bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amelioration of experimental metabolic syndrome induced in rats by orlistat and Corchorus olitorius leaf extract; role of adipo/cytokines
Authors: Gomaa Adel A , El-Sers Dalia A , Al-Zokeim Nahla I , Gomaa Mohamed A 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Objectives
To determine the efficacy of Corchorus olitorius (C. olitorius) leaf extract in the prevention of metabolic syndrome induced in rats by high-fat diet (HFD) and compare it with that of orlistat.

Methods
Phytochemical analysis was performed. Effect of orlistat and C. olitorius extract on lipase activity and acute food intake were investigated. Body weight, biochemical parameters and histopathological examination were demonstrated.

Key findings
Corchorus olitorius extract inhibited the pancreatic lipase activity, but orlistat was more potent. Cumulative food intake has not changed by the tested agents. In obese rats, C. olitorius or orlistat significantly decreased weight gain and visceral white adipose tissue. They exhibited a significant reduction in serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, free fatty acids, IL-1β, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), insulin and leptin levels of obese rat groups while high density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin levels were significantly increased by them. Histopathological examination of the liver revealed that C. olitorius was more effective than orlistat in the alleviating of steatosis and adipocyte hypertrophy shown in obese control rats.

Conclusions
Corchorus olitorius is effective as orlistat in preventing obesity, hyperlipidaemia, steatosis and insulin resistance. These actions may be mediated by inhibiting of lipase activity, TNF-α, IL-1β and leptin resistance along with increasing of adiponectin.
Acrofolione A and B, acetophenone dimers from Acronychia pendunculata, induce an apoptotic effect on human NALM-6 pre-B cell leukaemia cells
Authors: Matsui Takuya , Ito Chihiro , Kato Ayumi , Wu Tian-Shung , Itoigawa Masataka 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Objectives
We investigated the apoptotic activities of acrofolione A (1) and B (2) isolated from Acronychia pedunculata against a human pre-B cell leukaemia cell line (NALM-6) to explore the apoptosis-related signalling molecules targeted by 1 and 2.

Methods
The apoptosis effects of 1 and 2 in NALM-6 cells were investigated by TUNEL staining, annexin V, mitochondria membrane potential and caspase 3/7 activity. We carried out a protein array to explore the signalling molecules involved in apoptosis comprehensively.

Key findings
Acrofolione A (1) suppressed the growth of NALM-6, K562 and HPB-ALL cells (IC50 16.7 ± 1.9, 17.9 ± 0.3 and 10.1 ± 0.2 μm, respectively) more effectively than acrofolione B (2). Both compounds time-dependently increased the number of NALM-6 cells with abnormal nuclei, and increased the number of annexin V-positive cells and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential of NALM-6 cells. Acrofolione A (1) markedly elevated caspase 3/7 activity and increased the number of TUNEL-positive cells. Cells treated with either compound showed enhanced expression of cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase 3 and 7, and reduced survivin protein levels.

Conclusions
Acrofolione A (1) and B (2) may be useful in the treatment of various types of leukaemia.
Subclinical myocardial dysfunction in coronary slow flow phenomenon: Identification by speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Xing Yumeng , Shi Jing , Yan Yan , Liu Yu , Chen Yongle , Kong Dehong , Shu Xianhong , Pan Cuizhen 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to determine whether STE could help detect subclinical myocardial dysfunction in patients with CSFP.MethodsSixty patients with CSFP confirmed by CAG and 51 controls with normal coronary flow were prospectively enrolled. Coronary angiographic data and conventional and speckle tracking echocardiographic parameters of the LV and RV were obtained for every subject.ResultsCompared with controls, CSFP patients presented with higher BMI and TG levels, but lower HDL‐C levels. Conventional echocardiographic parameters of biventricular systolic and diastolic function did not differ between the two groups (all P > 0.05). The GLS of the LV and RV was significantly impaired in CSFP patients compared with that in controls (−19.03% vs −21.42%, P < 0.001 and −19.72% vs −22.96%, P = 0.001, respectively). The myocardial impairment pattern of CSFP patients was homogenous in the RV and heterogeneous in the LV, where only endo‐ and mid‐myocardial layers were affected. LV‐GLS and RV‐GLS were found to be well correlated with mTFC and HDL‐C in CSFP groups (r = 0.463 vs r = 0.439; r = −0.569 vs r = −0.552, all P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis demonstrated that LV‐GLS‐endo had the highest AUC (0.867, P < 0.001) for predicting subclinical myocardial impairment in CSFP patients.ConclusionsSubclinical myocardial systolic dysfunction occurs in both ventricles, and GLS could be an effective method to detect early‐stage myocardial impairment in patients with CSFP.
Variation in cranial morphology of bottlenose dolphins (genus Tursiops) off South Africa
Authors: Ngqulana Sibu G. , Pistorius Pierre , Galatius Anders , Plön Stephanie , Hofmeyr G. J. Greg 
Published: October 2018

