bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of salivary alpha 2‐macroglobulin levels and clinical characteristics in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chung Tsung‐Ju , Hsu Kai‐Yuen , Chen Jui‐Hung , Liu Jhih‐Syuan , Chang Hsiao‐Wen , Li Peng‐Fei , Huang Chia‐Luen , Shieh Yi‐Shing , Lee Chien‐Hsing 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAims/IntroductionStudies suggest that salivary proteins can be used as potential non‐invasive markers for clinical diagnosis and screening for diabetes. Previous reports showed that plasma alpha 2‐macroglobulin (A2MG) levels were higher in diabetic patients, especially with diabetic complications. We investigated the relationship between salivary A2MG values and clinical characteristics in patients with type 2 diabetes.Materials and MethodsA total of 91 adults were recruited from our outpatient clinics. The study the patients' collected general and biochemical data, and blood glucose (fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c]) data. Plasma and salivary A2MG levels were examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsThe salivary A2MG levels were significantly positively correlated with plasma A2MG levels, fasting glucose HbA1c and periodontitis status. After 3 months of follow up, the net change of salivary A2MG values positively correlated with the net change of fasting glucose, HbA1c and triglyceride levels, but negatively correlated with high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol changes. Furthermore, the correlations between salivary A2MG and fasting glucose HbA1c were better than plasma A2MG, respectively.ConclusionsOur data show that salivary A2MG levels have better correlation with fasting glucose HbA1c and periodontitis status than plasma A2MG in diabetic patients. Salivary A2MG concentration might serve as a non‐invasive marker for clinical diabetic control.
Association between glycemic control and birthweight with glycated albumin in Chinese women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Li Hua‐Ping , Wang Feng‐Huan , Tao Min‐Fang , Huang Ya‐Juan , Jia Wei‐Ping 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo assess glycated albumin (GA) as a potential glycemic index in managing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).Materials and MethodsEligible pregnant women were divided into the GDM group with abnormal result on a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and the control (normal) group. GA measurements, Pearson's correlation analysis, multiple logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were obtained at the follow‐up examination of participants in the two groups.ResultsA total of 2,118 women were assigned to the GDM group (n = 639) and control group (n = 1,479). The mean level of serum GA in GDM group was significantly greater than that in the control group at both 24–28 and 36–38 weeks of gestation (P < 0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for GA defining good glycemic control in GDM was 0.874 (95% confidence interval 0.811–0.938). The cut‐off point for the GA levels derived from the receiver operating characteristic curve was 11.60%, which had sensitivity and specificity for detecting a poor glycemic status of 75.93% and 86.36%, respectively. The risk of birthweight ≥3,500 g and macrosomia increased significantly with GA levels ≥13.00% at 24–28 weeks and ≥12.00% at 36–38 weeks of gestation.ConclusionsGA might be an appropriate and conveniently measured index that can detect poor glycemic control and predict birthweights in GDM women.
Immunohistochemical evaluation of experimental Vagococcus salmoninarum infection in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum 1792)
Authors: Yardimci B , Didinen B I , Onuk E E , Metin S , Ciftci A , Kubilay A , Pekmezci G Z , Eralp H 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the pathogenesis and histopathological and immunohistochemical findings in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) following experimental vagococcosis. For this purpose, 60 rainbow trout were used. The experimental study used the pathogen Vagococcus salmoninarum. The fish were intraperitoneally (IP) administered with an inoculate containing 0.1 mL of the bacteria, resulting in a dose of 1.2 × 109 cfu mL−1 per fish. For histopathological observations, tissue samples were taken from fish that died during the experiment and fish that survived until the end of the trial (60th day). All the tissue samples were immunohistochemically stained by the avidin–biotin–peroxidase complex and immunofluorescence methods using polyclonal antibody to detect V. salmoninarum antigens. In immunoperoxidase staining, positive reactions to bacterial antigens were most commonly seen in the kidney, heart and liver. In the immunofluorescence analysis, the distribution of antigens in the tissue and organs was similar to that observed with the immunoperoxidase staining. The results reveal an important correlation between histochemical and immunohistochemical staining in demonstrating the distribution of V. salmoninarum antigens in the affected tissues.
