bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulation of glucocorticoid receptor in human epileptic endothelial cells impacts drug biotransformation in an in vitro blood–brain barrier model
Authors: Ghosh Chaitali , Hossain Mohammed , Mishra Saurabh , Khan Sameena , Gonzalez‐Martinez Jorge , Marchi Nicola , Janigro Damir , Bingaman William , Najm Imad 
Published: September 2018

SummaryObjectiveNuclear receptors and cytochrome P450 (CYP) regulate hepatic metabolism of several drugs. Nuclear receptors are expressed at the neurovascular unit of patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy. We studied whether glucocorticoid receptor (GR) silencing or inhibition in human epileptic brain endothelial cells (EPI‐ECs) functionally impacts drug bioavailability across an in vitro model of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) by CYP‐multidrug transporter (multidrug resistance protein 1, MDR1) mechanisms.MethodsSurgically resected brain specimens from patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy, primary EPI‐ECs, and control human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) were used. Expression of GR, pregnane X receptor, CYP3A4, and MDR1 was analyzed pre‐ and post‐GR silencing in EPI‐ECs. Endothelial cells were co‐cultured with astrocytes and seeded in an in vitro flow‐based BBB model (DIV‐BBB). Alternatively, the GR inhibitor mifepristone was added to the EPI‐EC DIV‐BBB. Integrity of the BBB was monitored by measuring transendothelial electrical resistance. Cell viability was assessed by glucose‐lactate levels. Permeability of [3H]sucrose and [14C]phenytoin was quantified. CYP function was determined by measuring resorufin formation and oxcarbazepine (OXC) metabolism.ResultsSilencing and inhibition of GR in EPI‐ECs resulted in decreased pregnane X receptor, CYP3A4, and MDR1 expression. GR silencing or inhibition did not affect BBB properties in vitro, as transendothelial electrical resistance and Psucrose were unaltered, and glucose metabolism was maintained. GR EPI‐EC silencing or inhibition led to (1) increased Pphenytoin BBB permeability as compared to control; (2) decreased CYP function, indirectly evaluated by resorufin formation; (3) improved OXC bioavailability with increased abluminal (brain‐side) OXC levels as compared to control.SignificanceOur results suggest that modulating GR expression in EPI‐ECs at the BBB modifies drug metabolism and penetration by a mechanism encompassing P450 and efflux transporters. The latter could be exploited for future drug design and to overcome pharmacoresistance.
Subcritical fluid extraction ofLycium ruthenicumseeds oil and its antioxidant activity
Authors: Liu Zenggen , Liu Baolong , Kang Hailin , Yue Huilan , Chen Chen , Jiang Lei , Shao Yun 
Published: September 2018

SummaryThe effective, energy‐saving and green subcritical fluid extraction (SFE) technology was applied to obtain the oil fromLycium ruthenicumseeds (LRSO). The optimal conditions of extraction parameters were found using response surface methodology with Box‐Behnken experimental design. The maximum extraction yield of 21.20% was achieved at raw material particle size of 0.60 mm, extraction pressure of 0.63 MPa, temperature of 50 °C and time of 48 min. Other traditional extraction technologies were comparatively used. The physicochemical property ofLRSOwas analysed and the chemical compositions indicated that they were rich in unsaturated fatty acid, β‐carotene, tocopherols and total phenolics. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity ofLRSOwas evaluated by scavenging activity of three kinds of radicals (DPPH·, ·OHand O2‐·) and lipid peroxidationin vitro. And its results showed the oil had the potential to be a novel antioxidant agent for using in the field of food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Hyper IgE syndromes: clinical and molecular characteristics
Authors: Al‐Shaikhly Taha , Ochs Hans D 
Published: September 2018

AbstractHyper IgE syndromes comprise a group of rare primary immunodeficiency disorders characterized by a triad of atopic dermatitis, recurrent skin and lung infections along with elevated IgE levels. Job syndrome or autosomal dominant hyper IgE syndrome because of heterozygous loss‐of‐function mutations with dominant negative effect in signal transducer and activator of transcription‐3 is the prototype of these disorders. However, several other genetically characterized immunodeficiency disorders have been identified over the past decade and joined the umbrella of hyper IgE syndromes including autosomal recessive mutations in the DOCK8, ZNF431 and PGM3 genes and heterozygous mutations with dominant negative effect in the CARD11 gene. Moreover, a number of phenotypically distinct immunodeficiency disorders can mimic hyper IgE syndromes, adding to the diagnostic challenge. Herein, we will concisely review these disorders, their molecular bases, highlighting key distinguishing clinical and laboratory findings and therapeutic options.
