bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seed oil content and fatty acid composition in a genebank collection of Cucurbita moschata Duchesne and C. argyrosperma C. Huber
Authors: Jarret Robert L. , Levy Irvin J. , Potter Thomas L. , Cermak Steven C. , Merrick Laura C. 
Published: January 2013

Data on intra-specific variability for seed oil content, physical characteristics and fatty acid composition in Cucurbita moschata and Cucurbita argyrosperma are lacking in the scientific literature. We examined 528 genebank accessions of C. moschata and 166 accessions of C. argyrosperma – which included members of both subsp. argyrosperma and subsp. sororia – for seed oil content, oil physical characteristics and fatty acid composition. The oil of both species had near-identical viscosities, viscosity indices, colour and oxidative stabilities while the oil of C. argyrosperma had a slightly higher pour point, cloud point, percentage of free fatty acids and acid value when compared with C. moschata. Mean oil content values of the two species were similar at 28.7 ± /2.7 and 29.8 ± /2.6% for C. moschata and C. argyrosperma, respectively. The mean seed oil content of C. argyrosperma subsp. argyrosperma var. palmeri (32.1%) was significantly higher than that of the other taxa examined. The average (mean) percentage of total seed weight attributable to the kernel was 77.2% in C. moschata (n= 34) and 74.5% in C. argyrosperma (n= 46). The percentage of total seed weight attributable to the hull was correlated with seed oil content, in both species. Linoleic was the predominant fatty acid in all the samples analysed. Means for individual fatty acids in C. moschata were linoleic 48.5%, oleic 22.6%, palmitic 20.7% and stearic 7.5%. Means for individual fatty acids in C. argyrosperma were linoleic 47.3%, oleic 27.5%, palmitic 16.5% and stearic 8.0%.
Allosteric inhibition of VIM metallo-β-lactamases by a camelid nanobody
Authors: Sohier Jean S. , Laurent Clémentine , Chevigné Andy , Pardon Els , Srinivasan Vasundara , Wernery Ulrich , Lassaux Patricia , Steyaert Jan , Galleni Moreno 
Published: January 2013

MβL (metallo-β-lactamase) enzymes are usually produced by multi-resistant Gram-negative bacterial strains and have spread worldwide. An approach on the basis of phage display was used to select single-domain antibody fragments (VHHs, also called nanobodies) that would inhibit the clinically relevant VIM (Verona integron-encoded MβL)-4 MβL. Out of more than 50 selected nanobodies, only the NbVIM_38 nanobody inhibited VIM-4. The paratope, inhibition mechanism and epitope of the NbVIM_38 nanobody were then characterized. An alanine scan of the NbVIM_38 paratope showed that its binding was driven by hydrophobic amino acids. The inhibitory concentration was in the micromolar range for all β-lactams tested. In addition, the inhibition was found to follow a mixed hyperbolic profile with a predominantly uncompetitive component. Moreover, substrate inhibition was recorded only after nanobody binding. These kinetic data are indicative of a binding site that is distant from the active site. This finding was confirmed by epitope mapping analysis that was performed using peptides, and which identified two stretches of amino acids in the L6 loop and at the end of the α2 helix. Because this binding site is distant from the active site and alters both the substrate binding and catalytic properties of VIM-4, this nanobody can be considered as an allosteric inhibitor.
Protective effect of hochuekkito, a Kampo prescription, against ultraviolet B irradiation‐induced skin damage in hairless mice
Authors: YANAGIHARA Shigeto , KOBAYASHI Hiromi , TAMIYA Hisashi , TSURUTA Daisuke , OKANO Yuri , TAKAHASHI Kuniaki , MASAKI Hitoshi , YAMADA Takaaki , HASEGAWA Seiji , AKAMATSU Hirohiko , ISHII Masamitsu 
Published: January 2013

