bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban compared with warfarin in patients with carotid artery disease and nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: Insights from the ROCKET AF trial
Authors: Kochar Ajar , Hellkamp Anne S. , Lokhnygina Yuliya , Jones W. Schuyler , Becker Richard C. , Berkowitz Scott D. , Breithardt Günter , Fox Keith A.A. , Halperin Jonathan L. , Hankey Graeme J. , Mahaffey Kenneth W. , Nessel Christopher C. , Singer Daniel E. , Piccini Jonathan P. , Patel Manesh R.
Published: February 2018

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases risk of stroke 5‐fold. Carotid artery disease (CD) also augments the risk of stroke, yet there are limited data about the interplay of these 2 diseases and clinical outcomes in patients with comorbid AF and CD.

Hypothesis

Among patients with both AF and CD, use of rivaroxaban when compared with warfarin is associated with a lower risk of stroke.

Methods

This post hoc analysis from ROCKET AF aimed to determine absolute rates of stroke/systemic embolism (SE) and bleeding, and the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban compared with warfarin in patients with AF and CD (defined as history of carotid occlusive disease or carotid revascularization [endarterectomy and/or stenting]).

Results

A total of 593 (4.2%) patients had CD at enrollment. Patients with and without CD had similar rates of stroke or SE (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66‐1.48, P = 0.96), and there was no difference in major or nonmajor clinically relevant bleeding (adjusted HR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.88‐1.24, P = 0.62). The efficacy of rivaroxaban compared with warfarin for the prevention of stroke/SE was not statistically significant in patients with vs those without CD (interaction P = 0.25). The safety of rivaroxaban vs warfarin for major or nonmajor clinically relevant bleeding was similar in patients with and without CD (interaction P = 0.64).

Conclusions

Patients with CD in ROCKET AF had similar risk of stroke/SE compared with patients without CD. Additionally, there was no interaction between CD and the treatment effect of rivaroxaban or warfarin for stroke prevention or safety endpoints.
1,3,5‐Triazino Peptide Derivatives: Synthesis, Characterization, and Preliminary Antileishmanial Activity
Authors: Khattab Sherine N. , Khalil Hosam H. , Bekhit Adnan A. , Abd El‐Rahman Mohamed M. , de la Torre Beatriz G. , El‐Faham Ayman , Albericio Fernando
Published: February 2018

A library of short di‐, tri‐, and tetra‐peptides with an s‐triazine moiety at the N terminus and either an amide or ethyl ester C terminus was prepared in solution and on the solid phase. The two remaining positions of the s‐triazine moiety were substituted with methoxy, morpholino, or piperidino groups. All the synthesized peptide derivatives were analyzed by HPLC and fully characterized by IR spectroscopy, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF/TOF). A preliminary study of the antileishmanial activity of the 1,3,5‐triazinyl peptide derivatives revealed that four dipeptide amide derivatives showed higher antipromastigote or antiamastigote activity than the reference standard drug miltefosine with no significance acute toxicity.
Predictive elastic replication for multi‐tenant databases in the cloud
Authors: Sousa Flávio R. C. , Moreira Leonardo O. , Costa Filho José S. , Machado Javam C.
Published: February 2018

Cloud computing is a trend of technology aimed at providing on‐demand services with payment based on usage. In order to improve the use of resources, cloud providers adopt multi‐tenant approaches, reducing the operation cost of services. Moreover, tenants have irregular workload patterns, which impacts in guarantees of quality of service, mainly due to interference among tenants. This paper proposes PredRep, a predictive approach to characterize the cloud database system workload and automatically provide or reduce resources by replication techniques. In order to evaluate PredRep, some experiments that measure the quality of service and elasticity are presented. Our experiment results confirm that PredRep reduces cost and SLA violations.
Large Charge‐Transfer Energy in LiFePO4 Revealed by Full‐Multiplet Calculation for the Fe L3‐edge Soft X‐ray Emission Spectra
Authors: Asakura Daisuke , Nanba Yusuke , Makinose Yuki , Matsuda Hirofumi , Glans Per‐Anders , Guo Jinghua , Hosono Eiji
Published: February 2018

We analyzed the Fe 3d electronic structure in LiFePO4/FePO4 (LFP/FP) nanowire with a high cyclability by using soft X‐ray emission spectroscopy (XES) combined with configuration‐interaction full‐multiplet (CIFM) calculation. The ex situ Fe L2,3‐edge resonant XES (RXES) spectra for LFP and FP are ascribed to oxidation states of Fe2+ and Fe3+, respectively. CIFM calculations for Fe2+ and Fe3+ states reproduced the Fe L3 RXES spectra for LFP and FP, respectively. In the calculations for both states, the charge‐transfer energy was considerably larger than those for typical iron oxides, indicating very little electron transfer from the O 2p to Fe 3d orbitals and a weak hybridization on the Fe−O bond during the charge–discharge reactions.
Free‐Standing Hybrid Graphene Paper Encapsulating Nanostructures for High Cycle‐Life Supercapacitors
Authors: Jiao Xinyan , Hao Qingli , Xia Xifeng , Lei Wu , Ouyang Yu , Ye Haitao , Mandler Daniel
Published: February 2018

