bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methylphenidate‐mediated reduction in prefrontal hemodynamic responses to working memory task: a functional near‐infrared spectroscopy study
Authors: Ramasubbu Rajamannar , Singh Harinder , Zhu Haifeng , Dunn Jeff F. 
Published: September 2012

ObjectiveFunctional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a non‐invasive optical technique for bedside evaluation of cerebral metabolism that has clinical potential for monitoring the efficacy of pharmacological treatment. In this pilot study, we investigated the cognitive effects of methylphenidate (MP) on prefrontal function using fNIRS in healthy subjects.MethodsThirteen right‐handed healthy subjects underwent working memory tasks (0‐back and 2‐back) after a single oral dose of MP (20 mg) or placebo administered in a double‐blind crossover design on two different days separated by 1–3 days. We measured changes in oxyhemoglobin (oxy‐Hb) and deoxyhemoglobin (deoxy‐Hb) concentrations during the tasks in bilateral prefrontal regions after MP or placebo administration using two‐channel fNIRS.ResultsThere were significantly more correct responses and fewer missed responses during the 2‐back task performance after MP treatment as compared with placebo. Baseline‐corrected oxy‐Hb was significantly decreased after MP treatment compared with the placebo in the 2‐back task in the right frontal region but was not different in the 0‐back task. Baseline‐corrected deoxy‐Hb and total‐Hb concentrations were not significant between MP and placebo conditions in either of the cognitive tasks.ConclusionsThese data are consistent with previous positron emission tomography findings of MP‐mediated reduction in lateral prefrontal activity accompanied by improved cognitive performance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is Ginkgo biloba a cognitive enhancer in healthy individuals? A meta‐analysis
Authors: Laws Keith R. , Sweetnam Hilary , Kondel Tejinder K. 
Published: September 2012

ObjectiveWe conducted a meta‐analysis to examine whether Ginkgo biloba (G. biloba) enhances cognitive function in healthy individuals.MethodsScopus, Medline, Google Scholar databases and recent qualitative reviews were searched for studies examining the effects of G. biloba on cognitive function in healthy individuals. We identified randomised controlled trials containing data on memory (K = 13), executive function (K = 7) and attention (K = 8) from which effect sizes could be derived. The analyses provided measures of memory, executive function and attention in 1132, 534 and 910 participants, respectively.ResultsEffect sizes were non‐significant and close to zero for memory (d = −0.04: 95%CI −0.17 to 0.07), executive function (d = −0.05: 95%CI −0.17 to 0.05) and attention (d = −0.08: 95%CI −0.21 to 0.02). Meta‐regressions showed that effect sizes were not related to participant age, duration of the trial, daily dose, total dose or sample size.ConclusionsWe report that G. biloba had no ascertainable positive effects on a range of targeted cognitive functions in healthy individuals. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The tumor suppressor microRNA‐29c is downregulated and restored by celecoxib in human gastric cancer cells
Authors: Saito Yoshimasa , Suzuki Hidekazu , Imaeda Hiroyuki , Matsuzaki Juntaro , Hirata Kenro , Tsugawa Hitoshi , Hibino Sana , Kanai Yae , Saito Hidetsugu , Hibi Toshifumi 
Published: September 2012

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that function as endogenous silencers of target genes and play critical roles during carcinogenesis. The selective cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitor celecoxib has been highlighted as a potential drug for treatment of gastrointestinal tumors. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of miRNAs in gastric carcinogenesis and the feasibility of a new therapeutic approach for gastric cancer. miRNA expression profiles were examined in 53 gastric tumors including gastric adenomas (atypical epithelia), early gastric cancers and advanced gastric cancers and in gastric cancer cells treated with celecoxib. miRNA microarray analysis revealed that miR‐29c was significantly downregulated in gastric cancer tissues relative to nontumor gastric mucosae. miR‐29c was significantly activated by celecoxib in gastric cancer cells. Downregulation of miR‐29c was associated with progression of gastric cancer and was more prominent in advanced gastric cancers than in gastric adenomas and early gastric cancer. In addition, expression of the oncogene Mcl‐1, a target of miR‐29c, was significantly increased in gastric cancer tissues relative to nontumor gastric mucosae. Activation of miR‐29c by celecoxib induced suppression of Mcl‐1 and apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. These results suggest that downregulation of the tumor suppressor miR‐29c plays critical roles in the progression of gastric cancer. Selective COX‐2 inhibitors may have clinical promise for the treatment of gastric cancer via restoration of miR‐29c.
