bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of soybean proteins on gluten depolymerization during mixing and resting
Authors: Pérez Gabriela T , Ribotta Pablo D , Steffolani María E , León Alberto E 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: Gluten and soy proteins interact as a consequence of dough mixing; however, there is no evidence of the effect of soy protein on gluten depolymerization. The aim of this study was to assess the depolymerizing effect of soy protein on gluten network after mixing and resting of mixed doughs. Therefore, the changes in glutenin macropolymer (GMP) content, protein composition and free sulfhydryl content were evaluated.RESULTS: The protein profile from gluten–soybean blends, obtained by multistacking SDS‐PAGE, showed differences when compared to gluten profile. Soy and gluten proteins were extracted together with SDS buffer, which showed that soy proteins remained associated to insoluble wheat proteins even after hand‐washing the dough to obtain gluten. GMP content was determined to analyze the effect of soy protein on GMP gel formation. Protein content of GMP obtained from flour mixes and doughs was increased by inactive soy flour because soy proteins became insoluble and precipitated together with GMP. Active soy flour decreased GMP content due to gluten depolymerization.CONCLUSION: Soy proteins were associated to wheat protein through physical interaction and covalent and non‐covalent bonds during mixing and resting. These interactions produced large and medium‐size polymers. This fact increased SDS solubility of insoluble gluten proteins, producing a weakening of the gluten network. Physicochemical status of soy protein in the product had a great influence on how wheat–soy proteins interact. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
The Kneser relation and the Hilbert pairing in multidimensional local field
Authors: Lai K. F. , Vostokov S. V. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractWe generalize the Kneser relation to multidimensional local fields and use it to obtain an explicit formula for the Hilbert pairing of multidimensional local fields directly from the definition of the pairing. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Topological Electronegativity Index and Its Application 2. Enthalpies of Formation for Monosubstituted Alkanes RX
Authors: Cao Chenzhong 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe enthalpy of formation of monosubstituted alkane RX was divided into three contributions of alkyl group R, substituent X, and the interaction between the R and X. The Topological Electronegativity Index (TEI) of alkyl group R and the electronegativity χx of substituent X were used to quantify the interaction between the R and X. Combining this interaction with other parameters proposed by Cao (J. Mol. Struct. Theochem. 2005, 728, 85–92), a new general expression for estimating the enthalpy of formation of the monosubstituted alkane RX in gas phase (where, X=Cl, Br, I, OH, SH, NO2, CN, NH2, CHO, and COOH) was established. The expression can be used to predict the enthalpy of formation well for the RX with the correlation coefficient r=0.9999 and the standard deviation s=2.59 kJ/mol, and its estimation accuracy is better than that of preceding reported methods. Using the obtained equation, the enthalpies of formation of other sorts of compounds, such as ROMe, RSMe, RCOMe, and RCOOMe, were predicted, and the predicted values are in good agreement with the experimental ones.
