bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of a Vessel Sealant Device for Cystic Duct Ligation in the Dog
Authors: Marvel Sarah , Monnet Eric 
Published: September 2014

ObjectiveTo compare a vessel sealant device to hemostatic clips for cystic duct ligation in a canine cadaveric model.Study DesignExperimental.MethodsHepatobiliary systems were collected from normal dogs. A microtip pressure transducer was inserted into the common bile duct and a 20–24 g intravenous catheter was placed in a hepatic duct. The cystic duct was ligated with 1 of 3 techniques: vessel sealant device (VSD), 10 mm medium Endoclips™, or 10 mm large Endoclips™ with 6 specimens in each group. Methylene blue was infused until failure, which was recorded as seal/clip failure or retrograde movement of methylene blue into the liver.ResultsMean failure pressure of the medium endoclip group was significantly lower than the large endoclip group (P = .014). There was no difference between the failure pressure of the VSD group and the medium and large endoclip groups (P = .097, P = .34, respectively). Failure by leakage at the cut surface of the cystic duct occurred in 2 specimens in the medium endoclip group while all others failed by retrograde flow of the methylene blue through the hepatic ducts.ConclusionsThe vessel sealant device appears comparable to large endoclips for closure of the cystic duct in an acute cadaveric model, while medium endoclips may not fully compress or span the diameter of a cystic duct in large breed dogs and leak at lower pressures.
Evaluation of Flax Genotypes for Cold Tolerance and Yield in South‐East Texas
Authors: Darapuneni M. K. , Morgan G. D. , Ibrahim A. M. H. , Duncan R. W. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractFlax is an established crop in many parts of the world due to its positive health effects and numerous industrial uses. Due to increasing interest in biofuels, flax has been evaluated throughout the U.S.A. as a potential biodiesel crop. The main purpose of this research was to evaluate current and historical genotypes of flax in different regions of south‐east Texas. Twenty genotypes of flax were evaluated under dryland conditions for their agronomic and yield potential in College Station and McGregor, TX starting in 2008 thru 2011. The results suggest that all genotypes developed in Texas showed acceptable cold tolerance compared with genotypes developed in other locations. There were significant genotype–environment interactions (P < 0.001). A cross between Caldwell/Dillman (Texas genotype) was highly adapted to the environments of south‐east Texas. Nekoma and York (genotypes developed in North Dakota) yielded well in non‐cold years (>28 °F) at College Station. Utilization of cold tolerance trait identified in Texas genotypes coupled with high yield potential of modern genotypes would have a significant impact on yield improvement of flax in south‐east Texas. Overall, flax is well adapted to growth in the area surrounding College Station, TX and has potential as an oilseed crop for production in south‐east Texas.
Solid Solution Nanocrystals in the CeO2‐Y3NbO7 System: Hydrothermal Formation and Control of Crystallite Growth of Ceria
Authors: Hirano Masanori , Minagawa Kosuke 
Published: September 2014

New solid solution nanocrystals with fluorite‐type cubic structure in the ceria (CeO2)‐yttrium niobate (1/4Y3NbO7) system were directly formed at 120°C–240°C from the precursor solution mixtures of (NH4)Ce(NO3)6, YCl3·6H2O, and NbCl5 under mild hydrothermal conditions in the presence of aqueous ammonia. The hydrothermal formation of cubic solid solution nanocrystals in the wide composition range of CeO2 (mol%) = 10–100 in the CeO2–1/4Y3NbO7 system was effectively achieved via the assistance of the presence of CeO2 component more than 10 mol% as a promoter with the same fluorite‐type structure. The optical band gap of the solid solutions gradually decreased with increased CeO2 component. The high phase stability of the solid solutions in the CeO2–1/4Y3NbO7 system was confirmed, i.e., the single cubic phase of the solid solutions was maintained after heat treatment at 600°C–1500°C for 1 h in air. The presence of Y3NbO7 as an inhibitor and the substitutional incorporation of Y3NbO7 into the lattice, CeO2 effectively controlled the crystallite growth of CeO2, and nano‐sized cubic solid solutions with high specific surface areas were maintained after heat treatment up to 800°C–1000°C for 1 h air.
Care Staff Perceptions of Choking Incidents: What Details are Reported?
