bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical properties of cellulose nanocrystals treated by photo‐initiated chemical vapour deposition (PICVD)
Authors: Javanbakht Taraneh , Raphael Wendell , Tavares Jason Robert 
Published: March 2016

AbstractCellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are novel nanomaterials produced by the pulp and paper industry. The surface properties of CNCs are key factors for their dispersion in solvents. These polar materials disperse readily in water, but not in organic solvents. The ability to disperse into typically non‐polar organic matrices is an indispensable requirement to exploit the growing market for nanocomposite materials. We present an innovative approach for modifying the surface of CNCs through scalable, gas‐phase photo‐initiated chemical vapour deposition (PICVD). Using syngas as a treatment precursor, we demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique to render the surface of the CNCs compatible with mildly polar and non‐polar solvents, evidenced by contact angle measurements. Further proof of this successful modification is given through dispersion assays, showing for example the ability to disperse treated CNC in toluene (whereas untreated samples do not disperse). Suspensions in organic solvents remain stable in excess of two weeks. Chemical characterization through XPS and FTIR confirms the presence of an oxygen‐containing coating on the CNC surface.
Cationic Supramolecular Vesicular Aggregates for Pulmonary Tissue Selective Delivery in Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Licciardi Mariano , Paolino Donatella , Mauro Nicolò , Cosco Donato , Giammona Gaetano , Fresta Massimo , Cavallaro Gennara , Celia Christian 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe biopharmaceutical properties of supramolecular vesicular aggregates (SVAs) were characterized with regard to their physicochemical features and compared with cationic liposomes (CLs). Neutral and cationic SVAs were synthesized using two different copolymers of poly(aspartyl hydrazide) by thin‐layer evaporation and extrusion techniques. Both copolymers were self‐assembled in pre‐formulated liposomes and formed neutral and cationic SVAs. Gemcitabine hydrochloride (GEM) was used as an anticancer drug and loaded by a pH gradient remote loading procedure, which significantly increased drug loading inside the SVAs. The resulting average size of the SVAs was 100 nm. The anticancer activity of GEM‐loaded neutral and cationic SVAs was tested in human alveolar basal epithelial (A549) and colorectal cancer (CaCo‐2) cells. GEM‐loaded cationic SVAs increased the anticancer activity in A549 and CaCo‐2 cells relative to free drug, neutral SVAs, and CLs. In vivo biodistribution in Wistar rats showed that cationic SVAs accumulate at higher concentrations in lung tissue than neutral SVAs and CLs. Cationic SVAs may therefore serve as an innovative future therapy for pulmonary carcinoma.
In‐depth characterization of the salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma transcriptome with emphasis on dominant cell type
Authors: Bell Diana , Bell Achim H. , Bondaruk Jolanta , Hanna Ehab Y. , Weber Randall S. 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUNDAdenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), 1 of the most common salivary gland malignancies, arises from the intercalated ducts, which are composed of inner ductal epithelial cells and outer myoepithelial cells. The objective of this study was to determine the genomic subtypes of ACC with emphasis on dominant cell type to identify potential specific biomarkers for each subtype and to improve the understanding of this disease.METHODSA whole‐genome expression study was performed based on 42 primary salivary ACCs and 5 normal salivary glands. RNA from these specimens was subjected to expression profiling with RNA sequencing, and results were analyzed to identify transcripts in epithelial‐dominant ACC (E‐ACC), myoepithelial‐dominant ACC (M‐ACC), and all ACC that were expressed differentially compared with the transcripts in normal salivary tissue.RESULTSIn total, the authors identified 430 differentially expressed transcripts that were unique to E‐ACC, 392 that were unique to M‐ACC, and 424 that were common to both M‐ACC and E‐ACC. The sets of E‐ACC–specific and M‐ACC–specific transcripts were sufficiently large to define and differentiate E‐ACC from M‐ACC. Ingenuity pathway analysis identified known cancer‐related genes for 60% of the E‐ACC transcripts, 69% of the M‐ACC transcripts, and 68% of the transcripts that were common in both E‐ACC and M‐ACC. Three sets of highly expressed candidate genes—distal‐less homeobox 6 (DLX6) for E‐ACC; protein keratin 16 (KRT16), SRY box 11 (SOX11), and v‐myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog (MYB) for M‐ACC; and engrailed 1 (EN1) and statherin (STATH), which are common to both E‐ACC and M‐ACC)—were further validated at the protein level.CONCLUSIONSThe current results enabled the authors to identify novel potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers in E‐ACC and M‐ACC individually, with the implication that EN1, DLX6, and OTX1 (orthodenticle homeobox 1) are potential drivers of these cancers. Cancer 2016;122:1513–22. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
