bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Susceptibility to HIV‐1 infection is influenced by toll like receptor‐2 (−196 to −174) polymorphism in a north Indian population
Authors: Vidyant Sanjukta , Chatterjee Animesh , Agarwal Vikas , Dhole Tapan N. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundToll like receptors (TLRs) are pattern recognition receptors that recognize molecular patterns of pathogens and play an important role in innate immunity. Recent studies have identified that a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the TLR gene impairs the response to TLR ligands in some individuals and is associated with susceptibility to various infectious diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the role of four SNPs in the TLR2 gene [−196 to −174 Ins/Del, 2258 G/A (Arg753Gln), 2029 C/T (Arg677Trp) and 1892 C/A (Pro631His)] with respect to susceptibility and progression to HIV‐1 in North Indian individuals.MethodsThe study population consisted of 160 HIV‐1 seropositive patients stratified on the basis of disease severity (stages I, II and III) and 270 HIV‐1 seronegative individuals. The subjects were genotyped for TLR2 gene polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism.ResultsIn the present study, we found that the TLR2 Del mutant genotype [odds ratio (OR) = 2.138; p = 0.001] and allele (OR = 1.562; p = 0.002) was at a higher frequency in patients with HIV‐1 infection compared to healthy controls and was significantly associated with the risk of HIV‐1 infection and disease susceptibility. Furthermore, we also found that TLR2 Del homozygous genotype was at a lower frequency in stage III (19.35%) compared to stage I (50.87%; OR = 1.901) and stage II (43.05%; OR = 1.514) and was associated with a reduced risk of HIV‐1 disease progression.ConclusionsThe present study reports for the first time that the TLR2–196 to −174 Ins/Del polymorphism is a risk factor for HIV‐1 transmission in HIV‐1 infected North Indian individuals.
Assessing threats of violence: Professional skill or common sense?
Authors: Geurts Renate , Granhag Pär Anders , Ask Karl , Vrij Aldert 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWhen faced with threats of violence, it is of great importance to assess the risk for actual harm to occur. Over the last decades, this task has developed into a domain of its own and professionals have specialised in threat assessment. However, it is yet unknown whether professional experience affects the quality of threat assessments. The present study examined how threat assessment professionals (N = 44), university students (N = 44), and laypersons (N = 45) assessed the risk for violence in three fictitious cases. The assessments (i.e., assigning risk values to different pieces of information) were found to be strikingly similar across the three groups. Yet, professionals agreed more with one another on their assessments, and professionals identified more relevant (empirically supported) threat cues when given the opportunity to request additional information. These results suggest that threat assessment professionals know better than nonprofessionals what information to look for, and hence, they may contribute most in the process of gathering information to clarify the threat. Such knowledge can help to optimise the use of expertise, which may improve the quality of threat assessments. The current findings can be of value to those who consult threat assessment professionals, as well as to the professionals themselves.
Susceptibility weighted imaging and quantitative susceptibility mapping of the cerebral vasculature using ferumoxytol
Authors: Liu Saifeng , Brisset Jean‐Christophe , Hu Jiani , Haacke E. Mark , Ge Yulin 
Published: July 2017

PurposeTo demonstrate the potential of imaging cerebral arteries and veins with ferumoxytol using susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) and quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM).Materials and MethodsThe relationships between ferumoxytol concentration and the apparent susceptibility at 1.5T, 3T, and 7T were determined using phantom data; the ability of visualizing subvoxel vessels was evaluated using simulations; and the feasibility of using ferumoxytol to enhance the visibility of small vessels was confirmed in three healthy volunteers at 7T(with doses 1 mg/kg to 4 mg/kg). The visualization of the lenticulostriate arteries and the medullary veins was assessed by two raters and the contrast‐to‐noise ratios (CNRs) of these vessels were measured.ResultsThe relationship between ferumoxytol concentration and susceptibility was linear with a slope 13.3 ± 0.2 ppm·mg‐1·mL at 7T. Simulations showed that SWI data with an increased dose of ferumoxytol, higher echo time (TE), and higher imaging resolution improved the detection of smaller vessels. With 4 mg/kg ferumoxytol, voxel aspect ratio = 1:8, TE = 10 ms, the diameter of the smallest detectable artery was approximately 50μm. The rating score for arteries was improved from 1.5 ± 0.5 (precontrast) to 3.0 ± 0.0 (post‐4 mg/kg) in the in vivo data and the apparent susceptibilities of the arteries (0.65 ± 0.02 ppm at 4 mg/kg) agreed well with the expected susceptibility (0.71 ± 0.05 ppm).ConclusionThe CNR for cerebral vessels with ferumoxytol can be enhanced using SWI, and the apparent susceptibilities of the arteries can be reliably quantified using QSM. This approach improves the imaging of the entire vascular system outside the capillaries and may be valuable for a variety of neurodegenerative diseases which involve the microvasculature.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy: Stage 1J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:621–633.
