bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating Head and Trunk Rotation in Sitting: A Pilot Study Comparing People after Stroke and Healthy Controls
Authors: Verheyden Geert , Ashburn Ann , Burnett Malcolm , Littlewood Janet , Kunkel Dorit ,   on behalf of The Stroke Association Rehabilitation Research Centre
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose

Healthy individuals have a top‐down coordination pattern when turning while walking; they first rotate the head, then the shoulders, the pelvis and, finally, the feet. The aim of this study was to compare spatial and temporal characteristics of head and trunk rotation in sitting between people early after stroke and healthy participants, and investigate change over time.

Methods

This was a pilot, quantitative, longitudinal study. We recruited participants from stroke wards and local groups. People with stroke were assessed at 3, 6 and 12 weeks after stroke. Healthy participants were examined with the same weekly intervals. Participants were in a seated position and were asked verbally to rotate their head and look at a visual signal placed at 90° to the left and to the right of the subject. CODAmotion (Charnwood Dynamics Ltd, Rothley, UK) was used for 3‐D motion recording and analysis.

Results

Healthy participants (two women and four men; mean age 66 years) showed significant rotation of the head before rotation of the shoulders at all three time points; people with stroke (one woman and five men; mean age 71 years) did not show this top‐down pattern of movement. There was no significant difference between start times of head and shoulder rotation at 3 (p = 0.167), 6 (p = 0.084) and 12 weeks after stroke (p = 0.062). Conclusions. The results of our pilot study warrant further investigation into the recovery and pattern of axial coordination after stroke. Future studies could provide insight into the mechanisms behind impaired postural control in people after stroke. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neem oil (Azadirachta indica) nanoemulsion—a potent larvicidal agent against Culex quinquefasciatus
Authors: Anjali CH , Sharma Yamini , Mukherjee Amitava , Chandrasekaran Natarajan
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND: Nanoemulsion composed of neem oil and non‐ionic surfactant Tween 20, with a mean droplet size ranging from 31.03 to 251.43 nm, was formulated for various concentrations of the oil and surfactant. The larvicidal effect of the formulated neem oil nanoemulsion was checked against Culex quinquefasciatus.

RESULTS: O/W emulsion was prepared using neem oil, Tween 20 and water. Nanoemulsion of 31.03 nm size was obtained at a 1:3 ratio of oil and surfactant, and it was found to be stable. The larger droplet size (251.43 nm) shifted to a smaller size of 31.03 nm with increase in the concentration of Tween 20. The viscosity of the nanoemulsion increased with increasing concentration of Tween 20. The lethal concentration (LC50) of the nanoemulsion against Cx. quinquefasciatus was checked for 1:0.30, 1:1.5 and 1:3 ratios of oil and surfactant respectively. The LC50 decreased with droplet size. The LC50 for the ratio 1:3 nanoemulsions was 11.75 mg L−1.

CONCLUSION: The formulated nanoemulsion of 31.03 nm size was found to be an effective larvicidal agent. This is the first time that a neem oil nanoemulsion of this droplet size has been reported. It may be a good choice as a potent and selective larvicide for Cx. quinquefasciatus. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification of a lipid‐related peak set to enhance the interpretation of TOF‐SIMS data from model and cellular membranes
Authors: Anderton Christopher R. , Vaezian Bita , Lou Kaiyan , Frisz Jessica F. , Kraft Mary L.
Published: July 2011

Principal component analysis (PCA) of time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS) data enables differentiating structurally similar molecules according to linear combinations of multiple peaks in their spectra. However, in order to use PCA to correctly identify variations in lipid composition between samples, the discrimination achieved must be based on chemical differences that are related to the lipid species, and not sample‐associated contamination. Here, we identify the positive‐ion TOF‐SIMS peaks that are related to phosphatidylcholine lipid headgroups and tail groups by PCA of spectra acquired from lipid isotopologs. We demonstrate that restricting PCA to a contaminant‐free lipid‐related peak set reduces the variability in the spectra acquired from lipid samples that is due to contaminants, which enhanced differentiating different lipid standards, but adversely affected the contrast in PC scores images of phase‐separated lipid membranes. We also show that PCA of a restricted data set consisting of the peaks related to lipids and amino acids increases the likelihood that the discrimination of TOF‐SIMS data acquired from intact cells is based on differences in the lipids and proteins on the cell surface, and not sample‐specific contamination without compromising sample discrimination. We expect that the lipid‐related peak database established herein will facilitate interpreting the TOF‐SIMS data and PCA results from studies of both model and cellular membranes, and enhance identifying the origins of the peaks that contribute to discriminating different types of cells. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An empirical evaluation of several test‐a‐few strategies for testing particular conditions
Authors: Chan Eric Ying Kwong , Chan W. K. , Poon Pak‐Lok , Yu Yuen Tak
Published: July 2011

