bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of antimicrobial peptide purification via free‐flow electrophoresis and gel filtration chromatography
Authors: Xia Zhi‐Jun , Liu Zhen , Kong Fan‐Zhi , Fan Liu‐Yin , Xiao Hua , Cao Cheng‐Xi 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAntimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are usually small and cationic biomolecules with broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activities against pathogens. Purifying them from complex samples is essential to study their physiochemical properties. In this work, free‐flow zone electrophoresis (FFZE) was utilized to purify AMPs from yeast fermentation broth. Meanwhile, gel filtration chromatography (GFC) was conducted for comparison. The separation efficiency was evaluated by SDS‐PAGE analysis of the fractions from both methods. Our results demonstrated as follows: (i) FFZE had more than 30‐fold higher processing capacity as compared with GFC; (ii) FFZE could achieve 87% purity and 89% recovery rate while in GFC these parameters were about 93 and 82%, respectively; (iii) the former had ∼2‐fold dilution but the latter had ∼13‐fold dilution. Furthermore, Tricine‐SDS‐PAGE, Native‐PAGE, and gel IEF were carried out to characterize the purified AMPs. We found that two peptides existed as a pair with the molecular mass of ∼5.5 and 7.0 kDa, while the same pI 7.8. These two peptides were proved to have the antimicrobial activity through the standardized agar diffusion method. Therefore, FFZE could be used to continuously purify AMPs with high bioactivity, which will lead to its wide application in the clinical and pharmaceutical fields.
A simple, time‐saving, microwave‐assisted periodic acid–Schiff´s staining of glycoproteins on 1D electrophoretic gels
Authors: Moravec Jiri , Mares Jan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe introduce an optimized periodic acid–Schiff´s staining of glycoproteins on 1D electrophoretic gels. Thanks to heating in a household microwave oven the protocol of standard periodic acid–Schiff´s staining has been accelerated from 6 h to below 10 min employing standard chemistry. At the same time, we show that the microwave‐assisted glycoprotein staining is at least as sensitive as the conventional approach. All glycoproteins stained by the microwave‐accelerated procedure were successfully identified using MALDI TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. The ensuing reduction in gel staining time and simplification of the staining protocol should significantly increase laboratory throughput when glycoprotein detection on electrophoretic gels is required in large numbers.
Acute exposure to an environmentally relevant concentration of diclofenac elicits oxidative stress in the culturally important galaxiid fish Galaxias maculatus
Authors: McRae Nicole K. , Glover Chris N. , Burket S. Rebekah , Brooks Bryan W. , Gaw Sally 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of growing concern in aquatic environments worldwide; nevertheless, knowledge of its effects on aquatic biota is restricted to a few model species with limited information regarding its mechanisms of impact. In the present study, diclofenac accumulation, its effects on metabolic rate, ionoregulation, and oxidative stress were examined at environmentally relevant (0.17 µg L−1) and elevated (763 µg L−1) concentrations in a culturally and economically important galaxiid fish, inanga (Galaxias maculatus), from the Southern Hemisphere. This species is among the most widespread freshwater fish in the world but its sensitivity to emerging contaminants is unknown. Following an acute 96-h exposure, bioconcentration of diclofenac was measured in the inanga whole-body, resulting in an estimated bioconcentration factor of 87 for the 0.17-µg L−1 exposure concentration, approaching values where transfer through the food chain should be considered. Lipid peroxidation in the liver was significantly elevated at both 0.17- and 763-µg L−1 exposure concentrations but lipid peroxidation in the kidney and gill decreased after diclofenac exposure. Catalase activity was also elevated in the liver of inanga but activity decreased in the gill. There were no effects of diclofenac on metabolic rate or ion (sodium and calcium) influx rates. These data indicate that toxicologically relevant adverse outcomes and bioconcentration of diclofenac at environmentally relevant levels warrant additional study in this important fish. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:224–235. © 2017 SETAC