AbstractA Kampo prescriptions, hochuekkito (HET) has been utilized for treating functional conditions such as general fatigue, compromised state and gastrointestinal motility disorder. Recently, HET has attracted the attention of dermatologists because of its clinically positive effects in atopic dermatitis (AD) treatment. To explain this positive effect of HET, we examined its protective ability against oxidative skin stress using a murine model. The dorsal region of 8‐week‐old male HR‐1 hairless mice, which were raised on a HET (0%, 2% and 10%) mixed diet, was irradiated once with 70 mJ/cm2 of ultraviolet (UV)‐B light. After 4 days, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum water content (SCWC), were determined as a measure of degree of skin dysfunction. To estimate the amount of active oxygen generated, the stratum corneum catalase activity (SCCA) and stratum corneum carbonylated protein (SCCP) content in the tape‐stripped stratum corneum samples were measured. We also measured the H2O2 scavenging ability of HET, and analyzed the changes in the expression levels of several inflammation and oxidative stress‐related genes in the skin of HET‐fed mice. In control mice, exposure to UV‐B led to significant increases in TEWL and SCCP and significant decreases in SCWC and SCCA. These UV‐B‐induced changes were reduced in mice administrated HET, and the reduction was HET dose‐dependent. Our results suggested that HET offered a protective effect against UV‐B‐induced skin damage. We also found that HET had relatively low ability to scavenge H2O2, and expression level of cyclooxygenase‐2 mRNA decreased in HET‐fed mouse.
Azathioprine‐induced Sweet's syndrome and published work review
Authors: Choonhakarn Charoen , Chaowattanapanit Suteeraporn 
Published: January 2013

AbstractHypersensitivity to azathioprine can manifest with a wide clinical spectrum. Azathioprine‐induced Sweet's syndrome (SS) is rare and usually overlooked because it can mimic disease exacerbation and sepsis. This study aims to characterize the clinical findings of azathioprine‐induced SS. A retrospective analysis of the records of three patients diagnosed with azathioprine‐induced SS and a review of the relevant English‐language published work was performed. Twelve (71%) of the 17 patients were male, ranging 9–89 years in age (mean, 47.2). The time of onset after starting azathioprine was 5–28 days (mean, 13.3). The most common associated disease was inflammatory bowel disease including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease (76%). The clinical features typically consisted of fever and classic rash of SS with pustules and vesicles. The lesions occurred most commonly on the face and trunk. Systemic involvement was rare and no hypotension or shock was reported as seen in azathioprine hypersensitivity syndrome. Thiopurine methyltransferase activity is not predictive of this type of adverse effect. Most patients dramatically responded to systemic corticosteroids. Azathioprine‐induced SS may be underdiagnosed because it can be easily misinterpreted as inflammatory bowel disease‐associated skin eruption. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease may be at higher risk of this condition. Early recognition and drug withdrawal can decrease morbidity of the patients.
Applied ecology in India: scope of science and policy to meet contemporary environmental and socio‐ecological challenges
Authors: Singh Navinder J. , Bagchi Sumanta 
Published: January 2013

Summary

India, a mega‐diverse country in terms of both biodiversity and people, is battling environmental problems on many fronts: chronic dependence on natural resources, dwindling ecosystem services, declining environmental quality, effects of climate change and a biodiversity crisis.

We review the current focal areas and infrastructure for ecological research and education in India, along with the surrounding legal and policy aspects of related socio‐economic issues.

Currently, ecological and applied research is predominantly focused on charismatic species within protected areas. This scope could be broadened beyond organismal biology towards functional landscapes and ecosystems; the education system also needs to promote ecology as a career choice for scientists. Expectedly, many environmental challenges are generic in nature, occur in other regions of the world, are primarily biophysical in origin but extend into human dimensions; some challenges are socio‐political and have implications for biodiversity conservation.

Synthesis and applications. India's environmental concerns include, but are not restricted to, the biodiversity crisis. The biodiversity crisis, in turn, includes, but is not restricted to, the most charismatic species. Greater integration and alignment among the mandates of government agencies, scientists, policymakers and educators are needed to meet contemporary environmental issues.
Three species of PhymatodesMulsant (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) new to South Korea that hosted on Vitis viniferaLinnaeus (Vitaceae)
Authors: Lim Jongok , Kim Il‐Kwon , Lee Young‐Su , Kim Kyung‐Mi , Kim Chul‐Hak , Lim Jong‐Su , Park Shin‐Young , Lee Bong‐Woo 
Published: January 2013

