bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rebaudioside A administration prevents experimental liver fibrosis: an in vivo and in vitro study of the mechanisms of action involved
Authors: Casas‐Grajales Sael , Reyes‐Gordillo Karina , Cerda‐García‐Rojas Carlos M. , Tsutsumi Víctor , Lakshman M. Raj , Muriel Pablo 
Published: March 2019

AbstractRebaudioside A (Reb A) is a diterpenoid isolated from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) that has been shown to possess pharmacological activity, including anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the ability of Reb A to prevent liver injury has not been evaluated. Therefore, we aimed to study the potential of Reb A (20 mg/kg; two times daily intraperitoneally) to prevent liver injury induced by thioacetamide (TAA) administration (200 mg/kg; three times per week intraperitoneally). In addition, cocultures were incubated with either lipopolysaccharide or ethanol. Antifibrotic, antioxidant and immunological responses were evaluated. Chronic TAA administration produced considerable liver damage and distorted the liver parenchyma with the presence of prominent thick bands of collagen. In addition, TAA upregulated the expression of α‐smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor‐β1, metalloproteinases 9, 2 and 13, and nuclear factor kappaB and downregulated nuclear erythroid factor 2. Reb A administration prevented all of these changes. In cocultured cells, Reb A prevented the upregulation of genes implicated in fibrotic and inflammatory processes when cells were exposed to ethanol and lipopolysaccharide. Altogether, our results suggest that Reb A prevents liver damage by blocking oxidative processes via upregulation of nuclear erythroid factor 2, exerts immunomodulatory effects by downregulating the nuclear factor‐κB system and acts as an antifibrotic agent by maintaining collagen content.
Effects of acidic calcium phosphate concentration on setting reaction and tissue response to β‐tricalcium phosphate granular cement
Authors: Fukuda Naoyuki , Ishikawa Kunio , Akita Kazuya , Kamada Kumiko , Kurio Naito , Mori Yoshihide , Miyamoto Youji 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBeta‐tricalcium phosphate granular cement (β‐TCP GC), consisting of β‐TCP granules and an acidic calcium phosphate (Ca‐P) solution, shows promise in the reconstruction of bone defects as it sets to form interconnected porous structures, that is, β‐TCP granules are bridged with dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) crystals. In this study, the effects of acidic Ca‐P solution concentration (0–600 mmol/L) on the setting reaction and tissue response to β‐TCP GC were investigated. The β‐TCP GC set upon mixing with its liquid phase, based on the formation of DCPD crystals, which bridged β‐TCP granules to one another. Diametral tensile strength of the set β‐TCP GC was relatively the same, at ∼0.6 MPa, when the Ca‐P concentration was 20–600 mmol/L. Due to the setting ability, reconstruction of the rat's calvarial bone defect using β‐TCP GC with 20, 200, and 600 mmol/L Ca‐P solution was much easier compared to that with β‐TCP granules without setting ability. Four weeks after the reconstruction, the amount of new bone was the same, ∼17% in both β‐TCP GC and β‐TCP granules groups. Cellular response to β‐TCP granules and β‐TCP GC using the 20 mmol/L acidic Ca‐P solution was almost the same. However, β‐TCP GC using the 200 and 600 mmol/L acidic Ca‐P solution showed a more severe inflammatory reaction. It is concluded, therefore, that β‐TCP GC, using the 20 mmol/L acidic Ca‐P solution, is recommended as this concentration allows surgical techniques to be performed easily and provides good mechanical strength, and the similar cellular response to β‐TCP granules. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 108B:22–29, 2020.
