bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A posteriori dietary patterns and metabolic syndrome in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Shab-Bidar Sakineh , Golzarand Mahdieh , Hajimohammadi Mina , Mansouri Sara 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectiveObservational studies reported potential associations between different dietary patterns and the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS); however, a consistent perspective has not been established to date. The current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the relationship between a posteriori dietary patterns and MetS by pooling available data.DesignMEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for relevant articles published up to July 2015 with no time restriction and with English language restriction. Two independent reviewers completed study selection and data extraction. Random-effects models (DerSimonian–Laird method) were used to pool effect sizes of eligible studies. The potential sources of heterogeneity were assessed using the I2 statistic.ResultsNineteen papers that identified dietary patterns using an a posteriori method were selected and included in the meta-analysis. The ‘Healthy/Prudent’ dietary pattern was inversely associated with risk of MetS (OR=0·89; 95 % CI 0·84, 0·94, P=0·002). In contrast, the ‘Unhealthy/Western’ dietary pattern had a significant positive association with risk of MetS (OR=1·16; 95 % CI 1·11, 1·22, P<0·001).ConclusionsOur findings provide evidence that greater adherence to a healthy/prudent dietary pattern is associated with a lower risk of MetS, while an unhealthy/Western dietary pattern is associated with increased risk of MetS. These data suggest that a diet based on healthy food choices is also beneficial for prevention of MetS.
Association between pre-pregnancy weight status and maternal micronutrient status in early pregnancy
Authors: Scholing Judith M , Olthof Margreet R , Jonker Femkje AM , Vrijkotte Tanja GM 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectiveInadequate maternal micronutrient status during pregnancy can lead to short- and long-term health risks for mother and offspring. The present study investigated the association between pre-pregnancy weight status and micronutrient status during pregnancy.DesignMaternal blood samples were collected during early pregnancy (median 13, interquartile range 12–15 weeks) and were assayed for serum folate, ferritin, Fe and vitamin B12. Regression modelling was used to assess the association between pre-pregnancy underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity, and micronutrient levels, as well as the odds for deficiencies.SettingThe Amsterdam Born Children and their Development (ABCD) study, the Netherlands.SubjectsWomen with singleton pregnancies without diabetes (n 4243).ResultsAfter adjustment for covariates, overweight women and obese women had lower (β; 95 % CI) folate (−1·2; −2·2, −0·2 and −2·3; −4·0, −0·7 nmol/l, respectively) and Fe (−1·7; −2·3, −1·1 and −3·6; −4·7, −2·6 μmol/l, respectively) levels than women with normal weight. Furthermore, overweight women had 6 % (95 % CI −9, −3 %) and obese women had 15 % (−19, −10 %), lower vitamin B12 levels, and obese women had 19 % (6, 32 %) higher ferritin levels, than normal-weight women. Obese women had higher odds (OR; 95 % CI) for folate deficiency (2·03; 1·35, 3·06), Fe deficiency (3·26; 2·09, 5·08) and vitamin B12 deficiency (2·05; 1·41, 2·99) than women with normal weight. Underweight was not associated with micronutrient status.ConclusionsDuring early pregnancy, women with pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity had lower serum folate, Fe and vitamin B12 status. This resulted in increased risk of serum folate, Fe and vitamin B12 deficiencies in women with obesity.
The association between vitamin D concentration and pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Zhenqiang , Malihi Zarintaj , Stewart Alistair W , Lawes Carlene MM , Scragg Robert 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectivePain-related conditions, such as chronic widespread pain and fibromyalgia, are major burdens for individuals and the health system. Evidence from previous research on the association between circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations and pain is conflicting. Thus, we aimed to determine if there is an association between mean 25(OH)D concentration (primary aim), or proportion of hypovitaminosis D (secondary aim), and pain conditions in observational studies.DesignPublished observational research on 25(OH)D concentration and pain-related conditions was systematically searched for in electronic sources (MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and a random-effects meta-analysis was conducted on included studies.ResultsEighty-one observational studies with a total of 50 834 participants were identified. Compared with controls, mean 25(OH)D concentration was significantly lower in patients with arthritis (mean difference (MD): −12·34 nmol/l;P<0·001), muscle pain (MD: −8·97 nmol/l;P=0·003) and chronic widespread pain (MD: −7·77 nmol/l;P<0·001), but not in patients with headache or migraine (MD: −2·53 nmol/l;P=0·06). The odds of vitamin D deficiency was increased for arthritis, muscle pain and chronic widespread pain, but not for headache or migraine, compared with controls. Sensitivity analyses revealed similar results.ConclusionsA significantly lower 25(OH)D concentration was observed in patients with arthritis, muscle pain and chronic widespread pain, compared with those without. These results suggest that low 25(OH)D concentrations may be associated with pain conditions.
