bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surveillance of congenital malformations in infants conceived through assisted reproductive technology or other fertility treatments
Authors: Heisey Angela S. , Bell Erin M. , Herdt‐Losavio Michele L. , Druschel Charlotte 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundAs assisted reproductive technology (ART) becomes more common, it is important to understand the associated risks. The objective of this study was to determine if congenital malformations are associated with ART or other fertility treatments in New York.MethodsIn a retrospective cohort study of all live births in upstate New York from 1997 to 2005, exposure was defined using ART or other fertility treatments as noted on birth certificates. Outcomes were assessed from the New York State Congenital Malformations Registry. Specific malformations were examined to determine if there is elevated risk for exposed singleton infants compared with infants conceived naturally.ResultsThe study included 7120 in the ART group, 11,890 in the other fertility treatments group and 1,118,162 in the comparison group. The relative risk for a congenital malformation was 1.43 (95% CI 1.19–1.72) for singleton infants conceived through ART compared with singleton infants conceived naturally. The specific defects associated with ART were patent ductus arteriosus, hypospadias, and obstructive defect in the renal pelvis and ureter, while spina bifida, other specific anomalies of the spinal cord, atresia or stenosis of the pulmonary valve, hypospadias, and obstructive defects of the renal pelvis and ureter were associated with other fertility treatment.ConclusionAssisted reproductive technology is associated with a slight excess risk of birth defects. The specific congenital malformations with elevated risks for singleton infants vary depending on the exposure. Further research is necessary to understand the mechanism related to the increase in risk. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 103:119–126, 2015 © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of thiol capping on the photoluminescence properties of L‐cysteine‐, mercaptoethanol‐ and mercaptopropionic acid‐capped ZnS nanoparticles
Authors: Tiwari A. , Dhoble S. J. , Kher R. S. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractMercaptoethanol (ME), mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) and L‐cysteine (L‐Cys) having ‐SH functional groups were used as surface passivating agents for the wet chemical synthesis of ZnS nanoparticles. The effect of the thiol group on the optical and photoluminescence (PL) properties of ZnS nanoparticles was studied. L‐Cysteine‐capped ZnS nanoparticles showed the highest PL intensity among the studied capping agents, with a PL emission peak at 455 nm. The PL intensity was found to be dependent on the concentration of Zn2+ and S2– precursors. The effect of buffer on the PL intensity of L‐Cys‐capped ZnS nanoparticles was also studied. UV/Vis spectra showed blue shifting of the absorption edge. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using Populus as a lignocellulosic feedstock for bioethanol
Authors: Porth Ilga , El‐Kassaby Yousry A. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPopulus species along with species from the sister genus Salix will provide valuable feedstock resources for advanced second‐generation biofuels. Their inherent fast growth characteristics can particularly be exploited for short rotation management, a time and energy saving cultivation alternative for lignocellulosic feedstock supply. Salicaceae possess inherent cell wall characteristics with favorable cellulose to lignin ratios for utilization as bioethanol crop. We review economically important traits relevant for intensively managed biofuel crop plantations, genomic and phenotypic resources available for Populus, breeding strategies for forest trees dedicated to bioenergy provision, and bioprocesses and downstream applications related to opportunities using Salicaceae as a renewable resource. Challenges need to be resolved for every single step of the conversion process chain, i.e., starting from tree domestication for improved performance as a bioenergy crop, bioconversion process, policy development for land use changes associated with advanced biofuels, and harvest and supply logistics associated with industrial‐scale biorefinery plants using Populus as feedstock. Significant hurdles towards cost and energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, and yield maximization with regards to biomass pretreatment, saccharification, and fermentation of celluloses and the sustainability of biorefineries as a whole still need to be overcome.
Optimization of adiponectin‐derived peptides for inhibition of cancer cell growth and signaling
