bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel therapies in type 2 diabetes: insulin resistance
Authors: Tahrani Abd A 
Published: June 2017

AbstractInsulin resistance plays an important role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of insulin resistance. Hence, treating obesity with lifestyle interventions is the cornerstone of managing insulin resistance. However, when lifestyle interventions fail to produce sustainable impact, then pharmacotherapy and/or bariatric surgery can produce significant improvements in weight, insulin resistance and glycaemic measures. Ectopic fat in the liver and muscle is one of the main mechanisms via which obesity impacts on insulin sensitivity. Hence, there are currently multiple therapeutic interventions in development that aim to improve ectopic fat. With better understanding of the insulin signalling pathways, multiple agents are under development targeting different components of this pathway from the level of insulin receptor to the level of protein kinase B activation and the translocation of glucose transporters. The development of these agents has been slow due to the complexity of the insulin signalling pathway, the multiple negative feedback signals and the fact that the molecules involved in insulin signalling are also involved in other pathways such as cell survival and apoptosis. Sleep‐related disorders are increasingly recognised as independent risk factors for the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes; targeting sleep‐related disorders as a treatment strategy for insulin resistance is under evaluation.In this article, I will briefly review the future treatments of insulin resistance that are in the pipeline, and I will also briefly review the role of bariatric surgery and sleep‐related disorders in the treatment of insulin resistance. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons.
Synthesis and characterization of fully biobased poly(propylene succinate‐ran‐propylene adipate). Analysis of the architecture‐dependent physicochemical behavior
Authors: Debuissy Thibaud , Pollet Eric , Avérous Luc 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTFully biobased aliphatic random poly(1,3‐propylene succinate‐ran‐1,3‐propylene adipate) (PPSA) copolyesters with high molar mass were synthesized with different macromolecular architectures based on various succinic acid/adipic acid (SA/AA) molar ratio, by transesterification in melt. Titanium (IV) isopropoxide was used as an effective catalyst. All synthesized copolyesters were fully characterized by different chemical and physicochemical techniques including NMR, size exclusion chromatography, FTIR, wide angle X‐ray scattering, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The final copolyesters molar compositions were identical to the feed ones. The different sequences based on succinate and adipate segments were randomly distributed along the chains. All the corresponding copolyesters showed an excellent thermal stability with a degradation onset temperature higher than 290 °C, which increased with the adipate content. According to their compositions and architectures, PPSA copolyesters can exhibit or not a crystalline phase, at room temperature. Tg of copolyesters decreased with the adipate content due to the decrease in the chains mobility, following the Gordon–Taylor relation. PPSA showed a pseudo eutectic melting behavior characteristic of an isodimorphic character. Finally, PPSA copolyesters were not able to crystallize during the cooling or the second heating run, due to the 1,3‐propanediol chemical structure, which led to amorphous materials with the exception of the polyester based solely on AA. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2738–2748
Effect of polymer chain stiffness on initial stages of crystallization of polyetherimides: Coarse‐grained computer simulation
Authors: Markina Anastasia , Ivanov Viktor , Komarov Pavel , Larin Sergey , Kenny José Maria , Lyulin Sergey 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTWe use dissipative particle dynamics simulation to study the role of the intramolecular stiffness in the crystallization process of aromatic polyetherimides. We have developed and parameterized a coarse‐grained model for polyimides R‐BAPB and R‐BAPS, which have similar chemical structures but different macroscopic properties. The former one is known as semicrystalline, while the latter one is amorphous. In our model, the only difference between these two polyimides is the intramolecular stiffness. We show that this model can reasonably reproduce the structure formation in polyimide melts. We observe initial stages of crystallization of polyimide R–BAPB while R‐BAPS stays amorphous. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 1254–1265
Quantum chemistry in environmental pesticide risk assessment
