bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of number of meals, coffee intake, salt and type of cookware on colorectal cancer development in the context of the Mediterranean diet
Authors: Kontou Niki , Psaltopoulou Theodora , Soupos Nick , Polychronopoulos Evangelos , Linos Athena , Xinopoulos Dimitrios , Panagiotakos Demosthenes B 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the association between dietary behaviours and colorectal cancer (CRC) in the context of the Mediterranean diet.DesignCase–control study.SettingAll patients (cases) were recruited from Saint Savvas Cancer Hospital and Alexandra General Hospital in Athens, Greece. Controls were voluntarily selected from the general population and matched to cases by age group (±10 years) and sex.SubjectsTwo hundred and fifty cases with newly diagnosed CRC (mean age 63 (sd 12) years, 59·6 % males) and 250 controls matched on age and sex were studied. A standardized questionnaire assessing sociodemographic, clinical, lifestyle, dietary characteristics and nutritional behaviours was applied. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the aforementioned factors in addition to the MedDietScore (an index that evaluates adherence to the Mediterranean diet) on CRC development.ResultsThe higher the daily number of meals, the lower the likelihood of having CRC (OR = 0·74, 95 % CI 0·61, 0·89); coffee drinking was associated with higher likelihood of having CRC (OR = 3·27, 95 % CI 1·09, 9·8); the use of non-stick cookware was positively associated with CRC (OR = 1·57, 95 % CI 1·02, 2·4). However, these associations slightly lost their significance when adherence to the Mediterranean diet was taken into account. Moreover, a 1/75 increase in the modified-MedDietScore plus the aforementioned nutritional behaviours was associated with 13 % lower odds (95 % CI 0·83, 0·91, P < 0·001) of having CRC.ConclusionsNutritional behaviours in addition to dietary habits should be taken into account in detecting individuals prone to the development of CRC.
Food photographs in portion size estimation among adolescent Mozambican girls
Authors: Korkalo Liisa , Erkkola Maijaliisa , Fidalgo Lourdes , Nevalainen Jaakko , Mutanen Marja 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the validity of food photographs in portion size estimation among adolescent girls in Mozambique. The study was carried out in preparation for the larger ZANE study, which used the 24 h dietary recall method.DesignLife-sized photographs of three portion sizes of two staple foods and three sauces were produced. Participants ate weighed portions of one staple food and one sauce. After the meal, they were asked to estimate the amount of food with the aid of the food photographs.SettingZambezia Province, Mozambique.SubjectsNinety-nine girls aged 13–18 years.ResultsThe mean differences between estimated and actual portion sizes relative to the actual portion size ranged from −19 % to 8 % for different foods. The respective mean difference for all foods combined was −5 % (95 % CI −12, 2 %). Especially larger portions of the staple foods were often underestimated. For the staple foods, between 62 % and 64 % of the participants were classified into the same thirds of the distribution of estimated and actual food consumption and for sauces, the percentages ranged from 38 % to 63 %. Bland–Altman plots showed wide limits of agreement.ConclusionsUsing life-sized food photographs among adolescent Mozambican girls resulted in a rather large variation in the accuracy of individuals’ estimates. The ability to rank individuals according to their consumption was, however, satisfactory for most foods. There seems to be a need to further develop and test food photographs used in different populations in Sub-Saharan Africa to improve the accuracy of portion size estimates.
