bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple mechanisms of dimethyl fumarate in amyloid β‐induced neurotoxicity in human neuronal cells
Authors: Campolo Michela , Casili Giovanna , Lanza Marika , Filippone Alessia , Paterniti Irene , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Esposito Emanuela 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAlzheimer disease (AD) is characterized by a complex heterogeneity of pathological changes, and any therapeutic approach categorically requires a multi‐targeted way. It has been demonstrated that together with the hallmarks of the disease such as neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques, oxidative and inflammatory stress covered an important role. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an orally bioavailable methyl ester of fumaric acid and activator of Nrf2 with potential neuroprotective and immunomodulating activities. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of DMF, compared with its active metabolite monomethyl fumarate (MMF) (both at 30 μM) in an in vitro Alzheimer's model using SH‐SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell lines stimulated with amyloid‐beta (Aβ). Moreover, the effect of DMF, compared with MMF, was evaluate by an ex vivo model using organotypic hippocampal slice cultures stimulated with Aβ1‐42 (1 μg/ml), to better understand its action in a pathological setting. In both models, DMF pre‐treatment (30 μM) preserved cellular viability from Aβ stimulation, reducing tau hyper‐phosphorylation, much more efficiently then MMF (30 μM). Moreover, DMF was able to induce an activation of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and heme‐oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), decreasing the severity of oxidative stress. Our results showed important multi‐protective effects of DMF pre‐treatment from Aβ stimulation both in in vitro and ex vivo models, highlighting an Nrf2/NF‐κB‐dependent mechanism, which could provide a valuable support to the therapies for neurodegenerative diseases today.
Endocannabinoid‐related compounds in gastrointestinal diseases
Authors: Pesce Marcella , D'Alessandro Alessandra , Borrelli Osvaldo , Gigli Stefano , Seguella Luisa , Cuomo Rosario , Esposito Giuseppe , Sarnelli Giovanni 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an endogenous signalling pathway involved in the control of several gastrointestinal (GI) functions at both peripheral and central levels. In recent years, it has become apparent that the ECS is pivotal in the regulation of GI motility, secretion and sensitivity, but endocannabinoids (ECs) are also involved in the regulation of intestinal inflammation and mucosal barrier permeability, suggesting their role in the pathophysiology of both functional and organic GI disorders. Genetic studies in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease have indeed shown significant associations with polymorphisms or mutation in genes encoding for cannabinoid receptor or enzyme responsible for their catabolism, respectively. Furthermore, ongoing clinical trials are testing EC agonists/antagonists in the achievement of symptomatic relief from a number of GI symptoms. Despite this evidence, there is a lack of supportive RCTs and relevant data in human beings, and hence, the possible therapeutic application of these compounds is raising ethical, political and economic concerns. More recently, the identification of several EC‐like compounds able to modulate ECS function without the typical central side effects of cannabino‐mimetics has paved the way for emerging peripherally acting drugs. This review summarizes the possible mechanisms linking the ECS to GI disorders and describes the most recent advances in the manipulation of the ECS in the treatment of GI diseases.
Managing acne in the Middle East: consensus recommendations
Authors: Gollnick H. , Abanmi A.A. , Al‐Enezi M. , Al Hammadi A. , Galadari I. , Kibbi A.‐G. , Zimmo S. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAcne has been estimated to affect the majority of people at some point in their life and is common in Middle Eastern countries. While acne is frequently perceived to be a self‐limited disease of adolescence, there is an increasing population of adults with acne. Information about the management of acne in the Middle East is somewhat sparse; however, several studies have recently been conducted and will be discussed in this supplement.
