bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Finding the candidate sequence variants for diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in East Slovak patients
Authors: Zigova Michaela , Bernasovska Jarmila , Boronova Iveta , Mydlarova Blascakova Marta , Kmec Jan 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundHypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a heterogeneous myocardial disease. Mutations appearing in several genes might be a potential cause of the disease. The aim of the study was to analyze selected exons of the sarcomeric and non‐sarcomeric genes, with the purpose to identify potential candidate genetic variants and to understand etiopathogenetic mechanisms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in East Slovak patients.MethodsThis study recruited 23 unrelated patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, namely, 13 men and 10 women (mean age of 58.09±15.82 years) and 25 healthy controls in order to determine the candidate sequence variants, in the selected exons of six cardiomyopathy genes (MYBPC3, MYH7, NEBL, SCN5A, TNNI3, TNNT2), by conventional capillary‐based Sanger sequencing method and standard protocols.ResultsMolecular genetic results confirmed the presence of 43 sequence variants in the selected exons of six cardiomyopathy genes, 58.14% of detected variants were novel. The majority of detected sequence variants were confirmed within exon 23 of MYH7 gene. Only 11 genetic alterations were predicted to be potentially pathogenic.ConclusionsIn our study, we identified known and novel sequence variants in 23 unrelated patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, but we did not observe any strong mutation hotspot. The results of our study assumed that exon 23 of MYH7 gene can be in potential affinity to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in our cohort of patients. The sequence variants identified in this study may be further investigated in order to determine their functions in disease pathogenesis and improve management, diagnosis, and treatment in Slovak patients.
Cognitive psychophysiological treatment of bodily‐focused repetitive behaviors in adults: An open trial
Authors: O'Connor Kieron , Lavoie Marc , Desaulniers Benoît , Audet Jean‐Sébastien 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundBody‐focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), such as hair pulling, skin picking, and nail biting, are repetitive, destructive, and nonfunctional habits that cause significant distress. Separate BFRBs form a cohesive group and could be assessed as part of the Tourette/tic spectrum or obsessive‐compulsive spectrum of disorders. The treatment of choice is either antidepressant or behavioral treatment, both of which have shown effectiveness. The cognitive psychophysiological (CoPs) model focuses on the tension and emotional build up that triggers habits by addressing cognitive‐behavioral, emotional and psychophysiological processes preceding onset rather than the habit itself. The CoPs approach has already shown efficacy in treatment of tic and Tourette disorder.ObjectiveThe aim of the current open trial was to view whether BFRBs can be validly assessed on a standard tic scale (Tourette Symptom Global Scale; TSGS) and evaluate the efficacy of the CoPs intervention on 64 participants (54 completers) with 1 of 3 subtypes of BFRBs (hair pulling, nail biting, and skin picking) compared to a waitlist control.MethodParticipants were assessed at baseline on an adapted TSGS and after receving 14 weeks of CoPs therapy with six months follow up.ResultsThe TSGS was reliably and validly adapted to measure BFRBs. The CoPs intervention was effective for all BRFB subtypes with a large effect size (intention‐to‐treat g = 1.54; completers g = 2.04), with 74% of patients showing clinically significant improvement. Mood and self‐esteem also improved posttreatment. The decrease in symptoms was maintained at the 6‐month follow‐up, with a further decrease in perfectionism.ConclusionBFRBs can be reliably assessed as a tic spectrum disorder rather than as part of the obsessive‐compulsive spectrum. The CoPs model may offer a complementary treatment for BFRBs.
