bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phase II enzyme induction and anti‐inflammatory effects of crude extracts and secondary fractions obtained from bran from five black glutinous rice cultivars
Authors: Ngamdee Paradorn , Jiamyangyuen Sudarat , Parkin Kirk L. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryMethanolic extracts of bran from black glutinous rice cultivars were screened for potential health benefits using cellular bioassays for quinone reductase (QR) induction in murine hepatoma cells and inhibition of NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Fractionation of the crude extract by semi‐preparative HPLC afforded respective fractions enriched in phenolic acids, anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. The relative potency of QR induction was phenolic acids > proanthocyanidins > anthocyanins, and the activity of the crude extract was conserved among the aggregate of these fractions. In contrast, all three fractions were more potent than the crude extract in terms of anti‐inflammatory effect. This suggests synergism effects among anti‐inflammatory agents through partial purification. Inhibition of macrophage NO production by binary mixtures of gallic acid or caffeic acid with the anthocyanin‐rich fraction indicated potential synergism. These results warrant further efforts to identify the active agents and substantiate synergistic interactions through isobologram analysis.
Physicochemical and fatty acid characteristics of stewed pork as affected by cooking method and time
Authors: Li Yingqiu , Li Chunbao , Li He , Lin Xisha , Deng Shaolin , Zhou Guanghong 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThis study was designed to investigate the effects of cooking on physicochemical and fatty acid characteristics of stewed pork. Pre‐fried or raw pork belly cubes were stewed for 60, 90, 120, 150 or 180 min. After cooking, proximate chemical composition, texture, sensory evaluation, lipid oxidation, fatty acid profiles and cholesterol content were determined. Prolonged cooking time resulted in higher percentages of dry matter, fat and fat loss in stewed cubes (P < 0.01), and pre‐frying also increased fat loss. Tenderness and elasticity values of texture profile analysis and sensory scores were the highest for the cubes stewed for 180 min or by pre‐frying combined with stewing for 150 min. Pre‐frying and extended cooking time significantly increased lipid oxidation (P < 0.01). Cooking modified fatty acid profiles which altered the derived cardiovascular indices, and reduced cholesterol content. Prolonged stewing improved eating quality and most nutritional values of pork belly.
The Role of Information in Innovation and Competition
Authors: Akcigit Ufuk , Liu Qingmin 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Innovation is typically a trial-and-error process. While some research paths lead to the innovation sought, others result in dead ends. Because firms benefit from their competitors working in the wrong direction, they do not reveal their dead-end findings. Time and resources are wasted on projects that other firms have already found to be fruitless. We offer a simple model with two firms and two research lines to study this prevalent problem. We characterize the equilibrium in a decentralized environment that necessarily entails significant efficiency losses due to wasteful dead-end replication and an information externality that leads to an early abandonment of the risky project. We show that different types of firms follow different innovation strategies and create different kinds of welfare losses. In an extension of the core model, we also study a centralized mechanism whereby firms are incentivized to disclose their actions and share their private information in a timely manner.
Impact of cage stocking density on egg laying characteristics and related stress and immunity parameters of Japanese quails in subtropics
Authors: El‐Tarabany M. S. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different cage stocking densities on egg production parameters, as well as related stress and immunity indices in Japanese quails under subtropical Egyptian conditions. Two hundred and sixteen birds of Japanese quail at 14th week of age were used in this experiment. The birds were divided randomly into three groups: 60, 72 and 84. Each group subdivided into 4 replicates, where the cages' floor spaces were 200 (S1), 167 (S2) and 143 (S3) cm2/bird, respectively. Birds housed at 200 cm2/bird (S1) had superior fertility (fertility % (p = 0.013) and hatchability % (p = 0.041)), egg production (egg weight (p = 0.034) and egg mass (p = 0.001)) and immunity parameters (higher geometric mean of antibody titres against Newcastle disease virus, p = 0.024). Furthermore, they had higher internal egg quality score: albumen height (p = 0.003), yolk height (p = 0.023), yolk index (p = 0.006) and Haugh unit (p = 0.035). Birds housed at 143 cm2/bird (S3) had the lowest total leucocytic count and lymphocyte % (p = 0.022), but the highest H/L ratio (p = 0.001). Corticosterone concentration was lower in S1group (p = 0.031) than that in groups housed at higher densities. Japanese quail housed at high densities revealed drop in fertility, hatchability, production and immunity parameters, indicating a detrimental effects on both welfare and economic income.
