bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inverse association between diabetes and altitude: A cross‐sectional study in the adult population of the United States
Authors: Woolcott Orison O. , Castillo Oscar A. , Gutierrez Cesar , Elashoff Robert M. , Stefanovski Darko , Bergman Richard N. 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveTo determine whether geographical elevation is inversely associated with diabetes, while adjusting for multiple risk factors.MethodsThis is a cross‐sectional analysis of publicly available online data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2009. Final dataset included 285,196 US adult subjects. Odds ratios were obtained from multilevel mixed‐effects logistic regression analysis.ResultsAmong US adults (≥20 years old), the odds ratio for diabetes was 1.00 between 0 and 499 m of altitude (reference), 0.95 (95% confidence interval, 0.90‐1.01) between 500 and 1,499 m, and 0.88 (0.81‐0.96) between 1,500 and 3,500 m, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, ethnicity, self‐reported fruit and vegetable consumption, self‐reported physical activity, current smoking status, level of education, income, health status, employment status, and county‐level information on migration rate, urbanization, and latitude. The inverse association between altitude and diabetes in the US was found among men [0.84 (0.76‐0.94)], but not women [1.09 (0.97‐1.22)].ConclusionsAmong US adults, living at high altitude (1,500‐3,500 m) is associated with lower odds of having diabetes than living between 0 and 499 m, while adjusting for multiple risk factors. Our findings suggest that geographical elevation may be an important factor linked to diabetes.
Preliminary evidence of cognitive and brain abnormalities in uncomplicated adolescent obesity
Authors: Yau Po Lai , Kang Esther H. , Javier David C. , Convit Antonio 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveTo ascertain whether pediatric obesity without clinically significant insulin resistance (IR) impacts brain structure and function.MethodsThirty obese and 30 matched lean adolescents, all without clinically significant IR or a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome (MetS), received comprehensive endocrine, neuropsychological, and MRI evaluations.ResultsRelative to lean adolescents, obese non‐IR adolescents had significantly lower academic achievement (i.e., arithmetic and spelling) and tended to score lower on working memory, attention, psychomotor efficiency, and mental flexibility. In line with our prior work on adolescent MetS, memory was unaffected in uncomplicated obesity. Reductions in the thickness of the orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortices as well as reductions of microstructural integrity in major white matter tracts without gross volume changes were also uncovered.ConclusionsIt was documented, for the first time, that adolescents with uncomplicated obesity already have subtle brain alterations and lower performance in selective cognitive domains. When interpreting these preliminary data in the context of our prior reports of similar, but more extensive brain findings in obese adolescents with MetS and T2DM, it was concluded that “uncomplicated” obesity may also result in subtle brain alterations, suggesting a possible dose effect with more severe metabolic dysregulation giving rise to greater abnormalities.
Matched weight loss induced by sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass similarly improves metabolic function in obese subjects
Authors: Bradley David , Magkos Faidon , Eagon J. Christopher , Varela J. Esteban , Gastaldelli Amalia , Okunade Adewole L. , Patterson Bruce W. , Klein Samuel 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveThe effects of marked weight loss, induced by Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) surgeries, on insulin sensitivity, β‐cell function and the metabolic response to a mixed meal were evaluated.MethodsFourteen nondiabetic insulin‐resistant patients who were scheduled to undergo SG (n = 7) or RYGB (n = 7) procedures completed a hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp procedure and a mixed‐meal tolerance test before surgery and after losing ∼20% of their initial body weight.ResultsInsulin sensitivity (insulin‐stimulated glucose disposal during a clamp procedure), oral glucose tolerance (postprandial plasma glucose area under the curve), and β‐cell function (insulin secretion in relationship to insulin sensitivity) improved after weight loss, and were not different between surgical groups. The metabolic response to meal ingestion was similar after RYGB or SG, manifested by rapid delivery of ingested glucose into the systemic circulation and a large early postprandial increase in plasma glucose, insulin, and C‐peptide concentrations in both groups.ConclusionsWhen matched on weight loss, RYGB and SG surgeries result in similar improvements in the two major factors involved in regulating plasma glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity and β‐cell function in obese people without diabetes.
