bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vonoprazan prevents bleeding from endoscopic submucosal dissection‐induced gastric ulcers
Authors: Kagawa T. , Iwamuro M. , Ishikawa S. , Ishida M. , Kuraoka S. , Sasaki K. , Sakakihara I. , Izumikawa K. , Yamamoto K. , Takahashi S. , Tanaka S. , Matsuura M. , Hasui T. , Wato M. , Inaba T.
Published: July 2016

Background

Vonoprazan, a potassium‐competitive acid blocker, is expected to improve the healing of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)‐induced gastric ulcers compared with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Aim

To compare the healing status of ESD‐induced gastric ulcers and the incidence of post‐ESD bleeding between subjects treated with vonoprazan for 5 weeks and those treated with PPIs for 8 weeks.

Methods

Patients in the vonoprazan group (n = 75) were prospectively enrolled, whereas patients in the PPI group (n = 150) were selected for a 2:1 matched historical control cohort according to baseline characteristics including gastric ulcer size immediately following ESD, age, sex and status of Helicobacter pylori infection. Two controls per case of vonoprazan‐treated group were matched with a margin of 20% in terms of ulcer size and a margin of 5 years in terms of their age.

Results

Although a higher number of completely healed ulcers was observed in the PPI group (95/150, 63.3%) than that in the vonoprazan group (14/75, 18.7%; P < 0.001), the ulcer size reduction rates, which were 96.0 ± 6.7% in the vonoprazan group and 94.7 ± 11.6% in the PPI group, were not significantly different (P = 0.373). The post‐ESD bleeding incidence in the vonoprazan group (1/75, 1.3%) was less than that in the PPI group (15/150, 10.0%; P = 0.01). The factors affecting post‐ESD bleeding incidence were the type of acid secretion inhibitor (P = 0.016) and use of an anti‐thrombotic agent (P = 0.014).

Conclusion

Vonoprazan significantly reduced post‐endoscopic submucosal dissection bleeding compared with PPIs.
Randomised clinical study: inulin short‐chain fatty acid esters for targeted delivery of short‐chain fatty acids to the human colon
Authors: Polyviou T. , MacDougall K. , Chambers E. S. , Viardot A. , Psichas A. , Jawaid S. , Harris H. C. , Edwards C. A. , Simpson L. , Murphy K. G. , Zac‐Varghese S. E. K. , Blundell J. E. , Dhillo W. S. , Bloom S. R. , Frost G. S. , Preston T. , Tedford M. C. , Morrison D. J.
Published: July 2016

Background

Short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) produced through fermentation of nondigestible carbohydrates by the gut microbiota are associated with positive metabolic effects. However, well‐controlled trials are limited in humans.

Aims

To develop a methodology to deliver SCFA directly to the colon, and to optimise colonic propionate delivery in humans, to determine its role in appetite regulation and food intake.

Methods

Inulin SCFA esters were developed and tested as site‐specific delivery vehicles for SCFA to the proximal colon. Inulin propionate esters containing 0–61 wt% (IPE‐0–IPE‐61) propionate were assessed in vitro using batch faecal fermentations. In a randomised, controlled, crossover study, with inulin as control, ad libitum food intake (kcal) was compared after 7 days on IPE‐27 or IPE‐54 (10 g/day all treatments). Propionate release was determined using 13C‐labelled IPE variants.

Results

In vitro, IPE‐27–IPE‐54 wt% propionate resulted in a sevenfold increase in propionate production compared with inulin (P < 0.05). In vivo, IPE‐27 led to greater 13C recovery in breath CO2 than IPE‐54 (64.9 vs. 24.9%, P = 0.001). IPE‐27 also led to a reduction in energy intake during the ad libitum test meal compared with both inulin (439.5 vs. 703.9 kcal, P = 0.025) and IPE‐54 (439.5 vs. 659.3 kcal, P = 0.025), whereas IPE‐54 was not significantly different from inulin control.

Conclusions

IPE‐27 significantly reduced food intake suggesting colonic propionate plays a role in appetite regulation. Inulin short‐chain fatty acid esters provide a novel tool for probing the diet–gut microbiome–host metabolism axis in humans.
Tonkin's uplands at the turn of the 20th century: Colonial military enclosure and local livelihood effects
Authors: Michaud Jean , Turner Sarah
Published: July 2016

In colonial Southeast Asia, the process of enclosure aimed to integrate communities living in the borderlands, along with their lands and resources, into the state project. In 1891, the newly established French colonial administration in Tonkin (northern Vietnam) decided the upland region bordering China should be physically and administratively enclosed to achieve these aims. The governor general ordered the French military to administer these borderlands and to complete two surveys of local ‘tribes’ in 1897–1898 and 1903–1904 to make upland populations and their livelihoods more legible and, the administration hoped, more controllable. By examining details of these surveys, we not only obtain proof of this enclosure project but we also gain rare insight into and a snapshot of upland border livelihoods at the turn of the 20th century. The surveys reveal details regarding local cross‐border trade strategies, marketplace manoeuvres, the means by which the colonial government enforced a common currency and, despite such attempts, the enduring nature of barter. We probe how local populations reacted to the state's processes of legibility, and in particular, how upland residents adapted their trade livelihoods to the new realities of being included within the colonial state and, progressively, within the national economy.
The effect of imiquimod on taste bud calcium transients and transmitter secretion
Authors: Huang Anthony Y , Wu Sandy Y
Published: July 2016

Background and Purpose

Imiquimod is an immunomodulator approved for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma and has adverse side effects, including taste disturbances. Paracrine transmission, representing cell–cell communication within taste buds, has the potential to shape the final signals that taste buds transmit to the brain. Here, we tested the underlying assumption that imiquimod modifies taste transmitter secretion in taste buds of mice.

