bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changing Practice in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Authors: Hay James M. , Barnette William , Shaw Sandra Egeto
Published: June 2016

Failure in communication during the process of delivering healthcare can have dangerous repercussions. Specifically, failure in interdisciplinary team communication contributes to lapses in patient care. Distractions in procedural areas disrupt team communication. Application of a structured communication algorithm creates agreed-upon cues that promote team communication and facilitate clinical decision making. Frequent disruptions before, during, and after gastro-intestinal endoscopy procedures place veterans at risk for an error. A hierarchical culture promotes intimidation and reduces the likelihood that staff will speak up for patient safety. An endoscopy procedure area implemented a “sterile cockpit” methodology to reduce the number of distractions during procedures. Data collected from a self-reported safety awareness were measured by two different questionnaires and collected through observation of actual practice. Improved awareness of distraction and the impact on patient safety was reported, with a reduction from 24 observed interruptions to zero in 9 months. After reducing distractions in the procedural area, there is a perception of improved nursing quality of care. Additional support is required to consistently remove electronic distractions during a procedure.
Laparoscopic Liver Resection can be an Effective Way in Obese Patients: A Single Center of 2-Year Experience
Authors: Yu Hai-bo , Dong Ya-dong , Wang Lian-cai , Tian Guang-jin , Mu Sen-mao , Cao Yuan , Peng Ya-nan , Lou Chong-yang , Liu Peng , Li De-yu
Published: June 2016

Objective:

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic liver resection in obese patients, we compared the operative outcomes between obese and nonobese patients, also between laparoscopic liver resection and open liver resection of obese and nonobese patients.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 86 patients suffering from liver resection in our department from January 2013 to December 2014 were divided into 3 groups: the obese patients group for laparoscopic liver resection, the nonobese patients group for laparoscopic liver resection and the obese patients group for open liver resection. Characteristics and clinic data of 3 groups were studied.

Results:

Characteristics of patients and clinic data were equivalent between the 3 groups. The groups were well matched in age, sex distribution, and liver function (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in the operative time, estimated blood loss, time to oral intake, and postoperative hospital stay in the 3 groups. Tumor diameter of laparoscopic liver resection groups in obese patients was smaller than open liver resections groups in obese patients (P<0.05), but there were no obvious difference of tumor diameter in the laparoscopic liver resection groups of the obese patients and the nonobese patients.

Conclusions:

Obesity should not be seen as a contraindication for laparoscopic liver resection, which is a safe and feasible procedure for obese patients.
Case-matched Comparison of Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Proctectomy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Rencuzogullari Ahmet , Gorgun Emre , Costedio Meagan , Aytac Erman , Kessler Hermann , Abbas Maher A. , Remzi Feza H.
Published: June 2016

The present study reports an early institutional experience with robotic proctectomy (RP) and outcome comparison with laparoscopic proctectomy (LP) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Patients who underwent either RP or LP during proctocolectomy for IBD between January 2010 and June 2014 were matched (1:1) and reviewed. Twenty-one patients undergoing RP fulfilled the study criteria and were matched with an equal number of patients who had LP. Operative time was longer (304 vs. 213 min, P=0.008) and estimated blood loss was higher in the RP group (360 vs. 188 mL, P=0.002). Conversion rates (9.5% vs. 14.3%, P>0.99), time to first bowel movement(2.29±1.53 vs. 2.79±2.26, P=0.620), and hospital length stay(7.85±6.41 vs. 9.19±7.47 d, P=0.390) were similar in both groups. No difference was noted in postoperative complications, ileal pouch to anal canal anastomosis-related outcomes, Cleveland Global Quality of Life, and Short Form-12 health survey outcomes between RP and LP. Our good results with standard laparoscopy are unlikely to be improved with robotics in proctectomy cases. Potential benefits of robotic approach for completion proctectomy warrant further investigation as experience grows with robotics.
Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery: Current and Future Perspectives
Authors: Gilshtein Hayim , Duek Simon-Daniel , Khoury Wisam
Published: June 2016

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is part of the colorectal surgeons’ armamentarium for over 2 decades. Since its first implementation for the resection of benign and T1 malignant lesions in the rectum several new indications were developed and it carries additional promise for further extension in upcoming years. Herein we review the technique, its current indications, novel implications, and future perspectives.
Diaphragmatic Hernia After Living Donor Right Hepatectomy: Proposal for a Screening Protocol
Authors: Livingstone Scott M. , Andres Axel , Shapiro A.M. James , Kneteman Norman N. , Bigam David L.
Published: June 2016

Background

Living donor hepatectomy (LDH) is increasingly being used to improve access to liver transplantation for those with end-stage liver disease. Although recipient outcomes are equivalent, donor complication rates range from 10% to 41%. A rare, but potentially serious complication is occurrence of a diaphragmatic hernia (DH), of which 9 cases have been reported so far in the literature. The purpose of this work was to review the clinical impact of DH post-LDH, including risk factors (RF) in hope of mitigating impact.

Methods

A literature review was performed identifying all previous reports of post-operative DH in living liver donors. Demographic and outcome data were gathered to help identify RF. We also report 2 cases from our own institution.

