bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of cis‐regulatory elements for Fgf10 expression in the chick embryo
Authors: Kawakami Hiroko , Johnson Austin , Fujita Yu , Swearer Avery , Wada Naoyuki , Kawakami Yasuhiko
Published: October 2018

Background: Fgf10 is expressed in various tissues and organs, such as the limb bud, heart, inner ear, and head mesenchyme. Previous studies identified Fgf10 enhancers for the inner ear and heart. However, Fgf10 enhancers for other tissues have not been identified. Results: By using primary culture chick embryo lateral plate mesoderm cells, we compared activities of deletion constructs of the Fgf10 promoter region, cloned into a promoter‐less luciferase reporter vector. We identified a 0.34‐kb proximal promoter that can activate luciferase expression. Then, we cloned 11 evolutionarily conserved sequences located within or outside of the Fgf10 gene into the 0.34‐kb promoter‐luciferase vector, and tested their activities in vitro using primary cultured cells. Two sequences showed the highest activities. By using the Tol2 system and electroporation into chick embryos, activities of the 0.34‐kb promoter with and without the two sequences were tested in vivo. No activities were detected in limb buds. However, the 0.34‐kb promoter exhibited activities in the dorsal midline of the brain, while Fgf10 is detected in broader region in the brain. The two noncoding sequences negatively acted on the 0.34‐kb promoter in the brain. Conclusions: The proximal 0.34‐kb promoter has activities to drive expression in restricted areas of the brain. Developmental Dynamics 247:1253–1263, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and characterization of Ca3Co4O9 thermoelectric ceramics using the slurry sintering method
Authors: Okuyama Tsuyoshi , Sugiyama Taiyo , Tahashi Masahiro , Goto Hideo , Natsume Tomoaki , Takahashi Makoto
Published: October 2018

Ca3Co4O9 samples were made by the sintering method using the slurry consisted of Ca3Co4O9 powder and Ca3Co4(OH)18 hydroxide in binder solution. The preparation conditions for making the crack free samples were examined, and we found that using the slurry having a mixing ratio of Ca3Co4O9 powder to 13 or 18 wt.% Ca3Co4(OH)18 hydroxide in binder solution of 10:1.5, samples with a few crack could be prepared. From SEM observation, it was found that the void density in Ca3Co4O9 samples could be controlled by the slurry sintering method. The electric conductivity (σ), Seebeck coefficient (S), and power factor (PF) of samples prepared by slurry sintering method at room temperature are 53 S/cm, 118 μV/K and 73.8 μW/m · K2, respectively. The power factor (PF) at 600°C was 173 μW/m · K2.
Probing Redox Noninnocence of Copper and Zinc Bis‐pyridylpyrrolides
Authors: Flores Jaime A. , Andino José G. , Lord Richard L. , Wolfe Robert J. , Park Hyunsoo , Pink Maren , Telser Joshua , Caulton Kenneth G.
Published: October 2018

A series of complexes of divalent copper and zinc carrying two systematically substituted 2,2′‐pyridylpyrrolide ligands, designated Ln to indicate the number of pyrrole CF3 substituents (n = 0, 1, 2), have been studied for their geometric and electronic structures. These reveal the pyridylpyrrolide to be a highly anisotropic nitrogen donor ligand which distorts ML2 complexes away from both planar and tetrahedral structures. Characterization includes CV and mass spectrometry, which show access to cations beyond conventional maximum metal oxidation states. EPR studies at multiple microwave frequencies of the series Cu(Ln)2 gave insight into the substituent effect on frontier orbital composition of these complexes. While Cu(L2)2 exhibited EPR spectra that were roughly comparable to those for typical, tetragonally distorted CuII complexes with the SOMO having dx²–y² character, the other two complexes exhibited more unusual EPR spectra indicative of their distinct geometry, reminiscent of equatorially‐vacant trigonal bipyramidal hybridization and fully consistent with the X‐ray crystal structure determinations of all three Cu(Ln)2. DFT calculations map both geometric and delocalization changes upon redox change, and show the relevance of oxidation at the pyrrolide donors rather than at the metal.
Polyphenol Content in Argentinean Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Authors: Castelli Gabriela , Bianco Ismael D. , Mizutamari Roxana Kiyomi
Published: October 2018

Olive oil polyphenols are unique among all polyphenols, the only ones approved to claim health benefits. Since 2012, the European Commission has authorized the use of the claim “olive oil contributes to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress” only for those oils containing at least 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives (e.g., oleuropein complex and tyrosol) per 20 g of olive oil. Therefore, in order to examine the health attributes of olive oil from Argentinean producers in relation to that claimed effect, the content of hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol and their secoiridoid derivatives in commercial extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is evaluated. For this purpose, a simple and reliable methodology for the quantification of tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol by HPLC after hydrolysis of EVOO polar fraction, which leads to the release of hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol moieties from their conjugated forms has been implemented and validated. Two of the eleven analyzed EVOOs reach the polyphenol concentration required to use the above‐mentioned health claim if the mass differences between hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and their conjugated forms are considered in the calculation of their content. This study provides a current landscape of the polyphenol content in EVOOs produced in Argentina that can be helpful for the producers and also for the consumers, in the light of the health claim approved by the European Commission.

