bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anesthesia Care Capacity at Health Facilities in 22 Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries
Authors: Hadler Rachel A. , Chawla Sagar , Stewart Barclay T. , McCunn Maureen C. , Kushner Adam L. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundGlobally, an estimated 2 billion people lack access to surgical and anesthesia care. We sought to pool results of anesthesia care capacity assessments in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) to identify patterns of deficits and provide useful targets for advocacy and intervention.MethodsA systematic review of PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Google Scholar identified reports that documented anesthesia care capacity from LMICs. When multiple assessments from one country were identified, only the study with the most facilities assessed was included. Patterns of availability or deficit were described.ResultsWe identified 22 LMICs (15 low‐ and 8 middle‐income countries) with anesthesia care capacity assessments (614 facilities assessed). Anesthesia care resources were often unavailable, including relatively low‐cost ones (e.g., oxygen and airway supplies). Capacity varied markedly between and within countries, regardless of the national income. The availability of fundamental resources for safe anesthesia, such as airway supplies and functional pulse oximeters, was often not reported (72 and 36 % of hospitals assessed, respectively). Anesthesia machines and the capability to perform general anesthesia were unavailable in 43 % (132/307 hospitals) and 56 % (202/361) of hospitals, respectively.ConclusionWe identified a pattern of critical deficiencies in anesthesia care capacity in LMICs, including some low‐cost, high‐value added resources. The global health community should advocate for improvements in anesthesia care capacity and the potential benefits of doing so to health system planners. In addition, better quality data on anesthesia care capacity can improve advocacy, as well as the monitoring and evaluation of changes over time and the impact of capacity improvement interventions.
Physicochemical and Rheological Characterization of Roll‐in Shortenings
Authors: Macias‐Rodriguez Braulio , Marangoni Alejandro G. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe composition and physical properties of roll‐in shortenings, commonly rich in trans and saturated fatty acids, were investigated and compared to other specialty fats, to provide insights into the physico‐chemical origins of their functionality. Triacylglycerols and fatty acid composition, polymorphic and melting behavior, solid fat content and large deformation rheological properties were determined. Roll‐in shortenings contained higher amounts of trisaturated and unsaturated triacylglycerols (12–27 %; 47–62 %) than other shortenings (9–11 %; 6–44 %). However, all exhibited high levels of saturates and trans fatty acids and similar crystal characteristics: β′ or mixed β′ and β, irrespective of their end use. Roll‐in shortenings had comparable melting peaks (42–52 °C) but sharper melting endotherms with higher enthalpies (38.6–43.3 J/g) than other bakery fats (18.7–25.4 J/g). This was in accordance with their well‐defined short spacings, indicative of smaller crystallites with more‐ordered packing. Solid fat profiles of roll‐in shortenings were akin to all purpose and cake interesterified shortenings, but not to all‐purpose and icing shortenings which displayed substantial melting as temperature rises. Differences in large deformation rheology (yield stress: σ*, apparent Young modulus: Eapp, yield value: C) were marginal and inconsistent with their solid fat content. Roll‐in shortenings exhibited Eapp, σ and C in the order of 1–2 × 106, 4–7 × 104, and 7–29 × 104 Pa, respectively. Particularly, the σ*and C, previously established as major parameters to specify the functionality of roll‐in shortenings, were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Overall, roll‐in shortening differed from other samples in regard to molecular makeup but not greatly in their physical parameters, suggesting that triacylglycerol composition has important implications on their functionality.
Antioxidant Potential and Ability of Phloroglucinol to Decrease Formation of Advanced Glycation End Products Increase Efficacy of Sildenafil in Diabetes-Induced Sexual Dysfunction of Rats
Authors: Goswami Sumanta Kumar , Gangadarappa Suma Kallahalli , Vishwanath Manikanta , Razdan Rema , Jamwal Rohitash , Bhadri Naini , Inamdar Mohammed Naseeruddin 
Published: January 2016

Abstract

Introduction
Diabetes-induced sexual dysfunction is associated with an increase in oxidative stress. Scavengers of reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and aid in the management of sexual dysfunction in diabetes.

