bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endomyocardial miR‐133a levels correlate with myocardial inflammation, improved left ventricular function, and clinical outcome in patients with inflammatory cardiomyopathy
Authors: Besler Christian , Urban Daniel , Watzka Stefan , Lang David , Rommel Karl‐Philipp , Kandolf Reinhard , Klingel Karin , Thiele Holger , Linke Axel , Schuler Gerhard , Adams Volker , Lurz Philipp 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimsInflammatory heart disease represents an important cause of chronic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Predicting the clinical course of patients with inflammatory cardiomyopathy (iCMP) is difficult, and the prognostic value of current biological markers remains controversial. We tested whether expression of selected microRNAs in endomyocardial biopsies (EMBs) is related to LV functional recovery and clinical events in iCMP patients.Methods and resultsEMBs were obtained from patients with iCMP (n = 76) and non‐inflammatory DCM (n = 22). A set of six microRNAs implicated in inflammation (miR‐155 and miR‐146b), heart failure (miR‐21 and miR‐133a), and endothelial cell (miR‐126) and skeletal muscle function (miR‐206) was pre‐defined. Endomyocardial expression of miR‐155 and miR‐133a, as quantified by reverse transcription–PCR (RT–PCR), was up‐regulated in patients with iCMP as compared with patients with DCM. Levels of miR‐133a (R = 0.73, P < 0.01) and miR‐155 (R = 0.63, P < 0.01) correlated with inflammatory cell count on EMBs from patients with iCMP. Patients with iCMP and preserved LV function at study entry demonstrated higher expression of miR‐133a than patients with reduced LV function. Also, increased expression of miR‐133a was associated with less fibrosis and myocyte necrosis on EMB, and LV functional recovery during a mean follow‐up of 3.1 years. Importantly, patients with iCMP and miR‐133a levels in the upper tertile showed longer survival free of death, malignant arrhythmias, and hospitalizations for heart failure.ConclusionThe present study demonstrates that miR‐133a levels correlate with macrophage infiltration, cardiac injury, improved LV function, and clinical outcome in patients with iCMP. miR‐133a may serve as a potential novel biomarker and therapeutic target in human iCMP.
Changes in chemical and sensory characteristics of Chemlali extra‐virgin olive oil as depending on filtration
Authors: Jabeur Hazem , Zribi Akram , Bouaziz Mohamed 
Published: June 2016

The oil extracted from olive paste is a turbid and opalescent juice which contains impurities that can affect its quality. Before olive oil packaging, filtration has recently become a standard processing procedure in order to obtain more brilliant extra‐virgin olive oil (EVOO), maintain its quality, and extend its shelf life. In this research work, changes occurring in the concentrations of some minor compounds during industrial filtration of Chemlali EVOO were studied. The chemical parameters with sensorial quality were also determined. After the filtration of oil, a slight increase in quality parameters was noticed, along with a slight influence on the sensory scores. The adopted filtration system reduces the moisture contents. However, non‐filtered olive oil might be more stable. Nevertheless, the behavior of phenolic compounds during filtration differed for each family. Indeed, the secoiridoids are the most affected phenolic compounds during EVOO filtration. Their concentrations increase significantly (p < 0.05) except the decarboxylated ligstroside aglycon decreases during this process.Practical applications: This work clearly demonstrates the usefulness of filtration process in the Chemlali EVOO treatment. After industrial‐scale filtration process, the analysis of individual concentration of phenolic compounds indicated that the concentrations of secoiridoids increased significantly (p < 0.05) mainly 3,4‐DHPEA‐EA. Besides, olive oil brilliance is achieved by eliminating vegetable water and suspended particles; thus extending final product shelf life.Extra‐virgin olive oil is a turbid colloidal dispersion. The most common technique used to clear the oil is filtration. During this process, quantitative and qualitative changes take place, especially on minor components.
