bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long noncoding RNAs and the regulation of innate immunity and host-virus interactions
Authors: Basavappa Megha , Cherry Sara , Henao-Mejia Jorge 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Immune responses are both pathogen and cell type-specific. The innate arm of immunity is characterized by rapid intracellular signaling cascades resulting in the production of hundreds of antimicrobial effectors that protect the host organism. Long noncoding RNAs have been shown to operate as potent modulators of both RNA and protein function throughout cell biology. Emerging data suggest that this is also true within innate immunity. LncRNAs have been shown to regulate both innate immune cell identity and the transcription of gene expression programs critical for innate immune responses. Here, we review the diverse roles of lncRNAs within innate defense with a specific emphasis on host-virus interactions.
Direct flow injection profiling of acyl glycerols from food products using isopropanol as solvent
Authors: Longo Edoardo , Morozova Ksenia , Yener Sine , Boselli Emanuele , Biasioli Franco , Scampicchio Matteo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis work proposes a novel method for the direct flow injection profiling of acylglycerols in edible oils and fats without preliminary extraction and consequent reconstitution in the injection solvent. The work exploits the outstanding performance of high‐resolution mass spectrometry to target unique elemental compositions even in the most complex matrices. The performance of isopropanol as the unique solvent for both the solubilization and analysis of acylglycerols was investigated in comparison with other classical methods involving preliminary extractions, sample recovery, and analysis. The calibrations of two triglyceride standards (triolein and trilinolenin) were successfully performed in presence and absence of oil matrix. As final application, the effects on the acylglycerol fraction of a heat treatment on three different fat samples (extra virgin olive oil, lard oil, and fat from dry cured ham—speck) were monitored. The proposed method is therefore suitable for a rapid evaluation of acylglycerol fractions in food lipid samples.
Switching to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate vs continuing treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B who maintain long‐term virological response to entecavir therapy: A randomized trial
Authors: Iida‐Ueno Ayako , Enomoto Masaru , Kozuka Ritsuzo , Tamori Akihiro , Kawada Norifumi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractNo controlled trial in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on long‐term entecavir (ETV) treatment, comparing switching to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) with continuing the therapy, has been reported. Twenty‐seven nucleos(t)ide‐naïve patients with chronic HBV who underwent ETV therapy for ≥5 years and maintained virological response were included and randomized into two groups: one group continued ETV, and the other switched to TDF, in a 1:2 ratio. The primary endpoint was changed from baseline in serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) level at week 48. The baseline characteristics were not different between nineteen patients in the TDF group and eight patients in the ETV group. Mean decreases in HBsAg level at week 48 were 0.023 and 0.042 log10 IU/mL in the TDF and ETV groups, respectively (P = 0.94). The mean drops in hepatitis B core‐related antigens were also not different between the TDF and ETV groups at week 48 (P = 0.80). HBV DNA was sustainedly <2.1 log
10 copies/mL in all patients throughout the study period. In contrast, the mean aminotransferase levels were significantly higher in the TDF group than in the ETV group at weeks 12, 24, and 36, although being within the reference range. Estimated glomerular filtration rate was lower in the TDF group than in the ETV group at weeks 24 (P = 0.016) and 48 (P = 0.003). In conclusion, we could not find the effect on reducing HBsAg level by switching to TDF in chronic hepatitis B patients with maintained virological response to ETV for ≥5 years.
Maintaining complete virological suppression by reduced doses of nucleos(t)ide analogue in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Hsu Chao‐Wei , Yeh Charisse , Yeh Chau‐Ting 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), withdrawal of nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) can put patients at risk of hepatitis relapses. Here, we examined a dose‐reducing strategy. From March 2008 to September 2016, 48 patients with CHB who had received full‐dose NA (35 entecavir; 13 tenofovir) and achieved complete virological response (lasting for >1 year), were placed on a reduced dose of antivirals (twice a week) subsequently. In a median follow‐up period of 33.2 months, only one patient experienced a virological but not biochemical breakthrough. No deterioration of estimated glomerular filtration rate was found. This strategy could be used in areas where full dose, lifelong treatment is unachievable.
