bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Mississippi Healthy Students Act of 2007 on District‐ and School‐Level Health Policies: School Officials' Perspectives
Authors: Buffington Anne , McKee Colleen , Ragsdale Kathleen , Blanchard Troy C. , Baggett Dorris , Southward Linda H.
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND

Annual evaluations of the Mississippi Healthy Students Act of 2007 (MHSA) were conducted during 2009‐2011 (years 1‐3) among 4 stakeholder groups: (1) parents of public school students, (2) adolescents, (3) state‐level policymakers (ie, legislators and other state officials), and (4) public school officials (ie, superintendents and school board members).

METHODS

We examine results from the first state‐wide surveys conducted among purposive samples of superintendents (N = 314) and school board members (N = 689) on childhood obesity as it related to MHSA. These school officials were surveyed in years 1‐3 to determine their knowledge or attitudes toward MHSA and support of potential policies, such as reporting results of student body mass index (BMI) assessments to parents.

RESULTS

Through the 3 years of the study, school officials were supportive of MHSA across a number of variables, although superintendents were consistently more supportive of current policies as compared with school board members.

CONCLUSIONS

Results underscore the current and potential role of school officials relative to the process of fully implementing MHSA within all public school districts in Mississippi. Implications and 3 cases that illustrate diverse ways that school districts have chosen to implement effective school‐based health initiatives are discussed.
Supplementing online surveys with a mailed option to reduce bias and improve response rate: the National Dental Practice‐Based Research Network
Authors: Funkhouser Ellen , Fellows Jeffrey L. , Gordan Valeria V. , Rindal D. Brad , Foy Patrick J. , Gilbert Gregg H. ,   National Dental Practice‐Based Research Network Collaborative Group
Published: April 2014

Objective

Dentists in the National Dental Practice‐Based Research Network are offered online and mail options for most questionnaire studies. We sought to quantify differences a) in characteristics of dentists who completed a questionnaire online as compared with those who completed a mail option offered to online nonresponders and b) in prevalence estimates for certain practice characteristics.

Methods

Invitation letters to participants provided an identification number and log‐in code with which to complete the online survey. Nonrespondents received a reminder letter after the fourth week, and after an additional 4‐week period, a final reminder was sent, along with a paper questionnaire version, allowing completion online or by paper.

Results

Of 632 US dentists who completed the survey, 84 (13 percent) used the paper version. Completion by paper was more common among males, older dentists, and those in general practice (P < 0.05). The proportions of dentists who used electronic dental records, who consistently used a rubber dam when performing root canals, and who either worked with or employed expanded‐function auxiliaries were lower among dentists who completed the survey using the paper‐mail version than among those who completed it online; these differences remained significant in models adjusted for gender, age, and practice type.

Conclusion

Even in an era of increasingly electronic communication by dentists, not including a paper option when conducting surveys can result in overestimation of the prevalence of key dental practice characteristics.
Melatonin reduces cardiac morbidity and markers of myocardial ischemia after elective abdominal aortic aneurism repair: a randomized, placebo‐controlled, clinical trial
Authors: Gögenur Ismail , Kücükakin Bülent , Panduro Jensen Leif , Reiter Russel J. , Rosenberg Jacob
Published: April 2014

The aim was to examine the effect of perioperative melatonin treatment on clinical cardiac morbidity and markers of myocardial ischemia in patients undergoing elective surgery for abdominal aortic aneurism. Reperfusion injury results in increased cardiac morbidity in patients undergoing surgery for abdominal aortic aneurisms (AAA). A randomized, placebo‐controlled, clinical trial including patients undergoing surgery for AAA was performed. The patients received by infusion over a 2‐hr period either, 50 mg melatonin or placebo intra‐operatively, and 10 mg melatonin or placebo orally, the first three nights after surgery. Postoperative cardiac morbidity was registered, and blood samples for analysis of troponin‐I (TpI) were collected preoperatively, and at 5 min, 6, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hr after clamp removal/recirculation of the first leg. Continuous measurement of ST‐segment depression was performed by Holter monitoring. A total of 26 patients received melatonin, while 24 received placebo. A significant reduction in cardiac morbidity was seen in the melatonin‐treated patients compared with those given placebo [4% versus 29% (P = 0.02)]. Five patients (19%) who received melatonin had increased TpI levels in the postoperative period compared with 12 patients (50%) who were given placebo (P = 0.036). The median number of ST‐segment deviations was less in the melatonin‐treated patients compared with the placebo group [median 1 (range 0–4) versus 6 (range 0–13) (P = 0.01)], but no differences were found in the duration of ST‐segment deviations. Melatonin treatment in the perioperative period decreased clinical cardiac morbidity as well as the occurrence of myocardial ischemia after abdominal aortic aneurism repair.
Pharmacokinetics of firocoxib in preweaned calves after oral and intravenous administration
Authors: Stock M. L. , Gehring R. , Barth L. A. , Wulf L. W. , Coetzee J. F.
Published: April 2014

