bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cucurbitacin B suppresses proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells by ceRNA: Effect of miR‐146b‐5p and lncRNA‐AFAP1‐AS1
Authors: Zhou Jingkai , Liu Mei , Chen Yanan , Xu Shansen , Guo Yingjie , Zhao Limei 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCucurbitacin B (CuB) is a natural tetracyclic triterpene product that displays antitumor activity against a wide variety of cancers. In this study, we explored the antipancreatic cancer activity of CuB via the inhibition of expression of the cancer‐related long noncoding RNA, actin filament‐associated protein 1‐antisense RNA 1 (AFAP1‐AS1). CuB arrested pancreatic cancer (PC) cells in the G2/M cell cycle phase by suppressing the expression of AFAP1‐AS1. Insights into the mechanisms of competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) gained from bioinformatics analysis and luciferase activity assays showed that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and AFAP1‐AS1 directly compete for miR‐146b‐5p binding. CuB‐induced high miR‐146b‐5p expression and inhibited the expression of AFAP1‐AS1. In summary, reducing the expression of endogenous AFAP1‐AS1 effectively increased the available concentration of miR‐146b‐5p in PC, whereas miR‐146b‐5p overexpression prevented the expression of endogenous AFAP1‐AS1. In particular, we hypothesized that AFAP1‐AS1 might act as a ceRNA, effectively becoming a sponge for miR‐146b‐5p, thereby activating the expression of the EGFR. Thus, CuB suppresses the proliferation, in vitro and in vivo, of PC cells through the ceRNA effect of AFAP1‐AS1 on miR‐146b‐5p.
Phospholipase D: A new mediator during high phosphate‐induced vascular calcification associated with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Skafi Najwa , Abdallah Dina , Soulage Christophe , Reibel Sophie , Vitale Nicolas , Hamade Eva , Faour Wissam , Magne David , Badran Bassam , Hussein Nader , Buchet Rene , Brizuela Leyre , Mebarek Saida 
Published: September 2018

AbstractVascular calcification (VC) is the pathological accumulation of calcium phosphate crystals in one of the layers of blood vessels, leading to loss of elasticity and causing severe calcification in vessels. Medial calcification is mostly seen in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes. Identification of key enzymes and their actions during calcification will contribute to understand the onset of pathological calcification. Phospholipase D (PLD1, PLD2) is active at the earlier steps of mineralization in osteoblasts and chondrocytes. In this study, we aimed to determine their effects during high‐phosphate treatment in mouse vascular smooth muscle cell line MOVAS, in the ex vivo model of the rat aorta, and in the in vivo model of adenine‐induced CKD. We observed an early increase in PLD1 gene and protein expression along with the increase in the PLD activity in vascular muscle cell line, during calcification induced by ascorbic acid and β‐glycerophosphate. Inhibition of PLD1 by the selective inhibitor VU0155069, or the pan‐PLD inhibitor, halopemide, prevented calcification. The mechanism of PLD activation is likely to be protein kinase C (PKC)‐independent since bisindolylmaleimide X hydrochloride, a pan‐PKC inhibitor, did not affect the PLD activity. In agreement, we found an increase in Pld1 gene expression and PLD activity in aortic explant cultures treated with high phosphate, whereas PLD inhibition by halopemide decreased calcification. Finally, an increase in both
Pld1 and
Pld2 expression occurred simultaneously with the appearance of VC in a rat model of CKD. Thus, PLD, especially PLD1, promotes VC in the context of CKD and could be an important target for preventing onset or progression of VC.
