bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metformin‐induced alterations in nucleotide metabolism cause 5‐fluorouracil resistance but gemcitabine susceptibility in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Mynhardt Charissa , Damelin Leonard H. , Jivan Rupal , Peres Jade , Prince Sharon , Veale Robin B. , Mavri‐Damelin Demetra 
Published: July 2017

Abstract5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU) is a chemotherapeutic agent used to treat a variety of gastric cancers including oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), for which the 5‐year mortality rate exceeds 85%. Our study investigated the effects of metformin, an antidiabetic drug with established anti‐cancer activity, in combination with 5‐FU as a novel chemotherapy strategy, using the OSCC cell lines, WHCO1 and WHCO5. Our results indicate that metformin treatment induces significant resistance to 5‐FU in WHCO1 and WHCO5 cells, by more than five‐ and sixfolds, respectively, as assessed by MTT assay. We show that this is due to global alterations in nucleotide metabolism, including elevated expression of thymidylate synthase and thymidine kinase 1 (established 5‐FU resistance mechanisms), which likely result in an increase in intracellular dTTP pools and a “dilution” of 5‐FU anabolites. Metformin treatment also increases deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) expression and, as the chemotherapeutic agent gemcitabine relies on dCK for its efficient activity, we speculated that metformin would enhance the sensitivity of OSCC cells to gemcitabine. Indeed we show that metformin pre‐treatment greatly increases gemcitabine toxicity and DNA fragmentation in comparison to gemcitabine alone. Taken together, our findings show that metformin alters nucleotide metabolism in OSCC cells and while responsible for inducing resistance to 5‐FU, it conversely increases sensitivity to gemcitabine, thereby highlighting metformin and gemcitabine as a potentially novel combination therapy for OSCC.
The role of β‐adrenergic receptors and p38MAPK signaling pathways in physiological processes of cardiosphere‐derived cells
Authors: Zhang Wen‐bo , Liu Yun‐qi , Zhang Xi , Lin Lin , Yin Sheng‐li 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe effects of β adrenergic receptors (β‐ARs) and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathways on cardiosphere‐derived cells (CDCs) are largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the roles of β‐ARs and p38MAPK pathways on the proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation capacity of CDCs. The CDCs were treated with β1‐AR blocker (Met group), β2‐AR antagonist (ICI group), and p38MAPK inhibitor (SB group), non‐selective β‐AR blocker (PRO group), and β‐AR agonist (ISO group). The viability, apoptotic rate and differentiation status of CDCs were determined by MST‐1 assay, flow cytometery, and Western blot, respectively. The CDCs viability significantly reduced in ICI group (all P < 0.05), and SB group had a significant high viability after 48 h treatment (P < 0.05). Compared with control group, all treated groups had a low apoptotic rate. After treatment for 72 h, ISO treatment elevated the expression of Nkx2.5, and could partially or fully attenuate the inhibitory effects of β‐AR antagonists and/or p38MAPK inhibitor. A similar overall trend of protein expression levels among all groups could be observed between protein pairs of cTnT and β1‐AR as well as c‐Kit and β2‐AR, respectively. These results suggested that β‐ARs and p38MAPK signaling pathways play crucial roles in the proliferation and differentiation of CDCs. Our findings should be helpful for better understanding the molecular mechanism underlying the physiological processes of CDCs.
