bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pretransplant defunctionalized bladder—overrated condition?
Authors: Neves Neto João F. , Palomino Zaira , Mizuno Watanabe Ingrid K. , Aguiar Wilson F. , Medina‐Pestana Jose O. , Soler Roberto 
Published: January 2018

AimsThe objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of bladder receptors in patients with defunctionalized bladder (DB) and to assess voiding behavior after refunctionalization.MethodsA total of 68 pretransplant patients were divided in two groups: DB (diuresis <300 mL/24 h; n = 33) and NDB (non‐DB; diuresis ≥300 mL/24 h; n = 35). A sample of mucosa and detrusor at the site of the future ureteral implantation was collected. The following receptors were assessed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR): M2, M3, α1D, β3, P2X2, P2X3, TRPV1, TRPV4, TRPA1, and TRPM8. At 3, 6, and 12 months after transplant patients answered IPSS and ICIQ‐OAB questionnaires and filled a 3‐day 24 h frequency/volume chart (FVC) at 6 and 12 months.ResultsThe expression of all receptors in the mucosa and in the detrusor was similar in both groups, except from α1D, which was overexpressed in the detrusor of DB relatively to NDB group. ICIQ‐OAB symptom score was similar between the groups at 3, 6, and 12 months. There was a reduction of this score in both groups with time. The same pattern was found for IPSS score. Bother scores were similar between groups. No difference was observed for all FVC parameters between DB and NDB patients.ConclusionGene expression of bladder receptors involved in micturition control was similar in patients with or without DB. Bladder behavior had a similar pattern independently of pretransplant residual diuresis. These findings question the relevance of the term DB in pretransplant patients.
Metabolic Study of Dioecy in Mauritia flexuosa: NMR‐based and Chemometric Approaches
Authors: dos Santos Freitas Deisy , Alcantara Glaucia Braz 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIntroductionMauritia flexuosa is a dioecious species native to the Amazon, and the gender identification can currently be determined through the differentiation between female and male flowers in the first flowering.ObjectivesTo identify variations in the metabolome profiles of pooled and individual samples of leaves from female and male plants of M. flexuosa in reproductive phase, and the plant in its vegetative phase, using two extraction systems.Material and MethodsExtractions of leaves were separately conducted using deuterated water and methanol. The extracts were evaluated by NMR spectroscopy and chemometric methods.ResultsDifferent NMR spectroscopic profiles were observed for females, males, and plants in the vegetative phase. Significant variations were found in the carbohydrate and fatty acid contents for the aqueous and methanolic extracts, respectively. Although principal component analysis (PCA) has not been efficient to distinguish the genders, orthogonal signal correction/partial least squares‐discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) was able to successfully differentiate male and female plants in the reproductive phase, independently on the sampling approach. For plants in the vegetative phase, OPLS‐DA method from aqueous extracts of M. flexuosa leaves also distinguished female samples from the others and showed a small overlap between male and young plants, while the classification model was not able to be used for prediction.ConclusionsNMR spectroscopy and chemometric‐based approach was demonstrated to be useful in the metabolic study of dioecy in M. flexuosa. The extracts of the leaves allowed for differentiation between male and female plants; however, for plants in the vegetative phase, the identification of the gender was not effective. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Halogen‐free flame retarded rigid polyurethane foam: The influence of titanium dioxide modified expandable graphite and ammonium polyphosphate on flame retardancy and thermal stability
Authors: Pang Xiu‐Yan , Chang Ran , Weng Meng‐Qi 
Published: January 2018

A titanium dioxide modified expendable graphite (EGT) was prepared and characterized. The synergistic effect between EGT and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) on the combustion characteristics and thermal stability of rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) were investigated through limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical‐combustion, microscale combustion calorimeter tests, and thermogravimetric/differential thermal gravimetric (TG/DTG) analysis. Results showed that EGT modified RPUF presented better thermal stability and flame retardancy than the normal expandable graphite (EG) modified RPUF. Addition of EGT improved the LOI value of 80RPUF/20EGT from 19.0% to 26.9%. Furthermore, the combination of EGT and APP caused the 80RPUF/10APP/10EGT to exhibit a LOI value of 27.8%, a vertical burning level of V‐0 and a total heat release of 16.5 kJ g−1. The research gave a body of evidence for synergistic performance between EGT and APP, and the effect of condensed phase mechanism was believed to be the main reason for such synergistic effect. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:2008–2018, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Assembly of Nanoconjugates as New Kind Inhibitor of the Aggregation of Amyloid Peptides Associated with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Li Chao , Lu Jianyang , Hu Xiaolu , Feng Chang , Xiang Yang , Karamanos Yannis , Li Genxi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe inhibition of amyloid‐β (Aβ) aggregation has been regarded as the primary therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's diseases (AD). Currently, many kinds of amyloid inhibitors have been explored, but these inhibitors have their own drawbacks. This study proposes and demonstrates a new kind of inhibitor in this work by making use of protease endowed with high selectivity to prevent Aβ aggregation. To do this, a nanoconjugate that is composed of chymotrypsin, Aβ aptamer, and gold nanoparticle is designed and fabricated. The nanoconjugate can actively capture Aβ through interaction between the aptamer and Aβ, and destroy the target peptides through proteolysis mediated by the adjacent protease molecules. Compared with the conventional inhibitors that only passively bind with Aβ, this new kind of inhibitor may provide a novel insight to control Aβ aggregation. The multivalent binding and efficient enzymatic reaction toward Aβ may also enable a more complete clearance of Aβ, which might achieve a better treatment effect for AD in the future.
