bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A validated, sensitive electrophoretic method for the detection of activin receptor type II‐Fc fusion proteins in human blood
Authors: Martin L. , Zouhiri N. , Audran M. , Marchand A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractNew therapeutic proteins that trap circulating members of the transforming growth factor (TGF) beta superfamily (activins and growth differentiation factors) show promising effects on erythropoiesis and muscular growth. They are dimeric recombinant fusion proteins composed of the extracellular domain of a human activin receptor (ActRIIA or IIB) linked to the Fc part of human IgG1. Sotatercept (ActRIIA‐Fc) and Luspatercept (a modified ActRIIB‐Fc) in particular are now in phase 2/3 of clinical trials against anemia and included in the prohibited list established by the World Anti‐Doping Agency. To prevent a potential misuse by athletes in the near future, a robust and sensitive method of detection is needed. We validated an approach adapted from an electrophoretic method used for the detection of recombinant erythropoietins that allowed detection of various ActRIIA‐Fc and ActRIIB‐Fc proteins, including variants produced in different cell types, after a single immuno‐extraction step. After separation by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), an initial testing procedure performed by single‐blotting can indicate the presence of an ActRII‐Fc (indifferently type IIA or IIB). A confirmation performed by double‐blotting using different antibodies for detection allows a more precise identification of the type of ActRII‐Fc (IIA, IIB). Starting from a few hundred microliters of serum or plasma, this method is specific, sensitive, and easy to perform. It could easily be adopted by anti‐doping laboratories.
Disparities in eating disorder diagnosis and treatment according to weight status, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic background, and sex among college students
Authors: Sonneville K. R. , Lipson S. K. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectiveEating disorders (EDs) present a significant threat to the health of adolescents and young adults, yet remain under‐diagnosed and under‐treated at a population‐level. EDs have historically been thought to afflict “skinny, white, affluent girls” (the SWAG stereotype). As such, higher‐weight individuals, racial/ethnic minorities, those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, and males may not recognize their need for treatment, may not be properly screened for EDs, and/or may not be referred to treatment.MethodUsing large‐scale survey data from the healthy bodies study, we examined variations in prevalence of perceived need for ED treatment, ED diagnosis, past‐year ED treatment, and treatment barriers according to weight status, race, socioeconomic background, and sex among undergraduate and graduate students with symptoms of an ED (N = 1,747).ResultsAmong students with symptoms of an ED, 30.7% perceived a need for treatment, 10.5% had received a diagnosis, and 13.6% had received treatment in the past year. Individual characteristics were highly associated with perceived need, diagnosis, and past‐year treatment. Females were more likely than males to perceive a need for treatment (OR = 1.97), to be diagnosed (OR = 4.66), and to be treated (OR = 1.64) for their ED symptoms. Socioeconomic background was associated with perceived need for treatment and past‐year treatment, with students from affluent backgrounds having higher odds of perceiving need (OR = 1.52) and of receiving treatment (OR = 1.89) compared with their non‐affluent peers.DiscussionAt a population‐level, the unmet need for ED treatment disproportionately affects certain groups. Stereotypes about who develops EDs could contribute to disparities in ED treatment and outcomes.
Imagery rescripting and cognitive dissonance: A randomized controlled trial of two brief online interventions for women at risk of developing an eating disorder
Authors: Pennesi Jamie‐Lee , Wade Tracey D. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectiveThis pilot study compared two brief online interventions, imagery rescripting and cognitive dissonance, to an assessment‐only control condition in a sample of body‐dissatisfied young women at risk of developing an eating disorder. We examined the degree to which each intervention reduced disordered eating and modified risk and protective factors for eating disorders.MethodFemale university students (N =107, 17–28 years of age) completed a screening questionnaire, followed by random allocation to one of the three conditions, followed by a baseline assessment, body dissatisfaction induction, and brief online intervention. Participants in the active conditions then completed online daily home practice and a postintervention questionnaire.ResultsFindings provide qualified support for the imagery rescripting intervention, with participants reporting higher body image acceptance (Cohen'sd = 0.49) than the cognitive dissonance condition, and higher self‐compassion (d = 0.59) and lower levels of disordered eating (d = 0.59) than the control condition, at postintervention. There was no significant impact of cognitive dissonance on any factors. Change in body image acceptance and self‐compassion mediated the relationship between allocated condition and change in disordered eating at postintervention.DiscussionThese findings provide preliminary support for the use of online‐adapted imagery‐based techniques (e.g., imagery rescripting) to reduce risk for the development of an eating disorder by strengthening protective factors (i.e., body image acceptance and self‐compassion) and reducing disordered eating. Further exploration of the use of imagery strategies in the prevention of disordered eating is required, including prospective tests of the mechanisms of action.