Psychometric validation of a new measurement instrument for time‐oriented patient information in electronic medical records: A questionnaire survey of physicians
Authors: Shibuya Akiko , Misawa Jimpei , Maeda Yukihiro , Ichikawa Rie , Kamata Michiyo , Inoue Ryusuke , Morimoto Tetsuji , Nakayama Masaharu , Hishiki Teruyoshi , Kondo Yoshiaki 
Published: October 2017

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesTime is an important element in medical data. Physicians record and store information about patients' disease progress and treatment response in electronic medical records (EMRs). Because EMRs use timestamps, physicians can identify patterns over time regarding a patient's disease and treatment (eg, laboratory values and medications). However, analyses of physicians' use and satisfaction with EMRs have focused on functionality, storage, and system operation rather than the use of time‐oriented information. This study aimed to understand physicians' needs regarding time‐oriented patient information in EMRs in clinical practice.MethodsThe reliability and validity of the items in the questionnaire were evaluated in 87 physicians at a national university hospital. Internal consistency was satisfactory (Cronbach alpha coefficient, 0.87).ResultsFour dimensions were identified in exploratory factor analysis. Correlations between the 4 dimensions supported the construct validity of the items. Scores of time‐oriented patients' medical history in the 4 dimensions showed a significant association with physician age. Based on confirmatory factor analysis, associations were significant and positive (P < .001). In terms of the needs of physicians regarding time‐oriented patient information in EMRs, both time‐oriented treatment results followed by time‐oriented team information had significant positive associations.ConclusionOur study suggests that 4 specific time‐oriented patient information factors in EMRs are needed by physicians. Exploring physicians' needs regarding patient‐specific time‐oriented information may provide a better understanding of the barriers facing the adoption and use of EMRs (eg, decision‐making and practice safety concerns) and lead to better acceptance of EMRs in physicians' clinical practices.
Waist‐to‐calf circumstance ratio is an independent predictor of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Choe Eun Yeong , Lee Yong‐ho , Choi Young Ju , Huh Byung Wook , Lee Byung‐Wan , Kim Soo‐Kyung , Kang Eun Seok , Cha Bong‐Soo , Lee Eun Jig , Huh Kap Bum , Younossi Zobair M 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackground and AimAlthough a combination of central obesity and decreased skeletal muscle mass has been associated with various cardiometabolic disorders, its influence on the presence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is unclear. We investigated whether waist‐to‐calf circumference ratio (WCR) predicts NAFLD or hepatic fibrosis in T2D.MethodsPatients with T2D (n = 5507) were enrolled in this study. Hepatic steatosis was diagnosed using abdominal ultrasound and predicting score. NAFLD was defined as ‘hepatic steatosis absent other causes of chronic liver disease,’ such as virus or alcoholism. Degree of hepatic fibrosis was calculated using non‐invasive serum biomarker‐based models. Insulin resistance was assessed by short insulin tolerance test.ResultsThe prevalence of NAFLD and obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, Asian definition) were 46.4% and 38.9%, respectively. NAFLD prevalence was higher with increasing WCR tertiles: lowest tertile (36% in men, 28% in women) versus highest tertile (53.8% in men, 58.2% in women, both P < 0.001 after stratification by insulin resistance status. Increasing WCR tertiles were independently associated with presence of NAFLD: odds ratio (OR) = 1.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.22–1.68 and OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.31–1.86, in the middle and highest tertiles, respectively. Furthermore, patients with NAFLD and the highest WCR tertile had significant fibrosis (OR = 8.62, 95% CI = 1.39–53.36, P = 0.021). Also, WCR was correlated with risk of sarcopenia (OR = 3.18, 95% CI = 2.50–4.05, P < 0.001, highest tertile).ConclusionsHigher WCR is associated with increased risk of NAFLD and hepatic fibrosis independent of insulin resistance. This suggests that WCR may be a useful index to predict high risk of hepatic steatosis in T2D.
