bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimisation of the extraction conditions of natural colourant carthamin from safflower (Carthamus tinctoriusL.) by response surface methodology
Authors: Sun Yanwen , He Yu , Gu Mancang , Chen Jianzhen , Li Fanzhu 
Published: November 2013

SummaryAlkali‐solution and acid‐isolation method (ASAI) and aqueous two‐phase system separation method (ATSS) have been reported to extract natural colourant carthamin fromCarthamus tinctorius. In this study, these two methods were compared based on the optimisation results of extraction conditions by response surface methodology. InASAI, the maximum extraction yield reached 0.779% at pHvalue of potassium carbonate solution of 11.16, ratio of potassium carbonate solution to raw material of fifteen and extraction time of 18 min, while 2.652% was achieved with concentration of acetone of 58%, ratio of acetone solution to raw material of twenty‐three and extraction time of 41 min inATSS. From the point of view of extraction yield,ATSShad more superiority thanASAI. However, more pure carthamin was provided inASAIaccording toHPLCassay. The obtained results in our experiments could be utilised for further researches of carthamin.
Bioactive compounds, in vitro antioxidant capacity and Maillard reaction products of raw, boiled and fried garlic (Allium sativum L.)
Authors: de Queiroz Yara S. , Antunes Patrícia B. , Vicente Silvio J. V. , Sampaio Geni R. , Shibao Julianna , Bastos Deborah H. M. , Torres Elizabeth A. F. da S. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryGarlic is used in many dishes but some of its bioactive compounds are lost when exposed to heat. This study evaluated bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and Maillard reaction products of raw (RG), boiled (BG) and fried garlic (FG). Total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, allicin and phytosterol were quantified as well as dietary fibres and mineral content. Antioxidant activities of RG, BG and FG were evaluated by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), oxidation of β‐carotene/linoleic acid and Rancimat methods. The main results were the following: thermal processing of RG decreased both bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity, boiling was found to be less aggressive than frying, and strong correlations were obtained between total phenolic compounds and the antioxidant assays. However, phytosterol content was higher in FG than in RG and BG and higher temperatures increased the formation of Maillard reaction products. It was concluded that RG and BG should be preferred for human consumption as they present higher antioxidant capacity.
Electronic nose evaluation of volatile emission of Chinese teas: from leaves to infusions
Authors: Torri Luisa , Rinaldi Massimiliano , Chiavaro Emma 
Published: November 2013

