bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AXL Is a Potential Target for the Treatment of Intestinal Fibrosis
Authors: Steiner Calen A , Rodansky Eva S , Johnson Laura A , Berinstein Jeffrey A , Cushing Kelly C , Huang Sha , Spence Jason R , Higgins Peter D R 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background
Fibrosis is the final common pathway to intestinal failure in Crohn’s disease, but no medical therapies exist to treat intestinal fibrosis. Activated myofibroblasts are key effector cells of fibrosis in multiple organ systems, including the intestine. AXL is a receptor tyrosine kinase that has been implicated in fibrogenic pathways involving myofibroblast activation. We aimed to investigate the AXL pathway as a potential target for the treatment of intestinal fibrosis.

Methods
To establish proof of concept, we first analyzed AXL gene expression in 2 in vivo models of intestinal fibrosis and 3 in vitro models of intestinal fibrosis. We then tested whether pharmacological inhibition of AXL signaling could reduce fibrogenesis in 3 in vitro models of intestinal fibrosis. In vitro testing included 2 distinct cell culture models of intestinal fibrosis (matrix stiffness and TGF-β1 treatment) and a human intestinal organoid model using TGF-β1 cytokine stimulation.

Results
Our findings suggest that the AXL pathway is induced in models of intestinal fibrosis. We demonstrate that inhibition of AXL signaling with the small molecule inhibitor BGB324 abrogates both matrix-stiffness and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1)–induced fibrogenesis in human colonic myofibroblasts. AXL inhibition with BGB324 sensitizes myofibroblasts to apoptosis. Finally, AXL inhibition with BGB324 blocks TGF-β1-induced fibrogenic gene and protein expression in human intestinal organoids.

Conclusions
The AXL pathway is active in multiple models of intestinal fibrosis. In vitro experiments suggest that inhibiting AXL signaling could represent a novel approach to antifibrotic therapy for intestinal fibrosis such as in Crohn’s disease.
Injury Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease After Trauma: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis
Authors: Haac Bryce E , Nemirovsky Amy , Teeter William , Geyer Andrew , Birkett Richard T , Cross Raymond K , Engels Michael , Stein Deborah M , Bafford Andrea C 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background
The clinical course of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) after trauma is largely unknown. We sought to compare the clinical course of patients with IBD to those without.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective case-control study of adult patients admitted to a level-1 trauma center from January 1, 2008, through October 1, 2015. Seventy-five patients with IBD were identified. Cases were matched to controls by age, sex, injury severity, and mechanism using 4:1 propensity score-matching analysis. Injury characteristics, clinical course, and infectious and noninfectious complications were compared using bivariate and multivariate analysis.

Results
Participants had a mean age of 56 years and mean injury severity score of 15. Of the 75 cases, 44% had ulcerative colitis, 44% had Crohn’s disease, and 12% had undetermined type. More cases were on an immunosuppressant (19% vs 2%, P &lt; 0.01) or steroids (8% vs 2%, P = 0.02) on admission compared with controls. More cases had prior abdominal surgery (P = 0.01). Cases had fewer brain injuries (P = 0.02) and higher admission Glasgow Coma Scale (P &lt; 0.01) but required more neurosurgical intervention (P = 0.03). Cases required more orthopedic surgeries (P &lt; 0.01) and more pain management consultations (P = 0.04). In multivariable analysis, IBD was associated with increased odds of operative intervention, pain management consultation, venous thromboembolism, and longer hospital stay (P &lt; 0.05). Patients on immunosuppressants had increased odds of requiring surgery (P = 0.04), particularly orthopedic surgery (P &lt; 0.01).

