bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concentrated whey protein ingredients: A Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy investigation of thermally induced denaturation
Authors: O'Loughlin Ian B , Kelly Phil M , Murray Brian A , FitzGerald Richard J , Brodkorb Andre 
Published: May 2015

Thermal denaturation of whey protein solutions was investigated from a structural perspective utilising attenuated total reflectance – Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR). Solutions (100 g protein/L, pH 7) of commercial whey protein isolate (WPI) powders and enriched protein fractions of β‐lactoglobulin (β‐lg) and α‐lactalbumin (α‐la) were heat‐treated at temperatures of 50–90 °C. Subsequent analysis by ATR‐FTIR highlighted the structural changes occurring as a direct result of heat treatments. Molecularly, WPI dispersions exhibited pronounced differences in denaturation behaviour depending on their method of manufacture. ATR‐FTIR is an informative tool to discern the structural molecular interactions not apparent through physical analysis of concentrated ingredients.
Income inequality, electoral systems and party polarisation
Authors: Han Sung Min 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis study analyses why income inequality and party polarisation proceed together in some countries but not in others. By focusing on the relationship between income inequality, the permissiveness of electoral systems and party polarisation, the study offers a theoretical explanation for how the combination of income inequality and permissive electoral systems generates higher party polarisation. After analysing a cross‐national dataset of party polarisation, income inequality and electoral institutions covering 24 advanced democracies between 1960 and 2011, it is found that a simple correlation between income inequality and party polarisation is not strong. However, the empirical results indicate that greater income inequality under permissive electoral systems contributes to growing party polarisation, which suggests that parties only have diverging ideological platforms due to greater income inequality when electoral systems encourage their moves towards the extreme; parties do not diverge when electoral systems discourage their moves towards the extreme.
Financial industry mobilisation and securities markets regulation inEurope
Authors: Chalmers Adam William 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe 2007–2009 financial crisis has led to considerable debate about the role of financial industry actors in global regulatory processes. This article seeks to contribute to this debate by assessing when and why financial industry actors mobilise in order to influence securities markets regulations. Do these mobilisation patterns suggest undue influence by a small set of powerful industry actors, or do they reflect the engagement of a more diverse set of actors representing broader public interests? It is argued that variation in mobilisation patterns is a function of: (1) institutional opportunity (the openness and accessibility of regulatory politics); and (2) demonstration effects (how crises increase the salience of regulatory issues). Empirical analyses suggest that the financial crisis diminished the diversity of mobilising actors. This trend, however, is reversed when the news media disseminate information about the costs of weak financial regulation and thereby increase the salience of regulatory issues.
Overlap of gastroesophageal reflux disease and functional bowel disorders in the general Chinese rural population
Authors: Cai Shun Tian , Wang Li Ying , Sun Gang , Peng Li Hua , Guo Xu , Wang Wei Feng , Yang Yun Sheng 
Published: May 2015

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the prevalence of the overlap between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and functional bowel disorders (FBD) in the general population in rural areas in China.MethodsA population‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted in six villages in Nanmazhuang area in Lankao County (Henan Province, China) from December 2010 to October 2011. The GERD questionnaire (GerdQ) and Rome III criteria were used for the diagnosis of GERD and FBD and to determine the prevalence of GERD–FBD overlap.ResultsThe response rate to the questionnaires of the patients was 91.5%. In all, 2950 of 3700 residents with a mean age of 42.4 ± 16.8 years were included. Among them, 4.8% were diagnosed with GERD and 4.6% with FBD. The proportion of respondents with FBD was significantly higher in the GERD group than that in the non‐GERD group (25.53% vs 3.60%, P < 0.05). The prevalence of GERD in the FBD group was significantly higher than that in the non‐FBD group (26.28% vs 3.73%, P < 0.05). The prevalence of GERD–FBD overlap in the general rural population was 1.22%. Logistic regression analysis indicated that anxiety was an independent predictor for the GERD‐FBD overlap in GERD and FBD (odds ratio [OR] 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.09 and OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02–1.10, respectively).ConclusionGERD‐FBD overlap is more common than expected by chance in the general rural population, and anxiety is significantly related to the overlap.
