bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Chinese herbal formula, Yi-Qi-Fu-Sheng, inhibits migration/invasion of colorectal cancer by down-regulating MMP-2/9 via inhibiting the activation of ERK/MAPK signaling pathways
Authors: Deng Wanli , Sui Hua , Wang Qiaolin , He Nana , Duan Chunyan , Han Liang , Li Qi , Lu Ming , Lv Shuqin 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
A Chinese herbal formula, Yi-Qi-Fu-Sheng (YQFS), has long been employed clinically to treat cancer patients. We aimed to determine its effectiveness as a treatment method for colorectal cancer. We investigated the therapeutic effects of YQFS on colorectal cancer, as well as the underlying mechanisms, which have not previously been explored.

Methods
First, YQFS was extracted and chemically characterized. We then tested the effects of YQFS on proliferation and migration by MTT and transwell migration assays in vitro. Mouse xenograft models of colorectal cancer were established by inoculation with HCT-116 cells, and mice received one of three oral doses (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg/day) to evaluate the effects of YQFS extract. Metalloproteinase-2/9 (MMP-2/9) expression in mice was evaluated by gelatin zymography assay. Apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry (FCM) analysis in vitro and by TUNEL assay in vivo. ERK and p-ERK expression were evaluated by western blot analysis at the protein level in vitro, and by quantitative RT-PCR at mRNA level in vivo.

Results
Our results show that YQFS significantly inhibits colorectal cancer cell proliferation and induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G1− and S-phase in HCT-116 cells. Furthermore, YQFS effectively retards tumor cell migration and invasion by inhibiting metalloproteinase-2/9 (MMP-2/9) expression, both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, YQFS had an inhibitory effect on tumor growth in vivo, and induced apoptosis through the inhibition of the ERK1/2 pathway both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion
These findings demonstrate that YQFS extract has an anti-tumor effect in colorectal cancer, which could be attributed to ERK1/2-dependent inhibition of MMP-2/9 expression.
Predictive value of lymphocytopenia and the neutrophil-lymphocyte count ratio for severe imported malaria
Authors: van Wolfswinkel Marlies E , Vliegenthart-Jongbloed Klaske , de Mendonça Melo Mariana , Wever Peter C , McCall Matthew B , Koelewijn Rob , van Hellemond Jaap J , van Genderen Perry J 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Lymphocytopenia has frequently been described in patients with malaria, but studies on its association with disease severity have yielded conflicting results. The neutrophil/lymphocyte count ratio (NLCR) has been introduced as a parameter for systemic inflammation in critically ill patients and was found, together with lymphocytopenia, to be a better predictor of bacteraemia than routine parameters like C-reactive protein and total leukocyte count. In the present study, the predictive value of the NLCR and lymphocytopenia for severe disease was evaluated in patients with imported malaria.

Methods
All patients diagnosed with malaria at the Harbour Hospital between January 1st 1999 and January 1st 2012 with differential white cell counts determined within the first 24 hours after admission were included in this retrospective study. Severe malaria was defined according to the WHO criteria. The performance of the NLCR and lymphocytopenia as a marker of severe malarial disease was compared back-to-back with that of C-reactive protein as a reference biomarker.

Results
A total of 440 patients (severe falciparum malaria n = 61, non-severe falciparum malaria n = 259, non-falciparum malaria n=120) were included in the study. Lymphocytopenia was present in 52% of all patients and the median NLCR of all patients was 3.2. Total lymphocyte counts and NLCR did not differ significantly between groups. A significant correlation of total leukocyte count and NLCR, but not lymphocyte count, with parasitaemia was found. ROC analysis revealed a good negative predictive value but a poor positive predictive value of both lymphocytopenia and NLCR and performance was inferior to that of C-reactive protein. After complete parasite clearance a significant rise in total leukocyte count and lymphocyte count and a significant decrease in NLCR was observed.

