bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant and Free Radical Scavenging Activities of Different Plant Parts from Two Erica Species
Authors: Nunes Ricardo , Anastácio Ana , Carvalho Isabel S. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAqueous extractions from two species of Erica consumed as infusions in several countries to heal ailments were investigated for their phenolic and flavonoid contents, along with antioxidant capacity and radical scavenging capacity using total antioxidant activity, ferric‐reducing antioxidant power, reducing power, 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl and 2‐2'‐azino‐bis(3 ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radicals, respectively. Antioxidant properties and total phenolic content differed significantly among these plants. Aqueous extracts of leaves possessed, on average, the highest antioxidant capacity and phenolic content (34.09 ± 10.81 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g dry weight and 30.59 ± 10.19 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight, respectively) of all three plant parts. A significant correlation (r2 = 0.952) between antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content was found, indicating that phenolic compounds are the major contributors to the antioxidant properties of these plants. Upon application of hierarchical cluster analysis to the results obtained, leaves with flowers were grouped in one cluster, whereas branches remained in another cluster, showing little interference from the collection site or species factors.Practical ApplicationsResults obtained support that there may exist benefits for health from ingesting this plant infusions and that these plants have a great potential to serve as a cheap antioxidant source.
Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC): A Framework for Monitoring and Assessing Performance of Trained Sensory Panels and Panelists
Authors: Bi Jian , Kuesten Carla 
Published: September 2012

AbstractSensory measurement underlies sensory science. Sensory analysis and decision‐making heavily depend on the quality of sensory data, which is determined by the performance of trained sensory panels and panelists. Various methods have been proposed for monitoring and assessing the performance. A weakness of the currently used methods is lack of a unified framework for various criteria and a variety of experiments with different types of data. This paper proposes to use accuracy, validity and reliability as general terminologies to describe sensory measurement and to apply the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) as a framework for monitoring and assessing performance.ICCcan measure both similarity among panelists and sensitivity of panels and panelists. Hence, ICC can handle the problems of both reliability and validity.ICCcan be obtained from different types of data for diverse experiments. This paper provides the equations andRandS‐Plus functions for estimations ofICCs from continuous data (ratings), multivariate continuous data, ordinal data, ranking data, binary‐choice data, multiple‐choice data and forced‐choice data. Confidence intervals, variances of the estimators, comparison with a fixed value and difference and similarity tests for multipleICCs are also provided. The relationship betweenCronbach's coefficient alpha andICCis discussed.Practical ApplicationsIntraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) may play a framework role in monitoring and assessing performance of trained sensory panels and panelists. It can be used as an index of the quality of sensory data. The larger theICCorCronbach's coefficient alpha value, the better the performance of panels and panelists. If and only if anICCis significantly larger than a specified value, can the quality of the data for that attribute be regarded as acceptable. A statistical test that fails to show that anICCorCronbach's coefficient alpha is significantly larger than a specified lowest limit, e.g., 0.1, suggests that the products are undiscriminating, or the sensory data, at least for that attribute, might not be valid and reliable. We should use that data with caution.
Analysis of 14,008 uroliths from dogs in theUKover a 10‐year period
Authors: Roe K. , Pratt A. , Lulich J. , Osborne C. , Syme H. M. 
Published: September 2012

ObjectivesTo identify breed‐associated risk factors for urolithiasis in dogs from theUK.MethodsRecords of all canine uroliths submitted to Hills Pet NutritionUKfor analysis at the University of Minnesota Urolith Centre over 10 years (1997 to 2006) were reviewed. The results, along with the request forms completed by the submitting veterinarian, were analysed. The most commonly affected breeds, age and gender of the dogs were identified for each of the most common types of uroliths (struvite, calcium oxalate, urate, cystine and mixed). Pearson's chi‐squared tests were performed to assess whether certain breeds of dogs were over‐represented relative to a reference population (from an insurance database).ResultsThe records of 14,008 urolith submissions were analysed. The relative frequency of struvite remained stable over time, whereas calcium oxalate decreased over the study period. Breeds found to be significantly over‐represented for calcium oxalate uroliths included the Chihuahua, miniature poodle and Yorkshire terrier. Staffordshire bull terriers and English bulldogs were at increased risk for cystine uroliths.Clinical SignificanceAssociations between breed, gender, age and urolith formation were similar to those reported elsewhere. However, temporal trends and novel breed predispositions were identified.
