bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins protect myocardium by mitigating left ventricular remodeling in isoproterenol‐induced postmyocardial infarction
Authors: Rathinavel Ashokkumar , Sankar Jamuna , Mohammed Sadullah Sakeena Sadullah , Niranjali Devaraj Sivasithamparam 
Published: October 2017

AbstractExtracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling is a major pathophysiological process during post‐myocardial infarction (MI). The activation, differentiation, and proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts to myofibroblasts regulate the expression of ECM proteins. The signaling by bone morphogenetic protein (BMP‐4), an extracellular ligand of the TGF‐β family, has recently been identified as an essential pathway in regulating cardiovascular dysfunctions including myocardial fibrosis. Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC) are well known for their cardioprotective activity. The primary aim of the study was to investigate BMP‐4‐mediated ECM turnover in cardiac fibrosis during isoproterenol‐induced post‐MI and its downregulation by OPC. Myocardial injury was evaluated by assaying serum markers LDH and CK. Oxidative stress and the enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant levels were assessed to support the cardioprotective nature of OPC. The total collagen level was analyzed by measuring hydroxyproline levels. The ISO‐induced group showed a significant decrease in the levels of antioxidants due to severe oxidative stress and increased expression of BMP‐4 which reflects the increased expression of MMP 2 and 9 with a concomitant increase and deposition of fibrillary collagens type I and III responsible for the fibrotic scar formation as evidenced in the histological analysis.BMP‐4 activation, thus, is strongly associated with cardiac fibrosis which was downregulated upon OPC supplementation. This study provides an evidence supporting the antifibrotic effect of OPC via regulation of BMP‐4‐mediated ECM turnover and also substantiates the remarkable antioxidant efficacy of OPC against isoproterenol induced severe oxidative stress and subsequent post‐MI cardiac fibrosis.
Public Preferences for Government Spending Priorities: Survey Evidence from Germany
Authors: Hayo Bernd , Neumeier Florian 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Employing data from a representative survey conducted in Germany, this paper examines public preferences for the size and composition of government expenditure. We focus on public attitudes towards taxes, public debt incurrence and public spending in six different policy areas. Our findings suggest, first, that individual preferences for the use of additional tax money can be categorised as either capital-oriented expenditure or public debt reduction. Second, we find that fiscal preferences differ along various dimensions. Specifically, personal economic well-being, economic literacy, confidence in politicians, political ideology and time preference are significantly related to individual attitudes towards public spending, taxes and debt. The magnitude of the effects is particularly large for time preference, economic knowledge and party preference. Third, public preferences for public spending priorities are only marginally affected when considering a public budget constraint.
Genomic population structure and conservation of the red listed Carabus arcensis (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in island–mainland habitats of Northern Europe
Authors: Hansen Aslak Kappel , Justesen Mathias Just , Olsen Morten Tange , Solodovnikov Alexey 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Larger carabid beetle species linked to open habitats have exhibited recent rapid decline in numbers throughout Europe. For example, Carabus arcensis is on the Danish Red List.

Ability of C. arcensis to disperse across non‐habitable barriers in an island–mainland landscape has been evaluated through investigation of its population structure across Kattegat strait with special emphasis on the oceanic island Læsø.

Based on admixture and statistical phylogenetic analyses of genome‐wide SNPs, data for C. arcensis comprising 3195 SNPs in 87 individuals from nine sample sites, three major lineages and six populations were found within the study area. These are the first genome‐wide SNPs data generated for carabid beetles.

Contrary to predicted, water stretches did not seem to affect dispersal of C. arcensis to the island of Læsø, as isolation by distance plot showed no differences between sites connected by land and sites separated by an oceanic water gap.

Unexpected high genetic diversity of the C. arcensis population on Læsø island has been observed calling for future research and explanation.

