bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testing for midazolam and oxycodone in blood after formalin‐embalmment: About a complex medico‐legal case
Authors: Ameline Alice , Raul Jean‐Sébastien , Kintz Pascal 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe stability of compounds in formalin solution is an important factor for drug analysis in a toxicological investigation. In this article, the authors report a complex medico‐legal case involving midazolam and oxycodone. The complexity of this case comes from the fact that the body was embalmed with formalin solution before the autopsy. This technique, called thanatopraxy, allows the preservation of corpses from decomposition, the destruction of a maximal number of micro‐organisms, and the presentation of the body with a natural appearance to the family. Unfortunately, when thanatopraxy is performed before the collection of biological specimens, the toxicological results are not representative of the time of the death. In addition, the interpretation of the results is difficult, because formalin can cause oxidation of xenobiotics present in the body at the time of the death, alter the pH of the tissues and dilute the compounds. To document the chemical stability of midazolam and oxycodone in formalin solution and interpret the results, a stability study was conducted for 21 days. Blood containing midazolam and oxycodone was spiked with formalin, kept at 4°C and regularly tested for both drugs. This study showed a rapid degradation of midazolam and oxycodone (85% during the first 24 hours for oxycodone). In the peripheral blood of the victim, methanol (1.31 g/L), midazolam (74ng/mL) and oxycodone (152 ng/mL) were identified. According to the stability study, the measured concentrations in formalin fixed‐tissues are to be interpreted very carefully, knowing that significant degradation has occurred.
Estimating carbon fixation of plant organs for afforestation monitoring using a process‐based ecosystem model and ecophysiological parameter optimization
Authors: Miyauchi Tatsuya , Machimura Takashi , Saito Makoto 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAfforestation projects for mitigating CO2emissions require to monitor the carbon fixation and plant growth as key indicators. We proposed a monitoring method for predicting carbon fixation in afforestation projects, combining a process‐based ecosystem model and field data and addressed the uncertainty of predicted carbon fixation and ecophysiological characteristics with plant growth. Carbon pools were simulated using the Biome‐BGC model tuned by parameter optimization using measured carbon density of biomass pools on an 11‐year‐oldEucommia ulmoidesplantation on Loess Plateau, China. The allocation parameters fine root carbon to leaf carbon (FRC:LC) and stem carbon to leaf carbon (SC:LC), along with specific leaf area (SLA) and maximum stomatal conductance (gsmax) strongly affected aboveground woody (AC) and leaf carbon (LC) density in sensitivity analysis and were selected as adjusting parameters. We assessed the uncertainty of carbon fixation and plant growth predictions by modeling three growth phases with corresponding parameters: (i) before afforestation using default parameters, (ii) early monitoring using parameters optimized with data from years 1 to 5, and (iii) updated monitoring at year 11 using parameters optimized with 11‐year data. The predicted carbon fixation and optimized parameters differed in the three phases. Overall, 30‐year average carbon fixation rate in plantation (AC, LC, belowground woody parts and soil pools) was ranged 0.14–0.35 kg‐C m−2 y−1in simulations using parameters of phases (i)–(iii). Updating parameters by periodic field surveys reduced the uncertainty and revealed changes in ecophysiological characteristics with plant growth. This monitoring method should support management of afforestation projects by carbon fixation estimation adapting to observation gap, noncommon species and variable growing conditions such as climate change, land use change.
Cross‐Validation andU‐Statistics
Authors: Haberman Shelby J. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractCross‐validation is a common statistical procedure applied to problems that are otherwise computationally intractable. It is often employed to assess the effectiveness of prediction procedures. In this report, cross‐validation is discussed in terms ofU‐statistics. This approach permits consideration of the statistical properties of cross‐validation as an approach to assessment of prediction accuracy.
