bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of lipoprotein apheresis with dextran‐sulfate adsorption on the expression of genes involved in cardiovascular health in the blood of patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Drouin‐Chartier Jean‐Philippe , Tremblay André J. , Bergeron Jean , Laflamme Nathalie , Lamarche Benoît , Couture Patrick 
Published: July 2017

AbstractLipoprotein apheresis (LA) with dextran sulfate adsorption (DSA) is a reliable method to decrease LDL‐cholesterol (C) concentrations in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). The objective of the present study was to investigate the impact of LA with DSA on the mRNA expression of genes associated with cardiovascular health in the whole blood of HoFH patients. Blood samples were collected before and after LA treatment with DSA in 9 HoFH patients. Microarray analyses were performed to measure the whole blood expression of >30 000 annotated genes pre‐ and post‐LA. Concomitant reductions in LDL‐C (median −73.8%, range: −55.9 to −82.0, P = .0001) and lipoprotein (a) concentrations (median −74.1%, range −65.6 to −84.1, P = .003) were induced with LA treatment. LA with DSA did not impact the whole blood mRNA expression of most key genes involved in cardiovascular health, including those associated with cholesterol, fatty acid and lipoprotein metabolism. However, LA with DSA significantly upregulated the whole blood expression of early growth response protein (EGR)1 (1.94‐fold, P = .02), EGR3 (1.56‐fold, P = .0008) and B‐cell lymphoma 3‐encoded protein (BCL3; 1.25‐fold, P = .03). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that a single LA treatment with DSA has very limited impact on the whole blood expression of a broad spectrum of genes associated with cardiovascular health. Our results suggest that contact between blood cells and the primary membrane or extracorporeal circulation could upregulate the expression of EGR1, EGR3, BCL3, and MMP9 in blood cells.
Circulating Activin A predicts survival in cancer patients
Authors: Loumaye Audrey , de Barsy Marie , Nachit Maxime , Lause Pascale , van Maanen Aline , Trefois Pierre , Gruson Damien , Thissen Jean‐Paul 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundSeveral experimental evidences pinpoint the possible role of Activin A (ActA) as a driver of cancer cachexia. Supporting this hypothesis, we showed recently that human cancer cachexia is associated with high ActA levels. Moreover, ActA levels were correlated with body weight loss and skeletal muscle density, two prognostic factors in cancer patients. Our goal was therefore to investigate the value of ActA to predict survival in cancer patients.MethodsPatients with colorectal or lung cancer were prospectively enrolled at the time of diagnosis or relapse between January 2012 and March 2014. At baseline, patients had clinical, nutritional, and functional assessment. Body composition and skeletal muscle density were measured by CT scan, and plasma ActA concentrations were determined. Overall survival (OS) was analysed since inclusion to 24 months later.ResultsSurvival data were available for 149 patients out of 152. Patients with high ActA (≥408 pg/mL) had lower OS than those with low levels, regardless the type of cancer (OS in colorectal cancer, 50% vs. 79%, P < 0.05; and in lung cancer, 27% vs. 67%, P = 0.001). The multivariable analysis confirmed the prognostic value of ActA independently of tumour stage or inflammatory markers, particularly in lung cancer. Low muscularity was also an independent prognostic factor.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that high ActA level is an independent prognosis factor of survival in cancer patients. More than a basic marker of the severity of the neoplastic disease or of the inflammatory process, ActA seems to influence survival by contributing to the development of cachexia and loss of skeletal muscle mass.