Utilization of the Perfluoroarene‐Arene Interaction for Stabilization of Liquid Crystal Phases
Authors: Kishikawa Keiki 
Published: September 2012

AbstractUtilization of the perfluoroarene‐arene interaction for stabilization of liquid crystal phases is reviewed. This interaction is strong (3.7–5.6 kcal/mol), but it is difficult to generate stable liquid crystal phases by using it. From the examples in this review, it is strongly suggested that flatness of the mesogenic units is important for obtaining stable liquid crystal phases. Introduction of a perfluorinated benzene ring to a rodlike molecule is effective in generating local biaxiality in the nematic and smectic A phases. Furthermore, the absence of an odd‐even effect and the presence of a “trans‐gauche‐gauche” effect in the liquid crystal phases of monoalkylated rodlike molecules possessing a pentafluorophenyl group are explained by suppression of the molecular spin movements.
Application of a two‐stage temperature control strategy to enhance 1,3‐propanediol productivity by Clostridium butyricum
Authors: Zhu Chunjie , Fang Baishan 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: The purpose of the present work was to enhance 1,3‐propanediol productivity during the batch cultivation on a type of raw glycerol by application of a two‐stage temperature control strategy.RESULTS: First, the effect of the raw glycerol on microbial growth and 1,3‐propanediol production was investigated. The highest 1,3‐propanediol productivity, 1.93 g L−1 h−1, was achieved when the initial raw glycerol concentration was 6% (v/v). Second, the effect of temperature on microbial growth and 1,3‐propanediol production was investigated and kinetic analysis was carried out. The results indicated that 37 °C favored microbial growth while 35 °C was best for 1,3‐propanediol production. Finally, a two‐stage temperature control strategy was applied in 1,3‐propanediol production. The incubation temperature was kept at 37 °C from inoculation to 2 h and then switched to 35 °C. Compared with batch cultivations at 35 and 37 °C, the fermentation time was shortened from 10 to 9.2 h, resulting in an increase in 1,3‐propanediol productivity of around 11%.CONCLUSION: 1,3‐propanediol productivity was enhanced effectively by application of a two‐stage temperature control strategy. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Antibacterial activity of silver‐doped manganese dioxide nanoparticles on multidrug‐resistant bacteria
Authors: Kunkalekar R. K. , Naik M. M. , Dubey S. K. , Salker A. V. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: As a result of evolution of multiple drug resistance in human pathogens (bacteria) there is increasing demand for novel antibacterial agents, and recently, due to their high antibacterial and catalytic activities, metal nanoparticles have attracted the attention of researchers and medical microbiologists worldwide.RESULTS: Ni‐, Ce‐ and Ag‐doped MnO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by a co‐precipitation method. Antibacterial activity of these synthesized nanoparticles on methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and lead‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain 4EA was investigated using a disc diffusion method. Only Ag‐doped MnO2 nanoparticles showed an antibacterial property against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and lead‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain 4EA at low levels of 60 µg/disc and 85 µg/disc, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (SEM‐TEM) coupled with energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis revealed the nano‐size and composition of these synthesized nanoparticles.CONCLUSION: It was confirmed through a disc diffusion method that chemically synthesized silver doped MnO2 nanoparticles have antibacterial activity against multidrug‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and lead‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain 4EA at low levels therefore these nanoparticles can be employed to fight and prevent infections caused by multidrug‐resistant bacterial pathogens. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Dynamic and local gas holdup studies in external loop recirculating airlift reactor with two rolls of fiberglass packing using electrical resistance tomography