Experimental Approach

Taste buds were isolated from C57BL/6J mice. The effects of imiquimod on transmitter release in taste buds were measured using calcium imaging with cellular biosensors, and examining the net effect of imiquimod on taste‐evoked ATP secretion from mouse taste buds.

Key Results

Up to 72% of presynaptic (Type III) taste cells responded to 100 μM imiquimod with an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. These Ca2+ responses were inhibited by thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase, and by U73122, a PLC inhibitor, suggesting that the Ca2+ mobilization elicited by imiquimod was dependent on release from internal Ca2+ stores. Moreover, combining studies of Ca2+ imaging with cellular biosensors showed that imiquimod evoked secretion of 5‐HT, which then provided negative feedback onto receptor (Type II) cells to reduce taste‐evoked ATP secretion.

Conclusion and Implications

Our results provide evidence that there is a subset of taste cells equipped with a range of intracellular mechanisms that respond to imiquimod. The findings are also consistent with a role of imiquimod as an immune response modifier, which shapes peripheral taste responses via 5‐HT signalling.
Butein provides neuroprotective and anti‐neuroinflammatory effects through Nrf2/ARE‐dependent haem oxygenase 1 expression by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Lee Dong‐Sung , Jeong Gil‐Saeng
Published: July 2016

Background and Purpose

Butein, 3,4,2′,4′‐tetrahydroxychalcone, has various pharmacological effects. However, no study has demonstrated the specific neurobiological mechanisms of the effects of butein in neuronal cells. The present study examined the role of butein as an antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory inducer of haem oxygenase 1 (HO1) in mouse hippocampal HT22, BV2 microglial and primary mouse hippocampus neurons.

Experimental Approach

We investigated the neuroprotective effects of butein on glutamate‐induced HT22 cell and primary mouse hippocampal neuron death and its anti‐neuroinflammatory effects on LPS‐induced activation of BV2 cells. We elucidated the underlying mechanisms by assessing the involvement of NF‐κB, HO1, nuclear factor‐E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Akt signalling.

Key Results

Butein decreased cellular oxidative injury and the production of ROS in glutamate‐treated HT22 cells and primary mouse hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, butein suppressed LPS‐induced pro‐inflammatory enzymes and mediators in BV2 microglia. Butein inhibited IL‐6, IL‐1β and TNF‐α production and mRNA expression. In addition, butein decreased NO and PGE2 production and inducible NOS and COX‐2 expression through the NF‐κB signalling pathway. Butein up‐regulated Nrf2/ARE‐mediated HO1 expression through the PI3K/Akt pathway and this was positively associated with its cytoprotective effects and anti‐neuroinflammatory actions.

Conclusion and Implications

Our results indicate that butein effectively prevents glutamate‐induced oxidative damage and LPS‐induced activation and that the induction of HO1 by butein through the PI3K/Akt pathway and Nrf2 activation appears to play a pivotal role in its effects on neuronal cells. Our results provide evidence for the neuroprotective properties of butein.
Negative prognostic impact of low absolute CD4+ T cell counts in peripheral blood in mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Zhang Xin‐Yu , Xu Ji , Zhu Hua‐Yuan , Wang Yan , Wang Li , Fan Lei , Wu Yu‐Jie , Li Jian‐Yong , Xu Wei
Published: July 2016

Tumor microenvironment and host immunity are closely related to outcome in patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). However, few researchers have focused on the prognostic value of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets counts. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of lymphocyte subsets and absolute monocyte counts. Sixty‐eight patients were analyzed retrospectively. Absolute CD4+ T cell counts (ACD4C), CD8+ T cell counts, nature killer cell counts, and CD4/CD8 ratios were assessed by peripheral blood flow cytometry and correlated with clinical parameters and long‐term outcomes. The median follow‐up for all patients was 21 months and the median survival time was 44 months. The overall survival (OS) rate at 1, 3, and 5 years was 80%, 51%, and 41%, respectively. In our cohort, high absolute monocyte count, and low ACD4C and CD4/CD8 ratio were associated with unfavorable OS (P = 0.029, P = 0.027, and P = 0.045, respectively) by univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis indicated that low ACD4C was a significant predictor of unfavorable OS (P = 0.004) independent of the simplified MCL International Prognostic Index (P = 0.048) in patients treated with or without rituximab (P = 0.011). Low CD4+ T cell counts proved to be a significant predictor of unfavorable OS in patients with MCL.
Design, synthesis, and negative inotropic evaluation of 4‐phenyl‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5(4H)‐one derivatives containing triazole or piperazine moieties
Authors: Wei Zhi‐Yu , Cui Bai‐Ri , Cui Xun , Wu Yan‐Ling , Fu Yang , Liu Li‐Ping , Piao Hu‐Ri
Published: July 2016

