bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Slowed atrial and atrioventricular conduction and depressed HRV in a murine model of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Lim Wei‐Wen , Baumert Mathias , Neo Melissa , Kuklik Pawel , Ganesan Anand N , Lau Dennis H , Tsoutsman Tatiana , Semsarian Christopher , Sanders Prashanthan , Saint David A 
Published: October 2015

SummaryHypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common heritable cardiac disorder with diverse clinical outcomes including sudden death, heart failure, and stroke. Depressed heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of cardiac autonomic regulation, has been shown to predict mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease. Cardiac autonomic remodelling in animal models of HCM are not well characterised. This study analysed Gly203Ser cardiac troponin‐I transgenic (TG) male mice previously demonstrated to develop hallmarks of HCM by age 21 weeks. 33 mice aged 30 and 50 weeks underwent continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) recording for 30 min under anaesthesia. TG mice demonstrated prolonged P‐wave duration (P < 0.001) and PR intervals (P < 0.001) compared to controls. Additionally, TG mice demonstrated depressed standard deviation of RR intervals (SDRR; P < 0.01), coefficient of variation of RR intervals (CVRR; P < 0.001) and standard deviation of heart rate (SDHR; P < 0.001) compared to controls. Additionally, total power was significantly reduced in TG mice (P < 0.05). No significant age‐related difference in either strain was observed in ECG or HRV parameters. Mice with HCM developed slowed atrial and atrioventricular conduction and depressed HRV. These changes were conserved with increasing age. This finding may be indicative of atrial and ventricular hypertrophy or dysfunction, and perhaps an indication of worse clinical outcome in heart failure progression in HCM patients.
Validity and reliability of the Arabic Token Test for children
Authors: Alkhamra Rana A. , Al‐Jazi Aya B. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackground: The Token Test for Children (2nd edition) (TTFC) is a measure for assessing receptive language. In this study we describe the translation process, validity and reliability of the Arabic Token Test for Children (A‐TTFC).Aims: The aim of this study is to translate, validate and establish the reliability of the Arabic Token Test for Children (A‐TTFC) for the purpose of assessing Arabic‐speaking children with receptive language problems.Methods & Procedures: The translation of the A‐TTFC complied with the international translation procedures guidelines. After a multiple step translation process the A‐TTFC was pilot tested and amended for any noted problems. The final version of the A‐TTFC was administered to 397 typically developing Jordanian children, age range 3;0–12;11 (years; months). Children were purposefully sampled from randomly selected schools in Amman, Jordan. Another 35 bilingual children, age range 6;0–12;11, participated in the bilingual validation of the A‐TTFC.Results: Construct validity of the A‐TTFC was tested using factor analysis. Factor analysis results indicated that loadings of the items on the A‐TTFC were similar to the English version item loadings. Alpha‐coefficients for each test section varied from 0.78 to 0.94. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) scores from bilingual children supported bilingual validity of the test > 0.80. ICC between scores for repeated assessments varied from 0.76 to 0.90 supporting test–retest reliability.Conclusions & Implications: The results support the appropriateness of using A‐TTFC in assessing Arabic‐speaking children with receptive language problems.
Fate of Foodborne Viruses in the “Farm to Fork” Chain of Fresh Produce
Authors: Li Dan , De Keuckelaere Ann , Uyttendaele Mieke 
Published: October 2015

AbstractNorovirus (NoV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV) are the most important foodborne viruses. Fresh produce has been identified as an important vehicle for their transmission. In order to supply a basis to identify possible prevention and control strategies, this review intends to demonstrate the fate of foodborne viruses in the farm to fork chain of fresh produce, which include the introduction routes (contamination sources), the viral survival abilities at different stages, and the reactions of foodborne viruses towards the treatments used in food processing of fresh produce. In general, the preharvest contamination comes mainly from soli fertilizer or irrigation water, while the harvest and postharvest contaminations come mainly from food handlers, which can be both symptomatic and asymptomatic. Foodborne viruses show high stabilities in all the stages of fresh produce production and processing. Low‐temperature storage and other currently used preservation techniques, as well as washing by water have shown limited added value for reducing the virus load on fresh produce. Chemical sanitizers, although with limitations, are strongly recommended to be applied in the wash water in order to minimize cross‐contamination. Alternatively, radiation strategies have shown promising inactivating effects on foodborne viruses. For high‐pressure processing and thermal treatment, efforts have to be made on setting up treatment parameters to induce sufficient viral inactivation within a food matrix and to protect the sensory and nutritional qualities of fresh produce to the largest extent.
