bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Sofosbuvir (β-D-2′-deoxy-2′-α-fluoro-2′-β-C-methyluridine) as an inhibitor of Dengue virus replication
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Authors: Xu Hong-Tao , Colby-Germinario Susan P. , Hassounah Said A. , Fogarty Clare , Osman Nathan , Palanisamy Navaneethan , Han Yingshan , Oliveira Maureen , Quan Yudong , Wainberg Mark A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe evaluated Sofosbuvir (SOF), the anti-hepatitis C virus prodrug of β-d-2′-deoxy-2′-α-fluoro-2′-β-C-methyluridine-5′-monophosphate, for potential inhibitory activity against DENV replication. Both cell-based and biochemical assays, based on use of purified DENV full-length NS5 enzyme, were studied. Cytopathic effect protection and virus yield reduction assays confirmed that SOF possessed anti-DENV activity in cell culture with a 50% effective concentration (EC50) of 4.9 µM and 1.4 µM respectively. Real-time RT-PCR verified that SOF inhibits generation of viral RNA with an EC50 of 9.9 µM. Purified DENV NS5 incorporated the active triphosphate form (SOF-TP) into nascent RNA, causing chain-termination. Relative to the natural UTP, the incorporation efficiency of SOF-TP was low (discrimination value = 327.5). In a primer extension assay, SOF-TP was active against DENV NS5 wild-type polymerase activity with an IC50 of 14.7 ± 2.5 µM. The S600T substitution in the B Motif of DENV polymerase conferred 4.3-fold resistance to SOF-TP; this was due to decreased incorporation efficiency rather than enhanced excision of the incorporated SOF nucleotide. SOF has antiviral activity against DENV replication. The high discrimination value in favor of UTP in enzyme assays may not necessarily preclude antiviral activity in cells. SOF may be worthy of evaluation against severe DENV infections in humans.
Potentiation of 17β-estradiol synthesis in the brain and elongation of seizure latency through dietary supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid
Authors: Ishihara Yasuhiro , Itoh Kouichi , Tanaka Miki , Tsuji Mayumi , Kawamoto Toshihiro , Kawato Suguru , Vogel Christoph F. A. , Yamazaki Takeshi 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSeveral studies have shown that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) attenuates epileptic seizures; however, the molecular mechanism by which it achieves this effect is still largely unknown. DHA stimulates the retinoid X receptor, which reportedly regulates the expression of cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom). This study aimed to clarify how DHA suppresses seizures, focusing on the regulation of 17β-estradiol synthesis in the brain. Dietary supplementation with DHA increased not only the expression of P450arom, but also 17β-estradiol in the cerebral cortex. While DHA did not affect the duration or scores of the seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole, DHA significantly prolonged the seizure latency. A P450arom inhibitor, letrozole, reduced 17β-estradiol levels and completely suppressed the elongation of seizure latency elicited by DHA. These results suggest that DHA delays the onset of seizures by promoting the synthesis of 17β-estradiol in the brain. DHA upregulated the expression of anti-oxidative enzymes in the cerebral cortex. The oxidation in the cerebral cortex induced by pentylenetetrazole was significantly attenuated by DHA, and letrozole completely inhibited this suppressive action. Thus, the anti-oxidative effects of 17β-estradiol may be involved in the prevention of seizures mediated by DHA. This study revealed that 17β-estradiol in the brain mediated the physiological actions of DHA.
The Frustration-induced Ferroelectricity of a Manganite Tricolor Superlattice with Artificially Broken Symmetry
Authors: Pei Huanyu , Guo Shujin , Ren Lixia , Chen Changle , Luo Bingcheng , Dong Xianglei , Jin Kexin , Ren Ren , Muhammad Zeeshan Hafiz 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn this paper, [(La0.9Sr0.1MnO3)n/(Pa0.9Ca0.1MnO3)n/(La0.9Sb0.1MnO3)n]m superlattices films have been deposited on (001) Nb:SrTiO3 substrates by a laser molecular-beam epitaxy technology. Expected ferroelectricity arise at well-defined tricolor superlattice at low temperature, composed of transition metal manganite, which is absent in the single-phase compounds. Furthermore, the ferroelectric properties of the superlattices are enhanced by increasing the periodicity m, which may be attributed to the accumulation of the polarization induced by the frustration. As for the magnetic hysteresis loop characteristics of the multilayer structures, the saturation magnetization and magnetic coercivity of films present definitely a strong periodic dependence. It also indicates that the frustration may exist in the tricolor superlattice. Our results further verify the previous theoretical research of generating multiferroics experimentally paving a way for designing or developing the novel magnetoelectric devices based on manganite ferromagnets.
