bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reproductive trade‐offs in a long‐lived bird species: condition‐dependent reproductive allocation maintains female survival and offspring quality
Authors: Griesser M. , Wagner G. F. , Drobniak S. M. , Ekman J. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractLife history theory is an essential framework to understand the evolution of reproductive allocation. It predicts that individuals of long‐lived species favour their own survival over current reproduction, leading individuals to refrain from reproducing under harsh conditions. Here we test this prediction in a long‐lived bird species, the Siberian jayPerisoreus infaustus. Long‐term data revealed that females rarely refrain from breeding, but lay smaller clutches in unfavourable years. Neither offspring body size, female survival nor offspring survival until the next year was influenced by annual condition, habitat quality, clutch size, female age or female phenotype. Given that many nests failed due to nest predation, the variance in the number of fledglings was higher than the variance in the number of eggs and female survival. An experimental challenge with a novel pathogen before egg laying largely replicated these patterns in two consecutive years with contrasting conditions. Challenged females refrained from breeding only in the unfavourable year, but no downstream effects were found in either year. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that condition‐dependent reproductive allocation may serve to maintain female survival and offspring quality, supporting patterns found in long‐lived mammals. We discuss avenues to develop life history theory concerning strategies to offset reproductive costs.
Microencapsulation of the green pigment of alfalfa and its applications on heated food
Authors: Raei Afsaneh , Yasini Ardakani Seyed Ali , Daneshi Mohammad 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe present study was aimed to evaluate the encapsulation of the green pigment of alfalfa and investigate its applications in heated food. Alfalfa were collected and subjected to extraction. Extracted dye was microencapsulated and its efficiency was measured. Distribution of the particle sizes and L* (lightness), a* (redness), and b* (yellowness) color indexes were also determined. The efficiency of juicing method was higher than grinding; however, the weight of residues was lower in juicing. Combination of centrifugation and filtration resulted in lower efficiency and higher weight of residues compared to using centrifugation alone. The pH of samples was 6.5. Application of filtration and centrifugation caused increase in the levels of a* and L* factors and decrease in b*. Emulsion stability against homogenization was reduced in low proportions of the oil phase. Results showed the higher levels of resistance of the microencapsulated dye samples against heating procedure.Practical applicationsThis research addressed the effects of microencapsulation of the green pigment of alfalfa on its stability against high temperature and acidic pH and also application of encapsulated green pigment on heated foods. Results of this study presented a suitable way for enhancement of the stability of green pigment of alfalfa as a valuable and cheap source of chlorophylls as an eatable dye in food industry.
The effects of hydroporation on melasma with anti‐aging cocktail
Authors: Chae Je Byeong , Yang Seung Hye , Byun Sang Young , Choi Hye‐Ryung , Shin Jung‐Won , Park Kyoung‐Chan 
Published: January 2017

SummaryBackgroundJet‐M is a device for epidermal peeling and is used to deliver substances by spraying air and microdroplets. Previously, a case was treated with a mixed solution of copper‐GHK, oligo‐hyaluronic acid, Rhodiola extract, tranexamic acid, and β‐glucan. The results showed significant improvement of aged skin.AimsThis study was conducted to evaluate the effects of hydroporation on melasma with the formulation in a small group of volunteers.MethodsClinical effects were evaluated by both subjective and objective methods including melanin index (MI) and erythema index (EI) measurement.ResultsClinically, pigmentation and erythema were relieved and also both MI and EI decreased. Histopathologic observation revealed that type IV collagen and procollagen were increased in the upper dermis. Furthermore, the number of p63‐positive cells is increased along the basement membrane. These results all suggest that hydroporation with GHR formulation induced anti‐aging effects by reconstruction of extracellular matrix.ConclusionThese findings suggest that the treatment may have depigmenting effects and erythema decreasing effects by enhancing the microenvironment of the skin.
