bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Angiogenesis within the duodenum of patients with cirrhosis is modulated by mechanosensitive Kruppel‐like factor 2 and microRNA‐126
Authors: Kobus Karolina , Kopycinska Justyna , Kozlowska‐Wiechowska Anna , Urasinska Elzbieta , Kempinska‐Podhorodecka Agnieszka , Haas Tara L. , Milkiewicz Piotr , Milkiewicz Malgorzata
Published: May 2012

Background

The mechanism involved in neovascularization in splanchnic circulation and the main trigger that induces angiogenesis in patients with cirrhosis are not fully recognized.

Aims

To explore the involvement of flow sensitive lung Kruppel‐like factor (KLF2), microRNA‐126 (miR‐126), angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) in modulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signalling that have a critical effect on growth of new blood vessels.

Methods

Duodenal biopsies from 22 patients with cirrhosis and 10 controls were obtained during routine endoscopy. The process of angiogenesis was evaluated by a measurement of CD31 concentration, immunodetection of CD34 protein and estimation of capillary densities. Messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expressions were analysed by real‐time PCR, Western blot or ELISA respectively.

Results

Markers of angiogenesis (both, CD31 and CD34) were significantly enhanced in cirrhotic patients. In comparison to healthy controls, levels of Ang‐2 and KLF‐2 mRNAs as well as Ang‐2, KLF‐2, HO‐1, VEGF protein expressions were considerably increased. Levels of sCD163, a surrogate marker of portal hypertension, correlated with levels of Ang‐2, (P = 0.021) and VEGF (P = 0.009). The expression of miR‐126, a KLF2‐mediated regulator of the VEGF signalling was enhanced in cirrhotic patients.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate, for the first time in humans, that neovascularization is induced in duodenal tissue of patients with cirrhosis and proangiogenic factors such as KLF‐2, Ang‐2, miR‐126 and VEGF can contribute to the angiogenesis induced by hemodynamic forces. Thus, cirrhosis‐induced blood flow and pressure within splanchnic vessels may be important hemodynamic triggers that initiate the angiogenic signalling cascade.
Efficacy of stiripentol in hyperthermia‐induced seizures in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome
Authors: Cao Dezhi , Ohtani Hideyuki , Ogiwara Ikuo , Ohtani Sanae , Takahashi Yukitoshi , Yamakawa Kazuhiro , Inoue Yushi
Published: May 2012

Purpose:  We previously reported a mutant mouse carrying a severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy (SMEI) mutation in Scn1a. In this study, we examined the susceptibility to hyperthermia‐induced seizures of heterozygous Scn1a mutant mice (Scn1aRX/+) and wild‐type (Scn1a+/+) mice. Then we assessed the efficacy of stiripentol (STP) monotherapy versus STP and clobazam (CLB) combination therapy to prevent hyperthermia‐induced seizures in Scn1aRX/+ mice.

Methods:  The seizure‐inducing body temperatures in Scn1aRX/+ mice and age‐matched Scn1a+/+ mice were compared in three age groups (1 month, 3–5 months, > 6 months). Then STP, CLB, or STP + CLB was administered intraperitoneally to Scn1aRX/+ mice of two age groups (p1M, aged 1 month; p5M, aged 5–10 months). The efficacy of medications was assessed by comparing the seizure‐inducing body temperature and the duration of seizures.

Key Findings:  The seizure‐inducing body temperature was significantly lower in Scn1aRX/+ than in Scn1a+/+ mice for all age groups (p < 0.01). The seizure‐inducing body temperature was significantly elevated after administration of STP in p1M (p < 0.05) but not in p5M (p > 0.05), and it was significantly elevated after administration of CLB in both age groups (p < 0.05). The seizure‐inducing body temperature was significantly higher after administration of STP + CLB than after administration of CLB in p5M (p < 0.05).

Significance:  Scn1a
RX/+ mice have increased susceptibility to hyperthermia‐induced seizure in all age groups. STP monotherapy is effective in preventing hyperthermia‐induced seizures in Scn1aRX/+ mice aged 1 month, but not in those aged 5 months and older. When used in combination therapy with CLB, STP inhibits the metabolism of CLB and probably synergistically enhances the anticonvulsant effect in mice aged 1 month.
Cortical abnormalities and their cognitive correlates in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and interictal psychosis
Authors: Gutierrez‐Galve Leticia , Flugel Dominique , Thompson Pamela J. , Koepp Matthias J. , Symms Mark R. , Ron Maria A. , Foong Jacqueline
Published: May 2012

Purpose:  To determine whether cortical abnormalities are more severe and widespread in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and interictal psychosis (IP) compared to those with TLE only (NIP) and healthy controls (HC), and to explore the associations between cortical parameters (area, thickness and volume), psychotic symptoms, and cognitive performance.

Methods:  Twenty‐two patients with IP (9 male; 10 hippocampal sclerosis, HS), 23 TLE nonpsychotic (NIP) patients (11 male; 13 HS) matched for duration of epilepsy and 20 HC participated. Surface‐based morphometry (SBM) was used to measure cortical parameters. Cognition was examined in IP and NIP patients. Associations between cortical parameters and cognition were examined using linear mixed models adjusted by age, gender, and brain volume.