Catheter‐Based Renal Sympathetic Denervation Improves Central Hemodynamics and Arterial Stiffness: A Pilot Study
Authors: Mortensen Kai , Franzen Klaas , Himmel Frank , Bode Frank , Schunkert Heribert , Weil Joachim , Reppel Michael 
Published: September 2012

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012;14:861–870. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Renal sympathetic denervation (RDN) is a novel treatment strategy for patients with resistant arterial hypertension. Recently, the Symplicity trials demonstrated significant peripheral blood pressure (BP) reduction. The present study aimed at measuring central aortic pressures and arterial stiffness as better predictors for cardiovascular risk in patients undergoing RDN. RDN was performed in 21 patients (systolic peripheral BP ≥150 mm Hg) with an Ardian/Medtronic (Mountain View, CA) ablation system. Data were recorded with an Arteriograph. After 6 months, peripheral systolic BP was reduced by 6.1% (P<.05) while central systolic pressure was reduced by 7.0% (P<.05). Subgroup analysis showed that in responders, peripheral systolic BP was reduced by 16.1% (P<.01) while central systolic pressure was reduced by 18.3% (P<.01). Arterial stiffness improved significantly. Aortic augmentation index (AIx) improved by 9.5% (P<.05). In responders, AIx improved by 19.2% (P<.02). Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was high at baseline (10.8 m/s) and improved by 10.4% (P<.05). In responders, PWV improved by 13.7% (P<.05). Multivariate analysis showed that short‐term effects on PWV were BP‐related, whereas during follow‐up, improvement of PWV becomes BP‐unrelated. RDN improves peripheral and central blood pressure as well as arterial stiffness and, thus, may improve cardiovascular outcome.
Policing: Fundamental principles in a Canadian context
Authors: Robertson Neil 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis article provides an introduction to the place of Canada's police in the public service. It identifies what makes Canada's police services distinct from other parts of the public service, considers the principles under which policing is expected to operate in democratic systems, and reviews current policing challenges. Public understanding of police and police work may not be accurate, since perceptions may be overly influenced by fictional depictions of law enforcement and by police themselves. Incomplete understandings can influence public policy making, including funding decisions, to the detriment of good policing. Finally, the article observes that there may be insufficient research on policing given its aggregate cost and importance to a successful civil society.
Comparison of efficacy of three commercially available dentifrices on dentinal hypersensitivity: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Pradeep AR , Agarwal E , Naik SB , Bajaj P , Kalra N 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackground:  Dentinal hypersensitivity has been defined as a short, sharp pain arising from exposed dentine as a result of various stimuli such as heat, cold, chemical, or osmotic, that cannot be ascribed to any other pathology. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of three commercially available toothpastes in the reduction of dentinal hypersensitivity.Methods:  A total of 149 subjects (72 males and 77 females; aged 20 to 60 years) were entered into the study and randomly divided into four groups: Group 1 – toothpaste containing 5% potassium nitrate; Group 2 – toothpaste containing 5% calcium sodium phosphosilicate with fused silica; Group 3 – toothpaste containing 3.85% amine fluoride; and Group 4 – a placebo toothpaste. After sensitivity scores for controlled air stimulus and cold water at baseline were recorded, subjects were given toothpastes and sensitivity scores were measured again at 2 weeks and 6 weeks.Results:  All groups showed a reduction in sensitivity scores at 2 weeks and 6 weeks. The calcium sodium phosphosilicate group was found to be significantly better compared to the other groups at the end of 6 weeks.Conclusions:  The calcium sodium phosphosilicate group showed a better reduction in the symptoms of dentinal hypersensitivity.
