bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship between restless legs syndrome and bronchial asthma
Authors: Güngen Adil Can , Güngen Belma , Aydemir Yusuf , Aras Yeşim Guzey , Çoban Hikmet , Düzenli Hasan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIntroductionRestless legs syndrome (RLS) is associated with sleep disorders. However, although sleep disturbance is prevalent in people with asthma, an insufficient number of studies have investigated the relationship between asthma and RLS.ObjectivesWe aimed to determine the extent of the presence of RLS, and the factors related to RLS, in people with asthma.MethodsA total of 84 people with asthma and 51 healthy volunteers were enrolled. The diagnosis of RLS was made according to the criteria determined by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group, and the Beck Depression and Beck Anxiety scales were used to assess both groups. The Asthma Control Test™(ACT) was carried out to determine asthma control status.ResultsRLS was detected in 27 (32.1%) of the asthma group and in 8 (15.7%) of the control group. The frequency of RLS was significantly higher in the asthma group than in the control group (P = .034). Although no significant relationship was observed between the presence of RLS and the use of an inhaled steroid, use of a β2 agonist and age; a significant relationship was found between the presence of RLS and, ACT score, symptoms of depression and anxiety and gender (P < .05).ConclusionsRLS was more frequent in people with asthma than in healthy individuals, and as asthma control decreased, frequency of RLS increased. It was concluded that it would be useful to evaluate people with asthma, particularly those with symptoms of depression and anxiety, with regard to RLS in order to address, and ultimately improve, their quality of life.
CRISPR/Cas‐mediated gene editing using purified protein in Drosophila suzukii
Authors: Kalajdzic Predrag , Schetelig Marc F. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is an invasive pest of stone fruits and berries currently without effective control management. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is an environmentally friendly and effective pest control method that releases sterile males to mate with wild females resulting in the suppression or eradication of targeted pest populations. New molecular technologies and genome editing methods are paving the way to bring this technology to invasive species like D. suzukii. The CRISPR/Cas technology is emerging as a versatile option for efficient tailored gene manipulation. Components of this system, the guide RNA (gRNA) and Cas9 protein, can be delivered into the organism in the form of DNA, RNA, or protein. We report CRISPR/Cas‐mediated site‐specific white gene editing using purified Cas9 protein delivered directly into D. suzukii embryos. Mutant flies with 13, 3, and 1 nt deletions within the cutting site of the Cas9 protein were retrieved. Moreover, the two independent G1 deletion events (13 and 3 nt) derived from the same G0 female. Our results show that the recombinant Cas9 protein could be a method of choice for generating heritable gene modifications in D. suzukii.
Assessment of the involvement of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor–glucocorticoid regulatory dyad in the expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 during periodontitis
Authors: Hirschfeld Josefine , Howait Mohammed , Movila Alexandru , Parčina Marijo , Bekeredjian‐Ding Isabelle , Deschner James , Jepsen Søren , Kawai Toshihisa 
Published: August 2017

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a proinflammatory cytokine and counter‐regulator of endogenous glucocorticoids (GCs). It is implicated in acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. This study investigated the role of the MIF–GC regulatory dyad in the expression and release of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) during periodontitis, in vivo and in vitro. In a Mif‐knockout (KO) mouse model of ligature‐induced periodontitis, gingival tissues and blood were collected and analysed for levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), MIF, MMP‐2, and corticosterone. In addition, human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were tested for production of IL‐6 and MMP‐2 after stimulation with hydrocortisone (HC), MIF, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), or Fusobacterium nucleatum, a pathogen known to elicit immune responses during periodontitis. Wild‐type (WT) mice showed a local and systemic increase of MIF levels during inflammation, which was confirmed by increased local IL‐6 concentrations. Systemic GC levels were reduced in WT and Mif‐KO mice during inflammation, with overall lower concentrations in Mif‐KO mice. In vivo and in vitro, MMP‐2 production was not dependent on MIF or inflammatory stimuli, but was inhibited by HC. Therefore, MIF does not appear to stimulate expression of MMP‐2 in the gingival tissues, whereas GC upregulates MIF and downregulates MMP‐2. Our findings further suggest that MIF may regulate systemic GC levels.
Effects of 5 years of digestate application on biomass production and quality of cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.)