Key Findings:  IP patients had an earlier onset of epilepsy, more status epilepticus, and worse cognitive performance than NIP patients. In IP patients, cortical thickness was reduced in the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), and their current IQ was associated with decreases in area, but not thickness, in regions of the frontotemporal cortex.

Significance:  IP likely reflects the interplay of psychosis‐related genetic factors and the cumulative effects of seizure activity on the brain. Cortical thinning in the IFG, a region implicated in schizophrenia, is likely to be related to seizure activity, whereas changes in IQ, associated with reductions in area of frontotemporal cortex, may be related to the presence of psychosis.
COMPARISON OF RESISTANCE TO LIGHT STRESS IN TOXIC AND NON‐TOXIC STRAINS OF MICROCYSTIS AERUGINOSA (CYANOPHYTA)1
Authors: Deblois Charles P. , Juneau Philippe
Published: May 2012

Blooms of Microcystis aeruginosa (Kützing) Kützing occur frequently in many freshwater ecosystems around the world, but the role of environmental factors in promoting the growth and determining the proportion of toxic and non‐toxic strains still requires more investigation. In this study, four strains (toxic CPCC299 & FACHB905 and non‐toxic CPCC632 & FACHB315) were exposed to high light (HL) condition, similar to light intensity found at the surface of a bloom, to evaluate their sensitivity to photoinhibition. We also estimated their capacity to recover from this HL stress. For all strains, our results showed an increased inhibition of the photosynthetic activity with HL treatment time. When comparing the extent of photoinhibition between strains, both toxic strains were more resistant to the treatment and recovered completely their photosynthetic capacity after 3 h, while non‐toxic strains needed more time to recover. For toxic strains, the rETR under HL was higher compared to the rETR under low light (LL) control condition despite 50% photoinhibition. This suggests that the detrimental effect of high light (HL; up to 2 h) is outweighed by their higher photosynthetic potential. This conclusion did not stand for non‐toxic strains, and indicates their preference for LL environment. We also demonstrated that a LL/HL cycle induced a 259% increase in cell yield for a toxic strain and a decrease by 22% for a non‐toxic strain. This also indicates that toxic strains have higher tolerance to HL in a fluctuating light environment. Our data demonstrated that difference of sensitivity to HL between strains can modify the competitive outcome between toxic and non‐toxic strains and may affect bloom toxicity.
Association Between In Vivo Alcohol Metabolism and Genetic Variation in Pathways that Metabolize the Carbon Skeleton of Ethanol and NADH Reoxidation in the Alcohol Challenge Twin Study
Authors: Lind Penelope A. , Macgregor Stuart , Heath Andrew C. , Madden Pamela A. F. , Montgomery Grant W. , Martin Nicholas G. , Whitfield John B.
Published: May 2012

Background

Variation in alcohol metabolism affects the duration of intoxication and alcohol use. While the majority of genetic association studies investigating variation in alcohol metabolism have focused on polymorphisms in alcohol or aldehyde dehydrogenases, we have now tested for association with genes in alternative metabolic pathways that catalyze the carbon skeleton of ethanol (EtOH) and NADH reoxidation.

Methods

Nine hundred fifty single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning 14 genes (ACN9, ACSS1, ACSS2, ALDH1A1, CAT, CYP2E1, GOT1, GOT2, MDH1, MDH2, SLC25A10, SLC25A11, SLC25A12, SLC25A13) were genotyped in 352 young adults who participated in an alcohol challenge study. Traits tested were blood alcohol concentration (BAC), breath alcohol concentration (BrAC), peak alcohol concentration, and rates of alcohol absorption and elimination. Allelic association was tested using quantitative univariate and multivariate methods.

Results

A CYP2E1 promoter SNP (rs4838767, minor allele frequency 0.008) exceeded the threshold for study‐wide significance (4.01 × 10−5) for 2 early BAC, 8 BrAC measures, and the peak BrAC. For each phenotype, the minor C allele was related to a lower alcohol concentration, most strongly for the fourth BrAC (p = 2.07 × 10−7) explaining ~8% of the phenotypic variance. We also observed suggestive patterns of association with variants in ALDH1A1 and on chromosome 17 near SLC25A11 for aspects of blood and breath alcohol metabolism. An SNP upstream of GOT1 (rs2490286) reached study‐wide significance for multivariate BAC metabolism (p = 0.000040).

Conclusions

Overall, we did not find strong evidence that variation in genes coding for proteins that further metabolize the carbon backbone of acetaldehyde, or contribute to mechanisms for regenerating NAD from NADH, affects alcohol metabolism in our European‐descent subjects. However, based on the breath alcohol data, variation in the promoter of CYP2E1 may play a role in preabsorptive or early hepatic alcohol metabolism, but more samples are required to validate this finding.
Adverse effects of plasma transfusion
Authors: Pandey Suchitra , Vyas Girish N.
Published: May 2012

