bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Potent Antibrowning Agent from Pine Needles of Cedrus deodara: 2R,3R‐Dihydromyricetin
Authors: Liang Xue , Wu Yan‐Ping , Qiu Jing‐Hong , Zhong Kai , Gao Hong 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis article focuses on finding the novel antibrowning agents from the pine needles of Cedrus deodara and studying its antibrowning effect. By bioassay guide of tyrosinase inhibitory activity, the main active compound was isolated and purified from 50% methanol extract of pine needles of C. deodara through macroporous resin Diaion HP‐20 column chromatography and high‐performance liquid chromatography. Based on mass and nuclear magnetic resonance data, the active compound was identified as 2R,3R‐dihydromyricetin, which showed the potent monophenolase and diphenolase inhibitory activities. Moreover, 2R,3R‐dihydromyricetin exhibited a strong ABTS radical scavenging activity with a dose‐dependent manner. The antibrowning efficacy of 2R,3R‐dihydromyricetin was evaluated by monitoring the changes of L*, a*, and b* values and total color difference (△E) on fresh‐cut apple slices. It was found that 2R,3R‐dihydromyricetin was effective in inhibiting the browning of apple slices treated with a concentration as low as 0.05% at 25 °C for 24 h. Its antibrowning effect was significantly better than ascorbic acid (0.5%) alone. Furthermore, 2R,3R‐dihydromyricetin showed a good synergistic antibrowning effect with ascorbic acid. This is the first report that 2R,3R‐dihydromyricetin from pine needles of C. deodara may be used as a potential antibrowning agent in protecting against food browning.
Current gout treatment and flare in South Korea: Prophylactic duration associated with fewer gout flares
Authors: Choi Hyo Jin , Lee Chan Hee , Lee Joo Hyun , Yoon Bo Young , Kim Hyoun Ah , Suh Chang Hee , Choi Sang Tae , Song Jung Soo , Joo Ho Yeon , Choi Sung Jae , Lee Ji Soo , Shin Kee Chul , Baek Han Joo 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimTo evaluate treatment patterns and clinical factors affecting gout flare in South Korea.MethodsWe retrospectively examined data from 401 patients seen at nine rheumatology multicenter clinics, under urate lowering therapy (ULT) more than 6 months after stopping prophylactic medication. Demographic data, clinical and laboratory features were collected at the initiation of ULT, upon stopping prophylaxis, and 6 months after.ResultsThe mean age was 52.2 years and mean disease duration was 25.0 months. The male‐to‐female count was 387 : 14. The most common ULT starting agent was allopurinol 83.8%. Colchicine (62.3%) was the most commonly prescribed prophylactic agent. During ULT, 134 of the 401 patients (33.4%) experienced at least one gouty attack in the period from stopping prophylaxis to 6 months later. The duration of prophylaxis was different between those with serum uric acid levels below 6 mg/dL and those over 6 mg/dL (P = 0.001). Of the 179 patients (44.6%) who attained target serum uric acid (SUA) levels (6 mg/dL) at the end of prophylaxis, those taking < 6 months of prophylaxis suffered more frequent flares than those taking it ≥ 6 months (42.9% vs. 26.3%, P = 0.041). The time interval to the first attack after stopping prophylaxis was shorter in the < 6 months group than the ≥ 6 months group (13.5 weeks vs. 22.5 weeks, P = 0.007).ConclusionsProphylaxis more than 6 months from initiation of ULT, and achieving target SUA (< 6 mg/dL) at the time of stopping prophylaxis is associated with fewer gout flares during ULT.
Bubble technique for Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty tissue preparation in an eye bank: air or liquid?