Imaging of proteoglycan and water contents in human articular cartilage with full‐body CT using dual contrast technique
Authors: Honkanen Miitu K. M. , Matikka Hanna , Honkanen Juuso T. J. , Bhattarai Abhisek , Grinstaff Mark W. , Joukainen Antti , Kröger Heikki , Jurvelin Jukka S. , Töyräs Juha 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTAssessment of cartilage composition via tomographic imaging is critical after cartilage injury to prevent post‐traumatic osteoarthritis. Diffusion of cationic contrast agents in cartilage is affected by proteoglycan loss and elevated water content. These changes have opposite effects on diffusion and, thereby, reduce the diagnostic accuracy of cationic agents. Here, we apply, for the first time, a clinical full‐body CT for dual contrast imaging of articular cartilage. We hypothesize that full‐body CT can simultaneously determine the diffusion and partitioning of cationic and non‐ionic contrast agents and that normalization of the cationic agent partition with that of the non‐ionic agent minimizes the effect of water content and tissue permeability, especially at early diffusion time points. Cylindrical (d = 8 mm) human osteochondral samples (n = 45; four cadavers) of a variable degenerative state were immersed in a mixture of cationic iodinated CA4+ and non‐charged gadoteridol contrast agents and imaged with a full‐body CT scanner at various time points. Determination of contrast agents’ distributions within cartilage was possible at all phases of diffusion. At early time points, gadoteridol, and CA4+ distributed throughout cartilage with lower concentrations in the deep cartilage. At ≥24 h, the gadoteridol concentration remained nearly constant, while the CA4+ concentration increased toward deep cartilage. Normalization of the CA4+ partition with that of gadoteridol significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced correlation with proteoglycan content and Mankin score at the early time points. To conclude, the dual contrast technique was found advantageous over single contrast imaging enabling more sensitive diagnosis of cartilage degeneration. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 9999:1–12, 2019.
Potential involvement of semaphorin 3A in maintaining intervertebral disc tissue homeostasis
Authors: Mima Yuichiro , Suzuki Satoshi , Fujii Takeshi , Morikawa Takayuki , Tamaki Shinpei , Takubo Keiyo , Shimoda Masayuki , Miyamoto Takeshi , Watanabe Kota , Matsumoto Morio , Nakamura Masaya , Fujita Nobuyuki 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTIntervertebral discs (IVDs) are avascular; however, ingrowth of blood vessels into their outer regions has been noted during the progression of degeneration. The mechanisms underlying vascularization in IVD degeneration are not completely understood. Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A), originally characterized as a chemorepulsive factor for growing axons in the developing nervous system, inhibits angiogenesis. This study aimed to elucidate the potential involvement of Sema3A in maintaining tissue homeostasis within the avascular IVD. We demonstrated that the mRNA expression of Sema3A was higher in rat annulus fibrosus (AF) than in nucleus pulposus (NP) and that its expression level decreased with age. Both mRNA and protein expression level of Sema3A was also markedly suppressed in AF tissues of a rat IVD degeneration model. Both real‐time RT‐PCR and Western blot clearly indicated that Sema3A expression significantly reduced by treating inflammatory cytokines in rat AF cells. In a gain‐ and loss‐of‐function study, we observed that Sema3A reduced the catabolic shift in rat AF cells. In addition, our results indicated that Sema3A potentially inhibited the IL‐6/JAK/STAT pathway. Finally, BrdU assay and tube formation assay revealed that treatment of recombinant Sema3A significantly blocks both proliferation and tube formation of HUVEC. Our results indicate that Sema3A may help maintain IVD tissue homeostasis. Thus, although further studies are needed, Sema3A may be a potential molecular target for suppressing IVD degeneration. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Ridge preservation of extraction sockets with buccal bone deficiency using poly lactide‐co‐glycolide coated β‐tricalcium phosphate bone grafts: An experimental study in dogs
