bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Handheld echocardiography during hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Cullen Michael W. , Geske Jeffrey B. , Anavekar Nandan S. , Askew J. Wells , Lewis Bradley R. , Oh Jae K. 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundHandheld echocardiography (HHE) is concordant with standard transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in a variety of settings but has not been thoroughly compared to traditional TTE in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).HypothesisCompleted by experienced operators, HHE provides accurate diagnostic capabilities compared with standard TTE in AMI patients.MethodsThis study prospectively enrolled patients admitted to the coronary care unit with AMI. Experienced sonographers performed HHE with a V‐scan. All patients underwent clinical TTE. Each HHE was interpreted by 2 experts blinded to standard TTE. Agreement was assessed with κ statistics and concordance correlation coefficients.ResultsAnalysis included 82 patients (mean age, 66 years; 74% male). On standard TTE, mean left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction was 46%. Correlation coefficients between HHE and TTE were 0.75 (95% confidence interval: 0.66 to 0.82) for LV ejection fraction and 0.69 (95% confidence interval: 0.58 to 0.77) for wall motion score index. The κ statistics ranged from 0.47 to 0.56 for LV enlargement, 0.55 to 0.79 for mitral regurgitation, and 0.44 to 0.57 for inferior vena cava dilatation. The κ statistics were highest for the anterior (0.81) and septal (0.71) apex and lowest for the mid inferolateral (0.36) and basal inferoseptal (0.36) walls.ConclusionsIn patients with AMI, HHE and standard TTE demonstrate good correlation for LV function and wall motion. Agreement was less robust for structural abnormalities and specific wall segments. In experienced hands, HHE can provide a focused assessment of LV function in patients hospitalized with AMI; however, HHE should not substitute for comprehensive TTE.
Interaction of Spoonbill with Prospero in Drosophila: Implications in neuroblast development
Authors: Tripathi Bipin K. , Das Rituparna , Mukherjee Ashim , Mutsuddi Mousumi 
Published: July 2017

SummaryIdentification of Spoon as a suppressor of SCA8 associated neurodegeneration provides us a hint about its role in neuronal development and maintenance. However, a detailed molecular characterization of spoon has not yet been reported. Here, we describe spatial expression pattern of Spoon during Drosophila development. Quantitative real time‐PCR and fluorescent RNA–RNA in situ hybridization indicate that Spoon is expressed at relatively high levels in larval brain and photoreceptors of eye‐antennal discs. Immunostaining reveals that Spoon is subcellularly localized in the cytoplasm and is also membrane bound. Strong expression is also seen in adult ovary and testes. Spoon on immunostaining exhibits unique pattern of expression in larval brain. We observed that Spoon in the neuroblasts colocalizes with Prospero, a transcription factor regulating genes involved in neuroblast self‐renewal or cell‐cycle control. Co‐immunoprecipitation suggests that Spoon and Prospero reside in the same protein complex. Using Drosophila model of SCA8 RNA neuropathy we have also shown that loss of Prospero hinders the suppression of SCA8 associated neurodegeneration by Spoonbill, suggesting Prospero and Spoon might genetically interact and function together. Our study presents Spoon as a novel interacting partner of Prospero and this might be critical in determining the polarized localization of cell fate determinants.
Solid‐State Structure of a Bromo(difluoromethylenephosphonato)cuprate – a Key Intermediate for the Synthesis of α,α‐Difluoromethylenephosphonates
Authors: Alter Christian , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Weber Lothar , Hoge Berthold 
Published: July 2017

AbstractInvited for the cover of this issue is the group of Prof. Dr. Berthold Hoge from Bielefeld University, Germany. The cover image shows the crystal structure of a bromo(difluoromethylenephosphonato)cuprate finally in the spotlight after waiting “backstage” for 28 years.