Survival of patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma before and after approved use of gefitinib in China
Authors: Liu Yu‐Tao , Hao Xue‐Zhi , Li Jun‐Ling , Hu Xing‐Sheng , Wang Yan , Wang Zi‐Ping , Wang Hong‐Yu , Wang Bin , Han Xiao‐Hong , Zhang Xiang‐Ru , Shi Yuan‐Kai 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundTo compare the overall survival (OS) of patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma in China before and after the approved use of gefitinib, and analyze clinical factors that may affect OS.MethodsClinical data of 558 patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma who received chemotherapy from January 2002 to December 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the matched‐pair case‐control study design, 255 patients who only received chemotherapy and 255 patients who received gefitinib treatment after its approval were stringently matched by age, gender, and smoking history and enrolled in the study. Clinical factors including age, gender, smoking history, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS), tumor stage, organ metastasis, and the number of prior chemotherapies were analyzed to determine their correlations with OS.ResultsThe median survival time (MST) of the 510 enrolled patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma was 22.8 months. The MST of the patients who received gefitinib treatment was significantly longer than that of patients who did not receive gefitinib treatment (33.5 vs. 14.1 months, P < 0.001). The OS in patients who received gefitinib treatment was significantly longer than in patients who did not receive gefitinib treatment in almost all clinical factor‐based subgroups, including age, gender, smoking history, ECOG PS 0–1, tumor stage, the presence or absence of lung, pleural, bone, brain, adrenal gland and liver metastasis, and the number of prior chemotherapies (all P < 0.001), except in the ECOG PS ≥2 subgroup.ConclusionsGefitinib treatment significantly improved the survival of patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma in China.
Growth, Persistence, and Desistance of Alcohol Use for At‐Risk Men in Their 30s
Authors: Capaldi Deborah M. , Tiberio Stacey S. , Washburn Isaac J. , Yoerger Karen , Feingold Alan 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundLittle is known about heterogeneity in men's drinking behaviors and their related consequences across mid‐adulthood, and moreover, whether individual or social factors may predict such differences. This study examined 3 indicators of alcohol use, namely alcohol volume, heavy episodic drinking (HED), and drinking‐related problems for men in their 30s.MethodsParticipants were 197 at‐risk men from the Oregon Youth Study assessed 5 times across ages 29 to 38 years. Growth mixture modeling with count outcomes was used to examine unobserved heterogeneity in alcohol trajectories. Associations of latent classes of alcohol users with (i) classes for the other alcohol indicators, (ii) alcohol use by peers and romantic partners, (iii) alcohol classes previously extracted from ages 18 to 29 years, and (iv) past year alcohol use disorder (AUD) diagnostic status at ages 35 to 36 years were examined.ResultsA 3‐class solution afforded the best fit for each alcohol indicator. Alcohol problems were relatively established in the 30s, with an ascending use class found only for volume. Although relatively few men were in higher classes for all 3 indicators, 45% of the sample was in the highest class on at least 2 indicators of use. Peer drunkenness was a robust predictor of the alcohol classes. Concordance among classes of alcohol users was seen from the 20s to the 30s, with prior desistance likely to be maintained for alcohol volume and HED. AUD diagnoses at ages 35 to 36 years were more common in the higher classes obtained for alcohol volume and alcohol problems.ConclusionsMany men in their 30s engaged in a high volume of alcohol use without frequent engagement in HED, likely relating to continuing alcohol problems. The convergence of men's alcohol use with that of their peers found at younger ages was maintained into early mid‐adulthood.