Conclusions
Baseline factors associated with inflammatory bowel disease may place patients at higher risk for surgery and complications after trauma.
A Phase IIa Controlled Human Malaria Infection and Immunogenicity Study of RTS,S/AS01E and RTS,S/AS01B Delayed Fractional Dose Regimens in Malaria-Naive Adults
Authors: Moon James E , Ockenhouse Christian , Regules Jason A , Vekemans Johan , Lee Cynthia , Chuang Ilin , Traskine Magali , Jongert Erik , Ivinson Karen , Morelle Danielle , Komisar Jack L , Lievens Marc , Sedegah Martha , Garver Lindsey S , Sikaffy April K , Waters Norman C , Ballou William Ripley , Ofori-Anyinam Opokua ,   RTS,S Malaria Vaccine Working Group, Cicatelli Susan B , Duncan Elizabeth H , Mills Kristin T , Lee Christine E , Epstein Judith E , Cowden Jessica J , Spring Michele D , Hamer Melinda J , Copeland Nathanial K , Ngauy Viseth , Tosh Donna M , Curley Justin M , Bennett Jason W , Riddle Mark , Waterman Paige E , Koren Michael A , Hutter Jack N , Bergmann-Leitner Elke , Kooken Jennifer , Angov Evelina , Peterson Kyle , Leprince Aurélia , Murray Linda , Cicatelli Susan B , Duncan Elizabeth H , Mills Kristin T , Lee Christine E , Epstein Judith E , Cowden Jessica J , Spring Michele D , Hamer Melinda J , Copeland Nathanial K , Ngauy Viseth , Tosh Donna M , Curley Justin M , Bennett Jason W , Riddle Mark , Waterman Paige E , Koren Michael A , Hutter Jack N , Bergmann-Leitner Elke , Kooken Jennifer , Angov Evelina , Peterson Kyle , Leprince Aurélia , Murray Linda 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background
A previous RTS,S/AS01B vaccine challenge trial demonstrated that a 3-dose (0-1-7–month) regimen with a fractional third dose can produce high vaccine efficacy (VE) in adults challenged 3 weeks after vaccination. This study explored the VE of different delayed fractional dose regimens of adult and pediatric RTS,S/AS01 formulations.

Methods
A total of 130 participants were randomized into 5 groups. Four groups received 3 doses of RTS,S/AS01B or RTS,S/AS01E on a 0-1-7–month schedule, with the final 1 or 2 doses being fractional (one-fifth dose volume). One group received 1 full (month 0) and 1 fractional (month 7) dose of RTS,S/AS01E. Immunized and unvaccinated control participants underwent Plasmodium falciparum–infected mosquito challenge (controlled human malaria infection) 3 months after immunization, a timing chosen to potentially discriminate VEs between groups.

Results
The VE of 3-dose formulations ranged from 55% (95% confidence interval, 27%–72%) to 76% (48%–89%). Groups administered equivalent formulations of RTS,S/AS01E and RTS,S/AS01B demonstrated comparable VE. The 2-dose group demonstrated lower VE (29% [95% confidence interval, 6%–46%]). All regimens were well tolerated and immunogenic, with trends toward higher anti-circumsporozoite antibody titers in participants protected against infection.

Conclusions
RTS,S/AS01E can provide VE comparable to an equivalent RTS,S/AS01B regimen in adults, suggesting a universal formulation may be considered. Results also suggest that the 2-dose regimen is inferior to the 3-dose regimens evaluated.

