bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The APEX trial: Effects of allopurinol on exercise capacity, coronary and peripheral endothelial function, and natriuretic peptides in patients with cardiac syndrome X
Authors: Lim Tiong Keng , Noman Awson , Choy Anna Maria J , Khan Faisel , Struthers Allan D , Lang Chim C 
Published: October 2017

SummaryThe role of endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of cardiac syndrome X has recently been recognized. Allopurinol has previously been shown to improve endothelial dysfunction, reduce oxidative stress burden, and improve myocardial efficiency. In this “proof of concept” study, we investigated the effect of allopurinol on exercise capacity, coronary and peripheral endothelial function, and serum B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP: a marker of cardiac function and myocardial ischemia) in patients with cardiac syndrome X.Methods and ResultsThis study was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐control crossover trial. Nineteen patients (mean age 59 ± 10 years, 11 women and 8 men) with cardiac syndrome X were randomized to a 6‐week treatment with either allopurinol (600 mg/day) or placebo. After 4 weeks of washout period, they were crossed over to the other arm. Outcomes measured at baseline and after treatment were maximum exercise time (ET) derived from Bruce protocol exercise treadmill test, serum BNP measurement, coronary flow reserve (CFR) as assessed by measuring the response of flow velocity in the left anterior descending artery to adenosine, and flow‐mediated vasodilatation of the brachial artery (FMD). Allopurinol significantly reduced serum uric acid levels when compared with placebo (−48 ± 24% vs 1.9 ± 11%, P < .001). There was no significant difference in maximum ET, CFR, and FMD between allopurinol and placebo. However, there was a trend that allopurinol reduced serum BNP when compared to placebo (−8% [interquartile range −22% to 65%] vs 44% [interquartile range −18% to 140%]; P = .07).ConclusionIn patients with cardiac syndrome X, high‐dose allopurinol did not improve exercise capacity, and coronary or peripheral endothelial function.
Impacts of voluntary and involuntary workforce transitions at mature ages: Longitudinal evidence from HILDA
Authors: Gong Cathy Honge , Kendig Hal 
Published: October 2017

ObjectiveTo assess the changes in health, well‐being and welfare dependency associated with yearly workforce transitions from working to not working among people aged 45–64 years.MethodsTransition analysis of the nationally representative longitudinal data from the Household Incomes and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey 2002–2011.ResultsPeople who voluntarily left paid work had reasonable control over their situations, and their satisfaction remained relatively stable even with deteriorating health and increasing welfare dependency. Those who involuntarily left paid work had less control and preparedness, and they experienced significant decreases in their satisfaction with life overall, finances and health; they were also more likely to be psychologically distressed, welfare dependent and had a higher probability to return to paid work.ConclusionVoluntary and involuntary workforce transitions have different impacts on health and well‐being. Enabling mature aged workers to work longer can yield benefits for both individual well‐being and government budgets.
Risk of bowel obstruction during in vitro fertilization treatment of patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis
Authors: Seyer‐Hansen Mikkel , Egekvist Anne , Forman Axel , Riiskjær Mads 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIntroductionWomen with endometriosis often experience pain and infertility. Medical treatment interferes with the possibility of attaining pregnancy. For infertile women with endometriosis, surgery is a possible treatment, but with advanced disease there is an increased risk of serious complications. With only limited pain, women will often be referred for in vitro fertilization treatment instead. The disease is estrogen‐dependent and during in vitro fertilization treatment the women could theoretically experience worsening of their symptoms.Material and methodsThe study is a retrospective cohort study of 76 women with bowel endometriosis who were treated conservatively and underwent in vitro fertilization treatment.ResultsNine (11.8%) of the women experienced severe worsening of their bowel‐related symptoms, including two patients presenting with colon ileus. One additional woman had no previous diagnosis of endometriosis before she presented with subocclusion of the bowel during in vitro fertilization. In all cases the in vitro fertilization treatment was stopped.ConclusionsOur study revealed that bowel endometriosis increases the risk of complications during in vitro fertilization treatment. This is in contrast to several publications. However, our study population is different due to the fact that none of these women had previous operations for bowel endometriosis. In all, 88% of the women completed fertility treatment without need for surgery.
Dangerous life at the edge: Implications of seed predation for roadside revegetation
Authors: Suárez‐Esteban Alberto , Delibes Miguel , Fedriani José M. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractQuestionAnthropogenic edges caused by transport infrastructure such as dirt roads and trails (also known as Soft Linear Developments; SLD) are pervasive in almost every terrestrial ecosystem. Revegetating these edges may reduce some of their negative effects, such as their permeability to biological invasions and detrimental effects on wildlife, potentially becoming suitable habitat for a broad range of species. Selecting species with low post‐dispersal seed predation rates may improve the effectiveness of revegetation programmes.LocationMediterranean scrublands in SW Spain.MethodsWe made offerings of a total of 16,000 seeds of eight species of fleshy‐fruit shrubs both along SLD edges and scrubland interiors in two independent blocks in each of three distant locations. Using four types of selective enclosure, we assessed the relative contribution of three seed predator guilds (ants, rodents and birds) to seed predation rates both along SLD edges and scrubland interiors.ResultsThe effects of anthropogenic edges on seed predation rates were species‐specific. The large and hard‐seeded species Chamaerops humilis was not predated at all. Juniperus phoenicea and Corema album seeds had higher predation rates in scrubland interiors than in edges. The small‐seeded Rubus ulmifolius experienced relatively low seed predation rates compared to the other species. Predation rates for this species were higher along SLD edges than in scrubland interiors. Ants were the main seed predators in the area, and showed marked preferences for J. macrocarpa and C. album seeds at both SLD edges and scrubland interiors.ConclusionsOur results show the strong context‐dependency of seed predation rates in both SLD edges and scrubland interiors, and thus the importance of well spatially and temporally replicated studies. Species with large and hard seeds may be good candidates for roadside revegetation programmes. However, the relative suitability of plant species would depend on the seed predator community. Our findings confirm that studies on seed predation may help planning cost‐effective species selection for edge revegetation efforts worldwide.
3D‐QSAR, molecular docking, and ONIOM studies on the structure–activity relationships and action mechanism of nitrogen‐containing bisphosphonates
Authors: Liu Qing‐Zhu , Wang Shan‐Shan , Li Xi , Zhao Xue‐Yu , Li Ke , Lv Gao‐Chao , Qiu Ling , Lin Jian‐Guo 
Published: October 2017