Authors: Villaverde Juan J , López‐Goti Carmen , Alcamí Manuel , Lamsabhi Al Mokhtar , Alonso‐Prados José L , Sandín‐España Pilar 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe scientific community and regulatory bodies worldwide, currently promote the development of non‐experimental tests that produce reliable data for pesticide risk assessment. The use of standard quantum chemistry methods could allow the development of tools to perform a first screening of compounds to be considered for the experimental studies, improving the risk assessment. This fact results in a better distribution of resources and in better planning, allowing a more exhaustive study of the pesticides and their metabolic products. The current paper explores the potential of quantum chemistry in modelling toxicity and environmental behaviour of pesticides and their by‐products by using electronic descriptors obtained computationally. Quantum chemistry has potential to estimate the physico‐chemical properties of pesticides, including certain chemical reaction mechanisms and their degradation pathways, allowing modelling of the environmental behaviour of both pesticides and their by‐products. In this sense, theoretical methods can contribute to performing a more focused risk assessment of pesticides used in the market, and may lead to higher quality and safer agricultural products. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Abundance, genetic diversity and sensitivity to demethylation inhibitor fungicides of Aspergillus fumigatus isolates from organic substrates with special emphasis on compost
Authors: Santoro Karin , Matić Slavica , Gisi Ulrich , Spadaro Davide , Pugliese Massimo , Gullino Maria L 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDAspergillus fumigatus is a widespread fungus that colonizes dead organic substrates but it can also cause fatal human diseases. Aspergilloses are treated with demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicides; however, resistant isolates appeared recently in the medical and also environmental area. The present study aims at molecular characterizing and quantifying A. fumigatus in major environmental habitats and determining its sensitivity to medical and agricultural DMI fungicides.RESULTSA. fumigatus was isolated only rarely from soil and meadow/forest organic matter but high concentrations (103 to 107 cfu/g) were detected in substrates subjected to elevated temperatures, such as compost and silage. High genetic diversity of A. fumigatus from compost was found based on SSR markers, distinguishing among fungal isolates even when coming from the same substrate sample, while subclustering was observed based on mutations in cyp51A gene. Several cyp51A amino acid substitutions were found in 15 isolates, although all isolates were fully sensitive to the tested DMI fungicides, with exception of one isolate in combination with one fungicide.CONCLUSIONThis study suggests that the tested A. fumigatus isolates collected in Italy, Spain and Hungary from the fungus' major living habitats (compost) and commercial growing substrates are not potential carriers for DMI resistance in the environment. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Morin Suppresses Astrocyte Activation and Regulates Cytokine Release in Bone Cancer Pain Rat Models
Authors: Jiang Wei , Wang Ying , Sun Wei , Zhang Mengyuan 
Published: June 2017

As inflammatory and immune responses are involved in pathophysiology of debilitating neuropathic pain, reagents that can modulate these two responses may have therapeutic potential. Morin, derived from the moraceae family of plants, benefits inflammation‐related diseases, but its antinociceptive effects on cancer pain remain elusive. In the present study, we investigated antinociceptive effects of morin on bone cancer pain using a rat model, where rats were subject to implantation of Walker 256 mammary gland carcinoma cells into the tibia. Morin (5–20 mg/kg) dose‐dependently attenuated behavioral hypersensitivities, including mechanical allodynia and free movement pain, which was accompanied by downregulation of astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein in the spinal cord in cancer‐bearing rats. Treatment with morin also induced reduction of pro‐inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 and upregulation of an antiinflammatory cytokine IL‐10. Furthermore, intrathecal injection of AM630 (an antagonist of cannabinoid receptor 2, CB2), but not naloxone (an antagonist of opioid receptors), significantly blocked morin attenuation of behavioral hypersensitivities. Taken together, these results suggest that morin suppresses astrocyte activation and neuro‐inflammation induced by bone cancer pain and its antinociceptive effects on bone cancer pain may be associated with activation of CB2 receptors in the spinal cord. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of Finger Motion Coordination during Packaging Interactions
Authors: Yoxall A. , Gonzalez V. , Rowson J. 