AbstractTwo unrecorded Phymatodes species, P. (Phymatodellus) jiangi Wang and Zheng, P. (P.) zemlinae Plavilstshikov and Anufrieva, and a known species from North Korea, P. (P.) murzini Danilevsky, are newly recognized in South Korea, as insect pests of Vitis vinifera Linnaeus (Vitaceae).In the present paper, male genitalia of P. (P.) jiangi Wang and Zheng is presented for the first time. We also provide the diagnoses and illustrations of habitus of three Phymatodes species with a revised key to Korean species.
Development of Chlorine Dioxide Releasing Film and Its Application in Decontaminating Fresh Produce
Authors: Ray Soumi , Jin Tony , Fan Xuetong , Liu Linshu , Yam Kit L. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractA feasibility study was conducted to develop chlorine dioxide (ClO2)‐releasing packaging films for decontaminating fresh produce. Sodium chlorite and citric acid powder were incorporated into polylactic acid (PLA) polymer. Films made with different amounts of PLA (100 and 300 mg), percentages of reactant (5% to 60%), and ratios of sodium chlorite to citric acid (1:2 or 2:1) were prepared using a solvent casting method. The release of ClO2 from the resultant films was activated by moisture. Increase of reactants in the films produced more ClO2 while higher PLA content in the films resulted in less release of ClO2. The ratio of sodium chlorite to citric acid and activation temperature (22 °C compared with 10 °C) did not affect the ClO2 release from the films. Antimicrobial efficacy of ClO2 released from the films was evaluated using grape tomato as a model food. The results indicate that the films were activated by moisture from tomatoes in the package and the released ClO2 reduced Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli O157:H7 inoculated on the tomatoes to undetectable levels (<5 colony forming units (CFU)/tomato), achieving more than 3 log reduction. The film‐treated tomatoes did not show significant changes in color and texture as compared to controls during storage at 10 °C for 21 d. This study demonstrated the technical feasibility for development of gaseous ClO2‐releasing packaging system to enhance microbial safety and extend shelf life of fresh produce.
Association Between Maternal and Fetal TLR4 (896A>G, 1196C>T) Gene Polymorphisms and the Risk of Pre‐term Birth in the Polish Population
Authors: Bitner Adam , Sobala Wojciech , Kalinka Jarosław 
Published: January 2013