Lack of genetic isolation by distance, similar genetic structuring but different demographic histories in a fig‐pollinating wasp mutualism
Authors: Tian Enwei , Nason John D. , Machado Carlos A. , Zheng Linna , Yu Hui , Kjellberg Finn 
Published: October 2015

AbstractHistorical abiotic factors such as climatic oscillations and extreme climatic events as well as biotic factors have shaped the structuring of species' genetic diversity. In obligate species‐specific mutualisms, the biogeographic histories of the interacting species are tightly linked. This could be particularly true for nuclear genes in the Ficus‐pollinating wasp mutualistic association as the insects disperse pollen from their natal tree. In this study, we compare spatial genetic structure of plant and pollinator for the Ficus hirta–Valisia javana association throughout southeast China including Hainan Island, for both nuclear and cytoplasmic markers. We show that dispersal of the insect leads to plant and insect presenting similar signatures of lack of genetic isolation by distance for nuclear genes on the continent over a distance of 1000 km. But we also show that the demographic histories of plant and insect are strikingly different. This is in agreement with extreme climatic events leading to transient regional extinctions of the insects, associated with local survival of the plants. We also observe evidence of genetic differentiation for both wasps and fig‐tree between the continent and Hainan Island, although the Qiongzhou Strait is only on average 30 km wide, suggesting that geographic isolation by itself has not been sufficient to generate this differentiation. Hence, our results suggest that in highly dispersive mutualistic systems, isolation‐by‐dispersal limitation across a geographic barrier could be supplemented by isolation by adaptation, and maybe by coevolution, allowing further genetic divergence. In such systems, species may frequently be composed of a single population.
A unique ecological niche fosters hybridization of oak‐tree and vineyard isolates of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Clowers Katie J. , Will Jessica L. , Gasch Audrey P. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractDifferential adaptation to distinct niches can restrict gene flow and promote population differentiation within a species. However, in some cases the distinction between niches can collapse, forming a hybrid niche with features of both environments. We previously reported that distinctions between vineyards and oak soil present an ecological barrier that restricts gene flow between lineages of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Vineyard isolates are tolerant to stresses associated with grapes while North American oak strains are particularly tolerant to freeze–thaw cycles. Here, we report the isolation of S. cerevisiae strains from Wisconsin cherry trees, which display features common to vineyards (e.g. high sugar concentrations) and frequent freeze–thaw cycles. Genome sequencing revealed that the isolated strains are highly heterozygous and represent recent hybrids of the oak × vineyard lineages. We found that the hybrid strains are phenotypically similar to vineyard strains for some traits, but are more similar to oak strains for other traits. The cherry strains were exceptionally good at growing in cherry juice, raising the possibility that they have adapted to this niche. We performed transcriptome profiling in cherry, oak and vineyard strains and show that the cherry‐tree hybrids display vineyard‐like or oak‐like expression, depending on the gene sets, and in some cases, the expression patterns linked back to shared stress tolerances. Allele‐specific expression in these natural hybrids suggested concerted cis‐regulatory evolution at sets of functionally regulated genes. Our results raise the possibility that hybridization of the two lineages provides a genetic solution to the thriving in this unique niche.
Selection and sex‐biased dispersal in a coastal shark: the influence of philopatry on adaptive variation
Authors: Portnoy D. S. , Puritz J. B. , Hollenbeck C. M. , Gelsleichter J. , Chapman D. , Gold J. R. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractSex‐biased dispersal is expected to homogenize nuclear genetic variation relative to variation in genetic material inherited through the philopatric sex. When site fidelity occurs across a heterogeneous environment, local selective regimes may alter this pattern. We assessed spatial patterns of variation in nuclear‐encoded, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and sequences of the mitochondrial control region in bonnethead sharks (Sphyrna tiburo), a species thought to exhibit female philopatry, collected from summer habitats used for gestation. Geographic patterns of mtDNA haplotypes and putatively neutral SNPs confirmed female philopatry and male‐mediated gene flow along the northeastern coast of the Gulf of Mexico. A total of 30 outlier SNP loci were identified; alleles at over half of these loci exhibited signatures of latitude‐associated selection. Our results indicate that in species with sex‐biased dispersal, philopatry can facilitate sorting of locally adaptive variation, with the dispersing sex facilitating movement of potentially adaptive variation among locations and environments.
