bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal Immunity Influences Vertical Transmission of Hepatitis B to Newborns
Authors: Vyas Ashish Kumar , Negi Pooja , Patra Sharda , Maras Jaswinder Singh , Ramakrishna Gayatri , Sarin Shiv Kumar , Trehanpati Nirupma 
Published: April 2019

Vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) from the mother to the newborn often results in viral persistence. To understand mechanisms of maternofetal HBV transmission, we studied maternal immunity and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) transcriptome in mothers and newborns. We included 50 mothers and babies who were hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive: 22 HBV transmitting mothers (group [Gr.] I) and 28 HBV nontransmitting mothers (Gr. II) to newborns and 10 healthy mother–baby pairs (Gr. III). PBMCs were analyzed for HBV‐specific dendritic cells (DCs), T cells, T follicular helper (TFh) cells, B cells, functional immune responses, and cytokine levels as well as transcriptome signatures to identify immune gene expression correlates for protective immunity. Group II mothers had lower HBsAg levels (3.82 × 103 versus 1.493 × 104; P < 0.0001) with greater HBV‐specific responses of DCs, T cells, TFh cells, and B cells than Gr. I mothers. Frequencies of TFh cells were lower in Gr. I mothers, with reduced interleukin‐21 (IL‐21) levels, and these inversely correlated with HBV DNA levels. Cut‐off levels of 9.5% and 8.93% from the receiver operating curve predicted the involvement of TFh cells and B cells in HBV transmission. Transcriptome signatures revealed that maternal gene imprints were reflected in the newborns. Genes related to DCs, TFh cells, and B cells were increased in Gr. II, and Gr. II newborns showed a boost in cellular and humoral responses after vaccination. Conclusion: In mothers infected with HBV, low serum IL‐21 levels and decreased TFh‐cell and plasma B‐cell frequencies are associated with vertical transmission of HBV to newborns. These features are indicative of low protective maternal immunity.
Iodoamination of Alkenyl Sulfonamides by Potassium Iodide and Hydrogen Peroxide in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Giofrè Sabrina , Sala Roberto , Beccalli Egle Maria , Presti Leonardo Lo , Broggini Gianluigi 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA procedure for the iodoamination of unfunctionalized olefins tethered to a tosyl‐protected NH‐group has been developed. The combined use of KI and H2O2 in aqueous medium was effective for the preparation of iodomethyl‐substituted nitrogen‐containing heterocycles. The selective exo‐trig iodocyclization provided 1,2‐bifunctional 5‐, 6‐, and 7‐membered cyclic skeletons.
A Concise Synthesis ofrac‐Ambrox®viathe Palladium(0)‐Catalyzed Carboalkoxylation of an Allylic Ammonium Salt, as Compared to a Formaldehyde HeteroDiels–AlderApproach
Authors: Chapuis Christian , Skuy David , Richard Claude‐Alain 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAcidic cyclization of either the diethylallylamines29bor30, followed by a 1.5 mol‐% Pd‐catalyzed carbomethoxylation of quaternized31b, leads to the methyl ester36a. This latter could also be obtained in optically pure form by carbomethoxylation of the corresponding (+)‐acetate. Final reduction‐cyclization may be conducted as earlier described, towards the desired odoriferousrac‐Ambrox®38a, or its pure (−)‐enantiomer. Generation of aπ‐allyl Pd complex from an allylic ammonium salt, followed by carboalkoxylation is novel. In only five chemical steps starting from farnesene2, the present work constitutes the most concise total synthesis ofrac‐Ambrox®38ato date.
Wearable optical resolution photoacoustic microscopy
Authors: Chen Qian , Xie Huikai , Xi Lei 
Published: April 2019

AbstractOptical resolution photoacoustic microscopy (ORPAM) is an emerging imaging technique, which has been extensively used to study various brain activities and disorders of the anesthetized/restricted rodents with a special focus on the morphological and functional visualization of cerebral cortex. However, it is challenging to develop a wearable photoacoustic microscope, which enables the investigation of brain activities/disorders on freely moving rodents. Here, we report a wearable and robust optical resolution photoacoustic microscope (W‐ORPAM), which utilizes a small, light, stable and fast optical scanner. This wearable imaging probe features high spatiotemporal resolution, large field of view (FOV) and easy assembly as well as adjustable optical focus during the in vivo experiment, which makes it accessible to image cerebral cortex activities of freely moving rodents. To demonstrate the advantages of this technique, we used W‐ORPAM to monitor both morphological and functional variations of vasculature in cerebral cortex during the induction of ischemia and reperfusion of a freely moving rat.
