bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing hypotheses of functional relationships: a comparative survey of correlation patterns among floral traits in five insect‐pollinated plants
Authors: Conner Jeffrey K. , Sterling Andrea
Published: January 2018

To test hypotheses on the evolution of functional relationships, phenotypic correlations among floral traits were estimated in five species of insect‐pollinated plants. The species studied were wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum), canola (Brassica napus), phlox (Phlox divaricata), dame's rocket (Hesperis matronalis), and black mustard (Brassica nigra). Six floral traits were measured on each species. In three of the five species the correlations between the filaments and corolla tube were significantly greater than the other floral correlations. This result is consistent with the hypothesis that selection for proper anther placement to enhance pollination has increased the filament‐corolla tube correlations in these three species. In contrast, none of the species showed evidence of selection for an optimal stigma placement; the correlations between the pistil and corolla tube lengths were not greater than the other floral correlations in any of the five species.
Intraspecific variation in samara morphology and flight behavior in acer saccharinum (Aceraceae)
Authors: Sipe Timothy W. , Linnerooth Amy R.
Published: January 2018

We studied intraspecific variation in samara morphology and flight behavior within and among parent trees of Acer saccharinum (silver maple), with a particular focus on the effect of samara shape. Samara mass, area, wing loading, and descent rate from a 4.5‐m indoor balcony were measured for 50 undamaged mature samaras from each of six parents. We found significant differences among parental types for all morphological variables and descent rate. These differences yielded a 50% range in mean dispersal potential among the six parents. There was a strong linear correlation between descent rate and square root of wing loading when mean values were plotted for each of the six parental types. But there was considerable within‐parent variation for all measured variables, including substantial nonallometric variation in wing loading caused in part by poor correlations between wing area and fruit weight. Parents also differed widely in the relationship between square root of wing loading and descent rate (linear r2 = 0.150‐0.788), with one parental type showing no significant relationship. Fruits from the same parent with similar values of the square root of wing loading showed as much as a 75‐100% difference in descent rate. The usefulness of mass : area indices such as wing loading is limited by its exclusion of aerodynamically important factors such as mass distribution and wing shape, which in our case caused the six parents to behave aerodynamically almost as if they were six separate species.
Leaf expansion and development of PHOTOSYNTHETIC CAPACITY AND PIGMENTS IN Liquidambar styraciflua (Hamamelidaceae)—EFFECTS OF UV‐B RADIATION
Authors: Dillenburg Lucia R. , Sullivan Joe H. , Teramura Alan H.
Published: January 2018

In order to perform their functions as photosynthetic organs, leaves must cope with excess heat and potentially damaging ultraviolet radiation. Possible increases in the UV‐B portion of the solar spectrum may place an additional burden on leaves, and this could be particularly important for young expanding leaves with poorly developed UV‐B defense mechanisms. We evaluated the effects of supplemental UV‐B radiation on leaf expansion and the development of photosynthetic capacity and pigments in sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) seedlings. Seedlings were grown in the field under either ambient or ambient plus 3 or 5.0 kJ of biologically effective supplemental UV‐B radiation. Although final leaf size was unaffected, the rate of leaf elongation and accumulation of leaf area was slower in leaves exposed to the lower supplemental UV‐B irradiance. In contrast, chlorophyll accumulation and the development of photosynthetic capacity was more rapid in plants exposed to the higher, compared to the lower supplemental UV‐B irradiance. The accumulation of anthocyanins and other putative flavonoids or UV‐absorbing compounds was scarcely affected by exposure to supplemental UV‐B radiation. These results suggest that the UV‐B portion of the solar spectrum may, in the absence of gross affects on biomass, exert subtle influences on leaf ontogeny and the development of photosynthetic pigments and capacity in sweetgum.
Phylogenetic analysis of the hard pines (Pinus subgenus Pinus, Pinaceae) from chloroplast DNA restriction site analysis
Authors: Krupkin A. B. , Liston A. , Strauss S. H.
Published: January 2018

Phylogenetic analysis of plastid DNA restriction site and rearrangement mutations suggests a number of major revisions to taxonomy and phylogenetic concepts in the hard pines. Total genomic DNA from 18 species that sampled all nine subsections was digested with 19 restriction enzymes, blotted, and probed with 70% of the Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) chloroplast genome, or, with clones encompassing the entire chloroplast genome of Pinus contorta. A total of 204 site mutations and five rearrangement mutations were generated, of which 126 were phylogenetically informative. Wagner parsimony analyses revealed 11 clades that were strongly supported by bootstrap and decay index analyses. All North American species except P. resinosa formed a distinct monophyletic group that was strongly separated from the Eurasian species. Within the Eurasian clade subsect. Sylvestres was polyphyletic; its Mediterranean species were closely allied with members of sect. Pinea. Sect. Pinea appeared polyphyletic as well; both species of its subsect. Leiophyllae showed a close affinity to Mesoamerican pines of subsect. Oocarpae in sect. Pinus. Within the North American pines subsects. Ponderosae and Oocarpae were polyphyletic. Despite its shallow fossil record, subsect. Contortae emerged as a sister group to all of the North American pines apart from P. resinosa, which was allied with Eurasian species of subsect. Sylvestres. The remaining North American subsections formed two groups: a poorly resolved clade with subsects. Ponderosae and Sabinianae, and sequentially nested clades represented by: P. radiata; P. taeda; representatives of subsects. Oocarpae and Ponderosae from Mesoamerica, and subsect. Leiophyllae. We present estimates of divergence times for each of these major clades based on molecular clocks calibrated using two hard pine fossil observations.
A comparison of venation pattern development in wild type and a homeotic sepaloid petal mutant of Clarkia tembloriensis (Onagraceae)
Authors: Smith‐Huerta Nancy L.
Published: January 2018

