bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of common cocklebur Xanthium strumarium leaf extract as post‐harvest grain protectant of black gram against pulse beetle Callosobruchus chinensis (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) and isolation of crude compound
Authors: Roy Balaram , Amin Md Ruhul , Jalal Shah , Kwon Yong Jung , Suh Sang Jae 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe pulse beetle Callosobruchus chinensis L. is considered the most important stored grain pest of black gram Vigna mungo Hepper in Bangladesh and other tropical and subtropical countries. Bioactive compounds derived from plants can be used to control of the pulse beetle as a potential alternative to synthetic insecticides. Therefore, aqueous extracts of common cocklebur Xanthium strumarium L. leaf was examined for insecticidal properties against C. chinensis. The extracts showed toxicity, repellent properties, inhibited fecundity and adult emergence of the insects, and protected grains. Insect mortality was accounted highest (72.6%) with 4% extract at 4 days after treatment. The beetles showed highest repellency rate (58.0%) with 4% concentration at 1 hour exposure; however insect repellency decreased with time. The beetles exerted the lowest fecundity and grain damage and produced the lowest number of offspring when they were reared on grains treated with 4% extract. The insecticidal compounds present in common cocklebur leaf were extracted in chloroform and ethanol, and isolated by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and spectral studies (1H‐NMR and IR), which identified the presence of aromatic ester, n‐hexyl salicylate or o‐hydroxy‐n‐hexyl‐benzoate and a long‐chain ketone. Therefore, naturally occurring X. strumarium and its derivatives may be potential components for integrated management of C. chinensis.
Characteristics and Functionality Enhancement by Glycosylation of Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) Seed Protein
Authors: Horax Ronny , Hettiarachchy Navam , Chen Pengyin 
Published: October 2014

AbstractSeeds of ripe bitter melon (Momordica charantia) contain approximately 30% protein. However, this protein, which is less functional than soy protein, may have desirable functionalities as a food ingredient after modification. Bitter melon seed protein isolate (BMSPI) was prepared under optimal extraction conditions (defatted meal to 1.3 M NaCl was 1:10 w/v; pH 9.0) and its functional properties were investigated before and after modification by glycosylation. Glycosylation was conducted at varying relative humidities (50%/65%/80%) and temperatures (40 °C/50 °C/60 °C) using a response surface central composite design. Degree of glycosylation (DG) ranged from 39.3 to 52.5%, 61.7 to 70.9%, and 81.2 to 94.8% at 40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C, respectively (P values < 0.0001). Denaturation temperatures of all DGs ranged from 111.6 °C to 114.6 °C, while unmodified/native BMSPI had a value of 113.2 °C. Surface hydrophobicity decreased to approximately 60% when the DG was maximal (94.8%). Solubility decreased almost 90% when the DG was maximal in comparison to the native BMSPI (62.0%). Emulsifying activity increased from 0.35 to 0.80 when the DGs were ≥80%, while emulsion stability increased from 63 to 72 min when the DGs were greater than 70%. A similar trend was observed with foaming capacity and foaming stability of the glycosylated proteins. This glycosylated BMSPI with improved emulsifying and foaming properties could be used as an ingredient in food products where such properties are required.
