bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AMPA receptor expression in mouse testis and spermatogonial GC‐1 cells: A study on its regulation by excitatory amino acids
Authors: Santillo Alessandra , Falvo Sara , Di Fiore Maria M. , Di Giacomo Russo Federica , Chieffi Paolo , Usiello Alessandro , Pinelli Claudia , Baccari Gabriella Chieffi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractExcitatory amino acids (EAAs) are found present in the nervous and reproductive systems of animals. Numerous studies have demonstrated a regulatory role for Glutamate (Glu), d‐aspartate (
d‐Asp) and N‐methyl‐
d‐aspartate (NMDA) in the control of spermatogenesis. EAAs are able to stimulate the Glutamate receptors, including the α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR). Here in, we assess expression of the main AMPAR subunits, GluA1 and GluA2/3, in the mouse testis and in spermatogonial GC‐1 cells. The results showed that both GluA1 and GluA2/3 were localized in mouse testis prevalently in spermatogonia. The subunit GluA2/3 was more highly expressed compared with GluA1 in both the testis and the GC‐1 cells. Subsequently, GC‐1 cells were incubated with medium containing
l‐Glu,
d‐Glu,
d‐Asp or NMDA to determine GluA1 and GluA2/3 expressions. At 30 minutes and 2 hours of incubation, EAA‐treated GC‐1 cells showed significantly higher expression levels of both GluA1 and GluA2/3. Furthermore, p‐extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), p‐Akt, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and Aurora B expressions were assayed in
l‐Glu‐,
d‐Glu‐, and NMDA‐treated GC‐1 cells. At 30 minutes and 2 hours of incubation, treated GC‐1 cells showed significantly higher expression levels of p‐ERK and p‐Akt. A consequent increase of PCNA and Aurora B expressions was induced by
l‐Glu and NMDA, but not by
d‐Glu. Our study demonstrates a direct effect of the EAAs on spermatogonial activity. In addition, the increased protein expression levels of GluA1 and GluA2/3 in EAA‐treated GC‐1 cells suggest that EAAs could activate ERK and Akt pathways through the AMPAR. Finally, the increased PCNA and Aurora B levels may imply an enhanced proliferative activity.
The influence of compost and nitrilotriacetic acid on mercury phytoextraction by Lepidium sativum L.
Authors: Smolińska Beata 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe investigations on enhanced phytoextraction are focused on both the influence of soil amendments on reclamation efficiency, and processes that occur in plant cells as its response to pollutants. The aim of the present study was to analyze the glutathione content (GSH) as a response of Lepidium sativum L. to substances used in assisted phytoextraction of mercury (Hg) contaminated soil. The simultaneous influence of compost from green wastes and nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) on Hg accumulation and translocation was investigated. The study also focused on the Hg leaching after assisted phytoextraction.RESULTSThe results of the study showed that application of compost and NTA increased Hg translocation to plant shoots over 128–154%. A corresponding increase of GSH was observed. Application of soil enhancements decreased the concentration of leached Hg (LHg) around 24% when compared to Hg treated soil.CONCLUSIONLepidium sativum L. showed the potential as a tolerant plant that can be used in biological soil reclamation process. Simultaneous application of compost and NTA promoted Hg phytoextraction efficiency and at the same time decreased the potential leachable fraction of Hg in soil. The increased Hg translocation to plant shoots was correlated with the growth of GSH content in plants, as a plant response to environmental conditions. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Biofiltration of high concentrations of methanol vapors: removal performance, carbon balance and microbial and fly populations
Authors: Cruz‐García Blanca , Geronimo‐Meza Andrea Selene , Martínez‐Lievana Concepción , Arriaga Sonia , Huante‐González Yolanda , Aizpuru Aitor 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDMethanol vapors, broadly emitted by industry, can be cost‐effectively treated by biofiltration. However, long‐term operation under high concentrations regularly encountered in the pulp and paper industry (> 5 g m−3) has been barely studied.RESULTSMethanol concentrations between 1.6 and 14 g m−3were treated in a biofilter. Complete methanol removal was obtained for concentrations up to 3.5 g m−3, for an empty bed retention time (EBRT) of 60 s. A higher EBRT (160 s) was necessary to eliminate all methanol for concentrations up to 7 g m−3. For higher concentrations, a maximum elimination capacity (ECmax) of 343.8 g m−3 h−1was achieved. The main challenge encountered during the biofiltration of high methanol concentrations was excessive biomass buildup (with a performance drop due to clogging occurring every 2 weeks). Under high methanol concentrations, 11 bacteria, three fungi, and one yeast prevailed in the biofilm. Flies and fly larvae were detected when no biofilter clogging was observed, regulating biomass excess.CONCLUSIONSHigh methanol concentrations trigger biomass growth and clogging. Diptera represent a research opportunity to control such phenomena. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of newborn screening for very‐long‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency on genetic, enzymatic, and clinical outcomes
