bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Linoleic and Alpha‐Linolenic Ratios and Concentrations on In Vitro Endothelial Cell Responses
Authors: Yang Ligang , Song Zhixiu , Wang Feng , Xia Hui , Liu Hechun , Shu Guofang , Lu Huixia , Wang Shaokang , Sun Guiju 
Published: July 2018

Although many studies have found that two essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (LA; n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acid, PUFA) and α‐linolenic acid (ALA; n‐3 PUFA), are closely related to the occurrence and development of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the effects of LA and ALA ratios and concentrations on CVD risk are not well known. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of various LA/ALA ratios (1:1, 5:1, 10:1, and 20:1) and their concentrations on inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial cell functions, and the mechanism in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (EA.hy926 cell line). The results indicate that low LA/ALA ratio might provide CVD benefits at low PUFA concentration while low LA/ALA ratio (1:1) increases CVD risk at high PUFA concentration. The results show that the effects of LA and ALA on inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial cell functions, and the related gene expression are influenced by not only LA/ALA ratios but also their concentrations, and the mechanism may be mediated through PKCα/NF‐κB inflammatory and NO/eNOS signaling pathways by regulation of the NOX4 pathway.Practical Applications: Lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial cell functions play an important role in the pathogenesis of CVD, which may be affected by an imbalance in the LA/ALA ratio. However, the effects of LA/ALA ratios on CVD risk are influenced by PUFA concentrations. The study provides a method to design diets beneficial for CVD prevention.The low LA/ALA ratio (1:1) could up‐regulate increase the gene expression level of PKCα and eNOS gene while NF‐κB and NOX4 gene expression levels are up‐regulated to increase oxidative stress, which could cause the oxidation of BH4 and uncoupling of eNOS under high PUFA concentration. Uncoupling eNOS generated , instead of NO, which could damage vascular endothelial cell function. This is different from the role of eNOS in the production of NO under normal physiological conditions, which shows the duality of eNOS on atherosclerosis. The results indicate both LA and ALA ratios and concentrations are important for CVD risk.
Genetic diagnosis for X‐linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia family with a novel Ectodysplasin A gene mutation
Authors: Ma Xin , Lv Xue , Liu Hong‐yan , Wu Xing , Wang Li , Li Hao , Chou Hai‐yan 
Published: July 2018

AimTo make a gene diagnosis for a family with Ectodysplasin A (EDA) gene mutation as well as prenatal diagnosis, and report a novel EDA gene mutation.MethodsAll coding sequences and flanking sequences of EDA gene were analyzed by Sanger sequencing in the proband, and then, according to EDA gene mutation in the proband, the EDA gene sequencing was performed on the family members. Based on the results above, the pathogenic mutation in EDA gene was finally identified, which was used for making prenatal diagnosis.ResultsSanger sequencing revealed c.302_303delCC [p.Pro101HisfsX11] mutation in EDA gene of the proband. This mutation induced EDA gene frame shift mutation which led to early termination of EDA gene translation because there was a termination codon TAA at the 11th codon behind the mutational site. Heterozygous deletion mutation (CC/‐‐) at this locus was observed in the proband's mother and proband's grandmother, but the proband's aunt had no mutation at this locus. The analyses of amniotic fluid samples indicated negative sex‐determining region on Y (SRY), and c.302_303delCC heterozygous deletion mutation.ConclusionWe identified a pathogenetic mutation in EDA gene for the X‐linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia family, made a prenatal diagnosis for the female carrier, and reported a novel EDA gene mutation.
Comparison of two commercial quality control sera for adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) used in Elecsys® immunoassay system
Authors: Wu Zhi‐Qi , Xu Hua‐Guo 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesThe purpose of our study was to investigate whether the storage time and temperature of internal quality control (IQC) material influence the result of ACTH in IQC measurements.Design and methodsFive levels of IQC materials from two manufacturers were tested through the precision of ACTH, the three freeze/thaw cycles, and the storage time and temperature to evaluate the stability of IQC material. All commercial control materials were simultaneously tested three times a day for five consecutive days.ResultsTotal precision of three levels of Bio‐Rad IQC sera was 13.93%, 16.45%, and 15.98%, respectively, but repeatability was <2%. The concentration of ACTH decreased by 30%‐50% after 3 freeze/thaw cycles. At room temperature, the concentration of ACTH from 3 levels decreased by 16.60%, 17.98%, and 17.20%, respectively, after 0.5 hours, and 70.54%, 74.36%, and 72.03%, respectively, after 4 hours. However, after 2 hours of storage at 4°C, the decline in the measured ACTH IQC was 8.04%, 11.84%, and 10.11%, respectively. Total precision of Roche IQC was 1.17% and 1.08%, respectively. After 3 freeze/thaw cycles, the concentration of ACTH decreased <5%. After 4 hours, the change of ACTH still steadied within 5% both at the room temperature and at 4°C.ConclusionRoche is a better choice for ACTH of IQC material in Elecsys® immunoassay system in our study. If Bio‐Rad control materials be used in Elecsys® immunoassay system for ACTH IQC testing material, it should be stored at 4°C and testing should be completed within 1 hours.