The Calamistrum of the Feather-Legged Spider Uloborus plumipes Investigated by Focused Ion Beam and Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB–SEM) Tomography
Authors: Heiss Alexander , Park Daesung , Joel Anna-Christin 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSpiders are natural specialists in fiber processing. In particular, cribellate spiders manifest this ability as they produce a wool of nanofibers to capture prey. During its production they deploy a sophisticated movement of their spinnerets to darn in the fibers as well as a comb-like row of setae, termed calamistrum, on the metatarsus which plays a key role in nanofiber processing. In comparison to the elaborate nanofiber extraction and handling process by the spider’s calamistrum, the human endeavors of spinning and handling of artificial nanofibers is still a primitive technical process. An implementation of biomimetics in spinning technology could lead to new materials and applications. Despite the general progress in related fields of nanoscience, the expected leap forward in spinning technology depends on a better understanding of the specific shapes and surfaces that control the forces at the nanoscale and that are involved in the mechanical processing of the nanofibers, respectively. In this study, the authors investigated the morphology of the calamistrum of the cribellate spider Uloborus plumipes. Focused ion beam and scanning electron microscopy tomography provided a good image contrast and the best trade-off between investigation volume and spatial resolution. A comprehensive three-dimensional model is presented and the putative role of the calamistrum in nanofiber processing is discussed.
Taro flour (Colocasia esculenta) increases testosterone levels and gametogenic epithelium of Wistar rats
Authors: Ribeiro G. G. , Pessôa L. R. , de Abreu M. D. C. , Corrêa L. B. N. S. , D’Avila Pereira A. , Chagas M. A. , Brandão F. Z. , da Costa C. A. S. , Boaventura G. T. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis study evaluated the effects of diet containing taro flour on hormone levels and the seminiferous tubules morphology of rats. After weaning, the male rats were divided into two groups (n=12 each): control group (CG) treated with control diet and taro group (TG), fed with 25% taro flour for 90 days. Food, caloric intake, mass and body length were evaluated at experiment end. Testis followed the standard histological processing. Immunostaining was performed using an anti-vimentin antibody to identify Sertoli cells. In histomorphometry, total diameter, total area, epithelial height, luminal height and luminal area were analyzed. The testosterone levels were performed using the radioimmunoassay method. Group TG presented (P<0.05): increase in mass, body length, testicular weight, histomorphometric parameters and hormonal levels. Food intake, calorie and Sertoli cells not presented statistical differences. The taro promoted increase in the testicles parameters and hormones.
GS9 acts as a transcriptional activator to regulate rice grain shape and appearance quality
Authors: Zhao Dong-Sheng , Li Qian-Feng , Zhang Chang-Quan , Zhang Chen , Yang Qing-Qing , Pan Li-Xu , Ren Xin-Yu , Lu Jun , Gu Ming-Hong , Liu Qiao-Quan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIdentification of grain shape determining genes can facilitate breeding of rice cultivars with optimal grain shape and appearance quality. Here, we identify GS9 (Grain Shape Gene on Chromosome 9) gene by map-based cloning. The gs9 null mutant has slender grains, while overexpression GS9 results in round grains. GS9 encodes a protein without known conserved functional domain. It regulates grain shape by altering cell division. The interaction of GS9 and ovate family proteins OsOFP14 and OsOFP8 is modulated by OsGSK2 kinase, a key regulator of the brassinosteroids signaling pathway. Genetic interaction analysis reveals that GS9 functions independently from other previously identified grain size genes. Introducing the gs9 allele into elite rice cultivars significantly improves grain shape and appearance quality. It suggests potential application of gs9, alone or in combination with other grain size determining genes, in breeding of rice varieties with optimized grain shape.
Design of SIW cavity‐backed self‐triplexing antenna
Authors: Kumar A. , Raghavan S. 
