bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regional differences in heart failure hospitalizations, mortality, and readmissions in Slovenia 2004–2012
Authors: Omersa Daniel , Erzen Ivan , Lainscak Mitja , Farkas Jerneja 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimsHeart failure (HF) burden is displaying significant inter‐regional differences within Europe and within countries. Due to limited data focusing on regional differences, our aim was to evaluate HF hospitalizations, readmissions, and mortality burden in Slovenian statistical regions.Methods and resultsThe Slovenian National Hospitalization Discharge Registry was searched for HF hospitalizations in patients 20 years or over in the period 2004–12. Annual sex and age‐standardized HF hospitalizations, mortality, and HF readmissions rates were calculated for Slovenia and for each Slovenian statistical region. Trends were evaluated using ANOVA. Multiple mixed effect logistic regression models, which included statistical region, admission year, sex, age, intensive care unit treatment, and co‐morbidities as a fixed effect and hospital identifier as a random effect, were calculated for mortality and readmissions. Overall, 156 859 HF hospitalizations (55 522 where HF was coded as a main diagnosis and 43 606 as first HF hospitalizations) were recorded. Annual standardized rates varied considerably between statistical regions for main (220–511) and first HF hospitalization (392–721), 30 day (12.6–27.1) and 1 year mortality (66–117), and 30 day (31–80.8) and 1 year readmission (99–24) (per 100 000 patient years in 2012). Yearly decline in HF hospitalization rates was seen for national main (3.6; 0.001) and first (8.4; 0.083) HF hospitalizations, while individual regional main and first HF hospitalization trends mostly did not reach statistical significance. No relevant differences in mortality and readmission endpoints for statistical regions were seen when adjusted for patient demographics and specific co‐morbidities.ConclusionsSignificant regional differences in standardized HF hospitalization, mortality, and readmissions between the regions were seen. There were no differences in mortality and readmissions between statistical regions for individual similar patients.
Electrochemical Sensor Based on Casein and Carbon Black for Bisphenol A Detection
Authors: Vieira Jodar Letícia , Orzari Luiz Otávio , Storti Ortolani Túlio , Assumpção Mônica H. M. T. , Vicentini Fernando C. , Janegitz Bruno C. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBisphenol A (BPA) is an environmental endocrine disrupting chemical, which can lead to various adverse health effects. Aiming to develop effective tools for the detection of BPA, this work reports a low cost and stable film based on casein (CAS) and Carbon Black (CB). The proposed material (CAS‐CB) showed structures of CAS surrounded by CB agglomerates observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy while Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis illustrated characteristic bands of casein. Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) were used to investigate the electrochemical behavior of BPA using the CAS‐CB. Under optimal conditions, LSV detection presented a limit of detection of 0.25 μmol L−1 in a linear range from 0.49 to 24 μmol L−1. Additionally, the working electrode (GC) modified by the proposed film (CAS‐CB) was applied for BPA sensing in environmental and milk samples. The results showed recoveries between 95.4 to 114 % attesting the efficiency of this new material, which has simplicity in the preparation, high conductivity, and adsorption capability.
First comprehensive view on a magnetic separation based protein purification processes: From process development to cleaning validation of a GMP‐ready magnetic separator
Authors: Ebeler Moritz , Pilgram Florian , Wellhöfer Thomas , Frankenfeld Katrin , Franzreb Matthias 
Published: July 2019

AbstractMagnetic separation processes are known as integrated bioanalytical protein purification method since decades and are well described. However, use of magnetic separation processes in a regulated industrial production environment has been prevented by the lack of suitable process equipment and prejudice against the productivity of the process and its qualification for cleaning‐in‐place operation. With the aim of overcoming this prejudice, a comprehensive process development approach is presented, based on a GMP‐compliant magnetic separator, including an optimization of the batch adsorption process, implementation into a technical‐scale, and the development and validation of cleaning routines for the device. By the implementation of a two‐step counter‐current binding process, it was possible to raise the yields of the magnetic separation process even for very low concentrated targets in a vast surplus of competing proteins, like the hormone equine chorionic gonadotropin in serum, from 74% to over 95%. For the validation of the cleaning process, a direct surface swabbing method combined with a total organic carbon analysis was established for the determination of two model contaminants. The cleanability of the process equipment was proven for both model contaminants by reliably meeting the 10 ppm criteria.
