bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distribution patterns and diversity of riverine fishes of the Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya
Authors: Masese Frank O. , Achieng’ Alfred O. , Raburu Philip O. , Lawrence Ted , Ives Jessica T. , Nyamweya Chrisphine , Kaunda‐Arara Boaz 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) is a global hotspot of aquatic biodiversity, but aquatic ecosystems are under threat from multiple stressors. Most studies on fish have focused on Lake Victoria, while patterns of fish diversity, distribution, and assemblage structure in influent rivers remain poorly understood. To assess threats and conservation status of riverine fishes, we used sampling surveys and searches of published and gray literature to compile data on diversity, distribution, and abundance. In total, 72 fish species were found to inhabit Kenyan rivers and associated wetlands and lakes (excluding Lake Victoria). Low‐order streams (first to third order) in headwaters of rivers are species‐poor and dominated by small‐bodied cyprinids (Enteromius spp.) and clariids (Clarias spp.). A small number of fishes are endemic to rivers, and species turnover across river basins is low. Species dominance is high, with 10 species accounting for >90% of all individuals and weights. Two cyprinid species (Labeobarbus altianalis and Labeo victorianus) account for >65% of all individuals and weights (biomass) per unit effort. Most species occur in small numbers and low biomass is insufficient to sustain a commercial riverine fishery. A review of the literature continues to indicate a reduction in migratory runs of potamodromous fishes from Lake Victoria into influent rivers, although some species, such as L. victorianus and L. altianalis, also maintain stenotopic populations in rivers. Most of the exotic fishes introduced in Lake Victoria, such as Oreochromis nilotics, Oreochromis, Coptodon zillii, Coptodon rendalli, and Gambusia affinis, have invaded and established themselves in rivers, thereby posing a threat to riverine populations. Although this study focuses on Kenyan rivers, the distribution patterns of fishes reflect other rivers of the LVB and have broad implications on threats to riverine biodiversity in other regions undergoing development around the world.
Apoptosis oxidative damage‐mediated and antiproliferative effect of selenylated imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines on hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells and in vivo
Authors: dos Santos Daniela Coelho , Rafique Jamal , Saba Sumbal , Almeida Gabriela M. , Siminski Tâmila , Pádua Cynthia , Filho Danilo W. , Zamoner Ariane , Braga Antonio L. , Pedrosa Rozangela C. , Ourique Fabiana 
Published: October 2020

AbstractImidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines (IP) and organoselenium compounds have been widely exploited in medicinal chemistry due to their pharmacological activities. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has few treatment options, and unfortunately, the prognosis is poor. Thus, the development of novel therapeutic drugs is urgent. The present study aimed at evaluating the antitumor mechanism of selenylated IP against HepG2 cells and in vivo. The selenylated IP named IP‐Se‐06 (3‐((2‐methoxyphenyl)selanyl)‐7‐methyl‐2‐phenylimidazol[1,2‐a]pyridine) showed high cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells (half‐maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] = 0.03 µM) and selectivity for this tumor cell line. At nontoxic concentration, IP‐Se‐06 decreased the protein levels of Bcl‐xL and increased the levels of p53, leading to inhibition of cell proliferation and apoptosis. This compound decreased the level of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 protein and changed the levels of proteins involved in the drive of the cell cycle, tumor growth, and survival (cyclin B1, cyclin‐dependent kinase 2). In addition, IP‐Se‐06 decreased the number of cells in the S phase. In addition, IP‐Se‐06 led to increased generation of reactive oxygen species, changed antioxidant defenses, and caused DNA fragmentation. Finally, IP‐Se‐06 significantly inhibited the growth of Ehrlich ascites tumors in mice, increased survival time, and inhibited angiogenesis. Therefore, IP‐Se‐06 may be an important compound regarding the development of a therapeutic drug for HCC treatment.
