bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of infrared stabilisation on B vitamins, phenolics and antioxidants in rice bran
Authors: Yilmaz Neşe , Tuncel Necati Barış 
Published: August 2014

SummaryThe effects of ten successful infrared stabilisation conditions on the content of proximate composition, dietary fibre, phytate, B vitamins, phenolics and antioxidants of rice bran were investigated. The moisture and phytate content significantly decreased in stabilised rice brans while no significant change was observed in crude fat, protein, ash and soluble and insoluble dietary fibre. Among the evaluated B vitamins, solely the content of thiamine was decreased up to 42% while the level of riboflavin, niacin, and total B6 vitamin was not affected from infrared stabilisation (P > 0.05). The insoluble extracts contained more phenolics and antioxidants that did the soluble fractions. The effect of infrared stabilisation on the content of the phenolics and antioxidants in bound extracts was insignificant (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the authors suggest that infrared radiation can be used as a rice bran stabilisation method without causing a significant loss in the nutrients with the exception of thiamine.
Development and application of molecular methods (PCR) for detection of Tasmanian Atlantic salmon reovirus
Authors: Zainathan S C , Carlile G , Carson J , McColl K A , Crane M St. J , Williams L M , Hoad J , Moody N J G , Aiken H M , Browning G F , Nowak B F 
Published: August 2014

AbstractMolecular (PCR) diagnostic tests for the detection and identification of aquareovirus in general, and Tasmanian Atlantic salmon reovirus (TSRV) specifically, were developed, and their diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were determined and compared with virus isolation in cell culture. Intralaboratory and interlaboratory comparison of PCR (conventional hemi‐nested RT‐PCR & RT‐qPCR) and virus isolation in cell culture using finfish cell lines, CHSE‐214 and EPC, was carried out for the detection and identification of TSRV using field samples of farmed Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, L. from various aquaculture sites around Tasmania. The interlaboratory comparison of diagnostic methods was carried out between two laboratories, AAHL‐CSIRO and DPIPWE‐Tasmania. A total of 144 fish from nine sites (12–33 fish per site) were sampled from two regions of Tasmania (Tamar River estuary in the north and Huon River estuary in the south‐east) during late spring to early summer of 2009, and the data were analysed using different statistical approaches. The prevalence of TSRV ranged from 6% to 22% in both regions. All the diagnostic methods (data from both laboratories) had high specificity, while the estimated sensitivity varied between tests with RT‐qPCR being the most sensitive (95.2%) method followed by virus isolation and then conventional hemi‐nested RT‐PCR.
Association of daunorubicin to a lipid nanoemulsion that binds to low-density lipoprotein receptors enhances the antitumour action and decreases the toxicity of the drug in melanoma-bearing mice
Authors: Contente Thaís C , Kretzer Iara F , Filippin-Monteiro Fabiola B , Maria Durvanei A , Maranhão Raul C 
Published: August 2014

Abstract

Objectives
To test the toxicity and antitumoral activity of the compound N-oleyl-daunorubicin (oDNR) with a cholesterol-rich nanoemulsion (LDE) formulation.

Methods
LDE-oDNR was prepared by high-pressure homogenisation of lipid mixtures. B16F10 melanoma cells and NIH/3T3 fibroblasts were used for cytotoxicity tests. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of both commercial and LDE-oDNR was determined in mice, and melanoma-bearing mice were used for the antitumoral activity tests.

Key findings
CC50 for LDE-oDNR and DNR in melanoma cells were 200 μm and 15 μm, respectively, but LDE-oDNR was less toxic against fibroblasts than DNR. MTD for LDE-oDNR was 65-fold higher than commercial DNR. In tumour-bearing mice, LDE-oDNR (7.5 μmol/kg) reduced tumour growth by 59 ± 2%, whereas the reduction by DNR was only 23 ± 2%. LDE-oDNR increased survival rates (P &lt; 0.05), which was not achieved by DNR treatment. The number of mice with metastasis was only 30% in LDE-oDNR-treated mice, compared with 82% under DNR treatment. By flow cytometry, there were 9% viable cells in tumours of animals treated with LDE-oDNR compared with 27% in DNR-treated animals. Less haematological toxicity was observed in LDE-oDNR-treated mice.

Conclusions
Compared with DNR, LDE-oDNR improved tumour growth inhibition and survival rates with pronouncedly less toxicity, and thus may become a new tool for cancer treatment.
Design of a Gd‐DOTA‐Phthalocyanine Conjugate Combining MRI Contrast Imaging and Photosensitization Properties as a Potential Molecular Theranostic
Authors: Aydın Tekdaş Duygu , Garifullin Ruslan , Şentürk Berna , Zorlu Yunus , Gundogdu Umut , Atalar Ergin , Tekinay Ayse B. , Chernonosov Alexander A. , Yerli Yusuf , Dumoulin Fabienne , Guler Mustafa O. , Ahsen Vefa , Gürek Ayşe Gül 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe design and synthesis of a phthalocyanine – Gd‐DOTA conjugate is presented to open the way to novel molecular theranostics, combining the properties of MRI contrast imaging with photodynamic therapy. The rational design of the conjugate integrates isomeric purity of the phthalocyanine core substitution, suitable biocompatibility with the use of polyoxo water‐solubilizing substituents, and a convergent synthetic strategy ended by the use of click chemistry to graft the Gd‐DOTA moiety to the phthalocyanine. Photophysical and photochemical properties, contrast imaging experiments and preliminary in vitro investigations proved that such a combination is relevant and lead to a new type of potential theranostic agent.
First Description of Scrotal Testicles in a Dog Affected by 78, XX Testicular Disorder of Sex Development
Authors: Del Carro AP , Rosset E , Josson‐Schramme A , Lambert V , Buff S 
Published: August 2014

ContentsAn eight‐month‐old female dog presented with ambiguous external genitalia. A thorough clinical examination together with various imaging techniques and a histology examination showed the presence of two testicles linked to both the Mullerian and Wolffian ducts. The discovery of the 78,XX SRY‐negative karyotype led to the diagnosis of incoherence between the chromosomal and gonadal sex, which is typical for a 78,XX testicular disorder of sex development. Our case was unique because the testicles were still located in their normal scrotal position, whereas the literature contains reports of the presence of cryptorchid testicles in this karyotype setting. To our knowledge, this is the first case that describes an SRY‐negative 78,XX testicular disorder of sex development with bilateral scrotal testicles.
Inhibition of Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Increases Oestradiol Production in Ewes Submitted to Oestrous Synchronization Protocol
Authors: Costa AS , Junior AS , Viana GEN , Muratori MCS , Reis AM , Costa APR 
Published: August 2014

ContentsThis study aimed at evaluating the effects of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (enalapril) and angiotensin II antagonist (valsartan) on the oestradiol and progesterone production in ewes submitted to oestrous synchronization protocol. The animals were weighed and randomly divided into three groups (n = 7). A pre‐experiment conducted to verify the effectiveness and toxicity of enalapril (0.5 mg/kg LW) and valsartan (2.2 mg/kg LW) showed that, in the doses used, these drugs were effective in reducing blood pressure without producing toxic effects. In the experiment, all animals were subjected to oestrous synchronization protocol during 12 days. On D10, D11 and D12, animals received saline, enalapril or valsartan (same doses of the pre‐experiment), according to the group randomly divided. The hormonal analysis showed an increase in oestradiol on the last day of the protocol (D12) in animals that received enalapril (p < 0.05), but not in other groups, without changing the concentration of progesterone in any of the treatments. It is concluded that valsartan and enalapril are safe and effective subcutaneously for use in sheep and that the angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition with enalapril leads to an increase in oestradiol production near ovulation without changing the concentration of progesterone. This shows that ACE inhibition may be a useful tool in reproductive biotechnologies involving induction and synchronization of oestrus and ovulation in sheep.
The Importance of Having Zinc During In Vitro Maturation of Cattle Cumulus–Oocyte Complex: Role of Cumulus Cells
Authors: Anchordoquy JM , Anchordoquy JP , Sirini MA , Picco SJ , Peral‐García P , Furnus CC 
Published: August 2014

ContentsThe aim of this study was to investigate the influence of zinc (Zn) on the health of cumulus–oocyte complex (COC) during in vitro maturation (IVM). Experiments were designed to evaluate the effect of Zn added to IVM medium on: DNA integrity, apoptosis, cumulus expansion and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of cumulus cells (CC). Also, role of CC on Zn transport during IVM was evaluated on oocyte developmental capacity. DNA damage and early apoptosis were higher in CC matured with 0 μg/ml Zn compared with 0.7, 1.1 and 1.5 μg/ml Zn (p < 0.05). Cumulus expansion did not show differences in COC matured with or without Zn supplementation (p > 0.05). Superoxide dismutase activity was higher in COC matured with 1.5 μg/ml Zn than with 0 μg/ml Zn (p < 0.05). Cleavage and blastocyst rates were recorded after IVM in three maturation systems: intact COCs, denuded oocytes with cumulus cells monolayer (DO + CC) and denuded oocytes (DO). Cleavage rates were similar when COC, DO + CC or DO were matured with 1.5 μg/ml Zn compared with control group (p > 0.05). Blastocyst rates were significantly higher in COC than in DO + CC and DO with the addition of 1.5 μg/ml Zn during IVM (p < 0.01). Blastocyst quality was enhanced in COC and DO + CC compared with DO when Zn was added to IVM medium (p < 0.001). The results of this study indicate that Zn supplementation to IVM medium (i) decreased DNA damage and apoptosis in CC; (ii) increased SOD activity in CC; (iii) did not modify cumulus expansion and cleavage rates after in vitro fertilization; (iv) improved subsequent embryo development up to blastocyst stage; and (v) enhanced blastocyst quality when CC were present either in intact COC or in coculture during IVM.
Expression of Perilipin 2 (PLIN2) in Porcine Oocytes During Maturation
Authors: Zhang RN , Fu XW , Jia BY , Liu C , Cheng KR , Zhu SE 
Published: August 2014

ContentsPerilipins have been reported to limit the interaction of lipases with neutral lipids within the droplets, thereby regulating neutral lipid accumulation and utilization. This study aimed to identify the location and expression of PLIN1 and PLIN2 in porcine oocytes during maturation. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), immunostaining and Western blot methods were used to characterize the expression and distribution patterns of PLIN1 and PLIN2 in porcine oocytes. The results showed that PLIN1 was not detectable in porcine oocytes. PLIN2 and BODIPY 493/503‐detected neutral lipid droplets appeared identical distribution patterns and extensive colocalization in both GV and MII porcine oocytes. PLIN2 protein expression was higher in GV oocytes than that in MII oocytes (p < 0.05), although PLIN2 mRNA expression was similar in both groups. These findings suggested that PLIN2 was a major lipid droplet‐associated protein in porcine oocytes.
Increase in skin surface elasticity in normal volunteer subjects following the use of copper oxide impregnated socks
Authors: Dykes P. 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundCopper is an essential mineral involved in the formation and stabilisation of extracellular skin proteins. As copper can be absorbed through intact skin, we reasoned that using socks containing copper‐impregnated fibres may have an effect on skin elasticity.MethodsA double blind, placebo controlled study was conducted in which one group of healthy volunteers (n = 32) wore socks with fibres containing microscopic copper oxide particles and the other group wore identical socks without copper oxide (n = 28). The socks were worn for at least 10 h a day for 4 weeks. Skin elasticity measurements were taken from three separate test sites on the side of the ankle using a Cutometer at baseline and after 2 and 4 weeks of product use.ResultsThere was an increase in the mean net skin elasticity (R5) of 6.4% (P = 0.6) and 31.4% (P = 0.004) after 2 and 4 weeks respectively, in the group of individuals that used the copper oxide containing socks, but no increase in the group of individuals that used the control socks. Similarly, there was an increase in the mean biological elasticity (R7 values) of 3% (P = 0.55) and 20.7% (0.014) after 2 and 4 weeks, respectively, only in the group of individuals that used the copper oxide containing socks. The differences between treatments (i.e. socks used) were statistically significant at 4 weeks (P = 0.0058 and P = 0.0327 for R5 and R7, respectively).ConclusionUsing copper oxide containing socks results in an increase in skin elasticity of the feet.
The economic burden of pneumonia and meningitis among children less than five years old in Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Le Phuc , Griffiths Ulla K. , Anh Dang D. , Franzini Luisa , Chan Wenyaw , Pham Ha , Swint John M. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the average treatment costs of pneumonia and meningitis among children under five years of age in a tertiary hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam from societal, health sector and household perspectives.MethodsWe used a cost‐of‐illness approach to identify cost categories to be included for different perspectives. A prospective survey was conducted among eligible patients to get detailed personal costing items.ResultsFrom the perspective of the health sector, the mean costs for treating a case of pneumonia and meningitis were USD 180 and USD 300, respectively. From the household's perspective, the average treatment costs were USD 272 for pneumonia and USD 534 for meningitis. When also including indirect costs, the average total treatment costs from the societal perspective were USD 318 for pneumonia and USD 727 for meningitis.ConclusionThe study contributed to limited evidence on the high treatment costs of pneumonia and meningitis to the Vietnamese society, which is useful for a cost‐effectiveness analysis of Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine or other relevant disease preventions. It also indicated a need to re‐evaluate the health insurance policy for children under 6 years old, so that the unnecessarily high out‐of‐pocket costs of these diseases are reduced.
Calcium in the heart: from physiology to disease
Authors: Eisner David 
Published: August 2014

