bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The history of parkinsonism: Descriptions in ancient Indian medical literature
Authors: Ovallath Sujith , Deepa P. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTThe clinical syndrome of parkinsonism was identified in ancient India even before the period of Christ and was treated methodically. The earliest reference to bradykinesia dates to 600 bc. Evidences prove that as early as 300 bc, Charaka proposed a coherent picture of parkinsonism by describing tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and gait disturbances as its components. The scenario was further developed by Madhava, Vagbhata, and Dalhana all through history. The 15th‐century classic “Bhasava rajyam” introduced the term kampavata, which may be regarded as an ayurvedic analogue of parkinsonism. The pathogenesis of kampavata centered on the concept of imbalance in the vata factor, which controls psychomotor activities. The essential element in therapy was the administration of powdered seed of Mucuna pruriens, or atmagupta, which as per reports, contains 4%−6% of levodopa. In addition to proving the existence and identification of parkinsonism in ancient India, the study points to the significance of ancient Indian Sanskrit works in medical history. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
QSAR and Predictors of Eye and Skin Effects
Authors: Liew Chin Yee , Yap Chun Wei 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn this study, the ensemble of features and training samples was examined with a collection of support vector machines. The effects of data sampling methods, ratio of positive to negative compounds, and types of base models combiner to produce ensemble models were explored. The ensemble method was applied to produce four separate in silico models to classify the labels for eye/skin corrosion (H314), skin irritation (H315), serious eye damage (H318), and eye irritation (H319), which are defined in the “Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals”. To the best of our knowledge, the training set used in this work is one of the largest (made of publicly available data) with acceptable prediction performances. These models were distributed via PaDEL‐DDPredictor (http://padel.nus.edu.sg/software/padelddpredictor) that can be downloaded freely for public use.
Rendering Molecular Sketches for Publication Quality Output
Authors: Clark Alex M. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe creation of 2D molecular structure diagrams that make full use of the capabilities of modern display systems, using only input data expressed in file formats used for cheminformatics, is a complex task that requires a number of additional algorithms. Assuming that atom positions have been well chosen, the rendering engine is required to micromanage the precise positioning of atom labels, bonds and atom adjuncts, in such a way that the final output is correct, consistent with convention, and as pleasing to the eye as a diagram produced by a graphic designer. The techniques must be equally applicable when creating output for low‐resolution screens and high resolution printed output, and make use of contemporary graphics file formats in such a way that the largest possible number of software platforms are able to display the output at any resolution without degradation or inconsistency. The main issues involved in meeting these criteria are discussed, and algorithms for satisfying them are presented.
PTEN loss and KRAS activation cooperate in murine biliary tract malignancies
Authors: Marsh Victoria , Davies Emma J , Williams Geraint T , Clarke Alan R 
Published: March 2013

AbstractCarcinomas of the biliary tract are aggressive malignancies in humans. Loss of the tumour suppressor PTEN has previously been associated with cholangiocarcinoma development in a murine model. Activation of KRAS is reported in up to one‐third of human cholangiocarcinomas and 50% of gall bladder carcinomas. In this study we aimed to test the potential interaction between PTEN and KRAS mutation in biliary tract malignancy. We used an inducible Cre–LoxP‐based approach to coordinately delete PTEN and activate KRAS within the adult mouse biliary epithelium. We found that activation of KRAS alone has little effect upon biliary epithelium. Loss of PTEN alone results in the development of low‐grade neoplastic lesions, following long latency and at low incidence. Combination of both mutations causes rapid development of biliary epithelial proliferative lesions, which progress through dysplasia to invasive carcinoma. We conclude that activation of the PI3′K pathway following loss of PTEN is sufficient to drive slow development of low‐grade biliary lesions in mice. In contrast, mutational activation of KRAS does not result in a similar phenotype, despite a prediction that this should activate both the RAF–MEK–ERK and PI3′‐kinase pathways. However, mutation of both genes results in rapid tumourigenesis, arguing that PTEN normally functions as a ‘brake’ on the PI3′‐kinase pathway, limiting the influence of KRAS activation. Mutation of both genes creates a ‘permissive’ environment, allowing the full effects of both mutations to be manifested. These data reveal an in vivo synergy between these mutations and provides a new mouse model of biliary tract malignancy. Copyright © 2013 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Six-dimensional superconformal couplings of non-abelian tensor and hypermultiplets
Authors: Samtleben Henning , Sezgin Ergin , Wimmer Robert 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe construct six-dimensional superconformal models with non-abelian tensor and hypermultiplets. They describe the field content of (2, 0) theories, coupled to (1, 0) vector multiplets. The latter are part of the non-abelian gauge structure that also includes non-dynamical three- and four-forms. The hypermultiplets are described by gauged nonlinear sigma models with a hyper-Kähler cone target space. We also address the question of constraints in these models and show that their resolution requires the inclusion of abelian factors. These provide couplings that were previously considered for anomaly cancellations with abelian tensor multiplets and resulted in the selection ofADEgauge groups.
