bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renal Protection of Losartan 50 mg in Normotensive Chinese Patients with Nondiabetic Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Shen Pei-Cheng , He Li-Qun , Yang Xue-Jun , Cao He-Xin
Published: May 2016

Aims

Nondiabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the leading major cause of end-stage renal disease in developing countries including China. Among the 5 stages of CKD, it is critical to retard the progression of stage 3 because renal disorder could accelerate aggravation behind that stage. Data suggest that high dosages of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) could retard the progression of renal disease in hypertensive and/or diabetic patients. Nevertheless, in daily practice of nephrology, quite a number of nondiabetic patients with CKD who are normotensive do not tolerate even moderate dosages of ARBs because of adverse effects such as systemic hypotension, epically for Chinese patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the renoprotective effects of relatively low dosages of ARBs in normotensive Chinese patients with nondiabetic stage 3 CKD.

Methods

A prospective, randomized, parallel-group, open-label study was performed over a period of 12 months. A total of 238 enrolled patients were randomly allocated to treatment with losartan 50 mg (n = 119) or placebo (n = 119). All patients were followed up at 2-month intervals. At each visit, blood pressure was measured, and urinalysis and serum biochemistry tests were performed.

Results

Finally, 112 patients given losartan and 114 patients given placebo completed the study. In the losartan group, there was a significant and biphasic time-dependent decline in proteinuria during therapy (1.72 ± 0.47 to 0.99 ± 0.48 g/d; P < 0.001). Conversely, placebo did not simultaneously change the amount of proteinuria (1.73 ± 0.49 to 1.64 ± 0.50 g/d; P = 0.337). Estimated glomerular filtration rate remained stable during the entire study period in the patients given losartan (44.8 ± 8.1 to 44.1 ± 7.7 mL/min per 1.73 m2; P = 0.120) but were significantly reduced in the placebo group (44.5 ± 8.5 to 39.1 ± 7.4 mL/min per 1.73 m2, P < 0.001). The changes in blood pressure were kept constant in the 2 groups. All adverse events were minimal and nonfatal.

Conclusions

For normotensive patients with nondiabetic stage 3 CKD, therapy with a daily dose of losartan, 50 mg, may perform effective renoprotection without changing blood pressure and be generally safe and well tolerated.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Dual-Source 64-Slice Multidetector Computed Tomography in Evaluation of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts
Authors: Şahiner Levent , Canpolat Uğur , Yorgun Hikmet , Hazırolan Tuncay , Karçaaltıncaba Muşturay , Sunman Hamza , Kaya Ergün Barış , Aytemir Kudret , Oto Ali
Published: May 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of 64-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) with conventional coronary angiography to detect graft patency and stenosis.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis, we included a total of 284 subjects (210 men, 73.9%; mean ± SD age, 62.6 ± 9.9) and evaluated 684 bypass grafts using a dual-source 64-slice MDCT scanner The mean ± SD time interval between coronary artery bypass grafting operation and MDCT was 30.8 ± 6.2 months. The mean ± SD interval between MDCT angiography and conventional coronary angiography was 14.2 ± 3.6 days. Significant stenosis was defined as lesions causing 50% or greater luminal narrowing. All atherosclerotic lesion components were assessed on per-segment basis.

Results

All of the 684 grafts (420 venous and 264 arterial grafts) were evaluable and included in the analysis. For the detection of 50% or greater graft stenosis, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of MDCT was 98.3%, 99.3%, 98.3%, and 99.3% for venous grafts and 100%, 99.5%, 98.0%, and 100% for arterial grafts. In detection of graft patency, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of MDCT was 99.6%, 97.2%, 99.0%, and 99.0% for venous grafts and 99.5%, 97.5%, 99.5%, and 97.5% for arterial grafts. Diagnostic accuracy for the detection of graft patency was 99% (416/420) and 99.2% (262/264) for venous and arterial grafts, respectively.

Conclusion

The diagnostic accuracy of dual-source 64-slice MDCT angiography for evaluating coronary artery bypass grafts patency and stenosis was high. Dual-source 64-slice MDCT can be used for the evaluation of patients after coronary artery bypass grafting.
A Retrospective Evaluation of Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Local Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Recurrence after Initial Complete Surgical Resection
Authors: Zhu Yu-liang , Li Qun , Gao Jian-ming , Li Ji-shi , He Zhen-yu , Xu Jun-jie , Lu Xiao-jun , Liu Yu-meng
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Our purpose was to assess the efficacy of radiation therapy in the treatment of locoregional recurrence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma recurrence after curative resection.

Methods

Patients with local esophageal squamous cell carcinoma recurrence who were treated at the Cancer Prevention and Treatment Center of Sun Yat-sen University from January 1990 to December 2002 and whose initial treatment was complete surgical resection (N = 152) were included. Of the 152 patients, 60 patients received treatment with radiation therapy, and the others did not receive radiation. None of the included patients received chemotherapy or radiotherapy before surgery. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the cumulative survival rate.

Results

The median survival time was 16.0 ± 2.7 months for those who received radiotherapy versus 6.5 ± 1.6 months for those who did not ( P < 0.001). The median survival time was greater (22.3 ± 4.0 months) for patients who receive a dosage greater than 50 Gy compared with those patients who received a dosage of 50 Gy or less (7.7 ± 0.3 months; P = 0.033). The overall 3- and 5-year survival rates were 16.4% and 10.4%, respectively. The 1-, 2-, and 3- year recurrence-free survival rates were 56.1 ± 4.3%, 32.9 ± 4.1%, and 22.0 ± 3.7%, respectively.