Room‐temperature photoluminescence in quasi‐2D TlGaSe2 and TlInS2semiconductors
Authors: Grivickas Vytautas , Gulbinas Karolis , Gavryushin Vladimir , Bikbajevas Vitalijus , Korolik Olga V. , Mazanik Alexander V. , Fedotov Alexander K. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe reveal the intrinsic band‐to‐band photoluminescence (PL) in Tl‐based anisotropic semiconductors by means of confocal spectroscopy. The PL achieves largest value for k ⊥ c, where c is the layers stacking axis, and is dependent on polarization. In TlGaSe2, the band edge absorption spectra were determined at different excitation geometry by using techniques of depth‐resolved free‐carrier absorption (FCA) and photoacoustic response (PAR). A strong absorption enhancement is detected in a large spectral area in the near‐surface region lateral to ab plane. The band‐to‐band absorption enhancement is the most probable cause for high PL intensity. The near‐surface behavior, different from the bulk, might implement useful photonic functionality at room temperature (RT). (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of diallyl trisulfide on induction of apoptotic death in murine leukemia WEHI‐3 cells in vitro and alterations of the immune responses in normal and leukemic mice in vivo
Authors: Hung Fang‐Ming , Shang Hung‐Sheng , Tang Nou‐Ying , Lin Jen‐Jyh , Lu Kung‐Wen , Lin Jing‐Pin , Ko Yang‐Ching , Yu Chien‐Chih , Wang Hai‐Lung , Liao Jung‐Chi , Lu Hsu‐Feng , Chung Jing‐Gung 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTDiallyl trisulfide (DATS), a chemopreventive dietary constituent and extracted from garlic, has been shown to against cultured many types of human cancer cell liens but the fate of apoptosis in murine leukemia cells in vitro and immune responses in leukemic mice remain elusive. Herein, we clarified the actions of DATS on growth inhibition of murine leukemia WEHI‐3 cells in vitro and used WEHI‐3 cells to generate leukemic mice in vivo, following to investigate the effects of DATS in animal model. In in vitro study, DATS induced apoptosis of WEHI‐3 cells through the G0/G1 phase arrest and induction of caspase‐3 activation. In in vivo study DATS decreased the weight of spleen of leukemia mice but did not affect the spleen weight of normal mice. DATS promoted the immune responses such as promotions of the macrophage phagocytosis and NK cell activities in WEHI‐3 leukemic and normal mice. However, DATS only promotes NK cell activities in normal mice. DATS increases the surface markers of CD11b and Mac‐3 in leukemia mice but only promoted CD3 in normal mice. In conclusion, the present study indicates that DATS induces cell death through induction of apoptosis in mice leukemia WHEI‐3 cells. DATS also promotes immune responses in leukemia and normal mice in vivo. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 1343–1353, 2015.
