bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A20 deficiency leads to angiogenesis of pulmonary artery endothelial cells through stronger NF‐κB activation under hypoxia
Authors: Li Jing , Zhang Linlin , Zhang Yueming , Liu Ying , Zhang Hongyue , Wei Liuping , Shen Tingting , Jiang Chun , Zhu Daling 
Published: March 2016

AbstractA20 is a zinc finger protein associated with hypoxia. As chronic hypoxia is responsible for intimal hyperplasia and disordered angiogenesis of pulmonary artery, which are histological hallmarks of pulmonary artery hypertension, we intended to explore the role of A20 in angiogenesis of pulmonary artery endothelial cells (ECs). Here, we found a transient elevation of A20 expression in the lung tissues from hypoxic rats compared with normoxic controls. This rapid enhancement was mainly detected in the endothelium, and similar results were reproduced in vitro. During early hypoxia, genetic inhibition of A20 increased proliferation in pulmonary artery ECs, linking to advanced cell cycle progression as well as microtubule polymerization, and aggravated angiogenic effects including tube formation, cell migration and adhesion molecules expression. In addition, a negative feedback loop between nuclear factor‐kappa B and A20 was confirmed. Our findings provide evidence for an adaptive role of A20 against pulmonary artery ECs angiogenesis via nuclear factor‐kappa B activation.
Soft tissue volume alterations after connective tissue grafting at teeth: the subepithelial autologous connective tissue graft versus a porcine collagen matrix – a pre‐clinical volumetric analysis
Authors: Schmitt Christian M. , Matta Ragai E. , Moest Tobias , Humann Julia , Gammel Lisa , Neukam Friedrich W. , Schlegel Karl A. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimThis study evaluates a porcine collagen matrix (CM) for soft tissue thickening in comparison to the subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG).Material and MethodsIn eight beagle dogs, soft tissue thickening was performed at the buccal aspects of the upper canines (SCTG and CM). Impressions were taken before augmentation (i1), after surgery (i2), after one (i3), three (i4) and ten month (i5). Casts were optically scanned with a 3D scanner and each augmented region (unit of analysis) evaluated (primary outcome variable: volume increase in mm3; secondary outcome variables: volume increase in percent, mean and maximum thickness increases in mm).Results3D tissue measurements after surgery revealed a significant higher volume increase in the CM (86.37 mm3 ± 35.16 mm3) than in the SCTG group (47.65 mm3 ± 17.90 mm3). After 10 months, volume increase was non‐significant between groups (SCTG:11.36 mm3 ± 9.26 mm3; CM: 8.67 mm3 ± 13.67 mm3). Maximum soft tissue thickness increase (i1‐i5) was 0.66 mm ± 0.29 mm (SCTG) and 0.79 mm ± 0.37 mm (CM) with no significant difference.ConclusionsTen months after soft tissue thickening, the CM is statistically non‐inferior to the SCTG in terms of soft tissue volume and thickness increase. Further 3D studies are needed to confirm the data.
Carbohydrate‐induced secretion of glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon‐like peptide‐1
Authors: Seino Yusuke , Maekawa Ryuya , Ogata Hidetada , Hayashi Yoshitaka 
Published: March 2016

AbstractGlucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) are the incretin hormones secreted from enteroendocrine K‐cells and L‐cells, respectively, by oral ingestion of various nutrients including glucose. K‐cells, L‐cells and pancreatic β‐cells are glucose‐responsive cells with similar glucose‐sensing machinery including glucokinase and an adenosine triphosphate‐sensitive K+ channel comprising KIR6.2 and sulfonylurea receptor 1. However, the physiological role of the adenosine triphosphate‐sensitive K+ channel in GIP secretion in K‐cells and GLP‐1 secretion in L‐cells is not elucidated. Recently, it was reported that GIP and GLP‐1‐producing cells are present also in pancreatic islets, and islet‐derived GIP and GLP‐1 contribute to glucose‐induced insulin secretion from pancreatic β‐cells. In this short review, we focus on GIP and GLP‐1 secretion by monosaccharides, such as glucose or fructose, and the role of the adenosine triphosphate‐sensitive K+ channel in GIP and GLP‐1 secretion.
