bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid Quantification of the Total Viable Bacterial Population on Human Hands Using Flow Cytometry with SYBR® Green I
Authors: Singh Atheesha , Yelverton Christopher J. , Barnard Tobias G. 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundMonitoring the efficiency of hand washing typically relies on determining the presence or absence of targeted organisms on the hands, not necessarily determining if the method is working. The results focus on the organism studied and do not give a true reflection of the efficiency of the hygiene intervention. To obtain a better picture, this study tested flow cytometry with SYBR® Green I to quantify bacterial populations on the hands of participants in a healthcare training clinic at a University in South Africa.MethodsParticipants “washed” both hands in a buffer solution in a sterile bag, and the total and viable bacterial populations numbers were determined using flow cytometry and compared with standard culture‐based methods, testing for total coliforms, E. coli and heterotrophic organisms (IDEXX Colilert®‐18 Quanti‐Trays™ and SimPlates®) and fastidious organisms with hemolytic activity (Blood Agar).ResultsCompared to the culture‐based method, flow cytometry rapidly distinguished total, viable, and dead bacterial populations in all samples. As expected, the culture‐based methods gave lower bacterial counts and were limited by the detection limit of each test, requiring further testing with additional costs. Although the exact bacterial species in the population could not be identified with flow cytometry, viable counts from flow cytometric analysis were two times more precise than the data obtained with any of the culture‐based methods tested.ConclusionsFlow cytometry was found to be suitable for immediate, accurate, and automatic detection of bacteria, and because it describes the viable bacterial population, it is ideal to monitor hand hygiene interventions. © 2019 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Melanocortin 4 receptor–mediated effects of amylin on thermogenesis and regulation of food intake
Authors: Li Xiaojing , Fan Kuikui , Li Qiang , Pan Deng , Hai Rihan , Du Chenguang 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAimsAmylin, a pancreatic hormone cosecreted with insulin, exerts important anorexic and weight‐loss effects. Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) signalling plays a critical role in energy homeostasis; however, its role on amylin‐dependent regulation of food intake and adaptive thermogenesis of interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT) are unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of amylin on food intake and thermogenesis on IBAT via the MC4R pathway in mice.Materials and methodsAcute food consumption and thermogenesis in IBAT were measured in male wild‐type (WT) and MC4R‐deficient mice following intraperitoneal injection of amylin and SHU9119, an MC3R/4R antagonist, to determine the role of the central melanocortin system on the hypothalamus and IBAT.ResultsAmylin (50 μg/kg) suppressed feeding and stimulated thermogenesis on IBAT via activation of the MC4R system in mice. Pharmacological blockade of MC4R using SHU9119 (50 μg/kg) attenuated amylin‐induced inhibition of feeding and stimulation of thermogenesis in IBAT. No changes were observed when SHU9119 was injected alone. Moreover, amylin significantly increased MC4R expression and c‐Fos neuronal signals in the arcuate nucleus and significantly increased acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) phosphorylation in the hypothalamus and IBAT and uncoupling protein‐1 (UCP1) expression in the IBAT of WT mice via the MC4R pathway.ConclusionThe melanocortin system was involved in amylin‐induced suppression of food intake and activation of thermogenesis in both the hypothalamus and IBAT via modulation of ACC phosphorylation and UCP1 expression.
A review of the estimation and heating methods for lithium‐ion batteries pack at the cold environment
Authors: Peng Xiongbin , Chen Siqi , Garg Akhil , Bao Nengsheng , Panda Biranchi 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe application of lithium‐ion batteries especially for electric vehicles has been limited by the factors of safety, lifetime, charging time, and cost. One of the principal limitations is that the performance of Li‐ion batteries drops intensely in a cold environment. Cold environment dramatically reduces the available capacity of the batteries and increases its internal impedance at the same time. Therefore, the estimation of state‐of‐health is of great importance in battery performance evaluation and lifetime prediction. Furthermore, the heating methods need to be developed to ensure that batteries work in abnormal temperature conditions. This paper conducts a comprehensive review specifically on the poor performance of lithium‐ion cells under severe conditions. The content contains three sections. First, a comprehensive study on the aging mechanisms of lithium‐ion batteries at cold temperatures is undertaken. Second, the estimation methods of the health state of the batteries are conducted, which is vital to understand the fundamentals and quantify the performance and aging effects for lithium‐ion batteries. Third, the heating methods are classified and studied in detail to reduce the degradation mechanism and promote the performance of lithium‐ion batteries under sub‐zero conditions.
