bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural Changes Within a Biscuit Bolus During Mastication
Authors: Rodrigues Sophia A. , Young Ashley K. , James Bryony J. , Morgenstern Marco P. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractSolid food undergoes drastic structural changes during its transformation into a cohesive bolus, which play a key role in the perception of different textures during mastication. This article describes the structural changes in biscuits during mastication through particle agglomeration. Apparent particle size and bolus moisture content were measured at different chewing stages by image and gravimetric analyses. The microstructure of the ready‐to‐swallow bolus was also examined with light microscopy and cryo‐scanning electron microscopy (cryo‐SEM). The results reveal that moisture content increased at a parabolic rate during mastication, and the absorbed saliva increased apparent particle size and decreased particle number through agglomeration. Furthermore, both cryo‐SEM and light microscopy indicate that a majority of the solid particles in the ready‐to‐swallow bolus were individual starch granules. The results from cryo‐SEM also suggest that saliva composition varied locally within the final bolus, thereby implying that laminar mixing governs bolus formation during mastication.Practical ApplicationsIn materials science it is well‐known that the properties of a material are related to its structure. This concept can also be applied to the food bolus: the structure of a bolus determines its mechanical and rheological properties. These properties are perceived by senses within our mouths during mastication and translate to the perception of food texture. Hence, texture perception cannot be fully understood without analyzing bolus structure. This article also suggests that bolus structure is related to the type of mixing that operates within the mouth. Identifying the mechanisms involved in mastication will contribute towards a better understanding of texture perception, and can be applied in computational models of food breakdown and flavor release. This knowledge will allow solid food structures to be designed to enhance sensory appeal or follow a particular breakdown path in health food applications.
Critical appraisal of 13C breath tests for microsomal liver function: aminopyrine revisited
Authors: Pijls Kirsten E. , de Vries Hanne , Nikkessen Suzan , Bast Aalt , Wodzig Will K. W. H. , Koek Ger H. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAs liver diseases are a major health problem and especially the incidence of metabolic liver diseases like non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rising, the demand for non‐invasive tests is growing to replace liver biopsy. Non‐invasive tests such as carbon‐labelled breath tests can provide a valuable contribution to the evaluation of metabolic liver function. This review aims to critically appraise the value of the 13C‐labelled microsomal breath tests for the evaluation of metabolic liver function, and to discuss the role of cytochrome P450 enzymes in the metabolism of the different probe drugs, especially of aminopyrine. Although a number of different probe drugs have been used in breath tests, the perfect drug to assess the functional metabolic capacity of the liver has not been found. Data suggest that both the 13C2‐aminopyrine and the 13C‐methacetin breath test can play a role in assessing the capacity of the microsomal liver function and may be useful in the follow‐up of patients with chronic liver diseases. Furthermore, CYP2C19 seems to be an important enzyme in the N‐demethylation of aminopyrine, and polymorphisms in this gene may influence breath test values, which should be kept in mind when performing the 13C2‐aminopyrine breath test in clinical practice.
Drugs plus ligation to prevent rebleeding in cirrhosis: an updated systematic review
Authors: Puente Angela , Hernández‐Gea Virginia , Graupera Isabel , Roque Marta , Colomo Alan , Poca Maria , Aracil Carles , Gich Ignasi , Guarner Carlos , Villanueva Càndid 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsCombined therapy with endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) and β‐blockers ± isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN) is currently recommended to prevent variceal rebleeding. However, the role of this combined therapy has been challenged by some studies. We performed a systematic review to assess the value of combined therapy with EVL and β‐blockers ± ISMN as compared with each treatment alone to prevent rebleeding.MethodsDatabases, references and meeting abstracts were searched to retrieve randomized trials comparing combined therapy with EVL and β‐blockers ± ISMN vs either treatment alone, to prevent variceal rebleeding in cirrhosis. Random‐effects model was used for meta‐analysis.ResultsWe identified five studies comparing EVL alone or combined with drugs, including a total of 476 patients. Combination therapy reduced overall rebleeding [risk ratios (RR) = 0.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.28–0.69], and showed a trend towards lower mortality (RR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.33–1.03), without increasing complications. We identified four trials comparing drugs alone or associated with EVL, including 409 patients. All used β‐blockers plus ISMN. Variceal rebleeding decreased with combined therapy (P < 0.01) but rebleeding from oesophageal ulcers increased (P = 0.01). Overall, there was a trend towards lower rebleeding (RR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.58–1.00) without effect on mortality (RR = 1.24, 95% CI = 0.90–1.70).ConclusionsThe addition of drug therapy to EVL improves the efficacy of EVL alone. However, the addition of EVL to β‐blockers and ISMN achieves a non‐significant decrease of rebleeding with no effect on mortality. Although combination therapy with EVL plus β‐blockers ± ISMN is adequate to prevent rebleeding, β‐blockers + ISMN alone may be a valid alternative.
