bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Severity of experimental traumatic brain injury modulates changes in concentrations of cerebral free amino acids
Authors: Amorini Angela Maria , Lazzarino Giacomo , Di Pietro Valentina , Signoretti Stefano , Lazzarino Giuseppe , Belli Antonio , Tavazzi Barbara 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIn this study, concentrations of free amino acids (FAA) and amino group containing compounds (AGCC) following graded diffuse traumatic brain injury (mild TBI, mTBI; severe TBI, sTBI) were evaluated. After 6, 12, 24, 48 and 120 hr aspartate (Asp), glutamate (Glu), asparagine (Asn), serine (Ser), glutamine (Gln), histidine (His), glycine (Gly), threonine (Thr), citrulline (Cit), arginine (Arg), alanine (Ala), taurine (Tau), γ‐aminobutyrate (GABA), tyrosine (Tyr), S‐adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), l‐cystathionine (l‐Cystat), valine (Val), methionine (Met), tryptophane (Trp), phenylalanine (Phe), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), ornithine (Orn), lysine (Lys), plus N‐acetylaspartate (NAA) were determined in whole brain extracts (n = 6 rats at each time for both TBI levels). Sham‐operated animals (n = 6) were used as controls. Results demonstrated that mTBI caused modest, transient changes in NAA, Asp, GABA, Gly, Arg. Following sTBI, animals showed profound, long‐lasting modifications of Glu, Gln, NAA, Asp, GABA, Ser, Gly, Ala, Arg, Citr, Tau, Met, SAH, l‐Cystat, Tyr and Phe. Increase in Glu and Gln, depletion of NAA and Asp increase, suggested a link between NAA hydrolysis and excitotoxicity after sTBI. Additionally, sTBI rats showed net imbalances of the Glu‐Gln/GABA cycle between neurons and astrocytes, and of the methyl‐cycle (demonstrated by decrease in Met, and increase in SAH and l‐Cystat), throughout the post‐injury period. Besides evidencing new potential targets for novel pharmacological treatments, these results suggest that the force acting on the brain tissue at the time of the impact is the main determinant of the reactions ignited and involving amino acid metabolism.
Distinct interferon‐gamma and interleukin‐9 expression in cutaneous and oral lichen planus
Authors: Weber B. , Schlapbach C. , Stuck M. , Simon H.‐U. , Borradori L. , Beltraminelli H. , Simon D. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundCutaneous (CLP) and oral lichen planus (OLP) as the main subtypes of lichen planus (LP) present with different clinical manifestation and disease course, although their histopathologic features such as the band‐like lymphocyte infiltrate and keratinocyte apoptosis are similar. So far, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to characterize and compare the in situ cellular infiltrates, cytokine expression profiles and apoptosis markers in CLP and OLP.MethodsUsing immunofluorescence staining and laser scanning microscopy, we evaluated the cellular infiltrate (CD1a, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD21, CD57, CD123), cytokine expression (interleukin (IL)‐1, IL‐6, IL‐9, IL‐10, IL‐17, IL‐22, IL‐23, tumour necrosis factor‐α, transforming growth factor‐β, interferon (IFN)‐γ), and apoptosis markers (Fas, Fas ligand, cleaved caspase‐3, TUNEL) of 21 anonymized biopsy specimens of LP (11 CLP, 10 OLP).ResultsAmong infiltrating cells mainly T cells and natural killer (NK) cells as well as plasmacytoid dendritic cells (DC) were observed. A predominance of CD8+ T cells was noted in OLP. In both CLP and OLP, T helper (Th)1, Th9, Th17, and Th22‐type cytokines were expressed. The expression of IL‐9, IFN‐γ and IL‐22 was higher in CLP compared to that of OLP (P = 0.0165; P = 0.0016; P = 0.052 respectively). Expression of Fas and Fas ligand as well as cleaved caspase‐3‐positive cells was observed in the epithelium of all LP samples.ConclusionsThe cell and cytokine patterns of CLP and OLP were partially distinct and generally resembled those reported for autoimmune diseases. The presence of CD8+ and NK cells as well as Fas/Fas ligand expression suggested that various pathways involved in keratinocyte apoptosis are relevant for LP. These results might help to establish targeted therapies for LP.
Effects of a progressive muscle relaxation intervention on dementia symptoms, activities of daily living, and immune function in group home residents with dementia in Japan
Authors: Ikemata Shiho , Momose Yumiko 
Published: October 2016

