bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A review on ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of plant genus C
aralluma R. Br
Authors: Adnan Muhammad , Jan Saleem , Mussarat Sakina , Tariq Akash , Begum Shaheen , Afroz Anila , Shinwari Zabta Khan 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Objectives
C aralluma is a xerophytic genus used as traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes, inflammation, leprosy, obesity and rheumatism. Objectives of this review are to establish a relationship between traditional uses and scientific studies by critically evaluating the available fragmented literature on ethnobotany, pharmacology, phytochemistry and toxicology of genus Caralluma.

Key findings
Ethnomedical uses of Caralluma have been recorded from various countries such as China, India, Iran and Pakistan for six major classes of diseases including diabetes and gastrointestinal disorders. This review indicated the efficacy of genus Caralluma in several in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer activity. These bioactivity might be due to the presence of certain classes of compounds in genus Caralluma including pregnane glycosides, flavonoid glycosides and flavones.

Summary
Traditional uses and scientific evaluation of Caralluma indicates that it is one of the most widely used genus in some parts of the world. Further studies on the structural activity relationship of some of the isolated compound may improve their biological potency as well as scientific exploitation of traditional uses of the genus.
In ovocarbohydrate supplementation modulates growth and immunity‐related genes in broiler chickens
Authors: Bhanja S. K. , Goel A. , Pandey N. , Mehra M. , Majumdar S. , Mandal A. B. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryA study was undertaken to investigate the role ofin ovoadministrated carbohydrates on the expression pattern of growth and immune‐related genes.In ovoinjections (n = 400) were carried out on the 14th day of incubation into the yolk sac/amnion of the broiler chicken embryos. Expression of growth‐related genes: chicken growth hormone (cGH), insulin‐like growth factor‐I&II(IGF‐I&II) and mucin were studied in hepatic and jejunum tissues of late‐term embryo and early post‐hatch chicks. Expression of candidate immune genes: Interleukin‐2, 6, 10 and 12 (IL‐2,IL‐6,IL‐10 andIL‐12), Tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and Interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) were studied in peripheral blood monocyte cells ofin ovo‐injected and control birds following antigenic stimulation with sheepRBC(SRBC) or mitogen concanavalinA(Con‐A). Glucose injection significantly increased the expression ofIGF‐IIgene during embryonic period and both cGHandIGF‐IIin early post‐hatch period, while ribose‐injected chicks had higher expression ofIGF‐IIgene during embryonic stage. Enhanced mucin gene expression was also observed in fructose‐injected chicks during embryonic age. Glucose‐injected chicks had higher expression ofIL‐6 or IL‐10, while those injected with fructose or ribose had higher expression ofIL‐2,IL‐12 andIFNgamma. It is concluded thatin ovosupplementation of carbohydrates might help in improving the growth of late‐term embryos and chicks.In ovoglucose could modulate humoral‐related immunity, while fructose or ribose might help in improving the cellular immunity in broiler chickens.
Retracted: Study of enzyme activities and protein content of beluga (Huso huso) semen before and after cryopreservation
Authors: Aramli M. S. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryKnowledge gained regarding the biochemical processes that occur during sperm collection, processing and freezing‐thawing might improve current sperm cryopreservation techniques. In our present study, we determined the effect of cryopreservation on the total protein concentration (TP) and the activities of certain enzymes in semen samples from the beluga (Huso huso). The TP content of the seminal plasma of fresh semen was 0.47 ± 0.026 g/l, and the TP after cryopreservation was 1.86 ± 0.6 g/l. The activities of acid phosphatase (0.82 ± 0.042 U/l), lactate dehydrogenase (234.4 ± 19.4 U/l), arylsulfatase (143.1 ± 32.5 U/l) and β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase (58.39 ± 4.14 U/l) in the seminal plasma of fresh semen were significantly lower than those in the supernatant of frozen‐thawed semen samples (7.43 ± 0.64, 3224.6 ± 167.2, 422.6 ± 21.3 and 90.2 ± 5.37 U/l respectively). These parameters may be useful as biomarkers for estimating damage to the cell membrane of spermatozoa caused by freezing‐thawing.
Instrumental Evaluation of Acoustic and Mechanical Texture Properties of Short‐Dough Biscuits with Different Content of Fat and Inulin
Authors: Błońska Arleta , Marzec Agata , Błaszczyk Anika 
Published: April 2014

AbstractFat in short‐dough biscuits (74.1, 64.8 and 55.4%) was replaced by inulin (0.9 and 18.3%). Texture properties of the biscuits were performed using instrumental methods (acoustic and mechanical) and sensory analysis. The analysis of relationships between instrumental properties and sensory descriptors of biscuits texture was also performed. The addition of inulin at reduced fat content in the recipe significantly affected the acoustic properties of short‐dough biscuits. In biscuits with 74.1 and 55.6% of fat participation, the addition of inulin did not cause differences in mechanical properties. Only in the case of biscuits with 64.8% fat content inulin addition caused decrease of the force and breaking work. The principal component analysis found that both mechanical and acoustic properties were correlated with sensory descriptors of short‐dough biscuit texture.Practical ApplicationsShort‐dough biscuits are one of the most popular bakery items consumed around the world. This kind of biscuit is characterized by high‐fat content (the largest component after flour), so it would be advantageous to decrease the fat content while keeping their textural and sensory properties unchanged and giving them pro‐health functions.
Spatial distribution of surgeonfish and parrotfish in the north sector of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System
Authors: Hernández‐Landa Roberto C. , Acosta‐González Gilberto , Núñez‐Lara Enrique , Arias‐González Jesús E 
Published: April 2014

AbstractSurgeonfish and parrotfish play an important role in structuring the benthic communities of coral reefs. However, despite their importance, little is known about their distribution patterns in the north sector of the Mesoamerican Reef System. This study evaluated the distribution of these fish in 34 sites in four habitats (lagoon, front, slopes and terrace) along a depth gradient (c 0.5–20 m). These herbivorous fish were assessed by visual censuses. Species dominance was evaluated for each habitat using SIMPER analysis. Habitat characteristics data were collected to determine the relationship between habitat conditions and spatial variations in herbivorous fish (using abundance and biomass as a proxy) via redundancy analysis. The herbivorous fish assemblage had a low density (fish per 100 m2) and biomass (g·100 m−2) in comparison with assemblages in similar studies. In contrast, species richness was high compared with other studies in the Caribbean. Spatial variation of the abundance, biomass and size of herbivorous fish was strongly related to coral and seagrass cover, as well as to depth and rugosity. These four variables were critical in controlling the distribution patterns of the herbivorous fish assemblages. No associations were found between fish and macroalgae or any other benthic group. The present study indicates that the species richness of surgeonfish and parrotfish was not regionally affected by the dominance of macroalgae in the habitats studied. Seagrass beds and the coral reef matrix need to be preserved for the herbivorous fish assemblages to remain healthy and capable of controlling excess macroalgae growth.
Multichannel intraesophageal impedance pattern of children with aerophagia
Authors: Halb C. , Pomerleau M. , Faure C. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundChildhood aerophagia is defined by the Rome III criteria as two or more of the following symptoms; air swallowing, abdominal distension due to intraluminal air, or repetitive belching and/or flatus. The aim of this study was to determine the multichannel intraesophageal impedance (MII) pattern in children suffering from aerophagia.MethodsWe compared the MII tracings of five children with aerophagia according to Rome III criteria (three girls, median age 7 years) to five controls (three girls, median age 8 years). Controls underwent MII for symptoms of gastro‐esophageal reflux, and had normal findings. Liquid swallows (LS), air swallows (AS), mixed swallows (MS) and supragastric belching (SGB) were recorded. Meals were excluded from the analysis. All MII parameters were separately analyzed in the upright and recumbent position. All data are reported as median number of events per hour.Key ResultsThere was no difference in the total number of LS and MS between the two groups. However, the total number of AS in patients was significantly higher than in controls (26/h vs 5.5/h, p < 0.05) but only in the upright position (46/h vs 8.2 in control group, p < 0.05). SGB was noted only in patients with aerophagia (2.6/h vs 0/h, p < 0.01).Conclusions & InferencesChildren suffering from aerophagia have a specific MII pattern with an increased frequency of air swallows in the upright position and supragastric belching. MII may be used as a tool to confirm diagnosis of aerophagia in children.
Contact‐Force Recovery Can Predict Cardiac Perforation during Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: NAZERI ALIREZA , GANAPATHY ANAND , MASSUMI ALI , MASSUMI MEHRAN , CONSTANTINE GARTH , RAZ SHAUL , RAZAVI MEHDI 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundDuring radiofrequency ablation (RFA), the ability to know whether a steam pop has led to cardiac perforation (CP) would be of profound clinical significance. We aimed to determine whether catheter contact‐force characteristics can predict whether a steam pop during RFA causes CP.MethodsWe used a 7.5F Thermocool® Smarttouch™ force‐sensing catheter (Biosense Webster Inc., Diamond Bar, CA, USA) to perform open‐chest left atrial RFA under direct visualization in four sheep. We measured the contact force and its direction every 50 ms during RFA. At each steam pop, we noted whether CP occurred. We then analyzed the contact‐force signals to determine whether specific features predicted the presence (+) or absence (−) of CP.ResultsA total of 24 steam pops occurred; 10 were CP+ and 14 were CP−. At the time of CP+ and CP− events, the contact force was 50 ± 25 and 40 ± 15 g, respectively (P = 0.146). All steam‐pop events were associated with a rapid drop‐off in contact force, but 10 of the 14 CP– events showed an immediate contact‐force rebound, whereas none of the CP+ events did. This rebound presumably occurred as the catheter tip resumed contact with the left atrial wall. The average contact‐force rebound equaled 80–100% of the contact‐force drop‐off.ConclusionsThe ability to measure catheter contact force during RFA is a valuable asset, as contact‐force recovery may be used to predict CP. Further studies are warranted to validate our findings in the clinical setting.
What New Wave Materialists Can't Say
Authors: Lewtas Patrick Kuehner 
Published: May 2014

AbstractMost phenomenal concept strategists, or concept dualists, trace the explanatory gap to “thin” phenomenal concepts that fail to represent phenomenal properties as physical entities. New Wave Materialists, a subgroup of concept dualists, claim that our physical and phenomenal concepts each represent experience completely and accurately, but nevertheless so differently that a priori links don't (and can't) hold between them. This paper argues that you can't have two distinct but nevertheless complete and accurate representations of the same thing. One (or both) of the representations must misrepresent, or the two representations must represent different things. The paper then puts its arguments in a wider context. It notes that our phenomenal concepts must be transparent, translucent, mildly opaque, or radically opaque (in senses reviewed in the paper). It canvasses arguments that a posteriori physicalists can't consider our phenomenal concepts opaque. Then it shows how its own arguments against New Wave Materialism have the result that a posteriori physicalists can't consider phenomenal concepts transparent or translucent. The paper thus advances its arguments as part of a broad‐based case against a posteriori physicalism.
Room for caring: patients' experiences of well‐being, relief and hope during serious illness
Authors: Timmermann Connie , Uhrenfeldt Lisbeth , Birkelund Regner 
Published: April 2014

AimThis study explores how seriously ill hospitalized patients' experience and assign meaning to their patient room.BackgroundModern hospitals and the rational underlying care and treatment of today have their emphasis on diagnosis, cure and treatment. Consequently, aesthetics in the patient rooms such as a view of nature or natural light entering the room are often neglected in caring for these patients.MethodA phenomenological‐hermeneutic study design was applied and data was collected through multiple qualitative interviews combined with observations at a teaching hospital in Denmark. Twelve patients participated.FindingsThe findings show that a view of nature and natural light in the form of sunlight or daylight in the patient room play a significant role in creating positive and supportive thoughts and emotions in the seriously ill patients. Three themes were identified: (i) Experiencing inner peace and an escape from negative thoughts, (ii) Experiencing a positive mood and hope and (iii) Experiencing good memories.ConclusionOur findings highlight aesthetic sensory impressions in the form of nature sights and natural light in the patient room as a powerful source of well‐being, relief and hope for the patients during serious illness. Therefore, these sensory impressions should be thought of as holding palliative potential and should be included as a part of caring for the seriously ill patients.
Tax Enforcement Policy and the Provision of Public Goods with the Presence of Tax Havens
Authors: Chu Hsun 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA tax competition model is presented to investigate the effects of tax havens on the public good provision. We show that when countries facing a rise in tax havens change their tax enforcement strategies in response, the existence of tax havens may result in a higher level of equilibrium public good provision as compared to the case with no tax havens. Accordingly, tax havens could be welfare enhancing for non‐haven countries. This result offers a possible explanation for the recent empirical evidence that the corporate tax revenues in high‐tax countries have actually increased with the growth in the flow of foreign direct investment to tax havens.
Babbage's Legacy: The Origins of Microeconomics in On the Economy of Machinery and Manufactures
Authors: Ozgur Mustafa Erdem 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBritish mathematician Charles Babbage (1791–1871) spent immense energy to build mechanical calculating engines. Hoping that it might help him in designing and building his engines, he visited numerous workshops and factories in both England and Continental Europe. One of the consequences of these visits was his On the Economy of Machinery and Manufactures, published in 1832. Through his observations, Babbage grasped the advantages of machinery and economies of scale. In micro terms, he acknowledged the cost‐reducing features of economies of location, vertical integration, and division of labor – beyond Adam Smith's analysis – as well as the efficacy of clustering. He also pointed out the relationship between firm size, economic crisis, and innovation.
Mediators of the Daily Hassles–Suicidal Ideation Link in African American Women
Authors: Lamis Dorian A. , Kaslow Nadine J. 
Published: May 2014

