bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound as predictor of histologic subtypes linked to recurrence in basal cell carcinoma of the skin
Authors: Wortsman X. , Vergara P. , Castro A. , Saavedra D. , Bobadilla F. , Sazunic I. , Zemelman V. , Wortsman J. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundBasal cell carcinoma (BCC) recurrences, especially in the facial region, represent a complex cosmetic problem. To date the possibility of predicting recurrence is supported solely by the histologic subtype.ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationship between BCC histologic subtypes linked to high and low risk of recurrence and the presence of hyperechoic spots on sonography.MethodsRetrospective analysis of the pre‐surgical ultrasound examinations of primary BCC tumours with visualization and counting of intra‐tumoural hyperechoic spots. The data were then correlated with the corresponding histologic subtype.ResultsThirty one patients with histologically proven BCC were included in the study. Hyperechoic spots were detected in all cases and there was a positive, statistically significant association between hyperechoic spots count and high recurrence risk histologic subtypes. Higher hyperechoic spots count was found in the recurrence‐prone micronodular, sclerosing variant and morpheiform BCC subtypes. Low risk and high risk of recurrence showed a significant difference on the mean hyperechoic spots count of 5.5 (range: 3–25) and 8 (4–81). A cut‐off point ≥7 hyperechoic spots presented a sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 53% for predicting the high risk of recurrence subtypes.ConclusionThe presence and count of hyperechoic spots within BCC lesions may help predicting the high risk of recurrence histologic subtypes.
The strength of assortative mating for flowering date and its basis in individual variation in flowering schedule
Authors: Weis A. E. , Nardone E. , Fox G. A. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAlthough it has been widely asserted that plants mate assortatively by flowering time, there is virtually no published information on the strength or causes of phenological assortment in natural populations. When strong, assortative mating can accelerate the evolution of plant reproductive phenology through its inflationary effect on genetic variance. We estimated potential assortative mating for flowering date in 31 old‐field species in Ontario, Canada. For each species, we constructed a matrix of pairwise mating probabilities from the individual flowering schedules, that is the number of flower deployed on successive dates. The matrix was used to estimate the phenotypic correlation between mates, ρ, for flowering date. We also developed a measure of flowering synchrony within species, S, based upon the eigenstructure of the mating matrix. The mean correlation between pollen recipients and potential donors for flowering date was = 0.31 (range: 0.05–0.63). A strong potential for assortative mating was found among species with high variance in flowering date, flowering schedules of short duration and skew towards early flower deployment. Flowering synchrony, S, was negatively correlated with potential assortment (r = −0.49), but we go on to show that although low synchrony is a necessary condition for phenological assortative mating, it may not be sufficient to induce assortment for a given phenological trait. The potential correlation between mates showed no seasonal trend; thus, as climate change imposes selection on phenology through longer growing seasons, spring‐flowering species are no more likely to experience an accelerated evolutionary response than summer species.
Subcritical Water Treatment for Producing Seasoning From Semidried Isada Krill
Authors: Koomyart Intira , Nagamizu Hironori , Khuwijitjaru Pramote , Kobayashi Takashi , Shiga Hirokazu , Yoshii Hidefumi , Adachi Shuji 
Published: September 2014

