bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Novel Forming Method of Traditional Chinese Medicine Dispersible Tablets to Achieve Rapid Disintegration Based on the Powder Modification Principle
Authors: Li Pan , Feng Bi , Jiang Hong , Han Xue , Wu Zhenfeng , Wang Yaqi , Lin Junzhi , Zhang Yi , Yang Ming , Han Li , Zhang Dingkun 
Published: July 2018

AbstractSlow disintegration and poor solubility are common problems facing the dispersible tablets of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In an early study, the research group found that co-grinding of extracts and silica could achieve a rapid disintegration effect, though the mechanism of this effect was not thoroughly elucidated. In this study, Yuanhu Zhitong dispersible tablets (YZDT) were selected as a model drug to explore the mechanism of rapid disintegration and dissolution. First, eight types of silica were used to prepare modified YZDT, and their disintegration time and amount of dissolution within 5 min were measured. Next, the powder properties of eight types of silica were investigated. By correlation analysis, it was found that the average pore size and density of silica were closely related to the effect of promoting disintegration. It was determined that the co-grinding of silica and extracts provided high porosity for the raw material drug, and its abundant narrow channels provided a strong static pressure for water penetration to achieve a rapid disintegration effect. Meanwhile, it was found that the addition of silica had a certain effect on promoting dissolution. Our results provide a highly operational approach for improving the disintegration and dissolution of TCM dispersible tablets. Meanwhile, this approach is also beneficial for establishing a high-quality evaluation index for silica.
Inactivation of group 2 σ factors upregulates production of transcription and translation machineries in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Koskinen Satu , Hakkila Kaisa , Kurkela Juha , Tyystjärvi Esa , Tyystjärvi Taina 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWe show that the formation of the RNAP holoenzyme with the primary σ factor SigA increases in the ΔsigBCDE strain of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 lacking all group 2 σ factors. The high RNAP-SigA holoenzyme content directly induces transcription of a particular set of housekeeping genes, including ones encoding transcription and translation machineries. In accordance with upregulated transcripts, ΔsigBCDE contain more RNAPs and ribosomal subunits than the control strain. Extra RNAPs are fully active, and the RNA content of ΔsigBCDE cells is almost tripled compared to that in the control strain. Although ΔsigBCDE cells produce extra rRNAs and ribosomal proteins, functional extra ribosomes are not formed, and translation activity and protein content remained similar in ΔsigBCDE as in the control strain. The arrangement of the RNA polymerase core genes together with the ribosomal protein genes might play a role in the co-regulation of transcription and translation machineries. Sequence logos were constructed to compare promoters of those housekeeping genes that directly react to the RNAP-SigA holoenzyme content and those ones that do not. Cyanobacterial strains with engineered transcription and translation machineries might provide solutions for construction of highly efficient production platforms for biotechnical applications in the future.
Adapted Taekwondo Training for Prepubertal Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Ma Ada W. W. , Fong Shirley S. M. , Guo X. , Liu Karen P. Y. , Fong Daniel Y. T. , Bae Young-Hyeon , Yuen Lily , Cheng Yoyo T. Y. , Tsang William W. N. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis study evaluated the effectiveness of adapted Taekwondo (TKD) training on skeletal development and motor performance in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). One hundred forty-five prepubertal children with DCD were allocated to either the TKD or control groups. Children in the TKD group participated in a weekly 1-hour adapted TKD intervention and daily TKD home exercises for 12 weeks. The primary outcome (delay in skeletal development) and secondary outcomes (Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC) total impairment score, eye–hand coordination (EHC) scores, and a standing balance score) were measured at baseline, after the intervention and 3 months after the intervention. Skeletal development improved in both groups over time (p < 0.017). The TKD group had a significant delay in skeletal development at baseline compared to the control group (p = 0.003) but caught up with the controls at 3 months (p = 0.041). Improvements in the MABC scores were also seen in both groups across time (p < 0.017). Only the TKD group had a significant improvement in the EHC movement time at 3 (p = 0.009) and 6 months (p = 0.016). The adapted TKD intervention may be effective in improving the skeletal development and EHC movement time of children with DCD. For motor performance, the effect of maturation might be more profound.
