bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimum conventional extraction conditions for phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity of Helicteres hirsuta Lour.
Authors: Pham Hong Ngoc Thuy , Vuong Quan Van , Bowyer Michael C. , Scarlett Christopher J. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractHelicteres hirsuta Lour. (H. hirsuta L.) has been used as a traditional medicine for treatment of various ailments such as malaria and diabetes in Southeast Asian countries. This study aimed to optimize the conventional extraction conditions for obtaining the highest levels of phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities within H. hirsuta L. using response surface methodology. The Box–Behnken design was employed to evaluate the effects of extraction time, temperature, and the sample‐to‐solvent ratio on bioactive compound yield and antioxidant capacity of H. hirsuta L. The results indicated that the sample‐to‐solvent ratio had the strongest impact on bioactive compounds and antioxidant power of H. hirsuta L. and revealed the optimum extraction conditions to include temperature of 60 °C, time of 35 min at the sample‐to‐solvent ratio of 1 : 100 g/mL using 40% (v/v) methanol as the solvent. Under these conditions, the highest levels of total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were 16.87 mg GAE/g and 17.55 mg CE/g, respectively, significantly higher than the values obtained using water as the solvent. When preparing powered crude extract from H. hirsuta L., the ratio of 3 : 100 (g/mL) was suggested for the saving of 67% of solvent volume and energy required for solvent removal, as similar total phenolic content and total flavonoid content yield (86–87%) as well as antioxidant activities were obtained in comparison with the ratio of 1 : 100 (g/mL). © 2017 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of water‐soluble poly(vinyl alcohol)‐based composites with improved thermal behavior for potential three‐dimensional printing application
Authors: Ni Fei , Wang Guangchun , Zhao Haibin 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTWater‐soluble support materials are essential for fabrication of three‐dimensional printing component, in particular of fused deposition modeling (FDM) process. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was considered as a potential ideal candidate used in rapid prototyping technology, while its properties and process‐ability need to be improved for the wide application. This article attempts to use urea/caprolatam (UC) as modification additive for tuning the thermal and mechanical properties of PVA. PVA‐based films with different content of additives were prepared by solution casting method. The results showed that with the increase of UC, PVA films showed decreased crystallinity and melting temperature, while the initial degradation temperature and melt index were increased. The corporation of UC decreased the melting temperature to 173.04 °C and PVA composite with 4.5% crystallinity was fabricated. Due to the formation of hydrogen bonding between UC and the hydroxyl group of PVA, the tensile strength and modulus of PVA were slightly decreased, while strain‐at‐break was significantly enhanced, as high as 470.24%, indicating UC behaved as good plasticizing effect. The microstructure examination via scanning electron microscopy showed that when the content of UC was less than 30% in the composites, homogeneous phase could be observed, indicating good compatibility between these two components. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44966.
Application of time–stress superposition to viscoelastic behavior of polyamide 6,6 fiber and its “true” elastic modulus
Authors: Wang Bing , Fancey Kevin S. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTThe viscoelastic behavior of semi‐crystalline polyamide 6,6 fiber is exploited in viscoelastically prestressed polymeric matrix composites. To understand better the underlying prestress mechanisms, strain–time performance of the fiber material is investigated in this work, under high creep stress values (330–665 MPa). A latch‐based Weibull model enables prediction of the “true” elastic modulus through instantaneous deformation from the creep‐recovery data, giving 4.6 ± 0.4 GPa. The fiber shows approximate linear viscoelastic characteristics, so that the time–stress superposition principle (TSSP) can be implemented, with a linear relationship between the stress shift factor and applied stress. The resulting master creep curve enables creep behavior at 330 MPa to be predicted over a large timescale, thus creep at 590 MPa for 24 h would be equivalent to a 330 MPa creep stress for ∼5200 years. Similarly, the TSSP is applied to the resulting recovery data, to obtain a master recovery curve. This is equivalent to load removal in the master creep curve, in which the yarns would have been subjected to 330 MPa creep stress for ∼4.56 × 107 h. Since our work involves high stress values, the findings may be of interest to those involved with long‐term load‐bearing applications using polyamide materials. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44971.
