bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combination of very low energy diets and pharmacotherapy in the treatment of obesity: meta‐analysis of published data
Authors: Koutroumanidou Eleni , Pagonopoulou Olga 
Published: October 2013

SummaryObesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, with more than 1 billion adults overweight – at least 300 million of them clinically obese – and is a major contributor to the global burden of chronic disease (heart disease and diabetes) and disability. The aim of the study was to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of published data on the combination of very low energy diets also known as very low calorie diets and pharmacotherapy for its effectiveness in the treatment of obesity. A MEDLINE (Pubmed) search from 1970 to 2009 using multiple combinations of the relevant terms was carried out; the matching articles were also searched for additional references. Meta‐analysis tools were used to summarize results. Only randomized controlled trials that compared pharmacotherapy with placebo after a very low energy diet period were selected, and six articles were finally considered to be appropriate for evaluation. The combination of very low energy diet and pharmacotherapy was found to be effective for people with obesity in clinical trials. The net effect of 6.1 kg placebo subtracted weight loss after 1 year represents a clinically meaningful result that is comparable with the effect of drugs given at the start of a weight loss programme. The present meta‐analysis contributes to the understanding that combination therapies are expected to achieve greater weight loss than monotherapy; grasping this understanding, researcher has introduced newer anti‐obesity pharmacological approaches have embraced combination therapies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Manipulating reproductive effort leads to changes in female reproductive scheduling but not oxidative stress
Authors: Aloise King Edith D. , Garratt Michael , Brooks Robert 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThe trade‐off between reproductive investment and lifespan is the single most important concept in life‐history theory. A variety of sources of evidence support the existence of this trade‐off, but the physiological costs of reproduction that underlie this relationship remain poorly understood. The Free Radical Theory of Ageing suggests that oxidative stress, which occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of damaging Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and protective antioxidants, may be an important mediator of this trade‐off. We sought to test this theory by manipulating the reproductive investment of female mice (Mus musculus domesticus) and measuring the effects on a number of life history and oxidative stress variables. Females with a greater reproductive load showed no consistent increase in oxidative damage above females who had a smaller reproductive load. The groups differed, however, in their food consumption, reproductive scheduling and mean offspring mass. Of particular note, females with a very high reproductive load delayed blastocyst implantation of their second litter, potentially mitigating the costs of energetically costly reproductive periods. Our results highlight that females use strategies to offset particularly costly periods of reproduction and illustrate the absence of a simple relationship between oxidative stress and reproduction.
Coherency analysis of accelerograms recorded by the UPSAR array during the 2004 Parkfield earthquake
Authors: Konakli Katerina , Der Kiureghian Armen , Dreger Douglas 
Published: October 2013

SUMMARYSpatial variability of near‐fault strong motions recorded by the US Geological Survey Parkfield Seismograph Array (UPSAR) during the 2004 Parkfield (California) earthquake is investigated. Behavior of the lagged coherency for two horizontal and the vertical components is analyzed by separately examining the decay of coherency with frequency and distance. Assumptions, approximations, and challenges that are involved in estimation of the coherency from recorded data are presented in detail. Comparison of the UPSAR coherency estimates with coherency models that are commonly used in engineering practice sheds light on the advantages and limitations of different approaches to modeling the coherency, as well as on similarities and differences in the spatial variability exhibited by seismic ground motion arrays at different sites. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Marking time in Geomorphology: should we try to formalise an Anthropocene definition?
