bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant growth – resource or strategy limited: insights from responses to gibberellin
Authors: Parsons A. J. , Rasmussen S. , Liu Q. , Xue H. , Ball C. , Shaw C. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractWe used exogenous application of a phytohormone (gibberellin GA3, ‘GA’) to test the hypothesis that common perennial grasses may not be growing at all times to the limit of resource availability. Plants were taken from the field in winter, and again in summer and their responses to GA assessed under standard conditions, indoors, to reveal their ‘potential’ for growth at different times. Time of year, and associated developmental state, had a major impact on the capacity of plants to respond to exogenous GA, and less so their current growing conditions, temperature and N availability, during measurement. A major increase in dry matter (DM) production in winter‐derived plants took place at both low and high N, with no evidence of a reduction in N content in tissues. That ryegrass plant growth can be stimulated, without externally adding resources, supports the hypothesis there is an element of internal control in how plants respond to ‘signals’ in their environment, that might be manipulated. This offers prospects for reducing environmental impacts (leaching, N2O) compared with obtaining the same yield increase by adding fertilizer N in early season. Responses to exogenous GA were detected (as significant) but far smaller in summer‐derived plants. Molecular mechanisms of detection of N resource signals, developmental triggers and the role of endogenous gibberellin need to be unravelled to assess scope for breeding ryegrass germplasm to better match demands for increased production with greater resource‐use efficiency.
Usefulness and accuracy of the international normalized ratio and activity percent of prothrombin time in patients with liver disease
Authors: Takikawa Yasuhiro , Harada Mari , Wang Ting , Suzuki Kazuyuki 
Published: February 2013

AimIn order to determine the most reliable reporting style for prothrombin time (PT) in patients with liver disease, we examined the correlations between the plasma antigen levels of clotting factors and the PT activity percent or two international normalized ratios (INR), and compared the inter‐reagent variation among these PT reporting styles.MethodsThe PT was measured in 81 patients with liver diseases, including acute liver failure (ALF) (n = 10), acute liver injury (n = 52), chronic hepatitis (n = 8) and liver cirrhosis (n = 11), and in 75 warfarin‐treated patients and 32 healthy volunteers. The PT of each plasma sample was determined with four commercial thromboplastins using an automated photo‐optical coagulometer. For individual thromboplastin reagents, a locally determined international sensitivity index (local ISI) was derived using plasma obtained from healthy volunteers, warfarin‐treated patients and liver disease patients. The INRW and INRLD were calculated using the corresponding local ISI. The PT activity percent was calibrated according to the Lineweaver–Burk equation. The PT values were compared with the plasma antigen levels of clotting factors X, II and VII measured using the enzyme‐linked immunoassay method.ResultsThe plasma factor X level was selected as the gold standard for measuring the synthetic liver function among the three clotting factors due to its significant relationship (P = 0.007) with the prognosis of ALF. The INRLD exhibited the closest correlation to the factor X level (r = 0.723–0.759), with the smallest inter‐reagent variation among these reporting styles.ConclusionThe INRLD is the most appropriate PT reporting style for use in patients with liver disease.
Is perceived patient involvement in mental health care associated with satisfaction and empowerment?
Authors: Tambuyzer Else , Van Audenhove Chantal 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundPatients increasingly assume active roles in their mental health care. While there is a growing interest in patient involvement and patient‐reported outcomes, there is insufficient research on the outcomes of patient involvement.ObjectiveThe research questions in this study are as follows: ‘To what extent is perceived patient involvement associated with satisfaction and empowerment?’; ‘What is the nature of the relationship between satisfaction and empowerment?’; and ‘To what extent are background variables associated with satisfaction and empowerment?’. We assumed that a higher degree of patient involvement is associated with higher satisfaction and empowerment scores and that satisfaction and empowerment are positively associated.Design, setting and participantsData were gathered using surveys of 111 patients of 36 multidisciplinary care networks for persons with serious and persistent mental illness.Main variables studied and main outcome measuresDemographic characteristics, patient involvement and satisfaction were measured using a new questionnaire. Empowerment was assessed using the Dutch Empowerment Scale. Descriptive, univariate (Pearson's r and independent‐samples t‐tests), multivariate (hierarchical forced entry regression) and mixed‐model analyses were conducted.ResultsThe hypotheses of positive associations between patient involvement, satisfaction and empowerment are confirmed. The demographics are not significantly related to satisfaction or empowerment, except for gender. Men reported higher empowerment scores than did women.Discussion and conclusionsMaking patient involvement a reality is more than just an ethical imperative. It provides an opportunity to enhance patient‐reported outcomes such as satisfaction and empowerment. Future research should focus on the nature of the association between satisfaction and empowerment.