Authors: Hamood‐ur‐Rehman Mian , Ein‐Mozaffari Farhad , Dahman Yaser 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Airlift bioreactors have been used extensively in biotechnology industries in recent years in a variety of arrangements and applications. The insertion of packing inside the bioreactors has the potential to provide high productivity within a compact size through utilizing immobilized species.RESULTS: A novel recirculating external loop airlift bioreactor that has two rolls of fiberglass packing and a gas distributor in between was designed and built. Electrical resistance tomography (ERT) images showed that the gas holdup increased after installing the packing and the gas distributor. Gas holdup in the riser increased with decreasing static liquid height in the bioreactor. This decreased the liquid superficial velocity, which contributed to a higher gas holdup in the bioreactor. Results also showed that riser gas holdup varied slightly with different sparger configurations. Higher gas holdup increases the oxygen mass transfer rate by increasing the residence time and interfacial mass transfer area.CONCLUSION: ERT results showed that fiberglass packing with an installed gas distributor in bioreactors can achieve higher gas holdup at higher superficial gas velocity. This can contribute to improved conversion in bioreactors with packing through utilizing higher biomass concentrations and higher oxygen concentration. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
T2* MRI of minimal hepatic encephalopathy and cognitive correlates in vivo
Authors: Liu Jian‐Ying , Ding Jing , Lin Dong , He Yi‐Feng , Dai Zhi , Chen Cai‐Zhong , Cheng Wei‐Zhong , Wang He , Zhou Jian , Wang Xin 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPurpose:To evaluate regional brain iron deposition in minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) patients using T2*‐weighted gradient‐echo imaging and to explore the relationship between T2* MR changes and cognitive performance.Materials and Methods:Forty hepatitis‐B virus (HBV)‐related cirrhotic patients and 22 age‐, sex‐, and education‐matched healthy controls were included in this study. Of the patients, twenty eight patients were diagnosed with MHE. All subjects were administered Number Connection Test‐A (NCT‐A), Letter Digit Substitution Test (LDST), Rey‐Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (RCFT), and the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). T2*‐weighted gradient‐echo images were acquired using 3 Tesla MRI. Phase values (putative iron levels) in the frontal–basal ganglia–thalamocortical circuits were measured. Spearman correlation and multiple linear regression analysis were performed.Results:MHE patients exhibited significantly prolonged NCT‐A time and decreased LDST, RCFT immediate and delayed recall scores. Significant decreases of phase values in the bilateral putamen were detected in MHE patients compared to without MHE patients and controls. Multiple linear regression analysis confirmed significant correlations between the phase values in the putamen and right frontal white matter and cognitive performances by MHE patients.Conclusion:Decreased phase values in the frontal cortical–basal ganglial circuits independently contribute to cognitive impairments in MHE patients. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:179–186. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In‐depth study of the protein molecular structures of different types of dried distillers grains with solubles and their relationship to digestive characteristics
Authors: Liu Bo , Thacker Philip , McKinnon John , Yu Peiqiang 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundDried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) have been extensively utilised in ruminant rations in western Canada and USA, and it is important to ensure their consistent quality. Traditional chemical methods do not consider the inherent structural changes of feed ingredients. Synchrotron‐based Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (SFTIRM) and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFT) have been utilised to detect the changes in molecular structure of several feedstuffs (e.g. barley, flaxseed and alfalfa). However, similar structural information is lacking for DDGS. The objectives of this study were to identify differences in protein molecular structures between different grains (wheat, triticale and corn) and DDGS (wheat DDGS, triticale DDGS, corn DDGS and wheat and corn blend DDGS) using SFTIRM and DRIFT and to reveal the relationship between changes in protein molecular structure and the digestive characteristics of the protein in DDGS when fed to dairy cattle.ResultsThe protein molecular structure studies showed significant decreases (P < 0.01) in the amide I to amide II ratio and the α‐helix to β‐sheet ratio between grains and their DDGS. Protein digestive characteristics were correlated with protein molecular structures in grains and DDGS, and prediction equations were established to estimate protein digestive characteristics of DDGS using protein molecular structure parameters. For the DVE/OEB‐1994 model, one of the best prediction equations was for truly absorbed protein in the small intestine (DVE) = 296.17 − 38.98 × the amide I to amide II ratio (R2 = 0.72). For the NRC‐2001 system, one of the best prediction equations was for metabolisable protein (MP) = 300.96 − 43.32 × the amide I to amide II ratio (R2 = 0.76).ConclusionProtein molecular structure varies between different DDGS and their original grains, and this variation is associated with the digestive characteristics of the proteins in the DDGS and their original grains.
