bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nigella sativa L. as an alternative antibiotic feed supplement and effect on growth performance in weanling pigs
Authors: Petrujkić Branko T , Beier Ross C , He Haiqi , Genovese Kenneth J , Swaggerty Christina L , Hume Michael E , Crippen Tawni L , Harvey Roger B , Anderson Robin C , Nisbet David J 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDNigella sativa L. (NS) is a plant containing bioactive constituents such as thymoquinone. Extracts of NS improve performance and reduce enteropathogen colonization in poultry and small ruminants, but studies with swine are lacking. In two different studies oral administration of NS extracts at doses equivalent to 0, 1.5 and 4.5 g kg−1 diet was assessed on piglet performance and intestinal carriage of wildtype Escherichia coli and Campylobacter, and Salmonella Typhimurium.RESULTSWildtype E. coli populations in the jejunal and rectal content collected 9 days after treatment began were decreased (P ≤ 0.05). Populations recovered from pigs treated with extract at 1.5 and 4.5 g kg−1 diet were 0.72–1.31 log10 units lower than the controls (ranging from 6.05 to 6.61 log10 CFU g−1). Wildtype Campylobacter and Salmonella Typhimurium were unaffected by NS treatment. Feed efficiency over the 9 days improved linearly (P < 0.05) from 3.88 with 0 NS‐treated pigs to 1.47 and 1.41 with pigs treated with NS at 1.5 and 4.5 g kg–1 diet, respectively, possibly due to high glutamine/glutamic acid content of the NS extract.CONCLUSIONNS supplementation of weanling pigs improved feed efficiency and helped control intestinal E. coli during this vulnerable production phase. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Genetic inheritance of pulp colour and selected traits of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) at early generation selection
Authors: Nduwumuremyi Athanase , Melis Rob , Shanahan Paul , Theodore Asiimwe 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe early generation selection of cassava quantitative and qualitative traits saves breeding resources as it can shorten breeding schemes. Inheritance analysis provides important breeding information for developing new improved varieties. This study aimed at developing an F1 segregating cassava population and determining mode of gene action of pulp colour and selected traits at early generation selection (F1 seedling and clones).RESULTSThe 15 families exhibited significant (P < 0.05) phenotypic variation between offspring. The general combining ability (GCA) was significant for all traits except cassava brown streak disease on leaves, whereas specific combining ability (SCA) was significant for all evaluated traits. The Garukansubire and Gitamisi genotypes were the best general combiners for improving fresh storage root yield, while G1 and G2 were the best general combiners for improved carotenoid (yellow/orange pulp colour) and delayed physiological postharvest deterioration. The pulp colour had the highest GCA/SCA ratio and percent sum of squares due to GCA.CONCLUSIONThe 15 F1 families exhibited essential genetic diversity for cassava improvement. The expression of most cassava traits was controlled by both additive and non‐additive gene action. The study elucidated the role of dominance effects over the additive effects for the evaluated traits. However, the pulp colour was predominantly controlled by additive gene action. This implies the possibility of improving cassava through conventional breeding using recurrent selection for most traits. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Genotype × environment interaction on tocochromanol and plastochromanol‐8 content in seeds of doubled haploids obtained from F1 hybrid black × yellow seeds of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Siger Aleksander , Michalak Michał , Lembicz Justyna , Nogala‐Kałucka Małgorzata , Cegielska‐Taras Teresa , Szała Laurencja 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe aim of the study was to determine the effect of genotype × environment interaction on the levels of α‐, β‐, γ‐ and δ‐tocopherol (α‐T, β‐T, γ‐T and δ‐T, respectively) and plastochromanol‐8 (PC‐8) in seeds of 17 doubled haploids (DHs) obtained from the F1 hybrid derived from crossing black (DH H2‐26) × yellow (DH Z‐114) seeds of winter oilseed rape.RESULTSThe content of tocopherols in the tested DH lines ranged