Conclusion

Radiotherapy may help improve the survival rate in patients with local esophageal squamous cell carcinoma recurrence after complete surgical resection who have no history of radiotherapy.
Mean Platelet Volume and Its Relation with Arterial Stiffness in Patients with Normotensive Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Orscelik Ozcan , Kocyigit Ismail , Akpek Mahmut , Dogdu Orhan , Kaya Coskun , Unal Aydin , Sipahioglu Murat , Tokgoz Bulent , Zengin Halit , Oymak Oktay , Kaya Mehmet Gungor
Published: May 2016

Background

Autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) demonstrates cardiovascular manifestations, such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, and increased carotid intimae-media thickness. These complications are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with ADPKD. Platelet activation and arterial stiffness are important manifestations that independently predict cardiovascular events. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the relation between arterial stiffness, mean platelet volume (MPV), and highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in patients with normotensive polycystic kidney disease.

Methods

We included 30 normotensive subjects with ADPKD with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 60 mL or more per minute per 1.73 m2, 30 normotensive subjects with ADPKD with eGFR from 30 to 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2, and 30 healthy controls in our study. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), eGFR, spot urine protein-creatinine ratio, MPV, and hs-CRP levels were measured in all participants. In addition, transthoracic echocardiography and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were performed.

Results

Age, sex, biochemical markers, eGFR, hemoglobin level, and platelet count were similar in the ADPKD subjects and the controls. There were significant differences in MPV (9.8 ± 0.7, 8.7 ± 0.8, and 8.0 ± 0.5 femtolitre; P < 0.001) and hs-CRP (6.8 ± 3.0, 5.3 ± 2.7, and 2.6 ± 0.52 mg/L; P < 0.001) in the groups. Additionally, PWV values were increased from healthy subjects to ADPKD patients who have decreased eGFR (5.5 ± 1.1, 8.8 ± 1.6, and 10.8 ± 1.2 m/s; P for trend <0.001). There were significant positive correlations between PWV and MPV ( r = 0.401; P = 0.002) and hs-CRP ( r = 0.343; P = 0.007) in the patients with ADPKD. Additionally, PWV was independently predicted by MPV (β = 0.286; P = 0.007), proteinuria (β = 0.255; P = 0.001), eGFR (β = −0.479; P < 0.001), and hs-CRP (β = 0.379; P < 0.001) in the patients with ADPKD. In addition, eGFR, as a sign of severity of disease, was independently predicted by MPV (β = −0.325; P = 0.003), PWV (β = −0.471; P < 0.001), and hs-CRP (β = −0.269; P = 0.008).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that MPV and hs-CRP levels are associated with increased arterial stiffness in patients with early-stage ADPKD and those with late-stage ADPKD. Also, MPV and hs-CRP were independently associated with the severity of ADPKD.
Correlates of Impaired Global Right Ventricular Function in Patients with a Reperfused Acute Myocardial Infarction and without Right Ventricular Infarction
Authors: Hsu Shun-Yi , Chang Shang-Hung , Liu Chih-Jen , Lin Jeng-Feng , Ko Yu-Lin , Cheng Shih-Tsung , Chou Hsin-Hua , Chang Heng-Chia
Published: May 2016

Background

The frequency and clinical correlates of global right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention for a first acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) without a coexisting RV infarction is not well known.

Materials and Methods

One hundred seven consecutive patients underwent conventional echocardiography and pulsed-wave tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) within 72 hours after a successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention to assess their RV function. Global RV function was quantified with the RV myocardial performance index (MPI) by pulsed-wave TDI. An abnormal TDI-derived RV MPI was defined as greater than the upper reference limit of 0.55.

Results

Global RV dysfunction was present in 18 (17%) of the 107 patients enrolled. The patients with global RV dysfunction had significantly higher glucose levels on admission (216 ± 102 vs 163 ± 86 mg/dL; P = 0.027), higher peak creatine kinase (4027 ± 2171 vs 2660 ± 1980 IU/L; P = 0.014), and more frequently had anterior infarcts (89% vs 58%; P = 0.016) than those without RV dysfunction. Patients with global RV dysfunction also had a significantly lower left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (45.1 ± 10.8% vs 51.1 ± 9.7%; P = 0.021), a higher global wall motion score index (1.9 ± 0.3 vs 1.7 ± 0.4; P = 0.007), and greater LV MPI (0.65 ± 0.19 vs 0.47 ± 0.11; P = 0.001) than patients without. With the use of multivariate regression analysis, TDI-derived LV MPI (odds ratio [OR], 3.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20–9.67; P = 0.022), the ratio of transmitral peak early ( E) to late diastolic filling ( A) velocities ( E/ A ratio) (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.18–0.92; P = 0.031), and admission plasma glucose level (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.0–1.02; P = 0.039) were independently associated with the presence of global RV dysfunction.