AbstractTaxonomy plays an important role in conservation biology. Despite the variety of methods used to differentiate units, some groups, such as Delphinidae within the Cetacea have proven difficult to untangle. This study aimed to shed light on morphological variation of the genus Tursiops in South African waters using geometric morphometrics and to distinguish morphological groups and variation in these groups. A total of 241 crania of Tursiops spp. were analyzed using a suite of 2‐dimensional landmarks defined on photographs of the specimens. Results revealed two distinct morphological groups, with the smaller cluster comprised mainly of specimens from the cold temperate region off the west coast and the larger cluster comprised of specimens mainly from the warm temperate and subtropical regions off the south and east coast, respectively. We suggest that these groups correspond to different species of Tursiops, but this result requires further support. These groups were treated as separate entities and sexual dimorphism and geographic variation were assessed within each group. While sexual dimorphism and geographic variation were not significant within Cluster D1 and V1, they were significant within Clusters D2 and V2. The few Cluster 1 specimens found in the warm temperate and subtropical regions, relative to the number of Cluster 2 specimens, could be an indication of an offshore distribution for this group in these regions. Alternatively, the smaller cluster may also be indicative of a potentially small population size.
The benefits of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) Diet and Health Research Industry Club (DRINC) to early career researchers working in food, nutrition and human health
Authors: Ferriday D. , Grundy M. M.‐L. , Mills C. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) Diet and Health Research Industry Club (DRINC) scheme has benefited both academic researchers and members of the food and drink industry. In particular, the Club has given early career researchers (ECRs), working in food, nutrition and human health, the opportunity to work in multidisciplinary projects within a community that has provided support and a training platform for essential transferable skills. After 14 years of success, the DRINC initiative will be coming to an end in 2021. What will come next? How can the next generation of ECRs pursue a career in this research topic without this fantastic opportunity?
PHYTOCHROME‐INTERACTING FACTOR 3 mediates light‐dependent induction of tocopherol biosynthesis during tomato fruit ripening
Authors: Gramegna Giovanna , Rosado Daniele , Sánchez Carranza Ana Paula , Cruz Aline Bertinatto , Simon‐Moya Miguel , Llorente Briardo , Rodríguez‐Concepcíon Manuel , Freschi Luciano , Rossi Magdalena 
Published: October 2018

