bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of CTG repeat polymorphism in carnosine dipeptidase 1 (CNDP1) gene with diabetic nephropathy in north Indians
Authors: Yadav Ashok K. , Sinha Nisha , Kumar Vinod , Bhansali Anil , Dutta Pinaki , Jha Vivekanand 
Published: November 2016

Background & objectives:

CNDP1 gene, present on chromosome 18q22.3-23, encodes carnosinase, the rate-limiting enzyme in hydrolysis of carnosine to β-alanine and L-histidine. Linkage of CTG trinucleotide (leucine) repeat polymorphism in CNDP1 gene with diabetic nephropathy has been observed in several populations. However, this association is conflicting and population-dependent. We investigated this association in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with and without nephropathy in north India.

Methods:
A total of 564 individuals [199 T2DM without nephropathy (DM), 185 T2DM with nephropathy (DN) and 180 healthy individuals (HC)] were enrolled. CNDP1 CTG repeat analysis was done by direct sequencing of a 377 base pair fragment in exon 2.

Results:
The most frequent leucine (L) repeats were 5L-5L, 6L-5L and 6L-6L. 5L-5L genotype frequency was reduced in DN (24.3%) as compared to DM (34.7%, P=0.035) and HC (38.4%, P=0.005). Similarly, 5L allele frequency was lower in DN (46.8%) as compared to DM (57.3%, P=0.004) and HC (60.5%, P<0.001). The genotype and allelic frequencies were similar in DM and HC groups. No gender specific difference was observed in the genotype or allelic frequencies between groups.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Compared to healthy individuals and those with diabetes but no kidney disease, patients with diabetic nephropathy exhibited lower frequencies of 5L-5L genotype and 5L allele of CNDP1 gene, suggesting that this allele might confer protection against development of kidney disease in this population.
Lack of association between FokI polymorphism in vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) & type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Tunisian population
Authors: Mahjoubi Imen , Kallel Amani , Sbaï Mohamed Hédi , Ftouhi Bochra , ben Halima Meriam , Jemaa Zeineb , Feki Moncef , Slimane Hedia , Jemaa Riadh , Kaabachi Naziha 
Published: November 2016

Background & objectives:
The impact of several environmental and genetic factors on diabetes is well documented. Though the association between the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been analyzed in different ethnic groups, the results have been inconsistent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible association between VDR FokI polymorphism and genetic susceptibility to T2DM in Tunisian population.

Methods:
A total of 439 unrelated patients with T2DM and 302 healthy controls were included in the study. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood and genotyped for the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of FokI (T/C: (rs2228570) by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis.

Results:
The genotype distribution and the relative allelic frequencies for the FokI polymorphism were not significantly different between T2DM and controls: in T2DM patients the frequencies of the CC, CT, and TT genotypes were 52.6, 41.0, and 6.1 per cent, respectively, and in controls the genotype frequencies were 55.6, 38.7, and 5.6 per cent, respectively. In our study, the TT genotype of the FokI polymorphism was not associated with T2DM (OR =1.19, 95% CI 0.63 - 2.25, P=0.577).

Interpretation & conclusions:
Our study showed no significant association of the FokI polymorphism in the vitamin D receptor gene with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Tunisian population.
Validation of ICMR index for identification of dental fluorosis in epidemiological studies
Authors: Goyal Ashima , Verma Mahesh , Toteja G.S. , Gauba K. , Mohanty Vikrant , Mohanty Utkal , Kaur Rupinder 
Published: November 2016

Background & objectives:
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) formulated a Task Force on dental fluorosis and recommended the subgroup to develop a simplified index for identification and grading of dental fluorosis to be used by the health workers. This study was conducted to pre-test the ‘ICMR Index for Dental Fluorosis’ in the field to check its reliability and reproducibility.

Methods:
A total of 600 photographs were taken, 150 in each grade of fluorosis by screening 14-17 yr school children from eight schools of Hisar (Haryana) and South west Delhi. Eighty photographs were finalized (20 in each grade) before calibration to be used for training of field workers. Calibration exercise was conducted involving the five member survey team on 100 diagnosed cases of dental fluorosis. The members again screened 74 children with dental fluorosis in the field to categorize in to different grades of fluorosis for assessment of inter-examiner reliability.

Results:
The ICMR criteria showed more difference in agreement in very mild and mild categories during calibration. The inter-examiner reliability (κ) ranged from 0.59-1. The criteria was further modified and inter- examiner reliability (κ) found to be 0.83-0.98 which was almost perfect agreement.