Effect of treated and untreated domestic wastewater on seed germination, seedling growth and amylase and lipase activities in Avena sativa L
Authors: Fendri Imen , Ben Saad Rania , Khemakhem Bassem , Ben Halima Nihed , Gdoura Radhouane , Abdelkafi Slim 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundOats (Avena sativa L.) are a potential economically viable source of lipids and starch for use in foods. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of treated and untreated urban wastewater on seed germination, growth parameters and lipase and amylase activities in A. sativa.ResultsUntreated wastewater was highly toxic in nature and had an inhibitory effect on seed germination and seedling growth. However, after bacterial treatment, its toxicity was significantly reduced and it showed improved seed germination. It was observed that treated wastewater had no inhibitory effect on seedling growth parameters. However, A. sativa seeds treated with untreated effluent showed reduced lipase and amylase activities.ConclusionTreated wastewater could be used for irrigation purposes provided that it satisfies other conditions fixed by legislation. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison of stem morphology and anatomy of two alfalfa clonal lines exhibiting divergent cell wall composition
Authors: Gronwald John W , Bucciarelli Bruna 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn previous research, two alfalfa clonal lines (252 and 1283) were identified that exhibited environmentally stable differences in stem cell walls. Compared with stems of 1283, stems of 252 have a higher cell wall concentration and greater amounts of lignin and cellulose but reduced levels of pectic sugar residues. These results suggest greater deposition of secondary xylem and a reduction in pith in stems of 252 compared with 1283.RESULTSThe stem morphology and anatomy of first‐cut and second‐cut harvests of field‐grown 1283 and 252 were examined. For both harvests, stems of 1283 were thicker and had a higher leaf/stem ratio compared with stems of 252. Stem cross‐sections of both genotypes were stained for lignin, and the proportions of stem area that were pith and secondary xylem were measured using ImageJ. Stems of 252 exhibited greater deposition of secondary xylem and a reduction in pith proportion compared with stems of 1283 for the first‐cut harvest, but this difference was not statistically significant for the second‐cut harvest.CONCLUSIONThe results indicate that the proportions of secondary xylem and pith are not environmentally stable in these two genotypes and hence cannot be the sole basis for the differences in cell wall concentration/composition. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry.
Risk predictors of underestimation and the need for sentinel node biopsy in patients diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ by preoperative needle biopsy
Authors: Park Hyung Seok , Park Seho , Cho JungHoon , Park Ji Min , Kim Seung Il , Park Byeong‐Woo 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundDiagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) by core needle biopsy showed a high rate of underestimation of invasiveness, and performing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in DCIS patients was controversial.MethodsWe analyzed 340 DCIS patients who were diagnosed by needle biopsies. Final pathology and clinicopathological features were reviewed. Predictors were accessed using the Chi‐square test and a binary logistic regression model.ResultsThe overall DCIS underestimation rate was 42.6%. The underestimation was significantly related to the palpability, mass or calcification by ultrasonography, grade, suspicious microinvasion, and biopsy method in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, palpability, ultrasonographic calcification or mass, suspicious microinvasion, and core needle biopsy were independent predictors of underestimation of invasive cancer. In cases with one or no risk predictors, the underestimation rate was 14.3%, whereas, in those with five predictors, it increased to 90.9%. Among 144 invasive cancer patients who underwent axillary staging, 15.4% had node metastasis.ConclusionsDCIS diagnosed by preoperative needle biopsy has a high probability of underestimation, and 15% of invasive cancer patients have node metastasis. SLNB may be justified in DCIS patients undergoing needle biopsies, and caution should be exercised in omitting SLNB in patients with one or no risk predictors. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:388–392. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Invasive sinonasal actinomycosis
