bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dendrobium candidum protects against diabetic kidney lesions through regulating vascular endothelial growth factor, Glucose Transporter 1, and connective tissue growth factor expression in rats
Authors: Chang Jingzhi , Zhou Yuanting , Cong Guobin , Guo Hui , Guo Yali , Lu Kun , Li Yi chuan , Tian Hua
Published: April 2019

Diabetes mellitus (DM) remains a great health problem with approximate 30% of patients with DM eventually suffering from diabetic nephropathy. The search for exogenous protective factors has recently received wide attention. The current study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Dendrobium candidum (DC) on kidneys in diabetic rats. Initially, streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats were established and randomly divided into the model group, DC group (0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 g/kg) and irbesartan group (17.5 mg/kg). The biochemical indexes, pathological changes, and the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), GLUT‐1, and CTGF were examined. It was found that as compared with the model group, the kidney index, serum creatine, blood urea nitrogen, 24‐hour urine protein, and VEGF of DC treatment groups were significantly decreased, and pathological changes in kidney were improved in the DC groups and irbesartan group (
P < 0.05 for each parameter). The protein and messenger RNA levels of GLUT‐1 and CTGF in treatment groups were significantly lower than those in rats' renal cortex without treatment. Our data suggest that DC may protect the kidneys of diabetic rats via regulating expression of VEGF, GLUT‐1, and CTGF.
Association of 584C/T polymorphism in endothelial lipase gene with risk of coronary artery disease
Authors: Elnaggar Ismail Zaki , Hussein Samia , Amin Mohamed Ibrahem , Abdelaziz Eman Ahmed
Published: April 2019

Background

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the cardiovascular diseases, which is caused by a reduced amount of oxygen and blood that goes to the heart. CAD includes stable angina, unstable angina, myocardial infarction, and sudden cardiac death. It is a common cause of death in both men and women. The environmental and genetic factors are involved in the development of CAD. Multiple gene polymorphisms are risk factors of CAD.

Objective

To evaluate the association between EL 584C/T polymorphism, CAD risk, and lipid profile in an Egyptian population.

Methods

This is a case‐control study. The patients were classified into three groups: Group A: Control group, this group included 42 apparently healthy people. Group B: included 42 subjects diagnosed with previous myocardial infarction (MI). Group C: included 42 subjects diagnosed with unstable angina (UA).

Results

The frequencies of TT and CT genotypes and T allele were higher in control healthy individuals than CAD patients. In addition, the risk of CAD was significantly lower in individuals carrying T allele (P = 0.001). Serum high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were significantly higher in healthy individuals and CAD patients (MI and UA patients) carrying EL 584 T allele compared with those carrying CC genotype (P ≤  0.001). By multiple logistic regression, we found that the protective effect of T allele remained significant (P = 0.005) and it decreased the risk of CAD independent of plasma HDL levels.

Conclusion

There was a significant difference between 584C/T polymorphism in the EL gene and CAD and HDL level. T‐allele carriers had a higher HDL level and were protected from CAD. T allele was significantly associated with the decreased risk of CAD independent of plasma HDL levels.
Protective effect of ulinastatin on hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury through autophagy activation in Chang liver cells
Authors: Zhao Yiming , Cai Huabo , Zhou Pengmin , Lin Shengping , Pan Yun , Liang Xiao
Published: April 2019

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of ulinastatin in hepatic ischemia‐reperfusion progress, involving its association with the role of autophagy during hypoxia‐induced hypoxia‐reoxygenation injury in vitro. The model of hepatic hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury in Chang liver cells was established. After treatment with ulinastatin at the doses of 10, 100, and 1000 U/mL in H/R liver cells, the cell proliferation was significantly increased, morphological damage was reduced, and the cell apoptosis rate was decreased. The protein levels of antiapoptotic myeloid cell leukemia‐1 (Mcl‐1) and caspase‐3 were upregulated, and C‐PARP protein was downregulated. Meanwhile, ulinastatin led to an increase in the messenger RNA and protein levels of autophagy maker Unc‐like kinase 1 (ULK1), Beclin‐1, and microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC‐3) and a decrease in p62. Then, 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA), an inhibitor of autophagy, made morphological damage and cell apoptosis worsen in ulinastatin‐treated H/R liver cells. And the expression levels of caspase‐3, C‐PARP, p62, Beclin‐1, and LC‐3, proteins were also reversed by 3‐MA. Taken together, our results demonstrate that ulinastatin inhibited the hepatic H/R injury in Chang liver cells, which was, to some extent, related to the autophagy activation.
Thyroid function following breast cancer chemotherapy: A systematic review
Authors: Mortezaee Keywan , Ahmadi Amirhossein , Haghi‐Aminjan Hamed , Khanlarkhani Neda , Salehi Ensieh , Shabani Nashtaei Maryam , Farhood Bagher , Najafi Masoud , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: April 2019

Background

Chemotherapy, as a systemic therapy, is one of the most effective modalities for cancer treatment. However, the use of chemotherapeutic drugs in patients with breast cancer can lead to thyroid dysfunction. This systematic review summarizes the available data on thyroid function following breast cancer chemotherapy.

