bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of electrospun gelatine nanofibres encapsulated with Moringa oleifera bioactive extract
Authors: Hani Norziah M , Torkamani Amir E , Azarian Mohammad H , Mahmood Kamil WA , Ngalim Siti Hawa 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDDrumstick (Moringa oleifera) leaves have been used as a folk herbal medicine across many cultures since ancient times. This is most probably due to presence of phytochemicals possessing antioxidant properties, which could retard oxidative stress, and their degenerative effect. The current study deals with nanoencapsulation of Moringa oleifera (MO) leaf ethanolic extract within fish sourced gelatine matrix using electrospinning technique.RESULTSThe total phenolic and flavonoid content, radical scavenging (IC50) and metal reducing properties were 67.0 ± 2.5 mg GAE g−1 sample 32.0 ± 0.5 mg QE g−1 extract, 0.08 ± 0.01 mg mL−1 and 510 ± 10 µmol eq Fe(II) g−1 extract, respectively. Morphological and spectroscopic analysis of the fibre mats confirmed successful nanoencapsulation of MO extract within defect free nanofibres via electrospinning process. The percentage encapsulation efficiency (EE) was between 80% and 85%. Furthermore, thermal stability of encapsulated fibres, especially at 3% and 5% of core loading content, was significantly improved. Toxicological analysis revealed that the extract in its original and encapsulated form was safe for oral consumption.CONCLUSIONOverall, the present study showed the potential of ambient temperature electrospinning process as a safe nanoencapsulation method, where MO extract retained its antioxidative capacities. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Binary response Se/ZnO p‐n heterojunction UV photodetector with high on/off ratio and fast speed
Authors: Hu Kai , Teng Feng , Zheng Lingxia , Yu Pingping , Zhang Zhiming , Chen Hongyu , Fang Xiaosheng 
Published: December 2016

AbstractA high‐performance UV photodetector (PD) based on a p‐Se/n‐ZnO hybrid structure with large area (more than 1×1 cm) is presented in this study. The device is theoretically equivalent to a parallel‐connection circuit for its special structure and shows multifunction at different voltage bias, which means the output signal can be tailored by an applied voltage. The Se/ZnO PD shows binary response (positive and negative current output under on/off periodical light illumination) under small reverse bias (–0.05 V and –0.1 V) which efficiently reduces the negative effect of noise signal in weak‐signal detection applications. At zero bias, with the aid of a p‐n heterojunction, a high on/off ratio of nearly 104 is achieved by this device at zero set bias under 370 nm (∼0.85 mW cm−2) illumination and this on/off ratio can be achieved in 0.5 s. The device also shows a fast speed with rise time of 0.69 ms and decay time of 13.5 ms measured by a pulse laser, much faster than that of a pure ZnO film. The Se/ZnO PD in this research provides a new pathway to fabricate multifunctional high‐speed, high signal‐to‐noise ratio, high detectivity and high selectivity UV photodetectors.
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Creating a purpose‐driven learning and improving health system: The Johns Hopkins Medicine quality and safety experience
Authors: Pronovost Peter J. , Mathews Simon C. , Chute Christopher G. , Rosen Antony 
Published: December 2016

AbstractHealth care has often relied on independent silos of medical research to drive progress and innovation. However, this approach does not adequately address the complexities and opportunities within the modern health care environment. We posit that creating a learning and improving health system that is purpose‐driven will ultimately lead the next transformation in health care. We share the experience within Johns Hopkins Medicine that established a learning and improving health system in quality and safety. The system is built around a clear and compelling patient‐centered purpose and leverages a fractal framework that provides horizontal links for peer learning and vertical links for accountability. It dismantles traditional research and clinical silos and combines basic and applied research with health system operations. As a result, the system aligns the goals and strengths of a diverse set of stakeholders including clinicians, patients, researchers, and administrators toward a common goal.
The common dietary flavonoid myricetin attenuates liver fibrosis in carbon tetrachloride treated mice
Authors: Geng Yan , Sun Qing , Li Wang , Lu Zhen‐Ming , Xu Hong‐Yu , Shi Jin‐Song , Xu Zheng‐Hong 
Published: December 2016