Characterization and potential antitumor effect of a heteropolysaccharide produced by the red alga Porphyridium sordidum
Authors: Nikolova Biliana , Semkova Severina , Tsoneva Iana , Antov Georgi , Ivanova Juliana , Vasileva Ivanina , Kardaleva Proletina , Stoineva Ivanka , Christova Nelly , Nacheva Lilyana , Kabaivanova Lyudmila 
Published: July 2019

AbstractTaking into account the rising trend of the incidence of cancers of various organs, effective therapies are urgently needed to control human malignancies. However, almost all chemotherapy drugs currently on the market cause serious side effects. Fortunately, several studies have shown that some non‐toxic biological macromolecules, including algal polysaccharides, possess anti‐cancer activities or can increase the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy drugs. Polysaccharides are characteristic secondary metabolites of many algae. The efficacy of polysaccharides on the normal and cancer cells is not well investigated, but our investigations proved a cell specific effect of a newly isolated extracellular polysaccharide from the red microalga Porphyridium sordidum. The investigated substance was composed of xylose:glucose and galactose:manose:rhamnose in a molar ratio of 1:0.52:0.44:0.31. Reversible electroporation has been exploited to increase the transport through the plasma membrane into the tested breast cancer tumor cells MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB231. Application of 75 µg/mL polysaccharide in combination with 200 V/cm electroporation induced 40% decrease in viability of MDA‐MB231 cells and changes in cell morphology while control cells (MCF10A) remained with normal morphology and kept vitality.
Alexithymia and binge eating in obese outpatients who are starting a weight‐loss program: A structural equation analysis
Authors: Conti Chiara , Di Francesco Giulia , Lanzara Roberta , Severo Melania , Fumagalli Luna , Guagnano Maria Teresa , Porcelli Piero 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether obese patients with binge eating (BE) have higher alexithymic features; to explore the different relationships between psychological features (alexithymia, depression, and anxiety) and BE.MethodThree hundred sixty one obese BE‐patients were evaluated for alexithymia, psychological distress, and BE. Alexithymia was measured with the 20‐item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS‐20); BE was assessed with the BE Scale (BES), and depression and anxiety symptoms were evaluated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).ResultsPatients with BE reported significantly higher TAS‐20 total scores than those without BE (p < .001). The SEM analysis showed that the difficulty in identifying feelings (DIF) and difficulty in describing feelings (DDF) components of alexithymia affected BE along different pathways. DIF was found as a major factor influencing altered eating both directly (p = .20*) and above all through the mediation of psychological distress (p = .19***), whereas DDF affected BE only through psychological distress at a lesser extent (p = .09**).DiscussionAlexithymic difficulties in affective awareness may play an important role in the onset and maintenance of BE, especially when patients experienced anxiety and depression symptoms. Clinicians involved in the management of obesity should address the combination of alexithymic traits and emotional distress by planning effective client‐focused interventions.
