bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HER2+ mCRC patients with exon 20 R784G substitution mutation do not respond to the cetuximab therapy
Authors: Gharib Ehsan , Salmanipour Reza , Nazemalhosseini Mojarad Ehsan , Yaghoob Taleghani Mohammad , Sarlak Saharnaz , Malekzade‐Moghani Mona , Nasrabadi Parinaz Nasri , Meiary Mohammad Amin , Asadzadeh Aghdaei Hamid , Zali Mohammad Reza 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) gene undergoes various mutations that could alter its activity or respond to the antibody therapies. Cetuximab, a known anti‐EGFR monoclonal antibody (mAB), is widely administered in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) cases. Here we identified mCRC patients who did not respond to cetuximab (500 mg/m2, q2w) after fluoropyrimidine/oxaliplatin regimen failure. Tumor samples were examined with immunohistochemistry for protein distribution, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequencing for mutation detection and real‐time PCR for mRNA expression pattern analysis between cetuximab sensitive and resistance patients. The conformational differences of normal and mutated protein structures were predicted by bioinformatics analysis. The 5‐year survival rates of target groups were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Immunohistochemistry showed that all cases had high level of HER2 protein. No K‐Ras or B‐Raf mutation was observed among the study population; however, cetuximab resistance patients harbored a somatic mutation R784G at the exon 20 region of HER2 coding sequence. According to bioinformatics analysis, this mutation caused a notable misfold in protein conformation. Meanwhile, survival analysis showed R784G mutated mCRC patients had shortened survival rate compared with the mCRC cases with wild‐type HER2. Collectively, these data report a new mechanism of resistance to cetuximab and might be applicable in modifying new therapeutic strategies for HER2 involved cancers.
High prevalence of binge drinking among people living with HIV in four African countries
Authors: Nouaman Marcellin N , Vinikoor Michael , Seydi Moussa , Ekouevi Didier K , Coffie Patrick A , Mulenga Lloyd , Tanon Aristophane , Egger Matthias , Dabis François , Jaquet Antoine , Wandeler Gilles ,   IeDEA
Published: December 2018

AbstractIntroductionExcessive alcohol consumption leads to unfavourable outcomes in people living with HIV (PLHIV), including reduced adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and engagement into care. However, there is limited information on alcohol consumption patterns among PLHIV in sub‐Saharan Africa.MethodsUsing a cross‐sectional approach, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT‐C) was administered to PLHIV attending HIV clinics in Côte d'Ivoire, Togo, Senegal and Zambia (2013 to 2015). Hazardous drinking was defined as an AUDIT‐C score ≥4 for men or ≥3 for women, and binge drinking as ≥6 drinks at least once per month. The prevalence of binge drinking was compared to estimates from the general population using data from the World Health Organization. Factors associated with binge drinking among persons declaring any alcohol use in the past year were assessed using a logistic regression model to estimate odds ratio (OR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsAmong 1824 PLHIV (median age 39 years, 62.8% female), the prevalence of hazardous alcohol use ranged from 0.9% in Senegal to 38.4% in Zambia. The prevalence of binge drinking ranged from 14.3% among drinkers in Senegal to 81.8% in Zambia, with higher estimates among PLHIV than in the general population. Male sex (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.6 to 3.7), tobacco use (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.0 to 2.9) and living in Zambia were associated with binge drinking.ConclusionsAlcohol consumption patterns varied widely across settings and binge drinking was more frequent in HIV‐positive individuals compared to the general population. Interventions to reduce excessive alcohol use are urgently needed to optimize adherence in the era of universal ART.