Authors: Bleeker Jeannette C. , Kok Irene L. , Ferdinandusse Sacha , van der Pol W. Ludo , Cuppen Inge , Bosch Annet M. , Langeveld Mirjam , Derks Terry G. J. , Williams Monique , de Vries Maaike , Mulder Margot F. , Gozalbo Estela R. , de Sain‐van der Velden Monique G. M. , Rennings Alexander J. , Schielen Peter J. C. I. , Dekkers Eugenie , Houtkooper Riekelt H. , Waterham Hans R. , Pras‐Raves Mia L. , Wanders Ronald J. A. , van Hasselt Peter M. , Schoenmakers Marja , Wijburg Frits A. , Visser Gepke 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMost infants with very‐long‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCADD) identified by newborn screening (NBS) are asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis and remain asymptomatic. If this outcome is due to prompt diagnosis and initiation of therapy, or because of identification of individuals with biochemical abnormalities who will never develop symptoms, is unclear. Therefore, a 10‐year longitudinal national cohort study of genetically confirmed VLCADD patients born before and after introduction of NBS was conducted. Main outcome measures were clinical outcome parameters, acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase very long chain gene analysis, VLCAD activity, and overall capacity of long‐chain fatty acid oxidation (LC‐FAO flux) in lymphocytes and cultured skin fibroblasts. Median VLCAD activity in lymphocytes of 54 patients, 21 diagnosed pre‐NBS and 33 by NBS was, respectively, 5.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.0‐8.3) and 12.6% (95% CI: 10.7‐17.7; P < 0.001) of the reference mean. The median LC‐FAO flux was 33.2% (95% CI: 22.8‐48.3) and 41% (95% CI: 40.8‐68; P < 0.05) of the control mean, respectively. Clinical characteristics in 23 pre‐NBS and 37 NBS patients revealed hypoglycemic events in 12 vs 2 patients, cardiomyopathy in 5 vs 4 patients and myopathy in 14 vs 3 patients. All patients with LC‐FAO flux <10% developed symptoms. Of the patients with LC‐FAO flux >10% 7 out of 12 diagnosed pre‐NBS vs none by NBS experienced hypoglycemic events. NBS has a clear beneficial effect on the prevention of hypoglycemic events in patients with some residual enzyme activity, but does not prevent hypoglycemia nor cardiac complications in patients with very low residual enzyme activity. The effect of NBS on prevalence and prevention of myopathy‐related complications remains unclear.
Structural prediction of antibody‐APRIL complexes by computational docking constrained by antigen saturation mutagenesis library data
Authors: Wollacott Andrew M. , Robinson Luke N. , Ramakrishnan Boopathy , Tissire Hamid , Viswanathan Karthik , Shriver Zachary , Babcock Gregory J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most prevalent cause of primary glomerular disease worldwide, and the cytokine A PRoliferation‐Inducing Ligand (APRIL) is emerging as a key player in IgAN pathogenesis and disease progression. For a panel of anti‐human APRIL antibodies with known antagonistic activity, we sought to define their structural mode of engagement to understand molecular mechanisms of action and aid rational antibody engineering. Reliable computational prediction of antibody‐antigen complexes remains challenging, and experimental methods such as X‐ray co‐crystallography and cryoEM have considerable technical, resource, and throughput barriers. To overcome these limitations, we implemented an integrated and accessible experimental‐computational workflow to more accurately predict structures of antibody‐APRIL complexes. Specifically, a yeast surface display library encoding site‐saturation mutagenized surface positions of APRIL was screened against a panel of anti‐APRIL antibodies to rapidly obtain a comprehensive biochemical profile of mutational impact on binding for each antibody. The experimentally derived mutational profile data were used as quantitative constraints in a computational docking workflow optimized for antibodies, resulting in robust structural models of antibody‐antigen complexes. The model results were confirmed by solving the cocrystal structure of one antibody‐APRIL complex, which revealed strong agreement with our model. The models were used to rationally select and engineer one antibody for cross‐species APRIL binding, which quite often aids further testing in relevant animal models. Collectively, we demonstrate a rapid, integrated computational‐experimental approach to robustly predict antibody‐antigen structures information, which can aid rational antibody engineering and provide insights into molecular mechanisms of action.
