bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial effects of blackberry extract target periodontopathogens
Authors: González O. A. , Escamilla C. , Danaher R. J. , Dai J. , Ebersole J. L. , Mumper R. J. , Miller C. S. 
Published: July 2012

Background and Objective:  Antimicrobial agents provide valuable adjunctive therapy for the prevention and the control of oral diseases. Limitations in their prolonged use have stimulated the search for new, naturally occurring agents with more specific activity and fewer adverse effects. Here we sought to determine the antibacterial properties of blackberry extract (BBE) in vitro against oral bacterial commensals and periodontopathogens.Material and Methods:  The effects of whole and fractionated BBE on the metabolism of 10 different oral bacteria were evaluated using the colorimetric water‐soluble tetrazolium‐1 assay. The bactericidal effects of whole BBE against Fusobacterium nucleatum were determined by quantitating the numbers of colony‐forming units (CFUs). Cytotoxicity was determined in oral epithelial (OKF6) cells.Results:  BBE at 350–1400 μg/mL reduced the metabolic activity of Porphyromonas gingivalis, F. nucleatum and Streptococcus mutans. The reduced metabolic activity observed for F. nucleatum corresponded to a reduction in the numbers of CFUs following exposure to BBE for as little as 1 h, indicative of its bactericidal properties. An anthocyanin‐enriched fraction of BBE reduced the metabolic activity of F. nucleatum, but not of P. gingivalis or S. mutans, suggesting the contribution of species‐specific agents in the whole BBE. Oral epithelial cell viability was not reduced following  exposure to whole BBE (2.24–1400 μg/mL) for ≤ 6 h.Conclusion:  BBE alters the metabolic activity of oral periodontopathogens while demonstrating a minimal effect on commensals. The specific antibacterial properties of BBE shown in this study, along with its previously demonstrated anti‐inflammatory and antiviral properties, make this natural extract a promising target as an adjunct for prevention and/or complementary therapy of periodontal infections.
A pharmacokinetic study of a topical anesthetic (EMLA®) in mouse soft tissue laceration
Authors: Al‐Musawi Alaa , Matar Kamal , Kombian Samuel B. , Andersson Lars 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe use of topical anesthesia instead of injection of local anesthetics for managing soft tissue lacerations in the emergency situations may be a relief for both patients and surgeons. Topical anesthesia in the form of a cream eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA®) containing 2.5% lidocaine and 2.5% prilocaine has been reported as an efficient anesthetic on skin before venipuncture anesthesia and as an alternative to injection anesthesia in some minor surgery situations. The aim of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of EMLA® when applied in a laceration with topical skin application in the mouse. A total of 120 Albino Laboratory‐bred strain mouse (BALB‐c) male mice were divided into three groups with regard to application mode of EMLA®. Group A: with laceration, 48 mice; Group B: on intact shaved skin, 48 mice; Group C: control group (24 mice) with same procedures but without application of EMLA®. Blood levels were collected at 0, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 min post‐EMLA® application. Plasma sample analysis was carried out by employing liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometric (LC‐MS/MS) method, and the pharmacokinetic analysis of the mouse plasma samples was estimated by standard non‐compartmental methods. The pharmacokinetic parameters of lidocaine and prilocaine were significantly altered following EMLA® application to lacerated mouse skin in contrast to intact skin. The absorption of lidocaine and prilocaine was rapid following application of EMLA® to lacerated and intact mouse skin. Maximum drug plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the drug plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) values of lidocaine were significantly increased by 448.6% and 161.5%, respectively, following application of EMLA to lacerated mouse skin in comparison with intact mouse skin. Similarly, prilocaine's Cmax and AUC values were also increased by 384% and 265.7%, respectively, following EMLA application to lacerated mouse skin, in contrast to intact skin. Further pharmacokinetic studies on different carriers of lidocaine/prilocaine are warranted before any firm conclusions for the clinic can be drawn.
Effects of exposure to plant‐derived odorants on behavior and the concentration of stress‐related hormones in steers isolated under a novel environment
