bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interleukin‐1α and brain inflammation
Authors: Brough David , Denes Adam 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAcute brain injuries such as caused by stroke are amongst the leading causes of death and are the leading cause of disability. Despite this there are very limited therapeutic options, and new therapeutic strategies and targets are required. Inflammation is known to exacerbate brain injury and is now considered as a potential therapeutic target. The damaging inflammation that occurs after acute brain injury is driven by pro‐inflammatory members of the interleukin (IL)−1 cytokine family, namely, IL‐1α and IL‐1β. Previous research efforts have focussed on the biology and contribution of IL‐1β. However, we now recognise that IL‐1α is an early and important mediator of inflammation after injury. This review focuses on what is known about IL‐1α, its regulation and its contribution to brain injury. Inhibiting mechanisms regulating the processing and release of IL‐1α may offer new therapeutic targets for the treatment of devastating acute brain injuries. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 2015 67(5):323–330, 2015
N‐Benzylcinnamide induces apoptosis in HPV16 and HPV18 cervical cancer cells via suppression of E6 and E7 protein expression
Authors: Xiong Yuanhuan , Chen Lin , Luo Puying 
Published: April 2015

AbstractSeventy percent of all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Natural products are being extensively explored for their potential ability to prevent and treat cervical cancers. N‐benzylcinnamide (PT‐3) is a natural product purified from Piper submultinerve. Whether or not PT‐3 has an effect on cervical cancer cells is as yet unknown. Therefore, we set out to explore the mechanism of action behind PT‐3 and how it affects cells that either contain or lack HPV DNA. Our results demonstrate that PT‐3 slows the growth kinetics of CaSki (HPV‐16 positive) and HeLa (HPV‐18 positive) cells in a dose‐dependent manner, but does not slows HPV‐negative cells. Importantly, we also found that PT‐3 induces apoptosis by suppressing expression of E6 and E7 viral oncogenes in HPV‐infected cervical cancer CaSki and HeLa cells. Moreover, we found that suppression of E6 and E7 expression leads to modulations in p53 and protein retinoblastomas, which are not changed in HPV‐negative cervical cancer C33A cells. These findings demonstrate that PT‐3 can effectively promote apoptosis by downregulating expression of E6 and E7. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 2015 67(5):374–379, 2015
Investigation of Optical Spectroscopic and Computational Binding Mode of Bovine Serum Albumin with 1, 4‐Bis ((4‐((4‐Heptylpiperazin‐1‐yl) Methyl)‐1H‐1, 2, 3‐Triazol‐1‐yl) Methyl) Benzene
Authors: Karthikeyan Subramani , Chinnathambi Shanmugavel , Kannan Ayyavoo , Rajakumar Perumal , Velmurugan Devadasan , Bharanidharan Ganesan , Aruna Prakasarao , Ganesan Singaravelu 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTA newly synthesized 1, 4‐bis ((4‐((4‐heptylpiperazin‐1‐yl) methyl)‐1H‐1, 2, 3‐triazol‐1‐yl) methyl) benzene from the family of piperazine derivative has good anticancer activity, antibacterial and low toxic nature; its binding characteristics are therefore of huge interest for understanding pharmacokinetic mechanism of the drug. The binding of piperazine derivative to bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy. The molecular distance r between the donor (BSA) and acceptor (piperazine derivative) was estimated according to Forster's theory of nonradiative energy transfer. The physicochemical properties of piperazine derivative, which induced structural changes in BSA, have been studied by circular dichroism and those chemical environmental changes were probed using Raman spectroscopic analysis. Further, the binding dynamics was expounded by synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular modeling studies explored the hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonding results, which stabilize the interaction.
