bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the Relationship between Rice Starch Gelatinization and Moisture‐Electrical Conductivity of Paddy during Soaking
Authors: Taghinezhad Ebrahim , Khoshtaghaza Mohammad Hadi , Suzuki Toru , Minaei Saeid , Brenner Tom 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis study formulates a mathematical relationship correlating the degree of starch gelatinization (DSG) of rice to the paddy moisture‐electrical conductivity (EC) of paddy water during the soaking portion of the parboiling process. DSG values of rice were measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Paddy was parboiled by soaking at 60, 65, 70 and 75C. At each temperature paddy samples were selected at five different soaking times. Optimum soaking times for 60, 65, 70 and 75C were determined to be 240, 180, 120 and 80 min, respectively. Paddy moisture (22.43–34.93%, wet basis), EC of paddy water (1.63–2.71 mS/cm) and DSG of rice (5.38–36.90%) increased with increasing temperature and soaking time. It was found that a linear relationship exists between DSG and EC, as well as between DSG and moisture content during soaking. EC of paddy water correlates well with DSG of rice during soaking. An online measurement system of paddy water EC was manufactured and evaluated. The relationship between DSG and EC can be utilized for quick and simple determination of DSG during soaking and eliminating the need for conventional chemical analysis.Practical ApplicationsParboiled rice enjoys high popularity because of its high nutritional content. The soaking stage is the most important stage of the parboiling process. Soaking conditions (temperature and time of soaking) largely determine the characteristics of the parboiled product and can be evaluated by DSG. Therefore, from an industrial point of view, it is important to apply the best processing conditions for parboiling rough rice. Hot soaking requires precise control because starch granules are gelatinized during soaking. Determination of DSG is commonly done by DSC instrument. This method is associated with high costs and cannot provide online data. Online measurement of EC values of paddy water during soaking can be used to easily and accurately predict the final time of the soaking stage. This study was developed as a quick and easy method for online determination of DSG values during soaking. The method presented here can be used for monitoring and controlling the soaking stage by measuring paddy water EC via an online system based on DSG values during soaking.
Angiotensin receptor blockers improve survival outcomes after radiofrequency ablation in hepatocarcinoma patients
Authors: Facciorusso Antonio , Del Prete Valentina , Crucinio Nicola , Muscatiello Nicola , Carr Brian I , Di Leo Alfredo , Barone Michele 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackground and AimInhibition of angiotensin II synthesis seems to decrease hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after radical therapies; however, data on the adjuvant role of angiotensin II receptor 1 blockers (sartans) are still lacking. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether sartans delay time to recurrence and prolong overall survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients after radiofrequency ablation.MethodsData on 153 patients were reviewed. The study population was classified into three groups: 73 (47.8%) patients who received neither angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors nor sartans (group 1), 49 (32%) patients treated with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (group 2), and 31 (20.2%) patients treated with sartans (group 3). Survival outcomes were analysed by means of Kaplan–Meier analysis and compared with log–rank test.ResultsIn the whole study population, 85.6% of patients were in Child–Pugh A class and 89.6% in Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer A stage. Median maximum tumor diameter was 30 mm (10–40) and alpha fetoprotein was 25 (1.1–2100) UI/mL. No differences in baseline characteristics among the three groups were reported. Median overall survival was 48 months (95% confidence interval: 31–58) in group 1, 72 months (49–89) in group 2, and 84 months (58–92) in group 3 (P = 0.02). Median time to recurrence was 26 (15–42), 44 (33–72), and 69 (44–74) months in the three groups, respectively (P = 0.02). Sartan therapy was a significant predictor of longer overall survival and delayed time to recurrence on multivariate analysis.ConclusionSartans significantly improved overall survival and time to recurrence after radiofrequency ablation in hepatocellular carcinoma patients.
Hepatic fibrosis assessed using transient elastography independently associated with coronary artery calcification
Authors: You Seng Chan , Kim Kwang Joon , Kim Seung Up , Kim Beom Kyung , Park Jun Yong , Kim Do Young , Ahn Sang Hoon , Han Kwang‐Hyub 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackground and AimNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has a close relationship with coronary atherosclerosis. We investigated the association between coronary atherosclerosis and liver fibrosis, represented as coronary artery calcification (CAC) score, and live stiffness (LS) value assessed using transient elastography (TE), respectively, in patients with NAFLD.MethodsBetween January 2013 and March 2014, a total of 285 asymptomatic subjects without chronic liver and ischemic heart diseases who underwent comprehensive medical health check‐up were recruited. NAFLD was defined as controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) ≥ 250 dB/m on TE.ResultsThe median age of the study population (men 161 and women 124) was 56 (interquartile [IQR], 50–63) years. Of these, 142 (49.8%) subjects had NAFLD. Among subjects with NAFLD, CAC score was independently correlated with the male gender (β = 0.230; P = 0.010), elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (β = 0.220; P = 0.019), reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (β=−0.220; P = 0.004), increased left ventricular mass index (β = 0.226; P = 0.027), and higher LS values (β = 0.274; P < 0.001). In addition, alanine aminotransferase level (β = 0.214, P = 0.012) and CAC score (β = 0.311; P = 0.001) are the only independent factors associated with LS values in subjects with NAFLD.ConclusionsHigher CAC score was independently correlated with LS values in subjects with NAFLD. However, it should be further investigated whether TE can be incorporated into a screening tool to identify the high‐risk population for coronary artery disease.
Efficacy and safety of CT‐P13, a biosimilar of infliximab, in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A retrospective multicenter study
Authors: Jung Yoon Suk , Park Dong Il , Kim Young Ho , Lee Ji Hyun , Seo Pyoung Ju , Cheon Jae Hee , Kang Hyoun Woo , Kim Ji Won 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackground and AimThe biosimilar of infliximab, CT‐P13, has recently been shown to be equivalent to infliximab in both efficacy and safety in the treatment of rheumatologic diseases. However, no data are available with respect to the drug's efficacy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of CT‐P13 in IBD patientsMethodsThis was a retrospective multicenter study including both anti‐tumor necrosis factor (TNF) naïve patients and patients who switched from the biologic originator to CT‐P13.ResultsIn anti‐TNF naïve Crohn's disease (CD) patients (n = 32), clinical response and remission rates were 90.6% and 68.8% at week 2, 90.6% and 84.4% at week 8, 95.5% and 77.3% at week 30, and 87.5% and 75.0% at week 54, respectively. In anti‐TNF naïve ulcerative colitis (UC) patients (n = 42), clinical response and remission rates were 76.2% and 19.0% at week 2, 81.0% and 38.1% at week 8, 91.3% and 47.8% at week 30, and 100% and 50.0% at week 54, respectively, while mucosal healing rates were 58.3% at week 8, 66.7% at week 30, and 66.7% at week 54. The efficacy of CT‐P13 was maintained in 92.6% (25/27) of CD patients and in 66.7% (6/9) of UC patients after switching from its originator. Adverse events related to CT‐P13 occurred in 11.8% of UC patients.ConclusionsCT‐P13 appears to have comparable efficacy, safety, and interchangeability with its originator in the treatment of IBD. Further prospective studies with long‐term follow‐up periods will be needed to confirm the biosimilarity of CT‐P13.
Thyroid function is associated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in chronic hepatitis B‐infected subjects
Authors: Ding Wen‐Jin , Wang Man‐Man , Wang Gong‐Sui , Shen Fen , Qin Jian‐Jun , Fan Jian‐Gao 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackground and AimsAssociations between thyroid function and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are unknown in chronic hepatitis B (CHB)‐infected patients. Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and its relationship with NAFLD in CHB.MethodsConsecutive naive CHB infected patients that had undergone liver biopsy and serum thyroid function tests between January 2007 and December 2011 were retrospective analyzed. NAFLD was diagnosed as at least 5% biopsy‐proven hepatic steatosis without significant alcohol consumption.ResultsA total of 1154 non‐alcoholics with CHB were included, 270 (23.39%) patients were found to have NAFLD, most of them (88.5%) with mild steatosis. The prevalence of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism (including subclinical and overt) was 1.56% and 1.64%, respectively, both with similar rates in patients with and without NAFLD (1.85% vs 1.47%, 1.48% vs 1.69%, respectively, both P > 0.05). The serum thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) level in NAFLD patients was significantly higher than that in patients without NAFLD (2.22 ± 2.13 vs 1.61 ± 1.20 mIU/L, P < 0.05). After adjustment for age and gender, the elevated TSH level was associated with increased odds of having steatosis (odds ratio1.54, 95% confidence interval 1.049–2.271) instead of viral factors and hepatic inflammation and fibrosis.ConclusionsThyroid dysfunction is not common in CHB‐infected patients, and the prevalence of hypothyroidism in CHB individuals with or without NAFLD is similar. However, increased serum TSH concentration at the normal range is a significant predictor of hepatic steatosis in patients with CHB.
Malnutrition in cirrhosis increases morbidity and mortality
Authors: Maharshi Sudhir , Sharma Barjesh Chander , Srivastava Siddharth 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackground and AimsMalnutrition is frequent in patients with cirrhosis and is associated with complications like ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, infections, and death. We determined the prevalence of malnutrition by various methods and its clinical importance in patients with cirrhosis.MethodsConsecutive patients of cirrhosis from August 2013 to February 2015 were assessed. Nutritional status was assessed by traditional model (mid‐arm circumference, triceps skinfold thickness, serum albumin, creatinine height index, total lymphocyte count), handgrip, and body composition analysis measuring skeletal muscle mass and body fat mass. All patients were followed up for 12 months to assess the outcome.Results247 patients (age 42.10 ± 10.14 years, 81% male) were included in the study. Etiology of cirrhosis was alcohol in 53% patients. Prevalence of malnutrition was 59.5% according to traditional model, 66.8% by body composition analysis and 71.4% by handgrip. Nutritional status was poor in alcoholic cirrhotics versus nonalcoholics as assessed by triceps skinfold thickness (9.33 ± 2.9 vs 11.64 ± 3.5 mm; P = 0.001), serum albumin (25.1 ± 4 vs 28.1 ± 4 g/L; P = 0.001), and body fat mass (7.6 ± 3.1 vs 8.7 ± 3.3 kg; P = 0.008). Prevalence of malnutrition was 12/27 (44.5%), 96/131 (73.3%) and 84/89 (94.4%) in Child's class A, B, and C respectively. Complications requiring hospitalization (71.3% vs 38.2%; 0.002) and mortality (41.1% vs 18.2%; P = 0.001) were more in malnourished patients compared to well nourished. Nutritional assessment parameters significantly correlated with the liver disease severity (P < 0.05).ConclusionsPrevalence of malnutrition is high in patients with cirrhosis. It is associated with increased complications and mortality.
The role of muscle proprioceptors in human limb position sense: a hypothesis
Authors: Proske Uwe. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn this mini‐review I have proposed that there are two kinds of position sense, one a sense of the position of one part of the body relative to another, the other a sense of the location in space of our body and its limbs. A common method used to measure position sense is to ask subjects to match with one arm the position adopted by the other. Here all of the evidence points to muscle spindles as the major proprioceptors, with cutaneous receptors acting as proprioceptors providing a supporting role. Other senses such as vision do not play a major role. The sense of localisation in space measured by pointing to the arm, rather than matching its position, I propose, is not served by proprioceptors but by exteroceptors, vision, touch and hearing. Here the afferent input is relayed to sensory areas of the brain, to address the postural schema, a cortical map of the body and limbs, specifying its size and shape. It is here that spatial location is computed. This novel interpretation of position sense as two separate entities has the advantage of proposing new, future experiments and if it is supported by the findings, it will represent an important step forward in our understanding of the central processing of spatial information.
Evaluation of articulation simulation system using artificial maxillectomy models
Authors: Elbashti M. E. , Hattori M. , Sumita Y. I. , Taniguchi H. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryAcoustic evaluation is valuable for guiding the treatment of maxillofacial defects and determining the effectiveness of rehabilitation with an obturator prosthesis. Model simulations are important in terms of pre‐surgical planning and pre‐ and post‐operative speech function. This study aimed to evaluate the acoustic characteristics of voice generated by an articulation simulation system using a vocal tract model with or without artificial maxillectomy defects. More specifically, we aimed to establish a speech simulation system for maxillectomy defect models that both surgeons and maxillofacial prosthodontists can use in guiding treatment planning. Artificially simulated maxillectomy defects were prepared according to Aramany's classification (Classes I–VI) in a three‐dimensional vocal tract plaster model of a subject uttering the vowel /a/. Formant and nasalance acoustic data were analysed using Computerized Speech Lab and the Nasometer, respectively. Formants and nasalance of simulated /a/ sounds were successfully detected and analysed. Values of Formants 1 and 2 for the non‐defect model were 675·43 and 976·64 Hz, respectively. Median values of Formants 1 and 2 for the defect models were 634·36 and 1026·84 Hz, respectively. Nasalance was 11% in the non‐defect model, whereas median nasalance was 28% in the defect models. The results suggest that an articulation simulation system can be used to help surgeons and maxillofacial prosthodontists to plan post‐surgical defects that will be facilitate maxillofacial rehabilitation.
Sociodemographic conditions, knowledge of dental diseases, dental care, and dietary habits
Authors: Jacobsson Brittmarie , Ho Thi Thanh , Hoang Ngoc Chuong , Hugoson Anders 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectivesThis study's aim was to present data on the sociodemographic conditions, knowledge of dental diseases, dental care, and dietary habits among children aged 3, 5, 10, and 15 years in Da Nang, Vietnam.MethodsA cross‐sectional epidemiological questionnaire study was conducted in a population of 840 children randomly selected by their year and month of birth (January to July), including 210 individuals in each age group. A self‐reported questionnaire was completed by the parents of 3‐ and 5‐year‐olds, and a modified questionnaire was given to 10‐ and 15‐year‐olds to complete by themselves.ResultsMass media constituted the main source of oral healthcare information. Parents assisted with tooth brushing in 86 percent of 3‐year‐olds and 71 percent of 5‐year‐olds. Fluoride toothpaste was used by 44‐78 percent of children, with no clear age‐related trend. Within the past year, 60 percent of 3‐ and 5‐year‐olds, 20 percent of 10‐year‐olds, and 49 percent of 15‐year‐olds reported they had not visited a dental professional. Sweets were consumed between principal meals by 70‐80 percent of children. Milk with sugar was regularly consumed by 71 percent of 3‐year‐olds and 91 percent of 5‐year‐olds.ConclusionsChildren showed frequent sugar consumption and insufficient frequency of brushing their teeth with fluoride toothpaste. Food‐based dietary guidelines should play a significant role in nutrition and oral health. It is especially important that oral health prevention programs reach preschool children before they establish unhealthy dietary habits. Parental education about oral health and access to oral healthcare services are also needed to improve children's oral health.
Structure Analysis of Short‐Dough Biscuits and Its Correlation with Sensory Discriminants
Authors: Mieszkowska Arleta , Marzec Agata 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to analyze the structural properties and their effect upon the sensory perception of short‐dough biscuits with a reduced content of fat (74.1, 64.8 and 55.6%) and various addition of inulin (9.3 and 18.5%) in the formula. The principal component analysis presents correlations between structure parameters of biscuits determined with the use of an FEI QUANTA 200 scanning microscope and a helium pycnometer (Quantachrome), as well as sensory discriminants. The biscuits were characterized by open structure with a high number of pores. The biscuits with fat and inulin participation relatively – 74.1 and 9.3%, as well as 55.6 and 9.3% – had the lowest porosity. Significant correlations have been found between taste and smell related to size area of air cells, as well as crispness and hardness related to shape coefficient. Correlations determined in this study proved that the structural properties of biscuits affect their sensory perception by consumers.Practical ApplicationsThe appropriate structure of short‐dough biscuits depends on the selection of their ingredients. Development of many diseases depending on diet, e.g., obesity, is due to a very high intake of fat or sugar. For this reason, formulas of food products are developed with reduced contents of these components or with the use of their replacers which – apart from decreasing the calorific value – impart health‐promoting functions to food products. Sparse studies are available today that address structure analysis with simultaneous evaluation of the sensory properties of short‐dough biscuits with reduced fat content or with the use of fat replacers. Hence, such an analysis would facilitate the appropriate selection of recipe ingredients that will ensure the highest possible quality of the biscuits.
Quantitative Accuracy of the Simplified Strong Ion Equation to Predict SerumpHin Dogs
Authors: Cave N.J. , Koo S.T. 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundElectrochemical approach to the assessment of acid‐base states should provide a better mechanistic explanation of the metabolic component than methods that consider onlypHand carbon dioxide.Hypothesis/ObjectivesSimplified strong ion equation (SSIE), using published dog‐specific values, would predict the measured serumpHof diseased dogs.AnimalsTen dogs, hospitalized for various reasons.MethodsProspective study of a convenience sample of a consecutive series of dogs admitted to the Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (MUVTH), from which serum biochemistry and blood gas analyses were performed at the same time. SerumpHwas calculatedusing theSSIE, and published values for the concentration and dissociation constant for the nonvolatile weak acids (AtotandKa), and subsequentlywas compared with the dog's actualpH. To determine the source of discordance betweenand, the calculations were repeated using a series of substituted values for AtotandKa.ResultsThedid not approximate thefor any dog (P = 0.499,r2 = 0.068), and was consistently more basic. Substituted values AtotandKadid not significantly improve the accuracy (r2 = 0.169 to <0.001). Substituting the effectiveSIDproduced a strong association betweenand(r2 = 0.977).Conclusions and clinical importanceUsing the simplified strong ion equation and the published values for AtotandKadoes not appear to provide a quantitative explanation for the acid‐base status of dogs. Efficacy of substituting the effectiveSIDin the simplified strong ion equation suggests the error lies in calculating theSID.
RAD genotyping reveals fine‐scale genetic structuring and provides powerful population assignment in a widely distributed marine species, the American lobster (Homarus americanus)
Authors: Benestan Laura , Gosselin Thierry , Perrier Charles , Sainte‐Marie Bernard , Rochette Rémy , Bernatchez Louis 
Published: May 2015

AbstractDeciphering genetic structure and inferring connectivity in marine species have been challenging due to weak genetic differentiation and limited resolution offered by traditional genotypic methods. The main goal of this study was to assess how a population genomics framework could help delineate the genetic structure of the American lobster (Homarus americanus) throughout much of the species’ range and increase the assignment success of individuals to their location of origin. We genotyped 10 156 filtered SNPs using RAD sequencing to delineate genetic structure and perform population assignment for 586 American lobsters collected in 17 locations distributed across a large portion of the species’ natural distribution range. Our results revealed the existence of a hierarchical genetic structure, first separating lobsters from the northern and southern part of the range (FCT = 0.0011; P‐value = 0.0002) and then revealing a total of 11 genetically distinguishable populations (mean FST = 0.00185; CI: 0.0007–0.0021, P‐value < 0.0002), providing strong evidence for weak, albeit fine‐scale population structuring within each region. A resampling procedure showed that assignment success was highest with a subset of 3000 SNPs having the highest FST. Applying Anderson's (Molecular Ecology Resources, 2010, 10, 701) method to avoid ‘high‐grading bias’, 94.2% and 80.8% of individuals were correctly assigned to their region and location of origin, respectively. Lastly, we showed that assignment success was positively associated with sample size. These results demonstrate that using a large number of SNPs improves fine‐scale population structure delineation and population assignment success in a context of weak genetic structure. We discuss the implications of these findings for the conservation and management of highly connected marine species, particularly regarding the geographic scale of demographic independence.