bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systemic Oxidative Stress and Conversion to Dementia of Elderly Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Cervellati Carlo , Romani Arianna , Seripa Davide , Cremonini Eleonora , Bosi Cristina , Magon Stefania , Bergamini Carlo M. , Valacchi Giuseppe , Pilotto Alberto , Zuliani Giovanni 
Published: January 2014

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is regarded as a prodromal phase of late onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD). It has been proposed that oxidative stress (OxS) might be implicated in the pathogenesis of LOAD. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a redox imbalance measured as serum level of hydroperoxides (i.e., by-products of lipid peroxidation) and/or serum antioxidant capacity might be predictive of the clinical progression of MCI to LOAD. The levels of these two markers were measured in 111 patients with MCI (follow-up:2.0 ± 0.6years), 105 patients with LOAD, and 118 nondemented healthy controls. Multivariate analysis adjusted for potential confounding factors, including age, gender, smoking, and comorbidities, showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in baseline levels of OxS in MCI and LOAD as compared to cognitive healthy controls. No differences in either of OxS markers were found by comparing MCI patients who converted (n = 29) or not converted (n = 82) to LOAD. Overall, these results suggest that systemic OxS might be a precocious feature of MCI and LOAD. However, the role of OxS as an early prognostic marker of progression to LOAD needs further investigations.
Protective effects of hydrogen enriched saline on liver ischemia reperfusion injury by reducing oxidative stress and HMGB1 release
Authors: Liu Yantao , Yang Liqun , Tao Kunming , Vizcaychipi Marcela P , Lloyd Dafydd M , Sun Xuejun , Irwin Michael G , Ma Daqing , Yu Weifeng 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
The nuclear protein high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a key trigger for the inflammatory reaction during liver ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). Hydrogen treatment was recently associated with down-regulation of the expression of HMGB1 and pro-inflammatory cytokines during sepsis and myocardial IRI, but it is not known whether hydrogen has an effect on HMGB1 in liver IRI.

Methods
A rat model of 60 minutes 70% partial liver ischemia reperfusion injury was used. Hydrogen enriched saline (2.5, 5 or 10 ml/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 10 minutes before hepatic reperfusion. Liver injury was assessed by serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzyme levels and histological changes. We also measured malondialdehyde (MDA), hydroxynonenal (HNE) and 8-hydroxy-guanosine (8-OH-G) levels as markers of the peroxidation injury induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-6, and high mobility group box B1 protein (HMGB1) were measured as markers of post ischemia-reperfusion inflammation.

Results
Hydrogen enriched saline treatment significantly attenuated the severity of liver injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion. The treatment group showed reduced serum ALT activity and markers of lipid peroxidation and post ischemia reperfusion histological changes were reduced. Hydrogen enriched saline treatment inhibited HMGB1 expression and release, reflecting a reduced local and systemic inflammatory response to hepatic ischemia reperfusion.

Conclusion
These results suggest that, in our model, hydrogen enriched saline treatment is protective against liver ischemia-reperfusion injury. This effect may be mediated by both the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of the solution.
Cerebral microbleeds are associated with nocturnal reverse dipping in hypertensive patients with ischemic stroke
Authors: Kwon Hyung-Min , Lim Jae-Sung , Kim Young Seo , Moon Jangsup , Park Hyeri , Kim Hyun Young , Lim Young-Hyo , Nam Hyunwoo 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Abnormalities in nocturnal blood pressure dipping are well known for its relationship to cardiovascular diseases. Cerebral microbleeds are frequently observed in patients with hypertension and are known to be potent risk factors for stroke. However, there are scanty reports about the relationship between nocturnal dipping and cerebral microbleeds.

Methods
We recruited consecutive patients with both hypertension and ischemic stroke within 7 days after symptom onset, and those with cardioembolism were excluded. We applied 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring two weeks after stroke onset, and we used brain MRI to detect cerebral microbleeds. Various blood pressure parameters such as mean 24-hour blood pressure, awake/sleep blood pressure, and morning surge were compared between cerebral microbleeds (+) vs. (-) groups. Subjects were further classified according to nocturnal dipping status and were analyzed by logistic regression to determine its association with cerebral microbleeds with adjustment for age, gender, and cardiovascular risk factors.