Methods

To illuminate the thyroid toxicities induced by different chemotherapy regimens in patients with breast cancer, a systematic search was done in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guideline in Scopus, Embase, PubMed and Web of Science electronic databases up to December 2018. On the basis of a set of prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria, eight eligible articles providing data on thyroid function following chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer were included in the study.

Results

According to the obtained results, it was found that for most cases, the levels of triiodothyronine (T3), free T3 (FT3), thyroxin (T4) and free T4 (FT4) hormones decrease following breast cancer chemotherapy regimens used in these eligible studies. However, alteration of thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) level after breast cancer chemotherapy was not clear.

Conclusion

The findings showed that thyroid function and TSH hormone level can change in patients with breast cancer receiving different chemotherapy regimens.
LEM domain containing 1 promotes proliferation via activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in gastric cancer
Authors: Li Qiang , Ge Yugang , Chen Xiaofeng , Wang Lu , Xia Yiwen , Xu Zhipeng , Li Zheng , Wang Weizhi , Yang Li , Zhang Diancai , Xu Zekuan
Published: April 2019

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide and has especially high morbidity and mortality in China. LEM domain containing 1 (LEMD1), an important cancer‐testis antigen, has been reported to be overexpressed in various cancers and promotes the progression of cancers. However, the biological characteristics of LEMD1 remain to be explored in GC. The connection between LEMD1 expression and GC progression was analyzed by using The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets and our human microarray datasets. A Kaplan‐Meier plot was used to analyze the relationship between LEMD1 expression and prognosis. The expression of LEMD1 was analyzed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, and the proliferation ability of GC cells was analyzed by cell proliferation and colony formation assays and 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine analysis. The cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Furthermore, subcutaneously implanted tumor models in nude mice were used to demonstrate the role of LEMD1 in promoting tumor proliferation in vivo. In this study, we demonstrated that the LEMD1 expression level was increased in GC tissues and cells compared with normal tissues and GES‐1. The in vivo and in vitro assays showed that LEMD1 promoted GC cell proliferation by regulating the cell cycle and apoptosis. Moreover, we showed that LEMD1 regulated cell proliferation by activating the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) / protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway. Overall, the results of our study suggest that LEMD1 contributes to GC proliferation by regulating the cell cycle and apoptosis via activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. LEMD1 may act as a potential target for GC treatment.
1α,25(OH)2D3 alleviates high glucose–induced lipid accumulation in rat renal tubular epithelial cells by inhibiting SREBPs
Authors: Xu Miao , Jiang Fei , Li Bingyan , Zhang Zengli
Published: April 2019

Lipid accumulation is a vital event in the progression of diabetic nephropathy. 1,25‐Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2D3) is considered to have a protective effect on diabetic nephropathy. However, it remains unclear whether 1α,25(OH)2D3 can inhibit lipid accumulation, and the potential mechanisms responsible for lipid metabolism are incompletely understood. In this study, we evaluated the effects of 1α,25(OH)2D3 on lipid metabolism in high glucose–exposed rat renal tubular epithelial NRK‐52E cells. Results indicated that high glucose–enhanced lipid accumulation in NRK‐52E cells and 1α,25(OH)2D3 can remarkably decrease high glucose–induced lipid accumulation. Western blot showed that 1α,25(OH)2D3 alleviated high glucose–induced upregulation of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1c (SREBP‐1c) and SREBP2, along with their established target genes fatty acid synthase (FASN) and hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA reductases (HMGCR). Overall, these findings suggest that 1α,25(OH)2D3 downregulated the expressions of SREBPs to inhibit high glucose–induced lipid accumulation, which provides new sights into the protective effects of 1α,25(OH)2D3 on diabetic nephropathy.
Circular RNA circ_001350 regulates glioma cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastatic properties by acting as a miRNA sponge
Authors: Liu Yang , Ma Chunjie , Qin Xiangying , Yu Haiming , Shen Lei , Jin Haifeng
Published: April 2019

Glioma is an aggressive malignancy with increasing incidence and threatens people's health worldwide. Accumulating evidence revealed that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important functions in cancers. A previous study demonstrated that circ_001350 was elevated in glioma tissue samples than nontumorous tissue specimens screened by high‐throughput microarray. The level of circ_001350 in glioma tissue specimens and cell lines was detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The Fisher exact test was carried out to estimate the correlation of circ_001350 level with clinical characteristics. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and motility abilities were detected using cell counting kit‐8, clonogenic, flow cytometry, and transwell experiments, respectively. The potential target of circ_001350 was identified by the luciferase assay. circ_001350 level was significantly enhanced in glioma tissue specimens and cells. Further, elevated expression of circ_001350 was closely linked to patients' clinical severity. Knockdown of circ_001350 could inhibit cell proliferation and metastatic properties and increase apoptotic cells. circ_001350 could directly bind to miR‐1236 and regulate its expression to exert oncogenic functions. Collectively, circ_001350 directly sponges miR‐1236, thus contributing to malignant progression of glioma.
Amelioration of muscle wasting by glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist in muscle atrophy
Authors: Hong Yeonhee , Lee Jong Han , Jeong Kwang Won , Choi Cheol Soo , Jun Hee‐Sook
Published: April 2019

Background

Skeletal muscle atrophy is defined as a reduction of muscle mass caused by excessive protein degradation. However, the development of therapeutic interventions is still in an early stage. Although glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) agonists, such as exendin‐4 (Ex‐4) and dulaglutide, are widely used for the treatment of diabetes, their effects on muscle pathology are unknown. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of GLP‐1R agonist for muscle wasting and the mechanisms involved.

