bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PET hypermetabolism in medically resistant childhood epilepsy: Incidence, associations, and surgical outcome
Authors: Bansal Lalit , Miller Ian , Hyslop Ann , Bhatia Sanjiv , Duchowny Michael , Jayakar Prasanna 
Published: January 2016

SummaryObjectiveWe observed several children with medically resistant epilepsy demonstrating focal positron emission tomography (PET) hypermetabolism, a finding rarely reported and of questionable significance. We therefore retrospectively reviewed the incidence of hypermetabolic PET, and its relationship to electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and to the outcome of epilepsy surgery.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 498 PET brain studies in patients with medically resistant childhood epilepsy for evidence of hypermetabolism. In patients with PET hypermetabolism, we correlated metabolic abnormality with the scalp EEG and MRI findings. In a subset of patients who underwent surgical resection, we further correlated the PET findings with histopathologic and surgical outcomes.ResultsFocal PET hypermetabolism was identified in 33 (6.6%) of 498 studies. The region of hypermetabolism correlated with a spike count of ≥10 per minute in 26 of 32 concomitant scalp EEG studies and 18 of 21 lesions evident on MRI. In 17 patients who underwent surgical resection, PET hypermetabolism further correlated with regions revealing almost continuous epileptiform discharges on the intracranial EEG and with histopathologically malformative tissue. At a minimum follow‐up of 1 year postsurgery (median 33 months), 7 (50%) of 14 patients had Engel's class I outcome, 4 patients had class II, and 2 had class III outcome, whereas one patient was unchanged. At last follow‐up, seizure freedom was noted in five of seven patients with focal PET hypermetabolism alone versus three of eight patients with PET hypometabolism.SignificanceFocal PET hypermetabolism is associated with high spike frequency on scalp EEG and can occur in the absence of ictal events during the peri‐injection period. Correlation with intracranial EEG usually corroborates the highly epileptogenic pathophysiologic state. Cortical malformations constitute the most common pathologic substrate, and resection of the hypermetabolic PET region may facilitate favorable outcomes. These observations indicate that focal PET hypermetabolism is an important marker of the epileptogenic zone and may represent its epicenter.
Soil–plant–atmosphere conditions regulating convective cloud formation above southeastern US pine plantations
Authors: Manoli Gabriele , Domec Jean‐Christophe , Novick Kimberly , Oishi Andrew Christopher , Noormets Asko , Marani Marco , Katul Gabriel 
Published: January 2016

AbstractLoblolly pine trees (Pinus taeda L.) occupy more than 20% of the forested area in the southern United States, represent more than 50% of the standing pine volume in this region, and remove from the atmosphere about 500 g C m per year through net ecosystem exchange. Hence, their significance as a major regional carbon sink can hardly be disputed. What is disputed is whether the proliferation of young plantations replacing old forest in the southern United States will alter key aspects of the hydrologic cycle, including convective rainfall, which is the focus of the present work. Ecosystem fluxes of sensible () and latent heat (LE) and large‐scale, slowly evolving free atmospheric temperature and water vapor content are known to be first‐order controls on the formation of convective clouds in the atmospheric boundary layer. These controlling processes are here described by a zero‐order analytical model aimed at assessing how plantations of different ages may regulate the persistence and transition of the atmospheric system between cloudy and cloudless conditions. Using the analytical model together with field observations, the roles of ecosystem and LE on convective cloud formation are explored relative to the entrainment of heat and moisture from the free atmosphere. Our results demonstrate that cloudy–cloudless regimes at the land surface are regulated by a nonlinear relation between the Bowen ratio and root‐zone soil water content, suggesting that young/mature pines ecosystems have the ability to recirculate available water (through rainfall predisposition mechanisms). Such nonlinearity was not detected in a much older pine stand, suggesting a higher tolerance to drought but a limited control on boundary layer dynamics. These results enable the generation of hypotheses about the impacts on convective cloud formation driven by afforestation/deforestation and groundwater depletion projected to increase following increased human population in the southeastern United States.
Echinometra sea urchins acclimatized to elevated pCO2 at volcanic vents outperform those under present‐day pCO2 conditions
Authors: Uthicke Sven , Ebert Thomas , Liddy Michelle , Johansson Charlotte , Fabricius Katharina E. , Lamare Miles 
Published: January 2016