Downregulation of microRNA‐15a‐3p is correlated with clinical outcome and negatively regulates cancer proliferation and migration in human osteosarcoma
Authors: Shi Jiyuan , Fu Qiang , Yang Pei , Liu Huitong , Ji Le , Wang Kunzheng 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the expression, correlation to clinical outcomes and biological functions of microRNA‐15a‐3p (miR‐15a‐3p) in human osteosarcoma. MiR‐15a‐3p expressions in osteosarcoma cell lines and clinical tissues of osteosarcoma patients were measured by qPCR. Relevance of endogenous miR‐15a‐3p to osteosarcoma patients' clinicopathological factors or overall survival was statistically analyzed. In addition, the independence of miR‐15a‐3p predicting cancer patients' overall survival was analyzed by Cox regression method. Furthermore, in osteosarcoma cell lines, Saos‐2 and HOS cells, miR‐15a‐3p was overexpressed through stable lentiviral transduction. The functional regulations of miR‐15a‐3p overexpression on cancer ell proliferation and migration were then analyzed. MiR‐15a‐3p was significantly downregulated in osteosarcoma cell lines and human osteosarcoma tumors. Downregulation of endogenous miR‐15a‐3p in osteosarcoma tumors was significantly associated with cancer patient's poor clinical outcomes and low survival rate. Also, endogenous miR‐15a‐3p was confirmed to be an independent biomarker for predicating cancer patients' survival. In Saos‐2 and HOS cells, lentivirus‐induced miR‐15a‐3p overexpression had significantly tumor suppressing functions, by inhibiting both proliferation and migration. Significant downregulation of miR‐15a‐3p in osteosarcoma may be an independent biomarker to predicting cancer patients' poor prognosis. Overexpression miR‐15a‐3p may be an efficient functional meaning to suppress osteosarcoma development.
Reflective Decision‐Making in Elementary Students' Engineering Design
Authors: Wendell Kristen Bethke , Wright Christopher G. , Paugh Patricia 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundA key feature of engineering design is collaborative, deliberate decision making that takes into account information about design options. K‐12 students need opportunities for this kind of decision making if they are to meet the learning standards for engineering set out in the Next Generation Science Standards.PurposeThis qualitative study sought to propose and operationalize a definition of reflective decision‐making among elementary students. We investigated how urban elementary students enact reflective decision‐making in a formal engineering design curriculum.MethodWe used naturalistic inquiry methodology and video recorded seven Engineering is Elementary design challenges in four classrooms. Students worked in small teams, and we focused on their planning and redesign phases. Maximum variation sampling, constant comparative analysis, and microethnographic accounts demonstrated the diversity of resources students utilized in their decision making.ResultsIn student discourse, we found evidence for six reflective decision‐making elements: articulating multiple solutions, evaluating pros and cons, intentionally selecting a solution, retelling the performance of a solution, analyzing a solution according to evidence, and purposefully choosing improvements. The discourse patterns used to enact these elements both supported and interfered with students' achievement of design goals.ConclusionsOur results suggest that during engineering design tasks, young learners working in small teams can respond productively to opportunities to engage in sophisticated discourse. However, further work is needed on tools and strategies that support reflective decision‐making by all students during engineering design in elementary school.
Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy of dye molecules on Ag‐modified silicon nanowire substrates: influence of photoinduced probe degradation on enhancement factors
Authors: Mehrvar L. , Sadeghipari M. , Tavassoli S. H. , Mohajerzadeh S. 
Published: July 2017

Photobleaching effect is an immense problem in optical spectroscopy, especially when fluorophores are adsorbed on metal nanoparticles (NPs). Nevertheless, little effort has been assigned to the study of fluorophore photostability under this condition. In this paper, the effect of photobleaching on the Raman signal enhancement factor (RS‐EF) of dye molecules on Ag‐modified silicon nanowire (SiNW) substrates is investigated. For this purpose, SiNWs are fabricated by using the vapor–liquid–solid growth mechanism and decorated with Ag NPs by means of electroless deposition method. This process provides the possibility of forming uniformly and tightly packed Ag NPs on SiNWs. The effect of photostability of the crystal violet as analyte molecules on surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy is investigated as a function of time evolution and laser power. The influence of Ag NP deposition time on Raman signal enhancement is explored. Our work shows how we can optimize the excitation power for achievement of higher RS‐EF and, consequently, lower detectable concentration. Time evolution of surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy signal shows an exponential decay behavior, which indicates an almost uniform distribution of EFs. Capability of our nanostructure is assessed for different concentration, and subsequently, limit of detection of 10 pm with RS‐EF of 2.4×109 is obtained. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rheological characterisation of gluten from triticale (x Triticosecale Wittmack)
