bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Metabolic Pathways and Absorption of Sea Cucumber Saponins, Holothurin A and Echinoside A, in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Song Shanshan , Zhang Lingyu , Cao Jian , Xiang Gao , Cong Peixu , Dong Ping , Li Zhaojie , Xue Changhu , Xue Yong , Wang Yuming 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSea cucumber saponins (SCSs) exhibit a wide spectrum of bioactivities, but their metabolic characteristics are not well elucidated. In this study, the metabolism of holothurin A (HA) and echinoside A (EA), 2 major saponins in sea cucumber, by gut microflora were investigated. First, we conducted an in vitro study, where in the SCSs were incubated with intestinal microflora and the metabolites were detected by high pressure liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry. We also conducted an in vivo study on rats, where in the intestinal contents, serum, urine, and feces were collected and evaluated after oral administration of SCSs. In the in vitro study, we identified 6 deglycosylated metabolites of HA and EA, assigned M1‐M6. In the in vivo study, we found all the deglycosylated metabolites in the intestinal contents after oral administration, and both the metabolites and their prototype components could be absorbed. Four metabolites were identified in the serum, 6 in the urine, and 4 in the feces. The saponins with different structures showed different absorption characteristics in rats. According to our results, deglycosylation is the main intestinal microflora‐mediated metabolic pathway for SCSs, and both the SCSs and deglycosylated metabolites can be absorbed by intestine. This study improves the understanding of the metabolism of HA and EA by gut flora, which will be useful for further analysis of the bioactivity mechanism of SCSs.
Characteristic Flavor of Traditional Soup Made by Stewing Chinese Yellow‐Feather Chickens
Authors: Qi Jun , Liu Deng‐yong , Zhou Guang‐hong , Xu Xing‐lian 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe traditional recipe for Chinese chicken soup creates a popular taste of particular umami and aroma. The present study investigated the effects of stewing time (1, 2, and 3 h) on the principal taste‐active and volatile compounds and the overall flavor profile of traditional Chinese chicken soup by measuring the contents of free amino acids (FAAs), 5′‐nucleotides, minerals and volatile compounds and by evaluating the taste and aroma profiles using an electronic nose, an electronic tongue and a human panel. Results showed that the major umami‐related compounds in the chicken soup were inosine 5′‐monophosphate (IMP) and chloride, both of which increased significantly (P < 0.05) during stewing. The taste active values (TAVs) of the equivalent umami concentration (EUC) increased from 4.08 to 9.93 (P < 0.05) after stewing for 3 h. Although the FAA and mineral contents increased significantly (P < 0.05), their TAVs were less than 1. The volatile compounds were mainly hexanal, heptanal, octanal, nonanal, (E)‐2‐nonanal, (E)‐2‐decenal, (E,E)‐2,4‐decadienal, 1‐hexanol, and 2‐pentyl furan. With the prolonged stewing time, the aldehydes first increased and then decreased significantly (P < 0.05), while 1‐hexanol and 2‐pentyl furan increased steadily (P < 0.05). The aroma scores of the chicken soup reached the maximum after stewing for 3 h. The discrepancy in overall flavor characteristics tended to stabilize after 2 h of stewing. In general, stewing time has a positive effect on improving the flavor profiles of chicken soup, especially within the first 2 h.
Relating switching rates between normal and persister cells to substrate and antibiotic concentrations: a mathematical modelling approach supported by experiments
Authors: Carvalho Gabriel , Guilhen Cyril , Balestrino Damien , Forestier Christiane , Mathias Jean‐Denis 
Published: July 2017

SummaryWe developed and compared two mathematical models of variable phenotypic switching rates between normal and persister cells that depend on substrate concentration and antibiotic presence. They could be used to simulate the formation of persisters in environments with concentration gradients such as biofilms. Our models are extensions of a previous model of the dynamics of normal and persistent cell populations developed by Balaban et al. (2004, Science 305: 1622). We calibrated the models’ parameters with experimental killing curves obtained after ciprofloxacin treatment of samples regularly harvested from planktonic batch cultures of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Our switching models accurately reproduced the dynamics of normal and persistent populations in planktonic batch cultures and under antibiotic treatment. Results showed that the models are valid for a large range of substrate concentrations and for zero or high doses of antibiotics.
