bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Single Axial Impact Load Causes Articular Damage That Is Not Visible with Micro-Computed Tomography: An Ex Vivo Study on Caprine Tibiotalar Joints
Authors: Blom Robin P. , Mol Douwe , van Ruijven Leo J. , Kerkhoffs Gino M. M. J. , Smit Theo H. 
Published: September 2019

Objective Excessive articular loading, for example, an ankle sprain, may result in focal osteochondral damage, initiating a vicious degenerative process resulting in posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Better understanding of this degenerative process would allow improving posttraumatic care with the aim to prevent PTOA. The primary objective of this study was to establish a drop-weight impact testing model with controllable, reproducible and quantitative axial impact loads to induce osteochondral damage in caprine tibiotalar joints. We aimed to induce osteochondral damage on microscale level of the tibiotalar joint without gross intra-articular fractures of the tibial plafond. Design Fresh-frozen tibiotalar joints of mature goats were used as ex vivo articulating joint models. Specimens were axially impacted by a mass of 10.5 kg dropped from a height of 0.3 m, resulting in a speed of 2.4 m/s, an impact energy of 31.1 J and an impact impulse of 25.6 N·s. Potential osteochondral damage of the caprine tibiotalar joints was assessed using contrast-enhanced high-resolution micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Subsequently, we performed quasi-static loading experiments to determine postimpact mechanical behavior of the tibiotalar joints. Results Single axial impact loads with a mass of 15.5 kg dropped from 0.3 m, resulted in intra-articular fractures of the tibial plafond, where a mass of 10.55 kg dropped from 0.3 m did not result in any macroscopic damage. In addition, contrast-enhanced high-resolution micro-CT imaging neither reveal any acute microdamage (i.e., microcracks) of the subchondral bone nor any (micro)structural changes in articular cartilage. The Hexabrix content or voxel density (i.e., proteoglycan content of the articular cartilage) on micro-CT did not show any differences between intact and impacted specimens. However, quasi-static whole-tibiotalar-joint loading showed an altered biomechanical behavior after application of a single axial impact (i.e., increased hysteresis when compared with the intact or nonimpacted specimens). Conclusions Single axial impact loads did not induce osteochondral damage visible with high-resolution contrast-enhanced micro-CT. However, despite the lack of damage on macro- and even microscale, the single axial impact loads resulted in “invisible injuries” because of the observed changes in the whole-joint biomechanics of the caprine tibiotalar joints. Future research must focus on diagnostic tools for the detection of early changes in articular cartilage after a traumatic impact (i.e., ankle sprains or ankle fractures), as it is well known that this could result in PTOA.
The Effect of Transplant Volume and Patient Case Mix on Center Variation in Kidney Transplantation Outcomes
Authors: Tsampalieros Anne , Fergusson Dean , Dixon Stephanie , English Shane W. , Manuel Douglas , Van Walraven Carl , Taljaard Monica , Knoll Greg A. 
Published: September 2019