A critical narrative approach to openness: The impact of open development on structural transformation
Authors: Bentley Caitlin M. , Chib Arul , Poveda Sammia 
Published: September 2018

AbstractOpenness has become an important, all‐encompassing term denoting activities facilitated by sharing, using, producing, and redistributing information and communication resources within digital information systems. We compare theoretical advancements that emphasize processes and characteristics of openness with the limitations of extant approaches that have largely focused on improvements to productivity and efficiency. Based on Foucault and Bruner's ideas, this paper contributes a new critical narrative approach to understanding openness explicitly focused on structural transformation and power. The analysis focuses on the case of open development, examining 20 key studies based primarily on developing countries. The critical narrative approach unpacked the production of power/knowledge across actors, intentions, and outcomes of openness research and practice. We find that discursive formations are reliant on technocentric and normative ideals of researchers, leading to narratives of hypothetical outcomes that exclude marginalized perspectives. We propose hermeneutic composability and contesting normative narratives of openness as analytical techniques for an integrated, mutually constitutive conception of interactions between individuals, open artefacts, and open social praxis.
Dementia caregiver interventions in Chinese people: A systematic review
Authors: Wu Bei , Petrovsky Darina V. , Wang Jing , Xu Hanzhang , Zhu Zheng , McConnell Eleanor S. , Corrazzini Kirsten N. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAimsThe aim of this systematic review was to examine the characteristics and the efficacy of dementia caregiving interventions among the Chinese population.BackgroundIn recent years, an increasing number of dementia caregiving interventions have been developed for Chinese older adults living in Asia that aim to reduce caregivers’ burden, depression and distress, and enhance quality of life. Little is known, however, on the nature and the efficacy of these interventions.DesignSystematic review with narrative summary.Data sourcesWe searched four databases for studies published in English between 1 January 1994–30 December 2017. Nineteen studies reported in 23 articles were included in the final analysis.Review methodsWe used a set of criteria from the Cochrane Collaboration tool to assess for the risk of bias across studies.ResultsWe found that interventions varied in length, frequency, approach, and content, making comparisons across studies challenging. Caregivers’ burden, depression, and distress were improved among most included studies. All studies that examined quality of life of caregivers (N = 6) showed improvement. Most of the interventions showed beneficial effects on care recipients’ behavioural symptoms, agitation, and depression; cognitive function, however, failed to improve.ConclusionAlthough the review found mixed results on intervention outcomes, the majority of interventions showed a potential to improve the health and well‐being of dementia caregivers and care recipients. This review provides suggestions for future dementia caregiving research in the Chinese population, such as inclusion of relevant theoretical frameworks and more rigorous research designs.
An open label discontinuation trial of long‐term used off‐label antipsychotic drugs in people with intellectual disability: The influence of staff‐related factors
Authors: de Kuijper Gerda M. , Hoekstra Pieter J. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundResults of discontinuation of antipsychotics in people with intellectual disability are variable and may depend on staff factors.MethodWe attempted to taper off antipsychotics in 14 weeks after which participants were free to restart. We investigated the influence of support professionals’ feelings towards challenging behaviour, their knowledge of psychotropic drugs and clinicians’ judgements of participants’ behavioural functioning on whether or not antipsychotics were completely discontinued after 16, 28 and 40 weeks.ResultsOf the 129 participants, 61% achieved discontinuation at 16 weeks; at 28 and 40 weeks, 46% and 40% were completely discontinued. Staff's feelings of Depression/Anger towards their client's behaviour, less knowledge about psychotropic medication and clinicians’ judgements of behavioural worsening were negatively associated with achievement of discontinuation.ConclusionsTo enhance discontinuation off‐label drug use, staff's feelings should be explored, their knowledge of psychotropic drugs improved and reasons for clinicians’ judgements of participants’ behavioural worsening investigated.
