bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical stability of moisture‐sensitive tablets stored in a canister or as a unit‐dose
Authors: Bjerknes Kathrin , Helmizadeh Zahra , Brustugun Jørgen , Smistad Gro 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundKnowledge about the long‐term stability of tablets outside the original container, e.g. as unit‐doses, is limited. This leaves the pharmacist with the dilemma of seeking improved patient safety by use of unit‐doses on one side, versus the lack of knowledge about the stability of the repackaged drug on the other.AimTo screen the physical stability of moisture‐sensitive repackaged tablets to identify those with the need for further chemical stability testing.MethodThe physical stability of commercially available tablets (16 products) was investigated after 6 months of storage at ambient conditions in canisters for unit‐dose production and after 3 months of storage as unit‐doses in a climate chamber at 25°C/60% relative humidity (RH). Changes in appearance, colour and mass were investigated in addition to changes in disintegration time, friability and resistance to crushing.ResultsThe appearance and results of the physical tests for all products were acceptable and within the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia, except for sodium valproate enteric‐coated tablets (Orfiril). These tablets were significantly altered after 3 months of storage as unit‐doses at 25°C/60% RH. However, when stored at ambient conditions the tablets complied with the tests.ConclusionsThe current study was a screening study limited to the investigation of the physical stability of a selection of moisture‐sensitive repackaged tablets. However, although the physical stability is acceptable, the chemical stability and dissolution rate may be altered. The physical tests outlined are simple but could be suitable for selecting candidates for further chemical stability testing.
Discrimination between oral cancer and healthy cells based on the adenine signature detected by using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Dai Wei‐Yun , Lee Szetsen , Hsu Yih‐Chih 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWe report the detection of oral cancer cells using Raman spectroscopy as a noninvasive diagnostic tool. Gold nanoparticles, synthesized by using sodium citrate as a reducing agent, were used as surface‐enhanced Raman scattering substrates to detect human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines (SAS and SCC4) with fibroblasts cell lines as the control. We have observed the characteristic Raman signal of adenine at 735 cm−1, which indicates the oral cancer from nucleic acid. The result showed that there were significant differences (p < .05) between oral cancer cell and normal fibroblast cell lines. To prove that adenine is a robust biomarker for cancer cells, we have also compared the Raman spectra of esophageal cancer (CE48T and CE81T) and normal (Het‐1A) cells. Significant differences (p < .05) were also observed between esophageal cancer and normal cells. The detection of adenine Raman signal from cell lines has been proven to be potential to establish a highly distinguishable Raman diagnostic method for cancer detection.
Phenolic and physicochemical stability of a functional beverage powder mixture during storage: effect of the microencapsulant inulin and food ingredients
Authors: de Beer Dalene , Pauck Claire E , Aucamp Marique , Liebenberg Wilna , Stieger Nicole , van der Rijst Marieta , Joubert Elizabeth 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThe need for a convenience herbal iced tea product with reduced kilojoules merited investigation of the shelf‐life of powder mixtures containing a green Cyclopia subternata Vogel (honeybush) extract with proven blood glucose‐lowering activity and alternative sweetener mixture.RESULTSPrior to long‐term storage testing, the wettability of powder mixtures containing food ingredients and the compatibility of their components were confirmed using the static sessile drop method and isothermal microcalorimetry, respectively. The powders packed in semi‐sealed containers remained stable during storage at 25 °C/60% relative humidity (RH) for 6 months, except for small losses of specific phenolic compounds, namely mangiferin, isomangiferin, 3‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyliriflophenone, vicenin‐2 and 3′,5′‐di‐β‐d‐glucopyranosylphloretin, especially when both citric acid and ascorbic acid were present. These acids drastically increased the degradation of phenolic compounds under accelerated storage conditions (40 °C/75% RH). Accelerated storage also caused changes in the appearance of powders and the colour of the reconstituted beverage solutions. Increased moisture content and aw of the powders, as well as moisture released due to dehydration of citric acid monohydrate, contributed to these changes.CONCLUSIONA low‐kilojoule honeybush iced tea powder mixture will retain its functional phenolic compounds and physicochemical properties during shelf‐life storage at 25 °C for 6 months. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Exposure to Trauma and Mental Health Service Engagement Among Adults Who Were Children of the Northern Ireland Troubles of 1968 to 1998