Nitrogen‐containing bisphosphonates (N‐BPs) have been used widely to treat various bone diseases by inhibiting the key enzyme farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS) in the mevalonate pathway. Understanding the structure–activity relationships and the action mechanisms of these bisphosphonates is instructive for the design and the development of novel potent inhibitors. Here, a series of N‐BPs inhibitors of human FPPS (hFPPS) were investigated using a combination of three‐dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D‐QSAR), molecular docking, and three‐layer ONIOM studies. The constructed 3D‐QSAR model yielded a good correlation between the predicted and experimental activities. Based on the analysis of comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) contour maps, a series of novel N‐BPs inhibitors were designed and ten novel potent N‐BPs inhibitor candidates were screened out. Molecular docking and ONIOM (B3LYP/6‐31 + G*:PM6:Amber) calculations revealed that the inhibitors bound to the active site of hFPPS via hydrogen‐bonding interactions, hydrophobic interactions, and cation‐π interactions. Six novel N‐BPs inhibitors with better biological activities and higher lipophilicity were further screened out from ten candidates based on the calculated interaction energy. This study will facilitate the discovery of novel N‐BPs inhibitors with higher activity and selectivity.
Insights on Social Behavior From Studying Williams Syndrome
Authors: Sampaio Adriana , Belsky Jay , Soares Isabel , Mesquita Ana , Osório Ana , Gonçalves Óscar F. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractCentral to the developmental psychopathology perspective is the claim that studying normal and atypical development are related. In this article, we argue that studying a naturally occurring genetic condition—Williams syndrome—provides insight into social behavior in typically developing children. Toward this end, we describe the social phenotype of Williams syndrome, then offer three insights regarding biological and environmental factors that account for variability in social behavior in individuals who are developing typically and individuals with the syndrome. In so doing, we illuminate genetic, neural, and environmental processes that likely influence typical social development as informed by Williams syndrome.
A Life at the Intersection of Science and Social Issues
Authors: Huston Aletha C. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn this article, I summarize a lifetime of research investigating the socializing effects of contexts outside the family, specifically television, gender‐role expectations, child care, poverty, and public policy. The themes running throughout this work are (a) understanding processes underlying associations of behavior with social and environmental conditions, (b) understanding positive development as well as problem behavior, (c) questioning social values and implicit assumptions in research and policy, and (d) taking a truly interdisciplinary approach. My goals include generating knowledge and applying these themes to policy and practice. I conclude that researchers need to be prepared with good evidence when the policy windows open.
Guillain–Barré syndrome initially manifesting as motor weakness, urinary dysfunction and hyperreflexia: Case report and literature review
Authors: Oji Satoru , Narukawa Shinya , Ishizuka Keita , Sugimoto Kohei , Yoshida Norihito , Takeshita Hideki , Kaida Ken‐ichi , Nomura Kyoichi 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundGuillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute inflammatory neuropathy characterized by areflexic quadriparesis. Urinary dysfunction has been known to occur in approximately 25% of GBS patients during the clinical course and usually emerges during peak motor weakness. According to the diagnostic criteria for GBS, bladder dysfunction at onset makes the diagnosis of GBS rather doubtful. We report here a rare case of GBS that initially manifested as motor weakness with urinary dysfunction and hyperreflexia.Case presentationA 66‐year‐old Japanese man experienced mild weakness in his hands that extended to the entire upper extremities the following day. At the same time, he started experiencing difficulty voiding. On the fourth day after the onset of weakness, he was admitted to Saitama Medical Center, Kawagoe, Japan, because of an inability to stand up without support. Neurological examination revealed moderate generalized weakness, hyperreflexia, and poor urinary volume and flow. Early in hospitalization, his deep tendon reflexes gradually decreased and ultimately he became areflexic. A nerve conduction study indicated the axonal form of GBS. He was treated with immunoadsorption plasmapheresis, followed by two sessions of intravenous immunoglobulin G treatment. The motor weakness and urinary dysfunction gradually ameliorated, and he was discharged and transferred for rehabilitation on hospital day 47.ConclusionsThe present case suggests that urinary dysfunction in GBS might not necessarily occur during peak motor weakness, but could start at onset. Physicians should consider GBS in differential diagnosis of patients presenting with initial symptoms of motor weakness and urinary dysfunction.
Ciprofloxacin vs levofloxacin for prophylaxis during hematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation
Authors: Copeland Vanessa , McLaughlin Milena , Trifilio Steven 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe objective of the current retrospective study was to compare differences in rate of breakthrough infections for ciprofloxacin vs levofloxacin prophylaxis in autologous hematopoietic stem‐cell transplant (HSCT) patients treated for multiple myeloma. This was a retrospective, cohort study comparing autologous HSCT recipients treated for multiple myeloma who received ciprofloxacin prophylaxis vs levofloxacin prophylaxis. A total of 297 patients, 143 levofloxacin‐ and 154 ciprofloxacin‐treated were included. There was a significantly higher incidence of bloodstream infections in the ciprofloxacin group (24/154) compared to the levofloxacin group (10/143), P = .03, primarily caused by a statistically higher incidence of gram‐positive bloodstream infections (ciprofloxacin [21/154] vs levofloxacin [8/143]; P < .01). Clinically relevant differences exist between fluoroquinolone agents used for prophylaxis. Levofloxacin prophylaxis was more effective than ciprofloxacin prophylaxis to reduce the incidence of bloodstream infections in this study.
Usefulness of semiquantitative PCR‐Invader assay for selecting candidates for daclatasvir plus asunaprevir combination therapy among patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1b
Authors: Honda Koichi , Seike Masataka , Oribe Junya , Endo Mizuki , Arakawa Mie , Tokoro Masanori , Iwao Masao , Mori Tetsu , Nishimura Junko , Takahashi Yukou , Omori Kaoru , Yamashita Tsutomu , Muro Toyokichi , Murakami Kazunari 
Published: October 2017

