bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic syndrome in patients with coeliac disease on a gluten‐free diet
Authors: Tortora R. , Capone P. , De Stefano G. , Imperatore N. , Gerbino N. , Donetto S. , Monaco V. , Caporaso N. , Rispo A. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryBackgroundSeveral studies have shown that weight changes are common in patients with coeliac disease after starting a gluten‐free diet (GFD), but data on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in this population are still scarce.AimsTo assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with CD at diagnosis and 1 year after starting GFD.MethodsWe enrolled all consecutive patients with newly diagnosed coeliac disease (CD) who were referred to our third‐level CD Unit. For all patients we collected: waist circumference, BMI, blood pressure, lipid profile (HDL cholesterol, triglycerides) and levels of blood glucose. Diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was made according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria for European countries. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was re‐assessed after 12 months of GFD.ResultsNinety‐eight patients with CD were assessed, two patients with CD (2%) fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome at diagnosis and 29 patients (29.5%) after 12 months of GFD (P < 0.01; OR: 20). With regard to metabolic syndrome sub‐categories 1 year after GFD compared to baseline respectively: 72 vs. 48 patients exceeded waist circumference cut‐off (P < 0.01; OR: 2.8); 18 vs. 4 patients had high blood pressure (P < 0.01; OR: 5.2); 25 vs. 7 patients exceeded glycemic threshold (P = 0.01; OR: 4.4); 34 vs. 32 patients with CD had reduced levels of HDL cholesterol (P = 0.7); and 16 vs. 7 patients had high levels of triglycerides (P = 0.05).ConclusionsPatients with coeliac disease show a high risk of metabolic syndrome 1 year after starting a gluten‐free diet. We suggest that an in‐depth nutritional assessment is undertaken for all patients with coeliac disease.
The Synthesis and Evaluation of C7‐Substituted α‐Tetralone Derivatives as Inhibitors of Monoamine Oxidase
Authors: Legoabe Lesetja J. , Petzer Anél , Petzer Jacobus P. 
Published: January 2015

Based on a previous report that α‐tetralone (3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐naphthalen‐1‐one) is a promising scaffold for the design of highly potent inhibitors of the enzyme, monoamine oxidase, the present study investigates the monoamine oxidase inhibitory properties of a synthetic series of fifteen C7‐substituted α‐tetralone derivatives. Arylalkyloxy substitution on C7 of the α‐tetralone moiety yielded compounds with high inhibition potencies toward the human monoamine oxidase‐B isoform with all compounds possessing IC50 values in the submicromolar range (0.00089–0.047 μm). The C7‐substituted α‐tetralones also were highly potent monoamine oxidase‐A inhibitors with thirteen (of fifteen) compounds possessing IC50 values in the submicromolar range (0.010–0.741 μm). The α‐tetralones were, however, in each instance selective for monoamine oxidase‐B over the monoamine oxidase‐A isoform. Dialyses of enzyme–inhibitor mixtures show that, while a representative inhibitor acts as a reversible monoamine oxidase‐A inhibitor, inhibition of monoamine oxidase‐B is not readily reversed by dialysis. Using a molecular modeling approach, possible binding orientations and interactions of selected α‐tetralones with the active sites of the monoamine oxidases are also proposed. This study suggests that C7‐substituted α‐tetralones are promising monoamine oxidase inhibitors and may represent lead compounds for the development of therapies for Parkinson's disease and depression.
Oral Delivery of Bovine Lactoferrin Using Pectin‐ and Chitosan‐Modified Liposomes and Solid Lipid Particles: Improvement of Stability of Lactoferrin
Authors: Yao Xudong , Bunt Craig , Cornish Jillian , Quek Siew‐Young , Wen Jingyuan 
Published: January 2015

A critical problem associated with delivery of bovine lactoferrin (bLf) by the oral route is low bioavailability, which is derived from the enzymatic degradation in the gastrointestinal tract and poor permeation across the intestinal epitheliums. Particulate carrier systems have been identified to protect bLf against proteolysis via encapsulation. This study aimed to evaluate the physico‐chemical stability of bLf‐loaded liposomes and solid lipid particles (SLPs) modified by pectin and chitosan when exposed to various stress conditions. Transmission electron microscopy results showed liposomes and SLPs had a classic shell‐core structure with polymer layers surrounded on surface, but the structure appeared to be partially broken after digestion in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF). Although HPLC and sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis methods qualitatively and quantitatively described either liposomes or SLPs could retain intact bLf against proteolysis in SIF to some extent, all liposome formulations showed rapid rate of lipolysis mediated by pancreatic enzymes. On the other hand, all SLP formulations showed higher heat resistance and greater electrolyte tolerance compared to liposome formulations. After 180 days storage time, liposome‐loaded bLf was completely degraded, whereas almost 30% of intact bLf still remained in SLP formulations. Overall, SLPs are considered as primary choice for oral bLf delivery.
