bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Consumer Acceptability of Cucumber Pickles Produced by Fermentation in Calcium Chloride Brine for Reduced Environmental Impact
Authors: Wilson Emily M. , Johanningsmeier Suzanne D. , Osborne Jason A. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractFermentation of cucumbers in calcium chloride (CaCl2) brine has been proposed as an alternative process to reduce the environmental impact of traditional, high salt fermentations. The objective of this research was to determine whether consumer acceptability of pickle products would be impacted by fermentation and storage of cucumbers in CaCl2 brine. Cucumbers were fermented and stored with 0.1M CaCl2 or 1M sodium chloride (NaCl) in open‐air, 3000 gal tanks at a commercial facility and processed into hamburger dill chips containing 0.38M NaCl. Cucumbers fermented in CaCl2 required additional desalting to reduce CaCl2 concentrations to that of current products. Consumers (n = 101) showed no significant preference for pickles from different fermentation treatments, whether stored for 2 mo (P = 0.75) or 8 mo (P = 0.68) prior to processing. In contrast, NaCl fermented pickles were preferred over CaCl2 fermented pickles stored for 10 mo and desalted only once (P < 0.01). A series of preference tests indicated that the taste of CaCl2 was not the factor affecting consumer preference, and the 50% detection threshold of CaCl2 in dill pickle chips was found to be 61.8 ± 7.6 mM, indicating that processors could potentially use CaCl2 fermentations with a single desalting step. Consumer liking of flavor (n = 73) was not influenced by fermentation in CaCl2 or by 23 or 35 mM CaCl2 in finished products (P > 0.05), but variability in texture decreased consumer liking (P < 0.05). Although promising, individual fermentation variability and texture quality of CaCl2 fermented products should be further evaluated prior to broad implementation of this process.
The prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in people with schizophrenia
Authors: Holt R. I. G. 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivePrimary prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular disease is an important priority for people with schizophrenia. This review aims to identify lifestyle and pharmacological interventions that reduce diabetes and cardiovascular disease in people with schizophrenia.MethodPubMed and other electronic databases were searched to identify relevant articles.ResultsLifestyle interventions that focus on diet and physical activity reduce the incidence of diabetes. Similar programmes in people with schizophrenia have led to significant weight loss and may reasonably be expected to reduce diabetes in the long‐term. Metformin may be considered when lifestyle change is not feasible or effective. Lifestyle interventions, particularly smoking cessation, are likely to be effective in reducing cardiovascular disease in people with schizophrenia. Although cardiovascular prevention trials with statins have not been performed in people with schizophrenia, similar reductions in cholesterol has been seen as in the general population and statins should be considered for those at high risk. Traditional cardiovascular risk prediction models perform well in identifying those at high cardiovascular risk, but bespoke prediction models using data from people with schizophrenia perform better.ConclusionReducing diabetes and cardiovascular disease requires a coordinated and concerted effort from mental and physical health teams working across primary and secondary care.
Extracorporeal Life Support Bridge to Ventricular Assist Device: The Double Bridge Strategy
Authors: Marasco Silvana F. , Lo Casey , Murphy Deirdre , Summerhayes Robyn , Quayle Margaret , Zimmet Adam , Bailey Michael 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn patients requiring left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support, it can be difficult to ascertain suitability for long‐term mechanical support with LVAD and eventual transplantation. LVAD implantation in a shocked patient is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Interest is growing in the utilization of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) as a bridge‐to‐bridge support for these critically unwell patients. Here, we reviewed our experience with ECLS double bridging. We hypothesized that ECLS double bridging would stabilize end‐organ dysfunction and reduce ventricular assist device (VAD) implant perioperative mortality. We conducted a retrospective review of prospectively collected data for 58 consecutive patients implanted with a continuous‐flow LVAD between January 2010 and December 2013 at The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Twenty‐three patients required ECLS support pre‐LVAD while 35 patients underwent LVAD implantation without an ECLS bridge. Preoperative morbidity in the ECLS bridge group was reflected by increased postoperative intensive care duration, blood loss, blood product use, and postoperative renal failure, but without negative impact upon survival when compared with the no ECLS group. ECLS stabilization improved end‐organ function pre‐VAD implant with significant improvements in hepatic and renal dysfunction. This series demonstrates that the use of ECLS bridge to VAD stabilizes end‐organ dysfunction and reduces VAD implant perioperative mortality from that traditionally reported in these “crash and burn” patients.