Organic label's halo effect on sensory and hedonic experience of wine: A pilot study
Authors: Apaolaza Vanessa , Hartmann Patrick , Echebarria Carmen , Barrutia Jose M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis exploratory pilot study analyzes the influence of organic labeling on the sensory perception of wine, assessing not only overall hedonic rating but specific experiences of different sensory qualities, and addresses the question whether the organic halo effect on hedonic evaluation and purchase intention can be explained by variations in sensory ratings. A sample of 90 consumers took part in a one‐way (organic label vs. control), between‐groups experimental design comprising a wine tasting task and subsequent evaluation of the wine's sensory properties. All individual tasted the same organic wine. In addition to showing that organic labeling increases hedonic evaluation and purchase intention, results provide evidence that sensory perception changes significantly when a wine carries an organic label, compared with the same wine lacking the organic claim. When labeled organic, the same wine was perceived as having a finer, more intense, more fruity and floral aroma, a more intense, pleasurable and fruity flavor, as well as a smoother texture, and better body. Results further showed that the organic halo effect on hedonic evaluation and purchase intention was totally mediated by increases in sensory ratings and perceived healthiness, providing a process explanation for this effect. Additional evidence points to health concerned individuals being less prone to the organic halo effect.Practical applicationsThe finding that consumers not only associate health benefits with organic wine, but that there are expectancy beliefs involved that in addition to increasing hedonic ratings induce a more intense experience of sensory properties, has significant implications for marketers of organic wine and consumer policy aimed at promoting consumption of organic produce. Our findings suggest appealing to these expectations with the use of communicational claims that highlight the sensory experience derived from consuming organic wines. Sensory qualities are particularly relevant for wine, a food product where sensory experiences strongly determine consumer preferences. As our study shows, the positive halo effect that organic labeling has on hedonic evaluation of the wine and purchase intention can be explained by an enhanced sensory experience, particularly taste.
Visual elements of packaging shaping healthiness evaluations of consumers: The case of olive oil
Authors: Cavallo Carla , Piqueras‐Fiszman Betina 
Published: January 2017

AbstractVisual elements of food products can play an important role in determining food choice through shaping the attributes perception of consumers. Symbols and logos have the role of conveying information, but they can be interpreted in different ways. The product used as a case study is Extra‐Virgin Olive Oil. The elements tested are: color of the bottle, sensory quality claims, organic production logos, country of origin (COO), and cold processing. An online questionnaire was completed by a sample of Dutch and Italian consumers in order to have cross‐national results. Consumers' healthiness perception toward packaging alternatives with combinations of these elements were related to consumer traits through a contingent ranking method. Healthiness perception was enhanced by elements on the label such as: organic production, COO and by traits of the consumers such as familiarity and sustainability concern; while it was lowered by sensory indications of pungent properties. Somewhat unexpectedly, the color of container was the only element differently interpreted by the two nationalities.Practical applicationsMost of the packaging elements were perceived similarly by the Dutch and Italian consumers, this suggests that there is no need to create different labels for products sold in different countries. The exception relies in the indication to use dark bottles for products sold in Italy and transparent for products sold in The Netherlands. Pungent features, even if tied with superior healthy properties, are preferred by a small share of consumers. Label and packaging can be used to better communicate the healthiness of the products, so indicating the origin and the organic production can be useful for companies, regardless of the country in which they operate. A positive trend of preference toward olive oil in emerging consuming countries, as The Netherlands, is expected, as the use of this product is spreading within the population as healthy concerns about diet is becoming increasingly important.
Multicomponent solid forms of felodipine: preparation, characterisation, physicochemical and in-vivo studies
Authors: Chadha Renu , Sharma Mohit , Haneef Jamshed 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to improve biopharmaceutical parameters of the poorly soluble antihypertensive drug, felodipine, by preparing multicomponent solid forms using three coformers, viz. imidazole, nicotinamide and malonic acid.

Methods
The multicomponent solid forms were prepared by mechanochemical synthesis and characterised by various analytical techniques. These solid forms were further assessed for their physicochemical parameters. Pharmacokinetic and in-vivo antihypertensive activity was performed in rats.