Priming the immune system of Penaeid shrimp by bacterial HSP70 (DnaK)
Authors: Phuoc L H , Hu B , Wille M , Hien N T , Phuong V H , Tinh N T N , Loc N H , Sorgeloos P , Bossier P 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis study was conducted to test the effect of DnaK on priming immune responses in Penaeid shrimp. Juvenile‐specific pathogen‐free (SPF) P. vannamei shrimp were injected with 0.05 μg recombinant DnaK. One hour post‐DnaK priming, a non‐lethal dose of Vibrio campbellii (105 CFU shrimp−1) was injected. Other treatments include only DnaK or V. campbellii injection or control with blank inocula. The haemolymph of three shrimp from each treatment was collected at 1.5, 6, 9 and 12 h post‐DnaK priming (hpp). It was verified that injection with DnaK and V. campbellii challenge affected the transcription of 3 immune genes, transglutaminase‐1 (TGase‐1), prophenoloxidase‐2 (proPO‐2) and endogenous HSP70 (lvHSP70). In P. monodon, shrimp were first injected with DnaK at a dose of 10 μg shrimp−1 and one hour later with 106 CFU of V. harveyi (BB120) shrimp−1. Shrimp injected with DnaK showed a significant increase in proPO expression compared to the control (P < 0.05). Yet a double injection (DnaK and Vibrio) seemed to cause an antagonistic response at the level of expression, which was not equalled at the level of PO activity. Those results suggest that DnaK is able to modulate immune responses in P. vannamei and P. monodon.
Urban flooding and ground‐related homes in Canada: an overview
Authors: Sandink D. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractUrban flooding associated with extreme precipitation is a significant cause of disaster damages for municipalities, homeowners and insurers in Canada. Several approaches have been applied to reduce urban flood risk at the municipal and homeowner scales, including addressing inflow/infiltration in wastewater systems, accommodating extreme stormwater flows in subdivision design and protecting individual homes from flooding. Insurers have also engaged in managing urban flood risk through interactions with individual policyholders and initiatives aimed at better understanding urban flood risk and risk mitigation options. Requiring mitigation measures at the time of the construction of homes, improving insurance data, application of incentives for appropriate private side retrofits, and improved collaboration between insurers and municipalities for identification of urban flood risk areas provide additional opportunities for urban flood risk reduction. Further, senior levels of governments should support inflow/infiltration reduction and application of climate change information to improve the planning and design of municipal infrastructure.
Comparative effectiveness and safety study of triple therapy with simeprevir or telaprevir for non‐cirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1b infection
Authors: Ogawa Eiichi , Furusyo Norihiro , Kajiwara Eiji , Nomura Hideyuki , Kawano Akira , Takahashi Kazuhiro , Dohmen Kazufumi , Satoh Takeaki , Azuma Koichi , Nakamuta Makoto , Koyanagi Toshimasa , Kotoh Kazuhiro , Shimoda Shinji , Hayashi Jun 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackground and AimThe addition of hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3/4A protease inhibitors to pegylated‐interferon alpha (PEG‐IFNα) and ribavirin (triple therapy) has greatly improved treatment outcome. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of simeprevir‐based or telaprevir‐based triple therapy for non‐cirrhotic patients in real‐world clinical practice.MethodsThis multicenter study consisted of 835 consecutive Japanese HCV genotype 1b patients treated in a clinical setting, 716 of whom were enrolled (simeprevir = 256 and telaprevir = 460). Logistic regression was carried out after propensity score matching to assess the sustained virological response at week 12 after the end of treatment (SVR12).ResultsIn the propensity‐matched cohort (253 matched pairs), the SVR12 rates of the patients who underwent simeprevir‐based or telaprevir‐based triple therapy were 85.0% and 84.2%, respectively, by intention‐to‐treat analysis. Prior treatment response to PEG‐IFNα/ribavirin and IL28B genotype was independently associated with SVR12 in both groups. No significant differences in the SVR12 rates stratified by prior treatment response to PEG‐IFNα/ribavirin were found between the simeprevir (treatment‐naïve 89.1%, prior relapse 94.3%, prior partial response 65.0%, and prior null response 33.3%) and telaprevir (treatment‐naïve 87.8%, prior relapse 90.1%, prior partial response 68.4%, and prior null response 50.0%) groups. The incidence of adverse effects, such as anemia, severe rash, and the elevation of serum creatinine, was markedly higher in the telaprevir group.ConclusionsConsidering the effectiveness and safety, simeprevir‐based triple therapy will continue to be a useful treatment option in Japan for treatment‐naïve or prior relapse patients with a favorable IL28B genotype.
