bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Ultrasound‐Assisted Extraction of Monoterpene Glycoside from Oil Peony Seed Cake
Authors: Deng Rui‐xue , Yang Xiao , Wang Yi‐xiang , Du Ming‐zhu , Hao Xu‐ting , Liu Pu 
Published: November 2018

AbstractUltrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) of total monoterpene glycosides extract (TMGE) from oil peony seed cakes was investigated. The extraction yield was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The chemical constituents of the monoterpene glycosides extract were isolated by repeated column chromatography, and the contents of the main isolated monoterpene glycosides in the oil peony seed cakes were determined by HPLC. The optimum conditions were as follows: a liquid‐to‐solid ratio of 27 mL/g, ultrasonic extraction time of 16 min, ultrasonic extraction temperature of 26 °C, and ethanol concentration of 67%. Under these conditions, the extraction yield of TMGE was 10.24%. Twenty monoterpene glycosides were isolated from the oil peony seed cakes, and compounds 11‐12, 16 and 20 showed strong inhibitory activities on NO production. TMGE from oil peony seed cakes can also to be used as promising immunosuppressive drug due to its high content of monoterpene glycosides and immune‐inhibitory activity.Practical AapplicationThe peony seed oil was authorized as a new food by the Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China. Peony seed cake is one of the most important by‐products in the preparation of peony seed oil, and accounts for approximately 40% of the total mass of the peony seed. Total monoterpene glycosides are the main active ingredient of oil peony seed cake. This research has optimized the extraction conditions of total monoterpene glycoside from seeds cake of Paeonia ostii, which will provide useful reference information for further studies, and offer related industries with helpful guidance in practice.
Application of Physical Gas Absorbers in Manipulating the CO2 Pressure of Kimchi Package
Authors: Jaisan Chalalai , An Duck Soon , Lee Dong Sun 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPhysical gas absorption and release of activated carbon or zeolite were used to attain the desired CO2 concentration profile inside a package of kimchi for its dynamic storage and consumption environment. The CO2 adsorption/desorption behavior of different combinations of physical scavengers in the microporous Tyvek sachet was measured at 0, 10 and 20 °C. A combination of highly permeable microporous Tyvek and much less permeable nylon/polyethylene laminate was also examined as a variable to help control the access of CO2 to the physical CO2 absorber. The composition of the absorber and its packing density in the sachet affected the CO2 absorption rate and capacity. Increased zeolite in the Tyvek sachet showed higher CO2 absorption followed by higher CO2 release concomitant with moisture sorption, while activated carbon itself had low CO2 absorption and little subsequent CO2 desorption. Lower temperatures increased the capacity of CO2 absorption and release along with lower CO2 absorption and release rates. A reduction in Tyvek area could decrease the absorption and release rates. An application of a physical CO2 absorber to the kimchi package was tested at 10 °C to show potential for keeping the desired CO2 pressure profile for carbonic cool flavor under tolerable pressure during storage and use.Practical ApplicationsPhysical carbon dioxide absorbers consisting of zeolite and activated carbon inside the gas‐permeable sachet can be placed in kimchi packages for time‐dependent absorption and release of carbon dioxide, which responds in harmony with the fermentation profile of kimchi. Its practical potential is both to provide a carbonic cool taste of the product and to avoid excessive overpressure in the package through its shelf life when used in kimchi packaging. Its intelligent use may resolve the problem of a dull kimchi taste, which occurs when incorporating calcium hydroxide as the chemical scavenger in the package.