High conservation priority in Denmark is suggested for smaller islands like Læsø.
The promise of marine molecules as cosmetic active ingredients
Authors: Brunt E. G. , Burgess J. G. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe marine environment represents an underexploited resource for the discovery of novel products, despite its high level of biological and chemical diversity. With increasing awareness of the harmful effects of chronic ultraviolet exposure, and a universal desire to improve cosmetic appearance, the market for new cosmetic ingredients is growing, and current trends have generated a greater demand for products sourced from the environment. A growing number of novel molecules from marine flora and fauna exhibit potent and effective dermatological activities. Secondary metabolites isolated from macroalgae, including carotenoids and polyphenols, have demonstrated antioxidant, anti‐ageing and anti‐inflammatory activities. In addition, marine extremophilic bacteria have recently been shown to produce bioactive exopolymeric molecules, some of which have been commercialized. Available data on their activities show significant antioxidant, moisturizing and anti‐ageing activities, but a more focussed investigation into their mechanisms and applications is required. This review surveys the reported biological activities of an emerging and growing portfolio of marine molecules that show promise in the treatment of cosmetic skin problems including ultraviolet damage, ageing and cutaneous dryness.
An investigation into the perceptions of Chinese consumers towards the country‐of‐origin of dairy products
Authors: Yang Rongbin , Ramsaran Roshnee , Wibowo Santoso 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe dairy incident in 2008 influenced Chinese residents’ attitudes towards domestic and foreign brands in the market. This paper highlights the strong consumer perceptions existing in the Chinese dairy market towards the country of origin of dairy products. Chinese residents generally believe dairy products from foreign countries are superior than those from China. A new theoretical framework is developed to explore the driving factors of country‐of‐effects and its corresponding impacts. Consumers’ image of different countries and national stereotypes, consumer ethnocentrism and animosity, product familiarity and experience, product involvement and some cultural value differences were found to drive country‐of‐origin effects. These effects directly impact on consumer's perceived quality, brand awareness, brand association and loyalty towards the related goods in the market, then influence the brand equity of products from different countries. This study provides a better understanding of country‐of‐origin effects on consumer behaviour, and will help relevant domestic and foreign firms improve their business strategies in China.
Red–Green–Blue (RGB) colour system approach to study the segregation and percolation in a mixture of white wheat flour and bleached wheat bran
Authors: Aït‐Aissa Amara , Zaddem Meriem , Aïder Mohammed 
Published: October 2017

SummaryIn this work, we applied a nonintrusive measurement method based on the Red–Green–Blue (RGB) image analysis system to study the segregation and percolation in a mixture of white wheat flour and bleached wheat bran. This method intended to quantify the presence of one or several colours in the surface of mixed ingredients. The mixing of flour particles with bleached and unbleached wheat bran was studied using a 90 mm closed rotating cube. This system forced the particles to roll relative to each other so as to favourite the segregation by percolation in order to hide one colour by another. The obtained results showed a possibility of obtaining homogeneous colour when the wheat flour was mixed with the bleached wheat bran at a volume ratio of 20/5%–10%. By increasing to ratio up to 20/15% (flour/bran), the RGB system showed a presence of two colours in the surface of the mixture. Moreover, the RGB method confirmed the presence of two heterogeneous colours when the wheat flour was mixed with the unbleached wheat bran whatever the ratio (20/5%, 10% and 15%).
Geographical characterisation of multifloral honeys from the Marche region (Italy) according to their antioxidant activity and colour using a chemometric approach
Authors: Castiglioni Sara , Stefano Mariassunta , Pisani Michela , Carloni Patricia 
Published: October 2017

AbstractMultifloral honeys produced in the Marche region (Italy) were analysed leading to the antioxidant and colour characterisation of this type of regional honeys: the antioxidant activity was determined measuring total phenolic content (TPC), and using ABTS and DPPH assays. The elaboration of data with multivariate analyses enabled differentiation of the geographical origin of honey samples, namely as coming from the Mid/Coastal Hilly or from the High Hilly/Submountain belt of the Marche region. The cluster analysis applied to a selection of samples divided honeys belonging to the Mid/Coastal Hilly belt into three groups showing low, medium and high antioxidant activity and in part located in different areas of the region. Finally, using data of unifloral honeys from the Marche region previously determined, it was possible to have an indication of the prevalent nectar contained in most of the multifloral honey samples harvested in 2012 in the Marche region.
Application of an antimicrobial packaging material from chicken bone gelatine and cinnamon bark oil to mozzarella cheese
Authors: Kim Hyeri , Beak Song‐Ee , Yang So‐Young , Song Kyung Bin 
Published: October 2017