Neonatal swallowing assessment using fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES)
Authors: Vetter‐Laracy Susanne , Osona Borja , Roca Antonia , Peña‐Zarza Jose A. , Gil Jose A. , Figuerola Joan 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectivesSwallowing disorders which lead to aspiration are common in premature infants with a postmenstrual age (PMA) of >36 weeks. Aspiration is often silent and the unique symptom is desaturation during feeding. The aim of this study was 1) to determine the number of prematures with desaturations during feeding due to aspiration, using Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES); 2) to relate clinical factors and FEES findings to aspiration; and 3) to describe type and efficacy of suggested treatments.MethodsA retrospective review of 62 ex‐premature babies with a median PMA of 40 weeks which underwent FEES due to persistent feeding desaturations. Aspiration was related to other FEES findings and to clinical and demographic data. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated during the FEES and by comparing recorded desaturations during feeding 7 days before and after FEES.ResultsA total of 44 (71%) infants were diagnosed with aspiration and/or penetration. No relation was found to demographic or clinical data. The accumulation of saliva and residues post‐swallowing were related to aspiration (P < 0.01). In 77.3% of the infants, use of a thickener seemed to reduce aspiration during FEES and was suggested as a treatment. 13.6% of infants received anti‐reflux treatment after FEES and 9.1% required gastrostomy.ConclusionsAspiration is very frequent in premature infants who present desaturations during feeding and FEES is a useful method for diagnosing and suggesting treatments.
Genetic risk of prostate cancer in Ugandan men
Authors: Du Zhaohui , Lubmawa Alexander , Gundell Susan , Wan Peggy , Nalukenge Cissy , Muwanga Proscovia , Lutalo Moses , Nansereko Deborah , Ndaruhutse Olivia , Katuku Molly , Nassanga Rosemary ,   African Ancestry Prostate Cancer Consortium (AAPC), Asiimwe Frank , Masaba Benon , Kaggwa Sam , Namuguzi Dan , Kiddu Vicky , Mutema George , Conti David V. , Luke Asiimwe , Job Kuteesa , Henry Dabanja M. , Haiman Christopher A. , Watya Stephen 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundMen of African‐ancestry have elevated prostate cancer (PCa) incidence and mortality compared to men of other racial groups. There is support for a genetic contribution to this disparity, with evidence of genetic heterogeneity in the underlying risk alleles between populations. Studies of PCa among African men may inform the contribution of genetic risk factors to the elevated disease burden in this population.MethodsWe conducted an association study of >100 previously reported PCa risk alleles among 571 incidence cases and 485 controls among Uganda men. Unconditional logistic regression was used to test genetic associations and a polygenic risk score (PRS) was derived to assess the cumulative effect of the known risk alleles in association with PCa risk. In an exploratory analysis, we also tested associations of 17 125 421 genotyped and imputed markers genome‐wide in association with PCa risk.ResultsOf the 111 known risk loci with a frequency >1%, 75 (68%) had effects that were directionally consistent with the initial discovery population,14 (13%) of which were nominally significantly associated with PCa risk at P < 0.05. Compared to men with average risk (25th‐75th percentile in PRS distribution), Ugandan men in the top 10% of the PRS, constructed of alleles outside of 8q24, had a 2.9‐fold (95%CI: 1.75, 4.97) risk of developing PCa; risk for the top 10% increased to 4.86 (95%CI: 2.70, 8.76) with the inclusion of risk alleles at 8q24. In genome‐wide association testing, the strongest associations were noted with known risk alleles located in the 8q24 region, including rs72725854 (OR = 3.37, P = 2.14 × 10−11) that is limited to populations of African ancestry (6% frequency).ConclusionsThe ∼100 known PCa risk variants were shown to effectively stratify PCa risk in Ugandan men, with 10% of men having a >4‐fold increase in risk. The 8q24 risk region was also found to be a major contributor to PCa risk in Ugandan men, with the African ancestry‐specific risk variant rs72725854 estimated to account for 12% of PCa in this population.