The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of intravenous and oral firocoxib in 10 healthy preweaned calves. Firocoxib (0.5 mg/kg) was initially administered i.v. to calves, and following a 14‐day washout period, animals received firocoxib orally prior to cautery dehorning. Firocoxib concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Changes in hematology and plasma chemistry were determined using automated methods. Computer software was used to estimate pharmacokinetic parameters best described with a two‐compartment model for i.v. administration and a one‐compartment model for p.o. administration. Following i.v. dosing, the geometric mean (range) T1/2K10and T1/2βwere 6.7 (4.6–9.7) and 37.2 (23.5–160.4) h, respectively, Vsswas 3.10 (2.10–7.22) L/kg, and CL was 121.7 (100.1–156.7) mL/h/kg. Following oral administration, geometric mean (range) Cmaxwas 127.9 (102.5–151.3) ng/mL, Tmaxwas 4.0 (2.6–5.6) h, and T1/2K10was 18.8 (14.2–25.5) h. Bioavailability of oral firocoxib was calculated using the AUC derived from both study populations to be 98.4% (83.1–117.6%). No adverse clinical effects were evident following firocoxib administration. Pharmacokinetic analysis of i.v. and p.o. firocoxib indicates high bioavailability and a prolonged terminal half‐life in preweaned calves.
Discovery of a bifunctional cardiolipin/phosphatidylethanolamine synthase in bacteria
Authors: Moser Roman , Aktas Meriyem , Fritz Christiane , Narberhaus Franz
Published: April 2014

Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and cardiolipin (CL) are major components of bacterial and eukaryotic membranes. In bacteria, synthesis of PE usually occurs via decarboxylation of phosphatidylserine (PS) by PS decarboxylases (Psd). CL is produced by various CL synthases (Cls). Membranes of the plant pathogen Xanthomonas campestris predominantly contain PE, phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and CL. The X. campestris genome encodes one Psd and six putative CLs. Deletion of psd resulted in loss of PE and accumulation of PS. The mutant was severely affected in growth and cell size. PE synthesis, growth and cell division were partially restored when cells were supplied with ethanolamine (EA) suggesting a previously unknown PE synthase activity. Via mutagenesis, we identified a Cls enzyme (Xc_0186) responsible for EA‐dependent PE biosynthesis. Xanthomonas lacking xc_0186 not only lost its ability to utilize EA for PE synthesis but also produced less CL suggesting a bifunctional enzyme. Recombinant Xc_0186 in E. coli and in cell‐free extracts uses cytidine diphosphate diacylglycerol (CDP‐DAG) and PG for CL synthesis. It is also able to use CDP‐DAG and EA for PE synthesis. Owing to its dual function in CL and PE production, we consider Xc_0186 the founding member of a new class of enzymes called CL/PE synthase (CL/PEs).
Global effects of the DEAD‐box RNA helicase DeaD (CsdA) on gene expression over a broad range of temperatures
Authors: Vakulskas Christopher A. , Pannuri Archana , Cortés‐Selva Diana , Zere Tesfalem R. , Ahmer Brian M. , Babitzke Paul , Romeo Tony
Published: April 2014

In Escherichia coli, activity of the global regulatory RNA binding protein CsrA is antagonized by two non‐coding sRNAs, CsrB and CsrC, which sequester it away from its lower affinity mRNA targets. Transcription of csrB/C requires the BarA‐UvrY two component signal transduction system, which responds to short chain carboxylates. We show that two DEAD‐box RNA helicases, DeaD and SrmB, activate csrB/C expression by different pathways. DeaD facilitates uvrY translation by counteracting the inhibitory effect of long distance base‐pairing between the uvrY mRNA leader and coding region, while SrmB does not affect UvrY or UvrY‐phosphate levels. Contrary to the prevailing notion that these helicases act primarily at low temperatures, DeaD and SrmB activated csrB expression over a wide temperature range. High‐throughput sequencing of RNA isolated by cross‐linking immunoprecipitation (HITS‐CLIP) revealed in vivo interactions of DeaD with 39 mRNAs, including those of uvrY and 9 other regulatory genes. Studies on the expression of several of the identified genes revealed regulatory effects of DeaD in all cases and diverse temperature response patterns. Our findings uncover an expanded regulatory role for DeaD, which is mediated through novel mRNA targets, important global regulators and under physiological conditions that were considered to be incompatible with its function.
Treatment of dermatophytosis by a new antifungal agent ‘apigenin’
Authors: Singh Geeta , Kumar Padma , Joshi Suresh Chandra
Published: April 2014

Dermatophytes are the most common causative agents of cutaneous mycosis and remain a major public health problem in spite of the availability of an increasing number of antifungal drugs. It was, therefore considered necessary to pursue the screening of different extracts (compounds) of selected traditional medicinal plants reportedly having antidermatophyte potential. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify specific compound from the most active extract (free flavonoid) of stem of Terminalia chebula of the selected plants to treat dermatophytosis induced on experimental mice. Mice which were experimentally induced with Trichophyton mentagrophytes were grouped in six of five animals each. To treat the lesions on infected mice, two concentrations of isolated apigenin ointment, i.e. 2.5 mg g−1 (Api I) and 5 mg g−1 (Api II), and terbinafine (standard) of concentration 5 mg g−1 were used. Complete recovery from the infection was recorded on 12th day of treatment for reference drug Terbinafine and Api II (5 mg g−1) concentration of ointment, whereas Api I (2.5 mg g−1) ointment showed complete cure on 16th day of treatment. Fungal burden was also calculated by culturing skin scraping from infected mice's of different groups. Apigenin has shown potency as the infected animals recover completely by Api II comparable to the standard drug in 12th day. So Apigenin can be explored as an antifungal agent in the clinical treatment of dermatophytosis in future.
A Partially Heterogeneous Framework for Analyzing Panel Data
Authors: Sarafidis Vasilis , Weber Neville
Published: April 2014

