bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tricyclic Sesquiterpenes From Vetiveria zizanoides (L.) Nash as Antimycobacterial Agents
Authors: Dwivedi Gaurav R. , Gupta Shikha , Roy Sudeep , Kalani Komal , Pal Anirban , Thakur Jay P. , Saikia Dharmendra , Sharma Ashok , Darmwal Nandan S. , Darokar Mahendra P. , Srivastava Santosh K. 
Published: July 2013

Two bioactive constituents, khusenic acid (1) and khusimol (2), were isolated and characterized from hexane fraction of Vetiveria zizanoides roots. Compounds, 1 and 2, were tested against the various drug‐resistant mutants of Mycobacterium smegmatis. The results showed that compound 1 was 4 times more active than the standard drugs ciprofloxacin (CF) and nalidixic acid (NA) against the ciprofloxacin (CSC 101) and lomefloxacin(LOMR5)‐resistant mutants, whereas the compound 2 was 2 times more active against the CSC 101 than the NA and CF. Further, these compounds were tested against the virulent strain H37Rv of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which showed that 1 was two times more active than NA, while 2 was equally active to NA. In in silico docking study, 1 showed better binding affinity than 2 with both subunits of the bacterial DNA gyrase, which was further confirmed from the in vitro bacterial DNA gyrase inhibition study. The in silico ADME analysis of 1 and 2 showed better intestinal absorption, aqueous solubility and ability to penetrate blood–brain barrier. Finally, compound 2 was found safe at the highest dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight. Being edible, fragrant natural products, 1 and 2 will have advantage over the existing synthetic drugs.
Mannan binding lectin-associated serine protease 1 is induced by hepatitis C virus infection and activates human hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Saeed A , Baloch K , Brown R J P , Wallis R , Chen L , Dexter L , McClure C P , Shakesheff K , Thomson B J 
Published: July 2013

SummaryMannan binding lectin (MBL)-associated serine protease type 1 (MASP-1) has a central role in the lectin pathway of complement activation and is required for the formation of C3 convertase. The activity of MASP-1 in the peripheral blood has been identified previously as a highly significant predictor of the severity of liver fibrosis in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, but not in liver disease of other aetiologies. In this study we tested the hypotheses that expression of MASP-1 may promote disease progression in HCV disease by direct activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and may additionally be up-regulated by HCV. In order to do so, we utilized a model for the maintenance of primary human HSC in the quiescent state by culture on basement membrane substrate prior to stimulation. In comparison to controls, recombinant MASP-1 stimulated quiescent human HSCs to differentiate to the activated state as assessed by both morphology and up-regulation of HSC activation markers α-smooth muscle actin and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1. Further, the expression of MASP-1 was up-regulated significantly by HCV infection in hepatocyte cell lines. These observations suggest a new role for MASP-1 and provide a possible mechanistic link between high levels of MASP-1 and the severity of disease in HCV infection. Taken together with previous clinical observations, our new findings suggest that the balance of MASP-1 activity may be proinflammatory and act to accelerate fibrosis progression in HCV liver disease.
Patient education videos for elective colorectal surgery: results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ihedioha U. , Vaughan S. , Mastermann J. , Singh B. , Chaudhri S. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimRecent advances in surgery have focused on peri‐operative care and interventions to improve outcome following surgery. Psychological preparation has a positive impact on recovery and incorporates a range of strategies with dissemination of information as one of the key elements. Information can be given verbally, through printed information or through use of a video. Traditionally, reliance has been on the use of written material as an adjunct to patient education in clinic. The current study is a randomized trial on the use of video education in patients undergoing elective colorectal resection within an enhanced recovery programme.MethodSixty‐five eligible patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery were identified and 61 were randomized between August 2010 and August 2011 to either video and information leaflets or information leaflets alone. A fast track protocol was established for all the patients. Clinicians in charge of postoperative recovery were blinded. Standard discharge criteria were employed for all patients.ResultsOf 61 patients randomized, one dropped out and outcomes on 60 were analysed. There was no difference in baseline characteristics between the groups (age,P = 0.964; body mass index,P = 0.829). Twenty‐eight (91%) patients in the video group had left sided resections while two (6%) had right sided resections. Nineteen (66%) in the non‐video group had left sided resections while nine (31%) had right sided resections. One (3%) patient in the non‐video group and one (3%) in the video group had a total colectomy. Fourteen (45%) patients in the video group and 12 (41%) in the non‐video group had surgery completed laparoscopically. There was no difference in the primary (median hospital stay 5vs5 days;P = 0.239) or the secondary outcome measures (pain score on movement,P = 0.338; pain score at rest,P = 0.989; nausea score,P = 0.74; epidural use,P = 0.984; paracetamol use,P = 0.44; voltarol use,P = 0.506) between the groups.ConclusionUse of video education in the psychological preparation of patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery does not improve short‐term outcomes.
