bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of Magoh protein‐overexpressing HEK cells for optimized therapeutic protein production
Authors: Mufarrege Eduardo F. , Benizio Evangelina L. , Prieto Claudio C. , Chiappini Fabricio , Rodriguez María Celeste , Etcheverrigaray Marina , Kratje Ricardo B. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn the pharmaceutical industry, the need for high levels of protein expression in mammalian cells has prompted the search for new strategies, including technologies to obtain cells with improved mechanisms that enhance its transcriptional activity, folding, or protein secretion. Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells are by far the most used host cell for therapeutic protein expression. However, these cells produce specific glycans that are not present in human cells and therefore potentially immunogenic. As a result, there is an increased interest in the use of human‐derived cells for therapeutic protein production. For many decades, human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells were exclusively used for research. However, two products for therapeutic indication were recently approved in the United States. It was previously shown that tethered Magoh, an Exon‐junction complex core component, to specific mRNA sequences, have had significant positive effects on mRNA translational efficiency. In this study, a HEK Magoh‐overexpressing cell line and clones, designated here as HEK‐MAGO, were developed for the first time. These cells exhibited improved characteristics in protein expression, reaching —two‐ to threefold increases in rhEPO protein production in comparison with the wild‐type cells. Moreover, this effect was promoter independent highlighting the versatility of this expression platform.
Di‐2‐picolylamine triggers caspase‐independent apoptosis by inducing oxidative stress in human liver hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Madide Thobeka , Somboro Anou M. , Amoako Daniel G. , Khumalo Hezekiel M. , Khan Rene B. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDi‐2‐picolylamine (DPA) is an organic compound that has been shown to possess antioxidant properties when conjugated to form a metal complex. The basis of this study was to determine the effects of DPA on the proliferation and apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells and elucidate the possible mechanisms. The methylthiazol tetrazolium assay served to measure cell viability and generated an IC50 of 1591 µM. Luminometry was used to investigate caspase activity and ATP concentration. It was observed that the decreased cell viability was associated with reduced ATP levels. Despite increased Bax and caspase 9 activity, cell death was caspase independent as indicated by the reduction in caspase 3/7 activity. This was associated with the downregulation poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase cleavage (Western blotting). However, the Hoescht assay depicted nuclear condensation and apoptotic body formation with elevated DPA levels suggesting DNA damage in HepG2 cells. DNA damage assessed by the comet assay confirmed an increased comet tail formation. The presence of oxidative stress was investigated by quantifying reactive species (malondialdehyde and nitrates concentration) and Western blotting to confirm the expression of antioxidant proteins. The DPA increased lipid peroxidation (RNS), a marker of oxidative stress, consequently causing cell death. The accompanying upregulation of stress‐associated proteins superoxide dismutase (SOD2), nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2), and Hsp70 verifies oxidative stress.
Digital gestützte Biodiversitätsexkursionen
Authors: Knoblich Luise 
Published: April 2020

ZusammenfassungUm den fehlenden Primärerfahrungen und dem mangelnden Biodiversitätswissen der Lernenden konstruktiv zu begegnen, wurde eine Studie mit dem Ziel konzipiert, die drei Bereiche „Biodiversität“, „Bildung“ und „Biologieunterricht“ im Rahmen von Umweltbildung im Naturpark „Thüringer Schiefergebirge/Obere Saale“ zu vereinen, zumal Bildung unverzichtbar für den beabsichtigten Biodiversitätsschutz ist. Das hierfür entwickelte didaktische Verfahren mit Schwerpunkt „Biodiversität“ für den Biologieunterricht an außerschulischen Lernorten bindet digitale Medien konstruktiv in den Lehr‐Lernprozess ein. Die aus dem zehnschrittigen Verfahren resultierenden biologisch basierten GPS‐Touren („Biotracks“) wurden in Form von zwei Schülerexkursionen für Gymnasialschülerinnen und ‐schüler in der Praxis getestet: Für Klassenstufe 7 in der Umgebung von Heberndorf und für Klassenstufe 9 in der Region des Bleilochstausees. Der Wissenstest und das Exkursionsheft ergaben für beide Exkursionsklassen positive Wirkungen auf das Biodiversitätswissen. Die Prä‐Post‐Fragebögen zeigen für Klassenstufe 7, dass Biotracks auch positive Wirkungen auf die biodiversitätsbezogenen Einstellungen und Handlungen von Lernenden haben können.