Authors: Okada Munehiro , Matsuura Takanori , Akizuki Tatsuya , Hoshi Shu , Shujaa Addin Ammar , Fukuba Shunsuke , Izumi Yuichi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe alveolar ridge undergoes pronounced reduction in height and width following tooth extraction. This study aims to comparatively evaluate the potential for ridge preservation in extraction sockets with buccal bone deficiency of β‐tricalcium phosphate coated with poly lactide‐co‐glycolide (β‐TCP/PLGA) and conventional particulate β‐TCP.MethodsIn six beagles, maxillary first premolars were extracted after removal of their buccal bone plates. Standardized bone defects (4 [mesiodistal width] × 4 [buccopalatal width] × 5 [depth] mm) were created at the sites of extraction sockets and filled with β‐TCP/PLGA (test sites) or particulate β‐TCP (control sites). Microcomputed tomography, histologic, and histometric evaluations were performed 12 weeks post‐surgery.ResultsThe test sites exhibited a significantly greater bone volume than the control sites (25.7 ± 2.14 versus 16.0 ± 3.3 mm3), although no statistically significant difference was detected in bone material density (746.3 ± 23.9 versus 714.5 ± 37.0 g/cm3, respectively). Relative to the control sites, the test sites exhibited significantly greater alveolar‐ridge coronal (2.0 ± 0.4 versus 1.1 ± 0.3 mm) and middle (2.9 ± 0.2 versus 2.1 ± 0.3 mm) horizontal widths and proportions of woven bone (50.3 ± 8.1% versus 38.0 ± 5.2%) and bone marrow (17.7 ± 6.6% versus 9.7 ± 4.1%) but a significantly lower proportion of connective tissue (10.7 ± 4.5% versus 18.3 ± 5.7%).ConclusionWithin the limitations of this study, the moldable β‐TCP/PLGA graft appears to exhibit a greater potential than the conventional particulate β‐TCP graft for ridge preservation of extraction sockets with buccal bone deficiency.
Biostimulant effects of Bacillus strains on wheat from in vitro towards field conditions are modulated by nitrogen supply
Authors: Nguyen Minh Luan , Glaes Johann , Spaepen Stijn , Bodson Bernard , du Jardin Patrick , Delaplace Pierre 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBacillus velezensis strains, belonging to plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), are increasingly used as microbial biostimulant. However, their field application to winter wheat under temperate climate remains poorly documented. Therefore, three B. velezensis strains IT45, FZB24 and FZB42 were tested for their efficacy under these conditions. Two biological interaction systems were firstly developed under gnotobiotic and greenhouse conditions combined with sterile or non‐sterile soil, respectively, and finally assayed in the field during two years coupled with different N fertilization rates. Under gnotobiotic conditions, all three strains significantly increased root growth of 14 d‐old spring and winter wheat seedlings. In the greenhouse using non‐sterile soil, only FZB24 significantly increased root biomass of spring wheat (+31%). The three strains were able to improve nutrient uptake of the spring wheat grown in the greenhouse, particularly for the micronutrients Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu, but the observed increases in nutrient uptake were dependent on the organs and the elements. The root biomass increases in inoculated plants coincided with lowered nutrient concentrations of P and K. In 2014, under field conditions and absence of any N fertilizer supply, FZB24 significantly increased grain yields by 983 kg ha−1, or 14.9%, in relation to non‐inoculated controls. The three strains in the 2015 field trial failed to confirm the previous positive results, likely due to the low temperatures occurring during and after inoculations. The Zeleny sedimentation value, indicative of flour quality, was unaffected by the inoculants. The results are discussed in the perspective of bacterial application to wheat under temperate agricultural practices.
