bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transformation of the dermal collagen framework under laser heating
Authors: Ignatieva Natalia , Zakharkina Olga , Dadasheva Aygun , Shekhter Anatoly , Sviridov Alexander , Lunin Valery
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to compare between the changes undergone by the dermal collagen framework when heated by IR laser radiation and by traditional means and to reveal the specific features of the dermal matrix modification under moderate IR laser irradiation. Rabbit skin specimens were heated to 50°C, 55°C, 60°C and 65°C in a calorimeter furnace and with a 1.68‐μm fiber Raman laser. The proportion of the degraded collagen macromolecules was determined by differential scanning calorimetry. Changes in the architectonics of the collagen framework were revealed by using standard, phase‐contrast, polarization optical and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The collagen denaturation and dermal matrix amorphization temperature in the case of laser heating proved to be lower by 10°C than that for heating in the calorimeter furnace. The IR laser treatment of the skin was found to cause a specific low‐temperature (45°C‐50°C) transformation of its collagen framework, with some collagen macromolecules remaining intact. The transformation reduces to the splitting of collagen bundles and distortion of the course of collagen fibers. The denaturation of collagen macromolecules in the case of traditional heating takes its course in a threshold manner, so that their pre‐denaturation morphological changes are insignificant.
The effects of zingerone against vancomycin‐induced lung, liver, kidney and testis toxicity in rats: The behavior of some metabolic enzymes
Authors: Çağlayan Cüneyt , Taslimi Parham , Demir Yeliz , Küçükler Sefa , Kandemir Fatih Mehmet , Gulçin İlhami
Published: August 2019

In this study, it was demonstrated the ameliorative effect of zingerone (ZO) (25 and 50 mg/kg body weight) against vancomycin (VCM) (200 mg/kg body weight) administered to rats on some metabolic enzymes’ activities in the lung, liver, kidney, and testis tissues of rats. Forty‐two rats were divided into six groups as follows: control, ZO‐25, ZO‐50, VCM, VCM + ZO‐25, and VCM + ZO‐50. α‐Glycosidase, butyrylcholinesterase, aldose reductase, acetylcholinesterase, paraoxonase‐1, and carbonic anhydrase enzyme activities were significantly (P < .05) decreased in VCM group when compared with the control group. ZO, supplied with VCM, significantly activated some of these enzyme in all tissues. The results of this study showed that ZO regulates abnormal increases and decreases in VCM‐induced metabolic enzyme activities in all tissues.
Curcumin synergistically potentiates the protective effect of sitagliptin against chronic deltamethrin nephrotoxicity in rats: Impact on pro‐inflammatory cytokines and Nrf2/Ho‐1 pathway
Authors: Shi Wenbin , Zhang Daisong , Wang Lei , Sreeharsha Nagaraja , Ning Yushan
Published: August 2019

Deltamethrin (DLM) is a synthesized organophosphorus acaricide and bug spray, broadly utilized for veterinary and farming purposes. Although its exposure to humans and animals causes toxicity in the kidney and other primary organs, our objective was to assess the defensive effects of sitagliptin (Sita) and additionally curcumin (Cur) in the DLM‐intoxicated rats’ kidney. DLM‐intoxicated rats revealed a huge increase of various biochemical parameters in serum identified with kidney damage: uric acid, urea, and creatinine. DLM intoxication altogether increased renal lipid peroxidation, and critically restrained antioxidative biomarkers including superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase. Likewise, it increased the tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and IL‐1β level in serum. Additionally, DLM intoxication diminished the outflow of the nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) pathway in rats. Both Sita and Cur act against DLM‐prompted serum along with renal tissue biochemical parameters when utilized alone or in a mix alongside DLM intoxication. Besides this, both Sita and Cur delivered synergetic nephroprotective, antioxidative, and anti‐inflammatory impacts. Consequently, it could be presumed that Sita as well as Cur administration can limit the poisonous impacts of DLM by their free radical‐scavenging, strong antioxidant, and Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway upregulation activity.
The effect of GNAQ methylation on GnRH secretion in sheep hypothalamic neurons
Authors: Zhai Manjun , Zhao Zongsheng , Yang Min , Liang Yanping , Liang Huihui , Xie Yifan , Han Jilong
Published: August 2019

Kazakh sheep are seasonal estrous animals, and gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) is the key to fertility regulation. The nutritional level has a certain regulatory effect on estrous, and vitamin B folate plays a role in DNA methylation, directly participating in the process. The goal of this study was to determine whether folate is involved in GnAQ methylation and its effect on GnRH secretion. The hypothalamic neurons of Kazakh fetal sheep were treated with folate at concentrations of 0 mg/mL, 4 mg/mL, 40 mg/mL, and 80 mg/mL. GnAQ promoter methylation, DNMT1, GnAQ expression, and GnRH secretion following treatment with different concentrations of folate were analyzed. One CpG site was methylated in the GNAQ promoter with 40 mg/mL folic acid, and no CpG methylation was found in the other groups. GnAQ expression was related to folate concentration and showed a trend of increasing first and then decreasing. The GnRH expression level in the 40 mg/mL folate group was significantly higher than in the other three groups (
P < .05). These results demonstrate that the appropriate folate concentration promoted GANQ promoter methylation, which in turn affected GnRH secretion.
Overexpressed miR‐196a accelerates osteogenic differentiation in osteoporotic mice via GNAS‐dependent Hedgehog signaling pathway
Authors: Zhong Li‐Na , Zhang Yu‐Zhu , Li Hong , Fu Hui‐Ling , Lv Cheng‐Xiu , Jia Xiu‐Juan
Published: August 2019