In this study, four novel series of 4‐phenyl‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5(4H)‐one derivatives containing triazole or piperazine moieties were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for negative inotropic activity by measuring the left atrium stroke volume in isolated rabbit heart preparations. Almost all of the compounds showed an ability to moderate the cardiac workload by decreasing the heart rate and contractility. Among them, 7h was found to be the most potent with a change in stroke volume of −48.22 ± 0.36% at a concentration of 3 × 10−5 mol/L (metoprolol: −9.74 ± 0.14%). The cytotoxicity of these compounds was evaluated using the human cervical cancer cell line HeLa, the liver cancer cell line Hep3B, and the human normal hepatic cell line LO2. A preliminary study of the mechanism of action for the compound 7h on the regulation of atrial dynamics with ATP‐sensitive K+ channel and L‐type Ca2+ channel blockers glibenclamide and nifedipine was performed in the isolated perfused beating rabbit atria.
Comparative effectiveness of water and salt community‐based fluoridation methods in preventing dental caries among schoolchildren
Authors: Fabruccini A. , Alves L.S. , Alvarez L. , Alvarez R. , Susin C. , Maltz M.
Published: July 2016

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of water and salt community‐based fluoridation methods on caries experience among schoolchildren.

Methods

Data derived from two population‐based oral health surveys of 12‐year‐old schoolchildren exposed to different community‐based fluoridation methods were compared: artificially fluoridated water in Porto Alegre, South Brazil and artificially fluoridated salt in Montevideo, Uruguay. Data on socio‐demographic characteristics, maternal education and oral hygiene were collected. Dental caries was defined according to the WHO criteria (cavitated lesions) and to the modified WHO criteria (active noncavitated lesions and cavitated ones). The association between community‐based fluoridation methods and dental caries was modelled using logistic (caries prevalence) and Poisson regression (DMFT). Odds ratios (OR), rate ratios (RR), and the 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated.

Results

A total of 1528 in Porto Alegre and 1154 in Montevideo were examined (response rates: 83.2% and 69.6%, respectively). Adjusted estimates for caries prevalence and DMFT showed that schoolchildren from Porto Alegre were less affected by dental caries than their counterparts from Montevideo, irrespective of the criteria used. After adjusting for important characteristics, schoolchildren exposed to fluoridated salt had significantly higher likelihood of having caries (WHO criteria) than those exposed to fluoridated water (OR for prevalence=1.61, 95% CI=1.26–2.07; RR for DMFT=1.32, 95% CI=1.16–1.51). Similar differences were observed using the modified WHO criteria.

Conclusion

Fluoridated water appears to provide a better protective effect against dental caries than fluoridated household salt among schoolchildren from developing countries.
The Uneasy Relationship of Self‐Critique in the Public Art Institution
Authors: Mahony Emma
Published: July 2016

Reacting to the gradual neoliberalization of the European public art institutional landscape, actors within a number of critical art museums and galleries have attempted to reform their institutions from within through a process that is largely commensurate with Chantal Mouffe's radical political strategy of ‘critique as hegemonic engagement‐with’. This article focuses on Manuel J. Borja‐Villel's attempt to implement such a strategy at the Museu D'Art Contemporani, Barcelona (MACBA) in the early 2000s. Through an examination of two key projects – Las Agencias (The Agencies) (2001) and Com Volem ser Governats? (How do we want to be governed) (2003‐2004) – it considers the efficacy of such an approach. In so doing, it calls into question the public art institution's ability to perform a self‐critique when embedded within the hegemony of the neoliberal order and constrained by bureaucratic institutional limitations. It concludes by noting that Mouffe's strategy of engagement does not give sufficient consideration to the dependence critical public art institutions have on local and national political support and its funding channels, making them extremely susceptible to instrumentalization. In response to this constraint, it makes the recommendation that, rather than curbing their experimentation, these critical actors should embrace the potentially temporary status of their institutions, and intentionally push them to and even beyond their bureaucratic limitations.
Exchangeable cations and clay dispersion: net dispersive charge, a new concept for dispersive soil
Authors: Rengasamy P. , Tavakkoli E. , McDonald G. K.
Published: July 2016

Dispersive soil has poor physical properties, which reduce porosity, air and water movement. These properties can reduce crop production and create problems with soil stability under buildings and infrastructure. Traditionally, clay dispersion has been related to the exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) of soil or to the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) of soil solutions. However, the roles of the other exchangeable cations, potassium and magnesium, in clay dispersion have been debated in the literature and their importance is unresolved. Based on the relative dispersive and flocculating powers of sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, a new concept for describing dispersive soil is proposed. This defines the net dispersive charge as the difference between the dispersive charge, calculated from the concentration of exchangeable cations measured at a given soil pH and their dispersive powers, and the flocculating charge, calculated from the concentrations of cations in dispersed solutions and their flocculating powers. The net dispersive charge of a soil determines the clay dispersion. Clay disperses when the net dispersive charge is positive and does not disperse when it is zero or negative. This new concept resolves controversies in the literature caused by the roles of organic matter, clay mineralogy, exchangeable cation composition and electrolyte concentration in relation to clay dispersion. Experimental confirmation of this concept is provided by the analytical data of 96 soil samples collected from different parts of South Australia and Victoria in Australia and from previously published data. Possible methods of estimating net dispersive charge from soil solutions are discussed.