(+)‐Methamphetamine increases corticosterone in plasma and BDNF in brain more than forced swim or isolation in neonatal rats
Authors: Grace Curtis E. , Schaefer Tori L. , Herring Nicole R. , Skelton Matthew R. , McCrea Anne E. , Vorhees Charles V. , Williams Michael T. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract(+)‐Methamphetamine (MA) administered on postnatal days (P) 11–15 (four times/day) results in increased corticosterone that overlaps the stress hyporesponsive period (SHRP; P2–14) and leads to later learning and memory deficits. Elevated corticosterone during the SHRP results in neurotrophin changes and long‐term effects on learning. We determined whether two known stressors could mimic the effects of MA [10 (mg/kg)/dose] administration in neonatal rats. Stressors were four 15‐min sessions of forced swim or isolation (confinement in forced swim tubes without water). Saline and weighed‐only controls were included and all five treatments were represented within each litter. Corticosterone in plasma and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in neostriatum and hippocampus were examined after one or four treatments on P11 or P15 (0.5, 1.75, 6.5, or 24 h after first dose). MA increased corticosterone and BDNF; forced swim and isolation also increased corticosterone, but to a lesser extent than MA, and neither stressor increased BDNF. NGF was unaffected by saline treatment, but there was a minor reduction in NGF in the forced swim group compared with the weighed‐only group. The data show that MA is more potent at releasing corticosterone and increasing BDNF than short‐term, repeated episodes of forced swim or isolation. The possible relationship between these changes and the long‐term cognitive effects of developmental MA administration are discussed. Synapse 62:110–121, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of Three‐Dimensional Vision in Laparoscopic Training
Authors: Votanopoulos Konstantinos , Brunicardi F. Charles , Thornby John , Bellows Charles F. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackgroundSimulators are being used to teach laparoscopic skills before residents get to the operating room. It is unknown whether the use of three‐dimensional (3D) vision will facilitate laparoscopic training. Therefore, our objective was to compare the effectiveness of using 3D imaging over the traditional two‐dimensional (2D) imaging to teach laparoscopic simulator skills to novice individuals and assess whether 3D imaging ameliorates laparoscopic performance for surgeons who have already adapted to working within a 2D surgical environment.MethodsThis prospective study involved 36 surgical residents and students. Inexperienced participants included medical students and first‐ and second‐year surgical residents (n = 25). Experienced participants included third‐ and fifth‐year surgical residents (n = 11). Participants were tested on six laparoscopic skills using 2D or 3D imaging systems and then retested about 3 months later using the opposing imaging system. Evaluation of performance was based on the time elapsed to task completion and the errors committed during that time.ResultsThe experienced participants performed better than the inexperienced participants regardless of the imaging system. Inexperienced participants initially tested using 2D imaging required significantly more time and/or made more errors to complete five of the six laparoscopic tasks compared to those initially tested using 3D imaging (p < 0.05). After initial testing on 3D imaging, inexperienced participants retested using 2D imaging performed significantly better on five of six tasks compared to the scores of inexperienced participants initially tested on 2D imaging (p < 0.05). In contrast, the inexperienced participants’ retested on 3D after initial 2D imaging did not improve on any laparoscopic task compared to the scores of inexperienced participants initially tested on 3D imaging. Among the experienced participants, no significant difference in time or errors to task completion was observed under 2D imaging compared to 3D imaging during the first or second testing session.ConclusionsOur study indicates that 3D imaging offers significant advantages in the teaching of laparoscopic skills to inexperienced individuals.
Outcomes of Surgical Management of Total Colonic Aganglionosis
Authors: Choe E. K. , Moon S. B. , Kim H. Y. , Lee S. C. , Park K. W. , Jung S. E. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess the long‐term clinical outcomes and bowel function of patients with total colonic aganglionosis (TCA) after surgery.MethodsThe hospital records of 17 TCA patients treated surgically during 1985 to 2004 were reviewed. Long‐term follow‐up was done by telephone interviews with the parents.ResultsPrimary enterostomy was performed in 13 (76%) patients. In three (17%) patients, TCA was not suspected initially. They underwent conservative surgery primarily, which required a second operation soon after. One had transverse colectomy with ileostomy. By pathologic review, nine (53%) patients had small bowel involvement of aganglionosis. Six (35%) patients died before corrective surgery. They all had extensive small bowel involvement. Among 11 patients who had a corrective operation, 10 were treated with Martin’s procedure. Long‐term (mean 74 months) follow‐up was available in seven patients, and the mean weight‐for‐age percentiles was 27.1% (range 5–50%), the frequency of defecation was three to five times a day in four patients (57%), one or two times a day in two patients (28%), and more than five times a day in one patient (15%).ConclusionsTCA is difficult to diagnose; but once it is diagnosed correctly and treated by corrective surgery, outcomes seem promising. Martin’s operation brought about a good outcome and enabled patients to have acceptable bowel habits. The prognosis is highly dependent on the extent of aganglionosis.