Authors: Otvos Laszlo , Kovalszky Ilona , Olah Julia , Coroniti Roberta , Knappe Daniel , Nollmann Friederike I. , Hoffmann Ralf , Wade John D. , Lovas Sandor , Surmacz Eva 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTAdiponectin, an adipose tissue‐excreted adipokine plays protective roles in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases and exerts anti‐cancer activities, partially by interfering with leptin‐induced signaling. Previously we identified the active site in the adiponectin protein, and generated both a nanomolar monomeric agonist of the adiponectin receptor (10‐mer ADP355) and an antagonist (8‐mer ADP400) to modulate various adiponectin receptor‐mediated cellular functions. As physiologically circulating adiponectin forms multimeric complexes, we also generated an agonist dimer with improved biodistribution and in vitro efficacy. In the current report, we attempted to optimize the monomeric agonist structure. Neither extension of the peptide up to 14‐mer analogs nor reinstallation of native residues in permissible positions enhanced significantly the activity profile. The only substitutions that resulted in 5–10‐fold improved agonistic activity were the replacement of turn‐forming Gly4 and Tyr7 residues with Pro and Hyp, respectively, yielding the more active native β‐sheet structure. All peptides retained good stability in human serum exhibiting half‐lives >2 h. The cellular efficacy and stability rankings among the peptides followed expected structure–activity relationship trends. To investigate whether simultaneous activation of adiponectin pathways and inhibition of leptin‐induced signals can result in cytostatic and anti‐oncogenic signal transduction processes, we developed a chimera of the leptin receptor antagonist peptide Allo‐aca (placed to the N‐terminus) and ADP355 (at the C‐terminus). The in vitro anti‐tumor activity and intracellular signaling of the chimera were dominated by the more active Allo‐aca component. The ADP355 part, however, reversed unfavorable in vivo metabolic effects of the leptin receptor antagonist. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 104: 156–166, 2015.
Site‐specific fab fragment biotinylation at the conserved nucleotide binding site for enhanced ebola detection
Authors: Mustafaoglu Nur , Alves Nathan J. , Bilgicer Basar 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTThe nucleotide binding site (NBS) is a highly conserved region between the variable light and heavy chains at the Fab domains of all antibodies, and a small molecule that we identified, indole‐3‐butyric acid (IBA), binds specifically to this site. Fab fragment, with its small size and simple production methods compared to intact antibody, is good candidate for use in miniaturized diagnostic devices and targeted therapeutic applications. However, commonly used modification techniques are not well suited for Fab fragments as they are often more delicate than intact antibodies. Fab fragments are of particular interest for sensor surface functionalization but immobilization results in damage to the antigen binding site and greatly reduced activity due to their truncated size that allows only a small area that can bind to surfaces without impeding antigen binding. In this study, we describe an NBS‐UV photocrosslinking functionalization method (UV‐NBSBiotin) in which a Fab fragment is site‐specifically biotinylated with an IBA‐EG11‐Biotin linker via UV energy exposure (1 J/cm2) without affecting its antigen binding activity. This study demonstrates successful immobilization of biotinylated Ebola detecting Fab fragment (KZ52 Fab fragment) via the UV‐NBSBiotin method yielding 1031‐fold and 2‐fold better antigen detection sensitivity compared to commonly used immobilization methods: direct physical adsorption and NHS‐Biotin functionalization, respectively. Utilization of the UV‐NBSBiotin method for site‐specific conjugation to Fab fragment represents a proof of concept use of Fab fragment for various diagnostic and therapeutic applications with numerous fluorescent probes, affinity molecules and peptides. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 1327–1334. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Automated detection of whole‐cell mitochondrial motility and its dependence on cytoarchitectural integrity
Authors: Kandel Judith , Chou Philip , Eckmann David M. 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTCurrent methodologies used for mitochondrial motility analysis tend to either overlook individual mitochondrial tracks or analyze only peripheral mitochondria instead of mitochondria in all regions of the cell. Furthermore, motility analysis of an individual mitochondrion is usually quantified by establishing an arbitrary threshold for “directed” motion. In this work, we created a custom, publicly available computational algorithm based on a previously published approach (Giedt et al., 2012. Ann Biomed Eng 40:1903–1916) in order to characterize the distribution of mitochondrial movements at the whole‐cell level, while still preserving information about single mitochondria. Our technique is easy to use, robust, and computationally inexpensive. Images are first pre‐processed for increased resolution, and then individual mitochondria are tracked based on object connectivity in space and time. When our method is applied to microscopy fields encompassing entire cells, we reveal that the mitochondrial net distances in fibroblasts follow a lognormal distribution within a given cell or group of cells. The ability to model whole‐cell mitochondrial motility as a lognormal distribution provides a new quantitative paradigm for comparing mitochondrial motility in naïve and treated cells. We further demonstrate that microtubule and microfilament depolymerization shift the lognormal distribution in directions which indicate decreased and increased mitochondrial movement, respectively. These findings advance earlier work on neuronal axons (Morris and Hollenbeck, 1993. J Cell Sci 104:917–927) by relating them to a different cell type, applying them on a global scale, and automating measurement of mitochondrial motility in general. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 1395–1405. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adipositas – eine Bürde der Evolution?
Authors: Kirchengast Sylvia 
Published: February 2015

