bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Untargeted metabolomics analysis of adipogenic transformation in OP9‐DL1 cells using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry: Implications for thymic adipogenesis
Authors: Tan Jianxin , Wang Yajun , Wang Siliang , Zhang Nannan , Wu Simeng , Yuan Zhe , Zhu Xike 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAdipocyte deposition is a key feature of age‐related thymic involution, but the underlying mechanisms responsible for thymic adiposity remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we utilized rosiglitazone, a potent peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ agonist, to induce adipogenic differentiation of OP9‐DL1 cells, and detected the metabolomics alterations during adipogenic differentiation by using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The obtained metabolites were further processed by multivariate statistical analysis, including principal component analysis, partial least squares discriminant analysis, and orthogonal projection on latent‐structures discriminant analysis. As a result, we identified a total of 33 significantly differential metabolites between dimethyl sulphoxide‐ and rosiglitazone‐treated OP9‐DL1 cells, which were closely related to the dysregulation of phospholipid metabolism pathway, oxidative stress, and associated amino acid metabolism. Meanwhile, two pathways including glycerophospholipid metabolism and nitrogen metabolism were significantly perturbed (P < 0.05). Collectively, our results may provide some heuristic guidance for addressing the underlying mechanism of thymic adipogenesis, and future studies are warranted to unravel the functions of these altered metabolites in thymic adipogenesis.
Thrombotic valvular dysfunction with transcatheter mitral interventions for postsurgical failures
Authors: Eng Marvin H. , Greenbaum Adam , Wang Dee Dee , Wyman Janet , DNP  , Arjomand Heider , Yadav Pradeep , Nemeh Hassan , Paone Gaetano , Guerrero Mayra , O'Neill William 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundDegenerated surgical mitral valve repairs or surgical prostheses are currently being treated with transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR). We report the procedural and mid‐term assessment of thirteen cases.MethodsFrom 12/2013 to 12/2015, 13 consecutive patients with degenerated mitral valve repair or valve replacement were treated. Patients were assessed for mitral valve academic valve consortium (MVARC) defined outcomes.ResultsImmediate procedural MVARC defined technical success was 92%. At 30 days MVARC device and procedure success were 61% and 84%, respectively. Mean follow‐up was 150 days [IQR 40–123 days]. There were 2 late major adverse outcomes, a noncardiac related death (628 days) and a stroke (382 days). The mean mitral gradient decreased from 9.5 ± 3.4 to 5.5 ± 2.6 mm Hg (P < 0.01). Three patients were found to have high gradients, two presented with heart failure while another patient was found to have reduced leaflet motion and abnormal thickening postprocedure. The two patients with heart failure were treated with enoxaparin, which caused subsequent resolution of increased valve gradients in one patient. The other patient could not tolerate prolonged treatment from anticoagulation due to gastrointestinal bleeding. Three of 13 patients were treated with dual‐antiplatelet therapy and were suspected to have valve thrombosis.ConclusionThrombotic related dysfunction post‐TMVR occurred in 15% (2/13) of patients and one patient had abnormal leaflet thickening that may have been thrombus related. Dual‐antiplatelet therapy was used in all 3 cases suggesting the possible need for oral anticoagulation postmitral valve‐in‐valve therapy. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparing the Relative Reactivities of Food and Vitamin Molecules Toward Electrochemically Generated Superoxide in Dimethylformamide
Authors: Lauw Sherman J. L. , Yeo Joyce Y. H. , Chiang Zhong , Webster Richard D. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSuperoxide (O2.−), an anionic radical of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) family, is continuously produced in the body and can lead to the undesirable modification and damage of important biological molecules. In the present study, the relative reactivities of 18 food and vitamin molecules toward electrochemically generated O2.− were investigated in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) solutions by using cyclic voltammetry (CV). The quenching of O2.− was measured by monitoring the decreases in the anodic currents of the reverse peaks after the one‐electron reduction of molecular oxygen (O2), while systematically increasing the concentration of the test substrates. The reactivity of each compound was then approximated and compared using effective concentration indexes, EC10 and EC50, which represent the amount of compound required to reduce the concentration of the electrochemically generated O2.− by 10 and 50%, respectively, under the present conditions. Where possible, the likely mechanisms that are involved in the scavenging of O2.− are also discussed.
