bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of extraction conditions on the antioxidant and antiglycation capacity of carbohydrates from Opuntia robusta cladodes
Authors: Chaouch Mohamed Aymen , Hafsa Jawhar , Rihouey Christophe , Le Cerf Didier , Majdoub Hatem 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThe extraction and characterisation of six crude polysaccharides from Opuntia robusta cladodes, as well as the assessment of their antioxidant and antiglycation activities in vitro, were examined. In this work, carbohydrates were extracted from defatted cladode's peels and pulps through a sequential extraction method in different aqueous medium (neutral, basic and chelating). The obtained polysaccharides were compared in terms of yield and physicochemical properties. Water‐soluble extracts showed the highest yield, while peel's chelating‐soluble extract gave high galacturonic acid content. Preliminary antioxidant in vitro tests suggested that peel's chelating‐soluble extract presented the highest scavenging activity towards DPPH free radicals and inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation. Furthermore, all extracted polysaccharides showed good potential in inhibiting the nonenzymatic glycation reaction, particularly on the first 3 days of incubation. The obtained results suggested that Opuntia robusta extracts could be explored as natural antioxidant, especially those extracted with chelating agent.
Improved physical stability of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid encapsulated using nanoliposome containing α‐tocopherol
Authors: Sahari Mohammad Ali , Moghimi Hamid Reza , Hadian Zahra , Barzegar Mohsen , Mohammadi Abdoreza 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThis study aimed to develop a nanoliposomal formulation containing α‐tocopherol loaded with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and to characterise the formulation by its physical stability. For this purpose, different nanoliposomal formulations with dipalmitoyl phosphocholine were prepared using a modified thin‐film hydration method and evaluated by particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and determining the encapsulation efficiencies ofDHAandEPA. A physical stability study was conducted by investigating the change in the vesicle encapsulation efficiency, particle size,PDIand shape when stored at 4, 30 and 40 °C for 3 months. High encapsulation efficiency ofDHAandEPA(89.1% ± 0.6% and 81.9% ± 1.4%) and appropriate particle size (82 ± 0.8 nm) were obtained for liposomes composed of α‐tocopherol. The optimum formulation was stable for 90 days when kept at 4 °C. This study demonstrated that α‐tocopherol had a protective effect on the physical stability of the nanoliposomes containingDHAandEPA.
Effect of different solvents on the chemical composition, antioxidant activity and alpha‐glucosidase inhibitory activity of hawthorn extracts
Authors: Miao Jing , Li Xia , Fan Yaya , Zhao Chengcheng , Mao Xinhui , Chen Xuetao , Huang Hanhan , Gao Wenyuan 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThe aim was to investigate chemical composition of different extracts prepared from hawthorn fruit using 80% ethanol, 80% methanol, 80% acetone and pure deionised water, and evaluate their antioxidant and anti‐alpha‐glucosidase activities. The highest alpha‐glucosidase inhibitory activity was determined in 80% acetone extract, while the highest DPPH scavenge capacity and ferric reducing power both exhibited in deionised water extract. In the correlation analysis, polyphenols, triterpenoids, protocatechuic acid and epicatechin all contribute to the alpha‐glucosidase inhibitory activity, while flavonoids, polyphenols, vanillic acid, gallic acid, catechin and chlorogenic acid all contribute to the antioxidant activity. By HPLC‐MS, thirty six compounds were identified, and fifteen of them were found from hawthorn fruits for the first time. Our results would provide a good reference for the further study on the antidiabetes activity of hawthorn, and also support that deionised water extract has the potential to be used as ingredients of functional food products.
Peri‐implantitis – onset and pattern of progression
Authors: Derks Jan , Schaller Dennis , Håkansson Jan , Wennström Jan L. , Tomasi Cristiano , Berglundh Tord 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundWhile information on the prevalence of peri‐implantitis is available, data describing onset and progression of the disease are limited.Material & MethodsA 9‐year follow‐up examination of 596 randomly selected implant‐carrying individuals identified 62 patients with moderate/severe peri‐implantitis. Longitudinal assessments of peri‐implant marginal bone levels were used to construct a statistical model with bone loss as the dependent variable. A multilevel growth model estimated the pattern of bone loss for each implant/patient. Onset of peri‐implantitis was determined by evaluating the cumulative percentage of implants/patients presenting with estimated bone loss at each year following prosthesis delivery.ResultsThe analysis showed a non‐linear, accelerating pattern of bone loss at the 105 affected implants. The onset of peri‐implantitis occurred early, and 52% and 66% of implants presented with bone loss of >0.5 mm at years 2 and 3 respectively. A total of 70% and 81% of subjects presented with ≥1 implants with bone loss of >0.5 mm at years 2 and 3 respectively.ConclusionsIt is suggested that peri‐implantitis progresses in a non‐linear, accelerating pattern and that, for the majority of cases, the onset occurs within 3 years of function.
Freezing and Thawing Characteristics of Some Selected Nigerian Soups
Authors: Raji Akeem Olayemi , Akinoso Rahman , Ibanga Uche , Raji Monsurat Oyewale 
Published: February 2016

