bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examining urban and rural differences in perceived timeliness of care among cancer patients: A SEER‐CAHPS study
Authors: Mollica Michelle A. , Weaver Kathryn E. , McNeel Timothy S. , Kent Erin E. 
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUNDRural cancer patients often have challenges in accessing quality care. This study examined associations between the place of residence at cancer diagnosis (urban vs rural) and patient ratings of access to care among older cancer survivors participating in Medicare‐managed care.METHODSUsing Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results –Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (SEER‐CAHPS) linked data, which included SEER data and Medicare CAHPS patient experience surveys, this study identified urban (n = 6140) and rural Medicare beneficiaries (n = 686) aged ≥ 65 years with a breast, lung, colorectal, or prostate cancer diagnosis who had completed a Medicare CAHPS survey between 1998 and 2013. Multivariable models examined associations between survivor residence at the time of diagnosis and CAHPS measures of timeliness and ease of getting care.RESULTSRespondents who resided in urban areas (vs rural) at the time of their cancer diagnosis rated their care significantly lower for Getting Care Quickly (b = −2.27; standard error = 0.95; P = .02). Although there were no overall significant differences for Getting Needed Care, there was a significant interaction between race/ethnicity and residence (P = .04): both non‐Hispanic black and Hispanic respondents residing in rural areas rated Getting Needed Care lower than those respondents residing in urban areas.CONCLUSIONSIn contrast to prior studies, these findings suggest that rural survivors report more timely care than those in urban areas, but accessing needed care may be more challenging for racial/ethnic minority rural survivors. Future examination of specific barriers for urban and racial/ethnic minority rural survivors is warranted to ensure equitable access to quality cancer care. Cancer 2018. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Glycocalyx Scaffolding to Control Cell Surface Glycan Displays
Authors: Huang Mia L. , Tota Ember M. , Verespy Stephen , Godula Kamil 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis article describes a protocol for remodeling cells with synthetic glycoprotein and glycolipid mimetics that are functionalized with lipid anchors, allowing for cell surface display of specific glycan structures in predefined nanoscale arrangements. The complex chemical heterogeneity of glycans found on the cell surface or the glycocalyx renders analysis of the individual contributions of glycans difficult. This technique allows for the precise study of individual glycans at different regions of the glycocalyx, and may be useful for interrogating glycan interactions in infection or immunity or in stem cell differentiation. CHO‐Lec2 cells are prepared as adherent monolayers and, after reaching confluence, are incubated with the glycomaterials. Synthetic glycopolymers bearing α‐2,3‐sialyllactose glycans are used to decorate cellular surfaces in the form of 3D multivalent ligands projecting away from the cell surface, while α‐2,6‐sialyllactose glycolipid conjugates are used to anchor glycans in dynamic 2D arrays proximal to the cell membrane. Following washing, mimetic incorporation and glycan display can be analyzed using lectins with specificity for α‐2,3‐ or α‐2,6‐linked sialic acids. Flow cytometry data reveals that cell surface remodeling with either glycoconjugate mimetic occurs efficiently in a dose‐dependent manner. Combinations of glycoconjugates can also be employed simultaneously to generate a mixed glycocalyx with tunable composition and organization. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Measuring Histone Deacetylase Inhibition in the Brain
Authors: Reddy Doodipala Samba , Wu Xin , Golub Victoria M. , Dashwood W. Mohaiza , Dashwood Roderick H. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractHistone deacetylases (HDACs) represent a family of enzymes that are targets for epigenetic modulation of genomic activity and may be beneficial in the treatment of many diseases, including cancer and central nervous system disorders. In animal models, HDAC inhibitors have neuroprotective, antiepileptogenic, and antidepressant effects. Assaying HDAC activity provides a robust method for identifying HDAC inhibitors and for assessing their effects under various physiological conditions or after pathological insults. In this unit, a simple and sensitive assay for measuring HDAC activity is described. HDAC activity in tissue lysates can be assessed fluorometrically using a Boc‐Lys(Ac) HDAC activity kit. HDACs catalyze the deacetylation of the substrate Boc‐Lys(Ac)‐AMC. Addition of a trypsin‐containing developer converts the deacetylated product to a quantifiable fluorophore that can be used both as a screening method to identify putative HDAC inhibitors and to assess the effects of these inhibitors on tissue and animal epigenetic‐modulated phenotypes. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Detailed Study of Irradiation Requirements Towards an Efficient Photochemical Wohl‐Ziegler Procedure in Flow
Authors: Bonfield Holly E. , Williams Jason D. , Ooi Wei Xiang , Leach Stuart G. , Kerr William J. , Edwards Lee J. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA platform has been developed to enable standardization of light sources, allowing consistent scale‐up from high‐throughput screening in batch to flow, using the same pseudo‐monochromatic light source. The impact of wavelength and light intensity on a photochemical reaction was evaluated within this platform using the Wohl‐Ziegler benzylic bromination of 4‐methyl‐3‐(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile with N‐bromosuccinimide as a model system. It was found that only 40 % of the maximum light intensity was required while still maintaining reaction rate, allowing more reliable temperature control and lower energy consumption. The optimized reaction conditions were subsequently applied to a range of synthetically relevant (hetero)aromatic compounds under continuous conditions, exploring the scope of the process within a mild and scalable procedure.