AimsPCR‐Invader is a highly sensitive assay for detecting non‐structural protein 5A (NS5A) resistance‐associated variants (RAVs) of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Here, we validated the accuracy of the semiquantitative PCR‐Invader (SQ‐PI) assay compared to direct sequencing (DS) for identifying NS5A RAVs, and we evaluated the treatment efficacy of daclatasvir plus asunaprevir (DCV + ASV) for patients judged to be non‐positive for NS5A RAVs by SQ‐PI.MethodsDetection rates of NS5A RAVs by SQ‐PI and DS were compared for 204 patients with HCV genotype 1b. Patients with non‐positive results for NS5A RAVs by SQ‐PI were treated by DCV + ASV, and the efficacy of this treatment was examined.ResultsAll samples judged as negative for NS5A RAVs by SQ‐PI were similarly judged by DS. However, 29.7% of samples judged as negative for Y93H by DS were judged as weakly positive or positive by SQ‐PI. Among 108 patients who were judged as negative by SQ‐PI and treated by DCV + ASV, rates of sustained virologic response at 24 weeks (SVR24) were 96.3% in intention‐to‐treat analysis and 99.0% in patients who completed treatment. Among patients who were weakly positive for Y93H on SQ‐PI, the SVR24 rate was 95.0% (19/20). This rate was 100% (78/78) in patients who were negative for Y93H on SQ‐PI and completed treatment.ConclusionTreatment efficacy of DCV + ASV was extremely high among patients who were non‐positive for NS5A RAVs on SQ‐PI, especially for patients with negative results.
Three Citrus flavonoids retard the digestion of starch and its working mechanisms
Authors: Luo Fang , Liu Xia , She Yin , Gao Wanru 
Published: October 2017