This article proposes a partially heterogeneous framework for the analysis of panel data with fixedT. In particular, the population of cross‐sectional units is grouped into clusters, such that slope parameter homogeneity is maintained only within clusters. Our method assumes noa prioriinformation about the number of clusters and cluster membership and relies on the data instead. The unknown number of clusters and the corresponding partition are determined based on the concept of ‘partitional clustering’, using an information‐based criterion. It is shown that this is strongly consistent, that is, it selects the true number of clusters with probability one asN→∞. Simulation experiments show that the proposed criterion performs well even with moderateNand the resulting parameter estimates are close to the true values. We apply the method in a panel data set of commercial banks in the US and we find five clusters, with significant differences in the slope parameters across clusters.
The Cradle of Thought: Growth, Learning, Play and Attachment in Neanderthal Children
Authors: Spikins Penny , Hitchens Gail , Needham Andy , Rutherford Holly
Published: April 2014

Childhood is a core stage in development, essential in the acquisition of social, practical and cultural skills. However, this area receives limited attention in archaeological debate, especially in early prehistory. We here consider Neanderthal childhood, exploring the experience of Neanderthal children using biological, cultural and social evidence. We conclude that Neanderthal childhood experience was subtly different from that of their modern human counterparts, orientated around a greater focus on social relationships within their group. Neanderthal children, as reflected in the burial record, may have played a particularly significant role in their society, especially in the domain of symbolic expression. A consideration of childhood informs broader debates surrounding the subtle differences between Neanderthals and modern humans.
Learning by Experience: The Flint Mines of Southern England and Their Continental Origins
Authors: Baczkowski Jon
Published: April 2014

Since the discovery of prehistoric flint mines across Europe during the nineteenth century, mining has been recognized as a central component of the Neolithic ‘package’. In the south of Britain a small group of mines date to the early fourth millennium BC, posing a problem for traditional interpretations of the Early Neolithic, as they appear a significant period of time before other Neolithic monuments. This paper will look at evidence preserved in the mines of southern England, examining whether these sites demonstrate flint‐mining techniques already practised in Continental Europe. Central to the research is a notion that complex activities, such as mining, involve long periods of trial and error before evolving into an accomplished working methodology.
A Place for Everyone. The Structure of Arroyo Culebro D Cemetery and The Social Organization in the Middle Tagus Valley Iron Age (Spain)
Authors: de Torres Rodríguez Jorge
Published: April 2014

The relationship between agriculture, sedentarization and the emergence of inequality has been a common subject when analysing the transition between egalitarian and non‐egalitarian societies. However, the strategies used during that process and their archaeological expressions are difficult to detect and interpret. The aim of this paper is to provide an example – the emergence of Early Iron Age cremation cemeteries in the Middle Tagus valley – of how this transformation could have been materially expressed. Through the study of Arroyo Culebro D and other cremation cemeteries, we will analyse the crucial moment when the structural changes that sedentarization carries started to be ideologically assumed, expressed and (or) repressed.
A retrospective description of anesthetic medication dosing in overweight and obese children
Authors: Burke Constance N. , Voepel‐Lewis Terri , Wagner Deborah , Lau Irwin , Baldock Andrew , Malviya Shobha , Nafiu Olubukola
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Pediatric obesity is a major health concern in the United States and as many as 34% of those who require general anesthesia are overweight or obese (OW). The lack of data and recommendations for dosing medications in obese children leaves significant gaps in the understanding of correct dosing in the clinical setting.

Objective

To determine whether OW children were more likely to receive doses of medications outside the recommended range.

Methods

Following IRB approval, patient medical records were queried to identify children 2 through 17 years who underwent noncardiac surgeries and received at least one medication of interest. Children with hepatic disease, renal disease, neurological impairment, sleep‐disordered breathing, or missing height or weight measurements were excluded. Children were stratified into weight categories based on age and gender percentiles as per CDC guidelines. Those ≥85th percentile were classified as overweight/obese. Ideal and lean weight (for age, gender) were calculated. Drug doses were stratified as under‐dosed (>10% below minimum recommended dose), overdosed (>10% above maximum recommended dose), or within recommended dose (dose ± 10%). Actual doses were compared to recommended doses as per actual, ideal, or lean weight (as recommended for specific drugs) in the overweight/obese groups vs the control weight (CW) group.

Results

Ten thousand five hundred and nine doses were reviewed. Overweight/obese children were more likely to receive doses outside the recommended dose range than the CW group.

