bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Icariin protects against iron overload‐induced bone loss via suppressing oxidative stress
Authors: Jing Xingzhi , Du Ting , Chen Kun , Guo Jiachao , Xiang Wei , Yao Xudong , Sun Kai , Ye Yaping , Guo Fengjing 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIron overload is common in patients with diseases such as hemoglobinopathies, hereditary hemochromatosis or elderly men and postmenopausal women. This disorder is frequently associated with bone loss and recently has been considered as an independent risk factor for osteoporosis. By excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) production through Fenton reaction, iron could induce osteoblast apoptosis, inhibit osteoblast osteogenic differentiation. Moreover, Iron could also promote osteoclasts differentiation and bone absorption. The goal of the study is to investigate whether icariin could reverse iron overload‐induced bone loss in vitro and in vivo. Icariin is the major active ingredient of Herba Epimedii and has antioxidant, antiosteoporosis functions. In the current study, we demonstrated that oral administration of icariin significantly prevented bone loss in iron overloaded mice. Icariin could protect against iron overload‐induced mitochondrial membrane potential dysfunction and ROS production, promote osteoblast survival and reverse the reduction of Runx2, alkaline phosphatase, and osteopontin expression induced by iron overload. Icariin also inhibited osteoclasts differentiation and function. Moreover, we also found that icariin remarkably reduced iron accumulation in bone marrow, suggesting that icariin has the ability to regulate systemic iron metabolism in vivo. These results indicated that icariin could be a potential natural resource for developing medicines to prevent or treat iron overload‐induced osteoporosis.
PU.1 and epigenetic signals modulate 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 and C/EBPα regulation of the human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide gene in lung epithelial cells
Authors: Wei Ran , Dhawan Puneet , Baiocchi Robert A. , Kim Ki‐Yoon , Christakos Sylvia 
Published: November 2018

AbstractLL‐37, the only known human cathelicidin which is encoded by the human antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) gene, plays a critical role in protection against bacterial infection. We previously demonstrated that cathelicidin is induced by 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)
2D
3) in human airway epithelial cells with a resultant increase in bactericidal activity. In this study we identify key factors that co‐operate with 1,25(OH)
2D
3 in the regulation of CAMP. Our results show for the first time that PU.1, the myeloid transcription factor (which has also been identified in lung epithelial cells), co‐operates with the vitamin D receptor and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (CEBPα) to enhance the induction of CAMP in lung epithelial cells. Our findings also indicate that enhancement of 1,25(OH)
2D
3 regulation of CAMP by histone deacetylase inhibitors involves co‐operation between acetylation and chromatin remodeling through Brahma‐related gene 1 (BRG1; a component of the SWItch/sucrose nonfermentable [SWI/SNF] complex). BRG1 can be an activator or repressor depending on BRG1‐associated factors. Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5), a methlytransferase which interacts with BRG1, represses 1,25(OH)
2D
3 induced CAMP in part through dimethylation of H4R3. Our findings identify key mediators involved in the regulation of the CAMP gene in lung epithelial cells and suggest new approaches for therapeutic manipulation of gene expression to increase the antibacterial capability of the airway.
Possible protective effect of platelet‐rich plasma on a model of cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity in rats: A light and transmission electron microscopic study
Authors: Ahmed Sabreen M. , Fouad Fatma E. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundCisplatin (Cis), is a potent chemotherapeutic drug. However, Cis nephrotoxicity is high, thus limiting its use. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous product, easy to get from blood centrifugation. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of PRP in reversing Cis‐induced nephrotoxicity.Materials and methodsThirty‐two adult albino rats were distributed into Group I, the control group; Group II, in which the rats received Cis (5 mg·kg−1·day
−1, intraperitoneal); Group III and Group IV, in which the rats received Cis, followed by normal saline and PRP distribution, respectively (1 ml) over the renal surface 24 hr later. All rats were killed on the eighth day of the experiment. Histopathological changes were examined.ResultsGlomerular atrophy, tubular degeneration, interrupted PAS reaction, highly expressed caspase‐3, and ultra‐structural changes were observed after Cis injection, which improved with PRP administration.ConclusionPRP reduced acute kidney injury through the epithelial GFs.
