bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An inventory of healthy weight practices in federally funded haemophilia treatment centres in the United States
Authors: Adams E. , Deutsche J. , Okoroh E. , Owens‐McAlister S. , Majumdar S. , Ullman M. , Damiano M. L. , Recht M. ,   the Healthy Weight Working Group
Published: March 2014

SummaryIn the haemophilia population, obesity has an adverse effect on health care cost, chronic complications and joint disease. Although staff of federally funded Hemophilia Treatment Centers in the United States (HTCs) anecdotally recognize these outcomes, practices to promote healthy weights have not been reported. This evaluation identifies routine practices among HTCs in body mass index (BMI) assessment, perceptions about need to address obesity and roles in offering evidence‐based strategies to promote healthy weights. A telephone survey was developed to assess HTCs practices including patient BMI assessment and counselling, perceptions about the importance of healthy patient weights, and HTCs roles in weight management. Ninety of the 130 federally funded HTCs contacted elected to participate and completed the telephone survey. Of these, 67% routinely calculated BMI and 48% provided results to patients. Approximately one‐third classified obesity correctly for children (30%) and adults (32%), using the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions BMI cut‐offs. Most HTCs (87%) reported obesity as an issue of ‘big’ or ‘moderate’ concern and 98% indicated HTC responsibility to address this issue. Most centres (64%) address patient weight during comprehensive visits. One‐third (33%) of centres include a nutritionist; of those without, 61% offer nutrition referrals when needed. Most (89%) HTCs do not have a protocol in place to address healthy weights; 53% indicated that guidelines are needed. HTCs offer services to help improve weight outcomes. Training programmes for calculating and interpreting BMI as well as identifying appropriate guidelines to apply to the HTC patient population are needed.
Endovascular treatment of arteriovenous graft pseudoaneurysms, indications, complications, and outcomes: A systematic review
Authors: Florescu Marius C. , Qiu Fang , Plumb Troy J. , Fillaus Jennifer A. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThere are limited data regarding endovascular treatment of arteriovenous graft (AVG) pseudoaneurysms using stent grafts. We performed a comprehensive literature review on the use of stent grafts in the treatment of AVG pseudoaneurysms. We included 10 studies (121 patients). The mean AVG age was 3.1 years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.2–4) and pseudoaneurysm mean diameter was 34 mm (95% CI: 23–46). The majority (71%) of the pseudoaneurysms were located on the arterial limb of the AVG and 77% presented with venous anastomosis stenosis requiring angioplasty. The mean number of stents used to treat one lesion was 1.4 (95% CI: 1.3–1.5). The technical success rate of pseudoaneurysm isolation was 100% in all studies and 100% of patients received hemodialysis using the AVG after pseudoaneurysm treatment without the need for catheter placement. The primary patency rates for 1, 3, and 6 months were 81%, 73%, and 24%. Secondary patency was 80%, 77%, and 74% at 1, 3, and 6 months. Arteriovenous graft thrombosis occurred in 12% of patients. Arteriovenous graft infection developed in 35% of cases. Arteriovenous graft pseudoaneurysm treatment using stent grafts is effective in managing even large pseudoaneurysms and has acceptable primary and secondary patency rates. Graft infection was a relatively frequent complication.
IL10 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms are Related to Upregulation of Constitutive IL‐10 Production and Susceptibility to Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Assis Shirleide , Marques Cintia Rodrigues , Silva Thiago Magalhães , Costa Ryan Santos , Alcantara‐Neves Neuza Maria , Barreto Mauricio Lima , Barnes Kathleen Carole , Figueiredo Camila Alexandrina 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori infection is a strong risk factor for gastric cancer, likely due to the extensive inflammation in the stomach mucosa caused by these bacteria. Many studies have reported an association between IL10 polymorphisms, the risk of gastric cancer, and IL‐10 production. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between IL10 genetic variants, Helicobacter pylori infection, and IL‐10 production by peripheral blood leukocytes in children.Materials and MethodsWe genotyped a total of 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms in IL10 in 1259 children aged 4–11 years living in a poor urban area in Salvador, Brazil, using TaqMan probe based, 5′ nuclease assay minor groove binder chemistry. Association tests were performed by logistic regression for Helicobacter pylori infection and linear regression for IL‐10 spontaneous production (whole‐blood cultures) including sex, age, and principal components for informative ancestry markers as covariates, using PLINK.ResultsOur results shown that IL10 single nucleotide polymorphisms rs1800896 (OR = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.11–2.39), rs3024491 (OR = 1.71; 95% CI = 1.14–2.57), rs1878672 (OR = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.19–2.68), and rs3024496 (OR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.05–2.08) were positively associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. Eight single nucleotide polymorphisms were associated with spontaneous production of IL‐10 in culture, of which three (rs1800896 and rs1878672, p = .04; rs3024491, p = .01) were strongly associated with infection by Helicobacter pylori.ConclusionsOur results indicate that IL10 variants rs1800896, rs3024491, rs1878672, and rs3024496 are more consistently associated with the presence of anti‐H. pylori IgG by inducing increased production of IL‐10. Further studies are underway to elucidate the role of additional genetic variants and to investigate their impact on the occurrence of gastric cancer.
Helicobacter pylori Modulates Cisplatin Sensitivity in Gastric Cancer by Down‐Regulating miR‐141 Expression
Authors: Zhou Xiaoying , Su Jing , Zhu Li , Zhang Guoxin 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies found that gastric cancer patients with Helicobacter pylori infection had a better response to chemotherapy and had an improved overall prognosis compared with those without. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown.MethodsQuantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) was utilized to determine the expression profile of miR‐141 in H. pylori infected cells and tissues and their respective controls. qRT‐PCR and Western blot were used to determine the expression level of KEAP‐1. Luciferase reporter assays were used to determine whether KEAP‐1 was a direct target of miR‐141 in the gastric cancer cells. MTT and apoptosis assay were performed to detect the survival of cells under cisplatin treatment.ResultWe found that H. pylori infection can significantly down‐regulate miR‐141 expression. Knockdown miR‐141 expression in 7901/DDP and 7901 cells could significantly improve cisplatin sensitivity. Over‐expression of miR‐141 resulted in enhanced resistance to cisplatin in both gastric cancer cells. We also demonstrated that miR‐141 directly targets KEAP1 by luciferase reporter assay, and that down‐regulation of KEAP1 induces cisplatin resistance. Conversely, over‐expression of KEAP1 significantly enhanced cisplatin sensitivity. Our 75 pairs of tissues also showed that KEAP1 was significantly up‐regulated in H. pylori‐positive tissues.ConclusionAltogether, these findings demonstrated that the H. pylori infection could modulate cisplatin sensitivity through miR‐141‐mediated regulation of KEAP1.
Multicriteria decision analysis in oncology
Authors: Adunlin Georges , Diaby Vakaramoko , Montero Alberto J. , Xiao Hong 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundThere has been a growing interest in the development and application of alternative decision‐making frameworks within health care, including multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA). Even though the literature includes several reviews on MCDA methods, applications of MCDA in oncology are lacking.AimThe aim of this paper is to discuss a rationale for the use of MCDA in oncology. In this context, the following research question emerged: How can MCDA be used to develop a clinical decision support tool in oncology?MethodsIn this paper, a brief background on decision making is presented, followed by an overview of MCDA methods and process. The paper discusses some applications of MCDA, proposes research opportunities in the context of oncology and presents an illustrative example of how MCDA can be applied to oncology.FindingsDecisions in oncology involve trade‐offs between possible benefits and harms. MCDA can help analyse trade‐off preferences. A wide range of MCDA methods exist. Each method has its strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the appropriate method varies depending on the source and nature of information used to inform decision making. The literature review identified eight studies. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was the most often used method in the identified studies.ConclusionOverall, MCDA appears to be a promising tool that can be used to assist clinical decision making in oncology. Nonetheless, field testing is desirable before MCDA becomes an established decision‐making tool in this field.
Iron overload secondary to cirrhosis: a mimic of hereditary haemochromatosis?
Authors: Abu Rajab Murad , Guerin Leana , Lee Pauline , Brown Kyle E 
Published: March 2014