Published: June 2017

Packaging accessibility is a significant problem for many older people. Whilst the majority of studies have focused on issues surrounding strength, work has shown that dexterity required to open a pack is also a major issue for many older people.Hence, the work undertaken here reports a quantitative study that aimed to analyse motion coordination patterns across digits 2–5 (index to little finger) during interactions with three of the most common types of packaging: plastic bottles, jars and crisps packets, and comparing those interactions with a common measure of dexterity, the Perdue Pegboard. Ten subjects (six male participants and four female participants) were examined whilst reaching forward to grasp and open a 300 ml plastic bottle and a 500 g jar. A 10‐camera optoelectronic motion capture system measured trajectories of 25 miniature reflective markers placed on the dorsal surface landmarks of the hand. Joint angular profiles for 12 involved flexion–extension movements were derived from the measured coordinates of surface markers.The results showed that finger correlations vary widely across the differing pack formats with the crisps having the lowest finger movement correlation and the jar having the highest. Speed and jerk metrics were also seen to vary across the various pack formats.However, finger correlations were seen to be more relevant to perceive dexterity of pack opening than finger speeds and jerk motions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Large‐bodied fish assemblage characteristics in large rivers across Ontario
Authors: Haxton T. , Friday M. , Cano T. , Hendry C. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractLarge‐bodied fish assemblages were assessed in large rivers across Ontario. The objectives of this study were to (i) determine if there were relationships in large‐bodied fish species within rivers; (ii) determine what factors explain the variability in the abundance of large‐bodied fish within rivers across Ontario; and (iii) assessed variation in large‐bodied fish biodiversity among these river. Standardized index netting was conducted at 22 sites across 12 major rivers and sampled 3889 fish representing 26 species. Species associations were evident based on correspondence analysis. Walleye, Common White Sucker, Northern Pike and Lake Whitefish formed one group; Silver Redhorse, Shorthead Redhorse and Lake Sturgeon (adult and juvenile) formed another; Burbot, Longnose Sucker and Sauger were closely associated; and Cisco, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass and Brown Bullhead grouped. Canonical correspondence analysis was conducted to link species abundance patterns to environmental conditions. Walleye, Common White Sucker, Lake Whitefish and Smallmouth Bass were ubiquitous. Northern Pike abundance was negatively correlated with river discharge and longitude. Burbot, Sauger and Longnose Sucker abundance were positively correlated with deep rivers and discharge. Whereas Cisco, Yellow Perch and Rock Bass abundance were greater in wider rivers with lower discharge. Lake Sturgeon (adult and juvenile), Silver Redhorse and Shorthead Redhorse abundance were greater in narrow, longer rivers. Juvenile Lake Sturgeon abundance was positively correlated with longitude and river discharge. Mean species diversity and richness of large‐bodied fish among all sites was 1.58 (0.36 SD) and 7.7 (2.6 SD). Species diversity was not significantly related to any of the variables used in the Generalized Linear Model; however, species richness was significantly related to maximum depth. This study demonstrated subtle differences in environmental variables affecting large‐bodied fish at the landscape scale rather than those observed at the river scale.