Bone marrow stromal cells enhance the angiogenesis in ischaemic cortex after stroke: involvement of notch signalling
Authors: Guo Fei , Lv Shigang , Lou Yuanlei , Tu Wei , Liao Wei , Wang Yang , Deng Zhifeng 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAngiogenesis takes place after brain ischaemia, and stroke‐induced angiogenesis in ischaemic brain may be associated with improved neurological recovery. Bone MSCs (marrow stromal cells) transplantation can promote this vital angiogenesis in ischaemic zones, but the mechanisms by which MSCs promoting angiogenesis are unclear. The Notch signalling pathway may play an important role in embryonic blood vessels development and tumour angiogenesis, but whether it is also involved in angiogenesis after cerebral ischaemia is uncertain. We therefore investigated the Notch signalling pathway in angiogenesis after stroke. Rats were subjected to MCAo (middle cerebral artery occlusion) and treated intravenously with or without MSCs at 24 h after injury. On day 1, 3 and 7 after treatment with MSCs or PBS, immunofluorescent staining, Western blot and RT‐PCR (reverse transcription–PCR) assays were carried out to evaluate angiogenesis, and expression of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and Notch signals in the ischaemic cortex. Immunofluorescent showed a significant increase in both new microvessels, VEGF‐positive cells and Notch1‐positive microvessels in the ischaemic cortex in MSCs‐treated group. RT‐PCR indicated that MSC transplantation significantly raised VEGF mRNA and Hes1 mRNA levels in the ischaemic cortex. The data suggest that treatment with MSCs enhances stroke‐induced angiogenesis in ischaemic brain, and that the Notch signalling pathway is involved.
Dosimetric features and kinetic analysis of thermoluminescence from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene
Authors: Chithambo M L 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Thermoluminescence (TL) from beta irradiated ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene has been studied for measurements between 30 and 200 °C. An aliquot studied in this work produced TL glow curves consisting of two peaks, the main peak at 88 °C and a weaker intensity peak at 148 °C for heating at 1 °C s−1 following an excitation dose of 215 Gy. The position of the main peak is poorly reproducible for heating rates of 0.2 and 0.6 °C s−1 investigated with the peak position decreasing when the sample is freshly irradiated and the TL re-measured. The said change in peak position is however less of an effect for measurements made at 1 °C s−1 with the peak position being fairly reproducible in this case. Further measurements of the dosimetric properties of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene showed that its dose response is linear from 26 Gy to about 161 Gy but exhibits slower growth in intensity with dose from about 860 Gy after regions of sub- and supra-linearity in between. If the TL is not measured immediately after irradiation, the signal fades with the delay approximately exponentially. In addition, a number of tests including phosphorescence analysis showed the possibility that the order of kinetics might not be unique but sensitive to several factors including measurement temperature. Thus for instance, the dependence of the peak position on the stop temperature in the partial heating procedure T
m − T
stop implied first-order kinetics but analysis of the geometrical factor μ
g for the same set of data gave μ
g = 0.46 ± 0.03 a value corresponding to characteristics somewhat intermediate between first and second order. In comparison, the results of analysis of the phosphorescence recorded at several temperatures on the rising edge of the main peak were only in agreement for measurements at 40 °C with general-order analysis suggesting second-order kinetics apply as did TL-like transformation of the monotonic phosphorescence decay. Both results were also consistent with an additional finding that the time dependence of the isothermal decay at 40 °C was consistent with second-order kinetics. Analysis of the TL for the activation energy using the initial rise method, variable heating rate procedure, TL-like transformation of phosphorescence and the peak shape estimates, produced a self-consistent set of values equal to 0.76 ±0.05 eV, 0.66±0.03 eV, 0.77±0.06 eV and values of the order of 0.8 eV, respectively. The kinetic parameters found in this study compare favourably with literature values.
Influence of hydrogen addition to an Ar plasma on the structural properties of TiO2−x thin films deposited by RF sputtering
Authors: Luciu I , Bartali R , Laidani N 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The influence of hydrogen addition to an Ar plasma on the structural properties of TiO2−x
films produced by RF sputtering of a TiO2 target at room temperature was studied. The structural properties of the films were characterized by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy while the surface morphology was analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The valence band analysis showed the crystal field splitting of d states into doubly and triply degenerate states. H2 addition to the Ar plasma created additional d-state splitting due to distortions in the TiO2 structure by the Jahn–Teller mechanism. The occurrence of the Jahn–Teller split is well-correlated with oxygen vacancies in the TiO2−x
films. Water adsorption at the TiO2−x
surface and film hydroxylation were also addressed. The as-grown films were amorphous and SEM analysis showed a columnar structure for all the films but with a lower packing density of the columns after H2 introduction in the Ar plasma.
ATYPICAL SORSBY FUNDUS DYSTROPHY WITH A NOVEL TYR159CYS TIMP-3 MUTATION
Authors: Fung Adrian T. , Stöhr Heidi , Weber Bernhard H. F. , Holz Frank G. , Yannuzzi Lawrence A. 