Methods

Mouse C2C12 myotubes were used to evaluate the in vitro effects of Ex‐4 in the presence or absence of dexamethasone (Dex) on the regulation of the expression of muscle atrophic factors and the underlying mechanisms using various pharmacological inhibitors. In addition, we investigated the in vivo therapeutic effect of Ex‐4 in a Dex‐induced mouse muscle atrophy model (20 mg/kg/day i.p.) followed by injection of Ex‐4 (100 ng/day i.p.) for 12 days and chronic kidney disease (CKD)‐induced muscle atrophy model. Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of a long‐acting GLP‐1R agonist by treatment of dulaglutide (1 mg/kg/week s.c.) for 3 weeks, in DBA/2J‐mdx mice, a Duchenne muscular dystrophy model.

Results

Ex‐4 suppressed the expression of myostatin (MSTN) and muscle atrophic factors such as F‐box only protein 32 (atrogin‐1) and muscle RING‐finger protein‐1 (MuRF‐1) in Dex‐treated C2C12 myotubes. The suppression effect was via protein kinase A and protein kinase B signalling pathways through GLP‐1R. In addition, Ex‐4 treatment inhibited glucocorticoid receptor (GR) translocation by up‐regulating the proteins of GR inhibitory complexes. In a Dex‐induced muscle atrophy model, Ex‐4 ameliorated muscle atrophy by suppressing muscle atrophic factors and enhancing myogenic factors (MyoG and MyoD), leading to increased muscle mass and function. In the CKD muscle atrophy model, Ex‐4 also increased muscle mass, myofiber size, and muscle function. In addition, treatment with a long‐acting GLP‐1R agonist, dulaglutide, recovered muscle mass and function in DBA/2J‐mdx mice.

Conclusions

GLP‐1R agonists ameliorate muscle wasting by suppressing MSTN and muscle atrophic factors and enhancing myogenic factors through GLP‐1R‐mediated signalling pathways. These novel findings suggest that activating GLP‐1R signalling may be useful for the treatment of atrophy‐related muscular diseases.
A cross‐sectional study of stool form (using Bristol stool chart) in an urban South Indian population
Authors: Srinivas Melpakkam , Srinivasan Vijaya , Jain Mayank , Rani Shanthi Coimbatore Subramanian , Mohan Viswanathan , Jayanthi Venkataraman
Published: April 2019

Background

There is paucity of data on Bristol stool form (BSF) in healthy South Indian residents.

Aim

To determine the BSF types and associated factors in an urban bowel health noncomplainant population.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study, performed using a self‐administered questionnaire among adult Chennai residents, compared BSF types by gender for various factors (age, occupation, bowel frequency, and defecation‐related abdominal pain). BSF types 1/2 and 6/7 were grouped as hard and loose stools, respectively. The statistical tests used were proportion test, χ2, and Kruskal–Wallis tests (P < 0.05 deemed significant).

Results

The study cohort of 1402 subjects included 748 (53.3%) men and a third each of professionals, semiprofessionals, and “non‐office goers” (homemakers, retirees, students, and unemployed). A total of 97% had daily bowel movement, and 8.5% reported defecation associated abdominal pain. The BSF types in decreasing prevalence were: Type 3 (35.6%), Type 4 (32.5%), Types 1 or 2 (20.5%), Type 5 (6.9%), and Types 6 or 7 (4.5%). On gender comparison, significantly more men passed hard (P = 0.03) or loose stools (P = 0.001), while more women passed Type 3 (P = 0.0002). Loose stools in men were associated with abdominal pain (P = 0.0035). Women passing hard or loose stool types were slightly older (median age in 30s vs. 20s in Types 3–5) and had reduced stool frequency (P = 0.026: hard; P = 0.006: loose).

Conclusions

This South Indian noncomplainant cohort's most common stool types were BSF Types 3 and 4, with few gender variations in extreme stool types.
Recent advances in understanding the molecular genetic basis of mitochondrial disease
Authors: Thompson Kyle , Collier Jack J. , Glasgow Ruth I. C. , Robertson Fiona M. , Pyle Angela , Blakely Emma L. , Alston Charlotte L. , Oláhová Monika , McFarland Robert , Taylor Robert W.
Published: April 2019

Mitochondrial disease is hugely diverse with respect to associated clinical presentations and underlying genetic causes, with pathogenic variants in over 300 disease genes currently described. Approximately half of these have been discovered in the last decade due to the increasingly widespread application of next generation sequencing technologies, in particular unbiased, whole exome—and latterly, whole genome sequencing. These technologies allow more genetic data to be collected from patients with mitochondrial disorders, continually improving the diagnostic success rate in a clinical setting. Despite these significant advances, some patients still remain without a definitive genetic diagnosis. Large datasets containing many variants of unknown significance have become a major challenge with next generation sequencing strategies and these require significant functional validation to confirm pathogenicity. This interface between diagnostics and research is critical in continuing to expand the list of known pathogenic variants and concomitantly enhance our knowledge of mitochondrial biology. The increasing use of whole exome sequencing, whole genome sequencing and other “omics” techniques such as transcriptomics and proteomics will generate even more data and allow further interrogation and validation of genetic causes, including those outside of coding regions. This will improve diagnostic yields still further and emphasizes the integral role that functional assessment of variant causality plays in this process—the overarching focus of this review.
Entrepreneurial motivation: A review of the literature and an agenda for future research
Authors: Murnieks Charles Y. , Klotz Anthony C. , Shepherd Dean A.
Published: April 2019