A pseudospectral approach applicable for time integration of linearized N‐S operator that removes pole singularity and physically spurious eigenmodes
Authors: Nayak Avinash , Das Debopam 
Published: June 2019

SummaryThis paper addresses a modified singularity removal technique for the eigenvalue or optimal mode problems in pipe flow using a pseudospectral method. The current approach results in the linear stability operator to be devoid of any unstable physically spurious modes, and thus, it provides higher numerical stability during time‐based integration. The correctness of the numerical operator is established by calculating the known eigenvalues of pipe Poiseuille flow. Subsequently, the optimal modes are determined with Farrell's approach and compared with the existing literature. The usefulness of this approach is further demonstrated in the time‐based numerical integration of the linearized Navier‐Stokes operator for the adjoint method–based optimal mode determination. The numerical scheme is implemented with the radial velocity‐radial vorticity formulation. Even number of Chebyshev‐Lobatto grid points are distributed over the domain r∈[−1,1] omitting the centerline, which also efficiently provides higher resolution near the wall boundary. The boundary conditions are imposed with homogeneous wall boundary conditions, whereas the analytic nature of a proper set of base functions enforces correct centerline conditions. The resulting redundancy introduced in the process is eliminated with the proper usage of parity.
Simultaneous tracheal and esophageal reconstruction for thyroid cancer involving trachea and esophagus using a free bipaddled posterior tibial artery perforator flap
Authors: Liu Jun , Ren Jianjun , Lv Dan , Wang Ji , Deng Di , Li Linke , Wang Haiyang , Chen Fei 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundSimultaneous tracheal and esophageal reconstruction after tumor resection is a great challenge. Here we present an innovative operative technique to simultaneously reconstruct tracheal and esophageal defects, in which a free posterior tibial artery perforator flap was made into a free bipaddled flap to cover both tracheal and esophageal defects.MethodsA free bipaddled posterior tibial artery perforator flap was utilized to conduct simultaneous tracheal and esophageal reconstruction for a 72‐year‐old female patient with papillary thyroid carcinoma and massive trachea and esophagus invasion, who underwent radical resection.ResultsSatisfactory breathing and swallowing functions were gained independent of nasal feeding and tracheotomy. Voice was still hoarse due to tumor invasion of left recurrent laryngeal nerve. During a period of 2‐year follow‐up, no sign of tumor recurrence was observed.ConclusionA free bipaddled posterior tibial artery perforator flap could be a decent choice for simultaneous reconstruction of large tracheal and esophageal defects.
NMI promotes cell proliferation through TGFβ/Smad pathway by upregulating STAT1 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Ji Dongjian , Feng Yifei , Peng Wen , Li Jie , Gu Qi’ou , Zhang Zhiyuan , Qian Wenwei , Wang Qingyuan , Zhang Yue , Sun Yueming 
Published: June 2019

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is still a fatal health problem around the world. The underlying mechanisms of CRC have not been fully elucidated. N‐myc interactor (NMI) acts as an oncogene or a tumor‐suppressor gene in several kinds of cancers but CRC. Here, the expression of NMI was found higher in CRC tissues and cells. Higher expression of NMI indicated the poorer prognosis of CRC patients. Moreover, the proliferation of CRC cells was suppressed significantly after we silenced the expression of NMI, while overexpression of NMI promoted CRC cell proliferation. Flow cytometry demonstrated that NMI promoted cell proliferation through facilitating cell transition from the G1 phase to the S phase. Furthermore, it was found that NMI suppressed the phosphorylation of Smad3 by upregulating the expression of STAT1. The effect of NMI depletion on cell proliferation could be reversed by using Smad3 inhibitor SIS3. In summary, our findings demonstrated that NMI promoted cell proliferation via TGFβ/Smad pathway and could indicate the prognosis of patients with CRC.
Regulation of skeletal myogenesis by microRNAs
Authors: Xu Meng , Chen Xiaoling , Chen Daiwen , Yu Bing , Li Mingzhou , He Jun , Huang Zhiqing 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSkeletal muscle development is a highly organized process controlled by evolutionarily conserved networks of transcription factors, transferrable signaling molecules, and noncoding RNAs that coordinate the expression of large numbers of genes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as prominent players of multiple biological processes by silence of specific mRNAs or by suppression of protein translation. It has become to be clear cumulatively that miRNAs control of expression of gene targets are particularly important during skeletal myogenesis. Signaling pathways, especially IGF/AKT/mTOR pathway and TGF‐β signaling, have also determined to act as critical regulators in the regulation of myogenic program. In the last decades, growing evidence has seen a rapid expansion of our knowledge of miRNA‐mediated control of expression of target genes and signaling pathways, in which miRNAs coordinately regulate myogenic process through their targets or through signaling pathways. Here, we summarize the current findings of miRNAs and signaling pathways in the regulation of skeletal myogenesis, focusing on miRNAs’ target genes and IGF/AKT/mTOR pathway and TGF‐β signaling.
