bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between in utero zidovudine exposure and nondefect adverse birth outcomes: analysis of prospectively collected data from the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry
Authors: Vannappagari V , Koram N , Albano J , Tilson H , Gee C 
Published: August 2015

ObjectiveTo examine the association between nondefect adverse birth outcomes and in utero exposure to zidovudine (ZDV)‐containing regimens versus non‐ZDV antiretroviral (ARV) regimens.DesignAnalysis of prospectively‐collected data.SettingGlobal.PopulationHIV‐infected pregnant women prenatally exposed to antiretrovirals.MethodsEstimation of prevalence of and risk for nondefect adverse birth outcomes among HIV‐infected women.Main outcome measuresPrevalence of and risk for nondefect adverse birth outcomes.ResultsAmong 12 780 singleton birth outcomes with in utero ZDV exposure, 96.1% were live births; 3.9% were spontaneous abortions, induced abortions or stillbirths. Among live births, 16.4% were low birthweight (LBW); 12.3% were premature. Among 1904 outcomes with in utero exposure to non‐ZDV ARV regimens, 85.8% were live births; 14.2% were spontaneous abortions, induced abortions or stillbirths. Among live births, 14.1% were LBW; 12.4% were premature. Relative risk comparing exposure to ZDV‐containing ARV regimens to non‐ZDV ARV regimens for spontaneous abortions was 0.18 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.14–0.22); induced abortions 0.28 (95% CI 0.22–0.36); stillbirths 0.76 (95% CI 0.51–1.12); premature births 1.00 (95% CI 0.87–1.15) and LBW 1.17 (95% CI 1.02–1.33).ConclusionPrevalence of nondefect adverse birth outcomes is lower among outcomes with in utero ZDV exposure versus in utero non‐ZDV ARV exposure. The risks for spontaneous and induced abortions were no different for ZDV‐containing regimens versus non‐ZDV ARV regimens. For premature births and stillbirths, there was no significant difference in risk between the two regimens. The risk of LBW was statistically significantly higher among ZDV‐containing regimens versus non‐ZDV ARV regimens.Tweetable abstractZDV‐containing regimens do not increase the risk for nondefect adverse birth outcomes.
Facial Soft Tissue Thickness Among Three Skeletal Classes in Adult Pakistani Subjects
Authors: Jeelani Waqar , Fida Mubassar , Shaikh Attiya 
Published: August 2015

AbstractDifferent facial reconstruction methods rely on the average facial soft tissue thickness values provided in previous studies. Facial soft tissue thickness is influenced by the age, sex, and ethnicity of the individual. The aim of the present study was to determine facial soft tissue thickness of adult Pakistani subjects with different facial morphology. A total of 166 subjects were categorized into three skeletal classes (based on convex, straight, or concave facial profile) employing the classification system used in orthodontics. Facial soft tissue thickness was determined at ten midline points on lateral cephalograms. Significant differences in facial soft tissue thickness were present at glabella, labrale superius, stomion, and labiomentale in males and at labrale superius, labrale inferius, labiomentale, and pogonion in females among different skeletal classes. The current study suggests that the skull morphology‐related variations in facial soft tissue thickness should be considered during facial reconstruction to achieve accurate results.
Near Infrared Spectroscopy Detection and Quantification of Herbal Medicines Adulterated with Sibutramine
Authors: da Silva Neirivaldo Cavalcante , Honorato Ricardo Saldanha , Pimentel Maria Fernanda , Garrigues Salvador , Cervera Maria Luisa , de la Guardia Miguel 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThere is an increasing demand for herbal medicines in weight loss treatment. Some synthetic chemicals, such as sibutramine (SB), have been detected as adulterants in herbal formulations. In this study, two strategies using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy have been developed to evaluate potential adulteration of herbal medicines with SB: a qualitative screening approach and a quantitative methodology based on multivariate calibration. Samples were composed by products commercialized as herbal medicines, as well as by laboratory adulterated samples. Spectra were obtained in the range of 14,000–4000 per cm. Using PLS‐DA, a correct classification of 100% was achieved for the external validation set. In the quantitative approach, the root mean squares error of prediction (RMSEP), for both PLS and MLR models, was 0.2%w/w. The results prove the potential of NIR spectroscopy and multivariate calibration in quantifying sibutramine in adulterated herbal medicines samples.