In Vitro Comparative Assessment of Mechanical Blood Damage Induced by Different Hemodialysis Treatments
Authors: Sakota Ranko , Lodi Carlo Alberto , Sconziano Sara Antonia , Beck Werner , Bosch Juan P. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractGradual deterioration of red blood cells (RBCs) due to mechanical stress (chronic hemolysis) is unavoidable during treatments that involve extracorporeal blood circulation, such as hemodialysis (HD). This effect is generally undetectable and does not generate any acute symptoms, but it leads to an increase in plasma free hemoglobin (fHb). There are no absolute safety levels for fHb increase, indicating the need for an empirical evaluation using comparative testing. The increase in fHb levels was investigated in vitro by applying double‐needle double‐pump HD (HD‐DNDP), a new modality in which arterial and venous pumps both run continuously. fHb was measured during typical and worst‐case simulated dialysis treatments (double‐needle single‐pump HD [HD‐DNSP], hemodiafiltration [HDF‐DN], single‐needle double‐pump HD [HD‐SNDP], and HD‐DNDP) performed in vitro using bovine blood for 4 h. Hemolysis‐related indices (fHb%; index of hemolysis, IH; and normalized IH) were calculated and used for comparison. The increase in fHb during either HDF‐DN or HD‐SNDP with Artis and AK200 dialysis machines was similar, while the fHb at the maximum real blood flow rate (Qbreal) at the completion of the HD‐DNDP treatment on Artis was higher than that for HD‐DNSP using a Phoenix dialysis machine (fHb% = 1.24 ± 0.13 and 0.92 ± 0.12 for the Artis machine with HD‐DNDP at Qbreal = 450 mL/min and Phoenix with HD‐DNSP at Qbreal = 500 mL/min, respectively). However, the fHb levels increased linearly, and no steep changes were observed. The increases observed during HD‐DNDP were the same order of magnitude as those for widely used bloodlines and treatment modes for delivering dialysis treatments. The observed results matched literature findings, and thus the measured fHb trends are not predicted to have clinical side effects. HD‐DNDP treatment with Artis does not merit any additional concern regarding mechanical stress to RBCs compared with that observed for routinely used dialysis treatments, bloodlines and machines. Although the in vitro measurement of the fHb increase in bovine blood does not allow a prediction of the absolute level of blood mechanical damage or the possible effects in humans, such measurements are valuable for assessing hemolytic harm by performing tests comparing the proposed treatment with existing devices.
Posture Influence on the Pendulum Test of Spasticity in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: de Azevedo Eliza Regina Ferreira Braga Machado , Maria Renata Manzano , Alonso Karina Cristina , Cliquet Jr Alberto 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe study aims to investigate the influence of different postures on spasticity results by pendulum test in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The setting was at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil. Five individuals with SCI and five individuals in the control group were included. All individuals went through the pendulum test in three different positions: supine, semi‐supine at an angle of 30°, and sitting up at an angle of 60°. An electrogoniometer was attached to the right leg for measurement of knee joint angles. All situations were performed five times. Blood pressure was monitored during tests. Relaxation index (RI), normalized relaxation index (RIn), test duration in seconds, initial flexion angle, and resting angle were analyzed at three different positions. Results were compared between different positions, and statistically no differences were found. In individuals with SCI, RI (1.83 ± 0.2), RIn (1.14 ± 0.13), and test duration values (13.95 ± 4.14), in sitting up position, were similar to the control group results. In sitting up position, patients showed spasticity reduction. However, the other two postures produce pain and increase blood pressure in patients with tetraplegia. Therefore, these postures should be avoided in patients with lesions above T6, due to possible autonomic dysreflexia symptoms.