Interpretation & conclusions:
The tool developed by the ICMR to assess dental fluorosis can be used in a field set up by non-dental personnel reliably with high degree of reproducibility.
Effect of lamotrigine, levetiracetam & topiramate on neurobehavioural parameters & oxidative stress in comparison with valproate in rats
Authors: Sarangi Sudhir Chandra , Kakkar Ashish Kumar , Kumar Ritesh , Gupta Yogendra Kumar 
Published: November 2016

Background & objectives:
Though newer antiepileptic drugs are considered safer than conventional antiepileptics, the effects of lamotrigine, levetiracetam and topiramate on neurobehavioural functions are yet to be established. This study evaluated neurobehavioural parameters and oxidative stress markers in brain tissue of rats treated with lamotrigine, levetiracetam and topiramate compared to sodium valproate.

Methods:
Five groups of male Wistar rats were treated respectively with normal saline (control), sodium valproate (370 mg/kg), lamotrigine (50 mg/kg), levetiracetam (310 mg/kg) and topiramate (100 mg/kg) for 45 days. Neurobehavioural parameters were assessed using elevated plus maze (EPM), actophotometer, rotarod, passive avoidance and Morris water maze (MWM) at baseline and at the end of treatment. Oxidative stress parameters [malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)] were estimated in rat brain at the end of treatment.

Results:
Valproate and lamotrigine showed no significant effect on learning and memory in passive avoidance and MWM tests. However, levetiracetam and topiramate reduced retention memory significantly as compared to control (P<0.01) and lamotrigine (P<0.05) groups. Performances on EPM, rotarod and actophotometer were not significantly different between the groups. In comparison to control group, MDA was higher in the levetiracetam and topiramate (360.9 and 345.9 nmol/g of homogenized brain tissue, respectively) groups. GSH and SOD activity were significantly reduced by valproate and levetiracetam treatment. Lamotrigine did not induce significant oxidative stress.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Long-term and therapeutic dose treatment with levetiracetam and topiramate significantly impaired learning and memory, which was not seen with valproate and lamotrigine in rats. Levetiracetam, topiramate and valproate augmented oxidative stress, whereas lamotrigine has little effect on it. These antiepileptic drugs are used in clinical practice, hence pharmacovigilance studies are required to evaluate their safety profile.
Evolution of cooperation: The analysis of the case wherein a different player has a different benefit and a different cost
Authors: Kurokawa Shun 
Published: November 2016

The existence of cooperation demands explanation in terms of natural selection. Prisoner’s dilemma is a framework often used when studying the evolution of cooperation. In prisoner’s dilemma, most previous studies consider the situation wherein an individual who cooperates will give an opponent an amount b at a personal cost of c, where b > c > 0 while an individual who defects will give nothing. This model setting is convenient; however, previous studies have not considered the case wherein a different player has a different benefit and different cost while in reality, it is natural to consider that a different player has a different benefit and different cost. Here, we raise the following question: Taking that a different individual has a different benefit and a different cost into consideration, what strategy is likely to evolve? In this paper, we focus on the direct reciprocity and analyze the case wherein a different player has a different benefit and a different cost. We obtain the condition for the evolution in the general case. And in addition, we have revealed that under a specific condition as the interaction repeats longer and the benefit-to-cost ratio is larger and the cooperating probability is more sensitive to the benefit the opponent provides, the establishment of cooperation is more likely.
Are There Any Changes in Posterior Ocular Structure Parameters in Pediatric Migraine Patients?
Authors: Nalcacioglu Pinar , Taslipinar Uzel Ayse G. , Uzel Mehmet M. , Cagil Nurullah , Citak Kurt Aysegul N. 
Published: November 2016

Purpose To evaluate the thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), total macula, macular ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), and choroid in pediatric migraine patients and compare the values with healthy subjects. Methods This observational and cross-sectional study included 40 patients in the migraine group and 40 healthy control subjects. The thickness of the peripapillary RNFL, total macula, GCL, and IPL was analyzed with spectral-domain optic coherence tomography, while choroidal thickness was analyzed with the enhanced depth imaging protocol. All measurements of the migraine patients were taken in the attack-free period. Right eye selected per subject was included in the study. Results There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in age or sex (p>0.05). The peripapillary RNFL thickness was not significantly different between the 2 groups in any quadrant. The total macula, GCL, and IPL thickness were also not significantly different in the 9 separate macular areas defined on the basis of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (p>0.05). The choroidal thickness at 5 different measurement points was not statistically significantly different between migraine patients during the attack-free period and the healthy subjects (p>0.05). Conclusions Childhood migraine does not cause changes in posterior ocular structure parameters.
The Expression of FAT1 is Associated with Overall Survival in Children with Medulloblastoma
Authors: Yu Jianzhong , Li Hao 
Published: November 2016

