bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autonomic Function Tests and MIBG in Parkinson's Disease: Correlation to Disease Duration and Motor Symptoms
Authors: Rocchi Camilla , Pierantozzi Mariangela , Galati Salvatore , Chiaravalloti Agostino , Pisani Valerio , Prosperetti Chiara , Lauretti Benedetta , Stampanoni Bassi Mario , Olivola Enrica , Schillaci Orazio , Stefani Alessandro 
Published: July 2015

SummaryAimsDisorders of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) have a variable degree of clinical relevance in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we assessed whether subclinical autonomic dysfunction, as evaluated by a complete battery of autonomic function tests (AFTs), correlates with PD progression.MethodsA series of 27 consecutive patients with PD underwent extensive ANS investigations including the head‐up tilt test (HUTT), Valsalva maneuver, deep‐breathing test, and handgrip test (HG); further, they performed 123I‐meta‐iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy.ResultsSeven of the 27 patients showed orthostatic hypotension (OH) at HUTT and pathological responses to the deep‐breathing and HG test and Valsalva maneuver. The majority of the remaining 20 patients with PD showed pathological responses to deep‐breathing (n = 13) and/or HG (n = 11). Only 3 of 27 suffered relevant OH. MIBG uptake of myocardium was decreased in 19 patients with PD (H/M ratio 1.3 ± 0.2). Prolonged clinical observation (>3 years), persistent response to levodopa, and MIBG repetition allowed us to exclude negative MIBG as attributable to atypical Parkinsonism. MIBG uptake did not correlate with OH and other AFTs. Both HG test response and MIBG did correlate with the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score and disease duration. A positive correlation emerged between diastolic blood pressure (DBP) response to HG test and MIBG and with systolic blood pressure (SBP) response at tilt test.ConclusionsOur investigation suggests that ANS impairment affects the majority of patients with PD, even those PD patients showing negative MIBG, irrespective of clinical neurovegetative symptoms. The strict correlation that has been revealed with disease progression supports the routine utilization of AFTs as a reliable and inexpensive tool for monitoring peripheral sympathetic dysfunction in PD and optimizing therapy.
Comparison of calcium alginate and carboxymethyl cellulose for nasal packing after endoscopic sinus surgery: a prospective, randomised, controlled single‐blinded trial
Authors: Park D.‐Y. , Chung H.J. , Sim N.S. , Jo K.H. , Kim D.H. , Kim C.‐H. , Yoon J.‐H. 
Published: July 2015

ObjectivesCalcium alginate is a biodegradable gel‐transforming agent widely used for nasal packing. It can reduce pain and improve comfort. However, few randomised controlled trials have compared the efficacy of calcium alginate nasal packing with that of other biodegradable gel‐transforming materials.DesignProspective, randomised, single‐blinded controlled study.SettingYonsei University Severance Hospital, a tertiary academic medical centre.ParticipantsTwenty‐seven patients (54 nostrils) with chronic rhinosinusitis who were scheduled for bilateral endoscopic sinus surgery were enrolled. After surgery, one nostril was packed with calcium alginate and the other with carboxymethyl cellulose. Only patients with an intersinus chronic rhinosinusitis severity score difference of ≤1 were included.Main outcome measuresVisual analogue scale (VAS) scores for postoperative pain, discomfort from nasal discharge and pain during packing removal were analysed. Two independent rhinologists who were blinded to the assessments separately scored adhesions, oedema and infection by endoscopic digital photography at 1, 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively.ResultsThere were no significant differences in VAS scores for postoperative pain, discomfort from nasal discharge or pain during packing removal between calcium alginate packings and carboxymethyl cellulose packings. Inter‐rater variability of adhesion, oedema and infection scores was acceptable. Adhesion severity and oedema scores at 4 weeks were significantly lower with calcium alginate packing than with carboxymethyl cellulose. Infection severity scores also tended to be lower with calcium alginate than with carboxymethyl cellulose, but the difference was not significant.ConclusionsCalcium alginate nasal packing is associated with reduced severity of oedema and adhesions after endoscopic sinus surgery.
