bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fighting fungus with a laser and a hose: Management of a giant Candida albicans implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator lead vegetation with simultaneous AngioVac aspiration and laser sheath lead extraction
Authors: Jones Brandon M. , Wazni Oussama , Rehm Susan J. , Shishehbor Mehdi H.
Published: July 2017

Infections involving internal cardiac devices can be very challenging to treat, and almost universally require complete device extraction for successful management. Of the pathogens that cause device‐related endocarditis, fungi such as Candida albicans are notoriously difficult to manage because of their propensity to produce large vegetations and the need for long‐term treatment with potentially toxic medications. Furthermore, individuals who develop fungal, device‐associated endocarditis are typically among the most complex patients, with significant comorbidities that place them at high risk for open heart procedures such as surgical device extraction. We present a case of one such patient in whom treatment of Candida albicans device‐related endocarditis was managed using AngioVac® aspiration of a large right atrial vegetation with simultaneous laser sheath extraction of the implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator lead.
Second generation drug‐eluting stents versus bare‐metal stents for percutaneous coronary intervention of the proximal left anterior descending artery: An analysis of the BASKET‐PROVE I and II trials
Authors: Mangione Fernanda Marinho , Biering‐Sørensen Tor , Nochioka Kotaro , Jatene Tannas , Silvestre Odilson Marcos , Hansen Kim Wadt , Sørensen Rikke , Jensen Jan Skov , Jorgensen Peter Godsk , Jeger Raban , Kaiser Christoph , Pfisterer Matthias , Galatius Søren
Published: July 2017

Objectives

To compare mid‐term outcomes between patients undergoing proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with second generation drug‐eluting stent (DES) or bare‐metal stent (BMS).

Background

PCI with BMS and first‐generation DES have shown to be safe options for the treatment of proximal LAD stenosis, however associated with considerable reintervention rates. Overall, second‐generation DES has proven to be superior to BMS and first‐generation DES, nevertheless, its effect for proximal LAD PCI has not previously been reported.

Methods

We analyzed 2‐year outcomes of 1,100 patients from the BASKET‐PROVE I and II trials, referred for proximal LAD PCI with second generation DES (n = 680) or BMS (n = 420).

Results

The cumulative 2‐year incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE, composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI) and target vessel revascularization (TVR)) was lower in second generation DES than in BMS treated patients (7.3% vs. 12.3%; HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.39/0.85), mainly driven by a reduced rate of TVR (3.7% vs. 10.0%; HR 0.35, CI 0.21/0.58). No difference was found in cardiac death (1.9% vs. 1.9%; HR 1.01, CI 0.42/2.44) and MI (4.4% vs. 4.7%; HR 0.93, CI 0.53/1.64). The benefit of DES use seemed to be more prominent in female patients with a reduction in MACE (P for interaction = 0.025).

Conclusions

In patients with proximal LAD stenosis, treatment with second‐generation DES was associated with reduced 2‐year rates of adverse cardiac events and TVR compared to BMS, with reintervention rates similar to those earlier reported from bypass surgery.
Analysis of In Situ Microscopy Images of Flocculated Sediment Volumes
Authors: MacIver Michael R. , Pawlik Marek
Published: July 2017

An in situ microscopy method was employed to study the sediment volumes that result from batch settling of polymer‐flocculated kaolin suspensions. Statistical methods were applied including chord length distributions, perimeter‐based fractal dimension of the void areas, white area image ratio, and gray level co‐occurrence (GLCM) features. Several GLCM features have a good linear relationship with aggregation state, and the parameters of aggregate and void chord distributions can be interpreted to help explain the flocculation results. The methods applied here are suggested for the measurement of the aggregation state or relative aggregate volume on bench or industrial scale when the settled suspension interface is not available, such as in a continuous process or reaction.
Improvement of Bio‐crude Oil Yield and Phosphorus Content by Hydrothermal Liquefaction Using Microalgae
Authors: Yang Cheol-Min , Lee Choul-Gyun , Won Jong-In
Published: July 2017

Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is a thermal depolymerization process used to convert wet biomass such as microalgae into bio‐crude oil. Four main products, gas, bio‐crude oil, an aqueous phase, and solid residue, are generated through HTL. In this study, various HTL conditions were investigated to enhance the phosphorus content in the aqueous phase as well as the yield of bio‐crude oil. Tetraselmis sp. was used as the microalgae feedstock, and the product yields according to catalyst type were explored. The phosphate ion (PO43−) content in the aqueous phase was significantly enhanced when acetic acid was added because of the effect of pH. In addition, it was found that both the bio‐crude oil yield and the ammonium ion content could be increased by recycling the post‐HTL aqueous phase, while the phosphate content was not.
Prediction of anti‐HIV activity on the basis of stacked auto‐encoder
Authors: Tian Shengwei , Yan Yilin , Yu Long , Qian Jin , Ye Feiyue
Published: July 2017

