bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant activity and essential oil composition of Satureja hortensis L. as influenced by sulfur fertilizer
Authors: Najafian Sharareh , Zahedifar Maryam 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe quantity and quality of essential oils in plants can be influenced by various factors, including genetic traits, agricultural practices and environmental conditions such as nutrient availability. Macronutrients such as sulfur (S) are among the major factors influencing plant growth and development. Therefore this study was carried out to determine the effect of S fertilization at three levels (0, 0.05 and 0.1 g S kg−1 soil) on the essential oil composition and antioxidant activity of Satureja hortensis L.RESULTSApplication of 0.05 g S kg−1 soil increased the levels of α‐terpinene, p‐cymene, myrcene, α‐thujene and α‐pinene but decreased the level of γ‐terpinene in the essential oil. This S application was most suitable for obtaining higher proportions of α‐terpinene, p‐cymene, myrcene, α‐thujene and α‐pinene, while application of 0.1 g S kg−1 soil was preferable for carvacrol. γ‐Terpinene was most abundant in the control. All extracts showed a considerable DPPH‐inhibitory effect, with IC50 ranging from 0.720 g L−1 in the control to 0.363 g L−1 with application of 0.1 g S kg−1 soil. The maximum antioxidant effect was observed with application of 0.1 g S kg−1 soil.CONCLUSIONThe results revealed that the use of chemical fertilizers such as S could improve the antioxidant activity of plant extracts significantly. Studying the secondary plant metabolites, mainly essential oils, is an interesting research area, so further studies are recommended to determine the effect of chemical fertilizers on the composition and antioxidant activity of essential oils of other aromatic plants. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Recent Developments in Chimeric NSAIDs as Safer Anti‐Inflammatory Agents
Authors: Suthar Sharad Kumar , Sharma Manu 
Published: October 2014

AbstractNSAIDs are among the most widely prescribed medications across the world, but the gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity still remains the biggest problem and the challenge for current NSAIDs‐based therapeutics. The development of selective COX‐2 inhibitors was driven by the assumption that selective inhibition of COX‐2 would reduce the GI side effects. However, the initial enthusiasm for selective COX‐2 inhibitors has faded away due to the emergence of serious side effects associated with the long‐term use of these NSAIDs. In the recent years, a number of novel approaches to develop gastrosparing NSAIDs have been explored with the promising results. This review deals with such approaches and strategies that have been employed in the last two decades and are being used currently in the design and development of safer NSAIDs.
Nrf2 augments skeletal muscle regeneration after ischaemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Al‐Sawaf Othman , Fragoulis Athanassios , Rosen Christian , Keimes Nora , Liehn Elisa Anamaria , Hölzle Frank , Kan Yuet Wai , Pufe Thomas , Sönmez Tolga Taha , Wruck Christoph Jan 
Published: October 2014

AbstractSkeletal muscles harbour a resident population of stem cells, termed satellite cells (SCs). After trauma, SCs leave their quiescent state to enter the cell cycle and undergo multiple rounds of proliferation, a process regulated by MyoD. To initiate differentiation, fusion and maturation to new skeletal muscle fibres, SCs up‐regulate myogenin. However, the regulation of these myogenic factors is not fully understood. In this study we demonstrate that Nrf2, a major regulator of oxidative stress defence, plays a role in the expression of these myogenic factors. In both promoter studies with myoblasts and a mouse model of muscle injury in Nrf2‐deficient mice, we show that Nrf2 prolongs SC proliferation by up‐regulating MyoD and suppresses SC differentiation by down‐regulating myogenin. Moreover, we show that IL‐6 and HGF, both factors that facilitate SC activation, induce Nrf2 activity in myoblasts. Thus, Nrf2 activity promotes muscle regeneration by modulating SC proliferation and differentiation and thereby provides implications for tissue regeneration.Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Somatic aberrations of mismatch repair genes as a cause of microsatellite‐unstable cancers
Authors: Geurts‐Giele Willemina RR , Leenen Celine HM , Dubbink Hendrikus J , Meijssen Isabelle C , Post Edward , Sleddens Hein FBM , Kuipers Ernst J , Goverde Anne , van den Ouweland Ans MW , van Lier Margot GF , Steyerberg Ewout W , van Leerdam Monique E , Wagner Anja , Dinjens Winand NM 
Published: October 2014