AimTo evaluate the effects of progressive muscle relaxation on the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, activities of daily living, and immune function of elderly patients with dementia in group homes.MethodsThe participants were ranked by their group home unit. Odd ranks were assigned to the intervention group and even ranks to the control group. The intervention group participated in progressive muscle relaxation for 15 min each day for 90 days in the group environment; the control group members continued with their normal routine. All the participants’ secretory immunoglobulin A was measured and they were assessed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory‐Nursing Home version, Nishimura Mental State Scale for the Elderly, and Nishimura Activities of Daily Living Scale.ResultsThe intervention group comprised 18 participants from six units and the control group comprised 19 participants from five units. After the intervention, the Neuropsychiatric Inventory scores were significantly better in the intervention group, particularly for Agitation and Anxiety. The intervention group also showed significantly lower Apathy and Irritability scores and significant improvement in the Interest, Volition, and Social relationships scores on the Mental State Scale, with improvement in the activities of daily living total. However, there was no difference in the secretory immunoglobulin A level between the groups.ConclusionThe results suggest that progressive muscle relaxation improves the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia and activities of daily living in group home residents with dementia, but does not affect their immune function.
Reaction softening by dissolution–precipitation creep in a retrograde greenschist facies ductile shear zone, New Hampshire, USA
Authors: McAleer R. J. , Bish D. L. , Kunk M. J. , Sicard K. R. , Valley P. M. , Walsh G. J. , Wathen B. A. , Wintsch R. P. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWe describe strain localization by a mixed process of reaction and microstructural softening in a lower greenschist facies ductile fault zone that transposes and replaces middle to upper amphibolite facies fabrics and mineral assemblages in the host schist of the Littleton Formation near Claremont, New Hampshire. Here, Na‐poor muscovite and chlorite progressively replace first staurolite, then garnet, and finally biotite porphyroblasts as the core of the fault zone is approached. Across the transect, higher grade fabric‐forming Na‐rich muscovite is also progressively replaced by fabric‐forming Na‐poor muscovite. The mineralogy of the new phyllonitic fault‐rock produced is dominated by Na‐poor muscovite and chlorite together with late albite porphyroblasts. The replacement of the amphibolite facies porphyroblasts by muscovite and chlorite is pseudomorphic in some samples and shows that the chemical metastability of the porphyroblasts is sufficient to drive replacement. In contrast, element mapping shows that fabric‐forming Na‐rich muscovite is selectively replaced at high‐strain microstructural sites, indicating that strain energy played an important role in activating the dissolution of the compositionally metastable muscovite. The replacement of strong, high‐grade porphyroblasts by weaker Na‐poor muscovite and chlorite constitutes reaction softening. The crystallization of parallel and contiguous mica in the retrograde foliation at the expense of the earlier and locally crenulated Na‐rich muscovite‐defined foliation destroys not only the metastable high‐grade mineralogy, but also its stronger geometry. This process constitutes both reaction and microstructural softening. The deformation mechanism here was thus one of dissolution–precipitation creep, activated at considerably lower stresses than might be predicted in quartzofeldspathic rocks at the same lower greenschist facies conditions.
HURRICANE RISK MANAGEMENT WITH CLIMATEAND CO2 INDICES
Authors: Chang Chia‐Chien , Yang Jen‐Wei , Yu Min‐Teh 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTWe propose a regime‐switching Poisson process incorporating climate and carbon dioxide (CO2) indices (RPCM) to model hurricane frequency. Model accuracy shows that two‐state RPCM (2‐RPCM) is superior to the existing climate methods, as forecast errors under 2‐RPCM are smaller than previous models by about 60–75 percent. We derive the pricing formula of reinsurance premiums by assuming the aggregate loss following the regime‐switching compound process. Pricing errors under 2‐RPCM for reinsurance premiums are 35–54 percent lower than those from previous models. The climate and regime‐switching effects dominate the CO2 effect in reducing pricing errors and producing more effective tail value at risk.
Microparticle surface layering through dry coating: impact of moisture content and process parameters on the properties of orally disintegrating tablets
Authors: Alyami Hamad , Koner Jasdip , Dahmash Eman Z , Bowen James , Terry David , Mohammed Afzal R 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of process parameters during dry coating on particle and dosage form properties upon varying the surface adsorbed moisture of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), a model filler/binder for orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs).

