bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel freeze‐dried storage and preparation method for the determination of mycophenolic acid in plasma by high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Wang Lei , Qiang Wei , Li Ying , Cheng Zeneng , Xie Mengmeng 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPlasma samples were conventionally stored at freezing conditions until the time of detection. Such a technique, when carried out over an extended period, is energy consuming; in addition, preparation and transportation of stored samples is inconvenient. In this study, a freeze‐dried storage and preparation method was proposed to determine the presence of mycophenolic acid (MPA) in plasma. Fresh plasma samples were freeze‐dried using a device, and then stored at ambient temperature. After the stored samples were soaked with methanol spiked with the internal standard, high‐performance liquid chromatography was conducted to detect MPA. The proposed method was demonstrated to be precise and accurate over the linear range of 0.5–50 μg mL−1, with both intra‐ and inter‐day precision being <7% and biases <10%. The freeze‐dried samples were stable at ambient temperature for at least 40 days. This method was also successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of MPA in healthy volunteers. Pharmacokinetic parameters, such as maximum plasma concentration, time point of maximum plasma concentration and elimination half‐life, among others, were consistent with the results in the published study. This proposed technique was proved to be simple, reproducible and energy saving. This approach could also simplify the storage and analysis of samples in clinical and scientific drug research.
Inhibitory Activities of Butanol Fraction from Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. Bark Against Free Radicals, Genotoxins and Cancer Cells
Authors: Kaur Varinder , Kumar Manish , Kaur Paramjeet , Kaur Sandeep , Kaur Satwinderjeet 
Published: February 2017

The present study was undertaken to investigate antioxidant, antigenotoxic, and antiproliferative activity of butanol fraction (Bmbu) from bark of medicinal plant Butea monosperma. Antioxidant potency of Bmbu was examined by various in vitro assays. It was also investigated for antigenotoxic activity using Escherichia coli. PQ37 employing SOS chromotest. Further, cytotoxic and apoptosis inducing activity of Bmbu was evaluated in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells. Bmbu showed potent free radical scavenging ability in ABTS assay (IC50 56.70 μg/ml) and anti‐lipid peroxidation ability (IC50 40.39 μg/ml). 4NQO and H2O2 induced genotoxicity was suppressed by Bmbu in SOS chromotest by 74.26% and 82.02% respectively. It also inhibited the growth of MCF‐7 cells with GI50 value of 158.71 μg/ml. Induction of apoptosis in MCF‐7 cells by Bmbu treatment was deciphered using confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and neutral comet assay. Bmbu treatment increased cell population in sub‐G1 phase (69.6%) indicating apoptotic cells. Further, Bmbu treatment resulted in increased reactive oxygen species generation and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential indicating involvement of mitochondrial dependent pathway of apoptosis. HPLC profiling showed the presence of polyphenols such as ellagic acid, catechin, quercetin, and gallic acid as its major constituents. Consequently, it is suggested that the phytoconstituents from this plant may be further exploited for development of novel drug formulation with possible therapeutic implication.
Student success and retention using new definitions created for nonterm, direct assessment CBE
Authors: Mayeshiba M. , Brower A. 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundNonterm, direct assessment competency‐based education gives students unique options for tailoring their coursework to fit their individual needs. These options invalidate traditional measures of student retention and success (such as such as yearly retention, grade point average, or 4‐year graduation rates) that assume all students will complete courses at the same rate and will remain continuously enrolled from admission to graduation. In this article, we propose a new measure of retention, reenrollment within 6 months, and explore its relationship to student success in the University of Wisconsin Flexible Option.MethodsWe examined data for the 1,311 subscriptions that occurred during the first 2 years of the program: from January 2014 through December 2015. These subscriptions represented 565 unique students who each enrolled between one and eight times. Using each subscription's academic outcomes, we conducted a series of logistic regressions to describe students’ likelihood to retain.ResultsWe found that academic outcomes strongly predict a student's likelihood to reenroll within 6 months. Students who mastered at least one competency set during their first subscription were particularly more likely to reenroll. Furthermore, we found that academic outcomes from the previous subscription and the student's longevity in the program also significantly predicted retention.ConclusionWhile further research is needed, these definitions provide a starting point to understand student behavior in nonterm, direct assessment CBE, and suggest the educational value to using 6‐month reenrollment as the measure for retention. The results also suggest possible best educational practices in this unique environment.