Results
A total of 162 patients (100 males, age 65.33 ± 10.32 years) were included. Cerebral microbleeds were detected in 65 patients (40.1%). Most ambulatory blood pressure parameters except morning surge were significantly higher in those who had cerebral microbleeds. After adjusting for the confounding factors, the reverse dippers were prone to have cerebral microbleeds (odds ratio, 3.81; 95% confidential interval, 1.36-10.65; p-value = 0.01).

Conclusion
Cerebral microbleeds are independently associated with reverse dipping on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in hypertensive stroke patients.
Antimalarial activity of plumbagin in vitro and in animal models
Authors: Sumsakul Wiriyaporn , Plengsuriyakarn Tullayakorn , Chaijaroenkul Wanna , Viyanant Vithoon , Karbwang Juntra , Na-Bangchang Kesara 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Plumbagin is the major active constituent in several plants including Plumbago indica Linn. (root). This compound has been shown to exhibit a wide spectrum of biological and pharmacological activities. The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antimalarial activity of plumbagin including its acute and subacute toxicity in mice.

Methods

In vitro antimalarial activity of plumbagin against K1 and 3D7 Plasmodium falciparum clones were assessed using SYBR Green I based assay. In vivo antimalarial activity was investigated in Plasmodium berghei- infected mouse model (a 4-day suppressive test).

Results
Plumbagin exhibited promising antimalarial activity with in vitro IC50 (concentration that inhibits parasite growth to 50%) against 3D7 chloroquine-sensitive P. falciparum and K1 chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum clones of 580 (270–640) and 370 (270–490) nM, respectively. Toxicity testing indicated relatively low toxicity at the dose levels up to 100 (single oral dose) and 25 (daily doses for 14 days) mg/kg body weight for acute and subacute toxicity, respectively. Chloroquine exhibited the most potent antimalarial activity in mice infected with P. berghei ANKA strain with respect to its activity on the reduction of parasitaemia on day 4 and the prolongation of survival time.

Conclusions
Plumbagin at the dose of 25 mg/kg body weight given for 4 days was safe and produced weak antimalarial activity. Chemical derivatization of the parent compound or preparation of modified formulation is required to improve its systemic bioavailability.
Comparative Study of the Pharmacokinetics of Inorganic and Organic Iron Compounds in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Dimitrova Dimitrichka , Arnaudova-Matey Anna , Dilov Petar , Angelov Geno , Mehmedov Tandju , Todorov Toni , Kushvalieva Denka , Nikolova Dimitrina , Dilova Valija 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The pharmacokinetics of ferrous methionate and ferrous sulphate was investigated in broiler chickens after intravenous injection and crop intubation. The iron compounds were injected intravenously in v. brachialis. After a 20-day “wash-out” period the ferrous methionate and ferrous sulphate were administered again by an elastic silicone tube into the crop. The serum concentrations of the iron were determined using a bioanalyser. Two pharmacokinetic approaches were used - compartmental and non-compartmental analysis. After i.v. injection we found statistically significantly longer and better distribution of the iron contained in the ferrous methionate compared to the ferrous sulphate. The АUC0→∞ was statistically significantly higher in the ferrous methionate. In the alimentary tract of broiler chickens, ferrous methionate was absorbed more rapidly than ferrous sulfate. It was also distributed at a higher volume as compared to the ferrous sulfate
Wheat gene pool and its conservation in Nepal
Authors: Joshi Bal K , Mudwari Ashok , Bhatta Madan R 
Published: January 2014

