bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of dehydration and blockade of angiotensin II AT1 receptor on stress hormones and anti-oxidants in the one-humped camel
Authors: Ali Mahmoud Alhaj , Kazzam Elsadig , Amir Naheed , Nyberg Fred , Adem Abdu 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
The objective of this study was to provide for the first time data on plasma catecholamines, cortisol, glutathione and malondialdehyde after long term dehydration (20 days) in the presence and absence of angiotensin II (Ang II) AT1 receptor blocker (losartan) versus levels in time-matched, non-dehydrated control camels and to record the responses of glutathione and malondialdehyde activity in liver and kidney homogenates in control, dehydrated-losartan treated and dehydrated camels. Eighteen male camels were studied, six hydrated (control group), six dehydrated and treated with losartan (treated group) and six dehydrated not treated (dehydrated).

Results
Plasma levels of norepinephrine and dopamine were significantly increased (P < 0.01) in both treated and dehydrated groups compared to time matched control, whereas Plasma epinephrine level showed significant decrease (P < 0.05) in both treated and dehydrated groups compared to control. Plasma cortisol also showed significant increase (P < 0.01) in both treated and dehydrated groups compared to control. Glutathione levels in plasma, liver and kidney homogenates for both treated and dehydrated groups reveled significant increase (P < 0.05) Likewise, malondialdehyde levels in plasma, liver and kidney homogenates were substantially and significantly increased in both treated and dehydrated groups.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated that dehydration substantially increased the circulating levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and cortisol but decreased plasma epinephrine. Similarly, losartan showed similar effects to that of dehydration. In addition, this investigation showed dehydration alone or in combination with losartan induced significant increments in glutathione and malondialdehyde activities in plasma, liver and kidney homogenates, presumably in order to counteract the potentially damaging effects of free radicals. Blockade of angiotensin II AT1 receptors did not alter significantly the response of dehydration in any of these indices.
The role of the skin barrier in modulating the effects of common skin microbial species on the inflammation, differentiation and proliferation status of epidermal keratinocytes
Authors: Duckney Patrick , Wong Heng Kuan , Serrano José , Yaradou Diaraf , Oddos Thierry , Stamatas Georgios N 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Skin resident microbial species are often thought of either as pathogenic or commensal. However, little is known about the role of the skin barrier in modulating their potential for causing disease. To investigate this question we measured the effects of three microbial species commonly found on the skin (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Propionibacterium acnes) on a reconstructed human epidermal model by either applying the bacteria on the model surface (intact barrier) or adding them to the culture medium (simulating barrier breach).

Results
When added to the medium, all of the tested species induced inflammatory responses and keratinocyte cell death with species-specific potency. P. acnes and S. epidermidis induced specific alterations in the expression of keratinocyte differentiation and proliferation markers, suggesting a barrier reparation response. S. aureus induced complete keratinocyte cell death. On the contrary, topically applied S. epidermidis and P. acnes caused no inflammatory response even when tested at high concentrations, while topical S. aureus induced a weak reaction. None of the tested species were able to alter the expression of keratinocyte differentiation or expression markers, when applied topically.

Conclusions
We show that the skin barrier prevents the effects of common skin bacteria on epidermal keratinocyte inflammation, differentiation and proliferation and highlight the importance of skin barrier in defending against the pathogenic effects of common skin bacteria.
Adipokines, inflammation, insulin resistance, and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kang Yoon , Park Hee-Jin , Kang Mi-I , Lee Hyang-Sun , Lee Sang-Won , Lee Soo-Kon , Park Yong-Beom 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality are increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Inflammation is thought to be an important factor in accelerated atherosclerosis in RA, whereas insulin resistance is a known risk factor for atherosclerosis in RA. We hypothesised that adipokines could be a link between inflammation, insulin resistance, and atherosclerosis in RA.

Methods
The common carotid artery (CCA) intima-media thickness (IMT), CCA resistive index (RI), and carotid plaques were measured by ultrasonography in 192 patients with RA. Insulin resistance was assessed by the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Serum adiponectin, leptin, resistin, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin (IL)-6 concentrations were determined.

