bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The mucosal barrier at a glance
Authors: France Marion M. , Turner Jerrold R.
Published: January 2017

Mucosal barriers separate self from non-self and are essential for life. These barriers, which are the first line of defense against external pathogens, are formed by epithelial cells and the substances they secrete. Rather than an absolute barrier, epithelia at mucosal surfaces must allow selective paracellular flux that discriminates between solutes and water while preventing the passage of bacteria and toxins. In vertebrates, tight junctions seal the paracellular space; flux across the tight junction can occur through two distinct routes that differ in selectivity, capacity, molecular composition and regulation. Dysregulation of either pathway can accompany disease. A third, tight-junction-independent route that reflects epithelial damage can also contribute to barrier loss during disease. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and accompanying poster, we present current knowledge on the molecular components and pathways that establish this selectively permeable barrier and the interactions that lead to barrier dysfunction during disease.
Hidden female physiological resistance to male accessory gland substances in a simultaneous hermaphrodite
Authors: Lodi Monica , Koene Joris M.
Published: January 2017

To increase fertilization chances compared to rivals, males are favoured to transfer accessory gland proteins to females during mating. These substances, by influencing female physiology, cause alteration of her sperm usage and remating rate. Simultaneously hermaphroditic land snails with love-darts are a case in point. During courtship, a love-dart is pierced through the partner's body wall, thereby introducing accessory mucous gland products. This mucus physiologically increases paternity by inhibiting the digestion of donated sperm. The sperm, which are packaged in a spermatophore, are exchanged and received in an organ called the diverticulum. Because of its length, this organ was previously proposed to be a female anatomical adaptation that may limit the dart interference with the recipient's sperm usage. For reproductive success of the donor, an anatomically long spermatophore, relative to the partner's diverticulum, is beneficial since sperm can avoid digestion by exiting through the spermatophore's tail safely. However, the snail Eobania vermiculata possesses a diverticulum that is three times longer than the spermatophore it receives. Here we report that the love-dart mucus of this species contains a contraction-inducing substance that shortens the diverticulum, an effect that is only properly revealed when the mucus is applied to another helicid species, Cornu aspersum. This latter finding suggests that E. vermiculata may have evolved a physiological resistance to the manipulative substance received via the love-dart by becoming insensitive to it. This provides useful insight into evolution of female resistance to male manipulations, indicating that it can remain hidden if tested on a single-species.
Survey of 800+ data sets from human tissue and body fluid reveals xenomiRs are likely artifacts
Authors: Kang Wenjing , Bang-Berthelsen Claus Heiner , Holm Anja , Houben Anna J.S. , Müller Anne Holt , Thymann Thomas , Pociot Flemming , Estivill Xavier , Friedländer Marc R.
Published: January 2017

miRNAs are small 22-nucleotide RNAs that can post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. It has been proposed that dietary plant miRNAs can enter the human bloodstream and regulate host transcripts; however, these findings have been widely disputed. We here conduct the first comprehensive meta-study in the field, surveying the presence and abundances of cross-species miRNAs (xenomiRs) in 824 sequencing data sets from various human tissues and body fluids. We find that xenomiRs are commonly present in tissues (17%) and body fluids (69%); however, the abundances are low, comprising 0.001% of host human miRNA counts. Further, we do not detect a significant enrichment of xenomiRs in sequencing data originating from tissues and body fluids that are exposed to dietary intake (such as liver). Likewise, there is no significant depletion of xenomiRs in tissues and body fluids that are relatively separated from the main bloodstream (such as brain and cerebro-spinal fluids). Interestingly, the majority (81%) of body fluid xenomiRs stem from rodents, which are a rare human dietary contribution but common laboratory animals. Body fluid samples from the same studies tend to group together when clustered by xenomiR compositions, suggesting technical batch effects. Last, we performed carefully designed and controlled animal feeding studies, in which we detected no transfer of plant miRNAs into rat blood, or bovine milk sequences into piglet blood. In summary, our comprehensive computational and experimental results indicate that xenomiRs originate from technical artifacts rather than dietary intake.
Parathyroid hormone 1-34 and skeletal anabolic action
Authors: Osagie-Clouard L. , Sanghani A. , Coathup M. , Briggs T. , Bostrom M. , Blunn G.
Published: January 2017

Intermittently administered parathyroid hormone (PTH 1-34) has been shown to promote bone formation in both human and animal studies. The hormone and its analogues stimulate both bone formation and resorption, and as such at low doses are now in clinical use for the treatment of severe osteoporosis. By varying the duration of exposure, parathyroid hormone can modulate genes leading to increased bone formation within a so-called ‘anabolic window’. The osteogenic mechanisms involved are multiple, affecting the stimulation of osteoprogenitor cells, osteoblasts, osteocytes and the stem cell niche, and ultimately leading to increased osteoblast activation, reduced osteoblast apoptosis, upregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling, increased stem cell mobilisation, and mediation of the RANKL/OPG pathway. Ongoing investigation into their effect on bone formation through ‘coupled’ and ‘uncoupled’ mechanisms further underlines the impact of intermittent PTH on both cortical and cancellous bone. Given the principally catabolic actions of continuous PTH, this article reviews the skeletal actions of intermittent PTH 1-34 and the mechanisms underlying its effect.

