bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in a small northern town in Nicaragua: The Elieth‐HIFARI study
Authors: Valladares Marion Jose , Rodríguez Sándigo Noel A. , Rizo Rivera Ginner O. , Rodríguez Jarquín Marco A. , Rivera Castillo Rosse M. , López Bonilla Indiana M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackground and aimsHypertension is considered the most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is associated with high levels of morbidity, mortality, and health care expenditure. The negative effects of hypertension and its complications are preventable if those at risk are appropriately treated and controlled. Continually monitoring the epidemiological trends of hypertension is essential to formulate and evaluate public health measures to limit its negative effects. The herein presented Elieth‐HIFARI study sought to estimate the prevalence of hypertension, as well as the prevalence of related awareness, treatment, and control in a small town in Central America.MethodsA population survey to assess cardiovascular risk was conducted (n = 577, 55.3% women, mean age 42.4 years) in the municipality of San Rafael del Norte in northern Nicaragua, between November 2016 and March 2017, based on the STEPwise method by the World Health Organization and the recommendations by the World Hypertension League.ResultsThe overall prevalence of hypertension, awareness, treatment, and control was 28.1%, 72.2%, 68.5%, and 36.4%, respectively. Men had a lower prevalence of all indicators (22.5%, 60.3%, 53.4%, and 24.1%, respectively) compared with women (32.6%, 78.8%, 76.9%, and 43.3%, respectively). The median systolic blood pressure was 118.5 mm Hg (20.5 interquartile range [IQR]) (men: 123.0 mm Hg vs women: 115.5 mm Hg, Mann‐Whitney U testP < .001), and the mean diastolic blood pressure was 78.0 mm Hg (13 IQR) (men: 77.0, women: 78.0).ConclusionHypertension is highly prevalent in San Rafael del Norte, while control rates are low despite the relatively higher levels of awareness and treatment. Furthermore, women have much higher prevalence of hypertension than men, along with higher awareness, treatment, and control. However, the control rate for those treated for hypertension was low, irrespective of sex.
Overview of Computational Simulations in Quantum Dots
Authors: Hong Yang , Wu Yongqiang , Wu Shuimu , Wang Xinyu , Zhang Jingchao 
Published: April 2019

AbstractQuantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanocrystals that exhibit exceptional properties not found in their bulk counterparts. They have attracted extensive academic and industrial attentions due to their quantum confinement effects and unique photophysical properties. Computational approaches such as first principles and classical molecular dynamics simulations are indispensable tools in both scientific studies and industrial applications of QDs. In this review, the state‐of‐the‐art progress in computational simulations of optical, electronic and thermal properties of QDs is summarized and discussed. First, the physics of QDs in low dimensional materials are comprehensively reviewed. Then, the theoretical basis and practical applications of two main computational methods are presented. Properties of QDs revealed by computational studies are summarized respectively. Finally, the paper was concluded with comments on future directions in computational modeling of QDs.
HIV serostatus, viral load, and midtrimester cervical length in a Zambian prenatal cohort
Authors: Price Joan T. , Vwalika Bellington , Winston Jennifer , Kumwenda Andrew , Lubeya Mwansa K. , Rittenhouse Katelyn J. , Stringer Elizabeth , Kasaro Margaret P. , Stringer Jeffrey S.A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate whether maternal HIV serostatus and plasma viral load (VL) are associated with midtrimester cervical length (CL).MethodsThe Zambian Preterm Birth Prevention Study (ZAPPS) is an ongoing prospective cohort that began enrolling in Lusaka in August 2015. Pregnant women undergo ultrasound to determine gestational age and return for CL measurement at 16–28 weeks. We evaluated crude and adjusted associations between dichotomous indicators and short cervix (≤2.5 cm) via logistic regression, and between VL and CL as a continuous variable via linear regression.ResultsThis analysis includes 1171 women enrolled between August 2015 and September 2017. Of 294 (25.1%) HIV‐positive women, 275 (93.5%) had viral load performed close to CL measurement; of these, 148 (53.8%) had undetectable virus. Median CL was 3.6 cm (IQR 3.5–4.0) and was similar in HIV‐infected (3.7 cm, IQR 3.5–4.0) versus uninfected (3.6 cm, IQR 3.5–4.0) participants (P=0.273). The odds of short CL were similar by HIV serostatus (OR 0.64; P=0.298) and detectable VL among those infected (OR 2.37, P=0.323). We observed no association between log VL and CL via linear regression (–0.12 cm; P=0.732).ConclusionWe found no evidence of association between HIV infection and short CL.