AimsHepatic iron deposition unrelated to hereditary haemochromatosis is common in cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to determine whether hepatic haemosiderosis secondary to cirrhosis is associated with iron deposition in extrahepatic organs.Methods and resultsRecords of consecutive adult patients with cirrhosis who underwent autopsy were reviewed. Storage iron was assessed by histochemical staining of sections of liver, heart, pancreas and spleen. HFE genotyping was performed on subjects with significant liver, cardiac and/or pancreatic iron. The 104 individuals were predominantly male (63%), with a mean age of 55 years. About half (46%) had stainable hepatocyte iron, 2+ or less in most cases. In six subjects, there was heavy iron deposition (4+) in hepatocytes and biliary epithelium. All six of these cases had pancreatic iron and five also had cardiac iron. None of these subjects had an explanatory HFE genotype.ConclusionsIn this series, heavy hepatocyte iron deposition secondary to cirrhosis was commonly associated with pancreatic and cardiac iron. Although this phenomenon appears to be relatively uncommon, the resulting pattern of iron deposition is similar to haemochromatosis. Patients with marked hepatic haemosiderosis secondary to cirrhosis may be at risk of developing extrahepatic complications of iron overload.
Variation in offspring sex ratio of a long‐lived sexually dimorphic raptor, the Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca
Authors: Katzner Todd E. , Jackson Daniel S. , Ivy Jamie , Bragin Evgeny A. , DeWoody Andrew 
Published: March 2014

