bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of aflatoxin in agricultural produce from local markets in Burundi and Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Udomkun Patchimaporn , Mutegi Charity , Wossen Tesfamicheal , Atehnkeng Joseph , Nabahungu Nsharwasi Léon , Njukwe Emmanuel , Vanlauwe Bernard , Bandyopadhyay Ranajit 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAflatoxins are noxious secondary metabolites, of certain fungal species, found in food and feed. Contamination of a commodity with aflatoxins is associated with production and storage losses, and subsequently less food availability. Aflatoxins can also pose human health risks and represent a barrier to the development of trade, in both domestic and international markets. In this study, samples of cassava, maize, groundnut, beans, soybean, sorghum and milk, and their processed products were collected from local markets in Burundi and Eastern DRC. In order to investigate the levels of aflatoxin, crop samples were analyzed using a single step lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (Reveal Q+), while enzyme‐linked immune‐sorbent assay (ELISA) was used to analyze aflatoxin‐M1 in milk, yogurt, and cheese samples. The results revealed the presence of aflatoxins in all samples from both countries, with levels ranging from 1.3 to 2,410 μg/kg. Samples collected from Burundi contained relatively higher (p > 0.0.5) levels of aflatoxins. In 51% of all the crops samples, total aflatoxin contamination was above the EU maximum tolerable level of 4 μg/kg. Processed products, particularly from groundnut, maize, and sorghum, had the highest levels of aflatoxin contamination when compared to unprocessed grain. With regard to milk and dairy products, the level of aflatoxin‐M1 ranged from 4.8 to 261.1 ng/kg. Approximately 29% of milk and yogurt samples had aflatoxin‐M1 higher than the EU regulatory limit of 50 ng/kg, whereas 20% of cheese samples were found to be contaminated at levels higher than the maximum limit of 250 ng/kg. These results can serve as the basis for pre‐ and postharvest approaches to reduce aflatoxin contamination in agricultural commodities in Burundi and Eastern DRC in order to reduce health risk, avoid reduced production in livestock, and open up export markets.
White matter microstructure in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: A systematic review of diffusion tensor imaging studies
Authors: Ghazi Sherbaf Farzaneh , Aarabi Mohammad Hadi , Hosein Yazdi Meisam , Haghshomar Maryam 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDiffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has revolutionized our understanding of the neural underpinnings of alcohol teratogenesis. This technique can detect alterations in white matter in neurodevelopmental disorders, such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Using Prisma guidelines, we identified 23 DTI studies conducted on individuals with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). These studies confirm the widespread nature of brain damage in PAE by reporting diffusivity alterations in commissural, association, and projection fibers; and in relation to increasing cognitive impairment. Reduced integrity in terms of lower fractional anisotropy (FA) and higher mean diffusivity (MD) and radial diffusivity (RD) is reported more consistently in the corpus callosum, cerebellar peduncles, cingulum, and longitudinal fasciculi connecting frontal and temporoparietal regions. Although these interesting results provide insight into FASD neuropathology, it is important to investigate the clinical diversity of this disorder for better treatment options and prediction of progression. The aim of this review is to provide a summary of different patterns of neural structure between PAE and typically developed individuals. We further discuss the association of alterations in diffusivity with demographic features and symptomatology of PAE. With the accumulated knowledge of the neural correlates of FASD presenting symptoms, a comprehensive understanding of the heterogeneity in FASD will potentially improve the disease management and will highlight the diagnostic challenges and potential areas of future research avenues, where neural markers may be beneficial.