Systematic Study of Functionalizable, Non‐Biofouling Agarose Films with Protein and Cellular Patterns on Glass Slides
Authors: Han Gyeongyeop , Hong Daehwa , Lee Bong Soo , Ha EunRae , Park Ji Hun , Choi Insung S. , Kang Sung Min , Lee Jungkyu K. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractHerein we demonstrate a systematic investigation of chemically functionalizable, non‐biofouling agarose films over large‐area glass surfaces. Agarose films, prepared with various concentrations of aqueous agarose, were activated by using periodate oxidation to generate aldehyde groups at the termini of the agarose chains. The non‐biofouling efficacy and binding capabilities of the activated films were evaluated by using protein and cellular patterning, performed by using a microarrayer, microcontact printing, and micromolding in capillaries. Characterization by using a fluorescence slide scanner and a scanning‐probe microscope revealed that the pore sizes of the agarose films played an important role in achieving desirable film performance; the 0.2 wt % agarose film exhibited the optimum efficacy in this work.
Evidence of gene–gene interactions between MTHFD1 and MTHFR in relation to anterior encephalocele susceptibility in Northeast India
Authors: Dutta Hemonta Kr , Borbora Debasish , Baruah Mauchumi , Narain Kanwar 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundAnterior encephalocele (AE) is a rare congenital anomaly of the central nervous system which is thought to be associated with genetic defects in folate metabolism.MethodsThis case–control study investigated the interactions of methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 1 (MTHFD1)‐1958G>A (rs2236225) and the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) ‐ 677C>T (rs1801133) and 1298A>C (rs1801131) polymorphisms with the risk of AE in the Northeast Indian population. A total of 40 AE cases and 80 controls were investigated using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism technique.ResultsMTHFR 1298CC was significantly associated with AE risk (odds ratio [OR] 4.21; p = 0.01). The MTHFR haplotypes 677C‐1298C/677T‐1298A (OR, 2.50) and 677T‐1298C (OR, 2.86) conferred risk in a progressive manner (χ2 = 9.82; p < 0.01). MTHFD1 1958G>A was not associated with disease susceptibility. Children with the rs2236225 GA and the rs1801131 CC genotypes were at an increased risk as compared to the reference genotype of rs2236225 GG and rs1801131 AA (OR, 14.4; p = 0.02). Children with the rs2236225 GG and rs1801133 CT genotypes were also at an elevated risk (OR, 4.76; p = 0.01). The MTHFD1 polymorphism together with the MTHFR haplotypes elevated risk in a progressive manner (χ2 = 6.29; p = 0.01).ConclusionThe data support our hypothesis of gene–gene interaction between MTHFD1 and MTHFR and the risk of AE. Together with the MTHFR haplotypes, MTHFD1 elevates risk in a progressive manner. The minor allelic frequencies of the MTHFD1 1958G>A and MTHFR 1298A>C in our populations were similar to those reported from Southeast Asian population, suggesting a possible explanation for the prevalence of this malformation in these regions. Birth Defects Research 109:432–444, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differentially expressed haptoglobin as a potential biomarker for type 2 diabetic mellitus in Hispanic population
Authors: Liu Zhongwei , Feng Du , Gu Danshan , Zheng Richard , Esperat Christina , Gao Weimin 
Published: February 2017

AbstractGlycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measurement is currently a primary tool for diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), especially for the assessment of chronic hyperglycemia. However, many studies reported the limitation of using HbA1c for T2DM diagnosis/prognosis, such as poor sensitivities, difficult standardization, and variable cut points across ethnic groups. Therefore, the aim of this study was to discover novel biomarkers associated with elevated HbA1c levels as complementary T2DM diagnostic tools. Two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis combined with mass spectrometry were applied for protein profile analyses of two pooled serum samples collected from Hispanic T2DM subjects (n = 74) with HbA1c ≥7 and HbA1c< 7, respectively. Isoforms of haptoglobin (Hp) α1/α2 chains were significantly altered in pooled serum samples from T2DM subjects with HbA1c ≥7 compared to those with HbA1c< 7. Hp genotypes of 262 Hispanic subjects, including 109 T2DM and 153 nondiabetic controls, were further determined by PCRs and western blotting analysis. Meanwhile, a new droplet digital PCR method for Hp genotyping was also established. The distribution of Hp2 allele was higher in T2DM subjects compared to nondiabetic controls and the HbA1c levels of T2DM subjects carrying at least one Hp2 allele tended to be higher than T2DM subjects with Hp 1‐1. In summary, our results indicate that differentially expressed serum Hp protein isoforms could be associated with HbA1c levels and subjects with Hp2 allele have a higher risk for the occurrence of T2DM in Hispanic population. © 2016 BioFactors, 43(3):424–433, 2017
