bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tumor conditions induce bone marrow expansion of granulocytic, but not monocytic, immunosuppressive leukocytes with increased CXCR2 expression in mice
Authors: Bian Zhen , Shi Lei , Venkataramani Mahathi , Abdelaal Ahmed Mansour , Culpepper Courtney , Kidder Koby , Liang Hongwei , Zen Ke , Liu Yuan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMyeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) promote tumor growth through, in part, inhibiting T‐cell immunity. However, mechanisms underlying MDSC expansion and guidance of MDSCs toward the tumor microenvironment remain unclear. Employing Percoll density gradients, we separate bone marrow (BM) leukocytes from tumor‐bearing mice into four density‐increasing bands with myeloid leukocytes enriched in bands III and IV. Band III comprises monocytes and low‐density granulocytes, both confirmed to be M‐MDSCs and G‐MDSCs, respectively, by displaying potent inhibition of T‐cell proliferation. However, monocytes act as M‐MDSCs not only under tumor conditions but also the healthy condition. In contrast, band IV contains non‐inhibitory, mature granulocytes. Only band III G‐MDSCs display significant expansion in mice bearing B16 melanoma, Lewis lung carcinoma, or MC38 colon carcinoma. The expanded G‐MDSCs also show increased CXCR2 expression, which guides egress out of BM, and produce arginase‐1 and ROS upon encountering antigen‐activated T cells. Adoptive transfer assays demonstrate that both G‐MDSCs and mature granulocytes infiltrate tumors, but only the former displays sustention and accumulation. Intratumoral administrations of granulocytes further demonstrate that G‐MDSCs promote tumor growth, whereas mature granulocytes exert minimal effects, or execute powerful anti‐tumor effects providing the presence of PMN activation mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment.
Capillary‐HPLC with tandem mass spectrometry in analysis of alkaloid dyestuffs – a new approach
Authors: Dąbrowski Damian , Lech Katarzyna , Jarosz Maciej 
Published: November 2017

AbstractDevelopment of the identification method of alkaloid compounds in Amur cork tree as well as not examined so far Oregon grape and European Barberry shrubs are presented. The novel approach to separation of alkaloids was applied and the capillary‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (capillary‐HPLC) system was used, which has never previously been reported for alkaloid‐based dyestuffs analysis. Its optimization was conducted with three different stationary phases (unmodified octadecylsilane‐bonded silica, octadecylsilane modified with polar groups and silica‐bonded pentaflourophenyls) as well as with different solvent buffers. Detection of the isolated compounds was carried out using diode‐array detector (DAD) and tandem mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization (ESI MS/MS). The working parameters of ESI were optimized, whereas the multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) parameters of MS/MS detection were chosen based on the product ion spectra of the quasi‐molecular ions. Calibration curve of berberine has been estimated (y = 1712091x + 4785.03 with the correlation coefficient 0.9999). Limit of detection and limit of quantification were calculated to be 3.2 and 9.7 ng/mL, respectively. Numerous alkaloids (i.e., berberine, jatrorrhizine and magnoflorine, as well as phellodendrine, menisperine and berbamine) were identified in the extracts from alkaloid plants and silk and wool fibers dyed with these dyestuffs, among them their markers.
