bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flaxseed oil ameliorated high-fat-diet-induced bone loss in rats by promoting osteoblastic function in rat primary osteoblasts
Authors: Chen Fulian , Wang Yan , Wang Hongwei , Dong Zhenhua , Wang Yan , Zhang Mengqi , Li Jiaxuan , Shao Shanshan , Yu Chunxiao , Huan Zhikun , Xu Jin 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
α-Linolenic acid (ALA) is a plant-derived omega-3 unsaturated fatty acid that is rich in flaxseed oil (FO). The effect of FO on bone health is controversial. This study aims to evaluate the effect of FO on bone damage induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and to explore the possible mechanism.

Methods
Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a normal control diet (NC, 10% fat), FO diet (NY, 10% fat), HFD (60% fat), or HFD containing 10% FO (HY, 60% fat) for 22 weeks. Micro CT and three-point bending tests were conducted to evaluate bone microstructure and biomechanics. Serum was collected for the detection of ALP, P1NP, and CTX-1. Rat primary osteoblasts (OBs) were treated with different concentrations of ALA with or without palmitic acid (PA) treatment. The ALP activity, osteogenic-related gene and protein expression were measured.

Results
Rats in the HFD group displayed decreased biomechanical properties, such as maximum load, maximum fracture load, ultimate tensile strength, stiffness, energy absorption, and elastic modulus, compared with the NC group (p < 0.05). However, HY attenuated the HFD-induced decreases in bone biomechanical properties, including maximum load, maximum fracture load, and ultimate tensile strength (p < 0.05). Trabecular bone markers such as trabecular volume bone mineral density (Tb. vBMD), trabecular bone volume/total volume (Tb. BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb. N), trabecular thickness (Tb. Th) were decreased, trabecular separation (Tb. Sp) and the structure model index (SMI) were increased in the HFD group compared with the NC group, and all parameters were remarkably improved in the HY group compared to the HFD group (p < 0.05). However, cortical bone markers such as cortical volume bone mineral density (Ct. vBMD), cortical bone volume/total volume (Ct. BV/TV) and cortical bone thickness (Ct. Th) were not significantly different among all groups. Moreover, the serum bone formation markers ALP and P1NP were higher and the bone resorption marker CTX-1 was lower in the HY group compared with levels in the HFD group. Compared with the NC group, the NY group had no difference in the above indicators. In rat primary OBs, PA treatment significantly decreased ALP activity and osteogenic gene and protein (β-catenin, RUNX2, and osterix) expression, and ALA dose-dependently restored the inhibition induced by PA.

Conclusions
FO might be a potential therapeutic agent for HFD-induced bone loss, most likely by promoting osteogenesis.
Ethnobotanical research in Cava de’ Tirreni area, Southern Italy
Authors: Mautone Mattia , De Martino Laura , De Feo Vincenzo 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
To best of our knowledge, this is the first quantitative ethnobotanical study with the aim of documenting the local knowledge and practices of using plants for curing diseases in the Cava de’ Tirreni area, Salerno Province, Campania Region, Italy. The present ethnobotanical field study, carried out during 2016–2017, documents the local uses of 119 plant species for medicinal, food and domestic purposes.

Methods
Ethnobotanical data were documented from 70 informants: field data were collected and information on the uses of plants was gathered through semi-structured and structured interviews with persons who still retain traditional ethnobotanical knowledge. Documented data were evaluated using the quantitative ethnobotanical index of use value (UV).

Results
Overall, the informants native of the area were interviewed and 277 use-reports have been recorded. The scientific names, local names, plant part used, preparation and administration processes are reported and compared with practices in other Southern Italian regions. In total, 101 species are documented as medicinal, 36 as food or food aromatizer, 29 for domestic and handicraft uses, 10 in veterinary medicine. More or less 64% of all species have more uses and over half of the food plants (23 species) are also used for medicinal purposes.

Conclusions
The comparison of the documented species and their uses with ethnobotanical literature of other Italian regions reveals that the traditional plant knowledge in this area shows strong similarities with adjacent Southern Italian areas. Some of the recorded species and administration processes however seem to be unique for the zone.
Management of comminuted patellar fracture fixation using modified cerclage wiring
Authors: Sun Yangyang , Sheng Kuisheng , Li Qinghu , Wang Dawei , Zhou Dongsheng 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Although there are several different kinds of fixation techniques for displaced comminuted patellar fracture, the treatment remains a challenge for orthopaedic surgeons. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a fixation technique for comminuted patellar fracture fixation using modified cerclage wiring.