Authors: Guthrie Susan , Lecko Caroline , Roddam Hazel 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundFollowing a series of fatal choking incidents in one UK specialist service, this study evaluated the detail included in incident reporting. This study compared the enhanced reporting system in the specialist service with the national reporting and learning system.MethodsEligible reports were selected from a national organization and a specialist service using search terms relevant to adults with intellectual disability and/or mental ill health. Qualitative analysis was completed with comparison of themes identified in both sets of reports.FindingsThe numbers of choking incidents identified in national reports suggest underreporting compared with the specialist service and varying levels of severity. Themes included trends in timing, care setting and food textures as perceived by staff.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates paucity of detail in reporting in systems without additional question prompts. Adding these questions requires staff to include greater detail which enables learning and risk mitigation to take place.
A single‐nucleotide polymorphism of miR‐146a and psoriasis: an association and functional study
Authors: Zhang Weigang , Yi Xiuli , Guo Sen , Shi Qiong , Wei Chao , Li Xia , Gao Lin , Wang Gang , Gao Tianwen , Wang Lei , Li Chunying 
Published: September 2014

AbstractEpidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is overexpressed in psoriatic lesions, has been proven to contribute to the hyperproliferation of keratinocytes in psoriasis. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) involved in miRNAs that can regulate the expression of EGFR could potentially influence the development of psoriasis. The present study investigated the association between a functional SNP of rs2910164 in miR‐146a and the risk of psoriasis in the Chinese Han population. A total of 521 Han Chinese patients with psoriasis and 582 healthy controls were recruited in this study. The miR‐146a rs2910164 SNP was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism. Overall, a significantly increased risk of psoriasis was associated with the rs2910164 miR‐146a CG and GG genotypes (adjusted OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.06–1.80). Furthermore, the rs2910164G allele in miR‐146a attenuated its inhibitory regulation on the expression of EGFR as well as the proliferation of human keratinocytes, and lowered the level of miR‐146a in the psoriatic lesions. These findings indicate that the rs2910164G allele in miR‐146a weakens its suppression on the proliferation of keratinocytes probably through the decreased inhibition of the target gene, EGFR, which may account for the increased risk of psoriasis in this study population.
Eye‐mediated immune tolerance to Type II collagen in arthritis‐prone strains of mice
Authors: Farooq Shukkur M. , Kumar Ashok , Ashour Hossam M. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractType II collagen (CII) is a cartilage structural protein that plays important roles in joint function, arthritis and ageing. In studying the ability of CII to induce eye‐mediated specific immune tolerance, we have recently proven that CII is capable of inducing anterior chamber‐associated immune deviation (ACAID) in Balb/c mice. Here, we study the ability of CII to induce eye‐mediated immune tolerance in strains of mice that are prone to the induction of rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, we hypothesized that CII induces ACAID in DBA/1 mice and in C57BL/6 mice through the AC route (direct injection) or the intravenous route (adoptive transfer of in vitro‐generated CII‐specific ACAID macrophages or of CII‐specific in vitro‐generated T regulatory cells). Specific immune tolerance induction was assessed using both delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) and local adoptive transfer (LAT) assays. Results indicated the ability of CII to generate CII‐specific ACAID‐mediated immune tolerance in vivo and in vitro in both DBA/1 mice and C57BL/6 mice. These findings could be beneficial in studies of immune tolerance induction using CII.
MiR‐451 is decreased in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and regulates autophagy by targeting TSC1
Authors: Song Lei , Su Ming , Wang Shuiyun , Zou Yubao , Wang Xiaojian , Wang Yilu , Cui Hongli , Zhao Peng , Hui Rutai , Wang Jizheng 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe molecular mechanisms that drive the development of cardiac hypertrophy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) remain elusive. Accumulated evidence suggests that microRNAs are essential regulators of cardiac remodelling. We have been suggested that microRNAs could play a role in the process of HCM. To uncover which microRNAs were changed in their expression, microRNA microarrays were performed on heart tissue from HCM patients (n = 7) and from healthy donors (n = 5). Among the 13 microRNAs that were differentially expressed in HCM, miR‐451 was the most down‐regulated. Ectopic overexpression of miR‐451 in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCM) decreased the cell size, whereas knockdown of endogenous miR‐451 increased the cell surface area. Luciferase reporter assay analyses demonstrated that tuberous sclerosis complex 1 (TSC1) was a direct target of miR‐451. Overexpression of miR‐451 in both HeLa cells and NRCM suppressed the expression of TSC1. Furthermore, TSC1 was significantly up‐regulated in HCM myocardia, which correlated with the decreased levels of miR‐451. As TSC1 is a known positive regulator of autophagy, we examined the role of miR‐451 in the regulation of autophagy. Overexpression of miR‐451 in vitro inhibited the formation of the autophagosome. Conversely, miR‐451 knockdown accelerated autophagosome formation. Consistently, an increased number of autophagosomes was observed in HCM myocardia, accompanied by up‐regulated autophagy markers, and the lipidated form of LC3 and Beclin‐1. Taken together, our findings indicate that miR‐451 regulates cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac autophagy by targeting TSC1. The down‐regulation of miR‐451 may contribute to the development of HCM and may be a potential therapeutic target for this disease.
