bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive status, phylogenetic, and anatomical review of Stagnicola caperata (Say, 1829) in the south‐west United States
Authors: Morningstar Cayla R. , Inoue Kentaro , Lang Brian K. , Berg David J. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Freshwater gastropods are a major component of aquatic communities in arid regions. The isolation of aquatic habitats and poor dispersal abilities of organisms has resulted in the evolution of endemic species with small ranges. Human demands for water threaten the integrity of desert spring systems and as a result many freshwater snails from these regions are of conservation concern.
One widespread lymnaeid species in North America, Stagnicola caperata (Say, ), exhibits distinct shell morphologies among populations in the south‐west United States. Because S. caperata is listed as endangered by the State of New Mexico owing to degradation of wetland habitats, accurate taxonomic assessment among populations is required in order to understand threats to the survival of this taxon. A holistic approach (morphometrics, phylogenetics, and reproductive anatomy) was used to investigate the taxonomic affinities of S. caperata in the south‐west United States by comparing these populations with topotypes.
Morphometric analyses revealed similar levels of variation among populations, with large overlaps in shell morphologies. Both phylogenetic analysis and reproductive anatomy revealed the presence of two Stagnicola species in these populations: all populations except the Big Costilla Peak (BCP) population were referable to the nomen S. caperata, while BCP was Stagnicola cf. elodes.
A total‐evidence approach that combines genetic and morphological data facilitates assessment of taxonomic affinities. The results provide conservation agencies with information necessary to detect species boundaries and then develop effective conservation and recovery plans for imperilled species.
Alien turf: Overfishing, overgrazing and invader domination in south‐eastern Levant reef ecosystems
Authors: Rilov Gil , Peleg Ohad , Yeruham Erez , Garval Tal , Vichik Ania , Raveh Ofrat 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Coastal reefs are highly diverse marine ecosystems that in many regions suffer today from growing pressures by human activities. Among the most highly‐stressed are those found in the Levantine basin (south‐eastern Mediterranean Sea). The Levant represents the trailing‐edge of distribution of native species where they are exposed to the most extreme temperature and salinity conditions, and the region is also fast‐warming and exposed to a great many alien species and strong fishing pressure. In this study, the ecological state of reefs in the south‐eastern Levant was assessed quantitatively (including inside a small marine reserve) using current, extensive, survey data with reference to anecdotal historical information on their more pristine past.
The results of very extensive subtidal community surveys that were conducted in north Israel indicate that reefs in this area are currently dominated by turf‐forming algae and aliens, and sustain low numbers of top predators. Specifically, it was found that on these Levant reefs: (1) commercial species represent a very small part of the fish assemblage (except inside the reserve); (2) alien species constitute a considerable portion (23–44%) of the fish assemblage (including in the reserve) and 95–99% of epi‐benthic molluscs, including inside the marine reserve; and (3) turf barrens are the dominant substrate cover, while cover of native brown algae canopy is limited to small patches occurring only during winter and spring.
These findings suggest that the Levant reefs have been highly transformed by overfishing and alien invasions, and probably also climate change, and that even well managed marine reserves had little effect on alien species presence. From a biogeographic‐conservation perspective, as both warming and bioinvasions continue in the Mediterranean, it is expected that this degraded reef state will gradually advance westward. Alleviating fishing pressure with marine reserves might make the reefs more resilient to these regional pressures, but alien invaders will remain a dominant feature in the system. Therefore, a more realistic conservation target might be the preservation or restoration of ecosystem functions rather than the original native biodiversity.
