bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crystal forms of the hydrogen oxalate salt of o-desmethylvenlafaxine
Authors: Dichiarante Elena , Curzi Marco , Giaffreda Stefano L , Grepioni Fabrizia , Maini Lucia , Braga Dario 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Objectives
To prepare new crystalline forms of the antidepressant o-desmethylvenlafaxine salt as potential new commercial forms and evaluate their physicochemical properties, in particular the dissolution rate.

Methods
A new hydrogen oxalate salt of o-desmethylvenlafaxine hydrogen oxalate (ODV-OX) was synthesized, and a polymorph screening was performed using different solvents and crystallization conditions. Crystalline forms were characterized by a combination of solid-state techniques: X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The stability of all crystalline phases was tested under International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) conditions (40°C and 75% Relative Humidity (RH)) for 1 week. Dissolution tests were performed on the hydrogen oxalate salt ODV-OX Form 1 and compared with dissolution test on the commercial form of the succinate salt of o-desmethylvenlafaxine.

Key findings
Five crystalline forms of ODV-OX were isolated, namely three hydrated forms (Form 1, Form 2, Form 3) and two anhydrous forms (Form 4 and Form 5).

Conclusions
Comparative solubility tests on ODV-OX Form 1 and o-desmethylvenlafaxine succinate evidenced a significant increase in solubility for the hydrogen oxalate salt (142 g/l) with respect to the succinate salt (70 g/l).
Inhibition of hedgehog signal pathway by cyclopamine attenuates inflammation and articular cartilage damage in rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis
Authors: Li Rong , Cai Li , Ding Jing , Hu Cheng-mu , Wu Ting-ni , Hu Xiang-yang 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Objectives
We investigated whether inhibition of hedgehog (Hh) signal by cyclopamine attenuated inflammation and cartilage damage in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats.

Methods
Cyclopamine (2.5, 5, 10 mg/kg) was given by intraperitoneal injection once daily from day 12 to 21 after AIA induction. Paw swelling (volume changes), serum pro-inflammatory cytokines levels (ELISA), histological analysis of joint damage (H&E staining), proteoglycans expression (Alcian blue staining), mRNA levels of sonic Hh (Shh), glioma-associated oncogene homologue 1 (Gli1), type II collagen (COII) and aggrecan in cartilage (real-time PCR) and articular chondrocyte apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling) were measured respectively.

Key findings
Cyclopamine effectively attenuated inflammation and cartilage damage of AIA rats, as evidenced by reduced paw swelling, serum levels of tumor necrosis factors (TNF)-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and histological scores of joint damage, increased proteoglycans expression and mRNA levels of COII and aggrecan in articular cartilage. Shh or Gli1 mRNA level was correlated negatively with COII and aggrecan mRNA levels, suggesting Hh signal inhibition was associated with promotion of cartilage extracellular matrix production. Furthermore, cyclopamine decreased the number of apoptotic articular chondrocytes of AIA rats, which might be partly related to its mechanisms on relieving cartilage damage.

Conclusions
Our findings present some experimental evidence that Hh signal inhibition might be of potential clinical interest in rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
Skin delivery of antioxidant surfactants based on gallic acid and hydroxytyrosol
Authors: Alonso Cristina , Lucas Ricardo , Barba Clara , Marti Meritxell , Rubio Laia , Comelles Francesc , Morales Juan Carlos , Coderch Luisa , Parra José Luís 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this study has been to investigate the dermal absorption profile of the antioxidant compounds gallic acid and hydroxytyrosol as well as their derivatives, hexanoate (hexyl gallate and hydroxytyrosol hexanoate) and octanoate (octyl gallate and octanoate derivative) alkyl esters (antioxidant surfactants). Previously, the scavenging capacity of these compounds, expressed as efficient dose ED50, has also determined.

Methods
The percutaneous absorption of these compounds was obtained by an in vitro methodology using porcine skin biopsies on Franz static diffusion cells. The antiradical activity of compounds was determined using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical method.

