bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Curing Agents on the Oxidative and Nitrosative Damage to Meat Proteins during Processing of Fermented Sausages
Authors: Villaverde A. , Morcuende D. , Estévez M. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe effect of increasing concentrations of curing agents, ascorbate (0, 250, and 500 ppm), and nitrite (0, 75, and 150 ppm), on the oxidative and nitrosative damage to proteins during processing of fermented sausages was studied. The potential influence of these reactions on color and texture of the fermented sausages was also addressed. Nitrite had a pro‐oxidant effect on tryptophan depletion and promoted the formation of protein carbonyls and Schiff bases. The nitration degree in the fermented sausages was also dependent on nitrite concentration. On the other hand, ascorbate acted as an efficient inhibitor of the oxidative and nitrosative damage to meat proteins. As expected, nitrite clearly favored the formation of the cured red color and ascorbate acted as an enhancer of color formation. Nitrite content was positively correlated with hardness. The chemistry behind the action of nitrite and ascorbate on muscle proteins during meat fermentation is thoroughly discussed. The results suggest that ascorbate (500 ppm) may be required to compensate the pro‐oxidant impact of nitrite on meat proteins.
Stereospecificity of Ginsenoside Rg3 in the Promotion of Cellular Immunity in Hepatoma H22‐Bearing Mice
Authors: Wu Rihui , Ru Qin , Chen Lin , Ma Baomiao , Li Chaoying 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPrevious investigations have demonstrated that ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) has many actions including antitumor, antioxidative, and immunomodulatory effects. However, Rg3 exists as 2 stereoisomeric pairs, 20(S)‐ginsenoside Rg3 [20(S)‐Rg3] and 20(R)‐ginsenoside Rg3 [20(R)‐Rg3], which have disparate pharmacological actions because of their different chemical structures. In this study, the 2 epimers were compared for their effects on the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma H22 transplanted tumors and the immune function of H22‐bearing mice.In vivoefficacy study showed that the growth of H22 transplanted tumors was significantly inhibited when treated with 20(S)‐Rg3 and 20(R)‐Rg3 (P< 0.05), and the inhibition rate of tumor growth was 23.6% and 40.9%, respectively. Furthermore, the cellular immunity of H22‐bearing mice was remarkably enhanced after Rg3 treatment (P< 0.05), which may be due to stimulation of ConA‐induced lymphocyte proliferation and augmentation of Th1‐type cytokines interleukin‐2 and interferon‐γ levels in mice. Interestingly, the effects of 20(R)‐Rg3 were significantly greater than those of the S‐form (P< 0.05). Taken together, these results indicate that Rg3 inhibits H22 tumor growthin vivoat least partly by improving the host's cellular immunity in a stereospecific manner, and 20(R)‐Rg3 is more potent for treating cancers or other immune‐mediated diseases clinically.
Epidemiology of diabetes mellitus, pre‐diabetes, undiagnosed and uncontrolled diabetes and its predictors in general population aged 15 to 75 years: A community‐based study (KERCADRS) in southeastern Iran;
Authors: Najafipour Hamid , Sanjari Mojgan , Shokoohi Mostafa , Haghdoost Ali‐Akbar , Afshari Mehdi , Shadkam Mitra , Etemad Koorosh , Mirzazade Ali 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe goal of this research was to measure the age‐sex standardized prevalence of pre‐diabetes (pre‐DM) and diabetes (DM), and the effectiveness of diabetes management (using HbA1C as the indicator) in an urban area in Iran.MethodsUsing a randomized cluster household survey, we recruited 5900 individuals whose age ranged from 15 to 75 from Kerman for assessing coronary artery disease risk factors (KERCADRS) including diabetes. In 2010 and 2011, all of the participants were interviewed by trained staff for medical history and physical activities, and were then examined for blood pressure and anthropometric measures. Venus blood sample was also collected for fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c.ResultsThe age‐sex standardized prevalence of pre‐diabetes, diagnosed and undiagnosed was 18.7%, 6.3% and 2.7%, respectively. Diabetes increased by age (from 14.7% in the 15–24 years old group to 28.4% in the 65–75 years old group), particularly after 40 years. Occasional opium users had the highest prevalence of Pre‐DM (34.6%). Seventy‐nine percent of the depressed and 75.5% of the anxious participants with diagnosed‐DM were identified as uncontrolled‐DM. More than 60% of diagnosed diabetic cases had impaired HbA1c. Overweight and obesity (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.6) and low physical activity (AOR 1.5) were the most preventable risk factors associated with diabetes.ConclusionConsiderable prevalence of diabetes, susceptibility in progressing to diabetes and uncontrolled diabetes among individuals living in Kerman, suggested ineffective prevention and treatment of diabetes in urban areas in Iran. Successful experience regarding primary health‐care in rural areas should be expanded to urban settings.