Petrology and geochronology of a suite of pelitic granulites from parts of the Chotanagpur Granite Gneiss Complex, eastern India: Evidence for Stenian‐Tonian reworking of a late Paleoproterozoic crust
Authors: Dey Anindita , Karmakar Shreya , Ibanez‐Mejia Mauricio , Mukherjee Subham , Sanyal Sanjoy , Sengupta Pulak 
Published: July 2019

The north‐eastern part of the Chotanagpur Granite Gneiss Complex (CGGC) in the East Indian shield contains enclaves of migmatitic pelitic granulites (PG) within felsic orthogneiss (FOG). Field observations, petrology and geochronology (LA–MC–ICP–MS U–Pb dating of zircon and EPMA Th–U–total‐Pb dating of monazite) of the PG suggest two distinct metamorphic events. The earliest event M1, which is characterized by high‐temperature (>850°C) granulite facies metamorphism, occurred in the timespan of ~1680–1580 Ma. Extensive dehydration melting of biotite + sillimanite + quartz‐rich protoliths led to stabilization of the restitic assemblage (garnet + alkali‐feldspar + quartz + sillimanite + ferrian‐ilmenite) together with large volumes of felsic melts (leucosomes). Collisional tectonics followed by delamination and asthenospheric upwelling could have triggered the M1 event. Subsequently, at ~1470–1400 Ma, the igneous protolith of the host FOG intruded and hydrated the PG. Thereafter, a second metamorphic event, M2, accompanied by compressional structures, affected both the rock types. A clockwise P–T path that culminated at ≥10 kbar ~760–850°C and is followed by a steeply decompressive retrograde path characterizes this event. The P–T path and the inferred geothermal gradient (<27°C/km) are compatible with a continent–continent collisional setting. Geochronological findings suggest a protracted orogeny for the M2 event with its major pulse during ~970–950 Ma. When combined with the published information, this study supports the view that a large (if not the entire) portion of the Indian shield and the granulite terranes of east Antarctica share similar tectonothermal events that led to the formation of two supercontinents, Columbia and Rodinia.
Integrated geological and geophysical investigations for the discovery of deeply buried gold–polymetallic deposits in China
Authors: Xue Guoqiang , Zhang Linbo , Hou Dongyang , Liu Hongtao , Ding Yunhe , Wang Chunyong , Luo Xiaonan 
Published: July 2019

Xiaoshan gold–polymetallic concentrated area is located in Henan Province, central China. The area is principally underlain by typical metamorphic core complexes (MCCs), along with essential components of the basins and ranges of western Henan. Mineralization occurs in the regions where the geochemical anomalies of Au and related elements are widely distributed and consist predominantly of mineralized altered rocks and auriferous quartz veins, both of which are hosted within shear zones or fractures of varying sizes and orientations. Several small‐ to medium‐sized gold–polymetallic ore deposits, along with numerous clustered occurrences, have been found in the area in recent years. However, despite the fact that the Xiaoshan District has traditionally been deemed as an excellent geological endowment area with enormous potential for large‐sized deposits, no significant discoveries have been made to date. It is suggested that the main reason responsible for the present exploration situation could be the scarcity of applications of deep‐penetration geophysical prospecting in the area. It is anticipated that integrating geological and geophysical data would be crucial to enhance the successful mineral explorations. In this contribution, a conceptual geological model for the study area was initially reviewed so that the corresponding electromagnetic responses could then be modelled, which would simulate a geophysical type of survey, with appropriate uncertainties added into the analyses. Then, based on such an integrated approach, the required precision of detecting deep‐buried deposits could then be evaluated. In addition, by employing supplementary geophysical data acquired over known deposits, it is possible to gain more instructive insights into the practical geological model. The viabilities of this approach were demonstrated through a case study in which a hidden gold deposit in the studied area was successfully detected. Geophysical surveys were carried out by employing a grounded‐wire short‐offset TEM (SOTEM) technique and revealed two new anomalies (one of which was subsequently tested by drilling). The drilling then confirmed that this anomaly was caused by an ore body 30 m in thickness occurring at about 550 m below surface.
TREM2 is required for microglial instruction of astrocytic synaptic engulfment in neurodevelopment
Authors: Jay Taylor R. , von Saucken Victoria E. , Muñoz Braulio , Codocedo Juan F. , Atwood Brady K. , Lamb Bruce T. , Landreth Gary E. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractVariants in the microglial receptor TREM2 confer risk for multiple neurodegenerative diseases. However, it remains unknown how this receptor functions on microglia to modulate these diverse neuropathologies. To understand the role of TREM2 on microglia more generally, we investigated changes in microglial function inTrem2−/−mice. We found that loss of TREM2 impairs normal neurodevelopment, resulting in reduced synapse number across the cortex and hippocampus in 1‐month‐old mice. This reduction in synapse number was not due directly to alterations in interactions between microglia and synapses. Rather, TREM2 was required for microglia to limit synaptic engulfment by astrocytes during development. While these changes were largely normalized later in adulthood, high fat diet administration was sufficient to reinitiate TREM2‐dependent modulation of synapse loss. Together, this identifies a novel role for microglia in instructing synaptic pruning by astrocytes to broadly regulate appropriate synaptic refinement, and suggests novel candidate mechanisms for how TREM2 and microglia could influence synaptic loss in brain injury and disease.