Aim
The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that antioxidant, which scavenge ROS and reduce formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), can potentiate efficacy of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors in diabetes-induced sexual dysfunction that is associated with oxidative stress.

Materials and Methods
Effect of phloroglucinol and sildenafil on serum glucose level, sexual function, penile smooth muscle : collagen ratio, and phenylephrine precontracted corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (CCSM) was studied. The ability of phloroglucinol to reduce the formation of AGEs and its ability to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) was also evaluated.

Main Outcome Measures
Antioxidant potential of phloroglucinol was studied in addition to its effect on diabetes-induced sexual dysfunction in presence and absence of sildenafil.

Results
Phloroglucinol (50 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly decreased serum glucose level and increased sexual function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats when compared with diabetic control rats. Sildenafil (5 mg/kg, p.o.) had no effect on glycemia but significantly increased sexual function of diabetic rats. Coadministration of phloroglucinol increased the efficacy of sildenafil by improving sexual function. Treatment of diabetic rats with phloroglucinol + sildenafil maintained smooth muscle : collagen levels similar to that of normal rat penile tissue. Phloroglucinol decreased formation of AGEs and significantly scavenged DPPH radical activity in vitro. Sildenafil relaxed isolated CCSM of normal rat and diabetic rat significantly, but phloroglucinol did not show any significant effect. Phloroglucinol also inhibited human CYP3A4 enzyme activity in vitro.

Conclusion
Phloroglucinol coadministration increases efficacy of sildenafil in diabetes-induced sexual dysfunction. However, further studies are required to ascertain the benefits of phloroglucinol owing to its undesirable CYP3A4 inhibition activity.
Preclinical Abuse Potential Assessment of Flibanserin: Effects on Intracranial Self-Stimulation in Female and Male Rats
Authors: Lazenka Matthew F. , Blough Bruce E. , Negus S. Stevens 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTIntroductionFlibanserin is a serotonin receptor subtype 1A agonist and 2A antagonist that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating female sexual interest and arousal disorder. Little is known about the abuse potential of flibanserin.AimTo examine abuse-related effects of flibanserin in rats using an intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) procedure previously used to evaluate the abuse potential of other drugs.MethodsAdult female and male Sprague-Dawley rats with electrodes implanted in the medial forebrain bundle were trained to press a lever for electrical brain stimulation under a “frequency–rate” ICSS procedure. In this procedure, increasing frequencies of brain stimulation maintain increasing rates of responding. Drugs of abuse typically increase (or “facilitate”) ICSS rates and produce leftward and upward shifts in ICSS frequency–rate curves, whereas drugs that lack abuse potential typically do not alter or only decrease ICSS rates. Initial studies determined the potency and time course of effects on ICSS produced by acute flibanserin administration (1.0, 3.2 and 10.0 mg/kg). Subsequent studies determined the effects of flibanserin (3.2–18 mg/kg) before and after a regimen of repeated flibanserin administration (5.6 mg/kg/d for 5 days). Effects of the abused stimulant amphetamine (1.0 mg/kg) were examined as a positive control.Main Outcome MeasuresFlibanserin effects on ICSS frequency–rate curves in female and male rats were examined and compared with the effects of amphetamine.ResultsBaseline ICSS frequency–rate curves were similar in female and male rats. Acute and repeated administrations of flibanserin produced only decreases in ICSS rates, and rate-decreasing effects of the highest flibanserin dose (10 mg/kg) were greater in female than in male rats. In contrast to flibanserin, amphetamine produced an abuse-related increase in ICSS rates that did not differ between female and male rats.ConclusionThese results suggest that flibanserin has low abuse potential. In addition, this study suggests that female rats might be more sensitive than male rats to the rate-decreasing effects of high flibanserin doses.
Usefulness of the platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio in predicting the severity of carotid artery stenosis in patients undergoing carotid angiography
Authors: Varım Ceyhun , Varım Perihan , Acar Bilgehan Atılgan , Vatan Mehmet Bülent , Uyanık Mehmet Sevki , Kaya Tezcan , Acar Turkan , Akdemir Ramazan 
Published: January 2016