Introducing a structured prescription form improves the quality of handwritten prescriptions in limited resource setting of developing countries
Authors: Raza Usman Ahmad , Latif Sana , Naseer Anum , Saad Maryam , Zeeshan Muhammad Fazal , Qazi Umair 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIntroductionIncomplete or illegible prescriptions can lead to serious errors in administration of the prescribed medication, which can become hazardous.ObjectiveOur aim is to determine if a structured prescription form can improve the quality of handwritten prescription in terms of completeness and legibility.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, non‐randomized, time series study of quality of written prescriptions of general practitioners at a tertiary teaching hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan. The study involved an intervention, composed of the introduction of a pre‐printed structured prescription form. The data were collected within 4 weeks including a 2‐week pre‐intervention phase and 2‐week post‐intervention phase. Completeness, quality of prescriptions and legibility were compared before and after the intervention of the pre‐printed structured prescription form.ResultsA total of 463 prescriptions were obtained (260 in the pre‐intervention phase and 203 in the post‐intervention phase). Between pre‐intervention phase and post‐intervention phase, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council registration number presence in prescriptions improved from 73.1% to 100% (P < 0.0005). The presence of prescriber's signature improved from 92.7% to 99% (P = 0.001). Drug duration was not missing in 99.5% in post‐intervention phase as compared with 90.4% in pre‐intervention phase (P < 0.0005). Prescriptions with no legibility problems improved from 76.2% to 94.1% (P < 0.0005). Although not statistically significant, prescriptions in which drug dosage was not missing improved from 85% to 90.6% (P = 0.07).LimitationsWe have a limited single‐center study. A larger study in multiple settings is needed to develop adequate evidence for such interventions. Subjective nature of prescription legibility can also be considered as a limitation.ConclusionStructuring a prescription form alone may improve certain aspects of quality of written prescription in terms of completeness and legibility.
Optical Dental Whitening Efficacy of Blue Covarine Toothpaste in Teeth Stained by Different Colors
Authors: Oliveira Morgana , Fernández Eduardo , Bortolatto Janaína , Oliveira Junior Osmir , Bandeca Matheus , Khajotia Sharukh , Florez Fernando 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectiveEvaluate the immediate and cumulative optical whitening efficacy of a blue covarine toothpaste.Materials and Methods180 bovine tooth specimens with similar shade (ΔE < 3.5) were staining of different beverage: black tea(BT), green tea (GT), red wine (RW), orange soda (OS), and brazilian açai juice (AJ), and then submitted to tooth brushing with a blue covarine toothpaste (Op) or a control abrasive toothpaste (Ab). The whitening effect was evaluated at baseline (B), after staining (S), after 1 day (1D) and 7 days of cumulative use of toothpastes (7D). The color shade chances were assessment by Vita Easyshade reflectance spectroscope and the data of CIELab color coordinates (L*, a*, and b*), color difference (ΔE) and the whiteness index optimized (WIO), were analyzed by two‐way mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures and Bonferroni‐corrected t‐tests (α = 0.05).ResultsThe analysis showed statistically significant differences before and after staining by colored beverages (p < 0.05), but no differences were found due to the action of toothpaste (p > 0.05), in the CIELab coordinates, ΔE and WIO index.ConclusionsThe use of toothpastes (Op or Ab) reduced the dental staining caused by different colored beverage, but the whitening effect of blue covarine toothpaste could not be confirmed (p > 0.05).
Entamoeba Clone‐Recognition Experiments: Morphometrics, Aggregative Behavior, and Cell‐Signaling Characterization
Authors: Espinosa Avelina , Paz‐y‐Miño‐C Guillermo , Hackey Meagan , Rutherford Scott 
Published: March 2016

AbstractStudies on clone‐ and kin‐discrimination in protists have proliferated during the past decade. We report clone‐recognition experiments in seven Entamoeba lineages (E. invadens IP‐1, E. invadens VK‐1:NS, E. terrapinae, E. moshkovskii Laredo, E. moshkovskii Snake, E. histolytica HM‐1:IMSS and E. dispar). First, we characterized morphometrically each clone (length, width, and cell‐surface area) and documented how they differed statistically from one another (as per single‐variable or canonical‐discriminant analyses). Second, we demonstrated that amebas themselves could discriminate self (clone) from different (themselves vs. other clones). In mix‐cell‐line cultures between closely‐related (E. invadens IP‐1 vs. E. invadens VK‐1:NS) or distant‐phylogenetic clones (E. terrapinae vs. E. moshkovskii Laredo), amebas consistently aggregated with same‐clone members. Third, we identified six putative cell‐signals secreted by the amebas (RasGap/Ankyrin, coronin‐WD40, actin, protein kinases, heat shock 70, and ubiquitin) and which known functions in Entamoeba spp. included: cell proliferation, cell adhesion, cell movement, and stress‐induced encystation. To our knowledge, this is the first multi‐clone characterization of Entamoeba spp. morphometrics, aggregative behavior, and cell‐signaling secretion in the context of clone‐recognition. Protists allow us to study cell–cell recognition from ecological and evolutionary perspectives. Modern protistan lineages can be central to studies about the origins and evolution of multicellularity.