Beclin‐1–p53 interaction is crucial for cell fate determination in embryonal carcinoma cells
Authors: Tripathi Rakshamani , Ash Dipankar , Shaha Chandrima 
Published: September 2014

AbstractEmerging interest on the interrelationship between the apoptotic and autophagy pathways in the context of cancer chemotherapy is providing exciting discoveries. Complexes formed between molecules from both pathways present potential targets for chemotherapeutics design as disruption of such complexes could alter cell survival. This study demonstrates an important role of Beclin‐1 and p53 interaction in cell fate decision of human embryonal carcinoma cells. The findings provide evidence for p53 interaction with Beclin‐1 through the BH3 domain of the latter. This interaction facilitated Beclin‐1 ubiquitination through lysine 48 linkage, resulting in proteasome‐mediated degradation, consequently maintaining a certain constitutive level of Beclin‐1. Disruption of Beclin‐1–p53 interaction through shRNA‐mediated down‐regulation of p53 reduced Beclin‐1 ubiquitination suggesting requirement of p53 for the process. Reduction of ubiquitination consequently resulted in an increase in Beclin‐1 levels with cells showing high autophagic activity. Enforced overexpression of p53 in the p53 down‐regulated cells restored ubiquitination of Beclin‐1 reducing its level and lowering autophagic activity. The Beclin‐1–p53 interaction was also disrupted by exposure to cisplatin‐induced stress resulting in higher level of Beclin‐1 because of lesser ubiquitination. This higher concentration of Beclin‐1 increased autophagy and offered protection to the cells from cisplatin‐induced death. Inhibition of autophagy by either pharmacological or genetic means during cisplatin exposure increased apoptotic death in vitro as well as in xenograft tumours grown in vivo confirming the protective nature of autophagy. Therefore, Beclin‐1–p53 interaction defines one additional molecular subroutine crucial for cell fate decisions in embryonal carcinoma cells.
Epigenetic regulation of EFEMP1 in prostate cancer: biological relevance and clinical potential
Authors: Almeida Mafalda , Costa Vera L. , Costa Natália R. , Ramalho‐Carvalho João , Baptista Tiago , Ribeiro Franclim R. , Paulo Paula , Teixeira Manuel R. , Oliveira Jorge , Lothe Ragnhild A. , Lind Guro E. , Henrique Rui , Jerónimo Carmen 
Published: September 2014

AbstractEpigenetic alterations are common in prostate cancer (PCa) and seem to contribute decisively to its initiation and progression. Moreover, aberrant promoter methylation is a promising biomarker for non‐invasive screening. Herein, we sought to characterize EFEMP1 as biomarker for PCa, unveiling its biological relevance in prostate carcinogenesis. Microarray analyses of treated PCa cell lines and primary tissues enabled the selection of differentially methylated genes, among which EFEMP1 was further validated by MSP and bisulfite sequencing. Assessment of biomarker performance was accomplished by qMSP. Expression analysis of EFEMP1 and characterization of histone marks were performed in tissue samples and cancer cell lines to determine the impact of epigenetic mechanisms on EFEMP1 transcriptional regulation. Phenotypic assays, using transfected cell lines, permitted the evaluation of EFEMP1's role in PCa development. EFEMP1 methylation assay discriminated PCa from normal prostate tissue (NPT; P < 0.001, Kruskall–Wallis test) and renal and bladder cancers (96% sensitivity and 98% specificity). EFEMP1 transcription levels inversely correlated with promoter methylation and histone deacetylation, suggesting that both epigenetic mechanisms are involved in gene regulation. Phenotypic assays showed that EFEMP1 de novo expression reduces malignant phenotype of PCa cells. EFEMP1 promoter methylation is prevalent in PCa and accurately discriminates PCa from non‐cancerous prostate tissues and other urological neoplasms. This epigenetic alteration occurs early in prostate carcinogenesis and, in association with histone deacetylation, progressively leads to gene down‐regulation, fostering cell proliferation, invasion and evasion of apoptosis.