AbstractFreezing and thawing characteristics of some Nigerian soups (Ila, Ewedu, Ogbono and Kuka) were investigated. The soups were prepared using standard recipe and packaged in plastic and aluminum containers, frozen at −20C and thawed with microwave oven water (2.45 GHz), hot water (100C) and at ambient condition (30 ± 2C). Freezing and thawing durations, rates, losses and points of the soups were determined using standard methods. Data were analysed using SPSS at P = 0.05. Freezing duration, rate, loss and points were 70.0–145.0 min, 0.4–0.7C/min, 1.75–3.79%, and −1.8 to −2.4C respectively. Thawing duration, rate, loss and points were, 1.8–53.0 min, 0.4–10.9C/min, 0.1–2.4% and −1.7 to −2.3C respectively. Soups packaged in aluminium containers frozen faster than in plastic containers. Microwave‐thawed soups in plastics showed the best thawing characteristics which include high thawing rate, short thawing time and low thawing loss.Practical ApplicationsEvidence of richness of Nigerian soups has been reported by many researchers. In order to maintain the quality of frozen selected Nigerian soups and to reduce the cost of their preservation, the freezing and thawing characteristics of the selected soups should be established. Freezing is an effective preservation technique that maintains the keeping quality of both processed and freshly harvested products. This method of preservation is considerably complex and quality of frozen food depends not only on the temperature, the freezing rate, freezing time and maintenance of the cooling chain, but also on the thawing conditions. Freezing and thawing characteristics of the selected Nigerian soups established are essential in the calculation of refrigeration requirements and the design of equipments for Nigerian soups preservation. Also, the data obtained can be applied to cold chain marketing of the soups to guide against sensory and nutritional losses during cold storage.
Return Seasonalities
Authors: KELOHARJU MATTI , LINNAINMAA JUHANI T. , NYBERG PETER 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTA strategy that selects stocks based on their historical same‐calendar‐month returns earns an average return of 13% per year. We document similar return seasonalities in anomalies, commodities, and international stock market indices, as well as at the daily frequency. The seasonalities overwhelm unconditional differences in expected returns. The correlations between different seasonality strategies are modest, suggesting that they emanate from different systematic factors. Our results suggest that seasonalities are not a distinct class of anomalies that requires an explanation of its own, but rather that they are intertwined with other return anomalies through shared systematic factors.
In vitro effects of plant essential oils on non‐specific immune parameters of red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus L.
Authors: Sutili F. J. , Gatlin D. M. , Rossi W. , Heinzmann B. M. , Baldisserotto B. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryPhytochemicals such as plant essential oils (EOs) have been reported to favour various activities in the innate immune system of fish. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify the in vitro effect of three different plant EOs (Ocimum americanum, Cymbopogon flexuosus and Melaleuca alternifolia) on non‐specific immune parameters and erythrocyte osmotic fragility of red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus. Concentrations of each plant EO evaluated in preparations of head‐kidney macrophages, blood leucocytes and blood plasma were as follows: 0.0 (control), 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, and 16.0 μg/ml. Red drum head‐kidney macrophages significantly increased extracellular superoxide anion production when exposed (20 h) to O. americanum EO (1.0‐8.0 μg/ml) and C. flexuosus EO (2.0 and 4.0 μg/ml). The respiratory burst of blood leucocytes (NBT test) significantly increased in all concentrations when compared to the respective control group, for all EOs. At the highest concentration (16.0 μg/ml), C. flexuosus EO significantly inhibited the haemolytic activity of complement system in red drum blood after 1 h exposure. None of the tested concentrations significantly altered plasma lysozyme activity or erythrocyte osmotic fragility after exposing (1 h) red drum whole blood to each EO. This study demonstrated that these plant EOs are capable of triggering superoxide anion production in red drum leucocytes (head‐kidney macrophages and/or blood leucocytes). In vivo studies are warranted to address their potential as immunostimulants in the diet of red drum and other aquacultured species.
Service‐wide management of healthy gestational weight gain following an implementation science approach
Authors: Wilkinson Shelley A. , Donaldson Elin , Beckmann Michael , Stapleton Helen 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe aim of health guidelines is to ensure consistency in the delivery of care to minimise health‐related complications. However, even when good evidence is available, professionals do not necessarily implement it. Following a 2011 survey (Time 1) of staff in a tertiary maternity hospital, a number of service changes were implemented to facilitate best practice delivery of care to pregnant women regarding gestational weight gain (GWG). A (second) staff survey was then undertaken to re‐assess staff knowledge, attitudes and behaviours around the management of GWG in our hospital. This cross‐sectional, prospective online survey was distributed to staff in antenatal clinic. The survey assessed staff awareness of pregnancy‐related weight complications, knowledge and application of specific guidelines, and a guideline adherence score was calculated. Sixty‐nine staff (44.8% response rate) completed the 2014 (Time 2) survey. Just over half (51.9%) stated they were familiar with clinical guidelines regarding weight management in pregnancy. Guideline adherence ranged from 3.7 ± 1.9 to 11.3 ± 1.0 /15 across different professional groups; significant improvements with adherence by dietitians were noted over time. Despite minimal change over time in the overall adherence score, compliance with individual elements of the guideline recommendations comprising the adherence score differed. Improvements in staff practices and attitudes are apparent since the first survey. However, further improvements in guideline awareness and guideline elements are still required to improve the delivery of best practice antenatal GWG care.
Analyses of transcriptome sequences reveal multiple ancient large‐scale duplication events in the ancestor of Sphagnopsida (Bryophyta)
Authors: Devos Nicolas , Szövényi Péter , Weston David J. , Rothfels Carl J. , Johnson Matthew G. , Shaw A. Jonathan 
Published: February 2016