Managing Ethical Challenges to Mental Health Research in Post‐Conflict Settings
Authors: Chiumento Anna , Khan Muhammad Naseem , Rahman Atif , Frith Lucy 
Published: January 2015

AbstractRecently the World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the need to strengthen mental health systems following emergencies, including natural and manmade disasters. Mental health services need to be informed by culturally attuned evidence that is developed through research. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish rigorous ethical research practice to underpin the evidence‐base for mental health services delivered during and following emergencies.
Correlation of radiographic measurements of structures of the equine foot with lesions detected on magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: de Zani D. , Polidori C. , di Giancamillo M. , Zani D. D. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryReasons for performing studyThere are few studies on the correlations between radiographic measurements of the foot and abnormalities of specific structures found with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).ObjectivesTo document the relationship between radiographic measurements of the equine foot and the presence of lesions in the foot on MRI. We hypothesised that different radiographic measurements would be associated with specific lesions detected by MRI.Study designRetrospective analysis of radiographs and MRI studies.MethodsSeventy‐four feet from 52 lame horses were included. Twenty parameters were measured on radiographs, whereas the signal intensity, homogeneity and size of each structure in the foot were evaluated on magnetic resonance images. The data were analysed using simple linear correlation analysis and classification and regression trees (CARTs).ResultsLinear correlations were found between the navicular bone compacta thickness and injuries of the deep digital flexor tendon, collateral sesamoidean ligament, navicular spongiosa and navicular bone proximal border. Long‐toed horses had a high incidence of lesions involving the spongiosa and proximal border of the navicular bone. Elongation of the navicular bone was associated with proximal and distal border injuries. A reduced palmar angle and increased angle between the middle and distal phalanx were observed in horses with alterations of collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint and navicular bone spongiosa, respectively. For each structure under investigation, CARTs predicting the presence of MRI pathology based on radiographic measurements had excellent performance, with >80% correct classification of cases, when using one of 3 data sources.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated a relationship between radiographic measurements of the foot and the presence of lesions detected on MRI, while CARTs illustrated that different radiographic measurements were associated with different MRI lesions.
Time Trends in Helicobacter pylori Infection and Atrophic Gastritis Over 40 Years in Japan
Authors: Kamada Tomoari , Haruma Ken , Ito Masanori , Inoue Kazuhiko , Manabe Noriaki , Matsumoto Hiroshi , Kusunoki Hiroaki , Hata Jiro , Yoshihara Masaharu , Sumii Koji , Akiyama Takashi , Tanaka Shinji , Shiotani Akiko , Graham David Y. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori infection produces progressive mucosal damage that may eventually result in gastric cancer. We studied the changes that occurred in the presence and severity of atrophic gastritis and the prevalence of H. pylori infection that occurred coincident with improvements in economic and hygienic conditions in Japan since World War II.Materials and MethodsThe prevalence of H. pylori infection and histologic grades of gastric damage were retrospectively evaluated using gastric biopsy specimens obtained over a 40‐year period. Gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia were scored using the updated Sydney classification system.ResultsThe prevalence of H. pylori and severity of atrophy were examined in 1381 patients including 289 patients examined in the 1970s (158 men; mean age, 44.9 years), 787 in the 1990s (430 men; 44.2 years), and 305 in the 2010s (163 men; 53.2 years). Overall, the prevalence of H. pylori infection decreased significantly from 74.7% (1970s) to 53% (1990s) and 35.1% (2010s) (p < .01). The prevalence of atrophy in the antrum and corpus was significantly lower in the 2010s (33, 19%, respectively) compared to those evaluated in either the 1970s (98, 82%) (p < .001) or 1990s (80, 67%) (p < .001). The severity of atrophy and intestinal metaplasia also declined remarkably among those with H. pylori infection.ConclusionsThere has been a progressive and rapid decline in the prevalence of H. pylori infection as well a fall in the rate of progression of gastric atrophy among H. pylori‐infected Japanese coincident with the westernization and improvements in economic and hygienic conditions in Japan since World War II.
Perceptions that matter: perceptual antecedents and moderators of healthy food consumption
Authors: Thomsen Thyra Uth , Hansen Torben 
Published: January 2015

AbstractUnhealthy eating patterns present in most Western countries pose a serious threat to economic welfare and have severe consequences for the health and quality of life of the individual consumer. The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a conceptual model for understanding how health authorities and marketers can affect consumption of healthy food – and ultimately body mass index (BMI) – by addressing perceptual antecedents of consumers' involvement and health competencies. A qualitative (n = 16) pilot study and a consumer panel survey (n = 599) assisted in completing this task. The obtained structural equation modelling results confirmed that increasing consumers' competencies concerning healthy food consumption may improve the healthiness of their food behaviour, and ultimately reduce their BMI. Notably, these effects may occur even for consumers who perceive healthy food consumption to be a challenge. Our results also revealed that it may be problematic to improve health competencies for food consumers who are less involved in healthy food consumption. However, our study shows that two perceptual factors, ‘personal food identity’ (the extent to which consumers believe that their health identity is linked to their food behaviour) and ‘unhealthy food taste belief’ (the extent to which consumers believe that unhealthy food is more enjoyable and tastier than healthy food), may assist health authorities and marketers in increasing consumers' involvement in healthy food consumption.
