bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of endocannabinoids in the progression of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Behl Tapan , Kaur Ishneet , Kotwani Anita 
Published: September 2015

SummaryIn the past decades, the role of numerous factors in the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy has been explored, following which marked progress has been made in developing several novel therapeutic options, such as anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor, anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐alpha and various other anti‐inflammatory and anti‐angiogenic agents, for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. However, the involvement of endocannabinoid system in its pathogenesis has not been much explored. This review aims at unveiling every aspect of association of the endocannabinoid system and its interactions with various physiological and pathological pathways to induce disease progression. The various alterations induced by endocannabinoids, such as anandamide and 2‐arachidonylglycerol, in retina during hyperglycaemia clearly demonstrate and verify their involvement in aggravating the pathological conditions, hence leading to the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Exploring this involvement furthermore, in greater depths, might be beneficial in acknowledging and understanding the hidden aspects of the pathogenesis of this complication even better and might provide a therapeutically beneficial alternative target to combat and restrict its progression amongst diabetic patients. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inadequate hepcidin serum concentrations predict incident type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Pechlaner Raimund , Weiss Günter , Bansal Sukhvinder , Mayr Manuel , Santer Peter , Pallhuber Barbara , Notdurfter Marlene , Bonora Enzo , Willeit Johann , Kiechl Stefan 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is closely associated with elevated body iron stores. The hormone hepcidin is the key regulator of iron homeostasis. Inadequately low hepcidin levels were recently reported in subjects with manifest T2DM. We investigated whether alterations of hepcidin levels precede the manifestation of T2DM and predict T2DM development independently of established risk conditions.MethodsThis prospective population‐based study included 675 subjects aged 50–89 years, 51.9% of whom were female. Hepcidin levels were measured by gold standard tandem mass spectrometry. Diabetes was diagnosed according to American Diabetes Association criteria, and incident diabetes was recorded between baseline in 2000 and 2010.ResultsThe baseline hepcidin‐to‐ferritin ratio in subjects that subsequently developed diabetes during follow‐up was reduced on average by 29.8% as compared with subjects with normal glucose tolerance (95% confidence interval, −50.7% to −0.2%; p = 0.049). After adjustment for age, sex, and serum ferritin, higher hepcidin levels were associated with reduced risk of incident diabetes (hazard ratio per 1‐unit higher log2 hepcidin, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.64–0.98; p = 0.035; 33 events). Additional adjustment for established diabetes risk factors and determinants of hepcidin concentration did not appreciably change these results (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.66–0.99). Likewise, inadequately low hepcidin levels were also detected in subjects with prevalent T2DM (n = 76).ConclusionsHepcidin levels that are inadequately low in relation to body iron stores are an independent predictor for incident T2DM and may contribute to diabetes‐related tissue iron overload. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The more pieces, the better the puzzle: sperm concentration increases gametic compatibility
Authors: Sherman Craig D. H. , Ab Rahim Emi S. , Olsson Mats , Careau Vincent 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe genetic benefits individuals receive from mate choice have been the focus of numerous studies, with several showing support for both intrinsic genetic benefits and compatibility effects on fertilization success and offspring viability. However, the robustness of these effects have rarely been tested across an ecologically relevant environmental gradient. In particular, sperm environment is a crucial factor determining fertilization success in many species, especially those with external fertilization. Here, we test the importance of sperm environment in mediating compatibility‐based selection on fertilization using a factorial breeding design. We detected a significant intrinsic male effect on fertilization success at only one of four sperm concentrations. Compatibility effects were significant at the two highest sperm concentrations and, interestingly, the magnitude of the compatibility effect consistently increased with sperm concentration. This suggests that females are able to modify the probability of sperm–egg fusion as the amount of sperm available increases.
