bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of technical grade carbonic anhydrase as biocatalyst for CO2 capture in potassium carbonate solutions
Authors: Peirce Sara , Perfetto Rosa , Russo Maria Elena , Capasso Clemente , Rossi Mosè , Salatino Piero , Marzocchella Antonio 
Published: October 2017

AbstractReactive absorption promoted by carbonic anhydrase (CA, E.C. 4.2.1.1.) catalysis has been proposed for CO2 capture from exhaust gas as an alternative to the reactive absorption in amine solutions. Potassium carbonate solutions allow feasible CO2 capture assisted by CA. This paper reports on the characterization of a CA form supplied by Novozymes as a catalyst for CO2 capture in K2CO3 solutions at operating conditions relevant for industrial processes (2–3 M K2CO3, 298–313 K, 0–40% carbonate to bicarbonate conversion). CO2 absorption tests were carried out in a batch‐stirred cell apparatus at constant gas volume and temperature by measuring gas pressure decay. The enhancement ratio between CO2 absorption rate with and without the enzyme at biocatalyst concentration above 0.3 kg m−3 ranged between 5 and 8 depending on the solvent composition and temperature. Active enzyme aggregates formed at protein concentration larger than 0.3 kg/m3 and their contribution to the absorption rate enhancement was remarkable. Assessment of enzyme kinetics in homogeneous solutions at enzyme concentration lower than 0.018 kg·m−3 showed that kcat/KM increased with both temperature and salt concentration. kcat/KM ranged between 9.0·103 and 7.0·104 m3·kg−1·s−1 in agreement with literature data on carbonic anhydrase kinetics. Reliability of the adopted method for kinetic characterization was confirmed. The activity of enzyme aggregates formed in the carbonate solvent was verified and CA aggregates can be used to select the proper CA based biocatalyst for CO2 capture application as an alternative to free and immobilized enzyme. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics of CA1 place fields in a complex maze with multiple choice points
Authors: Tanila H. , Ku S. , Kloosterman F. , Wilson M. A. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractFor the sake of rigorous control of task variables, hippocampal place cells have been usually studied in relatively simple environments. To approach the situation of real‐life navigation in an urban‐like environment, we recorded CA1 place cells while rats performance a memory task in a “Townmaze” with two start locations, three alternate paths in the maze midsection, followed by a two‐way choice that determined the trial outcome, access to a goal compartment. Further, to test the ability of place cells to update their spatial representation upon local changes in the environment while maintaining the integrity of the overall spatial map to allow effective navigation, we occasionally introduced barriers in the maze mid‐section to force the rat to select a nonpreferred route. The “Townmaze” revealed many new interesting features of CA1 neurons. First, we found neurons with 3–5 fields that appear to represent segments on a single common route through the maze. Second, we found neurons with 3–5 fields similarly aligned along the longitudinal or transverse maze axis. Responses to the barriers were assessed separately near and far from the barriers. Appearance of new fields in response to the barriers took place almost exclusively only locally near the barrier, whereas in‐field firing rate changes occurred throughout the maze. Further, field location changes did not correlate with the task performance, whereas firing rate changes did. These findings suggest that in a complex environment with blocked distal views, CA1 neurons code for the environment as sequences of significant nodes but are also capable of extracting and associating common elements across these sequences.