Osteoporosis (OP), a common metabolic bone disease, is accompanied by reduced bone mass, bone mineral density (BMD), as well as microstructure destruction of bone. Previously, microRNA‐196a‐2 (miR‐196a‐2) and miR‐196a‐3p were reported for its involvement in BMD. Herein, this study set out to identify the functional relevance of miR‐196a in osteogenic differentiation in osteoporotic mice and explore the associated mechanism by establishing an OP mouse model. Guanine nucleotide binding protein, alpha stimulating (GNAS) was verified as a target gene of miR‐196a, which was decreased in OP mice. Furthermore, the bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were then extracted from OP mice and treated with miR‐196 mimic/inhibitor or small interfering RNA against GNAS to investigate miR‐196a interaction with GNAS and the Hedgehog signaling pathway. BMSCs in OP mice transfected with miR‐196a mimic or si‐GNAS displayed the elevated expression of Smo, ALP, Runx2, and OPN, as well as bone gla protein and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase, elevated ALP vitality and bone formation ability as well as reduced expression of GNAS and PTCH. Taken conjointly, overexpression of miR‐196a repressed GNAS expression by activating the Hedgehog signaling pathway, thus promoting osteogenic differentiation in mice with OP.
A novel regulatory role of TRAPPC9 in L‐plastin‐mediated osteoclast actin ring formation
Authors: Hussein Nazar J. , Mbimba Thomas , Al‐Adlaan Asaad A. , Ansari Mohammad Y. , Jaber Fatima A. , McDermott Scott , Kasumov Takhar , Safadi Fayez F.
Published: August 2019

Trafficking protein particle complex 9 (TRAPPC9) is a major subunit of the TRAPPII complex. TRAPPC9 has been reported to bind nuclear factor κB kinase subunit β (IKKβ) and NF‐kB‐inducing kinase (NIK) where it plays a role in the canonical and noncanonical of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐kB) signaling pathways, receptively. The role of TRAPPC9 in protein trafficking and cytoskeleton organization in osteoclast (OC) has not been studied yet. In this study, we examined the mRNA expression of TRAPPC9 during OC differentiation. Next, we examined the colocalization of TRAPPC9 with cathepsin‐K, known to mediate OC resorption suggesting that TRAPPC9 mediates the trafficking pathway within OC. To identify TRAPPC9 protein partners important for OC‐mediated cytoskeleton re‐organization, we conducted immunoprecipitation of TRAPPC9 in mature OCs followed by mass spectrometry analysis. Our data showed that TRAPPC9 binds various protein partners. One protein with high recovery rate is L‐plastin (LPL). LPL localizes at the podosomes and reported to play a crucial role in actin aggregation thereby actin ring formation and OC function. Although the role of LPL in OC‐mediated bone resorption has not fully reported in detail. Here, first, we confirmed the binding of LPL to TRAPPC9 and, then, we investigated the potential regulatory role of TRAPPC9 in LPL‐mediated OC cytoskeleton reorganization. We assessed the localization of TRAPPC9 and LPL in OC and found that TRAPPC9 is colocalized with LPL at the periphery of OC. Next, we determined the effect of TRAPPC9 overexpression on LPL recruitment to the actin ring using a viral system. Interestingly, our data showed that TRAPPC9 overexpression promotes the recruitment of LPL to the actin ring when compared with control cultures. In addition, we observed that TRAPPC9 overexpression reorganizes actin clusters/aggregates and regulates vinculin recruitment into the OC periphery to initiate podosome formation.
Linc‐RoR promotes proliferation, migration, and invasion via the Hippo/YAP pathway in pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Chen Wei , Wang Huizhi , Liu Yawen , Xu Wei , Ling Chen , Li Yafang , Liu Junqiang , Chen Mengjiao , Zhang Youli , Chen Baoding , Gong Aihua , Xu Min
Published: August 2019

Large intergenic noncoding RNA regulator of reprogramming (Linc‐RoR) was first identified as a regulator to increase the emergence of induced pluripotent stem cells through reprogramming differentiated cells and is abnormal expression in a variety of malignant tumors. However, the function of Linc‐RoR in pancreatic cancer progression needs further clarification. The data from this study demonstrated that Linc‐RoR knockdown suppressed cell proliferative capacity and colony formation, while Linc‐RoR overexpression promoted these behaviors. In particular, Linc‐RoR overexpression promoted the level of mesenchymal markers, inhibited the expression of epithelial markers, as well as enhanced pancreatic cancer cells migration and invasion, whereas Linc‐RoR knockdown inhibited the expression of mesenchymal markers, promoted the expression of epithelial markers, as well as weakened pancreatic cancer cells migration and invasion. Further study revealed that Linc‐RoR knockdown brought about a significant fall in YAP phosphorylation and a rise in total YAP, while Linc‐RoR overexpression produced the opposite results. Specifically, Linc‐RoR promoted YAP in the cytoplasm into the nucleus. Taken together, we conjectured that Linc‐RoR promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells by activating the Hippo/YAP pathway. YAP might be an underlying target of Linc‐RoR and mediate epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in pancreatic cancer (PC); thus, Linc‐RoR might be a very meaningful biomarker for PC.
Effects of dexmedetomidine on glioma cells in the presence or absence of cisplatin
Authors: Yang Hui , Chen Yudan , Yan Hui , Wu Hao
Published: August 2019