The incorporation of spacers between graphene sheets has been investigated as an effective method to improve the electrochemical performance of graphene papers (GPs) for supercapacitors. Here, we report the design of free‐standing GP@NiO and GP@Ni hybrid GPs in which NiO nanoclusters and Ni nanoparticles are encapsulated into graphene sheets through electrostatic assembly and subsequent vacuum filtration. The encapsulated NiO nanoclusters and Ni nanoparticles can mitigate the restacking of graphene sheets, providing sufficient spaces for high‐speed ion diffusion and electron transport. In addition, the spacers strongly bind to graphene sheets, which can efficiently improve the electrochemical stability. Therefore, at a current density of 0.5 A g−1, the GP@NiO and GP@Ni electrodes exhibit higher specific capacitances of 306.9 and 246.1 F g−1 than the GP electrode (185.7 F g−1). The GP@NiO and GP@Ni electrodes exhibit capacitance retention of 98.7 % and 95.6 % after 10000 cycles, demonstrating an outstanding cycling stability. Additionally, the GP@NiO∥GP@Ni delivers excellent cycling stability (93.7 % after 10 000 cycles) and high energy density. These free‐standing encapsulated hybrid GPs have great potential as electrode for high‐performance supercapacitors.
Zwitterionic Hydrobromic Acid Carriers for the Synthesis of 2‐Bromopropionic Acid from Lactide
Authors: Kehrer Matthias , Mehler Julian , Taccardi Nicola , Nagengast Jens , Kadar Julian , Collias Dimitris , Dziezok Peter , Wasserscheid Peter , Albert Jakob
Published: February 2018

A convenient and highly efficient way of synthesizing 2‐bromopropionic acid (2‐BrPA) from lactide is presented. The procedure uses ionic liquids obtained from the addition of HBr to ammonium‐based zwitterions as the solvent and bromination agent. The buffered HBr acidity, high polarity, and charge stabilizing character of the ionic liquid (IL) enable the synthesis of 2‐BrPA with excellent selectivity. The best results are obtained with an imidazolium‐based IL, that is, 1‐(4‐butanesulfonic acid)‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide ([MIMBS]Br). The HBr loading and water content of the IL are crucial parameters for the bromination reaction. The formed 2‐BrPA product can be selectively isolated by extraction from the IL, and the unconverted substrate remains in the [MIMBS]Br IL for the next run. Successful recycling of the IL over four cycles is demonstrated.
Depositional environments and sources for the middle Eocene Fulra Limestone Formation, Kachchh Basin, western India: Evidences from facies analysis, mineralogy, and geochemistry
Authors: Srivastava V. K. , Singh B. P.
Published: February 2018

The middle Eocene Fulra Limestone Formation of the Kachchh Basin, western India was investigated to interpret depositional environments and sources of limestones based on facies analysis, mineralogy, and major, trace, and rare earth elements (REEs) geochemistry. Facies stacking pattern of the Fulra Limestone Formation exhibits an overall shallowing‐upward sedimentary succession developed in the middle to inner ramp to lagoonal set‐up. Staining of the thin sections and X‐ray diffraction patterns show dominance of calcite mineral. The CaO, ranging from 40.45% to 49.69%, is the dominant oxide among the major oxides followed by SiO2(4.04–10.3%). The dominance of CaO over MgO suggests that the major mineral phase has been calcite and no dolomitization occurred during the deposition of the Fulra limestone. The low proportion of SiO2and Al2O3suggests low siliciclastic input during the precipitation of the Fulra limestone that is confirmed by the positive correlation of ∑REE with Al2O3, Fe2O3, Ni, Th, Sc, and Y and the negative correlation of SiO2, Al2O3, and Sr with CaO. The average value of REE contents in the Fulra Limestone Formation are lower (*16.02 ppm) than the average value of typical marine carbonates (*28 ppm). The Post‐Archean Australian Shale‐normalized REE + Y patterns of the Fulra limestone exhibit seawater like shale‐normalized REE + Y pattern, whereas slightly lower average value of Y/Ho ratio (34.60) than the typical seawater value (~44–74) suggests modification of the seawater, to some extent, by input of freshwater in a coastal environment. The REEs of the Fulra Limestone Formation have similarity with the carbonates of the Arabian Sea and/or shallow marine carbonates with exception of a few elements. It is envisaged from this study that the Fulra limestone was deposited in a shallow marine to coastal set‐up where mixing of the continental material in seawater was feasible.
Intraoperative monitoring of marginal mandibular nerve during neck dissection
Authors: Tirelli Giancarlo , Bergamini Pier Riccardo , Scardoni Alessandro , Gatto Annalisa , Boscolo Nata Francesca , Marcuzzo Alberto Vito
Published: February 2018

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of intraoperative nerve integrity monitoring (NIM) to prevent marginal mandibular nerve injuries during neck dissection.

Methods

This prospective study compared 36 patients undergoing NIM‐assisted neck dissection from July 2014 to March 2015 to a cohort of 35 patients subjected to neck dissection over an identical period of time before the technique was introduced. We also assessed possible correlations between marginal mandibular nerve injuries and other factors, such as anthropometric measurements, presence of clinical neck metastases, type of neck dissection, and site of primary tumor.

Results

The incidence of marginal mandibular nerve paralyses was significantly lower among the group of patients undergoing NIM‐assisted neck dissection (P = .021). There was no significant difference in the duration of the procedure, and the technique resulted in a limited increase of cost. No other factor seemed to influence the onset of marginal mandibular nerve palsy.

