bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti‐Inflammatory Activity of Saponins from Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Seeds in Lipopolysaccharide‐Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages Cells
Authors: Yao Yang , Yang Xiushi , Shi Zhenxing , Ren Guixing 
Published: April 2014

AbstractQuinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a pseudocereal from South Americas that has received increased interest around the world because it is a good source of different nutrients and rich in saponins. However, the saponins in quinoa seeds planted in China were poorly known. We obtained 4 quinoa saponin fractions, Q30, Q50, Q70, and Q90, and 11 saponins were determined by HPLC‐MS. Q50 possessed 8 individual saponins and had the highest content of saponins. We further evaluated the anti‐inflammatory activity on RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells of the 4 fractions. The 4 fractions not only dose‐dependently decreased the production of inflammatory mediators NO but also inhibited the release of inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 in lipopolysaccharide‐induced RAW264.7 cells. These results suggest that quinoa saponins may be used as functional food components for prevention and treatment of inflammation.Practical ApplicationOur findings demonstrate that saponins from the quinoa have the potential to anti‐inflammation by suppressing the release of inflammatory cytokines.
Viscoelastic Properties of Soft Materials on a Basis of Starch Mixtures
Authors: Orczykowska Magdalena , Dziubiński Marek 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe effect of concentration of carbohydrates on viscoelastic properties of corn and rice starch is discussed in this paper. The texture of starch pastes was estimated using a fractional rheological linear standard solid model. Rheological parameters of the model were identified and their changes for different values of sugar concentrations in the 2 tested starches were discussed.Practical ApplicationThe fractional rheological models can be very useful to control the biomaterial texture for the needs of final product, which is particularly significant from the point of view of materials engineering. The proposed method for interpretation of the results of rheological measurements of these pastes allows for a comprehensive estimation of the analyzed biomaterial texture.
Identification and evaluation of models of antenatal care in Australia – A review of the evidence
Authors: Brock Erin , Charlton Karen E. , Yeatman Heather 
Published: April 2014

BackgroundAntenatal care has been routine practice throughout the world since early in the 20th century, and in most developed countries, antenatal care consists of a scheduled program of individual consultations with a healthcare practitioner, using a doctor or midwife. Women seek antenatal care that provides a physical review of the health and development of their unborn baby, the reassurance and ability to be listened to and the opportunity for their partner to be involved in their care.AimsTo identify the types of antenatal care services that are available to Australian women and investigate the views and opinions of Australian women related to these services.Materials and MethodsA systematic literature review using Scopus and Medline databases was used to find appropriate journal articles in January 2013. Articles were restricted to those in the Australian setting from the past 10 years with a focus on different models of antenatal care and the views and experiences of women during their antenatal care.ResultsEighteen relevant peer‐reviewed journal articles were included. Emerging forms of antenatal care that are showing increasing levels of satisfaction from Australian women include continuity of carer, the midwifery‐led care and group‐ or community‐led care. These approaches are proving to be safe and successful.ConclusionNewer models of antenatal care in Australia may offer benefits over standard practice.
Radical nephrectomy and vena caval thrombectomy with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Raman Avi , Jawale Atul , Grant Alexander 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to report on the experience of a single surgeon in a regional Australian centre with radical nephrectomy and vena caval thrombectomy with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.MethodsFifteen consecutive patients undergoing radical nephrectomy and vena caval thrombectomy with cardiopulmonary bypass over a 13‐year period were identified. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was used. Data were collected on intra‐operative and pathological findings as well as post‐operative complications. Oncological outcomes and long‐term follow‐up were analysed retrospectively in this study.ResultsAll patients had a radical nephrectomy and vena caval thrombectomy with cardiopulmonary bypass. The median operating time was 336 min (mean 326.1 min), and median transfusion of packed red blood cells was 8 units (mean 6.9). The median bypass time was 107 min (mean 112.3 min), and the median circulation arrest time was 25 min (mean 25.3 min). Median length of hospital stay was 11 days (mean 14.5 days). Minor complications were seen in two patients and major complications seen in six, with one intra‐operative death. Disease recurrence was seen in 1 of 14 patients who were considered completely resected at the time of operation. The overall 5‐year survival rate was 84%. Median follow‐up was 32 months (range 0–158). Median survival time was 135 months.ConclusionsRadical nephrectomy with caval thrombectomy with cardiopulmonary bypass can be performed in a regional centre with acceptable post‐operative morbidity and mortality. Long‐term survival is possible in some patients.
Outcome for children and young people with Early T‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia treated on a contemporary protocol, UKALL 2003
Authors: Patrick Katharine , Wade Rachel , Goulden Nick , Mitchell Chris , Moorman Anthony V. , Rowntree Clare , Jenkinson Sarah , Hough Rachael , Vora Ajay 
Published: April 2014