Neutral and functionally important genes shed light on phylogeography and the history of high‐altitude colonization in a widespread New World duck
Authors: Lozano‐Jaramillo Maria , McCracken Kevin G. , Cadena Carlos Daniel 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPhylogeographic studies often infer historical demographic processes underlying species distributions based on patterns of neutral genetic variation, but spatial variation in functionally important genes can provide additional insights about biogeographic history allowing for inferences about the potential role of adaptation in geographic range evolution. Integrating data from neutral markers and genes involved in oxygen (O2)‐transport physiology, we test historical hypotheses about colonization and gene flow across low‐ and high‐altitude regions in the Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis), a widely distributed species in the New World. Using multilocus analyses that for the first time include populations from the Colombian Andes, we also examined the hypothesis that Ruddy Duck populations from northern South America are of hybrid origin. We found that neutral and functional genes appear to have moved into the Colombian Andes from both North America and southern South America, and that high‐altitude Colombian populations do not exhibit evidence of adaptation to hypoxia in hemoglobin genes. Therefore, the biogeographic history of Ruddy Ducks is likely more complex than previously inferred. Our new data raise questions about the hypothesis that adaptation via natural selection to high‐altitude conditions through amino acid replacements in the hemoglobin protein allowed Ruddy Ducks to disperse south along the high Andes into southern South America. The existence of shared genetic variation with populations from both North America and southern South America as well as private alleles suggests that the Colombian population of Ruddy Ducks may be of old hybrid origin. This study illustrates the breadth of inferences one can make by combining data from nuclear and functionally important loci in phylogeography, and underscores the importance of complete range‐wide sampling to study species history in complex landscapes.
Murine macrophage chemokine receptor CCR2 plays a crucial role in macrophage recruitment and regulated inflammation in wound healing
Authors: Boniakowski Anna E. , Kimball Andrew S. , Joshi Amrita , Schaller Matt , Davis Frank M. , denDekker Aaron , Obi Andrea T , Moore Bethany B. , Kunkel Steve L. , Gallagher Katherine A. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMacrophages play a critical role in the establishment of a regulated inflammatory response following tissue injury. Following injury, CCR2+ monocytes are recruited from peripheral blood to wound tissue, and direct the initiation and resolution of inflammation that is essential for tissue repair. In pathologic states where chronic inflammation prevents healing, macrophages fail to transition to a reparative phenotype. Using a murine model of cutaneous wound healing, we found that CCR2‐deficient mice (CCR2−/−) demonstrate significantly impaired wound healing at all time points postinjury. Flow cytometry analysis of wounds from CCR2−/− and WT mice revealed a significant decrease in inflammatory, Ly6CHi recruited monocyte/macrophages in CCR2−/− wounds. We further show that wound macrophage inflammatory cytokine production is decreased in CCR2−/− wounds. Adoptive transfer of mT/mG monocyte/macrophages into CCR2+/+ and CCR2−/− mice demonstrated that labeled cells on days 2 and 4 traveled to wounds in both CCR2+/+ and CCR2−/− mice. Further, adoptive transfer of monocyte/macrophages from WT mice restored normal healing, likely through a restored inflammatory response in the CCR2‐deficient mice. Taken together, these data suggest that CCR2 plays a critical role in the recruitment and inflammatory response following injury, and that wound repair may be therapeutically manipulated through modulation of CCR2.