SummaryIn this work, the effects of three Citrus flavonoids (naringin, neohesperidin and hesperidin) on α‐amylase catalysed starch digestion were investigated. An inhibitory kinetics experiment demonstrated that they noncompetitively inhibit the activity of α‐amylase with Ki values of, respectively, 25.21 μm, 40.26 μm, 40.69 μm. Surface plasmon resonance assay showed three Citrus flavonoids can bind with starch with KD values of, respectively, 3.98 ± 0.20 mm, 4.92 ± 0.15 mm and 5.07 ± 0.17 mm. Scanning electron microscopy indicated they can delay the retrogradation of starch. The results of 1, 1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl hydrazyl radical assay indicate that the antioxidant activities of three Citrus flavonoids are significantly decreased by interacting with starch. These results illustrated three Citrus flavonoids that retard the digestion of starch not only through interaction with α‐amylase, but also through interaction with starch.
Effect of pulsed ultrasound treatment compared to continuous mode on microbiological and quality of Mirabelle plum during postharvest storage
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Mohammad Bagher 
Published: October 2017

SummaryThe effects of pulsed and continuous ultrasound treatment on microbiological and physiological quality of Mirabelle plum fruit were investigated. Freshly harvested Mirabelle plum was treated with 30‐kHz pulsed and continuous ultrasound at 20 °C for 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min and subsequently stored at 4 °C for 10 days. The total count of bacteria, total fungi, decay index, titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), colour, texture, ascorbic acid content and total phenolics was measured. The results showed that pulsed and continuous ultrasonic treatment significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the number of microorganisms and improved the quality of Mirabelle plums during storage. Increasing pretreatment time enhanced the positive effects of pulsed and continuous ultrasound. Also, in terms of the total count of bacteria, total fungi, titratable acidity and total phenolics, the pulsed and continuous ultrasound did not show a significant difference (P < 0.05). However, pulsed ultrasound was better compared to continuous mode in preservation of TSS, colour, texture and ascorbic acid content of the fruit during storage. Our results demonstrated that pulsed ultrasound is an appropriate method for improving safety and maintaining the quality of Mirabelle plum fruit.
Effects of calcium and zinc ions injection on caspase‐3 activation and tenderness in post‐mortem beef skeletal muscles
Authors: Huang Feng , Ding Zhenjiang , Zhang Chunjiang , Hu Honghai , Zhang Liang , Zhang Hong 
Published: October 2017

