bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pterostilbene Inhibits Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Migration and Matrix Metalloproteinase‐2 through Modulation of MAPK Pathway
Authors: Lin Hsing‐Chun , Hsieh Ming‐Ju , Peng Chiung‐Huei , Yang Shun‐Fa , Huang Chien‐Ning 
Published: September 2015

AbstractSmooth muscle cells (SMCs) migration and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) activation are main roles in atherosclerosis. Pterostilbene (trans‐3, 5‐dimethoxy‐4‐hydroxystilbene) is known to have various pharmacologic effects such as anti‐inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties. The present study aimed to investigate the anti‐atheroscleroic property of pterostilbene in the rat smooth muscle cell (SMC) A7r9 cell lines and the underlying mechanisms. In this study, pterostilbene treatment significantly inhibited migration/invasion capacities of in A7r9 cell. Pterostilbene was also found to significantly decreased MMP‐2 activity and expression by gelatin zymography and western blot assay in SMC. In the MAPK signaling pathway, western blot assay also indicated that pterostilbene up‐regulated the phosphorylation of extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase (Erk)1/2. Moreover, inhibition of Erk1/2 by specific inhibitors significantly abolished the pterostilbene‐decreased expression of MMP‐2 and migration/invasion capacities. These findings suggest that pterostilbene inhibited SMC migration and that MMP‐2 activation could be mediated via Erk1/2 phosphorylation. It is further possible that pterostilbene could play a novel role in the treatment of atherosclerosis.
The Inhibition of Maillard Browning by Different Concentrations of Rosmarinic Acid and Epigallocatechin‐3‐Gallate in Model, Bakery, and Fruit Systems
Authors: Favreau‐Farhadi Nicole , Pecukonis Lauren , Barrett Ann 
Published: September 2015

AbstractRosmarinic acid and Epigallocatechin gallate concentrations were studied as natural inhibitors of Maillard browning in glucose/glycine model systems, and in bakery rolls and applesauce. The concentrations of the inhibitors were varied to determine the highest level of inhibition without a pro‐oxidant/browning effect. UV absorbance and gas chromatography/mass spec (GC/MS) with solid phase microextraction (SPME) sampling was used to study browning in the model systems. Hunter L*, a*, b* was used to analyze the color change results of the inhibitors on applesauce and bakery rolls. It was determined that a 1.0% solution of either antioxidant in the glucose/glycine system produced the greatest inhibition and a synergistic effect was not apparent when the two were combined. Inhibition of browning and a lack of synergy between the antioxidants were also determined in food systems consisting of applesauce and bakery rolls. GC/MS analysis of the model system revealed a high level of pyrazine formation in no‐inhibitor control samples and the absence of pyrazines in inhibitor‐containing samples.
Ethnicity‐Based Differences in the Association of LOXL1 Polymorphisms with Pseudoexfoliation/Pseudoexfoliative Glaucoma: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Founti Panayiota , Haidich Anna‐Bettina , Chatzikyriakidou Anthoula , Salonikiou Angeliki , Anastasopoulos Eleftherios , Pappas Theofanis , Lambropoulos Alexandros , Viswanathan Ananth C. , Topouzis Fotis 
Published: September 2015

SummaryPseudoexfoliation (PEX) is an age‐related disorder of the extracellular matrix; it is strongly associated with glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. We conducted an ethnic‐based meta‐analysis of the association of LOXL1 polymorphisms with PEX/pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEXG). Association studies were retrieved systematically from PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Knowledge. Allelic and genotype frequencies of rs3825942, rs1048661, and rs2165241 were compared between PEX/PEXG and controls. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random effects model. Overall, 39 independent cohorts were included. Rs3825942 (G) was an at risk allele for PEX/PEXG in Caucasians, Japanese, Koreans, Chinese, South Asians, and Middle Easterners, but protective in Black South Africans (OR = 0.10, 95%CI:0.06–0.16). Rs1048661 (G) was an at risk allele for PEX/PEXG in Caucasians, South Asians, Middle Easterners and Black South Africans, but was protective in Japanese (OR = 0.03, 95%CI:0.02–0.06) and Koreans (OR = 0.10, 95%CI:0.05–0.22). These associations we‐re confirmed for the genotypic recessive models. Rs2165241 (C) was a protective allele for PEX/PEXG in Caucasians, but was an at risk allele in Japanese (OR = 7.49, 95%CI:3.22–17.41) and Koreans (OR = 6.63, 95%CI:2.60–16.90). This was confirmed for the genotypic dominant model. Other genetic and/or environmental factors may modify the effect of LOXL1 polymorphisms in certain ethnic groups.
