bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro antiproliferative/cytotoxic activity on cancer cell lines of a cardanol and a cardol enriched from Thai Apis mellifera propolis
Authors: Teerasripreecha Dungporn , Phuwapraisirisan Preecha , Puthong Songchan , Kimura Kiyoshi , Okuyama Masayuki , Mori Haruhide , Kimura Atsuo , Chanchao Chanpen 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Propolis is a complex resinous honeybee product. It is reported to display diverse bioactivities, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties, which are mainly due to phenolic compounds, and especially flavonoids. The diversity of bioactive compounds depends on the geography and climate, since these factors affect the floral diversity. Here, Apis mellifera propolis from Nan province, Thailand, was evaluated for potential anti-cancer activity.

Methods
Propolis was sequentially extracted with methanol, dichloromethane and hexane and the cytotoxic activity of each crude extract was assayed for antiproliferative/cytotoxic activity in vitro against five human cell lines derived from duet carcinoma (BT474), undifferentiated lung (Chaco), liver hepatoblastoma (Hep-G2), gastric carcinoma (KATO-III) and colon adenocarcinoma (SW620) cancers. The human foreskin fibroblast cell line (Hs27) was used as a non-transformed control. Those crude extracts that displayed antiproliferative/cytotoxic activity were then further fractionated by column chromatography using TLC-pattern and MTT-cytotoxicity bioassay guided selection of the fractions. The chemical structure of each enriched bioactive compound was analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy.

Results
The crude hexane and dichloromethane extracts of propolis displayed antiproliferative/cytotoxic activities with IC50 values across the five cancer cell lines ranging from 41.3 to 52.4 μg/ml and from 43.8 to 53.5 μg/ml, respectively. Two main bioactive components were isolated, one cardanol and one cardol, with broadly similar in vitro antiproliferation/cytotoxicity IC50 values across the five cancer cell lines and the control Hs27 cell line, ranging from 10.8 to 29.3 μg/ml for the cardanol and < 3.13 to 5.97 μg/ml (6.82 - 13.0 μM) for the cardol. Moreover, both compounds induced cytotoxicity and cell death without DNA fragmentation in the cancer cells, but only an antiproliferation response in the control Hs27 cells However, these two compounds did not account for the net antiproliferation/cytotoxic activity of the crude extracts suggesting the existence of other potent compounds or synergistic interactions in the propolis extracts.

Conclusion
This is the first report that Thai A. mellifera propolis contains at least two potentially new compounds (a cardanol and a cardol) with potential anti-cancer bioactivity. Both could be alternative antiproliferative agents for future development as anti-cancer drugs.
Inflammation and neurological adverse drugs reactions: a case of long lasting impaired consciousness after oxatomide administration in a patient with gastroenteritis
Authors: Antoniazzi Stefania , Cattaneo Dario , Perrone Valentina , Carnovale Carla , Cherubini Simonetta , Mugolino Maria Carmela , Clementi Francesco , Zuccotti Gianvincenzo , Clementi Emilio , Radice Sonia 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Oxatomide at therapeutic doses generates occasionally drowsiness in children. When administered at toxic doses, however oxatomide may induce long lasting impaired consciousness. We now report a case of severe long lasting impaired consciousness induced by therapeutic doses of oxatomide occurring in a child affected by acute gastroenteritis. The clinical symptoms, the pharmacogenetic tests of polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 metabolizing enzymes (CYPs) and the clinical and laboratory analyses indicate that the enhanced drug sedative effect is likely due to an acute, yet mild, inflammatory state of the patient. These findings highlight the importance of assessing common, not serious inflammatory states when oxatomide is prescribed in paediatric patients.
In vitro production of two chitinolytic proteins with an inhibiting effect on the insect coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and the fungus Hemileia vastatrix the most limiting pests of coffee crops
Authors: Martínez Claudia P , Echeverri Claudia , Florez Juan C , Gaitan Alvaro L , Góngora Carmenza E 
Published: March 2012

