bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of metformin treatment on blood leptin and ghrelin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ida Satoshi , Murata Kazuya , Kaneko Ryutaro 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study was to conduct a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of metformin on blood leptin and ghrelin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsLiterature searches were performed using MEDLINE, Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry, and ClinicalTrials.gov, and RCTs that investigated the effects of metformin on blood leptin and ghrelin levels in patients with T2DM were selected. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.ResultsTwelve RCTs met the eligibility criteria and were included in the meta‐analysis. There was no significant difference in blood leptin between the metformin and control groups (SMD 0.03; 95 % CI −0.35 %, 0.42 %; P = 0.86), although there was a significant difference in blood leptin levels between the metformin group and the group on oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) other than metformin (SMD −0.39; 95 % CI −0.76 %, −0.01 %; P = 0.04). There were no significant differences in blood ghrelin levels.ConclusionsMetformin treatment was not associated with a decrease in blood leptin levels in patients with T2DM compared with levels in patients in the control group. Moreover, metformin treatment was not associated with increases in blood ghrelin levels compared with the control and other OADs groups. However, blood leptin levels were significantly lower in the metformin compared with the other OADs group.
Diagnostic reference levels of paediatric computed tomography examinations performed at a dedicated Australian paediatric hospital
Authors: Bibbo Giovanni , Brown Scott , Linke Rebecca 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIntroductionDiagnostic Reference Levels (DRL) of procedures involving ionizing radiation are important tools to optimizing radiation doses delivered to patients and in identifying cases where the levels of doses are unusually high. This is particularly important for paediatric patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) examinations as these examinations are associated with relatively high‐dose.MethodsPaediatric CT studies, performed at our institution from January 2010 to March 2014, have been retrospectively analysed to determine the 75th and 95th percentiles of both the volume computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol) and dose‐length product (DLP) for the most commonly performed studies to:

establish local diagnostic reference levels for paediatric computed tomography examinations performed at our institution,

benchmark our DRL with national and international published paediatric values, and

determine the compliance of CT radiographer with established protocols.

ResultsThe derived local 75th percentile DRL have been found to be acceptable when compared with those published by the Australian National Radiation Dose Register and two national children's hospitals, and at the international level with the National Reference Doses for the UK. The 95th percentiles of CTDIvol for the various CT examinations have been found to be acceptable values for the CT scanner Dose‐Check Notification. Benchmarking CT radiographers shows that they follow the set protocols for the various examinations without significant variations in the machine setting factors.ConclusionThe derivation of DRL has given us the tool to evaluate and improve the performance of our CT service by improved compliance and a reduction in radiation dose to our paediatric patients. We have also been able to benchmark our performance with similar national and international institutions.
Can hyaluronan injections augment deficient papillae at implant‐supported crowns in the anterior maxilla? A randomized controlled clinical trial with 6 months follow‐up
Authors: Bertl Kristina , Gotfredsen Klaus , Jensen Simon S. , Bruckmann Corinna , Stavropoulos Andreas 
Published: July 2016

