bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementing the number needed to harm in clinical practice: risk of myocardial infarction in HIV‐1‐infected patients treated with abacavir
Authors: Kowalska JD , Kirk O , Mocroft A , Høj L , Friis‐Møller N , Reiss P , Weller I , Lundgren JD 
Published: October 2009

ObjectivesThe D:A:D study group reported a 1.9‐fold increased relative risk (RR) of myocardial infarction (MI) associated with current or recent use of abacavir. The number needed to harm (NNH) incorporates information about the underlying risk of MI and the increased RR of MI in patients taking abacavir.MethodsNNH was calculated as the reciprocal of the difference between the underlying risks of MI with and without abacavir use. A parametric statistical model was used to calculate the underlying risk of MI over 5 years.ResultsThe relationship between NNH and underlying risk of MI is reciprocal, resulting in wide variation in the NNH with small changes in underlying risk of MI. The smallest changes in NNH are in the medium‐ and high‐risk groups of MI. The NNH changes as risk components are modified; for example, for a patient who smokes and has a systolic blood pressure (sBP) of 160 mmHg and a 5‐year risk of MI of 1.3% the NNH is 85, but the NNH increases to 277 if the patient is a nonsmoker and to 370 if sBP is within the normal range (120 mmHg).ConclusionsWe have illustrated that the impact of abacavir use on risk of MI varies according to the underlying risk and it may be possible to increase considerably the NNH by decreasing the underlying risk of MI using standard of care interventions, such as smoking cessation or control of hypertension.
Lower maternal folate status in early pregnancy is associated with childhood hyperactivity and peer problems in offspring
Authors: Schlotz Wolff , Jones Alexander , Phillips David I.W. , Gale Catharine R. , Robinson Sian M. , Godfrey Keith M. 
Published: October 2009

Background: Maternal nutrition during pregnancy has been linked with fetal brain development and psychopathology in the offspring. We examined for associations of maternal folate status and dietary intake during pregnancy with brain growth and childhood behavioural difficulties in the offspring.Methods: In a prospective cohort study, maternal red blood cell folate (RCF) was measured at 14 weeks of pregnancy and total folate intake (TFI) from food and supplements was assessed in early and late pregnancy. The offspring’s head circumference and body weight were measured at birth and in infancy, and 100 mothers reported on children’s behavioural difficulties at a mean age of 8.75 years using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.Results: Lower maternal RCF and TFI in early pregnancy were associated with higher childhood hyperactivity (RCF:beta = −.24;p = .013; TFI:beta = −.24;p = .022) and peer problems scores (RCF:beta = −.28;p = .004; TFI:beta = −.28;p = .009) in the offspring. Maternal gestational RCF was positively associated with head circumference at birth (adjusted for gestational age), and mediation analyses showed significant inverse indirect associations of RCF with hyperactivity/inattention and peer problems via fetal brain growth. Adjustment for mother’s smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy did not change the results.Conclusions: Although the associations are small and residual confounding is possible, our data provide preliminary support for the hypothesis that lower folate status in early pregnancy might impair fetal brain development and affect hyperactivity/inattention and peer problems in childhood.
AP‐1 inhibitory peptides are neuroprotective following acute glutamate excitotoxicity in primary cortical neuronal cultures
Authors: Meade Amanda J. , Meloni Bruno P. , Cross Jane , Bakker Anthony J. , Fear Mark W. , Mastaglia Frank L. , Watt Paul M. , Knuckey Neville W. 
