bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metformin affects the features of a human hepatocellular cell line (HepG2) by regulating macrophage polarization in a co‐culture microenviroment
Authors: Chen Miaojiao , Zhang Jingjing , Hu Fang , Liu Shiping , Zhou Zhiguang 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectiveAccumulating evidence suggests an association between diabetes and cancer. Inflammation is a key event that underlies the pathological processes of the two diseases. Metformin displays anti‐cancer effects, but the mechanism is not completely clear. This study investigated whether metformin regulated the microenvironment of macrophage polarization to affect the characteristics of HepG2 cells and the possible role of the Notch‐signalling pathway.MethodsRAW264.7 macrophages were cultured alone or co‐cultured with HepG2 cells and treated with metformin. We analysed classical (M1) and alternative (M2) gene expression in RAW264.7 cells using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Changes in mRNA and protein expressions of Notch signalling in both cell types were also detected using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western‐blotting analyses. The proliferation, apoptosis and migration of HepG2 cells were detected using Cell Titer 96 AQueous One Solution Cell Proliferation Assay (MTS) (Promega Corporation, Fitchburg, WI, USA), Annexin V‐FITC/PI (7SeaPharmTech, Shanghai, China) and the cell scratch assay, respectively.ResultsMetformin induced single‐cultured RAW264.7 macrophages with an M2 phenotype but attenuated the M2 macrophage differentiation and inhibited monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) secretion in a co‐culture system. The co‐cultured group of metformin pretreatment activated Notch signalling in macrophages but repressed it inHepG2 cells. Co‐culture also promoted the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells. However, along with the enhanced apoptosis, the proliferation and the migration of HepG2 cells were remarkably inhibited in another co‐culture system with metformin pretreatment.ConclusionsMetformin can skew RAW264.7 macrophages toward different phenotypes according to changes in the microenvironment, which may affect the inflammatory conditions mediated by macrophages, induce apoptosis and inhibit the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells. Notch signalling pathway is a potentially important mechanism in the regulation of metformin on macrophage polarization and the subsequent change of hepatoma cells. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early life sensory ability—ventilatory responses of thornback ray embryos (Raja clavata) to predator‐type electric fields
Authors: Ball Rachel Emma , Oliver Matthew Kenneth , Gill Andrew Bruce 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTPredator avoidance is fundamental for survival and it can be particularly challenging for prey animals if physical movement away from a predatory threat is restricted. Many sharks and rays begin life within an egg capsule that is attached to the sea bed. The vulnerability of this sedentary life stage is exacerbated in skates (Rajidae) as the compulsory ventilatory activity of embryos makes them conspicuous to potential predators. Embryos can reduce this risk by mediating ventilatory activity if they detect the presence of a predator using an acute electrosense. To determine how early in embryonic life predator elicited behavioral responses can occur, the reactions of three different age groups (1/3 developed, 2/3 developed, and near hatching) of embryonic thornback rays Raja clavata were tested using predator‐type electric field stimuli. Egg capsules were exposed to continuous or intermittent stimuli in order to assess varying predator‐type encounter scenarios on the ventilatory behavior of different developmental stages. All embryos reacted with a “freeze response” following initial electric field (E‐field) exposure, ceasing ventilatory behavior in response to predator presence, demonstrating electroreceptive functionality for the first time at the earliest possible stage in ontogeny. This ability coincided with the onset of egg ventilatory behavior and may represent an effective means to enhance survival. A continuous application of stimuli over time revealed that embryos can adapt their behavior and resume normal activity, whereas when presented intermittently, the E‐field resulted in a significant reduction in overall ventilatory activity across all ages. Recovery from stimuli was significantly quicker in older embryos, potentially indicative of the trade‐off between avoiding predation and adequate respiration. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 721–729, 2016
The plant homeodomain finger protein MESR4 is essential for embryonic development in Drosophila
Authors: Seong Ki‐Hyeon , Tsuda Manabu , Tsuda‐Sakurai Kayoko , Aigaki Toshiro 
Published: October 2015