Influence radius of gas extraction borehole in an anisotropic coal seam: Underground in‐situ measurement and modeling
Authors: Yue Gaowei , Liu Hui , Yue Jiwei , Li Minmin , Liang Weimin 
Published: March 2019

AbstractCoal seam degasification by in‐seam drilling borehole is one of the popular techniques for coal mine methane (CMM) control. How to address the conflict between borehole numbers and drainage durations always arouses researchers’ interests. Furthermore, since coal has anisotropy structures, how the anisotropy feature of coal associated with bedding and cleat structure affects the influence radius of the drainage borehole has rarely been considered. In order to address the above‐mentioned issues, this work not only conducted underground in‐situ measurement of the borehole influence radius within 200 days in an anisotropy coal seam at Jiulishan coal mine in China, but also modeled the influence radius evolvement around borehole in an anisotropy coal seam using finite‐element based COMSOL package. The underground in‐situ measurement revealed an anisotropy feature of borehole influence radius associated with coal bedding and cleat structures. The influence radius of borehole parallel to the bedding plane in butt cleat direction is much larger than that perpendicular to the bedding plane. Ten permeability measurements of coal show that the permeability of coal parallel to the bedding plane in butt cleat direction is higher than that perpendicular to the bedding plane. Simulation results of the gas transport model in coal are consistent with underground in‐situ measurement in determining the influence radius of drainage borehole in the anisotropy coal seam. Based on modeling results, the ellipse influence area of borehole in an anisotropy coal seam is proposed, and the relationship between the influence radius of borehole and drainage time is obtained. On the basis of these findings, the proper in‐seam borehole arrangements for a specific mining panel at different drainage durations are determined. The finding of this work will be fundamental for addressing the conflict between minimizing the cost of borehole arrangement and increasing coal mining productions by adjusting CMM drainage durations.
Metastatic risk stratification of clear cell renal cell carcinoma patients based on genomic aberrations
Authors: Grimm Julia , Zeuschner Philip , Janssen Martin , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Hartmann Arndt , Stöhr Christine , Keck Bastian , Kahlmeyer Andreas , Stöckle Michael , Junker Kerstin 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPrognostic markers for the definition of the individual metastatic risk in renal cell carcinoma are still missing. The aim of our study was to establish a total number of specific aberrations (TNSA) genetic score as a new prognostic test for metastatic risk evaluation. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed on isolated cell nuclei of 100 ccRCCs (50 M1/50 M0) and 100 FFPE sections (second cohort, 32 M1/68 M0). For each chromosomal region (1q21.3, 7q36.3, 9p21.3p24.1, 20q11.21q13.32) cut‐off values were determined by receiver‐operator curve (ROC)‐curve analysis. TNSA was calculated based on the dichotomized specific CNVs. The prognostic significance of CNVs was proven by Cox and logistic regression. TNSA was the best predictor of metastasis and recurrence free survival in both cohorts. We derived an algorithm for risk stratification by combining TNSA and T‐category, which increased the prognostic accuracy to 87% (specificity = 86%, sensitivity = 88%). This model divides patients into two risk groups with significantly different RFS, CSS, and OS (P = 3.8×10−5, P = 5×10−6 and P = 3.57×10−8 respectively). The genetic risk model was superior to Leibovich score and was able to identify patients with metachronous metastatic spread which were incorrectly classified as “low” or “intermediate risk.” We present a new tool for individual risk stratification by combining genetic alterations with clinico‐pathologic parameters. Interphase FISH proves to be a dependable method for prognostic evaluation in primary tumor tissue on isolated cell nuclei as well as on FFPE sections. Especially in organ‐confined tumors the genetic score seems to be an important tool to identify patients at high risk for metastatic disease.
