bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulation of HMGB1 translocation and RAGE/NFκB cascade by quercetin treatment mitigates atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga transgenic mice
Authors: Karuppagounder Vengadeshprabhu , Arumugam Somasundaram , Thandavarayan Rajarajan A. , Pitchaimani Vigneshwaran , Sreedhar Remya , Afrin Rejina , Harima Meilei , Suzuki Hiroshi , Nomoto Mayumi , Miyashita Shizuka , Suzuki Kenji , Nakamura Masahiko , Watanabe Kenichi 
Published: March 2015

AbstractQuercetin, glycosylated form of flavonoid compound, has potent antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. In this study, we have investigated the effects of quercetin on skin lesion, high‐mobility group box (HMGB)1 cascade signalling and inflammation in atopic dermatitis (AD) mouse model. AD‐like lesion was induced by the application of house dust mite extract to the dorsal skin of NC/Nga transgenic mouse. After AD induction, quercetin (50 mg/kg, p.o) was administered daily for 2 weeks. We evaluated dermatitis severity, histopathological changes and changes in protein expression by Western blotting for HMGB1, receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), toll‐like receptor (TLR)4, nuclear factor (NF)κB, nuclear factor erythroid‐2‐related factor (Nrf)2, kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein (Keap)1, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, cyclooxygenase (COX)2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐2Rα and other inflammatory markers in the skin of AD mice. In addition, serum levels of T helper (Th) cytokines (interferon (IFN)γ, IL‐4) were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Quercetin treatment attenuated the development of AD‐like skin lesions. Histological analysis showed that quercetin inhibited hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, acanthosis, mast cells and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Furthermore, quercetin treatment downregulated cytoplasmic HMGB1, RAGE, nuclear p‐NFκB, p‐ERK1/2, COX2, TNFα, IL‐1β, IL‐2Rα, IFNγ and IL‐4 and upregulated nuclear Nrf2. Our data demonstrated that the HMGB1/RAGE/NFκB signalling might play an important role in skin inflammation, and quercetin treatment could be a promising agent for AD by modulating the HMGB1/RAGE/NFκB signalling and induction of Nrf2 protein.
Extending the MODPATH Algorithm to Rectangular Unstructured Grids
Authors: Pollock David W. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe recent release of MODFLOW‐USG, which allows model grids to have irregular, unstructured connections, requires a modification of the particle‐tracking algorithm used by MODPATH. This paper describes a modification of the semi‐analytical particle‐tracking algorithm used by MODPATH that allows it to be extended to rectangular‐based unstructured grids by dividing grid cells with multi‐cell face connections into sub‐cells. The new method will be incorporated in the next version of MODPATH which is currently under development.
Morphometric measurement of submucosal thickness in areas of fat deposition in the terminal ileum and colonic sections, with correlation with body mass index, weight and age: a male autopsy study
Authors: Mesa Hector , Drawz Sarah , Dykoski Richard , Manivel Juan Carlos 
Published: March 2015

AimsAn increased amount of submucosal (SM) fat in the colon on imaging is considered to be characteristic of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, a recent study in patients without IBD reported a correlation between colonic SM fat deposition and body weight (BW). The aim of this study was to perform a morphometric investigation of SM thickness in areas of fat deposition in the terminal ileum (TI), ileocaecal valve (ICV), and colonic sections, to determine whether there are variations by site, and whether it shows a correlation with BW, body mass index (BMI), or age.Methods and resultsRepresentative samples of TI, ICV and colonic sections were collected prospectively from 115 autopsy cases without IBD. All of the study subjects were male (Veterans Hospital). SM thickness was measured in areas of fat deposition. Correlation analysis was performed between SM thickness and BW, BMI, and age. Fat deposition was common; however, with the exception of the ICV, it was neither consistent nor prominent, and it did not show a statistical correlation with BW, BMI, or age.ConclusionsSM fat deposition is common but not uniform or conspicuous in the TI or colon. In contrast to extravisceral intra‐abdominal fat, it does not show a correlation with BW or BMI, and is not associated with ageing. As all study subjects were male, gender‐dependent variability cannot be excluded.