SummaryThis study was designed to investigate the effects of Ca2+ and Zn2+ ions injection on post‐mortem tenderness and caspase activation by examining the expression of caspase‐3 and cytochrome c in post‐mortem beef skeletal muscles treated with Ca2+ and Zn2+. Results showed that Ca2+ ions injection accelerated post‐mortem tenderisation of beef skeletal muscles, whereas Zn2+ retarded the process. In the Ca2+‐injected samples, the level of caspase‐3 precursor decreased markedly without the production of activated caspase‐3, whereas the level of cytochrome c was increased markedly. So, Ca2+ possibly promoted caspases activation upstream of cytochrome c release, but inactivated caspase activity by calpain and/or fast depletion of ATP; whereas Zn2+ blocked the activation of procaspase‐3 with no visible change in the level of cytochrome c, and the block possibly resulted from its direct inhibition on caspase‐3 enzyme.
EVOLVE: The Australian Rheumatology Association’s ‘top five’ list of investigations and interventions doctors and patients should question
Authors: Morrisroe Kathleen , Nakayama Ayano , Soon Jason , Arnold Mark , Barnsley Les , Barrett Claire , Brooks Peter M. , Hall Stephen , Hanrahan Patrick , Hissaria Pravin , Jones Graeme , Katikireddi Veera S. , Keen Helen , Laurent Rodger , Nikpour Mandana , Poulsen Katherine , Robinson Philip , Soden Muriel , Wood Nigel , Cook Nicola , Hill Catherine , Buchbinder Rachelle 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe EVOLVE (evaluating evidence, enhancing efficiencies) initiative aims to drive safer, higher‐quality patient care through identifying and reducing low‐value practices.AimsTo determine the Australian Rheumatology Association’s (ARA) ‘top five’ list of low‐value practices.MethodsA working group comprising 19 rheumatologists and three trainees compiled a preliminary list. Items were retained if there was strong evidence of low value and there was high or increasing clinical use and/or increasing cost. All ARA members (356 rheumatologists and 72 trainees) were invited to indicate their ‘top five’ list from a list of 12‐items through SurveyMonkey in December 2015 (reminder February 2016).ResultsA total of 179 rheumatologists (50.3%) and 19 trainees (26.4%) responded. The top five list (percentage of rheumatologists, including item in their top five list) was: Do not perform arthroscopy with lavage and/or debridement for symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee nor partial meniscectomy for a degenerate meniscal tear (73.2%); Do not order anti‐nuclear antibody (ANA) testing without symptoms and/or signs suggestive of a systemic rheumatic disease (56.4%); Do not undertake imaging for low back pain for patients without indications of an underlying serious condition (50.8%); Do not use ultrasound guidance to perform injections into the subacromial space as it provides no additional benefit in comparison to landmark‐guided injection (50.3%) and Do not order anti‐double‐stranded DNA antibodies in ANA negative patients unless the clinical suspicion of systemic lupus erythematosus remains high (45.3%).ConclusionsThis list is intended to increase awareness among rheumatologists, other clinicians and patients about commonly used low‐value practices that should be questioned.
Deep‐red photoluminescence and long persistent luminescence in double perovstkite‐type La2MgGeO6:Mn4+
Authors: Zhang Xiaowen , Nie Jianmin , Liu Shanshan , Li Yang , Qiu Jianrong 
Published: October 2017

AbstractA novel non‐rare‐earth doped phosphor La2MgGeO6:Mn4+ (LMG:Mn4+) with near‐infrared (NIR) long persistent luminescence (LPL) was successfully synthesized by solid‐state reaction. The phosphors can be effectively excited using ultraviolet light, followed by a sharp deep‐red emission peaking at 708 nm, which is originated from 2Eg → 4A2g transition of Mn4+ ions. The luminescent performance was analyzed by photoluminescence (PL) and photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectra. The crystal field parameters were calculated to describe the environment of Mn4+ in LMG host. The LPL behaviors as well as the mechanisms were systematically discussed. This study suggests that the phosphors will broaden new horizons in designing and fabricating novel NIR long phosphorescent materials.
Synthesis and microwave dielectric properties of new high quality Mg2NdNbO6 ceramics
Authors: Zhang Shaobo , Shi Liwei , Zhang Lanyang , Zhu Haiyan , Xia Wangsuo 
Published: October 2017

AbstractNew high‐quality microwave dielectric ceramics Mg2NdNbO6 were prepared by conventional solid‐state sintering method. The phases, micro‐structures and microwave dielectric properties of Mg2NdNbO6 ceramics were investigated at sintering temperature in the range of 1275°C‐1400°C. The X‐ray diffraction patterns showed that the peaks of the compounds were attributed to two phases, including the main crystalline phase of NdNbO4 that was indexed as the monoclinic phase and MgO as the second phase. Well‐developed microstructures of Mg2NdNbO6 ceramics can be achieved, and the grain size reached the maximum value (1.63 μm) at 1375°C. As the sintering temperature increased, the dielectric constant, temperature coefficient of resonant frequency and apparent density remained almost unchanged, however, the significant change in the quality factor was observed. At 1375°C, Mg2NdNbO6 ceramics possessed excellent microwave dielectric properties: εr = 16.22, Q × f = 116 000 GHz and τf = −30.96 ppm/°C.