bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retracted: Down‐regulation of the long noncoding RNA‐HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA inhibits the occurrence and progression of glioma
Authors: Yang Bin , Wei Zhen‐Yu , Wang Bang‐Qing , Yang Hua‐Chao , Wang Jun‐Yi , Bu Xing‐Yao 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis study aims to explore the role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)‐HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) in the occurrence and progression of glioma. Fresh glioma and normal brain tissues were classified into a glioma group (n = 67) and a normal group (n = 64) respectively. U87 cells were assigned into the blank, sh‐NC, and sh‐HOTAIR groups. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was utilized to determine HOTAIR expression. Cell proliferation, cell cycle and cell apoptosis rates were detected by cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) and flow cytometry (FCM). Scratch test and transwell assay were conducted for cell migration and invasion. Orthotopic glioma tumor model in nude mice was established by inoculating tumor cell suspension. Hematoxylin‐Eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the growth and invasion of orthotopic glioma tumors. The expression of HOTAIR and cell viability was found to be lowest in the sh‐HOTAIR group among the three groups. The sh‐HOTAIR group exhibited a higher apoptotic rate and lower number of cell migration compared with the blank and sh‐NC groups. Additionally, the speed of wound healing was slower, the migration distance decreased and the survival time of nude mice was extended in the sh‐HOTAIR compared to the other groups. Moreover, the sh‐HOTAIR group demonstrated reduced lesion sizes and inflammation, no convulsions or hemiplegia and lesser number of satellite metastases. Our findings support that down‐regulation of HOTAIR could inhibit cell proliferation, promote cell apoptosis as well as suppress cell invasion and migration in the progression of glioma.
Glycated hemoglobin: A powerful tool not used enough in primary care
Authors: Salinas Maria , López‐Garrigós Maite , Flores Emilio , Leiva‐Salinas Carlos ,   the Pilot Group of the Appropriate Utilization of Laboratory Tests
Published: August 2017

BackgroundGlycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is one of the most useful and relevant laboratory tests currently available. The aim of the actual research was to study the variability and appropriateness in the request of HbA1c in primary care, and differences between regions, to assess if there would be an opportunity to improve the request.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted enrolling clinical Spanish laboratories. The number of HbA1c requested in 2014 by all general practitioners was reported by each participant. Test‐utilization rate was expressed as tests per 1000 inhabitants. The index of variability was calculated, as the top decile divided by the bottom decile. HbA1c per 1000 inhabitants was compared between the different regions. To investigate whether HbA1c was appropriately requested to manage patients with diabetes, the real request was compared to the theoretically ideal number, according to prevalence of known diabetes mellitus in Spain and guideline recommendations.ResultsA total of 110 laboratories participated in the study, corresponding to a catchment area of 27 798 262 inhabitants (59.8% of the Spanish population) from 15 different autonomous communities (AACCs). 2 655 547 HbA1c were requested, a median of 93.9 (interquartile range (IQR): 33.4) per 1000 inhabitants. The variability index was 1.97. The HbA1c/1000 inhabitants was significantly different among the AACCs, ranging from 73.4 to 126.3.A total of 4 336 529 additional HbA1c would have been necessary to manage patients with diabetes according to guidelines, and 3 861 769 for diagnosis in asymptomatic patients.ConclusionsThere was a high variability and significant differences between Spanish AACCs. Also a significant under‐request of HbA1c was observed in Primary Care in Spain.