Association of HLA‐DQA1 gene polymorphisms with the risk of children primary nephrotic syndrome in Chinese population
Authors: Zhu Bingbing , Zhang Ruifeng , Yang Huandan , Yuan Tingting , Lv Juan , Peng Qianqian , Tian Lijun 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundThe association between gene polymorphisms and the risk of primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS) is uncovering recently. This study aims to investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on HLA‐DQA1 gene and the risk of PNS.MethodsIn this study, we genotyped eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the HLA‐DQA1 gene in 501 PNS patients and 532 healthy people in Chinese population. Then we analyzed associations of these SNPs with the clinical features in primary nephrotic syndrome of children in Chinese population.ResultsSignificant associations with PNS were found on missense SNP rs1129740 (GG vs AA, odds ratio (OR) = 1.987, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.468‐2.652, P = 0.00177049) and rs1047992 (AA vs GG, OR = 1.857, 95% CI = 1.325‐2.391, P = 1.1073E‐10) of the HLA‐DQA1 gene.ConclusionsThis work suggests SNPs of HLA‐DQA1 are risk factors for PNS in Chinese population, which implies roles of immune response in the pathogenesis of PNS.
Tetraethylene Glycol Tethered Heteronuclear Bis‐isatin Derivatives: Design, Synthesis, and In Vitro Anti‐mycobacterial Activities
Authors: Zhao Shuang‐Qi , Xu Yan , Guan Jianguo , Zhao Shijia , Zhang Guang‐De , Xu Zhi 
Published: July 2018

A series of novel tetraethylene glycol tethered heteronuclear bis‐isatin derivatives 7a–l were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their in vitro anti‐mycobacterial activities against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) H37Rv and multidrug‐resistant TB (MDR‐TB) as well as cytotoxicity in VERO cell line. All hybrids exhibited potential anti‐mycobacterial activities against MTB H37Rv and MDR‐TB, and acceptable cytotoxicity. Among them, the heteronuclear bis‐isatin 7l [minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC): 16 and 16 μg/mL] was found to be most active against MTB H37Rv and MDR‐TB strains, which was 2‐fold and >8‐fold, respectively, more potent than were the first‐line anti‐tubercular agents rifampicin (MIC: 32 μg/mL) and isoniazid (MIC: >128 μg/mL) against MDR‐TB, also demonstrated acceptable cytotoxicity profile (CC50: 62.5 μg/mL), could act as a starting point for further optimization.
A Convenient Synthesis and Biological Research of Novel 5,6,7,8‐Tetrahydro‐1,6‐naphthyridin‐2(1H)‐one Derivatives Hydrochloride as Cytotoxic Agents
Authors: Xu Guiqing , Gao Yuan , Sun Bin , Peng Lizeng , Mao Longfei , Jiang Yuqin , Ding Qingjie 
Published: July 2018

A series of 5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐1,6‐naphthyridin‐2(1H)‐one derivatives hydrochloride were obtained using a convenient and mild method from 4‐piperidone monohydrate hydrochloride. The newly synthesized compounds and their derivatives were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and high‐resolution mass spectrometry. Furthermore, cytotoxicity in vitro of the synthesized compounds were screened using MTT or CCK8 assay. The results showed that some of the compounds showed potential antitumor activity. Among of them, compound 10a had effects against tumor cells (MOLM‐13), and the half maximal inhibitory concentration value was 76 μmol/L.