Epidermal growth factor receptor signalling regulates granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor production by airway epithelial cells and established allergic airway disease
Authors: Acciani T. H. , Suzuki T. , Trapnell B. C. , Le Cras T. D. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryBackgroundAirway epithelial cells (AEC) are increasingly recognized as a major signalling centre in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. A previous study demonstrated that epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling in AEC regulated key features of allergic airway disease. However, it is unclear what mediators are regulated by EGFR signalling in AEC, although the production of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) is EGFR dependent in keratinocytes.ObjectivesTo determine whether EGFR signalling regulates GM‐CSF production by human AEC downstream of the clinically relevant mediators house dust mite (HDM) and interleukin (IL)‐17A and in a mouse model of established allergic asthma.MethodsEGFR inhibitors were used to determine whether EGFR signalling regulates GM‐CSF production by cultured human AEC in response to HDM and IL‐17A. The roles of EGFR ligands, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) converting enzyme (TACE) were also assessed. To determine whether EGFR regulates GM‐CSF as well as key asthma characteristics in vivo, mice were chronically exposed to HDM to establish allergic airway disease and then treated with the EGFR inhibitor Erlotinib.ResultsEGFR inhibition reduced HDM and IL‐17A induced GM‐CSF production in a dose‐dependent manner in cultured human AEC. GM‐CSF production also required amphiregulin, p38 MAPK signalling and protease/TACE activity. In mice with established allergic airway disease, EGFR inhibition reduced levels of GM‐CSF and TNF‐α, as well as airway hyperreactivity, cellular inflammation, smooth muscle thickening and goblet cell metaplasia without changes in IgE and Th1, Th2 and Th17 cytokines.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceResults link HDM, IL‐17A, amphiregulin, EGFR and GM‐CSF in a mechanistic pathway in AEC and demonstrate that EGFR regulates GM‐CSF production and the severity of established disease in a clinically relevant asthma model. These results identify the EGFR→GM‐CSF axis as a target for therapeutic development.
FGFR1 and FGFR2 in fibrolamellar carcinoma
Authors: Graham Rondell P , Garcia Joaquin J , Greipp Patricia T , Barr Fritcher Emily G , Kipp Benjamin R , Torbenson Michael S 
Published: August 2015

AimsFibrolamellar carcinoma is characterized by a recurrent DNAJB1–PRKACA chimeric transcript. The functional properties of the fusion are unknown, but are believed to include PRKACA up‐regulation. PRKCA is a subunit of protein kinase A. The downstream targets of protein kinase A are unknown, but may include interactions with fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) pathways. In addition, inhibitors for FGFR proteins have been developed recently.Methods and resultsNineteen histologically confirmed fibrolamellar carcinomas were studied. All showed the characteristic DNAJB1–PRKACA transcript by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR). Immunohistochemistry for FGFR1 was negative in 19 of 19 cases using a monoclonal antibody, while a polyclonal antibody showed no expression (n = 11) or weak and focal expression (n = 8). RNAin‐situ hybridization was 2+ in two cases, 1+ in four cases and negative in four cases. FGFR1 fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH) revealed polysomy of chromosome 8 in 17 of 19 cases. Break‐apart FISH for FGFR2 was negative for rearrangements in 12 of 12 informative cases.ConclusionsFibrolamellar carcinomas show polysomy of chromosome 8 and the FGFR1 locus, and only modest mRNA expression and weak or absent expression at the protein level. FGFR2 rearrangement was not detected. These data reduce the likelihood that FGFR inhibitors will be effective in the treatment of most fibrolamellar carcinomas.