Existing specification‐based testing techniques often generate comprehensive test suites to cover diverse combinations of test‐relevant aspects. Such a test suite can be prohibitively expensive to execute exhaustively because of its large size. A pragmatic strategy often adopted in practice, called test‐once strategy, is to identify certain particular conditions from the specification and to test each such condition once only. This strategy is implicitly based on the uniformity assumption that the implementation will process a particular condition uniformly, regardless of other parameters or inputs. As the decision of adopting the test‐once strategy is often based on the specification, whether the uniformity assumption actually holds in the implementation needs to be critically assessed, or else the risk of inadequate testing could be non‐negligible. As viable alternatives to reduce such a risk, a family of test‐a‐few strategies for the testing of particular conditions is proposed in this paper. Two rounds of experiments that evaluate the effectiveness of the test‐a‐few strategies as compared with the test‐once strategy are further reported. Our experiments do the following: (1) provide clear evidence that the uniformity assumption often, but not always, holds and that the assumption usually fails to hold when the implementation is faulty; (2) demonstrate that all our proposed test‐a‐few strategies are statistically more reliable than the test‐once strategy in revealing faulty programs; (3) show that random sampling is already substantially more effective than the test‐once strategy; and (4) indicate that, compared with other test‐a‐few strategies under study, choice coverage seems to achieve a better trade‐off between test effort and effectiveness. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
T‐Knoten mit Gurtstäben aus dreieckigen Hohlprofilen
Authors: Ummenhofer Thomas , Herion Stefan , Ungermann Dieter , Brune Bettina , Dissel Peter , Fleischer Oliver
Published: July 2011

Zum einen bietet das “neu” entwickelte Hohlprofil aufgrund der hohen Knotensteifigkeit vorteilhafte Trageigenschaften von Knoten mit dreieckigen Gurtquerschnitten, zum anderen eröffnet dieses Profil interessante ästhetische Aspekte auch unter ökonomischen Gesichtspunkten. Aufgrund des vielversprechenden Erfolgs des Forschungsvorhabens ist eine Vertiefung und Erweiterung der Ergebnisse für die allgemeine Anwendung von Hohlprofilknotenkonstruktionen mit THS‐Querschnitten im Rahmen eines anschließenden Forschungsprojekts vorgesehen.

T‐joints with chord members made of triangular hollow sections. On one hand the newly developed hollow section provides advantageous bearing‐properties of joints with triangular shaped chord sections due to high joint‐rigidity, on the other hand it offers interesting aspects in an aesthetic as well as in an economic point of view. Because of the promising success of this research project a more detailed insight and an enhancement of the results for the general application of constructions made of hollow sections with triangular hollow sections is intended within the scope of a subsequent research project.
Application of a Handheld Portable Mid‐Infrared Sensor for Monitoring Oil Oxidative Stability
Authors: Allendorf Meghan , Subramanian Anand , Rodriguez‐Saona Luis
Published: July 2011

This study evaluated the capabilities of a handheld mid‐infrared (MIR) spectrometer combined with multivariate analysis to characterize oils, monitor chemical processes occurring during oxidation, and to determine fatty acid composition. Vegetable oils (corn, peanut, sunflower, safflower, cottonseed, and canola) were stored at 65 °C for 30 days to accelerate oxidation reactions. Aliquots were drawn at 5 day intervals and analyzed by benchtop and portable handheld mid‐infrared devices (4,000–700 cm−1) and reference methods (IUPAC 2301 [1], 2302 [1]; AOCS Cd 8‐58 [2]; and Shipe 1979 [3]). PLSR and soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) models were developed for oil classification and estimation of oil stability parameters. Models developed from MIR spectra obtained with a benchtop spectrometer equipped with a 3‐bounce ATR device resulted in superior discriminative performances for classifying oils as compared to those obtained from handheld spectra (single‐bounce ATR). Models developed from reference tests and handheld spectra showed prediction errors (SECV) of 1 meq/kg for peroxide value, 0.09% for acid value and 2% for determination of unsaturated fatty acids in different oils. Spectral regions ~3,012–2,850 cm−1 (C–H stretching bands/shoulders of fatty acids), ~1,740 cm−1 (C=O stretching of esters), and ~1,114 cm−1 (–C–O stretching) were found to be important for prediction. Handheld‐FTIR instruments combined with multivariate‐analysis showed promise for determination of oil quality parameters. Portability and ease‐of‐use makes the handheld device a great alternative to traditional methods.
Dysplasia of the hip in adolescent patients successfully treated for developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Modaressi K. , Erschbamer M. , Exner G. U.
Published: July 2011

Background

The purpose of this study was to analyze whether hips treated for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) during infancy, which were clinically and radiologically fully normalized by walking age, may become dysplastic again during later growth.

Materials and methods

A total of 150 patients were randomly selected out of a collective of 386 patients treated for DDH at the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Zurich between 1993 and 2004. Treatment was started at birth and continued for 6 months. All patients had clinically and radiographically normal hips by walking age. The patients did not suffer from other diseases, in particular, neurological or neuromuscular diseases.

Results

We detected four female subjects among the 150 patients who had been successfully treated for DDH, who had developed dysplastic hips in early adolescence, necessitating acetabular surgery.

Conclusion

The successful treatment of DDH in infancy does not ensure normal hip development; therefore, follow up into maturity may be recommended.

