bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physiology and role of PCSK9 in vascular disease: Potential impact of localized PCSK9 in vascular wall
Authors: Guo Yanan , Yan Binjie , Gui Yu , Tang Zhihan , Tai Shi , Zhou Shenghua , Zheng Xi‐Long 
Published: September 2020

AbstractProprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type‐9 (PCSK9), a member of the proprotein convertase family, is an important drug target because of its crucial role in lipid metabolism. Emerging evidence suggests a direct role of localized PCSK9 in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. With this in our consideration, we reviewed PCSK9 physiology with respect to recent development and major studies (clinical and experimental) on PCSK9 functionality in vascular disease. PCSK9 upregulates low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol levels by binding to the LDL‐receptor (LDLR) and facilitating its lysosomal degradation. PCSK9 gain‐of‐function mutations have been confirmed as a novel genetic mechanism for familial hypercholesterolemia. Elevated serum PCSK9 levels in patients with vascular diseases may contribute to coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, cerebrovascular diseases, vasculitis, aortic diseases, and arterial aging pathogenesis. Experimental models of atherosclerosis, arterial aneurysm, and coronary or carotid artery ligation also support PCSK9 contribution to inflammatory response and disease progression, through LDLR‐dependent or ‐independent mechanisms. More recently, several clinical trials have confirmed that anti‐PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies can reduce systemic LDL levels, total nonfatal cardiovascular events, and all‐cause mortality. Interaction of PCSK9 with other receptor proteins (LDLR‐related proteins, cluster of differentiation family members, epithelial Na+ channels, and sortilin) may underlie its roles in vascular disease. Improved understanding of PCSK9 roles and molecular mechanisms in various vascular diseases will facilitate advances in lipid‐lowering therapy and disease prevention.
Occult hepatitis B virus infection in Sudan: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Eltom Khalid , Albeely Abrar , El Hussein Abdel Rahim M , Elkhidir Isam M , Enan Khalid 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn its occult form, hepatitis B virus infection can only be detected using molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction, increasing the cost of the screening process. Certain population subgroups are considered to have a higher risk of transmission and reactivation of occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI). This review aims to estimate the prevalence of OBI among these high‐risk groups in Sudan. It was conducted under the PRISMA guidelines, targeting the literature available in MEDLINE/PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases. Full‐text articles published in the last 10 years that provide prevalence estimates of OBI in Sudan were examined for fulfillment of eligibility criteria. Quality assessment of selected articles was performed using the critical appraisal tool reported by Munn et al. Publication bias was assessed by visual examination of the funnel plot. Meta‐analysis using the random‐effects model with 95% confidence interval was used to calculate the overall and subgroup pooled prevalence of OBI. Literature search yielded a total of 717 studies, of which only 11 articles fulfilled all selection criteria. The overall pooled prevalence of OBI was found to be 15.51%, with a high level of heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis demonstrated a prevalence of 16.48% among blood donors, 13.36% among hemodialysis patients, and 12.59% among febrile patients. Evidence for possible publication bias was detected. This review provides crucial evidence for health authorities in Sudan, outlining the necessity for re‐evaluation of the current screening strategies, especially among these high‐risk groups.
Ionic liquid catalyzed one‐pot multi‐component synthesis of fused pyridine derivatives: A strategy for green and sustainable chemistry
Authors: Jadhav Chetan K. , Nipate Amol S. , Chate Asha V. , Patil Anil P. , Gill Charansingh. H. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe synthesis of a combinatorial library of heterocycle‐fused pyridine derivatives has been achieved successfully via a one‐pot four‐component reaction of aromatic/aliphatic aldehyde, malononitrile, thiazolidine‐2,4‐dione and ammonium acetate in the presence of piperidinium acetate as the catalyst. It involved the Knoevenagel condensation of the aldehyde and malononitrile to produce arylidene malononitrile as an intermediate, which was further intramolecular cyclization through Michael type addition ketone to the electrophilic double bond of the arylidene to produce fused pyridines in high yields. Environmental friendliness, low cost, Operational simplicity, extensive reusability and applicability, and easy recovery of the catalyst using simple evaporation are the critical features of this methodology. Also, a series of pyridine based dihydrothiazolo[4,5‐b] pyridine‐6‐carbonitrile analogs were synthesized and selected for their in vitro antifungal and antibacterial activities.
