bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbiota‐derived lipopolysaccharide retards chondrocyte hypertrophy in the growth plate through elevating Sox9 expression
Authors: Cheng Xin , Li Pei‐Zhi , Wang Guang , Yan Yu , Li Ke , Brand‐Saberi Beate , Yang Xuesong 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAccumulating data show that the cytotoxicity of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from microbiota or infection is associated with many disorders observed in the clinics. However, it is still obscure whether or not embryonic osteogenesis is affected by the LPS exposure during gestation. Using the early chicken embryo model, we could demonstrate that LPS exposure inhibits chondrogenesis of the 8‐day chicken embryos by Alcian Blue‐staining and osteogenesis of 17‐day by Alcian Blue and Alizarin Red staining. Further analysis of the growth plates showed that the length of the proliferating zone (PZ) increases whereas that of the hypertrophic zone (HZ) decreased following LPS exposure. However there is no significant change on cell proliferation in the growth plates. Immunofluorescent staining, western blot analysis, and quantitive polymerase chain reaction revealed that Sox9 and Col2a1 are highly expressed at the messenger RNA level and their protein products are also abundant. LPS exposure causes a downregulation of Runx2 and Col10a1 expression in 8‐day hindlimbs, and a suppression of Runx2, Col10a1, and Vegfa expression in 17‐day phalanges. Knocking down Sox9 in ATDC5 cells by small interfering RNA transfection lead to the expression reduction of Col2a1, Runx2, and Col10a1, implying the vital role of Sox9 in the process of LPS‐induced delay in the transition from proliferating chondrocytes to hypertrophic chondrocytes in the growth plate. In the presence of LPS, the antioxidant defense regulator nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2) is highly expressed, and the activities of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), SOD2, and glutaredoxin rise in 17‐day phalanges and ADTC5 cells. Simultaneously, an increase of intracellular ROS is observed. When Nrf2 expression was knocked down in ATDC5 cells, the expressions of Sox9, Col2a1, Runx2, Col10a1, and Vegfa were also going down as well. Taken together, our current data suggest that LPS exposure during gestation could restrict the chondrocytes conversion from proliferating to hypertrophic in the growth plate, in which LPS‐induced Sox9 plays a crucial role to trigger the cascade of downstream genes by excessive ROS production and Nrf2 elevation.
Use of an in vitro dynamic culture system to assess flow shear forces upon cell adhesion within different structures
Authors: Hu Xingyou , Shen Gaotian , Hu Tao , Guan Guoping , Wang Lu 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe perennial problems associated with long‐term patency of small diameter vascular grafts have yet to be satisfactorily resolved. One approach to rectify this problem is a rapid endothelialization on the inner wall of the grafts, which could significantly reduce inflammation or hyperplasia. Two critical factors that can affect this process in vivo include that of the biocompatibility of the materials and adhesion strength of cells on its surfaces. Thus, an important area of investigation involves an evaluation of cell adhesion on biomaterials in a dynamic culture system, but only limited research has been directed at examining the relationship between the shear forces resulting from flow rates and cell adhesion on the surface of materials. In this study, an in vitro dynamic culture system was utilized for use in examining such relationship by changing the flow rates.RESULTSCells adherent on monofilaments were dislodged with a shear force of 5.4 dyn, while most cells adherent on multifilaments tolerated shear forces of 7.0 dyn.CONCLUSIONPriority rankings of materials could be generated as a function of the shear forces tested, and the design or application of artificial blood vessel materials for use within specific regions of the body could be optimized. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaporation‐induced self‐assembly (EISA) synthesized mesoporous bimetallic oxides (MBOs) enabling enhanced co‐uptake of arsenate and fluoride from water
Authors: Li Feihu , Fu Jingjing , Jin Jie , Wang Silan , Liu Yangyang , Yang Meng , Fu Xiaoru 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDSimultaneous removal of arsenic and fluoride anions from water by adsorption remains a challenge for environmental remediation practice. To address this issue, four mesoporous bimetallic oxides (MBOs) were prepared via the evaporation‐induced self‐assembly (EISA) method and studied as adsorbents for the co‐uptake of arsenate (As(V)) and fluoride (F−) from synthetic wastewater. Adsorption envelope and equilibrium experiments were performed to investigate the adsorption behaviors and properties.RESULTSThese composites possessed high surface areas (e.g. 200 m2 g−1 for meso‐Ti/Al) and well‐defined mesopores, enabling high adsorption capacities for both As(V) and F−. The maximum adsorption capacities of mesoporous titanium‐lanthanum oxide (meso‐Ti/La) were as high as 81.42 mg g−1 and 44.37 mg g−1 for As(V) and F−, respectively. Surface complexation modeling indicates that As(V) removal mainly involved bidentate surface complexation with surface ≡Me‐OH, while F− was retained by formation of monodentate surface complexes.CONCLUSIONThe removal mechanisms were confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. These MBOs were found to be effective for simultaneous removal of arsenic and fluoride from water. This study also demonstrated that the incorporation of multi‐components and mesoporosity into one composite is an efficient strategy for design and application of high‐efficiency adsorbents for environmental remediation of aqueous contaminants. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