Authors: SUTOH Madoka , ITO Shuichi , KASUYA Etsuko , YAYOU Ken‐ichi 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTThis study was conducted to investigate physiological and behavioral effects of the exposure to plant‐derived odorants in Holstein steers (8 month of age) under the acute stress of social isolation in a novel environment. Each steer was tethered in a new room alone and exposed to one of three odorants: a mixture of equal amounts of trans‐2‐hexenal and cis‐3‐hexenol (green odor, GO; n = 5), essential oil of grapefruits (EOG; n = 5) and solvent (SOL; n = 6). Behaviors were recorded and blood samples were taken at intervals of 10–15 min for 6 h. Compared with SOL, exposure to GO or EOG decreased the frequency of vocalization (P < 0.05), shortened the latency period before the onset of rumination (P < 0.05) and increased the duration of rumination (P < 0.05). Plasma cortisol concentrations in steers exposed to plant‐derived odorants (GO and EOG) during 90–130 min from commencement of sampling were significantly lower (P < 0.05) compared with SOL. These results suggest that appeasing effects of plant‐derived odorants on behavioral and physiological stress responses previously reported in laboratory rodents could be also be expected in steers.
POTENTIAL APPLICATION OF AN ANTI‐AEROMONAS BACTERIOCIN OF LACTOCOCCUS LACTIS SSP. LACTIS IN THE PRESERVATION OF VEGETABLE SALAD
Authors: KUMAR MUKESH , JAIN ALOK KUMAR , GHOSH MOUSHUMI , GANGULI ABHIJIT 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe potential use of bacteriocins as natural food preservative has a wide range of applications in food industry, but the range is restricted mostly up to gram‐positive microorganism. In our work, a Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis HKT‐9 strain isolated from hukuti maas produced a bacteriocin active against a variety of gram‐positive as well as gram‐negative foodborne pathogens but specificity toward Aeromonas spp. Partially purified bacteriocin revealed that the peptide was thermoresistant (15 min at 121C), active at acidic to alkaline pH between pH 2.0 and 10.0. Its molecular weight was approximately 2.5 kDa and shared the properties of class II bacteriocin family. Furthermore, the gene cluster encoding for bacteriocin produced by L. lactis ssp. lactis HKT‐9 showed 100% homology with the operon encoding pediocin PA‐1(class IIa bacteriocin). Among detergents, sodium dodecyl sulfate, Tween 80 and Tween 20 enhanced bacteriocin activity. Enzymes like α‐amylase; DNase and RNase showed slightly increased bacteriocin activity. Its mode of action was bactericidal against Aeromonas hydrophila American type culture collection 7966. Addition of crude bacteriocin HKT‐9 at concentration of 100 μg/mL to artificially contaminated vegetables inhibited the growth of A. hydrophlia up to 7 log cfu/mL within 24 h for at least 10 days, whereas reduction of 6 log cfu/mL was observed for Staphylococcus aureus.Practical ApplicationBacteriocins are ribosomally synthesized polypeptides possessing bacteriocidal activity that are rapidly digested by proteases in the human digestive tract. They are a heterogenous group characteristically selected for evaluation and use as specific antagonists against problematic bacteria. With the emergence of antibiotic‐resistant pathogenic bacteria, the possibility of bacteriocins as supplements or replacements for antibiotics for therapeutic use is also being considered; however, their effectiveness in foods can become limited for various reasons, and cost remains an issue impeding broader use of bacteriocins as food additives. Of all the antimicrobial peptides, very few have been used as preservatives in the food industry and/or as antibiotic substances in medicine. In the present study, effectiveness of an anti‐aeromonas bacteriocin of Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis was studied for the preservation of vegetable salad under in vitro conditions.
Delphinid whistle production and call matching during playback of simulated military sonar
Authors: DeRuiter Stacy L. , Boyd Ian L. , Claridge Diane E. , Clark Christopher W. , Gagnon Chuck , Southall Brandon L. , Tyack Peter L. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIn 2007 and 2008, controlled exposure experiments were performed in the Bahamas to study behavioral responses to simulated mid‐frequency active sonar (MFA) by three groups of odontocetes: false killer whales, Pseudorca crassidens; short‐finned pilot whales, Globicephala macrorhynchus; and melon‐headed whales, Peponocephala electra. An individual in each group was tagged with a Dtag to record acoustic and movement data. During exposures, some individuals produced whistles that seemed similar to the experimental MFA stimulus. Statistical tests were thus applied to investigate whistle‐MFA similarity and the relationship between whistle production rate and MFA reception time. For the false killer whale group, overall whistle rate and production rate of the most MFA‐like whistles decreased with time since last MFA reception. Despite quite low whistle rates overall by the melon‐headed whales, statistical results indicated minor transient silencing after each signal reception. There were no apparent relationships between pilot whale whistle rates and MFA sounds within the exposure period. This variability of responses suggests that changes in whistle production in response to acoustic stimuli depend not only on species and sound source, but also on the social, behavioral, or environmental contexts of exposure.
Browsed twig environmental DNA: diagnostic PCR to identify ungulate species
Authors: NICHOLS RUTH V. , KÖNIGSSON HELENA , DANELL KJELL , SPONG GÖRAN 
Published: July 2012