Level of evidence

Level IV.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of various types of oocyte aging
Authors: Takahashi Toshifumi , Igarashi Hideki , Amita Mitsuyoshi , Hara Shuichiro , Kurachi Hirohisa
Published: July 2011

It is well established that age‐related decline of a womanˈs fertility is related to the poor developmental potential of her gametes. The age‐associated decline in female fertility is largely attributable to the oocyte aging caused by ovarian aging. Age‐associated oocyte aging results in a decrease in oocyte quality. In contrast to ovarian aging, there is a concept of postovulatory oocyte aging. Postovulatory aging of oocytes, not being fertilized for a prolonged time after ovulation, is known to significantly affect the development of oocytes. Both categories of oocyte aging have similar phenotypes of reproductive failure. However, the mechanisms of the decline in oocyte quality are not necessarily equivalent. An age‐dependent increase in aneuploidy is a key determinant of oocyte quality. The reduced expression of molecules regulating cell cycle control during meiosis might be involved in the age‐dependent increase in aneuploidy. The mechanism of age‐associated oocyte aging might be involved in mitochondrial dysfunction, whose etiologies are still unknown. Alternatively, the mechanism of postovulatory oocyte aging might be involved in reactive oxygen species‐induced mitochondrial injury pathways followed by abnormal intracellular Ca2+ regulation of the endoplasmic reticulum. We suggest that future research into the mechanism of oocyte aging will be necessary to develop a method to rescue the poor developmental potential of aged oocytes.
AORN Ergonomic Tool 5: Tissue Retraction in the Perioperative Setting
Authors: Spera Patrice , Lloyd John D. , Hernandez Edward , Hughes Nancy , Petersen Carol , Nelson Audrey , Spratt Deborah G.
Published: July 2011

Manual retraction, a task performed to expose the surgical site, poses a high risk for musculoskeletal disorders that affect the hands, arms, shoulders, neck, and back. In recent years, minimally invasive and laparoscopic procedures have led to the development of multifunctional instruments and retractors capable of performing these functions that, in many cases, has eliminated the need for manual retraction. During surgical procedures that are not performed endoscopically, the use of self‐retaining retractors enables the assistant to handle tissue and use exposure techniques that do not require prolonged manual retraction. Ergonomic Tool #5: Tissue Retraction in the Perioperative Setting provides an algorithm for perioperative care providers to determine when and under what circumstances manual retraction of tissue is safe and when the use of a self‐retaining retractor should be considered.
Factors Associated with Multidrug‐Resistant Acinetobacter Transmission: An Integrative Review of the Literature
Authors: Moultrie Denise , Hawker Jeremy , Cole Shannon
Published: July 2011

Multidrug‐resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter infections are occurring at alarming rates in traumatic war injuries. Causative factors have not been specifically identified. We used an integrative review of the literature guided by the Identifying, Organizing, and Synthesizing strategy to identify factors related to MDR Acinetobacter transmission. We identified five major themes of commonality relating to transmission—wound types, risk factors, contributing factors, modes of transmission, and prevention strategies—and we identified studies that should be replicated in military populations. We identified sources of transmission (ie, environment to wound, health care worker to wound) and interventions to reduce or eliminate health care‐associated or surgical site MDR Acinetobacter infections (ie, using strict infection control guidelines, appropriate use of antibiotics, notification of infected patients).
Safe Positioning for Robotic‐Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy
Authors: Chitlik Amanda
Published: July 2011

Robotic‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy is a surgical procedure performed to eradicate prostate cancer. Use of robotic assistance technology allows smaller incisions than the traditional laparoscopic approach and results in better patient outcomes, such as less blood loss, less pain, shorter hospital stays, and better postoperative potency and continence rates. This surgical approach creates unique challenges in patient positioning for the perioperative team because the patient is placed in the lithotomy with steep Trendelenburg position. Incorrect positioning can lead to nerve damage, pressure ulcers, and other complications. Using a special beanbag positioning device made specifically for use with this severe position helps prevent these complications.
CCH's Law, Explanation and Analysis of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
Authors: Watson Carolyn
Published: July 2011

CCH's Law, Explanation and Analysis of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act CCH Editorial Staff Volume 1 2010, Aspen Ridge Publishers 1,000 pages, $149 hardcover
Clinical Issues—July 2011
Authors: Burlingame Byron
Published: July 2011

This Month

Abdominal‐perineal surgical preps

Key words: surgical skin preparation, skin antisepsis, abdominal prep, perineal prep, vaginal prep, dual prep.

Perineal preps and urinary catheter insertion

Key words: skin prep, urinary catheter insertion.

Endoscopy room requirements

Key words: endoscopy room, endoscopy, environmental conditions for endoscopy.

Use and decontamination of case carts

Key words: case carts, sterile supplies, washing case carts, cleaning, decontamination.

