bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulation of TCR signalling by tyrosine phosphatases: from immune homeostasis to autoimmunity
Authors: Stanford Stephanie M. , Rapini Novella , Bottini Nunzio 
Published: August 2012

SummaryMore than half of the known protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) in the human genome are expressed in T cells, and significant progress has been made in elucidating the biology of these enzymes in T‐cell development and function. Here we provide a systematic review of the current understanding of the roles of PTPs in T‐cell activation, providing insight into their mechanisms of action and regulation in T‐cell receptor signalling, the phenotypes of their genetically modified mice, and their possible involvement in T‐cell‐mediated autoimmune disease. Our projection is that the interest in PTPs as mediators of T‐cell homeostasis will continue to rise with further functional analysis of these proteins, and PTPs will be increasingly considered as targets of immunomodulatory therapies.
The intensity of immune activation is linked to the level of  CCR5 expression in human immunodeficiency virus type  1‐infected persons
Authors: Portales Pierre , Psomas Katerina Christina , Tuaillon Edouard , Mura Thibault , Vendrell Jean‐Pierre , Eliaou Jean‐François , Reynes Jacques , Corbeau Pierre 
Published: August 2012

SummaryImmune activation is a main driver of AIDS‐ and non‐AIDS‐linked morbidities in the course of HIV‐1 infection. As CCR5, the main HIV‐1 co‐receptor, is not only a chemokine receptor but also a co‐activation molecule expressed at the surface of T cells, it could be directly involved in this immune activation. To test this hypothesis, we measured by flow cytometry the mean number of CCR5 molecules at the surface of non‐activated CD4+ T cells (CCR5 density), which determines the intensity of CCR5 signalling, and the percentage of CD8+ T cells over‐expressing CD38 (CD38 expression), a major marker of immune activation, in the blood of 67 HIV‐1‐infected, non‐treated individuals. CCR5 density was correlated with CD38 expression independently of viral load (P = 0·016). CCR5 density remained unchanged after highly active anti‐retroviral therapy (HAART) introduction or cessation, whereas CD38 expression decreased and increased, respectively. Moreover, pre‐therapeutic CCR5 density was highly predictive (r = 0·736, P < 10−4) of residual CD38 over‐expression after 9 months of HAART. Hence, CCR5 might play an immunological role in HIV‐1 infection as a driver of immune activation. This could explain why CCR5 antagonists may have an inhibitory effect on immune activation.
Effect of edible coating and gamma irradiation on inhibition of mould growth and quality retention of strawberry during refrigerated storage
Authors: Hussain Peerzada R. , Dar Mohd A. , Wani Ali M. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of edible coating and gamma irradiation treatment on mould growth and storage quality of strawberry. Strawberry fruit after harvest were treated with 0.5–1.0% (w/v) carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) coating followed by irradiation at 2.0 kGy and subsequent storage under refrigerated conditions for 21 days. The investigations revealed that CMC coating alone at levels 0.5% and 0.75% w/v was not effective in delaying the decay and inhibiting the appearance of mould growth in strawberry fruit. Treatment of irradiation in combination with 1.0% w/v CMC coating was found significantly (P ≤ 0.05) effective compared with other treatments in maintaining the quality and delaying the decay and appearance of the mould growth in strawberry up to 18 days of refrigerated storage. Combinatory treatment of irradiation and coating can help to a greater extent in facilitating the marketing of the strawberry fruit to distant markets other than the local market, thereby benefiting growers and consumers.
Development of regression model to differentiate quality of black tea (Dianhong): correlate aroma properties with instrumental data using multiple linear regression analysis
Authors: Pang Xueli , Qin Zihan , Zhao Lei , Cheng Huan , Hu Xiaosong , Song Huanlu , Wu Jihong 
Published: August 2012

