bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
B-1a Cell Diversity: Nontemplated Addition in B-1a Cell Ig Is Determined by Progenitor Population and Developmental Location
Authors: Holodick Nichol E. , Vizconde Teresa , Rothstein Thomas L. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Natural Abs produced by B-1a cells are required for immediate protection against infection. The protective capacity of natural Abs is attributed to germline-like structure, which includes the relative absence of N-region addition. Previous studies have shown B-1a cell Ig from aged mice contains abundant nontemplated (N)-additions. B-1a cells have been shown to derive from a specific lineage-negative (Lin−)CD45Rlow/−CD19+ progenitor found both in fetal liver and adult bone marrow. In this study, we report identification of a fetal liver population characterized phenotypically as Lin−CD45R−CD19−, which gives rise to IgM+IgDlowCD45RlowCD5+Mac-1+CD19highCD43+CD23low B-1a cells upon adoptive transfer to SCID recipients. These B-1a cells derived from the Lin−CD45R−CD19− fetal liver population produce natural Ab that binds pneumococcal Ags, but this Ig contains substantial N-addition despite initial absence of TdT. Furthermore, we show extensive N-addition is also present in B-1a cells derived from the Lin−CD45Rlow/−CD19+ B-1 progenitor found in the bone marrow. Together these results demonstrate B-1a cell N-addition depends on the type of progenitor and the location of the progenitor during its development. These findings have implications for how regulation of different progenitors from fetal liver and bone marrow may play a role in the age-related increase in N-region addition by B-1a cells in normal animals.
Galectin-9 Signaling through TIM-3 Is Involved in Neutrophil-Mediated Gram-Negative Bacterial Killing: An Effect Abrogated within the Cystic Fibrosis Lung
Authors: Vega-Carrascal Isabel , Bergin David A. , McElvaney Oliver J. , McCarthy Cormac , Banville Nessa , Pohl Kerstin , Hirashima Mitsuomi , Kuchroo Vijay K. , Reeves Emer P. , McElvaney Noel G. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The T cell Ig and mucin domain–containing molecule (TIM) family of receptors have emerged as potential therapeutic targets to correct abnormal immune function in chronic inflammatory conditions. TIM-3 serves as a functional receptor in structural cells of the airways and via the ligand galectin-9 (Gal-9) can modulate the inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to investigate TIM-3 expression and function in neutrophils, focusing on its potential role in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. Results revealed that TIM-3 mRNA and protein expression values of circulating neutrophils were equal between healthy controls (n = 20) and people with CF (n = 26). TIM-3 was detected on resting neutrophil membranes by FACS analysis, and expression levels significantly increased post IL-8 or TNF-α exposure (p &lt; 0.05). Our data suggest a novel role for TIM-3/Gal-9 signaling involving modulation of cytosolic calcium levels. Via TIM-3 interaction, Gal-9 induced neutrophil degranulation and primed the cell for enhanced NADPH oxidase activity. Killing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was significantly increased upon bacterial opsonization with Gal-9 (p &lt; 0.05), an effect abrogated by blockade of TIM-3 receptors. This mechanism appeared to be Gram-negative bacteria specific and mediated via Gal-9/ LPS binding. Additionally, we have demonstrated that neutrophil TIM-3/Gal-9 signaling is perturbed in the CF airways due to proteolytic degradation of the receptor. In conclusion, results suggest a novel neutrophil defect potentially contributing to the defective bacterial clearance observed in the CF airways and suggest that manipulation of the TIM-3 signaling pathway may be of therapeutic value in CF, preferably in conjunction with antiprotease treatment.
Epigenetic Silencing of the Human NOS2 Gene: Rethinking the Role of Nitric Oxide in Human Macrophage Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Gross Thomas J. , Kremens Karol , Powers Linda S. , Brink Brandi , Knutson Tina , Domann Frederick E. , Philibert Robert A. , Milhem Mohammed M. , Monick Martha M. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Macrophages, including alveolar macrophages, are primary phagocytic cells of the innate immune system. Many studies of macrophages and inflammation have been done in mouse models, in which inducible NO synthase (NOS2) and NO are important components of the inflammatory response. Human macrophages, in contrast to mouse macrophages, express little detectable NOS2 and generate little NO in response to potent inflammatory stimuli. The human NOS2 gene is highly methylated around the NOS2 transcription start site. In contrast, mouse macrophages contain unmethylated cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) dinucleotides proximal to the NOS2 transcription start site. Further analysis of chromatin accessibility and histone modifications demonstrated a closed conformation at the human NOS2 locus and an open conformation at the murine NOS2 locus. In examining the potential for CpG demethylation at the NOS2 locus, we found that the human NOS2 gene was resistant to the effects of demethylation agents both in vitro and in vivo. Our data demonstrate that epigenetic modifications in human macrophages are associated with CpG methylation, chromatin compaction, and histone modifications that effectively silence the NOS2 gene. Taken together, our findings suggest there are significant and underappreciated differences in how murine and human macrophages respond to inflammatory stimuli.