Health‐related quality of life in children with objectively diagnosed staple food allergy assessed with a disease‐specific questionnaire
Authors: Protudjer JLP , Jansson S‐A , Östblom E , Arnlind M Heibert , Bengtsson U , Dahlén S‐E , Kallström‐Bengtsson I , Marklund B , Middelveld RJM , Rentzos G , Sundqvist AC , Åkerström J , Ahlstedt S 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimAmong Swedish children of 0–12 years old, we investigated various food allergy‐related exposures associated with health‐related quality of life using a food allergy‐specific questionnaire among children allergic to the staple foods cow's milk, hen's egg and/or wheat, and contextualised worse food allergy‐associated health‐related quality of life using a generic questionnaire versus controls.MethodsIn total, 85 children with objectively diagnosed allergy to the staple foods were included as cases, and 94 children matched for age and sex were included as controls. We administered a food allergy‐specific parent‐completed questionnaire originally developed by EuroPrevall to cases only, and a generic health‐related quality of life questionnaire (EuroQol Health Questionnaire, 5 Dimensions; EQ 5‐D); to both cases and controls.ResultsHen's egg was the most common offending staple food, affecting 76% of cases. Approximately 7% of cases were allergic to all three staple foods. Parent‐reported respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms were associated with worse health‐related quality of life. Elements of disease severity [previous anaphylaxis (p < 0.001); epinephrine autoinjector prescription (p < 0.003)] were negatively associated with health‐related quality of life. Cases had worse health‐related quality of life measured by the EQ‐5D compared to controls (p < 0.01).ConclusionThe use of a disease‐specific questionnaire revealed that disease severity in children with objectively diagnosed allergy to the staple foods cow's milk, hen's egg and/or wheat is associated with worse health‐related quality of life. The use of a generic questionnaire confirmed that cases have worse health‐related quality of life than controls.
A population‐based study of the drug interaction between clopidogrel and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors
Authors: Cressman Alex M. , Macdonald Erin M. , Fernandes Kimberly A. , Gomes Tara , Paterson J. Michael , Mamdani Muhammad M. , Juurlink David N. 
Published: May 2015

AimsClopidogrel and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are commonly co‐prescribed drugs. Clopidogrel inhibits carboxylesterase 1 (CES1), the enzyme responsible for converting prodrug ACE inhibitors (such as ramipril and perindopril) to their active metabolites. The clinical implications of this potential drug interaction are unknown. The clinical consequences of the potential drug interaction between clopidogrel and prodrug ACE inhibitors were examined.MethodsWe conducted a nested case–control study of Ontarians aged 66 years and older treated with clopidogrel between September 1 2003 and March 31 2013 following acute myocardial infarction. Cases were subjects who died or were hospitalized for reinfarction or heart failure in the subsequent year, and each was matched with up to four controls. The primary outcome was a composite of reinfarction, heart failure or death. The primary analysis examined whether use of the prodrug ACE inhibitors ramipril or perindopril was more common among cases than use of lisinopril, an active ACE inhibitor.ResultsAmong 45 918 patients treated with clopidogrel following myocardial infarction, we identified 4203 cases and 14 964 controls. After adjustment, we found no association between the composite outcome and use of perindopril (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76, 1.16) or ramipril (aOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.80, 1.18), relative to lisinopril. Secondary analyses of each element of the composite outcome yielded similar findings.ConclusionsFollowing myocardial infarction, use of clopidogrel with ACE inhibitors activated by CES1 is not associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes relative to lisinopril. These findings suggest that the recently described drug interaction between clopidogrel and prodrug ACE inhibitors is of little clinical relevance.
Actions of cAMP on calcium sensitization in human detrusor smooth muscle contraction
Authors: Hayashi Maya , Kajioka Shunichi , Itsumi Momoe , Takahashi Ryosuke , Shahab Nouval , Ishigami Takao , Takeda Masahiro , Masuda Noriyuki , Yamaguchi Akito , Naito Seiji 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesTo clarify the effect of cAMP on the Ca2+‐sensitized smooth muscle contraction in human detrusor, as well as the role of novel exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) in cAMP‐mediated relaxation.Materials and MethodsAll experimental protocols to record isometric tension force were performed using α‐toxin‐permeabilized human detrusor smooth muscle strips. The mechanisms of cAMP‐mediated suppression of Ca2+ sensitization activated by 10 μm carbachol (CCh) and 100 μm GTP were studied using a selective rho kinase (ROK) inhibitor, Y‐27632, and a selective protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, GF‐109203X. The relaxation mechanisms were further probed using a selective protein kinase A (PKA) activator, 6‐Bnz‐cAMP and a selective Epac activator, 8‐pCPT‐2′‐O‐Me‐cAMP.ResultsWe observed that CCh‐induced Ca2+ sensitization was inhibited by cAMP in a concentration‐dependent manner. GF‐109203X (10 μm) but not Y‐27632 (10 μm) significantly enhanced the relaxation effect induced by cAMP (100 μm). 6‐Bnz‐cAMP (100 μm) predominantly decreased the tension force in comparison with 8‐pCPT‐2′‐O‐Me‐cAMP (100 μm).ConclusionsWe showed that cAMP predominantly inhibited the ROK pathway but not the PKC pathway. The PKA‐dependent pathway is dominant, while Epac plays a minor role in human detrusor smooth muscle Ca2+ sensitization.