Cite this article: L. Osagie-Clouard, A. Sanghani, M. Coathup, T. Briggs, M. Bostrom, G. Blunn. Parathyroid hormone 1-34 and skeletal anabolic action: The use of parathyroid hormone in bone formation. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:14–21. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.61.BJR-2016-0085.R1.
The association of ITGB3 gene and NOS3 gene with the severity of coronary artery disease with and without type 2 diabetes
Authors: Muslimova Elvira F. , Rebrova Tatyana Y. , Afanasiev Sergey A. , Sergienko Tatyana N. , Repin Aleksey N.
Published: January 2017

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is one of the key predictors of coronary artery disease (CAD) and its complications. Currently, along with metabolic risk factors for CAD, much attention has been given to the study candidate genes, including platelet fibrinogen receptor gene ITGB3 and the gene NOS3 of endothelial NO-synthase type 3.Aim. To estimate the associations of T1565C ITGB3 and T-786C NOS3 polymorphisms with the clinical condition of russian patients from West Siberian region with concomitant development of coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes.Materials and methods. The study included 237 CAD patients; 78 (32.9%) of them had T2DM. The genotyping was performed by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction. Comparison of quantitative variables between groups with different genotypes was done by Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis test. Comparison of discrete parameters was done by Pearson χ2 test or Fisher's exact test.Results. Genotype 786CC (NOS3) (p=0,039) and allele 1565C (ITGB3) (p=0,045) were less common in the group CAD+T2DM than in the group CAD without T2DM. But in the group CAD+T2DM the frequency of obesity was higher among carriers of 1565C allele than in homozygotes 1565TT (p=0,039), and carriers of 786C allele have the highest concentration of glucose compared to homozygous 786TT (p=0,018). Furthermore, 786C allele is associated with obesity in the group of patients without T2DM detected (p = 0,015).Conclusion. Carriage of 1565C (ITGB3) allele and 786C (NOS3) allele can be considered as predictors of adverse course of the disease at concomitant development of CAD and T2DM.
Diabetes type 2 diabetes in the elderly – solved and unsolved questions
Authors: Saprina Tat'jana Vladimirovna , Fajzulina Nailja Maratovna
Published: January 2017

The number of elderly persons with diabetes mellitus type 2 is expected to progressively increase. Management of this category of patients should be individualised and include the adequate correction of hyperglycaemia, prevention of long-term complications, prevention of hypoglycaemia, reduction of cardiovascular mortality and preservation of quality of life. This article summarises basic information on the pathophysiology of carbohydrate metabolism, peculiarities of the course of diabetes and use of antidiabetic drugs in the elderly. Special attention is paid to reviewing the goals of glycaemic control and proposed clinical guidelines.
Understanding classroom participation and identity negotiation: An undergraduate student’s L2 learning experiences in an English-medium university in Hong Kong
Authors: Sung Chit Cheung Matthew
Published: January 2017

This paper reports on a narrative inquiry of a Hong Kong female undergraduate student’s second language (L2) learning experiences in an English-medium university in Hong Kong, with a focus on her participation in classroom oral activities and identity negotiation. Using ideas from situated learning theory and Norton’s (2000) notions of identity and investment, the paper analyzes how the student negotiated her classroom participation and identities over the course of her studies in the university. Findings suggest that the student’s classroom participation in the English-medium university appeared to be a complex and dynamic process which involved ongoing negotiations of identities, competence and membership in the classroom in response to the challenges she faced. It was found that the student’s participation and identity (re)construction in the classroom were mediated by the contextual complexities in specific classroom communities and were contingent upon the agentive choices made by the student in investing in different classroom activities. Findings also indicate that the student’s participation evolved over time alongside a changing sense of competence and showed signs of gradual yet non-linear progression from peripheral to full participation in the classroom.
BRCA1/2 associated cancer susceptibility: a clinical overview
Authors: Lypas Georgios
Published: January 2017

The most frequently identified genetic cause of breast cancer is the germline mutation ofBRCA1and 2 genes. The carriers of these mutations are at high risk for breast and ovarian cancers and increased risk for pancreatic and prostate cancers. Personal and family history are routinely used to identify individuals at risk for carrying such mutations. Genetic counselling is required to guide them through genetic testing and risk management. Positive testing corresponds to a deleterious mutation, whereas negative testing is considered as uninformative; variants of unknown clinical significance are also classified as uninformative.

The most effective risk reduction strategy involves bilateral prophylactic mastectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, eliminating 90% of breast and 97% of ovarian cancer risks, respectively. Before and until such surgery, surveillance with physical examination, mammography and magnetic resonance mammography, starting at 25–30 years of age, are recommended for the early diagnosis of breast cancer; semi-annual surveillance with physical examination, transvaginal ultrasound and serum CA-125 is recommended for women who have not had prophylactic surgery. Carriers diagnosed with breast cancer run a high risk for a new breast primary and this information should be used accordingly. PARP inhibitors is a new class of antineoplastic agents, already approved for advancedBRCA1/2mutant (germline or somatic) ovarian cancer.