Assessment of the medicines use pattern among the general public in the state of Penang, Malaysia
Authors: Dawood Omar Thanoon , Hassali Mohamed Azmi , Saleem Fahad , Aljadhey Hisham 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectivesThis study aims to evaluate the pattern of medicines use among the general public on Penang Island, Malaysia, and to evaluate the association between medicines used and the demographic characteristics of the participants.MethodA cross‐sectional study was conducted among 1000 subjects from the general public in Penang Island. The majority of subjects (n = 888) completed the survey, giving a response rate of 88.8%. A convenience sampling method was used to invite the respondents to participate in this survey. A self‐administered questionnaire was used to obtain the data from all the respondents.ResultThis study showed that most respondents commonly used vitamins and minerals (53%), pain relievers (38.5%), health supplements (35.5%) and herbal beverages (27.1%), while 34.1% of them reported using antibiotics and 14.8% reported using chronic medicines for their chronic diseases. Both socio‐demographic data and the presence of chronic diseases were significantly associated with using medicines (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe use of some medicines is common among the general public of Penang Island, Malaysia. Nowadays, many people tend to use medicines to prevent future disease or to decrease the symptoms of diseases, especially chronic diseases. Additional steps must be taken to increase the awareness of medicine use in terms of their side effects and interactions, as well as to foster a better understanding of appropriate and safe use of medicines. This is an important issue to strengthen the quality use of medicines among Malaysians.
Gabapentin: a surprising drug with many uses
Authors: Nguyen Timothy , Li Yang , Refua Sahar 
Published: July 2017

AbstractGabapentin is an interesting drug and it has many uses. There are two gabapentin formulations with multiple brand names. Gabapentin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as an adjunct agent in partial seizures, post‐herpetic neuralgia and restless legs syndrome. It is also used for a variety of other conditions, such as neuropathic pain, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, post‐op pain, fibromyalgia, hot sweats, haemodialysis‐associated pruritus, and to potentiate opioids effect.
Association of the Cardiometabolic Staging System with Individual Engagement and Quality of Life in the US Adult Population
Authors: Tsai Sandra A. , Xiao Lan , Lv Nan , Liu Ying , Ma Jun 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the relationships of Cardiometabolic Disease Staging (CMDS), a validated five‐stage system for assessing risk for diabetes, cardiovascular mortality, and all‐cause mortality, with measures of individual engagement and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in the US adult population.MethodsData from the 2011‐2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used to derive the CMDS stages, five participant engagement measures, and four HRQOL measures among adult participants ≥ 40 years of age. Analyses accounted for the complex sampling design and sample weights.ResultsHigher CMDS was associated with greater participant awareness of cardiometabolic risk, but after adjusting for covariates, only Stage 4 remained significant (odds ratio: 5.08; 95% CI: 3.25, 7.94). Higher CMDS was associated with receiving recommendations to engage in a healthy lifestyle, not meeting 2008 physical activity guidelines, and fewer leisure time moderate activities after controlling for covariates. For HRQOL measures, Stage 4 was associated with a higher likelihood of perceiving health as fair or poor (odds ratio: 4.85; 95% CI: 2.42, 9.73).ConclusionsHigher CMDS was associated with greater individual awareness of risk, less leisure time physical activity, and worse self‐rated health. CMDS is a clinically practical method for identifying individuals for targeted preventive strategies.
A Health Behavior Score is Associated with Hypertension and Obesity Among Australian Adults
Authors: Livingstone Katherine M. , McNaughton Sarah A. 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveTo investigate associations between a health behavior score and prevalence of hypertension and overweight/obesity.MethodsAdults (n = 4,609; 19‐85 years) were included from the cross‐sectional Australian National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. A health behavior score was derived based on individuals meeting recommendations for diet quality, smoking, physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep. Poisson regression estimated the prevalence ratio (PR) of hypertension and overweight/obesity by health behavior score.ResultsIndividuals meeting three (PR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.54‐0.86; P = 0.001), four (PR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.59‐0.96; P = 0.024), or five (PR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.43‐0.94; P = 0.024) health behavior recommendations had a lower hypertension PR compared with those meeting zero or one recommendation. The PR of overweight/obesity was lower in individuals meeting three (PR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.95‐1.02; P = 0.019), four (PR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91‐0.99; P = 0.019), or five (PR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90‐0.99; P = 0.022) recommendations compared with those meeting zero or one.ConclusionsHypertension and overweight/obesity prevalence were lower in individuals who had above‐average diet quality, never smoked, were physically active, spent less time sedentary, and got adequate sleep. These findings support a holistic approach to public health recommendations.