With the extensive use of dexmedetomidine (Dex) in the surgical resection of tumours for its potent sedative and analgesic properties, its effects on various properties of tumours have received increased attention. The study described herein aimed to investigate the effects of Dex on glioma cells in the presence or absence of cisplatin (DDP). Glioma U251 and U87MG cells were treated with different doses (1‐50 nM) of Dex for 12 hours, then recultured in a Dex‐free medium. In addition, Dex was added to U251 and U87MG cells 12 hours before or simultaneously with a 12‐hour DDP treatment. Treatment with Dex increased the viability of both cell lines; this effect continued for at least 24 hours after Dex was removed. A cell invasion assay indicated that Dex inhibited cell invasion at 50 nM, but not at 10 nM. Western blot analysis showed that Dex increased the expression of phosphorylated extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase 1/2, phosphoitide 3‐kinase and p‐AKT, but decreased ROCK protein levels at a dose of 50 nM. Intracellular Ca
2+ concentration was decreased by Dex in a dose‐dependent manner. DDP toxicity was attenuated by 10 nM Dex added either before or with DDP treatment. However, pretreatment with 50 nM Dex instead enhanced the toxicity of DDP. Single‐dose treatment with Dex did not significantly change glioma volume in nude mice, but changed the expression of Ki67 and matrix metalloproteinase‐3 in the tumour. In conclusion, this study provides evidence of the regulatory effects of Dex on proliferation, invasion and chemosensitivity of glioma cells, and outlines potential mechanisms for these effects.
Identification of the complex regulatory relationships related to gastric cancer from lncRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA network
Authors: Wang Jie , Ding Yanrui , Wu Yanyan , Wang Xiaxia
Published: August 2019

The oncogenesis and progression of gastric cancer are closely correlated with the complex regulatory relationships among messenger RNA (mRNA), long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), and microRNA (miRNA). After constructing the gastric cancer lncRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA regulatory network, we analyzed the network topology properties and found that lncRNA ADAMTS9‐AS2 and C20orf166‐AS1 and miRNA hsa‐mir‐204 are key nodes. Further functional enrichment analysis and survival analysis were performed on these key nodes and the RNAs interacting with them. We found that CHRM2, ANGPT2, and COL1A1 interacting with ADAMTS9‐AS2 are enriched in the PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway, and low expression of the ADAMTS9‐AS2 is closely related to the prognosis of patients. Abnormal expression of CACNA1H, FLNA, and FLNC interacting with lncRNA C20orf166‐AS1 is associated with MAPK signaling pathway in gastric cancer. In addition, the downregulated miRNA hsa‐mir‐204 promotes invasion and proliferation of gastric cancer cells by regulating the abnormal expression of mRNAs (CHRDL1 and NPTX1) and lncRNAs (ADAMTS9‐AS2, NKX2‐1‐AS1, TLR8‐AS1, and VCAN‐AS1). This study systematically analyzed the lncRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA regulatory network of gastric cancer, which not only has a new understanding of the pathogenesis of gastric cancer, but also provides new insights for the early diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer.
MiRNA‐27a decreases ultraviolet B irradiation‐induced cell damage
Authors: Zhang YuanJing , Yang ChunJun , Yang Sen , Guo Ze
Published: August 2019

MiRNAs were involved in the various biological process through mediating the posttranscriptional gene silencing. The abnormal expression of miRNAs is also involved in various disorders. Our previous study showed that miRNA‐27a (miR‐27a) was upregulated after ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation. However, the function of miR‐27a in UVB‐induced cell damage is still unclear. In this study, we used the miR‐27a overexpression and knockdown lentivirus to transfect UVB irradiated HaCaT cell line and observed the influence of miR‐27a on UVB irradiated damages in cells. We found that miR‐27a removed cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and decreased the cell apoptosis after UVB radiation. Further studies showed that miR‐27a directly decreased the expression and luciferase activity of target genes transactive response DNA‐binding protein (TARDBP) and apoptotic protease activating factor‐1 (APAF‐1). In conclusion, miR‐27a can inhibit CPDs, reduce the cell apoptosis and down‐regulate its target genes TARDBP and APAF‐1 induced by UVB irradiation in HaCaT cells. It is indicated that miR‐27a may serve as a target for UVB irradiation protection.
Interleukin‐1 beta induces autophagy of mouse preimplantation embryos and improves blastocyst quality
Authors: Pan Yangyang , Wang Meng , Wang Libin , Xu Gengquan , Baloch Abdul Rasheed , Kashif Jam , Fan Jiangfeng , Yu Sijiu
Published: August 2019