Association between levels of synovial anti‐citrullinated peptide antibodies and neutrophil response in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Gorlino Carolina V. , Dave Mabel N. , Blas Rodrigo , Crespo María I. , Lavanchy Alicia , Tamashiro Héctor , Pardo‐Hildalgo Rodolfo , Pistoresi‐Palencia María C. , Di Genaro María S. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by the presence of anti‐citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPAs) and neutrophils infiltrating the synovial fluid (SF) of the affected joints. The aim of this work was to analyze whether the presence of ACPAs in SF is associated with neutrophil infiltration and with their phenotype in the inflamed joints of RA patients. We found that in the presence of ACPAs, the number of synovial neutrophils correlated with severe disease activity. The SF were divided according to synovial ACPA levels in negative‐ (<25 U/mL), low‐ (25–200 U/mL) and high level (˃200 U/mL; ACPAhigh). We observed that IL‐6, IL‐17, and IL‐8 were significantly elevated in ACPAhighSF and that IL‐8 levels correlated positively with neutrophil counts and with worse clinical manifestations. Additionally, in vitro incubation of neutrophils with ACPAhigh SF resulted in an increased ROS production and extracellular DNA release compared to neutrophils incubated with ACPA‐negative SF. These exacerbated effector functions were associated with a fraction of ICAM‐1‐positive neutrophils, which were induced by ACPAhigh SF. Likewise, in in vivo, we could also detect this subset among neutrophils present in ACPAhigh SF. In conclusion, the data presented here shed light on the role of SF‐ACPAs as inductors of a proinflammatory profile in neutrophils.
Measurement of Peroxide Values in Oils by Triphenylphosphine/Triphenylphosphine Oxide (TPP/TPPO) Assay Coupled with FTIR‐ATR Spectroscopy: Comparison with Iodometric Titration
Authors: Deyrieux Charlotte , Villeneuve Pierre , Baréa Bruno , Decker Eric A. , Guiller Isabelle , Michel Salaun Françoise , Durand Erwann 
Published: June 2018

Hydroperoxides (LOOH) measurement is a common technique to determine the degree of oxidation of oils and fats. Although it appears to have some limitations (time consuming, and uses of toxic solvents as chloroform), the iodometric titration is one of the most common methods. Herein, an alternative method by measuring the oxidation level using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) with an attenuated total reflectance mode (ATR), based on the stoichiometric conversion of triphenylphosphine (TPP) into triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) by hydroperoxides, is proposed. The FTIR‐ATR spectroscopy allows for a simple and accurate detection of the TPPO formed by selective reaction with LOOH, with measurement of its specific adsorption band at 542 cm−1. Calibration is made with TPPO solubilized in butan‐2‐one and covers a range of peroxide values (PV) from ≈2 to ≈800 mEq kg−1. The comparison of the iodometric titration and TPP/TPPO assay is performed with standard hydroperoxides (tert‐butyl hydroperoxide and cumene hydroperoxide). The iodometric titration shows higher PV overestimations in comparison with the TPP/TPPO assay, for both hydroperoxides. An accelerated oxidation of different oils is assessed with the two methods, and the results confirm this observation since higher PV values are measured with the titration method. The TPP/TPPO assay coupled with the ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy appears as a simpler and faster assay, which may limit overestimation and use of toxic solvents, especially suitable for routine analysis of oil and fats.Practical Applications: One of the first indicator of oxidation in oils and fats is the presence of hydroperoxides, therefore, it is important to find a reliable method to assess these oxidation products. One of the most common methods to determine lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) concentrations is iodometric titration. Although this method is simple to set up, it is labor‐intensive, time consuming, and uses a lot of solvent. TPP/TPPO assay coupled with FTIR‐ATR spectroscopy is a good alternative to the iodometric method since it allows a fast and robust hydroperoxide measurement, with minimal use of organic solvents. This rapid peroxide value determination can be adapted for routine quality control analyses, especially for oxidation in real‐time and accelerated aging assays to evaluate oxidative stability during shelf‐life, for industrial purpose or lab scale experiments.The TPP/TPPO coupled with FTIR‐ATR allows for a fast, simple, reasonably sensitive (adequate for most purposes) and reproducible alternative assay to conventional iodometric titration for peroxide value assessment.
