bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Double-blind placebo-controlled food challenges in children with alleged cow’s milk allergy: prevention of unnecessary elimination diets and determination of eliciting doses
Authors: Dambacher Wendy M , de Kort Ellen HM , Blom W Marty , Houben Geert F , de Vries Esther 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Children with cow’s milk allergy (CMA) need a cow’s milk protein (CMP) free diet to prevent allergic reactions. For this, reliable allergy-information on the label of food products is essential to avoid products containing the allergen. On the other hand, both overzealous labeling and misdiagnosis that result in unnecessary elimination diets, can lead to potentially hazardous health situations. Our objective was to evaluate if excluding CMA by double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) prevents unnecessary elimination diets in the long term. Secondly, to determine the minimum eliciting dose (MED) for an acute allergic reaction to CMP in DBPCFC positive children.

Methods
All children with suspected CMA under our care (Oct’05 - Jun’09) were prospectively enrolled in a DBPCFC. Placebo and verum feedings were administered on two randomly assigned separate days. The MED was determined by noting the ‘lowest observed adverse effect level’ (LOAEL) in DBPCFC-positive children. Based on the outcomes of the DBPCFC a dietary advice was given. Parents were contacted by phone several months later about the diet of their child.

Results
116 children were available for analysis. In 76 children CMA was rejected. In 60 of them CMP was successfully reintroduced, in 2 the parents refused introduction, in another 3 the parents stopped reintroduction. In 9 children CMA symptoms reappeared. In 40 children CMA was confirmed. Infants aged ≤ 12 months in our study group have a higher cumulative distribution of MED than older children.

Conclusions
Excluding CMA by DBPCFC successfully stopped unnecessary elimination diets in the long term in most children. The MEDs form potential useful information for offering dietary advice to patients and their caretakers.
Guaraná (Paullinia cupana Kunth) effects on LDL oxidation in elderly people: an in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Portella Rafael de Lima , Barcelos Rômulo Pillon , da Rosa Edovando José Flores , Ribeiro Euler Esteves , da Cruz Ivana Beatrice Mânica , Suleiman Leila , Soares Felix Alexandre Antunes 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundPrevious experimental investigations have suggested that guaraná (Paullinia cupanaKunth, supplied by EMBRAPA Oriental) consumption is associated with a lower prevalence of cardiovascular metabolic diseases and has positive effects on lipid metabolism, mainly related to low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. As LDL oxidation is an important initial event in the development of atherosclerosis, we performedin vitroandin vivostudies to observe the potential effects of guaraná on LDL and serum oxidation.MethodsThein vivoprotocol was performed using blood samples from 42 healthy elderly subjects who habitually ingested guaraná (GI) or never ingested guaraná (NG). The formation of conjugated dienes (CDs) was analyzed from serum samples. Thein vitroprotocols were performed using LDL obtained from 3 healthy, non-fasted, normolipidemic voluntary donors who did not habitually ingest guaraná in their diets. The LDL samples were exposed to 5 different guaraná concentrations (0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 5 μg/mL).ResultsGI subjects demonstrated lower LDL oxidation than did NG subjects (reduction of 27%, p < 0.0014), independent of other variables. In the GI group the total polyphenols was positively associated with LDL levels. Also, guaraná demonstrated a high antioxidant activityin vitro, mainly at concentrations of 1 and 5 μg/mL, demonstrated by suppression of CDs and TBARS productions, tryptophan destruction and high TRAP activity.ConclusionsGuaraná, similar to other foods rich in caffeine and catechins such as green tea, has some effect on LDL oxidation that could partially explain the protective effects of this food in cardiometabolic diseases.
The effects of apoptosis vulnerability markers on the myocardium in depression after myocardial infarction
Authors: Wang Yiming , Liu Xingde , Zhang Dongfeng , Chen Jianhui , Liu Shuzheng , Berk Michael 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
There is an increased incidence of major depressive disorder (MDD) in individuals after myocardial infarction (MI), but the pathophysiological processes mediating this association are unclear. Our previous study demonstrated an increase in pro-apoptotic pathways in the myocardium and hippocampus in MDD, which was reversed by venlafaxine. This study aimed to attempt to confirm the effects of apoptosis vulnerability markers on the myocardium in a model of depression after myocardial infarction.

Methods
Rats were divided into four groups: sham (N = 8), depression (N = 8, chronic mild unpredictable stress and separation were used in the depression group), MI (N = 13) and post-MI depression (N = 7). The rats in all four groups underwent the same open field and sucrose preference behavioral tests. Evan Blue staining was used to determine the area at risk of myocardial infarction in the left ventricle, and 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (1.5% TTC) dye was used to detect the size of the myocardial infarction. The expression of bax and bcl-2 protein in the myocardium was investigated by immunohistochemistry, and the mRNA expression of bax, bcl-2 and caspase-3 in the myocardium was investigated by real time RT-PCR. Apoptosis was estimated in the myocardium by measuring the Bax:Bcl-2 ratio.

Results
In the depression and post-MI depression rats, there were significantly decreased movements and total sucrose consumption, modeling behavioral deficits and an anhedonic-like state. In terms of myocardial infarction size, no difference was seen between the MI and post-MI depression groups. There was an up-regulated Bax:Bcl-2 ratio in the depression, MI and post-MI depression groups. Furthermore, in the latter group, there was a greater up-regulated Bax:Bcl-2 ratio. However, caspase-3 did not differ among the four groups.

Conclusions
These results of this animal model suggest that active pro-apoptotic pathways may be involved in the nexus between myocardial infarction and depression. This mechanism may be germane to understanding this relationship in humans.
Possible role of Toxoplasma gondii in brain cancer through modulation of host microRNAs
Authors: Thirugnanam Sivasakthivel , Rout Namita , Gnanasekar Munirathinam 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe obligate intracellular protozoan parasiteToxoplasma gondiiinfects humans and other warm-blooded animals and establishes a chronic infection in the central nervous system after invasion. Studies showing a positive correlation between anti-Toxoplasmaantibodies and incidences of brain cancer have led to the notion thatToxoplasmainfections increase the risk of brain cancer. However, molecular events involved inToxoplasmainduced brain cancers are not well understood.Presentation of the hypothesisToxoplasmagains control of host cell functions including proliferation and apoptosis by channelizing parasite proteins into the cell cytoplasm and some of the proteins are targeted to the host nucleus. Recent studies have shown thatToxoplasmais capable of manipulating host micro RNAs (miRNAs), which play a central role in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Therefore, we hypothesize thatToxoplasmapromotes brain carcinogenesis by altering the host miRNAome using parasitic proteins and/or miRNAs.Testing the hypothesisThe miRNA expression profiles of brain cancer specimens obtained from patients infected withToxoplasmacould be analyzed and compared with that of normal tissues as well as brain cancer tissues fromToxoplasmauninfected individuals to identify dysregulated miRNAs inToxoplasma-driven brain cancer cells. Identified miRNAs will be further confirmed by studying cancer related miRNA profiles of the different types of brain cells before and after Toxoplasma infection using cell lines and experimental animals.Expected outcomeThe miRNAs specifically associated with brain cancers that are caused byToxoplasmainfection will be identified.Implications of the hypothesisToxoplasmainfection may promote initiation and progression of cancer by modifying the miRNAome in brain cells. If this hypothesis is true, the outcome of this research would lead to the development of novel biomarkers and therapeutic tools againstToxoplasmadriven brain cancers.
Plasma kallistatin levels in patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Lin Wei-Chieh , Lu Shiou-Ling , Lin Chiou-Feng , Chen Chang-Wen , Chao Lee , Chao Julie , Lin Yee-Shin 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) requiring intensive care unit (ICU) treatment commonly causes acute respiratory failure with high mortality. Kallistatin, an endogenous tissue kallikrein inhibitor, has been reported to be protective in various human diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the correlations of kallistatin with other biomarkers and to determine whether kallistatin levels have a prognostic value in severe CAP.

Methods
Plasma samples and clinical data were prospectively collected from 54 patients with severe CAP requiring ICU admission. Seventeen healthy control subjects were included for comparison. Plasma kallistatin, kallikrein, and other biomarkers of inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, C-reactive protein (CRP)), and anti-coagulation (protein C, anti-thrombin III) were measured on days 1 and 4 of ICU admission. Comparison between survivors (n = 41) and nonsurvivors (n = 13) was performed.

Results
Plasma kallistatin was significantly consumed in severe CAP patients compared with healthy individuals. Lower day 1 kallistatin levels showed a strong trend toward increased mortality (P = 0.018) and higher day 1 CURB-65 scores (P = 0.004). Plasma kallistatin levels on day 1 of ICU admission were significantly decreased in patients who developed septic shock (P = 0.017) and who had acute respiratory distress syndrome (P = 0.044). In addition, kallistatin levels were positively correlated with anti-thrombin III and protein C and inversely correlated with IL-1β, IL-6, and CRP levels. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, higher day 1 CURB-65 scores were independent predictors of mortality (odds ratio = 29.9; P = 0.009). Also, higher day 1 kallistatin levels were independently associated with a decreased risk of death (odds ratio, 0.1) with a nearly significant statistical difference (P = 0.056). Furthermore, we found that a cutoff level of 6.5 μg/ml of day 1 kallistatin determined by receiver operating characteristic curves could be used to distinguish between patients who survived in 60 days and those who did not.

Conclusions
These results suggest that kallistatin may serve as a novel marker for severe CAP prognosis and may be involved in the pathogenesis of CAP through antiinflammatory and anticoagulation effects.
See related letter by Katz et al.,http://ccforum.com/content/17/2/429
High-precision estimation of split PS-wave time delays and polarization directions
Authors: Haacke R. Ross 
Published: February 2013

The measurement of split PS-wave time delays and polarization directions is notoriously difficult in field data, partly because the signals are small and overprinted by competing mechanisms. This contribution describes a new processing method that suppresses many of the overprinted traveltime and amplitude anomalies, allowing depth-averaged split PS-wave time delays and polarization directions to be measured simply and precisely. These depth-averaged properties are then inverted using a simple forward model, allowing an earth model of split PS-wave time delays and polarization azimuths to be estimated without the need for layer stripping. In the field data used as an example, the processing and inversion methods are used to estimate split PS-wave time delays and polarization directions for ten layers spanning about 500 m depth from the seabed downward. Inversions using data-error covariances estimated from prestack data show model uncertainties less than 0.3 ms of time delay and 3° of polarization azimuth. However, it is clear that if the data-error covariances cannot be estimated from prestack data, due to low fold for example, model uncertainties would rise considerably. Repeating the inversions using data-error covariances of a postulated form leads to a range of maximum-likelihood models. When the data-error covariances cannot be estimated from prestack data, it seems reasonable to report precision levels implied by the spread of maximum-likelihood models, which in this case is up to 0.5 ms of time delay and 20° of polarization azimuth. The principal achievement of this processing and inversion scheme is to constrain a relatively large number of depth layers with similar levels of model uncertainty. The depth resolution available to this new method may have important implications for the development of tight-gas and shale-gas plays, in which variations of stress, strain, and fracture properties in discrete layers are important.
Induced cold tolerance mechanisms depend on duration of acclimation in the chill sensitiveFolsomia candida(Collembola)
Authors: Waagner Dorthe , Holmstrup Martin , Bayley Mark , Sørensen Jesper G. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryDuring cold periods ectotherms may improve low temperature tolerance via rapid cold hardening (RCH) over a period of hours and/or long-term cold acclimation (LTCA) during days, weeks or months. However, the effect of duration and the major underlying mechanisms of these processes are still not fully understood. In the present study, the molecular and biochemical responses to RCH (1-3 hours) and LTCA (1-3 days) and the corresponding benefits to survival were investigated using the chill sensitive collembolan, Folsomia candida. We investigated osmolyte accumulation, membrane restructuring and transcription of candidate genes as well as survival benefits in response to RCH and LTCA. RCH induced significant up-regulation of targeted genes encoding enzymes related to carbohydrate metabolic pathways and genes encoding small and constitutively expressed Hsps, indicating that the animals rely on protein protection from a subset of Hsps during RCH and probably also LTCA. The up-regulation of genes involved in carbohydrate metabolic processes initiated during RCH was likely responsible for a transient accumulation of myoinositol during LTCA, which may support the protection of protein and membrane function and structure. Membrane restructuring, composed especially of a significantly increased ratio of unsaturated to saturated phospholipid fatty acids seems to be a supplementary mechanism to activation of Hsps and myoinositol accumulation in LTCA. Thus, the moderate increase in cold shock tolerance conferred by RCH seems to be dominated by effects of heat shock proteins, whereas the substantially better cold tolerance achieved after LTCA is dominated by post-transcriptional processes increasing membrane fluidity and cryoprotectant concentration.
Novel locomotor muscle design in extreme deep-diving whales
Authors: Velten Brandy P. , Dillaman Richard M. , Kinsey Stephen T. , McLellan William A. , Pabst D. Ann 
Published: February 2013

SummaryMost marine mammals are hypothesized to routinely dive within their aerobic dive limit (ADL). Mammals that regularly perform deep, long-duration dives have locomotor muscles with elevated myoglobin concentrations and are composed of predominantly large, slow-twitch (Type I) fibers with low mitochondrial volume densities (Vmt). These features contribute to extending ADL by increasing oxygen stores and decreasing metabolic rate. Recent tagging studies, however, have challenged the view that two groups of extreme deep-diving cetaceans dive within their ADLs. Beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris, Cuvier and Mesoplodon densirostris, Blainville) routinely perform the deepest and longest average dives of any air-breathing vertebrate, and short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus, Gray) perform high-speed sprints at depth. We investigated the locomotor muscle morphology and estimated total body oxygen stores of these cetaceans to determine whether they (a) shared muscle design features with other deep-divers and (b) performed dives within their calculated ADLs. Muscle of both cetaceans displayed high myoglobin concentrations and large fibers, as predicted, but novel fiber profiles for diving mammals. Beaked whales possessed a sprinter's fiber-type profile, composed of approximately 80% fast-twitch (Type II) fibers with low Vmt. Approximately one-third of the muscle fibers of short-finned pilot whales were slow-twitch, oxidative, glycolytic fibers, a rare fiber-type for any mammal. The muscle morphology of beaked whales likely decreases the energetic cost of diving, while that of short-finned pilot whales supports high activity events. Calculated ADLs indicate that, at low metabolic rates, both cetaceans carry sufficient onboard oxygen to aerobically support their dives.
Paired pulse ratio analysis of insulin-induced synaptic plasticity in the snail brain
Authors: Murakami Jun , Okada Ryuichi , Fujito Yutaka , Sakakibara Manabu , Lukowiak Ken , Ito Etsuro 
Published: February 2013

Summary
Insulin's action in the brain can directly alter cognitive functioning. We have recently shown that molluscan insulin-related peptides are up-regulated following a conditioned taste aversion (CTA) training procedure. In addition, when mammalian insulin is superfused over the isolated Lymnaea central nervous system, it elicits long-term synaptic enhancement at the monosynaptic connection between the cerebral giant cell (CGC) and the buccal 1 (B1) motor neuron. This synaptic enhancement is thought to be a neural correlate of CTA. Here, we examined whether the observed changes in synaptic plasticity were the result of pre- and/or postsynaptic alterations using the paired pulse procedure. The paired pulse ratio was unaltered following insulin application, suggesting that insulin's effects on synaptic plasticity are mediated postsynaptically in the B1 motor neuron. Thus, it was suggested that postsynaptic changes need to be considered when insulin's actions on synaptic plasticity are examined.
Fatigue of insect cuticle
Authors: Dirks Jan-Henning , Parle Eoin , Taylor David 
Published: February 2013

SummaryMany parts of the insect exoskeleton experience repeated cyclic loading. Although the cuticle of insects and other arthropods is the second most common natural composite material in the world, so far nothing is known about its fatigue properties, despite the fact that fatigue undoubtedly limits the durability of body parts in vivo. For the first time, we here present experimental fatigue data of insect cuticle. Using force-controlled cyclic loading, we determined the number of cycles to failure for hind legs (tibiae) and hind wings of the locust Schistocerca gregaria, as a function of the applied cyclic stress. Our results show that, although both made from cuticle, these two body parts behaved very differently. Wing samples failed after 100,000 cycles when we applied 46% of the stress needed for instantaneous failure (the UTS). Legs, in contrast, were able to sustain a stress of 76% of UTS for the same number of cycles to failure. This can be explained by the difference in the composition and structure of the material and related to the well-known behaviour of engineering composites. Final failure of the tibiae occurred via one of two different failure modes - crack propagation in tension or buckling in compression - indicating that the tibia is evolutionary optimized to resist both failure modes equally. These results are further discussed in relation to the evolution and normal use of these two body parts.
Exposure to multiple cholinergic pesticides impairs olfactory learning and memory in honeybees
Authors: Williamson Sally M. , Wright Geraldine A. 
Published: February 2013

Summary
Pesticides are important agricultural tools often used in combination to avoid resistance in target pest species, but there is growing concern that their widespread use contributes to the decline of pollinator populations. Pollinators perform sophisticated behaviours while foraging that require them to learn and remember floral traits associated with food, but we know relatively little about the way that combined exposure to multiple pesticides affects neural function and behaviour. The experiments reported here show that prolonged exposure to field-realistic concentrations of the neonicotinoid, imidacloprid, and the organophosphate acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, coumaphos, and their combination impairs olfactory learning and memory formation in the honeybee. Using a method for classical conditioning of proboscis extension, honeybees were trained in either a massed or spaced conditioning protocol to examine how these pesticides affected performance during learning and short- and long-term memory tasks. We found that bees exposed to imidacloprid, coumaphos, or a combination of these compounds, were less likely to express conditioned proboscis extension towards an odor associated with reward. Bees exposed to imidacloprid were less likely to form a long-term memory, whereas bees exposed to coumaphos were only less likely to respond during the short-term memory test after massed conditioning. Both imidacloprid, coumaphos and a combination of the two compounds impaired the bees' ability to differentiate the conditioned odour from a novel odour during the memory test. Our results demonstrate that exposure to sublethal doses of combined cholinergic pesticides significantly impairs important behaviors involved in foraging, implying that pollinator population decline could be the result of a failure of neural function of bees exposed to pesticides in agricultural landscapes.
Noise-reducing algorithms do not necessarily provide superior dose optimisation for hepatic lesion detection with multidetector CT
Authors: Dobeli K L , Lewis S J , Meikle S R , Thiele D L , Brennan P C 
Published: February 2013

Objective:
To compare the dose-optimisation potential of a smoothing filtered backprojection (FBP) and a hybrid FBP/iterative algorithm to that of a standard FBP algorithm at three slice thicknesses for hepatic lesion detection with multidetector CT.

Methods:
A liver phantom containing a 9.5-mm opacity with a density of 10 HU below background was scanned at 125, 100, 75, 50 and 25 mAs. Data were reconstructed with standard FBP (B), smoothing FBP (A) and hybrid FBP/iterative (iDose4) algorithms at 5-, 3- and 1-mm collimation. 10 observers marked opacities using a four-point confidence scale. Jackknife alternative free-response receiver operating characteristic figure of merit (FOM), sensitivity and noise were calculated.

Results:
Compared with the 125-mAs/5-mm setting for each algorithm, significant reductions in FOM (p&lt;0.05) and sensitivity (p&lt;0.05) were found for all three algorithms for all exposures at 1-mm thickness and for all slice thicknesses at 25 mAs, with the exception of the 25-mAs/5-mm setting for the B algorithm. Sensitivity was also significantly reduced for all exposures at 3-mm thickness for the A algorithm (p&lt;0.05). Noise for the A and iDose4 algorithms was approximately 13% and 21% lower, respectively, than for the B algorithm.

Conclusion:
Superior performance for hepatic lesion detection was not shown with either a smoothing FBP algorithm or a hybrid FBP/iterative algorithm compared with a standard FBP technique, even though noise reduction with thinner slices was demonstrated with the alternative approaches.

Advances in knowledge:
Reductions in image noise with non-standard CT algorithms do not necessarily translate to an improvement in low-contrast object detection.