Authors: Tilvikienė V. , Šlepetienė A. , Kadžiulienė Ž. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAnaerobic digestion of biomass produces biogas for combustion and also provides a residual digestate. Although sometimes regarded as a waste product, the nutrient‐rich chemical composition of digestate makes it a potential organic fertilizer for agriculture. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of digestate as a fertilizer on the biomass yield and chemical composition of cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.). In a 5‐year small‐plot field experiment digestate fertilization treatments supplying 90, 180, 270, 360 and 450 kg N ha−1 were compared with untreated plots and plots fertilized with 180 kg N ha−1 of mineral N fertilizer. Swards fertilized with digestate produced higher biomass yield compared with the control. The same rate of nitrogen fertilizer (180 kg N ha−1) supplied as digestate and from mineral fertilizers gave similar results on biomass yield. Herbage in swards fertilized with digestate contained less nitrogen, but the C:N ratio was much more suitable for biogas production. Digestate fertilization resulted in higher concentrations of cellulose and hemicellulose in biomass and lower contents of the inhibitors of anaerobic digestion—sulphur, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus—compared with those of swards receiving mineral fertilizers.
Association of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis with immediate memory and other cognitive functions
Authors: Matsumoto Lumine , Suzuki Kazushi , Mizuno Yoshiko , Ohike Yumiko , Ozeki Atsuko , Ono Satoshi , Takanashi Mikio , Sawaki Daigo , Suzuki Toru , Yamazaki Tsutomu , Tsuji Shoji , Iwata Atsushi 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAimTo clarify whether carotid atherosclerosis and its risk factors are associated with cognitive decline.MethodsWe evaluated 206 individuals who visited our center for health screening. We carried out physical examinations, blood tests, intima‐media thickness (IMT) measurement by carotid ultrasonography, brain magnetic resonance imaging scanning and cognitive function assessments. A total of 30 individuals, who had significant cerebrovascular lesions detected in magnetic resonance imaging scans, were excluded. To detect early cognitive decline, we defined “cognitive impairment (CI)” when a patient satisfied at least one of three criteria. These were Mini‐Mental State Examination score <24, clock‐drawing test score <4 coexisting with forgetfulness and Wechsler Memory Scale‐revised delayed recall score below the normal range for the duration of education (>16 years of education: ≥9, 10–15 years: ≥5, 0–9 years: ≥3).ResultsAmong 176 individuals, 27 were placed in the CI group. IMT was significantly higher in the CI group as compared with the non‐CI group (mean ± SD: 2.0 ± 1.0 vs 1.7 ± 0.7, P = 0018 by Student's t‐test). Other atherosclerotic risk factors, such as blood pressure, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and hemoglobin A1c, were not significantly different between the two groups. In multivariate analysis, maximum IMT was associated with impaired immediate recall score on Wechsler Memory Scale‐revised, independent of the presence of deep white matter hyperintensities on the magnetic resonance imaging scan.ConclusionsSubclinical carotid atherosclerosis, defined as thickened IMT, could be a marker for early stages of CI, especially for immediate memory recall. The impairment is presumably caused by inducing cerebral microvascular dysfunction in the frontal lobe. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 65–71.
Characterization of Sarcocystis fayeri's actin‐depolymerizing factor as a toxin that causes diarrhea
Authors: Irikura Daisuke , Saito Morihiro , Sugita‐Konishi Yoshiko , Ohnishi Takahiro , Sugiyama Kei‐ichi , Watanabe Maiko , Yamazaki Akiko , Izumiyama Shinji , Sato Hirotaka , Kimura Yusuke , Doi Rie , Kamata Yoichi 
Published: August 2017

Raw horsemeat has the potential to induce food poisoning which often presents with diarrheal symptoms. A sample of horsemeat was found to be infected with Sarcocystis fayeri, and a 15‐kDa protein isolated from the cysts of S. fayeri was found to clearly show its diarrhea‐inducing activity. A nested polymerase chain reaction was used to clone the cDNA of the 15‐kDa protein. The deduced amino acid sequence showed homology to actin‐depolymerizing factor (ADF). A recombinant 15‐kDa protein depolymerized prepolymerized actins in a test tube. The 15‐kDa protein possessed conserved amino acid sequences of ADF of Toxoplasma gondii and Eimeria tenella. These characteristics indicate that the 15‐kDa protein of S. fayeri belongs to the ADF/cofilin protein family. The recombinant 15‐kDa protein evoked fluid accumulation in the looped ileum, resulting in diarrhea, but it did not kill the cultured fibroblast cells, macrophages or intestinal mucosal cells. In addition, the culture supernatant of the macrophages treated with the recombinant 15‐kDa protein killed the fibroblast L929 cells. This fact indicates that ADF of S. fayeri induced cytotoxic substances, such as tumor necrosis factor‐α, according to the published reports. Although further experiments are needed now to elucidate the enterotoxic mechanism of S. fayeri's ADF, our findings may offer new insight into research on parasites and parasite‐instigated food poisoning.