Multigene panel testing may follow a negativeBRCAgenetic test, often identifying other genetic causes of cancer, expanding its role in oncology. Further adoption of PARP inhibitors, refinement in estimation of BRCA-associated cancer risks and wider population testing, through NGS technology, may become available in the near future.
Metabolic syndrome and Cancer: Do they share common molecular pathways?
Authors: Veniou E. , Sofatzis I. , Kalantzis I. , Karakosta M. , Logothetis M. , Lianos E. , Ziras N.
Published: January 2017

Metabolic syndrome, a clustering of risk factors including obesity, has emerged as a global health plague. A lot of epidemiological and clinical evidence suggests that the metabolic syndrome is linked not only to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus type 2 but also to cancer development and progression. In this review the potential mechanisms tying the metabolic syndrome with cancer are presented. The role of insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, the activation of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) pathway, and the induction of cytotoxic products are highlighted. Subsequent effects leading to oxidative stress, release of lipokines with signaling properties by adipocytes, development of a sustained systemic inflammation, production of inflammatory cytokines, and establishment of a tumorigenic environment are also discussed. The importance of the metabolic syndrome and obesity coupled with the deeper understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms has trigger intensive clinical research with an aim to prevent the risk of cancer and improve outcomes. Moreover, the need for lifestyle changes with increased physical activity and improved dietary quality has been emerged as urgent health priority.
Cardiotoxicity of the adjuvant trastuzumab in a Saudi population: clinical experience of a single institution
Authors: Hamed Rasha Hamdy , Salim Khalid , Alzahrani Abdullah , Elsamany Shereef
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Adjuvant trastuzumab is currently an internationally standard for the treatment of localised breast cancer that over express HER2 with the most adverse effect being cardiotoxicity. We conducted this study to evaluate the cardiac safety of trastuzumab in clinical practice.

Methods

This study is a retrospective observational single institutional study conducted in the Oncology Center of King Abdulla Medical City (KAMC), Makkah, Saudi Arabia, from June 2011 to January 2014. We evaluated the incidence of cardio toxicity and associated risk factors during adjuvant trastuzumab treatment.

Results

Of 57 patients, 20 patients (35%) exhibited cardiotoxicity. About 14% of patients had drop of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) below 50%, whilst 10% and 15% drop of LVEF below their baseline levels were found in 30% and 5% of patients, respectively. About 98.3% of our patients have completed treatment, of whom 21% had a provisional interruption because of a fall in LVEF. A definitive trastuzumab discontinuation has been made in 1.75% of cases because of a nonregressive reduction in LVEF. Analysis of risk factors related to trastuzumab cardio toxicity found that patients older than 40 years were more likely to develop cardio toxicity compared to those younger than 40 years. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.042).

Conclusion

In our study, the cardiac safety seems comparable with the literature data. Trastuzumab-related cardiotoxicity is manifested by an asymptomatic decrease in the LVEF and less commonly by clinical heart failure. Most instances are transient, asymptomatic and reversible.
Promotion effect of NP fire retardant pre-treatment on heat-treated poplar wood. Part 1: color generation, dimensional stability, and fire retardancy
Authors: Chu Demiao , Mu Jun , Zhang Li , Li Yushuang
Published: January 2017

Heat treatment (HT) enhances various properties of wood (W), but it takes a relatively long time and WHT is a source of fire hazard. To improve the properties of WHT, Populus beijingensis W. Y. Hsu wood was impregnated with nitrogen-phosphorus (NP) fire retardant (10% aqueous solution) and the effects of the combined NP treatment and HT were observed. Control groups included native wood and samples from WHT200°C, 120 min and WHT220°C, 120 min. The surface color, dimensional stability, and combustion properties of the treated samples were examined. NP pre-treatment intensified the effectivity of HT150°C, where the treatment time decreased by 75%. The decomposition and catalytic dehydration of NP treatment enhanced the dimensional stability and darkened the wood surface. After HT, the NP fire retardant was transformed from dispersive particles into a uniform layer on the inner surfaces of wood. The heat release rate (HRR) decreased by 60.3% and the residual mass (RM) increased by 61.1% in WNP, HT compared to normal WHT200°C poplar.
Water sorption hysteresis in wood: II mathematical modeling – functions beyond data fitting
Authors: Shi Jingbo , Avramidis Stavros
Published: January 2017

The Preisach model, the mathematical form of the independent domain model, has been used to describe water sorption hysteresis in wood for over 20 years, however, its geometric interpretation has not been fully explored. In this work, it is demonstrated that the geometric interpretation can be used to explain the five experimental hysteresis patterns identified in the first paper of this series. Additionally, a modification to the aforementioned model is suggested that involves a numerical implementation, which avoids the use of unknown parameters. Our approach was evaluated at 25 and 40°C by comparing the predicted 1st to 4th order scanning curves with experimental data for Douglas-fir, western red cedar and Aspen. The low prediction errors and well-maintained wiping-out property support the suitability of our approach. Compared to other models found in literature, the presented model has the advantage of high accuracy and easy implementation due to its nonparametric nature.
Eating attitudes and its relationship with nutritional status: a micro level study on a group of adolescent girls in the city of Howrah, West Bengal
Authors: Mallick Nadira , Mukhopadhyay Susmita , Ray Subha
Published: January 2017

Background:

To assess the relationship between eating attitudes and nutritional status.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adolescent girls (258 aged 14–17 years and 142 aged 18–21 years) from the city of Howrah, West Bengal. Eating attitude was measured using eating distress syndrome (EDS) questionnaire. Nutritional status was assessed using body mass index, waist-hip ratio (WHR) and body fat percentage (BF%).

Results:

Participants with disordered eating attitudes revealed significantly higher values for body mass index (BMI), WHR and BF% than those with normal eating attitudes (p≤0.01). Hierarchical linear regression analyses show that eating attitudes and socio-demographic characteristics (like mothers’ education and occupation, age and birth order of the participants) significantly predict nutritional status.