Adult Thymic Epithelium Contains Nonsenescent Label-Retaining Cells
Authors: Dumont-Lagacé Maude , Brochu Sylvie , St-Pierre Charles , Perreault Claude 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Progress in our understanding of thymic epithelial cell (TEC) renewal and homeostasis is hindered by the lack of markers for TEC progenitors. Stem and progenitor cell populations display remarkable diversity in their proliferative behavior. In some but not all tissues, stemness is associated with quiescence. The primary goal of our study was to discover whether quiescent cells were present in neonatal and adult TECs. To this end, we used a transgenic label-retaining cell (LRC) assay in which a histone H2B-GFP fusion protein is expressed under the control of the reverse tetracycline-controlled transactivator and the tetracycline operator minimal promoter. In adult mice, we found that both cortical and medullary TECs (cTECs and mTECs) proliferated more actively in females than males. Moreover, we observed three main differences between neonatal and adult TECs: 1) neonatal TECs proliferated more actively than adult TECs; 2) whereas cTECs and mTECs had similar turnover rates in young mice, the turnover of mTECs was more rapid than that of cTECs in adults; and 3) although no LRCs could be detected in young mice, LRCs were detectable after a 16-wk chase in adults. In female mice, LRCs were found almost exclusively among cTECs and expressed relatively low levels of p16INK4a, p19ARF, and Serpine1, and high levels of Bmi1, Foxn1, Trp63, and Wnt4. We conclude that LRCs in adult TECs are not senescent postmitotic cells and may represent the elusive progenitors responsible for TEC maintenance in the adult thymus.
Is the Effect of Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide on Diabetic Macular Edema Dose-Dependent?
Authors: Šarić Borna , Šarić Vlatka Brzović , Motušić Ranka , Predović Jurica 
Published: January 2014

Purpose: To determine whether the effect of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in diffuse diabetic macular edema is dose-dependent regarding the velocity and duration of macular edema reduction, visual acuity improvement, and induction of predictable complications. Methods: This clinical prospective study included 32 consecutive patients (32 eyes) with diffuse diabetic macular edema. All patients had visual acuity, fluorescein angiogram, and optical coherence tomography performed at the initial visit (baseline). Single triamcinolone acetonide injection was applied intravitreally in different high doses using sterile technique followed by timolol-maleate 0.5%/acetazolamide fixed combination eyedrops twice a day for 6 consecutive months. Macular edema, intraocular pressure, and best-corrected distance visual acuity were reviewed after 5 days and 1, 3, and 6 months. Results: Intraocular pressure did not change significantly during 6 months and was maintained within normal levels in all patients using prescribed antiglaucoma therapy. Best-corrected distance visual acuity and macular edema were better than preoperatively even 6 months after treatment while the highest improvement was recorded 1 month after treatment. There was a slight correlation of macular edema reduction and triamcinolone dose, especially in central 1-mm diameter zone 6 months post triamcinolone acetonide intravitreal injection, but it was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Triamcinolone intravitreal injection is a relatively safe, inexpensive, and effective method used for diabetic macular edema reduction but its effect is not proven to be dose-dependent, at least in 10-32 mg dose range. Macular edema reduction rate correlated significantly with preoperative edema.
Air as Tamponade for Retinal Detachments
Authors: Mateo-Montoya Aránzazu , de Smet Marc D. 
