bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide profiling identification of prognostic novel signatures in papillary renal cell carcinoma based on large-scale sequencing data
Authors: Tian Xi , Xu Wen-Hao , anwaier Aihetaimujiang , Wang Hong-Kai , Wan Fang-Ning , Zhu Yu , Cao Da-Long , Zhu Yi-Ping , Shi Guo-Hai , Qu Yuan-Yuan , Zhang Hai-Liang , Ye Ding-Wei
Published: February 2020

Background : This study aims to identify potential biomarkers with prognostic value in papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) by combining protein interaction networks with gene expression profiles from multiply cohorts.
Methods : Two microarray datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified based on standardized labeling information. The protein-protein interaction network (PPI) and functional annotations of DEGs was established and the modules were analyzed by using STRING and Cytoscape. Survival analysis of significant DEGs was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier comprehensive expression score in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to describe binary classifier value of genes using area under the curve (AUC) score. Additionally, immunohistochemical staining of PTTG1 protein was performed, and survival analysis was validated in Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (FUSCC) cohort.
Results : A total of 473 DEGs and 38 functionally related hub genes were identified as candidate prognostic biomarkers. Eight genes, including BUB1B , CCNB1 , CCNB2 , MAD2L1 , TTK , CDC20 , PTTG1 and MCM, enrichment with cell cycle process were identified for further analysis. Statistical analysis of TCGA cohort indicates that expression level of the eight genes was higher in PRCC tumor tissues and was negatively correlated with patient's outcome. Significantly elevated PTTG1 expression and its negative correlativity with patient's outcome was validated in FUSCC cohorts.
Conclusions : Expression levels of eight hub genes have strong prognostic value and may help better understand the potential carcinogenesis and develop targeted therapy strategies for PRCC.
Mining of Subtype Markers for the Prognosis of Ovarian Cancer based on Methylation Data
Authors: Yin Lili , Zhang Ningning , yang qing
Published: February 2020

Aims: Ovarian cancer is one of three major malignancies involving the female reproductive system, and its morbidity and mortality are ranked number 3 and number 1 among gynecological tumors, respectively. DNA methylation (MET), as one of the main epigenetic modes, is closely related to the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer. To guide individualized treatment and improve the prognosis in ovarian cancer patients, it is of great significance to elucidate effective MET subtype markers. Methods: A total of 571 ovarian cancer MET samples were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and a COX proportional hazards model was established using the MET spectrum and clinically pathological parameters. Subsequently, the consensus clustering of CpG loci with a significant difference in both univariate and multivariate analyses was performed to screen the molecular subtypes, and these CpG loci were subjected to gene function annotation. Finally, CpG MET loci associated with poor prognosis in ovarian cancer patients were further screened by constructing a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Results: A total of 250 prognosis-related MET loci were obtained by COX regression and 6 molecular subtypes were screened by clustering. There was a remarkable MET difference between most subtypes, of which Cluster 2 had the highest MET level and demonstrated the best prognosis in patients, while Cluster 4 and Cluster 5 had a MET level significantly lower than that of the other subtypes and demonstrated a very poor prognosis. All Cluster 5 samples were at a high grade, while the percentage of Stage IV samples in Cluster 4 was evidently greater than that in the other subtypes. Using the co-expression network, 5 CpG loci were eventually obtained: cg27625732, cg00431050, cg22197830, cg03152385, and cg22809047. The clustering analysis shows that the prognosis in patients with hypomethylation was significantly worse than that in patients with hypermethylation. Conclusions: These MET molecular subtypes can be used not only to evaluate the prognosis in ovarian cancer patients but also to fully distinguish the tumor stage and histological grade in these patients. Prognosis-related CpG loci can be applied as biomarkers for individualized treatment in ovarian cancer patients.
Chronic lung inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis after multiple intranasal instillation of PM2.5 in mice
Authors: Xu Mengmeng , Zhang Hai , Xu Lu , Wang Xiaohui , Li Chenfei , Chen Yuqing , Chung Kian Fan , Adcock Ian M , Feng Li
Published: February 2020

Background: Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) is an important component of air pollution and can induce lung inflammation and oxidative stress. We hypothesised that PM 2.5 could play a role in the induction of pulmonary fibrosis. We examined whether multiple intranasal instillation of PM 2.5 can induce pulmonary fibrosis in the mouse, and also investigated the underlying pro-fibrotic signaling pathways.Methods: C57/BL6 mice were intranasally instilled with 50 μl of PM 2.5 suspension (7.8 μg/g body weight) or PBS three times a week over 3 weeks, 6 weeks or 9 weeks. To observe the recovery of pulmonary fibrosis after the termination of PM 2.5 exposure, 9 week-PM 2.5 instilled mice were also studied at 3 weeks after termination of instillation.Results: There were significant decreases in total lung capacity (TLC) and compliance (Cchord) in the 9-week PM 2.5 -instilled mice, while there was an increase in total cell counts in bronchoalveolar fluid and lung section in 3-week, 6-week and 9-week PM 2.5 -instilled mice and 9 week-PM 2.5 instilled-3 week-air exposed mice. There were increased histological fibrosis scores with enhanced type I collagen and hydroxyproline deposition in lung tissue in 6-week and 9-week PM 2.5 -instilled mice and 9-week-PM 2.5 instilled-3-week-air-exposed mice. Multiple PM 2.5 instillation resulted in increased expression of TGFβ1, increases of N-Cadherin and Vimentin and decrease of E-Cadherin. It also led to decreases in OPA1 and MFN2, and increases in Parkin, SQSTM1/p62, the ratio of light china (LC) 3B II to LC3B I, PI3k/Akt phosphorylation, NOX4 and NLRP3 expression.Conclusions: The intranasal instillation of PM 2.5 for 9 weeks induced lung inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis, which was linked with aberrant epithelial-mesenchymal transition, mitochondrial damage and mitophagy, as well as activation of TGFβ1-PI3K/Akt and TGFβ1-NOX4 -NLRP3 pathways.
Colorectal carcinomas with mucinous differentiation are associated with high frequent mutation of KRAS or BRAF mutations, irrespective of quantity of mucinous component.
Authors: Li Xiaodong , Sun Katherine , Liao Xiaoyan , Zhu Hongfa , Xu Ruliang
Published: February 2020