Plasma utilization has increased over the past two decades, and there is a growing concern that many plasma transfusions are inappropriate. Plasma transfusion is not without risk, and certain complications are more likely with plasma than other blood components. Clinical and laboratory investigations of the patients suffering reactions after infusion of fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP) define the etiology and pathogenesis of the panoply of adverse effects. We review here the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of the risks associated with plasma transfusion. Risks commonly associated with FFP include: 1) transfusion‐related acute lung injury, 2) transfusion‐associated circulatory overload, and 3) allergic and/or anaphylactic reactions. Other less common risks include 1) transmission of infections, 2) febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions, 3) red blood cell alloimmunization, and 4) hemolytic transfusion reactions. The effects of pathogen inactivation or reduction methods on these risks are also discussed. Fortunately, a majority of the adverse effects are not lethal and are adequately treated in clinical practice.
Reversal of drug‐induced anticoagulation: old solutions and new problems
Authors: Dzik Walter “Sunny”
Published: May 2012

Anticoagulant drugs are taken by millions of patients throughout the world. Warfarin has been the most widely prescribed anticoagulant for decades. In recent years, new oral anticoagulants have been approved for use, are being positioned as alternatives to warfarin, and represent an enormous market opportunity for pharmaceutical companies. Requests for urgent reversal of anticoagulants are not uncommon especially in the setting of critical bleeding. This review summarizes information on reversal of warfarin by vitamin K, plasma, prothrombin complex concentrates, and recombinant VIIa. In addition, we emphasize the lack of current evidence supporting reversibility of the new oral direct thrombin inhibitors and Factor Xa inhibitors. This review is presented to assist transfusion medicine specialists, hematologists, and other clinicians who prescribe blood components for reversal of drug‐induced anticoagulation.
Spectral Profiles of Complex Fractionated Atrial Electrograms Are Different in Longstanding and Acute Onset Atrial Fibrillation Atrial Electrogram Spectra
Authors: CIACCIO EDWARD J. , BIVIANO ANGELO B. , WHANG WILLIAM , GAMBHIR ALOK , GARAN HASAN
Published: May 2012

Spectral Profiles of CFAE. Background: Spectral analysis of complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE) may be useful for gaining insight into mechanisms underlying paroxysmal and longstanding atrial fibrillation (AF). The commonly used dominant frequency (DF) measurement has limitations.

Method: CFAE recordings were acquired from outside the 4 pulmonary vein ostia and at 2 left atrial free wall sites in 10 paroxysmal and 10 persistent AF patients. Two consecutive 8s‐series were analyzed from recordings >16s in duration. Power spectra were computed for each 8s‐series in the range 3–12 Hz and normalized. The mean and standard deviation of normalized power spectra (MPS and SPS, respectively) were compared for paroxysmal versus persistent CFAE. Also, the DF and its peak amplitude (ADF) were compared for pulmonary vein sites only. Power spectra were computed using ensemble average and Fourier methods.

Results: No significant changes occurred in any parameter from the first to second recording sequence. For both sequences, MPS and SPS were significantly greater, and DF and ADF were significantly less, in paroxysmals versus persistents. The MPS and ADF measurements from ensemble spectra produced the most significant differences in paroxysmals versus persistents (P < 0.0001). DF differences were less significant, which can be attributed to the relatively high variability of DF in paroxysmals. The MPS was correlated to the duration of uninterrupted persistent AF prior to electrophysiologic study (P = 0.01), and to left atrial volume for all AF (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: The MPS and ADF measurements introduced in this study are probably superior to DF for discerning power spectral differences in paroxysmal versus longstanding CFAE. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 971‐979, September 2012)
Choice of Prognostic Estimators in Joint Models by Estimating Differences of Expected Conditional Kullback–Leibler Risks
Authors: Commenges Daniel , Liquet Benoit , Proust‐Lima Cécile
Published: May 2012

Summary Prognostic estimators for a clinical event may use repeated measurements of markers in addition to fixed covariates. These measurements can be linked to the clinical event by joint models that involve latent features. When the objective is to choose between different prognosis estimators based on joint models, the conventional Akaike information criterion is not well adapted and decision should be based on predictive accuracy. We define an adapted risk function called expected prognostic cross‐entropy. We define another risk function for the case of right‐censored observations, the expected prognostic observed cross‐entropy (EPOCE). These risks can be estimated by leave‐one‐out cross‐validation, for which we give approximate formulas and asymptotic distributions. The approximated cross‐validated estimator CVPOL a of EPOCE is studied in simulation and applied to the comparison of several joint latent class models for prognosis of recurrence of prostate cancer using prostate‐specific antigen measurements.
A complication of double lumen hemocatheter guide wire entrapment in a hemodialysis patient
Authors: Wu Ping‐Hsun , Kuo Mei‐Chuan , Li Hung‐Hau , Chen Hung‐Chun
Published: May 2012

Double lumen hemocatheter is commonly used for temporary hemodialysis patient and various complications have been documented but few reports of guide wire‐related complications. We report a complication of double lumen hemocatheter guide wire entrapment in a 43‐year‐old female of type 1 diabetes mellitus and hemodialysis patient. She was admitted for left arteriovenous shunt dysfunction and right internal jugular vein hemocatheter chamber clotting was found while on hemodialysis, so a new hemocatheter was changed over guide wire. Guide wire was introduced without any resistance and the clotting hemocatheter was removed. During the procedure, the J‐tipped guide wire could not be withdrawn and portable chest radiography revealed the J‐tip of the guide wire was in the right ventricle near the region of tricuspid valve. Fluoroscopy was arranged and it also confirmed the J‐tip was lying in the ventricle near the tricuspid valve where it was stuck. Snare catheter kit was inserted through the 10 Fr sheath and the cardiologist untied the knot by endovascular snare and removed the guide wire smoothly. This report emphasizes the importance of awareness on guide wire entrapment while inserting double lumen hemocatheter. When a guide wire became hard to withdraw, extracting an entrapped guide wire with fluoroscopy guide and snare catheter is a preferable and minimal invasive approach.
Grammatical Gender and Inferences About Biological Properties in German‐Speaking Children
Authors: Saalbach Henrik , Imai Mutsumi , Schalk Lennart
Published: May 2012