Conclusions

In patients with a first acute STEMI without an associated RV infarction, depressed global LV function reflected by increased TDI-derived LV MPI, a lower mitral E/ A ratio, and a higher glucose level on admission are independent correlates of early global RV dysfunction. Routine assessment of global RV function should be implemented in patients with STEMI with these characteristics.
Altered Mental Status in Cirrhosis: Etiologies and Outcomes
Authors: Rahimi Robert S. , Elliott Alan C. , Rockey Don C.
Published: May 2016

Background

Cirrhotic patients admitted with altered mental status (AMS) represent a clinical challenge, as many potentially life-threatening diseases must be considered. Although many patients with AMS have hepatic encephalopathy (HE), other causes of AMS occur, and we hypothesized that these may have different outcomes.

Aim

We aimed to understand the causes of AMS in cirrhotic patients admitted to the hospital and investigate their associated outcomes.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study in 1218 inpatients with cirrhosis. Altered mental status was defined a priori (HE, sepsis/infectious, metabolic, exogenous drugs/toxins, structural lesions, or psychiatric abnormalities).

Results

Patients with AMS had higher levels of serum bilirubin, international normalized ratio, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and lower levels of albumin and platelets than those with normal mental status (NMS) ( P = < 0.001). The most common cause of AMS was HE, accounting for nearly half of all patients. Other causes of AMS included the following: sepsis/infection (23%), metabolic disorders (8%), drugs/toxins (7%), structural lesions (5%), psychiatric disorders (1%), or multiple causes (8%). Mortality in patients with AMS was 35% compared to 16% in those with NMS ( P < 0.0001). Patients with sepsis/infection, structural lesions, or multiple disorders causing AMS had the highest mortality (61%, 68%, and 79%, respectively).

Conclusions

Nearly one third of admissions in cirrhotic patients were due to AMS, most commonly caused by HE. The overall mortality of patients admitted with AMS was greater than with NMS, particularly for those with infection or structural lesions, emphasizing the importance of a search for these causes of AMS in all patients with cirrhosis.
Plant Natriuretic Peptides
Authors: Gehring Chris , Irving Helen
Published: May 2016

Immunologic evidence has suggested the presence of biologically active natriuretic peptide (NPs) hormones in plants because antiatrial NP antibodies affinity purify biologically active plant NPs (PNP). In the model plant, an Arabidopsis thaliana PNP (AtPNP-A) has been identified and characterized. AtPNP-A belongs to a novel class of molecules that share some similarity with the cell wall loosening expansins but do not contain the carbohydrate-binding wall anchor thus suggesting that PNPs and atrial natriuretic peptides are heterologs. AtPNP-A acts systemically, and this is consistent with its localization in the apoplastic extracellular space and the conductive tissue. Furthermore, AtPNP-A signals via the second messenger cyclic guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate and modulates ion and water transport and homeostasis. It also plays a critical role in host defense against pathogens. AtPNP-A can be classified as novel paracrine plant hormone because it is secreted into the apoplastic space in response to stress and can enhance its own expression. Interestingly, purified recombinant PNP induces apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner and was most effective on cardiac myoblast cell lines. Because PNP is mimicking the effect of ANP in some instances, PNP may prove to provide useful leads for development of novel therapeutic NPs.
Effects of Ivabradine on 6-Minute Walk Test and Quality of Life in Patients with Previously Implanted CRT-D
Authors: Ates Ismail , Yavuz Asuman H. , Doğru Mehmet , Genç Ahmet , Ulucan Şeref , Sarıkaya Metin , Çetinkaya Ramazan , Keser Ahmet , Akpek Mahmut , Kaya Mehmet G.
Published: May 2016

Background

We aimed to evaluate clinical effects of additional heart rate control by ivabradine on life quality score and 6-minute walking test in patients with previously implanted biventricular cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) with ischemic heart failure under regular treatment.

Methods

Fifteen men and 14 women with a median age of 63 years (range, 48–79 years) were studied. Twenty-one patients were in New York Heart Association class II (8 patients were in class III), CRT-D implanted previously, and with resting heart rates greater than 70 beats per minute with sinus rhythm despite conventional medication. Patients were given 2.5- to 7.5-mg ivabradine orally twice a day, and drug dosage was titrated to decrease the patients’ average heart rate to 70 beats per minute. Before and 3 months after ivabradine treatment, all patients underwent extensive clinical, echocardiographic, and laboratory evaluation.

Results

Ivabradine treatment produced dose-dependent reductions in heart rate at rest and at peak exercise (91.9 ± 6.3 to 71.7 ± 4.8 and 114.4 ± 7.6 to 96.8 ± 4.8; P = 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). There were also significant improvements in life quality score (52.4 ± 9.5 to 37.9±7.8; P = 0.001) and 6-minute walking distance (278.7 ± 85.8 to 373.3 ± 94.0; P = 0.001) of patients. All patients with New York Heart Association class III became class II after 3 months of ivabradine treatment.

Conclusion

Heart rate reduction in a short-term period by ivabradine produced significant improvements in exercise capacity and life quality in patients with CRT-D and conventional therapy.
Long-Term Outcome of Patients with Aortic Aneurysms Taking Low-Dose Aspirin
Authors: Chen Chung-Yu , Huang Jiann-Woei , Tzu-Chi Lee Charles , Lai Wen-Ter , Huang Yaw-Bin
Published: May 2016

Background

Limited studies evaluated the association between low-dose aspirin use and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA), and thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) treatment. We conducted this study to investigative the association of low-dose aspirin in terms of preventing death and exacerbation of different aortic aneurysms.