Authors: Pruska‐Kędzior Anna , Makowska Agnieszka , Kędzior Zenon , Salmanowicz Bolesław P 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDTriticale gluten still remains very poorly characterised rheologically. In this study the mechanical spectra of gluten isolated from four triticale cultivars were registered and fitted with Cole–Cole functions yielding the visco‐elastic plateau parameters. Master spectra were calculated. A retardation test was performed and used to calculate the composite mechanical spectra and the width of visco‐elastic plateau l. Protein fractional composition of triticale flour and gluten was studied using capillary zone electrophoresis.RESULTSDifferentiated HMW‐GS/SS compositions were identified in the triticale cultivars studied. The rheological parameters reached the following values: JN0 1.05·10−3 to 2.69·10−3 Pa−1, GN0 372 to 956 Pa, ω0 0.003 to 0.06 rad s−1, l 169 to 3121, Je0 1.57·10−3 to 5.03·10−3 Pa−1, Ge0 199 to 637 Pa and η0 1.06·107 to 3.93·107 Pa s.CONCLUSIONSVisco‐elastic properties of triticale gluten correspond to the lower end of medium visco‐elasticity shown by common wheat gluten. Master spectra and the composite mechanical spectra prove that four triticale glutens exhibit practically an identical type of visco‐elastic behaviour of a biopolymeric visco‐elastic liquid similar to wheat gluten. The visco‐elastic plateau parameters GN0, JN0, ω0 and l appeared significantly correlated with the contents of prolamins and secaloglutenins in triticale flours and glutens. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Fruit quality of sweet pepper as affected by foliar Ca applications to mitigate the supply of saline water under a climate change scenario
Authors: Piñero María Carmen , Pérez‐Jiménez Margarita , López‐Marín Josefa , del Amor Francisco M 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDSweet pepper fruit quality disorders have been related mainly to an unbalanced nutrient supply and non‐optimal growth conditions. Increases in the atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) have been associated with a reduction of transpiration, which can affect calcium (Ca) uptake as it is linked closely to water uptake. We investigated whether foliar application of Ca can counterbalance the effects of saline water and elevated [CO2].RESULTSHigh CO2 favoured generative growth instead of vegetative growth. Foliar Ca supply did not affect the marketable yield, but reduced the total yield when combined with salinity and 400 µmol mol−1 CO2. Salinity affected negatively the total yield but this was overcome when CO2 was applied. The B and K concentrations were reduced by foliar Ca application, while Ca and Mn were increased at 400 µmol mol−1 CO2. Salinity increased the Mn, Cl, and Na concentrations, regardless of the [CO2], and decreased K at 800 µmol mol−1 CO2. The total protein was affected negatively only by elevated [CO2], and the total free amino acid concentration was reduced by all treatments.CONCLUSIONThe effect of Ca application differed according to the other treatments applied. This procedure should be optimised to overcome future climate impacts on fruit quality. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Hansen solubility parameters for assay method optimization of simvastatin, ramipril, atenolol, hydrochlorothiazide and aspirin in human plasma using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Devalapalli Murali Mohan Reddy , Cheruvu Hanumanth Srikanth , Yertha Thejaswi , Veeravalli Vijaya Bhaskar , Sampathi Sunitha , Shivakumar Savithri 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA simple, specific, sensitive, validated method was developed using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization of human plasma for the simultaneous estimation of drugs (simvastatin, ramipril, atenolol, hydrochlorothiazide, and aspirin) of PolycapTM capsule used in cardiovascular therapy. The interaction of these actives including internal standards between the stationary and mobile phase were investigated using Hansen solubility parameters. Chromatographic separation was performed on Phenomenex Synergi Polar‐RP (30 × 2 mm, 4 μm) column with a gradient mobile phase composition of acetonitrile and 5 mM ammonium formate for positive mode and 0.1% formic acid in both water and acetonitrile for negative mode. The flow rate and runtime were 1.0 mL/min and 3.5 min, respectively. Sample extraction was done by protein precipitation using acetonitrile, enabling a fast analysis. The calibration ranges from 0.1 to 100, 0.1 to 100, and 1 to 1000 ng/mL for simvastatin, ramipril, and atenolol using internal standard carbamazepine in positive mode, respectively, whereas it was 0.3–300 and 2–2000 ng/mL for hydrochlorothiazide and aspirin using internal standard 7‐hydroxy coumarin in negative mode, respectively. Hansen solubility parameters can be used as a high‐throughput optimizing tool for column and mobile phase selection in bioanalysis. This validated bioanalytical method has the potential for future fixed dose combination based preclinical and clinical studies that can save analysis time.
