bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A trial of oral corticosteroids for persistent systemic and airway inflammation in severe asthma
Authors: Oishi Keiji , Hirano Tsunahiko , Suetake Ryo , Ohata Syuichiro , Yamaji Yoshikazu , Ito Kosuke , Edakuni Nobutaka , Matsunaga Kazuto 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and blood eosinophils, markers of local and systemic eosinophilic inflammation, respectively, are increased in asthmatic patients. Little is known concerning the relationship between the FeNO levels and blood eosinophils in asthmatics.MethodsTwenty severe asthmatics with persistent FeNO elevation (≥40 ppb) and blood eosinophilia (≥3%) despite maintenance therapy including high‐daily‐dose inhaled corticosteroids were analyzed. We investigated the response of FeNO and blood eosinophils to systemic corticosteroids treatment and the change in Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) according to differences in the response of FeNO and blood eosinophils to steroid.ResultsThe changes in blood eosinophils were not correlated with the changes in FeNO levels by systemic steroid treatment (r = 0.37, P = 0.11). 50% of the subjects showed both ≥20% reductions in FeNO levels and blood eosinophils. There were significant differences in the ACQ score between the steroid response group and poor response group (P < 0.005). The group in which both FeNO and blood eosinophils were suppressed fulfilled the change in score of ≥0.5 on the ACQ.ConclusionsIn the patients with severe asthma, responses to systemic corticosteroids were variable in terms of FeNO and blood eosinophils. It was necessary to suppress both persistent eosinophilia and high FeNO for the improvement of asthma control.
Iron Metabolism and the Inflammatory Response
Authors: Martins Ana C. , Almeida Joana I. , Lima Illyane S. , Kapitão Antonino S. , Gozzelino Raffaella 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIron (Fe) is essential to almost all organisms, as required by cells to satisfy metabolic needs and accomplish specialized functions. Its ability to exchange electrons between different substrates, however, renders it potentially toxic. Fine tune‐mechanisms are necessary to maintain Fe homeostasis and, as such, to prevent its participation into the Fenton reaction and generation of oxidative stress. These are particularly important in the context of inflammation/infection, where restricting Fe availability to invading pathogens is one, if not, the main host defense strategy against microbial growth. The ability of Fe to modulate several aspects of the immune response is associated with a number of “costs” and “benefits”, some of which have been described in this review. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(6):442–450, 2017
Modulation of surface stiffness and cell patterning on polymer films using micropatterns
Authors: Sunami Hiroshi , Shimizu Yusuke , Denda Junko , Yokota Ikuko , Yoshizawa Tomokazu , Uechi Yukiko , Nakasone Hitoshi , Igarashi Yasuyuki , Kishimoto Hidehiro , Matsushita Masayuki 
Published: May 2017

AbstractHere, a new technology was developed to selectively produce areas of high and low surface Young's modulus on biomedical polymer films using micropatterns. First, an elastic polymer film was adhered to a striped micropattern to fabricate a micropattern‐supported film. Next, the topography and Young's modulus of the film surface were mapped using atomic force microscopy. Contrasts between the concave and convex locations of the stripe pattern were obvious in the Young's modulus map, although the topographical map of the film surface appeared almost flat. The concave and convex locations of a polymer film supported by a different micropattern also contrasted clearly. The resulting Young's modulus map showed that the Young's modulus was higher at convex locations than at concave locations. Hence, regions of high and low stiffness can be locally generated based on the shape of the micropattern supporting the film. When cells were cultured on the micropattern‐supported films, NIH3T3 fibroblasts preferentially accumulated in convex regions with high Young's moduli. These findings demonstrate that this new technology can regulate regions of high and low surface Young's modulus on a cellular scaffold with high planar resolution, as well as providing a method for directing cellular patterning. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 976–985, 2018.