The EGR2 gene is involved in axonal Charcot−Marie−Tooth disease
Authors: Sevilla T. , Sivera R. , Martínez‐Rubio D. , Lupo V. , Chumillas M. J. , Calpena E. , Dopazo J. , Vílchez J. J. , Palau F. , Espinós C. 
Published: July 2015

Background and purposeA three‐generation family affected by axonal Charcot−Marie−Tooth disease (CMT) was investigated with the aim of discovering genetic defects and to further characterize the phenotype.MethodsThe clinical, nerve conduction studies and muscle magnetic resonance images of the patients were reviewed. A whole exome sequencing was performed and the changes were investigated by genetic studies, in silico analysis and luciferase reporter assays.ResultsA novel c.1226G>A change (p.R409Q) in the EGR2 gene was identified. Patients presented with a typical, late‐onset axonal CMT phenotype with variable severity that was confirmed in the ancillary tests. The in silico studies showed that the residue R409 is an evolutionary conserved amino acid. The p.R409Q mutation, which is predicted as probably damaging, would alter the conformation of the protein slightly and would cause a decrease of gene expression.ConclusionsThis is the first report of an EGR2 mutation presenting as an axonal CMT phenotype with variable severity. This study broadens the phenotype of the EGR2‐related neuropathies and suggests that the genetic testing of patients suffering from axonal CMT should include the EGR2 gene.
Parentification, Stress, and Problem Behavior of Adolescents who have a Parent with Mental Health Problems
Authors: Van Loon Linda M. A. , Van de Ven Monique O. M. , Van Doesum Karin T. M. , Hosman Clemens M. H. , Witteman Cilia L. M. 
Published: July 2015

When adolescents live with a parent with mental illness, they often partly take over the parental role. Little is known about the consequences of this so‐called parentification on the adolescents' internalizing and externalizing problems. This survey study examined this effect cross‐sectionally and longitudinally in a sample of 118 adolescents living with a parent suffering from mental health problems. In addition, the study examined a possible indirect effect via perceived stress. Path analyses were used to examine the direct associations between parentification and problem behavior as well as the indirect relations via perceived stress. The results showed that parentification was associated with both internalizing and externalizing problems cross‐sectionally, but it predicted only internalizing problems 1 year later. An indirect effect of parentification on adolescent internalizing and externalizing problems via perceived stress was found, albeit only cross‐sectionally. These findings imply that parentification can be stressful for adolescents who live with a parent with mental health problems, and that a greater awareness of parentification is needed to prevent adolescents from developing internalizing problems.
The structural and mutational analyses of O‐ureido‐l‐serine synthase necessary for d‐cycloserine biosynthesis
Authors: Uda Narutoshi , Matoba Yasuyuki , Oda Kosuke , Kumagai Takanori , Sugiyama Masanori 
Published: July 2015

We have recently been successful in cloning a gene cluster necessary for the biosynthesis of d‐cycloserine (d‐CS) from d‐CS‐producing Streptomyces lavendulae ATCC11924. Although dcsD, one of the ORFs located on the gene cluster, encodes a protein homologous to O‐acetylserine sulfhydrylase that synthesizes l‐cysteine using O‐acetyl‐l‐serine together with sulfide, it functions to form O‐ureido‐l‐serine as a d‐CS biosynthetic intermediate, using O‐acetyl‐l‐serine together with hydroxyurea (HU). In the present study, using crystallographic and mutational studies, three amino acid residues in DcsD that are important for the substrate preference toward HU were determined. We showed that two of the three residues are important for the binding of HU into the substrate‐binding pocket. The other residue contributes to the formation of a loose hydrogen‐bond network during the catalytic reaction. Information regarding the amino acid residues will be very useful in the design of a new catalyst for synthesizing the β‐substituted‐l‐alanine derivatives.DatabaseThe atomic coordinates and structure factors of wild‐type DcsD and l‐OUS‐bound K43A mutant of DcsD have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank under accession codes 3X43 and 3X44, respectively.