Background: Mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC) is a distinct type of colorectal cancer (CRC) associated with poor response to treatment and poorer prognosis. MAC is diagnosed by WHO definition when the extracellular mucin is more than 50% of the lesion. We aimed at assessing the gene expression profiles of the CRCs with any mucinous features (>5%) in a retrospective study. Methods: The data of a 50-gene next generation sequencing (NGS) panel of 166 CRCs was analyzed and the gene mutational profile with morphologic features was correlated. Results: We identified the different genetic mutation profiles between CRCs with and without mucinous component, but noticed a similar genetic profile between MACs and CRCs with mucinous component, irrespective of the percentage (if mucin component more than 5%). The different genetic mutation profile related to MSI status was also identified between two groups of tumor. The most frequent mutations in CRCs with mucinous component are KRAS (28/49, 57.1%) and BRAF (19/49, 38.7%), PIK3CA (16/49, 32.6%), followed by APC (12/49, 24.5%) and TP53 (11/49, 22.5%). The combined mutation frequency of the two key factors in the EGFR signaling pathway, KRAS and BRAF , in the CRCs with and without mucin component is 95.9% and 52.1%, respectively. Conclusions: The dysregulation of EGFR pathway plays a critical role in the development of CRCs with mucinous component, irrespective of the percentage. The mucinous differentiation in CRCs may predict the poor response to anti-EGFR therapy.
Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting the probability of nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Xu Qiang , Chen Hangjun , Chen Sihai , Shan Jing , Xia Guoming , Cao Zhiyou , Liu Xuqiang , Dai Min
Published: February 2020

Background Although corticosteroids and alcohol are two major risk factors for nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (NONFH), the effects of other factors have rarely been studied, thereby making early diagnosis and treatment of NONFH difficult. This study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram to estimate the probability of NONFH using clinical risk factors other than corticosteroids and alcohol consumption. Methods A training cohort of 790 patients (n=434, NONFH; n=356, femoral neck fractures [non-NONFH]) diagnosed in our hospital from January 2011 to December 2016 was used for model development. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso) regression model was used for date dimension reduction and optimal predictor selection. A predictive model was developed from univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Performance characterisation of the resulting nomogram included calibration, discriminatory ability, and clinical usefulness. After internal validation, the nomogram was further evaluated in a separate cohort of 300 consecutive patients included between January 2017 and December 2018. Results The simple prediction nomogram included five predictors from univariate and multivariate analyses, including gender, total cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, white blood cell count, and platelet count. Internal validation showed that the model had good discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC]=0.80) and calibration. Good discrimination (AUC=0.81) and calibration were preserved in the validation cohort. Decision curve analysis showed that the predictive nomogram was clinically useful. Conclusions The simple diagnostic nomogram, which combines demographic data and laboratory blood test results, was able to quantify the probability of NONFH in cases of early screening and diagnosis.
Plasma neurofilament light chain and glial fibrillary acidic protein predict stroke in CADASIL
Authors: Chih-Hao Chen , Cheng Yu-Wen , Chen Ya-Fang , Tang Sung-Chun , Jeng Jiann-Shing
Published: February 2020

Background Stroke remains the most cumbersome disease burden in patients with cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). This study aimed to investigate whether plasma biomarkers can reflect disease severity and predict stroke recurrence in CADASIL patients. Methods Sixty-three CADASIL patients (mean age 58.9±9.3 years old, male 63%) from a multicenter registry and 17 controls were recruited. Plasma biomarkers, namely neurofilament light chain (NfL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), tau, and ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1), were measured using an ultra-sensitive single molecule array at baseline. Neuroimaging markers assessed included the Fazekas scale of white matter hyperintensity, numbers of lacunes and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs). Cox proportional hazards regression models were applied to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) of plasma biomarkers at baseline for predicting incident stroke during follow-up. Results Plasma NfL, GFAP, and UCHL1 levels were significantly elevated in the CADASIL patients than in the controls. Among the CADASIL patients, both plasma NfL and GFAP levels positively correlated with the numbers of CMBs (r = 0.32 and r = 0.37, respectively; both p < 0.05). Higher plasma levels of NfL and GFAP were associated with any stroke (odds ratio 2.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–3.87) and ICH (odds ratio 2.06, 95% CI 1.26–3.35) at baseline, respectively. Within a mean follow-up period of 3.1 Common.EditSubmissionSteps.Transform.EquationText 2.1 years, 10 patients (16%) had incident stroke and 6 of them were ICH. Higher baseline NfL (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.19–3.13) predicted any incident stroke, whereas higher GFAP (HR 2.80, 95% CI 1.21–6.53) predicted incident ICH. Conclusions In CADASIL patients, plasma NfL can be a promising biomarker for monitoring incident stroke, whereas GFAP may have a role in cerebral hemorrhage.
Hydrogen rich water ameliorate Trimethyltin induced spatial learning and memory impairment by regulation of Siah-1
Authors: Zhou Tailai , Zhang Minghao , Du Hang , Ablimit Arzu , Ye Renyi , Lǚ Mingqi , Chang Xiaojuan , Zhao Qi , Wang Yan , Qin Qizhong
Published: February 2020