Authors: Ferry Finola , Ennis Edel , Bunting Brendan , Murphy Samuel , Bolton David , O'Neill Siobhan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractNorthern Ireland is an appropriate region to examine the impact of traumatic experiences, owing to the many years of civil violence that have characterized its recent history, known colloquially as the “Troubles.” Given the prominence of traumatic experiences among the aging population of Northern Ireland (NI), an evidence base is required to inform the planning and provision of effective mental health and other services. We analyzed the follow‐up interviews (n = 225) of individuals from the Northern Ireland Study of Health and Stress (NISHS), aged 45 years and older, who experienced one or more conflict‐related traumatic events. This study demonstrated that in NI traumatic events, such as being involved in an explosion, seeing someone killed or seriously injured, and living in a region of terror were most likely to be related to the Troubles. However, event types that we had not previously known to be related to conflict (such as the sudden death of a loved one), were also often related to the Troubles. Two‐thirds of participants (67.1%) reported exposure to a Troubles‐related event, and 57.8% reported being a civilian in a region of terror. The vast majority (85.9%) of participants who experienced a Troubles‐related trauma never sought help, despite 59.1% meeting the criteria for a lifetime mental disorder. The reasons for not seeking help and sources of help are outlined. Policy makers must address Troubles‐related mental health effects, in terms of how they carry forward into aging, and consider ways of improving engagement with services and treatments.
Rating Scales for Motor Symptoms and Signs in Huntington's Disease: Critique and Recommendations
Authors: Mestre Tiago A. , Forjaz Maria João , Mahlknecht Philipp , Cardoso Francisco , Ferreira Joaquim J. , Reilmann Ralf , Sampaio Cristina , Goetz Christopher G. , Cubo Esther , Martinez‐Martin Pablo , Stebbins Glenn T. ,   the Members of the Movement Disorder Society Committee on Rating Scales Development
Published: November 2017

AbstractMotor symptoms are a major feature of Huntington's disease (HD). The International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS) commissioned the assessment of the clinimetric properties of motor rating scales in HD to make recommendations regarding their use, following previously established standardized criteria. After a systematic literature search, a total of 6 rating scales assessing motor symptoms and signs in HD were included for review. Performance testing (reviewed elsewhere) and quantitative motor rating methods were excluded. Only the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale‐Total Motor Score (UHDRS‐TMS) was classified as “recommended” for assessing the severity of motor signs in HD. The following scales were classified as “suggested”: Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale, the UHDRS‐TMS4, the Quantified Neurological Examination, and the Marsden and Quinn Chorea Severity Scale. The committee also concluded that further assessment of existing rating scales, including the UHDRS‐TMS, is necessary to determine sensitivity to change and to screening for the presence of motor signs specific to HD. There is also a need to develop a motor rating scale to be used in positive gene carriers with subtle but not definite motor signs.
Hyperoxia induces paracellular leak and alters claudin expression by neonatal alveolar epithelial cells
Authors: Vyas‐Read Shilpa , Vance Rachel J. , Wang Wenyi , Colvocoresses‐Dodds Jennifer , Brown Lou Ann , Koval Michael 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundPremature neonates frequently require oxygen supplementation as a therapeutic intervention that, while necessary, also exposes the lung to significant oxidant stress. We hypothesized that hyperoxia has a deleterious effect on alveolar epithelial barrier function rendering the neonatal lung susceptible to injury and/or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).Materials and MethodsWe examined the effects of exposure to 85% oxygen on neonatal rat alveolar barrier function in vitro and in vivo. Whole lung was measured using wet‐to‐dry weight ratios and bronchoalveolar lavage protein content and cultured primary neonatal alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) were measured using transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and paracellular flux measurements. Expression of claudin‐family tight junction proteins, E‐cadherin and the Snail transcription factor SNAI1 were measured by Q‐PCR, immunoblot and confocal immunofluorescence microscopy.ResultsCultured neonatal AECs exposed to 85% oxygen showed impaired barrier function. This oxygen‐induced increase in paracellular leak was associated with altered claudin expression, where claudin‐3 and ‐18 were downregulated at both the mRNA and protein level. Claudin‐4 and ‐5 mRNA were also decreased, although protein expression of these claudins was largely maintained. Lung alveolarization and barrier function in vivo were impaired in response to hyperoxia. Oxygen exposure also significantly decreased E‐cadherin expression and induced expression of the SNAI1 transcription factor in vivo and in vitro.ConclusionsThese data support a model in which hyperoxia has a direct impact on alveolar tight and adherens junctions to impair barrier function. Strategies to antagonize the effects of high oxygen on alveolar junctions may potentially reverse this deleterious effect.