AbstractLynch syndrome (LS) is caused by germline mutations in mismatch repair (MMR) genes, resulting in microsatellite‐unstable tumours. Approximately 35% of suspected LS (sLS) patients test negative for germline MMR gene mutations, hampering conclusive LS diagnosis. The aim of this study was to investigate somatic MMR gene aberrations in microsatellite‐unstable colorectal and endometrial cancers of sLS patients negative for germline MMR gene mutations. Suspected LS cases were selected from a retrospective Clinical Genetics Department diagnostic cohort and from a prospective multicentre population‐based study on LS in The Netherlands. In total, microsatellite‐unstable tumours of 40 sLS patients (male/female 20/20, median age 57 years) were screened for somatic MMR gene mutations by next‐generation sequencing. In addition, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of the affected MMR genes in these tumours as well as in 68 LS‐associated tumours and 27 microsatellite‐unstable tumours with MLH1 promoter hypermethylation was studied. Of the sLS cases, 5/40 (13%) tumours had two pathogenic somatic mutations and 16/40 (40%) tumours had a (likely) pathogenic mutation and LOH. Overall, LOH of the affected MMR gene locus was observed in 24/39 (62%) tumours with informative LOH markers. Of the LS cases and the tumours with MLH1 promoter hypermethylation, 39/61 (64%) and 2/21 (10%) tumours, respectively, demonstrated LOH. Half of microsatellite‐unstable tumours of sLS patients without germline MMR gene mutations had two (likely) deleterious somatic MMR gene aberrations, indicating their sporadic origin. Therefore, we advocate adding somatic mutation and LOH analysis of the MMR genes to the molecular diagnostic workflow of LS. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Klotho suppresses renal tubulo‐interstitial fibrosis by controlling basic fibroblast growth factor‐2 signalling
Authors: Guan Xu , Nie Ling , He Ting , Yang Ke , Xiao Tangli , Wang Song , Huang Yunjian , Zhang Jingbo , Wang Junping , Sharma Kumar , Liu Youhua , Zhao Jinghong 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIncreased basic fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF2) and reduced Klotho have both been reported to be closely associated with renal fibrosis. However, the relationship between Klotho and FGF2 remains unclear. We demonstrate that FGF2 induced tubulo‐epithelial plasticity in cultured HK‐2 cells, accompanied by a reduction in Klotho expression, whereas recombinant Klotho protein could inhibit the action of FGF2. The FGF2 effects required extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase 1/2 activation, which was suppressed by Klotho. Moreover, Klotho also restrained FGF2‐induced fibroblast proliferation and activation. The inhibitory effect of Klotho on the activity of FGF2 was likely due to its potent ability to compete with FGF2 binding to FGF receptor 1. Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)‐induced renal fibrosis was associated with an increase in FGF2 and a reduction in Klotho expression in wild‐type mice, whereas FGF2–/– mice largely preserved Klotho expression and developed only mild renal fibrosis after obstructive injury. Furthermore, administration of Klotho protein in UUO mice significantly reduced renal fibrosis, concomitant with a marked suppression of FGF2 production and signalling. These studies demonstrate a feedback loop between Klotho depletion and FGF2 activation in renal fibrosis. Our results also suggest that Klotho treatment reduces renal fibrosis, at least in part, by inhibiting FGF2 signalling. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Recent trends in the birth prevalence of Down syndrome in China: impact of prenatal diagnosis and subsequent terminations
Authors: Deng Changfei , Yi Ling , Mu Yi , Zhu Jun , Qin Yanwen , Fan Xiaoxiao , Wang Yanping , Li Qi , Dai Li 
Published: October 2014

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims to analyze recent trends in Down syndrome (DS) prevalence in China and evaluate the impact of prenatal diagnosis and subsequent terminations.DesignA birth defects surveillance‐based retrospective study was adopted.MethodsOn the basis of the 1996 to 2011 surveillance data for DS from Chinese Birth Defects Monitoring Network, we examined the total prevalence ratio (TPR), perinatal prevalence ratio (PPR) and percentages of prenatally identified cases and of terminations by periods (before and after 2003), birth area, gender and maternal‐age classifications.ResultsDown syndrome TPR was 3.05 per 10 000 births during 2003 to 2011, with significant differences between urban–rural, gender and maternal‐age groups. DS PPR during 1996 to 2011 was 1.99 per 10 000, presenting an increasing trend till 2003 but a decreasing tendency since then. The proportion of DS diagnosed prenatally increased from 7.55% during 1996 to 2002 to 47.70% during 2003 to 2011, varying by birth area and maternal age. During 2003 to 2011, the high termination rate led to 55% reduction in the overall DS PPR and 62% and 36% decreases in urban and rural PPRs.ConclusionThe important reduction in the PPR suggests that current strategies in China for the prenatal screening and diagnosis of DS are effective. However, significant urban–rural variations in TPR and PPR indicate an urgent need to strengthen prenatal care for DS in rural regions. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comprehensive proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis of yeast deletion mutants of 14‐3‐3 orthologs and associated effects of rapamycin
Authors: Paulo Joao A. , Gygi Steven P. 