Human UGT2B7 is the major isoform responsible for the glucuronidation of clopidogrel carboxylate
Authors: Ji Jin‐Zi , Huang Bei‐Bei , Gu Tong‐Tong , Tai Ting , Zhou Huan , Jia Yu‐Meng , Mi Qiong‐Yu , Zhang Meng‐Ran , Xie Hong‐Guang 
Published: December 2017

AbstractClopidogrel is predominantly hydrolyzed to clopidogrel carboxylic acid (CCA) by carboxylesterase 1, and subsequently CCA is glucuronidated to clopidogrel acyl glucuronide (CAG) by uridine diphosphate‐glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs); however, the UGT isoenzymes glucuronidating CCA remain unidentified to date. In this study, the glucuronidation of CCA was screened with pooled human liver microsomes (HLMs) and 7 human recombinant UGT (rUGT) isoforms. Results indicated that rUGT2B7 exhibited the highest catalytical activity for the CCA glucuronidation as measured with a mean Vmax value of 120.9 pmol/min/mg protein, 3‐ to 12‐fold higher than that of the other rUGT isoforms tested. According to relative activity factor approach, the relative contribution of rUGT2B7 to CCA glucuronidation was estimated to be 58.6%, with the minor contributions (3%) from rUGT1A9. Moreover, the glucuronidation of CCA followed Michaelis‐Menten kinetics with a mean Km value of 372.9 μM and 296.4 μM for pooled HLMs and rUGT2B7, respectively, showing similar affinity for both. The formation of CAG was significantly inhibited by azidothymidine and gemfibrozil (well‐characterized UGT2B7 substrates) in a concentration‐dependent manner, or by fluconazole (a typical UGT2B7‐selective inhibitor) in a time‐dependent manner, for both HLMs and rUGT2B7, respectively. In addition, CCA inhibited azidothymidine glucuronidation (catalyzed almost exclusively by UGT2B7) by HLMs and rUGT2B7 in a concentration‐dependent manner, indicating that CCA is a substrate of UGT2B7. These results reveal that UGT2B7 is the major enzyme catalyzing clopidogrel glucuronidation in the human liver, and that there is the potential for drug‐drug interactions between clopidogrel and the other substrate drugs of UGT2B7.
Modeling electron competition among nitrogen oxides reduction and N2O accumulation in hydrogenotrophic denitrification
Authors: Liu Yiwen , Ngo Huu H. , Guo Wenshan , Peng Lai , Chen Xueming , Wang Dongbo , Pan Yuting , Ni Bing‐Jie 
Published: December 2017

AbstractHydrogenotrophic denitrification is a novel and sustainable process for nitrogen removal, which utilizes hydrogen as electron donor, and carbon dioxide as carbon source. Recent studies have shown that nitrous oxide (N2O), a highly undesirable intermediate and potent greenhouse gas, can accumulate during this process. In this work, a new mathematical model is developed to describe nitrogen oxides dynamics, especially N2O, during hydrogenotrophic denitrification for the first time. The model describes electron competition among the four steps of hydrogenotrophic denitrification through decoupling hydrogen oxidation and nitrogen reduction processes using electron carriers, in contrast to the existing models that couple these two processes and also do not consider N2O accumulation. The developed model satisfactorily describes experimental data on nitrogen oxides dynamics obtained from two independent hydrogenotrophic denitrifying cultures under various hydrogen and nitrogen oxides supplying conditions, suggesting the validity and applicability of the model. The results indicated that N2O accumulation would not be intensified under hydrogen limiting conditions, due to the higher electron competition capacity of N2O reduction in comparison to nitrate and nitrite reduction during hydrogenotrophic denitrification. The model is expected to enhance our understanding of the process during hydrogenotrophic denitrification and the ability to predict N2O accumulation.
Metabolic characterization of anaerobic fungi provides a path forward for bioprocessing of crude lignocellulose
Authors: Henske John K. , Wilken St. Elmo , Solomon Kevin V. , Smallwood Chuck R. , Shutthanandan Vaithiyalingam , Evans James E. , Theodorou Michael K. , O'Malley Michelle A. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe conversion of lignocellulose‐rich biomass to bio‐based chemicals and higher order fuels remains a grand challenge, as single‐microbe approaches often cannot drive both deconstruction and chemical production steps. In contrast, consortia based bioprocessing leverages the strengths of different microbes to distribute metabolic loads and achieve process synergy, product diversity, and bolster yields. Here, we describe a biphasic fermentation scheme that combines the lignocellulolytic action of anaerobic fungi isolated from large herbivores with domesticated microbes for bioproduction. When grown in batch culture, anaerobic fungi release excess sugars from both cellulose and crude biomass due to a wealth of highly expressed carbohydrate active enzymes (CAZymes), converting as much as 49% of cellulose to free glucose. This sugar‐rich hydrolysate readily supports growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which can be engineered to produce a range of value‐added chemicals. Further, construction of metabolic pathways from transcriptomic data reveals that anaerobic fungi do not catabolize all sugars that their enzymes hydrolyze from biomass, leaving other carbohydrates such as galactose, arabinose, and mannose available as nutritional links to other microbes in their consortium. Although basal expression of CAZymes in anaerobic fungi is high, it is drastically amplified by cellobiose breakout products encountered during biomass hydrolysis. Overall, these results suggest that anaerobic fungi provide a nutritional benefit to the rumen microbiome, which can be harnessed to design synthetic microbial communities that compartmentalize biomass degradation and bioproduct formation.