Conclusion

In our opinion, NIM is a valuable aid for preventing marginal mandibular nerve injuries during neck dissection.
Comparison the clinical outcomes with altered versus conventional fractionated radiotherapy plus concurrent chemotherapy for advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Lin Po‐Ju , Twu Chih‐Wen , Liu Yi‐Chun , Lin Tian‐Yun , Wang Wen‐Yi , Lin Jin‐Ching
Published: February 2018

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare the long‐term survivals between altered fractionated and conventional fractionated radiotherapy with the same concurrent chemoradiotherapy (concurrent CRT) for patients with advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 203 patients with NPC who received radiotherapy (RT) by either a conventional fractionated (70‐74 Gy/35‐37 fractions/7‐8 weeks) or altered fractionated (72‐75 Gy/45 fractions/6 weeks) schedule plus the same concurrent CRT.

Results

The patient characteristics between conventional fractionated and altered fractionated groups showed similar distribution. The 5‐year rates of nasopharyngeal failure‐free, neck failure‐free, and distant metastasis failure‐free survival between conventional fractionated and altered fractionated groups were 88% versus 86% (P = .7781), 95% versus 93% (P = .4176), and 76% versus 73% (P = .4029), respectively. The overall survival (OS; 5‐year rates were 64% versus 62%; P = .4812) and progression‐free survival (PFS; 5‐year rates were 67% versus 63%; P = .3829) rates also showed no significant differences. The acute and late toxicities were similar between both groups.

Conclusion

Altered fractionated and conventional fractionated RT achieved similar survival outcome when concurrent CRT strategy was used for advanced NPC.
Features of successful sexual health promotion programs for young people: findings from a review of systematic reviews
Authors: Bowring Anna L. , Wright Cassandra J. C. , Douglass Caitlin , Gold Judy , Lim Megan S. C.
Published: February 2018

Issue addressed

Young people have a high burden of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) problems, and it is important to reach this group through health promotion initiatives. We conducted a systematic review of reviews to identify successful elements of health promotion programs for improving SRH of young people.

Methods

We identified and collated systematic reviews published in 2005‐2015 which focused on young people (10‐24 years), reported on SRH outcomes (pregnancy, sexually transmissible infections, condoms/contraceptive use, risky sexual behaviour, sexual healthcare access or intimate partner violence), and included primary studies predominantly conducted in high‐income countries. This report focuses on features of successful SRH programs identified in the interpretation and discussion of included systematic reviews.

Results

We identified 66 systematic reviews, of which 37 reported on program features which were anecdotally or statistically associated with improved program effectiveness and success. Common features of effective interventions were: longer term or repeated implementation; multi‐setting and multi‐component; parental involvement; culturally/gender/age appropriate; and inclusion of skills‐building.

So what?

There is marked consistency of features improving SRH program effectiveness for young people despite the wide variation in interventions reviewed. There is a need to better implement this knowledge in future programs, and our findings provide useful guidance for optimising the design of SRH interventions for young people.
Integrating process‐based flow and temperature models to assess riparian forests and temperature amelioration in salmon streams
Authors: Fabris Luca , Malcolm Iain Archibald , Buddendorf Willem Bastiaan , Soulsby Chris
Published: February 2018

The importance of riparian tree cover in reducing energy inputs to streams is increasingly recognized in schemes to mitigate climate change effects and protect freshwater ecosystems. Assessing different riparian management strategies requires catchment‐scale understanding of how different planting scenarios would affect the stream energy balance, coupled with a quantitative assessment of spatial patterns of streamflow generation. Here, we use the physically based MIKE SHE model to integrate simulations of catchment‐scale run‐off generation and in‐stream hydraulics with a heat transfer model. This was calibrated to model the spatio‐temporal distribution of hourly stream water temperature during warm low flow periods in a Scottish salmon stream. The model was explored as a “proof of concept” for a tool to investigate the effects of riparian management on high stream water temperatures that could affect juvenile Atlantic salmon. Uncertainty was incorporated into the assessment using the generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation approach. Results showed that by decreasing both the warming (daylight hours) and the cooling (night‐time hours) rates, forest cover leads to a reduction of the temperature range (with a delay of the time to peak by up to 2 hr) and can therefore be effectively used to moderate projected climate change effects. The modelling presented here facilitated the quantification of potential mitigating effects of alternative riparian management strategies and provided a valuable tool that has potential to be utilized as an evidence base for catchment management guidance.
Collagen‐derived peptides modulate CD4+ T‐cell differentiation and suppress allergic responses in mice
Authors: Nishikimi Akihiko , Koyama Yoh‐ichi , Ishihara Sayaka , Kobayashi Shusaku , Tometsuka Chisa , Kusubata Masashi , Kuwaba Kumiko , Hayashida Osamu , Hattori Shunji , Katagiri Koko
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Collagen peptides have been widely used as a food supplement. After ingestion of collagen peptides, oligopeptides containing hydroxyproline (Hyp), which are known to have some physiological activities, are detected in peripheral blood. However, the effects of collagen‐peptide administration on immune response are unclear. In the present study, we tested the effects of collagen‐peptide ingestion on allergic response and the effects of collagen‐derived oligopeptides on CD4+ T‐cell differentiation.

Methods

BALB/c mice fed a collagen‐peptide diet were immunized with ovalbumin (OVA), and their serum IgE and IgG levels, active cutaneous anaphylaxis, and cytokine secretion by splenocytes were examined. Naive CD4+ T cells were stimulated with anti‐CD3 and anti‐CD28 in the presence of collagen‐derived oligopeptides, and the expression of IFN‐γ, IL‐4, and Foxp3 was analyzed.