An Anti‐Cancer Drug Candidate OSI‐027 and its Analog as Inhibitors of mTOR: Computational Insights Into the Inhibitory Mechanisms
Authors: Rehan Mohd 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTThe mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine‐threonine kinase, which regulates cellular metabolism and growth, and is a validated therapeutic target in various cancers. Recently, OSI‐027, a selective ATP competitive inhibitor of mTOR, has been developed. The OSI‐027 is an orally bioavailable compound whose anti‐cancer activities were observed in various cancer cell lines and tumor xenograft models. The current study is the first attempt to explore the binding mode and the molecular‐interactions of OSI‐027 with mTOR using molecular docking and (un)binding simulation approaches. The study identified various interacting residues and their extent of involvement in binding was emphasized using different methods. The (un)binding simulation analyses provided snapshots of various phases in OSI‐027 binding and identified residues important for binding but away from the catalytic site. Further, to explore a better binder for mTOR among OSI‐027 analogs, the virtual screening led to propose an OSI‐027 analog with CID: 73294902 as a better inhibitor than the OSI‐027 and the native ligand PI‐103. The binding mode of the proposed compound is compared with those of OSI‐027 and other native inhibitors. The comparison of (un)binding simulation phases of proposed compound with that of OSI‐027 revealed that both, bound to the same catalytic site, follow different (un)binding path. Thus, the current study presents computational insights into the OSI‐027 mediated inhibition of mTOR kinase and proposed an OSI‐027 analog as better mTOR inhibitor, and thus, a good drug for further research in experimental laboratories. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4558–4567, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Associations of muscle force, power, cross‐sectional muscle area and bone geometry in older UK men
Authors: Zengin Ayse , Pye Stephen R. , Cook Michael J. , Adams Judith E. , Rawer Rainer , Wu Frederick C.W. , O'Neill Terence W. , Ward Kate A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundAgeing is associated with sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and increased fall risk, all of which contribute to increased fracture risk. Mechanically, bone strength adapts in response to forces created by muscle contractions. Adaptations can be through changes in bone size, geometry, and bending strength. Muscle mass is often used as a surrogate for muscle force; however, force can be increased without changes in muscle mass. Increased fall risk with ageing has been associated with a decline in muscle power—which is a measure of mobility. The aims of this study were as follows: (i) to investigate the relationship between muscle parameters in the upper and lower limbs with age in UK men and the influence of ethnicity on these relationships; (ii) to examine the relationships between jump force/grip strength/cross‐sectional muscle area (CSMA) with bone outcomes at the radius and tibia.MethodsWhite European, Black Afro‐Caribbean, and South Asian men aged 40–79 years were recruited from Manchester, UK. Cortical bone mineral content, cross‐sectional area, cortical area, cross‐sectional moment of inertia, and CSMA were measured at the diaphysis of the radius and tibia using peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Lower limb jump force and power were measured from a single two‐legged jump performed on a ground‐reaction force platform. Grip strength was measured using a dynamometer. Associations between muscle and bone outcomes was determined using linear regression with adjustments for age, height, weight, and ethnicity.ResultsThree hundred and one men were recruited. Jump force was negatively associated with age; for every 10 year increase in age, there was a 4% reduction in jump force (P < 0.0001). There was a significant age–ethnicity interaction for jump power (P = 0.039); after adjustments, this was attenuated (P = 0.088). For every 10 year increase in age, grip strength decreased by 11%. Jump force was positively associated with tibial bone outcomes: a 1 standard deviation greater jump force was associated with significantly higher cortical bone mineral content 3.1%, cross‐sectional area 4.2%, cortical area 3.4%, and cross‐sectional moment of inertia 6.8% (all P < 0.001). Cross‐sectional muscle area of the lower leg was not associated with tibial bone outcomes. Both grip strength and CSMA of the arm were positively associated, to a similar extent, with radius diaphyseal bone outcomes.ConclusionsJump force and power are negatively associated with age in UK men. In the lower limb, the measurement of jump force is more strongly related to bone outcomes than CSMA. It is important to consider jump force and power when understanding the aetiology of bone loss and mobility in ageing men.