Results
The CCA RI was associated with CCA IMT and the estimated total plaque volume after adjustment for conventional CV risk factors. Among adipokines, resistin and IL-6 were correlated with inflammatory parameters. Leptin and leptin:adiponectin (L:A) ratio were correlated with metabolic risk factors, including HOMA-IR. And L:A ratio was related to the CCA RI after adjustment for conventional and nonconventional CV risk factors, including HOMA-IR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein.

Conclusion
L:A ratio was associated with HOMA-IR and carotid RI. L:A ratio might be an independent factor for predicting cardiovascular risk in patients with RA.
Active Functional Group-coated VO2(B) Nanorods: Facile One-pot Hydrothermal Synthesis and Conversion to V2O3
Authors: Zhang Yifu , Zhang Xiongzhi , Huang Yu , Xiao Mei , Niu Fei , Huang Chi , Meng Changgong , Wu Weibing 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Active functional group-coated VO2(B) nanorods were successfully synthesized using ammonium metavanadate and oxalic acid solution as the starting materials, by a facile one-pot hydrothermal route for the first time. The results showed the sample consisted of crystalline VO2(B) and amorphous component. The amorphous component contained numerous active functional groups such as O–H, N–H, C=O, and C–O. Furthermore, short V2O3 nanorods were converted by thermal treatment with the active functional group-coated VO2(B) nanorods.
Psychosocial Outcomes of Young Adults Born Very Low Birth Weight
Authors: Darlow Brian A. , Horwood L. John , Pere-Bracken Huia M. , Woodward Lianne J. 
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE:
To assess the early adult health, education, and social functioning of a national cohort of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants born in 1986 in New Zealand compared with a control group of young adults born the same year. The impact of neurodevelopmental disability at age 7 to 8 years on young adult outcomes was examined.

METHODS:
Participants underwent a comprehensive face-to-face interview that included standardized assessment tools and previously used custom written survey items.

RESULTS:
We interviewed 230 VLBW young adults (71% of survivors) and 69 controls at age 22 to 23 years. VLBW young adults were 5.6 kg lighter and 4.2 cm shorter than controls, had lower rates of tertiary education/training (percentage difference [95% confidence interval]: −13.1 [−21.6 to −1.8]) and university degree completion (−15.6 [−28.0 to −4.8]), had more often been welfare dependent (23.5 [10.2 to 35.0]), had few or no friends (20.5 [7.2 to 32.2]), and more often had wheeze in the past year (20.1 [9.0 to 28.6]). However, in many areas there were no differences between the VLBW cohort and controls, and VLBW adults rated their overall quality of life and behavioral functioning similarly to their peers. Those with previous disability had poorer social, occupational, and physical functioning than other VLBW young adults.