Repeated courses of low‐dose 2 × 2 Gy radiation therapy in patients with indolent B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphomas
Authors: Saleh Khalil , Michot Jean‐Marie , Schernberg Antoine , Lazarovici Julien , Chahine Claude , Danu Alina , Khalife‐Saleh Nadine , Rossignol Julien , Ghez David , Martin Valentine , Mazeron Renaud , Fermé Christophe , Boros Angela , Ribrag Vincent , Girinsky Theodore 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPurposeIn patients with indolent B‐cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (B‐NHL), one course of low‐dose radiotherapy (LD‐RT) 2 × 2 Gy is emerging as new option of therapy in palliative setting. Efficacy of LD‐RT when repeated remains to be determinate. This study aims to assess the efficacy of repeated LD‐RT given in patients with indolent B‐NHL.Materials and MethodsAll consecutive adult patients who received two or more courses of LD‐RT 2 × 2 Gy for indolent B‐NHL at Gustave Roussy institution, during the period 1990‐2015 were retrospectively investigated.ResultsThirty‐three patients received two or more courses of LD‐RT for indolent B‐NHL during the study period. The median age was 57 (range 37‐80) years, histological types were distributed among follicular lymphoma (n = 24 pts; 73%), marginal‐zone lymphoma (n = 6 pts; 18%), and primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma (n = 3 pts; 9%). The median number of low‐dose radiation therapy courses given per patients was 2 (range 2‐6). The overall response rates following the first and the second course of LD‐RT were 96% and 88%, respectively (P = .31). The 1‐ and 2‐years local control rates following the first courses of LD‐RT were 94% (CI 95: 86‐100) and 94% (CI 95: 86‐98); and were 91% (CI 95: 82‐100) and 88% (CI 95: 77‐100) following the second course of LD‐RT (P = .39).ConclusionThe repeated courses of LD‐RT offered similar efficacy compare with the first course in patients with indolent B‐NHL. LD‐RT repeated is a simple, easy to give, and non‐toxic asset that could be investigated as treatment option in patients with indolent B‐NHL.
Learning from triads: training undergraduates in counselling skills
Authors: Smith Kate 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundResearch has shown that counselling skills training in undergraduate programmes is effective. However, there is potential that premature intimacy and disclosures during triad work may impact on relationships which must be maintained out‐with the counselling component of the course. Little research has examined individual pedagogical practices within training.AimThe aim of this research was to explore the experience of the practical skills training component of a counselling course for a cohort of undergraduate students, and the impact of this learning experience. The objective being an evaluation of the use of this approach for this group and of the impact of personal sharing within cohorts of undergraduates.MethodSemi‐structured interviews focusing on the experience of skills training and self‐disclosure during training were carried out on 12 undergraduates taking counselling skills modules as part of their BSc Psychology and Counselling degree. Thematic analysis was carried out on the interview transcripts.ResultsAs a result of engagement in skills training and acting as ‘clients’ for one another, individuals perceived the formation of a positive group identity with implicit ‘rules’, but also an impact of training on relationships within the group which relied on the ability to maintain boundaries and personal identities with peers, and this influenced the learning experience. The ability to manage their engagement on the programme was dependent on ongoing support and guidance from tutors.DiscussionWhile this pedagogical approach appears appropriate for facilitating learning and potentially provides a rich learning journey for undergraduate students, tutors must act proactively to ensure a safe learning environment.
