bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of ACCESS model cloud properties over the Southern Ocean area using multiple‐satellite products
Authors: Luo San , Sun Zhian , Zheng Xiaogu , Rikus Lawrie , Franklin Charmaine 
Published: July 2015

Radiation field and cloud properties over the Southern Ocean area generated by the Australian Community Climate and Earth System Simulator (ACCESS) are evaluated using multiple‐satellite products from the Fast Longwave And Shortwave radiative Fluxes (FLASHFlux) project and NASA/GEWEX surface radiation budget (SRB) data. The cloud properties are also evaluated using the observational simulator package COSP, a synthetic brightness temperature model (SBTM) and cloud liquid‐water path data (UWisc) from the University of Wisconsin satellite retrievals. All of these evaluations are focused on the Southern Ocean area in an effort to understand the reasons behind the short‐wave radiation biases at the surface. It is found that the model overestimates the high‐level cloud fraction and frequency of occurrence of small ice‐water content and underestimates the middle and low‐level cloud fraction and water content.In order to improve the modelled radiation fields over the Southern Ocean area, two main modifications have been made to the physical schemes in the ACCESS model. Firstly the autoconversion rate at which the cloud water is converted into rain and the accretion rate in the warm rain scheme have been modified, which increases the cloud liquid‐water content in warm cloud layers. Secondly, the scheme which determines the fraction of supercooled liquid water in mixed‐phase clouds in the parametrization of cloud optical properties has been changed to use one derived from CALIPSO data which provides larger liquid cloud fractions and thus higher optical depths than the default scheme. Sensitivity tests of these two schemes in ACCESS climate runs have shown that applying either can lead to a reduction of the solar radiation reaching the surface and reduce the short‐wave radiation biases.
Robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy: comparison of complications and cost to the open approach
Authors: Baker E. H. , Ross S. W. , Seshadri R. , Swan R. Z. , Iannitti D. A. , Vrochides D. , Martinie J. B. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundRobotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RP) has shown some advantages over open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OP) but no data has been published providing a cost comparison.MethodsRetrospective analysis of all pancreaticoduodenectomies at a single quaternary cancer referral center was performed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, operative characteristics, complications, and charge data were recorded, and then compared using standard statistical methods.Results71 pancreaticoduodenectomies were performed: 22 RP and 49 OP. Patients undergoing OP had similar demographics, comorbidities, pathology, and oncologic characteristics as patients undergoing RP. While operative charges were higher for RP, once inpatient stay associated costs and follow‐up costs were included, there was no difference in total costs between RP and OP.ConclusionsPatients undergoing RP have equivalent rates of R0 resection as OP, and benefit from decreased number of complications, surgical site infections, and length of stay in the intensive care unit. Once cost of complications and follow‐up are incorporated, no significant difference between procedures exists. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Current treatment of hepatitis B virus infections
Authors: De Clercq Erik 
Published: July 2015

SummaryChronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains an important global burden with an estimated 240 million HBV carriers worldwide and more than half a million people dying annually from the consequences of the HBV infection. Besides interferon and pegylated interferon, there are five antiviral drugs [lamivudine, adefovir (dipivoxil), entecavir, telbivudine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate] that have proved effective in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. These five antiviral drugs interfere with viral DNA synthesis, which consists of a step reminiscent of the reverse transcriptase step in the replicative cycle of HIV. None of the antiviral drugs, or interferon, are capable of eradicating the covalently closed circular DNA, which remains settled as an episome within the virus‐infected hepatocytes. In the short‐term (1–3 years), the use of antiviral treatment is aimed at reducing viral DNA below levels of detection, whereas in the long term (10 years and, possibly, lifelong), treatment is aimed at reducing the progression to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver decompensation, and death. As long as the virus can hide as the episomal covalently closed circular DNA, attempts to envisage a definite cure of the HBV infection may seem fortuitous. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate as a Macrophage Enriched Phospholipid
Authors: Akgoc Zeynep , Iosim Sonia , Seyfried Thomas N. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBis(monoacylglycero)phosphate (BMP) is a structural isomer of phosphatidylglycerol (PtdGro) with an unusual sn‐1:sn‐1′ fatty acyl configuration and is found almost exclusively in late endosomes/lysosomes. BMP comprises only about 1–2 % of the total phospholipids in most mammalian cells, but accumulates in tissues of humans and animals with lysosomal storage disorders including the gangliosidoses. Total BMP content was significantly greater in cells of macrophage/microglial origin than in cells of macroglial origin. BMP composition was similar in tumorigenic/metastatic macrophages and non‐tumorigenic macrophages/microglia. Finally, BMP fatty acid composition differed between cells grown in culture and obtained in vivo suggesting an influence from growth environment.
Application of the Audio Recorded Cognitive Screen and its relation to functioning in schizophrenia
Authors: Gelder Brooke M. , Loughland Carmel M. , Carr Vaughan J. , Schofield Peter W. 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveThis study investigated the ability of the Audio Recorded Cognitive Screen (ARCS) to detect cognitive deficit in individuals with schizophrenia, relative to the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), and explored the associations between the ARCS and functional outcomes. We hypothesised that the ARCS would be able to better discriminate between individuals with schizophrenia and healthy controls than the MMSE, and that ARCS performance would be correlated with measures of social and vocational functioning.MethodsThe participants were 19 community-dwelling individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and 19 healthy controls recruited from the Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank (ASRB). Participants completed the ARCS, MMSE, and self-report measures of social and vocational functioning. Clinical and diagnostic data stored by the ASRB were also utilised.ResultsThe schizophrenia group performed worse than the control group on the ARCS, with memory,t(36)=2.49,p=0.02, 95% CI [−1.84, −18.79] and fluency,t(36)=2.40,p=0.02, 95% CI [−1.87, −22.24] domains being the main discriminating measures. The RBANS also discriminated between the two groups, and ARCS and RBANS total scores were moderately to strongly correlated. There was no difference between the two groups on the MMSE after controlling for demographic variables. ARCS performance was associated with employment status [χ2(1)=7.16,p=0.007].ConclusionThe ARCS may be sensitive to the cognitive deficits in outpatients with schizophrenia and an indicator of functional outcomes in this population.
Transcranial direct current stimulation and neuroplasticity genes: implications for psychiatric disorders
Authors: Chhabra Harleen , Shivakumar Venkataram , Agarwal Sri Mahavir , Bose Anushree , Venugopal Deepthi , Rajasekaran Ashwini , Subbanna Manjula , Kalmady Sunil V. , Narayanaswamy Janardhanan C. , Debnath Monojit , Venkatasubramanian Ganesan 
Published: July 2015

Background and AimTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive and well-tolerated brain stimulation technique with promising efficacy as an add-on treatment for schizophrenia and for several other psychiatric disorders. tDCS modulates neuroplasticity; psychiatric disorders are established to be associated with neuroplasticity abnormalities. This review presents the summary of research on potential genetic basis of neuroplasticity-modulation mechanism underlying tDCS and its implications for treating various psychiatric disorders.MethodA systematic review highlighting the genes involved in neuroplasticity and their role in psychiatric disorders was carried out. The focus was on the established genetic findings of tDCS response relationship with BDNF and COMT gene polymorphisms.ResultSynthesis of these preliminary observations suggests the potential influence of neuroplastic genes on tDCS treatment response. These include several animal models, pharmacological studies, mentally ill and healthy human subject trials.ConclusionTaking into account the rapidly unfolding understanding of tDCS and the role of synaptic plasticity disturbances in neuropsychiatric disorders, in-depth evaluation of the mechanism of action pertinent to neuroplasticity modulation with tDCS needs further systematic research. Genes such as NRG1, DISC1, as well as those linked with the glutamatergic receptor in the context of their direct role in the modulation of neuronal signalling related to neuroplasticity aberrations, are leading candidates for future research in this area. Such research studies might potentially unravel observations that might have potential translational implications in psychiatry.
Effect of l-theanine on glutamatergic function in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Ota Miho , Wakabayashi Chisato , Sato Noriko , Hori Hiroaki , Hattori Kotaro , Teraishi Toshiya , Ozawa Hayato , Okubo Tsutomu , Kunugi Hiroshi 
Published: July 2015