Fluorescent‐functionalized graphene oxide for selective labeling of tumor cells
Authors: Senapati Sudipta , Patel Dinesh K. , Ray Biswajit , Maiti Pralay 
Published: April 2019

AbstractFluorescence probe has attracted significant attention for biomedical imaging in recent years due to their high resolution at the cellular level. Organic‐based fluorescent probes with high quantum yield are widely applied in bioimaging, but most of them suffer from a serious obstacle called aggregation‐caused quenching in cellular systems. New fluorophore has been designed through functionalization of graphene oxide which emphatically exhibits aggregation‐induced emission along with pH‐responsive nanoprobe. Significantly higher emission of this material in slightly acidic media helps to detect tumor cell by creating a sharp contrast with the image of normal cells. The reason for pH‐induced enhanced emission phenomenon is revealed through aggregation of sulfonated species in acidic media. Furthermore, the biocompatible nature of the newly developed material is found to be suitable for its application in biomedical imaging for cancer detection with better accuracy at lower cost. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 1917–1924, 2019.
Quercetin plays protective role in oxidative induced apoptotic events during chronic chlorpyrifos exposure to rats
Authors: Fereidouni Soheil , Kumar Ravi Ranjan , Chadha Vijayta D. , Dhawan Devinder Kumar 
Published: April 2019

AbstractChlorpyrifos (CPF), an organophosphate insecticide has a wider application throughout the world to protect agricultural crops and vegetables from insects. Polyphenolic compounds are considered as beneficial against toxicities induced by organophosphates. The present study was conducted to understand the neuroprotective role of quercetin in chlorpyrifos‐induced apoptotic events in rats. Twenty‐four male Sprague Dawley rats weighing 170 to 200 g were divided into four groups viz: Control, chlorpyrifos treated (13.5 mg/kg body wt. alternate day), quercetin treated (50 mg/kg body wt. every day) and combined chlorpyrifos + quercetin treated. All the treatments were carried out for a total duration of 60 days. Protein carbonyl content and acetylcholinesterase activity were estimated in serum along with cerebrum and cerebellum to ascertain neurotoxicity. Further, for appraisal of neurodegeneration as a consequence of apoptosis, protein expressions of Bcl‐2, Bax, cytochrome c, caspase‐8, and caspase‐9 were assessed. The results showed that protein carbonyl contents were markedly increased in both serum and brain tissues (cerebrum and cerebellum) of chlorpyrifos‐treated rats when compared with control group and were appreciably improved upon simultaneous supplementation with quercetin. Further, chlorpyrifos treatment revealed a significant decrease in the enzyme activity of acetylcholinesterase in serum as well as in cerebrum and cerebellum, which however was increased upon concomitant treatment with quercetin. In chlorpyrifos‐treated animals, we have observed a significant decrease in the protein expression level of Bcl‐2, but a remarkable increase in the expression levels of Bax, cytochrome c, caspase‐8, and caspase‐9 in both cerebrum and cerebellum. Interestingly, when chlorpyrifos‐treated animals were supplemented with quercetin, a significant increase in the expression of Bcl‐2 and an appreciable decline in the expression levels of Bax, cytochrome c, caspase‐8, and caspase‐9 was observed. In conclusion, the present study advocates that quercetin may prove to be a useful candidate in containing the oxidative‐induced apoptotic events during chlorpyrifos exposure.
Impact of bedaquiline and capreomycin on the gene expression patterns of multidrug‐resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain and understanding the molecular mechanism of antibiotic resistance
Authors: Miryala Sravan Kumar , Anbarasu Anand , Ramaiah Sudha 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR), extensively drug‐resistant, and total drug‐resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains have hampered the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). Capreomycin and Bedaquiline are currently used for MDR‐TB treatment. To understand the impact of these antibiotics on Mtb genes, we have curated the gene expression data where the Mtb cultures were exposed to the Bedaquiline and Capreomycin. Based on the P value cut off (<0.05) and logFC (<−0.5 and >+0.5) values, we have selected the top differentially expressed genes during the antibiotic exposures. We have observed that the top differentially expressed Mtb genes were related to universal stress genes, two‐component regulatory systems, and drug efflux pumps. We have curated the Mtb gene datasets and carried out the functional over‐representation analysis using the individual gene expression values. We further, constructed the gene interaction networks of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence genes of Mtb to understand the impact of the antibiotics at the molecular level and thus to understand the antimicrobial resistance and virulence patterns. Our study elucidates the impact of antibiotics on the Mtb genes at the molecular level and the positively enriched pathways, operons, and regulons data are helpful in understanding the resistance patterns in Mtb. The upregulated genes during the exposure of Bedaquiline and Capreomycin can be considered as potent drug targets for the development of new anti‐TB drugs.