Design, synthesis and insecticidal‐activity evaluation of N‐pyridylpyrazolo‐5‐methyl amines and its derivatives
Authors: Yang Shuai , Xu Kaijie , Lai Qiuqin , Zhao Chen , Xu Hanhong 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn searching for novel insecticidal leads, a series of N‐pyridylpyrazolo‐5‐methyl amines and their derivatives were designed and synthesized. Among the 22 target compounds obtained, bioassays indicated that some of the target compounds exhibited good insecticidal activities against Plutella xylostella (P. xylostella) and Spodoptera frugiperda (S. frugiperda). In particular, compound 9j revealed the best insecticidal activity against P. xylostella, with a LC50 value of 22.11 mg/L, and compound 9q had the best insecticidal activity against S. frugiperda which with 73.99% of mortality rate at 100 mg/L. Structure‐activity relationship (SAR) analysis showed that 4‐CF3 at the position of R1 linked with N‐pyridylpyrazole via amide bond could enhance the insecticidal activity of the target compounds. This study provides valuable clues for the further design and optimization of N‐pyridylpyrazole derivatives.
Synthesis of novel triazoloquinoxaline‐pyrazole hybrids as antiproliferatives, EGFR inhibitors, and apoptosis inducers
Authors: El Saeed Hoda S. , Bayoumi Ashraf H. , Sarg Marwa T. , Ghiaty Adel H. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractNovel triazoloquinoxaline‐pyrazole hybrids have been developed and synthesized. All derivatives' anticancer activity has been evaluated using Sulforhodamine‐B (SRB) assay for cancer cell lines MCF‐7, HepG‐2, and HCT‐116. Compound 12b was 2‐fold more cytotoxic than Doxorubicin, while 12a,c demonstrated comparable cytotoxicity to the reference Doxorubicin. Further investigations on the most active derivatives 12a‐c were done to study their inhibitory activity on two EGFR subtypes wild EGFR and mutant EGFR (L858R) tyrosine kinases in MCF‐7 cell lines. Compound 12b exhibited potent inhibitory activity toward wild EGFR (IC50: 0.98 μM) when compared to Gefitinib (IC50:18.07 μM). 12b also possessed a marked inhibition against mutant EGFR (L858R‐TK) exhibiting (IC50:27.45 μM) in comparison to Lapatinib (IC50: 61.06 μM). Compound 12b improved the active Caspase‐3 value and the BAX/Bcl‐2 reference. Furthermore, 12b showed G2/M cell cycle arrest induced apoptosis in cell line MCF‐7. In addition, the most active derivatives have been orally bioavailable as shown in the in silico determination of the ADME characters. The binding pattern of compound 12b was also studied by molecular docking.
Specialized immune responses in the peritoneal cavity and omentum
Authors: Liu Mingyong , Silva-Sanchez Aaron , Randall Troy D , Meza-Perez Selene 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The peritoneal cavity is a fluid filled space that holds most of the abdominal organs, including the omentum, a visceral adipose tissue that contains milky spots or clusters of leukocytes that are organized similar to those in conventional lymphoid tissues. A unique assortment of leukocytes patrol the peritoneal cavity and migrate in and out of the milky spots, where they encounter Ags or pathogens from the peritoneal fluid and respond accordingly. The principal role of leukocytes in the peritoneal cavity is to preserve tissue homeostasis and secure tissue repair. However, when peritoneal homeostasis is disturbed by inflammation, infection, obesity, or tumor metastasis, specialized fibroblastic stromal cells and mesothelial cells in the omentum regulate the recruitment of peritoneal leukocytes and steer their activation in unique ways. In this review, the types of cells that reside in the peritoneal cavity, the role of the omentum in their maintenance and activation, and how these processes function in response to pathogens and malignancy will be discussed.