Physiological and genetic changes during natural senescence of Medicago truncatula root nodules
Authors: El Msehli Sarra , Lambert Annie , Hopkins Julie , Boncompagni Eric , Smiti-Aschi Samira , Hérouart Didier , Frendo Pierre 
Published: February 2019

AbstractUnder nitrogen‐limiting conditions, legumes are able to form a symbiotic interaction with bacteria of the Rhizobiaceae family to produce root nodules. These new root organs satisfy plant nitrogen needs by reducing atmospheric nitrogen to ammonium. However, the senescence of these organs disturbs the assimilation of nitrogen. In this study, we present different histological, biochemical, and genetic markers of the natural nodule senescence in Medicago truncatula over a 10‐week period following bacterial inoculation. During aging the length and the weight of nodules increased, whereas the nitrogen‐fixing capacity of the nodules decreased. The development of the nodule senescence zone correlated with a reduction in leghemoglobin levels without significant reduction in the total protein concentration of the nodule. In contrast, no difference in glutathione and homoglutathione concentration was detected at the onset of senescence at 6 and 8 weeks after bacterial infection. Furthermore, we observed a significant decrease in the relative transcription levels of Nodule Cysteine Rich 001, MtLb1, sucrose synthase 1, thioredoxin S1 and thioredoxin S2 genes, which are involved in nodule development and functioning, thus demonstrating that natural senescence impacts the transcription of genes involved in the expansion and the metabolism of the nitrogen‐fixing zone. Finally, the induction of amine oxidase and cysteine protease CP6 transcription was unstable, suggesting that these two genes are related to senescence but are not robust gene markers of the natural senescence process. Considered together, our results define novel biochemical and genetic markers for natural nodule senescence and show that leghemoglobin gene transcription and protein concentration are robust markers that closely correlate with nitrogen fixation efficiency.
Culinary herbs and spices: what can human studies tell us about their role in the prevention of chronic non‐communicable diseases?
Authors: Opara Elizabeth I 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTCulinary herbs and spices (CHS) are known primarily as flavour enhancers, and it is now well established that they possess bioactive properties that indicate that these foods may have a role to play in the prevention of non‐communicable chronic diseases (CNCDs). Human studies are now beginning to provide insights into the significance of the potential health benefits of CHS in a dietary context, particularly concerning their antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties and their impact on glucose homeostasis, appetite and the consumption of low/reduced fat, salt and sugar foods. However, these studies have also identified a number of factors that are very pertinent to furthering understanding of how CHS can be used for the maintenance of health and the prevention of CNCDs. The challenge for the next phase of studies will be how to incorporate, successfully, these factors into study methodology for investigating the preventative benefits of these foods. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification of infectious species after resection of soft‐tissue sarcomas
Authors: Ramsey Duncan C. , Jones Ryan A. , Weiss Jason K. , Hayden Wyatt , Hayden James , Barnes Penelope , Doung Yee‐Cheen 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundPathogenic species in deep tissue infections after soft‐tissue sarcoma (STS) resection is largely unstudied, particularly the role of anaerobic bacteria, risks factors for those pathogens, and the time course of infection presentation.MethodsRetrospective analysis of 64 patients requiring operative debridement for deep tissue infection after STS resection was undertaken to identify infectious species and study risk factors for anaerobic infections. Kaplan–Meier methods examined the time course of infection presentation.ResultsSTS subtypes were most commonly pleomorphic STS, myxofibrosarcoma, and undifferentiated STS. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism isolated (56%). Twenty (31%) infections were positive for ≥1 anaerobic organism. Twelve gram‐positive and 10 gram‐negative aerobic organisms were isolated. Most (90%) anaerobic‐containing infections were polymicrobial, vs 52% of purely aerobic infections. No significant risk factors for anaerobic infections were identified. Median time from tumor resection until debridement was significantly greater for anaerobic infections (54.5 days) than for purely aerobic infections (29.5 days;
P = 0.004), a difference so pronounced that using “presentation after 53 days” as a proxy for the presence of anaerobic pathogens had an accuracy of 81%.ConclusionsBecause polymicrobial and anaerobic bacterial infections are common, we strongly support antibiotic use with anaerobic coverage at debridement, particularly for infections presenting later.