Animal component‐free Agrobacterium tumefaciens cultivation media for better GMP‐compliance increases biomass yield and pharmaceutical protein expression in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Houdelet Marcel , Galinski Anna , Holland Tanja , Wenzel Kathrin , Schillberg Stefan , Buyel Johannes Felix 
Published: February 2017

AbstractTransient expression systems allow the rapid production of recombinant proteins in plants. Such systems can be scaled up to several hundred kilograms of biomass, making them suitable for the production of pharmaceutical proteins required at short notice, such as emergency vaccines. However, large‐scale transient expression requires the production of recombinant Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains with the capacity for efficient gene transfer to plant cells. The complex media often used for the cultivation of this species typically include animal‐derived ingredients that can contain human pathogens, thus conflicting with the requirements of good manufacturing practice (GMP). We replaced all the animal‐derived components in yeast extract broth (YEB) cultivation medium with soybean peptone, and then used a design‐of‐experiments approach to optimize the medium composition, increasing the biomass yield while maintaining high levels of transient expression in subsequent infiltration experiments. The resulting plant peptone Agrobacterium medium (PAM) achieved a two‐fold increase in OD600 compared to YEB medium during a 4‐L batch fermentation lasting 18 h. Furthermore, the yields of the monoclonal antibody 2G12 and the fluorescent protein DsRed were maintained when the cells were cultivated in PAM rather than YEB. We have thus demonstrated a simple, efficient and scalable method for medium optimization that reduces process time and costs. The final optimized medium for the cultivation of A. tumefaciens completely lacks animal‐derived components, thus facilitating the GMP‐compliant large‐scale transient expression of recombinant proteins in plants.
Die paradoxe Fruchtbarkeit der Strahlenflosser
Authors: Nellen Walter 
Published: February 2017

ZusammenfassungÜber 50 % der knapp 70.000 existierenden Wirbeltierarten sind Knochenfische der Klasse Actinopterygii. Gegenüber anderen Wirbeltieren tragen sie zwei Alleinstellungsmerkmale: einheitlich kleine erste Lebensstadien und eine paradox erscheinende, stark größenabhängige Fruchtbarkeit, die die anderer Wirbeltiere und auch vieler Wirbelloser um 2 bis > 5 Größenordnungen übertrifft. Beides weist auf im Vergleich zu anderen Tiergruppen ungewöhnliche Fortpflanzungseigenschaften hin. Sehr viele Knochenfische jagen, sobald sie auf größere Nahrung als Plankton angewiesen sind, bevorzugt bis ausschließlich kleinere Fische auch der eigenen Art. Wegen ihrer hohen Fruchtbarkeit und der damit verbundenen großen Verfügbarkeit von heranwachsenden Individuen können sich Actinopterygier auf unterschiedlichen, aufsteigenden trophischen Ebenen ernähren, bis hinauf zu unterschiedlich großen Lebensstadien ihrer selbst. Das dient offensichtlich dem Energiegewinn in einem Lebensraum, in dem die meiste Biomasse von kleinen und kurzlebigen Planktonorganismen produziert wird, und deren biologisch gebundene Energie dann als Fischbiomasse gespeichert wird.
Analysis of distinct long noncoding RNA transcriptional fingerprints in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yu Xiang , Lin Yang , Sui Wu , Zou Yanfen , Lv Zhongchuan 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive and lethal malignancies with the worst prognosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. However, the expression pattern and roles of lncRNAs in the development of PDAC remain unknown. Herein, we globally analyzed the lncRNA expression profile in human PDAC and non‐tumor tissues using four independent public microarray datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The analysis of GEO datasets by repurposing microarray probes confirmed that hundreds of lncRNAs are differentially expressed in PDAC tissues compared with normal tissues. We selected four lncRNAs including LINC00152, CASC9, LINC00226 and F11‐AS1 for validation in PDAC cell lines and normal cells. Loss of function assays were performed to investigate the roles of LINC00152 and CASC9 in PDAC cell proliferation and invasion. Taken together, our findings demonstrate lncRNA expression alterations in PDAC and may provide new potential molecular markers for PDAC patient diagnosis and treatment.