The interaction of pulsed electric fields and texturizing ‐ antifreezing agents in quality retention of defrosted potato strips
Authors: Shayanfar Shima , Chauhan OP , Toepfl Stefan , Heinz Volker 
Published: February 2013

SummaryThe combination of pulsed electric fields (PEF) and texturizing and antifreeze agents on quality retention of defrosted potato strips were studied. Potato strips (10 mm thickness, 100 g) were placed in different solutions (1% w/v) of CaCl2, glycerol, trehalose as well as NaCl and sucrose, treated with PEF (0.5 kV cm−1, 100 pulses, 4 Hz). Then, all the samples were soaked in the same solutions for 10 min. After draining, samples were packed into polypropylene pouches and stored at −18 °C for 12 h. Samples were thawed out at room temperature (20 °C) in 3 h. Untreated controls and PEF treated control samples were also frozen and thawed in similar conditions. To assess the potato strip quality, the thawed samples were analysed for moisture content, weight loss, firmness and colour attributes. The results indicate that PEF treatment by itself is not a suitable pre‐treatment method for frozen potato strips and should be assisted by CaCl2 and trehalose treatment to prevent softening after defrosting. Firmness analyses determined that application of PEF alone results in 2.38 N. However, PEF in combination with CaCl2 and trehalose result in 2.97 N and 2.99 N, respectively, which are both significantly firmer than the samples solely treated with PEF. CaCl2 and trehalose were effective in not only maintaining the structural integrity of the cells, but also retaining colour attributes. The L* value was found to be higher (P < 0.05) in CaCl2 and trehalose treated samples (58.95 and 57.21, respectively), as compared to PEF treated samples (53.97) denoting a darker colour. Application of CaCl2 and trehalsoe in combination with PEF also resulted in significantly less weight loss after thawing.
Effects of microwave and hot‐air drying methods on colour, β‐carotene and radical scavenging activity of apricots
Authors: Albanese Donatella , Cinquanta Luciano , Cuccurullo Gennaro , Di Matteo Marisa 
Published: February 2013

SummaryThe effects of drying by microwave and convective heating at 60 and 70 °C on colour change, degradation of β‐carotene and the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging activity of apricots were evaluated. Microwave heating reduced significantly the drying time (up to 25%), if compared with convective one, also owing to the higher temperature reached during the last phase of the process, as monitored by infrared thermography. Colour changes of apricot surface, described with lightness and hue angle, in both drying methods followed a first‐order reaction (0.927 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.996). The apricots dried by microwave were less affected by the darkening phenomena. The evolution of β‐carotene in fresh apricots (61.2 ± 5.6 mg kg−1 d.w.) during the drying highlighted a wider decrease (about 50%) when microwave heating was employed for both the temperatures used. Radical scavenging activity increased (P < 0.05) in all dried samples except for hot‐air dried apricots at 60 °C.
Modelling the survival of Enterobacter cloacae in a model olive cover brine solution
Authors: Bevilacqua Antonio , Gallo, Mariangela , Corbo Maria Rosaria , Sinigaglia Milena 
Published: February 2013

SummaryThe main goal of this research was the evaluation of the survival of Enterobacter cloacae in a model olive brine. Two different assays were run; the first experiment assessed the viability of the target in brines containing NaCl (6–12%) and p‐coumaric acid (0.0–0.05%), adjusted to different pHs (4–10) and stored at 10–30 °C for 9 days. The death rate and cell levels at selected times were modelled with a polynomial equation to highlight the individual and interactive effects of NaCl/p‐coumaric acid/pH/temperature. Then, a second experiment was run for 3 months (temperature, 10 °C; pH, 4.5–5.5; NaCl, 6–8%). The survival of E. cloacae was affected mainly by pH, then by salt and temperature; however, the significance of the variables changed within the time, as salt and temperature acted in a significant way only after 1 day.