Highlights

Examined the role of different exchangeable cations in inducing clay dispersion.

The long‐debated issue of the importance of different cations in dispersive soil is resolved.

The net dispersive charge in soil is related to the amount of dispersed clay.

Reclamation of dispersive soil requires the net dispersive charge to be zero.
The LD loop as an important structural element required for transmission of the allosteric signal in the HtrA (DegP) protease from Escherichia coli
Authors: Figaj Donata , Gieldon Artur , Bartczak Marlena , Koper Tomasz , Zarzecka Urszula , Lesner Adam , Lipinska Barbara , Skorko‐Glonek Joanna
Published: July 2016

High‐temperature requirement A (HtrA; DegP) from Escherichia coli, an important element of the extracytoplasmic protein quality‐control system, is a member of the evolutionarily conserved family of serine proteases. The characteristic feature of this protein is its allosteric mode of activation. The regulatory loops, L3, L2, L1 and LD, play a crucial role in the transmission of the allosteric signal. Yet, the role of LD has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we undertook a study to explain the role of the individual LD residues in inducing and maintaining the proteolytic activity of HtrA. We investigated the influence of amino acid substitutions located within the LD loop on the kinetics of a model substrate cleavage as well as on the dynamics of the oligomeric structure of HtrA. We found that the mutations that were expected to disturb the loop's structure and/or interactions with the remaining regulatory loops severely diminished the proteolytic activity of HtrA. The opposite effect, that is, increased activity, was observed for G174S substitution, which was predicted to strengthen the interactions mediated by LD. HtrAG174S protein had an equilibrium shifted toward the active enzyme and formed preferentially high‐order oligomeric forms.
Novel murine tumour models depend on strain and route of inoculation
Authors: Fu Qiang , Satterlee Andrew , Wang Yongjun , Wang Yuhua , Wang Dun , Tang Jingling , He Zhonggui , Liu Feng
Published: July 2016

This study describes variations in tumour growth patterns which occur when changes in the routes of inoculation and mouse strain are used to introduce tumours into established murine model systems that are known to vary in location and aggression. Intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, intravenous and hydrodynamic inoculations of B16F10 cells were compared among CD‐1, C57BL/6 and Balb/c mice. Most surprisingly, allogeneic tumour growth in Balb/c mice after intravenous and hydrodynamic inoculation of B16F10 cells was faster than tumour growth in the syngeneic C57BL/6 mice. These and other variations in the tumour growth patterns described here can help provide the researcher with more experimental control when planning to use the optimal tumour model for any particular study.
New Lead‐free (1−x)BaTiO3–xBi(Mg1/2Zr1/2)O3 Solid Solution with Morphotropic Phase Boundary and Diffuse Phase Transition
Authors: Anand Shashwat , Pandey Rishikesh , Shankar Uma , Singh Akhilesh Kumar
Published: July 2016

A new lead‐free perovskite solid solution (1−x)BaTiO3–xBi(Mg1/2Zr1/2)O3 with morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) has been developed, and its structural and dielectric properties have been investigated. Rietveld structural analysis of the X‐ray diffraction data suggest a composition‐dependent tetragonal (P4mm) to cubic () phase transition with an intermediate, phase coexistence region, demarcating the MPB. The compositions with x ≤ 0.05 are tetragonal in the P4mm space group and the compositions with x ≥ 0.25 are cubic in the space group. Coexistence of monoclinic phase (space group Cm) with tetragonal/cubic phase (space group P4mm/) is observed in the MPB region for the compositions with 0.10 ≤ x ≤ 0.22. The temperature dependence of permittivity exhibits a nonrelaxor type diffuse phase transition for all the compositions across the MPB.
Al2O3 Nanoparticulate LZS Glass–Ceramic Matrix Composites for Production of Multilayered Materials
Authors: Arcaro Sabrina , Isabel Nieto Maria , Rodrigues Neto João B. , Novaes de Oliveira Antonio Pedro , Moreno Rodrigo
Published: July 2016

This work reports the processing steps of Al2O3 (1–5 vol%) nanoparticulate (dV.50 = 13 nm) LZS glass–ceramic matrix (19.58Li2O·11.10ZrO2·69.32SiO2, mol%, dv.50 = 3.5 μm) composites for production of multilayered materials with thermal expansion gradients obtained by tape casting. Suspensions were prepared in water to solids contents ranging from 40 to 47 vol% using ammonium polyacrylate as a deflocculant, and an acrylic copolymer and polyvinyl alcohol as binders. Optimum performance was achieved by sonication and controlling the rheological properties for every step of the process. To prepare the composites, different concentrations (1, 2.5 and 5 vol%) of nanoalumina were added to fresh, as‐prepared LZS suspensions, by changing the solid contents as required to maintain similar viscosities. Green tapes with high uniformity, without macroscopic defects and easy to handle were sintered to relative densities between 89% and 94%. Dense and homogeneous laminates with gradual composition with increasing concentrations of alumina were obtained.
Effects of therapeutic recreation on adults with ASD and ID: a preliminary randomized control trial
Authors: García‐Villamisar D. , Dattilo J. , Muela C.
Published: July 2016

Background

The purpose of this research was to examine effects of a therapeutic recreation (TR) program designed to increase executive function (EF), social skills, adaptive behaviours and well‐being of adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID).