Background: As an important member of organic tin compounds, Trimethyltin (TMT) exists widely in industrial and agricultural productions. TMT can induce significant neurodegeneration in the limbic system, particular in hippocampus. However, the molecular mechanisms in TMT-induced learning and memory impairment are not fully clear. Thus, this research was to explore the role of Synaptophysin (SYP) and Ubiquitin-ligating enzyme Siah-1 in TMT-induced nerve impairment and the protective effect of hydrogen rich water (HRW). Methods: Male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group (saline, 4 ml/d, i.p.for seven days), HRW group (4 ml/d, i.p.for seven days) , TMT group (2.25mg/kg, i.p. at the seventh day ), and HRW plus TMT group. The spatial learning and memory was tested by Morris water maze, the protein level of SYP and Siah-1were determined by western blot& immunocytochemical analysis, and the tin contents were detected by ICP-MS. Results: The TMT-treated mice showed significant learning and memory disability. Moreover, TMT increased the level of Siah-1, reduced the expression of SYP in hippocampus and cortex. After 7 days of continuous pretreatment with HRW, the mice showed better memory ability, the expression of Siah-1 and tin content decreased accompanied with the increase of SYP. Conclusions: These results showed that HRW ameliorated the decrease of SYP and the nerve impairment induced by TMT, reduced tin content and up-regulated the expressions of Siah-1, and it might be an important role in the protection of neurodegenerative diseases induced by TMT.
Bibliometric analysis on randomized controlled trials of colorectal cancer over the last decade
Authors: Hu Jun-hong , Wang Chen-Yu , Zhou Shi-Can , Li Xing-Wang , Li Bing-Hui , Zhang Jun-jie , Ge Zheng , Zhang Quan
Published: February 2020

Background The aim of this bibliometric analysis was to evaluate the clinical trials of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of colorectal cancer all the world over the past decade. Methods The PubMed and Web of Science database were searched to obtain a randomized controlled trial of colorectal cancer from January 1, 2008 to January 1, 2018.The included literatures were analyzed with the bibliometric analysis. Results In the past 10 years, Randomized controlled trials of colorectal cancer have shown an upward trend; Most of the top ten research institutions in the literature are from the USA, the UK and other regions which has the high incidence of colorectal cancer; Most of the related research journals are also sponsored by European and American countries; the frequently cited top 15 literatures are mostly international multi-center clinical research, and there are fewer participants in Chinese research institutions. By keyword co-occurrence, colorectal cancer research mostly involves screening, disease-free survival, drug treatment, surgical methods, clinical trials, quality of life and prognosis; The results of the co-authorship network analysis show that Chinese researchers are less involved in international cooperation. Conclusions High-quality randomized controlled trials are increasingly favored by top international journals. However, there is still a large gap in clinical research between China and abroad. Researchers should gradually implement the standardization and accuracy of clinical trials, strengthen international multi-center cooperation and emphasize quality control.
Postoperative controls of ventilation tubes in children - by general practitioner or otolaryngologist? Study protocol for a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial (The ConVenTu study)
Authors: Austad Bjarne , Nilsen Ann Helen , Helvik Anne-Sofie , Albrektsen Grethe , Nordgård Ståle , Thorstensen Wenche Moe
Published: February 2020

Background Insertion of ventilation tubes (VTs) in the tympanic membrane is one of the most common ambulatory surgeries performed on children. Postoperative care may continue for two or more years and is today mostly done by otolaryngologists. Controls by general practitioners (GPs) may represent a sufficient level of health care regarding clinical outcome, but there exist no evidence-based guidelines concerning the level of expertise for this task. Aim To evaluate whether postoperative care after surgery with VTs performed by GPs represent a sufficient alternative to otolaryngologists. Methods/design Randomized controlled trial including patients from seven hospitals in all four Regional Health Authorities in Norway. A total of 400 children aged 3-10 years will be randomized to postoperative care by either otolaryngologist or their regular GP after surgery with VTs in the tympanic membrane. Two years after surgery we will compare hearing thresholds, middle ear function, complication rate, health related quality of life as well as the guardians’ evaluations of the postoperative care. Discussion Results from the ConVenTu study are expected to contribute with knowledge necessary to develop evidence-based guidelines regarding the level of expertise for safe postoperative care for children after surgery with VTs.
Anti- Ehrlichia properties of the dichloromethane extract of Ageratum conyzoides
Authors: Rosário Carla Janaina Rebouças Marques do , Rocha Claudia Quintino da , Aguiar Daniel Moura de , Lima Cristian Alex Aquino , Silveira Daniella Patrícia Brandão , Leite José Antônio Costa , Coutinho Denise Fernandes , Melo Ferdinan Almeida
Published: February 2020

