bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physiological and biochemical aspects of flower development and senescence in Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Viv.
Authors: Nisar Shaziya , Tahir Inayatullah , Ahmad Syed Sabhi , Dar Riyaz Ahmad 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Healthy buds of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia growing in the Kashmir University Botanic Garden were selected for the present study. Flower development and senescence was divided into seven stages, viz., tight bud stage (I), mature bud stage (II), pencil stage (III), partially open stage (IV), open stage (V), partially senescent stage (VI) and senescent stage (VII). Various physiological and biochemical changes were recorded at each stage of flower development and senescence. Floral diameter, fresh mass, dry mass and water content showed an increase up to flower opening (stage V) and thereafter a significant decrease was recorded as the flower development progressed towards senescence through stages VI and VII. An increase in α-amino acids, total phenols and sugars was registered towards anthesis (stage V) and a decrease in these parameters was recorded with senescence. Protease activity showed a significant increase towards senescence with a concomitant decrease in soluble proteins. Based on the quantitative analysis of various biochemical parameters, the flower opening in N. plumbaginifolia seems to be accompanied by an increase in the water content, soluble proteins, α‑amino acids and phenols. A decrease in these parameters, besides an increase in protease activity induces senescence in the beautiful flowers of N. plumbaginifolia. Understanding flower senescence may help in improving the postharvest performance of this beautiful ornamental flower to make it a potential material for the floriculture industry.
Sorption isotherms of waterlogged subfossil Scots pine wood impregnated with a lactitol and trehalose mixture
Authors: Majka Jerzy , Babiński Leszek , Olek Wiesław 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA waterlogged subfossil Scots pine wood, 12 500-years-old, was impregnated with a mixture of lactitol and trehalose as well as with polyethylene glycol (PEG) mixtures, respectively, and the sorption properties of the impregnated samples were determined. All the impregnated wood samples were freeze-dried. The sorption isotherms were parameterized with the Guggenheim-Anderson-deBoer (GAB) and Generalized D’Arcy and Watt (GDW) models. Better hygroscopic properties were found for wood impregnated with the lactitol and trehalose mixture as compared to the PEG treatments. An anomalous increase of equilibrium moisture content (EMC) was found for PEG treated wood at a high relative humidity (RH) as compared to untreated wood at RH<80%. The lactitol and trehalose mixture significantly reduced this effect due to the decreased sorption of polymolecular water. Another positive effect of the alternative method is the ca. 50% reduction of the sorption hysteresis as compared to untreated wood. Moreover, the hysteresis was also much lower in the case of high RH as compared to PEG treated wood. The alternative treatment is also effective in terms of the dimensional stabilization of decayed wood.
Effects of Rolling and Cooling Conditions on Microstructure of Umbrella-Bone Steel
Authors: Wu Yan-Xin , Fu Jian-Xun , Zhang Hua , Xu Jie , Zhai Qi-Jie 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe effects of deformation temperature and cooling rate on the micro-structure evolution of umbrella-bone steel was investigated using a Gleeble thermal-mechanical testing machine and dynamic continuous cooling transformation (CCT) curves. The results show that fast cooling which lowers the starting temperature of ferrite transformation leads to finer ferrite grains and more pearlite. Low temperature deformation enhances the hardening effect of austenite and reduces hardenability, allowing a wider range of cooling rates and thus avoiding martensite transformation after deformation. According to the phase transformation rules, the ultimate tensile strength and reduction in area of the wire rod formed in the optimized industrial trial are 636 MPa and 73.6 %, respectively, showing excellent strength and plasticity.
Improvement Screening for Ultra-High Dimensional Data with Censored Survival Outcomes and Varying Coefficients
Authors: Yue Mu , Li Jialiang 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMotivated by risk prediction studies with ultra-high dimensional bio markers, we propose a novel improvement screening methodology. Accurate risk prediction can be quite useful for patient treatment selection, prevention strategy or disease management in evidence-based medicine. The question of how to choose new markers in addition to the conventional ones is especially important. In the past decade, a number of new measures for quantifying the added value from the new markers were proposed, among which the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) and net reclassification improvement (NRI) stand out. Meanwhile, C-statistics are routinely used to quantify the capacity of the estimated risk score in discriminating among subjects with different event times. In this paper, we will examine these improvement statistics as well as the norm-based approach for evaluating the incremental values of new markers and compare these four measures by analyzing ultra-high dimensional censored survival data. In particular, we consider Cox proportional hazards models with varying coefficients. All measures perform very well in simulations and we illustrate our methods in an application to a lung cancer study.
Addition of omega-3 fatty acid and coenzyme Q10 to statin therapy in patients with combined dyslipidemia
Authors: Tóth Štefan , Šajty Matej , Pekárová Tímea , Mughees Adil , Štefanič Peter , Katz Matan , Spišáková Katarína , Pella Jozef , Pella Daniel 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Background:
Statins represent a group of drugs that are currently indicated in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. Their administration can be associated with side effects and the insufficient reduction of triacylglyceride (TAG) levels. This study aimed to assess the effect of the triple combination of statins with omega-3 fatty acids and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on parameters associated with atherogenesis and statin side effects.