A multi‐layer, closed‐loop system for continuous measurement of soil CO2 concentration
Authors: Jochheim Hubert , Wirth Stephan , von Unold Georg 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe present a setup of measurement devices that allow the continuous measurement of CO2 concentrations at different soil depths using small nondispersive infrared (NDIR) sensors within a 16‐channel closed‐loop system. Hydrophobic, gas‐permeable polypropylene membrane tubes allow an equilibrium of CO2 concentration of circulating air, driven by peristaltic pumps, with soil air. The advantage of this system over other systems is the option to measure up to 16 channels without a time shift between individual measurements, as occurs when using a multiplexer system. Furthermore, the system prevents carry‐over effects. A 16‐position multiplexer provides a connection to an isotopic CO2 analyzer for measurement campaigns. This approach aimed to detect vertical concentration profiles and temporal variation of soil CO2 concentration and δ13C‐CO2 signature in soils and to determine the impact of underlying environmental drivers based on concurrent measurements of soil temperature and moisture. The system was tested by applying it in a beech and a pine forest stand during a period of 15 d. Soil CO2 concentrations were mostly determined by soil temperature as well as by soil moisture at a biweekly scale. At diel scale, the dynamic of soil CO2 concentrations followed the shape of soil temperature, sometimes with some time shift. The observed values of δ13C‐CO2 at 10–30 cm soil depths ranged between –22.0 and –19.0‰ at the beech site and –22.4 and –21.8‰ at the pine site, with a distinct vertical gradient at the beech site. Our results show that the system is reliable in practical application, capable of continuously detecting soil CO2 concentrations and its isotopic signature (δ13C‐CO2) with high temporal resolution.
Assessment of the effect of silver nanoparticles on the relevant soil protozoan genus Acanthamoeba
Authors: Grün Anna-Lena , Scheid Patrick , Hauröder Bärbel , Emmerling Christoph , Manz Werner 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSilver nanoparticles (AgNP) are used in a broad range of consumer products and industrial applications. During the regular product life cycle and disposal, AgNP are continuously released into the environment. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential ecotoxicological effects of AgNP exposure on amoebae. The Acanthamoeba castellanii ATCC 30234 strain and environmental isolate Acanthamoeba strain C5/2, which are both affiliated with genotype T4, were chosen as representatives of ecologically important soil protozoan organisms. The amoebae were exposed to citrate‐stabilized AgNP (30 and 70 nm in size) for 24 h and 96 h at concentrations ranging from 600 µg L−1 to 20 mg L−1. A newly adopted cell culture based microscopic assay was applied to assess the adherence ability of the amoeba trophozoites. The general metabolic activity of Acanthamoeba was determined to be a second independent endpoint by means of intracellular reduction of the redox dye AlamarBlue®. The fate of AgNP within the amoebae and test solutions was visualized by light‐ and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Both Acanthamoeba strains showed a significant dose‐dependent decrease of adherence ability (p < 0.04) and metabolic activity (p < 0.01) after 96 h of AgNP exposure. The environmental Acanthamoeba strain C5/2 lost both its adherence ability and metabolic activity at lower AgNP concentrations than the type strain, indicating a higher sensitivity to ionic silver. This was confirmed by the application of AgNO3, provoking a higher effect level in strain C5/2. AgNP was visualized intracellularly by transmission electron microscopy within the cytoplasm of Acanthamoeba. This is the first report to show the ecotoxicological effects of short‐term AgNP exposure on the soil protist Acanthamoeba, causing both changes in the adherence ability and metabolic activity of this amoeba. This combined approach may be a powerful tool in the future for predicting potential harmful ecotoxicological effects of AgNP exposure using soil protozoans.
Quantification of cocaine in ternary mixtures using partial least squares regression applied to Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
Authors: de Oliveira Penido Ciro Augusto Fernandes , Pacheco Marcos Tadeu Tavares , Novotny Etelvino Henrique , Lednev Igor K. , Silveira Landulfo 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe use of chemicals is often related to suicide attempts and acute poisoning, which account for a significant number of hospital admissions. The differential diagnosis of patients exposed to poisoning is intricate and varies according to the substance used. The identification of drugs and drug abuse in cases of poisoning often requires time‐consuming and complex techniques, such as chromatography. The use of vibrational spectroscopy such as Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) enables the quick identification of toxic substances using no reagents or markers. This study aims to apply these techniques in the long term to identify and quantify substances found at the locations of suicide attempts, poisonings, and even drug consumption sites, including crack samples containing a cocaine base and adulterants commonly seized in drug busts, such as caffeine, lidocaine, and sodium carbonate. In this study, Raman and FTIR spectra of ternary mixtures of crack with caffeine and sodium carbonate and crack with lidocaine and sodium carbonate were obtained. These spectra were used for building multivariate models based on partial least squares (PLS) for determining the composition of the samples quantitatively. High correlation coefficients (r > 0.98) and small cross‐validation prediction errors (< 6%) were obtained for both Raman and FTIR spectral models. The results showed that PLS regression enables crack quantification in ternary mixtures using both Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, allowing for quick medical intervention or determination of the cause of death in cases of cocaine toxicity.