The influence of biogeographic history on the functional and phylogenetic diversity of passerine birds in savannas and forests of the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Almeida Sara Miranda , Juen Leandro , Sobral Fernando Landa , Santos Marcos Pérsio Dantas 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPasseriformes is the largest and most diverse avian order in the world and comprises the Passeri and Tyranni suborders. These suborders constitute a monophyletic group, but differ in their ecology and history of occupation of South America. We investigated the influence of biogeographic history on functional and phylogenetic diversities of Passeri and Tyranni in forest and savanna habitats in the Brazilian Amazon. We compiled species composition data for 34 Passeriformes assemblages, 12 in savannas and 22 in forests. We calculated the functional (Rao's quadratic entropy, FDQ) and phylogenetic diversities (mean pairwise distance, MPD, and mean nearest taxon distance, MNTD), and the functional beta diversity to investigate the potential role of biogeographic history in shaping ecological traits and species lineages of both suborders. The functional diversity of Passeri was higher than for Tyranni in both habitats. The MPD for Tyranni was higher than for Passeri in forests; however, there was no difference between the suborders in savannas. In savannas, Passeri presented higher MNTD than Tyranni, while in forest areas, Tyranni assemblages showed higher MNTD than Passeri. We found a high functional turnover (~75%) between Passeri and Tyranni in both habitats. The high functional diversity of Passeri in both habitats is due to the high diversity of ecological traits exhibited by species of this group, which enables the exploitation of a wide variety of resources and foraging strategies. The higher Tyranni MPD and MNTD in forests is likely due to Tyranni being older settlers in this habitat, resulting in the emergence and persistence of more lineages. The higher Passeri MNTD in savannas can be explained by the existence of a larger number of different Passeri lineages adapted to this severe habitat. The high functional turnover between the suborders in both habitats suggests an ecological strategy to avoid niche overlap.
Brain‐resident memory CD8+ T cells induced by congenital CMV infection prevent brain pathology and virus reactivation
Authors: Brizić Ilija , Šušak Božo , Arapović Maja , Huszthy Peter C. , Hiršl Lea , Kveštak Daria , Juranić Lisnić Vanda , Golemac Mijo , Pernjak Pugel Ester , Tomac Jelena , Oxenius Annette , Britt William J. , Arapović Jurica , Krmpotić Astrid , Jonjić Stipan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCongenital HCMV infection is a leading infectious cause of long‐term neurodevelopmental sequelae. Infection of newborn mice with mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) intraperitoneally is a well‐established model of congenital human cytomegalovirus infection, which best recapitulates the hematogenous route of virus spread to brain and subsequent pathology. Here, we used this model to investigate the role, dynamics, and phenotype of CD8+ T cells in the brain following infection of newborn mice. We show that CD8+ T cells infiltrate the brain and form a pool of tissue‐resident memory T cells (TRM cells) that persist for lifetime. Adoptively transferred virus‐specific CD8+ T cells provide protection against primary MCMV infection in newborn mice, reduce brain pathology, and remain in the brain as TRM cells. Brain CD8+ TRM cells were long‐lived, slowly proliferating cells able to respond to local challenge infection. Importantly, brain CD8+ TRM cells controlled latent MCMV and their depletion resulted in virus reactivation and enhanced inflammation in brain.
