bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Binding affinity and antioxidant activity of the complex of (‐)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate and whey protein isolate: Effect of ultrasound pretreatment
Authors: Chen Weijun , Wang Haiyang , Wang Wenjun , Ma Xiaobin , Guo Mingming , Ding Tian , Ye Xingqian , Liu Donghong 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe binding affinity of whey protein isolate (WPI) for (‐)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) and the antioxidant activity of the formed complexes as influenced by ultrasound pretreatment were investigated. After treated by ultrasound at 200 W for 20 min, the apparent binding constant and the number of binding sites could be increased by 10.92 times and 23.05%, respectively. This indicated that ultrasound pretreatment did enhance the binding interaction between WPI and EGCG. Ultrasound pretreatment could increase the random coil content, cause the molecular unfolding and expose more hydrophobic groups inside the molecules to be exposed to the surface. These ultrasound‐induced conformational changes observed in WPI might account for its enhanced binding affinity for EGCG. Moreover, complexing with WPI could protect EGCG antioxidant activity and better protection was observed for that of ultrasound pretreated WPI. This study confirmed that ultrasound pretreatment could help the design of WPI based delivery system for EGCG.Practical applicationsDue to its good ligand‐binding properties, whey protein isolate (WPI) have great potential being used as a protective carrier for (‐)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) via the formation of WPI‐EGCG complexes. As a relatively low‐cost, nonhazardous, and ecofriendly technique, ultrasound has been widely applied in the modification of WPI. However, the interaction between WPI and EGCG as influenced by ultrasound pretreatment is still unknown. In this study, the effects of ultrasound pretreatment on binding capacity of WPI for EGCG and the antioxidant activity of the formed complex were investigated. The results showed that the binding interaction between WPI and EGCG could be enhanced by ultrasound pretreatment. Moreover, complexing with WPI could provide preservation of EGCG antioxidant activity and better protection were obtained by complexing EGCG with ultrasound pretreated WPI. These results were helpful for the utilization of WPI as a protective vehicle for EGCG and other polyphenols in food industry.
Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine promotes epithelial–mesenchymal transition of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and acquisition of cancerstem cell phenotypes
Authors: Jiang Xin , Liu Fengchao , Wang Yiying , Gao Jian 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackground and AimSecreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a matricellular glycoprotein that plays a significant role in tumor development. SPARC has been indicated that promotes tumorigenesis, metastasis, and poor prognosis in prostate cancer and lung cancer. Therefore, we sought to investigate the molecular mechanisms of SPARC in regulating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsWe used spheroids cultured in serum‐free culture medium to obtain liver cancer stem cells. Flow cytometric analysis was performed to investigate percentage of CD133+ cells in liver cancer cells. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to assess gene expression in cell lines. Transwell and wound healing assays were performed to indicate cell migration of HCC.ResultsSecreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine was upregulated in spheres formation in HCC cells. Overexpression of SPARC enhanced the ability to form tumor spheres and increased CD133 and Oct4 expressions. Besides, SPARC promoted the migration and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in HCC cells. Importantly, SPARC overexpression stimulated the formation of subcutaneous tumors in nude mice.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that SPARC overexpression promotes tumor growth, inducing epithelial–mesenchymal transition and acquisition of a stem cell phenotype. What is more, research elucidating the biological mechanisms of SPARC may be beneficial to liver cancer treatment.