Frequency and Implications of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells and lymphocyte subsets in Egyptian patients with hepatitis C virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hetta Helal F. , Zahran Asmaa M. , Mansor Shima G. , Abdel‐Malek Mohamed O. , Mekky Mohamed A. , Abbas Wael A. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackground and aimMyeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a pivotal role in tumor immunity and induction of immune tolerance to a variety of antitumor effectors, including T lymphocytes. Herein, we tried to evaluate the frequency and clinical significance of MDSCs and different lymphocyte subsets in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsFour groups were enrolled; chronic HCV (CHC; n = 40), HCV‐related liver cirrhosis (n = 40), HCV‐related HCC (HCV‐HCC; n = 75), and healthy control group (n = 20). The percentage of peripheral lymphocytes subsets and total MDSCs with their main two subsets; monocytic (M‐MDSCs) and granulocytic (G‐MDSCs) was evaluated by flow cytometry.ResultsThe frequency of total MSDCs and M‐MDSCs was significantly elevated in HCV‐HCC especially patients with advanced stage HCC compared with those with early‐stage HCC. The frequency of total MSDCs and M‐MDSCs was positively correlated with ALT, AFP, and HCV viral load and negatively correlated with CD8+T‐cell frequency. CD4+T cells were significantly decreased in HCV‐HCC patients. The frequency of CD4+T cells and CD8+T cells was negatively correlated with AFP and AST, but not with albumin or HCV viral load.ConclusionTaken together, our data suggest that MDSCs, M‐MDSCs, and lymphocyte subsets are associated with the development and progression of HCV‐related HCC
Measurement of serum hepatitis B surface antibody levels in Iranian autistic children and evaluation of immunological memory after booster dose injection in comparison with controls
Authors: Barfi Shahram , Narges Chimeh , Pouretemad Hamid Reza , Poortahmasebi Vahdat , Norouzi Mehdi , Farahmand Mohammad , Yahyapour Yousef , Ghorbani Saeid , Ghalichi Leila , Ofoghi Haleh , Jazayeri Seyed Mohammad 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundResponsiveness to hepatitis B vaccine among patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has not been evaluated worldwide. We aimed to determine the anti‐HBs antibody duration in autistic and healthy children few years after primary vaccination and evaluate their immunological memory against hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine with booster dose administration.MethodsOne hundred seven and 147 HBsAg‐negative children from ASD and normal population were recruited, respectively. HBV seromarkers (HBc‐Ab, HBsAg, and HBs‐Ab) were assessed and subsequently, molecular tests were used on all the subjects. A booster dose of vaccine was injected for those who showed low levels (<10 mIU/mL) of anti‐HBs and their antibody levels was measured 4 weeks later.ResultsThe mean ages of ASD and control groups were 7.14 ± 2.42 and 8.68 ± 1.96, respectively. Seven (6.5%) of the ASD group were positive for anti‐HBc and one child was positive for occult hepatitis B infection (HBsAg negative, HBV DNA positive). In ASD, 54 (50.4%) and 53 (49.6%) had adequate (>10 mIU/mL) and low anti‐HBs levels, respectively. Among control group, 74 (50.4%) and 73 (49.6%) had sufficient and low antibody levels, respectively. After injection of a booster dose for all children with low antibody, 100% of ASD and 92% (59 of 64) of control pupils contained >10 mIU/mL of antibody, respectively. In both the groups, the HBs‐Ab titer increased similarly in response to the booster injection (P < 0.05).ConclusionDespite previous investigations regarding immune impairment in individuals with autism, the immune system of these individuals was able to manage the hepatitis B vaccine challenge.