Non‐destructive technique for determining the viability of soybean (Glycine max) seeds using FT‐NIR spectroscopy
Authors: Kusumaningrum Dewi , Lee Hoonsoo , Lohumi Santosh , Mo Changyeun , Kim Moon S , Cho Byoung‐Kwan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe viability of seeds is important for determining their quality. A high‐quality seed is one that has a high capability of germination that is necessary to ensure high productivity. Hence, developing technology for the detection of seed viability is a high priority in agriculture. Fourier transform near‐infrared (FT‐NIR) spectroscopy is one of the most popular devices among other vibrational spectroscopies. This study aims to use FT‐NIR spectroscopy to determine the viability of soybean seeds.RESULTSViable and artificial ageing seeds as non‐viable soybeans were used in this research. The FT‐NIR spectra of soybean seeds were collected and analysed using a partial least‐squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) to classify viable and non‐viable soybean seeds. Moreover, the variable importance in projection (VIP) method for variable selection combined with the PLS‐DA was employed. The most effective wavelengths were selected by the VIP method, which selected 146 optimal variables from the full set of 1557 variables.CONCLUSIONSThe results demonstrated that the FT‐NIR spectral analysis with the PLS‐DA method that uses all variables or the selected variables showed good performance based on the high value of prediction accuracy for soybean viability with an accuracy close to 100%. Hence, FT‐NIR techniques with a chemometric analysis have the potential for rapidly measuring soybean seed viability. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Mass‐spectrometry‐based lipidomics
Authors: Hu Ting , Zhang Jin‐Lan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractLipids, which have a core function in energy storage, signalling and biofilm structures, play important roles in a variety of cellular processes because of the great diversity of their structural and physiochemical properties. Lipidomics is the large‐scale profiling and quantification of biogenic lipid molecules, the comprehensive study of their pathways and the interpretation of their physiological significance based on analytical chemistry and statistical analysis. Lipidomics will not only provide insight into the physiological functions of lipid molecules but will also provide an approach to discovering important biomarkers for diagnosis or treatment of human diseases. Mass‐spectrometry‐based analytical techniques are currently the most widely used and most effective tools for lipid profiling and quantification. In this review, the field of mass‐spectrometry‐based lipidomics was discussed. Recent progress in all essential steps in lipidomics was carefully discussed in this review, including lipid extraction strategies, separation techniques and mass‐spectrometry‐based analytical and quantitative methods in lipidomics. We also focused on novel resolution strategies for difficult problems in determining C=C bond positions in lipidomics. Finally, new technologies that were developed in recent years including single‐cell lipidomics, flux‐based lipidomics and multiomics technologies were also reviewed.