Results

In an active anaphylaxis model, oral administration of collagen peptides suppressed serum OVA‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) production and diminished anaphylaxis responses. In this model, the ingestion of collagen peptides skewed the pattern of cytokine production by splenocytes toward T‐helper (Th) type 1 and regulatory T (Treg) cells. In vitro T‐helper cell differentiation assays showed that Hyp‐containing oligopeptides promoted Th1 differentiation by upregulating IFN‐γ‐induced signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) signaling. These oligopeptides also promoted the development of Foxp3+ Treg cells in response to antigen stimulation in the presence of TGF‐β.

Conclusions

Collagen‐peptide ingestion suppresses allergic responses by skewing the balance of CD4+ T cells toward Th1 and Treg cells and seems to be a promising agent for preventing allergies and inflammatory diseases.
Fraction and incidence of liver cancer attributable to hepatitis B and C viruses worldwide
Authors: Maucort‐Boulch Delphine , de Martel Catherine , Franceschi Silvia , Plummer Martyn
Published: February 2018

High‐quality data on liver cancers by probable cause are scarce in many regions of the world. The United Nations recently set a goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a major public health threat by 2030. We aimed to estimate the number of new cases of cancers attributable to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) at a global, regional and country level, and by development status. We used data on the prevalence of HBV and HCV in hepatocellular carcinoma from a systematic review including 119,000 cases in 260 studies covering 50 countries. A statistical model was constructed to extrapolate empirical data to countries without prevalence data. Country‐specific numbers of liver cancer cases attributable to HBV and HCV were calculated using data from GLOBOCAN 2012. Globally, 770,000 cases of liver cancer occurred worldwide in 2012, of which 56% (95% CI: 52–60) were attributable to HBV and 20% (95% CI: 18–22) to HCV. Currently, HBV causes approximately two out of three cases of liver cancer in less developed countries but one in four cases in more developed countries and shows a much higher degree of geographical aggregation in Eastern Asia and sub‐Saharan Africa than HCV. These estimates help set priorities for liver cancer prevention. High‐coverage HBV vaccination will be transformational in HBV‐endemic countries but the prevention of HCV transmission and the treatment of chronic carriers of both viruses requires new scalable solutions.
Association study of genetic variation in the autophagy lysosome pathway genes and risk of eight kinds of cancers
Authors: Tan Juan , Fu Linna , Chen Haoyan , Guan Jian , Chen Yingxuan , Fang Jingyuan
Published: February 2018

The autophagy lysosome pathway is essential to maintain cell viability and homeostasis in response to many stressful environments, which is reported to play a vital role in cancer development and therapy. However, the association of genetic alterations of this pathway with risk of cancer remains unclear. Based on genome‐wide association study data of eight kinds of cancers, we used an adaptive rank truncated product approach to perform a pathway‐level and gene‐level analysis, and used a logistic model to calculate SNP‐level associations to examine whether an altered autophagy lysosome pathway contributes to cancer susceptibility. Among eight kinds of cancers, four of them showed significant statistics in the pathway‐level analysis, including breast cancer (p = 0.00705), gastric cancer (p = 0.00880), lung cancer (p = 0.000100) and renal cell carcinoma (p = 0.00190). We also found that some autophagy lysosome genes had signals of association with cancer risk. Our results demonstrated that inherited genetic variants in the overall autophagy lysosome pathway and certain associated genes might contribute to cancer susceptibility, which warrant further evaluation in other independent datasets.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of venous thrombosis risk among users of combined oral contraception
Authors: Dragoman Monica V. , Tepper Naomi K. , Fu Rongwei , Curtis Kathryn M. , Chou Roger , Gaffield Mary E.
Published: February 2018

Background

Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) containing various progestogens could be associated with differential risks for venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Objective

To evaluate the comparative risks of VTE associated with the use of low‐dose (less than 50 μg ethinyl estradiol) COCs containing different progestogens.

Search strategy

PubMed and the Cochrane Library were searched from database inception through September 15, 2016, by combining search terms for oral contraception and venous thrombosis.

Selection criteria

Studies reporting VTE risk estimates among healthy users of progestogen‐containing low‐dose COCs were included.

Data collection and analysis

A random‐effects model was used to generate pooled adjusted risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals; subgroup and sensitivity analyses assessed the impact of monophasic‐COC use and study‐level characteristics.

Main results

There were 22 articles included in the analysis. The use of COCs containing cyproterone acetate, desogestrel, drospirenone, or gestodene was associated with a significantly increased risk of VTE compared with the use of levonorgestrel‐containing COCs (pooled risk ratios 1.5–2.0). The analysis restricted to monophasic COC formulations with 30 μg of ethinyl estradiol yielded similar findings. After adjustment for study characteristics, the risk estimates were slightly attenuated.

