bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implication of fermentable carbohydrates targeting the gut microbiota on conjugated linoleic acid production in high-fat-fed mice
Authors: Druart Céline , Neyrinck Audrey M. , Dewulf Evelyne M. , De Backer Fabienne C. , Possemiers Sam , Van de Wiele Tom , Moens Frédéric , De Vuyst Luc , Cani Patrice D. , Larondelle Yvan , Delzenne Nathalie M. 
Published: March 2013

In vitro experiments have shown that isolated human gut bacteria are able to metabolise PUFA into conjugated PUFA like conjugated linoleic acids (CLA). The hypothesis of the present paper was that high-fat (HF) diet feeding and supplementation with fermentable carbohydrates that have prebiotic properties modulate the in vivo production of CLA by the mouse gut microbiota. Mice were treated for 4 weeks as follows: control (CT) groups were fed a standard diet; HF groups were fed a HF diet rich in linoleic acid (18 : 2n-6); the third groups were fed with the HF diet supplemented with either inulin-type fructans (HF-ITF) or arabinoxylans (HF-Ax). HF diet feeding increased rumenic acid (cis-9, trans-11-18 : 2 CLA) content both in the caecal and liver tissues compared with the CT groups. ITF supplementation had no major effect compared with the HF diet whereas Ax supplementation increased further rumenic acid (cis-9, trans-11-18 : 2 CLA) in the caecal tissue. These differences between both prebiotics may be linked to the high fat-binding capacity of Ax that provides more substrates for bacterial metabolism and to differential modulation of the gut microbiota (specific increase in Roseburia spp. in HF-Ax v. HF). In conclusion, these experiments supply the proof of concept that the mouse gut microbiota produces CLA in vivo, with consequences on the level of CLA in the caecal and liver tissues. We postulate that the CLA-producing bacteria could be a mediator to consider in the metabolic effects of both HF diet feeding and prebiotic supplementation.
Insulinotropic and β-cell protective action of cuminaldehyde, cuminol and an inhibitor isolated from Cuminum cyminum in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Patil Swapnil B. , Takalikar Shreehari S. , Joglekar Madhav M. , Haldavnekar Vivek S. , Arvindekar Akalpita U. 
Published: March 2013

Cuminum cyminum, a commonly used spice, is known to have anti-diabetic action. The present study aims towards the isolation of bioactive components from C. cyminum and the evaluation of their insulin secretagogue potential with the probable mechanism and β-cell protective action. The anti-diabetic activity was detected in the petroleum ether (pet ether) fraction of the C. cyminum distillate and studied through in vivo and in vitro experiments. Bioactive components were identified through GC–MS, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and NMR analysis. The isolated components were evaluated for their insulin secretagogue action using rat pancreatic islets. Further, the probable mechanism of stimulation of islets was evaluated through in vitro studies using diazoxide, nifedipine and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. β-Cell protection was evaluated using the (1-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-3,5-diphenylformazan) (MTT) assay, the alkaline comet assay and nitrite production. The administration of the pet ether fraction for 45 d to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats revealed an improved lipid profile. Cuminaldehyde and cuminol were identified as potent insulinotrophic components. Cuminaldehyde and cuminol (25 μg/ml) showed 3·34- and 3·85-fold increased insulin secretion, respectively, than the 11·8 mm-glucose control. The insulinotrophic action of both components was glucose-dependent and due to the closure of the ATP-sensitive K (K+-ATP) channel and the increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. An inhibitor of insulin secretion with potent β-cell protective action was also isolated from the same pet ether fraction. In conclusion, C. cyminum was able to lower blood glucose without causing hypoglycaemia or β-cell burn out. Hence, the commonly used spice, C. cyminum, has the potential to be used as a novel insulinotrophic therapy for prolonged treatment of diabetes.