Depressive symptoms and hopelessness as mediators of the daily hassles–suicidal ideation link in low‐income African American women exposed to intimate partner violence (n = 100) were investigated. As hypothesized, daily hassles, depressive symptoms, and hopelessness were each significantly and positively associated with suicidal ideation. Moreover, the relation between daily hassles and suicidal ideation was, in part, accounted for by depressive symptoms and hopelessness. This study demonstrates the importance of assessing for the presence of these risk factors when determining the likelihood that an abused African American woman will consider suicide. The findings further highlight the value of designing and implementing interventions that target the reduction in depressive symptoms and hopelessness in abused African American women exposed to daily hassles to reduce their suicide risk.
Breed‐specific hematologic reference intervals in healthy adult Dogues de Bordeaux
Authors: Lavoué R. , Geffré A. , Braun J.P. , Peeters D. , Granat F. , Bourgès‐Abella N. , Trumel C. 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundThere is an increasing interest for breed‐specific reference intervals in veterinary medicine. In a previous study, breed‐specific biochemical reference intervals (RIs) have been established for Dogues de Bordeaux (DDBs). This breed is predisposed to familial juvenile glomerulonephropathy and hypothyroidism, and would benefit from hematologicRI.ObjectiveThe purpose was de novo establishment of breed‐specific hematologicRIs for theDDBin accordance with the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines.MethodsOne hundred and twentyDDBs from France and Belgium were recruited.CBCs were determined with the SysmexXT‐2000iV analyzer within 12 hours of blood collection.RIs were determined using the nonparametric method. Effects of sex, age, and face mask color were studied.ResultsRIs were determined in 58 healthy dogs.DDBs had higherRIs forHGB,HCT,MCV,MCHC, and mean platelet volume, and lowerRIs for reticulocytes counts, platelets by impedance (PLT‐I) and optical count (PLT‐O), and plateletcrit when compared with generic canineRIs. Age significantly affectedRIs forHGB,HCT,MCHC,WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts.ConclusionThe generic canineRIs established in the same laboratory with analogous preanalytical and analytical variations did not differ significantly from breed‐specificRIs, and thus have no significant impact on clinical decision making; however, breed‐specificRIs are advised for someRBCand all platelet‐related variables to avoid erroneous suspicion of polycythemia and thrombocytopenia when using general canineRIs for evaluation ofDDB.
The Value of the One Health Approach: Shifting from Emergency Response to Prevention of Zoonotic Disease Threats at Their Source
Authors: Heymann David L. , Dixon Matthew 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT
The majority of emerging infectious diseases have their source in animals, and emergence occurs at the human-animal interface, when infections in animals breach the species barrier to infect humans, the population in which they are often first identified. The response is often a series of emergency activities to contain and manage the infection in human populations, and at the same time to identify the source of the infection in nature. If an infection is found to have a source in animals, and if animals cause a continuous threat of human infection, culling is often recommended, with severe economic impact. Currently the animal and human medicine sectors are working toward interacting more closely at the animal-human interface through joint surveillance and risk assessment, and research is under way in geographic areas where emergence at the animal-human interface has occurred in the past. The goal of this research is to identify infectious organisms in tropical and other wild animals, to genetically sequence these organisms, and to attempt to predict which organisms have the potential to emerge in human populations. It may be more cost-effective, however, to learn from past emergence events and to shift the paradigm from disease surveillance, detection, and response in humans to prevention of emergence at the source by understanding and mitigating the factors, or determinants, that influence animal infection. These determinants are clearly understood from the study of previous emergence events and include human-induced changes in natural environments, urban areas, and agricultural systems; raising and processing of animal-based foods; and the roles of global trade, migration, and climate change. Better understanding of these factors gained from epidemiological investigation of past and present emergence events, and modeling and study of the cost-effectiveness of interventions that could result in their mitigation, could provide evidence necessary to better address the political and economic barriers to prevention of infections in animals. Such economically convincing arguments for change and mitigation are required because of the basic difference in animal health, driven by the need for profit, and human health, driven by the need to save lives.
Genomic and Metagenomic Approaches for Predicting Pathogen Evolution
Authors: Casas Veronica , Maloy Stanley 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT
Global climate change can alter the distribution of microbial pathogens and vectors that transmit infectious diseases, exposing humans to newly emerging or reemerging diseases. Early detection of potential pathogens and vectors in the environment can facilitate upstream interventions that limit the spread of infectious disease. Metagenomics is the analysis of DNA sequences from a population of microorganisms in a particular environment, followed by the computational reconstruction of the data to determine what organisms are present and predict their role in the environment. Defining the microbial populations associated with humans, animals, and their environment provides insight into the structure of microbial communities in any particular niche, including the abundance, diversity, and composition of the microbes and viruses present. It can also reveal the distribution of virulence genes within that niche. These data can be used to identify reservoirs of pathogens in an environment and predict environments with a high probability for evolution of new pathogens or outbreaks caused by known pathogens, thereby facilitating approaches to prevent infections of animals or humans before serious outbreaks of infectious disease.