bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Randomized controlled trial: comparison of two surgical techniques for closing the wound following ileostomy closure: purse string vs direct suture
Authors: Dusch N. , Goranova D. , Herrle F. , Niedergethmann M. , Kienle P. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimSurgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication following ileostomy closure with a frequency of up to 40%. This prospective randomized controlled trial was initiated to compare two surgical techniques – direct suture (DS) and purse‐string suture (PSS) – used to close the wound following ileostomy closure. The primary end‐point was the SSI rate. Secondary end‐points were cosmetic outcome [using two validated scales: the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and the Body Image Questionnaire (BIQ)] and the influence of other factors on the SSI rate.MethodOf a total of 99 patients screened, 84 were included in this study. Forty‐three patients were randomized into the PSS group and 41 were randomized into the DS group. Follow up was performed within 3 days after surgery, at discharge, and 30 days and 6 months after the operation.ResultsIn the PSS group there were no cases of SSI compared with 10 (24%) cases in the DS group (P = 0.0004). There were no statistically significant differences in cosmetic outcome between the two groups. No other statistically significant factors influencing the incidence of SSI could be identified.ConclusionThe rate of SSI is significantly lower following PSS than following DS, and both techniques have a similar cosmetic outcome. PSS closure should be considered as standard of care for wound closure after ileostomy reversal.
Aberrant B‐lymphocyte responses in lupus: inherent or induced and potential therapeutic targets
Authors: Taher Taher E. , Muhammad Hawzheen A. , Rahim Asad , Flores‐Borja Fabian , Renaudineau Yves , Isenberg David A. , Mageed Rizgar A. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundLupus is a prototype autoimmune disease of unknown aetiology. The disease is complex; manifest diverse clinical symptoms and disease mechanisms. This complexity has provided many leads to explore: from disease mechanisms to approaches for therapy. B‐lymphocytes play a central role in the pathogenesis of the disease. However, the cause of aberrant B‐lymphocyte responses in patients and, indeed, its causal relationship with the disease remain unclear.DesignThis article provides a synopsis of current knowledge of immunological abnormalities in lupus with an emphasis on abnormalities in the B‐lymphocyte compartment.ResultsThere is evidence for abnormalities in most compartments of the immune system in animal models and patients with lupus including an ever expanding list of abnormalities within the B‐lymphocyte compartment. In addition, recent genome‐wide linkage analyses in large cohorts of patients have identified new sets of genetic association factors some with potential links with defective B‐lymphocyte responses although their full pathophysiological effects remain to be determined. The accumulating knowledge may help in the identification and application of new targeted therapies for treating lupus disease.ConclusionsCellular, molecular and genetic studies have provided significant insights into potential causes of immunological defects associated with lupus. Most of this insight relate to defects in B‐ and T‐lymphocyte tolerance, signalling and responses. For B‐lymphocytes, there is evidence for altered regulation of inter and intracellular signalling pathways at multiple levels. Some of these abnormalities will be discussed within the context of potential implications for disease pathogenesis and targeted therapies.
Adult behavior of an ambrosia gall midge Illiciomyia yukawai (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and synchronization between its emergence and host plant phenology
Authors: Yukawa Junichi , Nakagawa Kohjin , Saigou Tetsumi , Awa Takahiro , Fukuda Takeshi , Higashi Masahiko 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe adult behavior of an ambrosia gall midge Illiciomyia yukawai (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) that induces leaf galls on Illicium anisatum (Illiciaceae) was studied at the population level from 1977 to 1995 in Kagoshima, Japan. Most males emerged between 0:00 and 08:00 h and females between 05:00 and 11:00 h. Males swarmed around the host trees between 05:00 and 11:00 h. Mating occurred on the host leaves mainly between 06:00 and 08:00 h. Females then left the host trees for somewhere else, possibly to collect symbiont fungal conidia. From 08:00 to 16:00 h, females were observed ovipositing into the host shoots. The low development threshold temperature for overwintered larvae was 14°C, while the thermal constant for emergence differed with individuals. Thermal totals above 14°C up to the 50% emergence date varied yearly from 33.1 to 68.7 degree‐days. The 50% emergence date varied from 9 to 18 May. The thermal totals significantly correlated with the 50% emergence date but did not correlate with the date when 50% of shoots became suitable for oviposition. Thus, the host‐plant responded to thermal effects differently from the gall midge. Illiciomyia yukawai has been synchronizing well with the host‐plant phenology but will suffer from asynchrony when global warming becomes more conspicuous.