Clinical Trial Registration
NCT03162614
Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family-7 Alleviates Corneal Inflammation by Promoting M2 Polarization
Authors: Zhu Siying , Chen Yu , Lao Juanfeng , Wu Chenglin , Zhan Xiaoxia , Wu Yongjian , Shang Yuqi , Zou Zhengyu , Zhou Jinyu , Ji Xiang , Huang Xi , Shi Xiaomin , Wu Minhao 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundSignaling lymphocytic activation molecule family-7 (SLAMF7) functions as an immune checkpoint molecule on macrophages in antitumor immunity. However, its role in bacterial infection remains largely unknown.MethodsBone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) isolated from wild-type (WT) or SLAMF7 knockout (KO) mice were infected with bacteria or treated with lipopolysaccharide/interferon-γ to investigate the expression and function of SLAMF7 in macrophage polarization. A Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis murine model was established to explore the effect of SLAMF7 on P. aeruginosa keratitis using WT vs SLAMF7 KO mice, or recombinant SLAMF7 vs phosphate-buffered saline-treated mice, respectively.ResultsSLAMF7 expression was enhanced on M1-polarized or bacterial-infected macrophages, and infiltrating macrophages in P. aeruginosa-infected mouse corneas. SLAMF7 promoted M2 polarization by inducing STAT6 activation. In vivo data showed that SLAMF7 KO aggravated, while treatment with recombinant SLAMF7 alleviated, corneal inflammation and disease severity. In addition, blockage of M2 polarization by Arg-1 inhibitor abrogated the effect of recombinant SLAMF7 in disease progression.ConclusionsSLAMF7 expression in macrophages was induced upon M1 polarization or bacterial infection and alleviated corneal inflammation and disease progression of P. aeruginosa keratitis by promoting M2 polarization. These findings may provide a potential strategy for the treatment of P. aeruginosa keratitis.
Determination of Sulfamethazine in Swine and Cattle Feed by Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatography with Post-Column Derivatization: Collaborative Study
Authors: Smallidge Robert L , Albert Kendrick ,   Collaborators:, Britton Nancy L , Campbell Harold M , Jeon Cheon-Seck , Costello Susan , Elson Kristen , Flood Kaye , Lee Jae-Ku , Lowie Dwight M , Moran John W , Mustafa Mustafa , Poe Beverly , Proksa Paul , Turner James M , Weigand Jim L , Wetzler Luann M 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
A liquid chromatographic (LC) method for the analysis of sulfamethazine (SMT) in complete swine and cattle feed was collaboratively studied. The method uses post-column derivatization with dimethylaminobenzaldehyde and detection at 450 nm. To 5 g finely ground feed, extractant (0.2N HCl + 1.5% diethylamine in 25% methanol), and internal standard solutions are added, and the SMT is extracted by shaking for 1 h. Clarified extract (high-level sample extract diluted to a target concentration of ca 5.5 μg/mL) is chromatographed on a C18 reversed-phase LC column with acetonitrile–2% acetic acid (17 + 83) mobile phase. Sulfamerazine is used as an internal, or surrogate standard to correct for variable recovery of sulfamethazine from a variety of feed matrixes. Six Youden matched-pair samples were sent to 10 collaborators in Korea, Canada, and the United States. Label claims on the commercial feeds ranged from 0.0077 to 0.22% SMT. The SMT mean recovery as determined from the 5 samples with known analyte content was 99.8%. The within-laboratory relative standard deviation (repeatability) ranged from 0.28 to 4.72%. Among-laboratory (including within-laboratory) relative standard deviation (reproducibility) ranged from 1.26 to 4.87%. The authors recommend the method for AOAC INTERNATIONAL Official First Action status.
Evaluation of Silica- and Sepharose-Based Immunoaffinity Sorbents for Sample Cleanup in Determination of Fumonisins B1 and B2 in Corn Products
Authors: Lawrence James F , Menard Cathie , Yeung Jupiter , Rejeb Samy Ben 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Anti-fumonisin B1 polyclonal antibodies were isolated from the serum of rabbits, immobilized onto the surface of glutaraldehyde-activated silica or Sepharose CL-4B particles, and placed into empty small plastic solid-phase extraction cartridges. The immobilized antibodies were evaluated for their ability to retain fumonisin B1 and fumonisin B2. Cartridge capacity and elution conditions were determined, and the results were compared to those obtained with a commercially available cartridge. The cartridges, which were tested for their effectiveness to isolate the fumonisins from extracts of corn flour and nacho chips, detected fumonisins down to levels of about 20 ng/g. However, additional cleanup was required for detection at lower concentrations. With the use of a strong anion-exchange cartridge as a preliminary cleanup before immunoaffinity chromatography, the detection limit reached 2–5 ng/g in the products tested. The silica sorbent material exhibited strong interactions with the fumonisins, requiring acidified ethanol–water mixtures for elution and resulting in an additional degree of selectivity in isolating fumonisins from sample extracts. The silicabased immunoaffinity cartridges were successfully reused more than 10 times; the Sepharosebased cartridges were less robust. Liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection was used after prechromatographic derivatization with o-phthaldialdehyde–mercaptoethanol.
A Review of Analytical Methods for the Determination of Sulfolane and Alkanolamines in Environmental Studies