Thymol feed supplementation in quail alters the percentages of nutritionally relevant egg yolk fatty acids: effects throughout incubation
Authors: Fernandez Maria E , Marin Raul H , Luna Agustin , Zunino Maria P , Labaque Maria C 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDPolyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are crucial components of egg yolk and particularly prone to oxidative damage, generating losses of nutrients for embryonic development and influencing the quality of eggs for human consumption. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether dietary thymol (a natural antioxidant) is related to changes in quail egg yolk total (T), triglyceride (TG) and phospholipid (PL) fatty acid composition at different stages of embryo development. Thus female Japanese quail (100 days of age) were assigned to one of two dietary treatments (12 individuals each): CON (basal diet) or THY (0.0016 mol thymol day−1 per bird). After 2 weeks of supplementation, eggs were incubated and samples were obtained at 0, 4 and 16 days of embryonic development.RESULTSIn 0 day THY eggs, α‐linolenic acid and n‐3 PUFA in T and TG, docosahexaenoic acid and PUFA in T and arachidonic acid in TG were increased, while saturated fatty acids (SFA) in T were reduced. From 4 days on, PUFA, n‐3 PUFA and SFA from T and TG in THY eggs were found to be similar to those of CON eggs. The changes in PL throughout incubation were similar in both dietary treatments.CONCLUSIONThymol would provide the embryo with PUFA for synthesis/deposition in membranes and/or assign to supply energy. Additionally, thymol supplementation would be advisable for the production of healthier table eggs. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Antioxidant activity and bioactive compound contents before and after in vitro digestion of new tomato hybrids
Authors: Tommonaro Giuseppina , Speranza Giovanna , De Prisco Rocco , Iodice Carmine , Crudele Egle , Abbamondi Gennaro Roberto , Nicolaus Barbara 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe antioxidant properties and bioactive compound contents of fresh new tomato hybrids before and after in vitro digestion were investigated. To this aim, the antioxidant activities of lipophilic, hydrophilic and polyphenolic extracts of tomato hybrids were determined by ABTS (2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid)), DMPD (N,N‐dimethyl‐p‐phenylenediamine dihydrochloride) and DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) methods respectively, while the bioactive compound contents were estimated via Folin–Ciocalteu (polyphenols), pH differential (anthocyanins) and high‐performance liquid chromatography (lycopene and β‐carotene) methods.RESULTSAfter the digestion process, a marked loss (ranging from 37 to 77%) of antioxidant capacity linked to the hydrophilic fraction was observed. In contrast, the lipophilic and methanolic fractions showed an increase in antioxidant activity (ranging from 9 to 40%) after gastric digestion, and a rapid decrease was observed after total digestion. Moreover, the presence of anthocyanins and carotenoids after simulated digestion was a notable result.CONCLUSIONThe bioavailability of bioactive metabolites from nutraceutical food and their healthful properties in humans are strictly dependent on the digestion process. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Memory Effect Canceling and Novel Driving Scheme of Twisting‐ball Display via Space‐charge Polarization
Authors: Komazaki Yusuke , Torii Toru 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn this paper, characteristics of memory effect cancelling method for twisting‐ball display utilizing space‐charge polarization were examined. Response speed of the display to voltage removal became slow with increasing resistance value of resistors connected in parallel to the display. Memory effect canceling was effective with the resistance value at least up to 1 GΩ. Polarization and depolarization of space‐charges in a twisting‐ball display were completed in 60 s at 50 V and space‐charge polarization was induced under 1 Hz. The strength of space‐charge polarization can be controlled by the extent of progress of polymerization of the silicone rubber sheet, which means unpolymerized silicone rubber molecules or cross‐linker molecules can be charge careers in the display. Also, we proposed and demonstrated a novel driving scheme for the twisting‐ball display utilizing space‐charge polarization, which achieved simple structure, fast response and low energy consumption.
Dynamic 1H imaging of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]lactate in vivo using a reverse INEPT experiment
Authors: Wang Jiazheng , Kreis Felix , Wright Alan J. , Hesketh Richard L. , Levitt Malcolm H. , Brindle Kevin M. 