Methods

This retrospective study identified aortic aneurysm cases between 1999 and 2006 from the National Health Insurance Research Database and used time-dependent methods to determine whether the use of low-dose aspirin reduced the risk of outcomes. Primary outcomes, including a composite outcome of death, aortic dissection, a rupture event, an unruptured event, or surgical repair, and secondary outcomes, the composite end point of death and readmission for aortic aneurysm events, were estimated separately.

Results

Two hundred eighty-seven cases were identified. The hazard ratio for the primary outcome in patients taking low-dose aspirin in AAA/TAAA patients at each 90-day interval based on the time-dependent analysis was 1.000 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.994–1.005), and in TAA patients 1.010 (95% CI, 0.994–1.026) compared with those with no exposure. In terms of the secondary outcomes, the hazard ratio for all-cause mortality was 0.995 (95% CI, 0.988–1.003) for AAA/TAAA patients and 1.008 (95% CI, 0.991–1.026) for TAA patients.

Conclusions

From a national population database, we did not find an association between low-dose aspirin exposure and mortality or exacerbation in different aortic aneurysms by using time-dependent analysis. However, adjustments for aneurysms size and smoking status could not be made, which may limit the validity of the study.
Maternal C677T MTHFR Polymorphism and Environmental Factors are Associated with Cleft Lip and Palate in a Mexican Population
Authors: Ibarra-Lopez Jose Jesus , Duarte Patricia , Antonio-Vejar Veronica , Calderon-Aranda Emma S. , Huerta-Beristain Gerardo , Flores-Alfaro Eugenia , Moreno-Godinez Ma Elena
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Nonsyndromic cleft lip and cleft palate (CL/P) is associated with environmental, nutritional, and genetic factors. Maternal polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase ( MTHFR) gene have been associated with CL/P.

Objectives

To determine the relationship between the risk of having a child with CL/P and maternal C677T and A1298C MTHFR polymorphisms, the intake of folate supplements, and exposure to environmental factors during the first trimester of pregnancy, a case-control study of Mexican mothers (88 case mothers and 116 control mothers) was conducted.

Methods

A questionnaire was used to assess exposure to environmental factors. The C677T and A1298C polymorphisms were identified by polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Results

Mothers with the 677CT or 677TT genotype had a higher risk of having a child with CL/P than mothers with the 677CC genotype (odds ratio [OR], 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–5.7). An increased risk of having a child with CL/P was associated with the lack of folate supplementation during the first trimester of pregnancy (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.9–7.6), and this risk was greater in the mothers with the 677TT or 677CT genotype than mothers who reported taking folate supplements and had the 677CC genotype (OR, 11.2; 95% CI, 3.3–37.5). Pesticide exposure was associated with CL/P. There was no significant association between either the A1298C variant or tobacco exposure and the risk of CL/P.

Conclusion

These results suggest that gene-environment interactions play an important role in the development of CL/P.
Elevated Leptin Levels in Nonobese Girls with Premature Thelarche
Authors: Dundar Bumin , Pirgon Ozgur , Sangun Ozlem , Doguc Duygu Kumbul
Published: May 2016

Background and Aim

It has been reported that leptin receptors have been also shown in mammary epithelial cells, and it has been suggested that leptin is involved in the control of the proliferation of both normal and malignant breast cells. The aim of this study was to measure the leptin levels in girls with early breast development and to determine if leptin levels were associated with the clinic, anthropometric characteristics and other sex steroids in girls with premature thelarche (PT).

Methods

In this cross-sectional study; we examined 26 girls (mean age, 7.1 ± 0.8 years; and mean body mass index standard deviation score [BMI-SDS], 0.45 ± 0.9) referred for evaluation because of the appearance of breast buds before the age of 8 years and judged clinically to have PT, as well as 21 healthy age-matched prepubertal girls who served as controls. Breasts and pubic hair development were assessed by visual inspection and palpation using the rating scales of Tanner.

Results

There were significant differences between the PT and control groups regarding leptin (2.7 ± 2.4 vs 1.1 ± 1.1 ng/mL; P: 0.007) and androstenedione (0.44 ± 0.2 vs 0.29 ± 1.1 ng/mL; P = 0.019) levels despite their similar age and BMI-SDS. Leptin measurements were positively correlated with BMI-SDS ( r = 0.378; P = 0.03) and androstenedione ( r = 0.438; P = 0.025) levels.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that serum leptin levels were consistently higher in children with PT than in healthy children. Our findings also support an association between increased leptin levels in PT and adrenal androgens such as androstenedione. We suggest that the increased adrenal androstenedione, observed in our patients, may serve as a precursor for the peripheral conversion to estrogens by the stimulating effect of leptin on aromatase enzyme activity in breast tissues.
Racial Disparities in Hepatitis B Infection in Ohio
Authors: Misra Ranjita , Jiobu Karen , Zhang Johnathan , Liu Qihui , Li Feng , Kirkpatrick Robert , Ho Jason
Published: May 2016

Objective

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and liver cancer mortality represent a neglected health disparity among Asian Americans. The purposes of this study were to compare the prevalence of hepatitis B among a diverse group of 1311 Ohioans in Franklin County, OH (85% Asians, 7.5% African Americans, and 6.5% whites) and to improve access to care for high-risk Asian adults through advocacy and policy changes.

