bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vivo targeting of protein antigens to dendritic cells using anti‐DEC‐205 single chain antibody improves HIV Gag specific CD4+ T cell responses protecting from airway challenge with recombinant vaccinia‐gag virus
Authors: Ngu Loveline N. , Nji Nadesh N. , Ambada Georgia E. , Sagnia Bertrand , Sake Carol Ngane , Tchadji Jules Colinc , Njambe Priso Ghislain Donald , Lissom Abel , Tchouangueu Thibau Flaurant , Manga Tebit Denis , Waffo Alain Bopda , Park Chae Gyu , Steinman Ralph M. , Überla Klaus , Nchinda Godwin W. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIntroductionTargeting antigens to dendritic cells (DCs) in vivo via a DC‐restricted endocytic receptor, DEC205, has been validated to enhance immunity in several vaccine platforms. Particularly atttractive is selected delivery of proteins to DCs in vivo because it enables proteins to be more immunogenic and provides a cheaper and effective way for repeated immunizations.MethodsIn this study, we tested the efficacy of a single chain antibody to DEC205 (scDEC) to deliver protein antigens selectively to DCs in vivo and to induce protective immunity.ResultsIn comparison to soluble Ovalbumin (OVA) antigen, when recombinant scDEC:OVA protein was injected subcutaneously (s.c.) into mice, the OVA protein was selectively presented by DCs to both TCR transgenic CD8+ and CD4+ T cells approximately 500 and 100 times more efficient than soluble OVA, respectively, and could persist for seven days following s.c. injection of the scDEC205:OVA. Similarly selective targeting of HIV Gag P24 to DCs in vivo using scDEC‐Gag protein plus polyICLC vaccine resulted in strong, long lasting, polyfuntional CD4+ T cells in mice which were protective against airway challenge by a recombinant vaccinia‐gag virus.ConclusionThus targeting protein antigens to DCs using scDEC can be used either alone or in combination with other strategies for effective immunization.
Effect of fetal presentation on sonographic estimation of fetal weight according to different formulas
Authors: Shmueli Anat , Aviram Amir , Bardin Ron , Wiznitzer Arnon , Chen Rony , Gabbay‐Benziv Rinat 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the accuracy of various sonographic estimation of fetal weight (sEFW) formulas for breech‐presenting fetuses.MethodsA retrospective analysis of sEFW performed within 3 days of delivery in a tertiary medical center in Israel between July 2007 and December 2014 was conducted. Breech‐presenting singleton fetuses were matched by sex and birth weight to vertex‐presenting fetuses. sEFW was calculated using 21 formulas. Systematic and random errors, proportion of estimates (POE) within 10% of actual birth weight, and reliability analysis were used to compare sonographic accuracy. The best performing formula was determined by Euclidean distance.ResultsBoth groups contained 274 fetuses. Systematic error was lower for breech fetuses when compared with control fetuses in 17 of 21 formulas; there was no significant difference in random error between the breech and vertex groups. For vertex fetuses, Euclidean distance was smaller in 17 of 21 formulas, and POE within 10% of birth weight was higher in most formulas. Cronbach α value was higher for vertex fetuses than for breech fetuses in all formulas. The formulas of Combs et al. and Hadlock et al. were highest ranking for breech‐presenting fetuses.ConclusionsEFW might be more accurate for vertex than for breech fetuses.
Diagnostic performance of the Gynecology Imaging Reporting and Data System for malignant adnexal masses
Authors: Zhang Tan , Li Fangxuan , Liu Juntian , Zhang Sheng 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the Gynecology Imaging Reporting and Data System (GI‐RADS) for diagnosis of malignant adnexal masses in a Chinese population.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted of patients who underwent evaluation of suspected adnexal masses at a hospital in Tianjin, China, between January 1, 2015, and January 31, 2016. Ultrasonographic diagnosis was based on the GI‐RADS classification—a standardized summary of imaging data that estimates the risk of malignancy—and compared with the final pathological diagnosis.ResultsAmong 242 patients, thick wall, solid papillary projection, solid area, central blood flow, ascites, and GI‐RADS classification were associated with malignancy (P<0.05 for all variables). The 263 masses evaluated were classified as GI‐RADS 2 (functional cyst; n=65), GI‐RADS 3 (benign neoplasm; n=68), GI‐RADS 4 (one or two morphological findings suggestive of malignancy; n=101), and GI‐RADS 5 (≥3 morphological findings suggestive of malignancy; n=28). Four malignant cases with false‐negative findings were misclassified as GI‐RADS 3, whereas 24 benign cases with false‐positive findings were misclassified as GI‐RADS 4. The sensitivity, specificity, false‐positive rate, false‐negative rate, accuracy, and Youden index of the GI‐RADS classification were 96.4%, 84.3%, 18.5%, 3.0%, 89.3%, and 80.7%, respectively.ConclusionThe GI‐RADS classification performed well in the diagnosis of malignant adnexal masses.