An Integrated Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis to Characterize Levonorgestrel Pharmacokinetics After Different Administration Routes
Authors: Reinecke Isabel , Hofmann Birte , Mesic Emir , Drenth Henk‐Jan , Garmann Dirk 
Published: September 2018

AbstractTo compare the pharmacokinetics (PK) of the progestin levonorgestrel for various routes of administration, an integrated population PK analysis was performed. This analysis integrated data from 10 clinical pharmacology studies and resulted in a single, comprehensive population PK model (and its applications) describing the PK of levonorgestrel and its variability for 6 levonorgestrel‐containing contraceptives: 3 intrauterine systems (IUSs; levonorgestrel [LNG]‐IUS 20 [Mirena®], LNG‐IUS 12 [Kyleena®], and LNG‐IUS 8 [Jaydess®/Skyla®]); 2 oral contraceptives (the progestin‐only pill [Microlut®/Norgeston®] and the combined oral contraceptive [Miranova®]); and a subdermal implant (Jadelle®). The levonorgestrel‐containing contraceptives administered orally or as an implant act mainly via their systemic (unbound) levonorgestrel exposure, whereas levonorgestrel administered via an IUS is released directly into the uterine cavity, resulting in lower systemic levonorgestrel concentrations. The integrated population PK analysis revealed that the combined oral contraceptive led to the highest levonorgestrel exposure, followed by the progestin‐only pill and the implant, which led to similar levonorgestrel exposure, and the IUSs, which led to the lowest levonorgestrel exposure (in decreasing order: LNG‐IUS 20, LNG‐IUS 12, and LNG‐IUS 8). The difference was even more distinct at the end of the indicated duration of use of 3 years (LNG‐IUS 8) and 5 years (LNG‐IUS 20 and LNG‐IUS 12). Comparing the 3 IUSs and the implant, in vivo release rates were highest for the implant, followed by LNG‐IUS 20, then LNG‐IUS 12, and were lowest for LNG‐IUS 8. This is in line with the comparison of the total levonorgestrel concentrations.
What Interactions between Financial Globalization and Instability?—Growth in Developing Countries
Authors: Gaies Brahim , Goutte Stephane , Guesmi Khaled 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis paper tests the effects of the impact of financial globalization on economic growth, examining its interaction with financial instability for a sample of 72 developing countries over the period 1972–2011, using dynamic panel estimator ‘two‐step Generalized Method of Moments’ (two‐step system GMM). The main results of the paper are the following: (i) financial instability and indebtedness‐globalization decrease growth; (ii) financial globalization and investment‐globalization increase growth; (iii) indebtedness‐globalization increases the effect of financial instability on growth; (iv) investment‐globalization decreases the effect of financial instability on growth; and (vi) financial globalization decreases the effect of financial instability on growth. These results are robust in a set of tests consisting of the insertion of alternative variables of financial instability, the inclusion of new control variables, inter alia an indicator of banking crises, using different time periods, and changing of the composition of the sample. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In situ surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopic monitoring electrochemical and surface plasmon resonance synergetic catalysis on dehydroxylation of PHTP at Ag electrodes
Authors: Li Xu , Zhang Chenjie , Wu Qian , Zhang Jing , Xu Minmin , Yuan Yaxian , Yao Jianlin 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSurface plasmon resonance (SPR)‐driven heterogeneous catalytic reactions have attracted considerable interests. However, the application of SPR was restricted in few types of surface reaction; the extension of SPR‐catalyzed reaction still remains significant challenge. The introduction of additional external fields is expected to generate the synergetic effect for improving the performance of SPR catalytic reaction. Herein, the roughened Ag electrode played as a substrate for introducing the second external field, that is, electrochemical control. A probe molecule, p‐hydroxythiophenol (PHTP), was preanchored onto Ag electrodes and surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy was employed to monitor the surface processes. It demonstrated that the PHTP underwent the dehydroxylation reaction to produce the thiophenol (TP) by the appropriate excitation line and potentials. It disappeared on Ag roughened electrodes without electrochemical control or on a smooth charged surface attached with shell‐isolated nanoparticles. It suggested that the dehydroxylation reaction was contributed by the synergetic effects of localized SPR and applied potential. The results revealed that the efficiency of dehydroxylation was critically depended on wavelength and power of laser, potential, as well as solution pH. The hydrogen sources were essential for dehydroxylation and protonated hydroxyl group promoted the process for producing TP, thus, the dehydroxylation of PHTP was more favorable in acidic solution than that in a neutral case, while it was inhibited completely in alkaline environment. With the appropriate potential, the size of the nanostructures on Ag electrode surface and the corresponding surface plasmon band resulted in the higher efficiency with matched laser wavelength at about 532 nm. The synergetic effects of SPR and potential allowed the extension of the SPR catalysis to a new catalogue of surface reaction, that is, dehydroxylation. It was beneficial to develop the SPR catalysis as a promising approach in the surface chemistry.