Conclusions

Overweight/obese children were more likely to receive doses of common anesthetic medications outside the recommended doses potentially adding risk of adverse outcomes in these children.
Pluralistic ignorance in revenge attitudes and behavior in interpersonal relationships
Authors: BOON SUSAN D. , YOSHIMURA STEPHEN M.
Published: April 2014

We investigated whether people's perceptions of social norms concerning interpersonal revenge reflect a tendency for individuals to believe that others' revenge attitudes and behavior differ from their own (i.e., pluralistic ignorance). As part of a survey on revenge experiences in relationships with romantic partners, family members, and associates (e.g., friends), participants (N = 534) judged the acceptability and frequency of revenge in significant personal relationships. As expected, participants believed that others (a) saw revenge as more acceptable and (b) engaged in revenge more frequently than they did themselves. They did not, however, perceive others' revenge attitudes and behaviors to be any more variable than their own attitudes and behaviors actually were. Explanations for and implications of these findings are discussed.
Using Precision Prairie Reconstruction to Drive the Native Seeded Species Colonization Process
Authors: Grygiel Carolyn E. , Norland Jack E. , Biondini Mario E.
Published: April 2014

Restoring forb richness to the northern tallgrass prairie (U.S.A.) is often problematic. A potential solution is the establishment of native forb‐seeded patches that can serve as colonization sites. This study was designed to determine the following: (1) the success at which native forbs sown in small patches can colonize the surrounding vegetation matrix and (2) whether soil amendments (C additions, P fertilization, and seed bank reduction) applied to the seeded sites can facilitate such colonization (patch quality). Colonization was investigated at (1) the immediate surrounding (1 m belt transect, BT) of the seeded sites and (2) in disturbed but not seeded patches located 3 m from the seeded site (out‐plots). Soil amendments did not affect colonization, but native forb density in the BT and out‐plots was correlated to the density of forbs in the seeded sites (r2 = 0.3, p < 0.01). Seeded native forb density in the out‐plots was higher than in the adjacent BT (19 vs. 5 plants/m2), suggesting that competition from the matrix vegetation may be more important in forb colonization than distance from the source. Taller forbs with larger seeds showed advantages in colonization success. This study showed that the colonization of matrix vegetation with native forbs from seeded patches is a viable method for prairie reconstruction but requires the availability of disturbed sites. In most prairies, animal‐generated soil disturbances are common. In their absence, disturbances of the vegetation matrix will need to be added to the management plan.
Detection of airflow limitation using a handheld spirometer in a primary care setting
Authors: Ching Siew‐Mooi , Pang Yong‐Kek , Price David , Cheong Ai‐Theng , Lee Ping‐Yein , Irmi Ismail , Faezah Hassan , Ruhaini Ismail , Chia Yook‐Chin
Published: April 2014

Background and objective

Early diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in primary care settings is difficult to achieve chiefly due to lack of availability of spirometry. This study estimated the prevalence of airflow limitation among chronic smokers using a handheld spirometer in this setting.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study performed on consecutive patients who were ≥40 years old with ≥10 pack‐years smoking history. Face‐to‐face interviews were carried out to obtain demographic data and relevant information. Handheld spirometry was performed according to a standard protocol using the COPd‐6 device (Model 4000, Vitalograph, Ennis, Ireland) in addition to standard spirometry. Airflow limitation was defined as ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced expiratory volume in 6 s <0.75 (COPd‐6) or FEV1/forced vital capacity <0.7. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to determine predictors of airflow limitation.

Results

A total of 416 patients were recruited with mean age of 53 years old. The prevalence of airflow limitation was 10.6% (n = 44) with COPd‐6 versus 6% as gauged using standard spirometry. Risk factors for airflow limitation were age >65 years (odds ratio (OR) 3.732 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.100–1.280), a history of ‘bad health’ (OR 2.524, 95% CI: 1.037–6.142) and low to normal body mass index (OR 2.914, 95% CI: 1.191–7.190).

Conclusions

In a primary care setting, handheld spirometry (COPd‐6) found a prevalence of airflow limitation of ∼10% in smokers. Patients were older, not overweight and had an ill‐defined history of health problems.
Has Switzerland Really Been Marked by Low Productivity Growth? Hours Worked and Labor Productivity in Switzerland in a Long‐run Perspective
Authors: Siegenthaler Michael
Published: April 2014

This paper shows that previous work has understated Switzerland's performance in terms of labor productivity growth. First, available data on hours worked are incoherent and overestimate growth in hours worked. The paper therefore establishes a consistent series of total hours worked and its components covering 1950–2010, showing that Swiss labor inputs actually were stable from 1964 to 2007. Second, long‐term improvements in Switzerland's Terms of Trade indicate that quality improvements in Swiss exports might not be fully mirrored in growth of GDP and, hence, productivity growth.
Joint Modelling of Repeated Measurements and Time-to-Event Outcomes: Flexible Model Specification and Exact Likelihood Inference
Authors: Barrett Jessica , Diggle Peter , Henderson Robin , Taylor-Robinson David
Published: April 2014

