bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Helminth Products Protect against Autoimmunity via Innate Type 2 Cytokines IL-5 and IL-33, Which Promote Eosinophilia
Authors: Finlay Conor M. , Stefanska Anna M. , Walsh Kevin P. , Kelly Patrick J. , Boon Louis , Lavelle Ed C. , Walsh Patrick T. , Mills Kingston H. G. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Epidemiologic studies in humans have demonstrated that infection with helminth parasites is associated with a reduced risk of developing autoimmune diseases. Mechanistic studies in mice have linked the protective effect of helminths on autoimmunity to the suppressive activity of helminth-induced regulatory T cells (Tregs) or Th2 cells. In this study, we demonstrate that treatment of mice with Fasciola hepatica excretory-secretory products (FHES) attenuated the clinical signs of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Protection was associated with a significant reduction in the infiltration of pathogenic Th1 and Th17 cells into the brain. Although FHES enhanced anti-inflammatory cytokine and Th2 responses, protection against EAE was independent of IL-4, IL-10, and Tregs. However, administration of FHES induced production of the type 2 cytokines IL-33 and IL-5, which promoted accumulation of eosinophils. FHES-induced expansion of eosinophils and protection against EAE was lost in IL-33−/− mice and upon neutralization of IL-5. Furthermore, transfer of FHES-induced or IL-33–induced eosinophils conferred protection against EAE. In addition, treatment of mice with recombinant IL-33 attenuated autoimmunity, and this was dependent on IL-5. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report a role for helminth-induced IL-5 and IL-33 in protection against autoimmunity.
The Concept of Care Complexity: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Guarinoni Milena , Petrucci Cristina , Lancia Loreto , Motta Paolo Carlo 
Published: December 2015

Background Hospital organisations based on the level of care intensity have clearly revealed a concept, that of care complexity, which has been widely used for decades in the healthcare field. Despite its wide use, this concept is still poorly defined and it is often confused with and replaced by similar concepts such as care intensity or workload. This study aims to describe the meaning of care complexity as perceived by nurses in their day-to-day experience of hospital clinical care, rehabilitation, home care, and organisation. Design and methods Fifteen interviews were conducted with nurses belonging to clinical-care areas and to heterogeneous organisational areas. The interview was of an unstructured type. The participants were selected using a propositional methodology. Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenological method was chosen for the analysis of the interviews. Results The nurses who were interviewed predominantly perceive the definition of care complexity as coinciding with that of workload. Nevertheless, the managerial perspective does not appear to be exclusive, as from the in-depth interviews three fundamental themes emerge that are associated with the concept of care complexity: the patient, the nurse and the organisation. Conclusions The study highlights that care complexity consists of both quantitative and qualitative aspects that do not refer only to the organisational dimension. The use of the terminology employed today should be reconsidered: it appears to be inappropriate to talk of measurement of care complexity, as this concept also consists of qualitative – thus not entirely quantifiable – aspects referring to the person being cared for. In this sense, reference should instead be made to the evaluation of care complexity, which would also constitute a better and more complete basis for defining the nursing skills required in professional nursing practice.
Molecular Profiling of Refractory Adrenocortical Cancers and Predictive Biomarkers to Therapy
Authors: Millis Sherri Z. , Ejadi Samuel , Demeure Michael J. 
Published: December 2015