Evaluation of Physical‐Chemical, Pharmacodynamic and Pharmacological Attributes of Hot Air Dried and Swell Dried Jujube Powders
Authors: Benahmed Djilali Adiba , Nabiev Mohamed , Gelicus Antony , Benamara Salem , Allaf Karim 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe main objective of this work is to study and compare the functional properties of jujube fruit (Zizyphus jujuba) powders obtained from two different drying processes: hot‐air drying and swell‐drying by combining Instant Controlled Pressure‐Drop (DIC) with conventional air drying process. For this purpose, we performed the convective drying kinetics of pitted whole fruit at an atmospheric pressure of 2 m/s, 85C, and 4% relative humidity. DIC treatment was carried out with 0.35 MPa saturated steam pressure for 15 s after eliminating a water content of 12.5 g H2O/100 g db (dry basis) through the first stage of ambient temperature convection drying. Under these experimental conditions, the effects of drying processes, the type of solvent and powder granulometry were studied. The results showed that swell‐dried compared to hot‐air dried powders had a higher availability of phenolic compounds (20.14 ± 0.07 against 13.28 ± 2.06 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent GAE/g dry basis db) and flavonoids (72.3 ± 7.1 against 17.5 ± 4.7 mg Quercetin Equivalent Querc. E/g db). The presence of several active compounds thanks to DIC texturing was observed in all the granule sizes. The biological activities of swell‐dried jujube flavonoids extracts showed the highest antimicrobial activity. The physical and pharmacological properties of jujube tablets were compared to Fumacur, which is known as an Algerian traditional drug used against anemia. In terms of metals, swell‐dried jujube powder contains a higher concentration of metals than that of Fumacur. This first approach greatly encourages the use of these natural pharmaceutical tablets as a very effective and economical drug to fight certain health problems.Practical ApplicationsThis research highlights the valorization of Zizyphus jujuba and its transformation into powder through swell‐drying process using “Instant controlled pressure drop” DIC as adequate texturing process coupled with conventional airflow drying. This study aims to reach possible industrial applications based on the functional quality of final products. The DIC swell‐drying process makes it possible to obtain a nutritional and functional powder with a high health benefit. A directly simple compression method has been efficient to transform the jujube powder into tablets. Based on the obtained results showing important chemical constituents, their biological activities and pharmacological properties, the swell‐dried jujube powder has exhibited a great potential for their use as pharmaceutical formulations and nutraceutical fields.
Candied Orange Peel Produced in Solutions with Various Sugar Compositions: Sugar Composition and Sorption Properties of the Product
Authors: Witczak Teresa , Witczak Mariusz , Socha Robert , StĘPień Anna , Grzesik Mirosław 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis study investigated the relationships between equilibrium water content and water activity for candied orange peel produced by saturation in sucrose‐based and glucose–fructose syrups, and for native orange peel. Dry matter loss due to candying was found to be the highest for glucose–fructose syrup dehydrated products. The greatest amount of sugars was absorbed by products candied in sucrose syrup. The sorption isotherms of candied orange peel corresponded with type III isotherms, according to Brunauer's et al. classification, whereas the sorption isotherm of native orange peel displayed a sigmoidal shape characteristic for type II isotherm. For products owing the highest sucrose content (above 40%), the sorption isotherms showed a discontinuity in the water activity range of 0.3–0.4. The results demonstrated that the sorption properties of the studied products depend on the levels of individual sugars they contain. Principal component analysis revealed marked differences between candied and native peel and between products candied in sucrose syrup and those prepared in glucose–fructose syrup. Seven most popular models used for describing the sorption process of foods were examined. Among those, the Lewicki model appeared to best describe the experimental data. The Peleg model was well fitted into the data for candied orange peel in the limited range of water activity (up to 0.86).Practical ApplicationsCandied fruits have for centuries enjoyed huge popularity among the consumers. Their properties depend on the sugar composition of hypertonic solutions used during candying process. The present study was aimed to determine the relationship among the sugar composition of hypertonic solutions, and the sugar composition of the product, as well as examining the influence of those solutions on the relationship between equilibrium water content and water activity of candied orange peel. Identifying the sorption model that describes the changes in the product's water content as dependent on water activity in the widest possible range, it can be helpful to predict the quality of the product during storage and extending its shelf‐life, and thus in optimizing and enhancing the quality of the final product.