Metformin treatment alleviates polycystic ovary syndrome by decreasing the expression of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 via H19/miR‐29b‐3p and AKT/mTOR/autophagy signaling pathways
Authors: Chen Zhilan , Wei Huafang , Zhao Xiaoling , Xin Xin , Peng Ling , Ning Yang , Wang Yapei , Lan Yanli , Zhang Qinghua 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular pathway(s) underlying the effect of metformin (MET) on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and MMP‐9. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and gelatin zymography were used to assay the effects of MET on MMP and AMPK signaling pathways. In addition, HTOG cells were treated with miR‐29b‐3p/a scramble control, H19/a negative control, or MET/PBS to explore possible signaling pathway(s) underlying the inhibitory effect of MET on MMP‐2/MMP‐9. A rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was also established to validate the molecular mechanism(s) of MET in vivo. The administration of MET suppressed the expression of MMP‐9/MMP‐2 and mTOR while increasing the expression of Akt and AMPK, indicating that MET reduced the expression of MMPs via the AMPK signaling pathway. Meanwhile, the H19/miR‐29b‐3p/MMP‐9 and H19/miR‐29b‐3p/MMP‐2 signaling pathways were implicated in PCOS, in which the interactions between H19/miR‐29b‐3p and MMP‐9/MMP‐2/miR‐29b‐3p were confirmed. Furthermore, the administration of MET suppressed the expression of H19 while elevating the expression of miR‐29b‐3p. And the role of MET in PCOS was also confirmed in vivo via examining the activity of H19 and AMPK signaling pathways in cell or serum samples collected from PCOS rats. MET exhibits a therapeutic effect in the treatment of PCOS by reducing the expression of MMPs.
Zero TE MRI applications to transcranial MR‐guided focused ultrasound: Patient screening and treatment efficiency estimation
Authors: Caballero‐Insaurriaga Jaime , Rodríguez‐Rojas Rafael , Martínez‐Fernández Raúl , Del‐Alamo Marta , Díaz‐Jiménez Laura , Ávila María , Martínez‐Rodrigo María , García‐Polo Pablo , Pineda‐Pardo José A. 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundThe high acoustic impedance of the skull limits the performance of transcranial magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound (tcMRgFUS) therapy. Subject suitability screening is based on skull parameters estimated from computed tomography (CT) scans.PurposeTo assess the feasibility of screening for tcMRgFUS based on zero echo time (ZTE) MRI, and to explore the influence of measurable skull parameters in treatment performance.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationSixteen patients treated with tcMRgFUS thalamotomy for tremor.SequenceZTE on a 3.0T GE scanner.AssessmentBaseline CT and ZTE images were processed to extract skull measures associated with treatment success: skull density ratio (SDR), skull thickness, and angle of incidence. Eight new metrics were proposed. CT and ZTE‐based measures were compared. Each subject's energy–temperature curve was processed to extract a global estimate of efficiency and a measure of nonlinearity. These parameters were then correlated with the skull measures.Statistical TestsLinear regression analysis to compare ZTE vs. CT‐based measures, measures vs. efficiency, and measures vs. nonlinearity. Paired t‐test to assess nonlinearity.ResultsCT and ZTE‐based measures were significantly correlated (P < 0.01). In particular, classical metrics were robustly replicated (P < 0.001). The energy–temperature curves showed a nonlinear (logarithmic) relationship (P < 0.01). This nonlinearity was greater for thicker skulls (P < 0.01). Efficiency was correlated with skull thickness (P < 0.001) and SDR (P < 0.05).Data ConclusionThe feasibility of ZTE‐based screening has been proven, potentially making it possible to avoid ionizing radiation and the extra imaging session required for CT. The characterization of the influence that skull properties have on tcMRgFUS may serve to develop patient‐specific heating models, potentially improving control over the treatment outcome. The relationship of skull thickness with efficiency and nonlinearity empowers the role of this metric in the definition of such models. In addition, the lower association of SDR with the energy–temperature curves emphasizes the need of revisiting this metric.Level of Evidence: 3Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1583–1592.