Structural Basis of Microtubule Stabilization by Discodermolide
Authors: Prota Andrea E. , Bargsten Katja , Redondo‐Horcajo Mariano , Smith Amos B. , Yang Chia‐Ping H. , McDaid Hayley M. , Paterson Ian , Horwitz Susan B. , Fernando Díaz José , Steinmetz Michel O. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMicrotubule‐stabilizing agents (MSAs) are widely used in chemotherapy. Using X‐ray crystallography we elucidated the detailed binding modes of two potent MSAs, (+)‐discodermolide (DDM) and the DDM–paclitaxel hybrid KS‐1‐199‐32, in the taxane pocket of β‐tubulin. The two compounds bind in a very similar hairpin conformation, as previously observed in solution. However, they stabilize the M‐loop of β‐tubulin differently: KS‐1‐199‐32 induces an M‐loop helical conformation that is not observed for DDM. In the context of the microtubule structure, both MSAs connect the β‐tubulin helices H6 and H7 and loop S9–S10 with the M‐loop. This is similar to the structural effects elicited by epothilone A, but distinct from paclitaxel. Together, our data reveal differential binding mechanisms of DDM and KS‐1‐199‐32 on tubulin.
Effect of heme oxygenase‐1 transduced bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on damaged intestinal epithelial cells in vitro
Authors: Cao Yi , Wu Ben‐Juan , Zheng Wei‐Ping , Yin Ming‐Li , Liu Tao , Song Hong‐Li 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn this study, we explored the effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from bone marrow overexpressing heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) on the damaged human intestinal epithelial barrier in vitro. Rat MSCs were isolated from bone marrow and transduced with rat HO‐1 recombinant adenovirus (HO‐MSCs) for stable expression of HO‐1. Colorectal adenocarinoma 2 (Caco2) cells were treated with tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) to establish a damaged colon epithelial model. Damaged Caco2 were cocultured with MSCs, Ad‐MSCs, Ad‐HO + MSCs or HO‐MSCs. mRNA and protein expression of Zona occludens‐1 (ZO‐1) and human HO‐1 and the release of cytokines were measured. ZO‐1 and human HO‐1 in Caco2 were significantly decreased after treatment with TNF‐α; and this effect was reduced when coculture with MSCs from bone marrow. Expression of ZO‐1 was not significantly affected by Caco2 treatment with TNF‐α, Ad‐HO, and MSCs. In contrast, ZO‐1 and human HO‐1 increased significantly when the damaged Caco2 was treated with HO‐MSCs. HO‐MSCs showed the strongest effect on the expression of ZO‐1 in colon epithelial cells. Coculture with HO‐MSCs showed the most significant effects on reducing the expression of IL‐2, IL‐6, IFN‐γ and increasing the expression of IL‐10. HO‐MSCs protected the intestinal epithelial barrier, in which endogenous HO‐1 was involved. HO‐MSCs play an important role in the repair process by reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines and increasing the release of anti‐inflammatory factors. These results suggested that HO‐MSCs from bone marrow were more effective in repairing the damaged intestinal epithelial barrier, and the effectiveness of MSCs was improved by HO‐1 gene transduction, which provides favorable support for the application of stem cell therapy in the intestinal diseases.
Atrial baffle stenting
Authors: Parekh Dhaval , Krajcer Zvonimir 
Published: February 2017

Key Points

Adult survivors of the atrial switch operation contend with a multitude of complications, including systemic and pulmonary venous baffle obstruction, baffle leak, arrhythmia, and failure of the systemic right ventricle.
Hybrid or intravascular interventions may be indicated for baffle obstruction, baffle leak, pacing lead revision, and clinical symptoms.
Despite the complexity of these procedures, high procedural success rates can be achieved, with limited complications and improvement of clinical symptoms, at experienced centers.
Time is muscle and every minute counts
Authors: Ahmad Tariq Ali , Gilchrist Ian C. 
Published: February 2017

Key Points

Prehospital 12‐lead electrocardiogram should be considered as a part of the initial assessment in patients with symptoms concerning for acute coronary syndrome without causing undue delays in care. A significant amount of evidence confirms the prehospital electrocardiogram as an active contributor to the patients’ clinical outcomes.
Systematic protocols including prehospital electrocardiograms should be designed within certain healthcare networks to facilitate the timely transport of the patients to primary‐PCI capable facilities.