The prediction of biologically active compounds plays a very important role for high‐throughput screening approaches in drug discovery. Most computational models, in this area, concentrate on measuring structural similarities between chemical elements. There are various methods to predict anti‐HIV activity, such as artificial neural network and support vector machine, but generally using shallow machine learning with low accuracies and less samples. In this work, one of deep learning methods, stacked auto‐encoder (SAE), is proposed to predict anti‐HIV activity of a broad group of compounds for the first time. Through contrasting experiments of artificial neural network, support vector machine, and SAE under the same condition, the accuracy after descriptors screening is higher than using raw descriptors, and SAE performs better than the other two methods to achieve the perfect forecast of anti‐HIV activity. It has a great significance on promoting anti‐HIV drug design, which therefore can reduce research and development costs and improve the efficiency of anti‐HIV drug discovery.
Dynamic Covalent Chemistry of Aldehyde Enamines: BiIII‐ and ScIII‐Catalysis of Amine–Enamine Exchange
Authors: Zhang Yang , Xie Sheng , Yan Mingdi , Ramström Olof
Published: July 2017

The dynamic exchange of enamines from secondary amines and enolizable aldehydes has been demonstrated in organic solvents. The enamine exchange with amines was efficiently catalyzed by Bi(OTf)3 and Sc(OTf)3 (2 mol %) and the equilibria (60 mm) could be attained within hours at room temperature. The formed dynamic covalent systems displayed high stabilities in basic environment with <2 % by‐product formation within one week after complete equilibration. This study expands the scope of dynamic C−N bonds from imine chemistry to enamines, enabling further dynamic methodologies in exploration of this important class of structures in systems chemistry.
Tunable Biogenic Manganese Oxides
Authors: Simonov Alexandr N. , Hocking Rosalie K. , Tao Lizhi , Gengenbach Thomas , Williams Timothy , Fang Xi‐Ya , King Hannah J. , Bonke Shannon A. , Hoogeveen Dijon A. , Romano Christine A. , Tebo Bradley M. , Martin Lisandra L. , Casey William H. , Spiccia Leone
Published: July 2017

Influence of the conditions for aerobic oxidation of
catalysed by the MnxEFG protein complex on the morphology, structure and reactivity of the resulting biogenic manganese oxides (MnOx) is explored. Physical characterisation of MnOx includes scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron and K‐edge Mn, Fe X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. This characterisation reveals that the MnOx materials share the structural features of birnessite, yet differ in the degree of structural disorder. Importantly, these biogenic products exhibit strikingly different morphologies that can be easily controlled. Changing the substrate‐to‐protein ratio produces MnOx either as nm‐thin sheets, or rods with diameters below 20 nm, or a combination of the two. Mineralisation in solutions that contain
makes solids with significant disorder in the structure, while the presence of
facilitates formation of more ordered materials. The (photo)oxidation and (photo)electrocatalytic capacity of the MnOx minerals is examined and correlated with their structural properties.
Alkoxides of Trivacant Lacunary Polyoxometalates
Authors: Minato Takuo , Suzuki Kosuke , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Mizuno Noritaka
Published: July 2017

Lacunary polyoxometalates (POMs) are useful rigid multidentate inorganic ligands to construct multinuclear metal oxo clusters and inorganic‐organic hybrid materials. However, the use of multivacant lacunary POMs often suffers from their undesired condensation reactions at the highly reactive vacant sites. Herein, the introduction of alkoxy protecting groups into the vacant sites of lacunary POMs in organic media is reported for the first time. By reacting organic solvent‐soluble trivacant lacunary Keggin‐type POMs with methanol, six methoxy groups were successfully introduced into the vacant sites, resulting in the formation of the alkoxides TBA4[A‐α‐XW9O28(OCH3)6] (Ix‐OMe; X=Si, Ge). These methoxy groups could protect the reactive vacant sites and suppress the undesired dimerization reaction into the corresponding α‐Dawson‐type POMs. Since the introduced monodentate methoxy groups could easily be dissociated by hydrolysis, ISi‐OMe could be utilized as the precursor for the synthesis of metal‐substituted POMs. In addition, by using pentaerythritol as the multidentate alkoxy ligand, the monomeric alkoxide TBA4[A‐α‐SiW9O28{(OCH2)2C(CH2OH)2}3] (ISi‐PE) was successfully synthesized. In particular, these multidentate alkoxy groups showed high resistance against hydrolysis. Moreover, by reacting ISi‐PE with trivacant lacunary Keggin‐type POMs, the dimeric inorganic‐organic‐inorganic hybrid structures TBAnH8−n[(A‐α‐SiW9O28){(OCH2)2C(CH2O)2}3(A‐α‐XW9O28)] (IISiX‐PE; X=Si, Ge) with the same or different heteroatoms (Si and Ge) were successfully synthesized.
Handheld echocardiography during hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Cullen Michael W. , Geske Jeffrey B. , Anavekar Nandan S. , Askew J. Wells , Lewis Bradley R. , Oh Jae K.
Published: July 2017

Background

Handheld echocardiography (HHE) is concordant with standard transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in a variety of settings but has not been thoroughly compared to traditional TTE in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Hypothesis

Completed by experienced operators, HHE provides accurate diagnostic capabilities compared with standard TTE in AMI patients.

Methods

This study prospectively enrolled patients admitted to the coronary care unit with AMI. Experienced sonographers performed HHE with a V‐scan. All patients underwent clinical TTE. Each HHE was interpreted by 2 experts blinded to standard TTE. Agreement was assessed with κ statistics and concordance correlation coefficients.