Advances in applications of rhamnolipids biosurfactant in environmental remediation: A review
Authors: Liu Guansheng , Zhong Hua , Yang Xin , Liu Yang , Shao Binbin , Liu Zhifeng 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the advances in the applications of rhamnolipids biosurfactants in soil and ground water remediation for removal of petroleum hydrocarbon and heavy metal contaminants. The properties of rhamnolipids associated with the contaminant removal, that is, solubilization, emulsification, dispersion, foaming, wetting, complexation, and the ability to modify bacterial cell surface properties, were reviewed in the first place. Then current remediation technologies with integration of rhamnolipid were summarized, and the effects and mechanisms for rhamnolipid to facilitate contaminant removal for these technologies were discussed. Finally rhamnolipid‐based methods for remediation of the sites co‐contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals were presented and discussed. The review is expected to enhance our understanding on environmental aspects of rhamnolipid and provide some important information to guide the extending use of this fascinating chemical in remediation applications.
Chromatographic methods in HIV medicine: Application to therapeutic drug monitoring
Authors: Archibald Timothy L. , Murrell Derek E. , Brown Stacy D. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractHIV antiretroviral therapy spans several different drug classes, meant to combat various aspects of viral infection and replication. Many authors have argued the benefits of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for the HIV patient including compliance assurance and assessment of appropriate drug concentrations; however, the array of drug chemistries and combinations makes TDM an arduous task. HPLC‐UV and LC‐MS/MS are both frequent instruments for the quantification of HIV drugs in biological matrices with investigators striving to balance sensitivity and affordability. Plasma, the dominant matrix for these analyses, is prepared using protein precipitation, liquid–liquid extraction or solid‐phase extraction depending on the specific complement of analytes. Despite the range of polarities found in drug classes relevant to HIV therapeutics, most chromatographic separations utilize a hydrophobic column (C18). Additionally, as the clinically relevant samples for these assays are infected with HIV, along with possible co‐infections, another important aspect of sample preparation concerns viral inactivation. Although not routine in clinical practice, many published analytical methods from the previous two decades have demonstrated the ability to conduct TDM in HIV patients receiving various medicinal combinations. This review summarizes the analytical methods relevant to TDM of HIV drugs, while highlighting respective challenges.
SMG‐1 inhibition by miR‐192/‐215 causes epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in gastric carcinogenesis via activation of Wnt signaling
Authors: Zhang Xiaojing , Peng Yin , Huang Yong , Yang Mengting , Yan Ruibin , Zhao Yanqiu , Cheng Yulan , Liu Xi , Deng Shiqi , Feng Xianling , Lin Huijuan , Yu Huimin , Chen Si , Zhao Zhenfu , Li Shanni , Li Kuan , Wang Liang , Wei Yanjie , He Zhendan , Fan Xinmin , Meltzer Stephen J. , Li Song , Jin Zhe 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSMG‐1,a member of the phosphoinositide kinase‐like kinase family, functioned as a tumor suppressor gene. However, the role of SMG‐1 in GC remain uncharacterized. In this study, regulation of SMG‐1 by miR‐192 and‐215, along with the biological effects of this modulation, were studied in GC. We used gene microarrays to screening and luciferase reporter assays were to verify the potential targets of miR‐192 and‐215. Tissue microarrays analyses were applied to measure the levels of SMG‐1 in GC tissues. Western blot assays were used to assess the signaling pathway of SMG‐1 regulated by miR‐192 and‐215 in GC. SMG‐1 was significantly downregulated in GC tissues.The proliferative and invasive properties of GC cells were decreased by inhibition of miR‐192 and‐215, whereas an SMG‐1siRNA rescued the inhibitory effects. Finally, SMG‐1 inhibition by miR‐192 and‐215 primed Wnt signaling and induced EMT. Wnt signaling pathway proteins were decreased markedly by inhibitors of miR‐192 and‐215, while SMG‐1 siRNA reversed the inhibition apparently. Meanwhile, miR‐192 and‐215 inhitibtors increased E‐cadherin expression and decreased N‐cadherin and cotransfection of SMG‐1 siRNA reversed these effects. In summary, these findings illustrate that SMG‐1 is suppressed by miR‐192 and‐215 and functions as a tumor suppressor in GC by inactivating Wnt signaling and suppressing EMT.