Regulatory and technological challenges exist that require a change to fully implement routine 12‐lead electrocardiograms at first contact with patients before the full potential of this technology can be demonstrated.
Silver‐Promoted Dehydroaromatization of Ethylene over ZSM‐5 Catalysts
Authors: Hsieh Ming‐Feng , Zhou Yunwen , Thirumalai Hari , Grabow Lars C. , Rimer Jeffrey D. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe shape selectivity of ZSM‐5 (MFI type) catalysts is ideal for the production of C6–C8 aromatics. Developing high‐performance zeolite catalysts with improved selectivity to aromatics, particularly from diversified (non‐petroleum) feedstocks, has broad commercial appeal. Non‐oxidative coupling (NOC) of ethylene was examined over Ag‐ZSM‐5 catalysts at 400 °C and shows that Ag+ sites promote dehydroaromatization with enhanced selectivity to toluene and xylenes. Metal exchange of H‐ZSM‐5 results in Ag zoning wherein Ag+ site density is higher on the exterior of ZSM‐5 particles. Catalyst performance was characterized with varying Ag loading as well as the use of methane co‐feed. Aromatic selectivity is about 60 % on Ag‐ZSM‐5 compared to 20 % on H‐ZSM‐5, which is qualitatively consistent with density functional theory (DFT) showing that ethylene forms strong complexes with Ag+ (Lewis acid) sites. DFT calculations also reveal that ethylene activation on H+ (Brønsted acid) sites is more energetically favorable, and likely constitutes the first mechanistic step in ethylene‐to‐liquids (ETL) reactions. Ag‐ZSM‐5 is thus identified as an effective catalyst for low‐temperature ETL reactions that has the potential to outperform conventional metal‐exchanged zeolites.
Design of Allosteric Stimulators of the Hsp90 ATPase as New Anticancer Leads
Authors: D'Annessa Ilda , Sattin Sara , Tao Jiahui , Pennati Marzia , Sànchez‐Martìn Carlos , Moroni Elisabetta , Rasola Andrea , Zaffaroni Nadia , Agard David A. , Bernardi Anna , Colombo Giorgio 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAllosteric compounds that stimulate Hsp90 adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity were rationally designed, showing anticancer potencies in the low micromolar to nanomolar range. In parallel, the mode of action of these compounds was clarified and a quantitative model that links the dynamic ligand–protein cross‐talk to observed cellular and in vitro activities was developed. The results support the potential of using dynamics‐based approaches to develop original mechanism‐based cancer therapeutics.
Homometallic DyIII Complexes of Varying Nuclearity from 2 to 21: Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetism
Authors: Biswas Sourav , Das Sourav , Acharya Joydev , Kumar Vierandra , van Leusen Jan , Kögerler Paul , Herrera Juan Manuel , Colacio Enrique , Chandrasekhar Vadapalli 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of four DyIII coordination compounds isolated as [Dy2(LH2)2(μ2‐η1:η1‐Piv)]Cl⋅2 MeOH⋅H2O (1), [Dy4(LH)2(μ3‐OH)2(Piv)4(MeOH)2]⋅4 MeOH⋅2 H2O (2), [Dy6(LH2)3(tfa)3(O3PtBu)(Cl)3]Cl4⋅15.5 H2O⋅4 MeOH⋅5 CHCl3 (3) and [Dy21(L)7(LH)7(tfa)7]Cl7⋅15 H2O⋅7 MeOH⋅12 CHCl3 (4) are reported (Piv=pivalate, tfa=1,1,1‐trifluoroacetylacetone, O3PtBu=tert‐butylphosphonate). Among these, 3 displays an equilateral triangle topology with a side length of 9.541 Å and a rare pentagonal‐bipyramidal Dy3+ environment, whereas complex 4 exhibits a single‐stranded nanowheel structure with the highest nuclearity known for a homometallic lanthanide cluster structure. A tentative model of the dc magnetic susceptibility and the low‐temperature magnetization of compounds 1 and 2 indicates that the former exhibits weak ferromagnetic intramolecular exchange interaction between the Dy3+ ions, whereas in the latter both intramolecular ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic magnetic exchange interactions are present. Compounds 1, 3, and 4 exhibit frequency‐dependent ac signals below 15 K at zero bias field, but without exhibiting any maximum above 2 K at frequencies up to 1400 Hz. The observed slow relaxation of the magnetization suggests that these compounds could exhibit single molecule magnet (SMM) behavior with either a thermal energy barrier for the reversal of the magnetization that is not high enough to block the magnetization above 2 K, or there exists quantum tunneling of the magnetization (QTM).