Key findings
Felodipine (FEL) was found to be cocrystallised with imidazole (FEL-IM) while it formed eutectic with nicotinamide (FEL-NCT) and malonic acid (FEL-MA). Cocrystal was sustained by NH…N and NH….O hydrogen-bonded network. Solubility and intrinsic dissolution studies in 0.1 N HCl (pH 1.2) revealed that eutectics exhibited higher solubility and release rate than cocrystal vis-a-vis pure drug and were found to be stable under accelerated storage condition. Significant enhancement of bioavailability was observed in eutectics (3.5- to twofold) and cocrystal (1.3-fold) compared with the pure drug. Antihypertensive activity of new solid forms in an animal model showed a marked decrease in systolic blood pressure.

Conclusions
Mechanochemical approach was successful to prepare multicomponent solid forms that have the potential to improve biopharmaceutical parameters of the poorly soluble drug, FEL.
The essential oil from the fruits of the Brazilian spice Xylopia sericea A. St.-Hil. presents expressive in-vitro antibacterial and antioxidant activity
Authors: Mendes Renata de F , Pinto Nícolas de C C , da Silva Josiane M , da Silva Jucélia B , Hermisdorf Raquel C dos S , Fabri Rodrigo L , Chedier Luciana M , Scio Elita 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Objectives
The aims of this study were to investigate the chemical composition and the antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Xylopia sericea fruits (OXS). The fruits of this species are popularly used for medicinal purposes, and as a condiment in food preparation.

Methods
The chemical composition of OXS was analysed by GC/MS. 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging, β-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching and phosphomolybdenum and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) assays were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity. Antibacterial activity was assessed by minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against bacterial strains of interest to human health and food spoilage.

Key findings
Eighty-four compounds were identified. The sesquiterpenes spathulenol (16.42%), guaiol (13.93%) and germacrene D (8.11%) were the most abundant constituents. OXS presented a significant antioxidant activity and also a high bacteriostatic effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter cloacae, Bacillus cereus and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Conclusions
Those results evidenced the potential of OXS to treat human bacterial infections and as an antimicrobial ingredient for food preservation.
Supplementation of corn seed with regular diet modulates immune function and antioxidant status in Capra hircus
Authors: Singh A. K. , Haldar C. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryMelatonin modulates the functional activation of antioxidative enzymes to maintain the oxidant–antioxidant balance in the physiological system. Melatonin administration via subcutaneous injection increases endogenous melatonin concentration that has been used to modulate the immune function in rodents and reproductive activity in small ruminant like goats. However, to date, no report exist which could suggest the effect of corn seed supplementation on the endogenous melatonin concentration and its impact on cellular‐immune function and antioxidative enzymes activity in any small ruminant like goats. Therefore, in this study, Zea mays (corn seeds), as source of melatonin, were supplemented with regular diet to explore its impact on endogenous melatonin concentration in goat, Capra hircus. Zea mays supplementation with regular diet for 40 days significantly elevated the endogenous melatonin concentration, proliferative response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and antioxidative enzymes activity along with total antioxidant capacity of the plasma. An increase in circulatory IL‐2 and IL‐6 level along with declined TNF‐α, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide was noted with elevated endogenous melatonin concentration. In conclusion, it might be suggested that corn seed could be used as supplement to modulate endogenous melatonin concentration that may improve cellular‐immune function and antioxidant status. The corn seed might also be included as nutraceutical in regular diet to maintain immune‐antioxidant homoeostasis in other species.
Diagnostic value of two commercial chromatographic “patient‐side” tests in the diagnosis of acute canine leptospirosis
Authors: Gloor C. I. , Schweighauser A. , Francey T. , Rodriguez‐Campos S. , Vidondo B. , Bigler B. , Schuller S. 
