bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of maternal serum PAPP‐A levels, nuchal translucency and crown–rump length in first trimester with adverse pregnancy outcomes: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bilagi Ashwini , Burke Danielle L. , Riley Richard D. , Mills Ian , Kilby Mark D. , Katie Morris R. 
Published: May 2017

What's already known about this topic?Low levels of PAPP‐A are associated with small for gestational age and PE.What does this study adds?NT, CRL and PAPP‐A are independent prognostic markers for adverse pregnancy outcome. Further work is required to assess the predictive ability of these factors in prediction models.© 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phytochemistry and Pharmacology ofPhyllanthus niruriL.: A Review
Authors: Kaur Navneet , Kaur Baljinder , Sirhindi Geetika 
Published: May 2017

Phyllanthus niruri, a typical member of familyEuphorbiaceae, is a small annual herb found throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of both hemispheres. The genusPhyllanthushas been used in traditional medicine for its wide range of pharmacological activities like antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, antiinflammatory, antiplasmodial, antiviral, diuretic and hepatoprotective. This review summarizes the information about morphological, biochemical, ethanobotanical, pharmacological, biological and toxicological activities with special emphasis on mechanism of anticancer activity ofP. niruri. Gaps in previous studies such as taxonomic inconsistency ofP. niruri, novel phytochemicals and their therapeutic properties, especially mechanisms of anticancerous activity and market products available, have been looked into and addressed. Scientific information related to 83 phytochemicals (including many novel compounds detected recently by the authors) has been provided in a very comprehensive manner. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mogroside IIIE Attenuates LPS‐Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice Partly Through Regulation of the TLR4/MAPK/NF‐κB Axis via AMPK Activation
Authors: Tao Lijun , Cao Fengyan , Xu Gonghao , Xie Haifeng , Zhang Mian , Zhang Chaofeng 
Published: May 2017

Acute lung injury (ALI) often leads to high mortality, and there is as yet no effective drug treatment. The present study aimed to investigate protective effects of mogroside IIIE (MGIIIE, a cucurbitane‐type triterpenoid from Siraitia grosvenorii Fruits) in experimental ALI and its underlying mechanism. MGIIIE (1, 10 0r 20 mg/kg) was orally administered for 1 h before a single intratracheal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 5 mg/kg). MGIIIE treatment dose‐dependently suppressed pulmonary oedema, pro‐inflammatory mediators (IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α and HMGB1) release and higher MPO activity in lung tissues induced by LPS challenge. Molecular researches showed that mogroside IIIE (20 mg/kg) not only increased the phosphorylation of adenosine 5′‐monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) but suppressed the over‐expression of toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88). In addition, MGIIIE also inhibited the activation of MAPKs and nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) signalling in lung tissues from LPS‐challenged mice. Similar antiinflammatory effects of MGIIIE were obtained in LPS‐treated macrophages. Compound C (a pharmacological AMPK inhibitor) obviously reversed the antiinflammatory effect of MGIIIE in LPS‐induced ALI mice. Taken together, AMPK activation plays a crucial role in the antiinflammatory effects of MGIIIE in LPS‐induced ALI by down‐regulating TLR4/MAPK/NF‐κB signalling pathways. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐density Polyethylene Films Loaded by Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles as a New Active Packaging System against Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Fresh Calf Minced Meat
Authors: Marcous Arin , Rasouli Susan , Ardestani Fatemeh 
Published: May 2017

Antibacterial packaging is introduced as a new method to prevent microbial food spoilage. Antibacterial effects of TiO2, ZnO and mixed TiO2–ZnO nanoparticle‐coated low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) films on Escherichia coli PTCC1330 were investigated. Bactericidal efficiency of 0.5%, 1% and 2% TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles and also 1% mixed TiO2–ZnO nanoparticles with ratios of 25/75, 50/50 and 75/25 were tested under ultraviolet (UV) and fluorescent lights at two states: films alone and fresh calf minced meat packed. Maximum colony‐forming unit (CFU) reduction of 99.8% and 99.7% were obtained using 1% and 2% ZnO nanoparticle‐coated LDPE film under fluorescent light for films alone as well as 99.8% and 99.6% for fresh calf minced meat packed. 90.3% and 51.8% CFU reduction were recorded for 1% TiO2 nanoparticle‐coated LDPE films in the presence of UV light at direct contact with bacteria and fresh calf minced meat packed, respectively. Maximum CFU reductions of 96% and 64.1% were obtained using 50/50 ratio of TiO2/ZnO nanoparticles at the presence of UV light for film alone and fresh calf minced meat packed, respectively. ZnO nanoparticle‐coated LDPE films were identified as the best case to improve shelf life and prevent E. coli growth in fresh calf minced meat.