from 415.6 to 540.1 mg kg−1 seeds, while PC‐8 content ranged from 56.3 to 89.0 mg kg−1 seeds. The α‐T/γ‐T ratio reached a level of 0.78–1.29. Studies have shown that heritability for α‐T, β‐T, γ‐T, total‐T and PC‐8 is mainly due to genotypic variation. For the δ‐T homologue the level was dependent on environmental effect.CONCLUSIONThe obtained DH lines population of oilseed rape is characterized by high heritability coefficients for α‐T, β‐T, γ‐T, total‐T and PC‐8 levels, which indicates a greater influence of genotype than the environment on the content of these compounds. Among all studied doubled haploids, seven DHs were selected which were characterized by stable contents of α‐T, β‐T, γ‐T, δ‐T and total‐T with the simultaneous stable content of PC‐8. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Relationship between carbohydrate composition and fungal deterioration of functional strawberry juices preserved using non‐thermal treatments
Authors: Cassani Lucía , Quintana Gabriel , Moreira María R , Gómez‐Zavaglia Andrea 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe quantification of the main carbohydrates present in strawberry juices enriched with inulin and fructo‐oligosaccharides (FOS) and preserved by non‐thermal techniques (vanillin and ultrasound) was conducted, in addition to an investigation of the evolution of these compounds and their relationship with fungal deterioration over 14 days of refrigerated storage.RESULTSA simple and environmentally friendly analytical approach based on high‐performance liquid chromatography with a reflection index detector was developed for simultaneous determination of inulin, FOS and mono‐ and disaccharides present in the juices. When analyzing the evolution of carbohydrates during storage, a direct relationship between the consumption of sucrose and the growth of yeasts and molds (main spoilage flora in strawberry) was observed, especially in untreated samples (control). By contrast, no sucrose consumption was observed during storage of the treated sample, thus demonstrating the efficiency of the non‐thermal treatments for controlling yeasts and mold growth. In turn, inulin and FOS added to juices were not degraded during storage.CONCLUSIONThe results obtained in the present study demonstrate that non‐thermal treatments are adequate for preventing the growth of deteriorative flora in strawberry juices and that the addition of inulin and FOS can be a good strategy for functionalizing them, as well as improving their nutritional properties. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Remediation of a heavy metals contaminated soil using mycorrhized and non‐mycorrhizedHelichrysum italicum(Roth) Don
Authors: Brunetti Gennaro , Ruta Claudia , Traversa Andreina , D'Ambruoso Giuseppe , Tarraf Waed , De Mastro Francesco , De Mastro Giuseppe , Cocozza Claudio 
Published: December 2017

AbstractFour hundred hectares of the inland and hilly part of Apulia Region (Southern Italy) were contaminated by using low‐quality composts for many years. That territory now belongs to a national park and needs a sustainable soil restoration. Therefore, a greenhouse experiment was carried out to test the phytoremediation potential of the frugalHelichrysum italicum(Roth) Don, alone and mycorrhized bySeptoglomus viscosum.The aims of the research were (a) to test if theH. italicumcan reduce the soil content of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn; (b) to identify in which part of the plant those metals are mainly accumulated; (c) to check the role ofS. viscosumin promoting the plant growth and the soil phytoremediation. The results showed better plant growth in contaminated soils in comparison to control soils, regardless of the presence of mycorrhiza, probably due to the better soil fertility parameters in contaminated soils. In addition, non‐mycorrhized plants from contaminated soil accumulated greater amounts of heavy metals, especially Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn, in their root system. According to the translocation and bioconcentration factors, the mechanism by whichH. italicumincorporated heavy metals was ascribable to a phytostabilization process. In contrast, the application of mycorrhiza in the contaminated soil reduced the uptake of heavy metals by the roots, possibly through an exclusion mechanism, reducing the phytoremediation potential ofH. italicum.
