bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Whole Grain Pasta: Integrating Physical, Chemical, Molecular, and Instrumental Sensory Approaches
Authors: Marti Alessandra , Cattaneo Stefano , Benedetti Simona , Buratti Susanna , Abbasi Parizad Parisa , Masotti Fabio , Iametti Stefania , Pagani Maria Ambrogina 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe consumption of whole‐grain food—including pasta—has been increasing steadily. In the case of whole‐grain pasta, given the many different producers, it seems important to have some objective parameters to define its overall quality. In this study, commercial whole‐grain pasta samples representative of the Italian market have been characterized from both molecular and electronic‐senses (electronic nose and electronic tongue) standpoint in order to provide a survey of the properties of different commercial samples. Only 1 pasta product showed very low levels of heat damage markers (furosine and pyrraline), suggesting that this sample underwent to low temperature dry treatment. In all samples, the furosine content was directly correlated to protein structural indices, since protein structure compactness increased with increasing levels of heat damage markers. Electronic senses were able to discriminate among pasta samples according to the intensity of heat treatment during the drying step. Pasta sample with low furosine content was discriminated by umami taste and by sensors responding to aliphatic and inorganic compounds. Data obtained with this multidisciplinary approach are meant to provide hints for identifying useful indices for pasta quality.Practical ApplicationAs observed for semolina pasta, objective parameters based on heat‐damage were best suited to define the overall quality of wholegrain pasta, almost independently of compositional differences among commercial samples. Drying treatments of different intensity also had an impact on instrumental sensory traits that may provide a reliable alternative to analytical determination of chemical markers of heat damage in all cases where there is a need for avoiding time‐consuming procedures.
Encapsulation of Lactobacillus casei into Calcium Pectinate‐Chitosan Beads for Enteric Delivery
Authors: Bepeyeva Aigerim , de Barros Joao M.S. , Albadran Hanady , Kakimov Aitbek K. , Kakimova Zhaynagul Kh. , Charalampopoulos Dimitris , Khutoryanskiy Vitaliy V. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractGel beads were prepared by extrusion of various types of pectin into 0.15 M calcium chloride. Size, morphology, and textural properties of 3 types of beads were evaluated and it was established that the use of 3 w/v % amidated pectin provides the optimal characteristics suitable for encapsulation of live bacteria. Lactobacillus casei NCIMB 30185 (PXN37) was encapsulated into calcium pectinate gel through the extrusion of a live bacteria dispersion in 3 w/v % pectin into a solution of calcium chloride. The capsules were then additionally coated with chitosan. The viability of bacteria within these capsules was studied under model gastrointestinal conditions in vitro (simulated gastric and intestinal juices). It was established that pectin‐chitosan capsules can provide protection to L. casei from the gastric acid and result in high levels of viable bacteria released in the intestine.Practical ApplicationEncapsulation of Lactobacillus casei into calcium pectinate beads coated with chitosan provided capsules capable of delivering live probiotic bacteria into the intestine.
Untargeted antifungal therapy in adult patients with complicated intra‐abdominal infection: a systematic review
Authors: Petersen M. W. , Perner A. , Ravn F. , Sjövall F. , Møller M. H. 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundSystematic reviews comparing untargeted antifungal treatment with placebo or no treatment in critically ill patients have provided conflicting results. We aimed to assess patient‐important benefits and harms of untargeted antifungal therapy vs. placebo or no treatment in adult patients with complicated intra‐abdominal infection.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review with meta‐analysis and trial sequential analysis of randomised clinical trials assessing untargeted antifungal therapy compared to placebo or no treatment in adults with complicated intra‐abdominal infection. We used the Cochrane and GRADE methodologies and exclusively assessed patient‐important outcomes. Two independent authors screened trials for eligibility, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We performed conventional meta‐analyses, including sensitivity and subgroup analyses, and trial sequential analysis to assess the risk of random errors and to estimate trial sequential analysis adjusted confidence intervals.ResultsWe included six trials (1,067 patients) in the review, and four trials reported data on the predefined outcome measures and were included in the meta‐analysis. Three of the four trials had high risk of bias. We observed no statistically significant difference in mortality (relative risk 0.58, 95% confidence interval 0.24–1.39) or in any of the other patient‐important outcomes between untargeted antifungal treatment and placebo or no treatment (low/very low quality of evidence). Trial sequential analysis demonstrated lack of data and high risk of random errors.ConclusionsThe quantity and quality of evidence supporting untargeted antifungal treatment in adult patients with complicated intra‐abdominal infection are low to very low with no firm evidence for benefit or harm.
