bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cerebrosides from Sea Cucumber Improved Aβ1–42‐Induced Cognitive Deficiency in a Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Li Qian , Che Hong‐Xia , Wang Cheng‐Cheng , Zhang Ling‐Yu , Ding Lin , Xue Chang‐Hu , Zhang Tian‐Tian , Wang Yu‐Ming 
Published: December 2018

ScopeCerebrosides are a class of neutral glycosphingolipids, which are widely found to be present in brain tissue. In this study, the protective effect of sea cucumber cerebrosides (Cer) against β‐amyloid (Aβ)‐induced cognitive impairment is investigated.Methods and resultsMale SD rats receive a ventricle injection Aβ1–42 peptide to establish an Alzheimer's disease model. Then, the protective effects of Cer against Aβ1–42‐induced cognitive impairment by gavage and feed addition are evaluated. The Morris water maze test results show that oral administration of Cer can significantly ameliorate Aβ1–42‐induced cognitive deficiency at both high dose (200 mg per kg·per day) and low dose (40 mg per kg·per day) for 27 days. Dietary supplement of Cer by feed addition also exhibits the amelioration on the impaired cognitive function. Further findings indicate that Cer ameliorates Aβ1–42‐induced neuronal damage and suppresses the induced apoptosis by decreasing the level of Bax/Bcl‐2. Additionally, Cer enhances the expressions of PSD‐95 and synaptophysin by activating BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway, thereby ameliorating Aβ1–42‐induced synaptic dysfunction. Furthermore, Cer attenuates Aβ1–42‐induced tau hyperphosphorylation by activating the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway.ConclusionSea cucumber cerebrosides possess neuroprotective effects against Aβ1–42‐triggered cognitive deficits, which may be a potential nutritional preventive strategy for neurodegenerative diseases.
Excess Dietary Zinc Intake in Neonatal Mice Causes Oxidative Stress and Alters Intestinal Host–Microbe Interactions
Authors: Podany Abigail , Rauchut Jessica , Wu Tong , Kawasawa Yuka Imamura , Wright Justin , Lamendella Regina , Soybel David I. , Kelleher Shannon L. 
Published: December 2018

ScopeGreater than 68% of young infants are exposed to dietary zinc (Zn) levels that are higher than the Tolerable Upper Intake Limit. However, the consequences of excess dietary Zn during early life on intestinal function and host–microbe interactions are unknown.Methods and ResultsNeonatal mice are gavaged with 100 Zn µg d–1 from postnatal day (PN) 2 through PN10 and indices of intestinal function and host–microbe interactions are compared to unsupplemented mice. Excess dietary Zn causes oxidative stress, increases goblet cell number and mucus production, and are associated with increased intestinal permeability and systemic inflammation. Over 900 genes are differentially expressed; 413 genes display a fold‐change >1.60. The Gene Ontology Biological processes most significantly affected include biological adhesion, the immune system, metabolic processes, and response to stimulus. Key genes most highly and significantly upregulated include ALDH2, MT1, TMEM6, CDK20, and COX62b, while CALU, ST3GAL4, CRTC2, SLC28A2, and COMMA1 are downregulated. These changes are associated with a microbiome enriched in pathogenic taxa including Pseudomonadales and Campylobacter, and greater expression of bacterial stress response genes.ConclusionExcess dietary Zn may have unforeseen influences on epithelial signaling pathways, barrier function, and luminal ecology in the intestine that may have long‐term consequences on intestinal health.
Improved finite element–based limit equilibrium method for slope stability analysis by considering nonlinear strength criteria and its application in assessing the anchoring effect
Authors: Shi Lu , Wang Haibin , Bai Bing , Li Xiaochun 
Published: December 2018

SummaryThe shear strength envelope of most geotechnical materials is nonlinear. In this study, the finite element–based limit equilibrium method (FELE) is improved to assess the stability of a prescribed slip surface that obeys a nonlinear failure criterion. Two nonlinear failure criteria, namely, the Barton criterion and the generalized Hoek‐Brown (GHB) criterion, are implemented. A power curve model that can perfectly fit the envelope of the GHB criterion is proposed to explicitly express the shear strength from the normal stress. The algorithm of the improved FELE, which includes a nonlinear criterion, is explained in detail, and the fast convergence of the method is checked by evaluating examples. The numerical examples show that, for a smooth slip surface, FELE can calculate a greater factor of safety (FOS) than that calculated using the Morgenstern‐Price (MP) method when the strength criterion of slip surface is nonlinear. In addition, FELE can determine the bell‐shaped distribution of the increase in normal stress caused by anchoring measures, which cannot be considered in the MP method.