Ehrlichia canis is an intracellular bacterium that infects hematopoietic cells. It is the causative agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME). The disease may be acute, subclinical, or chronic, and is treated with tetracyclines including doxycycline. However, this class of tetracyclines may cause several side effects due to prolonged treatment. Bacterial resistance to antimicrobials has been extensively reported. The present study aimed to assess the anti- Ehrlichia activity of the dichloromethane extract (DCM) of Ageratum conyzoides L. on Ehrlichia- infected DH82 cells. For this purpose, the DCM extract of A. conyzoides collected in the municipality of São Luís, State of Maranhão (MA), northeast Brazil, was obtained from the aerial parts of the plant by exhaustive percolation in H 2 O- CH 2 Cl 2 (2:8) and subsequent extraction of the chemical compound. The chemical composition of these samples was investigated. The anti- Ehrlichia properties of A. conyzoides were confirmed in Ehrlichia- infected DH82 cells at a concentration of 200 μg.mL -1 of its DCM extract. The results of the treatments were evaluated at 18h and 36h after the insertion of the treatments evaluated with A. conyzoides.Based on the results of the chemical analysis of the samples, we may attribute these antirickettsial properties to the compounds from the lignan family that are found in this medicinal plant .
Clinical and cytopathologic characteristics of lymphoid neoplasms involved with serous effusions: a single center experience
Authors: gong xubo , Shao Sijia , Fu Yanbiao , Wang Lin , Hu Bailai , Xiao Xibin , Yan Lijuan , Zhao Xiaoying
Published: February 2020

Background: Lymphoid neoplasms in serous effusions (SEs) were uncommon. Currently, most reports of lymphoid neoplasms in SEs were from Western countries, but few reports were from China, and the details were still unclear. Methods: Between January 2004 and December 2019, lymphoid neoplasms diagnosed by cytological methods from specimens of pleural effusions (PEs), ascites, and pericardial effusions in our hospital were reviewed.Results: 59 patients of lymphoid neoplasms were diagnosed by SEs, the top three causes were diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (n=21, 35.6%), myeloma (n=13, 22.0%), and T-lymphoblastic lymphoma (n=5, 8.5%). In PEs involved with DLBCL, the cytomorphology of DLBCL cells was variable, most PEs were present during tumor course (92.9%), bilateral PEs were the predominance (57.2%), and the median survival time was only 1.23 months after effusion. In PEs involved with myeloma, nearly all cases had a high ratio of immature to mature plasma cells (>1.0), IgA (36.4%) and light chain λ (36.4%) were the most frequently found. Bilateral PEs were easily found (90.9%), and the median survival time was only 1.4 months after effusion. Solitary plasmacytomas with myeloma infiltration in PEs seemed to have a better prognosis than that of plasma cell myeloma.Conclusion: Some differences are found between our patients and those from Western countries, and more studies involving different ethnic populations could help to elucidate the features of lymphoid neoplasms in SEs.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is a predictor of renal dysfunction in diabetic patients
Authors: Akase Taichi , Kawamoto Ryuichi , Ninomiya Daisuke , Kikuchi Asuka , Kumagi Teru
Published: February 2020

Background: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been widely evaluated as a biomarker in various medical and surgical prognoses, but its usefulness in diabetic kidney disease is not yet known. Methods: This prospective observational study included outpatients, comprised of 190 men aged 73 ± 11 (mean ± standard deviation) years and 175 women aged 77 ± 10 years at baseline, from a rural hospital. We examined the relationship between baseline NLR calculated by analyzing the differential leukocyte counts in the complete blood count and the 1.5-year estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline rate (i.e. 1.5-year eGFR − baseline eGFR) *100/baseline eGFR. Rapid eGFR decline rate was defined as a value <－15%. Results: Multiple linear regression analysis using rapid eGFR decline rates as objective variables, adjusted for confounding factors as explanatory variables, showed that tertiles of NLR (β=0.120, p=0.018) as well as hemoglobinA1c, presence of antidiabetic medication, and urinary albumin excretion were significantly and independently associated with a rapid eGFR decline rate. The multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of the 2nd and 3rd tertiles of baseline NLR for rapid eGFR decline rate were 3.94 (1.34-11.6) and 3.93 (1.26-12.3), respectively. Multivariate-adjusted mean eGFR (95% confidence interval) values after 1.5 years categorized by tertile of baseline NLR were: 1st, 64.2 (62.1-66.3); 2nd, 60.5 (58.5-62.6); and 3rd, 59.1 (57.0-61.2). Conclusions: These results suggest that baseline NLR might be a useful biomarker for renal function decline in diabetic outpatients.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of osimertinib for first-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic EGFR mutation positive non-small cell lung cancer in Singapore
Authors: Aziz Mohamed Ismail Abdul , Foo Wayne Yong Xiang , Toh Chee Keong , Lim Wan-Teck , Ng Kwong
Published: February 2020