Dietary supplementation with proline confers a positive effect in both porcine circovirus-infected pregnant and non-pregnant mice
Authors: Ren Wenkai , Wu Miaomiao , Luo Wei , Huang Ruilin , Yin Yulong , Li Yinghui , Li Teijun , yu Xinglong 
Published: March 2013

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is associated with various diseases that impose a significant economic burden on the swine industry. We hypothesised that nutritional supplementation with proline to enhance the immune response might be a useful prophylactic measure against PCV2 infection. To test this hypothesis, in the present study, we measured clinical data, including blood parameters, serum cytokine profile, PCV2 virus load in organs and serum, and microscopic lesions in the lung, liver and spleen, in both PCV2-infected pregnant and non-pregnant mice. Dietary supplementation with proline had no effect (P>0·05) on abortion rates in PCV2-infected pregnant mice, although a numerically lower abortion rate (22·2v. 44·4 %) was observed compared with the control. Dietary supplementation with proline significantly increased serum C-reactive protein levels (P= 0·03) in PCV2-infected pregnant mice, and increased serum TNF-α levels (P= 0·01), leucocytes (P< 0·05), lymphocytes (P< 0·05) and neutrophilic granulocytes (P< 0·05) in PCV2-infected non-pregnant mice. Meanwhile, dietary proline significantly (P< 0·05) decreased the PCV2 virus load in the lung. Furthermore, mice in the dietary proline group showed a significant (P< 0·01) decrease in microscopic lesion scores in the lung, liver and spleen compared with those in the alanine group. Collectively, dietary proline supplementation confers a functional role in PCV2-infected mice.
Dietary intakes and food sources of phenolic acids in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study
Authors: Zamora-Ros Raul , Rothwell Joseph A. , Scalbert Augustin , Knaze Viktoria , Romieu Isabelle , Slimani Nadia , Fagherazzi Guy , Perquier Florence , Touillaud Marina , Molina-Montes Esther , Huerta José María , Barricarte Aurelio , Amiano Pilar , Menéndez Virginia , Tumino Rosario , de Magistris Maria Santucci , Palli Domenico , Ricceri Fulvio , Sieri Sabina , Crowe Francesca L. , Khaw Kay-Thee , Wareham Nicholas J. , Grote Verena , Li Kuanrong , Boeing Heiner , Förster Jana , Trichopoulou Antonia , Benetou Vassiliki , Tsiotas Konstantinos , Bueno-de-Mesquita H. Bas , Ros Martine , Peeters Petra H. M. , Tjønneland Anne , Halkjær Jytte , Overvad Kim , Ericson Ulrika , Wallström Peter , Johansson Ingegerd , Landberg Rikard , Weiderpass Elisabete , Engeset Dagrun , Skeie Guri , Wark Petra , Riboli Elio , González Carlos A. 
Published: March 2013

Phenolic acids are secondary plant metabolites that may have protective effects against oxidative stress, inflammation and cancer in experimental studies. To date, limited data exist on the quantitative intake of phenolic acids. We estimated the intake of phenolic acids and their food sources and associated lifestyle factors in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study. Phenolic acid intakes were estimated for 36 037 subjects aged 35–74 years and recruited between 1992 and 2000 in ten European countries using a standardised 24 h recall software (EPIC-Soft), and their food sources were identified. Dietary data were linked to the Phenol-Explorer database, which contains data on forty-five aglycones of phenolic acids in 452 foods. The total phenolic acid intake was highest in Aarhus, Denmark (1265·5 and 980·7 mg/d in men and women, respectively), while the intake was lowest in Greece (213·2 and 158·6 mg/d in men and women, respectively). The hydroxycinnamic acid subclass was the main contributor to the total phenolic acid intake, accounting for 84·6–95·3 % of intake depending on the region. Hydroxybenzoic acids accounted for 4·6–14·4 %, hydroxyphenylacetic acids 0·1–0·8 % and hydroxyphenylpropanoic acids ≤ 0·1 % for all regions. An increasing south–north gradient of consumption was also found. Coffee was the main food source of phenolic acids and accounted for 55·3–80·7 % of the total phenolic acid intake, followed by fruits, vegetables and nuts. A high heterogeneity in phenolic acid intake was observed across the European countries in the EPIC cohort, which will allow further exploration of the associations with the risk of diseases.