Decreased expression of ectonucleotidase E‐NPP1 in leukocytes from subjects with severe asthma exacerbation
Authors: Montaño L. M. , Vargas M. H. , Díaz‐Hernández V. , De Ita M. , Kazakova R. , Barajas‐López C. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractSeveral studies suggest that ATP and related nucleotides play a role in the pathophysiology of asthma. However, the functionality of ectonucleotidases in this disease has been scantly investigated. We studied total ectonucleotidase activity in leukocytes from patients suffering from asthma exacerbation and explored the expression of E‐NTPDase 1, 2, 3, and 8, and E‐NPP1, 2, and 3, in their polymorphonuclear cells by immunofluorescence and qPCR. Leukocytes from patients with mild or moderate asthma exacerbation had similar ectonucleotidase activity than leukocytes from healthy subjects, while in patients with severe asthma exacerbation, this activity was lower. Of the ectonucleotidases studied, only E‐NPP1 displayed diminished immunofluorescence and a significant decrease in its mRNA expression, both in patients with severe asthma exacerbation. This reduced E‐NPP1 expression could be responsible for increased amounts of ATP or other nucleotides, capable of worsening asthma exacerbation, and warranting further investigation.
Relationships between behavioral symptoms of non‐medicated Chinese children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and parenting stress: Comparison of different subtypes and comorbidities
Authors: Li Yan , Jiang Wen‐Qing , Du Ya‐Song , Coghill David 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIntroductionTo identify the characteristics of behavior problems among children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and their relation with parenting stress.MethodsThe Conners Parent Symptom Questionnaire (PSQ) and Parenting Stress Index (PSI) were used to assess the symptoms and parenting stress of 132 non‐medicated children with ADHD as compared with 88 healthy controls.ResultsEvery PSQ factor of ADHD children was higher than in the control group; children with the combined subtype of ADHD had the highest scores in conduct and learning problems, impulsivity/hyperactivity, and overall hyperactivity index; the PSI total stress, child domain, and parent domain scores were all higher in the ADHD group than in the control group; children with the combined subtype of ADHD had the highest score in the competence subscale of the parent domain, whereas the PSI total stress score of parents of children with ADHD and comorbid oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) was higher than that of parents of children with only ADHD. The PSI total stress score was positively correlated with all PSQ factor scores. The PSQ factors of conduct problems and learning problems were found to be significant predictors in a regression analysis.DiscussionThe children with ADHD exhibited abnormal parenting stress compared with healthy controls, which was much more pronounced when the children had comorbid ODD. Furthermore, parenting stress was related with the severity of ADHD symptoms, suggesting that children with the combined subtype of ADHD require particular attention in the future.
HMGCR rs17671591 SNP Determines Lower Plasma LDL‐C after Atorvastatin Therapy in Chilean Individuals
Authors: Cuevas Alejandro , Fernández César , Ferrada Luis , Zambrano Tomás , Rosales Alexy , Saavedra Nicolás , Salazar Luis A. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractLipid‐lowering response to statin therapy shows large interindividual variability. At a genome‐wide significance level, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in PCSK9 and HMGCR have been implicated in this differential response. However, the influence of these variants is uncertain in the Chilean population. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the contribution of PCSK9 rs7552841 and HMGCR rs17671591 SNPs as genetic determinants of atorvastatin response in Chilean hypercholesterolaemic individuals. One hundred and one hypercholesterolaemic patients received atorvastatin 10 mg/day for 4 weeks. Plasma lipid profile (TC, HDL‐C, LDL‐C and TG) was determined before and after statin treatment, and SNPs were identified by allelic discrimination using TaqMan® SNP Genotyping Assays. Adjusted univariate and multivariate analyses' models were used for statistical analyses, and a p‐value <0.05 was considered significant. From baseline (week 0) to the study end‐point (week 4), significant reductions were observed in plasma TC, LDL‐C and TG (p < 0.001), while HDL‐C levels were increased (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed no association between lipid levels and atorvastatin therapy for the PCSK9 variant. However, the HMGCR rs17671591 T allele contributed to basal HDL‐C concentration variability along with a higher increase in this lipid fraction after statin medication. In addition, this allele determined greater plasma LDL‐C reductions after therapy with atorvastatin. Our data suggest that the HMGCR rs17671591 polymorphism can constitute a genetic marker of lower plasma LDL‐C and enhanced HDL‐C concentration after atorvastatin therapy in the Chilean population.
