bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Three‐Dimensional Hierarchical Dandelion‐Like HMX Architecture Formed at a Liquid‐Liquid Interface
Authors: Cheng Minmin , Li Ping , Duan Xiaohui , Pei Chonghua 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA facile and mild method, liquid‐liquid interface crystallization (LLIC), is reported for the fabrication of the hierarchical structure of octahydro‐1,3,5‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazocine (HMX) under ambient conditions. The morphology and structure are characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. A three‐dimensional hierarchical dandelion‐like HMX architecture is obtained through self‐assembling of the submicron particles with a main diameter range of 250–700nm at the interface of DMSO solution and CH2Cl2. Except the main polymorph β, the δ phase is found in the product. Thermal analyses are performed, and the kinetic parameter is calculated. The results indicate that hierarchical structure HMX presents much higher activation energy (280.82 KJ mol−1) than raw HMX (258.90 KJ mol−1). Similarly, the exothermic decomposition peak of HMX hierarchical structure also reaches 287.7 °C and is basically the same as raw HMX (288.4 °C). From the results of the sensitivity tests, the impact and friction sensitivities of HMX are significantly increased compared with those of raw HMX. In this work, the successful application of LLIC to energetic materials is demonstrated, thereby providing a potential method for the preparation of hierarchical structure of high‐energy ammonium nitrate explosives.
Neural crest emigration: From start to stop
Authors: Kalcheim Chaya 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWithin the dynamic context of a developing embryo, the multicellular patterns formed are extraordinarily precise. Through cell–cell communication, neighboring progenitors coordinate their activities, sequentially generating distinct tissues. The development of the dorsal neural tube remarkably illustrates this principle. It first generates neural crest (NC) cells, precursors of most of the peripheral nervous system, and then becomes the roof plate (RP) of the central nervous system. While the molecular network regulating emigration of NC progenitors has been extensively studied, the mechanisms by which dorsal neural tube precursors transit from an initial NC fate to a definitive RP identity remain widely open to investigation. Critical differences exist between premigratory NC and RP cells. Whereas the former extensively proliferate and undergo an epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition that generates cellular migrations, the latter progressively exit the cell cycle and regain epithelial traits including apico‐basal polarity and regeneration of a laminin‐containing basement membrane. To understand this transition, the nature of the cross‐talk between these two sequentially forming progenitor subsets should be unraveled, including the identity and mode of action of signals that, on the one hand, induce the arrest of NC emigration, and, on the other hand, promote formation of a definitive RP.
Recent developments and controversies in transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Ali Noman , Patel Peysh A. , Lindsay Steven J. 
Published: January 2018

Interventional cardiology has been revolutionised by transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), which has become established as the benchmark treatment for severe aortic stenosis in patients at high risk for surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR). Increased procedural familiarity and progression in device technology has enabled improvements to be made in complication rates, which have led to a commensurate expansion in the use of TAVI; it is now a viable alternative to AVR in patients at intermediate surgical risk, and has been used in cohorts such as those with bicuspid aortic valves or pure, severe aortic regurgitation.
Given the rapid expansion in the use of TAVI, including cohorts of younger patients with fewer co‐morbidities, attention must be paid to further reducing remaining complications, such as cardiac tamponade or stroke. To this end, novel techniques and devices have been devised and trialled, with varying levels of success. Furthermore, significant work has gone into refining the technique with exploration of alternative imaging modalities, as well as alternative access routes to provide greater options for patients with challenging vascular anatomy.
Whilst significant progress has been made with TAVI, areas of uncertainty remain such as the management of concomitant coronary artery disease and the optimum post‐procedure antiplatelet regimen. As such, research in this field continues apace, and is likely to continue as use of TAVI becomes more widespread. This review provides a summary of the existing evidence, as well as an overview of recent developments and contentious issues in the field of TAVI.