The cross‐pin retained implant supported restoration: a study of gasket placement and leakage
Authors: Sambrook RJ , Judge RB 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackground:  Advantages of cross‐pin retained implant supported restorations (ISRs) include predictable retrieval and predictable retention. Unlike direct to fixture (DTF) or cement retained restorations, the prosthetic design of a cross‐pinned restoration retains gaps at the interfaces between the crown, abutment and cross‐pin screw. These spaces permit leakage into the suprastructure and gasket placement has been recommended to prevent this leakage.Methods:  Five different gaskets were assessed for their ability to prevent leakage into a cross‐pinned ISR. The gaskets tested were: cement admixture on the cross‐pin screw; cement admixture on the inner surface of the coping and the cross‐pin screw; cement admixture on the inner surface of the coping only; cement admixture placed 1 mm from the margin of the coping and a filler placed in the abutment chimney.Results:  Only gaskets which sealed both the cross‐pin screw interface and the abutment‐crown interface prevented leakage. A filler placed in the abutment chimney prevented leakage into this space but did not prevent fluid accumulating between the coping and abutment. Conservative placement of cement at the margin of the coping failed to prevent leakage.Conclusions:  Cement gaskets may effectively prevent leakage into a cross‐pinned ISR. However, the use of a cement as a gasket has to be weighed against the issue of predictable retrieval, cement extrusion and incomplete seating.
Effect of periodontal therapy on prevention of gastric Helicobacter pylori recurrence: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bouziane Amal , Ahid Samir , Abouqal Redouane , Ennibi Oumkeltoum 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimThe aim of this review is to assess the effect of dental plaque control and periodontal therapy on prevention of gastric Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) recurrence.Materials and MethodsWe conducted searches of electronic databases, and included controlled trials comparing periodontal treatment and eradication therapy of H. pylori with eradication therapy alone for prevention of recurrence of gastric H. pylori. We used the absence of recurrence of gastric H. pylori after the first 3 months as an outcome measure to determine relative risk of persistence of gastric H. pylori. We estimated the degree of heterogeneity among trial results using Q and I2 statistics.ResultsThree trials including 298 patients were eligible according to our inclusion criteria. As significant heterogeneity was indicated by the Q statistics (p = 0.04) and I2 (69%), we used a random‐effects model to combine the data. Compared with eradication therapy alone, the adjunction of periodontal therapy significantly reduced the relative risk of persistence of gastric H. pylori by 63% (0.37 [95% CI 0.21–0.64], p = 0.0004) in patients with gastric diseases.ConclusionsThe adjunction of periodontal treatment to eradication therapy appears to reduce gastric H. pylori recurrence compared with eradication therapy alone among patients with gastric diseases associated with H. pylori. The results of this meta‐analysis should be taken with caution because of the limitations in the primary data.
New insights into pharyngo‐esophageal bolus transport revealed by pressure‐impedance measurement
Authors: Omari T. , Kritas S. , Cock C. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackground  Pharyngeal propulsion, strength of peristalsis and esophago–gastric junction (EJG) resistance are determinants of esophageal bolus transport. This study used pressure‐impedance methods to correlate pharyngo‐esophageal function with the esophageal bolus trajectory pathway and pressures generated during bolus transport.Methods  Pharyngo‐esophageal pressure‐impedance measurements were performed in 20 healthy adult controls. Pharyngeal automated impedance manometry (AIM) analysis was performed to derive pharyngeal swallow function variables. The esophageal time of nadir impedance (TZn) was used to track bolus trajectory pathway. The inflection, or flow stasis point (FSP), of the trajectory curve was determined as were the pressures within the bolus (PZn) above and below the FSP. The size of 20 mmHg isocontour defect (20 mmHg IC defect) measured the integrity of the peristaltic wave.Key Results  For viscous boluses, weaker pharyngeal bolus propulsion correlated with the FSP being located higher in the esophagus. Pressure within the bolus was observed to increase at the FSP and below the FSP in a manner that correlated with the magnitude of esophageal peak pressures. Larger 20 mmHg IC defects were associated with lower pressures within the bolus at the FSP and below.Conclusions & Inferences  The FSP of the bolus trajectory pathway appears to represent a switch from bolus propulsion due to pharyngeal mechanisms to bolus propulsion due to esophageal mechanisms. 20 mmHg IC defects significantly reduce bolus driving pressure at or below the FSP.