Method

A preliminary pre‐test, post‐test randomized control group experimental design was used to measure effects of a 40‐week TR program designed to increase EF (TR‐EF). The TR‐EF used instructional electronically based games delivered during 200 1‐h sessions (5/week).

Results

Participants (experimental group, n = 19; wait‐list group, n = 18) were evaluated at baseline and 10 months later. There was a positive and direct impact of the program on several EF and indirect effect on social skills, adaptive behaviour and personal well‐being.

Conclusions

Findings provide support for inclusion of EF enrichment as a way to enhance effects of TR interventions for adults with ASD and ID. Preliminary results of this study can be considered in planning TR services in the future. In addition to TR‐EF program primary effects on EF, there were indirect benefits on adaptive behaviours, personal well‐being and social skills.
Septicemia in an Indian Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta) associated with Providencia stuartii
Authors: Liu David X. , Didier Peter J. , Plauche Gail , Pahar Bapi
Published: July 2016

Providencia stuartii (P. stuartii) is an opportunistic pathogen and major concern in urinary catheter‐related infections in human medicine. Here we report P. stuartii‐induced septicemia in an eighteen‐year‐old, female India‐origin Rhesus macaque with multiple traumatic wounds. The animal had neutrophilic leukocytosis, necrosuppurative meningoencephalitis, hypophysitis and bronchopneumonia with vasculitis, thrombosis, and clusters of extracellular Gram‐negative bacilli. P. stuartii was isolated from the lesions of the brain and lung and confirmed by PCR and sequencing. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case of septicemia associated with P. stuartii in a non‐human primate.
Sclareol isolated from Salvia officinalis improves facial wrinkles via an antiphotoaging mechanism
Authors: Park Ji‐Eun , Lee Kyung‐Eun , Jung Eunsun , Kang Seunghyun , Kim Youn Joon
Published: July 2016

Background

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation triggers skin photoaging processes, which disrupt the normal three‐dimensional integrity of skin. UV‐induced oxidative stress, both directly and indirectly, stimulates complex signaling pathways. UV radiation activates skin cell surface receptors on a molecular level and triggers severe changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, resulting in skin photoaging.

Aims

Sclareol isolated from Salvia officinalis is widely used as a fragrance material. Sclareol is known to exert various biological activities, but its antiphotoaging effect has not been elucidated to date. Therefore, we evaluated wrinkle improvement efficacy of sclareol.

Methods

Human dermal fibroblast cell line (Hs68) and a reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) model were used to evaluate the antiphotoaging effect of sclareol in vitro. A clinical study treated with 0.02% sclareol‐containing cream was conducted to identify the ability of sclareol to improve wrinkles.

Results

First, sclareol enhanced cellular proliferation and blocked UVB‐induced cell death. Sclareol inhibited the UVB‐induced mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) by regulating the protein expression of AP‐1 constituents. In RHE model, sclareol recovered the UVB‐induced decrease in epidermal thickness and the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). In clinical trial, visually assessed changes and several wrinkle parameters were considered to be statistically different between the test and control groups at 12 weeks.

Conclusions

In this study, sclareol inhibited various photoaging phenomena in human fibroblasts and RHE model. In addition, sclareol‐containing cream improved wrinkles in a clinical trial. Taken together, sclareol alleviates facial wrinkle formation via an antiphotoaging mechanism and may be an effective candidate ingredient.
Temporal sweetness profile of MNEI protein in gelled model systems
Authors: Di Monaco Rossella , Galiñanes Plaza Adriana , Miele Nicoletta A. , Picone Delia , Cavella Silvana
Published: July 2016

MNEI has been proved to be a high‐potency sweetener that could be used in the beverage industry to satisfy consumer demands for low‐caloric products. Until now its sweetness profile was studied only in liquid samples. So the objectives of this study were to characterize the sweetness intensity profile of MNEI protein in simple gelled systems, and to characterize the dominance sensation of more complex gelled systems in comparison with other sweeteners. First, the sweetness intensity of MNEI and of three commercial sweeteners (aspartame, saccharin, and sucrose) was determined in aqueous solutions and in gel, at different agar concentrations, by the time‐Intensity method. Then, gels at 1.5% agar concentration, containing flavoring, coloring, and acidifying agent were evaluated using the temporal dominance of sensation method to study the interaction between sweetness and other sensory attributes. Differences regarding sweeteners in solutions and gels were reported showing a decrease of sweetness intensity perception when sweeteners were added in a gelled matrix, especially for MNEI. Additionally, MNEI seemed to be the sweetener most affected by all evaluation conditions (coloring and acidifying agents) in the TDS method. The results are an important scientific contribution to the knowledge of MNEI sensory profile in gelled and complex matrices that could increase its range of food applications.