Effect of Cloisite® 30B on the Diffusion of Irganox 1076 in HDPE
Authors: Ait Cherif Ghania , Kerkour Abdelhakim , Hamachi Mourad , Grohens Yves 
Published: May 2017

The diffusion of a thermal stabilizer, Irganox 1076, is studied both in pure high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and HDPE matrix filled with 1 wt% of Cloisite® 30B. The diffusion experiments are carried out by using the Roe method formed by a stack of several polymer films of 120 ± 01 μm in thickness. In this study, a simple method is used to measure the diffusion coefficient, with the aid of Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy without any extraction or refining steps in the analysis. The diffusion coefficient (Dp) of both materials are obtained in the temperature range 80–100°C using the second Fick's law. By applying the Arrhenius equation to the calculated Dp coefficients, an estimation of activation energies of the diffusion process is also achieved. The results indicate that the diffusion coefficient of Irganox 1076 in HDPE has been decreased by adding 1% of Cloisite® 30B.
A Novel, Dynamic Statistical Model for Predicting Patient Satisfaction with Fundoplication Based on Pre‐Operative Symptom Patterns
Authors: Woodham B. L. , Meng R. , Roberts R. H. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundFundoplication provides excellent control of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), but there remain a number of unsatisfied patients who have proven difficult to identify pre‐operatively. We hypothesised that pre‐operative symptom patterns can predict of the risk of post‐operative dissatisfaction.MethodsPre‐operative symptoms and post‐operative satisfaction were measured using standardised questionnaires along with routine investigations. These data were used to calculate our novel pre‐operative risk of dissatisfaction (PROD) score. Potential pre‐operative prognostic markers were tested against the post‐operative satisfaction data, including the objective investigations and the PROD score. The prognostic utility of the PROD score and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) guideline was tested using receiver operating characteristic analysis to determine the area under the curve (AUC).ResultsAn association was found between our PROD score and each of the satisfaction measures (n = 225, p < 0.001) which is likely to be of prognostic utility (AUC = 0.67–0.79). No such association was found between the routine investigations and post‐operative satisfaction. The PROD score was found to be of greater prognostic utility than the SAGES guideline (n = 166, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe PROD score is a novel, easy‐to‐use test that can predict individual patient satisfaction with fundoplication.
Tree hollows can affect epiphyte species composition
Authors: Tatsumi Shinichi , Ohgue Takayuki , Azuma Wakana , Tuovinen Veera , Imada Yume , Mori Akira S. , Thor Göran , Ranlund Åsa 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTree hollows often harbor animals and microorganisms, thereby storing nutritive resources derived from their biological activities. The outflows from tree hollows can create unique microenvironments, which may affect communities of epiphytic organisms on trunk surfaces below the hollows. In this study, we tested whether the species richness and composition of epiphytic bryophytes (liverworts and mosses) and lichens differ above and below tree hollows of Aria japonica and Cercidiphyllum japonicum in a Japanese temperate forest. The species richness of epiphytic bryophytes and lichens did not differ above and below hollows; however, the species composition of bryophytes differed significantly above and below hollows. Indicator species analyses showed that the moss species Anomodon tristis and the liverwort species Porella vernicosa were significantly more common below than above hollows, while the liverwort species Radula japonica and four lichen species, including Leptogium cyanescens, occurred more frequently above than below hollows. Our results highlight that tree hollows can produce unique microenvironments on trunk surfaces that potentially contribute to the maintenance of epiphytic diversity on a local scale.