Helix α-3 inter-molecular salt bridges and conformational changes are essential for toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis 3D-Cry toxin family
Authors: Pacheco Sabino , Gómez Isabel , Sánchez Jorge , García-Gómez Blanca-Ines , Czajkowsky Daniel M. , Zhang Jie , Soberón Mario , Bravo Alejandra 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBacillus thuringiensis insecticidal Cry toxins break down larval midgut-cells after forming pores. The 3D-structures of Cry4Ba and Cry5Ba revealed a trimeric-oligomer after cleavage of helices α-1 and α-2a, where helix α-3 is extended and made contacts with adjacent monomers. Molecular dynamic simulations of Cry1Ab-oligomer model based on Cry4Ba-coordinates showed that E101 forms a salt-bridge with R99 from neighbor monomer. An additional salt bridge was identified in the trimeric-Cry5Ba, located at the extended helix α-3 in the region corresponding to the α-2b and α-3 loop. Both salt-bridges were analyzed by site directed mutagenesis. Single-point mutations in the Lepidoptera-specific Cry1Ab and Cry1Fa toxins were affected in toxicity, while reversed double-point mutant partially recovered the phenotype, consistent with a critical role of these salt-bridges. The single-point mutations in the salt-bridge at the extended helix α-3 of the nematicidal Cry5Ba were also non-toxic. The incorporation of this additional salt bridge into the nontoxic Cry1Ab-R99E mutant partially restored oligomerization and toxicity, supporting that the loop between α-2b and α-3 forms part of an extended helix α-3 upon oligomerization of Cry1 toxins. Overall, these results highlight the role in toxicity of salt-bridge formation between helices α-3 of adjacent monomers supporting a conformational change in helix α-3.
Enhanced GABAergic actions resulting from the coapplication of the steroid 3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnane-11,20-dione (alfaxalone) with propofol or diazepam
Authors: Cao Lily Q. , Montana Michael C. , Germann Allison L. , Shin Daniel J. , Chakrabarti Sampurna , Mennerick Steven , Yuede Carla M. , Wozniak David F. , Evers Alex S. , Akk Gustav 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMany GABAergic drugs are in clinical use as anesthetics, sedatives, or anxiolytics. We have investigated the actions of the combinations of the neuroactive steroid 3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnane-11,20-dione (alfaxalone) with the intravenous anesthetic propofol or the benzodiazepine diazepam. The goal of the study was to determine whether coapplication of alfaxalone reduces the effective doses and concentrations of propofol and diazepam. Behavioral effects of alfaxalone, propofol, diazepam, and the combinations of the drugs were evaluated during a 30-min activity test in mice. Functional effects of the individual drugs and drug combinations were tested by measuring the decay times of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents in rat hippocampal neurons, and peak current responses from heterologously expressed concatemeric α1β2γ2L GABAA receptors. Co-administration of alfaxalone increased the sedative actions of propofol and diazepam in mice. The combination of alfaxalone with propofol or diazepam increased the decay times of sIPSCs and shifted the concentration-response relationships for GABA-activated receptors to lower transmitter concentrations. We infer that alfaxalone acts as a co-agonist to enhance the GABAergic effects of propofol and diazepam. We propose that co-administration of alfaxalone, and possibly other neuroactive steroids, can be employed to reduce dosage requirements for propofol and diazepam.
Multi-frequency electrical impedance tomography and neuroimaging data in stroke patients
Authors: Goren Nir , Avery James , Dowrick Thomas , Mackle Eleanor , Witkowska-Wrobel Anna , Werring David , Holder David 
Published: July 2018

AbstractElectrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) is a non-invasive imaging technique, which has the potential to expedite the differentiation of ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke, decreasing the time to treatment. Whilst demonstrated in simulation, there are currently no suitable imaging or classification methods which can be successfully applied to human stroke data. Development of these complex methods is hindered by a lack of quality Multi-Frequency EIT (MFEIT) data. To address this, MFEIT data were collected from 23 stroke patients, and 10 healthy volunteers, as part of a clinical trial in collaboration with the Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU) at University College London Hospital (UCLH). Data were collected at 17 frequencies between 5 Hz and 2 kHz, with 31 current injections, yielding 930 measurements at each frequency. This dataset is the most comprehensive of its kind and enables combined analysis of MFEIT, Electroencephalography (EEG) and Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data in stroke patients, which can form the basis of future research into stroke classification.