Impact of a pharmacist‐physician collaborative care model on time‐in‐therapeutic blood pressure range in patients with hypertension
Authors: Dixon Dave L. , Parod Eric D. , Sisson Evan M. , Van Tassell Benjamin W. , Nadpara Pramit A. , Dow Alan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIntroductionAlthough pharmacist‐physician collaborative care models (PPCCM) improve mean blood pressure (BP) and goal attainment rates, the impact of these models on time‐in‐therapeutic blood pressure range (TTBPR) is unknown.ObjectivesThe primary objective of this study was to determine the effect of a PPCCM on TTBPR compared with a usual care group.MethodsThis post‐hoc analysis compared data obtained from two retrospective groups of patients with uncontrolled hypertension managed either by a PPCCM or usual care. The primary end point was TTBPR, defined as the proportion of clinic visits with a systolic BP between 120 and 140 mmHg over a 12‐month follow‐up period. Several secondary end points were also evaluated. Means were compared using a t‐test, while counts and comparisons were compared using chi‐square or Fisher exact test.ResultsThe study included 56 patients and 56 controls matched by gender, baseline systolic BP, and history of cardiovascular disease. Mean age was 58 years, 37.5% were female, and 73% were black. The mean TTBPR was 46.2% ± 24.3% in the PPCCM group and 24.8% ± 27.4% in the usual care group (P < 0.0001). Therapeutic inertia was 20.1% in the PPCCM compared with 48.1% in the usual care group (P < 0.0001). Greater reductions in BP were observed in the PPCCM group compared with usual care (systolic BP: −27.8 vs −11.4 mmHg, respectively; P < 0.0001; diastolic BP: −19.2 vs −4.2 mmHg, respectively; P < 0.0001). The BP control rates at 12 months were 89% in the PPCCM compared with 50% in the usual care group (P < 0.0001).ConclusionPatients exposed to a PPCCM had higher TTBPR compared with those who received usual care. The PPCCM group also had a lower rate of therapeutic inertia, greater reductions in BP, and achieved a higher percentage of patients at goal BP in an urban, underserved population.
Tannic acid as a natural antioxidant compound: Discovery of a potent metabolic enzyme inhibitor for a new therapeutic approach in diabetes and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Türkan Fikret , Taslimi Parham , Saltan Fatma Zerrin 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMultiple studies have been recorded on the synthesis and design of multi‐aim anti‐Alzheimer molecules. Using dual butyrylcholinesterase/acetylcholinesterase inhibitor molecules has attracted more interest in the therapy for Alzheimer's disease. In this study, a tannic acid compound showed excellent inhibitory effects against acetylcholine esterase (AChE), α‐glycosidase, α‐amylase, and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). IC50 values of tannic acid obtained 11.9 nM against α‐glycosidase and 3.3 nM against α‐amylase, respectively. In contrast, Ki values were found of 50.96 ± 2.18 µM against AChE and 53.17 ± 4.47 µM against BChE. α‐Glycosidase inhibitor compounds can be utilized as a novel group of antidiabetic drugs. By competitively decreasing glycosidase activity, these inhibitor molecules help to hamper the fast breakdown of sugar molecules and thereby control the blood sugar level.
Three‐dimensional electrospun gelatin scaffold coseeded with embryonic stem cells and sertoli cells: A promising substrate for in vitro coculture system
Authors: Vardiani Mina , Gholipourmalekabadi Mazaher , Ghaffari Novin Marefat , Koruji Morteza , Ghasemi Hamidabadi Hatef , Salimi Maryam , Nazarian Hamid 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn this study, we present an electrospun gelatin (EG) scaffold to mimic the extracellular matrix of the testis. The EG scaffold was synthesized by electrospinning and crosslinked with glutaraldehyde vapor to decrease its water solubility and degradation rate. The scanning electron microscope micrographs showed the homogenous morphology of randomly aligned gelatin fibers. The average diameter of gelatin fibers before and after crosslinking was approximately 180 and 220 nm, respectively. Modulus, tensile strength, and elongation at break values were as 161.8 ± 24.4 MPa, 4.21 ± 0.54 MPa, and 7.06 ± 2.12 MPa, respectively. The crosslinked EG showed 75.2% ± 4.5% weight loss after 14 days with no changes in the pH value of degradation solution. Cytobiocompatibility of the EG for sertoli cells and embryonic stem cells (ESCs) was determined in vitro. Sertoli cells were isolated from mouse testis and characterized by immunostaining and flow cytometry. The effects of EG on proliferation and attachment of both sertoli cells and ESCs were examined. The EG scaffolds exhibited no cytotoxicity for sertoli and ESCs. Both sertoli and ESCs were well attached and grown on EG. Coculture of sertoli and ESCs on EG showed better ESCs adhesion compared with ESCs alone. Our findings indicate the potential of EG as a substrate for proliferation, adhesion, and coculture of sertoli and ESCs and may be considered as a promising engineered microenvironment for in vitro coculture system with the aim of guiding stem cells differentiation toward sperm‐producing cells.