Survivor in the cancer context: a concept analysis
Authors: Hebdon Megan , Foli Karen , McComb Sara 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this analysis was to define survivor in the cancer context.BackgroundCancer survivor has been used in the cancer lexicon, but may not represent the individuals it defines.DesignThis concept analysis was completed according to Walker and Avant's method.Data sourcesPubMed, PsychInfo, CINAHL, JSTOR, Google and medical and public health websites.Review methodsThirty sources from multiple disciplines, published between 1987–2013, were analysed for recurrent themes and conceptual meaning. Critical attributes, antecedents and consequences were extrapolated. Model, related and contrary cases were developed based on an amalgamation of clinical observations. Illegitimate, borderline and invented cases were excluded for this reason.ResultsSurvivor in the cancer context is an individual with a history of malignancy, who has lived through a personalized challenge and has ongoing positive and negative consequences. Not all cancer survivors would identify themselves using the term survivor.ConclusionsThis contributes to the paradigm shift of cancer as a chronic disease as it establishes the unique nature of the cancer experience while highlighting the long‐term concerns related to this set of diseases. The Theory of Uncertainty in Illness provides a framework to understand the individualized nature of being a cancer survivor. Nursing research and practice should address the personal experiences of cancer survivors while still focusing on general survivorship needs.
Reduction of protein kinase C α (PKC‐α) promote apoptosis via down‐regulation of Dicer in bladder cancer
Authors: Jiang Zhenming , Kong Chuize , Zhang Zhe , Zhu Yuyan , Zhang Yuxi , Chen Xi 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIn clinic, we examined the expression of protein kinase C (PKC)‐α and Dicer in the samples of bladder cancer patients, and found that the two proteins have a line correlation. Our study confirmed this correlation existing by clearing the decreasing expression of Dicer after the PKC‐α knockdown. Treatment of bladder cancer cell lines (T24, 5637) with the PKC‐α or Dicer knockdown and the PKC inhibitors (Calphostin C and Gö 6976) can promote the apoptosis. Inhibition of PKC can increase the activities of caspase‐3 and PARP, however, decrease the expression of Dicer. And knockdown of the PKC‐α or Dicer can also activate the caspase‐3 or the PARP. Considering the reduction of PKC‐α can induce the Dicer down‐regulation, we make the conclusion that the reduction of PKC‐α can promote the apoptosis via the down‐regulation of Dicer in bladder cancer.
Foam cell‐derived 4‐hydroxynonenal induces endothelial cell senescence in a TXNIP‐dependent manner
Authors: Riahi Yael , Kaiser Nurit , Cohen Guy , Abd‐Elrahman Ihab , Blum Galia , Shapira Oz M. , Koler Tomer , Simionescu Maya , Sima Anca V. , Zarkovic Neven , Zarkovic Kamelija , Orioli Marica , Aldini Giancarlo , Cerasi Erol , Leibowitz Gil , Sasson Shlomo 
Published: March 2015

AbstractVascular endothelial cell (VEC) senescence is considered an early event in the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Stressful stimuli, in particular oxidative stress, have been linked to premature senescence in the vasculature. Foam cells are a major source of reactive oxygen species and may play a role in the induction of VEC senescence; hence, we investigated their involvement in the induction of VEC senescence in a co‐culture transwell system. Primary bovine aortic endothelial cells, exposed to the secretome of THP‐1 monocyte‐derived foam cells, were analysed for the induction of senescence. Senescence associated β‐galactosidase activity and the expression of p16 and p21 were increased, whereas phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein was reduced. This senescent phenotype was mediated by 4‐hydroxnonenal (4‐HNE), a lipid peroxidation product secreted from foam cells; scavenging of 4‐HNE in the co‐culture medium blunted this effect. Furthermore, both foam cells and 4‐HNE increased the expression of the pro‐oxidant thioredoxin‐interacting protein (TXNIP). Molecular manipulation of TXNIP expression confirmed its involvement in foam cell‐induced senescence. Previous studies showed that peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)δ was activated by 4‐hydroalkenals, such as 4‐HNE. Pharmacological interventions supported the involvement of the 4‐HNE‐PPARδ axis in the induction of TXNIP and VEC senescence. The association of TXNIP with VEC senescence was further supported by immunofluorescent staining of human carotid plaques in which the expression of both TXNIP and p21 was augmented in endothelial cells. Collectively, these findings suggest that foam cell‐released 4‐HNE activates PPARδ in VEC, leading to increased TXNIP expression and consequently to senescence.