Authors: Ruzza Alessandro , Parekh Mohit , Salvalaio Gianni , Ferrari Stefano , Camposampiero Davide , Amoureux Marie‐Claude , Busin Massimo , Ponzin Diego 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurposeTo compare the big‐bubble method using air and liquid as medium of separation for Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) lenticule preparation in an eye bank.MethodsDonor corneas (n = 20) were immersed in liquid [tissue culture medium (TCM)]. Air and liquid was injected using a 25‐gauge needle in the posterior stroma or as near to the stroma‐Descemet membrane (DM) phase as possible to create a complete bubble of larger diameter. The endothelial cell density and mortality were checked pre‐ and postbubble after deflating the tissue. Four pairs of tissues were used to analyse the intracellular tight junctions and three pairs for histological examination and DNA integrity studies, respectively.ResultsThe yield obtained using air was 80%, whereas that with liquid was 100%. Single injection was required in six cases; twice in two cases; three and four times in one case each with air bubble, whereas seven cases required single injection; twice in two cases; and thrice in just one case with liquid bubble. The average diameter of the final lenticule was 9.12 (± 1.71) mm for air bubble and 9.78 (± 1.75) mm for liquid bubble with p = 0.4362 (no statistical significance). Endothelial cell mortality postbubble preparation was 8.9 (± 12.38) % for air and 6.25 (± 9.57) % for liquid (p = 0.6268).ConclusionsDM and endothelium could be separated exclusively using air or liquid bubble. However, liquid bubble seems to have certain advantages over air such as the generation of yield, larger diameter and higher maintenance of endothelial cell density and integrity.
Predictive factors for postoperative visual acuity in idiopathic epiretinal membrane: a systematic review
Authors: Scheerlinck Laura M. E. , van der Valk Rikkert , van Leeuwen Redmer 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe aim of this study was to review the literature on predictive factors for postoperative visual acuity (VA) in surgery for idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM). A systematic review of the literature in the databases of PubMed and Embase was performed. The risk of bias was assessed based on predefined criteria and the results were summarized. In total, 1927 studies were retrieved of which 35 were potentially eligible. Nineteen studies were of adequate quality in terms of bias. Preoperative VA, central foveal thickness (CFT) and inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) integrity on optical coherence tomography (OCT) were most extensively studied. Other preoperative factors studied were severity of metamorphopsia, several OCT parameters, fundus autofluorescence and multifocal electroretinogram. In the current literature, preoperative VA is the only variable consistently associated with postoperative VA. IS/OS integrity on OCT is probably associated, and the severity of metamorphopsia, cone outer segment tips integrity and fundus autofluorescence are possibly associated with postoperative VA. CFT is not associated with postoperative VA. Further studies with adequate methodological quality are needed to confirm these findings. Therefore, an overall prediction model, including different parameters, is still awaited.
Skin colonisation at the catheter exit site is strongly associated with catheter colonisation and catheter‐related sepsis
Authors: Ponnusamy Vennila , Perperoglou Aris , Venkatesh Vidheya , Curley Anna , Brown Nicholas , Tremlett Catherine , Clarke Paul 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimThe commonest mode of catheter colonisation is via the extraluminal route with skin bacteria. Catheter‐related sepsis causes significant mortality and morbidity in neonates. Our aim was to study the relationships between culture‐positive catheter exit site skin swabs, percutaneous central venous catheter segments and blood to determine the magnitude of associations between exit site skin colonisation, catheter colonisation and catheter‐related sepsis.MethodsIn a prospective study, an exit site skin swab and three formerly in vivo catheter segments (proximal, middle and tip) were taken for culture at catheter removal. In those neonates who were clinically unwell at catheter removal, a peripheral blood culture was also collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to study associations.ResultsSkin swabs were culture positive in 39 (21%) of 187 catheter removals. With a culture‐positive skin swab, the risk of associated catheter colonisation was nearly eight times higher (OR: 7.84, 95% CI: 3.59–17.15) and the risk of definite catheter‐related sepsis with the same organism was nearly 10 times higher (OR 9.86, 95% CI: 3.13–31.00).ConclusionCulture‐positive skin swabs from the catheter exit site were strongly associated with catheter colonisation and with definite catheter‐related sepsis with the same organism. These data provide further evidence supporting catheter colonisation via the extraluminal route and highlight the importance of optimising skin disinfection before catheter insertion.
