bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A high-MUFA diet alone does not affect ketone body metabolism, but reduces glycated hemoglobin when combined with exercise training in diabetic rats
Authors: Somboonwong Juraiporn , Huchaiyaphum Khunkhong , Kulaputana Onanong , Prapunwattana Phisit 
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Background
Monounsaturated fat (MUFA) also has glucose-lowering action, but its effect on ketone bodies is unknown.

Objectives
To examine the effects of high-MUFA diet alone or in combination with exercise training, which can improve glucose and ketone body metabolism, in a rat model of diabetes.

Methods
Wistar rats were administered streptozotocin to induce diabetes and then randomly divided into five groups: sedentary rats fed a regular diet (1), a high-saturated-fat diet (2), a high-MUFA diet (3); and exercisetrained rats fed a regular diet (4), and a high-MUFA diet (5). Training was by a treadmill twice daily, 5 days/week. At 12 weeks, glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and β-hydroxybutyrate levels were measured in cardiac blood. Activity of the overall ketone synthesis pathway was determined in liver and 3-ketoacyl-CoA transferase activity determined in gastrocnemius muscle.

Results
A high-MUFA diet tended to lower plasma glucose without affecting other biochemical variables. Training did not change glucose metabolism, but significantly reduced serum NEFA. Only the high-MUFA diet plus training significantly decreased HbA1c levels. Hepatic ketone synthesis was decreased and 3-ketoacyl-CoA transferase activity was increased by training alone or in combination with a high-MUFA diet. Changes in NEFA, β-hydroxybutyrate, and the enzymatic activities in response to training plus a high-MUFA diet were comparable to those caused by training alone.

Conclusion
A high-MUFA diet alone does not alter ketone body metabolism. Combination of a MUFA-rich diet and exercise training is more effective than either MUFA or exercise alone for lowering HbA1c.
Short-term outcomes after anterior stapling rectotomy using a single stapler device for rectocele
Authors: Anannamcharoen Sahaphol , Areerattanavet Kanchana 
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Background
Stapled transanal rectal segmental resection (STARR) is a technique for treatment of obstructive defecation syndrome (ODS) when associated with rectocele and/or intussusceptions.

Objectives
To evaluate a simplified method using a single stapler device for isolated anterior rectal wall correction of structural abnormalities (single-STARR technique).

Materials and methods
Patients who were diagnosed with ODS underwent the single-STARR procedure. Their baseline symptoms were measured by using a modified obstructed defecation syndrome (MODS) questionnaire score. Evacuation proctography was performed to exclude functional anorectal disorders. Colonoscopy was selectively performed and for all patients older than 50 years. Single-STARR procedure was performed in cases where there was no evidence of an inflammatory, metabolic, neoplastic process, or functional disorders. The summed global score of ODS ranged from 0 (normal) to 24 (severe). Outcomes were determined by evaluating the postoperative improvement using a MODS score.

Results
A total of 9 patients (mean (SD) age 53 (13.6) years) with ODS were eligible for the study. Both rectocele and intussusceptions were diagnosed from preoperative defecography in 7 of the patients. Single-STARR was successfully performed without intraoperative complications in all patients with a mean operative time of 52 (12.7) min. The mean severity of symptoms decreased significantly at the 3rd and 6th (P < 0.01) month after surgery. However, one-third of patients experienced persistence of symptoms or symptom score deterioration on the 12th month after surgery.

Conclusion
The single-STARR procedure provided short-term symptom relief with no serious postoperative complication in a small series of 9 cases.
Observational study of omeprazole for gastroesophageal reflux on pulmonary function in adult asthmatics
Authors: Jaimchariyatam Nattapong , Haprasert Phurin , Gonchanvit Sutep , Wongtim Somkiat 
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Background
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of airways. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is known to be associated with worsening asthma. We hypothesized that treatment of GERD in asthmatics will improve asthma control and quality of life. We reviewed our experience of treatment of GERD in asthmatics in Thailand.