AbstractSemidried Isada krill (Euphausia pacifica) was treated with boiling water and subcritical water at 100–240C for 10 min with a semidried krill to a water ratio of 8/52 w/v to produce seasoning. The protein concentration, lipid content and odor concentration of the extract increased after increasing the treatment temperature. The highest protein content of the extract (0.047–0.049 kg/kg‐extract) was obtained by subcritical water treatment at 180 or 200C. Compounds with lower molecular mass were detected in the extracts derived from subcritical water treatment at temperatures higher than 160C. The extract prepared by subcritical water treatment at 160 and 180C received the high score in the flavor preference test by a group of panelists. Treatment at temperatures lower and higher than 160–180C, respectively, conferred undesirable fishy and smoky or burnt odors to the extracts and residues.Practical ApplicationAlthough Isada krill is abundant in the Sanriku coast, Japan, its usage is limited to low–value‐added products such as animal and aquaculture feeds. However, we found that subcritical water treatment of the krill produces an extract solution and a solid residue, both of which possess good flavor and proffer a great prospective for use as seasoning. Establishment of a method for using the krill as a raw material for seasoning with shrimp‐like flavor would increase the value of the krill as a food resource for human consumption.
Chemical Composition, Antifungal and Antibacterial Activities of Essential Oil from Lallemantia Royleana (Benth. in Wall.) Benth
Authors: Sharifi‐Rad Javad , Hoseini‐Alfatemi Seyedeh Mahsan , Sharifi‐Rad Majid , Setzer William N. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIn this study, the volatile constituents from the aerial parts of Lallemantia royleana Benth. have been measured by gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The antimicrobial activity was determined by both the disk diffusion method and the microbroth dilution method. Thirty‐seven compounds were identified and the main constituents were trans‐pinocarvyl acetate (26.0%), pinocarvone (20.0%), β‐pinene (1.5%), (E)‐β‐ocimene (4.1%), terpinolene (1.1%), linalool (3.4%), trans‐ pinocarveol (1.6%), 3‐thujen‐2‐one (5.1%), myrtenal (1.5%), verbenone (7.1%), trans‐carveol (5.3%), cis‐carveol (3.5%), pulegone (4.4%), carvacrol (1.6%), dihydrocarvyl acetate (2.5%) and β‐cubebene (2.1%). Antifungal screening of the essential oil of L. royleana showed that the oil significantly inhibited the growth of Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] = 3.1 and 2.5 μg/mL, respectively). Antibacterial screening of L. royleana essential oil showed that all assayed concentrations significantly inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at P < 0.05. MIC for S. aureus, B. subtilis and K. pneumoniae were 5.6, 4.8 and 3.5 μg/mL, respectively; L. royleana oil was inactive against P. aeruginosa in this study. Therefore, L. royleana essential oil has antifungal and antibacterial activities, corroborating the traditional therapeutic uses of this plant, and can be used in the therapy of infectious diseases as well as an antimicrobial additive in foods.Practical ApplicationsToday, many classes of synthetic antifungal and antibacterial drugs are used in medicine to treat infections. However, these antifungal and antibacterial therapies are showing diminishing effectiveness because of the emergence of drug‐resistant strains. Hence, using effective natural antifungal and antibacterial agents with fewer side effects is a promising approach to combat fungal and bacterial infection and diseases in medicine, agriculture and related fields. In this study, we have demonstrated the essential oil from Lallemantia royleana (Benth. in Wall.) Benth. to be a novel natural material to inhibit the fungal (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger) and bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ) growth, and we have evaluated the chemical composition of L. royleana essential oil as an antifungal and antibacterial agent.
Evaluation of Antimicrobials and Salt Replacers for Use in Low‐Sodium Dairy Products
Authors: Taylor Tiffany M. , Lathrop Amanda A. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractSalt replacers and antimicrobial agents may be required to maintain consumer acceptability and safety of low‐sodium dairy products. To determine which antimicrobials could potentially be effective in these products, this study evaluated the efficacy of eight commercial antimicrobials alone and in combination with six commercial salt replacers. Milk and low‐sodium cheese agar systems were used as the growth medium for screening. Antimicrobials with and without salt replacers were added to the agar systems. Then cocktails of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella or Escherichia coli O157:H7 were spread plated on the supplemented agar and observed for growth after 24 and 48 h at 35C. Fermentates C and D, lauric arginate (LAE), and lactoperoxidase inhibited growth of all pathogens on milk agar. No pathogen growth was observed in the cheese agar containing lactoperoxidase. Salt replacers decreased efficacy of the fermentates and LAE against Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7.Practical ApplicationsPressure has been put on the food industry to reduced sodium levels in food. Because reduction of salt from dairy products could change the microbial stability and flavor, alternative antimicrobials and salt replacers may be required. Many commercial antimicrobial systems and sodium replacer exist, but testing each potential combination in a specific food matrix is impractical. Through the use of model milk and cheese systems, eight antimicrobials and six salt replacers were screened for efficacy against selected pathogens. Four of the eight antimicrobials screened inhibited pathogen growth in the model systems. Findings also indicated that salt replacers can negatively impact antimicrobial efficacy. While variation in a product matrix can interfere with antimicrobial efficacy, these findings can be used to help guide selection of antimicrobials and salt replacers for use in dairy products.
S‐nitrosoglutathione prevents blood–brain barrier disruption associated with increased matrix metalloproteinase‐9 activity in experimental diabetes
Authors: Aggarwal Aanchal , Khera Alka , Singh Inderjit , Sandhir Rajat 
Published: September 2014