Summary

The goal of this research was to investigate whether there has been a whole‐genome duplication (WGD) in the ancestry of Sphagnum (peatmoss) or the class Sphagnopsida, and to determine if the timing of any such duplication(s) and patterns of paralog retention could help explain the rapid radiation and current ecological dominance of peatmosses.

RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) data were generated for nine taxa in Sphagnopsida (Bryophyta). Analyses of frequency plots for synonymous substitutions per synonymous site (Ks) between paralogous gene pairs and reconciliation of 578 gene trees were conducted to assess evidence of large‐scale or genome‐wide duplication events in each transcriptome.

Both Ks frequency plots and gene tree‐based analyses indicate multiple duplication events in the history of the Sphagnopsida. The most recent WGD event predates divergence of Sphagnum from the two other genera of Sphagnopsida. Duplicate retention is highly variable across species, which might be best explained by local adaptation.

Our analyses indicate that the last WGD could have been an important factor underlying the diversification of peatmosses and facilitated their rise to ecological dominance in peatlands. The timing of the duplication events and their significance in the evolutionary history of peat mosses are discussed.
Biomechanical characteristics of self‐ligating brackets in a vertically displaced canine model: a finite element analysis
Authors: Kim S.‐J. , Kwon Y.‐H. , Hwang C.‐J. 
Published: February 2016