Physical access for residue-mineral interactions controls organic carbon retention in an Oxisol soil
Authors: Ye Chenglong , Bai Tongshuo , Yang Yi , Zhang Hao , Guo Hui , Li Zhen , Li Huixin , Hu Shuijin 
Published: July 2017

AbstractOxisol soils are widely distributed in the humid tropical and subtropical regions and are generally characterized with high contents of metal oxides. High metal oxides are believed to facilitate organic carbon (C) accumulation via mineral-organic C interactions but Oxisols often have low organic C. Yet, the causes that constrain organic C accumulation in Oxisol soil are not exactly clear. Here we report results from a microcosm experiment that evaluated how the quantity and size of crop residue fragments affect soil C retention in a typical Oxisol soil in southeast China. We found that there were significantly higher levels of dissolved organic C (DOC), microbial biomass C (MBC) and C accumulation in the heavy soil fraction in soil amended with fine-sized (<0.2 mm) compared with coarse-sized (5.0 mm) fragments. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis further showed that fine-sized residues promoted stabilization of aliphatic C-H and carboxylic C=O compounds associated with mineral phases. In addition, correlation analysis revealed that the increased content of organic C in the heavy soil fraction was positively correlated with increased DOC and MBC. Together, these results suggest that enhancement of contact between organic materials and soil minerals may promote C stabilization in Oxisols.
Preventive effect of celecoxib use against cancer progression and occurrence of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chiang Shang-Lun , Velmurugan Bharath Kumar , Chung Chia-Min , Lin Shu-Hui , Wang Zhi-Hong , Hua Chun-Hung , Tsai Ming-Hsui , Kuo Tzer-Min , Yeh Kun-Tu , Chang Pei-Ying , Yang Yi-Hsin , Ko Ying-Chin 
Published: July 2017

AbstractOverexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 in oral cancer increases lymph node metastasis and is associated with a poor prognosis. The potential of celecoxib (CXB) use is reported in cancer treatment by inhibiting proliferation through apoptosis, but the effects on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer cell mobility remain unclear. We performed a preclinical study and population-based study to evaluate CXB use in the prevention of oral cancer progression and occurrence. The in-vitro findings showed that CXB is involved in the inhibition of EMT and cell mobility through blocking transcription factors (Slug, Snail and ZEB1), cytoplasmic mediators (focal adhesion kinase (FAK), vimentin and β-catenin), cell adhesion molecules (cadherins and integrins), and surface receptors (AMFR and EGFR). The murine xenograft model showed a 65% inhibition in tumour growth after a 5-week treatment of CXB compared to placebo. Xenograft tumours in placebo-treated mice displayed a well-to-moderate/moderate differentiated SCC grade, while those from CXB-treated mice were well differentiated. The expression levels of membrane EGFR, and nuclear FAK, Slug and ZEB1 were decreased in the xenograft tumours of CXB-treated mice. A retrospective cohort study showed that increasing the daily dose and medication time of CXB was associated with oral cancer prevention. The findings provide an alternative prevention strategy for oral cancer development with CXB use.
Quantification of cell-bubble interactions in a 3D engineered tissue phantom
Authors: Walsh C. , Ovenden N. , Stride E. , Cheema U. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractUnderstanding cell-bubble interactions is crucial for preventing bubble related pathologies and harnessing their potential therapeutic benefits. Bubbles can occur in the body as a result of therapeutic intravenous administration, surgery, infections or decompression. Subsequent interactions with living cells, may result in pathological responses such as decompression sickness (DCS). This work investigates the interactions that occur between bubbles formed during decompression and cells in a 3D engineered tissue phantom. Increasing the tissue phantoms’ cellular density resulted in decreased dissolved O2 (DO) concentrations (p = 0.0003) measured using real-time O2 monitoring. Direct microscopic observation of these phantoms, revealed a significant (p = 0.0024) corresponding reduction in bubble nucleation. No significant difference in growth rate or maximum size of the bubbles was measured (p = 0.99 and 0.23). These results show that bubble nucleation is dominated by DO concentration (affected by cellular metabolism), rather than potential nucleation sites provided by cell-surfaces. Consequent bubble growth depends not only on DO concentration but also on competition for dissolved gas. Cell death was found to significantly increase (p = 0.0116) following a bubble-forming decompression. By comparison to 2D experiments; the more biomimetic 3D geometry and extracellular matrix in this work, provide data more applicable for understanding and developing models of in vivo bubble dynamics.