Results

Reported incidences range from 0.6% to 2.3%, of which the majority are delayed (≥19 months). Obstruction or intestinal strangulation was present in 45%, 60% of whom required an intestinal resection. The most common RF was right lobe donation.

Conclusions

Postoperative DH is a rare but serious complication of LDH. The major RFs are right lobe donation and potentially conditions resulting in increased intraabdominal pressure. Diaphragmatic hernia frequently lead to intestinal obstruction and strangulation and should be repaired when identified. The implementation of a screening protocol for early identification could lead to repair before the development of complications. We propose the addition of screening chest x-ray to follow-up protocols to aid in the identification and subsequent repair of postoperative DH. Such a practice could hopefully reduce the clinical impact of this complication.
A lifetime in photochemistry; some ultrafast measurements on singlet states
Authors: Phillips David
Published: June 2016

We describe here the development of time-correlated single-photon counting techniques from the early use of spark discharge lamps as light sources through to the use of femtosecond mode-locked lasers through the personal work of the author. We used laser-excited fluorescence in studies on energy migration and rotational relaxation in synthetic polymer solutions, in biological probe molecules and in supersonic jet expansions. Time-correlated single-photon counting was the first method used in early fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), and we outline the development of this powerful technique, with a comparison of techniques including wide-field microscopy. We employed these modern forms of FLIM to study single biological cells, and applied FLIM also to gain an understanding the distribution in tissue, and fates of photosensitizer molecules used in photodynamic therapy. We also describe the uses and instrumental design of laser systems for the study of ultrafast time-resolved vibrational spectroscopy.
Comparison of the antioxidant and physiological activities of grape seed extracts prepared with different drying methods
Authors: Jeong Da-Som , Youn Kwang-Sup
Published: June 2016

The physiological activities of 70% ethanol extracts of grape seed (GS) prepared by freeze-drying (GSFD), infrared drying (GSIR), hot-air drying (GSHD), or sun-drying (GSSD) were investigated. The moisture contents of GSFD, GSIR, GSHD and GSSD powders were 4.53, 6.71, 6.91 and 5.55% respectively. Hunter’s color value analysis revealed that the L* value of GSIR was lower, and the a* and b* values of GSIR were higher, than those of GSFD, GSHD, and GSSD. The total polyphenol and proanthocyanidin contents of GSFD were significantly higher than those of the other extracts. The flavonoid related substance contents were in the order of GSFD (7.68 g/100g) = GSSD (7.59 g/100g) = GSHD (7.33 g/100g) > GSIR (6.45 g/100g). The electron donating abilities of 500 μg/mL solutions of GSFD, GSIR, GSHD and GSSD were 88.71, 52.62, 65.20, and 65.22%, respectively, while their reducing powers (OD700) were 1.633, 1.097, 1.217 and 1.054 absorbance units, respectively. Additionally, the same trend was observed for the ABTS radical-scavenging abilities of the extracts as that observed for their electron-donating abilities and reducing powers. These results suggest that GSFD is the best method for preparing GS extracts with enhanced antioxidant activities, and that GS extracts may be used as a natural antioxidant material for use in health foods.
Effect of commercial Makgeolli on tumor growth in tumor xenograft mice
Authors: Shin Eun-Ju , Kim JaeHo , Seong Ki-Seung , Yum Sung-Kwan , Hwang Jin-Taek
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of commercial Makgeolli on tumor growth in human gastric adenocarcinoma cells (AGS) in a xenograft cancer model, transplanted with AGS cells. Commercial Makgeolli was first dealcoholized by evaporation and used as the test sample. We detected a significant increase in the volume and weight of tumor in nude mice (induction) that were transplanted with AGS cells. Administration of 100 mg/kg·day group (ML), and 500 mg/kg·day group (MH) dealcoholized commercial Makgeolli significantly decreased tumor growth. In this study, 5-FU 18 mg/kg·day was used as a positive control for tumor growth inhibition. Additionally, determination of the body weight of both the groups revealed no side effects after the administration of dealcoholized commercial Makgeolli. Using the cell culture system, we also evaluated the effect of dealcoholized commercial Makgeolli on caspase-3/7 activity in the AGS cells. Treatment with dealcoholized commercial Makgeolli increased the activation of caspase-3/7 and the apoptotic markers in AGS cells in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, dealcoholized commercial Makgeolli can be used for cancer prevention.
Functional food activities of extracts from Pinus densiflora root
Authors: Lee Eun-Ho , Kim Na-Hyun , Park Mi-Jung , Hong Eun-Jin , Park Ki-Tae , An Bong-Jeun , Ahn Dong-Hyun , Cho Young-Je
Published: June 2016