Objectives
To study the effects of omeprazole for treatment of GERD in patients with poorly controlled asthma on pulmonary function tests and asthma control test (ACT) scores.

Methods
This study was conducted at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital between August 2009 and December 2010. Patients with partly controlled and uncontrolled asthma who were found to have GERD by 24 hour esophageal pH monitoring were administered omeprazole 40 mg per day for 8 weeks. Pulmonary function tests and ACT scores before and after treatment were compared at 4-weeks and 8-weeks follow up.

Results
Twenty four patients were included in this study. None of them had asthmatic attacks during the study. After 4 and 8 weeks of omeprazole treatment, the mean FEV1 (2.20 ± 0.64 L, 2.36 ± 0.58 L, respectively) and the mean ACT score (20.82 ± 3.30, 23.00 ± 1.69, respectively) were significantly higher than the pretreatment values (mean FEV1 1.99 ± 0.56 L and ACT score 16.36 ± 3.97) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
High-dose omeprazole may improve pulmonary function and the level of asthma control in Thai patients with partly controlled or uncontrolled asthma and coexisting GERD.
Awareness of hepatitis B and C among students of nonmedical universities in Karachi
Authors: Rafiq Ali , Fatima Saba , Masood Beenish , Khan Rizwan Ahmed , Khan Fareeha Ahmed , Liaquat Aimen , Fatima Aelia , Tanveer Mohammad Shahrukh , Sulaiman Mahreen , Hasan Syed Yousuf , Aehtesham Mariam , Khan Sidra 
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Background
Pakistan is highly endemic with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the incidence of HBV infection is rising steadily. The reasons may include poor public awareness about the transmission of HBV and HCV.

Objectives
To assess the awareness of HBV and HCV among students in nonmedical universities.

Methods
The study instrument was a structured 36 item questionnaire. After obtaining permission from the respective administrations, students were approached within their university campuses and were included by convenience sampling. The results were expressed as frequencies.

Results
Five hundred students from 5 different institutions participated in the survey, with 100 students representing each institute. Most students did not recognize the possible modes of infection of hepatitis B that include reuse of syringes (57.2%), blood transfusions (62.6%), and sexual contact (57.4%). However, most (67.8%) students correctly believe that there is a vaccination available for the prevention of HBV. Most students did not recognize the possible modes of infection of hepatitis C that include reuse of syringes (61.8%), use of intravenous drugs of addiction (71.4%), sexual contact (55.6%), and blood transfusions (55.2%) as possible modes of transmission. Most students (51.8%) incorrectly believed that there is a vaccination available for the prevention of HCV.

Conclusions
There is a prominent lack of awareness regarding the risk factors for HBV and HCV infection among the student community of nonmedical universities in Karachi, and an immediate need to conduct nationwide awareness programs to raise the awareness of HBV and HCV transmission in the Pakistani population exists.
Plasma levels of leptin and ghrelin and their correlation with BMI, and circulating lipids and glucose in obese Tunisian women
Authors: Slama Fethi Ben , Jridi Nahawand , Rayana Mohamed Chiheb Ben , Trimeche Abdelmagid , Hsairi Mohamed , Belhadj Omrane 
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Background
A National Survey on the Effect of Nutrition conducted in 1996−1997 showed a 14% overall prevalence of obesity in Tunisia with a female predominance. Leptin and ghrelin play crucial roles in regulating body weight and energy balance. Leptin, an anorectic hormone, and ghrelin, an orexigenic hormone, appear to interact with glucose and lipid metabolism.

Objectives
To determine the circulating levels of ghrelin and leptin in obese Tunisian women and to investigate the correlations of these hormones with body mass index (BMI), and circulating lipids and glucose.

Methods
Forty obese women were recruited from patients in the “C” Unit of the National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology. Twenty normal women were recruited as controls. Plasma levels of the studied variables were measured in patients from both groups and findings were analyzed.