Research Design and Methods

The Asian subgroups comprised of Chinese, Filipino, Asian Indian, Pakistani, Vietnamese, Korean, Laotian, Indonesian, Japanese, Cambodian, Thai, and Malaysian nationalities. The HBV screening was completed at health fairs, restaurants, churches, and temples from 2006 to 2011.

Results

The prevalence of HBV infection (9.5% vs 5%) and family history of liver cancer was significantly higher among Asians than other racial ethnic groups ( P = 0.001). Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Chinese participants were disproportionately infected with the virus compared with other Asian subgroups ( P < 0.001). Advocacy and policy changes for resources allowed vaccine-eligible Asians included as “high risk” group to receive free vaccinations at the health department. However, although vouchers were provided to vaccine-eligible Asian adults, compliance in getting vaccinated was very low (11%). Common barriers for compliance were lack of time and knowledge of completing the 3 shot series, low English proficiency, and fear of adverse effects.

Conclusions

Outreach education may use community liaisons to improve screenings, education, and vaccination/treatment. A hepatitis free clinic was established in 2009 to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate treatment for low-income Asian Americans in Franklin County, OH.
Leptin Substitution in Patients With Lipodystrophy: Neural Correlates for Long-term Success in the Normalization of Eating Behavior
Authors: Schlögl Haiko , Müller Karsten , Horstmann Annette , Miehle Konstanze , Püschel Janett , Villringer Arno , Pleger Burkhard , Stumvoll Michael , Fasshauer Mathias
Published: May 2016

Lipodystrophy (LD) is a rare disease with a paucity of subcutaneous adipocytes and leptin deficiency. Patients often develop severe diabetes and, additionally, show a disturbed eating behavior with reduced satiety. The disturbed eating behavior can be restored by substitution with the leptin analog metreleptin. Long-term effects of metreleptin on resting state brain connectivity in treatment-naive patients with LD have not been assessed. In this study, resting state functional MRI scans and extensive behavioral testing assessing changes in hunger/satiety regulation were performed during the first 52 weeks of metreleptin treatment in nine patients with LD. Resting state connectivity significantly increased over the course of metreleptin treatment in three brain areas (i.e., hypothalamus, insula/superior temporal gyrus, medial prefrontal cortex). Behavioral tests demonstrated that perceived hunger, importance of eating, eating frequencies, and liking ratings of food pictures significantly decreased during metreleptin therapy. Taken together, leptin substitution was accompanied by long-term changes of hedonic and homeostatic central nervous networks regulating eating behavior as well as decreased hunger feelings and diminished incentive value of food. Future studies need to assess whether metreleptin treatment in LD restores physiological processes important for the development of satiety.
Identification of Novel Changes in Human Skeletal Muscle Proteome After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery
Authors: Campbell Latoya E. , Langlais Paul R. , Day Samantha E. , Coletta Richard L. , Benjamin Tonya R. , De Filippis Elena Anna , Madura James A. , Mandarino Lawrence J. , Roust Lori R. , Coletta Dawn K.
Published: May 2016

The mechanisms of metabolic improvements after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery are not entirely clear. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the role of obesity and RYGB on the human skeletal muscle proteome. Basal muscle biopsies were obtained from seven obese (BMI >40 kg/m2) female subjects (45.1 ± 3.6 years) pre- and 3 months post-RYGB, and euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps were used to assess insulin sensitivity. Four age-matched (48.5 ± 4.7 years) lean (BMI <25 kg/m2) females served as control subjects. We performed quantitative mass spectrometry and microarray analyses on protein and RNA isolated from the muscle biopsies. Significant improvements in fasting plasma glucose (104.2 ± 7.8 vs. 86.7 ± 3.1 mg/dL) and BMI (42.1 ± 2.2 vs. 35.3 ± 1.8 kg/m2) were demonstrated in the pre- versus post-RYGB, both P < 0.05. Proteomic analysis identified 2,877 quantifiable proteins. Of these, 395 proteins were significantly altered in obesity before surgery, and 280 proteins differed significantly post-RYGB. Post-RYGB, 49 proteins were returned to normal levels after surgery. KEGG pathway analysis revealed a decreased abundance in ribosomal and oxidative phosphorylation proteins in obesity, and a normalization of ribosomal proteins post-RYGB. The transcriptomic data confirmed the normalization of the ribosomal proteins. Our results provide evidence that obesity and RYGB have a dynamic effect on the skeletal muscle proteome.
Skeletal Muscle TRIB3 Mediates Glucose Toxicity in Diabetes and High- Fat Diet–Induced Insulin Resistance
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wu Mengrui , Kim Teayoun , Jariwala Ravi H. , Garvey W. John , Luo Nanlan , Kang Minsung , Ma Elizabeth , Tian Ling , Steverson Dennis , Yang Qinglin , Fu Yuchang , Garvey W. Timothy
Published: May 2016

