bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro gastrointestinal biotransformation and characterization of a Desmodium adscendens decoction: the first step in unravelling its behaviour in the human body
Authors: van Dooren Ines , Foubert Kenn , Bijttebier Sebastiaan , Breynaert Annelies , Theunis Mart , Exarchou Vasiliki , Claeys Magda , Hermans Nina , Apers Sandra , Pieters Luc 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Objectives
The isolation and identification of the flavonoids present in a decoction of Desmodium adscendens was performed. In view of the oral use of the decoction, this work focused on the stability in gastrointestinal conditions and biotransformation by intestinal microflora in the colon of D-pinitol, vitexin and the flavonoid fraction of the decoction, as a first step in unravelling its behaviour in the human body.

Methods
The freeze-dried decoction was first subjected to column chromatography. Subsequently an enriched flavonoid fraction, was separated by repeated semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or by HPLC-SPE. The isolated compounds were elucidated by NMR. Biotransformation experiments were carried in an in vitro gastrointestinal dialysis model.

Key findings
The major flavonoids of a decoction of D. adscendens were characterized as vicenin-2, isoschaftoside, schaftoside, 2″-O-xylosylvitexin, 2″-O-pentosyl-C-hexosyl apigenin and a O-hexosyl-C-hexosyl apigenin, tentatively identified as 2″-O-glucosyl-vitexin. During their passage in the gastrointestinal dialysis model, vitexin and C-glycosides thereof were found to be stable. Only the O-glycosidic bonds of O-glycosides of vitexin or isovitexin were hydrolysed during the colonic phase.

Conclusions
A D. adscendens decoction was found to be rich in vitexin and isovitexin glycosides from which vitexin and the C-glycosides thereof were found to be stable in the simulated gastrointestinal tract.
Newly qualified Saudi nurses' ability to recognize the deteriorating child in hospital
Authors: Al‐Thubaity Daifallah , Williamson Susan , Leavey Ralph , Tume Lyvonne N 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTBackgroundIt is recognized that nurses' failure to recognize and respond promptly to deterioration in children's physiological status can result in increased morbidity and mortality.AimThe aim of this study was to explore the ability of Saudi‐educated, newly qualified nurses, working in paediatric wards, to recognize children's deterioration.MethodsA pilot study was carried out to assess nurses' responses to three clinical vignettes (deteriorating child, improving child and ambiguous scenarios). The nurses' ability to make a correct identification was captured using a ‘Think Aloud’ approach and quantified using a visual analogue scale.ResultsTwenty‐seven nurses in two geographical regions in Saudi Arabia participated. Only half the nurses (51·8%) correctly identified the deteriorating child vignette. Of those who could not, 37% were unsure and 11% responded incorrectly. No nurses correctly identified all three vignettes, and four nurses (15%) responded incorrectly to all vignettes.ConclusionsThe recognition of the deteriorating child is complex, and even in non‐stressful simulated scenarios using vignettes, many newly qualified nurses working with children failed to recognize clear signs of deterioration. A focused (culturally specific) educational intervention is being developed to target this, taking into account Saudi nurses' perceived education and training needs.Relevance to clinical practiceNewly qualified nurses working in paediatric wards frequently find it difficult to identify the deteriorating child.
The effect of xenon‐augmented sevoflurane anesthesia on intraoperative hemodynamics and early postoperative neurocognitive function in children undergoing cardiac catheterization: A randomized controlled pilot trial
Authors: Devroe Sarah , Lemiere Jurgen , Van Hese Laura , Gewillig Marc , Boshoff Derize , Poesen Koen , Van de Velde Marc , Rex Steffen 
Published: July 2018