The association between biological rhythms, depression, and functioning in bipolar disorder: a large multi‐center study
Authors: Pinho M. , Sehmbi M. , Cudney L. E. , Kauer‐Sant'anna M. , Magalhães P. V. , Reinares M. , Bonnín C. M. , Sassi R. B. , Kapczinski F. , Colom F. , Vieta E. , Frey B. N. , Rosa A. R 
Published: May 2015

ObjectiveWe examined the relationship between biological rhythms and severity of depressive symptoms in subjects with bipolar disorder and the effects of biological rhythms alterations on functional impairment.MethodBipolar patients (n = 260) and healthy controls (n = 191) were recruited from mood disorders programs in three sites (Spain, Brazil, and Canada). Parameters of biological rhythms were measured using the Biological Rhythms Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (BRIAN), an interviewer administered questionnaire that assesses disruptions in sleep, eating patterns, social rhythms, and general activity.ResultsMultivariate analyses of covariance showed significant intergroup differences after controlling for potential confounders (Pillai's F = 49.367; df = 2, P < 0.001). Depressed patients had the greatest biological rhythms disturbance, followed by patients with subsyndromal symptoms, euthymic patients, and healthy controls. Biological rhythms and HAMD scores were independent predictors of poor functioning (F = 12.841, df = 6, P < 0.001, R2 = 0.443).ConclusionOur study shows a dose‐dependent association between the severity of depressive symptoms and degree of biological rhythms disturbance. Biological rhythms disturbance was also an independent predictor of functional impairment. Although the directionality of this relationship remains unknown, our results suggest that stability of biological rhythms should be an important target of acute and long‐term management of bipolar disorder and may aid in the improvement of functioning.
Genetic Association and Altered Gene Expression of Osteoprotegerin in Otosclerosis Patients
Authors: Priyadarshi Saurabh , Ray Chinmay Sundar , Biswal Narayan Chandra , Nayak Soumya Ranjan , Panda Khirod Chandra , Desai Ashim , Ramchander Puppala Venkat 
Published: May 2015

SummaryOtosclerosis (OTSC) is a late‐onset hearing disorder characterized by increased bone turnover in the otic capsule. Disturbed osteoprotegerin expression has been found in the otosclerotic foci which may have an important role in the pathogenesis of OTSC. To identify the genetic risk factors, we sequenced the coding region and exon‐intron boundaries of the OPG gene in 254 OTSC patients and 262 controls. Sequence analysis identified five known polymorphisms c.9C>G, c.30+15C>T, c.400+4C>T, c.768A>G, and c.817+8A>C. Testing of these SNPs revealed sex specific association with c.9C>G in males and c.30+15C>T in females after multiple correction. Furthermore, meta‐analysis provided evidence of association of the c.9C>G polymorphism with OTSC. In secondary analysis, we investigated the mRNA expression of OPG and associated genes RANK and RANKL in otosclerotic tissues compared to controls. Expression analysis revealed significantly missing/reduced OPG expression only in otosclerotic tissues. However, the signal sequence polymorphism c.9C>G has shown no effect on OPG mRNA expression. In conclusion, our results suggest that the risk of OTSC is influenced by variations in the OPG gene along with other factors which might regulate its altered expression in otosclerotic tissues. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these observations.
Staged venous thromboemolic events prophylaxis with low‐molecular‐weight heparin followed by aspirin is safe and effective after arthroplasty
Authors: Asopa Vipin , Cobain William , Martin David , Keene Greg , Bauze Adrian 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe rate of fatal pulmonary embolism (PE) following hip and knee arthroplasty has remained unchanged despite the use of low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH) and oral antithrombotic agents. Concerns regarding bleeding and wound complications resulted in the introduction of a staged chemoprophylaxis protocol at our institution in 2002. We hypothesized that staged chemoprophylaxis using LMWH in hospital followed by aspirin after discharge was safe and effective for the prevention of venous thromboembolic events (VTE).MethodsData were retrospectively collected on all patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty between 2002 and 2012. For VTE prophylaxis, LMWH was administered to all patients following surgery until discharge. Aspirin was prescribed from discharge until 6 weeks following surgery. Complications were recorded in a database. Patients suspected of having a VTE were investigated with bilateral lower limb duplex ultrasound and computerized tomography‐pulmonary angiogram.ResultsThe 11‐year results of this protocol used in 9035 patients with a mean age 62 years (range 20–95) and follow‐up at 6 weeks demonstrate an overall symptomatic VTE rate of 2.55% and overall PE rate of 1.28%. The overall fatal PE rate is 0.03% (unicompartmental knee arthroplasty 0.07–0.96%, total knee arthroplasty 0.19% and total hip arthroplasty 0%) and the all‐cause mortality is 0.07%. The wound complication rate is low.ConclusionStaged chemoprophylaxis using LMWH followed by aspirin is a safe and effective thromboprophylactic regime that is associated with a very low rate of fatal PE and all‐cause mortality.
Surgical workload of a foreign medical team after Typhoon Haiyan
Authors: Read David J. , Holian Annette , Moller Cea‐Cea , Poutawera Vaughan 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundOn 8 November 2013, Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines causing widespread loss of lives and infrastructures. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the Australian Government deployed a surgical field hospital to the city of Tacloban for 4 weeks. This paper describes the establishment of the hospital, the surgical workload and handover to the local health system upon the end of deployment.MethodsA Microsoft excel database was utilized throughout the deployment, recording demographics, relationship to the typhoon and surgical procedure performed.ResultsOver the 21 days of surgical activity, the Australian field hospital performed 222 operations upon 131 persons. A mean of 10.8 procedures were performed per day (range 3–20). The majority (70.2%) of procedures were soft tissue surgery. Diabetes was present in 22.9% and 67.9% were typhoon‐related. The Australian Medical Assistance Team field hospital adhered to the World Health Organization guidelines for foreign medical teams, in ensuring informed consent, appropriate anaesthesia and surgery, and worked collaboratively with local surgeons, ensuring adequate documentation and clinical handover.ConclusionThis paper describes the experience of a trained, equipped and collaborative surgical foreign medical team in Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. Sepsis from foot injuries in diabetic patients constituted an unexpected majority of the workload. New presentations of typhoon‐related injuries were presented throughout the deployment.
CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T‐cell number increases in the gastric tissue of C57BL/6 mice infected with Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Liu Sheng , Luo Jingjing , Liu Yapu , Tang Shuangyang , Chen Chaoqun , Cai Hengling , Yu Minjun , Zhang Yan 
Published: May 2015

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), one of the most common infections, is associated with various clinical outcomes. In addition to inducing inflammation, immunological clearance of the pathogen is often incomplete. Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) have been recently demonstrated to play an important role in H. pylori infection and the final clinical outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate the number and localization of CD4+Foxp3+ Treg cells in stomachs and spleens of H. pylori‐infected mice. The expression levels of Foxp3 as well as anti‐ and pro‐inflammatory cytokines before and after H. pylori triple eradication therapy were examined. We found that the percentages of CD4+Foxp3+ Treg cells out of the lamina propria lymphocytes (LPLs) and spleen lymphocytes in the infection group were higher than the PBS negative control group and the treatment group. H. pylori antigen stimulation was associated with an increased number of Treg cells in vitro. Furthermore, compared with the PBS and treatment groups, a higher mRNA expression level of Foxp3 in the gastric tissue was detected in the infection group. IL‐10 and TGF‐β1 contents were increased significantly in the culture supernatant of spleen lymphocyte stimulated with H. pylori antigen. A marked elevation in serum IFN‐γ level was observed in H. pylori‐infected mice. In addition, gastric tissues of the infection group contained more Foxp3+ cells. These results indicate that the percentage of CD4+Foxp3+ Treg cells are increased in H. pylori‐infected mice, suggesting a role of Treg cells in H. pylori‐induced pathologies, even at the early stages of chronic gastritis and gastric tumorigenesis.
