bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 status is associated with developing adaptive and innate immune responses in the first 6 months of life
Authors: Jones A.P. , D'Vaz N. , Meldrum S. , Palmer D.J. , Zhang G. , Prescott S.L. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryBackgroundVitamin D (25[OH]D3) status in early life has been linked to the risk of allergic disease in multiple observational studies. While immunomodulating properties are well recognized, there are few longitudinal studies of 25(OH)D3 status, immune function and allergic disease in infants.ObjectiveTo investigate 25(OH)D3 levels at birth [cord blood (CB)] and at 6 months of age in relation to immune function at 6 months of age, and clinical outcomes up to 30 months of age in infants with a maternal history of atopy.MethodsIn a subset of infants (n = 225) enrolled in a RCT (ACTRN12606000281594), 25(OH)D3 levels were assessed in relation to peripheral blood mononuclear cell cytokine responses to house dust mite (HDM), ovalbumin (OVA) and β‐lactoglobulin allergens, or Toll‐like receptor (TLR) ligands (lipopolysaccharide, lipoteichoic acid, polyinosinic : polycytidylic acid and CpG oligonucleotide) at 6 months of age, in addition to clinical outcomes (eczema, wheeze and allergen sensitisation) up to 30 months of age.ResultsInfants with higher 25(OH)D3 at birth (≥ 75 nmol/L, compared with < 50 nmol/L) had lower IL‐5 and IL‐13 responses to HDM by 6 months (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). This was also reflected in strong inverse correlations between CB 25(OH)D3 levels and HDM IL‐13 (ρ = −0.57; P = 0.0002) and IL‐5 (ρ = −0.59, P = 0.0001) responses, with a similar trend for IL‐5 (ρ = −0.29; P = 0.009) responses to OVA. For innate stimulations, higher 25(OH)D3 levels at 6 months were associated with greater responses to TLR ligands. Additionally, higher CB 25(OH)D3 was associated with reduced risk eczema at 6 months (P = 0.011) and 12 months (P = 0.034).ConclusionThis suggests that improving 25(OH)D3 status in pregnancy or early infancy may reduce the development of allergic disease in high‐risk infants by inhibiting cytokine profiles associated with allergy. Results of clinical trials are awaited to determine the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in allergy prevention.
Association of the Smad3 and NFATc2 gene polymorphisms and their serum levels with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis in Polish cohorts
Authors: Paradowska-Gorycka A , Romanowska-Próchnicka K , Haladyj E , Manczak M , Maslinski S , Olesinska M 
Published: November 2014

Summary
One among many factors involved in induction of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are T cells, the differentiation of which depends upon a unique combination of stimulants and subsequent activation of diverse transcription factors. The aim of this study was to identify polymorphic variants in Smad3 and NFATc2 genes and their possible association with susceptibility to and severity of RA. A total of 272 RA patients, 321 for Smad3 and 304 for nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)c2 healthy individuals, were examined for rs6494629 C/T and rs2289263 T/G Smad3 and rs880324 NFATc2 gene polymorphisms using the polymerase chain reaction–fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) method and TaqMan single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping assay, respectively. Serum Smad3 and NFATc2 levels in RA patients and controls were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The rs6494629 C/T Smad3 gene polymorphism under the recessive (TT versus CC+CT) and over-dominant (CC+TT versus CT) models were associated with RA (P = 0·014 and P = 0·008, respectively). Smad3 rs2289263 T/G revealed differences in the case–control distribution in co-dominant, recessive and over-dominant models (P = 0·037, P = 0·010, P = 0·034). Overall, rs6494629 C/T and rs2289263 T/G Smad3 gene polymorphisms were in a weak linkage disequilibrium (LD) with D′ = 0·116 and r2 = 0·004. After Bonferroni correction, the genotype–phenotype analysis showed no significant correlation of the Smad3 rs6494629 C/T and rs2289263 T/G and NFATc2 rs2289263 TT polymorphisms with disease activity, joint damage and extra-articular manifestation in RA patients. Serum Smad3 and NFATc2 levels were significantly higher in RA patients than in control groups (both P = 0 0000). The present findings indicated that Smad3 genetic polymorphisms may be associated with the susceptibility to RA in the Polish population.