BTG2 is a tumor suppressor gene upregulated by p53 and PTEN in human bladder carcinoma cells
Authors: Tsui Ke‐Hung , Chiang Kun‐Chun , Lin Yu‐Hsiang , Chang Kang‐Shuo , Feng Tsui‐Hsia , Juang Horng‐Heng 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAlthough widely deemed as a tumor suppressor gene, the role of B‐cell translocation gene 2 (BTG2) in bladder cancer is still inconclusive. We investigated the role and regulatory mechanism of BTG2 in bladder cancer. BTG2 expression in human bladder tissues was determined by RT‐qPCR and immunoblotting assays. Expressions of BTG2 and PTEN in bladder carcinoma cells were determined by immunoblotting, RT‐qPCR, or reporter assays. The 3H‐thymidine incorporation assay, flow cytometry, and the xenograft animal model were used to determine the cell growth. BTG2 expression was lower in human bladder cancer tissues than normal bladder tissues. Highly differentiated bladder cancer cells, RT4, expressed higher BTG2 than the less‐differentiated bladder cancer cells, HT1376 and T24. Overexpression of BTG2 in T24 cells inhibited cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Camptothecin and doxorubicin treatments in RT‐4 cells or transient overexpression of p53 into p53‐mutant HT1376 cells induced p53 and BTG2 expression. Further reporter assays with site‐mutation of p53 response element from GGGAAAGTCC to GGAGTCC within BTG2 promoter area showed that p53‐induced BTG2 gene expression was dependent on the p53 response element. Ectopic PTEN overexpression in T24 cells blocked the Akt signal pathway which attenuated cell growth via upregualtion of BTG2 gene expression, while reverse effect was found in PTEN‐knockdown RT‐4 cells. PTEN activity inhibitor (VO‐OHpic) treatment decreased BTG2 expression in RT‐4 and PTEN‐overexpressed T24 cells. Our results suggested that BTG2 functioned as a bladder cancer tumor suppressor gene, and was induced by p53 and PTEN. Modulation of BTG2 expression seems a promising way to treat human bladder cancer.
New 4‐Amino‐1,2,3‐Triazole Inhibitors of Indoleamine 2,3‐Dioxygenase Form a Long‐Lived Complex with the Enzyme and Display Exquisite Cellular Potency
Authors: Alexandre Julie Anne Christine , Swan Michael Kenneth , Latchem Mike John , Boyall Dean , Pollard John Robert , Hughes Stuart Wynn , Westcott James 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIndoleamine‐2,3 dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) has emerged as a central regulator of immune responses in both normal and disease biology. Due to its established role in promoting tumour immune escape, IDO1 has become an attractive target for cancer treatment. A novel series of highly cell potent IDO1 inhibitors based on a 4‐amino‐1,2,3‐triazole core have been identified. Comprehensive kinetic, biochemical and structural studies demonstrate that compounds from this series have a noncompetitive kinetic mechanism of action with respect to the tryptophan substrate. In co‐complex crystal structures, the compounds bind in the tryptophan pocket and make a direct ligand interaction with the haem iron of the porphyrin cofactor. It is proposed that these data can be rationalised by an ordered‐binding mechanism, in which the inhibitor binds an apo form of the enzyme that is not competent to bind tryptophan. These inhibitors also form a very tight, long‐lived complex with the enzyme, which partially explains their exquisite cellular potency. This novel series represents an attractive starting point for the future development of potent IDO1‐targeted drugs.