PurposeCurrent first-line chemotherapy for patients with metastatic adrenocortical cancer (ACC) includes doxorubicin, etoposide, cisplatin, and mitotane with a reported response rate of only 23.2%. New therapeutic leads for patients with refractory tumors are needed; there is no standard second-line treatment.MethodsSamples from 135 ACC tumors were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization (FISH or CISH), and/or gene sequencing at a single commercial reference laboratory (Caris Life Sciences) to identify markers associated with drug sensitivity and resistance.ResultsOverexpression of proteins related to demonstrated chemotherapy sensitivity or resistance included topoisomerase 1, progesterone receptor, and topoisomerase 2-alpha in 46%, 63%, and 42% of cases, respectively. Loss of excision repair cross-complementary group 1 (ERCC1), phosophatase and tensin homolog, O(6)-methylguanine-methyltransferase, and ribonucleotide reductase M1 (RRM1) was identified in 56%, 59%, 71%, and 58% of cases, respectively. Other aberrations included overexpression of programmed death-ligand 1 or programmed cell death protein 1 tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in >40% of cases. In all, 35% of cases had a mutation in the canonical Wnt signaling pathway (either CTNNB1 or APC) and 48% had a mutation in TP53. No other genomic alterations were identified.ConclusionBiomarker alterations in ACC may be used to direct therapies, including recommendations for and potential resistance of some patients to traditional chemotherapies, which may explain the low response rate in the unselected population. Limited outcomes data support the use of mitotane and platinum therapies for patients with low levels of the proteins RRM1 and ERCC1.
Het fundamentele argument tegen sciëntisme
Authors: Peels Rik 
Published: December 2015

Abstract

The fundamental argument against scientism

This paper presents and discusses a major worry for scientism, which I take to be the view that only natural science (reliably) delivers rational belief. The argument is that natural science itself is, in some sense of the word, based on the fundament of the deliverances of non-scientific sources of belief, such as auditory perception, metaphysical intuition, logical intuition, and memory, so that if we were to discard these non-scientific sources of belief, we would have to discard natural science as well. After spelling out what I mean by ‘scientism’, I lay out the Fundamental Argument in detail. Subsequently, I discuss three objections that might be leveled against the argument, namely that scientism suffers merely from a local rather than a global basing problem, that the results of natural science are confirmed or repeatable, whereas the deliverances of non-scientific belief sources are not, and that the results of natural science are inter-subjective, whereas the deliverances of non-scientific are not. I argue that each of these objections is unconvincing. I then consider two more sophisticated versions of scientism that are meant to sidestep the Fundamental Argument. On Scientism 2.0, only natural science and those non-scientific sources of belief that are presupposed by natural science deliver rational belief. On Scientism 3.0, only those propositions can be rationally believed that can in principle be known on the basis of natural science. I argue that both of these more sophisticated versions of scientism either fail to escape from the Fundamental Argument or become trivial and uninteresting claims.
Sciëntisme, praat me er niet van
Authors: Visser Albert 
Published: December 2015

Abstract

Scientism, Enough of That

In this paper I argue that it is not a good idea to employ the notion of scientism in public debates concerning issues like free will. Moreover, I claim that, also in philosophy proper, thinking through the notion of scientism is not an urgent task. It is better to reflect directly on notions like justification, evidence, authority of science and the like.
Cross-Cultural Understanding of Health Assessments for People with Intellectual Disability: An Australian resource in the Philippines
Authors: Brolan C. E. , Gomez M. T. , Lennox N. G. , Ware R. S 
Published: December 2015

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has resulted in the involvement of high income countries in international development assistance to people with disabilities in low and middle income countries. Healthcare tools designed in high income countries and delivered in low and middle income countries may not be appropriate to the context of the lives of people with disabilities. We undertook a short qualitative study of participants’ views of an Australian-designed comprehensive health assessment tool, with participation from a WHO-Collaborating non-government organisation in regional Philippines. We also examined the participants’ perceptions of the barriers to healthcare for Filipinos with intellectual disabilities. Responses to the comprehensive health assessment tool were positive although participants agreed that both linguistic and cultural translation would enhance wider use of the tool. The barriers identified included poverty, family isolation, stigma and communication issues as preventing appropriate healthcare delivery to Filipinos with intellectual disability. Consideration must be given to the complexities of transference of healthcare resources to a low and middle income country context, as well as the systemic and cultural barriers to appropriate healthcare provision to people with disabilities.
Identification and differentiation of Ricinus communis L. using SSR markers
Authors: Gálová Zdenka , Vivodí­k Martin , Balážová Želmí­ra , Hlozáková Tí­mea Kuťka 
Published: December 2015