Characterization and follow‐up of esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction detected by high resolution manometry
Authors: Pérez‐Fernández M.‐T. , Santander C. , Marinero A. , Burgos‐Santamaría D. , Chavarría‐Herbozo C. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundEsophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) is a newly described diagnostic entity growing in importance due to the use of high resolution manometry (HRM). There is little knowledge regarding its incidence, etiopathogeny, long‐term evolution, and most suitable treatment. Our objective was to increase the awareness of EGJOO to optimize the management of these patients.MethodsWe conducted a historical (retrospective and prospective) study of patients diagnosed with EGJOO using HRM combined with multichannel intraluminal impedance, comparing their manometric and impedance characteristics with those of a control group. Symptoms, etiology of obstruction, acid exposure, clinical course (and its associated factors), and response to treatment were also evaluated in the EGJOO group.Key ResultsForty‐four subjects were included (28 patients and 16 controls). Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction patients presented incomplete esophageal transit more frequently than controls. Patients with structural obstruction had dysphagia more frequently than patients with functional obstruction, and different manometric, impedance, and pH‐metric patterns. Over one‐third of the EGJOO patients presented a spontaneous resolution of symptoms without EGJOO treatment. In the multivariate analysis, the variables associated with this spontaneous symptomatic resolution included typical symptoms of gastro‐esophageal reflux disease or epigastralgia as the main symptom and resting or basal pressure of the upper esophageal sphincter <50 mmHg.Conclusions & InferencesThe majority of EGJOO patients presented intact peristalsis which may compensate for the lack of EGJ relaxation. In the EGJOO patients presenting favorable factors associated with a spontaneous resolution of symptoms, invasive treatments should be considered with special caution. Structural etiologies are more amenable to management, while the remainder may improve without intervention.
Evaluation of Permanent or Transient Complete Heart Block after Open Heart Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: AYYILDIZ PELIN , KASAR TANER , OZTURK ERKUT , OZYILMAZ ISA , TANIDIR IBRAHIM CANSARAN , GUZELTAS ALPER , ERGUL YAKUP 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundThe features of pediatric patients with postoperative transient and permanent complete atrioventricular (AV) block (CAVB) were compared.MethodsPatients who developed CAVB in postoperative period after congenital cardiac surgery between 2010–2015 were included in the study. They were classified as patients with transient CAVB and with permanent CAVB. The demographics and perioperative and postoperative variables of the groups were evaluated.ResultsA total of 1,550 patients underwent surgery during the study period. CAVB was determined in 96 patients (6.2%) in the early postoperative period: 66 had transient CAVB, 30 had permanent CAVB that necessitated pacemaker implantation. The median body weight and age at surgery were similar in both groups. The most frequent diagnosis was tetralogy of Fallot (TOF, n = 22), complete AV septal defect (AVSD, n = 15), and ventricular septal defect (n = 13). Junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET) developed in 27 patients with transient CAVB and in four with permanent CAVB (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the congenital cardiac pathology, the cardiopulmonary bypass time, cross‐clamp time, and the presence of preoperative arrhythmia between the groups (P > 0.05). The duration of intensive care unit stay was 6 days (range 2–25) for patients with transient CAVB and 13 days (range 4–90) for patients with permanent CAVB. The duration of hospital stay was 10 days (range 2–33) for patients with transient CAVB and 20 days (range 10–90) for patients with permanent CAVB. Both were significantly longer in the patients with permanent CAVB.ConclusionsComplete AVSD and TOF are the most risky operations for the development of postoperative AV block. Ninety‐seven percent of the patients with transient CAVB regained AV conduction within the first 10 postoperative days. The high incidence of JET in patients with transient CAVB was striking.