Ultrasound Waves Increase the Yield and Carotenoid Content of Lipid Extracted From Cephalothorax of Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
Authors: Gulzar Saqib , Benjakul Soottawat 
Published: March 2018

Lipids from cephalothorax of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) are obtained using solvent extraction and ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE). Among all solvents used, the mixture of hexane:isopropane (1:1) provided the highest yield (25.32% dry weight basis) and carotenoid content (1.97 mg g−1 lipid). When ultrasonication with different amplitudes (50–90%) is used for 25 min, the highest yield is obtained at 80% amplitude (p < 0.05). With the same ultrasonication time, UAE with continuous mode rendered the higher yield than pulse mode (p < 0.05). Lipid extracted with hexane:isopropanol mixture with UAE process has the yield of 49.81%. Phospholipids are major constituents of lipids extracted by solvent extraction. However, more free fatty acids, mono, and diglycerides are found in lipids extracted by UAE process, indicating increased hydrolysis. UAE process resulted in higher oxidation of lipids as evidenced by increased peroxide values (PVs) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Those alterations are more pronounced in lipids extracted using UAE with continuous mode than pulse mode as confirmed by fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. Overall, UAE process markedly increased the yield of lipids from shrimp cephalothorax, but oxidation and hydrolysis took place to some degree.Practical Applications: Cephalothorax of Pacific white shrimp contains high value products, especially lipids rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and astaxanthin. These value‐added products can serve as excellent source of nutrients as well as bioactive compounds with proven health benefits. The extraction yield of lipid and carotenoid are significantly higher when UAE was implemented, compared to the conventional solvent extraction method. The lipids extracted by UAE process are found to have high free fatty acids (FFAs). The lipids rich in FFAs can be used as alternative raw material for manufacturing of biodiesel or other marketable products.Lipids from cephalothorax of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) are obtained using solvent extraction and ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE). Different solvents are used to investigate for the highest yield and a mixture of hexane:isopropanol (1:1) provided the highest yield of 25.32% (db). Ultrasonication with different amplitudes (50–90%) is used for 25 min and the highest yield is obtained at 80% amplitude with continuous mode.
Dual‐opposite multi‐walled carbon nanotube modified carbon fiber microelectrode for microfluidic chip‐capillary electrophoresis determination of methyl parathion metabolites in human urine
Authors: Du Fuying , Fung Ying‐Sing 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMethyl parathion (MP) is a highly toxic organophosphate and its exposure may lead to substantial adverse effects to human health. The existence of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) in the form of free phenol, glucuronide (4‐NP‐G) or as a sulfate ester (4‐NP‐S) can be used as biomarkers to assess the duration and extent of MP exposure. In this work, a MC‐CE device incorporating post‐CE amperometric detection using multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) modified carbon fiber microelectrode (CFME) was fabricated and assessed for simultaneous determination of 4‐NP, 4‐NP‐G, and 4‐NP‐S in human urine. The detection sensitivity and stability was greatly enhanced by the modification of MWNTs. The capability of the MC‐CE device with dual MWNTs modified CFME for detecting impurity was assessed and reliability established by high recoveries from 95 to 97% for spiked MP biomarkers. The method developed is shown to provide a simple, sensitive, and reliable means for monitoring 4‐NP, 4‐NP‐G, and 4‐NP‐S in human urine.
Preparation of enantiopure 1‐isopentyl‐3‐methyl‐3‐phospholene 1‐oxide via the formation of diastereomeric complexes
Authors: Bagi Péter , Juhász Kinga , Kállay Mihály , Hessz Dóra , Kubinyi Miklós , Fogassy Elemér , Keglevich György 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe resolution of 1‐isopentyl‐3‐methyl‐3‐phospholene 1‐oxide via the formation of diastereomeric complexes using TADDOL derivatives or the Ca2+‐salts of tartaric acid derivatives was studied. Both enantiomers of the 1‐isopentyl‐3‐phospholene oxide were prepared in an enantiopure form with (R,R)‐spiro‐TADDOL, or with the acidic Ca2+‐salt of O,O′‐dibenzoyl‐(R,R)‐tartaric acid. The absolute configuration of the 1‐isopentyl‐3‐phospholene oxide enantiomer with negative optical rotation was also substantiated by a study involving CD spectroscopy and theoretical calculations.