Selection of γ‐aminobutyric acid‐producing lactic acid bacteria and their potential as probiotics for use as starter cultures in Thai fermented sausages (Nham)
Authors: Ratanaburee, Anussara , Kantachote Duangporn , Charernjiratrakul Wilawan , Sukhoom Ampaitip 
Published: February 2013

SummaryTo produce a novel product of Thai fermented meats, such as healthy Nham, 602 lactic acid bacteria were isolated from fermented foods and fourteen isolates that produced high amounts of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) were also tested for inhibiting the seven foodborne bacteria. Four selected isolates produced GABA in the range of 7339–9060 mg L−1 (NH2 < NH102 < NH116 < HN8) and their culture filtrates with a pH of 3.8, except 4.2 for NH2 inhibited all target organisms. Selected strains were investigated for their physiological and functional properties of probiotics in vitro. Strain NH102 survived best in the gastrointestinal tract with only a one log cell decrease over 4 h, whereas strain NH116 was the best cholesterol removal (43%). None showed any haemolysis and all hydrolased bile salts. Strain NH2 was identified as Lactobacillus namurensis and all the others were Pediococcus pentosaceus. Strains HN8 and NH2 were potential starters for fermenting meats.
Enzymatic production of low‐calorie structured lipid from Echium seed oil and lauric acid: optimisation by response surface methodology
Authors: Gökçe Jülide , Şahin Yeşilçubuk Neşe , Üstün Güldem 
Published: February 2013

SummaryLow‐calorie structured lipids (SLs) were produced from Echium seed oil and lauric acid by enzymatic acidolysis reactions. Lipozyme® RM IM, commercially immobilised sn‐1,3 specific lipase derived from Rhizomucor miehei, was used in the reactions. The effects of substrate molar ratio and reaction time on incorporation of lauric acid were investigated and optimised by response surface technology (RSM) with five‐level, two‐factor central composite design. Good quadratic model was obtained for the response [lauric acid (%) incorporation]. Highest lauric acid incorporation into Echium oil was obtained at 5:1 lauric acid/Echium oil molar ratio and at 4‐h reaction time. The model was verified at these conditions and furthermore scale‐up synthesis of SLs was performed. At these conditions, SL contained predominantly lauric acid (42.8%), oleic acid (9.9%), linoleic acid (10.8%), α‐linolenic acid (15.1%), γ‐linolenic acid (7.5%) and stearidonic acid (8.5%) with% 64.4 of PUFA at sn‐2 position in gram‐scale synthesis.
Limb salvage using advanced technologies: a case report
Authors: Frykberg Robert G , O'Connor Rachel M , Tallis Arthur , Tierney Edward 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPatients with severe acute and chronic lower extremity wounds often present a significant challenge in terms of limb salvage. In addition to control of infection, assuring adequate perfusion and providing standard wound care, advanced modalities are often required to facilitate final wound closure. We herein present a case study on a diabetic patient with gangrene and necrotising soft‐tissue infection who underwent a forefoot pedal amputation to control the sepsis. Despite his non invasive vascular studies demonstrating poor healing potential at this level, he was not deemed suitable for revascularisation by our vascular surgeons and ankle‐level amputation was recommended. Nonetheless, over a 5‐month period using multiple advanced wound care therapies, wound closure was ultimately achieved.
