bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PLS Analysis for Antibacterial Activity of Natural Coumarins Using VolSurf Descriptors
Authors: Koukoulitsa Catherine , Tsantili‐Kakoulidou Anna , Mavromoustakos Thomas , Chinou Ioanna 
Published: May 2009

AbstractIn the present study the antibacterial activity of a dataset including 24 natural coumarin derivatives was investigated by means of multivariate data analysis. Antibacterial data were available against six pathogenic microorganisms. VolSurf descriptors, used to characterize structural properties, proved efficient to discriminate the compounds according to different levels of activity as shown in the PCA and PLS‐DA score plots. An informative PLS model considering the six response variables in parallel with satisfactory statistics was obtained, based on 39 original descriptors (R2=0.86 and Q2=0.79). Descriptors related to the hydrophilic regions and to hydrogen bonding capability proved to exert the most significant influence on projection (VIP>1.5) most of them contributing in a positive way to the antibacterial activity. Contrary, lipophilicity expressed as logP was found to have a negative influence. Elongation of the molecules as described by EEFR is an additional unfavorable structural feature.
Towards Nonspecific Detection of Malignant Cervical Cells with Fluorescent Silica Beads
Authors: Iyer Swaminathan , Woodworth Craig D. , Gaikwad Ravi M. , Kievsky Yaroslav Y. , Sokolov Igor 
Published: May 2009

AbstractTo date, the methods for detection of cancer cells are mostly based on traditional techniques used in biology, such as visual identification of malignant changes, cell‐growth analysis, specific ligand–receptor labeling, or genetic tests. Despite being well developed, these methods are either insufficiently accurate or require a lengthy complicated analysis. A search for alternative methods for the detection of cancer cells may be a fruitful approach. Proposed here is a novel method for the detection of cancer cells in vitro, which is based on nonspecific adhesion of silica beads to cells. First, atomic force microscopy is used to study the adhesion of single silica beads to malignant and normal cells cultured from human cervix. It is found that adhesion depends on the time of contact, and can be statistically different for malignant and normal cells. Using these data, an optical method utilizing fluorescent silica beads is developed, which is based on detection of the difference in the number of adherent particles. The method is tested using primary cells cultured from cervical tissues of three healthy individuals and three patients with cervical cancer. The method shows sufficiently high sensitivity for cancer to make it interesting to perform further statistical tests.
Embryonic and developmental toxicity of the ionic liquid 1‐methyl‐3‐octylimidazolium bromide on goldfish
Authors: Wang San‐Hu , Huang Pei‐Pei , Li Xiao‐Yu , Wang Chun‐Yu , Zhang Wei‐Hong , Wang Jian‐Ji 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe embryonic developmental toxicity of the ionic liquid (IL) 1‐methyl‐3‐octylimidazolium bromide ([C8mim]Br) on the goldfish Carassius auratus was evaluated in this study. First, the 72 h 50% lethal concentrations (72 h‐LC50) for [C8mim]Br in goldfish embryos at the stages of cleavage, early gastrula, closure of blastopore, and heart beating were determined by preliminary acute toxicity tests. After that, fish embryos in different developmental stages (cleavage, early gastrula, closure of blastopore, and heart beating) were exposed to 10.4, 20.8, 41.6, and 104 mg/L of [C8mim]Br until their hatching stage. The results of the acute toxicity tests showed that 72 h‐LC50 values at the early cleavage, early gastrula, closure of blastopore, and heart beating stages of development were 208.96, 187.1, 245.03, and 298.33 mg/L, respectively. In the subchronic tests, [C8mim]Br exposure prolonged the duration of embryo dechorionation and decreased the hatching rates of the treated embryos compared to control embryos. In addition, [C8mim]Br treatment also caused remarkable increases of embryonic malformation and mortality ratio in most treatment groups. Finally, we also found that the embryonic and developmental toxicity of [C8mim]Br on fish embryos was dose‐response and developmental stage‐specific. These results indicate that [C8mim]Br has toxic effects on the early embryonic development of goldfish, and the risk to aquatic ecosystem by ILs leaking into the water body must be evaluated in the future. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2010.
Attitudes, Awareness, and Barriers Regarding Evidence‐Based Surgery Among Surgeons and Surgical Nurses
Authors: Knops Anouk M. , Vermeulen Hester , Legemate Dink A. , Ubbink Dirk T. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackgroundEvidence‐based surgery (EBS) is stressed to increase efficiency and health care quality, but not all surgeons and surgical nurses use EBS in clinical practice. To define future tailor‐made interventions to improve evidence‐based behavior, the aim of this study was to determine the attitude and awareness among surgeons and surgical nurses as to the paradigm of EBS and the barriers experienced when practicing EBS.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, surgeons and surgical nurses at a university hospital in Amsterdam were invited to complete the BARRIERS scale and McColl et al. questionnaire. An evidence quiz was composed for the surgeons.ResultsResponse rates were 67% (29/43) for surgeons and 60% (73/122) for nurses. Attitudes toward EBS were positive. Among the surgeons, 90% were familiar with EBS terms, whereas only 40% of the nurses were. Common barriers for surgeons were conflicting results (79%, 23/29) and the methodologic inadequacy of research reports (73%, 21/29); and for nurses they were unawareness of EBS (67%, 49/73) and unclear reported research (59%, 43/73). Only about half of the convincing evidence presented in the quiz was actually applied.ConclusionsSurgeons have a positive attitude toward EBS and are familiar with EBS terminology, but conflicting results and methodologic shortcomings of research reports are major barriers to practicing EBS. Continual confrontations with available evidence through frequent critical appraisal meetings or grand rounds and using more aggregate sources of evidence are advocated. Nurses can probably benefit from EBS training focusing on basic skills. Finally, collaboration is needed among surgeons and nurses with the same zest about EBS.
Contributions of three‐site mutations in acetylcholinesterase and cytochrome P450 to genetic variation in susceptibility to organophosphate insecticides within a natural population of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Miyo Takahiro , Oguma Yuzuru 
Published: May 2009