Influence of high temperature and ethanol on thermostable lignocellulolytic enzymes
Authors: Skovgaard Pernille Anastasia , Jørgensen Henning 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Lignocellulolytic enzymes are among the most costly part in production of bioethanol. Therefore, recycling of enzymes is interesting as a concept for reduction of process costs. However, stability of the enzymes during the process is critical. In this work, focus has been on investigating the influence of temperature and ethanol on enzyme activity and stability in the distillation step, where most enzymes are inactivated due to high temperatures. Two enzyme mixtures, a mesophilic and a thermostable mixture, were exposed to typical process conditions [temperatures from 55 to 65 °C and up to 5 % ethanol (w/v)] followed by specific enzyme activity analyses and SDS-PAGE. The thermostable and mesophilic mixture remained active at up to 65 and 55 °C, respectively. When the enzyme mixtures reached their maximum temperature limit, ethanol had a remarkable influence on enzyme activity, e.g., the more ethanol, the faster the inactivation. The reason could be the hydrophobic interaction of ethanol on the tertiary structure of the enzyme protein. The thermostable mixture was more tolerant to temperature and ethanol and could therefore be a potential candidate for recycling after distillation.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Surfactants 1,2,3‐tri(2‐oxypropylsulfonate‐3‐alkylether‐propoxy) Propanes
Authors: Zhou Ming , Zhao Jinzhou , Wang Xu , Jing Jiaqiang , Zhou Lizhi 
Published: March 2013

AbstractA series of trimeric sulfonate surfactants 1,2,3‐tri(2‐oxypropylsulfonate‐3‐alkylether‐propoxy) propanes were prepared by the reaction of glycerin triglycidyl ether with long‐chain alcohols, followed by sulfonation with 1,3‐propane sultone. Glycerin triglycidyl ether was synthesized by the reaction of epichlorohydrin with glycerin. The chemical structures of the prepared compounds were confirmed by FTIR, 1H NMR and element analysis. Their solution properties were characterized by use of the method of equilibrium and dynamic surface tension, steady‐state fluorescence spectroscopy of pyrene and fluorescence quenching. With the increasing length of the carbon chain, the values of their CMC initially decreased. All these trimeric sulfonate surfactants had good water solubility. These compounds were superior in surface active properties to the reference surfactant SDS. The efficiency of adsorption at the water/air interface (pC20) of these surfactants was very high. It is found that the shorter hydrocarbon chain length of the trimeric sulfonate surfactants, the faster the rate of decrease of surface tension, and the bigger the aggregation number of the trimeric sulfonate surfactants.