Homology‐based hydrogen bond information improves crystallographic structures in the PDB
Authors: van Beusekom Bart , Touw Wouter G. , Tatineni Mahidhar , Somani Sandeep , Rajagopal Gunaretnam , Luo Jinquan , Gilliland Gary L. , Perrakis Anastassis , Joosten Robbie P. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe Protein Data Bank (PDB) is the global archive for structural information on macromolecules, and a popular resource for researchers, teachers, and students, amassing more than one million unique users each year. Crystallographic structure models in the PDB (more than 100,000 entries) are optimized against the crystal diffraction data and geometrical restraints. This process of crystallographic refinement typically ignored hydrogen bond (H‐bond) distances as a source of information. However, H‐bond restraints can improve structures at low resolution where diffraction data are limited. To improve low‐resolution structure refinement, we present methods for deriving H‐bond information either globally from well‐refined high‐resolution structures from the PDB‐REDO databank, or specifically from on‐the‐fly constructed sets of homologous high‐resolution structures. Refinement incorporating HOmology DErived Restraints (HODER), improves geometrical quality and the fit to the diffraction data for many low‐resolution structures. To make these improvements readily available to the general public, we applied our new algorithms to all crystallographic structures in the PDB: using massively parallel computing, we constructed a new instance of the PDB‐REDO databank (https://pdb-redo.eu). This resource is useful for researchers to gain insight on individual structures, on specific protein families (as we demonstrate with examples), and on general features of protein structure using data mining approaches on a uniformly treated dataset.
Effects of nutraceuticals on sexual satisfaction and lower urinary tract symptoms in a cohort of young–old men
Authors: Perri Anna , Ilacqua Alessandro , Valenti Marina , Aversa Antonio 
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of nutraceuticals containing multiple supplemental facts (Virherbe®/Rekupros®) on sexual satisfaction and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in young–old men. In an open‐label trial, 40 males (mean age 66 ± 13) with sexual disturbances and mild LUTS but without cognitive/motor impairment and clinical hypogonadism were enrolled. Sexual desire (SD; IIEF‐SD domain) and satisfaction (Global Assessment Question; GAQ), the capacity to perform daily activities (evaluated by 6‐min walking test [6MWT]), and International Prostate Symptoms Scores (IPSS) were evaluated before and after oral administration of 2 capsules/day of each supplement for 8 weeks. The difference from baseline for SD was +2.6 (p < .05) and −4.2 points for IPSS (p < .05), with significance in subscales of urinary streaming/nocturia (p < .01), respectively; 6MWT increased from 507 ± 44 versus 527 ± 58 meters (p < .001). GAQ scale‐responses showed overall improvement in overall 75% population, with a significant improvement in QoL (p < .01). These changes returned to baseline at 1‐month withdrawal follow‐up. No adverse events were reported. These supplemental facts improved sexual desire, satisfaction with sex life, physical performance, and LUTS in young–old men, suggesting that they may be effective in patients in whom standard treatments are not suitable.
Ethanol Iris tenuifolia extract reduces brain damage in a mouse model of cerebral ischaemia
Authors: Jalsrai Aldarmaa , Reinhold Annegret , Becker Axel 
Published: November 2017

In the previous experiments, the neuroprotective role of Iris tenuifolia Pall. (IT) in the model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was investigated. In addition, the concentrations of the cytokines tumour necrosis factor‐alpha and interleukin‐6 in blood plasma were measured. It was found that IT administered 1 hr prior to MCAO or immediately after MCAO reduced infarct volume significantly. IT application 1 and 4 hr after MCAO, respectively, was without any effect on infarct volume. There were no significant changes as regards tumour necrosis factor‐alpha, whereas interleukin‐6 concentrations were increased in blood plasma. This is the first evidence that flavonoids from Iris tenuifolia exert protective effects in the in vivo MCAO model. Our results suggest that these flavonoids are likely to be beneficial to humans by virtue of their ability to reduce infarct volume.