Noncovalent Interactions and Internal Dynamics in Pyridine–Ammonia: A Combined Quantum‐Chemical and Microwave Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Spada Lorenzo , Tasinato Nicola , Vazart Fanny , Barone Vincenzo , Caminati Walther , Puzzarini Cristina 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe 1:1 complex of ammonia with pyridine is characterized by using state‐of‐the‐art quantum‐chemical computations combined with pulsed‐jet Fourier‐transform microwave spectroscopy. The computed potential energy landscape indicates the formation of a stable σ‐type complex, which is confirmed experimentally: analysis of the rotational spectrum shows the presence of only one 1:1 pyridine–ammonia adduct. Each rotational transition is split into several components owing to the internal rotation of NH3 around its C3 axis and to the hyperfine structure of both 14N quadrupolar nuclei, thus providing unequivocal proof that the two molecules form a σ‐type complex involving both a N−H⋅⋅⋅N and a C−H⋅⋅⋅N hydrogen bond. The dissociation energy (BSSE‐ and ZPE‐corrected) is estimated to be 11.5 kJ mol−1. This work represents the first application of an accurate yet efficient computational scheme, designed for the investigation of small biomolecules, to a molecular cluster.
Phenotypic Characterization of Trisomy 12 Monoclonal B‐Cell Lymphocytosis
Authors: Sorigue Marc , Maluquer Clara , Junca Jordi 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundTrisomy 12 chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is phenotypically different from the rest of CLL cytogenetic subgroups. However, it is unknown whether this is also the case for trisomy 12 CLL‐phenotype monoclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis (MBL).MethodsWe analyzed the expression of several markers in a series of 89 cytogenetically characterized MBL (including 17 trisomy 12 cases). Additionally, we compared the expression of these markers between trisomy 12 MBL, trisomy 12 CLL and a series of cases with trisomy 12 but fulfilling only 3 of the 5 Moreau CLL diagnostic criteria.ResultsCD20, CD22 and CD79b were expressed more intensely in trisomy 12 MBL than in non‐trisomy 12 MBL and there was a trend towards a dimmer expression of CD43 in trisomy 12 MBL. There were no differences between trisomy 12 CLL and trisomy 12 MBL. Expression of CD20 was dimmer and that of CD43 brighter in trisomy 12 MBL than in cases with trisomy 12 and 3 Moreau criteria.ConclusionsIn this study, trisomy 12 and non‐trisomy 12 MBL were phenotypically different, but the differences are similar to those described between trisomy 12 and non‐trisomy 12 CLL, suggesting that they are a distinct subgroup within CLL, given that the differences can already be found at its precursor stage. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society
An SSR‐based approach incorporating a novel algorithm for identification of rare maize genotypes facilitates criteria for landrace conservation in Mexico
Authors: Hayano‐Kanashiro Corina , Martínez de la Vega Octavio , Reyes‐Valdés M. Humberto , Pons‐Hernández José‐Luis , Hernández‐Godinez Fernando , Alfaro‐Laguna Emigdia , Herrera‐Ayala José Luis , Vega‐Sánchez Ma. Cristina , Carrera‐Valtierra José Alfredo , Simpson June 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAs maize was domesticated in Mexico around 9,000 years ago, local farmers have selected and maintained seed stocks with particular traits and adapted to local conditions. In the present day, many of these landraces are still cultivated; however, increased urbanization and migration from rural areas implies a risk that this invaluable maize germplasm may be lost. In order to implement an efficient mechanism of conservation in situ, the diversity of these landrace populations must be estimated. Development of a method to select the minimum number of samples that would include the maximum number of alleles and identify germplasm harboring rare combinations of particular alleles will also safeguard the efficient ex‐situ conservation of this germplasm. To reach this goal, a strategy based on SSR analysis and a novel algorithm to define a minimum collection and rare genotypes using landrace populations from Puebla State, Mexico, was developed as a “proof of concept” for methodology that could be extended to all maize landrace populations in Mexico and eventually to other native crops. The SSR‐based strategy using bulked DNA samples allows rapid processing of large numbers of samples and can be set up in most laboratories equipped for basic molecular biology. Therefore, continuous monitoring of landrace populations locally could easily be carried out. This methodology can now be applied to support incentives for small farmers for the in situ conservation of these traditional cultivars.
