bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of chronic lead exposure on liver and kidney function and haematologic parameters
Authors: Nakhaee Samaneh , Amirabadizadeh Alireza , Brent Jeffery , Mehrpour Omid 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundLead, one of the most widely used metals because of its beneficial physical properties, has been reported to adversely influence several different organs and organ systems. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of lead exposure on liver and renal function and haematologic parameters.MethodsThis was a case‐cohort study comparing adults with occupational, environmental or opium‐related lead exposure with blood lead levels [BLL] >10 μg/dL (High blood lead level (HBLL) group and age‐ and gender‐matched normal healthy individuals (Low blood lead level [LBLL] group with BLL <10 μg/dL). The complete blood count and concentrations of serum creatinine, urea, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were recorded for subsequent investigation.ResultsThe mean BLL was significantly higher in the HBLL than in the LBLL groups (51.36 ± 44.72 vs 4.17 ± 1.97 µg/dL). The Spearman's rho revealed a significant association between BLL and urea (r = 0.25, P < 0.001), creatinine (r = 0.16, P = 0.02), AST (r = 0.42, P < 0.001) and ALT (r = 0.27, P < 0.001). The median [IQR] serum urea (34 mg/dL [27‐221]) vs (30 [27‐36]), creatinine (0.9 mg/dL [0.8‐1]) vs (0.8 [0.7‐0.9]), ALT (25 mg/dL [16‐49]) vs (22 [16‐30]) and AST concentrations (29 mg/dL [20‐42]) vs (20 [18‐24]) were all significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the HBLL group compared to the LBLL group. The median [IQR] haemoglobin (12.6 g/dL [10.4‐15.4]) vs (15.2 [14.6‐16.3] and haematocrit (36.9% [31‐44.8]) vs (45.6 [43.6‐48.2]) were both significantly lower (P < 0.001) in the HBLL group than in the LBLL group.ConclusionThe results indicated that people with chronic lead exposure with BLLs greater than 10 μg/dL are at risk of renal, liver and haematologic impairments.
β‐Adrenoceptors as drug targets in melanoma: novel preclinical evidence for a role of β3‐adrenoceptors
Authors: Dal Monte Massimo , Calvani Maura , Cammalleri Maurizio , Favre Claudio , Filippi Luca , Bagnoli Paola 
Published: November 2018

Stress plays a role in tumourigenesis through catecholamines acting at β‐adrenoceptors including β1‐, β2‐ and β3‐adrenoceptors, and the use of β‐adrenoceptor antagonists seems to counteract tumour growth and progression. Preclinical evidence and meta‐analysis data demonstrate that melanoma shows a positive response to β‐adrenoceptor blockers and in particular to propranolol acting mainly at β1‐ and β2‐adrenoceptors. Although evidence suggesting that β3‐adrenoceptors may play a role as a therapeutic target in infantile haemangiomas has been recently reviewed, a comprehensive analysis of the data available from preclinical studies supporting a possible role of β3‐adrenoceptors in melanoma was not available. Here, we review data from the literature demonstrating that propranolol may be effective at counteracting melanoma growth, and we provide preclinical evidence that β3‐adrenoceptors may also play a role in the pathophysiology of melanoma, thus opening the door for further clinical assays trying to explore β3‐adrenoceptor blockers as novel alternatives for its treatment.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Adrenoceptors—New Roles for Old Players. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.14/issuetoc
Hypoglycaemic effects of glimepiride in sulfonylurea receptor 1 deficient rat
Authors: Zhou Xiaojun , Zhang Rui , Zou Zhiwei , Shen Xue , Xie Tianyue , Xu Chunmei , Dong Jianjun , Liao Lin 
Published: November 2018

Background and PurposeSulfonylureas (SUs) have been suggested to have an insulin‐independent blood glucose‐decreasing activity due to an extrapancreatic effect. However, a lack of adequate in vivo evidence makes this statement controversial. Here, we aimed to evaluate whether glimepiride has extrapancreatic blood glucose‐lowering activity in vivo.Experimental ApproachSulfonylurea receptor 1 deficient (SUR1−/−) rats were created by means of transcription activator‐like effector nucleases (TALEN)‐mediated gene targeting technology. Type 2 diabetic models were established by feeding a high‐fat diet and administering a low‐dose of streptozotocin. These rats were then randomly divided into four groups: glimepiride, gliclazide, metformin and saline. All rats were treated for 2 weeks.Key ResultsGlimepiride decreased blood glucose levels and increased insulin sensitivity without elevating insulin levels. Gliclazide showed similar effects as glimepiride. Both agents were weaker than metformin. Further mechanistic investigations revealed that glimepiride increased hepatic glycogen synthesis and decreased gluconeogenesis, which were accompanied by the activation of Akt in the liver. Moreover, glimepiride increased both total and membrane glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) levels in muscle and fat, which might be attributed to insulin receptor‐independent IRS1/Akt activation.Conclusion and ImplicationsGlimepiride possesses an extrapancreatic blood glucose‐lowering effect in vivo, which might be attributed to its direct effect on insulin‐sensitive tissues. Therefore, the combination of glimepiride with multiple insulin injections should not be excluded per se.
