bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arrhythmias in the paediatric intensive care unit: a prospective study of the rates and predictors of arrhythmias in children without underlying cardiac disease
Authors: Cassel-Choudhury Gina N. , Aydin Scott I. , Toedt-Pingel Iris , Ushay H. Michael , Killinger James S. , Cohen Hillel W. , Ceresnak Scott R.
Published: December 2014

Objective

Arrhythmias are common in patients admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit. We sought to identify the rates of occurrence and types of arrhythmias, and determine whether an arrhythmia was associated with illness severity and paediatric intensive care unit length of stay.

Design

This is a prospective, observational study of all patients admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore from March to June 2012. Patients with cardiac disease or admitted for the treatment of primary arrhythmias were excluded. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and telemetry was reviewed daily. Tachyarrhythmias were identified as supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, and arrhythmias causing haemodynamic compromise or for which an intervention was performed.

Results

A total of 278 patients met the inclusion criteria and were analysed. There were 97 incidences of arrhythmia in 53 patients (19%) and six tachyarrhythmias (2%). The most common types of arrhythmias were junctional rhythm (38%), premature atrial contractions (24%), and premature ventricular contractions (22%). Tachyarrhythmias included three supraventricular tachycardia (50%) and three ventricular tachycardia (50%). Of the six tachyarrhythmias, four were related to placement or migration of central venous lines and two occurred during aminophylline infusion. Patients with an arrhythmia had longer duration of mechanical ventilation and paediatric intensive care unit stay (p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, central venous lines (odds ratio 3.1; 95% confidence interval 1.3–7.2, p=0.009) and aminophylline use (odds ratio 5.1; 95% confidence interval 1.7–14.9, p=0.003) were independent predictors for arrhythmias.

Conclusions

Arrhythmias were common in paediatric intensive care unit patients (19%), although tachyarrhythmias occurred rarely (2%). Central venous lines and use of aminophylline were identified as two clinical factors that may be associated with development of an arrhythmia.
Association between household food access insecurity and nutritional status indicators among children aged <5 years in Nepal: results from a national, cross-sectional household survey
Authors: Sreeramareddy Chandrashekhar T , Ramakrishnareddy N , Subramaniam Mayoori
Published: December 2014

Objective

To examine the association between household food insecurity score and Z-scores of childhood nutritional status indicators.

Design

Population-based, cross-sectional survey, Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2011.

Setting

A nationally representative sample of 11 085 households selected by a two-stage, stratified cluster sampling design to interview eligible men and women.

Subjects

Children (n 2591) aged 0–60 months in a sub-sample of households selected for men’s interview.

Results

Prevalence of moderate and severe household food insecurity was 23·2 % and 19·0 %, respectively, for children aged 0–60 months. Weighted prevalence rates for stunting (height-for-age Z-score (HAZ) <−2), wasting (weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) <−2) and underweight (weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ) <−2) were 41·6 % (95 % CI 38·9, 44·3 %), 11·5 % (95 % CI 9·8, 13·2 %) and 30·1 % (95 % CI 27·5, 32·8 %), respectively. Prevalences of stunting, severe stunting (HAZ<−3) and underweight by level of household food insecurity were statistically significant (P<0·001). By multiple linear regression analyses and after adjustment for sociodemographic, child and environmental factors, household food access insecurity score was associated with HAZ (β=−0·02, P=0·01) and WAZ (β=−0·01, P=0·01) but was not associated with WHZ and BMI-for-age Z-score. A 10-point increase in household food access insecurity score was associated with a decrease in HAZ of 0·2 (95 % CI 0·05, 0·39) and decrease in WAZ of 0·1 (95 % CI 0·03, 0·27).

Conclusions

Our results from a nationally representative sample confirm the previously reported association of household food insecurity with stunting and underweight. Community nutrition interventions may use household food insecurity scales for identifying those households where children may be at risk of growth faltering.
Supramolecular self-assembled nanoparticles for chemo-photodynamic dual therapy against cisplatin resistant cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Yi , Sun Jing-Hua , Tan Cai-Ping , Ji Liang-Nian , Mao Zong-Wan
Published: December 2014

Supramolecular self-assembled nanoparticles were constructed to overcome cisplatin resistance using a platinum(iv) prodrug and porphyrin as the host and guest molecules, respectively.
Theoretical study and design of multifunctional phosphorescent platinum(ii) complexes containing triarylboron moieties for efficient OLED emitters
Authors: Wu Yong , Shan Guo-Gang , Li Hai-Bin , Wu Shui-Xing , Ren Xin-Yao , Geng Yun , Su Zhong-Min
Published: December 2014

TD-DFT including SOC calculations were employed to evaluated the ΦPL of phosphorescence OLED emitters.
Anion complexation, transport and structural studies of a series of bis-methylurea compounds
Authors: Olivari Martina , Montis Riccardo , Karagiannidis Louise E. , Horton Peter N. , Mapp Lucy K. , Coles Simon J. , Light Mark E. , Gale Philip A. , Caltagirone Claudia
Published: December 2014

A new family of bis-methylureas have been synthesised and their ability to bind anions both in solution and in the solid state and to transport them through lipid membrane have been studied.
Grafting {Cp*Rh}2+ on the surface of Nb and Ta Lindqvist-type POM
Authors: Abramov P. A. , Sokolov M. N. , Virovets A. V. , Floquet S. , Haouas M. , Taulelle F. , Cadot E. , Vicent C. , Fedin V. P.
Published: December 2014