Leukotriene-B4 modulates macrophage metabolism and fat loss in type 1 diabetic mice
Authors: Ramalho Theresa , Ramalingam Latha , Filgueiras Luciano , Festuccia William , Jancar Sonia , Moustaid-Moussa Naima 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Serum levels of leukotriene-B4 (LTB4) are increased in type 1 diabetes (T1D) and it mediates systemic inflammation and macrophage reprogramming associated with this condition. Herein, we investigated the involvement of LTB4 in adiposity loss, hyperlipidemia, and changes in macrophage metabolism in a mouse model of streptozotocin-induced T1D. LTB4 receptor (BLT1) antagonist u75302 was employed to block LTB4 effects. As expected, hypoinsulinemia in T1D was associated with hyperglycemia, low levels of glucagon, hyperlipidemia, significant body fat loss, and increased white adipose tissue expression of Fgf21, a marker for lipolysis. With the exception of hyperglycemia and hypoglucagonemia, blockade of LTB4 signaling reverted these parameters in T1D mice. Along with hyperlipidemia, macrophages from T1D mice exhibited higher lipid uptake and accumulation. These cells also had enhanced glycolysis and oxidative metabolism and these parameters were dependent on the mitochondrial uncoupling respiration, as evidenced by elevated expression of oxidation markers carnitine palmitoyltransferase and uncoupling protein 1. Interestingly, all these parameters were at least partially reverted in T1D mice treated with u75302. Altogether, these findings suggest that in T1D mice LTB4/BLT1 is involved in the fat loss, hyperlipidemia, and increased macrophage lipid uptake and metabolism with an important involvement of mitochondrial uncoupling activity. These previously unrecognized LTB4/BLT1 functions may be explored in future to therapeutically alleviate severity of hyperlipidemia and systemic inflammation in T1D.
Unconscious impulsivity control maintains the ability of behavioral inhibitory control in males: Evidence of reaction‐time cost
Authors: Ren Zinan , Yang Jiemin , Yuan Jiajin 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe present study investigated how unconscious priming of impulsivity control helps improve the performance of behavioral inhibitory control (BIC) using a Go/No‐go task and a two‐choice oddball task. Participants were divided into three priming conditions: impulsivity‐avoiding (IA), calmness‐pursuit (CP), and control group. Accuracy (ACC) cost (frequent–infrequent) in both tasks and reaction‐time (RT) cost (infrequent–frequent) in the two‐choice oddball task were used to assess BIC ability before and after the unconscious priming. The ACC cost, either in the Go/No‐go or in the two‐choice oddball task, was enhanced posttest relative to pretest, as indicated by the main effect of time. This effect arose from significantly increased ACC cost during posttest relative to pretest in the control group but not the IA and CP groups. Although no interaction of time and group was found in ACC cost analysis in either task, the analysis of RT cost in the two‐choice oddball task showed a significant interaction between group and time. Specifically, the IA group showed similar RT cost during posttest versus pretest, while the RT cost was significantly enhanced during posttest versus pretest in the CP and control groups. These results suggest that unconscious pursuit of an impulsivity‐avoidance goal is more effective in preventing one's impulsive behavior pattern than that of a calmness pursuit. Moreover, RT cost in the two‐choice oddball task is a more sensitive index than the traditional ACC cost in assessing one's BIC function.
Does first‐trimester serum pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A differ in pregnant women with sickle cell disease?