Biodegradable polymer versus second‐generation durable polymer drug‐eluting stents in patients with coronary artery disease: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu James J. , Way Joshua A.H. , Roy Probal , Yong Andy , Lowe Harry , Kritharides Leonard , Brieger David 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAimsBiodegradable polymer drug‐eluting stents (BP‐DES) were developed in hopes of reducing the risk of stent thrombosis. The comparison of this new stent platform with second‐generation durable polymer drug‐eluting stents (DP‐DES) has not been well described. We, therefore, performed a meta‐analysis to evaluate the safety and efficacy profiles of BP‐DES versus second‐generation DP‐DES in patients with coronary artery disease.Methods and ResultsElectronic database searches were conducted, from their dates of inception to June 2018, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing patients with either BP‐DES or second‐generation DP‐DES. Risk estimates were expressed as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We also performed a landmark analysis beyond 1 year and sensitivity analyses based on different variables. A total of 24,406 patients from 19 RCTs were included in the present meta‐analysis. There were no significant differences between BP‐DES and second‐generation DP‐DES for the risks of definite or probable stent thrombosis (RR 0.88; 95% CI, 0.69–1.12; P = 0.29), myocardial infarction (RR 0.97; 95% CI, 0.86–1.09; P = 0.59), cardiac death (RR 1.08; 95% CI, 0.92–1.28; P = 0.34), all‐cause death (RR 1.02; 95% CI, 0.91–1.13; P = 0.77), target lesion revascularization (RR 1.05; 95% CI, 0.94–1.17; P = 0.38), and target vessel revascularization (RR 1.05; 95% CI, 0.95–1.16; P = 0.36). Similar outcomes were observed regardless of anti‐proliferative drug and duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (all P > 0.05).ConclusionOur findings demonstrate similar safety and efficacy profiles between BP‐DES and second‐generation BP‐DES, with comparable rates of stent thrombosis.
Host‐Guest Chemistry of Self‐Assembled Hemi‐Cage Systems: The Dramatic Effect of Lost Pre‐Organization
Authors: Martí‐Centelles Vicente , Duarte Fernanda , Lusby Paul J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractNew hemi‐cage compounds with the formula Pd2(L1)2(L2)2 (L1=ditopic pyridine ligand, L2=bpy or TMEDA) have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods, X‐ray crystallography and electronic structure methods. The host‐guest chemistry of these new structures, with naphthoquinone as a guest, reveals the key role of the host shape and flexibility on competitive binding processes. The influence of counteranions, solvent and non‐covalent interactions to binding were quantified by Density Functional Theory calculations. Together, this study provides new insights into the concept of pre‐organized guest binding when applied to charged, coordination‐assembled hosts.
Effect of investor inattention on price drifts following analyst recommendation revisions
Authors: Kudryavtsev Andrey 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe study explores stock price dynamics after analyst recommendation revisions. Following the previous literature that documents significant post‐recommendation stock price drifts and attributes them to investor inattention to company‐specific events, I hypothesize that if on the day when a recommendation revision with respect to a stock was issued, the sign of the stock's abnormal return was opposite to the direction of the revision, then it means that investors were especially inattentive to the revision and that the subsequent price drift should be more pronounced. Analysing a large sample of analyst recommendation revisions, I document that recommendation revisions accompanied by the opposite‐sign event‐day abnormal returns are followed by significantly greater post‐event price drifts in the direction of the revision, the magnitude of the drifts increasing for longer post‐event periods. This effect is stronger for small and more volatile stocks and remains robust after accounting for additional company‐specific (size, Market Model beta, and historical volatility) and event‐specific (number of recommendation categories changed in the revision and analyst experience) factors.
Differentiation of self and trait anxiety: A cross‐cultural perspective
Authors: Peleg Ora , Messerschmidt‐Grandi Caterina 
Published: October 2018

Cultural differences are likely to affect the ability to deal with anxiety. We investigated this issue among four cultural groups—Germans and Italians (Europeans living in South Tyrol, Italy), Jews and Arabs (Israelis)—in terms of their levels of differentiation of self, trait anxiety and somatic symptoms. We also examined the relationship of differentiation of self to trait anxiety and somatic symptoms. The sample consisted of 824 students: 387 Israelis (mean age 23.6) and 437 Europeans (mean age 22.3). Israeli participants reported lower levels of trait anxiety than European students. Jewish students reported lower trait anxiety than Arab students (mean difference = −.14, p < .009), while there was no difference between German and Italian students (mean difference = .03, p > .99). Jews reported a significantly lower level of emotional cutoff than Arabs (mean difference = −.45, p < .001), and Germans reported a significantly lower level of emotional reactivity than Italians (mean difference = .29, p < .001). Emotional reactivity and I‐position predicted all participants' trait anxiety. On the whole, results point to the importance of examining differentiation of self when trying to reduce trait anxiety, as well as some important cultural differences.