Iron Deficiency and IL1β Polymorphisms in Helicobacter pylori‐infected Children
Authors: Serrano Carolina A. , Villagrán Andrea , Toledo Héctor , Crabtree Jean E. , Harris Paul R. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori infection has been associated with an imbalance of iron homeostasis. IL‐1β has been related with iron absorption disturbances through a variety of mechanisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of polymorphic variants for IL‐1β cluster and gastric IL1β mRNA expression in H. pylori‐infected children and their relationship with hypochlorhydria and iron deficiency (ID).Patients and MethodsProspective study of 123 symptomatic children. At endoscopy, antral biopsies were taken for urease test, pathology and culture and blood for analysis of ferritin, transferrin, serum iron, and total iron‐binding capacity. Polymorphisms in the IL‐1β cluster (positions −511, −31, +3954, ILRN) were determined by PCR‐RFLP. Gastric mucosal expression of IL‐1β mRNA was determined by RT‐PCR.ResultsAfter exclusions, of 105 patients, 33 (31.4%) were H. pylori positive. Nine (8.6%) children were classified as iron deficient (ID). Helicobacter pylori positivity was associated with ID (OR: 5.1; 95% CI: 1.2–21.9) (p = .04). No significant differences were found in allele frequency for IL1β gene cluster polymorphisms between infected and uninfected children. Helicobacter pylori‐infected children with ID had significantly increased gastric IL1β mRNA in comparison with infected children without ID. In addition, a significant positive correlation was observed between mucosal IL‐1β mRNA and fasting gastric juice pH. Gastric pH values were significantly increased in H. pylori‐infected patients with ID compared to uninfected children.ConclusionsThe established association between H. pylori infection and ID in children may be mediated by increased gastric mucosal IL‐1β.
Optimisation of fermentation conditions for probiotication of sorghum wort by Lactobacillus acidophilus LA5
Authors: Hassani Ahmed , Zarnkow Martin , Becker Thomas 
Published: July 2015

SummaryProbiotics are considered as significant segments of functional foods. The response surface methodology was used to optimise the fermentation process conditions for the development of a probiotic sorghum wort beverage fermented with Lb. acidophilus LA5. The central composite design was applied with three fermentation parameters such as temperature, inoculation dosage and initial pH. Each parameter was varied at three levels. All parameters had single or interaction significant effects (P < 0.05) on the response variables. The models were highly significant with very low P ‐values. The optimum fermentation conditions were as follows: temperature 33 °C, inoculation dosage 0.8 OD600 and pH 5.3. Under these conditions, a probiotic beverage with viable bacterial cell concentration of 8.0 log10 cfu mL−1, final pH 3.7, lactic acid 3.2 g L−1 and total sugar 52.7 g L−1 can be produced. The validation experiments showed a good agreement between the experimental and predicted values. The results showed that sorghum wort is a suitable medium to produce probiotic beverages fermented with Lb. acidophilus LA5.
Effect of chlorophyll removal and particle size upon the nutritional and technological properties of powdered by‐products from artichoke (Cynara scolymus, L.) industrial canning
Authors: Ruiz‐Cano Domingo , Frutos María José , Hernández‐Herrero José Antonio , Pérez‐Llamas Francisca , Zamora Salvador 
Published: July 2015

SummaryIn this study, the effect of the particle‐size fractionation (Ø < 0.212 mm and 0.212 mm < Ø < 0.991 mm) and chlorophyll extraction on the nutritional and technological properties of the powdered artichoke ingredient was evaluated. The contents of minerals, protein, fat, carbohydrates and dietary fibre together with the content in bioactive compounds such as inulin and phenolics were determined. Other properties such as water‐ and oil‐holding capacities, water activity and antioxidant capacity were measured. The ingredient with chlorophyll and the lowest particle size presented the highest phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (8.4 mg of vitamin C equivalents per 100 g of dry matter) and water‐ and oil‐holding capacities. The removal of chlorophyll increased the oil‐holding capacity (from 59.7% to 94.6%), which was much higher than in the coarse ingredient (34%), but has a deleterious effect reducing the antioxidant capacity and the inulin content. The ingredients also showed high dietary fibre (22.5–33%), inulin (9–16%) and mineral (7.5–7.8%) contents. Although the ingredient with chlorophyll and smaller particle size had the higher antioxidant capacity, the removal of chlorophyll improved the technological properties to be used as food ingredient without affecting significantly to the nutritional value.