SummaryTo develop a flexible and objective method to discriminate Dianhong tea quality level, the instrumental analysis of odour‐active compounds of three commercial grades of Dianhong tea and quantitative descriptive analysis of their overall aromas were conducted. Eight aroma properties were then statistically correlated with odorants using stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. Thirty‐nine odour‐active components were screened in Dianhong tea infusion, among which dimethyl disulphide and 1‐(1H‐pyrrol‐2yl)‐ethanone were identified for the first time. Adjusted R2 of multiple regression models for eight sensory properties were all >0.95, except ‘resinous’ attribute (R2 = 0.834), and RMSE were <0.18 for all. Regression models showed that 2‐methylbutanal, 3‐methylbutanal, linalool, geraniol, linalool oxides, phenyl acetaldehyde, methyl salicylate, ethyl 2‐methylbutyrate, 3,7‐dimethyl‐3‐octanol, benzaldehyde and 6,10‐dimethyl‐5,9‐undecadien‐2‐one positively contributed to the Dianhong tea aroma profile, while 1‐penten‐3‐ol, (Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol and (E,E)‐2,4‐heptadienal were negative aroma contributors. Regression model development for Dianhong tea aroma quality would provide a uniform standard for objectively assessing tea quality among different laboratories and cultures.
Study on enhanced absorption of phenolic compounds of Lactobacillus‐fermented turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) beverages in rats
Authors: Pianpumepong Plangpin , Anal Anil Kumar , Doungchawee Galayanee , Noomhorm Athapol 
Published: August 2012

SummaryLactobacillus plantarum, used as starter culture to produce turmeric beverages, was isolated and screened from the turmeric rhizomes. Fermented turmeric beverages were evaluated for its antioxidant activity using 2‐2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging activity and ferric‐reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The fermentative process resulted in an increase in antioxidant activity. The absorption of turmeric powder, turmeric powder‐mixed encapsulated probiotic (TP) and encapsulated fermented turmeric beverage (TB) in rats was measured in terms of antioxidant activity in the plasma. Plasma antioxidant concentration was higher in rats administrated fermented turmeric beverage than other turmeric products, at all the time points. The maximum concentration (Cmax) value and area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC) were higher in the rat administered with TB. The value was lower in the plasma of rats administered with turmeric powder and TP. The results indicated that the fermentative turmeric possesses better bioavailability and in accordance with the concentrations of polyphenolic compounds in the rat plasma.
Effect of native and germinated finger millet flour on rheological and sensory characteristics of biscuits
Authors: Shimray Crassina A. , Gupta Sheetal , Venkateswara Rao G. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryWheat flour was replaced with native finger millet flour (NFMF) and germinated finger millet flour (GFMF) at 30–50% levels to make soft dough biscuits. Dough rheological properties and baking characteristics of the blends were evaluated. Farinograph data of wheat flour replaced with NFMF and GFMF showed a decrease in water absorption, dough stability and an increase in mixing tolerance index as the level of replacement increased. Extensibility of dough decreased for both NFMF and GFMF as the levels increased. The hardness of biscuit dough measured by texture profile analysis increased from 125 to 234 N for NFMF and 118 to 126 N for GFMF. Scanning electron microscopic studies on the biscuit dough showed polygonal finger millet starch granules adhering to wheat starch granules and protein matrix. The results of the study indicated that the replacement level of 40% with either NFMF or GFMF produced biscuits with acceptable sensory attributes. Addition of sodium stearoyl‐2‐lactylate (SSL) showed further improvement in terms of spread ratio, surface characteristics and texture.
Solvent retention capacity values in relation to the Czech commercial wheat quality
Authors: Hrušková Marie , Švec Ivan , Karas Jan 
Published: August 2012

SummaryTechnological quality in the sets of eighty commercial wheat samples was evaluated by grain milling traits (test weight, thousand kernel weight, grain hardness as Particle Size Index, one‐stream flour yield) and common analytical parameters (wet gluten and protein contents, Zeleny test value, falling number) together with the solvent retention capacity (SRC) method (AACC 56‐11). For the commercial wheat, the latter analytical procedure (originally designed for flour quality analysis) was verified also for grain wholemeal. Within the mentioned sample group, anova revealed the strongest effect of the harvest year, both for milling and for technological parameters. For the SRC profiles, the effect of the sample form used dominated the crop year influence. The grain SRCs were correlated with the milling traits foursome, while an agreement between the flour SRC profiles and technological quality data was not so tight. However, the flour lactic acid SRC was associated with the wet gluten and protein contents (r = 0.24, P < 0.05), and the protein quality as Zeleny value with the flour water SRC (r = 0.24, P < 0.05). Relationship between Zeleny's value and flour lactic acid SCR was confirmed by nonlinear Spearman correlation (R = −0.26, P < 0.05).
Quality changes of farmed cobia steaks held in cold stores (−18 °C)
Authors: Robinson Jeyashakila , Barnabas Edwin R. , Nathan Felix 
Published: August 2012

