bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uniform light delivery in volumetric optoacoustic tomography
Authors: Mc Larney Benedict , Rebling Johannes , Chen Zhenyue , Deán‐Ben Xosé Luís , Gottschalk Sven , Razansky Daniel
Published: January 2019

Accurate image reconstruction in volumetric optoacoustic tomography implies the efficient generation and collection of ultrasound signals around the imaged object. Non‐uniform delivery of the excitation light is a common problem in optoacoustic imaging often leading to a diminished field of view, limited dynamic range and penetration, as well as impaired quantification abilities. Presented here is an optimized illumination concept for volumetric tomography that utilizes additive manufacturing via 3D printing in combination with custom‐made optical fiber illumination. The custom‐designed sample chamber ensures convenient access to the imaged object along with accurate positioning of the sample and a matrix array ultrasound transducer used for collection of the volumetric image data. Ray tracing is employed to optimize the positioning of the individual fibers in the chamber. Homogeneity of the generated light excitation field was confirmed in tissue‐mimicking agar spheres. Applicability of the system to image entire mouse organs ex vivo has been showcased. The new approach showed a clear advantage over conventional, single‐sided illumination strategies by eliminating the need to correct for illumination variances and resulting in enhancement of the effective field of view, greater penetration depth and significant improvements in the overall image quality.
Effect of magnesium on reducing the UV‐induced oxidative damage in marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Chen Yangmei , Xiong Shibing , Zhao Fenghua , Lu Xugang , Wu Boyao , Yang Bangcheng
Published: January 2019

Oxidative stress could cause damage to lipids, proteins and DNA, which is induced by the imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the biological system ability to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects. The oxidative stress damage significantly contributes to a number of diseases. Magnesium (Mg) is endowed with a novel function of removing excess ROS by releasing H2 during the degradation. In this study, in order to explore the property of anti‐oxidative damage of Mg metal, rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) oxidative damaged by ultraviolet (UV) radiation was employed to co‐culture with Mg metal. The effect of Mg metal on the response of antioxidant enzymes and mitochondria in MSCs was studied. We found that Mg metal could reduce the cellular oxidative stress damage and elevate the activities of antioxidant enzymes to maintain redox homeostasis. In addition, Mg metal could reduce the risk of UV‐induced cell apoptosis by increasing the ratio of Bcl‐2/Bax, elevating the mitochondrial membrane potential and blocking the release of cytochrome c. This finding showed Mg metal might have the potential for treating diseases caused by oxidative stress damage. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 1253–1263, 2019.
Phenolic and anthocyanin fractions from wild blueberries (V. angustifolium) differentially modulate endothelial cell migration partially through RHOA and RAC1
Authors: Tsakiroglou Panagiotis , Weber James , Ashworth Sharon , Del Bo Cristian , Klimis‐Zacas Dorothy
Published: January 2019

The present study investigates the effect of anthocyanin (ACN), phenolic acid (PA) fractions, and their combination (ACNs:PAs) from wild blueberry powder (Vaccinum angustifolium) on the speed of endothelial cell migration, gene expression, and protein levels of RAC1 and RHOA associated with acute exposure to different concentrations of ACNs and PAs. Time‐lapse videos were analyzed and endothelial cell speed was calculated. Treatment with ACNs at 60 μg/mL inhibited endothelial cell migration rate (
P ≤ 0.05) while treatment with PAs at 0.002 μg/mL (
P ≤ 0.0001), 60 μg/mL (
P ≤ 0.0001), and 120 μg/mL (
P ≤ 0.01) significantly increased endothelial cell migration rate compared with control. Moreover, exposure of HUVECs to ACNs:PAs at 8:8 μg/mL (
P ≤ 0.05) and 60:60 μg/mL increased (
P ≤ 0.001) endothelial cell migration. Gene expression of RAC1 and RHOA significantly increased 2 hours after exposure with all treatments. No effect of the above fractions was observed on the protein levels of RAC1 and RHOA. Findings suggest that endothelial cell migration is differentially modulated based on the type of blueberry extract (ACN or PA fraction) and is concentration‐dependent. Future studies should determine the mechanism of the differential action of the above fractions on endothelial cell migration.
Retracted: Emodin protects H9c2 cells against hypoxia‐induced injury via regulation of miR‐26a/survivin and the JAK1/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Huang Jiancheng , Li Xiaobing , Liu Pujuan , Wang Jun , Li Hongying
Published: January 2019

Background/aim

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a catastrophic disease. Emodin possesses biological properties in protecting against some diseases. Our study investigated to explore the effects of emodin on hypoxia‐stimulated cardiomyocytes, which mimicked CHD in vitro.

Methods

H9c2 cells were stimulated with hypoxia and then the cells were treated with or without emodin, and/or transfected with miR‐26a mimic, pcDNA‐survivin and their corresponding negative control (NC). Cell viability and cell apoptosis were detected by Cell Counting kit‐8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. In addition, the expression of apoptotic proteins, Janus kinase 1 (JNK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway factors, and survivin were evaluated by using Western blot analysis. The expression of miR‐26a was analyzed by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Moreover, the target of miR‐26a was verified by using a luciferase report assay.

