bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activity of tannins from Stryphnodendron adstringens on Cryptococcus neoformans: effects on growth, capsule size and pigmentation
Authors: Ishida Kelly , Rozental Sonia , de Mello João Carlos Palazzo , Nakamura Celso Vataru 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background

Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville, Leguminosae, also known in Brazil as barbatimão, is rich in tannins and many flavan-3-ols and proanthocyanidins such as prodelphinidins and prorobinetinidins. Previous studies have demonstrated several pharmacological properties of tannins from barbatimão, including anti-candidal activity.

Methods
The antifungal activity of proanthocyanidin polymeric tannins from Stryphnodendron adstringens (subfraction F2.4) was evaluated against three strains of Cryptococcus neoformans with different capsule expressions, using the broth microdilution technique, light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The effect of subfraction F2.4 on C. neoformans and melanoma mammalian cells pigmentation was also evaluated.

Results
Although susceptibility assays revealed MIC values quite similar (between 2.5 and 5.0 μg/ml), analyses of MFC values revealing that the acapsular mutant Cap 67 was more susceptible to be killed by the subfraction F2.4 (MFC = 20 μg/ml) than the two tested capsular strains (T1-444 and ATCC 28957) (MFC > 160 μg/ml). Optical and electron microscopy experiments revealed relevant alterations in cell shape and size in all strains treated with 1 and 2.5 μg/ml of subfraction F2.4. Capsule size of the capsular strains decreased drastically after subfraction F2.4 treatment. In addition, ultrastructural alterations such as cell wall disruption, cytoplasm extraction, mitochondria swelling, increase in the number of cytoplasmic vacuoles and formation of membranous structures in the cytoplasm were also observed in treated yeasts. Incubation with subfraction F2.4 also decreased C. neoformans pigmentation, however, did not interfere in melanization of B16F10 mammalian cells.

Conclusion
Our data indicate that tannins extracted from S. adstringens interfered with growth, capsule size and pigmentation, all important virulence factors of C. neoformans, and may be considered as a putative candidate for the development of new antifungal agents.
Gastroparesis associated with gastroptosis presenting as a lower abdominal bulking mass in a child: a case report
Authors: Christianakis Efstratios , Bouchra Konstantina , Koliatou Aikaterini , Paschalidis Nikolaos , Filippou Dimitrios 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
Gastroparesis is defined as an inhibition of the gastric motility associated with delayed gastric emptying, which is mainly presented with acute dyspepsia. Gastroptosis is the downward displacement of the stomach.

Case Report
We report a rare case of secondary gastroparesis due to gastroptosis in an 11-year-old female child. The patient complained for bulking mass in the left lower quadrate presented a week ago, which was mimicking a large abdominal hernia. The laboratory and radiological exams revealed an excessive gastroptosis associated with gastroparesis. We searched the literature but we failed to find other cases with idiopathic gastroptosis in a child. The patient was treated conservatively and six months after the initial diagnosis and treatment the patient does not complains for dyspepsia.

Conclusion
Gastroparesis associated with gastroptosis is a rare entity that can be treated conservatively with acceptable results.
The adaptor protein p66shc is a positive regulator in the angiogenic response induced by hypoxic T cells
Authors: Naldini Antonella , Morena Emilia , Pucci Annalisa , Pellegrini Michela , Baldari Cosima T , Pelicci Pier Giuseppe , Presta Marco , Ribatti Domenico , Carraro Fabio 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
The present study demonstrates that hypoxia activates a novel T cell-mediated mechanism of neovascularization triggered by VEGF in which p66Shc acts as the master regulator.
Immune cells play an important role in the onset of angiogenesis. Here, we report that VEGF represents the major proangiogenic factor expressed by T cells exposed to hypoxia, a common feature of inflammation and tumor microenvironment. The supernatants of hypoxic T cells were highly angiogenic when delivered on the chick embryo CAM. The angiogenic response was abrogated by a neutralizing anti-VEGF antibody and mimicked by rVEGF. Interestingly, VEGF induction by hypoxia was up-regulated in Jurkat T cells overexpressing the adaptor protein p66Shc but not the inactive S36 p66Shc mutant, and it was abolished in p66Shc−/− mouse splenocytes. Accordingly, the angiogenic response induced by the supernatants from hypoxic p66Shc−/− splenocytes was reduced dramatically when compared with the wild-type controls. In conclusion, hypoxic T cells may contribute to the onset of angiogenesis through a novel VEGF-mediated mechanism, where p66Shc acts as a positive regulator.
Prosecution of physical assaults by psychiatric in-patients in Northern Ireland
Authors: Young Ciara , Brady John , Iqbal Nauman , Browne Fred 
Published: November 2009