Authors: Vorasubin Nopawan , Wu Arthur W. , Day Christina , Suh Jeffrey D. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractActinomycosis is a rare anaerobic bacterial infection typically caused byActinomyces israelii. Although part of normal flora in the oral cavity, and respiratory and digestive tracts,A israeliican give rise to pathologic infections most commonly reported in the oral cavity from odontogenic causes. We present a rare case of invasive actinomycosis presenting with extensive midface destruction involving the maxilla and paranasal sinuses, with mucosal necrosis mimicking an aggressive neoplasm. The diagnosis is usually reached only after histopathologic analysis showing characteristic sulfur granules with filamentous gram‐positive, non–acid‐fast bacteria. We review the literature on its epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
Differential response rates to irradiation among patients with human papillomavirus positive and negative oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Chen Allen M. , Li Judy , Beckett Laurel A. , Zhara Talia , Farwell Gregory , Lau Derick H. , Gandour‐Edwards Regina , Vaughan Andrew T. , Purdy James A. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:To evaluate the responsiveness of human papillomavirus (HPV) ‐positive and HPV‐negative oropharyngeal cancer to intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), using axial imaging obtained daily during the course of image‐guided radiotherapy (IGRT).Study Design:Observational cohort study with matched‐pair analysis of patients irradiated for HPV‐positive and HPV‐negative oropharygeal cancer.Methods and Materials:Ten patients treated by IMRT to 70 Gy for locally advanced, HPV‐positive squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx were matched to one HPV‐negative control subject by age, gender, performance status, T‐category, tumor location, and the use of concurrent chemotherapy. The gross tumor volume (GTV) was delineated on daily IGRT scans obtained via kilovoltage cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT). Mathematical modeling using fitted mixed‐effects repeated measure analysis was performed to quantitatively and descriptively assess the trajectory of tumor regression.Results:Patients with HPV‐positive tumors experienced a more rapid rate of tumor regression between day 1 of IMRT and the beginning of week 2 (−33% Δ GTV) compared to their counterparts with HPV‐negative tumors (−10% Δ GTV), which was statistically significant (p<0.001). During this initial period, the average absolute change in GTV was −22.9 cc/week for HPV‐positive tumors and −5.9 cc/week for HPV‐negative tumors (p<0.001). After week 2 of IMRT, the rates of GTV regression were comparable between the two groups.Conclusions:HPV‐positive oropharyngeal cancers exhibited an enhanced response to radiation, characterized by a dramatically more rapid initial regression than those with HPV‐negative tumors. Implications for treatment de‐intensification in the context of future clinical trials and the possible mechanisms underlying this increased radiosensitivity will be discussed. Laryngoscope, 2013
A fabricated forearm free flap with accompanying phonation tube for simultaneous reconstruction of a pharyngolaryngeal circumferential defect and voice loss
Authors: Lee Jehn‐Chuan , Hsu Wei‐Ting , Yang Cheng‐Chien , Chang Shih‐Hsin 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackground:Total pharyngolaryngectomy is potentially ablative surgery, resulting in compromise of some most basic functions of life, including speech and swallowing. Tracheoesophageal puncture is the gold standard for voice restoration. But it still has prosthesis‐related problems.Objectives/Hypothesis:We designed a uniquely customized radial forearm free flap (RFFF), which also incorporated a region for phonation tube (PT) creation, for the dual purpose of circumferential laryngopharyngeal defect reconstruction and voice production.Methods:From August 2005 to September 2010, there were 18 male patients with late‐stage hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC) or laryngeal cancer (LC) who received one‐stage reconstruction with the fabricated RFFF‐accompanying PT after total pharyngolaryngectomy. We recorded the phonation outcome of phonation efficacy (PE) and maximal phonation time (MPT) postoperatively within 1 month and at least 1 year after surgery.Results:Nine patients suffered from HPC and the others suffered from LC. Twelve patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy after surgery. The follow‐up time was 12 to 56 months (mean 28.7 months). There was no significant variance in the PE (79.72%, SD=21.93% vs. 62.50%, SD=39.60%, respectively; p = 0.115) and MPT (2.58 seconds, SD=1.80 vs. 2.97 seconds, SD=3.96, respectively; p = 0.878) between the first and last follow‐up points, even when the patients were grouped by radiotherapy status after surgery or by disease group.Conclusions:The phonation outcome in our experience was satisfactory and it tolerated postoperative radiotherapy during at least the 12‐month follow‐up period.