Connexin hemichannel blockade improves survival of striatal GABA-ergic neurons after global cerebral ischaemia in term-equivalent fetal sheep
Authors: Galinsky Robert , Davidson Joanne O. , Lear Christopher A. , Bennet Laura , Green Colin R. , Gunn Alistair J. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBasal ganglia injury at term remains a major cause of disability, such as cerebral palsy. In this study we tested the hypotheses that blockade of astrocytic connexin hemichannels with a mimetic peptide would improve survival of striatal phenotypic neurons after global cerebral ischaemia in term-equivalent fetal sheep, and that neuronal survival would be associated with electrophysiological recovery. Fetal sheep (0.85 gestation) were randomly assigned to receive a short or long (1 or 25 h) intracerebroventricular infusion of a mimetic peptide or vehicle, starting 90 minutes after 30 minutes of cerebral ischaemia. Sheep were killed 7 days after ischaemia. Cerebral ischaemia was associated with reduced numbers of calbindin-28k, calretinin, parvalbumin and GAD positive striatal neurons (P < 0.05 ischaemia + vehicle, n = 6 vs. sham ischaemia, n = 6) but not ChAT or nNOS positive neurons. Short infusion of peptide (n = 6) did not significantly improve survival of any striatal phenotype. Long infusion of peptide (n = 6) was associated with increased survival of calbindin-28k, calretinin, parvalbumin and GAD positive neurons (P < 0.05 vs. ischaemia + vehicle). Neurophysiological recovery was associated with improved survival of calbindin-28k, calretinin and parvalbumin positive striatal neurons (P < 0.05 for all). In conclusion, connexin hemichannel blockade after cerebral ischaemia in term-equivalent fetal sheep improves survival of striatal GABA-ergic neurons.
Bottom-up effects on herbivore-induced plant defences: a case study based on compositional patterns of rhizosphere microbial communities
Authors: Benítez Emilio , Paredes Daniel , Rodríguez Estefanía , Aldana Diana , González Mónica , Nogales Rogelio , Campos Mercedes , Moreno Beatriz 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBelow-ground soil microorganisms can modulate above-ground plant-insect interactions. It still needs to be determined whether this is a direct effect of single species or an indirect effect of shifts in soil microbial community assemblages. Evaluation of the soil microbiome as a whole is critical for understanding multi-trophic interactions, including those mediated by volatiles involving plants, herbivorous insects, predators/parasitoids and microorganisms. We implemented a regulated system comprising Nerium oleander plants grown in soil initially containing a sterile/non sterile inoculum, herbivore Aphis nerii and predator Chrysoperla carnea. After aphid attack, plants emitted a characteristic blend of volatiles derived from two biosynthetic classes: fatty acid catabolites and aromatic-derived products. Three aliphatic compounds were mainly detected in plants grown in the inoculated microbial soil, a blend which was preferentially chosen by C. carnea adult females. The contrasting effect of the initial inocula was attributed to the different microbial consortia developed in each treatment. We argue that differences in the relative abundance of the active microbial communities in the rhizosphere correlate with those in the emission of selected volatile compounds by attacked plants. The mechanisms involved in how the functional soil microbiome modulates inducible indirect defence of plants are discussed.
