bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti‐inflammatory Properties of Gastric‐derived Lactobacillus plantarum XB7 in the Context of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Thiraworawong Thien , Spinler Jennifer K. , Werawatganon Duangporn , Klaikeaw Naruemon , Venable Susan F. , Versalovic James , Tumwasorn Somying 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori colonization of the gastric epithelium induces interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) production and inflammation leading to host cell damage. We searched for gastric‐derived Lactobacillus with the ability to suppress H. pylori‐induced inflammation.Materials and methodsConditioned media from gastric‐derived Lactobacillus spp. were tested for the ability to suppress H. pylori‐induced IL‐8 production in AGS gastric epithelial cells. IL‐8 protein and mRNA levels were measured by ELISA and qPCR, respectively. The changes on host cell signaling pathway were analyzed by Western blotting and the anti‐inflammatory effect was tested in a Sprague–Dawley rat model.ResultsConditioned media from L. salivarius B101, L. rhamnosus B103, and L. plantarum XB7 suppressed IL‐8 production and IL‐8 mRNA expression in H. pylori‐induced AGS cells without inhibiting H. pylori growth. Conditioned media from LS‐B101, LR‐B103, and LP‐XB7 suppressed the activation of NF‐κB in AGS cells, while strain LP‐XB7 also suppressed c‐Jun activation. The anti‐inflammatory effect of LP‐XB7 was further assessed in vivo using a H. pylori‐infected Sprague–Dawley rat model. Strain LP‐XB7 contributed to a delay in the detection and colonization of H. pylori in rat stomachs, attenuated gastric inflammation, and ameliorated gastric histopathology. Additionally, the administration of LP‐XB7 correlated with the suppression of TNF‐α and CINC‐1 in sera, and suppression of CINC‐1 in the gastric mucosa of H. pylori‐infected rats.ConclusionsThese results suggest that L. plantarum XB7 produces secreted factors capable of modulating inflammation during H. pylori infection, and this probiotic Lactobacillus strain shows promise as an adjunctive therapy for treating H. pylori‐associated disease.
Why do women not return family history forms when referred to breast cancer genetics services? A mixed‐method study
Authors: Hanning Kirstie A. , Steel Michael , Goudie David , McLeish Lorna , Dunlop Jackie , Myring Jessica , Sullivan Frank , Berg Jonathan , Humphris Gerry , Ozakinci Gozde 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundPersonal and family data forms, completed by women referred to breast cancer genetics clinics, are valuable tools for verification and extension of family history, crucial steps in accurate risk evaluation. A significant minority of women do not complete and return these forms, despite reminders, even when completion is a pre‐requisite for a clinic appointment.ObjectiveTo facilitate access of women at increased familial risk of breast cancer to screening and counselling services by investigating reasons for non‐return of the forms.Participants and DesignBased on a single regional ‘breast cancer family’ service in the UK, Analysis of quantitative data comparing women who did not return forms (n = 55) with those who had done so (n = 59), together with qualitative evaluation of potential barriers to form‐completion through semi‐structured telephone interviews with a random subset of ‘non‐returners’ (n = 23).ResultsNon‐returners have higher proportions of the very young (below the age at which surveillance could be offered) and of women from lower social deprivation categories. Interviews revealed that the majority of non‐returners are anxious, rather than unconcerned about their breast cancer risk and circumstances and attitudes contributed to non‐compliance. Twenty‐one participants confirmed that they would welcome an appointment at a ‘breast cancer family’ clinic, but nine did not attend for the appointment. They were significantly younger than those who attend, but were not at lower familial risk.Discussion and ConclusionsMany women who fail to complete and return a family history form would benefit from risk assessment and genetic counselling. Several steps are suggested that might help them access the relevant services.