Scanning electron microscopic screening; Can it be a taxonomic tool for identification of traditional therapeutic plants
Authors: Jalal Mehreen , Shaheen Shabnum , Saddiqe Zeb , Harun Nidaa , Abbas Moneeza , Khan Farah 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe limiting factor in the utilization of herbal medicine is the risk of replacement or substitution of their plant resources. Therefore, the authentication of medicinal plants before its use in herbal medicines is essentially required. Hence, the prime objective of this study was to provide some reliable morpho‐anatomical and morpho‐palynological tools for the identification of nine traditional therapeutic plants of district Lahore. For this study, scanning electron microscopic and light microscopic approaches has been employed. Results reported great variations in qualitative and quantitative morpho‐anatomical features of the epidermal cell, stomatal complexes, trichomes, silica bodies and oil droplets. For example, Aegle marmelos L. can be distinguished from Cestrum diurnum L. based on epidermal cell shapes, as irregular cells in former and lobed cells shape in later one. Similarly unicellular, bicellular, and multicellular trichomes could be an identification basis for Cynodon dactylon L., Lantana camara L., and Pongamia pinnata L., respectively. In combination with these morpho‐anatomical characters, SEM‐based morpho‐palynological characterization also reported diagnostic value. Both the Aegle marmelos and Lantana camara possessed similar cell shape (irregular) but can be delimited based on their pollen morphology as spheroidal pollen was reported in Aegle marmelos whereas prolate in Lantana camara. Moreover, quantitative characters also aid well for species delimitation, such as prolate pollen found in both Cestrum diurnum and Terminalia chebula Retz. but both of these varied in their P/E ratio, that is, 0.97 and 0.88, respectively. The leaf epidermal characters in correlation with morph‐palynological traits showed potential for taxonomic resolution at the species level.Research HighlightsThis study provides valuable morpho‐anatomical and morpho‐palynological tools for the nine traditional therapeutic plants of the district, Lahore, Pakistan. Light and scanning electron microscopic studies provided useful systematic data for the identification of studied plants. This systematic data include moprho‐anatomical and morpho‐palynological keys for the studied plants. This data can be used for future identification purposes.
In vitro and In vivo digestion comparison of bee pollen with or without wall‐disruption
Authors: Wu Wei , Qiao Jiangtao , Xiao Xingying , Kong Lingjie , Dong Jie , Zhang Hongcheng 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDBee pollen is considered as a treasure trove of human and animal nutrients as a result of its extensive nutritional and therapeutic properties. However, the sophisticated pollen wall can largely limit the digestibility and bioavailability of these nutrients.RESULTSAn ultrasonication and high shear technique was used to break the walls of five species of bee pollen, including rape bee pollen, lotus bee pollen, camellia bee pollen, wuweizi bee pollen and apricot bee pollen. We compared the digestibilities of bee pollen with or without wall‐disruption. After in vitro and in vivo digestion, unbroken bee pollen grains were still intact and the fragments of wall‐disrupted bee pollen still remained as fragments. Mouse in vivo digestion results suggested that the wall‐disrupted bee pollen was more easily emptied from the gastrointestinal tract than unbroken bee pollen. After dynamic in vitro digestion, the digestibilities of protein and crude fat in wall‐disrupted bee pollen significantly increased to more than 80%; similarly, the release rates of amino acids and reducing sugars in all wall‐disrupted samples were almost 1.5 and 2 times as much as those of unbroken samples.CONCLUSIONBased on the results obtained in the present study, we strongly recommend that bee pollen should be wall‐disrupted. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Upfront or intermediate treatment of advanced ovarian cancer patients with cytoreduction plus HIPEC: Results of a retrospective study
Authors: Spiliotis John , Iavazzo Christos , Fotiou Alexandros , Kopanakis Nikolaos , Terra Alexios , Efstathiou Elias , Margari Charalambia , Tsiatas Marinos 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundNewly diagnosed advanced‐stage ovarian cancer patients are treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, primary or intermediate cytoreductive surgery, and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). The aim of this study is to evaluate the optimal timing of cytoreduction plus HIPEC for advanced ovarian cancer patients.MethodsAdvanced ovarian cancer patients treated with cytoreductive surgery plus HIPEC at three different hospitals between 2005 and 2019 were subgrouped regarding their time of management with cytoreduction plus HIPEC, upfront or intermediate. We retrospectively assessed the overall survival (OS), the progression‐free survival (PFS), and the disease‐free survival (DFS) of these groups.ResultsA total of 112 ovarian cancer patients were contained. Of whom, 47 patients were in the upfront group with 24 (51.1%) to be alive, while 65 patients were included in the intermediate group with 34 (52.3%) to be alive. OS (48 vs. 30 months) and DFS (42 vs. 20 months) indicated no significant difference. Although the same median PFS was observed in both groups (10 months), a higher mean PFS was observed in the upfront group (11.9 vs. 9 months, p = 0.023).ConclusionThe treatment of advanced ovarian cancer patients with upfront cytoreductive surgery plus HIPEC is feasible with the same survival results. Further, larger prospective studies need to verify our results.