The enhanced expression of estrogen‐related receptor α in human bladder cancer tissues and the effects of estrogen‐related receptor α knockdown on bladder cancer cells
Authors: Ye Xinqing , Guo Jinan , Zhang Hongxiang , Meng Qinggui , Ma Yun , Lin Rui , Yi Xianlin , Lu Haoyuan , Bai Xianzhong , Cheng Jiwen 
Published: April 2019

AbstractEstrogen‐related receptor α (ERRα) belongs to the superfamily of nuclear orphan receptors. However, the role of ERRα in bladder cancer remains unknown. This study examined the expression of ERRα in bladder cancer tissues and explored the molecular mechanisms of ERRα in bladder cancer progression. The expression of ERRα in bladder cancer tissues from 61 patients was determined by immunohistochemistry. We performed quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay to detect the gene expression levels and carried out Western blot assay to measure protein levels. In vitro functional assays, including colony formation, Cell Counting Kit‐8, Transwell invasion, and migration assays, were performed to detect bladder cancer cell growth, proliferation, invasion, and migration, respectively. Flow cytometry was used to determine the cell apoptotic rate of bladder cancer cells. Among the 61 detected bladder cancer tissues, 39 bladder cancer tissues showed positive ERRα immunoreactivity. Higher ERRα immunoreactivity score was significantly associated with TNM stage, tumor grade, distant metastasis, and poor survival in patients with bladder cancer. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that ERRα immunoreactivity was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in patients with bladder cancer. ERRα was found to be upregulated in bladder cancer cell lines, and knockdown of ERRα suppressed bladder cancer cell growth, proliferation, invasion, and migration; promoted bladder cancer cell apoptosis; and inhibited the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition of bladder cancer cells. On the other hand, bladder cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were significantly enhanced after cells were transfected with an ERRα‐overexpressing vector. In vivo tumor growth and metastasis assays showed that ERRα knockdown resulted in remarkable inhibition of tumor growth and tumor metastasis in nude mice. Collectively, our results suggest that the enhanced expression of ERRα may play a key role in the development and progression of bladder cancer and ERRα may serve as an important prognostic factor for bladder cancer.
Chemokine receptor 3 is a negative regulator of trabecular bone mass in female mice
Authors: Mohan Subburaman , Hu Yan , Edderkaoui Bouchra 
Published: April 2019

AbstractChemokines are secreted by a wide variety of cells; their functions are dependent on the binding to their chemokine receptors (CCRs) which induce directed chemotaxis in nearby responsive cells. Chemokines and their receptors can be induced under several different conditions. Based on data from clinical studies showing an increased expression of chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3) in circulating monocytes of human subjects with lower bone mineral density (BMD) as compared to those with high BMD, we predicted a role for CCR3 in the development of peak bone mass. We, therefore, first evaluated the expression pattern of Ccr3 in bone cells, in comparison to other CCRs, that have common ligands with CCR3. While Ccr1 and Ccr3 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels increased during both RANKL‐induced osteoclast differentiation and AA‐induced osteoblast differentiation, the levels of Ccr5 mRNA only increased during osteoblast differentiation. To examine if CCR3 influences osteoclast and/or osteoblast differentiation, we evaluated the consequence of blocking CCR3 function using neutralizing antibody on the expression of osteoclast and osteoblast differentiation markers. Treatment with CCR3 neutralizing antibody increased mRNA levels of Trap and cathepsin K in osteoclasts and osteocalcin in osteoblasts compared to cells treated with control IgG. Based on these in vitro findings, we next assessed the role of CCR3 in vivo by evaluating the skeletal phenotypes of Ccr3 knockout and corresponding control littermate mice. Disruption of CCR3 resulted in a significant increase in femur areal BMD at 5 and 8 weeks of age by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Micro‐CT analysis revealed a 25% increase in trabecular bone mass at 10 weeks of age caused by corresponding changes in trabecular number and thickness compared to wild type mice. Based on our findings, we conclude that disruption of CCR3 function favors bone mass accumulation, in part via enhancement of bone metabolism. Understanding the molecular pathways through which CCR3 acts to regulate osteoclast and osteoblast functions could lead to new therapeutic approaches to prevent inflammation‐induced bone loss.