The impact of bars and interactions on optically selected AGNs in spiral galaxies
Authors: Alonso Sol , Coldwell Georgina , Duplancic Fernanda , Mesa Valeria , Lambas Diego G. 
Published: July 2018

Aims. With the aim of performing a suitable comparison of the internal process of galactic bars with respect to the external effect of interactions on driving gas toward the inner most region of the galaxies, we explored and compared the efficiency of both mechanisms on central nuclear activity in optically selected active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in spiral galaxies.
Methods. We selected homogeneous samples of barred AGNs and active objects residing in pair systems, derived from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). In order to carry out a reliable comparison of both samples (AGNs in barred hosts in isolation and in galaxy pairs), we selected spiral AGN galaxies with similar distributions of redshift, magnitude, stellar mass, color and stellar age population from both catalogs. With the goal of providing an appropriate quantification of the influence of strong bars and interactions on nuclear activity, we also constructed a suitable control sample of unbarred spiral AGNs without a companion and with similar host properties to the other two samples.
Results. We found that barred optically selected AGNs show an excess of nuclear activity (as derived from the Lum[OIII]) and accretion rate onto a central black hole (ℛ) with respect to AGNs in pairs. In addition, both samples show an excess of high values of Lum[OIII] and ℛ with respect to unbarred AGNs in the control sample. We also found that the fractions of AGNs with powerful nuclear activity and high accretion rates increase toward more massive hosts with bluer colors and younger stellar populations. Moreover, AGNs with bars exhibit a higher fraction of galaxies with powerful Lum[OIII] and efficient ℛ with respect to AGN galaxies inhabiting pair systems, in bins of different galaxy properties. Regarding AGNs belonging to pair systems, we found that the central nuclear activity is remarkably dependent on the galaxy pair companion features. The Lum[OIII] for AGNs in pairs is clearly enhanced when the galaxy companion exhibits a bright and more massive host with high metallicity, blue color, efficient star formation activity and young stellar population. The results of this work reveal an important capacity of both mechanisms, bars and interactions, to transport material towards the galaxy central regions. In this context, it should also be noted that the internal process of the bar is more efficient at improving the central nuclear activity in AGN objects than that corresponding to the external mechanism of the galaxy–galaxy interactions.
Prospective comparative study of endoscopic submucosal dissection and gastrectomy for early neoplastic lesions including patients’ perspectives
Authors: Libânio Diogo , Braga Vânia , Ferraz Sílvia , Castro Rui , Lage Jorge , Pita Inês , Ribeiro Cátia , Abreu De Sousa Joaquim , Dinis-Ribeiro Mário , Pimentel-Nunes Pedro 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
Background There are no prospective studies comparing endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and gastrectomy, especially evaluating patient-reported outcomes. Our aim was to compare the safety and impact on quality of life (QoL) of ESD and gastrectomy in patients with early gastric neoplasia.
Methods This prospective study included consecutive patients presenting with early gastric neoplasia in a tertiary center from January 2015 to August 2016. Data collection included curative resection, adverse events (AEs), and patient-reported outcomes (questionnaires: EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC STO-22, EQ-5D-5 L, and Assessment of Survivor Concerns) before and after interventions (after 1 month, 3 – 6 months, and 1 year).
Results 254 patients with early lesions were included: 153 managed by ESD and 101 by gastrectomy, the former being significantly older and with less advanced lesions. Mean procedural time and length of stay were significantly higher in the surgery group (164 vs. 72 minutes and 16.3 vs. 3.5 days; P < 0.001). Complete resection was higher in the surgical group (99 % vs. 90 %; P = 0.02); ESD was curative in 79 % of patients. Severe AEs and surgical re-intervention were significantly more frequent in the gastrectomy group (21.8 % vs. 7.8 % and 11 % vs. 1 %, respectively). Endoscopic treatment was associated with a positive impact on global health-related QoL at 1 year (net difference + 9.9; P = 0.006), role function and symptom scales (fatigue, pain, appetite, eating restrictions, dysphagia, and body image). Concerns about recurrence did not differ between the groups.
