bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phytochemical analysis of Passiflora loefgrenii Vitta, a rich source of luteolin-derived flavonoids with antioxidant properties
Authors: Argentieri Maria Pia , Levi Marisa , Guzzo Flavia , Avato Pinarosa 
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Objectives
The paper describes the flavonoid composition of the aerial parts (young leaves, YL; adult leaves, AL; stems, ST) of Passiflora loefgrenii Vitta, a rare species native to Brazil, where it is traditionally used as food. Antioxidant potential has also been evaluated. To the best of our knowledge, no phytochemical and biological study on this species has been reported previously.

Methods
Compositional data have been acquired combining HPLC-diode array detector (DAD) and Electrospary ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) analyses. Antioxidant activity has been evaluated by the 2,2′-di-phenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method.

Key findings
Glycosylated flavones, with luteolin as the main aglycone, can be regarded as biomarkers for this drug. Qualitative composition of the extracts from YL, AL and ST was similar. The bulk of the constituents was made up by 8-C-ß-glucosyl luteolin (orientin), 7-O-α-rhamnosyl-6-C-ß-glucosyl luteolin and 6-C-α-rhamnosyl luteolin, which totally amounted to 16.57 (73%), 10.77 (74%) and 5.07 (77%) μg/mg in YL, AL and ST, respectively. P. loefgrenii showed a good antioxidant activity (IC50 of 350 μg/ml), higher than generally reported for other passifloras.

Conclusions
P. loefgrenii, rich in luteolin glycosides, can be regarded as a good candidate to be explored for therapeutic properties other than the sedative one since it represents a rich source of valuable flavonoids with antioxidant potential.
Topical application of the hexane fraction of Lacistema pubescens reduces skin inflammation and cytokine production in animal model
Authors: da Silva Josiane Mello , Conegundes Jéssica Leiras Mota , Mendes Renata de Freitas , Pinto Nícolas de Castro Campos , Gualberto Ana Cristina Moura , Ribeiro Antônia , Gameiro Jacy , de Aguiar Jair Adriano Kopke , Castañon Maria Christina Marques Nogueira , Scio Elita 
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this study was to investigate the acute topical anti-inflammatory effect of the hexane fraction (HLP) of Lacistema pubescens in mice.

Methods
Ear oedema models induced by croton oil, arachidonic acid, phenol, histamine, ethyl phenyl propiolate and capsaicin. Histopathological analyses of ear tissue samples sensitized with croton oil were performed. Myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), the pro-inflammatory cytokine-inhibitory effect and dermatoxicity were also evaluated.

Key findings
HLP (1, 0.5 and 0.1 mg/ear) resulted in a substantial reduction in skin thickness or tissue weight on all models tested, except for capsaicin-induced ear oedema, similar to dexamethasone (0.1 mg/ear) and/or indomethacin (0.5 mg/ear). Histopathological analyses and neutrophil-mediated MPO activity confirmed the topical anti-inflammatory effect of HLP. In addition, HLP reduced IL-1β, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α cytokine levels. Sitosterol-rich fraction (SRF), obtained from HLP fractionation, reduced ear oedema on croton oil and phenol models at the same dose of dexamethasone (0.1 mg/ear). No dermotoxicity was observed.