In this study, the antioxidative activity and functional food activities of water and ethanol extracts from Pinus densiflora root were examined. It was more effective to use ethanol than water when extracting phenolic compounds. The extracted phenolic compounds from Pinus densiflora root for biological activities were examined. The phenolic compounds extracted with water and 80% EtOH were 1.86±0.04 mg/g and 6.85±0.16 mg/g, respectively. DPPH free radical scavenging activity of water and EtOH were each 86% and 85% at 100 μg/mL phenolics, respectively. ABTS radical decolorization activity was 48% in water and 68% in EtOH at 200 μg/mL. Antioxidant Protection Factor (PF) were 1.74 PF in water and 1.96 PF in EtOH at 50 μg/mL. TBARs of water and EtOH were 93% and 98%, respectively at 100 μg/mL. The inhibition activity on xanthine oxidase was 83.7% in water extracts and 79.6% in ethanol extracts. Inhibition on xanthine oxidase of water and ethanol extracts showed a higher inhibition effect than allopurinol. The inhibition activity on α-glucosidase was 14.8% in water extracts and 91.6% in ethanol extracts. The result suggests that P. densiflora root extracts may be useful as as functional food material.
Effect of controlled atmosphere conditions on the quality and internal disorder of early season‘Fuji’apples during storage
Authors: Chun Ho Hyun , Park Seok Ho , Choi Dong Soo , Choi Seung Ryul , Kim Jin Se , Lee Jin Su
Published: June 2016

This study was conducted to investigate the change in the quality of early season Fuji apples that were subjected to eight different storage conditions using the developed controlled atmosphere (CA) storage system. Early season Fuji apples grown at Mungyeong, in the South Korea, were harvested in September 2014 for storage studies. Flesh firmness, titratable acidity, total soluble solid content, weight loss, and internal browning disorder were used as quality indicators for the stored apples. Flesh firmness and weight loss were better than that of the control after 70 days of storage. However, there was no significant difference in the titratable acidity or total soluble solid content among the apple samples from eight chambers after storage. The internal browning disorder of apple samples in CA chambers occurred when exposed to 1% CO2+2% O2 and 1% CO2+0.5% O2, resulting in a higher incidence rate of 2 and 8% after 70 days of storage than that in the control. In addition, the CA storage conditions at 3, 4 and 5% CO2+2% O2 increased the rate of internal browning disorder by 26%. Therefore, CA storage can be used to maintain the quality of the apple if the optimal gas concentrations in the CA are applied to the storage strategy.
Hyaluronidase inhibitory activity of extracted phenolic compounds from ultrafine grind Saururus chinensis
Authors: Park Ki-Tae , Oh Sang-Lyong , Cho Young-Je
Published: June 2016

In this study, the anti-inflammatory effect of hyaluronidase (HAase) inhibition was determined from 92 species of oriental herbal medicine extracted with water and ethanol solvents because of their non-toxicity in the human body. The water extracts of Evodia officinalis (86.8%), Thuja orientalis (80.8%), Carthami semen (66.5%), Melia azedarach (74.7%), Siegesbeckia pubescens (61.3%), Saururus chinensis (49.15%) showed a relatively greater anti-inflammatory activity. The ethanol extracts of Ailanthus altissima and Saururus chinensis demonstrated the highest anti-inflammatory effect at above 90%. Saururus chinensis was selected for its high anti-inflammatory effect in both water and ethanol extract. Ethanol was more effective than water and optimal extraction conditions for phenolic compounds was determined to be extraction with 50% ethanol for 12 hours. The extracts from Saururus chinensis in optimal condition showed 70~80% anti­inflammatory effect when 100~250 μg/mL phenolic concentration was treated. Concentration of above 500 μg/mL decreased the inhibitory effect. The anti-inflammatory effect and extraction yield were increased by ultra-fine grind technology, indicating that this method can be used to increase the extraction yield of phenolic compounds from medicinal plants.
Change of quality characteristics in fresh-cut‘Romaine’lettuce by heat treatment
Authors: Bae Jeong Mi , Lee Da Uhm , Jeong Moon Cheol , Choi Jeong Hee
Published: June 2016

This study investigated the effect of heat treatments on the quality characteristics of fresh-cut 'Romaine' lettuce by treating in hot water (45, 50, and 55℃) for 2 minutes. Sensory properties, respiration rate, ethylene production, microbial growth, browning index, total phenolics (TP), vitamin C, and antioxidant properties (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays) of samples were evaluated after 5 days at 5℃. All heat treatment conditions tested in this study did not affect the change in TP after storage. Treatment at 45℃ enhanced respiration rate and ethylene production wheres decreased vitamin C content and antioxidant activities. There was no significant difference in browning index at 45℃ treatment. The rapid tissue softening occurred when treated with 55℃ hot water for 2 minutes. The 50℃ heat treatments exhibited the best quality index including texture and color, and inhibited microbial growth and browning after storage. In addition, the 50℃ heat treatment showed the highest vitamin C content and antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP assay) after storage. Therefore, the 50℃ heat treatment can be used to maintain quality and antioxidant property of fresh-cut ‘Romain’ lettuce.
Quality characteristics of vinegar fermented with different amounts of black garlic and alcohol
Authors: Seo Weon Tack , Choi Myoung Hyo , Sim Hye Jin , Kim Gyeong Wha , Shin Yeon Mi , Kang Min Jung
Published: June 2016

