bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Phytoestrogen Genistein Affects Breast Cancer Cells Treatment Depending on the ERα/ERβ Ratio
Authors: Pons Daniel Gabriel , Nadal‐Serrano Mercedes , Torrens‐Mas Margalida , Oliver Jordi , Roca Pilar 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTGenistein (GEN) is a phytoestrogen found in soybeans. GEN exerts its functions through its interaction with the estrogen receptors (ER), ERα and ERβ, and we previously reported that the ERα/ERβ ratio is an important factor to consider in GEN‐treated breast cancer cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of GEN in breast cancer cells with different ERα/ERβ ratio: MCF‐7 (high ratio), T47D (low ratio), and MCF‐7 overexpressing ERβ (MCF7 + ERβ) treated with cisplatin (CDDP), paclitaxel (PTX) or tamoxifen (TAM). Cell viability, ROS production, autophagy, apoptosis, antioxidant enzymes protein levels, and cell cycle were analyzed. GEN treatment provoked an increase in cell viability in MCF‐7 cells and in the antioxidant enzymes protein levels in combination with the cytotoxic agents, decreasing ROS production (CDDP + GEN and TAM+GEN) and autophagy (TAM + GEN) or apoptosis (CDDP + GEN and TAM + GEN). Moreover GEN treatment enhanced the cell cycle S phase entry in CDDP+GEN‐ and TAM + GEN‐treated MCF‐7 cells and, in the case of CDDP + GEN, increased the proportion of cells in the G2/M phase and decreased it in the subG0/G1 phase. Otherwise, in the T47D and MCF7 + ERβ cells the combination of GEN with cytotoxic treatments did not cause significant changes in these parameters, even TAM + GEN‐treated T47D cells showed less cell viability due to an increment in the autophagy. In conclusion, GEN consumption may be counterproductive in those patients receiving anticancer treatment with a high ERα/ERβ ratio diagnosed breast cancer and it could be harmless or even beneficial in those patients with a lower ERα/ERβ ratio breast cancer cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 218–229, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modification of a natural zeolite with Fe(III) for simultaneous phosphate and ammonium removal from aqueous solutions
Authors: Guaya Diana , Valderrama César , Farran Adriana , Cortina José Luis 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe incorporation of Fe(III) was performed in a natural clinoptilolite (Z‐N) for simultaneous phosphate and ammonium removal.RESULTSThe existence of hydroxyl groups (≅Fe‐OH) in the iron zeolite (Z‐Fe) enhances the phosphate uptake from 0.6 ± 0.1 mg‐P g−1 in Z‐N to 3.4 ± 0.2 mg‐P g−1 in Z‐Fe. However, the ammonium sorption capacity slightly decreases from 33 ± 2 mg‐N g−1 in Z‐N to 27 ± 2 mg‐N g−1 in Z‐Fe. The equilibrium and kinetics sorption were well explained by the Langmuir isotherm and the intraparticle diffusion model, respectively.CONCLUSIONSBoth the phosphate and ammonium uptake were slightly affected by the coexistence of competing ions. The phosphate sorption capacity of iron zeolite was decreased in the regeneration cycles. Desorption using a 1 mol L−1 NaOH solution under dynamic conditions provided higher enrichment factors for ammonium than phosphate. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Optimization of reflection coefficient in ring resonator add/drop filters
Authors: Mansoor Riyadh , Sasse Hugh , Duffy Alistair 
Published: June 2015

SummaryA general model that combines the effect of controllable reflectivity resulting from semi‐periodic gratings with the transfer function of a single ring resonator add/drop filter is derived. An optimization approach based on minimizing the least squared error is performed to calculate parameters that increase the crosstalk suppression bandwidth of a rough‐walled ring resonator. The resulting design has a 28‐GHz crosstalk suppression bandwidth. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating the Thickness of Multivalent Glycopolymer Brushes for Lectin Binding
Authors: Lazar Jaroslav , Park Hyunji , Rosencrantz Ruben R. , Böker Alexander , Elling Lothar , Schnakenberg Uwe 
Published: June 2015

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is applied for investigating binding of lectins to multivalent glycopolymer brushes grafted from interdigital gold microelectrodes. By variation of the measuring frequency, EIS allows simultaneous analysis of binding at different subnanometer distances from the sensor surfaces. In this way, the binding dynamics along the brushes are quantified, giving an idea about the motion of the lectin through the brush layer. Two different brush lengths are investigated, revealing distinct dynamics of lectin binding due to changing topology of the brushes. Moreover, very low K D values in the nanomolar range are obtained. This unique platform may be used as sophisticated biosensor for detailed investigation of high‐affinity protein binding to poly­mer layers.