Given the substantial impact that new ventures have on the global economy, understanding what motivates entrepreneurs is of both practical and theoretical importance. Although research on the nature, causes, and consequences of entrepreneurial motivation has grown rapidly, it has evolved in distinct theoretical silos that tend to isolate motives based on the phase of business development (e.g., initiation, growth, and exit) rather than acknowledge that individuals often traverse all these phases and experience multiple types of motivation throughout their entrepreneurial journey. To advance the study of motivation in the fields of entrepreneurship and organizational behavior and provide a means through which these advancements can contribute to our understanding of how motivation drives the start‐up, growth, and exiting of businesses, we organize and review the extant literature on entrepreneurial motives based on the phases of the new venture process. In doing so, this article develops a roadmap of the current state of entrepreneurial motivation research and its nomological network and provides suggestions to guide future research in extending our understanding of motivation in the entrepreneurship domain as well as in traditional organizational settings.
Effects of a rotational UV‐C irradiation system and packaging on the shelf life of fresh pistachio
Authors: Hosseini Fereshteh‐Sadat , Akhavan Hamid‐Reza , Maghsoudi Hossein , Hajimohammadi‐Farimani Reza , Balvardi Mohammad
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

In this study, fresh pistachio was exposed to UV‐C irradiation (2.1 and 4.5 kJ m−2) in a rotating cylindrical system with seven germicidal UV‐C lamps and immediately packed in perforated and non‐perforated polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The fruit were evaluated for weight loss, total phenolic content, enzyme activities, color indices (L*, a*, b* and browning index), and microbial counts during 35 days of storage at 4 °C.

RESULTS

UV‐C treatment caused a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the weight loss of fresh pistachios compared to the control. The activity of catalase and peroxidase enzymes was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in irradiated samples packed in non‐perforated PET in comparison to those of untreated samples. Irradiation did not inhibit the activity of polyphenol oxidase in treated samples, although a slight decrease in polyphenol oxidase activity was observed in irradiated samples compared to control. The fruit treated with 2.1 kJ m−2 of UV‐C and the control packed in non‐perforated PET were lighter (L*), redder (a*), and less yellow (b*) compared to 4.5 kJ m−2 treated samples. Furthermore, a dose of 4.5 kJ m−2 UV‐C significantly decreased sensory attributes of fresh pistachios compared to the other irradiation level and control.

CONCLUSION

UV‐C irradiation at a dose of 2.1 kJ m−2 and packing in non‐perforated PET are recommended for fresh pistachio preservation based on the physicochemical, microbial, and sensory parameters. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultrasound Findings Disclose the Mutual Impact of Vertebrobasilar Dolichoectasia and Vertebral Artery Hypoplasia
Authors: Chi Hsin‐Yi , Chen Kuan‐Wen , Hsu Chung‐Fu , Shen Chao‐Yu , Chen An‐Chih , Su Chun‐Hung , Fu Wen‐Mei
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD) and vertebral artery hypoplasia (VAH) are known predisposing factors of posterior circulation stokes. These vascular conditions have unique hemodynamic patterns in neuroimaging studies; however, they have been presented as a single entity in some reports. The aim of this retrospective study was to clarify the relationship between these conditions with regard to ultrasound (US) findings.

Methods

A total of 465 patients with strokes were recruited. Brain magnetic resonance imaging of vertebrobasilar arteries and differences in extracranial side‐to‐side vertebral artery (VA) flow were recorded by US and compared in groups.

Results

The mean age of the 465 patients ± SD was 67.23 ± 12.13 years; 296 were men. The prevalence of VBD was 13.5% (n = 63), and 10.8% (n = 50) of the patients had coexisting VAH and VBD. These patients also had the highest prevalence of posterior circulation strokes (58% [n = 29]). A cutoff value of 55.65 mL/min and a ratio discrepancy of 5.28 (group median) for the side‐to‐side extracranial VA flow volume as detected by conventional US were also observed in the patients with both VAH and VBD.

Conclusions

Our study revealed a higher prevalence of posterior circulation strokes in the patients with both VBD and VAH. Chronic asymmetric hemodynamic shear force in extracranial VAs leading to deformity of the vertebrobasilar system may explain our observations. Accordingly, the blood flow volume and the ratio difference could potentially be used to detect patients at risk of VBD and reduce stroke risk factors.
The spectrum of facial palsy: The MEEI facial palsy photo and video standard set
Authors: Greene Jacqueline J. , Guarin Diego L. , Tavares Joana , Fortier Emily , Robinson Mara , Dusseldorp Joseph , Quatela Olivia , Jowett Nate , Hadlock Tessa
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Facial palsy causes variable facial disfigurement ranging from subtle asymmetry to crippling deformity. There is no existing standard database to serve as a resource for facial palsy education and research. We present a standardized set of facial photographs and videos representing the entire spectrum of flaccid and nonflaccid (aberrantly regenerated or synkinetic) facial palsy. To demonstrate the utility of the dataset, we describe the relationship between level of facial function and perceived emotion expression as determined by an automated emotion detection, machine learning‐based algorithm.