Dietary citrate and plasma ionized calcium: Implications for platelet donors
Authors: Haynes Stefanie , Hickson Elda , Linden Jeanne , St. Pierre Patricia , Ducharme Paula , Sulmasy Paula , Welch Linda , Zhao Yong , Greene Mindy , Vauthrin Michelle , Weinstein Robert 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundPlatelet donors receive 40 mmol or more of IV citrate anion during donation. When plasma ionized calcium ([Ca2+]) falls by ∼20%, half of the donors report symptoms of hypocalcemic toxicity. Citrus juices contain clinically relevant amounts of citrate anion. We asked whether citrus juice can lower [Ca2+] thus potentially contributing to hypocalcemic toxicity.MethodSix volunteers were given 20.4 mmol of citrate anion as grapefruit juice or orange juice. Capillary blood obtained by fingerstick was analyzed for [Ca2+] using an iSTAT point‐of‐care blood analyzer. [Ca2+] was measured at baseline and then 30, 60, 120, and 180 minutes after drinking juice. Subjects were tested with the alternative juice on a subsequent day. The outcome measure was the percent change in plasma [Ca2+] from baseline.Results[Ca2+] fell −2.2% to −11.5% in four of six subjects 30 minutes after drinking grapefruit juice. The effect persisted up to 3 hours. [Ca2+] fell −2.1% to −12.2% in four of six subjects 30‐60 minutes after drinking orange juice. The effect abated after 2 hours. We could not correlate gender or body surface area to these findings.Summary and Conclusions: Citrus juice may lower [Ca2+] for 2‐3 hours. This could add to the effect of IV citrate infusion during platelet donation, thus worsening the expected fall in [Ca2+]. This, in turn, would likely increase the rate and severity of hypocalcemic toxicity. It is prudent to advise platelet donors to avoid high citrate anion beverages, such as citrus juice, for at least 4 hours prior to donation.
Comparison of cleaning methods for delicate insect specimens for scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Schneeberg Katharina , Bauernfeind René , Pohl Hans 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe objective of the present study was to compare cleaning methods for delicate insect specimens for investigations with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As typical specimens we used aquatic larvae of mosquitoes, springtails, larvae of mayflies and caterpillars because they are very fragile and large parts of their body consist of soft tissue. Additionally their cuticle is very often covered with dirt, soil particles or other materials. Cleaning with ultrasonic sound, as the most common cleaning method used for SEM, will destroy fragile insects. Therefore we tested different procedures to remove the dirt particles. In a first approach we compared cleaning with Potassium hydroxide (KOH), Proteinase K, and Triton X in aquatic larvae of flies, which were available in numbers and kept under the same conditions. As our results showed that the treatment with KOH gives the best results we treated in a second approach springtails, larvae of mayflies and caterpillars only with KOH. The springtails and caterpillars were largely free of particles after treatment with KOH; however, the larvae of mayflies were still covered with remnants of diatoms and precipitates of calcium carbonate of the algae. KOH dissolves organic impurities, on the other hand silicon dioxide and lime crusts are not solved. With this limitation, treatment with KOH is a simple technique for routine use as cleaning method for fragile insect specimens for SEM.
Phase‐contrast hard X‐ray microscopy using synchrotron radiation for the properties of skeletal muscle in mouse hind limbs
Authors: Jang Sanghun , Lim Jaehong , Lee Onseok 
Published: August 2017

AbstractRadiation beam interface contrast X‐ray microscopy provides resolution of a few dozen nanometers from fixed whole muscle biopsies, allowing better reconstruction of the microstructure of the muscle than is currently possible with classic histological techniques. Fixed soleus muscle biopsies have been evaluated from the walk‐in mouse model using phase‐contrast X‐ray microscopy, and results presented that corroborate the accuracy of the method used, and its potential for application in physiotherapy and occupational therapy studies. We believe that this method will enhance existing morphometric methods of analysis, leading to accurate reconstruction of other thick specimens that would otherwise require thin sectioning and reconstruction through deconvolution algorithms.