MiR‐124 Regulates Apoptosis and Autophagy Process in MPTP Model of Parkinson's Disease by Targeting to Bim
Authors: Wang Huiqing , Ye Yongyi , Zhu Zhiyuan , Mo Liqian , Lin Chunnan , Wang Qifu , Wang Haoyuan , Gong Xin , He Xiaozheng , Lu Guohui , Lu Fengfei , Zhang Shizhong 
Published: May 2015

AbstractParkinson's disease (PD) is the most prevalent movement disorder characterized by selective loss of midbrain dopaminergic (DA) neurons. MicroRNA‐124 (miR‐124) is abundantly expressed in the DA neurons and its expression level decreases in the 1‐methyl‐4‐pheny‐1, 2, 3, 6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) model of PD. However, whether the upregulation of miR‐124 could attenuate neurodegeneration remains unknown. Here, we employed miR‐124 agomir and miR‐124 mimics to upregulate miR‐124 expression in MPTP‐treated mice and MPP+‐intoxicated SH‐SY5Y cells, respectively. We found that loss of DA neurons and striatal dopamine in MPTP‐treated mice was significantly reduced by upregulating miR‐124. In addition, we identified a target of miR‐124, Bim that mediated the neuroprotection of miR‐124. Indeed, treatment of miR‐124 agomir in MPTP‐treated mice inhibited Bim expression, thus suppressing Bax translocation to mitochondria. Moreover, impaired autophagy process in MPTP‐treated mice and MPP+‐intoxicated SH‐SY5Y cells characterized as autophagosomes (AP) accumulation and lysosomal depletion were alleviated by the upregulation of miR‐124. Taken together, these results indicate that upregulation of miR‐124 could regulate apoptosis and impaired autophagy process in the MPTP model of PD, thus reducing the loss of DA neurons.
Evaluation of Tone‐Mapping Operators for HDR Video Under Different Ambient Luminance Levels
Authors: Melo M. , Bessa M. , Debattista K. , Chalmers A. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractSince high dynamic range (HDR) displays are not yet widely available, there is still a need to perform a dynamic range reduction of HDR content to reproduce it properly on standard dynamic range (SDR) displays. The most common techniques for performing this reduction are termed tone‐mapping operators (TMOs). Although mobile devices are becoming widespread, methods for displaying HDR content on these SDR screens are still very much in their infancy. While several studies have been conducted to evaluate TMOs, few have been done with a goal of testing small screen displays (SSDs), common on mobile devices. This paper presents an evaluation of six state‐of‐the‐art HDR video TMOs. The experiments considered three different levels of ambient luminance under which 180 participants were asked to rank the TMOs for seven tone‐mapped HDR video sequences. A comparison was conducted between tone‐mapped HDR video footage shown on an SSD and on a large screen SDR display using an HDR display as reference. The results show that there are differences between the performance of the TMOs under different ambient lighting levels and the TMOs that perform well on traditional large screen displays also perform well on SSDs at the same given luminance level.
Psora‐4, a Kv1.3 Blocker, Enhances Differentiation and Maturation in Neural Progenitor Cells
Authors: Zhou Yu‐Ye , Hou Guo‐Qiang , He Song‐Wei , Xiao Zhuo , Xu Hui‐Juan , Qiu Ya‐Tao , Jiang Sheng , Zheng Hui , Li Zhi‐Yuan 
Published: May 2015

SummaryAimThe self‐repair ability of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) has been found to be activated and protected in several therapies helpful in multiple sclerosis (MS), an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS. As a potential therapeutic target in MS, the role of the ion channel Kv1.3 in NPC self‐repair has received limited attention. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of a selective Kv1.3 blocker on NPC neuronal differentiation and maturation.MethodsA small‐molecule selective blocker for Kv1.3, Psora‐4, was added to the differentiation medium of cultured mouse NPCs to assess its effect on NPC differentiation efficiency. Both a polypeptide Kv1.3 blocker and Kv1.3‐specific RNA interference were used in parallel experiments. Further, the maturity of newborn neurons in the presence of Psora‐4 was measured both by morphological analysis and by whole‐cell patch clamping.ResultsPsora‐4 induced a significant increase in the percentage of neurons. Knockdown of Kv1.3 in NPCs also promoted neuronal differentiation. Both morphological and electrophysiological analyses suggested that NPC‐derived neurons in the presence of Psora‐4 were more mature.ConclusionOur studies reveal a crucial role for the ion channel Kv1.3 in the regulation of NPC differentiation and maturation, making Psora‐4 a promising candidate molecule for MS treatment.