In the current study, we used muscle-specific TRIB3 overexpressing (MOE) and knockout (MKO) mice to determine whether TRIB3 mediates glucose-induced insulin resistance in diabetes and whether alterations in TRIB3 expression as a function of nutrient availability have a regulatory role in metabolism. In streptozotocin diabetic mice, TRIB3 MOE exacerbated, whereas MKO prevented, glucose-induced insulin resistance and impaired glucose oxidation and defects in insulin signal transduction compared with wild-type (WT) mice, indicating that glucose-induced insulin resistance was dependent on TRIB3. In response to a high-fat diet, TRIB3 MOE mice exhibited greater weight gain and worse insulin resistance in vivo compared with WT mice, coupled with decreased AKT phosphorylation, increased inflammation and oxidative stress, and upregulation of lipid metabolic genes coupled with downregulation of glucose metabolic genes in skeletal muscle. These effects were prevented in the TRIB3 MKO mice relative to WT mice. In conclusion, TRIB3 has a pathophysiological role in diabetes and a physiological role in metabolism. Glucose-induced insulin resistance and insulin resistance due to diet-induced obesity both depend on muscle TRIB3. Under physiological conditions, muscle TRIB3 also influences energy expenditure and substrate metabolism, indicating that the decrease and increase in muscle TRIB3 under fasting and nutrient excess, respectively, are critical for metabolic homeostasis.
Lipodystrophy Due to Adipose Tissue–Specific Insulin Receptor Knockout Results in Progressive NAFLD
Authors: Softic Samir , Boucher Jeremie , Solheim Marie H. , Fujisaka Shiho , Haering Max-Felix , Homan Erica P. , Winnay Jonathon , Perez-Atayde Antonio R. , Kahn C. Ronald
Published: May 2016

Ectopic lipid accumulation in the liver is an almost universal feature of human and rodent models of generalized lipodystrophy and is also a common feature of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Here we explore the progression of fatty liver disease using a mouse model of lipodystrophy created by a fat-specific knockout of the insulin receptor (F-IRKO) or both IR and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (F-IR/IGFRKO). These mice develop severe lipodystrophy, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and fatty liver disease within the first weeks of life. By 12 weeks of age, liver demonstrated increased reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, histological evidence of balloon degeneration, and elevated serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels. In these lipodystrophic mice, stored liver lipids can be used for energy production, as indicated by a marked decrease in liver weight with fasting and increased liver fibroblast growth factor 21 expression and intact ketogenesis. By 52 weeks of age, liver accounted for 25% of body weight and showed continued balloon degeneration in addition to inflammation, fibrosis, and highly dysplastic liver nodules. Progression of liver disease was associated with improvement in blood glucose levels, with evidence of altered expression of gluconeogenic and glycolytic enzymes. However, these mice were able to mobilize stored glycogen in response to glucagon. Feeding F-IRKO and F-IR/IGFRKO mice a high-fat diet for 12 weeks accelerated the liver injury and normalization of blood glucose levels. Thus, severe fatty liver disease develops early in lipodystrophic mice and progresses to advanced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis with highly dysplastic liver nodules. The liver injury is propagated by lipotoxicity and is associated with improved blood glucose levels.
Seasonal Changes in the Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Moses Robert G. , Wong Veronica C.K. , Lambert Kelly , Morris Gary J. , San Gil Fernando
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of different seasons on the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by using World Health Organization criteria.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The results of all pregnancy glucose tolerance tests (GTTs) were prospectively collected over a 3-year period in a temperate climate, and the results were grouped by season.

RESULTS

The results of 7,369 pregnancy GTTs were available for consideration. In winter, the median 1-h and 2-h glucose results after GTT were significantly (P < 0.0001) lower than the overall 1-h and 2-h results. The prevalence of GDM at the 1-h diagnostic level was 29% higher in summer and 27% lower in winter than the overall prevalence (P = 0.02). The prevalence of GDM at the 2-h diagnostic level was 28% higher in summer and 31% lower in winter than the overall prevalence (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of GDM varies according to seasons, which leads to the possible overdiagnosis of GDM in summer and/or underdiagnosis in winter. Further research into standardization of the GTT or seasonal adjustment of the results may need to be considered.
Decision Theory Applied to Selecting the Winners, Ranking, and Classification
Authors: Longford Nicholas Tibor
Published: May 2016

We address the problem of selecting the best of a set of units based on a criterion variable, when its value is recorded for every unit subject to estimation, measurement, or another source of error. The solution is constructed in a decision-theoretical framework, incorporating the consequences (ramifications) of the various kinds of error that can be committed. The related problems of classifying the units to a small number of groups and ranking them are solved by a similar approach. An application is presented involving retention rates in the undergraduate courses of a university.
Comparing predictions from constitutive equations and artificial neural network model of compressive behavior in carbon nanotube–aluminum reinforced ZA27 composites
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhu Yunke , Geng Cong , Xu Junrui
Published: May 2016

Hybrid carbon nanotube–aluminum reinforced ZA27 composites under hot compressive forces were investigated in the temperature range of 473 – 523 K with strain rates of 0.01 – 10 s−1. From the experimental data, the flow stress curves for increasing strain exhibit typical flow behavior associated with dynamic recrystallization softening. A comparison of predictions from an artificial neural network model and the constitutive equations to describe the hot compressive behavior was performed. Relative errors varied from −4.14 % to 6.75 % for the artificial neural network model and from −15.93 % to 17.29 % using the constitutive equations. The results indicate that the artificial neural network model was more accurate and efficient in predicting hot compressive behavior.
Application of Synthetic Nanozeolite Sodalite in Drug Delivery
Authors: Rahmani Shaghayegh , Azizi Seyed Naser , Asemi Neda
Published: May 2016

