bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PASS-predicted Vitex negundo activity: antioxidant and antiproliferative properties on human hepatoma cells-an in vitro study
Authors: Kadir Farkaad A , Kassim Normadiah M , Abdulla Mahmood A , Yehye Wageeh A 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma is a common type of tumour worldwide with a high mortality rate and with low response to current cytotoxic and chemotherapeutic drugs. The prediction of activity spectra for the substances (PASS) software, which predicted that more than 300 pharmacological effects, biological and biochemical mechanisms based on the structural formula of the substance was efficiently used in this study to reveal new multitalented actions forVitex negundo(VN) constituents.MethodsExperimental studies based on antioxidant and antiproliferative assays verified the predictions obtained by the PASS-predicted design strategy. Antioxidant activity of VN extract was studied using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric reducing or antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The antiproliferative activity of VN extract against WRL68 and HepG2 was investigated based on methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) spectrophotometric assay.ResultsVN extract showed 79.43% inhibition of DPPH stable radical with IC5013.31 ± 0.18 μg/ml. This inhibition was too closed to butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT) 82.53% (IC5013.8 ± 0.14) and gallic acid 89.51% (IC503.1 ± 0.08). VN extract exhibited the strongest free radical scavenging power compared with two commercial antioxidants, BHT and ascorbic acid. VN increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes in normal embryonic liver cells (WRL68) including, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) compared with to H2O2group. The ethanolic extract of VN showed cytotoxicity to HepG2 cells in a dose and time-dependent manner with IC5066.46 μg/ml, 57.36 μg/ml and 65.12 μg/ml at 24, 48, and 72-hours incubation respectively, with no sensitivity in WRL68 cells. This was associated with significant elevation in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release in HepG2 cells. In addition, the activation of caspase-3 enzyme suggesting that the observed cytotoxicity was mediated via an intrinsic apoptosis pathway.ConclusionsPASS-predicted plant activity could efficiently help in selecting a promising pharmaceutical leads with high accuracy and required antioxidant and antiproliferative properties. This is the first report on PASS-predicted VN activity.
Factors associated with consulting a dietitian for diabetes management: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alameddine Mohamad , Nasreddine Lara , Hwalla Nahla , Mourad Yara , Shoaib Hikma , Mousa Dana , Naja Farah 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) has reached epidemic levels in the Middle East region. Despite evidence that it improves health outcomes and saves health costs, dietary counseling for T2D remains grossly under-investigated in this region. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and determinants of use of dietary counseling services by T2D patients in Lebanon and recommend corrective measures that may guide the planning, organization and delivery of care for chronic diseases in general and diabetes care in particular.

Methods
A non-experimental cross-sectional design was utilized to survey outpatients with T2D in two major health centers in Lebanon. Patients diagnosed with T2D were invited to complete a questionnaire consisting of five sections: socio-demographic characteristics, disease attributes, patients’ perceptions regarding T2D management, practice of lifestyle modifications, and referral by a physician to a dietitian. The outcome of interest was the use of dietary counseling services by T2D patients at least once since their diagnosis. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the frequency and determinants of dietary counseling services utilization.

Results
A total of 332 T2D patients completed the questionnaire (response rate 94.6%). Although 75% of study participants believed that dietitians can assist them in changing their dietary habits, only 38% had consulted with a dietitian. Among study participants, only 34% were referred to a dietitian by their physician. The main determinants of the use of dietary counseling services were referral by a physician (OR: 112.25; 95% CI = 42.74-294.84), the presence of outpatient social or private health insurance (OR: 5.86; 95% CI = 2.40-14.25) and the belief that a dietitian can assist in changing dietary habits (OR: 3.74; 95% CI = 1.33-10.54).

Conclusions
The findings of this study show suboptimal use of dietary counseling services by T2D patients in Lebanon. Key determinants were physicians’ referral, financial support for outpatient care, and patients’ belief in the usefulness of dietary counseling. Suggested interventions entail enhancing the planning and organization of care through inter-professional collaboration between physicians and dietitians; promoting public financing for high quality outpatient care that includes dietary counseling; and promoting the value of dietary counseling and improving the public image of dietitians.