One‐Step Spontaneous Formation of Dual Wrinkling on Uniform‐Sized Microparticles Induced by Surface
Authors: Im Jinsol , Yoo Dongik , Kim Jihoon , Yoon Sukeun , Cho Kuk Young 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis study demonstrates the wrinkle formation on biodegradable polymer‐blend microparticles prepared from an emulsion‐solvent evaporation method and investigates the formed patterns. A labyrinthine pattern is obtained for uniform‐sized microparticles, owing to the considerable size reduction during solvent evaporation. Changing the radius of the organic droplets dispersed in the aqueous solution switches the wrinkle pattern from labyrinth to bi‐phase. For the first time, the dual wrinkling structure is prepared; both labyrinthine texture and hexagonal dimple structures are spontaneously formed on the same microparticle surface. The former pattern is due to the surface instability from blends of hydrophobic polymer and amphiphilic block copolymer, while the latter is due to a mechanism similar that of the breath figure formed with organic phase change materials during solidification of microparticles. The general applicability of this approach is demonstrated on other pairs of polymer blends.
l‐Ornithine and l‐lysine stimulate gastrointestinal motility via transient receptor potential vanilloid 1
Authors: Nakato Junya , Ho Yee Yin , Omae Ryo , Mizushige Takafumi , Uchida Kunitoshi , Tominaga Makoto , Kim Minji , Goto Tsuyoshi , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Kawada Teruo , Akiduki Saori , Kanamoto Ryuhei , Ohinata Kousaku 
Published: July 2017

ScopeThe gastrointestinal (GI) tract senses and responds to intraluminal nutrients and these interactions often affect GI functions. We found that, among basic amino acids, l‐ornithine (Orn) and l‐lysine (Lys) stimulated but l‐arginine (Arg) suppressed GI motility after oral administration (24 mmol/kg) in mice (Orn and Lys, 14.3 and 26.4% promotion; Arg, 7.7% suppression). We investigated the mechanism of the action of Orn and Lys on GI motility.Methods and resultsOrn‐induced promotion of small intestinal transit was significantly inhibited (p<0.05) by oral administration of capsazepine, a transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) antagonist. Moreover, the stimulatory effect of Orn and Lys was abolished in TRPV1‐knockout mice. In TRPV1‐transfected HEK293 cells, Orn and Lys (10 mM) evoked Ca2+ influx, which was blocked by ruthenium red, a TRP channel antagonist. These results suggest that Orn and Lys promote GI motility via activation of TRPV1. The GI motility stimulation by Orn and Lys was also blocked by atropine, a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) antagonist, or NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester, a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor.ConclusionOrally administered Orn and Lys stimulate GI motility via TRPV1, mAChR and NO synthase in mice.
Test–retest reliability of wide‐pulse high‐frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation evoked force
Authors: Neyroud Daria , Grosprêtre Sidney , Gondin Julien , Kayser Bengt , Place Nicolas 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTIntroduction: We compare forces evoked by wide‐pulse high‐frequency (WPHF) neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) delivered to a nerve trunk versus muscle belly and assess their test–retest intraindividual and interindividual reliability. Methods: Forces evoked during 2 sessions with WPHF NMES delivered over the tibial nerve trunk and 2 sessions over the triceps surae muscle belly were compared. Ten individuals participated in 4 sessions involving ten 20‐s WPHF NMES contractions interspaced by 40‐s recovery. Mean evoked force and force time integral of each contraction were quantified. Results: For both nerve trunk and muscle belly stimulation, intraindividual test–retest reliability was good (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.9), and interindividual variability was large (coefficient of variation between 140% and 180%). Nerve trunk and muscle belly stimulation resulted in similar evoked forces. Discussion: WPHF NMES locations might be chosen by individual preference because intraindividual reliability was relatively good for both locations. Muscle Nerve 57: E70–E77, 2018.
