bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D and progression of carotid intima‐media thickness in HIV‐positive Canadians
Authors: Huff H , Merchant AT , Lonn E , Pullenayegum E , Smaill F , Smieja M 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesBased on a growing body of evidence implicating low vitamin D status in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD), we hypothesized that in Canadian HIV‐positive adults, low 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration would be associated with increased subclinical vascular disease progression.MethodsWe prospectively studied the relationship between baseline 25(OH)D and subsequent progression of carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) between 2002 and 2011, in the Canadian HIV Vascular Study using stored blood specimens.ResultsOf the 128 participants, 89.1% were men, the mean age (standard deviation [SD]) was 46.5 (8.2) years, 93.8% were white, and 36.7% were current smokers. Mean (SD) annual CIMT follow‐up was 5.9 (1.8) years (maximum 8.5 years), providing approximately 750 patient‐years of follow‐up. Mean (SD) CIMT progression was 0.027 (0.030) mm/year. Mean (SD) 25(OH)D was 95.0 (46.9) nmol/L. Only 13.3% of participants were vitamin D deficient (25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L), whereas 61.7% had a 25(OH)D exceeding the sufficiency threshold (75 nmol/L). Vitamin D quartiles were inversely associated with body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.034), total cholesterol to high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ratio (P = 0.001) and parathyroid hormone concentration (P = 0.003), but not efavirenz exposure (P = 0.141). In linear regression analyses, baseline 25(OH)D as a continuous variable was inversely associated with CIMT progression in univariable (P < 0.001) and multivariable (P < 0.001) models.ConclusionsBaseline 25(OH)D was associated with CIMT progression in this relatively vitamin D replete, predominately white and male, Canadian HIV‐positive population. Future research needs to establish causality as this may warrant more targeted screening or supplementation.
Effects of ball‐milling treatment on mussel (Mytilus edulis) protein: structure, functional properties and in vitro digestibility
Authors: Yu Cuiping , Cha Yue , Wu Fan , Fan Weiwei , Xu Xianbing , Du Ming 
Published: November 2017

SummaryIn this study, the effects of ball‐milling treatment on structural properties and functional properties of mussel protein were investigated. In vitro protein digestibility and free amino acid contents were also evaluated. Ball‐milling treatment did not change the primary structure of mussel protein, but caused changes of secondary structure. The tertiary and quaternary structure also changed. After 20 min of ball‐milling treatment, the whiteness and oil‐binding capability of mussel protein significantly improved from 13.67 to 26.62 and 43.76% to 196.00%, while the protein solubility and water‐holding capability of mussel protein significantly decreased from 74.89% to 53.10% and 215.67% to 90.91%. Ball‐milling treatment increased the in vitro digestibility significantly. These results provide theoretical basis for the utilisation of mussel protein in food industry.
Modeling environmentally induced property degradation of SiC/BN/SiC ceramic matrix composites
Authors: Parthasarathy Triplicane A. , Cox Brian , Sudre Olivier , Przybyla Craig , Cinibulk Michael K. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe degradation of SiC‐based ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) in conditions typical of gas turbine engine operation proceeds via the stress rupture of fiber bundles. The degradation is accelerated when oxygen and water invade the composite through matrix microcracks and react with fiber coatings and the fibers themselves. We review micromechanical models of the main rate‐determining phenomena involved, including the diffusion of gases and reaction products through matrix microcracks, oxidation of SiC (in both matrix and fibers) leading to the loss of stiffness and strength in exposed fibers, the formation of oxide scale on SiC fiber and along matrix crack surfaces that cause the partial closure of microcracks, and the concomitant and synergistic loss of BN fiber coatings. The micromechanical models could be formulated as time‐dependent coupled differential equations in time, which must be solved dynamically, e.g., as an iterated user‐defined material element, within a finite element simulation. A paradigm is thus established for incorporating the time‐dependent evolution of local material properties according to the local environmental and stress conditions that exist within a material, in a simulation of the damage evolution of a composite component. We exemplify the calibration of typical micromechanical degradation models using thermodynamic data for the oxidation and/or volatilization of BN and SiC by oxygen and water, mechanical test data for the rate of stress rupture of SiC fibers, and kinetic data for the processes involved in gas permeation through microcracks. We discuss approaches for validating computational simulations that include the micromechanical models of environmental degradation. A special challenge is achieving validated predictions of trends with temperature, which are expected to vary in a complex manner during use.