Key findings
The percutaneous penetration results show the presence of antioxidants in all layers of the skin. The content of the cutaneously absorbed compound is higher for the antioxidant surfactants (ester derivatives). This particular behaviour could be due to the higher hydrophobicity of these compounds and the presence of surface activity in the antioxidant surfactants.

Conclusions
These new antioxidant surfactants display optimum properties, which may be useful in the preparation of emulsified systems in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations because of their suitable surface activity and because they can protect the skin from oxidative damage.
White Syndrome in Acropora muricata: Nonspecific bacterial infection and ciliate histophagy
Authors: Sweet Michael , Bythell John 
Published: February 2015

AbstractSelective antibiotic treatment of white syndrome (WS)‐affected corals (Acropora muricata) from Fiji was used to identify 3 potential bacterial pathogens of the disease. Interestingly, the suite of bacterial associates of the disease was different to that recently identified using identical primer sets for WS on the GBR and in the Solomon Islands. In addition to the three bacterial pathogenic candidates and as previously shown for WS and more recently for white band disease (WBD) in the Caribbean, all samples of the disease were specifically associated with the histophagous ciliate Philaster lucinda. From the pattern of disease progression and histopathology in relation to the selective elimination of microbial groups, we conclude that these ‘white’ diseases are a result of a nonspecific bacterial infection and a ‘secondary’ infection by the P. lucinda ciliate. Although we have not observed the initiation of infection, a nonspecific, multispecies bacterial infection appears to be a corequirement for WS lesion progression and we hypothesize that the bacterial infection occurs initially, weakening the defences of the host to predation by the ciliates. Such ciliate histophagy gives rise to the characteristic white band of denuded coral skeleton that gives these diseases their names. The characteristics of the microbial communities of WBD and WS appear identical, and since the bacterial associates of WS vary geographically (and/or temporally), there appears to be no logical distinction between WS in the Indo‐Pacific and WBD in the Caribbean.
Use of Heading Direction for Recreating the Horizontal Alignment of an Existing Road
Authors: Camacho‐Torregrosa Francisco J. , Pérez‐Zuriaga Ana M. , Campoy‐Ungría José M. , García Alfredo , Tarko Andrew P. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThis article proposes a new method for fitting the horizontal alignment of a road to a set of (x, y) points. Those points can be obtained from digital imagery or GPS‐data collection. Unlike current methods that represent road alignment through its curvature, the proposed method describes the horizontal alignment as a sequence of headings. An analytic–heuristic approach is introduced. The proposed method produces unique solutions even for complex horizontal alignments. Some examples and a case study are presented. This solution may not be accurate enough for road redesign, but it allows researchers and departments of transportation to obtain accurate geometric features.
Clostridium difficile surface proteins are anchored to the cell wall using CWB2 motifs that recognise the anionic polymer PSII
Authors: Willing Stephanie E. , Candela Thomas , Shaw Helen Alexandra , Seager Zoe , Mesnage Stéphane , Fagan Robert P. , Fairweather Neil F. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryGram‐positive surface proteins can be covalently or non‐covalently anchored to the cell wall and can impart important properties on the bacterium in respect of cell envelope organisation and interaction with the environment. We describe here a mechanism of protein anchoring involving tandem CWB2 motifs found in a large number of cell wall proteins in the Firmicutes. In the Clostridium difficile cell wall protein family, we show the three tandem repeats of the CWB2 motif are essential for correct anchoring to the cell wall. CWB2 repeats are non‐identical and cannot substitute for each other, as shown by the secretion into the culture supernatant of proteins containing variations in the patterns of repeats. A conserved Ile Leu Leu sequence within the CWB2 repeats is essential for correct anchoring, although a preceding proline residue is dispensable. We propose a likely genetic locus encoding synthesis of the anionic polymer PSII and, using RNA knock‐down of key genes, reveal subtle effects on cell wall composition. We show that the anionic polymer PSII binds two cell wall proteins, SlpA and Cwp2, and these interactions require the CWB2 repeats, defining a new mechanism of protein anchoring in Gram‐positive bacteria.
Association between endothelial and platelet function markers and adiponectin in renal transplanted recipients on cyclosporine and tacrolimus immunosuppression based therapy
Authors: Sahin Garip , Akay Olga Meltem , Uslu Sema , Bal Cengiz , Yalcin Ahmet Ugur , Gulbas Zafer 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimCoagulation abnormalities, endothelial dysfunction and arteriosclerosis play a key role in cardiovascular disease state observed in transplanted patients. Plasma adiponectin levels are lower following kidney transplantation. However, there is still a debate about this topic in the literature. This study evaluated, adiponectin levels associated with markers of endothelial dysfunction and platelet function in renal transplant patients.MethodsSixty‐six renal transplant patients were studied. Patients were grouped according to immunosuppression regimen. Group 1 (n = 36) were treated with cyclosporine A based regimes and group 2 (n = 30) were treated with tacrolimus based regimes. Plasma adiponectin, asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA), sP‐selectin levels and platelet aggregation tests were studied and were compared with those in control group (n = 15, group 3).ResultsAdiponectin, sP‐selectin and ADMA levels were higher in group 1 and statistically significant differences were observed compared with those of group 2 and group 3, respectively (P < 0.001, P < 0.05, P < 0.05). Platelet aggregation values induced by agonists were lower in group 1 than group 2 and group 3, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05).ConclusionAdiponectin levels are elevated in line with ADMA and sP‐selectin levels. Since CsA induces higher adiponectin levels, platelet activation and endothelial dysfunction. These changes may be responsible for the increased risk of post‐transplant cardiovascular events in renal transplant patients.
Measurements of transpiration isotopologues and leaf water to assess enrichment models in cotton
Authors: Song Xin , Loucos Karen E. , Simonin Kevin A. , Farquhar Graham D. , Barbour Margaret M. 
Published: February 2015