FGF23, Hypophosphatemia, and Emerging Treatments
Authors: Imel Erik A , Biggin Andrew , Schindeler Aaron , Munns Craig F 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTFGF23 is an important hormonal regulator of phosphate homeostasis. Together with its co‐receptor Klotho, it modulates phosphate reabsorption and both 1α‐hydroxylation and 24‐hydroxylation in the renal proximal tubules. The most common FGF23‐mediated hypophosphatemia is X‐linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), caused by mutations in the PHEX gene. FGF23‐mediated forms of hypophosphatemia are characterized by phosphaturia and low or low‐normal calcitriol concentrations, and unlike nutritional rickets, these cannot be cured with nutritional vitamin D supplementation. Autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive forms of FGF23‐mediated hypophosphatemias show a similar pathophysiology, despite a variety of different underlying genetic causes. An excess of FGF23 activity has also been associated with a number of other conditions causing hypophosphatemia, including tumor‐induced osteomalacia, fibrous dysplasia of the bone, and cutaneous skeletal hypophosphatemia syndrome. Historically phosphate supplementation and therapy using analogs of highly active vitamin D (eg, calcitriol, alfacalcidol, paricalcitol, eldecalcitol) have been used to manage conditions involving hypophosphatemia; however, recently a neutralizing antibody for FGF23 (burosumab) has emerged as a promising treatment agent for FGF23‐mediated disorders. This review discusses the progression of clinical trials for burosumab for the treatment of XLH and its recent availability for clinical use. Burosumab may have potential for treating other conditions associated with FGF23 overactivity, but these are not yet supported by trial data. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Emerging role for Ureaplasma parvum serovar 3: Active infection in women with silent high‐risk human papillomavirus and in women with idiopathic infertility
Authors: Zanotta Nunzia , Campisciano Giuseppina , Morassut Sara , Castro‐Silva Eugenia , Luksa Viviana , Zito Gabriella , Luppi Stefania , Martinelli Monica , Colli Claudia , De Seta Francesco , Ricci Giuseppe , Suligoi Barbara , Comar Manola 
Published: March 2019

AbstractRecently, there are controversial opinions on the presence of Mycoplasmas/Ureaplasmas as colonizers or pathogens, and on the use of a targeted therapy. This study aimed to characterize Mycoplasmas/Ureaplasmas infections in reproductive age women, including the acquisition of sexually transmitted (ST) pathogens and poor birth outcomes. A total of 646 healthy Italian women fulfilled the inclusion criteria including 521 infertile women, 65 pregnant women, and 60 fertile women with identified risk factors and symptomatic for vaginitis/cervicitis. Multiplex and quantitative molecular techniques and direct automatic DNA sequencing were performed to assess the genome structure of Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma species and ST infected pathogens. Ureaplasma parvum serovar 3 represented the predominant colonizer of the urogenital tract of this series and the unique species significantly associated with ST pathogens coinfection (p < 0.01). U. parvum load >104 bacteria/ml, suggestive of active infection, has been measured only in asymptomatic high‐risk human papillomavirus infected women (24.3%) and in 40% of women with idiopathic infertility. To note, 16% of the follicular fluid from these idiopathic women resulted infected with U. parvum. In conclusion, the present study focused the attention on U. parvum serovar 3 as emerging microorganism in sexually active women that may have the benefit of targeted therapy.
Water‐insoluble cosolvent in aqueous two‐phase system improved the extraction of paeonol from cortex moutan