Structure of a new hybrid organometallic-pom complex [trans-{Cp*Rh}2M6O19]4− (M = Nb, Ta).
Co3O4 nanoparticles decorated carbon nanofiber mat as binder-free air-cathode for high performance rechargeable zinc-air batteries
Authors: Li Bing , Ge Xiaoming , Goh F. W. Thomas , Hor T. S. Andy , Geng Dongsheng , Du Guojun , Liu Zhaolin , Zhang Jie , Liu Xiaogang , Zong Yun
Published: December 2014

A facile method is developed for the fabrication of Co3O4 nanoparticles decorated carbon nanofibers, which enable significant improvement of rechargeable Zn-air batteries with respect to rate capability, cycling stability and energy density.
Multicomponent one-pot synthesis of highly-functionalized pyrrole-3-carbonitriles in aqueous medium and their computational study
Authors: Pagadala Ramakanth , Kommidi Devendar Reddy , Kankala Shravankumar , Maddila Suresh , Singh Parvesh , Moodley Brenda , Koorbanally N. A. , Jonnalagadda Sreekantha B.
Published: December 2014

A one-pot protocol involving four-components in water is developed to synthesize functionalized pyrroles.
Developing piperine towards TRPV1 and GABAA receptor ligands – synthesis of piperine analogs via Heck-coupling of conjugated dienes
Authors: Wimmer Laurin , Schönbauer David , Pakfeifer Peter , Schöffmann Angela , Khom Sophia , Hering Steffen , Mihovilovic Marko D.
Published: December 2014

Synthetic analogs of piperine, the pungent alkaloid of black pepper, were identified as selective ligands for either GABAA or TRPV1 receptors.
Semi-crystalline terpolymers with varying chain sequence structures derived from CO2, cyclohexene oxide and ε-caprolactone: one-step synthesis catalyzed by tri-zinc complexes
Authors: Xu Yonghang , Wang Shuanjin , Lin Limiao , Xiao Min , Meng Yuezhong
Published: December 2014

Novel semi-crystalline terpolymers with varying chain sequence structures derived from cyclohexene oxide (CHO), CO2 and ε-caprolactone (CL) were synthesized and reported.
A Langmuir-like desorption model for reflecting the inhomogeneous pore structure of coal and its experimental verification
Authors: Jiang Haina , Cheng Yuanping , Yuan Liang
Published: December 2014

A Langmuir-like model was established to describe the desorption kinetics of methane in coal with inhomogeneous pore structure.
Preparation and characterization of SiO2/BiOX (X = Cl, Br, I) films with high visible-light activity
Authors: Shen Fan , Zhou Li , Shi Jiajia , Xing Mingyang , Zhang Jinlong
Published: December 2014

SiO2/BiOX (X = Cl, Br, I) thin films with layered structures were prepared using a convenient sol–gel method. The films show a high and stable photocatalytic activity under visible-light irradiation.
In(OTf)3-catalyzed synthesis of 2-styryl quinolines: scope and limitations of metal Lewis acids for tandem Friedländer annulation–Knoevenagel condensation
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Kumar Asim , Qadri Mohammad Mohsin , Ansari Md. Imam , Gautam Abhishek , Chakraborti Asit K.
Published: December 2014

Investigation of metal Lewis acids for one-pot tandem Friedländer annulation–Knoevenagel condensation and exploration of In(OTf)3for synthesis of 2-styryl quinolines.
A noble-metal-free photocatalytic hydrogen production system based on cobalt(iii) complex and eosin Y-sensitized TiO2
Authors: Yin Mingcai , Ma Shuang , Wu Chaojun , Fan Yaoting
Published: December 2014

With CoL2 as cocatalyst and eosin Y as sensitizer, the noble-metal-free heterogeneous CoL2/TiO2 system shows much efficient and more stable hydrogen evolution activity than that of the homogeneous system under visible light irradiation.
Silver nano-dendritic crystal film: a rapid dehydration SERS substrate of totally new concept
Authors: Feng Chao , Zhao Yan , Jiang Yijian
Published: December 2014

This work provides a rapid dehydration SERS substrate with the potential of rapid, convenient and real-time SERS detection for practical application.
Novel synergistic combinations of amphiphilic fatty acid derivatives for high-performance rubber–organoclay nanocomposites
Authors: Ahn Dae Up , Jeon Jun-Bae , Kim Seong-Jin
Published: December 2014

Synergistic binary combinations of fatty acid derivatives have remarkably enhanced the performance of a rubber–organoclay nanocomposite.
A layered porous ZrO2/RGO composite as sulfur host for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Wan Chunying , Wu Wangliang , Wu Chuxin , Xu Jiaoxing , Guan Lunhui
Published: December 2014

The novel structure of ZrO2@RGO composite provide a layered porous framework for sulfur cathode.
Bienzymatically crosslinked gelatin/hyaluronic acid interpenetrating network hydrogels: preparation and characterization
Authors: Fan Zhiping , Zhang Yemin , Fang Shuo , Xu Chen , Li Xinsong
Published: December 2014