AbstractUngulate browsing can have a strong effect on ecological processes by affecting plant community structure and composition, with cascading effects on nutrient cycling and animal communities. However, in the absence of direct observations of foraging, species‐specific foraging behaviours are difficult to quantify. We therefore know relatively little about foraging competition and species‐specific browsing patterns in systems with several browsers. However, during browsing, a small amount of saliva containing buccal cells is deposited at the bite site, providing a source of environmental DNA (eDNA) that can be used for species identification. Here, we describe extraction and PCR protocols for a browser species diagnostic kit. Species‐specific primers for mitochondrial DNA were optimized and validated using twigs browsed by captive animals. A time series showed that about 50% of the samples will amplify up to 12 weeks after the browsing event and that some samples amplify up to 24 weeks after browsing (12.5%). Applied to samples of natural browsing from an area where moose (Alces alces), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), fallow deer (Cervus dama) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) are sympatric, amplification success reached 75%. This method promises to greatly improve our understanding of multispecies browsing systems without the need for direct observations.
Resting Heart Rate and Outcomes in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: Where Do We Currently Stand?
Authors: Menown Ian B. A. , Davies Simon , Gupta Sandeep , Kalra Paul R. , Lang Chim C. , Morley Chris , Padmanabhan Sandosh 
Published: July 2012

SummaryBackgroundData from large epidemiological studies suggest that elevated heart rate is independently associated with cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality in patients with hypertension and in those with established cardiovascular disease. Clinical trial findings also suggest that the favorable effects of beta‐blockers and other heart rate–lowering agents in patients with acute myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure may be, at least in part, due to their heart rate–lowering effects. Contemporary clinical outcome prediction models such as the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score include admission heart rate as an independent risk factor.AimsThis article critically reviews the key epidemiology concerning heart rate and cardiovascular risk, potential mechanisms through which an elevated resting heart rate may be disadvantageous and evaluates clinical trial outcomes associated with pharmacological reduction in resting heart rate.ConclusionsProspective randomised data from patients with significant coronary heart disease or heart failure suggest that intervention to reduce heart rate in those with a resting heart rate >70 bpm may reduce cardiovascular risk. Given the established observational data and randomised trial evidence, it now appears appropriate to include reduction of elevated resting heart rate by lifestyle +/− pharmacological therapy as part of a secondary prevention strategy in patients with cardiovascular disease.
Consumer behaviour towards counterfeit drugs in a developing country
Authors: Alfadl Abubakr A. , Ibrahim Mohamed Izham M. , Hassali Mohamed A. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Introduction
Availability of counterfeit drugs is increasing, especially in developing countries. This fact makes it critical to develop new measures that can help to combat this problem.

Objectives
This study was designed to examine the influence of certain factors on consumers' behaviour regarding counterfeit drugs. Specifically, this study investigates consumers' intention to purchase counterfeit drugs based on their attitude towards the purchase of counterfeit drugs, subjective norm and motivation.