Published: October 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 258–270.AbstractNeuronal cell death caused by glutamate excitotoxicity is prevalent in various neurological disorders and has been associated with the transcriptional activation of activator protein‐1 (AP‐1). In this study, we tested 19 recently isolated AP‐1 inhibitory peptides, fused to the cell penetrating peptide TAT, for their efficacy in preventing cell death in cortical neuronal cultures following glutamate excitotoxicity. Five peptides (PYC19D‐TAT, PYC35D‐TAT, PYC36D‐TAT, PYC38D‐TAT, PYC41D‐TAT) displayed neuroprotective activity in concentration responses in both l‐ and retro‐inverso d‐isoforms with increasing levels of neuroprotection peaking at 83%. Interestingly, the D‐TAT peptide displayed a neuroprotective effect increasing neuronal survival to 25%. Using an AP‐1 luciferase reporter assay, we confirmed that the AP‐1 inhibitory peptides reduce AP‐1 transcriptional activation, and that c‐Jun and c‐Fos mRNA following glutamate exposure is reduced. In addition, following glutamate exposure the AP‐1 inhibitory peptides decreased calpain‐mediated α‐fodrin cleavage, but not neuronal calcium influx. Finally, as neuronal death following glutamate excitotoxicity was transcriptionally independent (actinomycin D insensitive), our data indicate that activation of AP‐1 proteins can induce cell death via non‐transcriptional pathways. Thus, these peptides have potential application as therapeutics directly or for the rational design of small molecule inhibitors in both apoptotic and necrotic neuronal death associated with AP‐1 activation.
Genetic disruption of G proteins, Gi2α or Goα, does not abolish inotropic and chronotropic effects of stimulating muscarinic cholinoceptors in atrium
Authors: Boknik P , Grote‐Wessels S , Barteska G , Jiang M , Müller FU , Schmitz W , Neumann J , Birnbaumer L 
Published: October 2009

Background and purpose: Classically, stimulation of muscarinic cholinoceptors exerts negative inotropic and chronotropic effects in the atrium of mammalian hearts. These effects are crucial to the vagal regulation of the heart beat. This effect is assumed to be mediated via GTP binding (G) proteins, because they can be abolished byPertussistoxin. However, it is unknown which G proteins are involved.Experimental approach: We studied contractility in isolated left or right atrium from genetically manipulated mice with deletion of one of two G proteins, either of the α subunit of Gi2protein (Gi2α) or of the α subunit of Goprotein (Goα). Preparations were stimulated with carbachol alone or after pretreatment with the β‐adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline. For comparison, the effects of carbachol on L‐type Ca2+‐channels in isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes were studied.Key results: The negative inotropic and chronotropic effects of carbachol alone or in the presence of isoprenaline were identical in atria from knockout or wild‐type mice. However, the effect of carbachol on isoprenaline‐activated L‐type Ca2+‐channel in isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes was greatly attenuated in both types of knockout mice studied.Conclusions and implications: These data imply that there is either redundancy of G proteins for signal transduction or thatPertussistoxin‐sensitive proteins other than Gi2α and Goα mediate the vagal stimulation in the atrium. Moreover, different G proteins mediate the effect of carbachol in ventricle compared with atrium.
P2Y1receptors mediate inhibitory neuromuscular transmission in the rat colon
Authors: Grasa Laura , Gil Víctor , Gallego Diana , Martín Maria Teresa , Jiménez Marcel 
Published: October 2009

Background and purpose: Inhibitory junction potentials (IJP) are responsible for smooth muscle relaxation in the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this study was to pharmacologically characterize the neurotransmitters [nitric oxide (NO) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)] and receptors involved at the inhibitory neuromuscular junctions in the rat colon using newly available P2Y1antagonists.Experimental approach: Organ bath and microelectrode recordings were used to evaluate the effect of drugs on spontaneous mechanical activity and resting membrane potential. IJP and mechanical relaxation were studied using electrical field stimulation (EFS).Key results: Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine (L‐NNA) inhibited the slow component of the IJP and partially inhibited the mechanical relaxation induced by EFS. MRS2179, MRS2500 and MRS2279, all selective P2Y1receptor antagonists, inhibited the fast component of the IJP without having a major effect on the relaxation induced by EFS. The combination of both L‐NNA and P2Y1antagonists inhibited the fast and the slow components of the IJP and completely blocked the mechanical relaxation induced by EFS. Sodium nitroprusside caused smooth muscle hyperpolarization and cessation of spontaneous motility that was prevented by oxadiazolo[4,3‐α]quinoxalin‐1‐one. Adenosine 5′‐O‐2‐thiodiphosphate, a preferential P2Y agonist, hyperpolarized smooth muscle cells and decreased spontaneous motility. This effect was inhibited by P2Y1antagonists.Conclusions and implications: The co‐transmission process in the rat colon involves ATP and NO. P2Y1receptors mediate the fast IJP and NO the slow IJP. The rank order of potency of the P2Y1receptor antagonists is MRS2500 greater than MRS2279 greater than MRS2179. P2Y1receptors might be potential pharmacological targets for the regulation of gastrointestinal motility.
Topical treatment with the vitamin D analogue calcipotriol enhances the upregulation of the antimicrobial protein hCAP18/LL‐37 during wounding in human skin in vivo
Authors: Heilborn Johan D. , Weber Günther , Grönberg Alvar , Dieterich Christine , Ståhle Mona 
Published: October 2009

Please cite this paper as: Topical treatment with the vitamin D analogue calcipotriol enhances the upregulation of the antimicrobial protein hCAP18/LL‐37 during wounding in human skin in vivo. Experimental Dermatology 2009.Abstract:  Cathelicidin antimicrobial protein, hCAP18, is the sole cathelin protein in human. Its C‐terminal peptide, which is released enzymatically from the holoprotein, has broad antimicrobial activity but also has effects on eukaryotic cells. hCAP18 is present in leukocytes and is produced at epithelial interfaces as part of the innate immune system. In normal intact skin, there is low constitutive expression of hCAP18, which is rapidly upregulated upon injury. Accumulating evidence indicates that hCAP18/LL‐37 may serve a key role in protecting the integrity of the epithelium and also actively promote re‐epithelialization and tissue repair. Molecular mechanisms responsible for controlling hCAP18 gene expression in vivo are only partly understood. Vitamin D3 and its analogue calcipotriol were recently found to directly induce transcription of the hCAP18 gene via functional vitamin D responsive elements in the hCAP18 gene promoter. Skin is the major source for vitamin D3 in human, where its production is dependent on ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. We have shown that exposure to UVB, sufficient to produce vitamin D3, upregulates hCAP18 in human skin in vivo. In the present study, we demonstrate that the upregulation of hCAP18/LL‐37 following acute skin injury is further enhanced, at both hCAP18 mRNA and protein levels, after topical treatment with the vitamin D3 analogue calcipotriol. In chronic ulcers, calcipotriol treatment upregulated hCAP18 mRNA, whereas no consistent upregulation of hCAP18 protein was detected. Our results further support the role of vitamin D3 as a key physiologic regulator of hCAP18/LL‐37 in human skin.
Behaviour and thermal experience of adult sockeye salmon migrating through stratified lakes near spawning grounds: the roles of reproductive and energetic states
Authors: Roscoe D. W. , Hinch S. G. , Cooke S. J. , Patterson D. A. 
Published: October 2009

Roscoe DW, Hinch SG, Cooke SJ, Patterson DA. Behaviour and thermal experience of adult sockeye salmon migrating through stratified lakes near spawning grounds: the roles of reproductive and energetic states. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2010: 19: 51–62. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/SAbstract – Little is known about physiological factors underlying thermal behaviour in Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchusspp.). We implanted acoustic transmitters and temperature loggers into migrating adult sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) and nonlethally assessed their reproductive hormone levels and energetic states immediately prior to their passing through natal lakesen routeto spawning grounds. We tested the hypothesis that energetic and reproductive status influence thermoregulatory and other in‐lake behaviours. More reproductively advanced females with lower levels of energy transited through cooler temperatures compared to less mature females with high levels of energy, possibly to reduce metabolic energy expenditure and delay final maturation. Transit temperatures of males were not related to physiological variables. Salmon travelled on average 13.6 km·day−1through two lakes, and often circled or held for more than 1 day before moving upstream, but these behaviours were generally not related to physiological variables.
The dangers of deprojection of proper motions
Authors: McMillan Paul J. , Binney James J. 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
We re-examine the method of deprojection of proper motions, which has been used for finding the velocity ellipsoid of stars in the nearby Galaxy. This method is only legitimate if the lines of sight to the individual stars are uncorrelated with the stars' velocities. Very simple models are used to show that spurious results similar to ones recently reported are obtained when velocity dispersion decreases with galactocentric radius in the expected way. A scheme that compensates for this bias is proposed.
IMPROVEMENT OF THE COOLING PERFORMANCE OF A FOOD PROCESSING STIRLING COOLER
Authors: SUN JIAN‐FENG , KITAMURA YUTAKA , SATAKE TAKAAKI 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT The experimental free‐piston Stirling cooler was described in a previous article and has now been improved. A sieve layer was added to the displacer (regenerator), which significantly enhanced the cooling performance of the cooler. A two‐way analysis of variance test was used to confirm the optimal conditions (the type of mesh and thickness of the sieve layer) of the modified displacer, which was used in butter churning experiments. The results showed that only the thickness of the sieve layer had a statistically significant main effect on the cooling performance of the Stirling cooler. A comparison of the efficiency of butter churning using the original and modified displacer showed that with the modified displacer, butter clusters formed rapidly and that the quality of the butter was improved. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed that although the two types of butter cluster produced using the original and modified displacers had the same configuration, the content of fat and water was different. The results showed that the mass of the butter cluster manufactured with 25% fat content cream is higher than that of the butter cluster manufactured using 15 and 35% fat content cream. The results showed that the production of butter with more than 80% fat content seemed feasible. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSBecause a free‐piston Stirling cooler uses no Chlorofluorocarbons as working fluid, it is applicable to food processing required for environmental sustainability recently. According to the vertical shaking of the cylinder of the experimental Stirling cooler, the process is available to apply for butter churning with refrigeration and mixing simultaneously. According to a smart design, the performance of the Stirling cooler was improved, and the results showed that using the Stirling cooler to produce butter was a highly feasible option. Improving the cooling efficiency of the Stirling cooler enhanced its suitability for butter churning.
INFLUENCE OF FAT CONTENT ON RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF MOLTEN ICE CREAM COMPOUND COATINGS AND THICKNESS OF SOLIDIFIED PRODUCTS
Authors: GHORBEL DORRA , BARBOUCHE NAZIHA , RIAHI HAÏTHEM , BRAHAM AHMED , ATTIA HAMADI 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT Flow properties of nine ice cream compound coatings having different total fat contents were studied with the coaxial geometry in the shear rate range 520–1,200/s. The resulting rheograms were best fit by the Casson‐Steiner model, with good values of the coefficient of determination (R2). These coatings were used in the melt state to enrobe ice cream bars by means of an electro‐pneumatic system used in lab‐scale to reproduce industrial conditions (controlled dipping rate and time). Fat content was seen to determine significantly the coating flow properties and its solidification characteristics. The plastic viscosity and the yield stress were well correlated to the coating thickness and the draining time, which would aid to a better control of the coating process in industry.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSIn the food industry, the achievement of the formulation step in product development needs a good understanding of the techno‐functional properties of the ingredients employed. Important quantities of vegetable fats play a part in the formulation of ice cream compound coatings, but their role in the determination of the coating qualities is not well clarified. The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of fat content on the rheological properties of ice cream compound coatings used to enrobe ice cream bars and to examine the relationships with thickness after dip coating.
ESSENTIAL OIL AND OLEORESINS OF CARDAMOM (AMOMUM SUBULATUM ROXB.) AS NATURAL FOOD PRESERVATIVES FOR SWEET ORANGE (CITRUS SINENSIS) JUICE*
Authors: KAPOOR I.P.S. , SINGH BANDANA , SINGH GURDIP 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT The essential oil and oleoresins (methanol, acetone, isooctane and carbon tetrachloride) of large cardamom have been used as natural food preservatives for juice of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis). The titrable acidity, ascorbic acid, pH, total and reducing sugar, percent weight loss and microbial count were studied. Essential oil and oleoresins have a significant effect on shelf life of juice. However, cardamom oil and oleoresin (acetone) were found to be superior.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSEssential oils and oleoresins of spices are considered as luxurious items because of their uses in aromatherapy, food and pharmaceutical industries. Moreover, they also possess antioxidant and antimicrobial efficiency. All fruit juices undergo varying degrees of deterioration during storage. Deterioration may be due to losses in organoleptic, nutritional value and aesthetic appeal. Essential oil and oleoresins extracted from large cardamom are used in the preservation of orange juice, and are better and safer than synthetic preservatives.
PROCESS DEVELOPMENT OF SHELF‐STABLE CHINESE STEAMED BUN
Authors: LAOHASONGKRAM K. , POONNAKASEM N. , CHAIWANICHSIRI S. 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT This research aims to develop a shelf‐stable Chinese steamed bun by using Aw and pH as hurdle. The effects of adding glycerol and lactic acid on Aw, pH and sensory qualities were studied. It was found that optimum condition is reached with the addition of 2.5% glycerol and 0.25% lactic acid, which could reduce Aw and pH to 0.912 and 5.78, respectively. From shelf‐life study, the aerobic plate count, Aw, and pH of control and hurdle‐treated products (HP) with different levels of calcium propionate (CaP), packed in polyvinylidene chloride pouches and stored at 30 ± 2C, were investigated. The HP without CaP can be stored for at least 16 days, similar to HP with CaP, and Aw increased slightly while pH did not change. From textural measurement and sensory evaluation of HP without CaP compared with control sample, the shelf life of this product can be extended to 8 days.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe result from this study can be used to develop a safe and acceptable Chinese steamed bun by using hurdle technology, aiming to be shelf‐stable at ambient temperature. The archived research led to the benefit of industrial production for better distribution and marketing of this product.
Design and Characterization of an Acid‐Activated Antimicrobial Peptide
Authors: Li Lina , He Jian , Eckert Randal , Yarbrough Daniel , Lux Renate , Anderson Maxwell , Shi Wenyuan 
Published: October 2009

Dental caries is a microbial biofilm infection in which the metabolic activities of plaque bacteria result in a dramatic pH decrease and shift the demineralization/remineralization equilibrium on the tooth surface towards demineralization. In addition to causing a net loss in tooth minerals, creation of an acidic environment favors growth of acid‐enduring and acid‐generating species, which causes further reduction in the plaque pH. In this study, we developed a prototype antimicrobial peptide capable of achieving high activity exclusively at low environmental pH to target bacterial species like Streptococcus mutans that produce acid and thrive under the low pH conditions detrimental for tooth integrity. The features of clavanin A, a naturally occurring peptide rich in histidine and phenylalanine residues with pH‐dependent antimicrobial activity, served as a design basis for these prototype ‘acid‐activated peptides’ (AAPs). Employing the major cariogenic species S. mutans as a model system, the two AAPs characterized in this study exhibited a striking pH‐dependent antimicrobial activity, which correlated well with the calculated charge distribution. This type of peptide represents a potential new way to combat dental caries.
Meta‐analysis: The efficacy and safety of monoclonal antibody targeted to epidermal growth factor receptor in the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: NIE Fang , SHEN Jun , TONG Jin Lu , XU Xi Tao , ZHU Ming Ming , RAN Zhi Hua 
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE:  To evaluate systematically the efficacy and safety of anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody added to a chemotherapeutic regimen in the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).METHODS:  Eligible articles were identified by searching electronic databases. All randomized trials comparing the arm with an anti‐EGFR monoclonal antibody to the arm without an anti‐EGFR monoclonal antibody during the treatment of mCRC were included. A statistical analysis was performed with Review Manager 4.2.8.RESULTS:  Seven randomized trials (n= 4186) were identified. The pooled response rates were 25.4% and 17.6% by intention‐to‐treat analyses for patients with or without an anti‐EGFR monoclonal antibody, respectively, the OR was 3.36 (95% CI 1.42–7.95); the incidence of grades 3–4 adverse events were 71.2% and 54.3% for two groups, respectively, the OR was 2.23 (95% CI 1.74–2.86). The incidence of diarrhea, skin toxicity, hypomagnesemia was 62.3% versus 55.7%; 79.3% versus 19.7%; 27.2% versus 5.6%; and the summary OR was 1.36 (95% CI 1.03–1.80); 33.47 (95% CI 14.81–75.61); 6.73 (95% CI 3.84–11.82), respectively.CONCLUSION:  Our results confirmed that monoclonal antibody targeted to EGFR could be effective in increasing response rates and could be a key therapeutic agent in the optimal treatment of mCRC, despite a moderate increase in grades 3–4 adverse events.