AbstractIn this study, we attempted to elucidate the two resistance factors conferring resistance to organophosphates within the Katsunuma population of Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen), one of which has been mapped on the second chromosome and the other on the third chromosome. With regard to the second chromosome factor, we tested susceptibility to malathion of 54 recombinant inbred lines with recombination between ltd and vg. Analyses of variance (ANOVAs) showed highly significant variation in susceptibility to malathion between recombinant lines. In addition, susceptibility of the second‐chromosome resistant line to malathion was increased with additional application of piperonyl butoxide, suggesting a member of the Cyp gene family located between ltd and vg. With regard to the third‐chromosome factor, we conducted inhibition assays of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with respect to fenitroxon and carbaryl, to evaluate the contribution of mutated AChE to organophosphate resistance within the Katsunuma population. I50 values of resistant lines, isolated from this population, were about 15 times higher for fenitroxon, and about two times higher for carbaryl, than those of susceptible lines, suggesting the contribution of mutated AChE to organophosphate resistance within the Katsunuma population. We further investigated the genetic variation in the acetylcholinesterase (Ace) gene within the newly collected Katsunuma population, by using the allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach, and revealed that within this population there were high frequencies of resistant‐type mutations at three sites in the Ace gene, which play critical roles in altering sensitivity of AChE to organophosphate and carbamate insecticides.
Newborn blood spot screening: New opportunities, old problems
Authors: Pollitt R. J. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryNewborn screening is evolving very rapidly. Geographical coverage is expanding, particularly for common disorders such as congenital hypothyroidism. New technologies, particularly tandem mass spectrometry and high throughput mutation analysis, have increased greatly the range of disorders which could be covered. However, these new possibilities are being exploiting at very different rates in different countries. This is due in part to the different ways in which generally‐accepted screening criteria, based on the ten principles of Wilson and Jungner, are being interpreted and applied to policy. The appropriate management of some of the conditions newly‐detectable by screening also remains controversial and there is a pressing need to align screening policy and clinical practice. Critical analysis and careful collection of data on an international basis are required to resolve these issues.
Plasma Lipid Levels of Rats Fed a Diet Containing Pork Fat as a Source of Lipids after Splenic Surgery
Authors: Dinis Ana Paula Gonçalves , Marques Ruy Garcia , Simões Fernanda Correia , Diestel Cristina Fajardo , Caetano Carlos Eduardo Rodrigues , Secchin Dióscuro José Ferreira , Neto José Firmino Nogueira , Portela Margareth Crisóstomo 
Published: May 2009