Published: March 2018

A novel substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity‐backed self‐triplexing slot antenna, consisting of a hybrid SIW cavity resonator is proposed for tri‐frequency operation. The hybrid cavity resonator is an amalgamation of a half‐mode circular and half‐mode rectangular SIW cavity resonator. A radiating slot is etched on its top surface, which produces three distinct resonant frequencies (5.57, 7.17 and 7.65 GHz) when it is excited by three microstrip lines. The lower band around 5.57 GHz is achieved due to a half‐mode circular cavity resonator, when the corresponding microstrip line is excited. On the other hand, remaining two bands around 7.17 and 7.65 GHz are achieved due to half‐mode rectangular cavity resonator when excited by the corresponding microstrip lines. The experimental isolation level between any two feed lines is better than 20 dB, which helps to introduce the self‐triplexing phenomenon. Moreover, the proposed design is realised on a single‐layered copper‐laminated dielectric substrate, maintaining planar configuration.
Design of HSIPMM based on multi‐physics fields
Authors: Zhang Fengge , Dai Rui , Liu Guangwei , Cui Tianhao 
Published: March 2018

High‐speed permanent magnet motors (HSPMM) have attracted much attention due to the inherent characteristics such as high‐power density, small size, small inertia, and high response. HSPMM is a comprehensive and complex system of multidisciplinary cross‐coupling such as electromagnetism, structural mechanics, rotor dynamic, fluid mechanics and heat transfer. Therefore, the design of HSPMM requires a multidisciplinary and integrated design approach. In this study, a 20 kW, 20,000 rpm HS interior PMM (HSIPMM) is designed based on multi‐physics fields. To reduce the end length of winding, the back round winding type is adopted, compared with the common structure, it is found that the temperature rise of the stator used back round winding type can be reduced by 11.5%. Finally, the superiority of the proposed HSIPMM is proved by the experimental results, and the efficiency of the motor is about 96.1%.
Simulating the cloudy atmospheres of HD 209458 b and HD 189733 b with the 3D Met Office Unified Model
Authors: Lines S. , Mayne N. J. , Boutle I. A. , Manners J. , Lee E. K. H. , Helling Ch. , Drummond B. , Amundsen D. S. , Goyal J. , Acreman D. M. , Tremblin P. , Kerslake M. 
Published: March 2018

Aims.To understand and compare the 3D atmospheric structure of HD 209458 b and HD 189733 b, focusing on the formation and distribution of cloud particles, as well as their feedback on the dynamics and thermal profile.Methods.We coupled the 3D Met Office Unified Model (UM), including detailed treatments of atmospheric radiative transfer and dynamics, to a kinetic cloud formation scheme. The resulting model self-consistently solves for the formation of condensation seeds, surface growth and evaporation, gravitational settling and advection, cloud radiative feedback via absorption, and crucially, scattering. We used fluxes directly obtained from the UM to produce synthetic spectral energy distributions and phase curves.Results.Our simulations show extensive cloud formation in both HD 209458 b and HD 189733 b. However, cooler temperatures in the latter result in higher cloud particle number densities. Large particles, reaching 1μm in diameter, can form due to high particle growth velocities, and sub-μm particles are suspended by vertical flows leading to extensive upper-atmosphere cloud cover. A combination of meridional advection and efficient cloud formation in cooler high latitude regions, results in enhanced cloud coverage for latitudes above 30° and leads to a zonally banded structure for all our simulations. The cloud bands extend around the entire planet, for HD 209458 b and HD 189733 b, as the temperatures, even on the day side, remain below the condensation temperature of silicates and oxides. Therefore, the simulated optical phase curve for HD 209458 b shows no “offset”, in contrast to observations. Efficient scattering of stellar irradiation by cloud particles results in a local maximum cooling of up to 250 K in the upper atmosphere, and an advection-driven fluctuating cloud opacity causes temporal variability in the thermal emission. The inclusion of this fundamental cloud-atmosphere radiative feedback leads to significant differences with approaches neglecting these physical elements, which have been employed to interpret observations and determine thermal profiles for these planets. This suggests that readers should be cautious of interpretations neglecting such cloud feedback and scattering, and that the subject merits further study.