Randomised comparison of intravenous magnesium sulphate, terbutaline and aminophylline for children with acute severe asthma
Authors: Singhi Sunit , Grover Sudhanshu , Bansal Arun , Chopra Kapil 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimThis study compared the efficacy of intravenous magnesium sulphate, terbutaline and aminophylline for children with acute, severe asthma poorly responsive to standard initial treatment.MethodsWe enrolled 100 children, aged one to 12 years, who had failed to respond to initial standard treatment for acute, severe asthma, in this randomised controlled trial. They received either intravenous magnesium sulphate, terbutaline or aminophylline. Responses were monitored using a modified Clinical Asthma Severity (CAS) score. The primary outcome was treatment success, defined as a reduction in the CAS of four points or more 1 h after starting the intervention.ResultsThe magnesium sulphate group had higher treatment success (33/34, 97%) than the terbutaline and aminophylline groups (both 23/33, 70%) (p = 0.006) and faster resolution of retractions, wheeze and dyspnoea (p < 0.001). No adverse events occurred among patients receiving magnesium sulphate, but two patients receiving terbutaline had hypokalemia and nine patients receiving aminophylline had nausea and, or, vomiting.ConclusionAdding a single dose of Intravenous magnesium sulphate to inhaled beta2‐agonists and corticosteroids was more effective, and safer, than using terbutaline or aminophylline when treating a child with acute severe asthma poorly responsive to initial treatment.
Stable prevalence of obesity in Swedish schoolchildren from 2008 to 2013 but widening socio‐economic gap in girls
Authors: Moraeus Lotta , Lissner Lauren , Sjöberg Agneta 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to follow the 5‐year prevalence of overweight, obesity and thinness in 7‐ to 9‐year‐old children in West Sweden and to investigate whether trends differed according to gender and socio‐economic status.MethodsCross‐sectional anthropometric measurements of three cohorts in grades one and two were performed in 3492 7‐ to 9‐year‐old children in 2008, 2010 and 2013. For body mass index classification, the IOTF/Cole and WHO 2007 references were used. Percentage of inhabitants with high education in the school area was used for socio‐economic classification.ResultsBetween 2008, 2010 and 2013, the overall time‐trends in overweight 17.7%, 19.3% and 18.8%, obesity 3.2%, 3.3% and 3.1%, and thinness 6.5%, 4.7% and 6.9%, respectively, were fairly stable using the IOTF/Cole references. Thinness defined by the Cole reference increased in girls. The socio‐economic gradient for overweight and obesity was clear by both references, but using the IOTF reference, the gap increased for obesity among girls (p = 0.024). No significant trends were observed with the WHO reference.ConclusionThe overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was stable over 5 years, but we detected growing inequality in obesity and increasing prevalence of thinness in girls. With these regionally representative data, we can draw conclusions about West Sweden, despite an absence of continued national surveillance.
Between students' instrumental goals and how they learn: Goal content is the gap to mind
Authors: Fryer Luke K. , Ginns Paul , Walker Richard 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundExperimental/correlational studies have consistently demonstrated that the contents of an individual's goals play an important role within future motivations, learning processes, and outcomes.AimsThe aim of the study was to extend past findings by employing a three‐point, cross‐lagged latent simultaneous structural model in the examination of the role of intrinsic/extrinsic goals' effects on key proximal motivations, learning variables, and achievement in the context of a Japanese university.SampleThis study consisted of first‐year students within seven departments, attending one university (n = 584).MethodsEmploying three data points, separated by 8 and 7 months, this study tests the effects of students' instrumental goals on future motivations, approaches to learning and learning outcomes. Three goals were the focus of this study: Distal internally regulated, distal externally regulated, and proximal externally regulated. Internally regulated goals were hypothesized to be broadly adaptive, while externally regulated goals were hypothesized to be maladaptive.ResultsFindings reflected the broad importance of internal regulation for goals. Internally regulated goals positively predicted mastery goals and negatively predicted task valuation and effort belief deficits 8 months later. While not predicting achievement directly, internally regulated goals were the strongest predictor of future deep approaches to learning despite the lag of 15 months. Proximal externally regulated goals had no significant cross‐lagged effects, and distal externally regulated goals had a negative predictive effect on future deep approaches to learning.ConclusionsThis study extends intrinsic/extrinsic goal research both within education broadly and in the context of Japan. Furthermore, instrumental goals were found to play important roles supporting students in overcoming future motivation deficits and the pursuit of deep approaches to learning.