Authors: Peeva Gergana , Oakley Laura , von Rège Inez , Nicolaides Kypros , Oteng‐Ntim Eugene 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo assess whether levels of first‐trimester pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A) differ between women with and without sickle cell disease (SCD).MethodsRetrospective study of 101 singleton pregnancies in women with SCD (including 55 with genotype HbSS, 37 with genotype HbSC, and nine with other genotypes). Measured levels of PAPP‐A were converted to multiple of the median (MoM) values corrected for gestational age and maternal characteristics. Median PAPP‐A MoM in the SCD group was compared with that of 1010 controls.ResultsIn the SCD group median, PAPP‐A MoM was lower than in the non‐SCD group (0.72, interquartile range [IQR] = 0.54‐1.14 versus 1.09, IQR = 0.74‐1.49; P < .001). Within the SCD group median PAPP‐A MoM was lower for those with genotype HbSS than HbSC (0.62, IQR = 0.44‐1.14 versus 0.94, IQR = 0.72‐1.25; .006). In 7.3% (4/55) of the HbSS group, there was stillbirth, and in these cases, PAPP‐A was less than or equal to 0.5 MoM; in the control group, the incidence of stillbirth was lower (1%; P < .001). In HbSS disease, the incidence of small for gestational age (SGA) neonates was increased.ConclusionPregnancies with HbSS have lower PAPP‐A MoM values and higher incidence of stillbirth and birth of SGA neonates than in non‐SCD controls.
Effect of Gastric Acid Suppressants on Response to a Physical Activity Intervention and Major Mobility Disability in Older Adults: Results from the Lifestyle Interventions for Elders (LIFE) Study
Authors: Squires Patrick J. , Pahor Marco , Manini Todd M. , Brown Joshua D. 
Published: June 2019

ObjectivesProton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) are associated with pharmacologic effects that may be detrimental to mobility and response to physical activity. Mobility disability and injurious fall outcomes in PPI and H2RA users were compared with nonusers in this secondary analysis of data from the Lifestyle Interventions for Elders (LIFE) study.MethodsParticipants ages 70–89 years were randomized to a physical activity (PA) or successful aging intervention and evaluated by medication use. Confounders included baseline demographic characteristics, physical function, cognitive function, sleep quality, and acid reflux symptoms that were adjusted via propensity score weighting. Outcomes were incident and persistent major mobility disability (MMD and pMMD) and injurious falls. Weighted proportional hazard models evaluated independent and interaction effects of PPIs and H2RAs.ResultsNo interaction was found between PPIs and H2RAs and the PA intervention. Drug use associations were significant for H2RAs (hazard ratio [HR] 1.74 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12–2.68]) and PPIs (HR 1.32 [95% CI 1.02–1.70]) compared with nonusers for pMMD. PPIs were associated with increased injurious falls compared with nonusers (HR 1.44 [95% CI 1.06–1.96]). Pooling of data from the H2RA and PPI exposure groups showed a 26% increase in MMD (HR 1.26 [95% CI 1.07–1.48]), a 44% increase in pMMD (HR 1.44 [95% CI 1.16–1.77]), and a 48% increase in injurious falls (HR 1.48 [95% CI 1.15–1.91]) compared with nonusers. All direct comparisons between PPIs and H2RAs were nonsignificant.ConclusionsCompared with nonusers, participants using either PPIs or H2RAs had an increased risk of MMD, pMMD, and injurious falls. It is not known if these effects are related to the individual pharmacology of each medication, reduced acid secretion, or the underlying disease state. Further study is required to determine causality.
APOBEC3s: DNA‐editing human cytidine deaminases
Authors: Silvas Tania V. , Schiffer Celia A. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractNucleic acid editing enzymes are essential components of the human immune system that lethally mutate viral pathogens and somatically mutate immunoglobulins. Among these enzymes are cytidine deaminases of the apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide‐like (APOBEC) super family, each with unique target sequence specificity and subcellular localization. We focus on the DNA‐editing APOBEC3 enzymes that have recently attracted attention because of their involvement in cancer and potential in gene‐editing applications. We review and compare the crystal structures of APOBEC3 (A3) domains, binding interactions with DNA, substrate specificity, and activity. Recent crystal structures of A3A and A3G bound to ssDNA have provided insights into substrate binding and specificity determinants of these enzymes. Still many unknowns remain regarding potential cooperativity, nucleic acid interactions, and systematic quantification of substrate preference of many APOBEC3s, which are needed to better characterize the biological functions and consequences of misregulation of these gene editors.