Inflammatory markers and pulmonary granuloma infiltration in sarcoidosis
Authors: Terčelj Marjeta , Salobir Barbara , Zupancic Mirjana , Wraber Branka , Rylander Ragnar 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and objectivePrevious studies have demonstrated increases of inflammatory mediators in sarcoidosis while epidemiological studies have also demonstrated an association with increased fungi exposure. This study measured the level of β‐glucan in the lungs and of inflammatory mediators in serum, and correlated both with the extent of pulmonary granuloma infiltration.MethodsThis is a cross‐sectional study of 98 patients with sarcoidosis and 26 controls. β‐glucan, a cell wall constituent of fungi, was measured in bronchoalveolar lavage. Inflammatory mediator levels were determined in serum. The extent of granuloma infiltration was estimated on the chest X‐ray. Exposure to fungi at home was determined by taking air samples in bedrooms and analysing for the presence of β‐N‐acetylhexosaminidase.ResultsSignificantly, higher levels of β‐glucan were found in broncho‐alveolar lavage in subjects with sarcoidosis as compared with controls. There were significant positive relationships between the extent of granuloma infiltration and the levels of the different inflammatory mediators, except for interleukin‐10. Domestic fungal exposure was higher among subjects with sarcoidosis.ConclusionsThis is the first time that a specific agent, previously suspected to be related to the risk of sarcoidosis, has been detected in the lung of subjects with sarcoidosis and related to the levels of inflammatory mediators and the degree of home exposure to fungi. The results suggest that exposure to fungi should be explored when investigating patients with sarcoidosis.
High expression of high‐mobility group box 1 in the blood and lungs is associated with the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in smokers
Authors: Ko Hsin‐Kuo , Hsu Wen‐Hu , Hsieh Chih‐Cheng , Lien Te‐Cheng , Lee Tzong‐Shyuan , Kou Yu Ru 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and objectiveHigh‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is an important mediator in multiple pathological conditions, but the expression of HMGB1 in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has not yet been completely investigated. We aimed to analyze the relationship between HMGB1 expression in blood and lung tissue and the development of COPD.MethodsTwenty‐eight patients admitted for single pulmonary surgical intervention were enrolled. The expression of HMGB1 in blood and lung tissue was evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay analysis and immunohistochemistry stain, respectively. The study patients were divided into smokers with COPD (n = 11), smokers without COPD (n = 8) and non‐smoker healthy controls (n = 9).ResultsSmokers with COPD compared with smokers without COPD and healthy controls were older in age, with lower post‐bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio (63.1 ± 5.5 vs 77.6 ± 3.6 and 84.5 ± 5.8, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively) and higher levels of plasma HMGB1 (93.2 ± 139.9 vs 7.3 ± 4.8 and 17.0 ± 19.6 ng/mL, P = 0.016 and P = 0.021, respectively). In smokers with COPD, the numbers and portion of HMGB1‐expressing cells in epithelium and submucosal areas were significantly increased. Notably, plasma HMGB1 levels negatively correlated with post‐bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio (r = −0.585, P = 0.008) in smokers, but not in non‐smokers.ConclusionsIn smokers, high expression of HMGB1 in the blood and lungs is related to the lung function impairment and appears to be associated with the development of COPD.