Long‐term outcome in children with infantile spasms treated with vigabatrin: A cohort of 180 patients
Authors: Djuric Milena , Kravljanac Ruzica , Tadic Biljana , Mrlješ‐Popovic Nataša , Appleton Richard E. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryObjectiveEvaluation of efficacy of vigabatrin as the first drug in infants with previously untreated infantile spasms (IS) and reporting the long‐term outcome.MethodsWe analyzed a cohort of 180 infants with infantile spasms treated with vigabatrin as the first drug. Following initial evaluation and a 48‐h basal period for counting the spasms, vigabatrin was administered using the same protocol in all. After 14 days all infants were assessed for therapeutic response (primary outcome). Psychomotor development was evaluated by a psychologist and neurologist prior to the initiation of treatment and during the follow‐up. Seizure outcomes were followed prospectively, by seizure types and epilepsy syndromes. Long‐term (secondary) outcomes included neurologic status, occurrence of late epilepsy, and developmental/cognitive status.ResultsVigabatrin terminated the spasms in 101 patients (56.9%) at a mean period of 5 days. Patients with normal psychomotor development prior to the onset of spasms responded best. After follow‐up of 2.4 to 18.9 years (mean 10.64; standard deviation [SD] 4.40), 38.1% of responders, treated with vigabatrin, had severe neurologic dysfunction, 42% had epilepsy, and 42.2% had unfavorable intellectual outcome. The group with symptomatic etiology and abnormal neurologic status at presentation demonstrated a significantly worse prognosis and a more unfavorable outcome than cryptogenic or idiopathic cases (85.1% and 81.6% versus 14.9% and 0%‐p = 0.001). Idiopathic patients treated with vigabatrin were all intellectually normal, except the youngest patient who had borderline cognitive function.SignificanceThe most important prognostic factors were the underlying etiology and preexisting developmental profile. Long‐term outcome in the patients treated with vigabatrin was similar to the outcome in patients treated with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) or corticosteroids, as reported in earlier studies. The long‐term prognosis of idiopathic cases treated with vigabatrin was favorable.
A review of equine rectal tears and current methods of treatment
Authors: McMaster M. , Caldwell F. , Schumacher J. , McMaster J. , Hanson R. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryRectal tears are a risk of rectal palpation during equine clinical examination and can be life‐threatening; prompt medical and surgical intervention is required to improve patient outcome. Depending on the degree of the tear, conservative treatment or surgical management may be warranted. Surgical management involves either direct suturing or faecal diversion techniques, such as colostomy or a temporary indwelling rectal liner. The prognosis for a horse with a rectal tear depends on size of the tear, grade and location of the tear, and time between occurrence and first aid measures.
Effects of year and harvest time within the year on yield and chemical composition of common reed (Phragmites communis Trin.) as ruminant feed
Authors: Asano Keigo , Nakamura Ryo , Araie Ayako , Koike Riri , Takahashi Kohei , Madachi Tatsuya , Ishida Motohiko 
Published: November 2014

AbstractWe conducted a 3‐year experiment to investigate the effects of year and harvest time within the year on the yields and chemical compositions of common reed (Phragmites communis Trin.) as ruminant feed. The first, second and third harvests in each of the 3 years were cut when the grass grew about 1 m tall. Dry matter (DM) yields varied significantly among the years and harvests within individual years (P < 0.05) despite relatively constant herbage growth rates (approximately 11 g DM m−2 day−1). Concentrations of organic cellular contents, crude protein (CP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) were negatively correlated with the growth duration (P < 0.05), showing a sharp decline when the growth duration exceeded 40 days. Concentrations of organic cell wall and organic b increased with the growth duration (P < 0.05). The results suggest that approximately 1 kg DM m−2 of herbage containing 17% CP and 50% TDN could be produced by harvesting the grass three times annually at intervals of approximately 40 days.