In German, nouns are assigned to one of the three gender classes. For most animal names, however, the assignment is independent of the referent’s biological sex. We examined whether German‐speaking children understand this independence of grammar from semantics or whether they assume that grammatical gender is mapped onto biological sex when drawing inferences about sex‐specific biological properties of animals. Two cross‐linguistic studies comparing German‐speaking and Japanese‐speaking preschoolers were conducted. The results suggest that German‐speaking children utilize grammatical gender as a cue for inferences about sex‐specific properties of animals. Further, we found that Japanese‐ and German‐speaking children recruit different resources when drawing inferences about sex‐specific properties: Whereas Japanese children paralleled their pattern of inference about properties common to all animals, German children relied on the grammatical gender class of the animal. Implications of these findings for studying the relation between language and thought are discussed.
Are Automatic Imitation and Spatial Compatibility Mediated by Different Processes?
Authors: Cooper Richard P. , Catmur Caroline , Heyes Cecilia
Published: May 2012

Automatic imitation or “imitative compatibility” is thought to be mediated by the mirror neuron system and to be a laboratory model of the motor mimicry that occurs spontaneously in naturalistic social interaction. Imitative compatibility and spatial compatibility effects are known to depend on different stimulus dimensions—body movement topography and relative spatial position. However, it is not yet clear whether these two types of stimulus–response compatibility effect are mediated by the same or different cognitive processes. We present an interactive activation model of imitative and spatial compatibility, based on a dual‐route architecture, which substantiates the view they are mediated by processes of the same kind. The model, which is in many ways a standard application of the interactive activation approach, simulates all key results of a recent study byCatmur and Heyes (2011). Specifically, it captures the difference in the relative size of imitative and spatial compatibility effects; the lack of interaction when the imperative and irrelevant stimuli are presented simultaneously; the relative speed of responses in a quintile analysis when the imperative and irrelevant stimuli are presented simultaneously; and the different time courses of the compatibility effects when the imperative and irrelevant stimuli are presented asynchronously.
Age‐related distributions of anti‐Müllerian hormone level and anti‐Müllerian hormone models
Authors: LEE JOONG YEUP , JEE BYUNG CHUL , LEE JUNG RYEOL , KIM CHUNG HYON , PARK TAESUNG , YEON BO RA , SEO SO YEON , LEE WON DON , SUH CHANG SUK , KIM SEOK HYUN
Published: May 2012

Objective. To determine age‐specific reference values for anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) and to set up an optimal model for AMH changes by age for infertility investigations. Design. Prospective study. Setting. Several infertility clinics and two university hospitals. Sample. A total of 21 226 AMH samples were obtained. Methods. Data on patients’ age, race/ethnicity, and AMH levels were available from the laboratory center data registry between November 2008 and January 2011. Main outcome measures. The distribution of AMH levels by age. From 16 972 women aged between 25 and 45 years, we established and validated five AMH‐age regression models. Results. The overall mean AMH level was 4.09 ± 3.71 ng/mL (median: 3.13 ng/mL). There was an inverse relation between AMH level and age. Among multiple regression models, the quadratic model was most appropriate to describe AMH‐age relation (log AMH = 0.205 × age – 0.005 × age2– 0.047). Conclusions. AMH levels show a progressive decline with increasing age. Age‐specific AMH values may provide more specific information useful for patients and clinicians. AMH‐age models could play a role as a basic step to approach more accurate ovarian reserve estimation.
The Myxovirus‐Resistance Protein, MX1, is a Component of Exosomes Secreted by Uterine Epithelial Cells
Authors: Racicot Karen , Schmitt Anthony , Ott Troy
Published: May 2012

Problem

Dairy cattle suffer from high percentages of early embryonic loss, and therefore, it is critical to study the function of the uterus at this time. We hypothesize that the antiviral protein, myxovirus resistance (MX)1, regulates secretion in uterine glandular cells during early pregnancy.

Method of Study

Uterine epithelial cells were used to study uterine function, in vitro. Sucrose gradients, Western blotting, and transmission electron microscopy were used to isolate and identify exosomes. Immunofluorescence and ceramide inhibitors were used for the characterization of exosomes.

Results

Myxovirus resistance1 was associated with exosomes and protected from proteases, indicating it was inside exosomes. MX1 partially colocalized with exosomal protein CD63, and a ceramide inhibitor reduced numbers of MX1‐associated exosomes.