Methods
From February 2016 to April 2018, 38 cases of simple unilateral closed comminuted patellar fracture were treated by modified cerclage wiring. Among these cases, 16 patients were males and 22 were females, aged 23–68 years (average 40.4 ± 9.1 years). Comminuted patellar fractures were classified according to the AO/OTA classification: 10 cases were type 34-C2 (three fragments), 28 cases were type 34-C3 (more than three fragments). Postoperative complications including loosening of internal fixation, fragment re-displacement, nonunion, infection, breakage of internal fixation and traumatic osteoarthritis were assessed. The clinical results after operation were evaluated by the clinical grading scales of Böstman including range of movement, pain, work, atrophy, assistance in walking, effusion, giving way, and stair-climbing during follow-up.

Results
A total of 38 patients were followed up for 6–36 months (mean time 16.1 ± 5.8 months). The bone union radiographically occurred at approximately 2.5–3.5 months (mean time 2.92 ± 0.25 months). No postoperative complications, such as infection, dislocation, breakage of the implants, painful hardware, and post-traumatic osteoarthritis, were observed. According to the clinical grading scales of Böstman, satisfactory results were obtained, and the mean score at the final follow-up was 28.7 (range 20–30) points. Thirty-two patients (84.2%) with excellent results had a mean score of 29.5 ± 0.7 (range 28–30) points, and six patients (15.8%) with good results had a mean score of 24.5 ± 2.2 (range 20–27) points. The patients with excellent and good scores had active flexion of 130° (110–140).

Conclusions
Modified cerclage wiring can effectively treat comminuted patellar fracture and offers a new strategy resulting in satisfactory results without obvious complications.
Mangiferin alleviates experimental peri-implantitis via suppressing interleukin-6 production and Toll-like receptor 2 signaling pathway
Authors: Li Hao , Chen Zhiyong , Zhong Xinghua , Li Jiaquan , Li Wei 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundTLR2 (Toll-like receptor 2) signaling and its downstream proinflammatory cytokines are considered to be important in the progression of peri-implantitis. A natural medicine, mangiferin has exhibited modulatory effect on TLR2 signaling and anti-inflammatory effects on different diseases. The objective of the present study is to investigate the effect of mangiferin on peri-implantitis and the potential mechanisms by administering this drug to an experimental peri-implantitis mouse model.MethodsMaxillary left first, second, and third molars of mice were extracted, and dental implants were placed in the region of the maxillary left second molars. Then, peri-implantitis was induced by tying ligatures around implants, and mangiferin was given orally to the mice. After 6-week mangiferin treatment, bone loss around the implants was detected using micro-computerized tomography (micro-CT). Alveolar bone and inflammatory infiltrate in peri-implant tissues were examined using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Production of interleukin-6 (IL6), a TLR2 downstream proinflammatory cytokine, in the tissue surrounding implants was measured using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. IL6 protein expression and TLR2 signaling pathway activation in peri-implant tissues were detected using western blot analysis.ResultsMicro-CT demonstrated reduced bone loss in peri-implantitis upon mangiferin administration. Additionally, H&E staining showed more alveolar bone and less inflammatory infiltrate in peri-implant tissues after mangiferin application. Moreover, qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated lower levels of IL6 gene expression, and western blot analysis showed decreased protein expression of IL6 and TLR2, and suppressed phosphorylation of TLR2 downstream nuclear factor-κB, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase after mangiferin treatment.ConclusionsThese results suggest the suppressive effect of mangiferin on bone damage and inflammatory infiltrate in peri-implantitis. These therapeutic effects may be associated with inhibited IL6 production and reduced TLR2 signaling activation in peri-implant tissues.
Immunotherapy of brain metastases: breaking a “dogma”
Authors: Di Giacomo Anna Maria , Valente Monica , Cerase Alfonso , Lofiego Maria Fortunata , Piazzini Francesca , Calabrò Luana , Gambale Elisabetta , Covre Alessia , Maio Michele 
Published: October 2019