Conclusion:

The nutritional status of adolescents depends on their eating attitudes and socio-demographic characteristics.
Isolated heart models for studying cardiac electrophysiology: a historical perspective and recent advances
Authors: Yeo Jie Ming , Tse Vivian , Kung Judy , Lin Hiu Yu , Lee Yee Ting , Kwan Joseph , Yan Bryan P. , Tse Gary
Published: January 2017

Experimental models used in cardiovascular research range from cellular to whole heart preparations. Isolated whole hearts show higher levels of structural and functional integration than lower level models such as tissues or cellular fragments. Cardiovascular diseases are multi-factorial problems that are dependent on highly organized structures rather than on molecular or cellular components alone. This article first provides a general introduction on the animal models of cardiovascular diseases. It is followed by a detailed overview and a historical perspective of the different isolated heart systems with a particular focus on the Langendorff perfusion method for the study of cardiac arrhythmias. The choice of species, perfusion method, and perfusate composition are discussed in further detail with particular considerations of the theoretical and practical aspects of experimental settings.
Three-dimensional ultrasound first trimester fetal volume measurement and its relation to pregnancy outcome
Authors: Torky Haitham A. , Moussa Asem A. , Ahmad Ali M. , Dief Osama , Eldesoouky Manar A. , El-Gayed Ahmed S.
Published: January 2017

Aim of work:

To determine whether fetal volume (FV) measured by three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound was able to detect fetuses at risk of low birth weight (primary outcome) and/or preterm labor (secondary outcome).

Methods:

One hundred pregnant women carrying a singleton living pregnancy who were sure of dates, and had a dating scan, with gestational age between 11 weeks and 13 weeks+6 days coming for routine first trimester nuchal translucency (NT) were examined by both two-dimensional (2D) and 3D ultrasound (Vocal System) for crown-rump length (CRL) and FV then followed up regularly every 4 weeks until 28 weeks then biweekly until 36 weeks then weekly until delivery both clinically and by ultrasound biometry.

Findings:

Eighty-seven cases had a normal outcome, while the remaining 13 cases had either preterm labor (four cases) or low-birth weight (nine cases). FV positively correlated with CRL (P=0.026), gestational age in weeks (P=0.002), neonatal body weight in grams (P=0.018) and neonatal body length at birth (P=0.04). A mean FV of 8.3 mm

Conclusion:

3D assessment of FV in the first trimester provides an accurate method for predicting pregnancy outcome namely low birth weight and neonatal complications, however, it is a better positive predictor than a negative one.
Extinction of a two species non-autonomous competitive system with Beddington-DeAngelis functional response and the effect of toxic substances
Authors: Chen Fengde , Chen Xiaoxing , Huang Shouying
Published: January 2017

A two species non-autonomous competitive phytoplankton system with Beddington-DeAngelis functional response and the effect of toxic substances is proposed and studied in this paper. Sufficient conditions which guarantee the extinction of a species and global attractivity of the other one are obtained. The results obtained here generalize the main results of Li and Chen [Extinction in two dimensional nonautonomous Lotka-Volterra systems with the effect of toxic substances, Appl. Math. Comput. 182(2006)684-690]. Numeric simulations are carried out to show the feasibility of our results.
The twinned crystal structure of (4SR)-7-benzyl-2,4,8,8-tetramethyl-7,8-dihydroimidazo[5,1-c][1,2,4]triazine-3,6(2H,4H)-dione, C16H20N4O2
Authors: Tzvetkov Nikolay T. , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans-Georg
Published: January 2017

C16H20N4O2, triclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 9.0959(5) Å, b = 9.1993(5) Å, c = 18.5825(9) Å, α = 100.534(4)°, β = 94.120(4)°, γ = 94.752(4)°, V = 1517.44(13) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0801, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.2371, T = 100(1) K.
Semiotic study for the analysis of communications within organizations: Theoretical approach from organizational semiotics
Authors: Pérez Carlos González
Published: January 2017

In this paper we develop a methodological proposal for the study of communications within organizations from a semiotic approach. This proposal includes a semiotic study based on three central concepts: 1. the sign and its development – we begin with Charles S. Peirce’s well-known concept of sign and continue with the discourse transformation perspective; 2. the development of operations for the analysis of semiotic expressions to find a specific mechanism which enables us to analyze interpretative-cognitive processes in iconic, indexical, and symbolic expressions; and 3. interpretation processes in organizations developed from the analysis of the role of dynamic objects in the creation of signs to try to develop a descriptive, analytic, and reconstructive approach on how dynamic objects work and go further in the description of possible semiotic worlds. We develop concepts such as social semiosis (as a system), semiotic expressions (as updates to this system) in organizational environments, and the concept of semiotic actors closely related to the construction of an organizational world. This study enables us to approach the dynamics in communicational processes within organizations in all its elements to perform a critical analysis.
Mapping our underlying cognitions and emotions about good environmental behavior: Why we fail to act despite the best of intentions
Authors: Power Nicola , Beattie Geoffrey , McGuire Laura
Published: January 2017