Peptide nanofibrils as enhancers of retroviral gene transfer
Authors: Meier Christoph , Weil Tanja , Kirchhoff Frank , Münch Jan 
Published: May 2014

Amyloid fibrils are polypeptide‐based polymers that are typically associated with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. More recently, it has become clear that amyloid fibrils also fulfill functional roles in hormone storage and biosynthesis. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that semen contains abundant levels of polycationic amyloid fibrils. The natural role of these seminal amyloids remains elusive. Strikingly, however, they drastically enhance HIV‐1 infection and may be exploited by the virus to increase its sexual transmission rate. Their strong activity in enhancing HIV‐1 infection suggests that seminal amyloid might also promote transduction by retroviral vectors. Indeed, SEVI (semen‐derived enhancer of virus infection), the best characterized seminal amyloid, boosts retroviral gene transfer more efficiently than conventional additives. However, the use of SEVI as laboratory tool for efficient retroviral gene transfer is limited because the polypeptide monomers are relatively expensive to produce. Furthermore, standardized production of SEVI fibrils with similar high activities is difficult to achieve because of the stochastic nature of the amyloid assembly process. These obstacles can be overcome by recently identified smaller peptides that spontaneously self‐assemble into nanofibrils. These nanofibrils increase retroviral gene transfer even more efficiently than SEVI, are easy to produce and to handle, and seem to be safe as assessed in an ex vivo gene transfer study. Furthermore, peptide‐based nanofibrils allow to concentrate viral particles by low‐speed centrifugation. Specific adaption and customization of self‐assembling peptides might lead to novel nanofibrils with versatile biological functions, e.g., targeted retroviral gene transfer or drug delivery.This article is categorized under:

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Peptide‐Based Structures
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Pathway in Patients Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Braga Marco , Pecorelli Nicolò , Ariotti Riccardo , Capretti Giovanni , Greco Massimiliano , Balzano Gianpaolo , Castoldi Renato , Beretta Luigi 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundEnhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS®) pathways have reduced morbidity and length of hospital stay (LOS) in orthopedics, bariatric, and colorectal surgery. New perioperative care protocols have been tested in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), with controversial results on morbidity. Incomplete data about ERAS items compliance have been reported. The aim of this study was to assess compliance with an ERAS protocol and its impact on short‐term outcome in patients undergoing PD.MethodsA comprehensive ERAS protocol was applied in 115 consecutive patients undergoing PD. Each ERAS patient was matched with one patient who received standard perioperative care. Match criteria were age, gender, malignant/benign disease, and PD‐specific prognostic score.ResultsNo adverse effect related to ERAS items occurred. Compliance with postoperative items ranged between 38 and 66 %. The ERAS group had an earlier recovery of mobilization (p < 0.001), oral feeding (p < 0.001), gut motility (p < 0.001), and an earlier suspension of intravenous fluids (p = 0.041). No difference between ERAS and control group was found in mortality, overall morbidity, and major complication rates. Subgroup analysis showed that 43/60 (71 %) patients with early postoperative low compliance with the ERAS pathway had complications. The ERAS pathway significantly shortened LOS in uneventful patients or those with minor complications (11.2 vs. 13.7 days, p = 0.001).ConclusionThe ERAS pathway was feasible and safe, yielding an earlier postoperative recovery. An ERAS protocol should be implemented in patients undergoing PD; however, patients with early postoperative low compliance should be carefully managed.
Effects of environmental and anthropogenic drivers on Amur tiger distribution in northeastern China
Authors: Jiang Guangshun , Sun Haiyi , Lang Jianmin , Yang Lijuan , Li Cheng , Lyet Arnaud , Long Barney , Miquelle Dale G. , Zhang Changzhi , Aramilev Sergey , Ma Jianzhang , Zhang Minghai 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe examined environmental and anthropogenic factors drive range loss in large mammals, using presence data of Amur tigers opportunistically collected between 2000 and 2012, and anthropogenic and environmental variables to model the distribution of the Amur tiger in northeastern China. Our results suggested that population distribution models of different subregions showed different habitat factors determining tiger population distribution patterns. Where farmland cover was over 50 km2per pixel (196 km2), distance was within 15 km to the railway in Changbaishan and road density (length per pixel) increased in Wandashan, the relative probability of Amur tiger occurrence exhibited monotonic avoidance responses; however, where distance was within 150 km of the Sino‐Russia border, the occurrence probability of Amur tiger was relatively high. We analyzed the avoidance or preference responses of Amur tiger distribution to elevation, snow depth and Viewshed. Furthermore, different subregional models detected a variety of spatial autocorrelation distances due to different population clustering patterns. We found that spatial models significantly improved model fits for non‐spatial models and made more robust habitat suitability predications than that of non‐spatial models. Consequently, these findings provide useful guidance for habitat conservation and management.