SummaryMisexpression Suppressor of Ras 4 (MESR4), a plant homeodomain (PHD) finger protein with nine zinc‐finger motifs has been implicated in various biological processes including the regulation of fat storage and innate immunity in Drosophila. However, the role of MESR4 in the context of development remains unclear. Here it is shown that MESR4 is a nuclear protein essential for embryonic development. Immunostaining of polytene chromosomes using anti‐MESR4 antibody revealed that MESR4 binds to numerous bands along the chromosome arms. The most intense signal was detected at the 39E‐F region, which is known to contain the histone gene cluster. P‐element insertions in the MESR4 locus, which were homozygous lethal during embryogenesis with defects in ventral ectoderm formation and head encapsulation was identified. In the mutant embryos, expression of Fasciclin 3 (Fas3), an EGFR signal target gene was greatly reduced, and the level of EGFR signal‐dependent double phosphorylated ERK (dp‐ERK) remained low. However, in the context of wing vein formation, genetic interaction experiments suggested that MESR4 is involved in the EGFR signaling as a negative regulator. These results suggested that MESR4 is a novel chromatin‐binding protein required for proper expression of genes including those regulated by the EGFR signaling pathway during development. genesis 53:701–708, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spatial pattern of adaptive and neutral genetic diversity across different biomes in the lesser anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla)
Authors: Clozato Camila L. , Mazzoni Camila J. , Moraes‐Barros Nadia , Morgante João S. , Sommer Simone 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) code for proteins involved in antigen recognition and activation of the adaptive immune response and are thought to be regulated by natural selection, especially due to pathogen‐driven selective pressure. In this study, we investigated the spatial distribution ofMHCclassIIDRBexon 2 gene diversity of the lesser anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla) across five Brazilian biomes using next‐generation sequencing and compared theMHCpattern with that of neutral markers (microsatellites). We found a noticeable high level of diversity inDRB(60 amino acid alleles in 65 individuals) and clear signatures of historical positive selection acting on this gene. Higher allelic richness and proportion of private alleles were found in rain forest biomes, especially Amazon forest, a megadiverse biome, possibly harboring greater pathogen richness as well. Neutral markers, however, showed a similar pattern toDRB, demonstrating the strength of demography as an additional force to pathogen‐driven selection in shapingMHCdiversity and structure. This is the first characterization and description of diversity of aMHCgene for any member of the magna‐order Xenarthra, one of the basal lineages of placental mammals.
Differential impact of body position on the severity of disordered breathing in heart failure patients with obstructive vs. central sleep apnoea
Authors: Pinna Gian Domenico , Robbi Elena , La Rovere Maria Teresa , Taurino Anna Eugenia , Bruschi Claudio , Guazzotti Giampaolo , Maestri Roberto 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimsObstructive (OSA) and central sleep apnoea (CSA) are a common comorbidity in patients with heart failure. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the impact of body position on the severity of sleep apnoea in these two groups of patients.Methods and resultsStandard polysomnography was performed in consecutive, clinically stable, optimally treated patients with moderate‐to‐severe heart failure and systolic dysfunction. Patients with an apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) ≥15/h (n = 120) were included in the study. The severity of sleep‐disordered breathing was quantified by the AHI, the mean value of oxygen desaturations (O2desat) and the apnoea ratio. Data from the right and left positions were combined into a single lateral position. Positional sleep apnoea was defined as a >50% reduction in the AHI between the supine and the lateral position. Twenty‐nine and 91 subjects had dominant OSA and CSA, respectively. The AHI markedly decreased from the supine to the lateral position in both groups [OSA: (median [q1,q3]) 50.3 [36.9, 67.6]/h vs. 10.4 [7.0, 18.5]/h, P < 0.0001; CSA: 47.4 [37.6, 56.0]/h vs. 19.3 [11.9, 33.3]/h]. The reduction was greater in OSA patients (p = 0.027). Similarly, O2desat and the apnoea ratio decreased in the lateral position (P < 0.0001). Positional sleep apnoea was observed in 76% of OSA and 53% of CSA patients (P = 0.028).ConclusionThis study demonstrates that the lateral sleeping position has a major beneficial effect on the severity of sleep‐disordered breathing in heart failure patients, and that this improvement is greater in subjects with OSA than in those with CSA.