Conclusion
The NLCR was found to correlate with parasitaemia, but both lymphocytopenia and the NLCR were inferior to C-reactive protein as markers for severe disease in patients with imported malaria. The NLCR and lymphocytopenia are not useful as predictive markers for severe disease in imported malaria in the acute care setting.
Performance of a constructed wetland in Grand Marais, Manitoba, Canada: Removal of nutrients, pharmaceuticals, and antibiotic resistance genes from municipal wastewater
Authors: Anderson Julie C , Carlson Jules C , Low Jennifer E , Challis Jonathan K , Wong Charles S , Knapp Charles W , Hanson Mark L 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
The discharge of complex mixtures of nutrients, organic micropollutants, and antibiotic resistance genes from treated municipal wastewater into freshwater systems are global concerns for human health and aquatic organisms. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are genes that have the ability to impart resistance to antibiotics and reduce the efficacy of antibiotics in the systems in which they are found. In the rural community of Grand Marais, Manitoba, Canada, wastewater is treated passively in a sewage lagoon prior to passage through a treatment wetland and subsequent release into surface waters. Using this facility as a model system for the Canadian Prairies, the two aims of this study were to assess: (a) the presence of nutrients, micropollutants (i.e., pesticides, pharmaceuticals), and ARGs in lagoon outputs, and (b) their potential removal by the treatment wetland prior to release to surface waters in 2012.

Results
As expected, concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus species were greatest in the lagoon and declined with movement through the wetland treatment system. Pharmaceutical and agricultural chemicals were detected at concentrations in the ng/L range. Concentrations of these compounds spiked downstream of the lagoon following discharge and attenuation was observed as the effluent migrated through the wetland system. Hazard quotients calculated for micropollutants of interest indicated minimal toxicological risk to aquatic biota, and results suggest that the wetland attenuated atrazine and carbamazepine significantly. There was no significant targeted removal of ARGs in the wetland and our data suggest that the bacterial population in this system may have genes imparting antibiotic resistance.

Conclusions
The results of this study indicate that while the treatment wetland may effectively attenuate excess nutrients and remove some micropollutants and bacteria, it does not specifically target ARGs for removal. Additional studies would be beneficial to determine whether upgrades to extend retention time or alter plant community structure within the wetland would optimize removal of micropollutants and ARGs to fully characterize the utility of these systems on the Canadian Prairies.
Characterisation of sleep in intensive care using 24-hour polysomnography: anobservational study
Authors: Elliott Rosalind , McKinley Sharon , Cistulli Peter , Fien Mary 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Many intensive care patients experience sleep disruption potentially related tonoise, light and treatment interventions. The purpose of this study was tocharacterise, in terms of quantity and quality, the sleep of intensive carepatients, taking into account the impact of environmental factors.

Methods
This observational study was conducted in the adult ICU of a tertiary referralhospital in Australia, enrolling 57 patients. Polysomnography (PSG) was performedover a 24-hour period to assess the quantity (total sleep time: hh:mm) and quality(percentage per stage, duration of sleep episode) of patients' sleep while in ICU.Rechtschaffen and Kales criteria were used to categorise sleep. Interrater checkswere performed. Sound pressure and illuminance levels and care events weresimultaneously recorded. Patients reported on their sleep quality in ICU using theRichards Campbell Sleep Questionnaire and the Sleep in Intensive CareQuestionnaire. Data were summarised using frequencies and proportions or measuresof central tendency and dispersion as appropriate and Cohen's Kappa statistic wasused for interrater reliability of the sleep data analysis.

Results
Patients' median total sleep time was 05:00 (IQR: 02:52 to 07:14). The majority ofsleep was stage 1 and 2 (medians: 19 and 73%) with scant slow wave and REM sleep.The median duration of sleep without waking was 00:03. Sound levels were high(mean Leq 53.95 dB(A) during the day and 50.20 dB(A) at night) and illuminancelevels were appropriate at night (median <2 lux) but low during the day(median: 74.20 lux). There was a median 1.7 care events/h. Patients' meanself-reported sleep quality was poor. Interrater reliability of sleep staging washighest for slow wave sleep and lowest for stage 1 sleep.

Conclusions
The quantity and quality of sleep in intensive care patients are poor and may berelated to noise, critical illness itself and treatment events that disturb sleep.The study highlights the challenge of quantifying sleep in the critical caresetting and the need for alternative methods of measuring sleep. The resultssuggest that a sound reduction program is required and other interventions toimprove clinical practices to promote sleep in intensive care patients.