DNA damage in Arctic seabirds: Baseline, sensitivity to a genotoxic stressor, and association with organohalogen contaminants
Authors: Haarr Ane , Hylland Ketil , Eckbo Norith , Gabrielsen Geir Wing , Herzke Dorte , Bustnes Jan Ove , Blévin Pierre , Chastel Olivier , Moe Børge , Hanssen Sveinn Are , Sagerup Kjetil , Borgå Katrine 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Environmental contaminants are found throughout Arctic marine ecosystems, and their presence in seabirds has been associated with toxicological responses. However, there are few studies of genotoxicity in Arctic avian wildlife. The purpose of the present study was to quantify deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage in lymphocytes of selected seabird species and to examine whether accumulation of organohalogen contaminants (ΣOHCs) affects DNA damage. Blood was sampled from common eider (Somateria mollissima), black guillemot (Cepphus grylle), black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla), glaucous gull (Larus hyperboreus), arctic skua (Stercorarius parasiticus), and great skua (Stercorarius skua) in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard (Norway). Contaminant concentrations found in the 6 species differed, presumably because of foraging ecology and biomagnification. Despite large differences in contaminant concentrations, ranging from ΣOHCs 3.3 ng/g wet weight in the common eider to ΣOHCs 895 ng/g wet weight in the great skua, there was no strong difference among the species in baseline DNA damage or sensitivity to a genotoxic stressor (hydrogen peroxide). Baseline levels of DNA damage were low, with median values ranging from 1.7% in the common eider to 8.6% in the great skua. There were no associations between DNA damage and contaminants in the investigated species, suggesting that contaminant concentrations in Kongsfjorden are too low to evoke genotoxic effects, or possibly that lymphocytes are resistant to strand breakage. Clearly, genotoxicity is a topic for future studies of Arctic seabirds. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1084–1091. © 2017 SETAC
Abstract
Design of lattice‐based ElGamal encryption and signature schemes using SIS problem
Authors: Gupta Daya Sagar , Biswas G. P. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe emerging technologies like quantum computing and cloud computing have a complex computing power and can break the security of the classical cryptographic constructions (like ElGamal's cryptosystem). Thus, we were motivated to work on hard lattice problems, which are more complex and can resist these new modern technologies. In this proposal, we present a lattice‐based version of discrete logarithm problem‐based ElGamal public‐key encryption and signature schemes that exhibit strong security features and efficient implementation. The security of these presented schemes is based on the worst‐case hardness of approximating a small integer vector in their corresponding lattice. Furthermore, this proposed work illustrates a security proof of the proposed schemes and shows that the presented schemes are well protected in the modern computing environment. The performance analysis and comparison with classical ElGamal schemes and recent lattice‐based schemes are also made, and it is seen that the proposed schemes achieve better performance.
Impact of different intensities of intermittent theta burst stimulation on the cortical properties during TMS‐EEG and working memory performance
Authors: Chung Sung Wook , Rogasch Nigel C. , Hoy Kate E. , Sullivan Caley M. , Cash Robin F. H. , Fitzgerald Paul B. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIntermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique capable of increasing cortical excitability beyond the stimulation period. Due to the rapid induction of modulatory effects, prefrontal application of iTBS is gaining popularity as a therapeutic tool for psychiatric disorders such as depression. In an attempt to increase efficacy, higher than conventional intensities are currently being applied. The assumption that this increases neuromodulatory may be mechanistically false for iTBS. This study examined the influence of intensity on the neurophysiological and behavioural effects of iTBS in the prefrontal cortex. Sixteen healthy participants received iTBS over prefrontal cortex at either 50, 75 or 100% resting motor threshold in separate sessions. Single‐pulse TMS and concurrent electroencephalography (EEG) was used to assess changes in cortical reactivity measured as TMS‐evoked potentials and oscillations. The n‐back task was used to assess changes in working memory performance. The data can be summarised as an inverse U‐shape relationship between intensity and iTBS plastic effects, where 75% iTBS yielded the largest neurophysiological changes. Improvement in reaction time in the 3‐back task was supported by the change in alpha power, however, comparison between conditions revealed no significant differences. The assumption that higher intensity results in greater neuromodulatory effects may be false, at least in healthy individuals, and should be carefully considered for clinical populations. Neurophysiological changes associated with working memory following iTBS suggest functional relevance. However, the effects of different intensities on behavioural performance remain elusive in the present healthy sample.
Outpatient versus inpatient thyroidectomy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lee Daniel J. , Chin Christopher J. , Hong Chris J. , Perera Stefan , Witterick Ian J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundOutpatient thyroidectomy has gained popularity due to improved resource utilization.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane library. We included all studies examining the outcomes of outpatient thyroidectomy as compared with those of inpatient thyroidectomy. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale. Postoperative complications (hematoma, hypocalcemia, and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury) and readmission/reintervention rates were compared.ResultsAfter screening 1665 records, 10 nonrandomized observational studies were included. There were fewer complication rates in the outpatient group than the inpatient group (relative risk [RR] 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37‐0.83). There was no difference in readmission/reintervention rates (RR 0.60; 95% CI 0.33‐1.09).ConclusionThe results suggest outpatient thyroidectomy may be as safe as inpatient thyroidectomy in appropriately selected patients. The results are limited by high risk of bias. Well‐designed prospective studies are necessary to further assess the safety of outpatient thyroidectomy.