Sex ratio theory attempts to explain observed variation in offspring sex ratio at both the population and the brood levels. In the context of low‐fecundity organisms producing high‐investment offspring, the drivers of adaptive variation in sex ratio are incompletely understood. For raptors that display reverse sexual dimorphism (RSD), preferential allocation of resources to the putatively cheaper sex (male) may be a response to environmental, social or demographic stressors. To assess the extent of skew in offspring sex ratios and to evaluate possible dietary, environmental and demographic correlates of such skew to long‐lived RSD avian species, we evaluated the offspring sex ratio of 219 chicks from 119 broods in 30 territories of Eastern Imperial Eagles Aquila heliaca across 7 years and four regions at a nature reserve in Kazakhstan. Only in one region in 1 year of our study did the offspring sex ratio differ significantly from parity (10 males : 1 female in 11 territories). Whereas offspring sex ratios were independent of dietary diversity, precipitation, temperature and productivity, we found that year had a moderate effect on brood sex ratio within territories. Our results provide limited evidence of brood sex manipulation in these populations of Eastern Imperial Eagles, and no mechanistic insight into predictions associated with it. Stochastic variation is likely to explain much of the fluctuation we observed in sex ratios, but our observations are also consistent with the hypothesis that sex‐ratio manipulation may occur irregularly, in concurrence with atypical environmental or demographic conditions that fluctuate at a time scale longer than that of our 7‐year study.
Tawny Owl Strix aluco as an indicator of Barn Owl Tyto alba breeding biology and the effect of winter severity on Barn Owl reproduction
Authors: Chausson Alexandre , Henry Isabelle , Ducret Bertrand , Almasi Bettina , Roulin Alexandre 
Published: March 2014

In the temperate zone, food availability and winter weather place serious constraints on European Barn Owl Tyto alba populations. Using data collected over 22 years in a Swiss population, we analysed the influence of early pre‐breeding food conditions and winter severity on between‐year variations in population size and reproductive performance. To estimate pre‐breeding food conditions, we attempted a novel approach based on an index that combines Tawny Owl Strix aluco reproductive parameters and the occurrence of wood mice Apodemus sp. in their diet. Tawny Owls breed earlier in the season than Barn Owls and are strongly dependent on the abundance of wood mice for breeding. This index was strongly positively associated with the number of breeding pairs and early breeding in the Barn Owl. Winter severity, measured by snow cover and low temperatures, had a pronounced negative influence on the size of the breeding population and clutch size. Food conditions early in the breeding season and winter severity differentially affect the Barn Owl life cycle. We were able to use aspects of the ecology and demography of the Tawny Owl as an indicator of the quality of the environment for a related species of similar ecology, in this case the Barn Owl.
CX3CR1 RNAi inhibits hypoxia‐induced microglia activation via p38MAPK/PKC pathway
Authors: Liu Yong , Zhao Tianzhi , Yang Zhao , Li Qianning 
Published: March 2014

