded in an iPP matrix, both spherulites in the bulk and a layer of the transcrystallinity surrounding both the fibers are observed. However, there are no changes for the transcrystallinity in the composite fiber/iPP matrix even after melting and recrystallizing six times, indicating a super thermal stability and crystalline memory effect. Nevertheless, the crystalline memory effect of iPP fiber can be enhanced by annealing.
A Multifunctional Metallohydrogel with Injectability, Self‐Healing, and Multistimulus‐Responsiveness for Bioadhesives
Authors: Dai Cong , Zhou Zhengnan , Guan Zhenpeng , Wu Yuxuan , Liu Yan , He Jiapeng , Yu Peng , Tu Lingjie , Zhang Fengmiao , Chen Dafu , Wang Renxian , Ning Chengyun , Zhou Lei , Tan Guoxin
Published: August 2018

Multifunctional hydrogel bioadhesives have great prospects in biomedical applications, but their design still faces great challenges, such as multiple and tedious chemical modifications. However, it is difficult to integrate injectable, self‐healing, and stimulus‐responsive properties together. A facile approach based on dynamic metal‐ligand coordination chemistry between chondroitin sulfate (CS) and Fe3+ in the design and synthesis of novel multifunctional metallohydrogel bioadhesives is reported. This CS‐based hydrogel not only has strong tissue adhesion superior to that of commercial fibrin glue, but also exhibits an excellent self‐healing ability and injectability, which are beneficial in the field of bioadhesives. Moreover, the hydrogels undergo a rapid gel–sol transformation in response to multiple external stimuli, including pH, ions, neutral molecules, and chemical redox reactions enabling the rapid removal of the bioadhesive. In addition, metallohydrogels are rapidly formed within 10 s, quick enough to promptly seal the tissue. Importantly, the multifunctional CS‐based bioadhesives are shown to exhibit good biocompatibility, thus allowing the developed materials to meet key requirements for next‐generation tissue adhesives.
Global strong solutions of the MHD system with zero resistivity in a bounded domain
Authors: Fan Jishan , Samet Bessem , Zhou Yong
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we prove the global well‐posedness of strong solutions of the MHD system with zero resistivity in a bounded domain.
Extremely High Glass Transition Temperature Hydrocarbon Polymers Prepared through Cationic Cyclization of Highly 3,4‐Regulated Poly(Phenyl‐1,3‐Butadiene)
Authors: Cai Yang , Lu Jianmin , Zuo Danlin , Li Shihui , Cui Dongmei , Han Bingyong , Yang Wantai
Published: August 2018

A simple approach to synthesize extremely high glass transition temperature (Tg > 300 °C) hydrocarbon polymers that introduces bridged cyclic backbone and bulky pendant group simultaneously is reported. This method uses highly 3,4‐regulated poly(phenyl‐1,3‐butadiene) as a prepolymer for cationic cyclization postmodification. The Tg of cyclized highly 3,4‐regulated (94.0%) poly(1‐phenyl‐1,3‐butadiene) (P(1‐PB)) can reach 304 °C. To further restrict the movement of bridged cyclic backbone by changing the position of the pendant substituent group, highly 3,4‐regulated (96.2%) poly(2‐phenyl‐1,3‐butadiene) (P(2‐PB)) is used as the prepolymer. The Tg of its cyclized product reaches 325 °C, and this value is the highest ever reported among all hydrocarbon polymers. The results indicate that the regularity of poly(phenyl‐1,3‐butadiene) and the pendant substituent group are crucial factors when synthesizing high‐temperature hydrocarbon polymers through this approach.
Low‐Temperature Interfacial Polymerization and Enhanced Electro‐Responsive Characteristic of Poly(ionic liquid)s@polyaniline Core‐shell Microspheres
Authors: Zheng Chen , Liu Yang , Dong Yuezhen , He Fang , Zhao Xiaopeng , Yin Jianbo
Published: August 2018

The synthesis of monodisperse poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) microspheres coated with semiconducting polyaniline (PANI) shell is reported, which shows enhanced electro‐responsive electrorheological (ER) effect but decreased power consumption compared to neat PIL microspheres. The monodisperse PIL microspheres are first prepared via dispersion polymerization and then PANI is coated via low‐temperature interfacial polymerization of aniline on the surface of hydrophobic PIL microspheres without additional modification. The stimulus‐responsive ER effect of the core‐shell microspheres when dispersing in insulating oil are investigated under electric fields. The power‐law of yield stress versus electric field strength and the dielectric relaxation spectroscopy are analyzed to understand the ER effect and the origin of property enhancement. It demonstrates that the semiconducting PANI shell can well limit the irreversible ion leakage of PIL microspheres and improve the particle polarizability, resulting in decreased power consumption but enhanced electro‐responsive ER effect.
pH/Reduction Dual‐Triggered Degradable Poly(doxorubicin) Prodrug Nanoparticles for Leakage‐Free Tumor‐Specific Self‐Delivery
Authors: Li Jiagen , Liu Peng
Published: August 2018

Poly(doxorubicin) (PDOX) is synthesized with Mn of 1.66 × 104 and DOX content of 78% as prodrug for tumor‐specific triggered release, via a facile condensation polymerization of DOX‐SS‐DOX and adipic dihydrazide. The PDOX nanoparticles (PDOX‐NPs) could completely release DOX‐SH within 1.5 days at the simulated tumor microenvironment, but no measurable leakage in the physiological media. The in vitro controlled release results show that the releasing rate is influenced by the dosage and independent of the particle size, while the solubility of the degraded products should be the main determining factor for the drug release from the PDOX‐NPs. The PDOX‐NPs are expected to be promising prodrug nanopharmaceutics for the on‐demand self‐delivery of DOX with enhanced anticancer efficacy in future tumor treatment.