Published: August 2012

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to report a patient with an atypical presentation of Sorsby fundus dystrophy.

Methods:
Retrospective chart review.

Results:
A 38-year-old man with a family history of Sorsby fundus dystrophy presented for ophthalmic examination. The patient had unilateral disease with an atypical appearance mimicking a pattern dystrophy. Molecular analysis of the TIMP-3 gene identified a Tyr159Cys mutation. He developed choroidal neovascularization, which was successfully treated with photodynamic therapy followed by intravitreal bevacizumab.

Conclusion:
Sorsby fundus dystrophy associated with a Tyr159Cys TIMP-3 point mutation may have a variable presentation. Intravitreal bevacizumab is useful in managing choroidal neovascularization associated with this condition.
Alternative approaches to antifungal therapies
Authors: Mehra Tarun , Köberle Martin , Braunsdorf Christina , Mailänder‐Sanchez Daniela , Borelli Claudia , Schaller Martin 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe expansive use of immunosuppressive medications in fields such as transplantational medicine and oncology, the higher frequency of invasive procedures in an ageing population and the HIV/AIDS pandemic have increased the frequency of systemic fungal infections. At the same time, increased resistance of pathogenic fungi to classical antifungal agents has led to sustained research efforts targeting alternative antifungal strategies. In this review, we focus on two promising approaches: cationic peptides and the targeting of fungal virulence factors. Cationic peptides are small, predominantly positively charged protein fragments that exert direct and indirect antifungal activities, one mechanism of action being the permeabilization of the fungal membrane. They include lysozyme, defensins and cathelicidins as well as novel synthetic peptides. Among fungal virulence factors, the targeting of candidal secreted aspartic proteinases seems to be a particularly promising approach.
Identification of microRNA‐regulated autophagic pathways in plant lectin‐induced cancer cell death
Authors: Fu L.‐L. , Zhao X. , Xu H.‐L. , Wen X. , Wang S.‐Y. , Liu B. , Bao J.‐K. , Wei Y.‐Q. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectivesPlant lectins, carbohydrate‐binding proteins of non‐immune origin, have recently been reported to induce programmed cell death (including apoptosis and autophagy) in many types of cancer cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small, non‐coding endogenous RNAs, ∼22 nucleotides (nt) in length, have been well characterized to play essential roles in regulation of the autophagy process in cancer; however, how these miRNAs regulate autophagic pathways in plant lectin‐induced cancer cells, still remains an enigma.Materials and methodsIdentification of microRNA‐regulated autophagic pathways was carried out using a series of elegant systems – biology and bioinformatics approaches, such as network construction, hub protein identification, targeted microRNA prediction, microarray analyses and molecular docking.ResultsWe computationally constructed the human autophagic protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, and further modified this network into a plant lectin‐induced network. Subsequently, we identified 9 autophagic hub proteins and 13 relevant oncogenic and tumour suppressive miRNAs, that could regulate these aforementioned targeted autophagic hub proteins, in human breast carcinoma MCF‐7 cells. In addition, we confirmed that plant lectins could block the sugar‐containing receptor EGFR‐mediated survival pathways, involved in autophagic hub proteins and relevant miRNAs, thereby ultimately culminating in autophagic cell death.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that network‐based identification of microRNAs modulate autophagic pathways in plant lectin‐treated cancer cells, which may shed new light on the discovery of plant lectins as potent autophagic inducers, for cancer drug discovery.
Body esteem, peer difficulties and perceptions of physical health in overweight and obese urban children aged 5 to 7 years
Authors: Williams N. A. , Fournier J. , Coday M. , Richey P. A. , Tylavsky F. A. , Hare M. E. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether there is an association between body mass index (BMI) and body esteem in young overweight and obese urban children, and to test peer relationship difficulties and perceived physical health as mediators of this relationship.MethodsChild self‐reported body esteem, and parent‐reported child peer relationship difficulties (being bullied by peers and peer rejection) and physical health perceptions were obtained from 218 overweight and obese children aged 5–7 years (81% racial/ethnic minority, M BMI = 25.3) and their primary caregivers.ResultsHigher BMI was associated with lower body esteem for both girls and boys. This relation was mediated by poor physical health for boys but not for girls. Peer relationship difficulties did not mediate the observed association between BMI and body esteem in either group; however, girls with higher BMI experienced more bullying and being bullied by peers was associated with lower body esteem in girls.ConclusionsIntervening with perceptions of physical health may buffer overweight and obese boys from developing low body esteem in early childhood.