Properties and structures of nonstoichiometric (K, Na)NbO3‐based lead‐free ceramics
Authors: Xing Jie , Tan Zhi , Xie Lixu , Jiang Laiming , Yuan Jing , Chen Qiang , Wu Jiagang , Zhang Wen , Xiao Dingquan , Zhu Jianguo 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe 0.968[(K0.48Na0.52)]Nb0.95+xSb0.05O3–0.032(Bi0.5Na0.5)ZrO3 [KNNxS–BNZ] lead‐free ceramics with nonstoichiometric niobium ion were fabricated via conventional solid‐state sintering technique and their piezoelectric, dielectric and ferroelectric properties were investigated. When x = 0.010, enhanced piezoelectric properties (d33 ≈ 421 pC/N and kp ≈ 0.47) were obtained due to the construction of rhombohendral—tetragonal phase boundary near room temperature. The KNNxS–BNZ ceramics possesses enhanced Curie temperature (Tc) with improved piezoelectric constant. A large d33 of ~421 pC/N and a high Tc ~256°C can be simultaneously induced in the ceramics with x = 0.010. Especially, good thermal stability was observed in a broad temperature range. The results indicated that our work could benefit development of KNN‐based ceramics and widen their application range.
Switching from low‐dose thiazide diuretics to sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor improves various metabolic parameters without affecting blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension
Authors: Kimura Tomohiko , Sanada Junpei , Shimoda Masashi , Hirukawa Hidenori , Fushimi Yoshiro , Nishioka Momoyo , Kinoshita Tomoe , Okauchi Seizo , Obata Atsushi , Kohara Kenji , Tatsumi Fuminori , Kamei Shinji , Nakanishi Shuhei , Mune Tomoatsu , Kaku Kohei , Kaneto Hideaki 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAims/IntroductionSodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors function to increase urinary glucose excretion and improve glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. SGLT2 inhibitors, as well as diuretics, increase urinary volume, which leads to the reduction of blood pressure. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of SGLT2 inhibitor and thiazide diuretic on blood pressure, metabolic parameters and body mass composition.Materials and MethodsA total of 31 participants were enrolled in the present study. We switched from thiazide diuretics to an SGLT2 inhibitor, ipragliflozin, in participants with type 2 diabetes and hypertension whose blood pressure was controlled with thiazide diuretics. Three months after the switch, we evaluated the effects of such switching on blood pressure, various metabolic parameters and body mass composition.ResultsThere was no significant difference in blood pressure from baseline to 3 months later. However, glycated hemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose and uric acid were significantly decreased after the switch. Body mass index and visceral fat area were also significantly reduced after the switch. Furthermore, urinary albumin excretion was also significantly decreased after the switch.ConclusionsSwitching from thiazide diuretic to an SGLT2 inhibitor, ipragliflozin, markedly improved various metabolic parameters and body mass composition without affecting blood pressure in participants with type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
Rubrioxytricha guamensis nov. spec. (Ciliophora, Spirotricha), a Novel Hypotrich Ciliate from Guam (United States), Micronesia
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Bharti Daizy , Kabir Ahmed Salahuddin , Hong Jun Seo , Shin Mann Kyoon 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe oxytrichid ciliate Rubrioxytricha guamensis nov. spec. isolated from water samples collected from a small freshwater pond near the Hagåtña River in Hagåtña, Guam (United States territory), Micronesia, was investigated, using live observation and protargol impregnation. The morphology, ontogenesis, and molecular phylogeny inferred from the small‐subunit rRNA gene sequences were studied. The new species is mainly characterized by a cell size of about 100 × 35 μm in vivo, two elongate ellipsoidal macronuclear nodules and two micronuclei, a single contractile vacuole, a colorless cytoplasm, yellowish cortical granules, arranged in short rows and in small groups, an adoral zone occupying about 34% of body length and comprising 27 membranelles on average, about 27 cirri each in the right and left marginal rows, 18 frontoventral transverse cirri, four dorsal kineties including one dorsomarginal row, and one or two caudal cirri at the posterior end of dorsal kinety 3. The ontogenesis of the new species is similar to that of Rubrioxytricha indica Naqvi et al., 2006. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rRNA gene sequences consistently place the new species within the family Oxytrichidae Ehrenberg, 1838, where it clustered with other Rubrioxytricha species, viz., R. tsinlingensis, R. ferruginea, and R. haematoplasma.