Reward Capacity Predicts Leptin Dynamics During Laboratory‐Controlled Eating in Women as a Function of Body Mass Index
Authors: Holsen Laura M. , Jackson Benita 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveThe role of leptin in mesolimbic signaling of non–food‐related rewards has been well established at the preclinical level, yet studies in humans are lacking. The present investigation explored the association between hedonic capacity and leptin dynamics and whether this association differed by BMI class.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study of 75 women (42 with BMIs in the lean range and 33 with BMIs in the obesity range), serum leptin before and after meal consumption was measured. Reward capacity was assessed using the Snaith‐Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS). Multiple regression tested whether reward capacity was associated with the leptin area under the curve (AUC), with an interaction term to test differences between the lean and obesity groups.ResultsThe interaction of SHAPS by BMI group was robust (β = −0.40, P = 0.005); among women with obesity, a greater SHAPS score was associated with a lower leptin AUC (β = −0.35, P = 0.002, adjusted R2 = 0.66). Among those in the lean group, the association was not statistically significant (β = −0.16, P = 0.252, adjusted R2 = 0.22). Findings were above and beyond BMI and age.ConclusionsIn this sample, a robust negative association between reward capacity and circulating leptin was stronger in women with obesity compared with lean counterparts. These findings suggest that despite likely leptin resistance, inhibitory leptin functioning related to nonfood rewards may be spared in women with obesity.
Thermal stability and fire reaction of poly(butylene succinate) nanocomposites using natural clays and FR additives
Authors: Dumazert Loic , Rasselet Damien , Pang Bo , Gallard Benjamin , Kennouche Salima , Lopez‐Cuesta José‐Marie 
Published: July 2017

Thermal stability and fire retardancy of poly(1,4‐butanediol succinate) (PBS) nanocomposites with sepiolite and 2 halloysites was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis. Despite detrimental influence on thermal stability, confirmed by the use of isoconversional methods, nanoclays improve PBS fire behavior, studied using pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetry and cone calorimeter. Combinations of nanoclays with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and aluminum diethyl phosphinate at 20 wt% global loading were tested using cone calorimeter at 50 kW/m2. It was noticed that the formation of protective structures of metallic phosphates with APP improves fire performance. The influence of ternary compositions combining sepiolite, APP, and lignin on fire performance was investigated. The composition having equimassic loading of each component leads to strong reductions in peak of heat release rate and Maximum of Average Heat Release Evolved (MAHRE) through the formation of a cohesive protective residue, containing new types of metallic phosphates and reinforced by sepiolite particles. This composition also allows smoke release rate to be minimized.
Poly(lactic acid)/(styrene‐ethylene‐butylene‐styrene)‐g‐maleic anhydride copolymer/sepiolite nanocomposites: Investigation of thermo‐mechanical and morphological properties
Authors: Nehra Ranjana , Maiti S.N. , Jacob Josemon 
Published: July 2017

In this study, sepiolite nanoclay is used as reinforcing agent for poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/(styrene‐ethylene‐butylene‐styrene)‐g‐maleic anhydride copolymer (SEBS‐g‐MA) 90/10 (w/w) blend. Effects of sepiolite on thermal behavior, morphology, and thermomechanical properties of PLA/SEBS‐g‐MA blend were investigated. Differential scanning calorimetry results showed 7% improvement in crystallinity at 0.5 wt% of sepiolite. The nanocomposite exhibited approximately 36% increase in the tensile modulus and 17% increase in toughness as compared with the blend matrix at 0.5 and 2.5 wt% of sepiolite respectively. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images exhibited sepiolite‐induced morphological changes and dispersion of sepiolite in both PLA and SEBS‐g‐MA phases. Dynamic mechanical analysis and wide angle X‐ray diffraction present evidences in support of the reinforcing nature of sepiolite and phase interaction between the filler and the matrix. This study confirms that sepiolite can improve tensile modulus and toughness of PLA/SEBS‐g‐MA blend.