Vascular system development in sepals, petals, and sepaloid petals was compared in wild‐type and crinkled petal mutant plants of Clarkia tembloriensis. Patterns of vascularization in cleared whole mounts were visualized and traced under both brightfield and polarizing illumination. Wild‐type sepals exhibited a basipetal pattern of maturation, with tracheary elements maturing relatively rapidly. Mature sepals had three primary veins with numerous secondary veins. In contrast, wild‐type petals exhibited an acropetal pattern of maturation, with tracheary elements maturing relatively slowly. The mature petals had only one primary vein with numerous secondary veins. Sepaloid (crinkled) petals combined characteristics of both wild‐type sepals and wild‐type petals. They exhibited a basipetal pattern of development and a relatively rapid maturation of the tracheary elements characteristic of wild‐type sepals. Venation architecture in crinkled petal mutants showed a single primary vein with numerous secondary veins, similar to wild‐type petals. The crinkled petal mutant fits the definition of a homeotic mutant in that the petal has assumed characteristics of the sepal. However, homeotic transformation from petal to sepal is incomplete since the crinkled petal still retains many of the characteristics of wild‐type petals.
Clevelandodendron ohioensis, gen. et sp. nov., a slender upright lycopsid from the late Devonian Cleveland Shale of Ohio
Authors: Chitaley Shya , Pigg Kathleen B.
Published: January 2018

Clevelandodendron ohioensis Chitaley & Pigg gen. et sp. nov. is an almost entire lycopsid plant known from a single compressed specimen from the Cleveland Shale member of the Upper Devonian Ohio Shale. This unique specimen is 125 cm long, consisting of an unbranched, slender, monopodial axis with a partially preserved plant base bearing thick appendages at one end, and a compact, terminal ovoid bisporangiate strobilus at the other. The stem is 2 cm wide for most of its length. Visible on the decorticated stem surface are helically arranged, elongate leaf traces and laterally compressed, slender leaves along the stem margin. The plant base bears 4‐6 thick appendages. The terminal strobilus is compact, ovoid, 9 cm long and up to 6 cm wide, morphologically similar to those of some Lepidodendrales, and bears helically arranged sporophyll/sporangium complexes with narrow bases and distal laminae up to 18 mm long, turned upward. Megaspores are 320‐360 μm, trilete and laevigate, lacking a gula; microspores are 30‐42 μm, trilete, indistinctly punctate and possibly assignable to Calamospora or Punctatisporites. Clevelandodendron demonstrates that slender unbranched lycopsids with an isoetalean plant habit similar to the Carboniferous genera Chaloneria and Sporangiostrobus and Triassic Pleuromeia‐like forms were present as early as the Late Devonian. The early occurrence of this unique habit suggests that diversification within the isoetalean clade sensu Rothwell and Erwin (including both Isoetales and Lepidodendrales) was well established prior to the Carboniferous.
Physiological activity in persistent bulbils of Agave vilmoriniana (Agavaceae)
Authors: Szarek Stanley R. , Holmesley Gwen E.
Published: January 2018

Plants of Agave vilmoriniana are unique members of a reproductively diverse genus since they produce prolific numbers of both bulbils and viable seeds. Bulbils were observed to remain attached to the flowering stalk into a second summer, instead of abscising in the year they developed. Hence, a number of hypotheses were tested to establish the physiological basis for their longevity and evaluate their influence upon the plant's reproductive biology. Bulbils produced following anthesis were abundant (>2000 bulbils), large (0.44 g dry mass per individual), and their combined leaf surface area (one side) could exceed 3 m2. Thus, the current‐year inflorescence may act as a photosynthate source. Second‐year, attached bulbils are healthy‐looking, even after leaves of the parent plant have senesced, since maternal roots continue to absorb rain water. Rehydrated 2nd‐yr bulbils resume Crassulacean acid metabolism, sometimes demonstrating net daytime tissue acidification. Water conservation by bulbils is very efficient, exhibiting very low cuticular conductances (0.016‐0.0035 mm/s). Bulbils detach over all climatic seasons after having formed >3 and >18 root primordia in their 1st and 2nd year, respectively. About one‐third of bulbils are capable of forming roots after a 1‐yr storage at 35°C, when their water contents averaged 37%. Irrigated bulbils produce water‐absorbing roots within 2 d, with de novo chlorophyll synthesis and nocturnal acidification commencing within 4 d. Two bulbils were observed to root and become established in shaded microhabitats during this 2‐yr study of 29 plants.
Phenological regulation of opportunities for within‐inflorescence geitonogamy in the clonal species, iris versicolor (iridaceae)
Authors: Back Allison J. , Kron Paul , Stewart Steven C.
Published: January 2018