The many facets of mindfulness and the prediction of change following mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR)
Authors: Gawrysiak Michael J. , Grassetti Stevie N. , Greeson Jeffrey M. , Shorey Ryan C. , Pohlig Ryan , Baime Michael J. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractObjectivesMindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) promotes numerous psychological benefits, but few studies have identified for whom MBSR is most effective. The current study tested the hypothesis that lower baseline mindfulness invites more “room to grow” and, thus, predicts greater improvement during MBSR.MethodWe examined three facets of mindfulness (awareness, acceptance, decentering) among 131 MBSR participants prior to enrollment, to test the hypothesis that lower baseline mindfulness predicts greater improvements in perceived stress, positive affect (PA), and negative affect (NA) following MBSR.ResultsLower acceptance and decentering predicted greater decreases in perceived stress. Higher awareness, acceptance, and decentering predicted greater increases in PA. Higher awareness predicted greater reductions in NA. Lower decentering predicted greater reductions in NA.ConclusionFindings partly supported the hypothesis that lower baseline mindfulness predicts greater improvement following MBSR and emphasize the importance of assessing multiple mindfulness facets given their unique, contrasting relations to outcomes.
New insights into the cellular makeup and progenitor potential of palatal connective tissues
Authors: Pall Emoke , Cenariu Mihai , Kasaj Adrian , Florea Adrian , Soancă Andrada , Roman Alexandra , Georgiu Carmen 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe present study investigated the regenerative potential of connective tissues harvested from two palatal areas widely used as donor sites for muco‐gingival surgical approaches. Connective tissue grafts (CTGs) were obtained by de‐epithelialisation of a free gingival graft (deCTG) and by a split flap approach from a previous donor site (reCTG). Two types of mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) were isolated and were named de‐epithelialised MSCs (deMSCs) and re‐entry MSCs (reMSCs). The cells were characterised and cellular functionality was investigated. CTGs were evaluated using immunohistochemical and ultrastructural approaches. No significant differences were observed regarding the frequency of colony‐forming unit‐ fibroblasts, migration potential, and population doubling time between the two cell lines (p > 0.05). Both cell lines showed positivity for CD105, CD73, CD90, and CD44 and negative expression for CD34/45, CD14, CD79a, and HLA‐DR. MSCs from both cell lines successfully differentiated into osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic lineages. Cells expressing antigens characteristic of CD34+ stromal cells (CD34+, αSMA−, CD31−) were traced in both CTGs. Ultrastructural analysis highlighted the presence of putative progenitors, namely fibroblasts,—in the pericapillary regions and in remote regions of the lamina propria‐ and pericytes—surrounding the capillaries. This study provides supplementary arguments for the use of CTG grafts in clinical practice due to the presence of putative progenitor cell. However, results were inconclusive regarding clinical decision‐making to determine optimal harvesting area. Prior harvesting in the donor area did not appear to alter the regenerative capabilities of the connective tissue.
A deficiency of the link protein Bral2 affects the size of the extracellular space in the thalamus of aged mice
Authors: Cicanic Michal , Edamatsu Midori , Bekku Yoko , Vorisek Ivan , Oohashi Toshitaka , Vargova Lydia 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBral2 is a link protein stabilizing the binding between lecticans and hyaluronan in perineuronal nets and axonal coats (ACs) in specific brain regions. Using the real‐time iontophoretic method and diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance, we determined the extracellular space (ECS) volume fraction (α), tortuosity (λ), and apparent diffusion coefficient of water (ADCW) in the thalamic ventral posteromedial nucleus (VPM) and sensorimotor cortex of young adult (3–6 months) and aged (14–20 months) Bral2‐deficient (Bral2−/−) mice and age‐matched wild‐type (wt) controls. The results were correlated with an analysis of extracellular matrix composition. In the cortex, no changes between wt and Bral2−/−were detected, either in the young or aged mice. In the VPM of aged but not in young Bral2−/−mice, we observed a significant decrease inαandADCWin comparison with age‐matched controls. Bral2 deficiency led to a reduction of both aggrecan‐ and brevican‐associated perineuronal nets and a complete disruption of brevican‐based ACs in young as well as aged VPM. Our data suggest that aging is a critical point that reveals the effect of Bral2 deficiency on VPM diffusion. This effect is probably mediated through the enhanced age‐related damage of neurons lacking protective ACs, or the exhausting of compensatory mechanisms maintaining unchanged diffusion parameters in young Bral2−/−animals. A decreased ECS volume in aged Bral2−/−mice may influence the diffusion of neuroactive substances, and thus extrasynaptic and also indirectly synaptic transmission in this important nucleus of the somatosensory pathway.
Changes in the patterns of extreme rainfall events in southern Brazil
Authors: Fernandes Laís G. , Rodrigues Regina R. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTIn this study we have examined changes in frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events for the state of Santa Catarina (SC) in southern Brazil during austral spring and summer. The results show that changes in El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) between 1979–1999 and 2000–2015 due to different phases of Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation have an impact on the teleconnection patterns from the Pacific to South America. As a consequence, precipitation over SC in the late period is less likely to be linked to ENSO. Moreover, there have been changes not only in the frequency and intensity of extreme events between the two periods but also in the mechanisms that cause the extremes affecting the spatial distribution of the extremes. In spring, the extreme events are less likely to occur during El Niño events and more frequent during La Niña and neutral years. The classical mechanism, of an enhanced South Atlantic Lower Level Jet (SALLJ) bringing moisture to SC, is no longer responsible for the extremes in the spring. The current main mechanism is associated with the presence of frontal systems during ENSO years and the presence of the South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ) to the north combined with an anticyclonic system off the South American coast during neutral years. As a consequence the extreme events are currently more frequent at stations in the eastern side of SC. In summer during neutral years, SACZ events have become less frequent at the same time that atmospheric blocking events have become more frequent, explaining the decrease in extremes. On the other hand, SACZ events have become more frequent during La Niña years and so do the extremes in SC, with El Niño events playing a less important role.
Preliminary quantification of the permeability, solubility and diffusion coefficients of major aroma compounds present in herbs through various plastic packaging materials
Authors: Leelaphiwat Pattarin , Auras Rafael A , Burgess Gary J , Harte Janice B , Chonhenchob Vanee 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDAroma permeation through packaging material is an important factor when designing a package for food products. The masses of aroma compounds permeating through films over time were measured at 25 °C using a quasi‐isostatic system. A model was proposed for estimating the permeability coefficients (P) of key aroma compounds present in fresh herbs (i.e. eucalyptol, estragole, linalool and citral) through major plastic films used by the food industry [i.e. low‐density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), nylon (Nylon), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), metalised‐polyethylene terephthalate (MPET) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA)]. Solubility coefficients (S) were estimated from the amount of aroma compound sorbed in the films. Diffusion coefficients (D) were estimated following from the relation P = D*S.RESULTSP and D for all four aroma compounds were highest in LDPE, except for eucalyptol, which P was slightly higher in PLA. The solubility coefficients and contact angles were highest in PLA suggesting the highest affinity of PLA to these aroma compounds. The theoretical solubility parameters were correlated with the solubility coefficients for estragole and citral, but not for eucalyptol and linalool.CONCLUSIONThe preliminary P, D and S of eucalyptol, estragole, linalool and citral through LDPE, PP, Nylon, PET, MPET and PLA can be useful in selecting the proper packaging material for preserving these specific aroma compounds in food products and can potentially be used for estimating the shelf life of food products based on aroma loss. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Study of organic acids in Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus after vinegar processing
Authors: Yin Fangzhou , Dai Hui , Li Lin , Lu Tuling , Li Weidong , Cai Baochang , Yin Wu 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe ripened fruit of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus has unique medical properties in Chinese medicine. It is commonly used after vinegar steaming. Vinegar steaming changes the color of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus from red to black and enhances its acidic and astringent properties. Lignans are the well‐investigated components in this herb. However, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus is acidic in the theory of Chinese medicine, and whether vinegar processing changes its organic acid components remains largely unknown. In this study, the organic acids in this herb were derived by the method of methyl esterification, and further analyzed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. A total of 39 organic acid compounds were identified. Interestingly, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus after vinegar processing showed a significant increase in the content of levulinic acid as compared to the unprocessed ones. Pharmacological experiments demonstrated that levulinic acid inhibited the contractility of isolated intestine and had an inhibitory effect on the excessive hyperfunction of small intestinal propulsion. Moreover, the extracts of vinegar‐processed Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus had a stronger inhibitory on the excessive hyperfunction of small intestinal propulsion than that of unprocessed ones. Taken together, this study offers novel insight into the effect of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus after vinegar processing.