The bienzymatically crosslinked IPN hydrogels composed of gelatin/hyaluronic acid have excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties.
Hydrophilic molecularly imprinted polymers for selective recognition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in aqueous media
Authors: Wei Wenchao , Liang Rongning , Wang Zhuo , Qin Wei
Published: December 2014

A hydrophilic molecularly imprinted polymer (H-MIP) for phenanthrene has been synthesized with higher selectivity in aqueous solution than the traditional MIP.
Hyper swollen perfluorinated smectic liquid crystal by perfluorinated oils
Authors: Murase Masatsugu , Takanishi Yoichi , Nishiyama Isa , Yoshizawa Atsushi , Yamamoto Jun
Published: December 2014

We studied the hyper-swollen behavior of a perfluorinated smectic liquid crystal, 11-(4′-cyanobiphenyl-4-yloxy)undecyl pentadecafluorooctanoate (BI), through addition of perfluorinated oils.
Single reactor deposition of silicon/tungsten oxide core–shell heterostructure nanowires with controllable structure and optical properties
Authors: Chong Su Kong , Dee Chang Fu , Rahman Saadah Abdul
Published: December 2014

Single reactor deposited crystalline Si/WO3 core–shell nanowires showed superior optical absorption and enhanced photocurrent conversion.
Amidinoquinoxaline N-oxides as novel spin traps
Authors: Gruber Nadia , Piehl Lidia L. , Rubin de Celis Emilio , Díaz Jimena E. , García María B. , Stipa Pierluigi , Orelli Liliana R.
Published: December 2014

A series of nitrones were synthesized and tested as novel spin traps. The adducts generated by CH3 addition showed remarkably persistent signals. Their EPR features and kinetics were rationalised by DFT and MP2 calculations.
Topochemical conversion of a dense metal–organic framework from a crystalline insulator to an amorphous semiconductor
Authors: Tominaka S. , Hamoudi H. , Suga T. , Bennett T. D. , Cairns A. B. , Cheetham A. K.
Published: December 2014

A dense, insulating metal–organic framework (MOF), is successfully converted into a semiconducting amorphous MOF via a topochemical route.
Solid oxide fuel cells fueled with reduced Fe/Ti oxide
Authors: Mirzababaei Jelvehnaz , Fan Liang-Shih , Chuang Steven S. C.
Published: December 2014

Electricity generation via electrochemical oxidation–reduction cycles of Fe/Ti oxide in direct contact with the SOFC anode.
In vitro and in vivo assessments of a 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid bioconjugated gelatin-based injectable hydrogel for biomedical applications
Authors: Thirupathi Kumara Raja S. , Thiruselvi T. , Aravindhan R. , Mandal Asit Baran , Gnanamani A.
Published: December 2014

A novel bioconjugated injectable hydrogel with multifunctional properties for wound healing and drug delivery: a biomimetic adhesive material.
Does Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Have Advantages over Posterolateral Lumbar Fusion for Degenerative Spondylolisthesis?
Authors: Fujimori Takahito , Le Hai , Schairer William W. , Berven Sigurd H. , Qamirani Erion , Hu Serena S.
Published: December 2014

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective

To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF) in the treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis.

Methods

This study compared 24 patients undergoing TLIF and 32 patients undergoing PLF with instrumentation. The clinical outcomes were assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) for low back pain and leg pain, physical component summary (PCS) of the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey, and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Radiographic parameters included slippage of the vertebra, local disk lordosis, the anterior and posterior disk height, lumbar lordosis, and pelvic parameters.

Results

The improvement of VAS of leg pain was significantly greater in TLIF than in PLF unilaterally (3.4 versus 1.0; p = 0.02). The improvement of VAS of low back pain was significantly greater in TLIF than in PLF (3.8 versus 2.2; p = 0.02). However, there was no significant difference in improvement of ODI or PCS between TLIF and PLF. Reduction of slippage and the postoperative disk height was significantly greater in TLIF than in PLF. There was no significant difference in local disk lordosis, lumbar lordosis, or pelvic parameters. The fusion rate was 96% in TLIF and 84% in PLF ( p = 0.3). There was no significant difference in fusion rate, estimated blood loss, adjacent segmental degeneration, or complication rate.

Conclusions

TLIF was superior to PLF in reduction of slippage and restoring disk height and might provide better improvement of leg pain. However, the health-related outcomes were not significantly different between the two procedures.
Coexistence of colossal stress and texture gradients in sputter deposited nanocrystalline ultra-thin metal films
Authors: Kuru Yener , Welzel Udo , Mittemeijer Eric J.
Published: December 2014

This paper demonstrates experimentally that ultra-thin, nanocrystalline films can exhibit coexisting colossal stress and texture depth gradients. Their quantitative determination is possible by X-ray diffraction experiments. Whereas a uniform texture by itself is known to generally cause curvature in so-called sin2ψ plots, it is shown that the combined action of texture and stress gradients provides a separate source of curvature in sin2ψ plots (i.e., even in cases where a uniform texture does not induce such curvature). On this basis, the texture and stress depth profiles of a nanocrystalline, ultra-thin (50 nm) tungsten film could be determined.
Changes in behaviour, milk production and bodyweight in beef cows subjected to two-step or abrupt weaning
Authors: Ungerfeld R. , Hötzel M. J. , Quintans G.
Published: December 2014