Integration of computer vision and colorimetric sensor array for nondestructive detection of mango quality
Authors: Huang Xingyi , Lv Riqin , Wang Sun , Aheto Joshua H. , Dai Chunxia 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA method of digital image and odor information processing has been proposed by integrating computer vision and colorimetric sensor array (CSA) for rapid and accurate evaluation of mango quality. Wholesome mango fruits, about 70–80% maturity were procured and stored in a constant temperature‐humidity chamber, 12 ± 0.5°C and 85–90%, respectively. Hardness and Total Soluble Solid (TSS) of the mango samples were measured by both conventional techniques and new nondestructive method developed combing computer vision and CSA. All data were analyzed using principal component analysis to reduce dimensionality. Support vector classification (SVC) models were established for qualitative discrimination of mango quality. Moreover, support vector regression (SVR) was applied to indicate the relationship between results got from nondestructive methods and conventional methods. SVC model was used to classify mango samples into three grades, the accuracy rates were 98.75 and 97.5% for the training and prediction sets, respectively. The SVR correlation coefficients for hardness were 0.9051 and 0.8897 for the training and prediction sets, respectively, and 0.9515 and 0.9241 for training set and prediction sets, respectively, in respect of TSS. Results showed that it is feasible to predict hardness and TSS of mango by the combination of computer vision and CSA.Practical applicationsMango (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the world's famous tropical fruits and enjoys the reputation of “tropical fruit king.” Mango is considered a climacteric fruit because during ripening it displays a surge of respiration and ethylene production which tends to hasten the ripening process. To keep the mango fruit fresh, it is very important to monitor the quality during transportation and storage. In this study, an innovative approach was developed, in which computer vision and colorimetric sensor array (CSA) were employed simultaneously to get more accurate result. This method simplified detection steps and shorten the detection time. The results showed that the integration of computer vision and CSA could serve as a rapid nondestructive testing method for mango quality detection. The method can be applied for rapid detection of mango products by both government department and food company.
Dielectric properties of raw milk as influenced by frequency, salts, and salt contents
Authors: Zhu Xinhua , Liu Qiang , Guo Wenchuan 
Published: September 2018

AbstractTo understand the effect of salts and salt contents on dielectric properties (dielectric constant ε′ and dielectric loss factor ε″) of milk, dielectric properties of raw cow's milk samples at the total salt content (in mass) of 0.75–0.87%, 0.75–0.93%, and 0.75–0.90% by adding NaCl, MgCl2, and KCl, respectively, were obtained from 19 to 3,000 MHz at 25 °C using an impedance analyzer. The results showed that ε′ decreased with increasing frequency, and ε″ changed with “V” shape and had minimums at about 1,500 MHz. At a given frequency and the same salt addition level in molar, the milk added with NaCl and MgCl2 had the smallest and the biggest ε″, respectively. At about 40 MHz, ε′ had a very good positive linear relationship with the total salt content of milk, whose coefficients of determination were 0.96, 0.98, and 0.95 for NaCl, MgCl2, and KCl, respectively. ε″ increased linearly with increasing total salt contents with the coefficients of determination higher than 0.99 below about 900 MHz and higher than 0.86 above 900 MHz no matter for which salt.Practical applicationsThis work shows that there were linear relationships between dielectric properties and total salt contents. The study is helpful to understand the influence of salts and salt content on dielectric properties of raw cow's milk, and it offers useful information for developing portable salt detector based on dielectric properties in the future.