pH‐dependent conformational dynamics of beta‐secretase 1: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Mermelstein Daniel J. , McCammon J. Andrew , Walker Ross C. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBeta‐secretase 1 (BACE‐1) is an aspartyl protease implicated in the overproduction of β‐amyloid fibrils responsible for Alzheimer disease. The process of β‐amyloid genesis is known to be pH dependent, with an activity peak between solution pH of 3.5 and 5.5. We have studied the pH‐dependent dynamics of BACE‐1 to better understand the pH dependent mechanism. We have implemented support for graphics processor unit (GPU) accelerated constant pH molecular dynamics within the AMBER molecular dynamics software package and employed this to determine the relative population of different aspartyl dyad protonation states in the pH range of greatest β‐amyloid production, followed by conventional molecular dynamics to explore the differences among the various aspartyl dyad protonation states. We observed a difference in dynamics between double‐protonated, mono‐protonated, and double‐deprotonated states over the known pH range of higher activity. These differences include Tyr 71‐aspartyl dyad proximity and active water lifetime. This work indicates that Tyr 71 stabilizes catalytic water in the aspartyl dyad active site, enabling BACE‐1 activity.
Effects of bio‐based coatings on the ripening and quality attributes of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruits
Authors: Aghofack‐Nguemezi Jean , Hoffmann Thomas , Schwab Wilfried 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDPostharvest conservation of tomatoes is a major current challenge for growers and traders. Edible coatings constitute a pertinent alternative to existing conservation methods.RESULTSControl tomatoes were fully ripe 3 days after harvesting, whereas fruits dipped in solutions containing extracts from cocoa pods (T1), cocoa leaves (T2) or coffee hulls (T3) reached full ripeness 14 days after treatment (DAT). Fruits treated by dipping in a solution containing an extract from coffee leaves (T4) were fully ripe 21 DAT. The visual assessment was confirmed by alterations in the level of chlorophyll a. Treatments induced a significant inhibition of chlorophyll a breakdown, especially during the first week after their application, T4 being the most efficacious. Weight loss increased significantly throughout the experimental period and was accelerated by treatments. Some quality‐related parameters of ripe tomato fruits were in most cases not significantly influenced by treatments. In a few cases, however, there were improvements in quality traits of ripe fruits. On 21 DAT, T4 induced significant increases in levels of β‐carotene and 6‐methyl‐3,5‐heptadien‐2‐ol, whereas T2 led, especially, to higher levels of volatile compounds.CONCLUSIONEdible coatings based on extracts from coffee or cocoa leaves induced improvements in the shelf life and quality of tomato fruits. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Science‐based regulatory approach for safe nutraceuticals
Authors: Sattigere Vijay D , Ramesh Kumar Parigi , Prakash Vish 
Published: September 2018

AbstractFood safety is a very complex issue. The food that reaches the plate from the farm is exposed to many hazards in processing methods and each of those steps is likely to contribute, indirectly or directly, to contaminants and pathogens that ultimately make the food unsafe. Consumers would always wish for 100% product safety; even regulators want to ensure 100% safety of the product and protect consumers. Every country has its own food safety regulations, but the application of food safety management in the plant and prescription of standards with a clear network of organising the risk analysis in the chain is lacking. However, with the wide array of new health products – nutraceuticals, nutritional supplements, functional foods, dietary supplements, foods for special medical purposes and foods for special dietary uses – safety draws the attention consumers to a much greater extent. Foods may contain herb/plant or animal extracts that perhaps were not previously ingredients, making health claims a very challenging and difficult task for manufacturers and regulators in the food industry. This Mini‐Review attempts to address this issue from a science‐based viewpoint. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Movement responses of roe deer to hunting risk
