bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in high surgical risk and inoperable patients with aortic stenosis: a single Australian Centre experience
Authors: Subban V. , Murdoch D. , Savage M.L. , Crowhurst J. , Saireddy R. , Poon K.K. , Incani A. , Bett N. , Burstow D.J. , Scalia G.M. , Clarke A. , Raffel O.C. , Aroney C.N. , Walters D.L. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundDegenerative aortic stenosis is the most common valvular heart disease in the elderly, and many patients are not suitable for aortic valve replacement surgery. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a new therapeutic option for selected patients at high risk for surgery.AimTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of TAVI in Australian patients.MethodsThis is a prospective study of patients undergoing TAVI for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis at The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Australia between August 2008 and July 2013. Patients were at high risk of surgical aortic valve replacement, or inoperable, as deemed by a multidisciplinary ‘heart team’. Outcomes include procedural success and complications, 30‐day and 1‐year mortality and stroke, combined end‐points as outlined by the Valve Academic Research Consortium 2 consensus document.ResultsTwo hundred and nine patients underwent TAVI during the study period. The mean age was 83.7 ± 6.7 years, and 101 (48%) were men. The valve systems utilised were as follows: Edwards‐SAPIEN valve in 104 (49.5%), Medtronic CoreValve in 86 (41.2%) and Boston Scientific Lotus valve in 19 (9.3%) patients. Thirty‐day and 1‐year mortality rates were 5.7% and 11.5% respectively. Thirty‐day and 1‐year stroke rates were 4.3% and 6.2% respectively. The composite end‐points of device success, early safety and clinical efficacy occurred in 80.4%, 27.3% and 68.4%.ConclusionsTAVI with various valve systems, delivered through several approaches, is feasible in high surgical risk and inoperable patients with severe aortic stenosis, with acceptable outcomes at short‐term and intermediate‐term follow up.
Deep divergence and structure in the Tropical Oceanic Pacific: a multilocus phylogeography of a widespread gekkonid lizard (Squamata: Gekkonidae:Gehyra oceanica)
Authors: Tonione Maria A. , Fisher Robert N. , Zhu Catherine , Moritz Craig 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimThe islands of the Tropical Oceanic Pacific (TOP) host both local radiations and widespread, colonizing species. The few phylogeographical analyses of widespread species often point to recent human‐aided expansions through the Pacific, suggesting that the communities are recently assembled. Here we apply multilocus data to infer biogeographical history of the gekkonid lizard,Gehyra oceanica,which is widespread, but for which prior analyses suggested a pre‐human history andin situdiversification.LocationTropical Oceanic Pacific.MethodsWe generated a data set including mtDNAand diagnosticSNPs for 173 individuals ofG. oceanicaspanning Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia. For a subset of these individuals, we also sequenced nuclear loci. From these data, we performed maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference to reveal major clades. We also performed Bayesian clustering analyses and coalescence–based species delimitation tests to infer the number of species in this area.ResultsWe found evidence for six independent evolutionary lineages (candidate species) withinG. oceanicathat diverged between the Pliocene and the early Pleistocene, with high diversity through northern Melanesia, and pairing of northern Melanesian endemic taxa with widespread lineages across Micronesia and Polynesia.Main conclusionsThe islands of northern Melanesia not only have unrecognized diversity, but also were the source of independent expansions of lineages through the more remote northern and eastern Pacific. These results highlight the very different evolutionary histories of island faunas on remote archipelagos versus those across Melanesia and point to the need for more intensive studies of fauna within Melanesia if we are to understand the evolution of diversity across the tropical Pacific.
Antifungal, Antiaflatoxin and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Essential Oils and Their In Vivo Efficacy in Protection of Chickpea Seeds
Authors: Prakash Bhanu , Kedia Akash , Singh Aakanksha , Yadav Shashi , Singh Arti , Yadav Amrita , Deepika  , Dubey Nawal Kishore 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis study presents the efficacy of six essential oils (EOs), viz. Carum carvi, Myristica fragrans, Melaleuca leucadendra, Cinnamomum camphora, Pelargonium odoratissimum and Cymbopogon citratus, as food preservatives based on antifungal, antiaflatoxin and antioxidant activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration of EOs against aflatoxigenic strain of Aspergillus flavus (LHP‐10) and 13 other storage molds ranged between 1.25 and 6.0 μL/mL, while aflatoxin inhibition was observed at 1.0–5.0 μL/mL. EOs also exhibited free‐radical scavenging activity through DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazil) assay as IC50 value ranged between 3.96 and 96.63 μL/mL. The antifungal action of EOs was observed in terms of reduction in ergosterol content of the plasma membrane of A. flavus. The EOs provided >50% protection of chickpea samples against fungal association without affecting their germination during in vivo testing in storage containers. Based on antifungal, antiaflatoxigenic, antioxidant potential and in vivo efficacy, the tested EOs may be recommended as plant‐based food preservatives.Practical ApplicationsSome safer alternatives are urgently required to replace prevalent synthetic preservatives that have adverse effects on consumer's health and environment. In that respect, some essential oils (EOs) have shown potency in the formulation of plant‐based preservatives against food deterioration from fungi. Based on the results of the present investigation, some EOs may be recommended as plant‐based preservatives in view of their antifungal potency against foodborne molds, aflatoxin secretion and as antioxidant. The EOs also showed efficacy in protecting chickpea seeds from fungal contamination during storage without affecting their viability, strengthening their formulation for practical application.
Effects of Selected Bio‐Fungicide and Fungicide Treatments on Shelf Life and Quality Characteristics of Romaine Lettuce (Lactuca SativaL.)
Authors: Ozdemir Yasin , Polat Zuhtu , Ozkan Mehmet , Kosti Rena I. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn this study, the effects of the application of selected bio‐fertilizer and fungicides (Bacillus subtilis,Trichoderma harzianum,Boscalid + Pyraclostrobin,T. harzianum + ½Boscalid + Pyraclostrobin,B. subtilis + ½Boscalid + Pyraclostrobin) on the quality ofRomaine lettuce were investigated. Water, relative water and chlorophyll content, color values, sensory properties and mesophilic aerobic bacteria, mold and yeast counts were analyzed.B. subtilisandT. harzianum + ½BosPyra‐treated samples showed the lowest decay degree during storage.B. subtilisandT. harzianumtreatments showed potential favorable effects on lettuce characteristics. Moreover, favorable effects were shown on color difference and sensory evaluations during storage so that these applications may be advisable to producers.Practical ApplicationsPrevious studies indicated that new biological methods increased the lettuce yield and protected lettuce from fungal diseases during growing. However, there is a scarcity on the effect of these methods on the quality, microbiota and shelf life of these lettuces.Bacillus subtilisandTrichoderma harzianumbio‐fungicide treatments seemed to reduce the degree of quality deterioration during storage of lettuce, lowering microbiological growth and increasing storage life. These observations are of crucial importance for the food industry, potentially leading to increased profitability in fresh produce, including fresh processed lettuce, fresh‐cut lettuce and ready‐to‐eat salads.
A combination of stereological methods, biochemistry and electron microscopy for the investigation of drug treatment effects in experimental animals
Authors: MORAES ALAN CN DE , ANDRADE CHERLEY BV , SALATA CAMILA , NASCIMENTO ANA LR , RAMOS ISALIRA P , GOLDENBERG REGINA CS , CARVALHO JORGE J , MACHADO ANA CS 
Published: October 2015