AbstractRising atmospheric CO2 concentrations will significantly reduce ocean pH during the 21st century (ocean acidification, OA). This may hamper calcification in marine organisms such as corals and echinoderms, as shown in many laboratory‐based experiments. Sea urchins are considered highly vulnerable to OA. We studied an Echinometra species on natural volcanic CO2 vents in Papua New Guinea, where they are CO2‐acclimatized and also subjected to secondary ecological changes from elevated CO2. Near the vent site, the urchins experienced large daily variations in pH (>1 unit) and pCO2 (>2000 ppm) and average pH values (pHT 7.73) much below those expected under the most pessimistic future emission scenarios. Growth was measured over a 17‐month period using tetracycline tagging of the calcareous feeding lanterns. Average‐sized urchins grew more than twice as fast at the vent compared with those at an adjacent control site and assumed larger sizes at the vent compared to the control site and two other sites at another reef near‐by. A small reduction in gonad weight was detected at the vents, but no differences in mortality, respiration, or degree of test calcification were detected between urchins from vent and control populations. Thus, urchins did not only persist but actually ‘thrived’ under extreme CO2 conditions. We suggest an ecological basis for this response: Increased algal productivity under increased pCO2 provided more food at the vent, resulting in higher growth rates. The wider implication of our observation is that laboratory studies on non‐acclimatized specimens, which typically do not consider ecological changes, can lead to erroneous conclusions on responses to global change.
Improved analysis of sinigrin in Ethiopian mustard
Authors: Yuan Deyun , Shim Youn Young , Reaney Martin J.T. , Meda Venkatesh 
Published: January 2016

SummaryAn ion‐pair reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed for the analysis of sinigrin in Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun) seed and seed fractions. Separation was compared on several RP‐HPLC columns (Inertsil® ODS‐4 C18 and ZORBAX® Eclipse XDB‐C18) with an isocratic eluent containing 100% aqueous (aq.) tetramethylammonium bromide (10 mm, pH 5.0). Sinigrin retention was affected by HPLC variables including the type of ion‐pair reagent, buffer strength and pH, acetonitrile concentration, column temperature and eluent flow rate. Partial validation demonstrated this optimised chromatographic condition to be linear, accurate and precise. Multistage extraction using 70% (v/v) aq. methanol was more efficient than 50% (v/v) aq. acetonitrile. In addition, the matrix effect and recovery rate as well as processing efficiency of the analytical protocol were determined. This method is suitable for high throughput analysis of sinigrin in Ethiopian mustard seed and seed fractions.
The phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity of soluble and bound extracts in selected dietary spices and medicinal herbs
Authors: Chan Chak‐Lun , Gan Ren‐You , Corke Harold 
Published: January 2016

SummaryPhenolic compounds, commonly found in plant‐based foods, exist in free or bound form. Despite much research on the soluble phenolics in spices and herbs, their bound phenolics have not been intensively investigated. In this study, six common dietary spices and medicinal herbs (Padang cassia, oregano, clove, Chinese cassia, Japanese knotweed and peel of pomegranate) were selected to evaluate and compare their phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity in soluble extracts (SEs) and bound extracts (BEs). Generally, the samples had high total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, with lower levels in the BEs. From the HPLC results, (+)‐catechin, (−)‐epicatechin, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol were the major phenolic compounds in the SEs, and gallic acid, p‐coumaric acid and ellagic acid in the BEs. Phenolic compounds are likely the major contributors to the antioxidant capacity of these plant samples. Overall, these dietary spices and medicinal herbs can be excellent sources of natural antioxidant phenolics.
Ultrasound‐based, in‐line monitoring of anaerobe yeast fermentation: model, sensor design and process application
Authors: Hoche Sven , Krause Daniel , Hussein Mohamed A. , Becker Thomas 
Published: January 2016