AbstractHyperglycemia is known to induce microvascular complications, thereby altering blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability. This study investigated the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their endogenous inhibitors in increased BBB permeability and evaluated the protective effect of S‐nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) in diabetes. Diabetes was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg body weight) for 5 days and GSNO was administered orally (100 μg/kg body weight) daily for 8 weeks after the induction of diabetes. A significant decline in cognitive functions was observed in diabetic mice assessed by Morris water maze test. Increased permeability to different molecular size tracers accompanied by edema and ion imbalance was observed in cortex and hippocampus of diabetic mice. Furthermore, activity of both pro and active MMP‐9 was found to be significantly elevated in diabetic animals. Increased in situ gelatinase activity was observed in tissue sections and isolated microvessels from diabetic mice brain. The increase in activity of MMP‐9 was attributed to increased mRNA and protein expression in diabetic mice. In addition, a significant decrease in mRNA and protein expression of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 was also observed in diabetic animals. However, GSNO supplementation to diabetic animals was able to abridge MMP‐9 activation as well as tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 levels, restoring BBB integrity and also improving learning and memory. Our findings clearly suggest that GSNO could prevent hyperglycemia‐induced disruption of BBB by suppressing MMP‐9 activity.image
Hyperglycemia is known to induce microvascular complications, thereby altering blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability. In the present study, we have shown that this effect occurred through increased matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9) and decreased tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP‐1) levels, leading to cognitive deficits. S‐nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) was able to abridge MMP‐9 activation and TIMP‐1 levels, thereby restoring BBB integrity and improving learning and memory. GSNO could thus be beneficial in hyperglycemia‐induced encephalopathy. STZ, Streptozotocin.
Exogenous melatonin supplementation prevents oxidative stress‐evoked DNA damage in human spermatozoa
Authors: Bejarano Ignacio , Monllor Fabian , Marchena Ana María , Ortiz Agueda , Lozano Graciela , Jiménez Maria Isabel , Gaspar Pilar , García Juan F. , Pariente Jose A. , Rodríguez Ana B. , Espino Javier 
Published: September 2014

AbstractReactive oxygen species (ROS) are essential for sperm physiological functions such as capacitation, hyperactivation, and acrosome reaction, on the one hand, and for stimulating the apoptotic processes involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis, on the other hand. However, the imbalance between production and removal of ROS leads to oxidative stress, which is referred to as one of the main factors involved in male infertility. The pineal hormone melatonin, given its low toxicity and well‐known antioxidant capacity, could be an excellent candidate to improve sperm quality. For this reason, the objective of the present work was to analyze whether long‐term supplementation with melatonin to infertile men affects human sperm quality and the quality of the embryos retrieved from their couples. Our findings showed that the daily supplementation of 6 mg melatonin, as early as after 45 days of treatment, produced an increase in melatonin endogenous levels, indirectly measured as urinary 6‐sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6‐s), an enhancement of both urinary and seminal total antioxidant capacity, and a consequent reduction in oxidative damage caused in sperm DNA. Moreover, couples whose men were given melatonin showed a statistically significant increase in the percentage of grade A (embryo with blastomeres of equal size; no cytoplasmic fragmentation), B (embryo with blastomeres of equal size; minor cytoplasmic fragmentation), and C (embryo with blastomeres of distinctly unequal size; significant cytoplasmic fragmentation) embryos at the expense of grade D (embryo with blastomeres of equal or unequal size; severe or complete fragmentation.) embryos which were clearly reduced. In summary, melatonin supplementation improves human sperm quality, which is essential to achieve successful natural and/or assisted reproduction outcome.
Polymorphisms of the Androgen Receptor Gene and Hormonal Contraceptive Induced Provoked Vestibulodynia
Authors: Goldstein Andrew T. , Belkin Zoe R. , Krapf Jill M. , Song Weitao , Khera Mohit , Jutrzonka Sarah L. , Kim Noel N. , Burrows Lara J. , Goldstein Irwin 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Aim
Women who developed vestibulodynia (vulvar vestibulitis) while taking combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) and a control group of women were tested for polymorphisms of the gene coding for the androgen receptor (AR) that is located on the X chromosome.

