bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA‐27a‐3p inhibits cell viability and migration through down‐regulating DUSP16 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Jin‐Mao , Zhou Jun , Xu Zhen , Huang Hai‐Jin , Chen Min‐Jiang , Ji Jian‐Song 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMicroRNA (miRNA or miR) has been shown to play an important role in the initiation and development in many different cancers. Here, we demonstrated down‐regulated expression of miR‐27a‐3p in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues in comparison with that in adjacent normal liver tissues based on the TCGA database. Cells viability and apoptosis was measured by CCK‐8 and flow cytometry assay. Cell invasion and migration was measured by Transwell and wound healing assay. The effect of miR‐27a‐3p on DUSP16 expression was evaluated by luciferase assays, and western blot assay. miR‐27a‐3p up‐regulation by transfection with miR‐27a‐3p mimics attenuated SMMC‐7721 and HepG2 cell viability, invasion as well as migration, obviously. Moreover, we found that dual specificity phosphatase 16 (DUSP16), also known as mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphatase 7 (MKP‐7), is a target of miR‐27a‐3p. DUSP16 expression was obvious decrease by miR‐27a‐3p at both transcriptional and protein levels in both SMMC‐7721 and HepG2 cells. DUSP16 expression in tissues of HCC was up‐regulated in comparison with that in tissues of adjacent liver based on the TCGA database. Overexpression of DUSP16 significantly reversed the cell changes in viability, invasion and migration which resulted from miR‐27a‐3p up‐regulation in SMMC‐7721 and HepG2 cells. Our findings contribute to current understanding of the functions of miR‐27a‐3p and suggest a mechanism by which miR‐27a‐3p plays an anti‐tumor role in the development of HCC by targeting DUSP16.
Automated preparation of 2‐[18F]fluoropropionate labeled peptides using a flexible, multi‐stage synthesis platform (iPHASE Flexlab)
Authors: Haskali Mohammad B. , Roselt Peter D. , Hicks Rodney J. , Hutton Craig A. 
Published: November 2017

Radiolabelled peptides are vital tools used in positron emission tomography imaging for the diagnosis of disease, drug discovery, and biomedical research. Peptides are typically labeled through conjugation to a radiolabelled prosthetic group, which usually necessitates complex, multi‐step procedures, especially for fluorine‐18 labeled peptides. Herein, we describe the automated synthesis and formulation of 2‐[18F]fluoropropionate labeled RGD‐peptides through use of the iPHASE Flexlab as an effective dual‐stage radiochemical synthesis module. The fully automated preparation of the monomeric RGD‐peptides, [18F]FP‐GalactoRGD and [18F]FP‐c(RGDy(SO3)K), was accomplished in under 90 minutes with n.d.c. radiochemical yields ca. 7% from fluoride. Similarly, the automated preparation of the dimeric RGD‐peptides, [18F]F‐PRGD2 and [18F]FP‐E(RGDy(SO3)K)2, was accomplished in under 105 minutes with n.d.c. yields ca. 4% from fluoride.
Implications of differential effects between 1.5 and 2 °C global warming on temperature and precipitation extremes in China's urban agglomerations
Authors: Yu Rong , Zhai Panmao , Lu Yanyu 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTIn the context of global warming, urban areas are more vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. In this study, four key temperature and precipitation extreme indices, defined by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices, are selected to investigate implications of differential effects of 1.5 and 2 °C global warming on extreme weather in China's urban agglomerations (CNUAs). Results indicate that bias‐corrected extreme indices derived from downscaled data sets of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Earth Exchange Global Daily Downscaled Projections (NEX‐GDDP) of 19 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) models under RCP4.5 scenario [representative concentration pathways (RCP)] can be used to study the effects of global warming on extreme indices in locations of CNUAs. An increase in the global warming from 1.5 to 2 °C is likely to exacerbate the intensity of extreme maximum temperature (TXx) and decrease extreme minimum temperature (TNn) in CNUAs. Moreover, additional 0.5 °C warming is more likely than not to increase the intensity of total precipitation of very wet days (R95) and maximum 5‐day precipitation (Rx5day). For the very extreme events (>1.5σ), a global warming increase from 1.5 to 2 °C will lead to extra increase in extreme risk for very extreme TXx, R95p and Rx5day by 4.1, 1.8 and 1.0 times, relative to 1986–2005. Thus, it seems that reducing the 2 °C global warming level by 0.5 °C during the remainder of the 21st century would significantly suppress very extreme heat waves and very extreme wet events in CNUAs. Certainly, the urban heat island and aerosol effects are expected to further enhance such extreme events in the urban areas. The combined influence of global warming and urbanization effects on extreme events needs further study in the future.