Feasibility of an Intervention to Support Hearing and Vision in Dementia: The SENSE‐Cog Field Trial
Authors: Hooper Emma , Simkin Zoe , Abrams Harvey , Camacho Elizabeth , Charalambous Anna Pavlina , Collin Fideline , Constantinidou Fofi , Dawes Piers , Elliott Rachel , Falkingham Sue , Frison Eric , Hann Mark , Helmer Catherine , Himmelsbach Ines , Hussain Hannah , Marié Sarah , Montecelo Susana , Reeves David , Regan Jemma , Thodi Chryssoula , Wolski Lucas , Leroi Iracema 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesPeople with dementia (PwD) frequently experience hearing and vision impairment that is underrecognized and undertreated, resulting in reduced quality of life. Managing these impairments may be an important strategy to improve outcomes in PwD. Our objective was to field‐trial a multifaceted sensory intervention (SI) to enhance hearing and vision in PwD.DesignAn international single‐arm open‐label feasibility, acceptability, and tolerability study.SettingHome‐based setting in the United Kingdom, France, and Cyprus.ParticipantsAdults aged 60 years and older with mild‐to‐moderate dementia and uncorrected or suboptimally corrected hearing and/or vision impairment, and their study partners (n = 19 dyads).InterventionA sensory intervention (SI), comprising assessment of hearing and vision, fitting of corrective devices (glasses, hearing aids), and home‐based support from a sensory support therapist for device adherence and maintenance, communication training, referral to support services, environmental sensory modification, and optimization of social inclusion.MeasurementsRatings of study procedure feasibility, and intervention acceptability/tolerability, ascertained through questionnaires, participant diaries, therapist logbooks, and semistructured interviews.ResultsWe successfully delivered all intervention components, and these were received and enacted as intended in all those who completed the intervention. No serious adverse events were reported. Acceptability (ie, understanding, motivation, sense of achievement) and tolerability (ie, effort, fatigue) ratings of the intervention were within a priori target ranges. We met recruitment and retention (93.8%) targets in two of the three sites. Participants completed more than 95% of diary entries, representing minimal missing data. Delays in the logistics circuit for the assessment and delivery of hearing aids and glasses were identified, requiring modification. The need for minor modifications to some outcome measures and the inclusion criteria were identified.ConclusionThis is the first study combining home‐based hearing and vision remediation in PwD. The positive feasibility, acceptability, and tolerability findings suggest that a full‐scale efficacy trial, with certain modifications, is achievable.
Calcium intake improvement after nutritional intervention in paediatric patients with osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Zambrano M. B. , Félix T. M. , Mello E. D. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundIn several bone disorders, adequate calcium intake is a coadjuvant intervention to regular treatment. Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a collagen disorder with a range of symptoms, ranging from fractures to minimum trauma, and it is typically treated with bisphosphonates. In the present study, we evaluate the impact of a nutritional intervention (NI) on dietary calcium intake and bone mineral density (BMD) in paediatric patients with OI.MethodsA nonrandomised clinical trial was designed with a NI. Dietary calcium intake, anthropometry and clinical features were assessed at baseline, including anthropometry, basal metabolic rate (BMR), BMD. In addition, a food guidance form was developed and sent to patients by mail. After 12 months, clinical features of patients were reassessed and compared with the baseline data.ResultsFifty‐two children and adolescents were enrolled. Significant increases in total calcium intake (mg day−1), percentage of adequate calcium intake (%) and number of cups of milk ingested were observed after NI. We detected a positive correlation between the variation of BMD and milk consumption in patients treated with bisphosphonate.ConclusionsWe observed an increase in calcium intake in patients with OI. This finding demonstrates the importance of nutrition therapy as part of a multidisciplinary treatment approach for bone health.
X‐ray microfocus computed tomography: a powerful tool for structural and functional characterisation of 3D printed dosage forms
Authors: GIOUMOUXOUZIS C.I. , KATSAMENIS O.L. , FATOUROS D.G. 
Published: May 2019

SummaryOne of the most promising advances in modern pharmaceutical technology is the introduction of three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology for the fabrication of drug products. 3D printed dosage forms have the potential to revolutionise pharmacotherapy as streamlined production of structurally complex formulations with optimal drug releasing properties is now made possible. 3D printed formulations are derived as part of a process where a ‘print‐head’ deposits, or sinters material under computer control to produce a drug carrier. However, this manufacturing route inherently generates objects that deviate from the ideal designed template for reasons specific to the 3D printing method used. This short opinion article discusses the potential of high‐resolution nondestructive 3D (volume) imaging by means of X‐ray microfocus Computed Tomography (μCT) as a Process Analytical Technology for the structural and functional characterisation of 3D printed dosage forms.