Environmental control of the microfaunal community structure in tropical bromeliads
Authors: Kratina Pavel , Petermann Jana S. , Marino Nicholas A. C. , MacDonald Andrew A. M. , Srivastava Diane S. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractEcological communities hosted within phytotelmata (plant compartments filled with water) provide an excellent opportunity to test ecological theory and to advance our understanding of how local and global environmental changes affect ecosystems. However, insights from bromeliad phytotelmata communities are currently limited by scarce accounts of microfauna assemblages, even though these assemblages are critical in transferring, recycling, and releasing nutrients in these model ecosystems. Here, we analyzed natural microfaunal communities in leaf compartments of 43 bromeliads to identify the key environmental filters underlying their community structures. We found that microfaunal community richness and abundance were negatively related to canopy openness and vertical height above the ground. These associations were primarily driven by the composition of amoebae and flagellate assemblages and indicate the importance of bottom‐up control of microfauna in bromeliads. Taxonomic richness of all functional groups followed a unimodal relationship with water temperature, peaking at 23–25°C and declining below and above this relatively narrow thermal range. This suggests that relatively small changes in water temperature under expected future climate warming may alter taxonomic richness and ecological structure of these communities. Our findings improve the understanding of this unstudied but crucial component of bromeliad ecosystems and reveal important environmental filters that likely contribute to overall bromeliad community structure and function.
Association between matrix metalloproteinase‐9 and worsening heart failure events in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Morishita Tetsuji , Uzui Hiroyasu , Mitsuke Yasuhiko , Amaya Naoki , Kaseno Kenichi , Ishida Kentaro , Fukuoka Yoshitomo , Ikeda Hiroyuki , Tama Naoki , Yamazaki Taketoshi , Lee Jong‐Dae , Tada Hiroshi 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAimsMatrix metalloproteinase (MMP) is up‐regulated during heart failure (HF) and influences ventricular remodeling. We hypothesized that disparity between MMP‐9 and tissue inhibitors of MMP‐1 (TIMP‐1) results in clinical manifestations and is related to prognostic risk in patients with chronic HF.Methods and resultsPlasma levels of MMP‐9, TIMP‐1, and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were measured in 173 patients with chronic HF. Combined endpoints of worsening HF events were assessed during follow‐up (median 109 months). MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 levels and the MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 ratio increased with increasing severity of the New York Heart Association class (P for trend = 0.003, 0.011, and 0.005, respectively). Patients with HF events (n = 35) had significantly higher MMP‐9 than those without HF events (P = 0.004). Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated a higher probability of HF events with high MMP‐9 values (>23.2 ng/mL; P = 0.005). A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model showed that high MMP‐9 values were an independent predictor of HF events (hazard ratio, 3.73; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03–13.46; P = 0.043). In patients with lower BNP levels (≤210 pg/mL), the adjusted hazard ratio for HF events was 3.63 (95% CI, 1.20–11.02; P = 0.023) among patients with high MMP‐9 values compared with patients with low BNP and low MMP‐9 values.ConclusionsMMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 levels correlate with the severity of chronic HF. MMP‐9 is a strong predictor of HF events, suggesting that a disparity between MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 levels and increased MMP‐9 levels may help predict HF events.