Diatom‐produced allelochemicals trigger trophic cascades in the planktonic food web
Authors: Franzè Gayantonia , Pierson James J. , Stoecker Diane K. , Lavrentyev Peter J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractDiatoms produce a series of cytotoxic secondary metabolites such as polyunsaturated aldehydes (PUA) in response to cell injury or stress. However, little information exists on the PUA effects on the pelagic food web. A set of experiments was conducted in the Chesapeake Bay and the coastal Atlantic waters using dissolved PUA (2E,4E‐octadienal and 2E,4E‐heptadienal), natural assemblages of phytoplankton and microzooplankton, and the copepod Acartia tonsa. The results demonstrate that PUA primarily acts as deterrent for microzooplankton herbivory on diatoms, while enhancing herbivory on picophytoplankton. This switch should favor PUA‐producing diatoms by simultaneously reducing direct grazing losses and competition. Additionally, PUA stimulated copepod predation on microzooplankton, particularly on ciliates. Combined, these effects have the potential to disrupt growth‐grazing equilibrium in the pelagic food web and create an opportunity for bloom development.
New Insight into the Synthesis and Biological Activity of the Polymeric Materials Consisting of Folic Acid and β‐Cyclodextrin
Authors: Kasprzak Artur , Grudzinski Ireneusz P. , Bamburowicz‐Klimkowska Magdalena , Parzonko Andrzej , Gawlak Maciej , Poplawska Magdalena 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis work presents a very new look at folate targeting and is focused on synthesizing and assessing the biological activity of folic acid‐targeted drug delivery materials based on β‐cyclodextrin. Both folic acid and β‐cyclodextrin have been covalently conjugated to branched polyethylenimine as the polymeric vector. Host–guest inclusion of folic acid into a β‐cyclodextrin cavity, demonstrated by means of the spectroscopic methods (2‐D NMR, IR, UV–Vis), is found to be of crucial importance for biological activity of nanotherapeutics. This paper describes the very first example of the versatile synthetic approach to create the polymeric biosystems, where folic acid activity is not limited by the inclusion phenomenon. Cytotoxicity of the obtained polymeric materials against Lewis lung carcinoma cells is determined by neutral red uptake assay. Folate receptor‐binding studies reveal that the developed synthetic approach enables full exploitation of the potential of folic acid as a targeting ligand.
Design and Preparation of Highly Filled Water‐Borne Polymer–Gibbsite Nanocomposites
Authors: Loiko Olessya P. , Spoelstra Anne B. , van Herk Alexander M. , Meuldijk Jan , Heuts Johan P. A. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractHighly filled, high solids content, water‐borne polymer–Gibbsite nanocomposites are prepared with Gibbsite contents as high as 35 wt%. The polymer–Gibbsite nanocomposites are synthesised via conventional starved feed emulsion polymerization using negatively charged butyl acrylate‐co‐acrylic acid oligomers, which functioned as electrosteric stabilizers for the initial platelets and the subsequently formed latex particles. A simple mathematical model describing the amount of cooligomer required for the colloidal stability of the initial Gibbsite platelets and the subsequently formed particles was derived. This model was used to determine the reaction conditions required for obtaining colloidally stable nanocomposites with a targeted filler content. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy characterization of the resulting nanocomposites with filler contents up to 20 wt% revealed fully encapsulated Gibbsite platelets and a mixed morphology of “muffin‐like” and encapsulated particles was obtained at higher filler contents.