Replicated evolutionary divergence in the cuticular hydrocarbon profile of male crickets associated with the loss of song in the Hawaiian archipelago
Authors: Simmons L. W. , Thomas M. L. , Gray B. , Zuk M. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractFemale choice based on male secondary sexual traits is well documented, although the extent to which this selection can drive an evolutionary divergence in male traits among populations is less clear. Male field crickets Teleogryllus oceanicus attract females using a calling song and once contacted switch to courtship song to persuade them to mate. These crickets also secrete onto their cuticle a cocktail of long‐chained fatty acids or cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs). Females choose among potential mates based on the structure of male acoustic signals and on the composition of male CHC profiles. Here, we utilize two naturally occurring mutations that have arisen independently on two Hawaiian islands and render the male silent to ask whether the evolutionary loss of acoustic signalling can drive an evolutionary divergence in the alternative signalling modality, male CHC profiles. QST‐FST comparisons revealed strong patterns of CHC divergence among three populations of crickets on the islands of Hawaii, Oahu and Kauai. Contrasts between wild‐type and flatwing males on the islands of Oahu and Kauai indicated that variation in male CHC profiles within populations is associated with the loss of acoustic signalling; flatwing males had a relatively low abundance of long‐chained CHCs relative to the short‐chained CHCs that females find attractive. Given their dual functions in desiccation resistance and sexual signalling, insect CHCs may be particularly important traits for reproductive isolation and ultimately speciation.
A new record for Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) species complex of Turkey
Authors: Karut K. , Kaydan M. B. , Tok B. , Döker İ. , Kazak C. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIn this study, species complex of Turkish Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) populations was determined by PCR‐based DNA analysis. According to phylogenetic analyses, the B. tabaci samples have been identified within three generic groups. A major part of the samples belonged to two invasive species, either Middle East–Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) or Mediterranean (MED). In addition to these two invasive species, several samples collected from greenhouses and cotton fields have been found to be related to Middle East–Asia Minor 2 (MEAM2), which is the first record of Turkish B. tabaci species complex.
Comparison of Tartary Buckwheat Flour and Sprouts Steamed Bread in Quality and Antioxidant Property
Authors: Xu Fang‐Yi , Gao Qing‐Han , Ma Yu‐Jie , Guo Xu‐Dan , Wang Min 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe quality attributes of tartary buckwheat sprouts (TBS) steamed bread including proximate composition, total phenolics, flavonoids and gamma‐aminobutyric acid content, in vitro antioxidant activity, textural and sensory qualities were compared with the treatment substituted with tartary buckwheat flour (TBF) at three formulas. Chemical analyses indicated that increased amounts of TBS in the dough formulation significantly enhanced the functional properties of the final products, obviously higher than TBF‐enriched bread. The data of liquid chromatography revealed that protocatechuic acid and quercetin concentration served as the dominant bioactive components in the additional steamed bread. In comparison, TBF steamed bread exhibited greater protein and fat content, as well as better textural qualities and more satisfying taste. Our study indicates that TBF and TBS are both feasible gluten‐free materials to enhance the nutritive properties in steamed bread making, while the optimal formulation of steamed bread is supplemented with 8% TBS when considering its sensory acceptability and antioxidant properties.Practical ApplicationsThis paper reports the findings associated with the feasible use of tartary buckwheat sprouts (TBS) as an addition in Chinese steamed bread formulation. The optimal adding proportion is 8% with comprehensive consideration of the functionality of the steamed bread and the acceptability of consumers. The TBS steamed bread with higher bioactive compounds and functional value relative to the whole wheat flour and the tartary buckwheat flour steamed bread possesses a board market prospect and the potential application for the baking industry.