Psoriatic arthritis treatment regimens, therapy duration and reasons for cessation in the biologics era: a multi‐centre Australian study
Authors: Tymms Kathleen , Kelly Ayano , Bird Paul , Griffiths Hedley , de Jager Julien , Littlejohn Geoff , Louw Sandra , Roberts Lynden , Youssef Peter , Zochling Jane , Nichols Dave 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAimTo describe the treatment regimens, duration of therapy and reasons for disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) cessation in a large psoriatic arthritis (PsA) cohort.MethodsA retrospective non‐interventional multi‐centre study using Audit4 electronic medical records, with de‐identified, routinely collected clinical data from rheumatology practices in the OPAL consortium (Optimising Patient outcomes in Australian rheumatoLogy) during November 2015. Baseline characteristics, type and duration of conventional and biologic DMARDs (cDMARD and bDMARD, respectively), disease activity (Disease Activity Score of 28 joints C‐reactive protein [DAS28‐CRP]), and reasons for treatment cessation were recorded.ResultsA total of 3422 rheumatologist‐diagnosed PsA patients were included: 60% female, mean age 54 years and disease duration 10 years. Of patients with treatment recorded (n = 2948), 46% were on cDMARD monotherapy, 19% bDMARD monotherapy, 13% combination bDMARD and cDMARDs, 11% combination cDMARDs and 10% no DMARDs. Of those with DAS28‐CRP results (n = 494), the highest mean DAS28‐CRP was 3.32 on combination cDMARDs, and the lowest was 2.19 on bDMARD monotherapy. Median duration on cDMARD monotherapy was 33.5 months (n = 2232), on bDMARD monotherapy 110.1 months (n = 751), on combination bDMARD and cDMARDs 68.5 months (n = 559). The most common reasons for cessation of cDMARD monotherapy was adverse reactions (41%), for bDMARD monotherapy lack of efficacy (26%), and for combination bDMARD and cDMARDs treatment completed or no longer required (37%).ConclusionMost PsA patients were prescribed DMARD therapies with a large proportion receiving cDMARDs. Patients on combination cDMARD therapies had the highest DAS28‐CRP results. Adverse reactions were the most common reason for cessation of cDMARD monotherapy, whereas for bDMARD monotherapy it was lack of efficacy.
2016 updated Thai Rheumatism Association Recommendations for the use of biologic and targeted synthetic disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Louthrenoo Worawit , Kasitanon Nuntana , Katchamart Wanruchada , Aiewruengsurat Duangkamol , Chevaisrakul Parawee , Chiowchanwisawakit Praveena , Dechanuwong Pornchai , Hanvivadhanakul Punchong , Mahakkanukrauh Ajanee , Manavathongchai Siriporn , Muangchan Chayawee , Narongroeknawin Pongthorn , Phumethum Veerapong , Siripaitoon Boonjing , Suesuwan Anawat , Suwannaroj Siraphop , Uea‐Areewongsa Parichat , Ukritchon Sittichai , Asavatanabodee Paijit , Koolvisoot Ajchara , Nanagara Ratanavadee , Totemchokchyakarn Kitti , Nuntirooj Kanokrut , Kitumnuaypong Tasanee 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAimIn June 2015, the Thai Rheumatism Association (TRA) approved an update of its recommendation for the use of biologic disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and targeted synthetic (tsDMARD) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to cover those currently available in Thailand (etanercept, infliximab, golimumab, rituximab, tocilizumab, abatacept and tofacitinib).MethodA search of the literature was performed between January 2000 and June 2015. Existing RA recommendations, in relation to the use of bDMARDs and tsDMARD, were identified and evaluated by the AGREE II instrument prior to their use as a ‘guide’ for developing this TRA recommendation. An additional literature search was performed in order to answer specific clinical questions that could not be found in existing guidelines.ResultThirteen recommendations were developed. They covered the use of RA classification criteria, the aim of RA treatment, when to initiate bDMARDs/tsDMARD or taper or switch them to other medications, as well as monitoring these drugs during their use. In addition, specific issues including their use and vaccination, malignancies, pregnancy and lactation, and perioperative period also were addressed. Public hearings were performed at the annual meeting of the TRA and of the Royal College of Physicians of Thailand. The recommendations were distributed to other professional associations related to RA management, as well as government sectors associated with the reimbursement policy, prior to development of the final version.ConclusionThese recommendations will help Thai rheumatologists prescribe bDMARDs and tsDMARD more appropriately when treating RA patients.