Results

Analysis included 82 patients (mean age, 66 years; 74% male). On standard TTE, mean left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction was 46%. Correlation coefficients between HHE and TTE were 0.75 (95% confidence interval: 0.66 to 0.82) for LV ejection fraction and 0.69 (95% confidence interval: 0.58 to 0.77) for wall motion score index. The κ statistics ranged from 0.47 to 0.56 for LV enlargement, 0.55 to 0.79 for mitral regurgitation, and 0.44 to 0.57 for inferior vena cava dilatation. The κ statistics were highest for the anterior (0.81) and septal (0.71) apex and lowest for the mid inferolateral (0.36) and basal inferoseptal (0.36) walls.

Conclusions

In patients with AMI, HHE and standard TTE demonstrate good correlation for LV function and wall motion. Agreement was less robust for structural abnormalities and specific wall segments. In experienced hands, HHE can provide a focused assessment of LV function in patients hospitalized with AMI; however, HHE should not substitute for comprehensive TTE.
Transforming growth factor‐β, matrix metalloproteinases, and urokinase‐type plasminogen activator interaction in the cancer epithelial to mesenchymal transition
Authors: Santibanez Juan F. , Obradović Hristina , Kukolj Tamara , Krstić Jelena
Published: July 2017

Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) is a pleiotropic factor that acts as a tumor suppressor in the early stages, while it exerts tumor promoting activities in advanced stages of cancer development. One of the hallmarks of cancer progression is the capacity of cancer cells to migrate and invade surrounding tissues with subsequent metastasis to different organs. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) together with urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR), whose main original function described is the proteolytic degradation of the extracellular matrix, play key cellular roles in the enhancement of cell malignancy during cancer progression. TGF‐β tightly regulates the expression of several MMPs and uPA/uPAR in cancer cells, which in return can participate in TGF‐β activation, thus contributing to tumor malignancy. TGF‐β is one of the master factors in the induction of cancer‐associated epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and recently both MMPs and uPA/uPAR have also been shown to be implicated in the cancer‐associated EMT process. In this review, we analyze the main molecular mechanisms underlying MMPs and uPA/uPAR regulation by TGF‐β, as well as their mutual implication in the development of EMT in cancer cells. Developmental Dynamics 247:382–395, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interaction of Spoonbill with Prospero in Drosophila: Implications in neuroblast development
Authors: Tripathi Bipin K. , Das Rituparna , Mukherjee Ashim , Mutsuddi Mousumi
Published: July 2017

Identification of Spoon as a suppressor of SCA8 associated neurodegeneration provides us a hint about its role in neuronal development and maintenance. However, a detailed molecular characterization of spoon has not yet been reported. Here, we describe spatial expression pattern of Spoon during Drosophila development. Quantitative real time‐PCR and fluorescent RNA–RNA in situ hybridization indicate that Spoon is expressed at relatively high levels in larval brain and photoreceptors of eye‐antennal discs. Immunostaining reveals that Spoon is subcellularly localized in the cytoplasm and is also membrane bound. Strong expression is also seen in adult ovary and testes. Spoon on immunostaining exhibits unique pattern of expression in larval brain. We observed that Spoon in the neuroblasts colocalizes with Prospero, a transcription factor regulating genes involved in neuroblast self‐renewal or cell‐cycle control. Co‐immunoprecipitation suggests that Spoon and Prospero reside in the same protein complex. Using Drosophila model of SCA8 RNA neuropathy we have also shown that loss of Prospero hinders the suppression of SCA8 associated neurodegeneration by Spoonbill, suggesting Prospero and Spoon might genetically interact and function together. Our study presents Spoon as a novel interacting partner of Prospero and this might be critical in determining the polarized localization of cell fate determinants.
Solid‐State Structure of a Bromo(difluoromethylenephosphonato)cuprate – a Key Intermediate for the Synthesis of α,α‐Difluoromethylenephosphonates
Authors: Alter Christian , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Weber Lothar , Hoge Berthold
Published: July 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Prof. Dr. Berthold Hoge from Bielefeld University, Germany. The cover image shows the crystal structure of a bromo(difluoromethylenephosphonato)cuprate finally in the spotlight after waiting “backstage” for 28 years.
Simple and Fast Determination of Warfarin in Pharmaceutical Samples Using Boron‐doped Diamond Electrode in BIA and FIA Systems with Multiple Pulse Amperometric Detection
Authors: de Jesus Guedes Tiago , Antônio Reis Andrade Glauber , Barbosa Lima Amanda , Amorim Bezerra da Silva Rodrigo , Torres Pio dos Santos Wallans
Published: July 2017

This paper proposes the use of the boron‐doped diamond electrode (BDDE) in flow and batch injection analysis (FIA and BIA) systems with multiple‐pulse amperometric (MPA) detection for the determination of warfarin (WA) in pharmaceutical formulations. The electrochemical behavior of WA obtained by cyclic voltammetry (CV) in 0.1 mol L−1 phosphate buffer shows an irreversible oxidation process at +1.0 V (vs Ag/AgCl). The MPA was based on the application of two sequential potential pulses as a function of time on BDDE: (1) for WA detection at +1.2 V/100 ms and; (2) for electrode surface cleaning at −0.2 V/200 ms. Both hydrodynamic systems (FIA‐MPA and BIA‐MPA) used for WA determination achieved high precision (with relative standard deviations around 2 %, n=10), wide linear range (2.0−400.0 μmol L−1), low limits of detection (0.5 μmol L−1) and good analytical frequency (94 h−1 for FIA and 130 h−1 for BIA). The WA determination made by the proposed methods was compared to the official spectrophotometric method. The FIA‐MPA and BIA‐MPA methods are simple and fast, being an attractive option for WA routine analysis in pharmaceutical industries.
Micro free‐flow isoelectric focusing with integrated optical pH sensors
Authors: Nagl Stefan
Published: July 2017