SummaryThere is accumulating evidence which demonstrates that chronic cerebral ischaemia can induce white matter lesions (WMLs), and microglia‐activation‐mediated cytokines and proteases releasing during the ischaemia might play a vital role in pathogenesis. In addition, hypoxia‐induced upregulated expression of fractalkine promotes the activation of microglia and their migration to the lesions through interaction with its receptor CX3CR1. However, the specific mechanisms involved in fractalkine/CX3CR1‐mediated microglial activation have not been fully identified. In the present study, we constructed lentivirus encoding shRNA against CX3CR1 and transduced into microglial cells in under hypoxic conditions. Moreover, we analysed the proliferation, cytokine secretion and signal‐pathway activation of the microglia. We found that CX3CR1 RNAi‐mediated gene downregulation could attenuate hypoxic‐induced microglial proliferation, cytokine secretion [including tumuor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β)] and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) synthesis. These effects were shown to be nediated through p38MAPK/PKC activation. Therefore, our results reveal a novel mechanism of fractalkine/CX3CR1 involvement in activation of microglia. Thus CX3CR1 RNAi might provide a therapeutic strategy which could be useful in chronic cerebral ischaemia.
Adipocyte dysfunction in rats with streptozotocin–nicotinamide‐induced diabetes
Authors: Szkudelska Katarzyna , Nogowski Leszek , Szkudelski Tomasz 
Published: March 2014

SummaryAdministration of streptozotocin (STZ) and nicotinamide (NA) to adult rats allows for the induction of mild diabetes. However, this experimental model has not been fully characterized. This study was undertaken to determine the metabolic and secretory activity of adipose tissue in rats with STZ‐NA‐induced diabetes. Experiments were performed using epididymal adipocytes isolated from control and mildly diabetic rats. Lipogenesis, glucose transport as well as glucose and alanine oxidation, lipolysis, anti‐lipolysis, cAMP levels and adipokine secretion were compared in cells isolated from the control and diabetic rats. Lipogenesis, glucose transport and oxidation were diminished in the adipocytes of diabetic rats compared with the fat cells of control animals. However, alanine oxidation appeared to be similar in the cells of non‐diabetic and diabetic animals. Lipolytic response to low epinephrine concentrations was slightly increased in the adipocytes of diabetic rats; however, at higher concentrations of the hormone, lipolysis was similar in both groups of cells. The epinephrine‐induced rise in cAMP levels was higher in the adipocytes of STZ‐NA‐induced diabetic rats, even in the presence of insulin. Lipolysis stimulated by dibutyryl‐cAMP did not significantly differ, whereas anti‐lipolytic effects of insulin were mildly decreased in the cells of diabetic rats. Secretion of adiponectin and leptin was substantially diminished in the adipocytes of diabetic rats compared with the cells of control animals. Our studies demonstrated that the balance between lipogenesis and lipolysis in the adipose tissue of rats with mild diabetes induced by STZ and NA is slightly shifted towards reduced lipid accumulation. Simultaneously, adiponectin and leptin secretion is significantly impaired.
Nisin‐loaded alginate‐high methoxy pectin microparticles: preparation and physicochemical characterisation
Authors: Khaksar Ramin , Hosseini Seyede Marzieh , Hosseini Hedayat , Shojaee‐Aliabadi Saeedeh , Mohammadifar Mohammad Amin , Mortazavian Amir Mohammad , khosravi‐Darani Kianoosh , Haji Seyed Javadi Nasrin , Komeily Rozita 
Published: March 2014

SummaryThe bacteriocin nisin has been extensively used as potential natural preservative in the food industry. However, antimicrobial activity of nisin due to its binding with food components and inactivation by enzymatic degradation is reduced when it is applied in food. Encapsulation of nisin is an efficient approach to overcome the problems related to the direct application of this antimicrobial peptide in foods. In this study, nisin was encapsulated in alginate‐high methoxy pectin (HMP) microparticles, and its release studies were performed in water to determine the diffusion and the kinetic behaviour of the matrix. Results showed that the nisin content had a significant influence on encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading capacity (LC) and microparticles size. The values of EE, LC and particle mean diameter were about 47–54%, 16–21% and 57–131 μm, respectively. The nisin‐loaded microparticles showed nearly spherical structure with fold on the surface, as displayed by scanning electron micrograph. Interaction between alginate and HMP was confirmed by the changes in the intensity and wave number of the stretching vibrations of the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups in alginate‐HMP microparticles FTIR spectra. Furthermore, the addition of nisin resulted in a markedly increase in intensity of carboxylic peak at 1620 cm−1, indicating the presence of nisin inside of the microparticles. The in vitro nisin release from these microparticles followed a sustained release profile consistent with a Fickian diffusion mechanism.
Optimisation of microwave‐assisted extraction of prune (Prunus domestica) antioxidants by response surface methodology
Authors: Haddadi‐Guemghar Hayate , Janel Nathalie , Dairou Julien , Remini Hocine , Madani Khodir 
Published: March 2014