Opportunities for selfing through geitonogamy are possible if more than one flower within the same clone, inflorescence, or floral unit is open at the same time. In a total of 200 inflorescences in two natural populations of Iris versicolor, flowers were observed and classified daily on the basis of anther dehiscence and stigma receptivity. Analysis of the flowering phenology demonstrated that (1) protandry limits opportunities for autogamy, (2) flowers mature sequentially within a floral unit (defined as a cluster of flowers borne on a single branch within an inflorescence), preventing the opportunity for geitonogamous fertilization between flowers of the same floral unit, and (3) 77% of all flowers had no opportunity to be pollinated by another flower within the same inflorescence. Both the number and the proportion of flowers with opportunities for geitonogamy increased with the number of flowers open in each population, and opportunities for geitonogamy also increased with the number of floral units within inflorescences. These morphological and phenological controls suggest that when selfing occurs in this species, it is most likely to occur between flowers on different inflorescences within the same clone. Since the organization of whole inflorescences in space is determined primarily by rhizome placement, clonal architecture may play an important role in mating system regulation in this species.
Germination as a determinant of seedling distributions among natural substrates in Picea engelmannii (Pinaceae) and Abies lasiocarpa (Pinaceae)
Authors: Anderson Laurel J. , Winterton Andrea J.
Published: January 2018

In Rocky Mountain (USA) subalpine forests, seedlings of Picea engelmannii (Engelmann spruce) colonize logs more frequently than seedlings of its codominant associate Abies lasiocarpa (subalpine fir). We hypothesized that spruce germinates more readily on logs than fir, perhaps because small spruce seeds are more likely to lodge in log crevices than larger fir seeds. Our objectives were to test this hypothesis and compare both species' germination among several substrates to assess germination influences on natural seedling distributions. Spruce and fir seeds were sown on field‐collected logs, litter, and soil in the greenhouse and monitored for 36 d. To test the crevice hypothesis, seeds were either scattered on logs or wedged into crevices, assuming that if both species were placed in crevices, interspecific germination differences on logs would decrease. Spruce mean germination percentages were significantly greater than fir's in all substrate treatments except when seeds were wedged in log crevices. The difference in means between the two log treatments was greater for fir (68%) than spruce (21%). Spruce germinated more rapidly than fir on all substrates. We suggest that large seed size reduces fir's success in colonizing logs, and that germination and establishment factors interact to determine natural seedling distributions for these subalpine conifers.
A cool response—The influence of ambient temperature on capillary refill time
Authors: John Rani Toll , Henricson Joakim , Junker Johan , Jonson Carl‐Oscar , Nilsson Gert E. , Wilhelms Daniel , Anderson Chris D.
Published: January 2018

Objective

To describe the effect of low ambient temperature on skin temperature and capillary refill (CR) time in forehead, sternum and finger pulp.

Methods

An observational, nonrandomized experimental study on 15 healthy subjects (6 females) in a cold room (8°C). Outcome measures were skin temperature and quantified CR test after application of a standardized blanching pressure (9 N/cm2) using digital photographic polarization spectroscopy to generate CR times.

Results

The finger pulp showed marked temperature fall and prolonged CR times (>10 seconds). The CR registrations of the forehead and sternum were more comparable to curves observed in a control material at room temperature, and skin temperature falls were less marked. CR times were not prolonged in forehead measurements. At the sternum, some individuals showed CR times beyond guideline recommendations despite only a marginal reduction in skin temperature.

Conclusions

Low ambient temperature is a strong independent factor for CR time at peripheral sites. Reservation about sternum as a site of measurement is warranted since cold provocation produced prolonged CR times in some individuals. We found that the forehead is the most thermostable of the 3 sites and thus the preferred site to avoid ambient temperature artifact in measuring CR time.
microRNA‐130a suppresses breast cancer cell migration and invasion by targeting FOSL1 and upregulating ZO‐1
Authors: Chen Xiaowei , Zhao Min , Huang Jin , Li Yuhuang , Wang Shunqing , Harrington Christina A. , Qian David Z. , Sun Xiao‐Xin , Dai Mu‐Shui
Published: January 2018

FOSL1 is frequently overexpressed in multiple types of human cancers including invasive breast cancers and implicated in cancer invasion and metastasis. However, how FOSL1 is overexpressed in cancers remains to be elucidated. Several microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to target FOSL1 and are downregulated in human cancers. Here, we report that miR‐130a is a novel FOSL1 targeting miRNA. Using gene expression microarray analysis, we found that FOSL1 is among the most up‐regulated genes in cells transfected with miR‐130a inhibitors. Transient transfection‐immunoblot, RNA‐immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter assays revealed that miR‐130a directly targets FOSL1 mRNA at its 3′‐UTR. Overexpression of miR‐130a significantly reduced the levels of FOSL1 in invasive breast cancer MDA‐MB‐231 and Hs578T cell lines and suppresses their migration and invasion. This inhibition can be rescued by ectopic expression of miR‐130a‐resistant FOSL1. Interestingly, we show that overexpression of miR‐130a increased the levels of tight‐junction protein ZO‐1 while inhibition of miR‐130a reduced the levels of ZO‐1. We further show that miR‐130a expression is significantly reduced in cancer tissues from triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients, correlating significantly with the upregulation of FOSL1 expression, compared to non‐TNBC tissues. Together, our results reveal that miR‐130a directly targets FOSL1 and suppresses the inhibition of ZO‐1, thus inhibiting cancer cell migration and invasion, in TNBCs.
A mitogenic lectin from Rhizoctonia bataticola arrests growth, inhibits metastasis, and induces apoptosis in human colon epithelial cancer cells
Authors: Hegde Prajna , Rajakumar Sindhura B. , Swamy Bale M. , Inamdar Shashikala R.
Published: January 2018