Population and life-stage–specific effects of two herbicide formulations on the aquatic development of European common frogs (Rana temporaria)
Authors: Wagner Norman , Veith Michael , Lötters Stefan , Viertel Bruno 
Published: June 2016

Abstract

Environmental contamination is suggested to contribute to amphibian population declines. However, the effects of a contaminant on a particular amphibian species can differ among populations. The authors investigated the toxic effects of 2 herbicide formulations on different populations and on representative developmental stages of the European common frog (Rana temporaria). Larvae from forest populations were more sensitive to a commonly used glyphosate-based herbicide compared with individuals from agrarian land. Median lethal concentrations correlated with measured glyphosate levels in the breeding ponds, which may be a sign of evolved tolerances. The reverse result was observed for a less commonly used cycloxydim-based herbicide. Effects of the glyphosate-based herbicide were stronger for earlier larval stages compared with later larval stages. Hence, applications in early spring (when early larvae are present in breeding ponds) pose greater risk concerning acute toxic effects on R. temporaria. With regard to late larval stages, short exposure (96 h) of prometamorphic larvae prolonged time to metamorphosis, but only at the highest test concentration that did not significantly induce mortality. This could be due to impairment of the thyroid axis. Notably, nearly all test concentrations of the 2 herbicides provoked growth retardation. Further research on how evolved or induced tolerances are acquired, actual contamination levels of amphibian habitats, and potential endocrine effects of glyphosate-based herbicides is necessary. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:190–200. © 2016 SETAC
Will the Need‐Based Planning of Health Human Resources Currently Undertaken in Several Countries Lead to Excess Supply and Inefficiency? A Comment on Basu and Pak
Authors: Birch Stephen , Tomblin Murphy Gail , MacKenzie Adrian , Whittaker William , Mason Thomas 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBasu and Pak (2014) argue that need‐based workforce planning models would not maximize social welfare, and use of need‐based models would result in inefficiency. They propose that planning be based on service utilization to incorporate preferences or other socioeconomic factors. We show that the analysis is based on inappropriate considerations of the nature of healthcare demand, a misrepresentation of need‐based approaches and misunderstanding publicly funded healthcare system objectives. We explain how current levels of utilization emerge from workload and income interests of providers that underlie utilization‐based models and are incompatible with public goals of maximizing health gains. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potent Inhibitory Effects of Some Phenolic Acids on Lactoperoxidase
Authors: Koksal Zeynep , Alim Zuhal , Beydemir Sukru , Ozdemir Hasan 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTLactoperoxidase (LPO) plays a key role in immune response against pathogens. In this study, we examined the effects of some phenolic acids on LPO. For this purpose, bovine milk LPO was purified 380.85‐fold with a specific activity of 26.66 EU/mg and overall yield of 73.33% by using Amberlite CG‐50 H+ resin and CNBr‐activated Sepharose‐4B‐l‐tyrosine‐sulfanilamide affinity chromatography. After purification, the in vitro effects of phenolic acids (tannic acid, 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid, 3,5‐ dihydroxybenzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, sinapic acid, 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, salicylic acid, and 3‐hydroxybenzoic acid) were investigated on LPO. These phenolic acids showed potent inhibitory effect on LPO. Ki values for these phenolic acids were found as 0.0129 nM, 0.132 μM, 0.225 μM, 0.286 μM, 0.333 μM, 2.33 μM, 10.82 μM, 0.076 mM, and 0.405 mM, respectively. Sinapic acid and 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid exhibited noncompetitive inhibition; 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid showed uncompetitive inhibition, and other phenolic acids showed competitive inhibition.