Environmental factors, seven GWAS‐identified susceptibility loci, and risk of gastric cancer and its precursors in a Chinese population
Authors: Cai Meng , Dai Shuyang , Chen Wanqing , Xia Changfa , Lu Lingeng , Dai Shuguang , Qi Jun , Wang Minjie , Wang Meilin , Zhou Lanping , Lei Fuhua , Zuo Tingting , Zeng Hongmei , Zhao Xiaohang 
Published: February 2017

AbstractGene–environment interactions may increase gastric cancer (GC) risk. Seven susceptibility loci identified by genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) suggest that genetic factors play a role in gastric carcinogenesis. Meanwhile,Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection, smoking, and alcohol drinking are also important environmental factors for gastric cancer. However, studies to explore the role of gene–environment interactions in gastric carcinogenesis, and particularly the relationship between the seven susceptibility loci and their potential interactions withH. pyloriinfection, smoking, and alcohol drinking in risk of GC, and severe intestinal metaplasia (IM)/dysplasia, have been inconclusive. A total of 1273 subjects in a Chinese population were recruited, and genotyping was carried out using the competitive allele‐specific PCR (KASP) method. Unconditional logistic regression was applied to model the associations between genetic polymorphisms and the disease risk. Effect modifications byH. pyloriinfection, smoking and alcohol drinking were evaluated.PSCArs2294008/rs2976392 showed a significant, multiplicative interaction withH. pyloriinfection in risk of GC. Meanwhile,PRKAA1rs13361707 had an additive interaction withH. pyloriinfection.SLC52A3rs13042395 showed an interaction with alcohol drinking in risk of GC. Moreover, three SNPs,MUC1rs4072037,ZBTB20rs9841504 andPRKAA1rs13361707, were associated with precancerous gastric lesions (severe IM/dysplasia). Our data suggest that genetic predisposition factors identified by GWAS may interact with environmental risk factors, Particularly forH. pyloriinfection and alcohol consumption, to increase the risk of GC.
Characterization of E‐NTPDase (EC 3.6.1.5) activity in hepatic lymphocytes: A different activity profile from peripheral lymphocytes
Authors: Doleski Pedro H. , Adefegha Stephen A. , Cabral Fernanda L. , Leal Daniela B.R. 
Published: February 2017

The activity of ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (E‐NTPDase; EC 3.6.1.5) was characterized in hepatic lymphocytes (HL) of rats. For this purpose, a specific method for the isolation of lymphocytes from hepatic tissue was developed. Subsequently, E‐NTPDase activity of rat HL was compared with that of rat peripheral lymphocytes. The HL showed high cell count and viability. Also, the characterization test revealed that the optimal E‐NTPDase activities were attained at 37°C and pH 8.0 in the presence of Ca2+. In addition, in the presence of specific E‐NTPDase inhibitors (20mM sodium azide and 0.3mM suramin), there were significant inhibitions in nucleotide hydrolysis. However, there was no significant change in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or adenosine diphosphate (ADP) hydrolysis in the presence of inhibitors of other E‐ATPase (0.1mM Ouabain, 0.5mM orthovanadate, and 1mM, 5mM, and 10mM sodium azide). Furthermore, the kinetic behavior of the enzyme in HL showed apparent Km of 134.90 ± 0.03μM and 214.40 ± 0.06μM as well as Vmax of 345.0 ± 28.32 and 242.0 ± 27.55 ƞmol Pi/min/mg of protein for ATP and ADP, respectively. The Chevillard plot revealed that ATP and ADP were hydrolyzed at the same active site of the enzyme. Our results suggest that the degradation of extracellular nucleotides in HL may have been primarily accomplished by E‐NTPDase. The higher E‐NTPDase activity observed in HL may be attributed to the important physiological functions of ATP and ADP in HL.Significance of the studyExtracellular purine nucleotides are able to interact with specific receptors and trigger a number of important physiological functions in cells. This interaction is controlled by ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (E‐NTPDase), enzyme that present their catalytic site at the extracellular space and degrades nucleotides. This purinergic signaling has important functions in peripheral lymphocytes and may represent an important new therapeutic target for the treatment of immunological diseases. However, there is dearth of information on the involvement of E‐NTPDase in liver lymphocytes. The liver is an important organ, which performs both metabolic and toxicological roles in living organism, and hepatic lymphocytes may play crucial action in the regulation of immune responses in the liver tissue. Furthermore, various chronic diseases such as cirrhosis may be treated with novel pharmacotherapy by targeting the modulation of hepatic lymphocytes. Thus, the significance of this study is to evaluate the activity of E‐NTPDase in liver lymphocyte and compare its activity with the peripheral lymphocytes.