The analysis of human leukocyte antigen‐G level in patients with endometrial cancer by Western blot technique
Authors: Walentowicz‐Sadlecka Małgorzata , Dziobek Konrad , Grabiec Marek , Sadlecki Pawel , Walentowicz Pawel , Mak Paweł , Szymankiewicz Maria , Kwinta Przemko , Dutsch‐Wicherek Magdalena 
Published: November 2018

ProblemAberrant expression of human leukocyte antigen‐G (HLA‐G) in various malignancies has been shown to participate in tumour development by suppressing immune regulation within the tumour microenvironment. The detection of HLA‐G has reportedly been correlated with certain clinicopathological parameters in several neoplasms. Both the soluble and membranous forms of HLA‐G are biologically active, and therefore, we aimed to evaluate the HLA‐G level by Western blot technique.Method of studyThe total amount of HLA‐G protein was analyzed in the primary tumour in 113 tissue samples derived from patients with endometrial cancer. The HLA‐G protein level was measured by Western Blot technique and was analyzed with respect to the clinicopathological parameters.ResultsHuman leukocyte antigen‐G protein levels were statistically significantly higher in the cancerous tissues derived from the women with advanced endometrial cancer than those from women with early stage disease. Moreover, we showed that endometrial cancer patients with lymph node metastases had statistically significantly higher HLA‐G levels in the primary uterine tumour.ConclusionThe aberrant expression of HLA‐G antigens by malignant cells could be one of the strategies tumour cells use to escape immune surveillance. The presence of HLA‐G within the cancer nest and its microenvironment would seem to be linked to disease progression.
Usefulness of platelet to lymphocyte ratio for predicting recurrence of atrial fibrillation after direct current cardioversion
Authors: Dereli Seçkin , Bayramoğlu Adil , Yontar Osman Can 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac rhythm disorder with the associated risks of stroke and mortality. The usefulness of platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), a recently described inflammatory marker, in predicting adverse cardiovascular events has been demonstrated in several studies. In the current study, we investigated the role of PLR in predicting recurrence after successful electrical cardioversion (ECV) in patients with non‐valvular persistent AF.MethodsA total of 287 patients with non‐valvular persistent AF achieving restoration of the sinus rhythm after successful ECV were included in this study. At study entry, complete blood count, routine biochemistry tests, and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) were performed routinely in all subjects. Patients were followed up for 6 months following the procedure and comparisons were performed between patients who recurred and who maintained the sinus rhythm (SR).ResultsAt 6 months of follow‐up, AF recurred in 108 patients, corresponding to a recurrence rate of 39%. Mean PLR values in the “AF recurrence group” (mean age 57.4 ± 12.0 years, 47.6% [n = 80] female) and in “SR maintenance” group (mean age 65.0 ± 9.4 years, 55.6% [n = 60] female) were 184.8 ± 44.2 and 103.3 ± 44.2, respectively, with a significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.001). In multiple regression analyses, PLR emerged as a risk factor associated with AF recurrence during the 6‐month follow‐up period after successful ECV (odds ratio [OR]: 3.029 (1.013–9.055 95% confidence interval [CI]), p = 0.047). When a cutoff value of 147 was used, the sensitivity and specificity of PLR for predicting AF recurrence were 83.3% and 84.5%, respectively.ConclusionElevated PLR is a marker of increased inflammation and may serve as a practical and inexpensive predictor for recurrence during 6 months of follow‐up in patients with non‐valvular persistent AF who had restoration of the sinus rhythm after successful ECV.
Randomized controlled trial of probiotic use for post‐colonoscopy symptoms
Authors: Mullaney Tamara G. , Lam David , Kluger Roman , D'Souza Basil 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundSymptoms of bloating, discomfort and altered bowel function persist post‐colonoscopy in up to 20% of patients. A previous randomized controlled trial of probiotics for post‐colonoscopy symptoms has demonstrated a reduction in duration of pain with the use of probiotics. This was performed with air insufflation and the question was asked whether the effect would persist with the use of carbon dioxide to insufflate the colon.MethodsEligible patients were recruited and randomized to receive either probiotic or placebo capsules post colonoscopy. A questionnaire was completed documenting the presence of pre‐procedural and post‐procedural symptoms for the following 2 weeks. The results were entered into a database and processed by an independent statistician. The primary outcome was mean pain score and incidence of bloating over the first 7 days and at 14 days post procedure. The secondary outcome was the time to return of normal bowel function.ResultsTwo hundred and forty participants were recruited and randomized (120 probiotic and 120 placebo). Data were available for 75 patients in the probiotic and 75 in the placebo group. There was no significant difference between groups in post‐procedural discomfort, bloating nor time to return of normal bowel function. Subgroup analysis of the patients with preexisting symptoms showed a reduction in incidence of bloating with the use of probiotics.ConclusionThere may be a role for the use of probiotics in the subgroup of patients with preexisting symptoms; however, routine use of probiotics to ameliorate post‐procedural symptoms of carbon dioxide insufflation colonoscopy cannot be advocated.