Authors: Picardi Simona , Basille Mathieu , Peters Wibke , Ponciano José Miguel , Boitani Luigi , Cagnacci Francesca 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTLarge herbivores respond to fluctuations in predation and hunting risk. The temporal scale of risk heterogeneity affects behavioral responses and determines the usefulness of metrics to quantify them. We present a conceptual framework to link anti‐predator responses to risk fluctuations and appropriate metrics, based on temporal scale. We applied this framework to investigate movement responses of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) to hunting risk, measured using movement rate and home range size. Because movements are also affected by reproductive phases, we considered potential effects of the rut in parallel to hunting risk. We compared movements of male and female roe deer in a protected site versus 2 hunted sites during and outside the hunting season and rut. We detected differences in movement rates in response to different hunting management practices. We did not detect effects for hunting regimes or between sexes during the rut when using home range size as the response variable. During the hunting season, movement rates were lower in the hunted sites than in the protected site, irrespective of sex. We did not observe differences in movement rates among sites outside of the hunting season. Males had higher movement rates than females during the rut in only 1 site. Our findings supported the hypothesis that roe deer decrease movements when exposed to high hunting risk. The effect of the rut on movements was negligible except for 1 study site. We suggest that movement rate is a more useful metric than home range size for assessing movement responses to hunting. © 2018 The Wildlife Society
Speech treatment in Parkinson's disease: Randomized controlled trial (RCT)
Authors: Ramig Lorraine , Halpern Angela , Spielman Jennifer , Fox Cynthia , Freeman Katherine 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTBackgroundAs many as 89% of people with Parkinson's disease (PD) develop speech disorders.ObjectivesThis randomized controlled trial evaluated two speech treatments for PD matched in intensive dosage and high‐effort mode of delivery, differing in subsystem target: voice (respiratory‐laryngeal) versus articulation (orofacial‐articulatory).MethodsPD participants were randomized to 1‐month LSVT LOUD (voice), LSVT ARTIC (articulation), or UNTXPD (untreated) groups. Speech clinicians specializing in PD delivered treatment. Primary outcome was sound pressure level (SPL) in reading and spontaneous speech, and secondary outcome was participant‐reported Modified Communication Effectiveness Index (CETI‐M), evaluated at baseline, 1, and 7 months. Healthy controls were matched by age and sex.ResultsAt baseline, the combined PD group (n = 64) was significantly worse than healthy controls (n = 20) for SPL (P < 0.05) and CETI‐M (P = 0.0001). At 1 and 7 months, SPL between‐group comparisons showed greater improvements for LSVT LOUD (n = 22) than LSVT ARTIC (n = 20; P < 0.05) and UNTXPD (n = 22; P < 0.05). Sound pressure level differences between LSVT ARTIC and UNTXPD at 1 and 7 months were not significant (P > 0.05). For CETI‐M, between‐group comparisons showed greater improvements for LSVT LOUD and LSVT ARTIC than UNTXPD at 1 month (P = 0.02; P = 0.02). At 7 months, CETI‐M between‐group differences were not significant (P = 0.08). Within‐group CETI‐M improvements for LSVT LOUD were maintained through 7 months (P = 0.0011).ConclusionsLSVT LOUD showed greater improvements than both LSVT ARTIC and UNTXPD for SPL at 1 and 7 months. For CETI‐M, both LSVT LOUD and LSVT ARTIC improved at 1 month relative to UNTXPD. Only LSVT LOUD maintained CETI‐M improvements at 7 months. © 2018 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Hemophilia B in a female with intellectual disability caused by a deletion of Xq26.3q28 encompassing the F9
Authors: Stoof Sara C. M. , Kersseboom Rogier , de Vries Femke A. T. , Kruip Marieke J. H. A. , Kievit Anneke J. A. , Leebeek Frank W. G. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundHemophilia B is an X‐linked recessive disorder caused by mutations in the F9 on Xq27.1. Mainly males are affected but about 20% of female carriers have clotting factor IX activity below 0.40 IU/ml and bleeding problems. Fragile‐X syndrome (FMR1) and FRAXE syndrome (AFF2) are well‐known causes of X‐linked recessive intellectual disability. Simultaneous deletion of both FMR1 and AFF2 in males results in severe intellectual disability. In females the phenotype is more variable. We report a 19‐year‐old female with severe intellectual disability and a long‐standing bleeding history.MethodsA SNP array analysis (Illumina Human Cyto 12‐SNP genotyping array) and sequencing of F9 were performed. Laboratory tests were performed to evaluate the bleeding diathesis.ResultsOur patient was diagnosed with mild hemophilia B after finding an 11 Mb deletion of Xq26.3q28 that included the following genes among others IDS, SOX3, FMR1, AFF2, and F9.ConclusionThe case history demonstrates that a severe bleeding tendency suggestive of a hemostasis defect in patients with intellectual disability warrants careful hematological and genetic work‐up even in the absence of a positive family history.