Simple and Fast Determination of Warfarin in Pharmaceutical Samples Using Boron‐doped Diamond Electrode in BIA and FIA Systems with Multiple Pulse Amperometric Detection
Authors: de Jesus Guedes Tiago , Antônio Reis Andrade Glauber , Barbosa Lima Amanda , Amorim Bezerra da Silva Rodrigo , Torres Pio dos Santos Wallans 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis paper proposes the use of the boron‐doped diamond electrode (BDDE) in flow and batch injection analysis (FIA and BIA) systems with multiple‐pulse amperometric (MPA) detection for the determination of warfarin (WA) in pharmaceutical formulations. The electrochemical behavior of WA obtained by cyclic voltammetry (CV) in 0.1 mol L−1 phosphate buffer shows an irreversible oxidation process at +1.0 V (vs Ag/AgCl). The MPA was based on the application of two sequential potential pulses as a function of time on BDDE: (1) for WA detection at +1.2 V/100 ms and; (2) for electrode surface cleaning at −0.2 V/200 ms. Both hydrodynamic systems (FIA‐MPA and BIA‐MPA) used for WA determination achieved high precision (with relative standard deviations around 2 %, n=10), wide linear range (2.0−400.0 μmol L−1), low limits of detection (0.5 μmol L−1) and good analytical frequency (94 h−1 for FIA and 130 h−1 for BIA). The WA determination made by the proposed methods was compared to the official spectrophotometric method. The FIA‐MPA and BIA‐MPA methods are simple and fast, being an attractive option for WA routine analysis in pharmaceutical industries.
Micro free‐flow isoelectric focusing with integrated optical pH sensors
Authors: Nagl Stefan 
Published: July 2017

AbstractRecently, a new observation method for monitoring of pH gradients in microfluidic free‐flow electrophoresis has emerged. It is based on the use of chip‐integrated fluorescent or luminescent micro sensor layers. These are able to monitor pH gradients in miniaturized separations in real time and spatially resolved; this is particularly useful in isoelectric focusing. Here these multifunctional microdevices that feature continuous separation, monitoring, and in some instances other functionalities, are reviewed. The employed microfabrication procedures to produce these devices are discussed and the different pH sensor matrices that were integrated and their applications in the separation of different types of biomolecules. The procedures for obtaining spatially resolved information about the separated molecules and the pH at the same time and different detection modalities to achieve this such as deep UV fluorescence as well as time‐resolved referenced pH sensing and the integration of a precolumn labeling step into these platforms are also highlighted.
The association of the placental MTHFR 3′‐UTR polymorphisms, promoter methylation, and MTHFR expression with preeclampsia
Authors: Mohammadpour‐Gharehbagh Abbas , Teimoori Batool , Narooei‐nejad Mehrnaz , Mehrabani Mehrnaz , Saravani Ramin , Salimi Saeedeh 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPreeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy specific complication arises in presence of the placenta and disappears immediately after delivery. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the possible effects of the placental 3′‐UTR rs1537514C>G and rs4846049C>A polymorphisms and DNA methylation of the MTHFR gene on the MTHFR mRNA expression. The placenta of 74 PE pregnant women and 75 normotensive pregnant women were collected after delivery. The methylation status of the MTHFR promoter was assessed with Methylation Specific PCR (MSP). The rs1537514C>G and rs4846049C>A polymorphisms were genotyped using PCR‐RFLP method. The mRNA expression levels were measured by Quantitative Real Time PCR. The results showed the lower MTHFR mRNA expression in the placenta of PE women. There was an association between hypermethylation and lower MTHFR mRNA expression in PE women and entire women but not normotensive pregnant women. The frequency of MTHFR rs1537514CG genotype was significantly lower in PE women; however, there was no association between MTHFR rs4846049C>A polymorphism and PE. The combination effects of MTHFR CG/AC genotypes and G‐A haplotype of MTHFR rs1537514/rs4846049 polymorphisms were associated with lower risk of PE. The MTHFR rs1537514G (4869G) allele was associated with higher MTHFR mRNA expression in both groups. However, there was no relation between MTHFR rs4846049C>A polymorphism and MTHFR mRNA expression. Our findings showed lower MTHFR mRNA expression in PE women. The MTHFR rs1537514C>G polymorphism was associated with lower PE risk and MTHFR mRNA expression. Lower expression of MTHFR mRNA was observed in the women with the hypermethylated promoter.