Blockade of dopamine D2 receptors disrupts intrahippocampal connectivity and enhances pain‐related working memory deficits in neuropathic pain rats
Authors: Cardoso‐Cruz H. , Dourado M. , Monteiro C. , Galhardo V. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundDopamine (DA) is thought to be important to local hippocampal networks integrity during spatial working memory (sWM) processing. Chronic pain may contribute to deficient dopaminergic signalling, which may in turn affect cognition. However, the neural mechanisms that determine this impairment are poorly understood. Here, we evaluated whether the sWM impairment characteristic of animal models of chronic pain is dependent on DA D2 receptor (D2r) activity.MethodsTo address this issue, we implanted multichannel arrays of electrodes in the dorsal and ventral hippocampal CA1 field (dvCA1) of rats and recorded the neuronal activity during a classical delayed food‐reinforced T‐maze sWM task. Within‐subject behavioural performance and patterns of dorsoventral neural activity were assessed before and after the onset of persistent neuropathic pain using the spared nerve injury (SNI) model.ResultsOur results show that the peripheral nerve lesion caused a disruption in sWM and hippocampus spike activity and that disruption was maximized by the systemic administration of the D2r antagonist raclopride. These deficits are strictly correlated with a selective disruption of hippocampal theta‐oscillations. Particularly, we found a significant decrease in intrahippocampal CA1 field connectivity level.ConclusionsTogether, these results suggest that disruption of the dopaminergic balance in the intrahippocampal networks may be important for the development of cognitive deficits experienced during painful conditions.SignificanceThis study provides new insights into the role of D2r in the manifestation of pain‐related sWM deficits. Our findings support that selective blockade of D2r produces a significant decrease in intrahippocampal connectivity mediated by theta‐oscillations, and amplifies pain‐related sWM deficits. These results suggest that further characterization of intrahippocampal dopaminergic modulation may be clinically relevant for the understanding of cognitive impairments that accompanies nociceptive stressful conditions.
Electrochemical Characterization of CdSe Monolayers Modified with Glycosilated Molecules
Authors: La Ferla B. , D'Orazio G. , Zotti G. , Vercelli B. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractUltrathin films of CdSe nannocrystals (CdSe‐NCs) modified with glycosilated molecules have shown interesting electrochemical properties which lead to the detection of lectin Jacalin.
The association between weight gain during pregnancy and intertwin delivery weight discordance using 2011–2015 birth registration data from the USA
Authors: Xiao Yanni , Shen Minxue , Ma Shujuan , Tao Xuan , Wen Shi Wu , Tan Hongzhuan 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the effect of weight gain during pregnancy on intertwin delivery weight discordance.MethodsIn the present retrospective cohort study using twin delivery records, data were extracted from the 2011–2015 USA birth registration dataset created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The outcome variable was delivery weight discordance. The nonlinear association of weight gain during pregnancy with delivery weight discordance was examined using a generalized additive model, adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsA total of 255 627 twin pairs were included in this analysis. Weight gain during pregnancy showed an inverse, yet nonlinear, association with intertwin delivery weight discordance. Women with weight gain of approximately 25 kg exhibited the lowest level of discordance. When stratified by pre‐pregnancy body mass index, the association of weight gain with discordance became insignificant among obese women. When categorizing weight gain according to recommendations from the Institute of Medicine, inadequate weight gain was associated with increased risk of discordance among women of any pre‐pregnancy body mass index.ConclusionTwin pregnancies with maternal weight gain of approximately 25 kg demonstrated the lowest risk of developing intertwin delivery weight discordance, while inadequate weight gain was a risk factor for delivery weight discordance in all pre‐pregnancy body mass index categories.