The quality characteristics of black garlic vinegar produced by acetic acid fermentation were analyzed over a 25 day period. Black garlic vinegar was produced using black garlic 3, 6, 9 and 12 folds with water, and initial alcohol concentrations of 6~12%. The pH values of the vinegar samples were in range of 3.85~4.46 after 25 days fermentation, and the sugar contents were highest after 9 days of fermentation (12.00~13.50 °Brix). The total polyphenol concents of vinegars were in the range of 20.65~52.04 mg/100 mL 25 days fermentation. Pyrogallol and vanillic acid were detected in the completely fermented vinegars, and their contents increased with black garlic content. Five organic acids (lactic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, succinic acid and propionic acid) were detected after 25 days of fermentation, with the total amount of organic acids being 5,327.34~6,307.64 mg/100 mL, and the total abetic acid contents beging the highest of the organic acids at 4208.90~5,570.29 mg/100 mL. After 25 days of fermentation, the total minerals contents were higher, and depending on the quantity of black garlic added. Of the minerals, the of potassium content was the highest (366.23~1,619.67 mg/L).
Anti-melanogenic effect of Eruca sativa extract
Authors: Kim Hyun-Soo
Published: June 2016

Eruca sativa (known as rocket plant) is a member of the Brassicaceae, which is considered an important chemo-preventive plant family. Although Eruca sativa has positive biological effects such as antioxidant and renal protective activities, the effect of the Eruca sativa extract as a therapeutic agent for skin whitening has not been reported. In this study, we investigated the applicability of the extract of Eruca sativa as a functional materials by examining the its physiological activities. The Eruca sativa extract showed low cytotoxicity against murine melanoma B16F10 cells. At concentrations (below 100 mg/L) that showed none or little cytotoxicity, the Eruca sativa extract showed high DPPH radical scavenging activity (ID50, 17.60 mg/L). In addition, the Eruca sativa extract inhibited tyrosinase activity (ID50, 132.54 mg/L) and decreased melanin content (ID50, 158.90 mg/L). Finally, the treatment with the Eruca sativa extract suppressed the protein expression of tyrosinase in a concentration-dependent manner. These findings suggested that the Eruca sativa extract inhibited melanin synthesis by not only suppressing intracellular tyrosinase expression but also directly inhibiting tyrosinase activity. Therefore, these results indicate that the Eruca sativa extract may be an effective material for functional cosmetics such as skin whitening materials.
Quality characteristics of Nabak kimchi with freeze-dried ingredientsduring storage
Authors: Cheon Seon-Hwa , Kang Mi-Ran , Seo Hye-Young
Published: June 2016

This study investigated the possibility of usage of freeze-dried ingredients for the preparation of Nabak kimchi.The quality characteristics of Nabak kimchi using freeze-dried ingredients (radish, kimchi cabbage, green onion, garlic and ginger) were monitored during storage at 4℃. The initial pH of Nabak kimchi was 5.76~5.93, however, it decreased significantly over increasing storage periods (p<0.05). The titratable acidity of Nabak kimchi increased during storage, reaching 0.43~1.08%. Among the freeze-dried samples, those treated with freeze-dried radish and minor ingredients showed lower titratable acidity than that of the control. The initial number of total aerobic and lactic acid bacteria were 5.57~6.25, and 5.52~6.24 log CFU/g, respectively. After 28 days, the population of total aerobic and lactic acid bacteria in the raw ingredients and freeze-dried minor ingredients was less than 8.0 log CFU/g, but more than 9.0 log CFU/g in other samples. Yeasts and molds in Nabak kimchi were detected up to 2~3 log CFU/g, but coliforms were not detected in all samples during storage. The score of firmness and overall acceptability in the control, raw ingredients and freeze-dried minor ingredients were significantly higher than others (p<0.05). These results indicated that freeze-dried ingredients, such as green onion, garlic, and ginger, can be used in kimchi and would delay microbial growth and extend the shelf-life of kimchi without any deduction of sensory quality.
Quality characteristics and antioxidant activities ofaronia jams added with apple
Authors: Park Seong-Hoon , Park Jae-Ho , Noh Jae-Gwan , Shin Hyunman , Lee Sung-Hee , Kim Youngho , Eom Hyun-Ju
Published: June 2016

The objective of this study was to investigate the quality characteristics and antioxidant activities of aronia jamprepared with different content of mashed apple. To analyze the quality characteristics pH, texture, color, antioxidant activity, total polyphenol content, and sensory property were investigated. As aronia amounts decreased, the pH of aronia jam level increased from 3.97 to 4.40, while its total acidity decreased from 0.39 to 0.27. In color, the L-, a-, and b- values increased with decreases in aronia contents when compared with 100% aroma jam. Texture evaluation revealed that the hardness, springiness, gumminess, and chewiness of 100% aronia jam were markedly higher than those of the control and other samples (p<0.05). As the aronia content decreased, both the antioxidant activity and total polyphenol content significantly decreased (p<0.05) and the total anthocyanin content gradually decreased. In the sensory evaluation, the jams containing 50% and 70% aronia showed higher values than those of other samples in overall acceptability. Taken together, aronia jam with 30% apple could be the best in order to meet the taste and functional requirements for consumers.
홍차 분말을 첨가한 스펀지케이크의 품질 및 항산화 활성
Authors: Lee Jun Ho , Choi Ji Eun
Published: June 2016