Integrative analysis of chromatin states in Arabidopsis identified potential regulatory mechanisms for natural antisense transcript production
Authors: Luo Chongyuan , Sidote David J. , Zhang Yi , Kerstetter Randall A. , Michael Todd P. , Lam Eric 
Published: September 2012

SummaryGenome‐wide analyses of epigenomic and transcriptomic profiles provide extensive resources for discovering epigenetic regulatory mechanisms. However, the construction of functionally relevant hypotheses from correlative patterns and the rigorous testing of these hypotheses may be challenging. We combined bioinformatics‐driven hypothesis building with mutant analyses to identify potential epigenetic mechanisms using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Genome‐wide maps of nine histone modifications produced by ChIP‐seq were used together with a strand‐specific RNA‐seq dataset to profile the epigenome and transcriptome of Arabidopsis. Combinatorial chromatin patterns were described by 42 major chromatin states with selected states validated using the re‐ChIP assay. The functional relevance of chromatin modifications was analyzed using the ANchored CORrelative Pattern (ANCORP) method and a newly developed state‐specific effects analysis (SSEA) method, which interrogates individual chromatin marks in the context of combinatorial chromatin states. Based on results from these approaches, we propose the hypothesis that cytosine methylation (5mC) and histone methylation H3K36me may synergistically repress production of natural antisense transcripts (NATs) in the context of actively expressed genes. Mutant analyses supported this proposed model at a significant proportion of the tested loci. We further identified polymerase‐associated factor as a potential repressor for NAT abundance. Although the majority of tested NATs were found to localize to the nucleus, we also found evidence for cytoplasmically partitioned NATs. The significance of the subcellular localization of NATs and their biological functions remain to be defined.
Survival of Escherichia coli, Enterococci and Campylobacter jejuni in Canada Goose Faeces on Pasture
Authors: Moriarty E. M. , Weaver L. , Sinton L. W. , Gilpin B. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryFreshly excreted Canada goose faeces pose a public health risk as they contain pathogenic microorganisms. Accordingly, a study was carried out on the growth and survival of resident indicator bacteria (enterococci and Escherichia coli) and inoculated Campylobacter jejuni in freshly excreted faeces over summer and winter. Canada goose faeces were collected, mixed thoroughly and inoculated with 108 g−1C. jejuni. The faeces were mixed again before making the Canada goose dropping. The simulated goose droppings (N = 70) were placed on pasture, and the concentrations of E. coli, enterococci and the pathogen, C. jejuni, were monitored. In summer only, the molecular marker of E. coli LacZ and the avian‐associated bacteria E2 was also monitored. Results of the survival study indicated that significant growth of enterococci and E. coli occurred in summer, before concentrations decreased to less than 15% of the original concentration (day 77) for enterococci and 0.01% for E. coli. LacZ followed a similar pattern to E. coli, while the E2 marker dropped to below 0.1% of the original concentration within 4 days. In winter, enterococci grew slightly, while no growth of E. coli occurred. In both summer and winter, C. jejuni was rapidly inactivated. This research highlights the ability of bacterial indicators to replicate and survive in the environment when harboured by avian faeces, and the limited risk aged Canada goose faeces pose as an environmental source of Campylobacter spp.
Atomic force microscopy to characterize binding properties of α7‐containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on neurokinin‐1 receptor‐expressing medullary respiratory neurons
Authors: Clark Catharine G. , Sun Zhe , Meininger Gerald A. , Potts Jeffrey T. 
Published: September 2012

New findings
What is the central question of this study?Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) play an important role in modulating breathing, and alterations in the functional properties of nAChRs may contribute to respiratory abnormalities, such as prenatal exposure to nicotine. Whie common approaches to study nAChRs, such as electrophysiological, anatomical and pharmacological techniques, are beneficial, they do not allow functional examination of receptor behaviour at the receptor level. We sought to use atomic force microscopy (AFM) to assess ligand‐binding properties of nAChR in living medullary neurons under control conditions and following nicotine exposure.
What is the main finding and its importance?Our results demonstrate, for the first time, the utility of atomic force microscopy to assess functional properties of nAChRs in living medullary neurons, including the binding probability of the receptor. These findings also support the claim that nicotine desensitizes nAChRs.