5‐Nitriminotetrazole 1‐Oxide: An Exciting Oxygen‐ and Nitrogen‐Rich Heterocycle
Authors: Fischer Dennis , Klapötke Thomas M. , Stierstorfer Jörg 
Published: September 2015

Abstract5‐Nitriminotetrazole 1‐oxide (CH2N6O3) and selected salts (e.g., dipotassium, diammonium, dihydroxylammonium) were prepared and characterized for the first time. The neutral molecule can be obtained by nitration of an O‐protected 5‐aminotetrazole 1‐oxide. The new compounds were characterized by using low‐temperature X‐ray diffraction as well as IR, Raman, and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements showed a large range for the decomposition temperatures. The highest value of 320 °C was observed for the dipotassium salt. The energetic performances (detonation velocities up to 9842 m s–1) were calculated with the EXPLO5 code by using calculated (CBS‐4M) heats of formation and experimentally obtained X‐ray densities. Calculated performance data support the highly energetic character of these new compounds. The sensitivities toward impact, friction, and electrostatic discharge were also determined.
Seismic design and testing of buckling‐restrained braces with a thin profile
Authors: Lin Pao‐Chun , Tsai Keh‐Chyuan , Chang Chieh‐An , Hsiao Yu‐Yun , Wu An‐Chien 
Published: September 2015

SummaryA thin‐profile buckling‐restrained brace (thin‐BRB) consists of a rectangular steel casing and a flat steel core that is parallel to a gusset plate. A thin configuration reduces the width of the restraining member and thus saves usable space in buildings. However, deformable debonding layers, which cover the steel core plate in order to mitigate the difference between the peak tensile and compressive axial forces, provide a space for the steel core to form high mode buckling waves when the thin‐BRB is under compression. The wave crests squeeze the debonding layers and produce outward forces on the inner surface of the restraining member. If the restraining member is too weak in sustaining the outward forces, local bulging failure occurs and the thin‐BRB loses its compression capacity immediately. In order to investigate local bulging behavior, a total of 22 thin‐BRB specimens with a ratio of steel core plate to restraining steel tube depth ranging from 0.3 to 0.7 and axial yield force capacities ranging from 421 kN to 3036 kN were tested by applying either cyclically increasing, decreasing, or constant axial strains. The restraining steel tube widths of all the specimens were smaller than 200 mm and were infilled with mortar with a compressive strength of 97 MPa or 55 MPa. Thirteen of the 22 thin‐BRB specimens' restraining members bulged out when the compressive core strains exceeded 0.03. A seismic design method of the thin‐BRB in preventing local bulging failure is proposed in this study. Test and finite element model (FEM) analysis results suggest that the outward forces can be estimated according to the BRB compressive strength, steel core high mode buckling wavelength, and the debonding layer thickness. In addition, the capacity of the restraining member in resisting the outward forces can be estimated by using the upper bound theory in plastic analysis. Both the FEM analysis and test results indicate that the proposed method is effective in predicting the possibility of local bulging failure. Test results indicate that the proposed design method is conservative for thin‐BRB specimens with a large steel core plate to restraining steel tube depth ratio. This paper concludes with design recommendations for thin‐BRBs for severe seismic services. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suicidal Ideation and Behaviours Among Adolescents Receiving Bariatric Surgery: A Case–Control Study
Authors: McPhee Jeanne , Khlyavich Freidl Eve , Eicher Julia , Zitsman Jeffrey L. , Devlin Michael J. , Hildebrandt Tom , Sysko Robyn 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjectiveThis study examined the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation and behaviour (SI/B) among adolescents receiving bariatric surgery.MethodCharts of 206 adolescents receiving bariatric surgery were reviewed. Cases with SI/B (current/lifetime reported at baseline or event occurring in the programme n = 31, 15%) were case matched on gender, age and surgery type to 31 adolescents reporting current or past psychiatric treatment and 31 adolescents denying lifetime SI/B or psychiatric treatment.ResultsBefore surgery, adolescents with SI/B reported significantly lower total levels of health‐related quality of life (p = 0.01) and greater depressive symptoms (p = 0.004) in comparison with candidates who never received psychiatric treatment. No significant differences were found between groups for the change in depressive symptoms or body mass index following surgery.ConclusionsAs in studies of adults, a notable subset of adolescents receiving bariatric surgery indicated pre‐operative or post‐operative SI/B. It is critical that clinicians evaluate and monitor adolescent patients undergoing bariatric surgery for risk of SI/B. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Effect of activated carbon or biochars on toxicity of different soils contaminated by mixture of native polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals
Authors: Kołtowski Michał , Oleszczuk Patryk 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Activated carbon (AC), biochar from wheat straw (BCS), and biochar from willow (BCW) were added to the soils sampled from areas of strong anthropogenic influence at doses of 0.5%, 1%, 2.5%, or 5% (w/w) and incubated for 2 mo. At the end of this period, the toxicity of the soils was measured. The effect of AC and biochars on the toxicity of the soils varied based on soil, type of amendment, dose, and test organism. For most of the parameters tested, the highest effectiveness of AC in terms of reduction of toxicity was observed in soil POPI (from bitumen processing plant area). In the case of the remaining soils, after the addition of AC varied results were observed, in which a reduction or an increase of toxicity, relative to the control soil, occurred. As in the case of AC, biochars also caused a significant reduction of phytotoxicity of soil POPI. In soils KB (from coking plant area, industrial waste deposit) and KOK (from coking plant area, coking battery), the reduction or increase of toxicity depended on biochar dose. Compared with the biochars, the effectiveness of AC in the reduction of toxicity depended also on soil, type of amendment, dose, and test organism. Generally, the AC was more effective than biochars in relation to mortality and reproduction of Folsomia candida (in all soils) and for reduction of luminescence inhibition of Vibrio fischeri (in POPI soil). Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1321–1328. © 2015 SETAC
Proximate, mineral, and antinutrient compositions of indigenous Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) pod accessions: implications for mineral bioavailability
Authors: Gemede Habtamu Fekadu , Haki Gulelat Desse , Beyene Fekadu , Woldegiorgis Ashagrie Z. , Rakshit Sudip Kumar 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe promotion and consumption of indigenous vegetables could help to mitigate food insecurity and alleviate malnutrition in developing countries. Nutrient and antinutrient compositions of eight accessions of Okra Pods were investigated. Molar ratios and mineral bioavailability of Okra pod accessions were also calculated and compared to the critical values to predict the implications for mineral bioavailability. Proximate and mineral composition of Okra pod accessions were determined using standard methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemists. The result of the study revealed that the proximate composition (g/100 g) in dry weight basis was significantly (P < 0.05) varied and ranged: moisture/dry matter 9.69–13.33, crude protein 10.25–26.16, crude fat 0.56–2.49, crude fiber 11.97–29.93, crude ash 5.37–11.30, utilizable carbohydrate 36.66–50.97, and gross energy 197.26–245.55 kcal/100 g. The mineral concentrations (mg/100 g) were also significantly (P < 0.05) varied and ranged: calcium (111.11–311.95), Iron (18.30–36.68), potassium (122.59–318.20), zinc (3.83–6.31), phosphorus (25.62–59.72), and sodium (3.33–8.31) on dry weight bases. The Okra Pods of “OPA#6” accession contained significantly higher amounts of crude protein, total ash, crude fat, calcium, iron, and zinc than all other accessions evaluated in this study. The results of antinutrients analysis showed that, except phytate, tannin, and oxalate contents of all the accessions were significantly (P < 0.05) varied. The range of phytate, tannin, and oxalate contents (mg/100 g) for Okra pod accessions studied were as follows: 0.83–0.87, 4.93–9.90, and 0.04–0.53, respectively. The calculated molar ratios of phytate: calcium, phytate: iron, phytate: zinc, oxalate: calcium and [Phytate][Calcium]/[Zinc] were below the critical value and this indicate that the bioavailability of calcium, iron, and zinc in these accessions could be high. The results of the study revealed that Okra pod contain appreciable amount of vital nutrients like protein, fiber, calcium, iron, and zinc and low in antinutrient contents with high mineral bioavailability. Therefore, increase in the production and consumption of these nutrient‐rich indigenous Okra pods will help to supplement/formulate the diets and alleviate the problems associated with malnutrition in the country.