AbstractDie hohen Raten an Adipositas sind das Resultat des dramatischen Missverhältnisses zwischen unserer heutigen adipogenen Umwelt und unserer genetischen Ausstattung. Verschiedene evolutionsbiologische Hypothesen versuchen diesen Zusammenhang zu erklären. Immer wenn eine effiziente Energiespeicherung in der Umwelt unserer evolutionären Anpassung sich als Vorteil erwies und einen entsprechenden Genotyp begünstigte, wirkt eine adipogene Umwelt, die typisch für Industriestaaten westlicher Prägung ist, desaströs.
Die Stereofotografie biologischer Objekte
Authors: Sturm Robert 
Published: February 2015

AbstractStereofotografien lassen sich nach dem Anaglyphenprinzip mit rotem und grünem Halbbild relativ einfach herstellen. Die Stereoskopie ist in den Naturwissenschaften wertvoll, wenn anhand der zusätzlichen Tiefeninformation genauere Erkenntnisse zu Struktur und Form eines Objekts gewonnen werden können. Mittels verschiedener Motive aus Malakologie und Paläontologie sollen wesentliche Einsatzbereiche der Stereofotografie diskutiert werden.
Steinmarder als Materialtester
Authors: Högermann Christiane 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIn einem einmaligen Forschungsprojekt des Otterzentrums Hankensbüttel mit Autoherstellern und deren Zulieferern wird seit einigen Jahren eine Versuchsreihe zur Entwicklung von “marderfesten” Schläuchen und Kabeln durchgeführt. Dabei werden Steinmarder eingesetzt, um Kabelmaterial auf seine Haltbarkeit zu testen.
Heat Induced Epitope Retrieval (HIER) in der Immunhistochemie
Authors: Hauk Andrea 
Published: February 2015