Interplay between siderophores and colibactin genotoxin in Escherichia coli
Authors: Martin Patricia , Tronnet Sophie , Garcie Christophe , Oswald Eric 
Published: March 2017

AbstractHighly pathogenic Escherichia coli strains that belong to the phylogenetic group B2 have developed a greater ability to acquire iron (heme receptor and numerous siderophores), to produce the genotoxin colibactin and to synthesize antimicrobial siderophore‐microcins. There is an increased prevalence of these E. coli strains over the last 30 years in the intestinal microbiota in industrialized countries. Integrating the regulation of fitness/virulence factors, such as siderophores, colibactin and siderophore‐microcins into networks that respond to specific environmental signals, such as the local iron concentration, could result in an accurate production of specific fitness/virulence factors, so that the E. coli can adapt to the competitive environment that is the gut and/or the blood. Iron deficiency is common in infancy, even in industrialized countries. Usual strategies for anemia correction are iron supplementation and iron fortification of foods. The long‐term consequences and risks associated with high iron supply in the light of this iron‐dependent network described in this review could explain at least in part the increased prevalence of E. coli B2 in the gut of people in industrialized countries. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(6):435–441, 2017
Copper metallothioneins
Authors: Calvo Jenifer , Jung Hunmin , Meloni Gabriele 
Published: March 2017

AbstractMetallothioneins (MTs) are a class of low molecular weight and cysteine‐rich metal binding proteins present in all the branches of the tree of life. MTs efficiently bind with high affinity several essential and toxic divalent and monovalent transition metals by forming characteristic polynuclear metal‐thiolate clusters within their structure. MTs fulfil multiple biological functions related to their metal binding properties, with essential roles in both Zn(II) and Cu(I) homeostasis as well as metal detoxification. Depending on the organism considered, the primary sequence, and the specific physiological and metabolic status, Cu(I)‐bound MT isoforms have been isolated, and their chemistry and biology characterized. Besides the recognized role in the biochemistry of divalent metals, it is becoming evident that unique biological functions in selectively controlling copper levels, its reactivity as well as copper‐mediated biochemical processes have evolved in some members of the MT superfamily. Selected examples are reviewed to highlight the peculiar chemical properties and biological functions of copper MTs. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 69(4):236–245, 2017
The Daybook Defense: How Reflection Fosters the Identity Work of Readers and Writers
Authors: Vetter Amy , Myers Joy , Reynolds Jeanie , Stumb Adrienne , Barrier Coley 
Published: March 2017

AbstractClassrooms play a large part in shaping youths’ identities as readers and writers. Due to the pressures of high‐stakes exams, for example, reading and writing identities are often defined by a set of academic skills that students can or cannot perform. Such rigid concepts of readers and writers often cause secondary students to believe that their literacy abilities are fixed (i.e., as struggling readers). This study explores how reflective conversations through a daybook defense (an oral reflective assessment for a writer's notebook) opened opportunities for students to redefine what it meant to read and write in two English language arts classrooms. Findings suggest that reflections opened opportunities for students to articulate behaviors of reader/writer identities and express beliefs about reader/writer identities. Implications suggest that such reflective opportunities can provide spaces for students to rewrite reader/writer identities in the classroom.