Expectations in the context of gallbladder and hernia surgery: a descriptive report
Authors: Andrews Sara E. , Ghane Arezou , Legg Angela M. , Tabuenca Arnold , Sweeny Kate 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjectivePatients' expectations predict important health outcomes. The goal of this study is to describe the types of expectations that hernia and gallbladder patients have for the outcomes of their surgery and to identify relationships between these expectations and both patient‐ and surgeon‐reported variables.DesignPatients (N = 143) at an out‐patient surgery clinic completed self‐report questionnaires before and after a pre‐surgical consultation in which they learned they would be scheduled for surgery. After indicating their general expectations for their surgical outcomes (positive or negative), patients reported specific outcome expectations, which were coded into eight categories: functional improvement, symptom relief, quality‐of‐life improvement, emotional improvement, general health, no effect expected, no response (or unsure) and negative expectations.ResultsFunctional improvement and symptom relief were the most common types of expectations mentioned by patients. A key finding was a significant difference in the pattern of expectations provided by Hispanic versus non‐Hispanic patients, as well as between patients across the range of health literacy.ConclusionsPatients undergoing hernia and gallbladder surgery have a variety of expectations, and these expectations vary across demographic groups. Patients who are particularly vulnerable to poor physician communication have positive but diffuse expectations.
The utility of immunostaining for NUT, GAGE7 and NY‐ESO‐1 in the diagnosis of spermatocytic seminoma
Authors: Kao Chia‐Sui , Badve Sunil S , Ulbright Thomas M 
Published: January 2014

AimsTo identify specific positive immunohistochemical markers for spermatocytic seminoma (SS).Methods and resultsWe studied the reactivity of 94 (total) cases of SS, seminoma, embryonal carcinoma and solid yolk sac tumour with antibodies against nuclear protein in testis (NUT) and two cancer/testis antigens, GAGE7 and NY‐ESO‐1. When tumour positivity was defined as an extent plus intensity score of ≥4, NUT was positive in 71% of SSs, 19% of seminomas, and 5% of solid yolk sac tumours. GAGE7 was positive in 67% of SSs and 4% of seminomas. NY‐ESO‐1 was positive in 82% of SSs, 13% of seminomas, and 5% of solid yolk sac tumours. The sensitivity and specificity, respectively, of these antibodies for SSs were as follows: NUT, 71% and 92%; GAGE7, 67% and 99%; and NY‐ESO‐1, 82% and 94%. When positivity criteria were stricter, NUT and GAGE7 positivity occurred exclusively in SS, but the sensitivity decreased to 41% and 60%, respectively, and NY‐ESO‐1 was 59% sensitive and 97% specific. Neither the sarcomatous component of three SSs nor any embryonal carcinoma showed reactivity with any antibody.ConclusionsAll three antibodies are variably sensitive for SS, and high specificity is attained when there is multifocal and strong nuclear labelling.
The Advanced Locking Plate System (ALPS): A Retrospective Evaluation in 71 Small Animal Patients
Authors: Guerrero Tomás G. , Kalchofner Karin , Scherrer Nicole , Kircher Patrick 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveTo evaluate use of the Advanced Locking Plate System (ALPS) in dogs and cats and report outcome.Study DesignRetrospective case series.AnimalsDogs (n = 29) and cats (n = 42).MethodsThe medical records (April 2007–April 2010) of dogs and cats treated with ALPS were reviewed evaluated. Data retrieved included signalment, indication for surgery, complications, and outcome.ResultsALPS was used for 54 fractures, 12 tarsal or carpal ligament injuries and in 6 cases, to prevent or treat fractures during total hip replacement. Complications needing revision surgery occurred in 4 cases (5.5%): fixation failure was identified in 3 (2 fracture‐fixations, 1 pancarpal arthrodesis), and a fracture occurred through a screw hole. The most common complication after tarsal arthrodesis was suture dehiscence. All cases had healed by study end.ConclusionsALPS offers a reliable alternative for fracture treatment and some other orthopedic conditions in small animals.