The correlation between colorectal cancer (CRC) progression and altered expression of N‐glycans can be considered in search for new biomarkers and anticancer agents to control CRC. Earlier N‐glycan specific mitogenic lectin from Rhizoctonia bataticola (RBL) has been reported which has growth inhibitory and apoptotic effect on human ovarian and leukemic cells, but mitogenic effect on normal PBMCs revealing its clinical potential. Here, we report the effect of RBL on human colon cancer HT 29, SW480, and SW620 cell growth and its differential binding to human normal colon and cancer tissues. RBL has strong binding to both primary and metastatic colon cancer cells with MFI of 403, 404, and 192, respectively for HT 29, SW480, and SW620 cells. RBL shows dose and time dependent growth inhibitory effect with IC50 of 5, 6.4, and 6.8 µg/mL, respectively for HT 29, SW480, and SW620 cells. RBL inhibited the clonogenicity of colon carcinoma cells. RBL arrests metastatic SW620 cell growth at S phase, increased hypodiploid population by 6.1%, 14.3%, and 23.2%, respectively at 12, 24, and 36 h. Further, RBL induces SW620 cell apoptosis in time dependent manner, showed increased release of ROS and nuclear degradation compared to lectin untreated control. Adhesion, wound healing, invasion, and migration assays demonstrated anti‐metastasis effect of RBL in SW620 cells apart from its growth inhibitory effect. Anti angiogenic effect of RBL was demonstrated by CAM assay. All these results show the promising potential of RBL both as diagnostic and therapeutic agent.
Lysine‐specific demethylase 1 activation by vitamin B2 attenuates efficacy of apatinib for proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cell MGC‐803
Authors: Ma Jin‐Lian , Zhang Ting , Suo Feng‐Zhi , Chang Jiao , Wan Xiang‐Bin , Feng Xue‐Jian , Zheng Yi‐Chao , Liu Hong‐Min
Published: January 2018

B vitamins play an essential role in the biosynthesis of nucleotides, replication of DNA, supply of methyl‐groups, growth and repair of cells, aberrancies of which have all been implicated in carcinogenesis. Although the potential role of vitamin B in relation to the risk of cancer, including breast, and colorectal cancer, has been investigated in several observational studies, the mechanism of action is still unclear. In this study, vitamin B2 exhibited efficient activation of LSD1 by occupying the active sites where FAD stands. Interestingly, vitamin B2 significantly downregulated expression of CD86, a sensitive surrogate biomarker of LSD1 inhibition, and showed marked activation of gastric cancer cell migration and invasion. Meanwhile, vitamin B2 induced activation of LSD1 may attenuate the proliferation inhibition, and anti‐migration effects of apatinib in gastric cancer cells. These findings suggested that vitamin B supplementation may interfere with the efficacy of apatinib in patients with gastric cancer.
Mechanical regulation of breast cancer migration and apoptosis via direct and indirect osteocyte signaling
Authors: Ma Yu‐Heng V. , Lam Candy , Dalmia Shreyash , Gao Peter , Young Jacob , Middleton Kevin , Liu Chao , Xu Henry , You Lidan
Published: January 2018

Bone metastases, the migration of cancers to bone, occur in 65‐80% of patients with advanced breast cancer. Metastasized cancer cells interact with cells such as the bone‐resorbing osteoclasts to alter bone remodeling. Exercise, often suggested as an intervention for cancer patients, regulates bone remodeling via osteocytes. Osteocytes also signal to endothelial cells, which may affect cancer cell extravasation. Therefore, we hypothesize that mechanically stimulated osteocytes can regulate processes in breast cancer bone metastasis. To test this, we exposed osteocytes to oscillatory fluid flow in vitro using parallel‐plate flow chambers. We observed that conditioned medium from flow‐stimulated osteocytes increased migration (by 45%) and reduced apoptosis (by 12%) of breast cancer cells. Conditioned medium from osteoclasts conditioned in flowed osteocytes' conditioned medium reduced migration (by 47%) and increased apoptosis (by 55%) of cancer cells. Cancer cell trans‐endothelial migration was reduced by 34% toward flowed osteocytes' conditioned medium. This difference was abolished with ICAM‐1 or IL‐6 neutralizing antibodies. Conditioned medium from endothelial cells conditioned in flowed osteocytes' conditioned medium increased cancer cell apoptosis by 29%. To summarize, this study demonstrated mechanically stimulated osteocytes' potential to affect breast cancer cells not only through direct signaling, but also through osteoclasts and endothelial cells. The anti‐metastatic potential of the indirect signalings is particularly exciting since osteocytes are further away from metastasizing cancer cells than osteoclasts and endothelial cells. Future studies into the effect of bone mechanical loading on metastases and its mechanism will assist in designing cancer intervention programs that lowers the risk for bone metastases.
Biological nitrification in the presence of sulfide and organic matter: effect of zeolite on the process in a batch system
Authors: Huiliñir Cesar , Medina Rodrigo , Montalvo Silvio , Castillo Alejandra , Guerrero Lorna
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Even though the nitrification process is inhibited in the presence of sulfide and organic matter, few efforts have been reported to overcome this weakness. The present work has the goal of determining the effect of zeolite (2.5, 5, 10 and 15 g L‐1) as an improver of the nitrification process in the presence of sulfide and organic matter in a batch system.