Serum galectin‐3 level as a marker of thrombogenicity in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kocyigit Duygu , Gurses Kadri Murat , Yalcin Muhammed Ulvi , Canpinar Hande , Canpolat Ugur , Evranos Banu , Yorgun Hikmet , Ozer Necla , Guc Dicle , Aytemir Kudret 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundLeft atrial appendage flow velocity (LAAFV) and presence of spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) have been reported to be predictors of thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Galectin‐3 is a biomarker reflecting pro‐inflammatory status, whose role in AF has recently drawn attention, particularly in persistent AF population.AimIn this study we aimed to investigate the association between serum galectin‐3 levels and echocardiographic predictors of thromboembolism in persistent AF patients.MethodsWe included 65 persistent AF patients (55.50±10.67 years, 46.15% male). Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed to assess LAAFV and presence of left atrial (LA)/LA appendage (LAA)‐located SEC and thrombus prior to direct current cardioversion or catheter ablation for AF.ResultsMedian galectin‐3 level was 0.63 ng/mL. Serum galectin‐3 levels were significantly correlated with LAAFV (r=−.440, P<.001). Serum galectin‐3 levels were associated with presence of SEC (P<.001), and LA thrombus (P=.008). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that a serum galectin‐3 greater or equal to the cut‐off value of 0.69 predicted presence of SEC with a sensitivity and specificity of 91.00% and 79.00%, respectively (P<.001).ConclusionIn conclusion, in the setting of persistent AF, serum galectin‐3 levels are associated with presence of SEC and LAAFV on TEE. Our findings suggest that serum galectin‐3 level may have a place in thromboembolism risk stratification in persistent AF patients.
Association of 758 G/A polymorphism of 3′untranslated region of prohibitin with risk of gastric cancer
Authors: Xiang Fenfen , Ni Zhenhua , Zhan Yueping , Xu Jian , Wu Rong , Kang Xiangdong 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundA polymorphic variant allele (T‐allele) in the 3′‐UTR of prohibitin (C‐to‐T at nucleotide 729) was reported to be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. However, the association between the 3′‐UTR polymorphism of prohibitin and the susceptibility to gastric cancer remains unknown. Thus, we investigated the distribution of prohibitin genotypes in Chinese patients with gastric cancer and subsequently analyzed the association between the 3′‐UTR polymorphism of prohibitin and the risk of gastric cancer in that population.MethodsThe distribution of 3′‐UTR polymorphism of prohibitin in 82 gastric cancer patients was determined by sequencing and compared with that of 171 healthy controls. Luciferase reporter assay was used to investigate the effect of 3′‐UTRs variant on PHB expression.ResultsOur study discovered two major polymorphic sites in the 3′‐UTR of prohibitin (C‐to‐T at nucleotide 729 and G to A at nucleotide 758). The C/T polymorphism at 729 site was not associated with the increased risk of gastric cancer (P=.961, OR=1.044, 95%CI: 0.187‐5.818); however, G/A polymorphism at nucleotide 758 increased the risk of gastric cancer (P=.017, OR=1.923, 95%CI: 1.119‐3.305). Luciferase reporter constructs containing the 758A allele showed higher luciferase activity compared with the wild‐type allele, which indicated that 758 G>A in 3′‐UTR increased PHB expression.ConclusionsThe G to A transition but not the C‐to‐T transition in the 3′‐UTR of prohibitin was associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer in Chinese population.
Rapid ABO genotyping by high‐speed droplet allele‐specific PCR using crude samples
Authors: Taira Chiaki , Matsuda Kazuyuki , Takeichi Naoya , Furukawa Satomi , Sugano Mitsutoshi , Uehara Takeshi , Okumura Nobuo , Honda Takayuki 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundABO genotyping has common tools for personal identification of forensic and transplantation field. We developed a new method based on a droplet allele‐specific PCR (droplet‐AS‐PCR) that enabled rapid PCR amplification. We attempted rapid ABO genotyping using crude DNA isolated from dried blood and buccal cells.MethodsWe designed allele‐specific primers for three SNPs (at nucleotides 261, 526, and 803) in exons 6 and 7 of the ABO gene. We pretreated dried blood and buccal cells with proteinase K, and obtained crude DNAs without DNA purification.ResultsDroplet‐AS‐PCR allowed specific amplification of the SNPs at the three loci using crude DNA, with results similar to those for DNA extracted from fresh peripheral blood. The sensitivity of the methods was 5%‐10%. The genotyping of extracted DNA and crude DNA were completed within 8 and 9 minutes, respectively. The genotypes determined by the droplet‐AS‐PCR method were always consistent with those obtained by direct sequencing.ConclusionThe droplet‐AS‐PCR method enabled rapid and specific amplification of three SNPs of the ABO gene from crude DNA treated with proteinase K. ABO genotyping by the droplet‐AS‐PCR has the potential to be applied to various fields including a forensic medicine and transplantation medical care.