Higher GABA concentration in the medial prefrontal cortex of Type 2 diabetes patients is associated with episodic memory dysfunction
Authors: Thielen Jan‐Willem , Gancheva Sofiya , Hong Donghyun , Rohani Rankouhi Seyedmorteza , Chen Bixia , Apostolopoulou Maria , Anadol‐Schmitz Evrim , Roden Michael , Norris David G. , Tendolkar Indira 
Published: July 2019

AbstractType 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with an accelerated episodic memory decline, but the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are not well understood. Hallmarks of T2D comprise impairment of insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. Insulin signaling modulates cerebral neurotransmitter activity, including the excitatory glutamate and inhibitory gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) systems. Here we tested the hypothesis that the glutamate and GABA systems are altered in T2D patients and this relates to memory decline and insulin resistance. Using 1H‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), we examined glutamate and GABA concentrations in episodic memory relevant brain regions (medial prefrontal cortex and precuneus) of T2D patients and matched controls. Insulin sensitivity was measured by hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamps and memory performance was assessed using a face‐profession associations test. T2D patients exhibited peripheral insulin resistance and had a decreased memory for face‐profession associations as well as elevated GABA concentration in the medial prefrontal cortex but not precuneus. In addition, medial prefrontal cortex GABA concentration was negatively associated with memory performance suggesting that abnormal GABA levels in the medial prefrontal cortex are linked to the episodic memory decline that occurs in T2D patients.
Price effects of a hospital merger: Heterogeneity across health insurers, hospital products, and hospital locations
Authors: Roos Anne‐Fleur , Croes Ramsis R. , Shestalova Victoria , Varkevisser Marco , Schut Frederik T. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn most studies on hospital merger effects, the unit of observation is the merged hospital, whereas the observed price is the weighted average across hospital products and across payers. However, little is known about whether price effects vary between hospital locations, products, and payers. We expand existing bargaining models to allow for heterogeneous price effects and use a difference‐in‐differences model in which price changes at the merging hospitals are compared with price changes at comparison hospitals. We find evidence of heterogeneous price effects across health insurers, hospital products and hospital locations. These findings have implications for ex ante merger scrutiny.
The demand for preventive and restorative dental services among older adults
Authors: Meyerhoefer Chad D. , Zuvekas Samuel H. , Farkhad Bita Fayaz , Moeller John F. , Manski Richard J. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractMany older Americans have poor access to dental care, resulting in a high prevalence of oral health problems. Because traditional Medicare does not include dental care benefits, only older Americans who are employed, have post‐retirement dental benefits or spousal coverage, or enroll in certain Medicare Advantage plans are able to obtain dental care coverage. We seek to determine the extent to which poor access to dental insurance and high out‐of‐pocket costs affect dental service use by the elderly. Using the 2007–2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and supplemental data on dental care prices, we estimate a demand system for preventive dental services and basic and major restorative services. Selection into dental and medical insurance is addressed using a correlated random effects panel data specification. Consistent with prior studies of the nonelderly population, dental service use was not sensitive to out‐of‐pocket prices. However, private dental insurance increased preventive service use by 25%, and dental coverage through Medicaid increased basic and major service use by 23% and 36%, respectively. The use of services was more responsive to dental insurance for women than men. These estimates suggest that a Medicare dental benefit could significantly increase dental service use by older Americans.