Bile salt export pump: a sensitive and specific immunohistochemical marker of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lagana Stephen M , Salomao Marcela , Remotti Helen E , Knisely A.S. , Moreira Roger K 
Published: November 2014

AimsBile salt export pump (BSEP) is a transporter expressed exclusively at hepatic canaliculi and drives bile‐salt efflux. Minimal data exist about BSEP expression in tumours. We hypothesized that BSEP immunohistochemistry would be specific for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods and resultsTissue microarrays, including 48 HCC, 41 cholangiocarcinomas and 24 metastatic tumours in liver, were immunostained for BSEP. Expression was compared with common markers of hepatocytic differentiation including CD10, hepatocyte paraffin‐1 antigen (HepPar‐1), carcinoembryonic antigen, arginase‐1 (ARG) and glypican‐3 (GPC‐3). BSEP expression was assessed in normal tissues. Special attention was given to adrenal gland (normal and neoplasia). BSEP was easy to interpret and showed no background staining. Canalicular expression was seen in all normal livers, but not in other normal tissue. BSEP was 90% sensitive and 100% specific for HCC (canalicular in 33 of 43 positive cases). The sensitivity of ARG was slightly higher, but specificity was slightly lower (94% for both). HepPar‐1 was 90% sensitive and 97% specific. CD10, polyclonal carcinoembryonic antigen (pCEA) and GPC‐3 all had lower sensitivity (74, 81 and 54%, respectively).ConclusionsIn malignant tumours in the liver, BSEP marking was 100% specific and 90% sensitive for HCC. The specificity of BSEP for HCC obviates the need to identify a ‘canalicular’ pattern, which can limit the utility of other canalicular markers.
Promoting Influence of Doping Indium into BaCe0.5Zr0.3Y0.2O3‐δ as Solid Proton Conductor
Authors: Wang Guangya , Luo Jingli 
Published: November 2014

The influence of indium doping on chemical stability, sinterability, and electrical properties of BaCe0.5Zr0.3Y0.2O3‐δ was investigated. The phase purity and the chemical stability of the powders in humid pure CO2 were evaluated by XRD. The dense electrolyte pellets were formed after the calcination at 1450°C for 8 h. SEM images and shrinkage plot showed that the sinterability of the samples was apparently improved by doping indium. The electrical conductivity was measured by impedance test through two‐point method, at both low (200–350°C) and high temperature ranges (450–850°C) in different atmospheres. BaCe0.4Zr0.3In0.1Y0.2O3‐δ has been proved to be the optimal composition which simultaneously maximized the chemical stability, sinterability, and electrical conductivity which reached 1.1 × 10−2 S/cm in wet hydrogen at 700°C, comparing with the 1.3 × 10−2 S/cm for original BaCe0.5Zr0.3Y0.2O3‐δ. Anode support fuel cell with a thin BaCe0.4Zr0.3In0.1Y0.2O3‐δ electrolyte (15 μm) was fabricated by spin coating method. Maximum power density of 0.651 W/cm2 was obtained when operating at 700°C and fed by humid H2 (containing H2O 3 vol%). The obtained fuel cell could efficiently run at 650°C for more than 100 h without any attenuation.
The Global Financial Crisis and Its Impact on Australian Bank Risk
Authors: Bollen Bernard , Skully Michael , Tripe David , Wei Xiaoting 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis paper examines the global financial crisis (GFC) and its impact on Australian banking risk. An augmented market model is developed to identify changes in listed Australian bank systematic risk in relation to three key events: the GFC's start in August 2007, the market downturn in Australian and global share markets in January 2008, and the announcement of Australia's Deposit and Wholesale Funding Guarantee (DWFG) scheme on 12 October 2008. The study also examines changes in bank systemic risk during these event periods. The Australian market offers a unique opportunity to observe the impact of the introduction of the DWFG in that it lacked any explicit deposit insurance prior to the crisis. Initially, the crisis period had little impact on bank systematic risk while bank systemic risk increased considerably. The share market downturn caused a marked increase in both systematic and systemic risks for Australia's major internationally connected banks followed by a reduction in both systematic and systemic risks with the introduction of the guarantee scheme for all Australian banks.
Parasite evolution in response to sex‐based host heterogeneity in resistance and tolerance
Authors: Cousineau S. V. , Alizon S. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractHeterogenity between sexes in terms of both the level and the type of immune response to infection is documented in many species, but its role on parasite evolution is only beginning to be explored. We adopt an evolutionary epidemiology approach to study how the ability of a host to respond to infection through active immunity (resistance) or through minimizing deleterious effects of a given parasite load (tolerance) affects the evolution of parasite virulence. Consistently with earlier models, we find that increases in host resistance and tolerance both favour more virulent parasite strains. However, we show that qualitatively different results can be obtained if dimorphism between the sexes occurs through resistance or through tolerance depending on the contact pattern between the sexes. Finally, we find that variations in host sex ratio can amplify the consequences of heterogeneity for parasite evolution. These results are analysed in the light of several examples from the literature to illustrate the prevalence of sexually dimorphic immune responses and the potential for further study of the role of sexual dimorphism on parasite evolution. Such studies are likely to be highly relevant for improving treatment of chronic infections and control of infectious diseases, and understanding the role of sex in immune function.
Evaluating catheter complications and outcomes in patients receiving home parenteral nutrition
Authors: Szeinbach Sheryl L. , Pauline Jessica , Villa Kathleen F. , Commerford S. Renee , Collins Ann , Seoane‐Vazquez Enrique 
Published: November 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesWe describe catheter complications and outcomes in patients who received home parenteral nutrition (HPN) therapy.MethodsRetrospective chart data were obtained from Boston Home Infusion agency that provided HPN therapy to 212 patients [International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision (ICD‐9) codes: gastrointestinal (GI)‐related disorders and oncology] between 1 January 2005 and 30 September 2011.ResultsOf the 163 patients who represented 19 104 home‐catheter days, 19 (11.7%) patients experienced 25 catheter complications (CCs; 12 occlusions, 11 central line‐associated bloodstream infections, one thrombosis and one line dislodgment). The overall CC rate was 1.30 per 1000 peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)‐line days. The mean number of PICC‐line days (278.7 ± 335.0 vs. 95.9 ± 154.0) and patients with at least one hospital admission were significantly higher for patients with one or more CCs compared with patients with no CCs (P < 0.03).ConclusionPatients who experienced CCs had more PICC‐line days, more hospital admissions and had an ICD‐9 code for GI‐related disorders compared with patients with oncology‐related diagnoses.
Extraction Techniques and Stability of Carotenoprotein from Carrot (Daucus carota L.) Root
Authors: Zhao Qiaojiao , Zhang Weiwei , Wu Yanwen , Ouyang Jie 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe key technological parameters for the extraction of water‐soluble carotenoprotein from carrot root by enzymatic hydrolysis and partial characteristics of carotenoprotein were studied. The extraction yield of carotenoprotein reached 11.99 μg β‐carotene equivalent/g fresh weight by adding 50 g of chopped carrot into 100 mL of Span 40 solution (0.1%, w/v) followed by homogenizing, then 1.5 g of cellulase and 0.4 g of pectinase were added to hydrolyze at 40C for 120 min, and the mixture was finally treated with sonication for 40 min. Purification was carried out by ammonium sulfate precipitation, followed by Sephadex G‐200 gel chromatography. The molecular weight (MW) of the carotenoprotein was 419 kD and the MWs of subunits were 39, 22 and 15 kD. Stability comparison between water‐soluble carotenoprotein and oil‐soluble carotenoid indicated that the stabilities of carotenoprotein were better than those of carotenoid (P < 0.001), when exposed to light or heat treatments.Practical ApplicationsAs a kind of natural pigment in plants, carotenoid has many functions, such as antitumor effect, precursor of vitamin A, oxidation resistance and the ability to enhance immune response. Commercial interest of producing carotenoid is increasing too. However, the shelf life of carotenoid achieved by traditional solvent extraction is affected because of bad stability. This paper aimed to extract water‐soluble carotenoprotein from carrot by enzymatic hydrolysis, research the biochemical characteristics of carotenoprotein and compare the stability between carotenoid and carotenoprotein. Optimization of the extraction techniques could be considered as a sustainable alternative method to achieve pigment and improve its stability. We believe that pigment industry can utilize the results of this study in their applications.
Formulation Development of a New Chickpea Gel Using Response Surface Methodology and Instrumental and Sensory Data
Authors: Canet Wenceslao , Jiménez María J. , Fuentes Raúl , Álvarez María D. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractWith increasing emphasis on health and well‐being, nutrition aspects need to be incorporated as a dimension of product development. Currently, Spain's legume intakes are below recommendations. Therefore, a chickpea gel formulation was developed using response surface methodology. Independent variables considered were lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, soymilk and xanthan gum, the first three being commonly included as ingredients of hummus and having known beneficial health effects. Variables were studied according to a rotatable central composite design matrix (−2, −1, 0, +1, +2). Response variables were rheological properties, instrumental texture, color measurements and sensory attributes. The study was extended to find interrelationships. Ingredient effects are predominantly linear, although quadratic effects are also significant in some cases. Lemon juice has the strongest effect, followed by xanthan gum. Improved binding occurs at a high level (≥30 mL) of lemon juice, but results suggest the advisability of reducing acidity to increase product acceptance.Practical ApplicationsDeveloping a chickpea gel may be an effective strategy to increase the daily consumption of legumes. The ability to design and control the desired gel structure is an essential feature to guarantee consumer satisfaction with this product. In order to increase the nutritive value of such gels, incorporation of lemon juice, olive oil and soymilk is important. When designing new healthier foods, one must understand the effect that the increase, reduction or elimination of ingredients may have on final product quality. Response surface methodology was used to define the relationships between responses and composition variables and was used as an effective screening process before consequent acceptance by consumers. Information obtained with this study clearly identified the ingredients content that should be modified to obtain more acceptable chickpea‐based gels, indicating the potential commercial use of this new product. It is expected that this study will help better formulation of textured chickpea products.
Formation and Gelation Role of Serum Protein Aggregates during the Manufacture of Milk Powder
Authors: Li Yan Hua , Wang Wei Jun , Meng Yue Cheng , Chen Jie 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of heat‐related processes during the production of milk powder on aggregation of milk proteins and consequent impacts on the coagulation properties. Compared with raw milk, preheating as well as concentration and subsequent dehydration greatly changed serum protein aggregates, sizes of casein micelles and calcium ion activity, and consequently influenced the textural properties of rennet and acid gels. Moreover, the diversities of these physicochemical and gelling properties were also observed among reconstituted milk powder due to the different preheating or concentration. However, the difference in spray‐drying parameters only affected the intensity of some protein aggregates. It was indicated that all these heat‐related processes should be paid attention during milk powder manufacture in order to control acid or rennet coagulation of reconstituted milk powder.Practical ApplicationsThis study demonstrated the differences in the gelling properties due to the heat‐related processes, i.e., preheating, concentration and spray drying, in the production of milk powder. The information on milk proteins and calcium ion activity would help in understanding their influences on rennet or acid coagulation. The research on the gelling properties of reconstituted milk powder would shed light on the technological application of milk powder such as modification of milk proteins, processing control of milk powder production and suitability of final yogurt or cheese products.
A physiologically based pharmacokinetic model for quinoxaline‐2‐carboxylic acid in rats, extrapolation to pigs
Authors: Yang X. , Zhou Y.‐F. , Yu Y. , Zhao D.‐H. , Shi W. , Fang B.‐H. , Liu Y.‐H. 
Published: November 2014

A multi‐compartment physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model to describe the disposition of cyadox (CYX) and its metabolite quinoxaline‐2‐carboxylic acid (QCA) after a single oral administration was developed in rats (200 mg/kg b.w. of CYX). Considering interspecies differences in physiology and physiochemistry, the model efficiency was validated by pharmacokinetic data set in swine. The model included six compartments that were blood, muscle, liver, kidney, adipose, and a combined compartment for the rest of tissues. The model was parameterized using rat plasma and tissue concentration data that were generated from this study. Model simulations were achieved using a commercially available software program (ACSLXLibero version 3.0.2.1). Results supported the validity of the model with simulated tissue concentrations within the range of the observations. The correlation coefficients of the predicted and experimentally determined values for plasma, liver, kidney, adipose, and muscles in rats were 0.98, 0.98, 0.98, 0.99, and 0.95, respectively. The rat model parameters were then extrapolated to pigs to estimate QCA disposition in tissues and validated by tissue concentration of QCA in swine. The correlation coefficients between the predicted and observed values were over 0.90. This model could provide a foundation for developing more reliable pig models once more data are available.