Trial registration
Australian New Zealand clinical trial registry(http://www.anzctr.org.au/): ACTRN12610000688088.
Large-area Synthesis of Single-crystal PbTiO3 Nanobelts and Nanoflakes
Authors: Zhao Qingchun , Cao Tian 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
We first report large-area single-crystal PbTiO3 nanobelts and nanoflakes synthsized via sol–gel method. The experimental results show reaction temperature plays a decisive role in the formation PbTiO3 nanobelts and nanoflakes. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations show the obtained PbTiO3 nanobelts and nanoflakes are pure tetragonal phase. TEM and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations show single-crystal PbTiO3 nanobelts with average breadth 80–200 nm and several micrometer length. The shape of the obtained nanoflakes with about 20–25 nm thickness is irregular and the nanoflakes are formed by PbTiO3 quantum dots. A possible mechanism for the formation has been proposed.
Settlement of the Sweet-spot Problem of MALDI Crystals Using Cyclodextrin-supported Matrix
Authors: Fujita Takashi , Fujino Tatsuya 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
One of the problems of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI), the inhomogeneity of analyte–matrix mixed crystals, can be settled moderately by the clathration of organic matrices into a cyclodextrin cavity. The homogeneous distribution of matrix and analyte was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and position-dependent mass spectrometry.
Screen-printed Modified Diamond Electrode for Glucose Detection
Authors: Kondo Takeshi , Horitani Masaru , Sakamoto Hironori , Shitanda Isao , Hoshi Yoshinao , Itagaki Masayuki , Yuasa Makoto 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
An electrochemical glucose sensor based on a screen-printed diamond electrode was fabricated as a low-cost, disposable, and sensitive electrode. Amperometric detection of glucose was achieved by using a glucose-oxidase-immobilized cobalt phthalocyanine/boron-doped diamond powder (GOx-CoPc/BDDP)-printed electrode, with a linear calibration curve in the concentration range of 0.2–1.0 mM. The background current for the GOx-CoPc/BDDP-printed electrode stabilized faster than that for the GOx-CoPc/carbon-printed electrode, which confirms its practical usefulness for the detection of glucose at low concentrations.
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Hydroxyapatite Block and Granules Supported with Wheat Starch Set through the Process of Hydration under a Physiological Condition
Authors: Furusawa Toshitake , Oshino Ikue , Yoshida Kakeru , Oshiyama Naho , Kawai Takahiro , Sato Masaaki , Okudera Toshimitsu 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Needle-like hydroxyapatites obtained through a hydration reaction process between anhydrous dicalcium phosphate (ADCP) and tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) were reinforced with wheat starch to form composite blocks, and they showed mechanical properties corresponding to their compositions: mass fraction of calcium phosphate powders/starch solution and starch concentration. A kind of the composite granules was found to be osteoconductive in an in vivo examination with a rat model.
Synthesis and Oxidizing Ability of p-Chloranil Dimer
Authors: Hayashi Naoto , Nakagawa Hiroyuki , Sugiyama Yuko , Yoshino Junro , Higuchi Hiroyuki 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
A p-chloranil dimer (pCh2) has been synthesized. The first reduction potential of pCh2 shifted to a more positive value than that observed for the p-chloranil monomer (pCh1) and was more negative than that for 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-p-benzoquinone (DDQ). As expected, pCh2 oxidized 9,10-dihydroanthracene and α-tetralol to give anthracene and α-tetralone, respectively, more efficiently than pCh1 did. The advantages of pCh2 were observed in oxidations of 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol. Although further oxidation took place in DDQ oxidations and no reaction occurred in pCh1 oxidations, initial oxidation products were solely obtained in pCh2 oxidation because of its moderate oxidizing ability.
Asymmetric Synthesis of 1,3-Oxazolidines via Intramolecular Aza-Michael Addition by Bifunctional Organocatalysts
Authors: Fukata Yukihiro , Asano Keisuke , Matsubara Seijiro 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
A novel synthetic route to optically active 1,3-oxazolidines via formal [3 + 2] cycloaddition in the presence of cinchona-alkaloid-thiourea-based bifunctional organocatalysts is reported. This protocol gives easy access to a wide range of chiral 1,3-oxazolidines. In addition, the results show that bifunctional organocatalysts can effect the intramolecular aza-Michael addition, leading to the asymmetric synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocycles.