CONCLUSIONS:
Despite some evidence of health, educational, and social difficulties, former VLBW young adults obtained similar scores across many aspects of health and social functioning as their same age peers, with some differences largely confined to those with previous disability.
Swarming patterns of light trapped individuals of caddisfly species (Trichoptera) in Central Europe
Authors: Nowinszky László , Kiss Ottó , Puskás János 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis study is on the light trapping of caddisfly species (Insecta: Trichoptera) related to the proportion of males and females and the moon phases. The data collected includes 24 species in 9 light-trap stations, for 49 swarming events between the years 1980 and 2000. We found the massive emergence of adults happens fractionally in swarming intervals. This is connected with the phenology and life cycle of each species. The percentage of males and females of the same species during different swarming events cannot be considered equal. The proportion of males and females are different in the swarming of different species. We found that the number of male and female individuals is substantially synchronized with each other within the swarming, but it can be different in the case of each species. The duration of the swarming, even in the same species, are not always uniform. The effect of the Moon cannot be clearly identified in any species, even if data from several swarmings are available. The swarming peaks appear near different Moon quarters.
Authentication Systems for Securing Clinical Documentation Workflows
Authors: Haarbrandt B. , Fortmeier D. , Haux R. , Seidel C. , Schwartze J. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryContext: Integration of electronic signatures embedded in health care processes in Germany challenges health care service and supply facilities. The suitability of the signature level of an eligible authentication procedure is confirmed for a large part of documents in clinical practice. However, the concrete design of such a procedure remains unclear.Objective: To create a summary of usable user authentication systems suitable for clinical workflows.Data Source: A Systematic literature review based on nine online bibliographic databases. Search Keywords included authentication, access control, information systems, information security and biometrics with terms user authentication, user identification and login in title or abstract. Searches were run between 7 and 12 September 2011. Relevant conference proceedings were searched manually in February 2013. Backward reference search of selected results was done.Selection: Only publications fully describing authentication systems used or usable were included. Algorithms or purely theoretical concepts were excluded. Three authors did selection independently.Data Extraction and Assessment: Semi-structured extraction of system characteristics was done by the main author. Identified procedures were assessed for security and fulfillment of relevant laws and guidelines as well as for applicability. Suitability for clinical workflows was derived from the assessments using a weighted sum proposed by Bonneau.Results: Of 7575 citations retrieved, 55 publications meet our inclusion criteria. They describe 48 different authentication systems; 39 were biometric and nine graphical password systems. Assessment of authentication systems showed high error rates above European CENELEC standards and a lack of ap -plicability of biometric systems. Graphical passwords did not add overall value compared to conventional passwords. Continuous authentication can add an additional layer of safety. Only few systems are suitable partially or entirely for use in clinical processes.Conclusions: Suitability strongly depends on national or institutional requirements. Four authentication systems seem to fulfill requirements of authentication procedures for clinical workflows. Research is needed in the area of continuous authentication with biometric methods. A proper authentication system should combine all factors of au -thentication implementing and connecting secure individual measures.
Testosterone concentrations in young healthy us versus Chinese men
Authors: Xu L. , Au Yeung S.L. , Kavikondala S. , Leung G.M. , Schooling C.M. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTBackgroundPrevious small studies examining differences in testosterone concentrations by ethnicity found mixed results for Caucasians and Chinese men, which might be confounded by age differences and living standards. The aim of the present study is to examine the differences in total, free, and bioavailable testosterone concentrations between healthy young men from the United States (US) and from the most economically developed part of China, i.e., Hong Kong (HK).MethodsCross‐sectional analysis based on 365 young men from the Third National Health and Nutrition examination Survey (NHANES III) in the US and 299 Chinese men recruited from university students. All participants were aged from 18 to 29 years. Main outcome measures were total testosterone (TT) and calculated bioavailable testosterone (Bio T) and free testosterone (FT).ResultsIn both US and Chinese men, TT, FT, and Bio T concentration peaked at 20–24 years of age, at 23.19, 0.49, and 12.23 nmol/l in US men, and 20.72, 0.48 and 12.59 nmol/l in Chinese men, respectively. Among those aged 18–24 years, after adjusting for age, US men had higher TT (mean, 95% confidence interval: 21.64, 21.31–21.99 versus 20.20, 20.12–20.28 nmol/l), but not FT (0.47, 0.47–0.48 versus 0.47, 0.47–0.47 nmol/l) or Bio T (11.90, 11.83–11.97 versus 12.39, 12.35–12.42 nmol/l) than Chinese men.ConclusionsTT, but not FT or Bio T concentrations are lower in young healthy Chinese men than US men. These differences apparent in young men may be important in understanding different patterns of diseases between Western and Asian populations. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:99–102, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genomics, the origins of agriculture, and our changing microbe‐scape: Time to revisit some old tales and tell some new ones