The developmental biogeography of hawksbill sea turtles in the North Pacific
Authors: Van Houtan Kyle S. , Francke Devon L. , Alessi Sarah , Jones T. Todd , Martin Summer L. , Kurpita Lauren , King Cheryl S. , Baird Robin W. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractHigh seas oceanic ecosystems are considered important habitat for juvenile sea turtles, yet much remains cryptic about this important life‐history period. Recent progress on climate and fishery impacts in these so‐called lost years is promising, but the developmental biogeography of hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) has not been widely described in the Pacific Ocean. This knowledge gap limits the effectiveness of conservation management for this globally endangered species. We address this with 30 years of stranding observations, 20 years of bycatch records, and recent simulations of natal dispersal trajectories in the Hawaiian Archipelago. We synthesize the analyses of these data in the context of direct empirical observations, anecdotal sightings, and historical commercial harvests from the insular Pacific. We find hawksbills 0–4 years of age, measuring 8–34 cm straight carapace length, are found predominantly in the coastal pelagic waters of Hawaii. Unlike other species, we find no direct evidence of a prolonged presence in oceanic habitats, yet satellite tracks of passive drifters (simulating natal dispersal) and our small sample sizes suggest that an oceanic phase for hawksbills cannot be dismissed. Importantly, despite over 600 million hooks deployed and nearly 6000 turtle interactions, longline fisheries have never recorded a single hawksbill take. We address whether the patterns we observe are due to population size and gear selectivity. Although most sea turtle species demonstrate clear patterns of oceanic development, hawksbills in the North Pacific may by contrast occupy a variety of ecosystems including coastal pelagic waters and shallow reefs in remote atolls. This focuses attention on hazards in these ecosystems – entanglement and ingestion of marine debris – and perhaps away from longline bycatch and decadal climate regimes that affect sea turtle development in oceanic regions.
Photoluminescence, Unconventional‐Range Temperature Sensing, and Efficient Catalytic Activities of Lanthanide Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Gomez Germán E. , Kaczmarek Anna M. , Van Deun Rik , Brusau Elena V. , Narda Griselda E. , Vega Daniel , Iglesias Marta , Gutierrez‐Puebla Enrique , Monge M. Ángeles 
Published: March 2016

AbstractA luminescent lanthanide metal–organic framework (MOF) based on Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions with 2‐phenylsuccinate (EuTb‐psa) was obtained solvothermally to explore its behavior as a temperature sensor in an unconventional temperature range through the study of the thermal evolution of the hypersensitive 4f–4f 5D0→7F2 transition and the luminescence lifetime. The efficiency of the luminescence process was evaluated through the europium intrinsic quantum yield (QEu), and its variation as a function of temperature is also reported. The optical properties of four isostructural compounds (Pr‐psa, Nd‐psa, Gd‐psa, and Tb‐psa) were investigated and compared with those of related compounds. The energy of the triplet state of the ligand was also estimated. The samples were fully characterized by single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and vibrational spectroscopy. The heterogeneous catalytic activities of a series of Ln‐psa MOFs (with Ln = Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, EuGd, and EuTb) were evaluated in a one‐pot cyanosilylation with benzaldehyde as the substrate.
seco‐Casbanes from the Australian Rainforest: ECD Predictions Key for Determining Remote Absolute Configuration
Authors: Maslovskaya Lidia A. , Savchenko Andrei I. , Gordon Victoria A. , Reddell Paul W. , Pierce Carly J. , Parsons Peter G. , Williams Craig M. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe seco‐casbane framework, first isolated from Croton insularis, is surprisingly rare. Further evaluation of this Australian rainforest plant unearthed two additional members, EBC‐328 and EBC‐363. TD DFT predicted electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra were critical for remote absolute stereochemical determination. EBC‐328 displayed cytotoxic activity towards leukemia cells (K562). Potential biosynthetic relationships are discussed.