The implementation of a haptic feedback virtual reality simulation clinic with dynamic patient interaction and communication for medical imaging students
Authors: Sapkaroski Daniel , Baird Marilyn , McInerney John , Dimmock Matthew R. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIntroductionAn immersive virtual reality (VR) simulation clinic with dynamic patient interaction and communication was developed to facilitate the training of medical radiation science students. The software “CETSOL VR Clinic” was integrated into the Medical Imaging programme at Monash University in 2016 in order to benchmark student experiences against existing simulation techniques (Shaderware™).MethodsAn iterative approach to development, based on two cycles of user feedback, was used to develop and refine the simulated clinical environment. This environment uses realistic 3D models, embedded clinical scenarios, dynamic communication, 3D hand gesture interaction, gaze and positional stereoscopic tracking and online user capabilities using the Unity™ game and physics engines. Students’ perceptions of educational enhancement of their positioning skills following the use of the simulation tools were analysed via a 5‐point Likert scale questionnaire.ResultsStudent perception scores indicated a significant difference between simulation modalities in favour of the immersive CETSOL VR Clinic, χ2 (4, N = 92) = 9.5, P‐value <0.001.ConclusionStudent perception scores on improvement of their clinical and technical skills were higher for the hand‐positioning tasks performed with the CETSOL VR Clinic™ than with the comparative benchmark simulation that did not provide dynamic patient interaction and communication.
Clinico‐radiographic evaluation of 1% alendronate gel as an adjunct and smart blood derivative platelet rich fibrin in grade II furcation defects
Authors: Wanikar Ishita , Rathod Surekha , Kolte Abhay P. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe treatment of molar furcation involvement is unpredictable due to the complex anatomy and poor access for instrumentation. Previous studies have reported successful regeneration with endogenous regenerative material such as platelet rich fibrin (PRF) and bisphosphonates as alendronate (ALN). Hence, the present study was aimed to evaluate clinically and radiographically the efficacy of 1% ALN gel in combination with PRF (PRF+ALN) and PRF alone in the treatment of grade II furcation defects.MethodsA split mouth study with 40 bilateral furcation defects was randomly divided into PRF group and PRF+ALN group. Bone defect volume was the primary outcome evaluated at the end of 6 months with CBCT while the secondary outcomes being changes in clinical parameters including Probing pocket depth (PPD), Clinical attachment level (CAL) and Horizontal probing depth (HPD) recorded at baseline, 3 and 6 months.ResultsThe mean reduction in PPD, CAL and HPD was 1.85 ± 0.59 mm, 1.9 ± 0.64 mm and 1.7 ± 0.73 mm respectively for PRF group and 2.85 ± 0.88 mm, 3.05 ± 0.98 mm and 2.3 ± 0.73 mm respectively for PRF+ ALN group (p < 0.05). At the end of 6 months, mean reduction in bone defect volume for PRF and PRF+ ALN group was 8.65 ± 3.84 mm3 and 11.98 ± 4.13 mm3 respectively.ConclusionPRF+ ALN treated defects exhibited better clinical and radiographic outcomes suggestive of enhanced periodontal regeneration when compared to PRF alone treated sites.
Handgrip strength and the number of teeth among Korean population
Authors: Shin Hye‐Sun 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundHandgrip strength is easily assessed by muscle strength and is an important factor for health and physical performance. Empirical evidence for the association between the number of teeth and handgrip strength remains controversial. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between the number of teeth and handgrip strength.MethodsData from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2014 to 2015 were used (N = 7,741). The number of teeth was categorized into three groups: 0 to 9 teeth, 10 to 19 teeth, and 20 to 28 teeth. Handgrip strength of the participants was measured using a digital hand dynamometer. Multivariate linear regression and logistic regression models were fitted to assess the association between the number of teeth and hand grip strength after adjusting for sociodemographic factors, general health behaviors, and oral and general health factors.ResultsReduced handgrip strength was much more frequent in male and female participants with a lower number of teeth. Each tooth increased handgrip strength by 0.12 kg and 0.07 kg in males and females, respectively (P < 0.001 for both males and females). The association between the number of teeth and handgrip strength disappeared in females in the fully adjusted models, but the odds ratio of participants with 0 to 9 teeth was 1.73 (95% confidence interval: 1.02 to 2.95), which was higher than the reference group in males.ConclusionOur results showed a significant association between the number of teeth and handgrip strength in Korean adults.