AbstractTwo genes fromStreptomyces albidoflavus, one exochitinase (905-bp) and an endochitinase (1100-bp) were functionally expressed inEscherichia coliin form of a fusion protein with a maltose binding protein (MBP). The goal was to produce and test proteins that inhibit both the coffee berry borer insectHypothenemus hampeiand the coffee rust fungusHemileia vastatrix. Both recombinant proteins MBP/exochitinase and MBP/endochitinase showed chitinolytic activity. When recombinant purified proteins were added to an artificial coffee-based diet for the coffee berry borer, MBP/exochitinase at a concentration of 0.5% W/W caused delayed growth of larvae and 100% mortality between days 8 and 15, while MBP/endochitinase caused 100% mortality at day 35.H. vastatrixurediniospores presented total cell wall degradation in their germinative tubes within 18 h of exposure to the proteins at enzyme concentrations of 5 and 6 mg ml-1, with exochitinase having the greatest effect. The dual deleterious effect ofS. albidoflavuschitinases on two of the most limiting coffee pests worldwide, the coffee borer and the coffee rust, make them potential elements to be incorporated in integrated control strategies.
BTLA expression contributes to septic morbidity and mortality by inducing innate inflammatory cell dysfunction
Authors: Shubin Nicholas J , Chung Chun S , Heffernan Daithi S , Irwin Lydea R , Monaghan Sean F , Ayala Alfred 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
BTLA expression contributes to increased septic morbidity, mortality, and decreased innate cell activity in mice, while BTLA+ blood monocyte levels increase in septic ICU patients.
A proper innate inflammatory response is essential for prevention of the systemic inflammation associated with sepsis. BTLA is an immune-regulatory receptor demonstrated to be expressed not only on adaptive immune populations and have potent inhibitory effects on CD4+ T cells but is also expressed on innate cell populations (CD11c+ and CD11b+ cells) and has been shown to diminish pathogen clearance following bacterial and parasite infection. The role of BTLA in sepsis and the mechanisms by which BTLA alters pathogen clearance, however, have not been addressed clearly. Here, we show that following acute experimental sepsis induction in mice (CLP), the number of infiltrating BTLA- and HVEM (the ligand for BTLA)-expressing macrophages, inflammatory monocytes, mature and immature DCs, and neutrophils increased in the peritoneum compared with sham surgery, suggesting that a high level of HVEM:BTLA interactions occurs between these cells at the site of septic insult. Given this, we evaluated BTLA−/− mice, 24 h post-CLP, and observed a marked increase in the degree of activation on these cell populations, as well as a reduction in peritoneal bacterial burden and IL-10 induction, and most importantly, BTLA−/− mice exhibited a higher rate of survival and protection from organ injury when compared with WT mice. Such changes were not restricted to experimental mice, as circulating BTLA+ and HVEM+ monocytes and HVEM+ granulocytes were increased in septic ICU patients, supporting a role for BTLA and/or HVEM as potential, novel diagnostic markers of innate immune response/status and as therapeutic targets of sepsis.
An Lp
-theory for non-divergence form SPDEs driven by Lévy processes
Authors: Chen Zhen-Qing , Kim Kyeong-Hun 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
In this paper we present an Lp
-theory for
a class of stochastic partial differential equations (SPDEs in abbreviation)
driven by Lévy processes. The SPDEs under consideration can have random
coefficients that depend both on the time and space
variable. Existence and uniqueness of solutions
in various Sobolev spaces are obtained. These Sobolev spaces describe the regularity of the solutions
of the SPDEs.
From Electrochemical Capacitors to Supercapatteries
Authors: Chae Jung Hoon , Zhou Xiaohang , Chen George Zheng 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The enormous technical developments and rapid changes in life patterns made in the recent decades have largely been attributed to the exploitation of contemporary forms of energy sources, i.e. fossil fuels. However, their finite availability and significantly high environmental impacts have aroused concerns and spurred research to find alternatives and more efficient ways to store energy. In particular, recent developments of batteries and fuel cells as energy storage devices have been proven to be very promising, but their poor power characteristics and cyclic stability hinder their wider applications. Conversely, conventional capacitors display a great outputting pulsed power, but disappointing energy characteristics. Electrochemical capacitors (ECs), which are also known as supercapacitors, bridge the crucial performance disparity between fuel cells or batteries with high energy capacities and the traditional capacitors capable of outputting pulsed high power. The main focus of this review is to outline the latest developments of the ECs and determine their current status in terms of energy and power characteristics. In particular, recent developments in materials including new synthesis methods, structural studies and advanced configurations of ECs are discussed. Moreover, several technical challenges to further development are identified. Based on the latest results, the potential of developing supercapatteries, whose performance is in between batteries and contemporary supercapacitors, are also discussed in this review.