Nurses’ self-efficacy and practices relating to weight management of adult patients: a path analysis
Authors: Zhu Da Q , Norman Ian J , While Alison E 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundHealth professionals play a key role in the prevention and treatment of excess weight and obesity, but many have expressed a lack of confidence in their ability to manage obese patients with their delivery of weight-management care remaining limited. The specific mechanism underlying inadequate practices in professional weight management remains unclear. The primary purpose of this study was to examine a self-efficacy theory-based model in understanding Registered Nurses’ (RNs) professional performance relating to weight management.MethodsA self-report questionnaire was developed based upon the hypothesized model and administered to a convenience sample of 588 RNs. Data were collected regarding socio-demographic variables, psychosocial variables (attitudes towards obese people, professional role identity, teamwork beliefs, perceived skills, perceived barriers and self-efficacy) and professional weight management practices. Structural equation modeling was conducted to identify correlations between the above variables and to test the goodness of fit of the proposed model.ResultsThe survey response rate was 71.4% (n = 420). The respondents reported a moderate level of weight management practices. Self-efficacy directly and positively predicted the weight management practices of the RNs (β = 0.36,p < 0.01), and fully or partially mediated the relationships between perceived skills, perceived barriers, professional role identity and teamwork beliefs and weight management practices. The final model constructed in this study demonstrated a good fit to the data [χ2(14) =13.90,p = 0.46; GFI = 0.99; AGFI = 0.98; NNFI = 1.00; CFI = 1.00; RMSEA = 0.00; AIC = 57.90], accounting for 38.4% and 43.2% of the variance in weight management practices and self-efficacy, respectively.ConclusionsSelf-efficacy theory appears to be useful in understanding the weight management practices of RNs. Interventions targeting the enhancement of self-efficacy may be effective in promoting RNs’ professional performance in managing overweight and obese patients.
Estimating the number of competing terminals without a state variation detector in wireless LAN
Authors: Lim Jaechan , Kim Taejin , Hong Daehyoung 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Estimating the number of competing terminals n (who wish to transmit a packet at the same time) in the IEEE 802.11 system is important for system throughput performance because optimal back-off window size needs to be selected based on n. Therefore, as a new approach for estimating n, we propose H infinity filter that does not need a state variation detector as opposed to the cases of previously proposed approaches. The state variation detector’s flaw is incurring tracking latency in addition to the side effect of increased computational cost. All previously proposed approaches demand the employment of the state variation detector to detect the variation of n in the IEEE 802.11 system. By employing H infinity filter, we show improved throughput performance of the system compared to that of previously proposed approaches (e.g., the Kalman filter and particle filter) based on the improved performance in tracking n. In this paper, we justify the superiority of the proposed approach in the terms of tracking performance, throughput performance, and computational complexity.
Acquired drug resistance conferred by a KRAS gene mutation following the administration of cetuximab: a case report
Authors: Osumi Hiroki , Matsusaka Satoshi , Shinozaki Eiji , Suenaga Mitsukuni , Mingyon Mun , Saiura Akio , Ueno Masashi , Mizunuma Nobuyuki , Yamaguchi Toshiharu 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Although a number of studies have reported acquired drug resistance due to administration of epidermal growth factor receptor antibody inhibitors, the underlying causes of this phenomenon remain unclear.

Case presentation
Here we report a case of a 75-year-old man with liver metastasis at 3 years after a successful transverse colectomy to treat KRAS wild-type colorectal cancer. While initial administration of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors proved effective, continued use of the same treatment resulted in new peritoneal seeding. An acquired KRAS mutation was found in a resected tissue specimen from one such area. This mutation, possibly caused by administration of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors, appears to have conferred drug resistance.

Conclusion
The present findings suggest that administration of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors results in an acquired KRAS mutation that confers drug resistance.