AbstractMit Hilfe der Immunhistochemie (IHC) wird überprüft, in welchem Gewebe ein bestimmtes Antigen (z. B. ein Tumormarker) vorhanden ist oder in welchem Zellkompartiment es sich befindet. Bevor der eigentliche Versuch startet, kochen viele Laborkollegen die Objektträger mit den Gewebeschnitten in siedend heißem Puffer. Durch diese rabiate Methode soll das Epitop, also die Stelle auf dem Antigen, die vom Antikörper erkannt werden soll, sichtbar gemacht werden. Ist das Epitop denn zuvor unsichtbar? Und wenn ja, warum?
Polymorphisms of IKBKE gene are associated with major depressive disorder and panic disorder
Authors: Traks Tanel , Koido Kati , Balõtšev Roman , Eller Triin , Kõks Sulev , Maron Eduard , Tõru Innar , Shlik Jakov , Vasar Eero , Vasar Veiko 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe immune system has been increasingly implicated in the development of mood and anxiety disorders. Inhibitor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells, kinase epsilon (IKBKE) gene encodes IKKε protein that is involved in innate immunity, predominantly antiviral response generation. It also bears pro‐inflammatory properties that could affect psychiatric outcomes. In order to investigate the possible role of IKBKE gene in major depressive disorder (MDD) and panic disorder (PD), we conducted a case–control genetic association study concerning these disorders.MethodsIn all, 14 SNPs of IKBKE gene were genotyped in groups of 391 patients with MDD and 190 patients with PD together with respective 389 and 371 healthy control individuals. The given groups were further divided by gender for additional analyses.ResultsSubstantial genetic associations were revealed between IKBKE SNPs and MDD (multiple testing adjusted P < 0.05) and suggestive associations in case of PD (Padj > 0.05). In addition, two SNPs that were only associated with PD among males, also displayed significantly different allele frequencies compared to PD females. This may indicate a specific role of these SNPs in male PD, but caution should be applied here due to the small size of the studied PD males group.ConclusionsThe results of this study confirm our initial findings and indicate a possible role of IKBKE gene in mood and anxiety disorders.
Risk factors for DSM 5 PTSD symptoms in Israeli civilians during the Gaza war
Authors: Gil Sharon , Weinberg Michael , Or‐Chen Keren , Harel Hila 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundIn light of the current modifications presented in the diagnostic criteria of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the DSM 5, this study aimed at revalidating well‐known PTSD risk factors, including gender, peritraumatic dissociation, social support, level of threat, and trait tendency for forgiveness.MethodFive hundred and one Israeli civilians were assessed during real‐time exposure to missile and rocket fire at the eruption of the Gaza war. Assessments took place approximately one to 2 weeks after the beginning of this military operation, relying on web administration of the study, which allowed simultaneous data collection from respondents in the three regions in Israel that were under attack.ResultsA structural equation model design revealed that higher levels of forgiveness toward situations were associated with fewer PTSD symptoms, whereas peritraumatic dissociation and high levels of objective and subjective threat were positively associated with PTSD symptoms. Additionally, females were at higher risk for PTSD symptoms than males.ConclusionsThe findings of this study provide further evidence for the importance of directing preventive attention to those vulnerable to the development of elevated levels of PTSD symptoms. Theoretical and clinical implications of the findings are discussed.
Aza‐Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Saruma henryi
Authors: Ma Yangmin , Jia Qiangqiang , Wang Pengfei , Cheng Xiaowei , Kang Yongxiang 
Published: February 2015

AbstractA new azafluoranthene alkaloid, named sarumine (1), along with six known N‐containing derivatives of phenanthrenes, 2–7, were isolated from the whole herb of Saruma henryi. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. Moreover, antimicrobial activities of all compounds were evaluated.
Population Variability of Essential Oils of Pinus heldreichii from the Scardo‐Pindic Mountains Ošljak and Galičica
Authors: Nikolić Biljana , Ristić Mihailo , Bojović Srdjan , Krivošej Zoran , Matevski Vlado , Marin Petar D. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe needle‐terpene profiles of two natural Pinus heldreichii populations from Mts. Ošljak and Galičica (Scardo‐Pindic mountain system) were analyzed. Among the 68 detected compounds, 66 were identified. The dominant constituents were germacrene D (28.7%), limonene (27.1%), and α‐pinene (16.2%). β‐Caryophyllene (6.9%), β‐pinene (5.2%), β‐myrcene (2.3%), pimaric acid (2.0%), α‐humulene (1.2%), and seven additional components were found to be present in medium‐to‐high amounts (0.5–10%). Although the general needle‐terpene profile of the population from Galičica was similar to those of the populations from Lovćen, Zeletin, Bjelasica, and Zlatibor‐Pešter (belonging to the Dinaric Alps), the principle‐component analysis (PCA) of seven terpenes (β‐myrcene, limonene, β‐elemene, β‐caryophyllene, α‐humulene, δ‐cadinene, and germacrene D‐4‐ol) in 121 tree samples suggested a partial divergence in the needle‐terpene profiles between the populations from the Scardo‐Pindic mountain system and the Dinaric Alps. According to previously reported data, the P. heldreichii samples from the Balkan‐Rhodope mountains lack β‐caryophyllene and germacrene D, but contain γ‐muurolene in their terpene profile. Differences in the terpene composition between populations growing in the three above‐mentioned mountain systems were compared and discussed.
Effect of Aglycon Structure on Saccharide Elongation by Cells
Authors: Kimura Tamami , Kasuya Maria Carmelita Z. , Hatanaka Kenichi , Matsuoka Koji 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAlkyl N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminide (GlcNAc primers) with different aglycon moieties were synthesized and used to determine the effect of the aglycon structure on cellular saccharide elongation. Dodecyl N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminide (GlcNAc‐C12), tridecan‐7‐yl N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminide (GlcNAc‐2C6), and pentacosan‐13‐yl N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminide (GlcNAc‐2C12) primers were synthesized by glycosylation of dodecan‐1‐ol, tridecan‐7‐ol, and pentacosan‐13‐ol, respectively, with peracetylglucosamine. These primers were introduced to mouse B16 melanoma cells to prepare glycolipids. After 48 h incubation, results showed that GlcNAc‐C12 was elongated to give NeuAc‐Gal‐GlcNAc‐C12. GlcNAc‐2C6 was also elongated to afford Gal‐GlcNAc‐2C6 and NeuAc‐Gal‐GlcNAc‐2C6. On the other hand, GlcNAc‐2C12 primer was not elongated. Significantly, the results demonstrated that the amount of glycosylated product increased 1.5‐times by modifying the aglycon structure of GlcNAc from C12 to 2 C6 despite having almost the same number of C‐units.
Solution NMR Studies of Recombinant Aβ(1–42): From the Presence of a Micellar Entity to Residual β‐Sheet Structure in the Soluble Species
Authors: Wälti Marielle Aulikki , Orts Julien , Vögeli Beat , Campioni Silvia , Riek Roland 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAmyloid‐β (Aβ) peptide is the major component found in senile plaques of Alzheimer's disease patients. The 42‐residue fragment Aβ(1–42) is proposed to be one of the most pathogenic species therein. Here, the soluble Aβ(1–42) species were analyzed by various liquid‐state NMR methods. Transient formation of a micelle species was observed at the onset of the aggregation kinetics. This micelle is dissolved after approximately one day. Subsequent loss of this species and the formation of protofibrils are proposed to be the route of fibril formation. Consequently, the observed micelle species is suggested to be on an off‐pathway mechanism. Furthermore, characterization of the NMR‐observable soluble species shows that it is a random‐coil‐like entity with low propensities for four β‐strands. These β‐strands correlate with the β‐strand segments observed in Aβ fibrils. This finding indicates that the 3D structure of the fibrils might already be predisposed in the soluble species.
Azide‐Tagged Sphingolipids: New Tools for Metabolic Flux Analysis
Authors: Garrido María , Abad José Luis , Fabriàs Gemma , Casas Josefina , Delgado Antonio 
Published: February 2015