Recently, a new observation method for monitoring of pH gradients in microfluidic free‐flow electrophoresis has emerged. It is based on the use of chip‐integrated fluorescent or luminescent micro sensor layers. These are able to monitor pH gradients in miniaturized separations in real time and spatially resolved; this is particularly useful in isoelectric focusing. Here these multifunctional microdevices that feature continuous separation, monitoring, and in some instances other functionalities, are reviewed. The employed microfabrication procedures to produce these devices are discussed and the different pH sensor matrices that were integrated and their applications in the separation of different types of biomolecules. The procedures for obtaining spatially resolved information about the separated molecules and the pH at the same time and different detection modalities to achieve this such as deep UV fluorescence as well as time‐resolved referenced pH sensing and the integration of a precolumn labeling step into these platforms are also highlighted.
Comparing two conventional methods of emulsion PCR and optimizing of Tegosoft‐based emulsion PCR
Authors: Witt Martin , Phung Ngoc Linh , Stalke Amelie , Walter Johanna‐Gabriela , Stahl Frank , von Neuhoff Nils , Scheper Thomas
Published: July 2017

The selection of aptamers represents a promising route in the development of high affinity ligands. In these processes the formation of by‐products is a common problem during the PCR‐based amplification of complex oligonucleotide libraries. One approach to overcome this drawback is to separate each template oligonucleotide into an individual reaction compartment provided by a droplet. This method, termed emulsion PCR (ePCR), has already emerged to a standard method in sample preparation for 2nd generation sequencing. In this work, we compare different literature protocols that have been developed to generate stable emulsions for ePCR. We investigate different emulsification methods and evaluate the importance of the initial template concentration. We demonstrate that emulsion stability is of utmost importance for the successful inhibition of by‐product formation and give an optimized protocol for generation of an emulsified PCR.
Breast cancer stem cells as last soldiers eluding therapeutic burn: A hard nut to crack
Authors: Nilendu Pritish , Kumar Ajay , Kumar Azad , Pal Jayanta K. , Sharma Nilesh Kumar
Published: July 2017

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are found in many cancer types, including breast carcinoma. Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are considered as seed of cancer formation and they are associated with metastasis and genotoxic drug resistance. Several studies highlighted the presence of BCSCs in tumor microenvironment and they are accentuated with several carcinoma events including metastasis and resistance to genotoxic drugs and they also rebound after genotoxic burn. Stemness properties of a small population of cells in carcinoma have provided clues regarding the role of tumor microenvironment in tumor pathophysiology. Hence, insights in cancer stem cell biology with respect to molecular signaling, genetics and epigenetic behavior of CSCs have been used to modulate tumor drug resistance due to genotoxic drugs and signaling protein inhibitors. This review summarizes major scientific breakthroughs in understanding the contribution of BCSCs towards tumor's capability to endure destruction inflicted by molecular as well as genotoxic drugs.
Using Data To Support Teaching and Learning
Authors: Palucki Blake Laura
Published: July 2017

This chapter discusses principles that support using data about teaching and learning and offers several strategies particularly well suited for use by institutional researchers at small colleges in helping faculty, staff, and administrators use data on student learning for improvement.
The association of the placental MTHFR 3′‐UTR polymorphisms, promoter methylation, and MTHFR expression with preeclampsia
Authors: Mohammadpour‐Gharehbagh Abbas , Teimoori Batool , Narooei‐nejad Mehrnaz , Mehrabani Mehrnaz , Saravani Ramin , Salimi Saeedeh
Published: July 2017

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy specific complication arises in presence of the placenta and disappears immediately after delivery. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the possible effects of the placental 3′‐UTR rs1537514C>G and rs4846049C>A polymorphisms and DNA methylation of the MTHFR gene on the MTHFR mRNA expression. The placenta of 74 PE pregnant women and 75 normotensive pregnant women were collected after delivery. The methylation status of the MTHFR promoter was assessed with Methylation Specific PCR (MSP). The rs1537514C>G and rs4846049C>A polymorphisms were genotyped using PCR‐RFLP method. The mRNA expression levels were measured by Quantitative Real Time PCR. The results showed the lower MTHFR mRNA expression in the placenta of PE women. There was an association between hypermethylation and lower MTHFR mRNA expression in PE women and entire women but not normotensive pregnant women. The frequency of MTHFR rs1537514CG genotype was significantly lower in PE women; however, there was no association between MTHFR rs4846049C>A polymorphism and PE. The combination effects of MTHFR CG/AC genotypes and G‐A haplotype of MTHFR rs1537514/rs4846049 polymorphisms were associated with lower risk of PE. The MTHFR rs1537514G (4869G) allele was associated with higher MTHFR mRNA expression in both groups. However, there was no relation between MTHFR rs4846049C>A polymorphism and MTHFR mRNA expression. Our findings showed lower MTHFR mRNA expression in PE women. The MTHFR rs1537514C>G polymorphism was associated with lower PE risk and MTHFR mRNA expression. Lower expression of MTHFR mRNA was observed in the women with the hypermethylated promoter.
Inflammatory profile in X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy patients: Understanding disease progression
Authors: Marchetti Desirèe Padilha , Donida Bruna , Jacques Carlos Eduardo , Deon Marion , Hauschild Tatiane Cristina , Koehler‐Santos Patricia , de Moura Coelho Daniella , Coitinho Adriana Simon , Jardim Laura Bannach , Vargas Carmen Regla
Published: July 2017