Dimethyl fumarate abrogates dust mite‐induced allergic asthma by altering dendritic cell function
Authors: Jaiswal Anil K. , Sandey Maninder , Suryawanshi Amol , Cattley Russell C. , Mishra Amarjit 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIntroductionAllergic asthma is the most common inflammatory disease of upper airways. Airway dendritic cells (DCs) are key antigen presenting cells that regulate T helper 2 (Th2)‐dependent allergic inflammation. Recent studies have shown critical role of airway DCs in the induction of Th2‐mediated allergic inflammation and are attractive therapeutic targets in asthma. However, molecular signaling mechanism that regulate DCs function to Th2 immune responses are poorly understood. Here we aim to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of dimethyl fumarate (DMF), an FDA approved small molecule drug, in the house dust mite (HDM)‐induced experimental model of allergic asthma.MethodsDMF was administered intranasally in the challenge period of HDM‐induced murine model of experimental asthma. Airway inflammation, airway hyperreactivity, Th2/Th1 cytokine were assessed. The effect of DMF on DC function was further evaluated by adoptive transfer of HDM‐pulsed DMF treated DCs to wild‐type naïve mice.ResultsDMF treatment significantly reduced HDM‐induced airway inflammation, mucous cell metaplasia, and airway hyperactivity to inhaled methacholine. Mechanistically, DMF interferes with the migration of lung DCs to draining mediastinal lymph nodes, thereby attenuates the induction of allergic sensitization and Th2 immune response. Notably, adoptive transfer of DMF treated DCs to naïve mice with HDM challenge similarly reduces the features of allergic asthma.ConclusionThis identifies a novel function of DMF on DC‐mediated adaptive immune responses in the setting of HDM‐induced airway inflammation. Taken together, our results offer a mechanistic rationale for DMF use to target DCs in local lung environment as antiasthmatic therapy.
Analysis of methylation‐driven genes for predicting the prognosis of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Pan Yihua , Song Yidan , Cheng Lanxin , Xu Hongdan , Liu Jun 
Published: July 2019

AbstractTo help provide evidence for prognosis prediction and personalized targeted therapy for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), we investigated prognosis‐specific methylation‐driven genes in HNSCC. Survival time data, RNA sequencing data, and methylation data for HNSCC patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas. The MethylMix R package based on the β mixture model was utilized to screen genes with different methylation statuses in tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues, and a total of 182 HNSCC‐related methylation‐driven genes were then identified. A survival prediction scoring model based on multivariate Cox analysis was developed to screen the genes related to the prognosis of HNSCC, and a linear risk model of the methylation status of six genes (INA, LINC01354, TSPYL4, MAGEB2, EPHX3, and ZNF134) was constructed. The prognostic values of the six genes were further independently explored by survival analysis combined with methylation and gene expression analyses. The 5‐year survival rate in the high‐risk group of patients in the test set was 30.4% (95% CI: 22.7%‐40.8%) and that in the low‐risk group of patients was 65.5% (95% CI: 56.1%‐76.5%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the model was 0.723, which further verified the specificity and sensitivity of the model. In addition, subsequent combined survival analysis revealed that all six genes could be used as independent prognostic markers and thus might be potential drug targets. The innovative method provides new insight into the molecular mechanism and prognosis of HNSCC.
Effect of oleic acid on induction of steatosis and cytotoxicity in BRL 3A cells
Authors: Zhang Huiyan , Wang Jicang , Yang Ling , Yang Wenling , Luo Tongwang , Yuan Yan , Gu Jianhong , Zou Hui , Bian Jianchun , Liu Zongping , Liu Xuezhong 
Published: July 2019

AbstractRecent studies have shown that monounsaturated oleic acid induces steatosis in cultured hepatocyte steatosis in the form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease models in vitro. However, the underlying mechanism of steatosis development is not completely understood. Therefore, we investigated the molecular mechanism of steatosis and the role of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)/toll‐like receptor 4‐related protein (TLR4) expression in this study. Rat hepatocyte cells were subjected to oleic acid in different concentrations (1.2‐2.4 mM) for 24 hours. The cell morphological injury index and the changes in the MAPK/TLR4 signaling pathway‐related proteins were evaluated. We found that the microstructure of the cells in the oleic acid treatment group was damaged, and higher phosphorylation levels of the MAPK pathway‐related proteins were detected than those in the control group. In addition, the protein expression of TLR4, sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1, and fatty acid synthase were increased in the oleic acid treatment group. Our findings demonstrate that oleic acid causes toxic damage to rat hepatocyte cells, and the MAPK/TLR4 signaling pathway plays a significant role in lipid storage.