Results
Circulating levels of leptin were significantly higher, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and ghrelin levels were significantly lower in the obese women. In the obese women, significant positive correlations were found between circulating levels of leptin and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, BMI, and glucose; and ghrelin and HDL-cholesterol. Significant negative correlations were found between circulating levels of leptin and HDL-cholesterol and ghrelin; and ghrelin and leptin, LDL-cholesterol, BMI, and glucose. Multivariate analysis revealed that ghrelin was significantly associated with HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and blood glucose.

Conclusions
The significant negative correlation between leptin and ghrelin suggests that these two hormones may be antagonistic. Increased levels of ghrelin are correlated with decreased circulating levels of HDL-cholesterol and increased levels of LDL-cholesterol.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis in children: a retrospective study at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand 1992–2012
Authors: Paipool Watuhatai , Sriboonnark Leelawadee 
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Background
Stevens–Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are life-threatening skin conditions with an etiology of drug exposure or infections.

Objectives
To determine the cause, treatments, complications, and outcomes of SJS/TEN in children admitted to Srinagrind Hospital during 1992–2012.

Methods
Retrospective chart review. A diagnosis of SJS and TEN was confirmed by pediatric dermatologists.

Results
A total of 38 patients was recorded. They consisted 31 (82%) SJS patients and 7 (18%) TEN patients. Mean age 6.6 years (range 1 to 14 years). Male to female was 1.1:1. Most cases (30 or 79%) were caused by drug exposure. Three cases (8%) by infection, and 5 cases (13%) were of unknown cause. The antiepileptic drug group was the most common cause. Systemic corticosteroids were used in 33 cases (87%). Intravenous immunoglobulin was used in one TEN patient (3%). There were 18 cases (47%) with acute complications. Ocular complications (7 cases, 39%), septicemia (4 cases, 22%), and secondary skin infections (3 cases, 17%) were the most common. Mean difference in length of hospital stay between those with and without acute complications was 12.3 days (P < 0.01, 95% CI 5.9–18.6). Ocular complications were the only long-term complications at 1-year follow up, and included symblepharon, corneal pannus, and dry eyes. Two patients (5%), both having cases of TEN, died.

Conclusions
Antiepileptic drugs were the most common causes of SJS/TEN in our study. Good ophthalmologic care of the prevalent acute eye complications in these patients is needed to prevent long-term ophthalmic complications.
Identification of a mitochondrial 12S rRNA A1555G mutation causing aminoglycoside-induced deafness in a large Thai family
Authors: Chaiyasap Pongsathorn , Srichomthong Chalurmpon , Tongkobpetch Siraprapa , Suphapeetiporn Kanya , Shotelersuk Vorasuk 
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Background
Hearing loss is among the most frequent sensory disorders. Preventable causes include medications given to genetically susceptible individuals. Several families around the world with an A1555G mitochondrial mutation who became profoundly deaf after receiving aminoglycosides have been described. However, none has been reported in Thailand.

Objectives
To identify the cause of hearing loss of a large Thai family with 11 members who reportedly turned deaf after receiving antibiotics.

Methods
We obtained blood samples from 5 members; 4 of whom had hearing loss. Mutation analyses were performed using molecular techniques including polymerase chain reaction, Sanger sequencing, and restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Results
All 4 affected members were found to harbor the same A1555G mitochondrial mutation, while the unaffected had only the wild-type A.

Conclusions
We have identified the mitochondrial mutation leading to aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss in a Thai population. Raising awareness for medical practitioners of this genetic susceptibility in Thailand is warranted. Avoidance of certain medications in these individuals would prevent this acquired permanent hearing loss.
Liefde met hindernissen
Authors: Kok J. 
Published: August 2015