High-efficiency Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells: A Review
Authors: De Wolf Stefaan , Descoeudres Antoine , Holman Zachary C. , Ballif Christophe 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Silicon heterojunction solar cells consist
of thin amorphous silicon layers deposited on
crystalline silicon wafers. This design
enables energy conversion efficiencies above
20% at the industrial production level. The
key feature of this technology is that the
metal contacts, which are highly recombination
active in traditional, diffused-junction
cells, are electronically separated from the
absorber by insertion of a wider bandgap
layer. This enables the record open-circuit
voltages typically associated with
heterojunction devices without the need for
expensive patterning techniques. This article
reviews the salient points of this
technology. First, we briefly elucidate device
characteristics. This is followed by a
discussion of each processing step, device
operation, and device stability and industrial
upscaling, including the fabrication of solar
cells with energy-conversion efficiencies over
21%. Finally, future trends are pointed
out.
Nitrogen-doped Hydrothermal Carbons
Authors: Titirici Maria-Magdalena , White Robin J. , Zhao Li 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Nitrogen doped carbon materials are now playing an important role in cutting edge innovations for energy conversion and storage technologies such as supercapacitors and proton exchange membrane fuel cells as well as in catalytic applications, adsorption and CO
2
capture. The production of such materials using benign aqueous based processes, mild temperatures and renewable precursors is of great promise in addressing growing environmental concerns for cleaner power sources at a time of increasing global demand for energy. In this perspective, we show that nitrogen doped carbons prepared using sustainable processes such as “Hydrothermal Carbonisation” has advantages in many applications over the conventional carbons. We also summarize an array of synthetic strategies used to create such nitrogen doped carbons, and discuss the application of these novel materials.
Comparison of risk calculation approaches in a screening programme for Down syndrome
Authors: Koster Maria P.H. , Heetkamp Kirsten M. , de Miranda Esteriek , Schielen Peter C.J.I. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
In the Netherlands, both the LifeCycle Elipse (LC) and the Astraia software package are used to calculate the risk of having a child with Down syndrome. Therefore, pregnant women can be presented with dissimilar risks. In this study the conformity between these risks before and after harmonization of the screening program and its influence on the performance indicators of the first trimester screening were evaluated. The agreement between combined risks (based on the biochemical parameters PAPP-A and fβ-hCG and a nuchal translucency measurement) was expressed as intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)=0.99. Conformity between combined risks was better after harmonization (Cohen’s κ=0.75) than before harmonization (Cohen’s κ=0.63). For both risk calculation software packages the area under the ROC-curve was 0.84. The database contained 42 Down syndrome cases; based on the odds of being affected given a positive result (OAPR), LC performed slightly better than Astraia before harmonization (17.9 vs. 21.5, respectively). It has been acknowledged that using different software packages could lead to dissimilar risk calculations. In this study the screening performance indicators of two software packages were quite similar. The agreement of the screening performance after harmonization remains to be seen, but is expected to be even higher.
Individual decisions in placenta increta and percreta: a case series
Authors: Chantraine Frédéric , Nisolle Michelle , Petit Philippe , Schaaps Jean-Pierre , Foidart Jean-Michel 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Objective: Placenta increta or percreta is an uncommon pathology, sometimes associated with high maternal morbidity. Its prevalence increases proportionally to the number of cesarean sections. This study analyzed the changes of our management strategy to devise treatment guidelines for this uncommon disorder.