Geographical discrimination of honeys through antioxidant capacity, mineral content and colour
Authors: Patrignani Mariela , Bernardelli Cecilia , Conforti Paula A. , Malacalza Néstor H. , Yamul Diego K. , Donati Edgardo , Lupano Cecilia E. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThe assessment of geographical origin of honey is economically important for producers and consumers as every region may present particular quality characteristics. In this study, honeys from the seven different regions of Buenos Aires province (Argentina) were characterised by their antioxidant capacity (DPPH, FRAP), total phenolic content (TPC), mineral composition, colour and ash. Honeys showed significant differences among their antioxidant capacity (DPPH), ash, colour and mineral content (P ≤ 0.05). Besides, a good antioxidant activity and low amounts of Cu and Zn (<1.0–1.5 and 0.7–1.8 mg kg−1, respectively) were found in the samples. Significant Pearson's correlations (P ≤ 0.05) among the different parameters were found. Moreover, the linear discriminant analysis allowed the classification of honeys in their original groups with a prediction success of 98%. The present results suggest that honeys could be correctly classified by their geographical origin through their TPC, colour, ash and mineral concentrations.
Can labour provisions work beyond the border? Evaluating the effects of EU free trade agreements
Authors: CAMPLING Liam , HARRISON James , RICHARDSON Ben , SMITH Adrian 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe European Union (EU) has concluded close to 50 bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs), with around 10 more under negotiation. EU FTAs now include “trade and sustainable development” chapters, which contain labour provisions based on a “promotional” rather than “conditional” approach. In the context of the debate on the purpose and efficacy of the trade–labour linkage, the authors examine the possibilities and limitations of these provisions, drawing attention to the lack of research on their effect “on the ground”. To bridge this gap, they propose a new research agenda for evaluating the effects of labour provisions in EU FTAs.
Redesigning enforcement in private labour regulation: Will it work?
Authors: MARX Axel , WOUTERS Jan 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPrivate labour regulation has emerged as an international governance tool for the enforcement of international labour standards. Yet, doubts have recently been expressed concerning the potential of such private systems for effectively improving labour conditions in supply chains. Their typical top‐down auditing approach to enforcing standards is considered inappropriate when it comes to international labour standards. This article assesses whether the design of these systems can be strengthened in order to ensure better compliance. In particular, the authors draw attention to mechanisms which empower stakeholders, such as complaint mechanisms, whose potential and constraints are discussed.
Adherence to the gluten‐free diet can achieve the therapeutic goals in almost all patients with coeliac disease: A 5‐year longitudinal study from diagnosis
Authors: Newnham Evan D , Shepherd Susan J , Strauss Boyd J , Hosking Patrick , Gibson Peter R 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundKey aims of treatment of coeliac disease are to heal the intestinal mucosa and correct nutritional abnormalities.AimWe aim to determine prospectively the degree of success and time course of achieving those goals with a gluten‐free diet.MethodsNinety‐nine patients were enrolled at diagnosis and taught the diet. The first 52 were reassessed at 1 year and 46 at 5 years, 25 being assessed at the three time points regarding dietary compliance (dietitian‐assessed), coeliac serology, bone mineral density and body composition analysis by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry, and intestinal histology.ResultsMean age (range) was 40 (18–71) years and 48 (76%) were female. Dietary compliance was very good to excellent in all but one. Tissue transglutaminase IgA was persistently elevated in 44% at 1 year and 30% at 5 years and were poorly predictive of mucosal disease. Rates of mucosal remission (Marsh 0) and response (Marsh 0/1) were 37% and 54%, and 50% and 85% at 1 and 5 years, respectively. Fat mass increased significantly over the first year in those with normal/reduced body mass index. Lean body mass indices more slowly improved irrespective of status at diagnosis with significant improvement at 5 years. Bone mass increased only in those with osteopenia or osteoporosis, mostly in year 1.ConclusionDietary compliance is associated with a high chance of healing the intestinal lesion and correction of specific body compositional abnormalities. The time course differed with body fat improving within 1 year, and correction of the mucosal lesion and improvement in lean mass and bone mass taking longer.