Autophagy impairment by caspase‐1‐dependent inflammation mediates memory loss in response to β‐Amyloid peptide accumulation
Authors: Álvarez‐Arellano Lourdes , Pedraza‐Escalona Martha , Blanco‐Ayala Tonali , Camacho‐Concha Nohemí , Cortés‐Mendoza Javier , Pérez‐Martínez Leonor , Pedraza‐Alva Gustavo 
Published: August 2017

Abstractβ‐Amyloid peptide accumulation in the cortex and in the hippocampus results in neurodegeneration and memory loss. Recently, it became evident that the inflammatory response triggered by β‐Amyloid peptides promotes neuronal cell death and degeneration. In addition to inflammation, β‐Amyloid peptides also induce alterations in neuronal autophagy, eventually leading to neuronal cell death. Thus, here we evaluated whether the inflammatory response induced by the β‐Amyloid peptides impairs memory via disrupting the autophagic flux. We show that male mice overexpressing β‐Amyloid peptides (5XFAD) but lacking caspase‐1, presented reduced β‐Amyloid plaques in the cortex and in the hippocampus; restored brain autophagic flux and improved learning and memory capacity. At the molecular level, inhibition of the inflammatory response in the 5XFAD mice restored LC3‐II levels and prevented the accumulation of oligomeric p62 and ubiquitylated proteins. Furthermore, caspase‐1 deficiency reinstates activation of the AMPK/Raptor pathway while down‐regulating AKT/mTOR pathway. Consistent with this, we found an inverse correlation between the increase of autophagolysosomes in the cortex of 5XFAD mice lacking caspase‐1 and the presence of mitochondria with altered morphology. Together our results indicate that β‐Amyloid peptide‐induced caspase‐1 activation, disrupts autophagy in the cortex and in the hippocampus resulting in neurodegeneration and memory loss.
Volatile composition and sensory profile of shiitake mushrooms as affected by drying method
Authors: Politowicz Joanna , Lech Krzysztof , Lipan Leontina , Figiel Adam , Carbonell‐Barrachina Ángel A 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDOne of the best preservation method for long‐term storage is drying. In this work, the influence of different drying methods on aroma and sensory profile of shiitake mushroom was evaluated. The drying methods tested were: convective drying (CD), freeze‐drying (FD), vacuum‐microwave drying (VMD), and a combination of convective pre‐drying and vacuum–microwave finish‐drying (CPD‐VMFD).RESULTSThe volatile composition of fresh and dried shiitake mushrooms was analysed by SPME, GC–MS and GC‐FID, and showed the presence of 71 volatile compounds, most of them present in all dried samples but with quantitative variation. The major volatile compounds in fresh shiitake were 1‐octen‐3‐ol (20.2%), 2‐octanone (20.7%), 1,2,4‐trithiolane (9.8%), and 1,2,3,5,6‐pentathiepane (8.2%). Drying of shiitake mushrooms caused significant losses of C8 compounds and cyclic sulfur compounds, such as 1,2,4‐trithiolane (V31) and 1,2,4,5‐tetrathiane (V57). Samples dried at CD 80 °C implied a relative short drying time (120 min), had the highest contents of total volatiles (1594 μg 100 g−1) and cyclic sulfur compounds (e.g. V57 126 μg 100 g−1), and the highest intensity of most of the key positive sensory attributes, such as inner colour (7.0), fresh shiitake flavour (6.7), and sponginess (6.2).CONCLUSIONThe best dehydration methods, resulting in the highest total concentrations of volatile compounds and high intensity of key sensory attributes were FD (if vacuum and liquid nitrogen facilities are available) and CD at 80 °C (for companies with vacuum and liquid nitrogen facilities). © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Duration of tracheostomy dependence and development of tracheocutaneous fistula in children
Authors: Ha Tu‐Anh , Goyal Meha , Ongkasuwan Julina 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveTo determine whether the risk of developing a tracheocutaneous fistula (TCF) increases with longer tracheostomy dependence times in children.Study DesignRetrospective review of medical records.MethodA retrospective chart review was conducted for all children who both underwent tracheotomy and were decannulated between 2002 and 2011 at a tertiary children's hospital. Charts were analyzed for duration of tracheostomy and evidence of TCF up to 12 months. Data for these criteria was available on 164 out of 182 patients.ResultsA significant difference in the duration of tracheostomy dependence between children with and without resultant TCF was determined by the Wilcoxon signed rank test (P = 0.0003). The relative risk (RR) of a persistent TCF was significantly increased when the duration of tracheostomy dependence was greater than 24 months (RR = 2.5217, P < 0.005) when compared to those decannulated before 12 months. The mean tracheostomy dependence times for children with and without TCF were 33.1 and 23.4 months, respectively. Overall, 94 children (57.3%) developed a TCF.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this study represents the largest collection of data for children who have been decannulated following tracheostomy placement. These data demonstrate that the risk of developing a TCF increases with longer tracheostomy dependence times in children.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 127:2709–2712, 2017
