bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Domains for Efficient Notch Signaling Activity in Immobilized Notch Ligand Proteins
Authors: Liu Ledi , Wada Hiroe , Matsubara Natsuki , Hozumi Katsuto , Itoh Motoyuki 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTNotch is a critical signaling pathway that controls cell fate and tissue homeostasis, but the functional characterization of Notch ligand domains that activate Notch receptors remains incomplete. Here, we established a method for immobilizing Notch ligand proteins onto beads to measure time‐dependent Notch activity after the addition of Notch ligand‐coated beads. A comparison between activities by the Notch ligand found on the cell surface to that of the ligand immobilized on beads showed that immobilized Notch ligand protein produces comparable signal activity during the first 10 h. Follow‐up truncation studies showed that the N‐terminal epidermal growth factor (EGF) repeat three region of delta like canonical Notch ligand 4 (DLL4) or jagged 1 (JAG1) is the minimum region for activating Notch signaling, and the DLL4 EGF repeat three domain may have a role in activation through a mechanism other than by increasing binding affinity. In addition, we found that reconstruction of the DLL4 delta and OSM‐11 (DOS) motif (N257P) resulted in an increase in both binding affinity and signaling activity, which suggests that the role of the DOS motif is conserved among Notch ligands. Furthermore, active DLL4 protein on beads promoted T cell differentiation or inhibited B cell differentiation in vitro, whereas JAG1 proteins on beads did not have any effect. Taken together, our findings provide unambiguous evidence for the role of different Notch ligands and their domains in Notch signal activation, and may be potential tools for controlling Notch signaling activation. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 785–796, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Salivary Amylase as a Marker of Salivary Gland Function in Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy for Oral Cancer
Authors: Vedam V. K. Vaishnavi , Boaz Karen , Natarajan Srikant , Ganapathy Sivadas 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate salivary amylase in patients with primary oral cancer undergoing radiotherapy as the main modality of treatment.Materials/methodsThe study was conducted on ten histologically proven cases of oral cancer undergoing radiotherapy. Stimulated whole saliva was collected at three stages of radiotherapy—0, 3, and 6 weeks. Salivary amylase was estimated using Henry‐Chiamori method and comparison was made with appropriate age‐ and gender‐matched controls.ResultsSalivary amylase levels showed significant decrease in healthy subjects when compared to oral cancer patients (P < 0.001). The latter group also showed changing trend with initial decrease from 0 to 3 weeks followed by increase from 3 to 6 weeks following radiotherapy (P < 0.0528).ConclusionsThe trend in changes in the levels of salivary amylase could be used as a surrogate marker of salivary gland function in patients with oral cancer undergoing radiotherapy as primary treatment.
Evaluation of the LABGEO PT10 Point‐Of‐Care Testing Device: Comparison of Analyte Measurements in Capillary Whole Blood and Lithium Heparin Whole Blood Samples With Those in Central Laboratory
Authors: Lim Jinsook , Kim Hyunjin , Koo Sun Hoe , Kwon Gye Cheol 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundPoint‐of‐care (POC) testing device has been widely used because of its rapid availability of results making diagnosis and management as early as possible. Capillary blood can reduce the difficulty of obtaining samples compared to venous blood and allows the prompt testing results. In this study, we evaluated the usefulness of capillary blood in Samsung LABGEO PT10.MethodsFifty‐one patients and 18 healthy adults aged between 20 and 65 were enrolled and their capillary and venous blood samples were collected. Venous blood samples were split into lithium heparin (LiHep) tube and serum‐separating tube. Measurements using capillary blood and LiHep whole blood were performed in LABGEO PT10. Serum was used for measurement by Toshiba 2000FR NEO in central laboratory.ResultsIn comparison between measurements in LABGEO PT10 using capillary and LiHep whole blood, the slope ranged between 0.9289 and 1.0471, correlation coefficients (R2) were over 0.95 except albumin, high‐density lipoprotein, and total protein. Comparison of measurements in capillary and LiHep whole blood using LABGEO PT10 with those in the central laboratory revealed that the slope ranged between 0.6433 and 1.1364 for capillary whole blood and 0.6255 and 1.1602 for LiHep whole blood except alkaline phosphatase. For most of analytes, R2 were over 0.95.ConclusionMeasurements in LABGEO PT10 using capillary blood was well correlated with those in LABGEO PT10 using LiHep whole blood and also with in the central laboratory. In conclusion, capillary blood provides reliable measurements and can be trustfully used in LABGEO PT10.
The Reference Intervals for Serum C‐Terminal Agrin Fragment in Healthy Individuals and as a Biomarker for Renal Function in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Yu Dan , Li Hai‐Xia , Liu Yi , Ying Ze‐Wei , Guo Jing‐Jing , Cao Chen‐Ying , Wang Jia , Li Yuan‐Fang , Yang Hui‐Rong 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundC‐terminal agrin fragment (CAF) has been shown to be a promising new biomarker for kidney function. The aim of this study was to verify the reference intervals for CAF in Chinese healthy adults and to assess the efficiency of CAF for monitoring renal function after transplantation.MethodsSerum samples were collected from 200 healthy adult subjects and 60 living donor kidney recipients before and on day 1, day 2 and at 6 months after transplantation. We measured serum CAF, creatinine, cystatin C and NGAL concentrations at each time. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was evaluated by Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPI) equation. Reference intervals for CAF were determined at 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles.ResultsSerum CAF concentrations were observed to be higher in females of old age groups while no significant differences were discovered in males between age groups. There were significant gender‐related differences in CAF in old age groups (50–64 and ≥65 years). Serum CAF correlated positively with serum creatinine, cystatin C and negatively with eGFR on day 1, day 2 and at 6 months after kidney transplantation. CAF and NGAL fell rapidly into the normal range on the second postoperative day, prior to creatinine and cystatin C.ConclusionsThis study verified the reference intervals for serum CAF. CAF could be a potential new biomarker for kidney function monitoring.
The role of amiloride in managing patients with lithium‐induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
Authors: Lodin Misha , Dwyer James 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundDespite lithium being a highly effective drug, it is commonly associated with inducing nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) in a high number of patients. In this case report we describe the successful use of amiloride as an effective means to manage and minimise NDI occurring in patients while they are on lithium therapy.Clinical detailsThe patient had been taking lithium for management of her bipolar disorder for approximately 5 years. While on this medication the patient suffered from acute kidney impairment, hypernatraemia, reduced urine osmolality, increased plasma osmolality, polyuria, polydipsia and severe dehydration. These clinical results were consistent with an adverse reaction known as NDI acquired from long‐term lithium use and fluid restriction.OutcomesLithium was ceased on day two of admission. Intravenous fluid replacements were provided until the patient's renal function and sodium levels returned to normal. Once the patient was symptomatically stable, lithium was reintroduced at initiating dosage levels concomitantly with amiloride with aims of reversing the concentrating defect and preventing this side effect from occurring again. The patient was discharged 15 days later.ConclusionIn most cases NDI is reversible with the cessation of lithium. However, a subset of the mental health population is resistant to other forms of therapy, leaving lithium as their only option to successfully manage their mood disorder. For patients who suffer from mental health disorders, the literature has found that amiloride can be an effective means to restore a patient's impaired urine concentrating ability.
Complete NMR assignment and conformational analysis of 17‐α‐ethinylestradiol by using RDCs obtained in grafted graphene oxide
Authors: França José A. A. , Navarro‐Vázquez Armando , Lei Xinxiang , Sun Han , Griesinger Christian , Hallwass Fernando 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe 1H and 13C NMR spectra of 17‐α‐ethinylestradiol (EE2), a well‐known contraceptive, including diastereotopic methylene groups, were fully assigned with the help of residual dipolar couplings (RDC) measured in the recently developed grafted graphene oxide orienting medium. RDC analysis, which included all 1DCH couplings and the long‐range 2DCH 1H―C≡13C coupling, also pointed to the presence of a minor conformation arising from pseudo‐rotation of the steroid B ring. Saturation‐transfer difference (STD) measurements revealed that the most likely interaction between EE2 and orienting medium occurred on the C and D ring. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolites replace the parent drug in the drug arena. The cases of fonazepam and nifoxipam
Authors: Katselou Maria , Papoutsis Ioannis , Nikolaou Panagiota , Spiliopoulou Chara , Athanaselis Sotiris 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Fonazepam (desmethylflunitrazepam) and nifoxipam (3-hydroxy-desmethylflunitrazepam) are benzodiazepine derivatives and active metabolites of flunitrazepam. They recently invaded the drug arena as substances of abuse and alerted the forensic community after being seized in powder and tablet forms in Europe between 2014 and 2016. A review of all the existing knowledge of fonazepam and nifoxipam is reported, concerning their chemistry, synthesis, pharmacology and toxicology, prevalence/use, biotransformation and their analysis in biological samples. To our knowledge, fonazepam and nifoxipam-related intoxications, lethal or not, have not been reported in the scientific literature. All the available information was gathered through a detailed search of PubMed and the World Wide Web.
Formation and Microstructures of Whipped Oils Composed of Vegetable Oils and High‐Melting Fat Crystals
Authors: Mishima Shoko , Suzuki Atsushi , Sato Kiyotaka , Ueno Satoru 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThis paper reports the experimental results of processes used for the formation of whipped oils composed of vegetable oils (salad oil) and high‐melting fat crystals [fully hydrogenated rapeseed oil rich in behenic acid (FHR‐B)]. No emulsifier was added to form this whipped oil. Microprobe FT‐IR spectroscopy, synchrotron radiation microbeam X‐ray diffraction (SR‐μ‐XRD), polarized optical microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were employed to observe fine fat crystal particles of the most stable polymorph of β (β‐fat crystal), FHR‐B, and their adsorption at the air–oil surface before, during, and after the formation of the whipped oil. The results obtained revealed the following: (1) The preparation of an organogel composed of salad oil and small fibrous β‐fat crystals using a special tempering procedure was a prerequisite for forming whipped oil. (2) The β‐fat crystals were adsorbed at the air–oil surface to encapsulate the air bubbles during the formation process of whipped oil. (3) The values of overrun of the whipped oil reached >200 % after an aeration time of 30 min at 20 °C. (4) The SR‐μ‐XRD experiments demonstrated that the lamellar planes of the β‐fat crystals near the air–oil surface were arranged almost parallel to the air–oil surface plane. The present study provides the first evidence that tiny fat crystal particles may cause aeration in liquid oils without the addition of other whip‐assisting substances such as emulsifier crystals.
How to early recognize mood disorders in primary care: A nationwide, population-based, cohort study
Authors: Castellini G. , Pecchioli S. , Cricelli I. , Mazzoleni F. , Cricelli C. , Ricca V. , Hudziak J.J. , Brignoli O. , Lapi F. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundMood disorders are managed predominantly in primary care. However, general practitioners’ (GPs) ability to detect and diagnose patients with mood disorders is still considered unsatisfactory. The aim of the present study was to identify predictors for the early recognition of depressive disorder (DD) and bipolar disorder (BD) in general practice.MethodsA cohort of 1,144,622 patients (605,285 women, 539,337 men) was investigated, using the Health Search IMS Health Longitudinal Patient Database. Predictors of DD or BD were identified at baseline encompassing somatization-related features, lifestyle variables, medical and psychiatric comorbidities. Patients were followed up as long as the following events occurred: diagnoses of DD or BD, death, end of the registration with the GP, end of the study period.ResultsWe found an incidence rate of DD or BD of 53.61 and 1.5 per 10,000 person-years, respectively. For both the conditions, the incidence rate grew with age. Most of the lifestyle variables and medical comorbidities increased the risk of mood disorders. The strongest effect was found for migraine/headache (HR [95% CI] = 1.32 [1.26–1.38]), fatigue (1.32 [1.25–1.39]) irritable bowel syndrome (1.15 [1.08-1.23]), and pelvic inflammation disease (1.28 [1.18–1.38]).ConclusionsSeveral predictors, in particular somatic symptoms, could be interpreted as an early sign of a mood disorder, and represent a valid indication for the GPs diagnostic process of mental disorders.
