bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of piperine and quercetin on antidiabetic potential of curcumin
Authors: Kaur Ginpreet , Invally Mihir , Chintamaneni Meena 
Published: June 2016

Abstract

Background: Curcumin is a nutraceutical obtained from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa with a significant medicinal value against numerous disorders. However, the potential cannot be completely exploited due to low in vivo bioavailability. Hence, in order to enhance the bioavailability of curcumin, we combined it with the bioavailability enhancers like piperine and quercetin.

Methods: The present study was targeted to explore the antidiabetic potential of combinatorial extract of curcumin with piperine and quercetin (CPQ) in streptozotocin- and nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) and nicotinamide (120 mg/kg–1). CPQ was orally administered at 100 mg kg–1 dose/day for a period of 28 days. At the end of 28 days, blood was analyzed for glucose, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol level. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was also conducted at the end of 28 days.

Results: Oral administration of CPQ at the dose of 100 mg kg–1 significantly (p<0.01) reduced plasma glucose at the end of 28 days, as compared to the diabetic control group. The reduction in the plasma glucose produced by the CPQ extract was equivalent to that of glibenclamide and significantly more compared to curcumin alone (p<0.01). Furthermore, a significant (p<0.01) reduction in the raised LDL, cholesterol and triglycerides and improvement was observed in the group fed with CPQ compared to diabetic control as well as the alone (p<0.05) curcumin group. There was a significant improvement in the body weight with CPQ compared to diabetes control group. OGTT revealed a significantly high glucose tolerance in CPQ fed rats compared to the diabetic control as well as the rats fed with curcumin alone.