AbstractTocopherols are important antioxidants exclusively produced in plastids that protect the photosynthetic apparatus from oxidative stress. These compounds with vitamin E activity are also essential dietary nutrients for humans. Although the tocopherol biosynthetic pathway has been elucidated, the mechanisms that regulate tocopherol production and accumulation remain elusive. Here, we investigated the regulatory mechanism underlying tocopherol biosynthesis during ripening in tomato fruits, which are an important source of vitamin E. Our results show that ripening under light conditions increases tocopherol fruit content in a phytochrome‐dependent manner by the transcriptional regulation of biosynthetic genes. Moreover, we show that light‐controlled expression of the GERANYLGERANYL DIPHOSPHATE REDUCTASE (SlGGDR) gene, responsible for the synthesis of the central tocopherol precursor phytyl diphosphate, is mediated by PHYTOCHROME‐INTERACTING FACTOR 3 (SlPIF3). In the absence of light, SlPIF3 physically interacts with the promoter of SlGGDR, down‐regulating its expression. By contrast, light activation of phytochromes prevents the interaction between SlPIF3 and the SlGGDR promoter, leading to transcriptional derepression and higher availability of the PDP precursor for tocopherol biosynthesis. The unraveled mechanism provides a new strategy to manipulate fruit metabolism towards improving tomato nutritional quality.
Oscillometric and intra‐arterial blood pressure in children post‐kidney transplantation: Is invasive blood pressure measurement always needed?
Authors: Marouane Abderrahim , Cornelissen Elisabeth A. M. , Nusmeier Anneliese , Bootsma‐Robroeks Charlotte M. H. H. T. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveBlood pressure (BP) monitoring in children immediately after kidney transplantation is ideally performed with an arterial line. Accurate measurement of BP is necessary for optimal management. However, during the first days postoperative, the arterial line is removed and BP measurement is switched to a non‐invasive device. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy and reliability of the automated oscillometric device compared to invasive arterial BP (IBP) monitoring in patients after renal transplantation in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).MethodWe analyzed all simultaneously measured BPs in children with a kidney transplant in the Amalia Children's Hospital Radboud University Medical Center between January 1, 2012, and January 1, 2016. BP measurements were performed according to the hospital protocol. Agreement between invasive and non‐invasive methods was assessed using Bland‐Altman plots.ResultsA total of 29 patients were included in this retrospective study. The majority of children were male (59%), and median age was 11 years (range 1‐17 years). Totally, 80 BP measurements were recorded during the first days post‐kidney transplantation. The correlation coefficients (R) of systolic, diastolic, and MAP of non‐invasive (NIBP) and IBP measurements were 0.84, 0.76, and 0.77, respectively (P < 0.01). Overall, the average MAP (7.5 ± 1.2 mm Hg; P < 0.05) NIBP values were lower compared to IBP. In hypertensive patients, MAP (10.4 ± 10.0 mm Hg; P < 0.05) BP values were significantly lower using the NIBP device. Clinically relevant difference of >10 mm Hg was found in 51% (41/80) of measurements and mainly observed in hypertensive measurements.ConclusionsIBP measurement is considered the golden standard for monitoring BP in patients immediately after kidney transplantation. NIBP values showed a good agreement with invasive reading, but the variability of NIBP mainly in hypertensive patients is high as it is the number of clinically relevant differences to IBP. We conclude that IBP remains the golden standard to monitor BP in children directly postoperatively.
Brexit and Foreign Investment in the UK
Authors: Driffield Nigel , Karoglou Michail 
Published: October 2018