Published: January 2014

Purpose: To determine whether air can be used as a reliable tamponade agent after pars plana vitrectomy in selected primary retinal detachment (RD). Methods: Twelve eyes with fresh RD were included. Exclusion criteria were presence of fibrosis, fixed folds, proliferative vitreoretinopathy of grade C or greater, and giant retinal tears. The number, location, and types of breaks, extension of RD, and whether the macula was attached were documented. A 25-gauge 3-port pars plana vitrectomy was carried out. Central and peripheral vitreous was removed to eliminate traction and relieve tractional forces provoked by the air bubble injected at the end. Argon endolaser or cryotherapy was applied around all breaks. Filtered air was used as an internal tamponade. Patients were followed up at 24 hours, 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: Air bubble took 10.7 days (range 7-15 days) to resolve. Visual acuity (VA) improved from 1.35 ± 1.21 logMAR preoperatively to 0.20 ± 0.25 after a follow-up time of 12 months. We achieved a primary postoperative success rate of 100% at 1 month and 91.6% at 12 months. Conclusions: We achieved a good success rate with air tamponade and limited laser. This approach allows for quicker VA recovery associated with a rapid disappearance of air. This may benefit patients who live at higher altitudes.
Functional and Anatomic Changes in Acute Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy: A Case Report
Authors: Cennamo Gilda , Nicoletti Giuseppe , Amoroso Francesca , Velotti Nunzio , Soda Mauro , De Crecchio Giuseppe 
Published: January 2014

Purpose: To report the functional and anatomic features of a case of acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE). Methods: Case report. Results: A 30-year-old man presented with a decrease of visual acuity that started a few days earlier. Fundus examination showed multiple, subretinal, white-yellowish lesions at the posterior pole in both eyes, suggesting APMPPE. Symptoms and clinical signs resolved within a few weeks, leaving well-defined areas of atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Conclusions: This case report emphasizes the role of the RPE in the pathogenesis of APMPPE.
Stability-Indicating Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography Technique for Simultaneous Measurement of Delapril and Manidipine from a Combination Drug Formulation
Authors: Todeschini Vítor , da Silva Sangoi Maximiliano , da Silva Meira Alianise , Miron Diogo , Lange Alini Dall Cortivo , Volpato Nadia Maria 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
A stability-indicating micellar electrokineticchromatography (MEKC) method was developed and validated for simultaneous analysis of delapril (DEL) and manidipine (MAN) using salicylic acid as an internal standard. The MEKC method was performed using a fused-silica capillary (effective length of 72 cm) with 50 mM of borate buffer and 5 mM of anionic surfactant sodium dodecylsulfate at pH9.0 as the background electrolyte. The separationwas achieved at 25 kV applied voltage and 35°C. The injection was performed at 50 mbar for5s, with detection at 208 nm. The method was linear in the range of 15–150 μg/mL (r2 = 0.9966) for DEL and 5–50 μg/mL (r2 = 0.9985) for MAN with adequate results for the precision (≤1.87%) and accuracy (98.94% for DEL and 100.65% for MAN). The specificity of the method and its stability-indicating capability was demonstrated through forced degradation studies, which showed that there was no interference from the excipients. The Plackett-Burman experimental design was used for robustness evaluation, giving results within the acceptable range. The method was successfully applied for analysis of the drugs, and the results were compared to an LC method, resulting in nonsignificant differences (P = 0.78 and0.84 for DEL and MAN, respectively).
Highly Selective Colorimetric Method to Determine Gemifloxacin Mesylate in the Presence of a Synthetic Impurity
Authors: Paim Clésio S , Führ Fernanda , Miron Diogo S , Steppe Martin , Schapoval Elfrides E S 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
A simple visible spectrophotometric method wasdeveloped for the determination of gemifloxacin mesylate (GFM) in tablets. The method was based onthe formation of a yellow ion-pair complex between the basic nitrogen of the drug and the sulfonphthalein acid dye in phthalate buffer. The method was validated by the study of its specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and robustness. Theassay was compared with an LC and a microbiological method, and the analysis of variance showed nosignificant difference between the methods (P &gt; 0.05). The results demonstrated that the visible spectrophotometric method is suitable for determination of GFM in tablets, evenin the presence of a synthetic impurity.
