bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Analysis of Antioxidant, Anticancer, and Bioactive Components of Apocynum venetum Tea Extracts
Authors: Li Chong , Huang Guangbin , Tan Fang , Zhou Xianrong , Mu Jianfei , Zhao Xin
Published: November 2019

The dry leaf of Apocynum venetum tea extracts (AVTEs) belonging to the Apocynaceae family is a traditional Chinese medicine. The aim of this study is to identify the bioactive components of AVTE and analyse its antioxidant and anticancer activity in vitro. Method. Flavones and polyphenols in AVTE were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay. The scavenging capacity of tea extracts to 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH); 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS); hydroxyl (OH); and superoxide anion-free radicals were investigated by spectrophotometry. We also detailed the cytotoxicity assay of AVTE (50, 100, and 200 μg/mL) to human embryonic kidney 293T cells, the protective effect of AVTE on 293T cells induced by hydrogen peroxide (0.3 mmol/L), and the anticancer effect against the human hepatoma HepG2 cells via 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. We investigated the antioxidative effects of AVTE in human embryonic kidney 293T cells and the anticancer mechanism in HepG2 human hepatoma cells via quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay. Results. HPLC analysis showed that AVTEs contain neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, rutin, isoquercetin, isochlorogenic acid B, astragalin, isochlorogenic acid C, rosmarinic acid, quercetin, and trans-cinnamic acid. These extracts have high antioxidant activity and dose-dependent relation through free radical scavenging experiments. The cell viability of 293T cells treated with hydrogen peroxide (0.3 mmol/L) was significantly lower than that of normal cells, and the cell viability of oxidatively stressed 293T cells after AVTE (50, 100, and 200 μg/mL) treatment was significantly improved (P<0.05). Moreover, cytotoxicity experiments showed that the survival rate of 293T cells was over 90%, but the proliferation of HepG2 cells was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by AVTE. Furthermore, cytoprotective effects in 293T cells were induced via upregulation of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), GSH, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) antioxidant-related factors, as well as apoptosis in HepG2 cells was induced via upregulation of caspase-3, caspase-9, p21, and p53 apoptosis-associated factors, as assessed via mRNA expression levels after treatment with AVTE, which were consistent with the results of antioxidant gene detections. As a conclusion, AVTE appears to be an effectively functional drink, due to its rich functional components and antioxidant and anticancer activities.
Increased Circulating Levels of Interleukin-6 Affect the Redox Balance in Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Forcina Laura , Miano Carmen , Scicchitano Bianca M. , Rizzuto Emanuele , Berardinelli Maria Grazia , De Benedetti Fabrizio , Pelosi Laura , Musarò Antonio
Published: November 2019

The extent of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are closely related events which coexist in a muscle environment under pathologic conditions. It has been generally accepted that the inflammatory cells, as well as myofibers, are sources of reactive species which are, in turn, able to amplify the activation of proinflammatory pathways. However, the precise mechanism underlining the physiopathologic interplay between ROS generation and inflammatory response has to be fully clarified. Thus, the identification of key molecular players in the interconnected pathogenic network between the two processes might help to design more specific therapeutic approaches for degenerative diseases. Here, we investigated whether elevated circulating levels of the proinflammatory cytokine Interleukin-6 (IL-6) are sufficient to perturb the physiologic redox balance in skeletal muscle, independently of tissue damage and inflammatory response. We observed that the overexpression of circulating IL-6 enhances the generation and accumulation of free radicals in the diaphragm muscle of adult NSE/IL-6 mice, by deregulating redox-associated molecular circuits and impinging the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2- (Nrf2-) mediated antioxidant response. Our findings are coherent with a model in which uncontrolled levels of IL-6 in the bloodstream can influence the local redox homeostasis, inducing the establishment of prooxidative conditions in skeletal muscle tissue.
Cyclic Behavior of Steel Beam to CFT Column Connections with Gusset Plates
Authors: Wang Peng , Wang Zhan , Pan Jianrong , Zheng Yanjun , Liu Deming
Published: November 2019

Beam‐brace‐CFT (concrete‐filled tubular) column connections provide excellent performance in resisting seismic loads in high‐risk areas. However, the load transmission mechanism of this type of connection still remains unclear, and there is a lack of study on it. Therefore, in this paper, the mechanical behavior of beam‐brace‐CFT column (BBC) connections penetrated by gusset plates was evaluated through experiments and finite element analysis to resolve this issue. The failure modes, strength, stiffness, ductility, and energy dissipation of this type of connection were studied. Experiment results indicated that the gusset plates in BBC (beam‐brace‐CFT) connections could effectively move the plastic hinge on beam away from the column face, reduce the strain concentration between the beam end and column face, and notably improve the hysteretic behavior; the plastic rotation was able to achieve at least 4% story drift angle before 20% strength degradation. Numerical studies were carried out and validated by experiment results, and then the influence of the weld length and strengthening methods were investigated; some improvement of design suggestions was proposed.
Application of Supply‐Demand‐Based Optimization for Parameter Extraction of Solar Photovoltaic Models
Authors: Xiong Guojiang , Zhang Jing , Shi Dongyuan , Yuan Xufeng
Published: November 2019