Storage of sterile and unsterile supplies

Key words: sterile storage, storage rules, OR storage, wire racks.
The Everything HR Kit
Authors: Collins Susan Jeanette
Published: July 2011

The Everything HR Kit John Putzier, David Baker 2010, AMACOM 256 pages$27.95 softcover with CD‐ROM
Effect of combined spinal–epidural analgesia versus epidural analgesia on labor and delivery duration
Authors: Pascual‐Ramirez Javier , Haya Javier , Pérez‐López Faustino R. , Gil‐Trujillo Silvia , Garrido‐Esteban Rosa A. , Bernal Ginés
Published: July 2011

Objective

To determine whether combined spinal–epidural analgesia (CSEA) can decrease the known epidural effect of lengthening delivery.

Methods

Between April and May 2010, 144 women undergoing childbirth in hospital with epidural pain relief were randomized to receive either low‐dose epidural analgesia (LEA) or CSEA. The spinal component included 2.5 mg of bupivacaine, 25 μg of fentanyl, and 200 μg of morphine. The epidural component of the CSEA procedure was started once pain returned. The primary outcome was total labor duration measured from the time of initiation of labor analgesia to delivery.

Results

The difference in duration between LEA (n = 72) and CSEA (n = 72) was 5 minutes for labor (P = 0.82), 2 minutes for delivery (P = 0.60), and 7 minutes for total labor duration (P = 0.75). The combined group used less levobupivacaine (P < 0.001) and had lower sensory blockade at the dermatomal level (P = 0.037). Women in the CSEA group had a higher incidence of pruritus (P = 0.002) and lightheadedness (P = 0.02) during labor; and a higher incidence of pruritus (P = 0.002), nausea–vomiting (P = 0.026), and drowsiness (P = 0.003) in the postpartum period.

Conclusion

As compared with LEA, CSEA did not shorten the duration of labor length; however, it did reduce levobupivacaine consumption and motor weakness.
Refeeding syndrome in a cat with hepatic lipidosis
Authors: Brenner Karen , KuKanich Kate S. , Smee Nicole M.
Published: July 2011

Refeeding syndrome is characterized by severe hypophosphatemia occurring in patients given enteral or parenteral nutrition after severe weight loss. There are few veterinary reports that describe this syndrome but it is well documented in human medicine. This report describes a case of a domestic shorthair cat diagnosed with hepatic lipidosis following a 4-week history of decreased appetite and weight loss and in whom refeeding syndrome was documented after initiation of enteral nutrition. Clinical findings, blood work abnormalities and disease progression in this patient are described from the time of diagnosis through to recovery. A review of the current literature pertinent to this clinical syndrome is included.
The Effect of Balance Confidence and Context on Functional Reach Ability in Healthy Older Adults
Authors: Norris Beth S. , Medley Ann
Published: July 2011

Objective

To assess functional reach (FR) ability in 4 contexts in older adults (≥ 60 years) with high balance confidence (HBC) and low balance confidence (LBC).

Design

A repeated‐measures design was used to compare 2 groups in 4 reaching contexts.

Setting

Community setting.

Subjects

Twenty‐four healthy older adults with HBC and 27 healthy older adults with LBC.

Methods

FR distance was assessed in 4 contexts presented in random order: (1) traditional FR (TFR); (2) functional reach on foam (FRF); (3) object present functional reach (OPFR); and (4) object present functional reach on foam (OPFRF). For TFR and FRF, 3 trials were performed for each task, and the average reach distance across 3 trials was calculated. During the OPFR and OPFRF contexts, the object was moved toward or away from the participant in 1.3‐cm increments until maximal reach distance to the object was obtained.

Main Outcome Measure

Maximal reach distance in each of the 4 FR contexts.

Results

Participants in the HBC group scored significantly higher than did participants in the LBC group regardless of reaching contexts (P =.004). For both balance confidence groups, reaching distance increased significantly from FRF to TFR to OPFRF to OPFR (P < .001).

Conclusion

The results of this study highlight the beneficial effect of an external target on balance performance, even with the added challenge of an unstable surface. These findings suggest that although balance performance is greater for persons with HBC, the same pattern of reaching ability in differing FR contexts is found regardless of whether balance confidence is high or low. The clinical utility of these findings pertain to the importance of the use of task objects during FR balance assessment to determine an individual's balance capacity. Future research is needed to assess the effectiveness of context‐oriented reaching tasks in balance training programs.
Spreading and breakup of a compound drop on a partially wetting substrate
Authors: GAO PENG , FENG JAMES J.
Published: July 2011

The spreading of a compound drop on a partially wetting solid substrate is numerically simulated using a diffuse-interface method. Compared with a simple drop, the spreading of a compound drop exhibits much more complex behaviour. Depending on the core–shell size ratio and the substrate wettability, various flow regimes are identified in which the interfacial morphology evolves in distinct ways. A phase diagram is constructed in the parameter space of the core–shell size ratio and the wetting angle. For relatively small inner drops, the outer interface does not rupture during the spreading and the inner drop either remains suspended and encapsulated or attaches onto the substrate. Otherwise, the compound drop spontaneously breaks up and releases the inner drop into the ambient fluid. Several breakup scenarios are observed depending on the location of the initial rupture. In some regimes, the wetting of the substrate by one fluid can entrap secondary drops of the other, which can either attach to the substrate or stay suspended. The viscosity ratio mainly affects the spreading rate and plays a minor role in the morphology evolution.
Therapeutic effect of antisecretory factor-rich egg yolk on the late phases of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid colitis in mice
Authors: Mañé Josep , Lorén Violeta , Pedrosa Elisabet , Ojanguren Isabel , Domènech Eugeni , Gassull Miquel A. , Cabré Eduard
Published: July 2011