SummaryChicken bones are mostly discarded even though they contain a considerable amount of proteins, which would allow them to be applicable as a protein film source. In this study, chicken bone gelatine (CBG) films were prepared and characterised after the addition of cinnamon bark oil (CBO) to confer antimicrobial activity. The incorporation of 1% CBO increased the tensile strength of the CBG film from 18.2 to 23.9 MPa, whereas elongation at break was decreased from 15.6% to 5.91% and water solubility from 88.9% to 62.2%. Antimicrobial activity of the CBG films against foodborne pathogens as well as their antioxidant activity increased with the increase in CBO concentration. When CBG film containing 1% CBO was used for wrapping mozzarella cheese inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes, the population of the bacterium decreased after 20 days in storage, indicating that CBG films can be applied for improving the microbiological safety of mozzarella cheese.
Genotype frequencies of human neutrophil antigen‐3 in the Chinese Zhuang and Dong populations
Authors: Liao X. , Li H. , Jiao W. , Zhu C. , Wang W. , Mo Z. , Yang Z. , Zhu Z. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryIndividuals with the human neutrophil antigen (HNA)‐3b/3b type can produce HNA‐3a antibodies, which have been reported to cause severe, sometimes fatal transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI). Our study aimed to determine the genotype frequency of HNA‐3a/3b which will be helpful to estimate the potential risk for forming anti‐HNA‐3a, the clinically relevant antibody linked to TRALI in two different ethnic groups of southern China. Five hundred unrelated and healthy blood donors (284 male, 216 female; 300 Zhuangs, 200 Dongs) from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region were simultaneously typed for the HNA‐3 allele using a polymerase chain reaction sequence‐based typing (PCR‐SBT) method. Genotype frequencies of HNA‐3a/3a, HNA‐3a/3b and HNA‐3b/3b were 51.7%, 39.7% and 8.6% in the Zhuang population, and 44.0%, 49.0% and 7.0% in the Dong population, respectively. Homozygous HNA‐3b/3b genotype frequency among the Zhuang population (8.6%) was significantly higher than previously reported in African Americans (0.4%), Brazilians (3.6%) and English Caucasians (2.9%) (p < .05). And the HNA‐3b/3b genotype frequency among the Dong population was higher than African Americans (0.4%) (p < .05). This study showed Chinese Zhuang and Dong populations possessed a higher frequency of HNA‐3b/3b genotype, suggesting that they may be at greater risk for developing anti‐HNA‐3a alloantibodies that may cause severe cases of TRALI. A molecular‐based identification of the HNA‐3b/3b genotype in all multiparous female blood donors was suggested to reduce the risk of TRALI following plasma and whole blood allogeneic transfusions.
Detection of monoclonal B cells in general population from two different regions of Mexico
Authors: Rodríguez‐Preciado Sergio Yair , Magaña‐Torres María Teresa , Jaloma Cruz Ana Rebeca , Barros‐Núñez Patricio 
Published: October 2017