SummaryAn electronic nose can be used to discriminate tealeaf quality, but to the best of the author's knowledge, studies that address the changes in electronic sensor signals between tea leaves and infusions are not available. In this framework, this preliminary work compared the volatile emissions of leaf samples belonging to the basic Chinese teas (white, yellow, green, oolong, black and pu erh) with those of their respective infusions using an electronic nose. Different signal responses were qualitatively and quantitatively obtained from the sensors both for the tea leaves and their respective infusions, showing that the leaf aroma is not transferred as it is into the beverage. The teas were grouped according to the different fermentation techniques based on the percentage variations in the sensor contributions to the complete description of the volatile profiles. The results indicated that the electronic nose is a suitable tool to monitor the volatile emission differences that occur between leaves and infusions in different tea types.
Electron Transport Through Photosystem II Is Not Limited By A Wide Range of Water Deficit Conditions In Field‐Grown Gossypium hirsutum
Authors: Snider J. L. , Collins G. D. , Whitaker J. , Perry C. D. , Chastain D. R. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractDespite exhaustive literature describing drought stress effects on photosynthesis in Gossypium hirsutum, the sensitivity of photosynthetic electron flow to water deficit is heavily debated. To address this, G. hirsutum plants were grown at a field site near Camilla, GA under contrasting irrigation regimes, and pre‐dawn water potential (ΨPD), stomatal conductance (gs), net photosynthesis (PN), actual quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII) and electron transport rate (ETR) were measured at multiple times during the 2012 growing season. ΨPD values ranged from −0.3 to −1.1 MPa. Stomatal conductance exhibited a strong (r2 = 0.697), sigmoidal response to ΨPD, where gs was ≤0.1 mol m−2 s−1 at ΨPD values ≤ −0.86 MPa. Neither ΦPSII (r2 = 0.015) nor ETR (r2 = 0.010) was affected by ΨPD, despite exceptionally low ΨPD values (−1.1 MPa) causing a 71.7 % decline in PN relative to values predicted for well‐watered G. hirsutum leaves at ΨPD = −0.3 MPa. Further, PN was strongly influenced by gs, whereas ETR and ΦPSII were not. We conclude that photosynthetic electron flow through photosystem II is insensitive to water deficit in field‐grown G. hirsutum.
The legacy of mid‐Holocene fire on a Tasmanian montane landscape
Authors: Fletcher Michael‐Shawn , Wolfe Brent B. , Whitlock Cathy , Pompeani David P. , Heijnis Hendrik , Haberle Simon G. , Gadd Patricia S. , Bowman David M. J. S. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimTo assess the long‐term impacts of landscape fire on a mosaic of pyrophobic and pyrogenic woody montane vegetation.LocationSouth‐west Tasmania, Australia.MethodsWe undertook a high‐resolution multiproxy palaeoecological analysis of sediments deposited in Lake Osborne (Hartz Mountains National Park, southern Tasmania), employing analyses of pollen, macroscopic and microscopic charcoal, organic and inorganic geochemistry and magnetic susceptibility.ResultsSequential fires within the study catchment over the past 6500 years have resulted in the reduction of pyrophobic rain forest taxa and the establishment of pyrogenic Eucalyptus‐dominated vegetation. The vegetation change was accompanied by soil erosion and nutrient losses. The rate of post‐fire recovery of widespread rain forest taxa (Nothofagus cunninghamii and Eucryphia spp.) conforms to ecological models, as does the local extinction of fire‐sensitive rain forest taxa (Nothofagus gunnii and Cupressaceae) following successive fires.Main conclusionsThe sedimentary analyses indicate that recurrent fires over several centuries caused a catchment‐wide transition from pyrophobic rain forest to pyrophytic eucalypt‐dominated vegetation. The fires within the lake catchment during the 6500‐year long record appear to coincide with high‐frequency El Niño events in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, signalling a potential threat to these highly endemic rain forests if El Niño intensity amplifies as predicted under future climate scenarios.
Longitudinal Associations Between Walking Frequency and Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults: Results from the VoisiNuAge Study
Authors: Julien Dominic , Gauvin Lise , Richard Lucie , Kestens Yan , Payette Hélène 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundCross‐sectional studies show that walking is associated with depression among older adults, but longitudinal associations have rarely been examined. The aim of this study was to investigate longitudinal associations between walking frequency and depressive symptoms in older adults to determine which variable is the stronger prospective predictor of the other.DesignLongitudinal; four repeated measures over 5 years.SettingPopulation‐based sample of urban‐dwelling older adults living in the Montreal metropolitan area.ParticipantsParticipants from the VoisiNuAge study aged 68 to 84 (N = 498).MeasurementsMain exposures: depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale) and number of walking days in previous week (Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly). Covariates: age, education, and number of chronic illnesses. Cross‐lagged panel analyses were performed in the entire sample and in sex‐stratified subsamples.ResultsDepressive symptoms predicted walking frequency at subsequent time points (and more precisely, higher depressive symptoms were related to fewer walking days), but walking frequency did not predict depressive symptoms at subsequent time points. Stratified analyses revealed that prospective associations were statistically significant in women but not men.ConclusionThe longitudinal association between walking frequency and depressive symptoms is one in which depressive symptoms predict reduced walking frequency later. Higher depressive symptoms are more likely a cause of reduced walking because of time precedence than vice versa. Future research on longitudinal relationships between meeting physical activity recommendations and depression are warranted.
Exposure to ambient air pollutants and spontaneous abortion
Authors: Moridi Maryam , Ziaei Saeideh , Kazemnejad Anoshirvan 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimThis study aimed to evaluate the correlation between ambient concentrations of air pollutants and first‐trimester spontaneous abortion.Material and MethodsThis was a retrospective case–control study, which was conducted on 296 women from June 2010 to February 2011 in Tehran, Iran. Cases were 148 women who experienced a spontaneous abortion before 14 weeks of gestation while the controls were 148 pregnant women after 14 weeks of gestation and groups were matched on sociodemographics and obstetrics characteristics. The samples were recruited randomly from 10 hospitals. In total, pollutants concentrations were collected at 29 stations hourly throughout the study area. We estimated the mean exposure for each participant and investigated the association between spontaneous abortion and ambient pollutants.ResultsFindings demonstrated that the average of ambient air pollutants in the cases was significantly higher than in the controls (P < 0.05). The odd ratios of abortion in the areas with higher concentrations of CO, NO2, O3 and PM10 were 1.98, 0.96, 0.94 and 1.01, respectively (P < 0.05). Also, the model showed that there was no significant association between prenatal exposures to SO2 and abortion (P > 0.05).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that pregnant women exposed to ambient air pollutants may be at increased risk of spontaneous abortion. Confirmation by further research is needed.
Endometrial hepatoid adenocarcinoma: A rare cause of elevated serum α‐fetoprotein
Authors: Wu Qiong Yan , Wan Xiao Yun , Xie Xing , Lu Bing Jian 
Published: November 2013