Prognostic indicators in WHO 2003 low‐grade endometrial stromal sarcoma
Authors: Feng Weiwei , Hua Keqin , Gudlaugsson Einar , Yu Yinhua , Zhou Xianrong , Baak Jan P A 
Published: February 2013

Aims:  Endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) has traditionally been divided into low and high grade, but the World Health Organization (WHO, 2003) has changed the definition. Since 2003, many studies have used the old criteria, and few have focused on WHO 2003‐defined ESS low grade (ESS‐LG). The aim of this study was to investigate prognosticators in ESS‐LG.Methods and results:  We reviewed the WHO 2003 diagnostic criteria in 91 tumours (previously classified as ESS low and high grade). There were 68 cases of ESS‐LG and 23 of undifferentiated endometrial sarcoma (UES). In the ESS‐LG cases, the prognostic value of clinicopathological variables was studied. With a median follow‐up of 79 months (range: 20–474 months), the recurrence and death rates were 5/68 (7%) and 1/68 (1.5%) in the ESS‐LG cases. Ovarian preservation or no ovarian preservation (P < 0.0001, hazard ratio (HR) 10.4) and mitotic activity index (MAI) (0–3 versus >3, P = 0.005, HR 8.6) had independent prognostic value. Other frequently used MAI thresholds – age, tumour diameter, and vessel invasion – were not prognostic. Among patients without ovarian preservation (n = 61), none of 53 with MAI 0–3 suffered recurrence, contrasting with two of eight (25%) of those with MAI >3 (P = 0.003); one of these two recurrence patients died (P = 0.02). Among patients with ovarian preservation (n = 7), three (43%) suffered recurrence but none died, and MAI had no additional prognostic value.Conclusions:  In ESS‐LG, ovarian preservation and MAI >3 are associated with increased risk of recurrence.
Ex VivoEvaluation of Canine Lung Biopsy Techniques
Authors: Marvel Sarah , Monnet Eric 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectiveAnex vivocomparison of thoracoscopic lung biopsy techniques in dogs.Study DesignExperimental.Sample PopulationCadaveric canine lung lobes.MethodsLungs were inflated to 10 cmH2O. After collecting biopsies 3 cm from the edge of lung lobes, leak pressures were recorded as inflation pressure was increased to 40 cmH2O. Pre‐tied loop ligature, square knot (SQ), modified 4S Roeder knot (M4SR) with glycomer 631 and polyglactin 910 size 0 and 2‐0 were used in addition to EndoGIA 45–2.5 mm (Covidien, Norwalk, CT) and a vessel sealant device (VSDS single and VSDD double seal). Six biopsies were performed with each of these modalities.ResultsMedian airway pressure at which leakage occurred was 28 (20–34) cmH2O for EndoGIA 45; 33 (14–40) for VSDD; and 33 (10–40) for VSDS while other groups reached a median pressure of 40 cmH2O (P < .0001). Leakage occurred at 20 cmH2O in 1 sample with the EndoGIA and the VSDS, and in 2 with the VSDD while leakage did not occur in any other group (P = .36). Leakage occurred at 30 cmH2O in 1 specimen each of the 0‐polyglactin SQ, 2‐0 glycomer 631 M4SR, 2‐0 polyglactin M4SR, and 2‐0 Surgitie (Covidien, Norwalk, CT); 2 with the VSDS; and 3 with the EndoGIA and the VSDD while leakage did not occur in any other group (P = .26).ConclusionsAll tested techniques seemed safe except the vessel sealant device since it did not consistently seal every biopsy and leaked at pressures <20 cmH2O.
Belief about immutability of moral character and punitiveness toward criminal offenders
Authors: Tam Kim‐Pong , Shu Tse‐Mei , Ng Henry Kin‐Shing , Tong Yuk‐Yue 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe present research examined the association between belief about immutability of moral character and punitiveness toward criminal offenders. Overall, participants who believed that moral character is immutable (entity theorists) were more punitive than those who believed that it is changeable (incremental theorists). More important, the present research identified two mediational paths: Entity theorists made more internal attribution of criminal behavior and held stronger expectation of offenders' recidivism, both of which in turn led to stronger punitiveness. Also, contrary to some researchers' speculation, entity theorists did not perceive less controllability in criminal behavior. Implications for implicit theory research and criminal justice research are discussed.