Inflammatory profile in X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy patients: Understanding disease progression
Authors: Marchetti Desirèe Padilha , Donida Bruna , Jacques Carlos Eduardo , Deon Marion , Hauschild Tatiane Cristina , Koehler‐Santos Patricia , de Moura Coelho Daniella , Coitinho Adriana Simon , Jardim Laura Bannach , Vargas Carmen Regla 
Published: July 2017

AbstractX‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X‐ALD) is an inherited disease characterized by progressive inflammatory demyelization in the brain, adrenal insufficiency, and an abnormal accumulation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) in tissue and body fluids. Considering that inflammation might be involved in pathophysiology of X‐ALD, we aimed to investigate pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines in plasma from three different male phenotypes (CCER, AMN, and asymptomatic individuals). Our results showed that asymptomatic patients presented increased levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐8, and TNF‐α and the last one was also higher in AMN phenotype. Besides, asymptomatic patients presented higher levels of anti‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐10. AMN patients presented higher levels of IL‐2, IL‐5, and IL‐4. We might hypothesize that inflammation in X‐ALD is related to plasmatic VLCFA concentration, since there were positive correlations between C26:0 plasmatic levels and pro‐inflammatory cytokines in asymptomatic and AMN patients and negative correlation between anti‐inflammatory cytokine and C24:0/C22:0 ratio in AMN patients. The present work yields experimental evidence that there is an inflammatory imbalance associated Th1, (IL‐2, IL‐6, and IFN‐γ), Th2 (IL‐4 and IL‐10), and macrophages response (TNF‐α and IL‐1β) in the periphery of asymptomatic and AMN patients, and there is correlation between VLCFA plasmatic levels and inflammatory mediators in X‐ALD. Furthermore, we might also speculate that the increase of plasmatic cytokines in asymptomatic patients could be considered an early biomarker of brain damage and maybe also a predictor of disease progression.
Retracted: Knockdown of long non‐coding RNA MALAT1 inhibits growth and motility of human hepatoma cells via modulation of miR‐195
Authors: Liu Dingli , Zhu Yun , Pang Jinke , Weng Xie , Feng Xiaorong , Guo Yabing 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe metastasis‐associated lung adenocarcinoma transcription 1 (Malat1) is a long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA), exerts oncogenic role in multiple cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study was aimed to investigate its posttranscriptional regulation in HCC cells. RT‐PCR was performed to monitor the expression levels of Malat1 in normal liver and HCC cell lines. The expression of Malat1, microRNA (miR)‐195, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in HepG2 and MHCC97 cells was respectively or synchronously altered by transfection. Then the changes in cell viability, apoptotic cell rate, cell cycle distribution, migration, and invasion were respectively assessed. As a result, we found that Malat1 was highly expressed in HCC cell lines when compared to normal liver cells. Malat1 silence suppressed HCC cells viability, migration and invasion, induced apoptosis, and arrested more cells in G0/G1 phase. Malat1 acted as a circular endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR‐195. Malat1 silence could not suppress HCC cell growth and motility when miR‐195 was knocked down. EGFR was a direct target of miR‐195. miR‐195 overexpression could not suppress HCC cell growth and motility when the 3′UTR site of EGFR was overexpressed. Furthermore, Malat1 silence blocked the activation of PI3K/AKT and JAK/STAT pathways, while EGFR overexpression activated them. Our study demonstrates Malat1‐miR‐195‐EGFR axis plays a critical role in HCC cells which provided a better understanding of Malat1 in HCC.
Breast cancer stem cells are involved in Trastuzumab resistance through the HER2 modulation in 3D culture
Authors: Rodríguez Cristina E. , Berardi Damian E. , Abrigo Marianela , Todaro Laura B. , Bal de Kier Joffé Elisa D. , Fiszman Gabriel L. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBreast cancer human cells culture as spheroids develop autophagy and apoptosis, which promotes Trastuzumab resistance in HER2 overexpressing cells. Our aim was to study the association of the hostile environment developed in 3D with the breast cancer stem cells population and the HER2 modulation. Human mammary adenocarcinoma cell lines were cultured as spheroids using the hanging drop method. We generated hypoxia conditions by using a hypoxic chamber and CoCl2 treatment. Breast cancer stem cells were measured with mammosphere assays, the analysis of CD44 + CD24low population by flow cytometry and the pluripotent gene expression by RT‐qPCR. HER2 expression was evaluated by flow cytometry and Western blot. MTS assays were conducted to study cell viability. Hostil environment developed in spheroids, defined by hypoxia and autophagy, modulated the response to Trastuzumab. In HER2+ cells with acquired resistance, we observed an increase in the breast cancer stem cell population. In BT474 spheroids, Trastuzumab induced the acquisition of resistance, along with an increase in breast cancer stem cells. Also, in 3D culture conditions we determined a modulation in the HER2 expression. Moreover, breast cancer stem cells showed enhanced HER2 expression. Finally, cells without HER2 gene amplification cultured as spheroids were sensitive to Trastuzumab, diminishing HER2 expression and cancer stem cells. Our findings show that 3D architecture is able to modulate breast cancer stem cell population and HER2 distribution, modifying the cell response to Trastuzumab.
