bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synergistic effects of magnesium oxysulte whisker and multiwalled carbon nanotube on flame retardancy, smoke suppression, and thermal properties of polypropylene
Authors: Dang Li , Tang Delin , Du Xinliu , Zhao Yuntian , Lv Zhihui , Zhu Donghai , Cui Xiangmei 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn this work, multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)‐modified magnesium oxysulfate whisker (MOSw) (MOSw‐MWCNT) is successfully synthesized via a facial hydrothermal method. MWCNT is bonded on the surface of MOSw via a bidentate bridging mode of the carboxylate ligation without changing their crystal structures. Then MOSw‐MWCNT is incorporated into polypropylene (PP) matrix to prepare series of PP/MOSw‐MWCNT composites via melt blending. Cone calorimetry test, horizontal and vertical test, and limit oxygen index (LOI) results all show a significant synergistic effect of MOSw and MWCNT on flame‐retardant PP. PP/7MOSw‐3MWCNT composite exhibits the lowest peak heat release rate, total heat release, peak smoke production rate, total smoke production, and burning speed of 332.3 kW/m2, 87.4 MJ/m2, 0.0212 m2/s, 47.7 m2and 23.2 mm/min, respectively. The LOI value of PP/7MOSw‐3MWCNT composite is increased to 23.1% from 18.0% of neat PP. The scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectra of residue char indicate that the degree of graphitization and compactness of the residue char are increased with the amount of MWCNT. The introduction of MOSw and MWCNT both improves the thermal stability of PP matrix, but the excess MWCNT leads to the decomposition of the unstable residue char since its excellent thermal conductivity.
Recombinant Adenosine Deaminase Ameliorates Inflammation, Vascular Disease, and Fibrosis in Preclinical Models of Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Zhang Yun , Zhu Honglin , Layritz Florian , Luo Hui , Wohlfahrt Thomas , Chen Chih‐Wei , Soare Alina , Bergmann Christina , Ramming Andreas , Groeber Florian , Reuter Christian , Fornasini GianFranco , Soukhareva Nadejda , Schreiber Brian , Ramamurthy Santosh , Amann Kerstin , Schett Georg , Distler Jörg H. W. 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by fibrosis, vascular disease, and inflammation. Adenosine signaling plays a central role in fibroblast activation. We undertook this study to evaluate the therapeutic effects of adenosine depletion with PEGylated adenosine deaminase (PEG‐ADA) in preclinical models of SSc.MethodsThe effects of PEG‐ADA on inflammation, vascular remodeling, and tissue fibrosis were analyzed in Fra‐2 mice and in a B10.D2→BALB/c (H‐2d) model of sclerodermatous chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD). The effects of PEG‐ADA were confirmed in vitro in a human full‐thickness skin model.ResultsPEG‐ADA effectively inhibited myofibroblast differentiation and reduced pulmonary fibrosis by 34.3% (with decreased collagen expression) (P = 0.0079; n = 6), dermal fibrosis by 51.8% (P = 0.0006; n = 6), and intestinal fibrosis by 17.7% (P = 0.0228; n = 6) in Fra‐2 mice. Antifibrotic effects of PEG‐ADA were also demonstrated in sclerodermatous chronic GVHD (reduced by 38.4%) (P = 0.0063; n = 8), and in a human full‐thickness skin model. PEG‐ADA treatment decreased inflammation and corrected the M2/Th2/group 2 innate lymphoid cell 2 bias. Moreover, PEG‐ADA inhibited proliferation of pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells (reduced by 40.5%) (P < 0.0001; n = 6), and prevented thickening of the vessel walls (reduced by 39.6%) (P = 0.0028; n = 6) and occlusions of pulmonary arteries (reduced by 63.9%) (P = 0.0147; n = 6). Treatment with PEG‐ADA inhibited apoptosis of microvascular endothelial cells (reduced by 65.4%) (P = 0.0001; n = 6) and blunted the capillary rarefication (reduced by 32.5%) (P = 0.0199; n = 6). RNA sequencing demonstrated that treatment with PEG‐ADA normalized multiple pathways related to fibrosis, vasculopathy, and inflammation in Fra‐2 mice.ConclusionTreatment with PEG‐ADA ameliorates the 3 cardinal features of SSc in pharmacologically relevant and well‐tolerated doses. These findings may have direct translational implications, as PEG‐ADA has already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with ADA‐deficient severe combined immunodeficiency disease.