SummaryWe investigated the outcome for children and young people with Early T‐precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ETP‐ALL), a recently described poor prognosis sub‐group of T‐ALL, treated on a contemporary protocol, UKALL 2003. After a median follow‐up of 4 years and 10 months, the ETP sub‐group, representing 16% of T‐ALL patients, had non‐significantly inferior 5‐year event‐free survival (76·7% vs. 84·6%, P = 0·2) and overall survival (82·4% vs. 90·9%, P = 0·1), and a higher relapse rate (18·6% vs. 9·6%, P = 0·1) compared to typical T‐ALL. ETP‐ALL has an intermediate risk outcome, which does not warrant experimental treatment or first remission allogeneic transplant for the group universally.
Investigating G protein signalling bias at the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor in yeast
Authors: Weston C , Poyner D , Patel V , Dowell S , Ladds G 
Published: April 2014

Background and PurposeThe glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) receptor performs an important role in glycaemic control, stimulating the release of insulin. It is an attractive target for treating type 2 diabetes. Recently, several reports of adverse side effects following prolonged use of GLP‐1 receptor therapies have emerged: most likely due to an incomplete understanding of signalling complexities.Experimental ApproachWe describe the expression of the GLP‐1 receptor in a panel of modified yeast strains that couple receptor activation to cell growth via single Gα/yeast chimeras. This assay enables the study of individual ligand–receptor G protein coupling preferences and the quantification of the effect of GLP‐1 receptor ligands on G protein selectivity.Key ResultsThe GLP‐1 receptor functionally coupled to the chimeras representing the human Gαs, Gαi and Gαq subunits. Calculation of the dissociation constant for a receptor antagonist, exendin‐3 revealed no significant difference between the two systems. We obtained previously unobserved differences in G protein signalling bias for clinically relevant therapeutic agents, liraglutide and exenatide; the latter displaying significant bias for the Gαi pathway. We extended the use of the system to investigate small‐molecule allosteric compounds and the closely related glucagon receptor.Conclusions and ImplicationsThese results provide a better understanding of the molecular events involved in GLP‐1 receptor pleiotropic signalling and establish the yeast platform as a robust tool to screen for more selective, efficacious compounds acting at this important class of receptors in the future.
Adrenocortical adenomas with regression and myelolipomatous changes: urinary steroid profiling supports a distinctive benign neoplasm
Authors: Perna Victoria , Taylor Norman F. , Dworakowska Dorota , Schulte Klaus‐Martin , Aylwin Simon , Al‐Hashimi Fatima , Diaz‐Cano Salvador J. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryBackgroundAdrenocortical neoplasms are classically divided into adenomas (ACA) and carcinomas (ACC). Heterogeneous appearance and greater size are criteria to suggest malignancy, along with the urinary steroid profile (USP). The presence of regression and myelolipomatous changes in adenomas (ACA‐RML) can contribute to confusion with ACC and its USP remains unknown.ObjectiveTo evaluate the features of ACA‐RML in comparison with other adrenocortical neoplasms.MethodsWe selected consecutive ACA (11), ACA‐RML (7) and ACC (13) cases for which USP analysis was performed before surgery and tissue was available for histological evaluation (King's College Hospital, 2005–2012). Cases were classified according to WHO and Armed Forces Institute of Pathology criteria. USPs were obtained by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Total excretion of individual steroids and indices (sums and ratios chosen to reflect steroid metabolic activity) were compared between ACA‐RML, ACA and ACC.ResultsIn comparison with ACA, tumours in ACA‐RML were significantly larger (8·5 ± 2·4 vs 3·5 ± 1·0, P = 0·002), presented in older patients and showed relatively higher incidence in males. Mitotic figure counts were significantly lower (0·39 ± 0·04 vs 0·93 ± 0·11 in ACA, P = 0·001) and revealed higher frequency of apoptotic cells (100% vs 9% in ACA, P = 0·001). The USP of ACA‐RML showed no diagnostic features of ACC. No differences from ACA were significant, but there was a tendency towards lower dehydroepiandrosterone DHA and DHA metabolites.ConclusionsACA‐RML reveals distinctive histological features and lack of USP markers of malignancy. More cases of this rare tumour may confirm differences from ACA in steroid excretion. It is important to recognize ACA‐RML because its size and heterogeneous appearance raise the possibility of ACC.
In Vivo Two‐photon Fluorescence Microscopy Reveals Disturbed Cerebral Capillary Blood Flow and Increased Susceptibility to Ischemic Insults in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Huang Ji‐Yun , Li Li‐Tao , Wang Huan , Liu Shuang‐Shuang , Lu Ying‐Mei , Liao Mei‐Hua , Tao Rong‐Rong , Hong Ling‐Juan , Fukunaga Kohji , Chen Zhong , Wilcox Christopher S. , Lai En Yin , Han Feng 
Published: April 2014