Chemical Characteristics and Sensory Evaluation of Raw and Roasted Buckwheat Groats Fermented by Rhizopus Oligosporus
Authors: Wronkowska Małgorzata , Christa Karolina , Ciska Ewa , Soral‐Śmietana Maria 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe effect of 24‐h Rhizopus oligosporus fermentation on raw and roasted buckwheat groats was investigated. The changes in the chemical composition were analyzed and sensory evaluation of fermented product was performed. The significant increase in content of protein and some minerals in both fermented products was observed. In the raw buckwheat groat, the main saturated fatty acids were palmitic and stearic acids and the main unsaturated fatty acids were oleic and linoleic. The fermentation process did not affect the content of fatty acids in both products. A higher content of amino acids was found in the product obtained after the 24‐h fermentation as compared with nonfermented samples. The fermentation process by R. oligosporus improved the protein digestibility, in both fermented buckwheat products it exceeded 87%. The sensory evaluation proved that fermented buckwheat products were well accepted by the evaluators.Practical ApplicationsFermented buckwheat products added to different food systems can greatly enhance the nutritional status, especially protein and some minerals, without compromising consumer acceptance. The fermentation with Rhizopus oligosporus can be recommended for production of tempeh‐like functional buckwheat‐based foods with valuable nutritive substances. Moreover, another possible application of the fermented buckwheat products is to use it as an additive for baking products, soups or sauces.
Effect of Intensification of Vaporization by Decompression to the Vacuum as a Pretreatment for Roasting Australian Chickpea: Multiple Optimization by Response Surface Methodology of Chemical, Textural and Color Parameters
Authors: Mrad Rachelle , El Rammouz Rabih , Maroun Richard G. , Louka Nicolas 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIntensification of vaporization by decompression to the vacuum was applied on Australian chickpea as a pretreatment for roasting. The aim was to obtain crunchy roasted chickpeas having good expansion and nice color without loss of polyphenols. The study was realized in function of three experimental parameters: initial water content (W), steam pressure (P) and processing time (t). Using response surface methodology, the effects of these parameters were studied along with their interactions after roasting. Results were confirmed by sensory analysis. W was found to favor expansion, decrease the crunchiness and increase browning of the final product. P and t expanded the product, liberated polyphenols and increased the crunchiness and the browning. Optimization was conducted in order to prepare a final product having a compromise between phenolic content, appearance, texture and color. The optimum was reached for: W = 37%, P = 6.8 bar and t = 23 s.Practical ApplicationsChickpea is a legume known worldwide and consumed as a snack product after roasting. However, the hard texture of chickpea requires a special texturizing pretreatment before roasting. Preliminary experiments have shown that structure expansion of chickpea reduced the roasting time and improved textural characteristics of the grains after roasting. Vaporization by decompression to the vacuum (IVDV) is a new expansion technique, distinguished by its capacity to preserve the nutritional and organoleptic quality and improve texture in order to get better quality of snack products. This is due to two important factors: important pressure denivelation, which reduces temperature and heat processing time, and the rapid cooling that the product undergoes directly after processing. Based on a scale‐up study on our pilot reactor, the society “Al‐Kazzi,” which financed this study, is building a reactor of industrial size in order to produce chickpea (as well as other snacks) expanded by IVDV.