Conclusion

This study is the first to characterize MX1‐associated exosomes, and we postulate that MX1 regulates secretion in epithelial cells by playing a role in exosome formation or trafficking.
Ovarian Stimulation Reduces IL‐6 Release from Mouse and Human Pre‐Implantation Embryos
Authors: Yu Chunhua , Wang Li , Li Jianhua , Guo Chun , Guo Xinyu , Zhang Xinyan , Xu Ye , Yao Yuanqing
Published: May 2012

Problem

In our previous study, ovarian stimulation retarded post‐implantation development and caused 92 genes, including interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), to be differentially expressed in mouse blastocysts. None of them had been tested at protein level, In this study, we confirm the level change of IL‐6 mRNA in mouse blastocysts and IL‐6 protein release to the culture medium from mouse and human pre‐implantation embryos.

Method of study

IL‐6 mRNA were measured by PCR and IL‐6 release to the culture medium were measured by ELISA.

Results

Superovulation caused a 1.95‐fold reduction in IL‐6 mRNA in mouse blastocysts and reduced IL‐6 secretion into the culture medium in mouse zygotes which were developed to the blastocyst stage (6.397 ± 0.635 versus 4.799 ± 0.312 pg/mL). Ovarian stimulation also significantly reduced IL‐6 release into the culture medium in human zygotes which were cultured for 2 days (4.713 ± 0.945 versus 4.543 ± 0.796 pg/mL).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that IL‐6 might serve as a candidate marker for evaluating embryo developmental competence.
Long‐lasting regulation of hippocampal Bdnf gene transcription after contextual fear conditioning
Authors: Mizuno K. , Dempster E. , Mill J. , Giese K. P.
Published: May 2012

Long‐term memory formation requires de novo protein synthesis and gene transcription. During contextual long‐term memory formation brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene expression changes in conjunction with alterations of DNA methylation in the Bdnf gene. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the maintenance and persistence of contextual long‐term memory. Here, we examined the transcription of specific Bdnf exons in the hippocampus for long periods after contextual fear conditioning. We found changes in transcription lasting for at least 24 h after contextual fear conditioning, with some sex‐specific effects. In addition, hypomethylation at a CpG site in CpG island 2 located at the end of Bdnf exon III sequence was detected at 0.5 h and maintained for up to 24 h after contextual fear conditioning. The identification of these long‐lasting changes in transcription and DNA methylation at the Bdnf gene suggests that BDNF might have a role for storage of contextual long‐term memory in the hippocampus.
Maternal dietary fat and fatty acid intake during lactation and the risk of asthma in the offspring
Authors: Lumia M , Luukkainen P , Kaila M , Tapanainen H , Takkinen H‐M , Prasad M , Niinistö S , Nwaru B I , Kenward M G , Ilonen J , Simell O , Knip M , Veijola R , Virtanen S M
Published: May 2012

Aim:  To explore the association between maternal dietary fat and fatty acid (FA) intake during lactation, and the risk of asthma in the offspring by the age of 5 years.

Methods:  The subjects comprised 1798 mother–child pairs from the Type 1 Diabetes Prediction and Prevention (DIPP) Nutrition Study. Dietary intake was assessed by a validated 181‐item food frequency questionnaire, which covered the third month of lactation. The cumulative incidence of asthma was assessed at the age of 5 years with a questionnaire modified from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Cox proportional hazards regression was used for statistical analysis.

Results:  The maternal use of margarines during lactation was associated with a marginally increased risk of asthma [hazard ratio (HR) for user vs. nonuser 1.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–3.82, p = 0.047] after adjusting for putative confounders. The maternal intakes of n‐3 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) and fish during lactation were not associated with the risk of asthma.

Conclusion:  Maternal use of margarines during lactation was weakly associated with an increased risk of asthma in the offspring at the age of 5 years. Other fats or FAs during lactation were not associated with the risk of asthma. However, the nonadherence to dietary recommendations regarding especially fats of our study population may restrict the generalizability of our results.
Body size and lifestyle in an urban population entering adulthood: the ‘Grow up Gothenburg’ Study
Authors: Sjöberg Agneta , Barrenäs Marie‐Louise , Brann Ebba , Chaplin John Eric , Dahlgren Jovanna , Mårild Staffan , Lissner Lauren , Albertsson‐Wikland Kerstin
Published: May 2012

Aim:  To present data on body size, lifestyle and health status in students in their final year in high schools in Gothenburg area, Sweden, with specific attention to origin and gender.

Methods:  Weight, height and waist circumference were measured by standardized procedures. Self‐administered questionnaires described dietary habits, sleep, physical activity, body image, country of origin and general health.

Results:  Eighty‐six percent of participants, (2600 girls, 2714 boys, mean age 18.6 years) were of Nordic origin, 86% reported no chronic health problems and 14%/19% of girls/boys were overweight or obese. Girls consumed more vegetables and fruits and fewer sweet drinks than boys, while breakfast consumption was most common in Nordic groups. Boys reported more positive answers than girls regarding body image. Nordic girls had more negative body image and higher morbidity compared with other groups.