Social Learning Strategies in Networked Groups
Authors: Wisdom Thomas N. , Song Xianfeng , Goldstone Robert L. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWhen making decisions, humans can observe many kinds of information about others' activities, but their effects on performance are not well understood. We investigated social learning strategies using a simple problem‐solving task in which participants search a complex space, and each can view and imitate others' solutions. Results showed that participants combined multiple sources of information to guide learning, including payoffs of peers' solutions, popularity of solution elements among peers, similarity of peers' solutions to their own, and relative payoffs from individual exploration. Furthermore, performance was positively associated with imitation rates at both the individual and group levels. When peers' payoffs were hidden, popularity and similarity biases reversed, participants searched more broadly and randomly, and both quality and equity of exploration suffered. We conclude that when peers' solutions can be effectively compared, imitation does not simply permit scrounging, but it can also facilitate propagation of good solutions for further cumulative exploration.
Membrane cholesterol regulates different modes of synaptic vesicle release and retrieval at the frog neuromuscular junction
Authors: Rodrigues Hermann A. , Lima Ricardo F. , Fonseca Matheus de C. , Amaral Ernani A. , Martinelli Patrícia M. , Naves Lígia A. , Gomez Marcus V. , Kushmerick Christopher , Prado Marco A. M. , Guatimosim Cristina 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe investigated the effects of cholesterol removal on spontaneous and KCl‐evoked synaptic vesicle recycling at the frog neuromuscular junction. Cholesterol removal by methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (MβCD) induced an increase in the frequency of miniature end‐plate potentials (MEPPs) and spontaneous destaining of synaptic vesicles labeled with the styryl dye FM1‐43. Treatment with MβCD also increased the size of MEPPs without causing significant changes in nicotinic receptor clustering. At the ultrastructural level, synaptic vesicles from nerve terminals treated with MβCD were larger than those from control. In addition, treatment with MβCD reduced the fusion of synaptic vesicles that are mobilized during KCl‐evoked stimulation, but induced recycling of those vesicles that fuse spontaneously. We therefore suggest that MβCD might favor the release of vesicles that belong to a pool that is different from that involved in the KCl‐evoked release. These results reveal fundamental differences in the synaptic vesicle cycle for spontaneous and evoked release, and suggest that deregulation of cholesterol affects synaptic vesicle biogenesis and increases transmitter packing.
Increased competition does not lead to increased phylogenetic overdispersion in a native grassland
Authors: Bennett Jonathan A. , Lamb Eric G. , Hall Jocelyn C. , Cardinal‐McTeague Warren M. , Cahill James F. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThat competition is stronger among closely related species and leads to phylogenetic overdispersion is a common assumption in community ecology. However, tests of this assumption are rare and field‐based experiments lacking. We tested the relationship between competition, the degree of relatedness, and overdispersion among plants experimentally and using a field survey in a native grassland. Relatedness did not affect competition, nor was competition associated with phylogenetic overdispersion. Further, there was only weak evidence for increased overdispersion at spatial scales where plants are likely to compete. These results challenge traditional theory, but are consistent with recent theories regarding the mechanisms of plant competition and its potential effect on phylogenetic structure. We suggest that specific conditions related to the form of competition and trait conservatism must be met for competition to cause phylogenetic overdispersion. Consequently, overdispersion as a result of competition is likely to be rare in natural communities.