Whole‐exome sequencing of oral mucosal melanoma reveals mutational profile and therapeutic targets
Authors: Lyu Jiong , Song Zhijian , Chen Jianhua , Shepard Matthew J , Song Hao , Ren Guoxin , Li Zhiqiang , Guo Wei , Zhuang Zhengping , Shi Yongyong 
Published: December 2017

AbstractOral mucosal melanoma (OMM) is a rare and aggressive subtype of melanoma with little known about its pathogenesis or carcinogenesis. We therefore performed whole‐exome sequencing (WES) on 19 matched OMM tumor/normal pairs in order to gain insight into potential genetic drivers of tumor formation. For the first time, we describe the comprehensive mutational profile of OMM. Our data suggest that the genetic background of OMM differs from those of other melanoma subtypes. We identified recurrent mutations involving KIT, POLE, PTPRD, PTCHD2, and DMXL2. Notably, copy number analysis revealed recurrently amplified regions of 12q14 (57.9%, containing CDK4) and 5p15 (47.4%, containing TERT). CNV analysis in a separate cohort of 15 samples validated the frequent CNV in CDK4 and TERT. We also observed that the melanocyte development and pigmentation signaling pathway is frequently altered in OMM. Furthermore, our data suggest several altered genes that may be amenable for targeted therapy. We identified one patient with metastatic OMM in our cohort who was identified to harbor a targetable KIT mutation using our WES results. This patient was able to achieve complete remission following implementation of KIT‐targeted therapy. These findings provide further insight into the genetic underpinnings of OMM development and suggest that patients with OMM may benefit from WES analysis to identify potential targetable genetic mutations. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐dimensional printed model of bilateral Wilms tumor: A useful tool for planning nephron sparing surgery
Authors: Girón‐Vallejo Óscar , García‐Calderón Darío , Ruiz‐Pruneda Ramón , Cabello‐Laureano Rosa , Doménech‐Abellán Ernesto , Fuster‐Soler José Luis , Ruiz‐Jiménez José I. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractNephron sparing surgery (NSS) is increasingly utilized to treat patients with bilateral Wilms tumor. We present a case of NSS planning using a three‐dimensional computerized and printed model of both kidneys with anatomical structures of interest (parenchyma, renal pelvis, major calyx, renal artery, renal vein, and tumor). This model allowed a better understanding of the anatomic relation between the tumor and the normal kidney on each side, improving the surgical planning and the preoperative discussion with the patient's family.
Treatment‐related mortality in relapsed childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Oskarsson Trausti , Söderhäll Stefan , Arvidson Johan , Forestier Erik , Frandsen Thomas Leth , Hellebostad Marit , Lähteenmäki Päivi , Jónsson Ólafur G. , Myrberg Ida Hed , Heyman Mats ,   On Behalf of the Nordic Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology (NOPHO) ALL Relapse Working Group
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundTreatment of relapsed childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is particularly challenging due to the high treatment intensity needed to induce and sustain a second remission. To improve results, it is important to understand how treatment‐related toxicity impacts survival.ProcedureIn this retrospective population‐based study, we described the causes of death and estimated the risk for treatment‐related mortality in patients with first relapse of childhood ALL in the Nordic Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology ALL‐92 and ALL‐2000 trials.ResultsAmong the 483 patients who received relapse treatment with curative intent, we identified 52 patients (10.8%) who died of treatment‐related causes. Twelve of these died before achieving second remission and 40 died in second remission. Infections were the cause of death in 38 patients (73.1%), predominantly bacterial infections during the chemotherapy phases of the relapse treatment. Viral infections were more common following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in second remission. Independent risk factors for treatment‐related mortality were as follows: high‐risk stratification at relapse (hazard ratio [HR] 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3–3.9; P < 0.01), unfavorable cytogenetic aberrations (HR 3.4; 95% CI 1.3–9.2; P = 0.01), and HSCT (HR 4.64; 95% CI 2.17–9.92; P < 0.001). In contrast to previous findings, we did not observe any statistically significant sex or age differences. Interestingly, none of the 17 patients with Down syndrome died of treatment‐related causes.ConclusionsFatal treatment complications contribute significantly to the poor overall survival after relapse. Implementation of novel therapies with reduced toxicity and aggressive supportive care management are important to improve survival in relapsed childhood ALL.
Fabrication and characterization of bio‐inspired polymer blends and hybrid composites based on collagen‐type II, polyethylene glycol‐dimethacrylate and hydroxyapatite
Authors: Ain Qurat Ul , Khan Ahmad Nawaz 
Published: December 2017

The morphology, mechanical properties and bioactivity of collagen/polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (PGD) blends as well as collagen/PGD/hydroxyapatite hybrid composites are evaluated for tissue regeneration applications. PGD concentrations are varied from 8 to 20 wt% in collagen and photocrosslinked with UV light to develop well shaped sustainable samples. With increasing PGD concentration, the network density of the collagen is increased to improve the sample fidelity. The compressive modulus is increased from 4 to 14.5 kPa along with the improvement in cell viability and proliferation with increasing PGD concentration in collagen. For hybrid composites, the hydroxyapatite (HA) concentration is varied from 1 to 10 wt% in collagen/PGD‐16 wt% which is improved further not only the network density but also the sample fidelity. The modulus of the hybrid composites is further enhanced up to 20 kPa. Cell proliferation and viability is significantly increased up to 100% and cells reached to 99% confluency particularly in collagen/PGD/HA (10wt %) system. Moreover, the morphology of cells changed from spherical to flattened spread morphology with increasing concentrations of HA demonstrating clearly the migration of the cells for the formation of interconnected cellular network. Overall, the hybrid composites show superior mechanical properties along with enhanced cytocompatibility for tissue engineering applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E550–E560, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Managing technical risks in PV investments: How to quantify the impact of risk mitigation measures for different PV project phases?