Conclusions
The mechanism of action of HLP was associated with the inhibition of several pro-inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, arachidonic acid metabolites and histamine, which suggested a glucocorticoid-like effect, reinforced by the presence of the steroid sitosterol. This is the first report on anti-inflammatory activity of L. pubescens leaves.
Tolerance evaluation of overdosed dietary levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 in growing piglets
Authors: von Rosenberg S. J. , Weber G. M. , Erhardt A. , Höller U. , Wehr U. A. , Rambeck W. A. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryForty‐eight, cross‐bred (GL × LW × P) piglets were used in a 42‐day tolerance trial to assess the effects of feeding diets supplemented with vitamin D or increasing levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 (25‐OH‐D3). Six‐week‐old piglets (24 castrate males, 24 females) were used. Two replicate groups of 6 piglets were randomized by weight and allocated to four dietary treatments. The control group (T1) was supplemented with 50 μg vitamin D3/kg feed. The experimental groups received 25‐OH‐D3 at the recommended dose (T2: 50 μg/kg = 1x), at 250 μg/kg (T3: 5x) or at 500 μg/kg (T4: 10x) respectively. Feed intake and daily weight gain were measured weekly, and the animals were examined by a veterinarian daily. After 42 days, body mass, blood, urine, bone and tissue samples were analysed and a pathology examination conducted. Dietary treatments had no significant effect on final body mass or daily weight gain. The 25‐OH‐D3 plasma concentration in T1 was 17 ± 3 ng/ml (mean ± SD) while the respective values of the experimental groups were significantly increased in T2, T3 and T4. Tissue concentrations of 25‐OH‐D3 were higher in liver and muscle for T3 and T4 and in skin for T4 than in T1. However, neither gross pathology nor histology, nor blood and urine characteristics, nor bone parameters were affected by dietary treatments. Weight of organs as well as dry matter, ash and calcium content of kidneys remained unaffected by dietary 25‐OH‐D3 intake. Furthermore, no changes were observed for general indicators of health. The results of this study demonstrated that feeding piglets with 25‐OH‐D3 at 5 or 10 times the recommended level had no adverse effects on any of the biological parameters measured. It was concluded that 25‐OH‐D3 can be regarded as a supplement with a very high safety margin when used at the recommended level.
The influences of ambient temperature and crude protein levels on performance and serum biochemical parameters in broilers
Authors: Liu Q. W. , Feng J. H. , Chao Z. , Chen Y. , Wei L. M. , Wang F. , Sun R. P. , Zhang M. H. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryThis study was undertaken to investigate the effects of ambient temperature, crude protein levels and their interaction on performance and serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 216 Arbor Acre broiler chickens (108 males and 108 females) were used in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement and randomly reared at two temperatures (normal temperature: 23 °C; daily cyclic high temperature: 28–32 °C) and fed on three diets with different crude protein levels (153.3, 183.3 or 213.3 g/kg, with constant essential amino acids) from 28 to 42 days of age. Daily cyclic high ambient temperature decreased final body weight, average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake and serum total protein contents (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.008 respectively), but increased feed/gain, mortality, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, serum uric acid contents and serum creatine kinase activity (p = 0.008, p = 0.003, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p = 0.003 respectively), irrespective of crude protein levels. At the ambient temperature, reducing crude protein levels resulted in an increase in feed/gain (p < 0.001), but a decrease in serum total protein and uric acid contents. Only serum creatine kinase activity in broiler chickens was interacted by daily cyclic high ambient temperature and dietary crude protein levels (p = 0.003). These results indicated that daily cyclic high ambient temperature had a great effect on performance and serum biochemical parameters in broiler chickens, whereas dietary crude protein levels affected them partially.
Rapamycin, a specific inhibitor of the target of rapamycin complex 1, disrupts intestinal barrier integrity in broiler chicks
Authors: Liu S. Q. , Zhao J. P. , Fan X. X. , Liu G. H. , Jiao H. C. , Wang X. J. , Sun S. H. , Lin H. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryTo uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying the intestinal barrier integrity, this study determined whether the rapamycin (RAPA)‐sensitive target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) pathway was involved in this process. Three groups of 4‐day‐old male chicks were randomly subjected to one of the following treatments for 6 days: high‐dose RAPA [a specific inhibitor of TORC1; an intraperitoneal injection of 1.0 mg/kg body weight (BW), once daily at 09:00 hours], low‐dose RAPA (0.4 mg/kg BW) and RAPA vehicle (control). Results showed that the RAPA treatment increased mortality, while decreasing villus height (p < 0.01), claudin 1 expression, content of immunoglobulin A (IgA), extent of TORC1 phosphorylation (p < 0.05), ratio of villus height to crypt depth (p < 0.01), and population of IgA‐positive B cells in intestinal mucosa, particularly for the jejunum. Some aspects of these responses were dose dependent and appeared to result from weight loss. Together, RAPA exerts the expected inhibition of small intestinal development and IgA production in birds, suggesting the important role of TORC1 in gut barrier integrity.
The effect of 48‐hour fasting on taurine status in healthy adult dogs
Authors: Gray K. , Alexander L. G. , Staunton R. , Colyer A. , Watson A. , Fascetti A. J. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryLow circulating taurine concentrations may be a risk factor for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. Circulating taurine is typically measured in the clinic 4–5 h after feeding, largely because the impact of later sampling is not known. The objective of this study was to measure taurine in the blood during a 48‐h fast in 12 healthy adult Labrador Retrievers to refine sampling methodology for determination of taurine status. Plasma and whole blood (WB) taurine concentrations did not fall to levels indicative of clinical deficiency throughout fasting; WB was the more reliable indicator of taurine status. This study shows that blood samples can be taken for assessment of taurine status any time up to 48 h after ingestion of a meal in healthy adult dogs.
New species of Clade B Symbiodinium (Dinophyceae) from the greater Caribbean belong to different functional guilds: S. aenigmaticum sp. nov., S. antillogorgium sp. nov., S. endomadracis sp. nov., and S. pseudominutum sp. nov.
Authors: Parkinson John Everett , Coffroth Mary Alice , LaJeunesse Todd C. 
Published: August 2015