Despite the widespread recognition of climate change as the single biggest global threat, the willingness of people to change their behavior to mitigate its effects is limited. Past research, often focusing on specific categories of behavior, has highlighted a very significant gap between people’s intentions to behave more sustainably and their actual behavior. This paper presents a new approach to this issue, by using more open-ended questions to map a much broader range of cognitions and emotions about good environmental behavior. Two key findings emerged. Firstly, participants were aware of the contradiction between their level of concern about the environment and their willingness to act in more sustainable ways. The qualitative analysis further revealed that this discrepancy often hinged on a lack of knowledge about how to act more sustainably; the analysis also revealed a desire for more information about genuinely green behavior. Secondly, pro-environmental behavior was often conceptualized by participants in essentially “social” terms; anticipated emotions relating to sustainable/non-sustainable behavior were as closely tied to the behavior of one’s peers as to one’s own behavior. This finding suggests that we must highlight the social dimension in any interventions to increase sustainable behaviors amongst the public.
Actualité de la rhétorique : métaphore et image
Authors: Zilberberg Claude
Published: January 2017

Cet essai propose une illustration et un approfondissement de la sémiotique tensive. L’article analyse les définitions de la métaphore et de l’image formulées par Aristote, Du Marsais, Fontanier, Ricoeur et Breton, en discutant des concepts tels que la ressemblance, la comparaison, la distance sémantique, la cohérence et la surprise. En s’appuyant sur ces éléments, nous définissons les deux procédés discursifs dans le cadre de la sémiotique tensive. La métaphore est du ressort de la syntaxe extensive, celle qui opère par tris et mélanges, puisqu’elle vise le mélange de deux grandeurs saisies sur le plan syntagmatique. Apprécier une occurrence de la figure implique l’évaluation de son tempo et de sa tonicité. Inversement, l’image intéresse la syntaxe intensive des augmentations et des diminutions, sous l’autorité de la syntaxe jonctive qui opère selon l’implication ou la concession. L’exploration de ces figures nous permettra d’approfondir le concept sémiotique du tempo.
Naive geography and geopolitical semiotics: The semiotic analysis of geomental maps of Russians
Authors: Zelyanskaya Natalya , Belousov Konstantin , Ichkineeva Dilara
Published: January 2017

This article is devoted to the study of naive geopolitical pictures of the world. The material of the study is “naïve” maps of participants from several regions of Russia. A semiotic approach was used on the description of the materially-produced results based on the analysis of two codes: graphic (location, toponomas, size, etc.) and verbal (verbalized representations). The study provides new knowledge about the importance of the regional factor, the ratio of the natural and social, the correlation of one’s own and somebody else’s world, etc., in ordinary consciousness.
Supramolecular association in (μ2-pyrazine)-tetrakis(N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)dithiocarbamato)dizinc(II) and its di-dioxane solvate
Authors: Jotani Mukesh M. , Poplaukhin Pavel , Arman Hadi D. , Tiekink Edward R.T.
Published: January 2017

The crystal and molecular structures of {Zn[S2CN(CH2CH2OH)2]2}2(pyrazine), (1), and its di-dioxane solvate, (2), are described. In each of these, the centrosymmetric, binuclear molecule features a five-coordinated, highly distorted square-pyramidal geometry based on a NS4 donor set. The three-dimensional architectures in 1 and 2 are sustained by extensive networks of distinctive hydroxyl-O–H···O(hydroxyl) hydrogen bonding. The topology of the lattices are very different with that of 2 having a more regular appearance. The dioxane molecules reside in channels defined by the host molecules in 2 but, do not make many significant interactions with the host. The fact that 1 exhibits a significantly greater packing efficiency and a higher density suggests 1 is more stable than 2. The retention of dioxane in crystals of 2 probably reflects its intimate involvement in nucleation and high boiling point, meaning it is retained during crystallisation. Hirshfeld surface analyses were conducted and confirm the importance of the hydroxyl-O–H···O(hydroxyl) hydrogen bonding but, also reveal the presence of other interactions, most notably C–H···π(chelate) interactions.
Synthesis and structural characterization of Li3Y(BO3)2
Authors: Bräuchle Sebastian , Huppertz Hubert
Published: January 2017

Li3Y(BO3)2 was prepared by high-temperature solid state synthesis at 900°C in a platinum crucible from lithium carbonate, boric acid, and yttrium(III) oxide. The compound crystallizes monoclinically in the space group P21/c (no. 14) (Z=4) isotypically to Li3Gd(BO3)2. The structure was refined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data: a=8.616(3), b=6.416(3), c=10.014(2) Å, β=116.6(2)°, V=494.9(3) Å3, R1=0.0211, and wR2=0.0378 for all data. The crystal structure of Li3Y(BO3)2 consists of [Y2O14] dinuclear units, which are interconnected to each other by planar B(1)O3 groups and LiO4 tetrahedra via common edges and corners along the a axis.
PEGylation potentiates hepatoma cell targeted liposome-mediated in vitro gene delivery via the asialoglycoprotein receptor
Authors: Mkhwanazi Nkosiyethu K. , de Koning Charles B. , van Otterlo Willem A.L. , Ariatti Mario , Singh Moganavelli
Published: January 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a burgeoning health issue in sub-Saharan Africa and East Asia where it is most prevalent. The search for gene medicine treatment modalities for this condition represents a novel departure from current treatment options and is gaining momentum. Here we report on nonPEGylated and on sterically stabilized PEGylated cationic liposomes decorated with D-galacto moieties linked to 24.1 Å spacers for asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGP-R)-targeted vehiculation of pCMV-luc plasmid DNA. Cargo DNA is fully liposome associated at N/P ratio=3:1 and is partially protected from the effects of serum nucleases. Moreover, at this ratio, lipoplex dimensions (89–97 nm) are compatible with the requirements for extravasation in vivo. Ethidium displacement assays show that the reporter DNA is in a less condensed state when bound to PEGylated liposomes than with nonPEGylated liposomes. PEGylated lipoplexes were well tolerated by both HEK293 (ASGP-R-negative) and HepG2 (ASGP-R-positive) cell lines and delivered DNA to the human hepatoma cell line HepG2 by ASGP-R mediation at levels three-fold greater than nonPEGylated lipoplexes. PEGylated ASGP-R-targeted liposomes reported in this study possess the required characteristics for hepatotropic gene delivery and may be considered for further application in vivo.
Mitral Stenosis: A Review
Authors: Conti C. Richard
Published: January 2017