X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X‐ALD) is an inherited disease characterized by progressive inflammatory demyelization in the brain, adrenal insufficiency, and an abnormal accumulation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) in tissue and body fluids. Considering that inflammation might be involved in pathophysiology of X‐ALD, we aimed to investigate pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines in plasma from three different male phenotypes (CCER, AMN, and asymptomatic individuals). Our results showed that asymptomatic patients presented increased levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐8, and TNF‐α and the last one was also higher in AMN phenotype. Besides, asymptomatic patients presented higher levels of anti‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐10. AMN patients presented higher levels of IL‐2, IL‐5, and IL‐4. We might hypothesize that inflammation in X‐ALD is related to plasmatic VLCFA concentration, since there were positive correlations between C26:0 plasmatic levels and pro‐inflammatory cytokines in asymptomatic and AMN patients and negative correlation between anti‐inflammatory cytokine and C24:0/C22:0 ratio in AMN patients. The present work yields experimental evidence that there is an inflammatory imbalance associated Th1, (IL‐2, IL‐6, and IFN‐γ), Th2 (IL‐4 and IL‐10), and macrophages response (TNF‐α and IL‐1β) in the periphery of asymptomatic and AMN patients, and there is correlation between VLCFA plasmatic levels and inflammatory mediators in X‐ALD. Furthermore, we might also speculate that the increase of plasmatic cytokines in asymptomatic patients could be considered an early biomarker of brain damage and maybe also a predictor of disease progression.
Retracted: Knockdown of long non‐coding RNA MALAT1 inhibits growth and motility of human hepatoma cells via modulation of miR‐195
Authors: Liu Dingli , Zhu Yun , Pang Jinke , Weng Xie , Feng Xiaorong , Guo Yabing
Published: July 2017

The metastasis‐associated lung adenocarcinoma transcription 1 (Malat1) is a long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA), exerts oncogenic role in multiple cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study was aimed to investigate its posttranscriptional regulation in HCC cells. RT‐PCR was performed to monitor the expression levels of Malat1 in normal liver and HCC cell lines. The expression of Malat1, microRNA (miR)‐195, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in HepG2 and MHCC97 cells was respectively or synchronously altered by transfection. Then the changes in cell viability, apoptotic cell rate, cell cycle distribution, migration, and invasion were respectively assessed. As a result, we found that Malat1 was highly expressed in HCC cell lines when compared to normal liver cells. Malat1 silence suppressed HCC cells viability, migration and invasion, induced apoptosis, and arrested more cells in G0/G1 phase. Malat1 acted as a circular endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR‐195. Malat1 silence could not suppress HCC cell growth and motility when miR‐195 was knocked down. EGFR was a direct target of miR‐195. miR‐195 overexpression could not suppress HCC cell growth and motility when the 3′UTR site of EGFR was overexpressed. Furthermore, Malat1 silence blocked the activation of PI3K/AKT and JAK/STAT pathways, while EGFR overexpression activated them. Our study demonstrates Malat1‐miR‐195‐EGFR axis plays a critical role in HCC cells which provided a better understanding of Malat1 in HCC.
Breast cancer stem cells are involved in Trastuzumab resistance through the HER2 modulation in 3D culture
Authors: Rodríguez Cristina E. , Berardi Damian E. , Abrigo Marianela , Todaro Laura B. , Bal de Kier Joffé Elisa D. , Fiszman Gabriel L.
Published: July 2017

Breast cancer human cells culture as spheroids develop autophagy and apoptosis, which promotes Trastuzumab resistance in HER2 overexpressing cells. Our aim was to study the association of the hostile environment developed in 3D with the breast cancer stem cells population and the HER2 modulation. Human mammary adenocarcinoma cell lines were cultured as spheroids using the hanging drop method. We generated hypoxia conditions by using a hypoxic chamber and CoCl2 treatment. Breast cancer stem cells were measured with mammosphere assays, the analysis of CD44 + CD24low population by flow cytometry and the pluripotent gene expression by RT‐qPCR. HER2 expression was evaluated by flow cytometry and Western blot. MTS assays were conducted to study cell viability. Hostil environment developed in spheroids, defined by hypoxia and autophagy, modulated the response to Trastuzumab. In HER2+ cells with acquired resistance, we observed an increase in the breast cancer stem cell population. In BT474 spheroids, Trastuzumab induced the acquisition of resistance, along with an increase in breast cancer stem cells. Also, in 3D culture conditions we determined a modulation in the HER2 expression. Moreover, breast cancer stem cells showed enhanced HER2 expression. Finally, cells without HER2 gene amplification cultured as spheroids were sensitive to Trastuzumab, diminishing HER2 expression and cancer stem cells. Our findings show that 3D architecture is able to modulate breast cancer stem cell population and HER2 distribution, modifying the cell response to Trastuzumab.
Structure‐based release analysis of the JC virus agnoprotein regions: A role for the hydrophilic surface of the major alpha helix domain in release
Authors: Saribas A. Sami , White Martyn K. , Safak Mahmut
Published: July 2017