Reliability of the EchoMRI Infants System for Water and Fat Measurements in Newborns
Authors: Toro‐Ramos Tatiana , Paley Charles , Wong William W. , Pi‐Sunyer F. Xavier , Yu Wen W. , Thornton John , Gallagher Dympna 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveThe precision and accuracy of a quantitative magnetic resonance (EchoMRI Infants) system in newborns were determined.MethodsCanola oil and drinking water phantoms (increments of 10 g to 1.9 kg) were scanned four times. Instrument reproducibility was assessed from three scans (within 10 minutes) in 42 healthy term newborns (12‐70 hours post birth). Instrument precision was determined from the coefficient of variation (CV) of repeated scans for total water, lean mass, and fat measures for newborns and the mean difference between weight and measurement for phantoms. In newborns, the system accuracy for total body water (TBW) was tested against deuterium dilution (D2O).ResultsIn phantoms, the repeatability and accuracy of fat and water measurements increased as the weight of oil and water increased. TBW was overestimated in amounts >200 g. In newborns weighing 3.14 kg, fat, lean mass, and TBW were 0.52 kg (16.48%), 2.28 kg, and 2.40 kg, respectively. EchoMRI's reproducibility (CV) was 3.27%, 1.83%, and 1.34% for total body fat, lean mass, and TBW, respectively. EchoMRI‐TBW values did not differ from D2O; mean difference, −1.95 ± 6.76%, P = 0.387; mean bias (limits of agreement), 0.046 kg (−0.30 to 0.39 kg).ConclusionsThe EchoMRI Infants system's precision and accuracy for total body fat and lean mass are better than established techniques and equivalent to D2O for TBW in phantoms and newborns.
Exploration on the microwave‐assisted synthesis and formation mechanism of polyaniline nanostructures synthesized in different hydrochloric acid concentrations
Authors: Qiu Biwei , Li Zhoujing , Wang Xia , Li Xiaoyan , Zhang Jinrui 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTUnder microwave‐assisted synthesis, polyaniline (PANI) products with multiple nanostructures were synthesized by the oxidative polymerization of aniline and ammonium peroxodisulfate in the different concentrations of hydrochloric acid solutions. The structural analysis of PANI using FTIR, UV, and XPS indicated that phenazine‐like oligomers were produced in acid‐free and low acidic systems. Moreover, long linear PANI chains were obtained in the presence of highly acidic solutions. The morphology of PANI observed by SEM and TEM showed that nanoscale structures, including stacked sheets, nanotubes, branched nanofibers, and uniform nanofibers, occurred respectively in acid‐free solution, low acidity, medium and high acidity systems, effectively regulating by acidity. The formation mechanism of PANI nanostructures was explored here. The sheets were formed by the oligomers containing flat phenazine rings that can be stacked together with strong π–π interactions. Furthermore, nanotubes were fabricated by the self‐curling of thin sheets consisted of phenazine‐like oligomers with numerous linear units in the chains. The nanofibers are supposed to form by the linear PANI chains and the secondary growth during aniline polymerization caused the branch formation on the nanofibers. All results indicate that acidity, rather than microwave assistance, is the critical factor that determines the polymerization mechanism and the final nanostructure. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3357–3369
Functionalization of polyesters with multiple B vitamins
Authors: Soxman Andrew G. , DeLuca Jenna M. , Kinlough Kylie M. , Iwig David F. , Mathers Robert T. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTA method to covalently attach combinations of six different B vitamins provided an avenue to new functional thermosets without multi‐step coupling reactions. The melt polymerization strategy required no organic solvent and facilitated covalent attachment of OH (B1, B2, B5, B6) or COOH (B7, B9) groups on B vitamins via Fischer esterification. Characterization of model reactions with LC/MS, FTIR, and GPC confirmed covalent attachment. Based on control experiments, B vitamins demonstrated unexpected thermal stability and appreciable solubility in the melt polymerization. This approach was demonstrated with citric acid and diglycerol, but has wide‐ranging potential for other polar monomers with negative octanol–water partition coefficients (LogP). © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3308–3316