Background: Kidney transplantation is the optimal treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease; however, long-term outcomes remain suboptimal. Objective: The objectives of our study were to examine the variation in survival rates and determine whether center volume and case mix are associated with transplant outcomes and explain the variation across kidney transplant centers in Ontario, Canada. Design: This was a population-based cohort study using health care administrative databases. Setting: A total of 5 transplant centers across Ontario, Canada. Patients: We included adults (≥18 years) undergoing primary, solitary kidney transplantation between January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2013. Measurements: The co-primary outcomes were death-censored graft loss and total mortality. Methods: Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess potential associations and describe variation, using hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each center relative to the average across all centers. Results: The study cohort included 5037 patients followed for a median of 5.3 years, interquartile range (2.7-8.6). In multivariable models, recipient age, body mass index, Charlson Index, time on dialysis, donor type, and age were found to be significantly associated with death-censored graft loss, and recipient age and sex, Charlson Index, time on dialysis, donor age, and time era of transplant were associated with total mortality. There was statistically significant variation across centers observed for death-censored graft loss ( P = .04) with HRs ranging from 0.72 to 1.22. However, neither adjusting for case mix nor center volume meaningfully changed the HRs reflecting each center-specific effect. There was a tendency toward reduced risk of graft loss (HR, per additional 25 patients, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.78-1.04]) in centers with higher volumes. For total mortality, there was statistically significant variation across centers with HRs ranging from 0.82 to 1.13 ( P = .04); however, neither adjusting for case mix or center volume meaningfully changed the HRs. Center volume was not significantly associated with total mortality (HR, per additional 25 patients, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.90-1.20]). Limitations: This study was limited by the small number of centers included. Conclusions: Outcomes differ across the 5 transplant centers in Ontario. We did not find any strong support for our hypotheses that case mix or center volume is responsible for these differences.
Cooperation of hydrolysis modes among xylanases reveals the mechanism of hemicellulose hydrolysis by Penicillium chrysogenum P33
Authors: Yang Yi , Yang Jinshui , Wang Ruonan , Liu Jiawen , Zhang Yu , Liu Liang , Wang Fengqin , Yuan Hongli 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Xylanases randomly cleave the internal β-1,4-glycosidic bonds in the xylan backbone and are grouped into different families in the carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZy) database. Although multiple xylanases are detected in single strains of many filamentous fungi, no study has been reported on the composition, synergistic effect, and mode of action in a complete set of xylanases secreted by the same microorganism.

Results
All three xylanases secreted by Penicillium chrysogenum P33 were expressed and characterized. The enzymes Xyl1 and Xyl3 belong to the GH10 family and Xyl3 contains a CBM1 domain at its C-terminal, whereas Xyl2 belongs to the GH11 family. The optimal temperature/pH values were 35 °C/6.0, 50 °C/5.0 and 55 °C/6.0 for Xyl1, Xyl2, and Xyl3, respectively. The three xylanases exhibited synergistic effects, with the maximum synergy observed between Xyl3 and Xyl2, which are from different families. The synergy between xylanases could also improve the hydrolysis of cellulase (C), with the maximum amount of reducing sugars (5.68 mg/mL) observed using the combination of C + Xyl2 + Xyl3. Although the enzymatic activity of Xyl1 toward xylan was low, it was shown to be capable of hydrolyzing xylooligosaccharides into xylose. Xyl2 was shown to hydrolyze xylan to long-chain xylooligosaccharides, whereas Xyl3 hydrolyzed xylan to xylooligosaccharides with a lower degree of polymerization.

Conclusions
Synergistic effect exists among different xylanases, and it was higher between xylanases from different families. The cooperation of hydrolysis modes comprised the primary mechanism for the observed synergy between different xylanases. This study demonstrated, for the first time, that the hydrolysates of GH11 xylanases can be further hydrolyzed by GH10 xylanases, but not vice versa.
Development of stimuli-responsive nano-based pesticides: emerging opportunities for agriculture
Authors: Camara Marcela Candido , Campos Estefânia Vangelie Ramos , Monteiro Renata Aparecida , do Espirito Santo Pereira Anderson , de Freitas Proença Patrícia Luiza , Fraceto Leonardo Fernandes 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Pesticides and fertilizers are widely used to enhance agriculture yields, although the fraction of the pesticides applied in the field that reaches the targets is less than 0.1%. Such indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides is disadvantageous due to the cost implications and increasing human health and environmental concerns. In recent years, the utilization of nanotechnology to create novel formulations has shown great potential for diminishing the indiscriminate use of pesticides and providing environmentally safer alternatives. Smart nano-based pesticides are designed to efficiently delivery sufficient amounts of active ingredients in response to biotic and/or abiotic stressors that act as triggers, employing targeted and controlled release mechanisms. This review discusses the current status of stimuli-responsive release systems with potential to be used in agriculture, highlighting the challenges and drawbacks that need to be overcome in order to accelerate the global commercialization of smart nanopesticides.
Genome-wide mutation analysis of Helicobacter pylori after inoculation to Mongolian gerbils
Authors: Suzuki Rumiko , Satou Kazuhito , Shiroma Akino , Shimoji Makiko , Teruya Kuniko , Matsumoto Takashi , Akada Junko , Hirano Takashi , Yamaoka Yoshio 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Helicobacter pylori is a pathogenic bacterium that causes various gastrointestinal diseases in the human stomach. H. pylori is well adapted to the human stomach but does not easily infect other animals. As a model animal, Mongolian gerbils are often used, however, the genome of the inoculated H. pylori may accumulate mutations to adapt to the new host. To investigate mutations occurring in H. pylori after infection in Mongolian gerbils, we compared the whole genome sequence of TN2 wild type strain (TN2wt) and next generation sequencing data of retrieved strains from the animals after different lengths of infection.