Purpose The FAT1 gene is involved in some cancers; however, its role in medulloblastoma is less clear. This study investigated the effects of FAT1 expression on the prognosis of medulloblastoma patients. Methods Whole exome sequencing was undertaken in 40 medulloblastoma patient samples. FAT1 mRNA and protein expression levels in normal and brain tumor tissues were determined by fluorescence quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The association of FAT1 expression with overall survival (OS) was examined by Kaplan-Meier curve analysis with a log-rank test. Following lentiviral-mediated FAT1 knockdown using shRNA in Daoy cells, proliferation, Wnt signaling, and β-catenin protein expression were determined. Results Eight FAT1 missense mutations were detected in 7 patients. FAT1 mRNA expression in tumors was significantly lower than in adjacent normal tissue ( p = 0.043). The OS of patients with high FAT1 protein expression was significantly longer than that of patients with low FAT1 protein expression (median survival time: 24.3 vs 4.8 months, respectively; p = 0.002). shFAT1 cells had significantly higher proliferation rates than shControl cells ( p≤0.028). Furthermore, the mRNA expression of LEF1, β-catenin, and cyclin D1 was significantly upregulated in shFAT1-Daoy cells ( p≤0.018). Conclusions Low FAT1 expression was associated with poor prognosis in children with medulloblastoma. Furthermore, FAT1 may act on Wnt signaling pathway to exert its antitumor effect.
“Comedy of Errors”: The Correspondence between Edith Wharton and John Murray in the National Library of Scotland
Authors: Girling Anna 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
John Murray was effectively Edith Wharton's first British publisher, bringing out three of her works between 1900 and 1902: The Touchstone (1900) (in Britain, A Gift from the Grave), Crucial Instances (1901), and The Valley of Decision (1902). The correspondence between Wharton and Murray, until recently unknown to Wharton scholars, sheds light on the composition of, and Wharton's stated intentions for, the texts in question, as well as on her early professional evolution. This article places this correspondence in the context of Wharton's early career, and examines some of the correspondence between Wharton and Murray in detail (that concerning The Valley of Decision, in particular).
Raman Spectroscopy: A Sensitive and Specific Technique for Determining the Accuracy of Compounded Pharmaceutical Formulations
Authors: Meek Claudia , Hoe Jihye , Evans Jason , Thurman Rosanne , Ashworth Lisa , Leff Richard 
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVES:
Raman spectroscopy is a widely used technology to identify chemical unknowns or confirm chemical identity. We have tested Raman spectrometry to identify compounded pharmaceutical formulations. In contrast to the commonly used application mentioned above, compounded pharmaceutical formulations contain a mixture of ingredients, and the Raman spectrometer is being used to correctly identify the composition of the complete pharmaceutical formulation, including the active pharmaceutical ingredient(s). The objective of this pilot study was to document the potential use of Raman spectroscopy as a tool to provide quality control to compounded pharmaceutical formulations.

METHODS:
“Testing a test” study design was used to prospectively determine whether Raman spectroscopy could verify the accuracy of compounded pharmaceutical formulations. A total of 9 formulations that are commonly compounded at Cook Children's Health Center were selected for testing. Each of the 9 formulations and 2 blank controls were randomly tested for compounding accuracy in replicate. A total of 110 tests were conducted.

RESULTS:
Raman spectroscopy was found to be a reliable test to determine the accuracy of compounded pharmaceutical formulations with a 100% positive predictive value.

CONCLUSIONS:
Raman spectroscopy promises to be an excellent tool for compounding pharmacies to provide an objective measure of compounding accuracy to their unique, compounded pharmaceutical formulations.
A Prospective Pilot Study on the Systemic Absorption of Oral Vancomycin in Children With Colitis
Authors: Antoon James W. , Hall Margaret , Metropulos Diana , Steiner Michael J. , Jhaveri Ravi , Lohr Jacob A. 
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND:
Oral vancomycin is used to treat refractory colitis due to Clostridium dificile infection. Traditionally, oral vancomycin was thought to not be absorbed systemically, but recent adult studies have demonstrated detectable serum levels in over half of patients with severe colitis. This has not been studied in children.