Salts and 1‐propanol induced aqueous two‐phase systems: phase separation and application
Authors: Fu Chuhan , Xie Shaoqu 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDToday there is a resurgence of interest in using short‐chain hydrophilic alcohols and salts to recover stronger polar bio‐based chemicals and fuels for use as platform chemicals and renewable alternative transportation fuels. How to reduce the extractant depletion during the recovery of other bio‐based chemicals from the fermentation broths is a problem of concern to researchers.RESULTSThe present work investigated a 1‐propanol salt aqueous two‐phase system and its application to recover bio‐based acetoin. The water + 1‐propanol + K4P2O7 system was preferred for recovering bio‐based acetoin according to the recovery of 1‐propanol in the 1‐propanol salt aqueous two‐phase ternary system and after extraction of acetoin, and the salt content in the organic phase so as to avoid the losses of salt and 1‐propanol.CONCLUSIONSubsequently, almost 100% of acetoin can be recovered from the aqueous solution; almost all of the salt was retained in the aqueous phase and more than 99% of 1‐propanol was recovered. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect varied scanning electron microscopy desiccation techniques has on demineralized dentin
Authors: Sterrett John D. , Marks Murray , Dunlap John , Swann Jerilyn , Dunn Montana 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe study objective was to assess (a) the effect of a rubbing‐application of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or citric acid (CA) has on the ultrastructure of surface dentin and (b) the effect of two scanning electron microscopy (SEM) desiccation preparation techniques have on the collagen surface produced. Treatment regions on proximal root surfaces of extracted human teeth were root planned to expose dentin. Cotton pellets soaked in either 30% CA or 24% EDTA solution were rubbed on the treatment region then processed for SEM using one of two desiccation techniques, that is, (a) critically point dried from liquid CO2 (control) or (b) air‐dried from tetramethylsilane (experimental). Specimens were coated with gold/palladium and viewed/photographed with an SEM. Specimens of the control groups displayed tufted fibrils (CA > EDTA) with many dentin tubules being partially obscured by overhanging fibrils. Air‐dried specimens of both treatment groups displayed a flat intact monolayer devoid of a matted meshwork of fibrous collagen. Discrete fibril “sprigs,” emanating from the surface monolayer, were characteristic of the EDTA group only. The rubbing‐application of EDTA on dentin produces a tufted fibril surface somewhat similar to that produced by CA. Air‐drying desiccation of both resulted in marked distortion with fibril collapse/coalescence of the tufted collagen matrix.
Left atrial posterior wall isolation affects complex fractionated atrial electrograms in persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Nakatani Yosuke , Sakamoto Tamotsu , Yamaguchi Yoshiaki , Tsujino Yasushi , Kataoka Naoya , Nishida Kunihiro , Mizumaki Koichi , Kinugawa Koichiro 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe impact of left atrial posterior wall isolation (LAPWI) on the complex fractionated atrial electrogram (CFAE) is unknown.MethodsCFAE mapping was performed before and after LAPWI in 46 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).ResultsLAPWI decreased both the variable (fractionated index ≤ 120 ms; from 60 ± 4 cm2 to 50 ± 4 cm2, P < 0.001) and continuous (fractionated index ≤ 50 ms; from 4.2 ± 1.0 cm2 to 3.5 ± 0.9 cm2, P = 0.036) CFAE areas. Especially, the CFAE areas on the bottom and roof walls of the left atrium and on the posterior and bottom walls of the right atrium significantly decreased after LAPWI. The distribution of variable CFAE areas was not different between the AF‐recurrence (n = 9) and AF‐free (n = 37) groups before LAPWI; however, it was larger in the anterior and septal walls of the right atrium in the AF‐recurrence group than in the AF‐free group after LAPWI (anterior wall, 8% ± 2% vs 5% ± 1%, P = 0.048; septal wall, 23% ± 4% vs 16% ± 1%, P = 0.043). The distribution of continuous CFAE areas on the bottom wall of the right atrium was larger in the AF‐recurrence group than in the AF‐free group both before LAPWI (30% ± 20% vs 4% ± 2%, P = 0.008) and after LAPWI (25% ± 25% vs 3% ± 1%, P = 0.027).ConclusionsLAPWI decreased the CFAE areas and affected their distribution, which contributed to AF recurrence.