Perspectives on the underlying drivers of urgent and emergency care reconfiguration in Ireland
Authors: Droog E. , Foley C. , Healy O. , Buckley C. , Boyce M. , McHugh S. , Browne J.P. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryBackgroundThere is an increasing tendency to reconfigure acute hospital care towards a more centralised and specialised model, particularly for complex care conditions. Although centralisation is presented as “evidence‐based”, the relevant studies are often challenged by groups which hold perspectives and values beyond those implicit in the literature. This study investigated stakeholder perspectives on the rationale for the reconfiguration of urgent and emergency care in Ireland. Specifically, it considered the hypothesis that individuals from different stakeholder groups would endorse different positions in relation to the motivation for, and goals of, reconfiguration.MethodsDocumentary analysis of policy documents was used to identify official justifications for change. Semi‐structured interviews with 175 purposively sampled stakeholders explored their perspectives on the rationale for reconfiguration.ResultsWhile there was some within‐group variation, internal and external stakeholders generally vocalised different lines of argument. Clinicians and management in the internal stakeholder group proposed arguments in favour of reconfiguration based on efficiency and safety claims. External stakeholders, including hospital campaigners and local political representatives expressed arguments that focused on access to care. A “voter” argument, focused on the role of local politicians in determining the outcome of reconfiguration planning, was mentioned by both internal and external stakeholders, often in a critical fashion.ConclusionOur study adds to an emerging literature on the interaction between a technocratic approach to health system planning advocated by clinicians and health service managers, and the experiential “non‐expert” claims of the public and patients.
Combination of carvacrol with simvastatin improves the lipid‐lowering efficacy and alleviates simvastatin side effects
Authors: Abd El Aal Hayat A. , Ahmed Lamiaa A. , Hassan Wedad A. , Fawzy Hala M. , Moawad Helmy 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe present investigation was designed to examine the possible additive hypolipidemic effect of carvacrol (CARV) in combination with simvastatin (SIM) on poloxamer 407 (P407)‐induced hyperlipidemia. Rats were injected with P407, (500 mg/ kg; i.p.), twice a week, for 30 days. Treatment was carried out by administration of SIM (20 mg/kg/day; p.o.) or CARV (50 mg/kg/day; p.o.) or combination of them. Treatment with CARV significantly decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein, atherogenic index, leptin, and increased high‐density lipoprotein and adiponectin. Moreover, CARV potentiated the hypolipidemic effect of SIM. Both SIM and CARV alleviated the oxidative stress induced by P407. Interestingly, CARV, when combined with SIM, significantly ameliorated SIM‐induced liver and muscle injury by reducing the level of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and myoglobin and restoring the normal histological picture of both liver and muscle as well as apoptosis.
BMP9/COX‐2 axial mediates high phosphate‐induced calcification in vascular smooth muscle cells via Wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: He Fang , Wang Han , Ren Wen‐Yan , Ma Yan , Liao Yun‐Peng , Zhu Jia‐Hui , Cui Jin , Deng Zhong‐Liang , Su Yu‐Xi , Gan Hua , He Bai‐Cheng 
Published: October 2017

AbstractVascular calcification is a notable risk factor for cardiovascular system. High phosphate can induce calcification in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), but the detail mechanism underlying this process remains unclear. In the present study, we determined the relationship between high phosphate and bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) in VSMCs, the effect of BMP9 on calcification in VSMCs and the effect of COX‐2 on BMP9 induced calcification in VSMCs, as well as the possible mechanism underlying this biological process. We found that high phosphate obviously up‐regulates the expression of BMP9 in VSMCs. Over‐expression of BMP9 decreases the level of alpha‐smooth muscle cell actin (α‐SMA) apparently, but increases the level of Runx‐2, Dlx‐5, and ALP in VSMCs. Meanwhile, BMP9 increases the level of OPN and OCN, promotes mineralization in VSMCs and induces calcification in thoracic aorta. High phosphate and over‐expression of BMP9 increases the level of COX‐2. Over‐expression of COX‐2 enhances the inhibitory effect of BMP9 on α‐SAM and increases the level of OPN and OCN induced by BMP9. However, inhibition of COX‐2 decreases the BMP9‐induced calcification in VSMCs and thoracic aorta. For mechanism, we found that high phosphate or BMP9 increases the level of β‐catenin and p‐GSK3β in VSMCs, but no substantial effect on GSK3β. However, COX‐2 inhibitor decreases the expression of β‐catenin induced by BMP9. Our findings indicated that BMP9 is involved in the phosphate‐induced calcification in VSMCs and COX‐2 partly mediates the BMP9‐induced calcification in VSMCs through activating Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.