The Cost‐Effectiveness of Professional Doula Care for a Woman's First Two Births: A Decision Analysis Model
Authors: Greiner Karen S. , Hersh Alyssa R. , Hersh Sally R. , Remer Jesse M. , Gallagher Alexandra C. , Caughey Aaron B. , Tilden Ellen L. 
Published: May 2019

IntroductionMultiple studies have demonstrated the benefits of intrapartum doula care, including lower risk for cesarean birth and shortened labor time for nulliparous women. However, analyses investigating the cost‐effectiveness of doula care are limited. This study evaluated the potential cost‐effectiveness of professional doula support during a woman's first birth in a theoretical population of US women, with all women having a second birth without doula care.MethodsA cost‐effectiveness model was designed to compare outcomes in women with a professional doula versus no doula labor support. A theoretical cohort of 1.6 million women, the approximate number of annual low‐risk, nulliparous, term, singleton births in the United States, was used. Outcomes included mode of birth, maternal death, uterine rupture, cesarean hysterectomy, costs, and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs). Probability estimates used in the model were derived from the literature, and a cost‐effectiveness threshold was set at $100,000 per QALY. Sensitivity analyses were used to investigate the robustness of the results.ResultsIn this theoretical model, professional doula care during the first birth resulted in fewer cesarean births and improved QALYs. Additionally, doula support resulted in 202,538 fewer cesarean births, 46 fewer maternal deaths secondary to fewer cesarean births, 99 fewer uterine ruptures, and 26 fewer hysterectomies, with an additional cost of $185 million and 7617 increased QALYs for the first and subsequent births. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated a professional doula was potentially cost‐saving up to $884 and cost‐effective up to $1360 per doula.DiscussionProfessional doula care during a woman's first birth may lead to improved outcomes and increased QALYs during her first and second births. Given the limitations of this analysis, the cost‐effectiveness estimate is likely conservative, further supporting broader integration of professional doulas into the US maternity care system and highlighting the need for higher doula care reimbursement.
Autophagic degradation of stromal interaction molecule 2 mediates disruption of neuronal dendrites by endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Zhou Jing , Song Juan , Wu Shengzhou 
Published: May 2019

AbstractEndoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been highlighted as one of the factors involved in axon/dendrite degeneration, which is an early event in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's diseases as well as in acute disorders such as ischemia and axotomy‐induced retinal ganglion cell degeneration. These lines of evidence suggest critical roles of ER stress at the early stage of neurodegeneration, but the relevant mechanism is rarely exploited. In this study, we report that treatment with sublethal level of ER stressors, tunicamycin or brefeldin A, in primary rat neuronal cultures, significantly reduced dendrite arbor. Under the same treatment, either stressor reduced store‐operated calcium entry (SOCE) and cytosolic calcium, [Ca2+]i, which were associated with autophagic degradation of stromal interaction molecule 2 (STIM2). Knockdown of ATG7 or activating transcription factor 4 completely reversed the reduction of STIM2 and significantly reversed the inhibition of SOCE under ER stress. Overexpression of STIM2 in neurons significantly prevented the ER stress‐induced disruption of dendrite arbor. Altogether, our data reveal an unprecedented mechanism by which ER stress induces dendrite degeneration, that is, ER stress induces autophagic degradation of STIM2, leading to ensued SOCE inhibition and reduced [Ca2+]i, resulting in trimming effect on dendrites.
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Association of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy risk and factor V Leiden mutation: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Yuan , Ruan Yan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimTo date, the conclusions of studies on a possible association between factor V Leiden (FVL, FV G1691A, rs6025) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are conflicting. Here, we aimed to estimate the relationship between the risk of HDP and FVL.MethodsEligible studies focused on FVL and HDP were searched from the PubMed and the Web of Science databases up to March 31, 2018. We used random effects model for the meta‐analysis, and I2 statistic to assess the degree of heterogeneity between all included studies. To evaluate the association between FVL and the risk of HDP, we calculated the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) comparing cases and controls of all samples and each subgroup based on different regions.ResultsFifty citations on FVL and HDP were identified through the literature search, and a meta‐analysis on the GA + AA genotype between 6041 cases and 8364 controls was conducted. The holistic analysis found that pregnant women with GA or AA genotype of FVL have a 1.97‐fold (95% CI: 1.64–2.35, P < 0.00001) increased risk of HDP compared with GG carriers. While the OR are 2.23 (95% CI: 1.76–2.84, P < 0.00001) and 1.90 (95% CI: 1.12–3.23, P = 0.02) in Europe and the Middle East subgroups, respectively.ConclusionFactor V Leiden mutation is associated with an increased risk of HDP, and is particularly associated with preeclampsia and eclampsia in European women. However, further high‐quality studies are warranted to confirm the possible effectiveness of FVL in HDP patients.