Myofiber metabolic type determination by mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Centeno Delphine , Vénien Annie , Pujos‐Guillot Estelle , Astruc Thierry , Chambon Christophe , Théron Laëtitia 
Published: July 2017

Matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging is a powerful tool that opens new research opportunities in the field of biology. In this work, predictive model was developed to discriminate metabolic myofiber types using the MALDI spectral data. Rat skeletal muscles are constituted of type I and type IIA fiber, which have an oxidative metabolism for glycogen degradation, and type IIX and type IIB fiber which have a glycolytic metabolism, present in different proportions according to the muscle function and physiological state. So far, myofiber type is determined by histological methods that are time consuming.Thanks to the predictive model, we were able to predict not only the metabolic fiber type but also their location, on the same muscle section that was used for MALDI imaging. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Repeated annual drought has minor long‐term influence on δ13C and alkane composition of plant and soil in model grassland and heathland ecosystems
Authors: Srivastava Kavita , Jentsch Anke , Glaser Bruno , Wiesenberg Guido L. B. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAs a result of global climate change the incidence of drought conditions in Europe is predicted to increase in the future, which also influences plant resistance. Lipids are important plant constituents that protect plants against drought stress and contribute to the intermediate stable carbon (C) pool in soil. However, the extent to which drought influences lipid cycling in the plant–soil system is unknown and, therefore, it remains questionable how the ecosystem recovers after drought. We focused on plant and soil samples from two different plant communities (temperate grassland and heathland) that had been exposed to 5 years of 4.5–6.0 weeks repeated annual drought. They were sampled one year after the last drought to check the recovery of the plant–soil system. Samples were analyzed for their bulk C, stable C and nitrogen (N) isotope (δ13C, δ15N) and lipid composition. Contrary to our expectation, no strong influence of five years of repeated annual drought was observed for above‐ground biomass, roots and soils in the model ecosystems with respect to elemental (C and N concentrations, C : N ratio) bulk isotope (δ13C, δ15N) composition and the total extractable lipid concentration. Thus, plants did not sustain a significant change in their C and lipid concentration as well as their composition after five years of repeated annual drought. This might be related to the comparatively short drought period related to the overall growth season and provides evidence for recovery of the C and lipid dynamics in temperate grassland and heathland model ecosystems exposed to annual drought.
Effects of controlled‐release potassium fertilizer on available potassium, photosynthetic performance, and yield of cotton
Authors: Tian Xiao-Fei , Li Cheng-Liang , Zhang Min , Lu Yan-Yan , Guo Yan-Le , Liu Long-Fei 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPotassium (K) is one of the major mineral elements required for normal growth of cotton. However, understanding the effect of controlled‐release K fertilizer on leaf photosynthesis and K use efficiency (KUE) of cotton is currently limited. A two‐year pot experiment was consecutively conducted in 2014 and 2015 with three kinds of K fertilizer including K2SO4, KCl, and polymer‐coated KCl (CRK), each at four application rates (0.00, 0.86, 1.73, and 2.59 g K plant−1, respectively). For each type of K fertilizer, the yield and K uptake of cotton increased but the KUE decreased with higher K fertilizer application. The release characteristics of K from CRK corresponded well to the K requirements during cotton growth. Plant‐available soil K, as well as leaf SPAD values, net photosynthetic rate (Pn), maximal photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), and effective quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII) in CRK treatments were increased after full bloom stage compared to conventional K fertilizers under the same potassium application rate. Consequently, the CRK treatments significantly increased lint cotton yields by 8.1–32.7% and 3.7–20.8%, while the KUE increased by 15.5–54.8% and 14.5–45.4% compared to KCl and K2SO4 treatments, respectively. The results indicate that the application of CRK is intensively recommended to replace conventional potassium fertilizers for gaining greater yields and higher KUE of cotton.
