bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urinary albumin : creatinine ratio predicts prediabetes progression to diabetes and reversal to normoglycemia: Role of associated insulin resistance, inflammatory cytokines and low vitamin D (尿白蛋白:肌酐比值预测糖尿病前期进展为糖尿病以及逆转到正常血糖的能力：相关的胰岛素抵抗、炎性细胞因子以及低维生素D水平的作用)
Authors: Dutta Deep , Choudhuri Subhadip , Mondal Samim Ali , Mukherjee Satinath , Chowdhury Subhankar 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe relationship between albumin : creatinine ratio (ACR), insulin resistance (IR), cytokines, dyslipidemia, and 25‐hydroxy vitamin D (25‐OHD) in individuals with prediabetes (IPD) was investigated to evaluate their role in predicting future risk of progression to diabetes.MethodsThe aforementioned parameters were evaluated in 147 IPD with persistent impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance over two oral glucose tolerance tests, who were then followed up at 3‐monthly intervals for progression to diabetes or reversal to normoglycemia.ResultsData were analyzed for 137 IPD with at least 1‐year follow‐up. Forty‐three IPD reversed to normoglycemia (Group I), 69 continued with prediabetes (Group II), and 25 progressed to diabetes (Group III) over a mean follow‐up period of 28.36 ± 8.19 months. Baseline fasting blood glucose levels (BGLs), 2‐h post‐glucose BGLs, and ACR were lowest in Group I and highest in Group III. Of the 137 IPD, 54.75% (n = 75) had microalbuminuria. The IPD in the lowest ACR quartile had the highest reversal to normoglycemia. Cox regression revealed that baseline IL‐6 was predictive of progression to diabetes (P = 0.03) and ACR was an independent predictor of reversal to normoglycemia (P = 0.007). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed higher reversal to normoglycemia in IPD without microalbuminuria (P < 0.001).ConclusionAn increased ACR is associated with higher creatinine, IR, and cytokine levels and lower 25‐OHD levels in IPD. Microalbuminuria is associated with decreased reversal to normoglycemia and increased progression to diabetes. Low 25‐OHD may be associated with increased progression to diabetes, perhaps via modulation of the ACR.
Hobbes, Locke and the Consequences: Shaftesbury's Moral Sense and Political Agitation in Early Eighteenth‐Century England
Authors: MÜLLER PATRICK 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis article examines the political (and Whig) agenda behind the earl of Shaftesbury's moral and religious thought, offering a reading of the so‐called ‘moral sense’ that, based on Terry Eagleton's Marxist interpretation of moral‐sense philosophy in general and Shaftesbury's use of the concept in particular, illuminates how far the moral sense serves a propagandistic purpose in Shaftesbury's writings. A close examination of this aspect, which has so far not been considered in the relevant literature on Shaftesbury, illuminates the anti‐Hobbist and, by implication, anti‐Tory (and High Church) tendency of his moral philosophy in the context of Low Church Anglicanism.
A random, case‐control study on the efficacy and safety of Weishi Bitong Xifang fumigation for mild and moderate knee osteoarthritis patients
Authors: Zhang Hao , Liu Tao , Li Feiyue 
Published: November 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and safety of Weishi Bitong Xifang fumigation for treating patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).MethodsA total of 100 KOA patients were randomly assigned to receive Weishi Bitong Xifang fumigation and washing (fumigation group, n = 50) or unctions of votalin emulgel (Voltaren emulgel group, n = 50) by means of a computer‐generated random‐number table. All the patients received two courses of therapy (2 weeks per course). Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) were used to assess the curative effect.ResultsVisual analogue scale and WOMAC scores were significantly improved in both groups after treatment. However, VAS, stiffness and functional scores in the fumigation group were significantly lower than those in the Voltaren emulgel group after 4 weeks of treatment. In addition, the occurrence rate of adverse effects in the fumigation group was also lower than that of the Voltaren emulgel group.ConclusionWeishi Bitong Xifang fumigation is an effective and safe method for treating KOA patients and should be widely applied in clinics.