Emergency Control Scheme for Upstream Pools of Long‐Distance Canals
Authors: Cui Wei , Mu Xiangpeng , Chen Wenxue , Stephens T.A. , Bledsoe B.P. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAn emergency control scheme is proposed for pools upstream of a canal experiencing flow obstruction incidents. In order to achieve a prompt and efficient transition process, operation strategies are set out. It is suggested to switch from a constant downstream depth operation method to a constant volume operation method under qualified conditions. Based on a balanced pool operation equation and a transitional time estimation equation, a two‐step gate operation method is designed, which is compatible with the operation method of constant downstream depth and the mixed pool operation method of constant downstream depth and constant volume. The emergency control scheme is tested by simulations on the 561 km long Middle Route Project (MPR) of the South‐to‐North Water Diversion Project in China consisting of 30 pools. The constant downstream depth and mixed pool operation methods are examined. Results indicate that the control scheme operates well under the emergency situation of a flow obstruction incident. Canal flow moves promptly and effectively to the new steady state by switching to the constant volume method. Back and forth volume variation is avoided and a significant improvement is obtained in terms of transition time, while the times of check gate operation remain roughly the same. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long noncoding RNA FAL1 promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of human colon cancer cells
Authors: Wu Kaiming , Zhang Ning , Ma Jun , Huang Jiehong , Chen Jianhui , Wang Liang , Zhang Jian 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAberrant expression of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been associated with a variety of malignancies including colon cancer. In this study, we aimed to characterize the biological mechanisms of focally amplified lncRNA on chromosome 1 (FAL1) in colon cancers. Here, our results indicate that FAL1 expression was remarkably up‐regulated in colon tumor tissues as compared to corresponding tumor‐adjacent normal tissues. Importantly, the cumulative survival rate of patients with high levels of FAL1 in tumor tissues was considerably lower than those with low FAL1 levels in tumor tissues. Cox regression analysis showed that lncRNA FAL1 could act as an independent prognostic factor in CRC. Knockdown of FAL1 in HT29 cells attenuated cell proliferation and stimulated cell apoptosis. In contrast, overmetastasis‐related molecules Bcl‐2, TGF‐β1, p65, and PCNA at the mRNA and protein levels. Mechanistically, FAL1 was found to interact with STAT3 at 200 to 400 bp and promote phosphorylation of STAT3. In addition, we found that knockdown of STAT3 in HT29 cells abolished the effects of FAL1 on cell proliferation as well as the expression of TGF‐β1 and Bcl‐2. Based on these findings, we concluded that FAL1 might be a potential oncogene for the progression of colon cancer. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(11):1093–1100, 2018
MicroRNA‐146a sponge therapy suppresses neointimal formation in rat vein grafts
Authors: Cao Bo‐Jun , Wang Xiao‐Wen , Zhu Lei , Zou Rong‐Jiang , Lu Zhi‐Qian 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe long‐term failure of vein grafts due to neointimal hyperplasia remains a difficult problem in cardiovascular surgery. Exploring novel approaches to prevent neointimal hyperplasia is important. MicroRNA‐146a (miR‐146a) plays an essential role in promoting vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. Thus, the aim of the present study is to investigate whether adenovirus‐mediated miR‐146a sponge (Ad‐miR‐146a‐SP) gene therapy could attenuate neointimal formation in rat vein grafts. (Ad‐miR‐146a‐SP) was constructed to transfect cultured VSMCs and grafted veins. To improve the efficiency of transferring the miR‐146a sponge gene into the grafted veins, 20% poloxamer F‐127 gel incorporated with 0.25% trypsin was used to increase