Estimating effective soil depth at regional scales: Legacy maps versus environmental covariates
Authors: Zhang Wentai , Hu Guiqing , Sheng Jiandong , Weindorf David C. , Wu Hongqi , Xuan Junwei , Yan An , Gu Zhujun 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSoil depth reflects the quantity and ecosystem service functions of soil resources. However, there is no universal standard to measure soil depth at present, and digital soil mapping approaches for predicting soil depth at the regional scale remain immature. Using observation of soil profile morphology, we compared the soil depth nomenclatures from the World Reference Base for Soil Resources, Chinese Soil Taxonomy, and Soil Taxonomy. For this study, shallow soils were defined as those with an effective soil depth < 100 cm. Based on legacy data and field soil survey, the spatial distribution of shallow soils in Xinjiang, China, and the main controlling environmental factors were explored. Results showed that shallow soils in Xinjiang are mainly distributed in high altitude regions such as the Tian Mountains. At the regional scale, significant correlations were observed between soil depth and climate factors, as well as between soil depth and vegetation fractional coverage. Contrary to previous conclusions at small spatial scales, terrain attributes could not explain soil depth variation at the regional scale. This study addressed knowledge gaps on soil depth prediction at regional scales while elucidating climate‐vegetation‐soil coevolution.
Effects of drying and rewetting on soluble phosphorus and nitrogen in forest floors: An experiment with undisturbed columns
Authors: Hömberg Annkathrin , Matzner Egbert 
Published: November 2017

AbstractDrying and rewetting (D/W) of soils often resulted in the release of soluble phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N), thereby changing the availability of both nutrients. Most experiments on D/W have been conducted with disturbed mineral soil samples and with rewetting of the soil samples by abrupt change in the water potential. Here, we studied the effect of D/W on the leaching of P and N from undisturbed forest floors of a European beech and a Norway spruce site under near field conditions of desiccation and rewetting. We hypothesized that even under realistic rewetting of undisturbed forest floors, the leaching of P and N is increased after D/W and that the effects are less pronounced for spruce than for beech because of the larger hydrophobicity of the spruce forest floor. Undisturbed forest floor columns were subjected to desiccation at 20°C until a matrix potential of –100 MPa (pF 6.0) was reached, while controls were kept at moist conditions. Columns were irrigated by 22 mm day−1 from day 1–3 and by 10 mm day−1 from day 4–14 given in automated short pulses. Leachates from the soil columns were analyzed for orthophosphate, total P, NH4, NO3, and total N. In the spruce forest floor the concentrations of total P in leachates and the leachate fluxes were strongly increased after D/W. The increase of solute P was less for beech than for spruce coinciding with less actual rewetting of the beech forest floor. Leaching of total N from the spruce forest floor was not affected by D/W, however, concentrations and leaching of NH4 increased, while leaching of NO3 decreased. For beech the leaching of total N and NH4 increased after D/W, while NO3 leaching decreased. The results indicate that also under realistic conditions, D/W of forest floors increases solute P and leads to changes in the ratio of NH4/NO3 in solution, thereby altering the availability of the nutrients.