Authors: Harper Kristin N. , Armelagos George J. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTThough agriculture is often viewed as one of humanity's crowning achievements, skeletal evidence indicates that dependence on domesticated plants and animals was accompanied by an increase in infectious disease. Scientists have proposed that many important infections emerged in the period following the advent of agriculture, as a result of newly dense populations and novel proximity to domestic animals that served as reservoirs for novel pathogens. Here, we review genomic evidence regarding pathogen origins, analyzing these data using the epidemiological transition framework. Genetic information has forced us to reconsider how and when many important pathogens emerged; it appears that a number of infections thought to result from contact with domesticated animals arose much earlier than agriculture was adopted. We also consider the broader effect of agriculture upon the microbiome, exploring potential consequences for human health. We end by discussing the changes in the human microbe‐scape we are likely to see in the future. Am J Phys Anthropol 57:135–152, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hybrid sol gel coating: A solution to prevent interactions between plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) and injectable drugs?
Authors: Bernard Lise , Cueff Régis , Massard Christophe , Blavignac Christelle , Awitor Komla O. , Chopineau Jean , Sautou Valérie 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTDuring the infusion of drugs with medical devices in plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) release of plasticizers in the injectable solution and/or sorption of drugs on PVC may occur. Thus, patient safety and/or effectiveness of his therapy may be altered. In this study, we assessed the efficiency of a sol gel hybrid coating in preventing plasticizers' release (di‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)) from PVC matrix and drug sorption into PVC. Remaining concentrations of drugs and plasticizer's concentration released after migration tests were assessed by liquid chromatography. Migration processes were followed by Fourier Transform Infrared – Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR‐ATR) spectroscopy and PVC surface changes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). An evaluation of the mechanical properties of both uncoated and coated polymer was done. The hybrid coating protects PVC from plasticizers leaching. Sorption of drugs tested is also limited. However, the protection against plasticized PVC interactions isn't optimal, probably due to a degradation of the layer, as shown on SEM microphotographs. Furthermore improvements might provide an efficient barrier to advert risks impaired to PVC interactions, to provide patient care safety. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40145.
Influence of chitosan derivatization on its physicochemical characteristics and its use as enzyme support
Authors: Urrutia Paulina , Bernal Claudia , Escobar Sindy , Santa Cristiam , Mesa Monica , Wilson Lorena , Illanes Andres 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTChitosan was derivatized by two methodologies for analyzing their effect on chitosan physicochemical characteristics and its applicability as carrier for Bacillus circulans β‐galactosidase immobilization. Glutaraldehyde (GA) and epichlorohydrin (EPI) were used for crosslinking and activation of chitosan, producing the corresponding supports (C‐GA and C‐EPI‐EPI) after a one‐step and a two‐step process, respectively. The spherical shape and mean diameter of chitosan particles was not significantly affected by polymer derivatization, while Fourier transform infrared analysis showed that in both cases, chitosan polymer was chemically modified. TGA analysis indicated that C‐EPI‐EPI was the most thermally stable. The high degree of activation of C‐EPI‐EPI (586 μmol of aldehydes/g) resulted in the highest loss of activity during immobilization; hence a support with 100 μmol of aldehydes/g was produced (C‐EPI‐EPI100). The highest expressed activity (89.3 IU/g) was obtained with the enzyme immobilized in C‐GA, while the biocatalyst with highest thermal stability at 60°C was obtained with C‐EPI‐EPI100 (half‐life was 84‐fold higher than the one of the soluble enzyme). The best compromise between biocatalyst expressed activity and thermal stability corresponded to β‐galactosidase immobilized in C‐EPI‐EPI100. According to this study, chitosan derivatized with EPI is a thermally stable carrier appropriate for producing highly stable immobilized B. circulans β‐galactosidase. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40171.
MicroRNA‐451 Down‐Regulates Neutrophil Chemotaxis via p38 MAPK