Impact of soybean aging conditions on tofu sensory characteristics and acceptance
Authors: Kamizake Neide Kiyoko Kondo , Silva Lilian Catarini Pereira , Prudencio Sandra Helena 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDTofu from aged soybeans is of poor quality, mainly with respect to texture. Texture defects described in the literature are contradictory. No study has investigated all sensory properties simultaneously. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of soybean aging conditions [natural: ambient temperature and RH, 18 months, and accelerated: 30 °C, 84% relative humidity (RH), 6 months] on all of the sensory characteristics and the acceptance of tofu. Texture and color were also evaluated via an instrumental method. The control condition was –20 °C and 47% RH. Coodetec 214 and BRS 267 cultivars were studied.RESULTSThe effect of soybean accelerated aging on tofu sensory characteristics and acceptance was more pronounced compared to the natural condition. The two cultivars had a similar behavior. Tofu control exhibited a light, uniform and bright color, cohesive appearance, sweet aroma and flavor, as well as a firm and elastic texture. Tofu made from both aged cultivars showed a gray color with dark spots, a rough appearance, fermented aroma, rancid flavor, an astringent and bitter taste, a fracturable texture and adherence to the oral cavity after chewing. These characteristics of tofu from aged soybeans implied a low acceptance by consumers.CONCLUSIONTofu from natural and accelerated aged soybeans has sensory attributes of appearance, as well as aroma, flavor and damaged texture, that are unacceptable by consumers. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Duplex Doppler Sonographic Assessment of the Superior Mesenteric Artery in Patients With Mesenteric Panniculitis
Authors: Acu Berat , Güven Mehmet Emrah , Kaptan Mehmet Ali , Öztunalı Çiğdem , Gökçe Erkan , Beyhan Murat , Kara Taylan 
Published: July 2017

ObjectivesWe aimed to determine how the hemodynamic parameters of the superior mesenteric artery are affected in mesenteric panniculitis.MethodsTwenty‐one patients with a diagnosis of mesenteric panniculitis on computed tomography were evaluated with duplex Doppler sonography. The control group consisted 20 asymptomatic volunteers. The peak systolic velocity, end‐diastolic velocity (EDV), resistive index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), blood flow volume, and body mass index were measured in the group of patients with mesenteric panniculitis, and the findings were compared with those of the control group.ResultsThe mean blood flow volume and EDV were significantly higher in the patient group: The mean superior mesenteric artery blood flow volume ± SD was 917.86 ± 228.97 mL/min in the patient group versus 389.73 ± 92.72 mL/min in the control group (P < .001). The mean EDV was 31.56 ± 8.44 m/s in the patient group versus 19.27 ± 4.19 m/s in the control group (P < .001). The mean RI and PI were significantly lower in the patient group: The mean RI was 0.81 ± 0.04 in the patient group versus 0.85 ± 0.03 in the control group (P = .001). The mean PI was 2.69 ± 0.68 in the patient group versus 3.81 ± 1.13 in the control group (P = .001). the mean superior mesenteric artery diameter was 7.30 ± 0.67 mm in the patient group versus and 6.46 ± 0.66 mm in the control group (P < .001). The mean BMI was 27.95 ± 3.80 kg/m2 in the patient group versus 23.16 ± 3.47 kg/m2 in the control group (P < .001).ConclusionsIn patients with mesenteric panniculitis, the Doppler spectrum of the superior mesenteric artery shows detectable changes, which are characterized by decreased vascular resistance and increased blood flow.
The effects of aspirated thickened water on survival and pulmonary injury in a rabbit model
Authors: Nativ‐Zeltzer Nogah , Kuhn Maggie A. , Imai Denise M. , Traslavina Ryan P. , Domer Amanda S. , Litts Juliana K. , Adams Brett , Belafsky Peter C. 