Effects of OM‐85 BV in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pan Lei , Jiang Xue‐Ge , Guo Jun , Tian Yuan , Liu Chang‐Ting 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis study aimed to identify the effects of OM‐85 BV in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The major end point was exacerbation rate, and the minor end points included duration of hospitalization, severity of acute exacerbation, incidence rate of patients using antibiotics, and adverse events. All data were derived with relative risks (RRs) and weighted mean differences. Five RCTs with 1190 patients were enrolled in the meta‐analysis. OM‐85 BV was associated with 20% and 39% reductions in exacerbation rate (RR, 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CIs], 0.65–0.97; P = .03) and incidence rate of patients using antibiotics (RR, 0.61; 95%CI, 0.48–0.77; P < .0001) compared with the placebo. However, OM‐85 BV was not significantly associated with duration of hospitalization, severity of acute exacerbation, and total adverse events. Current evidence supporting the benefits of OM‐85 BV to COPD patients is inadequate. Further larger‐scale trials must be conducted to validate our findings and the efficacy of OM‐85 BV in COPD patients.
Heterologous strategy enhancing the sensitivity of the fluorescence polarization immunoassay of clinafloxacin in goat milk
Authors: Chen Jiahong , Shanin Ilya A , Lv Shuwei , Wang Qiang , Mao Chuanbin , Xu Zhenlin , Sun Yuanming , Wu Qing , Eremin Sergei A , Lei Hongtao 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDClinafloxacin is used for the treatment of disease in food‐producing animals, e.g. Brucella melitensis, which often occurs in goats; however, the clinafloxacin residue in goat milk may harm human health and result in the development of drug‐resistant bacterial strains or allergies. Despite this, there is not a rapid, sensitive and accurate analytical method in goat milk for rapid screening or monitoring purposes.RESULTSOne homologous and five heterologous tracers were designed and compared for fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) optimization. Based on the combination of a heterologous tracer (PAZ‐FITC, synthesized with pazufloxacin and FITC) and the antibody against clinafloxacin, a highly sensitive FPIA was established for the detection of clinafloxacin residue in goat milk for the first time. The IC50 value was 29.3 µg L−1 for clinafloxacin in the heterologous format – six times lower than that of the combination of the homologous tracers and the antibody. The recoveries ranged from 86.8% to 104.5%, with the relative standard deviation ranging from 4.1% to 7.2%. Validation by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) confirmed that the results obtained from the proposed FPIA were in agreement with those of HPLC.CONCLUSIONThis proposed heterologous strategy for enhanced FPIA is sensitive and rapid enough for the high‐throughput detection of clinafloxacin residue in goat milk. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
In vitro functional properties of crude extracts and isolated compounds from banana pseudostem and rhizome
Authors: Kandasamy Saravanan , Ramu Sasikala , Aradhya Somaradhya Mallikarjuna 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDPseudostem and rhizome are the significant bio‐waste generated (43.48%) from the banana plant post fruit harvest, which are usually left in the plantation or incinerated and wasted. Amounts used in production for consumption are negligible. However, the material has an important part to play in indigenous systems of medicine. Based on the huge volume of bio‐waste generated and its traditional medicinal use, it is worth exploiting it as a source of natural bioactive compounds. In the current study, sequential extracts from banana pseudostem (BPS) and rhizome (BR), and isolated compounds including chlorogenic acid, 4‐epicyclomusalenone and cycloeucalenol acetate, were tested for their antimicrobial activity, antiplatelet aggregation and cytotoxicity.RESULTSIsolated compounds and crude extracts exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacterial and fungal strains, platelet aggregation induced by collagen and cytotoxicity towards human liver cancer (HepG2) cells.CONCLUSIONBanana plant bio‐waste, pseudostem and rhizome may serve as a potential source of multifunctional bioactive compounds and functional ingredient in food and other allied industries. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Provitamin A retention and sensory acceptability of amahewu, a non‐alcoholic cereal‐based beverage made with provitamin A‐biofortified maize