Published: October 2014

We applied a multiplexed, MS‐based strategy to interrogate the proteome and phosphoproteome of three yeast strains under two growth conditions in triplicate. The yeast proteins brain modulosignalin homologue (Bmh)1 and Bmh2, analogs to the 14‐3‐3 protein family, have a wide array of cellular functions including the regulation of phosphorylation events. Moreover, rapamycin is a drug that can regulate phosphorylation events. By performing a series of tandem mass tag 10‐plex experiments, we investigated the alterations in the proteome and phosphoproteome of wildtype and two deletion strains (bmh1Δ and bmh2Δ) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae treated with rapamycin and DMSO as a control. Our 3 × 3 + 1 strategy allowed for triplicate analysis of each of the three strains, plus an additional sample consisting of an equal mix of all samples. We quantified over 4000 proteins and 20 000 phosphorylation events. Of these, we quantified over 3700 proteins across all 20 samples and over 14 300 phosphorylation events within each drug treatment. In total, data collected from four tandem mass tag 10‐plex experiments required approximately 1 week of data collection on the mass spectrometer. This study underscores the complex cellular roles of Bmh1 and Bmh2 coupled with response to rapamycin treatment and emphasizes the utility of multiplexed proteomic techniques to elucidate comprehensive proteomes and phosphoproteomes.
Distributed formation control with relaxed motion requirements
Authors: Bishop Adrian N. , Deghat Mohammad , Anderson Brian D. O. , Hong Yiguang 
Published: October 2014

SummaryHeterogeneous formation shape control with interagent bearing and distance constraints involves the design of a distributed control law that ensures the formation moves such that these interagent constraints are achieved and maintained. This paper looks at the design of a distributed control scheme to solve different formation shape control problems in an ambient two‐dimensional space with bearing, distance and mixed bearing and distance constraints. The proposed control law allows the agents in the formation to move in any direction on a half‐plane and guarantees that despite this freedom, the proposed shape control algorithm ensures convergence to a formation shape meeting the prescribed constraints. This work provides an interesting and novel contrast to much of the existing work in formation control where distance‐only constraints are typically maintained and where each agent's motion is typically restricted to follow a very particular path. A stability analysis is sketched, and a number of illustrative examples are also given. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of Cu(II) ions adsorbent from acrylic acid‐grafted corn starch in aqueous solutions
Authors: Lu Quliang , Gao Pin , Zhi Hui , Zhao Haoyuan , Yang Yaping , Sun Baiwang 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAcrylic acid graft onto corn starch with excellent water holding capacity were successfully synthesized and employed for copper ions removal in aqueous solution. N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide and potassium persulfate effectively worked as cross‐linking agent and the reaction initiator for copolymerization reaction, respectively. The data of FTIR confirmed that acrylic acid has been grafted onto starch. The effect of time on the water holding performance was investigated, and its maximum value was 96.6 g/g. The copolymers were dispersed in aqueous solution of Cu2+ ions and form polymer‐copper ions complex. The copper ions removal capacity of grafted starch was investigated by UV–visible spectrophotometry as a function of pH, water holding capacity, the content of NaCl, and the initial concentration of copper ions. In the presence of NaCl, the highest copper ions removal capacity was 2.56 mmol copper ions per gram of grafted starch, and 85.3% of copper ions have been removed. The isothermal study indicated that the adsorption data could be well modeled by Langmuir isotherms.