Lymphocyte activation gene 3 negatively regulates the function of intrahepatic hepatitis C virus‐specific CD8+ T cells
Authors: Chen Na , Liu Yehong , Guo Yonghong , Chen Yunru , Liu Xiaojing , Liu Min 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackground and Aim:Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in humans caused by persistent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global public health problem. The functional exhaustion of HCV‐specific CD8+ T cells regulated by several inhibitory receptors has been shown to contribute to chronic HCV infection. Lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG‐3), which is an inhibitory receptor, plays an important role in several chronic viral infections. However, its effect on the function of HCV‐specific CD8+ T cells is unclear.Methods:The expression of LAG‐3 on the CD8+ T cells in intrahepatic and peripheral lymphocytes from 17 CHC patients and 15 HCV‐negative patients was analyzed by flow cytometry. The LAG‐3 expression in CD8+ T cells was downregulated or upregulated by lentivirus LAG‐3 shRNA or lentivirus overexpressing LAG‐3. After HCV peptide stimulation, flow cytometry was used to detect cell proliferation and cytokine (γ‐interferon [IFN‐γ], tumor necrosis factor‐α [TNF‐α], granzyme B, and perforin) production of CD8+ T cells. Cytotoxicity functions of HCV‐specific CD8+ T cells were measured using a 51Cr release assay.Results:The frequency of LAG‐3‐positive intrahepatic and peripheral CD8+ T cells was higher in CHC patients, compared with HCV‐negative patients. The cell proliferation, cytokine (IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, granzyme B, and perforin) expression and cytotoxicity function of HCV‐specific CD8+ T cells in CHC patients were increased by the knocking down and blockade of LAG‐3. In the LAG‐3 overexpressed CD8+ T cells, cell proliferation, cytokine (IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, granzyme B, and perforin) expression, and cytotoxicity function were inhibited, while the LAG‐3 blocking antibody reversed the inhibition.Conclusion:LAG‐3 negatively regulated the function of HCV‐specific CD8+ T cells in CHC patients.
Improvement of liver function and non‐invasive fibrosis markers in hepatitis B virus‐associated cirrhosis: 2 years of entecavir treatment
Authors: Shin Seung Kak , Kim Jeong Han , Park Hyeonsu , Kwon Oh Sang , Lee Hyun Jung , Yeon Jong Eun , Byun Kwan Soo , Suh Sang Jun , Yim Hyung Joon , Kim Yun Soo , Kim Ju Hyun 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackground and AimEntecavir (ETV) induces biochemical and histologic improvement of the liver in patients with chronic hepatitis B. This study aimed to confirm that 2 years of ETV treatment improves liver function and non‐invasive fibrosis markers in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐associated cirrhosis.MethodsA total 472 naïve patients with HBV‐associated cirrhosis was treated with ETV for at least 2 years, between March 2007 and December 2012. Model for end‐stage liver disease and Child‐Pugh (CP) score were used to evaluate the improvement of liver function. Aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index, FIB‐4 index, and fibrosis index were used to evaluate the improvement of fibrosis.ResultsThe final 370 of 472 patients with HBV‐associated cirrhosis were enrolled. Mean age was 51 ± 10 years, and 240 patients (64.9%) were men. The distribution of CP class was 71.1% in A, 24.6% in B, and 4.3% in C. Mean end‐stage liver disease and CP score changed over the study period from 8.5 ± 4.6 to 6.2 ± 4.2 (P < 0.001) and from 6.2 ± 1.6 to 5.6 ± 0.9 (P < 0.001), respectively. Aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index, FIB‐4 index, and fibrosis index changed from 3.6 ± 4.5 to 1.5 ± 1.5 (P < 0.001), from 7.0 ± 6.2 to 3.9 ± 2.8 (P < 0.001), and from 3.3 ± 0.9 to 2.5 ± 1.1 (P < 0.001), respectively.ConclusionsAfter 2 years of treatment, ETV improves liver function and non‐invasive fibrosis markers in patients with HBV‐associated cirrhosis.