Climate warming affects biological invasions by shifting interactions of plants and herbivores
Authors: Lu Xinmin , Siemann Evan , Shao Xu , Wei Hui , Ding Jianqing 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPlants and herbivorous insects can each be dramatically affected by temperature. Climate warming may impact plant invasion success directly but also indirectly through changes in their natural enemies. To date, however, there are no tests of how climate warming shifts the interactions among invasive plants and their natural enemies to affect invasion success. Field surveys covering the full latitudinal range of invasive Alternanthera philoxeroides in China showed that a beetle introduced for biocontrol was rare or absent at higher latitudes. In contrast, plant cover and mass increased with latitude. In a 2‐year field experiment near the northern limit of beetle distribution, we found the beetle sustained populations across years under elevated temperature, dramatically decreasing A. philoxeroides growth, but it failed to overwinter in ambient temperature. Together, these results suggest that warming will allow the natural enemy to expand its range, potentially benefiting biocontrol in regions that are currently too cold for the natural enemy. However, the invader may also expand its range further north in response to warming. In such cases where plants tolerate cold better than their natural enemies, the geographical gap between plant and herbivorous insect ranges may not disappear but will shift to higher latitudes, leading to a new zone of enemy release. Therefore, warming will not only affect plant invasions directly but also drive either enemy release or increase that will result in contrasting effects on invasive plants. The findings are also critical for future management of invasive species under climate change.
An empirical study of patient participation in guideline development: exploring the potential for articulating patient knowledge in evidence‐based epistemic settings
Authors: van de Bovenkamp Hester M. , Zuiderent‐Jerak Teun 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundPatient participation on both the individual and the collective level attracts broad attention from policy makers and researchers. Participation is expected to make decision making more democratic and increase the quality of decisions, but empirical evidence for this remains wanting.ObjectiveTo study why problems arise in participation practice and to think critically about the consequence for future participation practices. We contribute to this discussion by looking at patient participation in guideline development.MethodsDutch guidelines (n = 62) were analysed using an extended version of the AGREE instrument. In addition, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with actors involved in guideline development (n = 25).ResultsThe guidelines analysed generally scored low on the item of patient participation. The interviews provided us with important information on why this is the case. Although some respondents point out the added value of participation, many report on difficulties in the participation practice. Patient experiences sit uncomfortably with the EBM structure of guideline development. Moreover, patients who develop epistemic credibility needed to participate in evidence‐based guideline development lose credibility as representatives for ‘true’ patients.Discussion and conclusionsWe conclude that other options may increase the quality of care for patients by paying attention to their (individual) experiences. It will mean that patients are not present at every decision‐making table in health care, which may produce a more elegant version of democratic patienthood; a version that neither produces tokenistic practices of direct participation nor that denies patients the chance to contribute to matters where this may be truly meaningful.
Transport process of sand grains from fluvial to deep marine regions estimated by luminescence of feldspar: example from theKumano area, centralJapan
Authors: Shirai Masaaki , Hayashizaki Ryo 
Published: May 2013

AbstractUsing the concept of bleaching in optical dating, a new index of sediment sample bleaching percentage (BLP‐2) was developed and applied to evaluate sand grain transport from riverine to deep‐marine environments. As bleached grains in modern sediments have no optically stimulated luminescence (OSL)/infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) signal, bleached and unbleached feldspar grains are distinguished byIRSLintensity. TheBLP‐2 distribution of present deposits around theKumano area, on thePacific coast of centralJapan, suggests that sand grains in surface turbidites obtained from the bottom of theKumanoTrough are of flood/storm origin rather than seismogenic origin. The distribution ofBLP‐2 tentatively suggests sand grain erosion–transport–depositional processes; for example, origin and transport agencies of shelf sand, and influence of coastal erosion on the beach deposit. Although the presentBLPanalysis is not yet supported by a rigorous statistical test, it is useful to distinguish recent deposition and remobilization of sand grains. Furthermore, if the depositional age and the luminescence age of sand grains are accurately estimated, sand grain transport processes of old (lateQuaternary) sediments may be estimated by the methodology similar to that of the present study.