CASTLE tumor of the parotid: First documented case, literature review, and genetic analysis of the cancer
Authors: Wong Eugene Hung Chih , Tetter Nora , Tzankov Alexandar , Muller Laurent 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundCarcinoma showing thymus‐like elements (CASTLE) is a rare tumor that normally affects the thyroid gland and was thought to arise from either the remnants of the branchial pouch or the ectopic cervical thymic tissue. These tumors show strong immunopositivity for CD5, P63, and CD117. Most CASTLE of the thyroid gland is treated with surgery with or without adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy.MethodA 55‐year‐old woman presented with a slow‐growing right parotid mass. A right total parotidectomy and ipsilateral selective neck dissection were performed and the diagnosis of CASTLE was made after confirmation with an immunohistochemistry test. She received radiotherapy postoperatively.ResultsGenetic sequencing showed alterations in the PPARG, BRCA2, and NOTCH1 genes. She remained disease free for >1 year after treatment.ConclusionWe believe that this is the first reported case of CASTLE in the parotid gland. Clinicians should be aware of this rare entity and consider this differential diagnosis after ruling out other common parotid lesions.
A Personal Perspective on Organic Synthesis: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Chen David Y.‐K. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe field of organic synthesis is facing an exciting yet challenging time in its own history, and in the history of science and humanity. In this essay, personal perspectives in response to the five questions posed by the Editors of this Special Issue covering the history, contribution, perception, predictability, and future of organic synthesis, are presented. Through this collection of historical facts, personal viewpoints, encounters, and speculations, the scientific community and beyond may rejuvenate an appreciation for organic synthesis as both a powerful central science and an indispensable enabling technology, and collectively strive towards the next bright chapter in the human history.
A genetic variant of miR‐335 binding site in the ERBB4 3′‐UTR is associated with prognosis of ovary cancer
Authors: Wei Ping , Li Ling , Zhang Zhihu , Zhang Wei , Liu Ming , Sheng Xiugui 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTOvarian cancer is one of the leading gynecologic malignancies globally, the 5‐year survival rate for patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer is very low. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that miR‐335 was associated with the survival of patients with ovarian cancer. Bioinformatics tools and luciferase report assay were used to select the target of miR‐335, and real‐time PCR was used to detect the expression of miR‐335 and ERBB4 in different genotype groups. Finally, Cox regression and Kaplan‐Meier analyses were used to assess the relationship of ERBB4 genotype and survival of ovary cancer. Firstly, individuals carried ERBB4 rs186724 GG genotype had poorer overall survival compared with those carried CC/CT genotypes in ovarian cancer, while the participants with rs1836724 GA genotype had the same overall survival with that in participants with rs1836724 AA genotype in accordance with the result of Cox regression and Kaplan‐Meier analyses. Then according to result of the in‐silicon analysis, ERBB4 was the target of miR‐335, and rs1836724 was located on 3′UTR of ERBB4, the binding site of miR‐335, and miR‐335 inhibited the expression of ERBB4 and this regulation was more suppressed when the G allele replaced by the variant A allele. Finally, miR‐335 was similar among GG, GA, and AA groups, and ERBB4 level was higher in GG group. Finally, malignant grade is apparently higher in GG group than the other group. The data indicated that the ERBB4 rs1836724 polymorphism was associated with the survival of ovarian cancer.