AbstractObjectivesThe present randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the effect of hyaluronan (HY) injections to augment deficient interproximal papillae at implant‐supported crowns in the anterior maxilla.MethodsTwenty‐two patients with a deficient papilla in the anterior maxilla next to an implant‐supported crown were randomly assigned to receive twice eitherHY(test) or saline solution (control) injection. The following parameters were recorded prior to injection (baseline) and 3 and 6 months after injection: distance between the papilla tip and contact point (PT‐CP), modified papilla index score (MPIS), and standard clinical periodontal parameters. Pain level after injection was recorded on a visual analogue scale (VAS). The deficient area was evaluated on clinical photographs, and the esthetic appearance was recorded on aVAS. Differences in mucosal volume were assessed after 3 months by intraoral scans. The bone level was assessed on periapical radiographs.ResultsNo differences were observed between groups, neither at baseline nor at 3 and 6 months post‐treatment. MeanPT‐CPranged between 1.8 mm and 2.3 mm without significant differences between groups or over time within groups;MPISwas 2 for all patients at all time points. Similarly, insignificant differences between groups or time points were observed for deficient area, gingival volume changes, bone level, and esthetic appearance. There were no differences in pain level between groups during injection, but discomfort after injection lasted longer in the test group.ConclusionsInjection ofHYadjacent to maxillary anterior implant‐supported crowns did not result in any clinical conspicuous volume augmentation of deficient papillae.
First detection ofBursaphelenchus luxuriosaeassociated withPinus pinasterin Portugal and in Europe
Authors: Inácio M. L. , Nóbrega F. , Mota M. , Vieira P. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryDuring a field survey carried out on symptomatic maritime pine trees (Pinus pinaster) in Góis, central Portugal,Bursaphelenchus luxuriosaewas isolated for the first time in Portugal, and in Europe. Identification of the nematodes was based on morphological characters and molecular analyses for this species. The general morphology of both females and males is in agreement with the original description forB. luxuriosae,namely the typical morphology of the male spicules and the conspicuous morphology of female tail. Species identification was confirmed through sequencing of theITS rDNAregion and the fragment spanning the D2/D3 domain of the 28SrDNAgene. This species belongs to thexylophilus‐group and is the third species in this group known in Portugal. The nematodes were retrieved in small numbers (<100 nematodes/100 g dry wood), and no insect vector association could be established.
The effect of early life status epilepticus on ultrasonic vocalizations in mice
Authors: Reynolds Conner D. , Smith Gregory , Jefferson Taylor , Lugo Joaquin N. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryObjectiveInfant crying is a series of innate vocal patterns intended to elicit the attention of adult caregivers for fulfillment of specific needs such as pain, hunger, or hypostimulation. It is one of the earliest forms of observable communication. In neonatal rodents, this behavior has recently been investigated as a potential early behavioral marker of neural deficits in neurodevelopmental disorders. However, few studies have examined the effects of seizures on vocalization behavior during the neonatal period. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of a single kainate‐induced early life seizure on vocalization behavior in mice. This study also investigates the subsequent effect of seizures on two pathways critical for early neural development and epileptogenesis: the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase|serine/threonine kinase|mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K‐Akt‐mTOR) and canonical (Wingless‐Int Wnt) intracellular signaling pathways.MethodsOn postnatal day 10, male and female 129SvEvTac mice received a single intraperitoneal injection of kainic acid (2.5 mg/kg) or vehicle injection. The kainate administration resulted in 1–2 h of status epilepticus. On postnatal days 11 and 12, the quantity and duration of isolation‐induced ultrasonic vocalizations were recorded. Western blotting analyses were performed using male and female pups on postnatal day 12.ResultsThere was significant, male‐specific suppression in the quantity and total duration of 50‐kHz calls on postnatal day 12 following seizures. The hippocampi of male mice on this postnatal day also revealed male‐specific changes in the PI3K‐Akt‐mTOR intracellular signaling pathway, as well as changes in phosphorylated fragile × mental retardation protein.SignificanceThese findings demonstrate that early life seizures can disrupt communication behavior in neonatal mice.
Molecular biosignatures reveal common benthic microbial sources of organic matter in ooids and grapestones from Pigeon Cay, The Bahamas
Authors: O'Reilly S. S. , Mariotti G. , Winter A. R. , Newman S. A. , Matys E. D. , McDermott F. , Pruss S. B. , Bosak T. , Summons R. E. , Klepac‐Ceraj V. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractOoids are sedimentary grains that are distributed widely in the geologic record. Their formation is still actively debated, which limits our understanding of the significance and meaning of these grains in Earth's history. Central questions include the role played by microbes in the formation of ooids and the sources of ubiquitous organic matter within ooid cortices. To address these issues, we investigated the microbial community composition and associated lipids in modern oolitic sands at Pigeon Cay on Cat Island, The Bahamas. Surface samples were taken along a transect from the shallow, turbulent surf zone to calmer, deeper water. Grains transitioned from shiny and abraded ooids in the surf zone, to biofilm‐coated ooids at about 3 m water depth. Further offshore, grapestones (cemented aggregates of ooids) dominated. Benthic diatoms and Proteobacteria dominated biofilms. Taxa that may promote carbonate precipitation were abundant, particularly those associated with sulfur cycling. Compared to the lipids associated with surface biofilms, relict lipids bound within carbonate exhibited remarkably similar profiles in all grain types. The enhanced abundance of methyl‐branched fatty acids and β‐hydroxy fatty acids, 1‐O‐monoalkyl glycerol ethers and hopanoids bound within ooid and grapestone carbonate confirms a clear association of benthic sedimentary bacteria with these grains. Lipids bound within ooid cortices also contain molecular indicators of microbial heterotrophic degradation of organic matter, possibly in locally reducing conditions. These included the loss of labile unsaturated fatty acids, enhanced long‐chain fatty acids/short‐chain fatty acids, enriched stable carbon isotopes ratios of fatty acids, and very high stanol/stenol ratios. To what extent some of these molecular signals are derived from later heterotrophic endolithic activity remains to be fully resolved. We speculate that some ooid carbonate forms in microbial biofilms and that early diagenetic degradation of biofilms may also play a role in early stage carbonate precipitation around ooids.
Thermal growth potential of Atlantic cod by the end of the 21st century
Authors: Butzin Martin , Pörtner Hans‐Otto 
Published: July 2016