Can Local Secretion of Prostaglandin E2, Thromboxane B2, and Interleukin‐6 Play a Role in Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
Authors: Cheuk Bernice L. Y. , Cheng Stephen W. K. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackgroundOur laboratory has previously shown that the levels of secreted prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), Thromboxane B2 (TxB2), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) by aortic explant cultures were high in patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). In the present study, we sought to examine the secretory levels of these inflammatory mediators in aortic explant cultured from a group of AAAs rupturing at a certain size and a group that did not rupture at that size. It was thought that such a comparison might reveal the contribution of those inflammatory mediators to the risk of AAA rupture.Materials and methodsAll subjects had abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans to determine the size of the aneurysm, and surgical aortic tissue was collected from both nonruptured AAAs (18 with a mean size of 6 + 0.5 cm [range: 5–7 cm] and 12 with a mean size of 8 + 0.1 cm [range: 7.01–10 cm]) and ruptured AAAs (10 with a mean size of 5.8 + 0.3 cm [range: 5–7 cm] and 10 with a mean size of 7.8 + 0.1 cm [range: 7.01–10 cm]). Aortic explant cultures from different sizes of aneurysms were immediately established and the culture media were collected 72 h later.ResultsThe levels of PGE2, TxB2, and IL‐6 secreted in the cultured medium were quantified by specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The secretary levels of PGE2, TxB2, and IL‐6 were significantly higher in ruptured AAAs than in nonruptured AAAs of similar diameter. However, there was no correlation between these three inflammatory mediators and the size of AAA.ConclusionsThis study shows that these inflammatory mediators may play a role in the progression toward rupture but may not be responsible for the expansion of AAA.
The role of specialist parasites in structuring host communities
Authors: Fenton Andy , Brockhurst Michael A. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractNatural enemies can be a powerful force when structuring natural communities, and in facilitating or preventing species coexistence depending on the nature of the trophic interaction. In particular, “keystone” predators can promote species coexistence, provided they preferentially attack the competitively dominant species. However, it is not clear whether parasites can play a similar structuring role; parasites typically form chronic associations with their victims, reducing their fitness (i.e., fecundity) rather than survival, and allowing infected hosts to remain viable competitors within the community. Therefore the density‐dependent suppression of the host is likely to be more subtle than that due to predation. Using a series of simple population‐dynamic models we show that specialist parasites can facilitate species coexistence, although possibly less so than predators. These results contrast with those typically found with models of generalist parasites, which can reduce the likelihood of species coexistence through apparent competition. In addition, we show that the likelihood of parasite‐facilitated species coexistence depends greatly on the specific type of parasite. In particular, macroparasites (e.g., parasitic helminths) may be less likely to facilitate species coexistence than microparasites (e.g., viruses or bacteria) due to their typically highly aggregated distribution amongst their hosts. Furthermore, species coexistence is more likely if the parasite is relatively benign to its host. Parasitism by apparently “harmless” specialist parasites may provide an important but overlooked factor in the maintenance of species diversity, facilitating species invasions into new communities and the emergence of novel infectious diseases.