MALAT1 modulates the autophagy of retinoblastoma cell through miR‐124‐mediated stx17 regulation
Authors: Huang Jun , Yang Yuting , Fang Fang , Liu Ke 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular malignant tumor in infants and children; it is one of the deadliest forms of cancer due to its limited sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In several cancers, chemoresistance is associated with autophagy induction. Non‐coding RNAs, including long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNA) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to regulate physiological activities of the cells, including proliferation, apoptosis, migration, as well as autophagy. MALAT1, a well‐established lncRNA acts as an oncogene, promotes cancer proliferation, and metastasis via the stimulation of autophagy. In addition to MALAT1, miR‐124, a known tumor suppressor, has also been reported to regulate cell apoptosis and autophagy in dopaminergic neurons. In the present study, we investigated the roles of MALAT1 and miR‐124 in the regulation of retinoblastoma cell autophagy through evaluating the changes of autophagy‐related proteins. Through direct targeting miR‐124, MALAT1 promotes retinoblastoma cell autophagy. Further, we investigated whether Syntaxin 17 (STX17), a Soluble NSF Attachment Protein receptor (SNARE) of the autophagosome, is involved in MALAT1/miR‐124 regulation of retinoblastoma cell autophagy, and the underlying mechanism. Taken together, we provided novel experimental and theoretical basis for regulation of retinoblastoma cell autophagy, and potential direction of dealing with autophagy‐induced chemoresistance of retinoblastoma, which need further in‐depth study.
Updates on immunity and inflammation in Parkinson disease pathology
Authors: Joshi Neeraj , Singh Sarika 
Published: October 2017

AbstractStudies in the last decade have suggested the association of both neuroinflammatory processes and immune responses in Parkinson disease (PD) pathology. PD pathology is related to depleted dopamine levels, α‐synuclein aggregation, and death of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. Reports have suggested central and peripheral inflammation in the prodromal stage of the disease, which is sustained during disease progression. Alongside the activation of peripheral immune system exacerbates the dissonant central inflammatory responses and could contribute in synergistic neurodegeneration. Activated glial cells contribute significantly in the neuroinflammatory process during the occurrence of the disease and are also acknowledged as a hallmark of disease progression. However, the contribution of glial cells is not well defined in the context of neurodegeneration and neuroprotection. This review provides an overview of the roles of immune and inflammatory responses and their consequences in PD disease pathogenesis and also discusses possible therapeutic strategies for PD based on these findings.
Evaluation of a new method for librarian‐mediated literature searches for systematic reviews
Authors: Bramer Wichor M. , Rethlefsen Melissa L. , Mast Frans , Kleijnen Jos 
Published: October 2017

ObjectiveTo evaluate and validate the time of completion and results of a new method of searching for systematic reviews, the exhaustive search method (ESM), using a pragmatic comparison.MethodsSingle‐line search strategies were prepared in a text document. Term completeness was ensured with a novel optimization technique. Macros in MS Word converted the syntaxes between databases and interfaces almost automatically. We compared search characteristics, such as number of search terms and databases, and outcomes, such as number of included and retrieved references and precision, from ESM searches and other Dutch academic hospitals identified by searching PubMed for systematic reviews published between 2014 and 2016. We compared time to perform the ESM with a secondary comparator of recorded search times from published literature and contact with authors to acquire unpublished data.ResultsWe identified 73 published Erasmus MC systematic reviews and 258 published by other Dutch academic hospitals meeting our criteria. We pooled search time data from 204 other systematic reviews. The ESM searches differed by using 2 times more databases, retrieving 44% more references, including 20% more studies in the final systematic review, but the time needed for the search was 8% of that of the control group. Similarities between methods include precision and the number of search terms.ConclusionsThe evaluated similarities and differences suggest that the ESM is a highly efficient way to locate more references meeting the specified selection criteria in systematic reviews than traditional search methods. Further prospective research is required.