Practical Applications: Applying a new validated simple and reliable methodology, only 2 of 11 analyzed commercial Argentinean EVOOs present the hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and their conjugated form concentrations, according to the requirement to claim such a health effect, such as prevention of LDL oxidation. Thus, Argentinean olive oil producers can be encouraged to upgrade their production regarding to polyphenol contents.

The content of Htyr and its derivatives in commercial olive oil available at the local Cordoba – Argentine market is determined, using a simple and reliable methodology based on HPLC. Since the daily consume of 20 g of olive oil containing at least 5 mg of these compounds has been established to prevent oxidation of LDL, the obtained data give information about the accessibility to olive oil with such healthy properties for Argentine consumers.
Optimization of submerged cultivation parameters for a novel biological pretreatment of rice straw to enhance enzymatic hydrolysis
Authors: Sreemahadevan Siddhi , Roychoudhury Pradip Kumar , Ahammad Shaikh Ziauddin
Published: October 2018

Statistical optimization of submerged cultivation parameters was carried out by Taguchi orthogonal array design for delignification of rice straw using a novel alkalophilic fungus MVI.2011. Parameters such as media composition, pH, temperature, inoculum volume, biomass volume and incubation time were optimized in this study. The objective was to maximize the release of glucose (% of saccharification) at the end of 8 h enzymatic hydrolysis. Incubation time and concentration of peptone in the cultivation media, with P‐values 0.027 and 0.041, respectively, were the most significant factors affecting the delignification reaction. Optimal run gave percentage of saccharification of 14.18 ± 1.13% (g g−1) analogous to an increase of 1.96‐fold in comparison with untreated rice straw (7.23 ± 0.04% [g g−1]). The reaction was scaled up to delignify 120 g rice straw in a 5‐L fermenter, the % saccharification of which was 13.5 ± 0.68% (g g−1), equivalent to an increase of 1.87‐fold when compared to untreated straw. Fungal pretreatment with MVI.2011 exhibited exemplary hydrolysis rate and demanded less than a week for delignification. The study reports for the first time, a biological pretreatment technique that takes only 6 days. This method can be extended to the pretreatment of other lignocelluloses. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13020, 2019
Closed‐loop supply chain network static equilibrium and dynamics under pollution permits system
Authors: Yang Yuxiang , Huang Zuqing , Zhang Baoyou , Meng Lijun
Published: October 2018

A closed‐loop supply chain network including multi‐manufacturing/remanufacturing firms and multi‐demand markets is considered. We present equilibrium conditions for decision‐makers in the network and develop a static model with marketable pollution permits and noncompliant behavior, using the variational inequality theory. We provide qualitative analysis of the model. Then, using the projected dynamical system, we propose a dynamic model. The results show that the set of stationary points of dynamic model coincides with the set of solutions of static model. Finally, numerical examples are proposed. The equilibrium results including production output of new products, the forward and reverse product flows, the prices of product, the prices of license, the number of licenses, and the possible noncompliant overflows and underflows of the waste are obtained. We find that increase in the unit penalty cost contributes to decrease in waste emission from firms in the network, and when the unit penalty cost increase to a certain level, they no longer choose excess emission of waste. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13021, 2019
Reconstructing ice‐flow fields from streamlined subglacial bedforms: A kriging approach
Authors: Ng Felix S. L. , Hughes Anna L. C.
Published: October 2018

The orientation of several landforms, e.g. drumlins, flutes, crag‐and‐tails, and mega‐scale glacial lineations, records the direction of the overlying ice flow that created them. Populations of such features are used routinely to infer former ice‐flow patterns, which serve as the building blocks of reconstructions of palaeo ice‐sheet evolution. Currently, the conceptualisation of flow patterns from these flow‐direction records is done manually and qualitatively, so the extractable glaciological information is limited. We describe a kriging method (with Matlab code implementation) that calculates continuous fields of ice‐flow direction, convergence, and curvature from the flow‐direction records, and which yields quantitative results with uncertainty estimates. We test the method by application to the subglacial bedforms of the Tweed Valley Basin, UK. The results quantify the convergent flow pattern of the Tweed Palaeo‐Ice Stream in detail and pinpoint its former lateral shear margins and where ice flowed around basal bumps. Ice‐flow parameters retrieved by this method can enrich ice‐sheet reconstructions and investigations of subglacial till processes and bedform genesis. © 2018 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Model‐based forecast adjustment: With an illustration to inflation
Authors: Franses Philip Hans
Published: October 2018

This paper introduces the idea of adjusting forecasts from a linear time series model where the adjustment relies on the assumption that this linear model is an approximation of a nonlinear time series model. This way of creating forecasts could be convenient when inference for a nonlinear model is impossible, complicated or unreliable in small samples. The size of the forecast adjustment can be based on the estimation results for the linear model and on other data properties such as the first few moments or autocorrelations.

An illustration is given for a first‐order diagonal bilinear time series model, which in certain properties can be approximated by a linear ARMA(1, 1) model. For this case, the forecast adjustment is easy to derive, which is convenient as the particular bilinear model is indeed cumbersome to analyze in practice.