Validity of narrow band imaging in the detection of oral and oropharyngeal malignant lesions: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ansari Umair H. , Wong Eugene , Smith Murray , Singh Narinder , Palme Carsten E. , Smith Mark C. , Riffat Faruque 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundThis meta‐analysis describes the validity of narrow band imaging (NBI) in the assessment of suspicious oral lesions.MethodsMedline, EMBASE, and Scopus were searched for trial studies comparing NBI with conventional modalities in the oral cavity (OC) and oropharynx (OP) for the detection of dysplastic and malignant change.ResultsSeven studies were found, and generally supported the utility of NBI in different clinical settings, although there were exceptions. Pooled data from 4 studies of NBI validity demonstrated high summary specificity and sensitivity for a wide range of suspicious lesions of the OC or OP (75.7% with 95% CI 65.1%‐83.9%, and 91.5% with 95% CI 81.8%‐96.3%, respectively). Summary positive likelihood ratio (LR+) was 8.91 (95% CI 4.1‐19.6) and 0.27 (95% CI 0.18‐0.39), respectively.ConclusionsNBI is a promising diagnostic and surveillance tool for suspicious lesions in the OC or OP; however, higher powered studies will define precise NBI criterion and clinical recommendations.
Evaluation of nonmedical use of prescription stimulants by college students at three northeastern pharmacy schools
Authors: Yuan Brenda W. , Yang Irene , Simmons Daniel J. , O'Leary Jordan , Lei Jamie , Brunetti Luigi , Asal Nicole , Ezzo Danielle , Toscani Michael , Barone Joseph 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence of self‐reported nonmedical prescription stimulant use among college students of three northeastern pharmacy schools in the United States by examining the relationship of nonmedical use with underlying factors, academic performance, consequences associated with drug abuse, and quality of life (QOL).MethodsThis study was approved by the respective institutional review boards of the pharmacy schools involved. Data were collected from consenting students in their first, second, and third professional years using an anonymous survey between April and September 2017. The survey assessed underlying factors, self‐reported grade point average (GPA), and patterns of nonmedical use. Patient‐reported outcome (PRO) measures included were the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST‐10) to assess consequences associated with drug abuse and the Short Form (SF‐12) to measure QOL.ResultsIn total, 651 responses of 1201 students surveyed were collected. In the included sample, 11.6% of students reported nonmedical use of prescription stimulants during college, with varying reported frequencies from 36% using once or twice to 8% using regularly. Factors associated with increased odds of nonmedical use with statistical significance included male gender (odds ratio [OR] 2.75, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.68‐4.52, P = 0.001) and fraternity or sorority involvement (OR 2.84, 95% CI: 1.72‐4.70, P = 0.001). Nonmedical users had statistically lower GPAs (3.38, 95% CI: 3.44‐3.50) than nonusers (3.47, 95% CI: 3.30‐3.45, P = 0.02), and increased risks associated with drug abuse, as measured by the DAST‐10. No significant differences in QOL were found between nonmedical users and nonusers, as measured by the SF‐12.ConclusionThe findings examined the impact of nonmedical prescription stimulant use by pharmacy students and found that nonmedical use was similar to rates observed by college students in other studies. Nonmedical use is associated with lower GPA and increased risks associated with drug abuse. More research must be conducted to understand and increase awareness of the effects of prescription stimulants.
Crocin inhibits the migration, invasion, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition of gastric cancer cells via miR‐320/KLF5/HIF‐1α signaling
Authors: Zhou Ying , Xu Qihua , Shang Jingjuan , Lu Lihua , Chen Guoyan 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe biological activities of crocin, one of the main bioactive compounds of saffron, include anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, antidepressant, and anticancer effects. Crocin has been shown to trigger the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells, but its effect on the metastasis of gastric cancer cells remains unclear. Krüppel‐like factor 5 (KLF5) and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) are important transcription factors in the development of gastric cancer. KLF5 and HIF‐1α expression were analyzed in gastric cancer tissues and cells. Following exposure to crocin, AGS and HGC‐27 gastric cancer cells were assessed with regard to migration, invasion, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) as well as the expression of KLF5, HIF‐1α, and microRNA‐320 (miR‐320). The miR‐320/KLF5/HIF‐1α signaling pathway became the focus for further investigation of the mechanism of crocin in gastric cancer cell migration, invasion, and EMT. KLF5 and HIF‐1α expression were elevated in gastric cancer tissues and cells, and KLF5 expression was positively correlated with the HIF‐1α level in gastric cancer tissues. Crocin was associated with reduced expression of KLF5 and HIF‐1α, whereas miR‐320 expression was increased. Crocin also inhibited the migration, invasion, and EMT of gastric cancer cells. Upregulation of KLF5 attenuated crocin's function and elevated HIF‐1α expression. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that
KLF5 was a target gene of miR‐320. Crocin modulated KLF5 expression via elevation of miR‐320 expression. In conclusion, crocin inhibits the EMT, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells, and this activity is mediated through miR‐320/KLF5/HIF‐1α signaling.