Methods:
In this pilot randomized double-blind trial, 105 subjects who met the criteria of combined dislipidemia and elevated TAG levels were randomly divided into three groups. In the control group, unaltered statin therapy was indicated. In the second and third groups, omega-3 PUFA 2.52 g/day (Zennix fa Pleuran) and omega-3 PUFA 2.52 g+CoQ10 200 mg/day (Pharma Nord ApS) were added, res//. At the end of the 3-month period (±1 week), all patients were evaluated.

Results:
Significant reduction of hepatic enzymes activity, systolic blood preasure, inflammatory markers and TAG levels were detected in both groups in comparison to the control group. Activity of SOD and GPx increased significantly after additive therapy. Coenzyme Q10 addition significantly reduced most of the abovementioned parameters (systolic blood preasure, total cholesterol, LDL, hsCRP, IL-6, SOD) in comparison with the statin+omega-3 PUFA group. The intensity of statin adverse effects were significantly reduced in the group with the addition of CoQ10.

Conclusions:
The results of this pilot study suggest the possible beneficial effects of triple combination on the lipid and non-lipid parameters related to atherogenesis and side effects of statin treatment.
Associations of Physical Fitness and Body Composition Characteristics With Simulated Military Task Performance
Authors: Pihlainen Kai , Santtila Matti , Häkkinen Keijo , Kyröläinen Heikki 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Pihlainen, K, Santtila, M, Häkkinen, K, and Kyröläinen, H. Associations of physical fitness and body composition characteristics with simulated military task performance. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 1089–1098, 2018—The purpose of this study was to evaluate the associations of physical fitness and body composition characteristics with anaerobic endurance performance, tested in the combat load using the occupationally relevant military simulation test (MST). Eighty-one male soldiers, deployed to a crisis management operation in the Middle East, volunteered for the study and participated in a test battery consisting measurements of muscle strength, body composition characteristics, endurance capacity, and MST. A Spearman correlational analysis revealed that the strongest variable, correlated with MST time, was the countermovement jump performed with the combat load (CMJ2) (r
s = −0.66, p < 0.001). Among the individual body composition variables, the MST time had the strongest relationship with fat percentage (r
s = 0.53, p < 0.001) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) (r
s = −0.47, p < 0.001). The use of the dead mass ratio, which was calculated dividing body mass by fat mass accompanied with the weight of the combat load, increased body composition-based associations significantly, and this variable turned out to be the best single predictor for the MST performance (r
s = −0.67, p < 0.001). Significant predictors of the MST time in the stepwise multivariate regression analysis included CMJ2, 3000 m, SMM, and push-ups. Together, these variables explained 66% (

JOURNAL/jscr/04.03/00124278-201804000-00025/inline-formula1/v/2023-08-19T002751Z/r/image-tiff