Autophagy is one of the basic cellular mechanism during preimplantation development of mammalian embryos, and it plays crucial role in several physiological processes. It is induced by interleukin (IL)‐1β in mammalian cells. Our present study shows that IL‐1β is important for autophagy activation in embryo development. Our in vitro culture system analysis shows effect of IL‐1β in medium on the development of mouse embryos and it was found to be concentration dependent. A preimplantation embryo culture using medium containing IL‐1β did not improve cleavage and blastocyst development rates of mouse embryos; however, blastocyst quality was significantly improved by increasing total cell number, especially in supplementary 20 ng/mL IL‐1β. Furthermore, autophagy activation mainly occurs in 2 to 4 cell embryo and blastocyst, 20 ng/mL IL‐1β into culture medium can effectively enhance levels of messenger RNA and protein of autophagy‐related‐factors in 2 to 4 cell embryos and blastocyst, while these factors reduce in VGX‐1027 (IL‐1β inhibitor) groups that also reduce the quality of blastocyst. Effects of IL‐1β on the development of embryo reduced in 20 ng/mL IL‐1β supplemented group when 5 mM 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA) was also added, which used to inhibit autophagy activation in endogenous PtdIns3Ks signal pathway. Our current results show that exogenous IL‐1β can effectively induce autophagy in mouse embryos at stages of 2 to 8 cell and blastocyst, that also help to improve the quality of blastocyst.
Association between the TOX3 rs3803662 C>T polymorphism and recurrent miscarriage in a southern Chinese population
Authors: Huang Wendong , Zhou Huazhong , Li Qisen , Pi Lei , Xu Yufen , Fu LanYan , Yang Yanfang , Lu Zhaoliang , Che Di , Gu Xiaoqiong
Published: August 2019

Background

Studies have shown that some genetic polymorphisms associated with breast cancer susceptibility may also be associated with abortion. The TOX3 gene plays a key role during the onset of breast cancer, and reproductive factors such as abortion are risk factors for breast cancer. However, there is currently no study describing the relationship between the TOX3 rs3803662 C>T polymorphism and the risk of recurrent miscarriage. Therefore, we investigated whether the TOX3 rs3803662 C>T polymorphism is associated with recurrent miscarriage susceptibility in this case‐control study.

Methods

We recruited 248 recurrent miscarriage patients and 392 healthy controls from the southern Chinese population and performed genotyping using the TaqMan method.

Results

The results showed no evidence that TOX3 rs3803662 C>T is associated with recurrent miscarriage (CT and CC: corrected OR = 1.038, 95% CI = 0.737‐1.461, P = .8321; TT and CC: adjusted OR = 0.989, 95% CI = 0.591‐1.656, P = .9659; dominant model: adjusted OR = 1.027, 95% CI = 0.742‐1.423, P = .8712; recessive model: adjusted OR = 0.969, 95% CI = 0.600‐1.566, P = .8975).

Conclusion

According to this study, the TOX3 rs3803662 C>T polymorphism may not be associated with recurrent miscarriage in the southern Chinese population. A larger multicenter study is needed to confirm the results.
Confirmatory factor analysis of the Inventory of Statements About Self‐injury in a Spanish clinical sample
Authors: Pérez Sandra , García‐Alandete Joaquín , Cañabate Montserrat , Marco Jose H.
Published: August 2019

Objectives

The main aim of the present study was to confirm the two‐factor structure of the Inventory of Statements About Self‐injury‐ Part II (ISAS‐II), analyze its psychometric properties and test–retest reliability of Parts I and II of the ISAS.

Method

The sample was composed of 355 Spanish participants diagnosed with eating disorders or borderline personality disorder (mean age 27.89, standard deviation = 13.31; 315 women, 40 men). Two models proposed for the ISAS‐II were analyzed by means of confirmatory factorial analysis.

Results

A two‐factor model was confirmed, and a model with self‐care included in the intrapersonal factor was preferable. The ISAS‐II showed positive correlations with emotional dysregulation. Test–retest reliability showed statistically significant correlations at 7 months (n = 123).

Conclusion

The ISAS‐II is a valid instrument to assess nonsuicidal self‐injury in Spanish populations, making it possible to assess these behaviors, which require valid and reliable measures worldwide.
Postoperative complications are main reason for noncompliance with enhanced recovery after surgery program in patients undergoing hepatectomy and pancreatectomy
Authors: Philip Justus , Fairtile Richard , Cocieru Andrei
Published: August 2019

Background and Aim

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are reported to improve postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing a routine protocol and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing hepatic and pancreatic resections at our institution.

Methods

A total of 99 consecutive patients at a single institution managed with a similar ERAS protocol were divided into the “early” (50 patients) and “late” (49 patients) cohorts. Both cohorts were statistically identical in demographics and range of surgical procedures performed. Postoperative complications, readmission, reoperation rates, and length of stay were analyzed. Categorical variables were statistically compared using Fisher's exact test and continuous variables using t‐test and Mann–Whitney U‐test when appropriate.

Results

There were 32 hepatectomies/18 pancreatectomies in the “early” cohort and 22 hepatectomies/29 pancreatectomies in the “late” cohort. The overall complication rate was 38.8%, with a 30‐day readmission rate and reoperation rate of 16.1 and 5%, respectively. There was one mortality (1%). Group‐specific overall complication rate (40 vs 38.7%, P = 0.8), readmission rate (20 vs 12.2%, P = 0.4), reoperation rate (6 vs 4%, P = 1.0), and mortality (2 vs 0%, P = 1.0) were not statistically significant between both groups.

Conclusions

Despite similar rates of adherence to the established ERAS 24 protocol, there was no improvement in median length of stay (7 days) between the “early” and “late” groups. The only reason for noncompliance with the ERAS protocol was development of surgery‐related complications.
Normal range for MR elastography measured liver stiffness in children without liver disease
Authors: Sawh Mary Catherine , Newton Kimberly P. , Goyal Nidhi P. , Angeles Jorge Eduardo , Harlow Kathryn , Bross Craig , Schlein Alexandra N. , Hooker Jonathan C. , Sy Ethan Z. , Glaser Kevin J. , Yin Meng , Ehman Richard L. , Sirlin Claude B. , Schwimmer Jeffrey B.
Published: August 2019

Background

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) can determine the presence and stage of liver fibrosis. Data on normative MRE values, while reported in adults, are limited in children.