A case of erectile dysfunction induced by red yeast rice in lipid‐lowering therapy
Authors: Liu Zhigang , Chen Peijie 
Published: January 2018

This paper studies a 39‐year‐old male patient who takes red yeast rice (RYR) for self‐therapy in lipid‐lowering for 3 weeks. Results show that RYR can decrease most of the blood lipid components but without selectivity. During the treatment, the patient developed erectile dysfunction (ED) and accompanied by a dramatic decrease in sexual desire. The ED symptom gradually disappeared within 5 weeks after stopping RYR intake.
Emerging Novel Metal Electrodes for Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Lu Haifei , Ren Xingang , Ouyang Dan , Choy Wallace C. H. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractEmerging novel metal electrodes not only serve as the collector of free charge carriers, but also function as light trapping designs in photovoltaics. As a potential alternative to commercial indium tin oxide, transparent electrodes composed of metal nanowire, metal mesh, and ultrathin metal film are intensively investigated and developed for achieving high optical transmittance and electrical conductivity. Moreover, light trapping designs via patterning of the back thick metal electrode into different nanostructures, which can deliver a considerable efficiency improvement of photovoltaic devices, contribute by the plasmon‐enhanced light–mattering interactions. Therefore, here the recent works of metal‐based transparent electrodes and patterned back electrodes in photovoltaics are reviewed, which may push the future development of this exciting field.
Functional Differentiation of Three Pores for Effective Sulfur Confinement in Li–S Battery
Authors: Wang Qian , Yang Minghui , Wang Zhen‐Bo , Li Chao , Gu Da‐Ming 
Published: January 2018

AbstractShuttle effect of the dissolved intermediates is regarded as the primary cause that leads to fast capacity degradation of Li–S battery. Herein, a microporous carbon‐coated sulfur composite with novel rambutan shape (R‐S@MPC) is synthesized from microporous carbon‐coated rambutan‐like zinc sulfide (R‐ZnS@MPC), via an in situ oxidation process. The R‐ZnS is employed as both template and sulfur precursor. The carbon frame of R‐S@MPC composite possesses three kinds of pores that are distinctly separated from each other in space and are endowed with the exclusive functions. The central macropore serves as buffer pool to accommodate the dissolved lithium polysulfides (LPSs) and volumetric variation during cycling. The marginal straight‐through mesoporous, connected with the central macropore, takes the responsibility of sulfur storage. The micropores, evenly distributed in the outer carbon shell of the as‐synthesized R‐S@MPC, enable the blockage of LPSs. These pores are expected to perform their respective single function, and collaborate synergistically to suppress the sulfur loss. Therefore, it delivers an outstanding cycling stability, decay rate of 0.013% cycle−1 after 500 cycles at 1 C, when the sulfur loading is kept at 4 mg cm−2.
A hybrid approach for aspect‐oriented business process modeling
Authors: Jalali Amin , Maggi Fabrizio Maria , Reijers Hajo A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractSeparation of concerns has long been an important strategy to deal with complexity when developing a system. Some concerns (like security) are scattered through the whole system, and different modules are tangled to such concerns. These concerns are known as cross‐cutting concerns. When the system in question is a business process, cross‐cutting concerns are aimed at being encapsulated by Aspect‐Oriented Business Process Modeling. However, the state‐of‐the‐art techniques in this field lack efficient mechanisms that (1) support composition of cross‐cutting concerns that can be defined in parallel to (a part of) a process model and (2) enable specifying both mandatory and optional cross‐cutting concerns. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a new Aspect‐Oriented Business Process Modeling approach. The approach is hybrid since it is based on declarative rules to relate imperative cross‐cutting concerns and imperative business process models. The approach is explained, formally grounded with precise semantics, and used accordingly to implement the artifacts that support modeling and enactment of business processes in the proposed fashion as a proof of concept. In addition, the approach is evaluated on the basis of the Technology Acceptance Model during a workshop session. The result shows that participants perceived the approach usable and easy to use.