In the present study, we used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to examine the ligand‐binding properties of α7‐containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) expressed on neurons from the ventral respiratory group. We also determined the effect of acute and prolonged exposure to nicotine on the binding probability of nAChRs. Neurons from neonatal (postnatal day 5–10) and juvenile rats (3–4 weeks old) were cultured. Internalization of Alexa Fluor 488‐conjugated substance P was used to identify respiratory neurons that expressed the neurokinin‐1 receptor (NK1‐R), a recognized marker of ventral respiratory group neurons. To assess functional changes in nAChRs, AFM probes conjugated with anti‐α7 subunit nAChR antibody were used to interact cyclically with the surface of the soma of NK1‐R‐positive neurons. Measurements were made of the frequency of antibody adhesion to the α7 receptor subunit and of the detachment forces between the membrane‐attached receptor and the AFM probe tip. Addition of α‐bungarotoxin (a specific antagonist of α7 subunit‐containing nAChRs) to the cell bath produced a 69% reduction in binding to the α7 subunit (P < 0.05, n= 10), supporting specificity of binding. Acute exposure to nicotine (1 μm added to culture media) produced an 80% reduction in nAChR antibody binding to the α7 subunit (P < 0.05, n= 9). Prolonged incubation (72 h) of the cell culture in nicotine significantly reduced α7 binding in a concentration‐dependent manner. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that AFM is a sensitive tool for assessment of functional changes in nAChRs expressed on the surface of living NK1‐R‐expressing medullary neurons. Moreover, these data demonstrate that nicotine exposure decreases the binding probability of α7 subunit‐containing nAChRs.
Intense intermittent exercise provides weak stimulus for vascular endothelial growth factor secretion and capillary growth in skeletal muscle
Authors: Hoier B. , Passos M. , Bangsbo J. , Hellsten Y. 
Published: September 2012

New findings
What is the central question of this study?Does intense intermittent exercise provide a sufficient angiogenic stimulus to induce capillary growth in skeletal muscle conditioned by moderate intensity exercise training?
What is the main finding and its importance?We show that higher levels of shear stress and metabolism associated with intense exercise do not provide further stimulus for capillary growth. Instead, secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor and proliferation of endothelial cells are lower in response to intense compared with moderate‐intensity exercise, suggesting that intense exercise is a weaker stimulus for angiogenesis. The data provide novel insight into the regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor secretion in muscle and the role of pro‐angiogenic and angiostatic factors.
The effect of acute intense intermittent exercise compared with moderate‐intensity exercise on angiogenic factors and the effect of 4 weeks of intense intermittent training on capillary growth were examined in nine healthy young men, preconditioned by moderate‐intensity endurance training. The intense training consisted of 24 bouts of 1 min cycling at an initial work rate of 316 ± 19 W (∼117% of pretraining maximal oxygen uptake), performed three times per week. Skeletal muscle biopsies and muscle microdialysates were otained from the vastus lateralis before, during and after acute exercise performed at either moderate or high intensity. Comparison of the response in angiogenic factors to acute moderate‐ versus high‐intensity exercise, performed prior to the intense training intervention, revealed that intense exercise resulted in a markedly lower (∼60%; P < 0.05) increase in interstitial vascular endothelial growth factor than did moderate‐intensity exercise. Muscle interstitial fluid obtained during moderate‐intensity exercise increased endothelial cell proliferation in vitro more than interstitial fluid obtained during intense exercise (sixfold versus 2.5‐fold, respectively; P < 0.05). The 4 weeks of high‐intensity training did not lead to an increased capillarization in the muscle but abolished the exercise‐induced increase in mRNA for several angiogenic factors, increased the protein levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, lowered the protein levels of thrombospondin‐1 in muscle but increased the interstitial protein levels of thrombospondin‐1. We conclude that intense intermittent exercise provides a weak stimulus for vascular endothelial growth factor secretion and endothelial cell proliferation and that intense intermittent training does not induce a sufficient angiogenic stimulus to induce capillary growth in muscle previously conditioned by moderate‐intensity exercise.