Raman and time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry investigation answers specific conservation questions on Bosch painting Saint Wilgefortis Triptych
Authors: Sodo Armida , Tortora Luca , Biocca Paola , Casanova Municchia Annalaura , Fiorin Enrico , Ricci Maria Antonietta 
Published: September 2018

AbstractRaman spectroscopy and time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) were used to answer conservation questions left open after the preliminary analysis performed by the restoration team on the Bosch painting Saint Wilgefortis Triptych, within the project “Bosch in Venice.” In this work, we present the results obtained by combining these two techniques on five cross sections, concerning a detailed study of pigments and bindings degradation processes, the identification of organic components (binders/lakes), and the characterization of restoration products. Raman measurements show the presence of degradation products, such as calomel on the red pigment cinnabar, calcium‐oxalate, in particular weddellite, localized in a not original external layer, and finally lead soaps in several layers of the investigated samples. Although the detection of lead soaps suggests the use of oils as binders, Raman spectroscopy has given no conclusive information about such binders, neither on the possible presence of red lakes, suggested by independent UV observations. Complementary ToF‐SIMS investigations have instead revealed the presence of lead palmitate and stearate in the painting layers along with miristic, palmitic, oleic, and stearic acids, thus confirming the use of an oil medium, likely linseed oil. Additionally, ToF‐SIMS shows the presence of polydimethylsiloxane, likely from a previous restoration treatment in the 1990s, in the external layer of the investigated cross sections. Due to experimental difficulties during the analysis of the red lake, we can only hypothesize the presence of alizarin.
Plant antimicrobial polyphenols as potential natural food preservatives
Authors: Bouarab Chibane Lynda , Degraeve Pascal , Ferhout Hicham , Bouajila Jalloul , Oulahal Nadia 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe growing demand for natural food preservatives in the last decade has promoted investigations on their application for preserving perishable foods. In this context, the present review is focused on discussing the prospective application of plant extracts containing phenolics or isolated plant phenolics as natural antimicrobials in foods. Plant essential oils are outside the scope of this review since utilization of their antimicrobial activity for food preservation has been extensively reviewed.RESULTSAlthough the exact antimicrobial mechanisms of action of phenolic compounds are not yet fully understood, it is commonly acknowledged that they have diverse sites of action at the cellular level. Antimicrobial phenolics can be added directly to the formulation of perishable food products or incorporated into food‐contact materials to release them in the immediate zone of perishable foods. Edible coatings or active food packaging materials can thus be used as carriers of plant bioactive compounds.CONCLUSIONThese materials could be an interesting delivery system to improve the stability of phenolics in foods and to improve the shelf life of perishable foods. This review will thus provide an overview of current knowledge of the antimicrobial activity of phenolic‐rich plant extracts and of the promises and limits of their exploitation for the preservation of perishable foods. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Definition of a new type of tourism niche—The geriatric tourism
Authors: Tsartsara Stella Ioannis 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn this paper, a new type of tourism, the geriatric tourism, will be initiated for further research as a separate niche from health, medical, or wellness tourism, and it will be proven that the most relevant active and healthy ageing and well‐being products are touching upon more aspects than just wellness.Geriatric tourism does not exist in bibliography nor to the market as such. The innovative approach to the sales of the geriatric tourism packages is in the fact that geriatric tourism is promoted as a holistic approach of hospitality and possibly but not necessarily, long term type of care to a person with multiple morbidity, frailty, and possibly mild cognitive impairment while holidaying, however not for cure nor for care but for leisure.We will also prove that the term “senior traveller” based on any age limit above 50 years is not truly representative for any traveller's segment, as the same lifestyle criteria for the intention to buy a certain tourism product also apply to other age segments as well. And that the only classification of the tourism segments above 65 years as geriatric for the purpose of travel organization and management rather than marketing can occur when the chronic conditions due to ageing are causing impairment to a geriatric patient after chronicity onset but who has not nonetheless lost desire to accumulate life experiences. This classification of the undistinguished so far segment to a geriatric one presupposes the existence of a support system at the destination, which is not the same as that of the medical or health tourism offer with the intend to cure, but rather this of a long‐term care service.