The influence of CTLA‐4 single nucleotide polymorphisms on acute kidney allograft rejection in Turkish patients
Authors: Ruhi Çağlar , Sallakçi Nilgün , Yeğin Olcay , Süleymanlar Gültekin , Ersoy F. Fevzi 
Published: May 2015

AbstractCytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) is a cell surface protein, which down‐regulates the immune response at CTLA‐4/CD28/B7 pathway. We aimed to investigate the influence of the −318C/T, +49A/G, −1661A/G and CT60A/G, and CTLA‐4 gene polymorphisms on acute rejection of kidney allograft in Turkish patients. The study design was a case–control study that consists of three groups: Group 1 (n = 34) represented the kidney transplant (Ktx) recipients who experienced acute rejection, Group 2 (n = 47) was randomly assigned Ktx recipients without acute rejection, and Group 3 (n = 50) consisting of healthy volunteers to evaluate the normal genomic distribution. The polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism technique was used to determine the polymorphisms. Genotype and allele frequencies among three groups denoted similar distributions for +49A/G, −1661A/G, and CT60A/G. Conversely, −318C/T genotype was three times more frequent in the acute rejection group than in the non‐rejection group (OR = 3.45; 95%CI = 1.18–10.1, p = 0.015) and two times more frequent than the healthy control group (OR = 2.45; 95% CI = 0.98 – 6.11, p = 0.047). Additionally, having a T allele at −318 position was significantly associated with acute rejection (0.147 vs. 0.043, OR = 3.45; 95% CI = 1.13–10.56, p = 0.02). 318C/T gene polymorphism and T allelic variant were found to be associated with increased acute rejection risk in Turkish kidney allograft recipients.
Uterine Transplantation: Ethical Considerations within Middle Eastern Perspectives
Authors: Altawil Zaid , Arawi Thalia 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe field of reproductive medicine witnessed a breakthrough in September 2014 with the first successful live birth post uterine transplantation. This success represents the culmination of decades' worth of research on infertility and reproductive medicine. This subject of infertility gathers special attention in the Middle East, as childbearing is given paramount importance in the family unit. And as with any new medical advancement, Middle Eastern people look to their religious authorities for guidance. This paper describes the various ethical quandaries related to uterine transplantation, from a perspective of the religious and societal factors that are unique to the Middle East, and embeds them within the conversation of its alternative solutions.
Biomechanical analysis of poly‐L‐lactic acid and titanium plates fixated for mandibular symphyseal fracture with a conservatively treated unilateral condylar fracture using the three‐dimensional finite element method
Authors: Murakami Kazuhiro , Yamamoto Kazuhiko , Sugiura Tsutomu , Kawakami Masayoshi , Horita Satoshi , Kirita Tadaaki 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate stress on poly‐L‐lactic acid (PLLA) plates with a thickness of 1.4 mm and titanium plates with a thickness of 1.0 and 1.4 mm placed for mandibular symphyseal fractures with or without conservatively treated, unilateral condylar fractures using finite element analysis. The symphyseal fracture region was defined by the following three conditions: the defect, the callus, and the contact condition. Stress on the plates was analyzed by an applying occlusal force of 478.1 N on the first molar of the non‐condylar fracture side. In the model of isolated symphyseal fracture, the maximal stresses were below the material strength in all plate types and conditions. In the models with condylar fracture, the maximal stresses on these plates were much higher than those in the models of isolated symphyseal fracture, especially for the defect condition. Although the maximal stresses on all types of plates in the contact condition were below the material strengths, some of those in the defect condition were higher than these strengths. These results suggest that a PLLA plate can theoretically withstand stress under good reductions of symphyseal fractures, even for condylar fractures; however, both the PLLA plate and titanium miniplate may be at risk of fracture under poor reduction.