Results

Hypoxia significantly decreased cell viability and increased cell apoptosis, and the accumulated levels of cleaved caspase‐3 and cleaved‐caspase‐9 were upregulated by hypoxia compared with the control. However, emodin administration led to the opposite result. A further result showed that emodin increased the phosphorylation of JNK/STAT3 pathway–related proteins and the pathway inhibitor AG490 impaired the protective effects of emodin on hypoxia‐induced injury. In addition, emodin negatively regulated the miR‐26a expression, and overexpression of miR‐26a enhanced cell apoptosis and upregulated the expression of cleaved‐caspase‐3 and cleaved‐caspase‐9 compared with the NC. Moreover, emodin statistically upregulated the expression of survivin, and overexpression of miR‐26a decreased the expression of survivin. The luciferase of miR‐26a overexpression was decreased in the wild type of the survivin group.

Conclusion

Emodin protects hypoxia‐induced cell injury as evidenced by increasing cell viability and decreasing apoptosis through downregulation of miR‐26a as well as activation of the JNK/STAT3 pathway.
Mechanistic elucidation of amphetamine metabolism by tyramine oxidase from human gut microbiota using molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Kumar Kundan , Dhoke Gaurao V. , Sharma Ashok K. , Jaiswal Shubham K. , Sharma Vineet K.
Published: January 2019

The human gut harbors diverse bacterial species in the gut, which play an important role in the metabolism of food and host health. Recent studies have also revealed their role in altering the pharmacological properties and efficacy of oral drugs through promiscuous metabolism. However, the atomistic details of the enzyme‐drug interactions of gut bacterial enzymes which can potentially carry out the metabolism of drug molecules are still scarce. A well‐known example is the FDA drug amphetamine (a central nervous system stimulant), which has been predicted to undergo promiscuous metabolism by gut bacteria. Therefore, to understand the atomistic details and energy landscape of the gut microbial enzyme‐mediated metabolism of this drug, molecular dynamics studies were performed. It was observed that amphetamine binds to tyramine oxidase from the Escherichia coli strain present in the human gut microbiota at the binding site harboring polar and nonpolar amino acids. The stability analysis of amphetamine at the binding site showed that the binding is stable and the free energy for the binding of amphetamine was found to be ~ −51.71 kJ/mol. The insights provided by this study on promiscuous metabolism of amphetamine by a gut enzyme will be very useful to improve the efficacy of the drug.
Distinct partial sums in cyclic groups: polynomial method and constructive approaches
Authors: Hicks Jacob , Ollis M. A. , Schmitt John R.
Published: January 2019

Let be an abelian group and consider a subset with . Given an ordering of the elements of , define its
partial sums by and for . We consider the following conjecture of Alspach: for any cyclic group and any subset with , it is possible to find an ordering of the elements of such that no two of its partial sums and are equal for . We show that Alspach’s Conjecture holds for prime when and when . The former result is by direct construction, the latter is nonconstructive and uses the polynomial method. We also use the polynomial method to show that for prime a sequence of length having distinct partial sums exists in any subset of of size at least in all but at most a bounded number of cases.
Tanshinone IIA protects lens epithelial cells from H2O2‐induced injury by upregulation of lncRNA ANRIL
Authors: Qi Defeng , Wang Mingming , Zhang Duzhen , Li Haihui
Published: January 2019

Tanshinone IIA is a lipophilic diterpene extracted from the Salvia miltiorrhiza bunge, possessing antiapoptotic and antioxidant activities. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of Tanshinone IIA on age‐related nuclear cataract. Human lens epithelial cell line SRA01/04 was subjected to H
2O
2 to mimic a cell model of cataract. Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay, flow cytometer, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection were performed to evaluate the effect of Tanshinone IIA pretreatment on SRA01/04 cells injured by H
2O
2. Besides, the real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to assess the expression of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) antisense noncoding RNA in the INK4 locus (ANRIL). Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of core proteins involved in cell survival and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) pathway. H
2O
2 significantly decreased SRA01/04 cells viability, whereas increased apoptosis and ROS generation. This phenomenon was coupled with the upregulated p53, p21, Bax, cleaved caspase‐3, and the downregulated cyclinD1, CDK4, and Bcl‐2. Tanshinone IIA pretreatment protected SRA01/04 cells against H
2O
2‐induced injury. In the meantime, the expression of lncRNA ANRIL was upregulated by Tanshinone IIA. And, the protective effects of Tanshinone IIA on H
2O
2‐stimulated SRA01/04 cells were abolished when lncRNA ANRIL was silenced. Moreover, the elevated expression of lncRNA ANRIL induced by Tanshinone IIA was abolished by BAY 11‐7082 (an inhibitor of NF‐κB). To conclude, Tanshinone IIA protects SRA01/04 cells from apoptosis triggered by H
2O
2. Tanshinone IIA confers its protective effects possibly via modulation of NF‐κB signaling and thereby elevating the expression of lncRNA ANRIL.
Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in lung inflammation and carcinogenesis: Friends or foes?
Authors: Hajiasgharzadeh Khalil , Sadigh‐Eteghad Saeed , Mansoori Behzad , Mokhtarzadeh Ahad , Shanehbandi Dariush , Doustvandi Mohammad Amin , Asadzadeh Zahra , Baradaran Behzad
Published: January 2019