Coaxial Flow Contactors as Alternative to Double T‐Contactors for Triphasic Slug Flow Generation
Authors: Hellmann David , de Oliveira‐Goncalves Ícaro , Agar David W. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTriphasic gas‐liquid‐liquid slug flow systems have great application potential in flow chemistry and are normally generated with a double T‐junction where the continuous phase and one disperse phase form a two‐phase flow and the second disperse phase is added at the second junction. This design is limited to high disperse phase ratios when a regular and uniform flow is desired. The use of coaxial contactors allows overcoming most of these restrictions. The slug generation, stability, and regularity of the generated triphasic flow were experimentally characterized.
Effects of Vitamin D Receptor, Cytochrome P450 3A, and Cytochrome P450 Oxidoreductase Genetic Polymorphisms on the Pharmacokinetics of Remimazolam in Healthy Chinese Volunteers
Authors: Hu Kun , Xiang Qian , Wang Zhe , Sheng Xiaoyan , Li Li'e , Liang Yan , Zhao Xia , Ye Xia , Cui Yimin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractRemimazolam is a new ultra‐short‐acting benzodiazepine used to induce and maintain anesthesia and procedural sedation. Its compound structure is similar to midazolam's. Midazolam metabolism might be affected by vitamin D receptor (VDR), cytochrome P450 3A, and cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase genetic polymorphisms. This study investigated the effects of VDR, cytochrome P450 3A, and cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase genetic polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics of remimazolam in healthy Chinese volunteers after a single intravenous injection of remimazolam besylate. Blood samples were collected from subjects (n = 62) at scheduled time intervals before and after injection. High‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify plasma remimazolam and RF7054 (its inactive carboxylic acid metabolite) concentrations. The relationship between plasma remimazolam concentration, pharmacokinetic parameters, and polymorphic alleles was assessed for each subject. The rs4516035 allele affected the elimination half‐life of RF7054 (P = .043), while the rs1544410 allele affected the dose‐normalized maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax/D) of remimazolam (P = .025) in 46 volunteers. Results showed that VDR genetic polymorphisms might affect the pharmacokinetics of remimazolam in the Chinese population.
Plant community type is an indicator of the seasonal moisture deficit in a disturbed raised bog
Authors: Howie Sarah A. , Whitfield Paul H. , Moore R. Dan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDepth to water table is a simple, commonly used measure of hydrological function in raised bogs. The maximum depth of the water table or the average annual water table is often monitored over the long term to track the hydrological trajectory of the ecosystem. These measures, however, may not take into account the duration of the moisture deficit period. The annual water table moisture deficit (WTMD) at 67 sites in a single disturbed raised bog was calculated using the amount of time that the water table was at each depth below the surface during the moisture deficit season. The calculated value estimates a linearly developing deficit that dewaters the acrotelm during the moisture deficit season. At each site, plant species composition was assigned to one of eight plant community types. The approximate threshold above which bog plant communities will begin transitioning into drier types with taller shrubs and trees was a WTMD of 62 m‐days. An annual climatic moisture deficit (CMD) was calculated using daily air temperature, spatially interpolated precipitation and estimated potential evapotranspiration for each site. Mixed‐effects modelling of WTMD as a function CMD indicated a positive linear relation for most vegetation types, which was affected by the presence of drainage ditches, ditch blocking, fire and evapotranspiration by shrubs and trees. Tracking the WTMD and its relation to CMD may be useful for assessing ecosystem health and serve as a basis for estimating moisture deficit thresholds for bogs of conservation concern.