Salivary Gland Mucosa‐Associated Lymphoid Tissue–Type Lymphoma From Sjögren’s Syndrome Patients in the Majority Express Rheumatoid Factors Affinity‐Selected for IgG
Authors: Bende Richard J. , Janssen Jerry , Beentjes Anna , Wormhoudt Thera A. M. , Wagner Koen , Haacke Erlin A. , Kroese Frans G. M. , Guikema Jeroen E. J. , van Noesel Carel J. M. 
Published: March 2020

ObjectivePatients with Sjӧgren's syndrome (SS) have an increased risk of developing malignant B cell lymphomas, particularly mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)–type lymphomas. We have previously shown that a predominant proportion of patients with SS‐associated salivary gland MALT lymphoma express somatically hypermutated IgM with strong amino acid sequence homology with stereotypic rheumatoid factors (RFs). The present study was undertaken in a larger cohort of patients with SS‐associated MALT lymphoma to more firmly assess the frequency of RF reactivity and the significance of somatic IGV‐region mutations for RF reactivity.MethodsB cell antigen receptors (BCRs) of 16 patients with SS‐associated salivary gland MALT lymphoma were analyzed. Soluble recombinant IgM was produced of 12 MALT lymphoma samples, including 1 MALT lymphoma sample that expressed an IgM antibody fitting in a novel IGHV3‐30–encoded stereotypic IGHV subset. For 4 of the 12 IgM antibodies from MALT lymphoma samples, the somatically mutated IGHV and IGKV gene sequences were reverted to germline configurations. Their RF activity and binding affinity were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and surface plasmon resonance, respectively.ResultsNine (75%) of the 12 IgM antibodies identified in patients with SS‐associated salivary gland MALT lymphoma displayed strong monoreactive RF activity. Reversion of the IGHV and IGKV mutations to germline configuration resulted in RF affinities for IgG that were significantly lower for 3 of the 4 somatically mutated IgM antibodies. In stereotypic IGHV3‐7/IGKV3‐15–encoded RFs, a recurrent replacement mutation in the IGKV3‐15–third complementarity‐determining region was found to play a pivotal role in the affinity for IgG‐Fc.ConclusionA majority of patients with SS‐associated salivary gland MALT lymphoma express somatically mutated BCRs that are selected for monoreactive, high‐affinity binding of IgG‐Fc. These data underscore the notion that soluble IgG, most likely in immune complexes in inflamed tissues, is the principal autoantigen in the pathogenesis of a variety of B cell lymphomas, particularly SS‐associated MALT lymphomas.
UCH‐L3 promotes non‐small cell lung cancer proliferation via accelerating cell cycle and inhibiting cell apoptosis
Authors: Li Guoping , Jin Xiaosheng , Zheng Jisheng , Jiang Na , Shi Wang 
Published: March 2020

AbstractUbiquitin C‐terminal hydrolase‐L3 (UCH‐L3) is a deubiquitinase that has a crucial role in oncogenesis. This study was aimed to explore the biological function of UCH‐L3 in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Bioinformatics analysis was used to detect UCH‐L3 expression in NSCLC tissues and normal lung tissues, and to analyze the relationship between UCH‐L3 expression and survival of patients. qRT‐PCR and western blotting assays were used to detect UCH‐L3 expression in NSCLC tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues. CCK‐8 assay was performed to examine the effect of UCH‐L3 on NSCLC cell proliferation. Flow cytometry assay was conducted to examine the effect of UCH‐L3 on NSCLC cell cycle and apoptosis. The expression of UCH‐L3 in NSCLC tissues was markedly higher than in normal lung tissues, and high expression of UCH‐L3 was positively associated with the poor survival of patients. UCH‐L3 knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation of NSCLC cells, whereas UCH‐L3 overexpression had the opposite effect. Moreover, UCH‐L3 promoted NSCLC cells proliferation via accelerating cell cycle and inhibiting cell apoptosis. UCH‐L3 is upregulated in NSCLC and positively associated with the poor survival, and its expression contributes to NSCLC cell proliferation by accelerating cell cycle and inhibiting cell apoptosis.