Results
We identified mutations in 21 loci of 17 genes of the post-inoculation strains. Of the 17 genes, five were outer membrane proteins that potentially influence on the colonization and inflammation. Missense and nonsense mutations were observed in 15 and 6 loci, respectively. Multiple mutations were observed in three genes. Mutated genes included babA, tlpB, and gltS, which are known to be associated with adaptation to murine. Other mutations were involved with chemoreceptor, pH regulator, and outer membrane proteins, which also have potential to influence on the adaptation to the new host.

Conclusions
We confirmed mutations in genes previously reported to be associated with adaptation to Mongolian gerbils. We also listed up genes that mutated during the infection to the gerbils, though it needs experiments to prove the influence on adaptation.
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in which urinary protein improved after surgical treatment for acromegaly: a case report
Authors: Yamasaki Arina , Bito Daisuke , Eto Erina , Matsumoto Keiichiro , Nakamura Megumi , Miyazaki Junji , Matsumoto Kenichi , Masuda Masanori , Mori Daisuke , Yoshimura Toru 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is characterized by partial (segmental) sclerotic lesions in some glomeruli (focal). Primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is generally considered resistant to steroid therapy. However, acromegaly is a disease that causes peculiar facial features, body types, and metabolic abnormalities due to the excessive secretion of growth hormone by a pituitary adenoma. Growth hormone has been reported to be involved in glomerular cell growth, mesangial proliferation, and glomerulosclerosis in the kidney.

Case presentation
We report a case of a Japanese patient with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in whom decreased urinary protein was observed after surgical treatment for acromegaly.

Conclusion
The patient’s urinary protein improved as the concentration of growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1 decreased.
Cloning and characterization of the lignin biosynthesis genes NcCSE and NcHCT from Neolamarckia cadamba
Authors: Li Juncheng , Huang Xiaoling , Huang Hao , Huo Heqiang , Nguyen Chi D. , Pian Ruiqi , Li Huaqiang , Ouyang Kunxi , Chen Xiaoyang 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Neolamarckia cadamba is an important fast growing tree species used for pulping and wood material in industry for it’s desirable wood properties. As one of the most important content in wood, lignin provides structural integrity, strength, and hydrophobicity to the thickened cell walls and is the major factor contributing to biomass recalcitrance. It does not reduce the palatability of forage grass for animals, but it hinders the isolation of cellulose fibers and the efficient enzymatic depolymerization of cellulose and hemicellulose into fermentable sugars in biorefining processes by limiting the access by hydrolytic enzymes to their polysaccharide substrates. This work focused on analyzing the functions of NcCSE (Caffeoyl Shikimate Esterase, GenBank accession number: MG739672) and NcHCT (Hydroxycinnamoyl Transferase,GenBank accession number: MG739673) in the lignin biosynthetic process in order to improve the potential for utilization of leaves and wood from N. cadamba. The mutant phenotype of cse-2 was dramatically complemented to WT in the stable transgenic lines cse-35S::NcCSE, but overexpression of NcHCT in the cse-2 mutant did not have the same result as cse-35S::NcCSE, providing only partial complementation.
Anti-inflammation activity of brazilin in TNF-α induced human psoriasis dermatitis skin model
Authors: Choi Da Hee , Hwang Hyung Seo 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that causes erythema, scale, and invasion due to excessive proliferation of keratinocyte and vascular deformation of the upper part of the dermis. Recently, it has been reported that brazilin, an active compound of Caesalpinia sappan L., possesses anti-inflammatory activity in mouse macrophage. However, little is known about its effect or anti-inflammatory activity on psoriasis dermatitis. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine anti-inflammatory activity of brazilin in TNF-α-induced human keratinocyte (HaCaT) widely used as a model of psoriatic dermatitis. First, CCK-8 assay was performed to determine cytotoxicity of brazilin in HaCaT cells and cytotoxicity was not observed up to 7 μg/mL concentrations. Brazilin decreased mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in a concentration dependent manner. Brazilin also significantly reduced phosphorylation of I-κB, Akt, and MAPKs such as ERK, JNK, p38 and STAT3 in immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) induced by TNF-α. In addition, inflammation causes the weakness of the skin barrier structure and increase cell permeability, stimulating serious problems in skin moisturizing. Thus, we observed changes of skin permeability in TNF-α induced inflammatory condition through transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) assay. While TNF-α induced inflammation caused reduction of TEER value (ohm (Ω) × cm2), it was recovered by treatment with brazilin in a concentration-dependent manner. These results strongly imply that brazilin can reinforce the skin barrier due to its anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore, brazilin could be a promising candidate for treating psoriasis dermatitis.
Neuroprotective effects of an Nrf2 agonist on high glucose-induced damage in HT22 cells
Authors: Zhao Jiangpei , Liu Lerong , Li Xia , Zhang Lingxiao , Lv Jing , Guo Xueli , Chen Hui , Zhao Tongfeng 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Oxidative stress is the hallmark of diabetic encephalopathy, which may be caused by hyperglycaemic toxicity. We aimed to discover pharmacologic targets to restore redox homeostasis. We identified the transcription factor Nrf2 as such a target.