AbstractHepatoid adenocarcinoma is a rare and unusual tumor in the female genital tract. Hepatoid adenocarcinoma resembles hepatocellular carcinoma morphologically but develops in extrahepatic organs, and usually demonstrates foci of adenocarcinoma of the primary organ. Tumor cells often stain positive for anti‐α‐fetoprotein antibody, and may be associated with elevated serum α‐fetoprotein, which may be useful as a tumor marker to guide treatment. There is little reliable information to guide clinical management of these unusual tumors and prognosis is poor despite multi‐modal treatment. This report describes the diagnosis and treatment of this tumor in a postmenopausal woman.
Primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the uterine cervix diagnosed during pregnancy: A rare case with review of literature
Authors: Khosla Divya , Rai Bhavana , Patel Firuza D. , Sreedharanunni Sreejesh , Dey Pranab , Sharma Suresh C. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPrimitive neuroectodermal tumors of the cervix are very rare. A 28‐year‐old pregnant woman presented with a cervical mass. The tumor was staged as IB2. The biopsy from tumor was suggestive of malignant small round cell tumor. She then underwent termination of pregnancy followed by radical hysterectomy. Based on morphologic and immunohistochemical profile, a diagnosis of peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the cervix was made. The patient received adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The patient is alive and disease‐free 33 months post‐surgery. The present case highlights the importance of keeping primitive neuroectodermal tumors in the differential diagnosis of small cell neoplasms of the uterine cervix. Pregnancy should not be a barrier to early detection and treatment of this potentially aggressive tumor. The optimal treatment methods have not yet been established because of the rarity of the tumor.
Cardiac tamponade in pregnancy during the treatment of severe pre‐eclampsia: Report of a case
Authors: Matsuki Rikako , Nakago Satoshi , Takaoka Hideyuki , Oishi Tetsuya , Kotsuji Fumikazu 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe present a case of cardiac tamponade that occurred during the course of treatment for severe pre‐eclampsia. A 37‐year‐old woman who underwent cesarean section for severe pre‐eclampsia developed cardiac tamponade after delivery. While percutaneous pericardiocentesis temporarily improved her condition, pericardial effusion, dyspnea and tachycardia reappeared 5 days after delivery. A continuous drainage tube placed in the pericardial cavity for 5 days was required to maintain maternal cardiac function. Her clinical course was uneventful after continuous drainage and she was discharged 20 days after delivery. No such causes of symptomatic pericardial effusion were detected in the present case. Physicians should be aware of this complication when dyspnea is accompanied by tachycardia and enlargement of the cardiac silhouette with hypolucent lungs on chest X‐ray. Immediate pericardiocentesis is also required to prevent life‐threatening cardiac tamponade in such cases.
Validity of the Oral Behaviours Checklist: correlations between OBC scores and intensity of facial pain
Authors: van der Meulen M. J. , Lobbezoo F. , Aartman I. H. A. , Naeije M. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryThe first purpose of this study was to translate the Oral Behaviours Checklist (OBC) into Dutch and to examine its psychometric properties. The second purpose was to examine the correlations between scores on the OBC and facial pain, while controlling for the possible confounding effects of psychosocial factors, such as stress, depression, somatisation and anxiety. The OBC was translated, following the international RDC/TMD consortium guidelines. Its psychometric properties were examined by assessing the test–retest reliability and concurrent validity [correlations between the OBC and the previously developed Oral Parafunctions Questionnaire (OPQ)]. Participants were 155 patients with TMD (77% female; mean age and s.d. = 43·6 and 14·4 years). The translation of the OBC into Dutch proceeded satisfactorily. The psychometric properties of the Dutch OBC were good; test–retest reliability was excellent (ICC = 0·86, P < 0·001). Concurrent validity was good: the correlation between the OBC and OPQ was high (r = 0·757, P < 0·001), while the correlations between individual items ranged from 0·389 to 0·892 (P < 0·001). Similar to previous Dutch studies using the OPQ, no significant correlation was found between oral parafunctions and facial pain (r = 0·069, P = 0·892). No significant correlations could be found between oral parafunctional behaviours and facial pain.
The Impact of Intravaginal Ejaculatory Latency Time and Erectile Function on Anxiety and Depression in the Four Types of Premature Ejaculation: A Large Cross-Sectional Study in a Chinese Population
Authors: Gao Jingjing , Zhang Xiansheng , Su Puyu , Peng Zhen , Liu Jishuang , Xia Lei , Lu Zhaoxiang , Yang Jiajia , Tang Dongdong , Gao Pan , Zhou Jun , Hao Zongyao , Liang Chaozhao 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Introduction
A new classification of premature ejaculation (PE) has been proposed, including the categories of lifelong PE (LPE), acquired PE (APE), natural variable PE (NVPE), and premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction (PLED).

Aim
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) and erectile function on anxiety and depression among patients with PE in general and according to the four types of PE.

Methods
Between September 2011 and September 2012, we conducted a cross-sectional study in the Anhui province of China. We enrolled 4,000 men aged over 18 years, each of whom had been in a stable, monogamous, heterosexual relationship with the same partner for at least 6 months.

Main Outcome Measurements
Self-estimated IELT, the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) and the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety and Depression Scales (SAS/SDS) were used to measure PE, erectile dysfunction (ED), anxiety, and depression, respectively, among the entire study population.

Results
Of the 3,016 men evaluated, 25.80% complained of PE. Distribution of the four types of PE among men with PE was as follows: LPE, 12.34%; APE, 18.77%; NVPE, 44.09%; PLED, 24.81%. Men with PE presented lower IIEF-5 scores and higher SAS and SDS scores vs. men without PE (P &lt; 0.001 for all). Similar findings were observed in men with APE when compared with other PE syndromes. After adjustment for age in men with PE, IELT was negatively associated with SAS and SDS scores (SAS, adjusted r = −0.42, P &lt; 0.001; SDS, adjusted r = −0.45, P &lt; 0.001). IIEF-5 score was negatively associated with SAS and SDS scores (SAS, adjusted r = −0.54, P &lt; 0.001; SDS, adjusted r = −0.50, P &lt; 0.001). These negative relationships were strongest in men with PLED (IELT vs. SAS: adjusted r = −0.63, P &lt; 0.001; IELT vs. SDS, adjusted r = −0.60, P &lt; 0.001; IIEF-5 vs. SAS: adjusted r = −0.57, P &lt; 0.001; IELT vs. SDS, adjusted r = −0.55, P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions
APE patients reported higher rates of ED, anxiety, and depression than men with other types of PE. The negative relationships between IELT/IIEF-5 and SAS/SDS were strongest in men with PLED.
The (CA)n Polymorphism of ERβ Gene is Associated with FtM Transsexualism
Authors: Fernández Rosa , Esteva Isabel , Gómez-Gil Esther , Rumbo Teresa , Almaraz Mari Cruz , Roda Ester , Haro-Mora Juan-Jesús , Guillamón Antonio , Pásaro Eduardo 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Transsexualism is a gender identity disorder with a multifactorial etiology. Neurodevelopmental processes and genetic factors seem to be implicated.

Aim
The aim of this study was to investigate the possible influence of the sex hormone-related genes ERβ (estrogen receptor β), AR (androgen receptor), and CYP19A1 (aromatase) in the etiology of female-to-male (FtM) transsexualism.

Methods
In 273 FtMs and 371 control females, we carried out a molecular analysis of three variable regions: the CA repeats in intron 5 of ERβ; the CAG repeats in exon 1 of AR, and the TTTA repeats in intron 4 of CYP19A1.