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Histaminergic tuberomammillary neuron loss in multiple system atrophy and dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Benarroch Eduardo E. , Schmeichel Ann M. , Parisi Joseph E. , Low Phillip A. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundHistaminergic neurons of the tuberomammillary nucleus are critical for maintenance of wakefulness and participate in basal ganglia modulation and sympathoexcitation. All of these functions are affected in multiple system atrophy and dementia with Lewy bodies.ObjectivesTo determine the involvement of histaminergic neurons in these synucleinopathies.MethodsImmunocytochemical staining for histidine decarboxylase and stereological cell counts in the posterolateral hypothalamus from six cases with multiple system atrophy, six with dementia with Lewy bodies, and five healthy controls.ResultsCompared with healthy controls, significant reduction of histaminergic neurons was found both in multiple system atrophy (total estimated cell count, 94,677 ± 5,521 vs. 169,579 ± 12,443; P < 0.001) and in dementia with Lewy bodies (91,110 ± 13,021 vs. 169,579 ± 12,443; P < 0.001).ConclusionsLoss of tuberomammillary histaminergic neurons could potentially contribute to motor, sleep, and autonomic manifestations of both multiple system atrophy and dementia with Lewy bodies. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Striatal cholinergic interneurons and cortico‐striatal synaptic plasticity in health and disease
Authors: Deffains Marc , Bergman Hagai 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBasal ganglia disorders such as Parkinson's disease, dystonia, and Huntington's disease are characterized by a dysregulation of the basal ganglia neuromodulators (dopamine, acetylcholine, and others), which impacts cortico‐striatal transmission. Basal ganglia disorders are often associated with an imbalance between the midbrain dopaminergic and striatal cholinergic systems. In contrast to the extensive research and literature on the consequences of a malfunction of midbrain dopaminergic signaling on the plasticity of the cortico‐striatal synapse, very little is known about the role of striatal cholinergic interneurons in normal and pathological control of cortico‐striatal transmission. In this review, we address the functional role of striatal cholinergic interneurons, also known as tonically active neurons and attempt to understand how the alteration of their functional properties in basal ganglia disorders leads to abnormal cortico‐striatal synaptic plasticity. Specifically, we suggest that striatal cholinergic interneurons provide a permissive signal, which enables long‐term changes in the efficacy of the cortico‐striatal synapse. We further discuss how modifications in the striatal cholinergic activity pattern alter or prohibit plastic changes of the cortico‐striatal synapse. Long‐term cortico‐striatal synaptic plasticity is the cellular substrate of procedural learning and adaptive control behavior. Hence, abnormal changes in this plasticity may underlie the inability of patients with basal ganglia disorders to adjust their behavior to situational demands. Normalization of the cholinergic modulation of cortico‐striatal synaptic plasticity may be considered as a critical feature in future treatments of basal ganglia disorders. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Virtual Screening for HIV Protease Inhibitors Using a Novel Database Filtering Procedure
Authors: Takkis Kalev , García‐Sosa Alfonso T. , Sild Sulev 
Published: June 2015

AbstractA virtual screening to find novel inhibitors for HIV protease was performed on the ZINC database.1 A critical part in virtual screening and associated techniques is preliminary database filtering and size reduction and for that purpose a novel feature matrix matching procedure was used. The reduction of ∼14 million available ligands to a subset of 14299 ligands was achieved with a structure based approach where the analysis of the 3D structure of the active site of the protease produced a graph with hydrogen bond donor, hydrogen bond acceptor and hydrophobic subsites represented as graph nodes. A similar treatment was also applied to the compound database content and the comparison of binding site and ligand graphs was used to preselect potentially active ligands. The resulting set was further subjected to docking. The algorithm used was able to find several novel as well as previously known and experimentally tested ligands, demonstrating the validity of the approach.