Authors: Awobusuyi Temitope D , Siwela Muthulisi , Kolanisi Unathi , Amonsou Eric O 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDVitamin A deficiency is a major public health problem in sub‐Saharan Africa. Amahewu is a popular southern African lactic acid fermented non‐alcoholic maize‐based beverage, which is deficient in vitamin A. In this study, provitamin A retention and sensory acceptability of amahewu processed using provitamin A‐biofortified maize and three types of inoculums during fermentation (malted maize, wheat bran and Lactobacillus starter culture) were investigated.RESULTSThe total provitamin A content of amahewu samples, estimated as β‐carotene, β‐cryptoxanthin and α‐carotene content, ranged from 3.3 to 3.8 g kg−1 (dry weight). Provitamin A was substantially retained (79– 90% β‐carotene equivalent) in amahewu after fermentation. Amahewu samples prepared with added starter cultures had the lowest retention of provitamin A. Consumers (approx. 69%) liked provitamin A‐biofortified amahewu either moderately or very much. Principal component analysis of amahewu sensory data showed that 71% of variation was due to maize types and 18% of variation could be due to the inoculum used during fermentation. Amahewu samples prepared using provitamin A‐biofortified maize were slightly more liked (mean score: 7.0 ± 1.2) compared to those of white maize reference samples. The use of starter culture combined with either malted maize or wheat bran as inoculum during fermentation improved the taste and aroma of amahewu and hence its acceptability.CONCLUSIONProvitamin A is substantially retained in amahewu after fermentation. The slightly high acceptability of amahewu prepared using provitamin A‐biofortified maize compared to that of white maize thus suggests that fermented product like amahewu can potentially be used to deliver provitamin A to vulnerable individuals. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Age and gender differences in the influence of extrinsic product information on acceptability for RTD green tea beverages
Authors: Bae Ye‐Won , Lee Soh Min , Kim Kwang‐Ok 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe introduction of ready‐to‐drink (RTD) green tea beverage has allowed diverse consumers to consume green teas and related products. Green tea that has been traditionally consumed for its delicate flavor characteristics is also widely consumed for its recognition as a healthy product. Because it is reported that age difference exists in consideration of health‐related information, the objective of the study was to investigate how sensory and non‐sensory factors, in particular health‐related information, price and packaging, would affect the flavor acceptability of green tea beverages, depending on consumers' age and gender.RESULTSRegardless of the product information, old consumers preferred products that provided an indication of health beneficial effect. On the other hand, young consumers tended to be influenced by extrinsic product information such as packaging, brand/manufacturer and/or price, though these consumers were not so much influenced by health beneficial information as were the old consumers.CONCLUSIONThe findings of the study implied that the influence of non‐sensory information such as health beneficial information in flavor liking differed depending mostly on consumers' age, and little on gender, for RTD green tea beverages. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Online search stopping behaviors: An investigation of query abandonment and task stopping
Authors: Wu Wan‐Ching , Kelly Diane 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTThe goal of the study is to understand the factors that influence people's search stopping behaviors during online information search. Past research on search stopping behavior has primarily focused on the stopping behavior that takes place at the conclusion of an information‐seeking task. However, in this study we focus on two types of stopping behaviors that take place during information search tasks: query abandonment, or the point at which a person decides to stop his/her current query and enter a new one, and task stopping, or the point at which a person decides to stop the search task. A laboratory study was conducted with 48 participants who were asked to complete a set of six assigned search tasks and were interviewed about their experiences and search strategies after search. Results show that participants made query abandonment decisions based on the properties of search results, of queries and of search tasks. Their decisions to stop a task were influenced by the content they had examined, the goal they wished to achieve, the subjective perceptions they felt, and the study constraints they faced.
Changing communication on researchgate through interface updates
Authors: Goodwin Spencer , Jeng Wei , He Daqing 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTInformal scholarly communication across the Web is a growing component of the scholarly communication infrastructure. This study describes the effects of three different interfaces on these informal channels. Interface design has a widely studied effect on user behavior, and new users often encounter barriers during accessing social media tools. Using a mixed methods approach, we collected and grouped 413 posts across three distinct interfaces of ResearchGate's communication platform. Our results show that scholars were more polite in the initial group discussion interface but that user interface design did not change the core communication patterns of sharing information and opinions among scholars. The site also transitioned from one‐to‐many discussions to one‐to‐one posts, but new users were generally welcomed to the scholarly communications.