Authors: Murata Koichi , Yoshitomi Hiroyuki , Furu Moritoshi , Ishikawa Masahiro , Shibuya Hideyuki , Ito Hiromu , Matsuda Shuichi 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small noncoding RNAs that regulate the activity of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and cellular processes. MicroRNA‐451 (miR‐451) is one of the miRNAs that is conserved perfectly among vertebrates, and it regulates cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis in tumors. However, the role of miR‐451 in autoimmune arthritis is unknown. This study was undertaken to identify the role of miR‐451 in autoimmune arthritis.MethodsWe compared the expression of miR‐451 in neutrophils from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthy controls. We also evaluated the role of miR‐451 in neutrophil chemotaxis in vivo and in vitro using murine neutrophils. The regulation of p38 MAPK by miR‐451 was assessed. Double‐stranded miR‐451 was administered to SKG mice, the arthritis score was determined, and histologic examination was performed.ResultsMicroRNA‐451 expression in neutrophils isolated from patients with RA was lower than that in healthy controls. Systemic administration of miR‐451 significantly disrupted the infiltration of neutrophils in an air‐pouch model of local inflammation without affecting apoptosis of neutrophils. Overexpression of miR‐451 significantly suppressed the migration of neutrophils to fMLP. We identified CPNE3 and Rab5a as direct targets of miR‐451. Overexpression of miR‐451 suppressed the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK via 14‐3‐3ζ, a known target of miR‐451, and Rab5a. In SKG mice, miR‐451 treatment reduced the severity of arthritis and the number of infiltrating cells.ConclusionThese results suggest that miR‐451 suppresses neutrophil chemotaxis via p38 MAPK and is a potential target in the treatment of RA.
Optimization potential of biomass supply chains with torrefaction technology
Authors: Batidzirai Bothwell , van der Hilst Floor , Meerman Hans , Junginger Martin H. , Faaij André P.C. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis study compared the economic and environmental impacts of torrefaction on bioenergy supply chains against conventional pellets for scenarios where biomass is produced in Mozambique, and undergoes pre‐processing before shipment to Rotterdam for conversion to power and Fischer‐Tropsch (FT) fuels. We also compared the impacts of using different land quality (productive and marginal) for feedstock production, feedstocks (eucalyptus and switchgrass), final conversion technologies (XtY and CXtY) and markets (the Netherlands and Mozambique). At current conditions, the torrefied pellets (TOPs) are delivered in Rotterdam at higher cost (7.3–7.5 $/GJ) than pellets (5.1–5.3 $/GJ). In the long term, TOPs costs could decline (4.7–5.8 $/GJ) and converge with pellets. TOPs supply chains also incur 20% lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than pellets. Due to improved logistics and lower conversion investment, fuel production costs from TOPs are lower (12.8–16.9 $/GJFT) than from pellets (12.9–18.7 $/GJFT). Co‐firing scenarios (CXtY) result in lower cost fuel (but a higher environmental penalty) than 100% biomass fired scenarios (XtY). In most cases, switchgrass and the productive region of Nampula provide the lowest fuel production cost compared to eucalyptus and the marginally productive Gaza region. Both FT and ion in Mozambique are more costly than in Rotterdam. For the Netherlands, both FT and power production are competitive against average energy costs in Western Europe. The analysis shows that large‐scale bioenergy production can become competitive against fossil fuels. While the benefits of TOPs are apparent in logistics and conversion, the current higher torrefaction costs contribute to higher biofuel costs. Improvements in torrefaction technology can result in significant performance improvements over the future chain. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
One‐Pot Synthesis of (−)‐Oseltamivir and Mechanistic Insights into the Organocatalyzed Michael Reaction
Authors: Mukaiyama Takasuke , Ishikawa Hayato , Koshino Hiroyuki , Hayashi Yujiro 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe one‐pot sequential synthesis of (−)‐oseltamivir has been achieved without evaporation or solvent exchange in 36 % yield over seven reactions. The key step was the asymmetric Michael reaction of pentan‐3‐yloxyacetaldehyde with (Z)‐N‐2‐nitroethenylacetamide, catalyzed by a diphenylprolinol silyl ether. The use of a bulky O‐silyl‐substituted diphenylprolinol catalyst, chlorobenzene as a solvent, and HCO2H as an acid additive, were key to produce the first Michael adduct in both excellent yield and excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity. Investigation into the effect of acid demonstrated that an acid additive accelerates not only the E–Z isomerization of the enamines derived from pentan‐3‐yloxyacetaldehyde with diphenylprolinol silyl ether, but also ring opening of the cyclobutane intermediate and the addition reaction of the enamine to (Z)‐N‐2‐nitroethenylacetamide. The transition‐state model for the Michael reaction of pentan‐3‐yloxyacetaldehyde with (Z)‐N‐2‐nitroethenylacetamide was proposed by consideration of the absolute configuration of the major and minor isomers of the Michael product with the results of the Michael reaction of pentan‐3‐yloxyacetaldehyde with phenylmaleimide and naphthoquinone.