Maternal nutrition influences angiogenesis in the placenta through peroxisome proliferator activated receptors: A novel hypothesis
Authors: Meher Akshaya , Sundrani Deepali , Joshi Sadhana 
Published: June 2015

SUMMARYPlacental angiogenesis is critical to maintain adequate blood flow during gestation, and any alterations in this process can result in an adverse pregnancy. Growing evidence indicates that suboptimal maternal nutrition can alter placental development. Although the underlying mechanisms are not clear, maternal nutrition likely influences the expression of genes involved in placental development through regulation of various transcription factors such as peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs), which can be activated by ligands including long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Indeed, several studies demonstrated a role for PPAR in implantation, trophoblast differentiation, and angiogenesis. Alterations in maternal nutrition during pregnancy can affect the expression of PPARs via epigenetic mechanisms or through homocysteine, which is known to compete for PPARs. This review discusses the role of maternal nutrition—particularly micronutrients like folate, vitamin B12, and omega‐3 fatty acids—in modulating the activity of PPARs during placentation and angiogenesis, which affects placental and fetal growth. Additional animal and human studies need to be undertaken to elucidate the molecular mechanisms through which maternal nutrition regulates PPARs, specifically to determine whether PPARs affect placental angiogenesis directly through angiogenic factors or indirectly by modulating trophoblast differentiation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 726–734, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hip/femur fractures associated with the use of benzodiazepines (anxiolytics, hypnotics and related drugs): a methodological approach to assess consistencies across databases from the PROTECT‐EU project
Authors: Requena Gema , Huerta Consuelo , Gardarsdottir Helga , Logie John , González‐González Rocío , Abbing‐Karahagopian Victoria , Miret Montserrat , Schneider Cornelia , Souverein Patrick C. , Webb Dave , Afonso Ana , Boudiaf Nada , Martin Elisa , Oliva Belén , Alvarez Arturo , De Groot Mark C. H. , Bate Andrew , Johansson Saga , Schlienger Raymond , Reynolds Robert , Klungel Olaf H. , de Abajo Francisco J. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundResults from observational studies may be inconsistent because of variations in methodological and clinical factors that may be intrinsically related to the database (DB) where the study is performed.ObjectivesThe objectives of this paper were to evaluate the impact of applying a common study protocol to study benzodiazepines (BZDs) (anxiolytics, hypnotics, and related drugs) and the risk of hip/femur fracture (HFF) across three European primary care DBs and to investigate any resulting discrepancies.MethodsTo measure the risk of HFF among adult users of BZDs during 2001–2009, three cohort and nested case control (NCC) studies were performed in Base de datos para la Investigación Farmacoepidemiológica en Atención Primaria (BIFAP) (Spain), Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) (UK), and Mondriaan (The Netherlands). Four different models (A–D) with increasing levels of adjustment were analyzed. The risk according to duration and type of BZD was also explored. Adjusted hazard ratios (cohort), odds ratios (NCC), and their 95% confidence intervals were estimated.ResultsAdjusted hazard ratios (Model C) were 1.34 (1.23–1.47) in BIFAP, 1.66 (1.54–1.78) in CPRD, and 2.22 (1.55–3.29) in Mondriaan in cohort studies. Adjusted odds ratios (Model C) were 1.28 (1.16–1.42) in BIFAP, 1.60 (1.49–1.72) in CPRD, and 1.48 (0.89–2.48) in Mondriaan in NCC studies. A short‐term effect was suggested in Mondriaan, but not in CPRD or BIFAP. All DBs showed an increased risk with the concomitant use of anxiolytic and hypnotic drugs.ConclusionsApplying similar study methods to different populations and DBs showed an increased risk of HFF in BZDs users but differed in the magnitude of the risk, which may be because of inherent differences between DBs.