Published: July 2017

Objectives/HypothesisLiquid thickeners are one of the most frequently utilized treatment strategies for persons with oropharyngeal swallowing dysfunction. The effect of commercially available thickeners on lung injury is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of aspiration of water alone, xanthan gum (XG)–thickened water, and cornstarch (CS)‐thickened water on survival and lung morphology in a rabbit model.Study DesignAnimal model. Prospective small animal clinical trial.MethodsAdult New Zealand White rabbits (n = 24) were divided into three groups of eight rabbits. The groups underwent 3 consecutive days of 1.5 mL/kg intratracheal instillation of water (n = 8), XG‐thickened water (n = 8), and CS‐thickened water (n = 8). The animals were euthanized on day 4, and survival and pulmonary histopathology were compared between groups.ResultsIn all, 12.5% of rabbits (n = 8) instilled with CS‐thickened water survived until the endpoint of the study (day 4). All animals instilled with water (n = 8) or XG‐thickened water (n = 8) survived. A mild increase in intra‐alveolar hemorrhage was observed for the animals instilled with CS‐thickened water compared to the other groups (P < .05). In the groups that survived to the endpoint of the study, instillation of water thickened with XG resulted in greater pulmonary inflammation, pulmonary interstitial congestion, and alveolar edema than water alone (P < .05).ConclusionsThese data suggest that 3 consecutive days of 1.5 mg/kg of aspirated CS‐thickened water are fatal, and that XG‐thickened water is more injurious than aspirated water alone. Additional research is necessary to further delineate the dangers of aspirated thickened liquids.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 128:327–331, 2018
Association between systemic antibiotic and corticosteroid use for chronic rhinosinusitis and quality of life
Authors: Yamasaki Alisa , Hoehle Lloyd P. , Phillips Katie M. , Feng Allen L. , Campbell Adam P. , Caradonna David S. , Gray Stacey T. , Sedaghat Ahmad R. 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveWe sought to establish the significance of querying chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients about their past CRS‐related oral antibiotic and corticosteroid usage by determining the association between these metrics and patients’ quality of life (QoL).Study DesignCross‐sectional study.MethodsA total of 157 patients with CRS were prospectively recruited. CRS‐specific QoL was measured using the 22‐item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22). General health‐related QoL was measured using the EuroQoL five‐dimensional questionnaire visual analog scale. Associations were sought between these measures of QoL and frequency of CRS‐related oral antibiotic and corticosteroid usage reported by the participants in the prior 3 and 12 months.ResultsMore frequent antibiotic and corticosteroid use was significantly associated with worse CRS‐specific and general health‐related QoL, whether querying medication use over the prior 3 months or over the prior 12 months (P < 0.001 in all cases). The effect size of CRS‐related antibiotic use during the prior 3 months on CRS‐specific QoL (SNOT‐22 score) was significantly greater than for use during the prior 12 months. However, there was no other statistically significant difference in effect size for association between QoL and CRS‐related antibiotic or corticosteroid use in the prior 3 months versus prior 12 months. These results were independent of the presence or absence of polyps.ConclusionMore frequent past CRS‐related oral antibiotic and corticosteroid use, regardless of time period queried (3 months or 12 months) is associated with significant decrease in CRS‐specific and general health‐related QoL. CRS‐related systemic medication use is an important indicator of CRS patients’ QOL that easily can be queried and utilized in both clinical and research settings.Level of Evidence2c. Laryngoscope, 128:37–42, 2018
Immunomodulatory properties of Olea europaea leaf extract in intestinal inflammation
Authors: Vezza Teresa , Algieri Francesca , Rodríguez‐Nogales Alba , Garrido‐Mesa José , Utrilla M Pilar , Talhaoui Nassima , Gómez‐Caravaca Ana María , Segura‐Carretero Antonio , Rodríguez‐Cabezas M Elena , Monteleone Giovanni , Gálvez Julio 
Published: July 2017

ScopeExtracts from olive (Olea europaea) leaves are used in Mediterranean traditional medicine as anti‐inflammatory agents. They contain antioxidant phenolic compounds, such as oleuropeoside, which could be interesting for the treatment of inflammatory conditions associated with oxidative stress in humans, including inflammatory bowel disease.Methods and resultsThe anti‐inflammatory effects of olive leaf extract (0.5–25 mg/kg) were studied in two mice models of colitis (DSS and DNBS). Olive leaf extract (0.1–100 μg/mL) immunomodulatory effects were also investigated in different cell types and in ex vivo organ cultures of mucosal explants of healthy donors and Crohn's disease (CD) patients. The extract showed effect in both colitis models reducing the expression of proinflammatory mediators (IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and iNOS), and improving the intestinal epithelial barrier integrity restoring the expression of ZO‐1, MUC‐2, and TFF‐3. These effects were confirmed in vitro. Furthermore, it reduced the production of proinflammatory mediators (IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, and TNF‐α) in intestinal mucosal samples from CD patients.ConclusionOlive leaf extract presented intestinal anti‐inflammatory activity in colitis mouse models, maybe be related to its immunomodulatory properties and the capacity to restore the intestinal epithelial barrier. Besides, the extract could also regulate the activity of cells involved in the inflammatory response.