Prostaglandin Endoperoxides and Thromboxane A2 Activate the same Receptor Isoforms in Human Platelets
Authors: Vezza Roberta , Mezzasoma Anna , Venditti Gigliola , Gresele Paolo 
Published: March 2018

SummaryArachidonic acid (AA) is a potent inducer of platelet aggregation in vitro; this activity is due to its conversion to biologically active metabolites, prostaglandin (PG) endoperoxides and thromboxane A2 (TxA2). PG endoperoxides and TxA2 are thought to act on the same receptor; however, at least two isoforms of this receptor have been identified. The aim of our work was to clarify whether endoperoxides and TxA2 activate the same or different receptor subtypes to induce aggregation and calcium movements in human platelets.AA-induced aggregation and calcium rises were still detectable in platelets preincubated with thromboxane synthase inhibitors, which suppress TxA2 formation and induce PGH2 accumulation, suggesting that PG endoperoxides can activate platelets. Exogenously added PGH2 was able to induce aggregation and calcium rises. Pretreatment of platelets with GR32191B or platelet activating factor, which desensitize one of the two receptor subtypes identified in platelets, did not prevent calcium rises induced by endogenously generated or by exogenouly added PGH2, indicating that TxA2 and PG endoperoxides share the same receptor subtype(s) to activate platelets. HEK-293 cells overexpressing either of the two thromboxane receptor isoforms cloned to date (TPα and TPβ) and identified in human platelets, stimulated with PGH2, or with the stable endoperoxide analog U46619, formed inositol phosphates. These data show that endoperoxides and TXA2 mediate their effects on platelets acting on both, and the same, receptor isoform(s).
Abbreviations: AA: arachidonic acid; PAF: platelet activating factor; PG: prostaglandin; TP: thromboxane receptor; Tx: thromboxane.
Catalytic Antisense DNA Molecules Targeting Egr-1 Inhibit Neointima Formation following Permanent Ligation of Rat Common Carotid Arteries
Authors: Lowe Harry , Chesterman Colin , Khachigian Levon 
Published: March 2018

SummaryAnimal models of neointima (NI) formation have proven useful in gaining insights into the mechanisms of restenosis after coronary angioplasty and stenting, but the events at a molecular level remain incompletely understood. Here, we describe a technically straightforward, rat model of NI formation, involving complete ligation of the common carotid artery and demonstrate the importance of the immediate-early gene and zinc finger transcription factor Egr-1 in this process. Acute cessation of common carotid blood flow by vessel ligation, was followed by the expression of Egr-1 in the arterial media within 3 h and NI formation proximal to the point of ligation at 18 days. Local delivery of catalytic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) targeting rat Egr-1 mRNA at the time of ligation reduced both Egr-1 expression and NI formation in this model. In contrast, a scrambled version of this ODN had no inhibitory effect. These studies demonstrate for the first time that arterial intimal thickening following artery ligation is critically-dependent on the activation of Egr-1.
Acute Hyperglycaemia Induces Changes in the Transcription Levels of 4 Major Genes in Human Endothelial Cells: Macroarrays-based Expression Analysis
Authors: Zibara K. , Belaiba S.-R. , McGregor J.L. , Chettab Kamel 
Published: March 2018

SummaryHyperglycaemia, in insulin-dependent or independent diabetes mellitus, promotes endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction and is a major factor in the development of macro- or microvascular diseases. The mechanisms and the disease-related genes in vascular diseases resulting from hyperglycaemia are poorly understood. Macroarrays, bearing a total of 588 cDNA known genes, were used to analyze HUVEC gene transcription subjected to 25 or 5-mM glucose for 24 h. Isolated mRNA derived from treated first passage HUVEC were reverse transcribed, 32P labeled, and hybridized to the cDNA macroarrays. Results show that acute hyperglycaemia induces an up-regulation of seven major genes, four of which were not previously reported in the literature. Northern blot analyses, performed on these 4 genes, confirm macroarrays results for αv, β4, c-myc, and MUC18. Moreover, time course analysis (0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 24 h) of αv, β4, c-myc, and MUC18 mRNA expression, observed by northern blot assays, showed a peak at time points situated between 2 to 8 h. The 3 other genes (ICAM-1, β1, and IL-8), were shown by others to be significantly upregulated after glucose stimulation. Furthermore, ELISA assays performed on the supernatant of HUVEC culture medium showed a significant increase of IL-8 for cells treated with 25-mM compared to 5-mM glucose. Identified genes, upregulated in endothelial cells as a result of acute hyperglycaemia, may serve as therapeutic or diagnostic targets in vascular lesions present in diabetic patients. These results also demonstrate the use of cDNA macroarrays as an effective approach in identifying genes implicated in a diseased cell.