Lower Trunk Muscle Thickness Is Associated With Pain in Women With Patellofemoral Pain
Authors: Briani Ronaldo Valdir , Waiteman Marina Cabral , de Albuquerque Carlos Eduardo , Gasoto Eduardo , Segatti Gabriel , Oliveira Crystian Bitencourt , de Azevedo Fábio Mícolis , de Oliveira Silva Danilo 
Published: February 2019

ObjectivesTo compare trunk muscle thickness of women with and without patellofemoral pain (PFP) and to assess the association of trunk muscle thickness with self‐reported pain of women with PFP.MethodsForty‐four women were recruited and divided into 2 groups: a PFP group (n = 22) and a pain‐free group (n = 22). The thickness of the following trunk muscles was obtained by B‐mode ultrasound imaging: transversus abdominis, obliquus internus (OI), obliquus externus (OE), rectus abdominis, and multifidus. Self‐reported pain was measured on a visual analog scale.ResultsThe 44 participants were 18 to 35 years old. Women with PFP had lower thickness of the OI and OE than pain‐free women, with moderate or large effect sizes ranging from –0.78 to –0.98, which was negatively related to self‐reported pain correlations (r = –0.53 to –0.40). The contraction ratios of the OI and OE were also lower in women with PFP than in pain‐free women (P < .05). No differences between groups were found for the transversus abdominis, multifidus, and rectus abdominis, with also no correlation with self‐reported pain.ConclusionsLower thickness of the OI and OE is present in women with PFP, which is related to self‐reported pain. These findings might help in understanding the alterations in trunk biomechanics of individuals with PFP and the mechanisms by which interventions targeting trunk muscle strength are beneficial to individuals with PFP.
Data trend shifts induced by method of concentration for trace metals in seawater: Automated online preconcentration vs. borohydride reductive coprecipitation of nearshore seawater samples for analysis of Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb via ICP‐MS
Authors: Strivens Jonathan E. , Brandenberger Jill M. , Johnston Robert K. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis research compares performance, reproducibility, and detection limits of ambient seawater analysis for trace metals using both borohydride reductive coprecipitation and an automated chelation column (seaFAST™ 2) preconcentration for matrix interferent elimination on total and dissolved grab samples in nearshore to marine waters, over a broad concentration range, prior to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) injection. A move to an online preconcentration method both minimizes sample preparation, and eliminates correction errors when accounting for trace impurities in precipitated samples, induced via reagents. The reproducability of the online preconcentration method described, coupled with low blanks and method detection limits (MDLs), demonstrates the effectiveness of the automated procedure using ethylenediaminetriacetic and iminodiacetate acid chelation exchange resin and multianalyte determination by ICP‐MS for total and dissolved Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in marine water samples. Average CASS‐5 recoveries using the online preconcentration method (n = 9) were 109% ± 7%, 104% ± 5%, 103% ± 7%, 101% ± 3%, and 86% ± 8%, respectively. The MDLs obtained from the automated method for Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb were 3.3, 1.8, 13.5, 4, and 10 times lower, respectively, than for the Borohydride method. There were statistically significant differences between the methods for CASS‐5 recoveries of Ni, Cu, Zn (p < 0.0001), and Pb (p = 0.0024). Comparison of methods gave high concordance (rC ≥ 0.90) between methods for total and dissolved Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb, and total Cd.
Novel variants of CYP21A2 in Vietnamese patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Chi Dung V. , Tran Thinh H. , Nguyen Duc H. , Luong Long H. , Le Phuong T. , Ta Minh H. , Ngo Huong T. T. , Nguyen Mai P. , Le‐Anh Tuan P. , Nguyen Dat P. , Bui The‐Hung , Ta Van T. , Tran Van K. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundCongenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) (OMIM #201910) is a complex disease most often caused by pathogenic variant of the CYP21A2 gene. We have designed an efficient multistep approach to diagnose and classify CAH cases due to CYP21A2 variant and to study the genotype‐phenotype relationship.MethodsA large cohort of 212 Vietnamese patients from 204 families was recruited. We utilized Multiplex Ligation‐dependent Probe Amplification to identify large deletion or rearrangement followed by complete gene sequencing of CYP21A2 to map single‐nucleotide changes and possible novel variants.ResultsPathogenic variants were identified in 398 out of 408 alleles (97.5%). The variants indexed span across most of the CYP21A2 gene regions. The most common genotypes were: I2g/I2g (15.35%); Del/Del (14.4%); Del/I2g (10.89%); p.R356W/p.R356W (6.44%); and exon 1–3 del/exon 1–3 del (5.44%). In addition to the previously characterized and documented variants, we also discovered six novel variants which were not previously reported, in silico tools were used to support the pathogenicity of these variants.ConclusionThe result will contribute in further understanding the genotype‐phenotype relationship of CAH patients and to guide better treatment and management of the affected.