Evaluation and quantitative analysis of 11 compounds in Morinda officinalis using ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography and photodiode array detection coupled with chemometrics
Authors: Zhao Xiangsheng , Kong Weijun , Zhou Yakui , Wei Jianhe , Yang Meihua 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMorinda officinalis (Rubiaceae) is a traditional Chinese medicine widely used for the treatment of impotence and osteoporosis in clinical therapy. In the present study, a rapid and simple ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of 11 bioactive compounds in M. officinalis. This assay method was validated with respect to linearity (R2 > 0.9991), precision, repeatability, limit of detection, limit of quantification, and accuracy (with observed recovery rates between 94.21 and 100.38%). The quantitative results revealed significant differences in the concentrations of the selected compounds. Additionally, chemometric methods, including hierarchical clustering analysis, principal component analysis, and partial least‐squares discriminate analysis, were applied to compare and sort the 25 batches of M. officinalis samples based on the quantitative data of the analytes. All of the samples were clearly divided into two groups: the Hainan samples were successfully discriminated from the samples from other origins. Simultaneous determination of multiple compounds using the proposed method combined with chemometrics could be a viable strategy to compare and evaluate the quality of M. officinalis.
Mechanistic Insights into Substituent Effects on Reactivity of 2‐(Methoxymethyl)benzene‐1,4‐diamine
Authors: Bailey Aaron D. , Zhang Guiru , Murphy Bryan P. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTIn the series of benzene‐1,4‐diamines (p‐phenylenediamines) investigated, 2‐(methoxymethyl)benzene‐1,4‐diamine (2‐methoxymethyl‐p‐phenylenediamine) is the most slowly oxidized, with removal of the first electron being rate determining. This electron‐withdrawing methoxymethyl group also drove a faster coupling step with 3‐aminophenol (m‐aminophenol) than for the analogs with electron‐donating groups. However, the series parent, benzene‐1,4‐diamine, exhibited the fastest coupling step. Since both N(1) and N(4) of the primary intermediates react with m‐aminophenol, it seems that steric hindrance by the 2‐substituents slows the overall rate. When 3‐amino‐2,6‐dimethylphenol is the coupler, the kinetics are biphasic. Nonproductive adducts are formed reversibly with all the primary intermediates by ipso attack at C(6). For 2‐(methoxymethyl)benzene‐1,4‐diamine, formation of this nonproductive adduct is favored more than for the other compounds in the series, in what seems to be a kinetically rather than thermodynamically controlled process. This slows the overall rate of color formation.
Topographical and Electrical Stimulation of Neuronal Cells through Microwrinkled Conducting Polymer Biointerfaces
Authors: Bonisoli Alberto , Marino Attilio , Ciofani Gianni , Greco Francesco 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe development of smart biointerfaces combining multiple functions is crucial for triggering a variety of cellular responses. In this work, wrinkled organic interfaces based on the conducting polymer poly(3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene) doped with poly(styrene sulfonate) are developed with the aim to simultaneously convey electrical and topographical stimuli to cultured cells. The surface wrinkling of thin films on heat‐shrink polymer sheets allows for rapid patterning of self‐assembled anisotropic topographies characterized by micro/sub‐microscale aligned wrinkles. The developed interfaces prove to support the growth and differentiation of neural cells (SH‐SY5Y, human neuroblastoma) and are remarkably effective in promoting axonal guidance, by guiding and stimulating the neurite growth in differentiating cells. Electrical stimulation with biphasic pulses delivered through the conductive wrinkled interface is found to further promote the neurite growth, demonstrating the suitability of such interfaces as platforms for conveying multiple stimuli to cells and tissues.