Applicability of Bio‐wipes for the collection of human faecal specimens for detection and characterisation of enteric viruses
Authors: Mans J. , van Zyl W. B. , Taylor M. B. , Page N. A. , Sobsey M. D. , Barnard T. G. , Potgieter N. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether gastroenteritis viruses and other enteric viruses could be detected in faecal specimens collected with Bio‐wipes.MethodsFaecal specimens, self‐collected with Bio‐wipes, from 190 individuals (94 diarrhoeal, 93 non‐diarrhoeal, 3 unknown) were screened for eight human enteric viruses (enterovirus, hepatitis A virus, adenovirus, astrovirus, norovirus GI and GII, sapovirus and rotavirus) by real‐time (reverse transcription)‐polymerase chain reaction. Rotaviruses and noroviruses from positive specimens were genotyped.ResultsAt least one enteric virus could be detected in 82.6% (157/190) of faecal specimens. Mixed infections of up to four different viruses could be detected in both diarrhoeal and non‐diarrhoeal specimens. Enteroviruses were detected most frequently (63.7%), followed by adenoviruses (48.4%) and noroviruses (32.2%). Genotyping was successful for 78.6% of rotaviruses and 44.8% of noroviruses.ConclusionsBio‐wipes provide a user friendly, easier method for stool collection that facilitates enteric virus detection and genetic characterisation.
Hepatitis E virus seroprevalence and molecular study among blood donors in China
Authors: Ren Furong , Zhao Chenyan , Wang Ling , Wang Zhuoyan , Gong Xiaoyan , Song Meilan , Zhuang Hui , Huang Yi , Shan Hua , Wang Jingxing , Liu Qiang , Ness Paul , Nelson Kenrad E. , Wang Youchun 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundThe risk of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection from blood transfusion has aroused increasing concern in many countries. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential risk of HEV infection through blood transfusion in China.Study Design and MethodsQualified blood donations and donations with isolated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations from five geographically diverse Chinese regions were tested for anti‐HEV immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG and HEV antigen. The positive samples for anti‐HEV IgM and HEV antigen were tested for HEV RNA. HEV open reading frame (ORF)2 partial sequences were analyzed from HEV RNA–positive samples.ResultsThe seroprevalence rates of HEV antigen and anti‐HEV IgM and IgG among qualified donations were 0.06% (6/10,741), 1.02% (109/10,741), and 27.42% (2945/10,741), respectively. Samples with isolated ALT elevations had higher prevalence of HEV markers, namely, HEV antigen of 0.25% (2/797), anti‐HEV IgM of 2.76% (22/797), and anti‐HEV IgG of 40.02% (319/797). The HEV antibody prevalence varied significantly by age, sex, and geographic region. All 131 samples that were anti‐HEV IgM positive were negative for HEV RNA, whereas four of eight (50%) samples positive for HEV antigen were HEV RNA positive. HEV ORF2 sequences from three of four HEV RNA–positive samples were determined and grouped with Genotype 4.ConclusionQualified donations after routine blood donor screening still carry potential risk for transmitting HEV. HEV antigen screening could be one measure to reduce the risk of HEV transmission by blood transfusion.
Habitat translocation, rebuilding biodiversity and no net loss of biodiversity
Authors: Box John 
Published: December 2013

AbstractRecent reviews of the priority policy options and research needs for nature conservation have identified the importance of new land use policies for restoring and rebuilding biodiversity including habitat banking, ‘no net loss’ of biodiversity, restoring flood plain functionality and ecologically coherent networks. Such policies are usually delivered by habitat creation, habitat restoration and habitat enhancement. Habitat translocation is another mechanism that can contribute to the delivery of these policies. Habitats can be restored and created by translocating ecological resources from sites as part of ongoing habitat management, where habitat diversity or early successional habitats are required. Habitat translocation can be used to salvage ecological features and their associated ecosystem services from sites for consented or permitted development projects. Critical success factors for translocation of aquatic and terrestrial habitats are identified. New policy issues and research topics relating to habitat translocation are proposed.