Molecular approaches have begun to supersede traditional morphometrics in the species delineation of micro‐eukaryotes. In addition to fixed differences in DNA sequences, recent genetics‐based descriptions within the dinoflagellate genus Symbiodinium have incorporated confirmatory morphological, physiological, and ecological evidence when possible. However, morphological and physiological data are difficult to collect from species that have not been cultured, while the natural ecologies of many cultured species remain unknown. Here, we rely on genetic evidence—the only data consistently available among all taxa investigated—to describe four new Clade B Symbiodinium species. The ‘host‐specialized’ species (S. antillogorgium sp. nov. and S. endomadracis sp. nov.) engage in mutualisms with specific cnidarian hosts, but exhibit differences in our ability to culture them in vitro. The ecologically ‘cryptic’ species (S. aenigmaticum sp. nov. and S. pseudominutum sp. nov.) thrive in culture, but their roles or functions in the ecosystem (i.e., niches) are yet to be documented. These new species call further attention to the spectrum of ecological guilds among Symbiodinium.
Low‐Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Multislice Computed Tomography for the Detection of Cervical Syringomyelia in Dogs
Authors: Kromhout K. , van Bree H. , Broeckx B.J.G. , Bhatti S. , De Decker S. , Polis I. , Gielen I. 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundSyringomyelia (SM) is defined as the presence of fluid‐containing cavities within the parenchyma of the spinal cord. Sagittal magnetic resonance (MR) images have been described as the preferred technique for visualizing SM in dogs and humans.ObjectiveTo investigate whether computed tomography (CT) can be used to diagnose SM.AnimalsThirty‐two client‐owned dogs referred for investigation of the cervical spine on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT.MethodsTwo reviewers retrospectively analyzed sagittal and transverse T1‐weighted spin echo (T1WSE) MR images and CT images from each dog for the presence of SM and, if SM was present, the width (mm, syrinx width [SW]) was measured. The results were analyzed statistically.ResultsFor the presence of SM there was a moderate interobserver agreement for MR (81%, κ = 0.54) and almost perfect agreement for CT (94%, κ = 0.87). There was a moderate intramodality agreement for both observers (observer 1 81%, κ = 0.59; observer 2 81%, κ = 0.57). For measurement of SW the repeatability was the best on the midsagittal T1WSE images (95% repeatability coefficient <0.52 mm) and the reproducibility was the best on midsagittal images in both modalities (95% limits of agreement −0.55–0.45; P = 0.002).Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceBoth techniques can be used to detect SM. Midsagittal MR and CT images are best used for measuring SW. Computed tomography can be used as a diagnostic tool for SM when MRI is not available, but CT cannot replace MRI as the standard screening technique for the detection of SM in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for breeding purposes.
Evaluation of the Cortisol‐to‐ACTHRatio in Dogs with Hypoadrenocorticism, Dogs with Diseases Mimicking Hypoadrenocorticism and in Healthy Dogs
Authors: Boretti F.S. , Meyer F. , Burkhardt W.A. , Riond B. , Hofmann‐Lehmann R. , Reusch C.E. , Sieber‐Ruckstuhl N.S. 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundThe adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test is the gold standard for diagnosing hypoadrenocorticism (HA) in dogs. However, problems with the availability of syntheticACTH(tetracosactrin/cosyntropin) and increased costs have prompted the need for alternative methods.ObjectivesTo prospectively evaluate the cortisol‐to‐ACTHratio (CAR) as a screening test for diagnosing canineHA.AnimalsTwenty three dogs with newly diagnosedHA; 79 dogs with diseases mimickingHA; 30 healthy dogs.MethodsPlasmaACTHand baseline cortisol concentrations were measured beforeIVadministration of 5 μg/kgACTHin all dogs.CARwas calculated and the diagnostic performance ofACTH, baseline cortisol,CARand sodium‐to‐potassium ratios (SPRs) was assessed based on receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves calculating the area under theROCcurve.ResultsTheCARwas significantly lower in dogs withHAcompared to that in healthy dogs and in those with diseases mimickingHA(P < .0001). There was an overlap betweenHAdogs and those withHAmimicking diseases, butCARstill was the best parameter for diagnosingHA(ROC AUC0.998), followed by theACTHconcentration (ROC AUC0.97), baseline cortisol concentration (ROC AUC0.96), and SPR (ROC AUC0.86). With aCARof >0.01 the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 99%, respectively.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceCalculation of theCARis a useful screening test for diagnosing primaryHA. As a consequence of the observed overlap between the groups, however, misdiagnosis cannot be completely excluded. Moreover, additional studies are needed to evaluate the diagnostic reliability ofCARin more dogs with secondaryHA.
Angiogenesis Revisited: An Overlooked Role of Endothelial Cell Metabolism in Vessel Sprouting
Authors: Vandekeere Saar , Dewerchin Mieke , Carmeliet Peter 
Published: August 2015