Methods

Photographs and videos of patients with both flaccid and nonflaccid facial palsy were prospectively gathered. The degree of facial palsy was quantified using eFACE, House‐Brackmann, and Sunnybrook scales. Perceived emotion during a standard video of facial movements was determined using an automated, machine learning algorithm.

Results

Sixty participants were enrolled and categorized by eFACE score across the range of facial function. Patients with complete flaccid facial palsy (eFACE <60) had a significant loss of perceived joy compared to the nonflaccid and normal groups. Additionally, patients with only moderate flaccid and nonflaccid facial palsy had a significant increase in perceived negative emotion (contempt) when compared to the normal group.

Conclusion

We provide this open‐source database to assist in comparing current and future scales of facial function as well as facilitate comprehensive investigation of the entire spectrum of facial palsy. The automated machine learning‐based algorithm detected negative emotions at moderate levels of facial palsy and suggested a threshold severity of flaccid facial palsy beyond which joy was not perceived.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 130:32–37, 2020
TLR4 in skin cancer: From molecular mechanisms to clinical interventions
Authors: Dickinson Sally E. , Wondrak Georg T.
Published: April 2019

The health and economic burden imposed by skin cancer is substantial, creating an urgent need for the development of improved molecular strategies for its prevention and treatment. Cutaneous exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a causative factor in skin carcinogenesis, and TLR4‐dependent inflammatory dysregulation is an emerging key mechanism underlying detrimental effects of acute and chronic UV exposure. Direct and indirect TLR4 activation, upstream of inflammatory signaling, is elicited by a variety of stimuli, including pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (such as lipopolysaccharide) and damage‐associated molecular patterns (such as HMGB1) that are formed upon exposure to environmental stressors, such as solar UV. TLR4 involvement has now been implicated in major types of skin malignancies, including nonmelanoma skin cancer, melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma. Targeted molecular interventions that positively or negatively modulate TLR4 signaling have shown promise in translational, preclinical, and clinical investigations that may benefit skin cancer patients in the near future.
Childhood “stress” and stable isotope life histories in Transylvania
Authors: Crowder Kayla D. , Montgomery Janet , Gröcke Darren R. , Filipek Kori L.
Published: April 2019

Aims and Objectives

Macroscopic skeletal analysis and stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis were employed to examine the relationship between skeletal “stress” lesions and changes in the isotopic life history profiles of six nonadults from the Gepid population buried at the Archiud “Hânsuri” Cemetery (4th–7th centuries AD).

Materials and Methods

The Gepids were a migratory barbarian population in the Carpathian Mountain basin of Transylvania, Romania. Macroscopic skeletal analysis was conducted on 32 individuals, and of those, six nonadults were selected for stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of incrementally sampled dentine.

Results

Macroscopic skeletal analyses revealed 47% of the analysed population displayed evidence of childhood stress. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ranges were −17.7‰ to −11.8‰ for δ13C and 9.4‰ to 15.1‰ for δ15N.

Discussion

The overall dietary profile indicates a mixed terrestrial diet (C3/C4) with increased consumption of C4 plants during adolescence. The six nonadults appear to have been breastfed from 1 to 6 months and weaned by 3 years of age. High δ15N values seen in pre‐natal and post‐natal increments may suggest a level of nutritional/physiological stress during gestation and during the transitions from umbilical nutrients, breastmilk, and weaning foods. Although limited by the small sample size, this study supports the link between elevated δ15N values and nutritional stress and the relationship and timing of skeletal lesions with changes in the isotope profiles and was among the first to combine palaeopathological analyses and incremental stable isotope analyses on the Transylvania Gepids.
Preparation of stable and superior flux GO/LDH/PDA‐based nanofiltration membranes through electrostatic self‐assembly for dye purification
Authors: Zhong Fei , Wang Pingquan , He Yi , Chen Chunlin , Li Hongjie , Yu Hao , Chen Jingyu
Published: April 2019

Graphene oxide (GO) has triggered significant attention as a new type of self‐assembly membrane material. However, the low filtration flux and unstable performance of GO membrane limit its practical application. Hence, in this work, layered double hydroxides (LDHs), as a 2D material with double‐layer channel structure and positive electricity, were self‐assembled with GO at weight ratio of 7:3 by electrostatic interaction. Then, the GO/LDH hybrids combined with polydopamine (PDA) to obtain stable and high‐flux GO‐based membranes through vacuum filtration and the structure and morphology of as‐prepared samples were characterized by FT‐IR, XRD, XPS, and SEM. Furthermore, the separation performance and surface electronegativity of membranes were tested via pure water flux, rejection efficiency, recycle experiments, and zeta potential. Results revealed that the stability and flux of composite membrane were enhanced significantly compared with neat GO‐based membrane. Further, the dye rejection rate of methylene blue (MB) is higher than Congo red (CR) and rhodamine B (Rh B) and reached to 99.8%.
NR4A3 fusion proteins trigger an axon guidance switch that marks the difference between EWSR1 and TAF15 translocated extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcomas
Authors: Brenca Monica , Stacchiotti Silvia , Fassetta Kelly , Sbaraglia Marta , Janjusevic Milijana , Racanelli Dominga , Polano Maurizio , Rossi Sabrina , Brich Silvia , Dagrada Gian P , Collini Paola , Colombo Chiara , Gronchi Alessandro , Astolfi Annalisa , Indio Valentina , Pantaleo Maria A , Picci Piero , Casali Paolo G , Dei Tos Angelo P , Pilotti Silvana , Maestro Roberta
Published: April 2019