Evaluation of Potential and Real Quality of Virgin Olive Oil from “Campos de Hellín” (Albacete, Spain)
Authors: Pardo José E. , Sena Estela , Cuesta María A. , Granell José D. , Valiente Juan , Alvarez‐Ortí Manuel 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe regulated physicochemical and sensory parameters, stability parameters and fatty acid, sterol and triterpenic dialcohol composition of the olive oils from the varieties Arbequina, Benizal, Cornicabra, Cuquillo, Injerta, Manzanilla de Sevilla, Manzanilla Local, Picual and Negrilla, grown in the Campos de Hellin, were analyzed. Regarding potential quality, all the oil samples were classified in the “extra virgin” category according to the regulated parameters. The oils from the varieties Cornicabra and Picual showed remarkably high stability, due to their high total phenol content. The oils from the Benizal variety stood out due to their high campesterol and low total sterol content, exceeding and not reaching, respectively, the limits set by European regulations. This seems to be an intrinsic characteristic of this variety. When the real quality was analyzed, two clearly differentiated groups were observed: on one hand, oils from the Arbequina variety, and on the other hand, oils from the Picual variety and oils mixed from different varieties (Blend). The great number of olive varieties grown in the Campos de Hellin area enables the production of better balanced oils, producing high quality blended oils since the mixing of different varieties may compensate the deficiencies of monovarietal oils.
Investigation of changes in body composition, metabolic profile and skeletal muscle functional capacity in ischemic stroke patients: the rationale and design of the Body Size in Stroke Study (BoSSS)
Authors: Knops Michael , Werner Claudia G. , Scherbakov Nadja , Fiebach Jochen , Dreier Jens P. , Meisel Andreas , Heuschmann Peter U. , Jungehülsing Gerd J. , von Haehling Stephan , Dirnagl Ulrich , Anker Stefan D. , Doehner Wolfram 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundStroke is steadily increasing in prevalence. Muscle tissue wasting and functional changes are frequently observed in stroke, but this has not been studied in detail yet. There is a lack of data to support guideline recommendations on how to target muscle wasting in stroke patients. We hypothesise that pathophysiological metabolic profiles and muscle functional and structural impairment are developing in stroke patients, which are associated with stroke severity and outcome after stroke.MethodsThe Body Size in Stroke Study (BoSSS) is a prospective, longitudinal observation study that will explore associations between the metabolic profile, body tissue wasting and particular metabolic and functional changes in skeletal muscle tissue in stroke patients. Consecutive patients with acute stroke (n = 150) will be enrolled due to lacunar or territorial ischemic infarct in the area of the middle cerebral artery. Patients will be studied at annual intervals after 12 and 24 months. For comparison, healthy controls of similar age and patients with chronic heart failure will be used as control groups. The main objective is to study changes in body composition in stroke patients. Secondary, the study will focus on changes in insulin sensitivity of adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. Furthermore, measurements of endothelial function and peripheral blood flow will provide insight in the vascular regulation in stroke patients.ConclusionThis study will be the largest observational study providing insights into the metabolic and functional changes of muscle tissue in patients with acute ischemic stroke. The new data will increase our understanding of the pathophysiologic tissue wasting in stroke disease and help to develop new therapeutic strategies.
Effects of conjugated linoleic acid on growth, non-specific immunity, antioxidant capacity, lipid deposition and related gene expression in juvenile large yellow croaker (Larmichthys crocea) fed soyabean oil-based diets
Authors: Zuo Rantao , Ai Qinghui , Mai Kangsen , Xu Wei 
Published: March 2013

The effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on growth performance, non-specific immunity, antioxidant capacity, lipid deposition and related gene expression were investigated in the large yellow croaker (Larmichthys crocea). Fish (7·56 (sem0·60) g) were fed soyabean oil-based diets with graded levels of CLA (0, 0·42, 0·83, 1·70 %) for 70 d. Quantitative PCR was used to assess the effects of CLA on the transcription of inflammation- and fatty acid oxidation-related genes. Growth in fish fed the diet with 0·42 % CLA was significantly higher. Also, phagocytic index and respiratory burst activity were significantly higher in fish fed the diets containing 0·42 and 0·83 % CLA, respectively. Hepatic total antioxidative capacity and catalase activities increased significantly when CLA increased from 0 to 0·83 %, and then decreased with further increase of CLA. However, hepatic malondialdehyde content decreased significantly as dietary CLA increased. Lipid concentration in the whole body and muscle increased significantly with increasing dietary CLA. Transcription of genes related to inflammation (cyclo-oxygenase-2 and IL-β) in the liver and kidney and fatty acid oxidation (carnitine palmitoyl transferase I and acyl CoA oxidase) in the kidney decreased significantly as dietary CLA increased. PPARα and acyl CoA oxidase expression in the liver decreased significantly as CLA increased from 0·42 to 1·70 %. These results strongly suggest that dietary CLA could significantly affect growth performance, non-specific immunity, antioxidant capacity, lipid deposition and transcription of inflammation- and fatty acid oxidation-related genes of the large yellow croaker. This may contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms related to the physiological effects of dietary CLA in fish.