Pediatric Home Parenteral Nutrition: Indications and Short‐Term Outcomes in a Large National Sample of Commercially Insured Children and Adolescents
Authors: Afolabi Titilola M. , Fairman Kathleen A. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundTo support families managing the complex requirements of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) in pediatric patients, health professionals need information about HPN indications and complications. Nationally representative information is limited.MethodsA retrospective cohort analysis of the Truven Health MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database was performed and identified 683 patients aged ≤18 years receiving HPN during dates of service from January 2013 through September 2015. Baseline diagnoses were measured in the 30 days before the first observed HPN claim (preindex). Indications for older (aged 13–18 years) and younger (aged ≤12 years) children were compared. Hospital and emergency department (ED) utilization rates were measured for 30 postindex days.ResultsGastrointestinal diagnoses and/or symptoms affected more than three‐quarters of patients. Short bowel syndrome was more common in younger than in older patients (24% vs 7%, respectively), and colitis was less common (13% vs 33%; both P < .01). Cancer was common in both age groups (22%–23%). Additional diagnoses indicating complex medical conditions were observed in a minority of patients: sepsis (9%), convulsions/epilepsy (7%), encephalopathy (3%), and immune deficiency (3%). From the preindex to postindex periods, rates of inpatient hospitalization declined from 78% to 41%, but hospital ED visits increased from 10% to 14%. In both periods, >95% of hospital and ED use was disease related.ConclusionIn a nationally representative sample of commercially insured pediatric patients treated with HPN, complex medical conditions were common. Findings highlight the importance of American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition recommendations for team‐based care.
Comparison of Microbial Growth Between Commercial Formula and Blenderized Food for Tube Feeding
Authors: Johnson Teresa W. , Milton D. L. , Johnson Kelly , Carter Holly , Hurt Ryan T. , Mundi Manpreet S. , Epp Lisa , Spurlock Amy L. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundMany healthcare facilities and providers prohibit blenderized tube feeding (BTF) for patients who request it due to concerns of high microbial load. The current project compared microbial loads of a standard ready‐to‐feed polymeric commercial formula (CF), a BTF made using baby food (BTF‐BF), and a BTF prepared from blending whole food (BTF‐WF), following food safety standards expected of U.S. hospitals.MethodsThree tube‐feeding formulas (CF, BTF‐BF, BTF‐WF) were prepared in a U.S. hospital and delivered in vitro to an unoccupied patient room. Samples were collected at zero hour, 2 hours, and 4 hours and compared for growth of aerobic microorganisms, Staphylococus aureus, coliforms, and Escherichia coli. The experiment was conducted in triplicate, 1 week apart.ResultsNo S. aureus or coliform/E. coli were detected at any time point following preparation, and total bacterial count was well below acceptable limits. All 3 feeding formulas at zero hour, 2 hours, and 4 hours for each of the 3 sampling dates were acceptable for human consumption.ConclusionJudicious BTF recipe selection and adherence to safe food handling provide a safe feeding substrate equivalent to CF in the hospital setting. Due to increased use and interest in BTF by patients and their caregivers, healthcare facilities may need to reexamine their policies prohibiting BTF use.