Antisecretory factor (AF) is expressed in all tissues of mammals, inhibits intestinal hypersecretion and has anti-inflammatory properties as well. Endogenous AF synthesis may be stimulated by feeding hydrothermally processed cereals. Alternatively, freeze-dried egg yolk can be used as a source of exogenous AF. Several reports have suggested that AF from freeze-dried egg yolk may be useful in inflammatory bowel disease. We assessed the effect of freeze-dried, AF-rich egg yolk intake on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNBS) colitis. Balb/c mice were randomised to receive (1) AF in sterile drinking-water (4 g/l,n38) and (2) sterile drinking-water alone (vehicle,n38) from TNBS or saline administration onwards. Different subsets of mice were killed at weeks 1–3 after TNBS or saline administration. Macroscopic and microscopic damage was assessed in colonic specimens. Eicosanoid and cytokine production was evaluated in supernatants of 24 h-incubated colonic explants. Myeloperoxidase activity was measured in frozen colonic samples, while apoptosis was assessed in paraffined samples by thein situoligoligation method. AF-treated mice showed a milder colonic damage compared with the vehicle group, which became statistically significant at week 3. This was accompanied by decreased IL-2, IL-1 and leukotriene B4production at weeks 2 and 3, as well as increased interferon-γ at week 1, in AF-treated mice compared with vehicle-treated mice. AF-treated mice had significantly increased counts of apoptotic cells in the lamina propria at weeks 1 and 2 post-TNBS. In conclusion, the administration of AF-rich egg yolk has a therapeutic effect in the late phases of TNBS colitis in Balb/c mice.
Hepatic expression of sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters: ontogeny, subtissular distribution and effect of chronic liver diseases
Authors: Macias Rocio I. R. , Hierro Carlos , Cuesta de Juan Susana , Jimenez Felipe , Gonzalez-San Martin Francisco , Marin Jose J. G.
Published: July 2011

Ascorbic acid uptake is a key step in determining the overall bioactivity of this vitamin. Expression of Na-dependent vitamin C transporters (SVCT; SLC23A1 and SLC23A2) during long-term oxidative stress occurring in several chronic liver diseases may determine the antioxidant defence in this organ. In patients with hepatocellular cholestasis, primary biliary cirrhosis, haemochromatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, using real-time RT-PCR, an enhanced hepatic expression of both SLC23A1 and SLC23A2, but not other organic anions transporters, such as OATP1A2, OATP1B1 and OATP1B3, was found. To further investigate these findings, we used secondary biliary cirrhosis induced in rats by long-term biliary obstruction as a model of chronic liver disease accompanied by oxidative stress because of bile acid accumulation. In control rat liver, expression ofSlc23a1was low at birth, increased progressively up to adulthood and decreased in senescence, whereas expression ofSlc23a2did not change significantly after birth. In 8-week-old rats, immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy studies revealed the expression in hepatocytes and bile duct cells of mainly Slc23a1, whereas both Slc23a1 and Slc23a2 were expressed in endothelial, stellate and Kupffer cells. In adult rats, when obstructive cholestasis was maintained for 8 weeks, a significant up-regulation of Slc23a2 accompanied by a down-regulation of Slc23a1 was found. In sum, there is a selective cell-type distribution of SVCT in the liver tissue, which, in addition to differential control in the expression of both isoforms, may play a role in the ability of different liver cell types to take up vitamin C under physiological and pathological conditions.
Reported zinc, but not copper, intakes influence whole-body bone density, mineral content and T score responses to zinc and copper supplementation in healthy postmenopausal women
Authors: Nielsen Forrest H. , Lukaski Henry C. , Johnson LuAnn K. , Roughead Z. K. (Fariba)
Published: July 2011

A supplementation trial starting with 224 postmenopausal women provided with adequate vitamin D and Ca was conducted to determine whether increased Cu and Zn intakes would reduce the risk for bone loss. Healthy women aged 51–80 years were recruited for a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Women with similar femoral neck T scores and BMI were randomly assigned to two groups of 112 each that were supplemented daily for 2 years with 600 mg Ca plus maize starch placebo or 600 mg Ca plus 2 mg Cu and 12 mg Zn. Whole-body bone mineral contents, densities and T scores were determined biannually by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and 5 d food diaries were obtained annually. Repeated-measures ANCOVA showed that bone mineral contents, densities and T scores decreased from baseline values to year 2. A priori contrasts between baseline and year 2 indicated that the greatest decreases occurred with Cu and Zn supplementation. Based on 5 d food diaries, the negative effect was caused by Zn and mainly occurred with Zn intakes ≥ 8·0 mg/d. With Zn intakes < 8·0 mg/d, Zn supplementation apparently prevented a significant decrease in whole-body bone densities and T scores. Food diaries also indicated that Mg intakes < 237 mg/d, Cu intakes < 0·9 mg/d and Zn intakes < 8·0 mg/d are associated with poorer bone health. The findings indicate that Zn supplementation may be beneficial to bone health in postmenopausal women with usual Zn intakes < 8·0 mg/d but not in women consuming adequate amounts of Zn.
On a refinement of the 13C-mixed TAG breath test
Authors: Bożek Małgorzata , Jonderko Krzysztof , Piłka Monika
Published: July 2011