Hydrocyclones as cell retention device for CHO perfusion processes in single‐use bioreactors
Authors: Bettinardi Ioná W. , Castan Andreas , Medronho Ricardo A. , Castilho Leda R. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn this study, a hydrocyclone (HC) especially designed for mammalian cell separation was applied for the separation of Chinese hamster ovary cells. The effect of key features on the separation efficiency, such as type of pumphead in the peristaltic feed pump, use of an auxiliary pump to control the perfusate flow rate, and tubing size in the recirculation loop were evaluated in batch separation tests. Based on these preliminary batch tests, the HC was then integrated to 50‐L disposable bioreactor bags. Three perfusion runs were performed, including one where perfusion was started from a low‐viability late fed‐batch culture, and viability was restored. The successive runs allowed optimization of the HC‐bag configuration, and cultivations with 20–25 days duration at cell concentrations up to 50 × 106 cells/ml were performed. Separation efficiencies up to 96% were achieved at pressure drops up to 2.5 bar, with no issues of product retention. To our knowledge, this is the first report in literature of high cell densities obtained with a HC integrated to a disposable perfusion bioreactor.
Core outcome set for uncomplicated acute appendicitis in children and young people
Authors: Sherratt F C , Allin B S R , Kirkham J J , Walker E , Young B , Wood W , Beasant L , Eaton S , Hall N J ,   Appendicitis Core Outcome Set Study Group, Rex D , Kalka K , Marven S , Rae J , Sotirios S , Braungart S , Gee O , Skerritt C , Lakshminarayanan B , Lisseter R , Brampton R , Luedekke L , Corbett H 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
Research studies to inform clinical practice and policy in children and young people with appendicitis are hampered by inconsistent selection and reporting of outcomes. The aim of this study was to develop a core outcome set for reporting all studies of uncomplicated acute appendicitis in children and young people.

Methods
Systematic literature reviews, qualitative interviews with parents and patients treated for uncomplicated acute appendicitis, and a Study-Specific Advisory Group informed a long list of outcomes. Outcomes were then prioritized by stakeholders based in the UK (patients, parents, and paediatric and general surgeons) in an online three-round Delphi consensus process, followed by face-to-face consensus meetings.

Results
A long list of 40 items was scored by 147 key stakeholders in the first Delphi round, of whom 90 completed the two subsequent Delphi rounds. The final core outcome set comprises 14 outcomes: intra-abdominal abscess, reoperation (including interventional radiology procedure), readmission to hospital, bowel obstruction, wound infection, antibiotic failure, wound complication, negative appendicectomy, recurrent appendicitis, death, patient stress/psychological distress, length of hospital stay, time away from full activity and child's quality of life.

Conclusion
A core outcome set comprising 14 outcomes across five key domains has been developed for reporting studies in children and young people with uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Further work is required to determine how and when to measure these outcomes.
Bias reduction in the quantitative analysis of a target analyte present in a limited quantity in human plasma using dual‐mode heart‐cutting two‐dimensional liquid chromatography coupled with isotope dilution mass spectrometry
Authors: Hyung Seok‐Won , Kim Byungjoo 
Published: March 2020

AbstractDual‐mode heart‐cutting two‐dimensional liquid chromatography (DMHC 2D‐LC) was applied to isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) to reduce the bias in the quantitative analysis of a target analyte present in a limited quantity in human plasma. Based on a Waters I‐Class LC system, the DMHC 2D‐LC system was operated in one‐ and two‐dimensional modes to facilitate the determination of heart‐cutting time and the efficient trapping of the target LC eluate. Experiments to determine the feasibility of coupling with IDMS were performed with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry using folic acid standards and/or 13C5‐folic acid. To validate the performance of the DMHC 2D‐LC/IDMS system on a complex sample, human plasma was analyzed for folic acid and the result was compared with that obtained using conventional single‐column LC. The total run time of the DMHC 2D‐LC system was 20 min, the same as that of the single‐column LC system. The peak profile of the spiked 13C5‐folic acid obtained with single‐column LC/MS was affected by matrix effects, but resolved with DMHC 2D‐LC/MS, thus improving the accuracy of the analysis. The DMHC 2D‐LC/IDMS system showed reliable performance in analyzing the target analyte in human plasma, eliminating matrix effects and saving analysis time.
The relationship between lifestyle and serum neurofilament light protein in Huntington’s disease
Authors: Cruickshank Travis , Bartlett Danielle , Govus Andrew , Hannan Anthony , Teo Wei‐Peng , Mason Sarah , Lo Johnny , Ziman Mel 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectivesSerum neurofilament light protein (NfL) is a promising marker of disease onset and progression in Huntington's disease (HD). This study investigated associations between lifestyle factors and NfL levels in HD mutation carriers compared to healthy age‐ and sex‐matched controls.Materials and MethodsParticipants included 29 HD mutation carriers and 15 healthy controls. Associations between serum NfL concentrations and lifestyle factors, including cardiorespiratory fitness, social network size and diversity, physical activity, cognitive reserve, smoking status, and alcohol consumption, were examined using a stepwise multivariable linear regression model.ResultsHigher NfL levels were associated with lower cognitive reserve, social network size and diversity and cardiorespiratory fitness in HD mutation carriers. Group × lifestyle factor effects were observed between lower serum NfL levels and a greater social network diversity.ConclusionThese findings highlight a relationship between lifestyle factors and NfL levels in HD mutations carriers; however, longitudinal studies are required to confirm if these observed relationships persist over time.