Evaluation of autophagy induction on HEV 239 vaccine immune response in a mouse model
Authors: Khateri Mehdi , Abdoli Asghar , Motevalli Fatemeh , Fotouhi Fatemeh , Bolhassani Azam , Arashkia Arash , Jazaeri Ehsan Ollah , Shahbazi Sepideh , Mehrbod Parvaneh , Naziri Hamed , Aghasadeghi Mohammad Reza 
Published: January 2018

AbstractHepatitis E virus (HEV) infection remains a serious threat to life and productivity in developing world. Vaccine seems to be an effective, safe, and affordable approach to address HEV disease burden. The HEV genome consists of three open reading frames (ORFs). Of these, ORF2 encodes a single structural protein (pORF2) for the HEV capsid which has been studied extensively as vaccine candidates. Recently, it has been recognized that autophagy plays an important role in innate and adaptive immunity defense against intracellular pathogens. This mechanism could therefore promote a protective immune response by inducing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. In this study, HEV 239 and Beclin1 proteins were expressed in prokaryotic host cell [Escherichia coli (BL21)]. HEV 239 protein with different formulations (+Alum, +Beclin1, and +Alum‐Beclin1) were used as candidate vaccines and administrated subcutaneously in BALB/c mice on 0, 14, and 28 days. Finally, elicited cellular and humoral immunity were evaluated. Taken together, although our results indicated that mice immunized with HEV 239 protein formulated with Alum, Beclin1, and Alum + Beclin1 displayed humoral and cellular response that was not significant in comparison with each other (P > 0.05); whereas they were significant while compared with control groups (P < 0.05). A comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between autophagy and immune response remains to be unraveled. Further study will clear the detailed impact of autophagy manipulation to enhance vaccine efficacy and boost the immune responses against the disease. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(3):207–214, 2018
Preclinical approaches to assess potential kinase inhibitor‐induced cardiac toxicity: Past, present and future
Authors: Yang Baichun , Papoian Thomas 
Published: January 2018

AbstractOver a decade ago, use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for the treatment of malignancies was found to cause left ventricular dysfunction, a finding that was unexpected and not well predicted by standard preclinical studies. Subsequently, several preclinical approaches were proposed to address this issue. Over the last 5 years, several approaches for preclinical evaluation of cardiac function using isolated perfused hearts, engineered heart tissue and human‐induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiac myocytes have been shown to be relatively predictive of the cardiotoxic potential of TKIs. Further, preclinical studies submitted for regulatory review for recently approved KIs have demonstrated various forms of KI‐induced cardiotoxicity. Thus, early identification and assessment of cardiotoxicity in the preclinical setting is now possible. Given that kinases are involved in diverse cellular processes common to both normal and tumor cells, KI‐induced toxicity, particularly in the heart, appears difficult to avoid. To develop drugs with fewer adverse effects, better efficacy and safety assessments, such as pharmacological separation of targets for cancer from heart, and/or wider separation of the drug concentrations for antitumor activity from cardiac toxicity, may be helpful. Additional preclinical approaches for assessing drug efficacy and toxicity in parallel may include use of animal cancer models and a 3D integrated in vitro model of perfused tumor and heart tissues. Minimizing and predicting potential KI‐induced cardiotoxicity is still an important regulatory challenge, and better preclinical approaches may help achieve this goal.
Retracted: Protective effects of microRNA‐330 on amyloid β‐protein production, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease by targeting VAV1 via the MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Zhou Ying , Wang Zhou‐Fan , Li Wei , Hong Hui , Chen Juan , Tian Yi , Liu Zhao‐Yun 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis study aims to explore the effect of miR‐330 targeting VAV1 on amyloid β‐protein (Aβ) production, oxidative stress (OS), and mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice through the MAPK signaling pathway. Putative targeted gene of miR‐330 was performed by a miRNA target prediction website and dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. AD mouse model was successfully established. Fourteen C57 mice were randomized into AD and control groups. The positive protein expression rate of VAV1 was measured by immunohistochemistry. Neuron cells were assigned into control, blank, negative control (NC), miR‐330 mimics, miR‐330 inhibitors, siRNA‐VAV1, and miR‐330 inhibitors + siRNA‐VAV1 groups. Expression of miR‐330, VAV1, ERK1, JNK1, P38MAPK, Aβ, COX, and lipoprotein receptor‐related protein‐1 (LRP‐1) were determined using RT‐qPCR and Western blotting. Colorimetry was applied to measure the levels of OS parameters of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Aβ production in brain tissue was detected using ELISA, while that in neuron cell was measured by radioimmunoassay. MiR‐330 was down‐regulated in neuron cells of AD mice and VAV1 was negatively regulated by miR‐330. Compared with the control group, the positive protein expression rate of VAV1 was significantly elevated in the AD group. Overexpression of miR‐330 decreased the expression of VAV1, ERK1, JNK1, P38MAPK, and Aβ, but increased the expression of COX and LRP‐1. AD mice revealed elevated Aβ production and MDA with decreased SOD level. The result indicates that overexpressed miR‐330 targeting VAV1 through the MAPK signaling pathway reduces Aβ production and alleviates OS and mitochondrial dysfunction in AD.