Survival and High‐Hydrostatic Pressure Inactivation of Foodborne Pathogens in Salmorejo, a Traditional Ready‐to‐Eat Food
Authors: Toledo Del Árbol Julia , Pulido Rubén Pérez , Grande Mª José , Gálvez Antonio , Lucas Rosario 
Published: October 2015

AbstractSalmorejo is a traditional tomato‐based creamy product. Because salmorejo is not heat‐processed, there is a risk of contamination with foodborne pathogens from raw materials. Even though bacterial growth in salmorejo is strongly inhibited because of its acidic pH (close to 3.9), the growth and survival of 3 foodborne pathogens in this food has not been studied before. In this study, 3 cocktails consisting of Escherichia coli O157, Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis, and Listeria monocytogenes strains were inoculated in freshly prepared salmorejo. The food was treated by high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) at 400, 500, or 600 MPa for 8 min, or left untreated, and stored at 4 °C for 30 d. Viable cell counts were determined on selective media and also by the triple‐layer agar method in order to detect sublethally injured cells. In control samples, L. monocytogenes viable cells decreased by 2.4 log cycles at day 7 and were undetectable by day 15. S. enterica cells decreased by 0.5 or 2.4 log cycles at days 7 and 15 respectively, but still were detectable at day 30. E. coli O157 cells survived much better in salmorejo, decreasing only by 1.5 log cycles at day 30. Treatments at pressures of 400 MPa or higher reduced viable counts of L. monocytogenes and S. enterica to undetectable levels. HHP treatments significantly (P < 0.05) reduced E. coli counts by approximately 5.2 to 5.4 log cycles, but also yielded surviving cells that apparently were sublethally injured. Only samples treated at 600 MPA for 8 min were devoid of detectable E. coli cells during storage.
Slight Fermentation with Lactobacillus fermentium Improves the Taste (Sugar:Acid Ratio) of Citrus (Citrus reticulata cv. chachiensis) Juice
Authors: Yu Yuanshan , Xiao Gengsheng , Xu Yujuan , Wu Jijun , Fu Manqin , Wen Jing 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that fermentation with Lactobacillus fermentium, which can metabolize citric acid, could be applied in improving the taste (sugar:acid ratio) of citrus juice. During fermentation, the strain of L. fermentium can preferentially utilize citric acid of citrus (Citrus reticulata cv. Chachiensis) juice to support the growth without the consumption of sugar. After 6 h of fermentation with L. fermentium at 30 °C, the sugar:acid ratio of citrus juice increased to 22:1 from 12:1, which resulted in that the hedonic scores of sweetness, acidity and overall acceptability of fermented‐pasteurized citrus juice were higher than the unfermented‐pasteurized citrus juice. Compared with unfermented‐pasteurized citrus juice, the ORAC value and total amino acid showed a reduction, and no significant change (P > 0.05) in the L*, a*, b*, total soluble phenolics and ascorbic acid (Vc) content in the fermented‐pasteurized citrus juice was observed as compared with unfermented‐pasteurized citrus juice. Hence, slight fermentation with L. fermentium can be used for improving the taste (sugar:acid ratio) of citrus juice with the well retaining of quality.