SummaryWe explore the likely effect of Brexit on inward foreign direct investment (FDI) through its possible effect on the benchmark variables that characterize the macroeconomy. For this we propose the use of a Markov regime switching structural vector auto-regression to distinguish between the volatile and stable states of the economy and account, among other effects, for the contemporaneous effects that the frequency of FDI innately generates. Our findings suggest that, if Brexit triggers a sterling depreciation in the current economic climate, this will fuel a prolonged negative effect on FDI. FDI flows may be positively affected (at most) by a sterling depreciation after Brexit only if this event drives the UK economy to a period of highly volatile growth, inflation, interest and exchange rates: a scenario that is rather unlikely. And, even then, the sterling depreciation benefits would last for only a short period of time.
Responses of soil microbial biomass, diversity and metabolic activity to biochar applications in managed poplar plantations on reclaimed coastal saline soil
Authors: Xu W. , Wang G. , Deng F. , Zou X. , Ruan H. , Chen H. Y. H. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWith its relatively high stability, biochar has been suggested as a means to mitigate climate change through carbon fixation and improve the physicochemical properties of soils. However, our understanding of the effects of biochar on soil microbial diversity and their metabolic activity remain unclear. In order to elucidate how the application of biochar to plantation soils influences microbial biomass and functional diversity (using Biolog EcoPlatesTM), we conducted an experiment to investigate changes in soil microbial communities at four biochar levels (0, 40, 80 and 120 Mg/ha). We found that biochar application altered the metabolic patterns of microbial communities and accelerated the utilization of amino acids, carboxylic acids, polymers and other miscellaneous plant chemical compounds by microbes. Moreover, compared to the control, soil pH increased by 0.23, 0.24, 0.28 units and microbial biomass carbon to nitrogen ratio (MBC/MBN) by 9.20, 20.99 and 17.74, respectively. Meanwhile, soil moisture decreased from 25.7 to 23.8%, 23.7 and 24.4%, and MBN declined by 42.2, 46.2 and 53.8%. Regression analysis showed that soil pH was the primary factor correlated with reduced MBN. Community physiological profiles revealed that high concentrated biochar (120 Mg/ha) elevated microbial metabolic activity, while biochar application did not alter microbial functional diversity represented by the Shannon diversity index (H′) and evenness (E). Furthermore, the application of biochar would affect biogeochemical cycling of carbon and nitrogen through the elevated microbial activity and utilization in different categories of carbon sources (polymers, carboxylic acids etc.) with the reduced MBN.
Removal of user fees and system strengthening improves access to maternity care, reducing neonatal mortality in a district hospital in Lesotho
Authors: Steele Sarah Jane , Sugianto Hartini , Baglione Quentin , Sedlimaier Sandra , Niyibizi Aline Aurore , Duncan Kristal , Hill Julia , Brix Jesper , Philips Mit , Cutsem Gilles Van , Shroufi Amir 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveLesotho has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. While at primary health care (PHC) level maternity care is free, at hospital level co‐payments are required from patients. We describe service utilisation and delivery outcomes before and after removal of user fees and quality of delivery care, and associated costs, at St Joseph's Hospital (SJH) in Roma, Lesotho.MethodsWe compared utilisation of delivery services, stillbirths and maternal and neonatal mortality for the periods before (1 July 2012 to 31 December 2013) and after (1 January 2014 to 30 June 2015) user fee removal through a retrospective chart review and estimated additional costs attributed to user fee removal from provider (hospital) and patient perspectives.ResultsOf 4715 deliveries 3855 were at SJH and 860 at PHC centres. Of women delivering at SJH 684 (18.5%) were ≤19 years and 894 (23.6%) were HIV positive. After user fee removal hospital deliveries increased by 49% — from 1547 to 2308 — and neonatal mortality decreased from 4.8 to 1.3 per 1000 live births (P = 0.033). Extrapolating costs to the entire country, 1 USD per capita per year would allow user fee removal at hospital level, the provision of free transport to/from and accommodation at hospital.ConclusionRemoving user fees for hospital delivery care in Lesotho is feasible and affordable, and has the potential to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes by removing financial barriers to skilled birth attendants and increasing coverage of institutional deliveries.
Modelos de entrenamiento en cirugía mínimamente invasiva para pieloplastia laparoscópica: revisión de la literatura*
Authors: Moreno Feddy , Villamizar Pedro , Corchuelo Valentina , Rodríguez Miguel , Ordoñez Stephanie , Tejada Marcela 
Published: October 2018

Resumen
Introducción: la pieloplastia laparoscópica es un procedimiento mínimamente invasivo empleado para solucionar quirúrgicamente estenosis, bloqueo u obstrucción de la unión ureteropélvica o pieloureteral. Objetivo: explorar los diferentes modelos de entrenamiento en cirugía mínimamente invasiva para pieloplastia laparoscópica que se encuentran reportados en la literatura. Materiales y métodos: se revisó la literatura con búsqueda sistemática en PubMed, Google Académico y SciELO, mediante la declaración PRISMA y la combinación de los descriptores médicos en salud Model training AND laparoscopic pyeloplasty. Además, se empleó GoPubMed para obtener información bibliométrica que contextualizara las redes de investigación y publicación entre los diferentes modelos de entrenamiento para pieloplastia laparoscópica. Resultados: Se incluyeron 17 referencias en la búsqueda sistemática de la literatura con los que se realizó la discusión a partir de la usabilidad, la estética y el tiempo operatorio de la pieloplastia laparoscópica. Conclusión: Todos los modelos de entrenamiento contribuyen a que los operadores disminuyan los tiempos quirúrgicos, alcanzando valores próximos a la pieloplastia laparoscópica in situ, inclusive, a la pieloplastia abierta. De forma particular, los modelos anatomopatológicos elaborados con modelamiento de siliconas logran un notable acercamiento a la realidad morfológica a partir de la estética de las estructuras y permiten aumentar el número de intentos quirúrgicos y la cantidad de horas de práctica.
Analytical Modeling of Self-Loosening of Bolted Joints
Authors: Fort Valentin , Bouzid Abdel-Hakim , Gratton Michel 
Published: October 2018