RESULTS

The inhibitory effect of both sulfide and organic matter on the nitrification process was decreased by 53% when using zeolite, with the best results at a zeolite concentration of 15 g L‐1. No total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) adsorption on the zeolite was observed under these conditions, with TAN removal taking place mainly by biological oxidation. Specific nitrate production rate increased by 37.73% compared with the control. Sulfide was oxidized chemically in all the assays, with sulfate as the main product, while COD reduction and VSS production were not affected by zeolite.

CONCLUSIONS

Zeolite can be used to improve nitrification in batch systems in the presence of sulfur and organic matter, obtaining a faster TAN removal rate and higher specific nitrate production compared with the controls. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
High cell‐density cultivation of phenolic acid decarboxylase‐expressing Escherichia coli and 4‐vinylguaiacol bioproduction from ferulic acid by whole‐cell catalysis
Authors: Chen Yuheng , Li Lulu , Long Liangkun , Ding Shaojun
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

4‐vinyl guaiacol (4‐VG) is a high value‐added product widely used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. The practical bioproduction of 4‐VG using phenolic acid decarboxylases has been limited by its relatively high biocatalyst cost and low yield and product concentration.

RESULTS

In the present study, high‐cell density cultivation was employed to improve the activity and production of phenolic acid decarboxylase from Bacillus licheniformis (BLPAD) in recombinant Escherichia coli. The factors influencing enzyme production in E. coli such as the induction point and temperature for induction and feeding strategies were optimized. The highest BLPAD activity (531 U mL‐1) and productivity (20.4 U mL‐1 h‐1), respectively, were achieved in a 5 L bioreactor using a glucose exponential feeding strategy with isopropyl β‐D‐thiogalactoside (IPTG) as inducer. Furthermore, a high BLPAD production level (512 U mL‐1) was achieved using lactose as an inducer and continuous lactose feeding. Using a biphasic emulsion system with equal volumes (1 L) of cyclohexane as a organic solvent and a substrate fed‐batch strategy, the concentration and conversion yield of 4‐VG reached 129.9 g L‐1 (85.6%) in a 5 L bioreactor by whole‐cell biocatalysis, which is the highest reported to date.

CONCLUSION

This study describes a strategy for large‐scale 4‐VG bioproduction using the biocatalytic method. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Extraction of recombinant proteins from Escherichia coli by cell disruption with aqueous solutions of surface‐active compounds
Authors: Martins Margarida , Ooi Chien Wei , Neves Márcia C , Pereira Jorge FB , Coutinho João AP , Ventura Sónia PM
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) is used extensively as a biomarker due to its unique spectral and fluorescence characteristics. GFP is usually obtained from recombinant strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) producing the protein intracellularly. However, the common methods of extraction are cumbersome leading to an increase in the downstream process costs and complexity, sometimes leading to a higher risk of biomolecule degradation.

RESULTS

This work proposes a new method to extract recombinant intracellular GFP from E. coli BL21 by using aqueous solutions of surface‐active compounds.

CONCLUSION

By comparing the fluorescence intensity of the extracted GFP, it was concluded that some of these compounds, namely ionic liquids with an alkyl chain of 10 or more carbons (best solvent being tributyl‐1‐tetradecylphosphonium, [P4,4,4,14]Cl) are more effective than an ultrasonic‐assisted extraction, even at low concentrations, being able to extract the whole GFP content from the cells. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Extended duration of treatment with peginterferon alfa‐2a in patients with chronic hepatitis B, HBeAg‐negative and E genotype: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Boglione Lucio , Cariti Giuseppe , Ghisetti Valeria , Burdino Elisa , Di Perri Giovanni
Published: January 2018

An alternative approach in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) with pegylated (PEG)‐interferon (IFN) is the prolonged course to 96 weeks of therapy, with higher sustained response (SR) than patients treated for 48 weeks. This result was confirmed in patients with CHB and D genotype, while no data are currently available about the prolonged course of PEG‐IFN in E genotype. This retrospective analysis reported the role of different treatment duration of PEG‐IFN on the SR in patients affected by CHB and E genotype. A total of 86 subjects with CHB and E genotype were considered in this analysis; different treatment durations were: 48 weeks (control group, 41 patients), 72 weeks (25 patients), and 96 weeks (19 patients). Treatment effectiveness was evaluated with sustained response (SR) and serological response. SR was significantly higher in patients who underwent PEG‐IFN for 96 weeks in comparison to 48 weeks: 14.6% versus 26.3% (P = 0.016). HBsAg loss rate was 5.3% in patients treated for 96 weeks and 2.4% in the control group. In the multivariate analysis only the 72 and 96 weeks of therapy (OR 2.335, 95% CI 1.550‐4.578; P = 0.020 and (OR 3.890, 95% CI 1.991‐10.961; P = 0003) were predictive of SR. The extended duration of PEG‐IFN course in patients with CHB and genotype E is a promising approach to increase the SR and HBsAg clearance.
Meta‐Analysis of Early Enteral Nutrition Provided Within 24 Hours of Admission on Clinical Outcomes in Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Qi Desheng , Yu Bo , Huang Jia , Peng Milin
Published: January 2018

Background

Enteral nutrition (EN) is more beneficial than parenteral nutrition (PN) in reducing organ failure, infectious complications, and mortality of acute pancreatitis (AP), but its timing is controversial. We attempted to evaluate the safety and clinical outcomes of early EN within 24 hours of admission in patients with AP, especially in predicted severe or severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE Databases, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for relevant articles before June 2016 using RevMan 5.2 software.