What is the minimal dose of cognitive behavior therapy for psychosis? An approximation using repeated assessments over 45 sessions
Authors: Lincoln T.M. , Jung E. , Wiesjahn M. , Schlier B. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe general efficacy of cognitive behavior therapy for psychosis (CBTp) is well established. Although guidelines recommend that CBTp should be offered over a minimum of 16 sessions, the minimal number of sessions required to achieve significant changes in psychopathology has not been systematically investigated. Empirically informed knowledge of the minimal and optimal dose of CBTp is relevant in terms of dissemination and cost-effectiveness.MethodsWe approached the question of what constitutes an appropriate dose by investigating the dose (duration of CBTp) × response (symptomatic improvement) relationship for positive symptoms, negative symptoms and depression. Patients with psychotic disorders (n = 58) were assessed over the course of 45 sessions of CBTp in a clinical practice setting. At baseline and after session 5, 15, 25, and 45, general psychopathology, psychotic symptoms, symptom distress and coping were assessed with self-report questionnaires. Additionally, individually defined target symptoms and coping were assessed after each session.ResultsSignificant symptom improvement and reduction of symptom distress took place by session 15, and stayed fairly stable thereafter. The frequency of positive and negative symptoms reached a minimum by session 25.ConclusionsOur findings support recommendations to provide CBTp over a minimum of 16 sessions and indicate that these recommendations are generalizable to clinical practice settings. However, the findings also imply that 25 sessions are the more appropriate dose. This study contributes to an empirically informed discussion on the minimal and optimal dose of CBTp. It also provides a basis for planning randomized trials comparing briefer and longer versions of CBTp.
Oxford Nanopore MinION Sequencing and Genome Assembly
Authors: Lu Hengyun , Giordano Francesca , Ning Zemin 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
The revolution of genome sequencing is continuing after the successful second-generation sequencing (SGS) technology. The third-generation sequencing (TGS) technology, led by Pacific Biosciences (PacBio), is progressing rapidly, moving from a technology once only capable of providing data for small genome analysis, or for performing targeted screening, to one that promises high quality de novo assembly and structural variation detection for human-sized genomes. In 2014, the MinION, the first commercial sequencer using nanopore technology, was released by Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT). MinION identifies DNA bases by measuring the changes in electrical conductivity generated as DNA strands pass through a biological pore. Its portability, affordability, and speed in data production makes it suitable for real-time applications, the release of the long read sequencer MinION has thus generated much excitement and interest in the genomics community. While de novo genome assemblies can be cheaply produced from SGS data, assembly continuity is often relatively poor, due to the limited ability of short reads to handle long repeats. Assembly quality can be greatly improved by using TGS long reads, since repetitive regions can be easily expanded into using longer sequencing lengths, despite having higher error rates at the base level. The potential of nanopore sequencing has been demonstrated by various studies in genome surveillance at locations where rapid and reliable sequencing is needed, but where resources are limited.
Cigarette smoke exposure during adolescence but not adulthood induces anxiety‐like behavior and locomotor stimulation in rats during withdrawal
Authors: de la Peña June Bryan , Ahsan Hafiz Muhammad , Botanas Chrislean Jun , dela Peña Irene Joy , Woo Taeseon , Kim Hee Jin , Cheong Jae Hoon 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAdolescence is a critical period for cigarette smoking. Studies have shown that adolescent smokers are more likely to become addicted, are less likely to quit, and are more prone to relapse. In the present study, we examined the affective symptoms experienced by adolescents during withdrawal from cigarette smoke exposure. Towards this goal, adolescent male rats were repeatedly exposed to cigarette smoke, through an automated smoking machine, for 14 days. Then, cigarette smoke exposure was discontinued to induce spontaneous withdrawal. During the withdrawal period, anxiety‐like behavior (elevated plus‐maze test), locomotor activity (open‐field test), and learning and memory (passive‐avoidance test) were evaluated. These behavioral evaluations were conducted during the first, third, seventh, and fourteenth day of withdrawal. For comparison, parallel experiments were performed in adult rats. We found that adolescent rats exposed to cigarette smoke experiences increased anxiety‐like behavior and locomotor activity during withdrawal relative to control rats. Learning and memory processes were undisturbed. On the other hand, adult rats exposed to cigarette smoke did not show any statistically significant behavioral alteration during withdrawal. These results are consistent with the notion that adolescents are differentially sensitive to the withdrawal effects of cigarette smoking. This sensitivity might be a factor why adolescent smokers have difficulty quitting and are more prone to relapse.
Cocktail supplement with rosiglitazone: a novel inducer for chicken preadipocyte differentiation in vitro
Authors: Cheng Bohan , Wu Mengqi , Xu Songsong , Zhang Xinyang , Wang Yuxiang , Wang Ning , Leng Li , Li Hui 
Published: September 2016

The preadipocyte differentiation biological process involves a cascade of transcriptional events that culminates in the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ. The differentiation cocktail [insulin (INS), dexamethasone (DEX) and isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX)] can induce preadipocyte differentiation in mammals, but it is insufficient for chicken (Gallus gallus) adipogenesis. Oleate can induce chicken preadipocyte differentiation, but these differentiated preadipocytes may not be fully functional. The objective of the current study was to evaluate whether chicken preadipocytes can be induced to mature adipocytes by a novel induction method using differentiation cocktail supplemented with PPARγ agonist(s). Chicken preadipocytes cultured in cocktail supplemented with rosiglitazone or troglitazone resulted in a marked increase in lipid droplet accumulation (P&lt;0.05), glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity (P&lt;0.05), mRNA expression level of adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (aP2; P&lt;0.05), G0/G1 switch gene 2 (G0S2; P&lt;0.05) and lipolysis (P&lt;0.05). In addition, supplementation of the cocktail with rosiglitazone promoted PPARγ mRNA expression (P&lt;0.05). In conclusion, our data indicated that chicken preadipocytes can be induced to mature adipocytes using differentiation cocktail supplemented with rosiglitazone. The results of the present study provide a novel induction method for in vitro chicken preadipocyte differentiation.
Blockade of NF-κB and MAPK pathways by ulinastatin attenuates wear particle-stimulated osteoclast differentiation in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Ru Jiang-Ying , Xu Hai-Dong , Shi Dai , Pan Jun-Bo , Pan Xiao-Jin , Wang Yan-Fen 
Published: September 2016

Ulinastatin, a urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI), is widely used to clinically treat lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-related inflammatory disorders recently. Adherent pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), of which LPS is the best-studied and classical endotoxin produced by Gram-negative bacteria, act to increase the biological activity of osteopedic wear particles such as polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) and titanium particles in cell culture and animal models of implant loosening. The present study was designed to explore the inhibitory effect of UTI on osteoclastogenesis and inflammatory osteolysis in LPS/PMMA-mediated Raw264.7 cells and murine osteolysis models, and investigate the potential mechanism. The in vitro study was divided into the control group, LPS-induced group, PMMA-stimulated group and UTI-pretreated group. UTI (500 or 5000 units/ml) pretreatment was followed by PMMA (0.5 mg/ml) with adherent LPS. The levels of inflammatory mediators including tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), matrixmetallo-proteinases-9 (MMP-9) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), receptor activation of nuclear factor NF-κB (RANK), and cathepsin K were examined and the amounts of phosphorylated I-κB, MEK, JNK and p38 were measured. In vivo study, murine osteolysis models were divided into the control group, PMMA-induced group and UTI-treated group. UTI (500 or 5000 units/kg per day) was injected intraperitoneally followed by PMMA suspension with adherent LPS (2×108 particles/25 μl) in the UTI-treated group. The thickness of interfacial membrane and the number of infiltrated inflammatory cells around the implants were assessed, and bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular number (Tb.N.), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th.), trabecular separation (Tb.Sp.), relative bone volume over total volume (BV/TV) of distal femur around the implants were calculated. Our results showed that UTI pretreatment suppressed the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines including MMP-9, IL-6, TNF-α, RANK and cathepsin K through down-regulating the activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and MAPKs partly in LPS/PMMA-mediated Raw264.7 cells. Finally, UTI treatment decreased the inflammatory osteolysis reaction in PMMA-induced murine osteolysis models. In conclusion, these results confirm the anti-inflammatory potential of UTI in the prevention of particle disease.