Conclusion:  Within this generally healthy cohort, boys were more likely to be overweight/obese than girls, although paradoxically boys were more satisfied with their appearance. Nordic girls constitute a group with particularly high risk of reporting low body self‐esteem and chronic morbidity. In the longer term, the current cross‐sectional data on body size, lifestyle and health will provide important baseline information for future follow‐up studies of health outcomes in later life.
Loneliness and self‐reported health among older persons in New Zealand
Authors: La Grow Steven , Neville Stephen , Alpass Fiona , Rodgers Vivien
Published: May 2012

Aim:  The purpose of this study was to identify the rate, degree and impact of loneliness in a sample of 332 older community‐dwelling New Zealanders.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional survey was used to collect self‐reported data on loneliness, physical and mental health, age, sex and marital status. Eight per cent of the sample was found to be severely lonely, 44% moderately lonely and 48% not lonely. Participants were assigned to three groups by level of loneliness and compared on age, sex, marital status and health.

Results:  The groups were found to differ on physical (F[2,329]= 5.3, P = 0.006) and mental health (F[2,329]= 13.7, P < 0.001) but not on age, sex or marital status.

Conclusions:  Those who were in the severely and moderately lonely groups scored lower on both health measures than those in the not lonely group.
Preliminary Observation of Complex Salt‐Fresh Water Mixing in a Beach Aquifer
Authors: Thorn Paul , Urish Daniel
Published: May 2012

Continuous observations of beach groundwater salinity over a 35‐d period from a monitoring well established in the intertidal zone of a coastal harbor provided intriguing data on the interaction in the intertidal zone between the salt and fresh groundwater. During the monitoring period of the study, both semidiurnal variations and longer temporal trends in groundwater salinity were observed. The semidiurnal salinity variations were observed to occur nearly synchronously, but inconsistently with the tides. However, the salinity relationship with the tides was more complex, switching back and forth from being in‐sync (higher salinities at high tide) to out‐of‐sync (higher salinities at low tide) a total of four times during the 35‐d test period. The longer temporal trends showed chloride concentration (representing salinity) varying from as low as 50 mg/L to as high as 3600 mg/L over a period of between 9 to 12 d. The observations from the monitoring well reveal a complex pattern likely resulting from a combination of tidal pumping, density‐induced convection, and changes in the terrestrial hydraulic gradient. However, these observations are based upon data from only one monitoring well, and are speculative at this point. A more thorough study of the complex fresh water‐saline water relationship in the intertidal zone seems to have merit.
Government spending on dental care: is it a public priority?
Authors: Ramji Sabrina , Quiñonez Carlos
Published: May 2012

Objectives: The majority of Canadians believe that the government should play some role in providing dental care within Canada's health care system. However, it is unclear whether Canadians consider this as a top public priority. This study determines whether dental care is a public priority among Canadian adults relative to other policy concerns and identifies factors predictive of a first priority ranking for dental care.

Methods: Data were collected in 2008 from a national random sample of 1,005 Canadian adults through a telephone interview survey. Respondents were asked to rank five spending priorities (dental care, pharmacare, home care, vision care, and child care) in terms of preferences for new government spending. Simple descriptive analyses were undertaken based on sociodemographic characteristics. Logistic regression modeling was conducted to determine which factors are predictive of a first priority ranking for dental care.

Results: Comparatively, dental care stands as the third choice among the other spending priority areas. Approximately 21 percent of adults consider dental care a first priority for spending. First priority ranking of dental care appears to be linked to socioeconomic factors: household income, educational attainment, and dental insurance coverage.

Conclusions: As a public priority, a moderate level of demand exists for more government spending on dental care in Canada, specifically among those of low income, low educational attainment, and who lack dental insurance coverage. A sustained effort should be made to push forward public dental care policies that target priority population subgroups.
Accuracy of record linkage software in merging dental administrative data sets
Authors: Beil Heather , Preisser John S. , Rozier R. Gary
Published: May 2012

Objective: To determine the accuracy of record matching using “Link King” software that uses an ordinal score for the certainty that linked records are valid matches.

Methods: We linked records in North Carolina Medicaid files to public health surveillance files using Link King matching software. We selected a stratified random sample of 230 of 45,295 linked records and 50 of 35,119 non‐linked surveillance records, then manually reviewed the records. Sensitivity (Sn) and Specificity (Sp) were calculated based on each cut point of the Link King score, using manual review as the gold standard.

Results: The Sn increased from 0.837 (95% CI: 0.785, 0.892) to 0.935 (0.879, 0.994) and Sp decreased from 0.893 (0.816, 0.976) to 0.865 (0.790, 0.947) as cut points were varied to widen the scope of declared matches. With a goal of both Sn and Sp being large, accuracy was best when linked record pairs from the top three levels of certainty were included in the match.

Conclusions: This study found that a publicly available software program accurately merged Medicaid and surveillance data. The Link King could be useful to researchers in merging administrative databases.
Projected prevalence of age‐related macular degeneration in Scandinavia 2012–2040
Authors: Lindekleiv Haakon , Erke Maja Gran
Published: May 2012

Purpose:  To project the number of persons with late age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) in Scandinavia through 2040.

Methods:  Age‐ and sex‐specific prevalence rates of late AMD (choroidal neovascularization and geographic atrophy) from the European Eye Study and the Eye Diseases Prevalence Research Group were applied to the projected Danish, Norwegian and Swedish population from 2012 to 2040.

Results:  A total of 187 000 persons aged ≥65 years in Scandinavia are currently affected by late AMD: 47 000 in Denmark, 43 000 in Norway and 97 000 in Sweden. Owing to an ageing population, the number of persons affected by late AMD will increase 75% to 328 000 in 2040.