AbstractExperimental studies have suggested an important role of the spleen in lipid metabolism, although with controversial results. Our purpose was to analyze the effect of a nutritionally balanced (NB) diet and a diet containing pork fat (PF) as source of lipids on the lipid profile of rats submitted to splenic surgery. Sixty adult male Wistar rats were divided into six groups of 10 animals each: 1 sham‐operated, NB diet; 2 sham‐operated, PF diet; 3 total splenectomy (TS), NB diet; 4 TS, PF diet; 5 TS followed by splenic autotransplantation (SA), NB diet; and 6 SA, PF diet. Blood samples were collected at the beginning (D0) and after 12 weeks of the experiment (D + 12) for plasma lipid determination. Morphologic regeneration of splenic tissues was observed, with no differences between groups 5 and 6. When D + 12 plasma lipid levels were compared to D0 levels there were no differences in groups 1, 3, and 5, while in groups 2, 4, and 6 total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), and triacylglycerols (TAG) increased, and high density lipoprotein (HDL) decreased. At D + 12, groups 2, 4, and 6 had lower HDL than group 3. In conclusion, regardless of the surgical procedure applied to the spleen, an NB diet maintained plasma lipid levels while a diet with PF as source of lipids changed the animals’ lipid profile.
Profiles of Lipid Components, Fatty Acid Compositions and Triacylglycerol Molecular Species of Adzuki Beans (Vigna angularis)
Authors: Yoshida Hiromi , Tomiyama Yuka , Yoshida Naoko , Mizushina Yoshiyuki 
Published: May 2009

AbstractFatty acid (FA) compositions and molecular species of triacylglycerols (TAG) isolated from total lipids extracted from adzuki beans (Vigna angularis) were determined with a combination of AgNO3‐TLC and GC, and were compared in relation to the content of endogenous antioxidants analyzed by HPLC. δ‐Tocopherol was present in the highest concentration (53.7–89.3 mg/kg), and γ‐tocopherol in small amounts (11.2–14.8 mg/kg). The main lipid components were phospholipids (72.2–73.4%) and TAG (20.6–21.9%), whilst other components were also present in minor proportions (0.1–3.4%). Eighteen different TAG molecular species were identified and quantified by successive applications of AgNO3‐TLC and GC. The main components were SMD (4.6–5.0%), S2T (13.4–16.4%), SD2 (11.8–14.3%), SMT (7.3–8.3%), SDT (9.9–10.6%), D3 (6.9–7.9%), MT2 (5.2–6.3%), D2T (7.0–11.2%), DT2 (7.4–7.6%) and T3 (6.2–7.2%) (where S, M, D, and T denote a saturated FA, a monoene, a diene, and a triene, respectively). No marked difference (P > 0.05) in the molecular species composition could be observed among the five cultivars. The results could be useful to both consumers and producers for manufacturing traditional adzuki confectionaries in Japan and elsewhere.
Axial STIR MRI: A faster method for confirming femoral head reduction in DDH
Authors: Conroy Eimear , Sproule J. , Timlin M. , McManus F. 
Published: May 2009