Prospective Study of Concordance Between Hysterosalpingo‐Contrast Sonography and Hysteroscopy for Evaluation of the Uterine Cavity in Patients Undergoing Infertility Studies
Authors: Calles‐Sastre Laura , Engels‐Calvo Virginia , Ríos‐Vallejo Mar , Serrano‐González Lucia , García‐Espantaleón Manuel , Royuela Ana , De la Cuesta Reyes , Pérez‐Medina Tirso 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesThe purpose of the study was to assess the accuracy of hysterosalpingo‐contrast sonography (HyCoSy) for evaluation of the uterine cavity.MethodsHysterosalpingo‐contrast sonography was compared with hysteroscopy for assessment of the uterine cavity. This work was a descriptive prospective study to assess the concordance between pathologic intrauterine findings using the Cohen κ coefficient. Ninety infertile patients from Puerta de Hierro University Hospital were included in the study. They underwent HyCoSy between June 2016 and April 2017. Fifteen of them had pathologic findings in the uterine cavity during HyCoSy and therefore underwent hysteroscopy. Clinical and sonographic findings were compared in those 15 patients by to evaluate the agreement between both techniques.ResultsIn this study, intrauterine sonographic findings on HyCoSy and hysteroscopic features of the uterine cavity reached 100% concordance, with a κ coefficient of 1.000 and a 100% agreement rate.ConclusionsHysterosalpingo‐contrast sonography permits a very accurate evaluation of the uterine cavity, which could be of interest for infertile patients who might be examined for tubal patency.
Prepregnancy Body Mass Index, Gestational Weight Gain, and Odds of Cesarean Delivery in Hispanic Women
Authors: Harvey Megan W. , Braun Barry , Ertel Karen A. , Pekow Penelope S. , Markenson Glenn , Chasan‐Taber Lisa 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the association between prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain (GWG), and cesarean delivery in Hispanics.MethodsWe examined these associations among 1,215 participants in Proyecto Buena Salud, a prospective cohort of Hispanic women studied from 2006 to 2011. Prepregnancy BMI, GWG, and the mode of delivery were abstracted from medical records.ResultsA quarter of the participants entered pregnancy with obesity, 23% delivered via cesarean, and 52% exceeded the Institute of Medicine guidelines for GWG. After adjusting for age, women with obesity had 2.03 times the odds of cesarean delivery compared with women with normal BMI (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.46‐2.82); findings remained significant after adjusting for GWG. Women with excessive total GWG had 1.49 times the odds of cesarean delivery (95% CI: 1.06‐2.10) compared with women who gained within guidelines. An excessive rate of third trimester GWG (standard deviation [SD] change in GWG per week) increased the odds of cesarean delivery (odds ratio = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.05‐2.62), while an excessive rate of first and third trimester GWG was not associated with increased odds.ConclusionsObesity prior to pregnancy was associated with increased odds of cesarean delivery among Hispanics. Excessive GWG across pregnancy and an excessive rate of third trimester GWG were also associated with increased odds.
Use of Innovative (Micro)Extraction Techniques to Characterise Harpagophytum procumbens Root and its Commercial Food Supplements
Authors: Diuzheva Alina , Carradori Simone , Andruch Vasil , Locatelli Marcello , De Luca Elisa , Tiecco Matteo , Germani Raimondo , Menghini Luigi , Nocentini Alessio , Gratteri Paola , Campestre Cristina 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIntroductionFor the determination of harpagoside and the wide phenolic pattern in Harpagophytum procumbens root and its commercial food supplements, dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME), ultrasound‐assisted DLLME (UA‐DLLME), and sugaring‐out liquid–liquid extraction (SULLE) were tested and compared.ObjectivesIn order to optimise the extraction efficiency, DLLME and UA‐DLLME were performed in different solvents (water and aqueous solutions of glucose, β‐cyclodextrin, (2‐hydroxypropyl)‐β‐cyclodextrin, sodium