Effects of Conversion From Calcineurin Inhibitors to Sirolimus or Everolimus on Renal Function and Possible Mechanisms in Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Tsai Kai‐Fan , Li Lung‐Chih , Hsu Chien‐Ning , Lin Chih‐Che , Lin Yu‐Hung , Cheng Yu‐Fan , Wang Chih‐Chi , Chen Chao‐Long 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMammalian targets of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORIs), including sirolimus and everolimus, are used for minimizing calcineurin inhibitors after liver transplantation. However, head‐to‐head randomized comparisons of these 2 mTORIs are lacking. We assessed the differences in renoprotection and possible mechanisms between sirolimus and everolimus in liver transplant recipients. For this prospective cohort study, we recruited liver transplant recipients whose regimens were switched from tacrolimus to sirolimus or everolimus at a Taiwan medical center. Serial changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase, neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin, 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine, and transforming growth factor‐β1 during 1 year after mTORI conversion were compared within and between groups. In the 61 patients analyzed, no significant change in eGFR occurred within 12 months after conversion in both mTORI groups. Among patients with baseline eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, eGFR improved at 6 months and 1 year after conversion (+12.3 and +12.0 mL/min/1.73 m2, both P < .05). Urinary N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase decreased in both sirolimus and everolimus groups at 6 months (–68.7 ± 137.6 and –62.0 ± 92.4 U/g creatinine, both P < .05), and the reduction of urinary neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin was significant in the sirolimus group (–4345.1 ± 7763.5 ng/g creatinine; P < .05). Neither transforming growth factor‐β1 nor 8‐hydroxy‐2´‐deoxyguanosine changed significantly. In conclusion, the renoprotective effect of mTORI conversion was significant in liver transplant recipients with renal insufficiency, which was similar for sirolimus and everolimus, in the first year and may be associated with ameliorated tubular injury. Available evidence remains insufficient to determine which mTORI conversion therapy is more effective in renoprotection in the long run.
General Pharmacokinetic Features of Small‐Molecule Compounds Exhibiting Target‐Mediated Drug Disposition (TMDD): A Simulation‐Based Study
Authors: Bach Thanh , Jiang Yu , Zhang Xiaoyan , An Guohua 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAlthough target‐mediated drug disposition (TMDD) can occur in both large‐ and small‐molecule compounds, TMDD in small‐molecule compounds has received much less attention due to its lower prevalence. To facilitate the identification of nonlinear pharmacokinetics of small‐molecule compounds caused by TMDD, a comprehensive simulation was conducted in the current study to provide the general pharmacokinetic features of small‐molecule compounds exhibiting TMDD. Various conditions, including single escalating intravenous bolus doses, multiple escalating intravenous bolus doses, and intravenous infusion, were simulated for small‐molecule compounds with saturable binding to (1) targets located in tissues and (2) targets located in plasma. Sobol global sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of key parameters (Rmax, kon and koff) in a small‐molecule TMDD model on the apparent volume of distribution and apparent clearance. Our simulation data indicated that small‐molecule compounds with saturable binding to targets in plasma demonstrate distinctly different TMDD behavior compared with those with binding to targets in tissue. Sobol global sensitivity analysis results showed that, in general, koff is much more influential than kon and Rmax on apparent clearance and apparent volume of distribution. The TMDD features predicted in various situations in the current work could serve as a valuable reference to help quickly recognize TMDD when it does happen in a small‐molecule compound. The TMDD principals summarized based on our simulation could be used to aid pharmacokinetic data interpretation, dose regimen optimization, and clinical trial design of small‐molecule drugs exhibiting TMDD.