Flavanol metabolites distribute in visceral adipose depots after a long-term intake of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract in rats
Authors: Serra Aida , Bladé Cinta , Arola Lluís , Macià Alba , Motilva Maria-José 
Published: March 2013

A considerable number of epidemiological investigations and intervention studies have supported an association between the intake of flavanol- and proanthocyanidin-containing foods and a decreased risk of metabolic diseases. Nonetheless, less is know about the capacity of tissues to accumulate flavanols and/or their metabolites. The main objective of the present study was to determine (n 20) plasma bioavailability and disposition in the liver, muscle, brown adipose tissue (BAT) and white adipose tissues (mesenteric and perirenal) in rats after a long-term consumption of three doses of grape seed phenolic extract (5, 25 and 50 mg/kg body weight) for 21 d in order to determine whether there is a dose–response relationship. Glucuronidated conjugates (total glucuronidated conjugates: C5mg/kg 1·9; C25mg/kg 6·4; C50mg/kg 27·7 μmol/l plasma) followed by methyl glucuronidated conjugates (total methyl glucuronidated conjugates: C5mg/kg 1·98; C25mg/kg 4·48; C50mg/kg 12·5 μmol/l plasma) were the main flavanol metabolites quantified in plasma, also detecting a dimer in its free form (C25mg/kg 0·74; C50mg/kg 0·79 μmol/l plasma). Each of the studied organs has a particular behaviour of accumulation and response to the assayed grape seed extract doses, with an exponential bioavailability–dose relationship in BAT, in which flavanols could play an important role in the reduction or prevention of obesity, modulating the functionality of that tissue.
The functional and numerical responses ofTrissolcus basalis(Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) parasitizingNezara viridula(Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) eggs in the field
Authors: Liljesthröm G.G. , Cingolani M.F. , Rabinovich J.E. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractTrissolcus basalishas been used as a biological control agent of its main host,Nezara viridula, in many countries. However, estimations of its functional and numerical responses in the field are lacking. We estimated the density ofN. viridulaeggs, the proportion of parasitizedN. viridulaeggs, and the number ofT. basalisadults/trap in the field. We transformed relative parasitoid density to an absolute density, and estimated the parasitoid's attack rate,a, and the mutual interference parameter,m, in two ways: following Arditi & Akçakaya (1990) and using the Holling–Hassell–Varley model with two iterative techniques. The attack rate estimated by both methods werea=1.097 anda=0.767, respectively. Parametermvaried less between methods:m=0.563 andm=0.586, respectively, and when used to calculate the number of parasitizedN. viridulaeggs per m2, differences with the observed values were not significant. The numerical response ofT. basaliswas affected by the sex allocation of their progeny and the proportion of adult parasitoids trapped decreased with field parasitoid population density. Theoretical models show that 0<m<1 is a stabilizing factor and previous re-analysis of field data showed a meanmvalue of 0.8. The Holling–Hassell–Varley model leads to a flexible description of the functional response allowing to predict acceptable weekly host parasitism. The pre-imaginal parasitoid survival and the change in sex ratio as a function of parasitoid density adequately describe the numerical functional response of the parasitoid.
Overexpression of the MhTGA2 gene from crab apple (Malus hupehensis) confers increased tolerance to salt stress in transgenic apple (Malus domestica)
Authors: DU X. , DU B. , CHEN X. , ZHANG S. , ZHANG Z. , QU S. 
Published: March 2013

SUMMARYLeaves of Nagafu No. 6 were transformed by the Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated method, and 158 hyg-resistant buds were obtained. Using fresh leaf tissue, seven positive lines were obtained by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with total DNA, and four by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) with total RNA. The results showed that the MhTGA2 gene was successfully transformed into Nagafu No. 6 plants and expressed. At 4 months after transplanting, photosynthetic parameters of young leaves were determined using transgenic and control plants prior to the determination of leaf surface characteristics (epidermal structure and stomatal distribution) by scanning electronic microscopy. The results showed that the net photosynthesis rate, the instantaneous carboxylation rate and stomatal conductance of transgenic plants were higher than the control, whereas the internal carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations of the transgenic plants were lower. Under non-saline conditions, the stomata of the transgenic plants were better distributed than in the control. Under saline conditions, the epidermal structure of the control leaves was severely hypohydrated and the quantity of stomata was significantly decreased. Conversely, the epidermal structure of transgenic leaves was not significantly altered, indicating salt-stress tolerance. The overall results suggested that MhTGA2 may play a crucial role in the response to salt stress in Nagafu No. 6.