Alcohol Consumption Decreases Rat Hepatic Creatine Biosynthesis Via Altered Guanidinoacetate Methyltransferase Activity
Authors: Kharbanda Kusum K. , Todero Sandra L. , Moats Jordan C. , Harris Ryan M. , Osna Natalia A. , Thomes Paul G. , Tuma Dean J. 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundWe have previously shown that decreased S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM):S‐adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) ratio generated in livers of alcohol‐fed rats can impair the activities of many SAM‐dependent methyltransferases. One such methyltransferase is guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT) that catalyzes the last step of creatine synthesis. As GAMT is the major utilizer of SAM, the purpose of the study was to examine the effects of ethanol (EtOH) on liver creatine levels and GAMT activity.MethodsMale Wistar rats were pair‐fed the Lieber–DeCarli control and EtOH diet for 4 to 5 weeks. At the end of the feeding regimen, the liver, kidney, and blood were removed from these rats for subsequent biochemical analyses.ResultsWe observed ~60% decrease in creatine levels in the livers from EtOH‐fed rats as compared to controls. The reduction in creatine levels correlated with lower SAM:SAH ratio observed in the livers of the EtOH‐fed rats. Further, in vitro experiments with cell‐free system and hepatic cells revealed it is indeed elevated SAH and lower SAM:SAH ratio that directly impairs GAMT activity and significantly reduces creatine synthesis. EtOH intake also slightly decreases the hepatocellular uptake of the creatine precursor, guanidinoacetate (GAA), and the GAMT enzyme expression that could additionally contribute to reduced liver creatine synthesis. The consequences of impaired hepatic creatine synthesis by chronic EtOH consumption include (i) increased toxicity due to GAA accumulation in the liver; (ii) reduced protection due to lower creatine levels in the liver, and (iii) reduced circulating and cardiac creatine levels.ConclusionsChronic EtOH consumption affects the hepatic creatine biosynthetic pathway leading to detrimental consequences not only in the liver but could also affect distal organs such as the heart that depend on a steady supply of creatine from the liver.
Gray Matter Volume in Left Rostral Middle Frontal and Left Cerebellar Cortices Predicts Frontal Executive Performance in Alcoholic Subjects
Authors: Nakamura‐Palacios Ester M. , Souza Rodrigo S. M. , Zago‐Gomes Maria P. , de Melo Adriana M. F. , Braga Flávia S. , Kubo Tadeu T. A. , Gasparetto Emerson L. 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundAlcoholic subjects manifest important deficits in frontal executive function, yet maintain cognitive mental status within normal range.MethodsThis study searched for volumetric measurements of segmented brain structures obtained from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that would predict executive functions and cognitive mental status in alcoholic subjects. The frontal assessment battery (FAB) and the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) were applied to alcoholic subjects who underwent MRI. Cortical and subcortical segmentation and corrections were performed using FreeSurfer. Multiple linear regressions analyses having volumetric measures of segmented brain structures as predictors for FAB or MMSE scores as dependent measures were conducted. Sixty alcoholic subjects, 52 males, mean age of 47.2 ± SD 10.4 years, with heavy use of alcohol (mean 284.4 ± SD 275.9 g of alcohol/d) over a long time (mean 32.4 ± SD 11.1 years), showed FAB 11.1 ± SD 3.2 and MMSE of 25.2 ± SD 4.1.ResultsMultiple regression analyses having left and right side of each segment as predictors showed that gray matter volumes of rostral middle frontal cortex and cerebellar cortex (p < 0.001), in which only the left side of these structures showed significant partial effects in the full model (p < 0.05), showed to predict FAB performance. They were even more predictive when considered together (p < 0.001), in which both left rostral middle frontal cortex (p < 0.05) and left cerebellar cortex (p < 0.01) predictors had significant partial effects in the full model. None of brain structures was predictive of MMSE performance.ConclusionsWe have concluded that volumetric measurements of left rostral middle frontal and cerebellar cortices seem to be able to predict the frontal executive performance but not the cognitive mental status in alcoholic subjects.