Efficacy and safety of sugarcane policosanol on dyslipidemia: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Gong Jing , Qin Xin , Yuan Fen , Hu Meilin , Chen Guang , Fang Ke , Wang Dingkun , Jiang Shujun , Li Jingbin , Zhao Yan , Huang Zhaoyi , Dong Hui , Lu Fuer 
Published: July 2017

ScopeThis study aimed to systematically investigate whether sugarcane policosanol was effective and safe on dyslipidemia.Methods and resultsA total of 11 databases including the PubMed, Web of science, Embase, Scopus, the Cochrane library and SinoMed databases were searched for available studies investigating the effects of policosanol on dyslipidemia. A total of 22 studies including 1886 subjects were included in the analysis. The pooled results showed that compared with placebo, sugarcane policosanol could significantly reduce total cholesterol (TC, 95% CI: −0.87 to −0.30 mmol/L) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐c, 95% CI: −1.02 to −0.40 mmol/L) and increase high density lipoprotein cholesterol; however, no significant effects were observed on triglyceride (TG) and body weight. Subgroup analysis suggested the studies from Cuba obtained more effective data than those outside this country, and the effects were not proportional to the dose. The adverse effects analysis demonstrated that sugarcane policosanol was safer than the control agents.ConclusionThe pooled results supported the lipid‐lowering effects and safety of policosanol. Because of the high heterogeneity, the better treatment effects observed in the Cuban studies and the inconsistent dose‐response relationship, more clinical trials are needed to further confirm the efficacy of policosanol on dyslipidemia.
Inulin‐type fructans and whey protein both modulate appetite but only fructans alter gut microbiota in adults with overweight/obesity: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Reimer Raylene A. , Willis Holly J. , Tunnicliffe Jasmine M. , Park Heekuk , Madsen Karen L. , Soto‐Vaca Adriana 
Published: July 2017

ScopeIndependently, prebiotics and dietary protein have been shown to improve weight loss and/or alter appetite. Our objective was to determine the effect of combined prebiotic and whey protein on appetite, body composition and gut microbiota in adults with overweight/obesity.Methods and resultsIn a 12 week, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study, 125 adults with overweight/obesity were randomly assigned to receive isocaloric snack bars of: (1) Control; (2) Inulin‐type fructans (ITF); (3) Whey protein; (4) ITF + Whey protein. Appetite, body composition and gut microbiota composition/genetic potential were assessed. Compared to Control, body fat was significantly reduced in the Whey protein group at 12 wks. Hunger, desire to eat and prospective food consumption were all lower with ITF, Whey protein and ITF + Whey protein compared to Control at 12 wks. Microbial community structure differed from 0 to 12 wks in the ITF and ITF +Whey Protein groups (i.e. increased Bifidobacterium) but not Whey Protein or Control. Changes in microbial genetic potential were seen between Control and ITF‐containing treatments.ConclusionAdding ITF, whey protein or both to snack bars improved several aspects of appetite control. Changes in gut microbiota may explain in part the effects of ITF but likely not whey protein.