Can mycophenolate mofetil be tapered safely in myasthenia gravis? A retrospective, multicenter analysis
Authors: Hobson‐Webb Lisa D. , Hehir Michael , Crum Brian , Visser Amy , Sanders Donald , Burns Ted M. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is frequently used to treat myasthenia gravis, but there is little information to guide clinicians on the safety of reducing the dose in well‐controlled patients. Methods: This retrospective chart review at 3 institutions identified 92 patients who had undergone MMF taper after achieving either pharmacologic remission or minimal manifestations status. Statistical analysis was performed to assess differences in patient characteristics between patients who had successfully tapered MMF and those who relapsed. Results: Of 92 patients undergoing a taper, 30 relapsed. The relapses were mild, transient, and usually responded to increased MMF dose. MG crisis did not occur. The mean dose at time of relapse was 888 mg/day. Patients with relapses were tapered more quickly (8.4 vs. 62.4 months). Conclusions: Tapering MMF appears safe after years of disease stability. Reducing the dose at a dose of only 500 mg/day every 12 months is recommended. Muscle Nerve 52: 211–215, 2015
Bh3 induced conformational changes in Bcl‐Xl revealed by crystal structure and comparative analysis
Authors: Rajan Sreekanth , Choi Minjoo , Baek Kwanghee , Yoon Ho Sup 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTApoptosis or programmed cell death is a regulatory process in cells in response to stimuli perturbing physiological conditions. The Bcl‐2 family of proteins plays an important role in regulating homeostasis during apoptosis. In the process, the molecular interactions among the three members of this family, the pro‐apoptotic, anti‐apoptotic and BH3‐only proteins at the mitochondrial outer membrane define the fate of a cell. Here, we report the crystal structures of the human anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐XL in complex with BH3‐only BIDBH3 and BIMBH3 peptides determined at 2.0 Å and 1.5 Å resolution, respectively. The BH3 peptides bind to the canonical hydrophobic pocket in Bcl‐XL and adopt an alpha helical conformation in the bound form. Despite a similar structural fold, a comparison with other BH3 complexes revealed structural differences due to their sequence variations. In the Bcl‐XL‐BIDBH3 complex we observed a large pocket, in comparison with other BH3 complexes, lined by residues from helices α1, α2, α3, and α5 located adjacent to the canonical hydrophobic pocket. These results suggest that there are differences in the mode of interactions by the BH3 peptides that may translate into functional differences in apoptotic regulation. Proteins 2015; 83:1262–1272. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of a non‐approved selective androgen receptor modulator drug candidate sold via the Internet and identification of in vitro generated phase‐I metabolites for human sports drug testing
Authors: Thevis Mario , Lagojda Andreas , Kuehne Dirk , Thomas Andreas , Dib Josef , Hansson Annelie , Hedeland Mikael , Bondesson Ulf , Wigger Tina , Karst Uwe , Schänzer Wilhelm 
Published: April 2015

RationalePotentially performance‐enhancing agents, particularly anabolic agents, are advertised and distributed by Internet‐based suppliers to a substantial extent. Among these anabolic agents, a substance referred to as LGD‐4033 has been made available, comprising the core structure of a class of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs).MethodsIn order to provide comprehensive analytical data for doping controls, the substance was obtained and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization high resolution/high accuracy tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐HRMS). Following the identification of 4‐(2‐(2,2,2‐trifluoro‐1‐hydroxyethyl)pyrrolidin‐1‐yl)‐2‐(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile, the substance was subjected to in vitro metabolism studies employing human liver microsomes and Cunninghamella elegans (C. elegans) preparations as well as electrochemical metabolism simulations.ResultsBy means of LC/ESI‐HRMS, five main phase‐I metabolites were identified as products of liver microsomal preparations including three monohydroxylated and two bishydroxylated species. The two most abundant metabolites (one mono‐ and one bishydroxylated product) were structurally confirmed by LC/ESI‐HRMS and NMR. Comparing the metabolic conversion of 4‐(2‐(2,2,2‐trifluoro‐1‐hydroxyethyl)pyrrolidin‐1‐yl)‐2‐(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile observed in human liver microsomes with C. elegans and electrochemically derived metabolites, one monohydroxylated product was found to be predominantly formed in all three methodologies.ConclusionsThe implementation of the intact SARM‐like compound and its presumed urinary phase‐I metabolites into routine doping controls is suggested to expand and complement existing sports drug testing methods. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and study of an atmospheric pressure ion funnel by computer simulations