Synapse preservation and decreased glial reactions following ventral root crush (VRC) and treatment with 4‐hydroxy‐tempo (TEMPOL)
Authors: Spejo Aline Barroso , Teles Caroline Brandão , Zuccoli Giuliana da Silva , Oliveira Alexandre Leite Rodrigues de 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAstrogliosis and microglial reactions are correlated with the formation of scar tissue and synapse loss. 4‐hydroxy‐tempo (TEMPOL) is a reactive oxygen species scavenger with proven neuroprotective efficacy in experimental models of traumatic injury and cerebral ischemia. TEMPOL has not, however, been applied following ventral root lesions, which are particularly correlated with the degeneration of spinal motoneurons following brachial plexus injuries. Thus, the present study investigated the effects of TEMPOL on motoneurons and adjacent glial reactions, with a particular focus on the preservation of excitatory and inhibitory spinal circuits. Adult female Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to ventral root crush (VRC) at the lumbar intumescence. Animals were divided into the following experimental groups: (a) VRC–saline treatment; (b) VRC–TEMPOL treatment (12 mg/kg, n = 5), and (c) VRC–TEMPOL treatment (250 mg/kg, n = 5). The spinal cord tissue located contralateral to the lesion was used as the control. Fourteen days after lesioning, the rats were euthanized and the spinal cords were removed for motoneuron counting and immunolabeling with glial (GFAP and Iba‐1) and synapse markers (synaptophysin, VGLUT‐1, and GAD65). Although TEMPOL did not exert neuroprotective effects at the studied concentrations, the modulation of glial reactions was significant at higher doses. Thus, synaptophysin staining was preserved and, in particular, VGLUT‐1‐positive inputs were maintained, thereby indicating that TEMPOL preserved proprioceptive glutamatergic inputs without exacerbating the rate of motoneuron degeneration. Consequently, its administration with other efficient neuroprotective substances may significantly improve the outcomes following spinal cord lesioning.
Angiogenin production in response to hypoxia and l‐mimosine in periodontal fibroblasts
Authors: Janjić Klara , Bauer Peter , Edelmayer Michael , Cvikl Barbara , Schädl Barbara , Moritz Andreas , Agis Hermann 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundA major mediator of angiogenesis is angiogenin, which is expressed in the early phase of healing in oral tissue engineering strategies. It is unclear how angiogenin is regulated in the periodontal tissue. The objective of this study was to reveal the regulation of angiogenin in response to hypoxia and the hypoxia mimetic agent l‐mimosine in periodontal fibroblasts.MethodsHuman fibroblasts of the periodontal ligament (PDLF) and the gingiva (GF) in monolayer and spheroid cultures were exposed to hypoxia or l‐mimosine. The production of angiogenin was evaluated at mRNA and protein levels with reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. Echinomycin, an inhibitor of hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1 activity, was used to test the involvement of HIF‐1.ResultsOur data show that hypoxia and l‐mimosine can increase angiogenin mRNA and protein levels in PDLF monolayer cultures. In GF monolayer cultures, we found an increase of angiogenin at the mRNA level in response to hypoxia. The increase of angiogenin can be blocked by inhibition of HIF‐1 signaling via echinomycin. In PDLF and GF spheroid cultures, the impact of hypoxia and l‐mimosine did not reach the level of significance.ConclusionHypoxia and the hypoxia mimetic agent l‐mimosine can increase the production of angiogenin via HIF‐1 signaling in PDLF monolayer cultures but not in spheroid cultures. GF were less sensitive to the impact of hypoxia and l‐mimosine. Overall, these results suggest a link between hypoxia, HIF‐1 signaling and angiogenin in the periodontium.
Infused self‐assembly on Langmuir–Blodgett Film: Fabrication of highly efficient SERS active substrates with controlled plasmonic aggregates
Authors: Saha Somsubhra , Ghosh Manash , Chowdhury Joydeep 
Published: December 2018

AbstractA facile procedure towards the fabrication of highly reproducible, large area surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) active substrates through integration of Langmuir–Blodgett and self‐assembly technique has been reported. The plasmonic architectures of the substrates can be tuned at will to control the hot spots and hence the overall enhancements of SERS signal. The as‐prepared substrates of classes “A” and “B” incubated in gold nanocolloids show their respective efficacies as efficient SERS sensing scaffolds for detecting 4‐MPy molecule at ultrasensitive concentrations. Moreover, these substrates are unique in their kinds, where explicit or concomitant presence of protonated and deprotonated forms of 4‐MPy can be detected at trace concentrations. The substrates also exhibit remarkable spectral reproducibility and show early promise to overcome the “SERS uncertainty principle”. To our knowledge, this genre of SERS active substrates with facile control over plasmonics, is the first report of its kind and are expected to provide new direction towards successful fabrication of the next generation SERS sensing platforms.