The objective was to compare the behavioural and productive response of cows to either abrupt or two-step weaning with nose flaps. Calves were fitted with nose flaps during the 14 days before separation from their dams (NF group); were abruptly and permanently separated (AW group), or remained as non-weaned controls (NW group). The behaviour of the cows was recorded before and after nose-flap insertion and permanent separation. Milk yield and composition were determined. After permanent separation, milk yield of NW cows was greater than that of NF and AW cows. AW cows paced and vocalised more than NF and NW cows, and NF cows more times than NW cows. The two-step weaning method with nose flaps was positive for the wellbeing of cows, as it reduced the main behavioural changes that indicate distress and decreased the bodyweight loss. Weaning, either in one or two steps, decreased milk yield 1 week after permanent separation.
Flammability of litter sampled according to two different methods: comparison of results in laboratory experiments
Authors: Ganteaume Anne , Jappiot Marielle , Curt Thomas , Lampin Corinne , Borgniet Laurent
Published: December 2014

In the laboratory, different types of litter samples (constructed v. intact) can be used in flammability experiments but the sampling method of these litters could affect litter flammability results. To assess this effect, samples of litters were collected in South-eastern France, according to two different methods previously used in other studies, one keeping intact the structure of the litter layers (non-constructed litter) and the other requiring the construction of the litter, using mainly the surface litter layer (constructed litter). The comparison of flammability results showed that the sampling method had a significant effect on litter bulk-density, rate of spread and rate of consumption, intact litter being more flammable than reconstructed litter that was artificially compacted. The type of vegetation had a significant effect on litter depth, ignitability, sustainability, consumability and combustibility (except on rate of spread) and the litter composition could explain in part this fire behaviour. The effect of the construction of litters on flammability parameters and its magnitude also differed according to vegetation types. Intact litter structure appeared to be an important driver of its flammability, especially of combustibility and consumability. The assessment of these flammability components will differ when using constructed litter samples instead of intact litter samples, especially according to vegetation types. Future research on litter flammability should take into account the bias due to the litter sampling method when the litter is constructed.
Morphological Discrimination of Genetically Distinct Chinook Salmon Populations: an Example from California's Central Valley
Authors: Merz Joseph E. , Garrison Thomas M. , Bergman Paul S. , Blankenship Scott , Garza John Carlos
Published: December 2014

AbstractWe compared a length-at-date growth model to truss network (morphometric) models for classifying emigrating juvenile (age 0 through age 1) California Central Valley Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha to three genetically identified races at upstream (salmon generally younger and smaller) and downstream (salmon generally older and larger) monitoring stations. Morphometric models including capture date and head to standard length ratio performed better than the growth model at distinguishing genetically assigned fall-run and late fall-run juveniles; prediction accuracy increased from 54.6% to 63.8% for upstream salmon and from 17% to 73% for downstream salmon. The growth model may over inflate downstream estimates of federally listed Chinook Salmon by misidentifying fall and late-fall runs (nonlisted) as winter and spring runs (both listed) as much as 83% of the time. Morphometric models did not improve run assignment for the listed runs; the growth model outperformed morphometric models at downstream stations. Morphometric models including head shape and sample date had similar accuracy measures to models, including multiple fish measurement ratios, suggesting head shape is the strongest predictor of the juvenile Central Valley Chinook Salmon race. Our results indicate morphometric modeling can improve identification of nonlisted juvenile Central Valley Chinook Salmon from federally listed runs, potentially benefitting monitoring, water management, and protection of sensitive species.

Received May 5, 2014; accepted August 13, 2014
Hydric conditions during incubation influence phenotypes of neonatal reptiles in the field
Authors: Bodensteiner Brooke L. , Mitchell Timothy S. , Strickland Jeramie T. , Janzen Fredric J.
Published: December 2014

Phenotypic variation is strongly impacted by environmental conditions experienced during development. Substantial laboratory research has shown that reptiles with flexible‐shelled eggs are particularly sensitive to hydric conditions, yet research on nests in the wild is sparse.

In this 2‐year field experiment, we explore the influence of hydric conditions during incubation on phenotypic traits of hatchling painted turtles (Chrysemys picta). Using a split‐clutch design, we created two artificial nests adjacent to each maternally selected nest site. Half the eggs incubated in a nest that received regular supplemental watering, while the control nest was exposed to natural precipitation only.

Our results suggest that the influence of the hydric environment on developing reptilian embryos is context dependent. Supplemental water applied to nests in a drier than normal season elicited the expected biotic responses, based on laboratory experiments. However, when the soil surrounding C. picta eggs was already highly moist, the additional water from supplemental application effectively stunted embryonic development.