Variation in the parasite community of the sardine fishTriportheus nematurus(Actinopterygii: Characidae) from the Medalha lagoon in the Pantanal wetland, Brazil
Authors: Costa-Pereira R. , Paiva F. , Tavares L.E.R. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn July 2009 and July 2010 (two dry periods separated by an atypically large flood in the Pantanal wetland of Brazil), 34 and 33 specimens of the sardine fishTriportheus nematuruswere collected, respectively, for the study of the metazoan parasite community of this species. Parasite ecological and community descriptors were calculated for both host samples, and possible similarities were tested statistically. Five species of metazoan parasites were identified, four of which were common to both host samples. A total of 61 metazoan parasites were collected from all fish hosts (17 specimens in July 2009 (mean: 0.5 ± 0.66 parasites/fish) and 44 specimens in July 2010 (mean: 1.33 ± 1.41 parasites/fish)). The nematodeProcamallanus hilariiand the monogeneanAnacanthorussp. were the most prevalent and abundant species in 2009 and 2010, respectively. The mean total abundance and species richness were significantly higher in 2010. Parasite communities in both samples ofT. nematuruswere characterized by species with low prevalence, abundance, mean total abundance and species richness, thus indicating low parasite diversity. Significant differences in the prevalence and abundance ofP. hilariiandAnacanthorussp. between the two samples allowed the discrimination of infracommunities, which were united in two distinct groups. This appears to be the first evidence that the peculiar hydrological dynamics of the southern Pantanal wetland (Brazil) exert an important influence over the structure of the parasite community.
Fluid description of the cooperative scattering of light by spherical atomic clouds
Authors: PIOVELLA N. , BACHELARD R. , COURTEILLE PH. W. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWhen a cold atomic gas is illuminated by a quasi-resonant laser beam, light-induced dipole–dipole correlations make the scattering of light a cooperative process. Once a fluid description is adopted for the atoms, many scattering properties are captured by the definition of a complex refractive index. The solution of the scattering problem is here presented for spherical atomic clouds of arbitrary density profiles, such as parabolic densities characteristic of ultra-cold clouds. A new solution for clouds with infinite boundaries is derived, which is particularly useful for the Gaussian densities of thermal atomic clouds. The presence of Mie resonances, a signature of the cloud acting as a cavity for the light, is discussed. These resonances leave their fingerprint in various observables such as the scattered intensity or in the radiation pressure force, and can be observed by tuning the frequency of the incident laser field or the atom number.
Supra-thermal electron beam stopping power and guiding in dense plasmas
Authors: SANTOS JOÃO JORGE , BATANI D. , BATON S. D. , BEG F. N. , CECCOTTI T. , DEBAYLE A. , DORCHIES F. , FEUGEAS J.-L. , FOURMENT C. , GREMILLET L. , HONRUBIA J. J. , HULIN S. , MORACE A. , NICOLAÏ P. , PÉREZ F. , SAWADA H. , SCHLENVOIGT H.-P. , TIKHONCHUK V. T. , VAISSEAU X. , VAUZOUR B. , WEI M. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractFast-electron beam stopping mechanisms in media ranging from solid to warm dense matter have been investigated experimentally and numerically. Laser-driven fast electrons have been transported through solid Al targets and shock-compressed Al and plastic foam targets. Their propagation has been diagnosed via rear-side optical self-emission and Kα X-rays from tracer layers. Comparison between measurements and simulations shows that the transition from collision-dominated to resistive field-dominated energy loss occurs for a fast-electron current density ~5 × 1011 A cm−2. The respective increases in the stopping power with target density and resistivity have been detected in each regime. Self-guided propagation over 200μm has been observed in radially compressed targets due to ~1kT magnetic fields generated by resistivity gradients at the converging shock front.
Reversal of Female Power, Transcendentality, and Gender in Thai Buddhism: The Thai Buddhist female saint Khun Mae Bunruean Tongbuntoem (1895–1964)
Authors: SEEGER MARTIN 
Published: March 2013

AbstractRecently we have seen an increasing number of publications, mostly of an ethnographic nature, describing and discussing the significant religious roles and achievements of Thai Buddhist women, not only in the field of Buddhist education, and with regard to their monastic roles, but also in terms of their roles as accomplished Buddhist practitioners. This paper examines the changes occurring in the status and position of women in Thai Buddhist practice. In this regard I focus on the analysis of one of the first widely acknowledged female saints of modern Thai Buddhism: Khun Mae Bunruean Tongbuntoem (1895–1964). Khun Mae Bunruean has obtained her increasing reputation through the advanced meditative achievements which her followers believe she possessed. I use hagiographical accounts of her as a focal point to unravel and examine Thai beliefs in relation to female sainthood in present-day Thai Buddhism. This is done by discussing gendered hagiographical writing against the background of relevant canonical and post-canonical Pali texts that have exerted authority in religious discourses on gender by informing and nurturing Thai religious value systems. This textual research is complemented by the ethnographic examination of Thai Buddhist beliefs and venerational practices which cannot be found in authoritative Pali texts but which still play a significant role in the understanding of the particularities of female saints in modern Thai Buddhism. I do not confine myself to hagiographical accounts and venerational practices directly linked to gender, but also devote some attention to other conspicuous aspects, elements, and expressions of Mae Bunruean's sainthood and her veneration.
An experimental field test of susceptibility to ectoparasitic gnathiid isopods among Caribbean reef fishes
Authors: COILE A. M. , SIKKEL P. C. 
Published: March 2013

SUMMARYSusceptibility to infestation by a gnathiid isopod (Gnathia marleyi:Crustacea: Isopoda) was examined among 16 species from 9 families and 3 orders of common Caribbean reef fishes off St. John, United States Virgin Islands. Fish were placed in cages during times of peak gnathiid activity. Individuals from most (n=14) species were compared against a single species (French Grunt,Haemulon flavolineatum) that served as a standard and effectively controlled for the effects of habitat and variation in gnathiid abundance on exposure to and the likelihood and intensity of host infestation by gnathiids. All species were susceptible to infestation by gnathiids, with individual hosts harbouring up to 368 gnathiids. However, there was significant variation in levels of infestation among the 14 comparison species. Controlling for body size, nocturnal species from the families Haemulidae and Lutjanidae had the highest gnathiid infestation. Our finding that haemulids and lutjanids are particularly susceptible has important implications for the role of gnathiids in Caribbean reef food webs, given the role members of these families play in trophic connectivity between reefs and associated habitats. To our knowledge this is the first manipulative field study to examine variation among potential hosts in susceptibility to an ectoparasite in any terrestrial or aquatic system and is the greatest number of teleost hosts documented for any gnathiid species.
Discussion: Internal impediments
Authors: Goldstick D. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractNot everything that it's ‘possible’ FOR you to do is something it's ‘possible’ THAT you will do. The compatibilist freedom formula ‘absence of impediments’ must embrace external and internal – including psychological – impediments. Desires are impediments only when they impede, owing to motivational conflict. But other impediments, external or internal, require merely the potential to impede.
Using genetic, cognitive and multi-modal neuroimaging data to identify ultra-high-risk and first-episode psychosis at the individual level
Authors: Pettersson-Yeo W. , Benetti S. , Marquand A. F. , Dell‘Acqua F. , Williams S. C. R. , Allen P. , Prata D. , McGuire P. , Mechelli A. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundGroup-level results suggest that relative to healthy controls (HCs), ultra-high-risk (UHR) and first-episode psychosis (FEP) subjects show alterations in neuroanatomy, neurofunction and cognition that may be mediated genetically. It is unclear, however, whether these groups can be differentiated at single-subject level, for instance using the machine learning analysis support vector machine (SVM). Here, we used a multimodal approach to examine the ability of structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI), functional MRI (fMRI), diffusion tensor neuroimaging (DTI), genetic and cognitive data to differentiate between UHR, FEP and HC subjects at the single-subject level using SVM.MethodThree age- and gender-matched SVM paired comparison groups were created comprising 19, 19 and 15 subject pairs for FEPversusHC, UHRversusHC and FEPversusUHR, respectively. Genetic, sMRI, DTI, fMRI and cognitive data were obtained for each participant and the ability of each to discriminate subjects at the individual level in conjunction with SVM was tested.ResultsSuccessful classification accuracies (p < 0.05) comprised FEPversusHC (genotype, 67.86%; DTI, 65.79%; fMRI, 65.79% and 68.42%; cognitive data, 73.69%), UHRversusHC (sMRI, 68.42%; DTI, 65.79%), and FEPversusUHR (sMRI, 76.67%; fMRI, 73.33%; cognitive data, 66.67%).ConclusionsThe results suggest that FEP subjects are identifiable at the individual level using a range of biological and cognitive measures. Comparatively, only sMRI and DTI allowed discrimination of UHR from HC subjects. For the first time FEP and UHR subjects have been shown to be directly differentiable at the single-subject level using cognitive, sMRI and fMRI data. Preliminarily, the results support clinical development of SVM to help inform identification of FEP and UHR subjects, though future work is needed to provide enhanced levels of accuracy.