On the convergence of optimal actions for Markov decision processes and the optimality of (s, S) inventory policies
Authors: Feinberg Eugene A. , Lewis Mark E. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis article studies convergence properties of optimal values and actions for discounted and average‐cost Markov decision processes (MDPs) with weakly continuous transition probabilities and applies these properties to the stochastic periodic‐review inventory control problem with backorders, positive setup costs, and convex holding/backordering costs. The following results are established for MDPs with possibly non‐compact action sets and unbounded cost functions: (i) convergence of value iterations to optimal values for discounted problems with possibly non‐zero terminal costs, (ii) convergence of optimal finite‐horizon actions to optimal infinite‐horizon actions for total discounted costs, as the time horizon tends to infinity, and (iii) convergence of optimal discount‐cost actions to optimal average‐cost actions for infinite‐horizon problems, as the discount factor tends to 1. Being applied to the setup‐cost inventory control problem, the general results on MDPs imply the optimality of (s, S) policies and convergence properties of optimal thresholds. In particular this article analyzes the setup‐cost inventory control problem without two assumptions often used in the literature: (a) the demand is either discrete or continuous or (b) the backordering cost is higher than the cost of backordered inventory if the amount of backordered inventory is large.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 65: 619–637, 2018
Variant histology, IgD and CD30 expression in low‐risk pediatric nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Untanu Ramona Vesna , Back Jason , Appel Burton , Pei Qinglin , Chen Lu , Buxton Allen , Hodgson David C. , Ehrlich Peter F. , Constine Louis S. , Schwartz Cindy L. , Hutchison Robert E. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundHistologic prognostic factors have been described for nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL). This study examines histologic and immunophenotypic variants in a clinical trial for pediatric NLPHL.ProcedureOne hundred sixty‐eight cases of localized NLPHL were examined for histologic variants, CD30 and immunoglobulin D (IgD) expression, and outcome. Histologic types were scored categorically as 0 = 0, 1 ≤ 25%, and 2 > 25% of the sample.ResultsFifty‐eight (35.1%) cases showed only typical nodular with or without serpiginous histology (types A and B). The remainder showed mixtures of histologies. The numbers of patients with score 2 are 85 (50.6%) type A, 21 (12.5%) type B, 46 (27.4%) with extranodular large B cells (type C), 3 with T‐cell‐rich nodular pattern (type D), 55 (32.7%) with diffuse T‐cell‐rich (type E) pattern, and 2 (1.2%) with diffuse B‐cell pattern (type F). Higher level of types C (P = 0.048) and D (P = 0.033) resulted in lower event‐free survival (EFS). Cytoplasmic IgD was found in 65 of 130 tested (50%), did not significantly associate with EFS but positively correlated with types C and E histology (P < 0.0001) and negatively correlated with types A (P = 0.0003) and B (P = 0.006). Seventeen (10%) expressed CD30, with no adverse effect.ConclusionsVariant histology is common in pediatric NLPHL, especially types C and E, which are associated with IgD expression. Type C variant histology and possibly type D are associated with decreased EFS, but neither IgD nor CD30 are adverse features. Variant histology may warrant increased surveillance, but did not affect overall survival.
Implications of fetoplacental mosaicism on cell‐free DNA testing for sex chromosome aneuploidies
Authors: Grati Francesca Romana , Bajaj Komal , Zanatta Valentina , Malvestiti Francesca , Malvestiti Barbara , Marcato Livia , Grimi Beatrice , Maggi Federico , Simoni Giuseppe , Gross Susan J. , Ferreira Jose 
Published: August 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe unique biological behavior of sex chromosomes has implications for cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) testing. Our purpose is to predict the (1) false positive/negative rates of cfDNA testing consequent to fetoplacental mosaicism for any sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCA) and (2) positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive values of a high‐risk and low‐risk cfDNA result for any SCA.MethodThis is a retrospective analysis of 67 030 chorionic villus sampling karyotypes, including fetoplacental mosaicism cases.ResultsNon‐mosaic 45, X is associated with cystic hygroma/increased nuchal translucency and fetal anomalies. The false positive rate consequent to confined placental mosaicism is predicted to be 0.05%. The estimated false negative rate is in the range of 0% to 5.7% for all non‐mosaic SCAs; it is 70% for mosaic 45, X with normal ultrasound. The predicted PPV on amniocytes is very high for most SCAs (94.4–99.4%). However, the stratified analysis shows that the PPV is much lower for 45, X without ultrasound anomalies compared with 45, X with abnormal scan (51% or 71%, vs 99%, respectively).ConclusionMosaicism is a major issue for SCA cfDNA testing, and prenatal confirmation, preferentially with amniocentesis if there are no ultrasound anomalies, remains important in counseling. As PPV varies on the basis of the presence of an ultrasound anomaly, skilled evaluation is critical. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetoscopic tracheal occlusion for treatment of non‐isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Seravalli Viola , Jelin Eric B. , Miller Jena L. , Tekes Aylin , Vricella Luca , Baschat Ahmet A. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractFetoscopic endotracheal occlusion (FETO) is a prenatal treatment that may increase survival in severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). In the USA, FETO is offered for isolated severe left‐sided CDH in the context of an FDA‐approved feasibility study. FETO in non‐isolated cases of severe CDH is only performed with a compassionate use exemption from US regulatory bodies. Anomalies frequently associated with CDH include congenital cystic lesions of the lung and cardiac defects. We describe two cases of non‐isolated severe left‐sided CDH that underwent prenatal FETO, survived after birth and underwent postnatal surgical repair. The potential benefit of FETO in this setting is discussed. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors in Variability of Serial Gabapentin Concentrations in Elderly Patients with Epilepsy
Authors: Conway Jeannine M. , Eberly Lynn E. , Collins Joseph F. , Macias Flavia M. , Ramsay R. Eugene , Leppik Ilo E. , Birnbaum Angela K. 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesTo characterize and quantify the variability of serial gabapentin concentrations in elderly patients with epilepsy.MethodsThis study included 83 patients (age ≥ 60 yrs) from an 18‐center randomized double‐blind double‐dummy parallel study from the Veterans Affairs Cooperative 428 Study. All patients were taking 1500 mg/day gabapentin. Within‐person coefficient of variation (CV) in gabapentin concentrations, measured weekly to bimonthly for up to 52 weeks, then quarterly, was computed. Impact of patient characteristics on gabapentin concentrations (linear mixed model) and CV (linear regression) were estimated.ResultsA total of 482 gabapentin concentration measurements were available for analysis. Gabapentin concentrations and intrapatient CVs ranged from 0.5 to 22.6 μg/ml (mean 7.9 μg/ml, standard deviation [SD] 4.1 μg/ml) and 2% to 79% (mean 27.9%, SD 15.3%), respectively, across all visits. Intrapatient CV was higher by 7.3% for those with a body mass index of ≥ 30 kg/m2 (coefficient = 7.3, p=0.04). CVs were on average 0.5% higher for each 1‐unit higher CV in creatinine clearance (coefficient = 0.5, p=0.03) and 1.2% higher for each 1‐hour longer mean time after dose (coefficient = 1.2, p=0.04).ConclusionsSubstantial intrapatient variability in serial gabapentin concentration was noted in elderly patients with epilepsy. Creatinine clearance, time of sampling relative to dose, and obesity were found to be positively associated with variability.
Mediating burden and stress over time: Caregivers of patients with primary brain tumor
Authors: Reblin Maija , Small Brent , Jim Heather , Weimer Jason , Sherwood Paula 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThere is a growing literature on the effects of cancer caregiving on the well‐being of informal family caregivers. However, there has been little longitudinal research on caregivers of patients with the complex, rapidly‐changing disease of primary malignant brain tumor.ObjectiveOur objective was to model longitudinal relationships between caregiver burden, social support, and distress within caregivers of patients with primary brain tumor.MethodsCaregiver participants were recruited from a neuro‐oncology clinic. Caregiver questionnaire data, including sociodemographics, social support, depression, anxiety, and caregiving burden, were collected at 4 time points (diagnosis, +4, +8, and +12 mo). Using the stress process model as a guide, we hypothesized that early burden would predict later depression and anxiety, and this would be mediated by social support.ResultsUsing data from 147 participants, we found support for the stress process model in caregivers of patients with primary brain tumor. Greater burden at diagnosis was associated with lower social support at 4 months, and lower social support was related to higher depression and anxiety at 8 months, as well as to changes in anxiety between 8 and 12 months.ConclusionWe found evidence of the stress process model in caregivers of primary brain tumor patients unfolding over the course of a year after diagnosis. Our findings emphasize the potential importance of early programs for caregivers to ensure low initial levels of burden, which may have a positive effect on social support, depression, and anxiety.