Multistructured Nanogel‐Based Networks Formed from Interfacial Redox Polymerizations for Modulating Small Molecule Release
Authors: Dailing Eric A. , Nair Devatha P. , Van De Veer Travis , D'Ovidio Tyler , Stansbury Jeffrey W. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractUniform, 3D nanogel‐based coatings are generated on polymeric substrates using an interfacial redox polymerization. Diffusion of a reducing agent from a core material into a solution of acrylate‐functionalized nanogels and an oxidizer generates free radicals that initiate nanogel crosslinking selectively at the gel surface. Coating thickness is controlled between 20 and 150 µm by varying reaction time and initiator concentration. Controlling the structure of the final nanogel‐based coating is demonstrated to predictably change the diffusion coefficient of a small molecule drug loaded into the core material. Multidrug release from the coating and the core is demonstrated with model dyes. This study showcases the ability to design multifunctional networks for controlled release using a simple, mild coating procedure.
Entropy numbers in ‐Banach spaces
Authors: Kaewtem Thanatkrit 
Published: August 2017

AbstractLet X be a quasi‐Banach space, Y be a γ‐Banach space and T be a bounded linear operator from X into Y. In this paper, we prove that the first outer entropy number of T lies between and ; more precisely, , and the constant is sharp. Moreover, we show that there exist a Banach space X0, a γ‐Banach space Y0 and a bounded linear operator such that for all positive integers k. Finally, the paper also provides two‐sided estimates for entropy numbers of embeddings between finite dimensional symmetric γ‐Banach spaces.
A novel method for sub‐arc VMAT dose delivery verification based on portal dosimetry with an EPID
Authors: Cools Ruud A. M. , Dirkx Maarten L. P. , Heijmen Ben J. M. 
Published: August 2017

PurposeThe EPID‐based sub‐arc verification of VMAT dose delivery requires synchronization of the acquired electronic portal images (EPIs) with the VMAT delivery, that is, establishment of the start‐ and stop‐MU of the acquired images. To realize this, published synchronization methods propose the use of logging features of the linac or dedicated hardware solutions. In this study, we developed a novel, software‐based synchronization method that only uses information inherently available in the acquired images.MethodThe EPIs are continuously acquired during pretreatment VMAT delivery and converted into Portal Dose Images (PDIs). Sub‐arcs of approximately 10 MU are then defined by combining groups of sequentially acquired PDIs. The start‐ and stop‐MUs of measured sub‐arcs are established in a synchronization procedure, using only dosimetric information in measured and predicted PDIs. Sub‐arc verification of a VMAT dose delivery is based on comparison of measured sub‐arc PDIs with synchronized, predicted sub‐arc PDIs, using γ‐analyses. To assess the accuracy of this new method, measured and predicted PDIs were compared for 20 clinically applied VMAT prostate cancer plans. The sensitivity of the method for detection of delivery errors was investigated using VMAT deliveries with intentionally inserted, small perturbations (25 error scenarios; leaf gap deviations ≤ 1.5 mm, leaf motion stops during ≤ 15 MU, linac output error ≤ 2%).ResultsFor the 20 plans, the average failed pixel rates (FPR) for full‐arc and sub‐arc dose QA were 0.36% ± 0.26% (1 SD) and 0.64% ± 0.88%, based on 2%/2 mm and 3%/3 mm γ‐analyses, respectively. Small systematic perturbations of up to 1% output error and 1 mm leaf offset were detected using full‐arc QA. Sub‐arc QA was able to detect positioning errors in three leaves only during approximately 20 MU and small dose delivery errors during approximately 40 MU. In an ROC analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) for the combined full‐arc/sub‐arc approach was 0.90.ConclusionsA novel method for sub‐arc VMAT dose delivery verification with EPIDs is proposed, using only dosimetric information in acquired EPIs for synchronization. Especially in combination with full‐arc QA, the established sensitivity for detection of very small errors is high, with also a high specificity.