Cerebral and Extracerebral Vasoreactivity in Patients With Different Clinical Manifestations of Cerebral Small‐Vessel Disease: Data From the Significance of Hemodynamic and Hemostatic Factors in the Course of Different Manifestations of Cerebral Small‐Vessel Disease Study
Authors: Staszewski Jacek , Skrobowska Ewa , Piusińska‐Macoch Renata , Brodacki Bogdan , Stępień Adam 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesEndothelial dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cerebral small‐vessel disease (SVD). Little is known about the relationship between SVD and measures of endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation and cerebral vasomotor reactivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate cerebral and extracerebral endothelial dysfunction in patients with different manifestations of SVD and to assess the relationship between endothelial dysfunction and radiologic markers of SVD.MethodsThe vasomotor reactivity reserve (VMRr), breath‐holding index (BHI) of the middle cerebral arteries, and brachial artery flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) were measured with ultrasound techniques in 90 patients (30 in each group) older than 60 years with extensive white matter lesions (Fazekas grade ≥ 2) with a history of lacunar stroke, vascular dementia, or parkinsonism and 30 individuals with normal magnetic resonance imaging findings (control group). All groups were matched for age, sex, hypertension, and diabetes.ResultsThe mean age ± SD (71.8 ± 3.4 versus 71.7 ± 3.4 years), sex distribution, and prevalence of the main vascular risk factors were similar in the SVD and control groups. The VMRr (56.6% ± 18.3% versus 77.1% ± 16.9%), BHI (0.8 ± 0.3 versus 1.1 ± 0.4), and FMD (5.8% ± 4 versus 12.1% ± 5.2%) were severely impaired in the SVD groups compared to the control group (P < .01). The vascular responses to all tests was similar in the SVD groups, but they were significantly decreased in patients with severe white matter lesions, marked brain atrophy, and enlarged perivascular spaces.ConclusionsThis study was the first that simultaneously evaluated cerebral and extracerebral vasodilator responses in a well‐phenotyped cohort of patients with lacunar stroke, vascular dementia, or parkinsonism. The VMRr, BHI, and FMD were more severely impaired in patients with SVD, regardless of its clinical manifestation, than in control participants. All measures were significantly lower in patients with severe white‐matter lesions, brain atrophy, or enlarged perivascular spaces.
Contribution of the Fetal Cardiac Axis and V‐Sign Angle in First‐Trimester Screening for Major Cardiac Defects
Authors: Zheng Ming M. , Tang Hui R. , Zhang Yan , Ru Tong , Li Jie , Xu Bi Y. , Xu Yan , Hu Ya L. 
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveTo estimate the potential value of fetal assessment for the cardiac axis (CAx) and V‐sign angle (VSA) in the first trimester in the prediction of fetal major cardiac defects.MethodsA cohort study was conducted from December 2015 to June 2016. Patients with singleton pregnancies and crown‐rump length from 45 to 84 mm were recruited to undergo nuchal translucency sonography. The CAx on the 4‐chamber view and the VSA on the 3‐vessel and trachea view with Doppler mapping were measured. The estimated performance of different combinations of increased fetal nuchal translucency, CAx, and VSA in screening for major cardiac defects was examined.ResultsThe study population of fetuses included 30 fetuses with major cardiac defects and 1538 normal fetuses. The CAx and VSA were 30° to 60° and 30° to 40°, respectively, according to the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles in normal fetuses. When cases of isolated septal wall defects and an isolated right aortic arch were excluded, nuchal translucency above the 95th percentile, an abnormal CAx, and an abnormal VSA were observed in 63.3% (19 of 30), 63.3% (19 of 30), and 66.7% (20 of 30) of fetuses with major cardiac defects, respectively, and in 4.6% (71 of 1538), 2.0% (30 of 1538), and 5.6% (86 of 1538) of those without cardiac defects. Either an abnormal CAx or VSA was found in 93.3% (28 of 30) of the fetuses with cardiac defects and in 7.3% (113 of 1538) of those without cardiac defects.ConclusionAssessment of the CAx and VSA is helpful in defining a population at risk for major cardiac defects in the first trimester.