Conclusions: Treatment with combinatorial extract of curcumin presented a significantly better therapeutic potential when compared with curcumin alone, which reveals that CPQ, with reduced dose of curcumin may serve as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Communication about A Business Model within An Organisation in the Opinion of Czechs and Polish
Authors: Komańda Marcin 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Business models are nowadays a popular topic in management science. The concept of ontology of business models in particular is used in numerous scientific works within this scope. The issue of shared understanding of a business model within an organisation is becoming essential in this regard. Therefore, this work presents the opinions of young Czechs and Polish studying on faculties of management on the issue of the subject matter of a business model in the dimensions of the way it is communicated within an organisation. The study has been conducted with the aid of a survey. Hundred and twenty persons altogether have given their answers, of which 50% were Polish and the other 50% were Czechs. The existence of statistically important correlation between independent variables (‘nationality’, ‘seniority’) and opinions concerning particular dimensions of communicating about business models within an organisation (dependent variables) has been proven. The existence of these correlations (despite their very low level) in the light of a generally formulated research problem may constitute a premise for conducting further studies on the issue of cultural conditionings of communicating about this problem as well as the way it is practised in Polish and Czech enterprises.
Evaluation of Digital Shadow Economy Prevention Measures
Authors: Remeikiene Rita , Gaspareniene Ligita 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Although during the past few years the scopes of shadow economy in Lithuania have slightly decreased, different forms of this phenomenon, in particular digital shadow activities, still generate a significant part of the overall value added. As no constant estimations of the scope of digital shadow economy have been made in Lithuania, alleviation of this problem is based on consequence fighting rather than reason elimination. Digital shadow economy poses a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies concerning its investigation and prevention. Hence, it is purposeful to research both theoretical and practical aspects of digital shadow economy prevention in order to identify the measures that could be used for the efficient reduction of the scope of this phenomenon. The aim of this research is to identify the measures of digital shadow economy prevention and compare the attitudes of governmental institutions and consumers towards the efficiency of these measures. The results of the empirical research showed that both consumers and experts agree that the level of tax morale has to be raised not only by using the measures of self-education but also by introducing long-term educational programmes; second, public authorities should ensure business friendly environment, actively implement the principles of justice and officially acknowledge and announce the concept of digital shadow economy; finally, for more efficient detection of the cases of digital shadow activities, it is necessary to reinforce current labour resources that should be specially trained to be able to disclose revenue hiding and tax evasion schemes, employed in e-trade.
The Role of Stakeholders in Cultural Entrepreneurship Management
Authors: Zemite Ieva 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
The skills and knowledge of the owners and employees of cultural enterprises on economic use of financial resources do not guarantee valuable artistic results. Therefore, a substantiated question has arisen: how to evaluate management in enterprises with bad financial ratios and outstanding artistic indicators. The existing definitions of cultural management (Aageson, 2008; Hagoort, 2007; Klamer, 1999; Stam, 2006; Nordman, 2003) also do not provide precise suggestions for determining the most important indicators in the evaluation of cultural management. The question is how to evaluate management in cultural entrepreneurship by determining the most important indicators for a cultural enterprise’s performance improvement. In order to define the goal of the stakeholders’ (artists, clients, media, arts scholars, third parties providing funds, cooperation partners) engagement, it is necessary to analyse the area of an enterprise’s activities, and in what way and by what kind of activities it is possible to engage the stakeholders. During the course of empirical research, it is planned to disclose, analyse and interpret the subjective reasons of pursuit. Although a numerical evaluation of stakeholders was obtained during the research and data analysis performed by Spearman’s rho correlation calculations, the obtained results during the interpretation have not been generalised. The research results reveal the role of the cultural enterprise’s stakeholders’ engagement in the evaluation of management, point to the importance of the goals’ analysis as well as the analysis of each stakeholder’s engagement, and define the criteria for evaluating the activities in cultural entrepreneurship.
Deceptive behaviour of Colletotrichum truncatum: strategic survival as an asymptomatic endophyte on non-host species
Authors: Ranathunge Nalika Priyanwada , Sandani Hewa Bajjamage Pavithra 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Colletotrichum truncatum (syn. C. capsici), like many other members of the genus Colletotrichum, displays a highly developed infection mechanism against a number of agriculturally important crops. Among many survival strategies, C. truncatum is well known for its wide host range and high pathogenicity on several major crop species. Meticulous understanding of a pathogen’s infection mechanisms is the best way to achieve successful management of a disease. This study was carried out to evaluate the pathogenicity of C. truncatum on selected crop plants and weed species and to detect the possibility of non-host species to facilitate survival of the pathogen. Inoculation of an isolate of C. truncatum to four crops: curry chilli - Capsicum annuum (var. CA8), eggplant - Solanum melongena (var. Lena Iri), tomato - Solanum lycopersicum (var. Thilina) and green chilli - C. annuum (var. KA2) and three weed species: little ironweed (Vernonia cinerea), billygoat-weed (Ageratum conyzoides) and Bengal dayflower (Commelina benghalensis) resulted in approximately 3.5 disease severity (DS) (100% disease incidence-DI) on S. lycopersicum and C. annuum (var. KA2), followed by 2.8 and 1.8 DS (100%, 75% DI) on C. annuum (var. CA8) and S. melongena (var. Lena Iri), respectively. The three weed species were completely symptomless up to 8 weeks after the inoculation (WAI). However, microscopic studies and serial culturing of the inoculated tissues revealed the presence of the fungus in all the tested plants. Appressoria were present in all treated leaves and eventually broke their dormancy upon leaf senescence nearly 6 WAI. This study reveals the potential of C. truncatum infecting all tested crops and the capability of the three weed species in harboring the pathogen asymptomatically for several weeks. Thus, early management of inoculum in the field is suggested for C. truncatum diseases.
Range extension of Mimon bennettii (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in Brazil with comments on its systematics
Authors: Maires Hoppe João Paulo , Ditchfield Albert David 
Published: June 2016

Abstractis widely distributed in South America. In Brazil, records are mainly concentrated in the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes, although there are scattered occurrences in the Pantanal, Caatinga, and Amazonian biomes. In this study, we report the first occurrence of
FPL tendon thickness, tremor and hand functions in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Toktas Hasan , Dundar Umit , Kusbeci Özge Yilmaz , Ulasli Alper Murat , Toy Ozgur , Oruc Serdar 
Published: June 2016

Abstract

Introduction
In Parkinson’s disease (PD), a resting tremor of the thumb may affect the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) and influence hand functions. We investigated the relationship between FPL tendon thickness and hand function in PD patients and compared these characteristics with those in healthy controls.