Materials and methodology: Between 2005 and 2011, 10 cases of placenta increta or percreta were managed at our university hospital maternity department.

Results: Among the 10 cases, seven were diagnosed prenatally. Two patients were diagnosed early, at 14 and 17 weeks of gestational age, and their pregnancies were terminated. Five had hysterectomies during the intrapartum period, and despite attempted conservative treatment for the two others, hysterectomy proved necessary 2 months postpartum because of intrauterine infections. Seven of the 10 women had hysterectomies.

Conclusion: Prenatal diagnosis of placenta increta or percreta is essential to plan the delivery in a competent tertiary care center. The decision to perform a cesarean hysterectomy or leave the placenta in situ for spontaneous delivery is based on the extent of infiltration, the patient’s hemodynamic status, and her desire to remain fertile. The high-risk of infection and severe hemorrhage must not be overlooked should conservative treatment be chosen. This situation requires prolonged close monitoring.
Perinatal impact of the use of metformin and glyburide for the treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Silva Jean Carl , Fachin Débora Raquel Rigon Narciso , Coral Morgana Leonora , Bertini Anna Maria 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the perinatal impact of metformin and glyburide in the treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods: A randomized clinical trial conducted from July 2008 until September 2010 studied 200 pregnant women with GDM who required adjunctive therapy to diet and physical activity. Patients were randomized to use metformin (n=104) or glyburide (n=96). The drugs were replaced by insulin when they reached the maximum dose without glycemic control. Assessed outcomes: weight and neonatal blood glucose.

Results:: No difference was found (P>0.05) between the groups regarding maternal age, gestational age at inclusion, body mass index, glucose levels in oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) 75 g and glycemic control. Difference was found in the number of previous pregnancies (2.84 vs. 2.47, P=0.04) and weight gain during pregnancy (7.78 vs. 9.84, P=0.04) in the metformin group and glyburide respectively. The perinatal results showed no difference (P>0.05) in the percentage of cesarean deliveries, gestational age at delivery, number of newborns large for gestational age (LGA), neonatal hypoglycemia, admission to intensive care unit and perinatal death. We found differences in weight (3193 g vs. 3387 g, P=0.01) and ponderal index (2.87 vs. 2.96, P=0.05) of newborns, and in neonatal blood glucose levels at the 1st (59.78 vs. 54.08, P=0.01) and 3rd h (61.53 vs. 55.89, P=0.01) after birth between the metformin and glyburide groups respectively.

Conclusions: Weight and ponderal index were lower in the newborns of the metformin group; glucose levels (1st and 3rd h after birth) were lower in the glyburide group.
No “masculinization” effect of a male on birth weight of its female co-twin
Authors: Tul Nataša , Lučovnik Miha , Novak Živa , Verdenik Ivan , Blickstein Isaac 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Objective: To test the hypothesis that the presence of a male affects birth weight of its female co-twin.

Patients and methods: We evaluated a large population dataset of bichorionic twins after exclusion of potential confounders and after controlling for parity and gestational age. We tested the hypotheses that males (M) are heavier than females (F) irrespective of gender mix, parity and gestational age, and the hypothesis that birth weight of twins might be influenced by the gender of the co-twin.

Results : There were 819 MM pairs, 777 FF pairs and 1097 MF sets, for a total of 2735 males and 2651 female twins. Male twins were heavier than female twins, irrespective of parity or gestational age; twins born to multiparas were heavier than twins born to nulliparas, except for very preterm births (≤32 weeks); males from MF pairs were heavier than males from MM pairs, but the mean birth weight of females from MF was not different from that of females from FF sets suggesting no “masculinization” effect of the male on birth weight of its female co-twin, irrespective of parity and gestational age.