Combined transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation in single‐session for solitary hepatocellular carcinoma larger than 7 cm
Authors: Yan Jie‐Yu , Zhang Jin‐Long , Wang Mao‐Qiang , Yuan Kai , Bai Yan‐Hua , Wang Yan , Xin Hai‐Nan , Wang Zhi‐Jun , Liu Feng‐Yong , Duan Feng , Fu Jin‐Xin 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimsTo evaluate technical feasibility and treatment results of combined transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in single‐session for solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) larger than 7 cm in diameter.MethodsInstitutional review board approved this retrospective study. Written informed consent was obtained from all patients. Between June 2007 and July 2013, 87 patients (75 men, 12 women; mean age, 55.5 years ± 15.0) with solitary HCC with a mean maximum diameter of 9.5 cm ± 2.4 (range, 7.1–13.5 cm) not feasible for surgical resection underwent combined TACE and RFA in a single‐session. Immediately following TACE, RFA was performed under fluoroscopy and CB‐CT guidance. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). The secondary endpoints were technical safety and local tumor progression (LTP) rates. OS and time to progression (TTP) were analyzed with the Kaplan–Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors affecting OS and TTP.ResultsTechnical success of combined TACE and RFA in a single‐session was achieved in all patients (100%). On 1‐month follow‐up MRI, complete response (CR) was observed in 76 of 87 patients (87.4 %), partial response (PR) in 8 and stable disease (SD) in 3 patients. The median follow‐up period was 49.5 months (interquartile range, 30.0–70.0 months). The median OS was 39 months (range, 15–86 months). The cumulative OS rates at 1, 3 and 5 years were 100%, 65.5% and 47.5%, respectively. The estimated 1, 3 and 5 year LTP rates were 0 %, 29.9% and 55.2 %, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed a tumor larger than 10.0 cm (P < 0.05) and presence of portal vein branch invasion (P < 0.05) led to the worst prognosis. No major complications were noted.ConclusionsCombined use of TACE and RFA in single‐session is a safe and effective option in the treatment of patients with solitary large HCC (> 7 cm) not amenable to surgery.
Lower risk of pelvic metalware infection with operative repair of concurrent bladder rupture
Authors: Yao Henry H.‐I. , Esser Max , Grummet Jeremy , Atkins Chris , Royce Peter , Hanegbi Uri 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundPatients with traumatic bladder rupture frequently have associated pelvic fracture. With increasing numbers of pelvic fractures fixed internally, there are concerns that conservative management of bladder rupture may increase the risk of pelvic metalware infection. This study aims to determine if operative repair of bladder rupture in comparison to conservative management with catheter drainage alone is associated with a lower rate of infection of internal fixation device for concurrent pelvic fracture.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of level IV evidence. From July 2001 through June 2013, 45 multi‐trauma patients at a level 1 trauma centre were identified to have sustained bladder rupture with concurrent pelvic fracture requiring internal fixation. Clinicopathological data were extracted from the TraumaNET database, medical records and health‐coding database. Patients were stratified into two retrospective cohorts, management with surgical repair and management with catheter drainage alone. Fischer's exact test was used to determine whether the rate of pelvic metalware infection was different in the two cohorts.ResultsOf the 45 patients, 13 had intraperitoneal bladder rupture, 28 had extraperitoneal bladder rupture and four had combined intra‐extraperitoneal bladder rupture. The median age for this cohort was 31. Bladder rupture was surgically repaired in 36 patients and managed conservatively with catheter drainage in nine patients. The rate of pelvic internal fixation device infection was lower in patients managed with surgical repair compared with conservative management (5.6% versus 33.3%, P = 0.047).ConclusionOperative repair of bladder rupture is associated with a lower rate of pelvic orthopaedic hardware infection in the presence of concurrent pelvic fracture requiring internal fixation.
