bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative analysis of microcystin variants by capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry with dynamic pH barrage junction focusing
Authors: Yan Ping , Zhang Keke , Wang Lingyu , Tong Wenjun , Chen David D. Y. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractDynamic pH junction is an online focusing method in CE based on the electrophoretic mobility difference of analytes in the sample matrix and the background electrolyte. An advantage of this method over the conventional CE is that the sensitivity can be significantly improved. By injecting a long sample plug in the capillary and focusing the analytes at the pH boundary between the background electrolyte and sample matrix, the LOD can be improved by 10–100 folds. The dynamic pH junction method can be easily coupled with ESI‐MS. In this work, we used this method for the analysis of microcystins (MCs). The detection limits and dynamic ranges were studied. The separation was optimized by adjusting the injection time, and concentrations and pH values of the background electrolyte. The optimization of analyte focusing leads to enhanced detection response compared to conventional injections, achieving 200–400 fold higher averaged peak heights for four microcystin (MC) variants. More importantly, this method was successfully used for the quantitative analysis of microcystins (MCs) in crude algae samples from natural water bodies, making it promising for practical applications.
Pyrolysis kinetics of a Wangqing oil shale using thermogravimetric analysis
Authors: Hua Zejia , Wang Qing , Jia Chunxia , Liu Qi 
Published: March 2019

AbstractA thermogravimetric analyzer was used to study the pyrolysis characteristics of an oil shale at different heating rates. Friedman, Flynn–wall–Ozawa (FWO), and distributed activation energy model (DAEM) methods were used to calculate the kinetic parameters of low‐temperature pyrolysis of oil shale. The results show that as the heating rate increases, (a) the initial pyrolysis temperature, peak temperature, and final pyrolysis temperature of oil shale shift toward the high‐temperature region, (b) the range of devolatilization temperature increases, and (c) the peak value of oil shale weight loss increases. The apparent activation energies calculated using theFWOand Friedman methods change with the conversion rate, and the average activation energies are 233.71 and 234.61 kJ/mol, respectively. Kinetic parameters obtained from theDAEMcalculation of low‐temperature pyrolysis of oil shale have energy compensation effects. By combining F‐test and quantitative criterion test, it was found that the logisticDAEMmodel is suitable for solving oil shale kinetic parameters. The activation energy of low‐temperature pyrolysis of oil shale is 238.67 kJ/mol, and the reaction order n is 1.
Going big versus going small: Lithic miniaturization in hominin lithic technology
Authors: Pargeter Justin , Shea John J. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractLithic miniaturization was one of our Pleistocene ancestors' more pervasive stone tool production strategies and it marks a key difference between human and non‐human tool use. Frequently equated with “microlith” production, lithic miniaturization is a more complex, variable, and evolutionarily consequential phenomenon involving small backed tools, bladelets, small retouched tools, flakes, and small cores. In this review, we evaluate lithic miniaturization's various technological and functional elements. We examine archeological assumptions about why prehistoric stoneworkers engaged in processes of lithic miniaturization by making small stone tools, small elongated tools, and small retouched and backed tools. We point to functional differences that motivate different aspects of lithic miniaturization and several instances where archeological systematics have possibly led archeologists to false negative findings about lithic miniaturization. Finally, we suggest productive avenues by which archeologists can move closer to understanding the complex evolutionary forces driving variability in lithic miniaturization.
The effect of the global financial crisis on the asymmetric relationship between exchange rate and stock prices
Authors: Bhutto Niaz A. , Chang Bisharat H. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis study replicates previous studies in the context of China by determining whether exchange rate changes have a symmetric or asymmetric effect on stock prices. Moreover, it extends previous studies by examining whether the relationship between the underlying variables changes as a result of the global financial crisis. For this purpose, we use both linear and nonlinear ARDL models during the full sample, pre‐crisis, and the post‐crisis periods. The findings of this study suggest that exchange rate asymmetrically affects the stock prices in the long run only when the whole sample period is selected, whereas it symmetrically affects both in the long run and in the short run during the pre‐crisis period and asymmetrically affects both in the long run and in the short run when the post‐crisis period is selected. These findings indicate that the financial crisis causes asymmetric relationship between exchange rate changes and stock prices and may, therefore, be taken into consideration while making investment or policy decisions.