The combined and individual impact of diabetes and smoking on key subgingival periodontal pathogens in patients with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Joaquim C. R. , Miranda T. S. , Marins L. M. , Silva H. D. P. , Feres M. , Figueiredo L. C. , Duarte P. M. 
Published: November 2017

Background and ObjectiveComprehension of the similarities and differences in the composition of the subgingival microbiota of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), smokers or smokers with DM is an important step in developing therapies specific for these groups at risk for periodontitis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the combined and individual effects of DM and smoking on the levels and prevalence of key subgingival periodontal pathogens in patients with chronic periodontitis.Material and MethodsOne hundred patients with generalized chronic periodontitis were allocated into one of the following groups: DM (n = 25, non‐smokers with type 2 DM); S (n = 25, non‐diabetic smokers); SDM (n = 25, smokers with type 2 DM); and control (n = 25, non‐diabetic non‐smokers). Two subgingival biofilm samples from healthy sites (probing depth and clinical attachment level ≤3 mm and no bleeding) and 2 from diseased sites (probing depth and clinical attachment level ≥5 mm and bleeding on probing) were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction for Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, Eubacterium nodatum, Parvimonas micra, Fusobacterium nucleatum ssp. and Prevotella intermedia.ResultsThere were no differences among groups in the mean counts of the bacterial species studied, considering all sampled sites (healthy plus diseased sites). There were also no differences among groups regarding the prevalence of any bacteria species in healthy and diseased sites (P > .05). The mean P. micra count was significantly higher in the healthy sites of both smoking groups, than in those of the control group (P < .05).ConclusionThe subgingival levels and prevalence of the bacterial species studied are not significantly different in subjects with chronic periodontitis presenting DM, smokers or smokers with DM. In addition, DM and smoking, jointly and individually, do not considerably affect the subgingival levels of target periodontal pathogens in patients with chronic periodontitis.
Trans Feminism: Recent Philosophical Developments
Authors: Bettcher Talia Mae 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis article introduces trans feminism as an intersectional analysis of sexist and transphobic forms of oppressions as well as current and historical feminist and trans conflicts over the inclusion of trans women. The first half examines recent feminist philosophical efforts to provide an analysis of the concept woman that is inclusive of trans women. The second examines recent responses to trans‐exclusive feminist positions. The article concludes with an assessment of the current state of trans feminist philosophy and outlines challenges for the future.
Outer membrane efflux protein (OMEP) is a suitable molecular marker for resolving the phylogeny and taxonomic status of closely related cyanobacteria
Authors: Moten Dzhemal , Batsalova Tsvetelina , Basheva Diyana , Mladenov Rumen , Dzhambazov Balik , Teneva Ivanka 
Published: November 2017

SUMMARYTaxonomy of Cyanobacteria, the oldest phototrophic prokaryotes, is problematic for many years due to their simple morphology, high variability and adaptability to diverse ecological niches. After introduction of the polyphasic approach, which is based on the combination of several criteria (molecular sequencing, morphological and ecological), the whole classification system of these organisms is subject to reorganization. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the outer membrane efflux protein (OMEP) sequences can be used as a molecular marker for resolving the phylogeny and taxonomic status of closely related cyanobacteria. We have performed phylogenetic analyses based on the amino acid sequences of the OMEP and the DNA sequences of the 16S rRNA gene from 86 cyanobacterial species/strains with completely sequenced genomes. Phylogenetic trees based on the OMEP showed that most of the cyanobacterial species/strains belonging to different genera are clustered in separate clades supported by high bootstrap values. Comparing the OMEP trees with the 16S rDNA tree clearly showed that the OMEP is more suitable marker in resolving phylogenetic relationships within Cyanobacteria at generic and species level.