Social studying and learning among medical students: a&nbsp;scoping review
Authors: Keren Daniela , Lockyer Jocelyn , Ellaway Rachel H. 
Published: May 2017

Introduction Medical students study in social groups, which influence their learning, but few studies have investigated the characteristics of study groups and the impacts they have on students’ learning. A scoping review was conducted on the topic of informal social studying and learning within medical education with the aim of appraising what is known regarding medical student attitudes to group study, the impact of group study on participants, and the methods that have been employed to study this.
Methods Using Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review principles, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL were searched, along with hand-searching and a targeted search of the grey literature; 18 peer reviewed and 17 grey literature records were included.
Results Thematic conceptual analysis identified a number of themes, including: the nature of group study; the utility and value of group studying including social learning facilitating student engagement, social learning as a source of motivation and accountability, and social learning as a source of wellbeing; and student preferences related to group studying, including its homophilic nature, transgressiveness, and effectiveness. Despite these emerging factors, the evidence base for this phenomenon is small.
Discussion The findings in this scoping review demonstrate a clear role for social interaction outside of the classroom, and encourage us to consider the factors in student networking, and the implications of this on medical students’ academics.
Fairness: the hidden challenge for competency-based postgraduate medical education programs
Authors: Colbert Colleen Y. , French Judith C. , Herring Mary Elizabeth , Dannefer Elaine F. 
Published: May 2017

Competency-based medical education systems allow institutions to individualize teaching practices to meet the needs of diverse learners. Yet, the focus on continuous improvement and individualization of curricula does not exempt programs from treating learners in a fair manner. When learners fail to meet key competencies and are placed on probation or dismissed from training programs, issues of fairness may form the basis of their legal claims. In a literature search, we found no in-depth examination of fairness. In this paper, we utilize a systems lens to examine fairness within postgraduate medical education contexts, focusing on educational opportunities, assessment practices, decision-making processes, fairness from a legal standpoint, and fairness in the context of the learning environment. While we provide examples of fairness issues within US training programs, concerns regarding fairness are relevant in any medical education system which utilizes a competency-based education framework.
Assessment oversight committees and annual programmatic evaluations, while recommended, will not guarantee fairness within postgraduate medical education programs, but they can provide a window into ‘hidden’ threats to fairness, as everything from training experiences to assessment practices may be examined by these committees. One of the first steps programs can take is to recognize that threats to fairness may exist in any educational program, including their own, and begin conversations about how to address these issues.
C-reactive protein and white blood cell levels in schizophrenia, bipolar disorders and depression - associations with mortality and psychiatric outcomes: a population-based study
Authors: Horsdal H.T. , Köhler-Forsberg O. , Benros M.E. , Gasse C. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackground:Mental disorders have been associated with increased levels of inflammatory markers, which can affect disease trajectories. We aimed to assess levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cells (WBC) across individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression, and to investigate associations with subsequent psychiatric admission and mortality.Methods:We identified all adults in the Central Denmark Region during 2000–2012 with a first diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression and a baseline measurement of CRP and/or WBC count. We followed these individuals until outcome of interest (psychiatric admission or death), emigration or December 31, 2012, using Cox regression analysis to estimate hazard ratios (HRs).Results:Baseline median CRP differed significantly between mental disorders (P = 0.01) being highest in individuals with bipolar disorder (3.5 mg/L) (particularly during manic states, 3.9 mg/L), followed by schizophrenia (3.1 mg/L), and depression (2.8 mg/L), while baseline WBC count did not differ (median 7.1 × 109/L). Elevated CRP levels were associated with increased all-cause mortality by adjusted HRs of 1.56 (95% CI: 1.02–2.38) for levels 3–10 mg/L and 2.07 (95% CI: 1.30–3.29) for levels above 10 mg/L compared to individuals with levels below 3 mg/L. WBC counts were not associated with all-cause mortality. No association was observed between levels of the inflammatory markers and subsequent psychiatric admissions.Conclusions:People with severe mental disorders had increased inflammatory markers at first diagnosis, and elevated CRP levels were associated with increased mortality. Thorough screening for physical diseases is of utmost importance among individuals who are diagnosed with severe mental disorder.