SummaryBackgroundIn adults, xenon has only minimal hemodynamic side effects when compared with other anesthetics. Moreover, in preclinical experiments, xenon has been demonstrated to possess cardio‐ and neuroprotective properties. Altogether, the favorable hemodynamic profile combined with its potential for organ‐protection could render xenon an attractive option for anesthesia in children with cardiovascular compromise.AimsThe aim of this study was to explore safety and feasibility of sevoflurane‐augmented xenon anesthesia in school‐aged children and to assess early postoperative neurocognitive effects of xenon‐sevoflurane and sevoflurane anesthesia when compared to a control group that did not have anesthesia.MethodsForty children aged 4‐12 years, suffering from congenital heart disease, undergoing diagnostic or interventional cardiac catheterization were randomized to either xenon‐augmented sevoflurane anesthesia or sevoflurane alone. Safety was assessed by the incidence of intraprocedural hemodynamic instability and feasibility by anesthetic depth and respiratory profile. In addition, neurocognitive performance was assessed preoperatively, 2 hours after discharge from PACU and at 24 hours after anesthesia using the Amsterdam Neuropsychological Tasks system. A healthy control group of 22 age‐ and gender‐matched children not exposed to anesthesia underwent an identical neurocognitive test battery, at comparable time intervals.ResultsOverall hemodynamics did not differ between groups. Xenon‐sevoflurane anesthesia resulted in decreased intraoperative ephedrine requirements (median [IQR]) (0.00 mg/kg [0.00‐0.00] vs 0.00 mg/kg [0.00‐0.01], P = 0.047). Only neurocognitive tests in the domain of alertness were significantly impaired 2 hours postoperatively in both anesthesia groups in comparison with the control group (alertness variability: P = 0.02, odds ratio 5.8), but recovered at 24 hours. For working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and motor coordination tasks, no significant interaction effects of anesthesia were found in the early postoperative period.ConclusionIn this pilot trial, xenon‐augmented sevoflurane anesthesia in school‐aged children was feasible, and associated with decreased ephedrine requirements. All children exposed to anesthesia showed impaired neurocognitive performance in the immediate postoperative period when compared to control children; however, without significant differences between both treatment groups.
Motor skills in association with physical activity, sedentary time, body fat, and day care attendance in 5‐6‐year‐old children—The STEPS Study
Authors: Matarma Tanja , Lagström Hanna , Hurme Saija , Tammelin Tuija H , Kulmala Janne , Barnett Lisa M , Koski Pasi 
Published: July 2018

