bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Shape of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Down Syndrome
Authors: Zamponi E. , Helguera P. R. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractOxidative stress (OS) and mitochondrial dysfunction (MD) have been extensively studied and defined as therapeutic targets in Down syndrome (DS). Though originally associated to individual genes located in supernumerary chromosome 21, OS and MD metabolic compromises appear to be linked to whole genome functionally defined transcriptional fingerprints that further exacerbate the contribution of critical genes in DS–AD pathology. As the main ROS generator, mitochondrial complex double‐membrane organization, tightly regulated fission/fusion dynamics, and involvement in critical pathways, makes it particularly vulnerable to functional alterations. Consequently, mitochondrial network morphology depends on its metabolic state and has been used as an indicator of cellular homeostasis. Initial qualitative categorization, suitable for sparse arranged fragments analysis, were proven to be ineffective to measure network connectivity and replaced by innovative tools that involve the transformation of raw images to linear skeletons. These manipulations allowed the development of a new generation of structural parameters, such as mean degree value (MDV). Alterations in DS mitochondrial networks include increased frequency of aberrant morphologies, shorter mitochondrial fragments, and significantly lower mitochondrial network connectivity. Similar structural and functional mitochondrial defects are common to other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson disease and Prion disease, and to a progeroid syndrome like HGPS. Therapeutic interventions aimed to either increase mitochondrial biogenesis or diminish OS using mitochondrial‐targeted antioxidants, successfully restored mitochondrial activity and structural organization, confirming the strong correlation between network form and function.
Invasion genetics from eDNA and thousands of larvae: A targeted metabarcoding assay that distinguishes species and population variation of zebra and quagga mussels
Authors: Marshall Nathaniel T. , Stepien Carol A. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIdentifying species and population genetic compositions of biological invasions at early life stages and/or from environmental (e)DNA using targeted high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) metabarcode assays offers powerful and cost‐effective means for early detection, analysis of spread patterns, and evaluating population changes. The present study develops, tests, and applies this method with a targeted sequence assay designed to simultaneously identify and distinguish between the closely related invasive Eurasian zebra and quagga mussels (Dreissena polymorphaandD. rostriformis) and their relatives and discern their respective population genetic patterns. Invasions of these dreissenid mussel species have markedly changed freshwater ecosystems throughout North America and Europe, exerting severe ecological and economic damage. Their planktonic early life stages (eggs and larvae) are morphologically indistinguishable, yet each species exerts differential ecological effects, with the quagga often outcompeting the zebra mussel as adults. Our targeted assay analyzes genetic variation from a diagnostic sequence region of the mitochondrial (mt)DNA cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene, to assess temporal and spatial inter‐ and intra‐specific genetic variability. The assay facilitates analysis of environmental (e)DNA from water, early life stages from thousands of individuals, and simultaneous analysis of 50–100 tagged field‐collected samples. Experiments evaluated its accuracy and performance using: (a) mock laboratory communities containing known DNA quantities per taxon, (b) aquaria with mixed‐species/haplotype compositions of adults, and (c) field‐collected water and plankton versus traditional sampling of adult communities. Results delineated species compositions, relative abundances, and population‐level diversity differences among ecosystems, habitats, time series, and life stages from two allopatric concurrent invasions in the Great Lakes (Lake Erie) and the Hudson River, which had separate founding histories. Findings demonstrate application of this targeted assay and our approach to accurately and simultaneously discern species‐ and population‐level differences across spatial and temporal scales, facilitating early detection and ecological understanding of biological invasions.