AbstractOcean warming may lead to smaller body sizes of marine ectotherms, because metabolic rates increase exponentially with temperature while the capacity of the cardiorespiratory system to match enhanced oxygen demands is limited. Here, we explore the impact of rising sea water temperatures on Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), an economically important fish species. We focus on changes in the temperature‐dependent growth potential by a transfer function model combining growth observations with climate model ensemble temperatures. Growth potential is expressed in terms of asymptotic body weight and depends on water temperature. We consider changes between the periods 1985–2004 and 2081–2100, assuming that future sea water temperatures will evolve according to climate projections for IPCC AR5 scenario RCP8.5. Our model projects a response of Atlantic cod to future warming, differentiated according to ocean regions, leading to increases of asymptotic weight in the Barents Sea, while weights are projected to decline at the southern margin of the biogeographic range. Southern spawning areas will disappear due to thermal limitation of spawning stages. These projections match the currently observed biogeographic shifts and the temperature‐ and oxygen‐dependent decline in routine aerobic scope at southern distribution limits.
Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Extruded Sorghum‐Based Bean Analog
Authors: Adedeji Akinbode A. , Joseph Michael V. , Plattner Brian , Alavi Sajid 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe objective of this study was to develop and evaluate the physicochemical and functional properties of a bean like product made from cold extrusion of sorghum, soy and wheat flours. Formulated samples comprised of sorghum (25–70%), wheat (0–35%) and soy (30–50%) flours. The degree of gelatinization ranged from 54.1 to 93.6%. Pasting curves showed minimal starch damage with peak and final viscosities in the range of 456.0–1138.5 and 297–584 cP, respectively. Textural properties of the extrudates were significantly impacted by starch content and cooking time. There was significant cooking loss due to poor binding properties of the extrudates. Cooking the product for 30 min after 2 h soaking gave comparable hardness to cooked navy bean. Texture profile analysis showed that mostly starch‐based ingredients contributed to hardness and cohesiveness, while formulations high in protein showed increased adhesiveness and gumminess.Practical ApplicationsThis study addressed a major gap in access to sufficient nutrient in navy beans, a common staple, the processability subject, and offers a novel approach to addressing them. Beans are common staple in many regions where malnutrition is prevalent, and some types of beans take long to cook to a texture acceptable due to changes during storage. Reforming beans using extrusion allows manipulation of ingredients that can help to address deficiencies in nutrient, flatulence and the “hard to cook” characteristics seen in some beans. Bean analog, as we refer to extruded bean in this study, is a major mechanism for nutrient delivery which has the potential to help address macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies in diets of people where beans is a staple.
Modeling Heat Transfer During Blanching of Cubic Particles of Loche (Cucurbita moschata Duch.) and Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Using Finite Difference Method
Authors: Mauricio Vidaurre‐Ruiz Julio , Francisco Salas‐Valerio Walter 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe aim of this study was to model heat transfer during blanching of cubic particles of loche (Cucurbita moschata Duch.) and potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). The model included the variation of thermal properties based on temperature and the solution of the model was implemented by explicit finite difference method. Cube particles of 1 × 1 × 1 cm3, 2 × 2 × 2 cm3, and 3 × 3 × 3 cm3 were subjected to blanching at temperatures of 70, 80, and 90°C, each one, for 5 min. The heat transfer coefficient (h) was determined experimentally during heating of different sizes of aluminum cubes. The variation of the thermal diffusivity (α) was also determined according to the temperature increase, finding the minimum and maximum value of (α) for loche were: 1.55–1.61 × 10−7 m2 s−1 and for potato were: 1.40–1.46 × 10−7 m2 s−1. A computer program in Visual Basic language was developed. The program includes the variation of the thermal diffusivity with respect to the increase of temperature with a second degree polynomial function. Experimental temperature profiles were compared with simulated ones, showing that an efficient convergence was achieved (RMSE: 0.329–5.119°C) for cubic particle of both vegetables.Practical ApplicationsThe explicit finite difference scheme in three‐dimensions (3D) developed in this research can be used to simulate heat transfer during heating of cubic particles of vegetables with variable thermal properties. Thermal properties of Loche (peruvian pumpkin) was reported for the first time and can be used for design and optimization of processes involving heating.
Radiation Recall Dermatitis Secondary to Dactinomycin
Authors: Prindaville Brea , Horii Kimberly A. , Canty Kristi M. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractRadiation recall dermatitis (RRD) is an uncommon reaction typically triggered by the use of chemotherapeutic agents in the months after treatment with radiation therapy. It usually presents as dermatitis in the irradiated field with prominent intertriginous involvement, and because internal involvement occurs in up to one‐third of cases, early recognition is important. RRD has rarely been reported in the pediatric literature. We report the case of a 15‐month‐old boy with RRD to dactinomycin.
Startle amplitude during unpleasant pictures is greater in veterans with a history of multiple‐suicide attempts and predicts a future suicide attempt
Authors: Hazlett Erin A. , Blair Nicholas J. , Fernandez Nicolas , Mascitelli Kathryn , Perez‐Rodriguez M. Mercedes , New Antonia S. , Goetz Raymond R. , Goodman Marianne 
Published: July 2016