The Relationship Between Phase Structure and Electrical Properties in (1 − x)(Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–Ba0.5K0.5TiO3–BaTiO3)‐ xK0.5Na0.5NbO3 Quaternary Lead‐Free Piezoelectric Ceramics
Authors: Dai Ye‐Jing , He Si‐Si , Lao Xun , Zhang Shi‐Zheng 
Published: January 2014

(1 − x)(0.85Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–0.11Ba0.5K0.5TiO3–0.04BaTiO3)‐ xK0.5Na0.5NbO3 lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics with x = 0.00, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, and 0.10 were prepared by a conventional solid state method. A coexistence of rhombohedral (R) and tetragonal (T) phases was found in the system, which tended to evolve into pseudocubic symmetry when x increases. The x = 0.04 sample exhibited improved electrical properties: the dielectric constant εr = 1900 with the low loss tangents 0.06, the Smax/Emax of ~400 and ~460 pm/V under unipolar and bipolar electric field, respectively. Meanwhile, piezoelectric constant d33 still maintained ~160 pC/N. These could be owed to the formation of polar nanoregions for relaxor phase.
Parallel Plate Viscometry for Glass at High Viscosity
Authors: Joshi Dhananjay , Joseph Paul F. 
Published: January 2014

A simple formula is provided to estimate viscosity of glass using parallel plate viscometry well above 108 Pa·s, which is the upper limit of the recommended range. The formula is based on computational studies that account for viscoelastic material behavior and frictional slip that justify using linear interpolation to estimate viscosity between established upper and lower bounds. The formula accounts for variations in friction coefficient and cylinder aspect ratio for viscosity from 107 to 1011 Pa·s.
Telocytes express PDGFRα in the human gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Vannucchi Maria‐Giuliana , Traini Chiara , Manetti Mirko , Ibba‐Manneschi Lidia , Faussone‐Pellegrini Maria‐Simonetta 
Published: January 2014

AbstractTelocytes (TC), a cell population located in the connective tissue of many organs of humans and laboratory mammals, are characterized by a small cell body and extremely long and thin processes. Different TC subpopulations share unique ultrastructural features, but express different markers. In the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, cells with features of TC were seen to be CD34‐positive/c‐kit‐negative and several roles have been proposed for them. Other interstitial cell types with regulatory roles described in the gut are the c‐kit‐positive/CD34‐negative/platelet‐derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα)‐negative interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and the PDGFRα‐positive/c‐kit‐negative fibroblast‐like cells (FLC). As TC display the same features and locations of the PDGFRα‐positive cells, we investigated whether TC and PDGFRα‐positive cells could be the same cell type. PDGFRα/CD34, PDGFRα/c‐kit and CD34/c‐kit double immunolabelling was performed in full‐thickness specimens from human oesophagus, stomach and small and large intestines. All TC in the mucosa, submucosa and muscle coat were PDGFRα/CD34‐positive. TC formed a three‐dimensional network in the submucosa and in the interstitium between muscle layers, and an almost continuous layer at the submucosal borders of muscularis mucosae and circular muscle layer. Moreover, TC encircled muscle bundles, nerve structures, blood vessels, funds of gastric glands and intestinal crypts. Some TC were located within the muscle bundles, displaying the same location of ICC and running intermingled with them. ICC were c‐kit‐positive and CD34/PDGFRα‐negative. In conclusion, in the human GI tract the TC are PDGFRα‐positive and, therefore, might correspond to the FLC. We also hypothesize that in human gut, there are different TC subpopulations probably playing region‐specific roles.
Sliced Bread Preservation through Oregano Essential Oil‐Containing Sachet
Authors: Passarinho Amanda Tafuri Paniago , Dias Natália Fialho , Camilloto Geany Peruch , Cruz Renato Souza , Otoni Caio Gomide , Moraes Allan Robledo Fialho , Soares Nilda de Fátima Ferreira 
Published: January 2014

AbstractTraditional packaging concepts are reaching their limits in enhancing food safety, quality and shelf life. Active, antimicrobial sachets containing different concentrations of oregano essential oil (OEO) were developed, and their antimicrobial efficiency was evaluated on agar medium – against Escherichia coli, Salmonella Enteritidis and Penicillium sp. – and on sliced bread – against yeasts and molds. Residual OEO on treated bread was quantified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Bread slices were also evaluated as to texture and sensory properties. Sachets containing OEO showed in vitro antimicrobial effect against the tested microorganisms, as well as reduced the growth rates of yeasts and molds on sliced bread. Compared with untreated samples, γ‐terpinene and ρ‐cymene contents on treated bread increased throughout storage, whereas their acceptance was reduced. Our findings indicate the potential application of antimicrobial sachets as an antimicrobial packaging system for sliced bread preservation.Practical ApplicationsSliced bread is an important bakery product that is widely consumed as snack or meal. The shelf life of bakery products stored within natural atmosphere at room temperature is limited. Sachets added with oregano essential oil can be used to extend the shelf life and improve the sensory characteristics of foods, as well as in the development of new products. Directly from processing lines, one may obtain products with different flavors and extended shelf life provided by sachets included in the packaging stage. This is useful for food industries to avoid product recalls and to develop novel products, as there is an increasing understanding that innovations are essential for competitiveness.