Random effects or shared parameter models are commonly advocated for the analysis of combined repeated measurement and event history data, including dropout from longitudinal trials. Their use in practical applications has generally been limited by computational cost and complexity, meaning that only simple special cases can be fitted by using readily available software. We propose a new approach that exploits recent distributional results for the extended skew normal family to allow exact likelihood inference for a flexible class of random-effects models. The method uses a discretization of the timescale for the time-to-event outcome, which is often unavoidable in any case when events correspond to dropout. We place no restriction on the times at which repeated measurements are made. An analysis of repeated lung function measurements in a cystic fibrosis cohort is used to illustrate the method.
Variance Function Partially Linear Single-Index Models
Authors: Lian Heng , Liang Hua , Carroll Raymond J.
Published: April 2014

We consider heteroscedastic regression models where the mean function is a partially linear single-index model and the variance function depends on a generalized partially linear single-index model. We do not insist that the variance function depends only on the mean function, as happens in the classical generalized partially linear single-index model. We develop efficient and practical estimation methods for the variance function and for the mean function. Asymptotic theory for the parametric and non-parametric parts of the model is developed. Simulations illustrate the results. An empirical example involving ozone levels is used to illustrate the results further and is shown to be a case where the variance function does not depend on the mean function.
Healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes and skills regarding patient safety: a systematic literature review
Authors: Brasaite Indre , Kaunonen Marja , Suominen Tarja
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this literature review was to determine the extent of existing knowledge about healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes and skills related to patient safety. A systematic review was performed using two electronic databases: MEDLINE (Ovid) and CINAHL (EBSCO) for the period 2000–2012. The inclusion criteria were peer‐reviewed articles or empirical studies, published in English. The focus groups of the study were physicians, head nurses, nurses and nurse assistants. Altogether, 18 studies met the criteria and were included. Inductive content analysis was carried out to analyse and categorise the data. The investigated themes regarding healthcare professionals' knowledge of patient safety were their existing knowledge level, knowledge deficits and knowledge improvement. Results considered the target groups' overall attitudes to patient safety, attitudes to event reporting and safety attitude improvement. The investigations into healthcare professionals' skills included mathematical skills and those related to achieving patient safety. From this review, it is concluded that further research should be conducted into the investigation of healthcare professionals' knowledge and skills in patient safety.
On Efficient Estimators of the Proportion of True Null Hypotheses in a Multiple Testing Setup
Authors: Nguyen Van Hanh , Matias Catherine
Published: April 2014

We consider the problem of estimating the proportion θ of true null hypotheses in a multiple testing context. The setup is classically modelled through a semiparametric mixture with two components: a uniform distribution on interval [0,1] with prior probability θ and a non‐parametric density f. We discuss asymptotic efficiency results and establish that two different cases occur whether f vanishes on a non‐empty interval or not. In the first case, we exhibit estimators converging at a parametric rate, compute the optimal asymptotic variance and conjecture that no estimator is asymptotically efficient (i.e. attains the optimal asymptotic variance). In the second case, we prove that the quadratic risk of any estimator does not converge at a parametric rate. We illustrate those results on simulated data.
Differences in MCT1 A1470T polymorphism prevalence between runners and swimmers
Authors: Ben‐Zaken S. , Eliakim A. , Nemet D. , Rabinovich M. , Kassem E. , Meckel Y.
Published: April 2014

Skeletal muscle is the major producer and user of lactate in the body. Therefore, transport of lactate across cells' membrane is of considerable importance. Lactate transport is mediated by proton‐linked monocarboxylate transporter (MCT1). The A1470T polymorphism (rs1049434) in MCT1 gene influences lactate transport, with T allele associated with reduction of lactate transport rate and elevation in blood lactate levels. The aim of the current study was to compare allelic and genotype frequencies of MCT1 A1470T polymorphism among Israeli track‐and‐field athletes, swimmers, and non‐athletes. Genomic DNA was extracted from 173 track‐and‐field athletes (age 17–50), 80 swimmers (age 16–49), and 128 non‐athletes (age 19–29). Track‐and‐field athletes were assigned to three subgroups: long‐distance runners, middle‐distance runners, and power event athletes. Swimmers were assigned to two subgroups: long‐distance swimmers and short‐distance swimmers. Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction. T‐allele frequency was significantly higher among long‐distance swimmers (45%) compared with long‐ and middle‐distance runners (27% and 30%, respectively; P < 0.01). In addition, T‐allele frequency was significantly higher among short‐distance swimmers (40%) compared with power event athletes (25%, P < 0.01). Overall, T‐allele frequency was significantly higher among swimmers (42%) compared with runners (27%, P < 0.001). More research is needed to clarify whether this polymorphism displays advantage for swimming performance.
Prediction of long‐term sustainability of constructed urban soil: impact of high amounts of organic matter on soil physical properties and water transfer
Authors: Cannavo P. , Vidal‐Beaudet L. , Grosbellet C.
Published: April 2014