Variation in ungulate body fat: Individual versus temporal effects
Authors: Bergman Eric J. , Anderson Charles R. , Bishop Chad J. , Holland A. Andrew , Northrup Joseph M. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTThe use of ultrasonograhic measurements of muscle and body fat represent a relatively new data stream that can be used to address questions regarding ungulate condition. We have learned that measurements of body fat and presumably overall body condition among individual animals, even those taken from the same herd at that same time, are highly variable. Relatively little consideration has been given to the sources of variation in body fat and other physiological parameters in wildlife populations. We evaluated the components of variation in late‐winter mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) body fat estimates: sampling variation (i.e., variation induced by the particular set of individuals that were sampled) and process variation (i.e., variation stemming from biological processes) with a long‐term data set (2002–2015) from Colorado, USA. We collected our data from across Colorado as part of historical research, ongoing research, and periodic population monitoring programs. Mean percent ingesta‐free body fat (%IFBF) for sampled mule deer was 7.20 ± 1.20% (SD). Covariates related to individual deer explained approximately 4% of the total variation in %IFBF and annual effects explained an additional 13% of the variation. Substantial residual variation in %IFBF (83%) remained unexplained. The source of the 83% of unexplained variation is partially linked to fine‐scale spatial dynamics but also additional individual metrics we were unable to capture, primarily the presence or absence of dependent young. We speculate that the primary factors influencing late‐winter mule deer body fat and overall condition are individual in nature. These results present a cautionary check on herd‐level inference that can be made from individual late‐winter body fat estimates and we postulate that for mule deer, alternative and additional body condition metrics may offer added utility in management scenarios. However, an important next step to better understand wildlife population health is to evaluate the sources and magnitude of variation within other body condition metrics, with the goal of further refining data that can better allow biologists to incorporate herd health into population management recommendations. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Characterization of swallow modulation in response to bolus volume in healthy subjects accounting for catheter diameter
Authors: Ferris Lara , Schar Mistyka , McCall Lisa , Doeltgen Sebastian , Scholten Ingrid , Rommel Nathalie , Cock Charles , Omari Taher 
Published: August 2017

Objectives/HypothesisCharacterization of the pharyngeal swallow response to volume challenges is important for swallowing function assessment. The diameter of the pressure‐impedance recording catheter may influence these results. In this study, we captured key physiological swallow measures in response to bolus volume utilizing recordings acquired by two catheters of different diameter.Study DesignTen healthy adults underwent repeat investigations with 8‐ and 10‐Fr catheters. Liquid bolus swallows of volumes 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 30 mL were recorded. Measures indicative of distension, contractility, and flow timing were assessed.MethodsPressure‐impedance recordings with pressure‐flow analysis were used to capture key distension, contractility, and pressure‐flow timing parameters.ResultsLarger bolus volumes increased upper esophageal sphincter distension diameter (P < .001) and distension pressures within the hypopharynx and upper esophageal sphincter (P < .05). Bolus flow timing measures were longer, particularly latency of bolus propulsion ahead of the pharyngeal stripping wave (P < .001). Use of a larger‐diameter catheter produced higher occlusive pressures, namely upper esophageal sphincter basal pressure (P < .005) and upper esophageal sphincter postdeglutitive pressure peak (P < .001).ConclusionsThe bolus volume swallowed changed measurements indicative of distension pressure, luminal diameter, and pressure‐flow timing; this is physiologically consistent with swallow modulation to accommodate larger, faster‐flowing boluses. Additionally, catheter diameter predominantly affects lumen occlusive pressures. Appropriate physiological interpretation of the pressure‐impedance recordings of pharyngeal swallowing requires consideration of the effects of volume and catheter diameter.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 128:1328–1334, 2018
Rainfall and Vegetation Effects on Temporal Variation of Topographic Thresholds for Gully Initiation in Mediterranean Cropland and Olive Groves
Authors: Hayas Antonio , Poesen Jean , Vanwalleghem Tom 
Published: August 2017