Effect of excessive gestational weight gain on trial of labour after caesarean: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: McDonald Anna C. E. , Wise Michelle R. , Thompson John M. 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundCounselling women for and managing birth after caesarean section are important. Research is needed on evaluation of antenatal factors that predict likelihood of successful trial of labour after caesarean section (TOLAC).AimTo evaluate the effect of gestational weight gain on mode of delivery in women having TOLAC.Materials and methodsA retrospective cohort study of eligible women who underwent TOLAC (January 2012 to July 2015) at a large urban hospital. Gestational weight gain was classified as ‘excessive’ or ‘not excessive’ based on calculated pre‐pregnancy body mass index. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the association of gestational weight gain and vaginal birth, adjusting for socio‐demographic and pregnancy‐related factors.ResultsOf 534 women, those who gained excessive weight were less likely to have a vaginal birth as women who did not (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.29–0.81)). Women with previous vaginal birth were more likely to have a vaginal birth (aOR 3.74, 95% CI 1.90–7.36), while women ≥35, women who had an epidural, and women who delivered at 40 weeks, were less likely (aOR 0.58, 95% CI 0.35–0.97, aOR 0.12, 95% CI 0.07–0.22, and aOR 0.53, 95% CI 0.31–0.91, respectively).ConclusionsGaining excessive weight in pregnancy is potentially modifiable, and can be incorporated into individual antenatal counselling, and into risk prediction models, to assist with informed decision making around planned mode of delivery in women with previous caesarean section. Future research could focus on interventions to reduce gestational weight gain in women planning TOLAC.
Extending the Use and Prediction Precision of Subnational Public Opinion Estimation
Authors: Leemann Lucas , Wasserfallen Fabio 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe comparative study of subnational units is on the rise. Multilevel regression and poststratification (MrP) has become the standard method for estimating subnational public opinion. Unfortunately, MrP comes with stringent data demands. As a consequence, scholars cannot apply MrP in countries without detailed census data, and when such data are available, the modeling is restricted to a few variables. This article introduces multilevel regression with synthetic poststratification (MrsP), which relaxes the data requirement of MrP to marginal distributions, substantially increases the prediction precision of the method, and extends its use to countries without census data. The findings of Monte Carlo, U.S., and Swiss analyses show that, using the same predictors, MrsP usually performs in standard applications as well as the currently used standard approach, and it is superior when additional predictors are modeled. The better performance and the more straightforward implementation promise that MrsP will further stimulate subnational research.
Apparent and standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in diverse barley cultivars fed to growing pigs
Authors: Wang Hongliang , Ma Xiaokang , Xu Xiao , Shi Meng , Piao Xiangshu 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to determine the chemical composition, ileal amino acid (AA) digestibility of barley varieties and to develop equations to predict the AA digestibility based on the chemical characteristics of individual barley. A wide selection of nine barley varieties in the main growing regions of China was used in the experiment. Ten crossbred pigs (30.9 ± 1.8 kg) were allotted to a 6 × 10 Youden Square. The treatments included a nitrogen‐free diet and nine barley test diets. Considerable variation was observed in the content of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, crude protein (CP) and all AAs among the barley samples. The standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of indispensable AAs with the exception of arginine, phenylalanine and threonine were different (P < 0.05) among the nine barley sources tested. With R2 values exceeding 0.50, significant linear regression equations for CP and threonine were obtained. In conclusion, significant differences existed in the ileal digestibility of CP and AAs among barley varieties. It is difficult to predict the SID of most of the amino acids in barely based upon chemical characteristics.