AbstractRecent studies demonstrate that veterans exhibit higher suicide risk compared with the general U.S. population. A prior suicide attempt is a well‐documented predictor of suicide death. Despite increased attention to clinical risk factors of suicide and efforts to develop psychosocial interventions to reduce suicide risk, the underlying biological factors that confer this risk are not well understood. This study examined affect‐modulated startle (AMS) during a series of intermixed unpleasant, neutral, and pleasant pictures in a sample of 108 demographically‐matched veterans at low (passive ideators: n = 26) and high risk (active ideators: n = 29; single attempters: n = 28; and multiple attempters: n = 25) for suicide based on the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. An exploratory aim involved a longitudinal component in a subset of the high‐risk sample that went on to participate in a randomized 6‐month clinical trial. We investigated whether baseline AMS predicts a subsequent suicide attempt at 12‐month follow‐up. Compared with the other three groups, multiple attempters showed greater startle potentiation during unpleasant pictures and deficient overall startle habituation from early to later trials. The groups did not differ in startle during neutral or pleasant pictures, or self‐reported picture valence. Greater startle during unpleasant pictures was associated with greater emotion dysregulation as measured by the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale and a future suicide attempt assessed prospectively at 12‐month follow‐up. These findings suggest that startle potentiation during unpleasant pictures in multiple‐suicide attempters is a promising psychophysiological biomarker of suicide risk and underscore the clinical importance of targeting emotion dysregulation in the treatment of patients at‐risk for suicide.
Evaluating strategies for facilitating native plant establishment in northern Nevada crested wheatgrass seedings
Authors: McAdoo J. Kent , Swanson John C. , Murphy Peter J. , Shaw Nancy L. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractNon‐native crested wheatgrasses (Agropyron cristatum and A. desertorum) were used historically within the Great Basin for the purpose of competing with weed species and increasing livestock forage. These species continue to be used in some areas, especially after wildfires occurring in low elevation/precipitation, formerly Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis)/herbaceous communities. Seeding native species in these sites is often unsuccessful, and lack of establishment results in invasion and site dominance by exotic annuals. However, crested wheatgrass often forms dense monocultures that interfere competitively with the establishment of desirable native vegetation and do not provide the plant structure and habitat diversity for wildlife species equivalent to native‐dominated sagebrush plant communities. During a 5‐year study, we conducted trials to evaluate chemical and mechanical methods for reducing crested wheatgrass and the effectiveness of seeding native species into these sites after crested wheatgrass suppression. We determined that discing treatments were ineffective in reducing crested wheatgrass cover and even increased crested wheatgrass density in some cases. Glyphosate treatments initially reduced crested wheatgrass cover, but weeds increased in many treated plots and seeded species diminished over time as crested wheatgrass recovered. We concluded that, although increases in native species could possibly be obtained by repeating crested wheatgrass control treatments, reducing crested wheatgrass opens a window for invasion by exotic weed species.
Retail Payment Innovations and Cash usage: Accounting for Attrition by using Refreshment Samples
Authors: Chen Heng , Felt Marie-Hélène , Huynh Kim P. 
Published: July 2016

Summary
Contactless credit cards and stored value cards are touted as a fast and convenient method of payment to replace cash at the point of sale. Cross-sectional approaches find a large effect of these retail payment innovations on cash usage (around 10%). Using a semiparametric panel model that accounts for unobserved heterogeneity and general forms of attrition, we find no significant effect for contactless credit cards and only a 2% reduction in cash usage stemming from single-purpose stored value cards. These results point to the uneven pace of payment innovation diffusion.