Influenza and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipient: Coinfection or superinfection?
Authors: Burke Jacob , Soubani Ayman O. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractInfluenza infection and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients are well characterized; however, no dual infections have been reported in this patient population and little evidence of mechanisms of interaction between the two infections exists. We present a 53‐year‐old male allogeneic HSCT patient on immunosuppressive therapy for the treatment of graft versus host disease initially diagnosed with influenza A H3 and later PJP. Despite the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome, the patient was successfully treated with appropriate antimicrobial therapy and aggressive supportive care. This case demonstrates the necessity of maintaining a high index of suspicion for fungal (including PJP) coinfection or superinfection in the setting of worsening influenza infection.
Scedosporium apiospermum infection of the urinary system with a review of treatment options and cases in the literature
Authors: Benamu Esther , Yu Alexander Tin‐Han , Xie Lijia , Fernandez‐Pol Sebastian , Liu Anne Y. , Ho Dora Y. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractInfection with Scedosporium species is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality and is becoming increasingly common, especially in immunocompromised patients. We describe the presentation and successful management of an immunocompromised patient with Scedosporium apiospermum infection of the upper urinary tract system, a rare disease manifestation. The current literature on urinary tract scedosporiosis is further reviewed with emphasis on treatment options and limitations of current antifungal therapy.
Magnetic resonance imaging features of canine gliomatosis cerebri
Authors: Schweizer‐Gorgas Daniela , Henke Diana , Oevermann Anna , Lang Johann , Vandevelde Marc , Steffen Frank 
Published: November 2017

AbstractA retrospective, case series study was undertaken to identify magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of gliomatosis cerebri in dogs. Fourteen dogs were included by review of histopathological records and contemporaneous MRI. On MRI, all lesions presented as ill‐defined, intraaxial lesions within the left and right forebrain hemispheres with involvement of white and gray matter. Lesions presented as hyperintense areas on T2‐weighted and FLAIR sequences and as hypointense or isointense areas on T1‐weighted images, with mild parenchymal contrast enhancement in three dogs. Signal changes were noted in three to 10 cerebral lobes. Other most commonly affected structures were the thalamus (13), caudate nucleus (13), interthalamic adhesion (11), hypothalamus (11), callosal commissure (10), hippocampus (9), and quadrigeminal plate (8). Abnormalities within the caudal fossa were noted in 10 dogs. Solid tumor portions were identified in five dogs. The histopathological examination demonstrated in all dogs a widespread diffuse infiltration with neoplastic glial cells in white and gray matter with meningeal infiltration. Comparison between MRI and histopathology showed that all areas with signal changes on MRI corresponded to diffuse and dense infiltration with neoplastic cells. The signal intensity on T2‐weighted and FLAIR images reflected the density of neoplastic cells. In all dogs, MRI underestimated lesion extent and meningeal infiltration. Involvement of the caudal fossa was not seen on MRI in three dogs. Despite this, MRI allowed identification of lesions extending into at least three cerebral lobes and therefore satisfying the criteria used for diagnosis of diffuse glioma with gliomatosis cerebri growth pattern in humans.
Studies of cortical connectivity using optical circuit mapping methods
Authors: Anastasiades Paul G. , Marques‐Smith Andre , Butt Simon J. B. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAn important consideration when probing the function of any neuron is to uncover the source of synaptic input onto the cell, its intrinsic physiology and efferent targets. Over the years, electrophysiological approaches have generated considerable insight into these properties in a variety of cortical neuronal subtypes and circuits. However, as researchers explore neuronal function in greater detail, they are increasingly turning to optical techniques to bridge the gap between local network interactions and behaviour. The application of optical methods has increased dramatically over the past decade, spurred on by the optogenetic revolution. In this review, we provide an account of recent innovations, providing researchers with a primer detailing circuit mapping strategies in the cerebral cortex. We will focus on technical aspects of performing neurotransmitter uncaging and channelrhodopsin‐assisted circuit mapping, with the aim of identifying common pitfalls that can negatively influence the collection of reliable data.