Study Design
DNA from 30 women who developed vestibulodynia while taking CHCs and 17 control women were tested for the number of cytosine–adenine–guanine (CAG) trinucleotide repeats in the AR. In addition, serum-free testosterone was tested in both groups.

Results
The mean number of CAG repeats in the study group was significantly greater than the control group (22.05±2.98 vs. 20.61±2.19, respectively; P =0.025). This significant difference persisted when analyzing the CAG repeats from the longer allele from each subject. Among those who were taking drospirenone-containing CHCs, the mean calculated free testosterone was 0.189±0.115ng/dL in the study group and 0.127±0.054ng/dL in the control group, all of whom were taking drospirenone-containing CHCs (P =0.042).

Conclusion
In the study cohort, women who developed vestibulodynia while taking CHCs are more likely to have longer CAG repeats in the AR than women who took the same type of CHC but did not develop vestibulodynia. We speculate that the risk of developing CHC-induced vestibulodynia may be due to lowered free testosterone combined with an inefficient AR that predisposes women to vestibular pain.
Which Theory for the Origin of Syphilis Is True?
Authors: Anteric Ivana , Basic Zeljana , Vilovic Katarina , Kolic Kresimir , Andjelinovic Simun 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Introduction
There are four theories about the origin of syphilis, of which the mostly represented one is the Columbian theory. This theory suggests that syphilis was brought into Europe in 1493 ad by the ship from Caribbean islands.

Aim
The aim of this study is to test all theories on a sample of 403 skeletons: 135 from prehistory, 134 from antique, and 134 from medieval period and new age from the Dalmatia (Croatia).

Methods
All skeletons were examined using standard anthropological methods. Paleopathological analysis was performed on each skeleton as well as additional radiographic method on one isolated skeleton.

Main Outcome Measures
Paleopathological changes on skeletal remains connected with treponematosis.

Results
Paleopathological analysis revealed one skeleton from the antique period (second to 6th century ad) that exhibited skeletal markers similar to those described in one clinical case in which congenital syphilis was confirmed by a Wasserman reaction. Skeletal remains of this person were examined macroscopically and radiographically, and the differential diagnostics eliminated other considered pathologies as well as trauma.

Conclusions
The finding of skeletal markers of syphilis on a skeleton from the antique supports the theory of pre-Columbian syphilis origin.
Sofosbuvir plus ribavirin in Japanese patients with chronic genotype 2 HCV infection: an open‐label, phase 3 trial
Authors: Omata Masao , Nishiguchi Shuhei , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Mochizuki Hitoshi , Izumi Namiki , Ikeda Fusao , Toyoda Hidenori , Yokosuka Osamu , Nirei Kazushige , Genda Takuya , Umemura Takeji , Takehara Tetsuo , Sakamoto Naoya , Nishigaki Yoichi , Nakane Kunio , Toda Nobuo , Ide Tatsuya , Yanase Mikio , Hino Keisuke , Gao Bing , Garrison Kimberly L. , Dvory‐Sobol Hadas , Ishizaki Akinobu , Omote Masa , Brainard Diana , Knox Steven , Symonds William T. , McHutchison John G. , Yatsuhashi Hiroshi , Mizokami Masashi 
Published: September 2014