Aim This paper explores diversity of wheat gene pool present in the Nepalese bread wheat cultivars and landraces, and discusses their conservation initiatives. Location Nepal. Material and Methods This study is carried out using an extensive literature survey on distribution of landraces and wild relatives of wheat in Nepal. Key findings The results showed that there were 35 improved wheat cultivars, 540 landraces and 10 wild relatives of wheat in Nepal. Mexico, India and Nepal were the countries of origin for 35 cultivars. A total of 89 ancestors of wheat originated from 22 countries were used to develop 35 cultivars. The highest number of ancestors was from India. Ancestors of both aestivum and durum species having winter, spring and intermediate growth habit indicated that these species were of wide gene pool. The genetic erosion in wheat gene pool is the main conservation challenge of landraces due to introduction of improved varieties. Conservation implications Genetic diversity of wheat is indispensible for sustainable wheat production. Therefore, on-farm and ex-situ conservations of cultivars, landraces and wild varieties of wheat and their use in breeding programs are necessary for maintaining existing genetic diversity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/cs.v1i1.9584 Conservation Science 2013 1(1), 39-46
Structure and statistical properties of plasmoids in Jupiter's magnetotail
Authors: Vogt Marissa F. , Jackman Caitriona M. , Slavin James A. , Bunce Emma J. , Cowley Stanley W. H. , Kivelson Margaret G. , Khurana Krishan K. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractPlasmoids and other reconnection‐related signatures have been observed in Jupiter's magnetotail through analysis of magnetic field and energetic particle data. Previous studies have established the spatial distribution and recurrence period of tail reconnection events, and identified the location of a statistical X‐line separating inward and outward flow. Here we present new analysis focusing specifically on 43 plasmoid signatures observed in magnetometer data in order to establish the average properties and internal structure of Jovian plasmoids. We present statistics on the observed plasmoid length scale, duration, radial position, and local time distribution. On average, the observed plasmoids have a ~3 RJ radial extent and ~7 min duration and result in the closure of ~4–8 GWb of open flux from reconnection of open field lines in the postplasmoid plasma sheet. We also determine the amount of mass released and the magnetic flux closed in order to understand the role of tail reconnection in the transport of mass and flux in Jupiter's magnetosphere. The observed plasmoid properties are consistent with a mass loss rate of ~0.7–120 kg/s and a flux closure rate of ~7–70 GWb/d. We conclude that tail reconnection and plasmoid release is an important method of flux transport at Jupiter but likely cannot account for the mass input from Io, suggesting that additional mass loss mechanisms may be significant. Finally, we examine the plasmoid interior structure through minimum variance analysis and find that most plasmoids lack a core field and are better described by magnetic loops rather than flux ropes.
Study of fluorescence quenching of mercaptosuccinic acid‐capped CdS quantum dots in the presence of some heavy metal ions and its application to Hg(II) ion determination
Authors: Hosseini Mohammad Saeid , Pirouz Atena 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTIn this study, CdS quantum dots (QDs) capped with mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA) were prepared in one step. The size, shape, component and spectral properties of MSA‐capped CdS QDs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL) and infrared (IR) spectrometry. The results showed that the prepared QDs with an average diameter of 6 nm have favorable fluorescence, which is greatly influenced by the pH of the environment. The interaction of some heavy metal ions including Ag+, Hg2+, Cu2+, Ni2+ and Co2+ with MSA‐capped CdS QDs was investigated in different buffering pH media. Based on the fluorescence quenching of the QDs in the presence of each of the metal ions, the feasibility of their determinations was examined according to the Stern–Volmer equation. The investigations showed that Hg(II) ions can be determined in the presence of many co‐existing metal ions at a buffering pH of 5. This method was satisfactorily applied to the measurement of Hg(II) ions in some environmental samples. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and validation of a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantification of flucloxacillin and cloxacillin in microdialysis samples