Authors: Yi Xiaoqi , Mu Xiaojing , Chen Gang , Gou Yan , Wang Chengshan , Yuan Xiaolin 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundAqueous two‐phase extraction has advantages of green extraction, high yield, good product purity and low cost. However, conventional aqueous two‐phase systems (ATPSs) are limited in extraction/separation due to high polarity. Some researchers tuned the hydrophobicity of ATPSs by addition of hydrophobic ionic liquids or polymers. We aimed to tailor the hydrophobicity of a solvent–salt–water ATPS using cosolvent for extraction of paeonol from cortex moutan.ResultsTie‐line length and compositions in the ATPS were employed for qualitative evaluation of polarity and polarity difference between the two phases. Conditions such as pH, salt type and concentration, total solvent volume fraction and cosolvent fraction were optimized. Ethyl acetate (EA) as cosolvent in ethanol–NaH2PO4–H2O (EtPO) system did not alter the first‐order kinetic extraction model, but it improved the kinetic constant and boosted the partition coefficient from 36.7 to 58.8. For both EtPO and EtPO–EA systems, both the extraction yields and partition coefficients increased when temperature increased from 11 to 37 °C. The optimized EtPO–EA system demonstrated higher extraction yield than EtPO and 70% (v/v) ethanol systems by 25.4 and 19.5%, respectively.ConclusionsThe hydrophobicity of an ATPS was successfully tuned with cosolvent for paeonol extraction. The cosolvent–salt–water two‐phase systems are promising in extraction of weakly polar components from herbs. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Microfluidic devices towards personalized health and wellbeing
Authors: Marques Marco PC , Boyd Ashleigh S , Polizzi Karen , Szita Nicolas 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTo make personalised medicine a reality, there is a significant need for cost‐effective methods that enable the rapid selection of optimal nutrient intake and/or disease treatment with a minimum of side effects. In this perspective, we briefly discuss the potential of merging the advances of microfluidic devices, organoid structures and advanced analytical methods to progress towards a personalised in vitro platform for health and wellbeing. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Disinfection and nutrient removal in laboratory‐scale photobioreactors for wastewater tertiary treatment
Authors: Bellucci Micol , Marazzi Francesca , Naddeo Luca Stefano , Piergiacomo Federica , Beneduce Luciano , Ficara Elena , Mezzanotte Valeria 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDSecondary effluent wastewaters still contain resources including water and nutrients that must be safely reused and recovered. In this study, the combined role of microalgae as disinfectant and nutrient removal agent was evaluated for the potential application of a microalgae‐based process as a cost‐effective tertiary treatment. Nutrient removal, biomass productivity and disinfection performances were monitored in laboratory‐scale photobioreactors (batch and continuous) fed on a secondary effluent mixed with a 10% on influent collected at a large municipal wastewater treatment plant where tertiary disinfection is performed by UV treatment.RESULTSIn microalgae‐based batch disinfection tests, Escherichia coli counts (0.5 ± 0.7 log CFU 100 mL−1) were comparable to those after traditional UV process (0.7 ± 0.84 log CFU 100 mL−1) and lower than in tests where light was applied without microalgae. In the following continuous test, E. coli counts were reduced by one order of magnitude and the pathogenic strain of E. coli O157:H7/H−, Salmonella spp. and indicators such as Bacteroides spp. and Enterococcus spp. were never detectable in the effluents by molecular tools. Total nitrogen and phosphorus removals reached 93 and 100%, respectively, while the algal biomass productivity of the system averaged 50 ± 30 mg TSS L−1 day−1.CONCLUSIONSThe effluents of the photobioreactors reached quality standards appropriate for water reuse. Moreover, nutrients could be recovered through the generation of algal biomass suitable for further valorization. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Ammonia and phosphorus removal from mixture of treated and raw cattle manure wastewater in a low‐O2 granular sequencing batch reactor
Authors: Matinfar Ali , Mohammadi Maedeh , Najafpour Ghasem D , Younesi Habibollah 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn this study, the feasibility of an aerobic granular sequencing batch reactor (AGSBR) for elimination of nutrients at low dissolved oxygen (DO) level was investigated. It was fed by a mixture of treated and raw cattle manure wastewater. The behaviour of the AGSBR was assessed at different chemical oxygen demand (COD)/NH4+‐N ratios, feeding strategies (dump‐fill and slow‐rate feeding) and hydraulic retention times (24, 32 and 48 h). For a duration of 140 days, the capability of the AGSBR for reducing COD, ammonia and total phosphorus (TP) contents was studied. At DO concentrations of 0.3–1.0 mg L−1, the effect of different COD/NH4+ ratios (100:3–100:10) was evaluated.RESULTSA COD/NH4+‐N ratio of 100:10 resulted in higher nitrification rate (0.0714 gN gMLVSS−1 day−1) compared to a ratio of >100:3 (0.0175 gN gMLVSS−1 day−1). The active granular sludge in dump‐filling mode revealed better settling properties compared to the slow feeding rate. Microscopic observation of aerobic granules showed that the core of granules was dominantly occupied by filamentous microorganisms. Finally, at optimum conditions, removal efficiencies of NH4+‐N, TP and COD were 99.9, 99 and 79%, respectively.CONCLUSIONSApplying the AGSBR at low DO is promising as a cost‐effective technique for the secondary treatment of livestock wastewaters. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Identifying dynamical instabilities in supply networks using generalized modeling
Authors: Demirel Güven , MacCarthy Bart L. , Ritterskamp Daniel , Champneys Alan R. , Gross Thilo 
Published: March 2019

AbstractSupply networks need to exhibit stability in order to remain functional. Here, we apply a generalized modeling (GM) approach, which has a strong pedigree in the analysis of dynamical systems, to study the stability of real‐world supply networks. It goes beyond purely structural network analysis approaches by incorporating material flows, which are defining characteristics of supply networks. The analysis focuses on the network of interactions between material flows, providing new conceptualizations to capture key aspects of production and inventory policies. We provide stability analyses of two contrasting real‐world networks—that of an industrial engine manufacturer and an industry‐level network in the luxury goods sector. We highlight the criticality of links with suppliers that involve the dispatch, processing, and return of parts or sub‐assemblies, cyclic motifs that involve separate paths from a common supplier to a common firm downstream, and competing demands of different end products at specific nodes. Based on a critical discussion of our findings in the context of the supply chain management literature, we generate five propositions to advance knowledge and understanding of supply network stability. We discuss the implications of the propositions for the effective management, control, and development of supply networks. The GM approach enables fast screening to identify hidden vulnerabilities in extensive supply networks.
Feeding May Modulate the Relationship Between Systemic Inflammation, Insulin Resistance, and Poor Outcome Following Cardiopulmonary Bypass for Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Floh Alejandro A. , McCrindle Brian W. , Manlhiot Cedric , Nakada Masayuki , La Rotta Gustavo , Van Arsdell Glen , Schwartz Steven M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundHyperglycemia is common following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery and is associated with poor outcomes, often attributed to hyperinsulinemia and an acquired state of insulin resistance. This study examined the underpinnings of hyperglycemia and the effects of nutrition on the association with inflammation and clinical outcomes.MethodsThis prospective, observational cohort study enrolled consecutive children (<18 years) undergoing CPB. Serial measurements of inflammatory cytokines, glucose, insulin, and nutrition delivery were obtained. Glucose‐insulin ratio (G:I) was calculated for each time point as a measure of insulin resistance (lower G:I reflects higher resistance). Clinical outcomes were recorded using a composite morbidity score.ResultsThe 200 subjects studied were predominantly females (58%) undergoing biventricular repair (85%) at a median (interquartile range) age of 0.58 years (0.28, 3.4) and weight of 7.0 kg (3.1, 59.5). Hyperglycemia was common (49% of patients), coinciding with peak cytokine concentrations. Insulin levels were highest and G:I lowest immediately following separation from CPB but had no consistent relationship with cytokines. The morbidity outcome was reached by 23% of patients, with increased odds associated with higher interleukin (IL)6 and IL8 levels but not by glucose, insulin, or G:I. Providing higher feeding volumes attenuated this association between inflammation and morbidity. Higher feeds were not associated with G:I but appeared to decrease the strength of the relationship between cytokines and glycemic indices.ConclusionPostoperative morbidity is independently associated with increased inflammation but not with hyperglycemia or markers of insulin resistance. Higher feeding volume may modify these relationships and have a protective role.