Does lactic fermentation influence soy yogurt protein digestibility: a comparative study between soymilk and soy yogurt at different pH
Authors: Rui Xin , Zhang Qiuqin , Huang Jin , Li Wei , Chen Xiaohong , Jiang Mei , Dong Mingsheng 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDLactic acid bacteria fermentation allows soymilk to form a yogurt‐like product accompanied by protein acidic coagulation. It is not known whether the coagulation of soy protein during fermentation influences protein digestibility when ingested. In the present study, soymilk (pH 6.3) and soy yogurt (SY) at different pH (6.0, 5.7, 5.4 and 5.1) were subjected to in vitro gastrointestinal digestion (GIS) and a comparison study was conducted.RESULTSLactic fermentation allowed the pH of soymilk to reduce gradually to 5.1 in 330.0 min. A decline in pH resulted in the volume‐weighted mean diameters D[4,3] and D[v,90] increasing from 0.81 to 97 µm and 1.82 to 273 µm, respectively. Predominant proteins lost their solubility between pH 6.0 and 5.7. Application of GIS allowed SY samples, especially SY‐5.7, SY‐5.4 and SY‐5.1, to reveal particles with a predominant peak at approximately 10 µm and also lower soluble proteins compared to soymilk, with reduction percentages of 18%, 28% and 43%. The cleavage pattern of soy protein during GIS was scarcely affected by the sample pH. However, a lower quantity of the band at 33.9 kDa was found in SY‐5.7, SY‐5.4 and SY‐5.1.CONCLUSIONThe results of the present study demonstrate that lactic fermentation altered soy protein digestibility. With the process of protein coagulation, SY‐5.7, 5.4 and 5.1 had a lower bioaccessible protein content compared to that of soymilk. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Chromatographic method for the simultaneous quantification of dapsone and clofazimine in nanoformulations
Authors: Machado Sandia , Fernandes Sara R. , Chaves Luise L. , Lima Sofia A. C. , Silva Eduarda M. P. , Barreiros Luísa , Reis Salette , Segundo Marcela A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe low bioavailability and nonspecific distribution of dapsone and clofazimine, commonly applied in combination for the treatment of leprosy, can produce toxic effects. Nanotechnological approaches enhance the delivery of these drugs. Therefore, a high‐performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the simultaneous determination of dapsone and clofazimine loaded in nanoformulations for quality control purposes. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a reversed‐phase Kinetex core‐shell C18 column, followed by spectrophotometric detection at 280 nm. Considering the different physicochemical properties of dapsone and clofazimine, elution was performed in gradient mode using an aqueous acetate buffer (50 mmol/L, pH 4.8) and an increasing acetonitrile content from 27 to 63% v/v at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min with retention times of 6.2 and 14.0 min, respectively. The method was validated according to the European Medicines Agency guideline and it was found to be specific, accurate (99.6–114.0%), and precise for intra‐ (RSD ≤ 1.8%) and interday assays (RSD ≤ 12.5%). Both drugs showed stability after 24 h at room temperature and over three freeze–thaw cycles with recoveries ≥86.2%. Low temperature (4°C) in the autosampler caused the precipitation of clofazimine and must be avoided. The validated method was successfully applied in the quantification of both drugs in nanoformulations.
Do composition and diversity of bacterial communities and abiotic conditions of spring water reflect characteristics of groundwater ecosystems exposed to different agricultural activities?
Authors: Karczewski Karsten , Göbel Patricia , Meyer Elisabeth I. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractModern agricultural practices have undeniably increased global food production. On the other hand, agricultural practices not only lead to a degradation of natural ecosystems but also affect the functioning of ecosystems and the related services they provide. Even though impacts of anthropogenic activities vary across ecosystems, freshwater ecosystems are among those affected to a higher degree. In comparison to surface water ecosystems, groundwater ecosystems are less affected by anthropogenic pollutants, as the overlaying soil retains organic and inorganic substances. However, it has become evident that the excessive use of fertilizers has led to the eutrophication of many aquifers. Bacterial communities, which significantly contribute to the cycling of matter due to their metabolic capacities, are prone to environmental perturbations, and structural variation of bacterial communities may consequently affect the functioning of groundwater ecosystems. Our present paper intends to evaluate the impact of anthropogenic activities on environmental conditions as well as on the structural properties of bacterial communities in groundwater. We repeatedly sampled emerging groundwater at five spring sites belonging to different catchments and determined the concentration of abiotic variables as well as the diversity and composition of bacterial communities on a local scale. We hypothesized that anthropogenic activities influence the concentration of abiotic variables, especially of nitrate, as well as the composition and diversity of bacterial communities in groundwater. Our results show that underground spring catchment areas only slightly differ regarding the concentration of abiotic variables as well as the structure of bacterial communities. Furthermore, abiotic variables, presumably influenced by anthropogenic activities, do not correlate with the diversity and composition of bacterial communities. Although supported only by circumstantial evidence, we suggest that upwelling groundwater from the deeper aquifer affects the diversity and composition of bacterial communities, and we argue that bacterial communities act as useful indicators for environmental changes.