Authors: Lewin John , Macklin Mark G. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTThe value of a formally defined Anthropocene for geomorphologists is discussed. Human impacts have been diachronistic, multifaceted and episodic, as demonstrated by the record of alluvial deposition in the UK. Rather than boxing time into discrete eras or periods, modern research uses calendar dates and multiple dating techniques to explore co‐trajectories for a range of human impacts. Despite the value of ‘The Anthropocene’ as an informal concept and as a prompt to useful debate, arriving at a single, generally acceptable formal definition is impractical, and has some disadvantages. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oil and oil dispersant do not cause synergistic toxicity to fish embryos
Authors: Adams Julie , Sweezey Michael , Hodson Peter V. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) embryos were exposed to water accommodated fractions (WAFs; oil dissolved in water) and chemically enhanced water accommodated fractions (CEWAFs; oil dispersed in water with Corexit 9500A) of Medium South American (MESA) crude oil. The CEWAF was approximately 100-fold more toxic than WAF based on nominal loadings of test solutions (% v/v). In contrast, the ratio of WAF and CEWAF toxicity expressed as measured oil concentrations approximated 1.0, indicating that the higher toxicity of CEWAFs was caused by an increase in exposure to hydrocarbons with chemical dispersion. In a second experiment, the chronic toxicity of Corexit 9500A and chemically dispersed heavy fuel oil 7102 (HFO 7102) to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) embryos was compared to chemically dispersed Nujol, a nontoxic mineral oil. Dispersant alone was toxic, but caused different signs of toxicity than HFO 7102. Nujol at a dispersant-to-oil ratio of 1:20 was nontoxic, suggesting that dispersant was sequestered by oil and not present at toxic concentrations. In contrast, the same nominal loadings of dispersed HFO 7102 caused concentration-dependent increases in toxicity. Both experiments suggest that chemically dispersed oil was more toxic to fish embryos than solutions created by mechanical mixing due to the increased exposure of fish to petroleum hydrocarbons and not to changes in hydrocarbon toxicity. The Nujol control discriminated between the toxicity of oil and chemical dispersant and would be a practical addition to programs of dispersant testing. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:107–114. © 2013 SETAC
Cerebral small vessel disease affects white matter microstructure in mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Papma Janne M. , de Groot Marius , de Koning Inge , Mattace‐Raso Francesco U. , van der Lugt Aad , Vernooij Meike W. , Niessen Wiro J. , van Swieten John C. , Koudstaal Peter J. , Prins Niels D. , Smits Marion 
Published: October 2013

AbstractMicrostructural white matter deterioration is a frequent finding in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), potentially underlying default mode network (DMN) dysfunctioning. Thus far, microstructural damage in MCI has been attributed to Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology. A cerebrovascular role, in particular the role of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), received less interest. Here, we used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to examine the role of CSVD in microstructural deterioration within the normal appearing white matter (NAWM) in MCI. MCI patients were subdivided into those with (n = 20) and without (n = 31) macrostructural CSVD evidence on MRI. Using TBSS we performed microstructural integrity comparisons within the whole brain NAWM. Secondly, we segmented white matter tracts interconnecting DMN brain regions by means of automated tractography segmentation. We used NAWM DTI measures from these tracts as dependent variables in a stepwise‐linear regression analysis, with structural and demographical predictors. Our results indicated microstructural deterioration within the anterior corpus callosum, internal and external capsule and periventricular white matter in MCI patients with CSVD, while in MCI patients without CSVD, deterioration was restricted to the right perforant path, a tract along the hippocampus. Within the full cohort of MCI patients, microstructure within the NAWM of the DMN fiber tracts was affected by the presence of CSVD. Within the cingulum along the hippocampal cortex we found a relationship between microstructural integrity and ipsilateral hippocampal volume and the extent of white matter hyperintensity. In conclusion, we found evidence of CSVD‐related microstructural damage in fiber tracts subserving the DMN in MCI. Hum Brain Mapp 35:2836–2851, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanical and biological properties of chitosan/carbon nanotube nanocomposite films
Authors: Aryaei Ashkan , Jayatissa Ahalapitiya H. , Jayasuriya Ambalangodage C. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn this article, different concentrations of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) were homogeneously dispersed throughout the chitosan (CS) matrix. A simple solvent‐cast method was used to fabricate chitosan films with 0.1, 0.5, and 1% of MWCNT with the average diameter around 30 nm. The CS/MWCNT films were characterized for structural, viscous and mechanical properties with optical microscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, tensile test machine, and microindentation testing machine. Murine osteoblasts were used to examine the cell viability and attachment of the nanocomposite films at two time points. In comparison to the pure chitosan film, the mechanical properties, including the tensile modulus and strength of the films, were greatly improved by increasing the percentage of MWCNT. Furthermore, adding MWCNT up to 1% increased the viscosity of the chitosan solution by 15%. However, adding MWCNT decreased the samples ductility and transparency. In biological point of view, no toxic effect on osteoblasts was observed in the presence of different percentages of MWCNT at day 3 and day 7. This investigation suggested MWCNT could be a promising candidate for improving chitosan mechanical properties without inducing remarkable cytotoxicity on bone cells. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 2704–2712, 2014.
Surface modification of polymers for biocompatibility via exposure to extreme ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Ul Ahad Inam , Bartnik Andrzej , Fiedorowicz Henryk , Kostecki Jerzy , Korczyc Barbara , Ciach Tomasz , Brabazon Dermot 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPolymeric biomaterials are being widely used for the treatment of various traumata, diseases and defects in human beings due to ease in their synthesis. As biomaterials have direct interaction with the extracellular environment in the biological world, biocompatibility is a topic of great significance. The introduction or enhancement of biocompatibility in certain polymers is still a challenge to overcome. Polymer biocompatibility can be controlled by surface modification. Various physical and chemical methods (e.g., chemical and plasma treatment, ion implantation, and ultraviolet irradiation etc.) are in use or being developed for the modification of polymer surfaces. However an important limitation in their employment is the alteration of bulk material. Different surface and bulk properties of biomaterials are often desirable for biomedical applications. Because extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation penetration is quite limited even in low density mediums, it could be possible to use it for surface modification without influencing the bulk material. This article reviews the degree of biocompatibility of different polymeric biomaterials being currently employed in various biomedical applications, the surface properties required to be modified for biocompatibility control, plasma and laser ablation based surface modification techniques, and research studies indicating possible use of EUV for enhancing biocompatibility. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 3298–3310, 2014.