Gender differences in peer review outcomes and manuscript impact at six journals of ecology and evolution
Authors: Fox Charles W. , Paine C. E. Timothy 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe productivity and performance of men is generally rated more highly than that of women in controlled experiments, suggesting conscious or unconscious gender biases in assessment. The degree to which editors and reviewers of scholarly journals exhibit gender biases that influence outcomes of the peer‐review process remains uncertain due to substantial variation among studies. We test whether gender predicts the outcomes of editorial and peer review for >23,000 research manuscripts submitted to six journals in ecology and evolution from 2010 to 2015. Papers with female and male first authors were equally likely to be sent for peer review. However, papers with female first authors obtained, on average, slightly worse peer‐review scores and were more likely to be rejected after peer review, though the difference varied among journals. These gender differences appear to be partly due to differences in authorial roles. Papers for the which the first author deferred corresponding authorship to a coauthor (which women do more often than men) obtained significantly worse peer‐review scores and were less likely to get positive editorial decisions. Gender differences in corresponding authorship explained some of the gender differences in peer‐review scores and positive editorial decisions. In contrast to these observations on submitted manuscripts, gender differences in peer‐review outcomes were observed in a survey of >12,000 published manuscripts; women reported similar rates of rejection (from a prior journal) before eventual publication. After publication, papers with female authors were cited less often than those with male authors, though the differences are very small (~2%). Our data do not allow us to test hypotheses about mechanisms underlying the gender discrepancies we observed, but strongly support the conclusion that papers authored by women have lower acceptance rates and are less well cited than are papers authored by men in ecology.
Multiple mechanisms confer stability to isolated populations of a rare endemic plant
Authors: Dibner Reilly R. , DeMarche Megan L. , Louthan Allison M. , Doak Daniel F. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe persistence of small populations remains a puzzle for ecology and conservation. Especially interesting is how naturally small, isolated populations are able to persist in the face of multiple environmental forces that create fluctuating conditions and should, theory predicts, lead to high probabilities of extirpation. We used a combination of long‐term census data and a five‐year demographic study of a naturally rare, endemic plant, Yermo xanthocephalus, to evaluate the importance of several possible mechanisms for small population persistence: negative density dependence, vital rate buffering, demographic compensation, asynchrony in dynamics among sub‐populations, and source–sink dynamics. These non‐exclusive explanations for population persistence all have been shown to operate in some systems, but have rarely if ever been simultaneously examined for the same population or species. We hypothesized that asynchrony in dynamics and demographic compensation would be more powerful than the other three mechanisms. We found partial support for our hypothesis: density dependence, asynchrony among population segments, and source–sink patterns appear to be the most important mechanisms maintaining population viability in this species. Importantly, these processes all appear to operate strongly at very fine spatial scales for Yermo, allowing the only two, extremely small, populations to persist. We also found considerable differences in the results of our census and demographic analyses. In general, we estimated substantially greater chances of population survival from the census data than from the shorter‐term demographic studies. In part, this difference is due to drier than average climate conditions during the years of the demographic work. These results emphasize that while demographic information is necessary to understand various components of population dynamics, longer term studies, even if much less detailed, can be more powerful in uncovering some mechanisms that may be critical in stabilizing population numbers, especially in variable environments.
Swelling of clay minerals and its effect on coal permeability and gas production: A case study of southern Qinshui Basin, China
Authors: Tao Shu , Gao Lijun , Pan Zhejun 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe permeability damage of high‐rank coal reservoirs is the main factor affecting the development of coalbed methane (CBM) in the late production stage. Coal core samples from southern Qinshui Basin were saturated with actual formation water, 1/2 salinity formation water, and distilled water to study the swelling of clay minerals. Then, the mechanism of permeability change caused by water sensitivity and its effect on gas production was discussed. The results show that the permeability decrease caused by flow velocity sensitivity did not occur during the water sensitivity experiments. The permeability damage caused by water sensitivity is mainly the static damage from swelling of clay minerals, especially illite/smectite mixed clays and chlorite. During the process of CBM development, the water sensitivity of coal reservoirs will lead to the sharp increase of Na+ concentration and a decrease of Mg2+ concentration in the produced water. Meanwhile, the clay minerals swell due to the adsorption of more Mg2+ and Ca2+, decreasing the reservoir permeability and gas production rate.