Results

Eight studies containing 727 patients with AP were analyzed in the meta‐analysis. Comparing early EN to late EN or total parental nutrition in AP, the odds ratios (OR) were 0.56 (95% CI 0.23 –1.34) for the risk of mortality, 0.40 (95% CI 0.20–0.79) for multiple organ failure, 0.57 (95% CI 0.23–1.42) for infectious complications, 0.45 (95% CI 0.17–1.21) for adverse events, and 0.83 (95% CI 0.59–1.18) for pancreatic‐related infections. Furthermore, subgroup analysis for early EN in predicted severe or SAP showed a significant reduction in multiple organ failure (OR 0.30; 95% CI 0.09–0.96) and pancreatic‐related infections (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.29–0.88). Early EN provided no benefits for mild to moderate AP.

Conclusion

Early EN within 24 hours of admission is safe and provides benefits for predicted severe or SAP, but not for mild to moderate pancreatitis.
Rapid characterization of chemical constituents and metabolites of Qi‐Jing‐Sheng‐Bai granule by using UHPLC–Q‐TOF‐MS
Authors: Wu Ran , Lin Shan , Wang Jinxin , Tian Saisai , Ke Xisong , Qu Yi , Tian Xinhui , Qi Xiaopo , Ye Ji , Zhang Weidong
Published: January 2018

Qi‐Jing‐Sheng‐Bai granule is an effective traditional Chinese medicine formula that has been widely used for the treatment of leukopenia post radiotherapy or chemotherapy. However, its chemical constituents were still unclear, which hindered interpreting bioactive constituents and studying integrative mechanisms. In this study, we developed a three‐step strategy to characterize the chemical constituents and metabolites of Qi‐Jing‐Sheng‐Bai by using ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. As a result, a total of 143 compounds, including 56 flavonoids, 51 saponins, and 36 other compounds, of which contained six pairs of isomers, were tentatively identified and characterized via reference standards and by comparing mass spectrometry data with literature. After oral administration of 15 g/kg Qi‐Jing‐Sheng‐Bai, a number of 42 compounds including 24 prototype compounds and 18 metabolites have been detected in the serum of rats. This work serves as the first reference for Qi‐Jing‐Sheng‐Bai chemical components and metabolites. Moreover, it provided a rapid and valid analytical strategy for characterization of the chemical compounds and metabolites of traditional Chinese medicine formula.
Modeling and predicting chiral stationary phase enantioselectivity: An efficient random forest classifier using an optimally balanced training dataset and an aggregation strategy
Authors: Piras Patrick , Sheridan Robert , Sherer Edward C. , Schafer Wes , Welch Christopher J. , Roussel Christian
Published: January 2018

Predicting whether a chiral column will be effective is a daily task for many analysts. Moreover, finding the best chiral column for separating a particular racemic compound is mostly a matter of trial and error that may take up to a week in some cases. In this study we have developed a novel prediction approach based on combining a random forest classifier and an optimized discretization method for dealing with enantioselectivity as a continuous variable. Using the optimization results, models were trained on data sets divided into four enantioselectivity classes. The best model performances were achieved by over‐sampling the minority classes (α ≤ 1.10 and α ≥ 2.00), down‐sampling the majority class (1.2 ≤ α < 2.0), and aggregating multicategory predictions into binary classifications. We tested our method on 41 chiral stationary phases using layered fingerprints as descriptors. Experimental results show that this learning methodology was successful in terms of average area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve, Kappa indices and F‐measure for structure‐based prediction of the enantioselective behavior of 34 chiral columns.
Liver atrophy and regeneration in noncirrhotic portal vein thrombosis: Effect of surgical shunts
Authors: Elnaggar Abdulrhman S. , Griesemer Adam D. , Bentley‐Hibbert Stuart , Brown Robert S. , Martinez Mercedes , Lobritto Steven J. , Kato Tomoaki , Emond Jean C.
Published: January 2018

The goal of the study is to characterize the relationship between portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and hepatic atrophy in patients without cirrhosis and the effect of various types of surgical shunts on liver regeneration and splenomegaly. Patients without cirrhosis with PVT suffer from presinusoidal portal hypertension, and often hepatic atrophy is a topic that has received little attention. We hypothesized that patients with PVT have decreased liver volumes, and shunts that preserve intrahepatic portal flow enhance liver regeneration. Sixty‐four adult and pediatric patients with PVT who underwent surgical shunt placement between 1998 and 2011 were included in a retrospective study. Baseline liver volumes from adult patients were compared with standard liver volume (SLV) as well as a group of healthy controls undergoing evaluation for liver donation. Clinical assessment, liver function tests, and liver and spleen volumes from cross‐sectional imaging were compared before and after surgery. A total of 40 patients received portal flow–preserving shunts (32 mesoportal and 8 selective splenorenal), whereas 24 received portal flow–diverting shunts (16 nonselective splenorenal and 8 mesocaval). Baseline adult liver volumes were 26% smaller than SLV (1248 versus 1624 cm3; P = 0.02) and 20% smaller than the control volumes (1248 versus 1552 cm3; P = 0.02). Baseline adult spleen volumes were larger compared with controls (1258 versus 229 cm3; P < 0.001). Preserving shunts were associated with significant increase in liver volumes (886 versus 1131 cm3; P = 0.01), whereas diverting shunts were not. Diverting shunts significantly improved splenomegaly. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that patients without cirrhosis with PVT have significant liver atrophy and splenomegaly. Significant liver regeneration was achieved after portal flow–preserving shunts. Liver Transplantation 24 881–887 2018 AASLD.
Thermally Resistive Electrospun Composite Membranes for Low‐Grade Thermal Energy Harvesting
Authors: Hasan Syed Waqar , Said Suhana Mohd. , Sabri Mohd. Faizul Mohd , Jaffery Hasan Abbass , Bakar Ahmad Shuhaimi Bin Abu
Published: January 2018