Methods
The hand grip and pinch strengths were measured. The participants completed the Duruöz hand index, the Sollerman’s hand function test, and the Nine Hole Peg Test. The thickness of the FPL tendon was measured using ultrasonography

Results
The FPL tendon was thicker in PD patients but was not associated with tremor severity. In PD patients, despite functional performance of the hands are impaired and grip strength is decreased, pinch strengths are preserved. FPL thickness was not correlated with grip and pinch strengths.

Conclusion
The thicker FPL tendon may be associated with greater pinch and grip strengths and manual dexterity in healthy individuals. The presence of tremor is associated with a thicker FPL tendon.
Association of HOTAIR expression with PI3K/Akt pathway activation in adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction
Authors: Hui Zhang , Xianglin Meng 
Published: June 2016

Abstract

Objectives
Although the Hox transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR), a vital long non-coding RNA, is known to participate in the development and progression of a wide range of carcinomas, there are still no published reports regarding its expression in adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEJ). The aims of this study were to investigate the expression of HOTAIR, and to analyze the association of its expression with PI3K/Akt pathway activation in clinical AEJ patients.

Methods
Nine normal epithelial tissues and 41 samples of AEJ were studied comparably. The expression of HOTAIR was detected by real-time PCR according to the different tumor grades in these AEJ tissues. Western blot was performed to reveal the Ser473-phosphorylated Akt and total Akt levels. Results: HOTAIR was found to be up-regulated in higher grades of AEJ tissues compared to low grades and/or noncancerous tissues. pAkt expression was also found to be up-regulated in tissues of higher tumor stages. We found that the overexpression of HOTAIR finely correlated with elevated Ser473-phosphorylated Akt levels. Conclusion: Upregulated HOTAIR was associated with abnormal activated PI3K/Akt pathway, which might serve as a promising therapeutic strategy for AEJ treatment.
DWI and SPARCC scoring assess curative effect of early ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Qin Jian , Zhu Jianzhong , Zhang Yue , Li Changqin 
Published: June 2016

Abstract

Background
To investigate the magnetic diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) sequence and Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) scoring in assessing curative effect of combined treatment of Chinese and Western medicine for early ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods
48 cases diagnosed as early AS and treated with Chinese and Western medicine were included in the study. Magnetic routine and DWI sequence scanning image were performed to obtain the mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value of sub-articular surface bone marrow. Combined with SPARCC scoring, statistical analysis was conducted to compare the difference with the information obtained in the previous study.

Results
The mean ADC value in the sub-articular surface bone marrow of patients after clinical treatment: (4.34±0.55)×10-4mm2/s in ilium and (3.96±0.23)×10-4mm2/s in sacrum, which were both significantly lower than that before treatment (p< 0.05). There was highly positive correlation between mean ADC value and SPARCC scoring (P<0.05). The regression relationship could be demonstrated as Y=-64.420+21.262X(Y: SPARCC scoring value; X: mean ADC value).