Published: January 2017

ObjectivesTo determine the diagnostic performance of two patient‐side tests (RDT‐1: Test‐it™ and RDT‐2 Witness®Lepto) in the early diagnosis of canine leptospirosis.MethodsRetrospective study of 108 dogs with leptospirosis and 53 controls. Leptospirosis was diagnosed based on compatible clinical and clinicopathologic signs and either a single microscopic agglutination test titre_ >800 (n=49), seroconversion (n=53), positive urine real time PCR (RT‐PCR) (n=1), evidence of spirochaetes in silver‐stained tissues (n=1) or a combination of these (n=4). Leptospirosis was excluded in dogs with a convincing alternative diagnosis and single microscopic agglutination testing titres _<200 (n=46) or lack of seroconversion (n=7). Indices of diagnostic accuracy of the rapid diagnostic tests were calculated by comparing admission rapid diagnostic test results to the final disease status.ResultsRapid diagnostic test‐1 was performed in 118 dogs, rapid diagnostic test‐2 in 69 dogs and both tests in 26 dogs. Weak positive results occurred frequently representing 22·6% (rapid diagnostic test‐1) and 32·3% (rapid diagnostic test‐2) of all positive tests in dogs with leptospirosis. If weak positive rapid diagnostic tests were considered positive, rapid diagnostic test‐1 and rapid diagnostic test‐2 had sensitivities of 82 and 76%, specificities of 91 and 100%, positive predictive values of 94% and 100% and negative predictive values of 73% and 74%, respectively. There were some technical problems with rapid diagnostic test‐1.Clinical SignificanceThe diagnostic performance of the rapid diagnostic tests is similar to that reported for the microscopic agglutination test. Both can support a diagnosis of leptospirosis with high specificity but leptospirosis cannot be excluded based on a negative admission test result. Both RDTs are useful in conjunction with other confirmatory tests.
Changes in cardiac output and incidence of volume overload in cirrhotics receiving 20% albumin infusion
Authors: Shasthry Saggere M. , Kumar Manoj , Khumuckham Jelen S. , Sarin Shiv Kumar 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsPatients with cirrhosis are prone to develop volume over load, have increased capillary permeability and latent or overt cardiomyopathy. Whether albumin infusion causes volume overload in cirrhotics has not been adequately studied.MethodsNinety nine consecutive cirrhotic patients receiving 1gm per kg albumin infusion were evaluated for development of volume overload. Clinical, echocardiographic and haemodynamic changes were closely monitored during and after albumin infusion.ResultsThirty (30.30%) patients developed volume overload. Patients with higher BMI (P=.003), lower CTP (P=.01) and MELD (P=.034) were more often associated with the development of volume overload. Though baseline diastolic dysfunction was present in 82.8% of the patients, it did not influence the development of volume overload or changes in the cardiac output. The cardiac output increased significantly after albumin infusion (4.9±1.554 L/min to 5.86±1.85 L/min, P<.001) irrespective of the development of volume overload, or the presence of diastolic dysfunction or the Child's status.ConclusionNearly, one‐third of cirrhotics receiving standard albumin infusion develop volume overload, specially, those with higher BMI and lower severity of liver disease. Cardiac output increases after albumin infusion, and, baseline diastolic dysfunction has little effect on the development of volume overload or changes in cardiac output.