The present study was aimed to improve and simplify the 13C-mixed TAG (13C-MTG) breath test while keeping it acceptable for the patient. Healthy volunteers (ten women and eight men) were examined on four occasions, receiving in a random order 300 mg 13C-MTG: (1) contained in two wafers; (2) administered with a 50 g wheat roll; as well as given with either (3) 10 or (4) 30 g butter, spread onto a 50 g wheat roll, as the test meal, respectively. Samples of expiratory air were taken for 6 h postprandially for the mass spectroscopic measurement of 13CO2 enrichment. After intake of the sole 13C-MTG, the cumulative 13C recovery in breath air (AUC) appeared to be unsatisfactory, as after 6 h it did not exceed 10 %. Application of the substrate with the 50 g wheat roll did not bring about any improvement in this parameter. The addition of the unlabelled fat to the test meal dramatically increased the cumulative 13C recovery. However, we found higher values for the momentary 13C recovery and AUC with 10 g butter compared with 30 g. It can be concluded that: (1) addition of unlabelled fat is indispensable to obtain a proper course of the breath 13C elimination during the conduct of the 13C-MTG breath test and (2) it is possible to apply a considerably smaller amount of the unlabelled fat than has previously been recommended for this test.
Effects of short-term feeding of Bt MON810 maize on growth performance, organ morphology and function in pigs
Authors: Walsh Maria C. , Buzoianu Stefan G. , Gardiner Gillian E. , Rea Mary C. , Paul Ross R. , Cassidy Joseph P. , Lawlor Peadar G.
Published: July 2011

Male weanling pigs (n32) with a mean initial body weight of 7·5 kg and a mean weaning age of 28 d were used in a 31 d study to investigate the effects of feeding GM (Bt MON810) maize on growth performance, intestinal histology and organ weight and function. At weaning, the pigs were fed a non-GM starter diet during a 6 d acclimatisation period. The pigs were then blocked by weight and litter ancestry and assigned to diets containing 38·9 % GM (Bt MON810) or non-GM isogenic parent line maize for 31 d. Body weight and feed disappearance were recorded on a weekly basis (n16/treatment), and the pigs (n10/treatment) were killed on day 31 for the collection of organ, tissue and blood samples. GM maize-fed pigs consumed more feed than the control pigs during the 31 d study (P < 0·05) and were less efficient at converting feed to gain during days 14–30 (P < 0·01). The kidneys of the pigs fed GM maize tended to be heavier than those of control pigs (P = 0·06); however, no histopathological changes or alterations in blood biochemistry were evident. Small intestinal morphology was not different between treatments. However, duodenal villi of GM maize-fed pigs tended to have fewer goblet cells/μm of villus compared with control pigs (P = 0·10). In conclusion, short-term feeding of Bt MON810 maize to weaned pigs resulted in increased feed consumption, less efficient conversion of feed to gain and a decrease in goblet cells/μm of duodenal villus. There was also a tendency for an increase in kidney weight, but this was not associated with changes in histopathology or blood biochemistry. The biological significance of these findings is currently being clarified in long-term exposure studies in pigs.
THE WATER RELATIONS AND IRRIGATION REQUIREMENTS OF OIL PALM (ELAEIS GUINEENSIS): A REVIEW
Authors: CARR M. K. V.
Published: July 2011

The results of research on the water relations and irrigation need of oil palm are collated and summarized in an attempt to link fundamental studies on crop physiology to drought mitigation and irrigation practices. Background information is given on the centres of origin (West Africa) and of production of oil palm (Malaysia and Indonesia), but the crop is now moving into drier regions. The effects of water stress on the development processes of the crop are summarized followed by reviews of its water relations, water use and water productivity. The majority of the recent research published in the international literature has been conducted in Malaysia and in Francophone West Africa. The unique vegetative structure of the palm (stem and leaves) together with the long interval between flower initiation and the harvesting of the mature fruit (ca. three years) means that causal links between environmental factors (especially water) and yield are difficult to establish. The majority of roots are found in the 0–0.6 m soil horizons, but roots can reach depths greater than 5 m and spread laterally up to 25 m from the trunk. The stomata are a sensitive indicator of plant water status and play an important role in controlling water loss. Stomatal conductance and photosynthesis are negatively correlated with the saturation deficit of the air. It is not easy to measure the actual water use of oil palm, the best estimates for mature palms suggesting crop evapotranspiration (ETc) rates of 4–5 mm d−1in the monsoon months (equivalent to 280–350 l palm−1d−1). For well-watered mature palms, crop coefficient (Kc) values are in the range 0.8–1.0. Although the susceptibility of oil palm to drought is well recognized, there is a limited amount of reliable data on actual yield responses to irrigation. The best estimates are 20–25 kg fresh fruit bunches ha−1mm−1(or a yield loss of about 10% for every 100 mm increase in the soil water deficit). These increases are only realized in the third and subsequent years after the introduction of irrigation and follow an increase in the number of fruit bunches as a result of an improvement in the sex ratio (female/total inflorescence production) and a reduction in the abortion of immature inflorescences. There is no agreement on the allowable depletion of the available soil water, or on the associated optimum irrigation interval. Drip irrigation has been used successfully on oil palm.
CoLoR: a Coq library on well-founded rewrite relations and its application to the automated verification of termination certificates
Authors: BLANQUI FRÉDÉRIC , KOPROWSKI ADAM
Published: July 2011

Termination is an important property of programs, and is notably required for programs formulated in proof assistants. It is a very active subject of research in the Turing-complete formalism of term rewriting. Over the years, many methods and tools have been developed to address the problem of deciding termination for specific problems (since it is undecidable in general). Ensuring the reliability of those tools is therefore an important issue.

In this paper we present a library formalising important results of the theory of well-founded (rewrite) relations in the proof assistant Coq. We also present its application to the automated verification of termination certificates, as produced by termination tools.

The sources are freely available athttp://color.inria.fr/.
Preface
Authors: HUET GÉRARD
Published: July 2011

This special issue of Mathematical Structures in Computer Science is devoted to the theme of ‘Interactive theorem proving and the formalisation of mathematics’.

The formalisation of mathematics started at the turn of the 20th century when mathematical logic emerged from the work of Frege and his contemporaries with the invention of the formal notation for mathematical statements called predicate calculus. This notation allowed the formulation of abstract general statements over possibly infinite domains in a uniform way, and thus went well beyond propositional calculus, which goes back to Aristotle and only allowed tautologies over unquantified statements.
Effect of melatonin treatment on the developmental potential of parthenogenetic and somatic cell nuclear-transferred porcine oocytesin vitro
Authors: Nakano Mayu , Kato Yoko , Tsunoda Yukio
Published: July 2011

Melatonin secreted from the mammalian pineal gland is a free-radical scavenger that protects tissues from cell damage. The present study examined the effects of addition of melatonin to the culture medium on the developmental potential of parthenogenetic and somatic cell nuclear-transferred (SCNT) porcine oocytes. Supplementation of the maturation medium with melatonin did not increase the maturation rate, the proportion of oocytes that cleaved and developed into blastocysts after parthenogenetic activation, or the blastocyst cell number compared to controls. When 10−7M melatonin was added to the culture medium, the proportion of parthenogenetic oocytes that developed to the 2-cell and 4-cell stages was significantly higher than that of controls. The potential of melatonin-treated oocytes to develop into blastocysts was high but not significantly different from that of controls. The addition of 10−7M melatonin to the culture medium did not increase the preimplantation development of SCNT oocytes. Melatonin treatment significantly reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species in 4-cell parthenogenetic and SCNT embryos, but did not reduce the proportion of apoptotic cells in parthenogenetic and SCNT blastocysts. Although the results indicated that parthenogenetic and SCNT melatonin -treated embryos had significantly lower levels of reactive oxygen species than controls, the potential of melatonin-treated embryos to develop into blastocysts was not significantly higher than that of controls, in contrast to previous reports. The beneficial effects of melatonin on the developmental potential of oocytes might depend on the culture conditions.
Levels of lipoprotein (a) in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Santos Raul D. , Foronda Antonio , Ramires José A. F. , Maranhão Raul C.
Published: July 2011

We compared the levels of lipoprotein (a) in 48 Caucasian patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, comprising 32 females and 16 males, aged 28.0 ± 12.0 years, with a range from 4 through 52 years, with 48 normal Caucasian subjects matched for age and sex. Pulmonary hypertension was secondary in 41 patients with Eisenmenger's syndrome, these comprising 27 females and 14 males aged 27.0 ± 12.0 years, with a range from 4 through 51 years, and primary in the other 7 patients, 5 females and 2 males, whose age was 30.0 ± 14.0 years, with a range from 9 through 52 years. Lipoprotein (a) was measured using an immunoprecipitation and turbidimetric assay after a 12 hour fast. Levels of the protein, expressed as the median (% 25; % 75), were higher in those with Eisenmenger's syndrome than in normal controls (p = 0.003). In addition, there was a greater prevalence of levels of lipoprotein greater than 30.0 mg/dl in those with secondary pulmonary arterial hypertension patients than in our normal population (p = 0.03). We have found no differences, however, in the levels of lipoprotein(a) in those who had primary pulmonary arterial hypertension when compared with their matched controls, albeit that the number of patients studied was small. We conclude that increased levels of lipoprotein (a) may be secondary to pulmonary arterial hypertension as a marker of tissue damage or may be genetically determined. In either way, the increase in lipoprotein (a) could be an additional factor predisposing to the vascular alterations known to occur in this disease.
Balloon dilation for aortic recoarctation: morphology at the site of dilation and long-term efficacy
Authors: Mann Christian , Goebel Georg , Eicken Andreas , Genz Thomas , Sebening Walter , Kaemmerer Harald , Hammerer Ignaz , Hess John
Published: July 2011