Oral sinensetin, but not nobiletin alone, prevents MK801‐induced impairment of memory formation in mice, like nobiletin‐rich chinpi, a kampo medicine
Authors: Sun Wen , Kawahata Ichiro , Xu Huinan , Yoshida Masaaki , Ando Hidehiro , Yokosuka Akihito , Mimaki Yoshihiro , Yamakuni Tohru 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTAimOur pilot clinical study suggested that nobiletin‐rich Citrus reticulata peel, also known as nchinpi, has the potential to be beneficial as a kampo medicine for Alzheimer's disease. The nchinpi extract has a high content of polymethoxyflavones, including nobiletin and sinensetin. Our previous pharmacological study using cultured hippocampal neurons showed that the nchinpi extract more potently facilitated cAMP‐response element (CRE)‐mediated transcription associated with long‐term memory formation than did nobiletin alone, via a mechanism in which nobiletin and four other polymethoxyflavones, one being sinensetin, a potently CRE‐mediated transcription‐facilitating substance, cooperated. It remained unclear, however, whether nchinpi could be more effective in vivo in preventing memory deficits than could nobiletin alone. Here, we compared the impacts of the respective samples on N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor antagonism‐induced learning and memory disability.MethodsThe nchinpi extract or nobiletin was orally given to mice for 7 consecutive days to examine their respective impacts on this impairment on contextual fear conditioning test. In a separate analysis, sinensetin's impact was evaluated.ResultsNchinpi extract at a dose corresponding to that of 25 mg/kg/day nobiletin prevented impaired memory formation, whereas nobiletin failed to exhibit such beneficial effects even when given at 50 mg/kg/day. Oral sinensetin prevented memory deficits at 25 mg/kg/day, unlike nobiletin.ConclusionNchinpi acting in a multicomponent drug‐like fashion in vitro has an obvious advantage over nobiletin alone in the ability to prevent memory dysfunction in animals as well and, hence, might be beneficial in patients with dementia.
Homestead pond polyculture can improve access to nutritious small fish
Authors: Castine Sarah A. , Bogard Jessica R. , Barman Benoy K. , Karim Manjurul , Mokarrom Hossain Md. , Kunda Mrityunjoy , Mahfuzul Haque A. B. M. , Phillips Michael J. , Thilsted Shakuntala H. 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
In Bangladesh, homestead pond aquaculture currently comprises a polyculture of large fish species but provides an ideal environment to integrate a range of small fish species. Small fish consumed whole, with bones, head and eyes, are rich in micronutrients and are an integral part of diets, particularly for the poor. Results from three large projects demonstrate that the small fish, mola (Amblypharyngodon mola) contributes significantly to the micronutrients produced from all fish, in homestead ponds, in one production cycle. Mola contributed 98%, 56% and 35% of the total vitamin A, iron and zinc produced, respectively, despite comprising only 15% of the total fish production by weight. If consumed within the household, mola could contribute half of the vitamin A and a quarter of the iron intake recommended for a family of four, annually. Homestead ponds are uniquely accessible to women who prepare the household food. Further dissemination of the carp-small fish technology provides opportunities to target women and men together for training on fish production and consumption, nutrition and gender equity. Women only training is also recommended to enable them to engage fully, without feeling dominated by men. Partnering with the fisheries and health sectors will encourage sustainable uptake of this promising technology. Clearly, dissemination could have significant health benefits; however, improved monitoring and evaluation, particularly of dietary diversity and diet quality are essential. Research priorities should also include the production techniques of other small indigenous fish species (SIS), besides mola, and the power dynamics between women and men in operating homestead ponds.