Methods
The moisture content of MCC was optimised using the spray water method and analysed using thermogravimetric analysis. Microproperty/macroproperty assessment was investigated using atomic force microscopy, nano-indentation, scanning electron microscopy, tablet hardness and disintegration testing.

Key findings
The results showed that MCC demonstrated its best flowability at a moisture content of 11.2% w/w when compared to control, comprising of 3.9% w/w moisture. The use of the composite powder coating process (without air) resulted in up to 80% increase in tablet hardness, when compared to the control. The study also demonstrated that surface adsorbed moisture can be displaced upon addition of excipients during dry processing circumventing the need for particle drying before tabletting.

Conclusions
It was concluded that MCC with a moisture content of 11% w/w provides a good balance between powder flowability and favourable ODT characteristics.
Effects of extracts from Corylopsis coreana Uyeki (Hamamelidaceae) flos on xanthine oxidase activity and hyperuricemia
Authors: Yoon In-Soo , Park Dae-Hun , Ki Sung-Hwan , Cho Seung-Sik 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Objectives
This study aims to investigate xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity and antihyperuricemic effects of Corylopsis coreana Uyeki flos extracts and the phytochemicals contained therein.

Methods
Ethanolic extracts of the plant were prepared, and the extraction process was optimized with respect to flavonoid content and XO inhibitory activity. The optimized ethanolic extract was tested for its XO inhibitory activity and antihyperuricemic effects in potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemic mice.

Key findings
The 80% ethanolic extract showed the highest total flavonoid content and in-vitro XO inhibitory activity. In-vivo studies demonstrated that the optimized 80% ethanolic extract could inhibit hepatic XO activity and significantly alleviate hyperuricemia at a relatively low oral dose (50 mg/kg) in mice. Additionally, an in-vitro enzyme inhibition study showed that phytochemicals such as bergenin, isosalipurposide, quercetin and quercitrin may be the key constituents responsible for the observed antihyperuricemic effects of the extract.

Conclusions
This study is the first report on the XO inhibitory and antihyperuricemic effects of C. coreana Uyeki flos extract, which can be therapeutically applied in treating hyperuricemia and gout.
Effects of Hovenia dulcis Thunb. extract and methyl vanillate on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions and TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced chemokines production in HaCaT cells
Authors: Lim Sue Ji , Kim Myungsuk , Randy Ahmad , Nam Eui Jeong , Nho Chu Won 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Objectives
Here, we hypothesized that Hovenia dulcis branch extract (HDB) and its active constituents ameliorates 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions by modulating the T helper Th1/Th2 balance in NC/Nga mice and TNF-α- and IFN-γ-induced production of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) and macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) in HaCaT cells.

Methods
HaCaT cells were stimulated by TNF-α/IFN-γ in the presence of HDB and its constituents. TARC and MDC were measured by ELISA and RT-PCR. For the in-vivo study, oral feeding of HDB was performed for 5 weeks with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) treatment every other day. The efficacy of HDB on parameters of DNCB-induced AD was evaluated morphologically, physiologically and immunologically.

Key findings
In-vitro studies showed that HDB and its constituents suppressed TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced production of TARC and MDC in HaCaT cells by inhibiting MAPK signalling. In-vivo studies showed that HDB regulated immunoglobulin (Ig) E and immunoglobulin G2a (IgG2a) levels in serum and the expression of mRNA for Th1- and Th2-related mediators in skin lesions. Histopathological analyses revealed reduced epidermal thickness and reduced infiltration of skin lesions by inflammatory cells.

Conclusion
These results suggest that HDB inhibits AD-like skin diseases by regulating Th1 and Th2 responses in NC/Nga mice and in HaCaT cells.
Atypical effects of incorporated surfactants on stability and dissolution properties of amorphous polymeric dispersions
Authors: Al-Obaidi Hisham , Lawrence M Jayne , Buckton Graham 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Objectives
To understand the impact of ionic and non-ionic surfactants on the dissolution and stability properties of amorphous polymeric dispersions using griseofulvin (GF) as a model for poorly soluble drugs.