Simeprevir and daclatasvir for 12 or 24 weeks in treatment‐naïve patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1b and advanced liver disease
Authors: Hézode Christophe , Almasio Piero L. , Bourgeois Stefan , Buggisch Peter , Brown Ashley , Diago Moises , Horsmans Yves , Serfaty Lawrence , Szalay Ferenc , Gaeta Giovanni B. , Planas Ramon , Schlag Michael , Lonjon‐Domanec Isabelle , Omoruyi Edmund , DeMasi Ralph , Zeuzem Stefan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsWe investigated the efficacy and safety of simeprevir plus daclatasvir in treatment‐naïve patients with chronic, genotype 1b hepatitis C virus infection and advanced liver disease, excluding patients with pre‐defined NS5A resistance‐associated substitutions.MethodsThis phase II, open‐label, single‐arm, multicentre study included patients aged ≥18 years with advanced fibrosis or compensated cirrhosis (METAVIR F3/4). Patients with NS5A‐Y93H or L31M/V resistance‐associated substitutions at screening were excluded. Simeprevir (150 mg)+daclatasvir (60 mg) once daily was administered for 12 or 24 weeks; treatment could be extended to 24 weeks prior to or at the Week 12 visit. Primary efficacy endpoint was sustained virological response 12 weeks after the end of treatment.ResultsA total of 106 patients were treated; 27% patients were aged >65 years, 39% had cirrhosis, 53% had estimated glomerular filtration rate 30‐89 mL/min, 14% had diabetes, and 38% had arterial hypertension. Overall, 42/106 received 12 weeks of treatment and 64/106 received 24 weeks of treatment. Ninety‐seven (92%) patients achieved a sustained virological response 12 weeks after the end of treatment. The reasons for failure were viral breakthrough (n=7) at weeks 4‐16, early treatment discontinuation (n=1) and viral relapse (n=1). Seventy‐four (70%) patients had ≥1 adverse event during treatment, including six (6%) patients with ≥1 serious adverse event. Three (3%) patients discontinued treatment owing to adverse events.ConclusionsSimeprevir+daclatasvir demonstrated strong antiviral activity and was well‐tolerated in patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1b infection, advanced liver disease and a high prevalence of comorbidities. However, viral breakthrough occurred in seven patients, making this regimen unsatisfactory.
The diversity and plasticity of adult hepatic progenitor cells and their niche
Authors: Chen Jiamei , Chen Long , Zern Mark A. , Theise Neil D. , Diehl Ann Mae , Liu Ping , Duan Yuyou 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe liver is a unique organ for homoeostasis with regenerative capacities. Hepatocytes possess a remarkable capacity to proliferate upon injury; however, in more severe scenarios liver regeneration is believed to arise from at least one, if not several facultative hepatic progenitor cell compartments. Newly identified pericentral stem/progenitor cells residing around the central vein is responsible for maintaining hepatocyte homoeostasis in the uninjured liver. In addition, hepatic progenitor cells have been reported to contribute to liver fibrosis and cancers. What drives liver homoeostasis, regeneration and diseases is determined by the physiological and pathological conditions, and especially the hepatic progenitor cell niches which influence the fate of hepatic progenitor cells. The hepatic progenitor cell niches are special microenvironments consisting of different cell types, releasing growth factors and cytokines and receiving signals, as well as the extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold. The hepatic progenitor cell niches maintain and regulate stem cells to ensure organ homoeostasis and regeneration. In recent studies, more evidence has been shown that hepatic cells such as hepatocytes, cholangiocytes or myofibroblasts can be induced to be oval cell‐like state through transitions under some circumstance, those transitional cell types as potential liver‐resident progenitor cells play important roles in liver pathophysiology. In this review, we describe and update recent advances in the diversity and plasticity of hepatic progenitor cell and their niches and discuss evidence supporting their roles in liver homoeostasis, regeneration, fibrosis and cancers.
An efficient algorithm for prioritizing NEA physical observations
Authors: Cortese M. , Perozzi E. , Micheli M. , Borgia B. , Dotto E. , Mazzotta Epifani E. , Ieva S. , Barucci M. A. , Perna D. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe present near‐Earth asteroids (NEA) discovery rate has surpassed 1500 objects per year, thus calling for extensive observation campaigns devoted to physical characterization in order to define successful mitigation strategies in case of possible impactors. A tool is presented which, through a prioritization algorithm, aims to optimize the planning and the execution of NEA physical observations. Two ranking criteria are introduced, Importance and Urgency, accounting for the need of satisfying the two basic observational modes for physical characterization, that is, rapid response and large observing programs, aimed at selecting targets for exploration and mitigation space missions. The resulting tool generates a daily table of observable targets and it can also be run as a stand‐alone tool in order to provide future observing opportunities at a specific date of interest. It has been developed and implemented within the framework of the NEOShield‐2 EU/HORIZON 2020 Project; the output of the prioritization algorithm is publicly available, in tabular format, on the NEOShield‐2 NEO Properties Portal (http://www.neoshield.net/the-neoshield-project/project-activities/neo-properties-portal), reachable from the main page of the Project website (http://www.neoshield.eu).