Modeling solar photovoltaic (PV) systems accurately is based on optimal values of unknown model parameters of PV cells and modules. In recent years, the use of metaheuristics for parameter extraction of PV models gains more and more attentions thanks to their efficacy in solving highly nonlinear multimodal optimization problems. This work addresses a novel application of supply‐demand‐based optimization (SDO) to extract accurate and reliable parameters for PV models. SDO is a very young and efficient metaheuristic inspired by the supply and demand mechanism in economics. Its exploration and exploitation are balanced well by incorporating different dynamic modes of the cobweb model organically. To validate the feasibility and effectiveness of SDO, four PV models with diverse characteristics including RTC France silicon solar cell, PVM 752 GaAs thin film cell, STM6‐40/36 monocrystalline module, and STP6‐120/36 polycrystalline module are employed. The experimental results comparing with ten state‐of‐the‐art algorithms demonstrate that SDO performs better or highly competitively in terms of accuracy, robustness, and convergence. In addition, the sensitivity of SDO to variation of population size is empirically investigated. The results indicate that SDO with a relatively small population size can extract accurate and reliable parameters for PV models.
The Association of Perioperative Serum Lactate Levels with Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Trauma Patients
Authors: Lee Cheol , Lee Juhwan , Cho Hyunho , Song Jaekyeong , Jung Hojung , Ma Xiao , Hwang Jihyo
Published: November 2019

Background. Several studies have shown the utility of lactate level as a predictor of early outcomes in trauma patients. We conducted this study to evaluate the association of perioperative serum lactate levels with postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly trauma patients.Materials and Methods. This study included 466 elderly trauma patients with measurements of serum lactate levels on admission and 1 h after surgery. The associations of POD with serum lactate levels (on admission and 1 h after surgery) and lactate clearance were analyzed using Kendall’s correlation. Perioperative serum lactate levels and lactate clearance as predictors of POD were evaluated using univariate and multivariable analyses.Results. The incidence of POD in the present study was 38.1%. Serum lactate levels on admission and at 1 h after surgery were significantly higher in major trauma than in minor trauma. In univariate analysis of perioperative serum lactate levels and lactate clearance as predictors of POD, the odds ratio (OR) for serum lactate level on admission was 4.19 (P<0.01, 2.91 < 95% confidence interval (CI) < 6.02) and that 1 h after surgery was 3.83 (P<0.01, 2.79 < 95% CI < 5.25); however, the OR for serum change of lactate level was 0.99 ((P<0.09, 0.99 < 95% CI < 1.00). In multivariable analysis for predictors of POD, the OR for serum lactate level on admission was 2.40 (P<0.09, 0.87 < 95% CI < 6.7), that for serum lactate 1 h after surgery was 2.83 (P=0.01, 1.28 < 95% CI < 6.24), that for ICU admission was 3.01 (P=0.01, 2.09 < 95% CI < 6.03), and that for ISS was 1.47 (P<0.01, 1.27 < 95% CI < 3.70).Conclusions. Taking together the results of univariate and multivariable analyses, serum lactate level 1 h after surgery may be used as a prediction model of POD development in elderly trauma patients.
Preenrichment with Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells Improves Fat Graft Retention in Patients with Contour Deformities of the Face
Authors: Bashir Muhammad M. , Sohail Muhammad , Ahmad Fridoon J. , Choudhery Mahmood S.
Published: November 2019

Quick absorption of adipose tissue grafts makes the outcomes less satisfactory for clinical applications. In the current study, adipose tissue grafts were mixed with adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) to improve retention of adipose tissue grafts and to make the clinical outcomes of fat grafting more reliable. Adipose tissue was either injected alone (conventional group) or mixed with ASCs (stem cell group) before injection. In both groups, adipose tissue was injected at the site of contour throughout layers of tissues till visual clinical symmetry with the opposite side was achieved. The volume of injected fat graft was measured after 72 hours and 6 months using a B-mode ultrasound device connected with a 12 MH frequency probe. The percentage reduction in the volume of injected fat, physician satisfaction scores (Ph-SCs), and patient satisfaction scores (P-SCs) were also recorded. After 6 months, there was significantly lower fat absorption in the stem cell group as compared to the conventional group. Mean physician and patient satisfaction scores were significantly improved in the stem cell group. No significant adverse effects were noted in any patient. Significantly lower absorption of graft due to the use of ASCs improves the clinical outcomes of conventional fat grafting for contour deformities of the face. The current preenrichment strategy is noninvasive, safe and can be applied to other diseases that require major tissue augmentation such as breast surgery. This trial is registered with NCT02494752.
First Vacuum-Assisted Excision of a Breast Myofibroblastoma
Authors: Fakim B. , Abbas A. , Crotch-Harvey M. , Kokan J.
Published: November 2019

A 52-year-old lady was seen in the breast clinic after an 8 mm lesion was found in her left breast on screening mammogram. Clinical examination was normal. The left breast mammogram showed an 8 mm rounded density posteriorly in the inner half of breast and ultrasound also showed a 7 mm, well-defined ovoid echogenic lesion (R3, U3). Biopsy confirmed the lesion was fibro-fatty tissue containing a diffuse infiltrate of lymphoid cells macroscopically (B3/4)—findings in line with a diagnosis of a myofibroblastoma. A myofibroblastoma is a rare benign mesenchymal tumour comprising of spindle cells. Most breast myofibroblastomas described in the literature have been excised by wide local excision. In this patient’s case, a vacuum-assisted technique was discussed and suggested at the multidisciplinary meeting. It was excised using ultrasound-guided Vacora® breast biopsy system. The lesion was completely excised with the encore biopsy measuring 24×17 mm. This is the first documented case of such a technique for the excision of a breast myofibroblastoma. There still is uncertainty about breast myofibroblastomas, their aetiology, associations, and how they are best investigated. Regarding management, vacuum-assisted technique, being less invasive and cheaper than local excisions, is adequate for small lesions.
Phytochemical and Antioxidant Studies on a Rare Rheum cordatum Losinsk. Species from Kazakhstan
Authors: Zhumashova Gulsim , Kukula-Koch Wirginia , Koch Wojciech , Baj Tomasz , Sayakova Galiya , Shukirbekova Alma , Głowniak Kazimierz , Sakipova Zuriyadda
Published: November 2019

An optimisation of extraction towards an increased antioxidant capacity and the study on the extracts’ composition by HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS were performed on different organs of a rarely studied plant: Rheum cordatum Losinsk (Polygonaceae) growing in Kazakhstan. More than 20 compounds from anthraquinones and phenolics were identified in an optimised method. The plant was proven to contain a wide variety of phenolic compounds (catechins, flavonoids, and their glucosides and phenolic acids) in contrast to the anthraquinone composition, which was mainly represented by emodin and its analogues. The results of the studies could determine the plant as a rich source of pharmacologically precious polyphenols. It was evidenced that the extracting solvents, the time of collection, and the organs tested affected both the chemical content and the antioxidant potential of the extracts. Ethanol : water (50 : 50 v/v) was selected as the most beneficial extractant for all metabolites, and based on the principal component analysis of raw data, the radical scavenging potential of the plant was strictly related to the presence of epicatechin gallate (ECG), kaempferol glucoside, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) occurring in this extract at the concentration of 1.69-5%, 0.16-0.47%, and 0.001-2.93%, respectively.
Heart Protection by Herb Formula BanXia BaiZhu TianMa Decoction in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Jiang Jiaye , Huang Dan , Li Yuan , Gan Zhongyuan , Li Hanqing , Li Xindan , Bian Ka , Ke Yan
Published: November 2019

Modern research has shown that BanXia BaiZhu TianMa decoction (BBT) has the potential effect of lowering BP in vitro and in vivo. However, its therapeutic mechanism has not been clearly defined. The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of BBT on the heart by examining heart functioning and anti-inflammatory characteristics and to obtain scientific evidence for its further medical applications. BBT was extracted by decocting the herb extraction and analysed by HPLC. The left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was measured, and a histological examination of samples of the heart was performed. Inflammatory status was investigated by measuring tissue levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and molecules of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway. The BBT treatment significantly reversed the course of hypertension-derived heart damage. Meanwhile, the herb formula markedly reduced levels of IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and iNOS. In addition, the traditional compound suppressed the activity of the NF-κB pathway. The present study provides evidence of heart protection by BBT in SHRs. The action mechanisms may be partially attributable to the anti-inflammatory characteristic of the formula. Understanding the pharmacological action of BBT will benefit its impending use.
Gaussian Quantum Bat Algorithm with Direction of Mean Best Position for Numerical Function Optimization
Authors: Huang Xingwang , Li Chaopeng , Pu Yunming , He Bingyan
Published: November 2019

Quantum-behaved bat algorithm with mean best position directed (QMBA) is a novel variant of bat algorithm (BA) with good performance. However, the QMBA algorithm generates all stochastic coefficients with uniform probability distribution, which can only provide a relatively small search range, so it still faces a certain degree of premature convergence. In order to help bats escape from the local optimum, this article proposes a novel Gaussian quantum bat algorithm with mean best position directed (GQMBA), which applies Gaussian probability distribution to generate random number sequences. Applying Gaussian distribution instead of uniform distribution to generate random coefficients in GQMBA is an effective technique to promote the performance in avoiding premature convergence. In this article, the combination of QMBA and Gaussian probability distribution is applied to solve the numerical function optimization problem. Nineteen benchmark functions are employed and compared with other algorithms to evaluate the accuracy and performance of GQMBA. The experimental results show that, in most cases, the proposed GQMBA algorithm can provide better search performance.
High Throughput Sequencing Technologies as a New Toolbox for Deep Analysis, Characterization and Potentially Authentication of Protection Designation of Origin Cheeses?
Authors: Kamilari Elena , Tomazou Marios , Antoniades Athos , Tsaltas Dimitrios
Published: November 2019

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) labeling of cheeses has been established by the European Union (EU) as a quality policy that assures the authenticity of a cheese produced in a specific region by applying traditional production methods. However, currently used scientific methods for differentiating and establishing PDO are limited in terms of time, cost, accuracy and their ability to identify through quantifiable methods PDO fraud. Cheese microbiome is a dynamic community that progressively changes throughout ripening, contributing via its metabolism to unique qualitative and sensorial characteristics that differentiate each cheese. High Throughput Sequencing (HTS) methodologies have enabled the more precise identification of the microbial communities developed in fermented cheeses, characterization of their population dynamics during the cheese ripening process, as well as their contribution to the development of specific organoleptic and physio-chemical characteristics. Therefore, their application may provide an additional tool to identify the key microbial species that contribute to PDO cheeses unique sensorial characteristics and to assist to define their typicityin order to distinguish them from various fraudulent products. Additionally, they may assist the cheese-makers to better evaluate the quality, as well as the safety of their products. In this structured literature review indications are provided on the potential for defining PDO enabling differentiating factors based on distinguishable microbial communities shaped throughout the ripening procedures associated to cheese sensorial characteristics, as revealed through metagenomic and metatranscriptomic studies. Conclusively, HTS applications, even though still underexploited, have the potential to demonstrate how the cheese microbiome can affect the ripening process and sensorial characteristics formation via the catabolism of the available nutrients and interplay with other compounds of the matrix and/or production of microbial origin metabolites and thus their further quality enhancement.
A Genomic-Clinicopathologic Nomogram Predicts Survival for Patients with Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Cui Jie , Wen Qingquan , Tan Xiaojun , Chen Zhen , Liu Genglong
Published: November 2019

Background. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which have little or no ability to encode proteins, have attracted special attention due to their potential role in cancer disease. We aimed to establish a lncRNA signature and a nomogram incorporating the genomic and clinicopathologic factors to improve the accuracy of survival prediction for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Methods. A LSCC RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) dataset and the matched clinicopathologic information were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Using univariable Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis, we developed a thirteen-lncRNA signature related to prognosis. On the basis of multivariable Cox regression analysis results, a nomogram integrating the genomic and clinicopathologic predictors was built. The predictive accuracy and discriminative ability of the inclusive nomogram were confirmed by calibration curve and a concordance index (C-index), and compared with the TNM staging system by C-index and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was conducted to evaluate the clinical value of our nomogram. Results. Thirteen overall survival- (OS-) related lncRNAs were identified, and the signature consisting of the selected thirteen lncRNAs could effectively divide patients into high-risk and low-risk subgroups, with area under curves (AUC) of 0.89 (3-year OS) and 0.885 (5-year OS). Independent factors derived from multivariable analysis to predict survival were margin status, tumor status, and lncRNA signature, which were all assembled into the nomogram. The calibration curve for the survival probability showed that the predictions based on the nomogram coincided well with actual observations. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.82 (0.77-0.87), and the area under curve (AUC) of the nomogram in predicting overall survival (OS) was 0.938, both of which were significantly higher than the traditional TNM stage. Decision curve analysis further demonstrated that our nomogram had larger net benefit than TNM stage. Conclusion. An inclusive nomogram for patients with LSCC, comprising genomic and clinicopathologic variables, generates more accurate estimations of the survival probability when compared with TNM stage alone, but more data are needed before the nomogram is used in clinical practice.
Overexpression of UDP-Glucose 4-Epimerase Is Associated with Differentiation Grade of Gastric Cancer
Authors: de Souza Maria de Fátima Deodato , da Silva Filho Antônio Felix , de Barros Albuquerque Amanda Pinheiro , Quirino Michael Williams Leal , de Souza Albuquerque Mário Sérgio , Cordeiro Marina Ferraz , Martins Mário Rino , da Rocha Pitta Ivan , Lucena-Araujo Antônio Roberto , da Rocha Pitta Maira Galdino , de Melo Rêgo Moacyr Jesus Barreto
Published: November 2019

The UDP-glucose 4-epimerase (GALE) is a glycosyltransferase, which acts on protein and lipid glycosylation in normal and neoplastic cells. This study is aimed at investigating the differential tissue expression of GALE and its possible association with clinical-pathological parameters and the outcome of gastric adenocarcinoma patients. Seventy-one patients were evaluated in relation to GALE expression by immunohistochemistry. Our results showed that 48 (67.6%) patients were GALE positive and 23 (32.4%) negative. Positive staining was present on well-differentiated and moderate-differentiated histological grade of gastric adenocarcinomas (p<0.0001). There was no significant association with outcome parameters (p>0.05). Besides that, our results corroborated with the validation cohort analysis, where the expression of GALE mRNA was also associated with the histological grade (p<0.001). These results suggest a possible use of this enzyme as a biomarker for well and moderately differentiated tumors.
Association between MIC-1 and Type 2 Diabetes: A Combined Analysis
Authors: Lu Jianan , Zhang Yue , Dong Xingxuan , Lu Jiawen , Zhang Chen , Liu Jieyu , Yu Qingzhou , Teng Haoyue , Yao Qingkui , Yin Jieyun , Qin Liqiang
Published: November 2019

Background and Objectives. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an epidemic disease that endangers human health seriously. Recently, a large number of reports have revealed that macrophage-inhibiting cytokine-1 (MIC-1) is linked with T2DM, but the results were inconclusive. The aim of this study was to perform bioinformatics analysis of the association between MIC-1 and T2DM. Material and Methods. Datasets and relevant literatures were searched in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science till September 20, 2019. Expression levels of MIC-1 were extracted, pooled, and compared between T2DM cases and controls. Results. In summary, 11 GEO datasets and 3 articles with 421 T2DM cases and 711 controls were finally included. The expression level of MIC-1 was significantly higher in T2DM patients compared with controls, with a standard mean difference (SMD) of 0.54 and a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of 0.24-0.83; in blood samples, the difference was still significant (SMD=0.65; 95%CI=0.24‐1.06). Meanwhile, the expression level of MIC-1 plays a significant role in differentiating T2DM cases from controls; the combined sensitivity, specificity, and odds ratio were 0.83 (95%CI=0.72‐0.90), 0.59 (95%CI=0.45‐0.72), and 1.64 (95%CI=1.35‐1.99), respectively. The summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve demonstrated that the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.81 (95%CI=0.77‐0.84). Conclusion. Our results suggested that the expression levels of MIC-1 were significantly higher in T2DM patients in multiple tissues including blood samples.
Lipidomics Profile Changes of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zhang Wen , Gong Lili , Yang Song , Lv Yali , Han Feifei , Liu He , Liu Lihong
Published: November 2019

The morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular disease (CVD)/acute myocardial infarction (AMI) of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients are extremely higher than those without T2DM. Biomarkers can be used to predict the occurrence of acute myocardial infarction, thus effectively reducing the incidence of CVD events, particularly in T2DM patients. Lipids have been shown to be biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for human diseases. The aim of our study was to investigate the prognostic value of lipid biomarkers for predicting AMI in T2DM patients. A total of 420 subjects were recruited in this research. Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Quadrupole Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometer- (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS-) and Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer- (LC/MS-) based metabolomic methods were applied to characterize metabolic profiles in each plasma sample. In the first untargeted set, 40 T2DM patients with AMI, 40 T2DM patients without AMI, and 40 control subjects were gender- and age-matched. Eight lipid metabolites showed a significant difference among three groups. Then, in the second set, targeted metabolic profiling assays for these 8 lipid biomarker concentrations in plasma were performed; another 100 T2DM patients with AMI, 100 T2DM patients without AMI, and 100 control subjects were selected independently. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed, and the area under the ROC curves (AUC) was calculated to determine the potential biomarkers. ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC value of lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC) 18:0 is more than 0.7, indicating that LysoPC 18:0 may be a potential sensitive and specific biomarker for T2DM with AMI. The changed plasma concentrations of lipids were significantly associated with T2DM with AMI, which showed great value to be biomarkers, though it requires a prospective cohort study for further validation.
Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Bioactive Compounds Contained in Rosmarinus officinalis Used in the Mediterranean Diet
Authors: Bourhia Mohammed , Laasri Fatima Ezzahra , Aourik Hind , Boukhris Aicha , Ullah Riaz , Bari Ahmed , Ali Syed Saeed , El Mzibri Mohammed , Benbacer Laila , Gmouh Said
Published: November 2019

Background. Rosmarinus officinalis (R. officinalis) is a medicinal plant called rosemary, largely used in the Mediterranean diet for many decades ago. Objective. The aim of the present study was to investigate the polyphenolic content, the antioxidant activity, and the antiproliferative effect against human prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP) of carnosol and carnosic acid as bioactive compounds contained in R. officinalis growing in Morocco. Materials and Methods. Polyphenolic content of R. officinalis ethanolic extract was studied using colorimetric assay. Carnosol and carnosic acid contained in R. officinalis extract were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antiproliferative effect of the studied extracts on LNCaP was evaluated by WST-1 bioassay, and the antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH assay. Results. The extracts of R. officinalis showed an important polyphenolic content ranging from 74.15 μg·GAE/mg to 146.63 μg·GAE/mg. The percentage of carnosol and carnosic acid in rosemary crops ranges from 11.7 to 17.3% and 1.09% to 3%, respectively. The extracts of R. officinalis exhibited a promoting antioxidant activity with IC50 ranging from 0.236 mg/mL to 0.176 mg/mL. Regarding the antiproliferative effect, the WST-1 assay revealed that all the tested extracts reduced notably the cell viability with IC50 values ranging from 14.15 to 15. 04 μg/mL. Conclusion. In the current work, carnosol and carnosic acid exhibit antioxidant and antiproliferative activities in a concentration-dependent manner.
In Vitro Schistosomicidal Activity of the Alkaloid-Rich Fraction from Ruta graveolens L. (Rutaceae) and Its Characterization by UPLC-QTOF-MS
Authors: Carvalho Lara Soares Aleixo de , Queiroz Lucas Sales , Alves Junior Ismael José , Almeida Ayla das Chagas , Coimbra Elaine Soares , de Faria Pinto Priscila , Silva Marcos Paulo Nascimento da , De Moraes Josué , Da Silva Filho Ademar A.
Published: November 2019

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects million people worldwide, mostly in developing countries. Ruta graveolens (Rutaceae) is a plant used in folk medicine to treat several diseases, including parasitic infections. In this study, we reported the in vitro schistosomicidal activity of the R. graveolens extract (Rg) and its active fraction (Rg-FAE). Also, the characterization of Rg-FAE by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis and its in vitro antileishmanial activity against Leishmania braziliensis were also performed. In vitro schistosomicidal assays were assessed against adult worms of S. mansoni, while cell viability against peritoneal macrophages was measured by MTT assay. Rg (100 μg/mL) exhibited noticeable schistosomicidal activity, causing 100% mortality and decreasing motor activity of all adult male and female schistosomes, but with low activity against L. braziliensis. After chromatographic fractionation of Rg, fraction Rg-FAE was obtained, showing high activity against adult schistosomes. UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis of Rg-FAE revealed the presence of eleven alkaloids and one furanocoumarin. No significant antileishmanial activity was found for Rg, while Rg-FAE exhibited activity against L. braziliensis promastigotes. We demonstrated, for the first time, that the R. graveolens extract (Rg) and its alkaloid-rich fraction (Rg-FAE) are active against adult worms of S. mansoni, with no significant cytotoxicity on macrophages. Our findings open the route to further antiparasitic studies with the active fraction of R. graveolens and its identified compounds, especially alkaloids.
Enhancement of Quercetin-Induced Apoptosis by Cotreatment with Autophagy Inhibitor Is Associated with Augmentation of BAK-Dependent Mitochondrial Pathway in Jurkat T Cells
Authors: Ha Eun Ji , Kim Ki Yun , Kim Chae Eun , Jun Do Youn , Kim Young Ho
Published: November 2019

A flavonoid antioxidant quercetin promotes dose-dependent activation of the ATM-CHK-p53 pathway, downregulation of antiapoptotic survivin, and upregulation of proapoptotic NOXA in human T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia Jurkat clones (J/Neo and J/BCL-XL). However, the downregulation of antiapoptotic BAG3 and MCL-1 occurred in J/Neo cells but not in J/BCL-XL cells overexpressing BCL-XL. Additionally, several BCL-XL-sensitive intrinsic mitochondrial apoptotic events including apoptotic sub-G1cell accumulation, TUNEL-positive DNA fragmentation, BAK activation, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) loss, caspase-9/caspase-8/caspase-3 activation, and PARP cleavage were induced only in J/Neo cells. Both cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS levels were elevated in quercetin-treated J/Neo cells; however, the ROS elevations were almost completely abrogated in J/BCL-XL cells, suggesting the ROS elevations were downstream of BCL-XL-sensitive mitochondrial damage and dysfunction. Wild-type A3, FADD-deficient I2.1, and caspase-8-deficient I9.2 Jurkat clones exhibited similar susceptibilities to the cytotoxicity of quercetin, excluding an involvement of extrinsic pathway in triggering the apoptosis. The autophagic events such as attenuation of AKT-mTOR pathway, formation of acridine orange-stainable acidic vesicular organelles, conversion of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-I (LC3-I) to LC3-II, and downregulation of p62/SQSTM1 level were detected in quercetin-treated J/Neo and J/BCL-XL cells, regardless of BCL-XL overexpression. Cotreatment with the autophagy inhibitor (3-methyladenine, LY294002, or chloroquine) resulted in a significant enhancement of quercetin-induced BAK activation and subsequently the mitochondrial damage-mediated apoptosis pathway by augmenting the downregulation of BAG3 and MCL-1 levels in J/Neo cells. These results demonstrated that quercetin induces intrinsic apoptosis and cytoprotective autophagy, and autophagy inhibition can potentiate BAK-dependent apoptotic activity of quercetin in Jurkat T cells.
A Patient with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia with Pancreatic Involvement
Authors: Essrani Rajesh , Sullivan Matthew J. , Shah Hiral
Published: November 2019

A 78-year-old female with a past medical history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia was hospitalized for poor appetite, weight loss, and night sweats. On physical exam, there was no palpable lymphadenopathy, and her abdomen was soft and nondistended. Laboratory results showed a hemoglobin count of 13.3 g/dl, hematocrit 41.3%, white blood cell 68.4 × 103 μL with lymphocytes 92.0%, total bilirubin 0.4 mg/dL, aspartate transaminase 14 U/L, and alanine transaminase 15 U/L. CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis showed hypodense lesions within the pancreatic body (1.4 × 1.4 cm) and medial aspect of the pancreatic head (1.2 cm) as well as mild splenomegaly (13 cm craniocaudally). She subsequently underwent endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the pancreatic mass. Flow cytometry revealed expression of CD5 and CD23, consistent with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Smooth Muscle Progenitor Cells Preserve the Erectile Function by Reducing Corporal Smooth Muscle Cell Apoptosis after Bilateral Cavernous Nerve Crush Injury in Rats
Authors: Wu Yi-No , Chen Kuo-Chiang , Liao Chun-Hou , Liu Chien-Liang , Chiang Han-Sun
Published: November 2019

Radical prostatectomy causes erectile dysfunction (ED) and irreversible morphologic changes, including induction of endothelial and smooth muscle cell (SMC) apoptosis in the corpus cavernosum (CC). The injection of smooth muscle progenitor cells (SPCs) thickens the vascular intima and has demonstrated therapeutic benefit in cardiovascular disease animal. Herein, we investigated the effect of SPCs on the recovery of erectile function (EF) in rat models with bilateral cavernous nerve (CN) injury. Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into sham, vehicle only, or SPC treatment groups. Rats in the SPC treatment and vehicle groups were subjected to bilateral CN injury before intracavernosal injection. Intracavernosal injections of SPCs increased all EF parameters at day 28 after injury and simultaneously reduced apoptosis of the SMCs. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that SPCs maintained the integrity of the CC by preserving the structure of the adherens junctions. Tracking transplanted SPCs labeled with EdU showed that transplanted SPCs remained in the CC 28 days after treatment. Intracavernosal SPC injection restored EF after bilateral CN injury by reducing SMC apoptosis, which favored the maintenance of the structure of adherens junctions and regulated the stability of corporal vessels. These findings demonstrate the therapeutic potential of SPCs for treating ED in humans.
A Network Pharmacology Approach to Reveal the Underlying Mechanisms of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. On the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Zeng Qiang , Li Longfei , Jin Yu , Chen Zongzheng , Duan Lihong , Cao Meiqun , Ma Min , Wu Zhengzhi
Published: November 2019

Objective. To investigate the potential active compounds and underlying mechanisms of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (PLP) on the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) based on network pharmacology. Methods. The active components of PLP were collected from Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology (TCMSP) database, and their possible target proteins were predicted using TCMSP, SwissTargetPrediction, and STITCH databases. The putative AD-related target proteins were identified from Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), GeneCards, and MalaCards database. The compound-target-disease network interactions were established to obtain the key targets about PLP acting on AD by network topology analysis. Then, the function annotation and signaling pathways of key targets were performed by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis using DAVID tools. Finally, the binding capacity between active ingredients and key targets was validated by molecular docking using SystemsDock tools. Results. There were 7 active compounds involving in 151 predicted targets identified in PLP. Besides, a total of 160 AD-related targets were identified. Among these targets, 30 shared targets of PLP and AD were acquired. After topological analysis of the PLP potential target-AD target network, 33 key targets that were highly responsible for the therapeutic effects of PLP on AD were obtained. Further GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that these key targets were significantly involved in multiple biological processes and pathways which participated in cell apoptosis and inflammatory response and maintained the function of neurons to accomplish the anti-AD activity. The molecular docking analysis verified that the 7 active compounds had definite affinity with the key targets. Conclusions. The ameliorative effects of PLP on AD were predicted to be associated with regulating neural cell apoptosis, inflammatory response, and neurotrophy via various pathways such as PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and neurotrophin signaling pathway.
Optic Disc and Cup Segmentation in Retinal Images for Glaucoma Diagnosis by Locally Statistical Active Contour Model with Structure Prior
Authors: Zhou Wei , Yi Yugen , Gao Yuan , Dai Jiangyan
Published: November 2019

Accurate optic disc and optic cup segmentation plays an important role for diagnosing glaucoma. However, most existing segmentation approaches suffer from the following limitations. On the one hand, image devices or illumination variations always lead to intensity inhomogeneity in the fundus image. On the other hand, the spatial prior knowledge of optic disc and optic cup, e.g., the optic cup is always contained inside the optic disc region, is ignored. Therefore, the effectiveness of segmentation approaches is greatly reduced. Different from most previous approaches, we present a novel locally statistical active contour model with the structure prior (LSACM-SP) approach to jointly and robustly segment the optic disc and optic cup structures. First, some preprocessing techniques are used to automatically extract initial contour of object. Then, we introduce the locally statistical active contour model (LSACM) to optic disc and optic cup segmentation in the presence of intensity inhomogeneity. Finally, taking the specific morphology of optic disc and optic cup into consideration, a novel structure prior is proposed to guide the model to generate accurate segmentation results. Experimental results demonstrate the advantage and superiority of our approach on two publicly available databases, i.e., DRISHTI-GS and RIM-ONE r2, by comparing with some well-known algorithms.
Nerolidol Suppresses the Inflammatory Response during Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury via the Modulation of Antioxidant Enzymes and the AMPK/Nrf-2/HO-1 Pathway
Authors: Ni Yung-Lun , Shen Huan-Ting , Su Chun-Hung , Chen Wen-Ying , Huang-Liu Rosa , Chen Chun-Jung , Chen Shih-Pin , Kuan Yu-Hsiang
Published: November 2019

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening disease that is characterised by the rapid onset of inflammatory responses. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an endotoxin that plays an important role in triggering ALI via pneumonia and sepsis. However, no effective therapeutic strategies are currently available to treat ALI. Nerolidol is an aliphatic sesquiterpene alcohol that is found in the essential oils of many flowers as well as floral plants. It has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Herein, we show that nerolidol pretreatment counteracted the histopathological hallmarks in LPS-induced ALI mice. Indeed, nerolidol pretreatment inhibited LPS-induced alveolar-capillary barrier disruption, lung edema, and lipid peroxidation. Moreover, nerolidol pretreatment prevented the LPS from decreasing the enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Importantly, nerolidol treatment enhanced phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and expression of nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Taken together, our study reveals the novel protective effects of nerolidol in LPS-induced ALI via the induction of antioxidant responses and activation of the AMPK/Nrf-2/HO-1 signalling pathway.
Optimisation of Longitudinal Seismic Energy Dissipation System for Straddle‐type Monorail‐Cum‐Road Long‐Span Cable‐Stayed Bridge
Authors: Liang Xiong , Li Baomu , Liu Xiaolu , Liang Linong
Published: November 2019