Analysis of Biodiesel Feedstock Using GCMS and Unsupervised Chemometric Methods
Authors: Flood Mariel E. , Goding Julian C. , O’Connor Jack B. , Ragon Dorisanne Y. , Hupp Amber M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractVarious biodiesel feedstocks were evaluated using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry data combined with unsupervised chemometric methods of analysis. Peak areas of the fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) present in the biodiesel feedstocks (soybean oil, canola oil, waste grease, animal tallow, etc.) were utilized. The importance of chromatographic parameters, such as temperature program and column polarity, was examined with respect to the clustering that was observed using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Biodiesels in this study clustered based on feedstock type regardless of temperature program or column type, as long as FAME isomers were resolved from one another. As such, the number and type of FAME components required to observe this clustering was investigated further. In general, the minor components in the sample did not provide improved clustering and thus did not need to be included. In addition, data from various temperature programs or column types were combined to yield similar clustering, showing potential versatility in analyzing similar samples across laboratories using different columns and column properties. Overall, we determined that (1) minor FAME components are non‐essential for feedstock identification and (2) PCA and HCA clustering is based on feedstock, regardless of column selection, so long as resolution of FAME isomers is achieved.
Dietary therapy in childhood epilepsy, an overview
Authors: Gulati Sheffali , Chakrabarty Biswaroop 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis review highlights the current consensus guidelines regarding use of dietary therapy in childhood epilepsy. Comprehensive search was done in the electronic database, journals, reference lists and dissertations related to the field. In childhood epilepsy, about one-third patients are medically refractory. Surgical resection is an effective modality only in a third of these cases. Dietary therapy causes upto 30–40% reduction in seizure frequency in drug refractory epilepsy. The various forms of dietary therapies described are ketogenic diet, modified Atkins diet and low glycemic index treatment. Apart from ketogenesis, the ketogenic diet also exerts its effect by modulating brain energetics and neurotransmitter circuitry. The classical ketogenic diet comprises of fat to carbohydrate ratio of 4:1 (in terms of weight in grams). Modified Atkins diet is restrictive only for carbohydrates (≤20 g per day). Low glycemic index treatment allows carbohydrate of upto 60 g per day with food items having glycemic index of less than 50. Consensus recommendations for indications and contraindications of dietary therapy in childhood epilepsy have been formulated. Moreover caution has to be warranted for various metabolic and systemic side effects described with this form of therapy. Laboratory and clinical assessment prior to initiation and periodically on therapy is recommended. A trial of dietary therapy is labeled as failure only if there is no response even after 12 weeks of therapy. There is research ongoing globally on dietary therapy with preliminary encouraging reports in status epilepticus and other neurological conditions like migraine, brain tumor and autism.
Factors associated with utilization of reproductive healthcare services among migrant women workers in Chong Qing, China
Authors: Su Shu , Zhang Fan , Liu Qin , Wang Yang , Wen Jing , Tang Xiaojun , Zhang Lei 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the use of reproductive healthcare services among migrant women workers in Chong Qing, China, and provide suggestions to improve the utilization of these services by young women.MethodsIn a qualitative interview‐based study between March, 2013 and June, 2013, personal in‐depth interviews were conducted among young women workers, factory doctors, healthcare service providers, and policy‐makers in Chong Qing, China.ResultsWomen workers seldom visited hospitals and did so only when their pain became unbearable. The workers’ use of reproductive healthcare services was particularly influenced by the high cost of hospitalization and long waiting periods. Factory doctors could only solve minor problems. Public healthcare providers stated that migrant women had a higher morbidity rate from reproductive tract infections as compared with local women. The policy‐makers considered that the health system was beneficial to women's reproductive health; however, few workers had good comprehension of government policies.ConclusionMigrant women workers are vulnerable owing to lack of reproductive health care. The government and both social and health enterprise should consider the convenience of these women and the affordability of treatments when formulating reproductive healthcare policies. Effective measures should be taken to improve the use of these services by migrant women workers.
