bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) enhances glomerular endothelial cells activation mediated by anti‐myeloperoxidase antibody‐positive IgG
Authors: Sun Xiao‐Jing , Chen Min , Zhao Ming‐Hui 
Published: November 2017

AbstractCumulating evidences suggested an important role of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) and its receptors in regulating endothelial barrier integrity. Our previous study revealed that the circulating S1P levels and renal expression of S1PRs correlated with disease activity and renal damage in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)‐associated vasculitis (AAV). This study investigated the role of S1P and its receptors in myeloperoxidase (MPO)‐ANCA‐positive IgG‐mediated glomerular endothelial cell (GEnC) activation. The effect of S1P on morphological alteration of GEnCs in the presence of MPO‐ANCA‐positive IgG was observed. Permeability assay was performed to determine endothelial monolayer activation in quantity. Both membrane‐bound and soluble ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 levels were measured. Furthermore, antagonists and/or agonists of various S1PRs were employed to determine the role of different S1PRs. S1P enhanced MPO‐ANCA‐positive IgG‐induced disruption of tight junction and disorganization of cytoskeleton in GEnCs. S1P induced further increase in monolayer permeability of GEnC monolayers in the presence of MPO‐ANCA‐positive IgG. S1P enhanced MPO‐ANCA‐positive IgG‐induced membrane‐bound and soluble ICAM‐1/VCAM‐1 up‐regulation of GEnCs. Soluble ICAM‐1 levels in the supernatants of GEnCs stimulated by S1P and MPO‐ANCA‐positive IgG increased upon pre‐incubation of S1PR1 antagonist, while pre‐incubation of GEnCs with the S1PR1 agonist down‐regulated sICAM‐1 level. Blocking S1PR2‐4 reduced sICAM‐1 levels in the supernatants of GEnCs stimulated by S1P and MPO‐ANCA‐positive IgG. Pre‐incubation with S1PR5 agonist could increase sICAM‐1 level in the supernatants of GEnC stimulated by S1P and MPO‐ANCA‐positive IgG. S1P can enhance MPO‐ANCA‐positive IgG‐mediated GEnC activation through S1PR2‐5.
Complement 5a‐mediated trophoblasts dysfunction is involved in the development of pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Ma Yu , Kong Ling‐Ran , Ge Qian , Lu Yuan‐Yuan , Hong Mo‐Na , Zhang Yu , Ruan Cheng‐Chao , Gao Ping‐Jin 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPre‐eclampsia (PE) is a life‐threatening multisystem disorder leading to maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. Emerging evidence showed that activation of the complement system is implicated in the pathological processes of PE. However, little is known about the detailed cellular and molecular mechanism of complement activation in the development of PE. In this study, we reported that complement 5a (C5a) plays a pivotal role in aberrant placentation, which is essential for the onset of PE. We detected an elevated C5a deposition in macrophages and C5a receptor (C5aR) expression in trophoblasts of pre‐eclamptic placentas. Further study showed that C5a stimulated trophoblasts towards an anti‐angiogenic phenotype by mediating the imbalance of angiogenic factors such as soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1) and placental growth factor (PIGF). Additionally, C5a inhibited the migration and tube formation of trophoblasts, while, C5aR knockdown with siRNA rescued migration and tube formation abilities. We also found that maternal C5a serum level was increased in women with PE and was positively correlated with maternal blood pressure and arterial stiffness. These results demonstrated that the placental C5a/C5aR pathway contributed to the development of PE by regulating placental trophoblasts dysfunctions, suggesting that C5a may be a novel therapeutic possibility for the disease.
The impact of membrane pretreatment on the enzymatic production of whey‐derived galacto‐oligosaccharides
Authors: Pázmándi Melinda , Maráz Anna , Ladányi Márta , Kovács Zoltán 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis study presents a multistep process for the valorization of whey that involves membrane filtration techniques to fractionate whey compounds and the subsequent enzymatic conversion of lactose into galacto‐oligosaccharides with a degree of polymerization (DP) of 3–5. Partially demineralized whey was first concentrated and diafiltered by ultrafiltration (UF) to obtain whey protein isolates. Over 97% of the initial amount of lactose was recovered into the permeate which was then concentrated by nanofiltration (NF) up to 330 g L−1. Finally, a systematic study was performed to investigate the hydrolytic and transgalactosylation activity of Biolacta N5, a Bacillus circulans‐derived β‐galactosidase, on whey‐derived substrates consisting of lactose in various concentrations. Hydrolysis was especially pronounced for UF permeates with low lactose concentrations (< 50 g L−1), whereas transgalactosylation was dominant for streams concentrated by NF, obtaining comparable yields of the DP3‐5 fractions (∼ 35%) for moderate and high NF concentration factors.Practical applicationsThe market for functional foods and dairy‐based functional beverages represents a growing segment of the global food industry. This article describes a technique for the valorization of whey that is based on the fractionation of whey constituents and the subsequent bioconversion of lactose into GOS. GOS are prebiotic substances with favorable technological properties such as low viscosity and good pH and temperature stability. These low‐calorie sweeteners can be added to a wide range of foods to increase product functionality. The here proposed multiproduct process has potential applications in whey management practice. The reported experimental data on the performance of the processing steps and the proposed approaches to the synchronization of the individual operations is useful for the design of whey valorization processes with reduced waste and energy consumption.
The effect of combined AC electric field and ultrasound on the chemical compositions and Escherichia coli content of spearmint aromatic water
Authors: Behruzian Ava , Hosseinzadeh Samani Bahram , Rostami Sajad , Lorigooini Zahra , Behruzian Mehrsa 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe aromatic waters are one of the forms of the use of medicinal plants, mostly for edible or medicinal uses. They are required to control the microbial load. Common methods of pasteurization by reason of applying high temperatures cause the undesirable changes in taste, odor, medicinal properties, nutritional quality, and reduction in essential oil. Therefore, novel methods of pasteurization have been widely used recently. In order to determine the microbial inactivation by pulsed electric field and ultrasound, Escherichia coli at a concentration of 7 × 106/mL was inoculated to spearmint aromatic water. The field intensities of 5, 7.5, and 10 kV/cm with time durations of 5, 20, and 35 s and ultrasound powers of 100, 150, and 200 W with time durations of 3, 4, and 5 min were applied. The data obtained from the experiments were analyzed using response surface methods. The results showed that the effect of the four variables listed on the inactivation of microorganisms and energy consumption per cycle of microbial reduction are significant. At the end, the process was optimized. The optimum values for the electric field intensity, time of applying the field, the ultrasound power, and sonication time were 10 kV/cm, 35 μs, 185.90 W, and 4.47 min, respectively. It should be noted that the proposed method had minimal changes in the chemical composition of the raw spearmint aromatic water and was superior to conventional heating methods.Practical applicationsThe mint aromatic water is used in food, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries; it is necessary to microbiological control of its content. Because of conventional pasteurization methods cause undesirable changes in taste, smell, and nutritional quality with a reduction in the amount of essential oil. For this purpose, researchers are looking for solutions that by combining new thermal and nonthermal approaches, the damaging effects of conventional pasteurization be removed. However, the main challenge facing the nonthermal technologies in food processing is the inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms and food spoilage agents, which can be achieved by various methods. The aim of the present research was examined the simultaneous effect of the ultrasonic and the electric field to remove microorganism and save quality and benefit chemical compositions of medicinal aromatic water. This research introduces an innovative and combined method for aromatic water pasteurization and this method can benefit to the food industry.
Production of pomegranate fruit leather (pestil) using different hydrocolloid mixtures: An optimization study by mixture design
Authors: Tontul Ismail , Topuz Ayhan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPestil (a kind of fruit leather) is a traditional Turkish product generally made from mulberry, grape, and apricot. It is a good alternative for unhealthy candies made from corn syrup and artificial colorant. However, in the traditional processing of pestil, fruit juice (which has 10–14°Bx) and other ingredients (honey, milk, etc.) are boiled in the open vessel to concentrate (40–50°Bx) and starch (approximately 10%) is added to form a gel structure while the concentrate still boiling. As explained, this process is not standardized, and some toxic compounds can be formed during heat treatment. Therefore, this study was conducted to produce a pomegranate pestil from commercial pomegranate juice using xanthan gum (0–4%), locust bean gum (0–10%), and pregelatinized starch (0–10%). D‐optimal mixture design was used for the optimization of the pestil formulation. The pestil produced according to experimental design was tested for their water activity, moisture content, color properties, browning index, HMF content, total monomeric anthocyanin, total phenolics, total flavonoids, total proanthocyanidin, antioxidant activity, extensibility, and sensorial properties. According to formulation optimization, the optimum hydrocolloid formula was calculated as 7.5% locust bean gum and 2.5% pregelatinized starch. The pestil produced with optimum formulation had improved properties than traditional pestil.Practical applicationsPestil is a stable fruit product, which is consumed throughout the year. It is produced by boiling of fruit pulp or juice added with starch or flour. Process induced toxic compounds can be formed during pestil production since the process is heat involved. Therefore, we optimized formulation using cold gelling hydrocolloids to eliminate heat treatment in pestil production. Healthier product in terms of both phenolics and toxic compounds was produced using optimized formulation.
PSO‐based BP‐ANN predictive model of S. Typhimurium in processing of surimi with citric acid
Authors: Qin Tian , Liu Shaowei , Mao Yizheng , Liu Xue , Tang Xiaozhi , Li Ran , Cai Wanjing 
Published: November 2017

AbstractFoodborne pathogenic contamination is a major problem of surimi production. In this study, the effect of variables, namely citric acid concentration (0.5, 1, and 2%), process temperature (4 and 25 °C) and time (1–15 min) on the inactivation of Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) were investigated. The results indicated that citric acid had a significant effect on the survival of S. Typhimurium. To describe the kinetics of S. Typhimurium, both back‐propagation artificial neural network (BP‐ANN) and particle swarm optimization‐based back‐propagation artificial neural network (PSO BP‐ANN) were used to develop models for simulating the dynamic population of S. Typhimurium. The novelty of this work consisted in the application of combining PSO and BP‐ANN together as an optimization strategy to enhance its predictive ability. The results of the new model with PSO algorithm suggested a more accurate prediction model. With the optimal ANN–PSO model, the coefficient of determination (R2) were 0.9786 and 0.9985; mean squared error (MSE) values were 0.0499 and 0.0049 for the training and testing data set, respectively.Practical applicationsSurimi is an important intermediate product in Asia, while fresh surimi may be contaminated with Salmonella Typhimurium during processing, transportation, and storage. In this study, Citric acid has been used to control microbial growth, and extend food shelf‐life. PSO‐based BP‐ANN model were selected to predict the population of Salmonella Typhimurium in processing of surimi with citric acid as a more accurate prediction model. As surimi is constantly consumed, predicting and monitoring the harmful pathogenic bacteria is vital to ensure the food safety.
Prevalence of Frailty and Associated Factors in the Community‐Dwelling Population of China
Authors: Ma Lina , Tang Zhe , Zhang Li , Sun Fei , Li Yun , Chan Piu 
Published: November 2017

Background/ObjectivesFrailty in older adults predicts dependence and mortality and is a major challenge for healthcare systems in countries with rapidly aging populations. Little is known about frailty in China. We investigated the prevalence and associated risk factors of frailty in older adults in China.DesignCross‐sectional.SettingData were obtained from the China Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Study, conducted in 2011–12, which was the first uniform comprehensive assessment system adopted in China.ParticipantsOlder adults from 7 cities were selected based on well‐established cluster, stratification, and random selection statistical sampling techniques (N = 5,844).MeasurementsThe Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment‐Frailty Index was measured based on demographic characteristics, physical health, physical function, living behavior and social function, mental health, and cognitive function.ResultsThe overall weighted prevalence of frailty was 9.9%: 12.7% in southwestern China, 11.0% in northern China, 5.9% in northwestern China, 5.0% in south‐central China, 2.5% in eastern China, and 2.3% in northeastern China. The prevalence of frailty increased with age and was significantly higher in women and those living in rural areas. After adjusting for sex, age, area, region, and education, activity of daily living impairment was the strongest risk factor for frailty. Chronic diseases, depression, poor lifestyle, and geriatric syndromes were also independent risk factors.ConclusionOur study provides epidemiological characteristics and the risk factors of frailty in China; the findings indicate greater regional disparities. Efforts to promote physical, psychological, and social health in older adults are a core objective of health policy, especially in women and those living in rural areas.
Changes in intraepidermal nerve fiber and Langerhans cell densities in the plantar skin of rats after mercuric chloride exposure
Authors: Sun Binbin , Fan Shuangyi , Yao Kai , Li Yifan , Huang Xusheng 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMercury and its compounds possess strong neurotoxicity and patients with mercury poisoning often report pain and numbness in the distal extremities that conform to the “stocking–glove” pattern. However, no study has investigated whether damage to small nerve fibers is associated with mercury poisoning. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the effects of different doses of mercury chloride (HgCl2) on intraepidermal nerve fibers density (IENFD) and Langerhans cells (LCs) in the plantar skin of rats and to assess the possible relationship between changes in IENFD and sensory testing. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three experimental groups and administered HgCl2 solutions via gavage at three different doses (4.25, 8.5, and 17 mg/kg/day) for 21 days. Subsequently, behavioral tests and pathological changes in IENFD and LCs were assessed at three different time points (1, 2, and 3 weeks). Rats in all three HgCl2 groups exhibited varying degrees of weight and hair loss. Thermal hypersensitivity was evident in all the HgCl2 groups (for middle‐2w subgroup, p < 0.05). Mechanical sensitivity tests revealed hyposensitivity in all the HgCl2 groups except the high‐1w subgroup. Significant decreases in IENFD (for the high‐1w, middle‐1w, low‐2w, and low‐3w subgroups, p < 0.05) and significant increases in the density of LCs (except for the low‐1w and high‐2w subgroups, all p < 0.05) were found in all groups after HgCl2 exposure. An association analysis revealed a significant correlation between the decrease in IENFD and the increase in LCs densities (r = −0.573, p < 0.01). The present study demonstrated a decrease in IENFD and an increase in LCs density in the plantar skin of rats after HgCl2 poisoning, indicating that damage of the small nerve fibers occurs after mercury poisoning.
Impact of active cancer disease on the outcome of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Mangner Norman , Woitek Felix J. , Haussig Stephan , Holzhey David , Stachel Georg , Schlotter Florian , Höllriegel Robert , Mohr Friedrich W. , Schuler Gerhard , Linke Axel 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundPatients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are often characterized by risk factors not reflected in conventional risk scores. In this context, little is known about the outcome of patients suffering from an active cancer disease (ACD). The objective was to determine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and mortality of patients with ACD undergoing TAVR compared to those with a history of cancer (HCD) and controls without known tumor disease.MethodsTAVR patients between 02/2006 and 09/2014 were stratified according to the presence of ACD, HCD, and control. All‐cause‐mortality at 1‐year was the primary end point. All end point definitions were subject to the Valve Academic Research Consortium II definitions.ResultsOverall, 1821 patients were included: 99 patients (5.4%) suffered from ACD and 251 patients (13.8%) had HCD. ACD was related to a solid organ or hematological source in 72.7% and 27.3%, respectively. Patients with ACD were more often male (P = 0.004) and had a lower logisticEuroScore I (P = 0.033). Overall rates of VARC‐II defined periprocedural myocardial infarction, stroke, bleeding, access‐site complications, and acute kidney injury were not different between groups. Thirty‐day mortality did not differ between patients with ACD, HCD, and controls (6.1% vs 4.4% vs 7.6%, P = 0.176). All‐cause 1‐year mortality was higher in patients with ACD compared HCD and controls (37.4% vs 16.4% vs 20.8%, P < 0.001). ACD was an independent predictor of all‐cause 1‐year mortality (HR 2.10, 95%‐CI 1.41‐3.13, P < 0.001).ConclusionThe presence of ACD in patients undergoing TAVR is associated with significantly higher 1‐year mortality.
In‐hospital outcomes in invasively managed acute myocardial infarction patients who receive morphine
Authors: McCarthy Cian P. , Bhambhani Vijeta , Pomerantsev Eugene , Wasfy Jason H. 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveWe aimed to analyze the association between morphine and in‐hospital outcomes in invasively managed ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non‐ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE‐ACS) patients.BackgroundMorphine is commonly used for analgesia in the setting of acute coronary syndromes (ACS); however, recently its utility in ACS has come under closer scrutiny.MethodsWe identified all STEMI and NSTE‐ACS patients undergoing coronary angiogram +/− percutaneous intervention between January 2009 and July 2016 in our center and recorded patient characteristics and inpatient outcomes.ResultsOverall, 3027 patients were examined. Overall, STEMI patients who received morphine had no difference in in‐hospital mortality [4.18% vs. 7.54%, odds ratio (OR): 0.36, P = 0.19], infarct size (mean troponin level 0.75 ng/mL vs. 1.29 ng/mL, P = 0.32) or length of hospital stay (P = 0.61). The NSTE‐ACS patients who received morphine had a longer hospital stay (mean 6.58 days vs. 4.78 days, P < 0.0001) and larger infarct size (mean troponin 1.16 ng/mL vs. 0.90 ng/mL, P = 0.02). Comparing matched patients, the use of morphine was associated with larger infarct size (mean troponin 1.14 ± 1.92 ng/mL vs. 0.83 ± 1.49 ng/mL, P = 0.01), longer hospital stay (6.5 ± 6.82 days vs. 4.89 ± 5.36 days, P = 0.004) and a trend towards increased mortality (5% vs. 2%, OR: 2.55, P = 0.06) in NSTE‐ACS patients but morphine did not affect outcomes in the propensity matched STEMI patients.ConclusionIn a large retrospective study, morphine was associated with larger infarct size, a longer hospital stay and a trend towards increased mortality in invasively managed NSTE‐ACS patients even after adjustment for clinical characteristics.
Airport delays and metropolitan employment
Authors: Lakew Paulos Ashebir , Bilotkach Volodymyr 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis study provides the first empirical assessment of the impact airline delays have on urban employment. While previous works have suggested that road congestion can slow down regional development, the influence of air traffic delays on metro‐level jobs has not been examined comprehensively. The present study uses a nine‐year panel of quarterly data, which covers passenger airline traffic and delays at airports across urban areas in the United States. The panel also includes data on total and industry‐specific employment at the metropolitan‐area level. Our empirical estimates of the impact of air traffic on total employment are comparable to previously reported measures in the literature. However, we find that service‐sector employment is less sensitive to air traffic than other studies suggested. We provide new evidence confirming that delays have a negative effect on employment, a finding that is robust to various specifications of our empirical model. Our results indicate that a 10 percent increase in the number of delayed flights leads to up to a 0.15 percent decrease in total and service‐sector employment, a 0.47 percent decline in leisure and hospitality employment, and a 0.7 percent reduction in the employment level of goods‐producing jobs.
Can a child and family health service improve early childhood health outcomes in an urban Aboriginal community?
Authors: Freeman Jessica , Murphy Elisabeth , Woolfenden Susan , Waters Edward , Winters Jennifer , Callaghan Lola , Zwi Karen 
Published: November 2017

AimsTo describe the engagement of a cohort of urban Aboriginal families with an Early Childhood Health Service, and to assess any association of engagement with the service with screening by the Edinburgh Post‐Natal Depression Scale (EPDS), full breastfeeding rates and post‐natal smoking status.MethodsRoutine electronic medical record data collected by a Child and Family Health Nurse between 2011 and 2014 was analysed retrospectively. Associations between use of the service and acceptance of EPDS, breastfeeding rates and post‐natal smoking status were determined using binary and multinomial multiple logistic regression analyses.ResultsThere were 424 Aboriginal babies and 215 mothers included in the study. Each occasion of service increased the odds of accepting screening with the EPDS (odds ratio (OR) 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00–1.03, P = 0.04) and complete breastfeeding (OR 1.11, CI 1.01–1.23, P = 0.04), but not of quitting smoking (OR 0.99, CI 0.96–1.02, P = 0.34). Despite accounting for engagement with the service, overall uptake of the EPDS remained low; of 267 offers for EPDS screening, only 115 were accepted (43%).ConclusionThe service was accessed in increasing numbers during the study period. Mothers who utilised the service more frequently were more likely to accept EPDS screening and exclusively breastfeed; however, acceptance of EPDS screening remained low overall. Further research is recommended to investigate the low acceptance of EPDS in this Aboriginal population and whether those results are transferable to other communities.