Agnoprotein (Agno) is an important regulatory protein of JC virus (JCV), BK virus (BKV) and simian virus 40 (SV40) and these viruses are unable to replicate efficiently in the absence of this protein. Recent 3D‐NMR structural data revealed that Agno contains two alpha‐helices (a minor and a major) while the rest of the protein adopts an unstructured conformation (Coric et al., 2017, J Cell Biochem). Previously, release of the JCV Agno from the Agno‐positive cells was reported. Here, we have further mapped the regions of Agno responsible for its release by a structure‐based systematic mutagenesis approach. Results revealed that amino acid residues (Lys22, Lys23, Phe31, Glu34, and Asp38) located either on or adjacent to the hydrophilic surface of the major alpha‐helix domain of Agno play critical roles in release. Additionally, Agno was shown to strongly interact with unidentified components of the cell surface when cells are treated with Agno, suggesting additional novel roles for Agno during the viral infection cycle.
12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate and EZH2 inhibition: A novel approach for promoting myogenic differentiation in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma cells
Authors: Marchesi Irene , Sanna Luca , Fais Milena , Fiorentino Francesco P. , Giordano Antonio , Bagella Luigi
Published: July 2017

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a soft tissue sarcoma that arises from muscle precursors affecting predominately children and young adults. It can be divided into two main classes: embryonal (eRMS) and alveolar rhabodomyosarcomas (aRMS). Despite the expression of early muscle specific genes, RMS cells fail to complete myogenesis even in differentiation conditions. We previously demonstrated that Enhancer Zeste of Homolog 2 (EZH2), the catalytic subunits of PRC2 complex, contributes to inhibit muscle differentiation in eRMS and its down‐regulation causes a partial recovery of myogenesis. 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA) is a molecule able to induce differentiation in eRMS with a mechanism that involves the protein kinase C (PKC). In this paper we report that treatment with TPA reduces the expression of EZH2 without affecting levels of H3K27me3. The combination of TPA with GSK126, an inhibitor of the catalytic activity of EZH2, has a synergic effect on the induction of muscle differentiation in RD rhabdomyosarcoma cells, suggesting a new therapeutic combinatory approach for RMS treatment.
Dimorphic ejaculates and sperm release strategies associated with alternative mating behaviors in the squid
Authors: Apostólico Lígia H. , Marian José E. A. R.
Published: July 2017

Sperm competition is a powerful postcopulatory selective force influencing male adaptations associated with increasing fertilization success, and it is usually related to the evolution of different strategies of ejaculate expenditure between individuals. Ejaculates may also be influenced by additional selective pressures associated with sperm competition, such as timing between insemination and fertilization, female reproductive tract morphology, and fertilization environment. Also, males that adopt alternative mating tactics may face distinct sperm competition pressures, which may lead to the evolution of intraspecific diversity in ejaculates. In loliginid squids, males with alternative reproductive tactics (sneakers and consorts) differ not only in mating behavior, but also transfer spermatophores into two distinct sites within the female. Here, we compared structure and functioning of spermatophores between sneakers and consorts in the squid Doryteuthis plei applying microscopy techniques and in vitro experiments. Sneakers and consorts exhibit differences in spermatophore structure that lead to distinct spermatophoric reactions and spermatangium morphologies. Moreover, in sneakers, sperm release lasts longer and their sperm show an aggregative behavior not detected in consorts. Slow sperm release may be a strategy to guarantee longer sperm provision, given the wide interval between sneaker mating and egg release. For consorts, in turn, intense and quick sperm discharge may be advantageous, as timing between mating and egg‐laying is relatively short. Within the complex squid mating system, factors such as (i) different fertilization sites and (ii) interval between mating and egg release may also influence sperm competition, and ultimately shape the evolution of divergent ejaculates between dimorphic males.
Collagen organization regulates stretch‐initiated pain‐related neuronal signals in vitro: Implications for structure–function relationships in innervated ligaments
Authors: Zhang Sijia , Singh Sagar , Winkelstein Beth A.
Published: July 2017

Injury to the spinal facet capsule, an innervated ligament with heterogeneous collagen organization, produces pain. Although mechanical facet joint trauma activates embedded afferents, it is unclear if, and how, the varied extracellular microstructure of its ligament affects sensory transduction for pain from mechanical inputs. To investigate the effects of macroscopic deformations on afferents in collagen matrices with different organizations, an in vitro neuron‐collagen construct (NCC) model was used. NCCs with either randomly organized or parallel aligned collagen fibers were used to mimic the varied microstructure in the facet capsular ligament. Embryonic rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were encapsulated in the NCCs; axonal outgrowth was uniform and in all directions in random NCCs, but parallel in aligned NCCs. NCCs underwent uniaxial stretch (0.25 ± 0.06 strain) corresponding to sub‐failure facet capsule strains that induce pain. Macroscopic NCC mechanics were measured and axonal expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (pERK) and the neurotransmitter substance P (SP) was assayed at 1 day to assess neuronal activation and nociception. Stretch significantly upregulated pERK expression in both random and aligned gels (p < 0.001), with the increase in pERK being significantly higher (p = 0.013) in aligned than in random NCCs. That increase likely relates to the higher peak force (p = 0.025) and stronger axon alignment (p < 0.001) with stretch direction in the aligned NCCs. In contrast, SP expression was greater in stretched NCCs (p < 0.001) regardless of collagen organization. These findings suggest that collagen organization differentially modulates pain‐related neuronal signaling and support structural heterogeneity of ligament tissue as mediating sensory function. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:770–777, 2018.
A method for the automated Raman spectra acquisition
Authors: Lopez‐Reyes Guillermo , Rull Pérez Fernando
Published: July 2017