A combined photocatalytic‐biological wastewater treatment approach: a steady‐state model
Authors: Shidlovsky Zach , Yaron Sima , Paz Yaron 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDWater purification is challenged by the co‐presence of contaminants, some of which are too toxic for bacteria or too opaque for photocatalytic processes. This challenge may be overcome by utilizing two types of reactors (for example biological and photocatalytic) operating in sequence. Realization of this approach should be based on a steady state model for calculating the optimal design under nominal conditions, a non‐steady state responding to fluctuating conditions and fast measurement of toxicity and turbidity.RESULTSA steady‐state model, examining the effect of coexisting toxicity and turbidity on the optimal sequence, on the relative retention times in the two reactors and on the effect of recycling, under an estimated cost function constraint is presented. It was found that the optimal sequence depends on the relative importance of toxicity and turbidity, that a single branch operation is likely to be more cost effective than dual branch (Bio→photocatalytic in parallel with photocatalytic→Bio) system.CONCLUSIONIt is recommended to add the possibility for altering flow direction to account for operation under non‐nominal conditions. To decrease instability during flow‐direction switching, a recycling option should be added. Recycling may also be beneficial in particular when the activated biological medium has sluggish kinetics. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Pd@ionosilica as heterogeneous hydrogenation catalyst for continuous flow reductive upgrade of cinnamaldehyde
Authors: Braun Max , Thach Ut Dong , Prelot Bénédicte , Hesemann Peter , Esposito Davide 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe effective exploitation of biomass for the preparation of fuels and platform chemicals requires the development of novel catalysts and catalytic methods. In this regard, ionosilicas appear as promising candidates due to their properties and tunability.RESULTSA novel Pd@ionosilica is prepared by a straightforward ion exchange method based on amorphous ionosilica and sodium tetrachloropalladate. The resulting hybrid material is evaluated as catalyst for the continuous flow reduction of cinnamaldehyde as an exemplary biorefinery case study.CONCLUSIONThis work reports the application of metal@ionosilica hybrid materials as catalysts for the continuous flow upgrade of bio‐sourced molecules, showing promising results in the case of cinnamaldehyde, here used as exemplary compound. The findings disclosed in this paper provide interesting insights for the development of second generation metal@ionosilica composites for catalytic applications within biorefinery. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Promoter polymorphism (T‐1486C) of TLR‐9 gene is associated with knee osteoarthritis in a Turkish population
Authors: Balbaloglu Ozlem , Sabah Ozcan Seda , Korkmaz Murat , Yılmaz Neziha 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTIn this study, we aimed to determine whether TLR‐9 T‐1486C SNP was associated with susceptibility to OA in the Turkish population. The study group comprised 272 patients with Grade 2‐3‐4 knee OA according to the Kellgren‐Lawrence scoring system and the control group was formed of 296 individuals with Grade 0–1. The TLR‐9 genotype were assessed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. An analysis of TLR‐9 promoter −1486T/C polymorphism revealed that the −1486CC genotype appeared to have a higher risk for OA and −1486TT and −1486CT genotypes have a protective effect against the development of OA (crude OR = 0.473, 95% CI = 0.297–0.754, p = 0.002, adjusted OR = 0.531, 95% CI = 0.326–0.864, p = 0.011). This study indicate that there is a correlation of TLR‐9 T‐1486C gene polymorphism with advanced knee OA in a Turkish population. Changed in TLR expression due to different allelles may cause osteoarthrith development outcome cartilage degeneration. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2484–2489, 2017.