In this study nanozeolite sodalite was synthesized from natural volcanic glass (perlite) as silica (Si) source and sodium aluminate as aluminium (Al) source without using any organic template. We use perlite as Si source because it is cost-effective and available source. These nanoparticles of synthesized zeolite were prepared at 170°C in stainless steel reactor with hydrothermal method. The synthesized nanozeolite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Chemical composition of perlite was determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF).This nanozeolite was modified with cationic surfactant, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HDTMAB). In this study adsorption of cetirizine (Cet) as a model drug onto nanozeolite sodalite as a carrier of drug was investigated and Ultra Violet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry was used for determination of concentrations of Cet at 230 nm. Adsorption characteristics of Cet on nanozeolite sodalite were examined at different times (0-6 h) and also the analysis was carried at three pH levels 4, 5 and 6. Finally three buffered solutions with different pH (1.2, 6.8 and 7.2) were selected for release medium and the temperature was precisely controlled at 37 ± 0.1°C.Rahmani et al., International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, May 2016, 5(6): 55-58
Broadband Transmission Loss Using the Overlap of Resonances in 3D Sonic Crystals
Authors: Lardeau Alexandre , Groby Jean-Philippe , Romero-García Vicente
Published: May 2016

The acoustic properties of a three-dimensional sonic crystal made of square-rod rigid scatterers incorporating a periodic arrangement of quarter wavelength resonators are theoretically and experimentally reported in this work. The periodicity of the system produces Bragg band gaps that can be tuned in frequency by modifying the orientation of the square-rod scatterers with respect to the incident wave. In addition, the quarter wavelength resonators introduce resonant band gaps that can be tuned by coupling the neighbor resonators. Bragg and resonant band gaps can overlap allowing the wave propagation control inside the periodic resonant medium. In particular, we show theoretically and experimentally that this system can produce a broad frequency band gap exceeding two and a half octaves (from 590 Hz to 3220 Hz) with transmission lower than 3%. Finite element methods were used to calculate the dispersion relation of the locally resonant system. The visco-thermal losses were accounted for in the quarter wavelength resonators to simulate the wave propagation in the semi-infinite structures and to compare the numerical results with the experiments performed in an echo-free chamber. The simulations and the experimental results are in good agreement. This work motivates interesting applications of this system as acoustic audible filters.
Germany versus the United States: Monetary Dominance in the Eurozone
Authors: Quah Chee-Heong
Published: May 2016

This study inspects if there is greater convergence with Germany amongst the Eurozone founding members and if their relations with the hegemonic economy have been more symmetrical after “euroization”. The dimensions explored are those inspired by the optimum currency areas (OCA) framework. To some extent, the findings could signify if real convergence has been significantly endogenous. At the same time, to assess the relative dominance of Germany, the features against Germany are compared to those against US. In addition, the paper also appraises some aspects of economic performance to check whether economic conditions across the states have improved and converged after unification. In some convergence aspects, findings suggest remarkable convergence with Germany and across the states but also relative convergence with US. On economic performance, results indicate substantial improvements in inflation and unemployment. Amongst the founding states, Ireland has idiosyncratically shown serious divergences in a number of the convergence and performance measures.
Lithium Ion Batteries—Development of Advanced Electrical Equivalent Circuit Models for Nickel Manganese Cobalt Lithium-Ion
Authors: Nikolian Alexandros , Firouz Yousef , Gopalakrishnan Rahul , Timmermans Jean-Marc , Omar Noshin , Van den Bossche Peter , Van Mierlo Joeri
Published: May 2016

In this paper, advanced equivalent circuit models (ECMs) were developed to model large format and high energy nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion 20 Ah battery cells. Different temperatures conditions, cell characterization test (Normal and Advanced Tests), ECM topologies (1st and 2nd Order Thévenin model), state of charge (SoC) estimation techniques (Coulomb counting and extended Kalman filtering) and validation profiles (dynamic discharge pulse test (DDPT) and world harmonized light vehicle profiles) have been incorporated in the analysis. A concise state-of-the-art of different lithium-ion battery models existing in the academia and industry is presented providing information about model classification and information about electrical models. Moreover, an overview of the different steps and information needed to be able to create an ECM model is provided. A comparison between begin of life (BoL) and aged (95%, 90% state of health) ECM parameters (internal resistance (Ro), polarization resistance (Rp), activation resistance (Rp2) and time constants (τ) is presented. By comparing the BoL to the aged parameters an overview of the behavior of the parameters is introduced and provides the appropriate platform for future research in electrical modeling of battery cells covering the ageing aspect. Based on the BoL parameters 1st and 2nd order models were developed for a range of temperatures (15 °C, 25 °C, 35 °C, 45 °C). The highest impact to the accuracy of the model (validation results) is the temperature condition that the model was developed. The 1st and 2nd order Thévenin models and the change from normal to advanced characterization datasets, while they affect the accuracy of the model they mostly help in dealing with high and low SoC linearity problems. The 2nd order Thévenin model with advanced characterization parameters and extended Kalman filtering SoC estimation technique is the most efficient and dynamically correct ECM model developed.
Transport Phenomena in Gel
Authors: Tokita Masayuki
Published: May 2016