Authors: Yu Quan , Diao Zhaoliang , Ni Kai , Qian Xiang , Tang Fei , Wang Xiaohao 
Published: April 2015

RationaleAn atmospheric pressure ion funnel (APIF) has been developed to transfer and focus ions at atmospheric pressure. This ion funnel can be used as an interface connecting the ion source and the mass spectrometer detector.MethodsThe APIF designs were studied mainly by using computer simulations. Different APIF configurations with various geometrical and electrical parameters were analyzed. Investigation of the electrical field and ion transmission characteristics of the APIF was carried out using SIMION 8.0.ResultsThe APIF exhibits good ion‐guiding performance with transmission efficiency of >90%. An approximate formula for determining the optimal parameters of the APIF has been derived by theoretical calculation.ConclusionsWhen both the geometrical and the electrical parameters are optimized, the APIF can provide high ion transmission efficiency. In addition, the proposed empirical formula is helpful in guiding the design of APIFs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chrysin–organogermanium (IV) complex induced Colo205 cell apoptosis‐associated mitochondrial function and anti‐angiogenesis
Authors: Yang Fen , Gong Longcai , Jin Hua , Pi Jiang , Bai Haihua , Wang Hong , Cai Huaihong , Yang Peihui , Cai Jiye 
Published: April 2015

SummaryColorectal cancer, a kind of malignant cancer, has more than 1 million new patients and results in 0.5 million deaths every year globally based on the estimation of Globocan in 2008. One of the most important issues against colon cancer is tumor metastasis. Anti‐angiogenesis, a form of targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances to prevent the new blood vessel formation, which is critical for tumor metastasis. In our previous studies, we have demonstrated a simple method to synthesize Chry–Ge complex through the reaction between chrysin and triphenylgermanium bromide. In this work, we investigated the mechanism of Chry–Ge induced Colo205 cell apoptosis. We found that Chry–Ge could induce apoptosis in Colo205 cells in mitochondrial‐dependent pathway, cause the reorganization of cytoskeleton and induce the damage of nucleus in Colo205 cells. Besides, Chry–Ge was also found to induce membrane ultrastructural changes in Colo205 cells by AFM. Further, we found that Chry–Ge can inhibit tube formation of human umbilical vascular endothelial cell in vitro. Chry–Ge was also tested in vivo in the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay and found to inhibit bFGF‐treated CAMs development. These results suggested that Chry–Ge could induce Colo205 cell apoptosis by mitochondrial pathway and anti‐angiogenesis, highlighting the use of organic germanium agents for the treatment of colorectal cancer. SCANNING 37:246–257, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An assessment of shear bond strength between ceramic repair systems and different ceramic infrastructures
Authors: Kocaağaoğlu Hasan Hüseyin , Gürbulak Ayşegül 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to evaluate of shear bond strengths between two ceramic repair systems and different ceramic infrastructure materials. One hundred cylindrical specimens of ceramic infrastructure were fabricated with non precious metal alloy, zirconia, alumina, galvano, and glass ceramic: 20 non precious metal alloy (NP), 20 zirconia (Z), 20 alumina (A), 20 galvano (G), and 20 glass ceramic (GC). Specimens were divided into 2 subgroups. One half of the specimens were applied by Clearfil™ (CR) repair system and, another half of that were applied by Cimara&Cimara® Zircon (CZ) repair system. Bonded specimens were stored in 37°C distilled water for 24 h and were thermocycled at 5–55°C for 1,200 cycles with a 30‐sec dwell time and 5‐sec transfer time. Shear bond strengths were determined with a mechanical testing device. And mode of failure was recorded. Mann Whitney‐U and Kruskal Wallis tests were applied to the data at 95% confidence interval level. Infrastructure groups displayed the following values in megapascals: NP = 10.70 ± 1.88; Z = 9.15 ± 0.80; A = 11.65 ± 0.70; GC = 10.95 ± 0.80; and G = 6.88 ± 0.88. The Mann Whitney‐U test results showed no significant difference between the repair systems. The Kruskal Wallis test results demonstrated significant difference between the infrastructures. The lowest bond strength values were observed in G group. In conclusion, average bond strength values were in accordance with previously reported values, therefore it can be suggested that intraoral repair of ceramic restorations can be temporary, but a satisfying alternative for patients. SCANNING 37:300–305, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.