Sustainability of urban soils lies in their ability to facilitate water and air permeabilities. Exogenous organic matter has been shown to have a positive impact on these properties. Under urban conditions, a large one‐time input of an organic amendment was made to the reconstituted soil. Two organic materials, green‐waste compost (gw) or cocompost from sewage sludge and wood chips (sw), were mixed with sandy loam soil (40% v/v) and placed in 600‐L containers. Containers received a 29‐cm thick layer of sandy loam soil–organic matter mix over a 28‐cm thick layer without organic amendment. Volumetric water content, dry bulk density, hydraulic conductivity at saturation and water retention were measured over 5 yrs in the soils and values for the mixes and a control compared. After this time, dry bulk density was greater (1.54 g/cm3) in control than in gw or sw soils (1.31 and 1.11 g/cm3, respectively), whereas hydraulic conductivity at saturation was smaller (4 × 10−7 m/s) than in gw (3.4 × 10−6) or sw (3.7 × 10−6 m/s). HYDRUS 1D water balance model indicated that below 27 cm depth in the control after 5 yrs, there was a high degree of anoxia, lasting >200 days per year, compared with <40 days in gw and sw. Amplification of the risk of anoxia below 27 cm depth after 10 yrs was 323, 151 and 100 days in the control, gw and sw, respectively. Organic matter amendment could support sustainable urban soils for ten years after soil reconstitution.
Acute bronchointerstitial pneumonia in two indoor cats exposed to the H1N1 influenza virus
Authors: Pigott Armi M. , Haak Carol E. , Breshears Melanie A. , Linklater Andrew K.J.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To describe 2 cases of acute bronchointerstitial pneumonia in indoor domestic cats infected by anthroponotic transmission of pandemic 2009 influenza A H1N1 virus from their owners.

Case Series Summary

Two indoor domestic shorthair cats from the same household were evaluated for acute onset of respiratory distress. The owners had been recovering from flu‐like illness at the time of presentation. Venous blood gas showed increased pvCO2 while thoracic radiographs revealed severe bronchointerstitial to alveolar patterns in both cats. The cats were treated with oxygen supplementation, antimicrobials, analgesics, diuretics, corticosteroids, bronchodilators, mechanical ventilation (1 cat), and supportive care. Despite initial improvement in the clinical condition of each cat, respiratory function deteriorated and ultimately both cats were euthanized. Gross and histopathologic examination confirmed diffuse, severe bronchointerstitial pneumonia. Pandemic 2009 influenza A H1N1 viral testing by real time PCR was positive in 1 cat.

New or Unique Information Provided

These cases provide further evidence that domestic felids are susceptible to pandemic 2009 influenza A H1N1 virus, and the literature is briefly reviewed for treatment recommendations. H1N1 should be considered in the differential diagnosis for domestic cats presenting with peracute to acute onset of respiratory distress in the right context. While human‐to‐cat transmission of H1N1 seems probable in several reported cases, cat‐to‐human transmission has not been identified.
Oxygen in the regulation of intestinal epithelial transport
Authors: Ward Joseph B. J. , Keely Simon J. , Keely Stephen J.
Published: April 2014

The transport of fluid, nutrients and electrolytes to and from the intestinal lumen is a primary function of epithelial cells. Normally, the intestine absorbs approximately 9 l of fluid and 1 kg of nutrients daily, driven by epithelial transport processes that consume large amounts of cellular energy and O2. The epithelium exists at the interface of the richly vascularised mucosa, and the anoxic luminal environment and this steep O2 gradient play a key role in determining the expression pattern of proteins involved in fluid, nutrient and electrolyte transport. However, the dynamic nature of the splanchnic circulation necessitates that the epithelium can evoke co‐ordinated responses to fluctuations in O2 availability, which occur either as a part of the normal digestive process or as a consequence of several pathophysiological conditions. While it is known that hypoxia‐responsive signals, such as reactive oxygen species, AMP‐activated kinase, hypoxia‐inducible factors, and prolyl hydroxylases are all important in regulating epithelial responses to altered O2 supply, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved is still limited. Here, we aim to review the current literature regarding the role that O2 plays in regulating intestinal transport processes and to highlight areas of research that still need to be addressed.
Maternal melatonin administration mitigates coronary stiffness and endothelial dysfunction, and improves heart resilience to insult in growth restricted lambs
Authors: Tare Marianne , Parkington Helena C. , Wallace Euan M. , Sutherland Amy E. , Lim Rebecca , Yawno Tamara , Coleman Harold A. , Jenkin Graham , Miller Suzanne L.
Published: April 2014

Key points

Failure of the placenta to develop and perform gives rise to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in the fetus. IUGR is associated with impaired heart function in childhood and can even persist long term.

Oxidative stress is increased in IUGR and we asked if an antioxidant could reduce this. Melatonin is a well‐known and well‐studied hormone, present in all of us, and it has potent antioxidant properties.

In this study we administered melatonin to pregnant ewes carrying twins, one with IUGR.

Maternal melatonin improved oxygen delivery to the IUGR fetus and strengthened and protected its heart against infarct. After birth, the poor function and stiffness in the coronary arteries of IUGR lambs were entirely prevented by melatonin.