Effect of glycemic control on nocturnal arterial oxygen saturation: A case‐control study in type 2 diabetic patients 血糖控制对夜间动脉血氧饱和度的影响：一项2型糖尿病患者的病例对照研究
Authors: Lecube Albert , Ciudin Andreea , Sampol Gabriel , Valladares Silvia , Hernández Cristina , Simó Rafael 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundThere is growing evidence suggesting a deleterious effect of type 2 diabetes on lung function and sleep breathing. The aim of this case‐control study was to evaluate whether or not an improvement in glycemic control could arrest or ameliorate nocturnal hypoxemia in type 2 diabetes.MethodsThirty patients with type 2 diabetes with HbA1c ≥8% (cases) and 10 non‐diabetic subjects were analyzed. Controls were closely matched to cases by age, gender, body mass index, and neck circumference. The nocturnal oxygen desaturation index (ODI) was calculated at baseline and 5 days after blood glucose improvement with pharmacological intervention. Four different oxygen desaturation thresholds (reductions in SaO2 ≥ 3%, 4%, 6%, and 8%) as indicators of hypoxemia severity (ODI‐3%, ODI‐4%, ODI‐6%, ODI‐8%) were used.ResultsAt baseline, patients with diabetes showed a higher number of ODI‐3%, ODI‐4%, and ODI‐6% in comparison with controls. A significant reduction in ODI‐3% (29.7 [4.8–107.9] events per hour at baseline versus 24.6 [3.1–97.7] e/h at discharge, P < 0.001), ODI‐4% (21.7 [1.6–79.3] versus 14.7 [0.3– 79.4], P = 0.003), ODI‐6% (9.3 [0.3–71.8] versus 4.0 [0.0–73.7], P = 0.001), and ODI‐8% (4.1 [0.0–64.3] versus 1.1 [0.0–69.8], P = 0.033) was observed in patients with diabetes after 5 days of follow‐up. However, no changes in ODI events were observed in non‐diabetic patients after the same period. No significant changes in weight were observed in either group.ConclusionsGlycemic control improvement significantly reduces the increased number of nocturnal oxygen desaturations that exist in type 2 diabetes. Although the mechanisms are not yet fully understood, the rapid effect without changes in body weight suggests a central mechanism involving respiratory center output.
Fire‐mediated niche‐separation between two sympatric small mammal species
Authors: Mowat Emily J. , Webb Jonathan K. , Crowther Mathew S. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractFire is a key ecological process influencing the population dynamics of small mammals. Whilst shifting competitive advantage amongst small mammal species following a single fire event is well‐documented, there has been little investigation of the potential influence of fire frequency on small mammal interspecific interactions. In this study, we investigated the effect of fire frequency on the abundance of two small dasyurid mammals, Antechinus stuartii and A. flavipes, which occur sympatrically in some parts of their range. The two antechinus species are known to have different habitat preferences, so it is possible that fire regimes may promote their coexistence in areas of sympatry by altering vegetation structure. To investigate this possibility, we estimated the abundance of both species using replicate sites which differed in the number of times burnt (1–4) during the last four decades, but with identical time‐since‐fire. Proportionally, we captured greater numbers of A. stuartii in less frequently burnt sites and greater numbers of A. flavipes in more‐frequently burnt sites. Hence, fire may mediate niche‐separation between these two species. To clarify further this pattern of response to fire frequency, we investigated which structural habitat variables differed between fire frequencies, and compared antechinus abundances with structural vegetation characteristics. We found a trend for lower ground cover density under higher fire frequencies. This offers one potential explanation of the patterns of abundance that we observed. Our study provided insights into the complexities of small mammal responses to fire, and strongly suggests that fire could mediate competitive interactions between species.
The Asthma Control Questionnaire as a clinical trial endpoint: past experience and recommendations for future use
Authors: Barnes P. J. , Casale T. B. , Dahl R. , Pavord I. D. , Wechsler M. E. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe goal of asthma treatment is to control the disease according to guidelines issued by bodies such as the Global Initiative for Asthma. Effective control is dependent upon evaluation of symptoms, initiation of appropriate treatment and minimization of the progressive adverse effects of the disease and its therapies. Although individual outcome measures have been shown to correlate with asthma control, composite endpoints are preferred to enable more accurate and robust monitoring of the health of the individual patient. A number of validated instruments are utilized to capture these component endpoints; however, there is no consensus on the optimal instrument for use in clinical trials. The Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) has been shown to be a valid, reliable instrument that allows accurate and reproducible assessment of asthma control that compares favourably with other commonly used instruments. This analysis provides a summary of the use of ACQ in phase II, III and IV asthma trials. Comparisons between the ACQ and other instruments are also presented. Our analysis suggests that the ACQ is a valid and robust measure for use as a primary or secondary endpoint in future clinical trials.
Ophthalmological findings in 10‐year‐old full‐term children – a population‐based study
Authors: Larsson Eva , Holmström Gerd , Rydberg Agneta 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPurposeTo determine different ophthalmological parameters in 10‐year‐old, healthy, full‐term children in Stockholm County, Sweden.MethodsTwo hundred and seventeen children were included in the study. Best‐corrected distance and near visual acuities (VA) were measured using logMAR charts. Cycloplegic retinoscopy was performed, and spherical equivalent and astigmatism were determined. Examination of ocular movement and cover test for distance and near were performed. Stereopsis was assessed with the TNO test, and contrast sensitivity with the Vistech test. The Royal Air Force rule was used for assessing accommodation, and near point of convergence was measured with the Lang fixation stick. Ophthalmoscopy was performed through dilated pupils.ResultsEighty‐two per cent of the children had a distance VA of −0.1 logMAR (1.3 Snellen acuity) or better. None of the children were visually impaired [VA >0.6 logMAR (<0.3 Snellen acuity)]. Ninety‐three per cent had a near VA of −0.1 logMAR (1.25 Snellen acuity) or better. Mean spherical equivalent was 0.6 D. Eight (3.6%) children had hypermetropia (≥+2 D), and 17 (7.8%) were myopic (≤−0.5 D). Nine (4.1%) children had an astigmatism ≥1 D, and two (0.9%) had anisometropia of ≥1 D. Manifest strabismus was found in seven (3.2%) children, five of whom had exotropia. Heterophoria for distance and/or near was found in 80.2% of the children. In children without manifest strabismus, stereopsis >60 seconds of arc was found in five (2.4%). Three (1.4%) of 215 children had contrast sensitivity below normal limits. Binocular median near point of accommodation was 14 D, and median near point of convergence 6 cm.ConclusionKnowledge of various visual functions in normally developing children is crucial to be able to draw conclusions from ophthalmological examinations in children with eye diseases. This population‐based study describes different ophthalmological parameters in full‐term ten‐year‐old children. The material can be used as a control when examining children of similar ages with various ophthalmological conditions, such as groups of children with specific neurological or retinal diseases, and syndromes.
Ocular components during the ages of ocular development
Authors: Hashemi Hassan , Jafarzadehpur Ebrahim , Ghaderi Soraya , Yekta Abbasali , Ostadimoghaddam Hadi , Norouzirad Reza , Khabazkhoob Mehdi 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPurposeTo determine the distribution of ocular biometric components and their correlation with age and sex during the ages of ocular development in a 6‐ to 18‐year‐old population in Iran.MethodIn this cross‐sectional study, which was performed in October 2012, multi‐stage stratified cluster sampling was used to sample the study population from Dezful schools, a city in the southwest of Iran. Biometric examinations were done by an experienced optometrist using the LENSTAR/BioGraph (WaveLight AG, Erlangen, Germany).ResultsAmong 864 selected students, 683 participated in the study (response rate: 79.1%); 377 participants (55.2%) were male, and the mean age of the participants was 12 ± 3.4 years (range: 6–18 years). The mean and 95% confidence interval of axial length (AL) were 23.13 mm (22.93–23.33), anterior chamber depth (ACD) was 3.01 mm (2.96–3.06), lens thickness (LT) was 3.58 mm (3.55–3.61), central corneal thickness (CCT) was 549.33 mic (546.59–552.07), corneal radius (CR) was 7.77 mm (7.74–7.81), corneal diameter (CD) was 12.34 mm (12.31–12.38) and pupil diameter (PD) was 4.97 (4.91–5.03). Mean AL, ACD, CD and CR were significantly higher in boys, and mean LT was significantly higher in girls. AL and ACD increased, while LT decreased significantly with age. Myopia was associated with an increase in AL and ACD, and hyperopia was associated with an increase in LT and a decrease in ACD.ConclusionThis study evaluated the distribution of the biometric components of the eye during the ages of ocular development in an Iranian population. In this age range, the majority of the changes were observed in the AL and LT.
Expression of cytokines on the iris of patients with neovascular glaucoma
Authors: Hou Xian‐ru , Miao Heng , Tao Yong , Li Xiao‐xin , Wong Ian Y. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPurposeTo determine the expression levels of cytokines, including growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, and cell migration associated factors on the iris from subjects with neovascular glaucoma (NVG).MethodsAfter receiving formal consent from 12 subjects with NVG secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy and 12 subjects with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), trabeculectomy was performed and iris specimens were collected during the surgery. Each subject with NVG received intravitreal injection of bevacizumab 1 week prior to the surgery. The mRNA level of vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblastic growth factor, placental‐induced growth factor, interleukin‐2, interleukin 6, tumour necrosis factor α, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1) and integrin subunit αV were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The mRNA levels were compared between the two groups.ResultsThe mRNA levels of all inflammatory cytokines and integrin subunit αV were significantly increased in the NVG group compared with POAG controls. However, the mRNA level of growth factors and ICAM‐1 did not show any difference between the two groups.ConclusionsInflammatory process maybe an important cause of iris neovascularization in subjects with NVG in addition to growth factors alone. Further studies should focus on the effect of growth factors in different phases in the pathogenesis of NVG.
A comparison of three scales for measuring pain in children with cognitive impairment
Authors: Massaro Marta , Ronfani Luca , Ferrara Giovanna , Badina Laura , Giorgi Rita , D'Osualdo Flavio , Taddio Andrea , Barbi Egidio 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimPain is a neglected problem in children with cognitive impairments, and few studies compare the clinical use of specific pain scales. We compared the Non‐Communicating Children's Pain Checklist Postoperative Version (NCCPC‐PV), the Echelle Douleur Enfant San Salvador (DESS) and the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (CHEOPS). The first two were developed for children with cognitive impairment, and the third is a more general pain scale.MethodsTwo external observers and the child's caregiver assessed 40 children with cognitive impairment for pain levels. We assessed inter‐rater agreement, correlation, dependence on knowledge of the child's behaviour, simplicity and adequacy in pain rating according to the caregiver for all three scales.ResultsThe correlation between the NCCPC‐PV and the DESS was strong (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.76) and better than between each scale and the CHEOPS. Although the DESS showed better inter‐rater agreement, it was more dependent on familiarity with the child and was judged more difficult to use by all observers. The NCCPC‐PV was the easiest use and the most appropriate for rating the child's pain.ConclusionThe NCCPC‐PV was the easiest to use for pain assessment in cognitively impaired children and should be adopted in clinical settings.
Preterm born 9‐year‐olds have elevated IGF‐1 and low prolactin, but levels vary with behavioural and eating disorders
Authors: Kistner A , Deschmann E , Legnevall L , Vanpee M 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimThis study examined the relationship between hypothalamic‐associated hormones and behavioural and eating disorders in children with low birthweight.MethodsWe included 100 children (mean age 9.7 years): 39 were born preterm at <32 gestational weeks, 28 were full‐term, but small for gestational age, and 33 were full‐term controls. Behavioural histories were analysed, together with fasting blood samples of leptin, insulin, insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐I), prolactin, glucagon and cortisol.ResultsPreterm children had lower prolactin (p = 0.01) and higher IGF‐I than controls (p < 0.05, adjusted for confounders), despite being significantly shorter than the predicted target height (p < 0.001). More preterm children displayed behavioural disorders (38% versus 10%, p < 0.001) and eating disorders (26% versus 8%, p < 0.05) than full‐term children. These disorders were associated with lower leptin (p < 0.01), insulin (p < 0.05) and IGF‐I (p < 0.05), but correlations between these hormones and leptin were similar among the groups. Combined behavioural and eating disorders were only observed in preterm children, who were also the shortest in height.ConclusionBehavioural and eating disorders among preterm children were associated with low leptin, insulin and IGF‐1. Low prolactin in all preterm children indicated an increased dopaminergic tonus, which might inhibit body weight incrementation. This raises speculation about IGF‐I receptor insensitivity.