Pasting, swelling, and solubility characteristics of rice batter prepared from different wet grinding systems
Authors: Sharma Pankaj , Singh Vasudeva , Subramanian Rangaswamy 
Published: October 2014

AbstractPasting behavior of raw and parboiled rice (IR‐64) batter prepared from different wet grinding systems (stone grinder, mixer grinder, and colloid mill) with average particle size (∼620 µm) similar to the market sample was studied after 14–16 h fermentation. Gelatinization temperature (GT) for raw and parboiled rice varied from 70 to 75°C and 77 to 79°C, respectively. Peak viscosity (PV) was highest in the batter prepared from stone grinder which could be due to the predominant compressive forces involved in wet grinding. PV of parboiled rice batter was 40–45% less than the raw rice which was attributed to the presence of pre‐gelatinized starch. In parboiled rice batter, breakdown (BD) reduced drastically and the relative breakdown (BDr) was also low compared to the raw rice batter. Swelling power and solubility when studied at various temperatures 50–100°C were lower in the batter prepared from stone grinder compared to the shear imparting mixer grinder and colloid mill indicating the probable role of grinding forces involved.
Influence of xanthan gum on viscoelastic retardation processes in starch pastes
Authors: Ptaszek Paweł 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe aim of this study was to analyze the traces of retardation spectra L(λ) as a function of the experiment duration in systems containing normal (CS) and waxy (WS) corn starches with the addition of xanthan gum (XG). Retardation spectra were estimated based on continuous Burger's model. The branching of retardation spectra and the development of new characteristic retardation times in real time (during the experiment) were shown. The system with the lowest content of XG and CS revealed a cascade of doublings created on the upper branch in retardation spectra. The phenomenon proceeded towards long retardation times. This means that the system began to flow, and thus showed more viscous properties in the observed time frame. Replacement of CS with XG also resulted in generation of doublings in the trace of the retardation spectrum on the shorter time branches. The doublings, which are also present in the pastes with XG and WS, originate from the upper branches only. No doublings were observed on the lower arms. The new branches have always tended towards longer retardation times. This means that, over time, the system tends towards flowing and, hence, towards the phenomenon of energy dissipation, as the structure is no more able to store mechanical energy.
Nanocomposites of crosslinked starch phthalate and silane modified nanoclay: Study of mechanical, thermal, morphological, and biodegradable characteristics
Authors: Ashamol A. , Priyambika V. S. , Avadhani G. S. , Sailaja R. R. N. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBiodegradable composites comprising of modified starch and modified nanoclay have been prepared. Starch has been modified by esterification and subsequently crosslinked. The thermal, mechanical, and biodegradation characteristics of the composites have been investigated. The compressive properties of the composites with the addition of nanoclay were twice that of crosslinked starch phthalate without addition of nanoclay. Predictive theories were used to analyze the obtained experimental results. SEM studies on fracture morphology indicated quasi‐brittle fracture. Flexural properties showed considerable improvement due to nanoclay addition. The water uptake increased up to 6% nanoclay, beyond which the uptake decreased. Biodegradation studies showed an initial time lag prior to the onset of degradation.
Characterization of tradition Chinese medicine (TCM) starch for potential cosmetics industry application
Authors: Xia Yuzhuo , Gao Wenyuan , Wang Haiyang , Jiang Qianqian , Li Xia , Huang Luqi , Xiao Peigen 
Published: October 2014

AbstractTraditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), Paeonia suffruticosa Andr. (PSA), Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (PLP), and Curcuma phaeocaulis Val. (CPV) all contained abundant starch in tubers, which have usually been discard as waste in the pharmaceutical industry. In this paper, the intrinsic properties of three TCM starches were studied and the structure–property relationships were analyzed, on the purpose of exploring new starch resource for food and non‐food industries. PSA starch with the highest amylose (AM) content showed the lowest water binding capacity (WBC), while the CPV starch showed the contrary. Moreover, the starches differed in granule shape and size. The PSA and PLP starches had larger spherical or elliptic granules, whereas CPV starch possessed the smallest granules in large number among the three starches. PSA starch displayed the typical C‐type diffraction pattern, while the PLP and CPV starches were classified as A‐type pattern. The degrees of crystallinity of the three TCM starches were about 22.8, 16.6, and 24.2%, respectively. The starch separated from CPV indicated the highest transition temperatures (To, Tp, and Tc) and gelatinization temperature range (R) value with lowest peak height indices (PHI), whereas PLP starch showed the lowest transition temperatures and enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔHgel).