Isolation and characterization of exopolysaccharide‐producing strains of Lactobacillus bulgaricus from curd
Authors: Ali Khubaib , Mehmood Muhammad Huzaifa , Iqbal Muhammad Ahmad , Masud Tariq , Qazalbash Mudassir , Saleem Shahzad , Ahmed Sheraz , Tariq Muhammad Rizwan , Safdar Waseem , Nasir Muhammad Adnan , Saeed Muhammad Tariq , Muhammad Abid , Sheas Muhammad Naveed 
Published: March 2019

AbstractCurd is the most widespread traditional fermented milk product used by a large population and is a good source of vitamin B, protein, and calcium. In this study, the isolation of exopolysaccharide (EPS)‐producing strains of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus from curd samples was carried out. Identification of EPS‐producing strains was done by Gram staining, catalase activity, sugar fermentation test, API 50 CHL, and PCR analysis. These EPS‐producing strains were subjected for the estimation of technological properties such as titratable acidity, curdling time, acidification rate, and texture. The strains best in their technological properties were selected for the production of yogurt in combination with EPS‐ or non‐EPS‐producing strains of Streptococcus thermophilus. The EPS concentration range was from 41 to 268 mg/L in the yogurt. The highest value of EPS concentration was detected in S. thermophilus and non‐EPS‐producing Lb. bulgaricus after 14 days of storage.
Immunogenomic correlates of response to cetuximab monotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Faden Daniel L. , Concha‐Benavente Fernando , Chakka Anish B. , McMichael Elizabeth L. , Chandran Uma , Ferris Robert L. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundMechanisms of resistance to immune‐modulating cancer treatments are poorly understood. Using a novel cohort of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), we investigated mechanisms of immune escape from epidermal growth factor receptor‐specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy.MethodsHNSCC tumors (n = 20) from a prospective trial of neoadjuvant cetuximab monotherapy underwent whole‐exome sequencing. Expression of killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR) and human leukocyte antigen‐C (HLA‐C) and the effect of KIR blockade were assessed in HNSCC cell lines.ResultsNonresponders to cetuximab had an increased rate of mutations in HLA‐C compared to responders and HNSCC tumors (n = 528) in The Cancer Genome Atlas (P < 0.00001). In vitro, cetuximab‐activated natural killer (NK) cells induced upregulation of HLA‐C on HNSCC cells (P < 0.01) via interferon gamma. Treatment of NK cells with the anti‐KIR mAb lirilumab increased killing of HNSCC cells (P < 0.001).ConclusionsAlterations in HLA‐C may provide a mechanism of immune evasion through disruption of NK activation.
Straightforward Synthesis of 3‐Aminothiophenes Using Activated Amides
Authors: Dagoneau Dylan , Kolleth Amandine , Lumbroso Alexandre , Tanriver Gamze , Catak Saron , Sulzer‐Mossé Sarah , De Mesmaeker Alain 
Published: March 2019

AbstractHerein, we describe a facile approach towards the synthesis of diversely substituted 3‐aminothiophenes. A wide range of functional groups can be incorporated at the C(2), C(4), and C(5) positions of the thiophenes, and this route is also suitable for the synthesis of fused bicyclic heterocycles such as 3‐aminotetrahydrobenzothiophenes. This methodology relies on a 6π‐electrocyclization involving a vinyl sulfide linked to a keteniminium salt, the latter being formed in‐situ through activation of the corresponding amide with triflic anhydride.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of adverse pregnancy outcomes after uterine adenomyosis
Authors: Razavi Maryam , Maleki‐Hajiagha Arezoo , Sepidarkish Mahdi , Rouholamin Safoura , Almasi‐Hashiani Amir , Rezaeinejad Mahroo 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundStudies on the impact of adenomyosis and its pregnancy complications have yielded conflicting results.ObjectiveTo determine the likelihood of adverse pregnancy outcomes among women with adenomyosis relative to women without adenomyosis.Search strategyPubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies published up to June 15, 2018.Selection criteriaObservational studies with medically confirmed pregnancy outcomes as endpoints.Data collection and analysisTwo researchers independently screened and selected relevant studies. Dichotomous data for all adverse pregnancy outcomes were expressed as an odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI), and combined in a meta‐analysis by using a random‐effects model.Main resultsSix studies (322 cases and 9420 controls) were eligible for inclusion in the meta‐analysis. Women with adenomyosis had an increased likelihood of preterm birth (OR, 3.05; 95% CI, 2.08–4.47; P˂0.001), small for gestational age (OR, 3.22; 95% CI, 1.71–6.08; P˂0.001), and pre‐eclampsia (OR, 4.35; 95% CI, 1.07–17.72; P=0.042).ConclusionAdenomyosis seems to have a detrimental impact on pregnancy outcomes, resulting in a higher likelihood of preterm birth, small for gestational age, and pre‐eclampsia.