Authors: Headley John V , Fedorak Phillip M , Dickson Leslie C 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Sulfolane and alkanolamines are used extensively in the processing of sour natural gases. Over many years of operation, there have been inadvertent leaks of these chemicals to groundwater and wetlands surrounding gas processing facilities, leading to uptake by vegetation. Because sulfolane and alkanolamines are extremely water-soluble, their analysis has presented challenges, particularly requirements for suitable extraction from biological matrixes and soil, along with sensitive detection using commonly available instrumentation. Analytical methods usually use gas chromatography or liquid chromatography with a variety of detector systems. Sample preparation techniques may include extraction with organic solvents, water, or a combination of these. In some cases, direct aqueous injections have been used. Derivatization of alkanolamines has been used to improve the chromatographic separations and detection. More recent procedures, using positive-ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (MS), have been useful for the confirmation of uptake of the alkanolamines and transformation products by wetland vegetation. Future developments will likely center on further MS analyses for identification of metabolites and transformation products in aquatic environments.
Rapid Determination of Thiamine, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine, and Niacinamide in Infant Formulas by Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Woollard David C , Indyk Harvey E 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
A simplified, simultaneous determination of vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B6 in supplemented infant formulas was developed from a single deproteinized sample extract, with analysis by reversed-phase, ion-pair chromatography with an acidified methanol–water mobile phase. The dioctylsulfosuccinate counter-ion facilitates unique retention of the pyridine-based vitamins (niacinamide and pyridoxine) and allows for concurrent measurement of both the pyridoxal and riboflavin 5′-phosphate endogenous components of milk. Other naturally occurring undetected vitamin congeners have minimal analytical significance. UV detection is used for niacinamide, and programmed fluorescence detection is used for riboflavin and the B6 vitamins. Thiamine is routinely determined sequentially under modified elution conditions.
Determination of Volatile Residual Solvents in Traditional Chinese Medicines by Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction and Cryogenic Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection
Authors: Liu Jiemin , Zhou Qunfang , Jiang Guibin , Liu Jingfu , Liu Jiyan , Wen Meijuan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
A method based on headspace solid-phase microextraction and cryogenic gas chromatography with flame ionization detection was developed for the determination of volatile residual solvents in traditional Chinese medicines. A laboratory-made cryogenic chromatographic system was used for the separation of 15 kinds of residual solvents. During the analysis, a 65 μm PDMS/DVB fiber was used to extract the residual solvents, the extraction time was controlled at 0°C for 15 min, and the NaCl content of the sample was maintained at 30%. The limits of detection ranged from 0.08 (for octane) to 5000 μg/L (for ethanol), and the relative standard deviations were &lt;8%. The recoveries from spiked samples ranged from 88 to 112%. Trace levels of residual solvents in several traditional Chinese medicines were effectively identified and quantified.
Level of Endogenous Formaldehyde in Maple Syrup as Determined by Spectrofluorimetry
Authors: Lagacé Luc , Guay Stéphane , Martin Nathalie 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The level of endogenous formaldehyde in maplea syrup was established from a large number (n = 300) of authentic maple syrup samples collected during 2000 and 2001 in the province of Quebec, Canada. The average level of formalde-hyde from these authentic samples was measured at 0.18 mg/kg in 2000 and 0.28 mg/kg in 2001, which is lower than previously published. These average values can be attributed to the improved spectrofluorimetric method used for the determination. However, the formaldehyde values obtained demonstrate a relatively large distribution with maximums observed at 1.04 and 1.54 mg/kg. These values are still under the maximum tolerance level of 2.0 mg/kg paraformaldehyde pesticide residue. Extensive heat treatment of maple syrup samples greatly enhanced the formaldehyde concentration of the samples, suggesting that extensive heat degradation of the sap constituents during evaporation could be responsible for the highest formal-dehyde values in maple syrup.
Determination of Seventeen Polar/Thermolabile Pesticides in Apples and Apricots by Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zrostlíková Jitka , Hajšlová Jana , Kovalczuk Tomáš , Štěpán Radim , Poustka Jan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
