bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychological well‐being and risk of dementia
Authors: Sutin Angelina R. , Stephan Yannick , Terracciano Antonio 
Published: January 2018

ObjectiveWell‐being is a psychological resource that buffers against age‐related disease. We test whether this protective effect extends to dementia and whether it is independent of distress.MethodsParticipants (N = 10,099) were from the Health and Retirement Study. Five aspects of positive psychological functioning (life satisfaction, optimism, mastery, purpose in life, and positive affect) were tested as predictors of incident dementia over 6 to 8 years.ResultsPurpose in life was associated with a 30% decreased risk of dementia, independent of psychological distress, other clinical and behavioral risk factors, income/wealth, and genetic risk. After controlling for distress and other risk factors, the other aspects of well‐being were not associated with dementia risk.ConclusionsAfter considering psychological distress, we found that measures of well‐being were generally not protective against risk of dementia. An exception is purpose in life, which suggests that a meaningful and goal‐driven life reduces risk of dementia.
Home away from home: Health and wellbeing benefits of men's sheds
Authors: Taylor Jane , Cole Rachel , Kynn Mary , Lowe John 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIssue addressedImproving the health of men is a national policy priority. The Men's Shed program is one health promoting initiative that seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of men. This study assessed Men's Shed members’ perceptions of the health and wellbeing benefits of Men's Shed activity in a large regional Queensland Men's Shed.MethodsData were collected via a self‐administered questionnaire from 147 and three group interviews with 17 shedders. Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used to determine differences in shedders perceived health and wellbeing measures retrospectively just before joining the Men's Shed and currently. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data.ResultsThere was no change in overall self‐assessed health of shedders before and after joining the Men's Shed. Shedders expanded their social networks, and experienced less felt need for social interaction. Shedders’ level of satisfaction with feeling part of the community and life as a whole increased. Health and wellbeing benefits of Men's Shed included fellowship, sense of belonging, access to equipment, and learning new and sharing their own skills.ConclusionsThe Men's Shed appeared to provide social health and wellbeing benefits to its members, and an environment for quality social interaction. The Men's Shed is seen as a place for and about members – men.So what?Men's Shed may have a unique role in supporting the social health and wellbeing of men beyond that already available from other community groups by providing an environment for the fellowship of men and activities of interest in an unstructured way.
Exercise at an onsite facility with or without direct exercise supervision improves health‐related physical fitness and exercise participation: An 8‐week randomised controlled trial with 15‐month follow‐up
Authors: Hunter Jayden R. , Gordon Brett A. , Lythgo Noel , Bird Stephen R. , Benson Amanda C. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIssue addressedPhysical activity and exercise participation is limited by a perceived lack of time, poor access to facilities and low motivation. The aim was to assess whether providing an exercise program to be completed at the workplace with or without direct supervision was effective for promoting health‐related physical fitness and exercise participation.MethodsFifty university employees aged (Mean ± SD) 42.5 ± 11.1 years were prescribed a moderate‐ to vigorous‐intensity aerobic and resistance exercise program to be completed at an onsite facility for 8 weeks. Participants were randomly allocated to receive direct exercise supervision or not. Cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇O2max) and maximal muscular strength were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks. Self‐report physical activity was assessed at baseline, 8 weeks and 15 months post‐intervention.ResultsAttendance or exercise session volume were not different between groups. Cardiorespiratory fitness (Mean ± 95% CI); +1.9 ± 0.7 mL·kg·min−1;P < .001), relative knee flexion (+7.4 ± 3.5 Nm·kg−1%;P < .001) and extension (+7.4 ± 4.6 Nm·kg−1%;P < .01) strength increased, irrespective of intervention group. Self‐reported vigorous‐intensity physical activity increased over the intervention (mean ± 95% CI; +450 ± 222 MET·minutes per week;P < .001), but did not remain elevated at 15 months (+192 ± 276 MET·minutes per week).ConclusionProviding a workplace exercise facility to complete an individually‐prescribed 8‐week exercise program is sufficient to improve health‐related physical fitness in the short‐term independent to the level of supervision provided, but does not influence long‐term participation.So what?Lower cost onsite exercise facility supervision is as effective at improving physical health and fitness as directly supervised exercise, however ongoing support may be required for sustained physical activity behaviour change.
Identifying the source of atmospheric moisture over arid deserts using stable isotopes (2H and 18O) in precipitation
Authors: Rao Wenbo , Zhang Wenbing , Yong Bin , Tan Hongbing , Meredith Karina T. , Jin Ke , Zheng Fangwen , Wang Shuai 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPrecipitation is a major component of the hydrologic cycle in arid desert areas. To date, however, few studies have been conducted on investigating the isotope characteristics and moisture sources of precipitation in arid desert environments. The Alxa Desert Plateau is a critical arid desert area in North China. This study is the first to analyse the stable isotopic composition of precipitation to identify the sources of atmospheric moisture over this plateau. Our results show that the δD and δ18O values of precipitation across the plateau change greatly at both daily and monthly timescales, and exhibit seasonal variations. Among the main meteorological parameters, atmospheric temperature is the most predominant factor controlling the isotopic composition and the δD–δ18O relationship of local precipitation. Analyses of the precipitation isotopes with the Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model reveal that (a) the westerly and polar moisture sources are the dominant controls on summer and winter precipitation and (b) the evaporation of local lake water significantly affects winter precipitation even though it only represents a small amount. Based on the isotope data of 2013–2016 precipitation, a local meteoric water line (LMWL) is derived: δD = (8.20 ± 0.22)·δ18O + (8.15 ± 2.16)‰ for the study site. Compared to the global meteoric water line, the LMWL has a greater slope and lower d‐excess. This can be explained by admixing of atmospheric moisture resulting from the evaporation of local lake water. Based on this LMWL, we are able to trace that groundwater of the Badain Jaran Desert originates from the surrounding mountains with altitudes of <4,000 m. The newly derived LMWL shows that the recharge altitudes of desert groundwater are overestimated on the basis of the previous LMWLs. This study not only provides insights into the hydrological cycle but also offers guidance for water resource management in arid desert areas of China. Additionally, this study provides techniques that can be applied to the analyses of precipitation isotopes in similar arid regions of the world.
A call for action: Improve reporting of research studies to increase the scientific basis for regulatory decision‐making
Authors: Ågerstrand Marlene , Christiansen Sofie , Hanberg Annika , Rudén Christina , Andersson Lars , Andersen Sjur , Appelgren Henrik , Bjørge Christine , Clausen Ian Henning , Eide Dag Markus , Hartmann Nanna B. , Husøy Trine , Halldórsson Halldór Pálmar , van der Hagen Marianne , Ingre‐Khans Ellen , Lillicrap Adam David , Beltoft Vibe Meister , Mörk Anna‐Karin , Murtomaa‐Hautala Mari , Nielsen Elsa , Ólafsdóttir Kristín , Palomäki Jaana , Papponen Hinni , Reiler Emilie Marie , Stockmann‐Juvala Helene , Suutari Tiina , Tyle Henrik , Beronius Anna 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis is a call for action to scientific journals to introduce reporting requirements for toxicity and ecotoxicity studies. Such reporting requirements will support the use of peer‐reviewed research studies in regulatory decision‐making. Moreover, this could improve the reliability and reproducibility of published studies in general and make better use of the resources spent in research.
Genipin‐cross‐linked type II collagen scaffold promotes the differentiation of adipose‐derived stem cells into nucleus pulposus‐like cells
Authors: Zhou Xiaopeng , Tao Yiqing , Chen Erman , Wang Jingkai , Fang Weijing , Zhao Tengfei , Liang Chengzhen , Li Fangcai , Chen Qixin 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAdipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs)‐based tissue engineering was a promising method to treat intervertebral disc degeneration. Type II collagen is a native component in the nucleus pulposus (NP), and has the ability to promote ADSCs to differentiate into NP‐like cells. In this article, we aimed to establish a genipin‐cross‐linked three‐dimensional (3D) type II collagen scaffold, and determine the biological effects of the scaffold on ADSCs differentiating into a NP‐like phenotype. Different concentrations of genipin were used to cross‐link the 3D type II collagen scaffold. Microstructure, surface topography, mechanical strength, porosity, swelling property, and biological stability of the scaffolds were detected to evaluate the scaffold properties. Cell proliferation, gene and protein expression were measured to access the biological effects of the scaffolds on ADSCs, and the related molecular mechanism was investigated. Cross‐linking by genipin increased the stability of the type II collagen scaffolds, but deformed the configuration of scaffolds and changed the intrinsic properties of type II collagen. scaffold cross‐linked with 0.1% genipin improved the biostability on the basis of maintaining the configuration of scaffold. In addition, the 0.1% genipin‐cross‐linked scaffold promoted ADSCs proliferation and differentiation into NP‐like cells, along with the increasing gene and protein expressions of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh). All these results suggested that 0.1% genipin was the optimal concentration to establish a bio‐stable 3D type II collagen scaffold, which inducing ADSC proliferation and differentiation toward a NP‐like phenotype through the activation of Shh signaling pathway. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1258–1268, 2018.
Cdc42 Is Essential for Both Articular Cartilage Degeneration and Subchondral Bone Deterioration in Experimental Osteoarthritis
Authors: Hu Xinhua , Ji Xing , Yang Mengting , Fan Shihao , Wang Jirong , Lu Meiping , Shi Wei , Mei Liu , Xu Chengyun , Fan Xueying , Hussain Musaddique , Du Jingyu , Wu Junsong , Wu Ximei 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT

Cdc42, a member of Rho family small guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases), is critical for cartilage development. We investigated the roles of Cdc42 in osteoarthritis and explored the potential mechanism underlying Cdc42-mediated articular cartilage degeneration and subchondral bone deterioration. Cdc42 is highly expressed in both articular cartilage and subchondral bone in a mouse osteoarthritis model with surgical destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) in the knee joints. Specifically, genetic disruption of Cdc42, knockdown of Cdc42 expression, or inhibition of Cdc42 activity robustly attenuates the DMM-induced destruction, hypertrophy, high expression of matrix metallopeptidase-13 and collagen X, and activation of Stat3 in articular cartilages. Notably, genetic disruption of Cdc42, knockdown of Cdc42 expression or inhibition of Cdc42 activity significantly restored the increased numbers of mesenchymal stem cells, osteoprogenitors, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and neovascularized vessels, the increased bone mass, and the activated Erk1/2, Smad1/5 and Smad2 in subchondral bone of DMM-operated mice. Mechanistically, Cdc42 mediates interleukin-1β–induced interleukin-6 production and subsequent Jak/Stat3 activation to regulate chondrocytic inflammation, and also lies upstream of Erk/Smads to regulate subchondral bone remodeling during transform growth factor-β1 signaling. Cdc42 is apparently required for both articular cartilage degeneration and subchondral bone deterioration of osteoarthritis, thus, interventions targeting Cdc42 have potential in osteoarthritic therapy. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Retracted: Effects of S100A12 gene silencing on serum levels of anti‐inflammatory/pro‐inflammatory cytokines in septic rats through the ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Wen Xin , Han Xin‐Rui , Wang Yong‐Jian , Fan Shao‐Hua , Zhang Zi‐Feng , Wu Dong‐Mei , Lu Jun , Zheng Yuan‐Lin 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe explored the effect of S100A12 gene on serum levels of anti‐inflammatory/pro‐inflammatory cytokines in septic rats by activating the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. A total of 180 specific pathogen‐free (SPF) rats were purchased to establish cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model. Rats were assigned into the sham, model, empty vector, S100A12 siRNA, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and S100A12 siRNA + EGF groups. The expressions of S100A12, ERK‐1, ERK‐2, cPLA2, and NF‐κB in liver tissues of rats among six groups were detected by RT‐qPCR and western blotting. ELISA was used to determine serum levels of IL‐1β, IL‐10, TNF‐α, procalcitonin (PCT), and C‐reactive protein (CRP). Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to measure correlations. Cell apoptosis of rats among six groups was detected by Tunel staining. The expressions of S100A12, ERK‐1, ERK‐2, cPLA2, and NF‐κB decreased in the S100A12 siRNA group while increased in the EGF group compared with the model group. S100A12 mRNA expression was positively correlated with mRNA expressions of related genes in the ERK signaling pathway (ERK‐1, ERK‐2, cPLA2, and NF‐κB) in the model and empty vector groups. Expressions of IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, PCT, and CRP in the EGF group were higher than those in the model group, but were lower than those in the S100A12 siRNA group. Compared with the model group, cell apoptosis decreased in the S100A12 siRNA group but that increased in the EGF group. We demonstrates that S100A12 gene silencing decreases serum levels of anti‐inflammatory/pro‐inflammatory cytokines in septic rats by inhibiting the ERK signaling pathway.
An efficient heterogeneous LiBr/γ‐Al2O3 catalyst for the cycloaddition of CO2 with diglycidyl ethers
Authors: Liang Hongguang , Wang Junwei , Wang Feng , Feng Yuelan , Kang Maoqing , Wang Zhijie 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe cycloaddition reaction of CO2 with diglycidyl ethers was an an effective way both to reduce CO2 and to obtain bis (cyclic carbonate)s, which were applied in the synthesis of green non‐isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs). In this reaction, it was highly important and desirable to develop an efficient heterogeneous catalyst. Sustainable supported LiBr catalysts were prepared by a simple impregnation method, and the structures and catalytic activities of catalysts were studied.RESULTSThe work has discovered that with increase of the loading amount of LiBr/γ‐Al2O3 catalyst, the catalytic activity first increased and then decreased, and when the calcination temperature was increased, the catalytic activity increased first, then decreased and finally increased. The effects of loading amount and calcination temperature on the catalyst structure, interactions of components and surface properties were systematically studied by XRD, FT‐IR, BET, XPS, CO2‐TPD, NH3‐TPD techniques. Among the investigated LiBr/γ‐Al2O3 catalysts, the catalyst with 20 wt% LiBr and calcined at 450 °C for 4 h exhibited the highest catalytic activity.CONCLUSIONIt was found that the bifunctional catalysis system formed was highly important for the cycloaddition reaction. The heterogeneous LiBr/γ‐Al2O3 was advantageous in practical application for its good activity, sustainability and simplicity. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Interactive effects of algal level and predator density (Asplanchna sieboldi) on the life‐history strategy and morphology of Brachionus calyciflorus
Authors: Pan Ling , Xi Yi‐Long , Gu Jing , Jiang Shan , Zhu Han , Zhang Bing‐Xing 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPredation plays an important role in mediating the coexistence and the community structure of rotifera. In response to predation stresses, prey rotifers develop morphological defenses and change their life‐history strategy for the reallocation of energy investment. Yet, how these changes respond to different total energy ingestion remains largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the life‐table demographic, population growth and morphological parameters of Brachionus calyciflorus in response to various densities of Asplanchna sieboldi at two food levels (1.0 × 106 and 2.0 × 106 cells per ml of Scenedesmus obliquus). To resist predators, B. calyciflorus developed long postero‐lateral spines. The life‐table demographic results showed that predation only significantly shortened the generation time of B. calyciflorus at the algal level of 2.0 × 106 cells per ml, but not affect other demographic parameters. The population growth tests revealed that predator density, algal level and their interactions all significantly influenced the population growth rate of prey rotifers. At 1.0 × 106 cells per ml of S. obliquus, treatments with two, four, and eight A. sieboldi individuals per 50 ml significantly reduced the population growth rate of B. calyciflorus. In contrast, the population growth rate was not affected in response to two A. sieboldi individuals per 50 ml at 2.0 × 106 cells per ml of S. obliquus. These results suggested that algal level probably affected the inhibitory effects of predation on the population growth of prey rotifers, and the underlying mechanisms should be further investigated.
Fate of egg proteins during the development ofColumba livia domesticaembryo
Authors: Shbailat Seba Jamal , Aslan Ibtisam Omar 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe transfer of egg white into the yolk and consumption of yolk proteins by the embryo are largely unexplored in the pigeonColumba livia domestica. Here, we investigated the route of egg white transfer as well as the degradation and uptake of yolk proteins by the pigeon embryo. Initially, we tested the electrophoretic patterns of proteins in different egg compartments throughout development. Then, we used lysozyme as a reference protein to follow the egg white transfer, and we measured its activity usingMicrococcus lysodeikticusas a substrate. Moreover, we determined the general protease activity during different developmental stages in the yolk using casein. Finally, we examined the expression of aminopeptidase‐N (APN) and oligopeptide transporterPepT1genes in the yolk sac membrane (YSM) from incubation day 8 until day 17. Several electrophoretic bands of presumptive egg white proteins appeared in different egg compartments. Also, lysozyme activity was detected chronologically in the egg compartments. It appeared on day 12 in the amniotic and intestinal fluids and on day 14 in the yolk. Moreover, protease activity in the yolk increased significantly on day 14 and thereafter.APNexpression was largest on day 8 and reduced generally afterward, whereasPepT1expression peaked between days 13 and 15 but then reduced substantially. Our results suggest that the egg white proteins move through the amnion and intestine into the yolk where they undergo degradation by the activated proteases. Furthermore, the YSM appears to have a role in protein consumption, and this role decreases toward hatch.
Physiological and Pharmacological Regulation of Prostaglandin and Leukotriene Production by Macrophages
Authors: Bonney Robert J , Humes John L 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The synthesis and secretion of prostaglandins and leukotrienes by mouse peritioneal macrophages is under several regulatory controls. Arachidonic acid must first be released from phospholipid stores by the action of phospholipases. Macrophages have the capacity to deacylate arachidonic acid directly from the SN2 position of phospholipids via the action of a phospholipase A2. In addition, these cells contain a phospholipase C capable of removing inositolphosphate from phosphatidylinositol generating diacylglycerol. Another enzyme, diacylglycerol lipase is present to then generate arachidonic acid. The free arachidonic acid then enters the cyclooxygenase pathway to generate prostaglandins, the lipoxygenase pathway to generate leukotrienes or both pathways. The nature of the inflammatory stimulus added to these cells determines which of the above pathways become operative. Zymosan and the Ca+ + ionophore, A23187 stimulate the synthesis of both prostaglandins and leukotrienes whereas phorbol myristate acetate and lipopolysaccharide induce only the synthesis of prostaglandins. In addition, the synthesis of these two products by macrophages can be regulated by certain antiinflammatory compounds. Indomethacin, aspirin, ibuprofen and benoxaprofen are only inhibitors of the prostaglandin pathway, whereas BW755C, 5,8,11 ETYA, NDGA and sulindac sulfide (high doses) are inhibitors of the synthesis of both prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Dapsone, an effective drug for leprosy, also inhibits the synthesis of both of these products.
Macrophage-Derived Growth Factor for Fibroblasts and Interleukin-1 Are Distinct Entities
Authors: Estes John E , Pledger W J , Gillespie G Yancey 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
P388D1, a mouse macrophagelike cell line, was adapted to grow continuously in an unsupplemented, serum-free culture medium and continued to elaborate substances that were mitogenic for quiescent mouse fibroblasts (BALB/c 3T3 cells) and for thymocytes suboptimally stimulated with lectins. We have previously described [37] the fibroblast mitogenic activity as a macrophage-derived competence factor (MDCF). Serum-free, macrophage-conditioned culture medium was concentrated 1,000-fold by a combination of ultrafiltration (hollow fiber) and lyophilization. Concentrates of medium were subjected to gel filtration (Sephadex G-75 or G-150), and the fractions were assayed for mitogenic activity (MDCF) on density-arrested BALB/c 3T3 cells and for Interleukin-1 (IL-1) activity in suboptimally stimulated (Con A) mouse thymocytes. The apparent molecular weight (MW) of MDCF activity was estimated at 56,000 daltons, whereas the peak of IL-1 chromatographed at an apparent MW of 14–16K daltons. There was no detectable IL-1 activity in the MDCF fractions and no detectable MDCF in the IL-1 fractions. These data indicate that P388D1 cells produce both MDCF and IL-1 activities under continuous serum-free conditions and that the two activities are not identical. Stimulation of responsive mononuclear phagocytes with lipopolysaccharide and/or lymphokine-rich supernates resulted in a differential modulation of MDCF and IL-1 activities. Finally, antibody-purified IL-1 had no significant ability to stimulate DNA synthesis in quiescent fibroblasts at concentrations that were mitogenic for thymocytes. However, IL-1 did augment the mitogenic activity of suboptimal amounts of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), another competence factor. Further studies revealed that neither the generation nor the activity of MDCF was modulated by the presence of various inhibitors of proteolytic enzymes.