Aims and MethodAssaults in healthcare settings have resulted in a range of national strategies aimed at reducing the incidence of violence. This study aimed to quantify the use of prosecution of assailants as a response, and to examine what other responses were used. the responses to violent incidents in three Northern Ireland psychiatric in-patient units in the year 2003 were ascertained retrospectively.ResultsOf 245 incidents meeting the legal definition of assault, police were contacted in 10, and 1 resulted in a prosecution. Seven in-patients accounted for 30.4% of assaults. of the assaults, 46.5% were dealt with by staff using de-escalation alone.Clinical ImplicationsThese results demonstrate the infrequent reporting of such assaults to the police. A more structured approach should be taken to this important decision. Factors relating to the prosecution of assaults in psychiatric in-patient units are discussed.
The Impact of Fischer–Tropsch Diesel on the Oxidation Stability of Biodiesel (FAME) Blends
Authors: Blignaut Annalie , Collier Lelani , Pretorius Marié 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Fischer–Tropsch (FT) distillates and first generation biodiesel are alternative fuels that can both be used directly as neat fuels in an internal combustion diesel engine or as blend stocks with conventional diesel fuel. Biodiesel is generally produced by the catalytic trans-esterification of triglycerides (vegetable oil) with methanol to form fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and glycerol as a by-product. The FT process (or FT synthesis) is a catalyzed chemical reaction in which synthesis gas (syngas), a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, is converted into liquid hydrocarbons of various compositions. The oxidation and thermal stability of diesel fuel are very important properties since unstable diesel fuels can form soluble gums and or insoluble organic particulates that can clog the fuel filters and fuels system components. In the quest for increased efficiency of internal combustion compression ignition engines, the engines are increasingly downsized and turbo charged. These developments, together with the latest demands from modern injector systems, place a greater demand on the oxidative and thermal stability performance of a fuel due to the exposure of fuels to higher temperatures in comparison to historic engine and injector designs. Recirculation of heated fuel can also cause injector deposits originating from either gum or particulate formation. Biodiesel (FAME) and FT diesel have shown to be fully compatible as blend components with conventional crude derived diesel. FT diesel, produced from the low temperature FT (LTFT) process, generally has a lower density and viscosity and good cold flow properties. It is also a very stable fuel, which compensates for the high viscosity and density, poor cold flow properties, and unstable nature associated with biodiesel (FAME). This paper discusses the results obtained from a comparative study of the oxidation stability (using the Rancimat methodology) of FT (high temperature FT and LTFT) and petroleum diesel fuels, blended with up to 20 vol % of soya and rapeseed derived biodiesel (FAME).
Practical Implications of Instrument Displacement Drift during Force-Controlled Nanoindentation
Authors: Romasco A. L. , Friedman L. H. , Fang L. , Meirom R. A. , Clark T. C. , Polcawich R. , Pulskamp J. , Dubey M. , Muhlstein C. L. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
The accuracy of instrumented indentation data relies heavily on the evaluation of experimental errors such as displacement drift. In spite of its importance, little attention has been given to the magnitude of an acceptable displacement drift rate, its relationship to a given set of test conditions, and how errors manifest themselves in force-displacement data. In this work we explored how drift rates that were acceptable for short-term tests caused artificial “abnormal” behavior that could have been interpreted as a true material response for a longer-term test. A critical review of the drift behavior of the nanoindentation system revealed that a useful metric for screening data quality was the nominal accumulated system drift as a fraction of the maximum penetration depth. Additionally, suggestions for drift management during nanoindentation tests were given.
The Role for Community-Based Participatory Research in Formulating Policy Initiatives: Promoting Safety and Health for In-Home Care Workers and Their Consumers
Authors: Gong Fang , Baron Sherry , Ayala Linda , Stock Laura , McDevitt Susannah , Heaney Cathy 
Published: November 2009

Although community-based participatory research (CBPR) can be effective in influencing policy, the process of formulating policy initiatives through CBPR is understudied. We describe a case study to illustrate how alliances among various community partners could be united to formulate policy directions. In collaboration with partners, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health initiated a project aimed at improving health and safety for low-income elderly and disabled persons and their in-home care workers. Community partners and stakeholders participated in focus groups, stakeholder interviews, and meetings; they played multiple roles including identifying organizational policy changes the partners could initiate immediately, as well as broader public policy goals. Results indicated that a strong community partnership, participation, and shared values contributed to successful formulation of policy initiatives.
Inhibitory effect of Torilis anthriscus on growth of microorganisms
Authors: Stefanovic Olgica , Stanojevic Dragana , Comic Ljiljana 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Antibacterial and antifungal activities of aqueous, ethanol and ethyl acetate extract of Torilis anthriscus (L.) Gmel. (Apiaceae) were tested in vitro against ten species of bacteria and five of fungi. Antimicrobial properties were determined by disk diffusion and broth tube dilution method. In the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), the ethanol extract showed the highest activity, followed by the ethyl acetate extract and the aqueous extract against bacterial species, while the extracts were inactive against the tested fungi species. The most active extract was chosen to examine the effects of its combinations with commercial antibiotics by checkerboard method. The obtained results showed that the interactions between ethanol extract/streptomycin and ethanol extract/chloramphenicol were additive and indifferent against the tested human-pathogenic bacteria. Synergism and antagonism were not observed.
Key Performance Indicators to Benchmark Hospital Information Systems – A Delphi Study
Authors: Hübner-Bloder G. , Ammenwerth E. 
Published: November 2009

Summary
Objectives: To identify the key performance indicators for hospital information systems (HIS) that can be used for HIS benchmarking.
Methods: A Delphi survey with one qualitative and two quantitative rounds. Forty-four HIS experts from health care IT practice and academia participated in all three rounds.
Results: Seventy-seven performance indicators were identified and organized into eight categories: technical quality, software quality, architecture and interface quality, IT vendor quality, IT support and IT department quality, workflow support quality, IT outcome quality, and IT costs. The highest ranked indicators are related to clinical workflow support and user satisfaction. Isolated technical indicators or cost indicators were not seen as useful. The experts favored an interdisciplinary group of all the stakeholders, led by hospital management, to conduct the HIS benchmarking. They proposed benchmarking activities both in regular (annual) intervals as well as at defined events (for example after IT introduction). Most of the experts stated that in their institutions no HIS benchmarking activities are being performed at the moment.
Conclusion: In the context of IT governance, IT benchmarking is gaining importance in the healthcare area. The found indicators reflect the view of health care IT professionals and researchers. Research is needed to further validate and operationalize key performance indicators, to provide an IT benchmarking framework, and to provide open repositories for a comparison of the HIS benchmarks of different hospitals.
NOD2 Ligation Subverts IFN-α Production by Liver Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells and Inhibits Their T Cell Allostimulatory Activity via B7-H1 Up-Regulation
Authors: Castellaneta Antonino , Sumpter Tina L. , Chen Lieping , Tokita Daisuke , Thomson Angus W. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)2/CARD15 protein, which senses muramyl dipeptide (MDP), a product of bacterial peptidoglycan, appears to play an important role in regulating intestinal immunity. Although the liver is exposed to gut-derived MDP, the influence of NOD2 ligation on hepatic APC, in particular dendritic cells (DC), is unknown. Freshly isolated mouse liver and spleen plasmacytoid (p)DC expressed higher levels of NOD2 message than conventional myeloid (m)DC. Following MDP stimulation in vivo, liver pDC, but not mDC, up-regulated expression of IFN regulatory factor 4 (IRF-4), a negative regulator of TLR signaling, and induced less allogeneic T cell proliferation and IFN-γ production. The adoptive transfer of liver pDC from MDP-treated mice failed to prime allogeneic T cells in vivo. By contrast, splenic DC IRF-4 levels and T cell stimulatory activity remained unchanged. Liver pDC from MDP-stimulated mice also displayed greater IκBα, cell surface B7-H1, and B7-H1 relative to CD86 than control liver pDC. No similar effects were observed for liver mDC or spleen DC. Absence of B7-H1 on liver pDC reversed the inhibitory effect of MDP. After ex vivo stimulation with LPS or CpG, liver pDC but not mDC from MDP-treated animals secreted less IL-12p70, IL-6, and TNF-α and induced weaker allogeneic T cell proliferation than those from controls. Moreover, CpG-stimulated liver pDC from MDP-treated mice secreted less IFN-α than their splenic counterparts, and systemic levels of IFN-α were reduced in MDP-treated animals after CpG administration. These findings suggest that differential effects of NOD2 ligation on liver pDC may play a role in regulating hepatic innate and adaptive immunity.
Processing in the Endoplasmic Reticulum Generates an Epitope on the Insulin A Chain that Stimulates Diabetogenic CD8 T Cell Responses
Authors: Brosi Helen , Reiser Michael , Rajasalu Tarvo , Spyrantis Andreas , Oswald Franz , Boehm Bernhard Otto , Schirmbeck Reinhold 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
RIP-B7.1 mice express the costimulator molecule B7.1 (CD80) on pancreatic β cells and are a well-established model for studying de novo induction of diabetogenic CD8 T cells. Immunization of RIP-B7.1 mice with preproinsulin (ppins)-encoding plasmid DNA efficiently induces experimental autoimmune diabetes (EAD). EAD is associated with an influx of CD8 T cells specific for the Kb/A12–21 epitope into the pancreatic islets and the subsequent destruction of β cells. In this study, we used this model to investigate how ppins-derived Ags are expressed and processed to prime diabetogenic, Kb/A12–21-specific CD8 T cells. Targeting the Kb/A12–21 epitope, the insulin A chain, or the ppins to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) (but not to the cytosol and/or nucleus) efficiently elicited Kb/A12–21-specific CD8 T cell responses. The Kb/A12–21 epitope represents the COOH terminus of the ppins molecule and, hence, did not require COOH-terminal processing before binding its restriction element in the ER. However, Kb/A12–21-specific CD8 T cells were also induced by COOH-terminally extended ppins-specific polypeptides expressed in the ER, indicating that the epitope position at the COOH terminus is less important for its diabetogenicity than is targeting the Ag to the ER. The Kb/A12–21 epitope had a low avidity for Kb molecules. When epitopes of unrelated Ags were coprimed at the same site of Ag delivery, “strong” Kb-restricted (but not Db-restricted) CD8 T cell responses led to the suppression of Kb/A12–21-specific CD8 T cell priming and reduced EAD. Thus, direct expression and processing of the “weak” Kb/A12–21 epitope in the ER favor priming of autoreactive CD8 T cells.
The Women’s Health Initiative Randomized Trials and Clinical Practice
Authors: Manson JoAnn E. , Crandall Carolyn J. , Rossouw Jacques E. , Chlebowski Rowan T. , Anderson Garnet L. , Stefanick Marcia L. , Aragaki Aaron K. , Cauley Jane A. , Wells Gretchen L. , LaCroix Andrea Z. , Thomson Cynthia A. , Neuhouser Marian L. , Van Horn Linda , Kooperberg Charles , Howard Barbara V. , Tinker Lesley F. , Wactawski-Wende Jean , Shumaker Sally A. , Prentice Ross L. 
Published: May 2024

ImportanceApproximately 55 million people in the US and approximately 1.1 billion people worldwide are postmenopausal women. To inform clinical practice about the health effects of menopausal hormone therapy, calcium plus vitamin D supplementation, and a low-fat dietary pattern, the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) enrolled 161 808 postmenopausal US women (N = 68 132 in the clinical trials) aged 50 to 79 years at baseline from 1993 to 1998, and followed them up for up to 20 years.ObservationsThe WHI clinical trial results do not support hormone therapy with oral conjugated equine estrogens plus medroxyprogesterone acetate for postmenopausal women or conjugated equine estrogens alone for those with prior hysterectomy to prevent cardiovascular disease, dementia, or other chronic diseases. However, hormone therapy is effective for treating moderate to severe vasomotor and other menopausal symptoms. These benefits of hormone therapy in early menopause, combined with lower rates of adverse effects of hormone therapy in early compared with later menopause, support initiation of hormone therapy before age 60 years for women without contraindications to hormone therapy who have bothersome menopausal symptoms. The WHI results do not support routinely recommending calcium plus vitamin D supplementation for fracture prevention in all postmenopausal women. However, calcium and vitamin D are appropriate for women who do not meet national guidelines for recommended intakes of these nutrients through diet. A low-fat dietary pattern with increased fruit, vegetable, and grain consumption did not prevent the primary outcomes of breast or colorectal cancer but was associated with lower rates of the secondary outcome of breast cancer mortality during long-term follow-up.Conclusions and RelevanceFor postmenopausal women, the WHI randomized clinical trials do not support menopausal hormone therapy to prevent cardiovascular disease or other chronic diseases. Menopausal hormone therapy is appropriate to treat bothersome vasomotor symptoms among women in early menopause, without contraindications, who are interested in taking hormone therapy. The WHI evidence does not support routine supplementation with calcium plus vitamin D for menopausal women to prevent fractures or a low-fat diet with increased fruits, vegetables, and grains to prevent breast or colorectal cancer. A potential role of a low-fat dietary pattern in reducing breast cancer mortality, a secondary outcome, warrants further study.
Label Accuracy of Weight Loss Dietary Supplements Marketed Online With Military Discounts
Authors: Crawford Cindy , Avula Bharathi , Lindsey Andrea T. , Katragunta Kumar , Khan Ikhlas A. , Deuster Patricia A. 
Published: May 2024

ImportanceDietary supplements for weight loss, among the most popular supplement products on the market, are promoted not only for losing weight and shedding fat, but also for added benefits of energy and performance, all packed into 1 capsule with multiple combinations of ingredients. Fraudulent marketing of weight loss supplements, some with exaggerated claims, some that are potentially dangerous, and some that contain illegal ingredients, is ever present, especially through online sources, where multiple manufacturers target service members by offering military discounts.ObjectivesTo examine whether select dietary supplements marketed online for weight loss from companies advertising military discounts are accurately labeled according to the Supplement Facts listed ingredients, whether they contain any ingredients prohibited for use in the military, and to qualitatively describe the products’ label claims.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsIn this case series, 30 dietary supplement products marketed for weight loss were selected and purchased in June 2023 from 12 online companies advertising military discounts. Data were analyzed from July to August 2023.Main Outcomes and MeasuresLiquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to verify whether products were accurately labeled according to the Supplement Facts listed ingredients and whether they contained any substances on the DoD Prohibited Dietary Supplement Ingredients List. A separate analysis was conducted to describe product label claims by using the Operation Supplement Safety (OPSS) Risk Assessment Scorecard.ResultsOf the 30 products tested, analysis showed that 25 had inaccurate labels. Of these, 24 had ingredients listed on the label that were not detected (misbranded); 7 had hidden components not present on the label, some of which would be considered adulterated; and 10 had substances on the DoD Prohibited Dietary Supplement Ingredients List either on or hidden from the label. All products were rated as risky when applying the OPSS Scorecard.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this case series study, the majority of products had inaccurate labels. Some were misbranded, others would be considered adulterated with ingredients not allowed in dietary supplements, and some contained ingredients prohibited for use in the military.