Stability-Indicating Determination of Rebamipide in the Presence of its Acid Degradation Products
Authors: Abbas Samah S , Zaazaa Hala E , Essam Hebat Allah M , El-Bardicy Mohammed G 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Four sensitive and precise stability-indicating methods for the determination of rebamipide (REB) in the presence of its acid-degradation products and ina pharmaceutical formulation were developed and validated. Method A used the first derivative of the ratio spectra (1DD) spectrophotometric method by measuring the peak amplitude at 249.4 nm (maximum) and at 259 nm (minimum), and at the total peak amplitude (from 249.4 to 259 nm, 1DD249.4 + 259 nm) in the range of 2–14 μg/mL. This method yielded mean recoveries of 99.87 ± 0.83, 100.04 ± 0.75, and 100.28 ± 1.11%, respectively. Method B is a dual wavelength method, which allows the determination of REB in presence of its acid-degradation products by measuring the absorbance difference between 254 and 269 nm within a linearity range of 5–65 μg/mL; it showed a mean recovery of 99.84 ± 1.06. Method C is a TLC-densitometric procedure in which REB was separated from its degradation products using a developing solution of methanol–chloroform–ammonia (8.5 + 1.5 + 0.5, v/v/v). The quantitative evaluation of REB at 329 nm was linear over the concentration range of 0.50–4.5 μg/band, with a mean recovery of 99.49 ± 0.99% even in the presence of up to 90% degradation products. Method D is an RP-HPLC procedure. It provided the complete separation of REB from its degradation products on an XterraTM C18 column using phosphate buffer (pH 6, 0.01 M)–methanol (1 + 1, v/v) as the mobile phase (UV detection at 254 nm). Recovery was 99.28 ± 0.78% within the range of 10–190 μg/mL. The selectivity of the proposed methods was checked using laboratory-prepared mixtures. The proposed methods have been successfully applied to the analysis of REBin pharmaceutical dosage forms without interference from other dosage form excipients.
Determination of Trace Amounts of Ethylene Glycol and its Analogs in Water Matrixes by Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Tran Buu N , Okoniewski Richard , Bucciferro Anthony , Jansing Robert , Aldous Kenneth M 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Contamination of drinking water by ethylene glycol (EG) is a public health concern. EG causes adverse health effects in humans and animals, including cardiopulmonary and acute renal failure. EGand other glycols, such as propylene glycol (PG) are major components in antifreeze liquids, whichmay be the main source of contamination of groundwater. A sensitive LC/electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS/MS method was developed to measure trace amounts of EG, diethylene glycol, and 1,2- and 1,3-PG in several water sources, including municipal tap, lake, river, and salinated water. In this method, glycols in water samples were derivatized with benzoyl chloride by the Schotten-Baumann reaction, followed by liquid–liquid extractionusing pentane as the organic solvent prior to theLC/ESI-MS/MS determination. QC included analysis of a method blank and samples fortified at low and high levels. Analytical data showed excellent linear calibration for all observed glycols, with good precision and accuracy. The method detectionlimits for the studied glycols ranged from 1.9 to6.1 ng/mL across the water matrixes tested. This method is suitable to help assess water quality in areas that may be prone to glycol contamination.
Chiral Separation of Racemic Naproxen by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with β-CD/SiO2 as the Chiral Stationary Phase
Authors: Wang Lili , Deng Jian , Ji Xuezhen , Liu Wanbin , Liang Jun , Yan Xiaona , Chen Dan , Xie Jie 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
A novel derivative β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) bonded silica gel (β-CD/SiO2) was prepared via carbodiimide activation and used as a chiral stationary phase (CSP). The β-CD/SiO2 CSP was characterizedby X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy to prove the successful immobilization of β-CD onto the surface of the silica gel.The thermal behavior of the CSP was studied by differential scanning calorimetry and then used forthe chiral separation of racemic naproxen using HPLC. Several factors affecting the separation efficiency of naproxen enantiomers were investigatedsystematically. The following parameters were selected: methanol–0.01 M phosphate buffer solution (85 + 15, v/v, pH 3.5) was the mobile phase, the flow rate was 1.0 mL/min, and the column temperature was 35°C. Under optimal conditions, the racemic naproxen was efficiently separated with a resolution factor (RS) of 1.70 and a separation factor (α) of 1.25. This method was successfully used for the enantiomeric separation and purity assessment of naproxen in commercial naproxen sustained release tablets.
