bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic MR imaging of the gastroesophageal junction in healthy volunteers during bolus passage
Authors: Kulinna‐Cosentini C. , Schima W. , Cosentini E.P. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the feasibility of noninvasive dynamic fast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during swallowing in healthy volunteers, and to determine esophageal function at the gastroesophageal junction during swallowing.Materials and MethodsA total of 20 healthy volunteers underwent MRI while swallowing in the supine position. Dynamic gradient‐echo (GRE) sequences (balanced fast field echo [B‐FFE]) were employed in three planes on a 1.5T unit using a phased‐array body coil. Buttermilk spiked with gadolinium (Gd) chelate (40:1) for bolus passage was used as an oral contrast agent. We evaluated visualization of esophageal bolus transit, bolus transit time (BTT), peristalsis, identification of the gastroesophageal junction, and reflux during the Valsalva maneuver.ResultsThe mean visible length of the esophagus was 16.2 ± 5.3 cm in the sagittal view, and 13.8 ± 4.9 cm in the coronal view. In the sagittal view the BTT was defined in 15 of 20 volunteers and was 7.6 ± 1.4 seconds. The BTT in the coronal view was measured in seven of 20 volunteers and was 8 ± 1.3 seconds on average. The axial view yielded higher scores (2.25) than the coronal (1.98) and sagittal (1.78) views for identification of the cardia and during the Valsalva maneuver. Bolus contrast was better displayed in the sagittal (2.2) view than in the coronal (2.08) or axial (1.73) planes. In six volunteers, gastroesophageal abnormalities, such as axial hernia, reflux, and nonperistaltic contractions, were identified. For statistical analysis we used the Friedman test and a one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA).ConclusionThe results indicate that dynamic MR swallowing is a feasible and reproducible technique that warrants further studies in patients. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Embryonic stem cells produce neurotrophins in response to cerebral tissue extract: Cell line‐dependent differences
Authors: Bentz Kristine , Molcanyi Marek , Riess Peter , Elbers Andrea , Pohl Esther , Sachinidis Agapios , Hescheler Jürgen , Neugebauer Edmund , Schäfer Ute 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIn the present study, we compare the capacity of two different embryonic stem (ES) cell lines to secrete neurotrophins in response to cerebral tissue extract derived from healthy or injured rat brains. The intrinsic capacity of the embryonic cell lines BAC7 (feeder cell‐dependent cultivation) to release brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) exceeded the release of these factors by CGR8 cells (feeder cell‐free growth) by factors of 10 and 4, respectively. Nerve growth factor (NGF) was secreted only by BAC7 cells. Conditioning of cell lines with cerebral tissue extract derived from healthy or fluid percussion‐injured rat brains resulted in a significant time‐dependent increase in BDNF release in both cell lines. The increase in BDNF release by BAC7 cells was more pronounced when cells were incubated with brain extract derived from injured brain. However, differences in neurotrophin release associated with the origin of brain extract were at no time statistically significant. Neutrophin‐3 and NGF release was inhibited when cell lines were exposed to cerebral tissue extract. The magnitude of the response to cerebral tissue extract was dependent on the intrinsic capacity of the cell lines to release neurotrophins. Our results clearly demonstrate significant variations in the intrinsic capability of different stem cell lines to produce neurotrophic factors. Furthermore, a significant modulation of neurotrophic factor release was observed following conditioning of cell lines with tissue extract derived from rat brains. A significant modulation of neurotrophin release dependent on the source of cerebral tissue extract used was not observed. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased levels of fucosyltransferase IX and carbohydrate Lewisx adhesion determinant in human NT2N neurons
Authors: Brito Catarina , Escrevente Cristina , Reis Celso A. , Lee Virginia M.‐Y. , Trojanowski John Q. , Costa Júlia 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe expression of the fucosylated carbohydrate Lewisx (Lex) determinant (Gal(β1–4)[Fuc(α1–3)]GlcNAc‐R) has been found in glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and glycolipids from the nervous system. Evidence suggests its association with cell–cell recognition, neurite outgrowth, and neuronal migration during central nervous system development. In the present work, we detected increased levels of Lex in differentiated human NT2N neurons cultured in vitro. To identify which fucosyltransferase (FUT) synthesized the Lex in NT2N neurons, RT‐PCR, FUT substrate specificity and Western blot analysis were carried out. Strong activity toward acceptors Galβ4GlcNAc‐O‐R and Fucα2Galβ4GlcNAc‐O‐R [R = ‐(CH2)3NHCO(CH2)5NH‐biotin], together with strong FUT9 detection by Western blot and presence of transcripts showed that FUT9 was the enzyme associated with Lex biosynthesis in NT2N neurons. Lex was detected at the plasma membrane of NT2N neurons, in lysosomes marked with lysosomal‐associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP‐1), and it was found for the first time to colocalize with the tetanus neurotoxin‐insensitive vesicle‐associated membrane protein (TI‐VAMP) that defines the TI‐VAMP exocytic compartment that is involved in neurite outgrowth. Furthermore, incubation with anti‐Lex monoclonal antibody L5 led to impaired adhesion of NT2N neurons to the surface matrix and inhibited neurite initiation. In conclusion, FUT9 and its product Lex are detected specifically in human NT2N neurons and our results indicate that they underlie cell differentiation, cell adhesion, and initiation of neurite outgrowth in those neurons. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Plasma concentrations and dietary requirements of leucine, isoleucine and valine: Studies with the young chick
Authors: D'Mello J. P. Felix 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe minimal requirements of the chick for leucine, isoleucine and valine have been assessed using diets based on wheat, groundnut meal and crystalline amino acids. The results of these studies clearly indicate that a relatively low isoleucine concentration of 0.52% allows satisfactory growth rate and efficiency of food conversion with the dietary levels of leucine and valine maintained at 0.98 and 0.63%, respectively. No beneficial response occurs to further supplementation with isoleucine. However, a higher isoleucine level (0.76 %) augments the requirements of leucine and valine to 1.10 and 0.75%, respectively, as judged by growth and efficiency of food conversion responses. These patterns of interactions are reflected in the plasma concentrations of leucine, isoleucine and valine.
Studies on nucleotides and related compounds in plants. V. Isolation and identification of bracken nucleotides
Authors: Duncan H. J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe presence of acid‐soluble nucleotides was demonstrated in bracken rhizomes. Cold trichloroacetic acid extracts of bracken had to be submitted to some eight purification steps prior to analysis. Of the nucleotide material held by an anion exchange resin uridine derivatives (UMP, UDP‐glucose, UDP‐galactose, UDP‐xylose, UDP‐arabinose, UDP‐glucuronic acid and a trace of UDP) accounted for some 80% of the total. The remainder comprised guanosine (12%; GMP, GDP‐mannose and GDP‐fucose) and adenosine (8%; mainly ATP) compounds.A comparison of the sugar composition of the nucleotide material with that of associated soluble carbohydrates present in the rhizome (mucilage, glycoside and sucrose) is also included.
Testicular development, androstenone levels and androstenone odour of untreated and trenbolone implanted boars
Authors: Ventanas Jesús , Sancho Gabriel , Garcia‐Regueiro Jose A , Antequera Teresa , Martinez Margarita , López‐Bote Clemente 
Published: March 2007

AbstractTwelve boars were implanted at 50 kg live weight with 300 mg of trenbolone acetate (TBA), and 12 male litter mates were held as controls. All animals were slaughtered at 175 days of age and ∼ 100 kg live weight. TBA administration led to a decrease in testicle size (P<0.001) and testosterone levels (P<0.05). Histological evidence of modifications of the intertubular area (Leydig cells) in the testicle was found. Decrease of weight and endocrine secretion in the testes reduced the accumulation of 5α‐androstenone in adipose tissue from a mean ± SEM value of 0–52 ± 0–16 μg g−1 fat for untreated boars to 0–22±0–04 μg g−1 fat for implanted animals. Sensory evaluation of androstenone odour using the hot iron method demonstrated that the percentage of unfavourable opinions was high for control boars whereas none of the implanted males exhibited detectable androstenone odour. These induced modifications of testicular secretion by androgen administration in pigs—in contrast to castration—have the advantage of reducing the androstenone odour without decreasing the productive performance of entire males.
A sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for κ‐carrageenan determination
Authors: Arakawa Shoichi , Ishihara Hideko , Nishio Osamu , Isomura Shin 
Published: March 2007

AbstractHigh titre antisera to κ‐carrageenan were produced by immunisation of rabbits and guinea pigs with K‐carrageenan. These antisera, rabbit serum as a capture antibody and guinea pig serum as a detector antibody, were used in a sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The range of determination of K‐carrageenan was from 16 to 256 ng ml−1 in the assay. The antisera showed no cross‐reactivity with six thickeners. The assay was developed for application to foods such as jelly and custard pudding and demonstrated many advantages including high sensitivity, technical simplicity and the minimal requirement for food sample preparation before assay.
Development of a rapid colorimetric method for the determination of chlorogenic acid in freeze‐dried potato tubers
Authors: Griffiths D Wynne , Bain H , Dale M F B 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAfter‐cooking blackening (ACB) in potato cultivars results from the formation of complex compounds of chlorogenic acid and iron ions. At present the estimation of chlorogenic acid content represents the most reliable method for predicting the extent of ACB in material in a potato breeding programme to allow subsequent selection. A number of methods for determining chlorogenic acid levels, including high performance liquid chromatography, sodium nitrite and other colorimetric and chromatographic assays, are evaluated. A rapid screening method for the direct determination of chlorogenic acid levels is described, and its application within a breeding programme and the results obtained from a number of cultivars are discussed.
Purification and partial characterisation of trypsin inhibitors from seeds of Clitoria ternatea
Authors: Macedo Maria Ligia R , Xavier‐Filho José 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThree trypsin inhibitors of 20, 12 and 7 kDa were isolated in pure form from seeds of the vine Clitoria ternatea L of the tribe Glycineae of the Papilionoideae. The 20‐kDa inhibitor is a one‐chain molecule with arginine in the reactive site. The 12‐kDa one is also a one‐chain molecule and has lysine in the reactive site. It is also an inhibitor of chymotrypsin. They were tentatively assigned to the Kunitz and Bowman‐Birk families, respectively. The small molecular weight inhibitor (7 kDa) also has an arginine in the reactive site and is probably of the Bowman‐Birk type.
The mechanism of drip production: Formation of two compartments of extracellular space in muscle Post mortem
Authors: Offer Gerald , Cousins Tony 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe structural changes occurring post mortem at 10°C in beef sternomandibularis muscle have been studied by fixing muscles at various times post mortem and examining transverse sections by light microscopy, or transversely cut surfaces by scanning electron microscopy.At 2 h post mortem, the muscle fibres filled the endomysial network and the fibre bundles filled the perimysial network. At 4 to 6 h post mortem, presumably as a result of fibre shrinkage, gaps appeared between the fibre bundles and the perimysial network but at this stage the fibres still filled the endomysial network. Gaps between fibres did not appear until about 24 to 48 h post mortem.It is concluded that at rigor onset, when myofibrils shrink owing to pH fall and the attachment of myosin heads to actin filaments, the fluid expelled accumulates in these two types of extracellular space. Such fluid, especially that accumulating between fibre bundles, is the likely source of drip.
Comparative studies of the degradation of non‐starchy polysaccharides by sorghums and barleys during malting
Authors: Etokakpan Okokon U 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe β‐D‐glucan of whole grains of four sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench) varieties grown in Nigeria, unlike those of barley, is not significantly reduced during malting. Pentosan level, while enhanced in barley (Hordeum rulgare L) during the same period, dropped in sorghum. Apparently sorghums have very low β‐D‐glucan degrading endo β 1–3,1‐4 glucanase activity as observed from their failure to hydrolyse their isolated endosperm cell walls and barley β‐D‐glucan extracted in water at 40°C.
Flavonoids in three olive (Olea europaea) fruit varieties during maturation
Authors: Vlahov Giovanna 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe objective of the present paper was the characterisation of olive fruit varieties through the formation and variation during maturation of their flavonols, flavones and anthocyanins. An olive variety with a constant cyanidin‐3‐rutinoside:cyanidin‐3‐glucoside ratio of 1 exhibited lower contents of luteolin‐7‐glucoside and quercetin‐3‐rutinoside than varieties in which the only anthocyanin detected was cyanidin‐3‐rutinoside.
Particle size distribution and solubility of dietary fibre in swede‐ (Brassica napus) based and wheat‐bran‐based diets during gastrointestinal transit in the pig
Authors: Robertson James A , Murison Sandra D , Chesson Andrew 
Published: March 2007

AbstractChanges in fibre solubility, particle size and distribution and microbial activity during gut transit in pigs fed either a swede‐based or wheat‐bran‐based diet were monitored. Digesta samples recovered from the stomach, ileum and caecum, together with feed and faecal samples, were examined for changes in the chemical and physical properties of the fibre fraction. Solubility of swede fibre was increased in the upper gut where a fourfold reduction in particle size and change in particle size distribution also occurred. This was associated with a loss of pectic polysaccharide. Little change in bran properties was noted in the foregut although the shape of bran particles was modified in the large intestine. Overall loss of the fibre fraction during gut transit was 41‐5% for bran and 87‐8% for swede. Microbial colonisation of the upper gut was significant on both diets. Chemical conditions during transit were thought to predispose pectic polysaccharides to solubilisation, and to encourage tissue maceration and hence particle size reduction. Lack of pectic polysaccharides in wheat bran and/or lignification maintained particle integrity in this diet. These properties may be important in influencing the physiological response to fibre in the diet.
Sterols of seed oils of Vernonia galamensis, Amaranthus cruentus, Amaranthus caudatus, Amaranthus hybridus and Amaranthus hypochondriacus grown in the humid tropics
Authors: Ologunde M O , Ayorinde F O , Shepard R L , Afolabi O A , Oke O L 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAnalysis of sterols of seed oils from Vernonia galamensis, Amaranthus cruentus, A caudatus, A hybridus and A hypochondriacus, the last four being exotic breeds planted in the humid tropics of Africa, is presented in this report. Identifiable sterols in all the seed oil samples include campesterol, stigmasterol, ß‐sitosterol, Δ5‐avenasterol and Δ7‐avenasterol except for Vernonia galamensis where cholesterol was detected (63.61 mg per 100 g oil).
Modelling the aqueous extraction of soluble substances from ground roasted coffee
Authors: Zanoni Bruno , Pagliarini Ella , Peri Claudio 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThis work aims to study and model the extraction of soluble substances from coffee grounds having different particle sizes. The results demonstrate that coffee brewing cannot be considered a simple diffusion mechanism as reported in the literature. The phenomenon has two phases: a washing phase where surface soluble substances instantaneously dissolve and are transferred to the extract by a convection mechanism, and a diffusion phase involving the solubles within the porous particles. A model was set up to calculate extraction yield as the addition of the two phases.It was also demonstrated that the effect of washing shows a linear correlation with the external surface area of particles and that the composition of the extracts does not depend on extraction time.
Chromatographic and non‐chromatographic characterization of poly‐α‐olefins
Authors: Voelkel Adam , Fall Jacek 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBoth chromatographic and non‐chromatographic techniques were used in the characterization and identification of poly‐α‐olefins. Synthetic base oils, although produced from the same raw material, exhibit different physico‐chemical properties. Their mutual miscibility and behaviour in final engine oils may be predicted from data collected through classical physico‐chemical analysis, simulated distillation chromatography as well as inverse gas chromatography. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conversion coating treatment for AZ91 magnesium alloys by a permanganate‐REMS bath
Authors: Liang C.H. , Zheng R.F. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA permanganate‐rare earth metal salt (REMS) chemical conversion bath was applied to a sample of AZ91 magnesium alloy in this study, a red‐brown conversion coating formed subsequently on the sample surface. The test results of this coating with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that there existed net‐like cracks on the surface of the treated magnesium alloy. With the analyses of X‐ray Diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), a further study of this coating indicated that the coating was structurally amorphous and mainly composed of CeO2, MnO, MnO2, MgO, Mg(OH)2 and MgAl2O4. Furthermore, the electrochemical polarization tests showed that compared with the samples treated by the chrome‐based method, the open‐circuit potential of the magnesium alloy coated in permanganate‐REMS bath moved from − 1.34 VSCE to − 1.28 VSCE and the anodic current density of the alloy, at the same potential, decreased evidently in simulated sweat fluid. The cracks in the chemical conversion coating should be caused by the phase structure of the magnesium alloy. During the chemical conversion process, the localized corrosion micro‐cell led to the formation of the net‐like cracks on the surface. Simultaneously, the dehydration of the surface coating after treatment also accelerated the formation of the cracks at the coating surface.
Vascularized fibular graft for bone reconstruction of the extremities after tumor resection in limb‐saving procedures
Authors: Minami Akio , Kutsumi Keiji , Takeda Naoki , Kaneda Kiyoshi 
Published: March 2007

AbstractWe treated 18 patients (8 males and 10 females) with bone or soft tissue tumors in the extremities by vascularized fibular grafts (VFGs). The average age was 29 years. Two had malignant soft tissue tumors in the forearm (angiosarcoma and synovial sarcoma) and the other 16 had bone tumors [osteosarcoma (8), chondrosarcoma (3), angiosarcoma (1), adamantinoma (1), and giant cell tumor (3)]. Affected sites of the bone tumor cases were tibia (5), femur (5), humerus (3), radius (2), and ulna (1). According to the surgical staging system of Enneking et al. 1 patient was in stage III, 12 in IIB, 2 in IB, and 3 in IA. The surgical margin was curative in 5 patients, wide in 9, marginal in 2, and intralesional in 2. One patient died due to lung metastasis although bone union was obtained by the VFGs. Functional results of the bone reconstruction in the remaining 17 patients were evaluated according to the modified scale of Enneking et al. The VFGs resulted in substantial bone unions in all patients except 1. Bone unions in all 17 patients occurred in less than 10 months. Overall clinical results were satisfactory. Based on a 30‐point scale overall clinical results ranged from 10 to 30 points with an average of 21 points. Functional evaluation in the upper extremity were, generally, superior to those in the lower extremity. Postoperative complications were 5 metastases (4 in the lung and 1 in the mediastinum) in 4 patients, 1 recurrence, and 2 fractures after obtaining bone union. One patient died from metastasis. These results suggest that the VFG is effective for salvaging limb function where a massive bone defect results from wide resection of tumor in the extremities. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The rat brachial plexus and its terminal branches: An experimental model for the study of peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Bertelli Jayme Augusto , Taleb Madgid , Saadi Assia , Mira Jean‐Claude , Pecot‐Dechavassine Monique 
Published: March 2007

AbstractDespite the introduction of microsurgical techniques into clinical practice, the results of surgical procedures involving the brachial plexus and peripheral nerves are still far from spectacular. We therefore studied the rat brachial plexus and its terminal branches in 203 rats. Detailed anatomic and morphologic analyses of the biceps brachii and musculocutaneous nerve, finger flexors, flexor carpi radialis, and the median nerve were performed. Various sources of conventional and vascularized nerve grafts were explored. After musculocutaneous nerve section or median nerve section, there were no articular contractures or automutilations, which constitutes an advantage for these experimental models over the sciatic nerve model. The brachial plexus and its terminal branches provide a good experimental model which can be used to assess the development and normal control of muscle function, examine the mechanisms underlying functional recovery, and test the effects of treatments to enhance recovery. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Experimental microvenous thrombosis following anastomosis with a knotted suture
Authors: Tonken Heidi P. , Zhang Feng , Yim Kenneth K. , Gencosmanoglu Reha , Sudekum Anthony E. , Campagna‐Pinto Dante , Newlin Leonard , Buncke Harry J. , Lineaweaver William C. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAn experimental model for producing venous thrombosis was developed in end‐to‐end anastomoses of femoral veins in rats. The anastomoses were performed using a suture (9–0 suture‐70 μm needle) with a knot 1 cm from the needle. The knot was formed by making either six or eight half‐hitches in one throw of the suture. Vessel patency was assessed through the direct “milking test” at 20 min and 24 hrs. The incidence of thrombosis when using one knot with six half‐hitches ranged from 20% to 40% and with eight half‐hitches, from 50% to 70%. The incidence of femoral vein thrombosis varied directly with the presence and size of the knot. In this model, thrombosis was induced by exaggerating vessel injuries that may occur when performing routine microvascular anastomoses. This study demonstrates a reproducible thrombogenic model which mimics clinical practice and may be used to study the effects of local and systemic antithrombogenic agents. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.