Conclusion:  The number of patients with late AMD in Scandinavia is expected to increase substantially over the next three decades, resulting in increased demand for ophthalmic health services.
Nitrogen and harvest management of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) grassland for sustainable biomass feedstock production
Authors: Lee Do Kyoung , Aberle Ezra , Chen Chengci , Egenolf Josh , Harmoney Keith , Kakani Gopal , Kallenbach Robert L. , Castro Joseph C.
Published: May 2012

The Biomass Regional Feedstock Partnership has identified grasslands planted under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) as a potential source for herbaceous bioenergy feedstock. The goal of this project is to assess the yield potential of CRP grasslands across diverse regions. Consistent with that goal, the objective of this project was to establish yield potential and quality parameters for several different CRP grasslands, representative of different growing environments. Standard field scale agricultural practices were used as management guidelines at each location. The test locations were identified and established based on known regions containing concentrated tracts of CRP grassland and represented variable climatic parameters and production histories. Biomass production potential for CRP land dominated by either warm‐ or cool‐season grass mixtures in each location was evaluated over the course of three growing seasons (2008, 2009, and 2010). Specifically, a mixture of warm‐season perennial grasses was evaluated in North Dakota, Kansas, and Oklahoma, while a cool‐season mixture was evaluated in Montana, Georgia, and Missouri. Maximum biomass yields for the three warm‐season CRP sites ranged from 4.0 to 7.2 Mg ha−1 and for the three cool‐season CRP sites 3.4–6.0 Mg ha−1. Our results demonstrate that CRP grassland has potential as a bioenergy feedstock resource if the appropriate management practices are followed.
Foonchewia guangdongensis gen. et sp. nov. (Rubioideae: Rubiaceae) and its systematic position inferred from chloroplast sequences and morphology
Authors: WEN Hai‐Zhen , WANG Rui‐Jiang
Published: May 2012

Abstract  The new species, Foonchewia guangdongensis R. J. Wang & H. Z. Wen and the new monotypic genus Foonchewia R. J. Wang (Rubioideae, Rubiaceae), are described from eastern Guangdong, China. It is characterized by its subshrub habit, pentamerous and heterostylous flowers, 2‐1ocular ovary with many ovules, and apically dehiscent capsules with numerous angulated seeds. Phylogenetic analysis of four chloroplast DNA regions (rbcL, rps16, ndhF, and atpB‐rbcL) revealed that the new genus is nested in the Spermacoceae alliance and is sister to Dunnia. Morphological comparison between these two genera indicated that they had few synapomorphies; it was therefore inappropriate to classify the new genus in the existing tribe Dunnieae, and a new tribe, Foonchewieae R. J. Wang, is accordingly proposed.
A new method for real‐time monitoring of soil CO2 efflux
Authors: Lavoie Martin , Owens Jen , Risk Dave
Published: May 2012

1. A better understanding of temporal and spatial variability of soil CO2 fluxes is essential to improve model predictions of soil effluxes. To accomplish that goal, high‐frequency and long‐term data sets for model development and validation are needed. However, the cost and high maintenance associated with the current technology make high‐frequency measurements for small or large spatially distributed grids difficult to achieve. Here, we describe a new observational infrastructure for monitoring soil CO2 efflux, which is attractive because of its low cost and low power consumption compared to traditional methods.

2. Three observational stations equipped with forced diffusion (FD) chambers were deployed in the summer of 2010 across a 1000‐km transect in Atlantic Canada. At half‐hourly resolution, each observational station recorded soil carbon dioxide (CO2) efflux from two flux chambers and from a suite of meteorological sensors and peripherals. Each station was equipped with telemetry, and data were continuously downloaded for c. 1 year.

3. The average power consumption for each station was roughly a third of a LI‐COR LI‐8100 system. The FD chambers were approximately four times more affordable than conventional equipment and were also reliable with <1% of the data lost because of power failure.

4. High‐frequency observations from the three sites showed that the systems were extremely dynamic, with CO2 efflux dependency to temperature and moisture on many time‐scales. For instance, the data showed pronounced increases in soil CO2 efflux after major rain events. The results from the FD chambers also highlighted the role of other biological and physical factors on soil CO2 efflux.

5. Overall, this new method was very successful in key areas including survivability, management intensity and cost. The high‐frequency data hold many interesting features that are not captured in synoptic data sets and which will be useful for tuning our understanding of soil carbon dynamics.
Effect of hypaconitine combined with liquiritin on the expression of calmodulin and connexin43 in rat cardiac muscle in vivo
Authors: Yi Mingjing , Peng Wei , Chen Xiaomin , Wang Junjun , Chen Yong
Published: May 2012

Objectives

To study the effects of hypaconitine used alone and combined with liquiritin on calmodulin (CaM) expression and connexin43 (Cx43) phosphorylation on serine368 (Ser368), as well as to investigate the intervention of liquiritin on these hypaconitine-induced effects.

Methods

Adult Wistar rats were orally administered hypaconitine (0.23, 0.69, 2.07 mg/kg per day), liquiritin (20 mg/kg per day), or hypaconitine (2.07 mg/kg per day) plus liquiritin (20 mg/kg per day) for seven consecutive days. The mRNA expression levels of CaM and Cx43 in rat myocardial tissue were determined by real-time quantitative PCR. The protein contents of CaM and phosphorylated Cx43 (Ser368) were determined by Western blot.