Mitral stenosis due to rheumatic heart disease is not common in the United States but is common in the developing world because rheumatic fever is still occurring frequently. Symptoms usually gradually occur in the young adult (most commonly female). Atrial fibrillation is a common accompanying rhythm in patients with proven mitral stenosis. The main physiologic event is a pressure gradient between the left atrium and the left ventricle. Diagnosis is relatively straight forward using physical exam and simple laboratory studies such as Chest X-Ray (elevated Left main stem bronchus, Double Density indicating enlarged left atrium) and ECG (P-Mitrale). Cardiac ultrasound confirms the clinical diagnosis (Doming of mitral valve in diastole, Hockey stick deformity of the anterior mitral valve leaflet, large left atrium, Doppler estimation of valve gradient). Mitral commisurotomy (surgical or Balloon) is warranted if the valve is pliable and not heavily calcified.
A review of estrogen receptor/androgen receptor genomics in male breast cancer
Authors: Severson Tesa M , Zwart Wilbert
Published: January 2017

Male breast cancer is a rare disease, of which little is known. In contrast to female breast cancer, the very vast majority of all cases are positive for estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), implicating the function of this steroid hormone receptor in tumor development and progression. Consequently, adjuvant treatment of male breast cancer revolves around inhibition of ERα. In addition, the androgen receptor (AR) gradually receives more attention as a relevant novel target in breast cancer treatment. Importantly, the rationale of treatment decision making is strongly based on parallels with female breast cancer. Yet, prognostic indicators are not necessarily the same in breast cancer between both genders, complicating translatability of knowledge developed in female breast cancer toward male patients. Even though ERα and AR are expressed both in female and male disease, are the genomic functions of both steroid hormone receptors conserved between genders? Recent studies have reported on mutational and epigenetic similarities and differences between male and female breast cancer, further suggesting that some features are strongly conserved between the two diseases, whereas others are not. This review critically discusses the recent developments in the study of male breast cancer in relation to ERα and AR action and highlights the potential future studies to further elucidate the genomic regulation of this rare disease.
The clinical importance of quantifying body fat distribution during androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Foulkes Stephen J , Daly Robin M , Fraser Steve F
Published: January 2017

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is now considered a mainstay in the treatment of metastatic and locally advanced prostate cancer (PCa). Despite well-established benefits of ADT in relation to overall survival, this treatment has been associated with a number of adverse effects, particularly with regard to key cardiometabolic risk factors including the development of insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and increases in total and regional fat mass. In non-ADT populations, increased levels of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) are thought to be a key mediator of the increased cardiometabolic risk associated with weight gain, but this has received limited attention in men treated with ADT. VAT is best assessed using tools such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging; however, these tools are not readily accessible for the majority of researchers or clinicians. Recent advances allow for a method of estimating VAT using a whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan that shows promise as a practical tool for researchers to evaluate changes in body fat distribution during ADT. The aim of this narrative review is to (1) review the available evidence with regard to the relationship between ADT and cardiometabolic risk; (2) discuss the role of body fat distribution on cardiometabolic risk in non-ADT populations, with a particular emphasis on the importance of visceral adiposity; (3) examine the potential influence of ADT on body fat distribution and visceral adiposity and (4) provide an overview of current tools used to measure changes in body fat distribution in men treated with ADT, highlighting the potential utility of a recently developed DXA-derived measure of VAT.
Somatic mutation profiling of hobnail variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Morandi Luca , Righi Alberto , Maletta Francesca , Rucci Paola , Pagni Fabio , Gallo Marco , Rossi Sabrina , Caporali Leonardo , Sapino Anna , Lloyd Ricardo V , Asioli Sofia
Published: January 2017

Hobnail variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (HPTC) represents a recently described, aggressive and rare group of thyroid tumors with poorly understood pathogenesis. Molecular data about this group of cancers are few, and a more detailed molecular characterization of these tumors is needed. The main objective of the study is to define a comprehensive molecular typing of HPTC. Eighteen patients affected by HPTC, including eighteen primary tumors and four lymph node metastases, were screened forNRAS,KRAS,HRAS,BRAF,TP53,PIK3CA,hTERT,PTEN,CDKN2A,EGFR,AKT1,CTNNB1andNOTCH1gene mutations. Sequencing is conducted on the MiSEQ system, and molecular data are compared with clinical-pathologic data and follow-up. The patients include 14 women and 4 men. Ages range from 23 to 87 years. All 18 primary tumors of HPTC showed ≥30% hobnail features.BRAFandTP53mutations are by far the most common genetic alterations in primary HPTC (72.2% and 55.6%, respectively), followed byhTERT(44.4%),PIK3CA(27.8%),CTNNB1(16.7%),EGFR(11.1%),AKT1(5.5%) andNOTCH1(5.5%). The mutational pattern in primary tumors and metastasis was usually maintained. Univariate Cox regression analyses with bootstrap procedure indicated a significantly increased mortality risk in patients harboringBRAFmutation andBRAFmutation associated withTP53and/orPIK3CAmutations. The detection of these multiple mutations appears to allow the identification of a subset of more aggressive tumors within the group and to bear information that should be useful for prognostic stratification of these patients including the planning of adjuvant therapy.
Melatonin levels in follicular fluid as markers for IVF outcomes and predicting ovarian reserve
Authors: Tong Jing , Sheng Shile , Sun Yun , Li Huihui , Li Wei-Ping , Zhang Cong , Chen Zi-Jiang
Published: January 2017