In this work, thermally insulating composite mats of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) blends are used as the separator membranes. The membranes improve the thermal‐to‐electrical energy conversion efficiency of a thermally driven electrochemical cell (i.e., thermocell) up to 95%. The justification of the improved performance is an intricate relationship between the porosity, electrolyte uptake, electrolyte uptake rate of the electrospun fibrous mat, and the actual temperature gradient at the electrode surface. When the porosity is too high (87%) in PAN membranes, the electrolyte uptake and electrolyte uptake rate are significantly high as 950% and 0.53 µL s−1, respectively. In such a case, the convective heat flow within the cell is high and the power density is limited to 32.7 mW m−2. When the porosity is lesser (up to 81%) in PVDF membranes, the electrolyte uptake and uptake rate are relatively low as 434% and 0.13 µL s−1, respectively. In this case, the convective flow shall be low, however, the maximum power density of 63.5 mW m−2 is obtained with PVDF/PAN composites as the aforementioned parameters are optimized. Furthermore, multilayered membrane structures are also investigated for which a bilayered architecture produces highest power density of 102.7 mW m−2.
Physical Polyurethane Hydrogels via Charge Shielding through Acids or Salts
Authors: Leiendecker Mai‐Thi , Licht Christopher J. , Borghs Jannik , Mooney David J. , Zimmermann Marc , Böker Alexander
Published: January 2018

Physical hydrogels with tunable stress‐relaxation and excellent stress recovery are formed from anionic polyurethanes via addition of acids, monovalent salts, or divalent salts. Gel properties can be widely adjusted through pH, salt valence, salt concentration, and monomer composition. We propose and investigate a novel gelation mechanism based on a colloidal system interacting through charge repulsion and chrage shielding, allowing a broad use of the material, from acidic (pH 4–5.5) to pH‐neutral hydrogels with Young's moduli ranging from 10 to 140 kPa.
Dual‐Crosslink Physical Hydrogels with High Toughness Based on Synergistic Hydrogen Bonding and Hydrophobic Interactions
Authors: Chang Xiaohua , Geng Yuhui , Cao Heqing , Zhou Jian , Tian Ye , Shan Guorong , Bao Yongzhong , Wu Zi Liang , Pan Pengju
Published: January 2018

Constructing dual or multiple noncovalent crosslinks is highly effective to improve the mechanical and stimuli‐responsive properties of supramolecular physical hydrogels, due to the synergistic effects of different noncovalent bonds. Herein, a series of tough physical hydrogels are prepared by solution casting and subsequently swelling the films of poly(ureidopyrimidone methacrylate‐co‐stearyl acrylate‐co‐acrylic acid). The hydrophobic interactions between crystallizable alkyl chains and the quadruple hydrogen bonds between ureidopyrimidone (UPy) motifs serve as the dual crosslinks of hydrogels. Synergistic effects between the hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds render the hydrogels excellent mechanical properties, with tensile breaking stress up to 4.6 MPa and breaking strain up to 680%. The UPy motifs promote the crystallization of alkyl chains and the hydrophobic alkyl chains also stabilize UPy–UPy hydrogen bonding. The resultant hydrogels are responsive to multiple external stimuli, such as temperature, pH, and ion; therefore, they show the thermal‐induced dual and metal ion‐induced triple shape memory behaviors.
High‐Speed 3D Printing of High‐Performance Thermosetting Polymers via Two‐Stage Curing
Authors: Kuang Xiao , Zhao Zeang , Chen Kaijuan , Fang Daining , Kang Guozheng , Qi Hang Jerry
Published: January 2018

Design and direct fabrication of high‐performance thermosets and composites via 3D printing are highly desirable in engineering applications. Most 3D printed thermosetting polymers to date suffer from poor mechanical properties and low printing speed. Here, a novel ink for high‐speed 3D printing of high‐performance epoxy thermosets via a two‐stage curing approach is presented. The ink containing photocurable resin and thermally curable epoxy resin is used for the digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing. After printing, the part is thermally cured at elevated temperature to yield an interpenetrating polymer network epoxy composite, whose mechanical properties are comparable to engineering epoxy. The printing speed is accelerated by the continuous liquid interface production assisted DLP 3D printing method, achieving a printing speed as high as 216 mm h−1. It is also demonstrated that 3D printing structural electronics can be achieved by combining the 3D printed epoxy composites with infilled silver ink in the hollow channels. The new 3D printing method via two‐stage curing combines the attributes of outstanding printing speed, high resolution, low volume shrinkage, and excellent mechanical properties, and provides a new avenue to fabricate 3D thermosetting composites with excellent mechanical properties and high efficiency toward high‐performance and functional applications.
Histone Methyltransferase Setd7 Regulates Nrf2 Signaling Pathway by Phenethyl Isothiocyanate and Ursolic Acid in Human Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Chao , Shu Limin , Zhang Chengyue , Li Wenji , Wu Renyi , Guo Yue , Yang Yuqing , Kong Ah‐Ng
Published: January 2018

Scope

This study aims to investigate the role of the epigenetic regulator SET domain‐containing lysine methyltransferase 7 (Setd7) in regulating the antioxidant Nrf2 pathway in prostate cancer (PCa) cells and examines the effects of two phytochemicals, phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) and ursolic acid (UA).