A Multi‐Atlas Label Fusion Tool for Neonatal Brain MRI Parcellation and Quantification
Authors: Otsuka Yoshihisa , Chang Linda , Kawasaki Yukako , Wu Dan , Ceritoglu Can , Oishi Kumiko , Ernst Thomas , Miller Michael , Mori Susumu , Oishi Kenichi 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTStructure‐by‐structure analysis, in which the brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is parcellated based on its anatomical units, is widely used to investigate chronological changes in morphology or signal intensity during normal development, as well as to identify the alterations seen in various diseases or conditions. The multi‐atlas label fusion (MALF) method is considered a highly accurate parcellation approach, and anticipated for clinical application to quantitatively evaluate early developmental processes. However, the current MALF methods, which are designed for neonatal brain segmentations, are not widely available. In this study, we developed a T1‐weighted, neonatal, multi‐atlas repository and integrated it into the MALF‐based brain segmentation tools in the cloud‐based platform, MRICloud. The cloud platform ensures users instant access to the advanced MALF tool for neonatal brains, with no software or installation requirements for the client. The Web platform by braingps.mricloud.org will eliminate the dependence on a particular operating system (eg, Windows, Macintosh, or Linux) and the requirement for high computational performance of the user's computers. The MALF‐based, fully automated, image parcellation could achieve excellent agreement with manual parcellation, and the whole and regional brain volumes quantified through this method demonstrated developmental trajectories comparable to those from a previous publication. This solution will make the latest MALF tools readily available to users, with minimum barriers, and will expedite and accelerate advancements in developmental neuroscience research, neonatology, and pediatric neuroradiology.
Equilibrium audit strategies against tax treaty shopping
Authors: Hong Sunghoon 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis paper examines game‐theoretic models of tax treaty shopping. An investor can choose a direct or indirect investment route across countries to minimize tax. A tax agency can audit the investor. The audit is costly but it can give additional revenue to the tax agency. In simultaneous‐move games, regardless of whether incomplete information exists and whether a home country allows foreign tax credits, there are mixed‐strategy equilibria where the investor may choose tax‐minimizing indirect routes and the tax agency may audit the investor. This equilibrium random audit strategy helps the tax agency raise revenue and reduce treaty shopping. Comparative statics yields an implication consistent with empirical evidence. However, if the home country has a foreign tax credit system with a high tax rate, or if the tax agency observes the investor's action in a sequential‐move game, the investor always chooses the direct route, and no treaty shopping occurs in equilibrium.
Spaying and urinary incontinence in bitches under UK primary veterinary care: a case–control study
Authors: Pegram C. , O'Neill D. G. , Church D. B. , Hall J. , Owen L. , Brodbelt D. C. 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesTo evaluate associations between spaying and urinary incontinence in bitches under primary veterinary care in the UK.Materials and MethodsA case–control study was nested within the study population of 333,910 bitches, which included all bitches within the VetCompass database with an electronic patient record in 2016 or in both 2015 and 2017. The electronic records were searched automatically for urinary incontinence cases, which were manually reviewed for inclusion. All non‐cases were included as controls. Additional demographic and clinical information was extracted on cases and controls.ResultsThe study included 427 incident cases and 1708 controls that were presented between November 1, 2014 and October 31, 2017. Prior spaying was associated with increased odds of urinary incontinence (odds ratio: 3.01; 95% CIs: 2.23 to 4.05). Increased odds of urinary incontinence were additionally associated with increasing age and increasing bodyweight. Age at spay was not associated with urinary incontinence.Clinical SignificanceThe findings support spaying as a major risk factor associated with urinary incontinence, but age at spay appears to be of less clinical importance. These results will help assist clinicians in making evidence‐based recommendations on spaying while taking other considerations for urinary incontinence into account.