, model p < 0.001) of the variance in the MST time. In conclusion, the novel MST is a promising military specific assessment method of muscle power of the lower extremities and endurance capacity, which are crucial performance components in anaerobic combat situations.
Genetic defects in pediatric-onset adrenal insufficiency in Japan
Authors: Amano Naoko , Narumi Satoshi , Hayashi Mie , Takagi Masaki , Imai Kazuhide , Nakamura Toshiro , Hachiya Rumi , Sasaki Goro , Homma Keiko , Ishii Tomohiro , Hasegawa Tomonobu 
Published: May 2017

Context
Most patients with pediatric-onset primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI), such as 21-hydroxylase deficiency, can be diagnosed by measuring the urine or serum levels of steroid metabolites. However, the etiology is often difficult to determine in a subset of patients lacking characteristic biochemical findings.

Objective
To assess the frequency of genetic defects in Japanese children with biochemically uncharacterized PAI and characterize the phenotypes of mutation-carrying patients.

Methods
We enrolled 63 Japanese children (59 families) with biochemically uncharacterized PAI, and sequenced 12 PAI-associated genes. The pathogenicities of rare variants were assessed based on in silico analyses and structural modeling. We calculated the proportion of mutation-carrying patients according to demographic characteristics.

Results
We identified genetic defects in 50 (85%) families: STAR in 19, NR0B1 in 18, SAMD9 in seven, AAAS in two, NNT in two, MC2R in one and CDKN1C in one. NR0B1 defects were identified in 78% of the male patients that received both glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement therapy and had normal male external genitalia. STAR defects were identified in 67% of female and 9% of male patients. Seven of the 19 patients with STAR defects developed PAI at age two or older, out of whom, five did not have mineralocorticoid deficiency.