Raman spectroscopy is a very powerful analytical technique with an increasing acceptance in the scientific community. For the optimization of the Raman acquisition, two main parameters, the integration time and the number of accumulations, need to be adjusted to the sample under analysis, as the sample, or even different spots on the same sample, can provide very different Raman responses one from another. In this paper, we present a suite of algorithms to automate the acquisition parameter adjustment to the sample under analysis, addressing issues such as spectral saturation, fluorescence, cosmic ray detection and removal, and adjustment of the acquisition parameters to optimize the acquired spectral data. This suite has been developed in the framework of the Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) instrument development for the Exomars mission but can be applied to any Raman spectrometer. This will allow the spectrometer to adapt to the characteristics of the sample that is being analyzed, optimizing the total operative time, while improving the usability and overall efficiency of the system. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman signatures of monoclinic distortion in (Ba1−xSrx)3CaNb2O9 complex perovskites
Authors: Rodrigues J. E. , Bezerra D. M. , Costa R. C. , Pizani P. S. , Hernandes A. C.
Published: July 2017

Octahedral tilting is the most common distortion process observed in centrosymmetric perovskite compounds. Indeed, crucial physical properties of this oxide stem from the tilts of BO6 rigid octahedra. In microwave ceramics with perovskite‐type structure, there is a close relation between the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency and the tilt system of the perovskite structure. However, in many cases, limited access facilities are needed to assign correctly the space group, including neutron scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Here, we combine the Raman scattering and group theory calculations to probe the structural distortion in the perovskite (Ba1−xSrx)3CaNb2O9 solid solution, which exhibits a structural phase transition at x ≥ 0.7, from D3d3 trigonal to C2h3 monoclinic cell. Both phases are related by an octahedral tilting distortion (a0b−b− in Glazer notation). Low‐temperature Raman spectra corroborate the group‐theoretical predictions for Sr3CaNb2O9 compound because 36 modes detected at 25 K agree well with the 42 (25Ag ⊕ 17Bg) predicted ones. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of blueberry liquor: influence of distillate, sweetener and fruit quantity
Authors: Caldeira Ilda , Lopes Daniel , Delgado Teresa , Canas Sara , Anjos Ofélia
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

In this work different formulations of blueberry liquor were tested and characterised based on their physico‐chemical and sensory characteristics.

RESULTS

Three factors were evaluated: the distillate used to produce the liquor (wine spirit or grape marc spirit); the sweetener (white sugar or honey) and the fruit quantity (two doses). For each liquor, pH, total acidity, dry soluble solids content, dry extract, alcoholic strength, reducing sugars, colour intensity, methanol content, acetaldehyde and fusel alcohols were determined. Sensory tests were carried out with a trained panel.

CONCLUSION

The three factors studied significantly influenced the physico‐chemical features of the liquors, being the quantity of fruit the most discriminating factor, except for the volatile compounds which were mainly influenced by the distillate. As regards the sensory analysis, it was found that the most appreciated liquor was that prepared with wine spirit, sugar and a lower dose of blueberry, and the less appreciated formulation was the one made with grape marc spirit, honey and a lower quantity of blueberry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Dispersive solid‐phase extraction for the determination of trace organochlorine pesticides in apple juices using reduced graphene oxide coated with ZnO nanocomposites as sorbent
Authors: Sun Ting , Sun Hefeng , Zhao Feng
Published: July 2017

In this work, reduced graphene oxide coated with ZnO nanocomposites was used as an efficient sorbent of dispersive solid‐phase extraction and successfully applied for the extraction of organochlorine pesticides from apple juice followed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Several experimental parameters affecting the extraction efficiencies, including the amount of adsorbent, extraction time, and the pH of the sample solution, as well as the type and volume of eluent solvent, were investigated and optimized. Under the optimal experimental conditions, good linearity existed in the range of 1.0–200.0 ng/mL for all the analytes with the correlation coefficients (R2) ranging from 0.9964 to 0.9994. The limits of detection of the method for the compounds were 0.011–0.053 ng/mL. Good reproducibilities were acquired with relative standard deviations below 8.7% for both intraday and interday precision. The recoveries of the method were in the range of 78.1–105.8% with relative standard deviations of 3.3–6.9%.
Green micellar HPLC analysis of three angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors in their mixtures with hydrochlorothiazide and modeling of their retention behavior by fitting to Foley's model
Authors: Eid Manal , El‐Shabrawy Yasser , El‐Shaheny Rania
Published: July 2017