Practical applications

The use of both time intensity and temporal dominance of sensation methods in order to evaluate the temporal sweetness profile of MNEI‐based gelled system represented a new approach in the study of sweet proteins. Indeed, the use of the TDS represented an innovative approach to study the effect of color on sweetness and flavor perception. According to our results, MNEI gels did not perform well comparing to the other sweeteners in semisolid matrix. However, further studies should be carried out in order to better understand the interaction between MNEI protein and the gelling as well as the coloring agents. Regarding the application in semisolid foods, it could be suggested the use of new technologies like encapsulation in order to protect the protein from experimental conditions and prevent its interaction with the sweet taste receptor.
Enhanced anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo of luteolin incorporated into long-circulating micelles based on DSPE-PEG2000 and TPGS
Authors: Yan Hongmei , Wei Pingping , Song Jie , Jia Xiaobin , Zhang Zhenhai
Published: July 2016

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate enhanced anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo of luteolin-loaded long-circulating micelles (DTLLMs) formulated.

Methods

DTLLM was the luteolin formulation prepared with 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-methoxy-poly (ethylene glycol 2000) (DSPE-PEG2000) and d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) in this study. We performed a systematic comparative evaluation of the antiproliferative effect, cellular uptake, antitumour efficacy and in vivo tumour targeting of these micelles using non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cells.

Key findings

Results showed that the obtained micelles have a mean particle size of around 42.34 nm, and the size of micelles was narrowly distributed. With the improved cellular uptake, DTLLM displayed a more potent antiproliferative action on A549 cell lines than luteolin; half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was 7.29 vs 19.14 μg/ml, respectively. The antitumour efficacy test in nude mice showed that DTLLM exhibited significantly higher antitumour activity against NSCLC with lesser toxic effects on normal tissues. The imaging study for in vivo targeting demonstrated that the long-circulating micelles formulation achieved targeted drug delivery and make drug release slow to prolong the circulating time.

Conclusion

DTLLM might be a potential antitumour formulation.
The role of ultrasound in pharmaceutical production: sonocrystallization
Authors: Castillo-Peinado Laura de los Santos , Luque de Castro María Dolores
Published: July 2016

Objectives

The main aim of this review was to develop a critical discussion of the key role ultrasound (US) can play on the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) by discussing the versatile effect this type of energy produces.

Methods

The different crystallization techniques that can be assisted and improved by US are discussed in the light of the available US devices and the effect pursued by application of US energy. Simple and complex analytical methods to monitor API changes are also discussed.

Key findings

The countless achievements of API US-assisted production are summarized in a table, and outstanding effects such as narrower particle size distribution; decreased particle size, induction time, metastable zone and supersaturation levels; or a solubility increase are critically discussed.

Conclusions

The indisputable advantages of sonocrystallization over other ways of API production have been supported on multiple examples, and pending goals in this field (clarify the effect of US frequency on crystallization, know the mechanism of sonocrystallization, determine potential degradation owing to US energy, avoid calculation of the process yield by determining the concentration of the target drug remaining in the solution, etc.) should be achieved.
Melatonin enhances hyperthermia‐induced apoptotic cell death in human leukemia cells
Authors: Quintana Carlos , Cabrera Javier , Perdomo Juan , Estévez Francisco , Loro Juan F. , Reiter Russel J. , Quintana José
Published: July 2016

Melatonin is an endogenous indoleamine with a wide range of biological functions. In addition to modulating circadian rhythms, it plays important roles in the health as an antioxidant. Melatonin has also the ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells and to enhance the antitumoral activity of chemotherapeutic agents. In this study, the effect of melatonin on hyperthermia‐induced apoptosis was explored using human leukemia cells. The results demonstrate that melatonin greatly improved the cytotoxicity of hyperthermia in U937 cells. The potentiation of cell death was achieved with 1 mmol/L concentrations of the indoleamine but not with concentrations close to physiological levels in blood (1 nmol/L). This effect was associated to an enhancement of the apoptotic response, revealed by an increase in cells with hypodiploid DNA content and activation of multiple caspases (caspase‐2, caspase‐3, caspase‐8, and caspase‐9). Melatonin also increased hyperthermia‐induced Bid activation as well as translocation of Bax from the cytosol to mitochondria and cytochrome c release. Hyperthermia‐provoked apoptosis and potentiation by melatonin were abrogated by a broad‐spectrum caspase inhibitor (z‐VAD‐fmk) as well as by specific inhibitors against caspase‐8 or caspase‐3. In contrast, blocking of the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis either with a caspase‐9 inhibitor or overexpressing the anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐2 (U937/Bcl‐2) reduced the number of apoptotic cells in response to hyperthermia but it was unable to suppress melatonin enhancement. Melatonin appears to modulate the apoptotic response triggered by hyperthermia in a cell type‐specific manner as similar results were observed in HL‐60 but not in K562 or MOLT‐3 cells.
Long‐term follow‐up in dogs with idiopathic eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy treated with inhaled steroid therapy
Authors: Canonne A.M. , Bolen G. , Peeters D. , Billen F. , Clercx C.
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

Treatment of canine idiopathic eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy mainly consists of long‐term oral corticosteroid therapy. To avoid side effects, inhaled steroid therapy has been increasingly used but long‐term clinical response and potential side effects are sparsely described.