Dimorphic ejaculates and sperm release strategies associated with alternative mating behaviors in the squid
Authors: Apostólico Lígia H. , Marian José E. A. R. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSperm competition is a powerful postcopulatory selective force influencing male adaptations associated with increasing fertilization success, and it is usually related to the evolution of different strategies of ejaculate expenditure between individuals. Ejaculates may also be influenced by additional selective pressures associated with sperm competition, such as timing between insemination and fertilization, female reproductive tract morphology, and fertilization environment. Also, males that adopt alternative mating tactics may face distinct sperm competition pressures, which may lead to the evolution of intraspecific diversity in ejaculates. In loliginid squids, males with alternative reproductive tactics (sneakers and consorts) differ not only in mating behavior, but also transfer spermatophores into two distinct sites within the female. Here, we compared structure and functioning of spermatophores between sneakers and consorts in the squid Doryteuthis plei applying microscopy techniques and in vitro experiments. Sneakers and consorts exhibit differences in spermatophore structure that lead to distinct spermatophoric reactions and spermatangium morphologies. Moreover, in sneakers, sperm release lasts longer and their sperm show an aggregative behavior not detected in consorts. Slow sperm release may be a strategy to guarantee longer sperm provision, given the wide interval between sneaker mating and egg release. For consorts, in turn, intense and quick sperm discharge may be advantageous, as timing between mating and egg‐laying is relatively short. Within the complex squid mating system, factors such as (i) different fertilization sites and (ii) interval between mating and egg release may also influence sperm competition, and ultimately shape the evolution of divergent ejaculates between dimorphic males.
Collagen organization regulates stretch‐initiated pain‐related neuronal signals in vitro: Implications for structure–function relationships in innervated ligaments
Authors: Zhang Sijia , Singh Sagar , Winkelstein Beth A. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTInjury to the spinal facet capsule, an innervated ligament with heterogeneous collagen organization, produces pain. Although mechanical facet joint trauma activates embedded afferents, it is unclear if, and how, the varied extracellular microstructure of its ligament affects sensory transduction for pain from mechanical inputs. To investigate the effects of macroscopic deformations on afferents in collagen matrices with different organizations, an in vitro neuron‐collagen construct (NCC) model was used. NCCs with either randomly organized or parallel aligned collagen fibers were used to mimic the varied microstructure in the facet capsular ligament. Embryonic rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were encapsulated in the NCCs; axonal outgrowth was uniform and in all directions in random NCCs, but parallel in aligned NCCs. NCCs underwent uniaxial stretch (0.25 ± 0.06 strain) corresponding to sub‐failure facet capsule strains that induce pain. Macroscopic NCC mechanics were measured and axonal expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (pERK) and the neurotransmitter substance P (SP) was assayed at 1 day to assess neuronal activation and nociception. Stretch significantly upregulated pERK expression in both random and aligned gels (p < 0.001), with the increase in pERK being significantly higher (p = 0.013) in aligned than in random NCCs. That increase likely relates to the higher peak force (p = 0.025) and stronger axon alignment (p < 0.001) with stretch direction in the aligned NCCs. In contrast, SP expression was greater in stretched NCCs (p < 0.001) regardless of collagen organization. These findings suggest that collagen organization differentially modulates pain‐related neuronal signaling and support structural heterogeneity of ligament tissue as mediating sensory function. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:770–777, 2018.
Raman signatures of monoclinic distortion in (Ba1−xSrx)3CaNb2O9 complex perovskites
Authors: Rodrigues J. E. , Bezerra D. M. , Costa R. C. , Pizani P. S. , Hernandes A. C. 