The antioxidant capacity of polysaccharide from Laminaria japonica by citric acid extraction
Authors: Lu Jianghong , You Lijun , Lin Zongyi , Zhao Mouming , Cui Chun 
Published: May 2013

SummaryAn optimal citric acid extraction condition (pH 2.0; extraction temperature: 120 °C; extraction time: 3 h) was developed to obtain polysaccharide from Laminaria japonica. The yield of polysaccharide was 13.31 ± 0.08%, with IC50 value of DPPH radical scavenging activity of 0.98 ± 0.01 mg mL−1. The viscosity of polysaccharide extracted by citric acid (LJPA) was eight times lower than that of polysaccharide extracted by hot water (LJPW), which may be attributed to the low average molecular weight of LJPA (17.12 kDa). Gas chromatography analysis indicated that LJPA was composed of rhamnose, fucose, xylose, manose, glucose and galactose with relative molar percentages of 4.51%, 20.27%, 12.43%, 12.81%, 10.29% and 39.69% respectively. Furthermore, LJPA exhibited significantly higher antioxidant capacities including oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), ABTS radical scavenging activity and reducing power than LJPW. Citric acid extraction showed a positive influence on the polysaccharide degradation and antioxidant capacities of L. japonica.
Bifidobacterial growth–promoting effect of yak milk κ‐casein hydrolysates produced with different proteases
Authors: Tang Xi , Tian Qian , Cheng Xue , Li Nan , Mao Xue‐Ying 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThe growth‐promoting effects of κ‐casein hydrolysates produced by four different proteases (trypsin, alcalase, papain and chymosin) on bifidobacteria (Bb12 and BBMN68) viability were evaluated. Results showed that the obtained κ‐casein hydrolysates possessed better property for improving the viability of Bb12 and BBMN68 than native κ‐casein. The bifidobacterium viability and pH drop were dependent on the added hydrolysates. The addition of κ‐casein hydrolysates improved the viability of Bb12 and BBMN68 to a variable extent. The κ‐casein hydrolysate produced with papain (KCHP) is the best for Bb12 and κ‐casein hydrolysate produced with trypsin (KCHT) is the best for BBMN68. Proper amino acid profiles improved the viability of Bb12 and BBMN68. The bifidobacterial growth‐promoting capacity of κ‐casein hydrolysate may be due to its high content of Ala, Met, Tyr, Phe and Arg residues, especially Tyr which is richer in para‐κ‐casein than in casein glycomacropeptide (GMP). In addition, the sialic acid content of κ‐casein hydrolysate produced with the tested proteases did not show a direct relationship with its bifidobacterial growth–promoting effect. The obtained peptides possessed growth‐promoting activity for Bb12 and BBMN68 existed in para‐κ‐casein.
Comparative study of the physicochemical and palynological characteristics of honey from Melipona subnitida and Apis mellifera
Authors: de Almeida‐Muradian Ligia B. , Stramm Klaus M. , Horita Andreia , Barth Ortrud M. , da Silva de Freitas Alex , Estevinho Leticia M. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryTwenty‐four samples of Apis mellifera honey and twenty‐four samples of Melipona subnitida (Jandaira) honey were collected in the northeast of Brazil. Moisture, hydroxymethylfurfural, free acidity, insoluble solids in water, diastase activity, ashes, electrical conductivity, proteins, lipids, total carbohydrates, energy and sugars were the parameters analysed. The efficiency of the qualitative tests (Fiehe's test, Lugol's reaction, Lund's reaction) was tested. Pollen types and the corresponding plant species were identified in all samples (3 in Apis and 1 in Melipona). Apis mellifera honey samples demonstrated parameters in accordance with the Brazilian Legislation, while the Melipona subnitida honey samples displayed moisture (24.80%) and diastase activity (null) in discordance with the established by the regulation for Apis mellifera honeys. Apis honey samples presented higher values of electric conductivity (284.00 μS cm−1) than the obtained from the Jandaira honey samples (102.77 μS cm−1) as well as a darker colour (26.67 mmPfund) when compared with Jandaira honey (7.00 mmPfund). The concentration of the glucose, fructose and sucrose was higher in the Apis honeys than in the Jandaira honey. The characteristics of the two types of honey were very different, highlighting the need of developing specific legislation for stingless bees' honey.