Glutaric Acid Assisted Fabrication of CuO Nanostructures and their Application in Development of Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Sensor System for Carbamates
Authors: Soomro Razium Ali , Hallam Keith Richard , Ibupoto Zafar Hussain , Tahira Aneela , Sherazi Syed Tufail Hussain , Juddin Siraj , Jawaid Sana , Willander Magnus 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis work describes the fabrication of unique arrow head shaped CuO nanostructures using simple hydrothermal treatment method. The highly attractive features were obtained by the application of glutaric acid utilised simultaneous as template and functionalising agent. The functionalised nanostructures were known to possess excellent potential towards the electro‐catalytic oxidation of carbofuran pesticide. The generated intense electrochemical signal with lower potential value enabled sensitive and selective determination of carbofuran up to 1×10−3 µM with wide sensing window in range of 0.01 to 0.16 µM. The feasibility of the developed sensor system for the practical application was also studied by testing its potential in real sample extracts of various vegetables. The excellent recoveries demonstrated the analytical robustness of the developed sensor system. The sensor system utilises a new and simple approach towards sensitive determination of toxic pesticides reflecting its wide spectrum application in various fields.
Comparison of Two ELISA Methods and Mass Spectrometry for Measurement of Vitamin D-Binding Protein: Implications for the Assessment of Bioavailable Vitamin D Concentrations Across Genotypes
Authors: Denburg Michelle R , Hoofnagle Andrew N , Sayed Samir , Gupta Jayanta , de Boer Ian H , Appel Lawrence J , Durazo-Arvizu Ramon , Whitehead Krista , Feldman Harold I , Leonard Mary B ,   on behalf of the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort study investigators
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT

Studies using vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) concentrations to estimate free and bioavailable vitamin D have increased dramatically in recent years. Combinations of two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) produce three major DBP isoforms (Gc1f, Gc1s, and Gc2). A recent study showed that DBP concentrations quantified by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) did not differ by race, whereas a widely used monoclonal enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) quantified DBP differentially by isoform, yielding significantly lower DBP concentrations in black versus white individuals. We compared measurements of serum DBP using a monoclonal ELISA, a polyclonal ELISA, and LC-MS/MS in 125 participants in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC). Serum free and bioavailable 25OHD were calculated based on DBP concentrations from these three assays in homozygous participants, and race differences were compared. We confirmed that the monoclonal ELISA quantifies DBP differentially by isoform and showed that the polyclonal ELISA is not subject to this bias. Whereas ≤9% of the variability in DBP concentrations quantified using either LC-MS/MS or the polyclonal ELISA was explained by genotype, 85% of the variability in the monoclonal ELISA-based measures was explained by genotype. DBP concentrations measured by the monoclonal ELISA were disproportionately lower than LC-MS/MS-based results for Gc1f homozygotes (median difference –67%; interquartile range [IQR] –71%, –64%), 95% of whom were black. In contrast, the polyclonal ELISA yielded consistently and similarly higher measurements of DBP than LC-MS/MS, irrespective of genotype, with a median percent difference of +50% (IQR +33%, +65%). Contrary to findings using the monoclonal ELISA, DBP concentrations did not differ by race, and free and bioavailable 25OHD were significantly lower in black versus white participants based on both the polyclonal ELISA and LC-MS/MS, consistent with their lower total 25OHD. Future studies of DBP and free or bioavailable vitamin D metabolites should employ DBP assays that are not biased by DBP genotype. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Finite Element Analysis of Denosumab Treatment Effects on Vertebral Strength in Ovariectomized Cynomolgus Monkeys
Authors: Lee David C , Varela Aurore , Kostenuik Paul J , Ominsky Michael S , Keaveny Tony M 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT

Finite element analysis has not yet been validated for measuring changes in whole-bone strength at the hip or spine in people after treatment with an osteoporosis agent. Toward that end, we assessed the ability of a clinically approved implementation of finite element analysis to correctly quantify treatment effects on vertebral strength, comparing against direct mechanical testing, in cynomolgus monkeys randomly assigned to one of three 16-month-long treatments: sham surgery with vehicle (Sham-Vehicle), ovariectomy with vehicle (OVX-Vehicle), or ovariectomy with denosumab (OVX-DMAb). After treatment, T12 vertebrae were retrieved, scanned with micro-CT, and mechanically tested to measure compressive strength. Blinded to the strength data and treatment codes, the micro-CT images were coarsened and homogenized to create continuum-type finite element models, without explicit porosity. With clinical translation in mind, these models were then analyzed for strength using the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared VirtuOst software application (O.N. Diagnostics, Berkeley, CA, USA), developed for analysis of human bones. We found that vertebral strength by finite element analysis was highly correlated (R2 = 0.97; n = 52) with mechanical testing, independent of treatment (p = 0.12). Further, the size of the treatment effect on strength (ratio of mean OVX-DMAb to mean OVX-Vehicle, as a percentage) was large and did not differ (p = 0.79) between mechanical testing (+57%; 95% CI [26%, 95%]) and finite element analysis (+51% [20%, 88%]). The micro-CT analysis revealed increases in cortical thickness (+45% [19%, 73%]) and trabecular bone volume fraction (+24% [8%, 42%]). These results show that a preestablished clinical finite element analysis implementation—developed for human bone and clinically validated in fracture-outcome studies—correctly quantified the observed treatment effects of denosumab on vertebral strength in cynomolgus monkeys. One implication is that the treatment effects in this study are well explained by the features contained within these finite element models, namely, the bone geometry and mass and the spatial distribution of bone mass. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Suberoylanilide Hydroxamic Acid Restores Estrogen Reduced‐cTnI Expression in Neonatal Hearts of Mice
Authors: Peng Chang , Luo Xiaomei , Xing Qianlu , Sun Huichao , Huang Xupei 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTDiastolic cardiac dysfunction can be caused by abnormality in cTnI expression during cardiogenesis. In this study, we investigated the effects of estrogen on the abnormal expression of cTnI in the hearts of neonatal mice and its potential epigenetic mechanisms. We then evaluated suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), a HDAC inhibitor, as a new target treatment of diastolic cardiac dysfunction. Postnatal day 0.5 C57BL/6 mice were injected with estrogen for 1 week, then the hearts of 7‐day‐old neonatal mice were retrieved for examination. The activities of HDAC and HAT were assayed by colorimetry, and the interaction of cTnI with HDAC5 in mice hearts were examined using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. The expression of cTnI was tested by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR and Western blot. Estrogen treated groups displayed a significantly increased HDAC activity in the hearts of neonatal mice while HAT activity remained unchanged. Additionally, HDAC5 was higher at the cTnI promoter, as compared to the saline treated control groups. The acetylation of histone H3K9ac on cTnI promoter significantly decreased in the hearts of neonatal mice treated with estrogen, and the expression of cTnI at transcriptional and protein levels also decreased. SAHA was shown to increase the acetylation of histone H3K9ac and upregulate the expression of cTnI. The data demonstrated that SAHA can correct cTnI expression abnormality caused by estrogen through inhibiting the binding of HDAC5 to the promoter of cTnI. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2377–2384, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reference Intervals of Fibrosis Index Based on Four Indicators in Healthy Elderly Chinese
Authors: Zhang Guo‐Ming , Xia Yong‐Jie 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundThe establishment of reference intervals of total bilirubin, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferases (AST), and creatinine provided necessary reference in screening and diagnosis of various kidney and liver diseases. However, these reference intervals were not available to estimate liver fibrosis degree. The purpose of this study is to establish the reference intervals of fibrosis index based on the four indicators (FIB‐4) in apparently healthy elderly Chinese.MethodsA total of 24,949 blood specimens were collected by the standard procedures, and ALT, AST, and PLT were determined. FIB‐4 were calculated by the following formula: FIB‐4 = (age [years] × AST [U/l])/((PLT [109/l]) × (ALT [U/l])1/2).The elderly's FIB‐4 were analyzed between the same age of different sexes and different ages of the same sex. Statistical data were analyzed by SPSS18.0 software.ResultsReference intervals of FIB‐4 index, established for the healthy elderly, were 0.9923–4.5424 for males and 0.9007–4.1934 for females.ConclusionWe established reference intervals of FIB‐4 index. This research provided reference value that can be used by relevant clinicians and inspection officers.