Black tea is rich in phenolic antioxidants that has shown diverse health benefits such as protection against cardiovasculardiseases and cancers. Thus, it is rational to incorporate black tea into suitable food products such as sponge cakes to enhance their nutritional and functional qualities. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the addition of black tea powder (BTP) on the quality of sponge cake. The pH of cakes ranged from 7.00~7.17, with no remarkable differences. Height decreased while baking loss rate and hardness significantly increased with increases in the content of BTP in the formulation (p<0.05). For crumb color values, L*-value decreased while a* and b*-values increased as a result of BTP substitution. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino-bis-3- ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activities were significantly increased (p<0.05) with increases in the content of BTP which were well correlated. Hedonic sensory results indicated that sponge cakes supplemented with 2~4% BTP obtained the most favorable acceptance scores. On the basis of the overall observations, sponge cakes supplemented with 2~4% BTP were found to be benefit from the functional properties of BTP, without compromising on consumer acceptance.
Evaluation of antioxidant, α-glucosidase inhibition and acetylcholinesteraseinhibition activities of Allium hookeri root grown in Korea and Myanmar
Authors: Park Joo Young , Yoon Kyung Young
Published: June 2016

This study was conducted to compare the functionality (antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-dementia activities) ofthe methanol extract of Allium hookeri root grown in Korea (KR) and Myanmar (MR). The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of KR and MR were 5.27 and 4.80 mg GAE/g, and 0.35 and 0.24 mg QE/g, respectively. KR contained significantly higher levels of total polyphenols and total flavonoids than those of MR (p<0.05). The IC50 values of KR and MR were 6.53 and 5.31 mg/mL, respectively, for DPPH radical scavenging activity. However, KR had a significantly higher ABTS radical scavenging activity, Fe2+ chelating ability, and reducing power compared with those of MR (p<0.05). In the evaluation of anti-diabetic activity, KR showed significantly higher α-glucosidase inhibition activity than acarbose and MR at whole concentrations (p<0.05). KR and MR had acetylcholinesterase inhibition activities that of 51.44% and 44.33%, respectively, at a 50 mg/mL concentration. These results suggested that roots of A. hookeri, especially KR, could be useful in improving diabetic and dementia disorders due to their high antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-dementia activities.
Quality characteristics and antioxidant activities ofmakgeolli prepared using rice nuruk containing bitter melon (Momordica charantia)
Authors: Cho Kye Man , Hwang Chung Eun , Ahn Min Ju , Lee Hee Yul , Joo Ok Soo
Published: June 2016

Bitter melon powder (BMP) was used in the preparation of rice nuruk (RN) and makgeolli as one of raw materials.RN containing BMP (BMP-RN) was prepared by adding 0~2.0% (w/w) BMP into rice. Fermentative microbial, and antioxidant characteristics of makgeolli were determined during the fermentation process. pH during fermentation decreased from 4.52 (0% BMP-RN), 4.93 (0.5%), 4.80 (1.0%), and 4.88 (2.0%) on the initial fermentation day (day 0) to 4.15, 4.30, 4.57, and 4.59, respectively, corresponding to increases in acidity from 0.64~0.70% to 1.17~1.28%, respectively. Soluble solid contents increased from an initial 2.2~4.4 g/L (day 0) to 9.0~9.3 g/L, and alcohol level increased up to 13.0% by the end of fermentation (day 7). Soluble phenolic contents increased from 0.92, 1.01, 1.32, and 1.41 mg/mL on day 0, to 1.85, 2.03, 2.24, and 2.48 mg/mL on day 7, respectively, while the levels of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging activities and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assay increased from 46.95~70.04%, 55.33~74.13%, and 0.629~1.243 on day 0, respectively, to 54.98~83.4%, 70.34~92.39%, and 0.964~1.455 on day 7, respectively. Makgeolli made with BMP-RN had higher soluble phenolic contents and antioxidant activity than those of makgeolli made without BMP-RN. These results suggested that BNP-RN made a functional makgeolli.
Protective effect of STAR of STAR series on CCl4 induced acutehepatotoxicity by regulation of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Chang Bo Yoon , Oh Jun Seok , Han Ji Hye , Kim Da Eun , Hong Jae Heoi , Kim Sung Yeon
Published: June 2016