Evaluation of an intervention to individualise patient education at a nurse‐led heart failure clinic: a mixed‐method study
Authors: Ross Anita , Ohlsson Ulla , Blomberg Karin , Gustafsson Margareta 
Published: March 2015

Aims and objectivesThe main aim of this study was to evaluate whether addressing the written questions of heart failure patients could individualise the education and increase patient satisfaction. A further aim was to describe the learning needs of patients with newly diagnosed heart failure.BackgroundDespite well‐designed patient education, daily problems and self‐care sometimes seem difficult to manage for the patient with heart failure. The literature suggested that nurses should include individualised educational interventions.DesignThe study had an evaluative and descriptive design.MethodsA mixed‐method approach was used. A quasi‐experimental method was used to compare patients in the control group (n = 41), who received regular education at the nurse‐led heart failure clinic, with patients in the intervention group (n = 44), who received regular education but also education addressing questions they had written down at home before coming to the clinic. Two instruments were used to investigate, respectively, whether the intervention caused patients to experience a greater sense of involvement in their education and greater satisfaction. The patients' questions were subjected to manifest content analysis.ResultsThere was no significant difference in satisfaction with the education between the control group and the intervention group. However, the intervention group did feel more strongly that the information they received was related to their personal situation. The patients' learning needs before education were categorised as: causes and meaning of illness, control and management of the disease, impact on daily living and future health.ConclusionAsking heart failure patients to write down their learning needs before the education increases their chances of receiving education based on their individual needs.Relevance to clinical practiceThe method is simple and cost‐effective and could be a way to improve the patient education and facilitate person‐centred care.
The experience of learning to speak up: a narrative inquiry on newly graduated registered nurses
Authors: Law Bernice Yee‐Shui , Chan Engle Angela 
Published: March 2015

Aims and objectivesTo explore the process of learning to speak up in practice among newly graduated registered nurses.BackgroundSpeaking up is an important aspect of communication to ensure patient safety within a healthcare team. However, nurses have reported being hesitant about speaking up or being unable to be heard, despite adopting various safety tools. A power differential could be a factor in their hesitation to speak up. While a large number of new graduates are employed in the lower rungs of the hospital hierarchy to resolve local and global nursing shortages, the process of their learning to speak up remains under‐explored.DesignThe narrative concept of experience is addressed through the three‐dimensional space of a narrative inquiry.MethodsEighteen new graduates were recruited. Stories of experiences of speaking up emerged naturally during repeated unstructured interviews and ongoing email conversations with three participants.ResultsThe complex process of learning to speak up is schematically represented. Three interrelated narrative threads were identified: (1) learning to speak up requires more than one‐off training and safety tools, (2) mentoring speaking up in the midst of educative and miseducative experiences and (3) making public spaces safe for telling secret stories.ConclusionsSpeaking up requires ongoing mentoring to see new possibilities for sustaining professional identities in the midst of miseducative experiences under the potential shaping of the Chinese culture and generational differences. Appreciative inquiry might be a new approach that can be used to promote positive cultural changes to encourage newly graduated registered nurses to learn to speak up to ensure patient safety.Relevance to clinical practiceCultivating a safe and open culture of communication and mentoring new graduates to speak up will benefit patient safety now and in the future by helping to retain committed patient advocates who could mentor future generations.
Mutual Fund Flows and Cross‐Fund Learning within Families
Authors: BROWN DAVID P. , WU YOUCHANG 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTWe develop a model of performance evaluation and fund flows for mutual funds in a family. Family performance has two effects on a member fund's estimated skill and inflows: a positive common‐skill effect, and a negative correlated‐noise effect. The overall spillover can be either positive or negative, depending on the weight of common skill and correlation of noise in returns. Its absolute value increases with family size, and declines over time. The sensitivity of flows to a fund's own performance is affected accordingly. Empirical estimates of fund flow sensitivities show patterns consistent with rational cross‐fund learning within families.
The Determinants of Long‐Term Corporate Debt Issuances
Authors: BADOER DOMINIQUE C. , JAMES CHRISTOPHER M. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTA significant proportion of the debt issued by investment‐grade firms has maturities greater than 20 years. In this paper we provide evidence that gap‐filling behavior is an important determinant of these very long‐term issues. Using data on individual corporate debt issues between 1987 and 2009, we find that gap‐filling behavior is more prominent in the very long end of the maturity spectrum where the required risk capital makes arbitrage costly. In addition, changes in the supply of long‐term government bonds affect not just the choice of maturity but also the overall level of corporate borrowing.