Caesalpanins A–C, Three Dimeric Cassane Diterpenoids from the Seeds of Caesalpinia sappan L.
Authors: Wang De‐Sheng , Nie Wei , Jiang Ting‐Ting , Ding Lin‐Fen , Song Liu‐Dong , Wu Xing‐De , Zhao Qin‐Shi 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThree dimeric cassane diterpenoids, caesalpanins A–C, were isolated from the seeds of Caesalpinia sappan L., as well as three known compounds. Their structures were determined via analysis of 1D‐, 2D‐NMR, and HR‐ESI‐MS data. Caesalpanins A and B were the second and third compounds that presented a nitrogen‐containing cassane diterpenoid dimer linked through one ether bond between C‐19 and C‐20′. Caesalpanin B exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity against MCF‐7 cell lines with IC50 value of 29.98 μm. Caesalpanins A and B had weak inhibitory effects against LPS‐induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 macrophages at 50 μm with inhibitory rate of 36.01 % and 32.93 %, respectively.
Divergent Members of the Nitrogenase Superfamily: Tetrapyrrole Biosynthesis and Beyond
Authors: Ghebreamlak Selamawit M. , Mansoorabadi Steven O. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe nitrogenase superfamily constitutes a large and diverse ensemble of two‐component metalloenzymes. These systems couple the hydrolysis of ATP to the reduction of disparate substrates from diatomic gases (Mo and alternative nitrogenases) to photosynthetic pigments (protochlorophyllide and chlorophyllide oxidoreductases). Only very recently have the activities of the highly divergent and paraphyletic Group IV nitrogenases begun to be uncovered. This review highlights the first characterized member of this group, which was found to catalyze an unprecedented reaction in the coenzyme F430 biosynthetic pathway, and the catalytic potential of a superfamily that has yet to be fully explored.
Chlorophyllide a oxidoreductase Preferentially Catalyzes 8‐Vinyl Reduction over B‐Ring Reduction of 8‐Vinyl Chlorophyllide a in the Late Steps of Bacteriochlorophyll Biosynthesis
Authors: Yamamoto Haruki , Mizoguchi Tadashi , Tsukatani Yusuke , Tamiaki Hitoshi , Kurisu Genji , Fujita Yuichi 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBacteriochlorophyll a (BChl) is an essential pigment for anoxygenic photosynthesis. In late steps of the BChl biosynthesis of Rhodobacter capsulatus, the C8 vinyl group and C7=C8 double bond of 8‐vinyl chlorophyllide a (8 V‐Chlide) are reduced by a C8 vinyl reductase (8VR), BciA, and a nitrogenase‐like enzyme, chlorophyllide a oxidoreductase (COR), respectively, to produce 3‐vinyl‐bacteriochlorphyllide a. Recently, we discovered 8VR activity in COR. However, the kinetic parameters of the COR 8VR activity remain unknown, while those of the COR C7=C8 reductase activity and BciA have been reported. Here, we determined the kinetic parameters of COR 8VR activity by using 8 V‐Chlide. The Km value for 8 V‐Chlide was 1.4 μM, which is much lower than the 6.2 μM determined for the C7=C8 reduction of Chlide. The kinetic parameters of the dual activities of COR suggest that COR catalyzes the reduction of the C8 vinyl group of 8 V‐Chlide preferentially over C7=C8 reduction when both substrates are supplied during BChl biosynthesis.