Conclusions

Compared with the use of levonorgestrel‐containing COCs, the use of COCs containing other progestogens could be associated with a small increase in risk for VTE.
Hepatotoxicity with antibody maytansinoid conjugates: A review of preclinical and clinical findings
Authors: Taplin Sarah , Vashisht Kapil , Walles Markus , Calise David , Kluwe William , Bouchard Page , Johnson Robert
Published: February 2018

Maytansinoids, the potent cytotoxic derivatives of the alkaloid maytansine are used as payloads in antibody maytansinoid conjugates. This article reviews clinical and preclinical hepatotoxicity observed with antibody maytansinoid conjugates used to treat cancer. Specific aspects of drug distribution, metabolism and excretion that may impact hepatotoxicity are reviewed vis‐à‐vis the kind of maytansinoid in the conjugate, cleavable or non‐cleavable linkers, linker–payload combinations, drug to antibody ratio, metabolite formation, hepatic enzyme induction in relation to drug–drug interactions and species, age and gender differences. The article also sheds light on factors that may protect the liver from toxic insults.
Emerging roles of long non‐coding RNAs in the toxicology of environmental chemicals
Authors: Huang Qiansheng , Liu Yiyao , Dong Sijun
Published: February 2018

Environmental chemicals (ECs) are drawing great attention to their effects on health and their toxicological mechanisms are being investigated. Long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) is a class of RNA with more than 200 nucleotides and does not have protein coding potential. Recently, it is emerging as a star molecule that participates in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. It has been reported to be abnormally expressed in diseases. As an epigenetic factor, lncRNAs play an important role in the response of organisms to environmental stress. Their roles in the toxicity of ECs are being identified. Altered expression profiles of lncRNAs have been explored after exposure to ECs. Various kinds of ECs are reported to disturb the expression of lncRNAs in vitro and in vivo. Then, dysregulated lncRNAs can affect the expression of target genes directly or indirectly via regulating the level of microRNAs. The network among lncRNAs, microRNAs and mRNAs can initiate or impede specific signaling pathway and lead to adverse outcome upon exposure to ECs. Recovery of the lncRNAs level by overexpression or knockdown technology diminished the effect induced by ECs. In the review, biological roles of lncRNAs are depicted. The lncRNAs involved in the toxicology are summarized. Types of ECs that have been reported to affect the expression of lncRNAs are categorized. The interaction between various types of ECs and lncRNAs is discussed.
Rs13293512 polymorphism located in the promoter region of let‐7 is associated with increased risk of radiation enteritis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Dong HongYu , Huang ZhongCheng , Zhang HongLian , Xiao ZhiGang , Liu Qi
Published: February 2018

RE (Radiation enteritis) has been characterized by the inflammation reaction, and in this study, we aim to explore inflammatory cytokines and underlying mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of RE. Luciferase assay was performed to explore whether polymorphism affected the expression of let‐7, and also validated let‐7 directly regulated f IL‐6 expression. Then Elisa was performed to study the mechanism of rs13293512 polymorphism associated with enteritis occurrence. And Western‐blot and real‐time PCR were performed to verify the relationship between let‐7 and IL‐6. 380 colorectal cancer patients were recruited, and all participants were genotyped. We found that occurrence probability of enteritis patients carried CC genotype (32%) was much higher than that in TT and TC groups (15%). In addition, we showed that the presence of the minor (C) allele of the polymorphism in the promoter region of let‐7 substantially reduced the transcription activity of let‐7, furthermore, we validated that let‐7 directly regulated IL‐6 expression by using luciferase reporter system. Moreover, IL‐6 was highly expressed in peripheral blood and colonic mucosa samples genotyped as CC compared to those in TT and TC groups, furthermore, IL‐6 was highly expressed in peripheral blood and colonic mucosa samples from participants with enteritis than without enteritis, whereas let‐7 was highly expressed in peripheral blood and colonic mucosa samples genotyped as TT and TC compared to those in CC groups. Let‐7 polymorphism (rs13293512) was associated with risk of RE in the colorectal cancer patients who received radiotherapy.
Microgravity modulation of syncytin‐A expression enhance osteoclast formation
Authors: Ethiraj Purushoth , Link Jessica R. , Sinkway James M. , Brown Gabriella D. , Parler William A. , Reddy Sakamuri V.
Published: February 2018

Microgravity (μXg) experienced by astronauts during space flights causes accelerated bone loss. However, the molecular basis of μXg induced bone loss in space is unclear. Osteoclast (OCL) is the primary bone‐resorbing cell. We previously demonstrated that simulated μXg promotes OCL formation. In this study, we identified that μXg induces syncytin‐A expression in RAW264.7 preosteoclast cells without RANKL stimulation. We further tested the effect of osteotropic factors such as CXCL5 and 1,25(OH)2D3 to regulate the syncytin‐A expression in preosteoclast cells subjected to μXg compared to ground based (Xg) cultures. CXCL5 (25 ng/mL) and 1,25(OH)2D3 (10 ng/mL) increased syncytin‐A expression under Xg conditions. However, μXg alone upregulates syncytin‐A expression compared to Xg control preosteoclast cells. Confocal microscopy using Lyso‐Tracker identified syncytin‐A expression co‐localized with lysosomes in preosteoclast cells. Acridine orange staining showed RANKL elevated autophagy activity in these cells. Further, siRNA suppression of syncytin‐A significantly inhibits autophagy activity in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, knockdown of syncytin‐A expression inhibits μXg increased OCL formation in mouse bone marrow cultures. Thus, our findings suggest that targeting syncytin‐A expression may be an effective countermeasure to control bone loss under microgravity conditions.
The prolactin‐release inhibitor paeoniflorin suppresses proliferation and induces apoptosis in prolactinoma cells via the mitochondria‐dependent pathway
Authors: Wei Yuanyi , Zhou Xia , Ren Liying , Wang Chunxia , Li Yuhao
Published: February 2018