Patients' preferences and health utility assessment with SF‐6D and EQ‐5D in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with sofosbuvir regimens
Authors: Stepanova M. , Nader F. , Cure S. , Bourhis F. , Hunt S. , Younossi Z. M. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryBackgroundHealth utilities measure patients' preferences for a health state.AimTo assess health utilities for sofosbuvir‐containing therapy for chronic hepatitis C.MethodsThe SF‐6D utility scores were derived from the SF‐36 instrument administered at baseline, during and post‐treatment to participants of the previously reported clinical trials of sofosbuvir. EQ‐5D utility scores were also approximated from the SF‐36 using a regression model.ResultsNine hundred and ninety‐four patients were enrolled. Baseline SF‐6D and EQ‐5D scores were 0.66 ± 0.13 and 0.71 ± 0.22, respectively (the POSITRON trial), 0.71 ± 0.16 and 0.76 ± 0.23 (FISSION), 0.70 ± 0.14 and 0.75 ± 0.22 (FUSION), 0.72 ± 0.15 and 0.79 ± 0.22 (NEUTRINO). In all studies, SF‐6D and EQ‐5D scores were highly correlated with each other. (r = 0.83–0.87, P < 0.0001). After 12 weeks, patients receiving sofosbuvir + ribavirin (POSITRON) had similar utility scores to placebo (P > 0.05). Patients receiving 12 and 16 weeks of sofosbuvir + ribavirin (FUSION) had similar utility scores (P > 0.05). In FISSION, patients receiving sofosbuvir + ribavirin had significantly better utilities compared to patients receiving interferon + ribavirin (P < 0.001). Patients receiving sofosbuvir + ribavirin + interferon (NEUTRINO) had a decrease in utilities during treatment (SF‐6D: from 0.72 to 0.62, EQ‐5D: 0.79 to 0.65; P < 0.0001) similar to that observed in patients receiving pegylated interferon + ribavirin for 24 weeks in FISSION (0.72 to 0.62 and 0.77 to 0.65, respectively, P < 0.0001). After 12 weeks post‐treatment, patients with SVR (FUSION) had improvement in SF‐6D (+0.026 from baseline, P = 0.013) and EQ‐5D (+0.043, P = 0.013). In multivariate analyses, baseline depression, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia and treatment‐related anaemia were the most consistent predictors of utilities.ConclusionsPatients' health utilities are minimally impacted by sofosbuvir + ribavirin treatment, as compared to interferon‐based, therapy regardless of treatment duration.Clinical trials' numbers: NCT01542788 (POSITRON), NCT01497366 (FISSION), NCT01604850 (FUSION), NCT01641640 (NEUTRINO).
Rates of inbreeding and genetic diversity in Iranian Holstein Cattle
Authors: Dadar Mohsen , Mahyari Saeid Ansari , Rokouei Mohammad , Edriss Mohammd Ali 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe accumulation of inbreeding and the loss of genetic diversity is a potential problem in Holstein dairy cattle. The goal of this study was to estimate inbreeding levels and other measures of genetic diversity, using pedigree information from Iranian Holstein cattle. Edited pedigree included 1 048 572 animals. The average number of discrete generation equivalents and pedigree completeness index reached 13.4 and 90%, respectively. The rate of inbreeding was 0.3% per year. Effective number of founders, founder genomes, non‐founders and ancestors of animals born between 2003 and 2011 were 503, 15.6, 16.1 and 25.7, respectively. It was proven that the unequal founder contributions as well as bottlenecks and genetic drift were important reasons for the loss of genetic diversity in the population. The top 10 ancestors with the highest marginal genetic contributions to animals born between 2003 and 2011 and with the highest contributions to inbreeding were 48.20% and 63.94%, respectively. Analyses revealed that the most important cause of genetic diversity loss was genetic drift accumulated over non‐founder generations, which occurred due to small effective population size. Therefore, it seems that managing selection and mating decisions are controlling future co‐ancestry and inbreeding, which would lead to better handling of the effective population size.