ObjectivesGlutamatergic dysfunction in the brain has been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Previous studies suggested that l-theanine affects the glutamatergic neurotransmission and ameliorates symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. The aims of the present study were twofold: to examine the possible effects of l-theanine on symptoms in chronic schizophrenia patients and to evaluate the changes in chemical mediators, including glutamate + glutamine (Glx), in the brain by using 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).MethodThe subjects were 17 patients with schizophrenia and 22 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. l-Theanine (250 mg/day) was added to the patients’ ongoing antipsychotic treatment for 8 weeks. The outcome measures were the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores and MRS results.ResultsThere were significant improvements in the PANSS positive scale and sleep quality after the l-theanine treatment. As for MRS, we found no significant differences in Glx levels before and after the 8 week l-theanine treatment. However, significant correlations were observed between baseline density of Glx and change in Glx density by l-theanine.ConclusionsOur results suggest that l-theanine is effective in ameliorating positive symptoms and sleep quality in schizophrenia. The MRS findings suggest that l-theanine stabilises the glutamatergic concentration in the brain, which is a possible mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect.
α2-adrenoceptor binding in Flinders-sensitive line compared with Flinders-resistant line and Sprague-Dawley rats
Authors: Lillethorup Thea Pinholt , Iversen Peter , Wegener Gregers , Doudet Doris Jeanne Marie , Landau Anne Marlene 
Published: July 2015

ObjectivesDisturbances in the noradrenergic system, including alterations in the densities of α2-adrenoceptors, are posited to be involved in the pathophysiology of depression. In this study, we investigate the binding of α2-adrenoceptors in regions relevant to depression in an animal model of depression.MethodsUsing in vitro autoradiography techniques and the selective α2-ligand, [3H]RX 821002, we investigated the density of α2-adrenoceptors in female Flinders-sensitive line (FSL) rats, a validated model of depression, and in two traditional control groups – female Flinders-resistant line (FRL) and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats.ResultsThe α2-adrenoceptor density was increased in most regions of the FSL rat brain when compared with SD rats (10% across regions). Moreover, the α2-adrenoceptor density was further increased in the FRL rats compared with both FSL (10% across regions) and SD rats (24% across regions).ConclusionsThe increase in α2-adrenoceptor binding in cortical regions in the FSL strain compared with the SD control strain is in accord with α2-adrenoceptor post-mortem binding data in suicide victims with untreated major depression. However, the differences in binding observed in the two control groups were unexpected and suggest the need for further studies in a larger cohort of animals of both sexes.
Whole-grain products and whole-grain types are associated with lower all-cause and cause-specific mortality in the Scandinavian HELGA cohort
Authors: Johnsen Nina F. , Frederiksen Kirsten , Christensen Jane , Skeie Guri , Lund Eiliv , Landberg Rikard , Johansson Ingegerd , Nilsson Lena M. , Halkjær Jytte , Olsen Anja , Overvad Kim , Tjønneland Anne 
Published: July 2015

No study has yet investigated the intake of different types of whole grain (WG) in relation to all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a healthy population. The aim of the present study was to investigate the intake of WG products and WG types in relation to all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a large Scandinavian HELGA cohort that, in 1992–8, included 120 010 cohort members aged 30–64 years from the Norwegian Women and Cancer Study, the Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study, and the Danish Diet Cancer and Health Study. Participants filled in a FFQ from which data on the intake of WG products were extracted. The estimation of daily intake of WG cereal types was based on country-specific products and recipes. Mortality rate ratios (MRR) and 95 % CI were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model. A total of 3658 women and 4181 men died during the follow-up (end of follow-up was 15 April 2008 in the Danish sub-cohort, 15 December 2009 in the Norwegian sub-cohort and 15 February 2009 in the Swedish sub-cohort). In the analyses of continuous WG variables, we found lower all-cause mortality with higher intake of total WG products (women: MRR 0·89 (95 % CI 0·86, 0·91); men: MRR 0·89 (95 % CI 0·86, 0·91) for a doubling of intake). In particular, intake of breakfast cereals and non-white bread was associated with lower mortality. We also found lower all-cause mortality with total intake of different WG types (women: MRR 0·88 (95 % CI 0·86, 0·92); men: MRR 0·88 (95 % CI 0·86, 0·91) for a doubling of intake). In particular, WG oat, rye and wheat were associated with lower mortality. The associations were found in both women and men and for different causes of deaths. In the analyses of quartiles of WG intake in relation to all-cause mortality, we found lower mortality in the highest quartile compared with the lowest for breakfast cereals, non-white bread, total WG products, oat, rye (only men), wheat and total WG types. The MRR for highestv.lowest quartile of intake of total WG products was 0·68 (95 % CI 0·62, 0·75,Ptrend over quartiles< 0·0001) for women and 0·75 (95 % CI 0·68, 0·81,Ptrend over quartiles< 0·0001) for men. The MRR for highestv.lowest quartile of intake of total WG types was 0·74 (95 % CI 0·67, 0·81,Ptrend over quartiles< 0·0001) for women and 0·75 (95 % CI 0·68, 0·82,Ptrend over quartiles< 0·0001) for men. Despite lower statistical power, the analyses of cause-specific mortality according to quartiles of WG intake supported these results. In conclusion, higher intake of WG products and WG types was associated with lower mortality among participants in the HELGA cohort. The study indicates that intake of WG is an important aspect of diet in preventing early death in Scandinavia.
Retinoic acid induces macrophage cholesterol efflux and inhibits atherosclerotic plaque formation in apoE-deficient mice
Authors: Zhou Wenjing , Lin Jiacheng , Chen Hongen , Wang Jingjing , Liu Yan , Xia Min 
Published: July 2015