Main Outcome Measures
We investigated the possible influence of genotype on transsexualism by performing a molecular analysis of the variable regions of genes ERβ, AR, and CYP19A1 in 644 individuals (FtMs and control females).

Results
FtMs differed significantly from control group with respect to the median repeat length polymorphism ERβ (P = 0.002) but not with respect to the length of the other two studied polymorphisms. The repeat numbers in ERβ were significantly higher in FtMs than in control group, and the likelihood of developing transsexualism was higher (odds ratio: 2.001 [1.15–3.46]) in the subjects with the genotype homozygous for long alleles.

Conclusions
There is an association between the ERβ gene and FtM transsexualism. Our data support the finding that ERβ function is directly proportional to the size of the analyzed polymorphism, so a greater number of repeats implies greater transcription activation, possibly by increasing the function of the complex hormone ERβ receptor and thereby encouraging less feminization or a defeminization of the female brain and behavior.
Transcriptional responses in a Drosophila defensive symbiosis
Authors: Hamilton Phineas T. , Leong Jong S. , Koop Ben F. , Perlman Steve J. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractInherited symbionts are ubiquitous in insects and can have important consequences for the fitness of their hosts. Many inherited symbionts defend their hosts against parasites or other natural enemies; however, the means by which most symbionts confer protection is virtually unknown. We examine the mechanisms of defence in a recently discovered case of symbiont‐mediated protection, where the bacterial symbiont Spiroplasma defends the fly Drosophila neotestacea from a virulent nematode parasite, Howardula aoronymphium. Using quantitative PCR of Spiroplasma infection intensities and whole transcriptome sequencing, we attempt to distinguish between the following modes of defence: symbiont–parasite competition, host immune priming and the production of toxic factors by Spiroplasma. Our findings do not support a model of exploitative competition between Howardula and Spiroplasma to mediate defence, nor do we find strong support for host immune priming during Spiroplasma infection. Interestingly, we recovered sequence for putative toxins encoded by Spiroplasma, including a novel putative ribosome‐inactivating protein, transcripts of which are up‐regulated in response to nematode exposure. Protection via the production of toxins may be a widely used and important mechanism in heritable defensive symbioses in insects.
Paraparetic Guillain‐Barré syndrome: Extending the axonal spectrum
Authors: Nagashima Takahide , Kokubun Norito , Shahrizaila Nortina , Funakoshi Kei , Hirata Koichi , Yuki Nobuhiro 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThere are few reports of the paraparetic variant of Guillain‐Barré syndrome, and its pathophysiology is not well understood. We report a patient presenting with acute paraparesis following diarrhea. Serial nerve conduction studies suggested primary axonal injury, and not demyelination, predominantly in the lower limbs compared with the upper limbs. There was serological evidence of recent Campylobacter jejuni infection and strongly positive immunoglobulin G anti‐GD1a antibodies. Paraparetic Guillain‐Barré syndrome is likely to represent a regional form of Guillain‐Barré syndrome, with a nosological position within the axonal subtype.
Breathing intolerance index in healthy infants
Authors: Hasegawa Hisaya , Henmi Nobuhide , Tsuruta Shio , Miyoshi Yoshitaka , Yamada Yousuke , Muto Junichi , Wasa Masanori 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe breathing intolerance index (BITI) is used to justify ventilator use in adult patients with pulmonary or chest wall disease. BITI in ventilated patients is mostly ≥0.15. The mean BITI of healthy adults in the upright sitting position and the supine position is 0.050 ± 0.009 and 0.057 ± 0.016, respectively. The aim of this study was to establish a normal BITI in infants.MethodsThirty healthy infants were examined in the supine position. BITI was defined as BITI = (Ti/Ttot) × (TV/VC), where Ti is inspiratory time, Ttot is total breath cycle duration, TV is tidal volume, and VC is vital capacity. TV and Ti/Ttot were obtained from tidal breathing at rest and VC was obtained spirometrically. BITI was calculated using customized software.ResultsThe mean ± SD BITI of 30 healthy infants in the supine position was 0.120 ± 0.013. The BITI of infants was significantly higher than that of adults.ConclusionsBITI was measured in healthy infants. Further evaluation is needed to determine the significance and usefulness of BITI.