Methods
Solid dispersions of the poorly water-soluble drug, griseofulvin (GF) and the polymers, poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) and poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate) (PHPMA), have been prepared by spray drying and bead milling and the effect of the ionic and non-ionic surfactants, namely sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and Tween-80, on the physico-chemical properties of the solid dispersions studied.

Key findings
The X-ray powder diffraction data and hot-stage microscopy showed a fast re-crystallisation of GF. While dynamic vapour sorption (DVS) measurements indicated an increased water uptake, slow dissolution rates were observed for the solid dispersions incorporating surfactants. The order by which surfactants free dispersions were prepared seemed critical as indicated by DVS and thermal analysis. Dispersions prepared by milling with SDS showed significantly better stability than spray-dried dispersions (drug remained amorphous for more than 6 months) as well as improved dissolution profile.

Conclusions
We suggest that surfactants can hinder the dissolution by promoting aggregation of polymeric chains, however that effect depends mainly on how the particles were prepared.
Melatonin alleviates postinfarction cardiac remodeling and dysfunction by inhibiting Mst1
Authors: Hu Jianqiang , Zhang Lei , Yang Yang , Guo Yanjie , Fan Yanhong , Zhang Mingming , Man Wanrong , Gao Erhe , Hu Wei , Reiter Russel J. , Wang Haichang , Sun Dongdong 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMelatonin reportedly protects against several cardiovascular diseases including ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), atherosclerosis, and hypertension. The present study investigated the effects and mechanisms of melatonin on cardiomyocyte autophagy, apoptosis, and mitochondrial injury in the context of myocardial infarction (MI). We demonstrated that melatonin significantly alleviated cardiac dysfunction after MI. Four weeks after MI, echocardiography and Masson staining indicated that melatonin notably mitigated adverse left ventricle remodeling. The mechanism may be associated with increased autophagy, reduced apoptosis, and alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, melatonin significantly inhibited Mst1 phosphorylation while promoting Sirt1 expression after MI, which indicates that Mst1/Sirt1 signaling may serve as the downstream target of melatonin. We thus constructed a MI model using Mst1 transgenic (Mst1 Tg) and Mst1 knockout (Mst1−/−) mice. The absence of Mst1 abolished the favorable effects of melatonin on cardiac injury after MI. Consistently, melatonin administration did not further increase autophagy, decrease apoptosis, or alleviate mitochondrial integrity and biogenesis in Mst1 knockout mice subjected to MI injury. These results suggest that melatonin alleviates postinfarction cardiac remodeling and dysfunction by upregulating autophagy, decreasing apoptosis, and modulating mitochondrial integrity and biogenesis. The attributed mechanism involved, at least in part, Mst1/Sirt1 signaling.
Infant feeding practices in a South African birth cohort—A longitudinal study
Authors: Budree Shrish , Goddard Elizabeth , Brittain Kirsty , Cader Shihaam , Myer Landon , Zar Heather J. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractChildhood malnutrition is highly prevalent in low‐ and middle‐income countries. The choices of complementary foods, which are important in infant nutrition, are poorly described in this setting. We investigated infant feeding practices in a South African birth cohort, the Drakenstein Child Health Study. Longitudinal feeding data were collected from March 2012 to March 2015. Feeding practices at birth, 6–10 and 14 weeks and 6, 9, and 12 months, were investigated using food frequency questionnaires. Anthropometry was measured at birth and 12 months. The quality of the diet was analyzed using the World Health Organization infant and young child feeding indicators. Regression models were used to explore associations between feeding and growth outcomes at 1 year. Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months was low (13%), and 19% of infants were introduced to solid foods before 4 months. There was high daily consumption of processed meat (56%) and inappropriate foods such as fruit juice (82%), soft drinks (54%), and refined sugary foods (51%) at 1 year. Dietary diversity and consumption of iron rich foods were low at 6 months (5% and 3%, respectively) but higher by 12 months (75% and 78%). Longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding was associated with a lower height‐for‐age z‐score at 1 year. Several dietary deficits and a rising trend in the consumption of inappropriate nutritionally poor foods were identified. These findings raise concern about poor dietary practices and the impact on child and long‐term health.
A novel glycan modifies the flagellar filament proteins of the oral bacterium Treponema denticola
Authors: Kurniyati Kurni , Kelly John F. , Vinogradov Evgeny , Robotham Anna , Tu Youbing , Wang Juyu , Liu Jun , Logan Susan M. , Li Chunhao 
Published: October 2016