Estimating discharge in gravel‐bed river using non‐contact ground‐penetrating and surface‐velocity radars
Authors: Hong J.‐H. , Guo W.‐D. , Wang H.‐W. , Yeh P.‐H. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractDischarge measurement is a critical task for gravel‐bed channels. Under high‐flow conditions, the elevation of the riverbed changes significantly by intensive torrential flow. The stage–discharge relations commonly used for stream discharge estimation may no longer be adequate. The contact‐type velocity measuring is also subject to measurement errors and/or instrument failures by the high‐flow velocities, driftwood, stumps, and debris. This study developed a new real‐time method to estimate river discharge in gravel‐bed channels. A systematic measuring technology combining ground‐penetrating radar and surface‐velocity radar was employed. The rating curves representing the relations of water surface velocity to the channel cross‐sectional mean velocity and flow area were established. Stream discharge was then deduced from the resulting mean velocity and flow area. The proposed method was examined in a steep gravel‐bed reach of the Cho‐Shui River in central Taiwan. The estimated stream discharge during three flood events were compared to the prediction by using the stage–discharge relation and the index‐velocity method. The proposed method of this study is capable of computing reasonable values of discharge for an entire flood hydrograph, whereas the other two methods tend to produce large extrapolation errors. Moreover, when the computed discharge is used in 2D flood flow simulation, the proposed method demonstrates better performance than the commonly used stage–discharge and index‐velocity methods.
Therapeutic Efficacy of Fresh, Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Severe Refractory Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis
Authors: Arzi Boaz , Clark Kaitlin C. , Sundaram Ayswarya , Spriet Mathieu , Verstraete Frank J.M. , Walker Naomi J , Loscar Megan R. , Fazel Nasim , Murphy William J. , Vapniarsky Natalia , Borjesson Dori L. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have potent immunomodulatory functions and are a promising therapy for immune-mediated inflammatory disorders. We previously demonstrated the efficacy of fresh, autologous, adipose-derived MSCs (ASCs) to treat feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS), a chronic oral mucosal inflammatory disease similar to human oral lichen planus. Here, we investigate the use of fresh allogeneic ASCs for treatment of FCGS in seven cats. Radiolabeled ASCs were also tracked systemically. Each cat received two intravenous injections of 20 million ASCs, 1 month apart. Oral inflammation, blood lymphocyte subsets, anti-fetal bovine serum antibody levels, ASC crossmatching and serum proteins and cytokine concentrations were determined. Four of the 7 cats (57%) responded to treatment [complete clinical remission (n = 2) or substantial clinical improvement (n = 2)]. Three cats were nonresponders. Prior to therapy, most cats had increased circulating CD8+ T cells, decreased CD8lo cells, and a decreased CD4/CD8 ratio, however clinical resolution was not associated with normalization of these parameters. Nonresponders showed more severe systemic inflammation (neutrophilia, hyperglobulinemia and increased interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha concentration) prior to ASC therapy. Clinical remission took up to 20 months and no clinical relapse has occurred. A higher fraction of radiolabeled ASCs were identified in the oral cavity of FCGS affected cats than the control cat. The administration of fresh, allogenic ASCs appeared to have lower clinical efficacy with a delayed response as compared to the fresh, autologous ASCs. In addition, the mechanism(s) of action for autologous and allogenic ASCs may differ in this model of oral inflammation.
Effects of hispolon on glioblastoma cell growth
Authors: Arcella Antonietta , Oliva Maria Antonietta , Sanchez Massimo , Staffieri Sabrina , Esposito Vincenzo , Giangaspero Felice , Cantore Giampaolo 
Published: June 2017

AbstractHispolon is a polyphenolic compound isolated from Phellinus linteus which exhibits antitumor activity. Here, we explored the effects of hispolon on human glioblastoma cells U87MG. Cell viability was examined by MTT assay. Growth was investigated by incubating cells with various concentrations of hispolon (25 and 50 µM) for 24, 48 or 72 h and daily cell count. Cell cycle and apoptosis assay were assessed by flow cytometry. Hispolon decreased cell viability in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. The cell cycle distribution showed that hispolon enhanced the accumulation of the cells in G2/M phase. Hispolon decreased the expression of G1–S transition‐related protein cyclin D4 but increased the expression of CDK inhibitor p21. Additionally, hispolon enhanced the expression of p53. Moreover, hispolon treatment was effective on U87MG cells in inhibiting cell viability and inducing cell apoptosis. Our results indicate that hispolon inhibits the cell viability, induces G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in glioblastoma U87MG cells, and p53 should play a role in hispolon‐mediated antitumor activity.
