bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Two Rare‐Class Tricyclic Diterpenes with Antitubercular Activity from the Caribbean Sponge Svenzea flava. Application of Vibrational Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy for Determining Absolute Configuration.
Authors: Aviles Edward , Rodriguez Abimael D. , Vicente Jan 
Published: March 2014

Abstractisolation and structure elucidation of two new isoneoamphilectane‐based diterpenes
Local Environmental Enforcement Constrained by Central–Local Relations in China
Authors: Qi Ye , Zhang Lingyun 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTEnvironmental pollution has become a major health concern and has escalated to a major political issue in China. It has been identified that enforcement of environmental regulation is the weakest link in environmental protection. Local government is often the focus of study because of its legal obligation for enforcement under national environmental law, and for its significance in the complex and intriguing central–local relations in the Chinese government system. We propose an interpretative framework to explain the local environmental enforcement dilemma in China, based on an institutional approach. Local governments tend to underperform. We argue that the overall national institutional environment that defines central–local relations in both political and financial terms is key for explaining why local governments fail to meet their obligations. Local governments tend to promote economic growth and maximize tax revenue, by attracting external investment and protecting polluting businesses, at the expense of environmental quality. Inadequate disclosure of environmental data and occasionally intentionally distorting information obstruct public participation and supervision – a key factor for ensuring the accountability of local enforcement. The policy implications of this analysis are that central government, in its capacity as the rule‐maker, must take action to adjust the existing central–local relations with respect to the political promotion system and the tax‐sharing mechanism. In addition, more stringent procedures and standards must be made by central government regarding the disclosure of environmental data to enable effective public participation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Visual memory profiling with CANTAB in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subtypes
Authors: Juncos‐Rabadán Onésimo , Facal David , Pereiro Arturo X. , Lojo‐Seoane Cristina 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveAlthough visual memory has been shown to be impaired in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), the differences between MCI subtypes are not well defined. The current study attempted to investigate visual memory profiles in different MCI subtypes.MethodsOne hundred and seventy volunteers aged older than 50 years performed several visual memory tests included in the CANTAB battery. Participants were classified into four groups: (1) multiple domain aMCI (mda‐MCI) (32 subjects); (2) single domain aMCI (sda‐MCI)(57 subjects); (3) multiple domain non amnestic MCI (mdna‐MCI) (32 subjects); and (4) controls (54 healthy individuals without cognitive impairment). Parametric and non parametric analyses were performed to compare the groups and to obtain their corresponding memory profiles.ResultsThe mda‐MCI group exhibited impairments in both dimensions of episodic memory (recognition and recollection/recall), and also in learning and working memory, whereas the sda‐MCI only showed impairment in recollection‐delayed recall and learning. The mdna‐MCI group displayed impairment in working memory but good preservation of learning and episodic memory.ConclusionThe CANTAB visual memory profiles may contribute to better cognitive characterization of patients with different MCI subtypes, allowing comparison across several processes involved in visual memory such as attention, recognition, recollection and working memory. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phenolic content and ferric reducing–antioxidant power of cow's milk produced in different pasture‐based production systems in southern Brazil
Authors: Kuhnen Shirley , Moacyr Juliana R , Mayer Jaqueline K , Navarro Bruno B , Trevisan Rafael , Honorato Luciana A , Maraschin Marcelo , Pinheiro Machado Filho Luiz C 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDPhenolic compounds are widely present in forage. However, few studies have been carried out to investigate the presence of these compounds in animal products such as milk. In this study, the total phenolic content (TPC) and ferric reducing–antioxidant power (FRAP) of milk produced under agroecological and conventional management systems in southern Brazil were determined. Three systems were compared: (a) agroecological, with intensive rotational grazing, also known as Voisin grazing (ECO); (b) semi‐intensive conventional (SIC); and (c) conventional grazing (CGR) (n = 8 per group). Pastures with distinct and more diverse botanical composition were observed on the ECO farms.RESULTSSignificantly (P < 0.05) lower amounts of TPC were found in agroecologically produced milk in autumn and summer and the CGR system showed the highest FRAP value (P < 0.05) for the samples collected in autumn. Positive correlations where found between the TPC and FRAP values obtained for the milk samples (0.198, P < 0.05), milk FRAP and forage TPC values (0.344, P < 0.05), and the TPC and FRAP values obtained for the forage (0.70, p < 0.01). PCA applied to the UV spectra dataset (200–350 nm) clearly distinguished the samples collected from the ECO system in the winter.CONCLUSIONOur results revealed that, under the conditions prevalent in southern Brazil, since the cows were allowed to graze in all of the systems, the TPC and antioxidant capacity of the milk samples showed minimal variation. However, since the forage TPC and FRAP values for the milk were correlated, TPC appears to be a promising variable for the purpose of monitoring forage prior to its selection aimed at enhancing the antioxidant activity of milk. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultrasound differentiation of axonal and demyelinating neuropathies
Authors: Grimm Alexander , Heiling Bianka , Schumacher Ulrike , Witte Otto W. , Axer Hubertus 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Ultrasound can be used to visualize peripheral nerve abnormality. Our objective in this study was to prove whether nerve ultrasound can differentiate between axonal and demyelinating polyneuropathies (PNPs). Methods: Systematic ultrasound measurements of peripheral nerves were performed in 53 patients (25 with demyelinating, 20 with axonal, 8 with mixed neuropathy) and 8 healthy controls. Nerve conduction studies of corresponding nerves were undertaken. Results: Analysis of variance revealed significant differences between the groups with regard to motor conduction velocity, compound muscle action potential amplitude, and cross‐sectional area (CSA) of different nerves at different locations. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed CSA measurements to be well suited for detection of demyelinating neuropathies, and boundary values of peripheral nerve CSA could be defined. Conclusions: Systematic ultrasound CSA measurement in different nerves helped detect demyelination, which is an additional cue in the etiological diagnosis of PNP, along with nerve conduction studies and nerve biopsy. Muscle Nerve 50: 976–983, 2014
p70S6 kinase mediates breast cancer cell survival in response to surgical wound fluid stimulation
Authors: Segatto Ilenia , Berton Stefania , Sonego Maura , Massarut Samuele , Fabris Linda , Armenia Joshua , Mileto Mario , Colombatti Alfonso , Vecchione Andrea , Baldassarre Gustavo , Belletti Barbara 
Published: March 2014

In early breast cancer, local relapses represent a determinant and not simply an indicator of risk for distant relapse and death. Notably, 90% of local recurrences occur at or close to the same quadrant of the primary cancer. Relevance of PI3K/mTOR/p70S6K signaling in breast tumorigenesis is very well documented. However, the pathway/s involved in the process of breast cancer local relapse are not well understood. The ribosomal protein p70S6K has been implicated in breast cancer cell response to post‐surgical inflammation, supporting the hypothesis that it may be crucial also for breast cancer recurrence. Here, we show that p70S6K activity is required for the survival of breast cancer cells challenged in “hostile” microenvironments. We found that impairment of p70S6K activity in breast cancer cells strongly decreased their tumor take rate in nude mice. In line with this observation, if cells were challenged to grow in anchorage independence or in clonogenic assay, growth of colonies was strongly dependent on an intact p70S6K signaling. This in vitro finding was particularly evident when breast cancer cells were grown in the presence of wound fluids harvested following surgery from breast cancer patients, suggesting that the stimuli present in the post‐surgical setting at least partially relied on activity of p70S6K to stimulate breast cancer relapse. From a mechanistic point of view, our results indicated that p70S6K signaling was able to activate Gli1 and up‐regulate the anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl2, thereby activating a survival response in breast cancer cells challenged in hostile settings. Our work highlights a previously poorly recognized function of p70S6K in preserving breast cancer cell survival, which could eventually be responsible for local relapse and opens the way to the design of new and more specific therapies aiming to restrain the deleterious effects of wound response.
Assessment of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) level in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis
Authors: Deveci Onur S. , Yavuz Bunyamin , Sen Omer , Deniz Ali , Ozkan Selcuk , Dal Kursat , Ata Naim , Baser Salih , Akin Kadir O. , Kucukazman Metin , Beyan Esin , Ertugrul Derun T. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectives: Insulin-like growth factor-1 may serve some regulatory function in the immune system. Rheumatic mitral stenosis is related to autoimmune heart valve damage after streptococcal infection. The aim of this study was to assess the level of insulin-like growth factor-1 and its correlation with the Wilkins score in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis.Methods: A total of 65 patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis and 62 age- and sex-matched control subjects were enrolled in this study. All subjects underwent transthoracic echocardiography. The mitral valve area and Wilkins score were evaluated for all patients. Biochemical parameters and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 levels were measured.Results: Demographic data were similar in the rheumatic mitral stenosis and control groups. The mean mitral valve area was 1.6±0.4 cm2in the rheumatic mitral stenosis group. The level of insulin-like growth factor-1 was significantly higher in the rheumatic mitral stenosis group than in the control group (104 (55.6–267) versus 79.1 (23.0–244.0) ng/ml; p=0.039). There was a significant moderate positive correlation between insulin-like growth factor-1 and thickening of leaflets score of Wilkins (r=0.541, p<0.001).Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that serum insulin-like growth factor-1 levels were significantly higher in the rheumatic mitral stenosis group compared with control subjects and that insulin-like growth factor-1 level was also correlated with the Wilkins score. It can be suggested that there may be a link between insulin-like growth factor-1 level and immune pathogenesis of rheumatic mitral stenosis.
UV-tunable laser induced phototransformations of matrix isolated anethole
Authors: Krupa Justyna , Wierzejewska Maria , Nunes Cláudio M. , Fausto Rui 
Published: March 2014

A matrix isolation study of the infrared spectra and structure of anethole (1-methoxy-4-(1-propenyl)benzene) has been carried out, showing the presence of two E conformers (AE1, AE2) of the molecule in the as-deposited matrices. Irradiation using ultraviolet-tunable laser light at 308–307 nm induced conformationally selective phototransformations of these forms into two less stable Z conformers (AZ1, AZ2). The back reactions were also detected upon irradiation at 301 nm. On the whole, the obtained results allow for full assignment of the infrared spectra of all the four experimentally observed anethole isomers and showed that the narrowband UV-induced E-Z photoisomerization is an efficient and selective way to interconvert the two isomers of anethole into each other, with conformational discrimination. Photolysis of anethole was observed as well, with initial methoxyl O–C bond cleavage and formation of CH3 and p-propenylphenoxy (AR) radicals, followed by radical recombination to form 2-methyl-4-propenyl-2,4-cyclohexadienone, which subsequently undergoes ring-opening generating several conformers of long-chain conjugated ketenes. Interpretation of the experimental observations was supported by density functional theory (B3LYP and B2PLYD) calculations.
The complete genome sequence for putative H2‐ and S‐oxidizer Candidatus Sulfuricurvum sp., assembled de novo from an aquifer‐derived metagenome
Authors: Handley Kim M. , Bartels Daniela , O'Loughlin Edward J. , Williams Kenneth H. , Trimble William L. , Skinner Kelly , Gilbert Jack A. , Desai Narayan , Glass Elizabeth M. , Paczian Tobias , Wilke Andreas , Antonopoulos Dionysios , Kemner Kenneth M. , Meyer Folker 
Published: March 2014

SummaryWe reconstructed the complete 2.4 Mb‐long genome of a previously uncultivated epsilonproteobacterium, Candidatus Sulfuricurvum sp. RIFRC‐1, via assembly of short‐read shotgun metagenomic data using a complexity reduction approach. Genome‐based comparisons indicate the bacterium is a novel species within the Sulfuricurvum genus, which contains one cultivated representative, S. kujiense. Divergence between the species appears due in part to extensive genomic rearrangements, gene loss and chromosomal versus plasmid encoding of certain (respiratory) genes by RIFRC‐1. Deoxyribonucleic acid for the genome was obtained from terrestrial aquifer sediment, in which RIFRC‐1 comprised ∼ 47% of the bacterial community. Genomic evidence suggests RIFRC‐1 is a chemolithoautotrophic diazotroph capable of deriving energy for growth by microaerobic or nitrate‐/nitric oxide‐dependent oxidation of S0, sulfide or sulfite or H2 oxidation. Carbon may be fixed via the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle. Consistent with these physiological attributes, the local aquifer was microoxic with small concentrations of available nitrate, small but elevated concentrations of reduced sulfur and NH4+/NH3‐limited. Additionally, various mechanisms for heavy metal and metalloid tolerance and virulence point to a lifestyle well‐adapted for metal(loid)‐rich environments and a shared evolutionary past with pathogenic Epsilonproteobacteria. Results expand upon recent findings highlighting the potential importance of sulfur and hydrogen metabolism in the terrestrial subsurface.
Chewing gum in preventing postoperative ileus in women undergoing caesarean section: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Craciunas L , Sajid MS , Ahmed AS 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThe incidence of postoperative ileus (POI) after gynaecological surgery is 10–15% Chewing gum following general surgery improves outcomes, including early flatus, early bowel sounds, and shortening of hospitalisation periods. There is currently no guideline that supports the use of chewing gum after caesarean sections.ObjectivesTo systematically analyse the published randomised controlled trials regarding the effectiveness of chewing gum in preventing POI in women undergoing caesarean sections.Search strategySystematic search of medical databases up to March 2013.Selection criteriaRandomised controlled trials that reported the role of chewing gum in preventing POI in women undergoing caesarean sections.Data collection and analysisTwo authors independently identified the relevant studies for inclusion, extracted outcome‐related data, and analysed it systematically using revman®. The combined outcome was expressed as an odds ratio and standardised mean difference.Main resultsSeven randomised controlled trials involving 1462 women (728 in the chewing gum group, 734 controls) were systematically analysed. There was significant heterogeneity (χ2 = 29.02, df = 7; P < 0.0001; I2 = 76%) among the included trials. Among women undergoing caesarean sections, chewing gum reduced the risk of POI (odds ratio 0.36; 95% confidence interval 0.19–0.69; z = 3.08; P < 0.002) but did not affect duration of hospitalisation (P = 0.32).ConclusionsChewing gum for 30–60 minutes at least three times a day appears to be effective in reducing the incidence and consequences of POI following caesarean sections.
Male‐biased sexual size dimorphism and sex ratio in the New Zealand Giraffe Weevil, Lasiorhynchus barbicornis (Fabricius, 1775) (Coleoptera: Brentidae)
Authors: Painting Christina J , Buckley Thomas R , Holwell Gregory I 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBoth the sex ratio and the extent of sexual size dimorphism (SSD) can have important implications for the mating system of a species. In particular, the sex that is limited (generally the female) is often the subject of intense competition, which can drive changes in behaviour and morphology to increase the competitive ability of the more abundant sex. The New Zealand giraffe weevil, Lasiorhynchus barbicornis (Fabricius, 1775), is a large and charismatic species found across much of New Zealand, but very little is known about its natural history. We determined the population structure and ecology of L. barbicornis from a single wild population over 3 years. L. barbicornis was found to be highly abundant in the warmer months, between November and May, but showed a peak in abundance in February and March in each year. The sex ratio was consistently male‐biased throughout the breeding season (mean sex ratio between seasons 0.59 ± 0.02). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that L. barbicornis is highly sexually size‐dimorphic mostly because of the extreme elongation of the rostrum of the male. All body parts of the males were also found to be more variable in size than those of the females, particularly head length, as shown by higher coefficients of variation. There was, however, no significant seasonal variation in SSD. These data are crucial to gain an understanding of the ecology and of factors driving the mating system in this species. The male‐biased sex ratio and SSD are key components of L. barbicornis ecology and are likely to have driven the highly competitive, defence‐based mating system observed.
Retrospective follow up of gross motor development in children using propranolol for treatment of infantile haemangioma at Sydney Children's Hospital
Authors: Gonski Kate , Wargon Orli 
Published: March 2014

AbstractQuestions have been raised as to whether propranolol, which crosses the blood‐brain barrier, when used early in life may have an adverse effect on gross motor development. A retrospective survey asking questions about gross motor development was sent to the families of children who had been prescribed oral propranolol for infantile haemangioma at Sydney Children's Hospital between 2008 and 2013. It was found that of the 84 patients surveyed, four were delayed in walking unassisted. There was a statistically significant influence if the child was taking other medications which included prednisolone, vincristine, omeprazole, ranitidine, salbutamol, Flixotide, Timoptol and antibiotics. This was not further analysed in this study because of the low numbers involved. There was no statistically significant influence of gestational age, birth weight or length of time on propranolol. This study adds to the retrospective data available; however large‐scale prospective studies are needed to identify unexpected long‐term side‐effects.
The effects of a xanthan gum‐based thickener on the swallowing function of patients with dysphagia
Authors: Rofes L. , Arreola V. , Mukherjee R. , Swanson J. , Clavé P. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryBackgroundIncreasing bolus viscosity of thin liquids is a basic therapeutic strategy to protect patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) from aspiration. However, conventional starch thickeners increase post‐deglutitive residue.AimTo assess the therapeutic effect of a new xanthan gum‐based thickener, Resource ThickenUp Clear (Nestlé Health Science, Vevey, Switzerland) on patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia.MethodsWe studied the effect of Resource ThickenUp Clear using a clinical method and videofluoroscopy on 120 patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia (66 with stroke, 41 older and 13 with neurodegenerative diseases) and 14 healthy volunteers while swallowing thin‐liquid, nectar‐like and spoon‐thick boluses. We assessed the prevalence of signs of impaired safety and efficacy of swallow and the physiology of the swallow response.ResultsIncreasing bolus viscosity with Resource ThickenUp Clear: (i) improved safety of swallow demonstrated by a reduction in the prevalence of cough and voice changes in the clinical study and penetrations and aspirations during video fluoroscopy. Prevalence of aspirations was 12.7% with thin liquid, 7.7% with nectar‐like (P < 0.01) and 3.4% with spoon‐thick (P < 0.01) viscosities. Penetration–Aspiration Scale was reduced from 3.24 ± 0.18 at thin liquid to 2.20 ± 0.18 at nectar‐like (P < 0.001) and to 1.53 ± 0.13 at spoon‐thick (P < 0.001) viscosities; (ii) did not enhance pharyngeal residue; (iii) nectar‐like viscosity did not affect bolus velocity nor timing of swallow response and (iv) spoon‐thick viscosity reduced bolus velocity.ConclusionsResource ThickenUp Clear improves the safety of swallow without increasing residue providing a viscosity‐dependent therapeutic effect for patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia. At nectar viscosity, the effect is due to intrinsic texture properties, spoon‐thick viscosity adding changes in swallow physiology. NCT01158313.
Review article: the investigation and management of gastric neuroendocrine tumours
Authors: Basuroy R. , Srirajaskanthan R. , Prachalias A. , Quaglia A. , Ramage J. K. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryBackgroundGastric carcinoids (GCs) or neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are increasingly identified at endoscopy, and account for 0.6–2% of all gastric polyps identified. The SEER database in the US has demonstrated a rising incidence of gastric NETs amongst all NETs; from 2.2% between 1950 and 1969 to 6.0% between 2000 and 2007.AimTo review the literature and assist clinicians in managing patients with GCs.MethodsA literature search was conducted through MEDLINE using search terms: gastric, carcinoid, neuroendocrine tumour, therapy, endoscopy, mucosal resection, submucosal dissection. Relevant articles were identified through manual review. The reference lists of these articles were reviewed to include further appropriate articles.ResultsThere are three types of GCs with important epidemiological, pathophysiological, histological and endoscopic differences that affect prognosis and management. Type 1 and 2 GCs develop in the context of hypergastrinaemia that originates from achlorhydria in atrophic gastritis and a gastrinoma, respectively. Type 3 GCs occur sporadically and independent of gastrin. The histological type, grade and Ki67 index are used to determine prognosis and direct clinical management. Type 1 GCs >1 cm in size and type 2 GCs should be assessed for invasion beyond the submucosa with EUS prior to endoscopic resection with EMR or ESD. Type 3 GCs should be managed as per recommendations for gastric adenocarcinoma. The treatment of advanced disease is multimodal.ConclusionsPatients with gastric carcinoids should be discussed in a specialist neuroendocrine tumour multidisciplinary meeting to ensure all treatment options are explored in localised and advanced disease. Areas of controversy exist that need further research.