Conclusions: After exclusion of potential confounders and controlling for chorionicity, parity, and gestational age, our data do not support the presence of a “masculinization” effect on birth weight.
The Role of Sn, Zr and Hf in the Radiation Damage in II, III, IV and V Pyrochlores
Authors: Whittle Karl R. , de los Reyes Massey , Blackford Mark G. , Zaluzec Nestor J. , Lumpkin Gregory R. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTCeramics based on the general compositions CaLnXNbO7 (where Ln = La, Nd and Sm, and X=Zr and Sn) have been prepared, and irradiated with 1 MeV Kr ions at the IVEM-TANDEM user facility. The radiation tolerance of these materials has been found to be less than Zr and Hf equivalents. The results also suggest that the amorphisation cross section for these materials is related to the Ln component, and is similar to those observed for Zr and Hf equivalents.
PVDF-based Polymer Blend Films for Fuel Cell Membranes
Authors: Huang Wenwen , Zhao Meng , Yang Fan , Farovitch Lorne , Haghighi Parisa , Macisco Leonard James , Swob Tyler , Smith Thomas , Cebe Peggy 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTWe report the preparation and characterization of binary blend films of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and poly(1- ethyl-3-vinylimidazolium trifluoromethylsulfonylimide) (PVIm+TFSI-) derived from ionic liquid imidazolium monomers and doped with TFSI- salt. The potential utility of such materials in capacitive electronic devices and in proton exchange membrane fuel cells is of particular interest. Thin PVDF/ PVIm+TFSI- films were fabricated from solutions of dimethly formamide (DMF) by doctor blading. The nature of the PVDF crystalline polymorph and degree of crystallinity were evaluated as a function of the volume fraction of imidazolium polymer and thermal treatment. The morphology, thermal and mechanical characteristics and crystallinity of PVDF, in semicrystalline blend films was studied by wide angle X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis. In these materials, conditions such as choice of solvent, drying conditions, and thermal treatment affect the crystal phase, crystallite size, and degree of crystallinity of PVDF as well as the distribution of the minor component, the vinylimidazolium polymer. The polar beta phase of PVDF crystals dominates in as-cast films, while the non-polar alpha phase is observed after cooling from the melt. PVDF imparts mechanical strength and chemical stability to the composite films, and because of its high crystal melting point (Tm > 160 °C), serves to improve the high temperature stability of resulting films.
Semiconducting Arylacetylene:Insulating Polymer Blends for Organic-Based Electronic Devices
Authors: Wolfer Pascal , Santarelli Maria Laura , Vaccaro Luigi , Broggi Alessandra , Lanari Daniela , Yu Liyang , Anthopoulos Thomas D. , Smith Paul , Stingelin Natalie , Marrocchi Assunta 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTIn this contribution we have reported about bi-component blends of readily accessible semiconducting molecular arylacetylenes with insulating high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) that may exhibit electronic characteristics comparable to those of the neat semiconductors, as measured in field-effect transistors (FETs).
Selective Formation of Graphene on a Si Wafer
Authors: Yue Naili , Zhang Yong , Tsu Raphael 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTWe report a technique that can, in principle, selectively convert SiC into graphene at any location and in any size or shape, limited only by the ability of the available lithographic techniques. This technique relies on our discovery that, at ambient condition, a laser beam can convert SiC into graphene layers at the illuminated site, and the conversion can be realized in two ways. One can pattern the SiC film, which is already grown on a Si wafer, with desirable features and then illuminate the SiC film with the laser, or simply “write” the graphene features directly onto the unpatterned SiC film with the laser. Alternatively, one can pre-pattern the Si substrate to achieve selective growth of SiC, then perform the laser conversion. We have demonstrated the feasibility of both approaches. Fullerene (C60) was used to grow a thin SiC film on a Si (111) substrate using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) at 700-800 oC. The results are verified by various structural, chemical and optical characterization techniques. This work yields the possibility of fabricating graphene based (electronic) nanostructures or superlattices, photonic crystals, and integrated electronic and optoelectronic devices on a large Si wafer.