Purpose

To determine the distribution of MRE‐measured liver stiffness in children without liver disease.

Study Type

Prospective, observational.

Population

Eighty‐one healthy children (mean 12.6 ± 2.6 years, range 8–17 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T Signa HDxt, General Electric MR Scanner; 2D GRE MRE sequence.

Assessment

History, examination, laboratory evaluation, and (MR) exams (proton density fat fraction, PDFF, and MRE) were performed. MR elastograms were analyzed manually at two reading centers and compared with each other for agreement and with published values in healthy adults and thresholds for fibrosis in adult and pediatric patients.

Statistical Tests

Descriptive statistics, Bland–Altman analysis, t‐test to compare hepatic stiffness values with reference standards.

Results

Stiffness values obtained at both reading centers were similar, without significant bias (P = 0.362) and with excellent correlation (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.782). Mean hepatic stiffness value for the study population was 2.45 ± 0.35 kPa (95th percentile 3.19 kPa), which was significantly higher than reported values for healthy adult subjects (2.10 ± 0.23 kPa, P < 0.001). In all, 74–85% of subjects had stiffness measurements suggestive of no fibrosis.

Data Conclusion

Mean liver stiffness measured with MRE in this cohort was significantly higher than that reported in healthy adults. Despite rigorous screening, some healthy children had stiffness measurements suggestive of liver fibrosis using current published thresholds. Although MRE has the potential to provide noninvasive assessment in patients with suspected hepatic disease, further refinement of this technology will help advance its use as a diagnostic tool for evidence of fibrosis in pediatric populations.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: 5

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:919–927.
Renal perfusion imaging by MRI
Authors: Zhang Jeff L. , Lee Vivian S.
Published: August 2019

Renal perfusion can be quantitatively assessed by multiple magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods, including dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE), arterial spin labeling (ASL), and diffusion‐weighted imaging with intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) analysis. In this review we summarize the advances in the field of renal‐perfusion MRI over the past 5 years. The review starts with a brief introduction of relevant MRI methods, followed by a discussion of recent technical developments. In the main section of the review, we examine the clinical and preclinical applications for three disease populations: chronic kidney disease, renal transplant, and renal tumors. The DCE method has been routinely used for assessing renal tumors but not other renal diseases. As a noncontrast alternative, ASL was extensively explored in both preclinical and clinical applications and showed much promise. Protocol standardization for the methods is desperately needed, and then large‐scale clinical trials for the methods can be initiated prior to their broad clinical use.

Level of Evidence: 5

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:369–379.
Real‐life effectiveness and safety of the daclatasvir/asunaprevir combination therapy for genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C patients: An emphasis on the pretreatment NS5A resistance‐associated substitution test
Authors: Jang Eun Sun , Kim Kyung‐Ah , Kim Young Seok , Kim In Hee , Lee Byung Seok , Lee Youn Jae , Chung Woo Jin , Jeong Sook‐Hyang
Published: August 2019

This study aimed to investigate the real‐life effectiveness and safety of daclatasvir (DCV) and asunaprevir (ASV) combination therapy in Korean patients. We consecutively enrolled patients with genotype 1b hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection treated with at least one dose of DCV/ASV combination therapy in seven tertiary hospitals of South Korea. The sustained virologic response (SVR) rates and safety according to intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and per‐protocol (PP) analyses were evaluated. Among the 526 enrolled patients, 91% showed negative (87%) or “undetermined” (4%) resistance‐associated substitution (RAS); 9% did not undergo RAS testing. The SVR rates for ITT and PP were 89.3% and 95.0% in treatment‐naive patients and 93.2% and 95.6% in treatment‐experienced patients, respectively. In PP analysis, negative RAS was associated with higher SVR (96.3%) than with “undetermined RAS” (85.7%) or “not tested for RAS” (84.4%). Adverse events were reported in 185 (35.4%) patients, and events leading to discontinuation were observed in 4.3% of the study population. Forty‐two (8.0%) patients developed transaminase elevation (≥2 × upper normal limit), resulting in treatment discontinuation in six (1.1%) patients. DCV/ASV combination therapy showed acceptable efficacy in genotype 1b compensated HCV‐infected patients with negative pretreatment RAS. Although most adverse events were tolerable to continue antiviral treatment, adequate monitoring for transaminase elevation is warranted.
Impact of Postnatal Antibiotics and Parenteral Nutrition on the Gut Microbiota in Preterm Infants During Early Life
Authors: Jia Jie , Xun Pengcheng , Wang Xinling , He Ka , Tang Qingya , Zhang Tian , Wang Ying , Tang Wenjing , Lu Lina , Yan Weihui , Wang Weiping , Hu Tianyi , Cai Wei
Published: August 2019

Background

The early‐life gut microbiota, which is critically important for the long‐term health of infants, is normally sensitive to perturbations, especially in preterm infants. However, how the gut microbiota develops and what key factors affect the preterm gut microbiota remain largely unknown. We hypothesized that preterm microbial dysbiosis exists from the beginning after birth, and microbial alteration is associated with parenteral nutrition and antibiotic therapy interventions.