Sarcopenia and mortality among a population‐based sample of community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Brown Justin C. , Harhay Michael O. , Harhay Meera N. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundSarcopenia is a risk‐factor for all‐cause mortality among older adults, but it is unknown if sarcopenia predisposes older adults to specific causes of death. Further, it is unknown if the prognostic role of sarcopenia differs between males and females, and obese and non‐obese individuals.MethodsA population‐based cohort study among 4425 older adults from the Third National Health and Nutrition Survey (1988–1994). Muscle mass was quantified using bioimpedance analysis, and muscle function was quantified using gait speed. Multivariable‐adjusted Cox regression analysis examined the relationship between sarcopenia and mortality outcomes.ResultsThe mean age of study participants was 70.1 years. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 36.5%. Sarcopenia associated with an increased risk of all‐cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR): 1.29 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.13–1.47); P < 0.001] among males and females. Sarcopenia associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular‐specific mortality among females [HR: 1.61 (95% CI: 1.22–2.12); P = 0.001], but not among males [HR: 1.07 (95% CI: 0.81–1.40; P = .643); Pinteraction = 0.079]. Sarcopenia was not associated with cancer‐specific mortality among males and females [HR: 1.07 (95% CI: 0.78–1.89); P = 0.672]. Sarcopenia associated with an increased risk of mortality from other causes (i.e. non‐cardiovascular and non‐cancer) among males and females [HR: 1.32 (95% CI: 1.07–1.62); P = 0.008]. Obesity, defined using body mass index (Pinteraction = 0.817) or waist circumference (Pinteraction = 0.219) did not modify the relationship between sarcopenia and all‐cause mortality.ConclusionsSarcopenia is a prevalent syndrome that is associated with premature mortality among community‐dwelling older adults. The prognostic value of sarcopenia may vary by cause‐specific mortality and differ between males and females.
Sulfasalazine attenuates ACL transection and medial menisectomy‐induced cartilage destruction by inhibition of cystine/glutamate antiporter
Authors: Tsai Wei‐Yuan , Tsai Ru‐Yin , Liu Chih‐Chung , Wu Jia‐lin , Wong Chih‐Shung 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTWe had previously demonstrated that excitatory amino acid glutamate plays a role in the progression and severity of knee osteoarthritis (OA), and early hyaluronic acid injection attenuates the OA progression by attenuation of knee joint glutamate level, which was also related to the cystine/glutamate antiporter system X (system ) expression. System uptakes cystine into chondrocytes for glutathione (GSH) synthesis, but the role of system in OA is rarely addressed. Sulfasalazine (SSZ) is a system inhibitor; SSZ was applied intra‐articularly to study the function of system in the development of OA in rats subjected to anterior cruciate ligament transection and medial meniscectomy (ACLT + MMx). Moerover, the system activator N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) was also applied to verify the role of system . The intra‐articular injection of SSZ significantly attenuated knee swelling and cartilage destruction in the knees of ACLT + MMx rats and this effect was blocked by NAC. The results showed that inhibition of system function can attenuate ACLT + MMx‐induced cartilage destruction. In the present study, system inhibitor SSZ was shown to reduce glutamate content in synovial fluid and GSH in chondrocytes. It was also showed SSZ could attenuate ACLT + MMx‐induced cartilage destruction, and treatment of NAC reversed the protective effect of SSZ. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:650–657, 2016.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Clusters and Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence: Findings From a U.S. Nationally Representative Sample
Authors: Smith Kathryn Z. , Smith Philip H. , Violanti John M. , Bartone Paul T. , Homish Gregory G. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAssociations between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) have not been extensively studied in nonveteran samples. Secondary analysis was conducted using a nationally representative U.S. sample and limited to those who reported being in a relationship in the past year (N = 25,652). This sample was mostly White (72.0%), the majority had completed high school/ general educational development (GED; 87.8%), about half were female (49.2%), and the mean age was 46.44 years (SD = 15.92). We hypothesized that a diagnosis of PTSD in the past year would be associated with greater perpetration of IPV and that the arousal/reactivity and intrusion symptom clusters would evidence the strongest associations with IPV. Consistent with expectations, a PTSD diagnosis in the past year was associated with greater perpetration of IPV, OR = 2.07, 95% CI [1.89, 2.26]. Among those with a PTSD diagnosis in the past year (n = 1,742), arousal/reactivity symptom cluster scores were associated with greater perpetration of IPV for both men and women, AOR = 1.27, 95% CI [1.11, 1.44]; intrusion symptom cluster scores were associated with perpetration of IPV for men only, AOR = 1.56, 95% CI [1.20, 2.04]; whereas negative cognitions/mood symptom cluster scores were only significant among women, AOR = 1.12, 95% CI [1.01, 1.24]. Results suggested that theoretical and empirical work linking PTSD and perpetration of IPV in military samples extends to the general population.