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for the majority of all lung cancer cases and is usually associated with a poor prognosis. However, targeted therapy with 1st and 2nd generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has so far improved progression-free survival of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant NSCLC patients. Osimertinib, a third generation EGFR TKI has recently shown improved overall survival in previously untreated EGFR mutant NSCLC patients. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of osimertinib versus standard EGFR TKIs (gefitinib or erlotinib) as first-line treatment for advanced or metastatic EGFR mutant NSCLC patients in Singapore. Methods: A partitioned survival model with three health states (progression-free, progressive disease, and death) was developed from the Singapore healthcare payer perspective. Survival curves from the FLAURA trial were extrapolated beyond trial period over a 10-year time horizon to estimate the underlying progression-free survival and overall survival parametric distributions. Health state utilities were derived from the literature and direct costs were sourced from public healthcare institutions in Singapore. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to explore the impact of uncertainties and assumptions on cost-effectiveness results. Results: Compared with 1st or 2nd generation TKI, osimertinib had a base-case incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of SG$418,839 per quality-adjusted life year gained. One-way sensitivity analysis showed the ICER was most sensitive to time horizon and variations in progression-free utility values. Scenario analyses showed that a 50% reduction in the cost of osimertinib was still associated with a high ICER that was unlikely to be deemed cost effective. Conclusions: Osimertinib is not cost effective as a first-line treatment compared to standard EGFR TKIs in advanced EGFR mutant NSCLC patients in Singapore. The findings from our evaluation, alongside other considerations including the lack of survival benefit in the Asian subgroup of the FLAURA trial, will be useful to inform policy makers on funding decisions for NSCLC treatments in Singapore.
Etoricoxib decreases mouse subchondral bone mass and biomechanical properties in early osteoarthritis
Authors: Liu Bo , Ji Chenchen , Shao Yijie , Liang Ting , He Jiaheng , Jiang Huaye , Chen Guangdong , Luo Zong-Ping
Published: February 2020

Background Etoricoxib, a selective Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, is commonly used in osteoarthritis (OA) for pain relief. The purpose of our study was to investigate the effects of Etoricoxib on mouse subchondral bone in early OA. Methods OA was induced via destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) in C57BL/6J mice. After surgery, the mice were randomly and equally divided into five groups: a sham-operated control group (Sham group), an osteoarthritis (OA) group (DMM group), an OA treated with Etoricoxib 5mg/kg (DMM+E5) group, an OA treated with Etoricoxib 10mg/kg (DMM+E10) group, and an OA treated with Etoricoxib 20mg/kg (DMM+E20) group. Mice in the Sham group and DMM group were injected with a similar dose of vehicle (40% ethyl alcohol–saline solution). Four weeks after treatment, mice were euthanized. Micro computed tomography (Mirco-CT) analysis, Safranin O-Fast Green staining, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining were performed to evaluate morphological and structural changes. In addition, atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis was performed to evaluate changes in the elastic modulus. Furthermore, changes in microstructure were detected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results Etoricoxib inhibited osteophyte formation in the subchondral bone. However, it also reduced the bone volume fraction (BV/TV), lowered trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), and more microfractures and pores were observed in the subchondral bone. Moreover, Etoricoxib reduced the elastic modulus of subchondral bone. Furthermore, exposure to Etoricoxib further increased the empty/total osteocyte ratio of the subchondral bone. In cartilage and synovium, Etoricoxib did not significantly change the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) score, the modified Mankin score, and the synovialitis-score versus the DMM group. Conclusion Although Etoricoxib can relieve the pain induced by OA, it can also change microstructures and biomechanical properties of the subchondral bone at the early stage of OA, cause osteoporotic changes in subchondral bone structure, increase the risk of fragile fracture of subchondral bone.
Effects of Self-pollination and Cross-pollination of Vaccinium darrowii (Ericaceae) and Other Low-chill Blueberries
Authors: Chavez Dario J. , Lyrene Paul M.
Published: February 2020

Partial to complete self-incompatibility is normal in most Vaccinium L. (Ericaceae) species. Wild blueberry plants of several Florida provenances and species were self- and cross-pollinated in a greenhouse free of pollinators. Fruit set of V. darrowii Camp (2x), V. corymbosum L. (4x), V. arboreum Marsh (2x), and F1 (V. darrowii × V. corymbosum) hybrids was higher after cross-pollination than after self-pollination. Partial to complete self-incompatibility was present in V. darrowii, V. corymbosum, and their tetraploid F1 hybrids. The three V. arboreum clones tested were fully self-incompatible. Intra- and interpopulation crosses in V. corymbosum, V. darrowii, and V. darrowii × V. corymbosum hybrids were highly successful, and self-pollination reduced all fertility parameters. Advanced selections of V. corymbosum were the most self-compatible clones tested, possibly because self-compatibility has been increased by breeders selecting for reliable fruit set in large fields planted with one or a few clones. One southern highbush selection and two F1 hybrids had fruit set of more than 70% after self-pollination. These plants could be potentially used to breed plants that could be planted in single blocks providing reliable yield.
Container-grown Ornamental Plant Growth and Water Runoff Nutrient Content and Volume Under Four Irrigation Treatments
Authors: Warsaw Aaron L. , Fernandez R. Thomas , Cregg Bert M. , Andresen Jeffrey A.
Published: February 2020