‘I didn't know why you had to wait’: an evaluation of NHS infant‐feeding workshops amongst women living in areas of high deprivation
Authors: Andrews E. J. , Symon A. , Anderson A. S. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundInappropriate maternal and infant‐feeding practices are known to have a major impact on morbidity in infancy, childhood and later life. Ring‐fenced funding over 3 years from the Scottish Government to the National Health Service (NHS) in Scotland has allowed the development of a range of nutrition interventions for women of childbearing age and infants living in areas of deprivation to help address these issues. The present study aimed to determine mothers’ knowledge of appropriate infant‐feeding practices, opinions about feeding advice and any changes in practice following attendance at workshops.MethodsFifteen semi‐structured interviews with women who participated in NHS infant‐feeding workshops. Verbatim transcripts were analysed using framework analysis.ResultsParticipants appreciated the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and there was evidence of a reasonable understanding and awareness of appropriate infant‐feeding behaviours following workshop attendance. However, the findings highlight the challenge of multiple sources of advice and identify persistent uncertainties about feeding practice. Reported feeding behaviour following workshops was encouraging (e.g. delayed weaning, increased use of ‐prepared fruits and vegetables), although there was also evidence of resistance to change. The legacy of the workshop in terms of reported confidence in infant feeding was also apparent.ConclusionsThe workshops appears to aid current knowledge and practice about infant feeding but further work is needed to examine the long term impact of these interventions on maternal and infant dietary behaviours.
Synchronous malignant mixed Müllerian tumor of the uterus with transitional cell carcinoma of the ovary
Authors: Sahai Puja , Kakkar Aanchal , Pathy Sushmita , Kumar Lalit , Bhatla Neerja , Chander Subhash 
Published: September 2014

AbstractA 55‐year‐old woman presented with a complaint of post‐menopausal bleeding per vaginum. Local examination revealed a mass, protruding from the cervical os, which detached spontaneously. An adnexal mass was felt through the pouch of Douglas on per vaginum examination. Histopathological examination of the avulsed specimen revealed a diagnosis of malignant mixed Müllerian tumor. The patient underwent surgical staging with total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy, left pelvic lymphadenectomy, infracolic omentectomy, and peritoneal wash cytology. Pathological examination revealed a second primary tumor, that is, a transitional cell carcinoma of the ovary. Both the uterine malignant mixed Müllerian tumor and the ovarian transitional cell carcinoma were staged as IA. Subsequently, the patient was treated with adjuvant chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy. The patient is in complete remission at 1 year following the treatment. Synchronous genital tract neoplasms constitute a therapeutic challenge and necessitate an effective multimodality therapeutic approach based on meticulous pathological examination and tumor staging.
What has changed from 2001 to 2012 for sexual minority youth in New Zealand?
Authors: Lucassen Mathijs FG , Clark Terryann C , Denny Simon J , Fleming Theresa M , Rossen Fiona V , Sheridan Janie , Bullen Pat , Robinson Elizabeth M 
Published: September 2014

AimTo provide an overview of the health and well‐being of sexual minority high school students in New Zealand, investigate differences between sexual minority youth (SMY) and exclusively opposite‐sex‐attracted youth (EOSAY), and examine changes across survey waves.MethodsNationally representative cross‐sectional surveys were completed in 2001 (n = 9011), 2007 (n = 8002) and 2012 (n = 8167). Logistic regressions were used to examine the associations between selected outcomes and sexual attraction across survey waves.ResultsSMY accounted for 6% of participants in all three waves, with a greater proportion being ‘out’ in 2012 (P < 0.0001). SMY were more likely to work as volunteers (OR = 1.37) than EOSAY, and the majority of SMY reported good general health, liking school and having caring friends. With the exceptions of binge drinking and being driven dangerously by someone, SMY reported comparatively diminished health and well‐being relative to EOSAY. Increasing proportions of SMY had depressive symptoms from 2001 (OR = 2.38) to 2012 (OR = 3.73) compared with EOSAY. There were some differences between the sexes; female SMY were less likely to report positive family relationships (OR = 0.59) and liking school (OR = 0.55), and they were more likely to have been hit (2012 OR = 1.95) than female EOSAY. Male SMY reported especially high rates of suicide attempts (2012 OR = 5.64) compared with male EOSAY.ConclusionsHealth services, schools, communities and families must be more responsive to the needs of SMY to ensure that disparities are addressed.