Exploring the functional impact of mutational drift in LRRK2 gene and identification of specific inhibitors for the treatment of Parkinson disease
Authors: Nagarajan Nagasundaram , Chellam Jaynthy , Kannan Rajaretinam Rajesh 
Published: January 2018

AbstractParkinson's disease (PD) is a disorder of the central nervous system that is caused due to the death of the dopaminergic neurons in the region of the brain called substantia nigra. Mutations in LRRK2 genes are associated with disease condition and it's been reported as crucial factor for drug resistance. Identification of deleterious mutations and studying the structural and functional impact of such mutations may lead to the identification of potential selective inhibitors. In this study, we analyzed 52 PD associated mutations, among that 20 were identified as highly deleterious. The deleterious mutations G2019S and I2020T in the kinase domain were playing a key role in causing resistance to drug levedopa. Molecular docking analyses have been performed to understand the binding affinity of levodapa with LRRK2 in wild and mutant condition. Molecular docking results show that levedopa binds differentially and obtained less number of hydrogen bonds in compared with wild type LRRK2. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations were performed to study the efficacy of docked complexes and it was observed that the efficacy of the mutant complexes (G2019S‐Levodopa and I2020T‐Levodopa) affected in the presence of mutation. Finally, through virtual screening approach specific inhibitors SCHEMBL6473053 and SCHEMBL1278779 have been identified that could potentially inhibit LLRK2 mutants G2019S and I2020T respectively. Over all this computational investigation correlates the impact of genotypic modulation in structure and function of drug target which enhanced in the identification of precision medicine to treat PD.
The association between serum testosterone and mortality among elderly men on hemodialysis
Authors: Wu Hung‐Chieh , Lee Lin‐Chien , Wang Wei‐Jie 
Published: January 2018

ObjectivesThis study examines the associations between total testosterone levels and dialysis mortality.MethodsElderly men who initiate hemodialysis in Taoyuan General Hospital from January 2012 to June 2017 were enrolled. We reviewed clinical characteristics and biochemical data from start of dialysis and followed over a 5‐year period after dialysis. Body composition parameters were assessed 3‐6 months after dialysis. Skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI) was defined by skeletal muscle mass divided by squared height. We defined those with lowest tertile of testosterone values as low testosterone group. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for mortality and cumulative survival curves were evaluated by Cox hazards model and Kaplan‐Meier method. The discriminative power of SMMI and testosterone levels was calculated according to the area under the curve and the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).ResultsFrom a total of 137 elderly hemodialysis patients, the range of lowest, middle, and highest tertile of testosterone values was <6.25 nmol/L, 6.25‐10.5 nmol/L, and >10.5 nmol/L. After multivariate adjustment other than SMMI, total testosterone levels at baseline were a significant predictor for mortality aHR(95% CI): 0.79 (0.70‐0.91). The unadjusted and adjusted c‐statistics of SMMI vs testosterone values to predict overall were 770 (0.688‐0.852) vs 0.779 (0.691‐0.866) and 855 (0.812‐0.886) vs 0.812 (0.744‐0.856) (Ps < .05), whereas the capacity of c‐statistics was similar (χ2 = 0.143 and 2.709, Ps > .05).ConclusionsTotal testosterone value was a predictor for mortality. It was noninferior to SMMI in predicting dialysis mortality.