The Profitability of Option‐Based Contrarian Strategies: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Mugwagwa Tafadzwa , Ramiah Vikash , Moosa Imad 
Published: January 2015

AbstractShort‐selling restrictions limit investors' opportunities to profit from contrarian strategies in equity markets. We examine the proposition that incorporating options into contrarian strategies constitute a viable alternative to investors when short‐selling restrictions are in place. In particular, we combine equities with the call and put options traded on the Australian Stock Exchange to investigate the profitability of contrarian strategies in the hybrid market and options market alone. We assess the practical issues in the execution of these approaches, including testing for the effects of limited liquidity and transaction costs. We also investigate how fundamental factors (such as dividend yield, firm size, book‐to‐market ratio, earnings per share, price‐earnings ratio, value stocks, and market conditions) affect contrarian portfolios. The results show that employing options can enhance the profitability of contrarian strategies under certain market conditions.
Corporate Stock and Bond Return Correlations and Dynamic Adjustments of Capital Structure
Authors: Nieto Belen , Rodriguez Rosa 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis paper analyses the effects of dynamic correlations between stock and bond returns issued by the same firm on the speed of adjustment towards target leverage. The results show that the estimated correlations are time varying, show persistence and differ among firms. Analysis of the potential explanatory variables reveals that the correlations decrease with negative expectations about future aggregate risks, but only for firms with a low default probability. In contrast, correlations are positively associated with specific risk measures, especially idiosyncratic stock risk and financial leverage. The positive relationship between the correlations and the leverage ratio suggests that target leverage can be achieved faster when the stock–bond correlation is high. Our results show that this is the case.
A New Algorithm to Reduce Inappropriate Therapy in the S‐ICD System
Authors: BRISBEN AMY J. , BURKE MARTIN C. , KNIGHT BRADLEY P. , HAHN STEPHEN J. , HERRMANN KEITH L. , ALLAVATAM VENUGOPAL , MAHAJAN DEEPA , SANGHERA RICK , GOLD MICHAEL R. 
Published: January 2015

A New Algorithm to Reduce Inappropriate TherapyIntroductionThe subcutaneous ICD system (S‐ICD) has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for patients at risk for sudden cardiac death. This device reliably detects ventricular tachyarrhythmias with a low incidence of inappropriate shocks for supraventricular arrhythmias. However, T‐wave oversensing (TWOS) is more common with the S‐ICD compared with transvenous systems. We developed a novel discrimination algorithm to reduce TWOS without compromising tachyarrhythmia discrimination.Methods and ResultsThe algorithm was developed using a database of recorded episodes, including 244 appropriate therapies for ventricular arrhythmias and 133 episodes with an inappropriate detection due to TWOS, and using a computer model that simulates the S‐ICD system. An independent set of data of 161 TWOS episodes, 137 ventricular and 328 supraventricular episodes, was used to validate the algorithm on actual device hardware. The S‐ICD performance with the new algorithm was compared with the S‐ICD without the new algorithm.Development results showed a decrease in inappropriate charge due to TWOS by 30.7 ± 18%. All ventricular arrhythmias were appropriately detected and the time to appropriate charge initiation was not increased. System validation showed that the new algorithm avoided an inappropriate charge due to TWOS by 39.8 ± 11.4%. No decrease in ventricular arrhythmia sensitivity and no significant change in supraventricular specificity were observed.ConclusionsA new algorithm that uses correlation of the existing complex to previous complexes reduced TWOS episodes by approximately 40%. The algorithm has potential for a clinically meaningful decrease in inappropriate shocks.
Intraspecific variation of cuticular hydrocarbon profiles in the Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) species complex
Authors: Vaníčková L. , Břízová R. , Mendonça A. L. , Pompeiano A. , Do Nascimento R. R. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe goal of this study was to define whether cuticular hydrocarbons (CHs) could be used for taxonomic determination of putative species hidden in the Anastrepha fraterculus cryptic species complex, widespread from Argentina to Mexico. Recently, increasing evidence of phenotypic and genetic variability has resulted in the characterization of eight morphotypes within this complex. The CH profiles of six A. fraterculus populations from Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Mexico were analysed in this study by two‐dimensional gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. In parallel, multiple factorial analyses were used to elucidate population structures. Vector populations segregated into four distinct groups. The analysis demonstrated that the studied populations from Peru, Argentina and southern Brazil (Vacaria) might be classified in accordance with the earlier division of the A. fraterculus complex into Peruvian, and Brazilian‐1 cryptic species, using the specific CH profiles. Population from south‐eastern Brazil (Piracicaba) formed separated group. Mexican and Andean (Colombian) putative species had similar CH signatures, when compared to each other.