Can closeness, conflict, and dependency be used to characterize students’ perceptions of the affective relationship with their teacher? Testing a new child measure in middle childhood
Authors: Koomen Helma M. Y. , Jellesma Francine C. 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundThe constructs of closeness, conflict, and dependency, which are derived from attachment theory, are widely used to qualify teachers’ perceptions of relationships with individual children.AimsOur main aim was to reveal whether similar and reliable dimensions could be identified in middle childhood with a newly developed student measure Student Perception of Affective Relationship with Teacher Scale (SPARTS). Additional validity support was sought by examining gender differences and associations with (1) teacher relationship perceptions and (2) problem and prosocial behaviours in children.Sample(s)Factor structure was determined in a sample of 586 children (46.5% boys) from 26 regular elementary Dutch classrooms (grade 4–6). Associations with teacher relationship reports (n = 82) and child behaviours (n = 64) were analysed in random subsamples.MethodsStudents’ relationship perceptions were assessed with the SPARTS; teachers’ relationship perceptions with the Student–Teacher Relationship Scale (STRS; closeness, conflict, and dependency); and problem and prosocial behaviours in children with the teacher‐reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.ResultsExploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis supported a 3‐factor model of conflict, closeness, and a third factor, unexpectedly reflecting negative expectations of the student instead of dependency. Satisfactory internal consistency was found for all three scales. Additional validity evidence included the following: Substantial student–teacher agreement for conflict and closeness; meaningful associations with problem and prosocial behaviours in children; and expected gender differences showing that, compared to boys, girls share more favourable relationships (more closeness and less conflict) with teachers.ConclusionsThe 3‐dimensional SPARTS comes close to the attachment‐derived teacher STRS, as far as conflict and closeness are concerned. The third dimension, negative expectations, represents a new and relevant attachment‐related dimension reflecting a lack of confidence of students in the relationship with their teacher.
Adenosine A1 receptor activation attenuates cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in response to α1‐adrenoceptor stimulation in vivo
Authors: Puhl S‐L , Kazakov A , Müller A , Fries P , Wagner D R , Böhm M , Maack C , Devaux Y 
Published: September 2015

Background and PurposeAdenosine has been proposed to exert anti‐hypertrophic effects. However, the precise regulation and the role of the different adenosine receptor subtypes in the heart and their effects on hypertrophic signalling are largely unknown. We aimed to characterize expression and function of adenosine A1 receptors following hypertrophic stimulation in vitro and in vivo.Experimental ApproachPro‐hypertrophic stimuli and adenosine A1 receptor stimulation of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and male C57/Bl6 mice, sc. drug administration, real‐time PCR, 3[H]‐leucine‐incorporation assay, immunostaining, tissue staining, Western blots, gravimetric analyses and echocardiography were applied in this study.Key ResultsIn neonatal rat cardiomyocyte cultures, phenylephrine, but not angiotensin II or insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1), up‐regulated adenosine A1 receptors concentration‐dependently. The hypertrophic phenotype (cardiomyocyte size, sarcomeric organization, total protein synthesis, c‐fos expression) mediated by phenylephrine (10 μM), but not that by angiotensinII (1 μM) or IGF1 (20 ng·mL−1), was counteracted by the selective A1 receptor agonist, N6‐cyclopentyladenosine. In C57/BL6 mice, continuous N6‐cyclopentyladenosine infusion (2 mg·kg−1·day−1; 21 days) blunted phenylephrine (120 mg·kg−1·day−1; 21 days) induced hypertrophy (heart weight, cardiomyocyte size and fetal genes), fibrosis, MMP 2 up‐regulation and generation of oxidative stress – all hallmarks of maladaptive remodelling. Concurrently, phenylephrine administration increased expression of adenosine A1 receptors.Conclusions and ImplicationsWe have presented evidence for a negative feedback mechanism attenuating pathological myocardial hypertrophy following α1‐adrenoceptor stimulation. Our results suggest adenosine A1 receptors as potential targets for therapeutic strategies to prevent transition from compensated myocardial hypertrophy to decompensated heart failure due to chronic cardiac pressure overload.