Oral nutrition support interventions for patients who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition: a survey of clinical practice amongst UK dietitians
Authors: Gibbs M. , Drey N. , Baldwin C. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundGuidance on choosing oral nutritional support strategies varies and the evidence for different approaches is discordant. The present study aimed to examine opinion and practice in the use of oral nutritional support amongst UK dietitians and to assess the factors that influence these clinical decisions.MethodsThe study comprised a cross‐sectional, anonymous, national survey of UK dietitians.ResultsThere were 207 completed responses (3% response rate). More dietitians reported using combined approaches (COMB) [n = 129 (62%)] over food‐based (FB) strategies [n = 70 (34%)] or oral nutritional supplements (ONS) alone [n = 8 (4%)] (N = 207, P < 0.001). Intervention choice was associated with clinical setting and clinical speciality; community dietitians reported more frequent use of FB or ONS alone [n = 48 (59%)] versus COMB [n = 34 (41%)] compared to acute dietitians [COMB: n = 83 (78%) COMB versus FB or ONS alone: n = 24 (22%)] (N = 207, P < 0.0001). Specialist nutrition support dietitians reported more frequent use of FB or ONS alone [n = 22 (54%)] versus COMB [n = 19 (46%)] compared to nonspecialists [FB or ONS alone: n = 17 (45%) versus COMB: n = 21 (55%)] and other specialist dietitians [FB or ONS: n = 39 (30%) alone versus COMB: n = 89 (70%)] (P = 0.017). The greatest influences on choice were ease of implementation [n = 192 (93%)], departmental protocols [n = 184 (89%)], professional management pathways [n = 179 (87%)] and published research [n = 165 (80%)]. Patient circumstances [n = 117 (57%) and n = 99 (48%)] and ease of implementation [n = 35 (17%) and n = 48 (24%)] were reported as most influential in the first and second case scenarios, respectively.ConclusionsThere is a need for further research on approaches to the dietetic management of adult malnutrition.
Farmer knowledge across the commodification spectrum: Rice, cotton, and vegetables in Telangana, India
Authors: Flachs Andrew , Stone Glenn Davis 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCrop seeds are a factor of production that can be produced on farm or bought, commodified in varying ways and degrees, and that can change slowly or rapidly—all of which directly impact the crucial process of farmer “skilling.” Seed choices also offer a unique empirical window through which farmer knowledge may be studied. Although other studies have examined the differences between cash and food crops, this research provides new insights into varyingly commodified crops within the same agrarian system. When planting rice, genetically modified hybrid cotton seeds, and garden vegetables, farmers in Telangana, India, face different constraints and opportunities to learn about their seeds and practice that knowledge in the field. These differences arise from agronomic properties of the seeds themselves as well as from the sociocultural meaning that structures the context in which farmers buy, grow, and save them. This measurable discrepancy in farmer knowledge and experience presents an opportunity to examine the variable impact of seed commodification as it is experienced by the same group of farmers across several different crops. Building on theories of commodification and agricultural knowledge, we propose that the different ways in which farmer knowledge operates in these crops reflect a spectrum on which knowledge and commodification are inversely related.
The challenge of pain assessment in children with cognitive disabilities: Features and clinical applicability of different observational tools
Authors: Cascella Marco , Bimonte Sabrina , Saettini Francesco , Muzio Maria Rosaria 
Published: September 2018

AbstractChildren with cognitive disabilities are at greater risk of experiencing pain. It has been shown that this paediatric population often receive inadequate pain management. Pain may be very difficult to assess, especially in a defined subgroup with non‐communicating intellectual disability or severe cognitive disability. Accordingly, several observational pain assessment tools have been proposed to overcome this issue. Due to the absence of an ideal measurement tool, accurate pain assessment requires, after a case‐by‐case analysis, selecting the more appropriate tool or a variety of combined instruments. The aim of this work is to provide a comprehensive review of the pain assessment tools commonly used in cognitively impaired children. Critical discussion on features and clinical applicability may suggest how to overcome this difficult challenge. Furthermore, this review will help further research aiming to design new instruments and to improve already‐in‐use tools.