Ultrasonically Assisted Ultrafiltration of Whey Solution
Authors: Ábel Marietta , Kiss Zsolt László , Beszédes Sándor , Hodúr Cecilia , Keszthelyi‐Szabó Gábor , László Zsuzsanna 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe ultrafiltration of whey solutions is a common feature of dairy processes. However, the frequent fouling of ultrafiltration membranes and the subsequent cleaning cycle significantly affects the economics of the process. In this work, we investigated the effect of ultrasonically assisted ultrafiltration. The ultrafiltration of whey solution was investigated in order to determine the main parameters affecting the flux, retention and membrane fouling. The experiments were carried out with an ultrasonic combined laboratory ultrafiltration device, using regenerated cellulose ultrafiltration membranes. The results showed that increasing resistance during filtration is predominantly caused by the concentration polarization, while the participation of membrane fouling in the total resistance is negligible. The ultrasonically assisted ultrafiltration actively reduces the concentration polarization layer resistance. The retention changed slightly with ultrasound power.Practical ApplicationsCombination of ultrasound and ultrafiltration processes in dairy industry may enhance the efficiency of whey separation processes during ultrafiltration of why solutions. The given model for describing the filtration mechanism and modified Reynolds number for ultrasonically assisted batch reactor allow the scale up of coupled ultrafiltration process for dairy industry.
Determination of Antibiotic Resistance and Biogenic Amine Production of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Fermented Turkish Sausage (Sucuk)
Authors: Yüceer Özge , Özden Tuncer Banu 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to isolate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from sucuk and to determine their antibiotic resistance and biogenic amine production abilities. A total of 65 presumptive LAB were isolated and they were molecularly identified as Pediococcus acidilactici (47.7%), Enterococcus faecium (36.9%), Lactobacillus sakei ssp. carnosus (4.6%), Lactobacillus sakei ssp. sakei (4.6%), Pediococcus pentosaceus (3.1%), Enterococcus faecalis (1.5%) and Weissella viridescens (1.5%) by sequencing 16S rDNA. The LAB were found resistant to clinically relevant antibiotics to cure infections. Sixty‐eight percent of the Enterococcus strains and the other entire LAB displayed resistance from 2 to 8 of the antibiotics tested. All LAB did not decarboxylate histidine, lysine or ornithine. The decarboxylase genes (hdc, ldc and odc) were not detected in LAB. However, 68.0% of the Enterococcus strains decarboxylated tyrosine. The tyrosine decarboxylase gene (tdc) was also detected in these tyraminogenic strains.Practical ApplicationsLactic acid bacteria (LAB) are one of the most important groups of bacteria that are known to be technologically important in the production of dry‐fermented sausages such as sucuk. The present study describes isolation, identification of LAB from sucuk and determines their antibiotic resistance and biogenic amine production abilities. LAB isolated from sucuk samples were found resistant to clinically important antibiotics and most of them have multiple antibiotic resistance patterns. The findings of our study suggest that LAB in sucuk may play a role to spread the antibiotic resistance between other bacteria including pathogens. In addition, most of the Enterococcus strains isolated from sucuk produce tyramine. For these reasons, LAB isolated from sucuk may have a potential risk to consumer health indirectly.
Morphological and mechanical imaging of Bacillus cereus spore formation at the nanoscale
Authors: WANG CONGZHOU , STANCIU CRISTINA , EHRHARDT CHRISTOPHER J. , YADAVALLI VAMSI K. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryBacteria from the genus Bacillus are able to transform into metabolically dormant states called (endo) spores in response to nutrient deprivation and other harsh conditions. These morphologically distinct spores are fascinating constructs, amongst the most durable cells in nature, and have attracted attention owing to their relevance in food‐related illnesses and bioterrorism. Observing the course of bacterial spore formation (sporulation) spatially, temporally and mechanically, from the vegetative cell to a mature spore, is critical for a better understanding of this process. Here, we present a fast and versatile strategy for monitoring both the morphological and mechanical changes of Bacillus cereus bacteria at the nanoscale using atomic force microscopy. Through a strategy of imaging and nanomechanical mapping, we show the morphogenesis of the endospore and released mature endospore. Finally, we investigate individual spores to characterize their surface mechanically. The progression in elasticity coupled with a similarity of characteristic distributions between the incipient endospores and the formed spores show these distinct stages. Taken together, our data demonstrates the power of atomic force microscopy applied in microbiology for probing this important biological process at the single cell scale.