Glycoengineering of Esterase Activity through Metabolic Flux‐Based Modulation of Sialic Acid
Authors: Mathew Mohit P. , Tan Elaine , Labonte Jason W. , Shah Shivam , Saeui Christopher T. , Liu Lingshu , Bhattacharya Rahul , Bovonratwet Patawut , Gray Jeffrey J. , Yarema Kevin J. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis report describes the metabolic glycoengineering (MGE) of intracellular esterase activity in human colon cancer (LS174T) and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. In silico analysis of carboxylesterases CES1 and CES2 suggested that these enzymes are modified with sialylated N‐glycans, which are proposed to stabilize the active multimeric forms of these enzymes. This premise was supported by treating cells with butanolylated ManNAc to increase sialylation, which in turn increased esterase activity. By contrast, hexosamine analogues not targeted to sialic acid biosynthesis (e.g., butanoylated GlcNAc or GalNAc) had minimal impact. Measurement of mRNA and protein confirmed that esterase activity was controlled through glycosylation and not through transcription or translation. Azide‐modified ManNAc analogues widely used in MGE also enhanced esterase activity and provided a way to enrich targeted glycoengineered proteins (such as CES2), thereby providing unambiguous evidence that the compounds were converted to sialosides and installed into the glycan structures of esterases as intended. Overall, this study provides a pioneering example of the modulation of intracellular enzyme activity through MGE, which expands the value of this technology from its current status as a labeling strategy and modulator of cell surface biological events.
Gender‐related differences on short‐ and long‐term outcomes of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Katz Marcelo , Carlos Bacelar Nunes Filho Antonio , Caixeta Adriano , Antonio Carvalho Luiz , Sarmento‐Leite Rogério , Alves Lemos Neto Pedro , Eduardo Koenig São Thiago Luiz , Dias Dourado Oliveira Adriano , Antonio Marino Marcos , Tadeu Tumelero Rogerio , Antonio Perin Marco , Abizaid Alexandre , Tarasoutchi Flavio , Sândoli de Brito Fábio ,   On behalf of the Brazilian TAVI Registry investigators
Published: February 2017

ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare gender‐related differences in outcomes of patients undergoing TAVI over a long‐term follow‐up period.BackgroundTranscatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been considered the standard therapy for patients with inoperable or high‐risk symptomatic aortic stenosis. The influence of gender‐related differences in outcomes of patients undergoing TAVI is currently on debate.MethodsFrom January 2008 to January 2015, 819 patients (49% men) underwent TAVI and were included in a multicenter Brazilian registry. Patients were followed‐up and clinical outcomes were evaluated according to the updated Valve Academic Research Consortium‐2 criteria.ResultsMean follow‐up was 497 ± 478 days. Compared with women, men had a lower rate of major or life‐threatening bleeding (12.0% vs. 20.6%; HR = 0.57 [95CI% 0.40–0.81]; P = 0.001), and major vascular complications (6% vs. 11.7%; HR = 0.50 [95CI% 0.31–0.82]; P = 0.004). At 30 days, all‐cause mortality was lower in men than in women (6.5% vs. 11.5%; P = 0.013), however, cumulative all‐cause mortality was similar between groups (25.9% vs. 29.7%, men and women, respectively, HR = 0.92 [95CI% 0.71–1.19]; P = 0.52) over the entire follow‐up period. By adjusted Cox regression model, renal function, diabetes, peripheral artery disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remained independently predictors of all‐cause mortality.ConclusionsIn this large‐scale study evaluating patients undergoing TAVI, 30‐day mortality was higher among women than men driven by significant higher rates of major or life‐threatening bleeding and major vascular complications. However, all‐cause mortality on long‐term follow‐up was similar between groups. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Revascularization after coronary artery bypass grafting; Another episode in a long saga
Authors: Zahr Firas , Cigarroa Joaquin E. 
Published: February 2017

Key Points

Despite recurrent angina, revascularization is only performed in a quarter of patients undergoing coronary angiogram after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
Chronic Kidney disease, significant angina, positive preprocedural stress test are independent predictors of revascularization in patients with recurrent angina after CABG
Further studies are needed to assess the value of stress testing in guiding management decisions in patients presenting with stable angina after CABG