Gel becomes an important class of soft materials since it can be seen in a wide variety of the chemical and the biological systems. The unique properties of gel arise from the structure, namely, the three-dimensional polymer network that is swollen by a huge amount of solvent. Despite the small volume fraction of the polymer network, which is usually only a few percent or less, gel shows the typical properties that belong to solids such as the elasticity. Gel is, therefore, regarded as a dilute solid because its elasticity is much smaller than that of typical solids. Because of the diluted structure, small molecules can pass along the open space of the polymer network. In addition to the viscous resistance of gel fluid, however, the substance experiences resistance due to the polymer network of gel during the transport process. It is, therefore, of importance to study the diffusion of the small molecules in gel as well as the flow of gel fluid itself through the polymer network of gel. It may be natural to assume that the effects of the resistance due to the polymer network of gel depends strongly on the network structure. Therefore, detailed study on the transport processes in and through gel may open a new insight into the relationship between the structure and the transport properties of gel. The two typical transport processes in and through gel, that is, the diffusion of small molecules due to the thermal fluctuations and the flow of gel fluid that is caused by the mechanical pressure gradient will be reviewed.
Exploratory Characterization of Phenolic Compounds with Demonstrated Anti-Diabetic Activity in Guava Leaves at Different Oxidation States
Authors: Díaz-de-Cerio Elixabet , Verardo Vito , Gómez-Caravaca Ana , Fernández-Gutiérrez Alberto , Segura-Carretero Antonio
Published: May 2016

Psidium guajava L. is widely used like food and in folk medicine all around the world. Many studies have demonstrated that guava leaves have anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic activities, among others, and that these activities belong mainly to phenolic compounds, although it is known that phenolic composition in guava tree varies throughout seasonal changes. Andalusia is one of the regions in Europe where guava is grown, thus, the aim of this work was to study the phenolic compounds present in Andalusian guava leaves at different oxidation states (low, medium, and high). The phenolic compounds in guava leaves were determined by HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS. The results obtained by chromatographic analysis reported that guava leaves with low degree of oxidation had a higher content of flavonols, gallic, and ellagic derivatives compared to the other two guava leaf samples. Contrary, high oxidation state guava leaves reported the highest content of cyanidin-glucoside that was 2.6 and 15 times higher than guava leaves with medium and low oxidation state, respectively. The QTOF platform permitted the determination of several phenolic compounds with anti-diabetic properties and provided new information about guava leaf phenolic composition that could be useful for nutraceutical production.
Rapid Diminution in the Level and Activity of DNA-Dependent Protein Kinase in Cancer Cells by a Reactive Nitro-Benzoxadiazole Compound
Authors: Silva Viviane , Lafont Florian , Benhelli-Mokrani Houda , Breton Magali , Hulin Philippe , Chabot Thomas , Paris François , Sakanyan Vehary , Fleury Fabrice
Published: May 2016

The expression and activity of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) is related to DNA repair status in the response of cells to exogenous and endogenous factors. Recent studies indicate that Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is involved in modulating DNA-PK. It has been shown that a compound 4-nitro-7-[(1-oxidopyridin-2-yl)sulfanyl]-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole (NSC), bearing a nitro-benzoxadiazole (NBD) scaffold, enhances tyrosine phosphorylation of EGFR and triggers downstream signaling pathways. Here, we studied the behavior of DNA-PK and other DNA repair proteins in prostate cancer cells exposed to compound NSC. We showed that both the expression and activity of DNA-PKcs (catalytic subunit of DNA-PK) rapidly decreased upon exposure of cells to the compound. The decline in DNA-PKcs was associated with enhanced protein ubiquitination, indicating the activation of cellular proteasome. However, pretreatment of cells with thioglycerol abolished the action of compound NSC and restored the level of DNA-PKcs. Moreover, the decreased level of DNA-PKcs was associated with the production of intracellular hydrogen peroxide by stable dimeric forms of Cu/Zn SOD1 induced by NSC. Our findings indicate that reactive oxygen species and electrophilic intermediates, generated and accumulated during the redox transformation of NBD compounds, are primarily responsible for the rapid modulation of DNA-PKcs functions in cancer cells.
Hairpin RNA Targeting Multiple Viral Genes Confers Strong Resistance to Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus
Authors: Wang Fangquan , Li Wenqi , Zhu Jinyan , Fan Fangjun , Wang Jun , Zhong Weigong , Wang Ming-Bo , Liu Qing , Zhu Qian-Hao , Zhou Tong , Lan Ying , Zhou Yijun , Yang Jie
Published: May 2016

Rice black-streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) belongs to the genus Fijivirus in the family of Reoviridae and causes severe yield loss in rice-producing areas in Asia. RNA silencing, as a natural defence mechanism against plant viruses, has been successfully exploited for engineering virus resistance in plants, including rice. In this study, we generated transgenic rice lines harbouring a hairpin RNA (hpRNA) construct targeting four RBSDV genes, S1, S2, S6 and S10, encoding the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, the putative core protein, the RNA silencing suppressor and the outer capsid protein, respectively. Both field nursery and artificial inoculation assays of three generations of the transgenic lines showed that they had strong resistance to RBSDV infection. The RBSDV resistance in the segregating transgenic populations correlated perfectly with the presence of the hpRNA transgene. Furthermore, the hpRNA transgene was expressed in the highly resistant transgenic lines, giving rise to abundant levels of 21–24 nt small interfering RNA (siRNA). By small RNA deep sequencing, the RBSDV-resistant transgenic lines detected siRNAs from all four viral gene sequences in the hpRNA transgene, indicating that the whole chimeric fusion sequence can be efficiently processed by Dicer into siRNAs. Taken together, our results suggest that long hpRNA targeting multiple viral genes can be used to generate stable and durable virus resistance in rice, as well as other plant species.