Assessment of lateral mitral, septal and tricuspid myocardial performance indices by tissue Doppler imaging in asthmatic children
Authors: Elseify Magda Yehia , Alsharkawy Asmaa Alhusseiny , Al‐Fahham Marwa Moustapha , ElHady Mahmoud Muhamed 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIntroductionRecurrent hypoxia makes asthmatics at risk for pulmonary hypertension and ventricular dysfunction. Early stages of these cardiovascular diseases cannot be detected by conventional echocardiography. Tissue Doppler imaging has been introduced recently as a more sensitive and more accurate tool for investigating cardiovascular diseases.ObjectiveInvestigating ventricular functions in asymptomatic asthmatic children using tissue Doppler echocardiography.MethodFifty asthmatic children and 50 controls were examined by conventional echocrdiography. Tissue Doppler echocardiography was performed to measure the myocardial performance (Tei) index at the lateral mitral, septal and tricuspid annuli.ResultsSeptal Tei indices among patients and uncontrolled asthmatics were significantly higher than healthy subjects and controlled asthmatics, respectively (P < 0.05). Septal and tricuspid Tei indices were significantly higher among severe asthmatics and patients with concomitant nasal allergy than those with mild asthma and those without concomitant nasal allergy, respectively (P < 0.05). Septal Tei index correlated negatively with daily inhaled corticosteroid dose (r = –0.412, P = 0.003) and forced expiratory volume in the 1st second/forced vital capacity (r = –0.877, P < 0.001). Lateral Tei index correlated positively with the patient age (r = 0.312, P = 0.027) and duration of asthma (r = 0.359, P = 0.011).ConclusionTei index can detect subclinical ventricular dysfunction in asthmatics and is affected by asthma duration, control and severity. It can be used for future scoring of asthma severity. Septal annulus seems to be the best location for assessing Tei index in asthmatics.
Evidence for a sensitive period in the effects of early life stress on hippocampal volume
Authors: Humphreys Kathryn L. , King Lucy S. , Sacchet Matthew D. , Camacho M. Catalina , Colich Natalie L. , Ordaz Sarah J. , Ho Tiffany C. , Gotlib Ian H. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractExposure to stress has been causally linked to changes in hippocampal volume (HV). Given that the hippocampus undergoes rapid changes in the first years of life, stressful experiences during this period may be particularly important in understanding individual differences in the development of the hippocampus. One hundred seventy‐eight early adolescents (ages 9–13 years; 43% male) were interviewed regarding exposure to and age of onset of experiences of stress; the severity of each stressful event was rated by an objective panel. All participants underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging, from which HVs were automatically segmented. Without considering the age of onset for stressful experiences, there was a small but statistically significant negative association of stress severity with bilateral HV. When considering the age of onset, there was a moderate and significant negative association between stress severity during early childhood (through 5 years of age) and HV; there was no association between stress severity during later childhood (age 6 years and older) and HV. We provide evidence of a sensitive period through 5 years of age for the effects of life stress on HV in adolescence. It will be important in future research to elucidate how reduced HV stemming from early life stress may contribute to stress‐related health outcomes.