Screening for depression and anxiety among older Chinese immigrants living in Western countries: The use of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI)
Authors: Lin Xiaoping , Haralambous Betty , Pachana Nancy A. , Bryant Christina , LoGiudice Dina , Goh Anita , Dow Briony 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundDepression and anxiety are two common mental health problems among older people. There is evidence that using well‐validated screening tools can improve detection of depression and anxiety among this group. The review explored the use of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI) for screening depression and anxiety among older Chinese immigrants, one of the largest and fastest growing groups of older immigrants in Western society. It focused on the GDS and GAI because both are designed specifically for older people.MethodsOnline literature searches were conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. A narrative approach was used to review included papers.ResultsA total of 21 articles were included. There were limited data on anxiety among older Chinese immigrants, with only one unpublished report identified. There were 13 studies (20 articles) using the GDS with this group. Results of these studies indicated that the GDS is a reliable tool in this population; however, there was limited validity data. Two versions of the GDS‐15 have been used with older Chinese immigrants, including the standard GDS‐15 and Mui's GDS‐15. Prevalence of depression ranged between 20% and 30% in most reviewed studies.DiscussionResults of this review have practical implications for clinicians in their use of these tools with older Chinese immigrants in Western countries, such as the different GDS versions. It also suggests a number of directions for future research, such as the inclusion of clinical samples and consideration of the diversity within this group.
Differences in calpain system, desmin degradation and water holding capacity between commercial Meishan and Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred pork
Authors: Wang Juan , Yan Xiang‐lin , Liu Rui , Fu Qing‐quan , Zhou Guang‐hong , Zhang Wan‐gang 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe objective of this study was to examine the differences in calpain system, desmin degradation, pH values and water holding capacity (WHC) between muscles of commercial Meishan and Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred pigs. Meishan pork presented better WHC evidenced by lower purge loss at days 1 and 3 and less centrifugation loss at day 1 post mortem (P < 0.05). pH values at 45 min post mortem in Meishan pork were significantly higher compared to crossbred pork (P < 0.05). Calpain‐1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was lower in Meishan pork compared to that from crossbred pork (P < 0.05). Additionally, calpain‐1 activity, the ratio of calpain‐1 to calpastatin activity and desmin degradation were lower in Meishan pork compared to those from crossbred pork samples (P < 0.05). The results indicate that the calpain system including mRNA expression and activity were different between commercial Meishan and crossbred pork resulting in difference in the degree of desmin degradation during post mortem aging. pH values at 45 min and 24 h post mortem rather than calpain activity and desmin degradation could explain the higher water holding capacity in commercial Meishan pork.
Effects of dietary n‐6/n‐3 fatty acid ratio on nutrient digestibility and blood metabolites of Hanwoo heifers
Authors: Kim Dong Hyeon , Lee Hyuk Jun , Amanullah Sardar M. , Adesogan Adegbola T. , Kim Sam Churl 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of dietary n‐6/n‐3 fatty acid (FA) ratio on digestibility, blood metabolites and FA profile of Hanwoo heifers. Fifteen Hanwoo heifers (22 ± 3 months old; 357 ± 69.7 kg) were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments with n‐6/n‐3 FA ratios of 2.07, 5.18 and 7.37. The animals were housed individually in digestion crates and fed total mixed rations at 2.2% of body weight for 2 weeks of adaptation and 1 week of collection. Treatment effects on in vivo digestibility, plasma metabolite and fatty acid profiles, and in vitro ruminal fermentation and fatty acid profiles were examined. In vivo digestibility was not affected (P > 0.05) by dietary n‐6/n‐3 FA ratio. However, in vitro dry matter digestibility and concentrations of total volatile fatty acids and propionate decreased (P < 0.05) linearly with increasing n‐6/n‐3 FA ratio. Plasma insulin and progesterone increased linearly (P < 0.05), but linolenic acid and total n‐3 FA decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing n‐6/n‐3 ratio. Increasing the dietary n‐6/n‐3 FA ratio can increase the n‐6/n‐3 FA ratio in plasma and ruminal fluid as well as plasma progesterone secretion.