Recovery of pectic hydrocolloids and phenolics from huanglongbing related dropped citrus fruit
Authors: Cameron Randall G , Chau Hoa K , Hotchkiss Arland T , Manthey John A 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDCitrus pre‐harvest fruit drop, caused by huanglongbing infection, has increased dramatically concomitant with declining tree health and crop harvest size. This loss of harvestable fruit is damaging to both growers and juice processors. Recovering and converting this fruit to alternative value added products would benefit the citrus industry. Therefore, we have explored the potential of using this fruit as a feedstock in our newly developed pilot scale continuous steam explosion process.RESULTSWhole fruits were converted to steam‐exploded biomass using a continuous pilot scale process. The sugar composition of raw fruit and steam‐exploded biomass was determined. Recovered pectic hydrocolloids and phenolic compounds were characterized. Pectic hydrocolloids comprised 78 g kg−1 of the dry material in the dropped fruit. Following the steam explosion process almost all of the pectic hydrocolloids were recoverable with a water wash. They could be functionalized in situ or separated from the milieu. Additionally, approximately 40% of the polymethoxylated flavones, 10% of the flavanone glycosides, 85% of the limonoids and almost 100% of hydroxycinnamates were simultaneously recovered.CONCLUSIONThe continuous steam explosion of pre‐harvest dropped citrus fruit provides an enhanced, environmentally friendly method for the release and recovery of valuable coproducts from wasted biomass. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects of three essential oil blends
Authors: Brochot Amandine , Guilbot Angèle , Haddioui Laïla , Roques Christine 
Published: March 2017

AbstractNew agents that are effective against common pathogens are needed particularly for those resistant to conventional antimicrobial agents. Essential oils (EOs) are known for their antimicrobial activity. Using the broth microdilution method, we showed that (1) two unique blends of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Daucus carota, Eucalyptus globulus and Rosmarinus officinalis EOs (AB1 and AB2; cinnamon EOs from two different suppliers) were active against the fourteen Gram‐positive and ‐negative bacteria strains tested, including some antibiotic‐resistant strains. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranged from 0.01% to 3% v/v with minimal bactericidal concentrations from <0.01% to 6.00% v/v; (2) a blend of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Daucus carota, Syzygium aromaticum, Origanum vulgare EOs was antifungal to the six Candida strains tested, with MICs ranging from 0.01% to 0.05% v/v with minimal fungicidal concentrations from 0.02% to 0.05% v/v. Blend AB1 was also effective against H1N1 and HSV1 viruses. With this dual activity, against H1N1 and against S. aureus and S. pneumoniae notably, AB1 may be interesting to treat influenza and postinfluenza bacterial pneumonia infections. These blends could be very useful in clinical practice to combat common infections including those caused by microorganisms resistant to antimicrobial drugs.
Oscillation criteria for odd‐order nonlinear delay differential equations with a middle term
Authors: Grace S. R. , Jadlovská I. , Zafer A. 
Published: March 2017

The oscillation of solutions of thenth‐order delay differential equationurn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma4377:mma4377-math-0001was studied in [S. R. Grace and A. Zafer, Math. Meth. Appl. Sci. 2016, 39 1150–1158] whennis even and thenodd case has been referred to as an interesting open problem. In the present work, our primary aim is to address this situation. Our method of the proof that is quite different from the aforementioned study is essentially new. We introduceVn−1‐type solutions and use comparisons with first‐order oscillatory and second‐order nonoscillatory equations. Examples are given to illustrate the main results. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐resolution fiber‐optic dosimeters for microbeam radiation therapy
Authors: Archer James , Li Enbang , Petasecca Marco , Lerch Michael , Rosenfeld Anatoly , Carolan Martin 
Published: March 2017

PurposeA high resolution, water equivalent, optical and passive x‐ray dosimeter has been constructed using plastic scintillator and optical fiber. This dosimeter has a peak edge‐on spatial resolution of 100 μm in one dimension, with a 10 μm resolution dosimeter under investigation. The dosimeter design has a potential application in synchrotron x‐ray microbeam radiation therapy where a high resolution is vital for accurate dose measurements and quality assurance.MethodsBC‐400 plastic scintillator, of thickness 100 μm, was optically coupled to an optical fiber with core diameter 1 mm. The end was coated in optical paint to improve sensitivity. An identical fiber was made without the scintillator to measure the background Cherenkov radiation induced in the fiber, to allow background signal subtraction. The light captured by the fibers was measured by PMTs. The probe system was exposed to a 6 MV, 10 × 10 cm2 LINAC x‐ray field and the beam profile was measured at 100 cm, as well as the depth dose profile.ResultsThe measured profiles matched well with ionisation chamber data. Important beam parameters such as penumbra width and percent depth dose at various depths matched the ionisation chamber data, within uncertainty.ConclusionsThis work demonstrates that high resolutions can be achieved with a scintillation and optical fiber system. The probe is water‐equivalent, passive, energy independent, radiation hard and inexpensive, making it ideal for further improvements for use with microbeam radiation therapy.