GROWTH HORMONE IN HUMAN PREGNANCY
Authors: Eriksson Leif 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTGrowth hormone (GH) concentrations in serum were recorded in healthy women at different stages of normal pregnancy. Using a non‐thrombogenic venous catheter and a portable pump, blood samples were collected at 30 min intervals for a period of 24 h. Growth hormone serum profiles were also established in non‐pregnant women, women undergoing legal abortion and cesarean section and during spontaneous labor. A dramatic change in growth hormone secretion was demonstrated during late pregnancy when compared with the non‐pregnant state. The pulsatile pattern, with intermittent high peaks and low or undetectable levels between peaks, characteristic of normal men and non‐pregnant women, was completely suppressed. During late pregnancy, all investigated women evidenced increased, very stable serum levels of GH and there was no evidence of pulsatile activity. Two monoclonal antibodies directed against different epitopes on the GH‐molecule were used in radio‐immunoassays to distinguish the pituitary 22K‐GH from other circulating GH variants. During the second half of pregnancy, a continuous secretion of a new placental GH variant and a concommitant suppression of the pulsatile pituitary GH secretion was demonstrated. The progressive transformation of GH secretion from a pulsatile into a stable, continuous pattern started at the end of the first trimester. After placental removal at cesarean section in late pregnancy there was a rapid fall in serum GH concentration, whereas levels were unaffected after legal abortion in the first trimester. These results and simultaneous measurements of hPL and hCG support the concept that a placental GH variant is produced during pregnancy. Studies on the diurnal variations of thyrotropin, prolactin and cortisol indicate that human pregnancy is associated with selective alterations in the secretion of pituitary hormones.The biological impact of continuous GH secretion was elucidated in two experimental systems in the rat. The pregnancy‐associated murine protein‐1 (PAMP‐1) in rodents was previously believed to be regulated by sex steroids. However, a continuous infusion of hGH was found to increase the plasma concentration of PAMP‐1 in non‐pregnant, hypophysectomized female rats. On the other hand, intermittent hGH administration or estrogen treatment had no effect on this seemingly ‘steroid‐sensitive’ protein. Steroid sulfatase activity in rat liver microsomes is another sexually differentiated function. Likewise, this system was found to be regulated by the mode of GH administration. A continuous GH secretion during human pregnancy can alter maternal liver metabolism and have important implications for the physiological adjustment to gestation.
Early drug and anti‐infliximab antibody levels for prediction of primary nonresponse to infliximab therapy
Authors: Bar‐Yoseph H. , Levhar N. , Selinger L. , Manor U. , Yavzori M. , Picard O. , Fudim E. , Kopylov U. , Eliakim R. , Ben‐Horin S. , Chowers Y. , Ungar B. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryBackgroundPrimary nonresponse, defined as lack of clinical benefit during the induction phase, occurs in up to 30% of IBD patients treated with infliximab. The mechanisms underlying primary nonresponse have not yet been clearly defined.AimTo evaluate the association of early (week 2 and week 6) induction infliximab and anti‐infliximab antibody levels with primary nonresponse.MethodsA retrospective observational case‐control study of inflammatory bowel disease patients treated with infliximab and followed at Sheba Medical Center between 2009 and 2016 was performed. Pre‐infusion infliximab and antibodies to infliximab (ATI) levels were measured by our previously described drug‐tolerant ELISA assay.ResultsThirty‐five primary nonresponders have been identified and matched with 105 primary responders (1:3 ratios). Both week 2 and week 6 infliximab levels were significantly lower among primary nonresponders compared to responders (week 2, 6: median level 7.2, 2.2 μg/mL vs 13.5, 9.5 μg/mL, P = .0019, P < .0001 respectively). Antibodies to infliximab appeared more frequently (either week 2 or 6, 68% vs 28% prevalence, P = .0004) and at higher levels in nonresponders compared to responders (week 2, 6: median ATI 7.3, 10.8 μg/mL‐eq vs 3.8, 4.4 μg/mL‐eq, P = .005, P = .008 respectively). Moreover, week 2 infliximab levels <6.8 μg/mL (AUC = 0.68, P = .002, sensitivity 50%, specificity 86%) and antibodies to infliximab levels >4.3 μg/mL‐eq (AUC = 0.78, P = .0004, sensitivity 77%, specificity 71%) were predictive of primary nonresponse. Among the other clinical and demographic variables, higher baseline ulcerative colitis clinical score, infliximab monotherapy, prior adalimumab therapy and previous Crohn's disease‐related surgeries were also associated with an increased risk of primary nonresponse.ConclusionsInfliximab levels below 6.8 μg/mL and antibodies to infliximab levels above 4.3 μg/mL‐eq before the second infusion are associated with primary nonresponse, especially among Crohn's disease patients.
Reconstructing pectoral appendicular muscle anatomy in fossil fish and tetrapods over the fins‐to‐limbs transition
Authors: Molnar Julia L. , Diogo Rui , Hutchinson John R. , Pierce Stephanie E. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTThe question of how tetrapod limbs evolved from fins is one of the great puzzles of evolutionary biology. While palaeontologists, developmental biologists, and geneticists have made great strides in explaining the origin and early evolution of limb skeletal structures, that of the muscles remains largely unknown. The main reason is the lack of consensus about appendicular muscle homology between the closest living relatives of early tetrapods: lobe‐finned fish and crown tetrapods. In the light of a recent study of these homologies, we re‐examined osteological correlates of muscle attachment in the pectoral girdle, humerus, radius, and ulna of early tetrapods and their close relatives. Twenty‐nine extinct and six extant sarcopterygians were included in a meta‐analysis using information from the literature and from original specimens, when possible. We analysed these osteological correlates using parsimony‐based character optimization in order to reconstruct muscle anatomy in ancestral lobe‐finned fish, tetrapodomorph fish, stem tetrapods, and crown tetrapods. Our synthesis revealed that many tetrapod shoulder muscles probably were already present in tetrapodomorph fish, while most of the more‐distal appendicular muscles either arose later from largely undifferentiated dorsal and ventral muscle masses or did not leave clear correlates of attachment in these taxa. Based on this review and meta‐analysis, we postulate a stepwise sequence of specific appendicular muscle acquisitions, splits, and fusions that led from the ancestral sarcopterygian pectoral fin to the ancestral tetrapod forelimb. This sequence largely agrees with previous hypotheses based on palaeontological and comparative work, but it is much more comprehensive in terms of both muscles and taxa. Combined with existing information about the skeletal system, our new synthesis helps to illuminate the genetic, developmental, morphological, functional, and ecological changes that were key components of the fins‐to‐limbs transition.
Peatland forests are the least diverse tree communities documented in Amazonia, but contribute to high regional beta‐diversity
Authors: Draper Frederick C. , Honorio Coronado Eurídice N. , Roucoux Katherine H. , Lawson Ian T. , A. Pitman Nigel C. , A. Fine Paul V. , Phillips Oliver L. , Torres Montenegro Luis A. , Valderrama Sandoval Elvis , Mesones Italo , García‐Villacorta Roosevelt , Arévalo Fredy R. Ramirez , Baker Timothy R. 
Published: November 2017

Western Amazonia is known to harbour some of Earth's most diverse forests, but previous floristic analyses have excluded peatland forests which are extensive in northern Peru and are among the most environmentally extreme ecosystems in the lowland tropics. Understanding patterns of tree species diversity in these ecosystems is important both for quantifying beta‐diversity in this region, and for understanding determinants of diversity more generally in tropical forests. Here we explore patterns of tree diversity and composition in two peatland forest types – palm swamps and peatland pole forests – using 26 forest plots distributed over a large area of northern Peru. We place our results in a regional context by making comparisons with three other major forest types: terra firme forests (29 plots), white‐sand forests (23 plots) and seasonally‐flooded forests (11 plots).Peatland forests had extremely low (within‐plot) alpha‐diversity compared with the other forest types that were sampled. In particular, peatland pole forests had the lowest levels of tree diversity yet recorded in Amazonia (20 species per 500 stems, Fisher's alpha 4.57). However, peatland pole forests and palm swamps were compositionally different from each other as well as from other forest types in the region. Few species appeared to be peatland endemics. Instead, peatland forests were largely characterised by a distinctive combination of generalist species and species previously thought to be specialists of other habitats, especially white‐sand forests.We suggest that the transient nature and extreme environmental conditions of Amazonian peatland ecosystems have shaped their current patterns of tree composition and diversity. Despite their low alpha‐diversity, the unique combination of species found in tree communities in Amazonian peatlands augment regional beta‐diversity. This contribution, alongside their extremely high carbon storage capacity and lack of protection at national level, strengthens their status as a conservation priority.
Determinants of data deficiency in the impacts of alien bird species
Authors: Evans Thomas , Pigot Alex , Kumschick Sabrina , Şekercioğlu Çağan H. , Blackburn Tim M. 
Published: November 2017

To identify the factors that influence the availability of data on the negative impacts of alien bird species, in order to understand why more than 70% are currently classified as Data Deficient (DD) by the Environmental Impact Classification of Alien Taxa (EICAT) protocol.Information on factors hypothesised to influence the availability of impact data were collated for 344 alien bird species (107 with impact data and 237 DD). These data were analysed using mixed effects models accounting for phylogenetic non‐independence of species (MCMCglmm).Data deficiency in the negative impacts of alien birds is not randomly distributed. Residence time, relative brain size and alien range size were found to be strongly related to the availability of data on impacts.The availability of data on the negative impacts of alien birds is mainly influenced by the spatial and temporal extents of their alien ranges. The results of this study suggest that the impacts of some DD alien birds are likely to be minor (e.g. species with comparatively long residence times as aliens, such as the common waxbill Estrilda astrild and the Java sparrow Padda oryzivora). However, the results also suggest that some DD alien birds may have damaging impacts (e.g. species from orders of alien birds known for their impacts to biodiversity but with comparatively small alien ranges, such as the New Caledonian crow Corvus moneduloides). This implies that at least some DD alien birds may have impacts that are being overlooked. Studies examining the traits that influence the severity of alien bird impacts are needed to help to predict which DD species are more likely to impact upon biodiversity.
Computed tomographic diagnosis of incomplete palmar cortical (fatigue) fracture of the third metacarpal bone in two young adult endurance horses
Authors: Beccati F. , Cerocchi A. , Conte M. , Pilati N. , Pepe M. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryTwo young adult endurance horses were presented for investigation of sudden‐onset forelimb lameness during competition. Clinical examination revealed a severe forelimb lameness and pain on palpation of the proximal palmar metacarpal area. Initial radiographic survey of the affected forelimb was unremarkable in both cases. A week of box rest resulted in only a mild improvement in the lameness. A second radiographic examination did not reveal any significant abnormalities. In both cases, scintigraphic examination was suggested, but was declined by the owner, and the lameness had significantly improved after local infiltration of 3 mL of anaesthetic solution in the proximal suspensory region. Radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations of the carpus and proximal suspensory region were unremarkable in Case 2. Case 1 had increased thickness of the medial lobe of the proximal aspect of the suspensory ligament. A computed tomographic examination was performed and an incomplete longitudinal (fatigue) fracture of the proximal third metacarpal bone was detected. After 8 months of box rest and rehabilitation, re‐examination revealed resolution of the lameness in both cases. Advanced diagnostic imaging should be considered in young endurance horses with severe lameness during competition or training, in which radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations are unremarkable or do not explain the severity of the lameness. Computed tomography imaging is considered a useful diagnostic imaging technique to detect incomplete longitudinal palmar metacarpal cortical (fatigue) fractures due to its ability to provide excellent bone detail.