Epigenetic therapy can inhibit growth of ovarian cancer cells and reverse chemoresistant properties acquired from metastatic omentum
Authors: Sookram Janhvi , Zheng Andrew , Linden Kimberly M. , Morgan Andrew B. , Brown Spencer A. , Ostrovsky Olga 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the cytotoxicity of epigenetic drugs independently and in combination with chemotherapy on ovarian cancer cells Caov‐3, and to investigate their ability to acquire chemoresistance in omental microenvironments and whether epigenetic drugs can counteract this chemoresistance.MethodsA pilot study was conducted in Cooper University Hospital, NJ, USA from August 1 to October 31, 2017, among women undergoing surgeries for uterine and ovarian cancer. Cytotoxicity assays using IC50 values of epigenetic drugs and paclitaxel and cisplatin were performed on Caov‐3. Omental adipose‐derived stem cells (OASCs) were isolated from omentum with/without metastases. Caov‐3 was cultured with OASCs’ conditioned medium and subjected to different drugs. Cell viability and secretome was measured using MTT and Elisa, respectively.ResultsThree women met the eligibility criteria and were included in the study. Epigenetic drugs alone or in combination with chemotherapy showed 85%–94% increased cytotoxicity against Caov‐3 (P≤0.005). Metastatic OASCs conditioned medium showed up to 27‐fold increase in tumorigenic factors and promoted chemoresistance (28%–35%; P < 0.050) against chemotherapy. Epigenetic therapy resulted in up to a 40‐fold reversal in this chemoresistance.ConclusionEpigenetic therapies could have an important role in treating a subgroup of ovarian cancer patients that demonstrate resistance to first‐line chemotherapy.
Performance prediction algorithm for autologous PBSC collection in adults and pediatric patients using large volume leukapheresis
Authors: Bojanic Ines , Besson Nelly , Vidovic Ivana , Cepulic Branka Golubic 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe number of CD34+ cells collected in apheresis procedures depends mainly on the collection efficiency of the device and the blood volume processed. Large volume leukapheresis (LVL) can improve CD34+ cell yield and has previously been investigated using the COBE Spectra device (Terumo BCT, USA).Materials and MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of LVL performance in patients undergoing continuous mononuclear cell collection (CMNC) using the new Spectra Optia apheresis system (Terumo BCT, USA) at the University Hospital Center, Zagreb, from March 2016 to September 2016. CD34+ cell yield predictability, determined using a customized algorithm, was also assessed.ResultsIn total, 67 procedures performed in 46 adults and 14 performed in 11 children were included in the analysis. In adults, 30 (65.2%) patients successfully reached their target preapheresis CD34+ cell count on day 1, with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) CD34+ collected cell dose of 4.8 × 106/kg (2.3‐10.6 × 106/kg). In the pediatric group, 81.8% successfully collected the target CD34+ cell dose on the first day, with a median (IQR) CD34+ collected cell dose of 11.1 × 106/kg (3.2‐16.3 × 106/kg). The customized algorithm showed a strong and significant linear correlation with actual CD34+ cell dose (P < 0.0001).ConclusionThe results of this study support the use of LVL and the customized prediction algorithm in apheresis procedures. The ability to tailor the procedure to meet the needs of the individual patient may help to minimize the blood volume processed, shorten the duration, reduce the volume of infused anticoagulants, and improve patient comfort.
Tissue plasminogen activator vs heparin for locking central venous catheters between apheresis procedures
Authors: Mathur Gagan , Mott Sarah L. , Collins Laura , Schlueter Annette J. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundCentral venous catheters (CVCs) for apheresis procedures require regular locking/flushes to maintain adequate flow rates. Literature comparing locking solutions for apheresis, where the time interval between procedures can be longer than for hemodialysis (many days to weeks), is lacking. In this study, catheter malfunction rates using recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt‐PA) vs heparin for locking CVC between apheresis procedures were compared.Study Design and MethodsA retrospective review of 93 extracorporeal photopheresis procedures in 10 patients was performed at our institution. About 1000 U/mL heparin or 2 mg rt‐PA was used as the locking solution. Heparin locks were changed at least once per week and rt‐PA locks could be left in place for up to 4 weeks. Following these locks, inadequate blood flow noted on accessing CVC and/or during the procedure was scored on as: no issues, some issues, or significant issues. Binary logistic regression was used to evaluate for potential statistical difference in outcomes. Cost analysis was also performed.ResultsNo statistically significant difference was noted in outcomes between heparin and rt‐PA lock (P value = 0.15). Total cost of heparin lock administration ($91‐$362.50) was found to be more than rt‐PA lock ($76) when more than one flush was needed between procedures.ConclusionsFor apheresis use, rt‐PA and heparin CVC locks seem to have similar outcomes in preventing CVC malfunction. The convenience of not needing any flushes between procedures and overall cost of administering fewer locks favors rt‐PA use when the interval between procedures is >7 days.
An automated mini buffy coat preparation method for use in mini extracorporeal photopheresis treatment of graft‐vs‐host‐disease in a low body weight pediatric patient
Authors: Matic Toni , Bojanic Ines , Mazic Sanja , Golubic Cepulic Branka , Bilic Ernest 
Published: March 2019

AbstractA mini extracorporeal photopheresis (mini‐ECP) “off line” technique has been developed for use in the treatment of small children and patients with apheresis contraindications. Until now various methods have been used for buffy coat separation from whole blood. In this report we describe a protocol for mini buffy coat preparation using the automated Sepax laboratory separator for “off line” ECP treatment in a low body weight child with graft‐vs‐host‐disease. According to our results this alternative method has been proven feasible and tolerable.
Probiotic microorganisms detoxify ochratoxin A in both a chicken liver cell line and chickens
Authors: Markowiak Paulina , Śliżewska Katarzyna , Nowak Adriana , Chlebicz Agnieszka , Żbikowski Artur , Pawłowski Karol , Szeleszczuk Piotr 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe administration of probiotics and prebiotics (synbiotics) is a promising method for detoxification of ochratoxin A (OTA) in animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of five probiotic strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and one Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strain, from three different synbiotics for poultry, to detoxify OTA. In addition, we also investigated the genotoxicity of faecal water (FW) of chickens after administering OTA and/or synbiotics for 42 days.RESULTSAll tested LAB and yeast strains had the ability to detoxify OTA by significant (P < 0.05) reducing its concentration (by 31.3–47.7% and 31.9%, respectively, after 24 h incubation) and genotoxicity (by 22.6–51.8% and 52.7%, respectively). Synbiotics composed of four and five probiotic strains significantly (P < 0.05) decreased FW genotoxicity of chicks, after exposure to OTA, to the level seen in the control group (21.8% ± 1.7%) and were more effective than synbiotics composed of three probiotic strains (31.5%).CONCLUSIONThese results showed that there was a beneficial effect of the synbiotics on the gastrointestinal tract of animals. Furthermore, synbiotic preparations containing four or five of tested strains can be considered as preventive agents in the contamination of poultry with OTA. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry