bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antidyslipidemic potential of a novel farnesoid X receptor antagonist in a hamster model of dyslipidemia: Comparative studies of other nonstatin agents
Authors: Shinozawa Emiko , Amano Yuichiro , Yamakawa Hiroko , Haba Megumi , Shimada Mitsuyuki , Tozawa Ryuichi 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWe attempted to clarify the therapeutic capability of antagonists of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a nuclear receptor that regulates lipid and bile acid metabolism. Herein, we report the antidyslipidemic effects of a novel synthesized FXR antagonist, compound‐T1, utilizing a dyslipidemic hamster model. Compound‐T1 selectively inhibited chenodeoxycholic acid‐induced FXR activation (IC50, 2.1 nmol·L−1). A hamster model of diet‐induced hyperlipidemia was prepared to investigate the antidyslipidemic effects of compound‐T1 through comparative studies of the nonstatin lipid‐modulating agents ezetimibe, cholestyramine, and torcetrapib. In the hamster model, compound‐T1 (6 mg·kg−1·day−1, p.o.) increased the level of plasma high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol (+22.2%) and decreased the levels of plasma non‐HDL‐cholesterol (−43.6%) and triglycerides (−31.1%). Compound‐T1 also increased hepatic cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylase expression and fecal bile acid excretion, and decreased hepatic cholesterol content. Moreover, the hamster model could reflect clinical results of other nonstatin agents. Torcetrapib especially increased large HDL particles compared with compound‐T1. Additionally, in the human hepatoma Huh‐7 cells, compound‐T1 enhanced apolipoprotein A‐I secretion at a concentration close to its IC50 value for FXR. Our results indicated the usefulness of the hamster model in evaluating FXR antagonists and nonstatin agents. Notably, compound‐T1 exhibited beneficial effects on both blood non‐HDL‐cholesterol and HDL‐cholesterol, which are thought to involve enhancement of cholesterol catabolism and apolipoprotein A‐I production. These findings aid the understanding of the antidyslipidemic potential of FXR antagonists with a unique lipid and bile acid modulation.
A sequential hypothesis testing procedure for the process capability index Cpk
Authors: Scagliarini Michele 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn this study, we propose a sequential method for hypothesis testing on the Cpk process capability index. We compare the properties of the sequential test with the performances of nonsequential tests by performing an extensive simulation study. The results show that the proposed sequential test makes it possible to save a large amount of sample size as compared with the fixed sample size tests while maintaining the desired α‐level and power.
Prevalence of Anaplasmataceae and Filariidae species in unowned and military dogs in New Caledonia
Authors: Dahmani Mustapha , Tahir Djamel , Cabre Olivier , Raoult Didier , Fenollar Florence , Davoust Bernard , Mediannikov Oleg 
Published: March 2018

AbstractDogs are competent reservoir hosts of several zoonotic agents, including Filariidae nematodes and Anaplasmataceae family bacteria. The latter family unites human and veterinary pathogens (Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Neorickettsia bacteria) with Wolbachia, some of which are obligatory endosymbionts of pathogenic filarial nematodes. The epidemiology of Anaplasmataceae and Filariidae species infecting dogs living in kennels in New Caledonia was studied. 64 EDTA blood samples were screened for the presence of Anaplasmataceae and filarial nematodes. Molecular study was conducted using primers and probe targeting the of 23S rRNA long fragment of Anaplasmataceae species. Next, all blood sample was screened for the presence of Filariidae species targeting the primers and probe targeting the COI gene, as well as primers targeting the COI and 5S rRNA genes of all filarial worms. Anaplasma platys was identified in 8/64 (12.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.4–20.6%) and Wolbachia endosymbiont of Dirofilaria immitis in 8/64 (12.5%, CI: 4.4–20.6%). Filariidae species investigation was performed and showed that 11/64 (17.2%, CI: 7.9–26.4%) dogs were infected with D. immitis, whereas, 2/64 (3.1%, CI: 0.0–7.3%) were infected with Acanthocheilonema reconditum. Finally, we checked the occurrence of co‐infection between Anaplasmataceae and Filariidae species. Co‐occurrence with Wolbachia endosymbiont of D. immitis was observed in seven dogs, one dog was co‐infected with A. platys and A. reconditum and another was co‐infected with Wolbachia endosymbiont of D. immitis and A. reconditum. These results are the first report of Anaplasmataceae and Filariidae occurring in dogs in New Caledonia.
Epidemiology and genetic characterization of Peste des petits ruminants virus in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Mohammed Z. , Haider Najmul , Gurley Emily S. , Ahmed Sadia , Osmani Mozaffar G. , Hossain Muhammad B. , Islam Ariful , Khan Shahneaz A. , Hossain Mohammad Enayet , Epstein Jonathan H. , Zeidner Nord , Rahman Mustafizur 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPeste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an acute, highly contagious disease responsible for high morbidity and mortality rates in susceptible sheep and goats. Adequate knowledge of the diversity of circulating strains of PPR virus will help livestock authorities choose appropriate vaccines. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiology of PPR and characterize the strains circulating in Bangladesh. Veterinarians enrolled goats showing signs consistent with PPR, including diarrhoea, fever and respiratory distress, from three veterinary hospitals. Post‐treatment follow up was carried out to ascertain health outcomes of the goats. Faecal and throat swab samples were collected from the goats and tested for PPRV RNA using real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT‐PCR). Nucleotide sequence‐based phylogenetic analyses of two structural genes, the nucleocapsid (N gene), and the haemagglutinin (H gene) were studied to determine the genetic variations of PPRV strains. Of the 539 goats enrolled, 38% (203/539) had detectable RNA for PPRV. We were able to follow up with 91% (184/203) of the PPRV infected goats; 44 of them died (24%). PPRV was more frequently identified in the summer (45%) than in the rainy season (29%) (Odds ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.3–3.1). Bangladeshi strains were phylogenetically similar to the lineage IV PPRV strains; showing particularly strong affiliation with Tibetan and Indian strains. PPR is a common viral infection of the goats in Bangladesh, with a high case‐fatality rate. This study confirms the circulation of lineage IV PPRV in the country with unique amino acid substitutions in N and H proteins and provides baseline data for vaccine development and implementation.
Experimental processing of seaweeds for biofuels
Authors: Michalak Izabela 
Published: March 2018

The following paper provides an overview of the potential uses of seaweeds derived both from artificial cultivation as well as from eutrophic reservoirs as the feedstock for biofuels production. This review presents biochemical (anaerobic digestion [AD] and fermentation), chemical (extraction and transesterification) and thermochemical conversions (combustion, liquefaction, gasification and pyrolysis) of seaweeds for biofuels with special attention being paid to seaweeds processing such as pretreatment techniques, production methods and experimental conditions, and so forth. Seaweeds are considered as a suitable source for biogas and bioethanol production due to their high carbohydrate content. This review explores also the possibility of the application of oil extracted from seaweeds for biodiesel production. Since the chemical composition of seaweeds significantly differs from land biomass, a new comprehensive approach is required. Many macroalgal components are recalcitrant to bioconversion and pose microbiological challenges. The text deals with advantages and disadvantages of seaweeds as a feedstock for biofuels. Since macroalgae exploitation only for energy production is too expensive, seaweed integrated biorefineries were proposed as a solution which enables a development of high‐value algal bioproducts. Algae appear to be a promising source of biofuels. Utilization of waste algal biomass constitutes a link between the pollution abatement and energy production.This article is categorized under:

Bioenergy > Science and Materials
MPS‐IIIA mice acquire autistic behaviours with age
Authors: Lau Adeline A. , Tamang Sarah J. , Hemsley Kim M. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type IIIA is an inherited, neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder resulting from mutations in the SGSH gene. Consequently, N‐sulphoglucosamine sulphohydrolase enzyme activity is reduced resulting in impaired catabolism of heparan sulphate. After an asymptomatic period, patients typically show a progressive loss of cognitive and motor skills, with death often during the second decade of life. The diagnostic criteria of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) include impaired communication and social interactions, as well as displays of repetitive behaviours and fixed interests. Children with MPS‐IIIA have been shown to exhibit decreased social communicative behaviours from approximately 3–4 years of age but behavioural stereotypies are mostly absent. In this study, we investigated whether a mouse model of MPS‐IIIA exhibited ASD‐like symptoms. The BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J inbred mouse model of autism was used as a positive control. Male MPS‐IIIA and BTBR mice were less sociable compared with unaffected C57BL/6 male mice in the reciprocal social approach test administered at 20 weeks of age. Alternations in the frequency of social interactions was not evident at earlier stages of the disease course, suggesting an acquisition of ASD‐like social behaviours. Stereotypical behaviours were not evident in male MPS‐IIIA mice in the marble‐burying test nor was the quality of nest constructed by mice affected. Collectively, these data suggest that MPS‐IIIA mice acquire autistic social behaviours similar to the human condition, and thus they may be useful for elucidating symptom generating mechanisms and novel treatments for ASD.
Effects of Insulin Lispro Mix 25 and Insulin Lispro Mix 50 on Postprandial Glucose Excursion in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Prospective, Open-Label, Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Li Wei , Ping Fan , Xu Lingling , Zhou Meicen , Li Hongmei , Dong Yaxiu , Li Yuxiu 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Introduction
We compared the effects of insulin lispro mix 25 (LM25) and insulin lispro mix 50 (LM50) on postprandial glucose excursion in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods
In this randomized, open-label, investigator-initiated trial, 81 T2DM patients treated with premixed human insulin 70/30 (PHI70/30) for more than 90 days were randomly divided into two groups and received a crossover protocol of either LM25 or LM50 twice daily for 16 weeks. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) was performed for 72 h at baseline and at the end of each treatment phase to evaluate glycemic excursions in the subjects.

Results
The LM50 regimen resulted in significantly smaller postprandial glycemic excursions than the LM25 regimen after breakfast (1.3 ± 2.5 vs. 2.4 ± 2.6 mmol/L, P = 0.046) and dinner (1.5 ± 2.8 vs. 2.8 ± 2.4 mmol/L, P = 0.036). Glycosylated hemoglobin levels were similar for the patients on the three regimens. The percentage of patients who achieved their glycosylated hemoglobin target was significantly higher for the LM25 and LM50 regimens than for the PHI70/30 regimen, regardless of whether the target was set at 7.0% or 6.5%. The proportion of the patients who were hypoglycemic for a high percentage (> 10%) of the time was lower for the LM50 regimen than for the LM25 and PHI70/30 regimens.

Conclusions
LM50 may provide better glycemic excursion control after breakfast and dinner than LM25 in T2DM patients.

Trial Registration
http://www.chictr.org.cn # ChiCTR-TTRCC-12002516.

Funding
Lilly Suzhou Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Shanghai Branch, China) and National Key Program of Clinical Science of China (WBYZ 2011-873).
Taking on the stress‐depression link: Meaning as a resource in adolescence
Authors: Dulaney Ellen S. , Graupmann Verena , Grant Kathryn E. , Adam Emma K. , Chen Edith 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTWe investigated how meaning in life affects the link between stress and depression symptoms in adolescents. Adolescents (N = 177; 58.4% female, mean age = 14.75 years) reported on their meaning in life, exposure to stressors, and depression symptomatology. Higher meaning in life predicted lower depression symptoms. Importantly, meaning in life moderated the relationship between stress exposure and depressive symptoms: stress exposure was associated with higher depression when meaning in life was low, when meaning in life was high, there was no association between stressors and depression. These findings indicate the importance of having a sense of meaning in life adolescence. A positive relationship was found between stress exposure and depression symptomatology levels at a time‐point seven months earlier. This lends a longitudinal perspective; meaning in life moderated a relationship that had been present for seven months. Therapeutic implications for protecting at‐risk youth are discussed.
Dynamic Penile Corpora Cavernosa Reconstruction Using Bilateral Innervated Gracilis Muscles: A Preclinical Investigation
Authors: Yin Zhuming , Liu Liqiang , Xue Bingjian , Fan Jincai , Chen Wenlin , Liu Zheng 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Introduction
Prosthesis-assisted penile reconstruction has been performed extensively to restore a cosmetically acceptable phallus. However, a large number of patients will undergo revision surgery for various prosthesis-related complications.

Aim
To develop a 1-stage prosthesis-free dynamic cavernosa reconstruction method using bilateral innervated gracilis muscles and to investigate the feasibility and reliability of the surgical design.

Methods
10 fresh cadavers were dissected to assess the availability of bilateral gracilis muscles for functional cavernosa rebuilding. 11 mongrel female dogs were involved in the penile reconstruction surgery. The neophallus consisted of bilateral gracilis muscles as the neo-cavernosa, a right gracilis skin flap as the neourethra, and a lower abdominal flap with an anterior rectus sheath as the skin envelope and neo-tunica albuginea. The function and structure of the neo-phalli were assessed 7 months postoperatively.

Main Outcome Measures
The neurovascular pedicle length of the gracilis muscles and the volume of the gracilis venter musculi were measured in the cadaveric investigation. The average dimensions of the canine neo-phalli at rest and during electrostimulated erection were obtained and the muscular fatigue-resistant curve was drawn. Histologic evaluations also were performed.

Results
The neurovascular pedicle length and volume of the gracilis muscles were sufficient to yield a nearly normal appearance of the neo-cavernosa in the cadaveric and animal studies. The muscular fatigue-resistant curve demonstrated adequate length, stiffness, and duration of erection of the neo-phalli to accomplish normal coitus. Histologic evaluations showed an intact neourethra and nearly normal muscle structure in the inner layer of the canine neo-cavernosa, except for significantly increased amount of collagen fibers and type I/III collagen ratio in the outer layer of the neo-cavernosa. The percentage of type II (fatigue-prone) muscle fibers did not change significantly.

Conclusion
Our preclinical investigation proves that corpora cavernosa reconstruction using bilateral innervated gracilis muscles is technically feasible and functionally efficacious.
TOWARD HILBERT–KUNZ DENSITY FUNCTIONS IN CHARACTERISTIC 0
Authors: TRIVEDI VIJAYLAXMI 
Published: March 2018

For a pair
$(R,I)$
, where
$R$
is a standard graded domain of dimension
$d$
over an algebraically closed field of characteristic 0, and
$I$
is a graded ideal of finite colength, we prove that the existence of
$\lim _{p\rightarrow \infty }e_{HK}(R_{p},I_{p})$
is equivalent, for any fixed
$m\geqslant d-1$
, to the existence of
$\lim _{p\rightarrow \infty }\ell (R_{p}/I_{p}^{[p^{m}]})/p^{md}$
. This we get as a consequence of Theorem 1.1: as
$p\longrightarrow \infty$
, the convergence of the Hilbert–Kunz (HK) density function
$f(R_{p},I_{p})$
is equivalent to the convergence of the truncated HK density functions
$f_{m}(R_{p},I_{p})$
(in
$L^{\infty }$
norm) of the mod
$p$

reductions

$(R_{p},I_{p})$
, for any fixed
$m\geqslant d-1$
. In particular, to define the HK density function
$f_{R,I}^{\infty }$
in char 0, it is enough to prove the existence of
$\lim _{p\rightarrow \infty }f_{m}(R_{p},I_{p})$
, for any fixed
$m\geqslant d-1$
. This allows us to prove the existence of
$e_{HK}^{\infty }(R,I)$
in many new cases, for example, when Proj R is a Segre product of curves.
Curved adjustable fibre-optic diode laser in microscopic cholesteatoma surgery: description of use and review of the relevant literature
Authors: McCaffer C J , Pabla L , Watson C 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjective:The use of lasers in cholesteatoma surgery is common and well accepted. The most commonly used laser fibres are straight and non-adjustable; these have several limitations. This paper describes the use of an alternative laser fibre.Method:This ‘How I Do It’ paper describes and illustrates the use of an alternative curved adjustable fibre-optic diode laser in microscopic cholesteatoma surgery.Results:The curved, adjustable laser fibre allows accurate and atraumatic disease removal when the use of a straight laser fibre may be less effective or accurate. It reduces potential damage to delicate structures without the need for extra drilling or bone removal.Conclusion:It is suggested that the curved adjustable laser fibre is superior to the traditional straight fibre for cholesteatoma surgery.
Determinants of re-operation for bleeding in head and neck cancer surgery
Authors: Haapio E , Kinnunen I , Airaksinen J K E , Irjala H , Kiviniemi T 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjective:Post-operative bleeding in the head and neck area is potentially fatal. This ‘real world’ study sought to assess factors that increase the risk of re-operation for post-operative bleeding in head and neck cancer surgery.Methods:A total of 456 patients underwent surgery for head and neck cancer (591 operations). The primary endpoint was re-operation for bleeding.Results:The rate of re-operation for bleeding was 5 per cent of all operations. Re-operation for bleeding was an independent risk factor for 30-day mortality (odds ratio = 5.27, p = 0.014). Risk factors for re-operation because of bleeding included excessive (more than 4000 ml) fluid administration (over 24 hours) (p < 0.001), heavy alcohol consumption (p = 0.014), pre-operative oncological treatment (p = 0.017), advanced disease stage (p = 0.020) and higher tumour (T) classification (p = 0.034). Operations with more excessive bleeding (700 ml or more) were associated with an increased risk (p = 0.001) of re-operation for post-operative bleeding. Moreover, the risk of re-operation was significantly higher in patients undergoing microvascular surgery compared to those who had no oncological treatment pre-operatively (18 vs 6 per cent, p = 0.001).Conclusion:The 30-day mortality risk increased over 5-fold in patients undergoing re-operation for bleeding.
Human smuggling across Niger: state-sponsored protection rackets and contradictory security imperatives
Authors: Raineri Luca 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn recent years, Niger has gained prominence as a hub for the smuggling of migrants from West Africa to North Africa and Europe. Urged on by European concerns, Niamey has adopted repressive measures to contain such migrations in the region. These, however, have largely failed, and have yielded unintended and unexpected results, which challenge policy predictions. Drawing on extensive fieldwork, the article suggests that contradictory security imperatives have brought about the de facto regularisation of human smuggling. As a result, protection rackets sponsored by the state through patronage networks have severely limited the impact of externally sponsored measures to counteract irregular migration.
Dementia, post-traumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder: a review of the mental health risk factors for dementia in the military veteran population
Authors: Rafferty L. A. , Cawkill P. E. , Stevelink S. A. M. , Greenberg K. , Greenberg N. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundDementia is currently incurable, irreversible and a major cause of disability for the world's older population. The association between mental health difficulties, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD), and dementia has a long history within the civilian population. Despite the increased importance of this link within the military veteran population, who suffer a greater propensity of mental health difficulties and consist largely of over 65s, attention is only recently being paid to the salience of such an association for this group. This paper aims to explore the relationship between PTSD and MDD with dementia within the military veteran population.MethodA systematic review was conducted on articles from 1990 to July 2016 on MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBSCO and Web of Science electronic databases with an update conducted in February 2017.ResultsSix empirical studies were identified from the review, the majority of which originated from the USA. Five of the studies asserted that veterans with a diagnosis of either PTSD or MDD are at a significantly greater risk of developing dementia than ‘healthy’ controls. The final study, conducted in Australia, found only a small, but non-significant, correlation between earlier MDD and future dementia, but no concurrent correlation.ConclusionsWhile causality cannot be determined, it is likely that PTSD and depressive disorders are related to an increased risk of dementia in military veterans. Potential pathological explanations and risk factors are reviewed and the clinical and neuroscience implications of these findings are explored.
‘Are You Local?’ Indigenous Iron Age and Mobile Roman and Post-Roman Populations: Then, Now and In-Between
Authors: Hingley Richard , Bonacchi Chiara , Sharpe Kate 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe Iron Age and Roman periods are often defined against each other through the establishment of dualities, such as barbarity–civilisation, or spiritual–rational. Despite criticisms, dualities remain prevalent in the National Curriculum for schools, television, museum displays and academic research. Recent scientific studies on human origins, for example, have communicated the idea of an ‘indigenous’ Iron Age, setting this against a mobile and diverse Roman-period population. There is also evidence for citizens leveraging dualities to uphold different positions on contemporary issues of mobility, in the UK and internationally. This paper discusses values and limitations of such binary thinking, and considers how ideas of ambiguity and temporal distancing can serve to challenge attempts to use such dualities to map the past too directly onto the present, reflecting on recent social media debates about Britain and the European Union.