Summary

The two‐pool and Péclet effect models represent two theories describing mechanistic controls underlying leaf water oxygen isotope composition at the whole‐leaf level (δ18OL).

To test these models, we used a laser spectrometer coupled to a gas‐exchange cuvette to make online measurements of δ18O of transpiration (δ18Otrans) and transpiration rate (E) in 61 cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) leaves. δ18Otrans measurements permitted direct calculation of δ18O at the sites of evaporation (δ18Oe) which, combined with values of δ18OL from the same leaves, allowed unbiased estimation of the proportional deviation of enrichment of δ18OL from that of δ18Oe (f) under both steady‐state (SS) and non‐steady‐state (NSS) conditions.

Among all leaves measured, f expressed relative to both δ18O of transpired water (ftrans) and source water (fsw) remained relatively constant with a mean ± SD of 0.11 ± 0.05 and 0.13 ± 0.05, respectively, regardless of variation in E spanning 0.8–9.1 mmol m−2 s−1. Neither ftrans nor fsw exhibited a significant difference between the SS and NSS leaves at the P < 0.05 level.

Our results suggest that the simpler two‐pool model is adequate for predicting cotton leaf water enrichment at the whole‐leaf level. We discuss the implications of adopting a two‐pool concept for isotopic applications in ecological studies.
Lipid anchoring of Arabidopsis phototropin 1 to assess the functional significance of receptor internalization: should I stay or should I go?
Authors: Preuten Tobias , Blackwood Lisa , Christie John M. , Fankhauser Christian 
Published: February 2015

Summary

The phototropin 1 (phot1) blue light receptor mediates a number of adaptive responses, including phototropism, that generally serve to optimize photosynthetic capacity. Phot1 is a plasma membrane‐associated protein, but upon irradiation, a fraction is internalized into the cytoplasm. Although this phenomenon has been reported for more than a decade, its biological significance remains elusive. Here, we use a genetic approach to revisit the prevalent hypotheses regarding the functional importance of receptor internalization.

Transgenic plants expressing lipidated versions of phot1 that are permanently anchored to the plasma membrane were used to analyse the effect of internalization on receptor turnover, phototropism and other phot1‐mediated responses.