Triphenylene-based Host Materials for Low-voltage, Highly Efficient Red Phosphorescent Organic Light-emitting Diodes
Authors: Togashi Kazunori , Yasuda Takuma , Adachi Chihaya 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Triphenylene-based host materials BDBF-TP and BDBT-TP were synthesized for use in red phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (PHOLEDs). The current–voltage characteristics of hole- and electron-only devices revealed that BDBT-TP exhibits better bipolar carrier transport properties than 4,4′-bis(carbazol-9-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl and BDBF-TP. Red PHOLEDs containing BDBF-TP or BDBT-TP as the host showed a lower driving voltage, higher external quantum efficiency, and lower efficiency roll-off at high current density.
Asymmetric Coupling Polymerizations of 2,3-Dihalido-N-substituted Maleimide Derivatives in the Presence of Chiral Bisoxazolines
Authors: Onimura Kenjiro , Nakamura Munetoshi , Amatsu Keisuke , Matsushima Mieko , Yamabuki Kazuhiro , Oishi Tsutomu 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Yamamoto coupling polymerizations of 2,3-dihalido-N-substituted maleimides (DXRMI) were carried out using nickel catalysts. In addition, coupling reactions of 2,3-dihalido-N-cyclohexylmaleimide (DXCHMI) were performed with nickel complexes in the presence of directly coupled chiral bisoxazolines (R′box) to give optically active poly(N-substituted maleimide-2,3-diyl)s [poly(RMI)s] (specific rotation [α]435 = +6.0 to −34.6°). Polymers with number-average molecular weights (Mn) ranging from 270 to 36200 were obtained in 17% to quantitative yields. Poly(N-cyclohexylmaleimide-2,3-diyl) [poly(CHMI)] formed with [Ni(cod)2]–R′box exhibited the largest absolute value, [α]435 = −34.6°.
Efficient Electronic Communication in 4,9-Bis(ferrocenylethynyl)dimethyldihydropyrene
Authors: Kishida Masa-aki , Muratsugu Satoshi , Sakamoto Ryota , Kusamoto Tetsuro , Nishihara Hiroshi 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
We have prepared the dimethyldihydropyrene (DHP) derivative 2, which possesses two ferrocenyl groups at the 4- and 9-positions through ethynylene linkers. 2 shows intense electronic communication between the two ferrocenyl groups, which is promoted by the highly developed π orbital of the diethynyl DHP moiety.
Effects of Copper(II) Oxide Addition and Red Light Irradiation on Photocatalytic Activity of Indium Oxide under Irradiation of Visible Light
Authors: Sasaki Yasutomo , Tanaka Atsuhiro , Hashimoto Keiji , Kominami Hiroshi 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Copper(II) oxide (CuO)-modified indium oxide (In2O3) prepared by physical mixing efficiently mineralized acetone under irradiation of light from a blue LED. The reaction rate increased with additional irradiation of light from a red LED, though no reactions occurred over CuO and In2O3 under irradiation of the red light, indicating that band-gap excitation of CuO contributed to photocatalytic reaction over CuO–In2O3. The effect of CuO modification was also observed in action spectra with and without irradiation of the red light.
Determination of Ni2+ in Waters with Sodium Poly(aspartic acid) as a Binding Phase in Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films
Authors: Chen Hong , Guo Lianwen , Cai Ranyong , Zhang Yangyang , Bo Le , Li Jianrong 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The technique of diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) for the measurement of Ni2+ in waters was developed using sodium poly(aspartic acid) (PASP) solution as the liquid binding phase in the liquid-type DGT devices (PASP DGT). The Ni2+ uptake of PASP DGT increased linearly with time (r2 = 0.9990) with a DGT-labile fraction (Ψ) of 98.04 ± 1.76% in synthetic solution. The Ψ values of Ni2+ were measured in spiked river water (37.82 ± 2.79%) and spiked domestic wastewater (28.46 ± 1.87%). The stability constant (log K) of PASP–Ni was 8.56, indicating that PASP can coordinate strongly to Ni2+. The binding capacity of PASP DGT decreased with increase of ionic strength, whereas it remained fairly constant in the pH range 4–9. The results show that PASP can be used as a binding phase in the liquid-type DGT device for the measurement of Ni2+ in waters.
DNA-templated Fabrication of Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Ceramics with a Bimodal Pore Structure for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Sugiyama Nami , Yanagi Yusuke , Yoshizawa-Fujita Masahiro , Aizawa Mamoru , Takeoka Yuko , Rikukawa Masahiro 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramics with well-controlled pores were fabricated by sintering mixtures of synthetic hydroxyapatite (HAp) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). BCP ceramics with macro- and micropores revealed excellent cell proliferation as a result of suitable surface topography and phase composition.