Hydroalcoholic extract of Sargassum Oligocystum attenuates pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures by potentiating antioxidant activity in mice
Authors: Movahed Ali , Ghaderi Mahbubeh , Daneshi Adel , Nabipour Iraj , Keshavarz Mojtaba 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectives The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of Sargassum oligocystum extract on the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) seizure and the contribution of antioxidant capacity of this alga to its antiepileptic effect.Methods A dose of 100 mg/kg PTZ was used to induce the seizure in the male albino mice. Extract of Sargassum oligocystum in four doses (100, 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg), diazepam (5 mg/kg) and the vehicle were used 30 min before the injection of PTZ (n = 8). The onsets of clonic and tonic-clonic seizures, as well as the latency of death of animals, were recorded and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and catalase level were measured. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests.Results Sargassum oligocystum extract at the doses of 400 and 600 mg/kg significantly increased the latency of clonic and tonic-clonic seizures. Also, at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly increased the TAC. Moreover, Sargassum oligocystum at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg increased the SOD activity and at the doses of 400 and 600 mg/kg increased the catalase level in neural cells compared with the vehicle-treated group.Conclusion Sargassum oligocystum extract inhibited PTZ-induced seizure. Attenuation of oxidative stress may partly be responsible for the anticonvulsant effects of this alga in the PTZ-induced seizures. Therefore, marine algae, especially Sargassum oligocystum, may be a valuable target to discover new antiepileptic drugs.
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation recurrences and quality of life in symptomatic patients: A crossover study of flecainide and pilsicainide
Authors: Shiga Tsuyoshi , Yoshioka Koichiro , Watanabe Eiichi , Omori Hisako , Yagi Masahiro , Okumura Yasuo , Matsumoto Naoki , Kusano Kengo , Oshiro Chikara , Ikeda Takanori , Takahashi Naohiko , Komatsu Takashi , Suzuki Atsushi , Suzuki Tsuyoshi , Sato Yasuto , Yamashita Takeshi ,   on behalf of the AF‐QOL study investigators
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe therapeutic goals of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients are to reduce symptoms and prevent severe complications associated with AF. This study compared the efficacy of flecainide versus pilsicainide in reducing the frequency of AF and improving quality of life (QOL) in symptomatic paroxysmal AF patients without structural heart disease.MethodsThe Atrial Fibrillation and Quality Of Life (AF‐QOL) study was a prospective, multicenter, randomized, open‐label crossover study that compared flecainide and pilsicainide as antiarrhythmic drug therapy. Patients were randomized to receive 3 months of treatment with flecainide twice daily or pilsicainide 3 times daily. Each treatment consisted of a dose‐finding phase (weeks 1–4) and an efficacy phase (weeks 5–12). Forty‐three patients completed the trial. The main outcome was the number of days with documented AF episodes using a patient‐operated electrocardiogram. QOL questionnaires (SF‐36 and AF‐specific QOL scores) were also completed.ResultsThe median (range) AF frequencies (days/8 weeks) were 2 (0–50) in the flecainide treatment group and 1 (0–54) in the pilsicainide treatment group (no significant between‐group difference). No significant difference in the first recurrence of AF during the efficacy phase was noted between flecainide and pilsicainide treatments. The frequency and severity scores of AF‐related symptoms improved from baseline to the end of the treatment periods. No significant differences in SF‐36 or AF‐related QOL scores were noted between the treatment groups.ConclusionsThis study found no difference in AF frequency or QOL between symptomatic paroxysmal AF patients who received flecainide or pilsicainide.
Status Report on Sample Preparation Protocols Developed at the LMC14 Laboratory, Saclay, France: From Sample Collection to 14C AMS Measurement
Authors: Dumoulin J-P , Comby-Zerbino C , Delqué-Količ E , Moreau C , Caffy I , Hain S , Perron M , Thellier B , Setti V , Berthier B , Beck L 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe main objective of this report is to present the dating process routinely applied to different types of samples at the Laboratoire de Mesure du Carbone 14 (LMC14). All the results and protocols refer to our procedures over the last 5 years. A description of the sorting and chemical pretreatments of the samples as well as the extraction and graphitization of CO2 are reported. Our last study concerning the degradation of the blank level according to the storage time of the targets between graphitization and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) measurement is also presented. This article also provides information on how to submit a valid laboratory sample. We give details relating to sampling procedures on site as well as contamination issues relative to the 14C dating methodology.