The lung tissue expresses the cholinergic system including nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) which included in many physiologic and pathologic processes. Mounting evidence revealed that these receptors have important roles in lung carcinogenesis via modulating either stimulatory or inhibitory signaling pathways. Among different members of nicotinic receptors family, alpha7‐subtype of nAChR (α7nAChR) is a critical mediator involved in both inflammatory responses and cancers. Several studies have shown that this receptor is the most powerful regulator of responses that stimulate lung cancer processes such as proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and inhibition of apoptosis. Moreover, aside from its roles in the regulation of cancer pathways, there is growing evidence indicating that α7nAChR has profound impacts on lung inflammation through the cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway. Regarding such diverse effects as well as the critical roles of nicotine as an activator of α7nAChR on lung cancer pathogenesis, its modulation has emerged as a promising target for drug developments. In this review, we aim to highlight the detrimental as well as the possible beneficial influences of α7nAChR downstream signaling cascades in the control of lung inflammation and cancer‐associated properties. Consequently, by considering the significant global burden of lung cancer, delineating the complex influences of α7 receptors would be of great interest in designing novel anticancer and anti‐inflammatory strategies for the patients suffering from lung cancer.
Noncoding RNAs in alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Li Hai‐Di , Du Xiao‐Sa , Huang Hui‐Min , Chen Xin , Yang Yang , Huang Cheng , Meng Xiao‐Ming , Li Jun
Published: January 2019

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a complex process with high morbitity and can cause liver dysfunction, which contains a wide spectrum of hepatic lesions, including steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma. To date, the molecular mechanisms for ALD have not been fully explored and an effective therapy is still missing. Overwhelming evidence shows dysregulation of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), is correlated with etiopathogenesis and progress of ALD including hepatocyte damage, disrupted lipid metabolism, aggressive inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, programmed cell death, fibrosis, and epigenetic changes induced by alcohol. For example, circulating miRNA‐122 is a marker of hepatocyte damage, and miRNA‐155 is a potential marker of inflammation, indicating their diagnosis therapeutic potential in ALD. In addition, roles for long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs in ALD are being uncovered. Further, circulating ncRNAs and exosome‐derived ncRNAs have attracted more attention lately, suggesting a role in the prevention and treatment of ALD. This review covers the roles of ncRNAs in ALD, and the potential uses as markers for diagnosis and therapeutic options.
LncIRS1 controls muscle atrophy via sponging miR‐15 family to activate IGF1‐PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Li Zhenhui , Cai Bolin , Abdalla Bahareldin Ali , Zhu Xuenong , Zheng Ming , Han Peigong , Nie Qinghua , Zhang Xiquan
Published: January 2019

Background

Recent studies indicate important roles for long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the regulation of gene expression by acting as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). However, the specific role of lncRNAs in skeletal muscle atrophy is still unclear. Our study aimed to identify the function of lncRNAs that control skeletal muscle myogenesis and atrophy.

Methods

RNA sequencing was performed to identify the skeletal muscle transcriptome (lncRNA and messenger RNA) between hypertrophic broilers and leaner broilers. To study the ‘sponge’ function of lncRNA, we constructed a lncRNA‐microRNA (miRNA)‐gene interaction network by integrated our previous submitted skeletal muscle miRNA sequencing data. The primary myoblast cells and animal model were used to assess the biological function of the lncIRS1 in vitro or in vivo.

Results

We constructed a myogenesis‐associated lncRNA‐miRNA‐gene network and identified a novel ceRNA lncRNA named lncIRS1 that is specifically enriched in skeletal muscle. LncIRS1 could regulate myoblast proliferation and differentiation in vitro, and muscle mass and mean muscle fibre in vivo. LncIRS1 increases gradually during myogenic differentiation. Mechanistically, lncIRS1 acts as a ceRNA for miR‐15a, miR‐15b‐5p, and miR‐15c‐5p to regulate IRS1 expression, which is the downstream of the IGF1 receptor. Overexpression of lncIRS1 not only increased the protein abundance of IRS1 but also promoted phosphorylation level of AKT (p‐AKT) a central component of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 pathway. Furthermore, lncIRS1 regulates the expression of atrophy‐related genes and can rescue muscle atrophy.

Conclusions

The newly identified lncIRS1 acts as a sponge for miR‐15 family to regulate IRS1 expression, resulting in promoting skeletal muscle myogenesis and controlling atrophy.
vic‐Tricarbonyl Compounds of Quinolines: Analogues of Ninhydrin: A Short Review
Authors: Ijaz Fatima , Shafqat Syed Salman , Ahamd Hafiz Adnan , Munawar Munawar Ali , Khan Misbahul Ain
Published: January 2019

Derivatives of ninhydrin are extensively used in the field of forensic sciences as important latent fingerprint reagents. Many works have been performed upon their synthesis and reactivity, but there are many spaces to work on the compounds of quinoline‐2,3,4(1H)‐triones—analogues of ninhydrin, in both dimensions: synthesis and reactivity, and according to the best of our knowledge, not a single detailed or short compiled article has been published for these compounds. This review briefly summarizes the chemistry of quinoline‐2,3,4(1H)‐triones.
Leukemia-derived exosomes and cytokines pave the way for entry into the brain
Authors: Kinjyo Ichiko , Bragin Denis , Grattan Rachel , Winter Stuart S , Wilson Bridget S
Published: January 2019