Foods with added fiber improve stool frequency in individuals with chronic kidney disease with no impact on appetite or overall quality of life
Authors: Salmean Younis A , Zello Gordon A , Dahl Wendy J 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Fiber intake may be low in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to diet restriction and/or poor appetite associated with uremic symptoms, contributing to constipation and reduced quality of life. This report describes the effects of foods with added fiber on gastrointestinal function and symptoms, clinical markers, and quality of life in CKD patients.

Findings
Adults with CKD (n = 15; 9 F, 6 M; 66 ± 15 y) were provided with cereal, cookies and snack bars without added fiber for 2 weeks, followed by similar foods providing 23 g/d of added fiber for 4 weeks, to incorporate into their usual diets. Participants completed the Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL-36) questionnaire, the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) bi-weekly, the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) weekly, and daily stool frequency and compliance. Control and intervention serum cholesterol and glucose were assessed. Providing 23 g/d of added fiber increased stool frequency (1.3 ± 0.2 to 1.6 ± 0.2 stools/d; P = 0.02), decreased total cholesterol (175 ± 12 to 167 ± 11 mg/dL; P = 0.02) and improved TC:HDL ratio (4.0 ± 0.3 to 3.7 ± 0.2; P = 0.02). GSRS and SNAQ scores did not change, but SNAQ scores suggested poor appetite in 7 participants with or without added fiber. KDQOL Mental Health Composite decreased from 53 ± 2 to 48 ± 2 (P = 0.01) while Physical Health Composite increased from 31 ± 2 to 35 ± 3 (P = 0.02), with no change in overall QOL. The ESS score decreased from 10 ± 1 to 8 ± 1 (P = 0.04).

Conclusion
Consuming foods with added fiber may be an effective means of increasing fiber intakes, improving stool frequency, and lipid profile in individuals with CKD.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, # NCT01842087
Replenishment of the B cell compartment after doxorubicin-induced hematopoietic toxicity is facilitated by STAT1
Authors: Datta Sebak , Parajuli Nirmala , Tymoszuk Piotr , Ottina Eleonora , Parson Walther , Sgonc Roswitha , Villunger Andreas , Doppler Wolfgang 
Published: December 2013

AbstractSTAT1 serves as an important regulator in the response to pathogens, oncogenic transformation, and genotoxic insults. It exerts these effects by shaping the innate and adaptive immune response and by participating in genotoxic stress pathways, leading to apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation. We have investigated the role of STAT1 in hematopoietic toxicity induced by doxorubicin in STAT1-proficient and -deficient mice. Whereas the early genotoxic effect of doxorubicin did not depend on STAT1, expression of STAT1 was required for efficient B lymphocyte repopulation in the recovery phase. We found a lower abundance of lymphocyte precursors in the BM of STAT1-deficient animals, which was particularly evident after doxorubicin-induced hematopoietic toxicity. In accordance, colony-forming assays with STAT1-deficient BM cells revealed a decreased number of pre-B colonies. Differentiation from the pro-B to the pre-B stage was not affected, as demonstrated by unaltered differentiation of purified B cell precursors from BM in the presence of IL-7. With the exception of Sca-1, expression of genes implicated in early lymphocyte development in pro-B cells did not depend on STAT1. Our findings indicate a specific requirement for STAT1 in lymphoid development before differentiation to pre-B cells, which becomes particularly apparent in the recovery phase from doxorubicin-induced hematopoietic toxicity.