Effect of BiNbO4 doping on the dielectric properties of BaTiO3 ceramics
Authors: Wei Meng , Zhang Jihua , Wu Kaituo , Chen Hongwei , Yang Chuanren 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn this paper, the effect of BiNbO4 doping on the structural characteristics and dielectric properties were investigated systematically. With the increase in the BiNbO4 content, a systematic structural characteristics change from ferroelectric tetragonal to cubic phase. Dielectric properties changed from classical ferroelectric behavior to dispersive relaxor‐like behavior, further to linear behavior. Because of the created defect dipoles, the long‐range dipolar interaction was interrupted and the weak couplings were formed. Energy storage density reached the maximum of 0.797 J/cm3 with energy efficiency of 92.5% in 0.9BT‐0.1BN. The nonlinearity was suppressed obviously, which could enhance the energy storage density in lead‐free relaxor materials.
Lower levels of interleukin‐1β gene expression are associated with impaired Langerhans’ cell migration in aged human skin
Authors: Pilkington Suzanne M. , Ogden Stephanie , Eaton Laura H. , Dearman Rebecca J. , Kimber Ian , Griffiths Christopher E. M. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryLangerhans’ cells (LC) play pivotal roles in skin immune responses, linking innate and adaptive immunity. In aged skin there are fewer LC and migration is impaired compared with young skin. These changes may contribute to declining skin immunity in the elderly, including increased skin infections and skin cancer. Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) are mandatory signals for LC migration and previous studies suggest that IL‐1β signalling may be dysregulated in aged skin. Therefore, we sought to explore the mechanisms underlying these phenomena. In skin biopsies of photoprotected young (< 30 years) and aged (> 70 years) human skin ex vivo, we assessed the impact of trauma, and mandatory LC mobilizing signals on LC migration and gene expression. Biopsy‐related trauma induced LC migration from young epidermis, whereas in aged skin, migration was greatly reduced. Interleukin‐1β treatment restored LC migration in aged epidermis whereas TNF‐α was without effect. In uncultured, aged skin IL‐1β gene expression was lower compared with young skin; following culture, IL‐1βmRNA remained lower in aged skin under control and TNF‐α conditions but was elevated after culture with IL‐1β. Interleukin‐1 receptor type 2 (IL1R2) gene expression was significantly increased in aged, but not young skin, after cytokine treatment. Keratinocyte‐derived factors secreted from young and aged primary cells did not restore or inhibit LC migration from aged and young epidermis, respectively. These data suggest that in aged skin, IL‐1β signalling is diminished due to altered expression of IL1B and decoy receptor gene IL1R2.
Structure and microwave dielectric properties of the Li2/3(1−x)Sn1/3(1−x)MgxO systems (x = 0‐4/7)
Authors: Fang Zixuan , Tang Bin , Yuan Ying , Zhang Xing , Zhang Shuren 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn this paper, the Li2/3(1−x)Sn1/3(1−x)MgxO (LSMxO) ceramic systems were prepared by solid‐state reaction using novel atmosphere‐controlled sintering (x = 0‐4/7). Pure Li2SnO3 was observed for x = 0, the Li2Mg3SnO6 and Li2SnO3 coexisted for x = 1/7, and the coexistence of three kinds of phases was detected for x = 1/5 and 1/4, including Li4MgSn2O7 impurity phase. Pure Li2Mg3SnO6‐like phase with cubic rock salt structure in Fm‐3m space group was obtained in the range of 1/3‐4/7. All samples showed well‐dense and smooth microstructures. The microwave dielectric properties highly depended on the phase composition, bond valence, FWHM of Raman spectrum, Raman shift, average grain sizes, and octahedral distortion. The LSMxO ceramics sintered at 1250°C for 5 hours possessed excellent comprehensive properties of εr = 15.43, Q×f = 80 902 GHz and τf = +5.61 ppm/°C for x = 1/7. Typically, the LSMxO ceramics sintered at 1350°C for 5 hours showed a maximum Q × f of 168 330 GHz for x = 1/2.