Methods
HT22 cells were cultured in 25 or 50 mM d-glucose with various concentrations of sulforaphane (SFN) (from 1.25 to 5.0 μM). Cell viability was tested with the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was detected with an inverted fluorescence microscope using the dichlorodihydrofluorescein-diacetate fluorescent probe. The expression of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) at the mRNA and protein levels was detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.

Result
We found that a high glucose concentration (50 mM) increased the generation of ROS, downregulated the expression of Nrf2/HO-1 and upregulated the expression of NF-κB. Moreover, HT22 cell viability significantly decreased after culture in high-glucose medium for 24, 48 and 72 h, whereas the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway using a pharmacological Nrf2 activator abrogated this high-glucose-induced toxicity.

Conclusion
This study suggests that the activation of the Nrf2–ARE signalling pathway might be a therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetic encephalopathy.
Serum level and single-nucleotide polymorphisms of toll-like receptor-7 among urinary bladder cancer Iraqi patients
Authors: Al-Humairi Rasha M. A. , Al-Musawi Muna T. , Ad’hiah Ali H. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7), a member of TLR family, plays a pivotal role in pathogenesis of different malignancies. Among these is urinary bladder cancer (UBC), which has not been extensively studied. Therefore, it was aimed to determine TLR7 serum level in UBC patients and evaluate its association with some demographic and clinicopathological characteristics. In addition, four TLR7 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs: rs179018, rs179019, rs179020, and rs179021) were investigated to determine their susceptibility role in UBC and inspect SNP’s impact on TLR7 level. Sixty-six UBC Iraqi patients were enrolled in this case-control study. Two control samples were also involved, 40 urinary tract infection (UTI) patients, and 48 healthy control subjects.

Results
Male gender, older age, and cigarette-smoking are risk factors for UBC. TLR7 level showed a significant decreased median in UBC patients compared to UTI patients or control (1.4 vs. 8.1 and 9.5 ng/ml, respectively; p < 0.001). The decrease was more pronounced in males, age group ≥ 48 years, cigarette-smokers, alcohol non-consumers, clinical stages I–II, and superficial tumor, as well as patients with family history of cancer and untreated patients. Mitomycin C and Bacillus Calmette–Guérin therapies tended to increase TLR7 level. Among the four investigated SNPs, only rs179019 C allele showed significantly uncorrected increased frequency in UBC males compared to control males (p = 0.038), while among UTI females, C allele frequency maintained a significantly corrected decreased frequency compared to control females (p = 0.005). Some SNPs influenced serum level of TLR7, but a significant impact was recorded for rs179019 in UTI females (p = 0.006).