Methods

Fecal samples were collected from fifty‐one preterm and fifty full‐term vaginally delivered (FTVD) infants at 7 time points for 90 days after birth. The microbial profiles of 558 fecal DNA samples were analyzed by sequencing their 16S ribosomal RNA amplicons. A random‐effects generalized least square regression was used to identify factors that influence the bacterial composition over time.

Results

The altered gut microbiota in preterm infants existed from the meconium, having significantly lower levels of Escherichia‐Shigella than those in FTVD infants. The developmental trajectories of 7 predominant bacterial groups successfully fitted with exponential/linear function curves (R2, 0.921–0.993) in both groups. By day 90, depleted levels of Bacteroides and Parabacteroides and an overabundance of Peptoclostridium were characteristic of the preterm group. The prolonged use of antibiotics and parenteral nutrition had significant adverse effects on the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium levels in preterm infants. Moreover, gestational age, sex, and birth weight were factors impacting specific genera in preterm infants.

Conclusion

The early‐life microbial composition and functions were markedly different in preterm infants, being associated with the prolonged use of postnatal antibiotics and parenteral nutrition.
Effects of nitrogen fertilization on pot‐grown wheat photosynthate partitioning within intensively farmed soil determined by 13C pulse‐labeling
Authors: Sun Zhaoan , Wu Shuxia , Zhang Yiwen , Meng Fanqiao , Zhu Biao , Chen Qing
Published: August 2019

Understanding rhizodeposited carbon (C) dynamics of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is important for improving soil fertility and increasing soil C stocks. However, the effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization on photosynthate C allocation to rhizodeposition of wheat grown in an intensively farmed alkaline soil remain elusive. In this study, pot‐grown winter wheat under N fertilization of 250 kg N ha−1 was pulse‐labeled with 13CO2 at tillering, elongation, anthesis, and grain‐filling stages. The 13C in shoots, roots, soil organic carbon (SOC), and rhizosphere‐respired CO2 was measured 28 d after each 13C labeling. The proportion of net‐photosynthesized 13C recovered (shoots + roots + soil + soil respired CO2) in the shoots increased from 58–64% at the tillering to 86–91% at the grain‐filling stage. Likewise, the proportion in the roots decreased from 21–28% to 2–3%, and that in the SOC pool increased from 1–2% to 6–7%. However, the 13C respired CO2 allocated to soil peaked (17–18%) at the elongation stage and decreased to 6–8% at the grain‐filling stage. Over the entire growth season of wheat, N fertilization decreased the proportion of net photosynthate C translocated to the below‐ground pool by about 20%, but increased the total amount of fixed photosynthate C, and therefore increased the below‐ground photosynthate C input. We found that the chase period of about 4 weeks is sufficient to accurately monitor the recovery of 13C after pulse labeling in a wheat–soil system. We conclude that N fertilization increased the deposition of photoassimilate C into SOC pools over the entire growth season of wheat compared to the control treatment.
Resurgence of minority and autochthonous grapevine varieties in South America: a review of their oenological potential
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Gamboa Gastón , Liu Shu‐Yan , Pszczólkowski Philippo
Published: August 2019

In contrast with the general trend of producing wine from the most famous grapevine varieties, associated with the French paradigm, such as Cabernet‐Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay, there is a tendency to revalorize and preserve minority or autochthonous grapevine varieties worldwide. The South American wine region, where most of the varieties derived from varieties brought after European colonization, is not exempt from this. This has allowed new wines to be provided with distinctive identities that are markedly different from the current homogeneous wine production. Moreover, varietal homogenization increases vineyard genetic vulnerability in relation to the emergence of grapevine diseases, to which the commonly cultivated varieties are not resistant. This review summarizes the oenological potential of minority or autochthonous grapevine varieties cultivated within the South American wine region, focusing on Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Survival benefit of neoadjuvant therapy in patients with non‐metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A propensity matching and intention‐to‐treat analysis
Authors: Sugimoto Motokazu , Takahashi Naoki , Farnell Michael B. , Smyrk Thomas C. , Truty Mark J. , Nagorney David M. , Smoot Rory L. , Chari Suresh T. , Carter Rickey E. , Kendrick Michael L.
Published: August 2019

Background and Objectives

Conclusive evidence in favor of neoadjuvant therapy for those with non‐metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is still lacking. The objective of this study was to evaluate the survival benefit of neoadjuvant therapy vs upfront surgery for patients with non‐metastatic PDAC.

Methods

The study involved 565 patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy or upfront surgery as the primary treatment for PDAC. Propensity score matching was performed between the neoadjuvant therapy group (NAT group) and the upfront surgery group (UFS group) using 20 clinical variables at diagnosis. Overall survival and surgical pathology were compared between the two treatment groups on an intent‐to‐treat basis.

Results

In the matched cohort, the NAT group (n = 91) had a longer median overall survival than the UFS group (n = 91) (23.1 months vs 18.5 months, P = .043). The rate of patients undergoing surgical resection was lower in the NAT group (58% vs 80%, P = .001). Regarding surgical pathology, the NAT group had smaller tumor size (2.8 cm vs 4.0 cm, P = .001), lower incidence of positive surgical margins (8% vs 30%, P < .002), and less lymph node metastasis (45% vs 78%, P < .001).