Our experiment confirms that hydric conditions of the soil during incubation in the wild can substantially influence phenotypic variation of reptiles with flexible‐shelled eggs. Additionally, our experiment highlights the importance of complex interactions in the field that are often unexplored in laboratory experiments, reiterating the importance of validating laboratory work with field experiments.
Modern banking, collection, compatibility testing and storage of blood and blood components
Authors: Green L. , Allard S. , Cardigan R.
Published: December 2014

The clinical practice of blood transfusion has changed considerably over the last few decades. The potential risk of transfusion transmissible diseases has directed efforts towards the production of safe and high quality blood. All transfusion services now operate in an environment of ever‐increasing regulatory controls encompassing all aspects of blood collection, processing and storage. Stringent donor selection, identification of pathogens that can be transmitted through blood, and development of technologies that can enhance the quality of blood, have all led to a substantial reduction in potential risks and complications associated with blood transfusion. In this article, we will discuss the current standards required for the manufacture of blood, starting from blood collection, through processing and on to storage.
Effects of fermented soybean meal on innate immunity‐related gene expressions in nursery pigs acutely challenged with lipopolysaccharides
Authors: Roh Sang‐Gun , Carroll Jeffery A. , Kim Sung Woo
Published: December 2014

This experiment was to determine if replacing soybean meal with fermented soybean meal (FSBM) would reduce the innate immune response after lipopolysaccharide challenge and the changes of gene expression profiles associated with this response. Forty‐eight 21 day‐old pigs were housed individually and fed three diets for 15 days: CON (a diet without FSBM or spray‐dried plasma protein; SDPP), PP7 (a diet with 7% SDPP), and FS10 (a diet with 10% FSBM). Pigs were fitted with a jugular vein catheters receiving lipopolysaccharide challenge (25 μg/kg body weight (BW)) on day 15. Blood was collected for 5 h at 30‐min intervals to measure cortisol. Expressions of gene transcripts in total RNA from leukocytes were compared using an oligonucleotide microarray at 210 min after lipopolysaccharides injection. Cortisol of FS10 was lower (P < 0.05) than CON after lipopolysaccharides challenge. The expression levels of 17 transcripts, including cytosolic glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S‐transferase A4‐4 were increased (P < 0.05), whereas 23 genes including adiponectin, neonatal Fc receptor and tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 5 were decreased (P < 0.05) in FS10. This study suggests that FSBM‐fed pigs can modulate expression of genes related to inflammatory response and anti‐oxidant activity which can be a potential reason for reduced serum cortisol.
Dietary Flavonoids Added to Pharmacological Antihypertensive Therapy are Effective in Improving Blood Pressure
Authors: de Jesús Romero‐Prado Marina María , Curiel‐Beltrán Jesús Aarón , Miramontes‐Espino María Viviana , Cardona‐Muñoz Ernesto Germán , Rios‐Arellano Angeles , Balam‐Salazar Lol‐Be
Published: December 2014

Epidemiological studies have suggested that the daily intake of flavonoids is associated with a decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Our purpose was to evaluate the effect of the addition of dietary flavonoids (DF) to antihypertensive treatment (AHT), based on telmisartan (Tms) or captopril (Cpr), on blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), waist/hip ratio, leptin, lipid profile and inflammation in hypertensive young patients. An open‐label, randomized, controlled trial was performed among 79 patients aged 20–55 years with grade I or grade II systemic arterial hypertension. The subjects were assigned to one of four groups for AHT plus DF during 6 months: Cpr (n = 14), Cpr + DF (n = 19), Tms (n = 25) and Tms + DF (n = 21). DF consisted of dark chocolate, dehydrated red apple and green tea in an infusion to obtain a daily dose of 425.8 ± 13.9 mg epicatechin equivalents. The BP and anthropometric parameters were measured every 2 weeks. Lipid profile, leptin and hsCRP were determined by standard methods. The combination AHT‐DF produced an additional and significant reduction in (i) SBP/DBP of −5/−4 mmHg, being −7/−5 for Cpr + DF and −4/−3 for Tms + DF; (ii) triglyceride levels (−30.6%) versus AHT alone (−9.6%); and (iii) leptin: Cpr + DF versus Tms + DF (p < 0.005). Finally, C‐reactive protein plasma levels were reduced significantly in all groups independently of the applied treatment. We conclude that the addition of flavonoids to pharmacological antihypertensive therapy shows additional benefits on BP, lipid profile, leptin, obesity and inflammation.
Reduced circulating levels of TWEAK are associated with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Simón‐Muela Inmaculada , Llauradó Gemma , Chacón Matilde Rodriguez , Olona Montserrat , Näf Silvia , Maymó‐Masip Elsa , Gil Pilar , de la Flor Miriam , Gonzalez Clemente Jose Miguel , Vendrell Joan , Megía Ana
Published: December 2014

Background

To evaluate the inflammatory axis mediated by tumour necrosis factor‐like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) and its scavenger receptor CD163 during pregnancy and their influence on insulin sensitivity in normal pregnancy and in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Materials and methods

One hundred and thirty seven women with one singleton pregnancy, 71 with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and 66 with GDM were studied. Glucose metabolism was assessed by oral glucose tolerance test. Serum concentrations of soluble TWEAK (sTWEAK) and CD163 (sCD163) and insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR index) were determined in maternal blood drawn at recruitment, in the early third trimester. Offspring weight and height were assessed at birth.

Results

Women with GDM had lower circulating sTWEAK concentrations than control NGT group (237·8 (192·1–301·0) pg/mL vs. 277·2 (206·4–355·7) pg/mL; P = 0·013). sTWEAK was negatively associated with the presence of GDM (r = −0·212; P = 0·013), HOMA‐IR index (r = −0·197; P = 0·021) and ponderal index of the newborn (r = −0·196; P = 0·025), but positively with HDL cholesterol (r = 0·283; P = 0·001). In multiple regression analysis, sTWEAK concentration emerged as one of the main predictors of insulin resistance, along with BMI, triglycerides and low concentrations of HDL cholesterol (R2 = 0·486; P < 0·001). No relationship was found between HOMA‐IR index and sCD163 or sCD163/sTWEAK ratio.