Self-loosening of bolted joints is a common issue in Pressure Vessel and Piping equipment. This phenomenon can not only cause the industry a lot of losses due to maintenance but can result in catastrophic incidents leading to environment and health issues. This paper presents several improvements and innovations that are brought to the subject of self-loosening of bolted joints through a study involving analytical, numerical and experimental work.
A new model to prevent self-loosening of bolted joints is developed. Particular focus is put on the effect of the clamping plate thickness on the self-loosening of the joint. A fully instrumented experimental set-up, in conjunction with an M12-1.75 bolt, is deployed to track the bolt tension decrease with the application of an imposed cyclic transversal displacement. In addition to the measurement of the transverse relative displacement between the two clamping parts, the clamping and transverse loads are also recorded. Finally, the relative rotation between the bolt and the nut is measured by means of a rotation sensor directly installed on the nut. The results show that there is a good agreement between the analytical, numerical and experimental results. The new model is compared with FEM and experimentation for different plate thickness configurations.
Plastic Collapse Stresses for Pipes With Circumferential Twin Flaws Using Combination Rules
Authors: Hasegawa Kunio , Li Yinsheng , Kim Yun-Jae , Lacroix Valery , Strnadel Bohumir 
Published: October 2018

When discrete multiple flaws are in the same plane, and they are close to each other, it can be determined whether they are combined or standalone in accordance with combination rules provided by fitness-for-service (FFS) codes, such as ASME, JSME, BS7910, FKM, WES2805, etc. However, specific criteria of the rules are different amongst these FFS codes.
On the other hand, plastic collapse bending stresses for stainless steel pipes with circumferential twin flaws were obtained by experiments and the prediction procedure for collapse stresses for pipes with twin flaws were developed analytically. Using the experimental data and the analytical procedure, plastic collapse stresses for pipes with twin flaws are compared with the stresses in compliance with the combination criteria. It is shown that the calculated plastic collapse stresses based on the combination criteria are significantly different from the experimental and analytical stresses.
2025 Nuclear Code: The Vision for the Future of ASME Nuclear Codes and Standards
Authors: Matthews Dale E. , Hill Ralph S. , Bruny Charles W. 
Published: October 2018

ASME Nuclear Codes and Standards are used worldwide in the construction, inspection, and repair of commercial nuclear power plants. As the industry looks to the future of nuclear power and some of the new plant designs under development, there will be some significant departures from the current light water reactor (LWR) technology. Some examples are gas-cooled and liquid metal-cooled high temperature reactors (HTRs), small modular reactors (SMRs), and fusion energy devices that are currently under development. Many of these designs will have different safety challenges from the current LWR fleet.
Variations of the current LWR technology are also expected to remain in use for the foreseeable future. Worldwide, many LWRs are planned or are already under construction. However, technology for construction of these plants has advanced considerably since most of the current construction codes were written. As a result, many modern design and fabrication methods available today, which provide both safety and economic benefits, cannot be fully utilized since they are not addressed by Code rules.
For ASME Nuclear Codes and Standards to maintain and enhance their position as the worldwide leader in the nuclear power industry, they will need to be modernized to address these items. Accordingly, the ASME Nuclear Codes and Standards organizations have initiated the “2025 Nuclear Code” initiative. The purpose of this initiative is to modernize all aspects of ASME’s Nuclear Codes and Standards to adopt new technologies in plant design, construction, and life cycle management. Examples include modernized finite element analysis and fatigue rules, and incorporation of probabilistic and risk-informed methodology. This paper will present the vision for the 2025 ASME Nuclear Codes and Standards and will discuss some of the key elements that are being considered.