Evolutionary history of hepatitis B virus genotype H
Authors: Wolf Jonas Michel , Pereira Vagner Reinaldo Zingalli Bueno , Simon Daniel , Lunge Vagner Ricardo 
Published: September 2020

AbstractHepatitis B virus genotype H (HBV‐H) molecular evolution was studied by comparing all published whole‐genome sequences. Bayesian coalescent analysis was performed to estimate phylogenetic relationships, time to the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA), and viral population dynamics along the time. Phylogenetic tree demonstrated two main clades or lineages: HBV‐H I (with sequences from Central and North America) and HBV‐H II (with sequences from North and South America, and Asia). HBV‐H II had more genome sequences (n = 26; 83.9%), including one specific subclade with all sequences outside of the Americas. Overall HBV‐H tMRCA dated back to 1933 (95% highest posterior density interval [HPD 95%]: 1875–1957) with a very probable origin in Mexico and posterior dissemination to other American and Asian countries. The temporal analysis demonstrated that HBV‐H I spread only in Mexico and the neighbor country of Nicaragua probably in the 1960s to the 1970s (1968; HPD 95%: 1908–1981), while HBV‐II disseminated to other American and Asian countries around one decade later (1977; HPD 95%: 1925–1985). The phylogeographic analysis reinforced the Mexican origin of this genotype. The whole HBV‐H population increased from the 1980s to the 2000s. In conclusion, HBV‐H has two main lineages with a common origin in Mexico approximately nine decades ago.
Left atrial scar identification and quantification in sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation
Authors: Mannion James , Galvin Joseph , Boles Usama 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIdentification and quantification of low voltage areas (LVA) in atrial fibrillation (AF), identified by their bipolar voltages (BiV) via electro‐anatomical voltage mapping is an area of interest to prognosis of AF free burden. LVAs have been linked to diseased left atrial (LA) tissue which results in pro‐fibrillatory potentials. These LVAs are dominantly found within the pulmonary veins, however, as the disease progresses other areas of the LA show low voltage. The scar burden of the LA is linked to recurrence of the arrhythmia and can be a target of further modification. This burden is classically assessed once sinus rhythm (SR) is attained, but this is susceptible to operator variability with overestimated dense LA scar (<0.2 mV) and underestimated diseased LA tissue (<0.5 mV). The novel automated voltage histogram analysis (VHA) tool may increase accuracy, however, is yet to be fully validated. A recent study indicates that LVAs can be assessed just as reliably in AF as SR, but BiV is lower with linear correlation to SR values (0.24‐0.5 mV respectively). In this paper, we review current data as well as review current methods of identifying, quantifying, and grading LA scar. We also compared AF vs SR voltages of a patient undergoing catheter ablation in our site using our VHA tool to compare the results. In keeping with the cited papers, we found lower voltages in our patient measured in AF. This area warrants further study to assess correlation in more patients, with view to developing prognostic and therapeutic grading systems.
Local promotion of B10 function alleviates experimental periodontitis bone loss through antagonizing RANKL‐expressing neutrophils
Authors: Cao Guoqin , Zhang Xu , Song Yuqi , Sun Yi , Ling Hong , Han Xiaozhe , Lin Jiang 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundPersistent host immune responses initiated by oral bacteria protect host against infection but may also elicit the process of sustained periodontal inflammation and subsequent alveolar bone loss. Interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), an anti‐inflammatory cytokine, can downregulate pro‐inflammatory cytokine and inhibit neutrophil migration in inflammation. IL‐10‐expressing regulatory B cells (B10) is termed by negatively regulating immune response through IL‐10 and are mainly restricted in CD19+CD1dhiCD5+B cells in mice. Our current study was aimed to explore the effect of locally transferred CD19+CD1dhiCD5+B cells on inflammation and alveolar bone loss in an experimental periodontitis mouse model.MethodsLigation plus P. gingivalis (Pg) infection was used to induce periodontitis in a mouse model. CD19+CD1dhiCD5+ B cells were sorted by flow cytometry and transferred into the gingivae immediately on the fifth day after ligation. All the mice were sacrificed on day 14 after ligation.ResultsH&E staining showed that inflammatory cell infiltration was significantly reduced by the CD19+CD1dhiCD5+ B cells. Toluidine blue staining showed that the CD19+CD1dhiCD5+ B cells alleviated alveolar bone loss in the ligature/Pg‐induced periodontitis in mice. Immunohistochemical staining showed Receptor Activator of NF‐KappaB Ligand (RANKL), Interleukin‐1β(IL‐1β) and Interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) were decreased after the CD19+CD1dhiCD5+B cell transfer. Immunofluorescent staining showed that IL‐10 was increased while the number of Ly6G+ neutrophil and its RANKL production were decreased in gingival tissue.ConclusionsThese results indicated that locally transferred CD19+CD1dhiCD5+B cells may alleviate alveolar bone loss through inhibiting pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression and RANKL‐expressing neutrophils in the periodontitis mouse model.