Published: May 2017

PurposeDynamic magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging of hyperpolarized 13C‐labeled cell substrates has enabled the investigation of tissue metabolism in vivo. Currently observation of these hyperpolarized substrates is limited mainly to 13C detection. We describe here an imaging pulse sequence that enables proton observation by using polarization transfer from the hyperpolarized 13C nucleus to spin‐coupled protons.MethodsThe pulse sequence transfers 13C hyperpolarization to 1H using a modified reverse insensitive nuclei enhanced by polarization transfer (INEPT) sequence that acquires a fully refocused echo. The resulting hyperpolarized 1H signal is acquired using a 2D echo‐planar trajectory. The efficiency of polarization transfer was investigated using simulations with and without T1 and T2 relaxation of both the 1H and 13C nuclei.ResultsSimulations showed that 1H detection of the hyperpolarized 13C nucleus in lactate should increase significantly the signal‐to‐noise ratio when compared with direct 13C detection at 3T. However the advantage of 1H detection is expected to disappear at higher fields. Dynamic 1H images of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]lactate, with a spatial resolution of 1.25 × 1.25 mm2, were acquired from a phantom injected with hyperpolarized [1‐13C]lactate and from tumors in vivo following injection of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate.ConclusionsThe sequence allows 1H imaging of hyperpolarized 13C‐labeled substrates in vivo. Magn Reson Med 79:741–747, 2018. © 2017 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Exploring genetic susceptibility to obesity through genome functional pathway analysis
Authors: Gabrielli Alexander P. , Manzardo Ann M. , Butler Merlin G. 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveObesity has been reaching epidemic levels in recent decades, with a growing body of research identifying predisposing genetic components. To explore the relationship of genetic factors contributing to obesity, an analytical computer‐based gene‐profiling approach utilizing an updated list of clinically relevant and known obesity‐related genes was undertaken.MethodsAn updated list of 494 genes reportedly associated with obesity was compiled, and the GeneAnalytics profiling software was utilized to interrogate genomic databases from GeneCards® to cross‐reference obesity gene sets against tissues and cells, diseases, genetic pathways, gene ontology (GO)‐biological processes and GO‐molecular functions, phenotypes, and compounds.ResultsObesity‐related fields identified by GeneAnalytics algorithms included 8 diseases, 46 pathways, 62 biological processes, 22 molecular functions, 148 phenotypes, and 286 compounds impacting adipogenesis, signal transduction by G‐protein coupled receptors, and lipid metabolism involving insulin‐related genes (IGF1, INS, IRS1). GO‐biological processes identified feeding behavior, cholesterol metabolic process, and glucose and cholesterol homeostasis pathways, while GO‐molecular processes pertained to receptor binding, affecting glucose homeostasis, body weight, and circulating insulin and triglyceride levels.ConclusionsThe gene‐profiling model suggests that pathogenesis of obesity relates to the coordination of biological responses to glucose and intracellular lipids possibly through a disruption of biochemical cascades and cellular signaling arising from affected receptors.
Reductive Deamination by Benzyne for Deoxy Sugar Synthesis Through a Domino Reaction
Authors: Hwu Jih Ru , Chandrasekhar D. Balaji , Hwang Kuo Chu , Lin Chun‐Cheng , Horng Jia‐Cherng , Shieh Fa‐Kuen 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBenzyne was developed as a reducing agent in the key step of converting amino sugars and ketoses into deoxy sugars, which occur widely in natural products. Many deoxy sugars exhibit antibiotic and anticancer activities, and furthermore, they play essential biological roles. By treatment with CS2 and then Ac2O, amino sugars and ketoses were converted into the corresponding 1,3‐thiazolidine‐2‐thiones. In the key step, these intermediates were treated with 2‐trimethylsilylphenyl triflate (2.0 equiv.) and CsF (3.0 equiv.) in MeCN at 25 °C to produce acyclic enol acetates in 60–63 % yields. Saponification of the enol acetates with NaOMe/MeOH followed by intramolecular cyclization afforded the target 2‐deoxy sugars. The key step of the reductive deamination involved a domino 1,2‐elimination/[3+2]‐cycloaddition/retro [3+2]‐ring‐opening sequence. The generality of this new method was proven by the use of various substrates, including pentoses, hexoses, monosaccharides, disaccharides, aldoses, and ketoses.