AbstractUntil very few years ago, the oncology community dogmatically excluded any clinical potential for immunotherapy in controlling brain metastases. Therefore, despite the significant therapeutic efficacy of monoclonal antibodies to immune check-point(s) across a wide range of tumor types, patients with brain disease were invariably excluded from clinical trials with these agents. Recent insights on the immune landscape of the central nervous system, as well as of the brain tumor microenvironment, are shedding light on the immune-biology of brain metastases.Interestingly, retrospective analyses, case series, and initial prospective clinical trials have recently investigated the role of different immune check-point inhibitors in brain metastases, reporting a significant clinical activity also in this subset of patients. These findings, and their swift translation in the daily practice, are driving fundamental changes in the clinical management of patients with brain metastases, and raise important neuroradiologic challenges. Along this line, neuro-oncology undoubtedly represents an additional area of active investigation and of growing interest to support medical oncologists in the evaluation of clinical responses of brain metastases to ICI treatment, and in the management of neurologic immune-related adverse events.Aim of this review is to summarize the most recent findings on brain metastases immunobiology, on the evolving scenario of clinical efficacy of ICI therapy in patients with brain metastases, as well as on the increasing relevance of neuroradiology in this therapeutic setting.
Relationship between sugarcane culm and leaf biomass composition and saccharification efficiency
Authors: Hodgson-Kratky K. , Papa G. , Rodriguez A. , Stavila V. , Simmons B. , Botha F. , Furtado A. , Henry R. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Lignocellulosic biomass is recognized as a promising renewable feedstock for the production of biofuels. However, current methods for converting biomass into fermentable sugars are considered too expensive and inefficient due to the recalcitrance of the secondary cell wall. Biomass composition can be modified to create varieties that are efficiently broken down to release cell wall sugars. This study focused on identifying the key biomass components influencing plant cell wall recalcitrance that can be targeted for selection in sugarcane, an important and abundant source of biomass.

Results
Biomass composition and the amount of glucan converted into glucose after saccharification were measured in leaf and culm tissues from seven sugarcane genotypes varying in fiber composition after no pretreatment and dilute acid, hydrothermal and ionic liquid pretreatments. In extractives-free sugarcane leaf and culm tissue, glucan, xylan, acid-insoluble lignin (AIL) and acid-soluble lignin (ASL) ranged from 20 to 32%, 15% to 21%, 14% to 20% and 2% to 4%, respectively. The ratio of syringyl (S) to guaiacyl (G) content in the lignin ranged from 1.5 to 2.2 in the culm and from 0.65 to 1.1 in the leaf. Hydrothermal and dilute acid pretreatments predominantly reduced xylan content, while the ionic liquid (IL) pretreatment targeted AIL reduction. The amount of glucan converted into glucose after 26 h of pre-saccharification was highest after IL pretreatment (42% in culm and 63.5% in leaf) compared to the other pretreatments. Additionally, glucan conversion in leaf tissues was approximately 1.5-fold of that in culm tissues. Percent glucan conversion varied between genotypes but there was no genotype that was superior to all others across the pretreatment groups. Path analysis revealed that S/G ratio, AIL and xylan had the strongest negative associations with percent glucan conversion, while ASL and glucan content had strong positive influences.