The Role of Inflammation in β-cell Dedifferentiation
Authors: Nordmann Thierry M. , Dror Erez , Schulze Friederike , Traub Shuyang , Berishvili Ekaterine , Barbieux Charlotte , Böni-Schnetzler Marianne , Donath Marc Y. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractChronic inflammation impairs insulin secretion and sensitivity. β-cell dedifferentiation has recently been proposed as a mechanism underlying β-cell failure in T2D. Yet the effect of inflammation on β-cell identity in T2D has not been studied. Therefore, we investigated whether pro-inflammatory cytokines induce β-cell dedifferentiation and whether anti-inflammatory treatments improve insulin secretion via β-cell redifferentiation. We observed that IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα promote β-cell dedifferentiation in cultured human and mouse islets, with IL-1β being the most potent one of them. In particular, β-cell identity maintaining transcription factor Foxo1 was downregulated upon IL-1β exposure. In vivo, anti-IL-1β, anti-TNFα or NF-kB inhibiting sodium salicylate treatment improved insulin secretion of isolated islets. However, only TNFα antagonism partially prevented the loss of β-cell identity gene expression. Finally, the combination of IL-1β and TNFα antagonism improved insulin secretion of ex vivo isolated islets in a synergistic manner. Thus, while inflammation triggered β-cell dedifferentiation and dysfunction in vitro, this mechanism seems to be only partly responsible for the observed in vivo improvements in insulin secretion.
Compounding Impacts of Human-Induced Water Stress and Climate Change on Water Availability
Authors: Mehran Ali , AghaKouchak Amir , Nakhjiri Navid , Stewardson Michael J. , Peel Murray C. , Phillips Thomas J. , Wada Yoshihide , Ravalico Jakin K. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe terrestrial phase of the water cycle can be seriously impacted by water management and human water use behavior (e.g., reservoir operation, and irrigation withdrawals). Here we outline a method for assessing water availability in a changing climate, while explicitly considering anthropogenic water demand scenarios and water supply infrastructure designed to cope with climatic extremes. The framework brings a top-down and bottom-up approach to provide localized water assessment based on local water supply infrastructure and projected water demands. When our framework is applied to southeastern Australia we find that, for some combinations of climatic change and water demand, the region could experience water stress similar or worse than the epic Millennium Drought. We show considering only the influence of future climate on water supply, and neglecting future changes in water demand and water storage augmentation might lead to opposing perspectives on future water availability. While human water use can significantly exacerbate climate change impacts on water availability, if managed well, it allows societies to react and adapt to a changing climate. The methodology we present offers a unique avenue for linking climatic and hydrologic processes to water resource supply and demand management and other human interactions.
Raised-Volume Forced Expiratory Flow-Volume Curve in Healthy Taiwanese Infants
Authors: Lai Shen-Hao , Liao Sui-Ling , Yao Tsung-Chieh , Tsai Ming-Han , Hua Man-Chin , Chiu Chih-Yung , Yeh Kuo-Wei , Huang Jing-Long 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe raised-volume rapid thoracoabdominal compression (RVRTC) manoeuvre has been applied to obtain full forced expiratory flow-volume curves in infants. No reference data are available for Asian populations. This study was conducted to establish predictive reference equations for Taiwanese infants. Full-term infants without any chronic disease or major anomaly were enrolled from this cohort study. Full forced expiratory flow-volume curves were acquired using RVRTC manoeuvres through Jaeger’s system. Tidal breath analysis, passive respiratory mechanics, and tidal forced expiratory flow-volume curves were performed and collected at the same measurement. Multiple linear analyses were used to model the variables. We performed 117 tests of RVRTC flow-volume curves in 97 infants. The results revealed that all parameters, except for FEV0.5 /FVC, correlated highly and positively with body length. These parameters correlated significantly with other parameters of passive respiratory mechanics and tidal forced expiratory flow-volume curves. This is the first study to establish equipment-specific reference data of full forced expiration using RVRTC manoeuvres in Asian infants. The results revealed that parameters of RVRTC manoeuvres are moderately related to other parameters of infant lung function. These race-specific reference data can be used to more precisely and efficiently diagnose respiratory diseases in infants of Chinese ethnicity.