Effect of Base Molecules on One-dimensional Assembly of Silica Nanospheres Mediated by a Block Copolymer
Authors: Zhou Shujun , Wang Junzheng , Sugawara-Narutaki Ayae , Shimojima Atsushi , Okubo Tatsuya 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Silica nanospheres (SNSs) synthesized with different base catalysts assemble into one-dimensional (1D) chain-like nanostructures at proper pH levels in the presence of the block copolymer F127. The addition of basic amino acids or the removal of base catalysts by dialysis influences the pH of 1D assembly. The base molecules affect assembly by modifying the electrostatic repulsion among the SNSs; however, they are not indispensable for this 1D assembly phenomenon.
Substrate Dependence of the Proton Transport and Oriented Structure in Oligo[(1,2-propanediamine)-alt-(oxalic acid)] Thin Films
Authors: Nagao Yuki 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Three oligo[(1,2-propanediamine)-alt-(oxalic acid)] thin films were prepared on SiO2, R-plane sapphire, and MgO(100) substrates, and their proton conductivities were investigated. Conductivity depended on the substrate and varied from 4 × 10−3 to 1 × 10−4 S cm−1 under the same conditions (80% relative humidity and 298 K). The thin films between the R-plane (1102) sapphire and MgO(100) substrates showed different molecular oriented structures. The thin film on the sapphire substrate, which shows higher proton conductivity, has a structure oriented parallel to the substrate. The molecular orientation in the thin film could be correlated with the proton-transport properties.
Adsorption of Ammonium by Soil in the Presence of Phosphate during Land-treatment Process of Nutrient-enriched Wastewater
Authors: Chen Xiaochen , Fukushi Kensuke 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Ammonium adsorption tests were performed to investigate comprehensively the adsorption of ammonium by soil during the land-treatment process of nutrient-enriched wastewater. Accordingly, the conceptual pattern of ammonium adsorption isotherms, as affected by the associated phosphate concentration, and the ratio of ammonium to phosphate and nutrient cations represented by potassium, is clearly illustrated. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the treatment effect and are a useful guide for the design of wastewater land-treatment systems.
Macrodipole Moment of Polypeptides in β-Sheet and Its Prediction from Dipole Moments of Amino Acid Residues as Building Blocks: Alanine and Glycine in β-Strand
Authors: Mieda Shunsuke , Aida Misako 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The macrodipole moment of a β-sheet depends on the number and length of β-strands, as well as whether it is parallel or antiparallel. Here, we propose the VSHBβ model, in which the dipole moments of amino acid residues are used as building blocks to predict the macrodipole moment of a β-sheet. Once a set of VSHBβ models is available, large-scale MO calculations will not be needed to obtain local dipole moments or macrodipole moments of large polypeptides in β-sheets.
Calcineurin Governs Thermotolerance and Virulence ofCryptococcus gattii
Authors: Chen Ying-Lien , Lehman Virginia N , Lewit Yonathan , Averette Anna F , Heitman Joseph 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus gattii, which is causing an outbreak in the Pacific Northwest region of North America, causes life-threatening pulmonary infections and meningoencephalitis in healthy individuals, unlike Cryptococcus neoformans, which commonly infects immunocompromised patients. In addition to a greater predilection for C. gattii to infect healthy hosts, the C. gattii genome sequence project revealed extensive chromosomal rearrangements compared with C. neoformans, showing genomic differences between the two Cryptococcus species. We investigated the roles of C. gattii calcineurin in three molecular types: VGIIa (R265), VGIIb (R272), and VGI (WM276). We found that calcineurin exhibits a differential requirement for growth on solid medium at 37°, as calcineurin mutants generated from R265 were more thermotolerant than mutants from R272 and WM276. We demonstrated that tolerance to calcineurin inhibitors (FK506, CsA) at 37° is linked with the VGIIa molecular type. The calcineurin mutants from the R272 background showed the most extensive growth and morphological defects (multivesicle and larger ring-like cells), as well as increased fluconazole susceptibility. Our cellular architecture examination showed that C. gattii and C. neoformans calcineurin mutants exhibit plasma membrane disruptions. Calcineurin in the C. gattii VGII molecular type plays a greater role in controlling cation homeostasis compared with that in C. gattii VGI and C. neoformans H99. Importantly, we demonstrate that C. gattii calcineurin is essential for virulence in a murine inhalation model, supporting C. gattii calcineurin as an attractive antifungal drug target.