Adherence, adaptation and acceptance of elderly chronic heart failure patients to receiving healthcare via telephone‐monitoring
Authors: Clark Robyn A. , Yallop Julie J. , Piterman Leon , Croucher Joanne , Tonkin Andrew , Stewart Simon , Krum Henry ,   CHAT Study Team
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackgroundAlthough the potential to reduce hospitalisation and mortality in chronic heart failure (CHF) is well reported, the feasibility of receiving healthcare by structured telephone support or telemonitoring is not.AimsTo determine; adherence, adaptation and acceptability to a national nurse‐coordinated telephone‐monitoring CHF management strategy. The Chronic Heart Failure Assistance by Telephone Study (CHAT).MethodsTriangulation of descriptive statistics, feedback surveys and qualitative analysis of clinical notes. Cohort comprised of standard care plus intervention (SC+I) participants who completed the first year of the study.Results30 GPs (70% rural) randomised to SC+I recruited 79 eligible participants, of whom 60 (76%) completed the full 12month follow‐up period. During this time 3619 calls were made into the CHAT system (mean 45.81 SD±79.26, range 0−369), Overall there was an adherence to the study protocol of 65.8% (95% CI 0.54−0.75; p=0.001) however, of the 60 participants who completed the 12month follow‐up period the adherence was significantly higher at 92.3% (95% CI 0.82−0.97, p≤0.001). Only 3% of this elderly group (mean age 74.7±9.3years) were unable to learn or competently use the technology. Participants rated CHAT with a total acceptability rate of 76.45%.ConclusionThis study shows that elderly CHF patients can adapt quickly, find telephone‐monitoring an acceptable part of their healthcare routine, and are able to maintain good adherence for a least 12months.
Mechanistic insight into the functional and toxic effects of Strophanthidin in the failing human myocardium
Authors: von Lewinski Dirk , Bisping Egbert , Elgner Andreas , Kockskämper Jens , Pieske Burkert 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackgroundCardiac glycosides are characterized by a narrow therapeutic range with Ca2+‐overload and arrhythmias occurring at higher concentrations. Data on cardiac glycosides in isolated failing human myocardium are scarce and the frequency‐dependent actions and toxicity of Strophanthidin have not yet been characterized.AimsTo determine inotropic responses and toxicity of Strophanthidin in failing human myocardium.Methods and resultsExperiments were performed in trabeculae from 64 end‐stage failing hearts. Developed force, and intracellular [Ca2+]i and [Na+]i were recorded with Strophanthidin (0.01 to 1 μmol/L; 37°C, 1 Hz) and compared to interventions with distinct mechanisms of action (elevated [Ca2+]o, Isoproterenol, and EMD57033). The effects of Strophanthidin on force–frequency behaviour were also assessed.Strophanthidin exerted concentration‐dependent positive inotropic effects. These were paralleled by increases in intracellular [Na+] as well as increasing [Ca2+]i‐transients and SR‐Ca2+‐load. At high concentrations (>0.5 μmol/L), Strophanthidin caused afterglimmers and aftercontractions, with declining developed force despite further increasing [Ca2+]i‐transients. The force–frequency‐relationship and diastolic function at higher pacing rates was worsened by Strophanthidin in a concentration‐dependent manner.ConclusionsStrophanthidin toxicity was dependent on concentration, calcium load, beating rate and β‐adrenergic receptor activation. Our data support the view that low doses, heart rate control and additional β‐adrenergic receptor blockade are essential in the use of cardiac glycosides in heart failure.
Comparison of the beneficial effect of beta‐blockers on mortality in patients with ischaemic or non‐ischaemic systolic heart failure: A meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Fauchier Laurent , Pierre Bertrand , de Labriolle Axel , Babuty Dominique 
Published: November 2007

AbstractMechanisms by which beta‐blockers bring benefit may differ according to the aetiology of heart failure (HF). It is uncertain whether the magnitude of the benefit of beta‐blockers is the same in ischaemic or non‐ischaemic HF.MethodsWe performed a systematic review of all randomised, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐design trials of beta‐blockers in HF that collected data on mortality during follow‐up.ResultsAmong 26 randomised trials comparing beta‐blockers with placebo in HF, 4 studies with 7250 patients provided information on the number of patients who died during follow‐up in subgroups of ischaemic and non‐ischaemic aetiology of HF. Two studies were performed with bisoprolol, one with carvedilol and one with metoprolol. HF was associated with ischaemic aetiology in 4746/7250 patients (65%) and non‐ischaemic aetiology in 2504/7250 patients (35%). Mortality occurred in 301 patients. The risk ratio (RR) for beta‐blockers versus placebo was 0.62 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52−0.75, p<0.00001) in ischaemic HF, compared with a RR of 0.62 (95% CI 0.45−0.84, p=0.002) in the presence of non‐ischaemic HF.ConclusionThe magnitude of the prognostic benefit conferred by beta‐blockers for overall mortality in non‐ischaemic HF appears to be very similar to that in ischaemic HF.