Good-quality oocytes are critical for the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF), but, to date, there is no marker of ovarian reserve available that can accurately predict oocyte quality. Melatonin exerts its antioxidant actions as a strong radical scavenger that might affect oocyte quality directly as it is the most potent antioxidant in follicular fluid. To investigate the precise role of endogenous melatonin in IVF outcomes, we recruited 61 women undergoing treatment cycles of IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedures and classified them into three groups according to their response to ovarian stimulation. Follicular fluid was collected to assess melatonin levels using a direct RIA method. We found good correlations between melatonin levels in follicular fluid with age, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and baseline follicle-stimulating hormone (bFSH), all of which have been used to predict ovarian reserve. Furthermore, as melatonin levels correlated to IVF outcomes, higher numbers of oocytes were collected from patients with higher melatonin levels and consequently the number of oocytes fertilized, zygotes cleaved, top quality embryos on D3, blastocysts obtained and embryos suitable for transplantation was higher. The blastocyst rate increased in concert with the melatonin levels across the gradient between the poor response group and the high response group. These results demonstrated that the melatonin levels in follicular fluid is associated with both the quantity and quality of oocytes and can predict IVF outcomes as well making them highly relevant biochemical markers of ovarian reserve.
Northernmost new records of Enyalioides touzeti Torres-Carvajal, Almendáriz, Valencia, Yánez-Muñoz & Reyes, 2008 (Sauria: Hoplo­cercidae) from Ecuador: altitudinal and latitudinal distribution extension, new provincial and biogeographical record
Authors: Amador Luis , Gómez Carlos , Londoño-Guarnizo Carlos A. , López-Caro Jhulyana , Arteaga Alejandro
Published: January 2017

In this note, we present new locality records and extend the known geographical distribution and elevation range of the dwarf iguana Enyalioides touzeti in southern Ecuador. Presence of E. touzeti in heavily deforested coastal regions of southwestern Ecuador suggests an urgent need for research to evaluate its conservation status.
TEKNIK PURIFIKASI GENOM Mt-DNA PADA IKAN KERAPU BEBEK (Cromileptes altivelis)
Authors: Aryani Ni Luh Tati , Suratmi Sri
Published: January 2017

Informasi mengenai keragaman genetik dapat diperoleh melalui beberapa cara, di antaranya dengan menganalisis deoxyribonucleic acid mitochondria (mt-DNA). Tujuan dari penulisan makalah ini adalah mengetahui teknik purifikasi DNA untuk mendapatkan genom DNA dengan konsentrasi tinggi. Purifikasi dilakukan apabila genom mt-DNA hasil ekstraksi awal tidak teramplifikasi (tergandakan) dengan PCR oleh karena konsentrasi dan kualitas genom mt-DNA tersebut sangat rendah. Analisis mt-DNA memerlukan genom mt-DNA yang merupakan seperangkat lengkap gen ikan kerapu bebek yang didapatkan dari proses ekstraksi. Dengan teknik purifikasi yang benar menggunakan alat yang steril, serta bahan kimia yang belum kedaluwarsa maka akan diperoleh genom mt-DNA yang berkonsentrasi tinggi dan lebih murni sehingga siap untuk analisis lebih lanjut
DETEKSI CACAT TULANG BELAKANG PADA YUWANA KERAPU DENGAN TEKNIK PEWARNAAN (STAINING)
Authors: Zailani Ahmad
Published: January 2017

Tulisan ini mengutarakan beberapa contoh teknik pewarnaan tulang pada berbagai spesies ikan kerapu. Melalui pewarnaan (staining)/metode Potthoff tulang belakang, dapat diketahui tingkat abnormalitas pertumbuhan larva/yuwana kerapu sunu (Plectropomus leopardus), kerapu bebek (Cromileptes altivelis), kerapu lumpur (Epinephelus coioides). Tahap-tahap pewarnaan (staining) meliputi lima tingkat, yakni: persiapan alat-alat pewarnaan, persiapan pembuatan larutan (reagent), proses pengambilan sampel (contoh), proses pewarnaan tulang (staining), dan pemeriksaan secara mikroskopis.
KULTUR MASSAL DIATOM SEBAGAI SEDIAAN PAKAN ALAMI PADA PEMBENIHAN UDANG WINDU (Penaeus monodon)
Authors: Suriadnyani Ni Nengah , Aryani Ni Luh Tati , Mastantra Kadek
Published: January 2017