Myristoylation and farnesylation effectively prevented phot1 internalization. Both modified photoreceptors were found to be fully functional in Arabidopsis, rescuing phototropism and all other phot1‐mediated responses tested. Light‐mediated phot1 turnover occurred as in the native receptor. Furthermore, our work does not provide any evidence of a role of phot1 internalization in the attenuation of receptor signalling during phototropism.

Our results demonstrate that phot1 signalling is initiated at the plasma membrane. They furthermore indicate that release of phot1 into the cytosol is not linked to receptor turnover or desensitization.
Temperate radiations and dying embers of a tropical past: the diversification of Viburnum
Authors: Spriggs Elizabeth L. , Clement Wendy L. , Sweeney Patrick W. , Madriñán Santiago , Edwards Erika J. , Donoghue Michael J. 
Published: February 2015

Summary

We used a near‐complete phylogeny for the angiosperm clade Viburnum to assess lineage diversification rates, and to examine possible morphological and ecological factors driving radiations.

Maximum‐likelihood and Bayesian approaches identified shifts in diversification rate and possible links to character evolution. We inferred the ancestral environment for Viburnum and changes in diversification dynamics associated with subsequent biome shifts.

Viburnum probably diversified in tropical forests of Southeast Asia in the Eocene, with three subsequent radiations in temperate clades during the Miocene. Four traits (purple fruits, extrafloral nectaries, bud scales and toothed leaves) were statistically associated with higher rates of diversification. However, we argue that these traits are unlikely to be driving diversification directly. Instead, two radiations were associated with the occupation of mountainous regions and a third with repeated shifts between colder and warmer temperate forests.

Early‐branching depauperate lineages imply that the rare lowland tropical species are ‘dying embers’ of once more diverse lineages; net diversification rates in Viburnum likely decreased in these tropical environments after the Oligocene. We suggest that ‘taxon pulse’ dynamics might characterize other temperate plant lineages.
Multi‐component molecular‐level body composition reference methods: evolving concepts and future directions
Authors: Heymsfield S. B. , Ebbeling C. B. , Zheng J. , Pietrobelli A. , Strauss B. J. , Silva A. M. , Ludwig D. S. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryExcess adiposity is the main phenotypic feature that defines human obesity and that plays a pathophysiological role in most chronic diseases. Measuring the amount of fat mass present is thus a central aspect of studying obesity at the individual and population levels. Nevertheless, a consensus is lacking among investigators on a single accepted ‘reference’ approach for quantifying fat mass in vivo. While the research community generally relies on the multi‐component body volume class of ‘reference’ models for quantifying fat mass, no definable guide discerns among different applied equations for partitioning the four (fat, water, protein and mineral mass) or more quantified components, standardizes ‘adjustment’ or measurement system approaches for model‐required labelled water dilution volumes and bone mineral mass estimates, or firmly establishes the body temperature at which model physical properties are assumed. The resulting differing reference strategies for quantifying body composition in vivo leads to small, but under some circumstances, important differences in the amount of measured body fat. Recent technological advances highlight opportunities to expand model applications to new subject groups and measured components such as total body protein. The current report reviews the historical evolution of multi‐component body volume‐based methods in the context of prevailing uncertainties and future potential.
Genetic engineering of the Xa10 promoter for broad‐spectrum and durable resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: Zeng Xuan , Tian Dongsheng , Gu Keyu , Zhou Zhiyun , Yang Xiaobei , Luo Yanchang , White Frank F. , Yin Zhongchao 
Published: February 2015