Identification of a definite diabetic cardiomyopathy in type 2 diabetes by comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation: A cross‐sectional comparison with non‐diabetic weight‐matched controls
Authors: Ofstad Anne Pernille , Urheim Stig , Dalen Håvard , Orvik Elsa , Birkeland Kåre I , Gullestad Lars , W Fagerland Morten , Johansen Odd Erik , Aakhus Svend 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundSubclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is prevalent in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). As obesity has been proposed as one causal factor in the disease process, this could bias the reported prevalences. We wanted to characterize echocardiographic LV dysfunction in obese T2DM subjects as compared to non‐diabetic obese controls.MethodsOne hundred patients with T2DM without clinical signs of heart failure (29% females, mean ± SD age 58.4 ± 10.5 years, body mass index (BMI) 30.1 ± 5.5 kg/m2, blood pressure (BP) 141 ± 18/83 ± 9 mmHg) and 100 non‐diabetic controls (29% females) matched for age (58.6 ± 10.5 years), BMI (29.8 ± 4.0 kg/m2) and systolic BP (140 ± 14 mmHg) underwent echocardiography and color tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). Diastolic function was evaluated with conventional Doppler recordings and early (e′) and late (a′) myocardial velocities. The ratio between early transmitral filling (E) and the corresponding myocardial tissue velocity (e′) served as an index of LV filling pressure.ResultsT2DM patients had more concentric hypertrophy with a relative wall thickness of 0.42 ± 0.07 vs controls 0.38 ± 0.07, P < 0.001. The T2DM group had signs of diastolic dysfunction with lower E/A ratio (0.91 ± 0.27 vs. 1.12 ± 0.38, P < 0.001), deceleration time (195 ± 49 vs 242 ± 72 ms, P < 0.001), e′ (5.7 ± 2.0 vs. 6.6 ± 1.8 cm/s, P = 0.001), and a′ (6.5 ± 2.0 vs. 7.6 ± 1.5 cm/s, P < 0.001) compared to the controls, and higher E/e′ (13.3 ± 4.7 vs. 11.1 ± 3.5, P < 0.001). Thus, there were indications of pseudo normalization and increased filling pressure in the T2DM group, whereas the controls had evidence for relaxation abnormalities without elevated filling pressure.ConclusionCompared to a non‐diabetic obese group, more advanced subclinical impairment of diastolic function was seen in T2DM.
Inflammatory optic disc edema due to Sarcoidosis mimicking malignant hypertension
Authors: Sharma Aman , Sagar Vinay , Singla Veenu , Sharma Kusum , Singh Ramandeep , Singh Surjit , Gupta Amod 
Published: October 2014

AbstractA common ocular manifestation of sarcoidosis is anterior uveitis. Posterior uveitis is uncommon and optic disc edema is rare. We report one such case in which the initial presentation was mimicking malignant hypertension as the patient had a recent record of high blood pressure. However, the painful progressive vision loss due to optic disc edema, along with anterior uveitis, and histological proof of non‐caseating granulomas on transbronchial lung biopsy clinched the diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis. There was complete resolution of signs and symptoms with institution of steroids. There was also probable cardiac involvement. This case highlights the fact that all disc edemas in a diabetic and hypertensive patients is not just due to malignant hypertension, even if there is a recent history of elevated blood pressure.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound in rheumatology inKorea: targeted ultrasound initiative survey
Authors: Kang Taeyoung , Wakefield Richard J. , Emery Paul 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimIn collaboration with the Targeted Ultrasound Initiative (TUI), to conduct the first study in Korea to investigate current practices in ultrasound use among Korean rheumatologists.MethodsWe translated theTUIGlobal Survey into Korean and added questions to better understand the specific challenges facing rheumatologists in Korea. To target as many rheumatologists in Korea as possible, we created an on‐line version of this survey, which was conducted from March to April 2013.ResultsRheumatologists are in charge of ultrasound in many Korean hospitals. Rheumatologists in hospitals and private clinics use ultrasound to examine between one and five patients daily; they use ultrasound for diagnosis more than monitoring and receive compensation of aboutUS$30–50 per patient. There are marked differences in the rates of ultrasound usage between rheumatologists who work in private practice compared with tertiary hospitals. Korean rheumatologists not currently using ultrasound in their practice appear eager to do so.ConclusionThis survey provides important insights into the current status of ultrasound in rheumatology in Korea and highlights several priorities; specifically, greater provision of formal training, standardization of reporting and accrual of greater experience among ultrasound users. If these needs are addressed, all rheumatology departments in Korea are likely to use ultrasound or have access to it in the future.
enaR: An r package for Ecosystem Network Analysis
Authors: Borrett Stuart R. , Lau Matthew K. 
Published: October 2014

Summary

Network analysis is a useful approach for investigating complex and relational data in many fields including ecology, molecular and evolutionary biology.

Here, we introduce enaR , an r package for Ecosystem Network Analysis (ENA). ENA is an analytical tool set rooted in ecosystem ecology with over 30 years of development that examines the structure and dynamics of matter and energy movement between discrete ecological compartments (e.g. a food web).

In addition to describing the primary functionality of the package, we highlight several features including a library of 100 empirical ecosystem models, the ability to analyse and compare multiple models simultaneously, and connections to other ecological network analysis tools in r.