Fish oil microencapsulation as influenced by spray dryer operational variables
Authors: Aghbashlo Mortaza , Mobli Hossien , Madadlou Ashkan , Rafiee Shahin 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThe effects of spray‐drying air temperature, aspirator rate (drying air mass flow rate), peristaltic pump rate (feed mass flow rate) and spraying air mass flow rate on microencapsulation properties of fish oil including moisture content, particle size, bulk density, encapsulation efficiency and peroxide were investigated. The process was carried out on a mini spray dryer, and skim milk powder was used as the encapsulating wall material. Results indicated that increasing inlet air temperature increased the particle size, encapsulation efficiency and peroxide value but decreased the bulk density and moisture content of product. Increasing aspirator rate resulted in increased particle size and peroxide value but decreased the moisture content and bulk density. Increase in feed mass flow rate increased the moisture content, particle size, bulk density and peroxide value but decreased the encapsulation efficiency of microcapsules. The encapsulation efficiency and bulk density increased with the increasing aspirator rate but moisture content, particle size and peroxide value decreased.
Comparative effect of different test methodologies on Bacillus coagulans spores inactivation kinetics in tomato pulp under isothermal conditions
Authors: Zimmermann Morgana , Miorelli Suzane , Schaffner Donald W. , Aragão Gláucia M. F. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryHeat resistant micro‐organisms are an ongoing challenge to the food industry. Various factors may influence the heat resistance of micro‐organisms including type and strain; the environmental influences during cell and spore formations and during heat exposure; and the equipment and test tools used to perform the experimental process. In an attempt to analyse the influence of different test tools used on the heat inactivation processes, this study aimed to define the isothermal inactivation kinetics of Bacillus coagulans spores in tomato pulp at different temperatures and compare the inactivation of this bacterium when thermal death time (TDT) and capillary tube methods were used. Temperature ranges from 95 °C to 120 °C were studied, and inactivation kinetic parameters were estimated through the application of primary models. TDT inactivation curves consisted of shoulder and linear decline, while capillary method inactivation curves consisted of shoulder, linear decline and long tail. A secondary model was used to describe the influence of the temperature on spore inactivation parameters. The results showed test methods are at least as important in determining thermal processes as the micro‐organisms and media used.
Predictors of benign histology in clinical T1a renal cell carcinoma tumors undergoing partial nephrectomy
Authors: Fujita Tetsuo , Iwamura Masatsugu , Wakatabe Yoji , Nishi Morihiro , Ishii Daisuke , Matsumoto Kazumasa , Yoshida Kazunari , Baba Shiro 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe anatomical characteristics of renal tumors have been classified using several systems. An association between tumor anatomical characteristics and postoperative histological diagnosis can be expected. The present study aimed to assess the rate of and predictive factors for benign histological findings for renal tumors diagnosed as T1a by preoperative imaging. From January 2000 through December 2010, 149 patients underwent partial nephrectomy (either open or laparoscopic) for T1a renal cell carcinoma. The frequency of benign histological findings was evaluated. Logistic regression analysis estimated the relative importance of predictive factors. The overall frequency of benign lesions was 8.1%. Multivariate analysis identified three statistically significant predictive factors for benign lesions: age, sex and exophytic tumor property (P = 0.0356, 0.0183 and 0.0330, respectively). The present findings suggest that exophytic tumors on preoperative imaging are more likely to be benign at histology after partial nephrectomy.