AbstractCarotid artery stenosis (CAS) is primarily caused by atherosclerotic plaque. Progressive inflammation may contribute to the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque. The platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is a new and simple marker that indicates inflammation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the use of the PLR to determine the severity of CAS. One hundred forty patients were chosen from among patients who underwent carotid angiography in our institution. Symptomatic patients with stenosis >50% in the carotid arteries and asymptomatic patients with stenosis >80% were diagnosed via carotid angiography as having critical stenosis. Patients were classified into two groups. Group 1 included patients who had critical CAS, whereas Group 2 included patients with noncritical CAS, as determined by carotid angiography. Correlations between the PLR and the severity of CAS were analyzed. There were no significant differences in sex and age between the two groups. The PLR was 162.5 ± 84.7 in the noncritical CAS group patients and 94.9 ± 60.3 in the critical CAS group patients (p < 0.0001). The PLR value of 117.1 had 89% sensitivity and 68% specificity for CAS [95% confidence interval, 0.043–0.159; area under the curve, 0.101 ± 0.03)]. In this study, we have shown that PLR values may be associated with critical stenosis in at least one of the carotid arteries. Furthermore, PLR values may be used to predict critical stenosis in the carotid arteries.
Fixed points of local actions of nilpotent Lie groups on surfaces
Authors: HIRSCH MORRIS W. 
Published: January 2016

Let$G$be a connected nilpotent Lie group with a continuous local action on a real surface$M$, which might be non-compact or have non-empty boundary$\unicode[STIX]{x2202}M$. The action need not be smooth. Let$\unicode[STIX]{x1D711}$be the local flow on$M$induced by the action of some one-parameter subgroup. Assume$K$is a compact set of fixed points of$\unicode[STIX]{x1D711}$and$U$is a neighborhood of$K$containing no other fixed points.Theorem.If the Dold fixed-point index of$\unicode[STIX]{x1D711}_{t}|U$is non-zero for sufficiently small$t>0$,then$\mathsf{Fix}(G)\cap K\neq \varnothing$.
Asymptotic entropy of transformed random walks
Authors: FORGHANI BEHRANG 
Published: January 2016

We consider general transformations of random walks on groups determined by Markov stopping times and prove that the asymptotic entropy (respectively, rate of escape) of the transformed random walks is equal to the asymptotic entropy (respectively, rate of escape) of the original random walk multiplied by the expectation of the corresponding stopping time. This is an analogue of the well-known Abramov formula from ergodic theory; its particular cases were established earlier by Kaimanovich [Differential entropy of the boundary of a random walk on a group.Uspekhi Mat. Nauk38(5(233)) (1983), 187–188] and Hartmanet al [An Abramov formula for stationary spaces of discrete groups.Ergod. Th. & Dynam. Sys.34(3) (2014), 837–853].
Dietary diversity, animal source food consumption and linear growth among children aged 1–5 years in Bandung, Indonesia: a longitudinal observational study
Authors: Muslimatun Siti , Wiradnyani Luh Ade Ari 
Published: January 2016