AbstractTopographical threshold conditions (s ≥ k a−b), expressed by local slope (s) and drainage area (a), have been widely used to predict gully incision locations. However, little attention has gone to the variation of the thresholds over time. Rainfall variability and changing land use or vegetation cover can potentially lead to important shifts in established thresholds. In this study, we determine topographic thresholds for gullies forming under olive groves and herbaceous crops between 1956 and 2013 in a catchment in Southern Spain. For ten different time periods, we then analysed the impact of rainfall, land use and vegetation cover on the variation of these thresholds. The results show similar topographic thresholds for olive groves and herbaceous crops. However, important variations were found over time. Rainfall indexes, in particular rainy day normal, were generally best correlated. Finally, although overall no effect of land use was obtained, the results did show a significant effect of vegetation cover, but mainly in those years where rainfall was low. This seems to indicate that during years with high rainfall, topographic thresholds are primarily controlled by rainfall, while vegetation cover seems to exert a secondary control. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genomic insights of Pannonibacter phragmitetus strain 31801 isolated from a patient with a liver abscess
Authors: Zhou Yajun , Jiang Tao , Hu Shaohua , Wang Mingxi , Ming Desong , Chen Shicheng 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPannonibacter phragmitetus is a bioremediation reagent for the detoxification of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHs) while it rarely infects healthy populations. However, infection by the opportunistic pathogen P. phragmitetus complicates diagnosis and treatments, and poses a serious threat to immunocompromised patients owing to its multidrug resistance. Unfortunately, genome features, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence potentials in P. phragmitetus have not been reported before. A predominant colony (31801) was isolated from a liver abscess patient, indicating that it accounted for the infection. To investigate its infection mechanism(s) in depth, we sequenced this bacterial genome and tested its antimicrobial resistance. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis assigned the bacterium to the species P. phragmitetus (ANI, >95%). Comparative genomics analyses among Pannonibacter spp. representing the different living niches were used to describe the Pannonibacter pan‐genomes and to examine virulence factors, prophages, CRISPR arrays, and genomic islands. Pannonibacter phragmitetus 31801 consisted of one chromosome and one plasmid, while the plasmid was absent in other Pannonibacter isolates. Pannonibacter phragmitetus 31801 may have a great infection potential because a lot of genes encoding toxins, flagellum formation, iron uptake, and virulence factor secretion systems in its genome. Moreover, the genome has 24 genomic islands and 2 prophages. A combination of antimicrobial susceptibility tests and the detailed antibiotic resistance gene analysis provide useful information about the drug resistance mechanisms and therefore can be used to guide the treatment strategy for the bacterial infection.
Evaluation of 389 patients following free‐flap lower extremity reconstruction with respect to secondary refinement procedures
Authors: Kotsougiani Dimitra , Platte Juliana , Bigdeli Amir K. , Hoener Bernd , Kremer Thomas , Kneser Ulrich , Harhaus Leila 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIntroductionPrimary functional and aesthetic results after free‐flap salvage of lower extremities are occasionally suboptimal. The objective of this study was to identify predictors for secondary refinement procedures such as liposuction, dermolipectomy, or direct excision. In addition, patient‐reported long‐term satisfaction with the final reconstructive result was analyzed.Patients and MethodsAll patients undergoing free‐flap lower extremity salvage between January 2011 and July 2015 were included in a comparative study. The patients of cohort 1 had no secondary refinement procedures, while those of cohort 2 had one or more procedures. The patient data, intraoperative characteristics, and postoperative course were reviewed. To assess the level of satisfaction, the patients were surveyed.ResultsOf the 389 patients included, 54 (13.9%) were identified with 1–3 secondary refinement procedures with an uneventful postoperative course. The most common procedure was surgical debulking (56.8%). The comparison of both cohorts revealed a statistical significance for patient's age (P < .01), gender (P = .02), ASA‐score (P < .01), and localization (P < .01). Predictors for secondary refinement procedures were young age (<50 years), female gender, absence of comorbidities, and defects located at the feet or ankle. Overall patient satisfaction was negatively correlated with the number of secondary procedures performed. Patient‐reported satisfaction with the overall (P < .01) and cosmetic (P = .02) result increased significantly with age.ConclusionSecondary refinement procedures after successful free‐flap lower extremity reconstruction are safe and not uncommon. Detailed information about the likelihood of secondary operations and the various techniques available should be part of the patient education to increase patient satisfaction and form realistic expectations.