Structured AbstractObjectivesThe objective of this study was to compare the biomechanical characteristics between two types of self‐ligating brackets and conventional metal brackets using finite element analysis of a vertically displaced canine model focusing on the desired force on the canine and undesirable forces on adjacent teeth.Materials and MethodsThree‐dimensional finite element models of the maxillary dentition with 1‐mm, 2‐mm, and 3‐mm vertically displaced canines were constructed. Two different self‐ligating brackets (In‐Ovation C and Smart clip) and a conventional metal bracket (Micro‐arch) were modeled. After a 0.016‐inch NiTi (0.40 mm, round) wire was engaged, the displacement of each tooth was calculated using x‐, y‐, and z‐coordinates, and the tensile and compressive stresses were calculated.ResultsThe extrusion and maximal tensile stress of the canine differed little between the three brackets, but the intrusion and minimal compressive stress values of the adjacent teeth differed considerably and were highest in the Smart clip and least in the In‐Ovation C. The extrusion and maximal tensile stress of the canine in the 3‐mm displacement model was less than that in the 2‐mm displacement model, and the intrusion and minimal compressive stress of the adjacent teeth increased with the degree of displacement.ConclusionsSelf‐ligating brackets were not superior to conventional brackets in leveling a vertically displaced canine. A continuous arch wire may not be recommended for leveling of severely displaced canines whether using self‐ligating or conventional brackets.
New‐onset diabetes after renal transplantation in a patient with a novel HNF1B mutation
Authors: Kanda Shoichiro , Morisada Naoya , Kaneko Naoto , Yabuuchi Tomoo , Nawashiro Yuri , Tada Norimasa , Nishiyama Kei , Miyai Takayuki , Sugawara Noriko , Ishizuka Kiyonobu , Chikamoto Hiroko , Akioka Yuko , Iijima Kazumoto , Hattori Motoshi 
Published: February 2016

AbstractCAKUT are the most frequent causes of ESRD in children. Mutations in the gene encoding HNF1B, a transcription factor involved in organ development and maintenance, cause a multisystem disorder that includes CAKUT, diabetes, and liver dysfunction. Here, we describe the case of a patient with renal hypodysplasia who developed NODAT presenting with liver dysfunction. The NODAT was initially thought to be steroid and FK related. However, based on the patient's clinical features, including renal hypodysplasia and recurrent elevations of transaminase, screening for an HNF1B mutation was performed. Direct sequencing identified a novel splicing mutation of HNF1B, designated c.344 + 2T>C. Because CAKUT is the leading cause of ESRD in children and HNF1B mutations can cause both renal hypodysplasia and diabetes, HNF1B mutations may account for a portion of the cases of NODAT in pediatric patients who have undergone kidney transplantation. NODAT is a serious and major complication of solid organ transplantation and is associated with reduced graft survival. Therefore, for the appropriate management of kidney transplantation, screening for HNF1B mutations should be considered in pediatric patients with transplants caused by CAKUT who develop NODAT and show extra‐renal symptoms.
Profile of Steroid Receptors and Increased Aromatase Immunoexpression in Canine Inflammatory Mammary Cancer as a Potential Therapeutic Target
Authors: De Andrés PJ , Cáceres S , Clemente M , Pérez‐Alenza MD , Illera JC , Peña L 
Published: February 2016