Conclusions
Molecular testing elucidated the etiologies of most biochemically uncharacterized PAI patients. Genetic defects such as NR0B1 defects are presumed based on phenotypes, while others with broad phenotypic variability, such as STAR defects, are difficult to diagnose. Molecular testing is a rational approach to diagnosis in biochemically uncharacterized PAI patients.
Assessment of Gene Flow BetweenGossypium hirsutumandG. herbaceum: Evidence of Unreduced Gametes in the Diploid Progenitor
Authors: Montes E , Coriton O , Eber F , Huteau V , Lacape J M , Reinhardt C , Marais D , Hofs J L , Chèvre A M , Pannetier C 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn the framework of a gene flow assessment, we investigated the natural hybridization rate between Gossypium hirsutum (AADD genome) and G. herbaceum (AA genome). The latter species, a diploid progenitor of G. hirsutum, is spontaneously present in South Africa. Reciprocal crosses were performed without emasculation between G. herbaceum and G. hirsutum. Neither examination of the morphological characteristics nor flow cytometry analysis of the 335 plants resulting from the G. hirsutum × G. herbaceum cross showed any hybrid features. Of the 148 plants produced from the G. herbaceum × G. hirsutum cross, three showed a hybrid phenotype, and their hybrid status was confirmed by SSR markers. Analysis of DNA content by flow cytometry and morphological traits clearly showed that two of these plants were triploid (AAD). The third plant had a flow cytometry DNA content slightly higher than G. hirsutum. In addition, its morphological characteristics (plant architecture, presence and size of petal spots, leaf shape) led us to conclude that this plant was AAAD thus resulting from fertilization with an unreduced AA gamete of the female G. herbaceum parent. Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) and meiotic behavior confirmed this hypothesis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of such gametes in G. herbaceum, and it opens new avenues in breeding programs. Furthermore, this plant material could provide a useful tool for studying the expression of genes duplicated in the A and D cotton genome.
Systematic Analysis of the DNA Damage Response Network in Telomere Defective Budding Yeast
Authors: Holstein Eva-Maria , Ngo Greg , Lawless Conor , Banks Peter , Greetham Matthew , Wilkinson Darren , Lydall David 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Functional telomeres are critically important to eukaryotic genetic stability. Scores of proteins and pathways are known to affect telomere function. Here, we report a series of related genome-wide genetic interaction screens performed on budding yeast cells with acute or chronic telomere defects. Genetic interactions were examined in cells defective in Cdc13 and Stn1, affecting two components of CST, a single stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding complex that binds telomeric DNA. For comparison, genetic interactions were also examined in cells with defects in Rfa3, affecting the major ssDNA binding protein, RPA, which has overlapping functions with CST at telomeres. In more complex experiments, genetic interactions were measured in cells lacking EXO1 or RAD9, affecting different aspects of the DNA damage response, and containing a cdc13-1 induced telomere defect. Comparing fitness profiles across these data sets helps build a picture of the specific responses to different types of dysfunctional telomeres. The experiments show that each context reveals different genetic interactions, consistent with the idea that each genetic defect causes distinct molecular defects. To help others engage with the large volumes of data, the data are made available via two interactive web-based tools: Profilyzer and DIXY. One particularly striking genetic interaction observed was that the chk1∆ mutation improved fitness of cdc13-1 exo1∆ cells more than other checkpoint mutations (ddc1∆, rad9∆, rad17∆, and rad24∆), whereas, in cdc13-1 cells, the effects of all checkpoint mutations were similar. We show that this can be explained by Chk1 stimulating resection—a new function for Chk1 in the eukaryotic DNA damage response network.
Alternative Donor Graft Sources for Adults with Hematologic Malignancies: A Donor for All Patients in 2017!
Authors: Kindwall-Keller Tamila L. , Ballen Karen K. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is potentially curative for a wide variety of malignant diseases, including acute and leukemias, lymphoma, and myelodysplasia. Choice of a stem cell donor is dependent on donor availability, donor compatibility and health, recipient disease type, and recipient condition. Current sources of stem cell donation for HSCT are matched sibling donors (MSDs), matched unrelated donors (MUDs), 1-antigen mismatched unrelated donors (MMUDs), haploidentical donors (haplo), and umbilical cord blood (UCB) units. Historically, preferred donors for HSCT have been human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched sibling donors; however, only about 30% of U.S. patients will have a MSD available. The majority of patients referred for HSCT will require an alternative donor graft: MUD, MMUD, UCB, or haplo. The likelihood of finding a MUD varies depending on the ethnicity of the recipient. White Caucasians of European descent have the greatest chance of finding a MUD. Chances of finding a MUD are significantly less for African-American or Hispanic recipients due to HLA polymorphisms. Therefore, MMUD, UCB, and haplo donor graft sources expand the donor pool for recipients who do not have a MSD or MUD available. Given the variety of different donor stem cell sources available today, nearly every patient who needs an allogeneic HSCT has a potential donor in 2017. All transplant-eligible patients with hematologic malignancies should be evaluated by a transplant center to determine if HSCT is a viable treatment option for their underlying disease process.
A Phase II Study of Everolimus Plus Oral Prednisone in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Cancer
Authors: Lolli Cristian , Gallà Valentina , Schepisi Giuseppe , Barone Domenico , Burgio Salvatore Luca , Maugeri Antonio , Vertogen Bernadette , Amadori Dino , De Giorgi Ugo 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Lessons Learned
The combination of everolimus and low-dose prednisone administered daily was hypothesized to prevent noninfectious pneumonitis (NIP) and mucositis, two common adverse events related to everolimus. Although mucositis was detected in only one case, all-grade NIP occurred in four of eight cases (50%), and this was considered enough to stop accrual of the study. These data suggest the need for careful monitoring of patients receiving everolimus who are treated with corticosteroids.

Background
Everolimus is standard of care in the treatment of patients affected by metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) that has progressed after at least one previous line of treatment. Stomatitis and noninfectious pneumonitis (NIP) are common adverse events (AEs) in patients treated with everolimus. Prednisone could reduce the incidence of stomatitis, and it is commonly used to treat NIP. We hypothesized that low doses of prednisone could reduce the incidence and/or the severity of everolimus-induced NIP and stomatitis.