Non‐destructive characterization of egg odor and fertilization status by SPME/GC‐MS coupled with electronic nose
Authors: Xiang Xiao‐le , Wang Ya‐lan , Yu Zhi‐hui , Ma Mei‐hu , Zhu Zhi‐hui , Jin Yon‐guo 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDEarly and non‐destructive identification of fertile (F) eggs is a difficult task in the process of breeding laying hens. The odors emitted from unfertilized (UF), infertile (IF), and fertile (F) eggs were characterized by solid‐phase microextraction / gas chromatograph‐mass spectrometry (SPME/GC‐MS) and electronic nose (E‐nose) to determine their differences by principal component, partial least squares, and canonical discriminant analyses.RESULTSA total of 14 volatiles were identified in unhatched shell white Leghorn eggs, such as nonanal, decanal, 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one, and 6,10‐dimethyl‐5,9‐undecadien‐2‐one. Cedrene and decanal contributed greatly to the classification of UF and fertilized (Fd)/IF eggs; cedrene, decanal, 1‐octanol and hexanal contributed greatly to the distinction between UF and IF eggs; heptanal might be the potential marker to determine F/IF eggs. P40/1, P10/2, P10/1, TA/2, T40/2 and T30/1, P30/1, P40/2, PA/2, T40/2 mostly contributed to the distinction between UF and Fd eggs and between F and IF eggs, respectively. Canonical discriminant analysis presented superior differentiating efficiency for almost all groups, and the odor differences between UF and Fd eggs were significantly larger than the differences between F and IF eggs.CONCLUSIONSolid‐phase microextraction / gas chromatograph‐mass spectrometer combined with E‐nose may have the potential to non‐destructively distinguish UF, F, and IF eggs, which will provide a new perspective to understand the differences among them. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
A Thermo‐ and Moisture‐Responsive Zwitterionic Shape Memory Polymer for Novel Self‐Healable Wound Dressing Applications
Authors: Li Guo , Wang Youpeng , Wang Shuwei , Liu Zhaotie , Liu Zhongwen , Jiang Jinqiang 
Published: December 2018

AbstractDeveloping wound dressings that have strong adhesion strength without causing any conglutination to the wound site is still challenging. Herein, is proposed that zwitterionic shape memory polymers can be applied as promising candidates for wound dressing. Sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) is copolymerized with 2,3‐dihydroxypropyl methacrylate (DHMA) in the presence of boric acid as a cross‐linking agent. The prepared material exhibits multi‐stimuli responsive shape memory behaviors: it can rapidly return to its initial shape upon heating to 90 °C, and a gradual recovery is also observed by absorbing moisture in humid environments. The shape memory effect can be well adjusted via incorporation of sodium chloride to induce the dissociation of electrostatic interactions between PSBMA chains, leading to reduced transition temperature and faster shape recovery rate. Moreover, the dynamic nature of boron ester bonds and electrostatic interaction endows the material with effective and rapid self‐healing ability. It is also demonstrated that the deployment process of the dressing that a sample with an initially circular shape can perfectly fit and tightly bind to the wound site after moisture‐induced shape recovery. The proposed zwitterionic polymer can possibly extend the application scope of shape memory polymers and pave a new way for the design of wound dressings.
Integrated QSAR Models to Predict Acute Oral Systemic Toxicity
Authors: Ballabio Davide , Grisoni Francesca , Consonni Viviana , Todeschini Roberto 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe ICCVAM Acute Toxicity Workgroup (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA, National Center for Computational Toxicology), coordinated the “Predictive Models for Acute Oral Systemic Toxicity” collaborative project to develop in silico models to predict acute oral systemic toxicity for filling regulatory needs. In this framework, new Quantitative Structure‐Activity Relationship (QSAR) models for the prediction of very toxic (LD50 lower than 50 mg/kg) and nontoxic (LD50 greater than or equal to 2,000 mg/kg) endpoints were developed, as described in this study. Models were developed on a large set of chemicals (8992), provided by the project coordinators, considering the five OCED principles for QSAR applicability to regulatory endpoints. A Bayesian consensus approach integrating three different classification QSAR algorithms was applied as modelling method. For both the considered endpoints, the proposed approach demonstrated to be robust and predictive, as determined by a blind validation on a set of external molecules provided in a later stage by the coordinators of the collaborative project. Finally, the integration of predictions obtained for the very toxic and nontoxic endpoints allowed the identification of compounds associated to medium toxicity, as well as the analysis of consistency between the predictions obtained for the two endpoints on the same molecules. Predictions of the proposed consensus approach will be integrated with those originated from models proposed by the participants of the collaborative project to facilitate the regulatory acceptance of in‐silico predictions and thus reduce or replace experimental tests for acute toxicity.