POLYGYNY AND WOMEN'S HEALTH IN RURAL MALI
Authors: BOVE R. M. , VALA-HAYNES EMILY , VALEGGIA CLAUDIA 
Published: March 2013

SummaryWomen's social networks and social power are increasingly seen as important factors modulating their health in sub-Saharan Africa. Polygyny, a common marital structure in many societies, mediates important intra-household relationships by requiring both competition and co-operation among co-wives. Using mixed methods, semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 298 women aged 15–84 living in the Kolondiéba region of rural Mali in 1999, and supplemented by detailed interviews with 40 women. Three categories of outcome were explored: illness experience, therapeutic itinerary and social support received. Quantitative data were analysed using regression analysis and qualitative data using a grounded theory approach. In quantitative analyses, controlling for age and household wealth index, senior wives were less likely to be escorted to a healer by their husbands during illness than were junior wives or monogamous women. Polygynous women were also less likely to obtain a treatment for which there was a monetary fee. Fewer than one-third of polygynous women reported the assistance of a co-wife during illness in any given task. In qualitative analyses, women further related varied mechanisms through which polygyny impacted their health trajectories. These ranged from strongly supportive relationships, to jealousy because of unequal health or fertility, bias in emotional and material support provided by husbands, and accusations of wrong-doing and witchcraft. This study highlights the need for more prospective mixed methods analyses to further clarify the impact of polygyny on women's health-related experiences and behaviours in sub-Saharan Africa.
Changes in milk and plasma fatty acid profile in response to fish and soybean oil supplementation in dairy sheep
Authors: Tsiplakou Eleni , Zervas George 
Published: March 2013

An effective strategy for enhancing the bioactive fatty acids (FA) in sheep milk could be dietary supplementation with a moderate level of a combination of soybean oil with fish oil (SFO) without negative effects on milk yield and its chemical composition. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of a moderate forage diet supplementation with SFO on milk chemical composition and FA profile, as well as on plasma FA. Twelve dairy sheep were assigned to two homogenous sub-groups. Treatments involved a control diet without added oil, and a diet supplemented with 23·6 g soybean oil and 4·7 g fish oil per kg dry matter (DM) of the total ration. The results showed that SFO diet had no effect on milk yield and chemical composition. In blood plasma the concentrations oftrans-11C18:2(VA), C18:2n-6, C20:5n-3(EPA) and C22:6n-3(DHA) were significantly higher while those of C14:0, C16:0and C18:0were lower in sheep fed with SFO diet compared with control. The SFO supplementation of sheep diet increased the concentrations of VA,cis-9, trans-11C18:2CLA,trans-10, cis-12, C18:2CLA, EPA, DHA, monounsaturated FA (MUFA), polyusaturated fatty acids (PUFA) andn-3 FA and decreased those of short chain FA (SCFA), medium chain FA (MCFA), the saturated/unsaturated ratio and the atherogenicity index value in milk compared with the control. In conclussion, the SFO supplementation at the above levels in a sheep diet, with moderate forage to concentrate ratio, improved the milk FA profile from human health standpoint without negative effects on its chemical composition.