Differential diagnosis of well‐differentiated squamous cell carcinoma from non‐neoplastic oral mucosal lesions: New cytopathologic evaluation method dependent on keratinization‐related parameters but not nuclear atypism
Authors: Hara Hitoshi , Misawa Tsuneo , Ishii Eri , Nakagawa Miki , Koshiishi Saki , Amemiya Kenji , Oyama Toshio , Tominaga Kazuya , Cheng Jun , Tanaka Akio , Saku Takashi 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundThe cytology of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is challenging because oral SCC cells tend to be well differentiated and lack nuclear atypia, often resulting in a false negative diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to establish practical cytological parameters specific to oral SCCs.MethodsWe reviewed 123 cases of malignancy and 53 of non‐neoplastic lesions of the oral mucosa, which had been diagnosed using both cytology and histopathology specimens. From those, we selected 12 SCC and 4 CIS cases that had initially been categorized as NILM to ASC‐H with the Bethesda system, as well as 4 non‐neoplastic samples categorized as LSIL or ASC‐H as controls, and compared their characteristic findings. After careful examinations, we highlighted five cytological parameters, as described in Results. Those 20 cytology samples were then reevaluated by 4 independent examiners using the Bethesda system as well as the 5 parameters.ResultsFive cytological features, (i) concentric arrangement of orangeophilic cells (indicating keratin pearls), (ii) large number of orangeophilic cells, (iii) bizarre‐shaped orangeophilic cells without nuclear atypia, (iv) keratoglobules, and (v) uneven filamentous cytoplasm, were found to be significant parameters. All malignant cases contained at least one of those parameters, while none were observed in the four non‐neoplastic cases with nuclear atypia. In reevaluations, the Bethesda system did not help the screeners distinguish oral SCCs from non‐neoplastic lesions, while use of the five parameters enabled them to make a diagnosis of SCC.ConclusionRecognition of the present five parameters is useful for oral SCC cytology. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:406–417. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pancreatic involvement by metastasizing neoplasms as determined by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration: A clinicopathologic characterization
Authors: Sekulic Miroslav , Amin Khalid , Mettler Tetyana , Miller Lizette K. , Mallery Shawn , Stewart Jimmie 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundPancreatic tumors often represent primary neoplasms, however organ involvement with metastatic disease can occur. The use of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) to determine the underlying pathology provides guidance of clinical management.Methods25 cases were identified in a retrospective review of our institution's records from 2006 to 2016. Clinical parameters and prognosis are described.ResultsMetastatic lesions to the pancreas diagnosed by EUS‐FNA accounted for 4.2% of all pancreatic neoplastic diagnoses, each lesion had a median greatest dimension of 1.5 cm, were most often located in the head of the pancreas, and by EUS were typically hypoechoic masses with variably defined borders. Patients were of a median age of 64 years old at diagnosis of the metastatic lesion(s) and the mean interval from primary diagnosis to the diagnosis of metastasis to the pancreas was 58.7 months (95% confidence interval, CI, 35.4 to 82.0 months). The rates of 24‐month overall survival after diagnoses of metastatic renal cell carcinoma or all other neoplasms to the pancreas were 90% and 7% respectively. The origin of the neoplasms included the kidney (n = 10), colon (n = 4), ovary (n = 3), lung (n = 2), et al. Smear‐based cytomorphology, and a combination of histomorphology and immunohistochemical studies from cell block preparations showed features consistent with the neoplasm of derivation.ConclusionMetastases to the pancreas can be diagnosed via EUS‐FNA, with enough specimen to conduct immunohistochemical studies if necessary to delineate origin. The determination of metastatic disease to the pancreas alters management and prognosis of the patient. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:418–425. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increasing the linear dynamic range in LC–MS: is it valid to use a less abundant isotopologue?