Who Can Read Consumer Product Information?
Authors: Baker Stuart J 
Published: March 2016

Aim:To assess the readability of a sample of Consumer Product Information (CPI) leaflets for Australian pharmaceutical products.Method: 30 CPIs were randomly selected from a total of 83 supplied from the Australian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (90%) and the remainder from a community pharmacy. The CPIs were scanned as a computer file or typed into WordPerfect 6.1 and analysed for readability using the Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) formula. CPIs were also assessed for good design features using a newly created measure — the Baker Able Leaflet Design (BALD).Results: The mean FRE score was 51 (SD, 6.8; range 37—60) so the sampled CPIs could be understood by 40% or less of the population. The mean BALD score was 17 (SD, 3.6; range 10– 22) out of a maximum of 32. This compared favourably to a few overseas leaflets but not to some non‐CPIs produced in Australia and there were many features that could be easily remedied to make CPIs easier to use.Conclusion: CPIs are pitched at a level beyond the comprehension of most of the population. People who have English as their second language would have even more difficulty.Aust J Hosp Pharm 1997; 27: 126–31.
Guidelines for Drug Administration During Enteral Feeding
Authors: Gilbar Peter J , Kam Fanny SF 
Published: March 2016

Objective: The purpose of this article is to highlight the factors that must be considered when administering medications via an enteral feeding tube and to provide recommendations for safe and effective drug administration by this route.Data Sources: A variety of literature sources, including manual and on‐line (Medline, IDIS) searching, were used. Gastrointestinal drug administration linked with a variety of enteral feeding terminologies and individual drug names were used as the primary search terms. Study Selection: Any articles relevant to drug administration during enteral feeding were considered.Conclusion: With the increasing use of the enteral route as a means of drug delivery, it is important for health professionals to be aware of the potential complications of this method. Factors including dosage forms, compatibility, drug absorption and clearance must be considered before medication can be successfully administered via an enteral feeding tube. Improved drug bioavailability can be achieved by following the recommended administration guidelines, but regular monitoring of patients is needed to ensure an optimal clinical response.Aust J Hosp Pharm 1997; 27: 214–20.
A Preliminary Study of the Effects of Venlafaxine on 24‐Hour Urinary Catecholamine Excretion Profile
Authors: Alderman Christopher P 
Published: March 2016

Objective: To investigate the effects of venlafaxine on the 24‐hour urinary catecholamine excretion profile in patients treated with this drug for depression.Method: Patients to be treated with venlafaxine for the management of a depressive illness were requested to provide a 24‐hour urine sample immediately before the commencement of therapy. The urinary concentrations of adrenaline and noradrenaline were determined, and the 24‐hour urinary catecholamine excretion profile was calculated. This procedure was repeated after treatment with venlafaxine for 14 days.Results: Eight patients were enrolled in the study, but three patients did not complete the protocol because of adverse drug reactions. The effects of venlafaxine treatment on the profile of urinary catecholamine excretion were assessable in five patients. The mean 24‐hour excretion of noradrenaline appeared to be decreased after venlafaxine treatment, but this decrease failed to attain statistical significance. The 24‐hour urinary excretion of adrenaline was unchanged after venlafaxine, but the ratio of noradrenaline:adrenaline urinary excretion decreased significantly after treatment.Conclusions: This small prospective study demonstrates an altered profile of urinary catecholamine excretion in patients treated with venlafaxine for depression for two weeks. Further research is needed to determine whether there is a correlation between the effects of venlafaxine on urinary noradrenaline excretion and the therapeutic and/or adverse effects of this antidepressant.Aust J Hosp Pharm 1997; 27: 232–3.