Chaldean Christian Refugees & the Myth of Return: A Narrative Study
Authors: Byle Joseph James 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis study analyzed the narratives of Chaldean refugees in the Detroit Metropolitan area, in an attempt to better understand the various changes experienced by the refugees while still living in Iraq, and after their relocation. In addition, this research considered whether the concept of “The Myth of Return” was present or absent among the sample of Chaldean refugees in the Detroit area. The Myth of Return posits that immigrants will almost always hold on to the idea of one day returning to the homeland, even when all practical reality suggests the possibility of returning is not likely. The literature suggests for immigrants to reject the Myth of Return is essentially the equivalent of rejecting the homeland as well as the immigrant community in the host country. However, the literature also suggests the presence or absence of the myth is also influenced by the nature of the immigrant’s relationship to the homeland as well as to the relationship with the host country. If the immigrant was a part of the dominant group in the homeland, then the immigrant is more likely to hold on to the myth. However, if the immigrant was a part of a minority group in the homeland, then the immigrant is less likely to hold on to the myth. Considering the Chaldean minority status in Iraq, it would not seem likely that Chaldean refugees would entertain the idea of returning; however, given their strong ties to Iraq, the possibility of such a return is perhaps not out of the question.
Efficacy of the GMALL‐B‐ALL/NHL2002 protocol in Burkitt leukemia/lymphoma and aggressive non‐Hodgkin‐lymphomas with or without CNS involvement
Authors: Sakarou Maria , Eisele Lewin , Dührsen Ulrich , Hüttmann Andreas 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectivesThe GMALL‐B‐ALL/NHL2002 protocol is effective in Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia (BL). Its role in other aggressive lymphomas and in patients with simultaneous central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral involvement is unclear.MethodsThis is a retrospective outcome analysis in 76 patients with BL (n = 26), B‐lymphoblastic lymphoma (B‐LBL; n = 3), diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL; n = 31), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL; n = 6), transformed B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (tB‐NHL; n = 7), and T‐cell NHL (T‐NHL; n = 3) treated with the GMALL‐B‐ALL/NHL2002 protocol.Results73.1% of scheduled chemotherapy cycles were administered. Treatment was discontinued in 38 patients (50.0%) due to progression (n = 14), toxicities (n = 11), scheduled treatment change (n = 6), and unknown reasons (n = 7). All BL/B‐LBL patients were treated first‐line, and at a median follow‐up of 124.7 months, median progression‐free survival was not reached. In DLBCL, median PFS was 68.4 months in first‐line treated patients and 3.7 months in relapsed/refractory patients. CNS involvement was present in 10 non‐BL/B‐LBL cases and did not have a negative impact on survival in first‐line treated patients but was fatal in all relapsed/refractory patients.ConclusionThis study confirmed the activity of the GMALL‐B‐ALL/NHL2002 protocol in BL/B‐LBL. It was also effective in first‐line treated non‐BL/B‐LBL lymphomas with and without simultaneous CNS‐/peripheral involvement, but ineffective in relapsed/refractory disease.
Insulin in the ventral tegmental area reduces cocaine‐evoked dopamine in the nucleus accumbens in vivo
Authors: Naef Lindsay , Seabrook Lauren , Hsiao Jeff , Li Calvin , Borgland Stephanie L. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMesolimbic dopamine circuits, implicated in incentive motivation, are sensitive to changes in metabolic state such as weight loss and diet‐induced obesity. These neurons are important targets for metabolic hormones such as leptin, glucagon‐like peptide‐1, ghrelin and insulin. Insulin receptors are located on dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and we have previously demonstrated that insulin induces long‐term depression of excitatory synapses onto VTA dopamine neurons. While insulin can decrease dopamine concentration in somatodendritic regions, it can increase dopamine in striatal slices. Whether insulin directly targets the VTA to alter dopamine release in projection areas, such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc), remains unknown. The main goal of the present experiments was to examine NAc dopamine concentration following VTA administration of insulin. Using in vivo FSCV to detect rapid fluctuations in dopamine concentration, we showed that intra‐VTA insulin via action at insulin receptors reduced pedunculopontine nucleus‐evoked dopamine release in the NAc. Furthermore, intra‐VTA insulin reduced cocaine‐potentiated NAc dopamine. Finally, intra‐VTA or intranasal insulin decreased locomotor responses to cocaine, an effect blocked by an intra‐VTA administered insulin receptor antagonist. Together, these data demonstrate that mesolimbic dopaminergic projections are important targets of the metabolic hormone, insulin.