SummaryGenotype 2 hepatitis C virus (HCV) accounts for up to 30% of chronic HCV infections in Japan. The standard of care for patients with genotype 2 HCV – peginterferon and ribavirin for 24 weeks – is poorly tolerated, especially among older patients and those with advanced liver disease. We conducted a phase 3, open‐label study to assess the efficacy and safety of an all‐oral combination of the NS5B polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir and ribavirin in patients with chronic genotype 2 HCV infection in Japan. We enrolled 90 treatment‐naïve and 63 previously treated patients at 20 sites in Japan. All patients received sofosbuvir 400 mg plus ribavirin (weight‐based dosing) for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after therapy (SVR12). Of the 153 patients enrolled and treated, 60% had HCV genotype 2a, 11% had cirrhosis, and 22% were over the aged 65 or older. Overall, 148 patients (97%) achieved SVR12. Of the 90 treatment‐naïve patients, 88 (98%) achieved SVR12, and of the 63 previously treated patients, 60 (95%) achieved SVR12. The rate of SVR12 was 94% in patients with cirrhosis and in those aged 65 and older. No patients discontinued study treatment due to adverse events. The most common adverse events were nasopharyngitis, anaemia and headache. Twelve weeks of sofosbuvir and ribavirin resulted in high rates of SVR12 in treatment‐naïve and previously treated patients with chronic genotype 2 HCV infection. The treatment was safe and well tolerated by patients, including the elderly and those with cirrhosis.
Population genetics of Setaria viridis, a new model system
Authors: Huang Pu , Feldman Maximilian , Schroder Stephan , Bahri Bochra A. , Diao Xianmin , Zhi Hui , Estep Matt , Baxter Ivan , Devos Katrien M. , Kellogg Elizabeth A. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAn extensive survey of the standing genetic variation in natural populations is among the priority steps in developing a species into a model system. In recent years, green foxtail (Setaria viridis), along with its domesticated form foxtail millet (S. italica), has rapidly become a promising new model system for C4 grasses and bioenergy crops, due to its rapid life cycle, large amount of seed production and small diploid genome, among other characters. However, remarkably little is known about the genetic diversity in natural populations of this species. In this study, we survey the genetic diversity of a worldwide sample of more than 200 S. viridis accessions, using the genotyping‐by‐sequencing technique. Two distinct genetic groups in S. viridis and a third group resembling S. italica were identified, with considerable admixture among the three groups. We find the genetic variation of North American S. viridis correlates with both geography and climate and is representative of the total genetic diversity in this species. This pattern may reflect several introduction/dispersal events of S. viridis into North America. We also modelled demographic history and show signal of recent population decline in one subgroup. Finally, we show linkage disequilibrium decay is rapid (<45 kb) in our total sample and slow in genetic subgroups. These results together provide an in‐depth understanding of the pattern of genetic diversity of this new model species on a broad geographic scale. They also provide key guidelines for on‐going and future work including germplasm preservation, local adaptation, crossing designs and genomewide association studies.
A function of DivIVA in Listeria monocytogenes division site selection
Authors: Kaval Karan Gautam , Rismondo Jeanine , Halbedel Sven 
Published: September 2014

SummaryThe cell division protein DivIVA influences protein transport via the accessory SecA2 secretion route in Listeria monocytogenes. In contrast, DivIVA from the closely related bacterium Bacillus subtilis contributes to division site selection via the MinCDJ system. However, no classical min phenotype, i.e. filamentation and minicell production was observed with a listerial ΔdivIVA mutant. This has prompted the speculation that division site selection is DivIVA‐independent in L. monocytogenes. We addressed this question with genetic, cytological and bacterial two‐hybrid experiments and the data obtained correct this view. DivIVA not only binds to MinJ but also directly interacts with MinD. Experiments with fluorescently tagged proteins showed that localization of MinC and MinD was clearly DivIVA‐dependent, whereas localization of MinJ was not. An impact of DivIVA on cell division was confirmed by careful comparisons of cell size distributions of divIVA and secA2 mutants. Gene deletion studies and epistasis experiments consistently reinforced these findings, and also revealed that MinJ must have a DivIVA‐independent function. The frequency of minicell formation is low in L. monocytogenes min mutants. However, since listerial minicells might be useful as carriers for the introduction of therapeutic compounds into eukaryotic cells, we present a strategy how minicell frequency can be increased.