Crocin improved amyloid beta induced long‐term potentiation and memory deficits in the hippocampal CA1 neurons in freely moving rats
Authors: Hadipour Mohammadmehdi , Kaka Gholamreza , Bahrami Farideh , Meftahi Gholam Hossein , Pirzad Jahromi Gila , Mohammadi Alireza , Sahraei Hedayat 
Published: January 2018

AbstractExtracellular beta‐amyloid (Aβ) accumulation and deposition is the main factor, which causes synaptic loss and eventually cells death in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Memory loss and long‐term potentiation (LTP) dysfunction in the hippocampus are involved in the AD. The involvement of crocin, as the main and active constituent of saffron extract in learning and memory processes, has been proposed. Here we investigated the probable therapeutic effect of crocin on memory, LTP, and neuronal apoptosis using in vivo Aβ models of the AD. The Aβ peptide (1–42) was bilaterally administered into the frontal‐cortex using stereotaxic apparatus. Five hours after surgery, rats were given intraperitoneal crocin (30 mg/kg) daily, which repeated for 12 days. Barnes maze results showed that administration of crocin significantly improves spatial memory indicators such as latency time to achieving the target hole and the number of errors when compared to Aβ‐group. Passive avoidance test revealed that crocin significantly increased the step‐through‐latency compared to Aβ‐treated alone. These learning deficits in Aβ‐treated animals correlated with a reduction of LTP in hippocampal CA1 synapses in freely moving rats, which crocin improved population spike amplitude and mean field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSP) slope reduction induced by Aβ. Neuronal apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay and the expression levels of c‐Fos proteins were examined by Western blotting. Crocin significantly reduced the number of TUNEL‐positive cells in the CA1 region and decreased c‐Fos in the hippocampus compared to Aβ‐group. In vivo Aβ treatment altered significantly the electrophysiological properties of CA1 neurons and crocin further confirmed a neuroprotective action against Aβ toxicity.
Phospholipids and oxophospholipids in atherosclerotic plaques at different stages of plaque development
Authors: Ravandi Amir , Babaei Saeid , Leung Ramsey , Monge Juan Carlos , Hoppe George , Hoff Henry , Kamido Hiroshi , Kuksis Arnis 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe identified and quantified the hydroperoxides, hydroxides, epoxides, isoprostanes, and core aldehydes of the major phospholipids as the main components of the oxophospholipids (a total of 5–25 pmol/μmol phosphatidylcholine) in a comparative study of human atheroma from selected stages of lesion development. The developmental stages examined included fatty streak, fibrous plaque, necrotic core, and calcified tissue. The lipid analyses were performed by normal‐phase HPLC with on‐line electrospray MS using conventional total lipid extracts. There was great variability in the proportions of the various oxidation products and a lack of a general trend. Specifically, the early oxidation products (hydroperoxides and epoxides) of the glycerophosphocholines were found at the advanced stages of the plaques in nearly the same relative abundance as the more advanced oxidation products (core aldehydes and acids). The anticipated linear accumulation of the more stable oxidation products with progressive development of the atherosclerotic plaque was not apparent. It is therefore suggested that lipid infiltration and/or local peroxidation is a continuous process characterized by the formation and destruction of both early and advanced products of lipid oxidation at all times. The process of lipid deposition appears to have been subject to both enzymatic and chemical modification of the normal tissue lipids. Clearly, the appearance of new and disproportionate old lipid species excludes randomness in any accumulation of oxidized LDL lipids in atheroma.