Fucus vesiculosus extracts as natural antioxidants for improvement of physicochemical properties and shelf life of pork patties formulated with oleogels
Authors: Agregán Rubén , Barba Francisco J , Gavahian Mohsen , Franco Daniel , Khaneghah Amin Mousavi , Carballo Javier , Ferreira Isabel CFR , da Silva Barretto Andrea Carla , Lorenzo José M 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDThere is limited information in the literature concerning the feasibility of using algal extracts as natural additives for improvement of the quality and shelf‐life of meat products. Hence, a Fucus vesiculosus extract (FVE) at the concentrations of 250 mg kg‐1 (FVE‐250), 500 mg kg‐1 (FVE‐500) and 1000 mg kg‐1 (FVE‐1000) were added to pork patties with linseed oil oleogel as a fat replacer.RESULTSTotal polyphenol content of FVE was determined to be 20 g phloroglucinol equivalents 100 g‐1 extract. Antioxidant values ranged from 37.5 μmol of Trolox equivalents (TE) g‐1 (FRAP assay) to 2111 μmol TE g‐1 extract (ABTS assay). Regarding oxidation stability, FVE‐1000 showed the lowest values of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substance and carbonyl content. On the other hand, FVE did not improve color, surface discoloration or odor attributes of patties during storage. Sensory evaluation revealed that there was no significant difference among all studied samples.CONCLUSIONAlthough FVEs have a high polyphenol content and antioxidant activities, they are not effective oxidation inhibitors for long‐term storage of meat products. Therefore, additional measures or compounds should be considered when FVE is the only antioxidant in meat products. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Circulating Adipokine VASPIN Is Associated with Serum Lipid Profiles in Humans
Authors: Breitfeld Jana , Wiele Norman , Gutsmann Beate , Stumvoll Michael , Blüher Matthias , Scholz Markus , Kovacs Peter , Tönjes Anke 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
VASPIN, visceral adipose tissue‐derived serpin, is an adipokine ameliorating insulin resistance in obesity. Here, we investigated the role of VASPIN and its genetic variants in lipid metabolism. We measured serum VASPIN concentrations by ELISA in 823 metabolically well‐characterized Caucasian subjects (Sorbs from Germany). Furthermore, we genotyped 30 representative single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in two independent cohorts with metabolic phenotyping, the Sorbs (N = 823) and Leipzig (N = 919), and conducted genotype–phenotype association analyses. Circulating VASPIN strongly correlated with triacylglycerol levels (TAG; p = 1.079 × 10−11), and moderately with apolipoprotein A1 and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.026). Genetic variants in VASPIN were nominally associated with cholesterol, high‐density and low‐density lipoprotein (HDL‐chol, LDL‐chol), lipoprotein A, and apolipoprotein B as well as with TAG and free fatty acids (all p < 0.05 adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index [BMI]). Mendelian randomization analysis using VASPIN SNP as an instrumental variable showed borderline influence of VASPIN on LDL‐chol levels (p = 0.05). Associations of VASPIN and its genetic variation with metabolic traits suggest a role of VASPIN in human lipid metabolism.
Peripheral Artery Disease Is Associated with a Deficiency of Erythrocyte Membrane n‐3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Authors: Ramirez Joel L. , Zahner Greg J. , Spaulding Kimberly A. , Khetani Sukaynah A. , Hills Nancy K. , Gasper Warren J. , Harris William S. , Cohen Beth E. , Grenon S. Marlene 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPopulation‐based data suggest that individuals who consume large dietary amounts of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have lower odds of peripheral artery disease (PAD); however, clinical studies examining n‐3 PUFA levels in patients with PAD are sparse. The objective of this study is to compare erythrocyte membrane fatty acid (FA) content between patients with PAD and controls. We conducted a cross‐sectional study of 179 vascular surgery outpatients (controls, 34; PAD, 145). A blood sample was drawn and the erythrocyte FA content was assayed using capillary gas chromatography. We calculated the ratio of the n‐3 PUFA eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to the n‐6 PUFA arachidonic acid (ARA) as well as the omega‐3 index (O3I), a measure of erythrocyte content of the n‐3 PUFA, EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), expressed as a percentage of total erythrocyte FA. Compared with controls, patients with PAD smoked more and were more likely to have hypertension and hyperlipidemia (p < 0.05). Patients with PAD had a lower mean O3I (5.0 ± 1.7% vs 6.0 ± 1.6%, p < 0.001) and EPA:ARA ratio (0.04 ± 0.02 vs 0.05 ± 0.05, p < 0.001), but greater mean total saturated fats (39.5 ± 2.5% vs 38.5 ± 2.6%, p = 0.01). After adjusting for several patient characteristics, comorbidities, and medications, an absolute decrease of 1% in the O3I was associated with 39% greater odds of PAD (odds ratio [OR] 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–1.86, and p = 0.03). PAD was associated with a deficiency of erythrocyte n‐3 PUFA, a lower EPA:ARA ratio, and greater mean total saturated fats. These alterations in FA content may be involved in the pathogenesis or development of poor outcomes in PAD.