An application to a range of inflation series for low‐income countries shows that such adjustment can lead to some improved forecasts, although the gain is small for this particular bilinear time series model.
Serum Metabolites as Diagnostic Biomarkers for Cholangiocarcinoma, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Authors: Banales Jesus M. , Iñarrairaegui Mercedes , Arbelaiz Ander , Milkiewicz Piotr , Muntané Jordi , Muñoz‐Bellvis Luis , La Casta Adelaida , Gonzalez Luis M. , Arretxe Enara , Alonso Cristina , Martínez‐Arranz Ibon , Lapitz Ainhoa , Santos‐Laso Alvaro , Avila Matias A. , Martínez‐Chantar Maria L. , Bujanda Luis , Marin Jose J.G. , Sangro Bruno , Macias Rocio I.R.
Published: October 2018

Early and differential diagnosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by noninvasive methods represents a current clinical challenge. The analysis of low‐molecular‐weight metabolites by new high‐throughput techniques is a strategy for identifying biomarkers. Here, we have investigated whether serum metabolome can provide useful biomarkers in the diagnosis of iCCA and HCC and could discriminate iCCA from HCC. Because primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a risk factor for CCA, serum metabolic profiles of PSC and CCA have also been compared. The analysis of the levels of lipids and amino acids in the serum of patients with iCCA, HCC, and PSC and healthy individuals (n = 20/group) showed differential profiles. Several metabolites presented high diagnostic value for iCCA versus control, HCC versus control, and PSC versus control, with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) greater than those found in serum for the nonspecific tumor markers carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA 19‐9) and alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP), commonly used to help in the diagnosis of iCCA and HCC, respectively. The development of an algorithm combining glycine, aspartic acid, SM(42:3), and SM(43:2) permitted to accurately differentiate in the diagnosis of both types of tumors (biopsy‐proven). The proposed model yielded 0.890 AUC, 75% sensitivity, and 90% specificity. Another algorithm by combination of PC(34:3) and histidine accurately permitted to differentiate PSC from iCCA, with an AUC of 0.990, 100% sensitivity, and 70% specificity. These results were validated in independent cohorts of 14‐15 patients per group and compared with profiles found in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Conclusion: Specific changes in serum concentrations of certain metabolites are useful to differentiate iCCA from HCC or PSC, and could help in the early diagnosis of these diseases.
Economic benefits of technical analysis in portfolio management: Evidence from global stock markets
Authors: Wang Jying‐Nan , Liu Hung‐Chun , Du Jiangze , Hsu Yuan‐Teng
Published: October 2018

Producing good economic value in trading strategies for investors based on technical analysis is an issue of major interest in the academe and in practice. This study considers 9,555 trading rules and examines the usability of technical analysis. The double‐or‐out (DO) and the optimal‐portfolio (OP) strategies are used to investigate how investors construct their ass et allocation. The sample for empirical study is comprised of 20 major stock indexes from global markets as risky assets from 1998 to 2013. The DO strategy on average produces higher terminal wealth rather than does the buy‐and‐hold (BH) strategy, but the average utility (AU) of the former is worse than the latter. Nevertheless, using the OP strategy not only increases the terminal wealth of investors but also generates higher utility. Given a starting investment of one dollar and considering the best 100 trading rules, the DO and OP strategies result in average terminal wealth of 17.6 dollars and 5.9 dollars, respectively. In addition, in terms of AU, both of them are better than the BH strategy. These pieces of evidence demonstrate that investors who use an appropriate strategy of technical analysis in ass et allocation can produce good economic value, a finding that supports the continued use of technical analysis in practice.
Evaluation of bone healing following Er:YAG laser ablation in rat calvaria compared with bur drilling
Authors: Ohsugi Yujin , Aoki Akira , Mizutani Koji , Katagiri Sayaka , Komaki Motohiro , Noda Masahiro , Takagi Toru , Kakizaki Sho , Meinzer Walter , Izumi Yuichi
Published: October 2018

The Er:YAG laser is currently used for bone ablation. However, the effect of Er:YAG laser irradiation on bone healing remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate bone healing following ablation by laser irradiation as compared with bur drilling. Rat calvarial bone was ablated using Er:YAG laser or bur with water coolant. Er:YAG laser effectively ablated bone without major thermal changes. In vivo micro‐computed tomography analysis revealed that laser irradiation showed significantly higher bone repair ratios than bur drilling. Scanning electron microscope analysis showed more fibrin deposition on laser‐ablated bone surfaces. Microarray analysis followed by gene set enrichment analysis revealed that IL6/JAK/STAT3 signaling and inflammatory response gene sets were enriched in bur‐drilled bone at 6 hours, whereas the E2F targets gene set was enriched in laser‐irradiated bone. Additionally, Hspa1a and Dmp1 expressions were increased and Sost expression was decreased in laser‐irradiated bone compared with bur‐drilled bone. In granulation tissue formed after laser ablation, Alpl and Gblap expressions increased compared to bur‐drilled site. Immunohistochemistry showed that osteocalcin‐positive area was increased in the laser‐ablated site. These results suggest that Er:YAG laser might accelerate early new bone formation with advantageous surface changes and cellular responses for wound healing, compared with bur‐drilling.
Hydroxyapatite nanowires modified polylactic acid membrane plays barrier/osteoinduction dual roles and promotes bone regeneration in a rat mandible defect model
Authors: Han Jing , Ma Baojin , Liu Hongrui , Wang Ting , Wang Fang , Xie Chengjia , Li Minqi , Liu Hong , Ge Shaohua
Published: October 2018