AbstractDuring vessel sprouting, endothelial “tip” cells migrate at the forefront, while the endothelial “stalk” cells elongate the sprout; endothelial “phalanx” cells line quiescent vessels. Tip and stalk cells can dynamically switch phenotypes under the control of VEGF and Notch signaling. Novel findings now show that in addition to signaling cascades, metabolism coregulates the formation of the new vasculature. Recent studies demonstrated that ECs rely primarily on glycolysis for ATP production, that glycolysis is further enhanced in angiogenic ECs, and that the key glycolytic regulator PFKFB3 codetermines angiogenesis by controlling the balance of tip versus stalk cells and promoting a migratory tip cell phenotype. On the other hand, FAO regulates endothelial stalk cell proliferation by providing carbon sources for biosynthetic processes, more particularly for de novo nucleotide synthesis for DNA replication. Here, we overview the current understanding of the various metabolic pathways in ECs and their impact on vessel formation in health and disease.
Reparixin attenuates neuronal injury in experimental Klebsiella pneumoniae meningoencephalitis through dual effects on neuroprotection and neuroinflammation
Authors: Chiu Chien‐Tsai , Wen Li‐Li , Pao Hsin‐Ping , Yang Ling‐Yu , Huang Ya‐Ni , Wang Jia‐Yi 
Published: August 2015