Role of thyrotropin‐releasing hormone test in re‐evaluation of congenital hypothyroidism
Authors: Chen Li‐Min , Chen Yen‐Chun , Hsiao Hui‐Pin , Chen Bai‐Hsiun , Chao Mei‐Chyn 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH) test is useful for differentiating central and primary hypothyroidism, and is also valuable for diagnosing hypothyroidism. The threshold of the TRH test is usually set at 10–40 mIU/L. However, some experts are of the opinion that the TRH test has a limited role in evaluating hypothyroidism because of the clinical application of the new‐generation thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) assay. We reviewed a case series to analyze the clinical use of the TRH test in the re‐evaluation of congenital hypothyroidism. In total, data on 228 children with eutopic thyroid glands and neonatal hyperthyrotropinemia under levothyroxine replacement were collected. Basal TSH levels were measured and the TRH test was performed at the age of 3 years for re‐evaluation of congenital hypothyroidism, and statistical analysis was performed. All of the patients were followed up to avoid over‐ or under‐treatment. At the age of 3 years, 31.6% of the patients still had hypothyroidism. There was no significant difference between basal TSH level and TRH test in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism (p = 0.23). The negative predictive value of the basal TSH level was 100%, however, the positive predictive value was only 43.6%. When the TSH level was near the upper limit of the normal range (4.5–8.5 mIU/L), the TRH test result had a better correlation with hypothyroidism than the basal TSH level (p = 0.03). The threshold of the TRH test set at 60 mIU/L had the greatest area under the curve, with a negative predictive value of 95.2% and a positive predictive value of 80.2%. Neonatal hyperthyrotropinemia was a risk factor for hypothyroidism. We suggest that the TRH test should be administered in children with a basal TSH value near the upper limit of the normal range, and the threshold of the TRH test should be set at 60 mIU/L.
Histone deacetylase inhibitor‐mediated cell death is distinct from its global effect on chromatin
Authors: Luchenko Victoria L. , Litman Thomas , Chakraborty Arup R. , Heffner Aaron , Devor Christopher , Wilkerson Julia , Stein Wilfred , Robey Robert W. , Bangiolo Lois , Levens David , Bates Susan E. 
Published: May 2014

Romidepsin and vorinostat are histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) that have activity in T‐cell lymphomas, but have not gained traction in solid tumors. To gain deeper insight into mechanisms of HDACi efficacy, we systematically surveyed 19 cell lines with different molecular phenotypes, comparing romidepsin and vorinostat at equipotent doses. Acetylation at H3K9 and H4K8 along with 22 other histone lysine acetylation and methylation modifications were measured by reverse phase proteomics array (RPPA), and compared with growth inhibition (IC50), and cell cycle arrest. These assays typically used to assess HDACi effect showed that acetylation and methylation of specific lysine residues in response to HDACis were consistent across cell lines, and not related to drug sensitivity. Using a treatment duration more reflective of the clinical exposure, cell death detected by annexin staining following a 6 h drug exposure identified a subset of cell lines, including the T‐cell lymphoma line, that was markedly more sensitive to HDAC inhibition. Kinetic parameters (Km values) were determined for lysine acetylation and for cell cycle data and were themselves correlated following HDACi exposure, but neither parameter correlated with cell death. The impact on cell survival signaling varied with the molecular phenotype. This study suggests that cellular response to HDACis can be viewed as two distinct effects: a chromatin effect and a cell death effect. All cells undergo acetylation, which is necessary but not sufficient for cell death. Cells not primed for apoptosis will not respond with cell death to the impact of altered histone acetylation. The divergent apoptotic responses observed reflect the variable clinical outcome of HDACi treatment. These observations should change our approach to the development of therapeutic strategies that exploit the dual activities of HDACis.