Nutrigenomics – perspectives from registered dietitians: a report from the Quebec‐wide e‐consultation on nutrigenomics among registered dietitians
Authors: Cormier H. , Tremblay B. L. , Paradis A.‐M. , Garneau V. , Desroches S. , Robitaille J. , Vohl M.‐C. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundNot all healthcare professionals are familiar with nutrigenomics. However, they recognise that nutrigenomics has great potential for the development of preventive health approaches. The present study aimed to provide an overall picture of the current situation about nutrigenomics in the practice of registered dietitians (RDs) from the province of Quebec (Canada).MethodsThree hundred and seventy‐three RDs members of the Ordre professionnel des diététistes du Québec completed an online survey that included 34 questions, most of which were closed‐ended questions.ResultsOverall, 76.9% of RDs knew about nutrigenomics. Among RDs with <5 years of experience, 49.2% knew about genetic testing related to nutrition compared to 11.7% for RDs with over 25 years of experience. Currently, 75.9% of RDs working in clinical nutrition in the public sector consider that they do not have the basic knowledge to integrate nutrigenomics in their practice compared to 62.9% for RDs in private practice. When asked about main limitations of genetic testing related to nutrition, RDs considered that genetic testing does not consider the other determinants of health, that genetic testing and their results have poor accuracy, and that there is a lack of scientific evidence. Concerns remained about ethical and legal aspects and its difficult application as a result of poor understanding and/or interpretation by professionals and/or customers. The high costs of these tests were also noted as a limitation.ConclusionsRegistered dietitians know and are interested in nutrigenomics, especially those with less experience, although they do not feel adequately qualified to integrate findings from nutrigenomics into their practice.
A questionnaire survey on the usage of low protein staple foods by people with phenylketonuria in Scotland
Authors: Cochrane B. , Schwahn B. , Galloway P. , Robinson P. , Gerasimidis K. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundThere is scarce evidence available with respect to an evaluation of the role of low protein staple foods (LPSF) in the management of phenylketonuria (PKU). The present study explored beliefs, acceptability and issues around the use of LPSF by people with PKU or their carers.MethodsA semi‐anonymous questionnaire was posted to 178 people with PKU in Scotland (104 children, aged 2–17 years, and 74 adults). Questions explored were: the type and amount of LPSF ordered; perceptions on use and usefulness of LPSF; acceptability of the LPSF sensory properties (i.e. taste, smell, texture, appearance); support for the supply and use of LPSF; and comments from primary healthcare professionals regarding dispensing and prescription.ResultsEighty‐two individuals responded (46% response rate): 97% perceived that LPSF were useful for PKU management; more than 85% reported that LPSF were important for phenylalanine control, satisfying appetite, and diet variety. The most common LPSF ordered were pasta/rice/cous cous, flour, biscuits and bread. Fifty percent of respondents ordered <51% of the recommended unit allowance of LPSF. The sensory properties of LPSF were well perceived. Forty‐nine percent (n = 39) had received a comment from primary healthcare staff regarding the prescription or dispensing of LPSF; 59% (n = 23) received negative comments, the majority of which came within general practitioner surgeries.ConclusionsThere is a positive attitude and perception on the use and usefulness of LPSF in the management of PKU. Issues with respect to the supply and provision of LPSF within primary health care may indicate poor communication between specialists and primary healthcare professionals or a lack of scientific evidence demonstrating their clinical effectiveness.