Measuring human–wildlife conflicts: Comparing insights from different monitoring approaches
Authors: Songhurst Anna 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTStudies investigating wildlife crop‐damage have been widely documented, but methods often vary and results can be difficult to compare across national and international regions. Standardized data‐collection protocols involving local communities are encouraged in wildlife management research to address this issue; however, it is not clear how data collected from such systems compare with government monitoring schemes. I established an independent monitoring program for human–elephant conflict (HEC) incidents over a 3‐year period (2008–2010) in northern Botswana, following the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) data collection protocol. In addition, the government's monitoring scheme for problem‐animal control continued in the area. With these systems running simultaneously, I compared the data collection efficiency of the 2 approaches and explored implications of each on HEC management. The total number of crop‐damage incidents recorded differed between the 2 systems. The IUCN approach was temporally more efficient than the government approach, which influenced measurements of areas damaged by elephants. Government records showed a greater mean area of damage per elephant crop‐raiding incident compared with community enumerator records. A potential challenge of using the IUCN approach for wide‐scale HEC monitoring is the selection, cost, and management of enumerators. Ultimately, both approaches were effective for general monitoring of HEC incidents when the purpose of data collection was clearly defined. Monitoring systems that address broader issues beyond providing a record of damage incidents are likely to have a greater effect in reducing human–wildlife conflicts in the long‐term. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Organ Dysfunction and Failure Following Brain Death Do Not Preclude Successful Donation
Authors: Essien Eno‐Obong I. , Parimi Nehu , Gutwald‐Miller Jennifer , Nutter Tyree , Scalea Thomas M. , Stein Deborah M. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundOrgan dysfunction is common after neurologic determination of death (NDD) but before organ collection. Reliable markers for graft success following transplant of these organs would be useful. We sought to determine the relationship between the donor after neurologic determination of death (DNDD) pathophysiology and successful organ donation.MethodsDonor information was obtained through the local organ procurement organization. Donor demographics and clinical data points for cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, hepatic, hematological and neuroendocrine systems were reviewed 12 h before and 12 h after neurologic determination of death was declared. The worst values were utilized for analysis and generation of the organ‐specific Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores. SOFA scores were calculated and used to quantify the degree of organ dysfunction. The NDD non‐donors for a specific organ were used as a comparison control group. The control group refers to DNDD patients whose specific organs were not transplanted. Lack of use was mostly due to discard by the transplant team as a result of unsuitability of the organ caused by deterioration or possible donor‐specific pathology.ResultsOne hundred and five organ donors were analyzed. Mean age was 35.0 (± 13.6), 78.1% male, median GCS 3, interquartile range (IQR) 3–4 and median injury severity score 32 (IQR 25–43). Of the successful donors, organ‐specific severe dysfunction (SOFA 3 or 4) occurred in 96, 27.5 and 3.3% of cardiac, lung and liver donors, respectively. There was no significant difference between the levels of organ dysfunction in donors versus non‐donors except lung donors, in which the median lowest partial pressure of arterial oxygen‐to‐fraction of inspired oxygen (P/F) ratio in the non‐donor was 194 (IQR 121.8–308.3) compared to the median lowest P/F ratio in the donor which was 287 (IQR 180–383.5), p = 0.02. In the recipients, graft failure 6 months after transplantation was reported in one kidney recipient (0.74%) (peak donor creatinine = 1 mg/dL) and in five pancreas recipients (11.4%). The median peak glucose of the pancreas donors in failed recipients was 178 mg/dL (IQR 157–213), whereas in the functioning recipients, the median glucose of their donors was not different (185 mg/dL, IQR 157–216), p = 0.394.ConclusionCurrent measures of organ failure and dysfunction do not predict the success of organ donation. Successful donor management in the face of severe organ dysfunction and failure can result in lives saved.