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a rare sarcoma histotype with uncertain differentiation. EMC is hallmarked by the rearrangement of the NR4A3 gene, which in most cases fuses with EWSR1 or TAF15. TAF15‐translocated EMC seem to feature a more aggressive course compared to EWSR1‐positive EMCs, but whether the type of NR4A3 chimera impinges upon EMC biology is still largely undefined. To gain insights on this issue, a series of EMC samples (7 EWSR1‐NR4A3 and 5 TAF15‐NR4A3) were transcriptionally profiled. Our study unveiled that the two EMC variants display a distinct transcriptional profile and that the axon guidance pathway is a major discriminant. In particular, class 4–6 semaphorins and axonal guidance cues endowed with pro‐tumorigenic activity were more expressed in TAF15‐NR4A3 tumors; vice versa, class 3 semaphorins, considered to convey growth inhibitory signals, were more abundant in EWSR1‐NR4A3 EMC. Intriguingly, the dichotomy in axon guidance signaling observed in the two tumor variants was recapitulated in in vitro cell models engineered to ectopically express EWSR1‐NR4A3 or TAF15‐NR4A3. Moreover, TAF15‐NR4A3 cells displayed a more pronounced tumorigenic potential, as assessed by anchorage‐independent growth. Overall, our results indicate that the type of NR4A3 chimera dictates an axon guidance switch and impacts on tumor cell biology. These findings may provide a framework for interpretation of the different clinical–pathological features of the two EMC variants and lay down the bases for the development of novel patient stratification criteria and therapeutic approaches. © 2019 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Volatolomics approach by HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS and multivariate analysis to discriminate olive tree varieties infected by Xylella fastidiosa
Authors: Mentana Annalisa , Camele Ippolito , Mang Stefania M. , De Benedetto Giuseppe E. , Frisullo Salvatore , Centonze Diego
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) is a pathogenic bacterium that causes diseases in olive trees. Therefore, analytical methods for both the characterisation of the host/pathogen interaction and infection monitoring are needed. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted by plants relate to their physiological state, therefore VOCs monitoring can assist in detecting stress or infection states before visible signs are present.

Objective

In this work, the headspace‐solid phase microextraction‐gaschromatography‐mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS) technique was used for the first time to highlight VOCs differences between healthy and Xf‐infected olive trees.

Methodology

VOCs from olive tree twig samples were extracted and analysed by HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS, and hence identified by comparing the experimental linear retention indexes with the reference values and by MS data obtained from NIST library. Data were processed by principal component analysis (PCA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

The HS‐SPME step was optimised in terms of adsorbent phase and extraction time. HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS technique was applied to the extraction and analysis of VOCs of healthy and Xf‐infected olive trees. More than 100 compounds were identified and the differences between samples were evidenced by the multivariate analysis approach. The results showed the marked presence of methyl esters in Xf‐infected samples, suggesting their probable involvement in the mechanism of diffusible signal factor.

Conclusion

The proposed approach represents an easy and solvent‐free method to evaluate the presence of Xf in olive trees, and to evidence volatiles produced by host/pathogen interactions that could be involved in the defensive mechanism of the olive tree and/or in the infective action of Xf.
Parent‐implemented reading interventions within a response to intervention framework
Authors: Zhou Qi , Dufrene Brad A. , Mercer Sterett H. , Olmi D. Joe , Tingstom Daniel H.
Published: April 2019

This study tested the effects of parent‐implemented reading interventions on four elementary students’ reading fluency. Student participants had been receiving a Tier 2 reading intervention, but they were not responding favorably to the Tier 2 intervention. A consultant conducted brief experimental analyses of reading interventions and identified a Tier 3 intervention for each student. Then, the consultant trained the students’ mothers to implement the interventions at home. The interventions were tested via a multiple baseline design across students. During the intervention phase, the consultant monitored parents’ treatment integrity and assessed students’ oral reading fluency for novel, grade‐level progress monitoring passages. Visual analysis indicates that all four students demonstrated increases in oral reading fluency for instructional passages and novel progress monitoring passages after intervention implementation. In addition, single‐case design effect sizes indicate strong effects for instructional passages for all four students, moderate effects for novel progress monitoring passages for two students, and strong effects for novel progress monitoring passages for two students. Finally, parents implemented interventions with moderate to high integrity, and parents rated the interventions as acceptable. Results are discussed in terms of implications for research and practice as they relate to parent‐implemented interventions within a response to intervention framework.
Depression and inflammation among epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant nonsmall cell lung cancer patients
Authors: McFarland Daniel C. , Jutagir Devika R. , Rosenfeld Barry , Pirl William , Miller Andrew H. , Breitbart William , Nelson Christian
Published: April 2019

Objective

Depression is highly prevalent in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and is associated with elevated inflammation. However, certain subtypes of driver mutation–associated NSCLC such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–mutated NSCLC may be associated with less depression given the differences in their underlying biology and disease trajectories. Biological variables such as inflammation, measured by C‐reactive protein (CRP), may provide insight into depression variability in EGFR mutant NSCLC.

Methods

Patients with EGFR mutant and wild‐type metastatic NSCLC were evaluated for depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) on a continuous scale and meeting depression screening criteria (HADS ≥ 8). Inflammation was measured using CRP. A mediation model was created to understand how inflammation mediates EGFR wild‐type associated depression.

Results

One hundred out of 120 patients with NSCLC were recruited (83.3% response rate). The 20 participants with EGFR mutant NSCLC had less depression (HADS‐D 3.0 versus 5.4) (P < .001), met depression screening criteria less often (P = .047), and exhibited less inflammation (CRP = 0.23 mg/mL versus 2.71 mg/mL) (P < .001) in comparison with EGFR wild‐type NSCLC. Multivariate linear regression model revealed that only CRP predicted depression (P = .015) while controlling for age and sex. Mediation analysis found that lower CRP partially mediated less depression in EGFR mutant NSCLC.

Conclusions

EGFR mutant NSCLC is associated with less depression but the relationship is partially mediated by lower CRP‐related inflammation, which is a stronger predictor of depression than EGFR status. Depression in lung cancer varies by subtype and is significantly related to inflammation.
A Study on Consumption and Characterization of Stabilizer Content of NEPE Propellant via FTIR
Authors: Tao Tao , Sui Xin , Li Shipeng , Wang Ningfei
Published: April 2019

Nitrate ester plasticised polyether (NEPE) propellants, a kind of high‐energy solid propellant, were tested for their stabilizer content and Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR) to study their ageing performance. On the one hand, a stabilizer consumption equation containing the ageing temperature, stabilizer content, and ageing time was established by analyzing the data of stabilizer content of NEPE aged at high temperatures (328, 333, 338, 343, 348, and 353 K). On the other hand, it was found that the second derivative spectral absorbance of 1598 cm−1 has a high linear correlation to the stabilizer content of NEPE propellant, and an equation, which can be used to calculate the stabilizer content of NEPE with FTIR data, was established. Thereafter, to prove the universality and accuracy of these two equations, FTIR testing of NEPE aged at room temperature (298 K) was carried out. Accordingly, the two other equations for stabilizer consumption at room temperature were derived by the FTIR data and the stabilizer consumption equation, respectively. They were consistent and the universality and accuracy of these equations were proven, and the feasibility of non‐destructive monitoring methods for NEPE propellants via FTIR was experimentally verified.
Surgical and oncological outcomes after ultrasound‐guided robotic liver resections for malignant tumor. Analysis of a prospective database
Authors: Pesi Benedetta , Moraldi Luca , Guerra Francesco , Tofani Federica , Nerini Alessandro , Annecchiarico Mario , Coratti Andrea
Published: April 2019

Aim

Robotic surgery is thought to have a role in widening the application of minimally invasive liver surgery. Nonetheless, data concerning surgical results for liver malignancies are presently still lacking. We aimed to evaluate the surgical and oncological outcomes of ultrasound guided robotic liver resections for hepatic malignancies.

Methods

All consecutive patients who received robotic resection of primary and secondary liver malignancies from September 2008 to January 2017 were analyzed. The same surgical team performed all procedures following the principle of parenchymal‐sparing surgery.

Results

From a total of 51 patients, 13 patients (25%) underwent major and 38 (75%) minor hepatectomy. No mortality occurred. Two procedures were converted to open surgery. Five patients experienced major complications, with a reintervention rate of 6%. Median hospital stay was 5 days.

Conclusions

Robotic surgery is a safe and feasible procedure for liver resection even when dealing with malignancies. Our data show that robotic surgery can be considered a valid option to treat patients with liver malignancies in a minimally invasive manner, without compromise the oncological results.
Mn‐Fe‐Ce Coating onto Cordierite Monoliths as Structured Catalysts for NO Catalytic Oxidation
Authors: Han Wen , Yi Honghong , Tang Xiaolong , Zhao Shunzheng , Gao Fengyu , Zhang Xiaodong , Ma Chuanbo , Song Lingling
Published: April 2019

A series of Mn‐Fe−X (X=Ce, W, Cu, Co) mixed oxides doped on cordierite monoliths as structured catalysts based monolithic for NO oxidation has been investigated. The results showed that Mn−Fe‐Ce/Al2O3/CC sample exhibited the best activity, for which a maximal NO conversion (72%) could be attained at 250 °C with the GHSV of 5971 h−1. The effects of the preparation parameters including the catalyst preparation methods and the coating material on the catalytic performance for NO catalytic oxidation was also investigated. The XRD and SEM‐EDS also indicated the coating material had a significant influence on specific surface area, surface morphology, which resulted in diﬀerences in the catalytic activity of NO catalytic oxidation. The NO+O2‐TPD results indicated that different general procedures to prepare Mn−Fe‐Ce based monolithic catalysts had a great influence on the catalytic oxidation activity of NO and Mn−Fe‐Ce/Al2O3/CC catalyst was beneficial to NO adsorption and NO2 desorption, which increased activity of catalytic oxidation of NO. The physisorption of N2 revealed that the catalyst synthesized with Al2O3 presented a higher BET specific surface area, more abundant pore structure, and better dispersion of catalysts’ active components which were favorable for catalytic oxidation reaction of NO.
Rapid and Superior Bacteria Killing of Carbon Quantum Dots/ZnO Decorated Injectable Folic Acid‐Conjugated PDA Hydrogel through Dual‐Light Triggered ROS and Membrane Permeability
Authors: Xiang Yiming , Mao Congyang , Liu Xiangmei , Cui Zhenduo , Jing Doudou , Yang Xianjin , Liang Yanqin , Li Zhaoyang , Zhu Shengli , Zheng Yufeng , Yeung Kelvin Wai Kwok , Zheng Dong , Wang Xianbao , Wu Shuilin
Published: April 2019