Method
This study was conducted in a resource limited setting context. A face-to-face structured interview survey methodology was employed to collect data from 1003 subjects. Data were analysed by maximum likelihood estimation procedures using structural equation modelling.

Key findings
Out of a total of 11 proposed hypotheses, only four were significant as expected. All hypotheses related to factors affecting attitude were found to be non-significant and, consequently, attitude towards purchase intention was also found to be non-significant.

Conclusion
The model, which was based on past research and the authors' theoretical considerations, was confirmed. Moreover, using the theory of planned behaviour provided strong contributions towards explaining the demand for counterfeit drugs. This study is among the few, and may indeed be the first, that examines an African country drugs market and provides information and knowledge highly demanded by marketing managers and public health policymakers. It provides an in-depth understanding of Sudanese consumers that can be used in designing more efficient anti-counterfeiting strategies in developing countries.
Proton therapy dose distribution comparison between Monte Carlo and a treatment planning system for pediatric patients with ependymomaa)
Authors: Jia Yingcui , Beltran Chris , Indelicato Daniel J. , Flampouri Stella , Li Zuofeng , Merchant Thomas E. 
Published: July 2012

Purpose: Compare dose distributions for pediatric patients with ependymoma calculated using a Monte Carlo (MC) system and a clinical treatment planning system (TPS).Methods: Plans from ten pediatric patients with ependymoma treated using double scatter proton therapy were exported from the TPS and calculated in our MC system. A field by field comparison of the distal edge (80% and 20%), distal fall off (80% to 20%), field width (50% to 50%), and penumbra (80% to 20%) were examined. In addition, the target dose for the full plan was compared.Results: For the 32 fields from the 10 patients, the average differences of distal edge at 80% and 20% on central axis between MC and TPS are −1.9 ± 1.7 mm (p < 0.001) and −0.6 ± 2.3 mm (p = 0.13), respectively. Excluding the fields that ranged out in bone or an air cavity, the 80% difference was −0.9 ± 1.7 mm (p = 0.09). The negative value indicates that MC was on average shallower than TPS. The average difference of the 63 field widths of the 10 patients is −0.7 ± 1.0 mm (p < 0.001), negative indicating on average the MC had a smaller field width. On average, the difference in the penumbra was 2.3 ± 2.1 mm (p < 0.001). The average of the mean clinical target volume dose differences is −1.8% (p = 0.001), negative indicating a lower dose for MC.Conclusions: Overall, the MC system and TPS gave similar results for field width, the 20% distal edge, and the target coverage. For the 80% distal edge and lateral penumbra, there was slight disagreement; however, the difference was less than 2 mm and occurred primarily in highly heterogeneous areas. These differences highlight that the TPS dose calculation cannot be automatically regarded as correct.
Performance evaluation of x‐ray differential phase contrast computed tomography (PCT) with respect to medical imaging
Authors: Raupach Rainer , Flohr Thomas 
Published: July 2012

Purpose:To evaluate the maximum performance gain that can theoretically be achieved with differential phase contrast computed tomography (PCT) compared with absorption‐based CT, applied toin vivo medical imaging.Methods:We develop a mathematical framework for analyzing the performance of PCT relative to CT under ideal conditions. We validate our model by interpreting the results of published PCT experiments. Finally, we utilize our framework to evaluate the relative performance of PCT versus CT forin vivo medical imaging of the human body, investigating several clinically relevant material contrasts.Results: We show that the performance of PCT relative to CT depends on the ratio of phase contrast and absorption contrast of the examined materials and increases with increasing effective coherence length and increasing spatial resolution. The introduced effective coherence length characterizes an experimental PCT setup; it comprises coherence of the beam as well as properties of the x‐ray interferometer. Whole body medical CT will not benefit from phase‐contrast imaging, because the higher phase contrast is overcompensated by the low coherence lengths of PCT setups with low‐brilliance sources, and by limited spatial resolution. The relative performance of PCT, which is inferior to CT for all examined material contrasts at the resolution level of today's medical CT, can be improved by increasing spatial resolution at the expense of increased patient dose. At the break‐even point of equal performance for PCT and CT, a radiation dose at least 1 order of magnitude higher than today is required. Mammographic CT already operates at higher spatial resolution and may benefit from PCT for some applications in terms of reduced patient dose at equal image quality.Conclusions:Phase‐contrast imaging utilizing low‐brilliance x‐ray sources has limited potential for an application in routine whole body CT. Breast CT, however, may benefit from phase‐contrast imaging. These conclusions are due to fundamental arguments and independent of whether technical issues (quality of gratings, etc.) can be solved. PCT will only be suitable forin vivo medical imaging if x‐ray sources with much better spatial coherence are routinely available.
Tracheostomy in children admitted to paediatric intensive care: Table 1
Authors: Wood Dora , McShane Philip , Davis Peter 
Published: July 2012