STAR of STAR (SS 01-04) is a series of drinks that consist of various extracts obtained from Coriolus versicolor,Artemisia capillaris Thunb., Hovenia dulcis, Acanthopanax sessiliflorus, Lycium chinense, Citrus reticulata, Saururus chinensis, Pueraria lobata, Pyrus pyrifolia, and Oenanthe javanica. A purpose of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of SS 01-04. Antioxidant activity of the drinks was evaluated by conducting a hydroxyl radical-scavenging assay. Cytotoxicity and hepatoprotective potential were determined using HepG2 cells in vitro, while protective effects against acute hepatotoxicity was evaluated in vivo. The antioxidant activity of the SS 01-04 at concentration of 100 and 250 mg/mL was similar to that of 50 μM vitamin C. tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP)-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was blocked by SS 01, 03 and 04 in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with SS 04 significantly lowered the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in an animal model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity (p<0.05). In addition, SS04 increased glutathione level while decreased malondialdehyde level in the liver considerably (p<0.05). It also inhibited the CCl4-induced increase in the levels of triglyceride and cholesterol in serum and the liver. These findings indicated that SS 01-04 possessed antioxidant activity and protect against ROS. In particular, SS 04 is potentially highly beneficial in treating liver damage as it scavenges reactive free radicals and boosts the endogenous antioxidant system.
Reproducible Computational Workflows with Continuous Analysis
Authors: Beaulieu-Jones Brett K. , Greene Casey S.
Published: June 2016

Reproducing experiments is vital to science. Being able to replicate, validate and extend previous work also speeds new research projects. Reproducing computational biology experiments, which are scripted, should be straightforward. But reproducing such work remains challenging and time consuming. In the ideal world we would be able to quickly and easily rewind to the precise computing environment where results were generated. We would then be able to reproduce the original analysis or perform new analyses. We introduce a process termed “continuous analysis” which provides inherent reproducibility to computational research at a minimal cost to the researcher. Continuous analysis combines Docker, a container service similar to virtual machines, with continuous integration, a popular software development technique, to automatically re-run computational analysis whenever relevant changes are made to the source code. This allows results to be reproduced quickly, accurately and without needing to contact the original authors. Continuous analysis also provides an audit trail for analyses that use data with sharing restrictions. This allows reviewers, editors, and readers to verify reproducibility without manually downloading and rerunning any code. Example configurations are available at our online repository (https://github.com/greenelab/continuous_analysis).
FGIN-1-27, an agonist at translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO), produces anti-anxiety and anti-panic effects in non-mammalian models
Authors: Lima Monica Gomes , Cueto-Escobedo Jonathan , Rodríguez-Landa Juan Francisco , Maximino Caio
Published: June 2016

FGIN-1-27 is an agonist at the translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO), a cholesterol transporter that is associated with neurosteroidogenesis. This protein has been identified as a peripheral binding site for benzodiazepines; in anamniotes, however, a second TSPO isoform that is absent in amniotes has been implicated in erythropoiesis. Functional conservation of the central benzodiazepine-binding site located in the GABAAreceptors has been demonstrated in anamniotes and amniotes alike; however, it was not previously demonstrated for TSPO. The present investigation explored the behavioral effects of FGIN-1-27 on an anxiety test in zebrafish (Danio rerio, Family: Cyprinide) and on a mixed anxiety/panic test on wall lizards (Tropidurus oreadicus, Family: Tropiduridae). Results showed that FGIN-1-27 reduced anxiety-like behavior in the zebrafish light/dark preference test similar to diazepam, but with fewer sedative effects. Similarly, FGIN-1-27 also reduced anxiety- and fear-like behaviors in the defense test battery in wall lizards, again producing fewer sedative-like effects than diazepam; the benzodiazepine was also unable to reduce fear-like behaviors in this species. These results A) underline the functional conservation of TSPO in defensive behavior in anamniotes; B) strengthen the proposal of using anamniote behavior as models in behavioral pharmacology; and C) suggest TSPO/neurosteroidogenesis as a target in treating anxiety disorders.
Rapid, one-step generation of biallelic conditional gene knockouts
Authors: Andersson-Rolf Amanda , Mustata Roxana C. , Merenda Alessandra , Perera Sajith , Grego Tiago , Kim Jihoon , Andrews Katie , Fink Juergen , Skarnes William C. , Koo Bon-Kyoung
Published: June 2016

Loss-of-function studies are key to investigate gene function and CRISPR technology has made genome editing widely accessible in model organisms and cells. However, conditional gene inactivation in diploid cells is still difficult to achieve. Here, we present CRISPR-FLIP, a strategy that provides an efficient, rapid, and scalable method for bi-allelic conditional gene knockouts in diploid cells by co-delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 and a universal conditional intron cassette.
Take a message – and take the stairs
Authors: Beal Brian
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Worksites have been targeted as an important setting for physical activity interventions. A recent emphasis for health promoters is the use of point-of-choice interventions to encourage stair climbing at work. The purpose of this paper is to explore campaigns to increase stair climbing at work.

Design/methodology/approach

Focus groups were structured around three messages and four prompts and sought to explore the motivational power of the resources, identify factors contributing to their effectiveness and provide recommendations to improve and optimize content. Benefits and barriers to stair climbing at work were also explored.

Findings

Health awareness, motivation, social norms and time management influence stair climbing at work. Critically, factors associated with the worksite itself can also bias choice independently of any intervention. Results suggest that messages targeting heart health have the greatest impact on reported propensity to climb the stairs at work. Messages targeting rate of respiration for fitness, however, may have a negative effect, given that most people want to avoid getting out of breath at work.