Quality‐based pharmacokinetic model selection on DCE‐MRI for characterizing orbital lesions
Authors: Lecler Augustin , Balvay Daniel , Cuenod Charles‐André , Marais Louise , Zmuda Mathieu , Sadik Jean‐Claude , Galatoire Olivier , Farah Edgar , El Methni Jonathan , Zuber Kevin , Bergès Olivier , Savatovsky Julien , Fournier Laure 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundAlthough several studies have evaluated dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI in the orbit, showing its utility when detecting and diagnosing orbital lesions, none have evaluated the pharmacokinetic models.PurposeTo provide a quality‐based pharmacokinetic model selection for characterizing orbital lesions using DCE‐MRI at 3.0T.Study TypeProspective.PopulationFrom December 2015 to April 2017, 151 patients with an orbital lesion underwent MRI prior to surgery, including a high temporal resolution DCE sequence, divided into one training and one test dataset with 100 and 51 patients, respectively.Field Strength/Sequence3T/DCE.AssessmentSix different pharmacokinetic models were tested.Statistical TestsUnivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Wilcoxon‐2‐sample tests and a logistic regression to compare parameters between malignant and benign tumors for each pharmacokinetic model for the whole cohort. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed on the training dataset to determine area under curve (AUC) and optimal cutoff values for each pharmacokinetic model, then validated on the test dataset to calculate sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.ResultsRegardless of the model, tissue blood flow and tissue blood volume values were significantly higher in malignant vs. benign lesions: 103.8–195.1 vs. 65–113.8, P [<10‐4–2.10‐4] and 21.3–36.9 vs. 15.6–33.6, P [<10‐4–0.03] respectively. Extracellular volume fraction and permeability–surface area product or transfer constant appeared to be less relevant: 17.3–27.5 vs. 22.8–28.2, P [0.01–0.7], 1.7–4.9, P [0.2–0.9] and 9.5–38.8 vs. 8.1–22.8, P [<10‐4–0.6], respectively. ROC curves showed no significant differences in AUC between the different models. The two‐compartment exchange (2CX) model ranked first for quality.Data ConclusionDCE MRI pharmacokinetic model‐derived parameters appeared to be useful for discriminating benign from malignant orbital lesions. The 2CX model provided the best quality of modeling and should be recommended. Perfusion‐related DCE parameters appeared to be significantly more relevant to the diagnostic process.Level of Evidence 1Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1514–1525.
Gas‐phase functionalized carbon‐carbon coupling reactions catalyzed by Ni (II) complexes
Authors: Piacentino Elettra L. , Rodriguez Edwin , Parker Kevin , Gilbert Thomas M. , O'Hair Richard A. J. , Ryzhov Victor 
Published: April 2019

AbstractGas‐phase C―C coupling reactions mediated by Ni (II) complexes were studied using a linear quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer. Ternary nickel cationic carboxylate complexes, [(phen)Ni (OOCR1)]+ (where phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline), were formed by electrospray ionization. Upon collision‐induced dissociation (CID), they extrude CO2 forming the organometallic cation [(phen)Ni(R1)]+, which undergoes gas‐phase ion‐molecule reactions (IMR) with acetate esters CH3COOR2 to yield the acetate complex [(phen)Ni (OOCCH3)]+ and a C―C coupling product R1‐R2. These Ni(II)/phenanthroline‐mediated coupling reactions can be performed with a variety of carbon substituents R1 and R2 (sp3, sp2, or aromatic), some of them functionalized. Reaction rates do not seem to be strongly dependent on the nature of the substituents, as sp3‐sp3 or sp2‐sp2 coupling reactions proceed rapidly. Experimental results are supported by density functional theory calculations, which provide insights into the energetics associated with the C―C bond coupling step.