Purpose Non-concentric reduction of the femoral head within the acetabulum is detrimental to its delicate cartilaginous structure and may result in a growth disturbance. Successful relocation of the dislocated femoral head depends on subtle clinical findings and radiography. The combination of a dislocated femoral head and a severely dysplastic acetabulum can result in a clinical examination that is unhelpful in confirming reduction under anaesthesia. In cases where uncertainty existed regarding head reduction in a spica cast, we performed axial short inversion time inversion recovery (STIR) and axial proton density magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. We retrospectively reviewed the efficiency and accuracy of MRI in confirming femoral head location after closed reduction and spica application in eight children. Methods One hundred and fifty-three cases of developmental dysplasia were treated with examination under anaesthesia and spica application in our unit over a 3-year period. Eight cases where MRI scanning was performed were identified. Before application of the spica cast, we used radiographic screening to assess the stability of the reduction. Absence of the ossific nucleus within the femoral head made confirmation of the location with the image intensifier unreliable. To confirm concentric femoral head location after closed reduction and spica application, we performed an MRI scan in the immediate post-anaesthesia period. Results All scans were performed within 30 min of application of the spica, and the average time for each scan was 5 min. All eight children who had MRI post-application of the spica had concentric reduction of the femoral head. MRI allowed three-dimensional appreciation of the acetabulum and femoral head. Use of the axial STIR images allows accurate assessment of the cartilaginous ossific nucleus. All patients were discharged the same afternoon and followed up as outpatients. No patient in our group required contrast arthrography. Conclusion While not indicated in all cases of femoral head dislocation, MRI is useful to confirm concentric reduction of the femoral head in a dysplastic acetabulum when examination under anaesthesia and radiographic screening have been uncertain. In our series, 1 in 20 cases needed MRI. This is a reliable, non-invasive method confirming definite reduction of the femoral head prior to discharge in all of our patients. In this initial series, all patients had axial and coronal STIR and proton density MRI. We now only use axial STIR images because they provide adequate information regarding the position of the femoral head relative to the acetabulum.
The right to contraception and the wrongs of restrictive services
Authors: Edouard Lindsay 
Published: May 2009

AbstractRights come with responsibilities for individuals, service providers, and purveyors. The operationalization of the right to contraception, for universal access to a wide range of effective methods, necessitates very different but complementary interventions. A rights‐based approach should aim to respect, protect, and fulfill rights. The wishes of individuals concerning childbearing necessitate informed choice, access to services, and lack of prejudice. Equity should be addressed through the strengthening of health systems, especially primary health care, with emphasis on the needs of underserved populations. Official pronouncements on population issues necessitate commitments. A philosophy of rights is particularly useful for service implementation, including the introduction of new contraceptive methods, by addressing the responsibilities of duty bearers and the claims of right holders. With the rights to and overwhelming health benefits of contraception, it is imperative to reverse the wrongs of limited reproductive health services.
Beyond de Tocqueville: The roles of vertical and horizontal individualism and conservatism in the 2004 U.S. presidential election
Authors: Zhang Jing , Nelson Michelle R. , Mao En 
Published: May 2009

AbstractIndividualism is a fundamental value to U.S. culture and democracy. We differentiate the horizontal from vertical dimension of individualism to predict voting in the 2004 presidential election. Horizontal individualism (HI) values equality and uniqueness, whereas vertical individualism (VI) values competition and achievement. In line with the value‐expressive function of attitudes and voter–politician congruency principles, we show how and when HI and VI affect voters' attitudes and voting. A pilot study revealed that VI correlated with vote; those who scored higher on VI were more likely to vote for Bush. Study 1 replicated these findings with a broader sample and a regression approach. The influence of individualism was less predictive than VI in both studies. In Study 2, we proposed that the effect of VI and HI values on voting decisions is mediated by political conservatism, which in turn predicts voters' trait assessment of candidates and voting decision. Path analysis of the data from a national survey supported our expectation among respondents with high political involvement, the context in which value‐expressive attitudes are more pronounced. Taken together, these studies advance our theoretical understanding of HI, VI, and individualism, as well as the process underlying the effect of values on decisions.
Schadenfreudeas a consumption‐related emotion: Feeling happiness about the downfall of another's product
Authors: Sundie Jill M. , Ward James C. , Beal Daniel J. , Chin Wynne W. , Geiger‐Oneto Stephanie 
Published: May 2009

AbstractEmotional antecedents ofschadenfreude—joy experienced when observing another's downfall—were investigated in a status consumption context. Across 3 studies, status product failure produced schadenfreude and led to intentions to spread negative word‐of‐mouth (studies 1, 2), and increased negative affect and overall negative attitudes toward the status brand (study 3). Furthermore, studies 1 and 2 suggest that envy (particularly of social attention) can lead to schadenfreude by transmuting into hostile emotions. Finally, these studies suggest that schadenfreude in a consumption context can be precipitated by factors such as degree of target advantage and flaunting of the status product.
The Virtual Kidney: an eScience interface and Grid portal
Authors: Harris Peter J. , Buyya Rajkumar , Chu Xingchen , Kobialka Tom , Kazmierczak Ed , Moss Robert , Appelbe William , Hunter Peter J. , Thomas S. Randall 
Published: May 2009