Renal Impairment Hampers Bisphosphonate Treatment in a Quarter of Lung Cancer Patients with Bone Metastasis
Authors: Fábián Katalin , Puskás Rita , Kakuk Tímea , Prés László , Fejes Dorottya , Szegedi Zsolt , Rojkó Lívia , Szállási Zoltán , Döme Balázs , Pipek Orsolya , Moldvay Judit 
Published: July 2017

AbstractRenal function impairment in lung cancer patients with bone metastases was investigated, as this can limit the application of bisphosphonates representing the gold standard in the management of such cases. Clinicopathological data of 570 lung cancer patients were retrospectively analysed for changes in renal function parameters. Comorbidities included hypertension (50%), COPD (33%) and diabetes mellitus (15%). Statistical analysis was performed with Fisher's exact tests and a Cox proportional hazards model. In patients suffering from hypertension, both median serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were higher (81.9 versus 75.8 μmol/L, p < 0.001 and 6.0 versus 5.7 mmol/L, p = 0.005, respectively). Such a difference could not be observed in patients with diabetes. In patients with COPD, only serum creatinine was higher (81.1 versus 77.3 μmol/L, p = 0.004). In the whole cohort, we found that while at the time of lung cancer diagnosis the ratio of patients in the pathological range (PRR) was 8.67% for serum creatinine (median: 75 μmol/L) and 14.16% for BUN (median: 5.4 mmol/L), at the time of bone metastasis the PRR for serum creatinine increased to 16.11% (median: 77.0 μmol/L) and for BUN to 24.07% (median: 6.0 mmol/L), which is a significant increase for both parameters (p < 0.001). For the whole cohort, the last laboratory results showed a 26.37% PRR for serum creatinine and 45.66% PRR for BUN (significant increase for both, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that patients with hypertension had a higher chance for switching to the pathological range sooner (p = 0.033, HR: 1.372, CI: 1.025–1.835). Also, the appearance of the bone metastasis correlated with an acceleration of the onset of such a switch (p < 0.001, HR: 2.655, CI: 1.581–4.456). Our results suggest that renal function is impaired in a significant proportion of patients with lung cancer and highlight the importance of non‐nephrotoxic drug in the management of bone metastases.
Cell‐derived micro‐environment helps dental pulp stem cells promote dental pulp regeneration
Authors: Zhang Xuexin , Li Hui , Sun Jingjing , Luo Xiangyou , Yang Hefeng , Xie Li , Yang Bo , Guo Weihua , Tian Weidong 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectivesThe function of the dental pulp is closely connected to the extracellular matrix (ECM) structure, and ECM has received significant attention due to its biological functions for regulating cells. As such, the interaction between the ECM niche and cells is worth exploring for potential clinical uses.Materials and methodsIn this study, dental pulp stem cell (DPSC)‐derived ECM (DPM) was prepared through cell culture and decellularization to function as the cell niche, and changes in DPSC behaviour and histological analysis of dental pulp tissue regeneration were evaluated following the DPM culture. DPM promoted the replication of DPSCs and exhibited retention of their mineralization. Then, the DPM‐based culture strategy under odontogenic culture medium was further investigated, and the mineralization‐related markers showed that DPSCs were regulated towards odontogenic differentiation. Dental pulp‐like tissue with well‐arranged ECM was harvested after a 2‐month subcutaneous implantation in nude mice with DPM application. Additionally, DPSCs cultured on the plastic culture surface showed the up‐regulation of mineralization makers in vitro, but there was a disorder in matrix formation and mineralization when the cells were cultured in vivo.Results and ConclusionsDPM‐based cultivation could serve as a cell niche and modulate DPSC behaviour, and this method also provided an alternative to harvest tissue‐specific ECM and provided a strategy for ECM‐cell interaction.