Systematic reviews of health economic evaluations: A structured analysis of characteristics and methods applied
Authors: Luhnen Miriam , Prediger Barbara , Neugebauer Edmund A.M. , Mathes Tim 
Published: February 2019

IntroductionThe number of systematic reviews of health economic evaluations (SR‐HEs) is increasing. We aimed at providing a detailed overview of the characteristics and applied methods in recently published SR‐HEs.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE (03/2017) for SR‐HEs published since 2015 using validated search filters. We included studies that performed a systematic review of full economic evaluations and searched at least one electronic database. We extracted data in a standardized, beforehand piloted form that was deduced from the items of the PRISMA and CHEERS checklists. Data were extracted by one reviewer, and a 10% random sample was verified by a second. We prepared descriptive statistical measures to describe the SR‐HEs.ResultsWe included 202 SR‐HEs. We identified similarities especially in the methods for information retrieval. Study selection, data extraction, and assessment of quality and transferability were frequently not reported or performed without taking measures to reduce errors (eg, independent study selection). A wide range of different tools was applied for critical appraisal. Moreover, the reporting of included economic evaluations and the synthesis of their results showed strong variations.ConclusionsOverall, we identified few common features in the applied methods for SR‐HEs. The information retrieval processes are largely standardized, but many studies did not use validated search filters. For the other systematic review steps, the methodological approaches varied. In particular, important challenges seem to be the methodological quality and transferability assessment as well as presentation and (quantitative) synthesis of results. Efforts are needed for increasing standardization, quality of applied methods, and reporting of SR‐HEs.
Aggregation Behavior of Imidazolium‐Based Amino Acid Ionic Liquid Surfactants in Aqueous Solution: The Effect of Amino Acid Counterions
Authors: Yang Xiu‐Jie , Zhang Peng , Lv Wenjiao , Zhou Ting , Li Peng , Zhao Mingwei 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThree kinds of imidazolium‐based amino acid ionic liquid surfactants (AAILS), 1‐tetradecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium
L‐aminopropionic acid salt ([C14mim][Ala]), 1‐tetradecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium
L‐2‐pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid salt ([C14mim][Pro]), and 1‐tetradecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium
L‐aminohydrocinnamic acid salt ([C14mim][Phe]), were synthesized by employing natural amino acids as counterions. Their adsorption and self‐aggregation behaviors in aqueous solution were investigated systematically by means of surface tension and electrical conductivity measurements. Surface tension results indicate that surface properties and micellization behavior of AAILS are significantly affected by counterions. The micellization of [C14mim][Pro] and [C14mim][Phe] is entropy‐driven at low temperatures but enthalpy‐driven at high temperatures, whereas [C14mim][Ala] is enthalpy‐driven throughout the whole temperature range, owing to the variation in hydrophobicity and size of amino acid counterions. The surface activity of [C14mim][Phe] is superior to that of conventional imidazolium‐based ionic liquid surfactants with the same hydrocarbon chain length, 1‐tetradecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide (C14mimBr), indicating that the aromatic counterion can promote the micellar formation process.
Characterization, expression, and functional analysis of polyamine oxidases and their role in selenium‐induced hydrogen peroxide production in Brassica rapa
Authors: Wang Yongzhu , Ye Xiefeng , Yang Kang , Shi Zhiqi , Wang Ning , Yang Lifei , Chen Jian 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDSelenium (Se)‐induced phytotoxicity has been linked to oxidative injury triggered by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the disturbance of anti‐oxidative systems. However, the way Se stress induces hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production in plants is a long‐standing question. Here we identified the role of polyamine oxidase (PAO) in H2O2 production in the root of Brassica rapa upon Se stress.RESULTSStudying Se‐induced growth inhibition, H2O2 accumulation, and oxidative injury in the root of Brassica rapa, we found that excessive Se exposure resulted in a remarkable increase in PAO activity. Inhibition of PAO activity led to decreased H2O2 content and alleviated oxidative injury in the Se‐treated root. These results indicated that Se stress induced PAO‐dependent H2O2 production. A total of six BrPAO family members were discovered in the genome of B. rapa by in silico analysis. Se stress pronouncedly upregulated the expression of most BrPAOs and further transient expression analysis proved that it could lead to H2O2 production.CONCLUSIONThese results suggest that Se stress upregulates the expression of a set of BrPAOs which further enhances PAO activity, contributing to H2O2 generation in roots. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Polymer Grafted Nanoparticle Viscosity Modifiers
Authors: Giovino Marissa , Buenning Eileen , Jimenez Andrew , Kumar Sanat K. , Schadler Linda 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIt is demonstrated that the addition of nanoparticles can decrease the viscosity of an entangled polymer matrix (plasticization). While there has been considerable effort in understanding the role of bare nanoparticles on viscosity, the corresponding study on grafted particles is nascent. Two nanometer radius zirconia fillers with a bimodal population of grafted PDMS is used. Two fillers are considered: one has grafted chains with a molecular weight, Mg, less than the entanglement M, Mg < Me(ZrO21k 10k), and the other filler has grafted chains M > Mc(the critical Me) (ZrO21k 36k). The ZrO21k 10k composites exhibit plasticization for large matrix molecular weight Mm. The ZrO21k 36k composites, in contrast, have Einstein‐like behavior. The plasticization effects are either due to: the small filler size relative to the tube diameter or an increase in chain mobility at the interface due to autophobic dewetting.