Road ecology: shifting gears toward evolutionary perspectives
Authors: Brady Steven P , Richardson Jonathan L 
Published: February 2017

Recent advances in understanding the often rapid pace of evolution are reshaping our view of organisms and their capacity to cope with environmental change. Though evolutionary perspectives have gained traction in many fields of conservation, road ecology is not among them. This is surprising because roads are pervasive landscape features that generate intense natural selection. The biological outcomes from these selection pressures – whether adaptive or maladaptive – can have profound consequences for population persistence. We argue that studying evolutionary responses is critical to accurately understand the impacts of roads. Toward that end, we describe the basic tenets and relevance of contemporary evolution and showcase the few examples where it has been documented in road ecology. We outline practical ways that road ecologists can estimate and interpret evolutionary responses in their research. Finally, we suggest priority research topics and discuss how evolutionary insights can inform conservation in landscapes traversed by roads.
Single Proteoliposomes with E. coli Quinol Oxidase: Proton Pumping without Transmembrane Leaks
Authors: Berg Johan , Block Stephan , Höök Fredrik , Brzezinski Peter 
Published: February 2017

AbstractRespiratory oxidases are transmembrane enzymes that catalyze the reduction of dioxygen to water in the final step of aerobic respiration. This process is linked to proton pumping across the membrane. Here, we developed a method to study the catalytic turnover of the quinol oxidase, cytochrome bo3 from E. coli at single‐molecule level. Liposomes with reconstituted cytochrome bo3 were loaded with a pH‐sensitive dye and changes in the dye fluorescence, associated with proton transfer and pumping, were monitored as a function of time. The single‐molecule approach allowed us to determine the orientation of cytochrome bo3 in the membrane; in ∼70 % of the protein‐containing liposomes protons were released to the outside. Upon addition of substrate we observed the buildup of a ΔpH (in the presence of the K+ ionophore valinomycin), which was stable over at least ∼800 s. No rapid changes in ΔpH (proton leaks) were observed during steady state proton pumping, which indicates that the free energy stored in the electrochemical gradient in E. coli is not dissipated or regulated through stochastic transmembrane proton leaks, as suggested from an earlier study (Li et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. (2015) 137, 16055–16063).
Severe cartilage degeneration in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Feng Wei‐Jia , Wang Hui , Shen Chao , Zhu Jun‐Feng , Chen Xiao‐Dong 
Published: February 2017

AbstractDevelopmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a developmental disorder that has long‐term chronic pain and limited hip joint mobility as major pathological characteristics. This study aims to access the association between the development of DDH and cartilage metabolic disorders. Cartilage tissue samples were acquired from patients with DDH, osteoarthritis (OA) and femoral neck fracture. The proteoglycan level was evaluated by safranin O‐fast green, toluidine blue and hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining. The levels of collagen‐II (Col‐II), collagen‐X (Col‐X) and metal matrix proteinase‐13 (MMP‐13) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blotting analysis. The morphologic evaluation of cartilage was conducted by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was performed to detect the mRNA level of aggrecan, Col‐II, Col‐X and MMP‐13. The aggrecan level in the cartilage matrix was significantly decreased in DDH patients by safranin O‐fast green and toluidine blue staining in comparison with that in the OA and control groups. In contrast with the OA group, the Col‐II expression was reduced while the MMP‐13 expression increased in DDH patients, as shown by IHC and Western blotting analysis. The collagenous fibrils in cartilage of DDH patients appeared significantly sparse and disordered in the TEM analysis. In DDH patients, the mRNA expression levels of Col‐II and aggrecan were markedly reduced, while the mRNA expression of Col‐X was markedly increased, compared with the OA patients. There is severe articular cartilage degeneration in DDH patients. This observation provides us with new insight into cartilage metabolic regulation in DDH. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(3):179–187, 2017
A review of gradient stiffness hydrogels used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
Authors: Xia Tingting , Liu Wanqian , Yang Li 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSubstrate stiffness is known to impact characteristics including cell differentiation, proliferation, migration and apoptosis. Hydrogels are polymeric materials distinguished by high water content and diverse physical properties. Gradient stiffness hydrogels are designed by the need to develop biologically friendly materials as extracellular matrix (ECM) alternatives to replace the separated and narrow‐ranged hydrogel substrates. Important new discoveries in cell behaviors have been realized with model gradient stiffness hydrogel systems from the two‐dimensional (2D) to three‐dimensional (3D) scale. Basic and clinical applications for gradient stiffness hydrogels in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine continue to drive the development of stiffness and structure varied hydrogels. Given the importance of gradient stiffness hydrogels in basic research and biomedical applications, there is a clear need for systems for gradient stiffness hydrogel design strategies and their applications. This review will highlight past work in the field of gradient stiffness hydrogels fabrication methods, mechanical property test, applications as well as areas for future study. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1799–1812, 2017.