Is Self‐Reported Sleep Duration Associated with Osteoporosis? Data from a 4‐Year Aggregated Analysis from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Cunningham Tina D. , Di Pace Brian S. 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesTo examine the association between self‐reported sleep duration and osteoporosis in a national sample of the U.S. elderly population.DesignPopulation‐based cross‐sectional study.SettingFour‐year National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from two survey cycles between 2005–06 and 2007–08.ParticipantsMen and women aged 50 and older with data in the surveys and medical examination data files (N = 5,288).MeasurementsOsteoporosis diagnosis was based on bone mineral density measurement and self‐report. Sleep duration was ascertained from the sleep survey. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between these two factors.ResultsShorter sleep duration (<6 hours) was found to be significantly associated with osteoporosis after adjusting for potential covariates (odds ratio (OR) = 1.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.07–2.37). After stratifying according to age group, this association remained significant (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.20–2.68) only in the older age group (>65).ConclusionThese results underscore the possible linkage between sleep and osteoporosis and the need for additional research on this topic.
Analysis of High‐Resolution Utility Data for Understanding Energy Use in Urban Systems: The Case of Los Angeles, California
Authors: Pincetl Stephanie , Graham Robert , Murphy Sinnott , Sivaraman Deepak 
Published: June 2015

SummaryUrban metabolism provides a framework to understand resource flows into cities and waste flows out. Its potential has been hampered by the lack of good disaggregated data. This article presents energy‐use findings for the residential sector for the city of Los Angeles based on census‐block–level aggregation of address‐level electricity use obtained from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. City or county billing data by customer class over time can enable empirical tracking of energy conservation and efficiency programs by different customer classes, and matched to census information and county tax assessor data about building vintage, size, and type can provide information important for rate setting, for example, or energy conservation and efficiency program investments. We report on median electricity demand and corresponding greenhouse gas emissions and expenditures at three geographical aggregations: city council district (15 in total); neighborhood (114 in total); and census block group (2,538 in total). We find that the ratio of median annual demand between highest‐ and lowest‐tier users is 26 at the census‐block group level, but only 2.2 at the city council district level, demonstrating that spatial aggregation significantly masks the degree of variation that may be observed. We also show how such data can enable the description of energy to develop energy disclosure thresholds that reflect a city's morphology. In contrast to New York City's 50,000‐square‐foot reporting threshold, to capture half of Los Angeles’ electricity consumption, the threshold for reporting would have to be 5,000 square feet.
Effects of the amount of rice in meals on postprandial blood pressure in older people with postprandial hypotension: a within‐subjects design
Authors: Son Jung Tae , Lee Eunjoo 
Published: June 2015

Aims and objectivesTo determine the effect of the amount of rice carbohydrates consumed during mealtime on the extent of decrease in postprandial blood pressure in older people with postprandial hypotension.BackgroundThe incidence of postprandial hypotension is as high as 74% in older people with hypertension.DesignA within‐subjects repeated measures design was used.MethodsThirty‐nine older people in nursing homes received a full serving and a half‐serving of rice on two separate days, in random order blood pressure and heart rate were measured before each meal and every 15 minutes for a total of 120 minutes after each meal. Data were analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance and the paired t‐test with a Bonferroni adjustment using IBM spss version 19.0.ResultsThe control and intervention conditions yielded significantly different patterns in systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Postprandial hypotension was less frequent under the intervention condition; however, decrease in rice intake did not significantly affect heart rate.ConclusionReducing the amount of rice intake per meal prevents postprandial blood pressure decreases in the older people. Small and frequent meals with decreased carbohydrate content are recommended to prevent postprandial hypotension and its complications in the older people.Relevance to clinical practicePatients, dieticians and caregivers of older patients should be aware of the importance of diet, especially of decreasing the amount of carbohydrate in a meal. Smaller and more frequent meals are recommended for older people to slow gastric emptying.
