bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening culinary herbs for antioxidant and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities
Authors: Kee Kai Tze , Koh Marilyn , Oong Li Xuan , Ng Ken 
Published: May 2013

SummaryTwelve commonly consumed culinary herbs were assessed for their potential effect in mitigating oxidative stress and postprandial hyperglycaemia: River Mint, Vietnamese Mint, Fish Mint, Spearmint, Sweet Basil, Thai Basil, Coriander, Lemon Verbena, Vietnamese Perilla, Rice Patty, Sawtooth and Rosemary. The radical scavenging and reducing antioxidant activity of the herbs were quite variable ranging from 31–652 mg Trolox Equivalent to 35–512 mg Ferrous Equivalent per gram dried leaves, respectively. The herbs were largely inactive against pancreatic α‐amylase, but showed strong inhibitions against yeast α‐glucosidase at 100 μg Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE) per millilitre. Vietnamese Mint is the most potent herbs with the concentration required for 50% inhibition of activity of 6.9 μg Dried Leaves per millilitre. In addition, Vietnamese Mint was the only herb that produced significant inhibition of rat intestinal α‐glucosidases, reducing activity to 29.6% at 100 μg GAE mL−1 compared with control.
Inside‐out versus outside‐in transobturator tension‐free vaginal tape: A 5‐year prospective comparative study
Authors: Cheung Rachel Yau Kar , Chan Symphorosa Shing Chee , Yiu Ka Wah , Chung Tony Kwok Hung 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveTo compare the 1‐year and 5‐year outcomes of transobturator tension‐free vaginal tape with outside‐in and inside‐out approaches in women with urinary stress incontinence, and to identify risk factors for treatment failure at 5 years.MethodA prospective observational study was carried out for women with urinary stress incontinence who underwent transobturator tension‐free vaginal tape from September 2004 to March 2008 in a tertiary urogynecology center. Women (n = 213) had either an outside‐in (n = 124) or inside‐out (n = 89) procedure. They were followed up annually until 5 years after the operation. Subjective cure was defined as women not experiencing any urine loss on physical activity. Objective cure was defined as no urine leak at cough during a standard urodynamic study.ResultsAt a mean follow up of 59.2 months, the subjective cure rates were 81.7% and 84.1%; the objective cure rate were 82.6% and 82.5% for the outside‐in and inside‐out approach, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the procedures. De novo overactive bladder syndrome (10.6% in outside‐in and 14.6% in inside‐out approach; P = 0.40) and de novo detrusor overactivity (5.8% in outside‐in and 15% in inside‐out approach; P = 0.11) was also comparable between the two groups. Complications at the fifth year were low and not significantly different among both methods.ConclusionThe outside‐in approach and inside‐out approach are both safe and effective in treating women with urinary stress incontinence up to 5 years.
Cutaneous tuberculosis of the pinna: a report of two cases
Authors: Kaimal Sowmya , Aithal Vijay , Kumaran Muthu Sendhil , Abraham Anil 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundCutaneous tuberculosis (TB) is less common than other forms of TB but accounts for 1.5% of all cases of extrapulmonary TB. The source of mycobacterial infection and the immune status of the host determine the presentation of any of a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. Lupus vulgaris (LV) is a post‐primary, paucibacillary form of TB caused by hematogeneous, lymphatic, or contiguous spread from elsewhere in the body.MethodsWe report two recent cases of LV in women presenting with the exclusive involvement of the ear lobe. In Patient 1, clinical presentation appeared as an apparently benign chronic eczematous process. In Patient 2, it appeared as a fulminant ulceronecrotic process. Both women were immunocompetent, and neither had a personal or family history of TB.ResultsBoth patients were diagnosed with LV and treated with standard antitubercular therapy (ATT). In both patients, mycobacterial culture showed growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis sensitive to streptomycin, rifampicin, and ethambutol.ConclusionsLupus vulgaris is the most common form of cutaneous TB. It is important to diagnose LV because it can result in chronic disfigurement and because 10–20% of LV patients have active pulmonary TB or TB of the bones and joints. In addition, longstanding LV is known to lead to the development of squamous cell carcinoma, which can be avoided by early diagnosis and treatment with ATT.
Inpatient dermatology: profile of patients and characteristics of admissions to a tertiary dermatology inpatient unit in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: de Paula Samorano‐Lima Luciana , Quitério Ligia M. , Sanches José A. , Neto Cyro Festa 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundDermatology is primarily an outpatient clinical and surgical specialty, but substantial numbers of patients are admitted to hospital for inpatient treatment in dermatology wards.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of patients admitted to dermatology beds between September 1, 2002, and September 30, 2010. Patient data were analyzed for age, gender, ethnicity, length of stay (LoS), dermatologic disease, comorbidities, hospital‐acquired infection (HAI), transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU), and mortality.ResultsA total of 3308 patients admitted during this 8‐year period were identified for analysis. The most frequent admissions were for eczema/dermatitis (17.5%) and cutaneous infections (15.9%). The mean LoS was 13.0 days. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) number of comorbidities per patient was 1.0 ± 1.2, among the most frequent of which were hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The rate of HAI was 6.2%; bloodstream infection was regarded as the most commonly acquired type and Staphylococcus aureus as the infectious agent most commonly found in culture. Of the patients admitted, 3.7% were transferred to the ICU and 2.5% died. In these latter two groups, the most common dermatologic diagnoses were immunobullous diseases, and the mean hospital LoS and rate of HAI were higher than in the total admissions cohort.ConclusionsHigher value should be placed on dermatology inpatient services in order to expand the availability of dermatology beds, mainly in tertiary hospitals, in view of the potentially high severity of the dermatologic diseases found in many patients referred to this type of service.
Sharing Responsibility and Holding Responsible
Authors: Williams Garrath 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWho, in particular, may hold us responsible for our moral failings? Most discussions of moral responsibility bracket this question, despite its obvious practical importance. In this article, I investigate the moral authority involved and how it arises in the context of personal relationships, such as friendship or family relations. My account is based on the idea that parties to a personal relationship not only share responsibility for their relationship, but also — to some degree that is negotiated between them — for one another's lives. In sharing these responsibilities, we grant people a particular authority to respond to us. By highlighting the responsibility that we assume when we hold someone responsible, I also suggest that this analysis contains important lessons for thinking about responsibility in other contexts.
Selenium status in a group of schoolchildren from the region of Madrid, Spain
Authors: Navia B. , Ortega R. M. , Perea J. M. , Aparicio A. , López‐Sobaler A. M. , Rodríguez‐Rodríguez E. ,   Research Group: UCM 920030 (VALORNUT)
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo assess the selenium status of a group of schoolchildren from the Region of Madrid, Spain.MethodsStudy subjects comprised 483 children (216 boys and 267 girls) aged between 8 and 13 years. Selenium intake was determined using a 3‐day food record. The foods consumed were transformed into energy and nutrients, and the selenium intake was compared with that recommended. Serum selenium levels were also recorded.ResultsMean (SD) selenium intake [91.0 (25.2) μg day−1] was above the recommended level in 99.4% of subjects; the main dietary sources were cereals, meats, fish and milk products. The serum selenium concentration [mean (SD) 71.1 (14.4) μg L−1], however, was <60 μg L−1 in 13.9% of subjects, and <45 μg L−1 in 5.6%. The serum selenium concentration correlated with the selenium intake (r = 0.169; P < 0.05). Children with a serum selenium concentration of <75 μg L−1 had significantly smaller selenium intakes than those with a serum concentration of ≥75 μg L−1.ConclusionsAlthough selenium intake was generally above that recommended, the serum selenium concentration of the children could be improved. This could be achieved by increasing the relative consumption of cereals and other selenium rich foods such as fish.
Family Caregiving for Dependent Older Adults in Thai Families
Authors: Wongsawang Nongnuch , Lagampan Sunee , Lapvongwattana Punyarat , Bowers Barbara J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to understand how Thai families care for dependent older adults.Design and MethodsThe methodology used for the study was grounded dimensional analysis. Participants were 30 adult family members from 15 families who were involved in caregiving. A total of 46 interviews were conducted. Data were collected and analyzed in three phases: (a) calling up dimensions, (b) assigning relative value to each of the dimension considers, and (c) inferring.FindingsIn Thai families, “natural caregiving” precedes care of dependent older persons (dependent caregiving). Dependent caregiving begins when dependency is first noticed and care needs are identified. Dependent caregiving is a dynamic process integrating three major processes: (a) mobilizing family members, (b) performing dependent care, and (c) maintaining continuity of care. The consequences of performing dependent care and unpredictable changes lead to care remobilizing.ConclusionsDependent care for older adults varies across and is influenced by many conditions. Health personnel need to assess and monitor these varying conditions in order to support Thai families caring for dependent older adults.Clinical RelevanceThe conceptual model developed from the findings of this study provide a starting place for increasing our understanding of how to help Thai families care effectively and continuously for their older family members.
Nature as a source of metabolites with cholinesterase-inhibitory activity: an approach to Alzheimer's disease treatment
Authors: Pinho Brígida R , Ferreres Federico , Valentão Patrícia , Andrade Paula B 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Objectives
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, being responsible for high healthcare costs and familial hardships. Despite the efforts of researchers, no treatment able to delay or stop AD progress exists. Currently, the available treatments are only symptomatic, cholinesterase inhibitors being the most widely used drugs. Here we describe several natural compounds with anticholinesterase (acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase) activity and also some synthetic compounds whose structures are based on those of natural compounds.