On Darboux helices in Euclidean 4‐space
Authors: İlarslan Kazım , Yıldırım Mehmet 
Published: September 2018

The notion of Darboux helix in Euclidean 3‐space was introduced and studied by Yaylı et al. 2012. They show that the class of Darboux helices coincide with the class of slant helices. In a special case, if the curvature functions satisfy the equality κ2 + τ2  =  constant, then these curves are curve of the constant precession.In this paper, we study Darboux helices in Euclidean 4‐space, and we give a characterization for a curve to be a Darboux helix. We also prove that Darboux helices coincide with the general helices. In a special case, if the first and third curvatures of the curve are equal, then Darboux helix, general helix, and V4‐slant helix are the same concepts.
Radial Nerve F‐wave reference values with surface electrodes from the anconeus muscle
Authors: Taga Arens , Poma Giuseppina , Cattaneo Luigi , Saccani Elena , Tinchelli Stefano , Pavesi Giovanni 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: We sought to obtain normative values for radial nerve F‐wave variables, recording with surface electrodes from the anconeus muscle. Methods: We tested 30 healthy participants (17 women, 13 men) and measured the following variables: number of F waves/40 traces (F%); minimum, maximum, and mean F‐wave latency (FMIN, FMAX, FMED, respectively); F‐wave chronodispersion (FCHR); interside differences of F% and FMIN (DF% and DFMIN, respectively). Results: The mean F% was 41.3%; the normative values of FMIN, FMED, FMAX, and FCHR were < 21.2, <22.1, <23.3, and < 4.0 ms, respectively; and normative values of DF% and DFMIN were < 16.6% and < 1.1 ms, respectively. Height was the sole independent predictor in a regression model of FMIN, FMED, and FMAX; this explained 37%–44% of the variability. Discussion: We identified a feasible and useful technique to record radial nerve F waves from the anconeus muscle and obtained normative values of F‐wave variables. Muscle Nerve 59:244–246, 2019
Protective role of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase‐2 (JNK2) in ibuprofen‐induced acute liver injury
Authors: Zoubek Miguel E , Woitok Marius M , Sydor Svenja , Nelson Leonard J , Bechmann Lars P , Lucena Maria I , Andrade Raul J , Bast Aalt , Koek Ger H , Trautwein Christian , Cubero Francisco J 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIbuprofen is a worldwide used non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug which may cause acute liver injury (ALI) requiring liver transplantation. We aimed to unveil the molecular pathways involved in triggering ibuprofen‐induced ALI, which, at present, remain elusive. First, we investigated activation of essential pathways in human liver sections of ibuprofen‐induced ALI. Next, we assessed the cytotoxicity of ibuprofen in vitro and developed a novel murine model of ibuprofen intoxication. To assess the role of JNK, we used animals carrying constitutive deletion of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase 1 (Jnk1−/−) or Jnk2 (Jnk2−/−) expression and included investigations using animals with hepatocyte‐specific Jnk deletion either genetically (Jnk1Δhepa) or by siRNA (siJnk2Δhepa). We found in human and murine samples of ibuprofen‐induced acute liver failure that JNK phosphorylation was increased in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes and other non‐liver parenchymal cells (non‐LPCs) compared with healthy tissue. In mice, ibuprofen intoxication resulted in a significantly stronger degree of liver injury compared with vehicle‐treated controls as evidenced by serum transaminases, and hepatic histopathology. Next, we investigated molecular pathways. PKCα, AKT, JNK and RIPK1 were significantly increased 8 h after ibuprofen intoxication. Constitutive Jnk1−/− and Jnk2−/− deficient mice exhibited increased liver dysfunction compared to wild‐type (WT) animals. Furthermore, siJnk2Δhepa animals showed a dramatic increase in biochemical markers of liver function, which correlated with significantly higher serum liver enzymes and worsened liver histology, and MAPK activation compared to Jnk1Δhepa or WT animals. In our study, cytoplasmic JNK activation in hepatocytes and other non‐LPCs is a hallmark of human and murine ibuprofen‐induced ALI. Functional in vivo analysis demonstrated a protective role of hepatocyte‐specific Jnk2 during ibuprofen ALI. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparing outpatient oral antibiotic use in Germany and the Netherlands from 2012 to 2016