Emulsifying Properties of Sericin Obtained from Hot Water Degumming Process
Authors: Züge L.C.B. , Silva V.R. , Hamerski F. , Ribani M. , Gimenes M.L. , Scheer A.P. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractSericin is a protein present in the silkworm cocoon of Bombyx mori. Although usually discarded during the silk degumming process, which causes environmental impact and high costs of wastewater treatment, this protein possesses properties that are particularly useful to the food industry. This work was carried out to determine the amino acid profile and evaluate the antioxidant and emulsifier capacity of sericin. The main amino acids present in sericin are glycine, serine and aspartic acid. The high‐molecular‐weight fractions of this protein have antioxidant activity. Furthermore, due to the predominant hydrophilic character of its amino acids, it acts as an emulsifier. The emulsions prepared with 1.0% of sericin were stable for 24 h. All emulsions showed pseudoplastic behavior and great internal strength, according to the rheological analysis. Thus, sericin can be used as an additive in emulsified products providing antioxidant properties in these products.Practical ApplicationsThe present work provides an application as emulsifier to sericin, which is normally discarded during the silk process. This protein prevents phase separation in emulsions and provides antioxidant activity to the formed emulsion, besides being a natural product. The resulting emulsions prepared with high concentration of sericin have high viscosity, and therefore sericin can be used in the production of mayonnaise and creams. It can also be used, in lower concentrations, in salad dressing for example, resulting in a lower viscosity product.
Comparison of an Effervescent Nozzle and a Proposed Air‐Core‐Liquid‐Ring (ACLR) Nozzle for Atomization of Viscous Food Liquids at Low Air Consumption
Authors: Stähle Philipp , Gaukel Volker , Schuchmann Heike P. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractRecent results regarding the effervescent atomization of viscous food‐based liquids reveal that an unfavorable slug flow is formed inside the nozzle for low gas to liquid ratios (GLRs). As a result, a very unsteady spray drop size is formed, which leads the nozzle to be unsuitable for an implementation in spray drying. In this study, we propose a modified nozzle design named ACLR (Air‐Core‐Liquid‐Ring) to establish the favorable annular flow inside the exit orifice. High‐speed imaging proved that the desired flow pattern was present in the investigated GLR range of 0.015–0.414 and for liquid viscosities of 0.001–0.308 Pa·s. Comparison with a conventional effervescent nozzle showed similar values of the time averaged Sauter mean diameter of the spray drops. Considering the temporal unsteadiness of the spray drop size, a considerable reduction can be achieved for viscous liquids and low GLRs by the proposed ACLR nozzle.Practical ApplicationsFor an economic spray drying process, the highest possible dry matter content prior to drying is aspired. However, as feed viscosity increases rapidly with an increase in dry matter content, atomization is considerably hindered. The effervescent nozzle, originally invented in the field of combustion science, is reported to atomize viscous liquids into small spray drops at low gas consumption. Recent results of our group reveal that an unsuitable slug flow is formed inside the nozzle when food‐based liquids with elevated viscosities are atomized at low gas to liquid ratios. Consequently, the effervescent nozzle is not suitable for an implementation in spray drying. In this study, we propose a modified nozzle design that overcomes the drawbacks of a conventional effervescent nozzle. The Air‐Core‐Liquid‐Ring nozzle offers the possibility to save large amounts of drying energy of existing spray dryers as higher concentrated feeds might be used.
The Effects of Stress Factors on the Growth of Spoilage Yeasts Isolated From Apple‐Related Environments in Apple Juice
Authors: Wang Huxuan , Hu Zhongqiu , Long Fangyu , Guo Chunfeng , Niu Chen , Yuan Yahong , Yue Tianli 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of temperature, pH, sugar content and antimicrobial components on the growth of 11 yeast isolates in apple juice (12 °Brix, pH 4.0). The results showed that reduction of the storage temperature to 4C could achieve a complete inhibition of test strains, and the temperature required to kill all the initial yeast inoculum (103 cfu/mL) within 20 min ranged from 46 to 55C, depending on the isolate. However, high sugar content enabled test strains to survive in what would have been a lethal treatment. A pH value below 2.0 had a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of test strains. Increasing the sugar content of apple juice was not enough to completely avoid the spoilage caused by the test strains, especially Zygosaccharomyces rouxii. Addition of antimicrobial components (4.0 mM sorbic acid, 1.5 mM cinnamic acid, 20 mM vanillin, 10 mM ferulic acid or 12 mM p‐coumaric acid) was an applicable strategy to prevent the spoilage in apple juice spawned by the test strains.Practical ApplicationsWith the rapid improvement of living standards, there has been a considerable increase in the demand for better quality apple juice. Quality deterioration is a frequently reported problem in apple juice industry, which mainly resulted from microbial contamination, especially osmotolerant yeasts, that alters the original flavor by the production of new odor‐active metabolites. Therefore, development of effective strategy to prevent the spoilage is an important issue. Stress factors including temperature, pH, sugar content and antimicrobial components are all used to inhibit yeast species and other microorganisms in food. Study of the effects of these factors on the growth of yeasts is advantageous to extend the microbial stability of apple juice during storage. The results show that addition of antimicrobial components, applicable to apple juice industry, is sufficient to extend the shelf life of apple juice for more than 50 days.