SummaryIn order to implement process analytical technology in beer manufacturing, an ultrasound‐based in‐line sensor was developed which is capable to determine sound velocity and density via the multiple reflection method. Based on a systematic study of the ternary system water–maltose–ethanol, two models were established to estimate the critical process parameters: sugar and ethanol mass fraction. The sound velocity‐based model showed unreasonable high errors although temperature variations and deviations due to dissolved CO2 were corrected. In contrast, the sound velocity–density–temperature model provided an average root mean square error of 0.53%g/g sugar and 0.26%g/g ethanol content for the main fermentation. Method, sensor and model showed the capability to capture the process signature which may be related to product and process quality.
Phosphorylation of peptidoglycan from Lactobacillus acidophilus and its immunoregulatory function
Authors: Wu Zhen , Pan Daodong , Zeng Xiaoqun , Sun Yangying , Cao Jinxuan 
Published: January 2016

SummaryPeptidoglycan (PG) is available from a wide variety of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and is the main structure of cell wall components. Phosphorylated modification would bring new properties such as the potential antioxidant activities and antiviral capability to an organic molecule. In the present work, small molecular fragments of PG (derived from Lactobacillus acidophilus) hydrolysed by mutanolysin were phosphorylated under optimal conditions. P‐PG had a monomer molecular structure of GlcNAC[PO3]–MurNAC–Ala–Glu–Lys–Ala, with a molecular mass of 884 Da and a phosphorus content of 8.9%. P‐PG displayed some immunoregulatory activity in lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Compared with the LPS‐stimulated group, the addition of P‐PG inhibited the secretion of GM‐CSF, TNF‐α and IL‐1 in a dose‐dependent manner. The effect of 50 μg mL−1 of P‐PG was more significant than 50 μg mL−1 of PG. Lower fluorescence of lysosomes was observed in P‐PG‐treated RAW 264.7 cells may also reveal some immune defence function in the LPS‐induced macrophages.
Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of peptide fractions from flaxseed protein hydrolysed by protease from Bacillus altitudinis HK02
Authors: Hwang Chin‐Fa , Chen Yi‐An , Luo Chen , Chiang Wen‐Dee 
Published: January 2016

SummaryFlaxseed protein (FP) hydrolysates by crude protease of strain Bacillus altitudinis HK02 were further separated into five fractions by ultrafiltration membranes with a molecular weight cut‐off of 10, 5, 3 and 1 kDa for the analysis of antioxidant activities and antibacterial ability. The results demonstrated that the fraction of 1‐ to 3‐kDa peptides exhibited higher antioxidant activities on the free radical‐scavenging ability and the reducing power than those of Vit C, Vit E, BHA and other fractions. The fraction with a low molecular weight (<1 kDa) of peptides demonstrated the highest ferrous ion‐chelating ability and a higher inhibition of lipid peroxidation than BHA and other fractions. Moreover, it also exhibited the best growth inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. The results, including the concentration‐dependent effect of peptides fractions, demonstrated that it is feasible to derive functional ingredients of natural antioxidants along with antimicrobial activity from FPs hydrolysed by protease from B. altitudinis HK02.
Incorporation of canola proteins extracted by electroactivated solutions in gluten‐free biscuit formulation of rice–buckwheat flour blend: assessment of quality characteristics and textural properties of the product
Authors: Gerzhova Alina , Mondor Martin , Benali Marzouk , Aider Mohammed 
Published: January 2016

SummaryCanola proteins extracted by electroactivated solutions were incorporated to gluten‐free biscuits made from blend of rice and buckwheat flours. Physical and textural properties were significantly influenced by these proteins. Isolates and concentrates did not behave in a similar way. A significant increase in diameter was noted for all of the supplemented samples. An increase in thickness was observed for the samples added with protein concentrate, whereas the spread ratio decreased for all the samples compared to control. The hardness of biscuits decreased with the addition of the proteins as compared to the control. The changes in biscuit hardness or fracture strength were in line with the changes in dough hardness. Biscuits containing protein concentrate had lighter, more aerated texture as shown by scanning electron microscopy with lesser amounts of gelatinised starch, indicating improved gas‐holding capacity and more stabilised structure. Protein‐supplemented biscuits have lower moisture and water activity.
The role of compositing cereals with legumes to alleviate protein energy malnutrition in Africa
Authors: Temba Makumba C. , Njobeh Patrick B. , Adebo Oluwafemi A. , Olugbile Adetola O. , Kayitesi Eugenie 
Published: January 2016