Sebagai pakan awal, larva udang memerlukan fitoplankton dari jenis diatom, seperti Chaetoceros sp. dan Skeletonema costatum untuk pertumbuhan dan sintasan. Kedua jenis diatom ini diperlukan dalam jumlah yang cukup, sehingga memerlukan kultur massal agar dapat selalu tersedia selama berlangsung pemeliharaan larva udang. Benih awal yang digunakan untuk kultur massal diperoleh dari stok kultur murni di laboratorium atau dari subkultur. Dalam kultur massal diatom, pupuk yang digunakan untuk perkembangbiakan sel adalah pupuk teknis, antara lain: KNO3, Na2HPO4, NaEDTA, Clewat-32 (bisa diganti dengan FeCl3) dan NaSiO3 (sodium silikat). Pengamatan kualitas sel diatom di bawah mikroskop harus dilakukan, sedangkan untuk menjaga kestabilan suhu dan cahaya, kultur massal diatom dapat dilakukan di bawah atap transparan.
TEKNIK DETEKSI VIRAL NERVOUS NECROSIS PADA IKAN KERAPU BEBEK (Cromileptes altivelis) DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN KIT IQ-2000
Authors: Suratmi Sri , Aryani Ni Luh Tati
Published: January 2017

Tingginya tingkat mortalitas pada sentra pembenihan merupakan salah satu kendala dalam usaha budi daya ikan kerapu bebek (Cromileptes altivelis). Pada umumnya, mortalitas ikan kerapu bebek disebabkan oleh infeksi Viral Nervous Necrosis (VNN). Penyakit VNN dapat menyebabkan kematian massal hingga 100% dan sampai saat ini belum ada obat yang dapat mengatasi penyakit tersebut. Upaya pencegahan dapat dilakukan dengan deteksi dini infeksi VNN menggunakan metode Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) dengan kit IQ-2000. Hasil yang diperoleh menunjukkan bahwa deteksi dengan metode tersebut dapat diketahui tingkat infeksinya, yaitu infeksi ringan, dengan berat molekul DNA sebesar 289 bp, infeksi sedang (289 bp dan 620 bp) dan infeksi berat (289 bp, 620 bp, dan 1.160 bp). Teknik PCR terdiri atas beberapa tahapan yaitu ekstraksi, amplifikasi, elektroforesis staining, dan dokumentasi.
Corrupção e Crescimento: os impactos da corrupção ponderados pelos diferentes graus de eficiência entre as firmas
Authors: Rocha Leonardo Andrade ,   Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido,  Brazil, Khan Ahmad Saeed , Lima Patrícia Verônica Pinheiro Sales de , Poz Maria Ester Soares Dal ,   Universidade Federal do Ceará,  Brazil,   Universidade Federal do Ceará,  Brazil,   Universidade Estadual de Campinas,  Brazil
Published: January 2017

Resumo O presente estudo analisou os impactos da corrupção no crescimento das firmas conforme diferentes 'graus' de eficiência. Usando uma técnica não paramétrica de escores de eficiência, foi estimado um modelo de regressão linear interagindo os diferentes escores com um índice de corrupção. Os resultados apontam que a corrupção apresenta impactos negativos nas firmas com baixa performance, ao contrário das firmas com alta performance. Neste sentido, a posição da firma eficiente conforme a fronteira quantílica condiciona significativamente o custo da corrupção, sugerindo um efeito heterogêneo que não é precisamente capturado pelas técnicas tradicionais. Tais resultados corroboram com importantes estudos destacando Batra, Kaufmann e Stone (2003), Wang e You (2012) e Jiang e Nie (2014).
Migração intrametropolitana e mobilidade pendular: evidências para a região metropolitana do Recife
Authors: Ramalho Hilton Martins de Brito ,   Universidade Federal da Paraíba,  Brazil, Brito Danyella Juliana Martins de ,   Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais,  Brazil
Published: January 2017

Resumo O artigo investiga se há relação entre mobilidade pendular e migrações na Região Metropolitana do Recife (RMR). Nesse intuito, foram usados dados do Censo Demográfico de 2010 e estimado um modelo econométrico baseado em cópulas e que incorpora autosseleção de trabalhadores entre migrantes e não migrantes. Os resultados sugerem uma relação complementar entre as escolhas de cidade de residência e de cidade de trabalho no meio intrametropolitano; fato que reforça a hipótese de influência direta do processo de descentralização urbana sobre os movimentos pendulares. As estimativas mostraram que um trabalhador com histórico recente de migração na RMR tem, em média, 47,6 p.p. a mais de probabilidade de efetuar a mobilidade pendular quando comparado a um não migrante. Esse efeito tende a ser subestimado quando se ignora a autosseleção dos migrantes em habilidades inatas.
Análise econômica da primeira Lei de Patentes brasileira
Authors: Cabello Andrea Felippe ,   Universidade de Brasília,  Brazil, Póvoa Luciano Martins Costa ,   Senado Federal,  Brasil
Published: January 2017

Resumo O Brasil foi um dos primeiros países a ter uma lei de patentes e um dos únicos a conceder prazos de duração da patente de acordo com a qualidade da invenção. Este trabalho analisa um banco de dados inédito com todos os 783 privilégios industriais concedidos sob a vigência da primeira lei de patentes brasileira entre 1830 e 1882. Os resultados mostram que a atividade inventiva esteve conectada à estrutura econômica e social da época e que a escassez de mão de obra incentivou a invenção de máquinas e equipamentos para o setor cafeicultor. O número de patentes apenas começou a se elevar a partir de 1870, quando a economia brasileira passou por grandes mudanças que levaram ao seu desenvolvimento, evidenciando que pouco resultado surge quando se institui uma lei de patentes em um ambiente de estagnação econômica. Mesmo assim, a lei revelou-se o mecanismo menos dispendioso para estimular a atividade inventiva no Brasil do século XIX.