Oxidation pretreatment by calcium hypochlorite to improve the sensitivity of enzyme inhibition‐based detection of organophosphorus pesticides
Authors: Yang Xiao , Dai Juan , Yang Li , Ma Ming , Zhao Su‐Juan , Chen Xiang‐Gui , Xiao Hang 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDEnzyme inhibition‐based detection is the most widely used method for rapid detection of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) in food and agricultural products. However, the accuracy of the method is negatively affected by low inhibitory activities of OPs with PS moiety on acetylcholinesterase.RESULTSWe demonstrated that oxidation pretreatments with bromine, hydrogen peroxide, or calcium hypochlorite significantly enhanced the enzyme inhibitory activities of these OPs. Especially, calcium hypochlorite (0.05%) pretreatment converted the PS moiety in OPs to PO and produced the most potent and steady inhibitory effect on the enzyme. This, in turn, resulted in a dramatic increase in the sensitivity of enzyme inhibition‐based detection of these OPs by as much as 2 to 7 orders of magnitude. Importantly, this enhanced detection of OPs was validated in various vegetable samples.CONCLUSIONOur findings provide a solid basis to use calcium hypochlorite pretreatment for the improved detection of OPs by the enzyme inhibition‐based method. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Effective excision of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the face using analysis of intra‐operative frozen sections from the whole specimen
Authors: Hutting Kor H. , Bos Paul G. , Kibbelaar Robby E. , Veeger Nic J. G. M. , Marck Klaas W. , Mouës Chantal M. 
Published: October 2017

Background and ObjectivesWe excised cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) of the face while using intra‐operative frozen section analysis of the margins in an optimized bread‐loafing fashion (WIFSA).MethodsMedical records were reviewed of 160 cSCCs of the face that were treated by surgical excision with WIFSA between April 2007 and January 2013. The accuracy of WIFSA was verified by comparing results with postoperative formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) sections. Also, recurrence and metastasis during follow‐up were studied and duration of treatment and complications were analyzed.ResultsThe 160 cSCCs affected 152 patients. In 131 cSCCs (mean follow‐up: 41.0 months, SD: ±26.3, range: 3.0‐110.7) occurred 6 (4.6%) recurrences and 2 (1.5%) metastases. Of the WIFSA results, 98.8% corresponded with postoperative FFPE sections. Mean duration of treatment was 77 min (SD: ±25, range: 34‐159) and complication rate was 8.1%.ConclusionsSurgical excision with WIFSA is an excellent treatment modality for cSCC of the face because of its accurate method for assessment of complete tumor removal, low recurrence and metastasis rate, short average duration of treatment, and low complication rate.
Isolation of ellagic acid from pomegranate peel extract by hydrophobic interaction chromatography using graphene oxide grafted cotton fiber adsorbent
Authors: Peng Rong , Wu Qijiayu , Chen Jingling , Ghosh Raja , Chen Xiaonong 
Published: October 2017

AbstractEllagic acid, a natural polyphenol, was isolated from pomegranate peel extract by hydrophobic interaction using graphene oxide grafted cotton fiber as a stationary adsorbent. The grafted graphene oxide moieties served as hydrophobic interaction‐binding sites for ellagic acid adsorption. The graphene oxide grafted cotton fiber was made into a membrane‐like sheet in order to complete ellagic acid purification by using a binding–elution mode. The effects of operational parameters, such as the composition of the binding buffer/elution buffer, buffer pH, and buffer concentration, on the isolation process were investigated. It was found that 5 mmol/L sodium carbonate aqueous solution is a proper‐binding buffer, and sodium hydroxide aqueous solution ranging from 0.04 to 0.06 mol/L is a suitable elution solution for ellagic acid purification. Under the optimized condition, the purity of ellagic acid increased significantly from 7.5% in the crude extract to 75.0–80.0%. The pH value was found to be a key parameter that determines the adsorption and desorption of ellagic acid. No organic solvent is involved in the entire purification process. Thus, a simple and environmentally friendly method is established for ellagic acid purification using a graphene oxide‐modified biodegradable and bio‐sourced fibrous adsorbent.