Methods and results

Lentivirus‐mediated shRNA knockdown of Setd7 in LNCaP and PC‐3 cells decreases the expression of downstream Nrf2 targets, such as NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1) and glutathione S‐transferase theta 2 (Gstt2). Downregulation of Setd7 decreases soft agar colony formation ability of PCa cells. Knockdown of Setd7 increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Furthermore, Setd7 knockdown attenuates Nqo1 and Gstt2 expression in response to H2O2 challenge, whereas increased DNA damage is observed in Setd7 knockdown cells in comet assay. Interestingly, Setd7 expression could be induced by the dietary phytochemicals PEITC and UA. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays show that Setd7 knockdown decreased H3K4me1 enrichment in the Nrf2 and Gstt2 promoter regions, while PEITC and UA treatments elevated the enrichment.

Conclusion

Taken together, these results indicate that Setd7 knockdown decreases Nrf2 and Nrf2‐target genes expression and that PEITC and UA induce Setd7 expression, which activates the Nrf2/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway and protects DNA from oxidative damage.
Algebraic multigrid for directed graph Laplacian linear systems (NS‐LAMG)
Authors: Fox Alyson , Manteuffel Thomas
Published: January 2018

We propose nonsymmetric lean algebraic multigrid (NS‐LAMG), a new algebraic multigrid algorithm for directed graph Laplacian systems that combines ideas from undirected graph Laplacian multigrid solvers and multigrid algorithms for Markov chain stationary distribution systems. Low‐degree elimination, proposed in LAMG for undirected graphs, is generalized to directed graphs and is a key component of NS‐LAMG. In the setup phase, we propose a simple stationary‐aggregation multigrid algorithms for Markov chain stationary distribution systems solver enhanced by low‐degree elimination to find the right null‐space vector that is used for the intergrid transfer operators. Numerical results show that low‐degree elimination improves performance and that NS‐LAMG outperforms generalized minimal residual method with restart and stable bi‐conjugate gradient method for real‐world, directed graph Laplacian linear systems.
Two‐scale finite element modelling of reinforced concrete structures: Effective response and subscale fracture development
Authors: Sciegaj A. , Larsson F. , Lundgren K. , Nilenius F. , Runesson K.
Published: January 2018

A two‐scale model is derived from a fully resolved model where the response of concrete, steel reinforcement, and bond between them are considered. The pertinent “effective” large‐scale problem is derived from selective homogenisation in terms of the equilibrium of reinforced concrete considered as a single‐phase solid. Variational formulations of the representative volume element problem are established in terms of the subscale displacement fields for the plain concrete continuum and the reinforcement bars. Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions (BCs) are imposed on the concrete (pertaining to uniform boundary displacement and constant boundary traction, respectively) and on the reinforcement bars (pertaining to prescribed boundary displacement and vanishing sectional forces, respectively). Different representative volume element sizes and combinations of BCs were used in FE2 analyses of a deep beam subjected to four‐point bending. Results were compared with those of full resolution (single‐scale). The most reliable response was obtained for the case of Dirichlet‐Dirichlet BCs, with a good match between the models in terms of the deformed shape, force‐deflection relation, and average strain. Even though the maximum crack widths were underestimated, the Dirichlet‐Dirichlet combination provided an approximate upper bound on the structural stiffness.
Possible involvement of IL‐6‐producing tissue‐resident macrophages in early‐onset pericardial effusion pathogenesis after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Hamada Satoru , Miyamoto Jiro , Oshiro Tokiko , Yagi Takeshi , Kiyuna Shinobu , Uehara Taichi , Matsuda Takehiro , Higa Takeshi , Hyakuna Nobuyuki , Nakanishi Koichi
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Pericardial effusion (PE) is a potentially life‐threatening complication following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). A higher incidence of early‐onset PE, unrelated to graft‐versus‐host disease, before day 100 after HCT has been reported in pediatric patients, but the pathogenic mechanism is poorly understood. Aiming to determine the pathogenesis of early‐onset PE in pediatric patients, we analyzed the cytokine concentration and cell population in the pericardial fluid of four pediatric patients with PE.

Methods

Between January 2009 and December 2015, four patients requiring pericardiocentesis for clinically significant PE were identified in 60 patients. We evaluated the interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interferon‐γ, IL‐1β, and tumor necrosis factor‐α levels in PE. Two patients were available for analysis with intracellular cytokine flow cytometry and a chimerism assay.

Results

All patients showed the accumulation of pericardial macrophages and high concentrations of IL‐6 in PE. Notably, the accumulated pericardial macrophages were CD163+CD15+CD14+ cells of host origin that produced IL‐6.

Conclusion

These IL‐6‐producing tissue‐resident macrophages may be key players in the pathogenesis of early‐onset PE.