SummaryProtein‐energy malnutrition (PEM) is a problem in Africa and other developing nations of the world. Food Agriculture Organization's statistics reveal that in Africa, more than one in four people are undernourished. Cereals are a major staple in many African homes contributing significant amounts of energy, protein, but limiting in essential amino acid lysine, legumes on the other hand are protein and amino acid rich foods, but also lacking in sulphur‐containing amino acids. Hence, a combination of cereals with legumes would improve the protein and nutrient density of the subsequent food products. Probably due to their high nutritional values, these food products are susceptible to deterioration and fungal contamination, accompanied by the production of mycotoxins. This review therefore, appraises various works in literature on the use of these crops to produce composite food products and their potential to address the obstinate problem of PEM, including, the problems that could arise during processing and storage of these protein‐rich fractions.
Aroma compounds in fresh and dried mango fruit (Mangifera indica L. cv. Kent): impact of drying on volatile composition
Authors: Bonneau Adeline , Boulanger Renaud , Lebrun Marc , Maraval Isabelle , Gunata Ziya 
Published: January 2016

SummaryVolatile compounds from fresh and dried mango were extracted by the solvent‐assisted flavour evaporation (SAFE) technique and analysed by GC‐MS. Forty‐one and fifty five volatile compounds were identified in fresh and dried mango, respectively. Monoterpenes, followed by sesquiterpenes, lactones and alcohols were the major compounds. Drying induced substantial losses of several compounds. The total amount of volatiles decreased by about 59%. These losses could be mainly attributed to the evaporation of the volatiles during drying, the extent of which seemed to increase with the hydrophobicity and Henry's law constant of the compounds. However, new compounds appeared and enrichment of some compounds was observed after drying. Limonene, β‐myrcene, δ‐3‐carene, β‐caryophyllene, γ‐butyrolactone and 3‐methylbutyl butanoate were found to be flavour contributors in both products on the basis of the odour activity values (OAVs). Mesifuran displayed high OAV only in fresh fruit while hexanal and heptanal only in dried mango.
Thermal treatments affect the polyphenol profile and increase antioxidant capacity in five varieties of edible bean milks
Authors: Gan Ren‐You , Lui Wing‐Yee , Wu Kao , Corke Harold 
Published: January 2016

SummaryWe investigated the influence of two thermal treatments, steaming and boiling, on polyphenol profile and antioxidant capacity in milks from five edible bean varieties, including green mung bean milk, yellow and black soya bean milk, rice bean milk and white cow gram milk. The two thermal treatments had different influences on polyphenol profile and antioxidant capacity with steaming better than boiling in increasing total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity in edible bean milks. In particular, steaming substantially increased soya bean isoflavone glucosides in the two soya bean milks. Bioconversion between polyphenols, the release of bound polyphenols and the induction of Maillard reaction products could contribute to the increase in TPC and antioxidant capacity in some edible bean milks. Therefore, it is recommended to steam edible bean milk for consumption, and edible bean milk containing antioxidant polyphenols can be developed into functional drinks with potential health benefits.
Three new HLA class II alleles: DRB1*08:70, DQA1*01:13 and DQA1*03:01:03
Authors: Balas A. , Planelles D. , García‐Sánchez F. , Prior C. , Vicario J. L. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryThree novel HLA class II alleles, DRB1*08:70, DQA1*01:13 and DQA1*03:01:03, were characterized.
Impact of the introduction of a specialist critical care pharmacist on the level of pharmaceutical care provided to the critical care unit
Authors: Richter Anja , Bates Ian , Thacker Meera , Jani Yogini , O'Farrell Bryan , Edwards Caroline , Taylor Helen , Shulman Rob 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of a dedicated specialist critical care pharmacist service on patient care at a UK critical care unit (CCU).MethodsPharmacist intervention data was collected in two phases. Phase 1 was with the provision of a non-specialist pharmacist chart review service and Phase 2 was after the introduction of a specialist dedicated pharmacy service. Two CCUs with established critical care pharmacist services were used as controls. The impact of pharmacist interventions on optimising drug therapy or preventing harm from medication errors was rated on a 4-point scale.Key findingsThere was an increase in the mean daily rate of pharmacist interventions after the introduction of the specialist critical care pharmacist (5.45 versus 2.69 per day, P &lt; 0.0005). The critical care pharmacist intervened on more medication errors preventing potential harm and optimised more medications. There was no significant change to intervention rates at the control sites. Across all study sites the majority of pharmacist interventions were graded to have at least moderate impact on patient care.ConclusionThe introduction of a specialist critical care pharmacist resulted in an increased rate of pharmacist interventions compared to a non-specialist pharmacist service thus improving the quality of patient care.
Patterns of service utilisation within Australian hepatology clinics: high prevalence of advanced liver disease
Authors: El‐Atem N. A. , Wojcik K. , Horsfall L. , Irvine K. M. , Johnson T. , McPhail S. M. , Powell E. E. 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundLiver diseases in Australia are estimated to affect 6 million people with a societal cost of $51 billion annually. Information about utilisation of specialist hepatology care is critical in informing policy makers about the requirements for delivery of hepatology‐related healthcare.AimsThis study examined the aetiology and severity of liver disease seen in a tertiary hospital hepatology clinic, as well as the resource utilisation patterns.MethodsA longitudinal cohort study included consecutive patients booked in hepatology outpatient clinics during a 3‐month period. Subsequent outpatient appointments for these patients over the following 12 months were then recorded.ResultsDuring the initial 3‐month period, 1471 appointments were scheduled with a hepatologist, 1136 of which were attended. Twenty‐one per cent of patients were ‘new cases’. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) was the most common disease aetiology for new cases (37%). Advanced disease at presentation varied between aetiology; only 5% of HBV cases had advanced liver disease at presentation, in contrast with HCV, NAFLD and ALD, in which advanced disease was identified at presentation in 31%, 46% and 72% of cases, respectively. Most patients (83%) attended multiple hepatology appointments, and a range of referral patterns for procedures, investigations and other specialty assessments were observed.ConclusionsThere is a high prevalence of HBV in new case referrals. Patients with HCV infection, NAFLD and ALD have a high prevalence of advanced liver disease at referral, requiring ongoing surveillance for development of decompensated liver disease and liver cancer. These findings that describe the patterns of health service utilisation among patients with liver disease provide useful information for planning sustainable health service provision for this clinical population.
Self‐efficacy theory‐based intervention in adolescents: a cluster randomized trial—focus on oral self‐care practice and oral self‐care skills
Authors: Džiaugytė Lina , Aleksejūnienė Jolanta , Brukienė Vilma , Pečiulienė Vytaute 
Published: January 2016

AimThe cluster randomized trial tested the efficacy of professional dental education for improving oral self‐care skills (OSC‐S) and oral self‐care practice (OSC‐P) in adolescents.DesignAll 15‐ to 16‐year‐old adolescents from four public schools were invited and 206 agreed to participate. Schools were randomly allocated to the intervention group and to the control group. Five sessions were given for the intervention group and one for the control group. The OSC‐S and OSC‐P outcomes were measured as % Oral Cleanliness Scores at the baseline, 6‐month, and 12‐month observations.ResultsOSC‐S and OSC‐P correlated significantly (Pearson's) at the baseline (r = 0.777, P < 0.001), at the 6‐month (r = 0.745, P < 0.001), and at the 12‐month (r = 0.780, P < 0.001) examinations. After the guided oral healthcare interventions, a significant time × group effect was observed (repeated‐measures anova, P < 0.001 for the OSC‐S (multivariate η2 = 0.355) and for the OSC‐P (multivariate η2 = 0.325).Conclusion(i) Oral self‐care skills and oral self‐care practice scores were significantly correlated, (ii) self‐efficacy theory‐guided intervention was superior to the conventional dental instruction to improve oral self‐care in adolescents, and (iii) varying levels of oral self‐care improvement were observed among the intervention group adolescents.