Authors: Jahn Ulrike , Herz Magnus , Moser David , Belluardo Giorgio , Richter Mauricio 
Published: December 2017

AbstractProject investment has been and still is a primary financial factor in enabling sustainable growth in photovoltaic (PV) installations. When assessing the investment worthiness of a PV project, different financial stakeholders such as investors, lenders, and insurers will evaluate the impact and probability of investment risks differently depending on their investment goals. Similarly, risk mitigation measures implemented are subject to the investment perspective. For the calculation of the economic impact of technical risks during PV plant operation, a method was developed to assign a cost priority number (CPN) to each failure given in €/kWp or €/kWp per year. This CPN method was introduced in the Solar Bankability Project and can be described as a cost‐based failure mode effect analysis. The methodology has been further developed for the evaluation and effectiveness of the identified mitigation measures. Risk mitigation factors are introduced, which quantify the reduction of the economic impact of technical risks, achieved via the reduction of failure occurrence or reduction of costs for fixing the failures (ie, repair of existing component, substitution by spare component, and substitution by new component).Mitigation measures were identified along the entire value chain and assigned to various technical risks. The new CPN (CPNnew) value arises from the cost‐benefit analysis by adding the CPN after mitigation to the cost of the mitigation measures. The FIXING costs for selected failures were calculated when applying combinations of 8 selected mitigation measures. The aim of this work is to create a framework of well‐defined mitigation measures, which have an impact on the global CPN (given as sum of CPNs of all technical risks). The cost‐benefit analysis can then include the combination of various mitigation measures and derive the best strategy depending on market segment and PV plant typology. In addition to this, it is important to assess in the CPN analysis who will bear the cost and the risk to derive considerations not only on the overall economic impact of the technical risks, but also on cost and risk ownership.
Do treatment patterns alter beliefs cancer patients hold regarding oral oncolytic agents?
Authors: Sikorskii Alla , Given Charles W. , Given Barbara A. , Vachon Eric , Marshall Victoria , Krauss John C. , Banik Asish , Majumder Atreyee 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectiveCancer patients, particularly those prescribed with oral oncolytic medications, face treatment side effects and temporary and permanent stoppages of treatment. This research examines how events during treatment affect patients' beliefs regarding oral oncolytic medications.MethodsA total of 272 cancer patients initiating 1 of 28 oral oncolytic agents were followed for 12 weeks. Assessments of Beliefs About Medications Questionnaire, symptoms, physical function, and depression measures were performed during telephone interviews at intake (medication start) and 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Electronic medical record audits identified dates of temporary and permanent medication stoppages. Linear mixed‐effects models were used for longitudinal analyses of the Beliefs About Medications Questionnaire scores in relation to patient characteristics, symptom severity, and medication stoppages.ResultsOver the initial 12 weeks, beliefs about the necessity of oral medications have increased, concerns have decreased, and interference of medications with daily lives has increased. Permanent stoppage of a medication predicted significant declines in beliefs about its necessity over time. Male patients, those less educated, those reporting higher symptom severity, and those experiencing temporary stoppages had greater concerns. Interference of medications with daily life was higher for males, increased with higher symptom severity, and differed by drug category.ConclusionsPatients' beliefs in the necessity of their oral medication were affected only by a permanent drug stoppage. Symptom severity, education, and patient sex affected patients' beliefs about their concerns with their medications and the interference medications posed for their daily lives. Interventions may need to target the distinct dimensions of beliefs during treatment with oral oncolytic agents.