One of the most difficult challenges in the biomedical field is bacterial infection, which causes tremendous harm to human health. In this work, an injectable hydrogel is synthesized through rapid assembly of dopamine (DA) and folic acid (FA) cross‐linked by transition metal ions (TMIs, i.e., Zn2+), which was named as DFT‐hydrogel. Both the two carboxyl groups in the FA molecule and catechol in polydopamine (PDA) easily chelates Zn2+ to form metal–ligand coordination, thereby allowing this injectable hydrogel to match the shapes of wounds. In addition, PDA in the hydrogel coated around carbon quantum dot‐decorated ZnO (C/ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) to rapidly generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and heat under illumination with 660 and 808 nm light, endows this hybrid hydrogel with great antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, typical Gram‐positive bacteria) and Escherichia coli (E. coli, typical Gram‐negative bacteria). The antibacterial efficacy of the prepared DFT‐C/ZnO‐hydrogel against S. aureus and E. coli under dual‐light irradiation is 99.9%. Importantly, the hydrogels release zinc ions over 12 days, resulting in a sustained antimicrobial effect and promoted fibroblast growth. Thus, this hybrid hydrogel exhibits great potential for the reconstruction of bacteria‐infected tissues, especially exposed wounds.
Insulin Stimulates PI3K/AKT and Cell Adhesion to Promote the Survival of Individualized Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Godoy-Parejo Carlos , Deng Chunhao , Liu Weiwei , Chen Guokai
Published: April 2019

Insulin is present in most maintenance media for human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), but little is known about its essential role in the cell survival of individualized cells during passage. In this article, we show that insulin suppresses caspase cleavage and apoptosis after dissociation. Insulin activates insulin-like growth factor (IGF) receptor and PI3K/AKT cascade to promote cell survival and its function is independent of rho-associated protein kinase regulation. During niche reformation after passaging, insulin activates integrin that is essential for cell survival. IGF receptor colocalizes with focal adhesion complex and stimulates protein phosphorylation involved in focal adhesion formation. Insulin promotes cell spreading on matrigel-coated surfaces and suppresses myosin light chain phosphorylation. Further study showed that insulin is also required for the cell survival on E-cadherin coated surface and in suspension, indicating its essential role in cell–cell adhesion. This work highlights insulin's complex roles in signal transduction and niche re-establishment in hESCs. Stem Cells  2019;37:1030–1041
Recent Developments in the Plant‐Mediated Green Synthesis of Ag‐Based Nanoparticles for Environmental and Catalytic Applications
Authors: Nasrollahzadeh Mahmoud , Mahmoudi‐Gom Yek Samaneh , Motahharifar Narjes , Ghafori Gorab Mostafa
Published: April 2019

Among different metallic nanoparticles, sliver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are one of the most essential and fascinating nanomaterials. Importantly, among the metal based nanoparticles, Ag NPs play a key role in various fields such as biomedicine, biosensors, catalysis, pharmaceuticals, nanoscience and nanotechnology, particularly in nanomedicine. A main concern about the chemical synthesis of Ag NPs is the production of hazardous chemicals and toxic wastes. To overcome this problem, many research studies have been carried out on the green synthesis of Ag NPs using green sources such as plant extracts, microorganisms and some biopolymers without formation of hazardous wastes. Among green sources, plants could be remarkably valuable to exploring the biosynthesis of Ag NPs. In this review, the green synthesis of Ag‐based nanocatalysts such as Ag NPs, AgPd NPs, Au−Ag NPs, Ag/AgPd NPs, Ag/Cu NPs, Ag@AgCl NPs, Au−Ag@AgCl nanocomposite, Ag−Cr‐AC nanocomposite and Ag NPs immobilized on various supports such as Natrolite zeolite, bone, ZnO, seashell, hazelnut shell, almond shell, SnO2, perlite, ZrO2, TiO2, α‐Al2O3, CeO2, reduced graphene oxide (rGO), h‐Fe2O3@SiO2, and Fe3O4 using numerous plant extracts as reducing and stabilizing agents in the absence of hazardous surfactant and capping agents has been focused. This work describes the state of the art and future challenges in the biosynthesis of Ag‐based nanocatalysts. The fact about the application of living plants in metal nanoparticle (MNPs) industry is that it is a more economical and efficient biosynthesis biosynthetic procedure. In addition, the catalytic activities of the synthesized, Ag‐based recyclable nanocatalysts using various plant extracts in several chemical reactions such as oxidation, reduction, coupling, cycloaddition, cyanation, epoxidation, hydration, degradation and hydrogenation reactions have bben extensively discussed.