OBJECTIVES

Description of clinical response and side effects with long‐term fluticasone in dogs with eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy.

METHODS

Case series of dogs with eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy and treated with fluticasone monotherapy for at least 6 months. Clinical response and side effects assessed by physical examination, standardised questionnaire and ACTH (corticotropin) stimulation test.

RESULTS

Eight dogs were treated for between 6 months and 5 years. Cough initially improved in all dogs; two dogs remained free of clinical signs, three were well controlled, but three showed severe relapse. Pituitary–adrenal axis inhibition occurred in two dogs treated with fluticasone monotherapy for more than 2 years; only one dog had clinical signs of iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Fluticasone monotherapy allows initial improvement or remission in the majority of dogs but long‐term treatment fails to resolve the cough in some individuals. In addition, such therapy may induce pituitary‐adrenal axis inhibition. Prospective larger and randomised studies including both fluticasone and orally‐treated dogs are needed to define the optimal treatment.
Pilot study measuring the effects of bandaging and cold compression therapy following tibial plateau levelling osteotomy
Authors: Kieves N. R. , Bergh M. S. , Zellner E. , Wang C.
Published: July 2016

OBJECTIVES

To compare cold compression therapy, modified Robert‐Jones bandage or the combination of cold compression therapy plus modified Robert‐Jones bandage on operated limbs following tibial plateau levelling osteotomy in dogs.

METHODS

Twenty‐one client‐owned dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease were prospectively enrolled. Dogs were randomly assigned to one of three postoperative treatment groups: cold compression therapy, modified Robert‐Jones bandage or a combination of both. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at 12, 24 and 36 hours following tibial plateau levelling osteotomy. Measurements included weight‐bearing on the operated limb, stifle flexion and extension angles and circumference of the operated limb at four levels.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in weight‐bearing, range of motion or limb swelling between groups. There was a trend for dogs in the cold compression therapy and cold compression therapy with a bandage groups to have a greater increase in weight‐bearing after surgery compared with the bandage‐only group.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Cold compression therapy is a safe modality following tibial plateau levelling osteotomy surgery. The trend towards improved use of the operated limb in the groups receiving cold compression therapy compared with those treated with only a bandage may be an indication that these patients are more comfortable in the postoperative period. The small sample size limits interpretation of the data but this pilot study provides data to guide future investigation.
Ribosomal DNA ITS1, 5.8S and ITS2 secondary structure, nuclear DNA content and phytochemical analyses reveal distinctive characteristics of four subclades of Protasparagus
Authors: Saha Partha Sarathi , Sengupta Mainak , Jha Sumita
Published: July 2016

The use of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) primary sequence based phylogeny is a conventional practice to estimate the evolutionary interspecies relationship. However, analysis of the functional folding patterns and higher order secondary structures of ITS regions can provide additional important information regarding species relatedness and interspecies variations. In the present study, we provide the first detailed information on the rDNA ITS secondary structure diversity in the four subclades of the subgenus Protasparagus. Several angiospermic conserved motifs were identified in each of the ITS1, 5.8S and ITS2 secondary structures of the studied taxon. Topological comparison of the ITS1 secondary structures showed variations in the helix‐ IV regions. Moreover, presence of unique sequence motifs and differences in the internal loop structures were found to be subclade specific. The present study suggests that comprehensive analysis of the ITS1, 5.8S and ITS2 structural elements including helices, loops and bulges can be used as an important tool for species delimitation. The present study investigated the evolution of the secondary structure of ITS marker (its phylogenetic utility), genome size, base chromosome number and phytochemicals, and identified a putative polyploid event shared by a number of Protasparagus species. The phytochemical analysis of two important active compounds, i.e., shatavarin‐IV and sarsasapogenin, also reveals their presence in all the studied taxa constitutively even at the subclade level.
The law of crowds
Authors: Wall Illan rua
Published: July 2016

From the Arab Spring and Occupy to the London riots and student tuition fee protests, the disordered crowd has re-emerged as a focal point of anxiety for law makers. The paper examines two recent cases where the UK courts have thought about crowds. InAustin, the House of Lords connected the crowd to an idea of human nature. This essentialist rendering placed the crowd within an old analytical register where it is understood to release a primordial violence. InBauer, the Administrative Court utilised a very different sense of the ‘crowdness’ of the crowd to uphold the conviction of UK Uncut activists for aggravated trespass. In their novelty and difference, these two mutually exclusive senses of the crowd open an essential question of the relation between law and society. This paper introduces the ‘Law of Crowds’ as a distinctive way to understand the questions of protest, revolt and democracy.
Interleaving stimulation with a combination of bipolar and monopolar configurations for secondary failure of bilateral subthalamic stimulation in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Tsukada Rina , Oyama Genko , Shimo Yasushi , Sekimoto Satoko , Jo Takayuki , Nakajima Asuka , Umemura Atsushi , Arai Hajime , Hattori Nobutaka
Published: July 2016