Effects of levosimendan in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy undergoing aortic valve replacement
Authors: JUHL‐OLSEN P. , JAKOBSEN C.‐J. , RASMUSSEN L. A. , BHAVSAR R. , KLAABORG K.‐E. , FREDERIKSEN C. A. , SLOTH E. 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundLeft ventricular hypertrophy is associated with adverse outcomes, including death, during cardiac surgery. This may be facilitated by an increased oxygen demand and diastolic dysfunction. Levosimendan augments haemodynamics without further oxygen consumption and improves echocardiographic indices of diastolic dysfunction. This study aimed to describe the haemodynamic effects of short‐term pre‐ and intra‐operative levosimendan infusion including advanced echocardiographic measures of diastolic and systolic heart function.MethodsThe study was randomised, double‐blinded and placebo‐controlled performed at a single‐centre university hospital. Patients with left ventricular hypertrophy and ejection fraction > 45% scheduled for single procedure aortic valve replacement were included and randomised to infusion of either levosimendan 0.1 μg/kg/min or placebo from 4 h before anaesthesia to the end of surgery. Outcome measures were echocardiographic indices of left ventricular diastolic function: E/e′ (primary endpoint), e′, e′/a′ and indices of systolic function: longitudinal strain, ejection fraction and s′. Patients were followed until 6 months after surgery. In addition, invasive haemodynamic measures were obtained perioperatively.ResultsThe trial was prematurely terminated due to an overall high incidence of post‐operative atrial fibrillation (15/20, P = 0.002) after inclusion of 20 patients. The relative decrease in perioperative cardiac index was lower (P = 0.016) in the levosimendan group. There was no difference in E/e′, and similar results were found for all measures of systolic function.ConclusionShort‐term levosimendan caused a transient relative increase in cardiac index, but no effect was seen on the first post‐operative day and up to 6 months post‐operatively with indices of systolic and diastolic heart function.
Local anaesthetic infiltration at the end of carotid endarterectomy improves post‐operative analgesia
Authors: CHERPRENET A.‐L. , RAMBOURDIN‐PERRAUD M. , LAFORÊT S. , FAURE M. , GUESMI N. , BAUD C. , ROSSET E. , SCHOEFFLER P. , DUALÉ C. 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundWound infiltration at the end of carotid endarterectomy under general anaesthesia is a simple technique that can be delegated to the surgeon. It was hypothesised that this technique could improve early post‐operative analgesia by reducing the need for post‐operative opioids.MethodsForty patients underwent carotid endarterectomy under general anaesthesia with desflurane and remifentanil supplemented with morphine for post‐operative analgesia. In a prospective double‐blinded randomised study, patients were allocated pre‐operatively to receive either subcutaneous infiltration of both wound edges with 20 ml of 0.75% ropivacaine or infiltration with isotonic saline. The primary outcome was morphine consumption while in the post‐anaesthesia care unit (PACU). Pain scores at rest and movement, sedation, and patient satisfaction were the other main outcomes used to assess post‐operative analgesia.ResultsThe median dose of morphine administered in the PACU was 2 mg [0–3] in the ropivacaine vs. 4 mg [3–6] in the placebo group (P = 0.0004, Mann–Whitney's test). Pain at rest and at movement was lower in the ropivacaine group throughout observation in the PACU. No difference was found for both pain and opioid consumption after discharge from the PACU or for patient satisfaction. Sedative events in the early post‐operative period were less frequent in the ropivacaine group.ConclusionsLocal anaesthetic wound infiltration performed before closure reduces the need for additional opioids, lowers the immediate post‐operative pain and improves alertness. These results argue for the use of local infiltration anaesthesia for carotid endarterectomy.