SummaryWhile protein glycosylation has been reported in several spirochetes including the syphilis bacterium Treponema pallidum and Lyme disease pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi, the pertinent glycan structures and their roles remain uncharacterized. Herein, a novel glycan with an unusual chemical composition and structure in the oral spirochete Treponema denticola, a keystone pathogen of periodontitis was reported. The identified glycan of mass 450.2 Da is composed of a monoacetylated nonulosonic acid (Non) with a novel extended N7 acyl modification, a 2‐methoxy‐4,5,6‐trihydroxy‐hexanoyl residue in which the Non has a pseudaminic acid configuration (L‐glycero‐L‐manno) and is β‐linked to serine or threonine residues. This novel glycan modifies the flagellin proteins (FlaBs) of T. denticola by O‐linkage at multiple sites near the D1 domain, a highly conserved region of bacterial flagellins that interact with Toll‐like receptor 5. Furthermore, mutagenesis studies demonstrate that the glycosylation plays an essential role in the flagellar assembly and motility of T. denticola. To our knowledge, this novel glycan and its unique modification sites have not been reported previously in any bacteria.
Yield and complications of kidney biopsy over two decades in a tertiary pediatric center
Authors: Hod Feins Roei , Tobar Anna , Davidovits Miriam 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundKidney biopsy serves as an adjunct for the diagnosis of renal disease, but it is not always productive. This study evaluated the yield and risks of kidney biopsies performed in 1995–2014 at a tertiary pediatric medical center.MethodsThe medical files of all patients who underwent closed percutaneous biopsy for various indications in native or transplanted kidneys were retrospectively reviewed for patient characteristics, technical and histopathologic findings, biopsy yield, and biopsy complications. Biopsy yield was considered positive if findings confirmed a probable diagnosis or led to a change in clinical diagnosis, disease severity/activity grade, treatment strategy, or prognosis; and negative, if findings were non‐informative and in cases of technical failure.ResultsDuring the study period, 216 biopsies were performed on native kidneys and 84 on transplanted kidneys. In the transplanted kidney group, the most common indications for biopsy were decreased glomerular filtration rate and suspected rejection. Rates of positive biopsy yield were 86.6% in the native kidney group and 82.1% in the transplanted kidney group; the difference was not statistically significant. Significant between‐group differences were found in various technical and histopathological parameters, patient age at biopsy, and sex distribution. In the native kidney group, positive biopsy yield was associated with the presence of nephrotic‐range proteinuria. Post‐procedural complications occurred in three patients (1.3%) with native kidneys, and in one patient (1.1%) with a transplanted kidney.ConclusionsKidney biopsy is an efficient and safe procedure in both native and transplanted kidneys and provides helpful diagnostic information in most cases in which it is deemed necessary.
Inhibitory effect of 660‐nm LED on melanin synthesis in in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Oh Chang Taek , Kwon Tae‐Rin , Choi Eun Ja , Kim Soon Re , Seok Joon , Mun Seog Kyun , Yoo Kwang Ho , Choi Yeon Shik , Choi Sun Young , Kim Beom Joon 
Published: October 2016

SummaryBackgroundSkin hyperpigmentary disorders including postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, solar lentigines, and conditions like freckles are common. The light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) are the latest category of nonthermal and noninvasive phototherapy to be considered in skin pigmentation disorder treatment.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 660‐nm LED on inhibition of melanogenesis. We investigated whether a 660‐nm LED affected melanin synthesis in in vitro and in vivo models, and we explored the mechanisms involved.MethodsThe inhibitory effect of 660‐nm LED on melanin synthesis was evaluated in B16F10 cells and HRM‐2 melanin‐possessing hairless mice were used to evaluate the antimelanogenic effects of 660‐nm LED.ResultsInterestingly, 660‐nm LED inhibited alpha‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone‐induced tyrosinase activity in B16F10 cells. We also found that 660‐nm LED decreased MITF and tyrosinase expression and induced the activation of ERK. These findings suggest that the depigmenting effects of 660‐nm LED result from downregulation of MITF and tyrosinase expression due to increased ERK activity. The 660‐nm LED reduced UVB‐induced melanogenesis in the skin of HRM‐2 via downregulation of tyrosinase and MITF.ConclusionThese findings suggest 660‐nm LED is a potentially depigmentation strategy.