bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polyphenol Oxidase Inhibitor from Blue Mussel (Mytilus edulis) Extract
Authors: Schulbach Kurt F. , Johnson Jodie V. , Simonne Amarat H. , Kim Jeong‐Mok , Jeong Yoonhwa , Yagiz Yavuz , Marshall Maurice R. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract Enzymatic browning remains a problem for the fruit and vegetable industry, especially new emerging markets like pre‐cuts. A crude inhibitor from blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) showed broad inhibition for apple (58%), mushroom (32%), and potato (44%) polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and was further characterized. Inhibition increased as the concentration of inhibitor increased in the reaction mixture eventually leveling off at a maximum inhibition of 92% for apple PPO. The inhibitor was capable of bleaching the brown color formed in the reaction mixture with apple PPO. Identification of the inhibitor by mass spectrometry and high‐performance liquid chromatography revealed it to be hypotaurine (C2H7NO2S). Hypotaurine and other sulfinic acid analogs (methane and benzene sulfinic acids) showed very good inhibition for apple PPO at various concentrations with the highest inhibition occurring at 500 μM for hypotaurine (89%), methane sulfinic acid (100%), and benzene sulfinic acid (100%).Practical Application:  An inhibitor found in the expressed liquid from blue mussel shows very good inhibition on enzymatic browning. Since this enzyme is responsible for losses to the fruit and vegetable industry, natural inhibitors that prevent browning would be valuable. Finding alternative chemistries that inhibit browning and understanding their mode of action would be beneficial to the fruit and vegetable industries and their segments such as pre‐cuts, juices, and so on. Inhibitors from products ingested by consumers are more acceptable as natural ingredients.
Curcumin: an orally bioavailable blocker of TNF and other pro‐inflammatory biomarkers
Authors: Aggarwal Bharat B , Gupta Subash C , Sung Bokyung 
Published: February 2013

TNFs are major mediators of inflammation and inflammation‐related diseases, hence, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of blockers of the cytokine, TNF‐α, for the treatment of osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis and ankylosis. These drugs include the chimeric TNF antibody (infliximab), humanized TNF‐α antibody (Humira) and soluble TNF receptor‐II (Enbrel) and are associated with a total cumulative market value of more than $20 billion a year. As well as being expensive ($15 000–20 000 per person per year), these drugs have to be injected and have enough adverse effects to be given a black label warning by the FDA. In the current report, we describe an alternative, curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a component of turmeric (Curcuma longa) that is very inexpensive, orally bioavailable and highly safe in humans, yet can block TNF‐α action and production in in vitro models, in animal models and in humans. In addition, we provide evidence for curcumin's activities against all of the diseases for which TNF blockers are currently being used. Mechanisms by which curcumin inhibits the production and the cell signalling pathways activated by this cytokine are also discussed. With health‐care costs and safety being major issues today, this golden spice may help provide the solution.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Emerging Therapeutic Aspects in Oncology. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2013.169.issue‐8
Insufficient irrigation induces peri‐implant bone resorption: an in vivo histologic analysis in sheep
Authors: Trisi Paolo , Berardini Marco , Falco Antonello , Podaliri Vulpiani Michele , Perfetti Giorgio 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo measure in vivo impact of dense bone overheating on implant osseointegration and peri‐implant bone resorption comparing different bur irrigation methods vs. no irrigation.Materials and methodsTwenty TI‐bone® implants were inserted in the inferior edge of mandibles of sheep. Different cooling procedures were used in each group: no irrigation (group A), only internal bur irrigation (group B), both internal and external irrigation (group C), and external irrigation (group D). The histomorphometric parameters calculated for each implant were as follows: %cortical bone–implant contact (%CBIC) and %cortical bone volume (%CBV). Friedman's test was applied to test the statistical differences.ResultsIn group A, we found a huge resorption of cortical bone with %CBIC and %CBV values extremely low. Groups B and C showed mean %CBIC and %BV values higher than other groups The mean %CBV value was significantly different when comparing group B and group C vs. group A (P < 0.05). Significant differences in %CBIC were found also between group C and group A (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThermal injury, due to insufficient irrigation, of hard bone caused massive resorption of the cortical bone and implant failure. Drilling procedures on hard bone need an adequate cooling supply because the bone matrix overheating may induce complete resorption of dense bone around implants. Internal–external irrigation and only internal irrigation showed to be more efficient than other types of cooling methods in preventing bone resorption around implants.