Current control technology using interleaving stimulation could be theoretically useful for maximizing the benefits of deep brain stimulation, but it is seldom reported. A 61‐year‐old man with young‐onset Parkinson's disease was previously treated with bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation because of wearing‐off and peak‐dose dyskinesia; he again developed wearing‐off and a gait disturbance 3 years after surgery. His deep brain stimulation was adjusted by utilizing interleaving stimulation with a combination of monopolar and bipolar configurations, because increasing stimulation with single or double monopolar stimulation, and interleaving monopolar stimulation caused pyramidal side‐effects. After adjusting deep brain stimulation, his wearing‐off symptoms and gait disturbance were markedly improved without any side‐effects. The present case report describes the potential of interleaving stimulation with a combination of monopolar and bipolar settings for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
What is it Like to be a Group Agent?
Authors: List Christian
Published: July 2016

The existence of group agents is relatively widely accepted. Examples are corporations, courts, NGOs, and even entire states. But should we also accept that there is such a thing as group consciousness? I give an overview of some of the key issues in this debate and sketch a tentative argument for the view that group agents lack phenomenal consciousness (pace Schwitzgebel ). In developing my argument, I draw on integrated information theory, a much‐discussed theory of consciousness. I conclude by pointing out an implication of my argument for the normative status of group agents.
Desiccation of sediments affects assimilate transport within aquatic plants and carbon transfer to microorganisms
Authors: von Rein I. , Kayler Z. E. , Premke K. , Gessler A.
Published: July 2016

With the projected increase in drought duration and intensity in future, small water bodies, and especially the terrestrial–aquatic interfaces, will be subjected to longer dry periods with desiccation of the sediment. Drought effects on the plant–sediment microorganism carbon continuum may disrupt the tight linkage between plants and microbes which governs sediment carbon and nutrient cycling, thus having a potential negative impact on carbon sequestration of small freshwater ecosystems. However, research on drought effects on the plant–sediment carbon transfer in aquatic ecosystems is scarce. We therefore exposed two emergent aquatic macrophytes, Phragmites australis and Typha latifolia, to a month‐long summer drought in a mesocosm experiment.

We followed the fate of carbon from leaves to sediment microbial communities with 13CO2 pulse labelling and microbial phospholipid‐derived fatty acid (PLFA) analysis.

We found that drought reduced the total amount of carbon allocated to stem tissues but did not delay the transport. We also observed an increase in accumulation of 13C‐labelled sugars in roots and found a reduced incorporation of 13C into the PLFAs of sediment microorganisms.

Drought induced a switch in plant carbon allocation priorities, where stems received less new assimilates leading to reduced starch reserves whilst roots were prioritised with new assimilates, suggesting their use for osmoregulation. There were indications that the reduced carbon transfer from roots to microorganisms was due to the reduction of microbial activity via direct drought effects rather than to a decrease in root exudation or exudate availability.
When Does a Presidential Candidate Seem Presidential and Trustworthy? Campaign Messages Through the Lens of Language Expectancy Theory
Authors: Clementson David E. , Pascual‐Ferrá Paola , Beatty Michael J.
Published: July 2016

Presidential candidates use different language intensity in different situations. However, the literature is unclear as to when they should use low‐ or high‐intensity language. We applied language expectancy theory and Edwards’ theory of presidential influence to situations varying in circumstances during a presidential campaign. Results indicated significant interactions between language intensity and economic conditions. In support of theories of persuasion applied to presidential campaign contexts, the effects of language intensity and circumstances each depend on the other. During exigent economic times, people consider a presidential candidate to have more presidentiality and trustworthiness when using high‐ instead of low‐intensity language. And during stable economic times, people consider a presidential candidate to have more presidentiality and trustworthiness when using low‐ instead of high‐intensity language.
Severe motor aphasia after reinfusion of cryopreserved autologous stem cells after myeloablative conditioning
Authors: Hausmann Andreas , Fischer Norbert , Breitkopf Stephan , Menne Franziska , Jess Kerstin , Schmidmayr Stefan , Wendtner Clemens M. , Hentrich Marcus
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

Autologous peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) are usually cryopreserved before high‐dose chemotherapy (HDCT) and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT). The freezing process requires the addition of cryoprotectants such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), which is vital for cell viability in frozen aliquots. DMSO has a number of well‐described side effects. However, severe neurologic side effects assigned to DMSO are exceedingly rare.

CASE REPORT

A 64‐year‐old female underwent HDCT followed by PBSCT as consolidation therapy in relapsed high‐grade (Grade 3B) Stage IIIA follicular lymphoma. PBSCs were mobilized using granulocyte–colony stimulating factor and plerixafor after the second cycle of R‐DHAP (rituximab, dexamethasone, high‐dose Ara‐C, cisplatin) salvage chemotherapy. A total of 7.18 × 106/kg body weight CD34+ cells were cryopreserved using 10% DMSO. HDCT was administered some weeks later followed by reinfusion of two bags of PBSCs, each containing 98 mL with 1.6 × 106/kg body weight CD34+ cells. Within a few minutes the patient developed a motor aphasia and became very agitated. Brain imaging did not reveal any pathologic finding. After being transferred to the intensive care unit the patient's condition steadily improved and the motor aphasia resolved completely within 6 hours after its onset.

CONCLUSION

This is, to our knowledge, the first report to describe an episode of severe motor aphasia during PBSCT. Given the close timely correlation with PBSCT, this episode appears to be caused by dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and might possibly have been prevented by use of lower concentrations of DMSO.