Computer or not? Use of image guidance during endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis at St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, and meta-analysis
Authors: Sunkaraneni V S , Yeh D , Qian H , Javer A R 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackground:The advantages and limitations of image guidance systems for endoscopic sinus surgery are unclear. We report our experience and present a meta-analysis of the evidence.Methods:We performed a retrospective analysis of endoscopic sinus surgery procedures performed with versus without image guidance. A total of 355 cases was included. Primary outcomes included complication rates and time to revision surgery. A literature search was conducted to enable identification and analysis of studies of similar comparisons.Results:Within 1.5 years of the index sinus surgical procedure, the risk of revision surgery was significantly higher for patients treated with non-assisted versus computer-assisted endoscopic sinus surgery (p = 0.001). Meta-analysis did not indicate a reduction in complications or revision surgery procedures with the use of image guidance systems, although the majority of included studies showed a non-significant reduction in revision surgery.Conclusion:Our study offers some evidence that computer-assisted endoscopic sinus surgery may delay residual disease and reduce the requirement for revision surgery. Although this finding was not borne out in the meta-analysis, the majority of identified studies demonstrated a trend towards fewer revision procedures after computer-assisted endoscopic sinus surgery. This type of surgery may offer other advantages that are not easily measurable.
Transitory stapedial myoclonus in a patient with benign fasciculation syndrome
Authors: Brigo F , Storti M , Lochner P , Nardone R 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjective:We report a previously undescribed association between transitory stapedial myoclonus, objective tinnitus and benign fasciculation syndrome.Method:Case report and review of the world literature regarding stapedial myoclonus.Results:A 30-year-old man with a diagnosis of benign fasciculation syndrome abruptly developed severe, low-pitched tinnitus on the right side. Otoscopic examination revealed rhythmic movement of the tympanic membrane, which was synchronous with the tinnitus. No palatal spasm was noted on nasopharyngeal examination. Brain magnetic resonance imaging and pure tone audiometry were unremarkable. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of objective tinnitus due to stapedial myoclonus was made. The objective tinnitus spontaneously disappeared within 48 hours of its appearance, but in the following days the patient suffered frequent, brief episodes of objective tinnitus lasting only a few seconds.Conclusion:The occurrence of stapedial myoclonus in this patient indicated the presence of an underlying motor unit hyper-excitability. This case suggests that, in some patients, stapedial myoclonus may represent the clinical expression of diffuse motor unit hyper-excitability.
Case of acute, resistant fulminant Wegener's granulomatosis successfully treated by rituximab
Authors: Ebrahim A K , Loock J W 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackground:Wegener's granulomatosis is generally a chronic, indolent, inflammatory condition, treated with cytotoxics (cyclophosphamide) and corticosteroids.Objective:This paper reports an unusual case of acute fulminant Wegener's granulomatosis that failed to respond to conventional treatment, but showed a dramatic response to rituximab, which is a relatively new form of treatment for resistant cases.Method:As well as describing the case (with photographic illustrations), the current paper provides a review of the literature, focusing on acute Wegener's granulomatosis and frequency of resistance to ‘conventional’ forms of treatment. There is also an evaluation of the evidence for the effectiveness of rituximab in resistant Wegener's granulomatosis.Results:The patient responded remarkably well to rituximab and had no disease recurrence at 24 months' follow up.Conclusion:Clinicians should be aware of the acute fulminant form of Wegener's granulomatosis, as a delay in diagnosis and treatment may have fatal consequences. The paper also highlights the dramatic response to rituximab experienced by the patient.
(Post-) Genomic approaches to tackle drug resistance in Leishmania
Authors: BERG MAYA , MANNAERT AN , VANAERSCHOT MANU , VAN DER AUWERA GERT , DUJARDIN JEAN-CLAUDE 
Published: March 2013

SUMMARYLeishmaniasis, like other neglected diseases is characterized by a small arsenal of drugs for its control. To safeguard the efficacy of current drugs and guide the development of new ones it is thus of utmost importance to acquire a deep understanding of the phenomenon of drug resistance and its link with treatment outcome. We discuss here how (post-)genomic approaches may contribute to this purpose. We highlight the need for a clear definition of the phenotypes under consideration: innate and acquired resistance versus treatment failure. We provide a recent update of our knowledge on the Leishmania genome structure and dynamics, and compare the contribution of targeted and untargeted methods for the understanding of drug resistance and show their limits. We also present the main assays allowing the experimental validation of the genes putatively involved in drug resistance. The importance of analysing information downstream of the genome is stressed and further illustrated by recent metabolomics findings. Finally, the attention is called onto the challenges for implementing the acquired knowledge to the benefit of the patients and the population at risk.