Replacement of Wheat Flour by Chickpea Flour in Muffin Batter: Effect on Rheological Properties
Authors: Alvarez María Dolores , Herranz Beatriz , Fuentes Raúl , Cuesta Francisco Javier , Canet Wenceslao 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe effect on rheological properties of muffin batter of replacing wheat flour (WF) with chickpea flour (CF) was studied by using viscoelastic and steady‐state shear tests to characterize the physical structure and predict both processing and batter performances. CF was used to replace WF in the batter partially (25, 50, 75% w/w) or totally (100% w/w, i.e., CF‐based gluten‐free muffin batter), and compared with a control made only with wheat (100% WF batter). Viscoelasticity and rebuild time decreased significantly with the increase in the percentage of WF replacement. Gluten‐free muffin batter had the highest viscosity after shearing reflecting a trend toward a dilatant flow behavior associated with higher intermolecular aggregation interactions due to higher protein content. Rheological properties of the batters are dominated by the starch and protein contents present in the formulations. Replacement of WF by CF also increased the number of air bubbles which were smaller.Practical ApplicationsGluten‐free muffins should resemble those made from WF, overcoming problems of quality defects and low nutritional value. Potential for use of CF in gluten‐free muffins is related to its high protein content, playing a healthy and functional role. Formulation of gluten‐reduced and gluten‐free muffins involves studying batter rheology and resulting baked product characteristics. Various CF‐based muffin batters were formulated and rheologically characterized under small and large deformations to attain insights of structural status and mechanical behavior. Higher WF batter viscoelasticity is related to higher starch content, whereas higher CF batter viscosity after shearing correlated well with higher protein content. CF with starch content adjusted to the level of WF could decrease differences in rheological properties of batters. CF helped to incorporate air into the batter, which is essential for achieving appropriate final volume and spongy texture.
Prevalence and Characterization of Multi‐Resistant Staphylococcus SPP. Isolated from Poultry Liver
Authors: Ruzauskas Modestas , Siugzdiniene Rita , Butrimaite‐Ambrozeviciene Ceslova , Zymantiene Judita , KlimienE Irena , Vaskeviciute Lina , Mockeliunas Raimundas , Virgailis Marius 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and to characterize multi‐resistant Staphylococcus spp. in raw poultry liver intended for human consumption. Staphylococcus was isolated from 116 of 120 raw liver samples (96.7%; CI 95% ± 3.2). One hundred and thirty‐six isolates (73.1% CI 95% ±7.93) were resistant to at least one antimicrobial while 30 isolates (25.9% CI 95% ±7.97) were resistant to at least three antimicrobial agents. Nine species of staphylococci were identified among the multi‐resistant isolates. Ten out of 30 multi‐resistant isolates were resistant to methicillin, including four MRSA strains. The most common multi‐resistance combination was toward tetracycline, ciprofloxacin and macrolides/lincosamides. All Staphylococcus isolates from poultry liver remain susceptible to vancomycin, linezolid, daptomycin, rifampin, sulfamethoxazole‐trimethoprim and streptogramins. The most prevalent genes encoding resistance were tetK, tetM (tetracyclines), blaZ, mecA (beta‐lactams), ermB, ermC, msrA (macrolides and lincosamides) and aac(6′)‐Ie‐aph(2″)‐Ia (aminoglycosides).Practical ApplicationsStaphylococcus spp. frequently contaminates raw poultry liver sold in retail markets. Multi‐resistant staphylococci are potential hazard for consumers as they often are resistant to critically important antimicrobials for humans including beta‐lactams (cefalosporins and penicillinase resistant penicillins), macrolides and fluoroquinolones.Hygienic measures in raw food‐production should be strongly enforced. Personal hygiene during marketing is also very important since multi‐resistant bacteria could easily spread among salespersons and consumers. More stringent requirements for sanitary standards in retail markets need to be set, and the existing requirements should be more strongly enforced on a daily basis.
Different precore/core mutations of hepatitis B interact with, limit, or favor liver fibrosis severity
Authors: Ducancelle Alexandra , Pivert Adeline , Bertrais Sandrine , Boursier Jérôme , Balan Viorica , Veillon Pascal , le Guillou‐Guillemette Hélène , Thibault Vincent , Castelain Sandrine , Roquebert Bénédicte , Coste‐Burel Marianne , Mackiewicz Vincent , Schvoerer Evelyne , Larrat Sylvie , Maylin Sarah , Alain Sophie , Loustaud‐Ratti Véronique , Gordien Emmanuel , Gozlan Joël , Brodard Véronique , Chevaliez Stéphane , Calès Paul , Lunel‐Fabiani Françoise 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackground and AimThe impact of basal core promoter (BCP) and precore (PC) mutants of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) on liver disease severity remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to screen BCP and PC mutations in 252 HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) positive carriers in France and to assess relationships between these mutations and severe fibrosis.MethodsDirect sequencing of the precore/core gene was used to detect A1762T/G1764A and G1757A mutations in the BCP and G1896A and G1899A mutations in the PC region.ResultsThe prevalences of A1762T/G1764A, G1757A, G1896A, and G1899A mutations were 34.1%, 38.7%, 54.9%, and 29.3% (P < 0.001), respectively. The independent predictors of severe fibrosis (≥F3 Metavir) were older age (P < 0.001), male gender (P = 0.012), elevated alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.001), and the double A1762T/G1764A mutant with no other mutations (P = 0.011). Interestingly, the association of the G1899A mutation with the double A1762T/G1764A mutant significantly counteracted the deleterious effect of the sole double A1762T/G1764A mutant (odds ratio [OR] = 0.28 vs. OR = 3.55, respectively, P = 0.028).ConclusionsPatients with the A1762T/G1764A mutation have a higher risk of severe fibrosis. The G1899A mutation is a protective factor against severe fibrosis that counteracted the deleterious effect of the A1762T/G1764A mutation. Finally, host phenotypic and HBV genotypic markers independently predict fibrosis severity.
Ritonavir‐boosted danoprevir plus peginterferon alfa‐2a and ribavirin in Asian chronic hepatitis C patients with or without cirrhosis
Authors: Kao Jia‐Horng , Tung Shui‐Yi , Lee Younjae , Thongsawat Satawat , Tanwandee Tawesak , Sheen I.‐Shyan , Wu Jinzi J. , Li Hui , Brennan Barbara J. , Zhou Julian , Le Pogam Sophie , Najera Isabel , Thommes James A. , Hill George 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackground and AimChronic hepatitis C is an important public health problem in Asia. We evaluated the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of fixed‐dose ritonavir‐boosted danoprevir plus peginterferon alfa‐2a/ribavirin in treatment‐naive Asian patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (G)1 infection.MethodsTreatment‐naive G1 patients in Taiwan, Thailand, and Korea with serum HCV‐RNA level ≥ 105 IU/mL received ritonavir‐boosted danoprevir 125/100 mg twice daily plus peginterferon alfa‐2a/ribavirin for either 12 (noncirrhotic patients: Arm A, n = 34) or 24 weeks (cirrhotic patients: Arm B, n = 27) in this phase II open‐label study. Sustained virologic response was defined as HCV‐RNA < 25 IU/mL 12 weeks after end of treatment (SVR12).ResultsSimilar SVR12 rates were achieved in Arms A (88.2%; 95% confidence interval, 73.4–95.3%) and B (88.9%; 71.9–96.2%). Most patients had G1b infection, among whom SVR12 rates in Arms A and B were 96.7% and 91.7%, respectively. The overall SVR12 rate was 94.0% in noncirrhotic Taiwanese patients (100% in the subset of G1b patients). No patients withdrew for safety reasons. Three (11%) cirrhotic patients (Arm B) experienced serious adverse events, none of which was considered to be related to treatment. No Grade 3/4 alanine aminotransferase elevations were reported. The pharmacokinetic properties of danoprevir were broadly overlapping in noncirrhotic and cirrhotic patients both on Days 1 and 14.ConclusionsRitonavir‐boosted danoprevir plus peginterferon alfa‐2a/ribavirin produced sustained virologic response rates > 90% after 12 weeks' treatment in noncirrhotic and 24 weeks' treatment in cirrhotic Asian patients with G1b infection and was well tolerated. These regimens are well suited to countries where G1b predominates.