Utility of a very high IRT/No mutation referral category in cystic fibrosis newborn screening
Authors: Kay Denise M. , Langfelder‐Schwind Elinor , DeCelie‐Germana Joan , Sharp Jack K. , Maloney Breanne , Tavakoli Norma P. , Saavedra‐Matiz Carlos A. , Krein Lea M. , Caggana Michele , Kier Catherine ,   the New York State Cystic Fibrosis Newborn Screening Consortium
Published: June 2015

SummaryNewborn screening for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) began in New York in October, 2002 using immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT)/DNA methodology. Infants with at least one CFTR mutation or very high IRT and no mutations (VHIRT) are referred for sweat testing. In a preliminary analysis, we noted a very low positive predictive value (PPV) and preponderance of Hispanic infants in the group of infants with CF referred for VHIRT, which led to a decision to revise, but not eliminate, the VHIRT category. Automatic referral for specimens with VHIRT collected on the day of birth was eliminated, and the VHIRT threshold was raised from 0.2% to 0.1%. In this report, we describe outcomes from VHIRT referrals among 2.4 million infants screened between March 2003 and February 2013. Following the algorithm change, referrals decreased by 37.8% overall (annual mean 1,485 vs. 923), and the VHIRT PPV improved (0.6–1.0%). The number of infants diagnosed has remained consistent at 1 in 4,400 births. The proportion of Black/Hispanic/Asian/Other infants with confirmed CF, CFTR‐related metabolic syndrome (CRMS), or possible CF/CRMS was 21.3% in infants with 1–2 mutations, but 75.8% in the VHIRT group. In conclusion, although the PPV among VHIRT referrals remains low, had this category never been implemented, 24 infants with confirmed CF, and 9 infants with CRMS or possible CF/CRMS, most of whom were Hispanic, would have been missed over the 10 years. Information from this study may be helpful in assessing the need for the VHIRT category and algorithm changes in other screening programs. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:771–780. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sublethal doses of fipronil intensify synapsin immunostaining in Atta sexdens rubropilosa (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) brains
Authors: Cintra‐Socolowski Priscila , Roat Thaisa C , Nocelli Roberta CF , Nunes Pablo H , Ferreira Rafael AC , Malaspina Osmar , Bueno Odair C 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDAlthough ants are common insects in agricultural ecosystems, few studies have considered how xenobiotics might induce physiological and morphological alterations in these insects. This study aimed to verify the neurotoxic action of sublethal doses of fipronil on the mushroom bodies of brains from the leaf‐cutting ant Atta sexdens rubropilosa through immunocytochemistry analysis for the protein synapsin.RESULTSThe LD50 value was established as 1.42 ng ant−1, and the sublethal doses used were LD50/10 and LD50/100. Synapsin labelling was more evident in the brains extracted from ants exposed to the insecticide, specifically in the regions of glia in the mushroom bodies, compared with the control group. It was possible to measure the intensity of emitted fluorescence in the areas of the mushroom bodies, and a statistical test showed differences between the control group and the treatment group.CONCLUSIONThus, it is concluded that sublethal doses of the insecticide fipronil intensified synapsin immunostaining, suggesting an increased release of neurotransmitters, which may be linked to neurotoxicity and overexcitation. These sublethal doses may have two different effects: compromising the operation and maintenance of the colony and leading to the establishment of resistance in insects. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Transcriptional responses in male Japanese medaka exposed to antiandrogens and antiandrogen/androgen mixtures
Authors: Sun Liwei , Peng Tao , Liu Fang , Ren Lin , Peng Zuhua , Ji Guorong , Zhou Yinfang , Fu Zhengwei 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTThe occurrence of androgenic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in water is thought to be linked to deviation from normal male developmental and reproductive functions in exposed aquatic organisms. Because aquatic environments represent a chemically complex medium, the combined effects of androgenic EDCs require urgent attention. In the present study, the effects of two model androgen receptor (AR) antagonists, flutamide (FLU), and vinclozolin (VIN), were first determined individually in male Japanese medaka using the transcriptional response for genes associated with the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axis. The fish were further exposed to binary mixtures of VIN and 17β‐trenbolone (TRE, AR agonist) to confirm the theoretical opposing effects of the AR antagonist and agonist. The results showed that exposure to FLU or VIN alone induced very similar transcriptional responses, demonstrating that gene transcription analysis could be successfully employed in identifying the action of single chemicals. For example, both exposures increased the transcription of cyp17b but decreased that of cyp19b in the gonad, demonstrating the compensatory response for AR blockage. However, in the case of exposure to mixtures, although the joint antagonistic action of TRE and VIN affected the most genes, the transcription profiles after exposure to mixtures were not consistent with expectations based on the results for individual chemicals, such as hepatic vtg, and star or cyp19a in gonads. Therefore, the limitation of gene transcription analyses in exposures to mixtures, as well as the potential for the extrapolation of single chemicals, should be considered in future studies. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1591–1599, 2016.