Authors: Larmené‐Beld Karin H. M. , Vries‐Koenjer Marie‐Therese L. M. , Horst Peter G. J. ter , Hospes Wobbe 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTIn the present study we developed and validated a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) assay for the determination of flucloxacillin in human plasma and microdialysis samples and cloxacillin in microdialysis samples, using oxacillin as the internal standard for the assay. The samples were separated on a UPLC BEH C18,1.7 µm column (2.1 × 50 mm) and analyzed by a tandem–quadrupole mass spectrometer in multiple reaction monitoring mode using an electronspray ionization interface. For flucloxacillin the method was demonstrated to be accurate and precise in the linearity range of 1–30 mg/L in plasma and 0.05–5.0 mg/L for microdialysate with a regression coefficient (r) of 0.9986 and 0.9989 in plasma and microdialysate respectively. For cloxacillin it was accurate and precise in the range of 0.1–5.0 mg/L for microdialysate with a regression coefficient of 0.9972. The method presents a high sensitivity for flucloxacillin (lower limit of quantification of 1 mg/L for plasma and 0.05 mg/L for microdialysis samples) combined with a low within‐ and between‐day variation (<5.0% for flucloxacillin and cloxacillin in microdialysis samples and <6.5% for plasma samples of flucloxacillin). The validation experiments for the microdialysis probes showed a relative recovery of 85.5% for flucloxacillin at a flow rate of 1.0 μL/min. The results justify the use of this assay for clinical studies for measuring free unbound tissue concentrations of flucloxacillin in patients with a Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enantiomeric Separation in Comprehensive Two‐dimensional Gas Chromatography with Accurate Mass Analysis
Authors: Chin Sung‐Tong , Nolvachai Yada , Marriott Philip J. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTChiral comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography (eGC×GC) coupled to quadrupole–accurate mass time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (QTOFMS) was evaluated for its capability to report the chiral composition of several monoterpenes, namely, α‐pinene, β‐pinene, and limonene in cardamom oil. Enantiomers in a standard mixture were fully resolved by direct enantiomeric‐GC analysis with a 2,3‐di‐O‐methyl‐6‐t‐butylsilyl derivatized β‐cyclodextrin phase; however, the (+)‐(R)‐limonene enantiomer in cardamom oil was overlapped with other background components including cymene and cineole. Verification of (+)‐(R)‐limonene components based on characteristic ions at m/z 136, 121, and 107 acquired by chiral single‐dimension GC−QTOFMS in the alternate MS/MSMS mode of operation was unsuccessful due to similar parent/daughter ions generated by interfering or co‐eluting cymene and cineole. Column phases SUPELCOWAX, SLB‐IL111, HP‐88, and SLB‐IL59, were incorporated as the second dimension column (2D) in chiral GC×GC analysis; the SLB‐IL59 offered the best resolution for the tested monoterpene enantiomers from the matrix background. Enantiomeric ratios for α‐pinene, β‐pinene, and limonene were determined to be 1.325, 2.703, and 1.040, respectively, in the cardamom oil sample based on relative peak area data. Chirality 26:747–753, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Decarboxylative Julia–Kocienski gem‐Difluoro‐Olefination of 2‐Pyridinyl Sulfonyldifluoroacetate
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Ping , Lin Jin‐Hong , Xiao Ji‐Chang , Zheng Xing 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe decarboxylation of potassium 2‐pyridinyl sulfonyldifluoroacetate and its subsequent reaction with aldehydes was found to be an efficient approach for the Julia–Kocienski reaction under mild conditions to give gem‐difluoro olefins in moderate to excellent yields. Owing to its high stability in the pure state and its easy decarboxylation in polar solvents, potassium 2‐pyridinyl sulfonyldifluoroacetate is expected to be an efficient gem‐difluoro‐olefination reagent.
Effect of nitrogen–phosphorus fire retardant blended with Mg(OH)2/Al(OH)3 and nano‐SiO2 on fire‐retardant behavior and hygroscopicity of poplar
Authors: Pan Jing , Mu Jun , Wu Zhaoxu , Zhang Xiaoteng 
Published: January 2014

SUMMARYThe aim of the study was to screen any possible synergistic effects related to the combination of nitrogen–phosphorus fire retardant and Mg(OH)2/Al(OH)3. This combination is used to improve fire performance, especially smoke suppression of poplar through ultrasonic wave impregnation after microwave treatment. In this study, nano‐SiO2 was used to impregnate poplar treated with nitrogen–phosphorus fire retardant and form a hydrophobic layer on wood cells in order to improve hygroscopicity and reduce water uptake. Cone tests and thermal analysis showed that poplar treated with blended fire retardant had improved behavior. Results show that a 20% and 25% nitrogen–phosphorus fire‐retardant solution (blended by adding 10% Mg(OH)2/Al(OH)3 based on the dry weight of nitrogen–phosphorus fire retardant) was more effective for smoke suppression. The heat release rate, total heat release, and total smoke production of a 25% nitrogen–phosphorus fire‐retardant solution blended by adding 10% Mg(OH)2/Al(OH)3 showed significant reduction. The char residual yield showed a marked increase to 35.5%. Fourier transform infrared analysis suggested a –CH2–Si–CH2– and Si–O–C stretching vibration in nano‐SiO2 treated poplar, which greatly decreased the hygroscopicity of fire‐retardant‐treated poplar. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
3‐Flows and Combs
Authors: da Silva Cândida Nunes , Lucchesi Cláudio L. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractTutte's 3‐Flow Conjecture states that every 2‐edge‐connected graph with no 3‐cuts admits a 3‐flow. The 3‐Flow Conjecture is equivalent to the following: let G be a 2‐edge‐connected graph, let S be a set of at most three vertices of G; if every 3‐cut of G separates S then G has a 3‐flow. We show that minimum counterexamples to the latter statement are 3‐connected, cyclically 4‐connected, and cyclically 7‐edge‐connected.
[Al2(OH)8]2– Building Blocks Incorporated in Macromolecular Alumopolysiloxane Rings of the Type [O‐SiPh2‐O‐SiPh2‐O‐Al+]n
Authors: Veith Michael , Hreleva‐Caparrotti Hinka , Sahin Fadime , Huch Volker 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe molecular alumosiloxanes (O‐SiPh2‐O‐SiPh2‐O)3Al2 and (O‐SiPh2‐O‐SiPh2‐O)4[Al(OH)]4 react either with water in diethyl ether, or with 1,4‐butane‐diol to form the new macro‐cyclic compounds Al6(OH)8(O‐SiPh2‐O‐SiPh2‐O)4(O‐SiPh2‐O‐SiPh2‐OH)2·6H2O (2) or Al6(OH)8(O‐SiPh2‐O‐SiPh2‐O)4(O‐SiPh2‐O‐SiPh2‐O‐CH2–CH2–CH2–CH2–OH)2 (3). As shown by single crystal structure analyses, both compounds 2 and 3 have a center of symmetry, resemble each other structurally and display in their center an [Al2(OH)8]2– unit, which is coordinated in a similar fashion to a 24‐membered [Al4(O‐SiPh2‐O‐SiPh2‐O)4]2+ cycle branched at two aluminum atoms displaying either two (O‐SiPh2‐O‐SiPh2‐OH) (2) or two (O‐SiPh2‐O‐SiPh2‐O‐CH2–CH2–CH2–CH2–OH) (3) arms. The [Al2(OH)8]2– groups are connected to the cycles through oxygen atoms of their hydroxide groups which link to the aluminum atoms of the ring (of the four aluminum atoms in the ring two have a double contact and two a single). Parallel to this bonding, the aluminum atoms of [Al2(OH)8]2– have either a water molecule in their coordination sphere, which is incorporated in a complex hydrogen bridged network including the silanol function (2), or are bonded to the –CH2‐OH group of the siloxane‐alcohol arm of the cycle (3). The aluminum atoms of the central part are in both compounds in the centers of two distorted edge sharing oxygen octahedra (mean Al–O = 1.881(7) Å (2), 1.893(7) Å (3)), while the other four aluminum atoms display a tetrahedral oxygen environment (Al–O = 1.752(8) Å (2), 1.754(8) Å (3)). Whereas all hydroxy groups of the [Al2(OH)8]2– unit in 2 are engaged in hydrogen bonding including further water molecules which make part of the network, the [Al2(OH)8]2– unit in 3 shows fewer hydrogen bridges. We have here a rare example of the same chemical species in a more hydrophilic and a less hydrophilic surrounding. This allows a detailed study of the impact of secondary hydrogen bonding on the structure.
Suction diathermy adenoidectomy performed in the district general hospital
Authors: Sethi N , Egan P , Ward V M M 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackground:Adenoidectomy is often carried out in children for conditions such as nasal obstruction, otitis media with effusion, and obstructive sleep apnoea. Traditionally, it is performed as a blind procedure with a St Clair Thomson curette. An acceptable alternative technique is suction diathermy adenoidectomy. This study aimed to ensure that the complication rate of this latter technique was within published rates and national guidelines.Method:A retrospective case note review was conducted, and information regarding surgery, indications and complications was collected.Results:Post-operative haemorrhage was recorded for 2 of 121 patients (at days 10 and 11 post-operatively): 1 returned to the operating theatre and the other was managed conservatively. Two patients were diagnosed with infection post-operatively and managed with oral antibiotics. A further four patients re-presented with pain; in all cases, this was recorded as secondary to tonsillar fossa infection, rather than being pain related to adenoidectomy.Conclusion:Given the rare but serious potential complications, the authors support National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance, which recommends that only surgeons with specific training perform this technique. By using the standard procedures for clinical governance, it is possible to ensure safe practice of even little-used techniques.