Lactational changes in the fatty acid composition of human milk gangliosides
Authors: Martín‐Sosa Samuel , Martín María‐Jesús , Castro María‐Dolores , Cabezas José A. , Hueso Pablo 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe objectives of this work were to study the FA composition of milk gangliosides, as well as to gain further insight into the characterization of human milk gangliosides. The potential capacity of human milk gangliosides to adhere to human enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC‐strains) was also studied. Human milk gangliosides were isolated and identified by high‐performance TLC or immunoassay. The latter also was used to assay bacterial adhesion. The FA composition of gangliosides was studied by GC. The presence of O‐acetyl GD3 (Neu5,9Ac2α2–8 NeuAcα2–3Galβ1–4GlcCer) and trace amounts of GM1 [Galβ1–3GalNAcβ1,−3(NeuAcα2–3)Galβ1–4GlcCer] in human milk was confirmed. Medium‐chain FA were almost absent in colostrum, whereas in the subsequent stages they rose to 20%. The levels of long‐chain FA decreased after colostrum. With respect to the degree of saturation, gangliosides from colostrum were richer in monounsaturated FA than gangliosides synthesized during the rest of the lactation period, opposite to the pattern for PUFA. A human‐ETEC colonization factor antigen II‐expressing strain showed binding capacity to human milk GM3 (NeuAcα2–3Galβ1–4GlcCer). New data on human milk gangliosides have been gathered. A thorough knowledge of their composition is needed since they may have important biological implications in regard to newborns' defense against infection.
Contrasting effects of t10,c12‐ and c9,t11‐conjugated linoleic acid isomers on the fatty acid profiles of mouse liver lipids
Authors: Kelley D. S. , Bartolini G. L. , Warren J. M. , Simon V. A. , Mackey B. E. , Erickson K. L. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of two purified isomers of CLA (c9,t11‐CLA and t10,c12‐CLA) on the weights and FA compositions of hepatic TG, phospholipids, cholesterol esters, and FFA. Eight‐week‐old female mice (n=6/group) were fed either a control diet or diets supplemented with 0.5% c9,t11‐CLA or t10, c12‐CLA isomers for 8 wk. Weights of liver total lipids and those of individual lipid fractions. did not differ between the control and the c9,t11‐CLA groups. Livers from animals fed the t10,c12‐CLA diet contained four times more lipids than those of the control group; this was mainly due to an increase in the TG fractions (fivefold), but cholesterol (threefold), cholesterol esters (threefold), and FFA (twofold) were also significantly increased. Although c9,t11‐CLA did not significantly alter the weights of liver lipids when compared with the control group, its intake was associated with significant reductions in the weight percentage (wt% of total FAME) of 18∶1n−9 and 18∶1n−7 in the TG fraction and with significant increases in the weight percentage of 18∶2n−6 in the TG, cholesterol ester, and phospholipid fractions. on the other hand, t10,c12‐CLA intake was linked with a significant increase in the weight percentage of 18∶1n−9 and a decrease in that of 18∶2n−6 in all lipid fractions. These changes may be the result of alterations in the activity of Δ9‐desaturase (stearoyl CoA desaturase) and the enzymes involved in the metabolism of 18∶2n−6. Thus, the two isomers differed not only in their effects on the weights of total liver lipids and lipid fractions but also on the FA profile of the lipid fractions.
Modulation of hepG2 cell net apolipoprotein B secretion by the citrus polymethoxyflavone, tangeretin
Authors: Kurowska Elzbieta M. , Manthey John A. , Casaschi Adele , Theriault Andre G. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe purpose of the present study was to examine the role of tangeretin, a polymethoxylated flavone from citrus fruits, on the regulation of apolipoprotein B (apoB) and lipid metabolism in the human hepatoma cell‐line HepG2. The marked reduction in apoB secretion observed in cells incubated with 72.8 μM tangeretin was rapid, apoB‐specific, and partly reversible. The reduction also was observed under lipid‐rich conditions and found to be insensitive to proteasomal degradation of nascent apoB. We followed our study by examining lipid synthesis and mass. A 24‐h exposure of cells to 72.8 μM tangeretin decreased intracellular synthesis of cholesteryl esters, free cholesterol, and TAG by 82, 45, and 64%, respectively; tangeretin also reduced the mass of cellular TAG by 37%. The tangeretin‐induced suppression of TAG synthesis and mass were associated with decreased activities of DAG acyltransferase (up to‐39.0±3.0% vs. control) and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (up to−35.5±2.5% vs. control). Tangeretin was also found to activate the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor, a transcription factor with a positive regulatory impact on FA oxidation and TAG availability (up to 36% increase vs. control). The data suggest that tangeretin modulates apoB‐containing lipoprotein metabolism through multiple mechanisms.