Curcumin mediated down‐regulation of αVβ3 integrin and up‐regulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) in Erlotinib resistant SW480 colon cancer cells
Authors: Javadi Samira , Rostamizadeh Kobra , Hejazi Jalal , Parsa Maliheh , Fathi Mojtaba 
Published: November 2017

Erlotinib is a potent, selective, and orally active inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor, but the development of erlotinib resistance during chemotherapy can lead to treatment failure. To shed light on the erlotinib‐resistant pathway, this study investigated the effect of combination therapy using curcumin‐ and erlotinib‐loaded nanoparticles on the expression of αvβ3 integrin and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) in an erlotinib‐resistant SW480 colon cancer cell line. An erlotinib‐resistant SW480 colon cancer cell line was produced by long‐term exposure to erlotinib. Curcumin‐loaded Methoxy poly ethylene glycol Poly caprolactone (cur/mPEG‐PCL) and erlotinib‐loaded mPEG‐PCL (erl/mPEG‐PCL) micelles were provided using a single step nanoprecipitation method and used as combination therapy of resistant SW480 cancer cells. After that, gene expression levels of PDK4, αv, and β3 mRNA were determined by the semiquantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Protein levels of whole αvβ3 integrin were evaluated using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method. In SW480 cell line, the IC50 of nonresistant and resistant cells was 87.6 ± 1.2 nM and 19.1 ± 0.14 μM, for erlotinib and it was about 21.8 and 30 μM for curcumin, respectively. Although PDK4 expression was not significantly different in resistant and nonresistant cells, its expression was up regulated (1.4 fold) in resistant cells by a combination therapy of cur/mPEG‐PCL at a dose of 3 μM and erl/mPEG‐PCL at a dose of 5 μM. β3 mRNA and the protein level of whole αvβ3 integrin was significantly higher in resistant SW480 cells as compared with those in nonresistant cells. In terms of treatment, a combination of 6‐μM cur/mPEG‐PCL and 5‐μM erl/mPEG‐PCL down regulated β3 gene expression 6.6‐fold in resistant cells as compared with nonresistant cells. At the protein level, a combination of 3‐μM‐cur/mPEG‐PCL and 10‐μM erl/mPEG‐PCL reduced αvβ3 protein in resistant cells. The results indicated that combination therapy using cur/mPEG‐PCL and erl/mPEG‐PCL could decrease αvβ3 integrin expression and increase PDK4 gene expression in resistant colon cancer cells, which may have effects on drug resistance signaling pathways.
Antibacterial and physicochemical properties of co‐sputtered CuSn thin films
Authors: Kang Yujin , Park Juyun , Kim Dong‐Woo , Kim Hakjun , Kang Yong‐Cheol 
Published: November 2017

Copper‐tin thin films (CT TFs) were deposited on p‐type Si(100) by radio frequency (RF) magnetron co‐sputtering method. The atomic ratio of Cu and Sn showed complementary tendency with various RF powers on metal targets. Antibacterial test was conducted with Gram‐negative Escherichia coli. The ratio of Cu and Sn ions and the contact time with E. coli affected the antibacterial efficiency. Increasing the ratio of Cu ions and contact time showed higher antibacterial activity. Cu20Sn6 called as bronze structure, metallic Cu, and copper oxide phases were identified from X‐ray diffraction data after sterilization. The lattice strain that was changed due to the substitution of Cu and Sn was also calculated. The surface morphology of CT TFs was entirely grown to round shape when the dominant element was Sn. But, as the content of Cu increased, the surface morphology was changed from ball shape to sharp column shape. When fixed contact time, the intensities of Cu 2p increased but the intensities of Sn 3d decreased as increasing the atomic ratio of Cu. The oxidation of Cu was more sharply progressed as the RF power on Cu target increased. When fixed CT TFs, the intensities of Cu 2p were consistent but the intensities of Sn 3d3/2 decreased as increasing contact time between CT TF and E. coli.