Double layered stents for carotid angioplasty: A meta‐analysis of available clinical data
Authors: Sannino Anna , Giugliano Giuseppe , Toscano Evelina , Schiattarella Gabriele G. , Franzone Anna , Tesorio Tullio , Trimarco Bruno , Esposito Giovanni , Stabile Eugenio 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of this meta‐analysis is to evaluate clinical efficacy of double layered mesh covered carotid stent systems in the clinical practice.BackgroundThe need for an increase plaque coverage to decrease the risk of debris dislodgement through the stent struts, following carotid artery stenting (CAS), has brought to the design of a new generation of double layered carotid stents. Several small sized clinical studies evaluating two different devices have been recently published, unfortunately these are not sufficiently powered to test for device related and clinical endpoints and no comparison, between the two available devices, has been reported yet.MethodsTen studies, enrolling 635 patients, were included in the present meta‐analysis. Our study analyzed a composite endpoint of 30‐day stroke and death and the occurrence of procedural unsuccess after CAS with the use of two different double layered carotid stent systems.ResultsThirty‐day stroke and death rate was quite low (patients 635, event rate 0.02, 95% CI: 0.01–0.04, P < 0.0001). The incidence of procedural unsuccess with these devices was relatively low (patients 635, event rate 0.03, 95% CI: 0.01–0.08, P < 0.0001). When a subgroup analysis was performed, according to the specific subtype of carotid stent, no differences in the occurrence of 30‐day death and stroke rate and procedural unsuccess were observed (P = 0.979).ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis suggests that dual layered carotid stents could be safely used for the treatment of extracranial carotid artery stenosis, with a relatively low rate of procedural unsuccess, and allow achieving a quite low rate of postprocedural adverse events.
Insufficiency of a Damus‐Kaye‐Stansel anastomosis in a Fontan patient: Transfemoral implantation of an Edwards Sapien 3 valve
Authors: Schneider Heike E. , Gravenhorst Verena , Paul Thomas , Jacobshagen Claudius 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe present a 22‐year‐old patient with a univentricular heart who had already undergone five open heart surgeries including a Damus‐Kaye‐Stansel procedure, Fontan completion and tricuspid valve replacement. In addition, epimyocardial pacemaker implantation and repeated revisions had been necessary. He developed symptomatic free regurgitation of the pulmonary portion of his DKS anastomosis. To avoid additional high‐risk open‐heart surgery, we successfully implanted an Edwards Sapien 3 valve transfemorally in the pulmonary portion of the DKS anastomosis relieving insufficiency.
Apparent pacemaker dysfunction during peptide receptor radionuclide therapy for neuroendocrine tumor
Authors: Asbach Stefan , Schluermann Fabienne , Ruf Juri , Bode Christoph , Lang Corinna 
Published: December 2017

Key Clinical MessageThis case is a reminder not to overlook rare causes of electrolyte shifts, which may cause reversible changes in pacemaker pacing thresholds.
Ethylene Epoxidation Catalyzed by Ag Nanoparticles on Ag‐LSX Zeolites formed by Pressure‐ and Temperature‐Induced Auto‐Reduction
Authors: Kim Donghoon , Lee Yongmoon , Kim Yonghwi , Mingle Kathleen , Lauterbach Jochen , Blom Douglas A. , Vogt Thomas , Lee Yongjae 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAg+‐Exchanged LSX (Ag‐LSX: Ag96Al96Si96O384⋅n H2O), a large pore low silica analogue (Si/Al=1.0) of faujasite, was prepared and post‐synthetically modified using pressure and temperature in the presence of various pore‐penetrating fluids. Using high‐resolution synchrotron X‐ray powder and single crystal diffraction we derive structural models of the as‐prepared and post‐synthetically modified Ag‐LSX materials. In the as‐prepared Ag‐LSX model, we located 96 silver cations and 245 H2O molecules distributed over seven and five distinctive sites, respectively. At 1.4(1) GPa pressure and 150 °C in ethanol the number of silver cations within the pores of Ag‐LSX is reduced by ca. 47.4 %, whereas the number of H2O molecules is increased by ca. 40.8 %. The formation of zero‐valent silver nanoparticles deposited on Ag‐LSX crystallites depends on the fluid present during pressurization. Ag‐nanoparticle‐Ag‐zeolite hybrid materials are recovered after pressure release and shown to have different chemical reactivity when used as catalysts for ethylene epoxidation.