Interferon‐γ directly induces gastric epithelial cell death and is required for progression to metaplasia
Authors: Osaki Luciana H , Bockerstett Kevin A , Wong Chun F , Ford Eric L , Madison Blair B , DiPaolo Richard J , Mills Jason C 
Published: December 2018

AbstractChronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa, often caused by autoimmune gastritis and/or infection with Helicobacter pylori, can lead to atrophy of acid‐secreting parietal cells with metaplasia of remaining cells. The histological pattern marks a critical step in the progression from chronic gastritis to gastric cancer, yet underlying mechanism(s) of inflammation‐induced cell death of gastric epithelial cells are poorly understood. We investigated direct effects of a type 1 cytokine associated with autoimmunity and infection, interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), on gastric epithelial cells. IFN‐γ was applied to three‐dimensional organoid cultures of gastric epithelial cells derived from gastric corpus gland (gastroids) of control and IFN‐γ receptor‐deficient mice. Gastroids were also treated with supernatants from activated immune cells isolated from a mouse model of autoimmune‐mediated atrophic gastritis (TxA23) with and without IFN‐γ expression. Finally, histopathological analysis of atrophy and metaplasia severity was performed in TxA23 mice and compared to TxA23 × Ifng−/− mice. Gastric epithelial cells in gastroid cultures expressed IFN‐γ receptor in the basolateral membrane, and gastroids died when treated with IFN‐γ in an IFN‐γ receptor‐dependent manner. Supernatants from immune cells containing high levels of IFN‐γ were highly toxic to gastroids, and toxicity was tempered when IFN‐γ was either neutralized using a monoclonal antibody or when supernatants from Ifng−/− mouse immune cells were used. Finally, TxA23 × Ifng−/− mice showed near‐complete abrogation of pre‐cancerous histopathological atrophy and metaplasia versus IFN‐γ‐sufficient controls. We identify IFN‐γ as a critical promoter of parietal cell atrophy with metaplasia during the progression of gastritis to gastric atrophy and metaplasia. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical fingerprint and bioactivity evaluation of Globularia orientalis L. and Globularia trichosantha Fisch. & C. A. Mey. using non‐targeted HPLC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS approach
Authors: Rodríguez‐Pérez Celia , Zengin Gokhan , Segura‐Carretero Antonio , Lobine Devina , Mahomoodally Mohamad Fawzi 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIntroductionIn the quest for new sources of biologically‐active compounds, the chemical, and biological profiles of two Globularia species (G. trichosantha Fisch. & C. A. Mey and G. orientalis L.) were investigated.MethodologyChemical profiles were evaluated by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionisation and quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (HPLC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS), as well as by their total phenolic, flavonoids, and phenolic acids contents. The antioxidant abilities of the investigated extracts were done using different assays including free radical scavenging [1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid (ABTS)], reducing power (cupric reducing antioxidant capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power), phosphomolybdenum, and metal chelating. Inhibitory potential against key enzymes involved in neurodegenerative diseases (cholinesterases; AChE, and BChE), diabetes (α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase), hyperpigmentation (tyrosinase) and obesity (pancreatic lipase) were evaluated.ResultsGlobularia trichosantha and G. orientalis extracts showed remarkable antioxidant properties, with the water extracts being a better source of antioxidant compounds. Both species showed remarkable inhibitory effects against the target enzymes. However, for both species, only the acetyl acetate and methanolic extracts were potent against cholinesterases and lipase.ConclusionHPLC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS analysis revealed the presence of 107 compounds from G. trichosantha and G. orientalis, among which, 43 compounds have been preliminarily characterised for the first time from the Globulariaceae family. To date, this study can be considered as the most comprehensive research focused on the characterisation of G. trichosantha and G. orientalis. Results amassed from this study tend to show that these plants represent a rich source of biologically active compounds which can be further explored and validated for their therapeutic potential.
Recover your smile: Effects of a beauty care intervention on depressive symptoms, quality of life, and self‐esteem in patients with early breast cancer
Authors: Richard Anna , Harbeck Nadia , Wuerstlein Rachel , Wilhelm Frank H. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectiveMedical cancer treatment is often accompanied by appearance‐related side effects such as hair loss, skin irritation, and paleness, which can subsequently lead to psychosocial distress. Initial evidence suggests that beauty care interventions may reduce distress and improve quality of life (QoL), body image, and self‐esteem immediately.MethodsWe investigated the effects of a brief beauty care intervention on self‐reported symptoms of depression, quality of life, body image, and self‐esteem in 39 female primary breast cancer patients with appearance‐related treatment side effects. Patients were randomly assigned either to an immediate intervention group (IG) or to a wait‐list control (WL). The intervention consisted of a single‐session group makeup workshop, a photo shooting, and of receiving professionally edited portrait and upper‐body photos.ResultsWhile groups did not differ regarding any measure at the pretreatment baseline assessment, IG patients reported less symptoms of depression, higher QoL, and higher self‐esteem compared with baseline and compared with WL. Follow‐up at 8 weeks indicated moderate stability of these improvements.ConclusionsIn contrast to previous research, results indicate beneficial short‐term and midterm effects of beauty care on psychological outcomes in patients with early breast cancer. These results emphasize the utility of this type of brief, low‐cost intervention in women undergoing medical cancer treatment in order to improve their well‐being.