SummaryAimsDiabetes mellitus increases the risk of stroke, but the mechanisms are unclear. The present study tested the hypothesis that diabetes mellitus disturbs the brain microcirculation and increases the susceptibility to cerebral damage in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of ischemia.MethodsDiabetes was induced by streptozocin in mice expressing green fluorescent protein in endothelial cells (Tie2‐GFP mice). Four weeks later, they were subjected to transient (20 min) MCAO. In vivo blood flow was measured by two‐photon laser‐scanning microscopy (TPLSM) in cerebral arteries, veins, and capillaries.ResultsThere was a significant decrease in red blood cell (RBC) velocity in capillaries in diabetic mice as assessed by TPLSM, yet the regional cerebral blood flow, as assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry, was maintained. Brain capillary flow developed turbulence after MCAO only in diabetic mice. These mice sustained increased neurological deficits after MCAO which were accompanied by an exaggerated degradation of tight junction proteins and blunted CaMKII phosphorylation in cerebral tissues indicating disruption of the blood–brain barrier and disturbed cognitive potential.ConclusionDiabetic mice are more susceptible to disturbances of cerebral capillary blood flow which may predispose them to neurovascular defects following ischemia.
Telaprevir with peginterferon/ribavirin for retreatment of null responders with advanced fibrosis post‐orthotopic liver transplant
Authors: Kwo Paul Y. , Ghabril Marwan , Lacerda Marco A. , Joseph Tector Alfred , Fridell Jonathan A. , Vianna Rodrigo 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIntroductionAggressive recurrence of hepatitis C remains problematic post‐orthotopic liver transplant (OLT). There are limited data on treatment of HCV infection with telaprevir/boceprevir therapy with peginterferon/ribavirin (PR) post‐OLT.AimTo review our experience with telaprevir addition to peginterferon/ribavirin in treatment of aggressive hepatitis C in null responders to PR post‐OLT.MethodsAdult patients with recurrent HCV infection post‐OLT with null response to peginterferon/ribavirin for 12 wk (<2 log reduction) received four‐wk lead‐in PEG‐IFN alfa‐2b (1.0 μg/kg/wk) plus RBV (600–1000 mg/d) followed by addition of telaprevir 750 q8. All patients were converted to cyclosporine from tacrolimus (TAC).ResultsSeven patients (3 M, 4 F), mean age 56 yr, were treated. Three were <1 yr post‐OLT, six had cirrhosis and one bridging fibrosis. Three of seven achieved sustained virologic response. All patients required RBV dose reduction, 6/7 required erythropoietin, 5/7 required filgrastim, and 2/7 required eltrombopag for platelets <20 000 μL. There were no supratherapeutic/subtherapeutic CYA levels encountered, no episodes of renal insufficiency.ConclusionsConversion to CYA followed by four‐wk peginterferon/ribavirin lead‐in with addition of telaprevir can lead to significant clearance rates at week 24 in null responders with advanced fibrosis although high rates of anemia/RBV dose reduction, growth factor, and transfusion requirements were noted.
Three‐dimensional tumor volume and serum alpha‐fetoprotein are predictors of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after liver transplantation: refined selection criteria
Authors: Kashkoush Samy , El Moghazy Walid , Kawahara Toshiyasu , Gala‐Lopez Boris , Toso Christian , Kneteman Norman M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractTotal tumor volume (TTV), as a better predictor of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after liver transplant, has been explored by our center. Some tumors are not typically spherical but rather ellipsoid or spheroid, and calculating their TTV based on one dimension only may overestimate their volume and exclude them from candidacy for transplantation. Our aim was to study the actual tumor volume (ATV) calculated using the ellipsoid formula and assess its impact on recurrence. HCC patients transplanted between 1990 and 2010 at University of Alberta Hospital were analyzed. Tumor volumes were calculated using both formulas: [(4/3) πr3] (r = max. radius) and [(4/3) πabc] (a, b, c = the 3 radiuses). A total of 115 patients were included with a mean follow‐up of 4.99 ± 4.23 yr. Five‐yr recurrence‐free survival was 79.8%. Univariate analysis for predictors of recurrence included: maximum tumor diameter, ATV, TTV, and alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) ≥ 400 ng/mL. Multivariate analysis showed that ATV and AFP ≥ 400 ng/mL were the only predictors of recurrence. Combining both variables provides better predication of recurrence with accuracy that exceeds 80%. Three‐dimensional calculation of tumor volume is of critical importance for the group of patients with ellipsoid tumors where volumes are overestimated with the spherical formula and could lead to inappropriate exclusion from transplant.
Distinct local circuit properties of the superficial and intermediate layers of the rodent superior colliculus
Authors: Phongphanphanee Penphimon , Marino Robert A. , Kaneda Katsuyuki , Yanagawa Yuchio , Munoz Douglas P. , Isa Tadashi 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe superior colliculus (SC) is critical in localizing salient visual stimuli and making decisions on the location of the next saccade. Lateral interactions across the spatial map of the SC are hypothesized to help mediate these processes. Here, we investigate lateral interactions within the SC by applying whole‐cell recordings in horizontal slices of mouse SC, which maintained the local structure of the superficial (SCs) visual layer, which is hypothesized to participate in localizing salient stimuli, and the intermediate (SCi) layer, which is supposed to participate in saccade decision‐making. When effects of either electrical or chemical (uncaging of free glutamate) stimuli were applied to multiple sites with various distances from the recorded cell, a pattern of center excitation‐surround inhibition was found to be prominent in SCs. When the interactions of synaptic effects induced by simultaneous stimulation of two sites were tested, non‐linear facilitatory or inhibitory interactions were observed. In contrast, in the SCi, stimulation induced mainly excitation, which masked underlying inhibition. The excitatory synaptic effects of stimulation applied at remote sites were summed in a near linear manner. The result suggested that SCs lateral interactions appear suitable for localizing salient stimuli, while the lateral interactions within SCi are more suitable for faithfully accumulating subthreshold signals for saccadic decision‐making. Implementation of this laminar‐specific organization makes the SC a unique structure for serially processing signals for saliency localization and saccadic decision‐making.
Periodontal disease and stroke: a meta‐analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Lafon A. , Pereira B. , Dufour T. , Rigouby V. , Giroud M. , Béjot Y. , Tubert‐Jeannin S. 
Published: April 2014

This review aimed to determine the association between periodontal disease and stroke incidence by a meta‐analysis of cohort studies. Cohort studies that evaluated the incidence of stroke (fatal or non‐fatal, ischaemic or haemorrhagic) and baseline periodontal status and calculated relative risk values were included. The quality of the included studies was assessed using an evaluation grid. The analyses were conducted separately for three outcomes: periodontitis, gingivitis and loss of teeth. Adjusted values of relative risk or of hazard ratio were used to assess risk values in each study. Random effects meta‐analyses were conducted when data could be pooled. From the 743 references retrieved, only nine cohort studies were suitable for inclusion in this review. Quality scores of the studies varied greatly. Three prospective studies, which used reliable indicators of periodontal disease, obtained the highest scores. Conversely, three studies that used a subjective evaluation of stroke incidence or diagnosed stroke without imaging obtained the lowest score. The results of the meta‐analyses varied depending on the outcome considered and the type of stroke. The risk of stroke was significantly increased by the presence of periodontitis [relative risk 1.63 (1.25, 2.00)]. Tooth loss was also a risk factor for stroke [relative risk 1.39 (1.13, 1.65)]. The risk of stroke did not vary significantly with the presence of gingivitis. This review shows that periodontitis and tooth loss are associated with the occurrence of stroke.
Congenital triple oesophageal stricture and megaoesophagus in a neonatal colt
Authors: Bezdekova B. , Skoric M. , Pekarkova M. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryCongenital oesophageal stenosis is rarely described in horses. This case report describes a neonatal colt with signs of a milky nasal discharge and cervical swelling present from birth. The diagnostic evaluation revealed a triple oesophageal stricture, identified as congenital fibromuscular oesophageal stenosis. A megaoesophagus was seen cranial to the strictures, but its aetiology remains unexplained. To the authors’ knowledge, multiple oesophageal stenosis together with megaoesophagus has not previously been described in the horse.
Bottom‐up effects of lake sediment on pelagic food‐web compartments: a mesocosm study
Authors: Harrault Loïc , Allard Béatrice , Mériguet Jacques , Carmignac David , Huon Sylvain , Gauzens Benoit , Lacroix Gérard 
Published: April 2014

Summary

Sediment plays a key role in organic matter (OM) and internal nutrient cycling in lakes. The role of sediment as a source of OM and its potential bottom‐up effects on the pelagic food web have rarely been studied. Particularly, the influence of the biochemical composition of sediment OM on pelagic compartments remains largely unknown.

During a 5‐month experiment, we studied the influence of two different sediments added at the bottom of large replicated mesocosms on the biomass of seston and zooplankton, and their elemental and lipid compositions. The influence of sediment treatments on sedimentation rates, elemental and biochemical compositions and potential biodegradability of recently sedimented OM (c. 1 week) was also examined.

The two added sediments (S1 and S2) presented contrasting elemental and biochemical compositions and potential biodegradabilities. According to their contents of organic carbon, nitrogen, proteins, sugars and polyunsaturated fatty acids, S2 appeared to be much more biodegradable than S1. Therefore, the S2 sediment was expected to release more nutrients and OM to the water column than S1, leading to changes in communities, stoichiometry and lipid compositions of pelagic compartments.

Probably due to its very poor content of labile compounds, the presence of S1 at the bottom of the mesocosms did not induce changes in the biomass of seston and zooplankton. Only few changes in the stoichiometry of these compartments were observed. In contrast, S2 sediment released more phosphorus and dissolved OM into the water column than S1. As a result, the S2 treatment induced an increase in seston biomass and therefore in zooplankton biomass via herbivory.

None of the sediment treatments affected the lipid composition of seston and zooplankton. Moreover, neither S1 nor S2 induced changes in the sedimentation rates, elemental and lipid compositions, and potential biodegradability of recent sediments. Our mesocosm experiment suggests that differences in the quality of lake sediments lead to moderate changes in the pelagic communities in the absence of planktivorous or omnivorous fish.

Our results could partly explain the efficiency of biomanipulation for improving water quality of eutrophic lakes despite potential nutrient release from sediment.