SummaryMany pathovars of plant pathogenic bacteria Xanthomonas species inject transcription activator‐like (TAL) effectors into plant host cells to promote disease susceptibility or trigger disease resistance. The rice TAL effector‐dependent disease resistance gene Xa10 confers narrow‐spectrum race‐specific resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), the causal agent of bacterial blight disease in rice. To generate broad‐spectrum and durable resistance to Xoo, we developed a modified Xa10 gene, designated as Xa10E5. Xa10E5 has an EBE‐amended promoter containing 5 tandemly arranged EBEs each responding specifically to a corresponding virulent or avirulent TAL effector and a stable transgenic rice line containing Xa10E5 was generated in the cultivar Nipponbare. The Xa10E5 gene was specifically induced by Xoo strains that harbour the corresponding TAL effectors and conferred TAL effector‐dependent resistance to the pathogens at all developmental stages of rice. Further disease evaluation demonstrated that the Xa10E5 gene in either Nipponbare or 9311 genetic backgrounds provided broad‐spectrum disease resistance to 27 of the 28 Xoo strains collected from 11 countries. The development of Xa10E5 and transgenic rice lines provides new genetic materials for molecular breeding of rice for broad‐spectrum and durable disease resistance to bacterial blight.
Photocatalytic Activity of LaSr2AlO5:Eu Ceramic Powders
Authors: García Carlos R. , Oliva Jorge , Díaz‐Torres Luis A. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe photocatalytic activity, of undoped and Europium‐doped LaSr2AlO5 powders, has been investigated by degrading methylene blue dye in water solutions. Those powders were fabricated by a combustion method and an annealing treatment in air. All samples showed a tetragonal single phase according to by X‐ray diffraction measurements (XRD). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed irregular semi‐oval grains with sizes in the range of 3.5–4.27 μm. Photoluminescence spectrum showed sharp emission peaks at 588 nm and at 617 nm which are associated with 7F1,7F2→ 5D0 Eu3+ ion forbidden transitions, respectively, under UV light excitation of 322 nm. The methylene blue (MB) degradation under UV light (254 nm) was studied by monitoring changes in the absorbance peak of MB at 665 nm. Finally, LaSr2AlO5:Eu powders were used three times and the efficiency for the degradation of MB decreased from 100 to 61% after the third cycle of use.
Do the Causes of Infertility Play a Direct Role in the Aetiology of Preterm Birth?
Authors: Messerlian Carmen , Platt Robert W. , Ata Baris , Tan Seang‐Lin , Basso Olga 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundIt is well established that singletons born of assisted reproductive technology are at higher risk of preterm birth and other adverse outcomes. What remains unclear is whether the increased risk is attributable to the effects of the treatment alone or whether the underlying causes of infertility also play a role. The aim of this study was to examine whether any of the six categories of causes of infertility were associated with a direct effect on preterm birth using causal mediation analysis.MethodsWe assembled a hospital‐based cohort of births delivered at a large tertiary care hospital in Montreal, Canada between 2001 and 2007. Causes of infertility were ascertained through a clinical database and medical chart abstraction. We employed marginal structural models (MSM) to estimate the controlled direct effect of each cause of infertility on preterm birth compared with couples without the cause under examination.ResultsThe final study cohort comprised 18 598 singleton and twin pregnancies, including 1689 in couples with ascertained infertility. MSM results suggested no significant direct effect for any of the six categories of causes. However, power was limited in smaller subgroup analyses, and a possible direct effect for uterine abnormalities (e.g. fibroids and malformations) could not be ruled out.ConclusionIn this cohort, most of the increased risk of preterm birth appeared to be explained by maternal characteristics (such as age, body mass index, and education) and by assisted reproduction. If these findings are corroborated, physicians should consider these risks when counselling patients.
Is integrated multitrophic aquaculture the solution to the sectors’ major challenges? – a review
Authors: Granada Luana , Sousa Nádia , Lopes Sofia , Lemos Marco F. L. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe growing demand for fish products and the dwindling productivity of marine fish stocks due to the overexploitation of fisheries place the aquaculture industry as a key contributor to the global fish supply. The intensive development of aquaculture has raised a range of environmental concerns such as effluent discharge, excessive use of resources and dependence on commercial feed. In this context, the development of sustainable aquaculture systems is becoming the cornerstone for long‐term aquaculture expansion, and to achieve environmental sustainability. Integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) is regarded as a suitable approach to limit aquaculture nutrients and organic matter outputs through biomitigation. The cocultured species are used as biofilters, and each level has its own independent commercial value, providing both economic and environmental sustainability. Here, environmental issues of aquaculture and the current status of IMTA are reviewed and its future prospects discussed. Also, the opportunities to expand this systems’ complexity with increased added‐value and trophic levels are introduced.