Emergency presentations of acute biliary pain: changing patterns of management in a tertiary institute
Authors: Cox Daniel R. A. , Fong Jonathan , Liew Chon Hann , Goh Su Kah , Yeoh Michael , Fink Michael A. , Jones Robert M. , Mukkadayil Jude , Nikfarjam Mehrdad , Perini Marcos V. , Rumler Greg , Starkey Graham , Christophi Chris , Muralidharan Vijayaragavan 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundAcute biliary pain is the most common presentation of gallstone disease. Untreated patients risk recurrent pain, cholecystitis, obstructive jaundice, pancreatitis and multiple hospital presentations. We examine the outcome of implementing a policy to offer laparoscopic cholecystectomy on index presentation to patients with biliary colic in a tertiary hospital in Australia.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of adult patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with biliary pain during three 12‐month periods. Outcomes in Group A, 3 years prior to policy implementation, were compared with groups 2 and 7 years post implementation (Groups B and C). Primary outcomes were representations to ED, admission rate and time to cholecystectomy.ResultsA total of 584 patients presented with biliary colic during the three study periods. Of these, 391 underwent cholecystectomy with three Strasberg Type A bile leaks and no bile duct injuries. The policy increased admission rates (A = 15.8%, B = 62.9%, C = 29.5%, P < 0.001) and surgery on index presentation (A = 12.0%, B = 60.7%, C = 27.4%, P < 0.001). There was a decline in time to cholecystectomy (days) (A = 143, B = 15, C = 31, P < 0.001), post‐operative length of stay (days) (A = 3.6, B = 3.2, C = 2.0, P < 0.05) and representation rates to ED (A = 42.1%, B = 7.1%, C = 19.9%, P < 0.001). There was a decline in policy adherence in the later cohort.ConclusionIndex hospital admission and cholecystectomy for biliary colic decrease patient representations, time to surgery, post‐operative stay and complications of gallstone disease. This study demonstrates the impact of the policy with initial improvement, the dangers of policy attrition and the need for continued reinforcement.
Monitoring of avulsion channel evolution and river morphology changes using UAV photogrammetry: Case study of the gravel bed Ondava River in Outer Western Carpathians
Authors: Rusnák Miloš , Sládek Ján , Pacina Jan , Kidová Anna 
Published: November 2018

This paper presents results from monitoring the chute cutoff in the meander bend of the Ondava River in Eastern Slovakia. An avulsion channel was formed in the central part of the meander neck during 2010 flood events, and here we describe the mechanism of evolution and post‐cutoff avulsion channel adjustment using drones, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry and field survey. Monitoring by UAV images began on 15 June 2012 with 78 processed images, followed by 259 images during April 2014 and 375 from 18 July 2014. The majority of UAV digital elevation model (DEM) errors in the study area were associated with vegetation cover, with the average vertical root mean square error (RMSE) of the UAV‐DEM on bare ground at 0.209 m compared with 0.673 m in vegetated areas. The chute cutoff was formed by floodplain headcutting during meander neck overflow and headcut migration was directed by floodplain sediment structure and land use. Although low river discharge after the 2010 floods stabilised the avulsion channel by vegetation succession, recurrent two‐yearly interval flooding increased the avulsion channel bank erosion from 36.9 m3/month (June 2012–April 2014) to 425.6 m3/month (April 2014–July 2014).