Validation of an environmental DNA protocol to detect a stream‐breeding amphibian, the Streamside Salamander (Ambystoma barbouri)
Authors: Witzel Nicole A. , Taheri Ali , Miller Brian T. , Hardman Rebecca H. , Withers David I. , Spear Stephen F. , Sutton William B. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractEnvironmental DNA (eDNA), or DNA that is shed into the environment by an organism, can be used to detect the presence of cryptic species. However, eDNA methodology requires validation of an assay in both laboratory and field environments. Here, we describe the development of a quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay and field protocol for detecting a secretive amphibian, the Streamside Salamander (Ambystoma barbouri). This fossorial species is rarely encountered because adults are only active for several months during the winter when they breed and deposit eggs underneath rocks within intermittent streams. We designed and validated a qPCR assay for A. barbouri against five ambystomatid congeners and the Southern Two‐lined Salamander (Eurycea cirrigera), which occur within the range of A. barbouri in the focal study area. We detected DNA of A. barbouri in the laboratory to 0.0004 ng/µl, while all other congeners were rarely detected below 40 ng/µl. We collected 1‐L water samples from 45 streams from December 2016 to May 2017 and during April 2018 to validate our methods in the field. Our assay was effective at detecting A. barbouri in 24 of 45 streams. We confirmed physical presence of A. barbouri (adults, larvae, and/or eggs) at 21 out of 24 of these positive sites. The detection probability was 0.85 ± 0.05; CI: 0.75, 0.95 within a single sampling event that incorporated 5 water samples from each of 17 repeat‐visit sites. The per water sample sensitivity was 68% (163/238) and specificity was 100% (22/22). The per site visit sensitivity was 85% (46/54) and specificity was 100% (6/6). Lastly, the per site sensitivity was 95% (21/22) and specificity was 100% (3/3). Collectively, this protocol outlines an efficient and cost‐effective method to detect A. barbouri and provides a technique to rapidly identify sites where breeding is occurring and to determine the distribution of this species.
Food authentication in real life: How to link nontargeted approaches with routine analytics?
Authors: Creydt Marina , Fischer Markus 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn times of increasing globalization and the resulting complexity of trade flows, securing food quality is an increasing challenge. The development of analytical methods for checking the integrity and, thus, the safety of food is one of the central questions for actors from science, politics, and industry. Targeted methods, for the detection of a few selected analytes, still play the most important role in routine analysis.In the past 5 years, nontargeted methods that do not aim at individual analytes but on analyte profiles that are as comprehensive as possible have increasingly come into focus. Instead of investigating individual chemical structures, data patterns are collected, evaluated and, depending on the problem, fed into databases that can be used for further nontargeted approaches. Alternatively, individual markers can be extracted and transferred to targeted methods. Such an approach requires (i) the availability of authentic reference material, (ii) the corresponding high‐resolution laboratory infrastructure, and (iii) extensive expertise in processing and storing very large amounts of data. Probably due to the requirements mentioned above, only a few methods have really established themselves in routine analysis. This review article focuses on the establishment of nontargeted methods in routine laboratories. Challenges are summarized and possible solutions are presented.
Predictors of outcome in refractory generalized convulsive status epilepticus
Authors: Kafle Dilli Ram , Avinash Appu Jha , Shrestha Aashish 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveRefractory status epilepticus is a serious condition in which seizure continues despite use of two antiepileptic medications. Retrospective studies have shown that 29%‐43% of SE patients progress into RSE despite treatment. Mortality following RSE is high. We aimed to evaluate the predictors of outcome in patients with RSE at a tertiary care center.MethodsSixty‐eight consecutive patients with RSE who presented to our hospital between February 2018 and January 2020 were evaluated for outcome.ResultIn our study 28(41.2%), patients who failed to respond to first‐ and second‐line antiepileptic drug responded to the third‐line antiepileptic drug thus avoiding mechanical ventilation and intravenous anesthesia. Low GCS at admission (P < .001), need for mechanical ventilation and intravenous anesthesia (P = .018), and long duration of RSE before recovery (P = .035) were strongly associated with worse outcome. Duration of RSE before starting treatment (P = .147), previous history of seizure (P = .717), and age of the patient (P = .319) did not influence the outcome.SignificanceIn our study, we prospectively evaluated patients with RSE and followed them for one month after discharge from the hospital. Unlike some of the previous studies, we identified an interesting finding whereby a significant proportion of the patients responded to the third‐line antiepileptic drug and thus avoiding the complications related to mechanical ventilation.