AbstractDietary diversity involves adequate intake of macronutrient and micronutrient. The inclusion of animal source foods (ASF) in the diet helps prevent multiple nutrient deficiencies and any resultant, linear growth retardation. The objective of the current study was to assess the relationship between dietary diversity, ASF consumption and height-for-agez-score (HAZ) among children aged 12–59 months old across a 1-year observation. This longitudinal observational study without controls was conducted among four age groups: 12–23 months (n57), 24–35 months (n56), 36–47 months (n58) and 48–59 months (n56). Anthropometry and dietary intake were measured during each of four visits at 16–20-week intervals. The general characteristics and other observations were only collected at baseline and endline. During the year-long study period, approximately 27 % of the children ate a diverse diet (consumed ≥6 out of 9 food groups) according to ≥3 visits. ASF consumption was high, particularly for eggs, poultry, processed meats and liquid milk. Yet, micronutrient intake inadequacy, especially of Zn, Ca, Fe and vitamin A, was highly prevalent. A multivariate regression analysis showed that the consumption of a diverse diet and ASF was not significantly associated with the HAZ at endline, after controlling for demographic characteristics and the baseline HAZ. The consumption of a diverse diet was significantly associated with Ca intake adequacy. Moreover, ASF consumption was significantly associated with adequate intake of protein and micronutrients, particularly vitamin A, Ca and Zn. Thus, the recommendation is to continue and strengthen the promotion of consuming a diverse diet that includes ASF in supporting the linear growth of young children.
Protective capacity of cercarial transformation fluid alone or in combination with crude cercarial antigen against challenge infections ofSchistosoma mansoniin mice
Authors: El Azzouni M.Z. , Mady R.F. , Gaafar M.R. , Arafa F.M. , Elhadidi A. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractSchistosomiasis is the second major parasitic disease in the world after malaria. It affects 201.5 million cases in Africa alone. The aim of this research was to explore alternative vaccination strategies against experimental schistosomiasis mansoni. We assessed the effect of cercarial transformation fluid (CTF) singly and in combination with crude cercarial antigen (CCA) using alum as an adjuvant. The combined antigens gave the best results, as evidenced by a significant reduction in the worm load (62.07%), tissue egg count (78.16%, 86.46%) in liver and intestine respectively, and hepatic granuloma size (29.96%). Scanning electron microscopy revealed changes in the tegument, in the form of roughness and appearance of vesicles and furrows between the tegumental tubercles. Also, resorption of the ventral sucker and dimples replacing its spines were observed. The female tegument was irregular and its posterior end showed loss of spines and sensory bulbs. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in liver enzymes (alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST)) compared to infected control mice. A significant elevation in CD4+T-lymphocytes, denoting amelioration of the immune status, in mice that received combined antigens was also observed. It can be concluded that combined antigens demonstrate potential as a vaccine againstSchistosoma mansoni.
Income, neural executive processes, and preschool children's executive control
Authors: Ruberry Erika J. , Lengua Liliana J. , Crocker Leanna Harris , Bruce Jacqueline , Upshaw Michaela B. , Sommerville Jessica A. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis study aimed to specify the neural mechanisms underlying the link between low household income and diminished executive control in the preschool period. Specifically, we examined whether individual differences in the neural processes associated with executive attention and inhibitory control accounted for income differences observed in performance on a neuropsychological battery of executive control tasks. The study utilized a sample of preschool-aged children (N= 118) whose families represented the full range of income, with 32% of families at/near poverty, 32% lower income, and 36% middle to upper income. Children completed a neuropsychological battery of executive control tasks and then completed two computerized executive control tasks while EEG data were collected. We predicted that differences in the event-related potential (ERP) correlates of executive attention and inhibitory control would account for income differences observed on the executive control battery. Income and ERP measures were related to performance on the executive control battery. However, income was unrelated to ERP measures. The findings suggest that income differences observed in executive control during the preschool period might relate to processes other than executive attention and inhibitory control.
Effectiveness of cardiac surgery in patients with trisomy 18: a single-institutional experience
Authors: Nakai Yosuke , Asano Miki , Nomura Norikazu , Matsumae Hidekazu , Mishima Akira 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundSurgical repair for cardiac lesions has rarely been offered to patients with trisomy 18 because of their very short lifespans. We investigated the effectiveness of cardiac surgery in patients with trisomy 18.Patients and methodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of 20 consecutive patients with trisomy 18 and congenital cardiac anomalies who were evaluated between August, 2003 and July, 2013. All patients developed respiratory or cardiac failure due to excessive pulmonary blood flow. Patients were divided into two subgroups: one treated surgically (surgical group, n=10) and one treated without surgery (conservative group, n=10), primarily to compare the duration of survival between the groups.ResultsAll the patients in the surgical group underwent cardiac surgery with pulmonary artery banding, including patent ductus arteriosus ligation in nine patients and coarctation repair in one. The duration of survival was significantly longer in the surgical group than in the conservative group (495.4±512.6 versus 93.1±76.2 days, respectively; p=0.03). A Cox proportional hazard model found cardiac surgery to be a significant predictor of survival time (risk ratio of 0.12, 95% confidence interval 0.016–0.63; p=0.01).ConclusionsCardiac surgery was effective in prolonging survival by managing high pulmonary blood flow; however, the indication for surgery should be carefully considered on a case-by-case basis, because the risk of sudden death remains even after surgery. Patients’ families should be provided with sufficient information to make decisions that will optimise the quality of life for both patients and their families.
INADMISSIBLE EVIDENCE: THE TRIAL OF MADELEINE SMITH AND COLLINS'STHE LAW AND THE LADY
Authors: Murphy Sara 
Published: January 2016

“A trial and a literary text,”Shoshana Felman once noted, “do not aim at the same kind of conclusion, nor do they strive toward the same kind of effect. A trial is presumed to be a search for truth, but technically it is a search for a decision; and thus. . . it seeks not truth but finality: a force of resolution.” Literature, on the other hand, Felman posits, is characterized by “a search for meaning. . . for heightened significance, for symbolic understanding” (Felman 55). Trials function to curb the proliferation of meanings in favor of finality, if not absolute truth, whereas literature allegedly forgoes such determinacy. A corollary of this distinction has to do with language itself: while law seeks to fix linguistic meaning, literature draws attention to the inherent instability of meaning.
Determinants of iron status and Hb in the Bangladesh population: the role of groundwater iron
Authors: Rahman Sabuktagin , Ahmed Tahmeed , Rahman Ahmed Shafiqur , Alam Nurul , Ahmed AM Shamsir , Ireen Santhia , Chowdhury Ireen Akhter , Chowdhury Fatima Parveen , Rahman SM Mustafizur 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectiveUsing data from the national micronutrients survey 2011–2012, the present study explored the determinants of Fe status and Hb levels in Bangladesh with a particular focus on groundwater Fe.DesignCross-sectional study conducted at the nationwide scale.SettingsThe survey was conducted in 150 clusters, fifty in each of the three strata of rural, urban and slum.SubjectsThree population groups: pre-school age children (6–59 months; PSAC), school age children (6–14 years; SAC) and non-pregnant non-lactating women (15–49 years; NPNLW).ResultsNational prevalence of Fe deficiency was 10·7 %, 7·1 % and 3·9–9·5 % in PSAC, NPNLW and SAC, respectively. Prevalence of anaemia was 33·1 % (PSAC), 26·0 % (NPNLW) and 17·1–19·1 % (SAC). Multivariate regression analyses showed that the area with ‘predominantly high groundwater Fe’ was a determinant of higher serum ferritin levels in NPNLW (standardized β=0·19; P=0·03), SAC (standardized β=0·22; P=0·01) and PSAC (standardized β=0·20; P=0·03). This area also determined higher levels of Hb in PSAC (standardized β=0·14; P=0·01).ConclusionsNational prevalence of Fe deficiency in Bangladesh is low, contrary to the widely held assumption. High Fe level in groundwater is associated with higher Fe status (all populations) and higher Hb level (PSAC).
Calcium Deposits in the Crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus: Microstructure Versus Elemental Distribution
Authors: Luquet Gilles , Dauphin Yannicke , Percot Aline , Salomé Murielle , Ziegler Andreas , Fernández Maria S. , Arias José L. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus stores calcium ions, easily mobilizable after molting, for calcifying parts of the new exoskeleton. They are chiefly stored as amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) during each premolt in a pair of gastroliths synthesized in the stomach wall. How calcium carbonate is stabilized in the amorphous state in such a biocomposite remains speculative. The knowledge of the microstructure at the nanometer level obtained by field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy combined with scanning electron microscopy energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, micro-Raman and X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy gave relevant information on the elaboration of such an ACC-stabilized biomineral. We observed nanogranules distributed along chitin-protein fibers and the aggregation of granules in thin layers. AFM confirmed the nanolevel structure, showing granules probably surrounded by an organic layer and also revealing a second level of aggregation as described for other crystalline biominerals. Raman analyses showed the presence of ACC, amorphous calcium phosphate, and calcite. Elemental analyses confirmed the presence of elements like Fe, Na, Mg, P, and S. P and S are heterogeneously distributed. P is present in both the mineral and organic phases of gastroliths. S seems present as sulfate (probably as sulfated sugars), sulfonate, sulfite, and sulfoxide groups and, in a lesser extent, as sulfur-containing amino acids.