Conclusions

sTWEAK concentrations are lower in patients with GDM compared with healthy pregnant women, and low concentrations of sTWEAK are associated with insulin resistance. These findings suggest that insulin resistance during pregnancy is closely linked to inflammatory imbalance and sTWEAK may represent a new candidate associated with GDM.
Identification of a novel large deletion in a patient with severe factor V deficiency using an in‐house F5 MLPA assay
Authors: Nuzzo F. , Paraboschi E. M. , Straniero L. , Pavlova A. , Duga S. , Castoldi E.
Published: December 2014

Factor V (FV) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive bleeding disorder caused by mutations in the F5 gene. FV‐deficient patients in whom no mutation or only one mutation is found may harbour large gene rearrangements, which are not detected by conventional mutation screening strategies. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) assay for the detection of large deletions and duplications in the F5 gene. Twenty‐two MLPA probes targeting 19 of the 25 exons and the upstream and downstream regions of the F5 gene were designed and tested in 10 normal controls, a patient with a known heterozygous deletion of F5 exons 1–7 (positive control) and 14 genetically unexplained FV‐deficient patients. MLPA results were confirmed by digital PCR on a QuantStudio™ 3D Digital PCR System. The F5‐specific probes yielded a reproducible peak profile in normal controls, correctly detected the known deletion in the positive control and suggested the presence of a novel deletion of exons 9–10 in a patient with undetectable FV levels and only one identified mutation. Follow‐up by chip‐based digital PCR, long‐range PCR and direct sequencing confirmed that this patient carried a heterozygous F5 deletion of 1823 bp extending from intron 8 to intron 10. Bioinformatics sequence analysis pinpointed repetitive elements that might have originated the deletion. In conclusion, we have developed and validated an MLPA assay for the detection of gross F5 gene rearrangements. This assay may represent a valuable tool for the molecular diagnosis of FV deficiency.
Development of a predictive model describing the growth of Yersinia enterocolitica in Camembert‐type cheese
Authors: Kowalik Jaroslaw , Lobacz Adriana
Published: December 2014

Behaviour of Yersinia enterocolitica in mould‐ripened Camembert‐type cheese during storage at temperature range 3–15 °C was evaluated and mathematically described. The Baranyi and Gompertz models were adjusted to the results of the study to calculate the growth rate (GR) and lag time (LT) for Y. enterocolitica at each temperature. Goodness of fit was assessed by calculating the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and mean square error (MSE). Square root models were constructed which described the relations between GR, LT and applied storage temperature. The secondary models were mathematically validated based on the results generated by ComBase Predictor. Moreover, generated models were validated using external, independent data from ComBase database. Based on this, it was found that the square root models of Ratkowsky constructed on GR that were determined based on the Baranyi and Roberts model most accurately described the behaviour of Y. enterocolitica in Camembert‐type cheese during storage under refrigerated conditions.
Long‐Term Trends of Specific Conductance in Waters Discharged by Coal‐Mine Valley Fills in Central Appalachia, USA
Authors: Evans Daniel M. , Zipper Carl E. , Donovan Patricia F. , Daniels W. Lee
Published: December 2014

Anthropogenic salinization of freshwaters is a global concern. Coal surface mining causes release of dissolved sulfate, bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium, and other ions to surface waters in central Appalachia, USA, through practices that include mine rock disposal in valley fills (VFs). This region's surface waters naturally have low salinity, with specific conductance (SC, a salinity indicator) generally <200 μS/cm, and aquatic impacts have been found when SC exceeds the 300 to 500 μS/cm range. We analyzed SC in waters emerging from 137 VFs over periods of 1 to 23 years. Mean SCs for these VFs ranged from 227 to 2,866 μS/cm, generally rose during and immediately following construction, but often declined during latter portions of longer monitoring records. Seventy‐four of 103 VFs with postconstruction data had SC trends that fit negative quadratic forms. Of the 16 revegetated VFs with at least five years of SC data past the quadratic maximum, the mean quadratic maximum was 1,464 (±696) μS/cm and the model projected time required to approach natural conditions (by declining to <500 μS/cm) was 19.6 (±6.6) years after VF construction initiation, indicating long‐lasting but not permanent aquatic impacts due to elevated (>500 μS/cm) SC.
Effects of Daily Physical Education on Physical Fitness and Weight Status in Middle School Adolescents
Authors: Erfle Stephen E. , Gamble Abigail
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

In 2009, the Pennsylvania Department of Health developed the Active Schools Program (ASP) which required 30 minutes of daily physical education (PE) in middle schools to reduce childhood obesity. This investigation evaluated the ASP effects on physical fitness and weight status in middle school adolescents throughout 1 academic year.

METHODS

A quasi‐experimental design was used to recruit middle schools into an intervention group (N = 30) or control group (N = 9).

RESULTS

Physical fitness outcomes had larger intervention effects than weight status outcomes. These effects were most profound among at‐risk students. Multiple linear regression analysis provided a best‐guess effect of daily PE on body mass index (BMI) percentile of −1.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) (−1.9, −0.5) for at‐risk females and −0.8, 95% CI (−1.5, −0.1) for at‐risk males. Much of this benefit is attributable to the differential increase in physical fitness achieved by students with the benefit of having daily PE.