SummaryOptimal conditions for microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) of total phenols (TP), epicatechin gallate and antioxidant activity from prune (Prunus domestica), rejected in transformation process of plum to prune, were determined by response surface methodology. The central composite design was used to study the effects of three independent variables: microwave power, irradiation time and solvent polarity on the TP, epicatechin gallate and antioxidant activity. Epicatechin gallate was identified as a major phenolic compound in prune extract by RP‐HPLC. Microwave power and irradiation time significantly affected all responses (P < 0.01). The highest TP (598.89 mg GAE/100 g prune) was obtained using water as an extraction solvent at 500 W, during 115 s. However, the optimal conditions for epicatechin gallate extraction were ethanol 80%, 435 W and 120 s. MAE is more efficient than conventional extraction method to obtain TP from prune. The experimental values were reasonably close to the predicted values confirming the validity of the predicted models.
Partial replacement of sodium chloride with potassium chloride in marinated rabbit meat
Authors: Soglia Francesca , Petracci Massimiliano , Mudalal Samer , Vannini Lucia , Gozzi Giorgia , Camprini Lucia , Cavani Claudio 
Published: March 2014

SummaryThis study was aimed at evaluating the consequences of sodium chloride reduction by potassium chloride up to 50% on technological, sensorial and microbiological traits of marinated rabbit meat. In total, 226 rabbit loin meat samples were obtained and subjected to vacuum tumbling using solutions with different NaCl/KCl ratios. Replacing of sodium chloride up to 30% by potassium chloride did not change microbiological traits (total aerobic mesophilic and lactic acid bacteria maximum cell loads), sensorial acceptability (perceived saltiness and overall liking) and technological traits (pH, colour, texture, cooking loss and yield). Otherwise, reduction in sodium chloride to 50% significantly decreased perceived saltiness (4.15 vs. 4.73; P < 0.05) and reduced microbial shelf life by 1 day when compared to control, even if there was still no effect on technological traits. In conclusion, it is feasible imparting an added value for processed rabbit meat products by reduction in sodium content that could increase market interest.
Application of ultrafiltration in the study of phenolic isolates and melanoidins from pale and black brewers' spent grain
Authors: Piggott Charles O. , Connolly Alan , FitzGerald Richard J. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryTwo types of brewers' spent grain (BSG), pale and black, were studied employing ultrafiltration (UF cut‐off, 10 kDa) to obtain high‐molecular‐weight (HMW) and low‐molecular‐weight (LMW) phenolic fractions from one pale (P2) and one black (B2) BSG extracts. Of the four UF fractions obtained, the HMW B2 fraction had highest level of polyphenols (5.73 ± 0.25 mg GAE g−1 BSG dw) and protein (18.82 ± 0.41 mg protein g−1 BSG dw). Metal‐chelating ability and antioxidative properties were also identified. Antioxidant activity evaluated using the DPPH and FRAP assays, indicated that activity in B2 extracts was associated mainly with the HMW fraction (3.10 ± 0.10 and 2.49 ± 0.09 TE g−1 BSG dw, respectively), whereas in P2 samples, antioxidant activity was highest in LMW fractions (0.58 ± 0.01 and 0.92 ± 0.03 TE g−1 BSG dw, respectively). The high antioxidant activity and metal‐chelating ability observed for black BSG extracts may be attributed to the presence of coloured melanoidinic structures.
The Holy Spirit in the Trinitarian Communion: ‘Love’ and ‘Gift'?
Authors: Levering Matthew 
Published: March 2014

AbstractChristians in the West often have become so accustomed to naming the Holy Spirit ‘Love’ and ‘Gift’ – or at least to associating the Holy Spirit particularly with these two dynamisms – that it can come as a surprise that Scripture nowhere explicitly names the Holy Spirit either ‘love’ or ‘gift’. Indeed, as Hans Urs von Balthasar points out, the Spirit is much more clearly associated with truth, knowledge and power. How then does Augustine arrive at the view that the Holy Spirit should be named ‘Love’ and ‘Gift'? I examine and evaluate the complex exegetical steps by which Augustine draws out these names.