AimsBacterial meningitis causes high mortality and brain damage. The host immune response is associated with brain injury. Chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) (CXC) chemokines are neutrophil chemoattractants. This study focused on the beneficial effects of intracerebroventricular administration of reparixin, an inhibitor of chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) receptor (CXCR)1/2, to rats at 2 h following experimental Klebsiella pneumoniae meningoencephalitis.MethodsWe used a previously established meningoencephalitis animal model in which Sprague‐Dawley rats were infected by K. pneumoniae. Sham and infected animals were treated with vehicle or reparixin and sacrificed at various time points. Leukocyte infiltration into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain as well as gene and protein expression of chemokines and receptors, and neuronal apoptosis were examined. Primary cultures of neuron/glia were infected with K. pneumoniae as an in vitro model of meningoencephalitis.ResultsLevels of chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand (CXCL)2 in CSF time‐dependently increased markedly as early as 2 h, and peaked at 8 h following infection and were much higher than those in serum collected simultaneously. Reparixin significantly reduced leukocyte infiltration into CSF and brain tissues, clinical illness, and brain cell apoptosis at 24 h. Reparixin reduced the elevated CSF concentrations of chemokines [CXCL1, CXCL2, chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand (CCL)2 and CCL5] and proinflammatory cytokines. Reparixin also reduced the expression of mRNA of various chemokines, chemokine receptors and proinflammatory cytokines in infected brain tissues. Using primary cultures that are devoid of leukocytes, we further observed that reparixin attenuated the neuronal, but not microglial cell death after infection.ConclusionsReparixin not only reduces amplified inflammation, but also provides direct neuroprotective effects in K. pneumoniae meningoencephalitis.
The journey into fatherhood: A grounded theory study
Authors: Sansiriphun Nantaporn , Kantaruksa Kannika , Klunklin Areewan , Baosuang Chavee , Liamtrirat Saowanee 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe objective of this study was to explore the process of transition into fatherhood for Thai men from childbirth to the postpartum period. Forty‐one first‐time Thai fathers were voluntarily recruited from two hospitals in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from December 2012 to June 2013. In‐depth interviews were used to collect the data, which were analyzed based on grounded theory methodology. The basic social process that emerged as the core category was termed: “the journey into fatherhood.” This process was divided into three phases: labor, delivery, and family beginning. Within this process, there were various situations, challenges, and pressures, which caused many changes of mood and feelings for the first‐time fathers. Throughout this process, they applied various strategies to manage their concerns and needs, in order to develop into masterly fathers. Identifying the process of the journey into fatherhood provides nurses and midwives insight into the new fathers' experiences, which will enable them to be more sensitive, respectful, and effective caregivers.
The impact of surgical excisions on human gastric slow wave conduction, defined by high‐resolution electrical mapping and in silico modeling
Authors: Du P. , Hameed A. , Angeli T. R. , Lahr C. , Abell T. L. , Cheng L. K. , O'Grady G. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundGastric contractions are coordinated by slow waves, generated by interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). Gastric surgery affects slow wave conduction, potentially contributing to postoperative gastric dysfunction. However, the impact of gastric cuts on slow waves has not been comprehensively evaluated. This study aimed to define consequences of surgical excisions on gastric slow waves by applying high‐resolution (HR) electrical mapping and in silico modeling.MethodsPatients undergoing gastric stimulator implantation (n = 10) underwent full‐thickness stapled excisions (25 × 15 mm, distal corpus) for histological evaluation, enabling HR mapping (256 electrodes; 36 cm2) over and adjacent to excisions. A biophysically based in silico model of bidirectionally coupled ICC networks was developed and applied to investigate the underlying conduction mechanisms and importance of excision orientation.Key ResultsNormal gastric slow waves propagated aborally (3.0 ± 0.2 cpm). Excisions induced complete conduction block and wavelets that rotated around blocks, then propagated rapidly circumferentially distal to the blocks (8.5 ± 1.2 vs normal 3.6 ± 0.4 mm/s; p < 0.01). This ‘conduction anisotropy' homeostatically restored antegrade propagating gastric wavefronts distal to excisions. Excisions were associated with complex dysrhythmias in five patients: retrograde propagation (3/10), ectopics (3/10), functional blocks (2/10), and collisions (1/10). Simulations demonstrated conduction anisotropy emerged from bidirectional coupling within ICC layers and showed transverse incision length and orientation correlated with the degree of conduction distortion.Conclusions & InferencesOrienting incisions in the longitudinal gastric axis causes least disruption to electrical conduction and motility. However, if transverse incisions are made, a homeostatic mechanism of gastric conduction anisotropy compensates by restoring aborally propagating wavefronts. Complex dysrhythmias accompanying excisions could modify postoperative recovery in susceptible patients.
Neuromechanical factors involved in the formation and propulsion of fecal pellets in the guinea‐pig colon
Authors: Costa M. , Wiklendt L. , Simpson P. , Spencer N. J. , Brookes S. J. , Dinning P. G. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe neuromechanical processes involved in the formation and propulsion of fecal pellets remain incompletely understood.MethodsWe analyzed motor patterns in isolated segments of the guinea‐pig proximal and distal colon, using video imaging, during oral infusion of liquid, viscous material, or solid pellets.Key ResultsColonic migrating motor complexes (CMMCs) in the proximal colon divided liquid or natural semisolid contents into elongated shallow boluses. At the colonic flexure these boluses were formed into shorter, pellet‐shaped boluses. In the non‐distended distal colon, spontaneous CMMCs produced small dilations. Both high‐ and low‐viscosity infusions evoked a distinct motor pattern that produced pellet‐shaped boluses. These were propelled at speeds proportional to their surface area. Solid pellets were propelled at a speed that increased with diameter, to a maximum that matched the diameter of natural pellets. Pellet speed was reduced by increasing resistive load. Tetrodotoxin blocked all propulsion. Hexamethonium blocked normal motor patterns, leaving irregular propagating contractions, indicating the existence of neural pathways that did not require nicotinic transmission.Conclusions & InferencesColonic migrating motor complexes are responsible for the slow propulsion of the soft fecal content in the proximal colon, while the formation of pellets at the colonic flexure involves a content‐dependent mechanism in combination with content‐independent spontaneous CMMCs. Bolus size and consistency affects propulsion speed suggesting that propulsion is not a simple reflex but rather a more complex process involving an adaptable neuromechanical loop.