Can telehealth reduce health care expenditure? A lesson from German health insurance data
Authors: Ehlert Andree , Oberschachtsiek Dirk 
Published: March 2019

SummaryThis study analyzes a telemedical program for chronic heart failure in Germany with respect to economic and treatment indicators. The program entails a routine data‐based preselection of the insured and specific treatment intensities for low‐ and high‐risk patients. This study complements previous research by considering differentiated end points such as mortality and rehospitalization as well as ambulatory, outpatient, and medication costs to account for potential cost shifts. In addition, different time frames and regional characteristics are dealt with. A difference‐in‐differences approach accounts for potential self‐selection into the voluntary program. Our results challenge the current paradigm of program‐induced cost shifting between hospital and ambulatory care. Except for a short‐term effect in the lower‐risk group, the program is associated with raising hospital admission rates as well as higher costs in all categories, while mortality is significantly reduced. The findings are robust as to various sensitivity checks.
A sustainable model to improve maternal health and promote early obstetric care in resource‐poor regions
Authors: Foo Sharon , Tagore Shephali , Mathur Manisha , Poun Keorany , Sam Maly , Tan Kok Hian , Jacobsen Anette , Kwek Kenneth 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo design and examine the feasibility of a sustainable training program to build local capacity and improve obstetric outcomes in Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia.MethodsA “train‐the‐trainers” model was used to conduct an obstetrics course between 2012 and 2015, its aim to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. All Cambodian healthcare providers trained by the program were included in the study. The obstetric outcomes of all patients under the care of the trained healthcare providers were analyzed retrospectively to assess the feasibility of the program. Data from all three hospitals and 42 health centers in the province that the trainees worked at were collected from case logs.ResultsThere was a significant increased trend in recognition of cases of postpartum hemorrhage and pre‐eclampsia, and occurrence of difficult deliveries and cesarean deliveries (P<0.001). The maternal mortality ratio decreased from 64.7 per 100 000 deliveries in 2012 to 40.8 per 100 000 deliveries in 2016.ConclusionThis sustainable model has the potential to positively impact obstetric education and maternal outcomes and could be adopted in other resource‐poor countries, particularly in Southeast Asia.
miR‐421 promotes apoptosis and suppresses metastasis of osteosarcoma cells via targeting LTBP2
Authors: Liang Xiaoju , Zhang Lijun , Ji Qiang , Wang Bing , Wei Dengke , Cheng Deliang 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIncreasing evidence has confirmed that microRNAs (miRs) are involved in tumor development and progression. A previous study reported that miR‐421 could serve as a diagnostic marker in patients with osteosarcoma (OS). The present study explored the potential roles of miR‐421 in the regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition of OS cells. Our results showed that miR‐421 was upregulated in OS tissues and cell lines (MG63, U2OS, HOS, and Saos‐2) compared with the corresponding adjacent tissues or human osteoblast cells hFOB1.19, while the latent transforming growth factor β‐binding protein 2 (LTBP2) expression was reduced. In MG63 and U2OS cells, CCK8 assay displayed that cell proliferation was repressed by the miR‐421 inhibitor, conversely increased by miR‐421 mimics. Inhibition of miR‐421 promoted cell apoptosis rate, caspase 3 activity, cleaved‐caspase 3 (c‐caspase 3) expression, and Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio, restoration of miR‐421 showed the opposite functions. Suppression of miR‐421 blocked migration and invasion, whereas miR‐421 overexpression promoted the migration and invasion of MG63 and U2OS cells. In addition, real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis revealed that miR‐421 negatively regulated E‐cadherin expression, and positively regulated the expression of N‐cadherin and vimentin. The luciferase reporter assay determined that miR‐421 could target LTBP2‐3′‐UTR, and LTBP2 expression was regulated negatively by miR‐421 both in mRNA and protein levels. Depletion of LTBP2 partly abolished the biological functions of miR‐421 inhibitor in OS. In conclusion, miR‐421 plays an oncogenic role in OS via targeting LTBP2, suggesting that miR‐421 may be a potential therapeutic target against OS.