In‐depth assessment of snacking behaviour in unmarried adolescent girls 16–19 years of age living in urban centres of Java, Indonesia
Authors: Blum Lauren S. , Mellisa Ayu , Kurnia Sari Eny , Novitasari Yusadiredja Isma , van Liere Marti , Shulman Susan , Izwardy Doddy , Menon Ravi , Tumilowicz Alison 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAdolescence is a critical period characterized by physical, social, and developmental changes that impact on health and eating behaviour. Indonesia is experiencing dramatic economic and infrastructural changes, causing greater access to the global food industry and media. This transition is influencing food intake trends, leading to new nutritional challenges in adolescent girls. Qualitative research was conducted between November 2016 and January 2017 in five urban sites in Java, Indonesia, to examine individual, social, environmental, and macrosystem factors affecting snacking behaviours in unmarried adolescent girls 16–19 years of age. Methods entailed 30 freelisting exercises, nine key informant interviews, and 16 in‐depth interviews. Freelisting results identified over 200 snack foods, with the most salient processed convenience foods such as chips and cookies. Respondents typically snacked multiple times daily. Widespread availability of affordable and “tasty” snacks makes snack foods appealing meal substitutes. Snacks provide a distraction to boredom and loneliness and an enhancement to social gatherings. Girls exhibited limited understanding or concern about potential negative effects of snacking. Parents facilitate acquisition of nutrient‐poor snacks, whereas friends exert pressure for routine consumption of snack foods. Social media infiltrated with promotions of eateries and snack foods is likely contributing to the preponderance of snack food consumption. Routine consumption of snack foods high in sugar, salt, and fat and skipping meals will likely have long‐term consequences on the nutritional status and health of Indonesian adolescent girls. Findings underline the urgent need to develop contextually relevant, targeted behavioural change strategies to modify the potentially harmful eating and activity patterns of adolescent girls identified in this study and to curb the trajectory of overweight in urban Indonesia.
The association of early linear growth and haemoglobin concentration with later cognitive, motor, and social–emotional development at preschool age in Ghana
Authors: Ocansey Maku E. , Adu‐Afarwuah Seth , Kumordzie Sika M. , Okronipa Harriet , Young Rebecca R. , Tamakloe Solace M. , Oaks Brietta M. , Arimond Mary , Dewey Kathryn G. , Prado Elizabeth L. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIt is important to identify the periods during childhood when exposure to environmental risk factors results in long‐term neurodevelopmental deficits. Stunting and anaemia may be sensitive indicators of exposure to such risks. In a prospective cohort enrolled before birth, we investigated the association of developmental scores at 4–6 years with (a) birth length and linear growth during three postnatal periods and (2) haemoglobin (Hb) concentration at three time points. Children were participants in a follow‐up study of a randomized controlled trial of nutritional supplementation in Ghana. At 4–6 years, cognitive, motor, and social–emotional developments were assessed using standard tests adapted for this population. We estimated the associations of length‐for‐age z‐score (LAZ) at birth and postnatal linear growth (n = 710) and Hb (n = 617) with developmental scores in regression models, using multistage least squares analysis to calculate uncorrelated residuals for postnatal growth. Cognitive development at 4–6 years was significantly associated with LAZ at birth (β = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.05, 0.19), ΔLAZ from 6 to 18 months (β = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.04, 0.28), and Hb at 18 months (β = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.06, 0.20), but not with ΔLAZ during 0–6 months, ΔLAZ from 18 months to 4–6 years, Hb at 6 months, or Hb at 4–6 years. No evidence of associations with motor or social–emotional development were found. These results suggest that in similar contexts, the earlier periods prior to birth and up to 18 months are more sensitive to risk factors for long‐term cognitive development associated with LAZ and Hb compared with later childhood. This may inform the optimal timing of interventions targeting improved cognitive development.