Infiltration of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) blasts into the CNS remains as a major clinical problem, with high risk for chemotherapy-resistant relapse and treatment-related morbidity. Despite the common inclusion of CNS prophylaxis treatments in therapy regimens, there are significant gaps in understanding the mechanisms that mediate leukemia cell entry into the CNS as well as roles for resident cells in the brain. In this study, we employ a xenograft model of human B cell precursor (BCP)-ALL in immunocompromised mice. This model system recapitulates key pathological characteristics of leptomeningeal involvement seen in patients and provides insights into rare cases that involve parenchymal invasion. We examine the infiltration of engrafted leukemia blasts into brains of recipient mice and provide evidence that the interaction between blasts and brain resident cells causes aberrant activation of host cells in the brain microenvironment. BCP-ALL blasts also release multiple cytokines and exosomes containing IL-15 that bind and are internalized by astrocytes and brain vessel endothelial cells. Leukemic invasion is linked to production of VEGF-AA by astrocytes and disruption of the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) integrity. Knockdown of either IL-15 or IL-15Rα in the NALM6 cell line decreases CNS infiltration in engrafted mice. These results provide important insights into the multiple mechanisms by which lymphoblasts modulate the brain microenvironment to breach the BBB for metastatic invasion.
Multispectroscopic exploration and molecular docking analysis on interaction of eriocitrin with bovine serum albumin
Authors: Cao Xiangyu , Yang Zhijun , He Yonglin , Xia Ying , He Yin , Liu Jianli
Published: January 2019

Eriocitrin is a flavanone glycoside, which exists in lemon or lime citrus fruits. It possesses antioxidant, anticancer, and anti‐allergy activities. In order to investigate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacological mechanisms of eriocitrin in vivo, the interaction between eriocitrin and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was studied under the simulated physiological conditions by multispectroscopic and molecular docking methods. The results well indicated that eriocitrin and BSA formed a new eriocitrin‐BSA complex because of intermolecular interactions, which was demonstrated by the results of ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐vis) absorption spectra. The intrinsic fluorescence of BSA was quenched by eriocitrin, and static quenching was the quenching mechanism. The number of binding sites (n) and binding constant (Kb) at 310 K were 1.22 and 2.84 × 106 L mol−1, respectively. The values of thermodynamic parameters revealed that the binding process was spontaneous, and the main forces were the hydrophobic interaction. The binding distance between eriocitrin and BSA was 3.43 nm. In addition, eriocitrin changed the conformation of BSA, which was proved by synchronous fluorescence and circular dichroism (CD) spectra. The results of site marker competitive experiments suggested that eriocitrin was more likely to be inserted into the subdomain IIA (site I), which was further certified by molecular docking studies.
Associations between vertebral body fat fraction and intervertebral disc biochemical composition as assessed by quantitative MRI
Authors: Krug Roland , Joseph Gabrielle B. , Han Misung , Fields Aaron , Cheung Justin , Mundada Maya , Bailey Jeannie , Rochette Alice , Ballatori Alexander , McCulloch Charles E. , McCormick Zachary , O'Neill Conor , Link Thomas M. , Lotz Jeffrey
Published: January 2019

Background

There is an interplay between the intervertebral disc (IVD) and the adjacent bone marrow that may play a role in the development of IVD degeneration and might influence chronic lower back pain (CLBP).

Purpose

To apply novel quantitative MRI techniques to assess the relationship between vertebral bone marrow fat (BMF) and biochemical changes in the adjacent IVD.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Forty‐six subjects (26 female and 20 male) with a mean age of 47.3 ± 12.0 years.

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T MRI; a combined T1ρ and T2 mapping pulse sequence and a 3D spoiled gradient recalled sequence with six echoes and iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least‐squares estimation (IDEAL) reconstruction algorithm.

Assessment

Using quantitative MRI, the vertebral BMF fraction was measured as well as the biochemical composition (proteoglycan and collagen content) of the IVD. Furthermore, clinical Pfirrmann grading, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and visual analog scale (VAS) was assessed.

Statistical Tests

Mixed random effects models accounting for multiple measurements per subject were used to assess the relationships between disc measurements and BMF.

Results

The relationships between BMF (mean) and T1ρ/T2 (mean and SD) were significant, with P < 0.05. Significant associations (P < 0.001) were found between clinical scores (Pfirrmann, ODI, and VAS) with T1ρ/T2 (mean and SD). BMF mean was significantly related to ODI (P = 0.037) and VAS (P = 0.043), but not with Pfirrmann (P = 0.451). In contrast, BMF SD was significantly related to Pfirrmann (P = 0.000) but not to ODI (P = 0.064) and VAS (P = 0.13).

Data Conclusion

Our study demonstrates significant associations between BMF and biochemical changes in the adjacent IVD, both assessed by quantitative MRI; this may suggest that the conversion of hematopoietic bone marrow to fatty bone marrow impairs the supply of available nutrients to cells in the IVD and may thereby accelerate disc degeneration.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy Stage: 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1219–1226.
Transgenic increase in the β‐endorphin concentration in cerebrospinal fluid alleviates morphine‐primed relapse behavior through the μ opioid receptor in rats
Authors: He Yan , Lu Yugang , Shen Yang , Wu Feixiang , Xu Xuewu , Kong Erliang , Huang Zhangxiang , Sun Yuming , Yu Weifeng
Published: January 2019

Background

Opioid‐primed relapse is a global burden. Although current strategies have improved, optimal therapy is urgently needed.