Anti‐oxidant activity and attenuation of bladder hyperactivity by the flavonoid compound kaempferol
Authors: Huang Yaw‐Bin , Lin Ming‐Wei , Chao Yun , Huang Chi‐Te , Tsai Yi‐Hung , Wu Pao‐Chu 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesTo evaluate the anti‐oxidant activity of the flavonoid compound, kaempferol, and to examine its role in the suppression of oxidative stress and attenuation of bladder hyperactivity in a rat model of bladder injury.MethodsThe anti‐oxidative activity of kaempferol was examined in lipopolysaccharide‐treated RAW264.7 macrophages by using flow cytometry. For in vivo studies, rats were pretreated with kaempferol or vehicle for 24 h. The rat urothelium was injured by the administration of protamine sulfate for 1.5 h and irritated by the subsequent infusion of potassium chloride for 4 h. Oxidative stress in the bladder tissue was assessed using chemiluminescence assay, and the bladder pressure was determination by cystomertrogram.ResultsKaempferol significantly suppressed lipopolysaccharide‐induced reactive oxygen species production in RAW264.7 rat macrophages. Exposure of the rat bladder to sequential infusion of protamine sulfate and potassium chloride induced bladder hyperactivity. Pretreatment with kaempferol, prevented the formation of reactive oxygen species and prolonged the intercontraction interval.ConclusionKaempferol suppresses oxidative stress and attenuates bladder hyperactivity caused by potassium chloride after protamine sulfate‐induced bladder injury.
Expression profiling of metastatic renal cell carcinoma using gene set enrichment analysis
Authors: Maruschke Matthias , Hakenberg Oliver W , Koczan Dirk , Zimmermann Wolfgang , Stief Christian G , Buchner Alexander 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveTo identify complex changes in cell biology occurring during metastatic progression of renal cell carcinoma using a novel gene expression analysis algorithm.MethodsWhole genome expression profiling was carried out on 32 snap‐frozen samples of clear‐cell renal cell carcinoma metastases, 29 primary tumors (14 low grade, 15 high grade) and 14 samples of normal kidney tissue using oligonucleotide microarrays. These data were analyzed with the gene set enrichment analysis method, which is able to detect even small, but significant, expression changes in functionally connected genes that cannot be shown by gene‐by‐gene comparisons.ResultsThere were 95 gene sets (pathways) with significant upregulation in metastases compared with normal kidney tissue (P < 0.01), and 77 gene sets with significant downregulation, respectively. Low‐grade and high‐grade tumors showed deregulation of various pathways that have previously not been described in renal cell carcinoma. There were significant changes of genes involved in cell cycle control, apoptosis, cell motility, metabolism, cell adhesion and cytoskeleton. Some promising new potential therapy targets were identified in renal cell carcinoma metastases; for example, aurora‐kinase A and flap structure‐specific endonuclease 1.ConclusionExpression profiling of metastatic renal cell carcinoma using the gene set enrichment analysis pathway analysis method provides new and detailed insights in alterations occurring in renal cell carcinoma during malignant transformation and progression. These data can help to develop new and specifically targeted renal cell carcinoma therapies.
Hierarchically Structured Materials by Anodic Coagulation Casting of Fibrinogenic Alumina Suspensions
Authors: Zehbe Rolf , Fleck Claudia 
Published: May 2013

Anodic coagulation casting of fibrinogenic ceramic suspensions is a novel processing technology, which is based on the electrically induced transformation of the water soluble fibrinogen into the insoluble fibrin. Contrary to the direct coagulation casting (DCC) technology, green formation does not depend on a pH‐shift and as the fibrin coagulate forms on an anode, it can be combined with the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technology.In this study, the conversion of fibrinogen into fibrin is activated via electron transfer processes at an electrode material and is combined with the green formation of alumina by embedding the ceramic particles in the protein matrix. The focus of this work was to establish a technology to shape thin hierarchically structured ceramic films and thick porous materials with a distinct pore structure. Film thickness and porosity were controlled by the applied voltage and the processing‐time. The range of the established green bodies included two‐dimensional and simple three‐dimensional shapes including multilayered deposition and fiber coatings. Overall the process of anodic coagulation casting can be reported to be successful for all established ceramic shapes except multilayers, where delamination was observed. The deposited alumina ceramics were characterized using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and synchrotron micro computed tomography (μCT), while the coagulation mechanism was studied using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).