Functional Characterisation of ClpP Mutations Conferring Resistance to Acyldepsipeptide Antibiotics in Firmicutes
Authors: Malik Imran T. , Pereira Rebeca , Vielberg Marie‐Theres , Mayer Christian , Straetener Jan , Thomy Dhana , Famulla Kirsten , Castro Helena , Sass Peter , Groll Michael , Brötz‐Oesterhelt Heike 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAcyldepsipeptide (ADEP) is an exploratory antibiotic with a novel mechanism of action. ClpP, the proteolytic core of the caseinolytic protease, is deregulated towards unrestrained proteolysis. Here, we report on the mechanism of ADEP resistance in Firmicutes. This bacterial phylum contains important pathogens that are relevant for potential ADEP therapy. For Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, enterococci and streptococci, spontaneous ADEP‐resistant mutants were selected in vitro at a rate of 10−6. All isolates carried mutations in clpP. All mutated S. aureus ClpP proteins characterised in this study were functionally impaired; this increased our understanding of the mode of operation of ClpP. For molecular insights, crystal structures of S. aureus ClpP bound to ADEP4 were determined. Well‐resolved N‐terminal domains in the apo structure allow the pore‐gating mechanism to be followed. The compilation of mutations presented here indicates residues relevant for ClpP function and suggests that ADEP resistance will occur at a lower rate during the infection process.
Engineering a Highly Active Sucrose Isomerase for Enhanced Product Specificity by Using a “Battleship” Strategy
Authors: Pilak Patrick , Schiefner André , Seiboth Judith , Oehrlein Johannes , Skerra Arne 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe sucrose isomerase SmuA from Serratia plymuthica efficiently catalyses the isomerisation of sucrose into isomaltulose, an artificial sweetener used in the food industry. However, the formation of a hygroscopic by‐product, trehalulose, necessitates additional separation to obtain a crystalline product. Therefore, we have improved the product specificity of SmuA by first introducing a few exploratory amino acid exchanges around the active site and investigating their influence. Then, we devised a second set of mutations, either at promising positions from the preceding cycle, but with a different side chain, or at alternative positions in the vicinity. After seven iterative cycles involving just 55 point mutations, we obtained the triple mutant Y219L/D398G/V465E which showed 2.3 times less trehalulose production but still had high catalytic efficiency (kcat/KM=11.8 mM−1 s−1). Not only does this mutant SmuA appear attractive as an industrial biocatalyst, but our semirational protein‐engineering strategy, which resembles the battleship board game, should be of interest for other challenging enzyme optimization endeavours.
In Vitro Selection of New DNA Aptamers for Human Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor 165
Authors: Manochehry Sepehr , Gu Jimmy , McConnell Erin M. , Salena Bruno J. , Li Yingfu 
Published: March 2020

AbstractTwo DNA aptamers that bind the heparin‐binding domain (HBD) of the human vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF‐165) have been previously reported. Although VEGF‐165 is a homodimeric protein and the two aptamers have different sequences and secondary structures, the aptamers appear to occupy the same binding site and cannot form a 2 : 1 aptamer/protein complex, thus making them unsuitable for creating a higher‐affinity dimeric DNA aptamer. This has motivated us to conduct a new in vitro selection experiment to search for new VEGF‐165‐binding DNA aptamers with different properties. We undertook a multistream selection strategy in which the concentration of VEGF‐165 was varied significantly. We carried out 11 rounds of selection, and next‐generation sequencing was conducted for every round in each stream. From comprehensive sequence analysis, we identified four classes of DNA aptamers, of which two were reported before, but two are new DNA aptamers. One of the new aptamers exhibits a unique property that has never been observed before: it is capable of forming the 2 : 1 aptamer/protein complex with VEGF‐165. This work has expanded the repertoire of VEGF‐165‐binding DNA aptamers and creates a possibility to engineer a higher affinity homodimeric aptamer for VEGF‐165.
Promotion and Inhibition of the Oxidase‐Mimicking Activity of Nanoceria by Phosphate, Polyphosphate, and DNA
Authors: Zhao Yilin , Li Haotian , Lopez Anand , Su Haijia , Liu Juewen 
Published: March 2020

AbstractNanoceria (CeO2 nanoparticles) is an extensively studied nanozyme with interesting oxidase‐mimicking activity. As they can work in the absence of toxic and unstable H2O2, CeO2 nanoparticles have been widely used in biosensing. CeO2 nanoparticles often encounter phosphate‐containing molecules that can affect their catalytic activity, and various reports exist in the literature showing both promoted and inhibited activity. In this work, we systematically studied five types of phosphate: orthophosphate, pyrophosphate, triphosphate, trimetaphosphate, and a polyphosphate with 25 phosphate units (Pi25). In addition, DNA oligonucleotides of various length and sequence. DNA was included as they contain a phosphate backbone that can strongly adsorb on nanoceria. We observed that a high concentration of DNA in acetate buffer inhibited activity, whereas a low concentration of DNA in phosphate buffer increased activity. The change of activity was also related to the type of substrate and related to the aggregation of CeO2. These discoveries provide an important understanding for the further use of CeO2 nanoparticles in biosensor development, materials science, and nanotechnology.