Prolactinomas are the most prevalent functional pituitary adenomas that cause chronic pathological hyperprolactinemia. Prolactin is known to promote cell growth and inhibit apoptosis in cells. Paeoniflorin is the principal component of radix Paeoniae alba (the main ingredient in some traditional herbal formulas clinically used for hyperprolactinemia‐associated disorders). Recent findings from intensive studies have suggested that paeoniflorin regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis in many cell lines. However, the effects of paeoniflorin in pituitary tumor cells remain unknown. Here the results by the Cell Counting Kit‐8 and colony formation assays showed that paeoniflorin concentration‐dependently decreased cell viability in both MMQ and GH3 cells and colony formation in GH3 cells, suggesting inhibition of cell proliferation by paeoniflorin. By flow cytometry, paeoniflorin was found to increase apoptotic rate in MMQ cells. Mechanistically, Western blot results revealed that paeoniflorin enhanced protein expression of cleave caspase‐9 and ‐3, and Bax, whereas it suppressed Bcl‐2 protein expression in MMQ cells. Furthermore, paeoniflorin upregulated phosphorylated p53 protein expression, but it decreased prolactin concentration and prolactin protein expression in both MMQ and GH3 cells. Thus, the present results demonstrate that paeoniflorin inhibits cell proliferation and induces the mitochondrial pathway‐mediated apoptosis in prolactinoma cells. These antitumor property is associated with inhibition of prolactin secretion. Our findings may provide new insight into the mechanisms underlying improving prolactinoma‐associated disorders of paeoniflorin‐enriched herbs and formulas.
Fibrin glue mediated delivery of bone anabolic reagents to enhance healing of tendon to bone
Authors: Soreide Endre , Denbeigh Janet M. , Lewallen Eric A. , Samsonraj Rebekah M. , Berglund Lawrence J. , Dudakovic Amel , Cool Simon M. , Nordsletten Lars , Kakar Sanjeev , van Wijnen Andre J.
Published: February 2018

Tendon graft healing in bone tunnels for the fixation of intra‐articular ligament reconstructions may limit clinical outcome by delaying healing. This study assesses the effects of hydrogel‐mediated delivery of bone anabolic growth factors in a validated model of tendon‐to‐bone tunnel healing. Forty‐five Wistar rats were randomly allocated into three groups (BMP2‐treated, GSK126‐treated, and placebo). All animals underwent a tendon‐to‐bone tunnel reconstruction. Healing was evaluated at 4 weeks by biomechanical assessment, micro‐computed tomography (bone mineral density, bone volume, cross sectional area of bone tunnels), and traditional histology. Adverse events associated with the hydrogel‐mediated delivery of drugs were not observed. Results of our biomechanical assessment demonstrated favorable trends in animals treated with bone anabolic factors for energy absorption (P = 0.116) and elongation (P = 0.054), while results for force to failure (P = 0.691) and stiffness (P = 0.404) did not show discernible differences. Cross sectional areas for BMP2‐treated animals were reduced, but neither BMP2 nor GSK126 administration altered bone mineral density (P = 0.492) or bone volume in the bone tunnel. These results suggest a novel and positive effect of bone anabolic factors on tendon‐to‐bone tunnel healing. Histological evaluation confirmed absence of collagen fibers crossing the soft tissue‐bone interface indicating immature graft integration as expected at this time point. Our study indicates that hydrogel‐mediated delivery of BMP2 and GSK126 appears to be safe and has the potential to enhance tendon‐to‐bone tunnel healing in ligament reconstructions.
Nell‐1‐ΔE, a novel transcript of Nell‐1, inhibits cell migration by interacting with enolase‐1
Authors: Zhao Huaxiang , Qin Xueyan , Zhang Qian , Zhang Xinli , Lin Jiuxiang , Ting Kang , Chen Feng
Published: February 2018

NELL‐1 is a secreted protein that was originally found to be upregulated in pathologically fusing and fused sutures in non‐syndromic unilateral coronal synostosis patients. Apart from the ability of NELL‐1 to promote osteogenesis in long and craniofacial bones, NELL‐1 reportedly inhibits the formation of several benign and malignant tumors. We previously identified a novel transcript of Nell‐1 that lacked a calcium‐binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐like domain compared with full‐length Nell‐1; this new transcript was named Nell‐1‐ΔE. Three obvious structural differences between these two isoforms were revealed by homology modeling. Furthermore, the recombinant Nell‐1‐ΔE protein, but not the full‐length Nell‐1 protein, inhibited cell migration in vitro. However, full‐length Nell‐1 and Nell‐1‐ΔE proteins were present in similar subcellular locations and displayed similar expression patterns in both the intracellular and extracellular spaces. The results from the co‐immunoprecipitation and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry analyses using two cell lines demonstrated that Nell‐1‐ΔE but not full‐length Nell‐1 interacted with enolase‐1 in the extracellular spaces of both cell lines. The results of wound healing assays using ENO‐1‐overexpressing cells treated with full‐length Nell‐1/Nell‐1‐ΔE suggested that Nell‐1‐ΔE inhibited cell migration by interacting with ENO‐1. Our study indicated that the novel transcript Nell‐1‐ΔE, but not full‐length Nell‐1, might be a candidate tumor suppressor factor for basic research and clinical practice.
Neonatal treatment with fluoxetine improves mitochondrial respiration and reduces oxidative stress in liver of adult rats
Authors: Simões‐Alves Aiany C. , Silva‐Filho Reginaldo C. , Braz Glauber R.F. , Silva Severina C.A. , da Silva Aline I. , Lagranha Claudia J. , Fernandes Mariana P.
Published: February 2018