Synergistic Effect of the Flavonoid Catechin, Quercetin, or Epigallocatechin Gallate with Fluconazole Induces Apoptosis in Candida tropicalis Resistant to Fluconazole
Authors: da Silva Cecília Rocha , de Andrade Neto João Batista , de Sousa Campos Rosana , Figueiredo Narjara Silvestre , Sampaio Letícia Serpa , Magalhães Hemerson Iury Ferreira , Cavalcanti Bruno Coêlho , Gaspar Danielle Macêdo , de Andrade Geanne Matos , Lima Iri Sandro Pampolha , de Barros Viana Glauce Socorro , de Moraes Manoel Odorico , Lobo Marina Duarte Pinto , Grangeiro Thalles Barbosa , Nobre Júnior Hélio Vitoriano 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT

Flavonoids are a class of phenolic compounds commonly found in fruits, vegetables, grains, flowers, tea, and wine. They differ in their chemical structures and characteristics. Such compounds show various biological functions and have antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
in vitro
interactions of flavonoids with fluconazole against
Candida tropicalis
strains resistant to fluconazole, investigating the mechanism of synergism. Three combinations formed by the flavonoids (+)-catechin hydrated, hydrated quercetin, and (−)-epigallocatechin gallate at a fixed concentration with fluconazole were tested. Flavonoids alone had no antifungal activity within the concentration range tested, but when they were used as a cotreatment with fluconazole, there was significant synergistic activity. From this result, we set out to evaluate the possible mechanisms of cell death involved in this synergism. Isolated flavonoids did not induce morphological changes or changes in membrane integrity in the strains tested, but when they were used as a cotreatment with fluconazole, these changes were quite significant. When evaluating mitochondrial damage and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) only in the cotreatment, changes were observed. Flavonoids combined with fluconazole were shown to cause a significant increase in the rate of damage and the frequency of DNA damage in the tested strains. The cotreatment also induced an increase in the externalization of phosphatidylserine, an important marker of early apoptosis. It is concluded that flavonoids, when combined with fluconazole, show activity against strains of
C. tropicalis
resistant to fluconazole, promoting apoptosis by exposure of phosphatidylserine in the plasma membrane and morphological changes, mitochondrial depolarization, intracellular accumulation of ROS, condensation, and DNA fragmentation.
Phylogenetic Relationships Matter: Antifungal Susceptibility among Clinically Relevant Yeasts
Authors: Schmalreck A. F. , Lackner M. , Becker K. , Fegeler W. , Czaika V. , Ulmer H. , Lass-Flörl C. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was 2-fold: to evaluate whether phylogenetically closely related yeasts share common antifungal susceptibility profiles (ASPs) and whether these ASPs can be predicted from phylogeny. To address this question, 9,627 yeast strains were collected and tested for their antifungal susceptibility. Isolates were reidentified by considering recent changes in taxonomy and nomenclature. A phylogenetic (PHYLO) code based on the results of multilocus sequence analyses (large-subunit rRNA, small-subunit rRNA, translation elongation factor 1α, RNA polymerase II subunits 1 and 2) and the classification of the cellular neutral sugar composition of coenzyme Q and 18S ribosomal DNA was created to group related yeasts into PHYLO groups. The ASPs were determined for fluconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole in each PHYLO group. The majority (95%) of the yeast strains were Ascomycetes. After reclassification, a total of 23 genera and 54 species were identified, resulting in an increase of 64% of genera and a decrease of 5% of species compared with the initial identification. These taxa were assigned to 17 distinct PHYLO groups (Ascomycota,
n
= 13; Basidiomycota,
n
= 4). ASPs for azoles were similar among members of the same PHYLO group and different between the various PHYLO groups. Yeast phylogeny may be an additional tool to significantly enhance the assessment of MIC values and to predict antifungal susceptibility, thereby more rapidly initiating appropriate patient management.
Pharmacological Assessment Defines Leishmania donovani Casein Kinase 1 as a Drug Target and Reveals Important Functions in Parasite Viability and Intracellular Infection
Authors: Rachidi Najma , Taly Jean François , Durieu Emilie , Leclercq Olivier , Aulner Nathalie , Prina Eric , Pescher Pascale , Notredame Cedric , Meijer Laurent , Späth Gerald F. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT

Protein kinase inhibitors have emerged as new drugs in various therapeutic areas, including leishmaniasis, an important parasitic disease. Members of the
Leishmania
casein kinase 1 (CK1) family represent promising therapeutic targets.
Leishmania
casein kinase 1 isoform 2 (CK1.2) has been identified as an exokinase capable of phosphorylating host proteins, thus exerting a potential immune-suppressive action on infected host cells. Moreover, its inhibition reduces promastigote growth. Despite these important properties, its requirement for intracellular infection and its chemical validation as a therapeutic target in the disease-relevant amastigote stage remain to be established. In this study, we used a multidisciplinary approach combining bioinformatics, biochemical, and pharmacological analyses with a macrophage infection assay to characterize and define
Leishmania
CK1.2 as a valid drug target. We show that recombinant and transgenic
Leishmania
CK1.2 (i) can phosphorylate CK1-specific substrates, (ii) is sensitive to temperature, and (iii) is susceptible to CK1-specific inhibitors. CK1.2 is constitutively expressed at both the promastigote insect stage and the vertebrate amastigote stage. We further demonstrated that reduction of CK1 activity by specific inhibitors, such as D4476, blocks promastigote growth, strongly compromises axenic amastigote viability, and decreases the number of intracellular
Leishmania donovani
and
L. amazonensis
amastigotes in infected macrophages. These results underline the potential role of CK1 kinases in intracellular survival. The identification of differences in structure and inhibition profiles compared to those of mammalian CK1 kinases opens new opportunities for
Leishmania
CK1.2 antileishmanial drug development. Our report provides the first chemical validation of
Leishmania
CK1 protein kinases, required for amastigote intracellular survival, as therapeutic targets.
Spiroindolone That Inhibits PfATPase4 Is a Potent, Cidal Inhibitor of Toxoplasma gondii Tachyzoites
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Authors: Zhou Ying , Fomovska Alina , Muench Stephen , Lai Bo-Shiun , Mui Ernest , McLeod Rima 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT

Here, we show that spiroindolone, an effective treatment for plasmodia, is also active against
Toxoplasma gondii
tachyzoites.
In vitro
, spiroindolone NITD609 is cidal for tachyzoites (50% inhibitory concentration [IC
50
], 1μM) and not toxic to human cells at ≥10μM. Two daily oral doses of 100 mg/kg of body weight reduced the parasite burden in mice by 90% (
P
= 0.002), measured 3 days after the last dose. This inhibition of
T. gondii
tachyzoites
in vitro
and
in vivo
indicates that spiroindolone is a promising lead candidate for further medicine development.
Global, regional and national sodium intakes in 1990 and 2010: a systematic analysis of 24 h urinary sodium excretion and dietary surveys worldwide
Authors: Powles John , Fahimi Saman , Micha Renata , Khatibzadeh Shahab , Shi Peilin , Ezzati Majid , Engell Rebecca E , Lim Stephen S , Danaei Goodarz , Mozaffarian Dariush ,   on behalf of the Global Burden of Diseases Nutrition and Chronic Diseases Expert Group (NutriCoDE)
Published: December 2013

ObjectivesTo estimate global, regional (21 regions) and national (187 countries) sodium intakes in adults in 1990 and 2010.DesignBayesian hierarchical modelling using all identifiable primary sources.Data sources and eligibilityWe searched and obtained published and unpublished data from 142 surveys of 24 h urinary sodium and 103 of dietary sodium conducted between 1980 and 2010 across 66 countries. Dietary estimates were converted to urine equivalents based on 79 pairs of dual measurements.Modelling methodsBayesian hierarchical modelling used survey data and their characteristics to estimate mean sodium intake, by sex, 5 years age group and associated uncertainty for persons aged 20+ in 187 countries in 1990 and 2010. Country-level covariates were national income/person and composition of food supplies.Main outcome measuresMean sodium intake (g/day) as estimable by 24 h urine collections, without adjustment for non-urinary losses.ResultsIn 2010, global mean sodium intake was 3.95 g/day (95% uncertainty interval: 3.89 to 4.01). This was nearly twice the WHO recommended limit of 2 g/day and equivalent to 10.06 (9.88–10.21) g/day of salt. Intake in men was ∼10% higher than in women; differences by age were small. Intakes were highest in East Asia, Central Asia and Eastern Europe (mean >4.2 g/day) and in Central Europe and Middle East/North Africa (3.9–4.2 g/day). Regional mean intakes in North America, Western Europe and Australia/New Zealand ranged from 3.4 to 3.8 g/day. Intakes were lower (<3.3 g/day), but more uncertain, in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. Between 1990 and 2010, modest, but uncertain, increases in sodium intakes were identified.ConclusionsSodium intakes exceed the recommended levels in almost all countries with small differences by age and sex. Virtually all populations would benefit from sodium reduction, supported by enhanced surveillance.