Clinicopathologic features of anaplastic myxopapillary ependymomas
Authors: Lee Julieann C. , Sharifai Nima , Dahiya Sonika , Kleinschmidt‐DeMasters Bette K. , Rosenblum Marc K. , Reis Gerald F. , Samuel David , Siongco Aleli M. , Santi Mariarita , Storm Phillip B. , Ferris Sean P. , Bollen Andrew W. , Pekmezci Melike , Solomon David A. , Tihan Tarik , Perry Arie 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMyxopapillary ependymomas (MPE) are considered benign (World Health Organization (WHO) grade I) neoplasms with favorable prognosis. However, malignant behavior occurs in a small subset. To our knowledge, only five anaplastic MPEs have been reported without consensus on diagnostic criteria. We retrieved 14 anaplastic MPEs from the pathology archives of six institutions. Each tumor included at least two of the following features: ≥5 mitoses per 10 high power fields, Ki‐67 labeling index (LI) ≥10%, microvascular proliferation (MVP) and spontaneous necrosis. These features were typically encountered in the foci of hypercellularity and reduced mucin. There were eight male and six female patients (age range 6–57 years, median = 16.5). Ten tumors displayed anaplasia at initial resection, and 4 were anaplastic at a second surgery for recurrence (ranging from 9 months to 14 years following initial resection). The Ki‐67 LI ranged between 8% and 40% in the anaplastic foci and <3% in the foci of classic MPE. There was documented cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dissemination in seven cases, recurrence following an anaplastic diagnosis in three cases and bone or soft tissue invasion in two cases. One patient suffered lung metastases. Two cases evaluated by targeted next‐generation sequencing and one evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) showed nonspecific chromosomal gains. We conclude that although rare, anaplastic MPE occurs in both pediatric and adult patients, similar to other ependymomas. At a minimum, closer follow‐up is recommended, given the concern for aggressive biologic potential. Further study is needed to determine WHO grading criteria and genetic indicators of tumor progression.
Histamine receptors and cancer pharmacology: an update
Authors: Massari Noelia A , Nicoud Melisa B , Medina Vanina A 
Published: November 2018

In the present review, we will discuss the recent advances in the understanding of the role of histamine and histamine receptors in cancer biology. The controversial role of the histaminergic system in different neoplasias including gastric, colorectal, oesophageal, oral, pancreatic, liver, lung, skin, blood and breast cancers will be reviewed. The expression of histamine receptor subtypes, with special emphasis on the histamine H4receptor, in different cell lines and human tumours, the signal transduction pathways and the associated biological responses as well as thein vivotreatment of experimental tumours with pharmacological ligands will be described. The presented evidence demonstrates that histamine regulates cancer‐associated biological processes during cancer development in multiple cell types, including neoplastic cells and cells in the tumour micro‐environment. The outcome will depend on tumour cell type, the level of expression of histamine receptors, signal transduction associated with these receptors, tumour micro‐environment and histamine metabolism, reinforcing the complexity of cancer disease. Findings show the pivotal role of H4receptors in the development and progression of many types of cancers, and considering its immunomodulatory properties, the H4receptor appears to be the most promising molecular therapeutic target for cancer treatment within the histamine receptor family. Furthermore, the H4receptor is differentially expressed in tumours compared with normal tissues, and in most cancer types in which data are available, H4receptor expression is associated with clinicopathological characteristics, suggesting that H4receptors might represent a novel cancer biomarker.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on New Uses for 21st Century. To view the other articles in this section visithttp://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.3/issuetoc
The Balancing Act in a Military‐Dominated Transition to Democracy in Egypt After the Arab Spring
Authors: Zohny Ahmed Y. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis article genealogically traces the historical development of democracy in Egypt and the military and Islamists’ involvement in politics since the British occupation in Egypt in 1882, following the semi‐independence in 1922, through the 1952 revolution, and up to the revolutionary waves of the Arab Spring of January 25, 2011 and June 30, 2013. In this article, the author provides perceptual and analytical insight into the outcome of the Arab Spring of 2011 within the complicated realities of Egypt's politics during the transition to democracy, where the military and Islamists are competing to retain power in order to shape Egypt's future. The author argues that it is too early to make a judgmental argument that the transition to democracy has failed since the process of democratization is long and not linear, with periods of political trajectories while adapting in response to national, regional, and international events, dynamics, and forces. The research concludes that the coping models of democracy from outside of the Egyptian context may not work. Egypt should develop its own model of democracy based on an all stakeholders consensus accompanied by an incremental process of demilitarizing and desecuritizing the nation.