Gut content and stable isotope analyses provide complementary understanding of ontogenetic dietary shifts and trophic relationships among fishes in a tropical river
Authors: DAVIS AARON M. , BLANCHETTE MELANIE L. , PUSEY BRADLEY J. , JARDINE TIM D. , PEARSON RICHARD G. 
Published: August 2012

Summary1. Despite widespread recognition of the role of body size in fish trophic ecology, little attention has been focused on this issue in isotopic studies, particularly in tropical systems.2. We used analyses of stomach contents and stable isotopes to examine size‐related shifts in diet in a terapontid fish assemblage in the Australian wet–dry tropics. Stomach content analysis identified substantial ontogenetic dietary shifts in all species, corresponding to changes in body size–isotope trajectories for two species. Shifts away from relatively specialised diets of heavily 13C‐depleted insect larvae to consumption of a range of items across multiple basal carbon sources appeared to be the proximate cause of observed isotopic changes.3. Allochthonous organic matter in the form of C3 riparian vegetation was particularly important to smaller terapontids before larger fish shifted to a broad range of dietary items and similarly broad range of basal carbon sources.4. While there was general agreement between δ13C and stomach content analysis, there was minimal concurrence between the latter and δ15N isotopic derivation of estimates of trophic position. Due to factors such as omnivory, isotopically overlapping basal sources and uncertainties about rates of isotopic fractionation in both predator and prey species, stomach content analysis provides an essential complement to isotopic methodologies in tropical systems.5. Given that basal sources supporting any individual species can change markedly with ontogeny, consideration of intraspecific, size‐related variation is necessary in isotopic studies of food web structure.
Multidose pharmacokinetics of orally administered florfenicol in the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)
Authors: Gaunt P. S. , Langston C. , Wrzesinski C. , Gao D. , Adams P. , Crouch L. , Sweeney D. , Endris R. 
Published: August 2012

Plasma disposition of florfenicol in channel catfish was investigated after an oral multidose (10 mg/kg for 10 days) administration in freshwater at water temperatures ranging from 24.7 to 25.9 °C. Florfenicol concentrations in plasma were analyzed by means of liquid chromatography with MS/MS detection. After the administration of florfenicol, the mean terminal half‐life (t1/2), maximum concentration at steady‐state (Css(max)), time of Css(max) (Tmax), minimal concentration at steady‐state (Css(min)), and Vc/F were 9.0 h, 9.72 μg/mL, 8 h, 2.53 μg/mL, and 0.653 L/kg, respectively. These results suggest that florfenicol administered orally at 10 mg/kg body weight for 10 days could be expected to control catfish bacterial pathogens inhibited in vitro by a minimal inhibitory concentration value of <2.5 μg/mL.
Prucalopride in the treatment of chronic constipation in patients from the Asia‐Pacific region: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Ke M. , Zou D. , Yuan Y. , Li Y. , Lin L. , Hao J. , Hou X. , Kim H. J. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackground  The study evaluated efficacy and safety of the 2 mg dose of prucalopride compared to placebo in patients with chronic constipation (CC) from the Asia‐Pacific region.Methods  Randomized, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, phase III study with 2‐week run‐in, 12‐week treatment phase, and 1‐week follow‐up. Adult patients with CC (≤2 spontaneous bowel movements per week) received 2 mg prucalopride or placebo, once‐daily, for 12 weeks. Primary efficacy measure was percentage of patients with average of ≥3 spontaneous complete bowel movements (SCBMs) per week (Responders) during the 12‐week treatment. A key secondary endpoint was Responders during first 4 weeks of treatment. Other efficacy assessments were based on patient diaries, their assessments of symptoms and quality of life, and investigator’s assessment on efficacy of treatment. Safety assessments included adverse events, laboratory values, and cardiovascular events.Key Results  Efficacy and safety were evaluated for 501 patients who received study drug. On the primary endpoint, prucalopride was significantly more effective than placebo with 83 (33.3%) vs 26 (10.3%) patients having a weekly average of ≥3 SCBMs during the 12‐week treatment (P < 0.001). Respective percentages were 34.5%vs 11.1% over first 4 weeks (P < 0.001). On other secondary endpoints, clinical improvement was generally larger and statistically superior (P < 0.001) in the prucalopride group. Most frequently reported adverse events were diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and headache.Conclusion & Inferences  Prucalopride 2 mg given once‐daily significantly improved bowel function, associated symptoms, and satisfaction in CC over a 12‐week treatment period, and was safe and well tolerated by patients in the Asia‐Pacific region.
A randomized double‐blinded placebo‐controlled study to evaluate an effective ciclosporin dose for the treatment of feline hypersensitivity dermatitis
Authors: King Stephen , Favrot Claude , Messinger Linda , Nuttall Tim , Steffan Jean , Forster Sophie , Seewald Wolfgang 
Published: August 2012

Background – Hypersensitivity dermatitides (HD) are frequently suspected in cats, but there are few clinical studies on safe and effective treatments in the published literature.Objectives – To establish a safe and effective dose of ciclosporin in the treatment of feline HD.Animals – One hundred client‐owned cats with feline HD.Methods – Double‐blind study, with cats randomly assigned to receive ciclosporin at either 7.0 mg/kg once daily (n = 33) or 2.5 mg/kg once daily (n = 32) or a placebo (n = 35) for 6 weeks.Results – Mean Total Lesion Scores with 7.0 mg/kg ciclosporin were significantly lower than with 2.5 mg/kg ciclosporin (P = 0.0047) or placebo (P = 0.0003) at study end. Individual Total Lesion Scores improved by >50% in 70% of the 7.0 mg/kg group, compared with 47% in the 2.5 mg/kg group and 23% in the placebo group (P = 0.0006). The investigators’ Global Assessment of Improvement was ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ in 61% of cats treated with 7.0 mg/kg ciclosporin, compared with 47% of cats given 2.5 mg/kg and 23% given placebo. The improvement in Investigator Pruritus Scores was significantly greater in cats treated with 7.0 mg/kg ciclosporin (54%) compared with both 2.5 mg/kg ciclosporin (32%;P = 0.0232) and placebo (21%;P = 0.0063). Mild gastrointestinal disorders were the most common adverse events, but these did not require cessation of therapy.Conclusions and clinical importance – Results suggest that 7.0 mg/kg ciclosporin once daily in food orper osfor 6 weeks is effective and well tolerated in feline HD.
Multidrug‐resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae acquisition in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Raviv Yael , Shitrit David , Amital Anat , Fox Benjamin , Bakal Ilana , Tauber Renana , Bishara Jihad , Kramer Mordechai R. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundCarbapenem‐resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is a pathogen that emerged in the late twentieth century and was associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We report for the first time the outcomes of lung transplant recipients infected with CRKP or extended spectrum–β lactamases K. pneumoniae (ESBL‐KP).MethodsRetrospective review of 136 lung transplant recipients who underwent transplantation between 2004 and 2007 in Rabin Medical Center, Israel.Main resultsThere were 52 episodes of positive cultures for K. pneumoniae (KP) in 136 recipients – of them 11 (8.1%) with CRKP, 12 (8.8%) with ESBL‐KP, and 29 (21.3%) with carbapenem‐sensitive ESBL‐negative KP. Isolation of CRKP/ESBL‐KP was associated with death in the cohort (p < 0.0001) as well as recipients’ age at transplantation (p < 0.005). Time‐dependent age‐adjusted CRKP or ESBL‐KP acquisition was an independent factor for death in patients after lung transplant, compared to patients without KP isolation or carbapenem‐sensitive ESBL‐negative KP (p < 0.0001).ConclusionCRKP and KP‐ESBL acquisition was associated with reduced survival among lung transplant recipients.