Conclusions
Downregulation of TLR7 is suggested to have a role in etiology and pathogenesis of UBC, especially the male, elderly and smoker patients. Mitomycin C and Bacillus Calmette–Guérin may enhance TLR7 production in the blood of UBC patients. TLR7 SNPs are suggested to influence susceptibility to develop UBC, and their potential in impacting TLR7 serum level is augmented.
The association between angiotensin II type 1 receptor A1166C gene polymorphism and the risk of essential hypertension: a meta-analysis
Authors: Fajar Jonny Karunia , Susanti Melly , Pikir Budi Susetio , Saka Putu Nina Berlinda , Sidarta Erdo Puncak , Tamara Fredo , Akbar Rizal Rahmanda , Hutama Saga Aditya , Gunawan Atma , Heriansyah Teuku 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundSince first reported having the association with essential hypertension, angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) A1166C was globally investigated worldwide. However, controversy was found. Furthermore, previous meta-analyses did not adequate to clarify the precise correlation due to some limitations. Therefore, we aimed to perform a meta-analysis concerning the association between AT1R A1166C single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and the risk of essential hypertension with eliminating the limitations of previous studies.MethodsA meta-analysis was conducted from February to March 2019. Some information related to sample size of hypertension and control groups and genotype frequencies of hypertension and control groups were extracted from each study. Data were analyzed using fixed or random effect model to determine the overall correlation.ResultsA total of 45 papers consisting of 11911 cases and 1340 controls were enrolled for the study. Our overall analysis showed that C allele and AC genotype of AT1R A1166C was associated with 1.18-fold and 1.15-fold respectively increased risk of essential hypertension, while the decreased risk of essential hypertension was observed in A allele and AA genotype. In sub-group analysis, increased risk of essential hypertension was found in C allele, AC genotype, and CC genotype of both Asian population and PCR-RFLP sub-groups, while decreased risk was observed in A allele and AA genotype.ConclusionsOur meta-analysis reveals that AT1R A1166C remains a valuable SNP having an association with the risk of essential hypertension.
Association of insulin gene VNTR INS -23/Hph1 A>T (rs689) polymorphism with type 1 diabetes mellitus in Egyptian children
Authors: Kamel Azza M. , Mira Marwa F. , Ebid Gamal T. A. , Kassem Samar H. , Radwan Eman R. , Mamdouh Mona , Amin Maha , Badawy Nora , Bazaraa Hafez , Ibrahim Amani , Salah Nermine 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Type1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has a multi-factorial pathogenesis; the interplay between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors is thought to provide the fundamental element for the disease. Apart from HLA, more than 50 genetic variants are associated with T1DM. INS -23/Hph1 A>T (rs689) is one of the effective loci with inconsistent reports in the literature. Accordingly, this study was designed to define the frequencies of INS -23/Hph1 A>T polymorphism and its association with T1DM in Egyptian diabetic children and their non-diabetic family members as compared to healthy controls.

Methods
Using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology, analysis of insulin gene VNTR polymorphism was performed for 496 samples (91 patients, 179 parents, 130 siblings, and 96 controls); parents and siblings were apparently healthy.

Results
INS genotypes and allele frequencies were comparable between patients, non-diabetic siblings, and parents (p = 0.97 and 0.77, respectively). However, the TT/AT genotype and T allele were over-presented in the three family groups compared to controls (p = 0.0015 and 0.0029, respectively).
Comparing patients to controls, the T allele is considered a risk factor for the development of TIDM (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.42–4.62, p = 0.0017).
INS -23/Hph1 A>T polymorphism showed concordance between patients and their mothers (Kappa = 0.446, p = 0.000) but not with their fathers (Kappa = 0.031, p = 0.765).

Conclusions
INS -23/Hph1 A>T gene polymorphism was shown to be a risk factor for the development of TIDM. This is in agreement with some and in disagreement with other reports. Studies of risk susceptibility factors have to be carried out locally in each community; results cannot be extrapolated from one ethnic group to another.