ProblemBacteria activates Toll‐like receptor 4 on immune system cells leading to preterm birth (PTB). The aim of study was to evaluate the impact of maternal and fetal carriage of TLR4 gene polymorphisms on the risk of PTB.Method of StudyFrequency of TLR4 (896A>G, 1196C>T) variants was determined in 121 women who delivered preterm, 152 women who delivered at term, 49 term newborns and 35 preterm newborns with the use of PCR‐RFLP.ResultsWe found no associations between frequency of TLR4 polymorphic alleles in mothers and fetuses and the risk of delivery before 37th week of pregnancy. However significantly lower frequency of TLR4 1196T allele was observed in subgroup of mothers who delivered before 33rd week comparing with those who delivered later (4,4% versus 14,2%, OR = 0,28 (95%CI: 0,04–0,99).ConclusionsMaternal carriage of TLR4 1196T allele may be associated with reduced risk of PTB before 33rd week of gestation in Polish population.
Remifentanil for labour analgesia: a double‐blinded, randomised controlled trial of maternal and neonatal effects of patient‐controlled analgesia versus continuous infusion
Authors: Shen M. K. , Wu Z. F. , Zhu A. B. , He L. L. , Shen X. F. , Yang J. J. , Feng S. W. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryThis trial aimed to compare the maternal and neonatal effects of remifentanil given by patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) or continuous infusion for labour analgesia. Patient controlled analgesia was administered using increasing stepwise boluses from 0.1 to 0.4 μg.kg−1 (0.1 μg.kg−1 increment, 2 min lockout, n = 30). Continuous infusion used rates from 0.05 to 0.2 μg.kg−1.min−1 (0.05 μg.kg−1.min−1 increment, n = 30). Dose increments were given on request. Women reported lowest pain scores (median (IQR [range]) of 3 (2–4 [2–5]) for PCA and 4 (3–5.25 [3–7]) for continuous infusion (p = 0.004) at 60 min after the beginning of analgesia. The mean (SD) remifentanil umbilical vein/maternal artery ratio in the PCA and infusion groups were 0.74 (0.45) vs 0.70 (0.52), respectively (p = 0.776). The mean (SD) umbilical artery/umbilical vein ratios were 0.31 (0.12) vs 0.26 (0.07), respectively (p = 0.088). Maternal and neonatal adverse reactions of remifentanil were similar between the two groups. The total remifentanil consumption (median (IQR [range]) during PCA administration was lower than continuous infusion, 1.34 (1.22–1.48 [0.89–1.69]) mg vs 1.49 (1.35–1.61 [1.12–1.70] mg; p = 0.011). The results suggest that remifentanil PCA provides better pain relief and similar placental transfer compared with continuous infusion.
A new central–peripheral corneal curvature method for intraocular lens power calculation after excimer laser refractive surgery
Authors: Saiki Megumi , Negishi Kazuno , Kato Naoko , Arai Hiroyuki , Toda Ikuko , Torii Hidemasa , Dogru Murat , Tsubota Kazuo 
Published: January 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  To propose the central–peripheral (C‐P) method, which requires no data history to calculate intraocular lens (IOL) powers for eyes that underwent laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), and compare the accuracy of the C‐P method with other IOL formulas for eyes after LASIK.Methods:  Sixteen patients with cataract (25 eyes) who underwent myopic LASIK were analysed retrospectively. The C‐P method is a modified double‐K method using the SRK/T formula, in which the estimated pre‐LASIK keratometric power calculated from the post‐LASIK peripheral anterior sagittal power (also called the axial power) is used for the Kpre in the double‐K method using the SRK/T formula, and the post‐LASIK anterior sagittal power is used for the Kpost. We compared the accuracy of the C‐P method with other popular IOL calculation formulas for use in eyes after LASIK.Results:  The median values of the arithmetic and absolute prediction errors with the C‐P method were 0.11 diopter (D) (range, −1.67 to 1.97 D) and 0.55 D (range, 0.02–1.97 D), respectively. The prediction error using the C‐P method was within ±0.5 D in 48% of eyes, within −1.0 to +0.5 D in 60% of eyes, and within ±1.0 D in 68% of eyes. The C‐P method resulted in a significantly higher percentage of eyes within ±0.5 D than the BESSt formula, Shammas‐PL formula, true net power method, double‐K method using 43.5 D for Kpre, and Feiz‐Mannis method.Conclusion:  The C‐P method may be a good option for calculating IOL powers in eyes undergoing cataract surgery after LASIK when the preoperative LASIK data are unavailable.
Phenotypic findings in C1QTNF5 retinopathy (late‐onset retinal degeneration)
Authors: Soumplis Vasileios , Sergouniotis Panagiotis I. , Robson Anthony G. , Michaelides Michel , Moore Anthony T. , Holder Graham E. , Webster Andrew R. 
Published: January 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  To describe the ocular and electrophysiological phenotype of four patients with late‐onset retinal degeneration (LORD).Methods:  Clinical examination, fundus and anterior segment photography, fundus autofluorescence imaging and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) were performed. Three patients underwent pattern and full‐field electroretinography (ERG). Patient DNA was screened for the c.686C>G, p.Ser163Arg mutation in C1QTNF5.Results:  All affected individuals had a family history suggestive of autosomal dominant inheritance with full penetrance. Molecular analysis identified a heterozygous c.686C>G, p.Ser163Arg mutation in C1QTNF5 in DNA from all four affected probands. All four patients presented in their 50s with nyctalopia and developed central visual loss in their 60s. Peripupillary iris atrophy and long anterior zonular insertions were present in three of four patients. Dilated fundus examination revealed scalloped areas of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy in the mid‐periphery and widespread atrophy in the posterior pole. Full‐field ERGs were consistent with rod‐cone dystrophy with pattern ERG evidence of severe macular involvement. SD‐OCT revealed widespread loss of the photoreceptors with absence of the inner/outer segment junction line and concurrent thinning of the outer nuclear layer. Diffuse choroidal thinning, mainly affecting the inner choroid with loss of the choriocapillaris, was observed.Conclusion:  C1QTNF5 retinopathy is an autosomal dominant LORD resulting in a complex ocular phenotype involving the RPE and ciliary epithelium. SD‐OCT findings revealed widespread photoreceptor loss and diffuse choroidal thinning.