PurposeThis study examined how motor skills are associated with physical activity (PA), sedentary time, body fat, and day care attendance among young children. Also, the motor skills of healthy weight children were compared to those who were overweight or obese.MethodsThe study population consisted of five to six years old children (n = 111; 45 boys) who participated in the longitudinal STEPS Study carried out in Southwest Finland in 2013‐2014. Motor skills were measured with the Bruininks‐Oseretsky test, second edition (BOT‐2) including fine manual control, manual coordination, body coordination, and strength and agility. Moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) and sedentary time were objectively measured with hip‐worn accelerometers. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated based on measured weight and height. Body fat percentage (BF%) was measured using segmental multifrequency bio impedance analysis. Day care attendance was measured with parental questionnaires. Linear regression analyses were adjusted by age, sex, and parental education.ResultsDay care attendance was positively associated with body coordination and strength and agility. Lower BF% in girls was associated with higher strength and agility scores. There were no associations between manual coordination or fine manual control and the explanatory variables. Objectively measured MVPA and sedentary time showed no associations with motor skills. Overweight children had significantly lower scores in all motor skill composites (P < 0.05) than healthy weight children, except in fine manual control where the association was non‐significant (P = 0.202).ConclusionsEarly prevention of overweight and obesity may be of importance and day care attendance may be beneficial for motor skill development.
Mitigation of Relative Age Effects Through Targeted Policy Intervention: A Natural Experiment From Professional Tennis*
Authors: Wendling Elodie , Mills Brian M. 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveWe address the impact of policy intervention in youth tennis targeted at mitigating the influence of labor market‐persistent relative age effects known to exist in age‐grouped cohorts of students and athletes.MethodsWe take advantage of a natural experiment in policy implementation in U.S. youth tennis using a difference‐in‐difference‐in‐difference framework to identify effects among players born early and late in the year at the professional level using data from 1990 through 2015.ResultsEstimations reveal that the policy was successful in improving relative performance for U.S. men's tennis players born late in the year; however, there was no apparent effect on rankings for women.ConclusionWe propose that while policy can have effects at the professional level, policy prescriptions that depend on physical or mental maturity may differ depending on sex or gender and require specificity in structure for various groups.
The Influence of Animacy, Givenness, and Focus on Object Order in Croatian Ditransitives
Authors: Velnić Marta 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis study aims to investigate how animacy, givenness, and focus influence object order preference (direct‐indirect, indirect‐direct) in Croatian ditransitive structures. An online survey testing acceptability judgement of four target word orders in various contexts was conducted on 82 native speakers of Croatian. We found that all three factors have an effect on word order preference. The study revealed a preference for DO‐IO orders once animacy was neutralized, and found that focus influences object order more strongly than a simple given/new contrast. The word order with the widest contextual applicability is verb‐direct‐indirect, thus indicating the potential underlying status of this structure.
Genus delimitation, biogeography and diversification ofChoristoneuraLederer (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) based on molecular evidence
Authors: Fagua Giovanny , Condamine Fabien L. , Dombroskie Jason J. , Byun Bong‐Kyu , De Prins Jurate , Simonsen Thomas J. , Baez Marcos , Brunet Bryan M.T. , Sperling Felix A.H. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWidely known for pest species that include major modulators of temperate forests, the genusChoristoneurais part of the species‐rich tribe Archipini of leafroller moths (Tortricidae). Delimitation of the genus has remained unresolved because no phylogeny has included species endemic to Africa and studies have often omitted the type species of the genus. Further taxonomic confusion has been generated by the transfer ofArchips occidentalis(Walsingham) toChoristoneura, creating a homonym withChoristoneura occidentalisFreeman, an important defoliator of North American forests. To define the limits of the genus, we reconstructed a phylogeny using DNA sequences for mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I and nuclear ribosomal 28S genes. Our ingroup included 23Choristoneuraspecies‐level taxa, complemented by a large sample of outgroups comprising 82 species of Archipini and other Tortricidae. We generated a time‐calibrated tree using fossil and secondary calibrations and we inferred biogeographic and diversification processes inChoristoneura. Our analysis recovered the genus as polyphyletic, withArchips occidentalis,Choristoneura simonyiandChoristoneura evanidanaexcluded from the main clade. Based on the recovered phylogenies and a redefinition, we restrictChoristoneuraprimarily to species with a northern hemisphere distribution. Our analysis supportsA. occidentalisas the sister group ofCacoecimorpha pronubana,C. simonyias the sister of ‘Xenotemna’pallorana, andC. evanidanaas the sister ofArchips purpurana. A new combination is proposed:Archips evanidanacomb.n.; the availability of ‘Xenotemna’ as a valid name is discussed andA. occidentalisis considered as an orphaned name within the Archipini. We found support for a Holarctic origin ofChoristoneuraabout 23 Ma, followed by early divergence in the Palearctic region. The main divergence occurred at 16 Ma, with one clade in the Nearctic and another in the Palearctic. Subsequent cladogenetic events were synchronous and related to herbivorous specialization, with each clade divided into coniferophagous and polyphagous lineages. Their specialization as conifer feeders temporally matched the expansion of boreal forest during the Miocene.
A role for the carbohydrate‐binding module (CBM) in regulatory SnRK1 subunits: the effect of maltose on SnRK1 activity
Authors: Ruiz‐Gayosso Ana , Rodríguez‐Sotres Rogelio , Martínez‐Barajas Eleazar , Coello Patricia 
Published: July 2018

SummarySnRK1 is a protein kinase complex that is involved in several aspects of plant growth and development. There are published data indicative of a participation of SnRK1 in the regulation of the synthesis and degradation of starch, although the molecular mechanism is not known. In this work, we performed electron microscopy to explore the in vivo localization of the regulatory and catalytic subunits that constitute the SnRK1 complex. The results indicated that all the subunits are present in the chloroplast and, in particular, the SnRK1 βγ and SnRK1 β3 subunits are associated with starch. Furthermore, the regulatory subunits bind maltose, a relevant product of starch degradation. The kinase activity of immunoprecipitated complexes containing the βγ regulatory subunit was positively regulated by maltose only in the complexes obtained from Arabidopsis leaves collected at dusk. Recombinant complexes with the SnRK1α1 catalytic subunit, SnRK1βγ and three different β subunits showed that maltose only had an effect on a complex formed with the β3 subunit. Truncation of the CBM domain form SnRK1 βγ abolished the maltose activation of the complex and the activity was significantly reduced, indicating that the CBM is a positive regulator of SnRK1. A model of the SnRK1α1/βγ/β3 complex suggests the presence of two putative maltose‐binding sites, both involving ligand interactions with the βγ subunit and the α subunit.
Obstruction of ventricular Ca2+‐dependent arrhythmogenicity by inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate‐triggered sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release
Authors: Blanch i Salvador Joaquim , Egger Marcel 
Published: July 2018