adenovirus contact time and penetration. miR‐146a‐SP transduction significantly reduced the expression of miR‐146a both in cultured VSMCs and vein grafts. miR‐146a sponge markedly attenuated VSMC proliferation and migration. Consistent with this, miR‐146a sponge gene therapy significantly attenuated neointimal formation and also improved blood flow in the vein grafts. Mechanistically, we identified the Krüppel‐like factor 4(KLF4) as a potential downstream target gene of miR‐146a in vein grafts. Our data show that miR‐146a sponge gene therapy could effectively reduce miR‐146a activity and attenuate neointimal formation in vein grafts, suggesting its potential therapeutic application for prevention of vein graft failure. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(1):125–133, 2019
Prolonged exposure to carbon nanoparticles induced methylome remodeling and gene expression in zebrafish heart
Authors: Zhou Wei , Tian Dongdong , He Jun , Yan Xiabei , Zhao Jun , Yuan Xiaoyan , Peng Shuangqing 
Published: October 2018

AbstractGrowing black carbon (BC) emission has become one of the major urgent environmental issues facing human beings. Usually, BC or BC‐containing carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) were recognized as non‐directly toxic components of atmospheric particulate matter. However, epidemiology studies have provided much evidence of the associations of exposure of particulate‐containing carbon particles with cardiovascular diseases. There are still no related studies to support the epidemiological conclusions. Hence, in this article we exposed adult zebrafish to CNPs for 60 days, and then explored the heart location and potential adverse effects on cardiac tissues of these nanosized carbon particles. Our results first showed direct visualization of cardiac endothelial uptake and heart deposition of CNPs in zebrafish. In addition, CNPs caused significant ultrastructural alterations in myocardial tissue and induced the expression of inflammatory cytokines in a dose‐dependent manner, resulting in sub‐endocardial inflammation and cell apoptosis. Moreover, our data demonstrated the perturbations caused by CNPs on DNA methylation, suggesting that DNA methylome remodeling might play a critical role in CNP‐induced cardiotoxicity in zebrafish heart. Therefore, this study not only proved a laboratory link between CNP exposure and cardiotoxicity in vivo, but also indicated a possible toxicity mechanism involved.
The toll like receptor 4‐myeloid differentiation factor 88 pathway is essential for particulate matter‐induced activation of CD4‐positive cells
Authors: Song Yuan , Ichinose Takamichi , Morita Kentaro , Yoshida Yasuhiro 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAsian sand dust (ASD), a type of particulate matter (PM) found in Asia, can be transported to East Asia. We recently found that acute splenic inflammation is induced by ASD in mouse models. In this study, we examined the effect of sub‐chronic ASD exposure on mouse immune cells. Mice were intratracheally administered ASD once every 2 weeks for 8 weeks and killed 24 hours after the final administration. Wild‐type (WT) mice showed increased cell viability after ASD administration. In contrast, ASD administration induced splenocyte activation in toll‐like receptor (TLR)2−/−, but not TLR4−/− mice. Furthermore, concanavalin A‐induced interleukin‐2 production increased after ASD administration in WT and TLR2−/− mice, but not in TLR4−/− or myeloid differentiation factor (MyD)88−/− mice. Immunoblotting demonstrated that nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) was activated in WT mice, but not in TLR4−/− or MyD88−/− mice. The NF‐κB‐dependent gene products CDK2 and intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 were upregulated upon ASD administration in WT mice, but not in TLR4−/− or MyD88−/− mice. Furthermore, the particles themselves, rather than particle constituents, activated NF‐κB in CD4‐positive cells through the TLR4 or MyD88 pathway. Taken together, these results indicate that particle‐induced splenic inflammation occurs via TLR4‐MyD88 signaling.