To investigate the optimal longitudinal seismic energy dissipation system of straddle‐type monorail‐cum‐road long‐span cable‐stayed bridges, the Niutianyang Bridge was selected as the engineering background, and the explicit time‐domain dimension‐reduced iteration method was adopted to carry out nonlinear time‐history analysis. To consider the dynamic characteristics of longitudinal movable supports, the static and dynamic responses of four kinds of energy dissipation systems were studied, including longitudinal unconstrained, elastic cable, viscous damper, and speed lock‐up devices. The damping effect of four types of schemes in which viscous dampers were installed at piers or towers was analysed, and the parameters of the viscous dampers were optimised. The influences of the straddle‐type monorail train braking force and the running vibration of the straddle‐type monorail traffic on the parameters of the viscous dampers were analysed. This study shows that the viscous damper system had the lowest bending moment at the bottom of the tower and a smaller displacement response, and the energy dissipation was the best. Each viscous damper had the highest energy dissipation efficiency when they are installed only at the main tower. The damping effect was better when the damping coefficient c ranged from 3500 to 5000 kN · (m/s)−α and the velocity exponent α ranged from 0.35 to 0.5. The static friction of the straddle‐type monorail‐cum‐road long‐span cable‐stayed bridge support can resist the trains’ braking force, and the parameters of the viscous damper can be selected regardless of train braking. A suitably large value of velocity exponent α may be required to increase the working velocity of the viscous damper to reduce the damper’s participation in the process of the train crossing the bridge.
Análise das internações hospitalares para procedimentos de cirurgias bariátricas financiadas pelo SUS em âmbito nacional
Authors: Abbade Eduardo Botti
Published: November 2019

Modelo do estudo: Estudo descritivo transversal.

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a evolução do quantitativo e valor aprovado no âmbito do SUS, no período de 2008 a 2018, associado aos procedimentos cirúrgicos de gastroplastia (cirurgia bariátrica) relacionados ao diagnóstico principal de obesidade por excesso de calorias.

Método: Foi conduzido estudo ecológico com levantamento de dados obtidos nos Sistemas de Informações Hospitalares e Ambulatoriais do SUS (SIH/SUS e SAI/SUS). Foram levantados dados mensais do quantitativo e valor aprovado referentes aos procedimentos selecionados associados às cirurgias bariátricas em âmbito nacional compreendendo o período de janeiro de 2008 a julho de 2018.

Resultados: Os resultados mostram um crescimento acentuado na quantidade de procedimentos de gastroplastia financiados pelo SUS. Em 2017 foram financiados 10.840 procedimentos de gastroplastia totalizando cerca de R$ 69 milhões. Em julho de 2018 o valor médio do custo ao SUS do procedimento de gastroplastia foi estimado em R$ 6.449,30. Observou-se que o tempo médio de internação e a taxa média de óbitos referentes a procedimentos de gastroplastia apresentam considerável redução. Também é evidenciado que as mulheres representam cerca de 85% dos pacientes de procedimentos de gastroplastia financiadas pelo SUS.

Conclusão: A epidemia de obesidade que aflige a população brasileira ocasiona aumento do quantitativo de gastroplastias financiadas pelo SUS, que ainda são consideradas insuficientes, o que exige que sejam delineadas políticas e iniciativas públicas em prol do combate à obesidade coletiva no Brasil.
Conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas de universitárias em relação aos métodos contraceptivos reversíveis de longa duração (LARC)
Authors: Sorgi Camila Marino , Callegari Fernanda Vieira Rodovalho , Carbol Maristela
Published: November 2019

Modelo do estudo: Estudo observacional transversal descritivo. Objetivo: Avaliar os conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas de universitárias em relação aos métodos contraceptivos reversíveis de longa duração (LARC). Metodologia: A população se constituiu por universitárias do sexo feminino matriculadas no Curso de Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Carlos em 2017. O instrumento utilizado foi um questionário autoaplicável, estruturado e de múltipla escolha, composto por 27 questões divididas em características sociodemográficas, antecedentes contraceptivos, conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas em relação aos métodos LARC. Os dados foram armazenados no programa Microsoft Excel 2010. Resultados: Participaram 104 universitárias. Mais da metade delas (60,19%) não conheciam a terminologia LARC, mas conheciam: DIU de cobre (39,60%), DIU de levonorgestrel (34,95%) e implante subdérmico (21,35%). Os LARC foram considerados muito eficazes por 84,61% das participantes, porém a maioria não tinha conhecimento sobre o período contraceptivo do DIU de cobre e do implante subdérmico. Dentre elas, 57,69% demonstraram bastante interesse em utilizá-los, sendo a eficácia confiável (87,5%) o principal estímulo. O custo elevado foi motivo de desestímulo para a escolha dos métodos LARC (72,11%), bem como, de dificuldade de acesso a esses métodos (75,00%). Entre as usuárias dos LARC, 69,23% estavam muito satisfeitas, sendo a eficácia confiável e a proteção prolongada as principais causas da satisfação. Conclusão: Conclui-se que o conhecimento sobre os métodos LARC não se apresenta com único fator para a escolha desses métodos, visto que atitudes e práticas que as estimulam ou desestimulam podem interferir nesta escolha, bem como no acesso aos mesmos.