PurposeTracheostomy is a common intervention for adults admitted to intensive care; many are performed early and most are percutaneous. Our study aimed to elucidate current practice and indications for children in the UK admitted to paediatric intensive care and undergoing tracheostomy.DesignA questionnaire covering unit guidelines, practice, and the advantages and disadvantages of tracheostomy was sent to all UK paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) participating in the Paediatric Intensive Care Audit Network (PICANet). These results were combined with data from PICANet on all children in the UK reported to have had a tracheostomy performed during a PICU admission between 2005 and 2009 inclusive.ResultsOver 5 years, 1613 children had tracheostomies performed during their PICU admission (2.05% of all admissions). The death rate was 5.58% with tracheostomy versus 4.72% overall, but differences were not significant when risk-adjusted using the Paediatric Index of Mortality 2 (PIM2). All 29 units participating in PICANet responded to the survey. Prolonged invasive ventilation was an indication for tracheostomy in 25/29 units, but the definition varied between 14 and 90 days, and most respondents considered timing on an individual basis. Children undergoing tracheostomy during PICU admission account for 9% of PICU bed days in the UK.ConclusionsIn contrast with current adult UK practice, tracheostomy for children admitted to intensive care is infrequent, performed late following admission and usually surgical. Practice varies significantly. The death rate for children having a tracheostomy performed was not significantly higher than for children admitted to PICU who did not undergo tracheostomy.
Association between socioeconomic status and self-reported diabetes in India: a cross-sectional multilevel analysis
Authors: Corsi Daniel J , Subramanian S V 
Published: July 2012

ObjectivesTo quantify the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and type 2 diabetes in India.DesignNationally representative cross-sectional household survey.SettingUrban and rural areas across 29 states in India.Participants168 135 survey respondents aged 18–49 years (women) and 18–54 years (men).Primary outcome measureSelf-reported diabetes status.ResultsMarkers of SES were social caste, household wealth and education. The overall prevalence of self-reported diabetes was 1.5%; this increased to 1.9% and 2.5% for those with the highest levels of education and household wealth, respectively. In multilevel logistic regression models (adjusted for age, gender, religion, marital status and place of residence), education (OR 1.87 for higher education vs no education) and household wealth (OR 4.04 for richest quintile vs poorest) were positively related to self-reported diabetes (p<0.0001). In a fully adjusted model including all socioeconomic variables and body mass index, household wealth emerged as positive and statistically significant with an OR for self-reported diabetes of 2.58 (95% credible interval (CrI): 1.99 to 3.40) for the richest quintile of household wealth versus the poorest. Nationally in India, a one-quintile increase in household wealth was associated with an OR of 1.31 (95% CrI 1.20 to 1.42) for self-reported diabetes. This association was consistent across states with the relationship found to be positive in 97% of states (28 of 29) and statistically significant in 69% (20 of 29 states).ConclusionsThe authors found that the highest SES groups in India appear to be at greatest risk for type 2 diabetes. This raises important policy implications for addressing the disease burdens among the poor versus those among the non-poor in the context of India, where >40% of the population is living in poverty.