Development of a Novel Membrane‐less Microbial Fuel Cell (ML‐MFC) with a Sandwiched Nitrifying Chamber for Efficient Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Zhou Yuhong , Zhao Simeng , Yin Lu , Zhang Jing , Bao Yue , Shi Huixiang 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA novel membrane‐less microbial fuel cell (ML‐MFC) which used the baffles instead of the ion exchange membrane (IEM) was developed for ammonium‐containing wastewater treatment and electricity generation. By means of installing an ideal nitrifying unit between the anodic and cathodic chamber, the novel ML‐MFC accomplished organics degradation and nitrogen removal without additional loop. The removal efficiencies of COD, NH4+−N and TN achieved 97.07±0.47 %, 91.76±3.32 % and 87.66±1.59 %, respectively. Meanwhile, the effluent pH was near neutral and turbidity was quite low. In addition, the maximum power density of 1.007±0.032 W/m3 was obtained. Combined with the analysis of microbial community, electroactive bacteria (EAB) Desulfovibrio, Comamonas and Thiobacillus were enriched in biofilm. Considering the superior effluent quality and the promising energy potential, the novel ML‐MFC has good application prospects in efficient and sustainable wastewater treatment.
A SNaPshot assay for detection of 45 mutations in the SCN5A gene in the Chinese Han Population
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Wang Xudong , Ma Zhihua , Yun Keming , Liu Jinding , Chen Deqing , Liu Zidong , Shi Jie , Li Zeqin , Gao Cairong , Du Qiuxiang , Zhang Gengqian 
Published: June 2018

AbstractSudden cardiac death (SCD) occurs frequently in forensic practice and results in no visible pathological changes that can be detected in an autopsy. In recent years, the genetic background has been emphasized when examining SCD cases. The aim of this study is to establish a feasible system to detect SCD‐related genes for forensic DNA laboratories. Forty‐five reported SCD‐associated SNPs from sodium voltage‐gated channel alpha subunit 5 (SCN5A) were considered in our experiment. We established a SNaPshot assay for the typing of 45 SNPs using multiplex PCR and the minisequencing technique. Two multiplex PCRs were performed and optimized to cover 14 and 16 DNA fragments. The SCD victims came from the Chinese Han population residing in Shanxi and Chongqing provinces and were examined and compared with a non‐SCD group and with normal healthy individuals. A missense mutation at rs1805124 (H558R) was detected in the Chinese Han population in this study. A SNaPshot assay can be performed in any forensic DNA laboratory and would be capable of meeting the increasing demand for SCD detection. This method would also be beneficial for screening at‐risk in family members of SCD victims.
Predicting risks from down-the-drain chemicals in a developing country: Mexico and linear alkylbenzene sulfonate as a case study
Authors: Quinn Shannon E. , Dyer Scott D. , Fan Ming , Keller Virginie D.J. , Johnson Andrew C. , Williams Richard J. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

It is recognized that the amount of natural dilution available can make a significant difference in the exposure and risk assessment of chemicals that emanate from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). However, data availability is a common limiting factor in exposure assessments for emerging markets. In the present study, we used a novel approach to derive dilution factors for the receiving waters within 5 km of wastewater discharge points in Mexico by combining locally measured river volumes, ecoregion categorization, data on WWTP capacity, and global river network models. Distributions of wastewater effluent into receiving stream dilution factors were developed for the entire country and organized by ecoregion type to explore spatial differences. The distribution of dilution factors in Mexico ranged from &gt;1000 in tropical and temperate ecoregions to 1 in desert ecoregions. To demonstrate its utility, dilution factors were used to develop a probabilistic model to explore the potential ecological risks of the high-volume surfactant linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), commonly used in down-the-drain cleaning products. The predicted LAS river exposure values were below the predicted no-effect concentration in all regions. The methodology developed for Mexico can be used to derive refined exposure assessments in other countries with emerging markets throughout the world, resulting in more realistic risk assessments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2475–2486. © 2018 SETAC
Combined effects of cadmium exposure and temperature on the annual killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri)
Authors: Philippe Charlotte , Hautekiet Pauline , Grégoir Arnout F. , Thoré Eli S.J. , Pinceel Tom , Stoks Robby , Brendonck Luc , Boeck Gudrun De 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Freshwater organisms are increasingly exposed to combinations of stressors. However, because it is time-consuming and costly, research on the interaction of stressors, such as compound toxicity and global warming on vertebrates, is scarce. Studies on multigenerational effects of these combined stressors are almost nonexistent. In the present study, we tested the combined effects of 4 °C warming and cadmium (Cd) exposure on life-history traits, biomarkers, bioaccumulation, and multigenerational tolerance in the turquoise killifish, Nothobranchius furzeri. The extremely short life cycle of this vertebrate model allows for assessment of sublethal and multigenerational effects within 4 mo. The applied Cd concentrations had only limited effects on the measured endpoints, which suggests that N. furzeri is more resistant to Cd than fathead minnow and rainbow trout. In contrast, the temperature increase of 4 °C was stressful: it delayed female maturation and lowered adult mass and fecundity. Finally, indications of synergistic effects were found on peak fecundity and embryonic survival. Overall, these results indicate the importance of studying chronic and multigenerational effects of combined stressors. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2361–2371. © 2018 SETAC.