SummaryTo estimate the frequency of monoclonal B cells in Mexican general population from two different regions of Mexico. Monoclonal B cells were detected by rearrangements of the immunoglobulin heavy chains (IGH) in 288 individuals: 188 from a metropolitan area and 100 from a rural area. After DNA extraction from peripheral blood by the CTAB/DTAB method, multiplex PCR was used to amplify the IGH rearrangements, followed by capillary electrophoresis. In together, 9.4% of the studied individuals showed monoclonal B cells. This prevalence is significantly higher to those previously described for other populations, but similar to a report in the Spanish population. Among people from the metropolitan area, 12.8% exhibited monoclonal B cells in comparison with 3% of people from the rural area. All individuals showing monoclonal B cells were elder than 40 years. Higher frequency of incomplete monoclonal rearrangements was observed. Individuals from urban areas show significantly increased frequencies of monoclonal B cells regarding the people from the rural area. It is reasonable to believe that the environmental factor could have a greater impact on the development of monoclonality than the genetic component.
Minimal residual disease in multiple myeloma: Benefits of flow cytometry
Authors: Galtseva I. V. , Davydova Y. O. , Kapranov N. M. , Julhakyan H. L. , Mendeleeva L. P. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractOver the last 20 years, the approaches to the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) have changed considerably, which led to an increase in remission rate. Using new diagnostic methods has made it possible to assess the response to treatment more reliably and forecast disease recurrence: allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction, new‐generation sequencing and multicolor flow cytometry enable minimal residual disease (MRD) detection of with sensitivity of 10−5to 10−6.MRDassessment with flow cytometry using is a rapidly developing area of research. The goal of multicenter groups that use flow cytometry as a tool to detect MRD in patients with MM is achieving standardization and increasing sensitivity and specificity of this method. This article provides data about the methods used forMRDmonitoring and describes the advances in the field of flow cytometry.
Clinical assessment and comparison of annotation algorithms in high‐density mapping of regular atrial tachycardias
Authors: De Pooter Jan , El Haddad Milad , Wolf Michael , Phlips Thomas , Van Heuverswyn Frederic , Timmers Liesbeth , Tavernier René , Knecht Sebastien , Vandekerckhove Yves , Duytschaever Mattias 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundHigh‐density automated mapping of regular atrial tachycardias (ATs) requires accurate assessment of local activation times (LATs).ObjectiveTo evaluate high‐density mapping of ATs and compare the accuracy of different automated LAT annotation algorithms.MethodsFifteen patients underwent AT ablation guided by the automated ConfiDENSEۛ high‐density mapping module (Carto 3 v4) allowing manual reannotation (edited maps). For each AT, unedited automated maps were reconstructed offline by three algorithms: maximum unipolar slope (LATSlope), bipolar peak (LATPeak), and a new hybrid annotation algorithm (LATHybrid). Five blinded experts were asked to define the (1) tachycardia mechanism, (2) ablation target, and (3) level of difficulty of these unedited maps.ResultsTwenty‐one ATs (cycle length 300 ± 46 ms, activation points 955 ± 421) were successfully ablated using LATHybrid guided ablation with manual editing in a small number of points. At 6 months, 14 (93%) of the patients were free of AT recurrences. Unedited LATHybrid maps showed the highest accuracy in defining the tachycardia mechanism (LATHybrid: 49% vs. LATPeak: 27% vs. LATSlope: 28%, P < 0.001) and ablation target (LATHybrid: 65% vs. LATPeak: 39% vs. LATSlope: 31%, P < 0.001). Overall, LATHybrid‐annotated maps were graded as “easier to interpret” by the experts (difficulty score 2.3 ± 0.9) versus LATPeak (2.8 ± 1) and LATSlope (3.2 ± 0.8) (P < 0.001). Only 12% of the LATHybrid maps were annotated as uninterpretable compared to 31% of LATSlope and 45% of the LATPeak maps (P < 0.001).ConclusionAutomated LATHybrid annotation allows better and easier recognition of the tachycardia mechanism compared to automated LATPeak and LATSlope algorithms, although fully automated mapping still requires further improvements.
Imaging characteristics of papillary muscle site of origin of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with mitral valve prolapse
Authors: Fulton Brian L. , Liang Jackson J. , Enriquez Andres , Garcia Fermin C. , Supple Gregory E. , Riley Michael P. , Schaller Robert D. , Dixit Sanjay , Callans David J. , Marchlinski Francis E. , Han Yuchi 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundMitral valve prolapse has been associated with increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias. We aimed to examine whether certain cardiac imaging characteristics are associated with papillary muscle origin of ventricular arrhythmias in these patients.Methods and resultsWe screened electronic medical records of all patients documented to have mitral valve prolapse on either transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in our center, who also underwent an electrophysiologic study (EPS) between 2007 and 2016. Anterior and posterior mitral leaflet thickness and prolapsed distance were measured on TTE and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was assessed on CMR. Patients were categorized as papillary muscle positive (pap (+)) or negative (pap (−)) using EPS. Eighteen patients were included in this study. Of the 15 patients who underwent TTE, a significantly higher proportion of patients in the pap (+) group had an anterior to posterior leaflet prolapse ratio of >0.45 indicating more symmetric leaflet prolapse. There were no differences in anterior or posterior leaflet thickness or prolapse distance between the groups. Patients in the pap (+) group were more likely to be women. Of the 7 patients who underwent CMR, those who were pap (+) were more likely to have LGE in the region of the papillary muscles than those who were pap (−).ConclusionFemale gender, more symmetric bileaflet prolapse on TTE, and the presence of papillary muscle LGE on CMR may be associated with papillary muscle origin of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with mitral valve prolapse.
Commentary: The dynamic panel model: a promising approach to clarify sources of influence in developmental psychopathology – a commentary on Wichstrøm et al. (2017)
Authors: Klein Annette M. , Bergmann Sarah , White Lars O. 
Published: October 2017