Sirt5 is dispensable for BrafV600E‐mediated cutaneous melanoma development and growth in vivo
Authors: Moon Hyeongsun , Zhu Jerry , White Andrew C. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSirt5 is known to functionally regulate mitochondrial proteins by altering posttranslational modifications, including lysine desuccinylation. While roles for Sirt5 as either a tumor promoter or suppressor, or in chemoresistance, have been implicated in other cancers, the function of Sirt5 in cutaneous melanoma has not been well examined. Therefore, to determine whether Sirt5 is necessary for BrafV600E‐mediated melanoma formation and/or disease progression, we crossed a genetically engineered murine melanoma model (TyrCreERT2/+; BrafLSL‐V600E/+; Ptenflox/flox) to Sirt5−/− knockout animals. In addition, we tested for synergism with a selective BRAF (V600E) inhibitor in Sirt5−/− mouse melanoma cells. Taken together, this report demonstrates that, in these models, Sirt5 is dispensable for BrafV600E‐mediated cutaneous melanoma formation and growth in vivo, and does not improve sensitivity to a selective BRAF inhibitor.
Intravenous single administration of amiodarone and breastfeeding
Authors: Javot Lucie , Pape Elise , Yéléhé‐Okouma Mélissa , Barotte Emilie , Divoux Emmanuelle , Gillet Pierre , Gambier Nicolas , Scala‐Bertola Julien 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAmiodarone treatment is contraindicated during breastfeeding. As the regional pharmacovigilance centre, we were contacted for information relative to the possibility of breastfeeding after single intravenous administration of 450 mg amiodarone to a breastfeeding woman. A monitoring of amiodarone concentration in plasma and milk was performed in the mother. At day 4, milk concentration of amiodarone reached a peak (233 μg/L) and milk to plasma ratio was determined to 3.5. Milk concentration was still detectable at day 10 (132 μg/L). The maximal relative infant dose was estimated to be 0.6% of the maternal weight‐adjusted dosage, corresponding to 0.18% of the usual posology used in children by parenteral route. The review of the literature retrieved one publication suggesting that a single intravenous administration of 150 mg of amiodarone to a mother represents a negligible infant risk based on low breast milk concentration. The French National Pharmacovigilance database query did not disclose any case of side effects during breastfeeding after a single dose of amiodarone. A very limited exposition of breastfed newborns to amiodarone, as well as a low risk of side effects, is expected after a single administration of amiodarone to their mothers.
Is there an association between indoor allergens and the severity of atopic dermatitis?
Authors: Cid Barbara J. , Perez‐Mateluna Guillermo , Iturriaga Carolina , Zambrano María J. , Vives María I. , Valenzuela Patricia M. , Borzutzky Arturo 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a multifactorial inflammatory skin disease with frequent hypersensitivity to allergens. However, the role of exposure to indoor allergens on AD severity is unclear.MethodsChildren aged 0–17 years with active AD from central Chile were recruited; disease severity was evaluated with SCORAD and POEM scores. A home environment survey was applied to parents. Bedroom dust samples were collected for all subjects and analyzed by multiplex assay to quantify dust mite (Der p1, Der f1), dog (Can f1), cat (Fel d1), and alternaria alternata (Alt a1) allergens.ResultsTwenty‐five children aged 3.9 ± 3.8 years were included. Fifty‐two percent were female. Mean SCORAD was 29 ± 14 (range 11–61), and mean POEM was 10.7 ± 6.2. No direct association was found between tobacco exposure, pet ownership, aerosol use, visible dust, or home carpets/rugs with SCORAD (all P > 0.05). Dust samples from all homes had Can f1 and Fel d1 allergens, regardless of pet ownership. Homes that had indoor dogs or cats had significantly higher amounts of these allergens (P < 0.001). Forty percent of homes had dust mite allergens, and none had alternaria alternata. Children with AD living in homes with elevated dust mite and animal dander allergen concentrations had higher SCORAD than those from homes with low allergen concentrations (40 ± 13 vs. 26 ± 13, P = 0.025).ConclusionsHigh concentrations of indoor allergens may influence AD severity in children. Further studies assessing indoor allergens and allergen sensitization are warranted to fully evaluate the role of indoor allergens on AD.
Subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriatic disease: relation to endocan, TNF‐α, age of onset, and body fat
Authors: Elkamshoushi Abdelaal M. , Omar Salma S. , El Abd Amr M. , Hassan Seham Z. , Sultan Eman A. , Abd Elkawy Eman 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis is a common multisystem inflammatory disease with several associated comorbidities. Serological markers to detect associated subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriatic patients are needed. We aimed to study serum endocan levels in psoriasis vulgaris and its relation to severity of psoriasis, systemic inflammation, associated atherosclerosis, obesity, and the possible factors affecting its level in psoriatic patients.MethodsThis study was conducted on 30 moderate‐severe psoriasis vulgaris patients and 30 healthy controls. Body mass index, body fat percent, and PASI assessments were done. Serum endocan and tumor necrosis factor‐α levels were measured by ELISA. Carotid artery intima‐media thickness measurement by high‐resolution ultrasound was performed.ResultsPsoriasis patients showed significantly higher serum tumor necrosis factor‐α and endocan levels (P1 = 0.008, P2 = 0.003). Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference between mean carotid artery intima‐media thickness of both groups (P = 0.005). Serum endocan levels positively correlated with PASI score (P = 0.002), tumor necrosis factor‐α levels (P < 0.001), mean carotid artery intima‐media thickness (P = 0.001), and body mass index (P < 0.001) in the patients group. Additionally, the age of onset of disease negatively correlated with serum endocan (P = 0.003).ConclusionSerum endocan is a promising marker of severity of psoriasis and associated atherosclerosis. Early onset psoriasis is associated with higher serum endocan levels. Body mass index is positively correlated with serum endocan levels. The positive correlation of endocan and tumor necrosis factor‐α supports the regulatory effect of the cytokine on endocan production and suggests the role of endocan as an inflammatory marker.
Aerogel‐like ceramic foams with super‐high porosity and nanoscale cell wall from sol nanoparticles stabilized foams
Authors: Huo Wenlong , Zhang Xiaoyan , Hou Shiyu , Chen Yugu , Wang Yali , Yang Jinlong 
Published: November 2018

AbstractUltralight ceramic foam materials with high porosity play an important role in increasingly hi‐tech areas due to the combinative merit of ceramic material and highly porous structure. So far, it remains challenging to fabricate alumina ceramic foams with extremely high porosity and high specific surface area that are comparable to aerogel materials by employing a low cost, eco‐friendly and convenient approach. For the first time, we propose the preparation of aerogel‐like ceramic foams with nanoscale cell wall and unprecedentedly high porosity using boehmite sol as both ceramic source and bubble interface stabilizer, based on sol nanoparticles stabilized foams using sodium lauryl sulfate (SDS) as modifier. The obtained ultra‐stable sol foams allow for the achievement of bulk foams with ultrathin cell wall with thickness in the range of 30‐90 nm, super‐high porosity up to 99%, and large specific surface area of 280 m2/g, which is attributed to the well‐organized assembly of nanoparticles at the liquid/air interfaces. This novel foam material demonstrates excellent adsorption ability for polar volatile organic gases (VOCs) due to its extremely high porosity and large specific surface area.
Range expansion ofLymantria dispar dispar(L.) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) along its north‐western margin in North America despite low predicted climatic suitability
Authors: Streifel Marissa A. , Tobin Patrick C. , Kees Aubree M. , Aukema Brian H. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimThe European gypsy moth,Lymantria dispar dispar(L.), (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) is an invasive defoliator that has been expanding its range in North America following its introduction in 1869. Here, we investigate recent range expansion into a region previously predicted to be climatically unsuitable. We examine whether winter severity is correlated with summer trap captures of male moths at the landscape scale, and quantify overwintering egg survivorship along a northern boundary of the invasion edge.LocationNorthern Minnesota,USA.MethodsSeveral winter severity metrics were defined using daily temperature data from 17 weather stations across the study area. These metrics were used to explore associations with male gypsy moth monitoring data (2004–2014). Laboratory‐reared egg masses were deployed to field locations each fall for 2 years in a 2 × 2 factorial design (north/south aspect × below/above snow line) to reflect microclimate variation. Rates of successful egg hatch were assessed the following springs.ResultsReductions in summer male moth captures are associated with several metrics of winter severity, such as minimum temperatures. Most egg masses suffered >95% mortality each winter. However, hatching success reached up to 80% in egg masses that had overwintered below the snow line (e.g., <30 cm from the ground).Main ConclusionsOur findings that cold winter temperatures are associated with reduced summer trap captures of European gypsy moth, likely due to increased overwintering mortality of exposed egg masses, are consistent with previous predictions of thermal range boundaries for this species. However, high survival in egg masses deposited close to the ground are consistent with thermal escape in subnivean environs (i.e., below snow cover), and suggest that further northward range expansion will be likely in areas that receive measurable annual snowfall.