A simple liquid chromatography/mass spectrome-try (LC/MS) approach for the determination of widely used representatives of polar/thermolabile pesticides in fruits was developed and validated. The group of pesticides comprised benzimidazoles and azoles (carbendazim, thiabendazole, imazalil, propiconazole, prochloraz, epoxiconazole, flusilazole, tebuconazole, bitertanol); N-methylcarbamates (carbaryl, carbofuran, methiocarb); and phenylureas and benzoylphenylureas (linuron, diflubenzuron, triflumuron, teflubenzuron, flufenoxuron). Matrixes (apple, apricot) were extracted with acetonitrile and crude extracts were cleaned up by solid-phase ex-traction (SPE) using either mixed cation exchange or hydrophilic lipophilic balance cartridges. LC separation of pesticides was performed on a reversed-phase column, Discovery C18. Electrospray ionization and ion trap MS/MS detection were applied. For most pesticides, overall recoveries ranged from 75 to 122%, and repeatability (as relative standard deviation) from 5 repetitive determinations of recovery ranged from 3 to 21%. Carbofuran was the only compound for which recovery was not satisfactory due to its loss in the SPE cleanup step. Limits of detection were 0.1–3 μg/kg for benzimidazole and azole fungicides and carbamate insecticides. For urea insecticides, detection limits were slightly higher (3–10 μg/kg).
ISO 17025: Practical Benefits of Implementing a Quality System
Authors: Honsa Julie D , McIntyre Deborah A 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
As a laboratory certified to ISO 9001:2000 and accredited to ISO 17025, rtech laboratories has incorporated an overall system for technical and quality management, which results in benefits observed in daily laboratory practices. Technical requirements were updated to include the addition of formal personnel training plans and detailed records, method development and validation procedures, measurement of method uncertainty, and a defined equipment calibration and maintenance program. In addition, a stronger definition of the sample preparation process was documented to maintain consistency in sampling, and a more rigorous quality control monitoring program was implemented for chemistry and microbiology. Management quality improvements focused on document control to maintain consistent analytical processes, improved monitoring of supplier performance, a contract review process for documenting customer requirements, and a system for handling customer comments and complaints, with continuous improvement through corrective and preventive action procedures and audits. Quarterly management review of corrective actions, nonconforming testing, and proficiency testing aid in determining long-term trending. The practical benefits of these technical and management quality improvements are seen on a daily basis in the laboratory. Faster identification and resolution of issues regarding methods, personnel or equipment, improved customer satisfaction, meeting quality requirements of specialized customers, and overall increased laboratory business are all the result of implementing an effective quality system.
Indicator Organisms for Safety and Quality—Uses and Methods for Detection: Minireview
Authors: Tortorello Mary L 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Indicator organisms have been used for nearly a century to assess the microbiological status of water and foods. Beginning with their use in water sanitation programs, their applications have been extended over the years to other products, and they have become important components of the microbiological testing programs of both industry and regulatory agencies. Functionally, they may be viewed as safety or quality indicators. Safety indicators suggest the presence of conditions associated with increased risk of exposure to a pathogen. Quality indicators assess conditions of importance to product manufacture or consumer acceptability. This minireview summarizes the history, use, and analytical methods for the most commonly used indicator organisms, including the aerobic plate count, yeasts and molds, the coliform groups, Escherichia coli, Enterobacteriaceae, and Listeria.
A Rapid Cleanup Method for the Isolation and Concentration of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Comfrey Root
Authors: Gray Dean E , Porter Andrew , O'Neill Terry , Harris Roger K , Rottinghaus George E 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Preparations from comfrey (Symphytum officinale and S. x uplandicum) root and leaf contain varying levels of the hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). Reference compounds for comfrey are not commercially available, and there is currently no rapid extraction or analytical method capable of determining low levels in raw materials or as adulterants in commercially available extracts. A solid-phase extraction (SPE) method was developed using an Ergosil cleanup column that specifically binds the PAs. With this method, powdered comfrey root was extracted by sonication and shaking with basic chloroform. The extract was applied to the cleanup column under vacuum, washed with 2 mL acetone–chloroform (8 + 2, v/v) followed by 2 mL petroleum ether to remove excess chloroform. The column was dried under vacuum, and the PAs were eluted with 2 successive 1 mL aliquots methanol. Percent recoveries of the PAs following Ergosil SPE had an overall average of 96.8%, with RSD of 3.8% over a range of 1.0 to 25.0 g extracted in 100 mL. Average precision of the method (n = 3 over 4 extraction concentrations) gave an overall RSD of 6.0% for the 5 alkaloids, with a range of 0.8% (5 g in 100 mL) to 11.2% (25 g in 100 mL). Recovery optimization testing showed that 1.0 g comfrey root extracted in 100 mL yielded the greatest recovery (% dry weight) of the PAs, with an extraction efficiency and accuracy of 94.2%, and RSD of 1.7% (n = 9). The unique properties of the Ergosil cleanup column provide rapid sample cleanup, volume reduction, and concentration of PAs from comfrey extracts, and allow the eluant to be analyzed directly by traditional chromatographic methods.