RETRACTED: miRNA‐200b improves hepatic fibrosis induced by CCL4 by regulating toll‐like receptor 4 in mice
Authors: Wang Yan , Jiang Ying , Zhao Lianfeng 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTo study the effect of miRNA‐200b on hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl4 in mice. The C59BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups (normal control [NC], CCLR model [Model], and CCl
4 + miRNA‐200b [miRNA]). The hepatic fibrosis was induced by CCl
4 injected subcutaneously twice per week in Model and miRNA groups. After 6 weeks building model, the mice of miRNA group were injected the miRNA‐200b from caudal vein twice per week. The mice of Model and miRNA groups were continuously fed for 3 weeks. The IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α concentrations of serum were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The hepatic tissues of difference groups were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, sirius red staining, Masson staining, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay and measured toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) proteins expressions by western blot assay. The correlation between miRNA‐200b and TLR4 were analyzed by dual luciferase target assay. Compared with NC group, the interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) concentrations of Model group were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05, respectively). With miRNA‐200b overexpression, the IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α concentrations were significantly suppressed (P < 0.05, respectively). The pathologies were improved by H&E staining, sirius red staining, and Masson staining; meanwhile, the hepatic cell apoptosis rate was significantly suppressed (P < 0.05). The TLR4 and NF‐κB protein expressions of miRNA group were significantly suppressed compared with the Model group (P < 0.05, respectively). By dual luciferase target assay, the TLR4 was a target gene of miRNA‐200b. The miRNA‐200b upregulation improved hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl
4 via regulation of TLR4 in vivo.
Protein complexes associated with β‐catenin differentially influence the differentiation profile of neonatal and adult CD8+ T cells
Authors: Hernández‐Acevedo Gerson N. , López‐Portales Oscar H. , Gutiérrez‐Reyna Darely Y. , Cuevas‐Fernández Erick , Kempis‐Calanis Linda A. , Labastida‐Conde Rosario G. , Aguilar‐Luviano Oscar B. , Ramírez‐Pliego Oscar , Spicuglia Salvatore , Lino‐Alfaro Bárbara , Chagolla‐López Alicia , González‐de la Vara Luis E. , Santana María Angélica 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe canonical Wnt signaling pathway is a master cell regulator involved in CD8+ T cell proliferation and differentiation. In human CD8+ T cells, this pathway induces differentiation into memory cells or a “stem cell memory like” population, which is preferentially present in cord blood. To better understand the role of canonical Wnt signals in neonatal or adult blood, we compared the proteins associated with β‐catenin, in nonstimulated and Wnt3a‐stimulated human neonatal and adult naive CD8+ T cells. Differentially recruited proteins established different complexes in adult and neonatal cells. In the former, β‐catenin‐associated proteins were linked to cell signaling and immunological functions, whereas those of neonates were linked to proliferation and metabolism. Wnt3a stimulation led to the recruitment and overexpression of Wnt11 in adult cells and Wnt5a in neonatal cells, suggesting a differential connexion with planar polarity and Wnt/Ca2+ noncanonical pathways, respectively. The chromatin immunoprecipitation polymerase chain reaction β‐catenin was recruited to a higher level on the promoters of cell renewal genes in neonatal cells and of differentiation genes in those of adults. We found a preferential association of β‐catenin with CBP in neonatal cells and with p300 in the adult samples, which could be involved in a higher self‐renewal capacity of the neonatal cells and memory commitment in those of adults. Altogether, our results show that different proteins associated with β‐catenin during Wnt3a activation mediate a differential response of neonatal and adult human CD8+ T cells.
Disease mechanisms and neuroprotection by tauroursodeoxycholic acid in Rpgr knockout mice
Authors: Zhang Xun , Shahani Uma , Reilly James , Shu Xinhua 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMutations in the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene are the predominant cause of retinitis pigmentosa. RPGR plays a critical role as a scaffold protein in the regulation of protein trafficking from the basal body to the axoneme, where the cargoes are transported to the outer segments (OSs) of photoreceptors. This trafficking process is controlled directly by intraflagellar transport complexes and regulated by the RPGR protein complex, although the precise mechanisms have yet to be defined. We used an Rpgr conditional knockout (cko) mouse model to investigate the disease mechanisms during retinal degeneration and to evaluate the protective effects of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA). Rhodopsin, cone opsins and transducin were mislocalized in Rpgr cko photoreceptors, while localization of NPHP4 to connecting cilia was absent, suggesting that RPGR is required for ciliary protein trafficking. Microglia were activated in advance of retinal degeneration in Rpgr cko mouse retinas. TUDCA treatment suppressed microglial activation and inflammation and prevented photoreceptor degeneration in Rpgr cko mice. Our data demonstrated that TUDCA has therapeutic potential for RPGR‐associated RP patients.
LncRNA MAGI2‐AS3 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and migration by targeting the miR‐374b‐5p/SMG1 signaling pathway
Authors: Yin Zi , Ma Tingting , Yan Jinhai , Shi Ning , Zhang Chuanzhao , Lu Xin , Hou Baohua , Jian Zhixiang 
Published: March 2019

AbstractLong noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proven to play critical roles in cancer progression. Recently, lncRNA MAGI2‐AS3 has been revealed to be a tumor suppressor and inhibit cell growth by targeting the Fas/FasL signalling pathway in breast cancer. However, the role and underlying mechanism of MAGI2‐AS3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unknown. In the current study, we found that MAGI2‐AS3 expression is downregulated in HCC tissues and closely associated with some clinical characteristics (tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage) and poor overall survival. Overexpression of MAGI2‐AS3 inhibits HCC cell proliferation and migration in vitro, while impedes tumor growth in vivo accordantly. In addition, our data suggest that MAGI2‐AS3 could function as an endogenous sponge of miR‐374b‐5p by directly binding to it and suppressing its expression. Furthermore, miR‐374b‐5p upregulation could restore the inhibitory effect of MAGI2‐AS3 on HCC cells processes. Moreover, suppressor with morphogenetic effect on genitalia family member 1 (SMG1) is positively regulated by MAGI2‐AS3 via absorbing miR‐374b‐5p in HCC cells. More important, SMG1 knockdown reverses the suppressive function of MAGI2‐AS3 in HCC cell processes. Taken together, we reveal a functional MAGI2‐AS3/miR‐374b‐5p/SMG1 axis that suppresses HCC progression, potently suggesting a new road for HCC treatment.
Cyclosporine A improves pregnancy outcomes in women with recurrent pregnancy loss and elevated Th1/Th2 ratio
Authors: Azizi Ramyar , Ahmadi Majid , Danaii Shahla , Abdollahi‐Fard Sedigheh , Mosapour Parisa , Eghbal‐Fard Shadi , Dolati Sanam , Kamrani Amin , Rahnama Badrossadat , Mehdizadeh Amir , Jadidi‐Niaragh Farhad , Yousefi Bahman , Yousefi Mehdi 
Published: March 2019

AbstractRecurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a one of the most common obstetrical complications. Since, the successful pregnancy occurs in T helper 2 (Th2)‐dominant situation and since, Th1 type immunity is related to pregnancy failure, we investigated the effects of cyclosporine on Th1 and Th2 cells in RPL women. Totally, 76 RPL patients (38 women as treated group and 38 as control group) were included in this study. Flow cytometry was utilized to analyze the frequency of Th1 and Th2 in blood samples. Also, real‐time polymerase chain reaction was carried out to assess the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of transcription factors and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to evaluate Th1 and Th2 related cytokines. Significant decrease in Th1 frequency (p = 0.0004), Th1/Th2 ratio (p < 0.0001), T‐bet mRNA expression (p < 0.0001), interferon‐γ (p = 0.0007), and tumor necrosis factor α (p = 0.0002) secretion level were observed in cyclosporine group. Moreover, significant increase in Th2 frequency (p < 0.0001), mRNA expression of GATA binding protein 3 (p = 0.0001), and interleukin 10 secretion level (p = 0.0027) was also evident in treated group. At the end of the investigation, 31 (81.5%) patients in cyclosporine‐treated group had successful childbirth when compared with 16 (42.1%) women in control group (p = 0.0001). Given this, cyclosporine treatment for RPL patients with elevated Th1/Th2 ratio can result in improved pregnancy outcome.
Is cachexia associated with chemotherapy toxicities in gastrointestinal cancer patients? A prospective study
Authors: da Rocha Ilanna Marques Gomes , Marcadenti Aline , de Medeiros Galtieri Otávio Cunha , Bezerra Ricardo Andrade , Rego Juliana Florinda de Mendonça , Gonzalez Maria Cristina , Fayh Ana Paula Trussardi 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundChemotherapy is an effective treatment with good clinical response in patients with cancer. However, it can cause exacerbated toxicities in patients and consequently change the course of treatment. Some factors may interfere with this toxicity such as body composition, especially in gastrointestinal cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of body composition, nutritional status, and functional capacity scale in predicting the occurrence of toxicities in gastrointestinal cancer patients during chemotherapy treatment.MethodsThis is a prospective study with gastrointestinal cancer patients at the beginning of chemotherapy treatment. Sarcopenia and muscle attenuation were assessed using the skeletal muscle index from computerized tomography by measuring cross‐sectional areas of the L3 tissue (cm2/m2). Cachexia was graded according to involuntary weight loss associated with sarcopenia. Nutritional status was assessed by using anthropometric evaluation and Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment. Functional capacity was evaluated by handgrip strength and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status scale. Haematological gastrointestinal and dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs) were defined according to National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria. The associations among sarcopenia, cachexia, nutritional status, and functional capacity with DLT were assessed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression model.ResultsA total of 60 patients were evaluated (55% male, 60.9 ± 14.0 years) and followed up for a mean of 55 days. Most patients had normal weight (44.2%) and good ECOG Performance Status (≤1) at baseline (78%). During the chemotherapy period, the most prevalent toxicities were diarrhoea, nausea, and anorexia, but the presence of DLT was similar between cycles (P > 0.05). Cachexia was associated with a higher toxicity manifested by diarrhoea (P = 0.02), nausea (P = 0.02), and anorexia (P < 0.01 and P = 0.03 at Cycles 1 and 2, respectively). Sarcopenic and cachetic individuals experienced more toxicities and DLT during chemotherapy. The only factors associated with DLT in the multivariate Cox regression analyses including the presence of metastasis and the chemotherapy protocol were cachexia and the ECOG scale (P < 0.001 for both).ConclusionsCachexia and ECOG score may identify patients with an increased risk for developing severe toxicity events during chemotherapy treatment for gastrointestinal cancer.
Nanoparticles and danger signals: Oral delivery vehicles as potential disruptors of intestinal barrier homeostasis
Authors: Vita Alexandra A , Royse Emily A , Pullen Nicholas A 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Gut immune system homeostasis involves diverse structural interactions among resident microbiota, the protective mucus layer, and a variety of cells (intestinal epithelial, lymphoid, and myeloid). Due to the substantial surface area in direct contact with an “external” environment and the diversity of xenobiotic, abiotic, and self-interactions coordinating to maintain gut homeostasis, there is enhanced potential for the generation of endogenous danger signals when this balance is lost. Here, we focus on the potential generation and reception of damage in the gut resulting from exposure to nanoparticles (NPs), common food and drug additives. Specifically, we describe recent evidence in the literature showing that certain NPs are potential generators of damage-associated molecular patterns, as well as potential immune-stimulating molecular patterns themselves.