Niosomes: A Strategy toward Prevention of Clinically Significant Drug Incompatibilities
Authors: Mohamed Hebatallah B. , El-Shanawany Sohair M. , Hamad Mostafa A. , Elsabahy Mahmoud 
Published: July 2017

AbstractDrug incompatibilities are considered as one of the most critical problems in intensive care units. In the current study, the ability of nanomaterials to prevent drug incompatibilities in clinical settings has been investigated. As a proof-of-concept, the ability of niosomes to prevent physical and chemical incompatibilities that occur upon mixing acyclovir and vancomycin during management of acute meningitis has been explored. Nanosized spherical particles loaded separately with either vancomycin or acyclovir, with high entrapment efficiency (ca. 46–56%), could be prepared, and sustained release of their entrapped cargoes have been demonstrated over time. We have shown that precipitation, degradation and loss of biological activity of drugs occurred upon mixing solutions of the free drugs. On the contrary, drugs loaded separately inside niosomal structures exhibited high stability, exceptional physical and chemical compatibilities for up to 48 h with complete preservation of the antimicrobial activity of vancomycin. This study opens a venue for a new spectrum of applications of nanomaterials in preventing clinically significant drug incompatibilities, aiming at the reduction of adverse reactions, cost and hospitalization period, and improvement of patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes.
Predictive Value of Whole Blood and Plasma Coagulation Tests for Intra- and Postoperative Bleeding Risk: A Systematic Review
Authors: Larsen Julie , Hvas Anne-Mette 
Published: July 2017

AbstractExcessive perioperative bleeding is associated with increased morbidity and mortality as well as increased economic costs. A range of whole blood laboratory tests for hemostatic monitoring has emerged, but their ability to predict perioperative bleeding is still debated. We conducted a systematic review of the existing literature assessing the ability of whole blood coagulation (thromboelastography [TEG]/thromboelastometry [ROTEM]/Sonoclot), platelet function tests, and standard plasma-based coagulation tests to predict bleeding in the perioperative setting. We searched PubMed and Embase, covering the period from 1966 to November 2016. In total, 99 original studies were included. The included studies assessed TEG/ROTEM/Sonoclot (n = 29), platelet function tests (n = 27), both test types (n = 8), and standard coagulation tests only (n = 18), and some (n = 17) investigated the predictive value of testing in patients receiving antithrombotic medication. In general, studies reported low positive predictive values for perioperative testing, whereas negative predictive values were high. The studies yielded moderate areas under receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve (for the majority, 0.60–0.80). In conclusion, while useful in the diagnosis and management of patients with overt bleeding, whole blood coagulation and platelet function tests as well as standard coagulation tests demonstrated limited ability to predict perioperative bleeding in unselected patients. Therefore, we recommend that both whole blood and plasma-based coagulation tests are primarily used in case of bleeding and not for screening in unselected patients prior to surgery.
Imaging of Pediatric Chronic Neck Infections
Authors: Gaddikeri Santhosh , Nagarajan Murali , Vattoth Surjith , El Beltagi Ahmed 
Published: July 2017

AbstractChronic neck infections in the pediatric population can have an indolent presentation that can mimic more serious conditions including neoplasia. Ultrasound remains a reliable primary modality for imaging of sialadenitis and infected congenital cystic neck lesions in children, whereas cross sectional imaging is needed if intervention is contemplated, to better evaluate multispatial involvement, lymph nodal morphology and distribution, and as the primary imaging modality to study more complex anatomy in case of ear infections.
The Incidence and Effects of Alloimmunization in Pregnancy During the Period 2000 – 2013
Authors: Jerković Raguž Marjana , Šumanovic Glamuzina Darinka , Brzica Jerko , Gruica Tonći 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Introduction The objective of the analysis was to examine the epidemiological aspects of maternal alloimmunization and to determine the most common antibody specificities resulting in hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN).
Materials and Methods The retrospective epidemiological study encompasses all pregnant women who underwent immunohematological screening and the newborn treated for HDN in the period from 2000 to 2013 in the Herzegovina region.
Results The indirect Coombs test (ICT) detected antibodies against antigens in 384 (2.4%) pregnant women of the 18 800 who were tested at the Department of Transfusion Medicine. The direct Coombs test (DCT) detected antibodies against antigens in 160 (0.8%) newborn treated for HDN. The results of our 13-year study, in which 60% of the pregnant women had non-RhD antibodies, confirms this finding.
Conclusion However, we have reached the 21st century and the burden of alloimmunisation in pregnancy is still on our backs. The problem of immunization and HDN is still present in our region, which is a neonatal and public health problem.