Loss of IL‐4Rα–mediated PI3K signaling accelerates the progression of IgE/mast cell–mediated reactions
Authors: Sledd Jane , Wu David , Ahrens Richard , Lee Jeebong , Waggoner Lisa , Tsai Ying Ting , Wang Yui‐Hsi , Hogan Simon P. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractClinical and experimental evidence indicate that polymorphisms within the interleukin 4 (IL‐4) receptor (IL‐4R) chain are sufficient for altered strength of IL‐4/IL‐13 signaling, leading to an exaggerated allergic inflammatory response and increase susceptibility to allergic phenotypes. In the present study, we show that ablation of IL‐4Rα–induced phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) activating signal by germline point mutation within the IL‐4Rα motif (Y500F) did not alter susceptibility to IgE‐mediated, food‐induced experimental anaphylaxis. Moreover, diarrhea occurrence, antigen‐specific IgE and intestinal mastocytosis were comparable between WT and IL‐4RαY500F mice. However, mice unable to stimulate IL‐4Rα–mediated PI3K signaling had accelerated disease progression. Notably, the accelerated anaphylactic response was associated with more rapid histamine‐induced hypovolemia. Mechanistic in vitro and in vivo analyses revealed that endothelial IL‐4Rα PI3K signaling negatively regulates the histamine‐induced endothelial leak response. These results define an unanticipated role for IL‐4Rα–mediated PI3K signaling in negative regulation of IgE‐mediated anaphylactic reactions.
Zerovalent Fe, Co and Ni nanoparticle toxicity evaluated on SKOV‐3 and U87 cell lines
Authors: Gornati Rosalba , Pedretti Elisa , Rossi Federica , Cappellini Francesca , Zanella Michela , Olivato Iolanda , Sabbioni Enrico , Bernardini Giovanni 
Published: September 2015

AbstractWe have considered nanoparticles (NPs) of Fe, Co and Ni, three transition metals sharing similar chemical properties. NP dissolution, conducted by radioactive tracer method and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, indicated that NiNPs and FeNPs released in the medium a much smaller amount of ions than that released by Co NPs. The two considered methodological approaches, however, gave comparable but not identical results. All NPs are readily internalized by the cells, but their quantity inside the cells is less than 5%. Cytotoxicity and gene expression experiments were performed on SKOV‐3 and U87 cells. In both cell lines, CoNPs and NiNPs were definitely more toxic than FeNPs. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction experiments aimed to evaluate modifications of the expression of genes involved in the cellular stress response (HSP70, MT2A), or susceptible to metal exposure (SDHB1 and MLL), or involved in specific cellular processes (caspase3, IQSEC1 and VMP1), gave different response patterns in the two cell lines. HSP70, for example, was highly upregulated by CoNPs and NiNPs, but only in SKOV‐3 cell lines. Overall, this work underlines the difficulties in predicting NP toxicological properties based only on their chemical characteristics. We, consequently, think that, at this stage of our knowledge, biological effects induced by metal‐based NPs should be examined on a case‐by‐case basis following studies on different in vitro models. Moreover, with the only exception of U87 exposed to Ni, our results suggest that metallic NPs have caused, on gene expression, similar effects to those caused by their corresponding ions. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Applied Toxicology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction of Incident Major Osteoporotic and Hip Fractures by Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) and Prevalent Radiographic Vertebral Fracture in Older Men
Authors: Schousboe John T , Vo Tien , Taylor Brent C , Cawthon Peggy M , Schwartz Ann V , Bauer Douglas C , Orwoll Eric S , Lane Nancy E , Barrett-Connor Elizabeth , Ensrud Kristine E ,   for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study Research Group
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT

Trabecular bone score (TBS) has been shown to predict major osteoporotic (clinical vertebral, hip, humerus, and wrist) and hip fractures in postmenopausal women and older men, but the association of TBS with these incident fractures in men independent of prevalent radiographic vertebral fracture is unknown. TBS was estimated on anteroposterior (AP) spine dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans obtained at the baseline visit for 5979 men aged ≥65 years enrolled in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study and its association with incident major osteoporotic and hip fractures estimated with proportional hazards models. Model discrimination was tested with Harrell's C-statistic and with a categorical net reclassification improvement