Lever‐Out Resistance of Constrained Hip Liners is Sensitive to Changes in Opening Radius and Liner Design
Authors: Almubarak Samar , Boruah Sourabh , Muratoglu OrhunK , Varadarajan KartikM 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTThe constrained liner is an important tool for the treatment of recurrent dislocation, which continues to represent an important challenge in total hip arthroplasty. In constrained liner design, there is a tradeoff between dislocation resistance and range of motion. However, studies investigating their sensitivity to design parameters are scant. Given the relatively high rate of failure of constrained devices, this information is critical to improving their design. This study aimed to use finite element analysis to explore the sensitivity of constrained liner‐dislocation resistance to variations in liner opening radius, for two different constraining design features found in contemporary devices. Results showed that a smaller opening radius leads to increased lever‐out moment. It was also observed that in liners with localized constraint, lever‐out resistance is more sensitive to changes in opening radius than those with circumferential constraint. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1590–1595, 2019.
In Vivo Kinematics of Functional Ankle Instability Patients and Lateral Ankle Sprain Copers During Stair Descent
Authors: Cao Shengxuan , Wang Chen , Ma Xin , Wang Xu , Huang Jiazhang , Zhang Chao , Chen Li , Geng Xiang , Wang Kan 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTPatients with mechanic ankle instability experience increased tibiotalar and subtalar joint laxity. However, in vivo joint kinematics in functional ankle instability (FAI) patients and lateral ankle sprain (LAS) copers, especially during dynamic activities, are poorly understood. Ten FAI patients, 10 LAS copers, and 10 healthy controls were included in this study. A dual fluoroscopic imaging system was used to analyze the tibiotalar and subtalar joint kinematics during stair descent. Five key poses of stair descent were analyzed. Kinematic data from six degrees of freedom were calculated utilizing a solid modeling software. The range of motion and joint positions in each degree of freedom were compared among the three groups. The tibiotalar joints of FAI patients and LAS copers were significantly more inverted than those of healthy controls during the foot strike (p = 0.016,  = 0.264). The subtalar joints of FAI patients were significantly more anteriorly translated (pose 2, p = 0.003,  = 0.352; pose 3, p < 0.001,  = 0.454; pose 4, p = 0.004,  = 0.334), inverted (pose 4, p = 0.027,  = 0.234; pose 5,p = 0.034,  = 0.221), and externally rotated (pose 4, p = 0.037,  = 0.217; pose 5; p = 0.004,  = 0.331) than those of healthy controls during the mid‐stance and the heel off. The FAI patients showed excessive tibiotalar inversion and subtalar joint hypermobility during stair descent. Meanwhile, the LAS copers maintained subtalar joint stability, and only showed excessive tibiotalar inversion in foot strike. These data provide insight into the mechanisms behind the development of FAI after initial LAS. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1860–1867, 2019
Designer Stem Cells: Genome Engineering and the Next Generation of Cell‐Based Therapies
Authors: Guilak Farshid , Pferdehirt Lara , Ross Alison K. , Choi Yun‐Rak , Collins KelseyH , Nims Robert J. , Katz Dakota B. , Klimak Molly , Tabbaa Suzanne , Pham Christine T. N. 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTStem cells provide tremendous promise for the development of new therapeutic approaches for musculoskeletal conditions. In addition to their multipotency, certain types of stem cells exhibit immunomodulatory effects that can mitigate inflammation and enhance tissue repair. However, the translation of stem cell therapies to clinical practice has proven difficult due to challenges in intradonor and interdonor variability, engraftment, variability in recipient microenvironment and patient indications, and limited therapeutic biological activity. In this regard, the success of stem cell‐based therapies may benefit from cellular engineering approaches to enhance factors such as purification, homing and cell survival, trophic effects, or immunomodulatory signaling. By combining recent advances in gene editing, synthetic biology, and tissue engineering, the potential exists to create new classes of “designer” cells that have prescribed cell‐surface molecules and receptors as well as synthetic gene circuits that provide for autoregulated drug delivery or enhanced tissue repair. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1287–1293, 2019.