Osteogenic effects of bioabsorbable magnesium implant in rat mandibles and in vitro
Authors: He Wei , Zhang Hai , Qiu Jiaxuan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundBone augmentation or grafting is often required for placement of dental implants or surgical reconstruction of bony defects. Bioabsorbable magnesium implant was shown to promote osteogenesis in long bones. The objectives of this study were to determine osteogenic effects of pure magnesium (Mg) in rat mandible and underlying mechanisms.MethodsPure Mg was implanted in sockets after rat mandibular incisors were extracted. Titanium (Ti) was used as control. Systemic effects were determined by serum Mg level and histologic analyses of liver and kidney. Local Mg concentration was measured by microscopy‐energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS). Alveolar bone was analyzed by micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) and histology. Osteogenic effects of 0.8 to 20 mM magnesium chloride (MgCl2) on periosteum‐derived cells (PDCs) were evaluated by proliferation, alizarin red staining and quantitative RT‐PCR assays.ResultsSystemic effects were similar in Mg and Ti groups. Higher local Mg concentration was detected in Mg group (P < 0.05). Micro‐CT showed higher alveolar bone volume (2‐ and 6‐weeks post‐operation) and denser cancellous bone (2 weeks post‐operation) in Mg group, with significant amount of new subperiosteal bone formation on lateral alveolar bone surfaces by H&E staining. In PDC culture, proliferation rates, osteogenic gene expression for runt related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), bone sialoprotein (Bsp) and osteocalcin (Ocn), as well as calcium nodule formation rose significantly in 5, 10, and 20 mM MgCl2 groups.ConclusionsRapid osteogenesis (especially subperiosteal) is induced by pure Mg in rat mandibular alveolar bone. Osteogenic capacity of PDCs is enhanced by higher Mg ion concentrations in vitro.
Isoflavone‐enriched soybean leaves attenuate ovariectomy‐induced osteoporosis in rats by anti‐inflammatory activity
Authors: Xie Cheng‐Liang , Park Ki H , Kang Sang S , Cho Kye M , Lee Dong H 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDWith an increasing aging population, postmenopausal osteoporosis has become a global public health problem. Previous evidence has shown that postmenopausal osteoporosis is a skeletal disease mainly caused by estrogen deficiency, generally accompanied by inflammation, and dietary isoflavones may ameliorate postmenopausal osteoporosis by anti‐inflammatory activity. We have generated isoflavone‐enriched soybean leaves (IESLs), but their anti‐inflammatory activity and effect on attenuating osteoporosis are still obscure. Here, we determined the isoflavone profiles of IESLs and evaluated their anti‐inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and anti‐osteoporotic effects on ovariectomy‐induced osteoporosis in rats.RESULTSIESLs had a high content of total isoflavone. Hydrolysate of IESLs (HIESLs) was rich with the aglycones daidzein and genistein, and HIESLs can significantly inhibit lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammation by reducing messenger RNA expression of iNOS, COX‐2, IL6, and IL1β. Moreover, ovariectomized rats receiving aqueous extracts of IESLs (HIESLs) orally maintained more bone mass than control rats did, which was attributed to inhibition of osteoclastogenesis by downregulating the messenger RNA expression of the bone‐specific genes RANKL/OPG, OC, and cathepsin K, and the inflammation‐related genes IL6, NFκB, and COX‐2.CONCLUSIONIESLs may attenuate postmenopausal osteoporosis by suppressing osteoclastogenesis with anti‐inflammatory activity and be a potential source of functional food ingredients for the prevention of osteoporosis. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification of the volatile profiles of 22 traditional and newly bred maize varieties and their porridges by PTR‐QiTOF‐MS and HS‐SPME GC–MS
Authors: Ekpa Onu , Fogliano Vincenzo , Linnemann Anita 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDLow adoption of maize varieties bred to address the nutritional needs of the growing African population limits their impact. Aroma is essential in consumer preference, but has hitherto hardly been studied. We analysed the volatile organic compounds of flours and porridges of 22 maize varieties belonging to four nutritionally distinct groups, namely provitamin A maize, quality protein maize, yellow and white maize.RESULTSProton‐transfer‐reaction quadrupole ion time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (PTR‐QiTOF‐MS) analysis generated 524 mass peaks ranging from 16.007 to 448.089 m/z. Principal component analysis separated the varieties belonging to the four groups. With headspace solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME GC–MS), 48 volatile compounds were identified in maize flour and 21 in maize porridge, including hexane, nonane, pentanoic acid, 1‐octen‐3‐ol, 1‐hexanol, hexanal, nonanal, 2‐pentylfuran and 2‐heptanone. Volatile compounds such as 1,2,4‐trimethyl benzene, associated with thermal degradation of carotenoids, increased in the porridge of yellow and provitamin A maize.CONCLUSIONThe results indicate that PTR‐QiTOF‐MS and HS‐SPME GC–MS combined with multivariate analysis are instrumental to study the volatile aroma compounds of different maize varieties.