Sequential Uncaging with Green Light can be Achieved by Fine‐Tuning the Structure of a Dicyanocoumarin Chromophore
Authors: Gandioso Albert , Palau Marta , Nin‐Hill Alba , Melnyk Ivanna , Rovira Carme , Nonell Santi , Velasco Dolores , García‐Amorós Jaume , Marchán Vicente 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe report the synthesis and photochemical properties of a series of dicyanocoumarinylmethyl (DEAdcCM)‐ and dicyanocoumarinylethyl (DEAdcCE)‐based photocages of carboxylic acids and amines with absorption maximum around 500 nm. Photolysis studies with green light have demonstrated that the structure of the coumarin chromophore as well as the nature of the leaving group and the type of bond to be photocleaved (ester or carbamate) have a strong influence on the rate and efficiency of the uncaging process. These experimental observations were also supported by DFT calculations. Such differences in deprotection kinetics have been exploited to sequentially photolyze two dicyanocoumarin‐caged model compounds (e.g., benzoic acid and ethylamine), and open the way to increasing the number of functional levels that can be addressed with light in a single system, particularly when combining dicyanocoumarin caging groups with other photocleavable protecting groups, which remain intact under green light irradiation.
Successful use of nitrous oxide during lumbar punctures: A call for nitrous oxide in pediatric oncology clinics
Authors: Livingston Mylynda , Lawell Miranda , McAllister Nancy 
Published: May 2017

AbstractNumerous reports describe the successful use of nitrous oxide for analgesia in children undergoing painful procedures. Although shown to be safe, effective, and economical, nitrous oxide use is not yet common in pediatric oncology clinics and few reports detail its effectiveness for children undergoing repeated lumbar punctures. We developed a nitrous oxide clinic, and undertook a review of pediatric oncology lumbar puncture records for those patients receiving nitrous oxide in 2011. No major complications were noted. Minor complications were noted in 2% of the procedures. We offer guidelines for establishing such a clinic.
Outcomes of a pediatric surgical oncology fellowship in a pediatric cancer institution
Authors: Fernandez‐Pineda I. , Sanders D. , Rao B.N. , Shochat S.J. , Davidoff A.M. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSurgery plays an important role as part of the treatment plan in most children with malignant solid tumors in regards to initial biopsy, upfront resection, and delayed resection. Surgeons also play a critical role in the treatment of surgical complications that may arise during medical treatment. The pediatric surgical oncologist should be familiar with the current treatment guidelines, histology implications, chemotherapy and radiation side effects, tumor staging, and overall care of the child with cancer. Specific training in pediatric surgical oncology is not widespread internationally and it represents a potential undervalued intervention for improving global pediatric cancer care.
Depressive symptoms are found to be potential adverse effects of androgen deprivation therapy in older prostate cancer patients: A 15‐month prospective, observational study
Authors: Zhang Zhiqiang , Yang Linlin , Xie Dongdong , Shi Haoqiang , Li Guangyuan , Yu Dexin 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the association between androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and depression and to identify the risk factors for depressive symptoms among prostate cancer (PCa) patients who received ADT.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, longitudinal, controlled study and assessed 3 groups of older patients: the ADT group (men who were presented with maximum androgen block); the radical prostatectomy (RP) group (PCa control group: men who underwent RP without ADT); and the benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) group (men who had BPH). All patients completed the demographic questionnaire at baseline and the Zung Self‐Rating Depression Scale (SDS) at pretreatment baseline, 1 month, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months and 15 months.ResultsA total of 146 patients completed the study during the 15‐month follow‐up. The Self‐Rating Depression Scale scores of the 3 groups showed significant differences at 1 month (P < .001), 6 months (P = .009), 9 months (P < .001), 12 months (P < .001), and 15 months (P < .001). At 9 months, 12% of the men in the ADT group, 4.3% in the RP group, and 2% in the BPH group showed depressive symptoms, and there were no significant differences (P = .095). However, there were significant differences among the 3 groups relative to the incidence of depressive symptoms at 12 and 15 months (P < .001, P = .007, respectively). The analysis of the ADT subgroup indicated that alcohol consumption (odds ratio = 6.868; P = .046; 95% CI, 1.038‐45.443) and smoking (odds ratio = 13.661; P = 0.013; 95% CI, 1.722‐108.386) increased the risk for developing depressive symptoms.ConclusionsAndrogen deprivation therapy use does significantly increase the depressive scores and enhance the incidence of depression among PCa patients who received ADT. Smoking and alcohol consumption are associated with depressive symptoms among PCa patients receiving ADT.