Retracted: LncRNA UCA1 impacts cell proliferation, invasion, and migration of pancreatic cancer through regulating miR‐96/FOXO3
Authors: Zhou Yongping , Chen Yigang , Ding Wenzhou , Hua Zhiyuan , Wang Liying , Zhu Ye , Qian Haixin , Dai Tu 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis study was expected to reveal the regulatory effects of lncRNA UCA1 on pancreatic cancer cell progression through targeting miR‐96/FOXO3. Microarray analysis was carried out on 36 cases of pancreatic cancer tissues and 16 cases of adjacent tissues among them. Expression levels of lncRNA UCA1, miR‐96, and FOXO3 in pancreatic cancer tissues and cell lines were determined by qRT‐PCR. Expression levels of FOXO3 protein were determined by western blot. Cell viability, cell cycle and apoptosis, cell invasion and migration were detected by CCK‐8, flow cytometry, and transwell assay, respectively. The colocalization relationship between lncRNA UCA1 and miR‐96 was detected by RNA FISH. Whether UCA1 could target miR‐96 and whether miR‐96 could target FOXO3 3′UTR were verified by dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. High expression of lncRNA UCA1 and FOXO3 and low expression of miR‐96 were shown in pancreatic cancer. Inhibition of UCA1 suppressed pancreatic tumor cell proliferation, colony formation, and metastasis, while inhibition of miR‐96 promoted pancreatic cancer cell progression. FOXO3 was the downstream target gene of miR‐96 and showed the opposite effects. LncRNA UCA1 promoted cell proliferation, invasion, migration and inhibited cell apoptosis of pancreatic cancer through down‐regulating miR‐96 and up‐regulating FOXO3. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(4):276–290, 2018
Aberrant KIF20A expression might independently predict poor overall survival and recurrence‐free survival of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lu Mingqin , Huang Xiaoying , Chen Yongping , Fu Yangyang , Xu Chaona , Xiang Wei , Li Cheng , Zhang Shengguo , Yu Chang 
Published: March 2018

AbstractKinesin family member 20A (KIF20A) is an essential regulator of cytokinesis. In this study, by performing a retrospective study based on data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)–Liver and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (LIHC) cohort, we tried to assess the independent prognostic value of KIF20A in terms of overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS). Results showed that normal liver tissues had very low KIF20A expression compared with normal tissues in other cohorts in TCGA. However, the primary HCC tissues (N = 371) had significantly elevated KIF20A expression than normal liver tissues (N = 50). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) data showed that normal hepatocytes had weak KIF20A staining. In comparison, some HCC tissues had medium and strong KIF20A expression, with nuclear‐enhanced staining. By grouping patients with primary HCC (N = 365) into high and low KIF20A expression groups, we found that the high expression group had a substantially higher proportion of high‐grade tumors (G3/G4) (34/65, 52.3% vs. 96/295, 32.5%, P = 0.0027), advanced tumors (stage III/IV) (28/61, 45.9% vs. 59/280, 21.1%, P < 0.0001) and death (44/67, 65.7% vs. 86/298, 28.9%, P < 0.0001) compared with the low expression group. Kaplan‐Meier curves of OS and RFS indicated that high KIF20A expression was associated with worse survival outcomes. Subgroup analysis confirmed the associations in G1/G2, G3/G4 tumors and in early and advanced stages. Following univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that KIF20A expression was an independent prognostic indicator for poor OS (HR: 1.304, 95%CI: 1.157–1.469, P < 0.001) and RFS (HR: 1.144, 95%CI: 1.028–1.272, P < 0.001). Based on these findings, we infer that KIF20A was aberrantly expressed in HCC tissues and its expression might independently predict poor OS and RFS. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(4):328–335, 2018
Concordance between point‐of‐care blood gas analysis and laboratory autoanalyzer in measurement of hemoglobin and electrolytes in critically ill patients
Authors: Prakash Shivesh , Bihari Shailesh , Lim Zhan Y. , Verghese Santosh , Kulkarni Hemant , Bersten Andrew D. 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundWe tested the hypothesis that the results of the same test performed on point‐of‐care blood gas analysis (BGA) machine and automatic analyzer (AA) machine in central laboratory have high degree of concordance in critical care patients and that the two test methods could be used interchangeably.MethodsWe analyzed 9398 matched pairs of BGA and AA results, obtained from 1765 patients. Concentration pairs of the following analytes were assessed: hemoglobin, glucose, sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate. We determined the agreement using concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and Bland‐Altman analysis. The difference in results was also assessed against the United States Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (US‐CLIA) 88 rules. The test results were considered to be interchangeable if they were within the US‐CLIA variability criteria and would not alter the clinical management when compared to each other.ResultsThe median time interval between sampling for BGA and AA in each result pair was 5 minutes. The CCC values ranged from 0.89(95% CI 0.89‐0.90) for chloride to 0.98(95% CI 0.98‐0.99) for hemoglobin. The largest bias was for hemoglobin. The limits of agreement relative to bias were largest for sodium, with 3.4% of readings outside the US‐CLIA variation rule. The number of readings outside the US‐CLIA acceptable variation was highest for glucose (7.1%) followed by hemoglobin (5.9%) and chloride (5.2%).ConclusionWe conclude that there is moderate to substantial concordance between AA and BGA machines on tests performed in critically ill patients. However, the two tests methods cannot be used interchangeably, except for potassium.