New insights into the antimicrobial treatment of water on Ag‐supported solids
Authors: Theofilou Stathis P , Constantinou Barbara K , Chatziiona Vasiliki K , Pantelidou Nantia , Plyastsov Semyon , Kapnisis Konstantinos , Savva Petros G , Meshkovsky Igor , Anayiotos Andreas , Costa Costas N 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDSilver (Ag) has been long known to be a strong antimicrobial agent and has been used as such either as AgNO3 or in the form of nanoparticles. The antimicrobial activity of nanosilver is believed to be due to free metal ion toxicity, the consequent generation of excess reactive oxygen species and inhibition of gene expression in several cells.RESULTSThe antimicrobial activity of Ag/Al2O3 spheres was studied after suppression of free Ag ions by using a suitable complexing agent (Ag+ scavenger). It was found that Ag/Al2O3 retained its antimicrobial activity even after the addition of the Ag+ complexing agent, which is in contrast to the behaviour of an AgNO3 solution which became completely inactive. Initial/preliminary transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared studies indicate possible phospholipid residues on the Ag‐supported solid surface. •OH radicals were confirmed to be formed during the antimicrobial process.CONCLUSIONSThe present work provides strong evidence that the antimicrobial property of Ag‐supported solids is not exclusively due to the dissolution of surface silver (free Ag+). A possible simplified mechanism is proposed in which the initiation of the antimicrobial reaction is proposed to be a heterogeneous intersurface process, which might include the interaction between the partially positively charged, surface silver atoms and the negatively charged outer membrane (OM) of microbes, and the subsequent activation of a free radical mechanism. Further study and confirmation of the above findings might be decisive for the development of novel Ag‐supported solids with limited metal surface dissolution but strong antimicrobial activity useful for the confrontation of particular environmental challenges. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Non‐traditional atrazine degradation induced by zero‐valent‐copper: process optimization by the Doehlert experimental design, intermediates detection and toxicity assessment
Authors: Hollanda Luana R , Graça Cátia AL , Andrade Lidiane M , Mendes Maria A , Chiavone‐Filho Osvaldo , Teixeira Antonio CSC 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDOver recent years, several studies exploring new technologies capable of degrading persistent organochlorine compounds have been published. Special attention has been dedicated to atrazine (ATZ), due to its ecotoxicological relevance together with its frequent detection in the environment. Degradation of organochlorines via zero‐valent metals has gained great importance given its practicality and versatility, zero‐valent‐iron (ZVI) being the most applied metal for this purpose. Alternatively, zero‐valent‐copper (ZVCu) was proved to exhibit higher reactivity against chlorinated aromatics, therefore deserving further investigation.RESULTSThe optimum degradation conditions for ATZ removal with ZVCu were explored through a Doehlert experimental design. The same conditions were tested for the traditional ZVI, which confirmed that ZVCu was more reactive. The analysis of the degradation products suggests that both reductive and oxidative pathways coexist in the studied process.CONCLUSIONSZVCu was effective in ATZ degradation, both by reductive and oxidation pathways, within a wide range of pH values, although faster in acidic media. The resulting solution from the experiment that promoted the fastest degradation is less toxic than ATZ against microalgae Chlorella vulgaris, which is a positive output regarding the application of this process as a pre‐treatment step of ATZ‐contaminated water matrices. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Nomogram predicting extrahepatic metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma based on commonly available clinical data
Authors: Lee Chern‐Horng , Chang Chee‐Jen , Lin Yu‐Jr , Yen Cho‐Li , Shen Chien‐Heng , Cheng Ya‐Ting , Lin Chen‐Chun , Hsieh Sen‐Yung 
Published: November 2018

Background and AimExtrahepatic metastasis (EHM) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) leads to a worse prognosis. We aimed to develop a nomogram based on noninvasive pretreatment clinical data to predict EHM of HCC sooner.MethodsThree cohorts containing 1820, 479, and 988 HCC patients were enrolled from three hospitals in different regions in Taiwan and served as the training and validation cohorts. Pretreatment clinical data were analyzed by Cox regression modeling for independent risk factors of EHM.ResultsPlatelet count ≥ 200 × 103/μL, serum alfa‐fetoprotein ≥ 100 ng/dL, tumor size ≥ 3 cm, tumor number > 1, and macrovascular invasion were independent risk factors for EHM and were used to develop a nomogram. This nomogram had concordance indices of 0.733 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.688–0.778) and 0.739 (95% CI: 0.692–0.787) for the prediction of EHM during a 5‐year follow‐up duration in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. A nomogram score > 61 implied a high risk of EHM (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.83; 95% CI: 2.77–5.31, P < 0.001).ConclusionWe have developed a nomogram that could accurately predict EHM of HCC and be readily available for formulating individualized treatment for all individual HCC patients to improve therapeutic efficacy.