Methods

A recombinant adenovirus (Ad‐NEP) expressing β‐endorphin (β‐EP) was designed and injected intracerebroventricularly (icv) into the right lateral ventricle in rats. Spatial and temporal β‐EP expression in the lateral ventricle wall, subventricular zone and adjacent choroid plexus and the β‐EP concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were observed during a 21‐day period. A morphine priming‐induced conditioned place preference (CPP) rat model was established. The β‐EP‐ir neuron counts, CSF β‐EP concentration, and CPP score, which were used to evaluate morphine‐primed reinstatement following extinction, were recorded 7 days after the icv injection. Additionally, the rats were pretreated with the irreversible μ opioid receptor antagonist β‐funaltrexamine (β‐FNA) and the selective κ opioid receptor antagonist nor‐binaltorphimine (nor‐BNI) to identify the receptor‐dependent mechanism.

Results

Both peak β‐EP expression in target neurons and the peak CSF β‐EP concentration occurred 7 to 8 days after Ad‐NEP icv injection. The sustainable increase in the CSF β‐EP concentration was correlated with a decrease in the CPP score 7 days after the Ad‐NEP icv injection. Furthermore, reinstatement was almost reversed by β‐FNA pretreatment 24 hours before the behavioral test, but nor‐BNI had little effect.

Conclusion

The increasing cerebrospinal fluid β‐endorphin concentrations showed that the therapeutic effect on opioid relapse occurred predominantly through a μ opioid receptor‐dependent mechanism. The Ad‐NEP adenovirus can be considered an alternative therapy for opioid relapse.
Hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles as delivery vehicle of foot‐and‐mouth disease virus‐like particles induce persistent immune responses in guinea pigs
Authors: Bai Manyuan , Dong Hu , Su Xin , Jin Ye , Sun Shiqi , Zhang Yingpeng , Yang Yunshang , Guo Huichen
Published: January 2019

Foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) is an acute and febrile infectious disease, which can cause great economic losses. Virus‐like particles (VLPs) as an advantageous antigen can induce significant specific immune response. To improve immunity of VLPs, especially, make it induce persistent immune response, the hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs) as a potential nano‐adjuvant were synthesized and loaded the FMD virus (FMDV) VLPs. They were injected into guinea pigs and the specific immune response was detected. The results confirmed that HMSNs/VLPs can induce persistent humoral immunity with high‐level antibody titer for more than three months. HMSNs also improve the T‐lymphocyte proliferation and IFN‐γ induced by FMDV VLPs, and provides the ideal protection against FMDV challenge. These consequences indicated that HMSNs were good protein delivery vehicle and potential nano‐adjuvant of vaccines.
Validation of spatial variability in downscaling results from the VALUE perfect predictor experiment
Authors: Widmann Martin , Bedia Joaquin , Gutiérrez José M. , Bosshard Thomas , Hertig Elke , Maraun Douglas , Casado María J. , Ramos Petra , Cardoso Rita M. , Soares Pedro M. M. , Ribalaygua Jamie , Pagé Christian , Fischer Andreas M. , Herrera Sixto , Huth Radan
Published: January 2019

The spatial dependence of meteorological variables is crucial for many impacts, for example, droughts, floods, river flows, energy demand, and crop yield. There is thus a need to understand how well it is represented in downscaling (DS) products. Within the COST Action VALUE, we have conducted a comprehensive analysis of spatial variability in the output of over 40 different DS methods in a perfect predictor setup. The DS output is evaluated against daily precipitation and temperature observations for the period 1979–2008 at 86 sites across Europe and 53 sites across Germany. We have analysed the dependency of correlations of daily temperature and precipitation series at station pairs on the distance between the stations. For the European data set, we have also investigated the complexity of the downscaled data by calculating the number of independent spatial degrees of freedom. For daily precipitation at the German network, we have additionally evaluated the dependency of the joint exceedance of the wet day threshold and of the local 90th percentile on the distance between the stations. Finally, we have investigated regional patterns of European monthly precipitation obtained from rotated principal component analysis.

We analysed Perfect Prog (PP) methods, which are based on statistical relationships derived from observations, as well as Model Output Statistics (MOS) approaches, which attempt to correct simulated variables. In summary, we found that most PP DS methods, with the exception of multisite analog methods and a method that explicitly models spatial dependence yield unrealistic spatial characteristics. Regional climate model‐based MOS methods showed good performance with respect to correlation lengths and the joint occurrence of wet days, but a substantial overestimation of the joint occurrence of heavy precipitation events. These findings apply to the spatial scales that are resolved by our observation network, and similar studies with higher resolutions, which are relevant for small hydrological catchment, are desirable.
Beneficial effects of green cardamom on serum SIRT1, glycemic indices and triglyceride levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized double‐blind placebo controlled clinical trial
Authors: Aghasi Mohadeseh , Koohdani Fariba , Qorbani Mostafa , Nasli‐Esfahani Ensieh , Ghazi‐Zahedi Shohreh , Khoshamal Hoorieh , Keshavarz Ali , Sotoudeh Gity
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Cardamom has antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects which may help to remedy diseases. Studies on the health benefits of cardamom in diabetic patients are very limited. Thus, this study is designed to determine the effect of cardamom supplementation on blood lipids and glycemic indices in type 2 diabetic patients. To investigate the mechanism of cardamom effect on blood glucose and lipid levels, serum sirtuin‐1 (SIRT1) was assessed.