Love with hurdles. On undesirable relationships in the past
This articles offers an overview of four centuries of ‘forbidden relations’ in The Netherlands. From the late sixteenth century onwards, the dominant Calvinist church tried to ‘purify’ the Dutch nation by persecuting all forms of fornication, adultery, incest, and sodomy. The French period (1795-1813) separated church and state, and removed several forms of forbidden relations from the penal code. But social control on relations remained intense. An ‘ideal’ marriage was based on equality of the spouses in terms of social background, religion and age. Parents as well as the local community made sure young people made the ‘right’ choice. Competition between religious groups intensified in the late nineteenth century and mixed marriages became even more problematic. In the 1960s and 1970s all this began to change, and many rules and norms regarding partner choice were relaxed. An example of the changes over time are unmarried cohabitations which transformed from a crime (sanctioned by banishment) to deviant behaviour (sanctions through withholding poor relief) to a more or less normative ‘trial marriage’.
De liefjes van prostituees: pooiers of partners?
Authors: Verhoeven M. , van Gestel B. 
Published: August 2015

The loves of sex workers: pimps or partners?
In this article we show what relationships may exist between sex workers and their partners. These relationships are diverse and sometimes complex by the presence of both intimacy and intimidation or violence. From the women’s perspective these relationships are not primarily defined as ‘violent’ and ‘involuntary’, they also provide them love, protection and security. From a governments perspective with a focus on human trafficking and exploitation of sex workers, these relationships are quickly mistrusted. In the latest measures to prevent exploitation, all sex workers are questioned about their relationships. Although this may be important for the identification of potential exploitation, in practice the opposite happens: women keep silent about their relationships towards government officials. In other words, an increasing focus on combating exploitation may enforce the stigma on relationships of sex workers.
Het verbod op het neef-nichthuwelijk
Authors: Priem J. 
Published: August 2015