The Virtual Kidney uses a web interface and distributed computing to provide experimental scientists and analysts with access to computational simulations and knowledge databases hosted in geographically separated laboratories. Users can explore a variety of complex models without requiring the specific programming environment in which applications have been developed.This initiative exploits high-bandwidth communication networks for collaborative research and for shared access to knowledge resources. The Virtual Kidney has been developed within a specialist community of renal scientists but is transferable to other areas of research requiring interaction between published literature and databases, theoretical models and simulations and the formulation of effective experimental designs.A web-based three-dimensional interface provides access to experimental data, a parameter database and mathematical models. A multi-scale kidney reconstruction includes blood vessels and serially sectioned nephrons. Selection of structures provides links to the database, returning parameter values and extracts from the literature.Models are run locally or remotely with a Grid resource broker managing scheduling, monitoring and visualization of simulation results and application, credential and resource allocation. Simulation results are viewed graphically or as scaled colour gradients on the Virtual Kidney structures, allowing visual and quantitative appreciation of the effects of simulated parameter changes.
Improvement of radiation‐induced healing delay by etanercept treatment in rat arteries
Authors: Sugiyama Kenji , Yamaguchi Masayuki , Kuroda Junichiro , Takanashi Masakazu , Ishikawa Yukio , Fujii Hirofumi , Ishii Toshiharu , Esumi Hiroyasu 
Published: May 2009

Surgical treatment often causes difficulty in the irradiated field because of delayed wound healing, which is mainly due to vascular dysfunction. To overcome this difficulty, we attempted to accelerate the recovery from clamp injury in irradiated superficial epigastric arteries of rats as a model. Etanercept, a soluble receptor of tumor necrosis factor‐α, was administered four times to rats with irradiated arteries before and after clamp injury. Loss of endothelial cells and necrosis of the media in the irradiated arteries continued for more than 1 week after the injury; however, in the rats treated with etanercept, the endothelial cells recovered in the intima, and α‐smooth muscle actin‐positive smooth muscle cells recovered in the injured and irradiated arteries. After clamp injury of common carotid arteries that had previously been irradiated, the blood flow in these arteries was visualized by magnetic resonance (MR) angiography. The time‐of‐flight signal was weakened in the injured and irradiated arteries. This time‐of‐flight signal was recovered by the etanercept treatment. These findings suggest that etanercept improves the radiation‐impaired healing of arteries in rats. (Cancer Sci2009)
Relationship of sleep quality and quality of life in children with monosymptomatic enuresis
Authors: Ertan P. , Yilmaz O. , Caglayan M. , Sogut A. , Aslan S. , Yuksel H. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground  Health‐related quality of life (QoL) in children with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis might be influenced by impaired quality of sleep. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible deteriorations in QoL and sleep quality and the association between these parameters in children with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis.Methods  The study consisted of 44 children with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis and 27 healthy controls aged 6–15 years. KINDL QoL and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were applied to all children.Results  Mean total KINDL scores in enuresis and control groups were 65.1 ± 11.0 vs. 67.4 ± 13.7, respectively (P = 0.44). PSQI scores were not significantly different between the groups (P > 0.05l). In the enuresis group, age showed significant negative correlation with self‐esteem domain of KINDL (r = −0.39, P = 0.01) and positive correlation with sleep duration sub‐score of the PSQI (r = 0.37, P = 0.03). Duration of enuresis showed significantly negative correlation with total KINDL score and self‐esteem domain (r = −0.32 and r = −0.39, P = 0.04 and P = 0.01, respectively). There was significant correlation between physical well‐being sub‐score of KINDL with daytime dysfunction and total scores of PSQI (r = −0.53, P = 0.001 and r = −0.41, P = 0.02, respectively). Daytime dysfunction sub‐score of PSQI was significantly correlated with friends sub‐score of KINDL (r = −0.33, P = 0.04).Conclusions  As age of the child and duration of enuresis increase, self‐esteem domain of QoL worsens. Moreover, there is a significant correlation of physical well‐being and friends domains of QoL score and total and daytime dysfunction scores of PSQI. These findings necessitate global evaluation of QoL and sleep quality in children with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis to increase efficacy of health care.