The cost‐effectiveness of smoking cessation services provided by general dental practice, general medical practice, pharmacy andNHSStop Smoking Services in theNorth ofEngland
Authors: Csikar Julia I. , Douglas Gail V. , Pavitt Sue , Hulme Claire 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo compare the cost‐effectiveness of smoking cessation services in general dental practice (dental), general medical practice (GMP), pharmacy andNHSStop Smoking Services (NHS SSS) from the perspective of the provider and the perspective of theNHS.MethodsRetrospective monitoring data fromNHSBradford were accessed for any client attending a smoking cessation advisor within one of four commissioned smoking cessation services delivered by and within dental,GMP, pharmacy andNHS SSS(July 2011–December 2011). The treatment outcome of interest was ‘quits’ (effectiveness), and costs were assessed using incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICER) which compared each service setting against usual care (NHS SSS). All data were analysed usingSPSS19.ResultsFor verified quits, only pharmacy services showed a lower mean cost per client and a higher proportion ofCOverified quits than the other services. For both verified and self‐reported quits dental services showed a slightly higher proportion of quits thanNHS SSS; however, the mean cost per client was higher (£278.38 for an increase in quits of 1%). TheGMPservices were dominated by theNHS SSS, in as much as they were both less effective (a smaller proportion of quits and more expensive). This finding also holds true when we comparedGMPservices and pharmacy services.ConclusionsFrom the perspective of the service provider and theNHS, the service considered to be ‘cost‐effective’ when compared with ‘usual care’ (NHS SSS) was pharmacy services. This research has identified variations in service costs and effectiveness of services through the analysis of a pragmatic data set. Given the exploratory nature of this research, further research should explore the impact of service/location selection on uptake and cessation rates.
Prevalence of cleft lip and/or palate in children from Lodz between years 1981–2010
Authors: Antoszewski Bogusław , Fijałkowska Marta 
Published: September 2015

AbstractCongenital malformations constitute a serious problem of both medical and social nature. Cleft lip and/or palate represent the most common congenital anomaly of the face that is why it is essential to know the real frequency of the described phenomenon. The aim of this paper is to determine the frequency of cleft lip and/or palate and the types of malformations that occurred in Lodz city between the years 1981–2010. Our clinic has been carrying on the studies concerning the incidence of cleft lip and/or palate since 1981. The Polish Registry of Congenital Malformations has been operating in Poland since 1 April 1997. The team has managed to obtain data, from the Registry, concerning the total number of all live born infants and the number of children with cleft lip and/or palate, who were born in Lodz, between 1998 and 2010. In years 1981–2010, 319 children, in 210 952 live born infants, were born with cleft lip and/or palate in Lodz. The isolated cleft palate was observed more frequently in girls and the unilateral cleft of lip and palate in boys. In all three decades palate clefts are more common whereas bilateral lip, alveolus and palate clefts are more infrequent. A small tendency to decrease in actual cleft lip and/or palate frequency among children, in the period of 30 years, is observed in Lodz. Over the years it has still been observed that the isolated cleft palate is the most common type of defect.