Originality/value

Qualitative research is essential for developing and refining the design detail of point-of-choice interventions and tailoring their components to address individuals’ needs in different settings, but there is little evidence of this in practice.
Time well spent?
Authors: Linacre Simon
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

Among the slew of apps that can be downloaded to our devices, many of them purport to help us to be more organized. Some of them organize emails or enable greater functionality in person-to-person communications; some help us identify tasks and move them across virtual boards until they are complete; some remind us to do things at a certain time or place. Many of these are used every day, with some being effective for certain people, and others helping another type of person. In the end, it seems to come down to what suits an individual.

Practical implications

This study provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
Employees of the future beware
Authors: Linacre Simon
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

Is the art of writing a good CV dying? Never has it been easier to bypass the traditional form of proving one’s credentials for work, with the Internet fast-tracking all manner of ways to show how good any individual may be at their work. Videos can show in real time someone performing their job; references can be emailed in an instant; online sites can host qualifications and recommendations; and there are even virtual badges and other accreditations that can be pinned to the virtual chest of any applicant. Surely, employers have never had it so good when it comes to recruitment.

Practical implications

This study provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
Occupational therapy in Australian acute hospitals: A modified practice
Authors: Britton Lauren , Rosenwax Lorna , McNamara Beverley
Published: June 2016

Background/aim

Ongoing changes to health‐care funding Australia wide continue to influence how occupational therapists practise in acute hospitals. This study describes the practice challenges experienced by Western Australian acute care occupational therapists. Then, it explores if and how acute care occupational therapists are modifying their practice in response to these practice changes.

Methodology

This study used a qualitative grounded theory approach. Semi‐structured interviews were completed with 13 purposively selected acute care occupational therapists from four Western Australian metropolitan hospitals. Data were analysed using a constant comparative method to provide detailed descriptions of acute care occupational therapy practice and to generate theory.

Findings

Five conceptual categories were developed. The first two addressed practice challenges: pragmatic organisational influences on client care and establishing a professional identity within the multidisciplinary team. Three categories related to therapist responses are as follows: becoming the client advocate, being the facilitator and applying clinical reasoning. Finally, modified practice was identified as the core category which explains the process whereby acute care occupational therapists are ensuring they remain relevant and authentic in the acute care context.

Conclusion

Western Australian acute care occupational therapists are practising in a highly complex health context that presents many challenges. They are responding by using a modified form of practice that ensures occupational therapy skills remain relevant within the narrow confines of this health setting.
On the ISIL attacks in Western Europe and elsewhere
Authors: Neofotistos Vasiliki P.
Published: June 2016

In this guest editorial, the author reflects on the inequitable ways in which ISIL attacks are covered in the media, between the West and the rest.
The longue durée of the Human Terrain: Politics, cultural knowledge and the technical fix
Authors: Hopkins Benjamin D.
Published: June 2016

The recent end of the Human Terrain System run by the US Army has brought to a close one of the most recent insidious challenges to the field of anthropology. But while the anthropological elements of the programme have been well documented, and contested, its historical roots have not. The HTS and cultural knowledge apparatus of the American defence establishment draw deeply upon the wells of British scholar administrators of the nineteenth century. Of particular importance, especially in regard to Afghanistan, is Mountstuart Elphinstone who published the foundational text about the country, An account of the Kingdom of Kabul, 200 years ago. But unlike the HTS and similar programmes run by other Western governments which treat culture as a kind of technical aspect of governance, Elphinstone appreciated the importance ‐ and legitimacy ‐ of local politics.
THINKING THROUGH DURATION
Authors: Callan Brian
Published: June 2016

This narrative offers an alternative Jewish Israeli ‘duration’ of the abduction described by Dalsheim. It agrees that the weight of past experience shapes both present perception and future imagination, reproducing the sense of ‘intractable’ conflict but argues that subjective and collective experience is mediated by what C. Wright Mills called the ‘cultural apparatus’. Taking the case of Israeli Jews who work in solidarity with Palestinian activists, some of whom were raised in extremely right‐wing Zionist backgrounds, it shows how subjectivity is shaped by the ‘received interpretations’ of others. More significantly, it shows how this acculturated sense of self can be transcended by the human faculties described by Hannah Arendt as thinking and judging. Drawing upon his own experiences with these activists in the summer of 2014, the author argues as a sign of hope, that thinking and judging enable a divestment of received interpretations of the cultural apparatus, which define and reproduce the conflict as intractable. Sadly, this duration also describes a period when thinking outside the collective became taboo and Jewish compassion for the deaths of Palestinian women and children was vilified and violently opposed by fellow Jewish countrymen and women. With Israel's cultural apparatus unable to accommodate compassion, there may indeed always be a Gaza War.
THE RETURN OF ETHNOGRAPHIC THEORY: HAU AND WHEN
Authors: Hicks Dan
Published: June 2016

The author reviews the events surrounding the launch of HAU's expanded edition of The gift, and reflects on their implications for history and theory in anthropology.
Migration, Internal Security and the UK's EU Membership
Authors: Peers Steve
Published: June 2016