In Vitro Assessment of the Apico Aortic Blood Pump: Anatomical Positioning, Hydrodynamic Performance, Hemolysis Studies, and Analysis in a Hybrid Cardiovascular Simulator
Authors: da Silva Bruno Utiyama , Jatene Adib Domingos , Leme Juliana , Fonseca Jeison W.G. , Silva Cibele , Uebelhart Beatriz , Suzuki Carlos Kenichi , Andrade Aron J.P. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe Apico Aortic Blood Pump (AABP) is a centrifugal continuous flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) with ceramic bearings. The device is in the initial development phase and is being designed to be attached directly to the left ventricular apex by introducing an inlet cannula. This paper reports results from in vitro experiments. In order to evaluate implantation procedures and device dimensioning, in vitro experiments included an anatomic positioning study for the analysis of surgical implantation procedure and device dimensions and positioning that was performed using the body of a pig. The results revealed no damage caused by the device, and the surgical implantation procedure was considered feasible. Hydrodynamic performance curves were obtained to verify the applicability of the device as an LVAD, showing adequate performance. Mechanical blood trauma was analyzed through 6‐h hemolysis tests, with total pressure head of 100 mm Hg and flow of 5 L/min. Mean normalized index of hemolysis was 0.009 g/100 L (±0.002 g/100 L).Studies using a hybrid cardiovascular simulator were conducted for three types of circulatory conditions: normal healthy conditions, concentric hypertrophic heart failure (CHHF), and CHHF with AABP assistance. Analysis of cardiovascular parameters under those three conditions demonstrated that when the AABP was assisting the system, parameters under CHHF conditions went back to normal healthy values, indicating the AABP's effectiveness as CHHF therapy. Our preliminary results indicate that it is feasible to use the AABP as a LVAD. The next steps include long‐term in vivo experiments.
Impact of the reduction of calcineurin inhibitors on renal function in heart transplant patients: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cornu Catherine , Dufays Christophe , Gaillard Ségolène , Gueyffier François , Redonnet Michel , Sebbag Laurent , Roussoulières Ana , Gleissner Christian A. , Groetzner Jan , Lehmkuhl Hans B. , Potena Luciano , Gullestad Lars , Cantarovich Marcelo , Boissonnat Pascale 
Published: November 2013

AimsCalcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) taken after heart transplantation lead to excellent short‐term outcomes, but long‐term use may cause chronic nephrotoxicity. Our aim was to identify, appraise, select and analyse all high‐quality research evidence relevant to the question of the clinical impact of CNI‐sparing strategies in heart transplant patients.MethodsWe carried out a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials on CNI reduction in heart transplant recipients. Primary outcomes were kidney function and acute rejection after 1 year. Secondary outcomes included graft loss, all‐cause mortality and adverse events.ResultsEight open‐label studies were included, with 723 patients (four tested de novo CNI reduction and four maintenance CNI reduction). Calcineurin inhibitor reduction did not improve creatinine clearance at 12 months 5.46 [−1.17, 12.03] P = 0.32 I2 = 65.4%. Acute rejection at 12 months (55/360 vs. 52/332), mortality (18/301 vs. 15/270) and adverse event rates (55/294 vs. 52/281) did not differ between the low‐CNI and standard‐CNI groups. There was significant benefit on creatinine clearance in patients with impaired renal function at 6 months [+12.23 (+5.26, +18.82) ml min−1, P = 0.0003] and at 12 months 4.63 [−4.55, 13.82] P = 0.32 I2 = 75%.ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis did not demonstrate a favourable effect of CNI reduction on kidney function, but there was no increase in acute rejection. To provide a better analysis of the influence of CNI reduction patterns and associated treatments, a meta‐analysis of individual patient data should be performed.
Natural Products Evaluated in Neuropathic Pain Models ‐ A Systematic Review
Authors: Quintans Jullyana S.S. , Antoniolli Ângelo R. , Almeida Jackson R.G.S. , Santana‐Filho Valter J. , Quintans‐Júnior Lucindo J. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractChronic pain conditions, such as neuropathic pain, are a common problem that poses a major challenge to health‐care providers due to its complex natural history, unclear aetiology and poor response towards therapy. Despite the large number of drugs available, the adherence is limited by the large range of side effects and pharmacological ineffectiveness. Thus, the search for new chemical entities that can act as promising molecules to treat chronic pain conditions has emerged. The natural products remain as the most promising sources of new chemical entities with applicability for the medical approach. Hence, we performed a systematic review analysing pre‐clinical studies shown to be promising in a possible applicability in neuropathic pain. The search terms neuropathic pain, phytotherapy and medicinal plants were used to retrieve English language articles in LILACS, PUBMED and EMBASE published until 10 April 2013. From a total of 1529 articles surveyed, 28 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria established. The main chemical compounds studied were flavonoids (28%), terpenes (17%), alkaloids (14%), phenols (10%), carotenoids (10%) and others (21%). The mostly described animal models for the study of neuropathic pain included were chronic constriction injury (CCI – 32%), partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL – 28%), streptozotocin – induced diabetic (28%), alcoholic neuropathy (3.5%), sodium monoiodoacetate (MIA – 3.5%) and neuropathic pain induced by paclitaxel (3.5%). The opioids, serotonergic and cannabinoid systems are suggested as the most promising targets for the natural products described. Therefore, the data reviewed here suggest that these compounds are possible candidates for the treatment of chronic painful conditions, such as neuropathic pain.