Feasibility of an inpatient exercise intervention for children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Bogg Tina Fung Ting , Broderick Carolyn , Shaw Peter , Cohn Richard , Naumann Fiona Leigh 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWith improving survival rates following HSCT in children, QOL and management of short‐ and long‐term effects need to be considered. Exercise may help mitigate fatigue and declines in fitness and strength. The aims of this study were to assess the feasibility of an inpatient exercise intervention for children undergoing HSCT and observe the changes in physical and psychological health. Fourteen patients were recruited, mean age 10 yr. A 6MWT, isometric upper and lower body strength, balance, fatigue, and QOL were assessed prior to Tx and six wk post‐Tx. A supervised exercise program was offered five days per week during the inpatient period and feasibility assessed through uptake rate. The study had 100% program completion and 60% uptake rate of exercise sessions. The mean (±s.d.) weekly activity was 117.5 (±79.3) minutes. Younger children performed significantly more minutes of exercise than adolescents. At reassessment, strength and fatigue were stabilized while aerobic fitness and balance decreased. QOL revealed a non‐statistical trend towards improvement. No exercise‐related adverse events were reported. A supervised inpatient exercise program is safe and feasible, with potential physiological and psychosocial benefits.
Correlation of rabbit antithymocyte globulin serum levels and clinical outcomes in children who received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from an alternative donor
Authors: Elmahdi Shaimaa , Muramatsu Hideki , Narita Atsushi , Torii Yuka , Ismael Olfat , Kawashima Nozomu , Okuno Yusuke , Sekiya Yuko , Xu Yinyan , Wang Xinan , Hama Asahito , Ito Yoshinori , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Kojima Seiji 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe analyzed the correlation between rabbit ATG (rATG) serum levels and clinical outcomes in 37 children who received rATG at a total dose of 10 or 15 mg/kg during HSCT conditioning from an alternative donor. Fourteen patients had advanced malignant diseases, 13 had severe AA, and 10 had inherited disorders. Complete engraftment was achieved in all patients, and no rejection occurred. The cumulative incidence of grades II–IV acute GVHD and extensive chronic GVHD was 27% (95% CI, 12.5–39.6%) and 8.1% (95% CI, 0–23.1%), respectively. Multivariate analysis identified lower rATG levels at week 4 as an independent risk factor in the development of grades II–IV acute GVHD (p = 0.037). Serious infections were not observed in any patient following HSCT. No correlation was found between EBV reactivation and rATG levels at week 2 and week 4 after HSCT. Furthermore, no correlation was found between relapse and rATG levels two and four wk post‐transplantation. The probability of five‐yr OS among patients was 70.3% (95% CI, 59.8–79.2%). Our results suggest that targeted rATG administration may protect patients from severe acute GVHD without increasing the risk of EBV reactivation or relapse.
HLA, GVHD, and parenteral nutrition are risk factors for hepatic complications in pediatric HSCT
Authors: Thorvaldson Linda , Remberger Mats , Winiarski Jacek , Omazic Brigitta , Fischler Björn , Sundin Mikael 
Published: October 2015

AbstractHepatic dysfunction is common after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the risk factors, frequency, and outcome of hepatic complications post‐HSCT in children. Two hundred and thirty‐seven cases of allogeneic HSCT in children were included. Data on biochemical liver function at start of HSCT, at +1, +3, +6, and +9 months, and at each subsequent yearly follow‐up were extracted. Patients were stratified into groups with hepatocellular (none and mild, and moderate to severe) and hepatobiliary (none and present) dysfunction. Statistical analysis included variables such as diagnosis, age, conditioning regimen, and HLA type. Results: One hundred and fifty‐six (66%) patients displayed hepatocellular dysfunction post‐HSCT. In most cases transient, but 32% had a persistent abnormality three yr post‐HSCT. Risk factors were chronic GVHD (OR 4.20, p = 0.003) and donor HLA‐A*01 (OR 2.97, p = 0.02). HLA‐DQB1*03 decreased the risk (OR 0.35, p = 0.02). Hepatobiliary dysfunction was less frequent (12%) but carried a poor prognosis. aGVHD grade II–IV (OR 2.7, p = 0.02) and long‐term TPN (OR 3.25, p = 0.01) increased the risk. Conclusion: GVHD is an important risk factor for liver dysfunction post‐HSCT. Specific HLA types may also contribute as a risk factor, while others seem to have a protective effect.