Hydroxyapatite/collagen coating on PLGA electrospun fibers for osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Yang Xing , Li Yuanyuan , He Wei , Huang Qianli , Zhang Ranran , Feng Qingling 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe architecture and composition of bone tissue engineering scaffolds play important roles in modulating the growth of bone tissue. Composite fibers composed of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) skeleton coated with hydroxyapatite (HA) or hydroxyapatite/collagen (HA/Col) were successfully produced via electrospinning, biomimetic process, and adsorption. The PLGA skeleton fabricated by electrospinning process with a nanofibrous structure (diameter ranging from 200 to 400 nm) showed a morphologic similarity to the extracellular matrix (ECM). SEM, EDX, and XRD analysis confirmed the presence of HA and Col on the composite fibers. Mesenchymal stem cells were used to evaluate the cellular behaviors including cell attachment and spreading, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation on these fibers (PLGA, PLGA/HA, and PLGA/HA/Col). The results demonstrated that the HA and HA/Col coating improved the interaction between mesenchymal stem cells and the composite fibers reflected by accelerated cell spreading, increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and enhanced expression of osteogenic‐related genes. The HA/Col coating was more effective in improving this interaction compared with HA coating. The PLGA/HA/Col composite fibers may be promising as a candidate scaffold for bone tissue engineering. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2863–2870, 2018.
Photoluminescent arginine‐functionalized polycitrate with enhanced cell activity and hemocompatibility for live cell bioimaging
Authors: Wang Min , Guo Yi , Ma Peter X. , Lei Bo 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDevelopment of biodegradable and highly biocompatible polymer with intrinsical photoluminescence and high photostability for real‐time live cell bioimaging has attracted much attention recently. Here, a biodegradable and amphiphilic poly (citrate)‐co‐poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) grafted with arginine (PCGA) polymer with intrinsical fluorescence was synthesized for targeted live cell bioimaging. The physicochemical structure, photoluminescent properties, hemocompatibility, cytotoxicity, and fluorescent bioimaging studies in live cells were determined in detail. PCGA showed a significantly high hemocompatibility, low cytotoxicity, and excellent photostability, which allows for imaging the live cells attachment and proliferation. Furthermore, PCGA could efficiently enhance cell attachment and proliferation due to the presence of arginine, suggesting their high cellular biocompatibility. Importantly, PCGA could selectively stain the lysosome in cells. Our results demonstrated that the amino acid‐based polymer functionalization may be an important strategy to develop multifunctional biomaterials with enhanced biocompatibility for targeted bioimaging, cancer therapy, and regenerative medicine. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 3175–3184, 2018.
Electrospun PCL/keratin/AuNPs mats with the catalytic generation of nitric oxide for potential of vascular tissue engineering
Authors: Wan Xiuzhen , Liu Pengcheng , Jin Xingxing , Xin Xuanxuan , Li Pengfei , Yuan Jiang , Shen Jian 
Published: October 2018

AbstractNitric oxide (NO)‐generating materials are beneficial for vascular tissue engineering (VTE) scaffold because the produced NO would enhance endothelial cells viability while inhibit smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and reduce platelet adhesion, resulting in ideal hemocompatibility and endothelialization. Herein, poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)/keratin biocomposite mats were first fabricated, followed by in situ gold (Au) nanoparticles loading to afford PCL/keratin/AuNPs mats. These mats were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The PCL/keratin/AuNPs mats were demonstrated to be capable of catalyzing NO release in the mimicked blood microenvironments. The generated NO could enhance human umbilical vein endothelial cell growth and inhibit human umbilical arterial SMC viability. In addition, these mats maintained the antibacterial activity of Au nanoparticles with good blood compatibility. Taken together, these keratin‐based composite mats have potential usage in the VTE. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 3239–3247, 2018.