Japanese Outreach Model Project for patients who have difficulty maintaining contact with mental health services: Comparison of care between higher‐functioning and lower‐functioning groups
Authors: Tsunoda Aki , Kido Yoshifumi , Kayama Mami 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimThe Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare sponsored the current examination of a new community mental health service, the Japan Outreach Model Project (JOMP), for persons with mental illnesses and who find it difficult to continue with ongoing treatment. Shorter readmission rates and hospital stays were found. In this study, the amount and type of care that were delivered by the JOMP were examined in order to inform the process of establishing the public insurance system.MethodsThe data were collected from 32 JOMP outreach teams from 21 prefectures in Japan that agreed to participate; 415 patients were included in the analysis. The clients’ characteristics, social functions, problematic behavior score, and the amount and type of care that were delivered were examined.ResultsHigher amounts of care were delivered in the first month, compared to the remaining months, and the care was relatively stable from months 2–5. This suggests that consistently high care was needed for the JOMP clients who found it difficult to maintain contact with mental health services. Those clients with an increased overall global assessment functioning score at 6 months (n = 151) had received significantly more care than those whose functioning had decreased or remained stable (n = 150). The types of increased care that were provided to the higher functioning group were: “assistance with daily living tasks,” “medical support for psychiatric symptoms,” “empowering the client,” “communication and coordination,” “support for physical health,” and “vocational and educational support.”ConclusionThe type and amount of care can positively influence good functional outcomes for those in the community who find it difficult to maintain contact with mental health services.
High‐pressure metamorphic evolution of eclogite and associated metapelite from the Chuacús complex (Guatemala Suture Zone): Constraints from phase equilibria modelling coupled with Lu‐Hf and U‐Pb geochronology
Authors: Maldonado Roberto , Weber Bodo , Ortega‐Gutiérrez Fernando , Solari Luigi A. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAs is common in suture zones, widespread high‐pressure rocks in the Caribbean region reached eclogite facies conditions close to ultrahigh‐pressure metamorphism. Besides eclogite lenses, abundant metapelitic rocks in the Chuacús complex (Guatemala Suture Zone) also preserve evidence for high‐pressure metamorphism. A comprehensive petrological and geochronological study was undertaken to constrain the tectonometamorphic evolution of eclogite and associated metapelite from this area in central Guatemala. The integration of field and petrological data allows the reconstruction of a previously unknown segment of the progradeP–Tpath and shows that these contrasting rock types share a common high‐pressure evolution. An early stage of high‐pressure/low‐temperature metamorphism at 18–20 kbar and 530–580°C is indicated by garnet core compositions as well as the nature and composition of mineral inclusions in garnet, including kyanite–jadeite–paragonite in an eclogite, and chloritoid–paragonite–rutile in a pelitic schist. Peak high‐pressure conditions are constrained at 23–25 kbar and 620–690°C by combining mineral assemblages, isopleth thermobarometry and Zr‐in‐rutile thermometry. A garnet/whole‐rock Lu‐Hf date of 101.8 ± 3.1 Ma in the kyanite‐bearing eclogite indicates the timing of final garnet growth at eclogite facies conditions, while a Lu‐Hf date of 95.5 ± 2.1 Ma in the pelitic schist reflects the average age of garnet growth spanning from an early eclogite facies evolution to a final amphibolite facies stage. Concordant U‐PbLA‐ICP‐MSzircon data from the pelitic schist, in contrast, yield a mean age of 74.0 ± 0.5 Ma, which is equivalent to a U‐Pb monazite lower‐intercept age of 73.6 ± 2.0 Ma in the same sample, and comparable within errors with a less precise U‐Pb lower‐intercept age of 80 ± 13 Ma obtained in post‐eclogitic titanite from the kyanite‐bearing eclogite. These U‐Pb metamorphic ages are interpreted as dating an amphibolite facies overprint. Protolith U‐Pb zircon ages of 167.1 ± 4.2 Ma and 424.6 ± 5.0 Ma from two eclogite samples reveal that mafic precursors in the Chuacús complex originated in multiple tectonotemporal settings from the Silurian to Jurassic. The integration of petrological and geochronological data suggests that subduction of the continental margin of the North American plate (Chuacús complex) beneath the Greater Antilles arc occurred during an Albian‐Cenomanian pre‐collisional stage, and that a subsequent Campanian collisional stage is probably responsible of the amphibolite facies overprint and late syncollisional exhumation.
EBSD investigation of Al/(Al13Fe4+Al2O3) nanocomposites fabricated by mechanical milling and friction stir processing
Authors: AZIMI‐ROEEN GHASEM , KASHANI‐BOZORG SEYED FARSHID , NOSKO MARTIN , OROVCIK LUBOMIR 
Published: October 2017

SummaryThe application of ball‐milling for reactant powders (Fe2O3+Al) to form in situ nanosized reaction products in the stir zone of 1050 aluminium alloy was examined and the evolution of microstructure, grain boundaries and microtexture of the fabricated Al/(Al13Fe4+Al2O3) nanocomposite was investigated. The mean matrix grain size of the fabricated nanocomposites by the combination of ball milling and friction stir processing were found to be ∼3.2, 3.1 and 2.1 μm for 1, 2 and 3 h milled powder mixtures, respectively. The fraction of high‐angle grain boundaries increased markedly in the stir zone indicating the occurrence of dynamic restoration of the aluminium matrix. This was also associated with increasing of the fraction of low ∑CSL boundaries. In addition, the fraction of high‐angle grain boundaries increased as the reaction product increased. The developed textures were compared with the most important deformation and recrystallisation texture components of cubic close packed structure. Some of the main texture components formed due to the restoration of aluminium in the stir zone of the material with no powder addition were CubeND {001}<310>, BR {236}<385> and R (or retained S{123} <634>); these are usually found in the rolled materials. However, the presence of nanosized reaction products in the fabricated nanocomposite changed the texture components to the dominant Goss {011}<100>, P {011}<122> and R{124}<211> textures.
Persistence of STAT-1 inhibition and induction of cytokine resistance in pancreatic β cells treated with St John's wort and its component hyperforin
Authors: Novelli Michela , Beffy Pascale , Gregorelli Alex , Porozov Svetlana , Mascia Fabrizio , Vantaggiato Chiara , Masiello Pellegrino , Menegazzi Marta 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Objectives
St John's wort extract (SJW) and its component hyperforin (HPF) were shown to potently inhibit cytokine-induced STAT-1 and NF-κB activation in pancreatic β cells and protect them against injury. This study aimed at exploring the time course of STAT-1 inhibition afforded by these natural compounds in the β-cell line INS-1E.

Methods
INS-1E cells were pre-incubated with SJW extract (2–5 μg/ml) or HPF (0.5–2 μm) and then exposed to a cytokine mixture. In some experiments, these compounds were added after or removed before cytokine exposure. STAT-1 activation was assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, apoptosis by caspase-3 activity assay, mRNA gene expression by RT-qPCR.

Key findings
Pre-incubation with SJW/HPF for 1–2 h exerted a remarkable STAT-1 downregulation, which was maintained upon removal of the compounds before early or delayed cytokine addition. When the protective compounds were added after cell exposure to cytokines, between 15 and 90 min, STAT-1 inhibition also occurred at a progressively decreasing extent. Upon 24-h incubation, SJW and HPF counteracted cytokine-induced β-cell dysfunction, apoptosis and target gene expression.

Conclusions
SJW and HPF confer to β cells a state of ‘cytokine resistance’, which can be elicited both before and after cytokine exposure and safeguards these cells from deleterious cytokine effects.
Association of single‐nucleotide polymorphism of melanocortin gene with feed intake in rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: El‐Sabrout K. , Soliman F. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryThe aim of the study was to investigate the association of two parts of melanocortin gene (MC4R‐1, MC4R‐2) and feed intake for V‐line rabbits. V‐line rabbits were grouped into high and low daily feed intake during the period from 30 to 63 days of age in order to identify MC4R SNPs useful for association study with feed intake. DNA from blood samples of each group was extracted to amplify the MC4R gene. The purified PCR products were sequenced in those had the highest and lowest feed intake. Alignment of sequence data from each group revealed that there is a variation detected in MC4R‐1 at nucleotide 35 (T‐G) (sense mutation) and another variation was detected in MC4R‐2 gene at nucleotide 19 (T‐C) (sense mutation) for high feed intake rabbits. These sense mutations lead to transform some amino acids and cause a significant change of the MC4R function. The results of average daily feed intake (ADFI) indicated that group (1) had significantly higher feed intake than group (2) of V‐line rabbits. The detected mutations and the analysis of daily feed intake means revealed a significant association between MC4R polymorphism and feed intake in rabbits.