It has been suggested that retinoic acid (RA) has a potential role in the prevention of atherosclerotic CVD. In the present study, we used J774A.1 cell lines and primary peritoneal macrophages to investigate the protective effects of RA on foam cell formation and atherogenesis in apoE-deficient (apoE− / −) mice. A total of twenty male apoE− / − mice (n 10 animals per group), aged 8 weeks, were fed on a high-fat diet (HFD) and treated with vehicle or 9-cis-RA for 8 weeks. The atherosclerotic plaque area in the aortic sinus of mice in the 9-cis-RA group was 40·7 % less than that of mice in the control group (P< 0·01). Mouse peritoneal macrophages from the 9-cis-RA group had higher protein expression levels of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and G1 (ABCG1) than those from the control group. Serum total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations were lower in the 9-cis-RA group than in the control group (P< 0·05). In vitro studies showed that incubation of cholesterol-loaded J774A.1 macrophages with 9-cis-RA (0·1, 1 and 10 μmol/l) induced cholesterol efflux in a dose-dependent manner. The 9-cis-RA treatment markedly attenuated lipid accumulation in macrophages exposed to oxidised LDL. Moreover, treatment with 9-cis-RA significantly increased the protein expression levels of ABCA1 and ABCG1 in J774A.1 macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, 9-cis-RA dose-dependently enhanced the protein expression level of liver X receptor-α (LXRα), the upstream regulator of ABCA1 and ABCG1. Taken together, the present results show that 9-cis-RA suppresses foam cell formation and prevents HFD-induced atherogenesis via the LXRα-dependent up-regulation of ABCA1 and ABCG1.
Threonine affects digestion capacity and hepatopancreatic gene expression of juvenile blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala)
Authors: Habte-Tsion Habte-Michael , Ren Mingchun , Liu Bo , Xie Jun , Ge Xianping , Chen Ruli , Zhou Qunlan , Pan Liangkun 
Published: July 2015

The present study conducted a 9-week feeding trial to investigate the effects of threonine (Thr) on the digestion capacity and hepatopancreas gene expression of juvenile blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala). For this purpose, three tanks (300 litres/tank) were randomly arranged and assigned to each experimental diet. Juvenile fish were fed with diets containing graded Thr levels (0·58, 1·08, 1·58, 2·08 or 2·58 % of the diet) to apparent satiation four times daily. At the end of the feeding trial, the results indicated that hepatopancreas weight, hepatosomatic index, hepatopancreatic protein content, intestinal weight, intestosomatic index and intestinal protein content increased with increasing dietary Thr levels up to 1·58 % and thereafter decreased (P< 0·05). The activities of chymotrypsin, trypsin, amylase and lipase elevated as dietary Thr levels increased up to 1·58 % (P< 0·05), while these activities decreased in most cases after 1·58 % dietary Thr except for chymotrypsin and trypsin in the hepatopancreas (plateau 1·58–2·08 % Thr). The relative gene expression levels of chymotrypsin, trypsin, amylase, lipase, target of rapamycin and insulin-like growth factor-I were up-regulated, and the highest values were observed with 1·58 % dietary Thr or 1·58 and 2·08 % dietary Thr, whereas the relative gene expression levels of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 2 gradually decreased (P< 0·10) as dietary Thr levels increased up to 1·58 % and thereafter significantly increased (P< 0·05), which could explain that about 1·58 % dietary Thr could improve the growth and development of digestive organs and activities of digestive enzymes of juvenile blunt snout bream.
A comparison of plasma and prostate lycopene in response to typical servings of tomato soup, sauce or juice in men before prostatectomy
Authors: Grainger Elizabeth M. , Hadley Craig W. , Moran Nancy E. , Riedl Kenneth M. , Gong Michael C. , Pohar Kamal , Schwartz Steven J. , Clinton Steven K. 
Published: July 2015