Design study of Coanda devices for transonic circulation control
Authors: Forster M. , Steijl R. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTCirculation control via blowing over Coanda surfaces at transonic freestream Mach numbers is investigated using numerical simulations. The performance and sensitivity of several circulation control devices applied to a supercritical aerofoil are assessed. Different Coanda devices were studied to assess the effect of Coanda radius-to-slot height ratio, nozzle shape and Coanda surfaces with a step. The range of operating conditions for which a supersonic Coanda jet remained attached at transonic freestream conditions were extended by increasing the radius of curvature at the slot exit for Coanda devices with a converging nozzle. Additional improvements were found by reducing the strength of shock boundary-layer interactions on the Coanda surface by expanding the jet flow using a converging-diverging nozzle and also by introducing a step between the Coanda surface and the nozzle exit. The performance when using a converging-diverging nozzle can be matched using a simple stepped Coanda device. It is shown that circulation control has the potential to match the performance of traditional control surfaces during regimes of attached flow at transonic speeds, up to an equivalent aileron deflection angle of 10°. In addition, lift augmentation ratios ΔCl/Cμof over 100 were achieved.
Comprehensive radiocarbon analysis of benzene polycarboxylic acids (BPCAs) derived from pyrogenic carbon in environmental samples
Authors: Hanke U M , Wacker L , Haghipour N , Schmidt M W I , Eglinton T I , McIntyre C P 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTCompound-specific radiocarbon analysis (CSRA) of benzene polycarboxylic acids (BPCAs) yields molecular-level, source-specific information necessary to constrain isotopic signatures of pyrogenic carbon. However, the purification of individual BPCAs requires a multistep procedure that typically results in only microgram quantities of the target analyte(s). Such small samples are highly susceptible to contamination by extraneous carbon, which needs to be minimized and carefully accounted for in order to yield accurate results. Here, we undertook comprehensive characterization and quantification of contamination associated with molecular radiocarbon (14C) BPCA analyses through systematic processing of multiple authentic standards with both fossil and modern 14C signatures at various concentrations. Using this approach, we precisely apportion the contribution of extraneous carbon with respect to the four implemented subprocedures. Assuming a constant source and quantity of extraneous carbon we correct and statistically evaluate uncertainties in resulting 14C data. Subsequently, we examine the results of triplicate analyses of reference materials representing four different environmental matrices (sediment, soil, aerosol, riverine natural organic matter) and apportion their BPCA sources in terms of carbon residues derived from biomass or fossil fuel combustion. This comprehensive approach to CSRA facilitates retrieval of robust 14C data, with application in environmental studies of the continuum of pyrogenic carbon.
A hospital-based matched case–control study to identify risk factors for clinical infection with OXA-48-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in rectal carriers
Authors: MADUEÑO A. , GONZALEZ GARCIA J. , AGUIRRE-JAIME A. , LECUONA M. 
Published: July 2017

SUMMARYAsymptomatic colonisation of the gastrointestinal tract by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae is an important reservoir for transmission, which may precede infection. This retrospective observational case–control study was designed to identify risk factors for developing clinical infection with OXA-48-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in rectal carriers during hospitalisation. Case patients (n = 76) had carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae (CPKP) infection and positive rectal culture for CPKP. Control patients (n = 174) were those with rectal colonisation with CPKP but without CPKP infection. Multivariate analysis identified the presence of a central venous catheter (OR 4·38; 95% CI 2·27–8·42; P = 0·008), the number of transfers between hospital units (OR 1·27; 95% CI (1·06–1·52); P < 0·001) and time at risk (OR 1·02 95% CI 1·01–1·03; P = 0·01) as independent risk factors for CPKP infection in rectal carriers. Awareness of these risk factors may help to identify patients at higher risk of developing CPKP infection.