In their study, Wichstrøm et al. (2017) have proposed a novel groundbreaking approach for developmental psychopathology that undoubtedly will inspire other research. Applying the dynamic panel model (DPM), the authors were able to show that within‐disorder (homotypic) and between‐disorder (heterotypic) continuities of psychiatric symptoms are mostly due to unmeasured time‐invariant factors while only few effects of earlier symptoms on later symptoms remained significant after accounting for these factors. The DPM calls for future applications of this approach to samples across different countries, diverse developmental phases, and in various settings – community samples and clinical samples alike.
Headline Environmental Indicators Revisited with the Global Multi‐Regional Input‐Output Database EXIOBASE
Authors: Steinmann Zoran J.N. , Schipper Aafke M. , Stadler Konstantin , Wood Richard , de Koning Arjan , Tukker Arnold , Huijbregts Mark A.J. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryEnvironmentally extended multiregion input‐output (EEMRIO) databases are used to quantify numerous environmental pressures and impacts from a consumption perspective. However, for targeted communication with decision makers, large sets of impact indicators are unfavorable. Small sets of headline indicators have been proposed to guide environmental policy, but these may not cover all relevant aspects of environmental impact. The aim of our study was to evaluate the extent to which a set of four headline indicators (material, land, water, and carbon) is representative of the total environmental impact embedded in an EEMRIO database. We also used principal component analysis combined with linear regression to investigate which environmental indicators are good candidates to supplement this headline indicator set, using 119 environmental indicators linked to the EEMRIO database, EXIOBASE. We found that the four headline indicators covered 59.9% of the variance in product‐region rankings among environmental indicators, with carbon and land already explaining 57.4%. Five additional environmental indicators (marine eco‐toxicity, terrestrial eco‐toxicity, photochemical oxidation, terrestrial acidification, and eutrophication) were needed to cover 95% of the variance. In comparison, a statistically optimal set of seven indicators explained 95% of the variance as well. Our findings imply that there is (1) a significant statistical redundancy in the four headline indicators, and (2) a considerable share of the variance is caused by other environmental impacts not covered by the headline indicators. The results of our study can be used to further optimize the set of headline indicators for environmental policy.
Systematic review of the psychometric properties of disease‐specific, quality‐of‐life questionnaires for patients with hepatobiliary or pancreatic cancers
Authors: Tian Lang , Cao Xiao‐Yi 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimTo systematically review the quality of the psychometric properties of disease‐specific quality‐of‐life questionnaires for patients with hepatobiliary or pancreatic cancers in order to help researchers and clinicians to select the most appropriate health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQoL) instruments.MethodsMEDLINE from 1950, CINAHL from 1960, EMBASE from 1980, and PsycINFO from 1967, as well as additional sources were searched. The quality of the psychometric properties of the included instruments was evaluated by using the quality criteria for measurement properties of health status questionnaires.ResultsTen studies that examined seven instruments were identified. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Biliary Cancer, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Liver Metastases of Colorectal Cancer, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Hepatobiliary Questionnaire, and the Quality of Life for Patients with Liver Cancer Instrument achieved satisfactory results in relation to the quality of their psychometric properties.ConclusionSeveral well‐validated instruments exist to adequately assess disease‐specific HRQoL in patients with hepatobiliary or pancreatic cancers. Further improvement of the already‐existing, promising measures is recommended.