Aging and Oxidative Stress Decrease Pineal Elongation Factor 2: In Vivo Protective Effect of Melatonin in Young Rats Treated With Cumene Hydroperoxide
Authors: Muñoz Mario F. , Argüelles Sandro , Cano Mercedes , Marotta Francesco , Ayala Antonio 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTWe studied the alterations of Elongation Factor 2 (eEF2) in the pineal gland of aged rats as well as the possible protective role of exogenous melatonin on these changes in young rats treated with cumene hydroperoxide (CH), a compound that promotes lipid peroxidation and inhibits protein synthesis. The study was performed using male Wistar rats of 3 (control), 12, and 24 months and 3‐month‐old rats treated with CH, melatonin, and CH plus melatonin. We found that pineal eEF‐2 is affected by aging and CH, these changes being prevented by exogenous melatonin in the case of CH‐treated rats. The proteomic studies show that many other proteins are affected by aging and oxidative stress in the pineal gland. The results suggest that one of the possible mechanisms underlying pineal gland dysfunction during aging is the effect of lipid peroxidation on eEF‐2, which is a key component of protein synthesis machinery. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 182–190, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
BMP‐TAK1 (MAP3K7) Induces Adipocyte Differentiation Through PPARγ Signaling
Authors: Zhang Yongchun , O'Keefe Regis J. , Jonason Jennifer H. 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTBMPs have been shown to promote adipocyte differentiation through SMAD‐dependent signaling. However, the role of TGF‐β‐activated kinase 1 (TAK1) in non‐canonical BMP signaling in adipocyte differentiation remains unclear. Here, we show that TAK1 inhibition decreases lipid accumulation in C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) induced to differentiate into adipocytes. TAK1 knockdown by siRNA further confirms that TAK1 is required for adipocyte commitment of MSCs. Additionally, TAK1 knockdown inhibits adipogenesis of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes, indicating that TAK1 is not only needed for adipocyte commitment, but also required for adipocyte terminal differentiation. Furthermore, TAK1 ablation specifically in adipocytes reduced high fat diet‐induced weight gain and improved glucose tolerance. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that TAK1 is required for PPARγ transactivation and promotes PPARγ transcriptional activity synergistically with TAK1 binding protein 1 (TAB1). Collectively, our results demonstrate that TAK1 plays a critical role in BMP‐mediated adipocyte differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 204–210, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hepatitis C Virus Genotype Analyses in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients and Individuals With Spontaneous Virus Clearance Using a Newly Developed Serotyping Assay
Authors: Yang Ruifeng , Yang Xiqin , Xiu Bingshui , Rao Huiying , Fei Ran , Guan Wenli , Liu Yan , Wang Qian , Feng Xiaoyan , Zhang Heqiu , Wei Lai 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundWe developed a novel HCV serotyping assay and detected the genotypes in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients and individuals with spontaneous viral clearance (SVC).MethodsNine hundred and ninety‐seven patients were enrolled in a previous study; their samples were genotyped originally using the molecular assays. Among them, 190 patients achieved sustained virological response; the post‐treatment samples were also serotyped. Moreover, 326 samples from follow‐up cohorts were serotyped, among whom 66 were from SVC individuals, and 260 from CHC patients.ResultsNine hundred and fifty‐eight out of 997 samples were available for serotyping, among which 29 samples generated indeterminate serotyping results. The consistency between the genotyping and serotyping assays was 91.50% (850/929). The specificity and sensitivity were 98.45% and 88.77% for genotype 1, 96.42% and 93.97% for genotype 2, and 94.15% and 80.52% for non‐genotype 1 or 2. However, only 41 of 60 genotype‐6 samples were correctly serotyped. Little difference was found in the 190 paired serotyping results. No difference existed in the genotype distribution between the SVC and CHC groups (P = 0.08).ConclusionsThe assay provides an accurate alternative for determining HCV genotypes, whereas it is not recommended for detecting genotype 6. Furthermore, it facilitates identifying the genotypes in SVC individuals. HCV genotype has little impact on SVC.
Effect of degeneration on the six degree of freedom mechanical properties of human lumbar spine segments
Authors: Amin Dhara B. , Sommerfeld Dana , Lawless Isaac M. , Stanley Richard M. , Ding Boyin , Costi John J. 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTWhile the effects of disc degeneration on compression and rotation motions have been studied, there is no data for shear loading. Clinical research has shown that those with low back pain (a potential consequence of degeneration) experience a 75% greater lateral shear force than those without it. Therefore, the aim was to compare the effect of degeneration on spine segment stiffness and phase angle in each of six degree of freedom (6DOF) loading directions. Fourteen intact functional spinal units (FSU) were dissected from human lumbar spines (mean (SD) age 76.2 (11) years, Thompson grades 3 (N = 5, mild), 4 (N = 6, moderate), 5 (N = 3, severe)). Each FSU was tested in ±6DOFs while subjected to a physiological preload, hydration, and temperature (37°C) conditions in a hexapod robot. A one‐way ANOVA between degenerated groups was performed on stiffness and phase angle for each DOF. Significant differences in stiffness were found between mild and moderate degenerative groups in lateral shear (p = 0.001), and axial rotation (p = 0.001), where moderate degeneration had decreased stiffness. For phase angle, significant differences were seen in anterior shear (p = 0.017), and axial rotation (p = 0.026), where phase angle for mild degeneration was less than moderate. Trends of stiffness and phase angle changes between degenerative groups were similar within each DOF. Clinically, the identification of the DOFs that are most affected by degeneration could be used in rehabilitation to improve supplemental stabilization of core muscle groups. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1399–1409, 2016.
A proactive quality strategy to decrease the risk of error associated with medication procurement
Authors: Graudins Linda V. , Treseder Rowena , Hui Colin , Samuel Tania L. , Dooley Michael J. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimTo describe a two‐stage system of medication product review prior to dispensing or distribution, to decrease risk of error resulting from product changes.MethodsInitial development of a safety strategy occurred during the 2010 state‐wide tender of pharmaceutical products. Samples of new medication products were obtained and risk assessed by consensus. Detailed criteria were subsequently developed for: (i) centralised state‐based review; and (ii) hospital pharmacy review in‐between tenders. Results were fed back to improve evaluation during state‐wide tender.ResultsIn 2010, 14 of 300 (4.6%) new brands of tendered products were assessed as having some risk. Shelf tags or alerts were produced for low or moderate risk products (n = 11, 3.6%). For three products (1.0%), alternative brands were purchased. Subsequently, detailed criteria were developed for both state tender and routine hospital pharmacy product review. In 2014 the hospital's medication safety pharmacists reviewed 242 products in between tender periods. Fifty‐two (21.4%) were assessed as having some risk. For seven products (2.8%) an alternative brand was sought. The state tender group now includes a medication safety review during each tender process.ConclusionEvaluation of new brands during pharmaceutical tender highlighted the importance of having a system to decrease the risk of selection error. The two stages of the medication safety product review strategy are described. First, the centralised review at tender; second, the hospital pharmacy review at procurement and in between tenders, which has further decreased risks associated with new brands and new products.
The sweet spot for pharmacy
Authors: Luetsch Karen , Rowett Debra , Punchard Howard 
Published: June 2016

AbstractHealth care in Australia is of a high standard but often complex and fragmented, creating difficulties in negotiating the healthcare system for consumers in need of care. Pharmacists have many opportunities to leverage their easy accessibility and skills in medication management to optimise health outcomes for consumers in a changing healthcare landscape. The profession can support shared decision making between patients and their health professionals by tailoring evidence‐based pharmacotherapeutic advice to individual patients’ needs; pharmacists can also facilitate patients' safe transitions between care settings by early adoption of information systems. Pharmacists will need to extend their interprofessional collaboration and align their services to national health care priorities. For pharmacists to maximise their contribution to health care and patient outcomes that matter their skills may need to include the ability to analyse epidemiological and health data, translating data into knowledge and person‐centred performance indicators.
Intervention of pumpkin seed oil on metabolic disease revealed by metabonomics and transcript profile
Authors: Zhao Xiu‐Ju , Chen Yu‐Lian , Fu Bing , Zhang Wen , Liu Zhiguo , Zhuo Hexian 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDUnderstanding the metabolic and transcription basis of pumpkin seed oil (PSO) intervention on metabolic disease (MD) is essential to daily nutrition and health.RESULTSThis study analyzed the liver metabolic variations of Wistar rats fed normal diet (CON), high‐fat diet (HFD) and high‐fat plus PSO diet (PSO) to establish the relationship between the liver metabolite composition/transcript profile and the effects of PSO on MD. By using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy together with multivariate data analysis, it was found that, compared with CON rats, HFD rats showed clear dysfunctions of choline metabolism, glucose metabolism and nucleotide and amino acid metabolism. Using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), it was found that, compared with HFD rats, PSO rats showed alleviated endoplasmic reticulum stress accompanied by lowered unfolded protein response.CONCLUSIONThese findings provide useful information to understand the metabolic alterations triggered by MD and to evaluate the effects of PSO intervention. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Tribological characteristics of bisphenol S bis(diphenyl phosphate) as a high‐performance antiwear additive in lubricating greases at elevated temperature
Authors: Zhu Lili , Wu Xinhu , Zhao Gaiqing , Wang Xiaobo 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBisphenol S bis(diphenyl phosphate) (BSDP) was synthesised and characterised, and its tribological behaviours as additives in polyurea grease and lithium complex grease were evaluated for steel/steel contact at 200 °C. The results indicated that BSDP could dramatically reduce the friction and wear of sliding pairs in the base grease of polyurea, and the tribological performances of BSDP in polyurea grease were significantly superior to the normally used molybdenum disulfide‐based additive package. Furthermore, BSDP in polyurea grease has better tribological behaviour than that in lithium complex grease at a constant load of 100 N. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicated that boundary lubrication films composed of Fe(OH)O, Fe2O3, Fe3O4 and FePO4 compounds containing the P–O bonds and nitride compounds were formed on the worn surface, which resulted in excellent friction reduction and antiwear performance. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reissner–Mindlin shell implementation and energy conserving isogeometric multi‐patch coupling
Authors: Sommerwerk K. , Woidt M. , Haupt M. C. , Horst P. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryA shear‐flexible isogeometric Reissner–Mindlin shell formulation using non‐uniform rational B‐splines basis functions is introduced, which is used for the demonstration of a coupling approach for multiple non‐conforming patches. The six degrees of freedom formulation uses the exact surface normal vectors and curvature. The shell formulation is implemented in an isogeometric analysis framework for computation of structures composed of multiple geometric entities. To enable local model refinement as well as non‐matching domains coupling, a conservative multi‐patch approach using Lagrange multipliers for structured non‐uniform rational B‐splines patches is presented. Here, an additional border frame mesh is used to couple geometries during structural analyses. This frame interface approach avoids the problem of excessive constraints when multiple patches are coupled at one point. First, the shell formulation is verified with several reference cases. Then the influence of the frame interface discretization and frame penalty stiffness on the smoothness of the results is investigated. The effects of the perturbed Lagrangian method in combination with the frame interface approach is shown. In addition, results of models with T‐joint interface connections and perpendicular stiffener patches are presented. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of pre‐diabetes diagnosis on behaviour change: an integrative literature review
Authors: Youngs W , Gillibrand WP , Phillips S 
Published: June 2016

AbstractType 2 diabetes is a growing global problem that not only affects individuals but also has an impact upon the economic health of countries. The number of people developing type 2 diabetes can be reduced by up to by 80%; this can be achieved by targeting those who are ‘at risk’. This reduction can be achieved by appropriate lifestyle changes to diet and physical activity. It is not known what the impact of being informed of a diagnosis of pre‐diabetes has on an individual's motivation to make appropriate lifestyle changes.The aim of this study was to assess whether having the diagnosis of pre‐diabetes encourages or empowers people to make appropriate lifestyle changes to prevent progression to a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.Employing a systematic approach, an integrative literature review was undertaken using a standard retrieval and appraisal method. The studies demonstrated that pre‐diabetes was found to be a challenging concept by patients and nurses alike. Lack of knowledge and support, along with patients’ perceived barriers, had an impact upon the various motivation and self‐efficacy behaviours towards lifestyle changes.The integrative review found that more education and support are required to motivate lifestyle change in the person with pre‐diabetes. This, however, does not need to be medicine led; use of peer and community based programmes could be not only cheaper, but also have the ability to provide potentially long‐term support for people, and would provide continued reduced risk. Intervention needs to ensure that it is provided at an appropriate level to account for cultural, social and gender needs. Innovative approaches need to be considered to reduce the number of people who are diagnosed with pre‐diabetes from progressing to type 2 diabetes and its associated potential complications. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons.