bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of alcohol on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the selective mu‐opioid receptor antagonist GSK1521498 in healthy subjects
Authors: Ziauddeen Hisham , Nathan Pradeep J. , Dodds Chris , Maltby Kay , Miller Sam R. , Waterworth Dawn , Song Kijoung , Warren Liling , Hosking Louise , Zucchetto Mauro , Bush Mark , Johnson Lakshmi Vasist , Sarai Bhopinder , Mogg Karin , Bradley Brendan P. , Richards Duncan B. , Fletcher Paul C. , Bullmore Edward T. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe mu‐opioid system has a key role in hedonic and motivational processes critical to substance addiction. However, existing mu‐opioid antagonists have had limited success as anti‐addiction treatments. GSK1521498 is a selective and potent mu‐opioid antagonist being developed for the treatment of overeating and substance addictions. In this study, 28 healthy participants were administered single doses of GSK1521498 20 mg, ethanol 0.5 g/kg body weight, or both in combination, in a double blind placebo controlled four‐way crossover design. The primary objective was to determine the risk of significant adverse pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic (PK) interactions. The effects of GSK1521498 on hedonic and consummatory responses to alcohol and the attentional processing of alcohol‐related stimuli, and their modulation by the OPRM1 A118G polymorphism were also explored. GSK1521498 20 mg was well tolerated alone and in combination with ethanol. There were mild transient effects of GSK1521498 on alertness and mood that were greater when it was combined with ethanol. These effects were not of clinical significance. There were no effects of GSK1521498 on reaction time, hedonic or consummatory responses. These findings provide encouraging safety and PK data to support continued development of GSK1521498 for the treatment of alcohol addiction.
Stem cell bioprocessing for regenerative medicine
Authors: Fernandes Tiago G. , Rodrigues Carlos A.V. , Diogo Maria Margarida , Cabral Joaquim M.S. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractStem cell‐derived products have the potential to represent promising therapeutic approaches for the treatment of a wide range of conditions. Neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson's disease or Huntington's disease, neurological disorders, cardiac failure, and blood disorders, among others, may one day be treated using cellular therapies and regenerative medicine approaches based on stem cells. Furthermore, owing to the potential positive impact in healthcare systems, translation of stem cell technologies into clinical applications will bring a broad social and economic advantage worldwide. However, to fully realize this potential, advanced bioprocessing systems are needed to deliver sufficient numbers of cells in compliance with stringent regulatory landscapes and that can be used in a safe and effective manner. This review presents and summarizes recent advancements in the field of stem cell engineering, in particular novel technologies for the interrogation of stem cell fate and systems for the robust manufacturing of cells under standardized, reproducible and strictly controlled conditions. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
PhiC31 integrase‐mediated genomic integration and stable gene expression in the mouse mammary gland after gene electrotransfer
Authors: Luo Yan , Liu Jun , Wang Yongsheng , Su Jianmin , Wu Yongyan , Hu Guangdong , Gao Mingqing , Quan Fusheng , Zhang Yong 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundPhiC31 integrase is capable of conferring long‐term transgene expression in various transfected tissues in vivo. In the present study, we investigated the activity of phiC31 integrase in mouse mammary glands.MethodsThe normal mouse mammary epithelial cell line HC11 was transfected with FuGENE® HD Transfection Reagent (Roche Diagnostics, Shanghai, China). Transfection of the mouse mammary gland in vivo was performed by electrotransfer. Transgene expression was detected by western blotting and an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Genomic integration and integration at mpsL1 was confirmed by a nested polymerase chain reaction.ResultsAn optimal electrotransfer protocol for the lactating mouse mammary gland was attained through investigation of different voltages and pulse durations. PhiC31 integrase mediated site‐specific transgene integration in HC11 cells and the mouse mammary gland. In addition, the site‐specific integration occurred efficiently at the ‘hot spot’ mpsL1. Co‐delivery of PhiC31 integrase enhanced and prolonged transgene expression in the mouse mammary gland.ConclusionsThe results obtained in the present study show that the use of phiC31 integrase is a feasible and efficient method for high and stable transgene expression in the mouse mammary gland. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stepped‐to‐dart leaders preceding lightning return strokes
Authors: Stolzenburg Maribeth , Marshall Thomas C. , Karunarathne Sumedhe , Karunarathna Nadeeka , Warner Tom A. , Orville Richard E. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractUsing time‐correlated high‐speed video and electric field change data, three cases are described in which dart leaders toward ground are immediately preceded by stepped leaders that find and use previously used channels. These “stepped‐to‐dart leaders” occur in three natural negative ground flashes. Prior to the stepped‐to‐dart connection, the leaders have characteristics of stepped leaders, including average two‐dimensional speeds of 1.6–2.7 × 105 m s−1 (visible from 5.5, 3.4, and 0.9 km altitude). After the connection, they behave as dart (or dart‐stepped) leaders, with larger amplitude E‐change pulses and faster average speeds of 3.4–7.8 × 106 m s−1. Connection altitudes are 3.32, 1.57, and 0.75 km. Immediately after the connection, there is a brief lighting in a short part of the prior return stroke channel. Luminosity travels up the stepped leader path after the connection, while the dart leader proceeds toward ground. In two cases, all the strokes subsequent to the stepped‐to‐dart stroke follow the visible portion of its channel. The other case has two subsequent strokes which do not reuse any portion of the stepped‐to‐dart channel. For the other 12 strokes in these flashes, stepped leader average speeds range from 1.7 to 3.0 × 105 m s−1, and dart leader average speeds are 0.82 to 16.67 × 106 m s−1. Overall, the return stroke waveforms give reasonable indication of the type of leader that preceded the stroke. Stepped‐to‐dart leaders are apparently rare in optical data, occurring in about 1% of subsequent strokes and 2.5% of flashes.
Collagen scaffold meniscus implant integration in a canine model: A histological analysis
Authors: Hansen Robert , Bryk Eli , Vigorita Vincent 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTIn the situation of an irreparable meniscus tear, an implant comparable to a normal meniscus is an attractive option. Using a canine model, we assessed the early and late histologic response to a tissue engineered meniscal collagen scaffold (CS). All animals received bilateral arthrotomies, and all joints receiving the CS had an 80% resection of the meniscus. Animals were sacrificed at 3 and 6 weeks, and 12, 13, and 17 months. The CS/tissue complex and host meniscal rim were sectioned for histologic examination with specific focus on the extracellular matrix, angiogenesis, cellular resorption of the scaffold, scaffold appearance, and CS/Host integration. Early histologic samples (3–6 weeks) revealed active angiogenesis and fibrin clots evolving into cellular granulation type tissue. At 12 months, a mature fibrochondrocytic matrix was depositing with gradations of dissolution and integration of the CS implant. Maturing CS/host integration was observed at 18 months. Active cellular resorption of the implant decreased over time. Four cases showed a mild non‐specific chronic inflammation and one additional case showed inflammatory engulfment of the scaffold with giant cells at 3 weeks. No evidence of infection either clinically or histologically was observed at any time point. Overall, this histologic analysis demonstrated the active integration of a meniscal like cartilage into a tissue engineered biological scaffold in a canine model. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1914–1919, 2013
Analysis of microRNAs expressions in chondrosarcoma
Authors: Yoshitaka Teruhito , Kawai Akira , Miyaki Shigeru , Numoto Kunihiko , Kikuta Kazutaka , Ozaki Toshifumi , Lotz Martin , Asahara Hiroshi 
Published: August 2013

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs capable of inhibiting gene expression post‐transcriptionally and expression profiling can provide therapeutic targets and tools for cancer diagnosis. Chondrosarcoma is a mesenchymal tumor with unknown cause and differentiation status. Here, we profiled miRNA expression of chondrosarcoma, namely clinical samples from human conventional chondrosarcoma tissue, established chondrosarcoma cell lines, and primary non‐tumorous adult articular chondrocytes, by miRNA array and quantitative real‐time PCR. A wide variety of miRNAs were differently downregulated in chondrosarcoma compared to non‐tumorous articular chondrocytes; 27 miRNAs: miR‐10b, 23b, 24‐1*, 27b, 100, 134, 136, 136*, 138, 181d, 186, 193b, 221*, 222, 335, 337‐5p, 376a, 376a*, 376b, 376c, 377, 454, 495, 497, 505, 574‐3p, and 660, were significantly downregulated in chondrosarcoma and only 2: miR‐96 and 183, were upregulated. We further validated the expression levels of miRNAs by quantitative real‐time PCR for miR‐181a, let‐7a, 100, 222, 136, 376a, and 335 in extended number of chondrosarcoma clinical samples. Among them, all except miR‐181a were found to be significantly downregulated in chondrosarcoma derived samples. The findings provide potential diagnostic value and new molecular understanding of chondrosarcoma. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1992–1998, 2013
Heavy metal accumulation in leaves affects physiological performance and litter quality of Quercus ilex L.
Authors: Maisto Giulia , Santorufo Lucia , Arena Carmen 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the relationships between leaf functional modifications and heavy metal concentrations of Quercus ilex L., a good bioindicator of air quality. In addition, as metal concentration in litter plays an important role in decomposition and, in turn, in biogeochemical cycles, samples of undecomposed and whole‐leaf litter were analyzed for heavy metals. Leaves and leaf litter of Q. ilex were collected at six sites (roadsides, motorway sites, and urban parks) in Naples (Southern Italy) and characterized for Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb concentrations. The investigated functional leaf traits were: leaf area (LA), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry‐matter content (LDMC), water content (WC), leaf relative water content (RWC), maximal PSII photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm, variable fluorescence / maximal fluorescence), and total chlorophyll concentration. The motorways were the most contaminated sites, and Pb was the main responsible source of contamination. The metal contamination caused slight variation of Fv/Fm, suggesting that metals did not significantly alter functionality of the photosynthetic apparatus. On the other hand, it can be supposed that higher leaf deposit can cause an increase of pigment biosynthesis in response to the shading increase caused by dust deposition.
Nutrient‐rich compost versus nutrient‐poor vermicompost as growth media for ornamental‐plant production
Authors: Belda Rosa M. , Mendoza‐Hernández Daicy , Fornes Fernando 
Published: August 2013

AbstractA comparative study on the suitability of one compost and two vermicomposts, obtained from the same batch of tomato‐crop waste, as growth media for ornamental plant production was carried out. Each material was mixed with Sphagnum peat at 100 : 0, 75 : 25, 50 : 50, 25 : 75, and 0 : 100 (peat control) proportions by volume. Two ornamentals (Calendula officinalis, Viola cornuta) were sown and grown in the 13 substrates. Substrates were characterized physically and chemically. Seed germination, total leaf chlorophyll (SPAD units), plant growth, and plant nutrient concentrations were determined. The compost and the vermicomposts were markedly different from peat. Compost and the vermicomposts had greater bulk density and lower total porosity than peat. Compost had larger aeration and lower water‐holding capacity than vermicomposts and peat. Compost and vermicomposts were alkaline (pH = 8.8 on average) whilst peat was acidic (pH = 5.9). Electrical conductivity was low in peat (0.23 dS m–1) and vermicomposts (0.65 dS m–1), and high in compost (2.85 dS m–1) due to the high concentrations of K+ and SO$ _4^{2-} $. Mixing compost and vermicomposts with peat produced substrates with intermediate characteristics. Physical properties were within adequate range for all mixes except for the compost ones. pH was within adequate range only in pure peat, and salinity was extremely high in the compost mixes. Compost was phytotoxic, as shown by the strong reduction of seed germination, chlorophyll content, and plant growth of both ornamentals. Vermicomposts did not affect seed germination but reduced plant growth, though much less than compost. Mixing these materials with peat improved germination and growth. The diluted materials (compost at the 25 : 75 and vermicomposts at the 50 : 50 and 25 : 75 proportions) produced good‐quality plants.
Soil‐quality‐index model for assessing the impact of groundwater on soil in an intensively farmed coastal area of E China
Authors: Yao Rong‐Jiang , Yang Jing‐Song , Gao Peng , Zhang Jian‐Bin , Jin Wen‐Hui , Yu Shi‐Peng 
Published: August 2013

AbstractSoil quality is important in measuring sustainable land‐use and soil‐management practices. It is usually assessed by evaluating important physical, chemical, and biological soil properties. For this study, a site‐specific 22 variables representing pertinent soil (0–10 cm) and groundwater properties were selected as potential soil‐quality indicators in a coastal salt‐affected farmland of E China. To investigate the role of groundwater in soil‐quality assessment, we designed two sets of minimum data sets (MDSs). Minimum data set 1 (MDS1) had inputs of the 19 soil chemical and physical properties whereas MDS2 was based on the 22 soil and groundwater properties. Using principal‐component analysis, discriminant analysis, and soil‐quality‐index (SQI) model, we demonstrated the procedures of MDS selection, indicator normalization, and integration of MDS into SQI value for soils used for the two cropping systems. Results indicated selection of SOCD, AK, and ρb as MDS1 indicators but MDS2 indicators included SOM, SOCD, Cl, Na, WTg, and ECg. These were found to be the most effective discriminators between the two cropping systems. Available K (AK) made greatest contribution to SQI using MDS1 indicators, however, WTg, ECg, and Cl were the greatest contributors to the SQI for MDS2. Contribution of SOCD to SQI was severely inhibited in cotton–barley rotation system while ECg and WTg contributions to SQI were inhibited in rice–rape rotation system. In general, cotton–barley rotation system had a better soil quality over rice–rape rotation system as the former had higher SQI values than the latter for both MDSs. Crop parameters did also exhibit significant relationship with the SQI values using MDS2 but it was not significant for MDS1. Our results suggest that in addition to soil chemical, physical, and biological indicators, groundwater properties particularly the WTg and ECg are also important for assessing soil quality in an intensively farmed coastal area.
Predicting apple (cv. Elshof) postharvest dry matter and soluble solids content with near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Travers Sylvia , Bertelsen Marianne G , Kucheryavskiy Sergey V 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDFruit dry matter (DM) and soluble solids content (SSC) are primarily composed of carbohydrate and are standard parameters for assessing quality. Near infrared spectroscopy provides potential for non‐destructive fruit quality analysis but the collinearity between DM and SSC is an issue for prediction. Shorter wavelength spectra have been used for the prediction of fruit DM and SSC, but radiation between 1000 and 2500 nm may be suitable for distinguishing between the two forms of carbohydrate.RESULTSSpectra and DM and SSC samples were taken for a total of 450 ‘Elshof’ apples 30, 58 and 93 days after harvest. Regression models were built using the interval partial least squares method. Prediction models for DM and SSC for each day yielded R2 values between 0.63 and 0.86 and residual predictive deviations (RPDs) between 1.7 and 2.7 for DM, and R2 = 0.76–0.85 and RPDs = 2.2–2.6 for SSC.CONCLUSIONModel RPD values were not high enough for general quantitative predictions, although they compare well to previous work. Certain factors affected model success, including changes in fruit physiology over time and the range of reference data. The complexity of absorbance spectra for DM and SSC plus their strong correlation suggests that prediction models cannot easily distinguish between soluble and non‐soluble forms of carbohydrate. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Relationship between condensed tannin structures and their ability to precipitate feed proteins in the rumen
Authors: Lorenz Martin M , Alkhafadji Loy , Stringano Elisabetta , Nilsson Staffan , Mueller‐Harvey Irene , Udén Peter 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDTannins can bind to and precipitate protein by forming insoluble complexes resistant to fermentation and with a positive effect on protein utilisation by ruminants. Three protein types, Rubisco, rapeseed protein and bovine serum albumin (a single high‐molecular weight protein), were used to test the effects of increasing concentrations of structurally different condensed tannins on protein solubility/precipitation.RESULTSProtein type (PT) influenced solubility after addition of condensed tannins (P < 0.001) in the order: Rubisco < rapeseed < BSA (P < 0.05). The type of condensed tannin (CT) affected protein solubility (P = 0.001) with a CT × PT interaction (P = 0.001). Mean degree of polymerisation, proportions of cis‐ versus trans‐flavanol subunits or prodelphinidins versus procyanidins among CTs could not explain precipitation capacities. Increasing tannin concentration decreased protein solubility (P < 0.001) with a PT × CT concentration interaction. The proportion of low‐molecular weight rapeseed proteins remaining in solution increased with CT concentration but not with Rubisco.CONCLUSIONSResults of this study suggest that PT and CT type are both of importance for protein precipitation but that the CT structures investigated did not allow identification of parameters that contribute most to precipitation. It is possible that the three‐dimensional structures of tannins and proteins may be more important factors in tannin–protein interactions. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Role of whey proteins in combating geriatric disorders
Authors: V Sreeja , Jana Atanu , Aparnathi Kishore , Prajapati Jashbhai 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAgeing in humans is usually accompanied by deterioration in physical fitness and increased susceptibility to disease, adding to the economic burden of the person concerned. Inadequate food intake, reduced desire to eat, decline in food digestion or absorption, compromise in nutritional metabolic pathways, poor dental hygiene or preponderance of chronic diseases, which are commonly found in the elderly, can lead to an increased risk of under‐nutrition. Adequate dietary nutrition has an undisputed role in healthy ageing. Among the various nutrients, proteins play an important role in geriatric health. This review emphasizes the nutritional aspects of milk‐based whey proteins and their role in tackling health problems in the geriatric population. Nutritionally rich whey protein constituents such as β‐lactoglobulin, α‐lactalbumin, bovine serum albumin, lactoferrin and proteose peptone have all been reported to have a plethora of functional roles in various biological processes and organ systems in geriatrics and thus help in the management of geriatric health problems through proper nutrition. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of two Spanish breeds and diet on beef quality including consumer preferences
Authors: Ripoll Guillermo , Blanco Mireia , Albertí Pere , Panea Begoña , Joy Margalida , Casasús Isabel 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDFarmers in dry mountain areas are changing their management strategies to improve livestock farming efficiency, by using different forages or different breeds. The effect of breed (Parda de Montaña vs. Pirenaica) and finishing diet (grazing on meadows vs. a total mixed ration (50% alfalfa, 40% maize grain, 10% straw)) on carcass characteristics and meat quality of steers was studied.RESULTSParda de Montaña had a greater (P < 0.01) amount of intramuscular fat than Pirenaica. The finishing diet did not influence carcass fat color, but fatty acid composition was slightly affected. Finishing steers on a total mixed ration increased the percentage of fat of the 10th rib (P < 0.001). Supplementation with concentrates increased the diet energy concentration and also increased the dressing percentage.CONCLUSIONSBoth breeds had similar carcass characteristics. Consumers preferred beef from the Pirenaica breed because of its greater tenderness. Consumers did not differentiate between beef from animals fed different finishing diets. However, consumers who like meat very much preferred meat aged in a cooler at 4 °C for 15 days rather than 8 days. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Management of raccoon roundworm in free‐ranging raccoon populations via anthelmintic baiting
Authors: Smyser Timothy J. , Page L. Kristen , Johnson Scott A. , Hudson Cassie M. , Kellner Kenneth F. , Swihart Robert K. , Rhodes Olin E. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTRaccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis), a common gastrointestinal parasite of the raccoon (Procyon lotor), has been implicated in population declines of Allegheny woodrats (Neotoma magister). Medicinal baiting is a viable tool in wildlife disease management although unique challenges exist for pathogenic systems in which the host can be immediately re‐infected following treatment. Our goals were to evaluate the efficacy of using monthly distribution of anthelmintic baits to reduce the prevalence of B. procyonis infection in raccoons and to quantify patterns and rates of bait acceptance among populations repeatedly exposed to medicinal baits. We distributed baits monthly at a density of 200/km2 throughout 300‐m buffer areas surrounding woodrat habitats in Indiana. We conducted raccoon latrine surveys annually to quantify the effect of treatment on roundworm prevalence and used remote cameras to identify the species contacting baits and determine the rate at which baits were removed. We observed declines in B. procyonis prevalence in response to treatment, but our ability to resolve statistical differences was limited by low pretreatment prevalence and high annual variability. Baits were removed rapidly from camera stations with 60% taken within 24 hours, 80% within 48 hours, and 90% within 72 hours. Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) removed 51% of baits whereas raccoons removed 44%. Identification of opossums as the predominant consumer of baits emphasizes the limitations imposed by non‐target bait consumption for mitigation of B. procyonis and other wildlife diseases. The rapid removal of baits despite repeated bait exposure suggests that habituation did not result in bait aversion and fishmeal baits are a viable delivery system for mitigation of raccoon‐borne diseases requiring repeated treatments. Similar treatment measures may facilitate conservation of Allegheny woodrats in habitats with high rates of B. procyonis‐related mortality and could be used to reduce human exposure to this zoonotic parasite. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.