Recent studies have shown that exposure to fluoxetine treatment induces excessive production of ROS, and alters the antioxidant defense system in various tissues and cell types, mainly the liver. When fluoxetine is administered intraperitoneally, the drug rapidly reaches high concentrations in the liver, has potentially multiple toxic effects on energy metabolism in rat liver mitochondria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pharmacological treatment with fluoxetine during critical period for development on the mitochondrial bioenergetics and oxidative stress in liver of rat adult. To perform this study, the rat pups received Fx, or vehicle (Ct) from postnatal day 1 to postnatal day 21 (ie, during lactation period). We evaluated mitochondrial oxygen consumption, respiratory control ratio, ROS production, mitochondrial swelling by pore opening, oxidative stress biomarkers, and antioxidant defense in liver of rats at 60 days of age. Our studies have shown, that treatment with Fx during the lactation period resulted in reduced body mass gain, improvement of the mitochondrial respiratory capacity, induced higher mitochondrial resistance to calcium ion preventing the mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening, as well as decreased oxidative stress biomarkers, and increased the SH levels and enzymes antioxidant activities (SOD, CAT, GST) in liver of treated rats at 60 days of age. These findings suggest that pharmacological treatment with fluoxetine during critical period of development result in positive changes in liver of rats, as improvement of the mitochondrial bioenergetics and hepatic oxidative metabolism that persist in adulthood.
Viral etiologies and epidemiology of patients with acute respiratory infections based on sentinel hospitals in Gansu Province, Northwest China, 2011‐2015
Authors: Li Xuechao , Li Juansheng , Meng Lei , Zhu Wanqi , Liu Xinfeng , Yang Mei , Yu Deshan , Niu Lixia , Shen Xiping
Published: February 2018

Understanding etiological role and epidemiological profile is needed to improve clinical management and prevention of acute respiratory infections (ARIs). A 5‐year prospective study about active surveillance for outpatients and inpatients with ARIs was conducted in Gansu province, China, from January 2011 to November 2015. Respiratory specimens were collected from patients and tested for eight respiratory viruses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). In this study, 2768 eligible patients with median age of 43 years were enrolled including pneumonia (1368, 49.2%), bronchitis (435, 15.7%), upper respiratory tract infection or URTI (250, 9.0%), and unclassified ARI (715, 25.8%). Overall, 29.2% (808/2768) were positive for any one of eight viruses, of whom 130 cases were identified with two or more viruses. Human rhinovirus (HRV) showed the highest detection rate (8.6%), followed by influenza virus (Flu, 7.3%), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV, 6.1%), human coronavirus (hCoV, 4.3%), human parainfluenza (PIV, 4.0%), adenovirus (ADV, 2.1%), human metapneumovirus (hMPV, 1.6%), and human bocavirus (hBoV, 0.7%). Compared with URTI, RSV was more likely identified in pneumonia (χ2 = 12.720, P < 0.001) and hCoV was more commonly associated with bronchitis than pneumonia (χ2 = 15.019, P < 0.001). In patients aged less than 5 years, RSV showed the highest detection rate and hCoV was the most frequent virus detected in adults and elderly. The clear epidemical seasons were observed in HRV, Flu, and hCoV infections. These findings could serve as a reference for local health authorities in drawing up further plans to prevent and control ARIs associated with viral etiologies.
Temporal dominance of sensations and preferences of Brazilians and Slovakians: A cross‐cultural study of cachaças stored with woods from the Amazon rainforest
Authors: Simioni Síntia Carla Corrêa , Tovar Diego Mercado , Rodrigues Jéssica Ferreira , de Souza Vanessa Rios , Nunes Cleiton Antônio , Vietoris Vladimir , Pinheiro Ana Carla Marques
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Brazilians and Slovakians evaluated the temporal profile and the acceptability of cachaça stored with different woods (Cumarurana (CM), Jatobá (JT) and, Louro‐vermelho (LV), which are found in the Amazon rainforest, and also oak), with the aim of performing a cross‐cultural comparison of the dynamic profile of the attributes perceived in the cachaças and the sensorial acceptance of the samples.

RESULTS

Important differences were observed between the temporal sensorial profiles generated by the two groups and their preferences. Brazilians preferred cachaças stored with the traditional wood, oak, followed by those stored with JT and CM. In contrast, Slovakians preferred cachaças stored with JT, followed by those stored with LV and oak. For both countries, the dominance of wood flavor and vanilla attributes at the end of the analysis time was positively associated with acceptance, while the dominance of off‐flavors and the wood flavor attribute at the beginning of the analysis time was negatively associated with acceptance for Brazilians and Slovakians, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Brazilians preferred cachaça stored with oak wood, and Slovakians preferred cachaça stored with JT wood, with acceptability being strongly associated with the dominance of wood flavor and vanilla attributes at the end of the evaluation time. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of nanoparticles of silver on redox status and the accumulation of Ag in chicken tissues
Authors: Kulak Ewelina , Ognik Katarzyna , Stępniowska Anna , Drażbo Aleksandra
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to verify the hypothesis that there are doses of silver nanoparticles (Ag‐NPs) that improve antioxidant defence in chickens without compromising their growth performance and health.

RESULTS

The results of our study suggest that, irrespective of the concentration, the administration of Ag‐NPs (5 nm) at a dose not exceeding 54 mg/bird has no negative effect on the growth performance of chickens. The administration of Ag‐NPs (5 nm) in the amount of 2.87 to 63.74 mg/bird does not cause silver to accumulate in the breast muscle. The ingestion of 2.87 mg/bird was found to result in the accumulation of this element in the wall of the small intestine and in the liver, and a further increase in the dose increases the accumulation of Ag in these tissues. Accumulation of Ag in the heart of the chickens was not observed until the dose reached 22.5 mg/bird.