Fluoxetine elevates allopregnanolone in female rat brain but inhibits a steroid microsomal dehydrogenase rather than activating an aldo‐keto reductase
Authors: Fry J P , Li K Y , Devall A J , Cockcroft S , Honour J W , Lovick T A 
Published: August 2014

Background and PurposeFluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, elevates brain concentrations of the neuroactive progesterone metabolite allopregnanolone, an effect suggested to underlie its use in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoria. One report showed fluoxetine to activate the aldo‐keto reductase (AKR) component of 3α‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α‐HSD), which catalyses production of allopregnanolone from 5α‐dihydroprogesterone. However, this action was not observed by others. The present study sought to clarify the site of action for fluoxetine in elevating brain allopregnanolone.Experimental ApproachAdult male rats and female rats in dioestrus were treated with fluoxetine and their brains assayed for allopregnanolone and its precursors, progesterone and 5α‐dihydroprogesterone. Subcellular fractions of rat brain were also used to investigate the actions of fluoxetine on 3α‐HSD activity in both the reductive direction, producing allopregnanolone from 5α‐dihydroprogesterone, and the reverse oxidative direction. Fluoxetine was also tested on these recombinant enzyme activities expressed in HEK cells.Key ResultsShort‐term treatment with fluoxetine increased brain allopregnanolone concentrations in female, but not male, rats. Enzyme assays on native rat brain fractions and on activities expressed in HEK cells showed fluoxetine did not affect the AKR producing allopregnanolone from 5α‐dihydroprogesterone but did inhibit the microsomal dehydrogenase oxidizing allopregnanolone to 5α‐dihydroprogesterone.Conclusions and ImplicationsFluoxetine elevated allopregnanolone in female rat brain by inhibiting its oxidation to 5α‐dihydroprogesterone by a microsomal dehydrogenase. This is a novel site of action for fluoxetine, with implications for the development of new agents and/or dosing regimens to raise brain allopregnanolone.
Neogene tectonostratigraphic history of the southern Neuquén basin (39°–40°30′S, Argentina): implications for foreland basin evolution
Authors: Huyghe Damien , Bonnel Cédric , Nivière Bertrand , Fasentieux Bertrand , Hervouët Yves 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAlthough the Neuquén basin in Argentina forms a key transitional domain between the south‐central Andes and the Patagonian Andes, its Cenozoic history is poorly documented. We focus on the sedimentologic and tectonic evolution of the southern part of this basin, at 39–40°30′S, based on study of 14 sedimentary sections. We provide evidence that this basin underwent alternating erosion and deposition of reworked volcaniclastic material in continental and fluvial settings during the Neogene. In particular, basement uplift of the Sañico Massif, due to Late Miocene–Pliocene intensification of tectonic activity, led to sediment partitioning in the basin. During this interval, sedimentation was restricted to the internal domain and the Collon Cura basin evolved towards an endorheic intermontane basin. From stratigraphic interpretation, this basin remained isolated 7–11 Myr. Nevertheless, ephemeral gateways seem to have existed, because we observe a thin succession downstream of the Sañico Massif contemporaneous with the Collon Cura basin‐fill sequence. Comparisons of stratigraphic, paleoenvironmental and tectonic features of the southern Neuquén basin with other foreland basins of South America allow us to classify it as a broken foreland with the development of an intermontane basin from Late Miocene to Late Pliocene. This implies a thick‐skinned structural style for this basin, with reactivation of basement faults responsible for exhumation of the Sañico Massif. Comparison of several broken forelands of South America allows us to propose two categories of intermontane basins according to their structural setting: subsiding or uplifted basins, which has strong implications on their excavation histories.
THE LONDON BOMBINGS AND RACIAL PREJUDICE: EVIDENCE FROM THE HOUSING AND LABOR MARKET
Authors: Ratcliffe Anita , von Hinke Kessler Scholder Stephanie 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis paper investigates the impact of the London bombings on attitudes toward ethnic minorities, examining outcomes in housing and labor markets across London boroughs. We use a difference‐in‐differences approach, specifying “treated” boroughs as those with the highest concentration of Asian residents. Our results indicate that house prices in treated boroughs fell by approximately 2% in the 2 years after the bombings relative to other boroughs, with sales declining by almost 6%. Furthermore, we present evidence of a rise in the unemployment rate in treated compared to control boroughs, as well as a rise in racial segregation. (JEL J15, J71, R21)
Oviposition, larval preference, and larval performance in two polyphagous species: does the larva know best?