Circulating immunosuppressive cells of prostate cancer patients before and after radical prostatectomy: Profile comparison
Authors: Brusa Davide , Simone Mariagrazia , Gontero Paolo , Spadi Rosella , Racca Patrizia , Micari Jasmin , Degiuli Maurizio , Carletto Sara , Tizzani Alessandro , Matera Lina 
Published: February 2013

ObjectivesA dendritic cell‐based cancer vaccine has recently received Food and Drug Administration approval in the USA based on its ability to prolong the survival of prostate cancer patients with advanced disease. However, tumor‐mediated immunosuppressive mechanisms might represent an obstacle to optimal performance of this therapy. We have recently shown that monocytes from the blood of prostate cancer patients can fully mature to dendritic cells only after the tumor is removed. Here, we have tested the hypothesis that these tumor‐driven monocytes correspond to the recently described subset of CD14+HLA‐DRlow immunosuppressor cells.MethodsProstate cancer patients were studied before and 1 month after prostatectomy. Pre‐ and postsurgical patients with colorectal cancer were also included for comparison. Flow cytometric analysis was applied to define CD14−HLA‐DRlowCD33+CD11b+ (myeloid) and CD14+HLA‐DRlow (monocytic) suppressor cells. Interferon‐γ release was used to assess the immunocompetence of lymphocytes.ResultsIn both prostate cancer and colorectal cancer patients, the percentage of CD14+HLA‐DRlow cells was several‐fold higher compared with normal subjects. This was not the case for CD14−HLA‐DRlowCD33+CD11b+ cells. Furthermore, postsurgical normalization of CD14+HLA‐DRlow cells only occurred in prostate cancer patients. In all patients, the interferon‐γ response of T lymphocytes to phorbolmyristate acetate‐ionomycin was higher compared with normal donors, but it was further increased after tumor ablation only in prostate cancer patients.ConclusionsThe direct link between CD14+HLA‐DRlow increase and presence of primary tumor suggests a distinguishing immunosuppressive profile of prostate cancer. This observation supports the principle that the appropriate setting for prostate cancer vaccine therapy is a minimal disease status.
The Seroprevalence of Canine Influenza Virus H3N8 in Dogs Participating in a Flyball Tournament in Pennsylvania in 2010: A Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Wiley C.A. , Ottoson M.C. , Garcia M.M. , Wiley L.E. , Otto C.M. 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundCanine influenza virus (CIV) H3N8 infection is thought to be highly contagious and potentially deadly. Low seroprevalence in dogs participating in the sport of flyball in 2009 was reported. It remains unknown if prevalence is changing in dogs at risk.ObjectiveTo determine seroprevalence of antibodies to CIV H3N8 in a population of pet dogs that participated in an indoor flyball tournament in Pennsylvania in November 2010.AnimalsDogs participating in a flyball tournament.MethodsMedical, travel, and activity histories for previous 10.5 months were obtained from consenting owners and serum samples were collected from dogs. Antibodies to CIV H3N8 were measured using hemagglutination inhibition.ResultsOf 251 competing dogs, 103 dogs were tested. Overall, seroprevalence of CIV H3N8 in dogs participating in flyball was 1.9% (95% CI, 0.05–6.8%). Thirty‐five dogs were tested in both 2009 (all titers <8) and 2010 (all titers <8). Ten of 103 dogs had been vaccinated for CIV H3N8. Two dogs had positive titers (>8) and both had been vaccinated twice in the previous month. Titers in remaining 8 vaccinated dogs were undetectable. Seroprevalence in vaccinated dogs was 20% (95% CI, 5.7–50.1%), whereas in unvaccinated dogs it was 0% (95% CI, 0–4.0%). Although 7 dogs had history of respiratory signs, only 1, which was vaccinated, was serologically positive for CIV H3N8.ConclusionsConsistent with low prevalence of CIV H3N8 exposure previously reported in flyball dogs, unvaccinated dogs had 0% prevalence, suggesting a stable exposure rate. However, low seroprevalence may result in unprotected flyball dogs at risk for developing CIV H3N8.
Crystal structure and catalytic mechanism of chloromuconolactone dehalogenase ClcF from Rhodococcus opacus 1CP
Authors: Roth Christian , Gröning Janosch Alexander D. , Kaschabek Stefan Rudolf , Schlömann Michael , Sträter Norbert 
Published: February 2013

SummaryThe actinobacterium Rhodococcus opacus 1CP possesses a so far unique variant of the modified 3‐oxoadipate pathway for 3‐chlorocatechol degradation. One important feature is the novel dehalogenase ClcF, which converts (4R,5S)‐5‐chloromuconolactone to E‐dienelactone. ClcF is related to muconolactone isomerase (MLI, EC 5.3.3.4). The enzyme has a ferredoxin‐type fold and forms a homodecamer of 52‐symmetry, typical for the MLI family. The active site is formed by residues from two monomers. The complex structure of an E27A variant with bound substrate in conjunction with mutational studies indicate that E27 acts as the proton acceptor in a univalent single‐base syn‐dehydrohalogenation mechanism. Despite the evolutionary specialization of ClcF, the conserved active‐site structures suggest that the proposed mechanism is representative for the MLI family. Furthermore, ClcF represents a novel type of dehalogenase based on an isomerase scaffold.
The Degree of Helicobacter pylori-Triggered Inflammation Is Manipulated by Preinfection Host Microbiota
Authors: Rolig Annah S. , Cech Cynthia , Ahler Ethan , Carter J. Elliot , Ottemann Karen M. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

Helicobacter pylori
infects over 3 billion people worldwide and is the primary risk factor for gastric cancer. Most individuals infected with
H. pylori
develop only asymptomatic gastritis; however, some develop ulcers or gastric adenocarcinoma. We demonstrate that one previously unappreciated parameter influencing
H. pylori
disease outcome is variation in the preinfection host microbiota. Utilizing a mouse model, we altered the microbiota by antibiotic treatment and found that these alterations resulted in significantly lowered
H. pylori
-triggered inflammation. Specifically, antibiotic pretreatment reduced CD4
+
T-helper cells and
Ifn
γ transcript levels in gastric tissue after
H. pylori
infection. The bacterial communities in mice with a reduced response to
H. pylori
displayed many differences from those in untreated mice, including significantly more cluster IV and XIVa
Clostridium
spp., bacteria known to influence inflammation via regulatory T cell populations. Our findings suggest that microbiota composition, perhaps
Clostridium
spp., contributes to the variable disease outcome of
H. pylori
infection by altering the recruitment of CD4
+
T cells to the gastric compartment. Our results suggest that gastric microbiota could be used as a diagnostic tool to determine which patients are at risk for developing severe disease.
A Competitive Infection Model of Hematogenously Disseminated Candidiasis in Mice Redefines the Role of
Candida albicans IRS4
in Pathogenesis
Authors: Raman Suresh B. , Nguyen M. Hong , Cheng Shaoji , Badrane Hassan , Iczkowski Kenneth A. , Wegener Marilyn , Gaffen Sarah L. , Mitchell Aaron P. , Clancy Cornelius J. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

Candida albicans IRS4
encodes a protein that regulates phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate, which was shown to contribute to hematogenously disseminated candidiasis (DC) after several days in the standard mouse model. Our objective was to more accurately define the temporal contributions of
IRS4
to pathogenesis. During competition assays
in vitro
, an
irs4
-null (Δ
irs4
) mutant exhibited wild-type fitness. In DC experiments, mice were infected intravenously with the Δ
irs4
mutant, strain CAI-12 (1 × 10
5
CFU), or a mixture of the strains (0.5 × 10
5
CFU each). In single-strain infections, quantitative PCR revealed reduced Δ
irs4
mutant burdens within kidneys at days 1, 4, and 7 but not 6 h. In competitive infections, the Δ
irs4
mutant was outcompeted by CAI-12 in each mouse at ≥6 h (competitive indices,
P
≤ 0.0001). At 4 and 7 days, the Δ
irs4
mutant burdens during competitive infections were significantly lower than those during single-strain infections (
P
= 0.01 and
P
< 0.001, respectively), suggesting increased susceptibility to inflammatory responses. Phagocytic infiltration of kidneys in response to CAI-12 or competitive infections was significantly greater than that in response to Δ
irs4
mutant infection at days 1 and 4 (
P
< 0.001), and the Δ
irs4
mutant was more susceptible to phagocytosis and killing by human polymorphonuclear cells (
P
= 0.01 and
P
= 0.006, respectively) and mouse macrophages
in vitro
(
P
= 0.04 and
P
= 0.01, respectively). Therefore,
IRS4
contributes to tissue invasion at early stages of DC and mediates resistance to phagocytosis as DC progresses. Microarray analysis revealed remarkably similar gene expression by the Δ
irs4
mutant and reference strain CAI-12 within blood, suggesting that
IRS4
is not significantly involved in the hematogenous stage of disease. A competitive DC model detects attenuated virulence that is not evident with the standard model.
Can the impact of an acute hospital end-of-life care tool on care and symptom burden be measured contemporaneously?
Authors: Reid Colette M , Gibbins Jane , Bloor Sophia , Burcombe Melanie , McCoubrie Rachel , Forbes Karen 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveTo determine the utility of a screening question to identify patients who might die during hospital admission and feasibility of scoring symptoms in dying patients within a study assessing the impact of a brief end-of-life (EOL) tool.MethodsBetween March 2008 and July 2010 patients admitted to five wards of an acute hospital were screened using the question ‘Is this patient so unwell you feel they could die during this admission?’ Once 40 patients were recruited, the brief EOL tool was introduced to the wards and a further 30 patients were recruited. Symptom scoring using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) began when the patient was recognised as dying. Relatives were asked to complete the Views of Informal Carers—Evaluation of Services questionnaire to validate the results of the contemporaneous symptom assessments and assess the impact of the tool.ResultsThe sensitivity of the screening question was 57%, specificity 98% and positive predictive value 67%, so the question was useful in enrolling study patients. There were limitations with the ESAS but core EOL symptoms were scored more frequently after the tool was introduced. Questionnaire responses suggested relatives perceived aspects of care improved with the EOL tool in place.ConclusionsIt is possible to identify dying patients and study care given to them in hospital in real time. Outcome measures need to be refined, but contemporaneous symptom monitoring was possible. We argue interventions to improve EOL care should be unequivocally evidence-based, and research to provide evidence of impact on the patient experience is possible.
The impact of social media on a major international emergency medicine conference
Authors: Neill Andrew , Cronin John J , Brannigan Domhnall , O'Sullivan Ronan , Cadogan Mike 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveTo report on the presence and use of social media by speakers and attendees at the International Conference on Emergency Medicine (ICEM) 2012, and describe the increasing use of online technologies such as Twitter and podcasts in publicising conferences and sharing research findings, and for clinical teaching.MethodsSpeakers were identified through the organising committee and a database constructed using the internet to determine the presence and activity of speakers on social media platforms. We also examined the use of Twitter by attendees and non-attendees using an online archiving system. Researchers tracked and reviewed every tweet produced with the hashtag #ICEM2012. Tweets were then reviewed and classified by three separate authors into different categories.ResultsOf the 212 speakers at ICEM 2012, 41.5% had a LinkedIn account and 15.6% were on Twitter. Less than 1% were active on Google+ and less than 10% had an active website or blog. There were over 4500 tweets about ICEM 2012. Over 400 people produced tweets about the conference, yet only 34% were physically present at the conference. Of the original tweets produced, 74.4% were directly related to the clinical and research material of the conference.ConclusionsICEM 2012 was the most tweeted emergency medicine conference on record. Tweeting by participants was common; a large number of original tweets regarding clinical material at the conference were produced. There was also a large virtual participation in the conference as multiple people not attending the conference discussed the material on Twitter.
Reproductive, Lifestyle, and Anthropometric Risk Factors for Cancer in Elderly Women
Authors: Poynter Jenny N. , Inoue-Choi Maki , Ross Julie A. , Jacobs David R. , Robien Kimberly 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Background: With an increasing elderly population, the United States will experience an increased cancer burden in the coming years. We evaluated associations between anthropometric, lifestyle, and reproductive factors and risk of breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancer in a prospective study of postmenopausal women with a focus on diagnoses occurring among very elderly women (≥75 years).
Methods: For each cancer type, we estimated associations with relevant exposures in 2 age bands (&lt;75 vs. ≥75 years of age). During 22 years of follow-up, 322 ovarian, 1,311 colon, 315 rectal, and 2,664 breast cancers occurred among 37,459 postmenopausal women (mean age at baseline 62 years, range 55–71 years).
Results: For ovarian cancer, we identified few significant associations in either age band. Colon cancer cases had a higher body mass index and were less likely to report estrogen or aspirin use than non-cases, yet these associations were consistent in both age bands. Few risk factors were identified for rectal cancer in women of 75 years of age or more. For breast cancer, notably different patterns were revealed, with alcohol consumption associated with risk in the younger group and previous hysterectomy associated with risk only in the older group.
Conclusion: These analyses suggest some important differences in risk factors for cancer depending on the age at diagnosis.
Impact: This study suggests that etiologic differences may exist in cancers occurring in the very elderly women. The ongoing demographic shift in the United States provides a strong rationale for studies evaluating cancer etiology in the elderly. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(4); 681–7. ©2013 AACR.
“Greeting Tablets” in Early China
Authors: Korolkov Maxim 
Published: February 2013

Since the 1930s, Chinese archaeologists have discovered a number of inscribed
wooden tablets from the early Han to the Western Jin, which were identified as
“greeting tablets” of two types, ci 刺 and ye 謁. As
attested in transmitted accounts, these tablets played an important role in the
communicative etiquette of early imperial and early medieval officialdom; during
a meeting ceremony, they were presented by the guest to the host. The present
article offers a systematic survey of the available corpus of excavated greeting
tablets and explores their wider socio-cultural implications. As a component of
the communicative etiquette of the bureaucracy, greeting tablets were
instrumental in the adaptation of elements of aristocratic culture to the needs
of mass officialdom—a new social stratum that in terms of cultural
background differed fundamentally from the hereditary aristocracy of the
pre-imperial era but occupied a comparable position as a social and political
elite. Depuis les années 1930 les archéologues chinois ont
découvert de nombreuses tablettes de bois inscrites datant du
début des Han jusqu’aux Jin occidentaux, qui ont été
identifiées comme étant des « tablettes de
salutation ». Il en existe deux types, les ci 刺 et les ye
謁. Comme l’attestent les textes transmis, ces tablettes jouaient
un rôle important dans l’étiquette régissant les
communications entre fonctionnaires dans la période impériale
ancienne et au début de l’époque médiévale:
l’hôte les présentait à l’invité au
cours du cérémonial marquant leur rencontre. Cet article propose
un inventaire systématique du corpus des tablettes de salutation
découvertes dans les fouilles et s’intéresse plus
généralement à leurs implications socio-culturelles. Partie
intégrante de l’étiquette des communications, ces tablettes
ont joué leur rôle dans l’adaptation de certains
éléments de la culture aristocratique aux besoins de la masse des
fonctionnaires, autrement dit d’un groupe social nouveau dont le fonds
culturel différait fondamentalement de celui de l’aristocratie
héréditaire mais dont la position en tant qu’élite
sociale et politique était comparable.
Internal features of larvae belonging to two species of Pseudopaludicola (Anura: Leiuperinae)
Authors: Alcalde Leandro , Barrasso Diego Andrés 
Published: February 2013

We described the buccal cavity, chondrocranium, and cranial muscles in tadpoles of two species of Pseudopaludicola: P. boliviana (P. pusilla species group) and P. falcipes. The two species share states of only three relevant and informative characters: (1) absence of m. levator mandibularis lateralis, (2) absence of m. levator mandibularis externus superficialis at advanced premetamorphic stages, and (3) presence of long lateral arena papillae of both the roof and floor of the buccal cavity. The larvae of P. falcipes is diagnosed by (states of P. boliviana between parentheses): (1) three lingual papillae (four), (2) one-two pairs of short and blunt infralabial papillae (single pair of multifid papillae), (3) low median ridge (tall), (4) distal connection between pars corpora and pars alaris of the cartilago suprarostralis present (absent), and (5) m. subarcualis rectus II-IV inserted at ceratobranchiale I (ceratobranchiale II insertion). The combination of a processus pseudopterygoideus together with proximal and distal connections on the cartilago suprarostralis occurs in most species of Pleurodema as well. Absence of m. levator mandibularis lateralis is also known for Physalaemus fernandezae and absence of m. levator mandibularis externus superficialis at advanced stages of development (Stage 39 onward) is shared with Edalorhina perezi and Pleurodema diplolister.