Authors: Trobbiani Stephen , Stockham Peter , Scott Timothy 
Published: February 2017

Liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC–MS) has quickly become the analytical method of choice in forensic toxicology laboratories due to its ability to detect a very wide range of compounds in a single analysis. One of the major limitations of LC–MS however, is a relatively limited linear dynamic range for quantitation. A new approach to combating this problem is to use the [+1M + H]+ isotope mass peak for quantitation, thereby reducing saturation at the detector and extending the linear range. This is particularly useful in full‐scan applications, such as quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight (QTOF) mass spectrometry, where the isotopic mass peaks are acquired as a matter of course. Due to the variation in abundance of naturally occurring isotopes for common elements, especially 13C, this technique has the potential to lead to additional quantitative error. Through a review of published isotope ratio mass spectrometry data, we have assessed this potential for error and found that it is likely to be less than 2% and unlikely to be more than 4%, although this may not apply to compounds containing high numbers of nitrogen or sulphur atoms. This additional potential error must be considered before using this technique as it may not be appropriate for all applications. We have deemed it fit for purpose for our application and demonstrate the applicability of this technique to a quantitative LC‐TOF method. © 2017 Commonwealth of Australia. Drug Testing and Analysis © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychometric evaluation of the youth eating disorder examination questionnaire in children with overweight or obesity
Authors: Kass Andrea E. , Theim Hurst Kelly , Kolko Rachel P. , Ruzicka Elizabeth B. , Stein Richard I. , Saelens Brian E. , Welch R. Robinson , Perri Michael G. , Schechtman Kenneth B. , Epstein Leonard H. , Wilfley Denise E. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Youth Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (YEDE‐Q) and its utility for detecting loss of control (LOC) eating (i.e., eating episodes, regardless of size, involving a perceived inability to control what or how much one is eating) among school‐age children with overweight or obesity. Identifying eating pathology, particularly LOC eating, in this population may facilitate treatment that improves weight outcomes and reduces eating disorder risk. Children with overweight or obesity (N = 241; 7–11 years) completed the YEDE‐Q and abbreviated Child EDE (ChEDE) to assess LOC eating, prior to entering a weight management treatment trial. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were conducted on children's YEDE‐Q responses and compared to the standard adult EDE‐Q factor structure and newer, alternate factor structures. CFA supported a three‐factor structure, which distinguished youth with versus without LOC. The YEDE‐Q showed low accuracy for detecting LOC eating as measured by the ChEDE, which served as the gold‐standard benchmark (AUC = 0.69). Among children who endorsed LOC eating, more episodes per month were reported on the YEDE‐Q than ChEDE (p < .001). The YEDE‐Q may not have utility as a screener for identifying true cases of LOC eating among school‐age children with overweight or obesity. Further evaluation of the YEDE‐Q and the alternate three‐factor structure is warranted.
When perception reflects reality: Non‐native grass invasion alters small mammal risk landscapes and survival
Authors: Ceradini Joseph P. , Chalfoun Anna D. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractModification of habitat structure due to invasive plants can alter the risk landscape for wildlife by, for example, changing the quality or availability of refuge habitat. Whether perceived risk corresponds with actual fitness outcomes, however, remains an important open question. We simultaneously measured how habitat changes due to a common invasive grass (cheatgrass, Bromus tectorum) affected the perceived risk, habitat selection, and apparent survival of a small mammal, enabling us to assess how well perceived risk influenced important behaviors and reflected actual risk. We measured perceived risk by nocturnal rodents using a giving‐up density foraging experiment with paired shrub (safe) and open (risky) foraging trays in cheatgrass and native habitats. We also evaluated microhabitat selection across a cheatgrass gradient as an additional assay of perceived risk and behavioral responses for deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) at two spatial scales of habitat availability. Finally, we used mark‐recapture analysis to quantify deer mouse apparent survival across a cheatgrass gradient while accounting for detection probability and other habitat features. In the foraging experiment, shrubs were more important as protective cover in cheatgrass‐dominated habitats, suggesting that cheatgrass increased perceived predation risk. Additionally, deer mice avoided cheatgrass and selected shrubs, and marginally avoided native grass, at two spatial scales. Deer mouse apparent survival varied with a cheatgrass–shrub interaction, corresponding with our foraging experiment results, and providing a rare example of a native plant mediating the effects of an invasive plant on wildlife. By synthesizing the results of three individual lines of evidence (foraging behavior, habitat selection, and apparent survival), we provide a rare example of linkage between behavioral responses of animals indicative of perceived predation risk and actual fitness outcomes. Moreover, our results suggest that exotic grass invasions can influence wildlife populations by altering risk landscapes and survival.