Substratum karstificability, dispersal and genetic structure in a strictly subterranean beetle
Authors: Rizzo Valeria , Sánchez‐Fernández David , Alonso Rocío , Pastor Josep , Ribera Ignacio 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAimThe deep subterranean environment is an ideal system to test the effect of physical constraints on the ecology and evolution of species, as it is very homogeneous and with simple communities. We studied the effect of substratum karstificability in the dispersal of the strictly subterranean Troglocharinus ferreri (Reitter) (Coleoptera, Leiodidae) by comparing the genetic diversity and structure of populations in limestone (more soluble) and dolostone (less soluble) in the same karstic system.LocationTroglocharinus ferreri is only known from c. 100 vertical shafts in an area of <500 km2 SW of Barcelona (Spain).MethodsWe sequenced mitochondrial and nuclear markers of a representative sample to identify main lineages within T. ferreri and estimate their temporal origin, and used mitochondrial data of 129 specimens from 41 caves to reconstruct their demographic history and estimate dispersal among caves.ResultsTroglocharinus ferreri diverged from its sister in the Early Pliocene, with an initial divergence of the sampled populations in the Early Pleistocene. The best demographic model was a constant population size with a fast population increase in the middle Pleistocene. The ancestral population was likely in limestone, with a probability of transition from limestone to dolostone triple to that from dolostone to limestone, suggesting a higher permeability of limestone to the transit of individuals. Populations in dolostone caves had lower gene flow between them and a stronger isolation by distance, although the low genetic variability for the studied markers and the lower abundance of dolostone caves decreased the statistical power of the analyses.Main conclusionsOur results point to the physical characteristic of the substratum as a determinant of dispersal and gene flow, potentially conditioning the long‐term evolution of subterranean biodiversity.
Recognizing value of educational collaboration between high schools and universities facilitated by modern ICT
Authors: Zieliński K. , Czekierda Ł. , Malawski F. , Straś R. , Zieliński S. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we address the problem of an educational gap existing between high schools and universities: many students consider their choice of field of study as inappropriate, mostly due to insufficient information regarding the discipline and the university educational process. To solve this problem, we define an innovative, information and communication technology‐supported educational process enabling various ways of collaboration between high schools and universities. The goal of that process is to increase the knowledge of prospective students regarding the next level of their education. We propose an environment for the implementation of the educational process. The concepts have been verified in practise as part of the Małopolska Educational Cloud project across several disciplines. We discuss the achievements of the pilot phase of the project as well as its reception by educators and students. Based on evaluation reports and opinions from both educators and students, we claim that the proposed model for information and communication technology‐supported collaboration between high schools and universities can effectively reduce the educational gap.
An analysis of collaborative problem‐solving activities mediated by individual‐based and collaborative computer simulations
Authors: Chang C.‐J. , Chang M.‐H. , Liu C.‐C. , Chiu B.‐C. , Fan Chiang S.‐H. , Wen C.‐T. , Hwang F.‐K. , Chao P.‐Y. , Chen Y.‐L. , Chai C.‐S. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractResearchers have indicated that the collaborative problem‐solving space afforded by the collaborative systems significantly impact the problem‐solving process. However, recent investigations into collaborative simulations, which allow a group of students to jointly manipulate a problem in a shared problem space, have yielded divergent results regarding their effects on collaborative learning. Hence, this study analysed how students solved a physics problem using individual‐based and collaborative simulations to understand their effects on science learning. Multiple data sources including group discourse, problem‐solving activities, learning test scores, and questionnaire feedback were analysed. Lag sequential analysis on the data found that students using the two simulations collaborated with peers to solve the problem in significantly different patterns. The students using the collaborative simulations demonstrated active engagement in the collaborative activity; however, they did not transform discussions into workable problem‐solving activities. The students using the individual‐based simulation showed a lower level of collaboration engagement, starting with individual exploration of the problem with the simulation, followed by group reflection. The two groups also showed significant differences in their learning test scores. The findings and pedagogical suggestions are discussed in the hope of addressing critical activity design issues in using computer simulations for facilitating collaborative learning.