Long properly coloured cycles in edge‐coloured graphs
Authors: Lo Allan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractLet be an edge‐coloured graph. The minimum colour degree of is the largest integer such that, for every vertex , there are at least distinct colours on edges incident to . We say that is properly coloured if no two adjacent edges have the same colour. In this paper, we show that, for any and large, every edge‐coloured graph with contains a properly coloured cycle of length at least .
Distribution patterns of the zebrafish neuronal intermediate filaments inaa and inab
Authors: Liao Meng‐Lin , Peng Wei‐Hau , Kan Daphne , Chien Chung‐Liang 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIt has been reported that the neuronal intermediate filament (IF) α‐internexin may plays a role in the formation of the neuronal cytoskeleton during mammalian development. From a phylogenetic viewpoint, zebrafish express inaa and inab as homologs of mammalian α‐internexin. However, the distribution patterns of the inaa and inab proteins throughout zebrafish development have not been well‐characterized. We generated antibodies specific for zebrafish inaa and inab and analyzed the distribution of these two proteins in developing zebrafish. Inaa was identified in the major subdivisions of embryonic and larval brains as early as 1 day postfertilization (dpf), including the telencephalon, optic tectum, and cerebellum, and inab was also detected in the same regions from 3 dpf to the adult stage. Moreover, we demonstrated for the first time that inaa was distinctively expressed in the photoreceptor‐like cells of the pineal gland, where inab was sparsely detected. Besides, the expression of inaa in male adult fish was found to be stable under different photoperiod conditions. Thus, we suggest that inaa is one of useful markers for studies of zebrafish cone photoreceptors not only in the retina but also in the pineal gland. In conclusion, we report that the distribution patterns of inaa and inab are phylogenetically conserved in the telencephalon, optic tectum, and cerebellum. Moreover, inaa and inab had different expression patterns in the pineal gland and retina during zebrafish development. Both inaa and inab are neuronal IFs and their functional roles may be different in various aspects of zebrafish neuronal development.
Utilization of cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with heart failure in the Northern Region of New Zealand
Authors: Looi Khang‐Li , Gavin Andrew , Sidhu Karishma , Cooper Lisa , Dawson Liane , Slipper Debbie , Lever Nigel 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundCardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been shown to improve morbidity and mortality for heart failure (HF) patients. Little is known about the trends in CRT use and outcomes of these patients in New Zealand.MethodMortality, hospitalization events and complications in HF patients in the Northern Region of New Zealand implanted with CRT devices from Jan‐2007 to June‐2015 were reviewed.ResultsTwo‐hundred patients underwent CRT implantation during the study period. There was a gradual increase in CRT‐D implantation (n = 157) but the number remained static for CRT‐P (n = 43). Patients who received CRT‐P were older (mean age 65.9 ± 14.0 years vs 61.5 ± 10.2 years, P < 0.0007) but had a higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (33.7 ± 10.5% vs 24.7 ± 6.1%, P < 0.0001) than those undergoing CRT‐D implant procedures. During a median follow‐up of 4 (2.8) years, 29 (14.5%) patients (14.7% in CRT‐D vs 13.9% in CRT‐P, P = 0.91) had died. HF was the cause of death in 73.9% of the patients. There was no difference in all‐cause mortality between patients with CRT‐D and CRT‐P.ConclusionsDespite the proven benefits of CRT in selected HF patients, there continued to be under‐utilization of these devices in HF patients in the Northern Region. Reasons for under‐utilization of these devices need further exploration. These data should be useful for benchmarking individual patient management and national practice against wider experience in the country.