CRITICAL NITROGEN DILUTION CURVE AND NITROGEN NUTRITION INDEX FOR JUTE MALLOW (CORCHORUS OLITORIUSL.) IN SOUTHERN BENIN
Authors: HUAT JOEL , TOURE AMADOU , TANAKA ATSUKO , AMADJI GUILLAUME 
Published: May 2017

SUMMARYIndigenous crops, such as jute mallow (Corchorus olitoriusL.) have high potential for improving nutrient efficiency and income source diversification of farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. A better understanding of plant responses to nitrogen (N) is essential in shedding light on the trend towards increasing fertilizer applications for commercially grown jute mallow. The aim of this study was to determine the critical N dilution curve in order to assess the N nutrition index (NNI) in jute mallow in southern Benin. Above-ground dry matter (DM) and N concentration were determined weekly during the 2010 and 2011 growing seasons and six N treatments of 0, 30, 60, 120, 180 or 240 kg N ha−1were tested under irrigated conditions. A critical N curve (Nc= 3.35 W−0.18), where W is the DM in Mg per ha, was plotted based on the N concentration in the whole plant. The critical N concentration (Nc) represents the minimal N concentration required to achieve maximum growth. According to significant differences in DM at each sampling date, data points were divided into two groups representing either N deficient or N excess conditions. All data points in the N deficient group were under the critical N curve and most data points in the N excess group were on or above the critical N curve, therefore confirming the validity of the critical N curve determined in southern Benin. The NNI calculated as the ratio between the measured N concentration and predictedNc, ranged from 0.55 to 1.30. The equation for the critical N curve and NNI determined in this study for jute mallow could potentially be used as a parameter for N application under non-deficient water conditions in southern Benin.
Predictors for routine admission to paediatric intensive care for post-supraglottoplasty laryngomalacia patients
Authors: Chan S , Siou G , Welch A , Powell S 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectives:Supraglottoplasty for the treatment of laryngomalacia has little current evidence regarding post-operative care. Our study aimed to: (1) retrospectively assess what proportion of patients required paediatric intensive care unit level of care; (2) identify pre-operative predictive factors common to these cases; and (3) report patient outcomes at six weeks’ follow up.Methods:A 10-year retrospective case series analysis was conducted of all patients diagnosed with laryngomalacia and subsequently treated with supraglottoplasty. Paediatric intensive care unit level of care was defined as the need for intubation or tracheostomy, positive pressure ventilation, multiple doses of nebulised adrenaline, and oxygen dependency beyond 12 hours.Results:Forty-two patients (19 males, 23 females) were identified; 28.5 per cent of cases met our criteria for paediatric intensive care unit level of care. A low pre-operative oxygen saturation was the only significant risk factor that predicted a future need for paediatric intensive care unit level of care (p = 0.0008).Conclusion:This is the first study published in the UK to suggest the importance of pre-operative oxygen saturation as a predictor of a future need for paediatric intensive care unit level of care.
Implicit attitudes, eating behavior, and the development of obesity
Authors: DeJesus Jasmine M. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractNettle et al. describe increasing food intake (relative to energy expenditure) in response to food insecurity as a key contributor to obesity. I argue that a variety of implicit psychological mechanisms underlie this process to contribute to weight gain. The biobehavioral pathways and the social nature of food selection discussed here are importantly related to food selection and obesity.
Anti-fat discrimination in marriage more clearly explains the poverty–obesity paradox
Authors: Hruschka Daniel J. , Han Seung-Yong 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe target article proposes the insurance hypothesis as an explanation for higher levels of obesity among food-insecure women living in high-income countries. An alternative hypothesis based on anti-fat discrimination in marriage can also account for such correlations between poverty and obesity and is more consistent with finer-grained analyses by marital status, gender, and age.