The Systematic Tool to Reduce Inappropriate Prescribing (STRIP): Combining implicit and explicit prescribing tools to improve appropriate prescribing
Authors: Drenth‐van Maanen A. Clara , Leendertse Anne J. , Jansen Paul A. F. , Knol Wilma , Keijsers Carolina J. P. W. , Meulendijk Michiel C. , van Marum Rob J. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractInappropriate prescribing is a major health care issue, especially regarding older patients on polypharmacy. Multiple implicit and explicit prescribing tools have been developed to improve prescribing, but these have hardly ever been used in combination. The Systematic Tool to Reduce Inappropriate Prescribing (STRIP) combines implicit prescribing tools with the explicit Screening Tool to Alert physicians to the Right Treatment and Screening Tool of Older People's potentially inappropriate Prescriptions criteria and has shared decision‐making with the patient as a critical step. This article describes the STRIP and its ability to identify potentially inappropriate prescribing.The STRIP improved general practitioners' and final‐year medical students' medication review skills. The Web‐application STRIP Assistant was developed to enable health care providers to use the STRIP in daily practice and will be incorporated in clinical decision support systems. It is currently being used in the European Optimizing thERapy to prevent Avoidable hospital admissions in the Multimorbid elderly (OPERAM) project, a multicentre randomized controlled trial involving patients aged 75 years and older using multiple medications for multiple medical conditions.In conclusion, the STRIP helps health care providers to systematically identify potentially inappropriate prescriptions and medication‐related problems and to change the patient's medication regimen in accordance with the patient's needs and wishes. This article describes the STRIP and the available evidence so far. The OPERAM study is investigating the effect of STRIP use on clinical and economic outcomes.
Pain and dualism: Which dualism?
Authors: Arnaudo Elisa 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn the literature, the allegation to pursue approaches grounded on Cartesian dualism in medicine is widespread. In this paper, I argue that dualism informing biomedicine has not only to do with a Cartesian view of mind and body, but that multiple dualisms are at play in biomedical approach to disease, especially regarding complex pain conditions. A form of epistemological dualism entailing the primacy of the physician's model of knowledge on the patient's direct experience of suffering is pointed out as the source of the inadequate medical attitude towards pain, particularly in relation to its complex forms such as fibromyalgic syndrome. The analysis, in particular, pays attention to the way in which dualism underlies and reinforces the delegitimization of chronic pain patients and suggests that solutions have to be found in the material organization of the health care service.
SNAIL1 is essential for female gametogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Hao Lihong , Wei Xiaolin , Zhu Jiulei , Shi Jiao , Liu Jingjing , Gu Hongya , Tsuge Tomohiko , Qu Li‐Jia 
Published: August 2017

AbstractTwo yeast Brix family members Ssf1 and Ssf2, involved in large ribosomal subunit synthesis, are essential for yeast cell viability and mating efficiency. Their putative homologs exist in the Arabidopsis genome; however, their role in plant development is unknown. Here, we show that Arabidopsis thaliana SNAIL1 (AtSNAIL1), a protein sharing high sequence identity with yeast Ssf1 and Ssf2, is critical to mitosis progression of female gametophyte development. The snail1 homozygous mutant was nonviable and its heterozygous mutant was semi‐sterile with shorter siliques. The mutation in SNAIL1 led to absence of female transmission and reduced male transmission. Further phenotypic analysis showed that the synchronic development of female gametophyte in the snail1 heterozygous mutant was greatly impaired and the snail1 pollen tube growth, in vivo, was also compromised. Furthermore, SNAIL1 was a nucleolar‐localized protein with a putative role in protein synthesis. Our data suggest that SNAIL1 may function in ribosome biogenesis like Ssf1 and Ssf2 and plays an important role during megagametogenesis in Arabidopsis.