Published: July 2017

Octahedral tilting is the most common distortion process observed in centrosymmetric perovskite compounds. Indeed, crucial physical properties of this oxide stem from the tilts of BO6 rigid octahedra. In microwave ceramics with perovskite‐type structure, there is a close relation between the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency and the tilt system of the perovskite structure. However, in many cases, limited access facilities are needed to assign correctly the space group, including neutron scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Here, we combine the Raman scattering and group theory calculations to probe the structural distortion in the perovskite (Ba1−xSrx)3CaNb2O9 solid solution, which exhibits a structural phase transition at x ≥ 0.7, from D3d3 trigonal to C2h3 monoclinic cell. Both phases are related by an octahedral tilting distortion (a0b−b− in Glazer notation). Low‐temperature Raman spectra corroborate the group‐theoretical predictions for Sr3CaNb2O9 compound because 36 modes detected at 25 K agree well with the 42 (25Ag ⊕ 17Bg) predicted ones. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of blueberry liquor: influence of distillate, sweetener and fruit quantity
Authors: Caldeira Ilda , Lopes Daniel , Delgado Teresa , Canas Sara , Anjos Ofélia 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn this work different formulations of blueberry liquor were tested and characterised based on their physico‐chemical and sensory characteristics.RESULTSThree factors were evaluated: the distillate used to produce the liquor (wine spirit or grape marc spirit); the sweetener (white sugar or honey) and the fruit quantity (two doses). For each liquor, pH, total acidity, dry soluble solids content, dry extract, alcoholic strength, reducing sugars, colour intensity, methanol content, acetaldehyde and fusel alcohols were determined. Sensory tests were carried out with a trained panel.CONCLUSIONThe three factors studied significantly influenced the physico‐chemical features of the liquors, being the quantity of fruit the most discriminating factor, except for the volatile compounds which were mainly influenced by the distillate. As regards the sensory analysis, it was found that the most appreciated liquor was that prepared with wine spirit, sugar and a lower dose of blueberry, and the less appreciated formulation was the one made with grape marc spirit, honey and a lower quantity of blueberry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Dispersive solid‐phase extraction for the determination of trace organochlorine pesticides in apple juices using reduced graphene oxide coated with ZnO nanocomposites as sorbent
Authors: Sun Ting , Sun Hefeng , Zhao Feng 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn this work, reduced graphene oxide coated with ZnO nanocomposites was used as an efficient sorbent of dispersive solid‐phase extraction and successfully applied for the extraction of organochlorine pesticides from apple juice followed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Several experimental parameters affecting the extraction efficiencies, including the amount of adsorbent, extraction time, and the pH of the sample solution, as well as the type and volume of eluent solvent, were investigated and optimized. Under the optimal experimental conditions, good linearity existed in the range of 1.0–200.0 ng/mL for all the analytes with the correlation coefficients (R2) ranging from 0.9964 to 0.9994. The limits of detection of the method for the compounds were 0.011–0.053 ng/mL. Good reproducibilities were acquired with relative standard deviations below 8.7% for both intraday and interday precision. The recoveries of the method were in the range of 78.1–105.8% with relative standard deviations of 3.3–6.9%.
Green micellar HPLC analysis of three angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors in their mixtures with hydrochlorothiazide and modeling of their retention behavior by fitting to Foley's model
Authors: Eid Manal , El‐Shabrawy Yasser , El‐Shaheny Rania 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe present an environmentally friendly method for the analysis of three angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and hydrochlorothiazide simultaneously using a green micellar eluent for the first time. The chromatographic separation of enalapril maleate, lisinopril dihydrate, benazepril hydrochloride, and hydrochlorothiazide was implemented on an octadecyl silica column with a solution containing sodium dodecyl sulfate (0.12 M), 1‐propyl alcohol (10% v/v), triethylamine (0.3% v/v), and H3PO4 (0.02 M) at pH 3.6 as the mobile phase and UV detection at 210 nm. Validity of the method was confirmed and it exhibited good linearity within the ranges of 5.0–50.0 μg/mL for hydrochlorothiazide and 10.0–60.0 μg/mL for the three angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors with a limit of detection of 0.39 to 1.15 μg/mL for all the studied drugs. The developed micellar high‐performance liquid chromatography method enables the quantification of the targeted angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors in combined tablets with hydrochlorothiazide by isocratic elution. There is no need for special precautions to prevent broadening and splitting of their chromatographic peaks. The method fulfills the society rights for safe and green analytical methods. The retention behavior of the four studied drugs was fitted to Foley's model and their association equilibria to the micelles (KAM) and to the surface‐modified stationary phase (KAS) were calculated.