Mechanism of Resveratrol-mediated Suppression of Tissue Factor Gene Expression
Authors: Pendurthi Usha , Meng Feng , Mackman N. , Rao L. Vijaya 
Published: March 2018

SummaryTissue factor (TF) is a cell surface receptor for factor VII(a), and the binding of factor VII(a) to TF initiates the coagulation cascade. Inappropriate in vivo expression of TF in vascular cells has been shown to be responsible for thrombotic disorders associated with a variety of pathological conditions, including gram-negative sepsis, cancer and atherosclerosis. A number of epidemiological studies suggest that moderate consumption of red wine provides protective effects against coronary heart disease mortality. Recently, we have shown that resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound found in wine, inhibited the induction of TF expression in endothelial cells and mononuclear cells (Pendurthi UR, Williams JT, Rao LVM. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 1999; 19: 419-426). In the present study, we examined the mechanism by which resveratrol inhibits the expression of TF in monocytes by using a monocytic cell line, THP-1, as a model cell. Northern blot analysis, gel mobility shift assays and transfection studies with various TF promoter constructs, as well as other transcription regulatory constructs, were used to elucidate the inhibitory mechanism of resveratrol. The data show that resveratrol inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of TF in human monocytes and monocytic cell line, THP-1 in a dose dependent manner. Resveratrol did not significantly alter the binding of various transcription factors involved in TF gene expression to DNA. However, resveratrol suppressed the transcription of cloned human TF promoter. Further experiments revealed that resveratrol reduced κB- but not AP-1-driven transcriptional activity. Additional experiments showed that resveratrol suppressed the phosphorylation of p65 and its transactivation. In summary, our results indicate that resveratrol does not inhibit the activation or translocation of NF-κB/Rel proteins but inhibits NF-κB/Rel-dependent transcription by impairing the transactivation potential of p65.
The Upward Spiral of Drug Costs: A Time Series Analysis of Drugs Used in the Treatment of Hemophilia
Authors: Guirguis Hany , Lipton Richard , Seremetis Stephanie , DiMichele Donna , Agnew George , Karpatkin Margaret , Barish Robert , Jones Robert , Bianco Celso , Knothe Barbara , Lee Myung-Soo , Rogoff Edward 
Published: March 2018

SummaryHemophilia is an expensive disease because its treatment is heavily dependent on costly clotting factor drugs. Over the last nine years, a consortium of three Comprehensive Hemophilia Treatment Centers and other hospitals, which purchased clotting factors for their patients, has seen treatment costs escalate on average 17% annually. Currently, new, even more expensive drugs are entering the market.This study analyzes 3,244 purchases that were made over a nine-year period totaling nearly 500 million units of clotting factor, representing every product on the market. Purchases were made both apart from and under the Federal Public Health Service (PHS) discount pricing rules.The main cause of the increases was the move to newer, more expensive products. The average price of existing products increased less than 2% per year, but new products were priced, on average, 47% higher than existing products. Overall consumption increased by an average of 5% per year, likely reflecting prophylactic treatment modalities that require greater amounts of clotting factor. Government pricing programs, such as the PHS program, were ineffective or counterproductive at reducing costs.There is a notable absence of competition in this market, with a few dominant companies having a functional monopoly in the largest segments of the market. Prices of older products are not lowered, even when new products are brought to market. A few products that serve small patient groups have had their prices increased substantially.This escalation is likely to continue as new, more expensive clotting factor drugs are developed. Since these new products are not proven to be any safer or more effective than the current products, this situation creates a risk of intervention by government and insurers to address both treatment costs and exhaustion of patients’ insurance caps. Drug companies are not serving the patients by pricing new, but often very similar, products so aggressively. The trends seen in this patient group will likely be seen in other patient groups in the future. Ultimately, doctors and patients will lose treatment options and health care availability unless collaborative strategies are developed to reduce costs.