Conclusion
To improve saccharification efficiency of lignocellulosic biomass, breeders should focus on reducing S/G ratio, xylan and AIL content and increasing ASL and glucan content. This will be key for the development of sugarcane varieties for bioenergy uses.
A comprehensive survey of the prevalence and spatial distribution of ticks infesting cattle in different agro-ecological zones of Cameroon
Authors: Silatsa Barberine A. , Simo Gustave , Githaka Naftaly , Mwaura Stephen , Kamga Rolin M. , Oumarou Farikou , Keambou Christian , Bishop Richard P. , Djikeng Appolinaire , Kuiate Jules-Roger , Njiokou Flobert , Pelle Roger 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundTicks and tick-borne diseases are a major impediment to livestock production worldwide. Cattle trade and transnational transhumance create risks for the spread of ticks and tick-borne diseases and threaten cattle production in the absence of an effective tick control program. Few studies have been undertaken on cattle ticks in the Central African region; therefore, the need to assess the occurrence and the spatial distribution of tick vectors with the aim of establishing a baseline for monitoring future spread of tick borne-diseases in the region is urgent.ResultsA total of 7091 ixodid ticks were collected during a countrywide cross-sectional field survey and identified using morphological criteria. Of these, 4210 (59.4%) ticks wereAmblyomma variegatum, 1112 (15.6%)Rhipicephalus(Boophilus)microplus, 708 (10.0%)Rhipicephalus(Boophilus)decoloratus, 28 (0.4%)Rhipicephalus(Boophilus)annulatus, 210 (3.0%)Hyalomma rufipes, 768 (10.8%)Hyalomma truncatum, and 19 (0.3%)Rhipicephalus sanguineus.Three ticks of the genusHyalommaspp. and 33 of the genusRhipicephalusspp. were not identified to the species level. Cytochromecoxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene sequencing supported the data from morphological examination and led to identification of three additional species, namelyHyalomma dromedarii,Rhipicephalus sulcatusandRhipicephalus pusillus. The finding of the invasive tick speciesR. microplusin such large numbers and the apparent displacement of the indigenousR. decoloratusis highly significant sinceR. microplusis a highly efficient vector ofBabesia bovis.ConclusionsThis study reports the occurrence and current geographical distribution of important tick vectors associated with cattle in Cameroon. It appears thatR. microplusis now well established and may be displacing nativeRhipicephalus(Boophilus) species, such asR. decoloratus. This calls for an urgent response to safeguard the livestock sector in western central Africa.
Disrupting prolonged sitting reduces IL-8 and lower leg swell in active young adults
Authors: Dogra Shilpa , Wolf Mitchell , Jeffrey Michael P. , Foley Ryan C. A. , Logan-Sprenger Heather , Jones-Taggart Holly , Green-Johnson Julia M. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Evidence suggests that disrupting prolonged bouts of sitting with short bouts of physical activity can significantly reduce blood glucose and improve insulin sensitivity; however, limited research is available on the impact of such disruptions on inflammation and swelling. The purpose of this study was to determine whether short bouts of exercise performed each hour during a 4 h sitting session were able to negate the effects of prolonged sitting (PS) on several cardiometabolic outcomes.

Methods
Eligible participants (n = 10) attended two laboratory sessions: PS (uninterrupted sitting for 4 h) and disrupted sitting (DS; 4 h sitting session disrupted by 3 min of exercise each hour (60-s warm-up at 50 W, 5 s of unloaded cycling, 20-s sprint at 5% body weight, and 95-s cool-down at 50 W)). The exercise bouts were performed at minute 60, 120, and 180. Blood and saliva samples, and measures of heart rate and blood pressure were assessed before (T1) and after (T2) each session; leg swell was measured continuously.

Results
Concentrations of salivary IL-8 increased during PS (T1: 0.19 ± 0.32; T2: 0.50 ± 1.00 pg/μg of protein) but decreased during DS (T1: 0.41 ± 0.23; T2: 0.22 ± 0.11 pg/μg of protein, d: 0.51, p = 0.002). Leg swell increased and plateaued in PS, but was attenuated during DS.

Conclusion
It appears that short bouts of exercise significantly reduce swelling in the lower leg and IL-8 levels in the saliva, indicating that even among healthy, active, young adults, disrupting prolonged sitting can significantly reduce swelling and systemic inflammation.
The walnut genetic resources of INRA: chronological phenotypic data and ontology
Authors: Bernard Anthony , Barreneche Teresa , Delmas Marine , Durand Sophie , Pommier Cyril , Lheureux Fabrice , Tranchand Eloïse , Naudin Marianne , Dirlewanger Elisabeth 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Objectives
Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.), the walnut species cultivated for nut production, is grown worldwide in temperate areas. In this work, chronological phenotypic data have been collected regarding a part of the walnut genetic resources of the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) of Bordeaux. Using a well described ontology, these data have been collected in order to assess the phenotypic variations among the accessions, and to better manage the germplasm collection. These data can also be helpful for any breeding program as they provide a clear phenotypic characterization of the main cultivars.