Pharmacological profile of the neuropeptide S receptor: Dynamic mass redistribution studies
Authors: Ruzza Chiara , Ferrari Federica , Guerrini Remo , Marzola Erika , Preti Delia , Reinscheid Rainer K. , Calo Girolamo 
Published: December 2018

AbstractNeuropeptide S (NPS) is the endogenous ligand of the neuropeptide S receptor (NPSR). NPS modulates several biological functions including anxiety, wakefulness, pain, and drug abuse. The aim of this study was the investigation of the pharmacological profile of NPSR using the dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) assay. DMR is a label‐free assay that offers a holistic view of cellular responses after receptor activation. HEK293 cells stably transfected with the murine NPSR (HEK293mNPSR) have been used. To investigate the nature of the NPS‐evoked DMR signaling, FR900359 (Gq inhibitor), pertussis toxin (Gi inhibitor), and rolipram (phosphodiesterase inhibitor) were used. To determine the pharmacology of NPSR, several selective ligands (agonists, partial agonists, antagonists) have been tested. NPS, through selective NPSR activation, evoked a robust DMR signal with potency in the nanomolar range. This signal was predominantly, but not completely, blocked by FR900359, suggesting the involvement of the Gq‐dependent signaling cascade. NPSR ligands (agonists and antagonists) displayed potency values in DMR experiments similar, but not identical, to those reported in the literature. Furthermore, partial agonists produced a higher efficacy in DMR than in calcium experiments. DMR can be successfully used to study the pharmacology and signaling properties of novel NPSR ligands. This innovative approach will likely increase the translational value of in vitro pharmacological studies.
Rotavirus infections in children in Turkey: A systematic review
Authors: Tapisiz Anil , Bedir Demirdag Tugba , Cura Yayla Burcu Ceylan , Gunes Cemalettin , Ugraş Dikmen Asiye , Tezer Hasan , Baran Aksakal Nur , Bozdayi Gulendam , Ozkan Secil 
Published: December 2018

SummaryWe aimed to describe rotavirus epidemiology and clinical findings including extraintestinal manifestations in a setting that has yet to introduce rotavirus vaccines in the national immunization program. A literature search was performed by using the key words “Turkey” and “rotavirus.” Ninety‐eight studies published between 1987 and 2016 including epidemiological, clinical, and genotypical data at least 1 year duration were included. There were a total of 117 741 children with diarrhea and 26 566 rotavirus gastroenteritis with a median detection rate 31.8% (95% CI, 31.3‐32.4) under 5 years of age. The rate of dehydration was 47% (95% CI, 23.4‐91.6). There were 328 cases reported to be presenting with a various complication related to rotavirus in 2750 children in eight studies. The overall complication rate was 11.7% (95% CI, 10.7‐12.9). The cumulative incidence of the most common genotypical combinations circulating worldwide was only 59.7% (G9[P8], 25%; G1[P8], 22%; G2[P4], 5.6%; G3[P8], 2.6%; G4[P8], 4.5%) whereas mixed, untypeable, and other genotypes were 2.4%, 15%, and 22.9% respectively. Our results point out the importance of rotavirus vaccination by presenting that rotavirus may cause severe complications besides severe gastroenteritis. The role of strain diversity in the variability of clinical presentations of rotavirus infections needs to be further investigated.
A Spectroscopic Study of the Interaction between Cyanine Dyes with Different Skeleton Structures and Transferrin
Authors: Lang Yunhe , Shi Lei , Lan Ling , Zhao Zheng , Yang Qianfan , Chen Lei , Sun Xiaoran , Tang Yalin , Zhang Xiufeng 
Published: December 2018

AbstractHuman serum transferrin (hTf) has been exploited as a bio‐carrier for targeted drugs to cancer cells where transferrin receptors are expressed at high levels. In this study, cyanine dyes DMSA and DMSB with a similar main core structure were selected to evaluate the effects of heterocycle on binding with hTf by spectroscopic methods. Fluorescence spectral results have shown that DMSB, which contains a selenazole ring, had a strong affinity binding with transferrin, up to 104‐fold higher than DMSA, which contains a thiazole ring. This difference may be attributed to the larger molecular volume of selenazole compared with DMSA. Binding distance between cyanine dyes and hTf demonstrated that the non‐radioactive energy transfer mechanism was also involved in the fluorescence quenching of protein. Furthermore, DMSB‐binding gave rise to a greater decrease of the α‐helix content of hTf than DMSA suggesting that hTf, which shows a looser structure binding with DMSB, increased polarity around the tryptophan residues of hTf, which was confirmed by circular dichroism and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy. The study provides a certain theoretical basis for the design of cyanine dyes as biomolecular probe to target drugs for hTf.