The prohibition of cousin marriages. Attitudes of Turkish and Moroccan Dutch youngsters
This article describes the attitudes of Turkish and Moroccan Dutch regarding cousin marriages, using two qualitative studies. Last year the Lower House of the Dutch parliament passed a bill involving a ban of cousin marriages. The main reason for the ban is that many of these marriages are supposed to be concluded forcibly. The new law will mostly affect immigrant groups, since such marriages occur frequently in this population. This article describes the significance for the enforceability of the ban for these groups as well as the attitudes towards cousin marriage. Legitimacy problems seem to arise because a part of the Turkish and Moroccan Dutch respondents feel that the state should not interfere with the individual choice for a marriage partner. Yet there is also evidence for regulatory compliance on normative grounds, even among those who oppose the bans, due to democratic procedures and religious norms.
Measuring Mitochondrial Membrane Potential with a Tetraphenylphosphonium‐Selective Electrode
Authors: Moreno António J. , Santos Dario L. , Magalhães‐Novais Sílvia , Oliveira Paulo J. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractMitochondrial bioenergetics is based on the generation of the protonmotive force by the electron transport chain. The protonmotive force is used by mitochondria for different critical aspects of its normal function, ranging from calcium accumulation to the synthesis of ATP. The transmembrane electric potential (ΔΨ) is the major component of the protonmotive force and is also the main responsible for ATP synthesis by mitochondrial ATP synthase. Although several methods can be used to measure the ΔΨ, the use of the tetraphenylphosphonium cation (TPP+)‐selective electrode is still a method of election due to its sensitivity. The method is based on the accumulation of TPP+ by energized mitochondria, which develop a negative charge in the matrix due to the ejection of protons. This unit describes how to build a custom‐made TPP+‐selective electrode and how to establish the necessary set‐up to follow ΔΨ fluctuations in isolated mitochondrial fractions. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Digital signal processing for ionospheric propagation diagnostics
Authors: Rino Charles L. , Groves Keith M. , Carrano Charles S. , Gunter Jacob H. , Parris Richard T. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractFor decades, analog beacon satellite receivers have generated multifrequency narrowband complex data streams that could be processed directly to extract total electron content (TEC) and scintillation diagnostics. With the advent of software‐defined radio, modern digital receivers generate baseband complex data streams that require intermediate processing to extract the narrowband modulation imparted to the signal by ionospheric structure. This paper develops and demonstrates a processing algorithm for digital beacon satellite data that will extract TEC and scintillation components. For algorithm evaluation, a simulator was developed to generate noise‐limited multifrequency complex digital signal realizations with representative orbital dynamics and propagation disturbances. A frequency‐tracking procedure is used to capture the slowly changing frequency component. Dynamic demodulation against the low‐frequency estimate captures the scintillation. The low‐frequency reference can be used directly for dual‐frequency TEC estimation.
Using scaling for macroweather forecasting including the pause
Authors: Lovejoy S. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe ScaLIng Macroweather model (SLIMM) is a new class of stochastic atmospheric model. It exploits the large system memory to overcome the biases of conventional numerical climate models, it makes hindcasts and forecasts over macroweather forecast horizons (≈10 days to decades). Using the simplest (scalar), SLIMM model with only two parameters, we present various twentieth century hindcasts including several of the slowdown (“pause”) in the warming since 1998. The 1999–2013 hindcast is accurate to within ±0.11 K, with all the 2002–2013 anomalies hindcast to within ±0.02 K. In comparison, the Climate Model Intercomparison Project Phase 3 hindcasts were on average about 0.2 K too warm.
Virtual reconstruction of the Neanderthal Amud 1 cranium
Authors: Amano Hideki , Kikuchi Takeo , Morita Yusuke , Kondo Osamu , Suzuki Hiromasa , Ponce de León Marcia S. , Zollikofer Christoph P.E. , Bastir Markus , Stringer Chris , Ogihara Naomichi 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTObjectivesWe describe a new computer reconstruction to obtain complete anatomical information of the ecto‐ and endocranium from the imperfectly preserved skull of the Neanderthal Amud 1.Materials and MethodsData were obtained from computed tomography scans of the fossil cranium. Adhesive and plaster were then virtually removed from the original specimen, and the fragments comprising the fossil cranium were separated. These fragments were then mathematically reassembled based on the smoothness of the joints. Both sides of the cranium were reassembled separately, and then aligned based on bilateral symmetry and the distance between the mandibular fossae obtained from the associated mandible. The position of the isolated maxilla was determined based on the position of the mandible that was anatomically articulated to the mandibular fossae. To restore missing basicranial and damaged endocranial regions, the cranium of Forbes’ Quarry 1 was warped onto that of La Chapelle‐aux‐Saints 1, and the resulting composite Neanderthal cranium was then warped onto the reconstructed Amud 1 by an iterative thin‐plate spline deformation.ResultsComparison of the computer reconstruction with the original indicated that the newly reconstructed Amud 1 cranium was slightly shorter and wider in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions, respectively, suggesting that it was relatively more brachycephalic. The endocranial volume was estimated to be 1,736 cm3, which was quite similar to the original estimated value of 1,740 cm3.DiscussionThis new computer reconstruction enables not only measurement of new cranial metrics, but also inclusion of the Amud 1 specimen in three‐dimensional geometric morphometric analyses that were previously difficult due to its incompleteness. Am J Phys Anthropol 158:185–197, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Annealing‐promoted unidirectional migration of organic‐modified nanoparticles embedded two‐dimensionally in polymer thin films
Authors: Liu Yang , Kato Takumi , Kubo Masaki , Sugioka Ken‐Ichi , Tsukada Takao , Takami Seiichi , Adschiri Tadafumi 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTThe spatial structures of oleic acid‐modified CeO2 nanoparticles in polystyrene (PS) thin films spin‐coated on silicon substrates were observed by transmission electron microscopy, when the films underwent thermal annealing above the glass‐transition temperature of PS. Before annealing, the nanoparticles have segregated to the surface of the films, and formed two‐dimensional spatial structures in the PS films. Then, the nanoparticles migrated away from the film surface to the substrate/film interface during thermal annealing, maintaining the two‐dimensional spatial structures. In addition, we demonstrated that such unidirectional migration of nanoparticles across the PS film occurs regardless of the characteristics of the substrate surface, the concentration of nanoparticles, and the thickness of the films. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42760.