Comparison of the influence of aerobic and resistance exercise of the upper and lower limb on intraocular pressure
Authors: Rüfer Florian , Schiller Johanna , Klettner Alexa , Lanzl Ines , Roider Johann , Weisser Burkhard 
Published: January 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  To compare the influence of aerobic and resistance exercise on intraocular pressure (IOP).Methods:  Twenty‐one healthy subjects participated. Aerobic exercise was performed using a cycle ergometer, and resistance exercise was performed with a leg curl and a butterfly machine. Intraocular pressure was measured at baseline, during exercise and 10 min after. During resistance exercise, a Valsalva manoeuvre was prevented.Results:  Before aerobic exercise, the mean IOP was 18.8 ± 2.7 mmHg. It was 16.5 ± 2.8 after 10, 17.1 ± 2.6 after 20 and 16.7 ± 3.3 mmHg after 30 min of exercise. After 10 min, the IOP returned to baseline (18.8 ± 2.7 mmHg). The mean IOP before resistance exercise with the leg curl machine was 17.0 (15.6–18.4; 65%Wmax) and 16.8 (15.3–18.3) mmHg; 75%Wmax) and did not change significantly during the experiment. The mean IOP before resistance exercise with the butterfly machine (65%Wmax) was 16.4 (15.2–17.6) and increased to 17.2 (16.0–18.4) mmHg (p < 0.05). After 10 min of recreation, it recovered to 16.3 (15.0–17.5) mmHg. At 75%Wmax, the mean baseline IOP was 16.3 (15.2–17.4) mmHg, and there were no significant changes.Conclusions:  Aerobic exercise leads to a significant decrease of IOP. There was no influence of resistance exercise on IOP as long as a Valsalva manoeuvre was prevented.
Regional anthropometric measures associated with the severity of liver injury in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Subramanian V. , Johnston R. D. , Kaye P. , Aithal G. P. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryBackgroundNot all NAFLD patients are obese and many obese patients do not have NAFLD. Impaired peripheral fat storage may increase the delivery of lipids to the liver and facilitate NAFLD progression.AimTo assess the association of anthropometric measures of regional adiposity including arm fat index (AFI) (upper body fat), waist circumference (visceral fat) and body mass index (total body fat) on liver injury and fibrosis in NAFLD.MethodsOne hundred and forty‐one patients with histological evidence of NAFLD were included in this study. Multivariate logistic regression models examined the contribution of age, sex, body mass index, AFI, triceps fold thickness (TST), waist and hip circumference to the odds of liver injury (NAS scores ≥3) and fibrosis (fibrosis scores ≥2) by liver biopsy.ResultsArm fat index (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.59–0.91) and TST (OR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.04–0.42) were negatively correlated with NAFLD histological severity. In women, waist circumference was positively correlated with NAFLD severity (OR: 1.21(1.02–1.44). Age (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01–1.0) and waist circumference (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.00–1.15) were significantly associated with fibrosis risk. In women, AFI (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.76–0.99) and TST (OR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.05–0.95) were negatively associated with fibrosis risk.ConclusionsRegional anthropometric measures are associated with severity of NAFLD in a sex‐specific manner. Men and women with lower arm fat depots and women with bigger waist circumference have a greater likelihood of liver injury. Age and waist circumference seem to be associated with liver fibrosis. Simple anthropometric measurements of peripheral fat deposits may help stratify significant liver injury risk.
Development and validation of the chronic hepatitis C virus treatment satisfaction (HCVTSat) instrument
Authors: Szeinbach S. L. , Baran R. W. , Dietz B. , Gazzouola Rocca L. , Littlefield D. , Yawn B. P. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryBackgroundWhile current medications used to treat patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) effectively produce sustained viral response (SVR), postponement of therapy is oftentimes attributed to patient perceptions of unfavourable outcomes. However, an instrument to assess patient perceptions of therapy (i.e. treatment satisfaction) has not been developed.AimTo describe the development and validation the chronic Hepatitis C Virus Treatment Satisfaction (HCVTSat) instrument.MethodsFocus groups, expert review and cognitive debriefing were used to develop a draft 37‐item instrument (scale: 1 = not important at all; 5 = extremely important). The preliminary instrument was administered to a pre‐test sample of 145 patients through Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. A refined HCVTSat was administered to a main sample of 333 participants with a chronic HCV diagnosis through Harris Interactive.ResultsThe HCVTSat was completed by 333 participants with an average age of 51 (s.d. = 12.1) years, 55% male, current or previous HCV treatment experience, and a diagnosis of HCV for approximately 12 (s.d. = 8.9) years. Twelve items for the 3 dimensions, Treatment Experience (TE), Side Effects (SE) and Social Aspects (SA), were internally consistent (Cronbach's α range: 0.70–0.90), responsive and valid. Confirmatory factor analysis (goodness‐of‐fit indexes: χ2 = 20.9, df = 23, P = 0.59; CFI = 1.00, GFI = 0.99, TFI = 1.00, RMSEA = 0.001) revealed a better fit with 9 items. All path coefficients were significant (P < 0.05). SE and SA were strong predictors of TE, while TE was positively associated with the 1‐item global measure of TS (path coefficient = 0.12).ConclusionsThe 10‐item HCVTSat demonstrated valid psychometric properties and assessed patient satisfaction with HCV therapies. However, additional studies are needed to validate the HCVTSat in conjunction with SVR and in patients in underrepresented populations.