Solution Processable Transition Metal Phthalocyanine Nanofibres
Authors: Madhuri K. Priya , John Neena S. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSolution processable organic functional materials are highly desirable for device fabrication and applications. The insoluble nature of unsubstituted metal phthalocyanines (MPcs) often limits their applications that demand solution based coating techniques. In this work, nano‐architectures of metal phthalocyanines with important transition metal ions, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu and Zn that are highly dispersible in polar organic solvents have been prepared through a simple chemical route and applied as electrode materials for electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The formation of different MPcs is confirmed through various techniques such as Raman spectrocopy, X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The morphology of the synthesized MPcs has a fibre‐like structure with varying dimensions of 150–650 nm in width and 5–10 μm in length. These nanostructures are supramolecular self‐assemblies of individual macrocycle rings coming together to form fibre‐like structures through π‐π interactions and are highly ordered with β crystal phase. The obtained CuPc and CoPc nanofibre dispersion coated on to a glassy carbon electrode exhibited an onset potential of −250 and −290 mV and a Tafel slope of 120 and 107 mV dec−1, respectively, for HER and good stability up to 1000 cycles.
Syntheses of 4‐OH and 5‐OH Imidacloprids
Authors: Takahashi Keisuke , Tsurumi Tatsuya , Inami Moe , Li Zui , Kusakabe Taichi , Kikkawa Shoko , Azumaya Isao , Tominaga Nobuaki , Ikenaka Yoshinori , Arizono Koji , Kato Keisuke 
Published: June 2019

Abstract4‐OH and 5‐OH imidacloprids, important metabolites of neonicotinoid insecticides, were synthesised in 4 steps starting from S‐methylisothiourea sulfate. The structure of 4‐OH imidacloprid was determined by X‐ray crystallographic analysis. This is the first example of the synthesis of both metabolites independently.
Electroconductive hydrogels for biomedical applications
Authors: Lu Han , Zhang Ning , Ma Mingming 
Published: June 2019

AbstractElectroconductive hydrogels (EHs), combining both the biomimetic features of hydrogels and the electrochemical properties of conductive polymers and carbon‐based materials, have received immense considerations over the past decade. The three‐dimensional porous structure, hydrophilic properties, and regulatable chemical and physical properties of EH resemble the extracellular matrix in tissues, enable EHs a good matrix for cell growth, proliferation, and migration. Different from nonconductive hydrogels, EHs possess high electrical conductivity and electrochemical redox properties, which can be utilized to detect electric signals generated in biological systems, and also to supply electrical stimulation to regulate the activity and function of cells and tissues. Hence, this article provides a summary of the new development of EH for biomedical applications in the decade. We give a brief introduction of the design and synthesis of EHs, as well as current applications of EHs in biomedical fields, including cell culture, tissue engineering, drug delivery and controlled release, biosensors, and implantable bioelectronics. The development trends and challenges of EHs for biomedical applications are also discussed.This article is categorized under:

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants
Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing
Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Caring for solidarity? The intimate politics of grandmother childcare and neoliberal conservatism in urban Turkey
Authors: Can Başak 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe number of grandmothers who provide regular care for their grandchildren and do housework for their daughters or daughters-in-law is increasing in Turkey. While perpetuating traditional gender roles for themselves as a surrogate daughter, wife, or daughter-in-law, these women nonetheless enable younger women to distance themselves from obligatory care work at home. The sociocultural concepts of kinship ties, economic need, or love for grandchildren do not fully explain why grandmothers assume the role of caregiver for their grandchildren. Drawing on interviews with 25 grandmothers from middle-class families in urban Turkey, this article shows, first, that these women’s gendered subjectivity is formed by both habitual and intentional actions that defying the oppression and resistance duality within patriarchal Turkish society. Second, in dialogue with the scholarship on the “classic patriarchal bargain”1and feminist analyses of neoliberal social policy, the article suggests that these grandmothers’ inarticulate desire to live in solidarity with the younger generation of women may be turned into a government instrument in the context of Turkey’s increasingly family-centered neoliberal social policy environment.