RESULTS

In a parallel, double‐blind randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial, 83 overweight or obese type 2 diabetic patients were randomly allocated into an intervention (n = 41) or a control group (n = 42). The intervention and the placebo group received 3 g of green cardamom or rusk powder, respectively for 10 weeks. Physical activity level, dietary intake, anthropometric measurements (weight, height and waist circumference), glycemic indices [glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)], blood lipids [triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐c) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐c)] and SIRT1 levels were measured. Body mass index and homeostasis model assessment as an index of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) were calculated before and after intervention. Compared to the control group, a significant decrease in serum HbA1C (−0.4%), insulin (−2.8 µIU dL−1), HOMA‐IR (−1.7) and TG (−39.9 mg dL−1), and an increase in SIRT1 (2.3 ng mL−1) was observed in cardamom group. There were no significant changes in serum TC, HDL‐c and LDL‐c levels between the two groups before and after adjustment for potential confounders including glyclaside dose, duration of disease and weight.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that cardamom can decrease HbA1c, insulin level, HOMA‐IR and TG level via increase in SIRT1 concentration in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Irregular TEM‐horn with lens made of an artificial dielectric
Authors: Ashikhmin Aleksandr V. , Bykov Konstantin A. , Pasternak Yuriy G. , Pershin Pavel V. , Rembovsky Yuriy A. , Fedorov Sergey M.
Published: January 2019

This article presents design of TEM‐horn with nonuniform law of wave resistance variation along longitudinal axis, in aperture of which an artificial dielectric lens is located. Characteristics of developed antenna in ultra wide frequency band, obtained during mathematical modeling and confirmed by results of experimental study, are presented.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Exerts its Anti‐inflammatory Effects on Multiple Cell Types of Adipose Tissue in Obesity
Authors: Wang Nan , Zhao Ting‐ting , Li Si‐ming , Sun Xu , Li Zi‐cheng , Li Yan‐hua , Li De‐shan , Wang Wen‐fei
Published: January 2019

Objective

Obesity‐related, chronic, low‐grade inflammation has been identified as a key factor in the development of many metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Adipocytes, preadipocytes, and macrophages have been implicated in initiating inflammation in adipose tissue. This study aims to investigate the effects of fibroblast growth factor‐21 (FGF‐21) on obesity‐related inflammation and its mechanisms in vivo and in vitro.

Methods

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) was used to induce obesity in mice and subsequently treated the mice with or without FGF‐21. Primary adipocytes and stromal vascular fraction cells were isolated from MSG‐obesity mice for additional experiments.

Results

Results obtained by ELISA and real‐time polymerase chain reaction showed that FGF‐21 efficiently ameliorated obesity‐related inflammation in MSG‐obesity mice. This study demonstrated that preadipocytes and adipocytes responded to anti‐inflammatory effects of FGF‐21. In vitro, 3 T3‐L1 preadipocytes lacking β‐klotho did not respond to FGF‐21 under glucose uptake. Interestingly, the treatment of 3 T3‐L1 preadipocytes with FGF‐21 significantly attenuated lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammatory response.

Conclusions

Our study showed that FGF‐21–induced glucose uptake and FGF‐21–related anti‐inflammatory effects are mediated by different signaling pathways. Moreover, FGF‐21 showed anti‐inflammatory effects on preadipocytes; these effects are mediated by the fibroblast growth factor receptor substrate 2/ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
Divergent Metabolic Effects of Acute Versus Chronic Repeated Forced Swim Stress in the Rat
Authors: Rabasa Cristina , Askevik Kaisa , Schéle Erik , Hu Min , Vogel Heike , Dickson Suzanne L.
Published: January 2019

Objective

This study sought to examine divergence regarding the impact of acute versus chronic repeated stress on energy balance.

Methods

Rats were exposed to either chronic repeated forced swim (FS) stress for 7 days or an acute stress (a single FS). Body weight and food intake were measured daily. Metabolic parameters explored included brown adipose tissue (BAT) weight and activity.

Results

Chronic repeated FS stress decreased body weight and caloric efficiency. It also increased the relative weight of BAT. The same stressor delivered only once did not alter adrenal or BAT weight, but it did increase the metabolic activity of BAT. In stress‐naive rats, acute FS stress induced an anorexigenic response during the first day after the stressor that caused a reduction in body weight (that persisted for 4 days). By contrast, the chronic FS rats did not show an anorexigenic response after the final stressor, and there was no change in body weight during the following 4 days.