Key points
Augmented inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3) receptor (IP3R2) expression has been linked to a variety of cardiac pathologies.
Although cardiac IP3R2 function has been in the focus of research for some time, a detailed understanding of its potential role in ventricular myocyte excitation–contraction coupling under pathophysiological conditions remains elusive.
The present study focuses on mechanisms of IP3R2‐mediated sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR)‐Ca2+ release in ventricular excitation–contraction coupling under IP3R2‐overexpressing conditions by studying intracellular Ca2+ events.
We report that, upon IP3R2 overexpression in ventricular myocytes, IP3‐induced Ca2+ release (IP3ICR) modulates the SR‐Ca2+ content via “eventless” SR‐Ca2+ release, affecting the global SR‐Ca2+ leak. Thus, IP3R2 activation could act as a SR‐Ca2+ gateway mechanism to escape ominous SR‐Ca2+ overload.
Our approach unmasks a so far unrecognized mechanism by which “eventless” IP3ICR plays a protective role against ventricular Ca2+‐dependent arrhythmogenicity.
AbstractAugmented inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3) receptor (IP3R2) function has been linked to a variety of cardiac pathologies including cardiac arrhythmias. The functional role of IP3‐induced Ca2+ release (IP3ICR) within ventricular excitation–contraction coupling (ECC) remains elusive. As part of pathophysiological cellular remodelling, IP3R2s are overexpressed and have been repeatedly linked to enhanced Ca2+‐dependent arrhythmogenicity. In this study we test the hypothesis that an opposite scenario might be plausible in which IP3ICR is part of an ECC protecting mechanism, resulting in a Ca2+‐dependent anti‐arrhythmogenic response on the cellular scale. IP3R2 activation was triggered via endothelin‐1 or IP3‐salt application in single ventricular myocytes from a cardiac‐specific IP3R type 2 overexpressing mouse model. Upon IP3R2 overexpression, IP3R activation reduced Ca2+‐wave occurrence (46 vs. 21.72%; P < 0.001) while its block increased SR‐Ca2+ content (∼29.4% 2‐aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, ∼16.4% xestospongin C; P < 0.001), suggesting an active role of IP3ICR in SR‐Ca2+ content regulation and anti‐arrhythmogenic function. Pharmacological separation of ryanodine receptor RyR2 and IP3R2 functions and two‐dimensional Ca2+ event analysis failed to identify local IP3ICR events (Ca2+ puffs). SR‐Ca2+ leak measurements revealed that under pathophysiological conditions, “eventless” SR‐Ca2+ efflux via enhanced IP3ICR maintains the SR‐Ca2+ content below Ca2+ spark threshold, preventing aberrant SR‐Ca2+ release and resulting in a protective mechanism against SR‐Ca2+ overload and arrhythmias. Our results support a so far unrecognized modulatory mechanism in ventricular myocytes working in an anti‐arrhythmogenic fashion.
Regulatory RNAs in Virulence and Host-Microbe Interactions
Authors: Westermann Alexander J. 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACT

Bacterial regulatory RNAs are key players in adaptation to changing environmental conditions and response to diverse cellular stresses. However, while regulatory RNAs of bacterial pathogens have been intensely studied under defined conditions
in vitro
, characterization of their role during the infection of eukaryotic host organisms is lagging behind. This review summarizes our current understanding of the contribution of the different classes of regulatory RNAs and RNA-binding proteins to bacterial virulence and illustrates their role in infection by reviewing the mechanisms of some prominent representatives of each class. Emerging technologies are described that bear great potential for global, unbiased studies of virulence-related RNAs in bacterial model and nonmodel pathogens in the future. The review concludes by deducing common principles of RNA-mediated gene expression control of virulence programs in different pathogens, and by defining important open questions for upcoming research in the field.
Small RNA-Based Regulation of Bacterial Quorum Sensing and Biofilm Formation
Authors: Svenningsen Sine Lo 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACT

Quorum sensing is a vital property of bacteria that enables community-wide coordination of collective behaviors. A key example of such a behavior is biofilm formation, in which groups of bacteria invest in synthesizing a protective, joint extracellular matrix. Quorum sensing involves the production, release, and subsequent detection of extracellular signaling molecules called autoinducers. The architecture of quorum-sensing signal transduction pathways is highly variable among different species of bacteria, but frequently involves posttranscriptional regulation carried out by small regulatory RNA molecules. This review illustrates the diverse roles small
trans
-acting regulatory RNAs can play, from constituting a network’s core to auxiliary roles in adjusting the rate of autoinducer synthesis, mediating cross talk among different parts of a network, or integrating different regulatory inputs to trigger appropriate changes in gene expression. The emphasis is on describing how the study of small RNA-based regulation in quorum sensing and biofilm formation has uncovered new general properties or expanded our understanding of bacterial riboregulation.
Effects of dietary crude protein levels and cysteamine supplementation on meat quality and related indices of finishing pigs
Authors: Zhu Y.P. , Zhou P. , Zhang L. , Li J.L. , Gao F. , Zhou G.H. 
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary crude protein levels and cysteamine (CS) supplementation on meat quality and related indices in longissimus dorsi muscle of finishing pigs. One hundred and twenty barrows were randomly allocated to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with five replicates of six pigs each. The primary variations were crude protein levels (14% or 10%) and CS supplemental levels (0 or 140 mg kg−1). After 41 d, 10 pigs per treatment were slaughtered. The results showed that low-protein level diets (LPDs) decreased Warner–Bratzler shear force (P < 0.01) and increased the content of intramuscular fat (P < 0.01). The mRNA expressions of lipogenic genes were up-regulated (P < 0.01), and the mRNA expressions of lipolytic genes were down-regulated (P < 0.01) in pigs fed LPD. LPDs increased the mRNA expressions of μ-calpain, and decreased the mRNA expression of calpastatin (P < 0.01). In addition, CS supplementation increased the mRNA expression of μ-calpain (P < 0.01). In conclusion, LPD improved the meat quality probably through regulating the lipogenesis, lipolysis, and the proteolysis process in muscle. The CS supplementation did not affect the meat quality of finishing pigs. Moreover, no significant interaction between dietary protein levels and CS supplementation for the meat quality of finishing pigs was observed.
Effects of in ovo injection of carbohydrates, β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate, and vitamins on ostrich organ weight, bone characteristics, and small intestinal morphology
Authors: Zamani Akbar , Shariatmadari Farid , Rahimi Shaban , Karimi Torshizi Mohammad Amir 
Published: July 2018

A total of 144 ostrich eggs (24 per group) were injected with 4 mL of physiological saline solution [positive control (PC)], carbohydrates (CHO — 20% maltose, 2.5% sucrose, and 2.5% dextrin), β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB), vitamin B6 solution, and vitamin D3 (vit D3) solution at 38 d of incubation. Injection of 4 mL physiological saline decreased the hatchability compared with negative control (NC) group (not injected eggs) (68.5% vs. 71.7%; P < 0.05). There was also lower hatchability and more number of embryonic deaths before piping in vitamin-injected group (72.2%). Heart, gizzard, pancreas, spleen and thymus, ileum, cecum, and rectum relative weight were not significantly different among treatments at hatch (P > 0.05). Carbohydrates group had higher duodenum and jejunum relative weight, whereas NC and PC groups had the least duodenum, jejunum relative weight (P < 0.05). Vit D3 injection increased bone strength, fresh and dry bone relative weight (P < 0.01). Chicks from HMB and CHO group had the highest levels of glycogen in the livers, whereas PC, NC, and vit D3 exhibited very low levels of glycogen in their liver (P = 0.014). Vitamins in ovo injected groups had the least duodenum villus height and also vit D3 group had the least jejunum villus height (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the use of CHO for the in ovo injection of ostrich hatching eggs would be practical in industry due to improvement in hatchability, bone characteristics, small intestine villus height and capacity, and also liver glycogen sources.