Experimental Predictions of The Functional Response of A Freshwater Fish
Authors: Murray Gregory P. D. , Stillman Richard A. , Gozlan Rodolphe E. , Britton J. Robert 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe functional response is the relationship between the feeding rate of an animal and its food density. It is reliant on two basic parameters; the volume searched for prey per unit time (searching rate) and the time taken to consume each prey item (handling time). As fish functional responses can be difficult to determine directly, it may be more feasible to measure their underlying behavioural parameters in controlled conditions and use these to predict the functional response. Here, we tested how accurately a Type II functional response model predicted the observed functional response of roach Rutilus rutilus, a visually foraging fish, and compared it with Type I functional response. Foraging experiments were performed by exposing fish in tank aquaria to a range of food densities, with their response captured using a two‐camera videography system. This system was validated and was able to accurately measure fish behaviour in the aquaria, and enabled estimates of fish reaction distance, swimming speed (from which searching rate was calculated) and handling time to be measured. The parameterised Type II functional response model accurately predicted the observed functional response and was superior to the Type I model. These outputs suggest it will be possible to accurately measure behavioural parameters in other animal species and use these to predict the functional response in situations where it cannot be observed directly.
Treatment of cervical oesophageal rupture in horses
Authors: Whitfield‐Cargile C. M. , Rakestraw P. C. , Hardy J. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryOesophageal rupture in horses has only been previously described in detail in isolated case reports. The objectives of this study were to describe the clinical findings, specific treatment and outcome of oesophageal rupture in horses. Medical records of horses diagnosed with oesophageal rupture between 1994–2008 were reviewed. Clinical findings, treatment and outcome were recorded. Seven horses with cervical oesophageal perforations were included in the study. Two horses were subjected to euthanasia without treatment and 5 were treated surgically. Treatment involved a fasciotomy of the cervical musculature and oesophageal tube placement. Three of 5 horses survived long‐term (>one year). Our study showed that surgical treatment of cervical oesophageal rupture involving fasciotomy and oesophagostomy tube placement can be successful with 3/5 of treated horses surviving more than one year.
Linking climate change to population cycles of hares and lynx
Authors: Yan Chuan , Stenseth Nils Chr. , Krebs Charles J. , Zhang Zhibin 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe classic 10‐year population cycle of snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus,Erxleben 1777) and Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis, Kerr 1792) in the boreal forests ofNorth America has drawn much attention from both population and community ecologists worldwide; however, the ecological mechanisms driving the 10‐year cyclic dynamic pattern are not fully revealed yet. In this study, by the use of historic fur harvest data, we constructed a series of generalized additive models to study the effects of density dependence, predation, and climate (both global climate indices ofNorth Atlantic Oscillation index (NAO),Southern Oscillation index (SOI) and northern hemispheric temperature (NHT) and local weather data including temperature, rainfall, and snow). We identified several key pathways from global and local climate to lynx with various time lags: rainfall shows a negative, and snow shows a positive effect on lynx;NHTandNAOnegatively affect lynx through their positive effect on rainfall and negative effect on snow;SOIpositively affects lynx through its negative effect on rainfall. Direct or delayed density dependency effects, the prey effect of hare on lynx and a 2‐year delayed negative effect of lynx on hare (defined as asymmetric predation) were found. The simulated population dynamics is well fitted to the observed long‐term fluctuations of hare and lynx populations. Through simulation, we find density dependency and asymmetric predation, only producing damped oscillation, are necessary but not sufficient factors in causing the observed 10‐year cycles; while extrinsic climate factors are important in producing and modifying the sustained cycles. Two recent population declines of lynx (1940–1955 and after 1980) were likely caused by ongoing climate warming indirectly. Our results provide an alternative explanation to the mechanism of the 10‐year cycles, and there is a need for further investigation on links between disappearance of population cycles and global warming in hare–lynx system.
Clinical manifestations of liver injury in patients with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Tomita Kyoko , Haga Hiroaki , Ishii Genki , Katsumi Tomohiro , Sato Chikako , Aso Rika , Okumoto Kazuo , Nishise Yuko , Watanabe Hisayoshi , Saito Takafumi , Otani Koichi , Ueno Yoshiyuki 
Published: July 2013

AimThe number of Japanese patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) is increasing as society changes. Mild liver injury is a complication of AN in around 30% of cases. In some rare instances, patients present with severe liver injury similar to acute liver failure. However, there are numerous uncertainties over the clinical characteristics of this condition. The objective of the present study was to clarify the clinical characteristics of AN complicated by liver injury and to investigate the factors related to hepatic complications.MethodsThirty‐seven patients hospitalized at our institution with a diagnosis of AN were enrolled as the study subjects. The study used clinical data obtained at the time of hospitalization. The enrolled patients underwent subgroup analysis and were categorized into three groups: (i) normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT), (ii) moderately elevated ALT, and (iii) highly elevated ALT.ResultsAll of the study subjects were female with a median age of 24 years and presenting with marked weight loss (mean body mass index, 13 kg/m2). Thirteen of the subjects had liver injury. We found that patients in the highly elevated ALT group had a significantly high blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinine ratio, and a low blood sugar level.ConclusionsOur present findings indicate that AN patients with highly elevated ALT have a severe dehydration. This suggests that dysfunction of hepatic circulation accompanying severe dehydration due to malnutrition may be an important factor in the development of liver injury in AN patients.
Association of IL28B polymorphisms with virological response to peginterferon and ribavirin therapy in children and adolescents with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Tajiri Hitoshi , Tanaka Yasuhito , Takano Tomoko , Suzuki Mitsuyoshi , Abukawa Daiki , Miyoshi Yoko , Shimizu Toshiaki , Brooks Stephen 
Published: July 2013

AimThe objective of the current study was to find baseline predictive factors of response to therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PEG‐IFN/RBV therapy) in children and adolescents with chronic hepatitis C.MethodsIL28B genotype and mutations in the core of hepatitis C virus (HCV) were analyzed in 30 patients treated with PEG‐IFN/RBV for HCV infection. The initial rate of decrease in the viral load was assessed during the first 2 weeks of treatment.ResultsIL28B major allele was seen more frequently in patients with sustained virologic response (SVR) than in non‐SVR patients (P < 0.001). There was no difference between these two groups in frequency of Core 70 mutation. Among patients with genotype‐1, SVR was achieved in more patients (P = 0.007) in the IL28B major allele group than in those in the minor allele group. The early decrements in the viral load (log/2 weeks) were 3.80 ± 0.86 in the genotype‐2 major allele group, 1.82 ± 0.84 in the genotype‐1 major allele group, and 0.41 ± 0.33 in the genotype‐1 minor allele group.ConclusionsAmong pediatric patients with HCV infection the effectiveness of PEG‐IFN/RBV therapy may be lower in the group with genotype‐1 IL28B minor alleles than in other groups with IL28B major allele. Treatment strategy should be carefully implemented in patients with IL28B unfavorable type.
Voiding diary might serve as a useful tool to understand differences between bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis and overactive bladder
Authors: Kim Sung Han , Oh Shin Ah , Oh Seung‐June 
Published: July 2013

ObjectivesTo identify the voiding characteristics of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis and overactive bladder.MethodsBetween September 2005 and June 2010, 3‐day voiding diaries of 49 consecutive bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis patients and 301 overactive bladder patients were prospectively collected at an outpatient clinic and retrospectively analyzed.ResultsThe characteristics of the two groups were not significantly different. However, all voiding variables including volume and frequency were significantly different except for the total voided volume: patients with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis showed significantly higher voiding frequencies, smaller maximal and mean voided volume, and more constant and narrower ranges of voided volume compared with overactive bladder patients (P < 0.005). Furthermore, mean intervals between voiding in bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis were shorter and more consistent during the day and night (P < 0.001), although mean night‐time variances were greater than daytime variances. Logistic regression analysis showed that total night‐time frequency, maximal night‐time voided volume and mean variance of daytime voiding intervals most significantly differentiated the two groups.ConclusionsSome voiding characteristics of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis and overactive bladder patients differ significantly according to 3‐day voiding diary records. These findings provide additional information regarding the differences between these two diseases in the outpatient clinical setting.
Bilateral ex vivo repair and kidney autotransplantation for complex renal artery aneurysms: A case report and literature review
Authors: Berloco Pasquale Bartolomeo , Levi Sandri Giovanni Battista , Guglielmo Nicola , Lai Quirino , Melandro Fabio , Poli Luca , Mennini Gianluca , Di Pierro Giovanni Battista , Gentile Vincenzo , Rossi Massimo 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe report the surgical management of a bilateral renal artery aneurysm diagnosed in a 41‐year‐old patient with a history of recurrent abdominal pain. The preoperative contrast‐enhanced computed tomography showed a complex saccular aneurysm on both renal arteries within the renal hilum. The characteristics of aneurysms precluded endovascular procedures, and a double‐step bilateral ex vivo reconstruction with kidney autotransplantation was planned. The intra‐ and postoperative period was uneventful. Imaging and laboratory examinations show preservation of renal function, and patient is symptom‐free at 10‐month follow up.
Adipose‐derived stem cells and keratinocytes in a chronic wound cell culture model: the role of hydroxyectoine
Authors: Thamm Oliver C , Theodorou Panagiotis , Stuermer Ewa , Zinser Max J , Neugebauer Edmund A , Fuchs Paul C , Koenen Paola 
Published: July 2013

AbstractChronic wounds represent a major socio‐economic problem in developed countries today. Wound healing is a complex biological process. It requires a well‐orchestrated interaction of mediators, resident cells and infiltrating cells. In this context, mesenchymal stem cells and keratinocytes play a crucial role in tissue regeneration. In chronic wounds these processes are disturbed and cell viability is reduced. Hydroxyectoine (HyEc) is a membrane protecting osmolyte with protein and macromolecule stabilising properties. Adipose‐derived stem cells (ASC) and keratinocytes were cultured with chronic wound fluid (CWF) and treated with HyEc. Proliferation was investigated using MTT test and migration was examined with transwell‐migration assay and scratch assay. Gene expression changes of basic fibroblast growth factor (b‐FGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinases‐2 (MMP‐2) and MMP‐9 were analysed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). CWF significantly inhibited proliferation and migration of keratinocytes. Addition of HyEc did not affect these results. Proliferation capacity of ASC was not influenced by CWF whereas migration was significantly enhanced. HyEc significantly reduced ASC migration. Expression of b‐FGF, VEGF, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 in ASC, and b‐FGF, VEGF and MMP‐9 in keratinocytes was strongly induced by chronic wound fluid. HyEc enhanced CWF induced gene expression of VEGF in ASC and MMP‐9 in keratinocytes. CWF negatively impaired keratinocyte function, which was not influenced by HyEc. ASC migration was stimulated by CWF, whereas HyEc significantly inhibited migration of ASC. CWF induced gene expression of VEGF in ASC and MMP‐9 in keratinocytes was enhanced by HyEc, which might partly be explained by an RNA stabilising effect of HyEc.
Information Risk and the Cost of Capital
Authors: Eckles David L. , Halek Martin , Zhang Rongrong 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis article applies a unique accruals measure to empirically test whether accruals quality affects the cost of capital for property–liability insurers. We utilize insurer loss reserve errors to accurately measure the quality of accruals. This measure, as well as conventional accruals measures, is used to investigate the extent to which accruals quality is priced into both debt and equity capital. We find that accruals quality is priced into debt capital; however, we find virtually no evidence that accruals quality is priced into equity capital. Our results should be of particular interest to insurers as it affects pricing ability. Specifically, insurers who provide primary debtholders (i.e., policyholders) less information risk are able to command higher prices. Furthermore, our results suggest that insurance is not a diversifiable asset.