Balancing microbial and mammalian cell functions on calcium ion‐modified implant surfaces
Authors: Anitua Eduardo , Tejero Ricardo , Pacha‐Olivenza Miguel Ángel , Fernández‐Calderón María Coronada , Delgado‐Rastrollo María , Zalduendo Mari Mar , Troya María , Pérez‐Giraldo Ciro , González‐Martín María Luisa 
Published: February 2017

AbstractImplant integration is a complex process mediated by the interaction of the implant surface with the surrounding ions, proteins, bacteria, and tissue cells. Although most implants achieve long‐term bone‐tissue integration, preventing pervasive implant‐centered infections demands further advances, particularly in surfaces design. In this work, we analyzed classical microrough implant surfaces (only acid etched, AE; sandblasted then acid etching, SB + AE) and a new calcium‐ion‐modified implant surface (AE + Ca) in terms of soft‐ and hard‐tissue integration, bacterial adhesion, and biofilm formation. We cultured on the surfaces primary oral cells from gingiva and alveolar bone, and three representative bacterial strains of the oral cavity, emulating oral conditions of natural saliva and blood plasma. With respect to gingiva and bone cells and in the presence of platelets and plasma proteins, AE + Ca surfaces yielded in average 86% higher adhesion, 44% more proliferation, and triggered 246% more synthesis of extracellular matrix biomolecules than AE‐unmodified controls. Concomitantly, AE + Ca surfaces regardless of conditioning with saliva and/or blood plasma showed significantly less bacterial adhesion (67% reduction in average) and biofilm formation (40% reduction in average) than unmodified surfaces. These results highlight the importance of a calcium‐rich hydrated interface to favor mammalian cell functions over microbial colonization at implant surfaces. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 421–432, 2018.
Analytical performance of three diagnostic reagents for HBsAg on an automatic ELISA analyzer
Authors: Hou Jiayi , Ren Jianping , Song Ling , Zhao Fen , Liang Peijun 
Published: February 2017

PurposeWe conducted performance tests of three HBsAg ELISA diagnostic reagents using an Addcare 600 (Yantai Addcare Bio‐tech Limited Company) and studied the consistency between the qualitative results and chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) results.MethodsDiagnostic kits (ELISA) for HBsAg manufactured by INTEC (“A”), KHB (“B”) and Wantai (“C”) were tested on an Addcare 600 to evaluate their intermediate precision, repeatability, and C50. Furthermore, three ELISA detection systems and a quantitative test kit for HBsAg (Abbott) were employed to screen 1000 serum samples, while CMIA reactive samples were used to perform the confirmatory tests. The evaluation indexes of the ELISA reagent performances were calculated.ResultsThe intermediate precision and repeatability of each system were <14% and <9%, respectively, while C50 was 0.105‐0.115 IU/mL. The sensitivities of A, B, and C were 98.70%, 99.28%, and 99.13%, respectively, while their specificities were 98.06%, 99.03%, and 97.42%, respectively. The Youden indexes were 96.76%, 98.31%, and 96.55%, respectively, while the kappa values were 0.965 (P=.000), 0.981 (P=.000), and 0.967 (P=.000), respectively.ConclusionThe combination of Addcare 600 with the three reagents could meet the clinical requirement. Reagent B demonstrated the best performance. Although the results consistency among the three systems and CMIA was good, our findings suggest that ELISA should be combined with a confirmatory test to exclude false‐positive and false‐negative results caused by low HBsAg levels.