Target‐Enriched Multiplex PCR (Tem‐PCR) Assay for Simultaneous Detection of Salmonella spp., Listeria Monocytogenes and Escherichia Coli O157:H7 in Food
Authors: Liu Zhong‐Mei , Xu Yi‐Gang , Luo Jia , Qu Min , Mo Chun‐Sheng , Li Su‐Long 
Published: August 2015

AbstractA novel target‐enriched multiplex polymerase chain reaction (Tem‐PCR) assay for the simultaneous detection of Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7 was developed in the present study. The invA, hly and rfbE genes were selected as target genes for identifying Salmonella spp., L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7, respectively. Three pairs of target‐enriched long primers with a composition of pathogen‐specific PCR primer combined with a universal oligonucleotide sequence at 5′ segment of each pathogen‐specific PCR primer were designed. Following optimization of reaction conditions, the Tem‐PCR assay for detecting Salmonella spp., L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7 was successfully developed, which was able to simultaneously detect the three foodborne pathogens from pure cultures with an analytical detection limit of ca. <110 cfu/mL for each target. The Tem‐PCR assay showed a high specificity to the target bacteria without specific priming observed in nontarget bacteria and also showed a potential diagnostic capability in practice. Compared with conventional multiplex PCR assay, the Tem‐PCR assay does need not to optimize the concentration of each pair of primers, suggesting an efficient detection method for foodborne pathogens in laboratory diagnosis.Practical ApplicationsApplying the target‐enriched multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay to 355 food samples, including poultry meat, raw pork, raw milk, egg, sausage, raw beef, milk powder and frozen meat, revealed that 21 food samples were positive in this assay, in accordance with the testing results of conventional culture‐based method, indicating a rapid and reliable tool for efficient screening of Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7 from food.
Caught in suffering bodies: a qualitative study of immigrant women on long‐term sick leave in Norway
Authors: Nortvedt Line , Hansen Helle Ploug , Kumar Bernadette N , Lohne Vibeke 
Published: August 2015

Aims and objectivesThis article explores the issues faced by immigrant women on long‐term sick leave due to chronic pain, focusing on their personal perspectives on their daily lives, their bodies and their pain.BackgroundAn increasing number of immigrants in Norway present a challenge to the public health service, above all in relation to the health needs of immigrant women, many of whom risk having to take long‐term sick leave due to chronic pain.DesignThis study has a qualitative design, with participant observation and in‐depth interviews.MethodsParticipant observations were carried out from a sample of fourteen immigrant women in an outpatient clinic at a rehabilitation hospital. In addition, qualitative interviews were conducted after the rehabilitation period. A hermeneutic approach was used to understand the meaning of the narrated text.ResultsThe analysis revealed one main theme, ‘Bodies marked by onerous experiences’, as well as two subthemes: ‘It is in my body’ and ‘Invisible pain’. The immigrant women struggled with invisible, chronic pain, which they blamed on physically tiring workdays and stressful life situations. Furthermore, they felt that their experiences of discriminative attitudes at the workplace worsened their suffering.ConclusionsThe chronic pain made the immigrant women suffer, because they experienced it as a threatening, incomprehensible and unreal force, without meaning or the ability to be controlled. Their own psychological distress exacerbated their pain.Relevance to clinical practiceImmigrant women on long‐term sick leave are likely to need special approaches that are closely adapted to their different backgrounds and their unique personal experiences. We recommend culturally appropriate family counselling and collaboration with employers at the women's workplaces.