Conclusions In patients with early gastric neoplasia, ESD is safer and is associated with a positive impact on health-related QoL when compared with gastrectomy, without increasing fear of recurrence and new lesions.
The Activation of Human Factor X in Sodium Citrate: the Role of Factor VII
Authors: Aronson D. L , Mustafa A. J 
Published: July 2018

SummaryHuman factor X was purified by several different procedures yielding products which had varying amounts of factor VII and factor IX. Treatment with CHC13 during the fractionation of the factor X removed 95% of the factor VII and factor IX activity and the resulting factor X activated more slowly when incubated in 25% sodium citrate. Removal of residual factor VII by DEAE cellulose chromatography yielded a factor X which activated still more slowly and less completely. When the factor VII, removed by chromatography, was added to the chromatographed factor X, the ability to be activated in 25% sodium citrate was restored. Confirmatory evidence for the role of factor VII in this reaction was the inhibition of the conversion of the factor X by both DFP and SBTI.
The Effect of Defibrinogenation on Pulmonary Embolism in Dogs
Authors: Meissner Alfred G. , O’Sullivan Gerald , Macbeth Robert A. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThe role of fibrinogen in the pathophysiology of pulmonary embolism is not clearly understood. A study was therefore performed in order to determine the effect of defibrinogenation on the sequelae of experimental pulmonary embolization in the canine model. Total defibrinogenation was achieved by treating 15 dogs with Defibrase over a period of three days, and these were studied and compared with 15 control animals. The embolus was produced by injection of a homologous clot into the superior vena cava. A 27 per cent mortality rate was observed after embolism in the control group, but there were no deaths in the Defibrase-treated animals. Hemodynamic and pulmonary gas exchange disturbances occuring in the control group were more severe than those in the treated group and were associated with marked fibrinogen consumption. It is suggested, therefore, that defibrinogenation reduces the mortality and severity of the pathophysiological changes associated with pulmonary embolization probably by inhibition of pulmonary intravascular coagulation and by changing the rheological properties of the blood.
Inhibition of Fibrinolysis in the Burned-Infected Rat: Antiplasmin Induced by Burn Wound Infection
Authors: Andes W. A , Lindberg R. B , McEuen D. D , Baron J. P 
Published: July 2018

SummaryInfection is the leading cause of death in the burned patient. To study the effects of uncomplicated and lethally-infected burn wounds on certain hematologic indices, a dorsal scald burn was administered to 250 rats. One group was then infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These rats expired within 10 days. A burned, uninfected, group survived. Sequential determinations were made of fibrinogen, fibrinolysis, antiplasmins, plasminogen antiactivators, cultures, and autopsy findings.Fibrinogen concentrations were higher in the infected animals within 2 days postbum and at day 3 (p <0.05). Plasminogen levels fell precipitously 3 days postburn in the burned-infected group. Acid neutralization of antiplasmins was not entirely effective. Serum from infected animals markedly prolonged the lysis time of clots in a standard test system, lowered plasmin activity in the caseinolytic assay, and transiently prolonged the euglobulin lysis time.The cause of these findings remains unknown. The marked fall in plasminogen in the infected animals may be entirely due to unneutralized antiplasmin activity and was coincident with a decline in fibrin-related antigens. These antiplasmins may exert deleterious effects on microcirculatory dynamics and were closely linked to the animals’ demise.
Platelet Preservation. II. The Response of Human Platelet Suspensions to Hypotonic Stress
Authors: Odink J 
Published: July 2018

Summary1. Platelet suspensions were exposed to hypotonic stress. Several parameters of the changes in light absorbance were investigated i. a. the initial decrease in absorbance (Amin), the maximal rate of the recovery process (Vmax), and the value of the absorbance two hours after mixing the platelet suspension with the hypotonic solution.2. The ratio Vmax/Amin appeared to be independent of both platelet concentration and, within a specific range, decrease in osmolarity.3. Cryoprotectants appeared to disturb the response to hypotonic stress.4. Cryopreservation caused a decrease in the light absorbance of the platelet suspension, of Amin, and of the recovery process.