Factors affecting the selection of PHB accumulating methanotrophs from waste activated sludge while utilizing ammonium as their nitrogen source
Authors: Fergala Ahmed , AlSayed Ahmed , Eldyasti Ahmed 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDMethanotrophs can offer a long‐term reliable solution to two of the major problems causing environmental pollution. These microorganisms can convert methane, i.e. second major greenhouse gas (GHG), into biodegradable polymers as polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). In this research, waste activated sludge was used as a seed for cultivating enrichments utilizing methane and ammonium as their sole carbon and nitrogen sources respectively with high PHB accumulation capacity. Moreover, to test the effect of different parameters, such as the initial ratio between the ammonium and the microorganisms (N/M), food to microorganisms ratio (F/M), the solids retention time (SRT), copper elimination and nitrate, on the selection of PHB accumulating, i.e. Type II methanotrophs.RESULTSAfter establishing a mixed culture dominated by Type II methanotrophs, the enriched culture was kept in the exponential phase of growth and had a stable performance for almost 30 consecutive cycles with a specific growth rate of 0.077 ± 0.005 h‐1 and biomass yield of 0.81 ± 0.06 mg‐VSS mg‐1‐CH4. The PHB accumulation capacity of the enrichment reached 52.9 ± 4% with a yield of 0.54 ± 0.12 mg‐PHB mg‐1‐CH4.CONCLUSIONSIncreasing the N/M ratio can be employed to ensure the dominance of Type II methanotrophs in mixed cultures having high PHB accumulation capacity while maintaining a high F/M ratio overcomes any inhibition resulting from ammonium co‐metabolism. Despite the dominance of Type II, switching the nitrogen source to nitrate caused an invasion of Type I methanotrophs and a deterioration in the PHB accumulation of the enriched culture. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
On the possible values of the entropy of undirected graphs
Authors: Gadouleau Maximilien 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe entropy of a digraph is a fundamental measure that relates network coding, information theory, and fixed points of finite dynamical systems. In this article, we focus on the entropy of undirected graphs. We prove any bounded interval only contains finitely many possible values of the entropy of an undirected graph. We also determine all the possible values for the entropy of an undirected graph up to the value of four.
The effects of crew resource management on teamwork and safety climate at Veterans Health Administration facilities
Authors: Schwartz Miriam E. , Welsh Deborah E. , Paull Douglas E. , Knowles Regina S. , DeLeeuw Lori D. , Hemphill Robin R. , Essen Keith E. , Sculli Gary L. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractCommunication failure is a significant source of adverse events in health care and a leading root cause of sentinel events reported to the Joint Commission. The Veterans Health Administration National Center for Patient Safety established Clinical Team Training (CTT) as a comprehensive program to enhance patient safety and to improve communication and teamwork among health care professionals. CTT is based on techniques used in aviation's Crew Resource Management (CRM) training. The aviation industry has reached a significant safety record in large part related to the culture change generated by CRM and sustained by its recurrent implementation. This article focuses on the improvement of communication, teamwork, and patient safety by utilizing a standardized, CRM‐based, interprofessional, immersive training in diverse clinical areas. The Teamwork and Safety Climate Questionnaire was used to evaluate safety climate before and after CTT. The scores for all of the 27 questions on the questionnaire showed an increase from baseline to 12 months, and 11 of those increases were statistically significant. A recurrent training is recommended to maintain the positive outcomes. CTT enhances patient safety and reduces risk of patient harm by improving teamwork and facilitating clear, concise, specific and timely communication among health care professionals.
Computer‐aided design of human sialyltransferase inhibitors of hST8Sia III
Authors: Dobie Christopher , Montgomery Andrew P. , Szabo Rémi , Skropeta Danielle , Yu Haibo 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSialyltransferase (ST) upregulation and the resultant hypersialylation of tumour cell surfaces is an established hallmark of many cancers including lung, breast, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancer. The role of ST enzymes in tumour cell growth and metastasis, as well as links to multi‐drug resistance, has seen ST inhibition emerge as a target for potential antimetastatic cancer treatments. The most potent of these reported inhibitors are transition‐state analogues. Although there are several examples of these in the literature, many have suspected poor pharmacokinetic properties and are not readily synthetically accessible. A proposed solution to these problems is the use of a neutral carbamate or 1,2,3‐triazole linker instead of the more commonly used phosphodiester linker, and replacing the traditionally utilised cytidine nucleotide with uridine. Another issue in this area is the paucity of structural information of human ST enzymes. However, in late 2015 the structure of human ST8Sia III was reported (only the second human ST described so far), creating the opportunity for structure‐based design of selective ST8 inhibitors for the first time. Herein, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations with the newly published crystal structure of hST8Sia III were performed for the first time with selected ST transition state analogues. Simulations showed that these compounds could participate in many of the key interactions common with the natural donor and acceptor substrates, and reveals some key insights into the synthesis of potentially selective ST inhibitors.