Key findings
Galantamine and rivastigmine are two cholinesterase inhibitors used in therapeutics: galantamine is a natural alkaloid that was extracted for the first time from Galanthus nivalis L., while rivastigmine is a synthetic alkaloid, the structure of which is modelled on that of natural physostigmine. Alkaloids include a high number of compounds with anticholinesterases activity at the submicromolar range. Quinones and stilbenes are less well studied regarding cholinesterase inhibition, although some of them, such as sargaquinoic acid or (+)-α-viniferin, show promising activity. Among flavonoids, flavones and isoflavones are the most potent compounds. Xanthones and monoterpenes are generally weak cholinesterase inhibitors.

Summary
Nature is an almost endless source of bioactive compounds. Several natural compounds have anticholinesterase activity and others can be used as leader compounds for the synthesis of new drugs.
Three phases for the early peopling of Hainan Island viewed from mitochondrial DNA
Authors: LI Dong‐Na , WANG Chuan‐Chao , LU Yan , QIN Zhen‐Dong , YANG Kun , LIN Xue‐Jing , LI Hui ,   the Genographic Consortium
Published: May 2013

AbstractHainan, an island linking mainland East Asia and Southeast Asia, lay in one of the routes of early migration to East Asia. The largest indigenous group of Hainan is called Hlai, possibly direct descendants of the earliest migrants. However, there are no sufficient genetic data to assess the population history of Hainan Island. Here, we have analyzed mitochondrial DNA control‐region and coding‐region sequence variations in 566 Hlai individuals from all five subgroups, Ha, Gei, Zwn, Moifau, and Jiamao. Our results suggest three phases for the peopling of Hainan. The first phase represents the initial settlement of the island as part of the African dispersal approximately 50 000 years ago. The second phase reflects colonization events from mainland Asia before the Last Glacial Maximum, which was recorded by wide distributed lineages, such as F*, B4a, and D4a.The third phase reflects population expansions under lineages F1b, M7b, and R9b after the Last Glacial Maximum and Neolithic migrations in and out of Hainan Island. Selection also started to play a role during the last phase. We also detected different distributions between paternal Y chromosome and maternal mitochondrial DNA among isolated Hlai populations, which might be caused by sex‐biased cultural practices.
Current Opinions on Alternative Reservoir Placement for Inflatable Penile Prosthesis among Members of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America
Authors: Karpman Edward , Sadeghi-Nejad Hossein , Henry Gerard , Khera Mohit , Morey Allen F. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA) includes as its members the most experienced prosthetic surgeons in North America who implant inflatable penile prostheses (IPPs). Obliteration of the space of Retzius (SOR) resulting from robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) is a growing concern that has prompted many surgeons to look for alternative locations for reservoir placement during IPP implantation.