Regulation of the mucosal phenotype in dendritic cells by PPARγ: role of tissue microenvironment
Authors: Tuna Halide , Avdiushko Rita G , Sindhava Vishal J , Wedlund Leia , Kaetzel Charlotte S , Kaplan Alan M , Bondada Subbarao , Cohen Donald A 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTMucosal DCs play a critical role in tissue homeostasis. Several stimuli can induce a mucosal phenotype; however, molecular pathways that regulate development of mucosal DC function are relatively unknown. This study sought to determine whether PPARγ contributes to the development of the “mucosal” phenotype in mouse DCs. Experiments demonstrated that PPARγ activation in BMDCs induced an immunosuppressive phenotype in which BMDCs had reduced expression of MHC class II and costimulatory molecules, increased IL-10 secretion, and reduced the ability to induce CD4 T cell proliferation. Activation of PPARγ enhanced the ability of BMDC to polarize CD4 T cells toward iTregs and to induce T cell expression of the mucosal homing receptor, CCR9. Activation of PPARγ increased the ability of BMDCs to induce T cell-independent IgA production in B cells. BMDCs from PPARγΔDC mice displayed enhanced expression of costimulatory molecules, enhanced proinflammatory cytokine production, and decreased IL-10 synthesis. Contrary to the inflammatory BMDC phenotype in vitro, PPARγΔDC mice showed no change in the frequency or phenotype of mDC in the colon. In contrast, mDCs in the lungs were increased significantly in PPARγΔDC mice. A modest increase in colitis severity was observed in DSS-treated PPARγΔDC mice compared with control. These results indicate that PPARγ activation induces a mucosal phenotype in mDCs and that loss of PPARγ promotes an inflammatory phenotype. However, the intestinal microenvironment in vivo can maintain the mucosal DC phenotype of via PPARγ-independent mechanisms.
Intramolecular Electron Transfer of [Ni–Fe]-Hydrogenase Monitored by Spectroelectrochemistry with a Porphyrin Indicator
Authors: Nishizawa Shaw , Asakura Noriyuki 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
A method based on spectroelectrochemistry to monitor intramolecular electron transfer in [Ni–Fe]-hydrogenase was developed. The electron transfer generated a color change in manganese–tetra(4-pyridyl)porphyrin (MnTPyP), and time-resolved measurement of the spectral change allowed determination of the intramolecular electron transfer rate. A MnTPyP–hydrogenase–electrode was prepared as a model system to monitor an intramolecular electron transfer, and spectroelectrochemical measurement was carried out. An intramolecular electron transfer of [Ni–Fe]-hydrogenase, which is a rate between distal [4Fe–4S] and [Ni–Fe], was measured by the developed system.
A review of the nomenclature of Gigantopteris
Authors: Doweld Alexander B. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe nomenclature of the Upper Palaeozoic fossil genus Gigantopteris is reviewed. The authorship of Gigantopteris is determined to be H.T. Geyler, who published the name as a replacement name for the illegitimate later homonym, Megalopteris A. Schenk.
Quality Markers Addressing Preanalytical Variations of Blood and Plasma Processing Identified by Broad and Targeted Metabolite Profiling
Authors: Kamlage Beate , Maldonado Sandra González , Bethan Bianca , Peter Erik , Schmitz Oliver , Liebenberg Volker , Schatz Philipp 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDMetabolomics is a valuable tool with applications in almost all life science areas. There is an increasing awareness of the essential need for high-quality biospecimens in studies applying omics technologies and biomarker research. Tools to detect effects of both blood and plasma processing are a key for assuring reproducible and credible results. We report on the response of the human plasma metabolome to common preanalytical variations in a comprehensive metabolomics analysis to reveal such high-quality markers.METHODSHuman EDTA blood was subjected to preanalytical variations while being processed to plasma: microclotting, prolonged processing times at different temperatures, hemolysis, and contamination with buffy layer. In a second experiment, EDTA plasma was incubated at different temperatures for up to 16 h. Samples were subjected to GC-MS and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry–based metabolite profiling (MxP™ Broad Profiling) complemented by targeted methods, i.e., sphingoids (as part of MxP™ Lipids), MxP™ Catecholamines, and MxP™ Eicosanoids.RESULTSShort-term storage of blood, hemolysis, and short-term storage of noncooled plasma resulted in statistically significant increases of 4% to 19% and decreases of 8% to 12% of the metabolites. Microclotting, contamination of plasma with buffy layer, and short-term storage of cooled plasma were of less impact on the metabolome (0% to 11% of metabolites increased, 0% to 8% decreased).CONCLUSIONSThe response of the human plasma metabolome to preanalytical variation demands implementation of thorough quality assurance and QC measures to obtain reproducible and credible results from metabolomics studies. Metabolites identified as sensitive to preanalytics can be used to control for sample quality.