Quantitative variation for metabolic traits among brook trout populations inhabiting different environments
Authors: Dufresne F. , Barroux A. , DitleCadet D. , Blier P. U. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractEcologically relevant traits can change over short time scales if they vary among populations and if they are heritable. Comparisons of quantitative variation for phenotypic characters and molecular traits can be used to indicate whether phenotypic traits are under directional or stabilizing selection, or are changing as a result of drift. Many studies have shown that population differentiation in life history and morphological traits differ from null expectations, suggesting the action of diversifying selection. Very few studies have examined quantitative variation for metabolic traits. In this study, we examine variation for enzymatic activities in 181 brook trout inhabiting different environments (rivers, streams and lakes). Different environments may exert different selective pressures in fish locomotor performance and in underlying metabolic pathways. Our objectives were to determine (1) if metabolic traits of whole axial muscle exhibited variation among closely located populations of brook trout exploiting different habitats and (2) assess if these divergences could be associated with genetic structure. No significant differences were found in citrate synthase, cytochrome oxidase (CCO), pyruvate kinase (PK), amino acid transferase (AAT) activities among fish from different habitats but sampling location had a significant effect onCCO,PKandAATactivities. Measures of quantitative divergence for metabolic traits were higher than population genetic divergence values for both allozymes and microsatellites revealing significant plasticity of these metabolic traits upon which selection may act.
Paired and complex copulatory organs: do they really impede flexible use?
Authors: Kunz K. , Witthuhn M. , Uhl G. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAnimals with internal fertilization possess complex male genitalia that are characterized by rapid and divergent evolution. Such complexity and divergence renders male genitalia highly species specific. Furthermore, in species with paired genitalia in males and females as is typically the case in spiders, the genital complexity is considered to restrict usage of each male intromittent organ (pedipalp) to a specific genital opening of the female genitalia. Here, we report cases of flexible pedipalp insertion (16%) in the dwarf spider Oedothorax retusus – a species with complex pedipalps. A flexible insertion mode allows males of this species to react to the mating history of the female by circumventing the highly effective mating plugs and mating into the unused side. Our findings disagree with the species isolating lock‐and‐key hypothesis for explaining divergence in genital morphology as the ‘key’ can be applied to the mirror‐inversed female ‘lock’ in the spider species O. retusus. Rather, our data suggest that sexual selection is an important underlying selective regime for the evolution of highly complex and diverse genitalia.
Impact of adherence to WHO infant feeding recommendations on later risk of obesity and non‐communicable diseases: systematic review
Authors: Martin Anne , Bland Ruth M. , Connelly Andrew , Reilly John J. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAdherence to WHO infant feeding recommendations has short‐term benefits and may also help in the prevention of non‐communicable diseases (NCDs). This study reviewed the evidence on whether adherence to all elements of the WHO infant feeding recommendations (comparison group those exclusively breastfed to 6 months, introduced to appropriate complementary feeding from 6 months, with continued breastfeeding to at least 24 months; exposure group characterised by non‐adherence to any of the three recommendations) is associated with reduced risk of later obesity or cardiometabolic disease. The population of interest was children not classified as very low weight (weight‐for‐age z‐score >−3.0). MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, CINAHL plus, ProQuest Dissertations and Thesis were systematically searched from 2001 to July 2014, manual reference searching of a birth cohort register (http://www.birthcohorts.net/) as well as papers identified in the search and selected journals was carried out. The database search yielded 9050 records, 275 English‐language full‐text articles were screened, but no studies were eligible, failing to meet the following criteria: comparison (213); exposure (14); population (3); relevant outcome (5); outcome before 24 months (9); insufficient information provided (30); plus one study was qualitative. Eight studies met the inclusion criterion of exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months, but did not meet the other inclusion criteria. The present study has revealed an important gap in the evidence on NCD prevention, and suggestions for addressing this evidence gap are provided.