Comparison of radiographic and histological assessment of peri‐implant bone around oral implants
Authors: Stokholm Rie , Spin‐Neto Rubens , Nyengaard Jens R. , Isidor Flemming 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare the radiographic bone mineral density and the histological assessment of relative volume density of bone and bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) of single implants placed in the posterior mandible of monkeys.Materials and methodsFive mature, male cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) with a total of 20 implants inserted 3–6 months previously were available for investigation. Digital intra‐oral radiographs were obtained with two different sensors and one phosphor plate system. The marginal bone level was measured on both sides of the implant on digital radiographs. Furthermore, bone density was evaluated using histogram analysis of the grey shades in a distance of 1 mm from the implant surface. The radiographic assessments were compared to histomorphometric analyses.ResultsThe marginal bone level, the distance from the margin of the implant to the most coronal bone in direct contact with the implant evaluated histologically, was on average 1.4 mm, whereas this distance was significantly shorter (0.3 mm) on the digital radiographs. Still, a statistical significant correlation between the two bone level measurements was observed. The average radiographic bone density evaluated with the three different systems varied considerably. The histologic bone density was statistically significantly lower than the radiographic bone density measured with all the three techniques for acquiring digital radiographic images. Furthermore, the histologic bone density was statistically significantly correlated with the radiographic bone density only when measured with one of the sensors. On the other hand, the histologic BIC was statistically significantly correlated with the radiographic bone density obtained with all three techniques for acquiring digital radiographic images.ConclusionsThe distance from the margin of the implant to the most coronal bone in direct contact with the implant showed lower values on digital intra‐oral radiographs than histologically. Furthermore, the bone density assessed on intra‐oral radiographs reflected to some extend the amount of bone at or near the implant surfaces evaluated histologically.
The anatomy of the perineal body in relation to abdominoperineal excision for low rectal cancer
Authors: Kraima A. C. , West N. P. , Treanor D. , Magee D. , Roberts N. , van de Velde C. J. H. , DeRuiter M. C. , Quirke P. , Rutten H. J. T. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimDissection of the perineal body (PB) during abdominoperineal excision (APE) for low rectal cancer is often difficult due to the lack of a natural plane of dissection. Understanding the PB and its relation to the anorectum is essential to permit safe dissection during the perineal phase of the operation and avoid damage to the anorectum and urogenital organs. This study describes the anatomy and histology of the PB relevant to APE.MethodSix human adult cadaver pelvic exenteration specimens (three male, three female) from the Leeds GIFT Research Tissue Programme were studied. Paraffin‐embedded mega‐blocks were produced and serially sectioned at 50‐ and 250‐μm intervals. Sections were stained by immunohistochemistry to show collagen, elastin and smooth muscle.ResultsThe PB was cylindrically shaped in the male specimens and wedge‐shaped in the female ones. Although centrally located between the anal and urogenital triangles, it was nearly completely formed by muscle fibres derived from the rectal muscularis propria. Thick bundles of smooth muscle, mostly arising from the longitudinal muscle, inserted into the PB and levator ani muscle (LAM). The recto‐urethralis muscle originated from the PB and separated the anterolateral PB from the urogenital organs.ConclusionSmooth muscle fibres derived from the rectal muscularis propria extend into the PB and LAM and appear to fix the anorectum. Dissection of the PB during APE is safe only when the smooth muscle fibres that extend into the PB are divided.
Assessing the clinical outcome of nab‐paclitaxel in Chinese patients with advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Zeng Junli , Yin Jie , Yuan Dongmei , Yang Wen , Liang Wenjun , Wu Guannan , Song Yong 
Published: September 2015

AbstractPurposeNab‐paclitaxel [nab‐P, 130‐nm albumin‐bound paclitaxel particles] is a new solvent‐free paclitaxel that allows for high intratumoral concentration and has been approved for use in various solid tumours. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nab‐paclitaxel in the treatment of advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer [NSCLC].Patients and MethodsWe assessed 101 Chinese patients who were diagnosed with Stage IIIB or IV NSCLC from August 2009 to November 2014.The patients were injected with nab‐paclitaxel [260 mg/m2, day1] with or without platinum. Patients who completed more than two treatment cycles were assessed for response and survival. All patients were assessed for adverse events.ResultsThe efficacy was evaluated in 79 patients; the overall response rate was 32.9%, and the disease control rate was 89.9%. Subgroup analysis found patients with squamous cell carcinoma, and combination therapies showed better outcomes. The median progression‐free survival was 5.3 months [95%CI: 4.6–5.9], and the median overall survival was 8.9 months [95%CI: 6.1–11.6]. The main grades 3/4 adverse events were peripheral neuropathy [5.9%], leukopenia [5.0%], and anaemia [3.0%]. Additionally, severe abnormal hepatic function [2.0%], alopecia [2.0%], thrombocytopenia [1.0%] and fatigue [1.0%] could also be identified in some patients.ConclusionThe nab‐paclitaxel chemotherapy could achieve significant tumour responses and encourage survival in advanced NSCLC patients with tolerable toxicities. Further clinical studies are needed to explore the optimal therapy regimen and target users.