The specific response to capacitating stimuli is a sensitive indicator of chilling injury in hypothermically stored boar spermatozoa
Authors: Schmid S. , Henning H. , Oldenhof H. , Wolkers W. F. , Petrunkina A. M. , Waberski D. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryBoar spermatozoa are sensitive to storage temperatures below 15 °C. Chilling injury causes loss of motility and membrane integrity in a minority of cells, whereas the main population displays sublethal changes compromising fertility. In this study, changes of the response to capacitation conditions in hypothermically stored boar spermatozoa have been examined using a kinetic approach with well‐defined test and control media. Ejaculates of seven boars were diluted in Beltsville Thawing Solution kept for 3 h at 22 °C or cooled to 17, 10 and 5 °C and stored for 24 and 96 h. At each time point, the standard sperm parameters motility and membrane integrity were evaluated. Subsequently, washed subsamples were incubated in capacitating and control medium before flow cytometric analysis of intracellular calcium content using the Fluo‐3 probe and changes in phospholipid disorder using merocyanine. Kinetic changes of response parameters were monitored in viable (plasma membrane intact) cells. Chilling led to a loss of standard sperm quality traits in a minor subpopulation of cells, whereas storage length had no effect on these parameters. However, responses to incubation as determined by the loss of live cells with low intracellular calcium content showed marked changes in relation to storage conditions. The specific responsiveness to capacitation conditions decreased in close relation to storage temperature and length. In contrast, the merocyanine probe revealed to be limited to detect effects of hypothermic storage. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, no influence of chilling on membrane phase behaviour was found that might implicate decreased sperm function. In conclusion, assessment of response to capacitating media by monitoring intracellular calcium levels provides a sensitive measure for chilling injury in extended boar semen, and therefore, deserves implementation in hypothermic storage tests.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for gastric cancer: A meta‐analysis of randomized, controlled trials
Authors: Liao Yi , Yang Zu‐li , Peng Jun‐sheng , Xiang Jun , Wang Jian‐ping 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackground and AimAlthough the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in gastric cancer has been extensively studied, the data of survival benefit are still controversial. The purpose of this work was to assess the effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery in patients with gastric cancer.MethodsWe searched systematically electronic through the databases of PUBMED, EMBASE, China Biological Medicine, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure Whole Article for studies published from 1975. Two reviewers independently evaluated the relevant reports and searched manually reference from these reports for additional trials. Outcomes assessed by meta‐analysis included overall survival rate, progression‐free survival rate, R0 resection rate, downstaging effect, postoperative complications, and perioperative mortality.ResultsSix randomized, controlled trials with 781 patients were included in the meta‐analysis. Odds ratio (95% confidence interval; P‐value), expressed as neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery versus surgery alone, was 1.16 (0.85–1.58; P = 0.36) for overall survival, 1.24 (0.78–1.96; P = 0.36) for R0 resection, 1.25 (0.75–2.09; P = 0.39) for postoperative complications, and 3.60 (0.59–22.45; P = 0.17) for perioperative mortality.ConclusionsCompared with surgery alone, neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery was not associated with a higher rate of overall survival or complete resection (R0 resection). It does not increase treatment‐related morbidity and mortality. This meta‐analysis did not demonstrate a survival benefit for the combination of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery.
Unconjugated bilirubin, a potent endogenous antioxidant, is decreased in patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and advanced fibrosis
Authors: Salomone Federico , Li Volti Giovanni , Rosso Chiara , Grosso Giuseppe , Bugianesi Elisabetta 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackground and AimOxidative stress is considered a key element in the progression of non‐alcoholic fatty liver to non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Unconjugated bilirubin is the main endogenous lipid antioxidant and is cytoprotective in different tissues and organs. In this study, it was evaluated if unconjugated bilirubin levels are associated with the degree of liver injury in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease.MethodsTwo hundred and eighty‐five patients were retrospectively evaluated with biopsy‐confirmed non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship of steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis levels to the features of patients.ResultsUnconjugated bilirubin levels differed significantly according to inflammation and fibrosis scores. Unconjugated bilirubin was lower in patients with moderate‐severe inflammation compared with those with absent‐mild (P = 0.001) and in patients with moderate‐severe fibrosis compared with those with absent‐mild (P < 0.001), whereas no difference was observed for steatosis grades. At logistic regression analysis, low unconjugated bilirubin levels were associated with moderate‐severe inflammation (odds ratio, 0.11; 95% confidence interval 0.02–0.76; P = 0.025) and moderate‐severe fibrosis (odds ratio, 0.013; 95% confidence interval 0.001–0.253; P = 0.004).ConclusionsLow unconjugated bilirubin levels are independent predictors of advanced inflammation and fibrosis in patients with steatohepatitis, indicating the lack of antioxidant protection as a possible molecular determinant for the progression of liver injury.