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease leading to tooth loss, alveolar bone absorption and disorder of masticatory function. Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is one of the most common strategies for regeneration of lost periodontium. During surgical process, barrier membranes, and osteoinductive/osteoconductive materials should be placed, respectively, which may increase risks of infection, bleeding, and difficulty of operation. Here, we introduced a new kind of hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanowires modified polylactic acid (PLA) membrane to achieve barrier/osteoinduction dual functions. The physicochemical property measurements suggested the two sides of the composite membrane did not change after composition. Then a rat mandibular defect model was established to investigate barrier and osteoinductive effects of this composite membrane. After implantation, effects of functional cells engraftment and osteoinduction were detected by scanning electron microscope (SEM), histomorphometric measurement, immunohistochemical staining, and Micro‐CT scanning. SEM images showed HAp side engrafted more cells than PLA side. The result of immunohistochemical staining suggested HAp/PLA promoted the expression of bone‐related markers. Moreover, there were more newly formed bones with better quality in HAp/PLA group. Therefore, this composite membrane would be a promising biomaterial in tissue engineering for bone regeneration due to its barrier/osteoinduction dual functions. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 3099–3110, 2018.
Choosing Wisely for apheresis
Authors: Connelly‐Smith Laura , Tanhehco Yvette C. , Chhibber Vishesh , Delaney Meghan , Eichbaum Quentin , Fernandez Christine , Joshi Sarita , Schwartz Joseph , Linenberger Michael
Published: October 2018

The Choosing Wisely campaign has stimulated clinicians to think about the appropriateness of various tests and procedures, compelling physicians to make smarter, safer and more effective choices for high quality patient care and to reduce healthcare cost. The American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) strives to advance apheresis medicine through education, evidence‐based practice, research and advocacy. To complement these shared missions, ASFA created a working group, consisting of representatives from the various ASFA committees, to produce recommendations for apheresis medicine that reflect the Choosing Wisely guiding principles. A diverse group of ASFA physician and allied health members reviewed, rated and ranked 9 original draft proposals. Additional revisions and refinements were made prior to external review and adoption of five final recommendations by the ASFA Board of Directors. The ASFA Choosing Wisely recommendations encourage apheresis practitioners, patients and donors to discuss and prioritize best clinical practices that avoid harm and waste while optimizing clinical benefit.
Therapeutic white blood cell and platelet depletions using the spectra OPTIA system continuous mononuclear cell protocol
Authors: Cates Nancy C. , Oakley Darlene J. , Onwuemene Oluwatoyosi A.
Published: October 2018

The Spectra Optia apheresis system has only recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for therapeutic white blood cell (WBC) depletions and is not yet approved for platelet depletions. Prior to FDA‐approval of the WBC depletion protocol, when our available COBE Spectra apheresis systems were out of service, we successfully performed WBC depletion using a modified Spectra Optia apheresis system Continuous Mononuclear Cell (CMNC) protocol. Using this modified Spectra Optia CMNC protocol, we created institutional protocols for WBC and platelet depletions. We performed 10 WBC depletions in 9 patients and 2 platelet depletions in 2 patients. We compared pre‐ and post‐procedure WBC, platelet count, and hemoglobin to the same data from patients previously treated on the COBE Spectra and found no difference in % WBC and platelet reduction. We also found no significant difference in post‐procedural hematocrit decline. Additionally, adverse reactions were not increased. Therefore, we conclude that the Spectra Optia CMNC protocol can be successfully modified for effective WBC and platelet depletions without increase in adverse reactions.
Excessive treadmill training enhances the insulin signaling pathway and glycogen deposition in mice hearts
Authors: Oliveira Luciana da C. , de Morais Gustavo P. , da Rocha Alisson L. , Teixeira Giovana R. , Pinto Ana P. , de Vicente Larissa G. , Pauli José R. , de Moura Leandro P. , Mekary Rania A. , Ropelle Eduardo R. , Cintra Dennys E. , da Silva Adelino S. R.
Published: October 2018

Exhaustive and chronic physical exercise leads to peripheral inflammation, which is one of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the impairment of the insulin signaling pathway in the heart. Recently, 3 different running overtraining models performed downhill (OTR/down), uphill (OTR/up), and without inclination (OTR) increased the serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines. This proinflammatory status induced insulin signaling impairment in the skeletal muscle; however, the response of this signaling pathway in the cardiac muscle of overtrained mice was still unknown. Thus, we investigated the effects of OTR/down, OTR/up, and OTR protocols on the protein levels of phosphorylation of insulin receptor β (pIRβ) (Tyr), phosphorylation of protein kinase B (pAkt) (Ser473), plasma membrane glucose transporter‐1 (GLUT1) and GLUT4, phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate‐1 (pIRS‐1) (Ser307), phosphorylation of IκB kinase α/β) (pIKKα/β (Ser180/181), phosphorylation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p‐p38MAPK) (Thr180/Tyr182), phosphorylation of stress‐activated protein kinases‐Jun amino‐terminal kinases (pSAPK‐JNK) (Thr183/Tyr185), and glycogen content in mice hearts. The rodents were divided into naïve (N, sedentary mice), control (CT, sedentary mice submitted to performance evaluations), trained (TR, performed the training protocol), OTR/down, OTR/up, and OTR groups. After the grip force test, the cardiac muscles (ie, left ventricle) were removed and used for immunoblotting and histology. Although the OTR/up and OTR groups exhibited higher cardiac levels of pIRβ (Tyr), only the OTR group exhibited higher cardiac levels of pAkt (Ser473) and plasma membrane GLUT4. On the contrary, the OTR/down group exhibited higher cardiac levels of pIRS‐1 (Ser307). The OTR model enhanced the cardiac insulin signaling pathway. All overtraining models increased the left ventricle glycogen content, with this probably acting as a compensatory organ in response to skeletal muscle insulin signaling impairment.
DISC1 gene polymorphisms and the risk of schizophrenia in an Iranian population: A preliminary study
Authors: Shokouhifar Alireza , Askari Nasrin , Yazdani Shaghayegh , Mehrabadi Jalil Fallah
Published: October 2018

Background: Schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar illness are common psychological disorders with high heritability and variable phenotypes. The disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (
DISC1) gene, on chromosome 1q42, has an essential role in neurite outgrowth and cell signaling. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of three single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs6675281, rs2255340, and rs2738864) with schizophrenia disorder. These three SNPs were chosen as they had been used in most of the previous studies.

Methods: In a case‐control study of Iranian population for the first time 778 blood samples were collected including, 402 schizophrenic patients and 376 healthy controls. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood using DNA extraction kit (BioFlux Co). The genotypes of rs6675281, rs2255340, and rs2738864 were detected by nested allele‐specific multiplex polymersae chain reaction (PCR).

Results: Our data revealed that the three SNPs are significantly associated with schizophrenia (rs2255349 C>T: confidence interval (CI), 2.115 to 3.268; P = 0.0000 OR: 2.629; rs2738864 C>T: CI, 1.538 to 2.339; P = 0.0000 OR: 1.897; rs6675281 C>T: CI, 2.788 to 4.662; P = 0.0009241 OR: 3.605). Through applying the expectation‐maximization (EM) algorithm, we calculated the haplotype frequency, and finally performed haplotype analysis with Bonferroni correction and data preprocessing methods and the results showed rs66875281 to have the highest association.

Discussion: Our findings primarily showed that DISC1 gene polymorphisms contribute to schizophrenia risk and have a significant association with this disorder among Iranian population. The strategy was found to be easy, rapid, specific, and consistent for the co‐occurring detection of the DISC1 polymorphisms. We could finally confirm that the polymorphisms are related to schizophrenia studied in Iranian population.
4‐O‐carboxymethylascochlorin protected against microglial‐mediated neurotoxicity in SH‐SY5Y and BV2 cocultured cells from LPS–induced neuroinflammation and death by inhibiting MAPK, NF‐κB, and Akt pathways
Authors: Park Junyoung , Ha Sun‐Hyung , Abekura Fukushi , Lim Hakseong , Chang Young‐Chae , Lee Moon‐Jo , Lee Miri , Lee Young‐Choon , Kim Cheorl‐Ho
Published: October 2018

In our previous studies, structurally similar compounds of ascochlorin and ascofuranone exhibited anti‐inflammatory activity. Neural inflammation plays a significant role in the commence and advancement of neurodegenerative diseases. It is not known whether 4‐O‐carboxymethylascochlorin (AS‐6) regulates the initial stage of inflammatory responses at the cellular level in BV2 microglia cells. We here investigated the anti‐inflammatory effects of AS‐6 treatment in microglia cells with the microglial protection in neurons. We found that the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated production of nitric oxide, a main regulator of inflammation, is suppressed by AS‐6 in BV2 microglial cells. In addition, AS‐6 dose‐dependently suppressed the increase in COX‐2 protein and messenger RNA levels in LPS‐stimulated BV2 cells. Moreover, AS‐6 inhibited the expression and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in BV2 microglial cells. At the intracellular level, AS‐6 inhibited LPS‐activated nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB) in BV2 microglial cells. AS‐6 negatively affected mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) and Akt phosphorylation: Phosphorylated forms of ERK, JNK, p38, and Akt decreased. To check whether AS‐6 protects against inflammatory inducer‐mediated neurotoxicity, neuronal SH‐SY5Y cells were coincubated with BV2 cells in conditioned medium. AS‐6 exerted a neuroprotective effect by suppressing microglial activation by LPS or amyloid‐β peptide. AS‐6 is a promising suppressor of inflammatory responses in LPS‐induced BV2 cells by attenuating NF‐κB and MAPKs signaling. AS‐6 protected against microglial‐mediated neurotoxicity in SH‐SY5Y and BV2 cocultured cells from LPS–induced neuroinflammation and death via inhibiting MAPK, NF‐κB, and Akt pathways.
Differential expression profiles of long noncoding RNAs in synchronous multiple and solitary primary esophageal squamous cell carcinomas: A microarray analysis
Authors: Li Qi‐Wen , Ma Li , Qiu Bo , Yang Hong , Zhu Yu‐Jia , Qiang Meng‐Yun , Liu Song‐Ran , Chen Nai‐Bin , Guo Jin‐Yu , Cai Ling‐Zhi , Wang Jun‐Ye , Zhang Xu , Liu Hui
Published: October 2018

As a unique subtype of esophageal cancer, synchronous multiple primary esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs) mostly occur in Asian patients with alcohol and/or tobacco abuse, or with a family history of cancer. Multiple ESCCs are associated with poor clinical outcomes. Growing evidence has addressed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the carcinogenesis of various malignancies. We compared the lncRNA and messenger RNA (mRNA) profiles between solitary and multiple ESCC tissues through microarray analysis, aiming at studying their different mechanisms in tumor development. As a result, in multiple ESCCs, a total of 5257 lncRNAs and 3371 mRNAs were consistently differentially expressed compared with solitary ESCC, including 2986 upregulated and 2271 downregulated lncRNAs, and 2313 upregulated, and 1058 downregulated mRNAs. We validated the results in four differentially expressed lncRNAs using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. There were 38 and 20 pathways significantly related to up‐ and downregulated transcripts. The pathways associated with mostly enriched up‐ and downregulated mRNAs were hsa01200 (carbon metabolism) and hsa05221 (acute myeloid leukemia‐
homo sapiens [human]). Gene ontology analysis suggested that upregulated and downregulated mRNAs were mainly enriched in bounding membrane of organelle involved in the cellular component and positive regulation of transport involved in the biological process. Further analysis identified 189 differentially expressed paired antisense lncRNAs and relative sense mRNA, as well as 2134 differentially expressed long intergenic noncoding RNAs and their adjacent mRNA pairs. In conclusion, the aberrantly expressed lncRNAs might play a role in the carcinogenesis of multiple ESCCs and could be candidates as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Long noncoding RNA NNT‐AS1 promotes gastric cancer proliferation and invasion by regulating microRNA‐363 expression
Authors: Wang Xin , Ren Mudan , Li Yarui , Hu Junbi , Lu Guifang , Ma Wenhui , Guo Dan , Lu Xinlan , He Shuixiang
Published: October 2018

Increasing studies showed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) had crucial regulatory roles in various tumors, including gastric cancer (GC). Recent studies demonstrated that lncRNA nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase‐antisense RNA1 (NNT‐AS1) played an important role in several tumors. However, the role and expression of NNT‐AS1 in GC progression remain unknown. In our study, we indicated that NNT‐AS1 expression was upregulated in GC samples compared with the nontumor tissues. We also showed that NNT‐AS1 expression was upregulated in the GC cell lines. Ectopic expression of NNT‐AS1 promoted GC cell line HGC‐27 cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and invasion. In addition, we showed that NNT‐AS1 acted as a sponge competing endogenous RNA for microRNA‐363 (miR‐363), which was downregulated in the GC samples and cell lines. miR‐363 expression was negatively related with NNT‐AS1 expression in GC samples. Upregulated expression of miR‐363 suppressed GC cell growth, cycle, and invasion. Furthermore, we reported that elevated expression of NNT‐AS1 promoted GC cell proliferation, cycle, and invasion partly by suppressing miR‐363 expression. These results indicated that lncRNA NNT‐AS1 acted as an oncogene in the development of GC partly by inhibiting miR‐363 expression.
A multivariate assessment of the rapidly changing procedure with McDowell's Evolutionary Theory of Behavior Dynamics
Authors: Li Don , Elliffe Douglas , Hautus Michael J.
Published: October 2018

A multivariate analysis is concerned with more than one dependent variable simultaneously. Models that generate event records have a privileged status in a multivariate analysis. From a model that generates event records, we may compute predictions for any dependent variable associated with those event records. However, because of the generality that is afforded to us by these kinds of models, we must carefully consider the selection of dependent variables. Thus, we present a conditional compromise heuristic for the selection of dependent variables from a large group of variables. The heuristic is applied to McDowell's Evolutionary Theory of Behavior Dynamics (ETBD) for fitting to a concurrent variable‐interval schedule in‐transition dataset. From the parameters obtained from fitting ETBD, we generated predictions for a wide range of dependent variables. Overall, we found that our ETBD implementation accounted well for various flavors of the log response ratio, but had difficulty accounting for the overall response rates and cumulative reinforcer effects. Based on these results, we argue that the predictions of our ETBD implementation could be improved by decreasing the base response probabilities, either by increasing the response latencies or by decreasing the sizes of the operant classes.
Effects of two different La Niña types on the South American rainfall
Authors: Andreoli Rita Valéria , Kayano Mary Toshie , Viegas Juarez , de Oliveira Suzana Soares , de Souza Rodrigo Augusto Ferreira , Garcia Sâmia Regina , Rego Willy Hagi Teles , de Oliveira Maria Betânia Leal
Published: October 2018

The paper tests if the two La Niña (LN) types can be distinguished from each other using their climate impacts on northeastern Brazil (NEB). To this end, all LN events during the 1901–2010 period followed by a wet or dry rainy season (from February to April) in NEB are classified into two categories: WET‐LN and DRY‐LN. The global and regional anomalous atmospheric circulation patterns and the rainfall anomaly patterns in South America associated with the two cases are analysed. The WET‐LN and DRY‐LN events present, respectively, the eastern Pacific LN and central Pacific LN sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly features in the tropical Pacific. On the other hand, the WET‐LN features an interhemispheric SST dipole pattern in the tropical Atlantic, and the DRY‐LN, colder‐than‐normal surface waters in the tropical South Atlantic (TSA) and equatorial Atlantic during MAM(+1). The two analysed cases show regional differential circulation patterns in all seasons. The anomalous wetness over northern and northwestern South America occurs for the WET‐LN type during JJA(0)–DJF(+1) and for the DRY‐LN type, during DJF(+1)–MAM(+1). The anomalous dryness over SESA is more evident for the WET‐LN during JJA(0) and MAM(+1), and for the DRY‐LN, during SON(0). Anomalous dryness occurs in central and eastern South America noted during JJA(0) and DJF(+1) for both cases analysed. The precipitation anomalies in northern South America during DJF(+1) are stronger and more extensive for the DRY‐LN than for the WET‐LN events due to the action of both the anomalous (double) Walker and Hadley cells for the DRY‐LN, in contrast with the exclusive action of an anomalous Walker cell for the WET‐LN case. Also, a double Walker cell drives the dry–wet dipole between northern South America and NEB during MAM(+1) for the DRY‐LN. Our results might be useful mainly for climate monitoring purposes.
Vancomycin elution kinetics from porous tantalum metal
Authors: Sautet Pierre , Mékidèche Thibaut , Guilhaumou Romain , Abdel Matthew P. , Argenson Jean‐Noël , Parratte Sébastien , Ollivier Matthieu
Published: October 2018

Revisions TKAs are being completed with uncemented constructs more frequently. We hypothesized that tantalum cones could be an efficient carrier of antibiotics in uncemented procedures. We aimed to compare the release of vancomycin between (i) tantalum and smooth stainless cylinders; (ii) different concentrations of vancomycin; and (iii) different durations of bathing. Specifically designed tantalum cylinders were bathed in a vancomycin solution with various durations of baths. We investigated rinses between each interval as well as the dose of vancomycin. Vancomycin concentrations were determined in each group by fluorescence polarization immunoassay at different intervals (1 h, days 1, 2, 3, 5). At 1 h, the mean vancomycin concentration for the 1‐hour soaking group was 3,172 μg/ml, whereas mean concentration for the smooth stainless steel group was 39.37 μg/ml (p < 0.001). The rinsing group showed a significantly lower concentration at 1 h and 1 day (p < 0.05). The 2‐gram vancomycin group showed no difference at days 1, 2, and 3 compared to the 1‐hour group. The 5, 15, and 30‐minute bathing groups showed significantly lower vancomycin concentrations at all‐time points. All vancomycin concentrations at day 3 were superior to the minimal inhibitory concentration of Staphyloccocus aureus. The mean concentration of vancomycin depends on the material, duration of bathing, the rinsing effect, and the drug dose. Our in‐vitro study is the first to show that porous tantalum cylinders allow antibiotic carriage and progressive release. If appearing in vivo, in a similar extent, this intrinsic property might be useful to prevent and/or treat peri‐prosthetic joint infection. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:308–312, 2019.
Studies on Biosurfactants Produced using Bacillus cereus Isolated from Seawater with Biotechnological Potential for Marine Oil‐Spill Bioremediation
Authors: Durval Italo José B. , Resende Ana Helena M. , Figueiredo Mariana A. , Luna Juliana M. , Rufino Raquel D. , Sarubbo Leonie A.
Published: October 2018

With the aim of producing a biotensioactive material for use in the remediation of marine environments, screening for biosurfactant‐producing bacteria was conducted with strains isolated from seawater contaminated with petroleum derivatives. Gene sequencing revealed that all four promising biosurfactant‐producing isolates belonged to the same genus and species, namely Bacillus cereus. The biosurfactant‐producing bacteria were cultivated with different carbon (glucose, soybean oil, and waste frying soybean oil) and nitrogen (ammonium chloride, sodium nitrate, urea, and peptone) sources. B. cereus strain BCS0 was chosen as the best biosurfactant producer in a mineral medium with 2% frying oil and 0.12% peptone. Following the optimization of agitation and cultivation time, an agitation rate of 250 rpm and 48 h of cultivation were selected. Under these conditions, the surface tension was reduced to 27 mN m−1 and the biosurfactant concentration was 3.5 g L−1. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the biosurfactant was defined as 500 mg L−1. The biosurfactant remained stable within large ranges of pH (2–10), salinity (2–10%), and temperature (5–120 °C). Under these conditions, motor oil emulsification rates were greater than 90%. Moreover, the biosurfactant properties remained unaltered after heating at 90 °C for 120 min. The biosurfactant enhanced the degradation of motor oil up to 96% in 27 days and exhibited considerable motor oil displacement capacity. Thus, the biosurfactant has potential in the application of remediation processes in marine environments.
Protective effects of antioxidant egg‐chalaza hydrolysates against chronic alcohol consumption‐induced liver steatosis in mice
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Tai , Lin Yi‐Ling , Lin Yu‐Xuan , Wang Sheng‐Yao , Wu Yi‐Hsieng S , Chou Chung‐Hsi , Fu Shih‐Guei , Chen Yi‐Chen
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction is highly related to some human chronic diseases. There are approximately 400 metric tons of chalazae produced yearly after the processing of the liquid‐egg production, which are disposed of as waste. The objectives of this study were to look for the optimal production condition of antioxidant crude chalaza hydrolysates and evaluate the in vivo antioxidant capacity via a chronic alcohol consumption mouse model.

RESULTS

Antioxidant crude chalaza hydrolysates (CCH‐As) could be produced by protease A at 1:100 ratio (w/w) and 0.5 h hydrolytic period. After our analyses, CCH‐As were rich in leucine, arginine, phenylalanine, valine, lysine and antioxidant dipeptides (anserine and carnosine), and the major molecular masses were lower than 15 kDa. Regarding protective effects of CCH‐As against oxidative damage in alcoholic‐liquid‐diet‐fed mice, alcohol‐fed mice had lower (P < 0.05) liver antioxidant capacities, and higher (P < 0.05) liver lipid contents, serum lipid/liver damage indices and IL‐1β/IL‐6 values. CCH‐A supplementation reversed (P < 0.05) liver antioxidant capacities and reduced (P < 0.05) serum/liver lipids in alcohol‐fed mice, which may result from increased (P < 0.05) fecal lipid output, upregulated (P < 0.05) fatty acid β‐oxidation and downregulated (P < 0.05) lipogenesis in the liver.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, this CCH‐A should benefit the liquid‐egg industry, while also offering consumers a choice of healthy ingredients from animal sources. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of apigeninidin‐rich red sorghum biocolorant in a fermented food improves product quality
Authors: Akogou Folachodé UG , Canoy Tessa S , Kayodé Adéchola PP , den Besten Heidy MW , Linnemann Anita R , Fogliano Vincenzo
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

The ‘clean label’ trend is pushing the food industry to replace synthetic colorants with plant‐based colorants. However, technological efficacy and undesirable side effects restrict the use of plant‐based colorants in industrial applications. This research studied the production of fermented maize dough coloured by apigeninidin‐rich red sorghum biocolorant, as practised for centuries in West Africa, as a model to assess the impact of the biocolorant on nutritional and sensorial quality of foods.

RESULTS

A 3‐day fermentation of a dyed maize dough (containing 327 µg g−1dry matter of apigeninidin) byPichia kudriavzeviiandLactobacillus fermentumled to a degradation of 69% of the apigeninidin content, causing a clearly visible colour difference (ΔE*0017.4). The antioxidant activity of fermented dyed dough (DD) increased by 51% compared to fermented non‐dyed dough (NDD). However, the phytate dephosphorylation and volatile organic compound concentrations were lower in DD than in NDD. This suggests a lower mineral solubility and change in the sensory quality of fermented DD.

CONCLUSION

Apigeninidin extract from sorghum leaf sheaths proved to be a bioactive red biocolorant with potential in fermented foods. The formation of new antioxidant compounds needs further investigation, as does the impact on the development of volatile compounds. © 2018 The Authors.Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculturepublished by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of thermal treatment on walnut detection and allergenicity
Authors: Vencia Walter , Minale Paola , Migone Laura , Lazzara Fabrizio , Vito Guendalina , Ferrari Angelo , Razzuoli Elisabetta
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Peanuts and tree nut allergies pose an increasing food safety problem. The aim of our study was to test the accuracy of different commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits in the detection of the presence of walnuts in untreated and heat exposed food samples. The effects of thermal treatment of samples were evaluated by exposing walnuts to different heat treatments. All samples were first analysed by two different commercial ELISA assays. Then, we performed a skin prick test (SPT) on nine patients with proven nut allergy using small walnut pieces from raw and treated samples.

RESULTS

The presence of nuts proteins in thermally processed foods was not accurately detected by ELISA kits. All patients had a positive SPT reaction with raw walnut, while thermal treatments affected walnut allergenicity. The ELISA test gives a negative result in the case of strong thermal treatment, but at the same time allergic subjects react positively to stimulation with the same sample.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that commercial ELISA kits may not be able to accurately determine the amount of proteins present in thermally processed foods due to changes in the solubility and immunoreactivity of the target proteins. Finally, the clinical results highlight that thermal treatment might induce a reduction in walnut allergenicity. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Antibacterial and antioxidative properties of different parts of garden rhubarb, blackcurrant, chokeberry and blue honeysuckle
Authors: Raudsepp Piret , Koskar Julia , Anton Dea , Meremäe Kadrin , Kapp Karmen , Laurson Peeter , Bleive Uko , Kaldmäe Hedi , Roasto Mati , Püssa Tõnu
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

It is important to find plant materials that can inhibit the growth of Listeria monocytogenes and other food‐spoiling bacteria both in vitro and in situ. The aim of the study was to compare antibacterial and antioxidative activity of selected plant–ethanol infusions: leaves and berries of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.), berries of chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott) and blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L. var. edulis); petioles and dark and light roots of garden rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum L.) for potential use in food matrices as antibacterial and antioxidative additives.

RESULTS

The strongest bacterial growth inhibition was observed in 96% ethanol infusions of the dark roots of rhubarbs. In 96% ethanol, nine out of ten studied plant infusions had antibacterial effect against L. monocytogenes, but in 20% ethanol only the infusions of dark rhubarb roots had a similar effect. Chokeberry and other berries had the highest antioxidative activity, both in 20% and 96% ethanol infusions.

CONCLUSION

The combination of dark rhubarb roots or petioles and berries of black chokeberry, blackcurrant or some other anthocyanin‐rich berries would have potential as both antibacterial and antioxidative additives in food. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Multiple simultaneous head and neck cancers in Lynch syndrome: Case report and literature review
Authors: Feng Allen L. , Le Amanda , Johnson Daniel N. , Varvares Mark A.
Published: October 2018

Head and neck cancers account for a significant proportion of reported malignancies in the United States; however, multiple concurrent primary malignancies from different sites are rare. We describe the case of a 44‐year‐old man simultaneously diagnosed with three independent head and neck malignancies (adenocarcinoma in minor salivary gland, papillary thyroid carcinoma, and acinic cell carcinoma) in the setting of Lynch syndrome. To our knowledge, this is the first case of multiple head and neck malignancies arising simultaneously from Lynch syndrome. This case highlights the need for diligent workup in patients with hereditary conditions that predispose to malignancies. Laryngoscope, 128:2759–2761, 2018