Reduced lung cancer burden by selective immunomodulators elicits improvements in muscle proteolysis and strength in cachectic mice
Authors: Salazar‐Degracia Anna , Granado‐Martínez Paula , Millán‐Sánchez Aïna , Tang Jun , Pons‐Carreto Alba , Barreiro Esther 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIdentification of to what extent tumor burden influences muscle mass independently of specific treatments for cancer‐cachexia remains to be elucidated. We hypothesized that reduced tumor burden by selective treatment of tumor with immunomodulators may exert beneficial effects on muscle wasting and function in mice. Body and muscle weight, grip strength, physical activity, muscle morphometry, apoptotic nuclei, troponin‐I systemic levels, interleukin‐6, proteolytic markers, and tyrosine release, and apoptosis markers were determined in diaphragm and gastrocnemius muscles of lung cancer (LP07 adenocarcinoma cells) mice (BALB/c) treated with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), against immune check‐points and pathways (CD‐137, cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte associated protein‐4, programed cell death‐1, and CD‐19;
N = 10/group). Nontreated lung cancer cachectic mice were the controls. T and B cell numbers and macrophages were counted in tumors of both mouse groups. Compared to nontreated cachectic mice, in the mAbs‐treated animals, T cells increased, no differences in B cells or macrophages, the variables final body weight, body weight and grip strength gains significantly improved. In diaphragm and gastrocnemius of mAbs‐treated cachectic mice, number of apoptotic nuclei, tyrosine release, proteolysis, and apoptosis markers significantly decreased compared to nontreated cachectic mice. Systemic levels of troponin‐I significantly decreased in treated cachectic mice compared to nontreated animals. We conclude that reduced tumor burden as a result of selective treatment of the lung cancer cells with immunomodulators elicits per se beneficial effects on muscle mass loss through attenuation of several biological mechanisms that lead to increased protein breakdown and apoptosis, which translated into significant improvements in limb muscle strength but not in physical activity parameters.
Facile synthesis of MnOx‐loaded biochar for the removal of doxycycline hydrochloride: effects of ambient conditions and co‐existing heavy metals
Authors: Liu Si‐jia , Liu Yun‐guo , Tan Xiao‐fei , Liu Shao‐bo , Li Mei‐fang , Liu Ni , Yin Zhi‐hong , Tian Si‐rong , Zhou Ya‐hui 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn this study, manganese oxide (MnOx) nanoparticle loaded biochar (BC) was applied for doxycycline hydrochloride (DOX) removal from water. Biochar composites were synthesized by either pre‐treating biomass using MnCl2/KMnO4/NaOH (PMBC) or inserting MnOx ultrafine particles after pyrolysis of biomass (AMBC). In complex water environments, the presence of heavy metals may affect the removal of antibiotics. Cu(II) and Cr(VI) were used to study their effect on DOX removal.RESULTSThe BC loaded with MnOx exhibited superior adsorption properties for DOX. The adsorption capacity of AMBC and PMBC was ≈93 mg/g and 104 mg g−1, respectively, which was about nine‐ and ten‐fold higher than that of raw BC (11.48 mg g−1). The characterization indicated that AMBC and PMBC had better surface structure and more surface functional groups than raw BC. The main mechanisms for DOX adsorption onto PMBC were surface complexation, H‐bond, π–π interaction and electrostatic interaction. DOX removal by PMBC also involved its degradation effect on DOX. Adsorption experiments were carried out with the influence of pH, ionic strength and background electrolyte. The presence of Cu(II) obviously enhanced the DOX adsorption capability through Cu(II) bridging effect, whereas the presence of Cr(VI) significantly inhibited DOX adsorption through competitive adsorption and electrostatic repulsion.CONCLUSIONSThe results suggested that PMBC could be implemented as a cost‐effective and environmentally friendly adsorbent for DOX removal from water. Heavy metal ions can obviously enhance or weaken the adsorption ability of PMBC for DOX. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Investigating Schizocarp morphology as a taxonomic tool in study of Apiaceae family by utilizing LM and SEM techniques