Methods
We have conducted an open-label, single-arm, phase II trial of prednisone 5 mg b.i.d. added to everolimus 10 mg/day in patients with mRCC. We planned to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and activity of this combination in mRCC patients. We aimed to reduce incidence of drug discontinuations due to stomatitis or NIP from 25% to 10%.

Results
Three (38%) of the first eight patients enrolled experienced grade ≥2 pneumonitis and stopped treatment. Grade 1 stomatitis occurred in only one patient (13%). Five of eight patients experienced disease progression at the 2-month evaluation. Two patients (25%) were reported free of disease progression at 1 year of treatment.

Conclusion
The incidence of NIP in these patients was considered too high for completing accrual of this study. These results may be of interest for investigating the pathogenesis of NIP and suggest that patients should be carefully followed if treated with chronic corticosteroids while receiving everolimus.
Isolation and characterisation of endocrine disruptor nonylphenol-using bacteria from South Africa
Authors: Qhanya Lehlohonolo B. , Mthakathi Ntsane T. , Boucher Charlotte E. , Mashele Samson S. , Theron Chrispian W. , Syed Khajamohiddin 
Published: May 2017

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are synthetic chemicals that alter the function of endocrine systems in animals including humans. EDCs are considered priority pollutants and worldwide research is ongoing to develop bioremediation strategies to remove EDCs from the environment. An understanding of indigenous microorganisms is important to design efficient bioremediation strategies. However, much of the information available on EDCs has been generated from developed regions. Recent studies have revealed the presence of different EDCs in South African natural resources, but, to date, studies analysing the capabilities of microorganisms to utilise/degrade EDCs have not been reported from South Africa. Here, we report for the first time on the isolation and enrichment of six bacterial strains from six different soil samples collected from the Mpumalanga Province, which are capable of utilising EDC nonylphenol as a carbon source. Furthermore, we performed a preliminary characterisation of isolates concerning their phylogenetic identification and capabilities to degrade nonylphenol. Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that four isolates belonged to Pseudomonas and the remaining two belonged to Enterobacteria and Stenotrophomonas. All six bacterial species showed degradation of nonylphenol in broth cultures, as HPLC analysis revealed 41–46% degradation of nonylphenol 12 h after addition. The results of this study represent the beginning of identification of microorganisms capable of degrading nonylphenol, and pave the way for further exploration of EDC-degrading microorganisms from South Africa.

Significance:

First report of endocrine disruptor nonylphenol-using bacteria from South Africa
Six bacterial species capable of using nonylphenol as a carbon source were isolated
Results will pave the way for further exploration of endocrine disruptors degrading microbes from South Africa
Role of Infrared Spectroscopy and Imaging in Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Kumar Saroj , Srinivasan Alagiri , Nikolajeff Fredrik 
Published: May 2017

Background:
Cancer is a major global health issue. It causes extensive individual suffering
and gives a huge burden on the health care in society. Despite extensive research and different tools
have been developed it still remains a challenge for early detection of this disease. FTIR imaging has
been used to diagnose and differentiate the molecular differences between normal and diseased tissues.

Methods:
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is able to measure biochemical changes in
tissue, cell and biofluids based on the vibrational signature of their components. This technique enables
to the distribution and structure of lipids, proteins, nucleic acids as well as other metabolites.
These differences depended on the type and the grade of cancer.

Results:
We emphasize here, that the FTIR spectroscopy and imaging can be considered as a promising
technique and will find its place on the detection of this dreadful disease because of high sensitivity,
accuracy and inexpensive technique. Now the medical community started using and accepting this
technique for early stage cancer detection. We discussed this technique and the several challenges in
its application for the diagnosis of cancer in regards of sample preparations, data interpretation, and
data analysis. The sensitivity of chemotherapy drugs on individual specific has also discussed.

Conclusion:
So far progressed has done with the FTIR imaging in understanding of cancer disease
pathology. However, more research is needed in this field and it is necessary to understand the morphology
and biology of the sample before using the spectroscopy and imaging because invaluable information
to be figured out.