Trends in Medical Claims and Utilization of Limited Ultrasonography Among Emergency Physicians and Radiologists Within a Large Health Plan Provider
Authors: Bergmann Kelly R. , Reardon Robert F. , Flores Glenn , Whitcomb Valerie , Christensen Eric W. , Watson Dave , Kharbanda Anupam 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesThe goal of this study was to evaluate trends in medical claim submissions for limited ultrasound studies performed (1) during emergency department (ED) encounters and (2) by ED providers compared to radiologists.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, descriptive study using medical claims data from Medica Health Plans from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2015. Current procedural terminology codes were abstracted for limited ultrasound applications performed during an ED visit and further stratified by studies performed by ED providers compared with radiologists. We excluded claims for which we could not determine provider specialty.ResultsWe identified 42,576 encounters with limited US claims, of which, 32,666 were submitted by ED providers (N = 9649) or radiologists (N = 23,017). Among ED providers, there was a significant linear increase in the annual number of claims for retroperitoneal (P < .001) and nonlinear increases for thoracic, soft tissue, cardiac, transvaginal genitourinary (GU) and transabdominal GU claims (all P < .001). Compared with radiologists, there was a linear increase in the annual proportion of claims submitted for retroperitoneal (P = .023), transabdominal GU (P = .003), and transvaginal GU (P < .001) studies by ED providers. There was a nonlinear decrease in the annual proportion of limited abdomen claims (P < .001) submitted by ED providers compared with radiologists.ConclusionsUsing data from a large health plan provider, we show that medical claims for many limited ultrasound studies are increasing among ED providers. Compared with radiologists, ED providers are increasingly submitting claims for retroperitoneal, soft tissue, and transabdominal GU studies.
Development of a survival animal model for subglottic stenosis
Authors: Schweiger Cláudia , Hart Catherine K. , Tabangin Meredith E. , Cohen Aliza P. , Roetting Nicholas J. , DeMarcantonio Michael , Becker Elise , Ward Jonette A. , de Alarcón Alessandro 
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveTo develop a reproducible survival animal model for subglottic stenosis.Study DesignProspective study.MethodsWe evaluated five methods of inducing airway injury in 30 New Zealand white rabbits to produce a subglottic stenosis model. Experimental groups comprised: group 1 (n = 5), which underwent 4‐hour intubation; group 2 (n = 5), which underwent induced subglottic injury with a nylon brush; group 3 (n = 10), which underwent subglottic injury with a nylon brush, followed by 4‐hour intubation; group 4 (n = 5), which underwent subglottic injury with Bugbee cautery in 50% of the subglottic circumference, followed by 4‐hour intubation; and group 5 (n = 5), which underwent subglottic injury with Bugbee cautery in 75% of the subglottic circumference, followed by 4‐hour intubation. Five animals were used as controls. Endoscopy of the airway and sacrifice of animals were planned at an interval of 14 days postinjury. Histologic measurements were analyzed.ResultsNo animals in groups 1 or 2 developed stenosis. In group 3, 50% of animals developed symptomatic grade 3 subglottic and tracheal stenosis, necessitating early endoscopy and sacrifice in three animals. Four animals in group 4 developed grade 1 subglottic stenosis, and four in group 5 developed grade 2 subglottic stenosis. Histologic measurements of lumen areas within each of these two groups were similar; all animals survived the follow‐up period.ConclusionWe successfully developed a reproducible survival model for induced subglottic stenosis using a combination of cautery‐induced subglottic injury followed by 4‐hour intubation. This model lays the foundation for future studies that evaluate endoscopic interventions for the management of subglottic stenosis.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 129:989–994, 2019