Differential physiological response of the grapevine varieties Touriga Nacional and Trincadeira to combined heat, drought and light stresses
Authors: Carvalho L. C. , Coito J. L. , Gonçalves E. F. , Chaves M. M. , Amâncio S. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWorldwide, extensive agricultural losses are attributed to drought, often in combination with heat in Mediterranean climate regions, where grapevine traditionally grows. The available scenarios for climate change suggest increases in aridity in these regions. Under natural conditions plants are affected by a combination of stresses, triggering synergistic or antagonistic physiological, metabolic or transcriptomic responses unique to the combination. However the study of such stresses in a controlled environment can elucidate important mechanisms by allowing the separation of the effects of individual stresses. To gather those effects, cuttings of two grapevine varieties, Touriga Nacional (TN) and Trincadeira (TR), were grown under controlled conditions and subjected to three abiotic stresses (drought – WS, heat – HS and high light – LS) individually and in combination two‐by‐two (WSHS, WSLS, HSLS) or all three (WSHSLS). Photosynthesis, water status, contents of H2O2, abscisic acid and metabolites of the ascorbate‐glutathione cycle were measured in the leaves. Common and distinct response features were identified in the different stress combinations. Photosynthesis was not hindered in TN by LS, while even individual stresses severely affect photosynthesis in TR. Abscisic acid may be implicated in grapevine osmotic responses since it is correlated with tolerance parameters, especially in combined stresses involving drought. Overall, the responses to drought‐including treatments were clearly distinct to those without drought. From the specific behaviours of the varieties, it can be concluded that TN shows a higher capacity for heat dissipation and for withstanding high light intensities, indicating better adjustment to warm conditions, provided that water supply is plentiful.
The use of desiccation to treat Staphylococcus aureus biofilm‐infected wounds
Authors: Park Eugene , Long Sarah A. , Seth Akhil K. , Geringer Matthew , Xu Wei , Chavez‐Munoz Claudia , Leung Kai , Hong Seok Jong , Galiano Robert D. , Mustoe Thomas A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractChronic wounds colonized with biofilm present a major burden to our healthcare system. While the current paradigm for wound healing is to maintain a moist environment, we sought to evaluate the effects of desiccation, and the ability of honey to desiccate wounds, on wound healing characteristics in Staphylococcus aureus biofilm wounds. In vivo biofilm wound healing after exposure to open‐air desiccation, honey, molasses, and saline was analyzed using a rabbit ear model of S. aureus biofilm wounds previously developed by our group. Wound morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy and granulation tissue deposition was measured using light microscopy with hematoxylin and eosin staining. Viable bacterial counts in rabbit ear biofilm wounds and scabs were measured using a drop dilution method. In vitro S. aureus growth curves were established using tryptic soy broth containing honey and glycerol. Gene expression analysis of rabbit ear wounds was performed using reverse transcription quantitative PCR. Rabbit ear S. aureus biofilm wounds exposed to open‐air desiccation, honey, and molasses developed a dry scab, which displaced the majority of biofilm bacteria off of the wound bed. Wounds treated with open‐air desiccation, honey, and molasses expressed lower levels of the inflammatory markers tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β at postoperative day 12 compared with wounds treated with saline, and had increased levels of granulation tissue formation. In vitro growth of S. aureus in tryptic soy broth was inhibited by the presence of honey to a greater extent than by the presence of osmolality‐matched glycerol. Desiccation of chronic wounds colonized with biofilm via exposure to open air or honey leads to improved wound healing by decreasing bacterial burden and inflammation, and increasing granulation tissue formation. The ability of honey to help heal chronic wounds is at least in part due to its ability to desiccate bacterial biofilm, but other factors clearly contribute.