Thymol in the intestinal tract of broiler chickens after sustained administration of thyme essential oil in feed
Authors: Oceľová Vladimíra , Chizzola Remigius , Battelli Giovanna , Pisarcikova Jana , Faix Stefan , Gai Francesco , Placha Iveta 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPlant compounds occurring in phytogenic feed additives are involved in different pharmacological activities in the animal organism. Since the digestive tract acts as a first line of defence against foreign compounds, it is necessary to outline its response to dietary supplementation with bioactive plant components. Little information is available on the bioactivity of thymol as the main bioactive compound of Thymus vulgaris L. essential oil (TEO). The main objective of the present study was to provide a detailed view of the concentrations of thymol in plasma and the content of individual intestinal segments (duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum and colon) of broiler chickens after 4 weeks of dietary supplementation with different TEO concentrations. 32 one‐day old Ross 308 hybrid broilers were randomly divided into four dietary treatment groups (0.00%, 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1% w/w of TEO in the diet). Thymol concentrations in the duodenal chyme presented around 7% on average from the thymol amount administered in the feed. A significantly increased thymol amount was observed after 0.1% TEO addition to the diet compared with 0.01% TEO enrichment in the duodenal wall and gut content of jejunum, ileum, caecum and colon (p < 0.05). Thymol levels in the colon were significantly higher than in the ileum and about 1.7 times higher on average than those in the caecum. Significant coefficient of correlation was observed between thymol concentrations in plasma and feed, gut content of all intestinal segments as well as duodenal wall. Our results point to intensive thymol absorption in the initial sections of the digestive tract. In the current study, the role of intestine in biotransformation of thymol was observed, and it would be desirable to investigate whether thymol itself or thymol metabolites are responsible for beneficial effects in intestine.
Factors influencing diet barriers among outpatients with poorly‐controlled type 2 diabetes: A descriptive correlational study
Authors: Cheng Ling Jie , Wu Vivien Xi , Dawkes Susan , Lim Suan Tee , Wang Wenru 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe aim of the present descriptive correlational study was to investigate diet barriers and their influencing factors among outpatients with poorly‐controlled type 2 diabetes in Singapore. One hundred and ten patients with poorly‐controlled type 2 diabetes were recruited from a tertiary hospital in Singapore. The Personal Diabetes Questionnaire and Appraisal of Diabetes Scale were used to measure the study variables. Our participants reported that the most common diet barriers were eating out, followed by food cravings. Eating problems and negative diabetes appraisal were identified as significant predictors of diet barriers. The findings laid the groundwork with preliminary findings for the development of culturally‐tailored and patient‐centered education programs to enhance eating behaviors and promote positive appraisal.
Overlapping vitamin A interventions in the United States, Guatemala, Zambia, and South Africa: case studies
Authors: Tanumihardjo Sherry A. , Kaliwile Chisela , Boy Erick , Dhansay Muhammad A. , van Stuijvenberg Martha E. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractVitamin A (VA) deficiency is a serious public health problem, especially in preschool children who are at risk of increased mortality. In order to address this problem, the World Health Organization recommends periodic high‐dose supplementation to children 6–59 months of age in areas of highest risk. Originally, supplementation was meant as a short‐term solution until more sustainable interventions could be adopted. Currently, many countries are fortifying commercialized common staple and snack foods with retinyl palmitate. However, in some countries, overlapping programs may lead to excessive intakes. Our review uses case studies in the United States, Guatemala, Zambia, and South Africa to illustrate the potential for excessive intakes in some groups. For example, direct liver analysis from 27 U.S. adult cadavers revealed 33% prevalence of hypervitaminosis A (defined as ≥1 μmol/g liver). In 133 Zambian children, 59% were diagnosed with hypervitaminosis A using a retinol isotope dilution, and 16% had ≥5% total serum VA as retinyl esters, a measure of intoxication. In 40 South African children who frequently consumed liver, 72.5% had ≥5% total serum VA as retinyl esters. All four countries have mandatory fortified foods and a high percentage of supplement users or targeted supplementation to preschool children.