Beyond the ‘Shingle Factory’: The Armory Show in the Popular Press after 1913
Authors: Renn Melissa 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
While much has been written on the media coverage of the Armory Show in its opening year, to date there has been no comprehensive study of how the exhibition was discussed in the popular press in the following decades. Drawing on new archival research, this article explores how the exhibition was portrayed in the American media after 1913. Looking closely at the many articles on the Armory Show published in periodicals such as Life, Time and Vogue from the 1930s through to the 1970s, this historiographical study compares the varied ways the exhibition was represented in the popular press, demonstrating the key role the media played in mythologizing and canonizing the Armory Show, along with shaping its legacy as a controversial, watershed event in the history of modern art.
Regularization of autoconvolution and other ill-posed quadratic equations by decomposition
Authors: Flemming Jens 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Standard methods for regularizing ill-posed nonlinear equations rely on derivatives of
the nonlinear forward mapping. Thereby stronger structural properties of the concrete problem are neglected
and the derived algorithms only show mediocre efficiency.
We concentrate on nonlinear mappings with quadratic structure and develop a derivative-free regularization method that
allows us to apply classical techniques known from linear inverse problems to quadratic equations.
In fact, regularization of a quadratic problem can be reduced to regularization of one linear problem and
a downstream inversion of a well-posed quadratic mapping.
The motivation for considering problems with quadratic structure in more detail comes from applications in
laser optics where kernel-based autoconvolution-type equations have to be solved.
Changes in chemical composition of decayed Scots pine and beech wood
Authors: Tomak Eylem Dizman 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
In this study, changes in chemical composition of aged and unaged Scots pine and beech wood decayed by brown-rot fungi Coniophora puteana and Poria placenta were presented by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra. Samples were exposed to six complete cycles of accelerated aging for 12 days and then subjected to brown-rot fungi attack for 8 weeks. Weight loss of samples was found to be 25–46% depending on wood and fungi species and being aged ones. Accelerated aging treatments seemed to have a slight role on chemical composition of Scots pine and beech samples while they increased biodegradation of samples. FT-IR spectra showed degradation of wood carbohydrates revealed by reduction of the peaks responsible for hemicellulose and cellulose at 1730, 1370, 1150, and 897 cm-1 in pine and 1730, 1370, 1027, and 897 cm-1 in beech. Stronger lignin peaks at 1650, 1593, 1506, 1455, 1422, 1261, and 1230 cm-1 in pine and 1650, 1506, 1455, and 1422 cm-1 in beech were obtained after decay test. FT-IR spectra of samples were consistent with the degradation mechanism of brown-rot fungi. In general, changes in the carbohydrate and lignin peaks were greater in samples exposed to accelerated aging treatments for both wood species.
Influence of cutting parameters during drilling of filled glass fabric-reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Mudegowdar Murugesh 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn the present work, an attempt has been made to investigate the drilling behavior of the titanium dioxide (TiO2)- and zinc sulfide (ZnS)-filled glass fabric-reinforced polymer (GFRP) matrix composites. The volume fractions in the matrix were chosen as 1%, 2%, and 3%. Drilling has been conducted on CNC Vertical Machining Center. Speed and feed of drilling and drill tool geometry were considered as the varying parameters with three levels. Thrust force, delamination factor, and surface roughness have been considered as the output parameters and measured in each combination of parameters chosen. Results reveal that the addition of filler will increase the thrust force developed during drilling and indicate that drill point angle has a direct effect on the thrust value. Delamination factor increases with increase in feed and decreases as speed increases. Also, it can be observed that surface roughness decreases with increase in speed and increases with increase in feed. ZnS-filled composite shows less damage than TiO2.