CONCLUSIONS

Thirty minutes of daily PE can be considered a scientific approach to ameliorate health outcomes in at‐risk middle school adolescents, particularly among females. Improvements on BMI percentile among at‐risk youth are presaged by greater improvements in physical fitness. This investigation supports a school‐based approach aimed to improve behavioral risk factors as a means to reduce childhood obesity.
Prevalence of and Attitudes About Concussion in Irish Schools' Rugby Union Players
Authors: Delahunty Sinéad E. , Delahunt Eamonn , Condon Brian , Toomey David , Blake Catherine
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

Youth rugby players represent 45.2% (N = 69,472) of the Irish rugby union playing population. The risk and consequences of concussion injury are of particular concern in these young athletes, but limited epidemiological data exists. This study investigated annual and lifetime prevalence of concussion in an Irish schoolboy rugby union cohort.

METHODS

An anonymous cross‐sectional survey of youth rugby players was conducted. Diagnosed concussion was defined as an incident where diagnosis was confirmed by a health professional or coach. Demographics, prevalence, and attitudes to concussion were collated. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, chi‐square test, t‐tests, Mann‐Whitney tests, and logistic regression.

RESULTS

Overall, 304 youth (aged 12‐18 years) responded. Lifetime prevalence of diagnosed concussion was 19.4%, with annual (2010) prevalence 6.6%. Approximately 25.4% of players with diagnosed concussions returned to play without medical advice. Internal motivation (11.8%) was the predominant factor in feeling pressure to play while concussed. A desire for further concussion education was expressed by 89.5% of participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Reform is required to prevent and manage concussion injuries among youth players in the rugby union, including mandatory education specific to concussion and implementation of return‐to‐play protocols. These findings have relevance for governing bodies, coaches, clinicians, schools, parents, and rugby union players.
Tuberculin skin test positivity without tuberculosis contact: A major challenge in childhood
Authors: Gedik Ahmet Hakan , Cakir Erkan , Donmez Tugrul , Ari Engin , Koksalan Orhan Kaya
Published: December 2014

Aim

Worldwide, tuberculin skin tests (TSTs) commonly give false positive results for those who had been given the Bacillus‐Calmette‐Guerin vaccine such as is routinely administered in Turkey. This study aimed to evaluate the patients referred to us who had positive TSTs despite lack of tuberculosis (TB) disease contacts.

Methods

Between September 2011 and September 2012, 183 patients were prospectively evaluated for differential diagnosis of TST positivity despite lack of TB disease contact. They were then followed up by us to determine an accurate diagnosis.

Results

Among our patients' most common symptoms indicating a need for TST were chronic cough, productive cough or sputum expectoration, and recurrent or persistent wheezing. Chest x‐rays were taken of all patients, and the findings were noted. Interferon gamma release assays were performed on 75% of the patients, of which 96% were negative for TB. The most common final diagnoses were asthma (44%), allergic rhinitis (13%), bronchopneumonia (11%) and reactive lymphadenitis (6.5%). Further evaluations for TB were required of 36 patients, and TB disease was established in 12 of them (6.5%).

Conclusions

In patients who had had no known TB contact, the most common symptom indicating need for TST was chronic cough; the most common diagnoses were asthma and allergic rhinitis. Cavitary lesions, haemoptysis, persistent infiltration, pleural effusion and thoracic lymphadenopathy despite antibiotherapy should alert physicians to the possibility of TB.
Plasma parameters related to energy and lipid metabolism in periparturientModenese andItalianFriesian cows
Authors: Petrera F. , Napolitano F. , Dal Prà A. , Abeni F.
Published: December 2014

The aim of this work was to compare energy and lipid metabolism during the peripartum period between Modenese (MO) and Italian Friesian (IF) cows. The study was carried out on 33 pluriparous pregnant cows, 19IFand 14MO, reared together in the same herd and kept under equal conditions of management and nutrition. Blood was sampled from jugular vein starting 4 week before expected calving date until 4 week post‐calving, once weekly. Plasma was analysed for glucose,NEFA,BHBA, triglycerides and cholesterol concentrations. Body condition score (BCS) was assessed weekly after blood sampling. Data from antepartum (a.p.) and post‐partum (p.p.) periods were separately analysed as repeated measures by a linear mixed models with the effect of breed, time and their interaction as main factors and random cow within breed. The energy status differed between the two breeds during the peripartum period. We observed higherBCSa.p. and p.p. and lowerBCSvariations p.p. inMOcompared toIFgroup. Modenese cows showed lower glucose and cholesterol concentrations (p < 0.001), but higherNEFAvalues,NEFAto cholesterol andNEFAto albumin ratios (p < 0.001) during a.p.; on the contrary,IFcows had higher (p < 0.05) cholesterol,NEFA,BHBAlevels andNEFAto albumin ratio thanMOones during p.p. The differences observed between the two breeds suggest howMOcows are subjected to lipid mobilization during late gestation; on the contrary,IFcows are predisposed to mobilize their lipid reserves at the beginning of lactation to support high production. The results indicate a diverse ability to cope with metabolic stress and suggest the hypothesis that the differences in concentrations of plasma parameters and their variation amplitude around the calving period might depend on the different genetic merit for milk production between the two breeds.
Identification of CROWN ROOTLESS1‐regulated genes in rice reveals specific and conserved elements of postembryonic root formation
Authors: Coudert Yoan , Le Van Anh Thi , Adam Hélène , Bès Martine , Vignols Florence , Jouannic Stefan , Guiderdoni Emmanuel , Gantet Pascal
Published: December 2014

In monocotyledons, the root system is mostly composed of postembryonic shoot‐borne roots called crown roots. In rice (Oryza sativa), auxin promotes crown root initiation via the LOB‐domain transcription factor (LBD) transcription factor CROWN ROOTLESS1 (CRL1); however, the gene regulatory network downstream of CRL1 remains largely unknown.