Naltrexone Improves Quit Rates, Attenuates Smoking Urge, and Reduces Alcohol Use in Heavy Drinking Smokers Attempting to Quit Smoking
Authors: Fridberg Daniel J. , Cao Dingcai , Grant Jon E. , King Andrea C. 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundHeavy drinking smokers (HDS) have more difficulty quitting smoking than lighter drinkers or abstainers. The opioid antagonist naltrexone may improve smoking quit rates and reduce alcohol use in drinker–smokers, but its relative efficacy in smokers with a range of drinking patterns is unknown. The current study tested the hypothesis that HDS would show differential benefit of naltrexone versus placebo relative to moderate‐to‐light or nondrinking smokers in terms of improving smoking outcomes and reducing alcohol consumption.MethodsAdult smokers (N = 315) enrolled in a 12‐week, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial of 50 mg naltrexone for smoking cessation were categorized into subgroups based upon past 6‐month drinking patterns: HDS (n = 69; i.e., averaged ≥2 heavy drinking episodes per month), moderate‐to‐light drinking smokers (n = 204, i.e., consumed 1 drink up to a maximum of <2 heavy drinking episodes per month on average), or nondrinking smokers (n = 42, no alcohol consumed in the past 6 months). The groups were compared on the main study outcomes of biochemically verified prolonged abstinence quit rates (i.e., no smoking weeks 2 to 12), and smoking urge and alcohol use (drinks/wk) during treatment.ResultsNaltrexone significantly increased 12‐week smoking abstinence rates and decreased smoking urge and alcohol use among HDS, but not moderate‐to‐light or nondrinking smokers. Mediation analyses in HDS revealed that naltrexone's effect on smoking urge during the first 4 weeks of treatment mediated its effect on quit rates.ConclusionsHDS appear to be particularly sensitive to naltrexone effects on smoking and drinking outcomes. This group may represent an important target for adjunctive treatment with naltrexone to optimize smoking cessation outcomes.
Increased Delay Discounting Tracks with a High Ethanol‐Seeking Phenotype and Subsequent Ethanol Seeking But Not Consumption
Authors: Beckwith S. Wesley , Czachowski Cristine L. 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundIncreased levels of delay discounting have been associated with alcoholism and problematic levels of drinking. Attempts to assess the directionality of this relationship by studying individuals with a family history of alcoholism as well as rodent lines selectively bred for high home cage alcohol preference have yielded discordant results. One possible reason for this discordance is that increased levels of delay discounting may only track with specific processes that lead to addiction vulnerability. This study investigated this possibility by assessing 3 strains of rats previously identified to exhibit heritable differences in ethanol (EtOH) seeking and consumption.MethodsIn an adjusting amount delay discounting task, alcohol‐preferring (P) rats who display high levels of both EtOH seeking and consumption were compared to high alcohol‐drinking (HAD2) rats who only exhibit moderate EtOH seeking despite high levels of consumption, and Long Evans (LE) rats who display moderate seeking and consumption. EtOH‐seeking and consumption phenotypes were subsequently confirmed in an operant self‐administration task with a procedural separation between EtOH seeking and drinking.ResultsP rats discounted delayed rewards to a greater extent than both HAD2s and LE who did not show differences in discounting. Moreover, the EtOH‐seeking and drinking phenotypes were replicated with P rats displaying greater EtOH seeking compared to both the HAD2s and LE, and both the HAD2s and P rats consuming more EtOH than LEs.ConclusionsOnly the high‐seeking strain, the P rats, exhibited increased levels of delay discounting. This suggests that this measure of behavioral under‐control is specifically associated with alcohol‐related appetitive, but not consummatory, processes as the moderate seeking/high drinking line did not show increased levels of impulsivity. This finding supports the hypothesis that delay discounting is specifically associated with only certain processes which are sufficient but not necessary to confer addiction vulnerability and therefore also supports increased levels of delay discounting as a predisposing risk factor for alcoholism.
Alcohol Use Before and During Unwanted Pregnancy
Authors: Roberts Sarah C. M. , Wilsnack Sharon C. , Foster Diana Greene , Delucchi Kevin L. 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundThere is little information about pregnancy‐related changes in alcohol use and factors contributing to changes among women with unwanted pregnancies. This study describes changes in alcohol use from before pregnancy recognition to during pregnancy and identifies important predictors of alcohol use severity among women with unwanted pregnancies.MethodsData are from the Turnaway Study of 956 women seeking pregnancy termination at 30 U.S. facilities between 2008 and 2010, some of whom were denied care because they were past the gestational limit of the facility where they were recruited and were still pregnant at the baseline interview, 1 week after termination seeking. Predictors of alcohol use severity (a latent variable) were identified.ResultsAbout 56% of the total sample reported any alcohol use the month before pregnancy recognition, with 23% reporting 6 or more drinks on an occasion. Among the total sample, 35% of those drinking before pregnancy recognition had quit and 20% had reduced 1 week after termination seeking. Among those denied terminations and still pregnant, 71% had quit and 14% had reduced. In a multivariate model predicting alcohol severity, younger age, still pregnant, 1 or more previous births, later gestation, childhood physical abuse, and marijuana and other drug use were associated with lower severity; having completed college, tobacco use, and recent physical violence were associated with higher severity.ConclusionsThe proportion of the total sample drinking before pregnancy recognition is similar to national samples of women of childbearing age, while the proportion binge drinking appears higher. Of women denied terminations, who were still pregnant, the proportion having quit is similar to other populations of pregnant women. More research is needed to examine whether pregnant women may be substituting alcohol for marijuana and other drugs. Interventions focusing on alcohol use severity during pregnancy may need to also focus on tobacco.