Porous Membranes Built Up from Hydrophilic Poly(ionic liquid)s
Authors: Täuber Karoline , Zimathies Annett , Yuan Jiayin 
Published: October 2015

Porous polymer membranes made via electrostatic complexation are fabricated from a water‐soluble poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) for the first time. The porous structure is formed as a consequence of simultaneous phase separation of the PIL and ionic complexation with an acid, which occurred in a basic solution of a nonsolvent for the PIL. These membranes have a stimuli‐responsive porosity, with open and closed pores in isopropanol and in water, respectively. This property is quantitatively demonstrated in filtration experiments, where water is passing much slower through the membranes than isopropanol.
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Heterophasic Polypropylene Copolymer Grafted with Itaconic Acid: Molecular Structure Analysis Through Fractionation Techniques
Authors: da Silva Marco Antônio , Galland Griselda B. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe functionalization of polypropylene (PP) through the grafting of unsaturated polar monomers such as maleic anhydride (MAH), acrylic acid and its derivatives, in the presence of organic peroxide as initiator, has received much attention over the past decades. However, up to now, only few studies have been reported on the effect of these polar monomers on crystallization and how they are distributed in the polymeric chain. In the present work heterophasic polypropylene copolymer was grafted with itaconic acid (AIt) using reactive extrusion. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of itaconic acid in the rubber and crystalline phases in samples of PP. The separation of the different phases by xylene solubles analysis showed that the acid has preference to incorporate in the rubber fraction. The amount of itaconic acid was determinate by FTIR. It was concluded that the addition of peroxide and itaconic acid to the polymer causes changes of chemical and structural order in the generated material. The results showed a narrowing in the profile of crystallization of the samples analyzed by CRYSTAF resulting of a higher interaction between crystalline and amorphous phases, due to the presence of hydrogen bridges arising from the grafted acid.
Cloud Point Temperature Measurements on Polyolefins: Identification of Potential New Mobile Phases for Interactive Liquid Chromatography of Polyolefins
Authors: Arndt Jan‐Hendrik , Macko Tibor , Brüll Robert 
Published: October 2015

SummaryCloud point temperature measurements for linear polyethylene and isotactic polypropylene in 63 different solvents were used to identify solvents for polyolefins and determine the relative thermodynamic quality of these solvents. A comparison with other indicators of the solvents' thermodynamic quality shows that the approach is generally valid and offers a fast and easily applicable tool for characterizing solvents according to their thermodynamic quality. The results offer a multitude of new possibilities for the development of systems for chromatographic characterizations of polyolefins.