Models to predict disease‐free survival for hepatocellular carcinoma patients with surgical resections
Authors: Lai Yin , Lee Jin‐Chiao , Hung Hao‐Chien , Cheng Chih‐Hsien , Wu Tsung‐Han , Lee Chen‐Fang , Wu Ting‐Jung , Chou Hong‐Shiue , Chan Kun‐Ming , Lee Wei‐Chen 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPrecise prognostic prediction for an individual hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patient before and after liver resection is important. We aimed to establish simple prognostic models to predict disease‐free survival (DFS) for these patients.MethodsSix hundred and ninety‐eight HCC patients with liver resections were reviewed. Preoperative (model 1) and postoperative (model 2) nomogram‐based scoring systems were constructed by multivariate analyses, and DFS was estimated.ResultsAmong 698 patients, 490 (70.2%) patients had tumor recurrence at a median follow‐up of 84.4 months. Risk factors of tumor recurrence in model 1 included viral hepatitis, platelet count, albumin, indocyanine green retention rate, multiplicity of tumor, and radiologic total tumor volume (TTV). Prognostic variables identified in model 2 were viral hepatitis, platelet count, multiplicity of tumor, cirrhosis, microvascular invasion, and pathologic TTV. By nomogram in model 1, the patients were classified into three groups with 5‐year DFS of 61.0%, 35.7%, and 21.1%, respectively (P < .0001). In model 2, the patients were divided into five groups with 5‐year DFS of 58.0%, 43.7%, 24.0%, 15.4%, and 0.0%, respectively (P < .0001).ConclusionBased on nomogram models, DFS for the patients who had liver resection for HCC can be predicted before liver resection and re‐assessed after liver resection.
Spatial Scale and Shape of Prescribed Fires Influence Use by Wild Turkeys
Authors: Sullivan Daniel J. , McEntire Kira D. , Cohen Bradley S. , Collier Bret A. , Chamberlain Michael J. 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTIn recent years, there have been increasing efforts to understand effects of prescribed fire on population dynamics of wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo; turkeys) in pine (Pinus spp.) forests. Although distribution of turkeys is not limited to pine forests, these forests provide nesting and brood‐rearing habitat throughout the southeastern United States. Previous studies have investigated direct (e.g., nest loss to fire) and indirect (e.g., nest‐ and brood‐site selection) effects of prescribed fire, but little is known about how turkeys are influenced by the spatial scale and shape of prescribed fire. We constructed an individual‐based model (IBM) with landscapes of 2 burn unit shapes and 17 spatial scales. We used telemetry data obtained from global positioning system‐marked female turkeys to replicate movement behaviors of turkeys within the model. We hypothesized that use of units burned during the current year (<1 yr) would decrease as scale of fires increased, and that shape of burn units would influence use by turkeys. Spatial scale most influenced turkey use; the greatest use was in burned stands of approximately 23 ha in size, whereas least use was associated with burned stands >1,269 ha. At a spatial scale of 23 ha, the daily percent use of rectangular burn units was 7% greater than square‐shaped burn units. Likewise, daily percent use of rectangular burn units was 34% greater than square‐shaped burn units at a spatial scale of 1,269 ha. When burn units were rectangular‐shaped, daily percent use decreased by 48% as the spatial extent of the fires increased from 23 ha to 203 ha. Likewise, when burn units were square‐shaped, turkey use decreased by 49% as spatial extent of fires increased from 23 ha to 203 ha. Our findings suggest the importance of managing forested landscapes with prescribed fires not exceeding approximately 200 ha if wild turkeys are a management concern. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.