Synthesis of Highly Branched Copolymers in Microemulsion
Authors: Cuneo Timothy , Graff Robert W. , Wang Xiaofeng , Gao Haifeng 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAtom transfer radical copolymerization of monomer and inimer (containing initiating and monomer fragments in one molecule) is carried out in a microemulsion to produce branched copolymers with similar molecular weights but varied branching densities. The monomer 2‐(isobutyryloxy) ethyl methacrlyate (IEM) shares a similar structure as the selected inimer 2‐(2‐bromoisobutylryloxy) ethyl methacrylate (BIEM) and provides microemulsification with little change of micelle size upon varying the molar ratio of monomer to inimer (γ ) from 2 to 50. The copolymerization of IEM and BIEM in the discrete micellar space produces branched copolymers with similar molecular weights M
n ≈ 2‐3 × 105, low dispersity M
w/M
n ≈ 1.2 but varied branching density. These branched copolymers contain dormant bromine chain ends that can be directly used as macroinitiators for polymerization of monomers to grow linear arms within microemulsion particles. Copolymers of IEM monomer and an acetal containing inimer (ABIEM) allow degradation of the branching units under acidic conditions to yield linear fragments from the parent structure. The concentration of the Cu(II)/ligand complex is varied from 2 to 4 mm in the polymerization of ABIEM to further tune the branching density, revealing that higher copper amount produces shorter linear fragments between branching points through improved deactivation.
Lignin‐Reinforced Ethylene‐Propylene‐Diene Copolymer Elastomer via Hydrogen Bonding Interactions
Authors: Mei Jie , Liu Weifeng , Huang Jinhao , Qiu Xueqing 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIt is still a great challenge to prepare lignin/polyolefin composites with good strength and toughness. Inspired by the energy sacrificial mechanism from biomaterials, dynamic hydrogen bonds (H‐bonds) are incorporated into the lignin/ethylene‐propylene‐diene monomer (EPDM) composite system to improve the interfacial interactions between lignin and EPDM. Such H‐bonding interactions are demonstrated to be able to simultaneously improve the modulus, strength, and toughness of lignin/EPDM composites without sacrificing the extensibility. This work provides a facile method for the high‐valued utilization of lignin in the preparation of high‐performance elastomer composites using bio‐renewable resources as reinforcing agent.
Personalized Single‐Cell Encapsulation Using E‐Jet 3D Printing with AC‐Pulsed Modulation
Authors: Wang Jian , Huang Ruiying , Chen Haoxiang , Qiao Xiaoyin , Shi Xuelei , Wang Xiaocheng , Cheng Yanxiang , Tan Weihong , Tan Zhikai 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWith the growing therapeutic importance of cell microcarriers, there has been a rise in the need to develop technologies that facilitate efficient microencapsulation of cells, currently limited by a lack of straightforward and low‐cost strategies for single‐cell isolation and printing. Thus, the aim of this study is to develop a gentle and cell‐compatible electro‐hydrodynamic jet 3D printing technique to facilitate the efficient microencapsulation of cells in hydrogel microspheres, and investigate the effects of parameters (flow rate, voltage frequency, nozzle diameter, working distance, and substrate velocity) on the printing process. Stable microspheres are obtained by regulating these parameters to balance various forces, with control of their diameters in the range of 100–600 µm. The study demonstrates that under optimized conditions, the technique is able to successfully encapsulate cells within hydrogel microspheres with high viability over a wide range of diameters. This 3D printing technique expands the potential utility of microspheres into additional biological applications, such as cancer biology and drug screening. It can also be used as an effective platform for the production of tumor spheroids, generating multicellular spheroid models in vitro or for injectable cell delivery.