Duodenal, ampullary, and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: Oncologic outcomes are driven by tumor biology and tissue of origin
Authors: Schmocker Ryan K. , Wright Michael J. , Ding Ding , Javed Ammar A. , Cameron John L. , Lafaro Kelly , Burns William R. , He Jin , Wolfgang Christopher L. , Burkhart Richard A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundPeriampullary neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) arise from the duodenum, ampulla, and periampullary pancreas. Duodenal and ampullary NETs are rare and may have distinct biologic behavior from pancreatic NETs (P‐NETs). We examined the outcomes of these entities.MethodsAn institutional database was queried for patients undergoing resection for pancreatic head, duodenal, or ampullary NETs from 2000 to 2018. Patients with MEN1 syndrome or follow up less than 12 months were excluded.ResultsThree hundred and ten patients were identified. Tumor locations were ampulla (n = 15), duodenum (n = 35) and pancreas (n = 260). Median follow‐up and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were 60.9 (interquartile range [IQR]: 34.8–99.3) and 171.7 (IQR: 84.0–NR) months. Clinicopathologic data and survival outcomes were similar for duodenal and ampullary NETs (RFS: p = .347 and overall survival [OS]: p = .246) and were combined into an intestinal subtype (IS) group. There were no differences in OS or RFS when comparing IS‐NET and P‐NET. On multivariate analysis, tissue of origin was not associated with risk of recurrence. The current American Joint Committee on Cancer staging guidelines, which account for origin tissue, were predictive of outcomes for all subtypes.ConclusionTissue of origin does not appear to impact long‐term outcomes when comparing IS‐NETs and P‐NETs. The AJCC staging system offers good discriminatory capacity in the context of the tissue type.
Cardiac Measurements of Size and Shape in Fetuses With Absent or Reversed End‐Diastolic Velocity of the Umbilical Artery and Perinatal Survival and Severe Growth Restriction Before 34 Weeks' Gestation
Authors: DeVore Greggory R. , Portella Percy Pacora , Andrade Edgar Hernandez , Yeo Lami , Romero Roberto 
Published: October 2020

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the end‐diastolic size and shape of the 4‐chamber view as well as the right ventricle (RV) and left ventricle (LV) in growth‐restricted fetuses before 34 weeks' gestation with absent or reversed end‐diastolic velocity of the umbilical artery and compare the results between those with perinatal deaths and those who survived the neonatal period.MethodsForty‐nine fetuses with growth restriction and absent or reversed end‐diastolic velocity of the umbilical artery were studied. The size, shape, and sphericity index of the 4‐chamber view, RV, and LV were assessed. The number and percentage of fetuses with z score values of less than −1.65 and greater than 1.65 were computed.ResultsOf the 49 fetuses, there were 13 perinatal deaths (27%) and 36 (63%) neonatal survivors. Measurements that were unique for neonatal survivors were an increased RV apical transverse width and decreased measurements of the following: LV and RV widths, LV and RV areas, as well as RV sphericity indices.ConclusionsFetuses with a smaller RV and LV size and area and those with a globular‐shaped RV were at significantly lower risk for perinatal death.