High‐Temperature Solvent Gradient Liquid Chromatography of Model Long Chain Branched Polyethylenes
Authors: Macko Tibor , Brüll Robert , Santonja‐Blasco Laura , Alamo Rufina G. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe high‐temperature solvent gradient liquid chromatography system 1‐decanol/1,2,4‐trichlorobenzene/porous graphite HypercarbTM has been applied to the separation of well‐defined model long chain branched (LCB) polyethylenes with different architectures (star, H‐type, super H‐type, pompom, comb). The model LCB polyethylenes have been prepared by anionic polymerization of butadiene followed by click chemistry. After hydrogenation of the polybutadienes, the LCB samples contain ∼ 2 mol % ethyl branches randomly distributed along the backbone and the LCB, as is typical for linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). The results indicate that the LCB does not influence the chromatographic separation substantially. The adsorption characteristics of the LCB copolymers are dominated by the SCB content. The presence of LCB increases the molar mass of the samples; however, the increase in molar mass from 100 kg/mol to 200 kg/mol does not influence chromatographic separations in the applied system of porous carbon and 1‐decanol/1,2,4‐trichlorobenzene.
Studies on the Application of Filter‐Based IR Detector for Polyolefin Characterization with HT‐SEC
Authors: Frijns‐Bruls Tiny , Ortin Alberto , Weusten Jos , Geladé Erik 
Published: October 2015

SummaryEven though polyolefins are simple polymers from a chemical structure point of view, their full characterization in practice is still an intriguing task. Basic macromolecular characteristics of polyethylene or polypropylene like molar mass moments and their distributions (MMD) but also chain conformation and thus information on long‐chain branching, can be addressed with high‐temperature size‐exclusion chromatography (HT‐SEC). Hyphenation of infrared detection to size‐exclusion chromatography expands possibilities of SEC even more and allows to reveal comonomer incorporation across molecular weight and thus generate a fingerprint of a given catalytic system used in polyolefin synthesis. Multiband filter‐based infrared detector gives an easy and fast access to so‐called short chain branching distribution (SCB) vs MMD by coupling to HT‐SEC. In this work, we summarize recent findings on application of a filter‐based IR detector (IR5‐MCT) towards characterization of polyolefins synthesized with different catalytic systems and varying comonomer types. It is found that for copolymers of polyethylene with 1‐butene, 1‐hexene or 1‐octene (non‐C3), one linear calibration line can be used in the range up to 70 CH3/1000TC, thus covering the range necessary for common applications like for instance HDPE or LLDPE. For ethylene‐propylene copolymers (C3), over the broad range up to 333 CH3/1000TC, the calibration line is best fitted to a second order polynomial. C3 copolymers show a different behavior compared to non‐C3 copolymers, irrespective the amount of comonomer incorporated in the polymer. We show that mixtures of PP and PE homopolymers result in equivalent response as the copolymers of the same average composition and thus can also be used to set up calibration lines. Based on this evaluation practical aspects of IR5‐MCT calibration are discussed.
Multibreath alveolar oxygen tension imaging
Authors: Clapp Justin , Hamedani Hooman , Kadlecek Stephen , Xin Yi , Shaghaghi Hoora , Siddiqui Sarmad , Rossman Milton D. , Rizi Rahim R. 
Published: October 2015

PurposeThis study tested the ability of a multibreath hyperpolarized HP 3He MRI protocol to increase the accuracy of regional alveolar oxygen tension (PAO2) measurements by lessening the influence of gas‐flow artifacts. Conventional single‐breath PAO2 measurement has been susceptible to error induced by intervoxel gas flow, particularly when used to study subjects with moderate‐to‐severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).MethodsBoth single‐breath and multibreath PAO2 imaging schemes were implemented in seven human subjects (one healthy, three asymptomatic smokers, and three COPD). The number and location of voxels with nonphysiologic PAO2 values generated by intervoxel gas flow were compared between the two protocols.ResultsThe multibreath scheme resulted in a significantly lower total percentage of nonphysiologic PAO2 values (6.0%) than the single‐breath scheme (13.7%) (P = 0.006). PAO2 maps showed several patterns of gas‐flow artifacts that were present in the single‐breath protocol but mitigated by the multibreath approach. Multibreath imaging also allowed for the analysis of slow‐filling areas that presented no signal after a single breath.ConclusionA multibreath approach enhances the accuracy and completeness of noninvasive PAO2 measurement by significantly lessening the proportion of nonphysiologic values generated by intervoxel gas flow. Magn Reson Med 76:1092–1101, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.