Conclusions

Rats exposed to chronic repeated FS stress adapt to the stressor over time; they become less sensitive to its anorexigenic effects and its metabolic effects in BAT, adaptations that ultimately reduce sensitivity to the weight‐lowering effects of an acute stressor.
Physico‐mechanical and thermal properties of date palm fiber/phenolic resin composites
Authors: Kashizadeh Roya , Esfandeh Masoud , Rezadoust Amir Masoud , Sahraeian Razi
Published: January 2019

In this research, the use of date palm tree trunk fiber as a reinforcement of phenolic resin has been studied. Laminated composite sheets were prepared by compression molding of the pre‐impregnated fibers with phenolic resin (novolac‐type). The prepared samples were tested for mechanical properties, water absorption, flammability, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The results showed that the flexural strength and modulus of the composite samples were 73.25 MPa and 5.9 GPa, respectively. Also the tensile strength and modulus were obtained 30.25 MPa and 3 GPa, respectively. The effect of surface treatment of the fiber with NaOH solution (6%, w/w) on the mechanical properties of the composites was investigated, too. An increase of 19%, 14%, and 140% in flexural, tensile and impact strengths and 6% and 16% in flexural and tensile modulus was observed, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the fractured surface confirm the improvement of the surface wettability of the treated fibers. Surface treatment had no significant effect on the physical and thermal properties of the composites, while water uptake of the samples was increased. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3657–3665, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Multidimensional Perfectionism and the Big Five Personality Traits: A Meta–Analysis
Authors: Stricker Johannes , Buecker Susanne , Schneider Michael , Preckel Franzis
Published: January 2019

Multidimensional perfectionism includes the dimensions perfectionistic concerns and perfectionistic strivings. Many studies have investigated the nomological network of multidimensional perfectionism by relating perfectionistic concerns and perfectionistic strivings to the Big Five personality traits. Results from these studies were largely inconsistent. In the present study, we meta–analytically integrated 672 effect sizes from 72 samples ( N = 21 573) describing relations between multidimensional perfectionism and the Big Five personality traits. Perfectionistic concerns correlated positively with Neuroticism ( r = 0.383) and negatively with Extraversion ( r = −0.198), Agreeableness ( r = −0.198), Conscientiousness ( r = −0.111), and Openness ( r = −0.087). Perfectionistic strivings correlated positively with Conscientiousness ( r = 0.368), Openness ( r = 0.121), Neuroticism ( r = 0.090), and Extraversion ( r = 0.067) and were unrelated to Agreeableness ( r = 0.002). The measures of perfectionistic concerns and perfectionistic strivings moderated most of these relations. Meta–analytic structural equation modelling allowed controlling each perfectionism dimension for the respective other. This partialling increased all correlations with the exception of the previously positive correlation between perfectionistic strivings and Neuroticism, which ceased to be significant. The findings support the distinction between perfectionistic strivings and perfectionistic concerns and demonstrate how multidimensional perfectionism is situated in the context of broader personality traits. © 2019 European Association of Personality Psychology
Control of root‐knot nematodes using Waltheria indica producing 4‐quinolone alkaloids
Authors: Jang Ja Yeong , Le Dang Quang , Choi Gyung Ja , Park Hae Woong , Kim Jin‐Cheol
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Waltheria indica exhibited strong nematocidal activity against Meloidogyne incognita, a causal agent of root‐knot nematode disease. This study aimed to characterize the nematocidal metabolites and to evaluate the efficacy of the formulated extract of W. indica in the biological control of M. incognita under both pot and field conditions.

RESULTS

Three 4‐quinolone alkaloids, 5′‐methoxywaltherione A, waltherione A and waltherione C, were isolated and characterized as nematocidal metabolites. 5′‐Methoxywaltherione A and waltherione A caused high mortality in juveniles of Meloidogyne arenaria, Meloidogyne hapla, M. incognita and Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, whereas waltherione C exhibited significant nematocidal activity against only root‐knot nematodes. In pot experiments, application of a wettable powder‐type formulation of the ethyl acetate extract of W. indica (W. indica WP20) at 26.7, 53.4 and 106.8 mg a.i. kg−1 soil significantly reduced the formation of galls and egg masses on the roots of tomato plants in a dose‐dependent manner. In addition, application of 20 mg a.i. per plant W. indica WP20 effectively reduced gall formation on the roots of melon plants and population density of nematode in soil compared with untreated control under field conditions.

CONCLUSION

W. indica can be used as an effective botanical nematicide in the eco‐friendly control of root‐knot nematode disease. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Tectorigenin protects against experimental fulminant hepatic failure by regulating the TLR4/mitogen‐activated protein kinase and TLR4/nuclear factor‐κB pathways and autophagy
Authors: Zhang Lingjian , Zhao Yalei , Fan Linxiao , Xu Kai , Ji Feiyang , Xie Zhongyang , Ouyang Xiaoxi , Wu Daxian , Li Lanjuan
Published: January 2019

Tectorigenin has received attention due to its antiproliferation, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. In this study, we investigated the effects of tectorigenin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/D‐galactosamine(D‐GalN)‐induced fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) in mice and LPS‐stimulated macrophages (RAW 264.7 cells). Pretreatment with tectorigenin significantly reduced the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), histological injury, apoptosis, and the mortality of FHF mice, by suppressing the production of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF‐α and IL‐6. Tectorigenin also suppressed the activation of the inflammatory response in LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Tectorigenin‐induced protection is mediated through its mitigation of TLR4 expression, inhibition of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) pathway activation, and promotion of autophagy in FHF mice and LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Therefore, tectorigenin has therapeutic potential for FHF in mice via the regulation of TLR4/MAPK and TLR4/NF‐κB pathways and autophagy.
Highly Stable, Near‐Unity Efficiency Atomically Flat Semiconductor Nanocrystals of CdSe/ZnS Hetero‐Nanoplatelets Enabled by ZnS‐Shell Hot‐Injection Growth
Authors: Altintas Yemliha , Quliyeva Ulviyya , Gungor Kivanc , Erdem Onur , Kelestemur Yusuf , Mutlugun Evren , Kovalenko Maksym V. , Demir Hilmi Volkan
Published: January 2019