Solid polymer electrolytes based on polystyrene‐polyether block copolymers having branched ether structure
Authors: Kokubo Hisashi , Nakazawa Eiji , Watanabe Masayoshi 
Published: December 2018

To obtain solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) having high ionic conductivity together with mechanical integrity, we have synthesized polystyrene (PSt)‐polyether (PE) diblock copolymers via one‐pot anionic polymerization. The PSt block is expected to aggregate to act as hard fillers in the SPE to enhance the mechanical property. The PE block consists of random copolymer (P(EO‐r‐MEEGE)) of ethylene oxide (EO) and 2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy) ethyl glycidyl ether (MEEGE) in different molar ratios ([EO]/[MEEGE] = 100/0, 86/14, 75/25, 68/32, and 41/59). The introduction of the MEEGE moiety in PEO reduced the crystallinity of PEO, and the fast motion of the MEEGE side chain caused plasticization of the PE block, thereby contributing to the fast ion transport. SPEs were fabricated by mixing the obtained diblock copolymer (PSEx) and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) amide (LiTFSA) with [Li]/[O] = 0.05. Ionic conductivity of the obtained SPEs was dependent on the molar ratio of EO in the PE block (x) as well as the weight fraction of PE block (fPE) in the block copolymer. PSE0.86 (fPE = 0.65) exhibited high ionic conductivity (3.3 × 10−5 S cm−1 at 30°C; 1.1 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 60°C) comparable with that of P(EO‐r‐MEEGE) (PE0.85; fPE = 1.00) (9.8 × 10−5 S cm−1 at 30°C; 4.0 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 60°C).
Experimental Evaluation of Sodium−Water Reaction (SWR) as Propellant
Authors: Guerrero Juan , Gil Iván , Navlet Juan J. , López‐Paniagua Ignacio , Abánades Alberto 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe first results of a new line of research are presented, focused on producing rocket propulsion based upon the chemical reaction of two of the most abundant and affordable substances in nature: water and sodium. We have chosen SWR (Sodium Water Reaction) as a fuel candidate for an advanced propellant because of its excellent energetic properties, the absence of polluting products and the simplicity of sodium synthesis process, resulting in a new clean and sustainable energy source for rocket science that facilitates the replacement of current expensive and toxic reactants with a natural low‐cost renewable fuel. We have accomplished the characterization of the Sodium Water Reaction as a function of the nature of the reactants and the geometry of the reactor, including the assessment of the performance in a dedicated device.
Can halogen bond energy be reliably estimated from electron density properties at bond critical point? The case of the (A)nZ—Y•••X−(X, Y = F, Cl, Br) interactions
Authors: Kuznetsov Maxim L. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractRelationships between the Y•••X bond critical point (BCP) properties or the Y•••X distance and the halogen bond interaction energy were analyzed in detail by theoretical methods for the series of structures [(A)nZ—Y•••X]−(X,Y = F, Cl, Br; totally 441 structures). No relationship was found for the whole set of structures or for the series [(A)nZ—F•••X]−, [(A)nZ—Cl•••X]−, and [(A)nZ—Br•••X]−. The interaction energies may be roughly estimated from the BCP properties for the series [(A)nZ—Y•••F]−, [(A)nZ—Y•••Cl]−, and [(A)nZ—Y•••Br]−as well as for [(A)nZ—Y•••X]−(when (A)nZ is variable, X and Y are constant) with the mean absolute deviation values 2.04‐4.38 kcal/mol. The corresponding recommended relationships are provided and they are significantly different from the popular dependencies deduced previously for other types of noncovalent interactions. Tremendous effect of the computational method and basis set on the relationships under analysis was discovered. Computational results clearly indicate that, for practical purposes, theEint(BCP property) dependencies should be established not simply for each global type of interactions (hydrogen bond, halogen bond, chalcogen bond, etc.) but for each combination of the first and second order atoms taking into account also the computational method and basis set.
Spatial organization of fish diversity in a species‐rich basin
Authors: Miranda Leandro E. , Killgore Kenneth J. , Slack William T. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractMany abiotic and biotic environmental characteristics in river basins show spatial gradients from river source to main stem. We examined the spatial organization of fish within the Duck River Basin to document patterns in diversity that could help guide conservation strategies relevant to controlling the detrimental effects of basin development. In all, over 0.33 million fishes representing 145 species and 18 families, including 9 non‐native species, were collected in 207 samples distributed throughout the basin. Main stem sites with large catchment areas supported more fish diversity than smaller sites in tributaries. Moreover, rare species were most common in the main stem and ubiquitous species in tributaries. The spatial organization of species assemblages was mostly nested, as assemblages appeared to disassemble in an upstream direction from main stem sites and confluences. These findings suggest that fish conservation efforts might emphasize main stem segments and confluences that support higher biodiversity including the rare species often most in need of protection. The main stem can support the populations needed to recolonize tributaries and rescue populations that might periodically go extinct after droughts or other major disturbances. In tributaries, conservation of species assemblages may focus on managing between‐patch connectivity via corridor maintenance or creation.
History‐indicated cervical cerclage in management of twin pregnancy
Authors: Rottenstreich A. , Levin G. , Kleinstern G. , Zigron R. , Rottenstreich M. , Elchalal U. , Yagel S. 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTObjectiveCervical cerclage, when performed in twin gestation, has been reported to be associated with poor outcome. However, the role of first‐trimester history‐indicated cerclage among women with a twin pregnancy and a history of preterm birth has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to assess pregnancy outcomes among women with a twin pregnancy who underwent first‐trimester history‐indicated cervical cerclage compared with outcomes in those managed expectantly.MethodsThis was a retrospective matched case–control study. The study group comprised all women with a twin pregnancy who had undergone first‐trimester history‐indicated cerclage during the period 2006 to 2017 at Hadassah‐Hebrew University Medical Center. A control group of women with a twin pregnancy who were managed expectantly was established by matching age, history of spontaneous preterm birth (20–36 weeks' gestation) and year of delivery. Pregnancy and delivery characteristics and neonatal outcomes were compared between the two groups.ResultsData from 82 women with a twin gestation were analyzed, of whom 41 underwent first‐trimester history‐indicated cerclage and 41 were matched controls who were managed expectantly. Gestational age at delivery was higher in the cerclage group than in those managed expectantly (median 35 vs 30 weeks; P < 0.0001). Rates of spontaneous preterm birth before 24 weeks (2.4% vs 19.5%; odds ratio (OR), 0.10 (95% CI, 0.01–0.87); P = 0.03), before 28 weeks (12.2% vs 34.1%; OR, 0.27 (95% CI, 0.09–0.84); P = 0.03), before 32 weeks (22.0% vs 56.1%; OR, 0.22 (95% CI, 0.08–0.58); P = 0.003) and before 34 weeks (34.1% vs 82.9%; OR, 0.11 (95% CI, 0.04–0.30); P < 0.0001) were significantly lower in the cerclage group than in the control group. Median birth weight was higher in the cerclage group (2072 g vs 1750 g; P = 0.003), with lower rates of low birth weight (< 2500 g) (65.0% vs 89.4%; P = 0.001) and very low birth weight (< 1500 g) (21.3% vs 37.9%; P = 0.03) than in the group managed expectantly. Rates were also lower in the cerclage group for stillbirth, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, neonatal mortality and composite adverse neonatal outcome.ConclusionsHistory‐indicated cerclage performed in the first trimester, as compared with expectant management, in women with a twin pregnancy had an overall positive effect on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. These findings suggest the need for adequate randomized trials on cerclage placement in this subset of women. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.