Nanomaterials‐Based Surface Protein Imprinted Polymers: Synthesis and Medical Applications
Authors: Pan Mingfei , Hong Liping , Xie Xiaoqian , Liu Kaixin , Yang Jingying , Wang Shuo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractProteins are an essential part of organisms and play a very important role in life activities. Molecular imprinting technology (MIT) can prepare functional materials with specific identification abilities. In recent years, various molecularly imprinted materials have been widely used in the fields of solid‐phase extraction, bionic sensing, and on‐line analysis. Due to the limit of the properties of protein macromolecules, the development of MIT for protein molecules is relatively slow. With the continuous deepening on the research of nanomaterials and surface molecular imprinting technology, a large numbers of interesting and successful strategies appear on imprinted protein. Some surface protein imprinting materials with excellent properties and unique functions are applied in proteomics, biological imaging, medical diagnosis, and other fields, showing great potential application value. This paper summarizes the latest preparation and analysis strategies of surface protein imprinting based on nanomaterials, introduces medical application of protein imprinting materials in sample separation and purification, proteomics, biomedical and other aspects in recent years, and looks forward to the development opportunities and challenges in protein imprinting field.
Surface modification of PDMS substrates for tumour cell adhesion: Influence of roughness parameters
Authors: da Silveira Gabriel Augusto Teixeira , Rocha Neto João Batista Maia , Kerwald Jonas , Carvalho Hernandes Faustino , Beppu Marisa Masumi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSurface properties play a key role in how biomaterials interact with the environment. Surface topography has also been reported to be influential in some research, although its effect is still not well elucidated. In this study, nano‐roughened polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates were developed through a chemically etched intermediate surface. Additionally, PDMS substrates containing 10–30 μm diameter micropillars were functionalized with multilayers of chitosan (CHI) and hyaluronic acid (HA) via layer‐by‐layer. Such substrates were submitted to cell adhesion assays with PC3 tumour cells. The characterization of these substrates was carried out using an atomic force microscopy (AFM), and some roughness parameters were estimated. Through a statistical description of the topography, we investigated the effects of these surface parameters on PC3 cell adhesion. AFM results indicated a significant modification in the PDMS surface topography and the cell adhesion assays suggest that smoother surfaces induce the PC3 cell adhesion, especially the ones with a high Hurst exponent value. In addition to the AFM analysis, the surface modification of the LbL‐functionalized substrates was monitored by contact angle and UV‐visible measurements. The improved wettability and the significant Alcian Blue absorbance of the functionalized substrates suggest that the HA/CHI film deposition was successfully accomplished. The LbL functionalization increased the cell capture potential of the PDMS substrates, in which lower diameter micropillars favour the cell adhesion mechanism. Although much work is still needed, the findings advance progress towards the fundamental understanding of the role of nanoscale fractal roughness in cell adhesion and can contribute to the development of new biomaterials with applications in biomedical systems, such as biosensors.
The protective effect of fibroblast growth factor‐21 in alcoholic cardiomyopathy: a role in protecting cardiac mitochondrial function
Authors: Ferrer‐Curriu Gemma , Guitart‐Mampel Mariona , Rupérez Celia , Zamora Monica , Crispi Fatima , Villarroya Francesc , Fernández‐Solà Joaquim , Garrabou Gloria , Planavila Anna 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAlcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM) resulting from chronic alcohol misuse is one of the main contributors leading to heart failure and cardiovascular mortality. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a well‐established cardioprotective factor. We aimed to study the role of FGF21 in experimentally induced models and clinical affected patients with cardiac damage due to chronic alcohol consumption. We found that circulating FGF21 levels and cardiac FGF21 and β‐klotho protein levels were increased in subjects with chronic alcohol consumption. As an experimental model of ACM, we fed wild‐type and Fgf21 knockout (Fgf21−/−) mice with a 4% alcohol liquid diet for 4 and 12 weeks. FGF21 circulating levels and FGF21 expression in the myocardium were also increased in wild‐type mice after chronic alcohol intake. Fgf21−/− mice develop a higher degree of cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and cardiac dysfunction after chronic alcohol consumption than wild‐type mice. Moreover, the myocardium of Fgf21−/− mice showed signs of metabolic deregulation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction after alcohol intake. Finally, human cardiac biopsies from patients with chronic alcohol consumption developing ACM presented a higher degree of oxidative stress which positively correlated with the FGF21 protein levels in the myocardium. We conclude that plasma levels and cardiac myocyte FGF21 expression were induced in response to chronic alcohol consumption. The lack of FGF21 aggravated cardiac damage produced by ACM, in association with enhanced mitochondrial and oxidative stress, thus pointing to FGF21 as a protective agent against development of alcohol‐induced cardiomyopathy. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental and numerical investigation of mechanical and erosion behavior of barium sulphate filled glass fiber reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Choudhary Mahavir , Sharma Ankush , Agarwal Pankaj , Singh Tej , Patnaik Tapan , Patnaik Amar 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis research work evaluates the effect of barium sulphate contents on the physical, mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and erosion wear properties of fixed glass fiber reinforced epoxy composites. Composites with 0 to 30 wt% barium sulphate were prepared by vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) technique under controlled pressure condition. The manufactured composites were characterized for physical (density, void content, and hardness), mechanical (tensile, flexural, and inter‐laminar shear strengths), dynamic mechanical, and erosion wear properties including numerical and experimental analysis. Experimental results show that the addition of increased barium sulphate content results in increased density, void content, hardness, interlaminar shear strength, and fracture toughness of the composites, while tensile and flexural properties were found to decrease above 10 wt% barium sulphate content. Erosion results revealed that the maximum wear rate was found between the ranges of 45° to 75° impingement angle, which shows semi‐ductile nature of the composites. Moreover, computational fluid dynamic (CFD simulation by ANSYS fluent) analysis was introduced to calculate the erosive wear rate, erosion scar, and then tracking the particle trajectories in order to validate the numerical results by comparing the obtained experimental results for validation. Finally, the erosion efficiency was calculated as a function of impact velocity of the proposed particulate filled composites and eroded samples were analyzed through scanning electron microscope to observe the wear characteristics of the composites.
Structure‐function analysis of the maize bulliform cell cuticle and its potential role in dehydration and leaf rolling
Authors: Matschi Susanne , Vasquez Miguel F. , Bourgault Richard , Steinbach Paul , Chamness James , Kaczmar Nicholas , Gore Michael A. , Molina Isabel , Smith Laurie G. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe hydrophobic cuticle of plant shoots serves as an important interaction interface with the environment. It consists of the lipid polymer cutin, embedded with and covered by waxes, and provides protection against stresses including desiccation, UV radiation, and pathogen attack. Bulliform cells form in longitudinal strips on the adaxial leaf surface, and have been implicated in the leaf rolling response observed in drought‐stressed grass leaves. In this study, we show that bulliform cells of the adult maize leaf epidermis have a specialized cuticle, and we investigate its function along with that of bulliform cells themselves. Bulliform cells displayed increased shrinkage compared to other epidermal cell types during dehydration of the leaf, providing a potential mechanism to facilitate leaf rolling. Analysis of natural variation was used to relate bulliform strip patterning to leaf rolling rate, providing further evidence of a role for bulliform cells in leaf rolling. Bulliform cell cuticles showed a distinct ultrastructure with increased cuticle thickness compared to other leaf epidermal cells. Comparisons of cuticular conductance between adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces, and between bulliform‐enriched mutants versus wild‐type siblings, showed a correlation between elevated water loss rates and presence or increased density of bulliform cells, suggesting that bulliform cuticles are more water‐permeable. Biochemical analysis revealed altered cutin composition and increased cutin monomer content in bulliform‐enriched tissues. In particular, our findings suggest that an increase in 9,10‐epoxy‐18‐hydroxyoctadecanoic acid content, and a lower proportion of ferulate, are characteristics of bulliform cuticles. We hypothesize that elevated water permeability of the bulliform cell cuticle contributes to the differential shrinkage of these cells during leaf dehydration, thereby facilitating the function of bulliform cells in stress‐induced leaf rolling observed in grasses.