Aim
The aim of this article is to educate the community of prosthetic urologists about potential complications and alternative locations for IPP reservoir placement.

Methods
A panel of high-volume experienced prosthetic surgeons discussed their views on alternative IPP reservoir implantation during a symposium focused on this topic. After reviewing reservoir complications, physician members of the SMSNA in attendance were surveyed using an audience response system (ARS) to facilitate sharing of knowledge, opinions, and recommendations related to reservoir implantation.

Main Outcome Measures
Six ARS questions were used to identify the percentages of SMSNA member physicians with concerns about traditional IPP reservoir placement and utilizing alternative reservoir placement (ARP), and the impact of changing practice patterns on patient safety.

Results
A majority (81%) of experienced implant surgeons surveyed think that RALP sometimes or frequently makes traditional IPP reservoir placement more difficult. Placement of the reservoir in an alternative location is sometimes or frequently advantageous for patient safety. A vast majority (97%) of the 95 respondents indicated that ARP techniques should be included in physician training courses.

Conclusions
Physicians have concerns about reservoir placement in the SOR in RALP patients, which may explain why ARP is popular among SMSNA members. Device manufacturers should support physician training that provides for ARP. Clinical outcomes in RALP patients are needed to better understand the risks and benefits, and define the ideal location of reservoir placement in this population.
Short‐ and Long‐Range Interactions Governing the Viscoelastic Properties during Wheat Dough and Model Dough Development
Authors: Schiedt Birgitta , Baumann Andreas , Conde‐Petit Beatrice , Vilgis Thomas A. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractDuring dough development, a number of different changes occur on different time and length scales. We present here a simplified physical model able to explain the main rheological changes occurring during this process. It is based on the view of dough as a continuous gluten polymer matrix, into which starch granules are embedded as filler particles. The overall viscoelastic properties of this system are governed not only by those of its matrix, but also by the interplay of its components' interactions, each dominating at different length scales. They can be separated by performing rheological measurements at different deformation levels. Their relative importance can also be probed via the use of starch/gluten model systems in which the volume fraction of filler is varied. Dynamic oscillatory measurements in the linear and nonlinear viscoelastic range were performed on model dough as well as on natural wheat flour dough at different stages of development.Practical ApplicationsUnderstanding the role of the different components in wheat dough concerning their influence on the rheological properties of the dough is crucial for the development of any new product. For example, in view of the search for new formulations of gluten free products, not only the properties of gluten itself, but also its interactions with the other components, especially starch, have to be taken into account.
A Retrospective Study of Acute Kidney Injury in Cats and Development of a Novel Clinical Scoring System for Predicting Outcome for Cats Managed by Hemodialysis
Authors: Segev G. , Nivy R. , Kass P.H. , Cowgill L.D. 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundInformation regarding acute kidney injury (AKI) in cats is limited, and there are no reliable tools to objectively assess disease severity and predict outcome.ObjectivesTo assess clinical signs, clinicopathologic abnormalities, etiology, and outcome of cats withAKI, and to develop models using clinical metrics and empirically derived scores to predict outcome.AnimalsOne hundred and thirty‐two client‐owned cats.MethodsRetrospective study. Bivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify variables predictive of 30‐day survival. Continuous variables outside the reference range were divided into quartiles to yield quartile‐specific odds ratios (OR) for survival. Models were developed incorporating weighting factors assigned to each quartile based on theOR. A predictive score for each model was calculated for each cat by summing all weighting factors. A second, multivariable logistic regression model was created from actual values of the same variables. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed to determine the models' performance. Models were further tested using a subset of cases not used in initial assessment.ResultsFifty five of 132 cats (42%) remained dialysis‐independent for at least 30 days after discharge, and the remaining 77 cats either died (n = 37, 28%) or were euthanized (n = 40, 30%). The most common etiology was ureteral obstruction (n = 46, 35%). Higher scores were associated with decreased probability of survival (P < .001). Models correctly classified outcomes in 75–77% of the cases and 84–89% of the cases in the subsequent evaluation.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceModels can provide objective guidance in assessingAKIprognosis and severity, but should be validated in other cohorts of cats.
Habitat‐dependent interactive effects of a heatwave and experimental fertilization on the vegetation of an alpine mire
Authors: Brancaleoni Lisa , Gerdol Renato 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimsOur objective was to investigate how the after‐effects of a heatwave interacted with nutrient addition in affecting the vegetation of an alpine mire. We also aimed to assess if the responses of vegetation to the environmental changes differed between mire habitats.LocationA mire in the Dolomites (southeastern Alps, Italy, 1800 m a.s.l.).MethodsWe carried out an 8‐yr (2002–2009) experiment of nutrient addition in an alpine mire that experienced, in summer 2003, an unprecedented heatwave. The cover of vascular plants and mosses was assessed non‐destructively and the presence of all vascular plant and moss species was recorded in 60 plots.ResultsInteracting effects of the heatwave and experimental fertilization brought about profound changes in the vegetation of the mire. Patterns of change varied considerably between two habitats (hummocks and lawns). In the short term (2003–2005), the 2003 heatwave triggered a change in vegetation structure and PFT cover, with vascular plants expanding at the expense of mosses in both habitats. In the mid‐term (2005–2009), moss cover increased in hummocks because Sphagnum mosses recovered and non‐Sphagnum mosses expanded, especially under N addition. Conversely, in lawns vascular plants expanded while mosses did not recover. These trends were strengthened when N was added with no concomitant P addition. A decline in species richness was observed in lawns, most likely due to stronger interactions among species.ConclusionsHummocks have a greater ability than lawns to recover from extreme climatic events under higher levels of N influx. Conversely, a persistent increase in vascular plant cover at the expense of moss cover in lawns may jeopardize the carbon sink function of lawn habitats.
Effects of microhabitat and growth form on bryophyte mortality associated with leaf litter burial in a boreal spruce forest
Authors: Schmalholz Martin , Granath Gustaf 
Published: May 2013