We present an environmentally friendly method for the analysis of three angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and hydrochlorothiazide simultaneously using a green micellar eluent for the first time. The chromatographic separation of enalapril maleate, lisinopril dihydrate, benazepril hydrochloride, and hydrochlorothiazide was implemented on an octadecyl silica column with a solution containing sodium dodecyl sulfate (0.12 M), 1‐propyl alcohol (10% v/v), triethylamine (0.3% v/v), and H3PO4 (0.02 M) at pH 3.6 as the mobile phase and UV detection at 210 nm. Validity of the method was confirmed and it exhibited good linearity within the ranges of 5.0–50.0 μg/mL for hydrochlorothiazide and 10.0–60.0 μg/mL for the three angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors with a limit of detection of 0.39 to 1.15 μg/mL for all the studied drugs. The developed micellar high‐performance liquid chromatography method enables the quantification of the targeted angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors in combined tablets with hydrochlorothiazide by isocratic elution. There is no need for special precautions to prevent broadening and splitting of their chromatographic peaks. The method fulfills the society rights for safe and green analytical methods. The retention behavior of the four studied drugs was fitted to Foley's model and their association equilibria to the micelles (KAM) and to the surface‐modified stationary phase (KAS) were calculated.
Multisource multisink optimal evacuation routing with dynamic network changes: A geometric algebra approach
Authors: Yu Zhaoyuan , Li Dongshuang , Zhu Shuai , Luo Wen , Hu Yong , Yuan Lingwang
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we introduced geometric algebra to develop a new multisource multisink optimal evacuation route planning method. A dynamically updatable data structure and a matrix‐based greedy searching algorithm were developed to support the dynamic evacuation route searching for multiple evacuees. Unlike most existing methods, which iteratively search the optimal path for each evacuee, our method can search all the possible evacuation routes synchronously. The dynamic updating of the network topography, weights, and constraints during the route searching is direct and flexible, thus can support the evacuation in dynamic cases. The method is demonstrated and tested by an evacuation case in the city of Changzhou, China. The simulation experiments suggest that the method can well support the dynamic route searching in large scales with dynamic weight changes.
Quantized mechanics of affinely rigid bodies
Authors: Sławianowski Jan Jerzy , Kovalchuk Vasyl , Gołubowska Barbara , Martens Agnieszka , Rożko Ewa Eliza
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we develop the main ideas of the quantized version of affinely rigid (homogeneously deformable) motion. We base our consideration on the usual Schrödinger formulation of quantum mechanics in the configuration manifold, which is given, in our case, by the affine group or equivalently by the semi‐direct product of the linear group
and the space of translations
, where n equals the dimension of the “physical space.” In particular, we discuss the problem of dynamical invariance of the kinetic energy under the action of the whole affine group, not only under the isometry subgroup. Technically, the treatment is based on the 2‐polar decomposition of the matrix of the internal configuration and on the Peter‐Weyl theory of generalized Fourier series on Lie groups. One can hope that our results may be applied in quantum problems of elastic media and microstructured continua.
Simultaneous bright‐ and black‐blood whole‐heart MRI for noncontrast enhanced coronary lumen and thrombus visualization
Authors: Ginami Giulia , Neji Radhouene , Phinikaridou Alkystis , Whitaker John , Botnar René M. , Prieto Claudia
Published: July 2017

Purpose

To develop a 3D whole‐heart Bright‐blood and black‐blOOd phase SensiTive (BOOST) inversion recovery sequence for simultaneous noncontrast enhanced coronary lumen and thrombus/hemorrhage visualization.

Methods

The proposed sequence alternates the acquisition of two bright‐blood datasets preceded by different preparatory pulses to obtain variations in blood/myocardium contrast, which then are combined in a phase‐sensitive inversion recovery (PSIR)‐like reconstruction to obtain a third, coregistered, black‐blood dataset. The bright‐blood datasets are used for both visualization of the coronary lumen and motion estimation, whereas the complementary black‐blood dataset potentially allows for thrombus/hemorrhage visualization. Furthermore, integration with 2D image‐based navigation enables 100% scan efficiency and predictable scan times. The proposed sequence was compared to conventional coronary MR angiography (CMRA) and PSIR sequences in a standardized phantom and in healthy subjects. Feasibility for thrombus depiction was tested ex vivo.

Results

With BOOST, the coronary lumen is visualized with significantly higher (P < 0.05) contrast‐to‐noise ratio and vessel sharpness when compared to conventional CMRA. Furthermore, BOOST showed effective blood signal suppression as well as feasibility for thrombus visualization ex vivo.

Conclusion

A new PSIR sequence for noncontrast enhanced simultaneous coronary lumen and thrombus/hemorrhage detection was developed. The sequence provided improved coronary lumen depiction and showed potential for thrombus visualization. Magn Reson Med 79:1460–1472, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Capital Structure of Nongovernmental Development Organizations
Authors: Garcia‐Rodriguez Inigo , Jegers Marc
Published: July 2017

In the first international study of this kind, we analyze the capital structure of 364 nongovernmental development organizations (NGDOs) from three different countries: Belgium, Spain, and the United Kingdom. We observe lower debt ratio values in the United Kingdom, and significant differences between countries were found by testing an econometric model with the five classical determinants of leverage, considering total debt and both long‐ and short‐term debt. We find support for the pecking order theory, and we broadly discuss some possible reasons for the obtained differences.