Container-grown woody ornamentals were irrigated according to a percentage of daily water use (DWU) or a traditional irrigation rate to evaluate plant growth, irrigation volume, runoff, and nutrient loss from each irrigation treatment. Deutzia gracilis Sieb. and Zucc. ‘Duncan’, Kerria japonica (L.) DC. ‘Albiflora’, Thuja plicata D. Don. ‘Atrovirens’, and Viburnum dentatum L. ‘Ralph Senior’ were grown in 10.2-L (# 3) containers under four overhead irrigation treatments: 1) a control irrigation rate of 19 mm per application (control); 2) irrigation scheduled to replace 100% DWU per application (100DWU); 3) irrigation alternating every other application with 100% replacement of DWU and 75% DWU (100–75); and 4) irrigation scheduled on a three-application cycle with one application of 100% DWU followed by two applications replacing 75% DWU (100–75–75). Applications were separated by at least 24 h. Total irrigation applied for the 100DWU, 100–75, and 100–75–75 treatments was 33%, 41%, and 44% less, respectively, than the total water applied by the control treatment of 123 L per container. Plants grown under the three DWU treatments had a final growth index greater than or equal to plants irrigated by the control treatment depending on species. Daily average runoff volumes from production areas irrigated with 100% and 75% DWU were 66% and 79% lower than average control runoff of 11.4 L·m−2·d−1 across all collection days. Quantity of NO3–-N lost daily across all collection days for the 100% DWU and 75% DWU irrigation volumes averaged 38% and 59% less, respectively, than the control. Daily losses of PO43–- P quantities across all collection days under the 100% and 75% DWU volumes were 46% and 74% lower, respectively, compared with the control. Irrigating according to the DWU treatments used in this study reduced irrigation and runoff volumes and NO3–-N and PO43–-P losses compared with a control of 19 mm per application while producing the same size or larger plants.
High Tunnel versus Open Field: Management of Primocane-fruiting Blackberry Using Pruning and Tipping to Increase Yield and Extend the Fruiting Season
Authors: Thompson Ellen , Strik Bernadine C. , Finn Chad E. , Zhao Yanyun , Clark John R.
Published: February 2020

Primocane-fruiting blackberries (Rubus subgenus Rubus Watson) may offer opportunities for season extension and off-season fruit production, particularly in mild climates with protected culture. In May 2005, plants of ‘Prime-Jan’® were established at the Oregon State University–North Willamette Research and Extension Center, Aurora, OR. Half of the planting was established under a high tunnel and the remainder planted in an adjacent open field. In 2006 to 2007, primocanes were subjected to four treatments to promote branching and/or delay harvest: 1) all primocanes within the plot were cut to the ground when averaging 0.25 m tall, then later emerging canes soft-tipped when reaching 0.5 m tall (C0.25m/T0.5m); 2) all primocanes within the plot were cut to the ground when averaging 0.5 m tall, then later emerging canes soft-tipped when reaching 0.5 m (C0.5m/T0.5m); 3) primocanes double-tipped: all primocanes within the plot were soft-tipped when averaging 0.5 m tall with subsequent lateral branches then soft-tipped when reaching 0.5 m long (T0.5m/Tb0.5m); and 4) primocanes were soft-tipped when averaging 0.5 m tall (T0.5m; control). The tunnel was covered with plastic from 5 Sept. 2006 and 31 Aug. 2007, ≈1 to 2 weeks before harvest until the end of harvest to protect fruit from inclement weather. On average, fruit harvest began on 12 Sept. in the open field and tunnel, but lasted ≈3 weeks longer in the tunnel, ending on 16 Nov., on average. Primocanes that were double-tipped had nearly twice the flowers and fruit than canes that were soft-tipped only once (T0.5m; control). In the tunnel, cumulative yield of double-tipped primocanes averaged 10.7 t·ha−1 in 2006 and 19.3 t·ha−1 in 2007, a 267% and 159% increase compared with the control, respectively. On average, cumulative yield for all treatments was less in the open field than in the tunnel, although cultural systems could not be compared statistically. Harvest was not delayed in the C0.25m/T0.5m treatment in 2006 compared with the control and the double-tipped treatments; however, in 2007, harvest was delayed by 2 weeks in C0.25m/T0.5m. In contrast, harvest was delayed by ≈4 weeks when primocanes were cut to the ground at 0.5 m (C0.5m/T0.5m). Primocanes that were double-tipped produced heavier fruit than other treatments (33% heavier than the control, on average). Double-tipped primocanes did not have more ovules per flower, but had significantly more drupelets set compared with the control. In addition, plants growing under the tunnel tended to produce heavier fruit (32%, on average) than those grown in the open field. Harvest date affected fruit pH in 2006, but not in 2007. In 2006, fruit pH was highest in the early season. All other differences in fruit chemistry were not significant. The pruning and tipping systems used here increased yield and offered options for season extension.
Bronzing of Strawberry Fruit as Affected by Production Practices, Environmental Factors, and Thrips
Authors: Koike Steven T. , Zalom Frank G. , Larson Kirk D.
Published: February 2020