Apple Flavor: Linking Sensory Perception to Volatile Release and Textural Properties
Authors: Ting Valentina J.L. , Romano Andrea , Silcock Patrick , Bremer Phil J. , Corollaro Maria Laura , Soukoulis Christos , Cappellin Luca , Gasperi Flavia , Biasioli Franco 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn apples, consumers predominantly use visual, auditory and texture cues as quality/preference indicators and struggle to describe complex olfactory sensations. This study investigated apple cultivar differentiation using analytical and sensory techniques with the goal of achieving more relevant instrumental characterization. Sensory flavor/odor data were compared with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) measured using proton transfer reaction time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer (PTR‐ToF‐MS) and sensory texture data were compared with mechanical‐acoustic textural parameters obtained using a texture analyzer. Both techniques separated cultivars similarly. PTR‐ToF‐MS data separated cultivars into VOC families that correlated to specific sensory attributes (e.g., butanoate esters to lemon flavor/odor). Analytical and sensory firmness were positively correlated where the former differentiated crunchy from hard‐not crunchy cultivars. Sweet taste did not correlate to soluble solids content but was positively correlated to fruity esters which could indicate a taste‐aroma interaction. This study demonstrates the potential to predict sensory attributes of apples using analytical techniques.Practical ApplicationThe description of apple flavor is challenging for both trained panelists and consumers to describe due to the complexity of the multimodal stimulations that occur within the oral and ortho/retro nasal cavity during consumption that induce odor, taste, flavor and sound perception. Therefore, this study looks at objectively characterizing apple cultivars based solely on instrumental techniques that reflect attributes attained from a descriptive sensory analysis of the same cultivars. The current study found apple cultivars were separated into similar groups when sensory and instrumental texture, physicochemical and VOC data were compared. Specific analytical properties that correlated strongly to sensory attributes could be used as predictors of important sensory attributes that differentiated the samples. Hence, the use of these instrumental techniques to characterize apples could be an option to increase throughput.
An Automated Surveying and Marking System for Continuous Setting‐out of Tunnels
Authors: Gonzalez‐Jimenez J. , Arevalo V. , Galindo C. , Ruiz‐Sarmiento J.R. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractSetting‐out is a crucial and frequently repeated process in construction and civil engineering. It is carried out by qualified operators who, making use of surveying stations, identify reference points to guide workers in their tasks. In this paper, we focus on the particular case of setting‐out road/train tunnels and propose a system that automatically performs the setting‐out operation of the tunnel section to be perforated. The presented system, called Tunnel Continuous Setout (TCS), integrates a scanning device that surveys the excavation front and a laser projector that continuously displays the actual tunnel section computed as the intersection between the surveyed terrain and the planned tunnel section. Thus, the topographer intervention is only required for the precise positioning of the TCS device at the beginning of each working stretch, which depends on the operational range of its components (limited to 25 meters in the current implementation). A prototype of the TCS system has been employed in a real construction site proving its benefits and advantages with respect to the traditional setting‐out techniques.
An entomological and seroepidemiological study of the vectorial‐transmission risk of Chagas disease in the coast of northern Chile
Authors: GONZÁLEZ C. R. , REYES C. , CANALS A. , PARRA A. , MUÑOZ X. , RODRÍGUEZ K. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractFour species of triatomines are known from Chile: Triatoma infestans Klug, Mepraia spinolai Porter, M. gajardoi Frías, Henry & González, and M. parapatrica Frías (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), the last three are endemic. The geographical distribution of M. gajardoi includes the coastal areas in the north of Chile between 18° and 21°S, an area with both a resident workforce and summer‐season visitors. A study was developed to assess the risk of vectorial transmission of Chagas disease by M. gajardoi in hut settlements on the coast of the Tarapacá Region, in particular in Caleta San Marcos and Caleta Río Seco. The study comprised fingerstick sampling of 95 persons, venous samples from 29 domestic dogs and capture of 52 triatomines, from both fishing coves. The samples were analysed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. The results show that, of the total number of persons studied, 100% were negative for Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas (Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae) antibodies, 10.34% of canids were positive for the antibody and 5.8% of M. gajardoi were infected to the PCR technique. The presence of this species in areas close to human settlements constitutes a risk to human populations established on the coast of northern Chile.