Authors: Gómez Jiménez María Isabel , Sarmiento Carlos E. , Díaz María Fernanda , Chautá Alexander , Peraza Andrés , Ramírez Augusto , Poveda Katja 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIt is expected that females preferentially oviposit on plant hosts that allow for optimal larval performance. However, this expectation contradicts empirical evidence where adults do not always choose the best host for their descendants. Recent evidence suggests that females’ host selection depends on the number of potential hosts. Females from oligophagous species seem to be able to choose an appropriate host in terms of larval performance, whereas in polyphagous species, adult oviposition preference is not related with larval performance. This suggests that larvae in polyphagous species could be taking a more active role in host selection than their mothers. Here, we evaluated the oviposition preference and the larval preference and performance of two polyphagous species of economic importance, Copitarsia decolora (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Cuculliinae) and Peridroma saucia (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Noctuinae), on eight species of cultivated plants. In laboratory and greenhouse choice assays, we tested adult preference for oviposition and larval preference at 1 and 24 h. Larval performance was measured in terms of survival to adulthood, length of larval period, and pupal weight. We found that both adult females and larvae actively choose their hosts and that the larval preference toward the hosts is related to the females’ preference in both herbivore species. However, the females and larvae did not preferentially select the host with the best larval performance, indicating that larval performance is not related to female or larval preference and that other selective pressures are influencing the choice of the host plant in these two species.
Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha mediates activation of NF‐κB and JNK signaling cascades in retinal ganglion cells and astrocytes in opposite ways
Authors: Dvoriantchikova Galina , Ivanov Dmitry 
Published: August 2014

AbstractTumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF) is an important mediator of the innate immune response in the retina. TNF can activate various signaling cascades, including NF‐κB, nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) pathways. The harmful role of these pathways, as well as of TNF, has previously been shown in several retinal neurodegenerative conditions including glaucoma and retinal ischemia. However, TNF and TNF‐regulated signaling cascades are capable not only of mediating neurotoxicity, but of being protective. We performed this study to delineate the beneficial and detrimental effects of TNF signaling in the retina. To this end, we used TNF‐treated primary retinal ganglion cell (RGC) and astrocyte cultures. Levels of expression of NF‐κB subunits in RGCs and astrocytes were evaluated by quantitative RT‐PCR (qRT‐PCR) and Western blot (WB) analysis. NF‐κB and JNK activity in TNF‐treated cells was determined in a time‐dependent manner using ELISA and WB. Gene expression in TNF‐treated astrocytes was measured by qRT‐PCR. We found that NF‐κB family members were present in RGCs and astrocytes at the mRNA and protein levels. RGCs failed to activate NF‐κB in the presence of TNF, a phenomenon that was associated with sustained JNK activation and RGC death. However, TNF initiated the activation of NF‐κB and mediated transient JNK activation in astrocytes. These events were associated with glial survival and increased expression of neurotoxic pro‐inflammatory factors. Our findings suggest that, in the presence of TNF, NF‐κB and JNK signaling cascades are activated in opposite ways in RGCs and astrocytes. These events can directly and indirectly facilitate RGC death.
Subdural hematoma in diabetic patients
Authors: Wang I.‐K. , Chen H.‐J. , Cheng Y.‐K. , Wu Y.‐Y. , Lin S.‐Y. , Chou C.‐Y. , Chang C.‐T. , Yen T.‐H. , Chuang F.‐R. , Sung F.‐C. , Hsu C. Y. 
Published: August 2014

Background and purposeSubdural hematoma (SDH) is associated with a high mortality rate. However, the risk of SDH in diabetic patients has not been well studied. The aim of the study was to examine the risk of SDH in incident diabetic patients.MethodsFrom a universal insurance claims database of Taiwan, a cohort of 28 045 incident diabetic patients from 2000 to 2005 and a control cohort of 56 090 subjects without diabetes were identified. The incidence and hazard ratio of SDH were measured by the end of 2010.ResultsThe mean follow‐up years were 7.24 years in the diabetes cohort and 7.44 years in the non‐diabetes cohort. The incidence of SDH was 1.57‐fold higher in the diabetes cohort than in the non‐diabetes cohort (2.04 vs. 1.30 per 1000 person‐years), with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.63 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43–1.85]. The stratified data showed that adjusted hazard ratios were 1.51 (95% CI 1.28–1.77) for traumatic SDH and 1.89 (95% CI 1.52–2.36) for non‐traumatic SDH. The 30‐day mortality rate for those who developed SDH in the diabetes cohort was 8.94%.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that incident diabetic patients are at higher risk of SDH than individuals without diabetes. Proper intervention for diabetic patients is necessary for preventing the devastating disorder.