SummaryCobia (Rachycentron canadum) steaks held in cold store (−18 °C) were analysed aseptically in triplicates for the sensory, total aerobic bacterial count, proximate composition, pH, thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substance (TBA‐RS), formaldehyde, total volatile base nitrogen (TVB‐N), trimethyl amine‐nitrogen (TMA‐N), salt soluble nitrogen (SSN), nonprotein nitrogen (NPN), sodium dodecyl sulphate‐poly acrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) pattern. Steaks were sensorially acceptable up to 5 months of storage and the total bacterial counts did not exceed 6 log CFU counts. There were no significant changes in the pH values. TBA‐RS values increased significantly (P < 0.05) and reached 7.34 mg of malonaldehyde kg−1 fat at the end. Formaldehyde content remained constant upto 4th month and later increased to 2.06 μg g−1 (P < 0.05). TVB‐N and TMA‐N values did not exceed the acceptable limits. NPN contents showed no change, while SSN contents increased to 1.24% after 5 months. SDS‐PAGE pattern indicated no protein denaturation in the fish tissue. Results indicated that TBA‐RS value can only be considered as the valuable indicator in determining the quality of fish steaks held in cold stores.
Meta‐analysis in context
Authors: Moore Zena 
Published: August 2012

Aims and objectives.  To provide a detailed description of the concept, practice and relevance of meta‐analysis.Background.  An increasing abundance of research contributes to a gap between research and clinical practice. The conduct of meta‐analysis, when carried out appropriately, provides a means by which data may be summarised such that it provides important answers for practising clinicians pertaining to the strength and direction of the evidence base.Design.  A discursive design was adopted to encapsulate the current thinking regarding the use of meta‐analysis.Methods.  A literature review approach was employed to provide a narrative summary of the subject of meta‐analysis. Meta‐analysis is a statistical procedure, which involves quantitatively pooling the data from a group of independent studies that have looked at the same or similar clinical problems, using the same or similar research methods. The data are then reanalysed to calculate a pooled estimate of effect and a confidence interval around this estimate.Results.  The findings from this review indicate that meta‐analysis is a statistical procedure, which involves quantitatively pooling the data from a group of independent studies that have looked at the same or similar clinical problems, using the same or similar research methods. Correctly conducted, meta‐analysis provides useful information for practice, identifying the strength and direction of the evidence base pertaining to important clinical problems.Conclusion.  Meta‐analysis is a useful means by which those in the clinical practice setting may clarify the evidence base surrounding a wide variety of clinical problems.Relevance to clinical practice.  The value of meta‐analysis is that this information may be used to guide clinical practice decision‐making and also to direct the development of future research strategies.
Perceptions of the benefits and challenges of the role of advanced practice nurses in nurse‐led out‐of‐hours care in Hong Kong: a questionnaire study
Authors: Christiansen Angela , Vernon Veronica , Jinks Annette 
Published: August 2012

Aims and objectives.  The aim of the study was to identify the factors that nurses perceive may facilitate or hinder the development of advanced practice nurse roles in Hong Kong.Background.  Advanced practice nurses are increasingly prominent in nurse‐led out‐of‐hours care in Hong Kong in response to changes to junior doctors’ hours of work.Setting.  Three five‐day workshops for Hong Kong‐based advanced practice nurses were offered in partnership with UK clinicians. The aim of the workshops was to share UK experiences of implementation of the ‘Hospital at Night’ model of care delivery. The questionnaire study undertaken was not part of the workshop programme. However, the workshops gave the authors a unique opportunity to access relatively large numbers of Hong Kong‐based advanced practice nurses.Participants.  The workshops were attended by experienced nurses who had been or were about to be appointed as advanced practice nurses. All nurses who attended one of the three workshops (n = 120) agreed to participate in the study.Methods.  Responses to two open questions posed in the questionnaire were the subject of a content analysis.Results. A prominent finding of the study was that respondents viewed the benefits of introducing advanced practice nurse roles in Hong Kong as outweighing any challenges. One of the main features of the perceived benefits relates to improving the quality and safety of patient care. The greatest challenges associated with the role related to acceptance of the role by other healthcare professionals, and difficulties associated with the general public’s traditional attitudes to healthcare provision in Hong Kong.Conclusions.  Education of the public concerning the implementation of such roles is of crucial importance.Relevance to clinical practice.  Findings from this study enhance understanding of the factors that hinder or facilitate advanced practice roles in out‐of‐hours care in Hong Kong.
Optimizing the swallow protocol of clinical high‐resolution esophageal manometry studies
Authors: Xiao Y. , Nicodème F. , Kahrilas P. J. , Roman S. , Lin Z. , Pandolfino J. E. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackground  The Chicago Classification (CC) of Esophageal Motility Disorders is based on 10 water swallows performed in the supine position. The aim of the study was to assess whether upright and provocative swallows (PS) provided important information beyond that obtained from the standard supine manometric protocol.Methods  Two independent investigators reviewed high‐resolution manometry (HRM) studies of 148 patients with both supine and upright liquid swallows and additional studies from patients with PS (increased volume, viscosity, and a marshmallow) for a resultant change in CC diagnoses. Significant diagnostic changes were defined as a change from normal or borderline motor function to abnormal motor function, esophagogastric junction (EGJ) outflow obstruction, or achalasia. Discordant diagnoses were reviewed and the Kappa test was used to evaluate the agreement between diagnoses in the different protocols.Key Results  The overall agreement in diagnosis between the five supine swallows and the five upright swallows was good (k = 0.583). Changing to the upright position elicited a significant diagnostic change in 10.1% (15/148) of cases. The PS suggested an alternative diagnosis from the supine position in 14 of 75 studies (18.7%); 11 of these changed to EGJ obstruction during viscous or solid bolus challenges.Conclusions & Inferences  Changing position in HRM elicited a significant change in diagnosis in about 10% of studies, whereas provocative bolus challenges with viscous liquid and marshmallows increased the detection of EGJ outflow obstruction. Performing manometric evaluations in both positions with PS may increase the yield of standard HRM technique.
Optineurin is potentially associated with TDP‐43 and involved in the pathogenesis of inclusion body myositis
Authors: Yamashita S. , Kimura E. , Tawara N. , Sakaguchi H. , Nakama T. , Maeda Y. , Hirano T. , Uchino M. , Ando Y. 
Published: August 2012

S. Yamashita, E. Kimura, N. Tawara, H. Sakaguchi, T. Nakama, Y. Maeda, T. Hirano, M. Uchino and Y. Ando (2013) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology39, 406–416Optineurin is potentially associated with TDP‐43 and involved in the pathogenesis of inclusion body myositisAims: Increasing evidences suggest a similarity in the pathophysiological mechanisms of neuronal cell death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and myofibre degeneration in sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM). The aim of this study is to elucidate the involvement of ALS‐causing proteins in the pathophysiological mechanisms in sIBM. Methods: Skeletal muscle biopsy specimens of five patients with sIBM, two with oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD), three with polymyositis (PM), three with dermatomyositis (DM), three with neurogenic muscular atrophy, and three healthy control subjects were examined. We analysed the expression and localization of familial ALS‐causing proteins, including transactive response DNA binding protein‐43 (TDP‐43), fused in sarcoma/translocated in liposarcoma (FUS/TLS), Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and optineurin (OPTN) by immunohistochemistry. Results: TDP‐43, OPTN and, to a lesser extent, FUS/TLS were more frequently accumulated in the cytoplasm in patients with sIBM and OPMD than in patients with PM, DM, neurogenic muscular atrophy, or healthy control subjects. SOD1 was accumulated in a small percentage of myofibres in patients with sIBM and OPMD, and to a very small extent in patients with PM and DM. Confocal microscopy imaging showed that TDP‐43 proteins more often colocalized with OPTN than with FUS/TLS, p62 and phosphorylated Tau. Conclusions: These findings suggest that OPTN in cooperation with TDP‐43 might be involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of skeletal muscular degeneration in myopathy with rimmed vacuoles. Further investigation into these mechanisms is therefore warranted.
Case–control study of Staphylococcus lugdunensis infection isolates from small companion animals
Authors: Rook Kathryn A. , Brown Dorothy C. , Rankin Shelley C. , Morris Daniel O. 
Published: August 2012

Background –  Coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus lugdunensis has recently been shown to cause invasive infections of people, which are similar in pathogenic effect to those caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Little is known about the pathogenicity of S. lugdunensis in companion animals.Objectives –  To compare potential risk factors for infection, body sites affected, and whether cases and controls had been treated with antimicrobial drugs based upon susceptibility test results.Animals –  Thirty‐three cases of S. lugdunensis infection (25 dogs, six cats and two small mammals) were identified between January 2003 and August 2011. Two Staphylococcus pseudintermedius controls, which were identified by the microbiology laboratory immediately before and after each S. lugdunensis case, were host‐species matched to each case.Methods –  A retrospective case–control analysis.Results –  During the period evaluated, the prevalence of S. lugdunensis infection was 1.3 cases per 10,000 hospital admissions for dogs and 0.95 cases per 10,000 admissions for cats (P = 0.453). In univariate analyses, S. pseudintermedius isolation was significantly associated with skin infections (P < 0.0001), while S. lugdunensis isolation was associated with the respiratory tract (P = 0.03) and other deep tissues (P = 0.005). Cases were less likely than controls to have been treated based upon susceptibility test results (P = 0.02). A conditional logistic regression analysis showed isolation of S. lugdunensis to be associated with recent (≤ 30 days) steroid administration (odds ratio, 17.72; 95% confidence interval, 2.35–132.82; P = 0.005); and in‐patient status (odds ratio, 9.67; 95% confidence interval, 2.18–42.88; P = 0.003).Conclusions –  These results suggest that S. lugdunensis may cause invasive infections in companion animals, which should be treated with antimicrobials based upon susceptibility tests when available.
Brain region‐ and sex‐specific alterations in DAMGO‐stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding in mice with Oprm1A112G
Authors: Wang Yu‐Jun , Huang Peng , Blendy Julie A. , Liu‐Chen Lee‐Yuan 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe A118G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the human μ‐opioid receptor (MOPR) gene (OPRM1) was associated with heightened dopamine release by alcohol intake, better treatment outcome for nicotine and alcohol addiction, and reduced analgesic responses to morphine. A mouse model that possesses the equivalent substitution (A112G) in the mouse MOPR gene (OPRM1) was generated to delineate the mechanisms of the impact of the SNP. Mice homozygous for the G112 allele (G/G) displayed lower morphine‐induced antinociception than mice homozygous for the A112 allele (A/A), similar to the results in humans. In this study, we examined whether A112G SNP affected MOPR‐mediated G protein activation in the mouse model. We compared A/A and G/G mice in the MOPR‐selective agonist [D‐Ala2, N‐MePhe4, Gly‐ol]‐enkephalin (DAMGO)‐stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding in brain regions by autoradiography. When the data of males and females were combined, G/G mice exhibited lower DAMGO‐stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding in the ventral tegmental area than A/A mice, in accord with the previously reported reduced morphine‐induced hyperactivity and locomotor sensitization in G/G mice. In the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core, female G/G mice displayed lower DAMGO‐stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding than female A/A mice, which is consistent with the previously reported deficiency in morphine‐induced conditioned place preference in female G/G mice. In G/G mice, males showed higher DAMGO‐stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding than females in the cingulate cortex, caudate putamen, NAc core, thalamus and amygdala. Thus, A112G SNP affects DAMGO‐stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding in region‐ and sex‐specific manners.