Living in protracted communal conflict: Socioeconomic trends and household poverty in Ghana's Yendi area
Authors: Adonteng‐Kissi Obed , Adonteng‐Kissi Barbara , Jibril Mohammed Kamal , Kwesi Osei Samuel 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMotivationThe conflict in Yendi, which dates to the colonial period, was one of the major sources of conflict in northern Ghana. The conflict was partly attributed to the contention on whether it is a convention that succession to the Yendi throne must essentially rotate between the two warring royal factions or revert to the primogenital tradition of unilateral royal family succession to the Ya Na Skin.PurposeThis article provides a critical synthesis of the impact of communal conflict on household poverty and economic empowerment of the poor to achieve decent standards of living in Ghana's Yendi area. It is therefore necessary to answer the research question, what is the impact of the Yendi communal conflict on socioeconomic trends and household poverty?MethodsWe aimed to ascertain the impact of the Yendi conflict on 20 local government officials, NGO representatives, traders, parents, teachers, students, farmers, nurses, members of the traditional authority and security personnel. The average age of participants was 35. Unstructured interviews were conducted with key informants using in‐depth interview techniques to gather the necessary data and purposively sampled across Ghana's Yendi. Interviews were recorded, transcribed using a framework approachResultsThe article finds that families that were rich in landed assets and had sufficient income but were most impacted by the conflict have seen their economic conditions deteriorate. This study further reveals that conflict impacts negatively on the welfare of families in different ways. Families endowed with more assets and higher education are identified as having better capacity to withstand economic shocks.ConclusionThere is a need for agricultural industrialization to offer spin‐offs and the generation of backward and forward linkages. To create strong linkages within the agriculture industry, it must become a resourceful business environment that offers a steady supply of quality raw materials at low costs. Government must help transform the rural environment from its subsistence structure to a commercially appealing, feasible and active sector, one which is critical for the accomplishment of sustained equitable growth.
Association of serum galectin‐3 with risks of death and vascular events in acute ischaemic stroke patients: the role of hyperglycemia
Authors: Zeng N. , Wang A. , Zhong C. , Zheng X. , Zhu Z. , Xu T. , Peng Y. , Peng H. , Li Q. , Ju Z. , Geng D. , Zhang Y. , He J. 
Published: November 2018

Background and purposeWhether the association between galectin‐3 and stroke outcome is modified by fasting plasma glucose (FPG) is unknown. The aim was to evaluate the prognostic effect of galectin‐3 amongst ischaemic stroke patients stratified by FPG.MethodsIn all, 3082 ischaemic stroke patients were included in this study and serum galectin‐3 was tested at baseline. The primary outcome was a composite outcome of death and vascular events, and secondary outcomes were death, stroke recurrence and vascular events within 1 year after stroke.ResultsIncreased galectin‐3 was significantly associated with the primary outcome, stroke recurrence and vascular events in the patients with hyperglycemia but not in those with normoglycemia (P for interaction < 0.05 for all). The multivariate‐adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 1.72 (1.05–2.84), 2.64 (1.14–6.12) and 2.68 (1.33–5.38) for the primary outcome, stroke recurrence and vascular events, respectively. A linear association between galectin‐3 and the primary outcome was observed in hyperglycemic patients (P for linearity = 0.007).ConclusionIncreased galectin‐3 was associated with the primary outcome, stroke recurrence and vascular events within 1 year after stroke in the patients with hyperglycemia, suggesting that galectin‐3 may be an important prognostic factor for ischaemic stroke patients with hyperglycemia.