Colloidal semiconductor nanoplatelets (NPLs) offer important benefits in nanocrystal optoelectronics with their unique excitonic properties. For NPLs, colloidal atomic layer deposition (c‐ALD) provides the ability to produce their core/shell heterostructures. However, as c‐ALD takes place at room temperature, this technique allows for only limited stability and low quantum yield. Here, highly stable, near‐unity efficiency CdSe/ZnS NPLs are shown using hot‐injection (HI) shell growth performed at 573 K, enabling routinely reproducible quantum yields up to 98%. These CdSe/ZnS HI‐shell hetero‐NPLs fully recover their initial photoluminescence (PL) intensity in solution after a heating cycle from 300 to 525 K under inert gas atmosphere, and their solid films exhibit 100% recovery of their initial PL intensity after a heating cycle up to 400 K under ambient atmosphere, by far outperforming the control group of c‐ALD shell‐coated CdSe/ZnS NPLs, which can sustain only 20% of their PL. In optical gain measurements, these core/HI‐shell NPLs exhibit ultralow gain thresholds reaching ≈7 µJ cm−2. Despite being annealed at 500 K, these ZnS‐HI‐shell NPLs possess low gain thresholds as small as 25 µJ cm−2. These findings indicate that the proposed 573 K HI‐shell‐grown CdSe/ZnS NPLs hold great promise for extraordinarily high performance in nanocrystal optoelectronics.
Disparities in the Quality of Pediatric Dental Care: New Research and Needed Changes
Authors: Reich Stephanie M. , Hoeft Kristin S. , Díaz Guadalupe , Ochoa Wendy , Gaona Amy
Published: January 2019

In the United States, there are significant disparities in the oral health of children from families with high and low socioeconomic status and between majority and minority children. Extant research on these health differences has focused predominately on caregiver knowledge, beliefs, and practices as well as structural barriers such as Medicaid coverage, dentist availability, and transportation issues. Little attention has been paid to the quality of care families experience when taking their child to the dentist or the ways in which dental schools train their students to work with young children. This policy report describes some of the experiences of low‐income and ethnically diverse young children and their parents in dental clinics and highlights some of the weaknesses of dental training. We contend that increasing the standards for dental training and practice are necessary for improving young children's oral health and reducing these disparities.
Nonlinear macro modeling of slender reinforced concrete shear walls
Authors: Esmaeiltabar Parisa , Vaseghi Javad , Khosravi Horr
Published: January 2019

Reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls are of the most important elements of structures in bearing the lateral seismic loads. The simulation of buildings subjected to earthquake ground motions requires the macro model of the full structure using macro elements. The most prevailing model for RC shear walls is the Fiber model which has become widespread owing to the developments in the software programming. These Fiber models directly use the material stress–strain behavior for the nonlinear modeling of shear walls. Thereby, the material models have considerable influence on the nonlinear response of wall models. However, the computational cost is significant though the model suggests high accuracy. Another well‐known macro model regarding shear walls is Multi‐Vertical Line Element Model (MVLEM) which is a simplified model based on several axial spring elements and one shear spring. This was first adopted based on the behavior model of RC axial elements, in which the approximation depended on the degree of simplification. Then it has developed in such a way that uses the stress–strain behavior directly. In this paper, an experimental data from a cyclic test of a reference shear wall is selected as a benchmark and then the influence of different macro modeling and different constitutive material models are investigated. The results indicate the effect of material behavior and the analytical modeling technique on the accuracy and efficiency of the models.
Shear strength prediction of reinforced concrete walls
Authors: Ni Xiangyong , Cao Shuangyin , Li Yizhu , Jing Denghu
Published: January 2019

Most of existing codes ignore the effect of arch action on shear strength of reinforced concrete (RC) walls, and it leads to more conservative results. A new model considering the influence of the truss and arch on shear strength of RC walls is proposed in this paper. The shear strength provided by the truss is obtained by the modified compression field theory, and the shear strength provided by the arch is obtained by the shear deformation coordination between the truss and arch, which has an upper bound value. Experimental data of 78 RC walls failed in shear are collected to evaluate the adequacy of the proposed method by comparing with the models of Hwang and Lee, Wood, ACI 318‐11，, EC8, MCBC‐04, and JGJ 3‐2010, respectively. The results show that the average value and coefficient of variation of the experimental‐to‐calculated strength ratios obtained by the proposed model are 1.01 and 0.23, which shows better accuracy and reliability. Therefore, the proposed model can predict the shear strength of RC walls failed in shear accurately.
Systematic error and cognitive bias in obstetric ultrasound
Authors: Sotiriadis A. , Odibo A. O.
Published: January 2019

Linked Comment: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2019; 53: 454–464
Near-extremal black holes at late times, backreacted
Authors: Hadar Shahar
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Black holes display universal behavior near extremality. One such feature is the late-time blowup of derivatives of linearized perturbations across the horizon. For generic initial data, this instability is regulated by backreaction, and the final state is a near-extremal black hole. The aim of this paper is to study the late time behavior of such black holes analytically using the weakly broken conformal symmetry of their near-horizon region. In particular, gravitational backreaction is accounted for within the Jackiw-Teitelboim model for near-horizon, near-extremal dynamics coupled to bulk matter.