OBJECTIVE:
To determine the absorption of oral vancomycin and the renal safety profile of oral vancomycin in children hospitalized with colitis.

METHODS:
We performed a prospective, observational, pilot proof of principle study at the North Carolina Children's Hospital in patients 2 years to 18 years of age receiving oral vancomycin for the treatment of C dificile colitis. Severity of disease was determined using a validated scoring system. Serial serum vancomycin levels and renal function tests were performed during the administration of oral vancomycin.

RESULTS:
All patients enrolled (n = 8) had mild to moderate C dificile colitis and varying severity of underlying systemic diseases; 7 with inflammatory bowel disease and 1 with acute kidney injury following renal transplantation. No enrolled patients had detectable levels of serum vancomycin. Additionally, no adverse renal outcomes were attributed to oral vancomycin, and no cases of “Red Man” syndrome were observed.

CONCLUSIONS:
Unlike studies in adult patients, oral vancomycin is likely not absorbed in children with mild to moderate colitis. Further study is needed to determine the pharmacokinetics in severe colitis and those with severe illness in a critical care setting.
Preoperative Antibiotic Orders: Protocol-Initiated Pharmacist Order Entry
Authors: Hyde Ben B. , Ogden Richard K. , Berger Ron D. , VanBrimmer Brad W. , Stach Leslie M. 
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the antibiotic selection of preoperative orders before and after a pharmacist order entry protocol for patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization.METHODS:A retrospective chart review of orthopedic surgery procedures on patients with MRSA colonization at a free-standing, academic pediatric hospital, between February 2010 and February 2012.RESULTS:Procedures that were performed pre protocol (n = 27) implementation had a 63% rate of appropriate antibiotic selection compared to 81% in the postprotocol group (n = 32; p = 0.1155). The preprotocol group dose accuracy was 96% compared to 97% in the postprotocol group (p = 0.81). Two procedures, 1 in each group, were redosed appropriately for extended surgery duration. Correct timing of antibiotic administration occurred in 82% of cases pre protocol versus 68% post protocol (p = 0.42).CONCLUSIONS:Patients with MRSA colonization had a greater rate of appropriate drug selection after the implementation of a pharmacist-initiated preoperative protocol. Correct antibiotic dose and redose remained consistent between the study groups. Most of the orthopedic procedures performed included patients on antibiotic coverage at steady state for ongoing infections, which impacted the analysis of preoperative timing. Further studies should be conducted to assess whether the increase in the number of appropriate antibiotic selections decreases the rate of postoperative MRSA infections.
Heteroepitaxial growth of ε-Ga2O3 thin films on cubic (111) MgO and (111) yttria-stablized zirconia substrates by mist chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Nishinaka Hiroyuki , Tahara Daisuke , Yoshimoto Masahiro 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
In this study, epitaxial ε-Ga2O3 thin films are successfully grown on cubic (111) MgO and (111) yttria-stablized zirconia (YSZ) substrates by mist chemical vapor deposition. Pure-phase hexagonal ε-Ga2O3 thin films are grown on the two substrates with a c-axis orientation determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) 2θ–ω scanning. XRD pole figure measurements reveal that the in-plane orientation relationship between the (0001) of ε-Ga2O3 and the (111) of the two substrates is ε-Ga2O3

∥ substrates

. Using (111) MgO substrates with a 2.5% lattice mismatch, the epitaxial ε-Ga2O3 films are successfully grown at a low temperature of 400 °C. The optical direct and indirect bandgaps of pure ε-Ga2O3 thin films are estimated as 5.0 and 4.5 eV, respectively.
Plasmon–exciton interaction and screening of exciton in ZnO-based thin film on bulk Pt as analyzed by spectroscopic ellipsometry
Authors: Darma Yudi , Satrya Christoforus Dimas , Marlina Resti , Kurniawan Robi , Herng Tun Seng , Ding Jun , Rusydi Andrivo 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
We study plasmon–exciton interaction in ZnO-based thin film on bulk Pt by using high resolution spectroscopic ellipsometry. ZnO films on quartz are used as reference. This study shows the strong electronic interactions between ZnO film and Pt by considering the significant suppression of exciton in ZnO film, in comparison to ZnO film on quartz. We found that plasmon in Pt are responsible to provide transferred electron for electronic blocking of exciton in ZnO film induce by spontaneous recombination from Pt. In the case of Cu doped ZnO film, we confirm screening effects on exciton and a localized interband transition for both systems (ZnO film on Pt and ZnO film on quartz). In Cu-doped ZnO film, electronic blocking of exciton by Pt plasmon is more pronounce rather than screening effect by interband transition. Our results show the importance of plasmon from substrate and doping to modify the optical properties of wide bandgap semiconductor.
Babylonian Prayers to Marduk. By Takayoshi Oshima
Authors: Rutz Matthew 
Published: November 2016