We tested CRL1 transcriptional activity in yeast and in planta, identified CRL1‐regulated genes using an inducible gene expression system and a transcriptome analysis, and used in situ hybridization to demonstrate coexpression of a sample of CRL1‐regulated genes with CRL1 in crown root primordia.

We show that CRL1 positively regulates 277 genes, including key genes involved in meristem patterning (such as QUIESCENT‐CENTER SPECIFIC HOMEOBOX; QHB), cell proliferation and hormone homeostasis. Many genes are homologous to Arabidopsis genes involved in lateral root formation, but about a quarter are rice‐specific.

Our study reveals that several genes acting downstream of LBD transcription factors controlling postembryonic root formation are conserved between monocots and dicots. It also provides evidence that specific genes are involved in the formation of shoot‐derived roots in rice.
The Environmental Consequences of Rural and Urban Population Change: An Exploratory Spatial Panel Study of Forest Cover in the SouthernUnitedStates, 2001–2006
Authors: Clement Matthew Thomas , Ergas Christina , Greiner Patrick Trent
Published: December 2014

This exploratory study examines the effects of rural and urban population change on forest cover at the local level across the southernUnitedStates. Using county‐level data from theNationalLandCoverDatabase and otherU.S. government sources, we regressed the total area of forest cover on rural and urban population size in spatial panel models with two‐way fixed effects. When we controlled for several other factors, including the number of forestry operations at the county level, regression results indicate that urban change had no effect, but rural population size was positively related to total forest area, and this effect was most pronounced in and aroundGeorgia. Thus, in areas of the southernUnitedStates, rural growth was associated with afforestation, not deforestation. We speculate on how this unusual finding contributes to the debate between ecological modernization and urban political economy implicated in previous cross‐national research.
New Methods and Technologies for Measuring Uremic Toxins and Quantifying Dialysis Adequacy
Authors: Vanholder Raymond , Boelaert Jente , Glorieux Griet , Eloot Sunny
Published: December 2014

This publication reviews the currently available methods to identify uremic retention solutes, to determine their biological relevance and to quantify their removal. The analytical methods for the detection of uremic solutes have improved continuously, allowing the identification of several previously unknown solutes. Progress has been accelerated by the development of comprehensive strategies such as genomics, proteomics and the latest “omics” area, metabolomics. Those methodologies will be further refined in future. Once the concentration of solutes of interest is known based on targeted analysis, their biological relevance can be studied by means of in vitro, ex vivo, or animal models, provided those are representative for the key complications of the uremic syndrome. For this to come to pass, rigid protocols should be applied, e.g., aiming at free solute concentrations conform those found in uremia. Subsequently, the decrease in concentration of relevant solutes should be pursued by nondialysis (e.g., by influencing nutritional intake or intestinal generation, using sorbents, modifying metabolism, or preserving renal function) and dialysis methods. Optimal dialysis strategies can be sought by studying solute kinetics during dialysis. Clinical studies are necessary to assess the correct impact of those optimized strategies on outcomes. Although longitudinal studies of solute concentration and surrogate outcome studies are first steps in suggesting the usefulness of a given approach, ultimately hard outcome randomized controlled trials are needed to endorse evidence‐based therapeutic choices. The nonspecificity of dialysis removal is however a handicap limiting the chances to provide proof of concept that a given solute or group of solutes has definite biological impact.
Soil organic matter in Northern Ethiopia, current level and predicted trend: a study case of two villages in Tigray
Authors: Corral‐Nuñez G. , Opazo‐Salazar D. , GebreSamuel G. , Tittonell P. , Gebretsadik A. , Gebremeskel Y. , Tesfay G. , van Beek C. L.
Published: December 2014

Soil degradation resulting from permanent and high pressure on natural resources is a threat for the present and future of agricultural production in Ethiopia. Mono‐cropping, cultivation on steep slopes, use of cattle manure and crop residues as an energy source for cooking are common practices that have led to declining soil organic matter (SOM) contents. The objective of this research was to evaluate the current status of SOM in farmlands and exclosures (areas protected from grazing to allow their natural restoration) in Northern Ethiopia and to explore the long‐term effects of current agricultural practices and an improved scenario on SOM. At present, the SOM content of farmland soils is small, ranging from 2.1% to 2.9%, while exclosures showed a significant recovery after 20 yr of protection, with SOM contents ranging from 2.6% to 5.6%. However, the level of SOM in farmland soils is envisaged to decline given current agricultural practices, that is removal of crop residues and use of manure as an energy source for cooking. We found that applying manure alone appeared to be insufficient to revert this trend, due to limited availability and its alternative uses. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach including improved manure and compost management needs to be supplemented with energy saving techniques, as fuel use is currently the largest competing claim for organic matter in the area.