ContentsCanine inflammatory mammary cancer (IMC) has been proposed as a model for the study of human inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). The aims of this study were to compare the immunohistochemical expression of aromatase (Arom) and several hormone receptors [estrogen receptor α (ERα), estrogen receptor β (ERβ), progesterone receptor (PR) and androgen receptor (AR)], in 21 IMC cases vs 19 non‐IMC; and to study the possible effect of letrozole on canine IMC and human inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) in vitro using IPC‐366 and SUM‐149 cell lines. Significant elevations of the means of Arom Total Score (TS), ERβ TS and PR TS were found in the IMC group (p = 0.025, p = 0.038 and p = 0.037, respectively). Secondary IMC tumours expressed higher levels of Arom than primary IMC (p = 0.029). Non‐IMC PR‐ tumours contained higher levels of Arom than non‐IMC PR+ tumours (p = 0.007). After the addition of letrozole, the number of IMC and IBC cells dropped drastically. The overexpression of Arom found and the results obtained in vitro further support canine IMC as a model for the study of IBC and future approaches to the treatment of dogs with mammary cancer, and especially IMC, using Arom inhibitors.
Distribution of suspended sediment concentration in wide sediment‐laden streams: A novel power‐law theory
Authors: Cantero‐Chinchilla Francisco Nicolás , Castro‐Orgaz Oscar , Dey Subhasish 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe diffusion equation of suspended sediment concentration in a wide sediment‐laden stream flow is dependent on the vertical gradient of streamwise velocity and the sediment diffusivity. This study aims at investigating the influence of the streamwise velocity laws on the suspended sediment concentration distributions, resulting from the solution of the diffusion equation. Firstly, the sediment concentration distributions are obtained numerically from the solution of the diffusion equation using different velocity laws and compared with the experimental data. It is found that the power‐law approximation produces good computational results for the concentration distributions. The accuracy of using a power‐law velocity model is comparable with the results obtained from other classical velocity laws, namely log‐law, log wake‐law and stratified log‐law. Secondly, a novel analytical solution is proposed for the determination of sediment concentration distribution, where a power‐law, wall‐concentration profile is coupled with a concentration wake function. The power‐law model (for velocity and concentration) is calibrated using the experimental data, and then a generalized wake function is obtained by choosing a suitable law. The developed power‐law model involving the wake function adjusted by an exponent predicts the sediment concentration distributions quite satisfactorily. Finally, a new explicit formula for the suspended‐load transport rate is derived from the proposed theory, where numerical computation of integrals, as needed in the Einstein theory, is avoided.
Inhibitory Effect of Imiquimod‐Induced Psoriasis‐Like Skin Inflammation in Mice by Histamine H4 Receptor Agonist 4‐Methylhistamine
Authors: Kim C.‐H. , Lee J. M. , Yoo J. K. , Kim J.‐S. , Kim S.‐U. , Chang K.‐T. , Choo Y.‐K. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPsoriasis is a chronic inflammatory immune‐mediated autoimmune skin disorder. The histamine H4 receptor (H4R) agonist 4‐methylhistamine (4‐MH) plays an important role in immunomodulation of inflammatory responses associated with allergic inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of H4R agonist 4‐MH on the development of imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced psoriasis‐like skin inflammation in mice and explored the immunoregulatory mechanism involved. The total clinical severity scores were significantly ameliorated by treatment with 4‐MH (20 mg/kg) and 4‐MH (40 mg/kg). Histological analysis of the skin revealed that 4‐MH (20 mg/kg) and 4‐MH (40 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the psoriatic phenotypes, including epidermal hyperplasis, hyperkeratosis and lymphocytes infiltration. Treatment with 4‐MH (20 mg/kg) and 4‐MH (40 mg/kg) led to reductions in the levels of Th1 cytokines (TNF‐α, IFN‐α, and IL‐27) in the serum and dorsal skin, whereas Th17 cytokines levels (IL‐17A and IL‐23) did not change in response to treatment with 4‐MH (20 mg/kg) and 4‐MH (40 mg/kg). Furthermore, the number of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells was significantly increased by treatment with 4‐MH (40 mg/kg). Taken together, these results imply that H4R agonist 4‐MH might be an effective immunomodulatory approach for treatment of patients with psoriasis and the effects may be related to inhibited epidermal alteration, selectively reduced Th1 pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and recruited CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg cells.
An Ever Closer Union? The Nationalisation of Political Parties in Switzerland, 1991–2015
Authors: Bochsler Daniel , Mueller Sean , Bernauer Julian 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe contribution of this research note is a systematic description of levels of party nationalisation in Switzerland, using results from the elections to the Swiss National Council between 1991 and 2015. Party nationalisation is understood as the territorial homogeneity of a party's electoral performance and measured using the inverted and standardised Gini index. Our results indicate a trend towards more nationalisation in the Swiss party system over the time period covered, and distinct patterns for single parties. The SVP and the GLP have made big leaps towards stronger nationalisation, with the former closing in on the levels of the SP and the FDP, while the CVP remains a weakly nationalised party, considering its size.
Campaign Strategies in the 2015 Swiss National Elections: Nationalization, Coordination, and Personalization
Authors: Bühlmann Marc , Zumbach David , Gerber Marlène 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis research note examines parties' campaign strategies in the 2015 Swiss elections. We base our analyses on a collection of more than 5000 party advertisements, which were published in the forefront of the national elections in more than 50 daily and weekly national and cantonal print media. By comparing the amount of party and candidate ads, as well as the content and nature of the political advertisements, we explore the degree of professionalization of electoral campaigns in the most recent federal elections in terms of nationalization, coordination and personalization. First results show that although national campaign coordination exists, Swiss elections are to a considerable extent still cantonal and personal affairs.
Identification of a novel HLA‐C allele, HLA‐C*03:313, in a Japanese individual
Authors: Suzuki S. , Sato T. , Akatsuka H. , Kimura M. , Shiina T. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractHLA‐C*03:313 differs from HLA‐C*03:04:01:01 by one non‐synonymous amino acid exchange E161G.