Strawberry fruit are subject to three different types of bronzing damage that cause discoloration of the fruit surface and loss of market quality. Type I and Type II bronzing both occur in localized areas of the fruit and are caused by arthropod feeding and chemical phytotoxicity, respectively. In contrast, Type III bronzing (T3B) covers the entire fruit and is associated with environmental and plant stress factors, although many growers and crop advisers believe that T3B is caused by thrips feeding. The purpose of our 3-year study was to investigate incidence of T3B as affected by crop management practices and thrips populations. Replicated field trials demonstrated that overhead cooling with sprinklers resulted in a significant reduction in T3B incidence. In addition, a series of foliar pesticide spray applications also resulted in reduced T3B damage to strawberry fruit. Foliar applications of Thiolux sulfur, other registered pesticides, and lignin products all resulted in reduced incidence of T3B in field trials. In contrast, T3B incidence was not associated with thrips populations; insecticide-treated plots had reduced thrips populations and comparable T3B incidence to nontreated plots that had greater thrips populations. Our study provides evidence that T3B occurrence is associated with exposure to elevated temperatures and solar radiation rather than thrips feeding and that growers can reduce T3B incidence by implementing production practices that reduce plant stress and protect fruit from radiation damage.
Effects of Fall Applications of Chemical Defoliants, Urea, and Gibberellic Acid on Defoliation in the Fall and Performance of Hydrangeas During Forcing
Authors: Bi Guihong , Scagel Carolyn F.
Published: February 2020

In two separate experiments, Hydrangea macrophylla (Thunb.) Ser. ‘Merritt's Supreme’ plants were used to study the effects of foliar sprays of Def 6 (tributyl phosphorotrithioate, 2500, 5000, 7500, and 10,000 mg·L−1), gibberellic acid (GA, 50 mg·L−1), copper–EDTA (CuEDTA, 0.5% and 1.0%), Florel (2000 mg·L−1), and urea (3%) on defoliation in the fall and growth and flowering performance during forcing. Compared with controls (plants sprayed with water only), spraying plants with urea or GA alone had no influence on defoliation or plant performance during forcing, and spraying plants with Florel alone had no influence on defoliation but decreased total flower dry weight during forcing. Combining urea with Florel sprays decreased the adverse effects of Florel on plant quality and combining GA with Florel improved defoliation. Increasing concentrations of Def 6 and CuEDTA increased defoliation. Compared with controls, plants sprayed with CuEDTA exhibited more defoliation, showed bud and leaf necrosis, and produced lower flower dry weight during forcing. Combining urea with CuEDTA sprays decreased the adverse effects of CuEDTA on plant quality. Compared with controls, spraying plants with Def 6 increased defoliation, caused no visible damage to plants, and had no adverse effects on plant quality during forcing. Adding urea to sprays containing Def 6 decreased or had no influence on the efficiency of defoliation and increased total flower dry weight during forcing compared with Def 6 alone. Adding GA to sprays containing lower concentrations of Def 6 (2500 and 5000 mg·L−1) increased the efficiency of defoliation without adversely influencing plant quality.
Preharvest Aminoethoxyvinylglycine Plus Postharvest Heat Treatments Influence Apple Fruit Ripening after Cold Storage
Authors: Escalada Valeria Sigal , Archbold Douglas D.
Published: February 2020

The impact of heat plus aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) treatments alone or in combination on ripening of four apple cultivars has been studied. A solution of AVG was applied to ‘Lodi’, ‘Senshu’, ‘Redchief Delicious’, and ‘Red Fuji’ apple trees ≈4 weeks before normal harvest at 124 g·ha−1 a.i. After harvest, half of each group of control and AVG-treated fruit was heated at 38 °C for 4 days and then stored at 4 °C for 30 days. After cold storage, AVG and heat individually suppressed ethylene production of ‘Senshu’ and ‘Redchief Delicious’ but not of ‘Lodi’ or ‘Red Fuji’. The combination of AVG with heat treatment reduced ethylene production the most consistently in each cultivar except ‘Lodi’, suggesting some additive effect of the treatments. The respiration rate after cold storage was not consistently affected by any treatment. AVG alone and with heat maintained firmness of ‘Lodi’, AVG plus heat maintained it in ‘Senshu’, but neither ‘Redchief Delicious’ nor ‘Red Fuji’ firmness responded to the treatments. AVG-treated ‘Lodi’ and ’Redchief Delicious’ fruit, heated fruit of all cultivars, and AVG plus heat in all had lower titratable acidity than controls after cold storage. Although there were no effects of any treatment on fruit soluble solids concentration, the combined treatment increased the soluble solids:titratable acidity ratio of all cultivars, although heat or AVG alone had no consistent effects. Total ester production by ‘Redchief Delicious’ peel tissue after cold storage was reduced 44% by AVG and 70% or more by heat and AVG plus heat. There were no differences in peel alcohol acyltransferase activity among the treatments, supporting the hypothesis that substrate availability was the limiting factor for ester synthesis in treated fruit. Overall, heat plus AVG treatment did not provide any advantage over each alone for maintaining apple fruit quality during short-term cold storage.
Variation in ‘Sharwil’ Avocado Maturity during the Harvest Season and Resistance to Fruit Fly Infestation
Authors: Chen Nancy J. , Wall Marisa M. , Paull Robert E. , Follett Peter A.
Published: February 2020