Tomato product consumption and estimated lycopene intake are hypothesised to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. To define the impact of typical servings of commercially available tomato products on resultant plasma and prostate lycopene concentrations, men scheduled to undergo prostatectomy (n 33) were randomised either to a lycopene-restricted control group ( < 5 mg lycopene/d) or to a tomato soup (2–2¾ cups prepared/d), tomato sauce (142–198 g/d or 5–7 ounces/d) or vegetable juice (325–488 ml/d or 11–16·5 fluid ounces/d) intervention providing 25–35 mg lycopene/d. Plasma and prostate carotenoid concentrations were measured by HPLC. Tomato soup, sauce and juice consumption significantly increased plasma lycopene concentration from 0·68 (sem 0·1) to 1·13 (sem 0·09) μmol/l (66 %), 0·48 (sem 0·09) to 0·82 (sem 0·12) μmol/l (71 %) and 0·49 (sem 0·12) to 0·78 (sem 0·1) μmol/l (59 %), respectively, while the controls consuming the lycopene-restricted diet showed a decline in plasma lycopene concentration from 0·55 (sem 0·60) to 0·42 (sem 0·07) μmol/l ( − 24 %). The end-of-study prostate lycopene concentration was 0·16 (sem 0·02) nmol/g in the controls, but was 3·5-, 3·6- and 2·2-fold higher in tomato soup (P= 0·001), sauce (P= 0·001) and juice (P= 0·165) consumers, respectively. Prostate lycopene concentration was moderately correlated with post-intervention plasma lycopene concentrations (r 0·60, P =0·001), indicating that additional factors have an impact on tissue concentrations. While the primary geometric lycopene isomer in tomato products was all-trans (80–90 %), plasma and prostate isomers were 47 and 80 % cis, respectively, demonstrating a shift towards cis accumulation. Consumption of typical servings of processed tomato products results in differing plasma and prostate lycopene concentrations. Factors including meal composition and genetics deserve further evaluation to determine their impacts on lycopene absorption and biodistribution.
Efficacy of the Omega-3 Index in predicting non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in overweight and obese adults: a pilot study
Authors: Parker Helen M. , O’Connor Helen T. , Keating Shelley E. , Cohn Jeffrey S. , Garg Manohar L. , Caterson Ian D. , George Jacob , Johnson Nathan A. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an independent predictor of CVD in otherwise healthy individuals. Lown-3 PUFA intake has been associated with the presence of NAFLD; however, the relationship between a biomarker ofn-3 status – the Omega-3 Index – and liver fat is yet to be elucidated. A total of eighty overweight adults (fifty-six men) completed the anthropometric and biochemical measurements, including the Omega-3 Index, and underwent proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy assessment of liver fat. Bivariate correlations and multiple regression analyses were performed with reference to prediction of liver fat percentage. The mean Omega-3 Index was high in both NAFLD (intrahepatic lipid concentration≥5·5 %) and non-NAFLD groups. The Omega-3 Index, BMI, waist circumference, glucose, insulin, TAG, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were positively correlated, and HDL and erythrocyten-6:n-3 ratio negatively correlated with liver fat concentration. Regression analysis found that simple anthropometric and demographic variables (waist, age) accounted for 31 % of the variance in liver fat and the addition of traditional cardiometabolic blood markers (TAG, HDL, hsCRP and ALT) increased the predictive power to 43 %. The addition of the novel erythrocyte fatty acid variable (Omega-3 Index) to the model only accounted for a further 3 % of the variance (P=0·049). In conclusion, the Omega-3 Index was associated with liver fat concentration but did not improve the overall capacity of demographic, anthropometric and blood markers to predict NAFLD.