ScopeMyricetin is found in most berries, vegetables, and various medicinal herbs, which has been reported to possess various bio‐activities. However, the role of myricetin on liver fibrosis remains to be elucidated.Methods and resultsHepatic stellate cell (HSC) line CFSC‐8B was stimulated by transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) or platelet‐derived growth factor BB (PDGF‐BB) to induce liver fibrosis in vitro. The results showed that myricetin significantly ameliorated TGF‐β1‐ or PDGF‐BB‐induced HSCs activation, cell migration, and extracellular matrix production; blocked TGF‐β1‐induced phosphorylation of Smad2, P38, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), and protein kinase B (Akt); and downregulated PDGF‐BB stimulated phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase and Akt in HSCs in a dose‐dependent manner. Meanwhile, the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced mouse model has been used to study antifibrosis role of myricetin in vivo. Our data demonstrated that myricetin suppressed α‐smooth muscle actin and collagen type I deposition and blocked phosphorylation of Smad2, mitogen‐activated protein kinases, and Akt in CCl4‐treated mice.ConclusionMyricetin inhibits the activation of HSCs and ameliorates CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis in mice and may serve as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
Maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy and risk of childhood asthma: A meta‐analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Song Huihui , Yang Lei , Jia Chongqi 
Published: December 2016

ScopeMounting evidence suggests that maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy may be associated with development of childhood asthma, but the results are still inconsistent. A dose–response meta‐analysis was performed to quantitatively summarize evidence on the association of maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy with the risk of childhood asthma.Methods and resultsA systematic search was conducted to identify all studies assessing the association of maternal 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) during pregnancy with risk of childhood asthma. The fixed or random‐effect model was selected based on the heterogeneity test among studies. Nonlinear dose–response relationship was assessed by restricted cubic spline model. Fifteen prospective studies with 12 758 participants and 1795 cases were included in the meta‐analysis. The pooled relative risk of childhood asthma comparing the highest versus lowest category of maternal 25(OH)D levels was 0.87 (95% confidence interval, CI, 0.75–1.02). For dose–response analysis, evidence of a U‐shaped relationship was found between maternal 25(OH)D levels and risk of childhood asthma (Pnonlinearity = 0.02), with the lowest risk at approximately 70 nmol/L of 25(OH)D.ConclusionThis dose–response meta‐analysis suggested a U‐shaped relationship between maternal blood 25(OH)D levels and risk of childhood asthma. Further studies are needed to confirm the association.
Targeting the epigenome: Screening bioactive compounds that regulate histone deacetylase activity
Authors: Godoy Luis D. , Lucas Julianna E. , Bender Abigail J. , Romanick Samantha S. , Ferguson Bradley S. 
Published: December 2016

ScopeNutrigenomics is a rapidly expanding field that elucidates the link between diet–genome interactions. Recent evidence demonstrates that regulation of the epigenome, and in particular inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs), impact pathogenetic mechanisms involved in chronic disease. Few studies, to date, have screened libraries of bioactive compounds that act as epigenetic modifiers. This study screened a library of 131 natural compounds to determine bioactive compounds that inhibit Zn‐dependent HDAC activity.Methods and resultsUsing class‐specific HDAC substrates, we screened 131 natural compounds for HDAC activity in bovine cardiac tissue. From this screen, we identified 18 bioactive compound HDAC inhibitors. Using our class‐specific HDAC substrates, we next screened these 18 bioactive compounds against recombinant HDAC proteins. Consistent with inhibition of HDAC activity, these compounds were capable of inhibiting activity of individual HDAC isoforms. Lastly, we report that treatment of H9c2 cardiac myoblasts with bioactive HDAC inhibitors was sufficient to increase lysine acetylation as assessed via immunoblot.ConclusionThis study provided the first step in identifying multiple bioactive compound HDAC inhibitors. Taken together, this report sets the stage for future exploration of these bioactive compounds as epigenetic regulators to potentially ameliorate chronic disease.
Whey protein isolate improves vitamin B12 and folate status in elderly Australians with subclinical deficiency of vitamin B12
Authors: Dhillon Varinderpal S. , Zabaras Dimitrios , Almond Theodora , Cavuoto Paul , James‐Martin Genevieve , Fenech Michael 
Published: December 2016