chloride, natural deep eutectic solvent, and ionic liquid).Material and MethodsThe plant material was ground and sieved to obtain a uniform granulometry before extraction. Commercial food supplements, containing H. procumbens are commercially available in Italy.ResultsThe most effective sodium chloride‐aided‐DLLME was then optimised and applied for analyses followed by HPLC‐PDA. For comparison, microwave‐assisted extraction was performed using the same solvents and the best results were obtained using 1% of β‐cyclodextrin or 15% of sodium chloride.ConclusionAll commercial samples respected the European Pharmacopoeia monograph for this plant material, showing a harpagoside content ≥ 1.2%. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new enigmatic hyolith from the Cambrian of West Gondwana and its bearing on the systematics of hyoliths
Authors: Geyer Gerd 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe genus Aladraco nom. nov. is described and discussed, along with two species recognized from coeval strata of the lower traditional middle Cambrian, A. schloppensis (Wurm) from the Tannenknock Formation of the Franconian Forest region, Germany, and A. ougnatensis sp. nov. from the Jbel Wawrmast Formation of the eastern Anti‐Atlas, Morocco. Aladraco was formerly known as Oxyprymna Kiderlen, a preoccupied generic name requiring renaming of the genus. The genus bears morphological characters such as the size, shape and external ornamentation of the conch which clearly indicate a systematic position in the class Hyolitha. A number of characters, such as a tripartition into an axial chamber and lateral acuminate processes, and the course of the apertural margin, differ considerably from those seen in the two orders Hyolithida and Orthothecida, and appear to indicate distinct differences in functional morphology. However, similarities of the morphological characters with the known representatives of the Hyolithida suggest that the species are derived from this systematic group and should be dealt with as a hitherto unrecognized distinct suborder and family, introduced as Aladracina subord. nov. and Aladracidae fam. nov.
Protective effects of coenzyme Q10 nanoparticles on dichlorvos‐induced hepatotoxicity and mitochondrial/lysosomal injury
Authors: Eftekhari Aziz , Ahmadian Elham , Azami Aida , Johari‐Ahar Mohammad , Eghbal Mohammad Ali 
Published: November 2017

AbstractDevelopment of biocompatible antioxidant nanoparticles for xenobiotic‐induced liver disease treatment by oral or parenteral administration is of great interest in medicine. In the current study, we demonstrate the protective effects of coenzyme Q10 nanoparticles (CoQ10‐NPs) on hepatotoxicity induced by dichlorvos (DDVP) as an organophosphate. Although CoQ10 is an efficient antioxidant, its poor bioavailability has limited the applications of this useful agent. First, CoQ10‐NPs were prepared then characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In DDVP‐treated and non‐treated hepatocytes in the presence of CoQ10‐NPs, cell viability, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation (LPO), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), lysosome membrane integrity, and cellular glutathione (GSH) content were measured. The prepared CoQ10‐NPs were mono‐dispersed and had narrow size distribution with average diameter of 54 nm. In the in vivo study, we evaluated the enzymes, which are involved in the antioxidant system for maintenance of normal liver function. In comparison to nonparticulate CoQ10, the CoQ10‐NPs efficiently decreased the ROS formation, lipid peroxidation and cell death. Also, particulate form of CoQ10 improved MMP, GSH level and lysosome membrane integrity. In the in vivo, study, we revealed that CoQ10‐NPs were better hepatoprotective than its nonparticulate form (P < .05). Altogether, we propose that the CoQ10‐NPs have potential capability to be used as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent for poisoning that is induced by organophosphate agents, especially in the case of DDVP. Furthermore, these positive remarks make this nanoparticle amenable for the treatment of xenobiotic‐induced liver diseases.