An update on cell intrinsic negative regulators of the NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Poudel Barun , Gurung Prajwal 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Inflammasomes are multimeric protein complexes that promote inflammation (through specific cleavage and production of bioactive IL-1β and IL-18) and pyroptotic cell death. The central role of inflammasomes in combating infection and maintaining homeostasis has been studied extensively. Although inflammasome-mediated inflammation and cell death are vital to limit pathogenic insults and to promote wound healing/tissue regeneration, unchecked/uncontrolled inflammation, and cell death can cause cytokine storm, tissue damage, autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and even death in the afflicted individuals. NLRP3 is one of the major cytosolic sensors that assemble an inflammasome. Given the adverse consequences of uncontrolled inflammasome activation, our immune system has developed tiered mechanisms to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation. In this review, we highlight and discuss recent advances and our current understanding of mechanisms by which NLRP3 inflammasome can be negatively regulated.
In‐line monitoring of component content of polypropylene/polystyrene blends during melt extrusion using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Huang Xi , Lei Yu , Wang Mengmeng , Jin Gang 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAt present, the component content measured by off‐line methods, which are hysteresis, destructive, and unrepresentative for the whole sample, makes it hard for real‐time monitoring of the performance of products in the process of polymer blending and modification. Therefore, in this paper, Raman spectroscopy as a real‐time measurement technology is applied for in‐line monitoring of component content of polypropylene/polystyrene (PS) blends during melt extrusion. Prior to performing an analysis of PS content in polypropylene/PS blends, the signal to noise ratio and relative standard deviation are evaluated with respect to the effects of screw speed, sampling distance of laser spot to melt surface, and single scan time in order to optimize sampling conditions. Owing to this, for quantitative analysis of PS content, different wavenumber ranges and pretreatment methods are used to develop the optimal partial least squares model, which is compared with the optimal partial least squares model of PS content based on off‐line infrared spectroscopy. It is concluded that in‐line Raman spectroscopy determination of PS content shows comparative accuracy and predicting ability, which is achieved exhibiting calibration results that coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean square error of cross‐validation are 0.9998 and 0.438 wt.% and prediction results that R2 and root mean square error of prediction are 0.9993 and 0.725 wt.%. What is more, in‐line monitoring system of Raman spectroscopy is successfully applied to measure PS content variation process from 80 to 50 wt.% then to 20 wt.%.
Recent advances in postharvest technology of the wine grape to improve the wine aroma
Authors: Mencarelli Fabio , Bellincontro Andrea 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPostharvest techniques are widely used for the handling and storage of fresh horticultural crops. Some of these techniques are interesting for use with wine grapes to improve the quality of wine. In this review, we consider the postharvest techniques that are already commercially used in the wine sector and others that may be significant in inducing or extracting the aroma from grapes to produce high‐quality wines. Precooling consists of rapidly lowering the grape temperature, which allows the preservation/increase of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). We also discuss sustainability. Partial dehydration consists of the partial removal of water from grapes, and if a suitable environment is adopted it can be used to produce and extract berry VOCs. As a solid, carbon dioxide is used in wine processing for the rapid cooling of grapes and, as a gas, it is used for carbonic maceration. Ozone has been used for sanitation purposes in wineries for a long time, but more recently it has been used to produce wine without sulfite addition and to increase the aromatic quality of wine grapes. Ethylene application is not used commercially for wine grapes, but promising results in terms of phenolic extraction and aromatic changes in grapes are discussed. A comparison among the proposed techniques is reported in terms of grape aromatic quality and process features. The proposed techniques could help a winemaker to maintain or induce aromatic compounds in grape berries before the vinification process. The choice depends on the desired wine and economic consistency. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry