bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies to Reduce the Harmful Effects of Extreme Heat Events: A Four-City Study
Authors: White-Newsome Jalonne , McCormick Sabrina , Sampson Natalie , Buxton Miatta , O'Neill Marie , Gronlund Carina , Catalano Linda , Conlon Kathryn , Parker Edith
Published: February 2014

Extreme heat events (EHEs) are becoming more intense, more frequent and longer lasting in the 21st century. These events can disproportionately impact the health of low-income, minority, and urban populations. To better understand heat-related intervention strategies used by four U.S. cities, we conducted 73 semi-structured interviews with government and non-governmental organization leaders representing public health, general social services, emergency management, meteorology, and the environmental planning sectors in Detroit, MI; New York City, NY; Philadelphia, PA and Phoenix, AZ—cities selected for their diverse demographics, climates, and climate adaptation strategies. We identified activities these leaders used to reduce the harmful effects of heat for residents in their city, as well as the obstacles they faced and the approaches they used to evaluate these efforts. Local leaders provided a description of how local context (e.g., climate, governance and city structure) impacted heat preparedness. Despite the differences among study cities, political will and resource access were critical to driving heat-health related programming. Upon completion of our interviews, we convened leaders in each city to discuss these findings and their ongoing efforts through day-long workshops. Our findings and the recommendations that emerged from these workshops could inform other local or national efforts towards preventing heat-related morbidity and mortality.
Xenobiotic Metabolism: The Effect of Acute Kidney Injury on Non-Renal Drug Clearance and Hepatic Drug Metabolism
Authors: Dixon John , Lane Katie , MacPhee Iain , Philips Barbara
Published: February 2014

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of critical illness, and evidence is emerging that suggests AKI disrupts the function of other organs. It is a recognized phenomenon that patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have reduced hepatic metabolism of drugs, via the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme group, and drug dosing guidelines in AKI are often extrapolated from data obtained from patients with CKD. This approach, however, is flawed because several confounding factors exist in AKI. The data from animal studies investigating the effects of AKI on CYP activity are conflicting, although the results of the majority do suggest that AKI impairs hepatic CYP activity. More recently, human study data have also demonstrated decreased CYP activity associated with AKI, in particular the CYP3A subtypes. Furthermore, preliminary data suggest that patients expressing the functional allele variant CYP3A5*1 may be protected from the deleterious effects of AKI when compared with patients homozygous for the variant CYP3A5*3, which codes for a non-functional protein. In conclusion, there is a need to individualize drug prescribing, particularly for the more sick and vulnerable patients, but this needs to be explored in greater depth.
Identification and Characterization of Buffalo 7SK and U6 pol III Promoters and Application for Expression of Short Hairpin RNAs
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxi , Liu Qingyou , Luo Chan , Deng Yanfei , Cui Kuiqing , Shi Deshun
Published: February 2014

RNA polymerase III (pol III) type 3 promoters, such as 7SK and U6, are routinely used to induce short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) to knockdown gene expression by RNA interference (RNAi). To extend the application of RNAi to studies of buffalo, an shRNAs expressing system using the buffalo pol III promoters was developed. Buffalo 7SK promoter (bu7SK) and U6 promoter (buU6) sequences upstream of the full-length 7SK and U6 small nuclear RNA sequence in the buffalo genome were identified and characterized, respectively. To determine the functionality of these promoters in constructs driving shRNA expression, anti-EGFP shRNAs (shEGFP) cassettes under the direction of bu7SK and buU6 were constructed. We further compared the EGFP knockdown efficiency of constructs using bu7SK and buU6 with that of promoters of human and bovine origins in BFF cells and mouse PT67 cells by flow cytometry and quantitative real-time PCR assays. We found that the bu7SK and buU6 promoters induced the greatest level of suppression in homologous and heterologous cells relative to promoters derived from other species. Taken together, functional bu7SK and buU6 promoters were identified and characterized, thus laying the groundwork for future development of RNAi therapeutics and gene modification in buffalo species.
Review of Plasmonic Nanocomposite Metamaterial Absorber
Authors: Hedayati Mehdi , Faupel Franz , Elbahri Mady
Published: February 2014

Plasmonic metamaterials are artificial materials typically composed of noble metals in which the features of photonics and electronics are linked by coupling photons to conduction electrons of metal (known as surface plasmon). These rationally designed structures have spurred interest noticeably since they demonstrate some fascinating properties which are unattainable with naturally occurring materials. Complete absorption of light is one of the recent exotic properties of plasmonic metamaterials which has broadened its application area considerably. This is realized by designing a medium whose impedance matches that of free space while being opaque. If such a medium is filled with some lossy medium, the resulting structure can absorb light totally in a sharp or broad frequency range. Although several types of metamaterials perfect absorber have been demonstrated so far, in the current paper we overview (and focus on) perfect absorbers based on nanocomposites where the total thickness is a few tens of nanometer and the absorption band is broad, tunable and insensitive to the angle of incidence. The nanocomposites consist of metal nanoparticles embedded in a dielectric matrix with a high filling factor close to the percolation threshold. The filling factor can be tailored by the vapor phase co-deposition of the metallic and dielectric components. In addition, novel wet chemical approaches are discussed which are bio-inspired or involve synthesis within levitating Leidenfrost drops, for instance. Moreover, theoretical considerations, optical properties, and potential application of perfect absorbers will be presented.
Bioprospecting from Marine Sediments of New Brunswick, Canada: Exploring the Relationship between Total Bacterial Diversity and Actinobacteria Diversity
Authors: Duncan Katherine , Haltli Bradley , Gill Krista , Kerr Russell
Published: February 2014

Actinomycetes are an important resource for the discovery of natural products with therapeutic properties. Bioprospecting for actinomycetes typically proceeds without a priori knowledge of the bacterial diversity present in sampled habitats. In this study, we endeavored to determine if overall bacterial diversity in marine sediments, as determined by 16S rDNA amplicon pyrosequencing, could be correlated with culturable actinomycete diversity, and thus serve as a powerful tool in guiding future bioprospecting efforts. Overall bacterial diversity was investigated in eight marine sediments from four sites in New Brunswick, Canada, resulting in over 44,000 high quality sequences (x̄ = 5610 per sample). Analysis revealed all sites exhibited significant diversity (H’ = 5.4 to 6.7). Furthermore, statistical analysis of species level bacterial communities (D = 0.03) indicated community composition varied according to site and was strongly influenced by sediment physiochemical composition. In contrast, cultured actinomycetes (n = 466, 98.3% Streptomyces) were ubiquitously distributed among all sites and distribution was not influenced by sediment composition, suggesting that the biogeography of culturable actinomycetes does not correlate with overall bacterial diversity in the samples examined. These actinomycetes provide a resource for future secondary metabolite discovery, as exemplified by the antimicrobial activity observed from preliminary investigation.
Antimicrobial Activity of the Marine Alkaloids, Clathrodin and Oroidin, and Their Synthetic Analogues
Authors: Zidar Nace , Montalvão Sofia , Hodnik Žiga , Nawrot Dorota , Žula Aleš , Ilaš Janez , Kikelj Danijel , Tammela Päivi , Mašič Lucija
Published: February 2014

Marine organisms produce secondary metabolites that may be valuable for the development of novel drug leads as such and can also provide structural scaffolds for the design and synthesis of novel bioactive compounds. The marine alkaloids, clathrodin and oroidin, which were originally isolated from sponges of the genus, Agelas, were prepared and evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against three bacterial strains (Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and one fungal strain (Candida albicans), and oroidin was found to possess promising Gram-positive antibacterial activity. Using oroidin as a scaffold, 34 new analogues were designed, prepared and screened for their antimicrobial properties. Of these compounds, 12 exhibited >80% inhibition of the growth of at least one microorganism at a concentration of 50 µM. The most active derivative was found to be 4-phenyl-2-aminoimidazole 6h, which exhibited MIC90 (minimum inhibitory concentration) values of 12.5 µM against the Gram-positive bacteria and 50 µM against E. coli. The selectivity index between S. aureus and mammalian cells, which is important to consider in the evaluation of a compound’s potential as an antimicrobial lead, was found to be 2.9 for compound 6h.
A Density Functional Theory Study of the Adsorption of Benzene on Hematite (α-Fe2O3) Surfaces
Authors: Dzade Nelson , Roldan Alberto , De Leeuw Nora
Published: February 2014

The reactivity of mineral surfaces in the fundamental processes of adsorption, dissolution or growth, and electron transfer is directly tied to their atomic structure. However, unraveling the relationship between the atomic surface structure and other physical and chemical properties of complex metal oxides is challenging due to the mixed ionic and covalent bonding that can occur in these minerals. Nonetheless, with the rapid increase in computer processing speed and memory, computer simulations using different theoretical techniques can now probe the nature of matter at both the atomic and sub-atomic levels and are rapidly becoming an effective and quantitatively accurate method for successfully predicting structures, properties and processes occurring at mineral surfaces. In this study, we have used Density Functional Theory calculations to study the adsorption of benzene on hematite (α-Fe2O3) surfaces. The strong electron correlation effects of the Fe 3d-electrons in α-Fe2O3 were described by a Hubbard-type on-site Coulomb repulsion (the DFT+U approach), which was found to provide an accurate description of the electronic and magnetic properties of hematite. For the adsorption of benzene on the hematite surfaces, we show that the adsorption geometries parallel to the surface are energetically more stable than the vertical ones. The benzene molecule interacts with the hematite surfaces through π-bonding in the parallel adsorption geometries and through weak hydrogen bonds in the vertical geometries. Van der Waals interactions are found to play a significant role in stabilizing the absorbed benzene molecule. Analyses of the electronic structures reveal that upon benzene adsorption, the conduction band edge of the surface atoms is shifted towards the valence bands, thereby considerably reducing the band gap and the magnetic moments of the surface Fe atoms.
Synthesis, Molecular and Crystal Structure Analysis of 1-(4-Methylbenzenesulfonyl)indole-3-carbaldehyde and DFT Investigation of Its Rotational Conformers
Authors: Zukerman-Schpector Julio , Madureira Lucas , Wulf Glaudeston , Stefani Hélio , Vasconcelos Stanley , Ng Seik , Tiekink Edward
Published: February 2014

Two independent molecules that differ in terms of rotation about the central S-N bond comprise the asymmetric unit of the title compound 1. The molecules have a V-shape with the dihedral angles between the fused ring system and benzene ring being 79.08(6)° and 72.83(5)°, respectively. The packing is mostly driven by p···p interactions occurring between the tolyl ring of one molecule and the C6 ring of the indole fused ring system of the other. DFT and IRC calculations for these and related 1-(arylsulfonyl)indole molecules showed that the rotational barrier about the S-N bond between conformers is within the 2.5–5.5 kcal/mol range. Crystal data for C16H13NO3S (1): Mr = 299.33, space group Pna21, a = 19.6152(4) Å, b = 11.2736(4) Å, c = 12.6334(3) Å, V = 2793.67(13) Å3, Z = 8, Z' = 2, R = 0.034.
Three New Clerodane Diterpenes from Polyalthia longifolia var. pendula
Authors: Wu Tung-Ho , Cheng Yung-Yi , Chen Chao-Jung , Ng Lean-Teik , Chou Li-Chen , Huang Li-Jiau , Chen Yung-Husan , Kuo Sheng-Chu , El-Shazly Mohamed , Wu Yang-Chang , Chang Fang-Rong , Liaw Chih-Chuang
Published: February 2014

Three new clerodane diterpenes, (4→2)-abeo-cleroda-2,13E-dien-2,14-dioic acid (1), (4→2)-abeo-2,13-diformyl-cleroda-2,13E-dien-14-oic acid (2), and 16(R&S)- methoxycleroda-4(18),13-dien-15,16-olide (3), were isolated from the unripe fruit of Polyalthia longifolia var. pendula (Annonaceae) together with five known compounds (4–8). The structures of all isolates were determined by spectroscopic analysis. The anti-inflammatory activity of the isolates was evaluated by testing their inhibitory effect on NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Among the isolated compounds, 16-hydroxycleroda-3,13-dien-15,16-olide (6) and 16-oxocleroda-3,13-dien-15-oic acid (7) showed promising NO inhibitory activity at 10 µg/mL, with 81.1% and 86.3%, inhibition, respectively.
Nutritional Strategies for the Preservation of Fat Free Mass at High Altitude
Authors: Wing-Gaia Stacie
Published: February 2014

Exposure to extreme altitude presents many physiological challenges. In addition to impaired physical and cognitive function, energy imbalance invariably occurs resulting in weight loss and body composition changes. Weight loss, and in particular, loss of fat free mass, combined with the inherent risks associated with extreme environments presents potential performance, safety, and health risks for those working, recreating, or conducting military operations at extreme altitude. In this review, contributors to muscle wasting at altitude are highlighted with special emphasis on protein turnover. The article will conclude with nutritional strategies that may potentially attenuate loss of fat free mass during high altitude exposure.
A Comparison of Regular Consumption of Fresh Lean Pork, Beef and Chicken on Body Composition: A Randomized Cross-Over Trial
Authors: Murphy Karen , Parker Barbara , Dyer Kathryn , Davis Courtney , Coates Alison , Buckley Jonathan , Howe Peter
Published: February 2014

Pork is the most widely eaten meat in the world and recent evidence shows that diets high in pork protein, with and without energy restriction, may have favourable effects on body composition. However, it is unclear whether these effects on body composition are specific to pork or whether consumption of other high protein meat diets may have the same benefit. Therefore we aimed to compare regular consumption of pork, beef and chicken on indices of adiposity. In a nine month randomised open-labelled cross-over intervention trial, 49 overweight or obese adults were randomly assigned to consume up to 1 kg/week of pork, chicken or beef, in an otherwise unrestricted diet for three months, followed by two further three month periods consuming each of the alternative meat options. BMI and waist/hip circumference were measured and body composition was determined using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Dietary intake was assessed using three day weighed food diaries. Energy expenditure was estimated from activity diaries. There was no difference in BMI or any other marker of adiposity between consumption of pork, beef and chicken diets. Similarly there were no differences in energy or nutrient intakes between diets. After three months, regular consumption of lean pork meat as compared to that of beef and chicken results in similar changes in markers of adiposity of overweight and obese Australian middle-aged men and women.
Social and Environmental Impact of the Rare Earth Industries
Authors: Ali Saleem
Published: February 2014

The use of rare earth elements in various technologies continues to grow despite some alternatives being found for particular uses. Given a history of ecological concerns about pollution from rare earth mines, particularly in China, there are growing social and environmental concerns about the growth of the mining and mineral processing in this sector. This is best exemplified by the recent social and environmental conflict surrounding the development of the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (LAMP) in Kuantan, Malaysia which led to international activism and claims of environmental and social injustice. This paper analyses the structure of environmental and social conflicts surrounding rare earth minerals and opportunities for improving the social and environmental performance of the sector. Many of these elements are used for green technologies. Opportunities exist that offer a more circular supply chain following industrial ecological principles through which reuse and recycling of the materials can provide a means of mitigating social and environmental conflicts in this sector. In addition, public engagement processes that recognize community concerns about radiation, and transparent scientifically predicated decision-making through an appropriate governance structure within regulatory organizations are also presented.
Low-Cost 3D Systems: Suitable Tools for Plant Phenotyping
Authors: Paulus Stefan , Behmann Jan , Mahlein Anne-Katrin , Plümer Lutz , Kuhlmann Heiner
Published: February 2014

Over the last few years, 3D imaging of plant geometry has become of significant importance for phenotyping and plant breeding. Several sensing techniques, like 3D reconstruction from multiple images and laser scanning, are the methods of choice in different research projects. The use of RGBcameras for 3D reconstruction requires a significant amount of post-processing, whereas in this context, laser scanning needs huge investment costs. The aim of the present study is a comparison between two current 3D imaging low-cost systems and a high precision close-up laser scanner as a reference method. As low-cost systems, the David laser scanning system and the Microsoft Kinect Device were used. The 3D measuring accuracy of both low-cost sensors was estimated based on the deviations of test specimens. Parameters extracted from the volumetric shape of sugar beet taproots, the leaves of sugar beets and the shape of wheat ears were evaluated. These parameters are compared regarding accuracy and correlation to reference measurements. The evaluation scenarios were chosen with respect to recorded plant parameters in current phenotyping projects. In the present study, low-cost 3D imaging devices have been shown to be highly reliable for the demands of plant phenotyping, with the potential to be implemented in automated application procedures, while saving acquisition costs. Our study confirms that a carefully selected low-cost sensor
Experimental Infections of Wild Birds with West Nile Virus
Authors: Pérez-Ramírez Elisa , Llorente Francisco , Jiménez-Clavero Miguel
Published: February 2014

Avian models of West Nile virus (WNV) disease have become pivotal in the study of infection pathogenesis and transmission, despite the intrinsic constraints that represents this type of experimental research that needs to be conducted in biosecurity level 3 (BSL3) facilities. This review summarizes the main achievements of WNV experimental research carried out in wild birds, highlighting advantages and limitations of this model. Viral and host factors that determine the infection outcome are analyzed in detail, as well as recent discoveries about avian immunity, viral transmission, and persistence achieved through experimental research. Studies of laboratory infections in the natural host will help to understand variations in susceptibility and reservoir competence among bird species, as well as in the epidemiological patterns found in different affected areas.
“Bored Out of My Gourd”: A Cancer Survivor’s Return-to-Work Experience
Authors: Morrison T. , Thomas R.
Published: February 2014

“The cancer had to accommodate my life. My life was not going to be built around this diagnosis.”[...]
Oncology Education in Canadian Undergraduate and Postgraduate Medical Programs: A Survey of Educators and Learners
Authors: Tam V.C. , Berry S. , Hsu T. , North S. , Neville A. , Chan K. , Verma S.
Published: February 2014

Background: The oncology education framework currently in use in Canadian medical training programs is unknown, and the needs of learners have not been fully assessed to determine whether they are adequately prepared to manage patients with cancer. Methods: To assess the oncology education framework currently in use at Canadian medical schools and residency training programs for family (fm) and internal medicine (im), and to evaluate opinions about the content and utility of standard oncology education objectives, a Web survey was designed and sent to educators and learners. The survey recipients included undergraduate medical education curriculum committee members (umeccms), directors of fm and im programs, oncologists, medical students, and fm and im residents. Results: Survey responses were received from 677 educators and learners. Oncology education was felt to be inadequate in their respective programs by 58% of umeccms, 57% of fm program directors, and 50% of im program directors. For learners, oncology education was thought to be inadequate by 67% of medical students, 86% of fm residents, and 63% of im residents. When comparing teaching of medical subspecialty–related diseases, all groups agreed that their trainees were least prepared to manage patients with cancer. A standard set of oncology objectives was thought to be possibly or definitely useful for undergraduate learners by 59% of respondents overall and by 61% of postgraduate learners. Conclusions: Oncology education in Canadian undergraduate and postgraduate fm and im training programs are currently thought to be inadequate by a majority of educators and learners. Developing a standard set of oncology objectives might address the needs of learners.
Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Originating from Urachus—Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Agrawal A.K. , Bobiński P. , Grzebieniak Z. , Rudnicki J. , Marek G. , Kobielak P. , Kazanowski M. , Agrawal S. , Hałoń A.
Published: February 2014

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (pmp) is a rare clinical condition defined as extensive intraperitoneal spread of mucus associated with a variety of mucinous tumours of varying biologic behavior. Although appendix or ovaries have usually been implicated as the primary site, cases have been reported in association with neoplastic lesions of other sites. Pseudomyxoma peritonei originating from urachal remnants is a unique entity, reported only 18 times in the English literature thus far. Considering the rarity of the lesion, we report the case of a 50-year-old man surgically treated for pmp associated with a low-grade mucinous urachal neoplasm. Unique aspects of case are the low histologic aggressiveness of the causative lesion (reported only twice worldwide) and the early stage of the disease, with a relatively small amount of intraperitoneal free mucin. Review of the literature about pmp in general and a collation of previously reported cases of pmp originating from the urachus are presented and discussed.
Diagnostic Value of Preoperative Serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen and Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Polat E. , Duman U. , Duman M. , Atici A.E. , Reyhan E. , Dalgic T. , Bostanci E.B. , Yol S.
Published: February 2014

Background: Since the first introduction of tumour markers, their usefulness for diagnosis has been a challenging question. The aim of the present prospective study was to investigate, in colorectal cancer patients, the relationship between preoperative tumour marker concentrations and various clinical variables. Methods: The study prospectively enrolled 131 consecutive patients with a confirmed diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma and 131 age- and sex-matched control subjects with no malignancy. The relationships of the tumour markers carcinoembryonic antigen (cea) and carbohydrate antigen (ca) 19-9 with disease stage, tumour differentiation (grade), mucus production, liver function tests, T stage, N stage, M stage were investigated. Results: Serum concentrations of cea were significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (p = 0.001); they were also significantly higher in stage iii (p = 0.018) and iv disease (p = 0.001) than in stage i. Serum concentrations of cea were significantly elevated in the presence of spread to lymph nodes (p = 0.005) in the patient group. Levels of both tumour markers were significantly elevated in the presence of distant metastasis in the patient group (p = 0.005 for cea; p = 0.004 for ca 19-9). Conclusions: Preoperative levels of cea and ca 19-9 might provide an estimate of lymph node invasion and distant metastasis in colorectal cancer patients.
Optimizing Outcomes with Azacitidine: Recommendations from Canadian Centres of Excellence
Authors: Wells R.A. , Leber B. , Zhu N.Y. , Storring J.M.
Published: February 2014

Myelodysplastic syndromes (mdss) constitute a heterogeneous group of malignant hematologic disorders characterized by marrow dysplasia, ineffective hematopoiesis, peripheral blood cytopenias, and pronounced risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia. Azacitidine has emerged as an important treatment option and is recommended by the Canadian Consortium on Evidence-Based Care in mds as a first-line therapy for intermediate-2 and high-risk patients not eligible for allogeneic stem cell transplant; however, practical guidance on how to manage patients through treatment is limited. This best practice guideline provides recommendations by a panel of experts from Canadian centres of excellence on the selection and clinical management of mds patients with azacitidine. Familiarity with the referral process, treatment protocols, dose scheduling, treatment expectations, response monitoring, management of treatment breaks and adverse events, and multidisciplinary strategies for patient support will improve the opportunity for optimizing treatment outcomes with azacitidine.
Travel Distance and Home Dialysis Rates in the United States
Authors: Prakash Suma , Coffin Rick , Schold Jesse , Lewis Steven A. , Gunzler Douglas , Stark Susan , Howard Matthew , Rodgers Darlene , Einstadter Douglas , Sehgal Ashwini R.
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Rural residence is associated with increased peritoneal dialysis (PD) utilization. The influence of travel distance on rates of home dialysis utilization has not been examined in the United States. The purpose of this study was to determine whether travel distances to the closest home and in-center hemodialysis (IHD) facilities are a barrier to home dialysis.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients aged ≥ 18 years initiating dialysis between 2005 and 2011. Unadjusted PD and home hemodialysis (HHD) rates were compared by travel distances to both the closest home dialysis and closest IHD facilities. Adjusted PD and HHD utilization rates were examined using multivariable Logistic regression models.

Results

There were 98,608 patients in the adjusted analyses. 55.5% of the dialysis facilities offered home dialysis. IHD, PD and HHD patients traveled median distances of 5.4,3.5 and 6.6 miles respectively to their initial dialysis facilities. Unadjusted analyses showed an increase in PD rates and decrease in HHD rates with increased travel distances. Adjusted odds of PD and HHD were 1.6 and 1.2 respectively for a ten mile increase in distance to the closest home dialysis facility, while for distances to the closest IHD facility the odds ratios for both PD and HHD were 0.7 (all p< 0.01).

Conclusions

In metropolitan areas, PD and HHD generally increased with increased travel distance to the closest home dialysis facility and decreased with greater distance to an IHD facility. Examination of travel distances to PD and HHD facilities separately may provide further insight on specific barriers to these modalities which can serve as targets for future studies examining expansion of home dialysis utilization.
Effect of Icodextrin on Heart Rate Variability in Diabetic Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Orihuela Oscar , de Jesús Ventura María , Ávila–Díaz Marcela , Cisneros Alejandra , Vicenté–Martínez Marlén , Furlong María-del-Carmen , García–González Zuzel , Villanueva Diana , Alcántara Guadalupe , Lindholm Bengt , García–López Elvia , Villanueva Cleva , Paniagua Ramón
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Spectral analysis of heart rate variability is a noninvasive method for evaluating autonomic cardiovascular dysfunction under various clinical conditions, such as in dialysis patients, in whom an imbalance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system appears to be an important risk factor for sudden cardiovascular death and arrhythmia.

Objective

We compared the effect of icodextrin-based dialysis solution, an option that allows for better metabolic and fluid overload control, with that of glucose-based dialysis fluid on sympathetic and parasympathetic activity in the heart, as assessed by heart rate variability, in diabetic patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD).

Methods

This secondary analysis uses data from a randomized controlled trial in diabetic PD patients with high or high-average peritoneal transport using icodextrin-based (ICO group, n = 30) or glucose-based (GLU group, n = 29) solutions for the long dwell. All patients underwent 24-hour electrocardiographic Holter monitoring at baseline, and at 6 and 12 months of follow-up.

Results

We observed no significant differences between the groups in most of the variables analyzed, although values were, in general, below reference values. In the ICO group, total power and both low- and high-frequency power in normalized units increased, but the percentage of RR intervals with variation of more than 50 ms declined over time; in the GLU group, all those values declined. Plasma catecholamine levels were higher at baseline and declined over time.

Conclusions

These results indicate a partial recovery of sympathetic activity in the ICO group, probably because of better extracellular fluid control and lower exposure to glucose with the use of icodextrin-based dialysis solutions.
Especies del grupo Intravaginal de Festuca L. sección Festuca en los pisos basal y montano del nordeste de la Península Ibérica
Authors: Pyke S.
Published: February 2014

Diferentes especies de Festuca morfológicamente afines crecen en gran parte del territorio objeto de esta reseña (tierras mediterráneas del nordeste de la Península Ibérica), a baja y mediana altitud. Excluyendo las especies de alta montaña, estas poblaciones se han estudiado aquí haciendo hincapié en Festuca grupo inops (F. gracilior), y se han tratado otras especies (F. lemanii en especial) que a veces complican la identificación de los miembros de dicho grupo, sobre todo cuando solapan sus distribuciones. Se comenta la aplicación del binomen F. inops De Not. a algunas poblaciones ibéricas del grupo F. inops. Nuevas citas de F. tarraconensis, F. occitanica, F. michaelis y F. heteroidea amplían la distribución de estos taxones dentro de la Península Ibérica.
Nuevos xenófitos de Gran Canaria (Islas Canarias, España), con énfasis en las especies naturalizadas y (potencialmente) invasoras
Authors: Verloove F.
Published: February 2014

Trabajos recientes de campo en Gran Canaria han facilitado el descubrimiento de nuevas localidades para plantas vasculares no nativas. Agave attenuata, Antigonon leptopus, Atriplex nummularia, Cascabela thevetia, Cenchrus echinatus, Cuscuta campestris, Diplachne fusca subsp. uninervia, Diplotaxis tenuifolia, Dysphania anthelmintica (hasta ahora confundida con D. ambrosioides), Eclipta prostrata, Euphorbia pulcherrima, Fagopyrum esculentum, Gossypium barbadense, Lablab purpureus, Lemna minuta, Opuntia leucotricha, Passiflora edulis, Pennisetum glaucum, Phaseolus acutifolius, Pluchea carolinensis, Prosopis juliflora, Salvia microphylla, Schinus terebinthifolius, Senna spectabilis, Solanum chrysotrichum, Tecoma stans, Tipuana tipu, Urochloa mutica, U. plantaginea y Washingtonia se citan por primera vez para las Islas Canarias, mientras que Alopecurus myosuroides, Amaranthus blitoides, Bothriochloa ischaemum var. songarica, Cardamine flexuosa subsp. debilis, Heliotropium curassavicum, Leonotis nepetifolia, Medicago lupulina, Parkinsonia aculeata, Physalis peruviana, Phytolacca americana y Turnera ulmifolia son nuevas para la flora de la isla de Gran Canaria. Finalmente, se confirma la presencia de Paspalum vaginatum, P. distichum y Cortaderia selloana en Gran Canaria.
Notas acerca de xenófitos detectados en Cataluña, España
Authors: Pyke S.
Published: February 2014

Estas notas incluyen seis especies, entre ellas tres gramíneas: Axonopus compressus, Dactyloctenium aegyptium y Megathyrsus maximus, la crucífera Lepidium densiflorum, la pequeña compuesta anual Soliva sessilis y la trepadora Aristolochia sempervirens (Aristolochiaceae), todas ellas presentes en o alrededor de la ciudad de Barcelona, Cataluña (nordeste de España). Forman parte de la creciente flora alóctona de la región. Algunas han sido citadas con anterioridad en la península, pero son novedades para Cataluña, mientras que otras parecen constituir nuevas citas para la Península Ibérica.
Tipificación de dos nombres linneanos del género Erigeron L. (Compositae)
Authors: Ferrer-Gallego P. P. , Roselló R. , Guillén A. , Laguna E. , Gómez J. , Peris B.
Published: February 2014

Se presenta la lectotipificación del nombre Erigeron glutinosus L., con una ilustración de Barrelier de 1714 y de E. tuberosus L., con un ejemplar del herbario UPS-BURSER.
Texture and antioxidant evolution of naturally green table olives as affected by different sodium chloride brine concentrations
Authors: Fadda C. , Del Caro A. , Sanguinetti A. M. , Piga A.
Published: February 2014

The results on the evolution of the texture and antioxidant activity during the processing of naturally fermented green olives are reported in the present study. The olives were brined with two different NaCl concentrations, 4 and 7%. A puncture test and a texture profile analysis (TPA) test were carried out to evaluate texture, while the antioxidant activity was assessed in consideration of the loss of absorbance of a stable radical upon reaction with a polyphenolic olive extract. The puncture test revealed both an increase and decrease in peel and flesh hardness, respectively. The olives processed with 7% NaCl concentration showed higher peel hardness than olives brined with 4% salt. The texture profile analysis did not reveal any difference between the two salt concentrations used, but showed a decrease in the value of all parameters after 30 days of brining. The antioxidant activity of the polyphenolic extract decreased significantly during processing, with a major loss after the first 30 days of processing and was higher in the 7% brined olives, than the sample treated with 4% NaCl.
Assessing the effect of salinity on the oil quality parameters of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss) using Fourier Transform Near-Infrared Reflectance (FT-NIR) spectroscopy
Authors: Singh J. , Sharma P. C. , Sharma S. K. , Rai M.
Published: February 2014

Calibration models were developed for Fourier Transform Near Infrared Reflectance spectroscopy using PLS method and coefficients of determination (r2) for oil, protein, erucic acid and crude fiber contents were estimated 0.907, 0.922, 0.902, 0.903, respectively. Effects of the salinity on these traits were studied under normal and saline environments in the field (ECe 10.7dS·m-1) and nethouse using saline irrigation levels (ECiw 0, 9, 12, 15, 18 dS/m) during 2011–12 and 2012–13. At higher salinity; oil, protein and crude fiber contents decreased by 7.27, 14.78, 34.25% and 5.78, 29.31, 20.45% in nethouse and field conditions respectively, whereas erucic acid content increased by 72.43 and 12.20%. Thus, FT-NIRS may be useful for quick and nondestructive estimations of oil quality parameters in Indian mustard.
The effects of cultivar and harvest year on the fatty alcohol composition of olive oils from Southwest Calabria (Italy)
Authors: Giuffrè A. M.
Published: February 2014

The fatty alcohol (FAL) composition of olive oils produced in Southwest Calabria (Southern Italy) was analyzed over three harvest years 2005–2006–2007. Three autochthonous cultivars: Cassanese, Ottobratica, Sinopolese and seven allochtonous cultivars: Coratina, Itrana, Leccino, Nocellara Messinese, Nociara, Pendolino and Picholine were considered. Hexacosanol was always the main FAL occurring in the olive oil. The autochthonous cultivars were among those with the highest total FAL contents. Nevertheless, both autochthonous and allochthonous cultivars produced olive oil within the limit indicated by EU and IOC regulations. Cultivar affected the FAL content highly significantly or very highly significantly, whereas in a large part of the cases the harvest year did not influence the FAL content. Cultivar x harvest year influenced highly significantly or very highly significantly only C22-OH, C23-OH, C24-OH, C25-OH, odd chain FALs and the ratio even chain/odd chain FALs.
Physicochemical properties and chemical composition of Seinat (Cucumis melo var. tibish) seed oil and its antioxidant activity
Authors: Azhari S. , Xu Y. S. , Jiang Q. X. , Xia W. S.
Published: February 2014

Seinat (Cucumis melo var. tibish) seeds were analyzed for their physiochemical properties and chemical composition of the oil in addition to antioxidant activity. The crude oil content was 31.1%, while the moisture, fiber, protein, ash and total sugar contents were 4.2%, 24.7%, 28.5%, 4.3%, and 6.9%, respectively. The main fatty acids were linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids (61.10%, 18.75%, 10.37% and 9.18%, respectively). The total phenolic content was 28.17 mg·g–1 oil. Seinat seed oil also contained a good level of tocopherols; of which δ-tocopherol (63.43%) showed the highest content. β-sitosterol was found at 289 mg·100g–1 oil of total sterols (302 mg·100g–1) in the oil. The crude oil showed a good antioxidant activity in four assays including reducing power, β-carotene bleaching inhibition activity, ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities.
Chemical composition and oxidative evolution of Sacha Inchi (Plukentia volubilis L.) oil from Xishuangbanna (China)
Authors: Liu Q. , Xu Y. K. , Zhang P. , Na Z. , Tang T. , Shi Y. X.
Published: February 2014

Sacha Inchi oil was studied for its physicochemical characteristics, chemical composition, radical scavenging activity and storage stability. The fatty acid composition was studied by gas chromatography–flame ionization (GC–FID) and the analysis showed that the oil is highly enriched in α–linolenic (43.5%) and linoleic (39.6%) acids. The tocopherol content in the oil analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography/ultraviolet– visible detector (HPLC/UV–VIS) was also high (161.87 mg.100 g-1). Both DPPH and ABTS assays detected relatively high radical scavenging activity. After twelve months of storage, the oil showed relatively good storage stability. The results will help guide further investigation of the health benefits of Sacha Inchi oil for the population and the development of better edible oil products and nutraceuticals.
Los apoyos sociales de los movimientos y regímenes fascistas en la Europa de entreguerras: 75 años de debate científico
Authors: González Calleja Eduardo
Published: February 2014

En este ensayo se tratan de esbozar las líneas esenciales del peculiar proceso de construcción y deconstrucción a que han sido sometidas las interpretaciones «clásicas» sobre los apoyos sociales del fascismo elaboradas en las cuatro décadas posteriores a la Gran Guerra. Desde fines de los años sesenta se constató que las tres grandes corrientes o líneas de interpretación del fascismo (la de matriz liberal, la de origen radical-democrático y las diversas concepciones de inspiración marxista) habían entrado en una crisis epistemológica que condujo de la teorización a la «historización» del fascismo. Ello ha supuesto que la historiografía de los últimos años haya abordado una amplia tarea de revisión de la naturaleza del apoyo social a los movimientos y regímenes fascistas y autoritarios del período de entreguerras. Una labor de crítica que, si bien no ha desembocado en la consolidación de ningún gran paradigma alternativo, sí ha trazado un mapa de los temas, problemas y debates que constituyen el estado de la cuestión sobre el fascismo en este comienzo de siglo.
Suicidas, apóstatas y asesinos. La desesperación en la Séptima Partida de Alfonso el Sabio
Authors: Morin Alejandro
Published: February 2014

A partir de un relevamiento léxico de la «Séptima Partida» de Alfonso el Sabio, se analiza el campo semántico de la desesperación y su articulación con distintas figuras penales que excede la tradicional asociación desesperación I suicidio. Se incluyen también en el campo de análisis al asesinato y al abandono de la fe cristiana en favor del Islam. Se ensaya una interpretación general de la visión que el texto ofrece sobre la desesperación, atendiendo en particular a las condiciones de criminalización del suicidio en el derecho medieval.
Elites urbanas y sistemas concejiles: una propuesta teórico-metodológica para el análisis de los subsistemas de poder en los concejos castellanos de la Baja Edad Media
Authors: Jara Fuente José Antonio
Published: February 2014

Este artículo trata sobre uno de los elementos que configuran el sistema político concejil, el subsistema urbano de poder, y sobre nuevas estrategias analíticas para su estudio. Partiendo de la consideración de lo urbano en términos sistémicos, se pregunta por el sentido que cabe dar en un estudio de tales características al concepto «poder» y a las nociones y mecanismos de clasificación social más comúnmente utilizados en las investigaciones sobre concejos (clase dominante y dirigente, aristocracia, patriciado, oligarquía...). Aporta nuevos categorizadores sociales, en el marco de un análisis estructuralista (élites de poder y de participación), y una propuesta teórico-metodológica para el examen de los subsistemas urbanos de poder, centrada en la consideración del poder en términos de recursos y en el uso extensivo de las metodologías prosopográfica y de redes sociales, entre otras.
Una fuente «casi» perdida para la historia de la Castilla Medieval. Notas en torno al Becerro de San Pedro de Arlanza
Authors: Escalona Monge Julio , Azcárate Aguilar-Amat Pilar
Published: February 2014

El cartulario conocido como Becerro de San Pedro de Arlanza es un códice del siglo XII que recogía los principales documentos del archivo monástico entre comienzos del siglo X y mediados del XII. El códice desapareció durante la Guerra Civil (1936-1939), por lo cual sólo puede en la actualidad ser conocido gracias a la publicación de sus contenidos entre los fondos arlantinos editados por Luciano Serrano en 1923. Un análisis exhaustivo de los dispersos datos proporcionados por Serrano permite arrojar cierta luz sobre su proceso de redacción y sobre el papel que desempeñó en la formación del corpus documental de San Pedro de Arlanza.
Fiscalidad regia en León, 1230-1350
Authors: Santamarta Luengos José M.
Published: February 2014

Analizamos, a partir de documentación eclesiástica leonesa, algunos aspectos de la fiscalidad regia entre los años 1230 a 1350. El estudio lo centramos en los llamados pechos tradicionales, fonsadera, yantar y martiniega, todos ellos tributos regios. Los conflictos entre la monarquía y los otros poderes feudales son permanentes y ello se refleja en los problemas que tiene la institución monárquica en la recaudación de estos tributos. Los conflictos con la Iglesia, con concejos, con señores laicos, con oficiales regios, muchas veces motivados por la falta de claridad en el disfrute de privilegios, son muy frecuentes en este periodo. Esta conflictividad señorial podemos verla como reflejo de la tendencia centralizadora de la monarquía, en competencia con los otros poderes feudales, y, a su vez, causa de la inestabilidad política.
El pasado escindido: la enseñanza de la historia en las escuelas españolas, 1875-1900
Authors: Boyd Carolyn P.
Published: February 2014

Durante la Restauración la enseñanza de la historia de España a nivel primario y secundario reflejaba los conflictos ideológicos y políticos de la sociedad española. Dada la debilidad del estado liberal y su incapacidad de crear y transmitir eficazmente una visión de la historia, los libros de textos reproducían la ideología y los intereses particulares de los catedráticos. Ante la relativa inhibición del estado, los libros de texto rara vez proporcionaban a los alumnos una idea coherente del pasado de España y de los españoles.
Españolismo y catalanidad en la historiografía catalana decimonónica
Authors: Anguera Pere
Published: February 2014

Los planteamientos historiográficos modernos surgieron en las primeras décadas del siglo XIX de manera paralela a la aparición de los nacionalismos. En un primer momento la historiografía catalana respondió a la demanda social de un sector que no había olvidado los componentes de comunidad diferenciada, para dar paso a diversos estudios que proponían identificar las viejas libertades con las emanadas del constitucionalismo liberal para hacerlas más atractivas. La inarticulación de España, reconocida desde círculos próximos al poder facilitaba el orgullo territorial. Las primeras historias generales querían evitar la identificación, en el pasado y en su presente, de Castilla con España, en la doble voluntad de contribuir a una historia estatal más plural y de defender una estructura más o menos federalizante. A finales de siglo, la implantación del catalanismo, impulsó una nueva historiografía centrada exclusivamente en Cataluña. Los materiales aportados por los historiadores fueron aprovechados en todo tipo de discursos, que a su vez los reinterpretaban. Aquí se ofrece una aproximación a los pronunciados en los Jocs Florals, la más importante plataforma cultural de la Renaixença.
Aspectos de la revolución jurídica en el decreto de los señoríos de 1811
Authors: Hernández Montalbán Francisco
Published: February 2014

Uno de los aspectos básicos que había de abordar la burguesía en el proceso de revolución era la transformación del régimen de propiedad de la tierra y de los instrumentos que condicionaban las relaciones sociales de producción: los derechos señoriales y, principalmente, los jurisdiccionales. Ello conllevaba dos tareas: la superación del entramado jurídico que normalizaba la estructura feudal de la propiedad y la implantación del nuevo marco que regulara las relaciones de producción capitalistas. Las peculiaridades y las dudas acerca del origen de la propiedad territorial feudal y de los derechos señoriales, así como la relación entre ambos, abrían una serie de cuestiones acerca de la legalidad o legitimidad de los mismos y, por tanto, de su permanencia o el derecho a compensación. Las incorporaciones, tantas veces reclamadas por los pueblos y los fiscales, se hallaban dificultadas por los mecanismos del régimen jurídico feudal y la prepotencia señorial. Se hacía necesario establecer otros nuevos. Pero la adaptación jurídica encerraba interpretaciones y vías diferentes (inmovilista, reformista y revolucionaria), representativas de los intereses económicos y sociales en juego, y que trataban de instrumentalizar en su beneficio el aparato legal precedente.