ERP System versus Stand‐Alone Enterprise Applications in the Mitigation of Operational Glitches
Authors: Tenhiälä Antti , Rungtusanatham M. Johnny , Miller Jason W. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTBusiness function‐specific stand‐alone enterprise applications (SEAs) are displacing functionally integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, despite strong empirical support for the business benefits of the latter. This study explores the conditions under which it may be more effective to use a set of SEAs instead of a single‐suite ERP system, and vice versa. Based on Organizational Information Processing Theory, we expect differences in effectiveness to grow in prominence when the uncertainty of the operating environment increases, that is, when operational glitches in production processes become more frequent. Extending the existing literature, we postulate that high functional differentiation is a precondition for SEAs to be more effective than an ERP system, hypothesizing that the level of functional interdependence ultimately determines which type of software is superior for a given production process. We test our hypotheses using data collected from 163 make‐to‐order (MTO) production processes nested within 73 manufacturing plants and seven supply chains of complex, high‐tech machinery. Results show that when functional interdependence is low, the negative effect of operational glitches on delivery performance is effectively mitigated in MTO production processes wherein process‐related information is managed predominantly using SEAs; conversely, when functional interdependence is high, using an ERP system is more effective. Our findings offer practical guidelines as to when to use SEAs versus an ERP system while also integrating and updating the findings of earlier empirical research, in which each has been analyzed separately.
Insulin secretion and action in North Indian women during pregnancy
Authors: Arora G. P. , Almgren P. , Thaman R. G. , Pal A. , Groop L. , Vaag A. , Prasad R. B. , Brøns C. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAimThe relative roles(s) of impaired insulin secretion vs. insulin resistance in the development of gestational diabetes mellitus depend upon multiple risk factors and diagnostic criteria. Here, we explored their relative contribution to gestational diabetes as defined by the WHO 1999 (GDM1999) and adapted WHO 2013 (GDM2013) criteria, excluding the 1‐h glucose value, in a high‐risk Indian population from Punjab.MethodsInsulin secretion (HOMA2‐B) and insulin action (HOMA2‐IR) were assessed in 4665 Indian women with or without gestational diabetes defined by the GDM1999 or adapted GDM2013 criteria.ResultsGestational diabetes defined using both criteria was associated with decreased insulin secretion compared with pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance. Women with gestational diabetes defined by the adapted GDM2013, but not GDM1999 criteria, were more insulin resistant than pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance, and furthermore displayed lower insulin secretion than GDM1999 women. Urban habitat, illiteracy, high age and low BMI were independently associated with reduced insulin secretion, whereas Sikh religion, increasing age and BMI, as well as a family history of diabetes were independently associated with increased insulin resistance.ConclusionsGestational diabetes risk factors influence insulin secretion and action in North Indian women in a differential manner. Gestational diabetes classified using the adapted GDM2013 compared with GDM1999 criteria is associated with more severe impairments of insulin secretion and action.
European Studies and the European Crisis: Legal and Political Science between Critique and Complacency
Authors: Joerges Christian , Kreuder‐Sonnen Christian 
Published: July 2017

AbstractEuropean Studies used to be dominated by legal and political science approaches which hailed the progress of European integration and its reliance on law. The recent set of crises that struck the EU have highlighted fundamental problems in the ways and means by which European integration unfolds. The quasi‐authoritarian emergency politics deployed in the euro crisis is a radical expression of the fading prevalence of democratic processes to accommodate economic and social diversity in the Union. As we argue in this paper, however, the mainstreams in both disciplines retain a largely affirmative and apologetic stance on the EU's post‐democratic and extra‐constitutional development. While political science contributions mostly content themselves with a revival of conventional integration theories and thus turn a blind eye to normatively critical aspects of European crisis governance, legal scholarship is in short supply of normatively convincing theoretical paradigms and thus aligns itself with the functionalist reasoning of the EU's Court of Justice. Yet, we also identify critical peripheries in both disciplines which intersect in their critical appraisal of the authoritarian tendencies that inhere in the crisis‐ridden state of European integration. Their results curb the prevailing optimism and underline that the need for fundamental reorientations in both the theory and practice of European integration has become irrefutable.