Influence of different sewage sludges and composts on growth, yield, and trace elements accumulation in rice and wheat
Authors: Riaz Umair , Murtaza Ghulam , Saifullah  , Farooq Muhammad 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe use of sewage sludge (SS) and solid waste composts in agriculture is considered as one of the best disposal options. In this study, impact of different composts and SS was evaluated on the soil quality, growth, and yield performance of rice and wheat crops. Four types of composts and SS were collected from different sources and applied in soil at 0.5% (5 g kg−1 soil) and 1.0% (10 g kg−1 soil) in comparison with chemical fertilizer (no SS/compost). The application of all types of composts at all the tested rates increased the straw and grain yields of both the crops compared with control. Nevertheless, application of Lahore compost and all SS (1.0%) resulted in a significant increase in the concentration of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in plant parts. The Cd concentration in rice grains with Lahore compost and Kasur SS applied at the rate of 1.0% was above the safe limit. The trace elements in wheat grains with all composts and SS at all the tested rates remained within safe limits. The release of amendment bound trace elements in soil solution was highly dependent upon dissolved organic carbon and concentration of these trace elements especially for Cu and Zn. Application of SS at low level (0.5%) and compost (except Lahore compost) at both levels could be a better strategy to exploit their benefits in terms of crop performance and soil quality. However, application of SS and compost at high rates may lead to accumulation of trace elements in rice grains limiting its suitability for human consumption.
Dry‐stone wall terrace monitoring and modelling
Authors: Preti Federico , Errico Alessandro , Caruso Marco , Dani Andrea , Guastini Enrico 
Published: March 2018

AbstractDry‐stone wall agricultural terraces are widespread all over the world and represent an effective retaining structure for farming purposes. However, dry‐stone walls can be subjected to degradation and damages, with complex and expensive maintenance. Such high costs are the most relevant drivers of land abandonment in many agricultural areas of Europe and of other continents, resulting in a progressive loss of cultivable surface, cultural heritages, and landscape traditional elements. Therefore, a more effective and efficient management of these systems is needed. As a contribution, in the present paper, an innovative modelling approach system is proposed. The presented model is able to describe hydrological processes on a terraced slope and to analyze the destabilizing pressures acting on the retaining dry‐stone walls in the most critical portion of each terrace. The model structure is based on the results of multidisciplinary field monitoring campaigns on water circulation in terraced landscapes carried out on a terraced vineyard (Lamole, Tuscany, Italy). A monitoring station was set up on a recently reconstructed dry‐stone wall, to measure the parameters influencing the pressures acting on the retaining structure. The results show a good capability of the model to predict the distribution and intensity of stresses on the instrumented dry‐stone wall over time and space. Such stresses were related to the earth pressure and to hydrostatic pressures (water accumulation), without the occurrence of soil saturation. Detecting the most failure‐prone portions of a terraced system, this approach can support landowners and land planners in managing these complex and fragile environments.