Our results demonstrate that administration of melatonin to a mother carrying an IUGR fetus can markedly dampen the adverse heart and artery effects in the offspring following birth.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with impaired cardiac function in childhood and is linked to short‐ and long‐term morbidities. Placental dysfunction underlies most IUGR, and causes fetal oxidative stress which may impact on cardiac development. Accordingly, we investigated whether antenatal melatonin treatment, which possesses antioxidant properties, may afford cardiovascular protection in these vulnerable fetuses. IUGR was induced in sheep fetuses using single umbilical artery ligation on day 105–110 of pregnancy (term 147). Study 1: melatonin (2 mg h−1) was administered i.v. to ewes on days 5 and 6 after surgery. On day 7 fetal heart function was assessed using a Langendorff apparatus. Study 2: a lower dose of melatonin (0.25 mg h−1) was administered continuously following IUGR induction and the ewes gave birth normally at term. Lambs were killed when 24 h old and coronary vessels studied. Melatonin significantly improved fetal oxygenation in vivo. Contractile function in the right ventricle and coronary flow were enhanced by melatonin. Ischaemia–reperfusion‐induced infarct area was 3‐fold greater in IUGR hearts than in controls and this increase was prevented by melatonin. In isolated neonatal coronary arteries, endothelium‐dependent nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability was reduced in IUGR, and was rescued by modest melatonin treatment. Melatonin exposure also induced the emergence of an indomethacin‐sensitive vasodilation. IUGR caused marked stiffening of the coronary artery and this was prevented by melatonin. Maternal melatonin treatment reduces fetal hypoxaemia, improves heart function and coronary blood flow and rescues cardio‐coronary deficit induced by IUGR.
Participation in Vigorous Sports, Not Moderate Sports, Is Positively Associated With Cardiorespiratory Fitness Among Adolescent Girls
Authors: Taber Daniel R. , Pratt Charlotte , Charneco Eileen Y. , Dowda Marsha , Phillips Jennie A. , Going Scott B.
Published: April 2014

Background:

There is controversy regarding whether moderately-intense sports can improve physical fitness, which declines throughout adolescence among girls. The objective was to estimate the association between moderate and vigorous sports participation and cardiorespiratory fitness in a racially diverse sample of adolescent girls.

Methods:

Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured using a modified physical work capacity test in 1029 eighth-grade girls participating in the Trial of Activity for Adolescent Girls. Girls reported sports in which they participated in the last year on an organized activity questionnaire. Using general linear mixed models, the study regressed absolute and relative fitness on the number of vigorous and moderate sports in which girls participated, race/ethnicity, age, treatment group, fat mass, fat-free mass, and an interaction between race and fat-free mass.

Results:

The number of vigorous sports in which girls participated was positively associated with absolute fitness (β = 10.20, P = .04) and relative fitness (β = 0.17, P = .04). Associations were reduced, but not eliminated, after controlling for MET-weighted MVPA. Participation in moderate sports was not associated with either fitness measure.

Conclusions:

Vigorous sports participation is positively associated with cardiorespiratory fitness. Future longitudinal research should analyze whether promoting vigorous sports at an early age can prevent age-related declines in cardiorespiratory fitness among adolescent girls.
Longitudinal Changes in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior From Adolescence to Adulthood: Comparing U.S.–Born and Foreign-Born Populations
Authors: Ross Sharon E. Taverno , Larson Nicole , Graham Dan J. , Neumark-Sztainer Dianne
Published: April 2014

Background:

This study compared moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior in U.S.–born and foreign-born adolescents and young adults, and differences in behavior change from adolescence to young adulthood by nativity.

Methods:

Data on 2039 U.S.–born and 225 foreign-born participants from Project EAT-III (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults) were used to examine MVPA, television/DVD/video viewing, and computer use. Participants completed surveys at baseline in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN secondary school classrooms in 1998–1999 (14.9 ± 1.6 y) and follow-up measures online or by mail in 2008–2009 (25.3 ± 1.6 y).

Results:

At both time points, foreign-born participants reported significantly lower levels of MVPA than their U.S.–born counterparts (P < .05). Foreign-born females at baseline and follow-up and foreign-born males at follow-up reported less television/DVD/video viewing compared with U.S.–born participants (P < .01). All participants experienced a significant decline in MVPA from baseline to follow-up (P < .001). Between-group analyses revealed a significantly greater decline in television/DVDs/video viewing for the foreign-born males compared with U.S.–born males from baseline to follow-up (mean change: foreign-born: –4.8 ± 1.32 hrs/wk, U.S.–born: –0.6 ± 0.6 hrs/wk; P < .01).

Conclusions:

Differences in activity patterns between foreign-born and U.S.–born youth into young adulthood may contribute to disparities in chronic disease risk. Nativity, along with the social, environmental, and cultural context, should be considered when designing programs to promote MVPA and prevent obesity.
Understanding the Physical and Social Contexts of Children’s Nonschool Sedentary Behavior: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study
Authors: Liao Yue , Intille Stephen , Wolch Jennifer , Pentz Mary Ann , Dunton Genevieve Fridlund
Published: April 2014

Background:

Research on children’s sedentary behavior has relied on recall-based self-report or accelerometer methods, which do not assess the context of such behavior.

Purpose:

This study used ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to determine where and with whom children’s sedentary behavior occurs during their nonschool time.

Methods:

Children (N = 120) ages 9–13 years (51% male, 33% Hispanic) wore mobile phones that prompted surveys (20 total) for 4 days. Surveys measured current activity (eg, exercise, watching TV), physical location (eg, home, outdoors), and social company (eg, family, friends).