SummarySome chemotherapeutic agents used for breast cancer (BC) treatment can induce severe side effects in the ovarian tissue. The combination of cyclophosphamide and docetaxel (TC) is widely used for BC treatment; however, its late effects in the ovary are not completely understood. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the structural and ultrastructural alterations in the ovarian stroma induced by TC treatment. Wistar rats were divided into two groups: a control group and a TC group. They were euthanized 5 months after the end of treatment, and their plasma and ovaries were collected. Important alterations were noted. The serum estradiol level was significantly reduced in the TC group compared with the control group. Additionally, the number of apoptotic nuclei was higher in the TC group. The role of the inflammatory response in the development of ovarian damage was investigated, and we found an increased number of mast cells and increased expression of TNF‐α in the TC group. The involvement of fibrosis was also investigated. The results showed that the TC group had increased expression levels of TGF‐β1, collagen type I (col‐I) and collagen type III (col‐III) compared with the control group. Ultrastructural analysis revealed the presence of collagen fibrils in the treated group and illustrated that the ovarian tissue architecture was more disorganized in this group than in the control group. The results from this study are important in the study of chemotherapy‐induced ovarian failure and provide further insight into the mechanisms involved in the development of this disease.
Prenatal Hypoxia Ischemia Increases Male Rat Sexual Behavior
Authors: Ferraz M. M.D. , Sab I. M. , Silva M. A. , Santos D. A.S. , Ferraz M. R. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Research consistently indicates an association between prenatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) and mortality and chronic neurological diseases in newborns. HI can cause permanent effects, including mental retardation, motor impairment, learning disabilities, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy. Moreover, little is known about the relationship between HI and sexual behavior.

Aims
The aims of this study are to examine whether HI is associated with changes in sexual behavior.

Methods
HI was induced by clamping the uterine arteries of pregnant rats. The arteries were clamped for 45 minutes on the 18th day of gestation (HI group). Shams received laparotomy and anesthesia only. Pups were born at term. At 90 days of age, sexual behavior was evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way analysis of variance and post hoc Bonferonni correction.

Main Outcome Measures
The main outcome measures of sexual response were standard sexual behavior, homosexual behavior, and sexual attempt on nonreceptive females.

Results
The stimulatory effect of HI on male rat sexual behavior has been shown in various experimental models; these animals showed reduced mount, intromission and ejaculation latencies; increased copulatory efficiency; and homosexual mounting. Additionally, there was an increase in fighting in trying to mount an unreceptive female.

Conclusion
Our results indicate that HI had a long-term effect on sexual behavior despite exhibiting motor skill impairment. Accordingly, injuries during the fetal period may cause behavioral problems in adulthood.
Daclatasvir + asunaprevir + beclabuvir ± ribavirin for chronic HCV genotype 1‐infected treatment‐naive patients
Authors: Everson Gregory T. , Sims Karen D. , Thuluvath Paul J. , Lawitz Eric , Hassanein Tarek , Rodriguez‐Torres Maribel , Desta Tadesse , Hawkins Trevor , Levin James M. , Hinestrosa Federico , Rustgi Vinod , Schwartz Howard , Younossi Zobair , Webster Lynn , Gitlin Norman , Eley Timothy , Huang Shu‐Pang , McPhee Fiona , Grasela Dennis M. , Gardiner David F. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackground and AimsThis phase‐2b study examined the safety and efficacy of an all‐oral, interferon‐free combination of the NS5A replication complex inhibitor daclatasvir (DCV), the NS3 protease inhibitor asunaprevir (ASV), and the nonnucleoside NS5B polymerase inhibitor beclabuvir (BCV) with or without ribavirin in patients with HCV genotype (GT) 1 infection.MethodsA total of 187 patients received 12 weeks of DCV 30 mg BID plus ASV 200 mg BID and BCV 150 mg BID (n = 86) or 75 mg BID with (n = 21) or without (n = 80) weight‐based ribavirin BID. The primary endpoint was HCV RNA <25 IU/ml at post‐treatment week 12 (SVR12).ResultsOverall, 90% of patients (169/187) in the combined treatment groups achieved SVR on or after post‐treatment week 12. SVR rates were similar across subgroups (by mITT analysis), i.e. patients with cirrhosis (88%, 14/16), HCV GT‐1a (90%, 137/155), and IL28B non‐CC genotype (90%, 115/128). There were no drug‐related serious AEs or grade 4 AEs. The most frequently reported AEs were headache, diarrhoea, fatigue and nausea. Addition of ribavirin to DCV+ASV+BCV was associated with decreased haemoglobin, compared with DCV+ASV+BCV alone. There were six grade 3/4 laboratory abnormalities noted, all unrelated to the study drugs. Viral breakthrough occurred in 2.5–4.8% of patients across groups and appeared unrelated to BCV dose or ribavirin inclusion.ConclusionsResults support phase 3 evaluation of a twice‐daily, fixed‐dose formulation of this DCV+ASV+BCV regimen with or without ribavirin in HCV GT‐1‐infected patients.
Influenza A H1N1 pdm09‐associated myocarditis during zanamivir therapy
Authors: Ito Naoko , Sato Masatoki , Momoi Nobuo , Aoyagi Yoshimichi , Endo Kisei , Chishiki Mina , Kawasaki Yukihiko , Hosoya Mitsuaki 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA 9‐year‐old girl developed influenza A H1N1 pdm09‐associated myocarditis and pericarditis 2 days after starting zanamivir therapy. The virus was detected in the respiratory tract but not in the serum or pericardial effusion. The virus sampled from the respiratory tract had normal susceptibility to neuraminidase inhibitors. Although no differences in interferon‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and tumor necrosis factor‐α were observed between the plasma and pericardial effusion, some inflammatory cytokines or chemokines (IL‐6 and IL‐8) and vascular endothelial growth factor were remarkably elevated in the pericardial effusion compared with the plasma. This suggested that the influenza virus, after infecting the respiratory tract, affected the myocardium, causing myocarditis to gradually develop, which might have been followed by an autoreactive pericarditis causing increased pericardial effusion. Therefore, influenza‐associated myocarditis should be considered when influenza patients have respiratory and cardiac involvement, even during treatment with a neuraminidase inhibitor.
Acculturation, gender, and views on interracial relationships among Chinese Canadians
Authors: LOU EVELINA , LALONDE RICHARD N. , WONG JANE Y. T. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAcculturation to mainstream and heritage culture has been shown to influence attitudes and behaviors related to romantic relationships. Few studies have examined its influence on views regarding interracial relationships and whether the psychological processes underlying these relations vary across gender. Among Chinese Canadian participants (N = 248), mainstream acculturation, but not Chinese acculturation, was associated with more personal openness to and less cultural values conflict about interracial relationships. Among men, stronger egalitarian gender role ideology mediated the relations between mainstream acculturation and the above interracial relationship variables. For women, fewer concerns about cultural preservation mediated the relation between mainstream acculturation and less cultural values conflict. The importance of understanding cultural influences on interracial relationships through a gendered lens is discussed.
Epigallocatechin‐3‐Gallate (EGCG) Reduces Rotenone Effect on Stallion Sperm–Zona Pellucida Heterologous Binding
Authors: Plaza Dávila M , Bucci D , Galeati G , Peña FJ , Mari G , Giaretta E , Tamanini C , Spinaci M 
Published: October 2015

ContentsStallion spermatozoa are highly dependent on oxidative phosphorylation for ATP production to achieve normal sperm function and to fuel the motility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of equine sperm under capacitating conditions to the inhibition of mitochondrial complex I by rotenone and to test whether epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), a natural polyphenol component of green tea, could counteract this effect. After 2‐h incubation of stallion spermatozoa in modified Tyrode's medium, rotenone (100 nm, 500 nm and 5 μm) and EGCG (10, 20 and 60 μm), alone or in combination, did not induce any significant difference on the percentage of viable cells, live sperm with active mitochondria and spermatozoa with intact acrosome. The inhibition of complex I of mitochondrial respiratory chain of stallion sperm with rotenone exerted a negative effect on heterologous ZP binding ability. EGCG at the concentrations of 10 and 20 μm (but not of 60 μm) induced a significant increase in the number of sperm bound to the ZP compared with that for control. Moreover, when stallion sperm were treated with rotenone 100 nm, the presence of EGCG at all the concentrations tested (10, 20 and 60 μm) significantly increased the number of sperm bound to the ZP up to control levels, suggesting that this green tea polyphenol is able to reduce the toxicity of rotenone.
Successful treatment of hepatitis C virus infection with sofosbuvir and simeprevir in the early phase of an allogeneic stem cell transplant
Authors: Piñana J.L. , Serra M.Á. , Hernández‐Boluda J.C. , Navarro D. , Calabuig M. , Solano C. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractCurrently, a lack of consensus exists on how to manage a hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). Ribavirin alone, or in combination with interferon, has been the mainstream therapy for HCV infection after transplantation. However, very few patients have been regularly treated owing to concerns about poor tolerability, frequent side effects, and limited efficacy. The present case illustrates the striking efficacy of the combination therapy of sofosbuvir with simeprevir, early after transplantation, as it was able to completely eliminate viral replication within 1 month of initiation of treatment. Moreover, tolerance was good, with only minor interactions between the immunosuppressive drugs. This case report supports the feasibility of using this combination therapy early after allo‐HSCT for patients with HCV infection.
Cystine accumulation attenuates insulin release from the pancreatic β‐cell due to elevated oxidative stress and decreased ATP levels
Authors: McEvoy Bernadette , Sumayao Rodolfo , Slattery Craig , McMorrow Tara , Newsholme Philip 
Published: October 2015

Key points
In cystinosis, a lysosomal storage disorder, an altered redox state has been suggested as contributing to cellular dysfunction.
Ctns gene knockdown in a pancreatic β‐cell line caused increased cystine levels.
Attenuated nutrient stimulated insulin secretion was observed after Ctns knockdown which may have been caused by an increase in oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress may reduce ATP production in pancreatic β‐cells resulting in attenuated insulin release.
The redox‐sensitive transcription factor NF‐κB was activated after Ctns knockdown which may contribute to the increased incidence of apoptosis.
AbstractThe pancreatic β‐cell has reduced antioxidant defences making it more susceptible to oxidative stress. In cystinosis, a lysosomal storage disorder, an altered redox state may contribute to cellular dysfunction. This rare disease is caused by an abnormal lysosomal cystine transporter, cystinosin, which causes excessive accumulation of cystine in the lysosome. Cystinosis associated kidney damage and dysfunction leads to the Fanconi syndrome and ultimately end‐stage renal disease. Following kidney transplant, cystine accumulation in other organs including the pancreas leads to multi‐organ dysfunction. In this study, a Ctns gene knockdown model of cystinosis was developed in the BRIN‐BD11 rat clonal pancreatic β‐cell line using Ctns‐targeting siRNA. Additionally there was reduced cystinosin expression, while cell cystine levels were similarly elevated to the cystinotic state. Decreased levels of chronic (24 h) and acute (20 min) nutrient‐stimulated insulin secretion were observed. This decrease may be due to depressed ATP generation particularly from glycolysis. Increased ATP production and the ATP/ADP ratio are essential for insulin secretion. Oxidised glutathione levels were augmented, resulting in a lower [glutathione/oxidised glutathione] redox potential. Additionally, the mitochondrial membrane potential was reduced, apoptosis levels were elevated, as were markers of oxidative stress, including reactive oxygen species, superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, the basal and activated phosphorylated forms of the redox‐sensitive transcription factor NF‐κB were increased in cells with silenced Ctns. From this study, the cystinotic‐like pancreatic β‐cell model demonstrated that the altered oxidative status of the cell, resulted in depressed mitochondrial function and pathways of ATP production, causing reduced nutrient‐stimulated insulin secretion.
The influence of neutron contamination on dosimetry in external photon beam radiotherapy
Authors: Horst Felix , Czarnecki Damian , Zink Klemens 
Published: October 2015

Purpose:Photon fields with energies above ∼7 MeV are contaminated by neutrons due to photonuclear reactions. Their influence on dosimetry—although considered to be very low—is widely unexplored.Methods:In this work, Monte Carlo based investigations into this issue performed with fluka and egsnrc are presented. A typical Linac head in 18 MV‐X mode was modeled equivalently within both codes. egsnrc was used for the photon and fluka for the neutron production and transport simulation. Water depth dose profiles and the response of different detectors (Farmer chamber, TLD‐100, TLD‐600H, and TLD‐700H chip) in five representative depths were simulated and the neutrons’ impact (neutron absorbed dose relative to photon absorbed dose) was calculated. To take account of the neutrons’ influence, a theoretically required correction factor was defined and calculated for five representative water depths.Results:The neutrons’ impact on the absorbed dose to water was found to be below 0.1% for all depths and their impact on the response of the Farmer chamber and the TLD‐700H chip was found to be even less. For the TLD‐100 and the TLD‐600H chip it was found to be up to 0.3% and 0.7%, respectively. The theoretical correction factors to be applied to absorbed dose to water values measured with these four detectors in a depth different from the reference/calibration depth were calculated and found to be below 0.05% for the Farmer chamber and the TLD‐700H chip, but up to 0.15% and 0.35% for the TLD‐100 and TLD‐600H chips, respectively. In thermoluminescence dosimetry the neutrons’ influence (and therefore the additional inaccuracy in measurement) was found to be higher for TLD materials whose 6Li fraction is high, such as TLD‐100 and TLD‐600H, resulting from the thermal neutron capture reaction on 6Li.Conclusions:The impact of photoneutrons on the absorbed dose to water and on the response of a typical ionization chamber as well as three different types of TLD chips was quantified and was as expected found to be very low relative to that of the primary photons. For most practical reasons the neutrons’ influence on dosimetry might be neglected while for absolute precise thermoluminescence dosimetry in high energy photon fields, the use of TLD‐700H (<0.03% 6Li) instead of the commonly used TLD‐100 (7.4% 6Li) or even the extra neutron sensitive TLD‐600H is recommended (95.6% 6Li) due to the additional inaccuracy in measurement for TLD materials with a high 6Li fraction.