Cross‐Border Policy Effects on Alcohol Outcomes: Drinking Without Thinking on the U.S.–Mexico Border?
Authors: Mills Britain A. , Caetano Raul , Vaeth Patrice 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundRates of alcohol‐related outcomes are sensitive to policy differences in politically distinct, adjacent territories. Factors that shape these cross‐border effects, particularly when the policy differences are longstanding, remain poorly understood. We compared the ability of 2 classes of variables with theoretical relevance to the U.S.–Mexico border context—bar attendance and alcohol‐related social–cognitive variables—to explain elevated drinking on the U.S. side of the border relative to other areas of the United States.MethodsData were collected from multistage cluster samples of adult Mexican Americans on and off the U.S.–Mexico border (current drinker N = 1,351). Structural equation models were used to test drinking context (frequency of bar attendance) and 6 different social–cognitive variables (including alcohol‐related attitudes, norms, motives, and beliefs) as mediators of border effects on a composite drinking index.ResultsThe border effect on drinking varied by age (with younger adults showing a stronger effect), consistent with previous findings and known risk factors in the region. Contrary to theoretical expectations, 6 different social–cognitive variables—despite relating strongly with drinking—were comparable in border and nonborder areas (within and across age) and played no role in elevated drinking on the border. Conversely, elevated drinking among border youth was mediated by bar attendance. This mediated moderation effect held after adjusting for potential sociodemographic and neighborhood‐level confounders.ConclusionsIncreased drinking among U.S.–Mexico border youth is explained by patterns of bar attendance, but not by more permissive alcohol‐related social–cognitive variables in border areas: Border youth attend bars and drink more than their nonborder counterparts, despite having comparable alcohol‐related beliefs, attitudes, norms, and motives for use. Alcohol's heightened availability and visibility on both sides of the border may create opportunities for border youth to drink that otherwise would not be considered.
Comparison of triamcinolone acetonide mucoadhesive film with licorice mucoadhesive film on radiotherapy‐induced oral mucositis: A randomized double‐blinded clinical trial
Authors: Ghalayani Parichehr , Emami Hamid , Pakravan Fahimeh , Nasr Isfahani Mehdi 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimMucositis is a major complication of irradiation in head and neck tumors, the addition of chemotherapy to irradiation may enhance this dose‐limiting problem. Licorice is a strong demulcent that had been effectively used in treatment of peptic ulcer. The main purpose of this study was to compare the therapeutic safety and efficacy of triamcinolone acetonide (T) and licorice (L) mucoadhesive films on oral mucositis in terms of pain control and/or ulcer treatment.MethodsThe study was a double‐blind, randomized prospective trial of two types of mucoadhesive films in the management of oral mucositis that occurred during head and neck cancer radiotherapy. Oral mucositis was assessed using a quantitative scale (World Health Organization scales) and symptoms were assessed using visual analog scale. Sixty patients were enrolled in the study: 30 patients in the triamcinolone and 30 in the licorice group.ResultsWith respect to visual analog scores, repeated observations in consecutive weeks showed a meaningful difference (P‐value < 0.05), suggesting the efficacy of both T and L in reducing pain during radiotherapy. Comparison of the pain scores between two groups by independent sample t‐test, however, demonstrated no meaningful difference in any consecutive week.ConclusionsWe concluded that both triamcinolone and licorice mucoadhesive films are effective in the management of oral mucositis during radiotherapy. Furthermore, comparison of the pain scores between two groups demonstrated no meaningful difference, although an overall trend to reduced oral discomfort was seen in the licorice group.