The Revolting Self: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Experience of Self‐Disgust in Females With Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Powell Philip A. , Overton Paul G. , Simpson Jane 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveSelf‐focused disgust has been implicated in depression and other mental health problems. However, “self‐disgust” as a psychological concept has never been properly defined and remains particularly enigmatic. A qualitative methodology was used to obtain an informed understanding of self‐disgust.MethodNine female participants with clinically relevant depressive symptoms completed semistructured interviews about their understanding and experiences of self‐disgust. These were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.ResultsFour superordinate themes emerged: (a) “The subjective experience of self‐disgust” revealed how self‐disgust was perceived as a consuming, visceral experience with trait and state components; (b) “Origins of the revolting self” covered antecedent factors and the role of others in the genesis of self‐disgust; (c) “Consequences of self‐disgust” included the psychological and behavioral results of a disgusting self; and (d) “Associated emotional states” described associations between self‐disgust and other feeling states.ConclusionsThe current findings suggest self‐disgust is a consuming negative psychological phenomenon, associated with depression, problems with eating, physical appearance, interpersonal relationships, and self‐persecution. Implications for clinical practice and future research on the topic are discussed.
Sonographic findings in a case of scrotal lymphangioma
Authors: Park So Hyun , Moon Sung Kyoung , Sung Ji‐Youn 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTThe scrotum is an extremely rare site for lymphangioma. We report the case of a scrotal lymphangioma in a 20‐year‐old male patient who developed painless scrotal swelling. Typical sonography and MRI findings are shown. Surgical excision and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:234–236, 2014
Analysis of teleseismic P waves with a 5200‐station array in Long Beach, California: Evidence for an abrupt boundary to Inner Borderland rifting
Authors: Schmandt Brandon , Clayton Robert W. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWe analyze teleseismic P waves from four Mw ≥ 6.5 earthquakes recorded by a petroleum industry survey in Long Beach, California. The survey used a 2‐D array with up to 5200 seismometers, 120 m mean spacing, and 7 – 10 km aperture. At frequencies near 1 Hz, P wave travel times and amplitudes exhibit coherent lateral variations over scales as short as ~400 m, including locally delayed travel times and increased amplitudes at the crest of the Long Beach anticline. Deeper heterogeneity is indicated by P wave phase velocities that deviate from reference model predictions for events from southwestern azimuths. We postulate that a sharp northeastward increase in Moho depth from the Inner Borderland (IB) to mainland southern California causes the anomalous phase velocities. Elastic forward modeling finds the travel times are fit well by a Moho that dips 65° to the northeast and flattens ~10 km southwest of the Newport‐Inglewood fault zone. Constraining the felsic thickness of mainland crust to 28 km requires an 8 km thick layer with a P‐velocity of 7 km/s beneath it, which could result from basal accretion of former Farallon ocean crust or magmatic underplating during Miocene volcanism. Forward models with a 65° Moho dip predict a P‐to‐s conversion with a phase velocity of ~5 km/s. Deconvolution of the array's mean P wave signal isolates a similar later arriving phase. The steep crust thickness transition supports a locally abrupt boundary to IB rifting. Our results highlight the utility of dense short‐period arrays for passive imaging at near surface to uppermost mantle depths.
Direct shock compression experiments on premolten forsterite and progress toward a consistent high‐pressure equation of state for CaO‐MgO‐Al2O3‐SiO2‐FeO liquids
Authors: Thomas Claire W. , Asimow Paul D. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWe performed shock compression experiments on preheated forsterite liquid (Mg2SiO4) at an initial temperature of 2273 K and have revised the equation of state (EOS) that was previously determined by shock melting of initially solid Mg2SiO4 (300 K). The linear Hugoniot, US = 2.674 ± 0.188 + 1.64 ± 0.06 up km/s, constrains the bulk sound speed within a temperature and composition space as yet unexplored by 1 bar ultrasonic experiments. We have also revised the EOS for enstatite liquid (MgSiO3) to exclude experiments that may have been only partially melted upon shock compression and also the EOS for anorthite (CaAl2SiO6) liquid, which now excludes potentially unrelaxed experiments at low pressure. The revised fits and the previously determined EOS of fayalite and diopside (CaMg2SiO6) were used to produce isentropes in the multicomponent CaO‐MgO‐Al2O3‐SiO2‐FeO system at elevated temperatures and pressures. Our results are similar to those previously presented for peridotite and simplified “chondrite” liquids such that regardless of where crystallization first occurs, the liquidus solid sinks upon formation. This process is not conducive to the formation of a basal magma ocean. We also examined the chemical and physical plausibility of the partial melt hypothesis to explain the occurrence and characteristics of ultra‐low velocity zones (ULVZ). We determined that the ambient mantle cannot produce an equilibrium partial melt and residue that is sufficiently dense to be an ultra‐low velocity zone mush. The partial melt would need to be segregated from its equilibrium residue and combined with a denser solid component to achieve a sufficiently large aggregate density.
Past and future spatiotemporal changes in evapotranspiration and effective moisture on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yin Yunhe , Wu Shaohong , Zhao Dongsheng 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObserved evaporative demand has decreased worldwide during the past several decades. This trend is also noted on the Tibetan Plateau, a region that is particularly sensitive to climate change. However, patterns and trends of evapotranspiration and their relationship to drought stress on the Tibetan Plateau are complex and poorly understood. Here, we analyze spatiotemporal changes in evapotranspiration and effective moisture (defined as the ratio of actual evapotranspiration (ETa) to reference crop evapotranspiration (ETo)) based on the modified Lund‐Potsdam‐Jena Dynamic Global Vegetation Model (LPJ). Climate data from 80 meteorological stations on the Tibetan Plateau were compiled for the period 1981–2010 and future climate projections were generated by a regional climate model through the 21st century. The results show regional trends towards decreasing ETo and statistically significant increases in ETa (p < 0.05) and effective moisture during the period 1981–2010 (p < 0.001). A transition from significant negative to positive ETo occurred in 1997. Additionally, a pronounced increase in effective moisture occurred during the period 1981–1997 because of significant decreased ETo before 1997. In the future, regional ETo and ETa are projected to increase, thus reducing drought stress, because of generally increased effective moisture. Future regional differences are most pronounced in terms of effective moisture, which shows notable increases in the northwestern plateau and decreases in the southeastern plateau. Moreover, the reduced magnitude of effective moisture is likely to intensify in the long term, due mainly to increased evaporative demand.
UPLC–QTOF/MS for a Rapid Characterisation of Phenolic Compounds from Leaves of Myrtus communis L.
Authors: Taamalli Amani , Iswaldi Ihsan , Arráez‐Román David , Segura‐Carretero Antonio , Fernández‐Gutiérrez Alberto , Zarrouk Mokhtar 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTIntroductionAlthough continuous research has been conducted on the biological activities of myrtle and the characterisation of its essential oil, few studies have focused on its phenolic composition despite major beneficial properties.ObjectiveTo carry out a comprehensive characterisation of infusion and methanolic extract from myrtle leaves by UPLC–QTOF/MS.MethodsMyrtle‐leaf infusions, prepared using deionised water, and the methanolic extracts were analysed by reversed‐phase ultra‐performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled to electrospray ionisation quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (ESI/QTOF/MS). The MS and MS/MS experiments were conducted using the negative‐ionisation mode, in order to provide molecular‐mass information and production spectra of the compounds for structural elucidation.ResultsThe analytical method applied enabled the characterisation of several compounds such as gallic acid and galloyl derivatives, ellagic acid and derivatives, hexahydroxydiphenolyl and derivatives, flavonoids, lignans and gallomyrtucommulones. Flavonoids, ellagic acid and its derivatives and gallic acid and its derivatives formed the major fractions.ConclusionUPLC combined with QTOF/MS is a powerful analytical method for characterising infusions and alcoholic extracts from myrtle leaves. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does use of tetracyclic antidepressant—mirtazapine reduce cancer risk in depression patients?
Authors: Sun Li‐Min , Lin Ming‐Chia , Liang Ji‐An , Chang Yen‐Jung , Chang Shih‐Ni , Sung Fung‐Chang , Muo Chih‐Hsin , Kao Chia‐Hung 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTPurposeWe conducted a nested case‐control study to evaluate the association between risk of cancer and mirtazapine use in depression patients in Taiwan.MethodsWe obtained data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database to conduct a population‐based nested case‐control study. The study cohort included 16 897 patients diagnosed with depression between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2008. We identified 530 cancer patients as the study group and matched 4 non‐cancer subjects with each cancer patient by incident density, age, and sex. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis.ResultsUse of mirtazapine for depression did not have significant effect on overall cancer incidence (odds ratio: 1.03, 95% confidence interval: 0.72–1.48). Further analysis of annual mirtazapine dosages and the duration of mirtazapine use revealed no significant effect on cancer risk.ConclusionThe findings of this population‐based nested case‐control study suggest that mirtazapine use may not provide a tumor suppression effect in humans such as that seen in the animal model. Future large‐scale and in‐depth investigations in this area are warranted. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.