Molecular Characterization and Expression Analysis of Triticum aestivum Squamosa‐Promoter Binding Protein‐Box Genes Involved in Ear Development
Authors: Zhang Bin , Liu Xia , Zhao Guangyao , Mao Xinguo , Li Ang , Jing Ruilian 
Published: January 2014

AbstractWheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important crops in the world. Squamosa‐promoter binding protein (SBP)‐box genes play a critical role in regulating flower and fruit development. In this study, 10 novel SBP‐box genes (TaSPL genes) were isolated from wheat ((Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar Yanzhan 4110). Phylogenetic analysis classified the TaSPL genes into five groups (G1–G5). The motif combinations and expression patterns of the TaSPL genes varied among the five groups with each having own distinctive characteristics: TaSPL20/21 in G1 and TaSPL17 in G2 mainly expressed in the shoot apical meristem and the young ear, and their expression levels responded to development of the ear; TaSPL6/15 belonging to G3 were upregulated and TaSPL1/23 in G4 were downregulated during grain development; the gene in G5 (TaSPL3) expressed constitutively. Thus, the consistency of the phylogenetic analysis, motif compositions, and expression patterns of the TaSPL genes revealed specific gene structures and functions. On the other hand, the diverse gene structures and different expression patterns suggested that wheat SBP‐box genes have a wide range of functions. The results also suggest a potential role for wheat SBP‐box genes in ear development. This study provides a significant beginning of functional analysis of SBP‐box genes in wheat.
Three‐dimensional structural imaging of starch granules by second‐harmonic generation circular dichroism
Authors: ZHUO G.‐Y. , LEE H. , HSU K.‐J. , HUTTUNEN M.J. , KAURANEN M. , LIN Y.‐Y. , CHU S.‐W. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryChirality is one of the most fundamental and essential structural properties of biological molecules. Many important biological molecules including amino acids and polysaccharides are intrinsically chiral. Conventionally, chiral species can be distinguished by interaction with circularly polarized light, and circular dichroism is one of the best‐known approaches for chirality detection. As a linear optical process, circular dichroism suffers from very low signal contrast and lack of spatial resolution in the axial direction. It has been demonstrated that by incorporating nonlinear interaction with circularly polarized excitation, second‐harmonic generation circular dichroism can provide much higher signal contrast. However, previous circular dichroism and second‐harmonic generation circular dichroism studies are mostly limited to probe chiralities at surfaces and interfaces. It is known that second‐harmonic generation, as a second‐order nonlinear optical effect, provides excellent optical sectioning capability when combined with a laser‐scanning microscope. In this work, we combine the axial resolving power of second‐harmonic generation and chiral sensitivity of second‐harmonic generation circular dichroism to realize three‐dimensional chiral detection in biological tissues. Within the point spread function of a tight focus, second‐harmonic generation circular dichroism could arise from the macroscopic supramolecular packing as well as the microscopic intramolecular chirality, so our aim is to clarify the origins of second‐harmonic generation circular dichroism response in complicated three‐dimensional biological systems.The sample we use is starch granules whose second‐harmonic generation‐active molecules are amylopectin with both microscopic chirality due to its helical structure and macroscopic chirality due to its crystallized packing. We found that in a starch granule, the second‐harmonic generation for right‐handed circularly polarized excitation is significantly different from second‐harmonic generation for left‐handed one, offering excellent second‐harmonic generation circular dichroism contrast that approaches 100%. In addition, three‐dimensional visualization of second‐harmonic generation circular dichroism distribution with sub‐micrometer spatial resolution is realized. We observed second‐harmonic generation circular dichroism sign change across the starch granules, and the result suggests that in thick biological tissue, second‐harmonic generation circular dichroism arises from macroscopic molecular packing. Our result provides a new method to visualize the organization of three‐dimensional structures of starch granules. The second‐harmonic generation circular dichroism imaging method expands the horizon of nonlinear chiroptical studies from simplified surface/solution environments to complicated biological tissues.