A key part of the debate about the UK's membership of the EU is concern about levels of migration and the impact upon security. This paper assesses how much impact EU membership has on each of these issues, and examines the likely impact of leaving the EU in each of these areas.
Troubled families and individualised solutions: an institutional discourse analysis of alcohol and drug treatment practices involving affected others
Authors: Selbekk Anne Schanche , Sagvaag Hildegunn
Published: June 2016

Research shows that members of the families with patients suffering from alcohol and other drug‐related issues (AOD) experience stress and strain. An important question is, what options do AOD treatment have for them when it comes to support? To answer this, we interviewed directors and clinicians from three AOD treatment institutions in Norway. The study revealed that family‐oriented practices are gaining ground as a ‘going concern’. However, the relative position of family‐orientation in the services, is constrained and shaped by three other going concerns related to: (i) discourse on health and illness, emphasising that addiction is an individual medical and psychological phenomenon, rather than a relational one; (ii) discourse on rights and involvement, emphasising the autonomy of the individual patient and their right to define the format of their own treatment; and (iii) discourse on management, emphasising the relationship between cost and benefit, where family‐oriented practices are defined as not being cost‐effective. All three discourses are connected to underpin the weight placed on individualised practices. Thus, the findings point to a paradox: there is a growing focus on the needs of children and affected family members, while the possibility of performing integrated work on families is limited.
Migrant Businesses And The Symbolic Transformation Of Urban Neighborhoods: Towards a Research Agenda
Authors: Parzer Michael , Huber Florian J.
Published: June 2016

Migrant businesses play a crucial role not only in the economies of Western European cities, but also in the revaluation of urban space. Alongside their relevance to physical neighborhood development, migrant businesses seem to be crucial in transforming urban spaces symbolically. Although there is some evidence from migrant business research and the literature on gentrification, the phenomenon has not yet been studied systematically. We therefore propose a research agenda that addresses the relationship between migrant businesses and the symbolic transformation of urban neighborhoods.
Metformin ameliorates podocyte damage by restoring renal tissue nephrin expression in type 2 diabetic rats
Authors: Zhai Limin , Gu Junfei , Yang Di , Hu Wen , Wang Wei , Ye Shandong
Published: June 2016

Background

Previous studies found that metformin provided some renoprotection for diabetic renal damage. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of different doses of metformin on the expression of renal tissue nephrin in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) model rats and the possible mechanism underlying its protective effect in kidney podocytes.

Methods

A high‐fat diet combined with a low dose of streptozotocin was used to induce T2DM model rats. Diabetic rats were treated with 150, 300, or 500 mg/kg metformin for 8 weeks. At the end of the study, urine and blood samples were collected for measurement of different indices. Light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to identify morphological changes. Renal expression of nephrin protein was assayed by immunohistochemical staining, whereas real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect renal nephrin (Nphs1) mRNA expression.

Results

Metformin treatment of T2DM rats produced dose‐dependent significant reductions in urinary albumin and nephrin concentrations, glomerular basement membrane thickness (GBMT), and the foot process fusion rate (FPFR) compared with control T2DM model rats, whereas renal expression of nephrin protein and Nphs1 mRNA was dose‐dependently increased by metformin treatment.

Conclusion

Metformin protects kidney podocytes in T2DM model rats by dose‐dependently adjusting renal nephrin expression.
‘What ought to belong to merit only’: Debating Status and Heredity in the New American Republic
Authors: Cutterham Tom
Published: June 2016

Despite the critique of monarchy and aristocracy that contributed to American Revolutionary rhetoric, not all revolutionaries dismissed the idea of hereditary status. During the 1780s a debate emerged over the proper nature of status and the true location of social power in the new republic, instigated by a new organisation: the Society of the Cincinnati. Subject to withering attacks in its earliest years, the Cincinnati also generated spirited defences. The controversy challenged the dominance of oppositional republican ideology and, in the context of political and economic change, helped some Americans develop a new understanding of power and legitimacy.
Capnocytophaga canimorsus bacteremia: clinical features and outcomes from a Helsinki ICU cohort
Authors: Hästbacka J. , Hynninen M. , Kolho E.
Published: June 2016

Background

Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a gram‐negative rod capable of causing severe sepsis or septic shock. We studied the characteristics of patients with C. canimorsus bacteremia treated in intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

Patients with C. canimorsus bacteremia in the Helsinki University Hospital district from 2005 to 2014 were retrospectively reviewed using laboratory database and electronical patient records.

Results

We identified 65 patients with C.canimorsus bacteremia. Of these, 16 (25%) were treated in an ICU. The most commonly affected organ systems were coagulation (94%) and kidney (69%). Mortality of ICU treated patients was 19%. Three survivors underwent lower limb amputations for gangrene. Only 25% of the patients were immune‐compromised, but alcohol abuse was common (69%). All patients had a contact with dogs, but only 37% had a history of a dog‐bite.

Conclusion

Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection may present with severe sepsis or septic shock with organ dysfunction, most frequently coagulopathy and acute kidney injury. Previously recognized risk factors are not always present. A dog in a household may be a sufficient exposure for developing a severe form of the disease. The possibility of C. canimorsus infection should be considered in patients with any contact with dogs, even in immunocompetent patients.