Social learning and climate change adaptation: evidence for international development practice
Authors: Ensor Jonathan , Harvey Blane 
Published: June 2015

The potential for social learning to address complex, interconnected social and environmental challenges, such as climate change adaptation, is receiving increasing attention in research and practice. Social learning approaches vary, but commonly include cycles of knowledge sharing and joint action to co‐create knowledge, relationships, and practices among diverse stakeholders. This results in learning and change that goes beyond the individual into communities, networks, or systems. Many authors have focused on analysis of case studies to better understand the contexts in which such learning occurs. In this paper, we look across this literature to draw out lessons for international development practice. To support those looking to purposively design social learning interventions for adaptation, we focus on four areas: lessons learned and the principles adopted when using a social learning approach, examples of tools and methods used, approaches to evaluating social learning, and examples of its impact. While we identify important lessons for practice within each of these areas, three cross‐cutting themes emerge. These are: the importance of developing a shared view among those initiating learning processes of how change might happen and of how social learning fits within it, linking this locus of desired change to the tools employed; the centrality of skilled facilitation and in particular how practitioners may shift toward being participants in the collective learning process; and the need to attend to social difference, recognizing the complexity of social relations and the potential for less powerful actors to be co‐opted in shared decision making.WIREs Clim Change2015, 6:509–522. doi: 10.1002/wcc.348This article is categorized under:Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Learning from Cases and AnalogiesClimate and Development > Knowledge and Action in Development
Nanoparticle‐motivated gene delivery for ophthalmic application
Authors: Mitra Rajendra Narayan , Zheng Min , Han Zongchao 
Published: June 2015

Ophthalmic gene therapy is an intellectual and intentional manipulation of desired gene expression into the specific cells of an eye for the treatment of ophthalmic (ocular) genetic dystrophies and pathological conditions. Exogenous nucleic acids such as DNA, small interfering RNA, micro RNA, and so on, are used for the purpose of managing expression of the desired therapeutic proteins in ocular tissues. The delivery of unprotected nucleic acids into the cells is limited because of exogenous and endogenous degradation modalities. Nanotechnology, a promising and sophisticated cutting edge tool, works as a protective shelter for these therapeutic nucleic acids. They can be safely delivered to the required cells in order to modulate anticipated protein expression. To this end, nanotechnology is seen as a potential and promising strategy in the field of ocular gene delivery. This review focused on current nanotechnology modalities and other promising nonviral strategies being used to deliver therapeutic genes in order to treat various devastating ocular diseases. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2015, 8:160–174. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1356This article is categorized under:

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Influence of the Oil Phase on the Microencapsulation by Complex Coacervation
Authors: Prata Ana S. , Grosso Carlos R.F. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe influence of oil type on the process yield, efficiency of encapsulation, particle size and morphological aspects of coacervated microparticles was investigated. Firstly, several factors affecting microencapsulation of oils by complex coacervation were simultaneously examined. The results indicated that the process yield is mainly dependent on the velocity of homogenization, temperature and polymer ratio. Using optimum conditions for producing microparticles [pH 4.0, 14,000 rpm, 50 °C, gelatin:gum arabic (GE:GA) 1:1 and 2.5 % w/v], different core materials were tested: a vegetable oil (almond oil), an oil with higher hydrophilic lipophilic balance (vetiver essential oil) and a highly hydrophobic oil (mineral oil). The oil phase exerted an influence on microparticle formation, disturbing the complexation of polymers and modifying the core distribution within the particles. Some of the polymers were complexed when mineral oil was used, and the highest efficiency of encapsulation (91.8 %) was obtained with vetiver oil, followed by the almond (70.6 %) and mineral (38.0 %) oils. Particles produced with vetiver oil were larger (43.5 μm) than those produced with mineral oil (35.0 μm) and almond oil (19.2 μm), and the increase in the size is due to the encapsulation of many small droplets of emulsion, characterizing these particles as multinucleate ones.