AbstractSeveral diseases involve alterations in sphingolipid metabolism, so the development of tools for the analysis of sphingolipid metabolic fluxes is of interest. In this work, ω‐azidosphingolipids 1–3 have been synthesized and tested as tracers in live cells. The synthesis starts from (S)‐Garner's aldehyde and uses bromide or tosyloxy precursors for the introduction of the azido group into the sphingoid base. Studies in HGC‐27 cells showed that probes 1–3 compete with the natural metabolites and are incorporated into sphingolipid pathways without affecting cell viability. The reactivity and bioorthogonality of the terminal azido group have been exploited by means of click reactions with different azadibenzocyclooctyne tags. This allows the mass spectrometric characterization of azidosphingolipidomes in pooled samples from different cell populations after independent treatments, providing proof of concept of the applicability of this technology in sphingolipid metabolic flux analysis.
Gender equity in STEMI: Not so simple!
Authors: Wei Janet , Henry Timothy D. 
Published: February 2015

Key Points

Women with STEMI undergoing primary PCI have a higher risk of short‐term and long‐term bleeding and MACE compared to men, although increased long‐term MACE is driven by increased female baseline comorbidities and treatment differences.
Female sex is an easily identifiable phenotype that should alert clinicians to perform sex‐specific cardiovascular risk assessment for prevention, recognize female‐pattern angina symptoms, and provide education to reduce the delay between symptom onset and hospital presentation.
Female sex remains an independent predictor of major bleeding and additional studies are required to determine female‐specific antithrombotic regimens and catheter‐access protocols.
A rocky road to LV recovery post TAVI
Authors: Chandrasekhar Jaya , Mehran Roxana 
Published: February 2015

Key Points

In patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, complete coronary revascularization may result in greater LV recovery and better in‐hospital and 1‐year survival
Myocardial viability and functional testing should be considered to select patients that may benefit from complete revascularization
Larger pooled data analyzing LV recovery and long‐term mortality are warranted in all patients undergoing TAVI to establish objective guidelines on complete revascularization