index, using 10-year risk cutpoints of 20% for major osteoporotic and 3% for hip fractures. For each standard deviation decrease in TBS, there were hazard ratios of 1.27 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17 to 1.39) for major osteoporotic fracture, and 1.20 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.39) for hip fracture, adjusted for FRAX with bone mineral density (BMD) 10-year fracture risks and prevalent radiographic vertebral fracture. In the same model, those with prevalent radiographic vertebral fracture compared with those without prevalent radiographic vertebral fracture had hazard ratios of 1.92 (95% CI 1.49 to 2.48) for major osteoporotic fracture and 1.86 (95% CI 1.26 to 2.74) for hip fracture. There were improvements of 3.3%, 5.2%, and 6.2%, respectively, of classification of major osteoporotic fracture cases when TBS, prevalent radiographic vertebral fracture status, or both were added to FRAX with BMD and age, with minimal loss of correct classification of non-cases. Neither TBS nor prevalent radiographic vertebral fracture improved discrimination of hip fracture cases or non-cases. In conclusion, TBS and prevalent radiographic vertebral fracture are associated with incident major osteoporotic fractures in older men independent of each other and FRAX 10-year fracture risks, and these data support their use in conjunction with FRAX for fracture risk assessment in older men. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Mice Deficient in CIZ/NMP4 Develop an Attenuated Form of K/BxN‐Serum Induced Arthritis
Authors: Nakamoto Tetsuya , Izu Yayoi , Kawasaki Makiri , Notomi Takuya , Hayata Tadayoshi , Noda Masaki , Ezura Yoichi 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTCIZ/NMP4 (Cas interacting zinc finger protein, Nmp4, Zfp384) is a transcription factor that is known to regulate matrix related‐proteins. To explore the possible pathophysiological role of CIZ/NMP4 in arthritis, we examined CIZ/NMP4 expression in articular cartilage in arthritis model. CIZ/NMP4 was expressed in the articular chondrocytes of mice at low levels while its expression was enhanced when arthritis was induced. Arthritis induction increased clinical score in wild type mice. In contrast, CIZ/NMP4 deficiency suppressed such rise in the levels of arthritis score and swelling of soft tissue. CIZ/NMP4 deficiency also reduced invasion of inflammatory cells in joint tissue. Quantitative PCR analyses of mRNA from joints revealed that arthritis‐induced increase in expressions of IL‐1β was suppressed by CIZ/NMP4 deficiency. CIZ/NMP4 bound to IL‐1β promoter and activated its transcription. The increase in CIZ/NMP4 in arthritis was also associated with enhancement in bone resorption and cartilage matrix degradation. In fact, RANKL, a signaling molecule prerequisite for osteoclastogenesis and, MMP‐3, a clinical marker for arthritis were increased in joints upon arthritis induction. In contrast, CIZ/NMP4 deficiency suppressed the arthritis‐induced increase in bone resorption, expression of RANKL and MMP‐3 mRNA. Thus, CIZ/NMP4 plays a role in the development of arthritis at least in part through regulation of key molecules related to the arthritis. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 970–977, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microstrip bandpass filter design using split‐path method and optimized curvature corrections
Authors: Chakravorty Pragnan , Mandal Durbadal 
Published: September 2015

SummaryBandpass filters with wide pass‐band are an essential requirement in various equipments of satellite and defence communication sectors. Here a method of split‐path interactions is proposed to approximately predict the resonant frequency and topology of bandpass filters which otherwise fall under the category of heuristic designs. Curved transmission lines are often required to make filter structures physically compact; however, curvature effects create errors in the theoretical (design) prediction of resonant or central frequencies for bandpass filter design. Earlier propositions on curvature corrections had been considerably precise, but recent design standards demand even higher accuracies. The prime feature of this work is the use of a meta‐heuristic optimization (i.e. Particle Swarm Optimization) technique in curvature corrections for the first time which brings accuracies of over 99% in the corrected results. The split paths used in this design are suitably curved, with the proposed optimized curvature correction technique, so as to attain a compact size of the filter. The resulting filter has a low insertion loss of around −1.00 dB and a sharp stopband cut‐off. Fabrication was done on a FR4 microstrip substrate with a good agreement between measured and simulated results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.