Nanometric neem oil emulsification through microfluidization, and its therapeutic potential against Aeromonas culicicola infection in Cyprinus carpio
Authors: Swathy Jalaja Somasekharan , Mishra Prabhakar , Thomas John , Mukherjee Amitava , Chandrasekaran Natarajan 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe present study deals with the preparation and optimisation of neem oil nanoemulsion by microfluidization process and its application for the bacterial infection management in aquaculture. The effect of process parameters like surfactant concentration (Tween 20, Tween 80), homogenisation pressure and the number of cycles on the droplet size of neem oil nanoemulsion was investigated. The optimized pressure and number of cycles for the neem oil nanoemulsion preparation was found to be 20,000 psi and 25 cycles respectively. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the particle size of neem oil nanoemulsion was observed as the pressure, number of cycles and concentration of surfactant increase. The neem oil nanoemulsion prepared using 1:3 ratio of neem oil and Tween 80 surfactant showed a good stability with a mean droplet size of 24.5 ± 1.33 nm. The concentration of Azadiractin, an active ingredient in neem oil nanoemulsion was found to be 21.187 ± 1.01 μg/mL. The 1:3 ratio of neem oil ‐ Tween 80 formulated nanoemulsion showed good antibacterial activity against the fish pathogen, Aeromonas culicicola (MIC of 0.93 μl/mL). The morphological changes inflicted by the neem nanoemulsion treatment on bacterial cells were evident from the scanning electron microscopy and membrane integrity analysis. Further, the In‐vivo bactericidal efficacy of the neem oil nanoemulsion was tested on Common carp (Cyprinus carpio). The neem oil nanoemulsion treatment exhibited protective action against Aeromonas culicicola infection and it improved the antioxidant defence system of fish. The above results envisage the use of neem oil nanoemulsion as a potential alternative for synthetic antibiotics in treatment of bacterial infection of the fish.
Identification and Modelling of Drop‐By‐Drop Irrigation System for Tomato Plants Under Greenhouse Conditions
Authors: Sahbani Farhat , Ferjani Ezzidine 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn northern Tunisia the cultivation of tomatoes in greenhouses is of great importance during the winter and spring seasons. This region has a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot and dry summers and mild and humid winters. The average temperature in winter ranges between 8.1 and 16.1°C. During this season, precipitation ranges between 148 and 376 mm, reaching an average of 366–752 mm over the three seasons (autumn, winter and spring).The north of Tunisia is characterized by the construction of several dams, small agricultural fields and a rugged terrain, and is the reason why greenhouse farming is preferred. In order to combat erosion, runoff and save water, a drip irrigation system placed at the roots of tomato plants has been installed. However, the automatic operation of this irrigation system cannot be performed in the absence of a mathematical model. In order to solve this problem a balance was sought between the water pressure (p), the water flow (d) and the soil humidity (h). Based on the input/output, and using measurements of these three parameters (p), (d) and (h), and with the help of the MATLAB ‘ident’ toolbox, the irrigation system was taken to be a black box where (p) and (d) are the inputs and (h) is the output. This box has allowed us to obtain an estimated model that is as close as possible to the real irrigation system. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.