Construction of a novel electrochemical sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymers for the selective determination of chlorpyrifos in real samples
Authors: Xu Wanzhen , Wang Qingqing , Huang Weihong , Yang Wenming 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWe present a novel electrochemical sensor based on an electrode modified with molecularly imprinted polymers for the detection of chlorpyrifos. The modified electrode was constructed by the synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers by a precipitation method then coated on a glassy carbon electrode. The surface morphology of the modified electrode was characterized by using field‐emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The performance of the imprinted sensor was thoroughly investigated by using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. The imprinted electrochemical sensor displayed high repeatability, stability, and selectivity towards the template molecules. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the peak current response of the imprinted electrochemical sensor was linearly related to the concentration of chlorpyrifos over the range 1 × 10−10–1 × 10−5 mol/L with a limit of detection of 4.08 × 10−9 mol/L (signal‐to‐noise ratio = 3). Furthermore, the proposed molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor was applied to the determination of chlorpyrifos in the complicated matrixes of real samples with satisfactory results. Therefore, the molecularly imprinted polymers based electrochemical sensor might provide a highly selective, rapid, and cost‐effective method for chlorpyrifos determination and related analysis.
Kinetic Modeling of Secondary Methane Formation and 1‐Olefin Hydrogenation in Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis over a Cobalt Catalyst
Authors: Todic Branislav , Ma Wenping , Jacobs Gary , Nikacevic Nikola , Davis Burtron H. , Bukur Dragomir B. 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTA detailed kinetic model of Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) product formation, including secondary methane formation and 1‐olefin hydrogenation, has been developed. Methane formation in FTS over the cobalt‐based catalyst is well known to be higher‐than‐expected compared to other n‐paraffin products under typical reaction conditions. A novel model proposes secondary methane formation on a different type of active site, which is not active in forming C2+ products, to explain this anomalous methane behavior. In addition, a model of secondary 1‐olefin hydrogenation has also been developed. Secondary 1‐olefin hydrogenation is related to secondary methane formation with both reactions happening on the same type of active sites. The model parameters were estimated from experimental data obtained with Co/Re/γ‐Al2O3 catalyst in a slurry‐phase stirred tank reactor over a range of conditions (T = 478, 493, and 503 K, P = 1.5 and 2.5 MPa, H2/CO feed ratio = 1.4 and 2.1, and XCO = 16–62%). The proposed model including secondary methane formation and 1‐olefin hydrogenation is shown to provide an improved quantitative and qualitative prediction of experimentally observed behavior compared to the detailed model with only primary reactions.
A new endoscopic minimal invasive approach for pudendal nerve and inferior cluneal nerve neurolysis: An anatomical study
Authors: Ploteau Stéphane , Robert Roger , Bruyninx Luc , Rigaud Jérome , Jottard Katleen 
Published: October 2017

AimTo describe a new minimal invasive approach of the gluteal region which will permit to perform neurolysis of the pudendal and cluneal nerves in case of perineal neuralgia due to an entrapment of these nerve trunks.MethodTen transgluteal approaches were performed on five cadavers. Relevant anatomic structures were dissected and further described. Neurolysis of the pudendal nerve or cluneal nerves were performed. Landmarks for secure intraoperative navigation were indicated.ResultsThe first operative trocar for the camera was inserted with regards to the iliac crest in the deep gluteal space. With the aid of pneumodissection, the infragluteal plane was dissected. The piriformis muscle was identified as well as the sciatic and the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve. Consequently, the sciatic tuberosity was visualized together with the cluneal nerves. Hereafter, the second trocar was introduced caudal to the first one and placed on an horizontal line passing at the level of the coccyx, allowing access to the ischial spine and the visualization of the pudendal nerve and vessels. A third 5 mm trocar was then inserted medial from the first one, permitting to dissect and transsect the sacrospinous ligament. The pudendal nerve was subsequently transposed and followed on its course in the pudendal channel.ConclusionsA reliable exploration of the gluteal region including identification of the sciatic, pudendal, and posterior femoral cutaneous nerves is feasible using a minimal invasive transgluteal procedure. Consequently, the transposition of the pudendal nerve and the liberation of the cluneal nerves can be performed.