Synergy between Sugar‐Based Anionic‐Nonionic Surfactants and Ag‐TiO2 Nanohybrids for Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Zhao Tianhong , Chen Ying , Li Ying , Pu Wanfen , He Yi 
Published: April 2019

AbstractFor improving the oil recovery performance, Ag‐TiO2 nanoparticles (NP) were added to the eco‐friendly sugar‐based anionic nonionic surfactant (GDA) solution, and the mixtures acted as the oil displacement agent. The synthesized GDA and Ag‐TiO2 were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT‐IR), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Changes in the zeta potential and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images of the mixtures confirmed their synergistic effects on the suspension stability. The relationships between surface tension, interfacial tension (IFT), three‐phase contact angle, and emulsion and oil recovery efficiency were comprehensively investigated, both before and after Ag‐TiO2 NP addition. We concluded that the Ag‐TiO2/GDA mixtures could effectively alter the contact angle, decrease IFT, and form stable emulsions, thereby resulting in the enhancement of oil recovery. The core flooding conducted with the stabilized NP‐surfactant (Ag‐TiO2 and GDA) fluid showed a marked improvement in oil recovery over 18%. This study provides additional options for using the synergistic effect of NP and surfactants for enhanced oil recovery.
Mussel‐Inspired Hydrogel Composite with Multi‐Stimuli Responsive Behavior
Authors: Yan Yun‐Hui , Rong Li‐Han , Ge Jin , Tiu Brylee David B. , Cao Peng‐Fei , Advincula Rigoberto C. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA mussel‐inspired adhesive hydrogel with pH, temperature, and near‐infrared (NIR) light–responsive behavior is designed. The hydrogel system is formulated by combining chitosan modified with catechol motifs, thermo‐responsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) terminated with catechols, and light‐absorbing polypyrrole nanoparticles (PpyNPs). The effects of catechol concentration, molar ratio of Fe3+ to catechol units, pH, and the incorporation of the PpyNPs on the mechanical property of the formed hydrogel are investigated. The responsive behaviors of the resulting hydrogel composite to pH, temperature, and NIR light are also demonstrated. The obtained hydrogel also shows promising adhesive property to glass and steel substrates. It is anticipated that the fabricated adhesive hydrogel with multi‐responsive behavior, especially NIR light response, can potentially be useful in a wide range of biomedical applications, such as remotely controlled release systems and removable sealant materials.
One‐Step Fabrication of Superhydrophobic/Superoleophilic Electrodeposited Polythiophene for Oil and Water Separation
Authors: de Leon Al Christopher , Imperial Raiza Elmira S. , Chen Qiyi , Advincula Rigoberto C. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA facile, one‐step, and single‐component fabrication of superhydrophobic and superoleophilic coating by electropolymerization of polythiophene on a stainless steel mesh is presented. The resulting coating has low surface energy and shows surface morphology bearing both micro‐ and nano‐features without the need to add nanofillers, or pretreatment of the substrate to make it rough. The polythiophene coating also shows reversible wetting property (superhydrophobic to superhydrophilic, and vice versa) by electrochemical doping and dedoping. The coated mesh is shown to repel water of different pH (1, 7, and 14) and salt content. On the other hand, oil such as dichloromethane, gasoline, kerosene, dodecane, and crude oil can easily pass through the mesh. Therefore, the coated mesh is an excellent material for the separation of oil and water.
Multifunctional Gene Carriers Labeled by Perylene Diimide Derivative as Fluorescent Probe for Tracking Gene Delivery
Authors: Li Qian , Hao Xuefang , Guo Jintang , Ren Xiang‐Kui , Xia Shihai , Zhang Wencheng , Feng Yakai 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMultifunctional carriers with both gene transfection property and fluorescent tracking function have attracted significant attention in recent years. Herein, a kind of perylene diimide derivative (PDI‐C10C8) is conjugated onto the polyethylenimine‐g‐poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide)‐g‐polyethylenimine (PLGA‐PEI) polymer to obtain fluorescent multifunctional polymer and micelles (abbreviated as MP). Then, the REDV‐G‐TAT‐G‐NLS (TP‐G) peptide sequence is grafted onto this MP to obtain multifunctional micelles labeled by perylene diimide derivative (MP‐TP‐G). These micelles exhibit enhanced photobleaching stability compared with the reference Cy5‐labeled micelles, and the fluorescent images of cellular uptake show bright red emission without any background noise. Confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) experiments show that gene complexes can deliver gene into nucleus. MP‐TP‐G carriers do not enter into the cell nucleus, which proves that the nuclear localization signal sequence may not exert its nucleus accumulation ability via conjugating to the amphiphilic polymers. The high transfection efficiency and the enhanced photobleaching stability, combined with the ability to monitor the detailed process of cellular uptake and gene delivery, make these multifunctional micelles have great potential application for endothelialization of artificial blood vessels and gene delivery process study.