New Findings
What is the topic of this review?
This review considers the factors that regulate the systolic Ca transient in cardiac muscle and how disturbed Ca signalling can result in heart failure and arrhythmias.
What advances does it highlight?
Sarcoplasmic Reticulum (SR) Ca content is controlled by a mechanism in which it is regulated by alterations in Ca fluxes across the surface membrane. This has important consequences for the regulation of the size of the systolic Ca transient.
Contraction of the heart results from an increase of cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), the so‐called systolic Ca2+ transient. Most of this results from the release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) through the ryanodine receptor (RyR). In turn, the amplitude of this Ca2+ transient determines the contractility of the heart. In this lecture, I consider the factors which govern the size and stability of this Ca2+ release. The amplitude of the Ca2+ transient is a steep function of SR Ca, resulting in a requirement for very precise beat‐to‐beat regulation of SR Ca content. This is achieved by a simple negative feedback mechanism, in which an increase of SR Ca content increases the size of the Ca2+ transient, resulting in a decrease of Ca2+ influx on the L‐type Ca2+ current and an increase of efflux through Na+–Ca2+ exchange. Changing the activity of any of the Ca2+‐cycling proteins will change the steady‐state SR Ca content. This feedback mechanism has many consequences, including the fact that a change of RyR open probability has a only a temporary effect on the amplitude of the Ca2+ transient due to a compensating change of SR Ca content. The remainder of the article considers the link between intracellular Ca2+ waves and arrhythmias. This is done in the context of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, which is an inherited arrhythmia syndrome, in many cases due to a RyR mutation, where arrhythmias occur during exercise as a result of β‐adrenergic stimulation. Calcium waves occur only when the SR Ca content exceeds a threshold level. Our data show that the threshold is reduced by the RyR mutation and that the adrenergic stimulation increases SR Ca content.
Erythropoietin administration alone or in combination with endurance training affects neither skeletal muscle morphology nor angiogenesis in healthy young men
Authors: Larsen Mads S. , Vissing Kristian , Thams Line , Sieljacks Peter , Dalgas Ulrik , Nellemann Birgitte , Christensen Britt 
Published: August 2014

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Is an erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent (ESA), alone or in combination with endurance training, able to induce changes in human skeletal muscle fibre and vascular morphology?
What is the main finding and its importance?
Human skeletal muscle morphology and angiogenetic effects did not exhibit sensitivity to ESA treatment alone. Endurance training stimulates angiogenesis and fibre type transition in the direction of a more oxidative fibre phenotype; however, addition of ESA had no further effect.
The aim was to investigate the ability of an erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent (ESA), alone or in combination with endurance training, to induce changes in human skeletal muscle fibre and vascular morphology. In a comparative study, 36 healthy untrained men were randomly dispersed into the following four groups: sedentary–placebo (SP, n = 9); sedentary–ESA (SE, n = 9); training–placebo (TP, n = 10); or training–ESA (TE, n = 8). The ESA or placebo was injected once weekly. Training consisted of progressive bicycling three times per week for 10 weeks. Before and after the intervention period, muscle biopsies and magnetic resonance images were collected from the thigh muscles, blood was collected, body composition measured and endurance exercise performance evaluated. The ESA treatment (SE and TE) led to elevated haematocrit, and both ESA treatment and training (SE, TP and TE) increased maximal O2 uptake. With regard to skeletal muscle morphology, TP alone exhibited increases in whole‐muscle cross‐sectional area and fibre diameter of all fibre types. Also exclusively for TP was an increase in type IIa fibres and a corresponding decrease in type IIx fibres. Furthermore, an overall training effect (TP and TE) was statistically demonstrated in whole‐muscle cross‐sectional area, muscle fibre diameter and type IIa and type IIx fibre distribution. With regard to muscle vascular morphology, TP and TE both promoted a rise in capillary to muscle fibre ratio, with no differences between the two groups. There were no effects of ESA treatment on any of the muscle morphological parameters. Despite the haematopoietic effects of ESA, we provide novel evidence that endurance training rather than ESA treatment induces adaptational changes in angiogenesis and muscle morphology.
Activation of TRPC channels contributes to OA‐NO2‐induced responses in guinea‐pig dorsal root ganglion neurons
Authors: Zhang Xiulin , Beckel Jonathan M. , Daugherty Stephanie L. , Wang Ting , Woodcock Stephen R. , Freeman Bruce A. , de Groat William C. 
Published: August 2014

Key points
Nitro‐oleic acid (OA‐NO2) and related nitroalkenes are electrophilic fatty acid derivatives that function as metabolic and anti‐inflammatory signalling mediators and contribute to resolution of inflammation.
OA‐NO2 is known to activate transient receptor potential (TRP) A1 and V1 channels in rat and mouse primary sensory neurons.
However, in guinea‐pig dorsal root ganglion neurons OA‐NO2 activated TRPC channels and elicited a transient excitatory effect followed by a long‐lasting inhibitory effect.
Our data challenge the prevailing view that electrophilic compounds act specifically on TRPA1 and suggest that OA‐NO2 can exert a modulatory effect on sensory mechanisms via activation of TRPC channels.
AbstractEffects of nitro‐oleic acid (OA‐NO2) on TRP channels were examined in guinea‐pig dissociated dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons using calcium imaging and patch clamp techniques. OA‐NO2 increased intracellular Ca2+ in 60–80% DRG neurons. 1‐Oleoyl‐2acetyl‐sn‐glycerol (OAG), a TRPC agonist, elicited responses in 36% of OA‐NO2‐sensitive neurons while capsaicin (TRPV1 agonist) or allyl‐isothiocyanate (AITC, TRPA1 agonist) elicited responses in only 16% and 10%, respectively, of these neurons. A TRPV1 antagonist (diarylpiperazine, 5 μm) in combination with a TRPA1 antagonist (HC‐030031, 30 μm) did not change the amplitude of the Ca2+ transients or percentage of neurons responding to OA‐NO2; however, a reducing agent DTT (50 mm) or La3+ (50 μm) completely abolished OA‐NO2 responses. OA‐NO2 also induced a transient inward current associated with a membrane depolarization followed by a prolonged outward current and hyperpolarization in 80% of neurons. The reversal potentials of inward and outward currents were approximately −20 mV and −60 mV, respectively. Inward current was reduced when extracellular Na+ was absent, but unchanged by niflumic acid (100 μm), a Cl− channel blocker. Outward current was abolished in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ or a combination of two Ca2+‐activated K+ channel blockers (iberiotoxin, 100 nm and apamin, 1 μm). BTP2 (1 or 10 μm), a broad spectrum TRPC antagonist, or La3+ (50 μm) completely abolished OA‐NO2 currents. RT‐PCR performed on mRNA extracted from DRGs revealed the expression of all seven subtypes of TRPC channels. These results support the hypothesis that OA‐NO2 activates TRPC channels other than the TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels already known to be targets in rat and mouse sensory neurons and challenge the prevailing view that electrophilic compounds act specifically on TRPA1 or TRPV1 channels. The modulation of sensory neuron excitability via actions on multiple TRP channels can contribute to the anti‐inflammatory effect of OA‐NO2.