Impact of infrared treatment on quality and fungal decontamination of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) inoculated with Aspergillus spp
Authors: Meenu Maninder , Guha Paramita , Mishra Sunita 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDMung bean is a rich source of protein, carbohydrates and fiber content. It also exhibits a high level of antioxidant activity due to the presence of phenolic compounds. Aspergillus flavus and A. niger are the two major fungal strains associated with stored mung bean that lead to post‐harvest losses of grains and also cause serious health risks to human beings. Thus there is a need to explore an economical decontamination method that can be used without affecting the biochemical parameters of grains.RESULTSIt was observed that infrared (IR) treatment of mung bean surface up to 70 °C for 5 min at an intensity of 0.299 kW m−2 led to complete visible inhibition of fungal growth. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that surface irregularities and physical disruption of spores coat are the major reasons behind the inactivation of IR‐treated fungal spores. It was also reported that IR treatment up to 70 °C for 5 min does not cause any negative impact on the biochemical and physical properties of mung bean.CONCLUSIONFrom the results of the present study, it was concluded that IR treatment at 70 °C for 5 min using an IR source having an intensity of 0.299 kW m−2 can be successfully used as a method of fungal decontamination. The fungal spore population was reduced (approximately 5.3 log10 CFU g−1 reductions) without significantly altering the biochemical and physical properties of grains. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Multiple‐Dose Oritavancin Evaluation in a Retrospective Cohort of Patients with Complicated Infections
Authors: Schulz Lucas T , Dworkin Emily , Dela‐Pena Jennifer , Rose Warren E. 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveOritavancin is a lipoglycopeptide antibiotic approved for use in acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections as a single 1200‐mg parenteral dose. Because of oritavancin's long half‐life and broad gram‐positive activity, interest in its use for other infections is high.MethodsThis study is a retrospective cohort evaluation of patients receiving oritavancin at a single academic medical center. All patients receiving more than one dose of oritavancin were included. Patients were excluded if therapy was interrupted by more than 14 days. Efficacy, defined a priori as clinical success, improvement, or failure, and adverse drug effect outcomes were collected.ResultsSeventeen patients received multiple oritavancin doses (range 2–18 doses) for the treatment of complicated infections including osteomyelitis, surgical site infection, intravascular infections, and pneumonia. All patients achieved clinical success or improvement with oritavancin. Four patients (24%) had an adverse event requiring oritavancin discontinuation that reversed rapidly.ConclusionsOff‐label oritavancin use may be a safe and effective alternative to daily antibiotic infusions to treat complicated infectious disease processes. This study is limited by small sample size and retrospective design, but it provides information on using oritavancin in these complex gram‐positive infections.
Hole‐Transfer‐Layer Modification of Quantum Dot‐Sensitized Photocathodes for Dramatically Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wen Min , Wu Hao‐Lin , Li Xu‐Bing , Chen Bin , Tung Chen‐Ho , Wu Li‐Zhu 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPhotoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting involving a sensitized photocathode has emerged as an extremely promising pathway for achieving solar‐to‐fuel conversion. Here it is reported that merely by modulating the morphology of hole‐transfer layer of NiO film to give a regular porous structure, the PEC performance of quantum dots (QDs) sensitized photocathodes can be dramatically enhanced. Mechanistic insights reveal that the porous structure not only increases the loading amount of QDs for enhanced light capture, but also facilitates the process of interfacial hole transfer and migration, which enable a 2.6‐fold enhancement of PEC performance to a photocurrent of ≈136 μA cm−2. The strategy introduced here provides an effective and facile pathway for further improving the efficiency of artificial photosynthesis.