Flexible Metal–Air Batteries: Progress, Challenges, and Perspectives
Authors: Liu Qingchao , Chang Zhiwen , Li Zhongjun , Zhang Xinbo 
Published: November 2017

AbstractFlexible metal–air batteries, which are a promising candidate for implantation in wearable or rolling‐up electronic devices, have attracted much attention recently due to their relatively high energy density. Various flexible metal–air batteries have been developed recently, including flexible nonaqueous lithium–air batteries, aqueous zinc–air batteries, and aqueous aluminum–air batteries. Although various viable configurations of flexible metal–air batteries have been proposed, challenges regarding electrode design, electrolyte exploitation, and low practical energy density, still exist. Here, a brief introduction is presented as to the recent development of flexible metal–air batteries, regarding the electrodes, electrolyte, and prototype devices. Also, a general perspective on the current challenges and recommended future research directions for the practical use of metal–air batteries is provided.
Recent Progress in Black‐Phosphorus‐Based Heterostructures for Device Applications
Authors: Yang Zhibin , Hao Jianhua 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe rise of 2D layered materials has inspired luxuriant research interests in the development of novel nanodevices. Thanks to van der Waals interlayer forces and being free of dangling surface bonds, 2D materials are favorable for constructing vertical heterostructures by combining materials with different features. In recent years, ultrathin black phosphorus (BP) has been rediscovered as a new member of the 2D family and is attracting significant research attention due to its outstanding electronic properties and tunable bandgaps, which offers a new avenue for the creation of novel 2D heterostructures. Here, the recent development of heterostructured architectures based on 2D BP nanosheets is summarized with an emphasis on device characterizations. Stacks of phosphorene with graphene, semiconductors, or insulators are reviewed, along with methods to characterize the corresponding proof‐of‐concept devices, as well as potential opportunities for applications in the 2D limit, including transistors, optoelectronic devices, and sensors, with unprecedented functionalities. Finally, the challenges ahead of BP heterostructures are discussed and some future outlooks are suggested.
Attaching transmitters to waterbirds using one versus two subcutaneous anchors: Retention and survival trade‐offs
Authors: Lewis Tyler L. , Esler Daniel , Uher‐Koch Brian D. , Dickson Rian D. , Anderson Eric M. , Evenson Joseph R. , Hupp Jerry W. , Flint Paul L. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTA major challenge of wildlife telemetry is choosing an attachment technique that maximizes transmitter retention while minimizing negative side effects. For waterbirds, attachment of transmitters with subcutaneous anchors has been an effective and well‐established technique, having been used on >40 species. This method was recently modified to include a second subcutaneous anchor, presumably increasing transmitter retention beyond that of single‐anchor attachments. This putative benefit may be offset, however, by increased health risks related to additional incisions and subcutaneous protrusions. To test this potential trade‐off, we attached radiotransmitters to molting and wintering surf (Melanitta perspicillata) and white‐winged scoters (M. fusca) during 2008 and 2009 in Washington State and southeast Alaska, USA, using single‐ (121 scoters) and double‐anchor (128 scoters) attachment techniques. We estimated daily probabilities of survival and radio retention for each group, this being apparent retention for wintering scoters because we could not differentiate shed transmitters from flighted emigration. For scoters during the flightless remigial molt, we found that addition of a second anchor increased cumulative retention probability (±SE) over a 49‐day period from 0.69 ± 0.11 for single‐anchor to 0.88 ± 0.07 for double‐anchor attachments, while having no effect on survival. However, during winter, scoters with double‐anchor attachments experienced no improvement in apparent retention, while having significantly lower survival during their first 14 days following transmitter attachment; of 15 mortalities during this period, 11 had 2 subcutaneous anchors. From day 15 onward, winter survival rates were nearly identical for single‐ versus double‐anchor attachments, indicating that adverse effects of subcutaneous anchors were mainly limited to the 14‐day postattachment period. Overall, given that the survival cost of adding a second subcutaneous anchor was substantial for wintering scoters—decreasing 14‐day survival by 12% for adults and 23% for juveniles—we recommend that researchers opt for single‐anchor attachments under most circumstances, especially during winter when birds may be energetically challenged. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.