Impact of interfractional motion on hypofractionated pencil beam scanning proton therapy and VMAT delivery for prostate cancer
Authors: Moteabbed Maryam , Trofimov Alexei , Khan Fazal H. , Wang Yi , Sharp Gregory C. , Zietman Anthony L. , Efstathiou Jason A. , Lu Hsiao‐Ming 
Published: July 2018

PurposeHypofractionated radiotherapy of prostate cancer is gaining clinical acceptance given its potential increase in therapeutic ratio and evidence for noninferiority and lack of added late toxicities compared to conventional fractionation. However, concerns have been raised that smaller number of fractions might lead to larger dosimetric influence by interfractional motion. We aim to compare the effect of these variations on hypofractionated pencil beam scanning (PBS) proton therapy and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for localized prostate cancer.MethodsWeekly CT images were acquired for 6 patients participating in a randomized clinical trial. PBS plans featuring bilateral (BL) and a combination of lateral and anterior‐oblique beams (AOL), and VMAT plans were created. All patients were treated to a conventional 79.2 Gy total dose in 44 fractions. For this study, hypofractionated dose to the prostate gland was 51.6 Gy in 12 fractions or 36.25 Gy in 5 fractions, and 32.8, and 23.1 Gy to proximal seminal vesicles, respectively. Patients were simulated with endorectal balloons to aid gland immobilization. Three fiducial markers were implanted for setup guidance. All plans were recomputed on the weekly CT images after aligning with the simulation CT. The entire set of 9 CT images was used for dose recalculation for 12‐fraction and only 5 used for the 5‐fraction case. Adaptive range adjustments were applied to anterior‐oblique beams assuming clinical availability of in vivo range verification. Fractional doses were summed using deformable dose accumulation to approximate the delivered dose. Biologically equivalent dose to 2 Gy(EQD2) was calculated assuming α/β of 1.5 Gy for prostate and 3 Gy for bladder and rectum.ResultsThe median delivered prostate D98 was 0.13/0.14/0.13 Gy(EQD2) smaller than planned for PBS‐BL, 0.13/0.27/0.17 Gy(EQD2) for PBS‐AOL and 0.59/0.66/0.59 Gy(EQD2) for VMAT, for 44/12/5 fractions, respectively. The largest D98 reduction was 1.5 and 3.5 Gy(EQD2) for CTV1 and CTV2, respectively. Target dose degradation was comparable for all fractionation schemes within each modality. The maximum increase in rectum D2 was 0.98 Gy(EQD2) for a 5‐fraction PBS case.ConclusionsThe robustness of PBS and VMAT were comparable for all patients for the studied fractionations. The delivered target dose generally remained within clinical tolerance and the deviations were relatively minor for both fractionation schemes. The delivered OAR dose stayed in compliance with the RTOG hypofractionation constraints for all cases.
Hunting all the hidden photons
Authors: Bauer Martin , Foldenauer Patrick , Jaeckel Joerg 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWe explore constraints on gauge bosons of a weakly coupled U(1)B−L,$$ \mathrm{U}{(1)}_{L_{\mu }-{L}_e},\kern0.5em \mathrm{U}{(1)}_{L_e-{L}_{\tau }}\kern0.5em \mathrm{and}\kern0.5em \mathrm{U}{(1)}_{L_{\mu }-{L}_{\tau }} $$U1Lμ−Le,U1Le−LτandU1Lμ−Lτ. To do so we apply the full constraining power of experimental bounds derived for a hidden photon of a secluded U(1)Xand translate them to the considered gauge groups. In contrast to the secluded hidden photon that acquires universal couplings to charged Standard Model particles through kinetic mixing with the photon, for these gauge groups the couplings to the different Standard Model particles can vary widely. We take finite, computable loop-induced kinetic mixing effects into account, which provide additional sensitivity in a range of experiments. In addition, we collect and extend limits from neutrino experiments as well as astrophysical and cosmological observations and include new constraints from white dwarf cooling. We discuss the reach of future experiments in searching for these gauge bosons.