Authors: Gradl Gabriele , Teichert Martina , Kieble Marita , Werning Johanna , Schulz Martin 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPurposeOveruse of antibiotics is of concern, but may differ between European countries. This study compares outpatient use of oral antibiotics between Germany (DE) and the Netherlands (NL).MethodsFor DE, we used the DAPI database with information on dispensings at the expense of the Statutory Health Insurance Funds from > 80% of community pharmacies. For NL, data were obtained from the Dutch Foundation for Pharmaceutical Statistics. Use of oral antibiotics was estimated as defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID), except for age comparisons as packages per 1000 inhabitants annually. National time trends were assessed with linear regression, stratified for the major antibiotic classes, and individual substances.ResultsFrom 2012 to 2016, outpatient antibiotic use was lower in NL than in DE (9.64 vs 14.14 DID in 2016) and non‐significantly decreased slightly over time in both countries. In DE, dispensings of oral antibiotics to children were higher compared with NL for the age groups 2 to 5 (2.0‐fold in 2016) and 6 to 14 years (2.7‐fold in 2016). Use of cephalosporins was very low in NL (0.02 DID in 2016), but the second most frequently dispensed class in DE (2.95 DID in 2016).ConclusionFrom 2012 to 2016, outpatient use of oral antibiotics was lower in NL than in DE. Differences were primarily observed in the age groups 2 to 5 and 6 to 14 years, although the recommendations of evidence‐based guidelines in both countries were in agreement.
Exposure measurement error when assessing current glucocorticoid use using UK primary care electronic prescription data
Authors: Joseph Rebecca M. , van Staa Tjeerd P. , Lunt Mark , Abrahamowicz Michal , Dixon William G. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPurposeTo quantify misclassification in glucocorticoid (GC) exposure defined using UK primary care prescription data.MethodsA cross‐sectional study including patients with rheumatoid arthritis prescribed oral GCs in the past 2 years. Glucocorticoid exposure based on electronic prescription records was compared with participant‐reported GC use captured using a paper diary. Prescription data (containing information about prescriptions issued but no dispensing information) was provided by the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. The following variables were defined: current use and dose of oral GCs and if (and when) participants had received a GC injection. For oral GCs, self‐reported use was taken to represent “true” exposure. A dataset representing a hypothetical population was generated to assess the impact of the misclassification found for current use.ResultsA total of 67 of 78 study participants (86%) were correctly classified as currently on/off oral GCs; 32/38 (84.2%) participants reporting current GC use and 35/40 (87.5%) participants not reporting current use were correctly classified. Estimated values of current dose were imprecise (correlation coefficient 0.46). Concordance between reported and prescribed GC injections was poor (kappa statistic 0.14). Misclassification bias was demonstrated in the hypothetical population: For “true” relative risks of 1.5, 4, and 9, the “observed” relative risks were 1.33, 2.48, and 3.58, respectively.ConclusionsMisclassification of current use of oral GCs was low but sufficient to lead to significant bias. Researchers should take care to assess the likely impact of exposure misclassification on their analyses.