Use of Consumer Acceptability as a Tool to Determine the Level of Sodium Reduction: A Case Study on Beef Soup Substituted With Potassium Chloride and Soy‐Sauce Odor
Authors: Lee Cho Long , Lee Soh Min , Kim Kwang‐Ok 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn this study, consumer acceptability was considered as a tool of reducing sodium rather than just using it as a final examination of the successfulness of the substitution. This study consisted of 4 experimental steps. First, by gradually reducing the concentrations of NaCl, consumer rejection threshold (CRT) of NaCl in beef soup was examined. Then, the amount of KCl that can increase preference was examined in 2 low sodium beef soups, with sodium concentrations slightly above or below the CRT. Relative saltiness of various KCl and NaCl/KCl mixtures were also measured. Finally, consumers evaluated acceptability and intensities of sensory characteristics for 9 beef soup samples that differed with respect to NaCl content and/or KCl content with/without addition of salty‐congruent odor (soy‐sauce odor). The results showed that in the “above CRT” system, consumer acceptability as well as sensory profile of low sodium beef soup substituted using KCl had similar profile to the control although saltiness was not fully recovered, whereas in the “below CRT” system, consumer acceptability was not recovered using KCl solely as a substitute. Potential of using salty‐congruent odor as a final touch to induce salty taste was observed; however, the results inferred the importance of having almost no artificialness in the odor and having harmony with the final product when using it as a strategy to substitute sodium. Overall, the results of the study implied the importance of considering consumer acceptability when approaching sodium reduction to better understand the potentials of the sodium substitutes and salty‐congruent odor.
Anesthetic considerations in HELLP syndrome
Authors: del‐Rio‐Vellosillo M. , Garcia‐Medina J. J. 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundHELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) is an obstetric complication with heterogonous presentation and multisystemic involvement. It is characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, elevated liver enzymes by intravascular breakdown of fibrin in hepatic sinusoids and reduction of platelet circulation by its increased consumption.MethodsIn terms of these patients' anesthetic management, it is essential to consider some details: (1) effective, safe perioperative management by a multidisciplinary approach, and quick, good communication among clinical specialists to achieve correct patient management; (2) neuroaxial block, particularly spinal anesthesia, is the first choice to do the cesarean if there is only moderate, but not progressive thrombocytopenia; (3) if a general anesthesia is required, it is necessary to control the response to stress produced by intubation, especially in patients with either severe high blood pressure or neurological signs, or to prevent major cerebral complications; (4) invasive techniques, e.g., as tracheostomy, arterial, and deep‐vein canalization, should be considered; (5) if contraindication for neuroaxial anesthesia exists, rapid sequence intubation with general anesthesia should be regarded as an emergency in patients with full stomach; (6) increased risk of difficult airways should be taken into account.ResultsOptimal patient management can be chosen after considering the risks and benefits of each anesthetic technique, and based on good knowledge of these patients' pathophysiological conditions.ConclusionLater, close patient monitoring is recommended for potential development of hemorrhagic complications, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), or eclampsia.
Reproductive outcome in globozoospermic men: update and prospects
Authors: Chansel‐Debordeaux L. , Dandieu S. , Bechoua S. , Jimenez C. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryInfertility affects approximately 15% of couples in reproductive age. Male infertility is estimated to represent about 20% of the etiologies. Among them, a rare type of teratozoospermia known as globozoospermia leads to disappointing pregnancy outcomes. Morphological, physiological and genetic aspects of this severe disorder have been described. We undertook a complete review of the available data on the reproductive outcomes in globozoospermic patients. To this end, a literature review in both English and French, over a 20‐year time period using PubMed/Medline, ScienceDirect, and Scopus was performed. A total of 45 publications describing 172 attempts of treatment with assisted reproduction techniques (ICSI or IMSI with or without oocyte activation) were identified. We reviewed 28 deliveries and 34 children. However, for these patients, the fertilization rate after ICSI remained low. The present review suggests that oocyte activation (in particular with calcium ionophore) could improve the pregnancy rate significantly when dealing with globozoospermia. Once the exact pathogenesis of human globozoospermia is clearly identified, it is likely that other treatments such as recombinant phospholipase C zeta (PLC zeta, PLCζ), which seems to be a promising biological tool, would be developed.
FSHB ‐211G>T stratification for follicle‐stimulating hormone treatment of male infertility patients: making the case for a pharmacogenetic approach in genetic functional secondary hypogonadism
Authors: Busch A. S. , Kliesch S. , Tüttelmann F. , Gromoll J. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryMale infertility contributes to a substantial share to couple infertility. Despite scientific efforts, most cases of male infertility remain ‘idiopathic’ and male‐specific therapeutic options are sparse. Given the crucial role of the follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) for spermatogenesis, FSH is used empirically to improve semen parameters. Furthermore, a recently updated Cochrane review points to a beneficial effect of FSH treatment in idiopathic infertile men on spontaneous pregnancy rates. However, since response to FSH varies strongly even in selected patients and given the lack of powerful evidence of FSH treatment regimens, intra‐cytoplasmic spermatozoa injection (ICSI) is widely used in idiopathic male infertility, though the treatment burden is high for the couple and it entails considerable costs and some risks. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within FSH ligand/receptor genes (FSHB/FSHR), significantly influencing reproductive parameters in men, represent promising candidates to serve as pharmacogenetic markers to improve prediction of response to FSH. However, there is an evident lack of information which patients should be treated and how many patients in an andrological outpatient clinic would be eligible for such a treatment, a crucial decision criterion for clinicians and also pharmaceutical industry to start such a pharmacogenetic intervention therapy. After screening our andrological patient cohort, we present a realistic scenario and a basis for further prospective studies using FSH in idiopathic infertile men.
Reproductive function in male patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: La Vignera S. , Condorelli R. A. , Di Mauro M. , Lo Presti D. , Mongioì L. M. , Russo G. , Calogero A. E. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThis study was undertaken to evaluate conventional and some of the main bio‐functional spermatozoa parameters, serum gonadal hormones and didymo‐epididymal ultrasound features in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). DM1 affects an increasing number of men of reproductive age. Diabetes may affect male reproduction by acting on the hypothalamic–pituitary–testicular axis, causing sexual dysfunction or disrupting male accessory gland function. However, data on spermatozoa parameters and other aspects of the reproductive function in these patients are scanty. Thirty‐two patients with DM1 [27.0 (25.0–30.0 years)] and 20 age‐matched fertile healthy men [28.0 (27.25–30.75 years)] were enrolled. Patients with diabetic neuropathy, other endocrine disorders or conditions known to alter spermatozoa parameters were excluded. Each subject underwent semen analysis, blood withdrawal for fasting and post‐prandial glycaemia, hormonal analysis and didymo‐epididymal ultrasound evaluation before and after ejaculation. Patients with DM1 had a lower percentage of spermatozoa with progressive motility [10.0 (7.0–12.75) vs. 45.0 (42.0–47.75) %; p < 0.01] and a higher percentage of spermatozoa with abnormal mitochondrial function than controls [47.0 (43.0–55.0) vs. 2.0 (1.0–5.0) %; p < 0.01]. Patients also had greater post‐ejaculatory diameters of cephalic [11.5 (10.2–13.6) vs. 6.0 (4.0–7.0) mm; p < 0.01] and caudal epididymis [5.5 (4.00–7.55) vs. 3.0 (2.0–4.0) mm; p < 0.01] compared to controls, suggesting a lack of the physiological post‐ejaculation epididymal shrinkage. Correlation analysis suggested that progressive motility was associated with fasting glucose (r = −0.68; p < 0.01). The other parameters did not show any significant difference. Patients with DM1 had a lower percentage of spermatozoa with progressive motility, impaired mitochondrial function and epididymal post‐ejaculatory dysfunction. These findings may explain why patients with DM1 experience fertility disturbance. Larger multi‐centric studies are necessary to confirm these results.
The early effect of sunitinib on insulin clearance in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Thijs Anna Maria J. , Tack Cees J. , van der Graaf Winette T. A. , Rongen Gerard A. , van Herpen Carla M. L. 
Published: October 2015

AimsIn patients with diabetes treated with sunitinib symptomatic hypoglycaemia has been reported. To explore the mechanism of this adverse effect we performed a prospective study to investigate the effect of sunitinib on insulin concentration, insulin clearance and insulin sensitivity.MethodsWe studied the early effects of sunitinib on insulin sensitivity and insulin clearance with a hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp (insulin infusion rate 60 mU m−2 min−1; steady‐state 90–120 min) in patients with renal cell carcinoma before and 1 week after the start of sunitinib 50 mg day−1. Insulin sensitivity index (SI) was defined as steady‐state glucose disposal divided by the steady‐state plasma insulin.ResultsTen patients (one with diabetes, treated with metformin) were included in the study protocol. Steady‐state insulin concentrations during the clamp increased after 1 week of sunitinib (from 128.9 ± 9.0 mU l−1 to 170.8 ± 12.8 mU l−1, P < 0.05; 95% CI on difference − 64.3, −19.6). The calculated insulin sensitivity index decreased from 0.22 ± 0.04 before to 0.18 ± 0.02 μmol kg−1 min−1 per mU l−1 insulin (P < 0.05; 95% CI on difference 0.07, 0.08). As the insulin infusion rate was similar for both clamps, the increased steady‐state insulin concentration indicates reduced insulin clearance.ConclusionSunitinib affects insulin clearance which could possibly lead to overexposure to insulin in patients using insulin or insulin‐secretion stimulating agents.
The proton‐coupled oligopeptide transporter 1 plays a major role in the intestinal permeability and absorption of 5‐aminolevulinic acid
Authors: Xie Yehua , Hu Yongjun , Smith David E. 
Published: October 2015

Background and Purpose5‐Aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) has been widely used in photodynamic therapy and immunofluorescence of tumours. In the present study, the intestinal permeability and oral pharmacokinetics of 5‐ALA were evaluated to probe the contribution of the proton‐coupled oligopeptide transporter 1 (PEPT1) to the oral absorption and systemic exposure of this substrate.Experimental ApproachIn situ single‐pass intestinal perfusions and in vivo oral pharmacokinetic studies were performed in wildtype and Pept1 knockout mice. Perfusion studies were performed as a function of concentration dependence, specificity and permeability of 5‐ALA in different intestinal segments. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed after 0.2 and 2.0 μmoL·g−1 doses of 5‐ALA.Key ResultsThe permeability of 5‐ALA was substantial in duodenal, jejunal and ileal regions of wildtype mice, but the residual permeability of 5‐ALA in the small intestine from Pept1 knockout mice was only about 10% of that in wildtype animals. The permeability of 5‐ALA in jejunum was specific for PEPT1 with no apparent contribution of other transporters, including the proton‐coupled amino acid transporter 1 (PAT1). After oral dosing, the systemic exposure of 5‐ALA was reduced by about twofold during PEPT1 ablation, and the pharmacokinetics were dose‐proportional after the 0.2 and 2.0 µmol·g−1 doses. PEPT1 had a minor effect on the disposition and peripheral tissue distribution of 5‐ALA.Conclusion and ImplicationsOur findings suggested a major role of PEPT1 in the intestinal permeability and oral absorption of 5‐ALA. In contrast, another proton‐coupled transporter, PAT1, appeared to play a limited role, at best.
Homoharringtonine binds to and increases myosin‐9 in myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Zhang Ting , Shen Shuijie , Zhu Zhijuan , Lu Shasha , Yin Xiufeng , Zheng Jiang , Jin Jie 
Published: October 2015

Background and PurposeHomoharringtonine (HHT) is a natural alkaloid isolated from various Cephalotaxus species. HHT has been used to treat acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), chronic lymphocyte leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. Although HHT inhibits protein synthesis and promotes apoptosis of leukaemia cells in preclinical studies, its molecular target proteins remain unknown. The aim of this study was to identify target proteins of HHT.Experimental ApproachWe have synthesized a biotinylated affinity column and used it to identify targets of HHT and confirmed the results by MS and Western blots. We also examined the effects of HHT on the target protein and determined roles of the target protein in anti‐leukaemia activities of HHT through Western blots, flow cytometry and retrovirus transfection.Key ResultsMyosin‐9, a member of the myosin super‐family, was identified as a direct interactor of HHT. Furthermore, HHT up‐regulated the expression level of myosin‐9 in both AML and CML cell lines in a time‐dependent manner. Thus, HHT‐induced apoptosis of leukaemia cells begins in 6 h and continues to increase for 24 h. There is a positive correlation between up‐regulated myosin‐9 expression level and increased percentage of apoptotic cells mediated by HHT. Overexpression of myosin‐9 could increase the sensitivity of the leukaemia cells to the cytotoxicity of HHT and arrest cells in S and G2/M phases.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur results indicated that myosin‐9 was the target protein of HHT and played an important role in the HHT‐induced apoptosis of leukaemia cells.