Babylonian Prayers to Marduk. By Takayoshi Oshima. Orientalische Religionen in der Antike, vol.
7. Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2011. Pp. xviii + 483, 37 plts. €119.
Columbia Anthology of Yuan Drama. Edited by C. T. Hsia, Wai-Yee Li, and George Kao
Authors: Hayden George Allen 
Published: November 2016

The Columbia Anthology of Yuan Drama. Edited by C. T. Hsia, Wai-Yee Li, and George Kao. New
York: Columbia University Press, 2014. Pp. ix + 409. $40.
ChemInform Abstract: An Investigation of the Tl—Te—I System and Crystal Structure of the Tl5Te2I.
Authors: Babanly Dunya M. , Aliev Ziya S. , Imamaliyeva Samira Z. , Zuniga Fco. Javier , Madariaga Gotzon , Tagiyev Dilqam B. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe phase relations in the Tl‐Te‐I system are experimentally investigated over the entire concentration range.
ChemInform Abstract: Anatase Mg0.05Ta0.95O1.15N0.85: A Novel Photocatalyst for Solar Hydrogen Production.
Authors: Gao Honglin , Zhao Meiming , Yan Shicheng , Zhou Peng , Li Zeyan , Zou Zhigang , Liu Qingju 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe title catalyst is prepared in two steps involving the preparation of Mg0.05Ta0.95O2.425 via a modified Pechini method by combining solutions of MgCl2 and TaCl5 in EtOH and citric acid and subsequent addition of ethylene glycol (150 °C).
ChemInform Abstract: β‐RE1‐xBixB3O6 (RE: Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Y): Bi3+ Substitution Induced Formation of Metastable Rare Earth Borates at Ambient Pressure.
Authors: Sun Xiaorui , Yang Ruirui , Song Rixiang , Leng Song , Jiang Pengfei , Gao Wenliang , Cong Rihong , Yang Tao 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe title compounds are synthesized by solid state reactions of Ln2O3 (Ln: Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Y) or Tb4O7, Bi2O3, and H3BO3 (650 °C for 15 h, followed by sintering at 750—820 °C for 15 h).
ChemInform Abstract: A General CuCl2‐Promoted Alkene Aminochlorination Reaction.
Authors: Li Shu‐Qi , Xiong Peng , Zhu Lin , Qian Xiang‐Yang , Xu Hai‐Chao 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe given aminochlorination reaction tolerates a wide variety of substrates including amides, ureas, and urethanes bearing alkene, alkyne, or allene substituents.
ChemInform Abstract: The Indoleacetic Acids in IMCRs: A Three‐Component Ugi Reaction Involving TosMIC.
Authors: Neochoritis Constantinos G. , Livadiotou Despina , Tsiaras Vassilios , Zarganes‐Tzitzikas Tryfon , Samatidou Evanthia 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe role of indole acetic acids as catalyst or reaction partner in three or four component Ugi reactions as well as three component Passerini reactions is examined.
ChemInform Abstract: Air‐Assisted 2‐Oxo‐Driven Dehydrogenative α,α‐Diamination of 2‐Oxo Aldehydes to 2‐Oxo Acetamidines.
Authors: Kumar Atul , Battini Narsaiah , Kumar Raju Ranjith , Athimoolam S. , Ahmed Qazi Naveed 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAn air‐assisted, functional‐group‐driven, mild, additive‐free, three‐component coupling reaction of α‐oxo aldehydes, secondary amines, and anilines provides α‐oxo acetamidines.
ChemInform Abstract: Fluoroalkyl‐Substituted Diazomethanes and Their Application in a General Synthesis of Pyrazoles and Pyrazolines.
Authors: Mertens Lucas , Hock Katharina J. , Koenigs Rene M. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractSuitable conditions for the continuous flow‐generation of fluoroalkyl substituted diazomethane derivatives are elaborated.