Results:

Children engaged in a greater percentage of leisure-oriented (eg, watching TV) than productive (eg, reading, doing homework) sedentary behavior (70% vs 30%, respectively). Most of children’s sedentary activity occurred at home (85%). Children’s sedentary activity took place most often with family members (58%). Differences in physical context of sedentary behavior were found for older vs. younger children (P < .05). Type of sedentary behavior differed by gender, racial/ethnic group, and social context (P < .05).

Conclusion:

Children may prefer or have greater opportunities to be sedentary in some contexts than others. Research demonstrates the potential for using EMA to capture real-time information about children’s sedentary behavior during their nonschool time.
Physical Activity Context Preferences in People With Arthritis and Osteoporosis
Authors: Peeters Geeske , Brown Wendy , Burton Nicola
Published: April 2014

Background:

Patient-group specific preferences can be used to design physical activity programs. This study compared physical activity context preferences between (1) people with musculoskeletal conditions (ie, arthritis and/or osteoporosis) and people without these conditions, and (2) people with arthritis only and people with osteoporosis only.

Methods:

Data were from 1684 participants (57.2 ± 6.6 years) with self-reported arthritis and/or osteoporosis and 4550 participants (52.9 ± 6.9 years) without these conditions. Participants indicated the extent to which they disagreed/agreed with a preference for each of 14 contexts. Marginal means and 95% confidence intervals are presented, differences were tested with ANCOVA.

Results:

Compared with participants without musculoskeletal conditions, those with arthritis and/or osteoporosis indicated a slightly stronger preference for activities that are not just about exercise [3.55 (3.51–3.59) vs. 3.49 (3.46–3.52), P = .02], and a weaker preference for vigorous activities [3.02 (2.97–3.06) vs. 3.08 (3.06–3.11), P = .02], and activities with a set routine or format [3.29 (3.24–3.33) vs. 3.35 (3.32–3.38), P = .02]. Participants with arthritis only [n = 1063, 2.64, (2.59–2.70)] had a stronger preference against supervision than those with osteoporosis only [n = 146, 2.84 (2.69–2.99); P = .02].

Conclusions:

Only small differences were found in the activity context preferences between people with and without musculoskeletal conditions, and between people with osteoporosis and people with arthritis. The context of physical activity interventions for people with arthritis and/or osteoporosis does not have to be different from those for people without these conditions.
Longitudinal Relations of Perceived Availability of Neighborhood Sport Facilities With Physical Activity in Adolescents: An Analysis of Potential Moderators
Authors: Wong Bonny Yee-Man , Ho Sai-Yin , Lo Wing-Sze , Cerin Ester , Mak Kwok-Kei , Lam Tai-Hing
Published: April 2014

Background:

Little is known about the longitudinal relations of environment attributes and leisure-time physical activity (PA) in adolescents, and the moderating effects of individual characteristics. This study examined the longitudinal association of the perceived availability of neighborhood sport facilities with leisure-time PA, and the potential moderating effects of age, past PA behavior, and weight status in adolescents.

Methods:

Among 20,933 follow-up subjects (60.9% of 34,369 baseline subjects), 9993 from 32 Hong Kong secondary schools were successfully matched with baseline (mean duration 16 months; SD 1.7) and had complete information. At baseline and follow-up, respondents reported their leisure-time PA, weight, height, and the presence of sport facilities in the neighborhood.

Results:

Increased perceived availability of sport facilities from baseline to follow-up predicted more leisure-time PA at follow-up (β = 1.029; 95% CI: 1.011–1.047) overall. This effect was modified by baseline PA, with a significant effect observed only among those who had engaged in leisure-time PA more than 3 times a week.

Conclusions:

Increasing awareness of neighborhood sport facilities or building more such facilities may help active adolescents maintain or increase their leisure-time PA. However, more comprehensive multilevel interventions that aim at enhancing potential social, personal, and environmental PA-related factors may be needed to motivate inactive adolescents.
Capturing the Pattern of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior: Exposure Variation Analysis of Accelerometer Data
Authors: Straker Leon , Campbell Amity , Mathiassen Svend Erik , Abbott Rebecca Anne , Parry Sharon , Davey Paul
Published: April 2014

Background:

Capturing the complex time pattern of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) using accelerometry remains a challenge. Research from occupational health suggests exposure variation analysis (EVA) could provide a meaningful tool. This paper (1) explains the application of EVA to accelerometer data, (2) demonstrates how EVA thresholds and derivatives could be chosen and used to examine adherence to PA and SB guidelines, and (3) explores the validity of EVA outputs.

Methods:

EVA outputs are compared with accelerometer data from 4 individuals (Study 1a and1b) and 3 occupational groups (Study 2): seated workstation office workers (n = 8), standing workstation office workers (n = 8), and teachers (n = 8).

Results:

Line graphs and related EVA graphs highlight the use of EVA derivatives for examining compliance with guidelines. EVA derivatives of occupational groups confirm no difference in bouts of activity but clear differences as expected in extended bouts of SB and brief bursts of activity, thus providing evidence of construct validity.

Conclusions:

EVA offers a unique and comprehensive generic method that is able, for the first time, to capture the time pattern (both frequency and intensity) of PA and SB, which can be tailored for both occupational and public health research.