Development and Validation of an Alternative to Conventional Pretreatment Methods for Residue Analysis of Butachlor in Water, Soil, and Rice
Authors: Xue Jiaying , Jiang Wenqing , Liu Fengmao , Zhao Huiyu , Wang Suli , Peng Wei 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
A rapid and effective alternative analytical method for residues of butachlor in water, soil, and rice was established. The operating variables affecting performance of this method, including different extraction conditions and cleanup adsorbents, were evaluated. The determination of butachlor residues in soil, straw, rice hull, andhuskedrice was performed using GC/MS after extraction with n-hexane and cleanup with graphite carbon black. The average recoveries ranged from 81.5 to 102.7%, with RSDs of 0.6–7.7% for all of the matrixes investigated. The limits of quantitation were 0.05 mg/kg in water and rice plant, and 0.01 mg/kg in soil, straw, rice hull, and husked rice. A comparison among this proposed method, the conventional liquid–liquid extraction, the Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe method, and Soxhlet extraction indicated that this method was more suitable for analyzing butachlor in rice samples. The further validation of the proposed method was carried out by Soxhlet extraction for the determination of butachlor residues in the husked rice samples, and the residue results showed there was no obvious difference obtained from these two methods. Samples from a rice field were found to contain butachlor residues below the maximum residue limits set by China (0.5 mg/kg) and Japan (0.1 mg/kg). The proposed method has a strong potential for application in routine screening and processing of largenumbers of samples. This study developed a more effective alternative to the conventional analytical methods for analyzing butachlor residues in various matrixes.
Determination of Nickel in Water, Food, and Biological Samples by Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry After Preconcentration on Modified Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Taher Mohammad Ali , Mazaheri Lida , Ashkenani Hamid , Mohadesi Alireza , Afzali Daryoush 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
A new and sensitive SPE method using modified carbon nanotubes for extraction and preconcentration, and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometric determination of nickel (Ni) in real samples at ng/L levels was investigated. First, multiwalled carbon nanotubes were oxidized with concentrated HNO3, then modified with 2-(5-bormo-2-pyridylazo)-5-diethylaminophenol reagent. The adsorption was achieved quantitatively on a modified carbon nanotubes column in a pH range of 6.5 to 8.5; the adsorbed Ni(II) ions were then desorbed by passing 5.0 mL of 1 M HNO3. The effects of analytical parameters, including pHof the solution, eluent type and volume, samplevolume, flow rate of the eluent, and matrix ions, were investigated for optimization of the presented procedure. The enrichment factor was 180, and the LOD for Ni was 4.9 ng/L. The method was applied to the determination of Ni in water, food, and biological samples, and reproducible results wereobtained.
Detection and Identification of Transgenic Elements by Fluorescent-PCR-Based Capillary Gel Electrophoresis in Genetically Modified Cotton and Soybean
Authors: Basak Sanjay , Ehtesham Nasreen Z , Sesikeran Boindala , Ghosh Sudip 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
A detection method for genetically modified foods is an essential regulatory requirement for many countries. The present study is aimed at developing a qualitative method for detection of genetically modified organisms by combining PCR methodology with capillary gel electrophoresis (PCR-CGE) in a sequencing platform to detect Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)-cotton (MON 531)and Roundup Ready (RR) soybean (GTS 40-3-2). A sensitive duplex PCR-CGE method was developed in which target DNA sequences (35S and Nos) were separated both by size and color to detect 0.01% Cry1Ac DNA (w/w) in Bt-cotton. A multiplex PCR-CGE method was developed to simultaneously detect fourtargets such as Sad1, Cry1Ac, 35S, and Nos in Bt-cotton. Four novel PCR primers were designed to customize amplicon size for multiplexing for better visualizationof multiple peaks. The LOD for Cry1Ac DNA specific PCR was 0.01% for Bt-cotton. The LOD for multiplex PCR assay was 0.05% for Bt-cotton. A singleplex PCR-CGE method was developed to detect Lec, 35S and Nos in a trace sample of RR soybean grainpowder (0.1%, w/w). This study demonstrates aPCR-CGE-based method for the qualitative detection of35S, Nos and Cry1Ac targets associated with genetically modifiedproducts.
Chemometric Classification Techniques as a Tool for Solving Problems in Analytical Chemistry
Authors: Bevilacqua Marta , Nescatelli Riccardo , Bucci Remo , Magrì Andrea D , Magrì Antonio L , Marini Federico 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Supervised pattern recognition (classification) techniques, i.e., the family of chemometric methods whose aim is the prediction of a qualitative responseon a set of samples, represent a very important assortment of tools for solving problems in several areas of applied analytical chemistry. This paper describes the theory behind the chemometric classificationtechniques most frequently used inanalytical chemistry together with some examples of their application to real-world problems.