AbstractQuestionsDo mortality rates of boreal bryophytes associated with leaf litter burial vary with degree of shelter on forest floor microsites in spruce‐dominated forests? Do erect and prostrate species respond similarly? What is the relative importance of deciduous leaves (from aspen and birch) vs conifer needles as bryophyte mortality agents?LocationBoreal spruce forests of central Sweden.MethodsA transplant study examining mortality was set up with four different bryophyte species: two creeping, prostrate liverworts (Calypogeia integristipula and Lepidozia reptans) and two more erect mosses (Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus and Hylocomiastrum umbratum). We tested for differences in mortality rates associated with leaf litter burial in three microhabitats differing in degree of shelter on the forest floor, i.e. sheltered (large boulders, tree bases of spruce) and unsheltered (open forest floor).ResultsAfter two growing seasons, 12.7% of the bryophyte transplants (40 out of 316, of which 37 transplants were prostrate liverworts) were dead, presumably due to litter burial. These two prostrate liverworts displayed significantly higher mortality rates close to boulders and at tree bases compared to unsheltered forest floors. Furthermore, although only comprising a small portion of the canopy (<10%), deciduous litter accounted for 53% of all transplants that were buried by litter, compared to 47% for conifer needle litter.ConclusionWe find fine‐scale spatial patchiness in the responses of bryophytes to litter fall. Mortality of prostrate liverworts associated with litter burial varies among microhabitats on the forest floor, with significantly higher mortality at sheltered microsites (here exemplified by boulders and tree bases) compared to erect moss species. Bryophytes close to microtopographic structures (e.g. boulders and trees) are more strongly exposed to litter burial, but such structures can also function as refuges under disturbance events such as clear‐cuts and windthrows. In addition, they may contain convex surfaces that accumulate less litter than flat or convex forest floor surfaces. The observed large effect of litter burial associated with bryophyte mortality, and the variation among microhabitats and species growth forms, suggest that incorporation of litter fall is of vital importance for our understanding of the dynamics of forest bryophyte communities.