Evaluation of haematological, serum biochemical and histopathological parameters of growing rabbits fed Amaranthus dubius
Authors: Molina E. , González‐Redondo P. , Moreno‐Rojas R. , Montero‐Quintero K. , Chirinos‐Quintero N. , Sánchez‐Urdaneta A. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryAmaranthus dubius is an alternative source of fibre and protein for the feed formulation for growing rabbits, although its effects on their health status are yet unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of three dietary levels (0, 160 and 320 g/kg) of A. dubius on haematological, serum biochemical and histopathological parameters of fattening rabbits. One hundred and thirteen New Zealand White rabbits were fed ad libitum from weaning (35 days) to slaughter (87 days). The health status of the animals was monitored, and mortality was recorded. Before slaughtering, 30 rabbits were randomly selected for haematological and serum biochemical analysis. During slaughter, 18 rabbits were randomly selected for histopathological study in heart, liver, lung and small intestine. The health status of rabbits was good, with no differences among treatments in mortality. Diet and sex did not affect the values of most haematological and serum biochemical parameters. Fibrinogen, glucose and high‐density lipoprotein values increased significantly from 0 to 320 g/kg A. dubius diets. The white blood cell count and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase values decreased significantly from 0 to 320 g/kg A. dubius diets. The organs showed histologically well‐structured tissues. However, in all experimental groups several samples with lesions were observed, always highly focalized in small tissue areas. The main lesions observed, probably related to conditions of thermal stress affecting the rabbits, were cholesterolosis (heart), steatosis (liver), inflammatory lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate (lung) and chronic inflammatory tissue damage (small intestine). In conclusion, the inclusion of up to 320 g/kg A. dubius in diet did not jeopardize the health status of growing rabbits. Therefore, A. dubius can become an alternative raw material for the formulation of feeds in tropical and subtropical countries where this plant is widespread.
Effect of dietary supplementation of organic zinc on laying performance, egg quality and some biochemical parameters of laying hens
Authors: Abd El‐Hack M. E. , Alagawany M. , Amer S. A. , Arif M. , Wahdan K. M. M. , El‐Kholy M. S. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryThis study was conducted to evaluate the effects of zinc methionine (Zn‐Met) supplementation on the performance, egg quality, antioxidant status and some biochemical parameters of blood serum in laying hens from 22 to 34 weeks of age. A total of 120 Hisex Brown laying hens of 22‐week‐old were randomly allocated into five treatments with six cage replicates for each (four hens/replicate). Dietary treatments consisted of the basal diet with no Zn‐Met supplementation (control group) and basal diet supplemented with 25, 50, 75 or 100 mg Zn‐Met/kg diet. No significant differences were observed on body weight, body weight gain or feed conversion ratio due to dietary Zn‐Met supplementation. However, highly significant impact was observed on daily feed intake. Egg number, egg weight and egg mass were increased in the group fed diet supplemented with the highest level of Zn‐Met (100 mg/kg of diet) as compared to other groups. All egg quality traits were statistically (p > .05 or .01) affected as a response to dietary Zn‐Met supplementation except egg shape index, shell percentage and yolk index. In comparison with the control group, dietary supplementation of 25, 50, 75 or 100 mg Zn‐Met/kg decreased serum triglyceride and LDL‐cholesterol levels. Serum cholesterol level was increased with all dietary levels of Zn‐Met in comparison with the control group. Dietary Zn‐Met supplementation increased the serum content of zinc, where the highest values were recorded with 50 and 100 mg Zn‐Met/kg diet. Dietary Zn‐Met levels did not affect the antioxidant indices in blood serum except for the activity of copper–zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu‐Zn‐SOD). The activity of Cu‐Zn‐SOD was increased with Zn‐Met supplementations with no differences among supplemental zinc levels. It is concluded that dietary Zn‐Met supplementation reduced serum triglyceride, LDL‐cholesterol and increased Zn status and resulted in promoting antioxidant ability of laying hens, and the addition of 100 mg Zn‐Met/kg to layer diet was appropriate for improving the above parameters in addition to egg production indices and Haugh unit score.