Physicochemical properties and antioxidant capacity of debranched starch–ferulic acid complexes
Authors: Van Hung Pham , Phat Nguyen Huu , Phi Nguyen Thi Lan 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAmylose, a primarily linear polysaccharide of (1 → 4)‐α‐D‐glucose units, displays a folding in a helical conformation and has an ability to form an inclusion complex with a variety of ligands. In this study, debranched starch–ferulic acid complexes were produced by adding ferulic acid to the debranched cassava starch paste and their physicochemical properties and antioxidant capacity were investigated. The mixing ratios of ferulic acid to starch were 0.02 (DS‐FA0.02), 0.05 (DS‐FA0.05), and 0.10 g ferulic acid/g starch (DS‐FA0.10). The amounts of bound ferulic acid in the DS‐FA0.02, DS‐FA0.05, and DS‐FA0.10 were 6.8, 16.2, and 31.5 mg/g starch, respectively. The ferulic acid was observed to be entrapped in the hydrophobic core of double helices, which did not affect the crystalline structure, gelatinization temperatures, viscosity, and RS content of the crystallites formed by the linear‐chain molecules of the debranched starch. The solubility and antioxidant capacity of the debranched starch–ferulic acid complexes increased with increasing in amount of bound ferulic acid in the complexes. The higher RS content and antioxidant capacity of the complexes are considered to have significant benefits for human health. Therefore, the debranched starch–ferulic acid complexes might be used as a new functional food as well as pharmaceutical products.
Effect of harvesting periods on the morphology and physico‐chemical properties of trifoliate yam starches
Authors: Akinoso Rahman , Abiodun Olufunmilola A. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractTrifoliate yam starches from white and yellow cultivars were isolated and characterized by SEM, granule size analysis, pasting properties and swelling characteristics at different harvesting periods were studied. The starch yield ranged from 5.09 to 12.07%. White trifoliate yam had the highest starch yield at 9 months and this was significantly different (p<0.05) from others. The scanning electron micrograph revealed the presence of smooth surface granules with polygonal granule size ranging from 2.58 to 3.58 µm in diameter. Amylose and starch contents ranged from 14.65 to 17.44% and 40.73 to 63.34%, respectively. Peak viscosity ranged from 199.77 to 373.71 RVU, holding strength from 77.68 to 167.84 RVU, breakdown 96.79 to 217.14 RVU, final viscosity 149.84 to 267.58 RVU, setback 50.34 to 112.27 RVU. White trifoliate yam starch at 7 months had the highest peak viscosity and breakdown but it exhibits high value in holding strength at 8 months. White trifoliate yam starch harvested at 10 months had the highest swelling power at 60 and 80°C while at 90°C, the highest value was recorded for starch at 11 months. The yellow starch at 10 months had higher swelling power at 90°C. Harvesting of trifoliate yam at different periods produced starches that can be used for different purposes.
Changes in rapid visco‐analysis (RVA) viscosity reveal starch digestion behaviours
Authors: Sorba Anaelle , Sopade Peter A. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractChanges in the rapid visco‐analysis (RVA) viscosity of potato and waxy maize starches during digestion were studied using amyloglucosidase and α‐amylase (60–1700 U/mL), and three solids contents (3–20%) of the starch dispersions in a replicated randomised experiment. The starches were gelatinised in the RVA before digestion at 50°C at a shear rate of 17 s−1 for 5 min. Control dispersions effectively did not change (<10%) in viscosity with time. With the enzyme‐treated gels, irrespective of the starch, enzyme or concentration, the RVA viscosity reduced with time as low molecular weight (MW) products were produced. A modified first‐order kinetic model suitably described (r2>0.9) the starch viscosity‐digestograms. The rate of change in starch viscosity, KVIS (an index of the rate of starch digestion), was significantly (p<0.05) inversely related to the solids content, and directly related to the enzyme concentration. KVIS of the waxy maize starch was higher than that of the potato starch, and a higher KVIS was measured with the α‐amylase than with the amyloglucosidase. Differences in potato and waxy maize starch structures, specificity of enzymes and enzyme:substrate ratios can explain the results, and rheology is proposed as valuable in starch digestion.