Data description
This paper introduces a dataset collected for 150 J. regia accessions for a period from 1965 to 2016, and for 3 observation sites, released as comma separated value spreadsheet. It includes observations about phenological traits (e.g. flowering dates), traits related to in-shell walnut (e.g. weight and size), and traits related to kernel (e.g. color). It can be used by other researchers particularly for multi-site phenological studies in the context of climate change since climate data files are also available. In addition, a complete walnut ontology was deposited in this repository and can assist to standardize the management of any walnut germplasm collection.
The application of resveratrol to mesenchymal stromal cell-based regenerative medicine
Authors: Hu Chenxia , Li Lanjuan 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Currently, the transplantation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) has emerged as an effective strategy to protect against tissue and organ injury. MSC transplantation also serves as a promising therapy for regenerative medicine, while poor engraftment and limited survival rates are major obstacles for its clinical application. Although multiple studies have focused on investigating chemicals to improve MSC stemness and differentiation in vitro and in vivo, there is still a shortage of effective and safe agents for MSC-based regenerative medicine. Resveratrol (RSV), a nonflavonoid polyphenol phytoalexin with a stilbene structure, was first identified in the root extract of white hellebore and is also found in the roots of Polygonum cuspidatum, and it is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. RSV is a natural agent that possesses great therapeutic potential for protecting against acute or chronic injury in multiple tissues as a result of its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. According to its demonstrated properties, RSV may improve the therapeutic effects of MSCs via enhancing their survival, self-renewal, lineage commitment, and anti-aging effects. In this review, we concluded that RSV significantly improved the preventive and therapeutic effects of MSCs against multiple diseases. We also described the underlying mechanisms of the effects of RSV on the survival, self-renewal, and lineage commitment of MSCs in vitro and in vivo. Upon further clarification of the potential mechanisms of the effects of RSV on MSC-based therapy, MSCs may be able to be more widely used in regenerative medicine to promote recovery from tissue injury.
Entire solutions for a delayed lattice competitive system
Authors: Yan Rui , Wang Yang , Yao Meiping 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
In this paper, we investigate the existence of entire solutions for a delayed lattice competitive system. Here the entire solutions are the solutions that exist for all $(n,t)\in \mathbb{Z}\times \mathbb{R}$
(
n
,
t
)
∈
Z
×
R
. In order to prove the existence, we firstly embed the delayed lattice system into the corresponding larger system, of which the traveling front solutions are identical to those of the delayed lattice system. Then based on the comparison theorem and the sup–sub solutions method, we construct entire solutions which behave as two opposite traveling front solutions moving towards each other from both sides of x-axis and then annihilating. Moreover, our conclusions extend the invading way, which the superior species invade the inferior ones from both sides of x-axis and then the inferior ones extinct, into the lattice and delay case.
Gene flow from herbicide resistant transgenic soybean to conventional soybean and wild soybean
Authors: Kim Hye Jin , Kim Do Young , Moon Ye Seul , Pack In Soon , Park Kee Woong , Chung Young Soo , Kim Young Joong , Nam Kyong-Hee , Kim Chang-Gi 
Published: October 2019

AbstractGene flow from transgenic crops to conventional cultivars or wild relatives is a major environmental and economic concern in many countries. South Korea is one of the major importer of transgenic crops for food and feed, although commercial cultivation of transgenic crops is not yet allowed in this country. This study evaluated gene flow from the herbicide glyphosate- and glufosinate-resistant transgenic soybean (Glycine max) to five non-transgenic soybean cultivars and three accessions of wild soybean (Glycine soja). Field trials were conducted over 2 years, and gene flow was monitored up to 10 m distance from the pollen source. The results indicated that the detectable rate of gene flow from transgenic to conventional soybeans varied between 0 and 0.049% in both 2014 and 2015 field trials, while no hybrids were detected among wild soybean progenies. The highest rate of gene flow was found in the progenies of the Bert cultivar, which exhibited the longest period of flowering synchronization between the pollen donor and the recipient. In addition, overall gene flow rates declined with increased distance from the transgenic soybean plot. Gene flow was observed up to 3 m and 8 m from the transgenic soybean plot in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Our results may be useful for developing measures to prevent gene flow from transgenic soybean.