Stiff knee gait may increase risk of second total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Zeni Joseph A. , Flowers Portia , Bade Michael , Cheuy Victor , Stevens‐Lapsley Jennifer , Snyder‐Mackler Lynn 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTOsteoarthritis (OA) progression in the contralateral limb after unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may be related to altered and asymmetrical movement patterns that overload the contralateral joints. The purpose of this study was to determine if biomechanical factors after unilateral TKA were associated with future contralateral TKA. One hundred and fifty‐eight individuals who underwent unilateral TKA completed three dimensional motion analysis 6–24 months after unilateral TKA (baseline). Subjects were re‐contacted for follow‐up (mean 5.89 years after baseline testing) to determine if they had undergone a contralateral TKA. Biomechanical variables from gait at baseline were compared between those who did and did not undergo contralateral TKA at follow‐up using one‐way ANOVAs. Odds ratios were calculated for variables found to be significant in the ANOVA models. Individuals who underwent contralateral TKA had less knee flexion excursion (10.5° vs. 12.1°; p = 0.032) and less knee extension excursion (8.2° vs. 9.6°; p = 0.035) at baseline on the operated side during walking. Individuals who underwent contralateral TKA also had less knee flexion excursion on the contralateral limb at baseline (11.9° vs. 14.0°; p = 0.017). For every additional degree of knee flexion excursion on the contralateral knee at baseline, there was a 9.1% reduction in risk of future contralateral TKA. Individuals who walked with stiffer gait patterns were more likely to undergo future contralateral TKA. Clinical Significance: Altered movement patterns after surgery may increase the risk for contralateral TKA. Knee excursion is an important metric to include in outcome studies and may serve as a target of rehabilitation after TKA. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:397–402, 2019.
Effects of conservation period and Lactobacillus hilgardii inoculum on the fermentation profile and aerobic stability of whole corn and sorghum silages
Authors: Ferrero Francesco , Piano Serenella , Tabacco Ernesto , Borreani Giorgio 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDLactic acid bacteria inocula have been developed over the years to improve the aerobic stability of silages. The aims of the study were to evaluate the effect of various conservation periods and the use of Lactobacillus hilgardii inoculum on aerobic stability, fermentative profile and microbial population of corn and sorghum silages. Trials were carried out on two corns and one sorghum crops. The crops were untreated or treated with L. buchneri (LB, application rate 300 000 cfu g−1 FM), L. hilgardii (LH, application rate 300 000 cfu g−1 FM) and a combination (LB + LH, application rate 150 000 cfu g−1 FM each). Silos were opened after 15, 30, 100 and 250 days of conservation, and the silages were analysed for fermentative profile, microbial count and aerobic stability.RESULTSDuring conservation, the inocula influenced the fermentation profile. The use of LH increased the aerobic stability at 15 and 30 days in one out of three trials, while after 100 and 250 days, the presence of LB alone or with LH led to greater stability. In all the trials, the acetic acid content increased, the yeast count decreased and the aerobic stability increased during the conservation period.CONCLUSIONSThis study has shown that a long period in complete anaerobiosis reduced yeast count and improved aerobic stability in all silages. The addition of LB was confirmed to be a good option for increasing aerobic stability of silages, whereas the effect of LH alone or in combination with LB on aerobic stability was not consistent between trials. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Designing and evaluation of urea microcapsules in vitro to improve nitrogen slow release availability in rumen
Authors: Lira‐Casas Raymundo , Efren Ramirez‐Bribiesca J , Zavaleta‐Mancera Hilda A , Hidalgo‐Moreno Claudia , Cruz‐Monterrosa Rosy G , Crosby‐Galvan María M , Mendez‐Rojas Miguel A , Domínguez‐Vara Ignacio A 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThere is a growing interest in the development of novel and innovative vehicles for controlled release of urea into the rumen, aiming to provide ammonia‐N for the biosynthesis of proteins of bacterial origin and to prevent urea intoxication by direct feeding to livestock. Urea microencapsulation is a system that can control the release of urea to be slow and steady.RESULTSThe amount of encapsulated urea was 69% of CSU (calcium silicate + urea + Eudragit RS100® + dichloromethane) and 71% of ACU (activated charcoal + urea + Eudragit RS100® + dichloromethane) groups (p > 0.05) The buoyancy of the microcapsules was over 50% after 12 h of agitation in both groups (CSU and ACU), producing significant differences in the volume of the organic phase factor, which was 20 mL at the lowest value (p = 0.0005). The morphology of the microcapsules produced with CSU and ACU showed no significant differences in microcapsule morphology (p > 0.05). The lower temperature (35 versus 40 °C, p = 0.035) retained better morphology of the microcapsules. Regarding the in vitro ammonia‐N release kinetics, unprotected urea reached a maximal peak after 6 h, while CSU and ACU took more than 24 h to reach ammonia‐N released concentration.CONCLUSIONSWe stabilized the physical factors in the microencapsulation of urea that can allow slow release of rumen fluid. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry