bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Which Measurement of Blood Pressure Is More Associated With Albuminuria in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Central Blood Pressure or Peripheral Blood Pressure?
Authors: Kitagawa Noriyuki , Okada Hiroshi , Tanaka Muhei , Hashimoto Yoshitaka , Kimura Toshihiro , Nakano Koji , Yamazaki Masahiro , Hasegawa Goji , Nakamura Naoto , Fukui Michiaki 
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate whether central systolic blood pressure (SBP) was associated with albuminuria, defined as urinary albumin excretion (UAE) ≥30 mg/g creatinine, and, if so, whether the relationship of central SBP with albuminuria was stronger than that of peripheral SBP in patients with type 2 diabetes. The authors performed a cross‐sectional study in 294 outpatients with type 2 diabetes. The relationship between peripheral SBP or central SBP and UAE using regression analysis was evaluated, and the odds ratios of peripheral SBP or central SBP were calculated to identify albuminuria using logistic regression model. Moreover, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of central SBP was compared with that of peripheral SBP to identify albuminuria. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that peripheral SBP (β=0.255, P<.0001) or central SBP (r=0.227, P<.0001) was associated with UAE. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that peripheral SBP (odds ratio, 1.029; 95% confidence interval, 1.016–1.043) or central SBP (odds ratio, 1.022; 95% confidence interval, 1.011–1.034) was associated with an increased odds of albuminuria. In addition, AUC of peripheral SBP was significantly greater than that of central SBP to identify albuminuria (P=0.035). Peripheral SBP is superior to central SBP in identifying albuminuria, although both peripheral and central SBP are associated with UAE in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Sign‐trackers have elevated myo‐inositol in the nucleus accumbens and ventral hippocampus following Pavlovian conditioned approach
Authors: Fitzpatrick Christopher J. , Perrine Shane A. , Ghoddoussi Farhad , Galloway Matthew P. , Morrow Jonathan D. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPavlovian conditioned approach (PCA) is a behavioral procedure that can be used to assess individual differences in the addiction vulnerability of drug‐naïve rats and identify addiction vulnerability factors. Using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) ex vivo, we simultaneously analyzed concentrations of multiple neurochemicals throughout the mesocorticolimbic system 2 weeks after PCA training in order to identify potential vulnerability factors to addiction in drug‐naïve rats for future investigations. Levels of myo‐inositol (Ins), a 1H‐MRS‐detectable marker of glial activity/proliferation, were increased in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and ventral hippocampus, but not dorsal hippocampus or medial prefrontal cortex, of sign‐trackers compared to goal‐trackers or intermediate responders. In addition, Ins levels positively correlated with PCA behavior in the NAc and ventral hippocampus. Because the sign‐tracker phenotype is associated with increased drug‐seeking behavior, these results observed in drug‐naïve rats suggest that alterations in glial activity/proliferation within these regions may represent an addiction vulnerability factor.
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Sign‐tracking rats preferentially approach reward cues during Pavlovian conditioning, while goal‐trackers instead approach the location of impending reward. Sign‐trackers are also more prone to cue‐induced drug‐seeking behavior. We used magnetic resonance spectroscopy to show that myo‐inositol levels are higher in the ventral hippocampus and nucleus accumbens of sign‐trackers relative to goal‐trackers. Thus, elevated myo‐inositol may be a vulnerability factor for addiction.
Preparation, in-vitro and in-vivo characterisation of CoQ10 microparticles: electrospraying-enhanced bioavailability
Authors: Fung Wai Yee , Liong Min Tze , Yuen Kah Hay 
Published: January 2016

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to prepare Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) microparticles using electrospraying technology, and evaluate the in-vitro properties and in-vivo oral bioavailability.

Key findings
Electrospraying was successfully used to prepare CoQ10 to enhance its solubility and dissolution properties. In-vitro evaluation of the electrosprayed microparticles showed bioavailability-enhancing properties such as reduced crystallinity and particle size. The formulation was evaluated using dissolution study and in-vivo oral bioavailability using rat model. The dissolution study revealed enhanced dissolution properties of electrosprayed microparticles compared with physical mixture and raw material. The absorption profiles showed increasing mean plasma levels CoQ10 in the following order: raw material &lt; physical mixture &lt; electrosprayed microparticles.

Conclusion
Based on the findings in this study, electrospraying is a highly prospective technology to produce functional nano- and micro-structures as delivery vehicles for drugs with poor oral bioavailability due to rate-limiting solubility.
Pre‐industrial landscape composition patterns and post‐industrial changes at the temperate–boreal forest interface in western Quebec, Canada
Authors: Danneyrolles Victor , Arseneault Dominique , Bergeron Yves 
Published: January 2016

AbstractQuestionsWhat were the pre‐industrial forest landscape composition patterns? Which factors had structured the pre‐industrial landscape patterns? How have pre‐industrial landscape patterns and post‐industrial disturbances controlled composition changes?LocationAn area of 4175 km2 at the temperate–boreal forest interface of southwest Quebec, Canada.MethodsReconstruction of the pre‐industrial composition is based on an original early land survey data set (1874–1935). Composition changes were computed by comparing historical data with modern forest inventories. Landscape‐scale patterns and composition changes were assessed through spatially constrained clustering analysis.ResultsPre‐industrial forest composition was structured across the landscape by the combination of environmental gradients (topography, deposits, drainage, etc.) and recurrence of fire. Frequency and intensity of fires were most likely the main drivers of forest dynamics and composition across the landscape. Black spruce (Picea mariana) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea) dominated hilly areas affected by former fires; aspen (Populus tremuloides) dominated lowlands following recent fire. White cedar (Thuja occidentatlis) and pines (Pinus spp.) dominated areas probably affected by small surface fires. New disturbance regimes that were subsequently incurred by human activities have shifted the pre‐industrial landscape mosaic and have led to the current landscapes. Composition changes included a replacement of conifers by early successional species within settled or burned areas, and the maintenance of conifers and an increase in cedar dominance in areas affected by partial disturbance.ConclusionsPost‐industrial composition changes must be perceived as complex interactions between pre‐industrial landscape patterns and natural and human disturbances. Such land‐use legacies could be important drivers of future landscape change and should be investigated and considered when predicting future climate‐induced ecological changes.
Seed germination traits can contribute better to plant community ecology
Authors: Jiménez‐Alfaro Borja , Silveira Fernando A.O. , Fidelis Alessandra , Poschlod Peter , Commander Lucy E. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAnalyses of functional traits have become fundamental tools for understanding patterns and processes in plant community ecology. In this context, regenerative seed traits play an important, yet overlooked, role because they largely determine the ability of plants to disperse and re‐establish. A survey of recent publications in community ecology suggests that seed germination traits in particular are neglected at the expense of other relevant but overused traits based only on seed morphology. As a response to this bias, we discuss the functional significance of seed germination traits in comparison with morphological and biophysical seed traits, and advocate their use in vegetation science. We also demonstrate how research in community assembly, climate change and restoration ecology can benefit from the inclusion of germination traits, encompassing functions that cannot be explained solely by adult plant traits. Seed germination experiments conducted in the laboratory or field to quantify these traits provide ecologically meaningful and relatively easy‐to‐obtain information about the functional properties of plant communities. We argue that bridging the gap between seed physiologists and community ecologists will improve the prediction of plant assemblages, and propose further perspectives for including seed traits into the research agenda of functional community ecologists.
Why do I treat my patients with mild hepatitis C?
Authors: Calvaruso Vincenza , Craxì Antonio 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe major advances achieved in the treatment of HCV by the development of new direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs) allow treatment of almost the entire spectrum of patients with chornic infection. As a result of the exceedingly high cost of DAAs in many countries, IFN‐free DAA regimens are mostly reserved to patients with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. Hence, treatment of patients with milder liver disease is often deferred. This could ultimately result in an increased burden of advanced liver disease and in increased long‐term costs of management. Moreover, studies performed during the ‘interferon era’ and the early data on interferon‐free regimens show that patients without severe fibrosis achieve higher rates of sustained virological response with less treatment‐related adverse events. Unfortunately, there is no univocal way to predict the progression of liver fibrosis and therefore to identify the patients with early disease who would require urgent HCV treatment. Many studies have also demonstrated that treatment‐induced HCV clearance reduces all‐cause mortality regardless of the stage of liver fibrosis, pointing to an effect on extrahepatic manifestations of HCV infection. Last but not least, pharmacoeconomic studies show that DAA treatment of patients with mild HCV disease is cost‐effective even at high prices of drugs, thus suggesting the opprtunity to treat regardless of the stage of liver disease.
News and challenges in the treatment of hepatitis C in liver transplantation
Authors: Coilly Audrey , Roche Bruno , Duclos‐Vallée Jean‐ Charles , Samuel Didier 
Published: January 2016

AbstractHepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the main causes of end‐stage liver disease and indications for liver transplantation (LT) worldwide. HCV infection always recurs on the graft in patients who undergo LT with detectable serum HCV RNA, leading to cirrhosis in 20–30% within 5 years after transplantation. Achieving a sustained virological response (SVR) greatly improves patient and graft survival. Recently, the efficacy of therapy has radically changed and improved based on new direct acting antiviral agents (DAAs) without pegylated‐interferon (PEG‐IFN) and/or ribavirin (RBV), leading to SVR rates of more than 90% in transplanted patients. The safety profile in this population is also good, with limited drug–drug interactions. However, there are very few data on patients on the waiting list. Even when the results of combined DAAs are good (>80%), SVR rates are lower than in patients without cirrhosis. This review reports recent available data on the treatment of HCV infection in the transplant setting and discusses new dilemmas and challenges.
Why I do not treat patients for mild disease
Authors: Hézode Christophe 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe short‐term prognosis of patients with chronic hepatitis C and mild disease is excellent. Monitoring of the progression of fibrosis is easy to perform with non‐invasive tests. Current all‐oral interferon (IFN)‐ and ribavirin (RBV)‐free regimens offer sustained viral response (SVR) rates of more than 90% as well as 12‐weeks of treatment for most patients with mild disease. Several DAA combinations can be selected to optimize efficacy and safety outcomes. A short treatment duration of 8 weeks could be indicated in most patients with mild disease. However, additional data from clinical trials and real‐life experience are needed to confirm this option. Moreover, current regimens are not cost‐effective for patients with mild disease. In practice, deferral of HCV treatment for a few years and monitoring the progression of fibrosis is a safe option until cheaper, shorter, more effective and more convenient HCV regimens become available.
Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: beyond international guidelines
Authors: Sangiovanni Angelo , Colombo Massimo 
Published: January 2016

AbstractTreatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is guided by the tumour stage. The Barcelona clinical liver cancer (BCLC) score endorsed by the European Society of the Liver EASL divides patients into five prognostic categories, each with a distinct treatment indication. Hepatic resection, orthotopic liver transplantation and percutaneous local ablation are strongly indicated in accurately selected patients with very early (BCLC 0) and early stage (BCLC A) tumours providing a survival rate of between 50 and 75% at year five. In patients with a large tumour burden such as those with intermediate stage BCLC B, repeated treatments with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) are advocated with clinical benefits (from 16 to 22 months). Survival may also improve in patients who are in poor condition or who do not respond to TACE and those with an advanced HCC (BCLC C), following oral therapy with the multikinase inhibitor, sorafenib. However, most recommendations are based on uncontrolled studies and expert opinions rather than well‐designed controlled trials, and up to one‐third of patients do not fit recommendations because of advanced age, the presence of significant comorbidities or a strategic location of the nodule. For these patients, treatment of HCC beyond guidelines is often advocated.
Eco‐evolutionary factors drive induced plant volatiles: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Rowen Elizabeth , Kaplan Ian 
Published: January 2016

SummaryHerbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) mediate critical ecological functions, but no studies have quantitatively synthesized data published onHIPVs to evaluate broad patterns. We tested three hypotheses that use eco‐evolutionary theory to predict volatile induction: feeding guild (chewing arthropods > sap feeders), diet breadth (specialist herbivores > generalists), and selection history (domesticated plants < wild species).To test these hypotheses, we extracted data from 236 experiments that report volatiles produced by herbivore‐damaged and undamaged plants. These data were subjected to meta‐analysis, including effects on total volatiles and major biochemical classes.Overall, we found that chewers induced more volatiles than sap feeders, for both total volatiles and most volatile classes (e.g. green leaf volatiles, monoterpenes). Although specialist herbivores induced more total volatiles than generalists, this was inconsistent across chemical classes. Contrary to our expectation, domesticated species induced stronger volatile responses than wild species, even when controlling for plant taxonomy.Surprisingly, this is the first quantitative synthesis of published studies onHIPVs. Our analysis provides support for perceptions in the published literature (chewers > sap feeders), while challenging other commonly held notions (wild > crop). Despite the large number of experiments, we identified several gaps in the existing literature that should guide future investigations.
The microbiome of the leaf surface of Arabidopsis protects against a fungal pathogen
Authors: Ritpitakphong Unyarat , Falquet Laurent , Vimoltust Artit , Berger Antoine , Métraux Jean‐Pierre , L'Haridon Floriane 
Published: January 2016

Summary

We have explored the importance of the phyllosphere microbiome in plant resistance in the cuticle mutants bdg (BODYGUARD) or lacs2.3 (LONG CHAIN FATTY ACID SYNTHASE 2) that are strongly resistant to the fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea.

The study includes infection of plants under sterile conditions, 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing of the phyllosphere microbiome, and isolation and high coverage sequencing of bacteria from the phyllosphere.

When inoculated under sterile conditions bdg became as susceptible as wild‐type (WT) plants whereas lacs2.3 mutants retained the resistance. Adding washes of its phyllosphere microbiome could restore the resistance of bdg mutants, whereas the resistance of lacs2.3 results from endogenous mechanisms. The phyllosphere microbiome showed distinct populations in WT plants compared to cuticle mutants. One species identified as Pseudomonas sp isolated from the microbiome of bdg provided resistance to B. cinerea on Arabidopsis thaliana as well as on apple fruits. No direct activity was observed against B. cinerea and the action of the bacterium required the plant.

Thus, microbes present on the plant surface contribute to the resistance to B. cinerea. These results open new perspectives on the function of the leaf microbiome in the protection of plants.
Regulation of anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin biosynthesis by Medicago truncatula bHLH transcription factor MtTT8
Authors: Li Penghui , Chen Beibei , Zhang Gaoyang , Chen Longxiang , Dong Qiang , Wen Jiangqi , Mysore Kirankumar S. , Zhao Jian 
Published: January 2016

Summary

The MYB‐ basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH)‐WD40 complexes regulating anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin (PA) biosynthesis in plants are not fully understood. Here Medicago truncatula bHLH MtTT8 was characterized as a central component of these ternary complexes that control anthocyanin and PA biosynthesis.

Mttt8 mutant seeds have a transparent testa phenotype with reduced PAs and anthocyanins. MtTT8 restores PA and anthocyanin productions in Arabidopsis tt8 mutant. Ectopic expression of MtTT8 restores anthocyanins and PAs in mttt8 plant and hairy roots and further enhances both productions in wild‐type hairy roots.

Transcriptomic analyses and metabolite profiling of mttt8 mutant seeds and M. truncatula hairy roots (mttt8 mutant, mttt8 mutant complemented with MtTT8, or MtTT8 overexpression lines) indicate that MtTT8 regulates a subset of genes involved in PA and anthocyanin biosynthesis.

MtTT8 is genetically regulated by MtLAP1, MtPAR and MtWD40‐1. Combinations of MtPAR, MtLAP1, MtTT8 and MtWD40‐1 activate MtTT8 promoter in yeast assay. MtTT8 interacts with these transcription factors to form regulatory complexes. MtTT8, MtWD40‐1 and an MYB factor, MtPAR or MtLAP1, interacted and activated promoters of anthocyanidin reductase and anthocyanidin synthase to regulate PA and anthocyanin biosynthesis, respectively. Our results provide new insights into the complex regulation of PA and anthocyanin biosynthesis in M. truncatula.
Does Power Sector Deregulation Promote or Discourage Renewable Energy Policy? Evidence from the States, 1991–2012
Authors: Eun Kim Sung , Yang Joonseok , Urpelainen Johannes 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBoth within the United States and across the world, power sector deregulation has changed the environment in which governments formulate renewable energy policy. Utilizing data from U.S. states for the 1991–2012 period, this article shows that there is no difference in the adoption of new renewable energy policy in states that have and have not already gone through power sector deregulation. However, the evidence also shows that governments formulate renewable energy policy as part of a legislative package for power sector deregulation in a dynamic we call issue linkage. While power sector deregulation is neither an impediment nor an impetus to renewable energy policy, the strategic challenge of passing deregulatory legislation requires concessions to constituencies that prefer renewables. For policy makers, the results are important because they indicate that deeper reforms in electricity generation are consistent with more ambitious renewable energy policy.
Activation of Complement Following Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Thordardottir S. , Vikingsdottir T. , Bjarnadottir H. , Jonsson H. , Gudbjornsson B. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate whether complement activation, via the classical and alternative pathways, occurs following a cemented total hip replacement (THR) surgery due to osteoarthritis. Blood samples were collected systematically from 12 patients – six male and six women, with a median age of 75 (range: 59–90 years) – preoperatively, 6 h post‐operatively and on the first, second and third post‐operative day. Total function of classical (CH50) and alternative pathways (AH50) was evaluated, along with the determination of serum concentrations of the complement proteins C3, C4, C3d, the soluble terminal complement complex (sTCC) sC5b‐9, as well as C‐reactive protein (CRP) and albumin. Measurements of CRP and albumin levels elucidated a marked inflammatory response following the operation. The CH50, AH50 and C3 and C4 levels were significantly lower 6 h after the surgery compared with the preoperative levels, but elevated above the preoperative levels during the following 3 days. The complement activation product C3d levels increased continually during the whole observation period, from 13.5 AU/ml (range: 8–19 AU/ml) preoperative to 20 AU/ml (range: 12–34 AU/ml) on the third post‐operative day. Furthermore, we observed an increase in the sC5b‐9 levels between the preoperative and the third post‐operative day. These results demonstrate a significant activation of the complement system following cemented THR. Further studies are needed to elucidate the time frame and the pathogenic role of this observed complement activation.
A new quantitative evaluation method for age‐related changes of individual pigmented spots in facial skin
Authors: Kikuchi K. , Masuda Y. , Yamashita T. , Sato K. , Katagiri C. , Hirao T. , Mizokami Y. , Yaguchi H. 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundFacial skin pigmentation is one of the most prominent visible features of skin aging and often affects perception of health and beauty. To date, facial pigmentation has been evaluated using various image analysis methods developed for the cosmetic and esthetic fields. However, existing methods cannot provide precise information on pigmented spots, such as variations in size, color shade, and distribution pattern. The purpose of this study is the development of image evaluation methods to analyze individual pigmented spots and acquire detailed information on their age‐related changes.MethodsTo characterize the individual pigmented spots within a cheek image, we established a simple object‐counting algorithm. First, we captured cheek images using an original imaging system equipped with an illumination unit and a high‐resolution digital camera. The acquired images were converted into melanin concentration images using compensation formulae. Next, the melanin images were converted into binary images. The binary images were then subjected to noise reduction. Finally, we calculated parameters such as the melanin concentration, quantity, and size of individual pigmented spots using a connected‐components labeling algorithm, which assigns a unique label to each separate group of connected pixels.ResultsThe cheek image analysis was evaluated on 643 female Japanese subjects. We confirmed that the proposed method was sufficiently sensitive to measure the melanin concentration, and the numbers and sizes of individual pigmented spots through manual evaluation of the cheek images. The image analysis results for the 643 Japanese women indicated clear relationships between age and the changes in the pigmented spots.ConclusionWe developed a new quantitative evaluation method for individual pigmented spots in facial skin. This method facilitates the analysis of the characteristics of various pigmented facial spots and is directly applicable to the fields of dermatology, pharmacology, and esthetic cosmetology.