Conclusions
Magnetic DWI and SPARCC scoring could be applied in accessing AS inflammation activity changes and in reflect of curative effect of early AS patients as well as in providing reliable radiologist evidence for clinical therapeutic efficacy.
Dysphonia – the single symptom of rifampicin resistant laryngeal tuberculosis
Authors: Paulauskienė Iveta , Mickevičienė Vaiva 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Tuberculosis is still the most frequent granulomatous laryngeal disease. Absence of pathognomonic symptoms and change in clinical pattern frequently leads to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. Hoarseness is the commonest symptom of laryngeal tuberculosis and constitutional symptoms are usually rare. However dysphonia can be caused by many other more common conditions. Hoarseness can be a symptom of organic (nodules and polyps of vocal folds, tumors, vocal fold paresis) or functional (functional dysphonia, laryngeal conversion disorder, paradoxical vocal folds motion) conditions. Rarely systemic diseases as amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, Wegener’s granulomatosis or tuberculosis can cause vocal dysfunction too. That is why laryngeal tuberculosis is often forgotten in case of persistent hoarseness. In this article, we present a case of a young previously healthy woman, complaining of persistent hoarseness with no other leading symptoms. Though endoscopic image suggested a malignancy, histology showed granulomatous lesion. Detailed examination revealed laryngeal and pulmonary tuberculosis resistant to rifampicin. Conclusion: Dysphonia can be the only one symptom of laryngeal tuberculosis. The disease should be taken into consideration when a patient complains of persistent hoarseness in order to avoid delays in treatment and spread of infection.
Development of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors against EGFR T790M. Mutation in non small-cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Wang Yuli , Guo Zhitao , Li Yang , Zhou Qinghua 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Individualized therapies targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations show promises for the treatment of non small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). However, disease progression almost invariably occurs 1 year after tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment. The most prominent mechanism of acquired resistance involves the secondary EGFR mutation, namely EGFR T790M, which accounts for 50%–60% of resistant tumors. A large amount of studies have focused on the development of effective strategies to treat TKI-resistant EGFR T790M mutation in lung tumors. Novel generations of EGFR inhibitors are producing encouraging results in patients with acquired resistance against EGFR T790M mutation. This review will summarize the novel inhibitors, which might overcome resistance against EGFR T790M mutation.
The diagnosis and pathological value of combined detection of HE4 and CA125 for patients with ovarian cancer
Authors: Zheng Li-e , Qu Jun-ying , He Fei 
Published: June 2016

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the value of individual and combined measurement of human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) and cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Methods
A clinical case-control study was performed in which the levels of serum HE4 and CA-125 of subjects with malignant, borderline, benign ovarian tumors and healthy women were measured before surgery. An immunohistochemistry method was used to measure the expression of HE4 in different tissues. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the relationship between the level of HE4 and the pathologic type as well as the stage of the ovarian tumors.

Results
The level of HE4 in the serum was significantly elevated in the malignant ovarian cancer group compared with other groups. Women with benign ovarian tumors and non-neoplastic lesions, and healthy women were designated as references. When the level of HE4 in the serum was 58.66 pmol/L, the sensitivity and specificity of HE4 in diagnosing malignant ovarian tumors was 82.35% and 96.03%, respectively. The level of HE4 was negatively correlated with the differentiation extent of the tumors whereas positively correlated to the clinical staging. In the groups of malignant and borderline tumors, the levels of HE4 were higher than the other groups. The expression of HE4 was significant higher in the serous types of ovarian tumors than that of the mucous types (P<0.05). The level of HE4 in the serum and tissues were positively correlated with each other.

Conclusion
HE4 can be used as a novel clinical biomarker for predicting malignant ovarian tumors and its expression was closely related with the clinical pathological features of malignant ovarian tumors.
A confusing case report of pulmonary langerhans cell histiocytosis and literature review
Authors: Li Yang , Zhen Wang , Costable Ulrich , Jun Xu , Zhe Ren , YuPing Mao 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Pulmonary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (PLCH) is a rare disease. From the insidious onset and nonspecific manifestations, it is difficult to diagnose PLCH. To help improve the diagnosis and therapy options of adult PLCH, we present this case report and literature review about a confusing case of PLCH. In this report, we present a 37-year-old male PLCH case that was negative for CD1a and S100 expression. Smoking cessation and use of prescribed Spiriva appeared to improve the patient’s symptoms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of PLCH in which improved symptoms were seen with the use of Spiriva alone.The mechanism is not clear, but potentially has some relationship with dilating the airway, decreasing the mucous hypersecretion and promoting anti-inflammatory pathways. From this patient’s case, we may be able to find more cases to then find other first line therapies for PLCH patients.
Effect of hesperetin on chaperone activity in selenite-induced cataract
Authors: Nakazawa Yosuke , Oka Mikako , Tamura Hiroomi , Takehana Makoto 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Background. Chaperone activity of α-crystallin in the lens works to prevent protein aggregation and is important to maintain the lens transparency. This study evaluated the effect of hesperetin on lens chaperone activity in selenite-induced cataracts. Methodology. Thirteen-day-old rats were divided into four groups. Animals were given hesperetin (groups G2 and G4) or vehicle (G1 and G3) on Days 0, 1, and 2. Rats in G3 and G4 were administered selenite subcutaneously 4 hours after the first hesperetin injection. On Days 2, 4, and 6, cataract grades were evaluated using slit-lamp biomicroscopy. The amount of a-crystallin and chaperone activity in water-soluble fraction were measured after animals sacrificed. Results. G3 on day 4 had developed significant cataract, as an average cataract grading of 4.6 ± 0.2. In contrast, G4 had less severe central opacities and lower stage cataracts than G3, as an average cataract grading of 2.4 ± 0.4. The a-crystallin levels in G3 lenses were lower than in G1, but the same as G4. Additionally, chaperone activity was weaker in G3 lenses than G1, but the same as in G4. Conclusions. Our results suggest that hesperetin can prevent the decreasing lens chaperone activity and a-crystallin water solubility by administered of selenite.
Clinical value of self-assessment risk of osteoporosis in Chinese
Authors: Zhang Hong-Mei , Liu Hui-Ling , Wang Xuan , Chen Wei , Chen Dan , Zhang Zhong-Zhi , Wang Han-Ming 
Published: June 2016

Abstract

Background
Early detection of high-risk population for osteoporosis is the key to preventing this disease. Methodology: In this cross-sectional study a continuous sample of 270 women and 89 men (age: 20–90 years) was divided into four groups by age (≤ 55 or > 55 years) and sex. Participants completed the IOF test. Low-, medium-, and high-risk grades were defined by an OSTA index of greater than -1, -1 to -4, and less than -4, respectively. Results: Most participants were categorized in the low-risk group (240 people, 66.9%), followed by the medium-risk (102 people, 28.4%) and high-risk groups (17 people, 4.7%). Compared to women, men in both age groups had significantly higher OSTA index and greater numbers of positive answers on the IOF test. 64.3% individuals were susceptible to osteoporosis risk (≥1 positive answers on the IOF test). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that family history of fragility fracture (OR: 0.503, 95% CI: 0.26–0.97), height loss exceeding 3 cm (OR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.55–4.05), and earlier menopause (OR: 0.434, 95% CI: 0.19–0.97) were associated with higher risk grades. Conclusions: Combined use of the OSTA and IOF test is a simple and effective method for assessing the risk of osteoporosis.
Serum levels of inhibin B in adolescents after varicocelelectomy: A long term follow up
Authors: Molinaro Francesco , Cerchia Elisa , Garzi Alfredo , Severi Francesco Maria , Angotti Rossella , Petraglia Felice , Messina Mario 
Published: June 2016

Abstract

Introduction
To study the impact on adult’s fertility of serum inhibin B levels in adolescent patients with idiopathic varicocele after minimally invasive surgical correction and to compare fluctuation of pituitary-testis hormonal values and testicular volumes. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was carried out on a group adolescent patients (n=60) affected by idiopathic left varicocele (group V) and compared with control adolescents (n=40) in the Paediatric Surgery Section of Siena (from June 1993 till September 2013). Inhibin B levels and testicular volume before (T0) and after at 6 and 12 months from surgery (T1 and T2) were evaluated. Results: A positive correlation between testicular growth at T1 and T2 (P<0.001) was found. Linear regression analysis showed a positive correlation between inhibin B levels and testicular volume (expressed as the sum of the right and left values) (P<0.0001). Conclusions: Inhibin B levels are a valid marker for studying the effects of varicocele on the testicular function and confirm the necessity of early surgical correction for preventing the trophic testicular damage and male infertility.