ScopeWhey protein isolate (WPI) contains vitamin B12 and folate. However, the efficacy of WPI as a bioavailable source of these vitamins in the elderly with low vitamin B12 was not previously tested. We investigated the effects of WPI supplementation on vitamin B12 and folate status in blood and measured changes in homocysteine (HCY), methylmalonic acid (MMA), and genome integrity biomarkers in elderly individuals with low vitamin B12 status. The effect of WPI was compared to soy protein isolate (SPI).Methods and resultsIn this randomized controlled cross‐over intervention trial, 56 subclinically vitamin B12‐deficient participants received 50 g WPI or 50 g SPI as a control for 8 wk followed by 16‐wk washout phase and then cross‐over to alternative supplement for next 8 wk. Consumption of WPI resulted in significant increase in serum active B12 (p < 0.0001) and serum folate (p = 0.0094). MMA, HCY, and nucleoplasmic bridges increased significantly after SPI intake but not after WPI (p = 0.052; p = 0.028; p = 0.0009, respectively).ConclusionResults indicate that WPI consumption improves active B12 and folate status. Unlike SPI, WPI consumption may prevent increase in MMA, HCY, and genome instability in older Australians with low vitamin B12 status.
Regucalcin is widely distributed in the male reproductive tract and exerts a suppressive effect on in vitro sperm capacitation in the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Pillai Harikrishna , Shende Ashish Mukunda , Parmar Mehtab Sing , A Anjaneya , L Sreela , Kumaresan Arumugam , G Taru Sharma , Bhure Sanjeev Kumar 
Published: December 2016

SUMMARYRegucalcin is a multi‐functional, calcium‐binding protein with roles in calcium homeostasis, apoptosis, cell proliferation, and free radical neutralization. Regucalcin is broadly expressed in the male reproductive organs of rat and bovine; here, we report its expression in the reproductive tract of male buffalo—especially in testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle, prostate, and bulbourethral gland of buffalo—as analyzed by real‐time PCR, Western blot, and immunolocalization. Regucalcin degradation in seminal plasma, despite its high abundance in vesicular fluid, was demonstrated using recombinant regucalcin co‐incubated with buffalo seminal plasma. This depletion of regucalcin appears to be related to its suppressive effect on in vitro sperm capacitation, observed using the chlortetracycline assay after treating buffalo spermatozoa with recombinant protein. Indeed, addition of recombinant regucalcin to capacitating media significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the percentage of capacitated spermatozoa to 6.1 ± 0.6 from 36.4 ± 1.8 in the untreated group. Taken together, the wide distribution of regucalcin in male buffaloes, versus its degradation in the seminal plasma and suppressive effects on in vitro capacitation of spermatozoa, indicate its possible anti‐capacitation role in the reproductive tract. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 84: 212–221, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Magnetic resonance fingerprinting using echo‐planar imaging: Joint quantification of T1 and relaxation times
Authors: Rieger Benedikt , Zimmer Fabian , Zapp Jascha , Weingärtner Sebastian , Schad Lothar R. 
Published: December 2016