Avocados cannot be exported from Hawaii to the continental United States without a quarantine treatment to prevent the spread of fruit flies. Research was conducted on the maturity and infestation potential of ‘Sharwil’ avocados to assist in development of a multicomponent systems approach for quarantine security. Changes in fruit dry matter content and oil content were determined throughout the harvest season for ‘Sharwil’ avocados grown at three orchard elevations over two production seasons. Also, the ability to infest fruit with Mediterranean fruit fly and oriental fruit fly was measured throughout the harvest season and during fruit ripening. Fruit quality was consistent from one year to the next, regardless of orchard elevation, however, the time of harvest within a production season impacted avocado quality. Late season fruit had higher dry matter and oil contents, were smaller in size, and had a shorter shelf life than early and midseason fruit, but fruit flavor and texture did not change throughout the season. Mean dry matter content ranged from 32% (30 Jan.) to 38% (24 Apr.) in 2007 and from 29% (8 Jan.) to 40% (29 Apr.) in 2008. Percentage of oil content ranged from 21% to 25% in 2007 and from 18% to 28% in 2008. ‘Sharwil’ fruit with a minimum mean oil content of 18% had 29% dry matter and acceptable sensory quality. The dry matter and oil contents of individual avocados were highly correlated (r = 0.97). Avocado was a poor fruit fly host immediately after harvest but became an increasingly favorable host as fruit ripened. Fruit fly infestation rates were similar among early, mid- and late season fruit. The results could be used to develop a maturity standard for ‘Sharwil’ avocados based on dry matter content at harvest, and to develop guidelines for postharvest practices of a systems approach for quarantine security.
‘Diamond’ Zoysiagrass Putting Green Establishment Affected by Sprigging Rates, Nitrogen Sources, and Rates in the Southern Transition Zone
Authors: Stiglbauer John B. , Liu Haibo , McCarty Lambert B. , Park Dara M. , Toler Joe E. , Kirk Kendal
Published: February 2020

‘Diamond’ zoysiagrass [Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr.] has a potential to become a new alternative warm-season putting green turfgrass. The main objective of the study was to determine factors affecting establishment speed for ‘Diamond’ zoysiagrass as a putting green in the southern transition zone of the United States. Two sprigging rates, three nitrogen (N) sources, two N rates, and two mowing heights (2.5 and 3.2 mm) were compared at Clemson University, Clemson, SC. Sprigs of ‘Diamond’ zoysiagrass were planted at rates of 91 or 182 m3·ha−1 in 2007 and repeated in 2008. Urea, ammonium nitrate, and ammonium sulfate were applied at 1.7 or 3.4 g N/m2/week from weeks after sprigging (WAS) 3 to 10. Rates were halved from WAS 11 to 16. The N fertilizers were applied as solutions weekly for 16 weeks. Weekly percent cover, turf color ratings, root and clipping sample, and ball rolling were collected for both years. A significant difference occurred in turf cover between high and low sprig rates. Turf color and cover results show that high rates of fertility associated with high rates of sprigs produced 100% turf cover at WAS 11 and 13 in both years. At the 2.5-mm mowing height, ball rolling reached 258 cm in August and was significantly faster than the 3.2-mm mowing height. Results show ‘Diamond’ zoysiagrass can be established within the same growing season to meet a playable putting green quality, but the establishment speed may vary depending on summer monthly temperature fluctuations.
Endobronchial valve in complex treatment of patients with drug resistant fibrous cavernous pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Askalonova O. Yu. , Tseymakh E. A. , Levin A. V. , Zimonin P. E.
Published: February 2020

The objective of the study: to assess the efficacy of complex treatment with endobronchial valve implantation in the patients suffering from drug resistant fibrous cavernous pulmonary tuberculosis.

Subjects and methods. Treatment outcomes in 97 patients with limited fibrous cavernous pulmonary tuberculosis were analyzed. Main Group included 42 patients who had bronchial valve block implanted. Comparison Group included 55 patients. Artificial pneumoperitoneum was used in both groups.

Results. In Main Group, sputum conversion was achieved in 12 months in 40 (95.2%) patients, and in 32 patients (58.2%) in Comparison Group (p < 0.01). In 12 months after treatment start, positive X-ray changes were observed in 42 (100%) patients of Main Group and 40 (72.7%) patients of Comparison Group. Healing of cavities in 12 months was observed only in the patients from Main Group (26 (61.9%) patients). Upon completion of the study, surgery was still indicated to 4 (9.5%) of patients from Main Group and to 35 (63.6%) patients from Comparison Group.
Safety of treatment regimens in multiple drug resistant tuberculosis patients compiled as per the new WHO recommendations as of 2019
Authors: Ivanova D. A. , Borisov S. E. , Rodina O. V. , Filippov A. V. , Ivanushkina T. N. , Litvinova N. V.
Published: February 2020

The objective: safety assessment of chemotherapy regimens compiled in accordance with the recommendations of World Health Organization (WHO), 2019, in patients with multiple drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR) in clinical practice settings.

Subjects: Frequency, patterns, severity and risk factors of adverse events (AE) of chemotherapy regimens compiled in accordance with the WHO recommendations as of 2019 were analyzed in 122 patients with MDR and XDR respiratory tuberculosis within programmatic use of new anti-tuberculosis drugs.

Results. The frequency of AE made 64.8% (95% CI 55.9-72.7%), gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and allergic events prevailed, the comorbidity was the risk factor of AE development (OR 6.44; 95% CI 1.91-21.76). AEs of with severity degrees 3-4 were observed in 24.6% (95% CI 17.8-33.0%), neurotoxic, ototoxic and hepatotoxic reactions prevailed; risk factors included female sex (OR 3.15, 95% CI 1.32-7.53) and complications of chemotherapy in the past (OR 3.50%, 95% CI 1.49-8.70). At least one anti-tuberculosis drug was canceled due to AE in 26.2% (95% CI 19.2-34.7%), and any of Group A drugs was canceled during the first 6 months of chemotherapy in 13.9% (95% CI 8.8-21.3%) of patients.