Conclusions

The strategy of neoadjuvant therapy before surgical resection appears to offer pathologic effect and survival benefit for the patients presenting with non‐metastatic PDAC.
Molecularly imprinted polymer solid‐phase microextraction coupled with ultra high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry for rapid analysis of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in herbal medicine
Authors: Luo Zhimin , Chen Guoning , Li Xuan , Wang Lu , Shu Hua , Cui Xia , Chang Chun , Zeng Aiguo , Fu Qiang
Published: August 2019

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are the most widely distributed natural toxins, and pyrrolizidine alkaloid‐containing herbal medicines are probably the most common poisonous plants affecting humans. We reported pyrrolizidine alkaloid‐molecularly imprinted polymer solid‐phase microextraction for the selective adsorption of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids from herbal medicine. A sulfonic compound, sodium allylsulfonate, was chosen as the functional monomer to interact with pyrrolizidine alkaloids through strong ionic interaction. To avoid template leakage and for the aim of cost saving, a relatively cheap dummy template was used for the fabrication of molecularly imprinted polymer‐solid‐phase microextraction fibers. The obtained fibers showed selective adsorption ability for four pyrrolizidine alkaloids, including europine, echimidine, lasiocarpine, and heliotrine. The extraction parameters, such as extraction time, extraction temperature, shaking speed, elution solvent and elution time, were optimized. Then ultra high performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry coupled with molecularly imprinted polymer‐solid‐phase microextraction method was developed for the fast and efficient analysis of four pyrrolizidine alkaloids from the model herbal plant Farfarae Flos. The established method was validated and exhibited satisfactory accuracy and precision. The present method provides an innovative and fast analytical strategy for the determination of trace toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids in complicated samples.
Greater sage‐grouse habitat function relative to 230‐kV transmission lines
Authors: Lebeau Chad W. , Smith Kurt T. , Holloran Matthew J. , Beck Jeffrey L. , Kauffman Mandy E. , Johnson Gregory D.
Published: August 2019

Greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) is a landscape‐level species that requires large tracts of intact sagebrush (Artemisiaspp.). Loss of functional habitat resulting from increased demand for energy generation, transmission, and distribution within greater sage‐grouse habitats in the western United States has the potential to negatively affect this species. We monitored 346 radio‐marked female greater sage‐grouse from 2009 to 2014 to evaluate the potential effects of 27‐m‐tall, 230‐kilovolt (kV) wood‐pole, H‐frame transmission lines on greater sage‐grouse habitat selection and demography. We modeled the effect of the transmission lines in 2 different study areas simultaneously using consistent habitat data. Previous research in our study areas suggested that the effect of transmission lines was potentially confounded by other habitat features. We accounted for these potential confounding effects by estimating habitat suitability before estimating the effect of transmission lines. We combined habitat selection and demography results to estimate habitat function relative to transmission lines and inform management recommendations. Overall, we found evidence that transmission lines had a negative effect on greater sage‐grouse habitat selection and survival within our study areas over 6 years, but the magnitude of this effect varied by habitat suitability and proximity to occupied leks. The effect of transmission lines on habitat function extended 1.0 km from a transmission line in habitats within 3.1 km of an occupied lek compared to 0.50 km from a transmission line in habitats beyond 3.1 km from occupied leks. Based on these results, we suggest future power line placement relative to sage‐grouse nesting, brood‐rearing, and summer habitats consider potential effects to sage‐grouse habitat selection and demography. Effects can be minimized by incorporating design features that discourage avian predator perching and siting power lines in habitats with lower suitability and, in our study area, habitats beyond 3.1 km from occupied leks. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Corrosion characteristics of zinc–zirconium alloy in c‐SBF and its biocompatibility in vitro/in vivo
Authors: Guo Pushan , Bagheri Robabeh , Ren Tiantian , Yang Lijing , Xu Cheng , Lin Jiajia , Liu Huinan , Sun Wensheng , Song Zhenlun
Published: August 2019

Zinc‐based metals have attracted attention as biodegradable implant materials for medical applications. New alloying systems are still being tried. In this study, three kinds of extruded zinc–zirconium alloys (R1, R2, and R3) were prepared, and two of the most important performance of corrosion characteristics and biocompatibility in vitro/in vivo were carefully examined. We found that zirconium content did not linearly influence the corrosion behavior. Zirconium improved the zinc–zirconium alloy corrosion potential, but the strengthening effect was weakened due to the ZrZn
22 phase, leading to microgalvanic corrosion. The alloy with zirconium content of 0.8% (R2) showed high corrosion resistance and minimum initial corrosion rate in the corrected simulated body fluid. R2 alloy also exhibited favorable cytocompatibility and biological histocompatibility.
Yellow Triazine as an Efficient Photoinitiator for Polymerization and 3D Printing under LEDs
Authors: Lai Haiwang , Zhu Di , Xiao Pu
Published: August 2019

The search for new efficient photoinitiators for polymerization under the illumination of visible light is under extensive investigation due to their wide application in 3D printing. 2‐(4‐Methoxystyryl)‐4,6‐bis(trichloromethyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine (yellow triazine, R‐Cl) alone or the R‐Cl/additive systems have been indicated as promising photoinitiating systems in the free radical polymerization at 405 nm in our previous study. Here, further investigation of R‐Cl in the polymerization of a series of difunctional (meth)acrylate monomers is described. The effect of monomers on the polymerization performance is elucidated. The interplay of functional group, double bond concentration, and fluidity determines the polymerization rate and final conversions. Remarkably, R‐Cl shows better photoinitiating ability than well‐known commercial photoinitiator bisacylphosphine oxide in the polymerization of bis‐GMA/TEGDMA blend and EB605 under LED at 400 nm. The optimum concentrations of R‐Cl in the photopolymerization of TetEGDA and DPGDA monomers are revealed, the results of which are used to guide the 3D printing of DPGDA.
Synthesis and Light‐Mediated Structural Disruption of an Azobenzene‐Containing Helical Poly(isocyanide)
Authors: Pomarico Scott K. , Wang Chengyuan , Weck Marcus
Published: August 2019