PurposeTo develop an implementation of the magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) paradigm for quantitative imaging using echo‐planar imaging (EPI) for simultaneous assessment of T1 and
.MethodsThe proposed MRF method (MRF‐EPI) is based on the acquisition of 160 gradient‐spoiled EPI images with rapid, parallel‐imaging accelerated, Cartesian readout and a measurement time of 10 s per slice. Contrast variation is induced using an initial inversion pulse, and varying the flip angles, echo times, and repetition times throughout the sequence. Joint quantification of T1 and
is performed using dictionary matching with integrated
correction. The quantification accuracy of the method was validated in phantom scans and in vivo in 6 healthy subjects.ResultsJoint T1 and
parameter maps acquired with MRF‐EPI in phantoms are in good agreement with reference measurements, showing deviations under 5% and 4% for T1 and
, respectively. In vivo baseline images were visually free of artifacts. In vivo relaxation times are in good agreement with gold‐standard techniques (deviation T1: 4 ± 2%,
: 4 ± 5%). The visual quality was comparable to the in vivo gold standard, despite substantially shortened scan times.ConclusionThe proposed MRF‐EPI method provides fast and accurate T1 and
quantification. This approach offers a rapid supplement to the non‐Cartesian MRF portfolio, with potentially increased usability and robustness. Magn Reson Med 78:1724–1733, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Normative data for cutaneous threshold and spatial discrimination in the feet
Authors: Rinkel Willem D. , Aziz M. Hosein , Van Deelen Meike J.M. , Willemsen Sten P. , Castro Cabezas Manuel , Van Neck Johan W. , Coert J. Henk 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTIntroductionNo data are available for normative values of cutaneous threshold and spatial discrimination in the feet. We developed clinically applicable reference values in relation to the nerve distributions of the feet.MethodsWe determined foot sensation in 196 healthy individuals. Cutaneous threshold (1‐point static discrimination, S1PD) was tested with monofilaments (0.008 to 300 gram) and spatial discrimination (2‐point static [S2PD] and moving [M2PD] discrimination) on five locations per foot.ResultsThere was a significant age‐dependent increase in S1PD, S2PD, and M2PD values (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between both feet. S1PD values differed up to 0.8 g between genders. There were no significant differences between genders for S2PD and M2PD measurements. M2PD values were generally lower than S2PD values.ConclusionsThis study provides age‐related normative values for foot sensation to help clinicians assess sensory deficits in relation to aging and identify patients with underlying nerve problems. Muscle Nerve 56: 399–407, 2017
Magnetization transfer SWIFT MRI consistently detects histologically verified myelin loss in the thalamocortical pathway after a traumatic brain injury in rat
Authors: Lehto Lauri Juhani , Sierra Alejandra , Gröhn Olli 
Published: December 2016

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with various neurocognitive deficits, and rapid assessment of the damage is potentially important for the prevention and treatment of these deficits. Imaging assessment of mild or moderate damage outside the primary lesion area after TBI, however, remains challenging. Magnetization transfer (MT) has clearly been underutilized in imaging the damage caused by TBI. Here, we applied the MT ratio (MTR) using sweep imaging with Fourier transformation (SWIFT) to study microstructural tissue damage in the thalamocortical pathway outside the primary lesion in a lateral fluid percussion injury rat model of TBI, 5 months after injury. MTR was decreased in layers VIb‐IV of the barrel cortex and related subcortical areas, mainly indicating demyelination, which was verified by histology. The largest MTR change in the cortex was in layer VIb (−8.2%, pFDR = 0.01), and the largest MTR change in the subcortical areas was in the caudal‐most portion of the internal capsule (−11.0%, pFDR < 0.005). These areas exhibited the greatest demyelination and substantial cellularity attributed to gliosis. Correlation analysis of group‐averaged results from the subcortical areas revealed an excellent correlation of MTR with myelin (r2 = 0.94, p < 0.001), but no correlation with increased cellularity as detected by Nissl staining. Thus, MTR using SWIFT can be a valuable tool for the assessment of subtle changes after TBI in both cortical and subcortical areas.
Rapid Analysis of Geological Drill‐Cores with LIBS
Authors: Streubel Lukas , Jacobsen Lars , Merk Sven , Thees Michael , Rammlmair Dieter , Meima Jeannet , Mory David 
Published: December 2016

AbstractSpectroscopy — the study of interaction between electromagnetic radiation and matter — is a continually developing branch of science that facilitates a number of research and industrial applications. As a state‐of‐the‐art technique, spectroscopy offers many experimental possibilities to acquire compositional information of inorganic materials, including core samples, minerals and geological specimens. Laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), which provides fast, accurate and high‐resolution measurements, is one such spectroscopic technique. LIBS is primarily suited for phase‐independent, simultaneous, qualitative and quantitative analysis of samples, dovetailing the technique perfectly with geological standards.
Exploring the Limitation of Physics
Authors: Oderkerk Benno 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIn the recent years, we have seen a substantial growth of handheld analytical devices on the markets that use spectroscopy as an enabling technology. Most of these handheld devices are used in the field for fast analyses and are the driver for further miniaturization of spectrometers.Critical care applications in life science call for low cost, miniaturized blood analysis devices in ambulances, or drone technology that enables the use of small and lightweight spectrometers for crop analysis while flying over agricultural fields. These are just a few examples of many handheld applications, this market continues to grow rapidly over the years to come. As always, the specifications of these analytical devices should be as close as possible to their bigger brothers in the lab. This requires our engineers to explore the borders of physics, further miniaturizing spectrometers, while maintaining good sensitivity and resolution.
Apolipoprotein C‐I plays a role in the pathogenesis of glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Bus Pascal , Pierneef Louise , Bor Rosalie , Wolterbeek Ron , van Es Leendert A , Rensen Patrick CN , de Heer Emile , Havekes Louis M , Bruijn Jan A , Berbée Jimmy F , Baelde Hans J 
Published: December 2016

AbstractDiabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of end‐stage renal disease. Diabetic patients have increased plasma concentrations of apolipoprotein C‐I (apoCI), and meta‐analyses found that a polymorphism in APOC1 is associated with an increased risk of developing nephropathy. To investigate whether overexpressing apoCI contributes to the development of kidney damage, we studied renal tissue and peritoneal macrophages from APOC1 transgenic (APOC1‐tg) mice and wild‐type littermates. In addition, we examined renal material from autopsied diabetic patients with and without diabetic nephropathy and from autopsied control subjects. We found that APOC1‐tg mice, but not wild‐type mice, develop albuminuria, renal dysfunction, and glomerulosclerosis with increased numbers of glomerular M1 macrophages. Moreover, compared to wild‐type macrophages, stimulated macrophages isolated from APOC1‐tg mice have increased cytokine expression, including TNF‐alpha and TGF‐beta, both of which are known to increase the production of extracellular matrix proteins in mesangial cells. These results suggest that APOC1 expression induces glomerulosclerosis, potentially by increasing the cytokine response in macrophages. Furthermore, we detected apoCI in the kidneys of diabetic patients, but not in control kidneys. Moreover, patients with diabetic nephropathy have significantly more apoCI present in glomeruli compared to diabetic patients without nephropathy, suggesting that apoCI could be involved in the development of diabetic nephropathy. ApoCI co‐localized with macrophages. Therefore, apoCI is a promising new therapeutic target for patients at risk of developing nephropathy. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased fetal lung T2 signal is not due to increasing surfactant concentration: an in vitro T2 mapping analysis
Authors: Dubinsky Theodore J. , Moshiri Mariam , Adams Waldorf Kristina , Wilson Greg , Maki Jeffrey H. , Hippe Daniel S. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractObjectThe aim of this study was to perform in vitro T2 mapping of serial dilutions of pharmaceutical surfactant.Materials and methodsMagnetic resonance imaging. Magnetic resonance scanning was performed on serial dilutions of surfactant on large bore clinical magnets at a field strength of 1.5 T Philips and 3.0 T (Achieva TX, Philips Healthcare, the Netherlands).ResultsThe curves demonstrate a small increasing trend between surfactant concentration and R2 (shortened T2's), with a 7.3% increase in R2 for each doubling of surfactant concentration (95% confidence interval: 6.1–8.6%, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe increasing lung/liver T2 signal ratio seen in fetal lungs with increasing gestational age is not due to increasing surfactant concentration. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The accommodation index measures the perturbation associated with insertions and deletions in coiled‐coils: Application to understand signaling in histidine kinases
Authors: Schmidt Nathan W. , Grigoryan Gevorg , DeGrado William F. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractCoiled‐coils are essential components of many protein complexes. First discovered in structural proteins such as keratins, they have since been found to figure largely in the assembly and dynamics required for diverse functions, including membrane fusion, signal transduction and motors. Coiled‐coils have a characteristic repeating seven‐residue geometric and sequence motif, which is sometimes interrupted by the insertion of one or more residues. Such insertions are often highly conserved and critical to interdomain communication in signaling proteins such as bacterial histidine kinases. Here we develop the “accommodation index” as a parameter that allows automatic detection and classification of insertions based on the three dimensional structure of a protein. This method allows precise identification of the type of insertion and the “accommodation length” over which the insertion is structurally accommodated. A simple theory is presented that predicts the structural perturbations of 1, 3, 4 residue insertions as a function of the length over which the insertion is accommodated. Analysis of experimental structures is in good agreement with theory, and shows that short accommodation lengths give rise to greater perturbation of helix packing angles, changes in local helical phase, and increased structural asymmetry relative to long accommodation lengths. Cytoplasmic domains of histidine kinases in different signaling states display large changes in their accommodation lengths, which can now be seen to underlie diverse structural transitions including symmetry/asymmetry and local variations in helical phase that accompany signal transduction.