The castor-oil plant (Ricinus communis L.), a member of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), is a versatile industrial oil crop that is cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Castor oil is of continuing importance to the global specialty chemical industry because it is the only commercial source of a hydroxylated fatty acid. Castor also has tremendous future potential as an industrial oilseed crop because of its high seed oil content, unique fatty acid composition, potentially high oil yields and ability to be grown under drought and saline conditions. Knowledge of genetic variability is important for breeding programs to provide the basis for developing desirable genotypes. The aim of this study was to assess genetic diversity within the set of 60 ricin genotypes using 10 SSR primers. Ten SSR primers revealed a total of 67 alleles ranging from 4 to 9 alleles per locus with a mean value of 6.70 alleles per locus. The PIC values ranged from 0.719 to 0.860 with an average value of 0.813 and the DI value ranged from 0.745 to 0.862 with an average value of 0.821. Probability of identity (PI) was low ranged from 0.004 to 0.018 with an average of 0.008. A dendrogram was constructed from a genetic distance matrix based on profiles of the 10 SSR loci using the unweighted pair-group method with the arithmetic average (UPGMA). According to analysis, the collection of 60 diverse accessions of castor bean was clustered into six clusters. We could not distinguish 2 genotypes grouped in cluster 1, RM-96 and RM-98, which are genetically the closest. Knowledge on the genetic diversity of castor can be used to future breeding programs of castor.
Effect of different feed supplements on selected quality indicators of chicken meat
Authors: Haščí­k Peter , Trembecká Lenka , Bobko Marek , Kačániová Miroslava , Bučko Ondřej , Tkáčová Jana , Kunová Simona 
Published: December 2015

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of different feed additives (bee pollen extract, propolis extract, and probiotic) on meat quality of broiler chickens. A total of 180 one day-old broiler chicks of mixed sex (Ross 308) were randomly divided into 3 groups. Dietary treatments were as follows: basal diet, free of supplements (control group; C); basal diet plus 400 mg bee pollen extract per 1 kg of feed mixtures and 3.3 g probiotic preparation added to drinking water (group E1); basal diet plus 400 mg propolis extract per 1 kg of feed mixtures and 3.3 g probiotic preparation added to drinking water (group E2). In the experiment, the probiotic preparation based on Lactobacillus fermentum (1.109 CFU.g-1 of bearing medium) was used. Fattening period lasted for 42 days. Feed mixtures were produced without any antibiotic preparations and coccidiostatics. Meat quality was evaluated by following technological properties: cooling, freezing and roasting loss; colour parameters based on CIELab system; and shear force. Both dietary supplementations led to decrease in cooling (p ≤0.05) and freezing (p ≥0.05) losses compared with control. On the contrary, the supplemented diet tended to increase roasting losses (p ≤0.05) and shear force values in thigh muscle (p ≤0.05). Significantly higher L* values (p ≤0.05) in breast and thigh muscles, as well as the b* values in thigh muscle, were found when broiler chickens were fed the supplements, especially bee pollen extract and probiotics. In addition, the supplements improve redness (a*) of meat. The redness of breast muscle appeared to be the most affected (p ≥0.05) by propolis extract plus probiotics supplementation, while thigh muscle had the highest value (p ≤0.05) in bee pollen extract plus probiotics supplemented group. These findings suggested that the supplements have a beneficial effect on quality of chicken meat due to positive changes in most of quality indicators investigated in the study.
Varietal dependence of chemoprotective substances in fresh and frozen spinach (Spinacia oleracea, L.)
Authors: Bystrická Judita , Musilová Janette , Tomáš Ján , Kavalcová Petra , Lenková Marianna , Tóthová Kristí­na 
Published: December 2015