Helical poly(isocyanide)s are an important class of synthetic polymers possessing a static helical structure. Since their initial discovery, numerous examples of these helices have been fabricated. In this contribution, the synthesis of a chiral, azobenzene (azo)‐containing isocyanide monomer is reported. Upon polymerization with nickel(II) catalysts, a well‐defined circular dichroism (CD) trace is obtained, corresponding to the formation of a right‐handed polymeric helix. The helical polymer, dissolved in chloroform and irradiated with UV light (365 nm), undergoes a cis to trans isomerization of the azobenzene side‐chains. After the isomerization, a change in conformation of the helix occurs, as evidenced by CD spectroscopy. When the solution is irradiated with LED light, the polymer returns to a right‐handed helical conformation. To open up the possibility for chain‐end post‐polymerization modification of this light‐responsive system, an alkyne‐functionalized nickel(II) catalyst is also used in the polymerization of the azobenzene monomer, resulting in a stimuli‐responsive, terminal‐alkyne‐containing helical poly(isocyanide).
TERT rs10069690 polymorphism and cancers risk: A meta‐analysis
Authors: He Guisheng , Song Tao , Zhang Yazhen , Chen Xiuxiu , Xiong Wei , Chen Huamin , Sun Chuanwei , Zhao Chaoyang , Chen Yunjing , Wu Huangfu
Published: August 2019

Background

Studies have identified that the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene polymorphism rs10069690 (C>T) is associated with cancer risk, but the results remain inconclusive.

Methods

To provide a more precise estimation of the relationship, we performed a meta‐analysis of 45 published studies including 329,035 cases and 730,940 controls. We conducted a search in PubMed, Google Scholar and Web of Science to select studies on the association between rs10069690 and cancer risk. Stratification by ethnicity, cancer type, cancers’ classification, source of control, sample size, and genotype method was used to explore the source of heterogeneity. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were evaluated using random effects models. Sensitivity, publication bias, false‐positive report probability (FPRP) and statistical power were also assessed.

Results

The result demonstrated that rs10069690 was significantly associated with an increased risk of cancer overall (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.06–1.12, p < .001) under the allele model. Stratification analysis revealed an increased cancer risk in subgroups of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, thyroid cancer, and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, a significantly decreased association was observed in pancreatic cancer in the European population (OR = 0.93,95% CI: 0.87–0.99, p = .031). In the subgroup analysis based on cancer type, no significant association was found in prostate cancer, leukemia, colorectal cancer and glioma.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis suggested that the TERT rs10069690 polymorphism may be a risk factor for cancer, especially breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, thyroid cancer, and RCC. Further functional studies are warranted to reveal the role of the polymorphism in carcinogenesis.
Using quadratic discriminant analysis for osteometric pair‐matching of long bone antimeres: An evaluation on modern and archaeological samples
Authors: Santos Frédéric , Villotte Sébastien
Published: August 2019

A common problem in forensic anthropology is the pair‐matching of left and right bone antimeres. Several osteometric sorting models have been proposed in the last 20 years, with a recent acceleration in new methodological articles bringing sometimes contradictory results or recommendations. These debates demonstrate the need for a statistical tool both accurate and easily applicable by the final user. We present here an approach based on quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA). This approach is evaluated on antimeric pairs of humeri and femora from the openly available Goldman Data Set and compared with two classical and previously published methods for osteometric pair‐matching, based respectively on linear regressions and t tests. It is shown that QDA globally outperforms existing solutions for reassociating those long bones, in particular by rejecting fewer true bone pairs at the classical α level of .10. The accuracy of all three methods is analysed through receiver operating characteristic curves to assess the influence of the choice of a decision threshold. The application on archaeological commingled remains of pair‐matching models learned on a modern reference multipopulation sample is discussed. Finally, an R package containing the functions used for this study, bonepairs, is publicly available online. This ensures the full replicability of results and an easy use of the new method introduced here.
An optimized protocol for isolation of high‐quality RNA through laser capture microdissection of leaf material
Authors: Hua Lei , Hibberd Julian M.
Published: August 2019

Laser Capture Microdissection is a powerful tool that allows thin slices of specific cell types to be separated from one another. However, the most commonly used protocol, which involves embedding tissue in paraffin wax, results in severely degraded RNA. Yields from low abundance cell types of leaves are particularly compromised. We reasoned that the relatively high temperature used for sample embedding, and aqueous conditions associated with sample preparation prior to microdissection contribute to RNA degradation. Here, we describe an optimized procedure to limit RNA degradation that is based on the use of low‐melting‐point wax as well as modifications to sample preparation prior to dissection, and isolation of paradermal, rather than transverse sections. Using this approach, high‐quality RNA suitable for down‐stream applications such as quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reactions or RNA‐sequencing is recovered from microdissected bundle sheath strands and mesophyll cells of leaf tissue.