The Effect of Dimethyl Sulfoxide on In Vitro Platelet Function
Authors: Schiffer Charles A. , Whitaker Caroline L. , Schmukler Morton , Aisner Joseph , Hilbert Steven L. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryAlthough dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) has been used extensively as a cryopreservative for platelets there are few studies dealing with the effect of DMSO on platelet function. Using techniques similar to those employed in platelet cryopreservation platelets were incubated with final concentrations of 2-10% DMSO at 25° C. After exposure to 5 and 10% DMSO platelets remained discoid and electron micrographs revealed no structural abnormalities. There was no significant change in platelet count. In terms of injury to platelet membranes, there was no increased availability of platelet factor-3 or leakage of nucleotides, 5 hydroxytryptamine (5HT) or glycosidases with final DMSO concentrations of 2.5, 5 and 10% DMSO. Thrombin stimulated nucleotide and 5HT release was reduced by 10% DMSO. Impairment of thrombin induced glycosidase release was noted at lower DMSO concentrations and was dose related. Similarly, aggregation to ADP was progressively impaired at DMSO concentrations from 1-5% and was dose related. After the platelets exposed to DMSO were washed, however, aggregation and release returned to control values. Platelet aggregation by epinephrine was also inhibited by DMSO and this could not be corrected by washing the platelets. DMSO-plasma solutions are hypertonic but only minimal increases in platelet volume (at 10% DMSO) could be detected. Shrinkage of platelets was seen with hypertonic solutions of sodium chloride or sucrose suggesting that the rapid transmembrane passage of DMSO prevented significant shifts of water. These studies demonstrate that there are minimal irreversible alterations in in vitro platelet function after short-term exposure to DMSO.
The Prothrombin Time Test: Effect of Varying Citrate Concentration
Authors: Ingram G. I. C , Hills M 
Published: July 2018

SummaryBlood samples from 12 normal subjects and 46 patients on oral anticoagulants were divided so that each was anticoagulated with four concentrations of trisodium citrate solution in the range 0.09–0.15 M, 9 vol blood being added to 1 vol citrate solution in each case. Citrated blood haematocrit and plasma prothrombin time was measured on each subsample; 0.025 M CaCl2-solution was used for recalcification throughout. Three laboratories participated, each using a different prothrombin-time technique.The haematocrit of the citrated blood fell progressively as the molarity of the citrate increased, showing a mean reduction of 0.2%/0.01 increase in molarity in the citrate reagent. With rising citrate concentration, two laboratories showed a progressive lengthening of the prothrombin time in the plasmas of anticoagulated patients, but one did not.A uniform concentration of trisodium citrate solution should be used: 3.2% trisodium citrate. 2H20 (0.109 M) is suggested. A chart is provided for obtaining a constant proportion between citrate and plasma volumes, from the patient’s haematocrit.
Competitive Inhibition by Lithium and Hydrogen lons of the Effect of Calcium on the Aggregation of Rabbit Platelets
Authors: Anderson Esther R. , Foulks J. G 
Published: July 2018

SummaryADP-induced platelet aggregation and shape change were monitored optically in citrated rabbit platelet-rich plasma (PRP) diluted with isotonic salt solutions. Lithium (Li) produced a concentration-dependent reduction in the rate of platelet aggregation but had no discernible effect on the shape change which precedes aggregation. When PRP was pre-incubated with Li, the inhibitory effect of the ion was independent of the duration and temperature of the treatment. The inhibitory effect of Li also was observed in heparinized PRP or when 5-HT was used as the aggregation-inducing agent. When Li was combined with aggregation inhibitors which enhance platelet cyclic AMP content either by activating adenylate cyclase or by inhibiting phosphodiesterase, only additive effects were observed. The inhibitory effect of Li was opposed by added calcium. Kinetic evaluation of the interaction between Li and Ca indicated that their antagonism was competitive. Added calcium also displayed competitive antagonism toward the aggregation inhibiting effect of increased hydrogen ion concentration in the pH range between 6 and 8.