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is an important source of bioactive compounds. It is commonly consumed fresh or frozen products. Spinach is rich sources of polyphenols, it is a good source of vitamin C and has potential beneficial properties for human health. This study provides some knowledge about content of total polyphenols, and antioxidant activity in selected varieties of fresh and frozen spinach samples. Four spinach cultivars (̓Boa ̓, ̓ Hudson ̓, ̓Chica ̓, ̓Trombone ̓) were analysed. The content of the total polyphenols (TPC) was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent (FCR). Antioxidant activity (AA) was measured using a compound DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). The content of total polyhenols in fresh samples of spinach ranged from 975 ±97.15 mg.kg-1 to 1493 ±50.42 mg.kg-1 and values of antioxidant activity were in interval from 77.55 ±0.34% to 82.57 ±0.83%. The highest level of TP content in fresh spinach was recorded in variety Hudson (1493 mg.kg-1) and the lowest in variety Chica (975 mg.kg-1). Between these varieties statistically significant difference in the content of total polyphenols was found. The highest value of antioxidant activity in fresh spinach was recorded in variety Trombone (82.57%) and the lowest in variety Boa (78.59%). This difference was also statistically significant. The highest level of TP content in frozen spinach samples was found in variety Hudson (1749 mg.kg-1) and the lowest in variety Chica (855 mg.kg-1). The values of antioxidant activity in frozen spinach samples were in range from 45.86 ±7.84%to 79.67 ±0.88%. The highest value of antioxidant activity in frozen spinach was found in variety Hudson (79.67%) and the lowest in variety Chica (45.86%).
Content of total polyphenols and antioxidant activity in selected varieties of onion (Allium cepa L.)
Authors: Kavalcová Petra , Bystrická Judita , Trebichalský Pavol , Kopernická Miriama , Hrstková Miroslava , Lenková Marianna 
Published: December 2015

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the most important vegetable crops widely consumed in the world. The bulb onion is grown as fresh shoots and as bulbs for consuming uncooked, cooked, and pickled or production of seed and sets. They can be eaten raw, boiled, steamed and roasted. Onion has high nutritional value. Onions are a good source of vitamins, minerals and major component like polyphenols, ﬂavonoids, fructooligosaccharides, thiosulﬁnates and other sulfur compounds. Polyphenols belong to significant antioxidants in human diet. Antioxidant compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids) scavenge free radicals, inhibit the oxidative mechanisms that lead to degenerative diseases. Antioxidant compounds in food play an important role as a health protecting factor. Onions have a wide range of beneficial properties for human health, such as anti-cholesterolaemic, anti-mutagenic and antioxidant capacity. In this work we evaluated content of total polyphenols and antioxidant activity in selected varieties of onion. Samples of plant material we collected at the stage of full maturity in the locality of Pružina. Pružina is locality without negative influences and emission sources. Total polyphenols content and antioxidant activity were measured in six varieties of onion, namely in red variety (Red matté), in yellow varieties (Boston, Bingo, Sherpa) and white varieties of onion (Diamond, White dry). The content of the total polyphenols was determined by using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent (FCR). Antioxidant activity was measured by using a compound DPPH˙. In the present experiment it was detected, that total polyphenols content in samples ranges from 142.01 mg.kg-1 GAE (white variety of onion- White dry) to 1083.04 mg.kg-1GAE (red variety of onion- Red matté). Statistically significant highest value of total polyphenols (1083.04 mg.kg-1 GAE) was recorded in variety Red matté. Another indicator that has been evaluated and compared was the antioxidant activity. The values of antioxidant activity were in interval from 7.74% to 41.67%. Based on the measured values of antioxidant activity in onion the samples can beclassified as follows: Red matté (41.67%) > Boston (25.77%) > Sherpa (24.34%) > Bingo (19.54%) > White dry (8.10%) > Diamond (7.74%).
The effect of intesification factors to total antioxidant activity of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) and lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.)
Authors: Medvecký Michal , Daniel Ján , Vollmannová Alena , Zupka Stanislav , Kopernická Miriama 
Published: December 2015

Public attention is increasingly drawn to the protective effects of natural antioxidants against civilization diseases. An important source of antioxidants are berries, which until recently has received little attention, but the latest research towards the right to it. The phenolic profile and quantitative composition of blueberries as well as the corresponding antioxidant activity of blueberries is well documented. The aim of this paper was the determination of the relationship between different methods of fertilization and total antioxidant activity of six selected varieties of blueberries and five varieties of lingonberries. Each sample of blueberry varieties (Bluejay, Nelson, Bluecrop, Patriot, Berkeley and Brigitta) and lingonberry varieties (Koralle, Ida, Sanna, Linnea and Sussi) were collected from the research station Krivá in Orava. The values of total antioxidant activity of the extracts of studied varieties of blueberry after organic fertilization ranged from 27.15 to 52.25 μg.mg-1 eq. Trolox. After mineral fertilization, the values of total antioxidant activity of the extracts of studied varieties of blueberry ranged from 21.27 to 51.00 μg.mg-1 eq. Trolox. In the control treatment, the values of total antioxidant activity of the extracts of studied varieties of blueberry ranged from 26.99 to 54.15 μg.mg-1 eq. Trolox. The values of values ​​of total antioxidant activity of the extracts of studied varieties of lingonberry after organic fertilization ranged from 42.49 to 60.27 μg.mg-1 eq. Trolox. After mineral fertilization, the values of total antioxidant activity of the extracts of studied varieties of lingonberry were in the interval from 38.85 to 55.15 μg.mg-1 eq. Trolox. In the variant without fertilization, the values of total antioxidant activity of the extracts of studied varieties of lingonberry ranged from 37.16 to 65.11 μg.mg-1 eq. Trolox. The application of organic fertilizer has a positive effect to increasing values of antioxidant activity in blueberries and lingonberries. It should be noted that the value of the total antioxidant activity is significantly influenced by the rainfall.
Quality evaluation of Korbačik cheese
Authors: Čuboň Juraj , Kunová Simona , Kačániová Miroslava , Haščí­k Peter , Bobko Marek , Bučko Ondřej , Petrová Jana , Cviková Petronela 
Published: December 2015

The aim of the present study was analysed the physical and chemical parameters in lump cheese and Korbáčik cheese. Sensory evaluation was performed only in Korbáčik cheese. There was compared quality of Korbáčik cheese made from lump cheese ripened one and three weeks. The statistical analysis of the moisture showed significant differences (p <0.001) among Korbáčik cheese made from raw material ripened one and three weeks. Average moisture of the Korbáčik made from cheese ripened one week was 44.73% and of the Korbáčik made from cheese ripened three weeks was 53.73%. The statistical analysis of the dry mater value showed significant differences (p <0.001) among the Korbáčik cheese made from raw material ripened one and three weeks. Average value of dry matter of the Korbáčik made from cheese ripened one week was 55.27% and of the Korbáčik made from cheese ripened three weeks was 46.27%. The statistical analysis of the fat content showed significant differences (p <0.01) among the Korbáčik cheese made from raw material ripened one and three weeks. Average fat content of the Korbáčik made from cheese ripened one week was 22.67% and of the Korbáčik made from cheese ripened three weeks was 20.20%. The statistical analysis of the fat content in dry matter showed significant differences (p <0.001) among Korbáčik cheese made from raw material ripened one and three weeks. Average NaCl content in the Korbáčik made from cheese ripened one week was 3.78% and in the Korbáčik made from cheese ripened three weeks was 2.93%. The statistical analysis of MDA content showed significant differences (p <0.05) among the Korbáčik cheese made from raw material ripened one and three weeks. Average MDA content in the Korbáčik made from cheese ripened one week was 0.29 mg.kg-1 and in the Korbáčik made from cheese ripened three weeks was 0.36 mg.kg-1. Korbáčik cheese made from cheese aged 3 weeks was practically in all sensory parameters better evaluated than the Korbáčik cheese made from cheese aged one week.