Authors: Kalsoom Nomana , Zafar Muhammad , Ahmad Mushtaq , Sultana Shazia , Usma Anwer , Jabeen Asma 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn present study, the schizocarp morphology of 14 species belonging to Apiaceae family has been investigated. Light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been utilized to highlight qualitative and quantitative features of studied species. Variations have been observed in macro‐ and micro‐morphological features such as color, shape, symmetry, length, width, apex, epicuticular projections, surface patterns, anticlinal, and periclinal wall patterns. Schizocarp shapes observed were oval, round, triangular, linear, elliptic, and globose. Fruit was either homomorphic or heteromorphic. Crystalloids, stellate hair, multicellular spines, and platelets were mostly observed epicuticular projections. Surface patterns on the fruit surface were striate, rugulate‐striate, reticulate, and striato‐knotted. Both macro‐ and micro‐morphological characters can serve as an important tool in classifying Apiaceae family at various taxonomic ranks. Substantial variations observed can assist as useful constraints at various taxonomic levels as they provide reliable and constant details. Disparities observed in schizocarp features can pave a path for Apiaceae family classification based on phylogenetic and molecular studies.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of New 2,10‐Dichloro‐6‐phenylaminobenzyl‐dibenzo[d,g] [1,3 ,6,2]dioxathiaphosphocin 6‐Oxides
Authors: Kasthuraiah M. , Balakrishna A. , Kishore Kumar Reddy K.R. , Siva Kumar B. , Suresh Reddy C. , Nagaraju C. 
Published: March 2019

Abstractmagnified imageA series of novel 2,10‐dichloro‐6‐phenylaminobenzyldibenzo[d,g][1 ,3,6,2]dioxa‐thiaphosphocin 6‐oxides were synthesized in two steps. In the first step, 5,5'‐dichloro‐2.2'‐dihydroxydiphenyl sulphide 1 was reacted with phosphorus tribromide in the presence of triethylamine in dry toluene at room temperature to yield an intermediate, phosphorobromodite 2. In the second step, 2 was treated in situ with aromatic aldehydes 3 and aromatic amines 4 in toluene at retluxing temperature ytelded the title compounds 5a‐h. Their structures were established by analytical, IR, NMR (1H, 13C and 31P) and mass spectra. Compounds 5a‐h have been screened for their antimicrobial activity. They exhibited significant antibacterial and antifungal activity.
Parvovirus B19 seroprevalence, viral load, and genotype characterization in volunteer blood donors from southern Brazil
Authors: Slavov Svetoslav N. , Rodrigues Evandra S. , Sauvage Virginie , Caro Valérie , Diefenbach Cristiane F. , Zimmermann Ana M. , Covas Dimas T. , Laperche Syria , Kashima Simone 
Published: March 2019

AbstractUsually transmitted via respiratory droplets, parvovirus B19 (B19V) can also be acquired by blood transfusion especially because of viral persistence, resistance to blood treatment procedures, and high viral load during the early infection phase. This is particularly problematic in immunocompromised or anemic patients where the infection can have a severe outcome. As B19V DNA was detected in blood donations from South Brazil during a viral metagenomic survey performed by Next‐Generation Sequencing, the objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the seroprevalence, B19V DNA presence and circulating genotypes in a Hospital Blood Transfusion Service in Santa Maria city in South Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul state). Among 480 volunteer blood donors, 53.9% (n = 258 of 479) were anti‐B19V IgG‐positive, and 9 (1.9%) plasma samples presented B19V DNA. In almost all cases (n = 7 of 9, 77.8%), B19V DNA load was accompanied by the presence of anti‐B19V IgG suggesting a persistent infection. The sequencing of the strains demonstrated that all belong to genotype 1 which is the most prevalent worldwide. The analysis of the recipient information of the positive for B19V DNA units revealed no related posttransfusion adverse effects. Our results demonstrate for the first time, B19V seroprevalence, viral load, and genotypes among blood donors from South Brazil and give a light for the circulation and impact of this B19V in this part of the country.