Ecklonia cava promotes hair growth
Authors: Bak S. S. , Ahn B. N. , Kim J. A. , Shin S. H. , Kim J. C. , Kim M. K. , Sung Y. K. , Kim S. K. 
Published: November 2013

Summary
Background
Previous studies have reported the protective effects on skin elasticity of the edible marine seaweed Ecklonia cava, which acts through regulation of both antioxidative and anti-inflammatory responses.
Aim
We evaluated the effect of E. cava and one of its components, dioxinodehydroeckol, on hair-shaft growth in cultured human hair follicles and on hair growth in mice.
Methods
The MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was used to check cell viability of human dermal papilla cells (DPCs) and outer root sheath (ORS) cells after treatment with E. cava and its metabolite, dioxinodehydroeckol. Hair-shaft growth was measured using the in vitro hair-follicle organ-culture system, in the presence or absence of E. cava and dioxinodehydroeckol. Anagen induction activity was examined by topical application of E. cava to the dorsal skin of C57BL/6 mice. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 expression was measured by reverse transcriptase PCR and ELISA.
Results
The proliferation activity was found to be highest for the ethyl acetate-soluble fraction of E. cava (EAFE) in DPCs and in ORS cells. Treatment with EAFE resulted in elongation of the hair shaft in cultured human hair follicles, and promoted transition of the hair cycle from the telogen to the anagen phase in the dorsal skin of C57BL/6 mice. In addition, EAFE induced an increase in IGF-1 expression in DPCs. Dioxinodehydroeckol, a component of E. cava, induced elongation of the hair shaft, an increase in proliferation of DPCs and ORS cells, and an increase in expression of IGF-1 in DPCs.
Conclusions
These results suggest that E. cava containing dioxinodehydroeckol promotes hair growth through stimulation of DPCs and ORS cells.
Homoarginine and mortality in an older population: the Hoorn study
Authors: Pilz Stefan , Teerlink Tom , Scheffer Peter G. , Meinitzer Andreas , Rutters Femke , Tomaschitz Andreas , Drechsler Christiane , Kienreich Katharina , Nijpels Giel , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , März Winfried , Dekker Jacqueline M. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundHomoarginine is an amino acid that may be involved in nitric oxide and energy metabolism. Previous studies in patient populations showed that low homoarginine levels indicate an increased risk of mortality and cardiovascular disease. We evaluated whether low plasma levels of homoarginine are associated with elevated, overall and cause‐specific mortality.Materials and methodsThe Hoorn study is a population‐based study among older men and women. We calculated Cox proportional hazard ratios (HRs) for overall and cause‐specific mortality according to sex‐specific homoarginine quartiles.ResultsWe included 606 study participants (51·3% women; 70·0 ± 6·6 years). Homoarginine concentrations were higher in men (1·63 ± 0·51 μM), compared with women (1·30 ± 0·44 μM; P < 0·001). After a median follow‐up time of 7·8 years, 112 study participants died, including 31 deaths due to cardiovascular diseases and 30 due to cancer. Associations between homoarginine levels and mortality showed a threshold effect with a significant risk increase from the second to the first quartile. Compared with the upper three quartiles, the age‐, sex‐ and BMI‐adjusted HR (with 95% CI) in the first quartile was 2·26 (1·52–3·32) for overall mortality, 4·20 (2·03–8·69) for cardiovascular mortality and 1·25 (0·55–2·85) for cancer mortality. These associations remained materially unchanged after multivariate adjustments.ConclusionsLow plasma concentrations of homoarginine are a risk marker for overall mortality and especially for cardiovascular mortality in the older general population. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
Temporal and geographic variation in parasitoid attack with no evidence for ant protection of the Melissa blue butterfly, Lycaeides melissa
Authors: SCHOLL CYNTHIA F. , BURLS KEVIN J. , NEWTON JOY L. , YOUNG BONNIE , FORISTER MATTHEW L. 