EARLY COLONIAL INDIA BEYOND EMPIRE
Authors: WILSON JON E. 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTSince 1947, the relationship between Indian society and the British empire has provided the most important frame of reference for scholars writing about the history of modern India. India is often treated merely as an exemplar of the colonial condition. As a result, scholars have failed properly to examine modern India's participation in global processes of historical change, and been reluctant adequately to ‘provincialize’ Europe. This review argues that historians need to move beyond this imperial frame of reference if they are to explain the transition to, or characteristics of, British rule in the subcontinent. Placing modern India in a broader comparative context allows one to see how the colonial subcontinent participated in an uneven but broadly comparative set of processes which occurred across Asia as well as Europe in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. There are, for example, important parallels between the process of active state-, economy-, and culture-formation occurring in France, Germany, and India in the nineteenth century, for example. This comparative approach would not denigrate the importance of ‘colonialism’ as an analytical category. It might, though, allow historians to produce a more satisfying interpretation of the difference between colonial and non-colonial states and societies.
Specific effects of ecstasy and other illicit drugs on cognition in poly-substance users
Authors: Schilt T. , Win M. M. L. de , Jager G. , Koeter M. W. , Ramsey N. F. , Schmand B. , van den Brink W. 
Published: November 2007

BackgroundA large number of studies, reviews and meta-analyses have reported cognitive deficits in ecstasy users. However most ecstasy users are polydrug users, and therefore it cannot be excluded that these deficits are (partly) the result of drugs other than ecstasy. The current study, part of the Netherlands XTC Toxicity (NeXT) study, investigates the specific sustained effects of ecstasy relative to amphetamine, cocaine and cannabis on the brain using neuropsychological examination.MethodA stratified sample of 67 subjects with such a variation in type and amount of drug use was included that correlations between the consumption of the various drugs were relatively low allowing stepwise linear multiple regression analyses to differentiate between the effects of ecstasy and those of other substances. Subjects were assessed with neuropsychological tests measuring attention, working memory, verbal and visuospatial memory, and visuospatial ability.ResultsEcstasy use [mean 327 (s.d.=364) tablets in lifetime] had a specific significant dose-related negative effect on verbal delayed recall after adjusting for the use of other drugs.ConclusionsThese findings strongly suggest a specific sustained negative effect of ecstasy use on verbal memory. The clinical relevance is not immediately clear, because test performance generally remained within the normal range. However the magnitude of the effect is substantial (d>0.5) and long-term consequences cannot be excluded.
Rotavirus infections and climate variability in Dhaka, Bangladesh: a time-series analysis
Authors: HASHIZUME M. , ARMSTRONG B. , WAGATSUMA Y. , FARUQUE A. S. G. , HAYASHI T. , SACK D. A. 
Published: November 2007

SUMMARYAttempts to explain the clear seasonality of rotavirus infections have been made by relating disease incidence to climate factors; however, few studies have disentangled the effects of weather from other factors that might cause seasonality. We investigated the relationships between hospital visits for rotavirus diarrhoea and temperature, humidity and river level, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, using time-series analysis adjusting for other confounding seasonal factors. There was strong evidence for an increase in rotavirus diarrhoea at high temperatures, by 40·2% for each 1°C increase above a threshold (29°C). Relative humidity had a linear inverse relationship with the number of cases of rotavirus diarrhoea. River level, above a threshold (4·8 m), was associated with an increase in cases of rotavirus diarrhoea, by 5·5% per 10-cm river-level rise. Our findings provide evidence that factors associated with high temperature, low humidity and high river-level increase the incidence of rotavirus diarrhoea in Dhaka.