Genetic and non‐genetic risk factors for pre‐eclampsia: umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses of observational studies
Authors: Giannakou K. , Evangelou E. , Papatheodorou S. I. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo summarize evidence from the literature on genetic and non‐genetic risk factors associated with pre‐eclampsia (PE), assess the presence of statistical bias in the studies and identify risk factors for which there is robust evidence supporting their association with PE.MethodsPubMed and ISI Web of Science were searched from inception to October 2016, to identify systematic reviews and meta‐analyses of observational studies examining associations between genetic or non‐genetic risk factors and PE. For each meta‐analysis, the summary‐effect size was estimated using random‐effects and fixed‐effects models, along with 95% CIs and the 95% prediction interval. Between‐study heterogeneity was expressed using the I2 statistic, and evidence of small‐study effects (large studies had significantly more conservative results than smaller studies) and evidence of excess significance bias (too many studies with statistically significant results) were estimated.ResultsFifty‐eight eligible meta‐analyses were identified, which included 1466 primary studies and provided data on 130 comparisons of risk factors associated with PE, covering a wide range of comorbid diseases, genetic factors, exposure to environmental agents and biomarkers. Sixty‐five (50%) associations had nominally statistically significant findings at P < 0.05, while 16 (12%) were significant at P < 10–6. Sixty‐five (50%) associations had large or very large heterogeneity. Evidence for small‐study effects and excess significance bias was found in 10 (8%) and 26 (20%) associations, respectively. The only non‐genetic risk factor with convincing evidence for an association with PE was oocyte donation vs spontaneous conception, which had a summary odds ratio of 4.33 (95% CI, 3.11–6.03), was supported by 2712 cases with small heterogeneity (I2 = 26%) and 95% prediction intervals excluding the null value, and without hints of small‐study effects (P for Egger's test > 0.10) or excess of significance (P > 0.05). Of the statistically significant (P < 0.05) genetic risk factors for PE, only PAI‐1 4G/5G (recessive model) polymorphism was supported by strong evidence for a contribution to the pathogenesis of PE. Eleven factors (serum iron level, pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A, chronic kidney disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, mental stress, bacterial and viral infections, cigarette smoking, oocyte donation vs assisted reproductive technology, obesity vs normal weight, severe obesity vs normal weight and primiparity) presented highly suggestive evidence for an association with PE.ConclusionsA large proportion of meta‐analyses of genetic and non‐genetic risk factors for PE have caveats that threaten their validity. Oocyte donation vs spontaneous conception and PAI‐1 4G/5G polymorphism (recessive model) showed the strongest consistent evidence for an association with risk for PE. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Methods for exploring reaction space in molecular systems
Authors: Dewyer Amanda L. , Argüelles Alonso J. , Zimmerman Paul M. 
Published: November 2017

The area of reaction mechanism discovery simulation has taken considerable strides in recent years. Novel methods that make hypotheses for elementary steps and complementary means for reaction path and transition state (TS) optimization are lowering the amount of chemical intuition and user effort required to explore reaction networks. The resulting networks lead from reactants to reactive intermediates and products, and are becoming closer representations of physical mechanisms involved in experiments. This review describes several of these approaches, which are categorized based on their overarching TS finding strategies. Future advances are discussed that may revolutionize the ability of simulation to fully predict not just the reaction mechanism but reaction outcomes. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2018, 8:e1354. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1354This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Reaction Mechanisms and Catalysis
Software > Quantum Chemistry
Software > Simulation Methods
High Elective Surgery Cancellation Rate in Malawi Primarily Due to Infrastructural Limitations
Authors: Prin Meghan , Eaton Jessica , Mtalimanja Onias , Charles Anthony 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe provision of safe and timely surgical care is essential to global health care. Low‐ and middle‐income countries have a disproportionate share of the global surgical disease burden and struggle to provide care with the given resources. Surgery cancellation worldwide occurs for many reasons, which are likely to differ between high‐income and low‐income settings. We sought to evaluate the proportion of elective surgery that is cancelled and the associated reasons for cancellation at a tertiary hospital in Malawi.MethodsThis was a retrospective review of a database maintained by the Department of Anesthesiology at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi. Data were available from August 2011 to January 2015 and included weekday records for the number of scheduled surgeries, the number of cancelled surgeries, and the reasons for cancellation. Descriptive statistics were performed.ResultsOf 10,730 scheduled surgeries, 4740 (44.2%) were cancelled. The most common reason for cancellation was infrastructural limitations (84.8%), including equipment shortages (50.9%) and time constraints (33.3%). Provider limitations accounted for 16.5% of cancellations, most often due to shortages of anaesthesia providers. Preoperative medical conditions contributed to 26.3% of cancellations.ConclusionThis study demonstrates a high case cancellation rate at a tertiary hospital in Malawi, attributable primarily to infrastructural limitations. These data provide evidence that investments in medical infrastructure and prevention of workforce brain drain are critical to surgical services in this region.