Key findings

The results indicated that the mRNA and protein expression levels of CaM were significantly decreased by hypaconitine used alone and combined with liquiritin. Although CaM mRNA expression level was inhibited by liquiritin, its protein expression level was upregulated. Meanwhile, although no obvious effect on Cx43 mRNA expression was observed after the drug administration, the phosphorylation level of Cx43 (Ser368) was significantly inhibited. Furthermore, the coadministration of hypaconitine and liquiritin significantly reduced hypaconitine-induced inhibitory action on Cx43 (Ser368) phosphorylation.

Conclusions

The study indicated that hypaconitine could inhibit CaM expression and Cx43 (Ser368) phosphorylation, and liquiritin could interfere with this kind of effect by synergistically inhibiting CaM expression and by antagonizing Cx43 (Ser368) dephosphorylation induced by hypaconitine.
Trajectories of BMI from early childhood through early adolescence: SES and psychosocial predictors
Authors: Lane Sean P. , Bluestone Cheryl , Burke Christopher T.
Published: May 2012

Objectives. This study examined the ways in which body mass index (BMI) percentile – an identified risk factor for overweight and cardiovascular disease in adulthood – develops from birth through early adolescence. In addition, we examined whether psychosocial factors, such as parenting style and maternal depression, mediated the link between socio‐economic status (SES) and BMI growth.

Design. Data were obtained from phases 1–3 of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (SECCYD) – a longitudinal study that followed children from 10 communities in the United States from birth to age 11.

Methods. We applied growth mixture models to identify distinct subtypes of BMI development. Within these models, we performed between‐ and within‐class mediation analyses to examine whether SES predicted class membership or differences in development within each class via maternal depression and parenting styles.

Results. Results identified three prototypic trajectories of BMI percentile growth, elevated, steady increase, and stable. We found evidence for both between‐ and within‐class mediation, suggesting multiple pathways by which SES can affect BMI development.

Conclusions. These findings add to the research that suggests that being in a family with a low SES is associated with falling into patterns of development characterized by early and lasting increases in BMI relative to one's peers, and that this association is partly accounted for by maternal depression and parenting styles.

Statement of Contribution

What is already known? Past research has found evidence that patterns of childhood overweight are impacted by socioeconomic status through psychosocial factors like parenting and depression. This evidence is often limited to individual points in time where neglectful, permissive, and authoritarian parenting and higher levels of maternal depression are associated with higher levels of overweight status among children from infancy to adolescence. However, little research has linked together whether the children who receive non‐authoritative parenting and are overweight in infancy are the same children who are overweight in adolescence.

What does this study add?

Evidence for 3 different prototypes of BMI percentile growth over the course of childhood approaching adolescence.

Adds complexity re the influence of parenting styles as an influence on patterns of weight gain.

Buttresses existing research as to early and lasting effects of SES on patterns of BMI.
Assigned experts with competitive goals withhold information in group decision making
Authors: Toma Claudia , Vasiljevic Dimitri , Oberlé Dominique , Butera Fabrizio
Published: May 2012

Expertise assignment has been proposed to improve unshared information pooling in group decision making. The current research revises this view by hypothesizing that expertise assignment is beneficial when group members have cooperative goals, but is detrimental when group members have competitive goals. Three‐person groups were confronted with a hidden‐profile task. Members were either assigned experts or not and were instructed to either cooperate or compete with other members. The results confirmed that expertise decreased unshared information pooling and repetitions in competition, while the reverse was found in cooperation. This interaction effect was mediated by self–other difference in perceived competence. Thus, expertise favours or hinders information sharing in group decision making as a function of members’ cooperative or competitive goals.
Experimental Simulation of Contaminant Deposition on a Film Cooled Turbine Airfoil Leading Edge
Authors: Albert Jason E. , Bogard David G.
Published: May 2012

A significant challenge of utilizing coal-derived synthetic fuels for gas turbine engines is mitigating the adverse effects of fuel-born contaminant deposits on film cooled turbine surfaces. A new experimental technique has been developed that simulates the key physical, but not the chemical, aspects of coal ash deposition on film cooled turbine airfoil leading edges in order to better understand the interaction between film cooling and deposition and to produce improved film cooling designs. In this large-scale wind tunnel facility, the depositing contaminants were modeled with atomized molten wax droplets sized to match the Stokes numbers of coal ash particles in the engine conditions. The sticking mechanism of the molten contaminants to the turbine surfaces was modeled by ensuring the wax droplets remained somewhat molten when they arrived at the cooled model surface. The airfoil model and wax deposits had thermal conductivities such that they matched the Biot numbers of clean and fouled turbine airfoils at engine conditions. The behavior of the deposit growth was controlled by adjusting the mainstream, coolant, and wax solidification temperatures. Simulated deposits were created for a range of test durations, film cooling blowing ratios, and controlling temperatures. Inspection of the resulting deposits revealed aspects of the flow field that augment and suppress deposition. Deposit thickness was found to increase in time until an equilibrium thickness was attained. Blowing ratio and the difference between mainstream and wax solidification temperatures strongly affected characteristics of the deposits. Model surface temperatures greatly reduced under the deposits as they developed.