Published: November 2013

Interactions among caterpillars, ants and parasitoids have informed much of what is known about tritrophic ecological dynamics. However, detailed studies encompassing all three trophic levels are limited to relatively few natural systems. In this study, interactions of the Melissa blue butterfly, Lycaeides melissa, with mutualistic ants and parasitoids in the context of novel host plant use by the butterfly were investigated.
Over the course of 2 years, 526 caterpillars and 288 ants tending caterpillars were collected from 185 plants at sites with two different native host plants and the exotic host alfalfa, for the purpose of investigating if the presence of ants was associated with reduced rates of parasitism.
The abundance and diversity of parasitoids varied considerably across space and time. The presence of tending ants did not appear to reduce rates of parasitism, in contrast to a previous study of L. melissa, which found evidence of ant protection against spiders and other predators.
This study has increased our understanding of ant–caterpillar–enemy interactions, and previously unobserved interactions have been documented, including at least two new host–parasitoid relationships. These findings highlight the importance of investigating ecological interactions, including interactions with other trophic levels, when studying diet breadth and ecological diversification in herbivorous insects.
What needs to follow early intervention? Predictors of relapse and functional recovery following first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Kam Shi Mei , Singh Swaran P. , Upthegrove Rachel 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimAs a foundation for considering how gains may be maintained following early intervention in first‐episode psychosis (FEP), this study aimed to describe and investigate factors predicting post‐discharge relapse and longer term functioning.MethodAn evaluation via case‐note review obtained quantitative data on 163 patients sequentially discharged from Birmingham Early Intervention Service (EIS) followed up for a median of 3.6 years. Time to relapse was calculated and hierarchical regression was used to determine predictors of relapse and functioning.ResultsPatients likely to relapse do so within the first year post‐discharge; however, over 40% did not relapse during the follow‐up period. The number of relapses occurring during EIS care predicted time‐to‐relapse post‐discharge. At discharge from the EIS and study end‐point, the proportion with low social and vocational functioning remained high. Predictors of positive ‘Not in Education Employment or Training’ status at end‐point include being in a minority ethnic group, substance misuse and number of relapses.ConclusionsIncreased emphasis on relapse prevention and early post‐discharge monitoring may be needed, especially in the first year, for those who have experienced previous relapse. To maintain early outcomes in FEP, targeted interventions to address substance misuse and functional recovery need to be sustained in the long term. EISs should aim to make the first episode of psychosis the last. Services providing care for patients with psychosis post EIS should be designed to deliver care for ongoing need, with continued emphasis on relapse prevention and social recovery.
Regulation of intracellular pH in cnidarians: response to acidosis in Anemonia viridis
Authors: Laurent Julien , Venn Alexander , Tambutté Éric , Ganot Philippe , Allemand Denis , Tambutté Sylvie 
Published: November 2013

The regulation of intracellular pH (pHi) is a fundamental aspect of cell physiology that has received little attention in studies of the phylum Cnidaria, which includes ecologically important sea anemones and reef‐building corals. Like all organisms, cnidarians must maintain pH homeostasis to counterbalance reductions in pHi, which can arise because of changes in either intrinsic or extrinsic parameters. Corals and sea anemones face natural daily changes in internal fluids, where the extracellular pH can range from 8.9 during the day to 7.4 at night. Furthermore, cnidarians are likely to experience future CO2‐driven declines in seawater pH, a process known as ocean acidification. Here, we carried out the first mechanistic investigation to determine how cnidarian pHi regulation responds to decreases in extracellular and intracellular pH. Using the anemone Anemonia viridis, we employed confocal live cell imaging and a pH‐sensitive dye to track the dynamics of pHi after intracellular acidosis induced by acute exposure to decreases in seawater pH and NH4Cl prepulses. The investigation was conducted on cells that contained intracellular symbiotic algae (Symbiodinium sp.) and on symbiont‐free endoderm cells. Experiments using inhibitors and Na+‐free seawater indicate a potential role of Na+/H+ plasma membrane exchangers (NHEs) in mediating pHi recovery following intracellular acidosis in both cell types. We also measured the buffering capacity of cells, and obtained values between 20.8 and 43.8 mm per pH unit, which are comparable to those in other invertebrates. Our findings provide the first steps towards a better understanding of acid–base regulation in these basal metazoans, for which information on cell physiology is extremely limited.