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Histopathological Nature of Myofascial Trigger Points at Different Stages of Recovery from Injury in a Rat Model
Authors: Zhang Hui , Lü Jiao-Jiao , Huang Qiang-Min , Liu Lin , Liu Qing-Guang , Eric Opoku-Antwi 
Published: November 2017

Objective To investigate the histopathological nature of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) or spots (MTrSs) at different stages of recovery from injury in a rat model. Methods Forty Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (CG) and experimental group (EG). The CG was further randomly subdivided into CG1 and CG2 subgroups. The CG2 was used for palpating the taut band and CG1 as a blank. EG was subdivided into three groups according to recovery times: 4 weeks (4W), 8 weeks (8W) and 12 weeks (12W); these groups consisted of eight rats each. All CG rats received no intervention, whereas the intervention in EG rats was by a blunt strike to the vastus medialis and eccentric exercise for 8 weeks. The taut bands with spontaneous electrical activity were then detected in the muscle to guide a muscle biopsy. The histopathological findings were investigated under optical and electron microscopes in all groups. Results Under optical microscopy, the differently augmented sizes of round fibres (contracture knots) with deep staining in the transverse section and fusiform shapes in a longitudinal view were clearly seen in CG2 and EGs with a large diameter; the number of contracture knots was significantly more in EGs than in CGs. Under an electron microscope, the mitochondria in EGs significantly decreased with abnormal structures. The sarcomeres were significantly shortened in the 8W and 12W EGs. Conclusion An injury can cause activation of MTrSs in a muscle and an activated level of MTrPs depending on the number of contracture knots in muscle with impaired energy production.
SRSF6-regulated alternative splicing that promotes tumour progression offers a therapy target for colorectal cancer
Authors: Wan Ledong , Yu Wenying , Shen Enhui , Sun Wenjie , Liu Yuan , Kong Jianlu , Wu Yihua , Han Fengyan , Zhang Lei , Yu Tianze , Zhou Yuwei , Xie Sunzhe , Xu Enping , Zhang Honghe , Lai Maode 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveTo investigate the molecular function of splicing factor SRSF6 in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression and discover candidate chemicals for cancer therapy through targeting SRSF6.DesignWe performed comprehensive analysis for the expression of SRSF6 in 311 CRC samples, The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Functional analysis of SRSF6 in CRC was performed in vitro and in vivo. SRSF6-regulated alternative splicing (AS) and its binding motif were identified by next-generation RNA-sequencing and RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (RIP-seq), which was validated by gel shift and minigene reporter assay. ZO-1 exon23 AS was investigated to mediate the function of SRSF6 in vitro and in vivo. Based on the analysis of domain-specific role, SRSF6-targeted inhibitor was discovered de novoby virtual screening in 4855 FDA-approved drugs and its antitumour effects were evaluated in vitroand in vivo.ResultsSRSF6 was frequently upregulated in CRC samples and associated with poor prognosis, which promoted proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. We identified SRSF6-regulated AS targets and discovered the SRSF6 binding motif. Particularly, SRSF6 regulates ZO-1 aberrant splicing to function as an oncogene by binding directly to its motif in the exon23. Based on the result that SRSF6 RRM2 domain plays key roles in regulating AS and biological function, indacaterol, a β2-adrenergic receptor agonist approved for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment, is identified as the inhibitor of SRSF6 to suppress CRC tumourigenicity.ConclusionsSRSF6 functions the important roles in mediating CRC progression through regulating AS, and indacaterol is repositioned as an antitumour drug through targeting SRSF6.Accession numbersThe accession numbers for sequencing data are SRP111763 and SRP111797.