Nonmarital Relationships and Changing Perceptions of Marriage Among African American Young Adults
Authors: Barr Ashley B. , Simons Ronald L. , Simons Leslie Gordon 
Published: June 2015

AbstractCohabitation has become increasingly widespread over the past decade. Such trends have given rise to debates about the relation between cohabitation and marriage in terms of what cohabitation means for individual relationship trajectories and for the institution of marriage more generally. Using recent data from a sample of almost 800 African Americans and fixed effects modeling procedures, in the present study the authors shed some light on these debates by exploring the extent to which cohabitation, relative to both singlehood and dating, was associated with within‐individual changes in African Americans' marital beliefs during the transition to adulthood. The findings suggest that cohabitation is associated with changes in marital beliefs, generally in ways that repositioned partners toward marriage, not away from it. This was especially the case for women. These findings suggest that, for young African American women, cohabitation holds a distinct place relative to dating and, in principle if not practice, relative to marriage.
Management of sleep bruxism in adults: a qualitative systematic literature review
Authors: Manfredini Daniele , Ahlberg Jari , Winocur Ephraim , Lobbezoo Frank 
Published: June 2015

SummaryThis paper updates the bruxism management review published by Lobbezoo et al. in 2008 (J Oral Rehabil 2008; 35: 509–23). The review focuses on the most recent literature on management of sleep bruxism (SB) in adults, as diagnosed with polysomnography (PSG) with audio–video (AV) recordings, or with any other approach measuring the sleep‐time masticatory muscles' activity, viz., PSG without AV recordings or electromyography (EMG) recorded with portable devices. Fourteen (N = 14) papers were included in the review, of which 12 were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and 2 were uncontrolled before–after studies. Structured reading of the included articles showed a high variability of topics, designs and findings. On average, the risk of bias for RCTs was low‐to‐unclear, whilst the before–after studies had several methodological limitations. The studies’ results suggest that (i) almost every type of oral appliance (OA) (seven papers) is somehow effective to reduce SB activity, with a potentially higher decrease for devices providing large extent of mandibular advancement; (ii) all tested pharmacological approaches [i.e. botulinum toxin (two papers), clonazepam (one paper) and clonidine (one paper)] may reduce SB with respect to placebo; (iii) the potential benefit of biofeedback (BF) and cognitive–behavioural (CB) approaches to SB management is not fully supported (two papers); and (iv) the only investigation providing an electrical stimulus to the masseter muscle supports its effectiveness to reduce SB. It can be concluded that there is not enough evidence to define a standard of reference approach for SB treatment, except for the use of OA. Future studies on the indications for SB treatment are recommended.
Thin Images Reflected in the Water: Narcissism and Girls’ Vulnerability to the Thin‐Ideal
Authors: Thomaes Sander , Sedikides Constantine 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe purpose of this research is to test how adolescent girls’ narcissistic traits—characterized by a need to impress others and avoid ego‐threat—influence acute adverse effects of thin‐ideal exposure. Participants (11–15 years; total N = 366; all female) reported their narcissistic traits. Next, in two experiments, they viewed images of either very thin or average‐sized models, reported their wishful identification with the models (Experiment 2), and tasted high‐calorie foods in an alleged taste test (both experiments). Narcissism kept girls from wishfully identifying with thin models, which is consistent with the view that narcissistic girls are prone to disengage from thin‐ideal exposure. Moreover, narcissism protected vulnerable girls (those who experience low weight‐esteem) from inhibiting their food intake, and led other girls (those who consider their appearance relatively unimportant) to increase their food intake. These effects did not generalize to conceptually related traits of self‐esteem and perfectionism, and were not found for a low‐calorie foods outcome, attesting to the specificity of findings. These experiments demonstrate the importance of narcissism at reducing girls’ thin‐ideal vulnerability. Girls high in narcissism disengage self‐protectively from threats to their self‐image, a strategy that renders at least subsets of them less vulnerable to the thin‐ideal.