Bio‐inspired proton conducting phytagel derived zwitterionic complex membranes for fuel cells
Authors: Karuppasamy K. , Vikraman Dhanasekaran , Jang Kyu‐Won , Ravi Seenu , Tanveer Waqas Hassan , Bose Ranjith , Thandavarayan Maiyalagan , Kim Hyun‐Seok 
Published: April 2020

SummaryThis study proves synthesis of carbohydrate polymer phytagel based composite proton exchange membranes and employed for their applications in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Phytagel was sulfonated using chlorosulfonic acid and corresponding composite membranes were prepared by loading different amounts of sulfamic acid (SA) to improve their proton conductivity. Incrementing SA into the sulfonated phytagel substantially boosted the swelling rate to a certain limit without affecting proton conductivity, or thermal and mechanical stabilities. Highest proton conductivity (1.49 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 353 K) was achieved for 7 wt% SA. Single cell tests on this membrane unveiled an excellent performance at 60°C and 100% relative humidity (RH) compared with the other two membranes. Thus, this study offers may open new possibilities to utilize phytagel based bio‐composite solid polymer electrolytes as proton exchange membranes for fuel cell applications.
Performance analysis of Beaulieu‐Xie fading channel with MRC diversity reception
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Yadav Rajesh Kumar 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn this work, the performance of communication system inside the densely packed small cells or femtocells with maximum ratio combining (MRC) diversity is studied. The line of sight (LOS) and the diffused power components inside the femtocells are modeled in the form of Beaulieu‐Xie fading channel and the performance metrics have been derived. The closed‐form expressions for outage probability (Pout), amount of fading (AF), and average symbol error probability (ASEP) for coherent and non‐coherent modulation schemes are derived for the said channel. Furthermore, the channel capacity analysis over different transmission policies is performed, and the corresponding results are plotted. The effect of diversity and the other fading parameters on the performance measures are demonstrated. Analytical results are supplemented with Monte‐Carlo simulations for validating the accuracy of the proposed formulations.
The things we believe: Anthropology and feminism in the #MeToo era
Authors: Walters Holly 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis essay engages with the promise of feminist anthropology in terms of a disconnect between the practice of modern anthropology, its commitment to critically unveiling the narratives of power, and the structures of the academy, beholden as it is to creative fictions about ignorance and training as panacea to institutional sexual misconduct and gender inequality. As an intervention in a discipline that tends to leverage feminist praxis in ethnographic work but not in the constitution of its academic structures, the question is not whether anthropology has sufficiently incorporated feminism into its research methodologies but ultimately whether anthropology is ready to take on itself.
Intervention effect of Malus pumila leaf flavonoids on senna‐induced acute diarrhea in BALB/c mice
Authors: Yi Ruokun , Tian Yu , Tan Fang , Li Wenfeng , Mu Jianfei , Long Xingyao , Pan Yanni , Zhao Xin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe Malus pumila leaves are used as a kind of tea drink in China, and there are abundant flavonoids in the leaves of Malus pumila. In this study, BALB/c mice received senna extract solution via gavage, which induced acute diarrhea, and the interventive effect of Malus pumila leaf flavonoids (MPLF) was observed. The results showed that MPLF decreased the diarrhea index, and MPLF also decreased the capillary permeability in the abdominal cavity of mice. The result of serum cytokine detection indicated that MPLF decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 6 (IL‐6), interleukin 12 (IL‐12), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α). The results of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) indicated that diarrhea decreased the mRNA and protein expression of aquaporin‐3 (AQP3) in the jejunum and aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) in the ileum, which were inhibited by MPLF. By high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), MPLF mainly contains 10 flavonoids, which are rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, taxifolin, quercitrin, hesperidin, myricetin, baicalin, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone and quercetin, the synergistic effect of these components plays an antidiarrhea role in MPLF. Therefore, MPLF achieved good antidiarrheal effect, which was better than that of the commonly used montmorillonite powder at the same concentration. MPLF is a natural raw material for functional food with an antidiarrheal effect.