Objectives: We undertook this study to assess the immediate and long-term outcome of balloon angioplasty performed for recurrent or residual coarctation of the aorta, and to assess the changes in the vessel wall caused by this procedure.Methods: Clinical, echocardiographic, angiographic and hemodynamic data from 71 patients who underwent balloon angioplasty for recoarctation between January 1987 and January 1998 were analysed retrospectively.Results: Angioplasty was performed after a median of 82.6 months (range 1.4 mo – 20.9 y, mean 88.5 mo) following surgery for coarctation. Mean systolic pressure gradients were reduced from 27±15 mmHg to 11 ± 11 m m Hg after angioplasty (p< 0.0001). The mean diameter at the site of recoarctation increased from 5.5±2.5 to 7.5±2.7 mm(p< 0.0001). Outpouchings of contrast agents, indicating the disruption of the inner layers of the vessel wall, were defined as extravasations. They were observed in one-quarter of the angiograms performed immediately after the intervention. Immediate success of angioplasty was achieved in 71%, and persisted in 69% of patients during long-term follow up. The main determinant for immediate success was the age at the time of the procedure (p<0.05), while the main determinant for long-term success was the increase achieved in diameter. Extravasations did not progress to aneurysms, neither acutely nor during echocardiographic follow-up studies. For further follow-up, more sensitive imaging techniques will be necessary to delineate the morphology of the site of extravasation observed immediately after angioplasty.
Cytokines and pediatric open heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Carvalho Marcus V. H. , Maluf Miguel A. , Catani Roberto , Rotta Carlos A. A. La , Gomes Walter J. , Salomão Reinaldo , da Silva Célia M. , Carvalho Antonio C.C. , Branco João N. R. , Buffolo Enio
Published: July 2011

It is well known that, subsequent to cardiopulmonary bypass, and particularly in children, an inflammatory response within the body can often result in a characteristic syndrome. Recently, it has been suggested that this phenomenon is due to a systemic inflammatory response, with significant involvement of cytokines. With this in mind, we investigated the behavior of tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin–6 during the operative and in the immediate postoperative period in a group of children submitted to open heart surgery. We investigated any possible relation between the levels of these cytokines in the serum and the length of cardiopulmonary bypass, with the serum levels of lactate, and with the extent of use of inotropic drugs in postoperative period. The cytokines were measured in samples withdrawn after induction of anesthesia, after 10 minutes of cardiopulmonary bypass, after re-establishment of circulation, and then 2 and 24 hours after the end of cardiopulmonary bypass. The levels of tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin–6 increased between the beginning and at two hours of the end of cardiopulmonary bypass. There was no correlation between the levels of these cytokines in the serum and the length of cardiopulmonary bypass, although there was a positive relation between levels of interleukin–6 and lactate in samples withdrawn at two hours of the end of bypass, and the measured levels of the cytokines correlated with the extent of inotropic drugs employed in the postoperative period.
The risk of having additional obstructive lesions in neonatal coarctation of the aorta
Authors: Levine Jami C. , Sanders Stephen P. , Colan Steven D. , Jonas Richard A. , Spevak Philip J.
Published: July 2011

Infants with coarctation of the aorta may have obstructions at other sites within the left heart which are not always apparent on the initial echocardiogram. The magnitude of the risk of having the additional obstructions is not well described, with few reliable quantitative criterions for identifying patients at the highest risk. We determined the frequency of additional, late appearing, stenotic lesions within the left heart, and the predictive morphologic features on the initial cross-sectional echocardiogram.

We identified all patients with coarctation of the aorta diagnosed by 3 months of age, excluding those with complex cardiac disease or definite additional stenotic lesions at presentation, leaving 101 patients for study. At follow-up, 31 stenotic lesions were diagnosed in 23 patients, 15 of whom had at least 1 intervention. Mitral stenosis was diagnosed in 11 patients, aortic stenosis in 10, subaortic stenosis in 8, and supravalvar aortic stenosis in 2. The probability for freedom from obstructive lesions was 81% at 1 year, 74% at 3 years, and 70% at 5 years. Echocardiographic predictors of mitral stenosis included smaller mitral valvar annuluses, presence of a mean transmitral gradient between 2.5 and 5.0 mmHg, and elongation of the area of intervalvar fibrous continuity. Predictors of aortic stenosis were smaller mitral valvar annuluses, an initial aortic valvar gradient between 15 and 20 mmHg, and obliteration of the commissure between the right and non-coronary leaflets of the aortic valve. Predictors of subaortic stenosis were smaller mitral valvar annuluses and elongation of the area of intervalvar fibrous continuity. Patients with Z-scores for the diameter of the mitral valve of less than −1 were at the highest risk for manifesting obstructive lesions at any level.

Associated stenoses in the left heart are common in the setting of aortic coarctation. When Doppler data is equivocal, features of the cross-sectional echocardiogram can identify the sub-group of infants at increased risk.