CONCLUSION

Our research has shown that the application of Ag‐NPs (5 nm), especially at doses greater than the ‘no observable adverse effect level’ (NOAEL) of 9.47 mg/bird, can induce oxidative reactions in the blood, small intestinal wall, liver and breast muscle of chickens. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Clear Cell Hidradenoma: Characteristic Imaging Features on Ultrasonography, Computed Tomography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Lee Joo Yeon , Kang Byeong Seong , Shim Hyun Seok , Song In Hye , Kim Misung , Lee Sang Hoon , Chung Hye Won , Lee Min Hee , Shin Myung Jin
Published: February 2018

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the imaging features of clear cell hidradenoma on ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

The radiologic and pathologic databases at 2 medical institutions were searched retrospectively from 2004 to 2016 to identify patients with a diagnosis of clear cell hidradenoma. Ultrasonographic, CT, and MRI features were described, and pathologic specimens were reviewed.

Results

There were 5 female and 4 male patients. The mean patient age was 48.9 years (range, 28–70 years). Five patients underwent only US; 2 patients underwent only CT; 1 patient underwent both US and CT; and 1 patient underwent US and MRI. Most of the tumors were located primarily in the subcutaneous fat layer. The mean tumor size was 18.4 mm. On US, 6 masses had a heterogeneous echo texture, including an anechoic portion with protruding echogenic portions. Two masses had multiple septa in the anechoic portion. On color Doppler US, blood flow was both central and peripheral in 5 patients. All 3 cases seen on CT presented as a low‐attenuation mass with an enhanced solid internal nodule. On MRI, the mass showed heterogeneous signal intensity on T2‐weighted images and enhancement of the peripheral wall and internal solid component on contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted images.

Conclusions

Clear cell hidradenoma is usually located in the subcutaneous fat layer, has a well‐defined margin, appears as a cystic mass with an internal solid nodule, and occasionally has multiple septa on US, CT, and MRI.
Managing emerging threats to spotted owls
Authors: Wan Ho Yi , Ganey Joseph L. , Vojta Christina D. , Cushman Samuel A.
Published: February 2018

The 3 spotted owl (Strix occidentalis) subspecies in North America (i.e., northern spotted owl [S. o. caurina], California spotted owl [S. o. occidentalis], Mexican spotted owl [S. o. lucida]) have all experienced population declines over the past century due to habitat loss and fragmentation from logging. Now, the emerging influences of climate change, high‐severity fire, and barred owl (Strix varia) invasion also appear to be synergistically and differentially affecting population trends of each subspecies. Our objective was to review the existing literature on the spotted owl to describe historical and emerging threats and whether those threats have been adequately examined for each subspecies. Using 527 publications from a Web of Science search of the literature from 1900–2015, we statistically evaluated the emphasis placed on each subspecies regarding 4 influences: mechanical tree removal, fire, climate change, and barred owl invasion. There were 98 papers that explicitly examined the effects of ≥1 of these influences. Most of these papers were focused on the northern spotted owl, and for all 3 subspecies, most papers examined short‐term effects only. We used our results to identify significant information gaps relative to historical and emerging threats. Commercial timber harvesting remains a potential threat for all 3 spotted owl subspecies, but effects from forest thinning may be increasing because of the heightened emphasis on fuels reduction and forest restoration treatments on public lands. Owl response to mechanical tree removal, especially forest thinning, remains understudied. Climate change also may threaten all 3 subspecies. Changes in climate likely affect survival and reproduction of spotted owls and their prey, and alter habitat availability by affecting disturbance regimes and vegetation composition and succession, but little empirical information is available describing specific responses to climate change. The literature on response to high‐severity fire is sparse for some subspecies, primarily short‐term in nature, and not consistent. Barred owl invasion is a major threat to the northern spotted owl and the California spotted owl but does not currently threaten the Mexican spotted owl. Rigorous research on the response of spotted owls to all factors influencing population change, particularly for the Mexican spotted owl, is needed. The most useful information for predicting owl response to these threats stems primarily from long‐term studies of owl demography. The lack of such studies within the range of the Mexican spotted owl greatly limits our understanding of its population dynamics and our ability to predict the effects of various threats on Mexican spotted owl populations. For all 3 subspecies, we encourage long‐term studies of their responses to threats, using uniquely marked owls across large spatial extents to account for spatiotemporal variability in ecological conditions within and among subspecies. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Combined experimental and multiphase computational fluid dynamics analysis of surface textured journal bearings in mixed regime of lubrication
Authors: Morris N.J. , Shahmohamadi H. , Rahmani R. , Rahnejat H. , Garner C.P.
Published: February 2018

This paper investigates the effect of surface texturing in a partial pad journal bearing through a series of controlled experiments at operating conditions, promoting mixed or boundary regimes of lubrication. Improvements to load carrying capacity are observed under certain operating conditions. A comprehensive computational finite volume multiphase fluid dynamics analysis, including vapour transport equation and modified finite‐size cavity Rayleigh‐Plesset model, is used to study the effect of indented surface textures in the microscale contact domain and within the individual textures themselves. The results show improved conditions with a textured journal through promotion of micro‐hydrodynamic effect, delaying the effect of lubricant rupture, thus extending the effective load bearing region. A very good agreement is obtained between measurements and predictions.