Age, Growth, and Mortality Rates of the Giant Cichlid in Guatemala
Authors: Barrientos Christian A. , Murie Debra J. , Hill Jeffrey E. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAge, growth, and mortality were assessed in Giant Cichlids Petenia splendida from lakes in northern Guatemala by using cross‐sectioned sagittal otoliths. Marginal increment and edge analyses of Giant Cichlid otoliths indicated that one annulus formed per 12‐month period in Lakes Yaxhá and Petén Itza. Opaque zone formation was associated with the peak of the rainy season from May to September. Ages ranged from 0 to 8 years for Giant Cichlids in Lake Yaxhá and from 0 to 5 years in Lake Petén Itza. Within both lakes, males were larger than females, although the difference was slight in Lake Petén Itza. Lake Yaxhá Giant Cichlids had faster growth rates than those from Lake Petén Itza, and fish over 2 years old from Lake Yaxhá were larger at age than fish from Lake Petén Itza. This is counter‐intuitive because Lake Petén Itza is heavily exploited, whereas Lake Yaxhá is unfished. However, long‐term exploitation in Lake Petén Itza may have resulted in selection for fish with reduced growth rates. Alternatively, the mesotrophic state of Lake Yaxhá may explain the differences in growth, although areas of Lake Petén Itza are changing from oligotrophic to meso‐eutrophic due to rapid cultural eutrophication. Total mortality (Z) estimates for Giant Cichlids were 0.81 for Lake Yaxhá, with most of the age structured on 2–4‐year‐old fish, and 1.05 for Lake Petén Itzá, where the age structure was dominated by 0–2‐year‐old fish; these results were consistent with expectations based on the low fishing pressure in Lake Yaxhá.
Development of Organic Dye‐Based Molecular Materials for Use in Fullerene‐Free Organic Solar Cells
Authors: McAfee Seth M. , Welch Gregory C. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis personal account describes the pursuit of non‐fullerene acceptors designed from simple and accessible organic pi‐conjugated building blocks and assembled through efficient direct (hetero)arylation cross‐coupling protocols. Initial materials development focused on isoindigo and diketopyrrolopyrrole organic dyes flanked by imide‐based terminal acceptors. Efficiencies in solution‐processed organic solar cells were modest but highlighted the potential of the material design. Materials performance was improved through structural engineering to pair perylene diimide with these organic dyes. Optimization of active layer processing and solar cell device fabrication identified the perylene diimide flanked diketopyrrolopyrrole structure as the best framework, with fullerene‐free organic solar cells achieving power conversion efficiencies above 6 %. This material has met our criteria for a simple wide band gap fullerene alternative for pairing with a range of donor polymers.
Design and Synthesis of Conjugated Starburst Molecules for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Liu Cheng‐Fang , Liu Xu , Lai Wen‐Yong , Huang Wei 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIn recent years, conjugated starburst molecules, which possess a core unit with radial arms linked to the central axle, have become the research topic owing to their well‐defined chemical structures, good solution processability, excellent reproducibility, and superior optoelectronic properties. The increasing interest in starburst systems is evidenced by progressively more frequent investigation on the use of these materials in optoelectronics. The ability to modify chemical structures through control over the core and arms on a molecular level can directly affect the electronic and electroluminescent characteristics of the resulting materials. In this review, we summarize and discuss main progress in our group concerning the rapidly developing field, in which strategies for the design and construction of starbursts are presented at length. Moreover, their application in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) and organic semiconductor lasers (OSLs) are demonstrated as well, exploring the influence of molecular structures on the optoelectronic properties. Challenges and outlooks are also given at last.