White Matter Hyperintensities and Mild Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Mak Elijah , Dwyer Michael G. , Ramasamy Deepa P. , Au Wing Lok , Tan Louis C.S. , Zivadinov Robert , Kandiah Nagaendran 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVESThe clinical implications of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) in non‐demented Parkinson's disease (PD) have not been thoroughly examined. To address this, we investigated the spatial distribution of WMH and their regional predilection in non‐demented patients with mild PD.METHODSCognitive assessments classified the sample into patients with mild cognitive impairment (PD‐MCI, n = 25) and patients with no cognitive impairment (PD‐NCI, n = 65) based on the recent formal Movement Disorder Task Force diagnostic criteria. The mean age was 65.1 ± 7.7 years, disease duration was 5.3 ± 3.9 years, and Hoehn and Yahr stage was 1.9 ± .4. WMHs were outlined on T2‐weighted imaging using a semi‐automated technique. The spatial distribution of WMHs were compared between PD‐MCI and PD‐NCI using voxel‐wise lesion probability maps (LPM). General linear models examined the associations between spatially specific WMHs and cognitive domains.RESULTSLPM analyses showed significant differences in the spatial distribution of WMH in PD‐MCI compared to PD‐NCI in widespread regions of the brain (P < .05). PD‐MCI demonstrated significantly greater total and periventricular WMHs compared to PD‐NCI (P ≤ .02). Spatial distribution of WMHs was also significantly associated with global cognition, performance on the Frontal Assessment Battery and Fruit Fluency (P < .05).CONCLUSIONSVoxel‐wise LPM analysis revealed differences in the spatial distribution of WMH between PD‐MCI and PD‐NCI patients, particularly in the periventricular regions. A more widespread extent of WMH might be indicative of cognitive deterioration. Our findings warrant further longitudinal investigation into the importance of WMH spatial distribution as a predictor for conversion from PD to PD with dementia.
Fracture Strength of Implant‐Supported Ceramic Crowns with Customized Zirconia Abutments: Screw Retained vs. Cement Retained
Authors: Nogueira Lorenna Bastos Lima Verde , Moura Carmem Dolores Vilarinho Soares , Francischone Carlos Eduardo , Valente Valdimar Silva , Alencar Suyá Moura Mendes , Moura Walter Leal , Soares Martins Gregorio Antonio 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPurposeTo compare the fracture resistance before and after cyclic fatigue assays of ceramic crowns with customized zirconia abutments when screw retained and cemented onto implants.Materials and MethodsThe sample of this study consisted of 40 ceramic crowns with zirconia infrastructure fixed onto external hexagonal implants. The crowns were distributed into two groups (n = 20): Screw‐retained and cemented crowns. Half the crowns of each group (n = 10) underwent compression until fracture and the other half (n = 10) underwent cyclic fatigue and subsequent compression until fracture. The cyclic fatigue test was carried out using an electromechanical fatigue device (loads from 0 to 100 N, 2 Hz frequency, in distilled water, at 37°C for a period of 1 million cycles). The compression test was carried out using a universal testing machine with a 0.5 mm/min speed and 5 KN load cell. After fracture, the crowns were classified according to the type of fracture. Student's t test (p < 0.05) was used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe cyclic fatigue altered neither the mean fracture resistance of the screw‐retained crowns (before = 1068.31 N, after = 891.49 N; p > 0.05) nor that of the cemented crowns (before = 2117.78 N; after = 2094.81 N; p > 0.05); however, the mean fracture resistance of the cemented crowns was higher than that of the screw‐retained crowns both before (p < 0.001) and after (p < 0.001) the cyclic fatigue. Fractures occurred most frequently in the ceramic veneer, followed by fracture of some of the copings.ConclusionThe ceramic crowns cemented onto the customized zirconia abutments offered greater fracture resistance than ceramic crowns with customized zirconia abutments screw retained onto implants. The cyclic fatigue did not seem to influence the fracture resistance of these crowns, whether cemented or screw retained onto implants. Fracture of the veneering ceramic was the predominant failure in this study.